DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK HOST TO COMMONWEALTH MPS ...................................... 1
NEW LICENSING POLICY FOR TV GAMES MACHINES ....................... 2
EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCY STATISTICS IN DECEMBER 1980 ............... 3
MATERNITY LEAVE GUIDE AVAILABLE TO PUBLIC ........................ 8
FREE GUIDE TO EXPLAIN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION .................... 9
TRAINING COURSE FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS ....................... 10
INLAND REVENUE ISSUES REMINDER .................................. 11
CENTRAL TRAFFIC BACK TO NORMAL MONDAY, IF WEATHER PERMITS ....... 12
NORTH POINT FERRY PIER EXTENSION................................. 1J
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON CITY .................. 1^
CROWN LAND FOR SALE ............................................. 14
DENTAL HEALTH EXHIBITION OPENED AT TAI 0 ........................ 15
FIREMEN GET MEDALS FOR LONG SERVICE ............................. 16
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION TO ART EXHIBITION........................ 17
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1981
1 -
HK HOST TO COMMONWEALTH MPS *****
HONG KONG WILL HOST THE 1981 ANNUAL MID-YEAR MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MAY 4 AND 8.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM 15 COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES WILL ATTEND THE MEETING WHICH WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, HON DENIS BRAY, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER ON MONDAY, MAY 4.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION, HON M. QIONIBARAVI, SPEAKER OF THE FIJI PARLIAMENT, THE ACTING CHAIRMAN OF THE ‘XECUTIVE COMMITTEE, HON C.T. MAYNARD, MINISTER OF LABOUR AND <;ME AFFAIRS, THE BAHAMAS, AND THE HON TREASURER, MR JAMES JOHNSON OF THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL ATTEND. REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES FROM AUSTRALIA, CANADA, THE CHANNEL ISLANDS, THE COOK ISLANDS, DOMINICA, INDIA, MALAWI, MALAYSIA, SIERRA LEONE, SINGAPORE, SRI LANKA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE IS THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION, WHICH AIMS TO ENCOURAGE UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION BETWEEN COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARIANS AND TO PROMOTE THE STUDY OF AND RESPECT FOR PARLIAMENTARY INSTITUTIONS THROUGH THE ACTIVITIES OF ITS 120 BRANCHES IN NATIONAL AND TERRITORIAL PARLIAMENTS IN COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES.
DURING THEIR STAY HERE, THE DELEGATES WILL ALSO TAKE A FIRST-HAND-LOOK AT HONG KONG’S NEW TOWN AND PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS AND VISIT THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND THE PLOVER COVE COUNTRY PARK AND RESERVOIR.
THE MEETING WILL END ON FRIDAY, MAY 8 WITH AN OFFICIAL DINNER GIVEN BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE ASSOCIATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION wHICH WILL BE PERFORMED BY THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DENIS BRAY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT 10.30 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 4).
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1981
2
NEW LICENSING POLICY FOR TV GAMES MACHINES *****
A MORE LIBERAL POLICY WILL BE INTRODUCED ON JUNE 1 WHICH wILL ALLOW SOME COIN-OPERATED TELEVISION GAMES AND SIMILAR ENTERTAINMENT MACHINES TO BE LICENSED WITHOUT BEING TIED TO OTHER RECREATIONAL FAC IL IT IES.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING, MR NIGEL WATT.
THE INTENTION OF INTRODUCING A REVISED POLICY WAS ANNOUNCED LAST DECEMBER. SINCE THAT TIME GOVERNMENT APPROVAL TO THE NEW PROCEDURES HAS BEEN OBTAINED, AND THE NECESSARY ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN PREPARED.
+ UNDER THE EXISTING POLICY,* HE SAID, +AUTOMATIC MACHINES ARE GENERALLY LICENSED AS AN ANCILLARY ENTERTAINMENT TO OTHER L “ABLISHED RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN PRIVATE CLUBS, SPORTING "ITUTIONS, HOTELS AND OPEN-AIR AMUSEMENT PARKS. THE NUMBER OF .CHINES PERMITTED IN EACH LICENSED ESTABLISHMENT IS RESTRICTED.
♦WITH THE ADVANCEMENT OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES, MANY TELEVISION GAMES MACHINES HAVE BEEN INVENTED IN RECENT YEARS. THESE MACHINES ■ -:£ POPULAR AND PROVIDE HEALTHY ENTERTAINMENT FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN ALIKE. IT WILL NOW BE POSSIBLE FOR SUITABLE TELEVISION GAMES MACHINES, SUCH AS SPACE INVADERS, DRIVING MACHINES OR nOCKEY TABLES, TO BE LICENSED FOR PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT WITHOUT UNNECESSARILY BEING TIED TO OTHER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
+THE LICENSING OF FRUIT MACHINES AND OTHER GAMBLING MACHINES WILL CONTINUE TO BE TOTALLY PROHIBITED. ALSO PIN-BALL MACHINES AND FLIPPER-OPERATED MACHINES WILL BE EXCLUDED FROM THE NEW CENTRES. THESE TYPES OF MACHINES WILL ALSO IN FUTURE BE EXCLUDED FROM EXISTING AUTOMATIC MACHINE PREMISES SUCH AS PUBLIC BILLIARD SALOONS AND BOWLING CENTRES. BUT THEY WILL CONTINUE TO BE ALLOWED ON A RESTRICTED BASIS IN HOTELS, PRIVATE CLUBS AND IN OPEN-AIR AMUSEMENT PARKS.
+THESE RESTRICTIONS HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED BECAUSE MANY PEOPLE BELIEVE PIN-BALL MACHINES ARE CONDUCIVE TO GAMBLING, AND THE EXCLUSION OF THESE MACHINES FROM THE PROPOSED CENTRES WILL ENABLE PEOPLE TO ENJOY TELEVISION GAMES WITHOUT THE DISTRACTION WHICH MIGHT BE CAUSED BY THE PROXIMITY OF PEOPLE PLAYING PIN-BALL GAMES.*
THE ENTERTAINMENT MACHINE CENTRES WILL ONLY BE LICENSED IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS OR IN THE COMMERCIAL PORTIONS OF MIXED-USER BUILDINGS PROVIDED THEY HAVE THEIR OWN ENTRANCES AND EXITS, AND ARE TOTALLY SEPARATED FROM ANY RESIDENTIAL PARTS OF THE BUILDINGS. ONLY ONE CENTRE WILL BE PERMITTED IN ANY ONE BUILDING AND THEY wILL BE EXCLUDED FROM BUILDINGS ADJACENT TO EDUCATIONAL OR RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS.
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1?61
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MR WATT SAID THAT TO SAFEGUARD CHILDREN, NO PEOPLE UNDER SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR WEARING SCHOOL UNIFORM WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE CENTRES.
HOWEVER, CHILDREN WILL BE CATERED FOR BY THE PROVISION OF SPECIAL INDOOR AMUSEMENT CENTRES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER SIXTEEN TO WHICH NOBODY OVER SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE WILL BE ADMITTED UNLESS THEY ARE IN-CHARGE OF A CHILD. THESE WILL BE HOUSED IN DEPARTMENT STORES OR IN WELL-CONTROLLED SEPARATE CENTRES WITH _ MITED HOURS OF OPERATION, AND THE TYPES OF MACHINES PERMITTED *ILL BE CAREFULLY CONTROLLED.
SAFETY MEASURES TO ENSURE THAT ALL FIRE PRECAUTIONS, STRUCTURAL AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS ARE MET BY LICENSEES WILL EE LAID DOWN FOR BOTH CHILD AND ADULT CENTRES.
THE CENTRES WILL ALSO HAVE TO BE AIR-CONDITIONED AND SOUND-PROOF TO PREVENT NOISE FROM THE MACHINES CAUSING L 57UREANCE OR IRRITATION TO PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE CENTRES.
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EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCY STATISTICS IN DECEMBER 1980 ******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY IN DECEMBER 1980.
THESE WERE DERIVED FROM EMPLOYMENT SURVEYS CONDUCTED EVERY QUARTER BY THE DEPARTMENT COVERING THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, THE FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, AND BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES.
THE OVERALL FIGURES, TOGETHER WITH A COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1979 AND SEPTEMBER 1980, ARE AS FOLLOWS
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FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1981
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EMPLOYMENT IN
PERCENTAGE INCREASE
SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY DEC. 79 SEPT. 80 DEC. 80 DEC. 80 ON DEC. 79 DEC. 80 ON SEPT. 80
MANUFACTURING 870 900 892 100 907 500 4.2 1.7
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION (MANUAL WORKERS N SITES ONLY) 81 900 86 200 87 300 6.6 1.3
..HOLESALE AND ’ETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, AND -STAURANTS AND OTELS 418 600 447 300 455 100 8.7 1.7
NANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERV ICES 113 400% 126 600 132 000 16.4 4.3
NOTE 1 * REFERRING TO NOVEMBER 1979
COMPARING THE FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1980 WITH THOSE FOR APPROXIMATELY THE SAME TIME IN 1979, THERE WERE INCREASES IN EACH OF THE FOUR SECTORS LISTED ABOVE.
THE RAPID GROWTH RATE IN THE FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR CONTINUED- EMPLOYMENT IN THIS SECTOR IN DECEMBER 1980, AT 132 000, WAS 16.4% HIGHER THAN THAT IN NOVEMBER 1979.
THE GROWTH IN EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR AND IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES ALSO CONTINUED, WITH EMPLOYMENT IN DECEMBER, AT 455 100 AND 87 300 RESPECTIVELY, BEING 8.7% AND 6.6% HIGHER THAN IN DECEMBER 1979.
THE GROWTH RATE IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, ALTHOUGH LESS RAPID, WAS 4.2% HIGHER THAN THAT IN DECEMBER 1979.
COMPARING THE FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1980 WITH THOSE FOR SEPTEMBER 1980, THERE WERE ALSO INCREASES IN EACH OF THE FOUR SECTORS.
THE MOST RAPID GROWTH WAS AGAIN RECORDED IN THE FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR. EMPLOYMENT IN THIS. SECTOR GREW BY 4.3% BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND DECEMBER I960.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR AND EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR BOTH INCREASED BY 1.7%. CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT OF MANUAL WORKERS ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES WAS 1.3%.
/Together with ....
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1981
5
TOGETHER WITH EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ALSO PUBLISHED VACANCY STATISTICS FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR- THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR- AND THE FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR IN DECEMBER 1980.
THESE WERE COMPILED FROM THE NUMBER OF JOB VACANCIES REPORTED BY ESTABLISHMENTS COVERED BY THE EMPLOYMENT SURVEYS IN THESE SECTORS.
THE OVERALL FIGURES, TOGETHER WITH A COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1979 AND SEPTEMBER 1980, ARE AS FOLLOWS
NUMBER OF REPORTED PERCENTAGE INCREASE
VACANCIES IN
ECTOR OF DEC. 80 ON DEC. 80 ON
THE ECONOMY DEC. 79 SEPT. 80 DEC. 80 DEC. 79 SEPT. 80
MANUFACTURING 55 300 37 400 42 000 -23.9 12.4
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 5 200 5 900 5 800 11.8 -1.4
FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 1 800% 2 400 2 900 62.4 20.2
NOTE 1 * REFERRING TO NOVEMBER 1979
COMPARING THE FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1980 WITH THOSE FOR APPROXIMATELY THE SAME TIME IN 1979, THERE WAS A SUBSTANTIAL DECLINE OF 23.9% IN THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR. NEVERTHELESS, THE TOTAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES (THE SUM OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES) IN THIS SECTOR STILL INCREASED BY 2.5% DURING THIS PERIOD.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES IN Trit FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR AND WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR INCREASED TOGETHER WITH EMPLOYMENT DURING THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 1980.
COMPARING THE FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1980 WITH THOSE FOR SEPTEMBER 1980, THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES INCREASED EXCEPT IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR.
