DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, JULY 1, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
more campsites for nature lovers .......................... 1
WAGES OF OVERSEAS DOMESTIC HELPERS........................ 2
SNT OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO CHEUNG CHAU HOME FOR THE AGED............................................... 2
HELP FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH PROBLEMS........................ 3
PROHIBITION ZONES IN SHa TIN............................. 5
CHANCE TO PURSUE FURTHER STUDIES.......................... 5
TAI KOK TSUI TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS.......................... 6
water cuts
6
TUESDAY, JULY 1, 1980
1
MORE CAMPSITES FOR NATURE LOVERS
* * * *
THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IS OPENING UP MORE CAMPSITES FOR NATURE LOVERS.
IT COMPLETED 19 SITES IN 1979, AND HOPES TO ESTABLISH MORE THIS YEAR. PREPARATION OF FIVE IN SAI KUNG AND LANTAU IS UNDERWAY AND ANOTHER FOUR ARE IN THE PLANNING STAGE.
ALL THE SITES HAVE LATRINES, WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITIES, WATER SUPPLY AND BARBECUE PITS.
ACCORDING TO COUNTRY PARKS PLANNING OFFICER, MR JOHN HEYWOOD, 11 OF THE ESTABLISHED CAMPSITES ARE LOCATED ALONG THE MACLEHOSE TRAIL WHICH WAS OPENED LAST YEAR BY THE GOVERNOR.
+THESE ARE SMALLER SITES, WITH SPACE FOR 10 TENTS EACH, SPECIALLY FOR HIKERS WHO NEED OVERNIGHT STOPS ON THE TRAIL,* HE SAID.
♦THERE ARE ALSO HIKER’S CAMPS ON LANTAU ISLAND INCLUDING ONE AT NAM SHAN TWO KILOMETRES FROM MUI WO PIER, WHICH IS THE LARGEST SITE BUILT SO FAR WITH A CAPACITY FOR 20 TO 30 TENTS.+
TWO OTHER SITES ARE IN THE PAT SIN RANGE NEAR HOK TAU AND AT PAK TAM CHUNG IN SAI KUNG.
MR HEYWOOD POINTED OUT THAT FROM A MODEST BEGINNING 18 MONTHS AGO WITH ONE EXPERIMENTAL SITE AT PUI 0, LANTAU, THE SCHEME TO ENCOURAGE THIS POPULAR OUTDOOR RECREATION WILL BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE AT LEAST 30 CAMPSITES BY THE SUMMER OF 1981.
THE AUTHORITY IS ALSO INVESTIGATING THE POSSIBILITY OF ENCOURAGING FAMILY OUTINGS BY ESTABLISHING SITES BIG ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE FAMILY SIZE TENTS.
♦HOWEVER,+ HE SAID, ♦BEFORE GOING AHEAD WITH ANY PLAN, A SURVEY WILL BE CONDUCTED IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS TO DETERMINE THE SUCCESS OF THE PRESENT CAMPS ITES.+
MR HEYWOOD ADVISED HIKERS TO CAMP ONLY AT DESIGNATED SITES IDENTIFIED BY SIGNS, AND NOT IN WATER CATCHMENTS OR NEAR STREAMS OR RIVERS, TO AVOID POLLUTING THESE AREAS. CAMPERS SHOULD ALSO TAKE GREAT CARE NOT TO CAUSE FIRES THAT CAN SPOIL LARGE AREAS OF COUNTRYSIDE, HE ADDED.
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TUESDAY, JULY 1, 1980
2
WAGES OF OVERSEAS DOMESTIC HELPERS ******
DUE TO A GENERAL INCREASE IN THE WAGES OF LOCAL DOMESTIC HELPERS AND AS THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION IS NOT ABLE TO APPROVE THE ENTRY OF DOMESTIC HELPERS FROM OVERSEAS UNLESS THEY ARE PAID THE CURRENT MARKET RATE, EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS WILL, WITH EFFECT FROM AUGUST 1, 1980, ONLY BE ATTESTED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR IF THE MONTHLY WAGES TO BE PAID ARE NOT BELOW THE RANGE OF $1 050 TO Si 200.
IN AN EFFORT TO REDUCE CONTRACTUAL MALPRACTICES, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HAS REVIEWED THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT BY OVERSEAS DOMESTIC HELPERS ARE APPROVED.
WITH EFFECT FROM THE SAME DATE, THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION WILL NOT APPROVE A CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF THE TWO YEAR CONTRACT PERIOD.
IF A CONTRACT IS TERMINATED DURING THIS PERIOD THE HELPER WILL BE REQUIRED TO RETURN TO HIS OR HER COUNTRY OF ORIGIN AND TO APPLY FOR THE APPROPRIATE VISA AT THE BRITISH VISA OFFICE THERE IF HE OR SHE WISHES TO RETURN TO HONG KONG FOR FURTHER EMPLOYMENT
DOMESTIC HELPERS WILL SHORTLY BE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO X-RAY EXAMINATIONS IN THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN BEFORE EMPLOYMENT VISAS ARE ISSUED.
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SNT OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO CHEUNG CHAU HOME FOR THE AGED
* * * *
ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI KAM, TODAY OFFERED ALL POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE IN EXPANDING THE CHUNG SHAK HEI HOME FOR THE AGED ON CHEUNG CHAU.
MR CHUI WAS SPEAKING AT THE 11TH TERM INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF NEW OFFICE BEARERS OF THE HOME.
HE SAID HE UNDERSTOOD THE HOME WAS DRAWING UP PLANS FOR FURTHER EXPANSION AND HOPED HE WOULD SOON HAVE FIRM PROPOSALS.
MR CHUI RECALLED THAT WHEN THE HOME WAS FIRST FOUNDED IT PROVIDED MAINLY FOOD AND LODGING TO POOR AND HOMELESS OLD PEOPLE.
♦TODAY, THE SUCCESS OF THE HOME EXTENDS BEYOND MEETING THE BASIC NEEDS OF THE 130 OLD PEOPLE LIVING THERE,* HE SAID.
+THE HOME HAS IN THE PAST SUCCESSFULLY INVOLVED ITS MEMBERS IN VARIOUS TYPES OF RECREATIONAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES TO MAKE THEM FEEL THAT THEY ARE NOT AT ALL ISOLATED FROM THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY.*
/HE SAID .....
TUESDAY, JULY 1, 1980
3
HE SAID ONE OF THE MEANINGFUL PROJECTS CARRIED OUT BY THE HOME IN THE PAST YEAR WAS A JOINT SCHEME ENGAGING YOUNG VOLUNTEERS AND WORKERS TO HELP AND INVOLVE THE HOME’S OLD PEOPLE CLEAN AND TIDY THEIR ROOMS AND ORGANISE CULTURAL SHOWS FOR THEMSELVES.
MEMBERS OF THE HOME ALSO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATED IN PLANTING FLOWERS WITHIN THE HOME AND IN MAKING VARIOUS HANDICRAFT ITEMS.
+ALL THIS INDICATES THE SUCCESS WHICH THE HOME HAS ACHIEVED IN PROVIDING A TRULY ENJOYABLE FAMILY, FOR WHICH ALL ITS MEMBERS HAVE A SENSE OF BELONGING,* MR CHUI SAID.
CONGRATULATING THE NEW CHAIRMAN, MRS TSANG WONG TAK-CHUNG, AND THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS, MR CHUI SAID HE HAD NO DOUBT THEY WOULD CARRY ON THE WORK OF THE HOME FOR ANOTHER FRUITFUL YEAR.
MR CHUI ALSO THANKED MR SO TUNG-LAM, THE OUTGOING CHAIRMAN, AND ALL THE DIRECTORS OF THE LOTH TERM FOR THEIR GOOD WORK.
THE HOME WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1969 ON LAND PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT. LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADER, MR CHUNG CHEUNG-YAU, PROVIDED THE MONEY TO BUILD THE HOME WHICH IS NAMED AFTER HIS FATHER, MR CHUNG SHAK-HEI. IT ORIGINALLY ACCOMMODATED 39 PEOPLE.
THE HOME CARES FOR LOCAL OLD PEOPLE AS WELL AS CASES REFERRED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WHICH SUBSIDISES IT.
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HELP FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH PROBLEMS
*****
YOUNG PEOPLE NOWADAYS HAVE TO FACE MORE PROBLEMS THAN THEIR PREDECESSORS DECADES AGO IN ADJUSTING TO RAPID SOCIAL CHANGES, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S REGIONAL OFFICER (HONG KONG), MR KWOK KA-CHI, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE +ROTARACT DAY, DISTRICT 345* IN THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL, MR KWOK SET OUT THE DIFFICULTIES CONFRONTING YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE VARIOUS YOUTH SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO HELP THEM.
HE POINTED OUT THAT YOUNG PEOPLE OF THIS GENERATION HAVE WITNESSED GRADUAL FADING AND EROSION OF TRADITIONAL VALUES HANDED DOWN BY THEIR ANCESTORS.
+THEY FEEL BEWILDERED AND CONFUSED WHEN NEW VALUES OF WESTERN SOCIETIES ARE THRUSTED UPON THEM THROUGH VARIOUS MEDIA. THEY ARE CAUGHT AT THE CROSSROAD WITHOUT KNOWING WHAT TO DO,* HE SAID.
APART FROM SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS, YOUNG PEOPLE ALSO EXPERIENCE INTERNAL TENSION IN THEIR COURSE OF DEVELOPMENT.
/AS SCON AS
TUESDAY, JULY 1, 1980
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AS SOON AS THEY REACH THE THRESHOLD OF ADOLESCENCE, THEY ENTER A PERIOD OF CONFUSION AND CONFLICTS, MR KWOK SAID.
♦THEIR FEELING, THINKING, BEHAVIOUR AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP ARE NO LONGER CONSISTENT AND PATTERNED, BUT ARE TRANSITORY, DIFFUSE AND ALMOST INFINITELY VARIABLE.
♦THEIR BIOLOGICAL CHANGES BRING ABOUT TURBULENT SEXUAL FEELINGS AND STRANGE DISTURBING EXPERIENCE AS WELL,* HE ADDED.
HE SAID THAT IN ORDER TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE DEVELOP INTO MATURITY BY SATISFYING THEIR DEMANDS AND RELIEVING THEIR TENSIONS, THERE WERE THREE TYPES OF YOUTH SERVICES: YOUTH ACTIVITIES, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK AND OUTREACH I NG SOCIAL WORK.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES ARE PROVIDED BY CHILDREN OR YOUTH CENTRES AND BY UNIFORMED ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS SCOUTS AND GIRL GUIDES, FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHARACTER, LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL AND SOCIAL SKILLS.
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK IS DESIGNED TO HELP PUPILS WITH ACADEMIC, SOCIAL OR EMOTIONAL DIFFICULTIES, AND TO ASSIST THEM TO MAKE THE MAXIMUM USE OF THEIR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES.
WHEREAS IN OUTREACH I NG SOCIAL WORK, SOCIAL WORKERS REACH OUT TO YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK, PARTICULARLY THOSE UNLIKELY TO JOIN ORGANISED AND SUPERVISED ACTIVITIES ON THEIR OWN INITIATIVE.
THESE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING FORWARD THEIR PERSONAL PROBLEMS, HELPED TO UNDERSTAND THESE PROBLEMS, AND GIVEN COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE WHICH INTEGRATE THEM INTO NORMAL SOCIAL GROUP ACTIVITIES, HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION ENABLES YOUNG PEOPLE TO IMPROVE THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF THEMSELVES, OF HUMAN RELATIONSHIP WITHIN THE FAMILY, AND OF THE ROLE A FAMILY MEMBER PLAYS, HE ADDED.
MR KWOK STRESSED THAT THE SUCCESS OF YOUTH SERVICES DEPENDED TO A GREAT EXTENT ON THE PARTICIPATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
♦I AM GLAD TO SAY THAT THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ARE BECOMING MORE AWARE OF THEIR ROLE AND ARE MORE WILLING TO CONTRIBUTE, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, TOWARDS THE COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.
TUESDAY, JULY 1, 1980
5
PROHIBITION ZONES IN SHA TIN * * ft ft ft
TWO TRAFFIC PROHIBITION ZONES WILL BE SET UP IN SHA TIN FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 4).
ALL VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WILL NOT BE THE NEW SUI WO BUS TERMINUS.
THOSE AUTHORISED ALLOWED TO ENTER
AT THE SAME TIME, PUBLIC UNNAMED ROAD BETWEEN LEK YUEN ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO WO CHE
LIGHT BUSES WILL BE BANNED FROM THE ESTATE AND WO CHE ESTATE AND THE ESTATE.
,~H!AFF,C SIGNS WILL BE SET UP T0 eu,DE MOTORISTS AND PLB DRIVERS.
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CHANCE TO PURSUE FURTHER STUDIES ft ft ft ft ft ft
mau, J^E * SH TO FURTHER THEIR STUDIES IN THE EVENING CAN NOW APPLY FOR COURSES RUN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADULT EDUCATION SECTION STARTING ------------
IN SEPTEMBER.
COURSES TO BE OFFERED OF HIGHER CHINESE STUDIES, THOSE FOR ADULTS AND YOUNG SCHOOL QUALIFICATION OR AN BACKGROUND.
INCLUDE THOSE AT THE EVENING SCHOOL THOSE FOR IN-SERVICE TEACHERS, AND PEOPLE WHO WISH TO OBTAIN A SECONDARY EDUCATION WITH A GENERAL OR PRACTICAL
APPLICATIONS FROM DAY SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION ON 3-030811 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN LEE GARDENS, ITS KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE IN KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, AND THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION AT MA TAU KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THEY ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT QUEEN’S COLLEGE, KING’S COLLEGE, THE HENNESSY ROAD AND NORTH POINT GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS, SHAU KEI WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE (ISLANDS).
IN KOWLOON, FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL. AND THE TONG MEI ROAD, KAI TAK AND KWUN TONG GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, FORMS ARE DISTRIBUTED AT THE HOI PA STREET AND TAI PO GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS, HEUNG YEE KUK YUEN LONG DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL, DISTRICT OFFICES, AND NEW TERRITORIES PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE COUNTERS.
/COMPLETED FORMS ....
TUESDAY, JULY 1, 1980
6
COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MA TAU KOK ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 4TH FLOOR, KOWLOON BY THE DATES SPECIFIED ON THE FORMS.
REQUESTS FOR APPLICATION FORMS BY MAIL SHOULD STATE THE COURSES APPLIED FOR AND SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY SELF-ADDRESSED AND STAMPED ENVELOPES.
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TAI KOK TSUI TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS *****
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN TAI KOK TSUI FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (JULY 3)i
* THE SECTION OF TAI KOK TSUI ROAD BETWEEN CHUNG WUI STREET AND FUK LEE STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND-
* SOUTH-BOUND TRAFFIC ON TAI KOK TSUI ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA BEDFORD ROAD. WALNUT STREET, FUK TSUN STREET AND BEECH STREET TO CHERRY STREET-
* THE SECTION OF BEDFORD ROAD BETWEEN MAPLE STREET AND WALNUT STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED SOUTHEAST-BOUND.
THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE FOR THE RE-CONSTRUCTION OF TAI KOK TSUI ROAD UNDER THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR PROJECT AND WILL BE WITHDRAWN ONCE THE WORK IS COMPLETED.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
WATER CUTS
* * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO AREAS IN SAI KUNG WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR 10 HOURS ON THURSDAY (JULY 3) FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM.
THE AREAS ARE ALONG CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD BETWEEN HIRAM’S HIGHWAY AND MANG KUNG UK, INCLUDING HANG HAU TOWN, AND ALONG HIRAM’S HIGHWAY BETWEEN CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AND SAI KUNG MARKET.
IN NORTH POINT, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO PREMISES BELOW TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD BETWEEN LAU SIN STREET AND MANSION STREET WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR 24 HOURS FROM 8 AM ON THE SAME DAY.
THOSE IN TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD, CLOUD VIEW ROAD, YEE KING ROAD AND LAI TAK TSUEN WILL EXPERIENCE LOWER WATER PRESSURE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SIR MURRAY TOURS KOWLOON CITY.............................. 1
GOVERNOR TO OPEN SPECIAL SCHOOL............................ 2
BOAT OWNERS, OPERATORS ADVISED ON SAFE USE OF LPG....... 2
SHA TIN PEOPLE. CO-OPERATING WITH POLICE TO FIGHT CRIME................................................ 3
SHORT-TERM TENANCY TENDERS ................................ 4
RECRUITMENT DRIVE MOVES TO KWaI CHUNG...................... 4
MOBILE CAREERS EXHIBITION IN 01 MAN ESTATE ................ 5
WATER CUT.................................................. 5
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 1980
1
SIR MURRAY TOURS KOWLOON CITY ft ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) VISITED THE PROPOSED TOKWAWAN MARKET SITE TO SEE THE EXISTING HAWKER SITUATION IN THE AREA.
DURING A TOUR OF KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT, SIR MURRAY WAS BRIEFED BY OFFICERS OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON A PROJECT DESIGNED TO HELP SOLVE PRESENT HAWKER PROBLEMS AND AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDE CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE AREA.
WORK ON THE SCHEME IS EXPECTED TO START LATER THIS YEAR.
THE PROJECT INCLUDES A MARKET COMPLEX COMPRISING MARKET STALLS, REFUSE COLLECTION POINT, COOKED FOOD BAYS, INDOOR RECREATION AREA, LIBRARY, STUDY ROOM, EXHIBITION HALL AND PREMISES RESERVED FOR GOVERNMENT USE.
THE USAGE OF SPACE UNDER PART OF THE EAST KOWLOON WAY FLYOVER ABOVE KOWLOON CITY ROAD IS BEING CONSIDERED BY VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO MAKE UP FOR EXISTING DEFICIENCIES IN THE AREA.
DURING HIS TOUR, SIR MURRAY ALSO VIEWED THE SAI TAU SQUATTER AREA WHICH IS DUE FOR CLEARANCE IN LINE WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE KAI TAK ESTATE AT THE SITE OF THE FORMER ROYAL AIR FORCE BASE AT KAI TAK.
DOMESTIC SQUATTERS AFFECTED BY THE CLEARANCE WILL BE RESETTLED IN THE NEW KAI TAK ESTATE AND FACTORY OPERATORS WILL BE OFFERED FLATTED FACTORY UNITS THAT WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF RESITE.
THE GREATER PART OF LAND WILL BE TURNED INTO A PARK WHILE THE REMAINING AREA WILL BE RESERVED FOR A GOVERNMENT JOINT-USER BUILDING.
SIR MURRAY LATER VISITED THE LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY AT LUNG KONG ROAD, WHICH IS CELEBRATING ITS CENTENNIAL.
AFTER A MEETING WITH THE SOCIETY, SIR MURRAY HELD GENERAL DISCUSSIONS WITH KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 1980
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GOVERNOR TO OPEN SPECIAL SCHOOL
* M * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TOMORROW (THURSDAY) WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN THE PINEHILL VILLAGE NO. 3 SCHOOL, A SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, IN TAI PO.
SIR MURRAY WILL ALSO GIVE A SPEECH AND TOUR THE SCHOOL PREMISES.
SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS, THE SCHOOL WILL BE IN FULL OPERATION BY SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
IT IS A BOARDING SCHOOL IN WHICH SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN ARE TAUGHT TO LOOK AFTER THEIR OWN BASIC NEEDS. THE CHILDREN LEARN THROUGH PLAY ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCE RATHER THAN BY FORMAL TEACHING.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN PINEHILL VILLAGE NO. 3 SCHOOL IN TAI PO TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 9.45 AM. THE SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN IS LOCATED AT NAM HANG, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT.
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BOAT OWNERS, OPERATORS ADVISED ON SAFE USE OF LPG # M * *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ADVISED OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF SEACRAFT TO BE CAREFUL WHEN USING LIQUID PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) ON BOARD THEIR VESSELS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THIS IN COMMENTING ON AN EXPLOSION ON BOARD A PLEASURE BOAT IN WHICH THE OWNER WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED.
THE CAUSE WAS LEAKING LPG IGNITED BY A SHORT CIRCUIT FROM A FAULTY STARTER IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
+LPG IS HEAVIER THAN AIR,* HE SAID, +AND ANY LEAKAGE OF GAS WILL FIND ITS WAY TO THE LOWEST POINT IN THE COMPARTMENT. ONLY A SMALL CONCENTRATION IS SUFFICIENT TO PRODUCE AN EXPLOSIVE MIXTURE.*
♦LPG EQUIPMENT ON BOARD VESSELS SHOULD BE EXPERTLY FITTED AND PROPERLY SITED. OWNERS SHOULD MAINTAIN REGULAR INSPECTIONS OF THE APPLIANCES AND INSTITUTE STRICT ROUTINE CHECKS,♦ HE SAID.
THE LPG CYLINDER CONTROL VALVE SHOULD BE SHUT WHEN NOT IN USE TO ENSURE NO GAS PRESSURE IS LEFT IN THE FEEDER PIPE.
/+OWNERS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 1980
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♦OWNERS ARE ALSO ADVISED TO USE GAS DETECTORS AND BE FULLY FAMILIARISED WITH THEIR LIMITATIONS,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ANY ACCUMULATION OF OIL IS ALSO A FIRE HAZARD AND BILGES SHOULD ALWAYS BE KEPT DRY AND CLEAN.
PAMPHLETS, BOTH IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, PUBLICISING THE SAFE USE AND FITTING OF LPG SYSTEMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICES.
MESSAGES ON THE PROPER USE OF LPG, FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, ARE ALSO BROADCAST REGULARLY THROUGH THE RADIO PROGRAMME +FISHERMEN’S HALF HOUR.+
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SHA TIN PEOPLE CO-OPERATING WITH POLICE TO FIGHT CRIME * * * *
SHA TIN PEOPLE ARE CO-OPERATING WITH THE POLICE TO COMBAT CRIME, TWO MEMBERS OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WERE TOLD TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE TWO, URBAN COUNCILLOR, MRS SELINA CHOW, AND MR GEORGE YUEN, GIS, WERE TOLD THIS DURING A TWO-HOUR MEETING OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.
THE MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY MR WAI HON-LEUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE. ALSO PRESENT WAS THE ACTING DISTRICT OFFICER SHA TIN, MR NICHOLAS NG.
MRS CHOW AND MR YUEN WERE TOLD THAT, DUE TO THIS CO-OPERATION, CRIME IN SHA TIN HAS BEEN KEPT COMPARATIVELY LOW AND IT WAS VITAL THAT IT IS MAINTAINED AS THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPES INTO A COMMUNITY OF 750 000 PEOPLE BY THE END OF THE 198O’S.
MRS CHOW WAS PARTICULARLY INTERESTED TO LEARN THAT YOUNG PEOPLE IN SHA TIN ARE PARTICIPATING IN ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS. SHE SAID TAKING PART IN HEALTHY ACTIVITIES LIKE JUNIOR POLICE CALL COULD PLAY A POSITIVE PART IN KEEPING YOUNGSTERS AWAY FROM CRIME.
MUTUAL-AID WAS THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN THE FIGHT CRIME BATTLE, M? YUEN TOLD THE MEETING. HE SAID PUBLICITY EFFORTS THIS YEAR WOULD EMPHASISE GOOD RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN POLICE AND PUBLIC AND AMONG MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THEMSELVES.
TODAY’S VISIT WAS ONE OF A SERIES BEING MADE BY MEMBERS OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE TO LOOK AT DISTRICT EFFORTS AND OFFER ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 1980
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SHORT-TERM TENANCY TENDERS *******
THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS BY WAY OF ANNUAL RENTAL FOR A SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF CROWN LAND AT THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION.
THE 1 390-SQUARE METRE SITE IS FOR STORAGE OF GOODS AND CARGO AND/OR CONTAINER PACKING, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE TENANCY WAS FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF ONE YEAR AND, THEREAFTER, QUARTERLY.
TENDER FORMS. TOGETHER WITH THE NOTICE AND CONDITIONS OF TENANCY, MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD.
THE TENDER PLAN MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE TWO OFFICES.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE NOON ON JULY 18.
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RECRUITMENT DRIVE MOVES TO KWAI CHUNG *****
THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT WILL BE HOLDING A RECRUITMENT DRIVE IN THE INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT OF KWAI CHUNG TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE DEPARTMENT’S MOBILE RECRUITMENT DISPLAY WILL BE SITED AT AN OPEN SPACE UNDER THE KWAI WING ROAD ELEVATED WALKWAY.
BESIDES A DISPLAY OF PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING VARIOUS ASPECTS OF PRISON WORK, THERE WILL ALSO BE A VARIETY SHOW WHICH WILL INCLUDE PERFORMANCES BY TELEVISION ARTISTES AND AN ENTERTAINMENT TROUPE.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S MOBILE RECRUITMENT DISPLAY AND VARIETY SHOW TOMORROW (THURSDAY) ON AN OPEN SPACE UNDER THE KWAI WING ROAD ELEVATED WALKWAY BETWEEN 12.30 PM AND 2.30 PM.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 1980
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MOBILE CAREERS EXHIBITION IN 01 MAN ESTATE *****
A THREE-TON LORRY IS A COMMON SIGHT IN HONG KONG BUT ONE PARKED AT 01 MAN ESTATE THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON WAS THE CENTRE OF ATTRACTION TO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE.
THE LORRY, CdHTAINING A DISPLAY OF COLOURFUL PHOTOGRAPHS AND ILLUSTRATIONS, IS THE MOBILE CAREERS EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR STUDENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE WHICH IS VISITING VARIOUS LOCATIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE EXHIBITION IS AIMED AT INFORMING YOUNG PEOPLE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF AN INFORMED CHOICE IN A CAREER AND IMPRESS ON THEM A CORRECT ATTITUDE TO WORK.
THE EXHIBITION WILL REMAIN AT 01 MAN ESTATE UNTIL FRIDAY, AFTER WHICH IT WILL MOVE TO KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER IN TSIMSHATSUI FROM SATURDAY TO NEXT TUESDAY, HE SAID.
OTHER EXHIBITIONS WILL BE HELD IN THE TAI HANG TUNG COMMUNITY CENTRE IN SHEK KIP MEI FROM JULY 8 TO 10- AT THE HUNG HOM FERRY PIER FROM JULY 11 TO 14- AT THE KWUN TONG FERRY PIER FROM JULY 29 TO 31- AT THE NORTH POINT FERRY PIER FROM AUGUST 1 TO 5- AT EDINBURGH PLACE IN CENTRAL FROM AUGUST 8 TO 11- AND AT LEK YUEN ESTATE IN SHA TIN FROM AUGUST 12 TO 15.
OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES AT THE EXHIBITIONS.
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WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM ON FRIDAY (JULY 4) TO FACILITATE WATER MAIN REPAIRS.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY JORDAN ROAD, TAK SHING STREET, NATHAN ROAD AND COX’S ROAD, INCLUDING TAK HING STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, JULY J, 1980
CONTENTS P.iGE NO.
GOVERNOR OPENS SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR MENTALLY HaNDIC.-PPED.......... 1
GOVERNMENT TO TAKE CaRE OF PEOPLE'S SPIRITUAL NEEDS ............. 3
NEW BOOK WILL DEPICT HONG KONG'S aNULX LIFE ..................... 4
ratepayers reminded on payment of rates for third
QUARTER ......................................................... 4
PRISONS DEPARTMENT STEPS UP RECRUITMENT DRIVE ................... 5
NEW TaI PO ROaD SECTION OPEN TO TRAFFIC TOMORROW ................ 6
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY — THROUGH VjARIETY SHOWS ......................6
WUHU INTERCHANGE TRAFFIC ARRhNGEMENTS
7
THURSDAY, JULY 3, 1980
1
GOVERNOR OPENS SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) HE WAS ACUTELY AWARE OF THE MISERY WHICH UNTREATED MENTAL DEFECTS IN CHILDREN COULD CAUSE.
AT THE OPENING OF THE PINEHILL VILLAGE NO. 3 SCHOOL IN TAI PO, SPONSORED BY THE ASSOCIATION FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS, SIR MURRAY SAID HE WAS EQUALLY AWARE OF THE PLEASURE AND RELIEF TO CHILDREN, PARENTS AND FAMILY ALIKE WHICH RESULTED FROM THEIR REINTEGRATION INTO SOCIETY.
THIS, HE SAID, COULD ONLY BE ACHIEVED BY PROPER CARE AT THE PROPER TIME.
♦IT IS OUR DUTY, BETWEEN US ALL, TO PROVIDE SUCH CARE AS SOON AS WE REASONABLY CAN. BUT TO BE EFFECTIVE THE CARE MUST BE EXTREMELY GOOD,+ HE SAID.
IN PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE ASSOCIATION, SIR MURRAY SAIDi ♦TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR OVER 1 000 YOUNG PEOPLE IN 11 SCHOOLS AND CENTRES IS A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT FOR WHICH I OFFER THE GRATEFUL THANKS OF HONG KOI1(i.+
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECHi
♦I AM VERY HAPPY TO OPEN THIS FURTHER SCHOOL AT PINEHILL VILLAGE.
♦BUT FIRST I SHOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THE ASSOCIATION FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS ON ITS EXCELLENT AND COMPREHENSIVE WORK IN CARING FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED. TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR OVER 1 000 YOUNG PEOPLE IN 11 SCHOOLS AND CENTRES IS A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT FOR WHICH I OFFER THE GRATEFUL THANKS OF HONG KONG.
♦MANY PEOPLE HAVE PLAYED A PART IN THIS ACHIEVEMENT, COMMITTEE MEMBERS, STAFF, DONORS, CIVIL SERVANTS- BUT I AM SURE THAT ALL WOULD AGREE IF I PARTICULARLY THANKED MRS BREMRIDGE WHO HAS CHAIRED THE ASSOCIATION WITH SUCH DEDICATION FOR SEVEN YEARS. DURING THIS TIME IT HAS MADE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE RIGHTING OF A SOCIAL DEFECT IN OUR SOCIETY.
♦THERE IS STILL A LONG WAY TO GO. I AM SURE THAT THE PROGRESSIVE CONCENTRATION OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION IN A SINGLE DEPARTMENT - THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT -WILL HELP ADMINISTRATIVELY.
♦MOREOVER THE CHANGE EMPHASISES THAT THE OBJECTIVE OF EDUCATING THE HANDICAPPED IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS OF EDUCATING OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE, NAMELY PREPARATION FOR A NORMAL SELF-SUPPORTING LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY.
/+THE WHITE .....
JULY 3, 1980
♦THE WHITE PAPER AMD ITS ANNUAL REVIEWS PROVIDE FOR PROGRESS IN TERMS OF MONEY, BUILDINGS AND STAFF WHICH IS STEADY BUT SLOW.
+l AM ACUTELY AWARE OF THE MISERY WHICH UNTREATED MENTAL DEFECTS IN CHILDREN CAN CAUSE, AND EQUALLY AWARE OF THE PLEASURE AND RELIEF TO CHILDREN, PARENTS, AND FAMILY ALIKE, WHICH RESULT FROM THEIR REINTEGRATION INTO SOCIETY- AND THIS CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED BY PROPER CARE AT THE PROPER TIME.
+IT IS OUR DUTY, BETWEEN US ALL, TO PROVIDE SUCH CARE AS SOON AS WE REASONABLY CAN. BUT TO BE EFFECTIVE THE CARE MUST BE EXTREMELY GOOD.
+THIS MEANS NOT ONLY MONEY AND THE PROPER BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT, BUT ABOVE ALL TRAINED AND DEDICATED STAFF, AS WELL AS THE CAREER STRUCTURE TO ATTRACT AND HOLD THEM. WE ARE FORTUNATE IN THE STAFF AND SPECIALISTS WE HAVE, BUT THERE ARE TOO FEW OF THEM.
♦I AM HOPEFUL THAT AS THE WORK PROGRAMMED IN THE WHITE PAPER EXPANDS AND BECOMES BETTER KNOWN AND MORE WIDELY RECOGNISED, SO MORE CANDIDATES WILL COME FORWARD FOR THIS HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL, SPECIALISED AND RESPECTED FORM OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICE.
+0N CURRENT PLANS AND FORECASTS WE HOPE THAT BY 1985/86 THERE WILL BE PLACES IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS AT LEAST FOR ALL THE SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED AND FOR TWO-THIRDS OF THOSE MODERATELY HANDICAPPED, AND THAT THEREAFTER THE REMAINING GAP WILL BE FAIRLY QUICKLY CLOSED.
♦AND NO DOUBT THE COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON THE DEVELOPMENT CF SERVICES TO THE HANDICAPPED, UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF DR HARRY FANG, WILL KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON DEVELOPMENTS.
+MEANWHILE EACH STEP FORWARD ON THIS ROAD IS A HAPPY ONE, AND NONE HAPPIER THAN THE ONE WE ARE CELEBRATING TODAY. HAPPY FOR THE ASSOCIATION, FOR THE DONORS, FOR OUR COMMUNITY, AND ABOVE ALL HAPPY FOR THE 64 CHILDREN WHO WILL BE CARED FOR HERE AND FOR THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS.
+MRS BREMRIDGE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I HAVE MUCH PLEASURE IN DECLARING OPEN THIS NEW SCHOOL AT PINEHILL VILLAGE AND WISH IT EVERY SUCCESS.*
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THURSDAY, JULY 3, 1980
GOVERNMENT TO TAKE CARE OF PEOPLE’S SPIRITUAL NEEDS * * ft ft
BESIDES PROVIDING BASIC FACILITIES SUCH AS HOUSING, MEDICAL SERVICES AND EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THAT IT SHOULD TAKE CARE OF PEOPLE’S SPIRITUAL NEEDS, ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI KAM, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR CHUI WAS SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY MARKING THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE TAI HING COMMUNITY HALL IN TUEN MUN.
HE SAID GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE CARE OF PEOPLE’S SPIRITUAL NEEDS TO BUILD A BALANCED COMMUNITY, STRENGTHEN LINKS AMONG RESIDENTS AND PROMOTE A SENSE OF BELONGING.
MR CHUI SAID TAI HING ESTATE WOULD HAVE A POPULATION OF 45 000 IN A FEW MONTHS.
HE SAID THAT DUE TO SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG PEOPLE’S LIVING STANDARDS HAD BEEN RAISED AND THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT GREATLY IMPROVED.
MR CHUI SAID HE WAS GLAD TO SEE THE ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT BEING GIVEN BY RESIDENTS TO COMMUNITY HALL ACTIVITIES, WHICH INDICATED A BIG STEP FORWARD IN COMMUNITY BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT.
IT WAS THE AIM OF GOVERNMENT TO ENCOURAGE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION BY PEOPLE IN IMPROVING FACILITIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN LOCAL DISTRICTS.
THIS WAS ALSO THE OBJECT OF THE RECENT GREEN PAPER ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WHICH HOPED TO BRING ABOUT BETTER CO-ORDINATION OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATION AND SWIFTER RESPONSES BY GOVERNMENT TO THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE, HE POINTED OUT.
MR CHUI SAID THE COMMUNITY HALL PROVIDED CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR ESTATE RESIDENTS DURING THEIR LEISURE TIME.
♦I HOPE YOU WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF IT. THROUGH THE ACTIVITIES PROVIDED, YOU WILL FIND HOW DIRECT PARTICIPATION IN PLANNING AND ORGANISING PROJECTS AFFECTS THEIR SUCCESS. ALSO, YOU WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERSTAND GOVERNMENT POLICY IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.*
THE TWO-STOREY COMMUNITY HALL, WITH A TOTAL AREA OF MORE THAN 3 700 SQUARE METRES, IS RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND IS USED BY ESTATE RESIDENTS OF ALL AGES.
W» ”
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THURSDAY, JULY 3, 1980
4
NEW BOOK WILL DEPICT HONG KONG’S ANIMAL LIFE * * * *
ABOUT 600 ORIGINAL PAINTINGS WHICH CAPTURE IN FULL COLOUR HONG KONG’S MANY DIFFERENT FORMS OF ANIMAL LIFE WILL BE FEATURED IN A NEW BOOK THAT HAS TAKEN LONG HOURS OF RESEARCH TO COMPILE.
THE ILLUSTRATIONS HAVE BEEN PRODUCED BY KAREN PHILL IPPS, A LOCAL ARTIST WITH A SPECIAL INTEREST IN NATURAL HISTORY, AND THEY WILL ACCOMPANY A MANUSCRIPT PREPARED BY DR DENNIS S. HILL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG’S DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY.
A CONTRACT TO PUBLISH THE BOOK WAS SIGNED THIS WEEK WITH THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.
+AS THIS WILL BE THE FIRST DETAILED SOURCE OF REFERENCE TO HONG KONG’S VARIED RANGE OF ANIMAL LIFE WE EXPECT IT TO AROUSE CONSIDERABLE INTEREST,* A SPOKESMAN FOR GIS -SAID.
♦IT SHOULD APPEAL NOT ONLY TO THE SERIOUS STUDENT OF NATURAL HISTORY BUT ALSO TO THE NON-EXPERT WHO WANTS TO INCREASE HIS KNOWLEDGE OF THE VARIOUS SPECIES WHICH INHABIT THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
TO BE PUBLISHED UNDER THE TITLE +A COLOUR GUIDE TO HONG KONG ANIMALS*, THE BOOK WILL ENABLE EASY IDENTIFICATION OF A LARGE NUMBER OF LOCAL ANIMALS, INCLUDING MAMMALS, REPTILES, INSECTS, FRESHWATER FISH AND OTHER MARINE LIFE, THAT CAN BE FOUND BY CAREFUL OBSERVERS.
IT WILL BE THE SECOND TITLE IN A NEW SERIES INTRODUCED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.
AN EARLIER BOOK ON HONG KONG BIRDS FEATURING ORIGINAL PAINTINGS BY THE SAME ARTIST HAS PROVED SO POPULAR THAT A SECOND EDITION HAS HAD TO BE PRINTED.
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RATEPAYERS REMINDED ON PAYMENT OF RATES FOR THIRD QUARTER ft ft ft ft ft ft
RATEPAYERS ARE REMINDED THAT RATES FOR THE THIRD QUARTER (JULY TO SEPTEMBER) THIS YEAR MUST BE PAID BY 4 PM ON JULY 31.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TREASURY TODAY (THURSDAY) WARNED THAT A SURCHARGE OF FIVE PER CENT WOULD BE IMPOSED ON LATE PAYMENTS.
A FURTHER SURCHARGE OF 10 PER CENT MAY BE ADDED TO THE AMOUNT, INCLUDING THE INITIAL FIVE PER CENT, IF LATE PAYMENTS ARE STILL NOT PAID SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DUE DATE.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT RATEPAYERS SHOULD BY NOW HAVE RECEIVED DEMAND NOTES FOR THE CURRENT QUARTER.
/ANY HATSPAYSRS
THURSDAY, JULY J, 1980
5
ANY RATEPAYERS WHO HAS NOT YET RECEIVED A DEMAND NOTE SHOULD APPLY FOR A COPY AT THE RATES SECTION OF THE TREASURY ON THE NINTH FLOOR OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING) IN ICE HOUSE STREET.
+NON-RECEIPT OF THE DEMAND NOTE DOES NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE RATES MUST BE PAID BY THE DUE DATE + THE SPOKESMAN SAID. ’
TO AVOID QUEUEING, RATEPAYERS ARE ADVISED TO PAY BY CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER SENT BY POST OR BY EARLY PERSONAL ATTENDANCE AT ANY OF THE OFFICES LISTED ON THE BACK OF THE DEMAND NOTE.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT RATES ARE PAYABLE ON VACANT PREMISES BUT REFUNDABLE UNDER CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN THE RATING ORDINANCE.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED, THERE WOULD BE NO REFUNDS IN THE CASE OF A VACANT TENEMENT LAST USED, OR INTENDED TO BE USED, WHOLLY OR PRIMARILY FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES, UNLESS IT IS VACANT BY REASON OF AN ORDER OF THE GOVERNMENT.
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PRISONS DEPARTMENT STEPS UP RECRUITMENT DRIVE ******
THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT IS STEPPING UP ITS RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR ASSISTANT OFFICER II BY STAGING ANOTHER PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAY IN THE BUSY INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT OF KWAI CHUNG TODAY (THURSDAY) WHICH ATTRACTED MORE THAN 5 000 SPECTATORS.
THE TWO-HOUR PROGRAMME INCLUDED A MOBILE STREET THEATRE SHOW WITH PERFORMANCES BY TELEVISION ARTISTES AND AN ENTERTAINMENT TROUPE.
THE DISPLAY OF PHOTOGRAPHS, SHOWING VARIOUS ASPECTS OF PRISON WORK AND ITS EXCELLENT STAFF WELFARE FACILITIES, IS PART OF A SERIES BEING HELD IN BUSY COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CENTRES AND COMMUNITY CENTRES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG TO ATTRACT MORE APPLICANTS CF THE RIGHT CALIBRE.
THE NEXT DISPLAY WILL BE HELD IN THE NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE IN ON TAK ROAD ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY (JULY 7 AND 8) PM. A RECRUITMENT STAND WILL ALSO BE SET UP
BETWEEN 3 PM AND 10 THERE.
THE DEPARTMENT IS CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR MATURE AND EDUCATED PEOPLE TO FILL ASSISTANT OFFICER II VACANCIES.
APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE A GOOD PHYSIQUE AND BE PREFERABLY UNDER 35 WITH SECONDARY EDUCATION STANDARD.
/THE STARTING
THURSDAY, JULY 3, 1980
6
THE STARTING SALARY VARIES FROM $1 610 TO $1 780 DEPENDING
ON QUALIFICATION. ucrciwinb
___ SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS HAVE TO UNDERGO A ONE-YEAR TRAINING PROGRAMME, WHICH INCLUDES FIELD TRAINING AT THE DEPARTMENT’S PENAL
INSTITUTIONS
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NEW TAI PO ROAD SECTION OPEN TO TRAFFIC TOMORROW * * * *
A NEW SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD NEAR THE BEND AT ST CHRISTOPHER’S HOME WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC AT 10 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID THE 300-METRE ROAD FORMED THE LAST PART OF STAGE ONE OF THE TAI PO ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEME. IT WAS BUILT BY CUTTING THROUGH A HILL.
♦THE NEW ROAD, MEASURING 7.3 METRES IN WIDTH, WILL REPLACE A SECTION OF THE OLD AND WINDING TAI PO ROAD,+ HE SAID.
♦IT IS PROVIDED WITH STREET LIGHTING AND BUS BAYS AND THERE IS A TWO-METRE WIDE FOOTPATH ON ONE SIDE OF THE NEW CARRIAGEWAY.+
THE PROJECT WAS DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DIVISION OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
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INDUSTRIAL SAFETY — THROUGH VARIETY SHOWS * * * *
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY MESSAGES WILL BE DRIVEN HOME THROUGH THREE VARIETY SHOWS TO BE STAGED THIS MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE PROGRAMMES WERE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN A BID TO GET THE MESSAGES ACROSS TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE.
♦THE SHOWS INCLUDING ’INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT-PRONE PUPPETS’ ARE TO BE STAGED FROM THE GIS MOBILE STREET THEATRE. THE FIRST IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN AT SHAU KEI WAN, TUNG TAI STREET NEXT TUESDAY (JULY 8),+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THEY WILL BE REPEATED AT SO UK ESTATE ON JULY 15 AND WANG TAU HOM TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA ON JULY 26.
THURSDAY, JULY J, 1980
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INDUSTRIAL SAFETY LEAFLETS WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED TO SPECTATORS.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE STREET THEATRE HAS BEEN VISITING VARIOUS DENSELY POPULATED AREAS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO MAKE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY WORKERS, MORE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY AT WORK THROUGH ENTERTAINMENT.
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WUHU INTERCHANGE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * * *
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPENING OF THE WUHU SUBWAY IN HUNG HOM FROM 10 AM THIS SATURDAY.
ALL NORTHEAST-BOUND TRAFFIC IN CHATHAM ROAD WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING RIGHT INTO WUHU STREET. TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED ONTO THE WUHU SUBWAY LEADING TO GILLIES AVENUE.
ALSO, THE SECTION OF STATION LANE BETWEEN WALKER ROAD AND GILLIES AVENUE, AND WALKER ROAD ITSELF WILL BE TURNED INTO A IWO-WAY ROUTE. AT THE SAME TIME, STATION LANE AT THE JUNCTION OF GILLIES AVENUE WILL BE CONVERTED INTO A CUL-DE-SAC.
PING CHI STREET WILL BE RE-OPENED TO ONE-WAY TRAFFIC FROM CHATHAM ROAD ONTO FAT KWONG STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, STATION LANE BETWEEN GILLIES AVENUE AND KUN YAM STREET AND GILLIES AVENUE FROM THE EXIT OF THE WUHU SUBWAY TO WUHU STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A 24-HOUR CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ZONE.
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, JULY A, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO
NEW BILL AIMS TO COMPENSATE PEOPLE FOR INCAPACITY RESULTING FROM PNEUMOCONIOSIS ......................................................
NEW BILL PROPOSES REGISTRATION OF IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS ................................................. 2
WUHU INTERCHANGE - RELIEF FOR CONGESTED JUNCTION IN KOWLOON...............3
PROPOSAL TO DISCONTINUE GAME HUNTING LICENCES ........................... A
MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS FOR MaY ........................... 5
ACCIDENTS INCREASE IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS .................................. 8
"OUR CHILDREN aRE TOPS" ................................................. 9
OFFICE ASSISTANT AWARDED ISM ........................................... 10
KWAI CHUNG A VERY LIVELY AND VIBRANT PLACE.............................. 10
TUEN MUN SHORT-TERM TENANCY TENDERS .................................... 11
REST GARDEN FOR TO IOTA WaN
11
FRIDAY, JULY 4, 1900
1
NEW BILL AIMS TO COMPENSATE PEOPLE FOR INCAPACITY RESULTING FROM PNEUMOCONIOSIS
* ft ft * *
GOVERNMENT HAS DEVISED A NEW AND COMPREHENSIVE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION SCHEME WHICH IT HOPES TO IMPLEMENT AT THE BEGINNING OF NEXT YEAR.
THE SCHEME IS CONTAINED IN THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) BILL 1980 PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE BILL ESTABLISHES A SCHEME FOR COMPENSATING PEOPLE FOR INCAPACITY RESULTING FROM PNEUMOCONIOSIS (SILICOSIS AND ASBESTOSIS) AND FOR COMPENSATING THE DEPENDANTS OF THOSE WHO DIE FROM THE DISEASE.
A FUND WOULD BE SET UP FOR THIS PURPOSE, FINANCED BY A LEVY ON THE MAJOR TRADES AND INDUSTRIES TO WHICH THE GREAT MAJORITY OF PNEUMOCONIOSIS CASES ARE ATTRIBUTABLE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE SCHEME WOULD NOT REQUIRE COMPULSORY MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF WORKERS IN THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS-PRONE TRADES AND INDUSTRIES, THEY WOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO BE MEDICALLY EXAMINED ON A REGULAR BASIS IN ORDER TO ENSURE EARLY DETECTION OF THE DISEASE.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS PLANNED TO SET UP A STATUTORY PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION FUND BOARD WHICH WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR COLLECTING THE LEVY AND PAYING COMPENSATION AND DAMAGES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ANY PERSON WHO HAD LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR FIVE YEARS OR MORE AND WAS DIAGNOSED BY A PNEUMOCONIOSIS MEDICAL BOARD TO BE SUFFERING FROM THE DISEASE WHICH CAUSED INCAPACITY AFTER THE NEW LEGISLATION CAME INTO OPERATION WOULD BE ENTITLED TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FROM THE FUND.
THE FUND WOULD PAY STATUTORY COMPENSATION AND COMMON LAW DAMAGES AND RELATED COSTS.
OTHER BENEFITS INCLUDE MEDICAL EXPENSES AND ALLOWANCES FOR CONSTANT ATTENTION FOR THOSE INCAPABLE OF LOOKING AFTER THEMSELVES, MEDICAL EXAMINATION FEES INCURRED IN DIAGNOSING THE DISEASE, THE SCHEME'S ADMINISTRATION COSTS AND OTHER RELATED EXPENSES.
• THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN ADDITION fEOPLE WHO HAD BEEN DIAGNOSED AS SUFFERING FROM THE DISEASE BEFORE THE OPERATIVE DATE OF THE NEW LEGISLATION WOULD BE ENTITLED TO AN EX-GRATIA PAYMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THIS PAYMENT WOULD BE PAID OUT OF GENERAL REVENUE AND NOT FROM THE FUND.
PAYMENT WOULD BE ON A ONCE-AND-FOR-ALL BASIS, AND CALCULATION WOULD BE BASED ON A FLAT RATE OF EARNINGS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THE ACTUAL EARNINGS OF EACH INDIVIDUAL, AND ON RELEVANT COMPENSATION LEVELS IN THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
ACCOUNT WOULD ALSO BE TAKEN OF THE PROGRESSIVE NATURE OF THE DISEASE, SAID THE SPOKESMAN. THE FIVE-YEAR RESIDENCE QUALIFICATION WOULD ALSO BE APPLIED TO THE EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS.
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FRIDAY, JULY 4, i960
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NEW BILL PROPOSES REGISTRATION OF IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS ft ft ft ft ft
ALL IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS WILL REQUIRE REGISTRATION WITH THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD AS PROPOSED BY A BILL PUBLISHED IN TODAY'S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THIS MAY AFFECT SOME 400 IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS WHO ARE NOT ALREADY REGISTERED AS WHOLESALE DEALERS IN POISONS BY THE BOARD, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PHARMACY AND POISONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980 PROPOSES FOUR MAJOR CHANGES TO EXISTING LEGISLATIONS
ft TO ENABLE THE BOARD TO ESTABLISH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES TO DEAL WITH LICENSING AND RELATED MATTERS-
ft INTRODUCE A NEW PROCEDURE FOR APPEALS AGAINST DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OR ITS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES"
ft PROVIDE FOR THE REGISTRATION OF IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS OF ALL PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS, AND
ft PROVIDE THAT POISONS MAY ONLY BE EXPORTED BY PERMITTED DEALERS IN POISONS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WERE A LARGE NUMBER OF WIDELY USED PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS WHICH DO NOT CONTAIN POISON AVAILABLE AND WHOSE DEALERS DO NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION WITH THE BOARD.
♦THIS IS REGARDED AS UNSATISFACTORY BECAUSE MANY OF THE PRODUCTS ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO DETERIORATION DUE TO POOR STORAGE CONDITIONS AND THE PREMISES IN WHICH THEY ARE HELD ARE NOT SUBJECT TO INSPECT ION,♦ HE SAID.
HE ADDED THERE WERE ABOUT 1 000 IMPORTERS/EXPORTERS OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH ABOUT 60 PER CENT WERE LICENSED WHOLESALE DEALERS IN POISONS AND WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES, AS PROPOSED IN THE BILL, WILL ENABLE THE BOARD TO DELEGATE ITS ROUTINE LICENSING AND REGISTRATION FUNCTIONS — OTHER THAN THE REGISTRATION OF PHARMACISTS — TO SUB-COMMITTEES.
THE BILL PROVIDES APPEALS AGAINST THE DECISIONS OF THE COMMITTEES OR THE BOARD THROUGH A PHARMACY AMD POISONS APPEAL TRIBUNAL TO RESOLVE DISPUTES MORE APPROPRIATELY, EXPEDITIOUSLY AND AT LESS EXPENSE. A FINAL APPEAL COULD BE MADE THROUGH THE HIGH COURT.
THE BILL ALSO AIMS TO CLARIFY AN ANOMALY IN THE EXISTING LEGISLATION THAT ALL EXPORTERS OF POISONS SHOULD BE REGISTERED AS EXPORTERS OR LICENSED WHOLESALE DEALERS IN POISONS.
THE BILL ALSO AIMS TO REMOVE THE EXEMPTION PRESENTLY GRANTED TO PEOPLE EXPORTING POISONS.
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FRIDAY, JULY 4, 1980
3
WUHU INTERCHANGE - RELIEF FOR CONGESTED JUNCTION IN KOWLOON ******
MR DAVID STEAD, DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, TODAY (FRIDAY) OPENED THE WUHU INTERCHANGE WHICH FORMS PART OF THE $400 MILLION HIGH CAPACITY ROUTE BETWEEN THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND KWUN TONG.
THE INTERCHANGE, COMPRISING MAINLY A 160-METRE-LONG VEHICULAR SUBWAY, WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM TOMORROW.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR STEAD SAID THE $16 MILLION INTERCHANGE WOULD PROVIDE GRADE SEPARATION FOR RIGHTTURNING TRAFFIC INTO HUNG HOM AREA VIA WUHU STREET FROM CHATHAM ROAD.
♦THIS FACILITY, TOGETHER WITH SOME LOCAL WIDENING AT CHATHAM ROAD AND WUHU STREET, ENABLES FREE FLOWING CONDITION TO BE PROVIDED FOR TRAFFIC PASSING THROUGH THE JUNCTION OF CHATHAM ROAD AND WUHU STREET,* HE SAID.
♦AS A RESULT, THE CAPACITY OF THIS JUNCTION WILL BE INCREASED CONSIDERABLY, PROVIDING RELIEF TO WHAT IS ONE OF THE MOST CONGESTED JUNCTIONS IN THE KOWLOON AREA.+
REFERRING TO A PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM, ALSO PART OF THE INTERCHANGE, MR STEAD SAID IT WOULD NOT ONLY ENHANCE THE JUNCTION CAPACITY BY REMOVING THE CONFLICTS BETWEEN VEHICLE AND PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENTS, BUT ALSO WOULD PROVIDE A SAFE WAY FOR PEOPLE TO CROSS THE JUNCTION.
THE OPENING TODAY MARKS THE COMPLETION OF THE FIRST PART OF THE WESTERN APPROACHES TO THE AIRPORT TUNNEL WHICH COMPRISES THE WUHU INTERCHANGE, EAST KOWLOON WAY AND SAN SHAN INTERCHANGE, HE SAID.
EAST KOWLOON WAY IS ESSENTIALLY AN ELEVATED DUAL TWO-LANE ROADWAY OF ABOUT ONE KILOMETRES IN LENGTH IMMEDIATELY TO THE NORTH OF THE WUHU INTERCHANGE RUNNING ALONG CHATHAM ROAD AND KOWLOON CITY ROAD.
SAN SHAN INTERCHANGE IS BASICALLY A DEPRESSED ROADWAY JOINING THE EAST KOWLOON WAY AND THE AIRPORT TUNNEL.
WORK ON BOTH THE EAST KOWLOON WAY AND SAN SHAN INTERCHANGE IS IN AN ADVANCED STAGE AND EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR.
MR STEAD POINTED OUT THAT THE WESTERN APPROACHES FORMED A SECTION OF THE SIX-KILOMETRE HIGH CAPACITY ROUTE, KNOWN AS ROUTE 3.
THE OTHER SECTION CONSISTS OF A 1 200-METRE TUNNEL UNDERNEATH THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND THE EASTERN CONNECTION WHICH LINKS THE EASTERN PORTAL OF THE TUNNEL WITH KWUN TONG.
ALL THE CIVIL WORK ON THE AIRPORT TUNNEL HAS BEEN COMPLETED WHILE THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL WORKS ARE IN HAND.
/IT IS .....
FRIDAY, JULY 4, 1980
4
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE TUNNEL WILL BE PARTIALLY OPENED FOR TWO-WAY TRAFFIC IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE FULL OPENING A YEAR LATER.
ON COMPLETING THESE PROJECTS, THERE WILL BE A FAST AND DIRECT ROAD LINK BETWEEN THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND KWUN TONG.
MR STEAD CONGRATULATED THE ENGINEERS FROM BOTH THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE PWD AND THE CONSULTANTS, MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA, AND OTHER PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THE COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT.
HE THEN UNVEILED THE PLAQUE
TO DECLARE THE SUBWAY OPENED.
-----0------
PROPOSAL TO DISCONTINUE GAME HUNTING LICENCES ft * * ft *
HONG KONG'S DIMINISHING WILDLIFE POPULATION WILL HAVE A NEW LEASE ON LIFE UNDER AN AMENDING LEGISLATION AIMED AT DISCONTINUING GAME HUNTING LICENCES.
THE AMENDING LEGISLATION, KNOWN AS THE WILD ANIMALS PROTECTION (AMENDMENT) BILL, WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE BILL PROPOSES BANNING GAME HUNTING WITH THE RESULT THAT ANNUAL GAME LICENCES WOULD NO LONGER BE ISSUED OR RENEWED AND THE USE OF SHOOTING ARMS WOULD BE RESTRICTED TO SPECIFIC LOCALITIES SUCH AS GUN CLUB PREMISES AND TO SUPERVISED HUNTING PARTIES TO CONTROL THE POPULATION OF WILD PIGS OR ANY OTHER SPECIES OF ANIMALS WHICH IS CAUSING A SERIOUS NUISANCE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID THESE MEASURES WERE NECESSARY FOR REASONS OF PUBLIC SAFETY BECAUSE OF THE LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE NOW MAKING USE OF THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE FOR RECREATION.
HE POINTED OUT THAT AT ANY ONE TIME DURING A WINTER WEEKEND SOME 100 000 PEOPLE COULD BE EXPECTED TO VISIT THE COUNTRYSIDE. OVER SEVEN MILLION VISITS WERE MADE IN 1979/80 COMPARED TO HALF A MILLION VISITS IN 1970/71.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE LEGAL PROVISIONS PERMITTING HUNTING DATED BACK TO 1936 WHEN THE COUNTRYSIDE WAS VISITED BY VERY FEW URBAN DWELLERS.
HOWEVER, THIS SITUATION HAS CHANGED SUBSTANTIALLY OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS WITH SEVERAL FORMER VILLAGES HAVING BECOME MAJOR TOWNS, HE SAID.
/THE SPOKESMAN
FRIDAY, JULY 4, 1980
5
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WERE ALREADY CONSTRAINTS ON HUNTING UNDER THE COUNTRY PARKS ORDINANCE WHICH PROHIBITED HUNTING IN ALL COUNTRY PARKS- THE WILD ANIMALS PROTECTION ORDINANCE WHICH MADE IT AN OFFENCE TO SHOOT AT ANY WILD ANIMAL WITHIN 100 YARDS OF AN INHABITED HOME OR ROAD- THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE WHICH PROHIBITED DISCHARGING A FIREARM WITHIN 200 YARDS OF A DWELLING OR ROAD- AS WELL AS CONSTRAINTS IN AREAS INCLUDED IN TOWN PLANNING LAYOUTS, AREAS WHICH ARE DEVELOPING HIGH RURAL POPULATION DENSITIES AND FRONTIER CLOSED AREAS.
♦IN FACT,* HE SAID, +THERE ARE VERY FEW PLACES LEFT IN HONG KONG WHERE HUNTING CAN LEGALLY BE CARRIED OUT.*
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT OF THE PRESENT 446 GAME LICENCE HOLDERS, ONLY ABOUT 150 ACTUALLY WENT HUNTING.
- - 0 - -
MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS FOR MAY M K K K K
THE MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS FOR MAY 1980 ARE PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY).
TOTAL CREDIT TO THE ECONOMY ROSE IN MAY BY VERY MUCH LESS THAN IN APRIL, BUT AN INFLOW OF FUNDS INTO HONG KONG, POSSIBLY ON INTEREST RATE CONSIDERATIONS, CAUSED THE MONEY SUPPLY TO INCREASE IN MAY FASTER THAN IN APRIL.
A SHIFT IN LENDING FROM BANKS TO DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES REFLECTED INTEREST RATE MOVEMENTS DURING THE MONTH.
THE LONGER TERM GROWTH RATES OF TOTAL CREDIT TO THE ECONOMY AND OF THE MONEY SUPPLY WERE VERY MUCH LOWER THAN IN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS (WHICH WERE DISTORTED BY LUNAR NEW YEAR IN MID-FEBRUARY, AND BY OTHER SEASONAL FACTORS).
MONEY SUPPLY
THE MONEY SUPPLY ON THE NARROWEST DEFINITION, Ml (NOTES AND COINS WITH THE PUBLIC, PLUS DEMAND DEPOSITS, OTHER THAN FROM BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, WITH LICENSED BANKS) ROSE BY 4.5 PER CENT IN MAY, AGAINST A FALL OF 1.3 PER CENT IN APRIL.
THERE WAS A SHARP RISE IN THE VOLUME OF DEMAND DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS, DESPITE THE CONTINUING HIGH LEVEL OF INTEREST RATES ON SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AND TIME DEPOSITS.
M2 (Ml PLUS SAVINGS AND TIME DEPOSITS, OTHER THAN FROM BANKS AND DTCS, WITH LICENSED BANKS) ROSE BY 5.1 PER CENT IN MAY, WELL UP FROM A 1.1 PER CENT INCREASE IN APRIL.
/M3 (M2 PLUS
FRIDAY, JULY 4, 1980
6
M3 (M2 PLUS PUBLIC DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES) INCREASED BY 3.6 PER CENT, FOLLOWING A 1.2 PER CENT RISE IN APRIL. IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS M3 ROSE BY 3.8 PER CENT, VERY SHARPLY REDUCED FROM THE RISE OF 12.5 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS.
CREDIT TO THE ECONOMY
TOTAL LOANS IN HONG KONG ROSE BY 2.2 PER CENT IN MAY, DOWN FROM A 3.8 PER CENT RISE IN APRIL. IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS, TOTAL LOANS IN HONG KONG ROSE BY 8.3 PER CENT, AS COMPARED WITH A RISE CF 17.9 PER CENT IN THE THREE MONTHS TO THE END OF FEBRUARY 1980.
BANK LOANS IN HONG KONG FELL IN MAY BY 2.9 PER CENT, AS COMPARED WITH A RISE OF 3.5 PER CENT IN APRIL. LOANS IN HONG KONG BY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, HOWEVER, ROSE IN MAY BY AN EXCEPTIONAL 23.4 PER CENT, AS AGAINST THE APRIL INCREASE OF 5.0 PER CENT.
THESE MOVEMENTS REFLECTED A SHARP FALL IN MONEY MARKET RATES DURING THE MONTH, AND A CONSEQUENTIAL SHIFT OF BORROWERS TO DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
FOREIGN ASSETS
THE NET IDENTIFIABLE FOREIGN ASSETS OF ALL BANKS ROSE
IN MAY BY $656 MILLION, AND OF ALL DTCS BY $742 MILLION, SO THAT THERE WAS AN INFLOW OF FUNDS INTO THE HONG KONG MONETARY SECTOR OF $1 398 MILLION (BANKS AND DTCS MADE NET PURCHASES OF FOREIGN ASSETS FROM NON-BANK CUSTOMERS OF $1 398 MILLION, AS COMPARED WITH AN OUTFLOW OF $2 378 MILLION (NET SALES OF FOREIGN ASSETS TO CUSTOMERS) IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
BALANCE SHEET RATIOS
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO FOR ALL BANKS IN HONG KONG FELL IN MAY TO 48.7 PER CENT FROM 49.6 PER CENT IN APRIL. THE LOAN/DEPOSIT RATIO FELL TO 95.3 PER CENT AT THE END OF MAY, FROM 103.6 PER CENT AT THE END OF APRIL.
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO FOR ALL DTCS ROSE IN MAY TO 43.4 PER CENT FROM 41.9 PER CENT IN APRIL. THE LOAN/DEPOSIT RATIO AT THE END OF MAY ROSE SHARPLY TO 70.1 PER CENT FROM 56.7 PER CENT IN APRIL, REFLECTING THE EXCEPTIONAL GROWTH IN LENDING BY DTCS IN THE MONTH.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
ONE MORE LICENSED BANK BEGAN TO OPERATE IN MAY, BRINGING THEIR TOTAL TO 113. THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY SIX DURING THE MONTH TO 279.
/*THE DETAILED
FRIDAY, JULY 4,-1980
7
THE DETAILED FIGURES FOR MAY 1980 AND COMPARISONS WITH PREVIOUS MONTHS AREi
MONEY AND BANKING FIGURES - END OF MAY 1980 (IN HK| MN)
FIGURES FOR EARLIER MONTHS (% CHANGE)i
MAY 1980 APRIL 1980 FEB 1980 MAY 1979
M 1 20 950 20 039 (*4.5%) 21 647 (-3.2%) 18 331 (♦14.3%)*
M2 80 921 76 973 (*5.1%) 78 219 (*3.5%) 66 551 (♦21.6%)*
M 3 111 882 107 967 (*3.6%) 107 770 (♦3.8%) 83 515 (♦34.0%)
BANKSi
DEPOSITS 73 367 69 509 (+5.6%) (70 065 59 957 (♦22.4%)*
LOANS AND ADVANCES IN H.K. 69 916 72 024 (-2.9%) 69 306 (♦0.9%) 52 534 (♦33.1%)*
LOAN/DEPOSIT RATIO 95.3% 103.6% 98.9% 87.6%
AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO 48.7% 49.6% 53.6% 48.2%
DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES- t
DEPOSITS 30 961 30 994 (-0.1%) 29 551 (♦4.8%) 16 964 (♦82.5%)
LOANS AND ADVANCES IN H.K. 21 691 17 581 (♦23.4%) 15 304 (♦41.7%) 10 491 (♦106.8%)
LOAN/DEPOSIT RATIO 70.1% 56.7% 51.8% 61.8%
AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO* 43.4% 41.9% 48.1% ♦
BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES -
TOTAL CREDIT TO THE ECONOMY 91 607 89 605 (*2.2%) 84 610 (♦8.3%) 63 025 (♦45.4%)
/* 'THESE FIGURES
FRIDAY, JULY *♦, 1900
8
* THESE FIGURES ARE RECALCULATED TO EXCLUDE BANKS’ LIABILITIES TO, AND CLAIMS ON, DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
♦ THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENT FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO OBSERVE A MINIMUM LIQUID ASSETS RATIO CAME INTO FORCE ON JANUARY 1, 1980.
-----o------
ACCIDENTS INCREASE IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS * * * * * *
THE INCREASING NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS REFLECTS THE LACK OF SAFETY MEASURES BEING TAKEN BY THE PUBLIC, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS OF THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, MR CHAM SIU-LEUN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG EAST.
QUOTING ACCIDENT FIGURES PROVIDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR CHAM SAID ACCIDENTS IN ALL OUTDOOR PURSUITS, BOTH LAND AND AQUATIC, ROSE FROM 2 193 IN 1978 TO 2 421 IN 1979, AN INCREASE OF 10 PER CENT.
♦ A TOTAL OF 38 PEOPLE WERE KILLED IN 1978 AND THE NUMBER OF DEATHS INCREASED IN 1979 TO 43,* MR CHAM SAID.
HE APPEALED TO SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS FOR SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE IN SPREADING THE +PLAY SAFE* MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC.
MR CHAM EARLIER SAID THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS HAD LOOKED INTO CERTAIN MARINE LEGISLATION WHICH PROVIDED FOR GREATER SAFETY FOR THOSE INVOLVED IN AQUATIC SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
AS A RESULT, THE COMMITTEE ADVISED ALL WATER SPORTS BODIES TO TAKE NOTE OF THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE’S REPLY TO THEIR LETTER ON THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL REGULATION.
THE REGULATION REQUIRES ORGANISERS OF AQUATIC EVENTS TO ENSURE THAT THEIR ACTIVITIES WOULD NOT INTERFERE WITH THE NAVIGATION OF VESSELS IN THE PORT, TO FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS GIVEN BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF ACCIDENTS AND TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFETY OF PARTICIPANTS AT THE EVENT.
MR CHAM SAID THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IS NOW CONSIDERING INTRODUCING SPEED LIMIT ZONES IN HONG KONG WATERS.
HE SAID THE PROPOSED SPEED LIMIT ZONES, WITH THE SPEED LIMIT LIKELY TO BE FIVE KNOTS AND THE PROPOSED RESTRICTIONS ON WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS ONLY WERE STILL UNDER CONSIDERATION.
/IN VIEW......
FRIDAY, JULY 4, 198O
9
IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT HIGH SPEED BOATING MIGHT ENDANGER THE SAFETY OF OTHER PARTICIPANTS OF AQUATIC SPORTS, THE COMMITTEE WILL UNDERTAKE TO PUBLICISE THE SPEED LIMIT ZONES WHEN THEY ARE INTRODUCED.
MR CHAM ALSO SAID THAT AS CAMPING HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR, A WORKING PARTY HAS BEEN SET UP BY THE COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER PRODUCING A COMPREHENSIVE BROCHURE ON CAMPING.
-----0-----
♦OUR CHILDREN ARE TOPS*
*****
WHAT MAKES HONG KONG CHILDREN BETTER ARTISTS THAN MOST OF THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN OTHER COUNTRIES?
THIS QUESTION WAS RAISED BY MR COLVYN HAYE, ACTING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON WHEN HE OPENED THE YOUNG ARTISTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH EXHIBITION AT THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE.
THE ANSWER, MR HAYE CONTENDED, WAS THAT HONG KONG CHILDREN HAVE THE SPECIAL TALENT OF SEEING THEIR ENVIRONMENT WITH SINGULAR CLARITY AND THE ABILITY TO TRANSLATE THAT VISION IN TERMS WHICH ARE SO VIVID AND MEMORABLE THAT THEY COMPEL ATTENTION.
THE PROOF OF THIS, HE ADDED, CAN BE SEEN FROM THE 31 EXHIBITS FROM HONG KONG COMPARED WITH THOSE OF OTHER COMMONWEALTH ENTRANTS.
MR HAYE SAID THAT ANOTHER ATTRIBUTE TO THE SUCCESS WAS THE LARGE NUMBER OF YOUNG, ENERGETIC AND DEVOTED ART TEACHERS WORKING IN OUR SCHOOLS.
THE EXHIBITION WHICH IS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE ART SECTION, CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL JULY 26 AT THE PAO SUI LOONG GALLERIES, FOURTH AND FIFTH FLOORS, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE.
A TOTAL OF 154 EXHIBITS FROM 19 PARTICIPATING AREAS, INCLUDING THOSE FROM HONG KONG, ARE ON DISPLAY. THE YOUNG ARTISTS RANGE IN AGE FROM SIX TO NINE, 10 TO 13 AND 14 TO 18 IN THREE SEPARATE GROUPS.
/10......
- 0
FRIDAY, JULY 4, 1980
10
OFFICE ASSISTANT AWARDED ISM
* * * * *
AN OFFICE ASSISTANT OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, MR IP HO, HAS BEEN AWARDED THE IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL BY THE QUEEN ON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER 35 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR IP WAS WITH THE MARINE DEPARTMENT THROUGHOUT HIS SERVICE, JOINING AS A MESSENGER IN 1945. HE WAS REGRADED TO OFFICE ASSISTANT IN 1976.
-----0------
KWAI CHUNG A VERY LIVELY AND VIBRANT PLACE ft * * ft
KWAI CHUNG IS A VERY LIVELY AND VIBRANT PLACE, TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER AND DISTRICT OFFICER, DR JAMES HAYES, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW KWAI CHUNG SUB-BRANCH OF EUROPEAN ASIAN BANK.
♦UP TO 1970 THERE WERE ONLY SIX BANKING OFFICES IN KWAI CHUNG. HOWEVER, UP TO MID-MAY THIS YEAR, THE NUMBER HAD RISEN TO 54. THE INCREASE HAS BEEN PARTICULARLY MARKED DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS,* DR HAYES SAID.
HE NOTED THAT IN 1961 THE POPULATION OF TSUEN WAN AS A WHOLE WAS ONLY 84 000. TODAY, KWAI CHUNG SUB-DISTRICT ALONE WAS POPULATED BY HALF A MILLION PEOPLE.
DR HAYES SAID THE AMOUNT OF GROSS LIGHT MANUFACTURING FLOOR SPACE IN THE WHOLE OF TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN IN 1965 WAS 960 000 SQUARE METRES AND THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, 36 381. THE RESPECTIVE FIGURES IN 1979 WERE 3.82 MILLION SQUARE ft TRES AND 142 821 WORKERS. ABOUT 63 PER CENT OF THE FLOOR SPACE WAS IN KWAI CHUNG SUB-DISTRICT.
THE NUMBER OF FACTORIES IN KWAI CHUNG REGISTERED WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN 1976 WAS 1 700. AT THAT TIME, THE NUMBER OF FACTORIES IN TSUEN WAN SUB-DISTRICT WAS ALSO ABOUT 1 700.
HOWEVER, TODAY THE NUMBER OF FACTORIES IN KWAI CHUNG WAS OVER 7 000 AND IN TSUEN WAN SUB-DISTRICT, ABOUT 2 200, DR HAYES SAID.
ON THE KWAI CHUNG COMMUNITY, DR HAYES SAID IT HAD PRESENTED A SERIOUS CHALLENGE FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE IN THAT NEARLY ALL THE ASSOCIATIONS OF ANY STANDING IN THE NEW TOWN BELONGED TO THE TSUEN WAN PART OF IT.
♦WE, AND LOCAL RESIDENTS, HAVE HAD TO BUILD UP AN INFRASTRUCTURE OF LOCAL SOCIETIES TO CO-OPERATE WITH EACH OTHER AND WITH THE GOVERNMENT IN THE TASK OF BRINGING ORDER AND IDENTITY TO KWAI CHUNG.
/+ALREADY THERE .....
FRIDAY, JULY 4, 1980
11
♦ALREADY THERE ARE SOME 700 LOCAL SOCIETIES, INCLUDING ABOUT 500 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN MULTI-STOREY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, IN THE NEW TOWN. ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF THIS LARGE NUMBER ARE LOCATED IN KWAI CHUNG, REFLECTING THE IMMENSE STRIDES TAKEN OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS BY LOCAL PEOPLE WORKING WITH MY STAFF,* HE SAID.
THEIR VIEWS ON LOCAL MATTERS WERE REFLECTED THROUGH AREA COMMITTEES AND THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD TO ALL DEPARTMENTS OF GOVERNMENT WORKING IN THE NEW TOWN, DR HAYES SAID.
TUEN MUN SHORT-TERM TENANCY TENDERS ft * * * *
THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION IS INVITING TENDERS FOR SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A SITE IN TUEN MUN FOR STORING AND MAINTAINING CONTRACTOR’S PLANT AND MACHINERY.
THE SITE, WHICH IS SERVED BY LUNG MUN ROAD, MEASURES 5 950 SQUARE METRES. THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS INITIALLY, AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
A NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SPOKESMAN SAID TENDERERS MUST BE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING CONTRACTORS ON THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT APPROVED LISTS.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX IN THE RECEPTION LOBBY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF THE HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, KOWLOON, BEFORE NOON ON JULY 18. THEY SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY CHEQUES EQUIVALENT TO SIX MONTHS RENT TENDERED.
DETAILS OF THE TENDER AND TENDER FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS AND DISTRICT OFFICES OF ISLANDS, SAI KUNG, SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG.
- - 0 - -
REST GARDEN FOR TO KWA WAN ft ft ft ft ft
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) INVITED TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 5 OOO-SQUARE METRE REST GARDEN AND PLAYGROUND AT THE JUNCTION OF KING WAN STREET AND SHUN FUNG STREET IN TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON.
APART FROM FLOWER BEDS, BENCHES AND ARBOURS, THERE WILL BE A BASKETBALL COURT, A VOLLEYBALL COURT AND A CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA.
WORK WILL START NEXT MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, JULY 5, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
S32 MILLION SUBVENTION FOR CHILD CARE CENTRES THIS YEAR .... 1
SAFETY FIRST — STUDENTS SEEKING SUMMER JOBS ADVISED.........2
LOANS AVAILABLE FOR NEEDY STUDENTS .........................J
ISLAND RD TO BE WIDENED.................................... 4
SNT RETURNS FROM ANNUAL LEAVE...............................5
FIRING PRACTICE ........................................... 5
AIRPORT BOOKSHOP TENDERS ................................. 5
SATURDAY, JULY 5, 1980
1
$32 MILLION SUBVENTION FOR CHILD CARE CENTRES THIS YEAR
*******
THE GOVERNMENT IS PROVIDING MORE SUBVENTIONS FOR CHILD CARE CENTRES, WITH THE AMOUNT REACHING MORE THAN $32 MILLION FOR THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH THE $10 000 23 YEARS AGO.
THIS WAS SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR THOMAS LEE, WHILE OPENING A NURSERY RUN BY THE SALVATION ARMY IN WO CHE ESTATE, SHA TIN.
MR LEE SAID GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY FOR EACH CHILD IN A SUBVERTED NURSERY HAS NOW RISEN TO $171 A MONTH FROM $10 IN 1967.
HE SAID THERE WAS AN EVER-INCREASING DEMAND FOR CHILD CARE CENTRES AS MORE MARRIED WOMEN WERE TAKING UP JOBS IN THE LIGHT OF RAPID INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT.
THE GREEN PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES ESTIMATES THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CHILD CARE PLACES REQUIRED BY 1990-91 WOULD REACH OVER 67 000, HE SAID.
AT PRESENT, HE ADDED, ABOUT 16 000 CHILDREN ARE UNDER THE PROPER CARE OF MORE THAN 200 CHILD CARE CENTRES.
MR LEE SAID THAT GOVERNMENT-SUBVENTED CHILD CARE CENTRES NOW CATER FOR CHILDREN FROM LOW-INCOME FAMILIES ONLY.
♦WITH CHANGES IN THE ROLE OF CHILD CARE CENTRES ARISING FROM CHANGES IN THE SOCIAL STRUCTURE, THE GREEN PAPER HAS PROPOSED AN OVERALL REVIEW OF SUBVENTION BY EXTENDING CHILD CARE SERVICE TO ALL WALKS OF LIFE,* HE SAID.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHERE THERE HAS BEEN RAPID DEVELOPMENT AND INCREASE IN POPULATION, MR LEE SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT CHILD CARE SERVICE WAS PROVIDED TO MEET THE NEED OF THE NEW TOWN RESIDENTS.
*0F THE EXISTING SUBVENTED CHILD CARE PLACES, ONE-THIRD ARE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, AND IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THREE-FIFTH OF THE ADDITIONAL SUBVENTED PLACES PLANNED FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WILL BE IN THE NEW TOWNS AS WELL,* HE SAID.
MR LEE STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF CHILDREN GROWING UP IN A SAFE, FULLY EQUIPPED AND HYGIENIC ENVIRONMENT IN ORDER TO ENSURE A BALANCED PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEVELOPMENT.
TO THIS END, HE SAID, CHILD CARE LEGISLATION WAS ENACTED IN 1975 AND A CHILD CARE CENTRES ADVISORY INSPECTORATE WAS SET UP ONE YEAR LATER WITHIN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO PROMOTE THE STANDARDS OF CHILD CARE SERVICE.
HE PRAISED THE WORK OF THE SALVATION ARMY WHICH HAS BEEN ENGAGED IN A WIDE RANGE OF SOCIAL SERVICES INCLUDING CHILD CARE.
/THE SALVATION .....
SATURDAY, JULY 5, 1980 '
2 -
THE SALVATION ARMY OPERATED ITS FIRST CHILD CARE CENTRE AS EARLY AS 20 YEARS AGO AND HAS OPENED ANOTHER 11 CENTRES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG SINCE THEN, HE NOTED.
IN ADDITION TO THE WO CHE NURSERY, THE SALVATION ARMY PLANS TO OPEN ANOTHER IN SAM SHING ESTATE IN TUEN MUN SHORTLY.
♦THESE TWO NURSERIES WILL NO DOUBT PROVIDE SERVICES OF HIGH QUALITY TO CHILDREN FROM LOW-INCOME FAMILIES IN THE TWO PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES,♦ HE SAID.
-------0----------
SAFETY FIRST — STUDENTS SEEKING SUMMER JOBS ADVISED * * ft * * *
♦A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS TO RISK ONE’S LIFE? IT’S JUST NOT WORTH IT.+
THIS WAS THE MESSAGE GIVEN TODAY (SATURDAY) BY A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO STUDENTS LOOKING FOR SUMMER JOBS.
♦STUDENTS TAKING SUMMER WORK SHOULD MAKE SURE THEY DON’T GET INJURED,♦ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO URGED FACTORY OPERATORS TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE SAFETY OF STUDENTS DOING SUMMER JOBS ON THEIR PREMISES.
HE URGED SUMMER JOB-SEEKERS NOT TO ACCEPT EMPLOYMENT ON CONSTRUCTION SITES WHERE THE ACCIDENT RATE HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE HIGHEST.
LAST SUMMER, HE RECALLED, TRAGEDY STRUCK TWO YOUNG STUDENTS — ONE WAS KILLED ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE AND THE OTHER WAS LEFT WITH ONLY TWO THUMBS FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE.
♦THE FIRST BOY WHO HAD BEEN WORKING ON THE SITE FOR ONLY 2D DAYS WAS EMPLOYED TO WORK ON A HIGH SCAFFOLD PLATFORM. THE SCAFFOLD COLLAPSED AND THE BOY FELL TO HIS DEATH.
♦THE OTHER BOY WAS EMPLOYED TO OPERATE A MILLING MACHINE IN A FACTORY. THE MACHINE WAS NOT EFFECTIVELY GUARDED AND THE BOY HAD NEVER BEEN TRAINED PROPERLY.
♦ON HIS SIXTH DAY AT WORK, WHEN HE WAS MILLING A METAL BAR, THE COTTON GLOVES HE WAS WEARING GOT ENTANGLED WITH THE CUTTER AND ALL EIGHT FINGERS WERE CUT OFF.+
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED STUDENTS INTENDING TO TAKE SUMMER JOBS TO BEWARE OF POWER-DRIVEN MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND CHEMICALS USED IN INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES.
/♦MACHINERY
SATURDAY, JULY 5, 1980
5
♦MACHINERY, IF HANDLED OR OPERATED IMPROPERLY, CAN INJURE, MAIM, OR EVEN KILL. MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE GIVEN PROPER TRAINING AND KNOW WHERE THE DANGERS LIE. ALSO TAKE CARE IN HAVING EFFECTIVE GUARDS ON THE DANGEROUS PARTS OF MACHINES BEFORE OPERATING THEM.+
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED FACTORY OWNERS THAT STUDENTS, BEING UNTRAINED AND INEXPERIENCED, WERE VULNERABLE TO INDUSTRIAL HAZARDS.
♦FACTORY PROPRIETORS SHOULD THEREFORE ENSURE THAT THOSE IN THEIR EMPLOY ARE CLOSELY AND PROPERLY SUPERVISED AND NOT ASSIGNED JOBS WHICH ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS OR WHICH INVOLVE THE OPERATION OF DANGEROUS MACHINERY,♦ HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT ANY STUDENT INJURED WHILE DOING SUMMER WORK, LIKE ANY OTHER INJURED WORKMEN, HAS THE RIGHT TO CLAIM COMPENSATION UNDER THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
IN ADDITION, HE MAY CLAIM DAMAGES UNDER COMMON LAW, AND NO MINIMUM LENGTH OF SERVICE WAS REQUIRED BY LAW IN THIS RESPECT.
-----0------
LOANS AVAILABLE FOR NEEDY STUDENTS
*****
STUDENTS IN NEED OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO COMPLETE THEIR STUDIES CAN NOW APPLY FOR THE HONG KONG ROTARY CLUB STUDENTS’ LOAN FUND AND THE STANDARD/SI NG TAO FAT CHOY DRIVE STUDENTS’ LOAN FUND.
THE TWO FUNDS PROVIDE INTEREST-FREE LOANS FOR STUDENTS OF POST SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
MAXIMUM LOANS VARY FROM $1 900 PER ANNUM FOR A POST-SECONDARY STUDENT TO $1 200 PER ANNUM FOR A SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT.
PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO APPLICANTS WHO ARE NEARING COMPLETION OF THEIR STUDIES.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO REPAY THEIR LOANS BY INSTALMENTS OF AT LEAST 10 PER CENT OF THEIR MONTHLY SALARIES ON COMPLETING THEIR STUDIES.
THE LOANS ARE MADE ON A YEARLY BASIS. NEW APPLICANTS AND PRESENT RECIPIENTS WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR FURTHER LOANS FOR THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR MUST COMPLETE A PRESCRIBED FORM.
APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE FROM BOTH FUNDS WILL BE CONSIDERED BY A JOINT COMMITTEE.
/STUDENTS .....
SATURDAY, JULY 5, 1980
4
STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES CAN OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 15TH FLOOR, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, HONG KONG.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SECTION NOT LATER THAN AUGUST 1.
APPLICANTS WHO INTEND TO ENTER THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG SHOULD APPLY TO THE UNIVERSITY'S DEAN OF STUDENTS, AND APPLICANTS WHO INTEND TO ENTER THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG SHOULD APPLY TO THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY, STUDENT AFFAIRS.
THOSE WHO INTEND TO ENTER THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC SHOULD APPLY TO THE STUDENT WELFARE OFFICER.
APPLICANTS ALREADY STUDYING IN THESE THREE INSTITUTES SHOULD APPLY IN THE SAME MANNER.
ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE HANDED IN BEFORE OCTOBER 17.
-----0------
ISLAND RD TO BE WIDENED * * * *
A SECTION OF ISLAND ROAD FROM WONG CHUK HANG TO DEEP WATER BAY WILL BE IMPROVED SHORTLY.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK ARE BEING INVITED BY THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
♦THE IMPROVEMENT INVOLVES WIDENING 850 METRES OF THE EXISTING ROAD FROM FIVE METRES TO 6.75 METRES ON AN IMPROVED ALIGNMENT,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
♦THIS NECESSITATES CONSTRUCTING RETAINING WALLS AND REINFORCED CONCRETE ROAD DECKING ON THE SEAWARD SIDE OF THE ROAD.+ HE SAID.
WORK WILL START IN OCTOBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
♦THIS SECTION OF THE ROAD WHEN COMPLETED WILL ACCOMMODATE THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN VEHICULAR TRAFFIC AFTER THE OPENING OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE WORK HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS (HONG KONG) DIVISION OF THE PWD’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE.
- c..-----
• • 75 ....
SATURDAY, JULY 5, 1980
5
SNT RETURNS FROM ANNUAL LEAVE * * *
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, RETURNED FROM ANNUAL LEAVE TODAY (SATURDAY). HE RESUMES OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.
MR AUGUSTINE CHUI KAM, WHO HAS BEEN ACTING AS SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SINCE MR AKERS-JONES’S DEPARTURE ON JUNE 3, NOW RESUMES OFFICE AS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
-----0------
FIRING PRACTICE
M M M
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON FIVE DAYS (MONDAY TO FRIDAY) NEXT WEEK. IT WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN 8 AM AND 5 PM EACH DAY, EXCEPT ON WEDNESDAY WHEN IT WILL BEGIN AT 9 AM.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING PRACTICE TIMES.
- - - - o --------------
AIRPORT BOOKSHOP TENDERS
M M M M M
rue nIn*?£RSrAR£ BE,NG INVITED FOR THE TENANCY OF A BOOKSHOP IN P^ddaotARTURE L0UNGE 0F THE PASSENGER TERMINAL AT KAI TAK
A IRr OR T•
YEAR.
BEFORE ;3oNE?IRf‘"?DA?E ^[?‘e5?U'LD",G- G4RDEN R0M>' H°NS K°"G
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, NEW RODNEY BLOCK 99 QUEENSWAY, OR FROM THE AIRPORT GENERAL MANAGER AT THE AIRPORT
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, JULY 6, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FIGHT AGAINST NARCOTICS IS FAR FROM OVER - SALES ....... 1
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR TECHNICAL INSTITUTE COURSES ... 2
RENT OFFICER SCHEME IN TSUEN WAN POPULAR ............... 4
SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME STARTS FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT .... 4
SAFETY GUIDE FOR PEOPLE WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES ..... 5
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR MARINE AND AGRICULTURAL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ...................................... 6
SHA TIN SITE FORMATION TENDERS ......................... 7
NEW THREE-YEAR TEACHER TRAINING COURSES ................ 7
WAH FU POST OFFICE BUSINESS HOURS EXTENDED ............. 8
WATER CUT
8
SUNDAY, JULY 6, 1980
1
FIGHT AGAINST NARCOTICS IS FAR FROM OVER - SALES *****
MR A. DE 0. SALES, CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON THE COMMUNITY TO CONTINUE THEIR SUPPORT IN HONG KONG’S BATTLE AGAINST NARCOTICS BECAUSE +OUR STRUGGLE IS FAR FROM OVER+.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS’ WATER CARNIVAL AT REPULSE BAY, MR SALES STRESSED THAT OUR BATTLE AGAINST DRUGS COULD NOT BE WON BY THE ACAN, THE GOVERNMENT, THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND THE URBAN COUNCIL ALONE -+IT MUST BE A JOINT EFFORT IN WHICH ALL OF US WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THIS COMMUNITY SHOULD PLAY OUR PARTS.*
+WITHOUT SUCH PUBLIC SUPPORT, HONG KONG WILL NOT BE ABLE TO WIN THE BATTLE AND EVEN THE SUCCESSES WE HAVE ACHIEVED SO FAR MAY BE ERODED.*
MR SALES SAID THAT IN THE PAST, ATTITUDES OF BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE TOWARDS THE DRUG PROBLEM HAD VARIED BETWEEN HOSTILITY, RESIGNED ACCEPTANCE, OR INDIFFERENCE.
BUT, HE SAID, THESE ATTITUDES HAD PROGRESSIVELY CHANGED FROM THE EARLY 195O’S, WITH THE REALISATION BY ALL CONCERNED THAT DRUG ABUSE IS ENORMOUSLY DANGEROUS, NOT ONLY TO THE INDIVIDUALS CONCERNED, BUT ALSO TO THE SOCIAL FABRIC OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.
+MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE NOW, THEREFORE, INCREASINGLY WILLING TO SUPPORT HONG KONG’S STRUGGLE AGAINST DRUGS, BY PARTICIPATING IN ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGNS, BY SPREADING THE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE TO MORE PEOPLE, AND BY OFFERING MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR REHABILITATION TO TREATED DRUG ADDICTS.
+THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO ALLOCATING MORE RESOURCES TO ANTI-NARCOTICS WORK IN THE AREAS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION, PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY, AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION,* MR SALES SAID.
HE SAID THAT THE RESULTS OF ALL THESE CONCERTED EFFORTS WERE GRATIFYING - FEW DRUGS WERE GETTING INTO HONG KONG AND STREET PRICES WERE KEPT HIGH- MORE ADDICTS WERE TURNING UP FOR TREATMENT-THE NUMBER OF NEW ADDICTS, IN PARTICULAR YOUNG ONES, WAS DROPPING-FEWER MINOR DRUG OFFENCES WERE BEING COMMITTED- THERE HAD BEEN A CONSIDERABLE DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ADDICTS IN PRISONS, AND HONG KONG HAD GAINED GREAT INTERNATIONAL RESPECT FOR ITS EFFORTS IN ALL THESE FIELDS.