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1981
DETAILS CF EMPLOYMENT IN SELECTED INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES WITHIN THE FOUR SECTORS ARE GIVEN IN THE TABLE ATTACHED. FURTHER DETAILS ON EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCY STATISTICS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
DETAILS OF EMPLOYMENT IN SELECTED INDUSTRIES
I. MANUFACTURING SECTOR
EMPLOYMENT IN PERCENTAGE INCREASE
INDUSTRY GROUP DEC 79 SEPT 80 DEC 80 DEC 80 ON DEC 79 DEC 80 ON SEPT 80
WEARING APPAREL (EXCLUDING KN IT .EAR FROM YARN) 251 300 255 700 263 700 +4.9 ♦3.1
TEXTILES (INCLUDING KNITWEAR FROM YARN) 126 800 124 600 127 600 +0.7 +2.4
ELECTR ICAL MACH INERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPL IES, INCLUD ING ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 117 700 119 100 122 100 +3.7 ♦2.5
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 87 900 86 300 86 100 -2.0 -0.3
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 84 800 84 800 84 200 -0.7 -0.6
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1981
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II. BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR
CONTRACTING PARTY (MANUAL WORKERS EMPLOYMENT ON SITES ONLY) INCREASE DEC 80 ON SEPT 80
IN DEC 80 PERCENTAGE DEC 80 ON DEC 79
DEC 79 SEPT 80
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 16 412 14 449 16 452 + 0.2 ♦ 13.9
HOUS ING DEPARTMENT 18 210 15 916 15 995 -12.2 * 0.5
MASS TRANSIT RA ILWAY CORPORATION* 5 380 4 432 3 844 -28.6 -13.3
PRIVATE SECTOR 41 877 51 389 50 983 +21.7 - 0.8
* CONSTRUCTION SITES UNDER THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION REFER TO M.T.R. CONTRACTS FOR WHICH WORK WAS IN PROGRESS DURING DECEMBER 1980.
III. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR
INDUSTRY GROUP EMPLOYMENT IN PERCENTAGE DEC 80 ON DEC 79 INCREASE DEC 80 ON SEPT 80
DEC 79 SEPT 80 DEC 80
WHOLESALE TRADE 44 400 49 800 50 700 ♦ 14.1 ♦1.7
RETAIL TRADE 140 200 149 600 152 800 * 9.0 +2.2
IMPORT/EXPORT BUS INESS 104 600 115 000 113 800 * 8.8 -1.1
RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND BARS 110 500 114 000 118 200 + 6.9 ♦3.7
HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES 18 900 18 900 19 600 ♦ 3.8 *4.0
/'TV. FIi.ANCS.........
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IV. FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR
EMPLOYMENT IN PERCENTAGE INCREASE
INDUSTRY GROUP NOV 79 SEP1 r so DE( : so DEC 80 ON NOV 79 DEC 80 ON SEPT 80
MONETARY •NSTITUTIONS 'ICLUD ING TANKS 38 200 42 600 45 200 +18.3 +6.0
PEAL ESTATE COMPANIES 17 200 18 400 19 300 +12.4 +5.0
OTHER F liiANC IAL INSTITUTIONS 16 600 18 900 20 000 +20.2 ♦5.6
ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING FIRMS 4 700 5 400 5 100 + 8.7 -4.8
ENGINEER ING, ARCHITECTURAL AND TECHNICAL SERVICES 7 500 8 100 8 300 ♦11.2 +2.6 .
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MATERNITY LEAVE GUIDE AVAILABLE TO PUBLIC
* * * * *
A GUIDE TO THE PROVISIONS CONCERNING PAID MATERNITY LEAVE FOR EMPLOYEES, COVERED BY THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
COPIES OF THE GUIDE, IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH, WILL BE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN ALL OFFICES OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT NEXT WEEK.
THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT)(NO 2)-ORD I NANCE 1981, WHICH PROVIDES FOR PAID MATERNITY LEAVE, WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) AFTER BEING PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY.
THE ORDINANCE WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JUNE 1, BY NOTIFICATION IN THE GAZETTE.
/A JPCKxk>EAN....
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1981
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A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE GUIDE OUTLINED ALL THE IMPORTANT PROVISIONS, SUCH AS THOSE CONCERNING QUALIFICATION FOR ENTITLEMENT TO MATERNITY LEAVE AND MATERNITY LEAVE PAY, LENGTH OF MATERNITY LEAVE, RATE OF MATERNITY LEAVE PAY, PREGNANCY CHECK-UPS POST CONFINEMENT MEDICAL TREATMENT AND MISCARRIAGES, VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND PROHIBITION OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT IN CONNECTION WITH MATERNITY LEAVE.
PEOPLE WHO HAVE ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE MATERNITY PROVISIONS SHOULD CONTACT THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE ON TELEPHONE 5-282523 EXT 81.
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FREE GUIDE TO EXPLAIN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PRODUCED A LEAFLET, IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH, TO HELP THE PUBLIC UNDERSTAND THE NEW PATTERN OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION INTRODUCED UNDER THE WHITE PAPER ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, PUBLISHED IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
ENTITLED +A GUIDE TO DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION*, THE LEAFLET EXPLAINS, IN SIMPLE TERMS, THE AIMS OF THE NEW SCHEME, THE FUNCTIONS OF THE NEW DISTRICT BOARDS AND DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES, THE ELEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, AND THE WAY IN WHICH THE SCHEME WILL BE IMPLEMENTED.
COPIES OF THE BILINGUAL GUIDE ARE NOW AVAILABLE FREE, FROM ANY CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICE OR THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT WITH THE CONTINUING SHIFT AND GROWTH OF THE POPULATION, THE TASK OF ADMINISTERING HONG KONG HAD BECOME INCREASINGLY COMPLICATED.
♦THE TIME IS NOW RIPE TO IMPROVE ADMINISTRATION AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL, AND TO PROVIDE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESIDENTS TO SHARE IN, • AND CONTRIBUTE THEIR IDEAS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR COMMUNITIES,^ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN WENT ON TO EXPLAIN THE NEW SCHEME.
HE SAID: ♦ IT AIMS TO CREATE MORE AND BETTER CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE, AND TO GIVE THEM A MORE DIRECT SAY ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND POLICIES AFFECTING THEIR DISTRICTS AND TO ENSURE THAT THEIR NEEDS ARE IDENTIFIED AND DEALT WITH EFFECTIVELY.
/♦THE SCHEME
10
+THE SCHEME WILL ALSO PROVIDE EVEN BETTER CO-ORDINATION OF THE ADMINISTRATION AT DISTRICT LEVEL.*
THE GUIDE SUMMARISES THE MAIN POINTS OF THE NEW ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS, BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE FORMATION OF DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES AND DISTRICT BOARDS IN TEN URBAN DISTRICTS AND IN EIGHT DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. EACH OF THESE DISTRICTS WILL BE SPLIT UP INTO CONSTITUENCIES.
THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES (DMC), WHOSE MEMBERSHIPS CONSISTS OF GOVERNMENT OFFICERS CONCERNED WITH DISTRICT AFFAIRS, ARE CHARGED WITH CO-ORDINATING AND MONITORING GOVERNMENT SERVICES WITHIN THEIR DISTRICTS AND ENSURING THAT THEY ARE RESPONSIVE TO THE DISTRICTS’ NEEDS.
THE DISTRICT BOARDS (DB), DEVELOPED FROM CITY DISTRICT COMMITTEES IN URBAN AREA AND FROM THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WILL BE SET UP IN ALL 18 DISTRICTS BY MARCH .982, TO ADVISE ON MATTERS AFFECTING THE WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE LIVING OR WORKING THERE.
THE SPOKESMAN SA IDs + IN ADDITION TO THOSE MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS APPOINTED BY GOVERNMENT, THERE WILL BE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ELECTED ON A CONSTITUENCY BASIS. THE TERM OF OFFICE FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS IS THREE YEARS.
♦THIS IS WHERE A GREATER DEGREE OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION SHOULD COME IN, AS THE BOARDS WILL HAVE PUBLIC-SPIRITED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE RESIDENTS REPRESENTING AS WIDE A CROSS-SECTION OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AS POSSIBLE.
+THROUGH THESE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, PUBLIC ADVICE AND OPINION WILL EE EXPRESSED AND HEARD. THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES WOULD THEN BE ADVISED ON THE APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENT ACTION TO EE TAKEN TO IMPROVE DISTRICT AFFAIRS.*
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TRAINING COURSE FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS * * * * *
THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL RUN A TWO-YEAR PART-TIME IN-SERVICE COURSE IN SEPTEMBER FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS WHO ARE PROFESSIONALLY UNTRAINED.
APPLICANTS MUST BE CURRENTLY FULL-TIME PERMITTED TEACHERS WITH A MINIMUM OF TWO YEARS’ TEACHING EXPERIENCE IN A REGISTERED KINDERGARTEN AND HAVE REACHED 18 YEARS OF AGE BY SEPTEMBER 1, 1981. THEY SHOULD HAVE ATTAINED GRADE E OR ABOVE IN AT LEAST 2 SUBJECTS, ONE OF THEM, PREFERABLY, CHINESE IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION, OR ITS EQUIVALENT.
THE CURRICULUM WILL INCLUDE PROFESSIONAL, CURRICULUM AND GENERAL STUDIES PRESENTED THROUGH LECTURES, TUTORIALS, VISITS, WORKSHOPS, ETC. SUPERVISED PRACTICAL TEACHING WILL BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE COURSE.
ZA SPOKESMAN
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1981
11
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID, ■‘■THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION ON THE COURSE WILL BE CHINESE AND NO TUITION FEES ARE PAYABLE.+
STUDENTS WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE COURSE WILL BE AWARDED THE STATUS OF ♦QUALIFIED KINDERGARTEN TEACHER* AND WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S REGISTER OF TEACHERS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
APPLICATION FORMS WITH GUIDANCE NOTES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT LEE GARDENS, 3/F., HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG AND THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AT 42, GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON.
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY ONE PHOTO-COPY OF EVERY TEACHING PERMIT AND EVERY CERTIFICATE RELATING TO THE APPLICANT’S ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS.
♦COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN DUPLICATE THROUGH SUPERVISORS TO THE JOINT SELECTION BOARD C/O GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ON OR BEFORE MAY 15,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPLICATIONS FORWARDED BY POST, LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
RESULTS OF APPLICATIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN EARLY AUGUST, 1981.
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INLAND REVENUE ISSUES REMINDER K * * *
THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND EMPLOYERS OF THEIR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT UNDER THE ORDINANCE, EVERY PERSON CHARGEABLE TO TAX FOR ANY YEAR OF ASSESSMENT MUST NOTIFY THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE IN WRITING NOT LATER THAN FOUR MONTHS AFTER THE END OF THE BASIS PERIOD FOR THE YEAR IN WHICH HE IS SO CHARGEABLE UNLESS HE HAS ALREADY BEEN REQUIRED TO FURNISH A RETURN FOR THAT YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT ANY PERSON WHO CEASES TO CARRY ON A TRADE, PROFESSION OR BUSINESS- TO HOLD AN OFFICE OR EMPLOYMENT IN RESPECT OF WHICH SALARIES TAX IS CHARGEABLE- OR TO HAVE A SOURCE OF INCOME IN RESPECT OF WHICH HE IS PERSONALLY ASSESSED, MUST ADVISE THE COMMISSIONER IN WRITING WITHIN ONE MONTH OF SUCH CESSATION.
ANY PERSON CHARGEABLE TO SALARIES, PROFITS OR PERSONAL TAX AND IS ABOUT TO LEAVE HONG KONG FOR MORE THAN ONE MONTH MUST NOTIFY THE COMMISSIONER IN WRITING AT LEAST ONE MONTH BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE.
/♦THIS DOES .......
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1981
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♦THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO PERSONS WHO ARE REQUIRED TO LEAVE HONG KONG FREQUENTLY IN THE COURSE OF BUSINESS OR EMPLOYMENT,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ALSO REMINDED TAXPAYERS WHO HAVE CHANGED THEIR ADDRESS TO NOTIFY THE COMMISSIONER IN WRITING OF THE PARTICULARS OF THE CHANGE.
EMPLOYERS ARE ALSO REMINDED THAT THEY ARE REQUIRED TO INFORM THE COMMISSIONER IN WRITING OF THE PARTICULARS OF ANY NEW EMPLOYEE LIKELY TO BE CHARGEABLE TO SALARIES TAX WITHIN THREE MONTHS OF HIS EMPLOYMENT.
AN EMPLOYER WHO IS ABOUT TO CEASE TO EMPLOY IN HONG KONG ANY PERSON LIKELY TO BE CHARGEABLE TO SALARIES TAX MUST ADVISE THE COMMISSIONER IN WRITING AT LEAST ONE MONTH BEFORE THE TERMINATION OF SUCH AN EMPLOYMENT.
IT IS ALSO THE RESPONSIBILITY OF AN EMPLOYER TO NOTIFY THE COMMISSIONER WHENEVER AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS CHARGEABLE TO SALARIES TAX IS ABOUT TO LEAVE HONG KONG FOR MORE THAN A MONTH AT LEAST ONE MONTH BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT WHEN AN EMPLOYER HAS INFORMED THE COMMISSIONER THAT HE IS ABOUT TO CEASE TO EMPLOY A PERSON CHARGEABLE TO SALARIES TAX, HE MUST NOT MAKE ANY PAYMENT TO THAT EMPLOYEE WITHIN A MONTH FROM THE DATE OF GIVING SUCH NOTICE, EXCEPT WITH THE CONSENT IN WRITING OF THE COMMISSIONER.
♦THE EMPLOYER MAY HOWEVER, DURING THAT MONTH PAY TO THE COMMISSIONER OUT OF MONEY DUE TO THE EMPLOYEE SUCH SUM AS THE EMPLOYEE MAY DIRECT HIM TO PAY.*
FORMS FOR GIVING SUCH NOTICES MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICE ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR, WINDSOR HOUSE, 311 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
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CENTRAL TRAFFIC BACK TO NORMAL MONDAY, IF WEATHER PERMITS * * * *
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL WILL REVERT TO NORMAL FROM 7 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 4) IF THE WEATHER REMAINS FINE OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FR IDAY).
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE REMAINING REMEDIAL WORK WILL DEPEND ON THE CONTINUING GOOD WEATHER.
ACCORDINGLY, ALL BUS SERVICES DIVERTED VIA DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL OR JACKSON ROAD WILL ALSO RESUME THEIR NORMAL ROUTES VIA QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
AND ALL THE BUS STOPS ALONG QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, OUTSIDE BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, WILL BE REINSTATED.
/A §PCK5SM.'.’....
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1981
13
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT REPAIR WORKS BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE UTILITY COMPANIES TO THE SECTION OF QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL WHICH SUBSIDED LAST MONTH WAS PROCEEDING MORE SMOOTHLY THAN EXPECTED.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT PWD CONTRACTORS WOULD WORK ROUND THE CLOCK DURING THE NEXT TWO DAYS IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET THE WORK DONE BEFORE MONDAY.
HOWEVER, HE STRESSED, WHETHER THE REPAIR WORK COULD BE COMPLETED BEFORE MONDAY WOULD HAVE TO DEPEND ON THE WEATHER.
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NORTH POINT FERRY PIER EXTENSION
* * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO BUILD AN EXTENSION TO THE OLD NORTH POINT PASSENGER FERRY PIER OFF KAM HONG STREET TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND EASTERN CORR I DOR.
ON COMPLETION, THE PIER EXTENSION WILL ALSO HELP EASE THE CONGESTION AT THE EXISTING NEW PASSENGER FERRY PIER OFF SHU KUK STREET.
THE EXTENSION WILL BE A REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURE PROVIDING TWO BERTHS FOR PASSENGER FERRIES.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED IS SET OUT IN A NOTICE IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
ALL OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL OR ANY CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
THE NOTICE, IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH, POSTED ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITE.
WITH ITS RELATED PLAN IS
THE PLAN SHOWING THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S PORT WORKS DIVISION, FIRST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AND THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR OF THE SAME BUILDING.
0 -
/14........
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1981
14
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON CITY * * *
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IN EFFECT IN KOWLOON CITY ON SUNDAY (MAY 3) FOR THE ^LIVELY DRAGON JOG* EVENT ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THE ARRANGEMENTS WILL INVOLVE A SECTION OF INVERNESS ROAD BETWEEN DUMBARTON ROAD AND NGA TSIN WAI ROAD WHICH WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED BETWEEN 12 NOON AND 2.30 PM ON THAT DAY TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, EXCEPT THOSE REQUIRING ACCESS TO PREMISES IN THE AREA.
ALL PARKING SPACES IN THIS SECTION OF INVERNESS ROAD WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED BET'EEN 8 AM AND 3 PM.
-----o------
CROWN LAND FOR SALE * * *
"IVE LOTS OF CROWN LAND WILL BE BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE DEPARTMENT.
OFFERED FOR SALE BY AUCTION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS
THE AUCTION WILL AT 2.30 PM.
BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON MAY 25
ALL THE SITES OFFERED ARE ON THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION ARE FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES. THEY MEASURE ABOUT 5 832, 3 700, 1 399, 1 445 AND 3 100 SQUARE METRES.
AND
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, CENTRAL 0FFICES <WEST Vm iNG), HONG KONG AND AT THE CROaN LANDS ???u^RnnYn0FF CE’ 10TH FL00R» KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD.
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/^5........
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1931
15
DENTAL HEALTH EXHIBITION OPENED AT TA I 0
*****
A THREE-DAY DENTAL HEALTH EXHIBITION OPENED TODAY (FRIDAY) AT TAI 0, LANTAU.
THE EXHIBITION IS PART OF A CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, TAI 0 RURAL COMMITTEE AND LOCAL SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANISATIONS AND SCHOOLS WITH FUNDS PROVIDED BY ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD.
OFFICIATING AT THE EXHIBITION OPENING, ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ANDREW FOK, SAID THE PROJECT WAS INITIATED AS A RESULT OF FINDINGS OF A SURVEY BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS THAT THE DtNTAL HEALTH OF TAI 0 CHILDREN IS RELATIVELY WEAK.
IT WAS HOPED THAT THE EXHIBITION WOULD GIVE CHILDREN AND PARENTS A BETTER KNOWLEDGE OF DENTAL HYGIENE, THUS REDUCING THE RISK OF TOOTH PROBLEMS, HE SAID.
MR FOK ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS TRYING ITS BEST TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY FACILITIES AT TAI 0.
*S0ME projects, HOWEVER, CANNOT BE IMPLEMENTED WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE AND CO-OPERATION OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS. THIS DENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL COMMUNITY’2NHEASA ID°RK ,NG T0GETHER T° MAKE TA1 0 A HEALTHIER
THE EXHIBITION, AT THE RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE, INCLUDES CHARTS, PHOTOGRAPHS AND MODELS SHOWING THE IMPORTANCE OF TEETH HOW THEY GROW, CAUSES OF PROBLEMS AND WAYS TO KEEP THEM HEALTHY.
IT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM.
AS ANOTHER PART OF THE CAMPAIGN, REGULAR CHECKS ARE BEING CONDUCTED IN LOCAL SCHOOLS TO ENCOURAGE INTEREST IN TOOTH HYGIENE AMONG STUDENTS.
TOOTHPASTE, VITAMIN C TABLETS AND BOOKMARKS WITH DENTAL HEALTH MESSAGES ARE BEING DISTRIBUTED TO CHILDREN.
ALSO, SONGS AND ADVICE ON KEEPING TEETH HEALTHY ARE BEING BROADCAST IN SCHOOLS AND AT THE KAITO JETTY.
0 - -
/16
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1981
16
FIREMEN GET MEDALS FOR LONG SERVICE * * * * #
MORE THAN 80 OFFICERS AND RANK-AND-FILE MEN OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WERE TODAY (FRIDAY) PRESENTED WITH MEDALS AND CLASPS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR LONG SERVICE.
THE PRESENTATIONS WERE MADE AT VARIOUS COMMANDS, INCLUDING THE AMBULANCE COMMAND, BY CHIEF F IRE/AMBULANCE OFFICERS.
AT THE FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS, THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, hR ERIAN FENDER, PRESENTED COLONIAL FIRE BRIGADE LONG SERVICE NEDALS TO TWO DIVISIONAL OFFICERS, EACH OF WHOM HAS COMPLETED 18 YEARS’ SERVICE.
MR FENDER ALSO DECORATED FOUR ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICERS, FIVE PRINCIPAL FIREMEN, SIX SENIOR FIREMEN AND FOUR FIREMEN WITH SIMILAR MEDALS.
TWO PRINCIPAL FIREMEN AND ONE SENIOR FIREMAN, EACH WITH 30 YEARS’ SERVICE, RECEIVED FIRST CLASP TO THEIR MEDALS.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, FOUR OFFICERS AND 22 RANK-AND-FILE MEN *ERE PRESENTED WITH MEDALS AND CLASPS BY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER JOHN MARCH.
IN KOWLOON, THE HEAD OF THE COMMAND, MR ANTHONY CONWAY ALSO PRESENTED LONG SERVICE MEDALS TO THREE OFFICERS AND SIX NCO’S AND FIREMEN.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES COMMAND, FIVE OFFICERS AND 11 NCO’S AND FIREMEN WERE PRESENTED WITH LONG SERVICE MEDALS BY CHIEF FIRE CFF ICER FRED JACKSON.
IN ADDITION, ONE SENIOR FIREMAN RECEIVED A FIRST CLASP TO HIS MEDAL FOR 25 YEARS’ SERVICE, WHILE A PRINCIPAL FIREMAN RECEIVED SECOND CLASP FOR 30 YEARS’ SERVICE.
nr^.AJ THE F,RE PROTECTION BUREAU, ONLY ONE STATION OFFICER RtCEIVED A LONG SERVICE MEDAL PRESENTED BY THE HEAD OF THE BUREAU CHIEF FIRE OFFICER ROBERT HOLMES.
IN THE AMBULANCE COMMAND, ONE PRINCIPAL AMBULANCEMAN AND TWO SENIOR AMBULANCEMEN RECEIVED LONG SERVICE MEDALS, WHILE ANOTHER PRINCIPAL AMBULANCEMAN WAS GIVEN A SECOND CLASP TO HIS MEDAL CHIEF AMBULANCE OFFICER HARRY KENYON MADE THE PRESENTATIONS
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1981
17
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION TO ART EXHIBITION
* * * * k
SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY HAVE TWO MORE WEEKS TO SEND IN THEIR ART AND CRAFT WORKS FOR SELECTION FOR DISPLAY AT THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS.
SUBMISSIONS MAY INCLUDE PAINTING, DRAWING, PRINT-MAKING, PHOTOGRAPHY, GRAPHIC DESIGN, THREE-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN, CALLIGRAPHY, SCULPTURE, POTTERY, BATIK, TIE-DYE, MACRAME, EMBROIDERY AND OTHER CRAFTS.
VISUAL EXPERIMENTS IN VARIOUS MEDIA WILL ALSO BE CONSIDERED FOR INCLUSION IN THE EXHIBITION.
THE EXHIBITION IS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN RESPONSE TO THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS.
IT WILL SHOW TO THE PUBLIC THE ACHIEVEMENTS IN ART AND CRAFT OF HANDICAPPED STUDENTS IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS, SPECIAL CLASSES, HOSPITAL SCHOOLS, VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, AND IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS.
SELECTED WORKS WILL BE DISPLAYED FROM JULY 25 TO AUGUST 4 AT THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE.
ALL SUBMISSIONS SHOULD REACH THE ART SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, BY MAY 15.