+THESE RESULTS HAD NOT COME EASILY OR QUICKLY,* MR SALES POINTED OUT, +BUT REPRESENT THE FRUITS OF YEARS OF HARD AND UNREMITTING WORK BY MANY DEDICATED PEOPLE IN MANY DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES.*
THE WATER CARNIVAL, WHICH MARKED THE START OF ACAN’S PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES, WAS ALSO THE BIGGEST ANT I-NARCOTICS PUBLICITY EVENT TO BE LAUNCHED BY ACAN THIS YEAR.
/ONE HIGHLIGHT
SUNDAY, JULY 6, 1980
2
°NE HIGHL IGHT WAS A MOCK DRUG RAID ON A JUNK BY SECURITY FORCES, INCLUDING THE POLICE, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE ROYAL ^G KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE.
FIREBOAT ALEXANDER GRANTHAM AND A BAND PROVIDED MUSIC.
THE OTHER PROGRAMMES COMPRISED A FREE-FALL PARACHUTE DISPLAY !ATEr|pRAY%?i?ST??T|SN’-C--?- -0L0-MATCH’ W,NDSURF'^ DISPLAY TREASURE HUNT. THE POLICE
SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES, SECRETARY FOR SECURITY- MR AND MANY SENIOR GOVERNMENT ALSO ATTENDED THE CARNIVAL.
CHAIRMAN OF ACAN- MR LEWIS DAVIES, PETER LEE, COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS OFFICIALS AS WELL AS KAIFONG LEADERS
-----0------
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR TECHNICAL INSTITUTE COURSES
* * * ft
THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES RUN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ARE INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) FOR ALL THEIR FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSES IN THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR.
WITH MORE THAN 13 360 PLACES AVAILABLE, THERE ARE ABUNDANT CHANCES FOR STUDY BY YOUTHS SEEKING TECHNICAL EDUCATION BEFORE STARTING A CAREER, AND FOR EMPLOYEES ALREADY IN INDUSTRY WHO WISH TO FURTHER DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIALS WITHOUT FORESAKING THEIR JOBS.
THE FIVE INSTITUTES, MORRISON HILL, KWAI CHUNG, KWUN TONG, HAKING WONG AND LEE WAI LEE, TOGETHER PROVIDE SOME 118 COURSES IN ALMOST ALL AREASOF THE LOCAL INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL AND SERVICES SECTORS.
THE COURSES COVER THE CLOTHING AND TEXTILE INDUSTRIES, COMMERCIAL STUDIES, CONSTRUCTION, DESIGN, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, GENERAL STUDIES, HOTEL-KEEPING AND TOURISM STUDIES, INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY, MARINE AND FABRICATION, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, AND PRINTING.
THEY ARE OFFERED TO THOSE WITH POST-FORM FIVE OR POST-FORM THREE STANDARD AT TECHNICIAN OR CRAFT LEVEL RESPECTIVELY, LEADING TO THE AWARD OF A DIPLOMA OR CERTIFICATE.
TO ACHIEVE GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN ACCREDITATION, A CREDIT-UNIT SYSTEM HAS BEEN ADOPTED FOR TECHNICIAN STUDY PROGRAMMES IN THE MAIN DISCIPLINES.
ELEVEN OF THESE PROGRAMME INCLUDING BUILDING STUDIES, CIVIL ENGINEERING, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SHIP BUILDING AND SHIP REPAIR HAVE ALREADY BEEN APPROVED BY THE TECHNICIAN EDUCATION COUNCIL (TEC) IN BRITAIN, WHILE APPROVAL FOR OTHERS IS BEING SOUGHT.
/TSE APPROVED ..
SUNDAY, JULY 6, 1980
5
THE APPROVED PROGRAMMES CARRY RECOGNITION BY A LARGE NUMBER OF OVERSEAS INSTITUTIONS AND PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT AS MODERN TECHNOLOGY WAS ADVANCING RAPIDLY AND INDUSTRIES WERE HIGHLY DIVERSFIED NOWADAYS, THERE WAS AN URGENT NEED IN HONG KONG FOR MORE PROPERLY TRAINED MANPOWER TO KEEP PACE WITH OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH.
+THE TASK OF THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES IS TO PROVIDE THE RELATED CRAFT AND TECHNICIAN EDUCATION, EITHER ON OR OFF THE JOB, AND TO ENSURE THAT IT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF INDUSTRY AND THE COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT APART FROM ORGANISING FULL-TIME COURSES, THE INSTITUTES WERE GIVING TOP PRIORITY TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSES FOR SERVING TECHNICIANS AND CRAFTSMEN IN VARIOUS TRADES TO UPDATE THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS.
THESE COURSES ARE SPECIALLY TAILORED FOR THOSE APPRENTICES OR TRAINEES, SPONSORED BY THEIR EMPLOYERS, WHO ARE GIVEN TIME OFF UNDER DIFFERENT ARRANGEMENTS TO UNDERTAKE STUDIES OF ONE TO THREE YEARS DURATION RELEVANT TO THEIR JOBS.
ENROLMENT TO PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSES, IN THE FORM OF ONE FULL DAY PLUS TWO OR THREE EVENINGS OF STUDY A WEEK, IS INCREASING YEAR BY YEAR.
TO COMPLEMENT THE APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME, SUCH COURSES NOW COVER ALL THE 37 DESIGNATED TRADES UNDER THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE AND CATER FOR MORE THAN 7 600 APPRENTICES.
WITH THE OPENING OF THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR, NEW COURSES, ON JEWELLERY DESIGN, AIRCRAFT MECHANICS (APPRENTICES), OPTICAL MECHANICS AND FOOTWEAR CRAFT HAVE BEEN SET UP. CHILD CARE IS ANOTHER STREAM OF STUDY TO BE INTRODUCED THIS YEAR.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN PREPARING THEMSELVES FOR A CAREER IN INDUSTRY, APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE COURSES AND A GUIDE TO APPLICANTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
THESE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM JULY 19 FROM CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES, AND PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE APPRENTICESHIP DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AT NEW RODNEY BLOCK, 99 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD REACH THE APPROPRIATE INSTITUTE BY AUGUST 18, 1980. LATE OR INADEQUATELY COMPLETED FORMS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
------0 - - - -
A.....
SUNDAY, JULY 6, 1980
4
RENT OFFICER SCHEME IN TSUEN WAN POPULAR *****
A RENT OFFICER SCHEME, INTRODUCED IN TSUEN WAN SEVEN MONTHS AGO IN RESPONSE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF LANDLORD AND TENANT ENQUIRIES BEING RECEIVED BY LOCAL PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES, IS PROVING POPULAR.
THE SCHEME, WHICH IS BEING OPERATED BY THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT AND TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, HAD DEALT WITH 144 CASES BY THE END OF JUNE.
A RENT OFFICER FROM THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT SPENDS THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT -IN THE MORNING AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGEMENT OFFICE IN HOI PA STREET AND IN THE AFTERNOON, AT THE KWAI CHUNG TOWN MANAGEMENT OFFICE IN KWAI FONG CIRCUIT.
THE ENQUIRIES BEING DEALT WITH COVER SUCH MATTERS AS RENT, TENANCY AGREEMENTS AND DISPUTES, RATES AND RECOVERY OF PREMISES.
SO POPULAR IS THE SCHEME PROVING - THE NUMBER OF REQUESTS FOR INTERVIEWS IS MORE THAN DOUBLE THE NUMBER WHICH CAN BE HANDLED -THAT CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN TO EXTENDING THE SCHEME TO WHOLE DAYS IN BOTH CENTRES.
THERE ARE ALSO PROPOSALS TO EXTEND THE SCHEME TO OTHER PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SCHEME WAS PUBLICISED INITIALLY THROUGH LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS RURAL COMMITTEES AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES. PRIOR TO IT BEING SET UP IN TSUEN WAN, LOCAL LANDLORDS AND TENANTS WISHING TO DISCUSS THEIR PROBLEMS HAD TO GO TO CITY DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE URBAN AREAS.
-----0------
SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME STARTS FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT ******
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS EVELYN DOE, TODAY (SUNDAY) CUT THE RIBBON AT A CEREMONY TO HERALD THE START OF MORE THAN 500 EVENTS OF THE CURRENT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND. i-uk
MRS DOE WAS AMONG THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS OFFICIATING AT THE GRAND OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WAS FOLLOWED BY VARIOUS PROGRAMMES OF ENTERTAINMENT AND COMPETITIVE GAMES AT THE LADY MACLEHOSE CENTRE IN POKFULAM.
TA a 0F Y0UNG people Fp0M THE DISTRICT WERE ENTERTAINED
A,, YAf?,ETY SH0W’ S,NS,Ne AND DANCING PERFORMANCES, STALL GAMES A SWIMMING GALA AND ARCHERY CONTESTS.
/IN HER .....
SUNDAY, JULY 6, 1980
5
IN HER OPENING SPEECH, MRS DOE UNDERLINED THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUTH ACTIVITIES THROUGH WHICH YOUNG PEOPLE COULD BE HELPED TO DEVELOP CONFIDENCE, BUILD UP PHYSIQUE AND BETTER UNDERSTAND THE COMMUNITY.
SHE SAID SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMES WERE GEARED TOWARDS THIS NEED, ENABLING YOUNG PEOPLE TO SPEND THE SUMMER MONTHS IN A MEANINGFUL WAY AND AT THE SAME TIME HELPING THEM TO ACHIEVE A BALANCED PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEVELOPMENT.
SHE SAID THE RESULTS OF SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMES IN THE PREVIOUS YEARS HAD BEEN MOST ENCOURAGING AND SHE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE EFFORTS AND SUPPORT MADE BY THE SPONSORING ORGANISATIONS, VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY GROUPS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
+ IT IS ENCOURAGING THAT MANY OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES AS PART OF THE PROGRAMME HAVE CONTINUED TO HELP IN COMMUNITY BUILDING,* SHE SAID.
------0 —
SAFETY GUIDE FOR PEOPLE WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES
* * * *
A PERM IT-TO-WORK SYSTEM IS ESSENTIAL TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES.
DETAILS OF THE SYSTEM ARE CONTAINED IN A NEW BOOKLET - SAFETY GUIDE TO WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES - RECENTLY PRODUCED BY THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THE GUIDE SETS OUT THE PRACTICAL MEASURES WHICH HAVE TO BE ADOPTED TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES.
IT ALSO DEFINES A CONFINED SPACE, IDENTIFIES HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES AND OUTLINES THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF MANAGEMENT, SUPERVISORS AND WORKMEN IN A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK IN CONFINED SPACES.
THE PERMIT SYSTEM, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED, WAS ESSENTIALLY A DOCUMENT THAT SET OUT THE WORK TO BE DONE AND THE PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN.
IT PREDETERMINED A SAFE DRILL AND WAS A CLEAR RECORD INDICATING THAT ALL FORESEEABLE HAZARDS HAD BEEN CONSIDERED IN ADVANCE AND THAT ALL APPROPRIATE PRECAUTIONS WERE DEFINED AND TAKEN IN THE CORRECT SEQUENCE.
IT DID NOT, IN ITSELF, MAKE THE JOB SAFE, BUT WAS DEPENDENT FOR ITS EFFECTIVENESS ON THE PEOPLE CONCERNED CARRYING IT OUT CONSCIENTIOUSLY.
/-♦-THE
SUNDAY, JULY 6, 1980
6
♦THE PROVISIONS OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL (CONFINED SPACES) REGULATIONS CAN BE COMPLIED WITH BY FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURES SET OUT IN THE GUIDE,♦ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED. ^KULtDURhS
COPIES OF THE GUIDE ARE NOW AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT THE BRANCH OFFICES AND THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE OF THE DEPARTMENT. vcnirtc ur I Mt
-------0 - - - -
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR MARINE AND AGRICULTURAL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ft ft ft ft
CURRENT AND PROSPECTIVE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ARE BEING INVITED TO APPLY FOR THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS SCHOLARSHIP FUND AND THE MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUND.
STUDENTS FROM THE TWO UNIVERSITIES IN HONG KONG, AND ALSO FROM THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OR AN ACCEPTABLE OVERSEAS ACADEMIC OR TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTION ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE COMING 1980-81 ACADEMIC YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID STUDENTS MUST STUDY SUBJECTS RELEVANT TO THE AGRICULTURE PRODUCT MARKETING INDUSTRIES OR MARINE FISHERIES AND FISH MARKETING INDUSTRIES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS AND LOANS SHOULD BE MADE ON APPROPRIATE FORMS OBTAINABLE AT THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, 12TH FLOOR.
THE FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE SECRETARY, AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS SCHOLARSHIP FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE WITH SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS NOT LATER THAN JULY 31.
APPLICANTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW AND PRIORITY FOR GRANTS AND LOANS WILL BE GIVEN TO DEPENDENTS OF FARMERS AND FISHERMEN.
TUITION FEES WILL BE PAID DIRECl TO THE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION CONCERNED AND THE BALANCE OF THE GRANT OR LOAN FOR THE YEAR WILL BE PAID IN TWO INSTALMENTS BY CHEQUE IN SEPTEMBER AND JANUARY.
SUNDAY, JULY 6, 1980
7
SHA TIN SITE FORMATION TENDERS
* * * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR SITE FORMATION, ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN THE SOUTHWESTERN PART OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
THE WORKS FORM PART OF THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
MR S.K. KWEI, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, SAID ABOUT EIGHT HECTARES OF LAND WOULD BE FORMED AT PAK TIN.
OF THESE, 5.5 HECTARES WILL BE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, 0.5 HECTARES FOR OPEN SPACE, 0.8 HECTARES FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USES AND 1.2 HECTARES FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL USES.
MR KWEI SAID THE NEW LAND WOULD ENABLE ACCOMMODATION TO BE PROVIDED FOR SOME 17 920 PEOPLE IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING.
THE CONTRACT, HE ADDED, WOULD ALSO INVOLVE CONSTRUCTING TWO BOX CULVERTS, SURFACE WATER DRAINS AND SEWERS, NEW ROADS AND A BRIDGE OVER SHING MUN RIVER.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN OCTOBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA, CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
0 -------
NEW THREE-YEAR TEACHER TRAINING COURSES ******
THE THREE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION UNDER THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ARE OFFERING NEW THREE-YEAR TEACHER TRAINING COURSES STARTING IN THE 1980-81 ACADEMIC YEAR.
AT THE SAME TIME A NEW TWO-YEAR COURSE IN ENGLISH WILL BE RUN AT THE NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IN SASSOON ROAD, HONG KONG, FOR APPLICANTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED TWO YEARS OF EDUCATION BEYOND THE FORM V LEVEL IN AN ANGLO-CHINESE^ SCHOOL.
THREE-YEAR COURSES IN ENGLISH WILL BE OPERATED IN ALL THREE COLLEGES - NORTHCOTE, GRANTHAM AND SIR ROBERT BLACK - WHILE A CHINESE THREE-YEAR COURSE WILL BE RUN ONLY AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.
APPLICANTS TO THE ENGLISH COURSE SHOULD HAVE COMPLETED THEIR SECONDARY EDUCATION AT AN ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOL, WHILE APPLICANTS TO THE CHINESE COURSE SHOULD HAVE COMPLETED THEIR SECONDARY EDUCATION AT A CHINESE MIDDLE SCHOOL.
/STUDENTS APPLYING .....
SUNDAY, JULY 6, 1980
8
STUDENTS APPLYING FOR THE THREE-YEAR COURSE SHOULD HAVE REACHED 17 YEARS OF AGE BY SEPTEMBER 30, 1980 WHILE THOSE TO THE TWO-YEAR COURSE SHOULD HAVE REACHED 18 YEARS OF AGE ON THE SAME DATE.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE HONG KONG, AND THE DEPARTMENT’S KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE AT 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
9
SCHOOL PRINCIPALS ARE REQUESTED TO OBTAIN THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF APPLICATION FORMS FOR THEIR STUDENTS, AND TO DIRECT ALL KOWLOON1l0NS T° ™E SRANTHAM C0LLESE 0F EDUCATION IN GASCOIGNE ROAD, APPLICANTS WHO HAVE ALREADY LEFT SCHOOL SHOULD PRESENT THE COMPLETED FORMS IN PERSON AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.
BY 1 PML0N°AUGUSTD22°RMS MUST REACH THE GRANTHAM C0LLEGE OF EDUCATION
STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY ANNUM.
TUITION FEES OF $800 PER
-----0------
WAH FU POST OFFICE BUSINESS HOURS EXTENDED ft * * ft *
THE HOURS OF BUSINESS OF THE WAH FU ESTATE POST OFFICE WILL BE EXTENDED FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID THE WAH FU OFFICE WILL BE OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM.
-----0------
WATER CUT ft ft ft
FRESH WATER SUPPLY IN HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON, WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR 10 HOURS FROM 9 PM ON TUESDAY TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR RENEWAL OF A DEFECTIVE SLUICE VALVE.
THE AREAS TO BE AFFECTED WILL BE"PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD BETWEEN PUI CHING ROAD AND WYLIE ROAD- HO MAN TIN HILL ROAD-33-35 WYLIE ROAD- AND PUI CHING ROAD BETWEEN MAN FUK ROAD AND FAT KWONG STREET.
--0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, JULY 7, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
GOVERNOR GOING ON LEAVE .............................................. 1
REPULSE B^Y ROAD BUS-ONLY SCHEME TO CONTINUE THROUGHOUT SUMMER............................................................... 1
DEADLINE FOR GREEN PAPER COMMENTS .................................... 2
CONDEMNATION RATE SHOWS INSPECTION STANDARDS MAINTAINED ............. 3
EMPLOYERS URGED TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT FOR DISABLED.................... 3
CONSULTANTS SUBMIT D^iNCE REPORT...................................... 4
CHANCE TO STUDY AND PLAY IN THE COUNTRYSIDE........................... 5
WARNING ON ANIMAL SOUVENIRS ......................................... 6
FOR EARLY W„TER SUPPLY — REPORT COMPLETION OF PLUMBING WORKS ................................................................ 6
CONCERT FOR TSUEN WAN WORKERS ....................................... 7
310 000 CONTRIBUTION FOR FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CaMPaIGN .............. 8
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN VICTORIA PARK ROaD............................ 9
Water figures
9
MONDAY, JULY 7, 1980
1
GOVERNOR GOING ON LEAVE
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL LEAVE FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM ON SATURDAY (JULY 12) FOR FOUR WEEKS’ VACATION. HE WILL BE RETURNING TO HONG KONG ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 10.
SIR MURRAY WILL TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY OF THE HOLIDAY TO HOLD A NUMBER OF MEETINGS WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE CONCERNED WITH HONG KONG AFFAIRS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
SIR MURRAY, BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE UK, WILL MEET PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ON THURSDAY (JULY 10) AT 3.30 PM IN THE GIS THEATRE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, FIFTH FLOOR.
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND.
TV CREWS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE IN GOOD TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
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REPULSE BAY ROAD BUS-ONLY SCHEME TO CONTINUE THROUGHOUT SUMMER ******
THE REPULSE BAY ROAD BUS-ONLY SCHEME WILL BE CONTINUED ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE WERE SATISFIED THAT THE SCHEME HAD PROVED SUCCESSFUL IN REDUCING BUS JOURNEY TIMES, THUS ENABLING BUSES TO COPE MORE EASILY WITH THE LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE SEEKING PUBLIC TRANSPORT FROM REPULSE BAY TO CENTRAL DURING HOLIDAY AFTERNOONS.
THE ROUND JOURNEY TIME FOR BUSES BETWEEN REPULSE BAY AND CENTRAL WAS ONLY 70 MINUTES COMPARED WITH TWO AND A HALF HOURS BEFORE THE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED, AND PASSENGER WAITING TIME AT REPULSE BAY HAD BEEN CUT FROM AN HOUR TO ABOUT 20 MINUTES.
MOREOVER, THE ONE-WAY SYSTEM, WHICH MADE TWO LANES AVAILABLE FOR DIVERTED TRAFFIC ALONG ISLAND ROAD AND DEEP WATER BAY ROAD, HAD ENABLED OTHER TRAFFIC TO PROCEED SMOOTHLY.
THE SPOKESMAN REMARKED THAT AT 6 PM YESTERDAY (SUNDAY) IT TOOK ONLY 10 MINUTES TO DRIVE ALONG THE DIVERSION ROUTE FROM REPULSE BAY TO THE WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROUNDABOUT.
ONE IMPORTANT CHANGE TO THE SCHEME WILL BE THAT PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL IN FUTURE BE ALLOWED TO USE THE BUS-ONLY ROAD.
/EXPLAINING THIS
MONDAY, JULY 7, 1980
2
EXPLAINING THIS DECISION, THE SPOKESMAN SAIDi +DURING THE EXPERIMENTAL STAGE, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WERE BANNED FROM TRAVELLING UP REPULSE BAY ROAD IN ORDER TO KEEP TO A MINIMUM ANY DELAY CAUSED BY CONFLICTING TRAFFIC MOVEMENT AT THE ISLAND ROAD-REPULSE BAY ROAD JUNCTION AND AT THE WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROUNDABOUT.
♦THE RESULT OF THE TRIAL SCHEME HAD SHOWN THAT THESE JUNCTIONS CAN COPE WITH ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC ALONG REPULSE BAY ROAD.+
+THERE WILL BE NO OTHER CHANGES TO THE SCHEME,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID. +RESIDENTS ON REPULSE BAY ROAD WILL BE FREE TO USE THE BUS LANE WHEN TRAVELLING NORTH FROM THEIR PROPERTY. BUT IF THEY WANT TO GET TO REPULSE BAY ROAD FROM REPULSE BAY ITSELF, THEY WILL HAVE TO GO AROUND THE ISLAND ROAD-NAM FUNG ROAD TRIANGLE.*
THE HOUR OF OPERATION OF THE SCHEME WILL CONTINUE TO BE FROM 2 PM TO 8 PM.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THE SCHEME WOULD ONLY OPERATE ON FINE DAYS WHEN THERE ARE LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE AT REPULSE BAY BEACH. THERE WILL BE RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS AS NECESSARY.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED: +PEOPLE WANTING TO VISIT REPULSE BAY ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS CAN NOW FIND AN EFFICIENT SERVICE ON THE BUSES AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES. THEY SHOULD AVOID USING THEIR CARS WHENEVER POSSIBLE.*
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DEADLINE FOR GREEN PAPER COMMENTS * * # #
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT COMMENTS AND VIEWS ON THE GREEN PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH.
+FURTHER COMMENTS FROM THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR VIEWS ARE ALSO WELCOME,* A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SUBMISSIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO:
THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES,
SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH,
GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT,
LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE GREEN PAPER SETS OUT IN SOME DETAIL THE REASONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S THINKING ON IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SERVICES OFFERED IN THE FIELDS OF CHILD CARE, KINDERGARTEN AND PRIMARY EDUCATION.
/COPIES OF
MONDAY, JULY 7, 1980
3
COPIES OF THE GREEN PAPER COLLECTED FROM THE GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND DISTRICT OFFICES I
IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH CAN BE PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, CITY DISTRICT N THE NEW TERRITORIES.
AS THE GREEN PAPER IS A FAIRLY LENGTHY DOCUMENT, A SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSALS HAS BEEN PREPARED AND COPIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AT THESE LOCATIONS.
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CONDEMNATION RATE SHOWS INSPECTION STANDARDS MAINTAINED ******
THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT 223 779 PIGS AND 15 686 CATTLE WERE SLAUGHTERED AT THE TWO ABATTOIRS LAST (JUNE) MONTH.
A TOTAL OF 1 089 PIGS AND 42 CATTLE (WHICH REPRESENT 0.517 PER CENT AND 0.27 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OF THE TOTAL SLAUGHTERED) WERE CONDEMNED AS BEING UNFIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
THE COMPARATIVE FIGURES FOR JUNE 1979 WERE 241 379 PIGS SLAUGHTERED WITH 1 225 (0.508 PER CENT) BEING CONDEMNED AND 16 297 CATTLE SLAUGHTERED WITH 34 (0.209 PER CENT) BEING CONDEMNED.
THE AVERAGE RATE OF CONDEMNATION OF PIGS CONSIDERED UNFIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION DURING 1979 WAS 0.479 PER CENT AND FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY TO MAY 1980 IT WAS 0.507 PER CENT.
♦THESE FIGURES BEAR OUT THE RECENT ANNOUNCEMENTS THAT AT NO TIME HAS THE STANDARD OF INSPECTION OF MEAT SUPPLIED TO THE PUBLIC BEEN ALLOWED TO DROP,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
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EMPLOYERS URGED TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT FOR DISABLED ******
LOCAL EMPLOYERS WERE URGED TODAY (MONDAY) TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF THE GOVERNMENT BY PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT FOR THE DISABLED AND MAKING USE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S NEW SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERV ICE.
THE PLEA WAS MADE BY AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DR HO KAM-FAI, AT THE OPENING OF THE SERVICE AT NEW RODNEY BLOCK, WAN CHAI.
HE SAID THE NUMBER OF DISABLED EMPLOYEES IN THE CIVIL SERVICE HAD GROWN FROM 135 TO 683 OVER THE PAST 13 YEARS. THE MAJORITY WERE NOW EMPLOYED IN A VARIETY OF JOBS.
DR HO STRESSED THAT A DISABLED PERSON, GIVEN THE RIGHT JOB, COULD DO IT JUST AS WELL AS AN ABLE-BODIED WORKER.
/GIVEN THE ....
MONDAY, JULY 7, 1980
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GIVEN THE RIGHT TRAINING, EDUCATION AND SOMETIMES WITH THE HELP OF TECHNICAL AIDS, HE WAS ALSO CAPABLE OF PERFORMING A WIDE RANGE OF JOBS, INCLUDING EXECUTIVE AND MANAGERIAL POSITIONS.
♦THE AIM OF THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE, AS I HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO UNDERSTAND, IS TO PLACE THE RIGHT PERSON IN THE RIGHT JOB RATHER THAN JUST TO PLACE A NUMBER OF PERSONS IN SOME KIND OF JOB,+ HE NOTED.
DR HO POINTED OUT THAT BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS WERE ASSISTING THE DISABLED IN FINDING GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SERVICE WAS TO STRENGTHEN THE LINK BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE ORGANISATIONS IN ASSISTING THE DISABLED FIND GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT.
ANOTHER OBJECTIVE WAS TO IMPROVE THE PRESENT PLACEMENT SERVICES SO THAT MANY MORE DISABLED PEOPLE COULD BE HELPED TO SECURE JOBS IN THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS, HE ADDED.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR J.N. HENDERSON SAID IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS THE GOVERNMENT, IN ORDER TO CO-ORDINATE THE EFFORTS BY VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS, HAD ADOPTED A POLICY OF ESTABLISHING A CENTRALISED PLACEMENT SERVICE.
+TODAY WE SEE THIS POLICY BEING IMPLEMENTED BY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE WITHIN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT,+ HE NOTED.
MR HENDERSON SAID THAT TO ALLOW THE NEW SERVICE TO GAIN CREDIBILITY AMONG THE DISABLED AND EMPLOYERS GRADUALLY, IT WOULD AT PRESENT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ONLY THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED.
THE EXPERIENCE GAINED WOULD BE USED AS A BASIS FOR PLANNING THE EXPANSION OF THE SERVICE TO INCLUDE OTHER TYPES OF DISABILITIES LATER.
HE ADDED THAT VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAD PROVIDED A MOST VALUABLE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE TO THOUSANDS OF DISABLED PEOPLE DURING THE PAST, AND NO DOUBT WOULD CONTINUE TO DO SO IN THE FUTURE.
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CONSULTANTS SUBMIT DANCE REPORT
* * * X
THE CONSULTANTS WHO CARRIED OUT A STUDY ON DANCE ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG HAVE SUBMITTED THEIR REPORT TO THE GOVERNMENT.
THE CONSULTANTS WERE MR PETER BRINSON (DIRECTOR OF CALOUSTE GULBENKIAN FOUNDATION) AND MISS JEAN WALLIS (ARAD, FISTD).
THEY WERE COMMISSIONED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS TO STUDY DANCE ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG. THE STUDY WAS FINANCED BY THE JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND. THE BRITISH COUNCIL ASSISTED BY ARRANGING THE VISIT.
/THEY VISITED .....
MONDAY, JULY 7, 1980
5
THEY VISITED HONG KONG AT THE END OF JANUARY AND THE BEGINNING OF FEBRUARY THIS YEAR TO ADVISE ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF ALL FORMS OF DANCE, BOTH WESTERN AND CHINESE, IN HONG KONG.
DURING THEIR VISIT, MR BRINSON AND MISS WALLIS EXAMINED EXISTING DANCE ACTIVITES IN HONG KONG IN CONSULTATION WITH THE VARIOUS INTERESTED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND DANCE ORGANISATIONS, AND BASED ON THE RESULT OF THIS STUDY HAVE FORMULATED RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO HOW THIS ART MIGHT BE BEST FURTHER DEVELOPED IN HONG KONG.
THE RESULTS OF THIS STUDY AND CONSEQUENT RECOMMENDATIONS ARE CONTAINED IN THE REPORT THEY HAVE PREPARED.
THE MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS RELATE TO THE NEED, IDENTIFIED IN THE REPORT, FOR BETTER CO-ORDINATION OF EXISTING DANCE ACTIVITIES TO ENSURE THAT AVAILABLE RESOURCES ARE FULLY EXPLOITED.
TO THIS END, THE REPORT HAS RECOMMENDED THE APPOINTMENT OF A DANCE CONSULTANT TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE, THE ESTABLISHMENT CF A DANCE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON WHICH ALL INTERESTED PARTIES WOULD BE REPRESENTED TO IMPROVE CO-ORDINATION, AND THE APPOINTMENT OF A DANCE ADMINSTRATOR TO PROVIDE EXECUTIVE SUPPORT FOR THE DANCE ADVISORY COUNCIL.
THIS REPORT HAS NOW BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, AND IS BEING CIRCULATED TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES FOR COMMENTS.
ON THE BASIS OF THESE COMMENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS WILL CONSIDER HOW BEST TO IMPLEMENT THE VARIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE REPORT.
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CHANCE TO STUDY AND PLAY IN THE COUNTRYSIDE ******
RESIDENTIAL ECOLOGY AND GEOGRAPHY COURSES FOR FORM AND MIDDLE SIX STUDENTS WILL BE HELD DURING TERM TIME IN THE 1980-81 ACADEMIC YEAR AT THE FIELD STUDIES CENTRE IN SAI KUNG.
THE ACADEMIC CONTENT OF THE COURSES WILL BE BASED ON THE HIGHER AND ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATIONS SYLLABUSES.
EACH COURSE WILL ALSO INCLUDE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES SO THAT AN OPPORTUNITY WILL BE PROVIDED FOR BOTH STUDY AND ENJOYMENT IN A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.
THE COURSES ARE ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH.
COURSES WILL START ON A TUESDAY AND END ON FRIDAY OF THE SAME WEEK. THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PLACES ON EACH COURSE WILL BE 40.
STUDENTS WILL ENGAGE IN FIELD WORK, LABORATORY WORK AND DISCUSSIONS, AND ATTEND TALKS ON COUNTRYSIDE EDUCATION.
NO TUITION FEES WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE COURSE, BUT ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AT $60 PER STUDENT PER COURSE.
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MONDAY, JULY 7, 1980
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WARNING ON ANIMAL SOUVENIRS * * * *
RESIDENTS RETURNING TO HONG KONG FROM CHINA AND OTHER COUNTRIES ARE REMINDED NOT TO BRING BACK SOUVENIRS OF LIVE OR PRESERVED ANIMAL SPECIMENS LISTED UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE.
THE WARNING WAS ISSUED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WHICH NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN MANY CASES RECENTLY WHERE RETURNING RESIDENTS HAD BROUGHT BACK WITH THEM SKINSNAND LIVE PANGOLINS0 SEA TURTLES’ CR0C0DILES/ TIGER AND LEOPARD
ALL OF THESE ANIMALS AND SOME RARE PLANTS SUCH AS WILD ORCHIDS, CACTUS AND WILD AMERICAN GINSENG ARE PROTECTED BY LAW.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID IT TO IMPORT OR BE IN POSSESSION OF ENDANGERED LICENCE ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
WAS ILLEGAL FOR ANYONE SPECIES WITHOUT A
HE ADDED THAT DURING THE PAST SIX MONTHS THERE HAD BEEN ABOUT 110 CASES OF THIS TYPE, MOST OF WHICH INVOLVED STUFFED SEA TURTLES BROUGHT IN FROM INDONESIA, THE PHILIPPINES, TAIWAN AND OTHER SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES.
+ANY OF THESE ARTICLES BROUGHT IN WITHOUT A LICENCE IS SEIZED BY ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE, AND THE OFFENDERS PROSECUTED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR A FIRST OFFENCE UNDER THE ORDINANCE IS S5 000.
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FOR EARLY WATER SUPPLY — REPORT COMPLETION OF PLUMBING WORKS X * * *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC APPLYING FOR A NEW WATER SUPPLY ARE REMINDED THAT THE COMPLETION OF PLUMBING WORKS SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO AVOID UNNECESSARY DELAY IN THEIR APPLICATIONS.
THE CHIEF ENGINEER (CONSUMER SERVICES) OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, MR TANG KWOK-YUE, TODAY (MONDAY) SAID A REPORT SHOULD BE MADE BY THE LICENSED PLUMBERS EMPLOYED TO CARRY OUT THE PIPE WORKS AND FITTINGS.
+A NEW WATER SUPPLY CAN ONLY BE GIVEN AFTER COMPLETED PLUMBING WORKS HAVE BEEN INSPECTED AND APPROVED BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
+THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HAS NOW AND THEN RECEIVED COMPLAINTS OF DELAY IN GETTING A NEW WATER SUPPLY FROM APPLICANTS WHO HAVE PAID THE FEES FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A METER AND A WATER DEPOS IT.
/+THE .....
MONDAY, JULY 7, 1980
7
♦THE REASON FOR THE DELAY IN THE MAJORITY OF THE CASES IS EECAUSE OF THE LICENSED PLUMBER’S FAILURE TO COMPLETE PLUMBING WORKS ON TIME OR TO REPORT THE COMPLETION OF WORKS TO THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT,+ HE SAID.
MR TANG URGED APPLICANTS OF A NEW WATER SUPPLY TO CONTACT THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S CONSUMER SERVICES REGISTRIES IF THEY HAD ANY QUERIES ABOUT THEIR APPLICATIONS.
THEY ARE REQUESTED TO QUOTE THEIR APPLICATION REFERENCE NUMBERS TO FACILITATE INVESTIGATION.
THE CONSUMER SERVICES REGISTRIES ARE AT THE HONG KONG ISLAND DEPOT IN BULLOCK LANE, WAN CHAI, AND THE MAINLAND DEPOT IN ARGYLE STREET, MONG KOK. THEIR TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE 5-726311 AND 3-948261 RESPECTIVELY.
MR TANG SAID THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HAD INSTALLED A RECORD NUMBER OF 76 269 NEW METERED WATER SUPPLIES DURING THE 12-MONTH PERIOD ENDING MAY 31 THIS YEAR.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT NOW HAS ALMOST 950 000 REGISTERED CONSUMERS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
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CONCERT FOR TSUEN WAN WORKERS * * * *
A CONCERT WILL BE HELD IN TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ON FRIDAY (JULY 25) AT WHICH SEVEN RECENTLY SELECTED +MODEL WORKERS* WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES.
ENTITLED THE TSUEN WAN MODEL WORKERS’ NIGHT, THE CONCERT IS BEING JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.
THE MODEL WORKERS, FOUR OF WHOM ARE WOMEN, WILL EACH BE PRESENTED WITH A TROPHY AND A CHEQUE FOR $2 000. THE DISTRICT OFFICER TSUEN WAN, MR LUI HAU-TUEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRESENTATION.
THE WORKERS ARE WINNERS OF THE FIRST +MODEL WORKER AWARD SCHEME* LAUNCHED BY THE INDUSTRIAL SUB-COMMITTEE OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR. THE SCHEME AIMS AT PROMOTING JOB ENTHUSIASM AND A HAPPY WORKING ENVIRONMENT AMONG WORKERS.
A SLOGAN COMPETITION WAS ALSO ORGANISED AS PART OF THE SCHEME. THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE $5 □□□ AND A TROPHY AT THE CONCERT.
THE CONCERT, STARTING AT 8 PM, WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON THE CHINESE CHANNEL OF RADIO HONG KONG.
/POPULAR LOCAL ..
MONDAY, JULI 7, 198O
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POPULAR LOCAL SINGERS, AGNES CHAN, DAVID AU AND DANNY CHAN, WILL SING CHINESE AND ENGLISH SONGS TO ENTERTAIN THE 1 500 WORKERS WHO ARE BEING INVITED.
THE AUDIENCE WILL ALSO BE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN QUIZ GAMES CONDUCTED BY TWO WELL-KNOWN DISC-JOCKEYS, MISS TANG OI-LUM AND MR ERIC NG.
TICKETS WHICH ARE FREE WILL BE SENT TO FACTORIES SHORTLY FOR DISTRIBUTION AMONG WORKERS.
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$10 000 CONTRIBUTION FOR FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN *****
THE PROMOTION OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WAS TODAY (MONDAY) GIVEN A FINANCIAL BOOST - A $10 000 CONTRIBUTION MADE BY A KWUN TONG COMMUNITY LEADER, MR YEUNG CHUN-KAM.
MR YEUNG, HONORARY PRESIDENT OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT YOUTH RECREATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE, THIS MORNING PRESENTED A CHEQUE mr kMnnSTAlAoiWELFARE DEPARTMENT*S EAST KOWLOON REGIONAL OFFICER,
NR KHOO TAI-PIN.
THE MONEY WILL HELP FINANCE A EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN BEING DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
COMMUNITY-WIDE FAMILY LIFE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE
THIS YEAR, WITH ITS THEME ON +MARITAL RELATIONSHIP.* THE CAMPAIGN A|MS AT EDUCATING YOUNG PEOPLE AND MARRIED COUPLES ON ^RARAJ,0N F0R MARRIAGE, marital adjustment and enrichment in NAnn I AGE •
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MONDAY, JULY 7, 1980
9
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN VICTORIA PARK ROAD ******
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN VICTORIA PARK ROAD FROM 1.30 AM TO 6 AM ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY FOR ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, THE FLYOVER ADJACENT TO VICTORIA PARK LINKING VICTORIA PARK ROAD EASTBOUND AND GLOUCESTER ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC.
VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE GROUND LEVEL ROUTES ALONG VICTORIA PARK ROAD EASTBOUND VIA WING HING STREET, ELECTRIC ROAD, HING FAT STREET, TSING FUNG STREET, VICTORIA PARK ROAD AND GLOUCESTER ROAD.
MOTORISTS CAN ALSO USE THE CANAL ROAD EAST FLYOVER AS AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
WATER FIGURES * * *
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE OF HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 56.9 PER CENT OR 328.828 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
ON THE SAME DATE LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 383.310 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 66.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
IN THE 24 HOURS BEFORE 9 AM THE TOTAL YIELD TO HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS WAS 0.139 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, JULY 8, 1980
CONTENTS PuiGE NO.
12 MORE PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS TO BE ESTABLISHED.......... 1
SEVEN QUESTIONS AT LEGCO TOMORROW ....................... 2
CRIME PREVENTION CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE MONG KOK COMMUNITY...2
2 587 FIRE JLiZaRD ABATEMENT NOTICES ISSUED ............. 3
WORK ON RETAINING </ALL AT SHA TIN VILLAGE TO BEGIN SHORTLY ................................................. 4
FIRST KWUN TONG CHILDREN SINGING CONTEST ................ 4
CONTRACT FOR SHEUNG WaN FIRE STATION .................... 5
YUEN LONG BIRTHS, MARRIAGE REGISTRY ..................... 5
CLE..R WATER BAY ROAD TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS .............. 6
WATER CUT
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TUESDAY, JULY 8, 1980
1
12 MORE PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS TO BE ESTABLISHED *****
TWELVE MORE PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WILL BE ESTABLISHED FROM 1982 IN VIEW OF THE POPULARITY OF PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION, THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR BASIL BOARD, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE COTTON SPINNERS ASSOCIATION PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL IN THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.
THE 12 SCHOOLS, TO BE BUILT MAINLY IN THE NEW TOWNS, WILL COST AN ESTIMATED $180 MILLION AT TODAY’S PRICES. ALL WILL HAVE MODERN PREMISES SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR PREVOCATIONAL TEACHING.
MORE NEW SPECIAL SUBJECTS INCLUDING MARINE ENGINEERING, LIGHT ENGINEERING, MOULD MAKING AND HORTICULTURE WILL BE INTRODUCED IN LINE WITH THE GROWTH OF DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRY.
MR BOARD ALSO SAID A PROPORTION OF SENIOR SECONDARY FORMS WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS AS FROM SEPTEMBER 1981.
♦THIS WOULD ENABLE THE MORE CAPABLE PUPILS TO CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION IN THEIR OWN OR OTHER PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, AT LEAST UP TO THE CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION LEVEL- THEY MAY LATER PROCEED DIRECTLY TO TECHNICIAN PROGRAMMES IN THE POLYTECHNIC CR THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES,♦ HE SAID.
ALL PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN THE JUNIOR SECONDARY ASSESSMENT SYSTEM TO BE INTRODUCED IN JANUARY 1981 FOR ALLOCATION OF SUBSIDISED FORM IV PLACES.
WITH THE EXTENSION TO SENIOR SECONDARY FORMS, A NEW SUBJECT ♦ENGINEERING SCIENCE* WILL BE INTRODUCED IN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS AND EXAMINABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE CF EDUCATION EXAMINATION IN MAY 1983.
♦THE CONTENT-SYLLABUS OF THIS SUBJECT WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY NEXT FEBRUARY,♦ MR BOARD SAID.
ANOTHER MAJOR STEP, HE ADDED, WOULD BE THE INTRODUCTION OF GRADUATE TEACHERS IN SEPTEMBER TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF TEACHING.
TURNING TO GRADUATES, MR BOARD SAID THAT FOR THOSE NOT WISHING TO JOIN INDUSTRY AT THIS STAGE, THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OFFERED AN EXTRA AVENUE.
♦THREE CLASSES OF ONE-YEAR FULL-TIME PRE-TECHNICAL COURSES SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR PREVOCATIONAL GRADUATES WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE INSTITUTES IN SEPTEMBER 1980. IN ADDITION, THERE ARE OTHER ONE-YEAR FULL-TIME CRAFT COURSES WHICH YOU MAY FIND OF INTEREST,♦ HE SAID.
TO THOSE LOOKING FOR EITHER LONG-TERM OR TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT, MR BOARD SOUNDED A NOTE OF WARNING THAT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS MUST BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY AS SOME JOBS COULD BE DANGEROUS.
THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR ALSO SPOKE ON THE VITAL ROLE PLAYED BY SCHOOL MANAGERS AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES IN FORMULATING POLICIES FOR EACH SCHOOL AND HE WELCOMED THE RECENT ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS COUNCIL.
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TUESDAY, JULY 8, 1980 - 2 -
SEVEN QUESTIONS AT LEGCO TOMORROW * * * * *
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL RAISE SEVEN QUESTIONS ON VARIOUS MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI WILL ASK THE GOVERNMENT TO STATE THE NUMBER OF UNITS OF PUBLIC HOUSING WHICH IT HAS DETECTED ARE BEING RETAINED BY ABSENTEE TENANTS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS AND THE ftASURES TAKEN AGAINST SUCH TENANTS.
THE HON CHARLES YEUNG WILL ASK FOR A GOVERNMENT STATEMENT ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CONTROL OF ILLEGAL ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS, PARTICULARLY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
SIX BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THEY ARE THE CORONERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980, THE PHARMACY AND POISONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980, THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION BILL 1980, THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT)BILL 1980, THE SUPREME COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980 AND THE WILD ANIMALS PROTECTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980.
DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF 15 OTHER BILLS WILL RESUME. B‘£XU^J?E/^TAIE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980, THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO 2) BILL 1980, THE MONETARY STATISTICS BILL 1980, THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980, THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980, THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980, THE ELECTRICITY NETWORKS (STATUTORY EASEMENTS) BILL 1980, THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980, THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL BILL 1980, THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS BILL 1980, THE APPRENTICESHIP (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980, THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980, THE THEFT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980, THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980 AND THE EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980.
6REEN PAPER 0N PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES WILL RESUME -------------
AT TOMORROW’S SESSION
-----o------
CRIME PREVENTION CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE MONG KOK COMMUNITY *****
A TWO-WEEK-LONG
_ ____ CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF
BEING A HELPFUL NEIGHBOUR AND CALLING FOR GREATER COMMUNITY
RS MON?RHEVENT,NG CR,M£‘ 15 T° START IN M<>NgToK Ai THE
w „?R£AI!I,SED BY THE M0Ne *0K DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE THE CAMPAIGN FORMS THE MAIN THRUST OF THIS YEAR’S PROMOTIONAL* ACT I VITES AIMED AT FURTHER IMPROVING THE SITUATION IN THE DISTRICT.
AWO MEMBERS ......
TUESDAY, JULY 8, 1980
3
TWO MEMBERS OF THE MAIN FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR LEWIS DAV]ES. SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, AND MR CHAN PAK-KEUNG, TODAY (.vtwA.J vEAnNEv vc I nt uijTmCI S Aillv A(»17 rnurUQCU UArtKAIGN ACTIVITIES, WHEN THEY VISITED THE LOCAL COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WITH MEMBERS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE MEASURES th pr TAKEN TO CONTAIN THE CRIME PROBLEMS.
THEIR VISIT WAS AMONG A SERIES BY MEMBERS OF THE MAIN FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE TO VARIOUS DISTRICTS.
AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE DISTRICT COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS REGINA LAU AND ATTENDED BY THE DIVISIONAL SUPERINTENDENT (MONG KOK), MR G. R. LLOYD, THE VISITORS WERE TOLD THAT THE CAMPAIGN WAS INTENDED TO CONCENTRATE EFFORTS IN EDUCATING THE PUBLIC TO CO-OPERATE CLOSELY WITH THE POLICE BY REPORTING ANY CRIME THAT CAME TO THEIR NOTICE.
THROUGH ADVICF AND MOTIVATION, THE COMMUNI’* V'«y’_D /LSO BE ENCOURAGED TO 3E MORE SECURITY CONSCIOUS, THUS HctHNG DETER CRIME AT A GRASS-ROOT LEVEL.
-------0 ---------
2 587 FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES ISSUED * * * * * *
A TOTAL OF 2 587 FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES WERE ISSUED DURING THE FIRST QUARTER THIS YEAR AS A RESULT OF 68 766 INSPECTIONS TO ALL TYPES OF PREMISES AND DANGEROUS GOODS VEHICLES BY THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU OF THE FIRE SERVICES.
PROSECUTIONS TOTALLED 862 WITH FINES IMPOSED AMOUNTING TO MORE THAN $284 OOO.
IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THE BUREAU CARRIED OUT 63 251 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 1 856 FIRE HAZARD AoATEMENT NOTICES. IK ADDITION, 1 006 PROSECUTIONS WERE UNDERTAKEN RESULTING IN FINES AMOUNTING TO MORE THAN $343 000.
IN THE WHOLE OF 1979 THE BUREAU CARRIED OUT 289 283 INSPECTIONS RESULTING IN THE ISSUE OF 10 316 FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES. SOME 3 622 PROSECUTIONS WERE TAKEN OUT RESULTING IN FINES AMOUNTING TO MORE THAN $1.1 MILLION BEING IMPOSED.
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TUESDAY, JULY 8, 1980
WORK ON RETAINING WALL AT SHA TIN VILLAGE TO BEGIN SHORTLY ******
WORK ON BUILDING A RETAINING WALL TO PREVENT MUDSLIPS AT TAI LAM LIU VILLAGE NEAR SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE IS TO BEGIN SHORTLY.
THE VILLAGE IS ON A HILLSIDE WHERE MINOR MUDSLIPS HAVE OCCURRED IN THE PAST AFTER HEAVY DOWNPOURS.
VILLAGERS BUILT A RETAINING WALL ON THE SLOPE SOME YEARS AGO WHICH COLLAPSED AS A RESULT OF EROSION. IT WAS SUBSEQUENTLY REBUILT, BUT HAS NOT PROVED SATISFACTORY.
VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES REPORTED THE SITUATION TO THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND, AT A RECENT MEETING, SHA TIN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD’S LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE AGREED TO ALLOCATE MONEY TO BUILD A PROPER RETAINING WALL WITH CEMENT CONCRETE.
TENDERS WILL BE INVITED SOON AND WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR.
AT THE SAME MEETING, THE SUB-COMMITTEE ALSO DECIDED TO BUILD A FOOTPATH AND DRAINAGE CHANNEL IN THE VILLAGE.
OTHER PROJECTS AGREED BY THE SUB-COMMITTEE FOR THIS YEAR INCLUDE REPAIRS TO FOOTPATHS AT FA SAM HANG, SHEUNG KENG HAU AND WU KAI SHA, AND CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE AT FA SAM HANG AND A RAINSHELTER AT WONG NAI TAU.
THESE PROJECTS ARE BEING DESIGNED AND WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE WORKS OFFICE OF SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE.
FIRST KWUN TONG CHILDREN SINGING CONTEST * * * *
THE FIRST KWUN TONG CHILDREN SINGING CONTEST, ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE, KWUN TONG CHILDREN’S CHORUS AND KWUN TONG DISTRICT YOUTH RECREATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY (JULY 12) AT 2 PM IN THE KEI CHI MIDDLE SCHOOL HALL.
THE CONTEST IS TO PROMOTE CHILDREN’S TO DISCOVER TALENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
INTEREST IN SINGING AND
IT IS OPEN TO ALL CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN SEVEN AND 12, LIVING OR STUDYING IN THE AREA.
THE CONTEST INCLUDES VOCAL SOLO AND ENSEMBLE SECTION.
WINNERS WILL PERFORM AT THE OPENING SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME THE FOLLOWING DAY PLAYGROUND, KWUN TONG.
CEREMONY OF THE KWUN TONG AT THE TSUI PING ROAD
ADMISSION TO THE CHILDREN’S SINGING CONTEST IS FREE.
FOR THE KWUN TONG SUMMER YOUTH OPENING CEREMONY, FREE ADMISSION TICKETS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE, KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICES BUILDING, THIRD FLOOR.
J
TUESDAY, JULY 8, 1980
5
CONTRACT FOR SHEUNG WAN FIRE STATION ft****
A *6,7 m,li-ION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW
BY THE pjBLliR5«JsTiEPARTHESf?NS “S AWARD“ T0DA¥ <TUESM¥>
IHCHJlECT'oFTTHE^PWDSsSARCH^TECYUIlA^OrFUCE^ AHD^A^REPRESEHTATIVE CF TECHOY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY. tA I Ivt
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PWD SAID THE STATION WOULD OCCUPY A ann SQUARE METRE SITE OH THE RECLAMATION HEAR THE MACAU FERRY PIER. muo H?"11 "ILL BEelH "EXT WEEK ‘*B WILL TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO vv»irLt । t •
AND
WITU J^!E7»I0REY STAT,0N WOULD BE OF STANDARD DESIGN
?eeAfT*,ANCES AND ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR DUTY BARRACK ACCOMMODATION FOR ESSENTIAL
tn °TnbroTAFF’ D,N,NG AND RECREATIONAL AREAS, A DRILL YARD AND A JJn ILL lUWcK.
rur t,LIW97STOREY FIRE COMMAND HEADQUARTERS WILL ALSO BE BUILT
ShI^MUIhS'J! 0^1“ *CCOHMODATIOH AHD QUARTERS FOR THE
ON
- - 0 - -
YUEN LONG BIRTHS, MARRIAGE REGISTRY *****
THE YUEN LONG BIRTHS REGISTRY AT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) WILL JOIN THE MARRIAGE REGISTRY AT THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL, FIRST FLOOR, TAI YUK ROAD TO FORM THE YUEN LONG BIRTHS AND MARRIAGE REGISTRY.
THE COMBINED REGISTRY WILL DEAL WITH ALL MARRIAGE AND BIRTH REGISTRATION.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN TELEPHONE 12-77*537 TO MAKE ENQUIRIES.
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/6
TUESDAY, JULY 8, 1980
6
CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
X * * *
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 11) TO IMPROVE LOCAL TRAFFIC CIRCULATION.
UNDER THESE ARRANGEMENTS, WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON NEW BAY ROAD WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING RIGHT INTO OLD WATER BAY ROAD, AND THE JUNCTION OF OLD/NEW CLEAR WATER WILL BE CONVERTED INTO A BOX JUNCTION.
CLEAR WATER
CLEAR BAY ROAD
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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WATER CUT
XXX
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KOWLOON TONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SIX HOURS FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON THURSDAY (JULY 10) FOR PRESSURE VALVE REPAIRS.
AREAS TO BE AFFECTED ARE BEACON HILL ROAD, EASTBOURNE ROAD, RHONDDA ROAD, ALNWICK ROAD, WARWICK ROAD, EDE ROAD, BROADCAST DRIVE, FESSENDEN ROAD, MARCONI ROAD AND THE JUNCTION ROAD RE-SITE AREA.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO
GOVT PAY SCALES RESTRUCTURED...,.;.......................... 1
COMMISSION OF INQUIRY -APPOINTED ......................... 3
IMPORT LICENSING SYSTEM'FOR.ALL TEXTILES ................... 5
COMMITTEE FORMED TO CO-ORDINATE PRE-SCHOOL SERVICES ........ 6
FEBRUARY 1980 DATE' FOR' BILL- TO. STOP TAX AVOIDANCE ...... 8
PARA-MEDICAL BILL PASSED-WITH.AMENDMENTS........ . . . . ... 9
LEGISLATION ON BUILDING TRANSMISSION LINES APPROVED ....... 12
COMPENSATION FOR INJURIES.OR DEATH TO INCREASE............. 16
MEMBERS SUPPORT WATER POLLUTION CONTROL BILL .............. 18
EXTRA STaFF NEEDED TO DE«L WITH ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS ... 22
INQUEST INTO ALL WHO DIE IN CUSTODY...................... 2?
BILL TO TIGHTEN CONTROL OVER IMPORT-EXPORT OF PHARMACEUTICS PRODUCTS.............................. 24
exchange fund borrowing limit raised ..,.................. 25
MILLICW SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION APPROVED ............. 26
INDUSTRIjlLISTS urged to step UP training efforts ......... 26
TAXI REGISTRATION TIME EXTENDED ........................... 27
1143 C/lSES OF TENANTS NOT MAKING PROPER USE OF HD FLaTS .. 28
+FAILURE TO DISCLOSE+ TRAFFIC BILL PASSED ................. 28
FAKE DRUGS BILL PASSED..................................... 29
/PNEUMOCONIOSIS .
r
PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION SCHEhiE ........................ 30
TRAFFIC LIGHT ARRANGEMENT PROVIDES ADEQUATE CONTROL ........ J1
LEISURE FACILITIES FOR NT TOWNS IN THE FOREFRONT ........... 31
HUNTING RESTRICTION ........................................ 32
REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS IN NT ............................. 33
ENQUIRY INTO RADIO-OPERATED TOYS ........................... 33
“ : t • i f : ■ ....
INTENSIVE. CEMETERY. OLEAN?UP. AFTER FESTIVALS ...........• 34
BILLS. PASSED. .................................... 34
LONDON TO SEE. HK. JN MINIATURE ............................ 35
NEW.HK MAXICAB ROUTE ..................................... 36
SHORT-TERM TENANCY TENDERS ................................. 36
FRIDAY MUSIC HOUR....................................... . 37
FLEMING ROAD AND COTTON TREE DRIVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS .. 3?
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
1
GOVT PAY SCALES RESTRUCTURED * * * * M
THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPROVED PROPOSALS FOR A RESTRUCTURING OF THE UPPER ENDS OF THE MASTER AND DISCIPLINED SERVICES (OFFICER) PAY SCALES, AND THE DIRECTORATE PAY SCALE.
ANNOUNCING THE DETAILS TODAY (WEDNESDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE MOVE WAS NECESSARY TO CORRECT AN EROSION OVER ™ s™s betwee" senior civil servants 4nd
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO APPROVED PROPOSALS RELATING TO THE PAY STRUCTURE OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION.
THE CHANGES, EXCEPT FOR THOSE TO THE DIRECTORATE PAY SCALE, WERE RECOMMENDED BY THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.
TO AVOID MOVING TOO CLOSE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE DIRECTORATE SCALE, THE STANDING COMMISSION RECOMMENDED IN OCTOBER 1979 AN INTERIM INCREASE OF ONLY 3.7 PER CENT FOR THE TOP OF THE MASTER PAY SCALE.
AT THE SAME TIME, IT STATED THAT IT WISHED TO TAKE A FURTHER LOOK AT THE UPPER END OF THE SCALE WHEN THE REVISED DIRECTORATE PAY LEVELS WERE KNOWN.
IT HAS SINCE FOUND THAT THE EXISTING LEVELS OF PAY FOR SENIOR PROFESSIONALS AND RELATED GRADES ARE INADEQUATE, AND THAT THIS HAS RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF EXPERIENCED CIVIL SERVANTS AND HAS PLACED A STRAIN ON MANAGEMENT IN ITS EFFORTS TO PROVIDE AN EFFICIENT PUBLIC SERVICE.
THE STANDING COMMISSION HAS CONCLUDED THAT IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE FROM BEING SERIOUSLY WEAKENED, ACTION IS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT LEVELS OF RESPONSIBILITY ARE ADEQUATELY REFLECTED IN PAY.
THE PRINCIPAL REASON FOR THE COMPRESSION OF PAY DIFFERENTIALS IS THAT ALL ADJUSTMENTS TO PAY SCALES SINCE 1971 HAVE BEEN WITHIN THE EXISTING FRAMEWORK OF THE 48-POINT MASTER PAY SCALE, WITH LOWER RANKS RECEIVING LARGER INCREASES IN PERCENTAGE TERMS THAN HIGHER RANKS.
TO CORRECT THIS SITUATION, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED THE STANDING COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATION TO EXTEND THE TOP OF THE MASTER PAY SCALE BY THREE POINTS AND TO ADJUST EXISTING RANK SCALES ON POINT 42 AND UPWARDS.
AN OFFICER MOVING UP THE SCALE WILL IN FUTURE BE ABLE TO ATTAIN A MAXIMUM SALARY OF |13 000 AT THE NEW CEILING OF POINT 51, COMPARED WITH ill 200 ON THE OLD POINT 48. BUT NO SERVING OFFICER WILL MOVE TO THE NEW MAXIMUM POINT OF 51 IMMEDIATELY.
THE REVISIONS WILL ALSO APPLY TO EQUIVALENT POINTS ON THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES (OFFICER) PAY SCALE.
/DURING THE .....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
2
DURING THE COURSE OF ITS REVIEW OF INDIVIDUAL GRADES IN THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1979, THE STANDING COMMISSION WAS ALSO REQUESTED TO CONSIDER THE PAY STRUCTURE OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION.
STAFF OF THE ICAC ARE CURRENTLY PAID FROM THE MASTER PAY SCALE, AND THE STANDING COMMISSION HAS CONCLUDED THAT THIS PRACTICE SHOULD CONTINUE.
HOWEVER, IN VIEW OF THE INTRODUCTION OF A DISCIPLINED SERVICES PAY SCALE LAST YEAR, ADJUSTMENTS WILL BE MADE TO THE PAY SCALES OF ICAC DEPARTMENTAL GRADES IN ORDER TO RESTORE THEIR PREVIOUS BROAD RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PAY OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE.
THE SENIOR RANKS OF THE ICAC WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED BY THE EXTENSION OF THE MASTER PAY SCALE.
THE NEW MASTER, DISCIPLINED SERVICES (OFFICER) AND ICAC PAY SCALES WILL BE EFFECTIVE FROM OCTOBER 1, 1979, THE DATE ON WHICH OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE STANDING COMMISSION’S FIRST REPORT ON CIVIL SERVICE PAY WERE IMPLEMENTED.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO ACCEPTED RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DIRECTORATE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR A RESTRUCTURING OF THE DIRECTORATE PAY SCALE.
THIS IS THE FIRST OVERALL REVIEW OF THE DIRECTORATE PAY SCALE SINCE 1977.
IN ARRIVING AT ITS PROPOSED REVISIONS, THE STANDING COMMITTEE hl DIRECTORATE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE TOOK INTO ‘CCOUNT THE LEVELS OF DIRECTORATE SALARIES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, TOE NEED FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN OFFICERS OF HIGH CALIBRE AMD THE SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN RESPONSIBILITY OF MOST DIRECTORATE POSTS.
THE OPPORTUNITY HAS ALSO BEEN TAKEN TO RESTRUCTURE THE DIRECTORATE PAY SCALE TO PROVIDE EIGHT POINTS INSTEAD OF TWELVE, THUS FACILITATING THE INTERCHANGE OF SENIOR STAFF BETWEEN DIFFERENT CAREER STREAMS.
THE SALARIES ON THE NEW SCALE RANGE FROM $14 500 TO $33 000, COMPARED WITH THE EXISTING RANGE OF $11 810 TO $26 190. THE ADJUSTMENTS WILL APPLY EQUALLY TO SALARIES ON THE DIRECTORATE JUD ICIAL/LEGAL GROUP PAY SCALE, WHICH IS ALREADY COMPOSED OF EIGHT POINTS.
THE STANDING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT THESE REVISIONS BE IMPLEMENTED ON JANUARY 1, 1980.
0 - -
/3
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
J
COMMISSION OF INQUIRY APPOINTED * * * *
MR JUSTICE T.L. YANG HAS BEEN APPOINTED AS COMMISSIONER TO INQUIRE INTO CERTAIN MATTERS CONNECTED WITH THE LATE INSPECTOR JOHN MACLENNAN.
THE APPOINTMENT WAS MADE YESTERDAY UNDER SECTION 2 OF THE COMMISSIONS OF INQUIRY ORDINANCE. THE COMMISSION WILL BEGIN ITS wORK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER THE NECESSARY ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE.
THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE COMMISSION AREi
♦HAVING REGARD TOi
CONTINUING ALLEGATIONS AS TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE DEATH OF INSPECTOR MACLENNAN, AND THE ENQUIRIES PRECEDING IT,
AND TO THE FACT THAT INVESTIGATIONS BY THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE OFFICE INTO SOME OF THE ALLEGATIONS HAVE JUST BEEN COMPLETED,
AND TO THE CONFUSION IN THE PUBLIC MIND CREATED BY THESE ALLEGATIONS, WHICH MAKES IT DESIRABLE TO ADOPT NEW MEASURES TO ESTABLISH THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE INSPECTOR’S DEATH AND RELATED ISSUES, BOTH IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST AND SO THAT INNOCENT PARTIES MAY BE CLEARED AS WELL AS ANY BLAME APPORTIONED.
TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY INTO«-
A) WHETHER, IN THE LIGHT OF ALL THE EVIDENCE AVAILABLE AND ANY ADDITIONAL ENQUIRIES YOU MAKE, THERE ARE GOOD GROUNDS FOR BELIEVING THE DEATH OF INSPECTOR MACLENNAN WAS OTHER THAN SUICIDE, AND WHAT CONCLUSIONS YOU DRAW-
B) WHAT OFFICIAL INVESTIGATIONS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE DEATH OF INSPECTOR MACLENNAN WERE CONDUCTED, WHETHER THERE WERE ANY SHORTCOMINGS IN THEM, AND IF SO WHAT CONCLUSIONS YOU DRAW AS TO THE REASON FOR THESE SHORTCOMINGS-
C) WHETHER THE CHARGES WHICH WERE ABOUT TO BE PREFERRED AGAINST HIM ON THE DAY OF HIS DEATH WERE PROPERLY BROUGHT, AND WHETHER ON EVIDENCE PROPERLY OBTAINED-
D) WHAT INVESTIGATIONS OR ENQUIRIES (OTHER THAN THOSE RESULTING IN THE CHARGES AT (C) ) WERE CONDUCTED REGARDING INSPECTOR MACLENNAN, WHETHER THEY WERE CONDUCTED WITH PROPRIETY, AND WHAT BEARING, IF ANY, THEY HAD ON INSPECTOR MACLENNAN’S DEATH-
E) WHETHER THE INVESTIGATIONS AND ENQUIRIES UNDER (B), (C) AND (D) WERE PROPERLY MOTIVATED =
AND TO FURNISH A REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR.♦
/ANNOUNCING THE .
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
4
ANNOUNCING THE APPOINTMENT OF THE COMMISSION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JOHN GRIFFITHS, POINTED OUT THAT DESPITE WHAT HAD BEEN CONSTANTLY SUGGESTED RECENTLY IN THE PRESS AND ELSEWHERE, HE, AS ATTORNEY GENERAL, HAD NO POWER TO ORDER ANY INQUIRY.
THAT POWER AND RESPONSIBILITY RESIDES. AND RESIDES ALONE, IN THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL UNDER THE COMMISSIONS OF INQUIRY ORDINANCE, HE SAID.
MR GRIFFITHS RECALLED THAT ON MAY 23 THIS YEAR, HE ANNOUNCED THAT BECAUSE THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS LAID DOWN IN THE CORONERS ORDINANCE, WHICH PERMIT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO ORDER THE RE-OPENING CF AN INQUEST, HAD NOT IN HIS OPINION BEEN FULFILLED, THERE WERE NO LEGAL GROUNDS PERMITTING ITS RE-OPENING, AND ACCORDINGLY HE HAD NO POWER TO DO SO.
♦INDEED, AS IT SEEMS TO ME, I COULD NOT IN GOOD CONSCIENCE HAVE ACTED OTHERWISE THAN I DID.
♦THAT DECISION WAS MINE AND MINE ALONE AS ATTORNEY GENERAL,+ HE SAID.
MR GRIFFITHS POINTED OUT THAT BEFORE HE ANNOUNCED HIS
DECISION NOT TO RE-OPEN THE INQUEST, HE HAD ALREADY REFERRED FOR INVESTIGATION BY THE COMPLAINTS AGA NST THE POLICE OFFICE CERTAIN ALLEGATIONS MADE AGAINST SOME INDIV DUAL POLICE OFFICERS. THE INVESTIGATIONS HAD JUST BEEN COMPLETED,
IN HIS PERSONAL OPINION, IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN PROPER TO HOLD ANY OTHER INQUIRY UNTIL CAPO HAD COMPLETED ITS INVESTIGATIONS INTO ALLEGATIONS WHICH, IF SUBSTANTIATED, MAY HAVE LED TO CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS, HE SAID.
SECTION 7 OF THE COMMISSIONS OF INQUIRY ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT ♦EVIDENCE GIVEN BY ANY PERSON BEFORE THE COMMISSION SHALL NOT BE ADMISSIBLE AGAINST HIM IN ANY CIVIL OR CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS.*
IT FOLLOWS THAT, UNLIKE A CAPO INVESTIGATION, NOT ALL THE EVIDENCE UNCOVERED BY A COMMISSION MIGHT HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE FOR USE IN ANY PROSECUTION WERE SUCH TO TURN OUT TO BE AN APPROPRIATE COURSE OF ACTION.
A COMMISSION WOULD BE HAMPERED IN THE SORT OF INVESTIGATION THAT CAPO WAS SPECIFICALLY SET UP — OR BROUGHT INTO BEING — TO DO, HE SAID.
♦HAVING REGARD TO THE ABOVE MATTERS AND TO THE CONTINUING ALLEGATIONS AS TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE DEATH OF INSPECTOR MACLENNAN, THE APPOINTMENT OF A COMMISSION OF INQUIRY IS NOW THEREFORE CONSIDERED BOTH POSSIBLE AND DESIRABLE,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THE REPORT OF THE INVESTIGATION BY CAPO TOGETHER WITH ALL STATEMENTS TAKEN OR MADE AVAILABLE TO IT IN THE COURSE OF THAT INVESTIGATION WOULD BE GIVEN TO THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY, +AS WILL ALL OTHER RELEVANT MATTERS, INCLUDING STATEMENTS AND INVESTIGATIONS MADE FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE ENQUIRY INTO THE LATE INSPECTOR MACLENNAN’S DEATH AND THE INQUEST INTO IT.*
/•♦•THE........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
- 5 -
♦THE COMMISSION IS OF COURSE EMPOWERED TO MAKE SUCH OTHER INVESTIGATIONS AS IT FEELS TO BE NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE,* HE ADDED.
THE PROVISIONS OF THE COMMISSIONS OF INQUIRY ORDINANCE WILL GOVERN THE CONDUCT OF THE INQUIRY. THESE INCLUDE PROVISIONS DEALING WITH THE RIGHT TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION, THE HOLDING OF THE INQUIRY OR PARTS OF IT IN CAMERA, AND THE PUBLICATION OR DISCLOSURE OF PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE COMMISSION.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL NOTED THAT THE COMMISSION’S TERMS OF REFERENCE DO NOT INCLUDE ANY STUDY OF WHETHER OR NOT ANY CHANGE IN THE LAWS GOVERNING HOMOSEXUAL OFFENCES IN HONG KONG SHOULD OR SHOULD NOT BE MADE.
♦THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION, TO WHOM THIS MATTER HAS BEEN REFERRED, COMMENCED ITS DELIBERATIONS ON THIS MATTER AT ITS LAST bEETING, AND WILL CONTINUE ITS STUDY OF THE SUBJECT,* HE SAID.
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IMPORT LICENSING SYSTEM FOR ALL TEXTILES
* * * I I
FROM AUGUST 1 THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT WILL OPERATE A TEXTILE IMPORT LICENSING SYSTEM, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR PETER TSAO, SAID
ALL IMPORTS OF TEXTILES MUST ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
BE COVERED BY LICENCES
TRANSPORTATION, SHIPPING AND AIRLINE COMPANIES MUST NOT RELEASE ANY TEXTILE GOODS IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG WITHOUT THE PRODUCTION OF A VALID IMPORT LICENCE.
+1 WOULD STRESS THAT LICENCES WILL BE ISSUED AUTOMATICALLY AND FREE OF CHARGE. THERE IS NO QUESTION OF THE SYSTEM BEING USED TO RESTRICT IMPORTS,* MR TSAO SAID.
+THE SYSTEM IS ONE OF THE MEASURES INTRODUCED TO HELP THE DEPARTMENT IN ITS EFFORTS AGAINST MALPRACTICES UNDER THE EXISTING TEXTILES EXPORT QUOTA SYSTEM.
♦IT WILL ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO MONITOR THE FLOW OF TEXTILE IMPORTS SO THAT ANY UNUSUAL TRADE PATTERNS CAN BE IDENTIFIED, AND CHECKS CAN BE CARRIED OUT ON SUSPECTED CASES,* HE SAID.
TO CATER FOR TEXTILE CONSIGNMENTS ARRIVING ON AUGUST 1, THE DEPARTMENT WILL START RECEIVING APPLICATIONS FOR LICENCES FROM 8.45 AM ON JULY 23. THE LICENCE WILL BE VALID FOR 28 DAYS.
OTHER DETAILS OF THE LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURE ARE SET OUT IN A CIRCULAR LETTER ISSUED TODAY TO MAJOR TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS-TEXTILE MANUFACTURERS- AND TRANSPORTATION, SHIPPING AND AIRLINE COMPANIES.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
6
COMMITTEE FORMED TO CO-ORDINATE PRE-SCHOOL SERVICES ******
A STANDING COMMITTEE HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED TO CO-ORDINATE THE SERVICES OFFERED TO PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN, THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON E.P. HO, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GREEN PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES, MR HO SAID THE COMMITTEE, AS PROPOSED IN THE GREEN PAPER, HAD BEEN CONVENED AND +1 AM SURE THIS WILL GO SOME WAY TO MEETING THE NEED FOR PROPER CO-ORDINATION IN THIS AREA.*
MR HO SAID HE SHARED THE VIEWS OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS THAT THE NEEDS OF THE PRE-SCHOOL CHILD SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN AN OVERALL CONTEXT. BUT, HE ADDED, THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE WAS NOT CONVINCED OF THE NEED FOR A SINGLE DEPARTMENT TO OVERSEE SERVICES FOR THE PRE-SCHOOL CHILD.
+THIS APPROACH IS ALSO CONSISTENT WITH THE VIEW THAT GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION SHOULD BE ON THE BASIS OF FUNCTIONAL SERVICES, AND NOT ON THE AGE GROUP OR CLASS OF PERSON SERVED,* HE ADDED.
THE COMMITTEE WAS ESTABLISHED TO CO-ORDINATE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN THIS FIELD.
MR HO SAID COMMENTS RECEIVED SO FAR ON THE GREEN PAPER GENERALLY SUPPORTED THE VIEW THAT SOMETHING MUST BE DONE TO DO AWAY WITH THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF TESTS AND EXAMINATIONS OF ENTRY INTO PRIMARY SCHOOL.
+IF WE ACCEPT THIS AS A MAJOR FAULT WITH THE PRESENT SYSTEM THEN AN ALTERNATIVE MUST BE FOUND WHICH REMEDIES THE SITUATION,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED HE WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE VIEWS OF A LARGE SECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY WHICH FELT THAT THE PRESENT SYSTEM DID NOT GIVE THEIR CHILDREN A REASONABLE CHANCE OF PARTICIPATING IN THE BEST SORT OF EDUCATION THAT HONG KONG COULD OFFER.
+WE SHALL CERTAINLY HAVE TO THINK VERY CAREFULLY ABOUT THIS VITAL AREA BEFORE FINALISING OUR PROPOSALS FOR INCLUSION IN THE WHITE PAPER,* HE SAID.
FIVE SPEAKERS IN THE DEBATE WERE UNANIMOUS IN PROPOSING A CENTRALISED INSTITUTE FOR PRE-SCHOOL TRAINING TO COVER THE TRAINING OF WORKERS IN ALL PRE-SCHOOL INSTITUTIONS.
MR HO DESCRIBED THIS AS A +SENSIBLE IDEA* WHICH WOULD BE +SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED, BUT AS A LONG-TERM PROJECT.*
*FOR THE TIME BEING, IN ORDER TO GET THINGS MOVING AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE WE MUST, AS THE GREEN PAPER PROPOSES, TRY TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF EXISTING RESOURCES,* HE SAID.
/ON THE ....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 198O
7
ON THE SUGGESTION THAT SOME FREE CHILD CARE CENTRES AND KINDERGARTENS BE SET UP, MR HO SAID DIRECT SUBSIDY IN AN AREA OF EDUCATION IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR WAS A COURSE OF ACTION WHICH NEEDED VERY CAREFUL CONSIDERATION AND SHOULD NOT BE EMBARKED UPON LIGHTLY.
+THE SYSTEM HAS NOT, AS THE GREEN PAPER POINTS OUT, WORKED TOO WELL WITH CHILD CARE CENTRES SO FAR, AND THIS IS WHY THE NEW SYSTEM HAS BEEN DEVISED. I THINK IT WOULD BE MORE REALISTIC TO CARRY OUT THE SCHEME OF ASSISTANCE AS PROPOSED IN THE GREEN PAPER AND REVIEW THE RATES OF ASSISTANCE TO PARENTS IF THEY PROVE INADEQUATE,* SAID MR HO.
COMMENTING ON SUGGESTIONS TO URGE THE GOVERNMENT TO PERSUADE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO BRING THE LETTING POLICY FOR CHILD CARE CENTRES AND KINDERGARTENS INTO LINE, MR HO SAID THERE APPEARED TO BE NO REASON WHY A WORKABLE SOLUTION WOULD NOT EMERGE.
ON OTHER MATTERS RAISED IN THE DEBATE, MR HO SAID THE SUBJECT OF THE ROLE OF ENGLISH WAS BEING CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND WAS NOT THEREFORE STUDIED IN DETAIL IN THE GREEN PAPERMORAL EDUCATION WAS MENTIONED, BUT APPEARED TO BE A MATTER PRIMARILY FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, AND THE MANAGEMENT OF SCHOOLS WAS INTENTIONALLY EXCLUDED FROM THE GREEN PAPER AS THE PROBLEMS WERE NOT CONFINED TO ANY PARTICULAR SECTION OF EDUCATION.
♦IN LOOKING AT THE GREEN PAPER, ESPECIALLY IN REGARD TO KINDERGARTENS, I THINK WE MUST APPRECIATE ITS AIMS. THE SITUATION IS CURRENTLY NOT SATISFACTORY AND FOR VARIOUS REASONS, LARGELY A QUESTION OF PRIORITIES, THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT PREVIOUSLY PLAYED AN ACTIVE PART IN THIS SECTOR.
♦THE GREEN PAPER PROPOSES THE FIRST STEPS CONSIDERED NECESSARY TO GIVE A FIRM BASIS FOR IMPROVEMENT.
♦THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT CONSIDER THAT THE TIME IS RIPE, NOR THE BASE SUFFICIENTLY FIRM FOR A MAJOR RE-ORGANISATION OF THE WHOLE OF THIS SECTOR OF EDUCATION AT PRESENT.
♦ESSENTIALLY THE PROPOSALS IN THE GREEN PAPER REPRESENT A BEGINNING RATHER THAN A FINAL DESIGN,+ SAID MR HO.
THE REV THE HON JOYCE BENNETT, IN A SPEECH DELIVERED ON HER BEHALF BY THE HON ALLEN LEE, SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO REALISE THAT UNTIL THERE WAS A MORE VIGOROUS ATTEMPT TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE URBAN AREAS, AND THAT +THERE IS GOING TO BE DISSATISFACTION WITH THE PROPOSALS IN THE GREEN PAPER.♦
♦WE HAVE GOT TO DO FAR MORE TO ENSURE THAT ALL SCHOOLS RECEIVING GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY MAINTAIN THE STANDARDS DEMANDED BY THE PARENTS,+ SHE SAID.
/ON THE ...
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 198O
8
ON THE ALLOCATION SYSTEM BY WHICH PARENTS HAVE TO CHOOSE ALL THE SCHOOLS IN THEIR AREA, MISS BENNETT SAID THAT DESPITE THE TECHNIQUE OF OPTIMISATION, IT WOULD ENABLE PROPORTIONATELY VERY FEW PARENTS TO OBTAIN THEIR FIRST CHOICE OF SCHOOL FOR .THEIR CHILDREN.
SHE ASKED WHETHER ANY STUDY WOULD BE MADE OF THE SCHOOLS WHICH WERE CONSISTENTLY AT THE BOTTOM OF PARENTS’ LISTS AND WHETHER A-NY SPECIAL ASSISTANCE WOULD BE GIVEN TO THEM TO IMPROVE THEJR PERFORMANCE.
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I
FEBRUARY 1980 DATE FOR BILL TO STOP TAX AVOIDANCE * * * * *
THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL, INTENDED TO STOP TAX AVOIDANCE THROUGH CONTRIVED BUSINESS CESSATIONS, WILL NOW ONLY APPLY TO THOSE ASSESSMENTS FOR 1979-80 RAISED AFTER FEBRUARY 27 THIS YEAR, THE DATE THE INTENTION TO AMEND THE LEGISLATION WAS ANNOUNCED.
THE AMENDED BILL WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE CHANGE WAS RECOMMENDED BY AN AD HOC GROUP OF UNOFFICIAL COUNCILLORS AND TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS OF A NUMBER OF ORGANISATIONS REPRESENTING THE INTERESTS OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY AND PROFESSIONAL BODIES.
SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, THE HON DAVID NEWBIGGING SAID THEY WOULD ACCEPT THIS AMENDMENT TO THE BILL ALBEIT WITH SOME RELUCTANCE.
MR NEWBIGGING GIVING REASONS FOR THEIR OBJECTION SAIDt ♦BASICALLY WE DO NOT AGREE WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF RETROACTIVE LEGISLATION IN INLAND REVENUE MATTERS EXCEPT UNDER EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
♦ IN THE PRESENT CASE THE SO-CALLED LOOPHOLE HAS EXISTED FOR SOME TIME AND GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN AWARE OF IT, SO WE DO NOT FEEL THE CIRCUMSTANCES ARE EXCEPTIONAL.
♦ WE BELIEVE THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF RETROACTIVE INLAND REVENUE LEGISLATION WOULD CAUSE UNNECESSARY UNCERTAINTY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BUSINESSES GENERALLY AND UNDERMINE GOVERNMENT’S OWN CREDIBILITY, AND THAT THESE CONSIDERATIONS SHOULD OUTWEIGH THE COMPARATIVELY SMALL AMOUNT OF REVENUE LOST TO GOVERNMENT.+
MR NEWBIGGING NOTED THAT THE AMENDMENT GOES SOME WAY TOWARDS MEETING THE OBJECTION.
♦ HOWEVER,♦ HE POINTED OUT, +THERE MAY BE SOME WHO HAD FILED RETURNS BUT HAD NOT BEEN ASSESSED BEFORE FEBRUARY 27, 1980 WHO WOULD BE SUBJECT TO THE ORDINANCE AND, FOR THEM, THE BILL WILL HAVE BEEN EFFECTIVELY RETROACTIVE.+
/IN REPLY ......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1?80
- 9 -
P1O n N REPLY T0 MR NEWBIGGING, THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH RETROSPECT!VITY IN FISCAL LEGISLATION WAS UNUSUAL, IT WAS BY NO MEANS UNIQUE.
HE QUOTED EXAMPLES IN AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND AND SOUTH AFRICA AND POINTED OUT THAT IN HONG KONG MANY TAX CONCESSIONS INTRODUCED FROM TIME TO TIME, INCLUDING THE RECENT INCREASES TO PERSONAL ALLOWANCES BACKDATED TO APRIL 1, 1979, APPLIED TO THE PREVIOUS YE AR1 TAX LIABILITY.
FURTHERMORE, IN THE CASE OF
WAS BOTH PROPER AND CORRECT, +AS wt min an avuiuanue.
DEVICE, WHICH, INCIDENTALLY, HAS ARISEN NOT THROUGH AN OVERSIGHT, BUT THROUGH A GENUINE DESIRE ON THE PART OF A BENEVOLENT TAX ADMINISTRATION TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE TERMINAL RELIEF TO BONA FIDE CESSATIONS FOLLOWING THE CHANGE IN THE BASIS OF ASSESSMENT FOR PROFITS TAX IN 1975-76,+ SIR PHILIP SAID.
THIS BILL, HE THOUGHT RETROSPECTI VITY WE ARE DEALING WITH AN AVOIDANCE
HE SAID HE WAS UNABLE TO AGREE TO A FURTHER ADJUSTMENT TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE BILL AS SUBSTANTIAL SUMS OF REVENUE WERE AT STAKE FROM COMPANIES WHICH HAD CEASED BUSINESS IN 1979-60.
ON ANOTHER POINT RAISED BY MR NEWBIGGING, SIR PHILIP SAID HE COULD NOT AGREE THAT THE RETROSPECT IVITY PROPOSAL WOULD UNDERMINE THE GOVERNMENT’S CREDIBILITY.
♦THIS GOVERNMENT HAS A RECORD OF CONSISTENCY AND STABILITY IN ITS FISCAL POLICIES. AND, IN ANNUAL BUDGET SPEECHES, I HAVE BEEN AT PAINS TO SKETCH OUR POSSIBLE AMENDMENTS TO REVENUE LEGISLATION OVER THE FOLLOWING YEAR OR TWO.
♦THESE AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN THOSE I HAVE CONSIDERED NECESSARY TO MEET OUR FISCAL NEEDS, AS WELL AS THOSE STEMMING FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEWS ON RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE THIRD INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE,* HE SAID.
0 -------
PARA-MEDICAL BILL PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS ******
THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS BILL AIMING AT ESTABLISHING A SYSTEM OF CONTROL AND REGULATION OVER PROFESSIONS SUPPLEMENTARY TO MEDICINE TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WITH A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS.
THE CHANGES WERE RECOMMENDED BY AN AD HOC GROUP OF UNOFFICIALS CONVENED BY DR THE HON HARRY FANG AFTER IT HAD bET FIVE TIMES, THREE OF WHICH WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, SINCE MAY THIS YEAR.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE, DR FANG POINTED OUT THAT BILL HAD ENCOUNTERED CONSIDERABLE DIFFICULTIES IN THE DRAFTING STAGE AND HAD TAKEN THE GOVERNMENT SIX TO EIGHT YEARS TO HAVE IT INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9. 1980
10 -
+THE SETTING OF TRAINING STANDARDS, QUALIFICATIONS AND THE PROVISION OF REGISTRATION PROCEDURES FOR PERSONS WHO ARE CONCERNED WITH THE CARE OF PATIENTS IN THE OPERATION OF l£ALTH SERVICES WILL BE WIDELY WELCOMED BY THE PROFESSIONS CONCERNED AS WELL AS THE PUBLIC,* HE SAID.
♦PROPER CONTROL IS CRUCIAL IN IMPROVING AND EXPANDING HONG KONG’S MEDICAL SERVICES. I HOPE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT TAKE LONG IN PRODUCING THE REGULATIONS FOR THE RESPECTIVE PROFESSIONS IN ORDER THAT THE AIMS OF THE BILL CAN BE IMPLEMENTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.*
DR FANG NOTED THAT THE BILL ONLY INCLUDED FOUR PARAMEDICAL PROFESSIONS, NAMELY MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIANS, RADIOGRAPHERS, PHYS IOTHERAPI STS AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS.
HE SAID THERE WERE OTHER PARA-MEDICAL PROFESSIONS WHOSE CONTROL WAS EQUALLY NECESSARY FOR PUBLIC PROTECTION AND URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER EXPANDING THE SCOPE OF THIS OMNIBUS BILL TO BRING THEM UNDER COVER.
ONE AMENDMENT CONCERNS SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSIONS WHO ARE EXPERIENCED BUT, BECAUSE OF THEIR AGE AND EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND, UNQUALIFIED ACADEMICALLY TO MEET THE NEW PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS.
ALTHOUGH PROVISIONS HAD BEEN MADE TO SOME EXTENT IN THE ORIGINAL DRAFT BILL TO ACCOMMODATE THEM, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS’ SUGGESTION TO GO ONE STEP FURTHER TO PROVIDE FOR SPECIFIC REGISTRATION OF THESE PEOPLE WHOM DR FANG DESCRIBES AS THE ♦GRANDFATHERS+ OF THE PROFESSIONS.
IN RESPECT OF THE REGULATIONS TO BE MADE FOR EACH OF THE PARA-MEDICAL PROFESSIONS, HE SAID THE UNOFFICIALS HAVE STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAVING AMPLE TIME TO STUDY THE REGULATIONS BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.
THE PRESENT PROVISION OF TWO WEEKS, I.E. ONE SITTING OF THE COUNCIL, ALLOWED FOR THE SCRUTINY OF REGULATIONS TABLED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS CONSIDERED INADEQUATE.
+PUBLIC CONSULTATION, PARTICULARLY WITH THE NUMEROUS PROFESSIONAL BODIES CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN THESE PROFESSIONS IS ESSENTIAL.
♦GOVERNMENT SHOULD THEREFORE ENSURE THAT THE VIEWS OF INTERESTED AND CONCERNED PARTIES ARE SOUGHT BEFORE THE RESPECTIVE REGULATIONS ARE ENACTED,+ DR FANG ADDED.
THE HON PETER C. WONG AND DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI ALSO SPOKE ON THE BILL.
DR HO CALLED FOR A CHANGE IN PROCEDURE RELATING TO THE PASSAGE OF REGULATIONS.
THE EXISTING LAW, HE SAID, PROVIDES THAT ALL RULES, REGULATIONS AND BY-LAWS, AFTER HAVING BEEN LAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WILL BE PASSED AT THE SUBSEQUENT SITTING OF THE COUNCIL.
/HE SAID ...
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
11
HE SAID IT WAS FELT THE PROCESS BY WHICH REGULATIONS WERE MADE AS STIPULATED IN SECTION 34 OF THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE DID NOT GIVE THE COUNCIL SUFFICIENT TIME TO CONSIDER THE ISSUE AT STAKE.
♦ I THEREFORE PROPOSE THAT THIS PRACTICE BE REVIEWED AND THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD LOOK INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF EXTENDING THE ONE SITTING REQUIREMENT FOR PASSAGE OF REGULATIONS TO TWO SITTINGS SO THAT REGULATIONS SUCH AS THOSE TO BE MADE UNDER THE PRESENT BILL COULD BE STUDIED THOROUGHLY AND ALLOW FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION,+ DR HO SAID.
MR WONG SAID THAT FOLLOWING DISCUSSIONS WITH THE SECRETARY FOR THE SOCIAL SERVICES, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES AND THE LAW DRAFTSMAN, AGREEMENT WAS REACHED TO MAKE 10 AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL.
SOME OF THE MORE IMPORTANT AMENDMENTS ARE«
* TO ENABLE PERSONS, REFERRED TO BY DR FANG AS THE ’GRANDFATHERS’ OF THE PARA-MEDICAL PROFESSIONS, TO APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION RATHER THAN A PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATE-
* TO REQUIRE THAT AUTHORISATIONS TO ENTER AND INSPECT PREMISES USED FOR THE PRACTICE OF A PROFESSION MUST BE SIGNED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD-
* TO CLARIFY THAT WHERE A COMPANY CARRIES ON THE BUSINESS OF PRACTISING A PROFESSION, ONLY THE PERSONS PRACTISING THE PROFESSION WHO ARE EMPLOYED BY THE COMPANY NEED TO HOLD A CERTIFICATE. IN OTHER WORDS, THEIR ASSISTANTS NEED NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE ORDINANCE SO LONG AS THEY WORK UNDER THEM-
M TO STIPULATE THAT A BOARD MAY PREPARE CODES OF PRACTICE COVERING A WIDER GROUND, IN PARTICULAR, THE ACTIVITIES OF REGISTERED PERSONS IN THE SUPERVISION AND CONTROL OF UNQUALIFIED PERSONS ASSISTING THEM-
X TO ENABLE THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS IN RESPECT OF THE LICENSING OF PREMISES AND THE SUPERVISION AND CONTROL OF TRAINEES, AND
X TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE BILL SHOULD BE IN ADDITION TO, AND NOT IN DEROGATION FROM, ANY OTHER ORDINANCE THAT REGULATES THE MANNER IN WHICH A PERSON MAY PRACTISE A PROFESSION.
MR WONG BELIEVED THAT, ON THE WHOLE, THE BILL WAS WELL-CONCEIVED.
HOWEVER, HE REMINDED THE GOVERNMENT THAT ONLY ONE SET OF REGULATIONS IN RESPECT OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIFIC OFFICERS, TECHNOLOGISTS AND TECHNICIANS HAVE SO FAR BEEN DRAFTED.
/+WE AWAIT .....
12
+WE AWAIT EAGERLY THE PUBLICATION OF REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE OTHER THREE PARA-MEDICAL PROFESSIONS ALREADY BROUGHT WITHIN THE AMBIT OF THE BILL.
+IT IS FAIR TO ASSUME THAT THIS EAGERNESS IS SHARED BY PERSONS PRACTISING THESE PROFESSIONS, WHO MUST BE ANXIOUS TO KNOW THE MANNER IN WHICH THEIR RESPECTIVE PROFESSIONS WILL BE REGULATED,* MR WONG ADDED.