- - - - 0 ----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL; 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DELEGATION TO VISIT GUANGDONG................................... j
74 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN MARCH ............................ 1
CALL FOR CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN SCHOOL AND HOME............. 2
TENDERS FOR PUMPING STATION .................................... 2
MOTHERS'S DAY PARTY IN SHATIN .................................. 3
WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG.......................................... 3
FIRING PRACTICE REMINDER ....................................... 3
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1981
- 1 -
DELEGATION TO VISIT GUANGDONG *****
A GROUP OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, LED BY THE POLITICAL ADVISER, DR DAVID WILSON, WILL PAY A TWO-DAY VISIT TO GUANGDONG NEXT TUESDAY FOR DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES.
THE GROUP WILL DISCUSS WAYS OF FURTHER IMPROVING CO-OPERATION ON SECURITY-RELATED ISSUES SUCH AS SMUGGLING, ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND CROSS BORDER MOVEMENT.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE GROUP INCLUDE MR JOHN HEYWOOD, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE, THE POLICE AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.
-----o------
74 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN MARCH * * * *
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT APPROVED 74 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN MARCH, COMPARED WITH 60 IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
OF THESE NEW PLANS, 34 WERE FOR BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 13 FOR KOWLOON AND 27 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INCLUDED ONE HOSTEL AT MOUNT DAVIS ROAD AND THREE SCHOOLS AT BRAEMAR HILL ROAD, TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD AND CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD.
THE DECLARED COST OF ALL NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN MARCH WAS $656.1 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $229.9 MILLION IN MARCH LAST YEAR.
DURING THE MONTH, THE TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED AMOUNTED TO 322 220.6 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 237 698.2 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 84 522.4 SQUARE METRES CF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 37 PROJECTS, INCLUDING THREE OIL STORAGE TANKS ON TSI NG Yl ISLAND, A SWIMMING POOL AT TAI PO AND A COMMERCIAL CENTRE AT DISCOVERY BAY.
ALTOGETHER, 50 NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION IN MARCH, INCLUDING TWO SCHOOLS, ONE ON WAH FU ROAD AND ANOTHER ON HIU MING STREET.
THE OFFICE ALSO AGREED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 95 BUILDINGS.
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/2 ......
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1981
2 -
CALL FOR CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN SCHOOL AND HOME ******
CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN SCHOOL AND FAMILY IS ESSENTIAL IN PROVIDING GUIDANCE FOR CHILDREN AND WILL CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF JUVENILE CRIME, MR COLVYN HAYE, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF SHUN TAK FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION LEE SHAU KEE COLLEGE IN KWAI CHUNG.
FAMILY INFLUENCE IS ALL PERVADING AND THE BEHAVIOUR AND MORAL STANDARDS OF FAMILY MEMBERS INCULCATE IN THE CHILD A SENSE CF RIGHT AND EVIL, MR HAYE SAID.
+ IN SHORT, THE FAMILY PROVIDES AN ATMOSPHERE FOR EMOTIONAL GROWTH AND AN EXAMPLE FOR MORAL BEHAVIOUR, AND IS THE HIGHEST SINGLE INFLUENCE IN A CHILD’S EMOTIONAL AND MORAL DEVELOPMENT,* HE SAID.
SCHOOLS SUPPLEMENT THE ROLE OF THE FAMILY IN PROVIDING A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND MORAL DEVELOPMENTS, BUT IT COULD NOT REPLACE THE FAMILY.
+THOUGH THE SCHOOL HAS A VERY IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY, PARENTS WILL BE WRONG IF THEY THINK THEY CAN LEAVE THE ENTIRE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILD TO THE SCHOOL,* MR HAYE SAID.
HE ADDEDi +CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN SCHOOL AND FAMILY IS ESSENTIAL IN PROVIDING SUFFICIENT GUIDANCE TO THE GROWING CHILD. THIS WILL DEFINITELY HELP A LOT TOWARDS TACKLING THE PROBLEM OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY IN SCHOOLS AND IN SOCIETY AT LARGE.*
--------0 ---------
TENDERS FOR PUMPING STATION *****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUMPING STATION AT LIN MA HANG ROAD TO PUMP FLOOD WATER FROM THE RIVER GANGES TO PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR.
THE WORK ALSO INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ACCESS ROAD AND SITE FORMATION FOR THE PUMPING STATION.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL BEGIN IN JULY AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 23 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
--------o
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1981
3
MOTHER’S DAY PARTY IN SHA TIN * * *
ABOUT 150 SHA TIN FAMILIES WILL ATTEND A PARTY NEXT SATURDAY (MAY 9) TO CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY.
THE PARTY IS BEING ORGANISED BY SHA TIN CARITAS SOCIAL CENTRE AND SHA TIN ARTS ASSOCIATION, WITH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
APPLICATIONS TO ATTEND MUST BE MADE ON A FAMILY BASIS.
ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE GAMES, CONTESTS AND SINGING.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE TWO-AND-A-HALF-HOUR PROGRAMME WILL BE PRESENTATION OF PRIZES TO WINNERS OF A CHILDREN’S QUIZ. THOSE WISHING TO ENTER MUST RETURN ANSWER SHEETS BEFORE NEXT TUESDAY (MAY 5).
THE CHAIRMAN OF SHA TIN ARTS ASSOCIATION, MR NG CHAN-LAM, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PARTY WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE CARITAS SOCIAL CENTRE HALL.
- - 0 - -
WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR 12 HOURS FROM 7 PM NEXT MONDAY (MAY 4) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAIN CONNECTION.
PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE NOS. 1-76, YUE MAN SQUARE, KWUN TONG.
- - 0 - -
FIRING PRACTICE REMINDER * * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 6) FROM 8 AM TO 4 PM AND THE FOLLOWING DAY (THURSDAY) FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY J, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE, FEBRUARY 1981 ................................................. 1
FIRE PREVENTION EFFORTS PAY OFF............................... 5
CARE - AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT IN BUILDING A GOOD COMMUNITY . 4
HILL ROAD FLYOVER READY SOON ................................ 5
NEW JUNCTION TO BE OPENED
5
SUNDAY, MAY 3, 1981
1 -
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE, FEBRUARY 1981 ******
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND IMPORTS ROSE BY 8 PER CENT AND 10 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN FEBRUARY 1981 COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1980. AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF THE DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO THE IMPORT PRICE INDEX) DECLINED BY 1 PER CENT.
AN INCREASE IN VOLUME WAS REGISTERED FOR IMPORTS (+16 PER CENT), BUT A DECREASE IN VOLUME WAS REGISTERED FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS (-12 PER CENT). THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 9 PER CENT, WITH VOLUME UP BY 47 PER CENT, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, PRICES ROSE BY 9 PER CENT AND VOLUME ROSE BY 6 PER CENT.
PRICES ARE BASED ON UNIT VALUES WHICH DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OR QUALITY OF GOODS TRADED. CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE ARE DERIVED FROM CHANGES IN TRADE VALUES, AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUES, UNIT VALUES AND VOLUMES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP ARE SHOWN BELOW:
CHANGES COMPARING FEBRUARY 1981 WITH FEBRUARY 1980
XPORT VALUES EXPORT UNIT VALUES EXPORT VOLUMES
CLOTHING (EXCEPT FUR) -10% + 9% -17%
TEXTILE FABRICS - 3% + 5% - 8%
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD -13% + 5% -17%
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES - 8% +11% -18%
ALL TRANSISTORIZED RADIOS i -25% + 5% -29%
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS +53% +13% ♦35%
FOOTWEAR - 6% + 4% -10%
METAL MANUFACTURES 22% +12% -31%
METAL ORES AND SCRAP +41% + 2% +38%
WATCHES AND CLOCKS +38% - 5% +45%
ALL COMMODITIES - 5% + 8% -12%
APART FROM A DROP OF 5 PER CENT FOR WATCHES AND CLOCKS, THE EXPORT PRICES OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED AT VARYING RATES, FROM A 2 PER CENT INCREASE FOR METAL ORES AND SCRAP TO A 13 PER CENT INCREASE FOR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.
GROWTH.....
SUNDAY, MAY J, 1981
2
CONSIDERABLE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS NOTED FOR WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+45 PER CENT), METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+38 PER CENT) AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+35 PER CENT). HOWEVER, THE EXPORT VOLUMES OF THE OTHER COMMODITY GROUPS DECLINED.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUES, UNIT VALUES AND VOLUMES OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOwN BELOW: CHANGES COMPARING FEBRUARY 1981 WITH FEBRUARY 1980
IMPORT VALUES IMPORT UNIT VALUES IMPORT VOLUMES
-OODSTUFFS ♦20% +16% ♦ 3%
CONSUMER GOODS +40% + 6% ♦33%
-UELS +14% ♦40% -19%
RAw MATERIALS +21% + 7% + 13%
AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES CAPITAL GOODS +36% + 6% + 28%
ALL COMMODITIES +28% +10% + 16%
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FUELS, THE PRICES OF WHICH JUMPED BY 40 PER CENT, THE PRICES OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY INCREASED MODERATELY, RANGING FROM 6 PER CENT FOR CONSUMER GOODS AND CAPITAL GOODS, TO 16 PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS.
MOST IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS ROSE IN VOLUME TERMS, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS, AS WELL AS VEGETABLES. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE IMPORT VOLUMES OF PEANUT OIL AND LARD, RICE, AS WELL AS TEA AND COFFEE FELL.
IN THE CONSUMER GOODS CATEGORY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR HOUSEHOLD ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, FOOTWEAR, RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS AND TAPE RECORDERS, CAMERAS AND APPARATUS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, AND CLOTHING. THE IMPORT VOLUME OF TOBACCO MANUFACTURES DECLINED.
IMPORTS OF FUELS DROPPED BY 19 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE IMPORT VOLUMES OF VARIOUS KINDS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES SHOWED A MIXED TREND. WHEREAS PURCHASES OF FABRICS OF MAN-MADE FIBRES AND WOOLLEN YARN ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY, DEMAND FOR RA* COTTON, COTTON YARN AND THREAD AND BASE METALS (EXCLUDING IRON AND STEEL) DECLINED.
AS FOR CAPITAL GOODS, MAJOR INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY.
/THE CHANGES ......
SUNDAY, MAY J, 1981
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUES, UNIT VALUES AND VOLUMES OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN BELOW;
CHANGES COMPARING FEBRUARY 1931 WITH FEBRUARY 1980
RE-EXPORT RE-EXPORT RE-EXPORT
VALUES UNIT VALUES VOLUMES
FOODSTUFFS + 125% + 8% + 107%
CONSUMER GOODS + 50* + 5% + 43%
FUELS + 10% +41% - 22%
RAW MATERIALS AND ■ + 60% +13% + 41%
SEMI-MANUFACTURES
CAPITAL GOODS + 87% +11% + 69%
'LL COMMODITIES + 61% + 9% + 47%
APART FROM FUELS, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF WHICH DECLINED BY 22 '-R CENT, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUMES OF THE MAJOR END-USE CATEGORIES - O'ED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES, RANGING FROM 41 PER CENT FOR RAW ATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES TO 107 PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS.
------0------
FIRE PREVENTION EFFORTS PAY OFF
* * * *
DAMAGE CAUSED BY HILL FIRES ON THE COUNTRYSIDE IN THE LAST DRY SEASON WAS MUCH REDUCED, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
BETWEEN LAST SEPTEMBER AND APRIL THIS YEAR, 281 HILL FIRES WERE ATTENDED, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 36 PER CENT COMPARED WITH LAST SEASON. DAMAGE TO WOODLANDS WAS REDUCED TO 116 HECTARES, AS AGAINST 971 HECTARES IN 79/80.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CONCERTED EFFORTS OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN PREVENTING AND FIGHTING HILL FIRES HAD UNDOUBTEDLY BEEN EFFECTIVE IN THE PERIOD WHEN THE COUNTRYSIDE WAS MOST VULNERABLE TO "IRE.
HE RECALLED THAT A COUNTRYSIDE FIRES COMMITTEE, COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMtNTS, WAS FORMED AS A RESULT OF THE MANY HILL FIRES WHICH DAMAGED THOUSANDS OF TREES IN TAI LAM DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL PERIOD IN 1979.
AFTER IT WAS SET UP, THE COMMITTEE CONSIDERED AND RECOMMENDED AN OVERALL STRATEGY AND ORGANISATION OF EFFORTS FOR PREVENTING AND FIGHTING COUNTRYSIDE FIRES.
FOUR PROBLEM AREAS - BARBECUE FIRES, BURNING-OFF OF VEGETATION, GRAVE WORSHIPPING AND FLYING OF HUNG MING LANTERNS -WERE SINGLED OUT. A COMPREHENSIVE PUBLICITY PROGRAMME WAS DRAWN JP TO TACKLE THEM.
SUNDAY, KAY J, 1?£-!
AS 61 PER CENT OF THE COUNTRYSIDE FIRES 'HERE CAUSED BY PICNICKERS, PUBLICITY EFFORTS CONTINUED TO WARN PEOPLE VISITING THE COUNTRYSIDE FOR BARBECUES TO USE DESIGNATED PITS.
FIRE BAN WAS IMPOSED BETWEEN JANUARY 16 AND FEBRUARY 20 AT PAT HEUNG AND TAI PO KAU. NO FIRES WERE REPORTED IN THE AREA WHERE THE RAN WAS EFFECTIVE, WHEREAS SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS OF FIRES WERE REPORTED ELSEWHERE.
TO COMBAT THE DANGERS INVOLVED IN THE BURNING-OFF OF VEGETATION, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES CIVILIAN INFORMATION TEAM GAVE FARMERS ADVICE ON THE SAFE METHODS (y GOING ABOUT PRACTICE. RADIO STATIONS ALSO HELPED PUBLICISE THE MESSAGE THROUGH THEIR NT AND FARMER PROGRAMMES.
DURING THE CHING MING FESTIVAL PERIOD, MORE THAN 1 000 METAL CONTAINERS WERE PLACED NEAR GRAVES FOR THE BURNING OF JOSS STICKS AND JOSS PAPERS. SIGNS WERE ALSO PUT UP TO WARN GRAVE VISITORS. AS A RESULT, ONLY NINE FIRES OCCURRED ON APRIL 5 AND 6, INSIDE COUNTRY PARK AREAS.
THE BAN ON HUNG MING LANTERNS IN SEPTEMBER 1980 HAD ALSO PROVED EFFECTIVE I.N REDUCING FIRES.
DURING THE SEASON THE COUNTRY PARK AUTHORITY BROUGHT 179 SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS FOR ILLEGAL LIGHTING OF FIRES INSIDE COUNTRY PARKS, RESULTING IN FINES TOTALLING 549 010 WITH INDIVIDUAL FINES UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $500.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT DESPITE THE SUCCESS, THERE WAS NO TIME FOR COMPLACENCY. +IN THE SEASON TO COME, WE WILL BE PLANNING A REPEAT OF THE FIRE PREVENTION ACTIVITIES WITH THE INTENTION OF CONSOLIDATING WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED IN 1980/81,+ HE SAID.
- - 0 -
CARE - AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT IN BUILDING A GOOD COMMUNITY
******
CARE IS AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT IN BUILDING AND PROVIDING FOR A GOOD COMMUNITY.
DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI KAM, SAID THIS TODA* (SUNDAY) AT THE INAUGURATION OF 24TH TERM OFFICE-BEARERS, NEW TERRITORIES WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION, IN TUEN MUN.
MR CHUI SAID THE .NEW TERRITORIES SCENE HAD UNDERGONE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE PAST 24 YEARS.
THE POPULATION HAD GROWN FROM ONLY TENS OF THOUSANDS IN 1957 TO 1.5 MILLION TODAY, WITH THE MOST RAPID DEVELOPMENT IN MORE RECENT YEARS.
BY 1985, THE PO3ULATION WOULD BE 2.3 MILLION.
HE SAID WITH THE POPULATION INCREASING AT SUCH A RAPID RATE THE NEED TO PROVIDE SERVICES AND FACILITIES WAS STAGGERING.
+WE NEED TO PROVIDE JOES, EDUCATION, SOCIAL SERVICES AND RECREATION.
SUNDAY, MAT 3, 1?31
♦therefore we need to build factories, schools, hospitals, NURSERIES AND CRECHES, SPORTS GROUNDS AND STADIA, AND RUN, MAINTAIN AND MANAGE THEM AFTER THEY ARE BUILT.
♦IN SHORT WE NEED TO CARE FOR THE PEOPLE MOVING IN TO LIVE IN A NEWLY BUILT COMMUNITY.
MR CHUI SAID IN THIS CONNECTION THE WORK OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAD PLAYED - AND HE HO?ED WOULD CONTINUE TO PLAY - A VITAL ROLE, PARTICULARLY IN CARING FOR THE OLD, THE YOUNG, THE SICK AND THE INFIRM.
HE SAID THE NEW TERRITORIES WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION HAD A HISTORY OF NEARLY A QUARTER OF A CENTURY AND SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT, MUCH -AD BEEN DONE FOR NEW TERRITORIES RESIDENTS.
+IT HAS A LONG TRACK RECORD OF SOCIAL SERVICE AND I SINCERELY HOPE THAT IN THE YEARS TO COME IT WILL CONTINUE TO DO ITS UTMOST IN THE AREA OF CARE,* HE SAID.
- 0 - -
HILL ROAD FLYOVER READY SOON * * * * *
THE HILL ROAD FLYOVER, WHICH WILL PROVIDE A FAST TRAFFIC LINK BETWEEN POK FU LAM AND CENTRAL, IS EXPECTED TO BE READY IN ABOUT THREE MONTHS.
THE TWO-LANE, ONE-WAY ELEVATED ROAD EXTENDS FOR 650 METRES FROM THE JUNCTION 0" POK FU LAM ROAD AND HILL ROAD DOWN TO THE WATERFRONT IN CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST.
MR NG KWOK-KEE, PROJECT ENGINEER OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE S42 MILLION FLYOVER WOULD SERVE AS AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE FROM POK FU LAM TO CENTRAL.
AT PRESENT, COMMUTERS USING THE SECTION OF POK FU LAM ROAD BETWEEN QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG EXPERIENCE SERIOUS TRAFFIC JAM DURING BUSY HOURS.
♦ONCE THE FLYOVER IS OPENED, CONGESTION ALONG THIS SECTION OF OQK FU LAM ROAD IS EXPECTED TO BE EASED AND TRAVELLING TIME WILL EE SHORTENED,* SAID MR NG.
TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRAFFIC FLOW FROM THE FLYOVER TO CENTRAL, HE ADDED, CARGO HANDLING ACTIVITIES AT THE EXISTING WESTERN PIER WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE PERMANENT CARGO WORKING AREA AT THE WESTERN RECLAMATION.
NEW JUNCTION TO BE OPENED * * *
FROM 10.30 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 5), THE NEW JUNCTION AT WONG CHUK HANG ROAD AND NAM FUNG ROAD WILL BE O°ENED TO ABERDEEN-BOUND TRAFFIC AND EXISTING TEMPORARY DIVERSION TOAD WILL EE CLOSED, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).
APPPO°RIATE DIRECTIONAL SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTOR I STS.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 4, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMMONWEALTH VISITORS TOLD ABOUT DISTRICT BOARDS ............. 1
BUILDING NW TOWNS NEEDS CONTROL AND USE OF RESOURCES......... 2
NEED TO EXAMINE OUTREADHING SOCIAL WORK WITH YOUNG. PEOPLE ... 3
PROPERTY TAX DEMAND NOTES .................................... 4
SAI KUNG TRAFFIC PLAN FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL ................... 4
TAPS OFF IN MONG KOK ......................................... 4
MONDAY, MAY 4, 1981
1
COMMONWEALTH VISITORS TOLD ABOUT DISTRICT BOARDS * * * * *
THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY. MR DENIS BRAY SAID TODAY (MONDAY) there will be is district boards in due course and in each district they will be served by a district management committee of senior departmental officials responsible for services in the district.
speaking at the opening of the executive committee meeting of the commonwealth parliamentary association in the legislative COUNCIL CHAMBER, MR BRAY SAID BECAUSE THE DISTRICT BOARDS ARE ADVISORY, THEY DO NOT NEED TO BE LIMITED IN THE SUBJECTS THEY CONSIDER. *WE HOPED THIS WILL ENABLE THEM TO FOCUS ON ANY ASPECT OF ADMINISTRATION WHICH IS WEAK IN THEIR DISTRICTS.♦
HE ALSO SAID THAT IN ORDER TO ADD A NEW ELEMENT OF LOCAL AWARENESS, SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THESE BOARDS WILL BE ELECTED FROM CONSTITUENCIES OF ABOUT 25 OOO VOTERS ON ADULT SUFFRAGE.
MR BRAY ALSO EXPLAINED TO THE DELEGATES THE CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS UNDER WHICH THE ADMINISTRATION OPERATES, AND SAID these arrangements are not by themselves the only safeguards of a liberal social climate.
♦the 50 OR MORE DAILY PAPERS, TWO COMMERCIAL TELEVISION STATIONS AND ONE COMMERCIAL RADIO STATION, ARE TIRELESS IN DISHING OUT ADVICE ON HOW TO RUN THINGS.
+THE MEDIA, WHICH IS FREE FROM CENSORSHIP, REFLECT NOT ONLY THE POLITICAL OPINIONS OF PEKING AND TAI WAN BUT A GREAT RANGE OF HOME GROWN PHILOSOPHY.
♦PERHAPS MORE FUNDAMENTALLY WE CANNOT LOCK UP PEOPLE WE DON’T LIKE. WE HAVE NO ARBITRARY POWERS OF DETENTION. ANYONE ARRESTED MUST BE CHARGED BEFORE THE COURTS AND OUR JUDICIARY IS KEPT ENTIRELY INDEPENDENT OF THE ADMIN ISTRATION.+
HE SAID WHEN ANYONE EXHAUSTS EVERY AVENUE OF PROTEST IN HONG KONG THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF MEMBERS OF THE WESTMINSTER PARLIAMENT WHO WILL LISTEN TO HIS WOES AND WHO CAN RAISE THE MATTER IN PARLIAMENT IF THEY THINK A WRONG HAS BEEN DONE.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM 15 COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES. INCLUDING U.K., CANADA AND AUSTRALIA ARE ATTENDING THE FIVE-DAY ANNUAL MEETING HOSTED BY HONG KONG.
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MONDAY, MAY 4, 1981
2
BUILDING NEW TOWNS NEEDS CONTROL AND USE OF RESOURCES
*****
IN BUILDING THE NEW TOWNS, GOVERNMENT HAS TO MAKE SURE THAT HONG KONG’S LABOUR FORCE, PRODUCTIVITY, FINANCIAL POTENTIAL AND ECONOMIC RESOURCES ARE PROPERLY CONTROLLED AND USED.
DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI KAM, SAID THIS TODAY (MONDAY) DURING A SPEECH TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF TSUEN WAN.
MR CHUI SAID OVER-DEVELOPMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE NEW TOWN PROGRAMME WOULD RESULT IN ECONOMIC IMBALANCE, WHILE UNDERDEVELOPMENT WOULD LEAD TO A SITUATION IN WHICH NEEDS COULD NOT BE MET.
+THIS WOULD CAUSE GREAT DAMAGE,+ HE SAID.
IN OVERALL PLANNING, CLOSE ATTENTION HAD TO BE GIVEN TO ECONOMIC TRENDS.
THERE WAS A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION STAGE BY STAGE WHICH WOULD BE ADJUSTED WHEN NECESSARY TO MEET CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES.
♦THIS IS A MOST CHALLENGING JOB,+ MR CHUI SAID.
HE SAID DETAILED RESEARCH AND DESIGN WORK WAS REQUIRED IN PLANNING THE BUILDING OF A NEW TOWN.