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LEGISLATION ON BUILDING TRANSMISSION LINES APPROVED * * * * *
LEGISLATION TO ENABLE THE POWER COMPANIES TO CONSTRUCT TRANSMISSION LINES IN OR OVER PRIVATE LAND WAS OBJECTED TO BY THE HON CHARLES YEUNG WHEN IT WAS PASSED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE SECOND READING OF THE ELECTRICITY NETWORKS (STATUTORY EASEMENTS) BILL, MR YEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO MAINTAIN A SENSIBLE BALANCE BETWEEN PUBLIC INTEREST AND MINORITY RIGHTS ACCORDING TO THE TIME-HONOURED PRINCIPLE OF A GOOD GOVERNMENT AND WITHIN THE SPIRIT OF THE BRITISH INDIVIDUAL CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.
THEREFORE, HE SAID, IT WAS MOST SURPRISING TO NOTE WHAT THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT HAD SAID IN HIS SPEECH THAT THE ROUTE OF THE TRANSMISSION LINES OF THE TWO NEW POWER STATIONS UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THEIR IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE COST WERE +MATTERS OF CONCERN TO THE GOVERNMENT AS WELL AS TO THE POWER COMPANIES.*
♦CERTAINLY THE CONCERNS OF THE INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS, THE GENERAL INHABITANTS AND THE PROPERTY OWNERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE NO LESS THAN THOSE OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE POWER COMPANIES,* MR YEUNG MAINTAINED, +AS THESE PEOPLE WHO WILL BEAR THE BRUNT OF THE BLOW OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESPOLIATION AND ECONOMIC DEPRECIATION WHEN THEY FIND HUGE PYLONS OF 150 FEET HIGH WITH A BASE OF A FEW THOUSAND SQUARE FEET RISING IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT OF THEIR VILLAGES AND HOUSES, STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THEIR LAND AND A CLUSTER OF ROPE-LIKE WIRES CHARGED WITH 400KV ELECTRICITY SLUNG OVER THEIR HEADS.*
HE SAID THAT HE SUPPORTED THE INTENTION OF THE BILL INSOFAR AS IT WOULD ENABLE THE POWER COMPANIES, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC, TO ACQUIRE STATUTORY EASEMENTS AND RIGHT OF ACCESS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE HIGH VOLTAGE NETWORKS. WHICH ONCE CONSTRUCTED ARE VERY INFLEXIBLE FOR LOCAL MINOR RE-ADJUSTMENTS.
BUT HE REFUTED THE PROPOSAL THAT PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE NETWORKS SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS AND OBJECTIONS TO THE ROUTING AND THE MANNER OF RUNNING THE LINES.
HE CONSIDERED THE REASONS GIVEN BY THE SECRETARY *ARE UNTENABLE AND DO NOT JUSTIFY THE DEPARTURE FROM THE BASIC LEGAL PRINCIPLE OF NATURAL JUSTICE AND THE DEPRIVATION OF A CITIZEN’S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT.*
/+AS IT
15
+AS IT IS A MATTER OF FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE AND AS IT MAY CREATE DANGEROUS PRECEDENT, I REGRET THAT I CANNOT SUPPORT THE BILL AS IT STANDS,♦ MR YEUNG STRESSED.
ON THE ASSURANCE BY THE SECRETARY THAT DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS AND RURAL COMMITTEES WOULD BE CONSULTED BEFORE A PROPOSED SCHEME IS APPROVED, HE FAILED TO SEE WHY STATUTORY PROVISION TO HEAR THE VIEWS AND OBJECTIONS OF THE AFFECTED PEOPLE COULD NOT BE MADE AS IN THE CASE OF THE TOWN PLANNING AND OTHER ORDINANCES WHERE PRIVATE RIGHTS ARE AFFECTED.
MR YEUNG ALSO COMMENTED THAT THE FORMULA FOR COMPENSATION PROVIDED IN THE BILL WAS NOT FAIR AND REASONABLE AS FAR AS THE LAND AND PROPERTY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE CONCERNED.
♦HOW CAN THE COMPENSATION BE CONSIDERED FAIR AND REASONABLE WHEN THE RATE AND AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION PAYABLE BY THE POWER COMPANIES UNDER THE BILL IS A FEW TIMES LESS THAN WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BE PAID BY THE GOVERNMENT IN SUCH CASES,+ HE ASKED.
ANOTHER PECULIAR FEATURE INTRODUCED IN THE BILL, HE NOTED, IS THE IMPOSITION OF A HEAVY CRIMINAL PENALTY AGAINST A PERSON OBSTRUCTING OR INTERFERING WITH THE RIGHTS OF THE POWER COMPANIES.
HE CALLED FOR A STATEMENT FROM THE GOVERNMENT TO EXPLAIN WHY IT WAS NECESSARY TO INTRODUCE A FINE AND IMPRISONMENT AS A PENALTY FOR OBSTRUCTION WHEN NO SUCH PROVISION EXISTS IN OTHER SIMILAR ORDINANCES.
ANOTHER TWO UNOFFICIAL COUNCILLORS, THE HON ALLEN LEE AND THE HON F.K. HU, SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL.
MR LEE SAID THE MAJORITY OF UNOFFICIAL COUNCILLORS SUPPORTED THE BILL AND ITS AMENDMENTS ALTHOUGH UNANIMOUS AGREEMENT COULD NOT BE REACHED AFTER LENGTHY DISCUSSIONS BY AN AD HOC GROUP OF UNOFFICIALS.
WHILE RECOGNISING THAT THE PROVISION OF ELECTRICITY IS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, THEY HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER TWO ASPECTS OF THE BILL.
FIRST, THEY CONSIDERED IT ESSENTIAL THAT, DURING THE PLANNING STAGE OF A NETWORK’S”AL IGNMENT, ALL PARTIES CONCERNED SHOULD BE CONSULTED.
♦WE ARE THEREFORE SEEKING AN ASSURANCE FROM THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT THAT PRIOR CONSULTATION WITH THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS AND RURAL COMMITTEES WILL BE CARRIED OUT AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY.
♦IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THIS ASSURANCE BE GIVEN IN ORDER TO MINIMISE POSSIBLE DISPUTES AND ENSURE THAT THE ROUTE CHOSEN IS THE OPTIMUM ONE,+ MR LEE SAID.
SECONDLY, WITH REGARD TO THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION TO BE PAID TO LANDOWNERS BY THE POWER COMPANIES, THE UNOFFICIALS THOUGHT THAT THE ENVIRONMENT BRANCH SHOULD CONSULT THE POWER COMPANIES WITH A VIEW TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN PROVIDING A FAIR DEAL FOR PRIVATE LANDOWNERS AFFECTED BY THE NETWORK AND SAFEGUARDING THE INTERESTS OF CONSUMERS.
/MR HU ....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
14
MR HU, WHO SHARED THE VIEWS OF MR LEE, SAID THAT LOCAL DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS AND RURAL COMMITTEES SHOULD BE CONSULTED IN THE PLANNING STAGE ON ANY ELECTRICITY NETWORKS AND THAT EVERY EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE TO MINIMISE THE EFFECT ON PRIVATE PROPERTY.
WHENEVER POSSIBLE, HE SAID, ADJUSTMENTS IN THE ROUTE SHOULD BE MADE IN ORDER TO CAUSE MINIMUM INTERFERENCE TO THE PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE ROUTE.
+THE RIGHT OF PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS SHOULD NOT BE OVERLOOKED.*
IN REPLY, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON DEREK JONES SAID HE WAS HAPPY TO NOTE THAT THERE WAS COMPLETE AGREEMENT ON THE NEED TO LEGISLATE FOR STATUTORY EASEMENTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRICITY NETWORKS IN THE OVERALL PUBLIC INTEREST.
HE SAID HE WAS VERY READY TO GIVE AN ASSURANCE THAT THE RELEVANT DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS AND RURAL COMMITTEES WOULD BE CONSULTED AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY IN THE PLANNING OF ANY FUTURE NETWORKS AND THAT THEIR VIEWS WOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BEFORE ROUTES WERE FINALISED.
+MR CHARLES YEUNG HAS ALSO QUESTIONED THE FAIRNESS AND REASONABLENESS OF THE FORMULA FOR COMPENSATION PROVIDED UNDER THE BILL SINCE IT WOULD PROVIDE FOR MUCH LESS COMPENSATION THAN THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PAY.
+THIS, HOWEVER, APPEARS TO MAKE THE COMPARISON WITH GOVERNMENT RESUMPTION OF LAND WHICH IS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT MATTER TO THE CREATION OF STATUTORY EASEMENTS WHICH DO NOT EXTINGUISH TITLE TO LAND,* HE SAID.
MR JONES SAID THAT IN DISCUSSING WITH UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS CONSIDERING THE BILL IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT SOME FORM OF NON-STATUTORY, EX-GRATIA, PAYMENT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN ORDER TO GIVE PR IMA FACIE RECOGNITION TO THE DISTURBANCE AND POSSIBLE INCONVENIENCE THAT MAY BE SUFFERED BY AFFECTED LANDOWNERS.
HE SAID THIS HAS NOW BEEN LOOKED AT BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE POWER COMPANY CONCERNED AND THAT A SCHEME, WHICH WILL ENABLE EVERY LANDOWNER AFFECTED BY THE OVERSAILING OF TRANSMISSION LINES TO RECEIVE A SUM OF EX-GRATIA PAYMENT, HAS BEEN AGREED IN PRINCIPLE.
+THE DETAILS ARE STILL BEING WORKED OUT BUT, IN THE CASE OF THE 400 KV TRANSMISSION LINE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF EX-GRATIA PAYMENT COULD COME TO SOMEWHERE BETWEEN $20 MILLION AND $25 MILLION,* MR JONES SAID.
HE SAID THAT THERE WERE A FEW POINTS OF DETAIL ON CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE BILL FOR WHICH AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN AGREED AS A RESULT OF DISCUSSIONS WITH THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS.
/AS A .....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
15
AS A RESULT, THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS WERE MADE AT THE COMMITTEE STAGEt
* IN RESPECT OF THE DEFINITION OF +ELECTRICITY NETWORK* IN CLAUSE 2, TO MAKE IT QUITE CLEAR THAT THE BILL DOES NOT COVER EXISTING TRANSMISSION LINES. THIS IS TO AVOID ANY POSSIBILITY OF A POWER COMPANY SEEKING THE CREATION OF A STATUTORY EASEMENT TO OVERRIDE AGREEMENTS WHICH IT MIGHT HAVE REACHED WITH INDIVIDUAL LANDOWNERS REGARDING THE CONDITIONS FOR THE USE OF LAND FOR SUPPORTING STRUCTURES AND/OR THE OVERSAILING OF LAND-
* IN RESPECT OF CLAUSE 4(1), TO PUT IT BEYOND DOUBT THAT THE POWER COMPANIES WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE THE PROCEDURES FOR STATUTORY EASEMENT INSTEAD OF RESUMPTION AS A MEANS OF ACQUIRING LAND FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTION OF PYLONS, AND
* IN RESPECT OF CLAUSE 11, TO ENLARGE THE SCOPE OF CLAIM TO INCLUDE ANY LOSSES ARISING FROM THE PREVENTION OF USE OF LAND FOR PROFITABLE GAINS AS A RESULT OF THE STERILISATION OF ANY LAND DURING THE PERIOD WHEN TEMPORARY WORKS ARE BEING CARRIED OUT BY A POWER COMPANY.
HE SAID, MR YEUNG HAS ALSO RAISED THE QUESTION OF THE PENALTY PROVIDED IN THE BILL.
♦THIS IS INTENDED TO DEAL WITH A SITUATION WHERE A LANDOWNER DECIDES TO OBSTRUCT A POWER COMPANY CARRYING OUT WORKS BY CREATING SOME OBSTRUCTION ON HIS OWN LAND.
♦IF SUCH A SITUATION EVER DID ARISE, THERE COULD CONCEIVABLY BE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES FOR THE CONTINUED MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY. IT IS THEREFORE CONSIDERED THAT PROVISION MUST BE MADE FOR THIS EVENTUALITY, GIVEN THAT THE OBSTRUCTION IN QUESTION WOULD BE ON THE LANDOWNER’S OWN LAND,* HE SAID.
THE PROVISION WAS NECESSARY AS IT REFLECTED THE +PUBLIC+ NATURE OF THE EASEMENTS IN QUEST KIN AND WOULD BE A PROTECTION OF THE WIDER PUBLIC INTEREST.
♦HOPEFULLY THERE WILL BE NO OCCASION TO USE THIS PROVISION BUT WITHOUT IT THE PUBLIC INTEREST COULD NOT BE FULLY ASSURED,+ HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
16
COMPENSATION FOR INJURIES OR DEATH TO INCREASE »»»»»!
PROPOSED INCREASES IN COMPENSATION FOR THOSE INJURED AT WORK AND PAYMENTS TO THE DEPENDANTS OF THOSE KILLED WILL GO EVEN HIGHER UNDER AMENDMENTS TO THE RECENTLY TABLED WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON J.N. HENDERSON. SAID HE PROPOSED TO RAISE THE CEILINGS FOR DEATH AND PERMANENT TOTAL INCAPACITY TO $168 000 AND $192 000 RESPECTIVELY. PREVIOUS PROPOSED MAXIMUM WERE $147 000 AND $168 000.
ADDITIONALLY BURIAL EXPENSES WOULD BE RAISED FROM $2 000 TO $3 000 AND THE CONSTANT ALLOWANCE FROM $67 000 TO $77 000, HE SAID.
THE COMMISSIONER RECALLED THAT WHEN MOVING THE SECOND READING CF THE BILL LAST MONTH, HE INDICATED HE WAS PREPARED TO ADJUST THE PROPOSED NEW COMPENSATION LEVELS IF MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL CONSIDERED THE LEVELS STILL ON THE LOW SIDE AND WISHED TO RAISE THEM.
FOLLOWING DISCUSSIONS WITH A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL UNOFFICIALS' AD HOC GROUP, MR HENDERSON SAID HE FELT THERE WAS A STRONG CASE FOR SUCH ADJUSTMENTS.
THANKING DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI FOR SUGGESTING THAT +THE LIABILITY OF SUB-CONTRACTORS BE GIVEN MORE LEGISLATIVE ATTENTION,* W HENDERSON POINTED OUT THAT EXPERIENCE SHOWED THAT INJURED EMPLOYEES WORKING FOR SUB-CONTRACTORS HAD NOT ENCOUNTERED PARTICULAR DIFFICULTY IN CLAIMING COMPENSATION.
THERE COULD BE CASES, HOWEVER, WHERE AN INJURED EMPLOYEE WAS NOT AWARE OF WHICH CONTRACTOR WAS ACTUALLY EMPLOYING HIM. IN SUCH A SITUATION, ME COULD ALWAYS CLAIM AGAINST THE PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR.
HOWEVER. HE WOULD EXAMINE THIS PROBLEM AND WOULD TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION IF NECESSARY, HE ADDED.
THREE UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS SPOKE ON THE BILL.
THE CONVENOR OF AN AD HOC GROUP OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, THE REV THE HON PATRICK MCGOVERN SAID THE GROUP HAD EXAMINED THE WORKING PARTY’S REPORT, THE BILL AND A LIST OF CAREFULLY WORKED OUT SUGGESTIONS PUT FORWARD BY SEVERAL WORKERS* ORGANISATIONS.
♦WE WERE HAPPY TO FIND THAT THIS BILL, AND THE PROPOSED FUTURE BILL, LARGELY REFLECTED THE SUGGESTIONS OF THE WORKING PARTY REPORT AND AT THE SAME TIME MET MOST OF THE MAIN CRITICISMS AND SUGGESTED REMEDIES OF THE WORKERS' ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS FOR EXAMPLE THE REMOVAL OF THE WAGE CEILING BY WHICH THE PROVISIONS CF THE BILL WILL BE EXTENDED TO ALL EMPLOYEES,♦ FR MCGOVERN SAID.
THE GROUP HAD ALSO WORKED OUT A SET OF FIGURES TO PROPOSE AS AN INCREASE IN THE MAXIMUM AMOUNTS PAYABLE IN ORDER TO BRING THEM MORE IN LINE WITH THE INCREASE IN COSTS AND WAGES SINCE THE BILL WAS DRAFTED.
/HOWEVER ...
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
17
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT, THEIR FIGURES COINCIDED ALMOST TO THE DOLLAR WITH THOSE PREPARED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR FOR THE SAME PURPOSE.
AMENDMENTS TO INCREASE THE LEVELS OF COMPENSATION WERE ACCORDINGLY MADE AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE.
DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI WELCOMED EVERY IMPROVEMENT MADE TO THE LABOUR LEGISLATION WHICH HE SAID +WILL ASSIST US TO REPUDIATE THE CRITICISMS SO OFTEN LEVELLED AT US BY OUR OVERSEAS TRADING RIVALS OF UNFAIR COMPETITION BASED ON SWEATED LABOUR.*
HE NOTED THE BILL PROVIDES WIDER PROTECTION FOR INJURED WORKERS, INCLUDING ALL SALARIED EMPLOYEES IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS, AND RAISES THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM LEVELS OF COMPENSATION FOR DEATH AND PERMANENT DISABILITY.
IN ADDITION, EMPLOYERS WILL NOW BE LIABLE TO MEET THE INITIAL COST OF FITTING, REPAIR AND RENEWAL OF PROSTHESIS AND SURGICAL APPLIANCES FOR INJURED WORKERS FOR 10 YEARS.
AS EMPLOYERS HAVE TO SHOULDER ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL BURDEN AS A RESULT OF THE NEW PROVISIONS, HE HOPED THEY WOULD BE INDUCED TO BECOME MORE CONSCIOUS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN THEIR WORKPLACE.
DR HO ALSO SUGGESTED THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD GIVE MORE LEGISLATIVE ATTENTION TO THE LIABILITY OF SUB-CONTRACTORS AS WORKERS OFTEN EXPERIENCE GREAT DIFFICULTIES IN CLAIMING COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURIES UNDER THE EXISTING SUB-CONTRACTING SYSTEM OF PRODUCTION.
THE HON ALLEN LEE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION WOULD BE FURTHER ADJUSTED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE INCREASES IN WAGES AND COST OF LIVING WHICH OCCURRED DURING 1979-80.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG COULD NOT HAVE ACHIEVED SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN EXPORTS SINCE 1974 WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF ITS INDUSTRIOUS WORKERS.
+EVEN THOUGH THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS ARE RECOGNISED BY CONTINUOUS RISES IN THEIR EARNINGS, ONE AREA TO WHICH WE MUST PAY MORE ATTENTION IS THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION PAYABLE IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS.*
MR LEE ALSO SUPPORTED THE REMOVAL FROM THE BILL THE WAGE CEILING OF $5 000 A MONTH FOR NON-MANUAL WORKERS TO COVER ALL EMPLOYEES IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS.
FURTHERMORE, HE FELT IT WAS SENSIBLE TO RETITLE THE ^WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE* TO ^EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE* AS SOME PEOPLE HAVE THOUGHT IN THE PAST THAT +WORKMEN+ MEANT ONLY MALE WORKERS.
- - - - 0 ------------
1 =
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
18
MEMBERS SUPPORT WATER POLLUTION CONTROL BILL *****
LEGISLATION TO CURB THE POLLUTION OF STREAMS, NULLAHS AND TERRITORIAL WATERS HAVE THE BACKING OF THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS CF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
BUT THEY ARE CONCERNED THAT, INASMUCH AS THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL BILL IS A PIECE OF ENABLING LEGISLATION ONLY, IT IS DIFFICULT TO ASSESS THE IMPLICATIONS, ESPECIALLY THE ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS, OF ITS PROVISIONS UNTIL THE REGULATIONS TO BE ENACTED UNDER THE BILL ARE AVAILABLE.
THE HON LYDIA DUNN, CONVENOR OF THE AD HOC GROUP OF UNOFFICIALS SET UP TO EXAMINE THE BILL, EXPLAINED THIS WAS WHY INDUSTRY HAD ONLY BEEN CONSULTED IN VERY GENERAL TERMS.
♦UNTIL INDUSTRY KNOWS PRECISELY HOW THE LAW IS TO BE APPLIED AND ENFORCED,+ SHE POINTED OUT, + IT IS QUITE IMPOSSIBLE TO IDENTIFY THE EXTENT TO WHICH PARTICULAR TRADES WILL BE AFFECTED.
♦THE FINAL VIEW TAKEN BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, THEREFORE, WILL DEPEND UPON THE CONTENT OF THE REGULATIONS TO BE MADE AT A LATER STAGE, THE EXTENT OF CONSULTATIONS WITH INDUSTRY IN DRAWING UP THESE REGULATIONS AND THE NOTICE PERIOD BEFORE THE REGULATIONS BECOME EFFECTIVE.♦
DESPITE THE UNCERTAINTY SURROUNDING THE PRACTICAL EFFECTS OF THE BILL, MISS DUNN HAD ASKED THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT TO ASSURE THATi
* IN DRAWING UP THE REGULATIONS, CONSULTATIONS WOULD NOT BE LIMITED TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EPCOM) AND THAT MAJOR INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS WOULD ALSO BE CONSULTED-
* THERE SHOULD BE A PERIOD OF THREE TO SIX MONTHS AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF THE REGULATIONS BEFORE THEY BECOME EFFECTIVE, AND
* THE PERIOD OF TWO WEEKS ALLOWED FOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO CONSIDER RULES, REGULATIONS AND BY-LAWS SHOULD BE EXTENDED IN THIS CASE TO GIVE MEMBERS SUFFICIENT TIME TO STUDY WHAT WILL UNDOUBTEDLY BE A HIGHLY TECHNICAL SUBJECT.
ON THE DRAFTING OF REGULATIONS, MISS DUNN STRESSED THAT THE VIEWS OF MAJOR INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS AS SUCH ON THE ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF MEASURES DEEMED TO BE APPROPRIATE TO COMBAT POLLUTION ARE ESSENTIAL IN ORDER TO STRIKE A SENSIBLE BALANCE BETWEEN CONSERVATION AND THE ECONOMY.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT HAS UNDERTAKEN TO CONSULT THESE ASSOCIATIONS IN ADDITION TO EPCOM AND HAS INFORMED THE UNOFFICIALS THAT THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH WILL ASSESS THE ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF THE REGULATIONS.
/ON THE......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
19
ON THE SECOND POINT, THE SECRETARY HAS ALSO AGREED NOT TO Eft ING THE REGULATIONS INTO EFFECT FOR AT LEAST THREE MONTHS AFTER THEIR PUBLICATION.
IN THIS REGARD MISS DUNN URGED THAT AMPLE PUBLICITY MUST BE GIVEN BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND APPOINTED DAYS TO PREVENT ANY FACTORY, ESPECIALLY SMALL FACTORIES, FROM BEING PENALISED BY DEFAULT.
ON THE PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THE TWO-WEEK PERIOD ALLOWED FOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO CONSIDER THE REGULATIONS, THE SECRETARY REPLIED THAT HE DID NOT FEEL ABLE TO DO SO.
ALTHOUGH SHE UNDERSTOOD THAT IT WOULD INVOLVE AN AMENDMENT TO STANDING ORDERS TO EXTEND THE PERIOD, MISS DUNN FELT THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE PREPARED TO MOVE THEIR SUSPENSION IN THIS INSTANCE.
+IT IS DANGEROUS TO MAKE DECISIONS ON DIFFICULT AND COMPLEX ISSUES IN HASTE- AND, IN THIS CASE, UNNECESSARY TOO FOR POLLUTION CF OUR RIVERS AND STREAMS AND OF THE WATERS IN OUR HARBOURS IS A PROBLEM OF LONG STANDING,* SHE SAID.
♦ TO LIMIT THE TIME AVAILABLE FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE REGULATIONS TO TWO WEEKS, RATHER THAN ALLOW, SAY, FOUR TO SIX WEEKS WILL NOT HAVE ANY PRACTICAL EFFECT EVEN IN RESPECT OF THE SHORT TERM OBJECT OF CONTAINING POLLUTION.
♦ YET IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF HASTE, WE RUN THE DANGER OF MAKING MISTAKES WHICH COULD DAMAGE THE CHANCES OF SUCCESS IN THE MEDIUM AND LONGER TERM- AND THE VIABILITY OF SOME INDUSTRIES COULD BE PREJUDICED, SUCH AS THE DYEING AND FINISHING INDUSTRY.+
MISS DUNN ADDED THAT HER PLEA FOR LESS HASTE AND MORE CARE WAS MADE +IN THE INTERESTS OF BETTER, SOUNDER GOVERNMENT AND AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF THE NUMBER OF BILLS WHICH COME BEFORE THIS COUNCIL THESE DAYS.*
WHILE ACCEPTING THAT INCREASING CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO PRESERVING THE ENVIRONMENT, MISS DUNN STRESSED THAT THE ECONOMY MUST ALWAYS COME FIRST.
♦FURTHERMORE. WE MUST AVOID DRIFTING INTO A SITUATION WHEREBY NEW COMMITMENTS STRAIN OUR RESOURCES AT THE EXPENSE OF EXISTING COMMITMENTS- AND INTO A SITUATION IN WHICH THE ENACTMENT OF ONE PIECE OF LEGISLATION AFTER ANOTHER - EACH PERHAPS JUSTIFIED IN ITS OWN RIGHT - LEADS TO AN EVER LARGER AND MORE COSTLY BUREAUCRACY WHOSE EXISTENCE DEPENDS ON MORE AND MORE RESTRICTIVE CONTROLS BEING IMPOSED,♦ SHE ADDED.
MISS DUNN ALSO URGED THE ENVIRONMENT BRANCH TO LIAISE CLOSELY WITH THE ICAC IN DRAWING UP IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES SINCE +THE SORT OF CONTROL MEASURES ENVISAGED IN THIS BILL ARE BOUND TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CORRUPTION.*
THE HON WONG PO-YAN WELCOMED THE BILL BUT URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO +EXERCISE THE POWERS WITH CARE AND FLEXIBILITY, ADOPT A REALISTIC APPROACH AND TAKE CARE OF THE NEEDS OF PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES.*
/WHILE AGREEING
WEDNESDAY, JULY ?, 1980
20
WHILE AGREEING THAT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IS A PERFECTLY LAUDABLE OBJECTIVE, HE WARNED ONE SHOULD BE MINDFUL OF ANY ADVERSE ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCE THE LEGISLATION MAY BRING ABOUT.
HE FELT THAT HONG KONG SHOULD TAKE A WELL-BALANCED ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE BILL - TO ASCERTAIN ITS WATERS ARE PREVENTED FROM FURTHER CONTAMINATION ON THE ONE HAND AND TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE WILL NOT BE ANY UNNECESSARY ADVERSE IMPACT ON ITS ECONOMY ON THE OTHER.
HOWEVER, HE NOTICED THE BILL CONTAINS SOME VERY STRINGENT PROVISIONS GOVERNING INDUSTRIAL DEPOSITS AND DISCHARGES.
FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, AN EXEMPTION OR LICENCE WILL CEASE TO BE OPERATIVE IF THERE IS A CHANGE IN THE PLACE, PERIOD OR COMPOSITION OF A CERTAIN DEPOSIT OR DISCHARGE, OR IF 30 PER CENT OF ITS QUANTITY AND TEMPERATURE IS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT IS ORIGINALLY PERMITTED.
+IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES,+ MR WONG NOTED, +APPROVAL FOR CHANGES WILL BE REQUIRED. BUT A DECISION ON AN APPLICATION WILL NOT BE KNOWN UNTIL AT LEAST 30 DAYS AFTER THE DAY OF PUBLIC NOTICE OF SUCH APPL ICATION.+
THIS COULD EASILY CAUSE DELAYS AND UPSET THE PRODUCTION SCHEDULED OF INDUSTRIES WHICH DISCHARGE CONSIDERABLE QUANTITIES OF EFFLUENTS, HE NOTED.
♦ I WISH TO POINT OUT THAT IF THE LAW IS NOT SENSIBLY ENFORCED, INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION WOULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED AND OUR MANUFACTURERS’ OVERSEAS IMAGE WOULD BE SEVERELY DAMAGED, NOT TO MENTION THE TREMENDOUS MATERIAL LOSSES,+ HE SAID.
MR WONG CITED TWO IMPORTANT INDUSTRIES WHICH ARE MOST LIABLE TO BE AFFECTED BY THE NEW LEGISLATION - THE TEXTILE DYEING, PRINTING AND FINISHING INDUSTRY AND THE ELECTRO-PLAT I NG INDUSTRY.
ON THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY, HE REMARKED THAT AS DIVERSIFICATION WITHIN THE INDUSTRY PROCEEDS BY MOVING UP MARKETS, NEW TECHNOLOGIES WILL BE INTRODUCED AND NEW PRODUCTS WILL BE MADE WHICH WILL ASSIST POSITIVELY IN THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S GARMENT INDUSTRY.
IN THIS RESPECT, STRINGENT WATER POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES MIGHT IMPEDE THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS.
AS FOR THE ELECTRO-PLATING INDUSTRY, MR WONG SAID IT RENDERS AN INDISPENSABLE SUPPORTING SERVICE TO THE METAL INDUSTRY.
OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, OUTPUT IN FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS EXPERIENCED ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWTH RATES AMONG HONG KONG’S NUMEROUS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, ONLY RANKING AFTER THE ELECTRONICS AND PLASTICS INDUSTRIES.
ANY STRINGENT REGULATIONS IN THIS REGARD WOULD BE IN A DANGER CF +K ILL I NG THE BUD BEFORE IT FLOWERS,♦ HE ADDED.
HE REFERRED TO THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT’S SPEECH DURING THE INTRODUCTION OF THE BILL IN WHICH HE STATED +THE IMPOSITION OF BLANKET CONTROLS WHICH COULD SERIOUSLY INCONVENIENCE EXISTING INDUSTRIES WILL BE AVOIDED.+
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
21 -
THE SECRETARY HAD ALSO SAID THAT IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRM INTENTION TO IMPLEMENT THE BILL IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO MINIMISE INCONVENIENCE AND COST TO INDUSTRY AND THE ECONOMY GENERALLY.
MR WONG HOPED THE GOVERNMENT WOULD, WHEN DRAWING UP REGULATIONS, ADHERE TO THIS POLICY GUIDANCE.
IN REPLY THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON DEREK JONES, AGAIN EMPHASISED THERE WOULD BE CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES IN THE COURSE CF PREPARING THE DRAFT REGULATIONS AND THAT ANY POINTS THEY MADE WHICH WERE UNRESOLVED WOULD BE DRAWN TO THE ATTENTION OF THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.
♦I HAVE ALSO INDICATED THAT THE LIKELY ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF ALL DRAFT REGULATIONS WILL BE ASSESSED BY THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH,♦ HE SAID.
MR JONES SAID HE HAS GIVEN AN ASSURANCE THAT REGULATIONS WOULD NOT BE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT UNTIL AT LEAST THREE MONTHS AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE SO AS TO ALLOW MORE TIME FOR THOSE CONCERNED TO ASSESS THEIR EFFECTS.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE PROVISIONS FOR A VERY EXTENSIVE APPEALS PROCEDURE,
♦WITH ALL THESE PROVISIONS FOR CONSULTATIONS, REPRESENTATIONS AND APPEALS I CAN HARDLY SEE HOW I MERIT MISS DUNN’S ACCUSATION OF WANTING TO RUSH THINGS. BUT SHE DOES MAKE THE POINT THAT, AND I QUOTE HER, *THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT DID NOT FEEL ABLE TO THE£REGULAt}oNSWEEK PER,0D a<-*-OWED FOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO CONSIDER
HE SAID THE REASON WHY HE DID NOT FEEL ABLE TO MEET MISS DUNN ON THIS PARTICULAR POINT WAS THAT HE DID NOT HAVE THE POWER TO DO SO.
SHOULD, HOWEVER, UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS GENERALLY FELT THAT THIS PROVISION SHOULD BE RE-EXAMINED, HE SAID THAT NO DOUBT IT WOULD BE LOOKED AT.
♦BUT IT WOULD INVOLVE BROADER ISSUES THAN THIS PARTICULAR BILL,* HE ADDED.
FINALLY, HE SAID HE WAS ALREADY IN CONSULTATION WITH THE ICAC ON PROCEDURES THAT MIGHT BE INTRODUCED TO MINIMISE CORRUPTION OPPORTUNITIES IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE MEASURES PROVIDED FOR IN THE BILL AND IN OTHER ITEMS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LEGISLATION.
-..-0---------
/22....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
22
EXTRA STAFF NEEDED TO DEAL WITH ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS »»»»»!
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT REQUIRES ADDITIONAL STAFF TO |€LP TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON JACK STEAN, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHARLES YEUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR STEAN SAIDl ♦WHEN THEY ARE AVAILABLE IN THE PRESENT LEVEL OF ACTION WILL RESULT.
SOME IMPROVEMENT
♦THE BUILDING SURVEYORS WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR TAKING ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL WORKS HAVE, AS THEIR PRIMARY TASK, THE DUTY OF PROCESSING APPLICATIONS IK CONNECTION WITH NEW BUILDINGS, INCLUDING THE APPROVAL OF PLANS, THE ISSUE OF CONSENTS TO COMMENCE WORK AND THE ISSUE OF OCCUPATION PERMITS, ALL OF WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO STATUTORY TIME LIMITS.
♦IN ADDITION, THEY ARE REQUIRED TO INSPECT NEW BUILDINGS UNDER CONSTRUCT ION.♦
ALL OF THESE TASKS, MR STEAN ADDED, MUST TAKE PRECEDENCE AND THEREFORE THE LACK OF SUFFICIENT RESOURCES MOST SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTS THE AREA OF ILLEGAL WORKS.
MR STEAN RECALLED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD BEEN ADVISED PREVIOUSLY THAT THE PACE OF DEVELOPMENT HAD OUT-STRIPPED THE ABILITY OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE TO DEAL WITH PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS.
♦THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS ALSO, ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS, BEEN ADVISED THAT THE POLICY IS TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST ALL WORKS WHICH CONTRAVENE THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN BUILDINGS COMPLETED AFTER JULY 1975 AND TO LIMIT ACTION AGAINST BUILDINGS COMPLETED BEFORE THAT DATE TO THOSE WORKS WHICH ARE A RISK TO LIFE AND LIMB, BECAUSE OF THE VERY LARGE NUMBER OF BUILDINGS INVOLVED,♦ HE ADDED.
♦THIS POLICY AND THE ACTION TAKEN TOWARDS IMPLEMENTING THE POLICY APPLIES TO THE NEW TOWNS IN THE SAME WAY AS IT APPLIES TO THE REST OF THE TERRITORY.
♦WITH THE CONTINUED PACE OF DEVELOPMENT THE SITUATION AS REGARDS THE CONTROL OF ILLEGAL WORKS IS DETERIORATING IN ALL AREAS.♦
MR STEAN SAID THE CAMPAIGN OF ISSUING POSTERS ILLUSTRATING THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF ILLEGAL WORK CONTINUED AND WAS THOUGHT TO HAVE MET WITH SOME SUCCESS. '*
IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE, HE SAID, TO MEASURE THE DETERRANT EFFECT Of THESE POSTERS AND OF THE LIMITED ENFORCEMENT WORK BEING CARRIED OUT, BUT CLEARLY BOTH IN THE NEW TOWNS AND ELSEWHERE THE CONTROL OF ILLEGAL WORKS AND ALTERATIONS WAS CF LIMITED EFFECTIVENESS.
/MR STEAK .....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, •’980
25
MR STEAN POINTED OUT THAT THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS WAS INTRACTABLE PROBLEM OF MASSIVE PROPORTIONS AND WAS ONE WHICH HE DID NOT BELIEVE COULD EVER BE SOLVED WITH THE PRESENT APPROACH TO IT.
RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD THEREFORE BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN THE NEAR FUTURE, WHICH WOULD ON THE ONE HAND LIMIT THE TYPES OF ILLEGAL WORKS AGAINST WHICH ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN AND ON THE OTHER HAND, IN CERTAIN AREAS, ENABLE AN INDIVIDUAL OWNER WHO WISHED TO CARRY OUT ALTERATIONS TO OBTAIN APPROVAL QUICKLY FROM THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE, WITHOUT EMPLOYING PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS, HE ADDED.
------o-------
INQUEST INTO ALL WHO DIE IN CUSTODY * * * *
CORONERS WILL INQUIRE INTO ALL DEATHS OF PEOPLE IN OFFICIAL CUSTODY — INCLUDING THOSE HELD BY THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JOHN GRIFFITHS SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE CORONERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980, MR GRIFFITHS SAID THE DEFINITION OF ♦OFFICIAL CUSTODY+ WAS AMENDED TO INCLUDE PERSONS IN CUSTODY BY ICAC OFFICERS OR ANY OTHER OFFICER WITH POWERS OF ARREST.
AMENDMENTS IN THE BILL ALSO INCREASE THE PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO ATTEND A JURY SUMMONS (FOR CORONERS COURT) FROM $500 TO $3 000. HOWEVER, THERE IS PROVISION OF A SPECIFIC DEFENCE OF REASONABLE EXCUSE TO A JUROR WHO FAILS TO ATTEND IN ANSWER TO A SUMMONS.
MR GRIFFITHS SAID THAT UNDER THE PRESENT LAW, PAPERS FROM EVERY INQUIRY BY A CORONER WERE FORWARDED TO HIM WHICH CREATED ♦DOUBLE HANDL I NG.+
♦CORONERS PAPERS WILL, UNDER THE AMENDMENTS, ONLY BE FORWARDED UPON REQUEST FOR HIM TO CONSIDER WHETHER HE SHOULD EXERCISE HIS STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORDERING THE INQUEST TO BE RE-OPENED.♦
OTHER AMENDMENTS ALLOW FOR A CORONER NOT REQUIRED TO BE A MAGISTRATE, BUT A PERSON WITH LEGAL QUALIFICATIONS, AND PROVIDES THAT CORONERS MAY ACCEPT MAJORITY VERDICTS OF JURORS, AND THAT JJRORS MAY BE DISCHARGED IN THE INTERESTS OF JUSTICE AND THEMSELVES WITHOUT DISRUPTING AN INQUEST.
MR GRIFFITHS SAID THERE WAS ALSO AN AMENDMENT OF THE JUDICIAL SERVICES ORDINANCE WHICH WAS CONSEQUENTIAL UPON THE POST OF CORONER BEING INDEPENDENT OF THE MAGISTRACY.
HE SAID THAT A NUMBER OF THE AMENDMENTS STEMMED FROM A REPORT EARLIER THIS YEAR FROM A WORKING PARTY ESTABLISHED TO REVIEW THE LAW AND PRACTICE OF THE CORONERS COURT.
/QNE RECOMMENDATION ...
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 193O
24
ONE RECOMMENDATION FROM THE GROUP ™AT RELATED TO THE APPEARANCE of crown council to assist the coroners office required AN AMENDMENT TO THE CORONERS RULES.
ANOTHER RECOMMENDATION WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE LEGISLATIVE ACTION WAS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SEPARATE CORONERS STAFF WITHIN THE JUDICIARY.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
0 - -
BILL TO TIGHTEN CONTROL OVER IMPORT-EXPORT OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS * * * X * *
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR THE HON K.L. THONG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) MOVED VARIOUS AMENDMENTS TO THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE AIMED AT TIGHTENING CONTROL OVER THE EXPORT AND IMPORT OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS.
ONE AMENDMENT HE PROPOSED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING THIS AFTERNOON SEEKS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGISTRATION OF IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS OF ALL PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS.
HE EXPLAINED THAT AT PRESENT ONLY THOSE PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS CONTAINING POISONS WERE REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED.
THERE ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF WIDELY USED PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS WHICH DO NOT CONTAIN POISONS AND THEREFORE NOT REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED WITH THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD UNDER THE EXISTING LEGISLATION.
♦THIS IS UNSATISFACTORY AS MANY OF THE PRODUCTS ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO DETERIORATION DUE TO POOR STORAGE CONDITION AND THE PREMISES IN WHICH THEY ARE HELD ARE NOT SUBJECT TO INSPECTION,* SAID DR THONG.
IN ORDER THAT MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL BE EXERCISED FOR THESE PRODUCTS, HE SAID, ALL IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS, WHETHER THEY CONTAIN POISONS OR NOT, SHOULD BE REGISTERED.
DR THONG SAID THERE WAS ALSO NOTHING IN THE EXISTING ORDINANCE WHICH APPLIED TO EXPORT OF POISONS OUTSIDE HONG KONG NOR DID THE LAW SPELL OUT CLEARLY THAT AN EXPORTER MUST BE AUTHORISED TO ENGAGE IN THE BUSINESS OF EXPORTING POISONS.
IT IS THEREFORE PROPOSED THAT SECTION 32(B) OF THE ORDINANCE BE AMENDED TO CLARIFY THAT POISONS MAY BE EXPORTED ONLY BY REGISTERED EXPORTERS OR LICENSED WHOLESALE DEALERS IN POISONS, HE SAID.
ANOTHER AMENDMENT PROPOSED BY DR THONG SEEKS TO ENABLE THE BOARD TO ESTABLISH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES TO DEAL WITH LICENSING AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS,
/HE EXPLAINED ...
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, ''980
- 25 -
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE INCREASING SCOPE AND COMPLEXITY CF THE WORK OF THE BOARD HAS NOW MADE IT NECESSARY FOR SOME CF THE FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES, SUCH AS REGISTRATION OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS, BE DELEGATED TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES.
DR THONG ALSO PROPOSED THE SETTING UP OF A PHARMACY AND POISONS APPEALS TRIBUNAL WITH JURISDICTION TO HEAR AND DETERMINE APPEALS AGAINST A DECISION OF THE BOARD OR ITS COMMITTEES ON MATTERS CONCERNING LICENSING, REGISTRATION AND THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES.
THE TRIBUNAL WILL COMPRISE OF PERSONS TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, TO BE CHAIRED BY A LEGALLY QUALIFIED PERSON. OTHER MEMBERS OF THE TRIBUNAL SHOULD COME FROM REPRESENTATIVES CF THE MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROFESSIONS, THE PHARMACIST ASSOCIATION, THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY AND THE RETAIL PHARMACEUTICAL TRADE.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-------o----------
EXCHANGE FUND BORROWING LIMIT RAISED * * * *
ov ,SCREASE THE BORROWING LIMIT OF THE EXCHANGE FUND
BY 50 PER CENT TO 115 000 MILLION WAS APPROVED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN SUPPORTING THE PROPOSAL, THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, EXPLAINED THAT THE BULK OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ACCUMULATED FISCAL RESERVES, THE GENERAL REVENUE BALANCE, WERE INVESTED BY THE TREASURY WITH THE EXCHANGE FUND, AGAINST THE ISSUE BY THE FUND OF INTEREST-BEARING DEBT CERTIFICATES.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S FISCAL RESERVES WERE HELD WITH THE J? AVOID THE NECESS,TY THESE RESERVES HAVING TO ccAK tXCHANGt R ISKS.
PLAY OF THE
_ EXTENT THAT THESE ^SERVES REPRESENT PART
CF THE EXCHANGE FUND’S HOLDINGS OF HONG KONG DOLLARS, THEY A PART IN THE EXERCISE OF LEVERAGE ON THE LIQUIDITY RATIOS BANKING SYSTEM,* HE SAID.
SIR PHILIP SAID EXCHANGE FUND DEBT CERIFICATES ISSUED TREASURY HAVE CONTINUED TO RISE THROUGHOUT THIS YEAR.
TO THE
ON
ON DECEMBER 31, 1979 THEY AMOUNTED TO $5 520 MILLIONMARCH 31, 1980, THEY AMOUNTED TO $8 517 MILLION- AND ON JUNE 30, 1980, THEY AMOUNTED TO $8 830 MILLION.
♦ALTHOUGH WE FACE EXCEPTIONALLY HEAVY EXPENDITURE
COMMITMENTS OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, I ANTICIPATE THAT THE PRESENT BORROWING LIMIT ON THE EXCHANGE FUND OF 510 000 MILLION MAY BE REACHED BEFORE THE END OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR,* HE ADDED.
/26 .
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
26
$743 MILLION SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION APPROVED *****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS OF $743 MILLION FOR THE THIRD QUARTER TO DECEMBER 31, 1979.
IN MOVING THE MOTION, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON D.G, JEAFFRESON, SAID THAT OF THIS SUM $564 MILLION WERE PUBLIC WORKS NON-RECURRENT ITEMS AS A RESULT OF RAPID PROGRESS ON A NUMBER OF APPROVED PROJECTS AND THE UPGRADING OF 17 PROJECTS,
OFFSETTING SAVINGS OF $652 MILLION WERE FOUND UNDER VARIOUS SUBHEADS OF EXPENDITURE OR BY FREEZING FUNDS.
Oc THE REMAINING $91 MILLION, NOT OFFSET BY SAVINGS, THE .MAIN ITEMS INCLUDED $67 MILLION FOR REINFORCEMENT OF THE GARRISON" 510 MILLION FOR INSTALMENT PAYMENT OF NINE MARINE POLICE LAUNCHES-S5 MILLION FOR PERSONAL EMOLUMENTS FOR THREE DEPARTMENTS TO MEET JAY INCREASES, AND $5 MILLION FOR VARIOUS EXPENSES RELATING TO THE MAINTENANCE OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES.
- - 0 - - - -
INDUSTRIALISTS URGED TO STEP UP TRAINING EFFORTS
*****
THE NUMBER OF APPRENTICES UNDER TRAINING STILL FALLS SHORT OF THE REQUIREMENT REVEALED BY THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL MANPOWER REPORTS, PARTICULARLY IN THE NON-DESIGNATED SECTIONS iHE HON FRANCIS TIEN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY). ’
HE URGED LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS TO STEP UP THEIR TRAINING EFFORTS AND EXPAND THEIR APPRENTICESHIP SCHEMES BY OFFERING MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO APPRENTICES WHO WISH TO MAKE THEIR CAREER IN INDU STR Y.
HE ALSO CALLED ON THEM TO REGISTER THEIR APPRENTICESHIP CONTRACTS UNDER THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE.
,,.e ** T|EN» WH0 ,S CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL, WAS SPEAKING AT THE SECOND READING OF THE APPRENTICESHIP (AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH CONTAINED /RIOUS AMENDMENTS DESIGNED TO TIDY UP REMOVE MINOR ANOMALIES, RECTIFY OMISSIONS AND REFLECT RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN OTHER LEGISLATIONS GOVERNING THE EMPLOYMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
O1OT.J!E N0TED TKAT THE PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING THE BILL AND, IN PARTICULAR, THE TWO PROVISIONS RELATING TO TECHNICAL EDUCATION WERE EXTENSIVELY DISCUSSED BY THE COUNCIL AND ITS COMMITTEE ON APPRENTICESHIP.
+THE TRAINING COUNCIL IS IN FULL SUPPORT OF GIVING PREFERENCE MuJsrSJcEs!8 °THE,! ""’UC‘"TS WME" “-LOCAT.HG
+THIS IS IN RECOGNITION OF THE NEED FOR A PROPERLY TRAINED iECHNICAL PERSON TO BE CONVERSANT WITH BOTH THE THEORY AND THr PRACTICE OF HIS TRADE.♦
/THE OPPORTUNITY .....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
27
T„r J*! opportunity to receive technical education, he said was T0%?s~HARfifE 0F A REGISTERED apprentice, but he also has obligations training council therefore supports the second provision on education and feels that should such an apprentice misbehave or repudiate his contract, he should be immediately suspended from a technical course whether or mot he is in a designated trade.
♦this is necessary and, i understand, has been found usefiu in dealing with delinquent apprentices in designated'trades,* he noted.
T,£N ALS0 NOTED that the apprenticeship ordinance had been effective in promoting proper apprentice training not only IN B designated trades but also in other trades.
*the latter significantly points to the fact that employers are beginning to find the legal framework brought about by this r^LSlr^ION USEFUL AND ACCEPTABLE in the training of their technicians and other skilled workers,* he added.
-----0------
TAXI REGISTRATION TIME EXTENDED * » * #
THE TIME LIMIT FOR REGISTERING UP TO 10 000 URBAN TAXIS HAS BEEN EXTENDED BY 12 MONTHS TO ALLOW FOR FURTHER TENDERING EXERCISES TO BE CONDUCTED IN SEPTEMBER AND DECEMBER THIS YEAR.
IN MOVING THE MOTION TO EXTEND THE LIMIT FROM JANUARY 18, 1980 TO JANUARY 31, 1981, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON DEREK JONES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, ORDERED THAT THIS MAXIMUM NUMBER OF URBAN TAXIS TO BE REACHED BY ISSUING 300 TAXI LICENCES EVERY THREE MONTHS.
AT PRESENT THE NUMBER OF URBAN TAXIS, INCLUDING 300 IN A CURRENT TENDERING EXERCISE WAS 9 069.
MR JONES SAID A FULL REVIEW OF TAXI OPERATIONS WAS BEING CONDUCTED, AND EXPECTED THAT THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL WOULD BE CONSULTED BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR ON THE LIMIT ON THE NUMBER CF LICENCES TO BE SET SUBSEQUENTLY, AS WELL AS ON OTHER MATTERS AFFECTING THE TAXI TRADE.
/28 ...
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
’ - 28. -
1 143 CASES OF TENANTS NOT MAKING PROPER USE OF HD FLATS
M * * *
< 4,^DUR1NG THE PAST 12 MONTHS HOUSING DEPARTMENT STAFF DISCOVERED
1 143 CASES OF TENANTS NOT MAKING PROPER USE OF THEIR FLATS THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON D.P.H. LIAO, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY). LtblbLATIVE
SINCE iUCH TENANTS CAN BE DEEMED NOT TO BE IN NEED OF PUBLIC HOUSING ALL WERE ASKED TO SURRENDER THEIR TENANCIES WHICH 722
HE SA,D ,N REPLY,NG TO QUESTIONS FROM DR THE HON
THE REMAINING TENANTS WERE SERVED NOTICE TO QUIT.
IN CASES INVOLVING ABSENTEE TENANTS ALLOWING THFIR pi atc ta dc OCCUPIED ILLEGALLY, THE UNAUTHORISED OCCUPANTS WERE REQUIRED TO LtAVE ON DISCOVERY, SAID MR LIAO. THOSE GENUINELY HOMELESS wl« OFFERED TEMPORARY HOUSING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. SS WERE
----0-----
♦FAILURE TO DISCLOSE* TRAFFIC BILL PASSED
* * * *
THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980 WAS PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JOHN GRIFFITHS, SAID ONE AMENDMENT ENABLED THE COURTS TO DISQUALIFY PEOPLE WHO AVOID PROSECUTION FOR SERIOUS TRAFFIC OFFENCES BY REFUSING TO DISCLOSE WHO THE DRIVER WAS AT THE TIME THE OFFENCE WAS COMMITTED.
HE SAID THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE PENALTY FOR FAILING TO DISCLOSE THE NAME OF A DRIVER INVOLVED IN SUCH AN OFFENCE WAS AT PRESENT LIKELY TO BE MUCH LOWER THAN THE PENALTY FOR THE OFFENCE ITSELF.
THE COURT, HE SAID, +HAS NO MEANS AT PRESENT OF JUDGING THE GRAVITY OF THE CONDUCT WHICH PROBABLY MOTIVATED THE DRIVER OR OWNER TO REFUSE TO GIVE HIS NAME.*
THE AMENDMENTS REMOVED FROM THE BILL PROPOSALS WHICH WOULD HAVE EMPOWERED THE COURTS THEMSELVES TO ORDER DISCLOSURE OF THE REQUIRED INFORMATION ON PAIN OF A CONTINUING FINE OR IMPRISONMENT.
♦HAVING CONSIDERED ALL THE ARGUMENTS, I NOW FEEL, AND THE CHIEF JUSTICE HAS INDICATED THAT HE AGREES, THAT IT WOULD NOT BE DESIRABLE TO ALLOW A SORT OF CONFRONTATION TO OCCUR BETWEEN A MAGISTRATE WHO ORDERED DISCLOSURE AND A DEFENDANT WHO REFUSED TO GIVE IT.
♦THE ORIGINAL PROPOSALS IN THE BILL MIGHT ON SOME OCCASIONS HAVE LED TO THIS,* HE SAID.
/BUT, MR .....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 198O
- 29 -
BUT, MR GRIFFITHS ADDED, IF PEOPLE WERE TO BE DISCOURAGED FROM REFUSING TO GIVE THE NAME OF THE DRIVER WHEN THEY KNEW IT PERFECTLY WELL BECAUSE THEY CONSIDERED THE PENALTY FOR THE DRIVING OFFENCE WAS LIKELY TO BE MUCH HIGHER THAN FOR THE FAILURE TO DISCLOSE, THEN IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT THE BILL SHOULD RETAIN THE PROVISION REQUIRING THE COURTS TO HAVE REGARD TO THE FACTS OF THE UNDERLYING TRAFFIC OFFENCE WHEN ASSESSING SENTENCE FOR THE FAILURE TO DISCLOSE OFFENCE.+
AS AMENDED, HE SAID, THE BILL WILL MAKE A MORE MODEST CONTRIBUTION tq STRENGTHEN THE LAW THAN WAS ORIGINALLY ENVISAGED BUT THAT CONTRIBUTION WILL STILL, BE A USEFUL ONE.
FAKE DRUGS BILL PASSED * * * *
THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH DEALS WITH OFFENCES CONNECTED WITH FAKE NARCOTICS HAVE THE SUPPORT OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, THE HON PETER C. WONG TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THEY WERE SATISFIED THE BILL WAS BOTH NECESSARY AND DESIRABLE AND WOULD NOT HAVE ADVERSE EFFECTS ON LEGITIMATE TRANSACTIONS OF OTHER DANGEROUS DRUGS CONTROLLED UNDER THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE.
SPEAKING AT THE BILL’S SECOND READING, MR WONG SAID THE BILL BASICALLY INTRODUCED TWO AMENDMENTS IN WHICHi
* A PERSON WHO OFFERS TO TRAFFIC IN A SUBSTANCE WHICH HE BELIEVES TO BE A DANGEROUS DRUG, COMMITS AN OFFENCE EVEN THOUGH IT IS NOT IN FACT A DANGEROUS DRUG.
* A PERSON WHO TRAFFICS OR OFFERS TO TRAFFIC IN A SUBSTANCE REPRESENTED BY HIM TO BE A DANGEROUS DRUG WHICH IS IN FACT NOT A DANGEROUS DRUG ALSO COMMITS AN OFFENCE, BUT WITH LIGHTER PENALTIES SIMILAR TO THOSE PROVIDED FOR THE OFFENCE OF DECEPTION.
MR WONG SAID THE AD HOC GROUP OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WHO EXAMINED THE BILL HAD CONSIDERED THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE AMENDMENTS AND THE IMPLICATIONS THEY MIGHT HAVE ON LEGITIMATE TRANSACTIONS OF OTHER DANGEROUS DRUGS CONTROLLED UNDER THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE.
FOLLOWING DISCUSSION WITH THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS AND OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, HE SAID APPROPRIATE AMENDMENT WAS MADE TO THE BILL TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT A NEW SECTION WOULD DEAL SPECIFICALLY WITH FAKE DRUGS.
/MR WC!?&........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 198O
30
mr WONG POINTED OUT THAT THE UNOFFICIALS HAD ALSO CONSIDERED THE QUESTION OF POSSIBLE ABUSE BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.
GOVERNMENT, HE SAID, HAS NOW AGREED THAT, AS A SAFEGUARD. A NEW SUBSECTION WOULD BE ADDED TO THE EFFECT THAT NO PROSECUTION IN RESPECT OF FAKE DRUGS SHOULD BE INSTITUTED WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. THE BILL WAS PASSED AT ITS THIRD READING.
PNEUMOCONIOS IS COMPENSATION SCHEME *****
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION SCHEME WERE OUTLINED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON J.N. HENDERSON, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN HE MOVED THE SECOND READING OF THE PNEUMOCON IOS IS (COMPENSATION) BILL 1980.
THE MAIN EFFECT OF THE BILL, MR HENDERSON EXPLAINED, WAS TO REPEAL THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1978 AND TO INTRODUCE A COMPENSATION SCHEME OUTSIDE THE FRAMEWORK OF THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
THE BILL, HE ADDED,ESTABLISHED A FUND FINANCED BY A LEVY ON THE CONSTRUCTION AND QUARRY INDUSTRIES WHICH TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR OVER 95 PER CENT OF PNEUMOCONIOSIS CASES.
THE TYPES OF BENEFIT AND THE LEVELS OF COMPENSATION PROVIDED IN THE BILL WOULD BE THE SAME AS THOSE UNDER THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, WHICH WERE BEING REVISED BY THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980. THEY WOULD BE ADJUSTED TO EQUATE WITH ANY CHANGES THAT MIGHT OCCUR IN THE ORDINANCE IN FUTURE.
THE BILL PROVIDED FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS MEDICAL BOARD AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION FUND BOARD TO COLLECT THE LEVY AND TO ADMINISTER THE FUND.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
. 0 - - - -
/31
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
- 31 -
TRAFFIC LIGHT ARRANGEMENT PROVIDES ADEQUATE CONTROL ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS. THE HON JACK STEAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENT OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS AT A SIGNAL CONTROLLED ROAD JUNCTION SHOULD PROVIDE ADEQUATE CONTROL OF TRAFFIC.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON WONG LAM, HE SAID, ♦NORMALLY THREE SETS OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS ARE PROVIDED, TWO SETS AT THE NEARSIDE OF THE JUNCTION ON EACH SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ONE SET AT THE FAR SIDE, FOR EACH APPROACH TO THE JUNCTION.
♦ALTHOUGH AN INDIVIDUAL SET MAY BE OBSTRUCTED BY A TALL VEHICLE, THIS ARRANGEMENT. BY PROVIDING ALTERNATIVES, SHOULD ENSURE THAT DRIVERS ARE ABLE TO OBSERVE AT LEAST ONE SET AND THUS PROVIDE ADEQUATE CONTROL OF TRAFFIC.*
MR STEAN SAID THAT THE SUGGESTION OF REPOSITIONING TRAFFIC LIGHTS TO OVERHEAD LOCATIONS HAD BEEN CONSIDERED BUT BEEN FOUND TO BE UNSUITABLE FOR HONG KONG.
♦THE REASONS.* HE STATED, *ARE THAT THE PROLIFERATION OF NEON SIGN ADVERTISEMENTS WOULD MAKE OVERHEAD TRAFFIC LIGHTS LESS EASILY DISTINGUISHABLE THAN ROADSIDE TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF TYPHOON DAMAGE, OVERHEAD LIGHTS SHOULD BE MOUNTED ON RIGID GANTRIES AND THESE WOULD INVOLVE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES OF SITING THE SUPPORTS AND WOULD BE VERY EXPENSIVE TO CONSTRUCT.♦
MR STEAN ADDED, *THERE IS NO EVIDENCE WHICH WOULD INDICATE THAT THE PRESENT SYSTEM CAUSES ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF OBSTRUCTION OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS BY TALL VEHICLES BUT IF, IN ANY PARTICULAR CASE IT IS THOUGHT THAT THEY ARE CAUSING DIFFICULTIES, THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERS IN PWD WOULD BE PLEASED TO INVESTIGATE THE MATTER AND SEE WHETHER ANY IMPROVEMENT CAN BE MADE.*
LEISURE FACILITIES FOR NT TOWNS IN THE FOREFRONT ft ft ft ft
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE HON DAVID AKERS-JONES SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE NEED FOR CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTING FACILITIES IN NEW TERRITORIES TOWNS WAS KEPT IN THE FOREFRONT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S MIND.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHARLES YEUNG,
■'R AKERS-JONES ADDED THAT EVERY EFFORT WOULD BE MADE TO MAINTAIN THE CONCEPT OF BALANCED DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE LIMITS OF RESOURCES.
HE SAID A CONSIDERABLE RANGE OF PROJECTS INVOLVING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WAS BEING CONSTRUCTED EITHER WITH PUBLIC FUNDS OR WITH THE HELP OF A SUBVENTION FROM PUBLIC FUNDS TOWARDS PRIVATELY DONATED PROJECTS.
/♦HOWEVER, .....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
32
■♦■HOWEVER, THE PLANNED PROVISION OF A NUMBER OF CAPITAL ADJECTS HAD TO BE DEFERRED FOR 12 MONTHS OR MORE LAST YEAR BECAUSE T THE VERY NECESSARY CONSTRAINTS IMPOSED ON THE GROSS RATE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS ON PUBLIC-WORKS IN SUPPORT OF THE ECONOMY AS A *HOLE.
♦PRIORITY IN OUR NEW TOWNS HAD TO BE GIVEN TO THE PRODUCTION OF PUBLIC HOUSING AND INDUSTRIAL LAND,+ HE SAID.
MR AKERS-JONES ADDED THAT CULTURAL, SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WERE BEING PROVIDED BROADLY IN PACE WITH DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
-----0------
HUNTING RESTRICTION
*****
GAME HUNTING WAS INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE AND COMMONSENSE AND THE INTERESTS OF PUBLIC SAFETY INDICATED THAT HUNTING SHOULD BE BANNED ENTIRELY, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR THE HON C.T. WONG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID HUNTING WAS AN ESTABLISHED SPORT IN HONG KONG, BUT WAS PRACTISED BY ONLY A SMALL NUMBER OF PEOPLE AND THERE *ERE VERY FEW PLACES WHERE HUNTING COULD TAKE PLACE LAWFULLY AND IN SAFETY.
IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE WILD ANIMALS PROTECTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980, DR WONG SAID THERE WERE NOW SEVEN MILLION VISITORS RECORDED IN AREAS MANAGED BY THE DEPARTMENT, COMPARED WITH ONLY HALF A MILLION IN THE SAME AREAS IN 1970/71.
HOWEVER, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES WOULD STILL BE ABLE TO PERMIT HUNTING, BUT PERMISSION WOULD ONLY BE GIVEN IN SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN NECESSARY, -FOR EXAMPLE, TO CONTROL THE POPULATION OF WILD PIGS OR OTHER SPECIES OF ANIMAL WHICH COULD BE CAUSING A SERIOUS NUISANCE.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- c - -
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
33
REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS IN NT ft ft ft ft ft
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE MON DEREK JONES, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THERE WERE 33 NEW PURPOSE-BUILT CFF-STREET REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS IN THE NEW TOWNS AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, AND A FURTHER A6 WERE IN THE PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME.
MR JONES, REPLYING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHARLES YEUNG, SAID SELF-CONTAINED REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS WERE ALSO INCORPORATED INTO NEW MARKET PROJECTS AND INTO COOKED FOOD CENTRES WHERE THIS COULD BE DONE.
♦IN ADDITION, THERE ARE OVER 300 MINOR REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS IN VARIOUS RURAL AREAS WHICH HAVE BEEN CONSTRUCTED WITH LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS AND CLEANSING FUNDS,♦ MR JONES SAID.
♦ALTHOUGH MANY OF THESE ARE RELATIVELY SIMPLE AND RUDIMENTARY, THERE ARE PLANS TO IMPROVE THEIR STANDARDS BY THE PROVISION, WHERE POSSIBLE, OF WATER SUPPLY FOR CLEANSING AFTER THE RUBBISH HAS BEEN REMOVED AND BY ROOFING OVER THE ORIGINAL STRUCTURES,♦ HE ADDED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO STRENGTHENING SUPERVISORY CONTROL OVER ITS CLEANSING STAFF TO MAINTAINING A HIGH STANDARD OF SERVICE- AND ADDITIONAL REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLES ARE BEING SOUGHT TO HELP MOVE REFUSE FROM THE COLLECTION POINTS MORE QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY.
- 0 - -
ENQUIRY INTO RADIO-OPERATED TOYS ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY HAS STARTED AN ENQUIRY AS TO WHETHER THERE COULD BE A MODIFICATION OF THE PRESENT PROHIBITION AND LICENSING OF RADIO-OPERATED TOYS, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON D.G. JEAFFRESON, SAID IN THC LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
J!! REPLY To A QUESTION FROM THE HON ANDREW SO, HE SAID THE PRESENT LICENSING SYSTEM HAD A CLEAR AND IMPORTANT OBJECT IN PROTECTING RADIO NETWORKS OPERATED BY ESSENTIAL SERVICES.
BUT, HE ADDED, IN RECENT YEARS THERE WERE AVAILABLE AN INCREASING NUMBER OF TOYS WHICH HAD A LOW RADIO TRANSMITTING POWER AND WERE UNLIKELY TO CAUSE SERIOUS INTERFERENCE?
MR JEAFFRESON SAID HE DID NOT EXPECT RESULTS OF THE ENQUIRY UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR.
0 - - - -
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980 - > -
INTENSIVE CEMETERY CLEAN-UP AFTER FESTIVALS ft ft ft ft *
INTENSIVE CLEANING UP OPERATIONS AT NON-GOVERNMENT CEMETERIES WERE MOUNTED IMMEDIATELY AFTER CHING MING AND CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVALS, THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS. THE HON JOHN WALDEN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID IN THE OPERATIONS, IT WAS NORMAL PRACTICE TO ENGAGE SPECIAL TEAMS OF CASUAL LABOUR ON A DAILY BASIS.
MR WALDEN MADE THE COMMENTS IN REPLY TO THE HON LEUNG TAT-SHING WHO ASKED WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING NON-GOVERNMENT CEMETERIES CLEAN AND TIDY, IN PARTICULAR THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES AT TSUEN WAN, ABERDEEN AND CHAI WAN.
HE SAID THE CEMETERIES WERE UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF A BOARD OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES, WHICH WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING THE CEMETERIES CLEAN.
-----0------
BILLS PASSED ft ft ft ft
Tue?,LLS REIVED THEIR FINAL READING AND WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WERE THE ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980- THE 1?ItN?t?EVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1980- THE MONETARY STATISTICS BILL 1980- THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980- THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980- THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980- THE ELECTRICITY NETWORKS (STATUTORY EASEMENTS) BILL 1980- THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980- THE **11* ^LOTION CONTROL BILL 1980- THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS BILL 1980- THE APPRENTICESHIP (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980- THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980- THE THEFT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980- THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES $nonNDMENT^ B,LL 1980« AND THE EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980«
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
35
LONDON TO SEE HK IN MINIATURE MAM
A FULL MASTED TRADITIONAL CHINESE JUNK WILL SAIL UP THE ENGLISH CHANNEL AND AROUND THE KENTISH COAST TO THE THAMES ESTUARY AS PART OF THE HONG KONG FESTIVAL IN LONDON THIS SEPTEMBER.
♦HOLIDAY-MAKERS AT VARIOUS SEASIDE RESORTS ON THE SOUTH COAST OF ENGLAND WILL PERHAPS PAUSE FROM BUILDING SANDCASTLES AND BUYING ICECREAM FOR THE KIDS IN ORDER TO STARE IN WONDER AT THE SIGHT OF IT TACKING ACROSS THEIR HORIZON,♦ THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PUBLICITY) OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR PETER MOSS SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF THE PEAK, MOSS SAID WE WERE SENDING HONG KONG IN MINIATURE TO LONDON AT THIS FESTIVAL WITH DRAGON BOATS ON THE THAMES. LION DANCES, LANTERN PROCESSIONS AND AN OLD-FASHIONED CHINESE MARKET — NOT A TRADE FAIR THIS TIME — TO CORRECT SOME MISCONCEPTIONS.
IN SIMPLE TERMS, LONDON, AND INDEED BRITAIN AS A WHOLE, SEES HONG KONG AS A LABEL ON PRODUCTS THAT COMPETE WITH ITS OWN INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT.
♦THERE ARE ALSO MANY IN BRITAIN WHO CHOOSE TO REPRESENT HONG KONG AS A PICTURE POSTCARD WHOSE PRETTY WATERFRONT SKYSCRAPERS CONCEAL FACTORIES THAT ARE LITTLE MORE THAN SWEAT SHOPS,♦ HE SAID.
♦SO INSTEAD OF CALCULATORS AND CAMERAS WE ARE SENDING REAL LIVE PEOPLE WHO STILL KNOW HOW TO MAKE GOOD, OLD-FASHIONED MOONCAKES AND NOODLES, WHO HAVE FAITHFULLY PRESERVED THEIR CULTURE AND TRADITIONS, WHO TAKE PRIDE JUST AS MUCH IN THEIR PLAY AS IN THEIR WORK.
♦PEOPLE WHO, IN SPITE OF BEING REMARKABLY SUCCESSFUL IN BUSINESS, ARE NOT ROBOTS BUT HUMAN BEINGS WITH A GREAT LUST FOR LIFE AND A REMARKABLE CAPACITY FOR ENJOYING IT,* HE SAID.
MR MOSS PAID TRIBUTE TO THE ♦UNIQUE COMMUNITY SPIRIT WHICH WORKS IN HONG KONG* WHICH NOT ONLY MADE IT POSSIBLE TO DREAM UP WILD IDEAS SUCH AS THIS FESTIVAL BUT TO BRING THEM TO PRACTICAL REALITY.
♦THE FACT IS THAT HERE IN MONG KONG, AS PERHAPS IN FEW
OTHER PLACES IN THE WORLD, EXISTS THE KIND OF IMAGINATION, ENTERPRISE AND LARGENESS OF SPIRIT THAT ENABLES OUR SOCIETY TO SEIZE UPON THE STUFF THAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF AND MAKE THEM MATERIALISE IN CONCRETE FORM,* HE SAID.
SOME 250 000 VISTORS ARE EXPECTED AT BATTERSEA PARK IN LONDON ON THE TWO DAYS OF THE FESTIVAL ON SEPTEMBER 20 AND 21.
ASIDE FROM THAT QUARTER OF A MILLION WHO MAY SEE THE FESTIVAL AT CLOSE RANGE THERE ARE LITERALLY MILLIONS OF OTHERS IN BRITAIN WHO WILL READ ABOUT IT, HEAR ABOUT IT AND CATCH GLIMPSES OF IT THROUGH THE PRESS, RADIO AND TELEVISION, MR MOSS ADDED.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
NEW HK MAX I CAB ROUTE * * * *
A NEW HONG KONG MAXICAB ROUTE, NO 24, OPERATING BETWEEN MOUNT BUTLER AND THE ADMIRALTY MTR STATION WILL BE INTRODUCED PROM SUNDAY (JULY 13).
THE ROUTE WILL BE VIA MOORSOM ROAD, PERKINS ROAD, TAI HANG ROAD, STUBBS ROAD, QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, TAI WONG STREET EAST, LUARD ROAD, LOCKHART ROAD, FENWICK STREET, GLOUCESTER ROAD, HARCOURT ROAD AND THE ADMIRALTY CENTRE ACCESS ROAD.
THE RETURN TRIP WILL BE ROUTED VIA THE ADMIRALTY CENTRE ACCESS ROAD, HARCOURT ROAD, COTTON TREE DRIVE SLIP ROAD, QUEENSWAY, ARSENAL STREET, LOCKHART ROAD, FENWICK STREET, JOHNSTON ROAD, LEE TUNG STREET, QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, STUBBS ROAD, TAI HANG ROAD, PERKINS ROAD, CREASY ROAD, COOPER ROAD, WluSON ROAD, PURVES ROAD, PERKINS ROAD AND MOORSOM ROAD.
THE SERVICE WILL OPERATE FROM 7 AM TO 7.45 PM AT 30-MINUTE BASIC FREQUENCY.
THE FARE WILL BE $1.50 FOR A SINGLE JOURNEY. SECTIONAL FARES WILL BE FIXED AT $1 FOR OUTWARD JOURNEYS BETWEEN BLUE POOL ROAD (UPPER JUNCTION) AND ADMIRALTY MTR STATION AND 50 CENTS BETWEEN WAN CHAI MARKET AND ADMIRALTY MTR STATION.
FOR INWARD JOURNEYS, THE FARES WILL BE $1 BETWEEN WAN CHAI MARKET AND MOUNT BUTLER AND 50 CENTS BETWEEN BLUE POOL ROAD (UPPER JUNCTION) AND MOUNT BUTLER.
- - - - 0 -----------
SHORT-TERM TENANCY TENDERS
* X * *•
THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE CF LAND IN ON TIN STREET, LAM TIN, KOWLOON.
THE AREA, MEASURING ABOUT 625 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR THE STORAGE CF GOODS AND VEHICLES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY SAID THE TENANCY WAS FOR TWO YEARS AND THEREAFTER, QUARTERLY.
CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS WILL BE NOON ON JULY 25.
TENDERS FORMS AND PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, 19TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND ALSO AT THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.
THE TENDER PLAN MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE OFFICES.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1980
37
FRIDAY MUSIC HOUR * * * *
THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE BRITISH COUNCIL ARE PRESENTING TWO CHAMBER CONCERTS ON FRIDAY (JULY 11) AND JULY 18 AT THE BRITISH COUNCIL.
THE CONCERTS ARE PART OF THE +FRIDAY MUSIC HOUR* SERIES ORGANISED BY THE TWO ORGANISATIONS.
THE AIM IS TO PROVIDE MORE OPPORTUNITY FOR ASPIRING YOUNG LOCAL ARTISTS TO PERFORM AT CHAMBER CONCERTS.
ADMISSION IS FREE AND TICKETS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE MUSIC OFFICE (HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, NINTH FLOOR) AND THE BRITISH COUNCIL LIBRARY.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CONCERT TO BE HELD ON JULY 11 (FRIDAY) AT 5.30 PM IN THE HALL OF THE BRITISH COUNCIL, 255 HENNESSY ROAD, FOURTH FLOOR, HONG KONG.
0 - -
FLEMING ROAD AND COTTON TREE DRIVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS \ *****
THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF FLEMING ROAD FLYOVER AND THE SLIP ROAD FROM THE QUEENSWAY WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY TO COTTON TREE DRIVE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1.30 AM AND 6 AM ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (JULY 12 AND 13) FOR ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS.
DURING THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE, VEHICLES FROM THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION AREA WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HARBOUR ROAD, HUNG HING ROAD AND THE MARSH ROAD FLYOVER AND WESTBOUND VEHICLES FROM QUEENSWAY WILL BE DIVERTED VIA QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, REDDER STREET, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HARCOURT ROAD TO GO TO COTTON TREE DRIVE.
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
THURSDAY, JULY 10, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL SECURITY AND WELFARE SERVICES ........................................................... 1
TWO APPOINTED PUBLIC SERVICE COMMIS. ION I SEERS ...................3
TV FILM ON METRIChTION .............................................
NEW EDITION OF PLAY SnFE BOOKLET PUBLISHED ......................... 5
EARLIER TAXI DRIVER LICENCE WRITTEN TEST ........................... 6
$9.6 MILLION POLYCLINIC CONTRACT AWARDED ........................... 7
TAI PO PEOPLE URGED TO SUPPORT SCOUTS .............................. 8
THEN MUN SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME STARTS ............................. 9
TAI PO TAU TREATMENT WORKS CaP^CITY TO BE DOUBLED .................. 10
HIGHWAYS ENGINEER RETIRING ......................................... 10
THURSDAY, JULY 10, 1980
1
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL SECURITY AND WELFARE SERVICES * * * * *
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE LOOKS AFTER BASIC LIVING WHILE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES HELP MEET EXTRA NEEDS ARISING OUT OF OLD AGE OR DISABILITY, NO MATTER HOW THE BENEFICIARY IS CARED FOR --BY HIS FAMILY OR IN AN INSTITUTION.
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR THOMAS LEE, SAID THIS TODAY (THURSDAY) WHEN HE SPOKE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL SECURITY AND WELFARE SERVICES AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF TAI PING SHAN.
MR LEE SAID THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN CRITICISED LATELY FOR BEING INCONSIDERATE AND UNFAIR TO THE ELDERLY IN INSTITUTIONAL CARE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS TO ADJUST FEES CHARGED IN OLD PEOPLE’S HOMES.
HE DESCRIBED THE CRITICISMS AS UNFOUNDED AND ATTRIBUTED THEM TO MISUNDERSTANDING OF THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME AND THE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES SCHEME.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ALL ALONG, IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT POLICY, FEES HAD BEEN SET AT LEVELS WITHIN THE MEANS OF THE SERVICE-USERS, MOST OF WHOM WERE RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY CASH BENEFITS.
HE SAID IF FEES WERE NOT ADJUSTED IN STEP WITH INFLATION AND INCREASES IN SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS, PEOPLE IN INSTITUTIONAL CARE WOULD BECOME PROGRESSIVELY BETTER OFF THAN THOSE WHO HAD TO BE LOOKED AFTER BY THEIR FAMILY AT HOME.
♦ THIS WOULD FRUSTRATE THE GOVERNMENT’S OBJECTIVE OF ENCOURAGING ’CARE IN THE COMMUNITY’,+ HE EXPLAINED.
MR LEE SAID IT WAS COMMONLY ACCEPTED THAT FEE CHARGING WAS SOCIALLY DESIRABLE AND COULD NOT ONLY ACHIEVE A BETTER DISTRIBUTION OF SCARCE RESOURCES BUT ALSO ENABLE THE SERVICEUSER TO MAINTAIN HIS DIGNITY BY MAKING HIM FEEL HE WAS NOT RECEIVING CHARITY.
AS A CUSTOMER, HE CAN THEREFORE EXPECT THE SERVICE TO BE PROVIDED AT A CERTAIN STANDARD, WHILE ON THE OTHER HAND, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES CAN RAISE REVENUE TO HELP MEET RECURRENT EXPENDITURE BY CHARGING FEES WHICH ARE MAINLY PAID FOR BY SOCIAL SECURITY, HE SAID.
THE VOLUNTARY WELFARE SECTOR HAS AGREED TO THE POLICY OF FEE CHARGING, WHICH WAS REAFFIRMED IN THE 1979 POLICY WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE, HE SAID.
EXPLAINING THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES SCHEMES AND THE ROLE THEY PLAY IN HELPING THE BENEFICIARIES TO MEET FEES CHARGED FOR INSTITUTIONAL CARE, MR LEE SAID PUBLIC ASSISTANCE IS SPECIFICALLY MEANT TO MEET BASIC LIVING.
T HELPS
THURSDAY, JULY 10, 198O
2
♦IT HELPS THOSE WITHOUT ANY INCOME OR UNABLE TO EARN ENOUGH BY GIVING MONTHLY CASH PAYMENTS TO MAINTAIN THEIR INCOME AT A SUBSISTENCE LEVEL WHEREBY THEY CAN MEET THEIR BASIC ESSENTIAL NEEDS, SUCH AS FOOD AND CLOTHING, WITHOUT UNDUE HARDSHIP,+ HE SAID.
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCALE RATES, HE SAID, ARE REVIEWED AND ADJUSTED FROM TIME TO TIME TO MAINTAIN THEIR PURCHASING POWER AND IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR THEY WILL BE INCREASED, FOR THE SIXTH TIME, BY ABOUT 22 PER CENT.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE SCALE RATES WERE BASED ON A PUBLIC ASSISTANCE INDEX OF PRICES WHICH MEASURED, BY WAY OF A SPECIALLY DESIGNED METHOD, CHANGES IN THE COST OF LIVING FOR FAMILIES RECEIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
THE METHOD OF MEASUREMENT TAKES ACCOUNT OF ACTUAL PRICE CHANGES IN THE INDEX IN THE PREVIOUS SIX MONTHS AND THE PROJECTED PRICE CHANGES FOR THE FOLLOWING SIX MONTHS, THEREBY ELIMINATING THE EFFECT OF SHORT-TERM AND SEASONAL PRICE FLUCTUATION, HE SAID.
IN OTHER WORDS, HE SAID, ANY INCREASE IN THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCALE RATES ALREADY INCLUDES AN ADDITIONAL ELEMENT TO ANTICIPATE INCREASES IN THE RELATIVELY IMMEDIATE FUTURE AND BEFORE THE NEXT REVISION.
AS TO THE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES SCHEME WHICH COMPRISES THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE AND THE DISABILITY ALLOWANCE, MR LEE SAID IT WAS QUITE DIFFERENT FROM PUBLIC ASSISTANCE IN THAT IT WAS INTENDED TO HELP THE RECIPIENT TO MEET ANY EXTRA FINANCIAL NEEDS ARISING OUT OF HIS OLD AGE OR DISABILITY.
+THIS INCLUDES THE PURCHASE OF SERVICES IN WHATEVER FORM, SUCH AS SPECIAL HEALTH CARE OR ATTENTION NEEDS,+ H£ SAID.
TO THE EXTENT THAT AN ELDERLY PERSON, FOR EXAMPLE, HAS TO ENTER AN OLD PEOPLE’S HOME, PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PAYS FOR' HIS BASIC LIVING IN THE INSTITUTION, WHILE HIS SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE CAN BE USED TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS HIS ADDITIONAL .NEEDS, JUST AS IN ORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES IF HE WAS UNDER THE CARE OF HIS FAMILY IN THE FAMILY HOME.
HOWEVER, MR LEE EMPHASISED THAT IT WAS NOT THE GOVERNMENT'S INTENTION, NOR THE PRACTICE, THAT ANY INCREASED ALLOWANCES SHOULD BE TAKEN AWAY ENTIRELY BY FEES CHARGED IN INSTITUTIONS.
+FEES CHARGED HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AT SUCH LEVELS THAT AFTER ALL HIS ESSENTIAL NEEDS HAVE BEEN MET BY PAYING FEES, THERE SHOULD ALWAYS BE MONEY LEFT OUT OF HIS SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS,* HE SAID.
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/3
THURSDAY, JULY 10, '’980
TWO APPOINTED PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION MEMBERS *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, HAS APPOINTED DR VICTOR FUNG KWOK-KING AND MR P.A.L. VINE, OBE, VRD, JP AS NEW MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.
DR FUNG WILL TAKE UP HIS APPOINTMENT THIS MONTH AND MR VINE IN OCTOBER.
DR FUNG IS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF LI AND FUNG (TRADING) LTD.
HE IS VERY ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE AND IS AT PRESENT A MEMBER CF THE SOCIAL SECURITY APPEAL BOARD, TRADE AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD, HONG KONG EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION ADVISORY BOARD, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, ADMISSIONS, BUDGETS AND ALLOCATIONS COMMITTEE OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST, AND THE NORTH AMERICA AREA COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL CHAMBER CF COMMERCE.
HE WAS FORMERLY A PROFESSOR AT THE HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL AND IS CURRENTLY CHAIRMAN OF THE HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG.
DR FUNG HOLDS VARIOUS GUEST LECTURERSHIPS AND ADVISORY POSITIONS WITH THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
MR VINE, FORMER SENIOR PARTNER AND PRESENTLY A CONSULTANT WITH THE FIRM OF DEACONS, SOLICITORS AND NOTARIES, IS A PROMINENT FIGURE IN COMMERCIAL AND BANKING CIRCLES, AND IS CHAIRMAN OF THE CHARTERED BANK HONG KONG TRUSTEE LTD.
HE IS A DIRECTOR OF SEVERAL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE COMPANIES AND IS PRESENTLY CHAIRMAN OF VARIOUS INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARDS, AND THE LEGAL COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
MR VINE IS A PAST PRESIDENT AND CURRENT COUNCIL MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG LAW SOCIETY AND THE HONG KONG SOCIETY CF NOTARIES PUBLIC, AND A MEMBER OF 10 OTHER COMMITTEES.
HE HAS BEEN CHAIRMAN OF THE BUILDING ORDINANCE APPEAL TRIBUNAL FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS, BUT IN VIEW OF HIS FORTHCOMING APPOINTMENT TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION HE HAS RELINQUISHED HIS CHAIRMANSHIP CF THIS TRIBUNAL.
THURSDAY, JULY 10, 1980
4
TV FILM ON METRICATION
* * *
A NEW 30-MINUTE TELEVISION PROGRAMME INTRODUCING THE METRIC SYSTEM (SI) WILL BE SCREENED THIS MONTH BY THE TWO TELEVISION STATIONS.
THE FILM WAS JOINTLY PRODUCED BY THE RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE METRICATION COMMITTEE AS PART OF THE PUBLICITY PROGRAMME FOR THE METRICATION CAMPAIGN.
THE SCREENING TIME HAS SCHEDULED FOR THIS SATURDAY AND JULY 19 AT 11.30 AM ON TVB JADE AND JULY 19 AND 20 AT 12.15 PM AND 12.30 PM RESPECTIVELY ON RTV 1.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE METRICATION COMMITTEE SAID THE FILM. ENTITLED 'AN INTRODUCTION TO METRICATION’, IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING EDUCATORS TO ADOPT THE METRIC UNITS INTO THEIR SYLLABUSES.
+WE ARE ALSO SURE THE GENERAL PUBLIC, IN PARTICULAR STUDENTS, WILL BENEFIT FROM IT,+ THE SPOILSMAN SAID.
THE PROGRAMME, FEATURING TH^ SEVEN BASE UNITS - LENGTH, MASS, TIME, TEMPERATURE, ELECTRIC CURRENT, LUMINOUS INTENSITY AND AMOUNT CF SUBSTANCE, WILL GIVE THE VIEWERS A CLEARER CONCEPT OF THE VARIOUS UNITS IN METRIC. ft
WITH THE USE OF ILLUSTRATIONS, IT WILL HELP TV VIEWERS TO HAVE A BETTER IDEA OF THE MEASUREMENTS IN METRIC UNITS OF THINGS THEY COME ACROSS IN EVERYDAY LIFE.
FOR INSTANCE, NOT MANY PEOPLE CAN VISUALISE THE LENGTH OF ONE METRE WITHOUT THE USE OF A MEASURING DEVICE - THE FILM WILL IMPRESS ON THE VIEWERS’ MINDS THAT NORMALLY THE HEIGHT FROM THE FLOOR TO A DOOR HANDLE IS ABOUT ONE METRE.
THE SECOND PART OF THE TV PROGRAMME WILL INTRODUCE THE MORE COMPLICATED DERIVED UNITS INCLUDING AREA, VOLUME, VELOCITY. FORCE, PRESSURE, ENERGY AND ELECTRIC POTENTIAL.
IN ADDITION, THE PROGRAMME WILL EXPLAIN HOW THESE BASE UNITS AND DERIVED UNITS SHOULD BE APPLIED AND EXPRESSED IN THE PROPER SI FORM, AND WHAT ARE THE NON-METRIC UNITS STILL IN USE INTERNATIONALLY.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT POINT RAISED IN THE FILM IS THE NEW CHINESE TERMINOLOGY FOR THE SI.
+IN ORDER TO COPE WITH THE BASIC PRINCIPLE SET BY THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES AND AFTER CAREFUL INVESTIGATION INTO THE CHINESE METRIC TERMINOLOGY USED BY THE MAJORITY OF THE CHINESE POPULATION IN THE WORLD, THE METRICATION COMMITTEE HAD ADOPTED A CHINESE METRIC LANGUAGE THAT IS COMPREHENSIVE AND LOGICAL.* THE SPOKESMAN SAID. ’
HOWEVER, HE ADDED THAT THE NEW CHINESE THE SYSTEM EASIER FOR EVERYBODY.
METRIC TERMS WILL MAKE
THURSDAY, JULY !□, 1980
5
NEW EDITION OF PLAY SAFE BOOKLET PUBLISHED *****
AN UP-DATED EDITION OF +STEPPING OUT+, A GUIDE TO BETTER ENJOYMENT OF OUTDOOR PURSUITS, HAS BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS OF THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT.
AVAILABLE IN CHINESE OR ENGLISH VERSION, THE BOOKLET IS AN INVALUABLE INTRODUCTION TO OUTDOOR RECREATION IN HONG KONG. IT HAS COMPREHENSIV£ INFORMATION ON VARIOUS AQUATIC AND LAND SPORTS, INCLUDING SWIMMING, UNDERWATER DIVING, BOATING, WATER SKIING, CYCLING, MOUNTAINEERING, CAMPING AND SKATEBOARD RIDING.
IN THIS NEW EDITION THE BOOKLET, DESIGNED BY THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, HAS TAKEN ON AN ATTRACTIVE LOOK BY INCORPORATING THE +PLAY SAFE + LOGO ON ITS COVER.
A CONCISE SUMMARY OF INDIVIDUAL OUTDOOR PURSUITS, GIVING INFORMATION ON EQUIPMENT, COSTS AND PLACES OF ACTIVITIES, IS PARTICULARLY USEFUL TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY NEW LEARNERS.
SAFETY MEASURES IN EACH SPORT ARE DESCRIBED IN FULL DETAIL. BY FOLLOWING THESE SAFETY HINTS ACCIDENTS CAN BE AVOIDED.
OTHER USEFUL SECTIONS INCLUDE A LIST OF TITLES OF REFERENCE MAPS OF HONG KONG, A MAP OF COUNTRY PARKS SHOWING LOCATIONS OF ALL MANAGEMENT CENTRES, A LIST OF EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND SOME HINTS ON FIRE PREVENTION AND KEEPING THE COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN.
COPIES OF THE BOOKLET ARE BEING MAILED TO PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR REFERENCE USE BY TEACHERS AND STUDENTS. THE BOOKLETS WILL BE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES FROM NEXT WEEK.
COPIES WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE WATER SPORTS AND RECREATION PLAY SAFE DAY AT REPULSE BAY THIS SUNDAY (JULY 13) TO WHICH ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE WATER SPORTS AND RECREATION PLAY SAFE DAY AT REPULSE BAY TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (JULY 13) FROM 10 AM TO NOON, WILL FEATURE A SPECTACULAR PROGRAMME OF WATER SPORTS SAFETY DEMONSTRATIONS IN SKIING, WIND SURFING, LIFE SAVING, SWIMMING, CANOEING AND BOATING. OTHER ATTRACTIONS WILL BE A PARACHUTE DISPLAY, CANOE POLO AND A STATIC DISPLAY OF SPORTS EQUIPMENT.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PLAY SAFE DAY. TRANSPORT TO REPULSE BAY WILL BE PROVIDED. PRESS MEMBERS ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT QUEEN’S PIER AT 8 AM WHERE THEY WILL BE MET BY GIS REPRESENTATIVES.
0--------
/6
THURSDAY, JULY 10, 1980,
6
EARLIER TAXI DRIVER LICENCE WRITTEN TEST
KKHKX
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT IN A MOVE TO REDUCE THE LARGE BACKLOG OF CANDIDATES FOR THE TAXI DRIVER LICENCE WRITTEN TEST, ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO CONDUCT SPECIAL EARLY TESTS IN AUGUST FOR CANDIDATES ON THE WAITING LIST UP TO MAY 15, 1981.