♦WITH AN INCREASING NUMBER OF PEOPLE MOVING INTO THE NEW TOWNS, PLANNING OF EMPLOYMENT, COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION MUST BE WELL CO-ORDINATED TO ENSURE THAT NEEDS ARE MET,+ HE SAID.
+IN OTHER WORDS, A COMPREHENSIVE POLICY ON THE DISTRIBUTION CF POPULATION IS NEEDED TO PROVIDE THE LABOUR FORCE REQUIRED IN THE NEW TOWNS.+
ADEQUATE FACILITIES SHOULD BE PROVIDED IN INDUSTRIAL AREAS TO ENSURE THAT THE TRANSPORT OF GOODS FLOWED SMOOTHLY.
IN EACH NEW TOWN, APART FROM PUBLIC HOUSING, VARIOUS TYPES OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, SHOPPING FACILITIES AND OFFICES HAD TO BE BUILT IN ORDER TO HAVE A COMPLETE COMMUNITY STRUCTURE.
IN PRINCIPLE, THE PLANNERS’ OBJECTIVE IS TO PROVIDE FOR THE BALANCED DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPLETELY SELF-SUPPORTING COMMUNITY.
THIS SAVES RESIDENTS THE TROUBLE OF TRAVELLING TO AND FROM THE TOWN SO THEY WILL HAVE MORE LEISURE TIME TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THEIR LIVES, MR CHUI SAID.
----0-------
MONDAY, MAY 4, 1981
NEED TO EXAMINE OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK WITH YOUNG PEOPLE * * * * *
OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK WITH YOUNG PEOPLE IS A COMPARATIVELY NEw APPROACH IN HONG KONG AND ITS METHOD AND SKILLS NEED TO BE CRITICALLY EXAMINED AND TESTED SO AS TO DEVELOP A SYSTEM OF *ORK APPROPRIATE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS.
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE, SAID THIS TODAY (MONDAY) AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF A TRAINING COURSE FOR OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORKERS, AT THE SHUE YAN COLLEGE.
HE SAID OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK WAS A DEMANDING TASK FOR FIELD WORKERS, CALLING FOR A HIGH LEVEL OF PROFESSIONAL SKILLS, AN OUTGOING PERSONALITY AS wELL AS DEVOTION AND COURAGE.
♦ IT REQUIRES SYSTEMATIC PLANNING AND CONTINUOUS EVALUATION TO DEVELOP EFFECTIVE MODELS OF WORK, AND ALSO NEEDS AN ADEQUATE SUPPORT SYSTEM TO ENABLE FIELD WORKERS TO DISCHARGE THEIR FUNCTIONS,+ HE SAID.
MR ALLEYNE SAID OUTREACHING WORK AIMS AT UNATTACHED YOUNG PEOPLE AGED SIX TO 20 YEARS, WHO PREFER TO SPEND THEIR TIME AT PLAYGROUNDS, STREET CORNERS AND OTHER PLACES OTHER THAN CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH CENTRES.
+DELIVERY OF A SERVICE AT SUCH PLACES CALLS FOR THE
SKILLS OF A SOCIAL WORKER WHO WILL BE ABLE TO REACH THEM AND SO TO PROVIDE THE GUIDANCE, INFORMATION AND OTHER ASSISTANCE THEY NEED.+ HE SAID.
AT PRESENT, EIGHT VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES ARE PROVIDING 18 OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK TEAMS IN 16 HIGH PRIORITY AREAS, WITH MORE THAN 120 SOCIAL WORKERS ENGAGED IN THE TASK.
SPEAKING OF THE SHORTAGE OF TRAINED SOCIAL WORKERS, HE SAID, ♦THE PRESENT INTENTION IS TO INCREASE THE PROVISION BY TWO TEAMS EACH YEAR, BUT THE ACTUAL DEVELOPMENT WILL HAVE TO DEPEND ON THE AVAILABILITY OF WORKERS,+ HE SAID.
MR ALLEYNE TOLD THE GRADUATES THAT THEIR WORK WAS BOTH CHALLENGING AND DEMANDING, BUT IT COULD ALSO BE FRUSTRATING AND EXHAUSTING IF THEY COULD NOT FIND CONTINUOUS WAYS TO SUSTAIN THEMSELVES - AND CONTINUOUS LEARNING WAS ONE WAY.
♦YOU HAVE CHOSEN THIS MEANINGFUL JOB AND SOUGHT TO IMPROVE YOUR PERFORMANCE, AND I FULLY SUPPORT YOUR ENDEAVOUR, PARTICULARLY IN THE LIGHT OF THE CURRENT INCREASE IN THE INVOLVEMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN CRIMES,+ HE ADDED.
HE COMMENDED THE SHUE YAN COLLEGE FOR PROVIDING THE TRAINING COURSE WHICH, COMPRISING 14 WEEKS’ LECTURES AND FIELD WORK, WAS ORGANISED PRIMARILY FOR EXPERIENCED WORKERS FROM SIX YOUTH WORK AGENCIES.
IT COVERS THE BASE OF KNOWLEDGE FOR THE OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORKER, AND IS A TIMELY PROVISION TO EQUIP FIELD WORKERS TO DO A BETTER JOB, HE SAID.
_-----o-------- /A
MONDAY, MAY 4, 1981
4
PROPERTY TAX DEMAND NOTES * * * * *
FROM APRIL 1, 1981, THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT HAS TAKEN OVER FROM THE TREASURY THE ISSUE OF PROPERTY TAX DEMAND NOTES.
TAXPAYERS WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR A DUPLICATE PROPERTY TAX DEMAND NOTE SHOULD THEREFORE APPLY TO THE PROPERTY TAX SECTION OF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT, WINDSOR HOUSE, 17TH FLOOR, 311 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.
THOSE WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES CONCERNING OUTSTANDING PROPERTY TAX ACCOUNTS, OR TO OBTAIN A CERTIFIED TRUE COPY OF A PROPERTY TAX RECEIPT, SHOULD APPLY TO THE COLLECTION OFFICE OF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT, WINDSOR HOUSE, 6TH FLOOR.
-------o----------
SAI KUNG TRAFFIC PLAN FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL *****
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL WITH EFFECT FROM 10 AM ON MAY 6 UNTIL YEAR'S TIN HAU FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS, SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
BE IMPLEMENTED IN SAI KUNG 10 AM ON JUNE 3, FOR THIS A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT
DURING THIS PERIOD Yl CHUN STREET, BETWEEN ITS TWO JUNCTIONS WITH MAN NIN STREET, WILL BE CLOSED TO*ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY AND NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S VEHICLES, WHILE A SECTION OF MAN NIN STREET, BETWEEN ITS TWO JUNCTIONS WITH Y| CHUN STREET, WILL BE ROUTED FOR TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
THE OFF-STREET CARPARK ADJACENT TO the SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFF CE WILL BE SUSPENDED, AND THE SAME AREA WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A TAXI-STAND AND TERMINUS FOR +MAXICAB+ ROUTES NO. 3 AND 4.
tempos™, lVsus™^? THE T‘X|-ST,ND IN ¥l street will be
-------o----------
TAPS OFF IN MONG KOK
* * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN MONG KOK WILL EE CUT OFF FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY (MAY 7) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS SOUNDED BY ARGYLE STREET, NATHAN ROAD. SOY STREET AND FA YUEN STREET INCLUDING TUNG CHOI STREET, SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET, MELSC’- .TREET AND SHANTUNG STREET.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE BOOST TO RAISE LIVING STANDARD .............. 1
CAR PARK CHARGES TO BE REVISED ................................ 3
HONG KONG HAS LONG-TIME ROLE IN MODERNISATION OF CHINA...... 5
NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT AND PROBLEMS ...................... 6
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TUEN MUN .................... 8
SNT TO OPEN TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE BUILDING ................. 9
DEATH SENTBICES COMMUTED ...................................... 9
COURSE TO IMPROVE TEACHING METHOD ............................. 9
vacancies in desalting plant ................................. 10
WORK ON WATER PIPES
11
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1981
- 1 -
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE BOOST TO RAISE LIVING STANDARD * * * * : •
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED FURTHER MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO ITS PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME WHICH WOULD MEAN A BOOST IN THE STANDARD OF LIVING IN REAL TERMS FOR THE RECIPIENTS. <. •
FROM JULY 1 THIS YEAR, THE BASIC RATES OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND ITS ASSOCIATED OLD-AGE AND DISABILITY ALLOWANCES, WILL BE-INCREASED BY 25 PER CENT. ' ’ •* •
AND FROM NEXT MONTH, THE MAXIMUM LEVELS OF RENT ALLOWANCES UNDER THE SCHEME WILL GO UP BY 100 PER CENT FOR A SINGLE PERSON AND BY 50 PER CENT FOR A HOUSEHOLD OF MORE THAN ONE PERSON.
OTHER IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE TO REDUCE THE TWO-YEAR RESIDENCE QUALIFICATION TO ONE YEAR FOR ABLE-BODIED UNEMPLOYED ADULTS SEEKING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, AND TO EMPOWER THE DEPARTMENT TO WAIVE THIS REQUIREMENT FOR HARDSHIP CASES.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT, FOR A FULL YEAR, THE INCREASE FOR sjELIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES WILL COST AN ADDITIONAL $140 MILLION, AND THAT FOR MAXIMUM RENT ALLOWANCE, AN EXTRA $5.7 MILLION.
IN 1981-82, THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES WILL BE S720 MILLION.
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE IS A MONTHLY PAYMENT TO COVER BASIC LIVING FOR PEOPLE WITHOUT INCOME OR UNABLE TO EARN ENOUGH, WHILE OLD-AGE AND DISABILITY ALLOWANCES ARE ADDITIONAL GRANTS TO MEET SPECIAL NEEDS.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR STEPHEN LAW, EXPLAINED THAT THE BASIC RATE INCREASE FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE WAS TO ENABLE THE RECIPIENTS TO SHARE IN THE GENERALLY IMPROVED STANDARD OF LIVING IN HONG KONG.
HE SAID PREVIOUS ADJUSTMENTS TO THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RATES WERE SPECIFICALLY AIMED AT RESTORING THE PURCHASING VALUE OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS TO KEEP PACE wITH INFLATION.
THERE HAVE BEEN SIX SUCH ADJUSTMENTS IN THE PAST, THE LAST BEING A 22 PER CENT INCREASE IMPLEMENTED IN SEPTEMBER 1983, HE SAID, AND THESE ADJUSTMENTS WILL CONTINUE TO BE MADE AS NECESSARY.
♦THE PRESENT INCREASE IS ADDITIONAL TO THESE ADJUSTMENTS AND INTRODUCES A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME SINCE IT WAS FIRST SET UP IN 1971,* HE ADDED.
AS REGARDS THE RENT ALLOWANCE PAYABLE FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS, MR LAW SAID THE EXISTING MAXIMUM LEVELS WERE EQUATED TO THE HIGHEST PUBLIC HOUSING RENTS.
TUESDAY, kAY 5, 1981
2
AT PRESENT, HE SAID, FOR THOSE LIVING IN PRIVATE HOUSING AND HAVING TO PAY RENTS HIGHER THAN THE ALLOWANCE LIMITS, THE DEPARTMENT AUTHORISES PAYMENT OF ACTUAL RENTS IF THEY ARE LONG-TERM RECIPIENTS ON THE WAITING LIST FOR COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING. THIS HAS RESULTED IN HARDSHIP FOR SOME PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS FALLING OUTSIDE THIS CATEGORY.
♦THE MAXIMUM RENT ALLOWANCE THEREFORE NEEDS TO BE INCREASED TO ENSURE THAT THESE RECIPIENTS CAN MAINTAIN A BASIC STANDARD OF LIVING,+ HE SAID.
THE INCREASE FROM NEXT MONTH WILL BE BASED ON A NEW FORMULA WHICH FIXES THE MAXIMUM RENT ALLOWANCE AT 200 PER CENT OF THE HIGHEST PUBLIC HOUSING RENTS FOR A SINGLE PERSON, AND 150 PER CENT FOR A HOUSEHOLD OF MORE THAN ONE MEMBER.
MR LAW SAID THE MAXIMUM RENT ALLOWANCE WOULD BE REVISED WHEN PUBLIC HOUSING RENTS WERE ADJUSTED, AND THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE ADEQUACY OF THE ALLOWANCE LEVELS.
REFERRING TO THE RESIDENCE QUALIFICATION FOR ABLE-BODIED INEMPLOYED ADULTS APPLYING FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, HE SAID ThE REDUCTION TO ONE YEAR WOULD BRING THE REQUIREMENT IN LINE WITH THAT FOR OTHER APPLICANTS.
HE STRESSED THAT ABLE-BODIED UNEMPLOYED APPLICANTS WOULD STILL BE REQUIRED TO REGISTER WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR JCBS F IRST.
THE NEW BASIC MONTHLY RATES FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND ITS ASSOCIATED OLD-AGE AND DISABILITY ALLOWANCES ARE AS FOLLOwS (WITH THE EXISTING RATES IN BRACKETS):
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
SINGLE PERSON LIVING ALONE
EACH OF FIRST THREE MEMBERS OF FAMILY
EACH OF SECOND THREE MEMBERS OF FAMILY
EACH ADDITIONAL FAMILY MEMBER THEREAFTER
OLD-AGE SUPPLEMENT (FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS AGE 60 AND ABOVE)
DISABILITY SUPPLEMENT (FOR PARTIALLY DISABLED PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS)
ANNUAL LONG-TERM SUPPLEMENT (FOR THOSE ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FOR 12 MONTHS OR LONGER) (A) FOR A SINGLE PERSON (B) FOR A FAMILY
- 3350
- S25O
- 3215
- 3165
- 3175
- $175
- $440
- S883
($280) (3200) (3170) (3130)
($143)
(S143)
(3355)
($703)
SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES
DISABILITY ALLOWANCE
OLD-AGE ALLOWANCE
- 0350 (3283)
- S175 (3140)
THE NEW MAXIMUM LEVELS OF RENT ALLOWANCE ARE AS FOLLOwS (WITH THE EXISTING LIMITS IN BRACKETS):
IrUMBSB CF .........
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1981
3
NUMBER OF PERSON
1
2-3
4-5
6-7
8 AND ABOVE
$144 ($72)
3323 ($215)
3479 (3319)
5585 ($390)
3690 (3460 FOR 8-9 PERSONS-
3637 FOR 10 AND ABOVE)
TAKING AN EXAMPLE OF AN ELIGIBLE FAMILY OF FOUR, MR LAW SAID THE TOTAL PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PAYMENT PLUS MAXIMUM RENT ALLOWANCE WOULD BE $1 444 A MONTH AT THE NEW RATES, COMPARED «ITH $1 389 AT THE EXISTING RATES.
THE TOTAL IS MADE UP OF $750 FOR THE FIRST THREE MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY AND 3215 FOR THE FOURTH MEMBER, PLUS $479 AS MAXIMUM RENT ALLOWANCE, HE EXPLAINED.
THIS IS IN ADDITION TO SPECIAL EXPENSES FOR EDUCATION OR DIETARY NEEDS PAYABLE TO THE FAMILY WHERE NECESSARY.
IF THERE IS A PERSON AGED OVER 60 YEARS IN THE FAMILY, AN EXTRA $175 IS PAYABLE AS MONTHLY OLD-AGE SUPPLEMENT. IF TriE FAMILY HAS RECEIVED PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FOR MORE THAN 12 MONTHS, IT Io ALSO ENTITLED TO 3883 A YEAR AS LONG-TERM SUPPLEMENT.
AT THE MOMENT, THE DEPARTMENT’S 26 SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS HANDLE 45 830 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES, 159 '300 OLD-AGE ALLOWANCE CASES, AND 28 650 DISABILITY ALLOWANCE CASES.
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CAR PARK CHARGES TO BE REVISED ******
PARKING CHARGES AT GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS WILL BE REVISED FROM JUNE 1.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE REVISION WOULD HELP TO REGULATE DEMAND FOR PARKING SPACES BY INCREASING THE TURNOVER, THEREBY REDUCING THE CONGESTION AND INCONVENIENCE CAUSED BY VEHICLES QUEUING TO GAIN ENTRY TO THE PARKS.
♦PARKING CHARGES ARE KEPT UNDER REGULAR REVIEW IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT SOME SPACES ARE AVAILABLE TO OTHER MOTORISTS AT MOST TIMES OF THE DAY,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THE LATEST EVALUATION OF THE PATTERN OF DEMAND FOLLOWING THE LAST ADJUSTMENT IN CHARGES IN NOVEMBER 1979 INDICATES THE NEED FOR A REVISION TO REGULATE THE UTILISATION OF CERTAIN CAR PARKS AT PARTICULAR TIMES OF THE DAY.+
/AT WLTI-b’TCRZY.....
TUESDAY, MAY 5j 1?b1
4
AT MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS WHICH ARE REGULARLY FULL, THE HOURLY RATE BETWEEN 8 AM AND 6 PM ON WEEKDAYS WILL BE RAISED FROM $3 TO $4. THE CAR PARKS ARE GARDEN ROAD, STAR FERRY, '•WRAY ROAD, RUMSEY STREET AND CITY HALL. THE COST OF MONTHLY PASSES WILL BE ADJUSTED ACCORDINGLY FROM $600 TO $800.
TWO MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS WHICH EXPERIENCE HIGH DEMAND DURING THE EVENING AS WELL AS DAYTIME HOURS ARE MIDDLE ROAD AND YAU MA TEI. CHARGES AT BOTH CAR PARKS WILL BE STANDARDISED AT $3 AN HOUR BETWEEN 8 AM AND MIDNIGHT THROUGHOUT THE WEEK. THE COST OF MONTHLY PASSES * ILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AT $600.
FOR THE SAME REASON, THE HOURLY RATE AT TAI KOK TSUI OPEN-AIR CAR PARK WILL BE RAISED FROM $1 TO $2 DURING THE HOURS GF 3 AM TO MIDNIGHT FROM MONDAYS TO SUNDAYS. THE COST OF MONTHLY PASSES WILL BE INCREASED FROM $200 TO $300.
THE DAYTIME HOURLY RATE ON WEEKDAYS AT TWO POPULAR OPEN-AIR CAR PARKS, MURRAY BARRACKS AND HARBOUR ROAD, WILL BE RAISED FROM $2 TO $3. THE COST OF MONTHLY PASSES WILL BE ADJUSTED FROM ...'09 TO $400. BECAUSE OF THE HIGH DEMAND FOR SPACES DURING THE P/RIOD WHEN THE ’MEDIUM’ HOURLY RATE APPLIES AT HARBOUR ROAD, Tn IS CHARGE WILL BE RAISED FROM $1 TO $2.
NO INCREASE IS PROPOSED IN THE HOURLY RATE AT HUNG HOM M'.TI-STOREY CAR PARK AS IT STILL HAS AMPLE SPARE CAPACITY. I! ORDER TO ENCOURAGE MOTORISTS TO USE THE MAJOR TRANSPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE AT HUNG HOM, A ’PARK AND RIDE’ INCENTIVE ILL BE OFFERED BY REDUCING THE COST OF MONTHLY PASSES FROM $503 TO $200.
OTHER EXISTING OFF-PEAK HOURLY RATES AT GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS AND ALL CHARGES AT GOVERNMENT LORRY PARKS WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
MONTHLY PASSES ARE VALID FOR THE CAR PARK FOR WHICH THEY ARE BOUGHT AND ALL OTHERS OF AN EQUIVALENT OR LOWER MONTHLY CHARGE.
A NEW GOVERNMENT MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK IN ABERDEEN WILL BE OPENING IN JUNE, PROVIDING 351 SPACES. THE HOURLY RATE FOR THIS NEW FACILITY WILL BE $2 BETWEEN 8 AM AND MIDNIGHT AND $1 FROM MIDNIGHT TO 8 AM, APPLICABLE THROUGHOUT THE WEEK, AND MONTHLY PASSES WILL COST $400.
IN ADDITION TO ABERDEEN, *ORK IS IN PROGRESS ON THREE OTHER h£W MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS AT TSUEN WAN, KWAI FONG AND PING SHEK, ALL THREE ASSOCIATED WITH MTR STATIONS, AND WORK WILL START SHORTLY ON A NEW PARK AT YAU MA TEI.
OTHER CAR PARKS IN THE PLANNING STAGE INCLUDE KWUN TONG AND TSUEN WAN FERRY CONCOURSES AND ONE ADJACENT TO KOWLOON TONG STAT ION.
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TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1981
5
HONG KONG HAS LONG-TIME ROLE IN MODERNISATION OF CHINA
* * * #
THE SIGNIFICANT ROLE HONG KONG IS EXPECTED BY PEKING AND LONDON TO PLAY IN THE MODERNISATION OF CHINA IS NOT A TEMPORARY SITUATION, THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DENIS BRAY SAID THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.
THE TASK OF MODERNISATION IN CHINA IS STAGGERING AND WOULD LAST A LONG TIME, HE TOLD A GROUP OF VISITING WALL STREET ANALYSTS AT A DINNER HOSTED BY THE BANK OF AMERICA.
HONG KONG, HE SAID, WAS A GATEWAY AND A SHOWROOM TO CHINA, AND NEITHER PEKING NOR LONDON NOR WE OURSELVES WOULD BE HAPPY WITH A DETERIORATION IN OUR PROSPERITY.
DESCRIBING HONG KONG AS ’A WORKSHOP TO THE WORLD,’ MR BRAY SAID ANYONE WITH A NEW PRODUCT CAN GET IT MADE HERE PROBABLY CHEAPER AND BETTER — IN TERMS OF QUALITY CONTROL — THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD.
♦WE HAVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY AND MARKETING ENTERPRISE THAT CAN HELP ANYBODY WITH A BRIGHT NEW PRODUCT TO MAKE AND SELL IT,* HE SAID. HONG KONG ALSO HAS ONE OF THE VERY VERY FEW DEEP WATEP CONTAINER TERMINALS IN ASIA, AND AN INTERNATIONAL BANKING COMMUNITY.
MR BRAY NOTED THAT THE UNITED STATES WAS THIRD, AFTER JAPAN AND CHINA, IN THE LIST OF SUPPLIERS TO HONG KONG. IMPORTS FROM AMERICA WERE APPROXIMATELY EQUAL TO THOSE FROM THE EEC, AND TWO-AND-A-HALF TIMES THE VALUE OF THOSE FROM BRITAIN.
♦ON THE OTHER HAND, LOOKING AT AMERICAN EXPORTS TO ASIA, I THINK IT IS NOT UNREASONABLE TO SAY YOU ARE NOT TRYING IN HONG KONG,+ SAID MR BRAY, POINTING OUT THAT AMERICAN EXPORTS TO HONG KONG IN 1980 COMPRISED ONLY US$2.5 BILLION COMPARED TO US$20 BILLION TO JAPAN.
MOST COUNTRIES ENGAGED IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE, HE SAID, WOULD TRY TO BE SWEET AND KIND TO THEIR CUSTOMERS AND TRY TO STIMULATE TWO-WAY TRADE.
♦BUT WHAT HAVE OUR MASTERS IN BRITAIN AND ONE OF OUR BIGGEST SUPPLIERS — AMERICA — ACTUALLY DONE? I DON’T REALLY THINK IT WAS DELIBERATE BUT THEY HAVE BOTH SELECTED OUR BIGGEST EXPORT ORIENTED INDUSTRY TO ATTACK IN A WAY THAT NO RESPECTABLE GATT SUPPORTER COULD COUNTENANCE.*
MR BRAY POINTED OUT THAT THE TEXTILE AND APPAREL INDUSTRY PROVIDED NEARLY HALF OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS AND NEARLY HALF OF ITS MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT.
♦WE MAKE T-SHIRTS, JEANS, BLOUSES, SKIRTS, FASHION GARMENTS AND CRAZY SPORTS GEAR, AND WE MAKE IT WELL AND CHEAP.