ANY CANDIDATE ON THE WAITING LIST WHO WISHES TO REGISTER FOR AN EARLIER TEST SHOULD REPORT TO COUNTER NO.35, WRITTEN TEST UNIT, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, NINTH FLOOR, 56, DUNDAS STREET, KOWLOON, ON THE DATE SHOWN BELOW OPPOSITE THE TEST DATE ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED:
DATE OF REGISTRATION
TEST DATES ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR EARLY TEST
AUGUST 18 SEPTEMBER 1 JULY 16
SEPTEMBER 2 - SEPTEMBER 11 JULY 17
SEPTEMBER 12 - SEPTEMBER 25 JULY 18
SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 8 JULY 19
OCTOBER 9 OCTOBER 22 JULY 21
OCTOBER 23 OCTOBER 30 JULY 22
OCTOBER 31 NOVEMBER 12 JULY 23
NOVEMBER 13 - NOVEMBER 25 JULY 24
NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 8 JULY 25
DECEMBER 9 DECEMBER 19 JULY 26
DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 7, 1981 JULY 28, 1980
JANUARY 8, 1981 - JANUARY 15, 1981 JULY 29, 1980
JANUARY 16, 1981 - January 29, 1981 JULY 30, 1980
JANUARY 29, 1981 - FEBRUARY 13, 1981 JULY 31, 1980
FEBRUARY 16, 1961 - FEBRUARY 27, 1981 AUGUST 1, 1980
MARCH 2, 1981 - MARCH 12, 1981 AUGUST 2, 1980
MARCH 13, 1981 - MARCH 25, 1981 AUGUST 5, 1980
MARCH 26, 1981 - APRIL 2, 1981 AUGUST 6, 1980
APRIL 3, 1981 - APRIL 16, 1981 AUGUST 7, 1980
APRIL 22, 1981 - MAY 4, 1981 AUGUST 8, 1980
MAY 5, 1981 MAY 15, 1981 AUGUST 9, 1980
• • /+EACH CANDIDA?:
THURSDAY, JULY 10, 1980
- 7 -
BEHALF,*
«D LETTER
INS To applv on h,s
+N0 ALTERNATIVE DATE FOR REGISTRATION IS PERMITTED,* HE ADDED.
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19.6 MILLION POLYCLINIC CONTRACT AWARDED
*****
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) AWARDED A 89.6 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW POLYCLINIC IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
THE CONTRACT WAS FORMALLY SIGNED THIS MORNING BY MR S.C. KWAN. CHIEF ARCHITECT OF THE PWD»S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE. AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF HING WAH CONSTRUCTION LTD.
MR KWAN SAID THE NEW POLYCLINIC, ON A 5 900-SQUARE METRE SITE NEAR THE JUNCTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND FRASER ROAD. WOULD CONSIST OF A SIX-STOREY MAIN BUILDING AND A TWO-STOREY ANCILLARY BUILDING.
WHEN COMPLETED, IT WILL NAVE A GENERAL OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT, FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE CENTRE, DENTAL AND CHEST CLINIC, RADIODIAGNOSTIC DEPARTMENT AND PATHOLOGICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY.
THERE WILL ALSO BE OTHER FACILITIES SUCH AS A STAFF CANTEEN. KITCHEN, STAFF CHANGING ROOMS AtyD PARKING SPACES..
HE SAID THAT WORK ON THE CONTRACT. WHICH FORMED THE FIRST STAGE OF THE PROJECT, WOULD START LATE" THIS MONTH AND TAKE 14 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
YAN 01 TONG, A CHARITABLE ORGANISATION, NAS DONATED 84 MILLION TOWARDS THE PROJECT.
- - 0 - -
/8
THURSDAY, JULY 10, I960
8
TAI P0 PEOPLE URGED TO SUPPORT SCOUTS * * * * *
TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICHOLAS NG, HAS URGED LOCAL RESIDENTS CONCERNED ABOUT COMMUNITY AND YOUTH AFFAIRS TO SUPPORT LOCAL SCOUTING ACTIVITIES.
MR NG WAS SPEAKING TODAY (THURSDAY) AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE 1980-81 OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT SCOUT ASSOCIATION.
HE SAID SCOUTS, WITH THEIR STRICT TRAINING WHICH EMPHASISED DEVELOPMENT OF BODY AND MIND, COULD PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN DEVELOPING COMMUNITY WORK IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. WHICH WAS BECOMING HEAVIER.
THROUGH TRAINING, HE SAID, SCOUTS GREW UP AS USEFUL AND CIVIC-MINDED PEOPLE SERVING THE COMMUNITY, BUILDING A GOOD IMAGE AND CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF A BALANCED COMMUNITY.
MR NG NOTED THAT THE FIVE-YEAR SCOUT EXPANSION SCHEME WAS DRAWN UP IN LINE WITH THE COMMUNITY BUILDING PLAN ENTERED ITS SECOND YEAR.
HAS NOW
WHICH
♦THE CONTINUOUS GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF SCOUTS IN TAI PO DISTRICT HAS PROVED THAT YOUR EFFORTS IN THE EXPANSION CAMPAIGN HAVE BEEN REWARDING,+ HE SAID.
CONGRATULATING THE NEW AND FORMER OFFICE-BEARERS. HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE EARNEST SUPPORT FROM MORE PEOPLE COMMUNITY TO PROMOTE FURTHER EXPANSION.
MR NG SAID IN THE
♦SCOUTING ACTIVITIES HELP TO PRODUCE CIVIC-MINDED PEOPLE, SO THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TAI PO COMMUNITY IS CLOSELY CONNECTED WITH YOUR CONCERN AND EFFORTS,+ HE SAID.
♦I HOPE YOU WILL SHOULDER THE RESPONSIBILITY, TRY YOUR BEST TO PROMOTE SCOUT ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY BUILDING, AND BUILD UP A HEALTHY COMMUNITY,+ HE TOLD THE NEW OFFICE-BEARERS.
THE TAI PO DISTRICT SCOUT ASSOCIATION WAS FORMED FOUR YEARS AGO, ALTHOUGH THE HISTORY OF SCOUTING IN THE TOWN GOES BACK MUCH FURTHER THAN THIS. AT PRESENT, TAI PO HAS ABOUT 700 SCOUTS IN 14 TROOPS. ~
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/9
THURSDAY, JULY 10, 1980
- 9 -
TUEN MUN SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME STARTS
* * * *
THE ANNUAL SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME IN TUEN MUN WAS LAUNCHED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE ACTING REGIONAL COMMISSIONER, NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES, MR BILLY LAM.
MORE THAN 300 SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD IN THE DISTRICT OVER THE NEXT EIGHT WEEKS. SOME ARE BEING ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, AND OTHERS BY LOCAL VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS.
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE TRAINING CAMPS, CULTURAL SHOWS, EXCURSIONS AND GAMES.
OVER 20 000 LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART.
THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES A SERIES OF GAMES DAYS FOR CHILDREN LIVING IN REMOTE VILLAGES IN THE DISTRICT.
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAVE PROVIDED $35 000 TOWARDS THE COST OF THE PROGRAMME. A FURTHER $20 000 IS EXPECTED FROM LOCAL DONATIONS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING, ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 4 000 LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE, MR LAM SAID THE SERIES OF RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES WOULD ENABLE YOUNG PEOPLE TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF THEIR LEISURE TIME.
PRAISING THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR ITS SOCIAL SPIRIT, HE SAID IT HAD DONE ITS BEST TO MOBILISE LOCAL VOLUNTARY WORKERS TO CONTRIBUTE IN TERMS OF EFFORT AND MONEY.
+1 BELIEVE, WITH YOUR EARNEST SUPPORT AND DETERMINATION TO WORK FOR THE DISTRICT, TUEN MUN WILL DEVELOP AND PROSPER TO OUR DESIRED STANDARDS,* HE ADDED.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY WAS HEUNG YEE KUK CHAIRMAN, MR LAU WONG-FAT.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, SPECTATORS JOINED A FUN FAIR, OPENED BY MRS JANE AKERS-JONES, WIFE OF'THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
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/10......
THURSDAY, JULY 10, 1980
10
TAI PO TAU TREATMENT WORKS CAPACITY TO BE DOUBLED ******
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS TO DOUBLE THE CAPACITY CF TAI PO TAU TREATMENT WORKS TO 110 000 CUBIC METRES PER DAY IN TwO YEARS TIME.
MR LEE GUN-CHEUNG, CHIEF ENGINEER (CONSTRUCTION) OF THE DEPARTMENT, TODAY (THURSDAY) SAID THE EXTENSION OF TAI PO TAU TREATMENT WORK WAS PART OF THE COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME TO FURTHER IMPROVE FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING THE NEW TOWNS IN TAI PO AND SHEK WO HUI.
+UNDER THE PROGRAMME, AN ADDITIONAL TREATMENT WORKS, TWO NEW PUMPING STATIONS AND A NEW SERVICE RESERVOIR WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED TO SERVE THE DISTRICT,* HE SAID.
MR LEE THIS MORNING SIGNED A $11 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE EXTENSION PROJECT WITH HARBOUR ENGINEERING CO LTD.
WORK ON THE PROJECT INCLUDES BUILDING TWO CLARIFIERS, THREE FILTERS, AN EXTENSION OF THE CHEMICAL HOUSE AND INSTALLING FLOW MEASUREMENT DEVICES.
WORK WILL START NEXT WEEK AND WILL TAKE 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
HIGHWAYS ENGINEER RETIRING
*****
MR YAM CHUNG-FU, AN ENGINEER OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE, IS RETIRING AFTER 28 YEARS SERVICE WITH THE DEPARTMENT.
MR YAM JOINED THE DEPARTMENT IN JANUARY 1953 AS AN APPRENTICE ENGINEER. HE WAS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN 1956 AND TO ENGINEER IN 1973.
AT A CEREMONY TODAY (THURSDAY), MR HAROLD BEATON, ACTING PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER, PRESENTED MR YAM WITH A RETIREMENT GIFT ON BEHALF OF HIS COLLEAGUES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN AT THE RETIREMENT CEREMONY WILL BE DISTRIBUTED SEPARATELY IN GIS PRESS BOXES, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, FOR COLLECTION THIS EVENING.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, July 11, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TCWN HALL BEING BUILT IN SHEUNG SHUI ........................ 1
GOVERNOR GOES ON LEAVE ...................................... 2
BUILDING DECLARED IN DANGEROUS CONDITION .................... 2
HUMAN RESOURCES IMPORTANT FOR DEVELOPMENT ................... 3
CRCWN LAND AUCTION........................................... 4
TSUEN WAN STUDENTS CLEAN LIDO BEACH.......................... 4
NEW REPULSE BAY BEaCH BUS ROUTE.............................. 5
TENDERS INVITED FOR RAILWAY RESTAURANT ...................... 5
IMPORTED USED GOODS VEHICLES INSPECTION RESUMES ............. 6
AIRPORT SHOP TENDERS ........................................ 6
FRIDAY, JULY 11, 1980
1
TOWN HALL BEING BUILT IN SHEUNG SHU I *****
-rn 0F THE N0R™ERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE
TO GET THEIR OWN DISTRICT TOWN HALL BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
THE TOWN HALL, ESTIMATED TO COST $4.72 MILLION, IS TO BE BUILT ON A 2 750-SQUARE METRE SITE NEAR THE RAILWAY STATION AT SHEK WU HUI, SHEUNG SHU I.
WITH A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF 3 600 SQUARE METRES, IT WILL CONSIST OF AN AUDITORIUM OVER A COVERED PLAY AREA LINKED TO A SIX-STOREY ANNEXE.
THE AUDITORIUM, WITH A STAGE, BALCONY AND DRESSING ROOMS WILL HAVE A SEATING CAPACITY OF 1 000.
FACILITIES IN THE ANNEXE BLOCK WILL INCLUDE OFFICES, EXHIBITION SPACE, A COFFEE BAR, A LIBRARY, MEETING ROOMS, GAMES AREAS AND A NURSERY. THE ROOF WILL BE USED AS AN OPEN PLAY AREA.
A SPOKESMAN FOR NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE SAID PILING WORK HAD JUST BEEN COMPLETED AND CONSTRUCTION WOULD BEGIN SOON. THE WHOLE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1981.
HE SAID THE POPULATION OF THE DISTRICT, INCLUDING SHEUNG SHUI, FAN LING, TA KWU LING AND SHA TAU KOK, WOULD RISE TO MORE THAN 250 000 BY THE END OF THE DECADE.
♦EXISTING COMMUNITY FACILITIES WILL BE INADEQUATE TO b€ET THE NEEDS OF THIS FAST DEVELOPING AREA,* HE SAID.
OF THE TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS, JUST OVER >1 MILLION IS TO BE RAISED FROM PRIVATE DONATIONS AND THE BALANCE WILL BE PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT.
A FUND-RAISING COMMITTEE CONSISTING OF LOCAL RURAL LEADERS HAS ALREADY RAISED $800 000.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR THOMAS LEE, ARE PATRONS OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE FORMED A YEAR AGO.
A PREPARATORY COMMITTEE HAS ALSO BEEN SET UP TO PLAN FOR FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF THE HALL. MEMBERS INCLUDE BOTH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES.
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESIGN AND SUPERVISION OF THE PROJECT.
FRIDAY, JULY 11, 1980
- 2 -NOTE TO EDITORSi
GOVERNOR GOES ON LEAVE
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL LEAVE ON VACATION FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM BY FLIGHT BA 20 ETD 9 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
HE WILL BE RETURNING TO HONG KONG ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 10, 1980.
A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PRESS REPRESENTATIVES COVERING SIR MURRAY’S DEPARTURE.
THEY ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE IN THE PRESS ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING ONE HOUR BEFORE THE SCHEDULED TIME OF DEPARTURE. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE PRESENT TO ASSIST.
THEY ARE ALSO ADVISED TO BRING THEIR IDENTITY CARDS OR PASSPORTS TO FACILITATE ACCESS TO THE AIRPORT’S RESTRICTED AREA.
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BUILDING DECLARED IN DANGEROUS CONDITION * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (FRIDAY) DECLARED 28 TSO KUNG TAM VILLAGE, TSUEN WAN, TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS MORNING, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE SAID THE SINGLE-STOREY VILLAGE-TYPE HOUSE, CONSTRUCTED OF LOADBEARING WALLS AND TIMBER PITCHED ROOFS, WAS INSPECTED FOLLOWING A REPORT THAT A TREE FELL ON ITS ROOF, CAUSING DAMAGE.
FRACTURES WERE FOUND IN THE LOADBEARING WALLS AND MANY TIMBER JOISTS WERE DEFECTIVE.
+IN VIEW OF THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANTS IT IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THIS HOUSE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON AUGUST 8 WERE POSTED TODAY.
FRIDAY, JULY 11, 1980
- 3 -HUMAN RESOURCES IMPORTANT FOR DEVELOPMENT
* * * *
IN THE LONG RUN, HUMAN RESOURCES ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN MATERIALISTIC RESOURCES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PLACE, ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER MR NICKY LO, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE FIRST GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE BUDDHIST FAT HO COLLEGE AT TAI 0, LANTAU, MR LO SAID DEVELOPMENT DEPENDED ON THE WORKING TOGETHER OF VARIOUS ELEMENTS.
♦SUFFICIENCY OF MATERIALISTIC RESOURCES PLAYS A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE SHORT TERM. HOWEVER, SUFFICIENCY OF HUMAN RESOURCES IS ALWAYS MORE IMPORTANT IN THE LONG RUN,+ HE SAID.
THE SCHOOL, WHICH IS THE FIRST GOVERNMENT-SUBSIDISED SCHOOL ON THE ISLAND OF JUST OVER 30 000 RESIDENTS, WAS OPENED IN 1977.
GOVERNMENT PROVIDED THE LAND AND $3.35 MILLION, WHILE THE LOCAL PO LIN MONASTERY DONATED $710 000 TOWARDS THE BUILDING COST. IT WAS NAMED AFTER THE LATE ABBOT OF THE MONASTERY, THE REV FAT HO, WHO SPENT MORE THAN 40 YEARS ON THE ISLAND BEFORE HIS DEATH IN 1972.
THE SCHOOL STARTED WITH 10 CLASSES BUT THE NUMBER HAS GROWN TO 18 THIS YEAR AND WILL FURTHER INCREASE TO 24 IN THE COMING TERM. IT WILL HAVE A CAPACITY FOR ABOUT 1 000 STUDENTS.
MR LO SAID THE COLLEGE’S FIRST GRADUATION CEREMONY WAS AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF LANTAU.
♦NOT A LARGE NUMBER OF STUDENTS ARE GRADUATING TODAY, BUT THE DAY WILL COME WHEN FAT HO COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE GREATER IN NUMBER AND OUTSTANDING IN QUALITY. THEY WILL SPREAD THE SPIRIT OF THE COLLEGE IN SOCIETY, AND GREATLY INFLUENCE THE LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTR ICT,♦ HE SAID.
MR LO COMMENDED THE HONG KONG BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION, THE PRIESTS OF THE PO LIN MONASTERY AND THE FOUNDERS OF THE COLLEGE FOR ♦THE FORESIGHT TO RECOGNISE THE NEEDS OF LANTAU AND THE ASPIRATION TO BUILD ITS FIRST GOVERNMENT SUBSIDISED SECONDARY SCHOOL.♦
HE SAID GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED TO BUILD THE ISLAND’S SECOND SECONDARY SCHOOL AT MUI WO IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE HEUNG YEE KUK AND THAT WORK WILL START THIS OCTOBER AND BE COMPLETED IN 1982.
♦THE ISLANDS DISTRICT WILL THEN HAVE SUFFICIENT SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES, AND EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT IN THE DISTRICT WILL GO A STEP FURTHER,+ HE SAID.
FRIDAY, JULY 11, 1980
4
CROWN LAND AUCTION * * * *
TWO LOTS OF CROWN LAND WILL BE AUCTIONED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON AUGUST 11 AT 2.30 PM.
ONE LOT OF ABOUT 4 600 SQUARE METRES AT SOUTH BAY CLOSE IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
ANOTHER SITE IN BEACH ROAD, REPULSE BAY, MEASURING ABOUT 385 SQUARE METRES IS FOR A RESTAURANT OR RETAIL SHOP OR SUCH RECREATIONAL USES (INCLUDING A CLUB) AS MAY BE APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING ENTRANCE), AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD.
SALE PLANS MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE TWO PLACES.
MEANWHILE, ANOTHER PIECE OF CROWN LAND FOR A PETROL FILLING STATION IS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER BY THE OFFICE.
THE SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 590 SQUARE METRES, IS SITUATED OFF PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD.
THE DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON AUGUST 8.
TENDER FORMS, TOGETHER WITH NOTICES AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE IN MURRAY BUILDING, 19TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD AND IN THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN NATHAN ROAD.
TENDER PLANS MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE OFFICES.
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TSUEN WAN STUDENTS CLEAN LIDO BEACH * * * *
THE MOST POPULAR BEACH IN THE NEW TERRITORIES — THE LIDO BEACH AT TSUEN WAN — WAS MADE EXTRA CLEAN BY 40 LEUNG SHING TAK COLLEGE STUDENTS WHO CARRIED OUT A CLEAN BEACH OPERATION THERE THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
WEARING WHITE CAPS OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB, THE ENTHUSIASTIC STUDENTS ASSISTED THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT BEACH STAFF IN CLEARING THE BEACH OF LITTER.
MISS HO KIT-MUI, TEACHER OF THE COLLEGE AND THE CO-ORDINATOR OF THE CLEAN-UP OPERATION, SAID IT WAS HOPED THE STUDENTS WOULD UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING BEACHES CLEAN THROUGH THEIR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF CLEANING THE BEACH.
TWELVE BASKETS OF REFUSE WERE COLLECTED BY THE STUDENTS IN ADDITION TO THE 25 BASKETS COLLECTED BY THE BEACH STAFF THIS MORNING.
FRIDAY, JULY 11, 1980
5
NEW REPULSE BAY BEACH BUS ROUTE * * * *
REPULSE BAY BEACH BUS SERVICES WILL GET A BOOST ON SUNDAY WHEN A NEW FEEDER ROUTE FROM ADMIRALTY MTR STATION COMES INTO OPERATION.
CMB’S ROUTE 61M WILL OPERATE ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER EVERY 12 MINUTES AT A FLAT FARE OF |1 FOR A SINGLE JOURNEY.
THIS SUNDAY ALSO SEES THE INTRODUCTION OF THE BUS PRIORITY SCHEME ON REPULSE BAY ROAD WHICH WAS TESTED SUCCESSFULLY LAST WEEKEND.
THIS
SCHEME WILL
— OPERATE ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS WHEN THE WEATHER IS FINE THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER.
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TENDERS INVITED FOR RAILWAY RESTAURANT
*****
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR A FIVE-YEAR TFNANCY TO rum THE RESTAURANT AND BAR AT THE KOWLOON RAILWAY STATION IN HUNG HUM,
A FIVE-YEAR TENANCY TO OPERATE A BOOKSHOP AT THE STATION CONCOURSE WAS ALSO GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY). STATION
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE NOON ON AUGUST 8, 1980.
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/6 ........
FRIDAY, JULY 11, 1980
6
IMPORTED USED GOODS VEHICLES INSPECTION RESUMES * * * *
uh । IeE PRE-REG1 STRATI ON INSPECTION OF uvwo
WILL BE REINSTATED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT FROM JULY 15
IMPORTED USED GOODS VEHICLES
APPOINTMENTS FOR INSPECTION MAY BE VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE, HOI BUN ROAD TELEPHONING 3-7597505.
MADE AT THE KOWLOON BAY , NGAU TAU KOK, BY
SPOKESMAN F0R THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THE INSPECTION WAS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED ON APRIL 23.
HE ADDED THAT LAST YEAR, INSPECTED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
1 730 IMPORTED USED GOODS VEHICLES WERE
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AIRPORT SHOP TENDERS X X I X X
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE TENANCY OF TWO MONEY CHANGING SHOPS IN THE PASSENGER TERMINAL OF HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
ONE OF THE SHOP PREMISES IS IN THE ARRIVALS HALL AND THE OTHER IN THE DEPARTURES HALL. BOTH TENANCIES WILL BE FOR THREE YEARS COMMENCING ON OR ABOUT SEPTEMBER 1, 1980.
TENDERERS MUST PLACE THEIR BIDS IN THE PWD TENDER BOX IN THE ENTRANCE HALL OF MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 1980.
THEY SHOULD ALSO ATTACH TO EACH TENDER A RECEIPT SHOWING THAT THEY HAVE DEPOSITED WITH THE TREASURY A SUM OF $60 000 AS A PLEDGE OF THE BONA FIDE OF THEIR TENDERS.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, NEW RODNEY BLOCK, QUEENSWAY, OR AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, JULY 12, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO
EMPLOYMENT AGE RAISED FROM SEPTEMBER ........................ 1
SIR JACK ACTING GOVERNOR..................................... 1
PLEASURE BOATS ON THE INCREASE .............................. 2
CASE REFERRED TO INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL ................... 3
RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR FIREMEN ............................... 3
TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CtHJNG AT EXCITING STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT ............................... 4
PRISONS OFFICERS COMPLETE SOCIAL WORK COURSE ............... 6
STUDENT WORKS IN READING SCHEME ON DISPLAY .................. 7
SAU MAU PING HAS NEW GARDEN ................................. 7
BROADWOOD ROAD CLOSED ....................................... 8
FIRING PRACTICE REMINDER .................................... 8
SATURDAY. JUI v 12 1980
1
EMPLOYMENT AGE RAISED * * * *
THE MINIMUM AGE FOR EMPLOYMENT RAISED FROM 14 TO 15 FROM SEPTEMBER
FROM SEPTEMBER *
IN HONG KONG IS TO BE 1, 1980.
__ ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT THE ADJUSTMENT IS PROVIDED IN THE EMPLOYMENT (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE 1979 mFORMAnONULASTHYEARN ™E G0VERNMENT GAZETTE FOR GENERAL
NOTICE OF THE ADJUSTMENT WAS WHEN THE PROHIBITION ON EMPLOYMENT THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR WAS EXTENDED SECTOR.
GIVEN ABOUT A YEAR AGO OF CHILDREN UNDER 14 IN TO THE NON-INDUSTRIAL
THE PROHIBITION EXTENSION AND THE RAISING OF THE MINIMUM AGE FOR EMPLOYMENT WERE AIMED AT ASSISTING THE ENFORCEMENT OF COMPULSORY JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION.
+WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, THOSE UNDER 15 ARE PROHIBITED FROM TAKING ANY EMPLOYMENT.
+IN RECRUITING STAFF, EMPLOYERS SHOULD CHECK THE AGES OF THE JOB-SEEKERS TO ENSURE THAT THEY WILL HAVE REACHED 15 YEARS OF AGE BY SEPTEMBER 1.
♦EMPLOYERS VIOLATING THIS PROHIBITION ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10 000, + THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THOSE BETWEEN 13 AND 14 MAY, WITH THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THEIR PARENTS, AND UPON THE PRODUCTION CF A SCHOOL ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE, ENGAGE IN PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT IN ONLY THE NON-INDUSTRI AL SECTOR, SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS AIMED AT PROTECTING THEIR HEALTH AND MORALS.
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SIR JACK ACTING GOVERNOR * » K M
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE LEFT FOR THE UK THIS EVENING FOR FOUR WEEKS’ VACATION.
DURING SIR MURRAY’S ABSENCE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER, WILL BE ACTING GOVERNOR.
o -
SATURDAY, JULY 12, 1980
2
PLEASURE BOATS ON THE INCREASE *****
THE NUMBER OF LICENSED PLEASURE CRAFT HAS INCREASED BY 31.2 PER CENT DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS COMPARED WITH AN AVERAGE ANNUAL TEN PER CENT INCREASE FOR THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT.
THE TALLY ROSE FROM 2 841 IN DECEMBER 1977 TO 3 727 IN DECEMBER 1979.
TRADE STATISTICS SHOW THAT HONG KONG IMPORTED MORE THAN 300 PLEASURE CRAFT VALUED AT $54.5 MILLION IN 1979.
AT THE END OF THE YEAR, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VESSELS IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING COMMERCIAL CRAFT, UNLICENSED DWELLING BOATS, PLEASURE CRAFT AND GOVBRNMENT CRAFT, WAS 23 626 — AN INCREASE OF 2.4 PER CENT OVER 1977.
FIGURES INDICATE A SHIFT IN RECENT YEARS TO THE USE OF LARGER TONNAGE VESSELS.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE SEEN IN THE NUMBER OF CARGO LIGHTERS AND BARGES OVER 300 TONS (UP 46.7 PER CENT), AND FISHING BOATS OF 60-300 TONS (UP 37 PER CENT). FISHING BOATS UNDER 60 TONS DECREASED BY 11.2 PER CENT.
LAST YEAR, SOME 1 356 WRECKS AND ABANDONED CRAFT WERE DEMOLISHED. THESE VESSELS, WHICH INCLUDED CRAFT NOT LICENSED IN HONG KONG, WERE CONFISCATED BY THE POLICE AND IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES MOSTLY DURING ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATIONS.
THE NUMBER OF SURRENDERED UNLICENSED DWELLING BOATS AND HULKS DROPPED FROM 2 142 IN 1977 TO 2 047 IN 1979.
AT PRESENT THERE ARE 24 TYPHOON SHELTERS AND SHELTERED ANCHORAGES, REPRESENTING A TOTAL OF 352.07 HECTARES OF MOORING SPACES, MAINLY IN THE HARBOUR AND WESTERN REGION.
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/5
SATURDAY, JULY 12, 1980
CASE REFERRED TO INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL ******
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT, AFTER CONSIDERING A REPORT FROM THE SECURITIES COMMISSION, HE HAD REFERRED A CASE OF POSSIBLE INSIDER DEALING TO THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL.
THE TERMS OF REFERENCE CONCERNED REQUIRE THE TRIBUNAL TO INQUIRE INTO DEALINGS IN HUTCHISON WHAMPOA LTD. SHARES IN THE PERIOD IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE ANNOUNCEMENT ON SEPTEMBER 25 LAST YEAR OF THE SALE OF 90 MILLION SHARES.
THE PURPOSE OF THE INQUIRY IS TO DETERMINE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE, WHETHER CULPABLE INSIDER DEALING IN HUTCHISON WHAMPOA SHARES OCCURRED PRIOR TO THE FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE SALE AND, IF SO, THE IDENTITY OF THE PERSON OR PERSONS INVOLVED IN SUCH INSIDER DEALING.
MR JUSTICE BARKER, A JUDGE OF THE HIGH COURT, IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRIBUNAL. THE OTHER TWO MEMBERS WILL BE APPOINTED SHORTLY BY THE GOVERNOR.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE TRIBUNAL WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING SHORTLY. AS PROVIDED BY THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE, THE TRIBUNAL’S HEARINGS WILL TAKE PLACE IN CAMERA AND ITS FINDINGS WILL BE SET OUT IN A REPORT WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED.
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RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR FIREMEN
* * * *
THE FIRE SERVICES WILL LAUNCH A SIX-WEEK RECRUITMENT DRIVE ON MONDAY (JULY 14) TO TIE IN WITH ITS EXPANSION PROGRAMME.
+WE ARE LOOKING FOR ACTIVE, RESPONSIBLE AND PHYSICALLY-FIT YOUNG MEN TO FILL VACANCIES FOR FIREMEN,+ A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
+A FIREMAN HAS A CHALLENGING CAREER AND HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY BY PROTECTING LIVES AND PROPERTY,* HE SAID.
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF APPLICANTS, THREE RECRUITING CENTRES WILL BE SET UP ON THE ISLAND, IN KOWLOON AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/THE CENTRES .....
SATURDAY, JULY 12, 1980
4
THE CENTRES WILL OPEN BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DAILY EXCEPT ON SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AT THE
* HARBOUR ROAD FIRE STATION NEAR WANCHAI FERRY PIER-
* TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE STATION, CANTON ROAD, AND
* TSUEN WAN FIRE STATION, TAI CHUNG ROAD NEAR 9-1/2 MILESTONE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID APPLICANTS SHOULD PREFERABLY BE BETWEEN 18 AND 30 AND HAVE LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF AT LEAST FIVE YEARS. HOWEVER, YOUNGER MEN OVER 17 WILL BE CONSIDERED.
♦APPLICANTS SHOULD SPEAK FLUENT CANTONESE AND BE ABLE TO READ AND WRITE CHINESE. THEY SHOULD BE AT LEAST 1.68 METRES TALL, WEIGH 54.5 KILOGRAMS OR MORE AND HAVE GOOD PHYSIQUE AND NORMAL EYESIGHT,* SAID. '
A FIREMAN STARTS WITH A MINIMUM SALARY OF $1 610 WHICH RISES TO A MAXIMUM OF $2 440. THEY ARE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO 26 WEEKS’ BASIC TRAINING AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL IN PAT HEUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
APPLICANTS CALLING AT THE CENTRES SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS, A DULY COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM (GF 340) OBTAINABLE FROM ANY CITY DISTRICT OFFICE OR FIRE STATION, AND ACADEMIC DOCUMENTS (UP TO PRIMARY SIX STANDARD).
THEY ARE ALSO REQUESTED TO BRING ALONG RUBBER GYMNASTIC SHOES AND SHORTS FOR A STRENGTH TEST.
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TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG AT EXCITING STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT
*****
TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG ARE AT AN EXCITING STAGE OF THEIR DEVELOPMENT, TOWN MANAGER AND DISTRICT OFFICER TSUEN WAN, DR JAMES HAYES, SAID TODAY.
DR HAYES WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THIS YEAR’S TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AT THE LOCAL TOWN HALL.
HE SAIDs +WHEREVER YOU LOOK YOU WILL SEE THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW BUILDINGS ON RECENTLY CLEARED LAND OR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF OLDER RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.
♦THE POPULATION CONTINUES TO GROW AT A STEADY PACE AND BY THE END OF THIS DECADE I EXPECT THAT WE WILL BE APPROACHING OUR PLANNED TARGET POPULATION OF ONE MILLION PERSONS,* HE SAID.
/DR HAYES .....
SATURDAY, JULY 12, 1980
- 5 -
DR HAYES SAID THE WORD ♦PLANNED+ WAS A VITAL WORD. +FOR IT MEANS THAT AMENITIES AND FACILITIES FOR OUR HUGE POPULATION WILL BE PROVIDED, TOGETHER WITH THE NEW COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTI AL AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.+ HE EXPLAINED.
♦THEY WILL INCLUDE MORE LARGE AMENITIES SUCH AS SWIMMING POOLS, INDOOR GAMES HALLS, COMMUNITY HALLS, SPORTSGROUNDS AND PERHAPS A STADIUM AND, WE HOPE, A PRIVATELY RUN RECREATION AND SPORTS COMPLEX TO HOUSE THE TWO LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS WHICH CO-ORDINATE OUR MANY SPORTS AND CULTURAL GROUPS.+
HE SAID ALL THESE PROJECTS WOULD GREATLY ASSIST IN MAKING NOT JUST THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME, BUT ALSO THE YEAR ROUND ORGANISED ACTIVITIES, AVAILABLE TO MORE YOUNG PEOPLE.
DR HAYES SAID IN ALL SUCH WORK THE LEADERSHIP, ENERGY AND VISION OF THE MANY PERSONS WHO PROVIDED THE OFFICE-BEARERS AND SECRETARIES OF THE LOCAL RECREATIONAL AND SPORTING GROUPS WOULD REMAIN A VITAL INGREDIENT OF SUCCESS.
HE SA ID 1 +THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME IS, AND ALWAYS WILL BE, A JOINT EFFORT. WITHOUT THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT WE ON THE GOVERNMENT SIDE CANNOT PRODUCE THE DESIRED RESULTS.
♦FORTUNATELY, THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A SHORTAGE OF HELPERS IN TSUEN WAN.
♦DURING MY FIVE YEARS AS TOWN MANAGER AND DISTRICT OFFICER I HAVE SEEN A GREAT DEAL OF JOINT EFFORT, IN THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AND IN MANY FIELDS,♦ DR HAYES SAID.
A VARIETY SHOW, INCLUDING FOLK DANCES, CHOIR-SINGING AND DRAMA, WAS HELD IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CEREMONY.
MORE THAN 1 500 YOUNG PEOPLE ATTENDED THE SHOW WHICH WAS THE FIRST OF NEARLY 1 000 ACTIVITIES TO BE HELD IN TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG, TSI NG Yl, SHAM TSENG AND MA WAN DURING THE NEXT IWO MONTHS.
THE GOVERNMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAVE PROVIDED $59 000, WHILE LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS HAVE DONATED ANOTHER $55 000 TOWARDS THE COST OF THE PROGRAMME.
ABOUT 90 000 LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE WILL TAKE PART IN THE ACTIVITIES WHICH ARE BEING RUN BY 140 GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
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/6
SATURDAY, JULY i2, -.980
6
PRISONS OFFICERS COMPLETE SOCIAL WORK COURSE ******
FIFTEEN ASSISTANT OFFICERS OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT COMPLETED AN EXTENSION COURSE ON SOCIAL WORK ORGANISED BY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
HAVE THE
THE TWO-MONTH COURSE, ON A PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE BASIS WAS DESIGNED TO HELP THE DEPARTMENT'S AFTERCARE OFFICERS ’ TO GAIN SOME KNOWLEDGE OF SOCIAL WORK TECHNIQUES, HUMAN GROWTH AND BEHAVIOUR, AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS RELEVANT TO THEIR WORK.
AT A CEREMONY TODAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, MR CHAN WA-SHEK WAS INVITED TO PRESENT CERTIFICATES TO THE OFFICERS W CHAN IS A MEMBER OF THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK’S ADVISORY* COMMITTEE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT SAID AFTERCARE PLAYED AN IMPORTANT PART IN HELPING INMATES OF TRAINING, DETENTION AND DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES TO RE-ESTABLISH THEMSELVES IN SOCIETY ON THEIR RELEASE.
THE TRAINING COURSE WILL BETTER EQUIP THE AFTERCARE OFFICERS IN THIS WORK, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THIS WAS ONLY ONE OF THE WIDE AND VARIED SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT. IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES ON SPECIALIST SUBJECTS WERE FREQUENTLY CONDUCTED TO EQUIP PRISONS STAFF THEIR DUTIES.
PRISONS
FOR
HE TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO URGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE WORTHWHILE AND INTERESTING CAREER WITH THE DEPARTMENT.
UP A
+WE ARE CURRENTLY MOUNTING A RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR ASSISTANT OFFICERS II. ANYONE INTERESTED CAN CONTACT OUR RECRUITMENT OFFICE ON 5-938455 FOR AN APPOINTMENT, OR ANY OF THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICES FOR INFORMATION,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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/7
SATURDAY, JULY 12, 1980
7
STUDENT WORKS IN READING SCHEME ON DISPLAY
M K * * M * ,
AN EXHIBITION OF WORKS BY SECONDARY AND PRIMARY STUDENTS IN A PILOT ENGLISH READING SCHEME WILL OPEN ON TUESDAY (JULY 15) AT CLEMENTI MIDDLE SCHOOL IN NORTH POINT.
THE PILOT SCHEME, INITIATED BY THE ENGLISH SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO ENCOURAGE THE HABIT OF WIDE READING. WAS FIRST CONDUCTED IN 1977 IN QUEEN’S COLLEGE AND CLEMENTI MIDDLE SCHOOL INVOLVING FORM/MIDDLE 1 STUDENTS.
IT WAS EXTENDED TO FORM/MIDDLE 2 IN 1978 AND HAD JUST COMPLETED ITS THIRD AND FINAL YEAR OF IMPLEMENTATION FOR FORM/ MIDDLE 3.
PRIMARY 4 STUDENTS OF FOUR SCHOOLS ALSO JOINED THE SCHEME IN 1978. THEY ARE HENNESSY ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY AM SCHOOL, KEI WAN PRIMARY AM SCHOOL, TAK SUN SCHOOL AND YAUMATI CATHOLIC PRIMARY AM SCHOOL.
THE SCHEME WILL BE EXTENDED TO PRIMARY 6 IN THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR.
THE EXHIBITION WILL FEATURE WRITTEN SUMMARIES, CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS, SCRIPT WRITINGS, DRAWINGS, MODELS, BOOK COVER AND BOOKMARK DESIGNS, AND THEME-SONG WRITINGS.
IT WILL BE OPEN UNTIL THURSDAY (JULY 17) IN THE SCHOOL HALL CF CLEMENTI MIDDLE SCHOOL IN FORTRESS HILL ROAD. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
MRS LOUISE MOK, ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS) WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 10 AM ON TUESDAY.
------0-------
SAU MAU PING HAS NEW GARDEN X * * *
A REST GARDEN WILL BE ADDED TO SAU MAU PING MEMORIAL PARK BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK ARE BEING INVITED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
AN AREA MEASURING 610 SQUARE METRES ALONG TSUI PING ROAD HAS BEEN SET ASIDE FOR THE SITE.
ITS FACILITIES INCLUDE A PAVILION, FLOWER BEDS, BENCHES AND A STOREROOM.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL BEGIN IN AUGUST AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER.
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/8
SATURDAY, JULY 12, 1980
8
BROADWOOD ROAD CLOSED * * * *
BROADWOOD ROAD BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 20 AND TAI HANG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT 9 WEEKS FROM ‘ (JULY 14) FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION.
10 AM ON MONDAY
UNLESS THEY HAVE WRITTEN AUTHORISATION SECTION OF THE ROAD, MOTORISTS WILL ONLY BE LOWER SECTION TO GO TO LINK ROAD.
TO ENTER THIS UPPER ABLE TO USE THE
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE THEM.
-----0------
FIRING PRACTICE REMINDER *****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY NEXT WEEK.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING TIMES OF PRACTICE.
PRACTICE TIMES WILL BE 8 AM TO 10.30 ON FRIDAY WHEN PRACTICE WILL END AT 5 PM.
PM EACH DAY EXCEPT
0 - -
PRH
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, JULY 13, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEED FOR FAIRNESS IN APPROACH TO SOCIAL WORK ......................... 1
JUNE — SUNNIER AND HOTTER THAN USUAL.................................. 2
PRINCE PHILIP DENTaL HOSPITAL ........................................ 3
APPRENTICE training for WESTERN COCKS WELL-TIMED ...................:
RIV R CLEaN-UP OPERATION TO BE COMPLETED SOON ........................ 6
90 006 PUPILS ALLOCATED SECONDARY SCHCOL PLACES ...................... 7
PRISONS RECRUITMENT TEAM MOVES TO SHA TIN ............................ 8
MORE WATER FOR TAI PO DEVELOPMENT .................................... 8
SITTING-OUT AREA IN MONG KOK ......................................... 9
01 KWAN ROAD REROUTED ................................................ 9
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, JULY 13, 1980
1
NEED FOR FAIRNESS IN APPROACH TO SOCIAL WORK ###*#*
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR JACK CATER TOLD A MEETING OF SOCIAL WORKERS TODAY THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR THEM TO APPRECIATE THE CONSTRAINTS UNDER WHICH ALL GOVERNMENTS HAD TO WORK.
+THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION HAS BOUNDLESS ENTHUSIASM FOR CHANGE THAT WOULD TRANSFORM SOCIETY. SUCH ENTHUSIASM IS NECESSARY AND PRAISEWORTHY.
♦BUT IT MUST TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE WIDER PERSPECTIVE OF THE COMMUNITY’S NEEDS AS A WHOLE AND THE KNOWLEDGE THAT RESOURCES ARE FINITE AND THAT THERE MUST BE PRIORITIES IN IMPLEMENTATION,* HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE 6TH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS AT THE MARYKNOLL CONVENT SCHOOL, SIR JACK SAID HAVING BEEN INVOLVED IN A NUMBER OF PRIORITY DECISIONS, +AT TIMES, IT IS A HEART-BREAKING BUSINESS*.
+LET ME ASSURE YOU THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SHARES WITH YOU THE GOAL OF A BETTER SOCIETY WHEREIN ALL CAN SHARE THE FRUITS OF PROSPERITY: IF THERE IS ANY DIFFERENCE AT ALL, IT LIES AS I HAVE SUGGESTED IN THE PACE AT WHICH ONE SHOULD PROCEED AND THE NEED FOR FAIRNESS BETWEEN ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.
SIR JACK DOUBTED WHETHER CONFRONTATION WITH AUTHORITY WAS NORMALLY NECESSARY IN ORDER TO BRING A PARTICULAR SOCIAL ISSUE TO NOTICE.
+IS IT THE ONLY, IS IT THE BEST WAY? IN A FREE SOCIETY LIKE HONG KONG, SUCH ACTIONS MUST BE ALLOWED TO TAKE THEIR NORMAL COURSE WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF THE LAW.
+IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS METHOD MAY BE EFFECTIVE IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES BUT WIDE USE SURELY WILL BLUNT ITS EDGE AND WOULD, I IMAGINE, PROVE COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE.
*BUT- I ACCEPT THAT ALL BUREAUCRACIES RUN THE RISK OF BECOMING TOO INWARD-LOOKING AND REQUIRE CRITICS TO KEEP THEM ON THEIR TOES.
♦HOWEVER, CRITICISMS, IF THEY ARE TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY, MUST BE CONSTRUCTIVE AND WELL-BASED IN FACT,* HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN HONG KONG THERE WERE PROPER AND EFFECTIVE CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING THOSE IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIELD, THROUGH WHICH SUCH CRITICISMS MAY BE EXPRESSED.
A RESPONSIBLE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION CAN DO MUCH TO ACT AS A CATALYST FOR GREATER OR RENEWED AWARENESS IN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE COMMUNITY’S SOCIAL NEEDS, HE ADDED.
SIR JACK HAD RAISED THESE POINTS TO STIMULATE DISCUSSION AT THE SYMPOSIUM.
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/2
SUNDAY, JULY 13, 1950
2
JUNE — SUNNIER AND HOTTER THAN USUAL
* * * * *
JUNE WAS MUCH SUNNIER AND HOTTER THAN USUAL, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) IN ITS MONTHLY WEATHER SUMMARY.
THE HOTTEST DAY OF THE MONTH WAS JUNE 22 WHEN THE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE REACHED 34.8 DEGREES CELSIUS — THE SECOND HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR JUNE. THE HIGHEST WAS 35.6 DEGREES RECORDED ON JUNE 1, 1963.
MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES WERE ABOVE 33 DEGREES ON EIGHT CONSECUTIVE DAYS, BETWEEN JUNE 17 AND 24, AND ABOVE 34 DEGREES ON FOUR, BETWEEN JUNE 19 AND 22.
THIS IS ALSO UNPRECEDENTED IN ANY JUNE SINCE RECORDS BEGAN IN 1884.
THE MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF THE MONTH WAS 31.6 DEGREES, RANKING SECOND HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR JUNE, THE HIGHEST BEING 31.7 DEGREES IN JUNE 1938.
FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH, THERE WERE 240 HOURS OF SUNSHINE, 90.6 HOURS ABOVE NORMAL.
HOWEVER, THE MONTH SET A NEW RECORD FOR JUNE WITH ONLY 12 DAYS WITH MEASURABLE RAINFALL WHICH TOTALLED 150.9 MM, 306.6 MM BELOW NORMAL.
THE ACCUMULATED RAINFALL FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR AMOUNTED TO 684.9 MM WHICH IS 32 PER CENT BELOW NORMAL.
DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE NEAR THE SOUTH CHINA COAST, THE FIRST FOUR DAYS OF THE MONTH WERE CLOUDY WITH SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.
IT WAS RELATIVELY COOL DURING THESE FOUR DAYS AND ON THE MORNING OF JUNE 4 TEMPERATURE FELL TO A MINIMUM OF 22 DEGREES CELSIUS WHICH WAS THE LOWEST FOR THE MONTH.
THE WEATHER BEGAN TO IMPROVE ON JUNE 5 WHEN A RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE FROM THE PACIFIC ANTICYCLONE EXTENDED WESTWARDS TO COVER SOUTH CHINA.
THE HIGH PRESSURE RIDGE REMAINED PRONOUNCED AND PERSISTENT AND THE WEATHER IN HONG KONG WAS MAINLY FINE AND VERY HOT UNTIL JUNE 26 WHEN SEVERE TROPICAL STORM HERBERT APPROACHED, CAUSING THE STANDBY SIGNAL TO BE HOISTED THE SAME DAY UNTIL JUNE 28.
AS HERBERT MOVED NORTHWESTWARDS INTO THE GULF OF TONKIN, HONG KONG RECORDED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS FROM JUNE 26 TO 29.
FRESH TO STRONG SOUTHEASTERLY WINDS WERE EXPERIENCED IN EXPOSED PLACES FROM JUNE 26 TO 28 BUT THE RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE FROM THE PACIFIC RETURNED ON JUNE 30 AND THE WEATHER BECAME FINE AND SUNNY AGAIN.
/SEVERE TROPICAL ......
SUNDAY, JULY 1J, 1980
3 -
SEVERE TROPICAL STORM HERBERT WAS THE ONLY TROPICAL CYCLONE OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC DURING JUNE.
IT DEVELOPED ABOUT 650 NAUTICAL MILES SOUTH OF HONG KONG ON JUNE 24 AND PASSED ABOUT 300 NAUTICAL MILES TO THE WEST-SOUTHWEST OF HONG KONG ON JUNE 28.
THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON FOUR DAYS.
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PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL ******
THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL WHICH IS NOW NEARING COMPLETION AT SAI YING PUN WILL BE THE FIRST DENTAL TEACHING HOSPITAL TO BE BUILT IN HONG KONG.
SITE FORMATION WORK WAS STARTED IN JUNE 1978, THE SUBSTRUCTURE WAS COMPLETED IN MAY 1979 AND THE BUILDING IS SCHEDULED TO COMMENCE PHASED OCCUPATION TOWARDS THE END OF 1980.
THE BUILDING CONSISTS OF TEN FLOORS, EXCLUDING THE LOWER BASEMENT HOUSING THE BOILER ROOM AND PLANT ROOM, SEVEN OF WHICH ARE ABOVE GROUND LEVEL.
THE TOTAL FLOOR AREA IS ABOUT 33 000 SQUARE METRES. THERE WILL BE 241 DENTAL CHAIRS TOGETHER WITH A WIDE RANGE OF TEACHING FACILITIES.
THE PROJECT AROSE FROM A PROPOSAL IN THE 1974 WHITE PAPER ON THE ♦FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN HONG KONG* THAT A DENTAL SCHOOL SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED IN ORDER TO TRAIN DENTISTS FOR GENERAL PRACTICE. THE CAPITAL COST OF THE BUILDING EXCLUDING EQUIPMENT AND STORES IS *140 MILLION. THIS COST HAS BEEN MET BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THE ROLE OF THE DENTAL HOSPITAL IS TO PRODUCE A MINIMUM OF 60 QUALIFIED DENTISTS A YEAR- TOGETHER WITH A NUMBER OF ANCILLARY DENTAL WORKERS SUCH AS DENTAL SURGERY ASSISTANTS AND DENTAL TECHNICIANS. THE FIRST GROUP OF DENTAL STUDENTS WILL QUALIFY IN 1985.
MANAGEMENT OF THE HOSPITAL WILL BE BY A STATUTORY BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND PENDING THE PREPARATION OF THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION A PROVISIONAL BOARD OF 15 MEMBERS, CHAIRED BY THE HON T.S.LO, HAS BEEN APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.
THE BOARD INCLUDES PROFESSOR G.L. HOWE, DEAN OF DENTAL STUDIES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNIVERSITY, THE HONG KONG DENTAL PROFESSION AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
/FUNDS FOR
SUNDAY, JULY 1J, 1980
4
FUNDS FOR THE OPERATION OF THE HOSPITAL WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE FORM OF A SUBVENTION. FUNDS FOR THE PROVISION OF TEACHING WILL COME FROM THE BUDGET OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG THROUGH GRANTS RECOMMENDED BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE.
IN ORDER TO ENSURE AN ADEQUATE FLOW OF SUITABLE PATIENTS TO ENABLE THE HOSPITAL TO MEET ITS TEACHING NEEDS TREATMENT WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ON A +WALK-IN* BASIS TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
AFTER PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION TO DECIDE WHETHER THE PATIENT IS SUITABLE FOR TEACHING PURPOSES CLINICAL ATTENTION WILL BE PROVIDED BY, OR UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF, DENTALLY QUALIFIED STAFF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
NOMINAL CHARGES, TO BE DETERMINED AND REVIEWED BY THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT, WILL BE MADE FOR SERVICES PROVIDED. THE FEE ENVISAGED FOR THE FIRST VISIT WILL BE $3 WITH A MAXIMUM OF $15.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES ENVISAGED FOR DENTAL APPLIANCES WILL BE AS FOLLOWS1
DENTURE, PLASTIC BASE $35 PER DENTURE IRRESPECTIVE
OF THE NUMBER OF TEETH INVOLVED
DENTURE, METAL BASE $70 PER DENTURE IRRESPECTIVE OF
THE NUMBER OF TEETH INVOLVED
BRIDGES
INLAYS AND CROWNING
$70 PER UNIT
$50 PER ITEM IF PRECIOUS METAL USED
REPAIRING, RELINING OR REMODELLING DENTURES A UNIFORM FEE OF $10
PATIENTS FOUND TO BE UNSUITABLE FOR TEACHING PURPOSES WILL BE GIVEN ONLY EMERGENCY TREATMENT.
- - 0 - -
APPRENTICE TRAINING FOR WESTERN COOKS WELL-TIMED
* * * * *
THE INCLUSION OF +HOTEL COOK — WESTERN STYLE* IN THE COMPULSORY APPRENTICE TRAINING SCHEME WILL HELP MEET A GREAT DEMAND FOR A WELL-TRAINED WORKFORCE IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOTEL, CATERING AND TOURISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL, MR LARRY TCHOU, TODAY IN COMMENT ON THE GOVERNMENT’S MOVE TO BRING THE TRADE UNDER THE COVERAGE OF THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE.
THE GOVERNOR, ON THE ADVICE OF THE COUNCIL, HAS SPECIFIED THE JOB AS +DESIGNATED TRADE* UNDER THE ORDINANCE, EFFECTIVE FROM AUGUST 1, 1980.
/FSOM THAT
SUNDAY, JULY 1J, 1980
5
FROM THAT DAY, AN EMPLOYER MAY EMPLOY A YOUNG PERSON BETWEEN THE AGE OF 14 AND 18 IN THE NEWLY-DESIGNATED TRADE ONLY IF THE YOUNGSTER IS EMPLOYED AS AN APPRENTICE UNDER A CONTRACT REGISTERED WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THE EMPLOYER MAY ALSO DO SO IF THE EMPLOYEE HAS ALREADY COMPLETED AN APPRENTICESHIP IN THAT TRADE OR WITH EXEMPTION FROM THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR.
THE APPRENTICESHIP PERIOD IS THREE YEARS AND THE ENTRY REQUIREMENT IS COMPLETION OF FORM 3.
MR TCHOU DESCRIBED THE NEW DESIGNATION AS A +TIMELY MOVE* BECAUSE OF THE GROWING DEMAND FOR WELL-TRAINED STAFF IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY.
+YOUNG PEOPLE JOINING THE RANK OF APPRENTICE COOKS CAN FOLLOW SYSTEMATIC TRAINING AND HAVE A BRIGHT FUTURE IN THE INDUSTRY,+ HE NOTED.
MR TCHOU POINTED OUT THAT THE SERVICE INDUSTRY WAS PLAYING AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN HONG KONG, BOTH ECONOMICALLY AND SOCIALLY.
+TO COMPETE WITH OTHER COUNTRIES FOR MORE VISITORS, THERE IS A GREAT DEMAND FOR A WORKFORCE CAPABLE OF ACHIEVING A HIGHER STANDARD OF SERVICE, AND THIS IS POSSIBLE ONLY WITH PROPER TRAINING.
♦MANY HOTEL WORKERS CAN BEST BE TRAINED THROUGH ORGANISED APPRENTICESHIP, DURING WHICH APPRENTICES RECEIVE BOTH ON-THE-JOB TRAINING AS WELL AS RELATED TECHNICAL EDUCATION,* HE ADDED.
MR TCHOU ADVISED HOTEL EMPLOYERS TO COMPLY WITH THE ORDINANCE BY ENTERING INTO CONTRACTS OF APPRENTICESHIP WITH THEIR YOUNG WORKERS.
THE CONTRACT WOULD ENSURE THAT THE APPRENTICE WOULD BE GIVEN ADEQUATE TRAINING, INCLUDING THE STUDY OF A TECHNICAL COURSE AT A GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
THE CONTRACT WOULD ALSO HELP PROTECT THE EMPLOYER FROM LOSING HIS APPRENTICE TO ANOTHER EMPLOYER.
MR TCHOU URGED EMPLOYERS'WHO REQUIRE ASSISTANCE IN STARTING AN APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME TO CONTACT THE TRAINING COUNCIL DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
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SUNDAY, JULY 13, 1980
6
RIVER CLEAN-UP OPERATION TO BE COMPLETED SOON
* * * * *
A CLEAN-UP OF BEAS RIVER IN SHEUNG SHU I, WHICH IS PART OF THE DRIVE BY THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTROL WATER POLLUTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, IS TO BE COMPLETED SHORTLY.
ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER NORTH, MR DAVID PIRK IS, SAID LIKE OTHER RIVERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BEAS RIVER HAD BEEN POLLUTED BY ANIMAL WASTE FROM CHICKEN AND PIG FARMS LOCATED ALONG THE BANKS.
HE SAID IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT 1 360 CUBIC METRES OF PIG MANURE AND 210 TONNES OF CHICKEN WASTE WENT INTO NEW TERRITORIES STREAMS EVERY DAY.
IN THE WET SEASON, WHEN THE LEVEL OF THE RIVER ROSE, THIS WASTE WAS GENERALLY WASHED AWAY.
IN THE DRY SEASON, HOWEVER, IT ACCUMULATED, CAUSING A BUILD-UP WITH ROTTING VEGETATION WHICH FORMED A THICK CRUST ON THE WATER.
THE CONSEQUENT SANITARY AND HEALTH HAZARDS WERE OBVIOUS, MR PIRKIS SAID.
TO CONTROL THE SITUATION, STAFF FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAVE LAUNCHED A SERIES OF CLEANING OPERATIONS IN NT RIVERS DURING THE PAST FEW YEARS.
AT PRESENT, 18 WORKERS IN THREE TEAMS FROM THE NTSD ARE CLEANING BEAS RIVER BY REMOVING RUBBISH FROM THE RIVER BOTTOM AND FROM ALONG THE BANKS.
THE OPERATION, THE SECOND IN TWO YEARS, BEGAN THREE MONTHS AGO.
HOWEVER, MR PIRKIS SAID, THIS WAS A TEMPORARY SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. SO LONG AS PIG AND CHICKEN FARMERS CONTINUED FLUSHING WASTE OUT OF THEIR YARDS INTO NEARBY STREAM COURSES, THE BASIC PROBLEM WOULD REMAIN.
THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION, HE SAID, LAY IN STOPPING POLLUTION AT SOURCE. +CO-OPERATION OF CHICKEN AND PIG FARMERS AS WELL AS PICNICKERS IS THEREFORE NEEDED TO STOP WATER POLLUTION.*
HE SAID LEGISLATION WAS BEING CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTROL WASTE DISPOSAL. IT WAS HOPED THAT STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF ITS PROVISIONS WOULD HELP DETER PEOPLE FROM INDISCRIMINATELY THROWING RUBBISH INTO RIVERS.
FOR THE MOMENT, THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND NTSD ARE RUNNING AN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL WASTE COLLECTION SCHEME AT TA KWU LING.
UNDER THE SCHEME, WORKERS COLLECT ON A DAILY BASIS REFUSE AND FARM WASTE LEFT AT COLLECTION POINTS EY VILLAGERS. VEHICLES THEN COLLECT IT FOR DISPOSAL.
TWO SETTLEMENT TANKS HAVE ALSO BEEN INSTALLED IN THE AREA TO FILTER THE WATER FLOWING OUT OF FARMERS’ YARDS.
/7
SUNDAY, JULY 13, 1980
- 7 -
90 006 PUPILS ALLOCATED SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ******
ALL 90 006 PUPILS PARTICIPATING IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SYSTEM HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED FORM I OR MIDDLE I PLACES IN GOVERNMENT, AIDED OR PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
+ALL ARE THREE-YEAR PLACES FOR WHICH NO TUITION FEES WILL BE CHARGED,+ HE ADDED.
RESULTS OF ALLOCATION WILL BE RELEASED TO THE PRIMARY SCHOOLS TOMORROW (MONDAY). WHEN ENQUIRING ABOUT THEIR ALLOCATION RESULTS, PUPILS SHOULD FOLLOW THE ARRANGEMENTS SET DOWN BY THEIR RESPECTIVE PRIMARY SCHOOLS. THEY SHOULD ALSO TAKE ALONG THEIR PRIMARY 6 IDENTIFICATION FORMS SO THAT THEIR INDIVIDUAL ALLOCATION SLIPS MAY BE ATTACHED TO THE FORMS.
+ALL PUPILS SHOULD REPORT DURING THE FIRST REGISTRATION PERIOD (JULY 21 AND 22) TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO WHICH THEY HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DATES AND TIMES SPECIFIED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN SUPPLIED TO ALL PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS,+ HE ADDED.
+PUPILS WHO FAIL TO REPORT TO THEIR ALLOCATED SECONDARY SCHOOLS DURING THIS PERIOD ARE DEEMED TO HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO TAKE UP THE PLACES ALLOCATED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THEREFORE THOSE PUPILS OR THEIR PARENTS WHO HAVE GENUINE DIFFICULTY IN REPORTING TO THE SCHOOLS DURING THIS PERIOD ARE URGED TO CONTACT THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SECTION BEFORE JULY 22 SO THAT OTHER ARRANGEMENTS MAY BE MADE.
+THE SECOND REGISTRATION PERIOD (JULY 28 AND 29) IS MAINLY FOR PUPILS WHO HAVE TO SEEK TRANSFER BECAUSE THEY HAVE MOVED HOUSE RECENTLY,* THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
+THEY OR THEIR PARENTS SHOULD CONTACT THE DISTRICT COUNCIL SECRETATY OF THE NET TO WHICH THEY HAVE RECENTLY MOVED HOUSE.
+THE SECRETARY, IF SATISFIED WITH THE GENUINENESS OF THE CASE, MAY THEN GRANT APPROVAL FOR TRANSFER AND ASSIST THEM IN SECURING PLACES IN THE NETS CONCERNED,* HE SAID.
ALTERNATIVELY, THE PUPILS OR THEIR PARENTS MAY CONTACT A SECONDARY SCHOOL OF THEIR CHOICE IN THE NET THEY HAVE MOVED TO, AND THE PRINCIPAL OF THE SCHOOL SHOULD THEN SEEK APPROVAL FROM THE DISTRICT COUNCIL SECRETARY OF HIS NET ON BEHALF OF THE PUPILS BEFORE ADMITTING THEM.
+IF A TYPHOON AFFECTS HONG KONG DURING THE REGISTRATION PERIODS, HEADS OF SCHOOLS AND PARENTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE MEDIA ON ANY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE ALLOCATION RESULTS SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 5-272013.
------o------- /8.....
SUNDAY, JULY 13, 1980
8
PRISONS RECRUITMENT TEAM MOVES TO SHA TIN * * * *
THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S MOBILE RECRUITMENT DISPLAY WILL MOVE TO THE COMMUNITY HALL NEAR KWAI WO HOUSE IN LEK YUEN ESTATE, SHA TIN, TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE DISPLAY OF PHOTOGRAPHS, SHOWING VARIOUS ASPECTS OF PRISON WORK AND ITS STAFF WELFARE FACILITIES, IS AIMED AT ATTRACTING YOUNG PEOPLE TO JOIN THE DEPARTMENT AS ASSISTANT OFFICERS II.
A RECRUITMENT STAND WILL ALSO BE SET UP IN THE HALL WHERE PRISON OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THOSE INTERESTED IN TAKING UP THE CAREER.
THE DISPLAY WILL BE OPEN FROM 3 PM TO 10 PM ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY.
_ _ 0 - -
MORE WATER FOR TAI PO DEVELOPMENT * * X * #
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL BUILD ANOTHER FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR AT HA HANG IN TAI PO.
THE NEW RESERVOIR IS PART OF A WATER SUPPLY PROGRAMME TO CATER FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TAI PO NEW TOWN AND TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
IT WILL BE AN EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING HA HANG SERVICE RESERVOIR AND WILL GIVE AN ADDITIONAL STORAGE CAPACITY OF 10 000 CUBIC METRES.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK ARE BEING INVITED. IT WILL START IN SEPTEMBER AND WILL TAKE 17 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
SUNDAY, JULY 13, 1980
- 9 -
SITTING-OUT AREA IN MONG KOK * * *
A NEW SITTING-OUT AREA WILL BE CONSTRUCTED IN PORTLAND STREET, MONG KOK.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, WHICH IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, SAID THE AREA WOULD COVER 325 SQUARE METRES.
IT WILL HAVE PAVILIONS, FLOWER BEDS, CONCRETE BENCHES, TABLES, CHILDREN’S PLAY EQUIPMENT AND A STORE ROOM.
CHESS
WORK WILL START IN SEPTEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT THREE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
-----o-----
01 KWAN ROAD REROUTED * * *
01 KWAN ROAD IN WAN CHAI BETWEEN TANG CHI NGONG SPECIALIST CLINIC AND GUARDIAN HOUSE, AND SUNG TAK STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (JULY 15).
LEARNER DRIVERS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE SECTION OF 01 KWAN ROAD SOUTHBOUND AT ITS JUNCTION WITH SUNG TAK STREET BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 8 PM DAILY.
THE ARRANGEMENT WILL IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN THE AREA.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN - SUPPLEMENT
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
SPEECH BY HE iE ACTING GOVERNOR'SIR JACK CATER KBE JP AT THE O i IM CEREMONY OF THE SIXTH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM OF THE IE LVTIONAL FEDERATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS AT THE MARYKNOLL (. 'ILJCHOOL ON 13TH JULY 1980_________________________________
Madam Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have much pleasure in extending a warm welcome to all participants in this Symposium, and in particular to cur visitors from overseas.
Some of you may be visiting Hong Kong for the first time: in spite of our size - perhaps miniscule in comparison co your own countries - we are not exactly unknown or without repute. We occasionally hit the World’s headlines - as we did last year with the dramatic but tragic arrival of the Vietnamese boat refugees: but it is our trade and our industry that has made Hong Kong known throughout much of the World. And there can be no denying the economic success of Hong Kong due I should add not only to the good sense, drive and flexibility of our business community, but largely because we have a hard-working, versatile work-force. But economic growth without social progress would produce a situation where the great majority of the people remain in poverty, while a privileged few reap the benefits of rising abundance. And Hong Kong has not stood still in this vital section of social progress, and I am sure that in your discussions, you will learn a great deal about our very substantial expansion of services to the public such as housing, education, medical and health services and, of course, social welfare.
/......
- 2 -
The social progress of Hong Kong owes much to the pioneering spirit and dedication of its social 'workers in both the public and the voluntary sectors. The voluntary -or private - sector has traditionally played a conspicuous and valuable role in the provision of social services in Hong Kong, with the encouragement and financial support of the Government. Indeed, this sector employs greater numbers of social workers than the Government. This has given the social work profession in Hong Kong a greater latitude in its speech and action than might otherwise have been possible in a profession composed largely of civil servants.
Social action can and does take many and varied forms. However, irrespective of whether it takes the form of mobilising volunteers to work for the less privileged and fortunate groups, research and surveys on specific needs or in planning functions, they all have as their ultimate goal the solution of human problems or the relief of hardship and suffering. This, in turn, will lead to a steady improvement in the quality of community life. A responsible and progressive government encourages popular participation and responsible social action by the public.
Of course all of us would like to see quick progress: we are naturally impatient for results. But there are many demands, many desirable objectives and all too often the resources are simply not sufficient to enable programmes to be completed in double-quick time. Priorities have to be decided and that means some programme or parts of programmes
3
have a lower priority than others. And having been ’nvolved in a number of priority decisions I can assure you that, at times, it is a heart-breaking business. It is portant for social workers, for those of us here today to appreciate the constraints under which all governments
□st work. Let me assure you that the Hong Kong Gover: ent -.hares with you the goal of a better society wherein ail can share the fruits of prosperity: if there is any difference at all, it lies as I have suggested in the pace at which one should proceed and the need for fairness between all sectors of the community. The social work profession has boundless enthusiasm for change that would transform society. Such enthusiasm is necessary and praiseworthy. But it must take into consideration the wider perspective of the community’s needs as a whole and the knowledge that resources are finite and that there must be priorities in implementation.
1 imagine that one of the areas which will attract attention during the Symposium will be the position of the social worker and the style of activity that he or she may feel necessary to bring the attention of authority to a particular issue. Of course, ideally it should not be necessary to have to-do this -.but I accept that at times it is necessary and desirable. I shall be interested later to learn your views on this - what is the most effective way of achieving your objective - of bringing a particular issue to notice: is it lawful? does it impinge on the 'rights of others? I have heard it said by some that some
form of confrontation with authority is normally necessary: I wonder whether this is so: is it the only, is it the best way? In a free society like Hong Kong, such actions
•jst be allowed to take their normal course within the bounds of the law. It seems to me that this method may be effective in certain circumstances but wide use surely will blunt its edge and would, I imagine, prove counter-productive. But I accept that all bureaucracies run the risk of becoming too inward-looking and require critics to keep them on their toes. However, criticisms, if they are to be taken seriously, must be constructive and well-based in fact. And it is for authority to ensure that there are proper and effective channels of communication through which such criticims may be expressed. In Hong Kong, we have many of these ranging from buildingbased Mutual Aid Committees to district-based Advisory Boards and City District Officers in Hong Kong and Kowloon or District Officers in the New Territories; to central organs like the Office of Unofficial Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, as well as petitions and appeals to the Government Secretariat or to Government House. As far as the social welfare field is concerned, there are both regular and ad hoc advisory, management and planning forums through which social workers can express their views. But is this enough? What other - if any - effective channels of effective communication are necessary?
A responsible social work profession can do much to act as a catalyst for greater or renewed awareness in the Government of the community’s social needs. But what sort
of person should the social worker be? What sort of professional associations should you have? It has been
5
i-d to me that the test of any profession’s maturity lies in its discipline and organisation and the manner in which it exercises its powers. I have been told that many, perhaps most social workers are mature, responsible people who work quietly behind the scene to better the lot of the poor, the disabled, the elderly, to name but a few: --.nd that on the other hand there are some who are young, vocal, inexperienced and idealistic, impatient for change and oblivious of constraints.
I confess that I for one am not happy with - or prepared to accept - this sorting of the sheep and goats. Idealism it is true is often to be found among younger people: there is certainly nothing wrong in that - what is unfortunate is that all too often idealism disappears with age: and what we should be concerned with - and I hope your Symposium will consider this xxxxxhxHgxHgxHxxXHXHKHixxxdBxiixmx Madam Chairman is hanging on to one’s enthusiasm, keeping in fact one’s idealism. Surely there had to be, at one time or another, substantial idealism in all of us who have become social workers: and that must be a good thing. I accept that it is the responsibility of every organisation’s management to direct their staff's energies into constructive and productive channels. And I accept too that at a higher level, professional associations can do much to improve standards of practices, to encourage a code of ethics and to enhance the status of the social work profession in the community.
6
The aim surely is the best organisation, the best 7 raining, the best social workers for the job in hand -ssisting, improving the lot of the community: in particular he less fortunate, the deprived and those who are finding it difficult to cope with the pace of modem day life. The ,= im is not self-glorification, but service.
It is not for me to pontificate but I do believe that there are important questions to be asked, and which need to be answered, within the framework of your Symposium. Indeed, your Symposium's theme: "Social work and Social Action: Implications for the Social Worker, the Agency and the Professional Association" provides an excellent opportunity for these complex matters and their interplay to be examined and dicussed.
I hope you will find Hong Cong a stimulating place to carry out your deliberations. Hong Kong's social work profession is, of course comparatively young: no doubt we have much to learn from more seasoned social work professions elsewhere but this learning will, I hope, result in a judicious -.lection and application of what is best for Hong Kong and its people at its present stage of development.
Madam Chairman, I wish the Symposium every success and our visitors a fruitful and pleasant stay in Hong Kong.
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, JULY 14, 1980
CONTENTS PhGE NO,
EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY - MAY 1980............................. 1
MOBILE LEGAL AID OFFICE FOR NEW TERRITORIES ...................... 6
GOVT TO WORK HARDER AT BUILDING NEW COMMUNITIES .................. 7
MUSIC OFFICE TO HOLD 1 OOOth ’MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS’ CONCERT .......................................................... 9
SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ST^iRTS IN NORTH DISTRICT .................10
COURSES FOR TEACHERS OF H-JWIC^PED CHILDREN ......................10
SUMMER CaMP FOR FISHERMEN’S CHILDREN .............................11
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5'233191
MONDAY, JULY 14, i960
1
EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY-MAY 1980 *****
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FOR JANUARY TO MAY 1980, VALUED AT $79 081 MILLION, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 37 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1979, STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SHOWED TODAY
DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 33 PER CENT TO $25 050 MILLION, IMPORTS BY 37 PER CENT TO $43 170 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS BY 46 PER CENT TO $10 862 MILLION.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 37 PER CENT.
THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TEN MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS ARE AS FOLLOWS«-
JAN - MAY 80 (HK$ MN.) JAN - MAY 79 (HK$ MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
USA 8 267 6 194 + 2 073 + 33
F.R. OF GERMANY 2 743 2 137 * 606 * 28
UK 2 500 2 157 + 343 + 16
JAPAN 865 979 - 114 - 12
AUSTRALIA 746 635 + 111 + 17
SINGAPORE 679 504 + 175 ♦ 35
NETHERLANDS 611 468 + 143 + 31
CANADA 608 565 ♦ 43 + 8
CHINA 557 119 + 438 +368
FRANCE 510 318 + 192 + 60
INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S. WERE REGISTERED MAINLY IN CLOTHING (BY $577 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $263 MILLION OR 54 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $235 MILLION OR 73 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $203 MILLION OR 62 PER CENT), AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $158 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT).
/INCREASES IN .....
MONDAY, JOLY 14, 1980
2
INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE WEST GERMAN MARKET WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $314 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $68 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $46 MILLION OR 75 PER CENT).
GROWTH IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UK MARKET WAS RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $116 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT), AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $69 MILLION OR 57 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN EXPORTS CF TEXTILES (BY $50 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT).
THE DOWNWARD TREND IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN CONTINUED. MARKED DECREASES WERE NOTED MAINLY FOR FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND THEIR PREPARATIONS (BY $51 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT), CLOTHING (BY $48 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT), AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $6 MILLION OR SIX PER CENT).
THE ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION IS*
JAN - MAY 80 (HK$ MN.) JAN - MAY 79 (HK$ MN.) INCREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 8 430 6 909 + 1 521 4- 22
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS) 4 065 3 044 ♦ 1 021 + 34
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 2 433 1 585 + 848 4- 54
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1 936 1 255 ♦ 681 54
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1 793 1 461 ♦ 332 4- 23
/ELECTRICAL .....
MONDAY, JULY 14, 1980
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (MAINLY TRANSISTORS AND DIODES AND HOUSEHOLD TYPE APPLIANCES)
1 646
1 091 + 555 ♦ 51
THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SOURCES AREt
JAN - MAY 80 (HKS MN.) JAN - MAY 79 (HK$ MN.) INCREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
JAPAN 9 629 7 209 + 2 420 + 34
CHINA 7 861 5 222 + 2 639 + 51
USA 5 481 3 726 ♦ 1 755 + 47
TAIWAN 3 051 2 192 + 859 + 39
SINGAPORE 2 742 1 629 ♦ 1 113 + 68
UK 2 068 1 602 + 466 + 29
REP. OF KOREA 1 444 939 ♦ 505 ♦ 54
F.R. OF GERMANY 1 213 1 057 ♦ 161 + 15
SWITZERLAND 1 092 977 + 115 + 12
THAILAND 682 544 + 138 + 25
IN CONTRAST WITH DECLINING DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN, LOCAL DEMAND FOR JAPANESE GOODS REMAINED STRONG.
INCREASES WERE NOTED PARTICULARLY FOR ROAD VEHICLES (BY $401 MILLION OR 94 PER CENT), TEXTILES (BY $269 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $243 MILLION OR 34 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $235 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT), AND IRON AND STEEL (BY $216 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT).
IMPORTS FROM CHINA ROSE CONSIDERABLY, MAINLY PETROLEUM AND RELATED PRODUCTS (BY $428 MILLION OR 88 PER CENT), TEXTILES (BY $378 MILLION OR 34 PER CENT), CLOTHING (BY $348 MILLION OR 121 PER CENT), LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD (BY $130 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT), AND MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS (BY $98 MILL-LON OR 48 PER CENT).
/INCREASES IN
MONDAY, JULY 14, 1980
4
INCREASES IN IMPORTS FROM THE U.S. WERE LARGELY OF ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $393 MILLION OR 215 PER CENT), TEXTILE FIBRES AND THEIR WASTES (BY $241 MILLION OR 74 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $172 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT), AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $102 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT).
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN IMPORTS OF PETROLEUM AND RELATED PRODUCTS (BY $860 MILLION OR 98 PER CENT) FROM SINGAPORE AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $156 MILLION OR 72 PER CENT). AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $99 MILLION OR 66 PER CENT) FROM TA IWAN.
THE FOLLOWING CHANGES IN IMPORTS TABLE ILLUSTRATES THE MORE IMPORTANT
BY COMMODITY SECTION*
JAN - MAY 80 (HK$ MN.) JAN - MAY 79 (HK$ MN.) INCREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY TEXTILE PRODUCTS, DIAMONDS, IRON AND STEEL, AND PAPER) 13 029 10 289 ♦ 2 740 + 27
MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 9 521 6 885 + 2 636 + 38
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES AND CLOCKS, ARTICLES OF APPAREL) 6 152 4 394 + 1 758 + 40
FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD 4 282 3 578 + 704 + 20
CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS 3 638 2 392 + 1 246 + 52
MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED MATERIALS 2 977 1 582 + 1 395 * 88
/AS FOR
5
MONDAY, JULY 14, 1980
AS FOR RE-EXPORTS, SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA (BY $962 MILLION OR 278 PER CENT), INDONESIA (BY $352 MILLION OR 56 PER CENT), USA (BY $303 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT), TAIWAN (BY $298 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT), THE UK (BY $268 MILLION OR 329 PER CENT), NIGERIA (BY $159 MILLION OR 179 PER CENT), MACAU (BY $135 MILLION OR 63 PER CENT), AND WEST GERMANY (BY $133 MILLION OR 97 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, SUBSTANTIAL DECLINE WAS REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN (BY $254 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT).
INCREASES WERE MAINLY REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $326 MILLION OR 78 PER CENT), NONFERROUS METALS (BY $232 MILLION OR 222 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $290 MILLION OR 70 PER CENT), CLOTHING (BY $236 MILLION OR 80 PER CENT), ROAD VEHICLES (BY $202 MILLION OR 129 PER CENT), AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING
APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $185 MILLION OR 88 PER CENT). THE TRADE INDEX NUMBERS FOR APRIL 1980 (1973 - 100) WEREi
VALUE INDEX UNIT VALUE INDEX QUANTUM INDEX
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 332 175 190
IMPORTS 395 179 220
THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX, EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF THE UNIT VALUE INDEX FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THAT FOR IMPORTS, FOR APRIL I960 WAS 98.
+THE HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS - SUMMARY* ON HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN MAY, 1980, WILL SOON BE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $3 PER COPY.
A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE*, WITH DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE MONTH’S IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN EARLY AUGUST AND WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $10 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE MADE TO THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION, INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, TELEPHONE 5-214375.
/6
MONDAY, JULY 14, 1980
6
MOBILE LEGAL AID OFFICE FOR NEW TERRITORIES
K * » )f K
A LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT +MOBILE OFFICE+, WHICH WILL VISIT THE MAJOR TOWNS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS LAUNCHED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES.
THE +OFFICE+ IS A $120 000 FULLY AIR CONDITIONED VAN, DONATED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE VAN WILL SPEND MONDAYS IN TSUEN WAN, TUESDAYS IN YUEN LONG, WEDNESDAYS IN TUEN MUN, THURSDAYS IN SHEK WU HUI AND FRIDAYS IN TAI PO.
IT WILL BE AT EACH LOCATION FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM.
A PROFESSIONAL OFFICER OF THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT AND A LAW CLERK, WILL MAN THE MOBILE OFFICE.
MR AKERS-JONES SAID IT WAS ANOTHER EXAMPLE FOR ALL SECTIONS OF THE COMMUNITY AND GOVERNMENT TO RESPOND IN AS IMAGINATIVE AND INNOVATIVE A WAY AS POSSIBLE TO MEET THE MANY PRESSING PROBLEMS POSED BY THE RAPID GROWTH OF URBAN COMMUNITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME, WHICH WAS PROVING SUCCESSFUL IN THE URBAN AREA, WAS RECENTLY EXTENDED TO TSUEN WAN.
MR AKERS-JONES SAID THAT IN DUE COURSE THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT WOULD HAVE OFFICES IN THE MAJOR POPULATION CENTRES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
+BUT IN THE MEANTIME THE TRAVELLING LAWYER WILL BE THERE TO GIVE IMMEDIATE ON-THE-SPOT LEGAL ADVICE TO PEOPLE WHO MAY NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD A LAWYER,* HE SAID.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE LAUNCHING WERE THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID, MR T.L. VON POKORNY, AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ERIC WAI.
MR POKORNY SAID THE PROJECT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE BUT FOR THE +REALLY MAGNIFICENT GENEROSITY* OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ROTARY CLUB.
HE SAID THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT WOULD STRIVE TO GIVE THE COMMUNITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES A SERVICE COMPARABLE TO THAT RECEIVED AT ITS HEADQUARTERS IN HONG KONG OR KOWLOON BRANCH OFFICE.
+WE ARE SURE THAT OUR PRESENCE WILL MINIMISE HARDSHIP FOR APPLICANTS FOR LEGAL AID AND AIDED PERSONS.
+SOME OF THESE ARE SICK OR INJURED, WHILE OTHERS MIGHT LOSE A DAY’S WORK IF THEY HAD TO COME TO A CITY IN ORDER TO LOOK AFTER TH£JR LITIGIOUS AFFAIRS,* HE SAID.
/MR POKORNY .....
MONDAY, JULY 14, 1980
7
MR POKORNY SAID HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD HELP PEOPLE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THEIR LEGAL RIGHTS AND HOW BEST THEY COULD ENFORCE THESE RIGHTS THROUGH THE COURTS.
AFTER TODAY’S VISIT TO THE TOWNS. TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
L^NSn,NG THE VAN WENT 0N A FAMILIARISATION IT WILL START ITS PROGRAMME IN YUEN LONG
GOVT TO WORK HARDER AT BUILDING NEW COMMUNITIES ******
IT WAS QUICKER TO PUT UP A BUILDING THAN TO BUILD A NEW COMMUNITY AND WE WOULD HAVE TO WORK HARDER AT THIS ASPECT OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATION, OR GOVERNMENT AT A LOCAL LEVEL, THAN WE HAD IN THE PAST, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) AT THE INAUGURATION OF NEW OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
+IT IS NOT THAT WE tfAVE DONE NOTHING, BUT THAT IF WE DO NOT ACT QUICKLY NOW WE COULD BE OVERWHELMED BY NUMBERS AND WE WOULD THEN BE FACED WITH ALL THE PROBLEMS OF A DIVIDED AND PURPOSELESS SOCIETY - INCREASING LAWLESSNESS, VANDALISM, LITTER, DRUGS AND SO FORTH,+ MR AKERS-JONES SAID.
MR AKERS-JONES SAID IT WAS QUITE POSSIBLE FOR THE POPULATION OF ONE OF THE NEW TOWNS TO INCREASE BY 50 000 IN THE COURSE OF SIX MONTHS AND THEN ANOTHER 50 000 IN THE FOLLOWING SIX MONTHS.
SOMEHOW, WE HAD TO DEVELOP OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES SO THEY COULD BEGIN AND COULD KEEP UP WITH THE FORMATION OF THE BASIC ORGANISATIONS WHICH STARTED TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER IN OUR NEW COMMUNITIES.
THE FIRST STEP WAS TO BRING HOUSEHOLDS TOGETHER IN COMMON CONCERN FOR THE BUILDING IN WHICH THEY LIVED - ITS CLEANLINESS AND SECURITY.
THE ORGANISATION WHICH HAD THIS OBJECTIVE WAS THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE.
MORE THAN 900 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND PRIVATE BUILDINGS WERE FORMED THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES AND NEW COMMITTEES WERE BEING FORMED EVERY WEEK.
A SECOND-TIER ORGANISATION BROUGHT THE CHAIRMEN OF THESE COMMITTEES TOGETHER INTO AREA COMMITTEES.
THEN, AT DISTRICT OR TOWN LEVEL, THERE WAS THE DISTRICT BOARD (PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD) IN WHICH A WIDE CROSS-SECTION MET TOGETHER WITH OFFICIALS TO GIVE ADVICE AND DRAW ATTENTION TO LOCAL MATTERS OF GENERAL CONCERN.
/the GOVERNMENT
MONDAY, JULY 14, 1980
8
THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOW PROPOSED IN THE GREEN PAPER ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION THAT, IN ADDITION TO THE RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN AND THE COMMUNITY LEADERS SELECTED OR CHOSEN BY GOVERNMENT, THE PEOPLE SHOULD THEMSELVES CHOOSE BY ELECTION A PROPORTION OF THE MEMBERS OF THESE BOARDS, NR AKERS-JONES SAID.
♦THIS PROPOSAL REPRESENTS A FURTHER STEP IN THE PROCESS OF CREATING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY IN OUR NEW TOWNS- IT IS A WAY TO ENABLE PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THEIR TOWNS.+
HE SAID THE TWO PRINCIPAL COMPONENTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW COMMUNITIES WERE TO ENSURE THAT PHYSICAL FACILITIES WERE BUILT TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO EXERCISE THE MINDS AND BODIES OF THE PEOPLE IN LEISURE AND RECREATION- AND TO CREATE A NETWORK OF ORGANISATIONS WHICH WOULD ENSURE, SO FAR AS WAS POSSIBLE, THAT NO-ONE NEED FEEL ALONE AND ISOLATED AND WHICH BY THEIR COLLECTIVE EFFORT WOULD ENSURE THE TOWNS WERE WELL-RUN AND ADMINISTERED, AND THAT THEIR RESIDENTS LIVED IN SECURITY AND HAPPINESS.
MR AKERS-JONES SAID MANY NEW TOWN PROJECTS, SUCH AS THE 1 OOO-SEAT AUDITORIUM AT SHEUNG SHU I AND THE $30 MILLION MULTI-PURPOSE SPORTS CENTRE AT TUEN MUN, WOULD NOT HAVE STARTED WITHOUT PRIVATE DONATIONS AMOUNTING TO OVER $70 MILLION.
+1 HOPE DONORS WILL UNDERSTAND,+ HE SAID, +THAT FROM THEIR INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS GRADUALLY A DESIGN IS BEGINNING TO EMERGE WHICH WHEN COMPLETE WILL SEE A RING OF SWIMMING POOLS, AUDITOR I A, SPORTS COMPLEXES, SQUASH COURTS AND OTHER FACILITIES AROUND THE NEW TERRITORIES TO COMPLEMENT THE MORE ESSENTIAL BUILDING OF SCHOOLS, POLICE STATIONS, CLINICS AND SO 0N.+
IT WAS A GRAND DESIGN AND HE THOUGHT EVERYONE WAS BEGINNING TO SHARE IN THE GREAT ACHIEVEMENT THIS REPRESENTED AND THE REWARD IT REPRESENTED FOR THE HARD WORK OF OUR PEOPLE.
- - 0 -
MONDAY, JULY 14, 1980
9
MUSIC OFFICE TO HOLD 1 OOOTH +MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS* CONCERT ******
THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL PRESENT THE 1 OOOTH +MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS* CONCERT THIS SUNDAY (JULY 20).
JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS’ UNION AND WAH KIU YAT PO, THE CONCERT WILL BE HELD AT THE CARITAS SOCIAL CENTRE, KOWLOON.
THE +MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS* SCHEME IS A MAJOR ACTIVITY OF THE MUSIC OFFICE TO INTRODUCE MUSIC TO NEW AUDIENCES, ESPECIALLY THE YOUNG .
ESTABLISHED IN OCTOBER 1977, THE MUSIC OFFICE HAS BEEN GIVING THE CONCERTS REGULARLY IN SCHOOLS, FACTORIES, PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS, COMMUNITY HALLS, AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES.
UP TO THE END OF MAY, THE MUSIC OFFICE HAS GIVEN +MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS* CONCERTS TO MORE THAN 730 000 PEOPLE.
THE MUSIC OFFICE PLANS TO GIVE MORE CONCERTS AT THE FESTIVAL OF THE YOUTH AND THE ARTS AND AT THE HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP 1980 DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS.
PERFORMING IN THE 1 OOOTH CONCERT WILL BE THE MUSIC OFFICE INSTRUCTORS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE BUTTERFLY LOVERS VIOLIN CONCERTO, THE SCENE FROM THE SWAN LAKE SUITE, TRUMPET VOLUNTARY, SELECTIONS FROM SOUND OF MUSIC AND MALE VOICE SINGING.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A SING-A-LONG SESSION IN WHICH THE AUDIENCE WILL BE INVITED TO SING POPULAR TUNES.
THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL INTRODUCE ITS THEME SONG, +MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS*, COMPOSED BY MR JOSEPH KOO, AT THE CONCERT.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE OBTAINABLE AT 46-48 MAN KING BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR, FERRY POINT, KOWLOON- 157-159 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, TUNG PING BUILDING, THIRD FLOOR, KOWLOON AND 100 TING FU STREET, YAN HAU BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, NGAU TAU KOK, KOWLOON. FOR ENQUIRIES TELEPHONE 5-283257.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE MUSIC OFFICE’S 1 OOOTH +MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS* CONCERT WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (JULY 20) AT 3 PM IN THE HALL OF THE CARITAS SOCIAL CENTRE, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT.
------0_------ /io....................
MONDAY, JULY 14, 1980
10
SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME STARTS IN NORTH DISTRICT
*****
SERVING THE COMMUNITY IS THIS YEAR’S AIM OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME IN NORTH DISTRICT, THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER, NORTHWESTERN NEW TERRITORIES, MR JIMMY SWEETMAN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
AT THE OPENING OF THE PROGRAMME AT THE FANLING SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, MR SWEETMAN SAID THAT LAST OCTOBER THE OLD TAI PO ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT WAS DIVIDED INTO TWO ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS - NORTH AND TAI PO - SO THAT THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF THAT PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES COULD BE DEALT WITH MORE EFFICIENTLY.
+THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR THAT THE NORTH DISTRICT HAS HAD ITS OWN CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AND ITS OWN PROGRAMME, AND I AM CONFIDENT THAT IT WILL BE EVEN BETTER THAN THOSE WHICH HAVE PRECEDED IT.*
+1 SINCERELY HOPE THAT THIS EVENT WILL BE A SIGNIFICANT STEP IN BUILDING UP NORTH DISTRICT,* HE SAID.
MR SWEETMAN PRESENTED PRIZES TO WINNERS OF SWIMMING EVENTS WHICH MARKED THE FIRST OF NEARLY 200 ACTIVITIES TO BE HELD IN THE DISTRICT DURING THE NEXT TWO MONTHS.
AMONG THE ACTIVITIES ARE CREATIVE CAMPS, EXCURSIONS, FUNFAIRS, TRAINING COURSES AND SPORTS COMPETITIONS.
A TOTAL OF 20 000 YOUNG PEOPLE FROM THE FOUR SUB-DISTRICTS, FANLING, SHEUNG SHU I, SHA TAU KOK AND TA KWU LING, WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE EVENTS.
LOCAL RESIDENTS DONATED ABOUT $80 000 TOWARDS THE COST OF THE PROGRAMME, WHILE THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB PROVIDED $46 000.
-------0 - - - -
COURSES FOR TEACHERS OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN * * * * *
APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FROM SERVING TEACHERS OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND SPECIAL OR RESOURCE CLASSES IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS FOR ONE-YEAR IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES.
THE COURSES ARE FOR TEACHERS OF CHILDREN WHO ARE VISUALLY HANDICAPPED, DEAF OR WITH PARTIAL HEARING, PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED. SLOW LEARNING, MENTALLY HANDICAPPED AND MALADJUSTED AND SOCIALLY DEPRIVED, AND TEACHERS WHO ASSIST IN SPEECH THERAPY WORK.
THE COURSES, OFFERED BY THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WILL START ON SEPTEMBER 10, 1980, AND END ON AUGUST 6, 1981.
THE TOTAL ENROLMENT FIGURE WILL EE ABOUT 300.
/PA8TJCIPAMT.S......
MONDAY, JULY 14, 19S0
11
PARTICIPANTS WILL ATTEND A COMMON-CORE LECTURE FOR ALL COURSES EVERY WEDNESDAY, AND ONE TO THREE SPECIALISED LECTURES A WEEK AT THE GRANTHAM AND NORTHCOTE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, AND THE SPECIAL EDUCATION CENTRE AT 6 PERTH STREET, KOWLOON.
NO FEES WILL BE CHARGED.
INSTRUCTION WILL BE IN CANTONESE AND ENGLISH MAY BE USED OCCASIONALLY.
APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOLS AND RETURNED BEFORE JULY 25 TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED), SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG.
THOSE SEEKING FURTHER ENQUIRIES SHOULD CONTACT MR W.M. CHIU CF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION. TELEPHONE 3-013066.
- - 0 - -
SUMMER CAMP FOR FISHERMEN’S CHILDREN *****
FISHERMEN’S CHILDREN FROM THE 13 FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION (FMO) SCHOOLS ARE HAVING THEIR ANNUAL SUMMER CAMP AT WU KAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE.
THE CAMP ORGANISED FOR THE 12TH YEAR BY THE FMO AND SPONSORED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, STARTED TODAY (MONDAY). IT WILL END ON FRIDAY WHEN THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR J.M. RIDDELL-SWAN, WILL PRESENT PRIZES AND BANNERS AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY.
SOME 800 BOYS AND GIRLS ARE TAKING PART IN THE FIVE-DAY EVENT WHICH WILL INCLUDE GAMES, SINGING AND DANCING, ART AND HANDICRAFT COURSES, AND A BARBECUE PARTY, ORGANISED BY FMO SCHOOL TEACHERS AND STAFF OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND ICAC.
- - 0 - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TU.JSDAY, JULY 15, 19&)
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
8122.7 MILLION LOANED TO FARMERS ............................... 1
STUDENTS RESPOND '.TELL TO PILOT READING SCHEME................. 2
BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS .................................... 3
JOBS FOR LIFE SAVERS ........................................... 3
WATER CUT ...................................................... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, JULY 15, 1980
1
$122.7 MILLION LOANED TO FARMERS ******
THOUSANDS OF FARMERS HAVE RECEIVED MORE THAN $122.7 MILLION IN LOANS FROM A 25-YEAR-OLD AGRICULTURAL CREDIT SCHEME ADMINISTERED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
UNDER THE SCHEME, THREE LOW-INTEREST LOAN FUNDS — THE KADOORIE AGRICULTURAL AID LOAN FUND, THE J.E. JOSEPH TRUST LOAN FUND AND THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION LOAN FUND — ARE AVAILABLE TO FARMERS TO HELP THEM INCREASE OUTPUT.
THE LOANS ENABLE FARMERS TO BUY IN BULK SEEDS, LIVESTOCK, FEED, INSECTICIDES AND EQUIPMENT.
FERTILISERS,
♦THE FUNDS CAN ALSO BE USED TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION OF FARM STRUCTURES, THE PURCHASE OF AGRICULTURAL LAND AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF MORE EFFICIENT FARMING TECHNIQUES,* SAID MR T.C. CHAU, THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER.
LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, 2 046 FARMERS RECEIVED LOANS TOTALLING $11.6 MILLION, HE SAID.
♦THERE IS NO CEILING FOR THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT. LAST YEAR’S AVERAGE WAS $5 600,+ MR CHAU EXPLAINED.
MR CHAU SAID THE LARGEST LOAN GRANTED WAS $90 000 FOR PART OF THE PURCHASE PRICE FOR A FARM WITH 16 000 CHICKENS.
♦WITHOUT THE LOAN. THE FARMER WOULD HAVE BEEN FORCED TO ABANDON THE FARM BECAUSE THE LANDLORD WANTED TO SELL THE LAND,* SAID MR CHAU.
THE AVAILABILITY OF LOW-INTEREST LOANS HELPED MANY FARMERS TO OVERCOME DIFFICULTIES.
MORE THAN 70 PER CENT OF CHICKENS, ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF VEGETABLES AND 20 PER CENT OF PORK CONSUMED IN HONG KONG ARE OF LOCAL ORIGIN.
♦OBVIOUSLY, THE LOANS ARE IMPORTANT FOR FARMERS TO COPE WITH PUBLIC DEMAND FOR LOCALLY PRODUCED MEAT AND VEGETABLES,* W CHAU SAID.
THE FUNDS, WITH A COMBINED CAPITAL OF $10 MILLION, ARE AVAILABLE AT LOW INTEREST RATES RANGING FROM 3.6 PER CENT TO SIX PER CENT PER ANNUM.
♦A LOAN OF UNDER $1 000 IS INTEREST-FREE,* MR CHAU SAID.
/APPLICATION TOR .....
TUESDAY, JULY 15, 1980
2
AGR (CULTURAL 7?! ISON bFF?CES*?NBTHEANEWTT??R?¥nI?fcDEPAR™ENT’S HEADQUARTERS IN KOWLOON. ™E "E TERRITORIES OR ITS
assessi2gNtheRappliIa;Jt’I needsD RFpi^L^ WEEKS AFTER
-----o------
STUDENTS RESPOND WELL TO PILOT READING SCHEME ft ft ft ft
THE PILOT ENGLISH READING SCHEME CONDUCTED IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS WAS WORTHWHILE. MRS LOUISE MOK, ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS) SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SHE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF AN EXHIBITION OF THE WORKS OF PUPILS WHO TOOK PART IN THE PILOT SCHEME.
INSPECTORS FROM THE ENGLISH SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REGULARLY SUPERVISED DISCUSSION SESSIONS ON THE SCHEME AND FOUND THAT STUDENTS RESPONDED WELL.
TEACHERS OF PARTICIPATING CLASSES AGREED THAT PUPILS EVENTUALLY COULD READ FASTER AND WITH BETTER COMPREHENSION, MRS MOK SAID.
THE SCHEME AIMS AT ENCOURAGING PUPILS TO FORM A HABIT OF WIDE READING FOR PLEASURE, SHE SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT CLEMENTI MIDDLE SCHOOL, W RAY TONGUE, ENGLISH LANGUAGE ADVISER TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SAID THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND ECONOMICAL ROUTE TO GREATER SUCCESS IN LEARNING ENGLISH FOR THE MAJORITY OF STUDENTS IS THROUGH WIDER SUPPLEMENTARY READING.
♦IN A SITUATION LIKE HONG KONG WHERE THE MAJORITY OF PUPILS HAVE LITTLE NEED TO USE ENGLISH OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM, READING CAN SERVE AS THE KEY TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF GREATER PROFICIENCY IN THE USE OF THE LANGUAGE,♦ HE SAID.
FOR MANY COMPETENT SPEAKERS OF ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE ALL OVER THE WORLD, THE READING SKILL WAS THE BASIS ON WHICH THEIR ALL-ROUND PROFICIENCY IN THE LANGUAGE WAS BUILT ON, MR TONGUE SAID.
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/3
TUESDAY, JULY 15, 1980
- 3 -
BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (TUESDAY) DECLARED NO. 2 SUTHERLAND STREET TO BE DANGEROUS.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS MORNING A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE SAID THAT THE THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDING CONSTRUCTED WITH LOAD-BEARING BRICK WALLS AND TIMBER FLOORS HAD BEEN UNDER SURVEILLANCE SINCE 1971.
A BRICK ARCH OVER A REAR WINDOW HAD RECENTLY COLLAPSED AND THERE WAS A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF EROSION TO THE BRICKWORK. SOME STRUCTURAL TIMBERS WERE ROTTEN AND DETERIORATING, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON AUGUST 12 WERE POSTED TODAY.
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JOBS FOR LIFE SAVERS
* * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR 72 BEACH AND SWIMMING POOL ATTENDANTS ON BEHALF OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THE POSTS ARE FOR MEN AND WOMEN.
QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE A PRIMARY SIX EDUCATION, A BRONZE MEDALLION CERTIFICATE OF THE ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY, AND A FIRST AID CERTIFICATE.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO LOOK AFTER SWIMMERS AT GAZETTED BEACHES AND SWIMMING POOLS RUN BY THE USD, ADMINISTERING FIRST AIDS AND MAINTAINING ORDER.
OTHER DUTIES INCLUDED CLEANSING AND SUPERVISING LABOURERS.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WOULD ALSO BE REQUIRED TO WORK SHIFT DUTIES AND MAY HAVE TO WORK AND LIVE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE POST STARTS WITH A MONTHLY SALARY OF >1 435, RISING TO H 705.
THOSE INTERESTED MAY CALL AT ONE OF THE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OR TELEPHONE 3-683764 OR 3-666615.
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A
TUESDAY, JULY 15, 1980
4
WATER CUT
* * *
WATER SUPPLY TO SOME AREAS IN SHA TIN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR NINE HOURS FROM 9 PM ON THURSDAY (JULY 17) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAIN DIVERSION WORK.
THE AREAS TO BE AFFECTED ARE FO TAN, LOK LO HA VILLAGE, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, THE SHA TIN RACE COURSE AND THE SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BOAT PEOPLE A STRAIN ON PUBLIC SERVICES ............................. 1
REVIEW OF THE TEXTILES EXPORT CONTROL SYSTH-i ....................... 2
TOUGH IMPORT RESTRICTIONS IN UK...................................... 3
EMPLOYMENT CHANCE IN THE FIRST QUARTER 198O ......................... 4
JAPANESE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS ........................ 9
TSUEN WAN VILLAGES TO GET DOOR-TO-DOOR POSTAL SERVICE .............. 10
POST OFFICE EXPANDS ................................................ 10
STUDENTS SURVEY DOMESTIC FACTORIES ................................. 11
OMNIBUSES PROHIBITION ON SHING MUN RO.tD............................ 11
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1980
1
BOAT PEOPLE A STRAIN ON PUBLIC SERVICES
***#*}<
THE ACTINS GOVERNOR, SIR JACK CATER, TOLD AN INTERNATIONAL MEETING OF SOCIAL WORKERS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE STRAIN IMPOSED BY THE 'BOAT PEOPLE’ FROM VIETNAM ON THE PUBLIC SERVICES IN HONG KONG WAS IMMENSE AND TOGETHER WITH THE MASSIVE INFLUX OF IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA COULD UNDERMINE OUR SOCIAL SERVICE ACHIEVEMENTS AND AIMS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 20TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOCIAL WELFARE AT THE CITY HALL, SIR JACK SAID THAT IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1979 SOME 70 000 BOAT REFUGEES REACHED HONG KONG.
+T0 OUR EVER-LASTING CREDIT, WE — OVERCROWDED HONG KONG — TURNED NONE AWAY: THEY WERE LANDED AS TRANSIENTS AND HOUSED IN SPECIALLY ERECTED OR CONVERTED CAMPS,+ HE SAID.
ALTHOUGH THE SUCCESS OF THE GENEVA CONFERENCE CAME AS AN ENORMOUS RELIEF, AFTER IT ENDED, + IT IS ALL TOO EASY FOR SOME COUNTRIES NOT FACED WITH THE REALITIES OF COPING WITH THESE VAST NUMBERS, CONVENIENTLY TO FORGET THE URGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO BE MADE TO RESETTLE THE REFUGEES.
+SOME HOST COUNTRIES HAVE RESPONDED MAGNIFICENTLY AND WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THEMi BUT THERE ARE OTHERS WHO ARE RICH, WHO HAVE RESOURCES, WHO VIRTUALLY PREFER TO TURN A BLIND EYE,* SIR JACK SAID.
AN EVEN MORE INTRACTABLE PROBLEM FROM HONG KONG’S POINT OF VIEW, SIR JACK CONTINUED, IS THE GREATLY INCREASED NUMBER OF PEOPLE COMING HERE FROM CHINA WHICH IN 1979 ALONE WAS 180 000.
+THESE ADDITIONAL NUMBERS HAVE STRETCHED OUR SOCIAL SERVICES TO THE LIMIT AND HAVE THREATENED TO ERODE THE IMPROVEMENTS WE HAVE MADE, SO HARD-WON, OVER THE PAST THREE DECADES.
+NOW WE HAVE TO LOOK AGAIN AT OUR PLANS FOR EDUCATION, HOUSING, HEALTH AND WELFARE PROVISIONS, AND REVISE THEM TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THIS MUCH-SWOLLEN AND SWELLING POPULATION,* HE SAID.
HE HAD NO DOUBT THAT HONG KONG WOULD OVERCOME THE PROBLEM AS IT HAD OVERCOME SIMILAR PROBLEMS IN THE PAST.
+BUT IT WILL NOT BE EASY. MEANTIME, AND IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, WE SHALL HAVE A STRUGGLE TO MAINTAIN, LET ALONE TO IMPROVE, THE ’QUALITY OF LIFE’ WHICH FOR US HAS BEEN SO HARD-WON,* HE SAID.
EARLIER IN HIS SPEECH, SIR JACK OUTLINED SOME OF THE SIGNIFICANT ADVANCES ACHIEVED BY HONG KONG.
THESE INCLUDED NINE YEARS OF FREE, COMPULSORY, PRIMARY AND JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION, THE MASSIVE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME WHICH HAS ALREADY PROVIDED HOMES FOR OVER TWO MILLION PEOPLE, AND IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL WELFARE, A NON-CONTRIBUTORY SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM SUPPLEMENTED BY ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCES ON A NON-MEANS TESTED BASIS FOR THE DISABLED AND THE ELDERLY.
- - 0 -
/2......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1980
2
REVIEW OF THE TEXTILES EXPORT CONTROL SYSTEM * * * *
DETAILS OF A MODIFIED TEXTILE QUOTA SYSTEM WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR PETER TSAO.
THE MODIFICATIONS RELATE TO THE PRINCIPLES GOVERNING ALLOCATION OF QUOTAS, THE QUOTA TRANSFER SYSTEM AND THE FREE QUOTA SCHEMES.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A NEW SCHEME TO GIVE SOME RECOGNITION TO THOSE COMPANIES WHICH RELY ON TRANSFERRING IN QUOTA TO SUSTAIN THEIR BUSINESS.
THE MODIFICATIONS REPRESENT THE CULMINATION OF A FIVE-MONTH REVIEW OF THE QUOTA SYSTEM UNDERTAKEN EARLIER THIS YEAR BY A REVIEW COMMITTEE COMPOSED OF MEMBERS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD.
THE NEW SYSTEM, WHICH HAD BEEN ACCEPTED IN PRINCIPLE BY THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS ON THE ADVICE OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD, WERE ENDORSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL YESTERDAY (TUESDAY).
♦THIS IS THE SECOND MAJOR REVIEW OF THE QUOTA SYSTEM,+ SAID MR TSAO.
THE LAST WAS CONDUCTED IN 1976.
+THESE PERIODIC REVIEWS A|E NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT THE QUOTA SYSTEM CONTINUES TO ENABLE HONG KONG TO DISCHARGE FULLY ITS INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS, AND AT THE SAME TIME TO ENSURE OPTIMUM UTILISATION OF THE RESTRAINT LIMITS.
♦ALTHOUGH THE REVIEW WAS UNDERTAKEN BY THE REVIEW COMMITTEE, THE MAJOR TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS AND SOME MEMBERS OF THE TEXTILES TRADE AND INDUSTRY ALSO CONTRIBUTED BY MAKING COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS AT THE START OF THE REVIEW. THEIR SUGGESTIONS WERE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED AND A NUMBER OF THEM HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED INTO THE MODIFIED SYSTEM.
♦WE INTEND TO CONDUCT ANOTHER REVIEW OF THE SYSTEM IN ABOUT THREE YEARS,♦ HE SAID.
0 -------
/3
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1980
■5
TOUGH IMPORT RESTRICTIONS IN UK * * * *
THE TEXTILE LOBBY HAS +BAMBOOZLED+ THE UNITED KINGDOM INTO IMPOSING TOUGH RESTRICTIONS ON IMPORTS FROM COUNTRIES THAT CAN MAKE GOOD CHEAP CLOTHING, THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER, MR DENIS BRAY, SAID AT THE DIPLOMATIC AND COMMONWEALTH WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON IN LONDON YESTERDAY (TUESDAY).
♦THESE RESTRICTIONS ARE DRIVING UP THE PRICES OF THE CLOTHES WE ALL WEAR AND THEY ARE PREVENTING THE CREATION OF JOBS IN EXPORT INDUSTRIES THAT HAVE PROSPECTS FOR GROWTH,* HE SAID.
MR BRAY ALSO CHALLENGED THE JUSTIFICATION OF PROTECTIONISM, SHORT-TERM OR OTHERWISE.
+OUR EXPORTS TO THE UK HAVE BEEN UNDER RESTRAINT FOR OVER 20 YEARS WHICH I WOULD CALL A LONG TIME. EACH TIME A SHORT-TERM AGREEMENT EXPIRES A NEW AND TOUGHER ONE IS IMPOSED. IT JUST GETS WORSE AND WORSE AND IT DOESN’T SOLVE THE PROBLEMS ANYWAY,* HE SAID.
MR BRAY SAID THE WHOLE BUSINESS OF TEXTILE PROTECTIONISM NEEDED A NEW LOOK.
TALKING ON RELATIONS WITH CHINA, HE SAID HONG KONG HAD A CRUCIAL ROLE TO PLAY IN THE FOUR GREAT MODERNISATIONS AND CHINA HAD EXPLICITLY ACCEPTED THAT ROLE.
♦CHINA’S MODERNISATION HAS OPENED UP A WHOLE NEW ERA FOR HONG KONG’S ENTREPOT TRADE ON WHICH WE LIVED UNTIL AN EMBARGO WAS IMPOSED AS A RESULT OF THE KOREAN WAR.
♦IN LOOKING TO THE FUTURE MOST OUTSIDERS ASK WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN 1997 WHEN THE NEW TERRITORIES LEASE EXPIRES. WELL, NOBODY KNOWS, DENG XIAOPENG HAS SAID FIRMLY THAT INVESTORS SHOULD PUT THEIR HEARTS AT EASE. THE CHINESE CLEARLY DO NOT REGARD THIS AS AN URGENT ISSUE, NEITHER DO WE,+ SAID MR BRAY.
HE ADDED THAT LAST YEAR THERE WERE ALMOST 200 000 IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA AND THE RATE OF FLOW WAS AS HIGH THIS YEAR.
A SIX PER CENT ANNUAL POPULATION GROWTH, HE SAID, WOULD IMPOSE QUITE STAGGERING PRESSURE ON ALL SOCIAL SERVICES, PARTICULARLY HOUSING.
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A
WEDNESDAY,, JULY 16, 1980
4
EMPLOYMENT CHANGE IN THE FIRST QUARTER 1980 *****
ACCORDING TO THE LATEST EMPLOYMENT SURVEY CONDUCTED FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1980 BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, NEARLY ALL INDUSTRIES REGISTERED AN INCREASE COMPARED WITH THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1979.
A TOTAL OF 883 827 PERSONS WERE ENGAGED IN MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS AS AT MARCH 14, 1980. THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 12 900 PERSONS OR 1.5 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 870 898 PERSONS ENGAGED IN DECEMBER 1979. WHEN COMPARED WITH 812 446 PERSONS ENGAGED IN MARCH’ 1979, THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 71 400 PERSONS OR 8.8 PER CENT.
THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 43 457 MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS IN OPERATION IN MARCH 1980. THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 1 175 ESTABLISHMENTS WHEN COMPARED WITH 42 282 ESTABLISHMENTS IN DECEMBER 1979 AND AN INCREASE OF 2 826 ESTABLISHMENTS WHEN COMPARED WITH 40 631 IN MARCH 1979.
IN TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT, THE FIVE LARGEST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES WERE: WEARING APPAREL- ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES- TEXTILES- PLASTIC PRODUCTS- AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS. A COMPARISON OF EMPLOYMENT IN THESE INDUSTRIES BETWEEN MARCH 1980 AND DECEMBER 1979 IS GIVEN BELOW t
CHANGE OF MARCH 1980 OVER DEC. 1979
PERSONS PERSONS PERSONS
INDUSTRY ENGAGED IN ENGAGED IN ENGAGED IN PERSONS %
GROUP MAR. 1979 DEC. 1979 MAR. 1980 ENGAGED CHANGE
WEAR 1 NG APPAREL 271 819 277 270 282 558 *5 288 ♦1.9
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES, INCLUDING ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 92 567 117 713 120 350 ♦2 637 ♦2.2
TEXTILES 99 244 100 825 101 068 ♦ 243 +0.2
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 84 540 87 853 88 450 ♦ 597 +0.7
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 78 693 84 805 85 632 ♦ 827 +1.0
/THE MORE .....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1980
5
THE MORE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT AT THE INDUSTRY SECTOR LEVEL BETWEEN MARCH I960 AND DECEMBER 1979 ARE AS FOLLOWS :
CHANGE OF MARCH 1980 OVER DEC. 1979
INDUSTRY SECTOR PERSONS ENGAGED IN MAR. 1979 PERSONS ENGAGED IN DEC. 1979 PERSONS ENGAGED IN MAR. 1980 PERSONS ENGAGED % CHANGE
KNITWEAR FROM YARN 25 350 25 926 30 016 +4 090 + 15.8
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 69 299 90 567 92 478 +1 911 + 2.1
PLASTIC PRODUCTS OTHER THAN PLASTIC TOYS AND PLASTIC FLOWERS 33 818 35 915 37 147 +1 232 ♦ 3.4
WATCHES AND CLOCKS 23 430 31 931 32 788 ♦ 857 + 2.7
IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, A TOTAL CF 296 599 PERSONS WERE ENGAGED AS AT MARCH 14, 1980. THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 7 400 PERSONS OR 2.6 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 289 207 IN DECEMBER 1979. WHEN COMPARED WITH 280 314 PERSONS ENGAGED IN MARCH 1979, THERE WAS AN INCREASE CF ABOUT 16 300 PERSONS OR 5.8 PER CENT.
EMPLOYMENT IN RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND BARS AMOUNTED TO 109 045 PERSONS BEING 1.3 PER CENT BELOW THE DECEMBER 1979 FIGURE AND FOUR PER CENT ABOVE THAT OF MARCH 1979.
AT THE SAME TIME, IT IS SHOWN THAT THERE WERE 18 621 PERSONS ENGAGED IN HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES. THIS REPRESENTS A DECREASE OF 1.5 PER CENT AND 0.8 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1979 AND MARCH 1979 RESPECT IVELY.
/DETAILS of .....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1980
6
0F EMPL0YMENT IN WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES,_RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS IN MARCH 1979, DECEMBER 1979
AND MARCH
1980 ARE AS FOLLOWS :
CHANGE OF MARCH 1980 OVER DEC. 1979
NATURE OF BUSINESS PERSONS ENGAGED IN MAR. 1979 PERSONS ENGAGED IN DEC. 1979 PERSONS ENGAGED IN MAR. 1980 PERSONS ENGAGED % CHANGE
WHOLESALE TRADE 42 131 44 401 45 844 ♦1 443 ♦3.2
RETAIL TRADE 140 607 140 215 141 212 ♦ 997 ♦0.7
IMPORT/EXPORT BUSINESS 97 576 104 591 109 543 +4 952 +4.7
RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND BARS 104 853 110 536 109 045 -1 491 -1.3
HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES 18 776 18 906 18 621 - 285 -1.5
TOTAL 403 943 418 649 424 265 +5 616 +1.3
* aJN,^EaJN£URANCE' REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES, A °FJP6 °°° PERSONS WERE ENGAGED AS AT FEBRUARY 14, 1980. £ JHE!L’J8 954 PERSONS WERE ENGAGED IN MONETARY INSTITUTIONS «(HorBac«LAND REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES OF FOREIGN BANKS), PERSONS IN REAL ESTATE COMPANIES/AGENCIES AND 17 060 PERSONS IN OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
/.YHEN COMPARED.....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1980
- 7 -
WHEN COMPARED WITH 113 389 PERSONS ENGAGED IN NOVEMBER 1979, THE INCREASE WAS ABOUT 2 600 PERSONS OR 2.3 PER CENT. WHEN COMPARED WITH 100 389 PERSONS ENGAGED IN FEBRUARY 1979, THE INCREASE WAS ABOUT 15 600 PERSONS OR 15.6 PER CENT. THE MAIN INCREASES FROM NOVEMBER 1979 TO FEBRUARY 1980 OCCURRED IN MONETARY INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING BANKS, OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, AND ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL AND TECHNICAL SERVICES. DETAILS OF EMPLOYMENT OF THESE INDUSTRY GROUPS ARE SHOWN AS FOLLOWS :
CHANGE OF FEB. 1980 OVER NOV. 1979
PERSONS PERSONS PERSONS
INDUSTRY ENGAGED IN ENGAGED IN ENGAGED IN PERSONS %
GROUP FEB. 1979 NOV. 1979 FEB. 1980 ENGAGED CHANGE
MONETARY
INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING BANKS 34 614 38 204 38 954 +750 ♦2.0
OTHER FINANCI AL INSTITUTIONS 13 443 16 609 17 060 +451 ♦2.7
ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL AND TECHNICAL SERVICES 6 480 7 485 7 786 ♦301 +4.0
FINALLY, THE NUMBER OF MANUAL WORKERS ENGAGED IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES WAS 81 555 IN MARCH 1980. THIS REPRESENTED A DECREASE OF ABOUT 300 WORKERS OR 0.4 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1979. EMPLOYMENT ROSE BY ABOUT ID 000 WORKERS OR 13.9 PER CENT OVER MARCH 1979.
OF THE 1 241 BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES IN OPERATION IN MARCH 1980, 3U WERE SITES CONTRACTED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT. THESE 311 SITES ACCOUNTED FOR 30 984 WORKERS WHICH REPRESENTED A DECLINE OF ABOUT 3 600 WORKERS OR 10.5 PER CENT OVER DECEMBER 1979. THERE WERE 4 897 WORKERS ENGAGED IN M'SS TRANSIT RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION SITES IN MARCH 1980, WHICH REP ESENTED A DECLINE OF 9.0 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1979. DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE NUMBER OF WORKERS E GAGED IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR OSE BY 9.1 PER CENT TO 45 674.
/DETAILED STATISTICS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1980
<s:
8
DETAILED STATISTICS ARE AS FOLLOW 1
MARCH 1979 DECEMBER 1979 MARCH 1980
CONTRACTING PARTY SITES IN OPERATION MANUAL'-WORKERS SITES IN ENGAGED OPERATION MANUAL WORKERS ENGAGED SITES IN OPERATION MANUAL WORKERS ENGAGED
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 285 17 062 232 16 412 235 14 969
HOUSING DEPARTMENT 58 11 600 78 18 210 76 16 015
MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY* 35 7 361 26 5 380 19 4 897
PRIVATE SECTOR 865 ' 35 558 861 41 877 911 45 674
TOTAL 1 243 71 581 1 197 81 879 1 241 81 555
* CONSTRUCTION SITES UNDER THE MASS
TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION REFER TO M.T.X CONTRACTS FOR WHICH WORK WAS IN PROGRESS DURING MARCH 1980.
DETAILED
a v
EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES FIGURES ARE OBTAINABLE ON REQUEST FROM THE EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS’ STATISTICS SECTION CF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT, STARTING FROM THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1980, THE QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE EMPLOYMENT SURVEY WOULD BE AMENDED SO THAT FORM-FILLING WOULD BE MORE EASY AND MORE ACCURATE. MOREOVER, THE SURVEY REFERENCE DATE WOULD BE STANDARDIZED FOR ALL ECONOMIC SECTORS AND FIXED ON THE LAST FULL WORKING DAY IN THE MONTHS OF MARCH, JUNE, SEPTEMBER AND DECEMBER. ’
/STARTING FROM......
9
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1980
STARTING FROM THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1980, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WOULD CONDUCT, AT QUARTERLY INTERVALS, A PAYROLL SURVEY IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A BETTER PICTURE OF THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONING OF THE LOCAL LABOUR MARKET. SOME 13 000 ESTABLISHMENTS, ALL SELECTED ON A RANDOM BASIS OUT OF THE SAMPLE OF THE EMPLOYMENT SURVEY, WOULD BE ASKED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON ALL CASH PAYMENTS (INCLUDING WAGES AND SALARIES) PAID DIRECTLY TO EMPLOYEES FOR EACH MONTH WITHIN A QUARTER. BY COMBINING THE PAYROLL SURVEY WITH THE EMPLOYMENT SURVEY, EACH CF THESE 10 000 SELECTED ESTABLISHMENTS WOULD BE ASKED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL ON A SINGLE QUESTIONNAIRE.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPEALED TO ALL ESTABLISHMENTS FOR CO-OPERATION IN THE TWO SURVEYS. HE STRESSED THAT INFORMATION FURNISHED BY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE USED SOLELY FOR STATISTICAL PURPOSES.
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JAPANESE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS *****
STUDENTS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18 AND 22 CAN NOW APPLY FOR TWO JAPANESE GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED UNDER THE MONBUSHO SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME.
THE SCHOLARSHIPS PROVIDE FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES IN SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES AT A JAPANESE UNIVERSITY.
APPLICANTS NEED NOT HAVE ANY PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE OF JAPANESE BUT THEY MUST BE WILLING TO RECEIVE UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IN JAPANESE.
THEY SHOULD HAVE COMPLETED THE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS OF EITHER OF THE TWO UNIVERSITIES IN HONG KONG- OR PASSED IN TWO RELEVANT SUBJECTS AT THE ADVANCED LEVEL AND IN THREE RELEVANT SUBJECTS AT THE ORDINARY LEVEL- OR PASSED IN THREE RELEVANT SUBJECTS AT THE ADVANCED LEVEL AND IN ONE RELEVANT SUBJECT AT ORDINARY LEVEL IN THE GCE.
THE AWARDS ARE TENABLE FOR FIVE YEARS FROM APRIL, 1981 TO MARCH, 1986 AND WILL COVER TUITION, ACCOMMODATION, LIVING EXPENSES AND RETURN PASSAGE.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE ENROLLED AT THE JAPANESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL ATTACHED TO THE TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN STUDIES AND WILL BE GIVEN A ONE-YEAR COURSE ON THE JAPANESE LANGUAGE AND OTHER NECESSARY SUBJECTS TO PREPARE THEM FOR THE FOUR-YEAR DEGREE COURSE.
APPLICATION FORMS AND FURTHER INFORMATION ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ROOM 1522 LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, HONG KONG.
COMPLETED FORMS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE SAME OFFICE NO LATER THAN AUGUST 30.
------0------- /10.................
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1980
10
TSUEN WAN VILLAGES TO GET DOOR-TO-DOOR POSTAL SERVICE *****
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE IS ARRANGING THE RE-NUMBERING OF HOUSES IN FIVE OLD VILLAGES FOR A DOOR-TO-DOOR POSTAL DELIVERY SERVICE.
A TEAM, FROM THE OFFICE, HAS BEEN COMPILING A LIST OF PERMANENT STRUCTURES IN THE VILLAGES, YUEN TUN, TSI NG LUNG TAU, TING KAU, TSUEN LUNG AND WO Yl HOP, WHICH HAVE COMMUNAL POST BOXES.
WHEN THE SURVEY IS COMPLETED, TALKS ABOUT ALLOCATING NUMBERS WILL BE HELD WITH VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES. VILLAGERS WILL BE ASKED TO ERASE THE OLD NUMBERS AND PUT THE NEW NUMBERS CLEARLY ON THEIR FRONT DOORS.
THE POST OFFICE WILL BE NOTIFIED WHEN THIS HAS BEEN DONE SO THAT DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE CAN START.
A SPOKESMAN FOR TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE SAID THE NEW SYSTEM WOULD GREATLY IMPROVE POSTAL SERVICES.
HE SAID THE DISTRICT OFFICE WOULD INFORM UTILITY COMPANIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS OF THE NEW NUMBERS ON BEHALF OF VILLAGERS.
AT PRESENT, MORE THAN 20Q VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAVE DOOR-TO-DOOR POSTAL DELIVERY SERVICE AND THIS WILL BE INCREASED TO 322.
- - o - -
POST OFFICE EXPANDS * * * *
THE POST OFFICE PLANS TO OPEN EIGHT BRANCH OFFICES THIS YEAR IN HOUSING COMPLEXES TO PROVIDE A MORE CONVENIENT SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.
THE POST OFFICES WILL BE LOCATED IN HOUSING ESTATES AT KWAI SHING WEST, SHUN LEE, CHOI WAN, SHA KOK, AP LEI CHAU AND TAI HING, AND IN LARGE PRIVATE HOUSING COMPLEXES AT POKFULAM AND KOWLOON BAY.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POSTMASTER GENERAL SAID THE BRANCH OFFICES WOULD BE SPACIOUS AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE.
IN ADDITION TO THE EXPANSION PROGRAMME, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL ALSO PLANS TO REPROVISION AND EXPAND TWO EXISTING BRANCH OFFICES AT WAN CHAI AND SHAU KEI WAN.
ONE OF THESE - THE WAN CHAI POST OFFICE IN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST - IS THE OLDEST EXISTING POST OFFICE IN HONG KONG. IT WAS OPENED IN 1915.
/SINCE THEN ....
. 'ip ■■ . <<• ? ■ ■■.•,■. ■_■
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1980 11
SINCE THEN, THE NUMBER OF POST OFFICES STEADILY INCREASED TO 76 WITH THE OPENING THE Ol MAN POST OFFICE IN APRIL.
THE POST OFFICE HANDLED A TOTAL OF 371 MILLION POSTAL ITEMS LAST YEAR, AN INCREASE OF 10 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR - A FAR CRY FROM THE 1840’S WHEN IT HANDLED ONLY 250 LETTERS A DAY.
-------o
STUDENTS SURVEY *
DOMESTIC FACTORIES * * *
THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU OF THE FIRE SERVICES HAS ENGAGED 30 UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG STUDENTS TO CARRY OUT A SURVEY TO ESTABLISH THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED AND UNREGISTERED DOMESTIC FACTORIES OPERATING IN NON-INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.
THE SURVEY WHICH STARTED ON JULY 14 WILL CONTINUE UNTIL AUGUST 12.
*ALL STUDENTS TAKING PART IN THE SURVEY ARE CARRYING A LETTER OF AUTHORISATION ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES AND MEMBERS CF THE PUBLIC ARE ASKED TO GIVE THE STUDENTS EVERY POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE,* A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
+THE STUDENTS ARE NOW SURVEYING BUILDINGS IN CAUSEWAY BAY, WAN CHAI, HUNG HOM, KOWLOON CITY, SAN PO KONG, TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND LEI MUK SHUE,* HE SAID.
THE PROJECT WAS PROMPTED BY A RECENT SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU IN YUEN LONG WHICH REVEALED THAT SOME 400 UNREGISTERED AND ABOUT 100 REGISTERED DOMESTIC FACTORIES WERE OPERATING IN NON-INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.
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OMNIBUSES PROHIBITION AT SHING MUN ROAD *****
ALL OMNIBUSES - EXCEPT FRANCHISE BUSES - WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE SECTION OF SHING MUN ROAD EAST OF LO WAI ROAD FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JULY 19) UNLESS AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE PROHIBITION.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN - SUPPLEMENT
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
Wednesday, July 16, 19$0
FOLLOWING IS A SPEECH BY MR DENIS BRAY, HONG KONG COM JSSIONER, AT THE DIPLOMATIC AND COMMONWEALTH WRITERS ASSOCIATION LUNCH, ________________LONDON, ON TUESDAY, JULY 15.___________________
Hong Kong is an odd place. It has an odd sort of economy but it works. It has an odd mixture of people: they work tod. And the government has an almost impossible job: perhaps that is why we do so little.
Most governments seem to have quite enough of a job keeping their own people happy but the Hong Kong Government not only has to do that but keep London and Peking happy at the same time.
Hong Kong rests on a tripod of consents — the consent of its own people, of London and of Peking.
Fascinating as it is, the subject of retaining an internal consensus — the first leg of the tripod of consents — is probably not as interesting to you as our relationships with our masters in Britain or the giant along-side which we live.
Of course, we gain enormous benefit from the relationship with Britain. We could not exist without political support from Britain.
/But all •••••
2
But all is not always sweetness and light. The Government here has great problems of its own and in solving them we often think we get the rough end. .So we fight like mad — decorously on the surface like Mr Callaghan’s swan — but hammer and tongs out of sight.
Why do we quarrel? On nationality law, and the sharing of costs for defence forces, we are currently having discussions; that is to say first Class arguments. Other issues on which we have had discussions recently were- the -London-Hong Kong.air route, .and. the_ matter of university students fees.
But it is on trade that we have our toughest arguments centred round the textile and clothing industry. We can make good clothes which you want to buy but the textile lobby says that is dreadful for the UK. Protectionism is justified by the most respectable people in two cases.
One is the case of unfair trade which we in Hong Kong ere not accused of. The other is that where floods of imports make rapid industrial adjustment necessary, short-term protection for adjustment is then justified.
I would challenge this. First there is nothing short-term about textile restrictions. Our exports to the UK have been under restraint for over 20 years which I would call a long time. Each time a short-term agreement expires a new and tougher one is imposed. It just gets worse and worse and it doesn’t solve the problems anyway.
Second, we are told that in prosperous times calls for protectionism would be muted. The last time Britain was propsperous, so I am told, was in 1973 before the first oil crisis. Yet it was in that very year that restrictions reached a new level of intensity in negotiations for the first MFA.
/Again many.....
3
Again many argue that if unemployment was less it would be easier to face job loss in declining industries. But objective studies have shown that job losses in textiles have been caused very much more by productivity increases than cheap imports.
Jobs would therefore be shed from declining industries much faster in prosperous times than in dull. In addition, these studies show that jobs created in industries exporting to the countries that make textiles pretty well offset job loss caused by imports. In any case, in 1958 when restrictions were first imposed unemployment in Britain was 1.9 per cent.
None of the economic arguments bear scrutiny. I think it is much easier to explain protectionism in simple rough political terms. Whenever textiles are debated in the House of Commons there is no debate. Few, but the members from textile constituencies from either party, catch the Speaker’s eye. There is a real debate but it seldom surfaces in Parliament.
The real debate is not between Conservative and Labour but between the industry and the consumers.
The whole business of textile protectionism needs a new look. Are textile job losses really caused by the one-third of imports that come from countries whose exports are under restraint?
Since the last MFA in 1978 imports from rich countries have grown faster than those from poor. Even in depressed times and times of high unemployment, do not these countries create more jobs than they destroy by buying more than they sell?
If they do, would it not make sense to let them sell more of what British consumers want so that the other countries have more money to buy things that Britain can make well?
/If the .....
4
If the economic myths need exploding so do the political ones. There is a group of marginal constituencies that once were, in the day of King Cotton, textile constituencies. Their industry is now highly diversified.
In the run up to the 1979 election neither party mentioned the subject in these constituencies. No candidate bothered to include textiles in his own publicity. There was no mention of textiles in the local press. Only the visiting great men from the front benches managed to include a few words.
’ To put it in a nutshell, the textile lobby has bamboozled this country into imposing tough restrictions on imports from countries that can make good cheap clothing. These restrictions are driving up the prices of the clothes we all wear, or they would be a failure, and they are preventing the creation of jobs in export industries that have prospects for growth.
But let us get back to Hong Kong and the last leg of the tripod on which Hong Kong stands — that is our relations with China.
Hong Kong has a crucial role to play in the Four Great Modernisations and China has explicitly accepted that role. Everywhere in Hong Kong today you can see evidence of it in terms of Chinese investment in Hong Kong.
We have a direct train service from Kowloon to Cantion, ferries up the river and regular air services between Hong Kong, Canton and Shanghai.
The industrial zone across the border at Shenzen is taking shape and joint ventures between China and Hong Kong and overseas companies are springing up at a steady rate. Only a few years ago, as recently as 1977 when I came to London, this would have been unthinkable.
/China’s modernisation ••••
- 5 -
China’s modernisation has opened up a whole new era for Hong Kong’s entrepot trade on which we lived until an embargo was imposed as a result of the Korean war.
In looking to the future, most outsiders ask what will happen in 1997 when the New Territories lease expires. Well, nobody knows, Deng Xiaopeng has said firmly that investors should put their hearts 'at ease. The Chinese clearly do not regard this as an urgent issue, neither do we.
The short-term is much more worrying. Last year, nearly
200 000 immigrants came in from China. The rate of flow is as high as this year. A six per cent annual population growth will impose quite staggering pressure on all social services, particularly on housing. The building industry is going to need more than just money to increase its output.
On the other hand our industry is healthy. In spite of protectionist policies domestic exports continue to grow rapidly. In addition, banking and financial services are increasingly being used for offshore transactions as well as internal financing.
The service sector is growing at the expense of manufacturing.
The entrepot trade is now reappearing with every sign of long-term sustained growth. Looking further ahead still, it seems probable that Hong Kong will be involved in China’s exploitation of offshore oil.
So one way or another it looks as if we are in for a busy time.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN - SUPPLEMENT
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
Wednesday, July 16, 1980
ADDRESS BY SIR J^CK CaTER,
H.E. THE ACTING GOVERNOR AT THE OEENING CEREMONY
OF THE 20TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOCIAL WELFARE
______ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 1980, aT THE CITY HALL________
On behalf of the people and the Government of Hong Kong, I have much pleasure in welcoming the Council’s officials, other distinguished visitors and all participants to this, the 20th International Conference on Social Welfare. Hong Kong is glad to have the opportunity of hosting this important international conference, and I hope that you will not find it wanting in the arrangements that have been made for your stay here.
Last Sunday, my wife and I had the considerable pleasure of attending the opening of, as it were, one of your sister conferences: that of the International Federation of Social Workers Symposium# That was a hot afternoon, marked by rainstorms and thunder: the atmosphere outside of the conference hall may have been torrid, but within that gathering it was one of enthusiasm, the enthusiasm of concerned people# I was much impressed, as I always am, when meeting with those deeply concerned with social welfare.
/:rSocial Development.....
2
"Social Development in Times of Economic Uncertainty", the theme of your conference, is clearly most apt. It is particularly so against the backdrop of Hong Kong where the economy is so largely influenced by external forces quite beyond its control. Of course, we are all living in a period of great uncertainty, caaracterised by the spectre of escalating oil prices, the threat of economic recession, political unrest in many parts of the world and — in spite of fine words to the contrary — increasingly restrictive trade attitudes and practices adopted by many major industrialised countries.
These uncertainties make forward-planning, whether economic or social, a hazardous exercise at best, and more so in the case of territories like this one: for in Hong Kong v/e must rely on the export of goods to earn our living.
Hong Kong has no "natural resources", apart from a well-situated harbour and, importantly, an industrious and versatile workforce. However, very good use has been made of these resources, and we have enjoyed rapid economic growth over the last few years. It was not always thus. We have had more than our fair share of pressures
/and disasters .....
3
and disasters these past 30 years: there can, for example, be very few communities in the world who could have withstood, overcome and then flourished again after the harrowing period of the Pacific War, the post-war period and the early 1950s when our population increased dramatically from 460 000 to some 2# million: in one sixth month period over 500 000 people streamed across the border into Hong Kong from China. Following that, and with the outbreak of the Korean War our entrepot function virtually ceased. But Hong Kong did not sit back and bemoan its fate: this is not our style. Our energies were diverted into developing our ov?n industries, into developing our own trade. Aid from outside was minimal, our task mind-bogglingly enormous. We have to haul ourselves up by our bootstraps but first we had to make those bootstraps!
Those were real years of difficulty and trial, but they led to a certain economic success which we are determined to maintain. Hong Kong is now the world’s leading exporter of toys, complete watches, metal watch-bands, radios, artificial flowers, torches and candles in value or in quantity terms; and, after Italy, we are the second largest exporter of clothing in the world. Je have virtually full employment and, in Asia, our wages are second only to Japan.
/Of course ••. • •
4
Of course no one pretends that Hong Kong is anything like perfect - none of us is. There is an enormous amount to do end a great deal of room for improvement, but the prosperity we have achieved of recent years has enabled the Government to move beyond its task of satisfying basic human needs, which had guided much of our endeavours in the ’50s and ’60s, and to seek wider improvements to our social services, our leisure and cultural amenities, and our living and working environments.
The ’70s saw significant advances in our education, health, housing and social welfare programme. We now have nine years of free, compulsory, primary and junior secondary education; also we have an expanding, heavily subsidised, senior secondary and tertiary education system. Our general standard of health lias steadily improved too. It now compares very favourably with that in the advanced industrialised countries.
Then we have our massive Government housing programme, which already houses over two million people, or 40 per cent of the population; and this is planned to continue in growth at the rate of 35 000 new flats each year. Whole new towns are being built in the New Territories so as to provide much-needed relief for the very congested older urban areas. I am sure you will be visiting a number of these areas. The Government has taken particular care in the planning of social services for these new towns in order to ensure their integrated and balanced development. You can well imagine the challenge that such unique opportunities present.
/In the .....
5
In the field of social welfare we have a non-contributory social security system which ensures that everyone can afford the basic necessities of life. This income maintenance-scheme is supplemented by additional allowances on a non-means tested basis for the disabled and the elderly. In other areas, we have comprehensive plans to expand and improve services for the disabled, the elderly, for young people and for the pre-school and primary-school age-groups. I shall not now elaborate on these plans because I know that you will learn more about them during the conference. But in spite of all these achievements, there is, as I have said, still a very great deal more to be done, as you will see. We are very conscious that Hong Kong must not rest on its laurels. Hong Kong, in my experience, never does. It has never had the chance tol And at this time, especially, we are aware that our achievements and our aims in the field of social services are in danger of being undermined, due to the massive recent influx of immigrants from China as well as the refugees — the ’’boat people” — from Vietnam.
The tragedy of Vietnam has, of course, been highlighted in international forums. The arrival of the boat refugees was the most dramatic and tragic event of 1979: in th® first nine months
some 70 000 reached Hong Kong. And how many more of these brave souls perished on the journey it is impossible to say. To our ever’ lasting credit — we overcrowded Hong Kong — we turned none away. They were landed as transients and housed in specially erected or converted camps.
/Mo one
6
No one who saw the teeming sheds where arrivals were processed, or the packed boats awaiting their turn to land, will ever forget the sight. The strain on the public services was immense, and the success of the Geneva Conference came as an enormous relief.
But when the conferences end ana the delegates depart, it is all too easy for some countries not faced with the realities of coping with these vast numbers, conveniently to forget the urgency for international efforts to be made to resettle the refugees. Some host countries have responded magnificently and we are grateful to them, but there are others who are rich, who have resources, who virtually prefer to turn a blind eye. .Ve must do everything we can to keep this matter, this matter of very great urgency, in the forefront of the international conscience.
An even more intractable problem, from Hong Kong’s point of view, is th greatly increased numbers of people coming here from China, both legally and illegally.
In 1979 alone, 180 000 people came across our border and into this territory — which is already one of the most densely populated places on earth. As you can imagine, these additional
/numbers have ........
7
numbers have stretched .our social services to the limit and have threatened to erode the improvements we have made, so hard-won, over the past three decadesn Nov; we have to look again at our plans for education, housing, health and welfare provisions, and revise them to take into account this much-swollen and swelling population.
And fo yet once more, Hong Kong is having to face up to an extraordinary, a seemingly Impossible, problem. Hong Kong has overcoL ‘ ,his kind of problem before it is true and I have no doubt will do so again for I have the greatest pessi’blo respect ai 1 admiration for the ability of Hong Kong to overcome adversity: but it will not be easy. Menntime, and in these circumstances,•we shall have a struggle to maintain, let alone to improve, the ”quality of life” - which, as I have told you, for us has been so hard-won.
- hope that during your stay here you will take the opportunity to jec.a good deal of Hong Kong, its territory and its people end examine its development. Your conference programme is very full, I know, and there will be much to discuss. I do urge you. though, to make a little time to exp?.ore this city, the countryside (which is quite beautiful) and our lovely islands. .Ve are. unashamedly, proud of our
/Hong Kong and ......
8
Hong Kong and are delighted to welcome all our visitors to this dynamic and exciting place.
As you get to know us, and remember the quite extraordinary numbers of people who have come here to make it their home over the years, how we have assimilated this enormous number of pretty disparate people of different backgrounds, languages and dialects, I think you will be surprised. And when you visit China, as I understand a lot of you intend to do, you may well, I think, understand even more about Hong Kong.
I conclude by wishing the conference great success; *
I trust you will renew old associations and make many new friends and especially, though, that from now on you will all be ’’friends of Hong Kong”.
I now have great pleasure in declaring the 20th International Conference on Social Welfare open.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, JULY 17, 1$8O
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TENDERS INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE I ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR ..................................................... 1
WATER ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ON A +STAGGERED+ BASIS ........................ 2
HEAD OF NTA LIAISON OFFICERS RETIRES ................................. 3
BUILDINGS IN DANGEROUS CONDITION...................................... 4
MORE INSPECTORS TO SAFEGUARD FOOD..................................... 4
HEAD OF KOWLCON TECHNICAL SCHOOL RETIRES ..............................5
RADI0GR.1PHERS GRADUATE............................................... 5
VALUATION ASSISTaxNTS PASS EX^iS ..................................... 6
HONG KONG JURY LIST .................................................. 6
THURSDAY, JULY 17, 1983
1
TENDERS INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE I ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR * * *
THE PIOLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS INVITED TENDERS FROM A LIST OF PREQUALIFIED CONTRACTORS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF STAG" ONC CF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), MR HAROLD BEATON, ACTING PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER, SAID WORK ON THE PROJECT WOULD START LATER THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN 1934.
ON COMPLETION, THE HIGHWAY WILL PROVIDE A HIGH CAPACITY RELIEF ROUTE BETWEEN CAUSEWAY BAY AND NORTH POINT.
HE SAID: +THE HIGHWAY WILL BE A TWO-KILOMETRE ELEVATED ROAD MOSTLY OVER WATER ALONG THE NORTHERN SHORE OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
♦IT WILL START FROM VICTORIA PARK ROAD IN CAUSEWAY BAY AND END AT HEALTHY STREET WEST IN NORTH POINT, WITH THE PROVISION FOR FUTURE EXTENSION TO SHAU KEI WAN.
♦THE ELEVATED ROAD WILL LINK THE EXISTING ROAD NETWORK BY SLIP ROADS AT VICTORIA PARK ROAD/HING FAT STREET JUNCTION, TONG SHU I ROAD AND HEALTHY STREET WEST.*
THE ELEVATED ROAD WILL CONSIST OF 81 MAIN CARRIAGEWAY SPANS AND 39 SLIP ROAD SPANS RANGING FROM 26 TO 29 METRES IN LENGTH. THE DECK LEVEL WILL VARY FROM 12 METRES TO 18 METRES ABOVE WATER.
MR BEATON SAID ABOUT HALF OF THE LENGTH OF THE ELEVATED ROAD WOULD BE A DUAL FOUR-LANE CARRIAGEWAY AND THE REMAINING SECTION WOULD BE A DUAL THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY.
♦THE NEW ROAD WILL HAVE A CAPACITY OF 13 OOO VEHICLES PER HOUR, NEARLY TREBLING THAT OF KING’S ROAD,+ HE ADDED.
REFERRING TO THE REPROVISION WORK OF THIS PROJECT, MR BEATON SAID,+A TOTAL OF FIVE CONTRACTS, WORTH ABOUT $70 MILLION, HAVE EITHER BEEN COMPLETED OR ARE IN HAND.
♦THEY INCLUDE THE RECLAMATION OF THE NORTH-EASTERN CORNER OF THE CAUSEWAY BAY TYPHOON SHELTER, A NEW BREAKWATER OFF KELLETT ISLAND, A NEW VEHICULAR FERRY PIER, ADVANCED FOUNDATION WORKS OFF NORTH POINT BUS TERMINUS AND THE RECLAMATION BETWEEN WATSON ROAD AND OIL STREET.+
A TOTAL OF EIGHT PREQUALIFIED CONTRACTORS AND JOINT VENTURES FROM BRITAIN, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN AND HONG KONG, HAVE BEEN INVITED TO SUBMIT TENDERS FOR THE MAIN CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT OF THE PROJECT.
THE CONTRACT IS PREPARED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA ON BEHALF OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
9
THURSDAY, JULY 17, 1980
- 2 -
WATER ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ON A +STAGGERED* BASIS KOO
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT WATER ACCOUNTS ARE ISSUED AND PAYABLE EVERY FOUR MONTHS, THE BUSINESS MANAGER OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN SIU-LEUNG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
*THE DEPARTMENT ISSUES WATER ACCOUNTS TO REGISTERED CONSUMERS THREE TIMES A YEAR ON A +STAGGERED+ BASIS ACCORDING TO DISTRICTS? CONSUMERS OF ONE DISTRICT ARE ISSUED ACCOUNTS IN JANUARY, MAY AND SEPTEMBER WHILE CONSUMERS OF ANOTHER DISTRICT RECEIVE ACCOUNTS IN FEBRUARY, JUNE AND OCTOBER.
+CONSUMERS SHOULD PAY THEIR ACCOUNTS ON OR BEFORE THE DUE DATES TO AVOID SURCHARGES OR DISCONNECTION OF THEIR SUPPLIES. THE PAYMENT DUE DATE IS SPECIFIED IN THE WATER ACCOUNT AND THIS IS NORMALLY ONE MONTH AFTER THE DATE OF ISSUE,* SAID MR CHAN.
CONSUMERS, HE SAID, SHOULD CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT’S CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRE IF THEY DID NOT RECEIVE THEIR ACCOUNTS AFTER FOUR MONTHS.
THE CENTRE WILL ISSUE DUPLICATE ACCOUNTS ON REQUEST.
MR CHAN SAID THE MAIN REASONS FOR +NON-DELI VERY* OF WATER ACCOUNTS WERE THE CONSUMERS’ FAILURE TO CHANGE THEIR CONSUMERSHIP OR TO GIVE NEW MAILING ADDRESSES.
CONSUMERS CHANGING PREMISES SHOULD PROMPTLY NOTIFY THE DEPARTMENT TO CANCEL OR TAKE OVER CONSUMERSHIP, THUS ENABLING THE BILLING RECORDS TO BE UP-DATED.
ME CHAN SAID THAT SHOULD CONSUMERS FAIL TO PAY AFTER THE DUE DATE, THE DEPARTMENT WOULD ISSUE A REMINDER AND NOTICE OF DISCONNECTION WITH A FIVE PER CENT SURCHARGE. SHOULD THE CHARGES STILL BE OUTSTANDING, THE WATER SUPPLY WOULD BE DISCONNECTED.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL RECONNECT THE WATER SUPPLY AFTER ALL OUTSTANDING CHARGES, INCLUDING THE SURCHARGE, AND A RECONNECTION FEE OF $30 HAVE BEEN PAID.
THE CENTRE (TEL NO. 5-7900222) IS ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, HONG KONG.
THURSDAY, JULY 17, 1980
3
HEAD OF NTA LIAISON OFFICERS RETIRES * * * * *
THE HEAD OF THE LIAISON OFFICER GRADE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR C.C. LO, WHO IS RETIRING FROM GOVERNMENT SERVICE WAS GUEST OF HONOUR LAST NIGHT (WEDNESDAY) AT A RECEPTION HOSTED BY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES.
MR LO JOINED THE GOVERNMENT IN 1947 AS A CLERK WITH THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
HE LATER SERVED AS AN INTERPRETER-TRANSLATOR WITH THE POLICE AND WITH THE DISTRICT OFFICE TAI PO WHERE HE WAS POSTED IN 1952 TO START HIS LONG ASSOCIATION WITH THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
Z"
HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE LIAISON OFFICER GRADE IN 1960, SERVING IN TAI PO, ISLANDS AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICES, BEFORE MOVING TO THE ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS IN 1968.
HE WAS APPOINTED SENIOR LIAISON OFFICER AND HEAD OF HIS GRADE IN 1976.
MR LO (58) IS CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION.
HE WAS ALSO FOUNDER AND HONORARY CHAIRMAN OF TAI PO DISTRICT SPORTS FEDERATION FROM 1959-63, AND HONORARY SECRETARY OF YUEN LONG DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION FROM 1963-65.
HE WAS PRESIDENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ROTARY CLUB IN 1976-77.
HE ALSO HELD OFFICE WITH OTHER ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING THE BOY SCOUTS, GIRL GUIDES AND THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
AT THE RECEPTION, ATTENDED BY 150 OF MR LO’S COLLEAGUES, MR AKERS-JONES SAID THROUGHOUT MR LO'S YEARS OF SERVICE HIS KNOWLEDGE OF THE PEOPLE AND THEIR LEADERS HAD BEEN A GREAT ASSISTANCE TO THE WORK OF GOVERNMENT IN ITS ADMINISTRATION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
+YOUR WISE COUNSEL HAS ENABLED UNFAMILIAR POLICIES TO BE EXPLAINED AND IN RECENT YEARS HAS GREATLY FACILITATED THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
+1 WISH TO RECORD THE GRATEFUL THANKS OF THE GOVERNMENT, AND MY OWN PERSONALLY AS SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, FOR THE CONTRIBUTION YOU HAVE MADE TO THE LIFE AND WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE,* MR AKERS-JONES SAID.
/4
THURSDAY, JULY 17, 1980
BUILDINGS IN DANGEROUS CONDITION
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY DECLARED NO. 77 SAN HUI VILLAGE, TUEN MUN TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION AND NO. 77A SAN HUI VILLAGE, TUEN MUN LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THESE SINGLE-STOREY, VILLAGE-TYPE HOUSES CONSTRUCTED OF LOADBEARING WALLS AND PITCHED ROOFS WERE INSPECTED FOLLOWING A COMPLAINT.
THE WALLS OF NO. 77 HAVE VERTICAL CRACKS AND THE REAR AND SIDE WALLS ARE OUT OF PLUMB.
♦ THERE IS A DANGER OF COLLAPSE AND IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THIS BUILDING,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CFF ICE.
♦ NO. 77A APPEARED TO BE A LATER ADDITION TO NO. 77. IT HAS NO WALL OF ITS OWN ALONG THE PARTY LINE WITH NO. 77. WHEN NO. 77 IS DEMOLISHED, THERE IS A SERIOUS RISK THAT NO. 77A WILL COLLAPSE,* HE SAID.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON AUGUST 14, 1980 WERE POSTED TODAY.
- - c - -
MORE INSPECTORS TO SAFEGUARD FOOD *****
TWENTY-NINE HEALTH INSPECTORS OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAVE EXCELLED IN THE EXAMINATION ON INSPECTION OF MEAT AND OTHER FOODS SET BY A BRITISH HEALTH BOARD.
♦ THEY REPRESENT A 91 PER CENT PASS RATE. ALL HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED NEW POSTS TO JOIN THEIR COLLEAGUES IN THE DEPARTMENT’S EFFORTS TO SAFEGUARD THE HYGIENIC CONDITION OF MEAT AND FOODS FOR CONSUMPTION,* A DEPARTMENTAL SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE INSPECTORS WERE GIVEN TWO YEARS OF BASIC TRAINING WHEN THEY FIRST JOINED THE DEPARTMENT. THEY BECAME QUALIFIED AS HEALTH INSPECTORS AFTER PASSING AN EXAMINATION ON COMPLETING THE COURSE.
+AFTER ONE YEAR OF PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE, THEY TOOK THIS ADVANCED COURSE FOR ANOTHER SIX MONTHS TO SPECIALISE IN THE FIELD OF MEAT AND FOOD INSPECTION,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THEIR STATUS AS QUALIFIED INSPECTORS OF MEAT AND OTHER FOODS WAS CONFIRMED BY THEIR PASSING THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF HEALTH DIPLOMA EXAMINATION.* HE ADDED.
THURSDAY, JULY 17, 1980
5
HEAD OF KOWLOON TECHNICAL SCHOOL RETIRES
******
MR PETER HALLIWELL, PRINCIPAL OF KOWLOON TECHNICAL SCHOOL, IS RETIRING AFTER 29 YEARS SERVICE WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
AT A CEREMONY TODAY (THURSDAY), MR COLVYN HAYE. ACTING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION PRESENTED HIM WITH A RETIREMENT GIFT ON BEHALF OF COLLEAGUES IN THE DEPARTMENT.
MR HALLIWELL WAS FIRST APPOINTED AS AN EDUCATION OFFICER IN 1952. HE WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER IN 1965, AND TO THE PRESENT RANK OF SENIOR PRINCIPAL IN 1970.
♦THROUGHOUT HIS CAREER WITH THE DEPARTMENT, MR HALLIWELL HAS PROVED TO BE A CAPABLE TEACHER AND SENIOR PRINCIPAL,* MR HAYE SAID.
♦HIS WORK HAS ALWAYS REFLECTED HIS STRONG SENSE OF LOYALTY AND INTEGRITY, AND HIS COMPETENT MANNER HAS COMMANDED THE RESPECT AND CO-OPERATION OF ALL THOSE WHO HAVE COME INTO CONTACT WITH HIM,+ HE SAID.
-----0-----
RADIOGRAPHERS GRADUATE
* * * *
NINETEEN RADIOGRAPHERS WILL GRADUATE FROM THE INSTITUTE OF RADIOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTER COMPLETING A THREE-YEAR TRAINING COURSE.
AT A CEREMONY AT THE INSTITUTE IN QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL, DR S.F. LAM, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, WILL MAKE AN ADDRESS AND PRESENT CERTIFICATES.
TWELVE OF THE GRADUATES WILL RECEIVE THE DIPLOMAS OF COLLEGE OF RADIOGRAPHY (RADIOGRAPHY) AND SEVEN THE D.C.R. (THERAPY).
AS THE TRAINING OF DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHERS HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED FROM THE INSTITUTE TO THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, THE RADIOGRAPHERS RECEIVING THEIR D.C.R.(R.) WILL BE THE LAST FULLY TRAINED BY THE INSTITUTE. IN FUTURE, THE INSTITUTE WILL PROVIDE PRACTICAL TRAINING FOR STUDENTS FROM THE POLYTECHNIC.
TOMORROW’S CEREMONY WILL MARK THE END OF AN ERA, DURING WHICH THE INSTITUTE HAS TRAINED 243 RADIOGRAPHERS WITH THE D.C.R. QUALIFICATION.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CEREMONY, WHICH WILL BE ON THE FIRST FLOOR IN THE INSTITUTE OF RADIOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL, KOWLOON, TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 4.30 PM.
----0---- /6 .....
THURSDAY, JULY 17, 1980
VALUATION ASSISTANTS PASS EXAMS
******
TWENTY VALUATION ASSISTANTS OF THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT HAVE PASSED THE EXAMINATION OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTION CF CHARTERED SURVEYORS (RICS).
FIVE OF THE CANDIDATES PASSED PART I OF THE EXAM, EIGHT PASSED PART II AND SEVEN PASSED THE FINAL.
THOSE WHO PASSED THE FINAL MAY BE ELECTED TO CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP OF THE INSTITUTION AND AN ASSOCIATE (ARICS) AFTER THEY COMPLETE A TEST OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE.
THE EXAMINATIONS WERE HELD IN MARCH.
THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, MR R.A. FRY SAID THE RESULTS REPRESENTED A CONSIDERABLE ACHIEVEMENT BY THE OFFICERS.
♦THE RESULTS FOR THE FINAL PART SHOW THAT ALL THE PAST EFFORT IS NOW BEGINNING TO PAY DIVIDENDS,+ HE ADDED.
THE SEVEN VALUATION ASSISTANTS WHO PASSED THE FINAL EXAMINATION ARE MR CHENG WAN-KI, MR LAM KIN-HA, MR LAU SHUN-WAI, MR LO WAI-KWONG, MR LUN KAI-YEUNG, MRS TANG MAK MEI-LIN, MISS WONG PO-YUK.
- - 0 - -
HONG KONG JURY LIST * * * *
MR NICHOLAS JOHN BARNETT, THE ACTING REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT, ANNOUNCED THAT A FURTHER LIST OF COMMON JURORS WILL BE POSTED ON THE NOTICE BOARD OF THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING ON JULY 28.
THE LIST WILL REMAIN POSTED FOR 14 DAYS. DURING THAT PERIOD ANY PERSON MAY WRITE TO THE REGISTRAR REQUIRING THAT HIS NAME OR THE NAME OF SOME OTHER PERSON BE POSTED OR REMOVED.
o -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG.TEL: 5-233191
FuIDaY, JULY 18, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STOCK EXCHANGES UNIFICATION BILL GAZETTED .................... 1
CHANGES TO COMPANY LAW PROPOSED .............................. 5
NEW BILL PROPOSES TO REGULATE GOLD DEALINGS BY 'FRINGE' OPERATORS ........................................ 7
COMMENTS SOUGHT ON GREEN PAPER ............................... 9
END OF ERA FOR INSTITUTE .................................... 10
FIVE-FOLD INCREASE PROPOSED FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PENALTIES ............................................ 11
CHILDREN URGED TO USE FMO EDUCATION FACILITIES............... 12
HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CaMP 1980.............................. 12
FIRE CHIEF RETIRES .......................................... 13
MAJOR SEAWALL CONTRACT AWARDED FOR ABERDEEN ................. 14
SUMMER ACTIVITIES LAUNCHED IN SHA TIN AND TAI PO ............ 14
PLB PROHIBITED ZONE IN SHA TIN .............................. 15
CAREERS SEMINAR STARTS ...................................... 15
SPECIAL RECREATION MAXICAB ROUTE STARTS TOMORROW ............ 15
FIRING PRACTICE AT HA TSUEN aND BaSALT ISLAND ............... 16
NIGHT CLOSURE OF DES VCUEX ROAD CENTRAL...................... 17
RQaD CLOSED FOR FEoTIV.iL.................................... 17
WATER CUT.................................................... 17
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF WANG T«U HCM EaST RCaD.................. 18
FRIDAY, JULY 18, 1980
1
STOCK EXCHANGES UNIFICATION BILL GAZETTED ******
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED THE STOCK EXCHANGES UNIFICATION BILL 1980 WHICH, IF PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WILL RESULT IN DUE COURSE IN THE REPLACEMENT OF THE PRESENT FOUR EXCHANGES BY THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE.
THE COMPANY WHICH WILL MANAGE THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE, THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG LIMITED, WAS INCORPORATED ON JULY 7.
THE COMPANY HAS AN AUTHORISED SHARE CAPITAL OF $100 MILLION AND TWO CLASSES OF SHARES — ’A’ SHARES OF $100 000 PAR VALUE AND 'B* SHARES OF $50 000 PAR VALUE.
MEMBERS OF THE COMPANY WILL HOLD ’A’ SHARES AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ’B’ SHARES. BOTH TYPES OF SHARE WILL BE ISSUED IN PARTLY-PAID FORM — THE ’A’ SHARES AT $40 000 AND THE ’B’ SHARES AT $20 000.
THE BILL IS THE RESULT OF DETAILED INVESTIGATION AND DISCUSSION BY A WORKING PARTY ON UNIFICATION ESTABLISHED IN MAY 1977.
THE WORKING PARTY, CHAIRED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES AND INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EXISTING FOUR EXCHANGES, HELD 20 MEETINGS DURING THE ENSUING THREE YEARS.
QUESTIONNAIRES WERE ALSO SENT TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE FOUR EXCHANGES AND REPRESENTATIONS WERE RECEIVED FROM MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG STOCKBROKERS’ ASSOCIATION. THE BILL ALSO REFLECTS THE VIEWS EXPRESSED TO THE COMMISSIONER AT MEETINGS HELD TO EXPLAIN THE PROPOSALS AT THE FOUR EXCHANGES.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN, EXPLAINING WHY UNIFICATION WOULD SERVE THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE INVESTING PUBLIC, SAIDi *IT WILL RESULT IN A BROADER MARKET AND WILL CLEARLY INCREASE THE ATTRACTIVENESS TO OVERSEAS INVESTORS OF INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG SECURITIES.*
♦UNIFICATION,* HE SAID, +WOULD ALSO BE CONDUCIVE TO THE BETTER MANAGEMENT OF THE STOCK MARKET AND TO THE MORE EFFECTIVE REGULATION OF STOCKBROKERS.*
♦AS SUCH,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +IT WILL BE IN KEEPING WITH HONG KONG’S POSITION AS A MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRE.*
THE BILL OUTLINES THE FRAMEWORK FOR THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE AND THE SUCCESSIVE STEPS TO BE TAKEN TO BRING IT INTO OPERATION.
/UNTIL THE .....
Friday, july 18, 1980
2
UNTIL THE NEW EXCHANGE COMPANY HAS ELECTED ITS FIRST COMMITTEE, A TRANSITIONAL COMMITTEE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION. THE TRANSITIONAL COMMITTEE WILL COMPRISE TWO REPRESENTATIVES FROM EACH OF THE PRESENT EXCHANGES AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES.
THE TRANSITIONAL COMMITTEE WILL INVITE EACH MEMBER OF THE EXISTING FOUR EXCHANGES TO APPLY FOR A SHARE IN THE COMPANY. WITHIN THREE MONTHS OF THE RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS, THE TRANSITIONAL COMMITTEE WILL HAVE TO PROCESS THEM AND EITHER ACCEPT OR REJECT THEM.
ANYONE WHOSE APPLICATION IS REJECTED WILL HAVE ONE MONTH TO APPEAL TO THE SECURITIES COMMISSION.
THE TRANSITIONAL COMMITTEE IS OBLIGED TO ARRANGE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE EXCHANGE COMPANY. IT MUST DO THIS WITHIN FOUR MONTHS FROM THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS.
IF THE TRANSITIONAL COMMITTEE OR THE COMMITTEE FAILS TO DISCHARGE ITS FUNCTIONS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY CAN APPOINT A PERSON TO ACT IN ITS PLACE.
+THIS POWER WOULD BE EXERCISED ONLY ON THE ADVICE OF THE SECURITIES COMMISSION AND IF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY CONSIDERED THAT THE PUBLIC INTEREST DEMANDED IT,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦GIVEN THE CO-OPERATION OF THE TRANSITIONAL COMMITTEE AND, SUBSEQUENTLY, OF THE COMMITTEE, THIS POWER WILL NOT BE USED.+
THE BILL STIPULATES THAT ONLY MEMBERS OF THE COMPANY WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR ELECTION TO THE COMMITTEE, WITH THE CHAIRMAN BEING CHOSEN EACH YEAR BY SECRET BALLOT. THE CHAIRMAN, THOUGH HE MAY BE RE-ELECTED, CANNOT SERVE FOR MORE THAN TWO TERMS CONSECUTIVELY.
THE BILL SAYS THAT THE EXCHANGE COMPANY WILL HAVE TO SATISFY THE SECURITIES COMMISSION THAT IT HAS ADEQUATELY PROVIDED FOR MATTERS RELATING TO MEMBERSHIP, LISTING RULES AND A COMPENSATION FUND.
THESE PROVISIONS MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE EXCHANGE COMPANY’S CONSTITUTION, ANY AMENDMENTS TO WHICH WILL REQUIRE THE COMMISSION’S APPROVAL.
INITIALLY, ONLY FULL MEMBERS AND OVERSEAS MEMBERS OF THE EXISTING FOUR EXCHANGES WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO JOIN THE NEW EXCHANGE COMPANY.
EXISTING FULL MEMBERS CAN OPT FOR MEMBERSHIP OR ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP OF THE NEW COMPANY, BUT EXISTING OVERSEAS MEMBERS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION AS ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ONLY.
THE ADMISSION AS ASSOCIATE MEMBERS WILL MEAN LITTLE CHANGE CONTINUE TO HAVE NO SUBSTANTIVE HAVE TO DEAL THROUGH A MEMBER.
MEMBERS OF EXISTING OVERSEAS IN THEIR POSITION — THEY WILL VOTING RIGHTS AND WILL STILL
/THE SPOKESMAN.
FRIDAY, JULY 18, 1980
- 3 -
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WHILE THE PARTICIPATION OF OVERSEAS BROKFRS IN THE STOCK-MARKET WAS TO BE WELCOMED, LOCAL BROKERS WERE ENTITLED TO A MEASURE OF PROTECTION AGAINST OVERSEAS COMPETITION.
THE BILL REQUIRES THAT TO QUALIFY FOR MEMBERSHIP OR ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP OF THE EXCHANGE COMPANY, AN APPLICANT WILL HAVE TO BE OF GOOD CHARACTER AND INTEGRITY.
ADDITIONALLY, EACH APPLICANT MUST DEMONSTRATE THAT HE IS OF SOUND FINANCIAL STANDING.
SPECIFICALLY, HE MUST SHOW THAT HE WILL BE ABLE, WHEN THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE COMMENCES OPERATION, TO MEET THE CAPITAL REQUIREMENT SET OUT IN THE BILL, UNDER WHICH EACH MEMBER OR ASSOCIATE MEMBER MUST MAINTAIN IN HIS STOCKBROKING BUSINESS A NET CAPITAL- THAT IS, EXCESS OF APPROVED ASSETS OVER RANKING LIABILITIES, OF AT LEAST Si MILLION.
TO AVOID POSSIBLE SPECULATION, SHARES IN THE COMPANY WILL NOT BE TRANSFERABLE FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS.
THIS PROHIBITION MAY BE RELAXED IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, SUCH AS DEATH, BANKRUPTCY OR EXPULSION.
EVEN THEN, ANY PROFIT ON THE SALE OF THE SHARE WILL BE PAYABLE TO THE COMPANY.
AFTER THE THREE-YEAR PERIOD, SHARES MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO APPROVED PURCHASERS, WITH THE VENDOR RECEIVING THE FULL PROCEEDS OF SALE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAIDj +THE BILL RECOGNISES THAT SOME MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERS MAY WISH TO ENTER INTO DEEDS OF TRUST OR OTHER ARRANGEMENTS CONCERNING THE FINANCING, PLEDGING, OR USE BY OTHER PERSONS, OF THEIR MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIPS.
+TO PREVENT SUCH ARRANGEMENTS BEING USED AS A MEANS OF AVOIDING THE RESTRICTIONS COVERING ADMISSION TO THE EXCHANGE, IT WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE ARTICLES THAT SUCH ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE ENTERED INTO ONLY WITH INDIVIDUALS WHO MEET ALL THE CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION, APART FROM THE REQUIREMENT TO BE A MEMBER OR OVERSEAS MEMBER OF AN EXISTING EXCHANGE.*
ANY DEED OF TRUST OR SIMILAR ARRANGEMENT WILL NEED THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE COMMITTEE AND THE DOCUMENTATION RELATING TO lT WILL HAVE TO BE LODGED WITH THE COMMITTEE AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES WITHIN ONE MONTH OF THE ARRANGEMENT BEING MADE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE EXCHANGE COMPANY WILL DRAW UP BOARD TRADING RULES AND BY-LAWS, TOGETHER WITH ITS RULES AND REGULATIONS AND ITS LISTING RULES, ALL OF WHICH MUST BE APPROVED Bv THE SECURITIES COMMISSION.
♦THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE’S LISTING RULES WILL BE MORE COMPREHENSIVE AND RIGOROUS THAN THOSE OF THE EXISTING EXCHANGES,* HE SAID.
/THE • • • • •
FRIDAY, JULY 18, 1980
4
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE SECRETARY TO APPOINT A DAY, FROM WILL HAVE THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO HONG KONG.
BILL EMPOWERS THE FINANCIAL WHICH THE EXCHANGE COMPANY OPERATE A STOCK MARKET IN
WITH EFFECT FROM THIS APPOINTED DAY, WHICH THE BILL REQUIRES SHALL NOT BE LATER THAN THREE YEARS AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE ORDINANCE, TRADING ON THE EXISTING EXCHANGES WILL CEASE.
WHEN THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE COMMENCES OPERATION, THE EXCHANGE COMPANY WILL BE REQUIRED TO CONTRIBUTE TO A NEW COMPENSATION FUND, WHICH WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING STOCK EXCHANGES COMPENSATION FUND.
THE EXCHANGE COMPANY WILL BE REQUIRED TO CONTRIBUTE $50 000 IN CASH ON BEHALF OF EACH MEMBER AND ASSOCIATE MEMBER.
SOON AFTER THE INCEPTION OF THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE, A NOTICE WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS, SPECIFYING A DATE WHICH WILL BE AT LEAST SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE NOTICE.
CLAIMS RELATING TO DEFAULTS OCCURRING BEFORE THE INCEPTION OF THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE WILL LAPSE UNLESS LODGED WITH THE EXISTING COMPENSATION FUND BY THAT DATE.
AS SOON AS THE FUND HAS DISPOSED OF ALL CLAIMS, THE REMAINING ASSETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AMONG THE EXISTING FOUR EXCHANGES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WITHIN A YEAR OF THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE COMING INTO OPERATION, THE EXISTING FOUR EXCHANGE COMPANIES WILL HAVE TO COMMENCE VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION.
HE SAID: +LIQUIDATION OF THE EXISTING EXCHANGES SHOULD MINIMISE THE ROLE WHICH OLD ALLEGIANCES PLAY IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE.+
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IF THE BILL WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL — HOPEFULLY BY THE END OF THE CURRENT SESSION -- THE TRANSITIONAL COMMITTEE, AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE COMMITTEE OF THE EXCHANGE COMPANY WOULD ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS TO FIND A SINGLE TRADING FLOOR ON WHICH THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE COULD START BUSINESS.
------0-------
FRIDAY, JULY 18, 1980
CHANGES TO COMPANY LAW PROPOSED * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED FOR INFORMATION THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980 WHICH, IF IMPLEMENTED, WILL INTRODUCE A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF NEW PROVISIONS DEALING WITH SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF COMPANY LAW.
THE BILL IMPLEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE COMPANIES LAW REVISION COMMITTEE, WHICH WAS APPOINTED IN 1962 TO CONDUCT A GENERAL REVIEW OF COMPANIES LEGISLATION IN HONG KONG.
THE COMMITTEE’S WORK FIRST LED TO A 1971 REPORT WHICH RESULTED IN THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1972 (DEALING MAINLY WITH REQUIREMENTS FOR PROSPECTUSES) AND IN THE ENACTMENT OF THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE AND THE PROTECTION OF INVESTORS ORDINANCE.
THE SECOND REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE, +COMPANY LAW+, WAS PUBLISHED IN 1973. IN THE REPORT, THE COMMITTEE TRACED HOW COMPANY LA* IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN ALMOST IDENTICAL TO THAT IN BRITAIN UP UNTIL 1948.
HOWEVER, SINCE THE PASSING IN BRITAIN OF THE COMPANIES ACT OF 1948 AND 1967, WHICH HAD NOT BEEN ADOPTED BY HONG KONG, A SERIOUS GAP HAD OPENED UP BETWEEN HONG KONG’S COMPANY LAW AND THAT IN BRITAIN.
THE COMMITTEE FELT THAT THE SIMPLER PROVISIONS OF HONG KONG’S COMPANIES ORDINANCE HAD BEEN ADEQUATE FOR SEVERAL YEARS AFTER 1948 BECAUSE OF THE STATE OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY AT THAT TIME.
THE ECONOMY HAD SINCE UNDERGONE GREAT CHANGES, HOWEVER, AND THE RELATIVELY SIMPLE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE WERE NO LONGER ADEQUATE, ESPECIALLY IN VIEW OF THE VASTLY INCREASED PARTICIPATION BY MEMBERS OF ALL SECTORS OF SOCIETY IN THE OWNERSHIP OF PUBLIC COMPANIES.
THE COMMITTEE WAS STRONGLY OF THE OPINION THAT MANY CHANGES MUST BE MADE IN COMPANY LAW IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A SOUND BASIS FOR THE PROPER MANAGEMENT OF HONG KONG’S CORPORATE ENTERPRISES, AND EFFECTIVE SAFEGUARDS FOR THE PROTECTION OF ALL THOSE WHO INVEST IN THEM.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID SOME OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE SECOND REPORT HAVE ALREADY BEEN IMPLEMENTED.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO.4) ORDINANCE OF 1974 INTRODUCED UP-TO-DATE REQUIREMENTS AS TO THE CONTENTS OF COMPANY ACCOUNTS AND THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1978 PROVIDED A REMEDY FOR ANY MEMBER OF A COMPANY WHO COMPLAINS THAT THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY ARE BEING CONDUCTED IN A MANNER UNFAIRLY PREJUDICIAL TO THE INTERESTS OF MINORITY MEMBERS.
/HOWEVER .....
FRIDAY, JULY 18, 198C
6 -
HOWEVER, THE BULK OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED AND MOST OF THESE ARE DEALT WITH BY THE PRESENT BILL.
A FEW ARE NOT DEALT WITH IN THE BILL, IT BEING FELT THAT IT WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE TO IMPLEMENT THEM AT THIS TIME.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AS ALREADY INDICATED, THE BILL CONTAINS PROVISIONS DEALING WITH SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF COMPANY LAW.
TO TAKE A FEW EXAMPLES, THE BILL CONTAINS PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE WHICH, IF IMPLEMENTED, 'WOULD i
* INSERT IN THE ORDINANCE A GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE FIDUCIARY DUTY OF DIRECTORS TO THEIR COMPANIES-
* PROHIBIT THE DIRECTORS OF A COMPANY FROM DISPOSING OF THE WHOLE OR SUBSTANTIALLY THE WHOLE OF THE UNDERTAKING OR PROPERTY OF THE COMPANY UNLESS SUCH DISPOSAL HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE COMPANY IN GENERAL COMMITTEE"
* PROHIBIT A BODY CORPORATE, FOR EXAMPLE A NOMINEE COMPANY, FROM ACTING AS A DIRECTOR OF A COMPANY-
* PROHIBIT COMPANIES FROM MAKING LOANS TO DIRECTORS EXCEPT WHERE SUCH LOANS COME WITHIN THE EXPECTED CATEGORIES DETAILED IN THE BILL-
* GIVE THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES POWER TO REQUIRE A COMPANY TO ABANDON ITS NAME IF THAT NAME GIVES SO MISLEADING AN INDICATION OF THE NATURE OF ITS ACTIVITIES AS TO BE LIKELY TO CAUSE HARM TO THE PUBLIC-
* PROHIBIT A SUBSIDIARY FROM ACQUIRING SHARES IN ITS HOLDING COMPANY-
* PROHIBIT DIRECTORS FROM ISSUING SHARES IN A COMPANY WITHOUT THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE COMPANY IN GENERAL MEETING, WHICH PRIOR APPROVAL MAY BE GIVEN BY A GENERAL MANDATE RENEWABLE ANNUALLY-
X BRING THE PROVISIONS ON APPOINTMENT, REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION OF AUDITORS SUBSTANTIALLY INTO LINE WITH THOSE EXISTING IN GREAT BRITAIN-
* MAKE IT A STATUTORY REQUIREMENT THAT EVERY COMPANY MUST APPOINT A SECRETARY-
M PROHIBIT ANY OVERSEAS COMPANY WHICH IS NOT REGISTERED UNDER PART XI OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE FROM ACQUIRING OR HOLDING ANY LAND IN HONG KONG.
FRIDAY, JULY 18, 1980
IT HAS TO BE STRESSED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THAT THIS LIST IS ONLY A BRIEF OUTLINE OF THESE PROVISIONS AND THAT THE BILL ALSO DEALS WITH MANY OTHER SUBJECTS SUCH AS REGISTRATION CF CHARGES, LIQUIDATION OF COMPANIES AND INSPECTION OF COMPANIES.
ANYONE WHO HAS ANY INTEREST IN COMPANY MATTERS IS URGED TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE BILL ITSELF TO STUDY HOW ITS PROVISIONS WILL, IF APPROVED IN DUE COURSE, AFFECT HIM.
COPIES OF THE BILL WHICH IS CONTAINED IN SUPPLEMENT NO.5 TO THE GAZETTE DATED JULY 18 ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO INTRODUCE THE BILL INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE NEXT SESSION.
ANY COMMENTS ON THE BILL FROM INTERESTED PARTIES WOULD BE WELCOMED AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED IN WRITING TO THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, 11TH FLOOR, HONG KONG, BEFORE OCTOBER 31, 1980.
-----0--------
NEW BILL PROPOSES TO REGULATE GOLD DEALINGS BY ’FRINGE’ OPERATORS
* * * * X X
GOVERNMENT IS TO INTRODUCE INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SOON THE COMMODITIES TRADING (AMENDMENT) BILL I960 DESIGNED TO REGULATE GOLD DEALINGS BY ’FRINGE’ OPERATORS, AND TO CLARIFY CERTAIN OFFENCES UNDER THE COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCE IN ORDER TO FACILITATE EFFECTIVE PROSECUTION.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (FRIDAY) EXPLAINED THAT THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WOULD PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM MALPRACTICES BY ’FRINGE’ OPERATORS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS COMMON PRACTICE AMONG SOME COMMODITY COMPANIES, PARTICULARLY GOLD DEALERS, BOTH REGISTERED AND UNREGISTERED, TO EMPLOY TEAMS OF +MOSTLY UNQUALIFIED SALESMEN, OPERATING LARGELY ON A COMMISSION BASIS, USING HIGH PRESSURE SALES TECHNIQUES* TO INDUCE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO BUY AND SELL COMMODITIES.
+THIS IS CLEARLY UNDESIRABLE,* HE SAID, +AND THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WOULD AMEND THE EXISTING ORDINANCE, PROHIBITING THE HAWKING OF FUTURES CONTRACTS.*
CONTRAVENTION COULD MEAN A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.
THE TYPE OF ’FRINGE’ OPERATORS IT IS PROPOSED TO REGULATE ARE THOSE WHO ARE NEITHER REGISTERED DEALERS UNDER THE ORDINANCE NOR MEMBERS OF THE CHINESE GOLD AND SILVER EXCHANGE SOCIETY.
FRIDAY, JULY 18, ^980
8
THIS WOULD BE DONE BY i
* ADDING A SPECIAL DEFINITION OF -t-FUTURES CONTRACT* TO SECTION 26 OF THE ORDINANCE WHICH WOULD INCORPORATE THE KIND OF ’FRINGE’ DEALINGS NOW BEING PRACTISED. THE EFFECT OF THIS ADDITION WOULD BE THAT ANYONE WHO TRADED IN THE MANNER DEFINED WOULD HAVE TO REGISTER AS A DEALER.
* AMENDING THE ORDINANCE SO THAT A PERSON WHO RECEIVED ORDERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, AND WHO PLACED THOSE ORDERS ONLY THROUGH A REGISTERED DEALER, WOULD BE REGARDED AS AN AGENT AND THEREFORE, WOULD NOT BE EXEMPTED FROM REGISTRATION.
* CONFERRING EXEMPTION ONLY TO MEMBERS OF THE CHINESE GOLD AND SILVER EXCHANGE SOCIETY WHO TRADE IN THEIR CAPACITY AS MEMBERS.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THESE AMENDMENTS WOULD REQUIRE ALL DEALERS TO BE REGISTERED.
EXCEPTIONS WOULD BE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO DEALT, ON THEIR OWN BEHALF, THROUGH REGISTERED DEALERS, AND MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY WHO DEALT AS MEMBERS.
+REG ISTRATION OF ’FRINGE’ OPERATORS, EVEN IF THEY COMPLIED WITH THE PROPOSED ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS, WOULD NOT BE AUTOMATIC,* HE SAID.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR COMMODITIES TRADING WOULD REFUSE TO REGISTER AN APPLICANT AS A DEALER UNLESS HE FULFILLED A NUMBER ’• ■ OF CONDITIONS, INCLUDING : ' : IV•
■ "i
* HE MUST BE SHAREHOLDER OF AN EXCHANGE COMPANY '• <
(EITHER THE HONG KONG COMMODITY EXCHANGE OR ANY OF THE RECOGNISED OVERSEAS EXCHANGES SPECIFIED IN THE ORDINANCE)-
* HE PAID A DEPOSIT OF $100 030 IN CASH. ’
I
+ANYONE WHO DID NOT MEET THESE CONDITIONS COULD NOT REGISTER AND WOULD HAVE TO CEASE HIS TRADING ACTIVITIES,* SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
THE ALTERNATIVE, HE SAID, WOULD BE PROSECUTION AS AN UNREGISTERED DEALER, CARRYING A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF A FINE OF $50 000.
THE BILL ALSO INTRODUCES NEW PROVISIONS WHICH ENSURED A CLIENT WOULD HAVE FULL KNOWLEDGE OF EVERY TRANSACTION UNDERTAKEN ON HIS BEHALF.
+THEY ARE SIMILAR TO THOSE CONTAINED IN SECTIONS 75 AND 77 OF THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE, AND ARE AIMED AT FACILITATING A CUSTOMER’S ACCESS OF COPIES OF CONTRACT NOTES AND HIS ACCOUNTS WITH THE DEALER.+ HE SAID.
/A.’.'YCNE HC .
9
FRIDAY, JULY 1c, 1980
cr h&KSs’lS S?lU."'£MENTS would pace a
FINE
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROVISIONS OF tup rim u*n xJlaCUSSED WITH THE COMMODITIES TRADING COMMISSION1 thf SiNPRCAN^.FnTH£ COMMODITY EXCHANGE AND fS” 2" ! ’ ™E w. INESE GOLD AND SILVER EXCHANGE SOCIETY.
CHAIRMAN
OF
BEEN
THE
0--------
COMMENTS SOUGHT ON GREEN PAPER
*****
THE PERIOD SET ASIDE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE GREEN PAPER ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION HAS REACHED THE HALF-WAY MARK AND A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY URGED ALL INTERESTED PARTIES TO MAKE THEIR VIEWS KNOWN BEFORE THE SCHEDULED EXPIRY OF THE CONSULTATION PERIOD ON AUGUST 31.
+A NUMBER OF ORGANISATIONS AND COMMENTATORS HAVE EXPRESSED THEIR VIEWS ON THE PROPOSALS THROUGH THE MEDIA AND THE GOVERNMENT IS JUST AS KEEN TO HEAR THE OPINIONS OF INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
RESIDENTS OF BOTH THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE URBAN AREA ARE THEREFORE INVITED TO SUBMIT THEIR VIEWS IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE GREEN PAPER, ENTITLED +A PATTERN OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION*, PUTS FORWARD PROPOSALS PRINCIPALLY DIRECTED TO THE BETTER CO-ORDINATION AND RESPONSIVENESS OF ADMINISTRATION AT DISTRICT LEVEL, AND TO THE GREATER PARTICIPATION OF THE RESIDENTS OF EACH DISTRICT IN IT.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THIS BE ACHIEVED BY THE INTRODUCTION OF AN ELEMENT ELECTED ON A CONSTITUENCY BASIS TO THE DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. IN THE URBAN AREA THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE SYSTEM SET UP IN KWUN TONG WOULD BE EXTENDED TO THE OTHER DISTRICTS. DISTRICT BOARDS INCLUDING UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WOULD BE ESTABLISHED AND SEATS ON THEM WOULD BE RESERVED FOR URBAN COUNCILLORS TO PARTICIPATE IN THEIR WORK. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT EACH ELECTED URBAN COUNCILLOR WOULD BE ELECTED BY A SEPARATE GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY. ELECTIONS WOULD BE ON THE BASIS OF SUFFRAGE FOR ALL THOSE OVER 21 WITH THREE YEARS RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE PROPOSALS IN THE GREEN PAPER WERE NOT DEFINITIVE AND WERE PRESENTED AS A BASIS FOR PUBLIC DISCUSSION.
/FOLLGoINu .........
FRIDAY, JULY 18, 1980
10 -
^wx* vieu to ••o^tg’uggjR.
COPIES OF THE GREEN PAPER IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE ARE nqtd^tE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT DISTRICT OFFICES CITY CFNTR4|CT offices and the GOVERNMENT publications centre in bC IN I nnL .
------0 -------
END OF ERA FOR INSTITUTE KM*
AS MORE TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTES ARE ESTABLISHED TO TAKE OVER THE TRAINING OF PARAMEDICAL PERSONNEL, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS EXPANDING ITS MAIN ROLE OF PROVIDING A MORE COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL SERVICE FOR THE CITIZENS OF HONG KONG.
THIS WAS STATED BY DR S.F. LAM, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES AT A GRADUATION CEREMONY AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL TODAY.
NINETEEN STUDENT RADIOGRAPHERS RECEIVED THEIR DIPLOMA OF THE COLLEGE OF RADIOGRAPHY FROM DR LAM AFTER COMPLETING A THREE-YEAR TRAINING COURSE AT THE INSTITUTE OF RADIOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY.
AMONG THE GRADUATES, 12 WHO RECEIVED THEIR DIPLOMA IN RADIODIAGNOSTIC WERE THE LAST FULLY TRAINED BY THE INSTITUTE.
THE TRAINING OF DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED TO THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
DR LAM SAID THE ROLE OF TRAINING, WHICH WAS LITERALLY FORCED UPON THE DEPARTMENT OUT OF NECESSITY, COULD NOW BE TAKEN OVER BY THE POLYTECHNIC.
+HENCEFORTH OUR ROLE IS TO PROVIDE PRACTICAL TRAINING FOR STUDENTS COMING FROM THE POLYTECHNIC,* HE SAID.
DURING THE LAST 30 YEARS, THE INSTITUTE TRAINED MORE THAN 240 RADIOGRAPHERS WITH DIPLOMA QUALIFICATION.
THE INSTITUTE ALSO TRAINED RADIOGRAPHERS FOR GOVERNMENT-SUBVENTED HOSPITALS IN HONG KONG, AND STUDENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES INCLUDING KOREA, SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA.
DR LAM SAID THAT SUCH AN ENVIABLE RECORD WAS THE FRUIT OF THE HARD WORK OF ALL THE STAFF OF THE INSTITUTE.
THE DIPLOMA OF THE COLLEGE OF RADIOGRAPHY TRAINING WAS STARTED IN 1950 AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL BY DR H.C. HO, THE PRESENT CONSULTANT-IN-CHARGE OF THE INSTITUTE. THE TRAINING COURSE ON DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY WAS STARTED IN 1962.
/’AMONG >1
FRIDAY, JULY 18, 1980
Aa?N£JoE F,RST EATCH 0F D«pLOMA students to graduate in /TucnAQ^M,SS MAY F0NG> NOW THE superintendent radiographer (THERArY).
DR LAM URGED THE GRADUATES BE ACTIVE IN THEIR CAREER.
cnill ?^SrAI? BEFORE the supplementary medical professions ordinance OPERATIONAL, THERE WOULD BE THE NEED FOR THEM TO PLAY
A MAJOR ROLE ON THE RADIOGRAPHY BOARD AND THE PARAMEDICAL COUNCIL SO AS TO MAINTAIN THE HIGHEST STANDARD OF THEIR PROFESSION
0 - -
FIVE-FOLD INCREASE PROPOSED FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PENALTIES *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS PROPOSING TO SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE THE PENALTIES PRESCRIBED IN THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS BY QUINTUPLING THE MAXIMUM POSSIBLE FINE.
THE PROPOSAL WAS MADE FOLLOWING A RECENT REVIEW OF THE PENALTIES AS PART OF THE CONTINUING CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND PREVENT INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE FIRST STEP TO IMPLEMENT THE PROPOSAL IS BEING TAKEN WITH THE PUBLICATION OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1980 IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE BILL, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, PROPOSED TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE TO ENABLE THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES IN THE REGULATIONS TO BE INCREASED FROM $10 000 TO $50 000 IF NECESSARY.
IT ALSO SOUGHT TO PROVIDE FOR A MORE SEVERE PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH A MAGISTRATE’S ORDER TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST DANGEROUS CONDITIONS AND PRACTICES IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS BY RAISING THE MAXIMUM Fl NF OF $10 000 TO $50 000 AND SIX-MONTH IMPRISONMENT.
FRIDAY, JULY 18, 1980
CHILDREN URGED TO USE FMO EDUCATION FACILITIES
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR J.M. RIDDELL-SWAN TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED FISHERMEN’S CHILDREN TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE EDUCATION FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION (FMO).
♦THERE ARE CLEAR ADVANTAGES IN COMPLETING SECONDARY EDUCATION WHETHER A CHILD WISHES TO FOLLOW A CAREER IN THE FISHING INDUSTRY OR ASHORE.
♦IN COMMON WITH OTHER INDUSTRIES, FISHING AND FISHING VESSEL TECHNOLOGY ARE ADVANCING RAPIDLY, AND THE WELL-EDUCATED FISHERMAN WILL OBVIOUSLY BE ABLE TO TAKE BETTER ADVANTAGE OF THIS AND SO INCREASE FAMILY PROSPERITY,+ HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE 12TH ANNUAL SUMMER CAMP OF FMO SCHOOLS AT WU KAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE, MR RIDDELL-SWAN SAID THAT DURING THE YEAR, THERE WAS A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE IN STUDENT ENROLMENTS WITH THE OPENING OF A NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL AT AP LEI CHAU.
THE SCOPE OF THE FMO’S SECONDARY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME HAS ALSO BEEN WIDENED TO OFFER 32 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS WISHING TO STUDY IN FORM 4 TO FORM 7, HE SAID.
THE ANNUAL SUMMER CAMP, WHICH STARTED ON MONDAY, WAS ORGANISED BY THE FMO AND SPONSORED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ICAC AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
SOME 800 FISHERMEN’S CHILDREN IN FMO SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THE FIVE-DAY EVENT.
HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP 1980 * * * *
THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE WILL ORGANISE A +HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP 1980+ FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS TO BE TRAINED BY DISTINGUISHED MUSICIANS FROM AUGUST 10 TO 17 AT THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE.
MISS TAKAKO NISHISAKI, A DISTINGUISHED JAPANESE VIOLINIST, M? A.R. CASAVANT, AN AMERICAN MARCHING BAND AND MUSIC EXPERT, AND MR WANG CHEN-TUNG, RENOWNED CONDUCTOR OF CHINESE MUSIC HAVE BEEN ENGAGED AS THE INSTRUCTORS OF THE CAMP.
AFTER AUDITION, 209 MUSICIANS (114 WIND AND BAND MUSIC, 44 STRING MUSIC AND 51 CHINESE MUSIC), WERE SELECTED TO JOIN THE CAMP.
/DUHI' G
FRIDAY, cULY 18, 198C
DURING THE CAMP, TWO CONCERTS WILL BE GIVEN BY PARTICIPANTS.
THE FIRST WILL BE AT THE SAI KUNG MAN Yl PLAYGROUND AT 7.30 PM ON AUGUST 15, AND THE SECOND WILL BE THE GRAND FINALE CONCERT AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL AT 8 PM ON AUGUST 17.
ADMISSION IS FREE FOR THE OUTDOOR CONCERT AND TICKETS AT S3 FOR THE FINALE CONCERT WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON AT THE MUSIC OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES AND THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL BOOKING OFFICE.
APART FROM LEARNING MUSIC, MANY RECREATION AND SPORT ACTIVITIES *ILL EE ARRANGED FOR THE CAMPERS. THERE WILL BE TWO SWIMMING DEMONSTRATION SESSIONS DURING WHICH THE CAMPERS WILL PROVIDE LIVE MUSIC FOR SYNCRONIZED SWIMMING. OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE BASKETBALL, ARCHERY, AND ROLLER-SKATING.
THE CAMP IS SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
------o-------
FIRE CHIEF RETIRES * * * *
THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALAN JONES WILL BE RETIRING NEXT WEEK AFTER SERVING 30 YEARS IN FIRE SERVICE.
AT A CEREMONY AT TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE STATION TODAY (FRIDAY) THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR F.M. WATSON PRESENTED A SILVER SALVER TO MR JONES ON BEHALF OF HIS COLLEAGUES.
MR JONES JOINED THE HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES IN 1959 AS A STATION OFFICER AFTER SPENDING EIGHT YEARS WITH THE LIVERPOOL FIRE SERVICE AND ONE YEAR WITH THE CYPRUS FIRE SERVICE.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO DIVISIONAL OFFICER IN 1968 AND ASSISTANT CHIEF FIRE OFFICER IN 1970. IN 1975, MR JONES WAS PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF CHIEF FIRE OFFICER.
MR JONES WAS AWARDED COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL (FIRE SERVICES) FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE IN 1972 AND THE QUEEN’S FIRE SERVICE MEDAL IN 1978. n
FRIDAY, JULY 18, 1980
MAJOR SEAWALL CONTRACT AWARDED FOR ABERDEEN * * * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) AWARDED A $34.8 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 500-METRE SEAWALL IN THE SECOND STAGE OF THE ABERDEEN RECLAMATION.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY MR TSENG NAI-LOK, CHIEF ENGINEER CF THE DEPARTMENT’S PORT WORKS DIVISION, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF UNIVERSAL DOCKYARD LTD.
WORK OF THE SEAWALL WILL START NEXT WEEK AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1982.
♦THE SECOND STAGE OF THE RECLAMATION WILL BE OFF ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD BETWEEN WU NAM STREET AND THE NORTHERN APPROACH ROADS TO THE NEW AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE,+ SAID MR TSENG.
WHEN COMPLETED, ABOUT THREE HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE FORMED FOR A ROAD ALONG THE ABERDEEN WATERFRONT, A NEW SEWAGE SYSTEM, LOCAL OPEN SPACE AND OTHER GOVERNMENT USES.
THE WORKS WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE DIVISION.
SUMMER ACTIVITIES LAUNCHED IN SHA TIN AND TAI PO * * * *
YOUTH PROGRAMMES, LAUNCHED IN SHA TIN AND TAI PO TODAY (FRIDAY), WILL PROVIDE OVER 60 000 RESIDENTS OF THE TWO TOWNS WITH MORE THAN 350 ACTIVITIES TO CHOOSE FROM DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAY.
THE MAIN ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE EXCURSIONS, SINGING CONTESTS, STUDY GROUPS, LEADERSHIP TRAINING CAMPS, GAMES AND FUNFAIRS.
THE SHA TIN PROGRAMME WAS OPENED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU WONG-FAT.
MORE THAN 500 YOUNG PEOPLE ATTENDED THE CEREMONY WHICH WAS FOLLOWED BY PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING SHA TIN CHILDREN’S CHOIR, THE LOCAL JUNIOR POLICE CALL CLUB WHICH STAGED A MAGIC SHOW AND A KUNG FU DEMONSTRATION.
THE TAI PO PROGRAMME, WHICH WAS STARTED BY A VARIETY SHOW, WAS OPENED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICHOLAS NG.
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB PROVIDED $25 000 FOR EACH DISTRICT. LOCAL DONATIONS AMOUNTED TO $25 000 IN SHA TIN AND $20 000 IN TAI PO.
FRIDAY, JULY 18, 1980
- 15 -
PLB PROHIBITED ZONES IN SHA TIN
X UK K
TWO SECTIONS OF ROADS IN SHA TIN WILL BE DESIGNATED PUBLIC LIGHT BUS PROHIBITED ZONES FROM 10 AM MONDAY (JULY 21).
THEY ARE PART OF ROAD P2 BETWEEN ROAD P5 AND ROAD P6- AND PART OF ROAD P6 BETWEEN ROAD P2 AND THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO ROAD T2.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE ERECTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
-----0------
CAREERS SEMINAR STARTS * * * *
A CAREERS GUIDE SEMINAR, AIMED AT PROVIDING STUDENTS AND WHITE-COLLAR WORKERS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERSTAND THEIR POTENTIALS IN CHOOSING THE BEST SUITABLE JOB, HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS COMMERCIAL AREA COMMITTEE.
THE TWO-DAY SEMINAR — OPEN TO THE PUBLIC — WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND NEXT SATURDAY (JULY 26) AT 2 PM AT THE WINDSOR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICE BUIDLING, SECOND FLOOR, 15 HENNESSY ROAD.
SPEAKERS FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, HANG SENG BANK AND OTHER COMMERCIAL FIRMS WILL TALK ON CHOOSING A CARRER, AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN IMPORT, EXPORT, SALES, MARKETING, AND BANKING AND FINANCE BUSINESSES.
-----0------
SPECIAL RECREATION MAXICAB ROUTE STARTS TOMORROW *****
A SPECIAL +RECREATION+ MAXICAB ROUTE, OPERATING BETWEEN CHOI HUNG AND TAI 0 MUN, WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) DURING WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER MONTHS.
THE ROUTE WILL BE VIA LUK LAU AVENUE, CHOI HUNG ROUNDABOUT, HAMMER HILL ROAD, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD. THE RETURN WILL BE VIA CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, WONG KUK AVENUE, LAM CHUNG AVENUE AND LUK LAU AVENUE.
THE SERVICE WILL OPERATE FROM 1 PM TO 8 PM ON SATURDAYS AND FROM 7 AM TO 8 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN JULY, AUGUST, AND SEPTEMBER DURING FINE WEATHER.
THE FARE WILL BE $3 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
------0.------
/16 ...
FRIDAY, JULY 18, 1980
-16-
FIRING PRACTICE AT HA TSUEN AND BASALT ISLAND ***** FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 21 DAYS NEXT MONTH. THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE:
DAY TIME
AUGUST 1 (FRIDAY) 8 AM •• 5 PM
AUGUST 5 (TUESDAY) 8 AM — 5 PM
AUGUST 6 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM — 11 PM
AUGUST 7 (THURSDAY) 8 AM 11 PM
AUGUST 8 (FRIDAY) 8 AM 5 PM
AUGUST 11 (MONDAY) 8 AM — 5 PM
AUGUST 12 (TUESDAY) 8 AM 5 PM
AUGUST 13 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM — 5 PM
AUGUST 14 (THURSDAY) 8 AM — 5 PM
AUGUST 15 (FRIDAY) 8 AM — 5 PM
AUGUST 16 (SATURDAY) 8 AM 5 PM
AUGUST 18 (MONDAY) 8 AM — 11 PM
AUGUST 19 (TUESDAY) 8 AM — 11 PM
AUGUST 20 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM «■» 11 PM
AUGUST 21 (THURSDAY) 8 AM — 11 PM
AUGUST 22 (FR IDAY) 8 AM — 11 PM
AUGUST 23 (SATURDAY) 8 AM — 11 PM
AUGUST 26 (TUESDAY) 8 AM — 11 PM
AUGUST 27 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM — 11 PM
AUGUST 28 (THURSDAY) 8 AM — 11 PM
AUGUST 29 (FRIDAY) 8 AM — 11 PM
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ALSO ADVISED THAT FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN BASALT ISLAND RANGE ON AUGUST 18 FROM NOON TO 4 PM, AND FROM SEPTEMBER 15 TO 17 BETWEEN 8 AM AND NOON.
THEY ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THESE AREAS WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING PRACTICE TIMES.
FRIDAY, JULY 18, 1983
17
NIGHT CLOSURE OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL
* * * * *
A SECTION OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL BETWEEN REDDER STREET AND ICE HOUSE STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON SUNDAY (JULY 23) FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK IN THE AREA.
THE CLOSURE
TUNNEL BUS ROUTE
WILL NOT AFFECT TRAM SERVICES OR CROSS-HARBOUR NO. 121.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS AND BARRIERS WILL BE ERECTED TO INDICATE THE CLOSURE.
--------c ---------
ROADS CLOSED FOR FESTIVAL * * * *
HONG
5 PM
SECTIONS OF HARBOUR ROAD AND FENWICK STREET OUTSIDE ™E KONG ART CENTRE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFF ICBETWEEN i PM AND " “ ‘ — . - xxr- a»ii) AKIO.
ON SUNDAY (JULY 20) FOR THE FESTIVAL OF YOUTH AND
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- 0 -
WATER CUT * * *
WILL TO 6
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN TAI ^SrS^OF^OR EIGHT HOURS OH MORDAT <J OL 21)
KOK TSUI FROM 10 PM
^TolKi^DU FACILITATE WATER MAIRS CORHECTIOH
WORKS
c -
1
FRIDAY, JULY 18, 1980
TEMPORARY CLOSURE Or WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD
* * * *
OTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS, WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD BETWEEN JUNCTION ROAD AND FU MEI STREET EAST WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC TO FACILITATE REPAIR «ORKS OF A WATER MAIN.
TRAFFic SIGNS WILL BE ERECTED TO INDICATE THE CLOSURE.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, JULY 1% 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION STAMP ISSUE ............................. !
GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN MONITORING SOCIAL ',/ELFaRE DEVELOPMENT .................................................. 2
INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL MEMBERS ............................. 3
SURVEY ON KWUN TONG SQUATTER AREAS .......................... 4
SITE SOLD FOR ^908 MILLION.................................... 4
career experts meet.......................................... 5
CULTURE AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION FOR CHEUNG CHAU ........... 5
ASSOCIATION TO PROMOTE SPORT IN WEST KWAI CHUNG............... 6
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN CENTRAL DISTRICT .......................... 7
DUMP CLOSED................................................... 7
SKID TESTS ON MID-LEVELS SLIP RD............................ 7
WATER CUT .................................................... 8
FIRING PRACTICE REMINDER ................................. 8
SATURDAY, JULY 19, 1980
1
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION STAMP ISSUE
*****
THE 80TH BIRTHDAY OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH THE QUEEN MOTHER ON AUGUST 4 WILL BE MARKED BY THE ISSUE OF A SPECIAL POSTAGE STAMP IN HONG KONG.
THE DESIGN OF THIS $1.30 STAMP WILL FEATURE A PORTRAIT OF THE QUEEN MOTHER.
THE STAMP WILL BE DISPLAYED ON THE FIRST FLOOR PUBLIC COUNTER OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE IN CONNAUGHT PLACE ON JULY 28 (MONDAY) FROM 9.30 AM TO 4.30 PM.
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE TO OPEN ALL POST OFFICES ON AUGUST 4, A PUBLIC HOLIDAY, FOR SERVICING SPECIAL FIRST DAY COVERS.
THE GPO, TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AND KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE WILL OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM. ALL OTHER POST OFFICES WILL CONDUCT BUSINESS FROM 9 AM TO 12 NOON.
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES NEXT WEDNESDAY (JULY 23). THEIR PRICE HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM 20 CENTS TO 50 CENTS EACH DUE TO HIGHER COSTS.
EACH COVER WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN INSERT CARD CONTAINING INFORMATION ON THE STAMP ISSUE’S HISTORICAL INTEREST AND BRIEF PHILATELIC NOTES.
MORE COVERS HAVE BEEN PRINTED TO MEET EXPECTED DEMAND. FURTHERMORE, TO ENSURE THAT EVERYONE HAS A FAIR CHANCE, NOT MORE THAN 10 COVERS MAY BE BOUGHT AT ONE TIME.
ADVANCE ORDERS FOR SERVICING THESE COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE GPO AND AT THE KOWLOON CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICES.
FULLY ADDRESSED FIRST DAY COVERS MUST BE HANDED IN WITH AN ORDER FORM TOGETHER WITH $1.60 FOR EACH COVER - $1.30 FOR THE STAMP AND 30 CENTS SERVICE FEE. NOT LESS THAN 10 COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED WITH EACH ORDER.
ORDER FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE THREE POST OFFICES ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 23) AND THE DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTING ADVANCE ORDERS IS 5 PM ON JULY 30.
SERVICED COVERS ADDRESSED TO LOCAL DESTINATIONS MAY BE COLLECTED ON AUGUST 5 FROM THE OFFICE WHERE THE ORDER WAS PLACED.
COVERS ADDRESSED OVERSEAS WILL BE FORWARDED BY ORDINARY SURFACE MAIL UNLESS THERE ARE ENOUGH STAMPS TO COVER CHARGES FOR AIRMAIL OR OTHER SERVICES.
/IN ADDITION ....
SATURDAY, JULY 19, 1980
2
IN ADDITION, A SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED ON AUGUST 4 AT ALL POST OFFICES WHEREBY FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED OVER THE COUNTER, IMPRESSED WITH THE NORMAL DATE STAMP AND HANDED BACK TO THE PERSON PRESENTING THEM. NO TIME TYPE WILL APPEAR IN THE POSTMARK.
FOR THIS SERVICE, ONLY ARTICLES BEARING AN INDICATION THAT THEY ARE +FIRST DAY COVERS+ WILL BE ACCEPTED. THE ARTICLES MUST ALSO BE ADDRESSED LOCALLY, NOT BEAR ANY OTHER CANCELLATION, AND NOT BE REGISTERED ITEMS.
SPECIAL POSTING BOXES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE THREE POST OFFICES ON THE SAME DAY (AUGUST 4) FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO HAVE COVERS CAREFULLY HAND-POSTMARKED BEFORE DESPATCH.
- - 0 -
GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN MONITORING SOCIAL WELFARE DEVELOPMENT
* * * *
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, TODAY STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF MONITORING SOCIAL WELFARE DEVELOPMENT TO ENSURE IT KEEPS PACE WITH CHANGING SOCIAL NEEDS.
MRS CHAN WAS SPEAKING ON THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN THIS MONITORING AT A DISCUSSION WORKSHOP OF THE 2OTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOCIAL WELFARE AT THE CITY HALL.
SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THE APPROPRIATE WELFARE SERVICES WERE PROVIDED FOR THE COMMUNITY AND SHOULD THEREFORE OVERSEE THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION.
WELFARE SERVICES IN HONG KONG, SHE SAID, HAD STEADILY IMPROVED IN THE PAST DECADE DURING WHICH GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON SOCIAL WELFARE AMOUNTED TO $2 870 MILLION.
PROVISION FOR 1980-81 IS $750 MILLION COMPARED WITH $43 MILLION 10 YEARS AGO, SHE SAID.
AND THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO SPEND IN THE PRESENT DECADE AN EXTRA $2 000 MILLION ON SOCIAL WELFARE DEVELOPMENT, PLUS ANOTHER $1 760 MILLION ON REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED UP TO THE MID-1980’S, SHE ADDED.
MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT WITH THE INCREASING MULTIPLICITY AND SOPHISTICATION OF WELFARE SERVICES, THE PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING FUNCTIONS MUST ASSUME GREATER IMPORTANCE.
SHE SAID MONITORING OF DEVELOPMENT WAS CARRIED OUT MAINLY AT THREE DIFFERENT LEVELS - THROUGH WHITE PAPERS, PROGRAMME PLANS AND THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN ON SOCIAL WELFARE DEVELOPMENT.
/♦THESE thhee
SATURDAY, JULY 1% 1980
- 3 -
+THESE THREE DOCUMENTS ARE INTER-RELATED AND TOGETHER THEY ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIELD AND TO CONTINUOUSLY UPDATE REQUIREMENTS,* SHE SAID.
THEY PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE MEANS OF OVERSEEING DEVELOPMENT, CO-ORDINATING ACTIVITIES, AND ADJUSTING PRIORITIES AND TARGETS IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGING NEEDS AND ACTUAL PROGRESS ACHIEVED, SHE ADDED.
THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, SHE SAID, IS CLOSELY INVOLVED IN THE PREPARATION OF THESE DOCUMENTS AND PLAYS AN INTEGRAL PART IN THE PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND MONITORING OF SERVICES.
AS TO THE MONITORING OF DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD, NFS CHAN SAID THAT IN THE CASE OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, IT WAS CARRIED OUT LARGELY THROUGH REGULAR VISITS BY FIELD STAFF OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT SERVICES PROVIDED ARE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STANDARDS AND TARGETS LAID DOWN AND THAT OPTIMUM USE IS MADE OF THE RESOURCES DEPLOYED, SHE SAID.
WITHIN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, SHE ADDED, MONITORING IS FACILITATED BY A DECENTRALISED STRUCTURE OF 11 DISTRICT OFFICES GROUPED UNDER FOUR REGIONS.
+THIS ORGANISATION ON A REGIONAL BASIS NOT ONLY ENABLES MORE EFFICIENT SERVICE DELIVERY BUT ALSO A BETTER RESPONSE TO CHANGING COMMUNITY NEEDS,* SHE SAID.
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INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL MEMBERS * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED THE TWO MEMBERS WHO WILL SERVE ON THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL WITH THE TRIBUNAL CHAIRMAN MR JUSTICE BARKER.
THEY ARE MRS MAISIE WONG, JP, WHO IS A BARRISTER-AT-LAW (AND SERVES ON A NUMBER OF BOARDS INCLUDING THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AND THE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD), AND MR MICHAEL ROBERTS, WHO IS GROUP REPRESENTATIVE OF LAZARD BROTHERS IN HONG KONG AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF LAZARD BROTHERS AND CO LTD IN LONDON.
LAST WEEK, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ANNOUNCED THAT, AFTER CONSIDERING A REPORT FROM THE SECURITIES COMMISSION, HE HAD REFERRED A CASE OF POSSIBLE INSIDER DEALING TO THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL.
THE TERMS OF REFERENCE REQUIRE THE TRIBUNAL TO INQUIRE INTO DEALINGS IN HUTCHISON WHAMPOA LTD SHARES IN THE PERIOD IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE ANNOUNCEMENT ON SEPTEMBER 25 LAST YEAR OF THE SALE OF A BLOCK OF 90 MILLION SHARES OF HUTCHISON WHAMPOA LTD. ------------------------------0-------
A.....
SATURDAY, JULY 19, 1980
4
SURVEY ON KWUN TONG SQUATTER AREAS * * * *
THE KWUN TONG CITY DISTRICT OFFICE IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY ON SQUATTER AREAS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE SURVEY IS TO UPDATE INFORMATION ON THE SIZE AND GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARY OF INDIVIDUAL SQUATTER AREAS, THE NEEDS AND SOME BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SQUATTERS, AND THE GROWTH RATE OF SQUATTER HUTS OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.
THE FINDINGS WILL PROVIDE THE GOVERNMENT WITH DATA ON THE EXTENT OF ACTIVITIES AND THE NEEDS OF SQUATTERS.
THE SURVEY IS DIVIDED IN THREE PARTS. ONE IS A DETAILED COUNT OF THE NUMBER OF STRUCTURES- PART TWO INVOLVES SELECTED HOUSEHOLD INTERVIEWS (QUESTIONS INCLUDE THE RESIDENTS’ LIVING CONDITIONS, FAMILY INCOME AND THEIR OPINIONS ON THE NEED OF PUBLIC FACILITIES), AND THE FINAL PART IS TO RE-COUNT THE NUMBER OF STRUCTURES IN SELECTED AREAS TO ESTABLISH THE RATE OF INCREASE.
PART ONE OF THE SURVEY IS NEARING COMPLETION BUT THE WHOLE EXERCISE WILL LAST TILL AUGUST.
SIX POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS EMPLOYED FOR THE SURVEY WILL CARRY IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED BY CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (KWUN TONG).
SELECTED RESPONDENTS ARE REQUESTED TO CO-OPERATE TO ENSURE SUCCESS OF THE SURVEY.
SITE SOLD FOR $908 MILLION * * * *
THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT A PRIME SITE AT HARCOURT ROAD HAD BEEN SOLD FOR S908 MILLION.
THE 3 214-SQUARE METRE SITE, OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER RECENTLY, WAS BOUGHT BY GREEN PALM ESTATE LIMITED WHICH OFFERED THE HIGHEST TENDER PRICE.
NINE TENDERS WERE RECEIVED.
SATURDAY, JULY 19, 1980
5
CAREER EXPERTS MEET
******
EXPERTS ON CAREERS EDUCATION INCLUDING TEACHERS AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS WILL. MEET FOR IN-DEPTH DISCUSSIONS IN A TWO-DAY SEMINAR NEXT WEEK.
THE SEMINAR, THE SECOND ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, WILL BE AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY.
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THE SEMINAR WAS PROMPTED BY ONE LAST YEAR WHICH WAS WELL RECEIVED AND PROVED A GREAT SUCCESS IN ACHIEVING THE AIMS OF PROVIDING THE MOST UP-TO-DATE KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNIQUES TO CAREERS TEACHERS AND IMPROVING COMMUNICATION AMONG THEMSELVES.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE SEMINAR WOULD CONCENTRATE ON
TWO ASPECTS OF CAREERS GUIDANCE — COUNSELLING AND APPRAISAL SERVICE.
A NUMBER OF WORKSHOPS WOULD BE ORGANISED WITH COMPUTER AND AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS FOR PARTICIPANTS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THE FUNCTION.
GUEST SPEAKERS WILL BE MR PETER WHYTE, DEAN OF STUDENTS OF
THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG- DR P.K. SIU AND DR C.C. LEE OF THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, AND MISS EDITH LEE, EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE SCHOOL COUNSELLING TEAM OF MING YIN COLLEGE WILL DEMONSTRATE VARIOUS COUNSELLING TECHNIQUES.
0 - -
CULTURE AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION FOR CHEUNG CHAU * * * * *
THE FORMATION OF THE CHEUNG CHAU CULTURE AND RECREATION ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION WAS A +MOST TIMELY EVENT*, ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICKY LO, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE ASSOCIATION’S FIRST OFFICE BEARERS.
+THE FASTER A PLACE DEVELOPS, THE BUSIER THE LIFE OF RESIDENTS BECOMES. CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ARE THUS VERY NECESSARY TO MAKE LIFE BALANCED AND ENJOYABLE,* HE SAID.
THE ASSOCIATION PLANS TO HOLD A SERIES OF EVENTS AND FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING DRAMA PERFORMANCES, CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY AND PAINTING EXHIBITION AND SPORTS TRAINING COURSES.
/THE ASSOCIATION
SATURDAY, JULY 19, 1980
6
THE ASSOCIATION, INITIATED LAST YEAR BY COMMUNITY LEADERS, IS AIMED AT IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR iHE INLAND’S 40 000 PEOPLE THROUGH CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES. \
A 21-MEMBER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WAS FORMED LAST OCTOBER IN WHICH THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ARE REPRESENTED.
THE FIRST CONCERT ORGANISED BY THE ASSOCIATION AND THE MUSIC OFFICE WAS ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 700 RESIDENTS IN JUNE.
MR LO SAID THE ASSOCIATION WAS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN ISLANDS DISTR ICT WHICH INCLUDED LAMMA, LANTAU AND PENG CHAU.
-----0 -----
ASSOCIATION TO PROMOTE SPORT iN WEST KWAI CHUNG
******
AN ASSOCIATION HAS BEEN FORMED IN WEST KWAI CHUNG TO PROMOTE RECREATION AND SPORT AMONG WORKERS AND RESIDENTS.
THE DISTRICT, COMPRISING TAI WO HAU, KWAI CHUNG AND KWAI SHING PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, A COTTAGE AREA, GOVERNMENT FLATTED FACTORY BUILDINGS AND OTHER PRIVATE BUILDINGS, HAS A POPULATION CF MORE THAN 150 000 PEOPLE.
THE WEST KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE AREA.
IT WAS FORMED WITH SUPPORT OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS PRESIDENT IS MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, KWAI CHUNG.
ITS FIRST FUNCTION, A SPORTS FORTNIGHT, WILL START TOMORROW (SUNDAY) DURING WHICH A SPORTS QUIZ, BASKETBALL MATCHES, A CHILDREN’S GAMES DAY, A TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT AND A WATER CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD.
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD PROVIDED MONEY TO SUBSIDISE THE COSTS AND THE LOCAL RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICE IS ASSISTING.
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/7
SATURDAY, JULY 19, 1980
7
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN CENTRAL DISTRICT
*****
THREE MORE URBAN CLEARWAYS WILL BE DESIGNATED DISTRICT FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (JULY 22).
IN CENTRAL
THEY ARE THE NORTHBOUND GROUND-LEVEL SECTION OF COTTON TREE DRIVE BETWEEN LAMBETH WALK AND HARCOURT ROAD- THE WESTBOUND GROUND-LtVEL SLIP ROAD OF HARCOURT ROAD BETWEEN COTTON TREE DRIVE AND MURRAY ROAD, AND THE SOUTHBOUND SECTION OF MURRAY ROAD BETWEEN HARCOURT ROAD AND LAMBETH WALK.
WITHIN THESE CLEARWAYS VEHICLES NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES wILL OR GOODS FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM
THE CLEARWAYS WILL BE INDICATED BY TRAFFIC SIGNS.
- - 0 ----------
DUMP CLOSED * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THE PUBLIC EARTH DUMP IN AREAS 11 AND 14B, NEAR SIU LEK YUEN IN SHA TIN, WOULD BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FROM MONDAY (JULY 21) TO FACILITATE REPAIR WORK TO SIU LEK YUEN ROAD AND GENERAL IMPROVEMENT TO DRAINAGE IN THE AREA.
DUMPING VEHICLES ARE ADVISED NOT TO ENTER SHA TIN UNTIL REOPENING OF THE DUMP OR OPENING OF AN ALTERNATIVE PUBLIC DUMP.
--------o ---------
SKID TESTS ON MID-LEVELS SLIP RD * * * *
THE ELEVATED SLIP ROAD FROM MAGAZINE GAP ROAD TO GARDEN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 23) FROM 2.30 PM TO 3.15 PM FOR SKID-RESISTANCE TESTS.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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/8
SATURDAY, JULY 19, 1980
8
WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO PREMISES IN MT AUSTIN ROAD AND HOUSE NUMBERS 25 AND 26A TO 26E IN LUGARD ROAD ON THE PEAK WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (JULY 21) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
LEAKAGE TESTS WILL BE CARRIED OUT OVERNIGHT.
FIRING PRACTICE REMINDER * * * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY NEXT WEEK.
PRACTICE STARTS DAILY AT 8 AM AND ENDS AT 10.30 PM EXCEPT ON FRIDAY WHEN IT STOPS AT 5 PM.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING ANY TIME OF PRACTICE.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, JULY 20, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ACTING GOVERNOR OPENS FESTIVAL OF YOUTH aND THE ARTS........ 1
SAFE USE OF ELECTRICAL TOOLS ................................. 1
BUSY TRAFFIC aT LION ROCK TUNNEL.............................. 2
TEN CASES A WEEK HANDLED BY TSUEN WAN
LAW SOCIETY CENTRE ........................................... 3
IMPROVED FACILITIES aT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES .................. 4
TEMPORARY BAZAAR FOR KWAI CHUNG HAWKERS ...................... 4
LECTURES ON CHORAL MUSIC ..................................... 5
PRISONS DEPARTMENT RECRUITING IN TSUEN WmN.................... 5
INTERRUPTION OF SALT ./ATER SUPPLY ........................... 6
WATER CUT
6
SUNDAY, JULY 20, 1980
1
ACTING GOVERNOR OPENS FESTIVAL OF YOUTH AND THE ARTS * * * * *
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR JACK CATER, SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL OF YOUTH AND THE ARTS AT THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE THIS (SUNDAY) EVENING, SAID IT SEEMED ESPECIALLY FITTING IN HONG KONG TO CELEBRATE YOUTH AND THE ARTS TOGETHER.
WE HAVE A LARGE POPULATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE, AND INCREASINGLY SUCCESSFUL EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE TO MAKE THE ARTS AVAILABLE TO ALL, HE SAID.
+IT IS FITTING TOO THAT THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE SHOULD ORGANISE THIS EVENT LINKING YOUTH AND THE ARTS, SINCE THE CENTRE ITSELF IS STILL A YOUNG ORGANISATION AND ITS PROGRAMMES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR OFFER MANY ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE,* HE SAID.
SIR JACK NOTED THE FESTIVAL HAD FOUR MAIN THEMES, EACH OF WHICH WOULD MERIT A FESTIVAL ON ITS OWN: CONTRIBUTION OF YOUNG PEOPLE TO THE ARTS AS CREATORS, CONTRIBUTION OF YOUNG PEOPLE TO THE ARTS AS PERFORMERS, DEPICTION OF YOUTH IN THE ARTS, AND SPECIAL PERFORMANCES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.
HE WAS CERTAIN THAT MANY PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THE YOUNG, WOULD GAIN GREAT ENJOYMENT AND BENEFIT FROM THE FESTIVAL.
------ 0 -----
SAFE USE OF ELECTRICAL TOOLS * * *
EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS WERE URGED TODAY TO TAKE SAFEiY PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING ELECTRICITY.
THE APPEAL FOLLOWS RECENT ACCIDENTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IN WHICH SEVERAL WORKERS WERE ELECTROCUTED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT THE ACCIDENTS WERE DUE TO ONE OR SEVERAL OF THE FOLLOWING REASONS:
*
*
*
*
USE OF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES WITHOUT EFFECTIVE EARTHING
OR OTHER MEANS OF PROTECTION-
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES NOT PROPERLY CONNECTED TO THE MAINS BY MEANS OF PLUGS AND SOCKETS, BUT BY BARE WIRES INSERTED TO THE SOCKET-
USE OF DEFECTIVE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT WITH CURRENT LEAKAGE TO THE METAL CASING- AND
DEFECTIVE INSULATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES.
+IN THE INTEREST OF THE SAFETY OF WORKERS, CONTRACTORS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO TAKE NOTE OF THE CAUSES AND ADOPT THE NECESSARY SAFETY MEASURES TO PREVENT FURTHER ACCIDENTS,* THE SPOKESMAN
STRESSED.
/HE EMPHASISED .....
SUNDAY, JULY 20, 1980
2
nr *E EMPHASISED THAT MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE vARRIcD OUT REGULARLY, INCLUDING TESTING OF INSULATION EARTH CONNECTION, AND THE EFFICIENCY OF THE EQUIPMENT’S FUSE OR CIRCUIT BREAKER.
IN ADDITION, THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH ELECTRICAL ON THFEslFFSH^ESFS??Fr?DmJvPR0VED AND W0RKERS SHOULD BE INSTRUCTED vn 1nc oArt uot Ur cLcuIK lu I I Y•
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT WET WEATHER WAS AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE RECENT ACCIDENTS. IMPORTANT
riP11+ELECTRICAL equipment and wiring tend to become faulty more EASILY IN THE TYPHOON OR RAINY SEASON ESPECIALLY IN THE ROUGH WORKING CONDITIONS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.
♦WET HANDS FROM RAIN OR EXCESSIVE SWEATING IN THE HOT WEATHER ALSO INCREASE THE CHANCES OF ELECTROCUTION,+ HE ADDED.
0 - -
BUSY TRAFFIC AT LION ROCK TUNNEL * * * * *
tijf CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN AND THE GROW INGENUMBER OF PEOPLE BEING HOUSED THERE HAVE GREATLY INCREASED THE TRAFFIC VOLUME AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT IN 1979 A TOTAL OF 9.37 MILLION VEHICLES USED THE TUNNEL, REPRESENTING A 21.78 PER CENT INCREASE OVER 1978.
nF THE TOTAL TRAFFIC VOLUME, 70.8 PER CENT WERE PRIVATE CARS Sr MOTOR-CYCLES, 14.6 PER CENT WERE GOODS VEHICLES WEIGHING TWO TONS OR LESS AND ANOTHER 14.6 PER CENT WERE GOODS VEHICLES AND OMNIBUSES OVER TWO TONS.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT P*ANCHISED BUS JOURNEYS MADE NEW RECORDS IN 1979, WITH A TOTAL OF 274 768 1 UNNEL TRI S.
DURING THE YEAR THE BUS COMPANIES OPERATED FOUR DAILY SERVICES VIA THE TUNNEL. IN ADDITION, 10 RECREATIONAL SERV ICES WERE PROVIDED TO CATER TO THE NEEDS OF RACE-GOERS ATTENDING NEETINGS AT THE SHA TIN RACECOURSE.
HOWEVER THERE WAS A DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES USING THE TUNNEL TO GO TO SHA TIN TO DUMP EARTH UPON COMPLETION OF MTR EXCAVATION WORKS.
TUP HIGRFST NUMBER OF VEHICLES USING THE TUNNEL IN A SINGLE
IN 1979 AT 36 427. WAS RECORDED OH DECEMBER 1, THE SPOKESMAN said! furthermore, the 1978 record of 30 545 was exceeded on no LESS THAN 36 OCCASIONS DURING THE YEAR.
/ON REVENUE
SUNDAY, JULY 20, 1980
3
, 2,N £EVENUE COLLECTION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE THREE TIER TOLL CHARGES OF THE TUNNEL PRODUCED $11.23 MILLION IN 1979 AN INCREASE OF 17.16 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR? ’
* D™n0<?J°!ER* 1979' COLLECTIONS AT THE TOLLS TOPPED $1 MILLION -A RECORD IN THE HISTORY OF THE TUNNEL.
. TI?E SPOKESMAN RECALLED THAT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL OPENED IN 1967 WITH ONLY ONE TUBE. FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF A SECOND TUBE AND RENOVATION OF THE ORIGINAL TUBE, IT BECAME FULLY OPERATIONAL AS A TWIN-TUBE TUNNEL IN OCTOBER, 1978.
TH,S ADDITIONAL FACILITY, THE TUNNEL TRAFFIC INCREASED MORE THAN FOUR TIMES FROM A DAILY AVERAGE OF JUST OVER 5 000 VEHICLES IN 1968 TO 25 689 IN 1979.
-----0------
TEN CASES A WEEK HANDLED BY TSUEN WAN LAW SOCIETY CENTRE
******
THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE CENTRE, SET UP BY THE LAW SOCIETY IN TSUEN WAN ON MAY 20, IS HANDLING AN AVERAGE 10 CASES A WEEK.
THE CENTRE, WHICH IS IN THE TOWN MANAGEMENT OFFICE, HOI PA STREET, IS MANNED EVERY TUESDAY FROM 6.30 - 9.30 PM BY TWO LAWYERS AND SERVES TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG, TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG.
BY THE END OF JUNE, THE CENTRE DEALT WITH 51 CASES, EIGHT OF WHICH WERE REFERRED TO THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT.
THE MOST COMMON CASES HANDLED WERE COMMERCIAL AND PROPERTY DISPUTES AND MATRIMONIAL MATTERS, FOLLOWED BY ESTATE ADMINISTRATION AND COMPENSATION CLAIMS, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
OTHERS WERE CONNECTED WITH LANDLORD AND TENANT DISPUTES, LAND DISPUTES, EMPLOYMENT AFFAIRS AND CRIMINAL CASES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC SEEKING ADVICE UNDER THE SCHEME SHOULD APPROACH THEIR LOCAL DISTRICT OFFICE OR PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE WHERE STAFF WOULD TAKE CASE DETAILS AND ARRANGE APPOINTMENTS WITH THE LAWYERS.
HE SAID APPLICANTS WERE GOING DIRECT TO THE CENTRE WHEN IT FIRST OPENED, AND AS THE LAWYERS’ TIME WAS FULLY BOOKED, THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO SEE APPLICANTS WHO HAD NOT MADE PRIOR APPOINTMENTS.
THE LAW SOCIETY ALSO OPERATES CENTRES IN MONG KOK, WONG TAI SIN, WAN CHAI AND EASTERN DISTRICT.
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A......
SUNDAY, JULY 20, 1980
4
IMPROVED FACILITIES AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES
******
ADDITIONAL FLOORS AND ANNEXES WILL BE BUILT AT THREE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS TO PROVIDE MORE SPACE AND BETTER FACILITIES.
AT MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, THERE WILL BE PLACES FOR AN ADDITIONAL 600 FULL-TIME STUDENTS WHEN THE FORMER VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL BUILDING NEARBY IS REPROVISIONED AND ACQUIRED.
THE CONVERSION WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
A WATERFRONT WORKSHOP WILL BE ADDED TO HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AT CHEUNG SHA WAN IN OCTOBER NEXT YEAR. THIS WILL ENABLE STUDENTS OF THE MARINE AND FABRICATION DEPARTMENT TO LEARN SHIP BUILDING AND REPAIR.
AT LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN KOWLOON TONG, AN ADDITIONAL BLOCK WILL BE BUILT.
ON ITS COMPLETION, THE INSTITUTE WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE IN 830 MORE FULL-TIME STUDENTS AND TO EXTEND EXISTING COURSES, THE NEWEST OF WHICH ARE DESIGN AND INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY.
THE EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE OF THE NEW BLOCK IS SEPTEMBER, 1983.
-----o-------
TEMPORARY BAZAAR FOR KWAI CHUNG HAWKERS
*****
A TEMPORARY BAZAAR WILL BE PROVIDED AT SHEK YAM ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, TO ACCOMMODATE HAWKERS BEFORE A PERMANENT MARKET IS PUT UP.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT THE BAZAAR, TO BE LOCATED BETWEEN SHEK YAM ROAD AND WO Yl HOP ROAD, WOULD HAVE SPACE FOR 10 COOKED FOOD STALLS, 56 MINI STALLS AND A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT.
+WHEN THE HAWKERS HAVE MOVED INTO THIS BAZAAR, THE EXISTING TEMPORARY MARKET WILL BE DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR A PERMANENT FOUR-STOREY ONE.+
AFTER THE PERMANENT MARKET IS COMPLETED, THE TEMPORARY BAZAAR WILL BE DEVELOPED INTO A REST GARDEN.
WORK ON THE PROJECT, TENDERS FOR WHICH ARE BEING INVITED, IS EXPECTED TO START IN SEPTEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT THREE MONTHS.
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/5
SUNDAY, JULY 20, 1980
5
LECTURES ON CHORAL MUSIC * * *
THE KOWLOON WEST SUB-OFFICE OF THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL PRESENT A SERIES OF FOUR LECTURES ON CHORAL MUSIC NEXT MONTH.
THE AIM IS TO INTRODUCE SOME BASIC TECHNIQUES IN CHORAL SINGING, AND THE VARIED REPERTOIRE AND HISTORY OF SUCH MUSIC.
MADAM SUSANNA CHOW, DR WONG WING-HEE AND MR JEN TSE WILL CONDUCT THE LECTURES.
THE FIRST IS ON +CHORAL TECHNIQUES AND TRAINING* AND WILL BE HELD ON AUGUST 1 (FRIDAY). THE SECOND, +WESTERN CHORAL MUSIC*. WILL BE ON AUGUST 8 (FRIDAY). THE TWO OTHERS, ON +CHURCH CHORAL MUSIC* AND +CHINESE CHORAL MUSIC*, WILL BE GIVEN ON AUGUST 20 (WEDNESDAY) AND AUGUST 30 (SATURDAY).
THE LECTURES WILL BE HELD FROM 6 PM TO 7.30 PM IN THE KOWLOON WEST SUB-OFFICE AT 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, 3RD FLOOR.
ADMISSION IS FREE ON APPLICATION. APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL SUB-OFFICES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, AND SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE OFFICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT TELEPHONE 3-819204.
PRISONS DEPARTMENT RECRUITING IN TSUEN WAN *****
THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT WILL SET UP A MOBILE RECRUITMENT CENTRE IN THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TAI HO ROAD, TSUEN WAN TOMORROW (MONDAY) AND ON TUESDAY.
THE DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO JOIN AS ASSISTANT OFFICERS I I.
THERE WILL BE A DISPLAY OF PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING VARIOUS ASPECTS OF PRISON WORK AND ITS STAFF WELFARE FACILITIES.
PRISON OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER QUERIES FROM VISITORS. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE DISPLAY WHICH WILL OPEN DAILY FROM 3 PM TO 10 PM.
SUNDAY, JULY 20, 1980
6
INTERRUPTION OF SALT WATER SUPPLY
*****
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO AREAS IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON TONG WILL BE TURNED OFF ON TUESDAY (JULY 22) FOR ESSENTIAL WORKS.
ON THE ISLAND, SUPPLY WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO ABOUT 5.30 PM ON SECTIONS OF WYNDHAM STREET, WELLINGTON STREET, TAI PING SHAN STREET, FIRST STREET, SECOND STREET, THIRD STREET, HIGH STREET, HILL ROAD, HOLLYWOOD ROAD, CAINE ROAD, CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, QUEEN’S ROAD WEST AND POK FU LAM ROAD.
IN KOWLOON TONG SUPPLY WILL BE OFF FOR NINE HOURS FROM 9 PM ON TUESDAY TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
THE AREA COVERS BEACON HILL ROAD, EASTBOURNE ROAD, RHONDDA ROAD ALNWICK ROAD, WARWICK ROAD, EDE ROAD, BROADCAST DRIVE, FESSENDEN ROAD, MARCONI ROAD, AND THE TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA IN JUNCTION ROAD.
WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WAN CHAI WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (JULY 22) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE PREMISES ARE ON MORRISON HILL ROAD, TIN LOK LANE, 01 KWAN ROAD, QUEEN’S ROAD EAST BETWEEN KENNEDY ROAD AND MORRISON HILL ROAD AND NOS 344-372 HENNESSY ROAD AND 234-240 WAN CHAI ROAD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, JULY 21, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
KEYING II TO BE LAUNCHED...................................... 1
CLEAN UP OF NEW TERRITORIES RIVER.............................2
MONTHLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND ...................................................... 3
YOUNG PEOPLE URGED 'TO START APPRENTICESHIPS .................4
JOBS FOR LABOURERS ............................................4
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WESTERN DISTRICT ...................... 5
NEW POST OFFICE IN KWAI SHING.................................. 5
INOCULATION POST MOVES ........................................ 6
TRAFFIC DIVERSION IN PRINCE EDWaRD ROAD ...................... 6
RE-OPENING OF DUNBAR ROAD ..................................... 6
SALT WATER CUT IN NORTH POINT
7
MONDAY, JULY 21, 1980
KEYING II TO BE LAUNCHED
*****
THE JUNK ’KEYING II’, WHICH HAS BEEN SPECIALLY BUILT FOR THE HONG KONG IN LONDON FESTIVAL, WILL BE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED ON THURSDAY (JULY 24) BY MRS BESSIE WOO, DAUGHTER OF THE JUNK’S DONOR, SIR Y.K. PAO.
THE LAUNCHING WILL BE AT THE SUN TAI SHING SHIPYARD, SHAU KEI *AN, AT 9 AM WITH MEMBERS OF THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY, AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS CONNECTED WITH THE FESTIVAL, PRESENT.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, THE ’KEYING II’ WILL CARRY THE VIPS TO QUEEN’S PIER, CENTRAL.
’KEYING II’ IS MODELLED ON THE HISTORICAL JUNK ’KEYING’, WHICH SAILED FROM HONG KONG TO LONDON, A CENTURY AGO, TO PROMOTE TRADE BETWEEN THE TWO CITIES.
THIS ANCIENT-STYLE JUNK WILL ALSO BE ON A PROMOTIONAL MISSION
SHE WILL BE ANCHORED ON THE RIVER THAMES DURING THE FESTIVAL WEEKEND OF SEPTEMBER 20 AND 21, TO SERVE AS A VIP VIEWPOINT FOR THE PLANNED DRAGON BOAT RACES, A MAJOR EVENT OF THE FESTIVAL.
AFTER THE FESTIVAL, ’KEYING II’ WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM IN LONDON, AND WILL LATER BE GIVEN A PERMANENT HOME AT THE EXETER MARITIME MUSEUM.
NOTE TO EDITORSl
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE JUNK ’KEYING ll» AT 9 AM ON THURSDAY (JULY 24) AT THE SUN TAI SHING SHIPYARD, 34 NAM ON STREET (ALSO NAMED AS SAI HOI PONG STREET), SHAU KEI WAN.
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VAN (AM 3330) WILL DEPART AT 7.50 AM SHARP FROM QUEEN’S PIER, EDINBURGH PLACE, CENTRAL.
PRESS MEMBERS, WHO WISH TO MAKE THEIR OWN TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS, ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT 8.15 AM AT SHAU KEI WAN POST OFFICE, AT THE JUNCTION OF SHAU KEI WAN ROAD AND NAM ON LANE. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, THE MEDIA WILL BE WELCOME TO BOARD MARINE LAUNCH NO 50, TO ACCOMPANY THE ’KEYING II’ AS IT SAILS TO QUEEN’S PIER, CENTRAL.
MONDAY, JULY 21, 1980
2
CLEAN UP OF NEW TERRITORIES RIVER
*****
THE HUNG SHU I KIU RIVER IN THE NEW TERRITORIES -- POLLUTED wITH FARM WASTE — IS TO UNDERGO A 51 MILLION CLEAN UP.
THE 4.7 KILOMETRE LONG RIVER, WHICH FLOWS THROUGH YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN DISTRICTS, IS HAVING REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS BUILT ALONG ITS BANKS.
FARMERS WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO USE THESE wASTE INSTEAD OF THROWING IT INTO THE RIVER.
POINTS TO DISPOSE OF
THE WASTE WILL BE COLLECTED BY STAFF OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR PROPER DISPOSAL.
THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD AT TUEN MUN RECENTLY AGREED TO FINANCE CONSTRUCTION OF FIVE REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS NEAR CHUNG UK TSUEN AND TAN KWAI TSUEN VILLAGES.
WORK WILL START SOON AND TAKE ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
RECENTLY REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS WERE BUILT FURTHER UP THE RIVER TOWARDS YUEN LONG TO SERVICE 200 FARMS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR TUEN MUN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD SAID FARM ' WASTE WAS THE RIVER’S MAIN POLLUTANT.
+WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT THIS PROJECT WILL GO A LONG WAY TO SOLVING THE PROBLEM AND WE ARE APPEALING TO LOCAL FARMERS TO COOPERATE,* HE SAID.
+AS THE REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS ARE CONVENIENTLY LOCATED THERE WILL NO LONGER BE ANY EXCUSE FOR THROWING WASTE INTO THE RIVER,* HE ADDED.
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MONDAY, JULY 21, 1980
5
MONTHLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) RELEASED ORDERS-ON-HAND STATISTICS AS FOLLOWS:
ORDERS-ON-HAND
IN TERMS OF MONTHS
INDUSTRY GROUP APRIL 1980 MAY 1980
WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR 5.4 5.2
TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL 2.7 2.6
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 4.5 4.5
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, EXCEPT
MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT 4.3 4.4
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC
MACHINERY, APPARATUS,
APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES 5.0 4.9
OTHERS 4.0 4.3
ALL MANUFACTURING 4.5 4.5
THE STATISTICS ARE BASED ON AN UPDATED AND ENLARGED PANEL OF THE 2OO LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SELECTED BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZE IN SEPTEMBER 1979.
AS THE PANEL IS NOT A SCIENTIFICALLY DESIGNED SAMPLE, RESULTS OBTAINED WILL BE REPRESENTATIVE ONLY OF THE COMPANIES INCLUDED, BUT IT IS HOPED THAT THEY WILL GENERALLY INDICATE THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE.
THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED MONTHLY, INCLUDES DATA ON EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL AND ALSO COVERS THE CONSTRUCTION AND SELECTED SERVICES SECTORS.
THE REPORT FOR MAY 1980 IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AT $1 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON THE RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, TEL. NO. 5-274203.
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/4
MONDAY, JULY 21, 1980
4
YOUNG PEOPLE URGED TO START APPRENTICESHIPS * * *
APPRENTICE TRAINING IS PLAYING AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN MEETING THE DEMAND FOR SKILLED MANPOWER IN THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR J.N. HENDERSON, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) WHILE VISITING NAM HWA TEXTILES LTD IN KWUN TONG.
HE SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED WITH THE FACTORY’S APPRENTICE TRAINING SCHEME WHICH WAS STARTED IN 1977 WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S TRAINING COUNCIL DIVISION.
NOTING THAT MANY TEXTILE FACTORIES SUCCESSFUL APPRENTICE TRAINING SCHEMES, PEOPLE TO JOIN INDUSTRY AS APPRENTICES, COMPLETING TRAINING STOOD A GOOD CHANCE FRUITFUL CAREER.
WERE ALREADY OPERATING MR HENDERSON URGED YOUNG
AND SAID THAT THOSE
OF PROMOTION AND A MORE
DU*JHE VI^IT, MR HENDERSON, ACCOMPANIED BY THE FACTORY’S D'RECT0R» MR ALBERT CHANG, AND THE ACTING ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR (INDUSTRIAL TRAINING), MR T.Y. CHUI, SAW THt FACTORY’S PRODUCTION PLANT AND PROCESSES.
-----0 - -
JOBS FOR LABOURERS * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSTS OF LABOURER IN THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THE POSTS WERE OPEN TO MEN AND WOMEN OF GOOD PHYSIQUE.
THE POST INCLUDES PERFORMING ALL TYPES OF MANUAL WORK, SUCH AS STREET SWEEPING AND WASHING, GULLY CLEANING AND DIGGING.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS MAY BE POSTED TO THE GENERAL DUTIES TEAM AND OTHER JOBS IN THE DEPARTMENT.
THEY WOULD HAVE TO WEAR A UNIFORM AND MAY HAVE TO PERFORM SHIFT DUTIES.
FREE BARRACK QUARTERS MAY BE PROVIDED FOR SINGLE MALE OFFICERS.
THE POST STARTS WITH AT $1 175 A MONTH, RISING TO SI 250, IN ADDITION TO OVERTIME PAY AND OBNOXIOUS DUTIES ALLOWANCES.
APPLICANTS SHOULD CALL AT ANY OF THE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE, WITH THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON TELEPHONES 5-683764, 3-666615 AND 5-273515.
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/5
MONDAY, JULY 21, 1980
5
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WESTERN DISTRICT
******
TRAFFIC IN WESTERN DISTRICT WILL RETURN TO NORMAL FROM 13 AM ON THURSDAY (JULY 24) AFTER THE COMPLETION OF CABLE LAYING WORKS IN POK FU LAM ROAD.
FROM THEN, POK FU LAM ROAD BETWEEN BONHAM ROAD AND QUEEN’S ROAD WEST WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY.
WATER STREET BETWEEN THIRD STREET AND QUEEN’S ROAD WEST WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.
THE TRAFFIC LANE ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF WATER STREET BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD WEST AND QUEEN’S ROAD WEST WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.
THIRD STREET BETWEEN POK FU LAM ROAD AND WATER STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND.
BUSES ON ROUTE NOS 3A, 4, 7, 37, 44, 70M, 71 AND 71A WILL RESUME THE FORMER ROUTING TO QUEEN’S ROAD WEST VIA POK FU LAM ROAD NORTHBOUND.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
NEW POST OFFICE IN KWAI SHING * * *
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR A.C. HEATHCOTE, AND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER AND TOWN MANAGER, DR J.W. HAYES, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF A NEW POST OFFICE IN KWAI SHING ON THURSDAY (JULY 24).
THE POST OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF BLOCK 7, KWAI SHING WEST ESTATE, TSUEN WAN, WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 2.15 PM AFTER THE CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR A.C. HEATHCOTE, AND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER AND TOWN MANAGER DR J.W. HAYES, WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN THE NEW KWAI SHING POST OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF BLOCK 7, KWAI SHING WEST ESTATE, TSUEN WAN, ON THURSDAY (JULY 24) AT 11 AM. YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT.
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MONDAY, JULY 21, 1980
6
INOCULATION POST MOVES
******
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THE WAN CHAI INOCULATION POST, WHICH PROVIDES IMMUNISATIONS TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC, WILL MOVE FROM ITS QUEEN’S ROAD EAST OFFICE TO 01 KWAN COURT ON THURSDAY (JULY 24).
FROM JULY 25, THE POST WILL BE OPERATING FROM THE GROUND FLOOR OF 01 KWAN COURT, 28 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI.
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TRAFFIC DIVERSION IN PRINCE EDWARD ROAD * * *
THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED THAT FROM 10 AM ON JULY 23, WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON PRINCE EDWARD ROAD BETWEEN TUNG CHOI STREET AND PORTLAND STREET WILL BE DIVERTED FROM THE SOUTH SIDE CARRIAGEWAY TO THE NORTH SIDE CARRIAGEWAY TO FACILITATE MTR CONSTRUCTION WORKS.
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RE-OPENING OF DUNBAR ROAD
*****
ALL LEARNER DRIVER VEHICLES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING DUNBAR ROAD, KOWLOON, WHEN IT RE-OPENS ONE-WAY EASTBOUND TO TRAFFIC AT 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 25).
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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MONDAY, JULY 21, 1983
7
SALT WATER CUT IN NORTH POINT * * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME AREAS IN NORTH POINT WILL BE TURNED CPF FOR 24 HOURS FROM 9 AM ON THURSDAY (JULY 24) TO 9 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT ON THE SUPPLY SYSTEM IN THE AREA.
THE AREAS TO BE AFFECTED WILL BE ELECTRIC ROAD BETWEEN LAU SIN STREET AND NORTH POINT ROAD, JAVA ROAD BETWEEN NORTH POINT ROAD AND TIN CHIU STREET, KING’S ROAD BETWEEN LAU SIN STREET AND MANSION STREET, TSAT TSE MUI ROAD BETWEEN TIN CHIU STREET AND BRAEMAR TERRACE, FORT STREET, KIN WAH STREET, CHING WAH STREET, CHEUNG HCNG STREET, MING YUEN STREET WEST, FORTRESS HILL ROAD, TANNER ROAD, COMFORT TERRACE, HEALTHY VILLAGE AND KAI YUEN TERRACE.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO
MORE TIME FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON PUBLIC ORDER BILL... 1
PEOPLE PROSECUTED FOR DROPPING OBJECTS .................. 3
COMMODITIES BILL mIRED................................... 4
ONE EXCHANGE BETTER THAN FOUR............................ 5
FINANCIAL aSSISThNCE TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ...............6
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY OFFENCES BEING ANALYSED ............... 8
198O*S DEMAND DIFFERENT TYPE OF SOCIAL WORKERS .......... 9
PERMANENT HOUSING FOR ELDERLY ....................... 10
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT LAUDABLE ...................... 10
HERBALISTS PROHIBITED FROM ADVERTISING SOME CURES ...... 11
NEW SCALE ON BEER DUTY ................................ 11
/MODIFIED SCHEME .....
4
MODIFIED SCHEME FOR TSUEN WaN RECREATION PaRK SUBMITTED TO GOVERNMENT ........................................ 12
ANY CARRIER TO AND FROM LONDON.................................. 1}
COMPUTERISED TELEPHONE CHaRGES . tt. ~.......................... 13
SIX BILLS. PASSED...................4........................... 13
HONG KONG’S BEST JQ TOUR. ISRaEL AND CYPRUS ................... l4
CAREERS EDUCATION ESSENTIAL. WITH. CHiiNGING-PATTERNS .......... 15
WELSH YOUTHS VISIT. SONG. KONG.......... *...................... 15
AUCTION OF SPECIAL .CAR NUMBERS ................................ 16
PRISONS DISPLAY IN TSJJEN WAN EXTENDED ......................... 17
TRAFFIC aRRaNGEMENTS. IN WONG CHUK HANG ROAD................... 17
WATER CUT IN.SHa.TIN.
17
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 1980
1
MORE TIME FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON PUBLIC ORDER BILL * * * * N * *
DEBATE ON THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980 WAS ADJOURNED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SO THAT UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS AND OTHERS MAY HAVE AMPLE TIME — BETWEEN NOW AND OCTOBER — TO STUDY THE BILL IN DETAIL.
IN MOVING THE SECOND READING, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JOHN GRIFFITHS, SAID HE LOOKED FORWARD TO HEARING THEIR VIEWS AND TO RECEIVING THE OPINIONS OF THE PUBLIC ON IT.
HE SAID THAT AT FIRST SIGHT, THE AMENDMENT OF THE EXISTING LEGISLATION PROBABLY APPEARED TO MANY TO BE A COMPARATIVELY SIMPLE TASK.
♦IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT IN HONG KONG, AS IN EVERY OTHER FREE COMMUNITY WHERE THE RULE OF LAW PREVAILS, CITIZENS MUST BE ALLOWED TO EXERCISE THE RIGHT TO EXPRESS PUBLICLY THEIR VIEWS ON MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST, AND INDEED OF PUBLIC CONTROVERSY,♦ HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THEY MUST BE ABLE TOO TO ASSOCIATE FREELY TO DISCUSS SUCH THINGS.
IN A FREE SOCIETY, MR GRIFFITHS SAID. THAT RIGHT CARRIED WITH IT THE CORRESPONDING RESPONSIBILITY TO DO SO WITHOUT TRESPASSING ON THE EQUAL RIGHT OF ONE’S NEIGHBOUR NOT TO BE INCONVENIENCED (STILL LESS TO HAVE HIS LIFE DISRUPTED) BY THE UNRULY EXPRESSION OF THOSE VIEWS.
THE WHOLE CONCEPT OF THE RULE OF LAW ENVISAGED THE ORDERLY RESOLUTION OF COMPETING RIGHTS BETWEEN CITIZENS, HE SAID.
HONG KONG, MR GRIFFITHS SAID, IS A CROWDED, BUSTLING PLACE WITH MANY OF ITS CITIZENS MORE CONCERNED WITH BEING ABLE TO GO ABOUT THEIR OWN BUSINESS IN PEACE AND QUIET, THAN THEY ARE WITH HAVING THE TROUBLES AND PROBLEMS OF OTHERS DRAWN, PERHAPS FORCIBLY, TO THEIR ATTENTION.
♦GOVERNMENT, IN CONSIDERING THE QUESTION OF PUBLIC ORDER, HAS TO BEAR THAT IN MIND,* HE SAID, ADDING 1 *IT HAS TO BE REMEMBERED TOO THAT IN ALL SOCIETIES AND IN ALL PLACES, IT HAPPENS SOMETIMES THAT THOSE WHO HOLD STRONG AND CONTROVERSIAL VIEWS MAY THROUGH MISGUIDED ENTHUSIASM, OR EVEN MALICE, ATTEMPT TO INSIST UPON THEIR EXPRESSION IN PLACES AND AT TIMES WHEN TO DO SO MAY RISK OR EVEN BE DESIGNED TO CAUSE, UNREST.*
MR GRIFFITHS CONTINUED « *IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SUBJECT, AND THE DIFFICULTY OF KNOWING EXACTLY WHERE IT WAS MOST WISE TO DRAW THE LINE, THAT THE WORKING GROUP, THOUGH MEETING FREQUENTLY, TOOK SO MANY MONTHS TO GIVE BIRTH TO THIS BILL.*
/IN EIS .....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 1980
2
IN HIS OPINION, THE BILL REPRESENTED A FAIR BALANCE BETWEEN COMPETING INTERESTS. BUT BECAUSE THE BILL DEALS WITH THE LIBERTIES OF PEOPLE, HE SAID IT HAD BEEN DECIDED TO HAVE A LENGTHY PERIOD OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON ITS PROPOSALS.
THE MAIN CHANGE THE BILL PROPOSES RELATES TO PUBLIC MEETINGS.
UNDER THE PRESENT LAW ALMOST EVERY PUBLIC MEETING, WHATEVER ITS PURPOSE, REQUIRES TO BE LICENSED BY THE POLICE. UNDER THE PROPOSED LAW THE LICENSING SYSTEM IS REPLACED BY A SIMPLER REQUIREMENT THAT THE POLICE MUST BE NOTIFIED OF THE INTENTION TO HOLD A PUBLIC MEETING, AT WHICH MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST ARE TO BE DISCUSSED, SEVEN WORKING DAYS IN ADVANCE.
F0R SOCIAL, RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL, EDUCATIONAL, RELIGIOUS OR CHARITABLE PURPOSES WILL NOT REQUIRE ANY NOTIFICATION" NOR WILL MEETINGS, EVEN THOUGH TO DISCUSS MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST, WHERE THE ATTENDANCE IS LESS THAN 20 PEOPLE IN A PUBLIC PLACE, NOR MEETINGS IN PRIVATE PREMISES WHERE LESS THAN 200 PEOPLE ARE ABLE, OR EXPECTED, TO ATTEND.
MR GRIFFITHS SAID THE BILL DOES NOT AFFECT THE EXISTING POWERS OF THE POLICE TO TAKE PREVENTIVE ACTION *0N THE SPOT* IF ANY PUBLIC MEETING BECOMES (OR IS LIKELY TO BECOME) UNRULY.
♦■COMMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE ALREADY UPON THE DEFINITION OF NESTING, AND IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT IT IS DIFFICULT TO KNOW WHAT IS OR IS NOT A ‘MATTER OF PUBLIC INTEREST’,* HE POINTED OUT.
HE SAID HE INTENDED IN COMMITTEE TO MOVE AN AMENDMENT TO CHANGE THAT SLIGHTLY SO THAT THE BILL WILL PROVIDE 1
♦MEETING MEANS ANY GATHERING OR ASSEMBLY OF PERSONS CONVENED OR ORGANISED FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE DISCUSSION OF ISSUES OR MATTERS OF INTEREST OR CONCERN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC OR A SECTION THEREOF, OR FOR THE EXPRESSION OF VIEWS ON SUCH ISSUES OR MATTERS, AND INCLUDES .......♦
MR GRIFFITHS STRESSED THAT THE OBJECT OF THE BILL IS NOT TO FRUSTRATE PUBLIC DISCUSSION BUT ONLY TO ENSURE THAT SUCH PUBLIC EXPRESSION CAN TAKE PLACE CONVENIENTLY AND WITHOUT THE DISRUPTION OF THE LIVES OF OTHERS.
HE SUGGESTED THAT WHERE ANYONE WAS IN DOUBT WHETHER OR NOT A MATTER FELL WITHIN THE DEFINITION, OR WAS OUTSIDE IT BECAUSE, FOR INSTANCE, IT WAS EXCLUSIVELY FOR SOCIAL OR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES, THEN THE RESPONSIBLE COURSE WOULD BE TO PLAY SAFE AND NOTIFY THE POLICE OF THE MEETING.
♦I HAVE NO DOUBT SUCH MEETINGS WOULD NOT BE BANNED,♦ HE SAID.
MR GRIFFITHS NOTED THAT UNDER THE PRESENT ORDINANCE, IN 1977 OF 59 APPLICATIONS FOR MEETINGS ONLY TWO WERE REFUSED. AND IN 1979, OUT OF 30 ONLY ONE.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 1980
3
PEOPLE PROSECUTED FOR DROPPING OBJECTS ft****
POLICE ARE TAKING ACTION TO PROSECUTE PEOPLE FOUND RESPONSIBLE FOR DROPPING OBJECTS OR ALLOWING THEM TO FALL.
REPLYING TO QUESTIONS FROM THE HON WONG LAM AT TODAY’S (WEDNESDAY) LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON LEWIS DAVIES, SAID THAT 198 PEOPLE WERE PROSECUTED IN 540 REPORTED INCIDENTS IN THE 12 MONTHS ENDED ON JUNE 30.
THE INCIDENTS CAUSED FIVE DEATHS AND INJURIES TO 288 PEOPLE.
MR DAVIES POINTED OUT THAT INVESTIGATION OF INCIDENTS INVOLVING OBJECTS FALLING FROM HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS WAS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT BECAUSE IT MIGHT INVOLVE A LARGE NUMBER CF FLATS AND PEOPLE.
SUCH INVESTIGATIONS WERE ^EXTREMELY TIME-CONSUMING AND NOT ALWAYS SUCCESSFUL*.
HE SAID THE POLICE ATTEMPTED TO IDENTIFY THE CULPRITS BY INVITING WITNESSES TO COME FORWARD WITH INFORMATION, BY EXAMINING THE OBJECTS FOR FINGERPRINTS AND OTHER CLUES, BY CONDUCTING DOOR-TO-DOOR ENQUIRIES AND BY MAINTAINING SURVEILLANCE ON PARTICULAR BUILDINGS WHERE REPEATED INCIDENTS OCCURRED.
HE TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT EXTENSIVE PUBLICITY EFFORTS WERE MADE TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC AGAINST THE IRRESPONSIBLE PRACTICE THROUGH THE MEDIA, CO-OPERATION WITH DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS AND VISITS TO HOUSING ESTATES.
♦THE RECENT DEPLORABLE INCIDENTS WHICH OCCURRED IN SHAU KEI WAN.* MR DAVIES SAID, +HAVE, VERY RIGHTLY, GENERATED A GREAT DEAL OF PUBLIC CONCERN AND INDIGNATION.*
HE HOPED THE RECENT INCIDENTS HAD BROUGHT HOME TO THE COMMUNITY THE NEED FOR MUCH GREATER CARE AND CONSIDERATION FOR OTHERS IN THIS REGARD.
UNDER THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE, ANY PERSON WHO DROPS AN OBJECT OR ALLOWS IT TO FALL FROM A BUILDING, COMMITS AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF $10 000 AND SIX-MONTHS IMPRISONMENT, AND WHERE SUCH AN ACT RESULTS IN A PERSON BEING KILLED, THE CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER IS PUNISHABLE BY LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
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A
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 1980
COMMODITIES BILL AIRED ft ft ft ft
A BILL DESIGNED TO REGULATE GOLD DEALINGS BY ’FRINGE’ OPERATORS, AND TO CLARIFY CERTAIN OFFENCES UNDER THE COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCE IN ORDER TO FACILITATE EFFECTIVE PROSECUTION WAS INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN MOVING THE COMMODITIES TRADING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON SAID THAT WITH MANY DRAMATIC MOVEMENTS IN THE PRICE OF GOLD IN THE PAST YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT IGNORE THE EMERGENCE OF SO-CALLED ’FRINGE’ GOLD OPERATORS WHOSE METHODS OF DEALING REPRESENT THE SORT OF DANGER TO THE INVESTING PUBLIC AND EVEN TO HONG KONG’S REPUTATION AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE.
HE NOTED THAT DURING THE PAST SIX MONTHS, THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR COMMODITIES TRADING HAD RECEIVED MANY COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC WHO HAD BEEN CUSTOMERS AND POTENTIAL SUFFERERS OF THESE ’FRINGE’ OPERATORS.
♦ONE CAN ARGUE THAT THOSE WHO ARE TAKEN IN BY FAST TALKING IN THE CONTEXT OF GOLD, WHICH THEY ARE NEVER EVER GOING TO SEE, DESERVE ALL THEY GET.
♦PERSONALLY I HAVE SOME SYMPATHY WITH THIS ARGUMENT, BUT I HAVE BEEN PERSUADED THAT WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FALLS WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF LEGISLATING TO HELP INVESTORS IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE THEY CANNOT BE EXPECTED TO HELP THEMSELVES.
♦I AM ALSO PERSUADED THAT THIS SORT OF ACTIVITY IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICIES ON TRADING IN COMMODITY FUTURES GENERALLY,♦ MR JEAFFRESON ADDED.
HE SAID THAT BECAUSE OF DEFECTS IN THE COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCE, THE ’FRINGE’ GOLD DEALERS DO NOT HAVE TO REGISTER AS DEALERS IN COMMODITIES FUTURES AND SO THEY ARE NOT SUBJECT TO REGULATION.
♦IN ORDER TO BRING THEM UNDER PROPER AND EFFECTIVE CONTROL, WE MUST FIRST TIGHTEN THE PROVISIONS IN THE COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCE SO THAT THEY HAVE TO BE REGISTERED.+
HE SAID THAT REGISTRATION WILL NOT BE AUTOMATIC AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR COMMODITIES TRADING SHALL REFUSE TO REGISTER AN APPLICANT AS A DEALER UNLESS THE APPLICANT FULFILS A NUMBER CF CONDITIONS, INCLUDING :
ft HE MUST BE A SHAREHOLDER OF AN EXCHANGE COMPANY (EITHER THE HONG KONG COMMODITY EXCHANGE OR ANY OF THE RECOGNISED OVERSEAS EXCHANGES SPECIFIED IN THE ORDINANCE),
* HE HAS PAID A DEPOSIT OF S100 000 IN CASH.
/H0W2VSR.......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 1980
5
HOWEVER, HE ADDED THAT MEMBERS OF THE CHINESE GOLD AND SILVER EXCHANGE SOCIETY WHO TRADE ON THE SOCIETY AS MEMBERS OF IT, WILL CONTINUE TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE NEED TO REGISTER.
THOSE WHO CONTINUE TRADING UNREGISTERED WILL FACE PROSECUTION AS UNREGISTERED DEALERS, THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR WHICH IS A FINE OF $50 □□□,♦ MR JEAFFRESON WARNED.
TURNING TO THE CONTROL OF TRADING PRACTICES, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT IT WOULD BE DONE BY PROPOSING PROVISIONS SIMILAR TO THOSE IN THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE TO ENSURE THAT DEALERS MUST MAKE AVAILABLE TO CUSTOMERS PROPER CONTRACT NOTES AND PARTICULARS OF EVERY TRANSACTION, AND THE HAWKING OF FUTURES CONTRACTS GENERALLY MUST BE PROHIBITED.
A CONTRAVENTION OF THE LIABLE TO A FINE OF $10 000 HE SAID.
REQUIREMENTS WOULD MAKE A PERSON AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT,
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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ONE EXCHANGE BETTER THAN FOUR * * * *
THE GROWTH OF LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG AS A SECURITIES AND FINANCIAL MARKET HAS BEEN HAMPERED BY THE PRESENCE^ CF FOUR STOCK EXCHANGES, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON D.G. JEAFFRESON STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE STOCK EXCHANGES UNIFICATION BILL 1980.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THERE WERE THREE PARTICULARLY UNSATISFACTORY FEATURES IN HAVING FOUR EXCHANGES — THE FACT THAT THEY COMPETE TO ATTRACT ADDITIONAL COMPANIES WHICH TENDED TO LEAD THEM TO ADOPT A FLEXIBLE INTERPRETATION OF THEIR OWN LISTING RULES- THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD GREATER DIFFICULTY IN REGULATING THE CONDUCT OF MEMBERS OF THE FOUR EXCHANGES THAN IT WOULD IF THERE WERE ONLY ONE EXCHANGE, AND ThaT EXCHANGE COULD BE RUN MORE EFFICIENTLY AND ECONOMICALLY THAN FOUR EXCHANGES.
♦ OBVIOUSLY,* MR JEAFFRESON SAID, +THE ANSWER .LIES IN UNIFICATION.
♦ AS WELL AS RECTIFYING THE THREE UNSATISFACTORY FEATURES TO WHICH I HAVE JUST DRAWN ATTENTION, ONE MARKET WOULD BE LESS ERRATIC THAN FOUR, IN THAT BROKERS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO INDULGE IN ARBITRAGE BETWEEN EXCHANGES,* HE POINTED OUT.
♦ IT WOULD ALSO PROVIDE A BETTER SERVICE IN THAT IT WOULD HAVE GREATER LIQUIDITY.
♦ AND WE THINK OVERSEAS INVESTORS, IN PARTICULAR, WILL FIND ONE EXCHANGE A GREATER ATTRACTION THAN THEY DO FOUR,* HE ADDED.
/MR JEAFFRESON ..
WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 1980
6
MR JEAFFRESON EXPLAINED THAT THE PROPOSED BILL PROVIDES FOR A SINGLE UNIFIED EXCHANGE AND WAS THE RESULT OF DETAILED INVESTIGATION AND DISCUSSION BY THE WORKING PARTY ON UNIFICATION OF THE FOUR EXCHANGES ESTABLISHED IN MAY 1977 ’
COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES
UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE
MR JEAFFRESON ADDED THAT THE THE SECURITIES COMMISSION AND THE QUESTIONNAIRES WHICH WERE SENT TO EXCHANGES.
BILL ALSO REFLECTED THE ADVICE OF VIEWS EXPRESSED IN RESPONSE TO TWO ALL MEMBERS OF THE EXISTING
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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES * M M * * *
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS GIVEN TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO MEET BOTH RECURRENT AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE OF APPROVED PROJECTS, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE. THE HON THOMAS LEE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LYDIA DUNN, MR LEE EXPLAINED THAT RECURRENT GRANTS FROM SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTIONS WERE NORMALLY ALLOCATED BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF EACH FINANCIAL YEAR AND THAT UNDER PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS, ONE-FOURTH OF THE APPROVED ALLOCATION FOR SERVICES IN EXISTENCE WAS AUTOMATICALLY PAID TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH QUARTER.
RELEASE OF THE APPROVED SUBVENTION, HE SAID, WAS SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION BY THE AGENCIES CONCERNED THAT THE CONDITIONS CF THE GRANT HAVE BEEN FULFILLED.
♦WITH EFFECT FROM THE BEGINNING OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, STANDARDISED PRO-FORMAS HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO ASSIST THEM IN REPORTING ON THE EXTENT THAT CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN MET,+ HE SAID.
MR LEE ALSO EXPLAINED THAT RECURRENT GRANTS FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND MAY BE APPROVED FOR EXPERIMENTAL PROJECTS AND THAT THE GRANT FOR THE FIRST QUARTER’S OPERATION COULD ALSO BE RELEASED AUTOMATICALLY.
♦HOWEVER, IN THE PAST, THE RELEASE OF THE GRANT FOR THE SUBSEQUENT QUARTERS WAS WITHHELD UNTIL THE AGENCY HAD PROVIDED A STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE IMMEDIATE PRECEDING QUARTER,* HE SAID.
4'5* WAS necessary to ensure that any overpayment IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER MIGHT BE ADJUSTED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
HE SAID THIS ARRANGEMENT WAS NOT ENTIRELY SATISFACTORY AS IT RESULTED IN DELAYS IN THE RELEASE OF FUNDS BECAUSE THE PREPARATION OF THE STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS BY THE AGENCY, THE EXAMINATION OF THE STATEMENT BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE PROCESSING CF PAYMENT THROUGH THE TREASURY ALL TOOK TIME.
/♦UNDER THIS .....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2J, 1980
7
♦UNDER THIS ARRANGEMENT, A SMALL AGENCY WHICH DEPENDS HEAVILY ON THE LOTTERIES FUND FOR RECURRENT EXPENSES WOULD HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN MEETING ITS BILLS,+ HE NOTED.
PROCEDURES WERE RECENTLY CHANGED TO OVERCOME THIS PROBLEM — THE GRANT OF EACH QUARTER IS NOW PAID TO AN AGENCY AT THE BEGINNING OF THAT QUARTER WITHOUT WAITING FOR THE AGENCY’S STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT AND ANY OVERPAYMENT WILL BE ADJUSTED AGAINST THE STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT IN THE NEXT BUT ONE QUARTER.
♦IT IS HOPED THAT THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT WILL ENABLE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO HAVE SUFFICIENT FUNDS IN HAND TO DEFRAY RECOGNISED EXPENDITURE IN RESPECT OF THEIR EXPERIMENTAL PROJECTS,+ HE SAID.
THE FUND, MR LEE SAID, IS THE MAIN FINANCIAL SOURCE OF ASSISTANCE FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS OF A SOCIAL WELFARE NATURE.
HE SAID THAT WHEN A CAPITAL GRANT WAS APPROVED, THE VOLUNTARY AGENCY WOULD BE NOTIFIED AND AT THE SAME TIME ASKED TO CALL FOR TENDERS.
FOR BUILDING WORKS, HE SAID IT WAS ADVISABLE FOR THE AGENCY TO FORWARD THE SPECIFICATIONS AND TENDER DOCUMENTS FOR CLEARANCE WITH THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT BEFORE TENDERS WERE INVITED.
FOR FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT, THE VOLUNTARY AGENCY SHOULD FORWARD A LIST OF REQUIREMENTS FOR APPROVAL BEFORE CALLING FOR TENDERS.
♦RELEASES FROM THE APPROVED GRANT WHILE BUILDING WORK IS IN PROGRESS OR FOR FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED WILL BE IN THE FORM OF REIMBURSEMENTS, I.E. AGAINST RECEIPTED.BILLS, OR ADVANCE PAYMENTS AGAINST ARCHITECT’S CERTIFICATES OR SUPPLIERS’ INVOICES,+ MR LEE SAID.
HE ADDEDi +INTERIM PAYMENTS FOR BUILDING WORKS ARE NORMALLY PAID WITHIN THREE WEEKS AND FINAL PAYMENTS CAN BE MADE IN SIX WEEKS IF ALL THE NECESSARY INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE FINAL ACCOUNT.+
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 1980 8 -
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY OFFENCES BEING ANALYSED * * * * *
OFFENCES UNDER INDUSTRIAL SAFETY REGULATIONS ARE BEING ANALYSED AND GRADED ACCORDING TO THEIR SERIOUSNESS, AND OFFENDERS WILL BE PENALISED ACCORDINGLY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON J.N. HENDERSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1980.
THE BILL PROPOSES TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR BREACHES OF THE REGULATIONS FROM $10 000 TO $50 000. HOWEVER, NOT ALL OFFENCES WILL CARRY THE NEW MAXIMUM.
MR HENDERSON EXPLAINED, +1 SHOULD MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THIS IS AN ENABLING AMENDMENT AND DOES NOT OF ITSELF CHANGE THE PRESENT MAXIMA FOR THE VARIOUS REGULATIONS, NOR DOES IT MEAN THAT ALL PENALTIES WILL BE RAISED TO THIS LEVEL BUT ONLY THOSE FOR THE MOST SERIOUS BREACHES.
+1 SHALL BE AMENDING MOST OF THE PENALTIES IN THESE REGULATIONS IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS AND THIS WILL ENABLE THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE TO ANALYSE AND GRADE THE OFFENCES WITH APPROPRIATE MAXIMUM PENALTIES DEPENDING ON THE SERIOUSNESS OF A BREACH OF EACH PARTICULAR REGULATION.♦
HE CONTINUEDi +THE EXISTING MAXIMUM LIMIT OF $10 000 WAS FIXED IN 1973. IT IS NOT ONLY OUT-OF-DATE DUE TO INFLATION BUT, MORE IMPORTANTLY, IS CLEARLY INSUFFICIENT AS A DETERRENT.
+AS A RESULT, IN A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF RECENT COURT CASES, MAGISTRATES HAVE IMPOSED THE MAXIMUM POSSIBLE PENALTY.+
+WHEN THIS AMENDMENT IS ENACTED I WILL TAKE ACTION TO INCREASE THE PENALTIES PRESCRIBED IN THE VARIOUS SETS OF SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE MORE REALISTIC AND PROVIDE A SUFFICIENT DETERRENT.*
MR HENDERSON ADDED THAT AT PRESENT THE ORDINANCE PRESCRIBED A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10 000 FOR CONTRAVENTION OF A MAGISTRATE’S ORDER TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF DANGEROUS MACHINERY AND PLANT IN AN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING.
THE BILL PROPOSES TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PENALTY TO $50 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 1980
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1980’S DEMAND DIFFERENT TYPE OF SOCIAL WORKERS *****
THE 1980’S, WITH ITS FAST DEVELOPING TECHNOLOGY AND CHANGING SOCIAL NORMS AND VALUES, WILL DEMAND SOCIAL WORKERS OF A DIFFERENT TYPE FROM THE 6O'S AND 70’S.
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR THOMAS LEE, SAID THIS TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY) WHEN HE DECLARED OPEN THE 20TH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF SCHOOLS OF SOCIAL WORK AT THE CITY HALL.
MR LEE SAID THE PRESENT GENERATION OF YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WERE ARTICULATE, BETTER EDUCATED, WELL-MOTIVATED AND EAGER TO SERVE THEIR COMMUNITY.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, IT REQUIRES URGENT ATTENTION AS TO HOW BEST TO HARNESS AND CHANNEL THEIR ENERGIES AND POTENTIALS DURING THEIR PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN BECOMING SOCIAL WORKERS WHO ARE NOT ONLY JUST WELL-VERSED IN THEORIES BUT ALSO ABLE TO RESPOND TO REAL LIFE SITUATIONS IN A CONSTRUCTIVE AND RESPONSIBLE MANNER.
♦ THESE ISSUES REQUIRE URGENT ATTENTION FROM OUR EDUCATIONALIST WHOSE TASK IT IS TO EDUCATE OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS,+ HE SAID.
MR LEE SAID THE CONGRESS, WITH ITS THEME ON +CONFLICTS IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETYi ISSUES IN SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION+, WOULD PROVIDE AN EXCELLENT FORUM FOR CRITICAL ANALYSIS AND LIVELY DEBATE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT EFFECTIVE SOCIAL WORK WAS LABOUR-INTENSIVE AND WITH THE GREATLY EXPANDED SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMMES IN RECENT YEARS, IT WAS INEVITABLE THAT DEMAND SHOULD OUTSTRIP SUPPLY.
♦ I DO NOT EXPECT THAT SUCH DIFFICULTIES ARE UNIQUE TO HONG KONG,+ HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR WERE BOTH CONCERNED AND WERE PUTTING THEIR HEADS TOGETHER TO SEEK A SOLUTION.
SOME REMEDIAL ACTION HAS ALREADY BEEN TAKEN, HE SAID, BOTH TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND TO ENSURE THAT THE EXISTING TRAINED STAFF ARE USED TO BEST ADVANTAGE.
IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, HE SAID, THE STAFF STRUCTURE WAS REVISED LAST YEAR TO ENSURE THAT TRAINED STAFF ARE DEPLOYED IN WORK REQUIRING PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE AND TO PROVIDE IMPROVED CAREER OPPORTUNITIES.
♦ IN CONSULTATION WITH THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, A SIMILAR REVIEW IS BEING CARRIED OUT ON THE STAFFING STRUCTURE AND DEPLOYMENT PATTERN IN VOLUNTARY AGENCIES,+ HE SAID.
MR LEE STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALWAYS ATTACHED CONSIDERABLE IMPORTANCE TO THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF SOCIAL WORKERS.
/He said .....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 1980 '
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WSTf^s'oFBsm?;lNGworkUETo;c»P??onMENT AND expansion ,n
TODAY, HE SAID, FIVE INSTITUTIONS PROVIDE SOCIAL WORK TRAINING AT THE UNIVERSITY AND POST-SECONDARY LEVELS TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR TRAINED PERSONNEL.
_APART FROM FINANCIAL SUBSIDIES TO THE UNIVERSITIES’ AND THE IC’S SCHOOLS OF SOCIAL WORK, THE GOVERNMENT ALSO PROVIDES ^SERV CE SOCIAL WORK TRAINING AND FIELD WORK PLACEMENTS FOR THOSE UNDERGOING FORMAL SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION, HE ADDED.
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PERMANENT HOUSING FOR ELDERLY *****
ELDERLY SINGLE TENANTS WHO MEET REHOUSING ARE OFFERED PERMANENT HOUS I WELFARE, THE HON THOMAS LEE TOLD THE (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE CRITERIA FOR COMPASSIONATE NG, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI, MR LEE EXPLAINED THAT THOSE NOT ELIGIBLE BUT WHO NEVERTHELESS REQUIRED HELP WERE OFFERED ACCOMMODATION IN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS WITH FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN COMPLETING THE PART-BUILT STRUCTURES IF NECESSARY.
♦THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO MADE AVAILABLE TWO TEMPORARY HOUSING SITES FOR A VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION TO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR SINGLE PEOPLE, PREDOMINANTLY ELDERLY TENANTS OF REPOSSESSED PRIVATE PREMISES,+ HE ADDED.
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REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT LAUDABLE
*****
THE REQUIREMENT FOR IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS OF ALL PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS TO REGISTER IS LAUDABLE BECAUSE THIS WOULD MEAN MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL OVER THESE PRODUCTS AND BETTER PROTECTION FOR THE CONSUMERS, DR THE HON HARRY FANG SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DR FANG SAID THIS IN SUPPORTING THE PHARMACY AND POISONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980 WHICH WAS PASSED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE WELCOMED THE FACT THAT THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD WILL NOW BE EMPOWERED TO DELEGATE ITS ROUTINE LICENSING AND REGISTRATION FUNCTIONS TO ITS EXECUTIVE SUB-COMMITTEES, BEARING IN MIND THE INCREASING SCOPE AND COMPLEXITY OF ITS WORK.
A I AM.......
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 2J, 1980
SC<g?|HC 'aTE&Tb IONALAEXPE«TisE^°WILLl,BETWELCOHEDSBY¥THEG4L' ™ABE THAT IT WILL EXPEDITE THE PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS FOR LICENCES AND, IN THE EVENT OF APPEAL. OBVIATE THE NEED Tn takf ™pens!veVheTaddedGH C0URT WH,CH ls both ti^-consuming and
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HERBALISTS PROHIBITED FROM ADVERTISING SOME CURES ******
ARE PROHIBITED FROM ADVERTISING THE TREATMENT
AND CURE OF THE DISEASES AND AILMENTS SPECIFIED IN THE UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS ORDINANCE, THE ATTORNEY
H0N J0HN GR 1FF 1THS SA ID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY ^WEDNESDAY) •
'N REFLY ™ L3UEST,0N FR0M DR THE H0N HARRY FANG» MR GRIFFITHS S °UTJH*J.HERBAL,STS ARE ALS0 PROHIBITED from advertising TREATMENTSOFSEYE D%EASESFIED’ C0MPETENT 0R WILLING To UNDERTAKE THE
HOWEVER, HE SAID THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION ORDINANCE ACKNOWLEDGES THE RIGHT OF A CHINESE TO PRACTISE MEDICINE OR SURGERY ACCORDING TO PURELY CHINESE METHODS.
THERE WERE NO PROVISIONS, HE SAID, FOR LICENSING, REGISTRATION EXAMINATIONS OR OTHER CONTROLS, EXCEPT IN CHARACTERS USED IN DE SCR I PT IONS.
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NEW SCALE ON BEER DUTY
CERTAIN NEW BREWING BECAUSE OF THE ENACTMENT ORDINANCE 1980 PASSED ON THE HON D.G. JEAFFRESON, (WEDNESDAY).
* * *
PRACTICES CAN NOW BE USED IN HONG KONG OF THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) JULY 9, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY
THFSF INCLUDE THE DILUTION PROCESS WHICH, IF USED, WOULD MEAN THE GOVERNMENT LOSING REVENUE IN CERTA IN C IRGUJBYANFEr’ b^rJEAF FRc '' SAID IN MOVING A RESOLUTION ON A NEW SCALE OF DUTY FOR BEER.
mr 1EAEFRES0N EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE PRESENT LAW, DUTY WAS pIyablp AT A FIXED RATE PER GALLON PROVIDED THE GRAVITY DID NOT EXCEED 1 055 DEGREES, ABOVE WHICH THERE WAS A GRADUATED SCALE.
THE DUTY, HE ADDED, WAS ASSESSED ON THE WORTS BEFORE FERMENTATION TOOK PLACE.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 1980
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HE SAID THE NEW SCALE PRESCRIBED THAT THE FIXED RATE WOULD APPLY TO BEER UP TO AN ORIGINAL GRAVITY OF 1 030 DEGREES RATHER THAN THE PRESENT 1 055 DEGREES AND ABOVE THIS REDUCED LEVEL, A VARIABLE SCALE WOULD APPLY.
♦THE DILUTION PROCESS NORMALLY BEGINS WITH AN ORIGINAL GRAVITY OF ABOVE 1 030 DEGREES, AND THE VARIABLE SCALE HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT LOSE ABOUT $3 MILLION IN REVENUE, + HE POINTED OUT.
MR JEAFFRESON STRESSED THAT THE NEW SCALE HAS ALSO BEEN DESIGNED TO BE AS NEUTRAL AS POSSIBLE AS FAR AS THOSE NOT USING THE DILUTION PROCESS WERE CONCERNED. BUT BEER WITH AN ORIGINAL GRAVITY ABOVE 1 048 DEGREES WHICH IS THE NORM FOR HONG KONG, WILL PAY VERY SLIGHTLY MORE THAN AT PRESENT AND BEER WITH A LOWER ORIGINAL GRAVITY THAN THIS WILL PAY SLIGHTLY LESS.
TO AVOID CHARGING IN FRACTIONS OF A CENT IN THE PURSUIT OF NEUTRALITY, HE SAID THE NEW DUTY WAS FOR QUANTITIES OF 24 GALLONS RATHER THAN ONE GALLON AS UNDER THE PRESENT LEGISLATION.
+WHY 'GALLONS’ AND ’24’ IN THIS AGE OF METRICATION? QUAINT, I AGREE BUT FOR METRICATION WE CAN ONLY TACKLE THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE AS A WHOLE AND THIS WE SHALL BE DOING SHORTLY,+ MR JEAFFRESON ADDED.
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MODIFIED SCHEME FOR TSUEN WAN RECREATION PARK SUBMITTED TO GOVERNMENT * * M *
CONSULTANTS HAVE PUT FORWARD A MODIFIED SCHEME ON AN ALTERNATIVE SITE FOR THE PROPOSED OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AT TSUEN WAN, SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE HON DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LEUNG TAT-SHING WHO ASKED ABOUT PROGRESS ON THE PROPOSED TSO KUNG TAM RECREATION PARK AT TSUEN WAN.
MR AKERS-JONES SAID THE PARK HAD TWO MAIN COMPONENTS- THE FIRST WAS AN OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AND THE OTHER WAS THE PARK ITSELF.
♦INVESTIGATIONS FOR THE OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE DID NOT GO SMOOTHLY AND THE ORIGINAL SITE HAS TO BE ABANDONED BECAUSE OF SERIOUS SITE STABILITY PROBLEMS,+ HE SAID.
THE ALTERNATIVE SCHEME SUBMITTED BY THE CONSULTANTS WOULD NOW BE EXAMINED AS TO ITS ACCEPTABILITY FROM ALL POINTS OF VIEW. IT WOULD COST AN ESTIMATED $40 MILLION.
WITH REGARD TO THE PARK MR AKERS-JONES SAID THE CONSULTANTS HAD JUST SUBMITTED AN INTERIM REPORT PROPOSING SUCH FACILITIES AS AN AMPHITHEATRE, A RIVERSIDE RESTAURANT, BOTANIC GARDENS, AN AVIARY, LAKES AND A MINIATURE RAILWAY.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 1980
13
ANY CARRIER TO AND FROM LONDON
* * * X
GOVERNMENT SERVANTS ARE FREE TO TRAVEL TO AND FROM LONDON BY ANY CARRIER OPERATING THE ROUTE, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS TOLD TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON R.H. LOBO, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON MARTIN ROWLANDS SAID A CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH CIRCULAR HAS NOW BEEN ISSUED ADVISING GOVERNMENT SERVANTS THAT FROM TODAY THEY MAY CHOOSE TO TRAVEL TO AND FROM
ANY °F ™E THREE BRITISH AIRLINES LICENSED TO OPERATE Inc ROUTE.
HE SA-ID THIS WAS THE RESULT OF JULY 21.
NEGOTIATIONS WHICH ENDED ON
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COMPUTERISED TELEPHONE CHARGES ******
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED A MOTION TO INCLUDE THE CHARGES FOR A NEW SERVICE BY THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY IN THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE.
IN MOVING THE MOTION, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON SAID THE TELEPHONE COMPANY PLANS TO OFFER TO SUBSCRIBERS, ON RENTAL TERMS, A MODERN DIGITAL EXCHANGE KNOWN AS THE ^COMPUTERISED BUSINESS TELEPHONE SYSTEM (40 ♦ 144).*
EXPLAINING THE SYSTEM, HE SAID IT COULD COMPRISE AS MANY AS 40 EXCHANGE LINES AND 144 EXTENSIONS AND WOULD OFFER MODERN FACILITIES INCLUDING AUTOMATIC CALL DISTRIBUTION, CONFERENCE CALLS AND DIRECT DIALLING INTO EXTENSIONS.
THE RENTAL OF THIS PRIVATE AUTOMATIC BRANCH EXCHANGES (PABX), HE SAID, WOULD BE BASED ON A MINIMUM RENTING TERM OF ONE YEAR AND DISCOUNTS WOULD BE GIVEN TO SUBSCRIBERS WHO OPT TO SIGN LONGER TERM CONTRACTS.
THE PROPOSED CHARGES WERE CONSIDERED ^REASONABLE* BY THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
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SIX BILLS PASSED * * *
SIX BILLS RECEIVED THEIR THIRD READING AND WERE PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WERE THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1980, THE CORONERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980, THE PHARMACY AND POISONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) BILL 1980 THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, AND THE SUPREME COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL l°80.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 1980
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HONG KONG’S BEST TO TOUR ISRAEL AND CYPRUS A M I A A I
A GROUP OF YOUNG MUSICIANS AND DANCERS, INCLUDING STUDENTS FROM THE HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, HONG KONG UNIVERSITY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL SHORTLY BE LEAVING TO TOUR ISRAEL AND CYPRUS.
THE GROUP, HONG KONG’S +JING YING*, (WHICH MEANS MOST OUTSTANDING IN CHINESE) WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE FIRST COMMONWEALTH FILM AND TELEVISION FESTIVAL AND ARTS FESTIVAL IN CYPRUS, AND THE ISRAEL ARTS FESTIVAL IN AUGUST.
9
ON SATURDAY (JULY 26) AN *EVEN ING WITH HONG KONG JING YING* WILL BE HELD AT THE AC HALL OF THE BAPTIST COLLEGE. APPEARING WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF THE TOURING PARTY OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA, THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE MUSIC ENSEMBLE AND THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS DANCE TEAM. ALSO PERFORMING WILL BE THE HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR.
ONE OF THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS WILL BE ARRANGEMENTS SPECIALLY WRITTEN FOR THE CONCERT BY SIR DAVID WILLCOCKS, DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC, LONDON. SIR DAVID WILL BE CONDUCTING THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR, WHICH ALSO HAS AN OVERSEAS TOUR PLANNED SOON.
THE LAST ITEM ON THE PROGRAMME WILL BE A PIECE WRITTEN BY TONG LEUNG-TAK, MUSICAL DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA, AND FEATURING THE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA, THE CHINESE ENSEMBLE, THE DANCERS AND CHOIR.
APART FROM GIVING PERFORMANCES AT THE TWO FESTIVALS IN CYPRUS AND ISRAEL, THE YOUNG HONG KONG MUSICIANS WILL ALSO ATTEND AN INTENSIVE TRAINING COURSE IN ISRAEL ARRANGED BY THE WORLD-RENOWNED VIOLINIST ISAAC STERN. ALEXANDER SCHNEIDER WILL BE THE COURSE DIRECTOR.
MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, WHO WILL BE TOUR DIRECTOR, SAID THAT THE YOUNG HONG KONG MUSICIANS WOULD BE TRAVELLING TO AN AREA. EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN, WHICH HAD FOR LONG BEEN THE CROSSROADS OF THE WORLD. AS SUCH IT HAD A LOT IN COMMON WITH MODERN HONG KONG AND THE MUSICIANS OF ISRAEL. CYPRUS AND HONG KONG WOULD ALL BENEFIT BY EXCHANGE CF IDEAS AND TECHNIQUES.
TICKETS FOR THE CONCERT ON SATURDAY, AT $10, $15 AND $20 ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE AC HALL, THE MUSIC OFFICE AND TOM LEE.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 1980
15
CAREERS EDUCATION ESSENTIAL WITH CHANGING PATTERNS
* M M X *
CAREERS EDUCATION IS ESSENTIAL IN VIEW OF THE CONTINUALLY CHANGING PATTERNS OF CAREERS AS A RESULT OF TECHNICAL, SCIENTIFIC AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS AND THE INCREASING OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGHER AND FURTHER EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
rr,rir. ™,S WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF C-H’ HAYE» AT THE OWNING CEREMONY OF A TWO-DAY CAREERS
EDUCATION SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY.
HE SAID THAT MUCH HAD BEEN DONE IN THE FIELD OF CAREERS EDUCATION BY THE LABOUR AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS, WITH CO-OPERATION CF SCHOOLS AND IN PARTICULAR THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS.
A SUCCESSFUL CAREER SERVICE, MR HAYE SAID, IMPLIED A CLOSE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN ALL THOSE CONCERNED WITH CAREERS EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS AND ALL THOSE CONCERNED WITH PROVIDING INFORMATION ABOUT JOBS.
♦IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT THAT OUR SCHOOL LEAVERS KNOW NOT ONLY WHAT THEY ARE CAPABLE OF DOING BUT ALSO WHAT OCCUPATIONAL CHOICES ARE OPEN TO THEM.
♦WE MUST ALL PULL TOGETHER IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY. TO THIS END, I FEEL MUCH HAS BEEN DONE, BUT THERE IS STILL MUCH TO DO,* MR HAYE ADDED.
EARLIER, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR J.N. HENDERSON, SAID IN HIS OPENING SPEECH THE SEMINAR WAS AIMED AT IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF CAREERS GUIDANCE.
THE SEMINAR WOULD CONCENTRATE ON ONLY TWO TOPICS, NAMELY ♦COUNSELLING* AND +APPRAISAL SERVICE*, AND A REASONABLE KNOWLEDGE CF THESE SUBJECTS WAS ESSENTIAL TO CAREERS TEACHERS AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS, HE ADDED.
SIXTY CAREERS TEACHERS, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS AND EXPERTS ON CAREERS EDUCATION ARE TAKING PART IN THE SEMINAR.
-----0------
WELSH YOUTHS VISIT HONG KONG
* * * *
SIX YOUNG PEOPLE FROM SOUTH GLAMORGAN, WALES, ARRIVED IN HONG KONG TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FOR A THREE WEEK VISIT DESIGNED TO PROMOTE CONTACTS AMONG YOUTHS IN COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES.
DURING THEIR STAY, THEY WILL TAKE PART IN A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES INCLUDING COMMUNITY WORK AND VISITS TO MANY LOCAL FACILITIES.
THEY ARE HERE ON AN EXCHANGE PROGRAMME WHICH WAS STARTED LAST YEAR WHEN SEVEN GROUPS FROM HONG KONG, BERMUDA, MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE, NIGERIA, AUSTRALIA AND MALTA WENT TO SEVEN REGIONS IN BRITAIN.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 19CO
16
SIX HONG KONG YOUTHS, SELECTED FROM 31 NOMINATIONS REPRESENTING 17 ORGANISATIONS, VISITED SOUTH GLAMORGAN FOR i H R E WEEKS.
THE SIX FROM WALES, COMPRISING TWO TEACHERS, TWO STUDENTS, * c,’VIL SERVANT AND A SECRETARY, WILL BE ACCOMMODATED AT ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
PROGRAMME — KNOWN AS ’COMMONWEALTH SPRINGBOARD’ — IS CC-ORDINATED BY THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH EXCHANGE COUNCIL (CYEC) EXCHANGE LINKS BETWEEN EDUCATION AUTHORITIES IN BRITAIN AND OTHER COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES.
rviT.ALS0 ENABLES YOUNG PEOPLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH OTHER BY EXCHANGING IDEAS AND EXPERIENCES.
i act vJ?nREG!?,NS,JN BRITAIN, WHICH WERE HOSTS UNDER THE PROGRAMME ^STYEAR, W,LL SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO OTHER COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES THIS SUMMER IN THE SECOND STAGE OF THE PROGRAMME.
- - 0 - -
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS
* * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (JULY 26) AT 10 AM IN THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
THE 33 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING ARE:
CD 3288 BD 3399 CE 832 CE 1698 CE 2883
CD 3228 CC 3333 7207 CC 31 CE 3360
CD 8836 CC 7667 1500 CE 11 BE 620
CD 9833 CD 8885 CF 8 BE 323 CF 688
CE 3337 CE 133 CE 280 BS 1 CF 661
CE 882 CE 283 XX 4473 CE 1689 AA 485
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD EE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER wITHIN 12 MONTHS CF THE AUCTION.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION, THE 55TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, WILL GO TO THE LOTTERIES FUND.
/V....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 1980
17
PRISONS DISPLAY IN TSUEN WAN EXTENDED
* H M
THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S RECRUITMENT PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAY
centre in tai ho ro4d' tsuen
THE DISPLAY IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 3 PM TO 10 PM.
M$UNT'NG A RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN FOR
«f 1 AT tSFhob "Il'S I W&W,He ‘centre
.™3s"?5 f‘orS0an0apJ§In™ENt!P‘,'™E',T,S RECRUITING 0FFICE 0"
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WONG CHUK HANG ROAD * * * *
THE 24-HOUR PROHIBITED ZONES ALONG THE UP-RAMP LEADING TO THE AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE OFF THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WONG CHUK HANG ROAD WILL BE SHIFTED WESTWARDS UP THE RAMP BY ABOUT 70 METRES TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORKS FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 25).
WITHIN THESE ZONES, LEARNER DRIVERS AND ALL VEHICLES — EXCEPT FOR ACCESS, AND ALL PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN OF PASSENGERS AND FOR LOADING OR UNLOADING OF GOODS — WILL BE PROHIBITED TO ENTER THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
-----o------
WATER CUT IN SHA TIN
* M M *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHA TIN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR NINE HOURS FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY (JULY 25) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER CONNECTION WORK.
THE AREAS TO BE AFFECTED ARE TIN LIU VILLAGE, LEK YUEN ESTATE, WO CHE ESTATE, PAI TAU VILLAGE, SHEUNG HA WO CHE. FO TAN AREA, LOK LO HA VILLAGE, THE SHA TIN RACE COURSE, THE SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY.
- o -------------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, JULY 24, 1980
CONTENTS PaGE NO,
march 1980 labour force survey ............................... 1
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR WORKERS IN ENCLOSED COMPARTMENTS ... 2
LABOUR PROSECUTIONS NET MILLION IN FINES ..................... 3
THE LAUNCHING OF KEYING II ................................... 4
ACTING GOVERNOR TO ATTEND HONG KONG JING YING PRE-TOUR CONCERT ............................................. 5
POST OFFICE OPENED IN KWAI SHING.............................. 5
REGISTRATION FOR EARLY WRITTEN TEST FOR TAXI DRIVERS....... 6
WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE MOVES TO 01 KWAN COURT .............. 7
RETIREMENT OF 28 OFFICERS OF FISH AND VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATIONS ...................................... 7
THURSDAY, JULY 24, 1980
1
MARCH 1980 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY K * « # *
THERE WERE SOME 73 000 UNEMPLOYED PEOPLE IN HONG KONG IN MARCH REPRESENTING 3.2 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL LABOUR FORCE, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SAMPLE LABOUR FORCE SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE FIGURES COMPARE WITH THE MARCH 1979 FIGURE OF 48 200 OR 2.3 PER CENT OF THE LABOUR FORCE, AND THE SEPTEMBER 1979 FIGURE OF 74 600 OR 3.4 PER CENT.
COMMENTING ON THE RESULTS, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, MR C.C. GREENFIELD, SAID THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINED EFFECTIVELY UNCHANGED OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS- THE DECREASE IN THE RATE OF 0.2 PER CENT BEING STATISTICALLY I-NS1GN IF ICANT.
HOWEVER,.HE SAID, THERE WERE USUALLY SUBSTANTIALLY MORE FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS — PEOPLE WHO JUST LEFT SCHOOL — IN SEPTEMBER THAN IN MARCH.
THE NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS ESTIMATED IN THE SEPTEMBER 1979 SURVEY WAS 18 600 COMPARED WITH 6 600 IN THE MARCH 1980 SURVEY — A DECREASE OF 12 000 PEOPLE.
IF THE SEPTEMBER 1979 RATE IS ADJUSTED FOR THE SEASONAL INFLUENCE TO PUT IT ON THE SAME BASIS AS THE MARCH 1980 RATE, IT BECOMES 2.8 PER CENT. THE CORRECTED DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THIS FIGURE AND THE MARCH 1980 RATE OF AN INCREASE IN THE RATE OF 0.4 PER CENT IS, THEREFORE, STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
ALTHOUGH THERE WAS AN ACTUAL INCREASE IN THE LEVEL OF UNEMPLOYMENT (AN ABSOLUTE INCREASE IN THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS OF 10 400) OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS, THERE WAS ALSO AN INCREASE IN JOB OPPORTUNITIES TAKEN UP BECAUSE THE SIZE OF THE LABOUR FORCE ROSE BY 85 300.
THE COMMISSIONER EXPLAINED THAT. FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY, PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 64 WHO WERE NOT IN EMPLOYMENT, OR WHO HAD WORKED FOR LESS THAN 15 HOURS IN THE SEVEN DAYS BEFORE THE SURVEY DATE, BUT WERE LOOKING FOR WORK, WERE CLASSIFIED AS UNEMPLOYED.
THE COMMISSIONER FURTHER DREW ATTENTION TO THE VARIOUS DEFINITIONS OF UNEMPLOYMENT USED BY DIFFERENT COUNTRIES.
IN HONG KONG, THE DEFINITION ’UNEMPLOYED’ INCLUDED PEOPLE 'WHO HAD JUST LEFT SCHOOL AND WHO REALLY HAD NOT MUCH OF A CHANCE TO FIND A JOB- OR WHO HAD JUST, BUT ONLY JUST, TAKEN UP WORK- OR WHO HAD TEMPORARILY BEEN LAID OFF WORK (WORKING LESS THAN 15 HOURS IN THE LAST SEVEN DAYS)- OR WHO WERE AVAILABLE FOR WORK, BUT WERE NOT ACTUALLY LOOKING FOR WORK DECAUSE THEY THOUGHT THAT THERE WAS NONE TO BE HAD OR BECAUSE THEY WERE TEMPORARILY SICK.
/?"■ GIEENFIELD ......
THURSDAY, JULY 24, 1980
2
MR GREENFIELD SAID THAT A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE SURVEY, IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH, IS AVAILABLE AND COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
HE ADDED THAT SIMILAR INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT AND UNEMPLOYMENT IS SOUGHT AT REGULAR SIX-MONTHLY INTERVALS. THE NEXT LABOUR FORCE SURVEY WILL BE IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR WORKERS IN ENCLOSED COMPARTMENTS *******
NO PERSON SHOULD ENTER ANY BUOYANCY COMPARTMENT OR SIMILAR ENCLOSED SPACE OF A VESSEL UNLESS HE HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO DO SO BY THE OWNER OF THE VESSEL.
THIS WAS ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE CORONER AT THE CONCLUSION OF AN INQUIRY INTO THE DEATH OF TWO CREWMEMBERS WHO WERE FOUND UNCONSCIOUS INSIDE A BUOYANCY COMPARTMENT OF A BARGE ON MARCH 30 THIS YEAR.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS WERE THAT BUOYANCY TANKS SHOULD BE ADEQUATELY VENTILATED AND THE AIR INSIDE TESTED FOR ANY DANGEROUS FUMES OR OXYGEN DEFICIENCY BEFORE WORKERS ARE ALLOWED TO ENTER.
THIS SHOULD ALSO APPLY TO COFFERDAMS, VOID SPACES, BALLAST TANKS, PIPE DUCTS AND OTHER COMPARTMENTS WHICH ARE NORMALLY SECURED IN CLOSED CONDITION.
♦VENTILATION SHOULD BE ADEQUATE AND STEPS TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT NO HARMFUL GASES ARE GENERATED WITHIN OR ALLOWED TO ENTER THE COMPARTMENT.
♦WORKERS OPERATING IN COMPARTMENTS SHOULD WORK IN PAIRS AND SHOULD HAVE PROPER AND ADEQUATE MEANS OF COMMUNICATION WITH A COLLEAGUE OUTSIDE THE ENTRANCE,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CORONER’S OFFICE .
IN THE EVENT THAT A COMPARTMENT HAS TO BE ENTERED BEFORE TESTS HAVE BEEN MADE OF THE ATMOSPHERE INSIDE, EVERY PERSON WHO ENTERS MUST WEAR AN APPROVED BREATHING APPARATUS AND A SAFETY BELT OR HARNESS WITH A ROPE SECURELY ATTACHED TO IT. THE FREE END OF THE ROPE MUST BE HELD BY ANOTHER PERSON OUTSIDE THE ENTRANCE AND WITH SUFFICIENT ADDITIONAL HELP AVAILABLE SO THAT THE PERSONS INSIDE MAY BE PULLED OUT IN CASE OF EMERGENCY.
♦SUITABLE REVIVING APPARATUS SHOULD BE PROVIDED AND KEPT READILY AVAILABLE IN A SATISFACTORY CONDITION AND A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF PERSONS PRACTISED IN METHODS OF RESTORING RESPIRATION SHOULD BE EMPLOYED,+SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
/THE CORONER ........
THURSDAY, JULY 24, 1980
- 5
THE CORONER FURTHER RECOMMENDED THAT ALL LOCAL CRAFT WITH BUOYANCY OR SIMILAR COMPARTMENTS SHOULD HAVE A NOTICE WARNING OF THE EXTREME DANGER OF ENTERING SUCH COMPARTMENTS WITHOUT TAKING ALL PROPER PRECAUTIONS PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED ON BOARD.
A BOOKLET — SAFETY GUIDE TO WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES — PRODUCED BY THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM BRANCH OFFICES AND THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE OF THE DEPARTMENT.
LABOUR PROSECUTIONS NET $3.1 MILLION IN FINES *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TOOK OUT 4 411 PROSECUTIONS AGAINST EMPLOYERS FOR VIOLATING LABOUR LEGISLATION, RESULTING IN FINES OF MORE THAN $3.1 MILLION, DURING THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR.
THE MAJORITY OF THE CASES WERE RELATED TO BREACHES OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND ITS VARIOUS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS, INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS.
AMONG THEM, 2 049 CASES CONCERNED BREACHES OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY REGULATIONS AND THE FINES AMOUNTED TO $1 974 145.
OF THESE CASES, 1 322 (WITH $1 131 400 IN FINES) WERE FOR BREACHES OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS AND 429 (WITH $590 470 IN FINES) WERE FOR BREACHES OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS.
OFFENCES RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS ACCOUNTED FOR 2 156 CASES WITH FINES TOTALLING $988 590.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE PROSECUTIONS WERE MAINLY THE RESULT OF ACTION TAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE AND THE LABOUR INSPECTORATE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT LABOUR LEGISLATION AIMED AT SAFEGUARDING EMPLOYEES AT WORK AND PROTECTING THE WELFARE OF WOMEN AND YOUNG WORKERS.
HOWEVER, IT TOOK MORE THAN LEGISLATION TO STAMP OUT OFFENCES AND CO-OPERATION WAS NEEDED FROM ALL CONCERNED TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION, HE ADDED.
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/4 ......
THURSDAY, JULY 24, 1980
4
THE LAUNCHING OF KEYING II XXX*
PEOPLE IN HONG KONG HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO VIEW THE JUNK 'KEYING II’ AS IT SAILED THROUGH THE HARBOUR AFTER ITS LAUNCHING CEREMONY THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
THE JUNK’S APPEARANCE ATTRACTED MUCH ATTENTION SINCE ITS OLD STYLE DESIGN IS NOW RARE. JUNKS OF THIS CLASS HAVE NOT KEN BUILT IN HONG KONG FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS.
’KEYING II’, A 18.3 METRE, THREE MASTED FISHING JUNK, SPECIALLY BUILT FOR THE HONG KONG IN LONDON FESTIVAL, WAS LAUNCHED BY MRS BESSIE WOO, DAUGHTER OF SIR Y.K. PAO WHO PAID FOR THE JUNK’S CONSTRUCTION, AS A CONTRIBUTION TO THE FESTIVAL.
THE ORIGINAL KEYING, IMMORTALISED BY CHARLES DICKENS WHEN HE WAS A CORRESPONDENT FOR +THE EXAMINER*, SAILED TO LONDON IN 1848 FOR HONG KONG’S FIRST OVERSEAS PROMOTION.
AMONG THE GUESTS ON BOARD THE NEW JUNK WERE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LOCAL SHIPPING INDUSTRY AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING MR ALAN SCOTT, SECRETARY FOR INFORMATION- MR ROBERT SUN, DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES- MR J.M. RIDDELL-SWAN, DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES AND MR P.E.J. DAVY, DIRECTOR OF MARINE.
THE PRESENCE OF THE ’KEYING II’ AT THE HONG KONG IN LONDON FESTIVAL, WILL ENHANCE ONE OF THE BIGGEST OVERSEAS PROMOTIONAL EVENTS THE GOVERNMENT HAS EVER STAGED.
THROUGH THE GENEROUS ASSISTANCE OF THE SWIRE GROUP AND OCL (OVERSEAS CONTAINER LIMITED), THE JUNK WILL BE SENT ON A CONTAINER SHIP TO THE UK NEXT WEEK. IT IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE AT SOUTHAMPTON BY THE END OF AUGUST AND WILL THEN SAIL UP THE ENGLISH CHANNEL AND AROUND THE KENTISH COAST TO THE RIVER THAMES.
'KEYING II’ WILL EVENTUALLY FIND A PERMANENT HOME IN THE EXETER MARITIME MUSEUM, WHICH PUTS ITS VALUABLE COLLECTION OF SEA CRAFT TO WORK BY SENDING THEM UP AND DOWN THE COUNTRY’S WATERWAYS TO BE SEEN BY ENTHUSIASTS THROUGHOUT BRITAIN.
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/5.........
THURSDAY, JULY 24, 1980
5
ACTING GOVERNOR TO ATTEND HONG KONG JING YING PRE-TOUR CONCERT * * * *
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR JACK CATER, WILL ATTEND THE HONG KONG JING YING PRE-TOUR CONCERT ON SATURDAY (JULY 26) AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL.
THE HONG KONG JING YING WILL LEAVE HONG KONG FOR ISRAEL AND CYPRUS NEXT WEEK TO ATTEND THE ISRAEL ARTS FESTIVAL IN TEL AVIV AND THE FIRST COMMONWEALTH FILM AND TELEVISION FESTIVAL AND ARTS FESTIVAL IN CYPRUS.
THE GROUP CONSISTS OF YOUNG STRING PLAYERS (WESTERN), A CHINESE MUSIC ENSEMBLE AND YOUNG DANCERS.
THE HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR WILL ALSO PERFORM AT THE CONCERT AS GUEST PERFORMERS DIRECTED BY SIR DAVID WILLCOCKS, DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC, LONDON.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CONCERT +AN EVENING WITH THE HONG KONG JING YING+ ON SATURDAY (JULY 26) AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL, HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE. THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR JACK CATER, WILL BE ATTENDING THE CONCERT. HE WILL ARRIVE AT THE A.C. HALL AT 7.25 PM. ON ARRIVAL, SIR JACK WILL DOT THE EYES OF A LION WHICH WILL BE TAKEN TO ISRAEL AND CYPRUS.
POST OFFICE OPENED IN KWAI SHING
*****
HONG KONG’S 77TH POST OFFICE WAS OPENED TODAY (THURSDAY) IN KWAI SHING ESTATE, TSUEN WAN, BY THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR A.C. HEATHCOTE, AND TOWN MANAGER AND DISTRICT OFFICER TSUEN WAN, DR JAMES HAYES.
THE POST OFFICE IS SITUATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF BLOCK 7 OF THE ESTATE AND WILL SERVE ITS 56 000 RESIDENTS.
MR HEATHCOTE SAID HE RECOGNISED THAT THERE WAS A NEED TO MATCH SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC GROWTH WITH THE PROVISION OF POST OFFICES, PARTICULARLY IN THE NEW TOWNS.
FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ALONE, THERE WERE NOW NINE POST OFFICES ALL SITUATED AT POPULATION CONCENTRATION POINTS TO CATER FOR THE DEMANDS ARISING FROM BOTH THE DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL SECTORS OF LOCAL SOCIETY.
/+I EXPECT
THURSDAY, JULY 24, 1980
6
♦ I EXPECT THAT THIS PATTERN a ILL BE ADOPTED IN THE OTHER NEW TOWNS NOW BEING ESTABLISHED, TO MATCH THE GROWTH IN POPULATION.
♦CURRENTLY. WORKS ARE IN HAND FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT, WITHIN THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, OF SEVEN ADDITIONAL POST OFFICES MAINLY IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES,+ MR HEATHCOTE SAID.
THE POST OFFICE WILL OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM AND 2.15 PM TO 5 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAYS.
IT HAS TWO STAMP VENDING MACHINES AND MAIL COLLECTION BOXES AT THE ENTRANCE. IT WILL PROVIDE THE NORMAL RANGE OF COUNTER FACILITIES.
THE 11O-SQUARE METRE OFFICE HAS FOUR COUNTERS, WHICH ARE MANNED BY A POSTMASTER AND A POSTMAN. FITTING "OUT COSTS WERE MORE THAN $190 003.
- - 0 -
REGISTRATION FOR EARLY WRITTEN TEST FOR TAXI DRIVERS
* * X *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT CANDIDATES WISHING TO APPLY FOR EARLY TAXI DRIVER LICENCE WRITTEN TESTS, BUT WERE UNABLE TO REGISTER ON JULY 22 DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, MAY NOW REGISTER ON AUGUST 11.
THEY ARE REQUESTED TO REPORT TO COUNTER NO. 35, WRITTEN TEST UNIT, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, PARK-IN COMMERCAIL CEJTRE, 9TH FLOOR, 56 DUNDAS STREET, MONGKOK, KOWLOON.
THURSDAY, JULY 24, 1980
7
WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE MOVES TO 01 KWAN COURT
* X * *
™E WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) MOVED INTO 01 KWAN COURT AT 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI. ’
THE NEW OFFICE, WHICH OCCUPIES THE GROUND AND FIRST FLOORS OF THE BUILDING, IS OPPOSITE TO THE URBAN COUNCIL’S MORRISON HILL DIMMING POOL AND CLOSE TO THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM.
e TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS IS
5-738964. .
-------o - - - -
RETIREMENT FISH AND VEGETABLE X
OF 28 OFFICERS OF MARKETING ORGANISATIONS
XXX
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR JOHN RIDDELL-SWAN, TODAY (THURSDAY) PRESENTED SOUVENIRS TO 28 OFFICERS OF THE FISH AND VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATIONS, WHO ARE RETIRING THIS YEAR.
SPEAKING AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET, MR RIDDELL-SWAN NOTED THAT THE 28 OFFICERS HAD SERVED A TOTAL OF 740 YEARS OR AN AVERAGE OF 26 YEARS EACH, IN THE TWO ORGANISATIONS.
♦DURING THE YEARS THEY HAVE WORKED WITH US, THERE HAVE BEEN TREMENDOUS CHANGES BOTH IN THE ORGANISATIONS AND THE COMMUNITY WHICH WE HELP TO FEED,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THROUGH GOOD TIMES AND BAD, HIS DEPARTMENT HAD ALWAYS BEEN ABLE TO RELY ON THE LOYALTY AND STEADFAST SUPPORT OF THE STAFF IN THE ORGANISATIONS WHO HAD MANAGED TO MAINTAIN THE MARKETING SERVICES EVEN IN THE FACE OF DIFFICULTIES.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROVISIONAL TRADE figures for june 1980 ........................ 1
PROPOSED-INCREASE IN-FIRE HAZARD FINES ......................... 3
PNEUMOCONIOSIS CLAIMS START ................................... **
BUREAUCRATIC -RULES AND.COMMERCIAL REALITIES.IN . TEXTILE QUOTAS ................................................. 5
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES ......................................... 8
FOUR NEW TERRITORIES SITES TO BE AUCTIONED..................... 10
TENDERS INVITED FOR TUEN MUN ROAD ............................. 11
TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN TO HaKE ILYING SURVEY ........................................................ 12
WORKERS AN IMPORTANT FORCE BEHIND INDUSTRY SUCCESS ............ 12
WORKING GROUP STUDIES DEMAND FOR CHILDREN'S INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE ....................................................... 1*
843.9 MILLION ROAD CONTRACT AWARDED ........................... 15
/PRE-iE SITES........
4
PRIME SITES OFFERED TOR TENDER ................................. 16
WORKERS WARNED OF FAULTY ROPES ................................. 17
37 PEOPLE PRESENTED WITH LIFE SAVING AWARDS ...................... 17
RUINS OF TUNG LUNG TORT NOW A PROTECTED MONUMENT ................. 18
*
TAXI LICENCE BALLOT............................................... 19
TENDERS INVITED FOR AIRPORT SHOPS .............................. 20
• • • • * i
TSING. XI. -ISIiM) RECLAMATION.................................... 20
PLB PROHIBITION IN L«U SIN STREET ................................ 21
WATER. CUT- -IN "WhN 'CHAI ....................................... 21
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 1980
1
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR JUNE 1980 ft * ft ft *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY PUBLISHED THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR HONG KONG'S MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JUNE 1980.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR JUNE WAS $8 457 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AT $6 079 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS AT $2 378 MILLION.
WITH IMPORTS AT $8 824 MILLION, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT FOR JUNE WAS $367 MILLION WHICH WAS LESS THAN THAT FOR JUNE 1979.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1979, THE FOLLOWING INCREASES BY VALUE WERE RECORDED} $1 489 MILLION, OR 32 PER CENT, FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS- $633 MILLION, OR 36 PER CENT, FOR RE-EXPORTSAND $1 859 MILLION, OR 27 PER CENT, FOR IMPORTS.
COMMENTING ON THE JUNE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS AGAIN GROWING FASTER THAN THAT OF IMPORTS, LARGELY A RESULT OF THE SLOW DOWN IN THE GROWTH RATE OF IMPORTS.
WITHIN TOTAL EXPORTS, THE GROWTH RATE OF THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WAS STILL RAPID AND WAS FASTER THAN THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BUT THERE WERE SIGNS OF IT SLOWING DOWN.
COMPARING FIGURES FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR WITH THOSE OF THE FIRST HALF OF LAST YEAR, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS 33 PER CENT HIGHER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WAS 44 PER CENT HIGHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS 36 PER CENT HIGHER AND THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS 35 PER CENT HIGHER.
THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1980 WAS SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN THE GROWTH RATE OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS BUT AS ENVISAGED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN THE BUDGET SPEECH, THE GROWTH RATE OF IMPORTS HAD NOW ALMOST CAUGHT UP WITH THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS.
AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE VISIBLE TRADE +GAP+, THAT IS THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WHICH IS NOT COVERED BY THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, WAS 14.7 PER CENT IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1980, ONLY SLIGHTLY LESS THAN THE 15.3 PER CENT RECORDED IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1979.
BECAUSE RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO GROW FASTER THAN DOMESTIC EXPORTS, THE PROPORTION OF TOTAL EXPORTS ACCOUNTED FOR BY RE-EXPORTS INCREASED FROM 28.2 PER CENT IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1979 TO 29.8 PER CENT IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1980.
/THE rciXC'/.ING
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 19&0
2
THE FOLLOWING ARE COMPARATIVE FIGURES!
APRIL - JUNE APRIL - JUNE INCREASE OR
LATEST 3 MONTHS 1980 1979 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. 1 MN. *
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 17 421 13 292 ♦ 4 129 ♦ 31.1
RE-EXPORTS 7 203 4 989 ♦ 2 215 ♦ 44.4
TOTAL EXPORTS 24 624 18 281 ♦ 6 343 ♦ 34.7
IMPORTS 27 782 20 957 ♦ 6 825 ♦ 32.6
TRADE BALANCE - 3 158 - 2 676 - 482
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR JUNE 1980 JUNE 1979 INCREASE OR DECREASE
1 MN. 1 MN. S MN. *
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (* OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 6 079 (71.9*) 4 590 (72.5*) ♦ 1 489 ♦ 32.4
RE-EXPORTS 2 378 1 745 ♦ 633 ♦ 36.2
TOTAL EXPORTS 8 457 6 335 ♦ 2 122 ♦ 33.5
IMPORTS 8 824 6 965 ♦ 1 859 ♦ 26.7
TRADE BALANCE - 367 - 630 ♦ 263
LAST MONTH JUNE 1980 MAY 1980 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. 1 MN. $ MN. *
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (* OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 6 079 (71.9*) 5 968 (70.3*) ♦ 111 ♦ 1.9
RE-EXPORTS 2 378 2 527 149 - 5.9
TOTAL EXPORTS 8 457 8 495 37 - 0.4
IMPORTS 8 824 9 456 632 - 6.7
TRADE BALANCE - 367 - 961 ♦ 594
/CALENDAR YiA* .....
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 19cC
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JAN. - JUNE 1980
$ MN.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 31 130 (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (70.2*)
RE-EXPORTS 13 239
TOTAL EXPORTS 44 369
IMPORTS 51 994
TRADE BALANCE - 7 625
LAST 12 MONTHS JULY 1979 TO JUNE 1980
$ MN.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 63 633
RE-EXPORTS 24 065
TOTAL EXPORTS 87 699
IMPORTS 99 315
TRADE BALANCE -11 616
JAN. - JUNE INCREASE OR 1979 DECREASE
$ MN. I MN. %
23 408 (71.8%) ♦ 7 721 ♦ 33.0
9 196 + 4 043 ♦ 44.0
32 604 ♦ 11 765 ♦ 36.1
38 516 ♦ 13 478 ♦ 35.0
- 5 912 - 1 713
JULY 1978 TO JUNE 1979 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. %
46 651 ♦16 982 ♦ 36.4
16 465 ♦ 7 601 ♦ 46.2
63 116 ♦24 583 ♦ 38.9
73 317 ♦25 998 ♦ 35.5
-10 201 - 1 415
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PROPOSED INCREASE IN FIRE HAZARD FINES * * ft *
THE FIRE SERVICES HAS PROPOSED A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN FINES AS A DETERRANT TO PEOPLE CREATING FIRE HAZARDS.
♦THE PROPOSAL IS NOW BEING CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE EXACT MAXIMUM PENALTY HAS NOT YET BEEN DECIDED,* A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
AT PRESENT, HE SAID, THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH A FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICE IS $2 000 PLUS A DAILY FINE OF $40 DURING WHICH THE OFFENCE CONTINUES.
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE CONTRAVENED A FIRE HAZARD ORDER, THE MAXIMUM FINE IS $4 000 PLUS A DAILY FINE OF $100 DURING WHICH THE OFFENCE CONTINUES.
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 19&C
4
MEANWHILE, FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU OFFICERS TODAY INSPECTED THE BLACKSPOTS IN THE SAN PO KONG INDUSTRIAL AREA TO LOOK FOR OBSTRUCTIONS TO MEANS OF ESCAPE, STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS WITHOUT A LICENCE AND OTHER POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARDS.
AS A RESULT, 224 FACTORIES WILL BE SERVED WITH FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES, MOSTLY FOR CAUSING OBSTRUCTIONS IN COMMON AREAS AND ON STAIRCASES.
THE FACTORIES ARE REQUIRED TO REMOVE THE HAZARDS IN 72 HOURS OR ELSE BE SUMMONSED.
THREE FACTORIES WERE ISSUED WITH ON-THE-SPOT FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES FOR CAUSING SERIOUS OBSTRUCTIONS TO MEANS OF ESCAPE. THEY ARE REQUIRED TO REMOVE THE OBSTRUCTIONS WITHIN TWO HOURS OR ELSE BE SUMMONSED.
IN ADDITION, 18 FACTORIES WHICH HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN ISSUED WITH FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES, WILL SOON BE SUMMONSED FOR THE RECURRENCE OF FIRE HAZARDS.
FIRE OFFICERS ALSO FOUND 30 CASES OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING ALTERATIONS, 33 CASES OF ILLEGAL ROOFTOP STRUCTURES USED FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES AND TWO CASES OF UNLICENSED CATERING. THESE CASES WOULD BE REFERRED TO THE APPROPRIATE DEPARTMENTS FOR ACTION.
DURING THE FIVE-AND-A-HALF-HOUR OPERATION, 942 FACTORY UNITS IN 24 INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WERE INSPECTED.
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PNEUMOCONIOSIS CLAIMS START
*****
THE FIRST STAGE OF THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION SCHEME, WHICH PROVIDES EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS, HAS STARTED.
THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) BILL 1980, WHICH IMPLEMENTS THE SECOND STAGE OF THE SCHEME, WAS PASSED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 23).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT DURING THE FIRST STAGE, EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS WOULD BE GIVEN TO PEOPLE WHO WERE SUFFERING FROM OR HAD DIED FROM PNEUMOCONIOSIS.
ALL THOSE DIAGNOSED BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1981 TO BE SUFFERING FROM PNEUMOCONIOSIS AND THE DEPENDANTS OF THOSE WHO DIED ON OR AFTER JULY 10 AND WHO HAD NOT PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED PAYMENT WOULD BE ENTITLED TO THE EX-GRATIA PAYMENT, SUBJECT TO FIVE YEARS’ RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG.
THE PAYMENT RATE WOULD DEPEND ON THE DEGREE OF PERMANENT DISABILITY ASSESSED.
/THE MAXIMUM......
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 19&0
5
THE MAXIMUM PAYMENT WOULD FOLLOW CLOSELY THE PROVISIONS OF THE EXISTING WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, — 48 MONTHS EARNINGS FOR 100 PER CENT DISABILITY AND 36 MONTHS FOR DEATH, REGARDLESS OF AGE.
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT, A FLAT 11 500 WAS TO BE TAKEN AS MONTHLY EARNINGS IRRESPECTIVE OF ACTUAL WAGES OF INDIVIDUAL PNEUMOCON IOTICS.
FOR EXAMPLE, IF PERMANENT DISABILITY WAS ASSESSED AT 50 PER CENT, PAYMENT WOULD BE $1 500 X 48 (MONTHS) X 50 PER CENT - $36 000.
THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT PEOPLE ALREADY DIAGNOSED TO BE SUFFERING FROM THE DISEASE BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WOULD BE NOTIFIED FOR MEDICAL ASSESSMENT.
WORKERS WHO SUSPECT THEMSELVES TO BE SUFFERING FROM THE DISEASE SHOULD EITHER CONSULT THEIR OWN DOCTOR OR APPROACH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL HEALTH UNIT AT 5TH FLOOR, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, YAU MA TEI, FOR ARRANGEMENTS OF X-RAY.
AFTER MEDICAL ASSESSMENT A PNEUMOCON IOTIC WOULD BE GIVEN A CERTIFICATE ON THE DEGREE OF DISABILITY TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR EX-GRATIA PAYMENT.
ANY ENQUIRY CONCERNING PAYMENTS SHOULD BE MADE TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION UNIT, TELEPHONE NOS. 3-688353 AND 3-687346.
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BUREAUCRATIC RULES AND COMMERCIAL REALITIES IN TEXTILE QUOTAS
******
IN DEVISING THE RULES OF HONG KONG’S TEXTILE QUOTA SYSTEM WE HAVE HAD TO CONSIDER NOT ONLY THE BUREAUCRATIC RULES BUT ALSO THE COMMERCIAL REALITIES AND PRACTICALITIES, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR PETER TSAO SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
♦IT WOULD BE RATHER TEMPTING AND QUITE EASY TO MAKE PERFECT RULES FOR QUOTA CONTROL. RULES THAT ARE SOUND IN LOGIC AND IN POLICY. WE COULD HAVE RULES WHICH CANNOT BE FAULTED AND WE COULD HAVE RULES WHICH ARE TOTALLY FAIR,* HE TOLD THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON NORTH.
♦BUT THE QUESTION THAT WE MUST ASK OURSELVES, AS ADMINISTRATORS OF THE SYSTEM. IS WHETHER SUCH RULES WILL MAKE COMMERCIAL SENSE? CAN TRADERS TRADE? CAN THEY TRADE IN SUCH A WAY AS TO OBTAIN THE MAXIMUM PROFITS FOR THEMSELVES, THEREBY OBTAINING MAXIMUM PROFITS FOR HONG KONG AS A WHOLE?*
WHILST TEXTILE QUOTAS RESTRICTED OUR EXPORTS AND LIMITED OUR ACCESS RIGHTS TO OVERSEAS MARKETS, THEY ALSO GAVE A DEGREE OF CERTAINTY TO THE TRADE. IT WAS UP TO HONG KONG TO EXPLOIT IN FULL THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRADE.
/+OUH Alh, ...
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 1900
6
♦OUR AIM, THEREFORE, IS TO USE AS MUCH OF THE QUOTAS AS WE CAN- AND TO USE THEM IN SUCH A WAY AS TO ENABLE HONG KONG AS A WHOLE TO OBTAIN AS MUCH BENEFIT, IN MONEY TERMS, AS POSSIBLE,* SAID MR TSAO.
+THIS PHILOSOPHY REQUIRES A FLEXIBLE AND PRAGMATIC APPROACH. SO, IN DEVISING THE RULES OF THE SYSTEM WE TRY, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, TO MAKE COMMERCIAL SENSE.*
HE ILLUSTRATED THE DANGERS OF ADOPTING A PURIST APPROACH AND MAKING RULES WHICH COULD STAND UP TO ANY CRITICISM.
TAKING QUOTA TRANSFERS AS AN EXAMPLE, MR TSAO SAIDi +WE ALLOCATE QUOTAS TO COMPANIES WHICH HAVE A RECORD OF PERFORMANCE IN THE PAST. WE DO SO BECAUSE THESE ARE THE COMPANIES WHICH HAVE PROVEN ABILITY TO USE QUOTAS. SO, THE LOGICAL CONDITION ATTACHING TO SUCH ALLOCATION SHOULD BE THAT IF THEY DO NOT USE THEM, THEY LOSE THEM.
♦GIVEN THAT CONDITION, IT WOULD BE ILLOGICAL TO ALLOW COMPANIES TO MAKE WHAT IN OUR JARGON IS KNOWN AS TEMPORARY TRANSFERS. IN EFFECT THIS MEANS THAT A COMPANY HOLDING THE QUOTA MAY PASS ON TO ANOTHER COMPANY THE RIGHT TO SHIP AGAINST THE FORMER’S QUOTA IN ONE YEAR, WITHOUT THE TRANSFERROR LOSING ITS RIGHT TO HIS QUOTA IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR,* HE SAID.
MR TSAO SAID THAT, IN PURIST TERMS, HE WOULD AGREE THAT SUCH A SYSTEM DID NOT STAND UP TO LOGIC. BUT WHAT, HE ASKED, WOULD HAPPEN IF THE RULES SAID THAT ALL COMPANIES MUST USE THEIR QUOTAS EVERY YEAR AND, IF THEY DID NOT USE THEM, THEY WOULD LOSE THEM.
+ONE CONSEQUENCE WOULD BE THAT A COMPANY TRADING IN SHIRTS IN YEAR ONE, WOULD BE ALLOCATED SHIRT QUOTAS IN YEAR TWO WHEN RESTRAINT WAS FIRST IMPOSED. IN YEAR THREE HIS CUSTOMER NO LONGER WANTED SHIRTS- BUT INSTEAD REQUIRED TROUSERS. HE CANNOT SHIP TROUSERS, BECAUSE HE HASN’T THE QUOTA. HE CANNOT USE HIS SHIRT QUOTA, BECAUSE HE HASN’T GOT THE ORDER.
♦AND THEN THERE IS COMPANY B WHICH IS IN THE OPPOSITE POSITION -HAVING GOT TROUSERS QUOTA, BUT HAS ONLY GOT SHIRT ORDERS. IF QUOTAS CANNOT BE TRANSFERRED, THEY ARE BOTH GOING TO LOSE THEIR RESPECTIVE ALLOCATIONS IN YEAR FOUR.+ HE SAID.
♦IF SUCH A LOSS WERE LIMITED TO THE COMPANIES CONCERNED, THE GOVERNMENT NEED NOT INTERVENE. HOWEVER THE MATTER DOES NOT REST WITH THE COMPANIES. BY DEFINITION, UNUSED QUOTA RESULTS IN UNUSED TRADING OPPORTUNITIES FOR HONG KONG.
♦IN THIS VERY COMPLEX WORLD OF COMMERCE, THE PATTERN IS NOT LIKELY TO BE LIMITED TO TWO COMPANIES TRADING IN TWO PRODUCTS,+ SAID MR TSAO.
♦THE ACTUAL SITUATION OFTEN INVOLVED A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF COMPANIES, TRADING IN A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF ITEMS, AND THE AMOUNT OF QUOTAS THAT COULD BE LOCKED INTO COMPANIES THAT ARE UNABLE TO USE THEM IF THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED TO EXCHANGE THEM, COULD BE A VERY LARGE AMOUNT INDEED.
/♦SOKS WOULD.....
FRIDAY, JULY £;>♦ i960
7 -
♦ SOME WOULD SAY THE COMPANIES COULD TRY TO USE THEIR UNUSABLE QUOTAS BY SELLING AT CHEAPER PRICES. I AGREE, BUT THAT SURELY WILL RESULT IN A SITUATION WHERE HONG KONG AS A WHOLE WOULD EARN LESS, AND WOULD NOT BE ACHIEVING THE AIM OF USING TO THE FULL THE LIMITED TRADING OPPORTUNITIES,+ HE SAID.
MR TSAO SAID HIS DEPARTMENT HAD ALSO RECEIVED SUGGESTIONS THAT WHEN QUOTAS WERE TRANSFERRED, SOME OF THEM SHOULD GO TO THE COMPANY TO WHOM THE TRANSFER IS MADE.
♦FIRST OF ALL, THAT WORD 'SOME’ NEEDS TO BE DEFINED. HOW MUCH SHOULD THE TRANSFERROR RETAIN, AND HOW MUCH SHOULD THE TRANSFERREE GET? WHERE DOES ONE DRAW A LOGICAL LINE?* HE ASKED.
♦EVEN IF WE COULD COME TO AN AGREEMENT THAT THE LINE SHOULD BE DRAWN AT A PARTICULAR PERCENTAGE, THE RESULT WILL BE VERY SIMILAR TO NOT ALLOWING TRANSFERS. COMPANIES NOT ABLE TO USE THEIR PARTICULAR KIND OF HOLDING IN ONE YEAR WILL NOT BE WILLING TO LOSE PART OF THEIR HOLDING, BECAUSE THEY EXPECT TO BE ABLE TO USE THEIR QUOTAS IN FUTURE YEARS.
+THE NET RESULT WILL AGAIN BE FOR THESE COMPANIES TO ATTEMPT TO USE UP THEIR OWN QUOTAS AND THE CONSEQUENCE WILL AGAIN BE AN ATTEMPT TO TRADE DOWN,* HE ADDED.
A FURTHER CONSEQUENCE OF COMPANIES BEING DISCOURAGED FROM MAKING TRANSFERS WOULD BE THE CESSATION OF TRANSFERS, THEREBY DEPRIVING THE SO-CALLED SMALL EXPORTERS AND MANUFACTURERS, WHO DID NOT HOLD ALLOCATIONS AT PRESENT. THE POSSIBILITY OF CONTINUING THEIR BUSINESS BY OBTAINING QUOTAS THROUGH TRANSFERS.
+WE ARE ADVISED THAT IN SUCH A SITUATION MOST, IF NOT ALL, OF THE SMALL EXPORTERS AND MANUFACTURERS WILL SIMPLY CEASE TO EXIST.
♦IN DEALING WITH THE SYSTEM, ONE MUST ADOPT A PRACTICAL AND PRAGMATIC APPROACH. LOGIC DOES NOT ALWAYS HAVE ITS PLACE IN A SYSTEM OF THIS SORT. IT IS, OF COURSE, A VERY DIFFICULT TASK TO TRY TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN WHAT IS LOGICAL AND FAIR ON THE ONE HAND, AND WHAT MAKES COMMERCIAL SENSE ON THE OTHER HAND.
♦ON THE 'TRANSFER PROVISIONS’ WE HOPE WE HAVE STRUCK THAT BALANCE BY ALLOWING TRANSFERS, BUT PENALISING ’PERSISTENT’ TRANSFERRORS,♦ HE SAID.
IN REVIEWING THE QUOTA SYSTEM THE GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN CERTAIN STEPS IN A GENERAL DIRECTION OF TIGHTENING UP THE SYSTEM, BUT IN TAKING EVERY STEP, THEY HAD HAD TO LOOK AT THE CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH STEPS.
♦WHERE THE CONSEQUENCES ARE EITHER ADVERSE OR EVEN UNCLEAR, WE HAVE ATTEMPTED EITHER NOT TO TAKE THE STEP, OR TO TAKE A SMALLER TESTING STEP.
♦WE HAVE NOT DONE A NUMBER OF THINGS WHICH HAVE BEEN URGED UPON US, NOT NECESSARILY BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT IN THEMSELVES IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SYSTEM, BUT RATHER BECAUSE WE ARE NOT CLEAR AS TO WHAT ARE THE LIKELY CONSEQUENCES,+ HE SAID.
/♦IF
FRIDAY
JULY 25, '9C0
8
♦ IF WE WERE TO MAKE ALL THE IMPROVEMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN URGED UPON US, I AM AFRAID WE WOULD NOT BE TAKING A STEP, BUT MAKING A LEAP. AND BECAUSE WE WOULD NOT KNOW WHERE WE ARE HEADING, THIS WOULD BE A LEAP INTO THE DARK.+
THIS WAS A RISK WHICH THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT AFFORD TO TAKE IN RESPECT OF A SYSTEM WHICH WAS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO THE TEXTILE AND GARMENT TRADE IN HONG KONG - AN INDUSTRY WHICH EMPLOYED HALF THE WORKERS AND PROVIDED SLIGHTLY LESS THAN HALF OF OUR EXPORT EARNINGS.
♦ WHETHER THIS REVIEW ACHIEVES ITS DESIRED AIM WILL BE A JUDGEMENT THAT CAN ONLY BE MADE WITH THE LAPSE OF AT LEAST A YEAR OR SO. WE WILL BE KEEPING A CLOSE WATCH ON HOW THE SYSTEM IS WORKING, OR NOT WORKING,* HE SAID.
♦ IT IS LIKELY THAT MINOR MODIFICATIONS, OR FINE TUNING, WILL HAVE TO BE MADE FROM TIME TO TIME. A SIMILAR MAJOR EFFORT WILL BE MADE IN THREE YEARS’ TIME, WHEN PERHAPS, WE MIGHT TAKE A FEW MORE STEPS WHICH WE HAVEN’T HAD THE COURAGE OR CONVICTION TO TAKE DURING THIS RcVIEW,+ CONCLUDED MR TSAO.
---------o------------
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES * * * *
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR JUNE 1980 WERE 158 AND 157 RESPECTIVELY. COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH, C.P.I. (A) INCREASED BY ONE POINT AND C.P. I. (B) REMAINED STABLE.
THE C.P.I. (A) IS BASED ON WEIGHTS DERIVED FROM THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $400 AND $1 499 A MONTH AND THE C.P.I. (B) FROM THOSE SPENDING BETWEEN $1 500 AND $2 999 A MONTH, AS DETERMINED FROM THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY OF 1973/74.
THE CHANGES FOR JUNE 1980 IN RESPECT OF THE COMPONENTS OF THE TWO INDICES, COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH AND WITH THE CORRESPONDING MONTH IN 1979, ARE i
C.P. I. (A) C.P. I. (B)
COMPONENT JUNE 80 MAY 80 JUNE 79 JUNE 80 MAY 80 JUNE 79
FOODSTUFFS 150 150 132 152 152 134
HOUSING 151 151 143 151 151 142
FUEL AND LIGHT 262 262 168 247 247 164
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 19»C
9
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
AND TOBACCO 184 182 158 177 175 153
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 120 120 110 118 118 108
DURABLE GOODS 134 134 126 130 130 123
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 168 167 143 165 164 141
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 196 195 151 196 195 156
SERVICES 167 166 147 171 170 149
ALL ITEMS 158 157 137 157 157 138
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS REMAINED STABLE IN BOTH C.P.I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B). INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF SALT-WATER FISH, LIVE POULTRY AND PORK. THE COST OF MEALS BOUGHT IN RESTAURANTS ALSO WENT UP.
HOWEVER, THESE INCREASES WERE OFFSET BY THE DECREASES IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND FRESH-WATER FISH.
EFFECTS OF THE MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
THE INDEX FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY TWO POINTS IN BOTH C.P.I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES FOR BEER AND CHINESE WINES.
THE ONE POINT INCREASE IN THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS IN BOTH C.P.I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B) WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO HIGHER PRICES FOR MEDICINES, TOILET REQUISITES, SOAP AND DETERGENTS.
HIGHER CHARGES FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUS FARES INCREASED THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES BY ONE POINT EACH IN C.P.I. (A) AND C.P. I. (B).
THE INDEX FOR SERVICES INCREASED BY ONE POINT IN BOTH C.P.I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT AND DOMESTIC HELP.
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER COMMODITY SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
DETAILS OF THESE PRICE MOVEMENTS ARE GIVEN IN THE ^CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT* FOR JUNE 1980, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $2 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE.
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FBIDAY, JULY 25, 19&0 1C
FOUR NEW TERRITORIES SITES TO BE AUCTIONED
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO AUCTION FOUR SITES TOTALLING MORE THAN 22 OOO SQUARE METRES IN TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN.
THE TSUEN WAN SITE, MEASURING 4 600 SQUARE METRES, IS ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND IS FOR DEVELOPMENT AS A BUS TERMINUS WHICH WILL BE LINKED BY A PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY TO THE ADJACENT MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION.
THE AREA OVER THE BUS TERMINUS WILL BE FOR NON-INDUSTRI AL DEVELOPMENT, EXCLUDING RESIDENTIAL OR HOTEL USE. IT WILL BE THE FIRST DEVELOPMENT OF ITS KIND IN THE AREA.
SALE CONDITIONS SPECIFY THAT THE TERMINUS IS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE AUGUST 30, 1982.
DEVELOPMENT OVER THE TERMINUS CARRIES A BUILDING COVENANT OF $100 MILLION TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN 48 MONTHS. IT HAS A PLOT RATIO CF 12.5.
THE THREE SHA TIN LOTS ARE FOR RESIDENTIAL, NON-INDUSTRI AL AND INDUSTRIAL/GODOWN DEVELOPMENT.
THE RESIDENTIAL SITE, SITUATED BETWEEN THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY RAILWAY STATION AND THE RACE COURSE, MEASURES 13 160 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR VILLA-TYPE HOUSES.
IT HAS A PLOT RATIO OF 0.4 AND A BUILDING COVENANT OF $8.2 MILLION TO BE FULFILLED WITHIN 48 MONTHS.
LOCATED IN THE TOWN CENTRE, THE NON-INDUSTRI AL SITE IS 2 271 SQUARE METRES. IT HAS A BUILDING COVENANT OF $13.6 MILLION TO BE FULFILLED WITHIN 48 MONTHS.
THE SITE FOR INDUSTRIAL/GODOWN DEVELOPMENT IS NEAR FO TAN AND MEASURES 2 153 SQUARE METRES.
CONDITIONS OF SALE SPECIFY A PLOT RATIO OF 9.5 AND A BUILDING COVENANT OF $15.34 MILLION TO BE FILFILLED WITHIN 48 MONTHS.
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, AT 11 AM.
DETAILS OF THE FOUR LOTS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
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FRIDAY, JULY 25, 1980
11
TENDERS INVITED FOR TUEN MUN ROAD * ft * * * *
WORK WILL SOON START ON THE FINAL SECTION OF THE SECOND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE $540 MILLION TUEN MUN ROAD.
TENDERS FOR THE REMAINING TWO CONTRACTS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
MR YEUNG KIM-CHOY, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION, SAID WORK ON THE TWO CONTRACTS WOULD START IN OCTOBER AND TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
HE SAID THE FIRST CONTRACT INVOLVED THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SECOND CARRIAGEWAY BETWEEN SHAM TSENG AND TUEN MUN.
♦THE WORK COMPRISES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY OF ABOUT 9.3 KILOMETRES, TWO BRIDGES AT TSING LUNG TAU AND SO KWUN TAN, EXTENSIVE EARTHWORKS AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS.
♦THE ROADWAY TO BE CONSTRUCTED UNDER THIS CONTRACT IS DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS BY SIU LAM INTERCHANGE WHERE THE CARRIAGEWAY WAS BUILT TO ITS FULL WIDTH UNDER THE FIRST STAGE CF THE PROJECT,♦ HE SAID.
MR YEUNG SAID THE OTHER CONTRACT INVOLVED THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ELEVATED HIGHWAY STRUCTURE LINKING CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND TUEN MUN ROAD AT CHAI WAN KOK.
♦THE STRUCTURE WILL PROVIDE A TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY IN THE FORM OF A TEN-SPAN PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BRIDGE.
♦THIS CONTRACT WILL ALSO INCLUDE OTHER ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH THE WIDENING AND MODIFICATION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD TOGETHER WITH THE ANCILLARY WORKS.♦
}
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE COMPLETION OF THIS CONTRACT WOULD PROVIDE FREE-FLOW CONNECTIONS FOR TRAFFIC BETWEEN TUEN MUN ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD TO THE EAST OF CHAI WAN KOK.
BY THEN, THE EXISTING TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNAL CONTROL AT CHAI WAN KOK WOULD NO LONGER BE REQUIRED, HE ADDED.
ON COMPLETION OF THE TWO CONTRACTS BY THE END OF 1982, THE 15.3-KILOMETRE TUEN MUN ROAD WILL BE IN FULL OPERATION WITH A DUAL THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY, PROVIDING A HIGH CAPACITY ROUTE BETWEEN TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN AND TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
STAGE ONE OF THE ROAD PROJECT, CONSISTING OF A THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY, WAS OPENED TO TRAFFIC IN MAY 1978.
WORK ON THE FIRST CONTRACT FOR THE SECOND STAGE IS WELL IN ADVANCE AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR.
FHIDAY. JULY 25, '9'C
12 -
IT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY, OF ABOUT FIVE KILOMETRES, FROM TSUEN WAN TO SHAM TSENG- 1.2 KILOMETRES OF BRIDGE AND VIADUCT, SEVERAL DRAINAGE CULVERTS AND RETAINING WALLS.
THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY SCOTT WILSON KIRKPATRICK AND PARTNERS, CONSULTING ENGINEERS, FOR THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
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TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN TO MAKE FLYING SURVEY ******
MR T.S. LO, THE RECENTLY APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL MAKE A FLYING START TO HIS NEW JOB.
DURING MONDAY MORNING’S (JULY 28) RUSH HOUR ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR ALAN ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT, HE WILL MAKE AN AERIAL SURVEY OVER TRAFFIC CONGESTION SPOTS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR IN A ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE HELICOPTER.
LATER, THEY WILL LAND AT TUEN MUN TO VISIT KOWLOON MOTOR BUS’S ASSEMBLY PLANT BEFORE RETURNING TO THE ISLAND.
NOTE TO EDITORS J
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT. TRANSPORT TO TUEN MUN BUS ASSEMBLY PLANT WILL BE PROVIDED. A KMB COACH WILL LEAVE QUEEN’S PIER AT 6.30 AM SHARP. IN THE EVENT OF BAD WEATHER THE TRIP WILL BE CANCELLED AND ANOTHER DATE WILL BE FIXED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
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WORKERS AN IMPORTANT FORCE BEHIND INDUSTRY SUCCESS ******
DILIGENT AND DEDICATED WORKERS THROUGH THE YEARS HAVE BEEN hongMkong’sTindustryEHIND THE spectacular success achieved by
THE CHAIRMAN OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD INDUSTRIAL SUB-COMMITTEE, MR LAM KIN-MING, SAID THIS TODAY (FRIDAY) WHEN PRESENTING PRIZES TO SEVEN TSUEN WAN +MODEL+ WORKERS.
MR LAM SAID THE AIM OF THE TSUEN WAN MODEL WORKERS SCHEME WAS TO COMMEND PEOPLE WHO CONTRIBUTED TO INDUSTRY AND TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PART PLAYED BY WORKERS IN OUR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
♦THERE ARE NEARLY 100 000 WORKERS IN TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN.+ HE SAID.
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FRIDAY, JULY 25. 1900
15
♦AND THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD’S INDUSTRIAL SUB-COMMITTEE IS VERY CONCERNED WITH THE EVERYDAY NEEDS OF,FACTOR IES AND WORKERS.♦
MR LAM SAID THE SUB-COMMITTEE WAS PLANNING TO ESTABLISH WORKERS’ CANTEENS IN THE DISTRICT TO HELP SOLVE LUNCH PROBLEMS.
HE ALSO REVEALED THAT THE CO-ORDINATING THE FORMATION OF INDUSTRY.
DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD WAS A TSUEN WAN FEDERATION OF
PREPARATORY WORK HAD BEEN COMPLETED AND THE FEDERATION WOULD BE INAUGURATED SHORTLY.
♦INDUSTRIALISTS WILL THEN HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCES AND KNOWLEDGE,♦ HE SAID.
ALSO, MORE ACTIVITIES AND WELFARE FACILITIES WOULD BE ORGANISED FOR WORKERS.
MR LAM SAID WHAT INDUSTRY HAD ACHIEVED, WAS THE RESULT OF DECADES OF HARD WORK BY OUR PREDECESSORS.
♦SUCCESS HAS NOT COME BY LUCK.
♦THE BASIC FACTORS AT THE BACK OF OUR SUCCESS HAVE BEEN THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT OF GOVERNMENT- CO-OPERATION BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES- THE CONFIDENCE INDUSTRIALISTS HAVE IN HONG KONG- THEIR QUICK THINKING, AND THE CONCERTED EFFORTS OF WORKERS.+
HE URGED WORKERS AND INDUSTRIALISTS TO CONTINUE THEIR EFFORTS AND PUSH HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY A STEP FURTHER.
THE SEVEN MODEL WORKERS, WHO WERE ELECTED BECAUSE OF THEIR OUTSTANDING WORK PERFORMANCE AND THE GOOD RELATIONSHIPS THEY ENJOY WITH THEIR COLLEAGUES, WEREi MS TAI CHOI-CHUN, MR YEUNG CH IK-SUN, MS HO YAU-HA, MR LEUNG KWONG, MS KWAN YUK-LIN, MS TONG SAU-LUEN AND MR WONG WAH-CHIU.
THEY WERE PRESENTED WITH A GOLD MEDAL AND A CHEQUE FOR $2 000 EACH AT THE CEREMONY.
MR WU YUK-CHAU, WINNER OF A SLOGAN COMPETITION WHICH WAS ALSO PART OF THE MODEL WORKERS AWARD SCHEME, WAS PRESENTED WITH $5 000 AND A TROPHY.
OFFICIATING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WERE THE DISTRICT OFFICER TSUEN WAN, MR LUI HAU-TUEN- THE TOWN OFFICER KWAI CHUNG, MR ALAN LAI, AND A TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER, DR ALEXANDER LAI.
A CONCERT, HELD IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CEREMONY, WAS ATTENDED BY 1 500 LOCAL WORKERS. PERFORMERS INCLUDED POPULAR LOCAL STARS, MISS AGNES CHAN, DAVID AU, DANNY CHAN, AND RADIO HONG KONG DISC JOCKEYS.
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FRIDAY, JULY 25, 1980
14
WORKING GROUP STUDIES DEMAND FOR CHILDREN’S INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE *****
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THE GOVERNMENT HAD SET UP A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY THE DEMAND FOR INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AGED OVER SIX YEARS.
SHE WAS SPEAKING AT THE 24TH SCHOOL GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG JUVENILE CARE CENTRE — AN INSTITUTION PROVIDING EDUCATION AND SOCIAL REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH PROBLEMS.
SHE SAID THE WORKING GROUP WOULD ALSO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE STANDARD STAFFING STRUCTURE FOR CHILDREN’S INSTITUTIONS.
ITS FINDINGS, SHE SAID, WILL FORM THE BASIS FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL CARE FOR CHILDREN.
THE WORKING GROUP HAS BEEN SET UP BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN EMPHASISED THAT THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES DEPENDED LARGELY ON THE SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION OF VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES.
IN THIS AREA THE HONG KONG JUVENILE CARE CENTRE IS PLAYING A SIGNIFICANT ROLE AND MAKING DEFINITE CONTRIBUTIONS.
SHE NOTED THAT THE CENTRE HAD MADE MARKED IMPROVEMENTS BOTH IN ITS ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF MANAGEMENT AND WAS PLANNING A NEW CENTRE IN NAM LONG SHAN.
WITH A GOVERNMENT LAND GRANT, CONSTRUCTION WORK IS WELL UNDERWAY AND THE NEW CENTRE IS EXPECTED TO BE READY IN EARLY 1982 PROVIDING INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE FOR 150 CHILDREN.
TO THE GRADUATING STUDENTS, MRS CHAN SAID THEY MUST NOT FEEL OBSESSED BY THEIR ADMISSION TO THE CENTRE AND ENCOURAGED THEM TO STICK TO THEIR PRINCIPLE AND ACT TO SHOW THEIR DETERMINATION TO IMPROVE THEMSELVES.
♦EVEN IF YOU JUST MAKE YOURSELF AN ORDINARY LAW-ABIDING CITIZEN, YOU WILL STILL BE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF THE COMMUNITY,+ SHE TOLD THE GRADUATES.
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 1980
15
>43.9 MILLION ROAD CONTRACT AWARDED
* * ft * *
A SECTION OF LUNG MUN ROAD IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN WILL BE WIDENED TO FORM PART OF A MAJOR ROAD LINK TO SERVE A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR MORE THAN 60 000 RESIDENTS.
A CONTRACT FOR THE WORK, WORTH $43.9 MILLION, WAS LET TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS (PTY) LTD.
IT WAS SIGNED BY MR K.K. TANG, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY.
+THE SECTION OF ROAD TO BE WIDENED EXTENDS SOME 1 600 METRES FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TSI NG WAN ROAD TO THE PAK KOK SEWAGE PUMPING STATION,* SAID MR TANG.
♦BESIDES SERVING THE HOUSING ESTATE, THE NEW ROAD WILL ALSO SERVE INDUSTRIAL AND PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS ON A FUTURE 34-HECTARE RECLAMATION ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE TOWN, AND PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE POWER STATION AND CEMENT PLANT NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT TAP SHEK KOK,+ HE SAID.
THE CONTRACT INVOLVES THE WIDENING AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE EXISTING TWO-LANE ROAD TO A DUAL CARRIAGEWAY WITH A CENTRAL DIVIDER THAT WILL BE USED ALSO AS A NARROW AMENITY AREA.
THERE IS PROVISION FOR A FUTURE LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM ON THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE NEW ROAD, ALONG WHICH TWO RETAINING WALLS WILL BE BUILT- ONE AGAINST THE CASTLE PEAK BOYS’ HOME AND THE OTHER ALONG A HEAVILY WOODED KNOLL WHICH IS TO BE PRESERVED FOR LANDSCAPING.
THE EXISTING UNDERGROUND STORMWATER DRAINS WILL ALSO BE ENLARGED AND EXTENDED ALONG THE ROAD, MR TANG ADDED.
WORK ON THE CONTRACT WILL START EARLY NEXT MONTH AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 1980
16
PRIME SITES OFFERED FOR TENDER
* * * *
THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT TWO VALUABLE SITES ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON ARE BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER.
THE FIRST SITE, LOCATED AT RED HILL OFF TAI TAM ROAD, MEASURES ABOUT 135 000 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL USES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE OFFICE SAID, +IT IS THE LARGEST SINGLE HIGH-CLASS PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SITE TO BE OFFERED FOR SALE IN THE URBAN AREA IN RECENT YEARS.
♦WHEN FULLY DEVELOPED, IT WILL PROVIDE SOME 500 HIGH CLASS UNITS OF ACCOMMODATION EACH WITH A FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 240 SQUARE METRES.♦
CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS FOR THIS SITE IS NOON ON OCTOBER 31.
ANOTHER LOT, SITUATED AT THE JUNCTION OF CANTON ROAD AND HAIPHONG ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI. IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES. HOTEL DEVELOPMENT WILL BE PERMITTED. IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 6 600 SQUARE METRES.
THE DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS FOR THIS LOT IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 5.
TENDER FORMS, TOGETHER WITH NOTICES AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD AND ON THE 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD.
TENDER PLANS MAY BE INSPECTED AT THESE OFFICES.
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FRIDAY, JULY 25, 1980
17
WORKERS WARNED OF FAULTY ROPES
*****
WORKERS ARE WARNED TO CLOSELY EXAMINE ROPES USED IN LIFTING AND CARRYING LOADS TO ENSURE THEY ARE IN A SATISFACTORY CONDITION TO AVOID ACCIDENTS.
THIS IS THE RECOMMENDATION GIVEN BY THE CORONER WHO INQUIRED INTO THE DEATH OF A 16-YEAR-OLD YOUTH WHO WAS HIT BY A FALLING ROLLER-BOARD WHILE WATCHING CARGO WORK ACTIVITIES ON BOARD A LIGHTER IN MARCH THIS YEAR. A VERDICT OF +ACCIDENTAL DEATH* WAS RETURNED.
THE CORONER ADVISED THAT ROPES USED FOR SUCH A PURPOSE SHOULD BE PURCHASED FROM REPUTABLE SUPPLIERS OR MANUFACTURERS.
HE SAID THAT THE ROPE IN QUESTION WAS COMPLETELY UNSUITED FOR ANY KIND OF LIFTING AND A CLOSE EXAMINATION OF IT REVEALED ITS POOR QUALITY AND THAT ITS CORE WAS MANUFACTURED FROM VARIOUS TYPES OF SCRAP MATERIALS.
THE CORONER SAID HE WAS CONCERNED THAT SUCH ROPES MAY BE FREELY AVAILABLE AT SHIP’S CHANDLERS AND SIMILAR MERCHANTS AND MANY WORKERS COULD BE ENDANGERED.
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37 PEOPLE PRESENTED WITH LIFE SAVING AWARDS
* * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR JOHN RIDDELL-SWAN, THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON PRESENTED HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB RESCUE STARS TO 37 PEOPLE WHO DISTINGUISHED THEMSELVES IN RESCUING PEOPLE FROM THE SEA.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL PRESENTATION OF LIFE SAVING AWARDS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB, MR RIDDELL-SWAN RECALLED THAT THE FIRST OF THE CEREMONIES WAS HELD 18 YEARS AGO.
SINCE THEN, HE SAID. THE CLUB AND HIS DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN WORKING TOGETHER WITH THE AIM OF SAVING LIVES AT SEA AND HE WAS GRATIFIED BY THE RESULTS OF THIS LONG AND SUCCESSFUL ASSOCIATION.
HE SA ID• +THE 499 HONG KONG RESCUE AWARDS WHICH HAVE BEEN MADE SINCE 1962, GIVE SOME IDEA OF OUR SUCCESS.*
MR RIDDELL-SWAN SAID HE WAS MOST IMPRESSED BY THE WAY THE CLUB HAD GROWN AND THE EXTENT AND DIVERSIFICATION OF ITS INVOLVEMENT, NOT ONLY IN ITS PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF LIFE SAVING BUT IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS IN GENERAL.
DURING THE YEAR, HE SAID, THE CLUB TRAINED NEARLY 10 000 YOUNG PEOPLE TO QUALIFY FOR THE ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY’S AWARDS" TAUGHT MORE THAN 1 200 PEOPLE TO SWIM AND ORGANISED CLASSES FOR LIFE GUARDS.
/+BUT DESPITE .....
FRIDAY, JCLY 25, 1980
18 -
♦BUT DESPITE THESE HEAVY COMMITMENTS, CLUB MEMBERS STILL......
FIND TIME TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GOVERNMENT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMES AND HAVE BEEN CONCERNED IN RUNNING COURSES IN LIFE SAVING, SWIMMING INSTRUCTION, SPRING BOARD DIVING, SNORKELLING AND SUB-AQUA DIVING, ALL OF WHICH MAKE A VERY SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO PREVENTING LOSSES AT SEA,* HE SAID.
IN FACT, HE ADDED, SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1956 WELL OVER 11 OOO PEOPLE OWED THEIR LIVES EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY TO ACTIVITIES OF THE HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB.
THE
MR RIDDELL-SWAN SAID THAT HE WAS PARTICULARLY HAPPY TO SEE 10 FISHERMEN AND TWO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AMONG THE RECIPIENTS OF THE RESCUE STAR. OTHER RECIPIENTS WERE FOUR POLICEMEN, 10 URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT LABOURERS AND 11 MEMBERS OF THE LIFE GUARD CLUB.
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RUINS OF TUNG LUNG FORT NOW A PROTECTED MONUMENT * * * *
IN THE GAZETTEER OF THE SAN ON DISTRICT, REVISED EDITION OF 1819, IT WAS STATED THAT +0N THE HILL OF NAN FAT TONG, ON AN ISLAND, A FORT WAS BUILT DURING THE PERIOD OF KANG HSI TO PROTECT THE AREA AGAINST PIRATES. IN 1810 IT WAS DECIDED TO RESITE THE FORT ON THE SEASHORE OF KOWLOON*.
SINCE THEN, THE WALLS OF THE 35O-YEAR-OLD FORT HAVE GRADUALLY FALLEN TO RUIN AND BECOME ALMOST COMPLETELY OBSCURED BY THICK VEGETATION.
THIS ALMOST FORGOTTEN RELIC OF LOCAL HISTORY IS NOW BEING BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE AS PART OF THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT POLICY OF RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION OF HONG KONG’S ANTIQUITIES.
THE FORT WAS DESIGNATED AS A MONUMENT IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GAZETTE.
SINCE JANUARY 1979, STAFF OF THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS SECTION OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG MUSEUM OF HISTORY HAVE BEEN WORKING TO REPAIR AND REBUILD THE OLD FORT WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE HONG KONG ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
THE VEGETATION HAS BEEN CUT, THE LOOSE PARTS OF WALLS DISMANTLED, AND THE RUBBLE CLEARED.
EXCAVATION INSIDE THE FORT REVEALED FEATURES WHICH WERE TOTALLY HIDDEN UNDER TONS OF EARTH AND RUBBLE. AN IMPRESSIVE ENTRANCE WITH STEPS LEADING UP INTO THE FORT HAS BEEN UNCOVERED, TOGETHER WITH THE REMAINS OF THE BRICK ARCH THAT USED TO SPAN IT.
IN THE SOUTH-WEST CORNER OF THE FORT STEPS HAVE BEEN CLEARED LEADING UP TO THE WALLS. BRICK FbUNDATIONS OF INTERIOR STRUCTURES, NO LONGER STANDING, CAN BE SEEN IN SEVERAL PLACES AFTER EXCAVATION.
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 19&0
19
THE FORT STANDS ON A COMMANDING POSITION OVERLOOKING THE NARROW FAT TONG MUN STRAIT OVER WHICH IT MUST HAVE HAD AN EXCELLENT CONTROL. ITS COMPARATIVELY SMALL SIZE (22 M X 34 M) DOES NOT INDICATE A FORMIDABLE DEFENSIVE FORTRESS, BUT IT PROBABLY HAD A BATTERY OF CANNON AND MANNED BY A SMALL NAVAL DETACHMENT. IT MAY HAVE ALSO SERVED AS A SIGNALLING POST.
THERE IS STILL A GREAT DEAL OF WORK TO BE DONE, ESPECIALLY IN REBUILDING THE WALLS AND RECONSTRUCTING SOME OF THE FEATURES.
w'HEN COMPLETED IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS a HISTORICAL LANDMARK.
THE AREA IS DESIGNATED AS A SPECIAL AREA UNDER THE COUNTRY PARKS ORDINANCE, AND THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAS ALLOTTED MONEY FOR THE WORK ON THE RESTORATION.
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TAXI LICENCE BALLOT ft ft ft ft
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT A PUBLIC BALLOT WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY (JULY 28) TO DETERMINE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS OFFERING AN IDENTICAL UNIT PREMIUM OF $208 000 FOR THE ALLOCATION OF THREE URBAN TAXI LICENCES IN THE JUNE-JULY TAXI TENDERS.
ILL BE AT 2.30 PM IN ROOM 27 ON THE MEZZANI DEPARTMENT LICENSING OFFICE, 2 MURRAY ROAD,
NE
THE BALLOT W FLOOR, TRANSPORT HONG KONG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE THREE TAXI LICENCES REMAIN AVAILABLE AFTER 297 OF THE 300 URBAN TAXI LICENCES HAVE keS ALLOCATED TO TENDERS OFFERING A UNIT PREMIUM IN EXCESS OF $208 000.
ALL TENDERERS, WHO HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS, ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE BALLOT, HE ADDED.
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/20......
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 1980
20
TENDERS INVITED FOR AIRPORT SHOPS M * * *
TENDERS ARE INVITED FOR THE TENANCIES OF TWO RETAIL SHOPS IN THE DEPARTURE HALL OF THE PASSENGER TERMINAL, HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
THE SHOPS — NOS. D9O3 AND D904 — ARE TO BE USED FOR THE _______________ SALE OF OUTFITTERS AND EMBROIDERY GOODS AND CHINESE ARTS AND CRAFTS RESPECTIVELY. TENANCIES ARE FOR THREE YEARS STARTING ON SEPTEMBER
APPLICANTS MAY TENDER FOR ONE OR BOTH PREMISES RESPECT OF EACH SHOP.
BUT A SEPARATE
TENDER MUST BE SUBMITTED IN
BIDS MUST BE PLACED IN THE ENTRANCE HALL OF MURRAY NOON ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 15.
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TENDER BOX IN BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE
TENDERERS SHOULD ALSO ATTACH TO EACH TENDER A RECEIPT SHOWING THAT THEY DEPOSITED WITH THE TREASURY, $20 000 AS A PLEDGE OF BONA FIDE.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, NEW RODNEY BLOCK, QUEENSWAY, OR AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
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TSI NG Yl ISLAND RECLAMATION * M * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO RECLAIM ABOUT 10 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED TO THE SOUTHEAST OF TSING Yl ISLAND FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.
THE RECLAMATION WILL INITIALLY PROVIDE A DISPOSAL AREA FOR EXCAVATED MATERIAL FROM DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ON THE ISLAND.
THE EXTENT OF AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED IS DESCRIBED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL OR ANY CLAIM OF PR IYATE R IGHT SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
PLAN SHOWING THE
THE NOTICE. IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH, WITH A _
AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED, HAS BEEN POSTED NEAR THE
SITE.
WORKS DIVISION,
THE PLAN MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE PORT
FIRST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG- THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING OR AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FOU WAH CENTRE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN
WAN.
o. - -
/21
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 1980
21
PLB PROHIBITION IN LAU SIN STREET ft ft ft
ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES EXCEPT THOSE AUTHORIZED IN WRITING BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING LAU SIN STREET SOUTH OF KING’S ROAD FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (JULY 28).
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE PROHIBITED ZONE.
- - - - 0 ----------
WATER CUT IN WAN CHAI ft ft ft ft
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO
,,,,, „ A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WAN CHAI
WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (JULY 28) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY (TUESDAY) FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY MORRISON HILL ROAD, TIN LOK LANE, 110-240 AND 93-227 WAN CHAI ROAD AND 176-288 JOHNSTON ROAD, INCLUDING BURROWS STREET, MALLORY STREET, HEARD STREET, WOOD ROAD, CROSS LAND, TAK YAN STREET, SALVATION STREET, WING CHEUNG STREET, TANG SHIU KIN HOSPITAL AND TANG CHI NGONG SPECIALIST CLINIC.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
Saturday, july 26, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ACTING GOVERNOR OPENS TRAINING CENTRE FOR THE HANDICAPPED.......................................... 1
FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS PROVIDES VALUABLE SERVICES .... 2
FIRST INDOOR GAMES HALL IN NT NEaRS COMPLETION .............. 3
WORK ARRANGEMENTS DURING TROPICAL STORM ..................
EMPLOYERS REMINDED OF FLOATING HOLIDAY ...................... 5
NEW ROADS FOR SHA TIN ....................................... 6
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD FOR 3359 600 ....................... 6
AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT GRADUATES SaYS EDUCATION CHIEF ............................................. 7
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON aND NT ...................... 8
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN DIaMOND HILL ....................... 9
WATER COT ................................................... 9
FIRING PRACTICE
10
SATURDAY, JULY 26, 1980
1
ACTING GOVERNOR OPENS TRAINING CENTRE FOR THE HANDICAPPED
******
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR JACK CATER SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THE DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES HAS, IN RECENT YEARS, BEEN ONE OF THE TOP PRIORITIES FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
HE SAID MUCH OF THE WORK IN THIS FIELD HAS ALWAYS BEEN, AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE, DEPENDENT ON THE I NDISPENSIBLE CONTRIBUTION AND CO-OPERATION OF ENTHUSIASTIC AND DEVOTED VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
SIR JACK WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SALVATION ARMY’S LAI KING RESIDENTIAL TRAINING CENTRE AND SPECIAL SCHOOL.
THE $9 MILLION TRAINING CENTRE WHICH CONTAINS A SWIMMING POOL, CLASSROOMS, WORKSHOPS AND RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES IS PURPOSE-BUILT FOR THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF MENTALLY HANDICAPPED YOUNG PEOPLE.
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT THE OPENING OF THE NEW LAI KING
OF SIR JACK CATER’S SPEECH TRAINING CENTRE.
AT
♦IT IS VERY GOOD TO BE WITH YOU ALL THIS MORNING ON THIS IMPORTANT OCCASION - IMPORTANT NOT ONLY FOR THE SALVATION ARMY IN HONG KONG, BUT PARTICULARLY FOR SOME OF HONG KONG’S SPECIAL CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE. THIS OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SALVATION ARMY LAI KING RESIDENTIAL TRAINING CENTRE AND SPECIAL SCHOOL MARKS ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN THE PROVISION OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
♦THE CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPPING OF THIS NEW HOME (WHICH HAS COST ALMOST HK$9 MILLION) HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH A GRANT OF NEARLY *5 MILLION FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND- A GENEROUS DONATION FROM THE BRADBURY CHARITABLE TRUST FUND-AND ALSO FROM THE SIR ROBERT HO TUNG CHARITABLE FUND. AS WELL, THERE HAVE BEEN ADDED THE MONIES RAISED BY THE SPONSORING BODY ITSELF FROM OTHER GENEROUS DONORS. LAI KING REPLACES AND UPDATES, AS WELL AS EXPANDS, THE FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE SALVATION ARMY FOR 12 YEARS AT THE HOME ON CHEUNG CHAU PEAXi IT IS PURPOSE-BUILT TO OFFER A GOOD ENVIRONMENT AND MODERN FACILITIES FOR THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF 126 MODERATELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED YOUNG PEOPLEi 50 OF THEM BEING CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF 6 TO 16 AND OTHER 76 BEING YOUNG ADULTS UP TO THE AGE OF 30. AS IT IS FULLY EQUIPPED WITH A SWIMMING POOL (FOR THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES)- WITH CLASSROOMS, WORKSHOPS, RESIDENTIAL - AND ACCESS - FACILITIES, THE STUDENTS HERE ARE ASSURED OF A TRAINING WHICH WILL EMPHASISE THEIR ABILITIES, AND MINIMISE THEIR DISABILITIES. THE IMPORTANCE OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES HAS NOT BEEN OVERLOOKED AND OUTINGS OF MANY KINDS ARE ARRANGED FOR THESE YOUNG PEOPLE WHICH INCLUDE PICNICS, GAMES DAYS, CAMPS AND VISITS.
♦THE DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES HAS, IN RECENT YEARS, BEEN ONE OF THE TOP PRIORITIES FOR THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT. MUCH OF THE WORK IN THIS FIELD HAS ALWAYS BEEN, AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE, DEPENDENT ON THE INDISPENSIBLE CONTRIBUTION AND CO-OPERATION OF ENTHUSIASTIC AND DEVOTED VOLUNTARY AGENCIES LIKE THE SALVATION ARMY.
/+TH£ SALVATION .....
SATURDAY, JULY 26, 1980
2
♦THE SALVATION ARMY IN HONG KONG IS CELEBRATING ITS GOLDEN JUBILEE THIS YEAR. THROUGHOUT ITS 50 YEARS OF LOCAL ACTIVITIES, IT HAS OPERATED SCHOOLS, CLINICS, YOUTH CENTRES, DAY-CARE NURSERIES AND CRECHES, RESIDENTIAL - AND OTHER SERVICES FOR THE AGED. IT HAS MADE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG, GIVING CONTINUOUS DIRECT OR INDIRECT AID TO MORE THAN 10 000 OF OUR CITIZENS. THE INAUGURATION OF THE LAI KING HOME MARKS YET ANOTHER ADVANCE IN THE SALVATION ARMYrS SERVICES FOR THE NEEDY THROUGHOUT THIS TERRITORY, PUTTING INTO EFFECT THEIR WELL-PUBLICISED SLOGAN 'WHERE THERE’S NEED, THERE’S THE SALVATION ARMY’. A SLOGAN WHICH IS KNOWN AND UNDERSTOOD IN MANY AREAS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD 1 FROM THE LONG-TIME SERVICES OF THE ’SALLY ARMY’ IN LONDON, TO THOSE OF THE ’SALVOS’ IN SYDNEY.
♦I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE SALVATION ARMY IN HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO GROW AND TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY, AND I WISH THIS HIGHLY RESPECTED, AND MUCH-LOVED, ORGANISATION EVERY POSSIBLE SUCCESS AS IT CONTINUES ITS MARCH FORWARD.
+1 NOW HAVE MUCH PLEASURE IN DECLARING THE SALVATION ARMY LAI KING RESIDENTIAL TRAINING CENTRE AND SPECIAL SCHOOL OPEN.*
-----0------
FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS PROVIDES VALUABLE SERVICES * * ft ft * *
THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS HAS PROVIDED VALUABLE SERVICES FOR YOUNG PERSONS THROUGH ITS YOUTH CENTRES, AND THERE CAN BE LITTLE DOUBT THAT MANY OF THEM, NOW ADULTS, HAVE DEVELOPED THEIR FULL POTENTIAL WITH ITS AID, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
MR AKERS-JONES WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE FEDERATION’S 24TH YOUTH CENTRE IN CHO YIU ESTATE, TSUEN WAN.
COMMENDING THE CONTRIBUTION MADE BY THE FEDERATION OVER THE YEARS HE SAID MORE RECENTLY THE FEDERATION’S IMAGINATIVE AND EFFECTIVE OUTREACH I NG SOCIAL WORK UNIT HAD EXTENDED THE WORK BEING DONE IN THE CENTRES TO YOUNG PEOPLE WHO MIGHT NOT NORMALLY ATTEND THEM.
♦OUTSIDE THEIR OWN WORK YOUR STAFF HAVE PARTICIPATED FREQUENTLY IN OUR COMMUNITY BUILDING EFFORTS IN TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN, THEREBY BRINGING SPORTS AND RECREATION TO A LARGER NUMBER OF BOYS AND GIRLS AND ALSO ASSISTING IN THE GROWTH OF COMMUNITY IDENTITY.
♦THEY HELP IN THE ORGANISATION OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD’S REGULAR ESTATE DAY PROGRAMMES AND SOME OF THEM ARE MEMBERS OF THE FOUR AREA COMMITTEES OF KWAI CHUNG SUB-DISTRICT, CONTRIBUTING GREATLY TO OUR EFFORTS TO PROMOTE THE WELL-BEING OF LOCAL RESIDENTS.
♦INDEED, IT IS DIFFICULT TO CONCEIVE HOW OUR WORK CAN CONTINUE OR MEET ITS OBJECTIVES WITHOUT SUCH HELP,+ MR AKERS-JONES SAID.
/THE CEO ...
SATURDAY, JULY 26, 1980
5
THE CHO YIU CENTRE IS THE FEDERATION’S FIFTH CENTRE TO BE OPENED IN TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN. THE FIRST WAS OPENED IN KWAI CHUNG ESTATE IN 1965 AND THE OTHER THREE ARE LOCATED AT FUK LOI, SHEK LEI AND KWAI FONG ESTATES. CHO YIU ESTATE IS MANAGED BY THE HOUSING SOCIETY.
THE CENTRE OCCUPIES AN AREA OF 380 SQUARE METRES. IT BEGAN PARTIAL OPERATION LAST SEPTEMBER AND FULL OPERATION IN APRIL.
IT PROVIDES VARIOUS PROGRAMMES INCLUDING INTEREST/SKILL TRAINING GROUPS, SOCIAL/FRIENDSHIP GROUPS, STUDY/EDUCATIONAL GROUPS, SOCIAL SERVICE/VOLUNTEER GROUPS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 21.
THE LOTTERIES FUND PROVIDED $154 000 FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE CENTRE.
- - - - 0 ----
FIRST INDOOR GAMES HALL IN NT NEARS COMPLETION * * ft * *
THE FIRST INDOOR GAMES HALL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE COMPLETED AT KWAI CHUNG LATE NEXT MONTH TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL VENUE FOR RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH IN THE AREA.
WORKMEN ARE NOW PUTTING THE FINISHING TOUCHES TO THE INTERIOR OF THE GAMES HALL BEFORE IT IS HANDED OVER TO THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR MANAGEMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE GAMES HALL HAD BEEN BUILT AT A COST OF ABOUT $7.35 MILLION PART OF WHICH WAS DONATED BY MR OMAR RAMJU SADICK IN REMEMBRANCE OF HIS LATE BROTHER, THEREFORE IT IS NAMED OSMAN RAMJU SADICK MEMORIAL GAMES HALL.
BUILT AT THE JUNCTION OF HING FONG ROAD AND KWAI ON ROAD IT COVERS AN AREA OF 4 100 SQUARE METRES.
IT HAS A GAMES AREA OF 36 METRES BY 32 METRES WHICH IS LARGE ENOUGH FOR TWO BASKETBALL COURTS OR EIGHT BADMINTON COURTS OR THREE VOLLEYBALL COURTS. THE TWO SPECTATOR STANDS AT BOTH ENDS OF THE HALL CAN SEAT 650 PEOPLE. THE GAMES AREA CAN ALSO BE USED FOR GYMNASTICS, JUDO, HANDBALL, WEIGHT-TRAINING, DANCING, AND FENCING. IN ADDITION, THERE ARE THREE GAMES ROOMS FOR PLAYING TABLE TENNIS.
OTHER FACILITIES, SUCH AS CHANGING ROOMS, TOILETS AND A TRAINING/LECTURE ROOM ARE ALSO PROVIDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE DESIGN OF THE NEW INDOOR GAMES HALL WAS BASED ON THE ONE AT ABERDEEN.
♦BUT SOME IMPROVED FEATURES HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED,* HE SAID. THESE INCLUDE SECTIONAL LIGHTING CONTROLLED BY A DIMMER IN THE GAMES AREA.
/THE SPOKESMAN .....
SATURDAY, JULY 26, 1980
4
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WAS NO SIMILAR VENUE IN THE DISTRICT, EITHER PRIVATE OR PUBLIC, FOR HOLDING INDOOR SPORTS OR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, THEREFORE IT WAS EXPECTED THAT THIS NEW FACILITY WOULD BECOME A POPULAR VENUE FOR INDOOR GAMES AND IN WHICH MOST OF THE INDOOR SPORTS EVENTS OF THE SECOND TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL WOULD BE HELD.
-----0------
WORK ARRANGEMENTS DURING TROPICAL STORM
EMPLOYERS WERE TODAY (SATURDAY) ADVISED TO REACH PRIOR AGREEMENT WITH THEIR EMPLOYEES ON THE RULES FOR WORK, AND THE RELEASE FROM WORK, DURING OR ON THE APPROACH OF A TROPICAL STORM.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID, +SUCH AN AGREEMENT SHOULD INCLUDE THE METHOD OF CALCULATING WAGES TO BE PAID UNDER VARIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES.*
THE SPOKESMAN WAS COMMENTING ON PAST EXPERIENCE WHEN THE DEPARTMENT RECEIVED MANY ENQUIRIES SEEKING ADVICE ON SUCH MATTERS DURING THE TYPHOON SEASON.
HE SA ID 1 +ALTHOUGH THE LAW DOES NOT LAY DOWN ANY PARTICULAR PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW IT IS, BASICALLY, A MATTER OF DECISION BETWEEN EACH EMPLOYER AND HIS EMPLOYEE, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE NATURE OF EMPLOYMENT AND THE INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEE’S PLACE OF RESIDENCE, AVAILABILITY OF TRANSPORT AND OTHER FACTORS.*
THE SPOKESMAN WENT ON TO SAY THAT CONFUSION, OR EVEN DISPUTES, COULD ARISE IF THERE WAS A LACK OF PRIOR UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES AS TO WHAT TO DO DURING A TYPHOON.
HE ADVISED THAT THE IMPORTANT THING TO CONSIDER ON SUCH OCCASIONS WAS THE EMPLOYEES’ SAFETY, BOTH AT THE PLACE OF WORK AND DURING THE JOURNEY TO AND FROM HOME. 1
¥ / •
+FOR EXAMPLE, FIRffS SHOULD SEND THEIR EMPLOYEES HOME WHEN TYPHOON SIGNAL NUMBER EIGHT OR HIGHER IS HOISTED, OR WHEN PUBLIC TRANSPORT IS ABOUT TO STOP.*
♦OF COURSE, EMPLOYEES WHO ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL AND EMERGENCY DUTIES DURING A TYPHOON WOULD BE EXCEPTIONS,* HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT EMPLOYERS COULD ALWAYS APPROACH THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR APPROPRIATE ADVICE WHEN DRAFTING OR PREPARING THEIR AGREEMENTS CONCERNING TYPHOON ARRANGEMENTS.
0
/5
SATURDAY, JULY 26, 1980
5
EMPLOYERS REMINDED OF FLOATING HOLIDAY
*****
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT IF THEY HAVE NOT DESIGNATED A DATE FOR THE FLOATING HOLIDAY AND HAVE NOT GIVEN THEIR EMPLOYEES A DAY OFF ON JULY 1 (THE FIRST WEEK-DAY IN JULY). THEY SHOULD GIVE THE STAFF THE DAY OFF ON AUGUST 4 (THE FIRST MONDAY IN AUGUST).
UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, THE FLOATING HOLIDAY - ONE OF THE 10 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS IN A YEAR - MUST BE DESIGNATED BY EMPLOYERS AND NOTIFIED TO EMPLOYEES BY A NOTICE PLACED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE BY THE END OF THE PRECEDING YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE ORDINANCE ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING DOMESTIC SERVANTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS, AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN 13 500 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY.
THEY MUST ALSO BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAD WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO THE EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS, OTHER THAN OVERTIME PAY, ON A NORMAL WORKING DAY. WHERE THE EARNINGS VARIED FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE OF THE DAILY EARNINGS DURING A PERIOD OF 28 DAYS PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY. PAYMENT SHOULD BE MADE ON THE NORMAL PAY DAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE WAS REQUIRED TO WORK ON THE HOLIDAY, THE SPOKESMAN CONTINUED, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY.
IF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY WAS TO BE GRANTED BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYER MUST NOTIFY THE EMPLOYEE 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY. IN THE CASE WHERE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY WAS 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 COULD BE TAKEN BY THE EMPLOYEE AS A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY, HE SAID.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS COULD BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE. THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS AREi FOR KOWLOON EAST 3-205638- KOWLOON WEST 3-201652- KWUN TONG 3-898520- TSUEN WAN 12-422096- TUEN MUN 12-818443 AND HONG KONG ISLAND 5-282523 EXT. 60.
0 -------
/6......
SATURDAY, JULY 26, 1980
6
NEW ROADS FOR SHA TIN
* * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND DRAINAGE NEAR SHA TIN WAI AND CHAP WAI KON IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
THE WORKS FORM PART OF STAGE ONE OF THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID, +THE PROJECT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT TWO KILOMETRES OF DISTRIBUTOR ROADS TOGETHER WITH ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE, FOOTPATHS AND CYCLE TRACKS.
♦ON COMPLETION, THESE ROADS WILL PROVIDE ACCESS TO DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NORTH EASTERN PART OF THE NEW TOWN WHERE THE SHA TIN TEACHING HOSPITAL AND A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME BUILDING ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION.*
HE SAID THE CONTRACT WOULD ALSO INCLUDE THE EXTENSION OF AN EXISTING STORMWATER CULVERT NEAR TSANG TAI UK FOR THE SUBSEQUENT FORMATION OF A 5.6-HECTARE SITE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START IN OCTOBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 17 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA, CONSULTING ENGINEERS TO PWD’S NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
------0-------
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD FOR 1359 600 * X X * *
THIRTY SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD BY AUCTION IN CITY HALL THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF S359 600 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
REGISTRATION NUMBER BS 1 FETCHED THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $75 000. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY CC 3333 WHICH WAS SOLD FOR $54 000. THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1 000 FOR CD 8836, XX 4473 AND CE 3360.
/THE OTHER ......
SATURDAY, JULY 26, 19&0
7
THE OTHER SPECIAL REG I STI? AT I ON NUMBERS WERE SOLD AT THE FOLLOWING PR ICESi
CD 3288 15 500 CE 133 S3 000 CE 11 S10 500
CD 3228 15 000 CE 283 S8 500 BB 323 S19 000
CD 9800 $2 000 CE 832 SI 500 CE 1689 S3 400
CE 3337 $1 600 7207 S15 500 CE 2883 S4 000
CE 882 S7 500 1500 S46 000 CF 8 S30 000
BD 3399 >13 500 CE 280 S10 000 BB 620 S3 500
CE 1698 S3 200 CF 688 S7 200 CC 7667 S5 500
CC 31 Sil 500 CF 661 SI 800 CD 8885 SI 200
AA 485 $2 200
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 55TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT TO S13 594 832 THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR.
- - - - 0 -----
AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT GRADUATES SAYS EDUCATION CHIEF ft ft ft ft
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, TODAY (SATURDAY) TOLD THE FIRST GROUP OF GRADUATES OF THE ST LOUIS OLD BOYS’ COLLEGE THAT A WIDE VARIETY OF OPPORTUNITIES AWAITED THEM ON GRADUATION.
SPEAKING AT THE COLLEGE’S FIRST SPEECH DAY AT THE CARITAS HOUSE COMMUNITY HALL, MR HAYE SAID THERE WERE THE TWO LOCAL UNIVERSITIES FOR THE ACADEMICALLY SUCCESSFUL, THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES LEADING ONTO THE POLYTECHNIC FOR THE MORE PRACTICALLY MINDED AND FOR THOSE WITH A SENSE OF VOCATION THERE WERE NURSING AND TEACHING.
♦FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO MAY BE COMPELLED BY CIRCUMSTANCES TO GO IMMEDIATELY TO WORK, BE REASSURED THAT IN HONG KONG THERE IS PLENTY OF WORK FOR THOSE WHO WANT IT,* MR HAYE SAID.
HE ALSO COMPLIMENTED THE ST LOUIS OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION FOR THE ACTIVE ROLE IT PLAYED IN PUTTING THE COLLEGE ON THE EDUCATIONAL MAP.
THE COLLEGE IS RUN BY THE ASSOCIATION AND WAS FOUNDED A YEAR AGO. IT IS UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SALES I AN SOCIETY.
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/8
SATURDAY, JULY 26, 1980
8
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON AND NT ft * ft * ft *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT A NUMBER OF TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN KOWLOON, KWAI CHUNG AND TUEN MUN TO FACILITATE PUBLIC WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT.
FROM MIDNIGHT TOMORROW (SUNDAY) THE ROAD JUNCTION AT KWAI HEI STREET AND TSUEN WAN BY-PASS WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR SIX HOURS UNTIL 6 AM. THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE WILL BE REPEATED DURING THE SAME PERIOD ON AUGUST 3, SUNDAY.
THESE TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENTS ARE TO FACILITATE THE LIFTING OF PRECAST BEAMS INTO POSITION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BRIDGE OVER KWAI HEI STREET.
IN KOWLOON, TWO-WAY TRAFFIC WILL BE INTRODUCED IN A SECTION OF AUSTIN AVENUE BETWEEN AUSTIN ROAD AND THE JUNCTION CF AUSTIN AVENUE AND KIMBERLEY ROAD FROM 9 PM ON MONDAY (JULY 28) TO 6 AM ON TUESDAY (JULY 29). THIS SECTION OF THE ROAD AT PRESENT IS ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHEAST BOUND.
THIS TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE THE REPAIR OF A LEAKING VALVE AT THE ROAD JUNCTION OF AUSTIN AVENUE AND KIMBERLEY ROAD.
IN TUEN MUN FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (JULY 28) A SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH THE ACCESS ROAD TO SAM SHING ESTATE WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE WESTERN CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE OPEN TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH THE ACCESS ROAD TO SAM SHING ESTATE TO A POINT ABOUT 50 METRES SOUTH-EAST OF THAT JUNCTION.
THIS TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION OF SOME DRAINAGE WORK IN THE AREA.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS IN THESE AREAS
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/9
SATURDAY, JULY 26, 1980
9
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN DIAMOND HILL * * X X
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED AT THE JUNCTION CF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND HAMMER HILL ROAD IN DIAMOND HILL FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (JULY 29) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ON HAMMER HILL ROAD WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING RIGHT ONTO LUNG CHEUNG ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME THE JUNCTION OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND HAMMER HILL ROAD WILL BE CONVERTED TO A BOX JUNCTION.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
------o--------
WATER CUT
* M M-
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN HO MAN TIN WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR NINE HOURS FROM 10 PM ON TUESDAY (JULY 29) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAIN WORKS.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY CHATHAM ROAD, WUHU STREET, AND STATION LANE INCLUDING MA TAU WAI ROAD, LO LUNG HANG STREET, WALKER STREET, GILLIES AVENUE, KUN YAM STREET, MARSH STREET AND TAKU STREET.
IN KOWLOON CITY, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR NINE HOURS FROM 9 PM ON TUESDAY (JULY 29) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAIN REPAIRS.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED WILL BE BEACON HILL ROAD, EASTBOURNE ROAD, RHONDDA ROAD, ALNWICK ROAD, WARWICK ROAD, EDE ROAD, BROADCAST DRIVE, FENSSENDER ROAD, MARCONI ROAD, AND JUNCTION ROAD TEMPORARY HOUS I NG AREA.
ALSO ON TUESDAY SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN NORTH POINT WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SIX AND A HALF HOURS FROM 9 AM FOR WORK ON THE SUPPLY SYSTEM IN THE AREA.
PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED WILL BE THOSE AT TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD, CLOUD VIEW ROAD, BRAEMAR HILL ROAD, YEE KING ROAD AND LAI TAK TSUEN ROAD.
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/10......
SATURDAY, JULY 26, 1980
10
FIRING PRACTICE * * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON FIVE DAYS NEXT WEEK.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE I
DATE
MONDAY, JULY 28
TUESDAY, JULY 29
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30
THURSDAY, JULY 31
FRIDAY, AUGUST 1
TIME
8 AM - 10.30 PM
8 AM - 10.30 PM
8 AM - 10.30 PM
8 AM - 10.30 PM
8 AM - 5 PM
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, JULY 27, 19$0
CONTENTS PAGE NO
CODE OF PRACTICE ON WORKING aT HEIGHTS ...................... 1
FIRE OFFICER RECRUITMENT DRIVE BEGINS TOMORROW .............. 2
TENDERS INVITED FOR TSING YI RECLAMATION WORKS .............. 3
NEW LOOK FOR HO MAN TIN PaRK ................................ 4
NORTH DISTRICT LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION ...................... 4
EXHIBITION ON KINDERGARTEN TEACHING ......................... 5
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON CASTLE PEaK ROAD .................... 5
WATER CUT IN MONG KOK
5
SUNDAY, JULY 27, 1980
1
CODE OF PRACTICE ON WORKING AT HEIGHTS ft ft ft ft
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE AND THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION HAVE JOINTLY TAKEN A MAJOR STEP IN A BID TO REDUCE ACCIDENTS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES.
THE JOINT ACTION IS IN THE FORM OF A CODE OF PRACTICE ON SCAFFOLDS AND PLATFORMS, PREPARED., IN CONSULTATION WITH THE HONG KONG, .SCAFFOLD I NG MERCHANTS GENERA^- ASSOCIATION.
THE DEPARTMENT’S ■SH^EFrfFACTd^Y INSPECTOR, MR CHAN SHIU-LAP, STRESSED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE CODE WAS AIMED AT REDUCING ACCIDENTS ^HERE WORKERS FELL FROM HEIGHTS.
Hfi POINTED OUT THAT U$T YEA&MORE WhAI^ 2 000 CONSTRUCTION WORKERS WERE INJURED, SOME SERIOUSLY, IN FALLS WHILE WORKING, AND ABOUT 30 OF THEM DIED AS A RESULT.
♦INVESTIGATIONS INTO THESE ACCIDENTS REVEALED THAT IF THEIR EMPLOYERS HAD MADE CERTAIN SAFETY PROVISIONS AND HAD TAKEN SUFFICIENT PRECAUTIONS, THE TRAGEDIES WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED,*
IE NOTED. .
MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE CODE SET OUT PRACTICAL SAFETY GUIDELINES TO ASSIST CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS IN THE CONSTRUCT I ON INDUSTRY TO COMPLY WITH SOME OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS 1978.
IT WAS INTENDED TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THOSE WORKING AT Heights, in particular on scaffolds and high platforms, at CONSTRUCTION SITES.
APPEALING TO CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS TO OBSERVE THE GUIDELINES MR CHAN EMPHASISED THAT THE CODE WAS MEANT JO PROTECT WORKERS AND BENEFIT EMPLOYERS BY REDUCING LOSS OF WORK-TIME AND COMPENSATION.
HE WARNED THAT FAILURE TO TAKE THESE GUIDELINES SERIOUSLY MIGHT CONSTITUTE AN OFFENCE UNDER THE REGULATIONS FOR WHICH THE MAXIMUM PENALTY WAS $10 000.
THE
1.
2.
CODE SETS OUT THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINESi
THE ERECTION, ALTERATION OR DISMANTLING OF A SCAFFOLD SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT BY A PERSON OR PERSONS COMPETENT IN SUCH OPERATIONS.
ALL SCAFFOLDS SHOULD BE PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND INSPECTED A COMPETENT PERSON AND A RECORD OF SUCH INSPECTION SHOULD KEPT.
BY BE
3. SCAFFOLD PLATFORMS SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR WORKERS WORKING ON OR FROM A DOUBLE-ROW SCAFFOLD.
/U. A SCAFFCLD.........
&
SUNDAY, JULY 27, 19&0
2
4. A SCAFFOLD PLATFORM SHOULD -
A. BE OF SOUND MATERIAL, ADEQUATE STRENGTH AND FREE FROM PATENT DEFECT-
B. BE AT LEAST 15 IN. (400 MM) IN WIDTH AND 1 IN. (25 MM) IN THICKNESS OR IN CASE OF PLYWOOD PLATFORM BE A SINGLE BOARD OF NOT LESS THAN 15 IN. (400 MM) IN WIDTH AND NOT LESS THAN 3/4 IN. (18 MM) THICKNESS-
C. BE SECURELY PLACED IN POSITION- AND
D. WHERE PRACTICABLE, BE SECURELY FENCED ON ALL SIDES (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE INNER SIDE) FROM WHICH A PERSON IS LIABLE TO FALL A VERTICAL DISTANCE OF 6 FT. 6 IN. (2 M) OR MORE.
5. WHERE IT IS NOT PRACTICABLE TO PROVIDE A WORKING PLATFORM, A PERSON WORKING AT ANY PLACE LIABLE TO FALL A VERTICAL DISTANCE OF 6 FT. 6 IN. (2 M) OR MORE SHOULD WEAR A SAFETY BELT WHICH SHOULD BE SECURED TO AN ANCHORAGE OR AN INDEPENDENT LIFE LINE.
6. SAFETY BELTS SHOULD BE READILY AVAILABLE FOR USE BY SITE WORKERS WORKING AT HIGH LEVELS.
7. ALL REASONABLE STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN TO ENCOURAGE WORKERS TO USE SAFETY BELTS WHILE WORKING AT HEIGHT.
------0------
FIRE OFFICER RECRUITMENT DRIVE BEGINS TOMORROW * * * *
THE FIRE' SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING FOR RESPONSIBLE, ACTIVE AND INTELLIGENT YOUNG MEN TO FILL VACANCIES FOR STATION OFFICER, UNDER A FOUR-WEEK RECRUITING EXERCISE STARTING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAIDi +WE ARE OFFERING A CAREER FULL OF VARIETY, INTEREST AND OPPORTUNITY TO THOSE WHO WISH TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.*
APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE GOOD PHYSIQUE, NORMAL EYESIGHT AND PREFERABLY BE UNDER 30 YEARS OF AGE. THE NEW RECRUITS WILL BE TRAINED FOR GENERAL FIRE-FIGHTING AND RESCUE WORK BUT THEY ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO PERFORM SUPERVISORY AND ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES.
THE MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AN APPLICANT MUST POSSESS IS FIVE SUBJECTS INCLUDING ENGLISH LANGUAGE (SYLLABUS B) AT GRADE E IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION.
THE STARTING SALARY FOR A STATION OFFICER VARIES FROM $3 250 TO $4 050 DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND RISES TO A MAXIMUM OF S7 250.
THE OFFICER IS 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 PERMANENT AND PENSIONABLE ESTABLISHMENT.
/APPLICANTS .....
SUNDAY, JULY 27, 1980
- 3 -
APPLICANTS SHOULD APPLY IN PERSON BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM ON ANY DAY INCLUDING SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS BETWEEN JJLY 28 AND AUGUST 22 AT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING RECRUITING CENTRES.
HONG KONG ISLAND HARBOUR ROAD FIRE STATION, ---------------- NEAR WAN CHAI FERRY PIER-
KOWLOON TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE STATION,
------- CANTON ROAD- AND
NEW TERRITORIES TSUEN WAN FIRE STATION, ---------------- TA| CHUNG R0AD, TSUEN WAN.
APPLICANTS CALLING AT THE CENTRES SHOULD BRING THEIR IDENTITY CARDS, A DULY COMPLETED APPLICATION F&RM (G.F. 340) OBTAINABLE AT ANY CITY DISTRICT OFFICE OR FIRE STATION/AMBULANCE DEPOT AND ACADEMIC DOCUMENTS.
MEANWHILE, MORE THAN 500 YOUNG MEN HAVE SO FAR APPLIED TO BECOME FIREMEN AND THE CURRENT RECRUITING DRIVE WILL END ON AUGUST 22, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
-------o - - - -
TENDERS INVITED FOR TSING Yl RECLAMATION WORKS
*****
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS CALLING TENDERS FOR RECLAMATION AND SITE FORMATION WORKS WHICH WILL MAKE 22 HECTARES OF LAND AVAILABLE FOR DEVELOPMENT ON TSING Yl ISLAND.
A PWD SPOKESMAN SAIDi +THE WORK WILL INCLUDE THE FORMATION OF LAND WEST OF TSING Yl LAGOON AND THE RECLAMATION OF PART OF THE LAGOON AND TSING Yl BAY.*
♦ON COMPLETION, THE NEW LAND WILL BE USED FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, VILLAGE HOUSING, OPEN SPACE AND GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTE AND COMMUNITY PURPOSES.
♦THE CONTRACT WILL ALSO INCLUDE SITE FORMATION WORK FOR A SERVICE RESERVOIR, SUBSTRUCTURE WORK OF THE NEW TSING Yl FERRY PIER, AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TRIPLE CELL BOX CULVERT, STORMWATER DRAINS AND SEWERS, A NEW ROAD AND EXTENSIVE EARTHWORKS.♦
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL BEGIN IN OCTOBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 27 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY SCOTT WILSON KIRKPATRICK AND PARTNERS, CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR PWD’S TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE.
SUNDAY, JULY 27, 1980
4
NEW LOOK FOR HO MAN TIN PARK
* * *
SHEUNG SHING STREET PARK IN HO MAN TIN WILL SOON TAKE ON A NEW LOOK.
UNDER AN EXTENSION PROJECT FOR THE PARK MORE FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE REST GARDEN. THESE WILL INCLUDE A PAVILION, A FOUNTAIN, FLOWER BEDS AND PARK BENCHES.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK DEPARTMENT.
ARE BEING INVITED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS
WORK ON THE PROJECT, COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER AND
FINANCED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, WILL BE COMPLETED IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
NORTH DISTRICT LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION * * * *
NORTH DISTRICT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION IS ANXIOUS TO HAVE ITS OWN LOGO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND IS CALLING ON HONG KONG'S DESIGNERS TO ENTER A COMPETITION WITH A |1 500 PRIZE.
THE DISTRICT COVERS THE BORDER AREA AND INCLUDES THE TOWNS OF SHA TAU KOK, SHEUNG SHU I, SHEK WU HUI AND FANLING.
IT WAS FORMERLY PART OF TAI PO DISTRICT, BUT BECAME A SEPARATE DISTRICT LAST OCTOBER BECAUSE OF THE NEED TO STREAMLINE GOVERNMENT SERVICES TO A GROWING POPULATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE SAID THE LOGO WOULD BE WIDELY USED, APPEARING ON LETTERHEADS, BANNERS AND SPORTS SHIRTS.
DESIGN SHOULD BE BASED ON THE CHINESE CHARACTER FOR NORTH AND BE RESTRICTED TO TWO COLOURS.
BESIDES A WINNER’S PRIZE, THERE WILL BE THREE RUNNERS UP WHO WILL RECEIVE $200 EACH.
ENTRIES SHOULD BE SENT TO NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE OR SHEUNG SHU I PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE BEFORE SEPTEMBER 3.
THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE LOCAL DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD.
-----o------
SUNDAY, JULY 27, 1980
5
EXHIBITION ON KINDERGARTEN TEACHING *****
AN EXHIBITION ON KINDERGARTEN TEACHING WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY (JULY 30 AND 31) AT HEEP YUNN SCHOOL IN FARM ROAD, MA TAU WAI.
THE EXHIBITION TO PRESENT A MORE ENLIGHTENED APPROACH TO KINDERGARTEN TEACHING THROUGH CONCRETE EXAMPLES IS ORGANISED BY THE KINDERGARTEN SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. ON DISPLAY WILL BE THE WORK OF KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS NOW ATTENDING AN IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSE.
FOUR TOPICS ARE PRESENTED IN THE EXHIBITION i KNOWING MYSELF, GOING ABOUT, SUMMERTIME AND A VISIT TO A SUPERMARKET.
THROUGH THE TOPICS THE EXHIBITORS SHOW HOW A TEACHER CAN ORGANISE ACTIVITIES TO TEACH PUPILS TO KNOW THEIR SURROUNDINGS, TO DEVELOP LANGUAGE SKILLS AND TO LEARN BASIC ARITHMETIC AND CREATIVE ART AND CRAFT.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO PUBLIC BETWEEN 10 AM AND 4.30 PM ON JULY 30 AND 31.
-----o-----
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD
* * * *
CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC AT TAI WO TSUEN INTERCHANGE NEAR KWAI CHUNG BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5.30 AM DAILY FROM TUESDAY TO THURSDAY (JULY 29-31) TO FACILITATE THE PLACING OF BRIDGE BEAMS THERE.
DURING THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE BOTH KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES BOUND TRAFFIC SHOULD USE KWAI CHUNG ROAD AS AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE.
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
-----o-----
WATER CUT IN MONG KOK *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN MONG KOK WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 30) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE PIPE CONNECTION WORK AT
KOK CHEUNG STREET.
AREAS TO BE AFFECTED ARE KOK CHEUNG STREET BETWEEN FUK CHAK STREET AND WAI ON STREET, FUK CHAK STREET, LI TAK STREET, CHAK STRttI ANy-^KuKWAN STReeT> and TAI KOK TSUI ROAD BETWEEN
HOP KWAN STREETjj FUK CHAK STREET
AND LI TAK STREET.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
MONDAY, JULY 28, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONTRACTS OF 3291.6 MILLION LET ......................... 1
GOVERNMENT SEEKS KUK'S CO-OPERATION TO PREVENT COUNTRYSIDE FIRES ........................................ 2
SURVEY ON MANPOWER........................................ 5
REVISED KCR TIMETABLE .................................
NEV/ RESERVOIR FOR FANLING ............................
LAND AUCTION POSTPONED ................................... 5
TRAFFIC DIVERSION ON GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER .............. 5
SALT WATER CUT IN MID-LEVELS ............................. 5
MONDAY, JULY 28, 1980
1
CONTRACTS OF $291.6 MILLION LET
* * * * * ^
MORE THAN $291.6 MILLION WORTH OF CONTRACTS FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS WERE LET BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN JUNE.
ONE OF THE LARGEST OF THE 25 CONTRACTS AWARDED WAS FOR THE BUILDING OF THE FINAL STATE OF THE SHA TIN TEACHING HOSPITAL IN THE EASTERN PART OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
WORK ON THE $152 MILLION CONTRACT INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NURSES TRAINING SCHOOL, STAFF QUARTERS AND A LECTURE THEATRE BUILDING.
FULL MEDICAL TRAINING FACILITIES FOR SOME 400 STUDENTS WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE NURSES TRAINING SCHOOL AND THE QUARTERS WILL HOUSE SOME 2 000 DOCTORS, NURSES, MEDICAL STUDENTS AND OTHER HOSPITAL STAFF.
ANOTHER MAJOR CONTRACT, VALUED AT ABOUT $78.6 MILLION, WAS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW YUEN LONG SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS AT WANG CHAU, YUEN LONG NEW TOWN.
IT WAS FOR THE CIVIL ENGINEERING AND BUILDING WORKS OF PHASE ONE OF THE FIRST STAGE OF THE PROJECT.
THE WORKS WILL PROVIDE FULL SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES FOR THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND THE DEVELOPING NEW TOWN.
OF THE CONTRACTS AWARDED 13 WERE ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD AND THE OTHERS ON THE PWD TENDER BOARD.
----o----
MONDAY, JULY 28, 1980
2
GOVERNMENT SEEKS KUK’S CO-OPERATION TO PREVENT COUNTRYSIDE FIRES
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS WRITTEN TO THE HEUNG YEE KUK SEEKING THE CO-OPERATION OF ALL RURAL COMMITTEES AND VILLAGERS IN PREVENTING COUNTRYSIDE FIRES DURING THE DRY WEATHER SEASON, ESPECIALLY AROUND CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL ON OCTOBER 17.
THE
AND
ARE
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT AN ALL OUT UNITED EFFORT BY THE COMMUNITY IS NEEDED IF COUNTRYSIDE FIRES TO BE PREVENTED.
THE LETTER ASKS THE KUK TO HELP RELAY MESSAGES URGING THE
PUBLIC:
* TO BE PARTICULARLY CAREFUL WHEN BURNING WORSHIPPING ITEMS AND TO ENCOURAGE THE USE OF CONTAINERS FOR BURNING0
* TO RAISE THE ALARM AT ONCE IF THEY SEE ANY SIGNS OF FIRE-
M NOT TO RELEASE HUNG MING BALLOONS, AND
M TO CONSULT THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ABOUT BURNING UNDERGROWTH NEAR FARMLAND.
THE KUK HAS ALSO BEEN INFORMED OF GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO TRY TO REDUCE FIRES IN COUNTRY AREAS DURING THE PEAK PERIOD THIS YEAR. THEY INCLUDE:
M BANNING THE RELEASE OF HUNG MING BALLOONS AND PROSECUTING OFFENDERS"
* THE SETTING UP OF A WORKING PARTY TO EXAMINE ALTERNATIVES AND PROPOSALS CONCERNING BANNING THE BURNING OF GRAVE WORSHIPPING ITEMS-
* THE PURCHASE OF CANS FOR PLACING AT GRAVESIDES IN WOODED AND HIGH RISK AREAS FOR USE BY WORSHIPPERS BURNING JOSS STICKS AND PAPER MONEY-
* AN INCREASE IN FIRE PREVENTION PUBLICITY THROUGH THE MEDIA-
* PATROLS DURING CHUNG YEUNG BY STAFF OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE POLICE AND CIVIL AID SERVICES AND THE PROSECUTION OF GRAVE WORSHIPPERS WHO CAUSE FIRES-
* FIRE SERVICES OFFICERS AND COUNTRY PARKS
FIRE FIGHTING STAFF WILL BE PLACED ON SPECIAL ALERT DURING THE TWO WEEKS BEFORE AMD AFTER CHUNG YEUNG AND FIRE WATCH PATROLS IN 30 VILLAGES AND SQUATTER AREAS WILL BE WARNED OF INCREASED FIRE RISK DURING DRY WEATHER PERIODS, AND
/X THE CONTINUATION ....
MONDAY, JULY 28, 1980
- 3
* THE CONTINUATION OF VISITS BY AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT STAFF ADVISING FARMERS OF FIRE PRECAUTIONS IN FARMING PRACTICES.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE NUMBER OF FIRES DURING CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL HAD ALWAYS BEEN VERY HIGH DUE LARGELY TO CARELESSNESS.
+THE DAMAGE TO LARGE AREAS OF RECREATION SPACE,WHICH HAS OCCURRED DURING THE FESTIVAL, CAN NO LONGER BE ACCEPTED.,* HE SAID.
-----0------
SURVEY ON MANPOWER
* * * *
THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL IS TO CARRY OUT SURVEY NEXT MONTH ON THE MANPOWER SITUATION AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS IN A NUMBER OF TRADES.
ACCOUNTANCY AND ALLIED FIELDS, AS WELL AS THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES, WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE SURVEY.
THE SURVEY, SCHEDULED FROM AUGUST 11 TO SEPTEMBER 18, WILL ALSO LOOK GENERALLY INTO THE TRAINING OF MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS IN HONG KONG.
IT HAS BEEN PLANNED BY THE COUNCIL’S ACCOUNTANCY AND ALLIED FIELDS TRAINING BOARD, WHOLESALE/RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES TRAINING BOARD AND THE COMMITTEE ON MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY TRAINING.
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS, IN CHINESE
AND ENGLISH, HAVE BEEN SENT TO ABOUT 6 ODO ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED AS REPRESENTATIVES IN TERMS OF THE SIZE OF EMPLOYMENT AND THE NATURE OF BUSINESS.
INTERVIEWERS WILL VISIT THE ESTABLISHMENTS TO COLLECT THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES AND ASSIST IN FILLING IN THE FORMS WHERE NECESSARY.
THE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE ASKED TO SUPPLY INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF EXISTING EMPLOYEES, THE NUMBER OF TRAINEES, FORECASTS OF ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEES AND OTHER PERSONNEL AND TRAINING MATTERS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRAINING COUNCIL, MR FRANCIS TIEN, TODAY (MONDAY) CALLED ON THE SELECTED ESTABLISHMENTS TO EXTEND FULL SUPPORT TO THE SURVEY BY COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
HE STRESSED THAT THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
0 - -
/A ........
MONDAY, JULY 28, 1980
4
REVISED KCR TIMETABLE * * * *
A SLIGHTLY ALTERED KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY TIMETABLE WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON FRIDAY (AUGUST 1) FOR ENGINEERING WORKS CONNECTED WITH THE MODERNISATION AND ELECTRIFICATION OF THE RAILWAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RAILWAY SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT ALL DOWN-TRAINS WILL BE DIVERTED VIA RACECOURSE STATION WITH MOST STOPPING BRIEFLY TO ENABLE NORTHBOUND COACHES TO PASS.
HE URGED COMMUTERS NOT TO DISEMBARK OR ATTEMPT TO BOARD TRAINS AT THE STATION.
HE ALSO REMINDED TRAVELLERS TO CHINA THAT THE SECOND THROUGH TRAIN WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION AN HOUR EARLIER AS FROM FRIDAY.
LEAVING GUANGZHOU AT 10.10 AM, IT WILL ARRIVE AT KOWLOON STATION AT 1.07 PM. IT WILL THEN DEPART AT 2.55 PM AND ARRIVE IN GUANGZHOU AT 5.50 PM.
THE REVISED TIMETABLES ARE DISPLAYED AT ALL STATIONS FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF PASSENGERS.
-----o------
NEW RESERVOIR FOR FANLING
* * * ft *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS CALLING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR IN TONG HANG, FANLING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE PROJECT FORMED PART OF THE WATER SUPPLY PROGRAMME TO CATER FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FANLING AND SHEK WU HUI NEW TOWN.
♦THE RESERVOIR WILL BE AN EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING SERVICE RESERVOIR IN TONG HANG AND WILL GIVE AN ADDITIONAL STORAGE CAPACITY OF 18 200 CUBIC METRES TO THE NEW TOWN WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM,♦ HE ADDED.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN OCTOBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
-------o ---------
MONDAY, JULY 28, 1980
5
LAND AUCTION POSTPONED * * *
THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE AUCTION OF A SITE AT CHAI WAN RECLAMATION WILL BE HELD IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON AUGUST 11.
THE AUCTION, ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED TO BE ON JULY 22, WAS POSTPONED BECAUSE OF TYPHOON JOE.
THE SITE, FOR INDUSTRIAL/GODOWN PURPOSES, MEASURES ABOUT 4 500 SQUARE METRES.
TRAFFIC DIVERSION ON GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER ******
THE EASTBOUND LANE OF THE GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 8 PM AND 5 AM FROM JULY 30 TO AUGUST 1 AND FROM AUGUST 5 TO 8.
THIS TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE ROAD RESURFACING WORK. APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
0 - -
SALT WATER CUT IN MID-LEVELS * * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR 24 HOURS FROM 9 AM ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 30) TO 9 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT ON THE SUPPLY IN THE HIGH LEVEL AREA.
THE AREAS AFFECTED WILL BE LYTTELTON ROAD, BABINGTON PATH, KOTEWALL ROAD AND BONHAM ROAD.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, JULY 29, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES ......................... 1
FUNCTIONS OF NEV/ TOWN MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES OUTLINED...... 2
ACTING GOVERNOR’S RECEPTION FOR THE HONG KONG JING YING .. 3
YOUTH MINI SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP 1980........................... 4
PRISONS RECRUITMENT DRIVE INTENSIFIED IN TSUEN WAN......... 5
NEW DRAINAGE SYSTEM FOR NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGE .............. 5
ABERDEEN REGISTRY MOVE........................................ 6
6
SHA TIN WATER CUT
TUESDAY, JULY 29, 1980
- 1
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES M * * *
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY TO BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW (JULY 30, 1980) CONTAINS A LEGAL NOTICE TO THE EFFECT THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED A DECREASE IN THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES.
AS FROM TOMORROW (JULY 30, 1980), THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST WILL BE 6.24 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 7.2 PER CENT (TAX FREE).
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE 52 CENTS PER MONTH PER $100.
INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETED MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX.
INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID IN CASH.
THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY AFTER JULY 30, 1980.
TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE JULY 30, CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWSt
1980 WILL
4.2 PER CENT
3 PER CENT
3.24 PER CENT
5.04 PER CENT
5.76 PER CENT
8.04 PER CENT
8.4 PER CENT
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 19, 1975 AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 17, 1977-
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 1-7, 1977 AND BEFORE SEPTEMBER 22, 1978-
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 22, 1978 AND BEFORE NOVEMBER 24, 1978-
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 24, 1978 AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 16, 1979-
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 16, 1979 AND BEFORE MAY 4, 1979-
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 4, 1979 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 26, 1979-
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 26, 1979 AND BEFORE APRIL 11, 1980-
/10.5 PER CENT ...
TUESDAY, JULY 29, 1980
2 -
10.5 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 11, 1980 AND BEFORE MAY 30, 1980-
9 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 30, 1980 AND BEFORE JUNE 27, 1980- AND
7.2 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 27, 1980 AND BEFORE JULY 30, 1980.
BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETED MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
EXAMPLE 1 $1 000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON AUGUST 1, 1980,
------- SEPTEMBER 1, 1980 AND OCTOBER 1, 1980 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDERED IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON NOVEMBER 1, 1980, WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWSi
ON SI 000, AUGUST 1, 1980 TO NOVEMBER 1, 1980, THREE COMPLETE MONTHS AT S5.20 PER MONTH - $15.60
ON $1 000, SEPTEMBER 1, 1980 TO NOVEMBER 1, 1980, TWO COMPLETE MONTHS AT $5.20 PER MONTH - $10.40
ON $1 000, OCTOBER 1, 1980 TO NOVEMBER 1, 1980, ONE COMPLETE MONTH AT $5.20 PER MONTH - $ 5.20
INTEREST ACCRUED $31.20
THE INTEREST ACCRUED IS ROUNDED TO $32 IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 7(3) OF THE TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES (FOURTH SERIES) RULES.
------0 - - - -
FUNCT IONS OF NEW TOWN MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES OUTLINED * * * *
THE FUNCTIONS OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES SET UP IN 1973 TO PLAN THE NEW TOWNS IN FINE DETAIL WERE OUTLINED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI KAM.
SPEAKING AT THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTH WEST, MR CHUI SAID A NEW TOWN MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ADVISED THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES ON RUNNING THE NEW TOWN’S COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES, AND ASSISTED WITH THE PROMOTION OF RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.
HE SAID THESE HAD DIRECT IMPACT ON RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TOWNS, WHERE VARIOUS PROBLEMS WERE BOUND TO EMERGE DURING THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS.
/THE CHAIRMAN .......
TUESDAY, JULY 29, 1980
THE CHAIRMAN OF FANLING-SHEUNG SHU I, TAI PO AND TUEN MUN NEW TOWN MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES WAS THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER NORTH WEST- THE TSUEN WAN COMMITTEE WAS CHAIRED BY TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER AND SHA TIN BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
OTHER MEMBERS INCLUDED REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION DISTRICT OFFICES- THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (PWD)- NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT-THt ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE- AND THE HOUSING, EDUCATION, SOCIAL WELFARE, TRANSPORT, FIRE SERVICES AND LABOUR DEPARTMENTS.
FOR SOME COMMITTEES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH WERE ALSO PRESENT.
♦THIS PATTERN OF REPRESENTATION IS DESIGNED TO FACILITATE AND PROMOTE BETTER CO-ORDINATION AMONG DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED IN SOLVING PROBLEMS CAUSED BY NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT,+ MR CHUI SAID.
EACH NEW TOWN MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE HAD TWO OR THREE SUB-COMMITTEES, COVERING TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.
MR CHUI SAID MAJOR TOPICS DISCUSSED AT MEETINGS INCLUDED THE PROJECT MANAGER’S REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES, REPORTS ON DEPARTMENTAL SERVICES, SPECIAL LOCAL ISSUES AND THE WORK OF VARIOUS SUB-COMMITTEES.
HE SAID EACH NEW TOWN WAS FACED WITH DIFFERENT MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS ALTHOUGH SOME MAY BE SIMILAR TO OTHERS.
♦IN GENERAL, NEW TOWN MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES PROVIDE A USEFUL FORUM WHERE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED CAN MEET AND DISCUSS MATTERS RELATED TO THE RUNNING OF NEW TOWNS.
♦THE MEETINGS ALSO PROVIDE A GOOD CHANCE FOR REPRESENTATIVES TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER AND THUS HELP TO IMPROVE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL UNDERSTAND I NG,♦ MR CHUI SAID.
------0-------
ACTING GOVERNOR’S RECEPTION FOR THE HONG KONG JING YING ft ft * * * ft *
, TODAY (TUESDAY) HELD AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR JACK CATER A RECEPTION FOR THE ’HONG KONG JING YING’
THE GROUP WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THE ISRAEL ARTS FESTIVAL IN TEL AVIV, AND THE FIRST COMMONWEALTH FILM AND TELEVISION FESTIVAL AND ARTS FESTIVAL IN CYPRUS.
ON SATURDAY NIGHT (JULY 26), THEY GAVE A WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY SIR JACK WHO DOTTED.THE WOULD BE TAKEN BY THE TEAM ON THE TOUR.
PRE-TOUR CONCERT EYES OF A LION WHICH
THE TEAM CONSISTS OF A CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF 22 MEMBERS, A CHINESE MUSIC ENSEMBLE OF 12 MEMBERS AND A CHINESE DANCE TEAM OF 12 MEMBERS. ALL ARE UNDER 23 YEARS OF AGE.
/THE TCUR .........
TUESDAY, JULY 29, 1980
4
THE TOUR IS PART OF THE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC EXCHANGE PROGRAMME OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE TOUR DIRECTOR IS THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MRS ELIZABETH WONG.
SIR JACK SAID THE TOUR TO ISRAEL AND CYPRUS WOULD BE A VALUABLE EXPERIENCE FOR THE YOUNG ARTISTS TAKING PART, AND WAS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR YOUNG ARTISTS TO DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS FURTHER.
HE WISHED THE HONG KONG JING YING EVERY SUCCESS IN THE TOUR.
-----0------
YOUTH MINI SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP 1980
X X X X
A MINI SOCCER TRAINING SCHEME FOR YOUTHS INTERESTED IN THE SPORT WILL START NEXT MONTH.
AND TALENTED PLAYERS WILL BE SELECTED FROM COMPETITIONS FOR FURTHER SYSTEMATIC AND INTENSIVE TRAINING AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE.
THE PROJECT — THE SAN MIGUEL HONG KONG YOUTH MINI-SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP 1980 — IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (RSS) WITH THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, THE HONG KONG MINI SOCCER ASSOCIATION AND THE KOWLOON MINI SOCCER ASSOCIATION. IT IS SPONSORED BY SAN MIGUEL BREWERY LTD.
IT AIMS TO PROVIDE MORE PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTHS AND TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF THEIR SKILL AND WIDEN THEIR EXPERIENCE IN PLAYING FOOTBALL THROUGH TRAINING SESSIONS AND COMPETITIONS.
MR KWOK KAR-MING, OF JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, WILL BE CHIEF COACH AND THE TWO MINI SOCCER ASSOCIATIONS WILL PROVIDE COACHING STAFF AND REFEREES THROUGHOUT THE PROJECT.
THE PRINCIPAL RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER, MR DICKEN YUNG, SAID THE RSS ORGANISED THE FIRST SAN MIGUEL HONG KONG YOUTH MINI SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP LAST YEAR WHICH ATTRACTED MORE THAN 2 000 YOUTHS.
HE SAID THIS YEAR’S PROJECT WILL EMPHASISEl
X COMPETITIONS AT 18 VENUES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR ABOUT 3 000 PARTICIPANTS.
X TRAINING AND CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES. THOSE SELECTED FROM THE DISTRICT LEVEL COMPETITIONS WILL BE GIVEN A SERIES OF TRAINING SESSIONS IN PREPARATION FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES.
X FURTHER TRAINING. ABOUT 40 MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYERS WILL BE SELECTED AFTER ALL MATCHES ARE FINISHED FOR MORE VIGOROUS AND IN-DEPTH TRAINING AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE.
/THE PROJECT .....
TUESDAY, JULY 29, 1980
- 5 -
THE PROJECT WILL FINISH AROUND EARLY NOVEMBER.
APPLICATION TO JOIN WILL CLOSE ON AUGUST 22 (FRIDAY).
YOUTHS AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 18, AND WHO WERE NOT REGISTERED WITH THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION LAST YEAR CAN ENTER EITHER AS TEAMS OR AS INDIVIDUALS. NO FEE IS CHARGED AND APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL OFFICES OF THE RSS.
---------0 - - - _
PRISONS RECRUITMENT DRIVE INTENSIFIED IN TSUEN WAN
* * * *
THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT IS INTENSIFYING ITS RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN IN TSUEN WAN FOR ASSISTANT OFFICERS II.
ITS MOBILE RECRUITMENT DISPLAY WILL AGAIN BE AT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TAI HO ROAD FOR THREE DAYS FROM THURSDAY (JULY 31).
THE DISPLAY IS A PHOTOGRAPHIC ESSAY OF MODERN PRISON SERVICE WORK AND ITS STAFF WELFARE FACILITIES.
A RECRUITMENT STAND WILL BE IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE WITH PRISON OFFICERS ON HAND TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES FROM VISITORS. THE DISPLAY WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 3 PM TO 10 PM.
THOSE INTERESTED IN TAKING UP THE CAREER MAY ALSO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT’S RECRUITMENT OFFICE ON 5-938455 OR ANY CITY DISTRICT OFFICE FOR INFORMATION.
------0 - - - -
NEW DRAINAGE SYSTEM FOR NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGE * * * *
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE HAS COME TO THE AID OF A VILLAGE WHICH HAS A DRAINAGE PROBLEM.
THE OFFICE HAS APPROVED FUNDS TO CONSTRUCT A CONCRETE DRAINAGE SYSTEM IN CHUNG UK TSUEN, WHICH HAS A POPULATION OF 700.
WORK ON THE PROJECT HAS STARTED AND IT WILL TAKE ABOUT THREE WEEKS TO COMPLETE.
SOME YEARS AGO THE VILLAGERS DUG A NARROW TRENCH FOR DRAINAGE, BUT IT BECAME BLOCKED, CAUSING OVERFLOWING AND THREATS TO HEALTH.
AFTER ATTEMPTS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM THEMSELVES, THEY APPROACHED TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS WORKS SECTION DESIGNED A SYSTEM FOR A 32 METRE-LONG DRAIN TO SERVE ALL THE VILLAGE’S HOUSES AND FARMS. THE PROJECT INCLUDES DIVERSION OF THE PRESENT DRAIN AND LINKING THE NEW DRAIN TO THE MAIN SYSTEM.
/6.........
TUESDAY, JULY 29, 1980 - 6 -
ABERDEEN REGISTRY MOVE * * * *
THE ABERDEEN BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGE REGISTRY AT FIRST FLOOR, 200 ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD, WILL MOVE TO SHOP 4A, SITE 5, ABERDEEN CENTRE TOMORROW (JULY 30).
THE NEW OFFICE WILL DEAL WITH REGISTRATION OF ALL BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES CAN TELEPHONE 5-526727.
-----0------
SHA TIN WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHA TIN WILL EE TURNED OFF FOR NINE HOURS FROM 9 PM ON THURSDAY (JULY 31) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATERWORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT AT THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY BRIDGE. • <
PREMISES AFFECTED ARE LOK LO HA VILLAGE AT HO TUNG LAU, FO TAN AREA, SHATIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS, SHA TIN RACE COURSE AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY.
0 - -
4
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BRITISH WHITE PAPER WILL NOT ALTER UK IMMIGRATION STATUS OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS .............................. 1
INTERIM ARRANGEMENTS FOR TEXTILES IMPORT LICENSING SYSTEM ..................................................... 3
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME IN QUARRY BAY ..................... 4
POST OFFICE GOES METRIC ON TUESDAY........................... 5
CLUB DONATES TO CANCER TREATMENT PROJECT .................... 5
KWAI CHUNG PLANNING ITS OWN FESTIVAL......................... $
TENDERS INVITED FOR LAND TENANCY............................. 7
56 BUILDING PLhNS jlPPROVED.................................. 7
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CASTLE PEhK ROAD ................ 8
URBaN CLEARWAYS IN CaUSEWaY BAY CANCELLED ................... 8
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN FLEMING ROAD .xND COTTON TREE DRIVE....................................................... 9
WAN CHAI Water cut
9
WEDNESDAY, JULY JO, 1980
BRITISH WHITE PAPER WILL NOT ALTER UK IMMIGRATION STATUS OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS
* M *
THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PUBLISHED A WHITE PAPER ON BRITISH NATIONALITY LAW, OUTLINING ITS IDEAS ON A NEW SCHEME OF CITIZENSHIP. THE WHITE PAPER COMES THREE YEARS AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF A GREEN PAPER ON THE SUBJECT.
THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WOULD NOT ALTER THE UK IMMIGRATION STATUS OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS. THE RULES GOVERNING THE ENTRY OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM WOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED. A HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THE PROPOSED LAW WOULD NOT AFFECT THE UK IMMIGRATION STATUS OR RIGHTS OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS. + AND IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT CONSTITUTIONALLY THE POSITION OF HONG KONG REMAINS THE SAME,* HE SAID.
+ IN PARTICULAR, NO CHANGE IS PROPOSED IN THE RULES REGARDING THE ENTRY OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS TO THE UK.+
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS ESSENTIALLY A MATTER OF THE NOMENCLATURE BEING ALTERED.
+THERE IS NO QUESTION WHATEVER OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS BEING REGARDED AS ’SECOND CLASS’ CITIZENS,+ HE STRESSED. +OUR RIGHTS REMAIN THE SAME.*
THE PRESENT NATIONALITY ACT DATES BACK TO 1948 AND HAS UNDERGONE SO MANY AMENDMENTS IT HAS BECOME CUMBERSOME, OBSCURE AND OUT OF DATE. THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS CONCLUDED, THEREFORE, THAT A NEW LAW IS NECESSARY TO REFLECT THE MANY CHANGES IN THE STRUCTURE OF THE COMMONWEALTH OVER THE PAST 31 YEARS.
THE WHITE PAPER PROPOSES TO REPLACE THE 2-TIER CITIZENSHIP SCHEME SUGGESTED IN THE GREEN PAPER BY A 3-TIER CITIZENSHIP SCHEME. CITIZENSHIP OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND COLONIES WOULD DISAPPEAR AND EVERYONE HOLDING IT WHEN THE NEW LEGISLATION CAME INTO FORCE WOULD ACQUIRE A NEW CITIZENSHIPi
* THOSE WHO HAD CLOSE CONNECTIONS WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM WOULD BECOME +BRI TISH CITIZENS*"
* THOSE WITH SIMILAR CONNECTIONS WITH A DEPENDENT TERRITORY WOULD BECOME +CITIZENS OF THE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES*"
M THOSE WHO DID NOT FALL INTO EITHER OF THESE TWO CATEGORIES WOULD BECOME +BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZENS*.
WEDNESDAY, JULY JO, '9*0
2
THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WAS IMPRESSED WITH THE ARGUMENT MADE STRONGLY BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND BY OTHER DEPENDENCIES THAT POSITIVE RECOGNITION OF THE STATUS OF THE REMAINING DEPENDENCIES SHOULD BE GIVEN IN CITIZENSHIP TERMS. THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE WHITE PAPER EMPHASISED THAT +THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SEPARATE CITIZENSHIP FOR THE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES WOULD IN NO WAY ALTER THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THOSE TERRITORIES AND THE UNITED KINGDOM, NOR THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS TO THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES AND TO THEIR CITIZENS*.
THE WHITE PAPER PROPOSES IDENTICAL PROVISIONS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF CITIZENSHIP FOR BRITISH CITIZENSHIP AND CITIZENSHIP OF THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES. IN OTHER WORDS, ALL THE PRINCIPLES OF NATIONALITY THAT ARE APPLIED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL BE APPLIED, AS APPROPRIATE, TO THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT CITIZENS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND COLONIES FROM HONG KONG WHO HAD SETTLED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND WHO HAD ACQUIRED THE RIGHT OF ABODE THERE WOULD BECOME BRITISH CITIZENS UNDER THE PROPOSED NEW LEGISLATION.
♦NOBODY WHO NOW HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM OR A DEPENDENT TERRITORY WOULD LOSE IT BY THESE PROVISIONS,+ HE EXPLAINED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE MAIN PROPOSALS FOR ACQUISITION OF BRITISH CITIZENSHIP OR OF CITIZENSHIP OF THE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES WERE I
X BY BIRTH IN THE TERRITORY- BY DESCENT- BY REGISTRATION AND BY NATURALISATION-
X CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT WOULD BE TRANSMITTED IN THE FEMALE LINE AS WELL AS THE MALE LINE-
* THERE WOULD BE TRANSMISSION OF CITIZENSHIP ONLY TO THE FIRST GENERATION BORN ABROAD SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITED EXCEPTIONS-
*
A CHILD BORN OVERSEAS OF PARENTS WHO WERE BRITISH CITIZENS BY DESCENT WOULD BE ENTITLED TO ACQUIRE THE SAME CITIZENSHIP AFTER THREE YEARS RESIDENCE WITH ITS PARENTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. SIMILARLY A CHILD FROM OVERSEAS OF PARENTS WHO WERE CITIZENS OF BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES WOULD BE ENTITLED TO ACQUIRE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENSHIP-
X
BRITISH CITIZENS AND CITIZENS OF THE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES BY NATURALISATION OR REGISTRATION WOULD BE EQUATED WITH CITIZENS BY DESCENT. IN OTHER WORDS, THEY WOULD BE UNABLE TO PASS ON THEIR CITIZENSHIP TO THEIR CHILDREN BORN OVERSEAS-
X HUSBANDS AND WIVES WOULD BE ABLE TO ACQUIRE THE CITIZENSHIP OF THEIR SPOUSES BY NATURALISATION AFTER THREE YEARS RESIDENCE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM OR A DEPENDENCY.
WEDNESDAY, JULY yC,
- 3 -
THE WHITE PAPER ITSELF WOULD NOT BE DEBATED IN THE UK PARLIAMENT- A BILL WOULD BE INTRODUCED DURING THE NEXT PARLIAMENTARY SESSION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE PUBLICATION OF THIS WHITE PAPER GIVES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR FURTHER COMMENTS. SUBMISSIONS MADE IN WRITING SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, 141 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
- - - - 0 ----------
INTERIM ARRANGEMENTS FOR TEXTILES IMPORT LICENSING SYSTEM
******
THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT WILL INTRODUCE INTERIM ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE TEXTILES IMPORT LICENSING SYSTEM ON FRIDAY (AUGUST 1).
♦THE INTERIM ARRANGEMENTS ARE TO ASSIST IMPORTERS IN COMPLYING WITH THE NEW LICENSING REQU IREMENTS,♦ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE DEPARTMENT APPRECIATES THAT CERTAIN INFORMATION, SUCH AS SHIPPING MARKS AND NUMBERS OF PACKAGES AND CARTONS, MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION OF LICENCE APPLICATIONS.
♦WHERE SUCH DIFFICULTIES ARE ENCOUNTERED BY IMPORTERS, THE DEPARTMENT WILL NOT DELAY THE ISSUE OF LICENCES, PROVIDED THAT THE ESSENTIAL DATA IS CLEARLY STATED, INCLUDING THE DESCRIPTION OF GOODS, THE QUANTITY INVOLVED, THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE IMPORTER AND THE EXPORTING COUNTRY.
i
♦RELEVANT INFORMATION NOT GIVEN WHEN APPLYING FOR A LICENCE MUST, HOWEVER, BE SUBSEQUENTLY SUPPLIED TO THE DEPARTMENT,* HE SAID.
A TOLERANCE MARGIN OF 10 PER CENT BETWEEN THE QUANTITY DECLARED ON IMPORT LICENCES AND THE QUANTITY ACTUALLY IMPORTED WILL BE ACCEPTABLE, PROVIDED THAT THE DIFFERENCE IN QUANTITY IS SUBSEQUENTLY NOTIFIED TO THE DEPARTMENT.
♦IN OTHER WORDS, WHERE THE DISCREPANCY IS WITHIN THE 10 PER CENT MARGIN, THE AMENDMENT OF IMPORT LICENCES CAN BE EFFECTED AFTER THE APPLICANT HAS TAKEN DELIVERY OF THE CONSIGNMENTS,+ HE EXPLAINED.
THE DEPARTMENT IS PREPARED TO ENTERTAIN REQUESTS FOR EXTENDING THE VALIDITY PERIOD OF IMPORT LICENCES WHEN REASONABLE GROUNDS CAN BE GIVEN.
APPLICATIONS WHICH HAVE TO BE PROCESSED AND ISSUED URGENTLY, SUCH AS SMALL CONSIGNMENTS WHICH ARRIVE IN HONG KONG WITHOUT ADVANCE NOTICE. SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE ♦INSTANT SERVICE+ COUNTER OF THE IMPORT LICENSING SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT (15TH FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, 5 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON) WHERE THEIR APPLICATIONS WILL Be DEALT WITH ON THE SPOT.
♦THE DEPARTMENT WILL REVIEW THESE INTERIM ARRANGEMENTS IN THREE MONTHS, TO DECIDE WHETHER THEY NEED TO BE IMPROVED OR MODIFIED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
- 0 -
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 1980
4
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME IN QUARRY BAY * * * * *
NFW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM 11 AM ON FR IDAYE(AUGUST 1) IN QUARRY BAY AS PART OF THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME TO IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC FLOW ALONG KING’S ROAD.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, THE LEFT-HAND TRAFFIC LANE IN SHIPYARD LANE WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY WITHIN WHICH ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS AND GOODS BETWEEN 7 AM AND MIDNIGHT DAILY.
THE EXISTING URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ALONG THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KING’S ROAD, BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 993 AND A POINT ABOUT 7 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH THE EASTERN ENTRY INTO SHIPYARD LANE, WILL BE EXTENDED EAST BY ABOUT 10 METRES.
THE SECTION OF THE EASTBOUND TRAM TRACK ON KING’S ROAD BETWEEN YAU MAN STREET AND GREIG ROAD WILL BE PROHIBITED TO ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES.
THE SECTION OF THE WESTBOUND TRAM TRACK ON KING’S ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH YAU MAN STREET AND WESTLANDS ROAD WILL ALSO BE PROHIBITED TO ALL MOTOR VEHICLES.
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES TRAVELLING ON KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM MAKING RIGHT TURNS INTO GREIG ROAD. THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO PERFORM A Q-TURN VIA SHIPYARD LANE IN AN ANTI-CLOCKWISE DIRECTION TO PROCEED TO GREIG ROAD.
ALL EXIT TRAFFIC FROM SHIPYARD LANE WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM LEFT-TURNING INTO KING’S ROAD.
ALL EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON KING’S ROAD WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM U-TURNING AT THE CENTRAL REFUGE ISLAND TO THE SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WESTLANDS ROAD.
A BOX JUNCTION WILL BE SET UP AT THE JUNCTION OF KING’S ROAD AND SHIPYARD LANE.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 1980
5
POST OFFICE GOES METRIC ON TUESDAY
* * * *
THE POST OFFICE HAS REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT THE HONG KONG POSTAL SERVICE WILL GO METRIC ON TUESDAY (AUGUST 5).
FROM THEN POSTAGE RATES WILL BE BASED ON GRAMS AND KILOGRAMS AND LETTER AND PARCEL SIZES WILL BE EXPRESSED IN METRES AND MILLIMETRES.
♦THERE WILL BE NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN LETTER OR PARCEL POSTAGE RATES AND, GENERALLY SPEAKING, SLIGHTLY HEAVIER ITEMS WILL BE ACCEPTED IN THE POST FOR THE SAME AMOUNT OF POSTAGE AS AT PRESENT,+ SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE.
+iE SAID MAIL USERS SHOULD NOT EXPERIENCE ANY MAJOR PROBLEM^ WITfr^HE CHANGEOfW.
HOWEVER BUSINESS FIRMS AND OTHER MAJOR USERS OF THE POSTAL SERVICE AND POSTAGE FRANKING MACHINES SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR WEIGHING SCALES ARE CALIBRATED IN METRIC UNITS.
A LEAFLET GIVING POSTAGE RATES IN METRIC TERMS IS AVAILABLE AT ALL POST OFFICES.
------0-------
CLUB DONATES TO CANCER TREATMENT PROJECT
******
SCREENING TEST AND TREATMENT OF CERVICAL CANCER PROVIDED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN GIVEN A BOOST WITH A $300 000 DONATION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
OF
THE PAP SMEAR CANCEROUS CELLS
TEST SERVICE, DESIGNED TO DETECT THE PRESENCE WAS SET UP BY THE DEPARTMENT TEN YEARS AGO.
CERVICAL CANCER, WHICH IS ONE OF THE MAJOR CAUSES OF CANCER AMONG THE FEMALE POPULATION, CLAIMED 146 LIVES LAST YEAR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
♦WOMEN OVER 35 ARE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE AND EVERY YEAR ALMOST 2 000 WOMEN SUFFERING FROM THIS DISEASE ARE TREATED IN HOSPITALS,* HE ADDED.
HE SAID THAT IN VIEW OF THIS, LAUNCHED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO EXAM A LARGE SCALE SCREENING PROGRAMME.
A PILOT PROJECT IS BEING NE THE PROBLEMS AND NEEDS
OF
THE PROJECT, FUNDED BY THE JOCKEY CLUB DONATION, IS PLANNED TO RUN FOR THREE YEARS. IT IS ORGANISED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY AND HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY.
UNDER THE PROJECT, WOMEN OVER 30 MAY TAKE A PAP SMEAR TEST AT GOVERNMENT FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE CENTRES AT ABERDEEN, TANG CHI NGONG AND YAU MA TEI.
/♦S'/crlCICL.. ..........
WEDNESDAY, vITuY JC, 19EC
6
♦SUSPICIOUS OR POSITIVE SMEARS WILL BE REFERRED TO THE OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY DEPARTMENT'OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY FOR COLPOSCOPIC EXAM I NAT ION,♦ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT LIKE ANY OTHER FORM OF CANCER, CERVICAL CANCER SHOULD BE TREATED AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT A RECENT STUDY UNDERTAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT SHOWED A GENERAL MISCONCEPTION BY THE PUBLIC THAT CERVICAL CANCER WAS INCURABLE.
♦THIS, OF COURSE, IS NOT TRUE. IF DETECTED EARLY AND TREATED IN TIME, IT CAN BE COMPLETELY CURED.♦ THE SPOKESMAN REASSURED.
-----o-----------
KWAI CHUNG PLANNING ITS OWN FESTIVAL ******
A COMMITTEE HAS BEEN FORMED IN KWAI CHUNG TO PLAN THE DISTRICT’S FIRST FESTIVAL.
THE TWO-WEEK FESTIVAL, TO TAKE PLACE BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR AND WILL CONSIST OF SPORTS, RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND EXHIBITIONS, IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE FESTIVAL PLANNING COMMITTEE HAS BEEN FORMED WITH THE SUPPORT OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AND A CHAIRMAN HAS BEEN ELECTED FROM KWAI CHUNG EAST, KWAI CHUNG WEST, KWAI CHUNG NORTH, KWAI CHUNG SOUTH, KWAI CHUNG CENTRAL AND KWAI SHING AREAS, WHICH HAVE A POPULATION OF MORE THAN 500 000.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID THE AIM OF THE FESTIVAL WAS TO COMBINE THE ANNUAL ESTATE DAYS OF THE SIX AREAS TO ACHIEVE BIGGER IMPACT.
A
HE SAID IT WAS HOPED TO INCREASE LOCAL INTEREST IN SPORT AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND HELP PROMOTE A SENSE OF BELONGING AND INTEGRATION AMONG NEWCOMERS.
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD IS PROVIDING A $60 000 SUBSIDY AND THE LOCAL RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICE WILL PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE FESTIVAL.
-----o-----
/?.....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 1980
?
TENDERS INVITED FOR LAND TENANCY
* * * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR A SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF LAND IN SAU MAU PING ROAD, KOWLOON, BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
THE SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 2 280 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR STORAGE OF GOODS AND VEHICLES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE OFFICE SAID THE TENANCY WAS FOR ONE YEAR AND THEREAFTER, QUARTERLY.
CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS WILL BE NOON ON AUGUST 15.
TENDERS FORMS AND PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND ALSO AT THE 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE TENDER PLAN MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE OFFICES.
-----0------
56 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED
* * M *
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT APPROVED 56 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN JUNE, COMPARED WITH 67 IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
OF THESE, 24 WERE FOR BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 12 FOR KOWLOON, AND 20 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INCLUDED THE GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION HEADQUARTERS IN GASCOIGNE ROAD, STAFF QUARTERS OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, AND A PETROL FILLING STATION IN HIU KWONG STREET IN SAU MAU PING.
THE DECLARED COST OF ALL NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS $200 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $302 MILLION IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
THEIR TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA AMOUNTED TO 136 190.1 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 100 264.6 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC AND 35 925.5 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE OFFICE ALSO CONSENTED FOR WORK TO START ON 47 PROJECTS, INCLUDING AN ENGINEERING BUILDING OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, A WELFARE AND YOUTH CENTRE IN KWAI SHING CIRCUIT, KWAI CHUNG, AND SCHOOL BUILDINGS IN STANLEY, POK FU LAM AND KWAI CHUNG.
A TOTAL OF 38 NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION, INCLUDING A PETROL FILLING STATION IN TUEN MUN AND A NUMBER OF DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.
THE OFFICE ALSO AGREED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 52 BUILDINGS.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, I960
8
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD ft ft ft ft ft
THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED SOUTHBOUND SLIP ROAD CONNECTING CASTLE PEAK ROAD WITH TEXACO ROAD WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10.30 AM ON SATURDAY (AUGUST 2).
THE NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ARE IMPLEMENTED TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
UNDER THESE ARRANGEMENTS, VEHICLES FROM KOWLOON WISHING TO PROCEED TO TEXACO ROAD OR TAI WO HAU ROAD VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL TURN LEFT INTO THE SOUTHBOUND SLIP ROAD LOCATED NEAR THE TAI WO HAU FOOTBRIDGE. THE INSIDE LEFT TURNING LANE ON THE SOUTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AT THE APPROACH TO THE JUNCTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND SHING MUN ROAD WILL BE CONVERTED INTO A STRAIGHT THROUGH LANE.
KOWLOON BOUND VEHICLES FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES FROM SHING MUN ROAD WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
------o-------
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN CAUSEWAY BAY CANCELLED ft ft ft ft ft
THE EXISTING URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN YIU WA STREET AND MATHESON STREET WILL BE RESCINDED FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (AUGUST 4).
THE LEIGHTON ROAD URBAN CLEARWAY WILL ALSO BE SHORTENED SO THAT IT WILL ONLY COVER THE EASTBOUND LANES FROM CANAL ROAD EAST TO A POINT OUTSIDE HOUSE NOS. 13“19 IN LEIGHTON ROAD.
0
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 1980
9
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN FLEMING ROAD AND COTTON TREE DRIVE ft * * * *
THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF FLEMING ROAD FLYOVER AND THE SLIP ROAD FROM QUEENSWAY WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY TO COTTON TREE DRIVE WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1.30 AM AND 6 AM ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (AUGUST 2 AND 3) TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS.
VEHICLES FROM THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION AREA WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HARBOUR ROAD, HUNG HING ROAD AND MARSH ROAD FLYOVER. VEHICLES FROM QUEENSWAY WESTBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, PEDDER STREET, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HARCOURT ROAD AND COTTON TREE DRIVE.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE ERECTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
-----o------
WAN CHAI WATER CUT * * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WAN CHAI WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS BETWEEN 11 PM ON FRIDAY (AUGUST 1) AND 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY (SATURDAY) FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE BOUNDED BY WAN CHAI ROAD, THE SOUTH SIDE OF JOHNSTON ROAD, LEE TUNG STREET, THE NORTH SIDE OF QUEEN’S ROAD EAST INCLUDING SPRING GARDEN LANE, TAI YUEN STREET, STONE NULLAH LANE, TAI WO STREET AND CROSS STREET.
o - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, JULY J1, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SIR JACK: MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR WONG TAI SIN .............. 1
CBE AWARD .................................................... 1
WORKING PARTY SUBMITS REPORT TO ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE ......... 2
TECHNICAL EDUCATION EXPANSION TERMED 'FANTASTIC' ............. 2
SIR ALBERT OPENS CENTRAL METHADONE SCHEME LABORATORY ......... J
NEW TELEPHONE SYSTEM FOR TICD ................................ 4
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR PART-TIME EVENING COURSES ........... 5
SAI KUNG CHILDREN'S CHOIR TO GIVE OPEN AIR CONCERT ........... 6
MARINE DEPARTMENT HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS ....................... 6
THURSDAY, JULY 31, 1980
1
SIR JACK I MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR WONG TAI SIN *****
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR JACK CATER, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT A DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WILL BE APPOINTED FOR WONG TAI SIN TO BE FOLLOWED WITH THE SETTING UP IN OCTOBER OF A DISTRICT BOARD SIMILAR TO THE ONE IN KWUN TONG.
SIR JACK MADE THE STATEMENT DURING A MEETING WITH THE WONG TAI SIN CITY DISTRICT COMMITTEE AFTER TOURING THE DISTRICT TO SEE, AT FIRST HAND, ITS VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTS AND PROBLEMS.
SIR JACK DISCUSSED A RANGE OF SUBJECTS INCLUDING THE GREEN PAPER ON LOCAL ADMINISTRATION, CRIME, SPORTING AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, PROVISION OF CANTEENS IN THE AREA, HAWKERS AND SQUATTER PROBLEMS.
HE ALSO TOUCHED ON BRITAIN’S WHITE PAPER ON THE NATIONALITY ACT AND EXPLAINED IT WILL NOT AFFECT THE PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.
HE STARTED HIS TOUR AT YAN 01 VILLAGE WHERE A NO. 3 ALARM FIRE DESTROYED SOME 50 SQUATTER STRUCTURES, AFFECTING MORE THAN 200 PEOPLE.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, WONG TAI SIN, MR S.R. SELBY, SIR JACK ALSO STOPPED AT THE POLICE REPORTING CENTRE AT TSZ WAN SHAN ESTATE AND TOURED THE ESTATE’S HAWKER BAZAAR.
SIR JACK SAW THE TAI HOM WOR SQUATTER AREA, FACTORY AREAS, INSPECTED A COOKED FOOD MARKET AND ALSO VISITED THE WONG TAI SIN CITY DISTRICT OFFICE.
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CBE AWARD * *
THE LATE MR JUSTICE WILFRED PICKERING, WHO WAS A JUSTICE CF APPEAL AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH ON MAY 2 THIS YEAR, HAS BEEN APPOINTED BY THE QUEEN TO BE AN ORDINARY COMMANDER OF THE CIVIL DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (CBE).
THE APPOINTMENT IS MADE WITH EFFECT FROM MAY 1, 1980 AND WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
MR PICKERING WAS A VALUABLE MEMBER OF THE JUDICIARY IN HONG KONG FOR NEARLY 25 YEARS. HE SERVED AS A JUDGE OF THE SUPREME COURT FOR 10 YEARS, INCLUDING FOUR YEARS AS A JUSTICE CF APPEAL.
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THURSDAY, JULY 31, 1980
2.
WORKING PARTY SUBMITS REPORT TO ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE
*****
THE WORKING PARTY INVESTIGATING THE LAW RELATING TO THE ADMISSIBILITY OF EVIDENCE AND THE TAKING OF CONFESSION STATEMENTS FROM PERSONS SUSPECTED OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES SUBMITTED ITS REPORT TO THE ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE WORKING PARTY ON VOIR DIRE PROCEEDINGS AND JUDGES RULES, WAS SET UP BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE LAST OCTOBER UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MR JUSTICE YANG.
DURING THE NINE MONTH’S INVESTIGATION OPINIONS WERE RECEIVED FROM HONG KONG LAWYERS AND JUDGES AND OTHER PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONS IN THE UK, AUSTRALIA, CANADA AND OTHER COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES.
MR JUSTICE YANG TODAY THANKED ALL THOSE WHO ASSISTED THE WORKING PARTY.
MEMBERS OF THE PARTY WERE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS MR D.K. NEWBIGGING AND MR ALEX S.C. WU- MR MAX LUCAS, LEGAL DEPARTMENT-MR C.D. ST. Q. FLETCHER, ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE- MR NORMAN WHITELEY, ICAC- MR ROBERT KOTEWALL AND MISS JACQUELINE LEONG, THE HONG KONG BAR, AND MR CHRISTOPHER D’ALMADA, A SOLICITOR. THE SECRETARY WAS MR W.L. YIP.
TECHNICAL EDUCATION EXPANSION TERMED ’FANTASTIC’ *****
THE RAPID EXPANSION OF TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND THE GROWTH IN ENROLMENT DURING THE PAST 10 YEARS WERE TERMED ’FANTASTIC’BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL), MR DAN WATERS, AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE KWUN TONG VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE THIS MORNING (THURSDAY).
HE RECALLED THAT IN THE 1960S (NOW THE POLYTECHNIC) WAS, AT THAT
THE OLD TECHNICAL COLLEGE TIME, +ALL THINGS TO ALL MEN.+
THE FIRST TECHNICAL INSTITUTE - MORRISON HILL - WAS NOT OFFICIALLY ESTABLISHED TILL SEPTEMBER, 1969 AND SINCE THEN A POLYTECHNIC AND A FURTHER FOUR TECHNICAL INSTITUTES HAD BEEN SET
UP.
♦INDEED, THE GROWTH IN NUMBERS OF TECHNICAL STUDENTS, AT CRAFT AND TECHNICIAN LEVELS, HAS BEEN QUITE STAGGERING AND POSSIBLY UNEQUALLED ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD,+ MR WATERS SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN SEPTEMBER, 1970, THERE WAS LESS THAN 600 PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE STUDENTS AT THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE BUT IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR, WHICH JUST ENDED, THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES HAD ALMOST 8 000 PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE STUDENTS- AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN 12-FOLD IN TEN YEARS.
/REGARDING THE . ...
THURSDAY, JULY J1, 1980
3
REGARDING THE FUTURE, MR WATERS SAID THAT IN THE EARLY 1980S ADDITIONAL FLOORS AND ANNEXES WILL BE ADDED TO THE EXISTING TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, WHILE A SIXTH INSTITUTE IS PLANNED TO BE ESTABLISHED BY 1984.
AND OF THE KWUN TONG VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE, HE SAID HE WAS CONVINCED IT HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN THE OVERALL EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM.
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SIR ALBERT OPENS CENTRAL METHADONE SCHEME LABORATORY * * * *
SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES, CHAIRMAN OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, TODAY (THURSDAY) OPENED THE HO MAN TIN METHADONE SCHEME LABORATORY, WHICH WILL BOOST THE GOVERNMENT’S URINE TESTING FACILITIES FOR METHADONE PATIENTS.
THE LABORATORY, RUN BY THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY, CAN HANDLE 500 URINE SAMPLES A DAY, COMPARED WITH THE EXISTING CAPACITY OF 70 SAMPLES HANDLED BY THE EASTERN STREET LABORATORY IN WESTERN DISTRICT, HONG KONG ISLAND.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, SAID THAT WITH MORE THAN 7 000 PATIENTS ATTENDING HONG KONG’S 20 METHADONE CLINICS DAILY, THE TESTING FACILITIES AT THE EASTERN STREET LABORATORY WERE ^TOTALLY INADEQUATE.*
♦WITH THE PRESENT VOLUME OF ATTENDANCE, THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENT FOR URINALYSIS IS ABOUT 250 SPECIMENS A DAY,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE NEW FACILITY SERVES AS THE CENTRAL LABORATORY FOR URINE EXAMINATIONS IN THE METHADONE TREATMENT PROGRAMME.
♦THE EASTERN STREET SERVICE HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED TO THE NEW LABORATORY WHICH WILL HANDLE ALL INCOMING SPECIMENS. THERE WILL ALSO BE SCOPE FOR INCREASING THE EXISTING LEVEL OF SAMPLE INTAKE IN DUE COURSE,♦ HE SAID.
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR BOWEN LEUNG AND THE GOVERNMENT CHEMIST, DR A. NUTTEN ALSO ATTENDED THE OPENING CEREMONY.
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THURSDAY, JULY 31, 1980
NEW TELEPHONE SYSTEM FOR TICD M M *
A MODERN PABX SYSTEM AT THE OCEAN CENTRE OFFICES OF THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON TUESDAY (AUGUST 5) TO REPLACE THE EXISTING TELEPHONE SYSTEM, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH DIRECT-DI ALL I NG-1N FACILITIES. BY DIALLING 3-7222 PLUS A THREE-FIGURE EXTENSION NUMBER A CALLER CAN MAKE DIRECT CONTACT WITH DEPARTMENTAL OFFICERS, WITHOUT HAVING TO GO THROUGH A TELEPHONE OPERATOR.
♦UNTIL THE INDIVIDUAL EXTENSION NUMBERS ARE KNOWN TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, A SPECIAL NUMBER — 3-7222333 — HAS BEEN ALLOCATED FOR SIX MONTHS. OPERATORS ON THIS NUMBER WILL GIVE CALLERS THE EXTENSION NUMBER THEY REQUIRE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
LEAFLETS CONTAINING THE EXTENSION NUMBERS HAVE BEEN SENT TO IMPORT AND EXPORT FIRMS AND ORGANISATIONS WHICH HAVE FREQUENT DEALINGS WITH THE DEPARTMENT. THEY ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S GROUND FLOOR RECEPTION COUNTER, OCEAN CENTRE OFFICES.
THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE CO WILL, FOR ONE MONTH, INTERCEPT ALL CALLS TO THE OLD NUMBERS, AND ADVISE CALLERS THAT 3-7222333 IS THE DEPARTMENT’S GENERAL ENQUIRY NUMBER.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
FURTHER TO THE PRESS RELEASE ON THE TICD’S NEW TELEPHONE SYSTEM, WOULD YOU PLEASE ADVISE YOUR EDITORIAL STAFF THAT THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION ARE : 3-7222225 (PRINCIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER, MR JACK HAND)-3-7222226 (INFORMATION OFFICER, MRS REBEKAH WONG)- AND 3-7222227 (ASSISTANT INFORMATION OFFICER, MISS JENNIFER IP).
THURSDAY, JULY 31, 1980
5
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR PART-TIME EVENING COURSES ft ft ft ft ft
THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ARE INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR 35 TECHNICAL LEVEL (POST FORM 5) PART-TIME EVENING COURSES SCHEDULED TO START IN SEPTEMBER.
THE COURSES COVER 10 DISCIPLINES AND ARE SUITABLE FOR PEOPLE WORKING IN THE TOURISM AND INDUSTRIAL FIELDS TO FURTHER THEIR STUDIES.
THE DISCIPLINES ARE HOTEL-KEEPING AND TOURISM, CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY, PRINTING, TEXTILE INDUSTRIES, CLOTHING INDUSTRIES, MARINE AND FABRICATION, AND DESIGN.
MOST OF THE COURSES ARE FOR THREE YEARS AND THE NUMBER OF NEETINGS PER WEEK RANGE FROM ONE TO FOUR, NORMALLY BETWEEN 7 PM AND 9 PM.
APART FROM BEING CONDUCTED IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE PREMISES, THE EVENING CLASSES ARE ALSO ACCOMMODATED IN A NUMBER OF OUTLYING CENTRES IN SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
APPLICATION TO THE COURSES WILL BE ACCEPTED BETWEEN TOMORROW (AUGUST 1) AND AUGUST 22.
APPLICATION FORMS AND GUIDES TO APPLICANTS ARE OBTAINABLE DURING OFFICE HOURS FROM ANY OF THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES AND PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 22 TO THE RESPECTIVE INSTITUTES APPLIED FOR.
THE ADDRESSES OF THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AREi MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, 6 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG-KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, 20 HING SHING ROAD, KWAI CHUNG-KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, 25 HIU MING STREET, KWUN TONG-HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, 702 LAI CHI KOK ROAD, CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON- AND LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, 30 RENFREW ROAD, KOWLOON TONG.
FORM FIVE STUDENTS SITTING THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION THIS YEAR MAY APPLY. BUT THEY SHOULD WAIT FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE EXAMINATION RESULTS AND COMPLETE THE HKCEE EXAMINATION RESULT COLUMN ON THE APPLICATION FORMS BEFORE RETURNING THE FORMS.
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THURSDAY, JULY 31, 1980
SAI KUNG CHILDREN’S CHOIR TO GIVE OPEN AIR CONCERT
******
THE POPULAR SAI KUNG CHILDREN’S CHOIR, FORMED 18 MONTHS AGO, IS TO GIVE ITS FIRST OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE ON AUGUST 15.
THE PERFORMANCE WILL BE HELD IN THE MAN Yl PLAYGROUND IN SAI KUNG TOWN AND IS EXPECTED TO BE WATCHED BY 1 000 LOCAL RESIDENTS.
THE 170—STRONG CHOIR, INCLUDING ITS +YOUNGER+ AND +TEENAGER+ GROUPS, WILL BE JOINED BY A BAND OF 100 YOUNG MUSICIANS ATTENDING THE NEARBY HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP.
THE CHOIR WILL SING SONGS DESCRIBING VILLAGES IN SAI KUNG DISTRICT COMPOSED BY ITS ADVISER, MR YIP CHEE-KWONG, AND SONGS FROM THE WELL-KNOWN CHILDREN’S TELEVISION PROGRAMME, +BANANA BOAT*.
PERFORMERS FROM THE TELEVISION PROGRAMME, +THE CARTOON BIRDS+, WILL ALSO TAKE PART.
CHINESE FOLK DANCES WILL BE PERFORMED BY STUDENTS,DRESSED IN CHINESE TRADITIONAL COSTUMES, OF SAI KUNG SUNG TSUN AND HANG HAU CHENG CH IK CHI MIDDLE SCHOOLS.
THE CONCERT IS BEING PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE, SAI KUNG DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD AND LOCAL RURAL COMMITTEES, WITH THE AIM OF PROMOTING MUSIC IN THE DISTRICT AND PROVIDING YOUNG MUSICIANS WITH A CHANCE TO GAIN EXPERIENCE.
ADMISSION WILL BE FREE. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FROM SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE BRANCH OFFICE IN MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG, AND FROM SUB-OFFICES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
MARINE DEPARTMENT HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS * * * *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY (AUGUST 4), A GENERAL HOLIDAY, EXCEPT ITS PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS AT WAN CHAI, YAU MA TEI, KWUN TONG AND TSUEN WAN, ITS PORT COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE, AND ITS MACAU FERRY WHARF UNIT OFFICES.
ITS VICTORIA SMALL CRAFT LICENSING SECTION WILL ALSO BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 11 AM ON MONDAY.
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