/+YCUB .......
TUESDAY, HAY 5, 19&1
6
♦ YOUR FRIENDS IN THE RETAIL BUSINESS WANT TO BUY IT BUT YOUR POLITICIANS HAVE DUG INTO THE PORK BARREL FOR YOUR MANUFACTURERS WHO THINK THEY ARE HURT BY US.
♦YOU WILL SEE HOW RIDICULOUS IS THE CRY OF PAIN FROM YOUR TEXTILE PEOPLE WHEN YOU REALISE THAT AMERICAN IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG CONSTITUTE A TINY 1.5 PER CENT OF US CONSUMPTION IN VOLUME WHEREAS US INDUSTRY SUPPLIES 87 PER CENT OF US CONSUMPTION.
HONG KONG’S IMPORTS OF FABRICS ALSO VASTLY EXCEEDED OUR *
EXPORTS. +OUR IMPORTS OF FABRICS AT 1.5 BILLION SQUARE YARDS ARE ?
AROUND 90 PER CENT THE VALUE OF TOTAL US IMPORTS,+ HE SAID, ADDING, ♦WE ARE FIVE MILLION PEOPLE, YOU ARE 200 MILL ION.♦
♦IN GOOD ADAM SMITH OR MILTON FRIEDMAN ECONOMICS WE CAN SURELY ARGUE THAT YOU SHOULD NOT SHUT OUT THE ONE THING WE CAN MAKE, THAT YOU WANT, BECAUSE WE ARE SUCH A USEFUL MARKET. EVEN IF YOU GET DOWN TO THE NARROW FIELD OF TEXTILES AND GARMENTS, DOES T MAKE SENSE TO CLOBBER US ON OUR SALES OF APPAREL WHILE TRYING TO SELL US FABRICS?* HE ASKED.
MR BRAY SAID HONG KONG HAD BECOME A FINANCIAL CENTRE EVEN THOUGH IT HAD NEVER OFFERED INDUCEMENTS, TAX HOLIDAYS OR ANY SUCH CCMCESS IONS.
♦WE WELCOME ANYONE WHO CAN MAKE MONEY — AND BE TAXED 16.5 PER CENT,+ HE SAID.
WHILE HONG KONG WAS NO TAX HAVEN, HE ADDED, IT OFFERED IMPARTIALLY-ADMINISTERED LAW, POLITICAL STABILITY, QUITE EXCELLENT, RAPID AND EFFICIENT INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS, AND A CONGENIAL SOCIETY.
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NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT AND PROBLEMS
***** 6
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IS SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF FINDING HOMES AND WORK FOR OUR PEOPLE, BUT CREATING PROBLEMS TOO.
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THIS TODAY (TUESDAY) AT A LUNCHEON HOSTED BY THE HEUNG YEE KUK.
HE SAID HE HAD BEEN TRYING TO IMAGINE THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH GAVE RISE TO THE FORMATION OF THE FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURAL, INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ASSOCIATIONS IN 1923 AND THEN THE HEUNG YEE KUK IN 1926.
♦THERE WAS A STABLE PATTERN OF LIFE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN THE 1920S, THE PASSING OF THE SEASONS AND THE OUTLOOK FOR THE RICE HARVEST THE MAIN SOURCES OF CONCERN- THE PROSPERITY OF TOWN AND VILLAGE ALIKE WAS CLOSELY TIED TO THE SUCCESS OR FAILURE OF CROPS AND THE PRICE OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE,+ HE SAID.
/LIFE 12. ...
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1981
1
LIFE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAD NOT CHANGED MUCH IN HUNDREDS OF YEARS AND YET 50 YEARS AGO A NEED WAS DISCERNED FOR THIS NEW ASSOCIATION AS A MEANS OF MEETING THE CHANGE WHICH THE 20TH CENTURY WAS ALREADY BRINGING TO THE NEW TERRITORIES, TO DIRECT THE PACE AND DIRECTION OF CHANGE AND TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT NOT SIMPLY ABOUT INDIVIDUAL VILLAGES AND DISTRICTS BUT ABOUT MATTERS AFFECTING THE NEW TERRITORIES AS A WHOLE.
♦THE WINDS OF CHANGE WERE BLOWING AND NEW CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE NEEDED,♦ MR AKERS-JONES SaID.
EVEN SO BY PRESENT STANDARDS THE CHANGES WHICH TOOK PLACE WERE ■OT VERY IMPRESSIVE: A FEW ROADS WERE BUILT, A FEW SCHOOLS WERE OPENED AND THE POPULATION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES INCREASED BETWEEN 1900 AND 1950 FROM 100 000 TO 200 000.
BUT BETWEEN 1950-1960 A GREAT WAVE OF PEOPLE FROM OUTSIDE CAME TC SETTLE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
LARGE-SCALE PIG AND CHICKEN BREEDING WAS INTRODUCED AND VEGETABLE FARMING BECAME WIDESPREAD.
IT WAS THEN A QUESTION OF COPING WITH PROBLEMS WITH NO COHERENT DEVELOPMENT PLAN.
BUT IT WAS ALSO A TIME DURING WHICH ELECTIONS FOR VILLAGE REPP-SENTATIVES AND THE CREATION OF RURAL COMMITTEES WITH FORMAL CONSTITUTIONS TOOK PLACE- AND AFTER A TIME OF SOME UNCERTAINTY AND DISPUTE, THERE WAS A GREAT FORMALISATION OF THE CENTRAL ORGANISATION OF THE KUK, IN TIME FOR THE VAST CHANGES THAT' HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN THE LAST 20 YEARS.
♦ I AM PROUD, MYSELF, TO HAVE BEEN PRESENT AT THE ELECTION OF THE 14TH TERM OF THE KUK IN I960 AND TO HAVE SHARED THE EXPERIENCES OF THE LAST 20 YEARS WITH YOU ALL.
♦ WE HAVE GROWN OLDER AND HOPEFULLY WISER TOGETHER.*
MR AKERS-JONES SAID IN 1961 THE LAND EXCHANGE SYSTEM WAS INTRODUCED SO AS TO LESSEN THE CONFLICT DURING THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPMENT BETWEEN LANDOWNERS AND THE GOVERNMENT AND TO GIVE LANDOWNERS A SHARE IN THE INCREASING LAND PRICES BROUGHT ABOUT BY DEVELOPMENT.
♦ LITTLE DID WE KNOW IN 1961 THAT THE VALUE OF THOSE EARLY LETTER B’S WOULD BE WORTH IN 1981, 1 000 TIMES MORE THAN THEIR ORIGINAL VALUE,* HE SAID.
♦ AND SO IN 1981 WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF FURTHER FAR-REACHING CHANGE.
♦THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME HAS SPREAD ITS TENTACLES INTO ALMOST EVERY CORNER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF FINDING HOMES AND WORK FOR OUR PEOPLE, BUT CREATING PROBLEMS TOC.
/♦PHOBIAS cj?......
TUESDAY, JIAY 5, 1?81
8 -
♦PROBLEMS OF DISTURBANCE AND UPHEAVAL, OF NOISE, POLLUTION AND A TOTALLY CHANGED ENVIRONMENT.*
THE KUK HAD PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE DURING THIS PERIOD GIVING TIMELY REMINDERS TO THE GOVERNMENT OF ITS OBLIGATIONS TO THE PEOPLE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND OF THE NEED TO IMPROVE SERVICES AND FACILITIES, MRJAKERS-JONES SAID.
GOVERNMENT, OF COURSE,I HAD NOT ALWAYS BEEN ABLE TO RESPOND AS QUICKLY AS WE WOULD HAVE LIKED, BUT THE FACT THAT THERE EXISTED A HEUNG YEE KUK TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS WAS IN ITSELF IMPORTANT AND ENSURED THAT WE DID NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE NEED FOR IMPROVED FACILITIES.
♦NOW WE ARE WELCOMING ANOTHER TIDAL WAVE OF PEOPLE TO THE NEW TERRITORIES, WHOSE POPULATION WILL INCREASE BY 1.6 MILLION IN THE YEARS 1981-91.
+AND, AS IN THE PAST, SO IT HAS BECOME NECESSARY TO PROVIDE THESE NEW ARRIVALS WITH A VOICE AND TO CREATE A NEW ORGANISATION TO DEAL WITH THE MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS CREATED BY URBANISATION.*
THE DISTRICT BOARDS WERE A MEETING PLACE BETWEEN THE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND WISDOM OF THE RURAL COMMITTEES AND THE KUK AND THE HOPES AND ASPIRATIONS AND THE PROBLEMS OF THESE NEW ARRIVALS.
WE HAD TO BUILD COMMUNITIES OUT OF HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF INDIVIDUALS- A COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE WHO WILL CARE, JUST AS YOU CARE, FOR THE PLACE THEY LIVE IN, WHO WILL JOIN TOGETHER TO CREATE THEIR OWN ACTIVITIES FOR LEISURE AND PLEASURE, WHO WILL SHOW CONCERN FOR THE LESS FORTUNATE, THE OLD, THE SICK AND THE DISABLED, AND WHO WILL JOIN TOGETHER TO COMBAT THE EVILS OF MODERN SOCIETY -OF CRIME, DRUGS AND POLLUTION.
+IN THE YEARS THAT LIE AHEAD, INEVITABLY THERE WILL BE CHANGES, BUT THE KUK HAS SHOWN BY ITS HISTORY OVER THE LAST 50 YEARS THAT IT IS ABLE TO ADAPT ITSELF TO THE NEEDS OF THE HOUR, AND I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES, THE MEMBERS OF RURAL COMMITTEES AND THE KUK WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN FETING THE CHALLENGE OF THE FUTURE,* MR AKERS-JONES CONCLUDED.
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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TUEN MUN
* * *
A NUMBER OF TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN TUEN MUN ON THURSDAY (MAY 7) IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPENING CEREMONY FOR TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE BUILDING, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENTS, WHICH WILL LAST FROM 11.30 AM UNTIL 6.30 PM, INCLUDE THE CLOSURE OF THE SECTION OF SAN TSI NG ROAD BETWEEN HO PONG STREET AND TUEN MUN ROAD.
THE SECTION OF SAN TSI NG ROAD BETWEEN THE NEW TUEN MUN ROAD COMMITTEE BUILDING TO THE SQUARE AREA BESIDE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANK WILL ALSO BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED.
TUESDAY, NAY 5, 19&1
3
THE EXISTING CAR PARK AT THE WESTERN END OF SAN TSI NG ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED AND USED FOR RESERVED PARKING.
- 0 - -
NOTE TO ED ITORSt
SNT TO OPEN TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE BUILDING *****
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL OPEN THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE BUILDING AT SUN TSING ROAD, ON THURSDAY (MAY 7) AT 3 PM.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT. GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT AM 3214 WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 1.45 PM. MR DONALD STRANGE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WILL BE AT TUEN MUN TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
- - 0 - -
DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED *****
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCES PASSED ON CHAN KAN-CHEUNG, CHAN KAN-SAU, WONG WING-TIM AND WONG YIK-FUN ON NOVEMBER 16, 1979 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
THEY WERE FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF LAM KENG-SHING IN TSIM SHA TSUI ON DECEMBER 9, 1978.
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COURSE TO IMPROVE TEACHING METHOD * * *
TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS CAN JOIN A REFRESHER COURSE DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS TO IMPROVE THEIR TEACHING METHODS.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED THE BRITISH COUNCIL TO RUN THIS COURSE ON MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS FROM JULY 31 TO AUGUST 27.
THE OBJECTIVES ARE TO IMPROVE PARTICIPANTS’ CONFIDENCE IN USING ENGLISH IN THE CLASSROOM, AND TO INTRODUCE THEM TO A RANGE OF TEACHING TECHNIQUES RELEVANT TO PREPARING PUPILS FOR THE FORM III SCALING TEST IN ENGLISH.
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 1981
10
THERE WILL BE A MORNING SESSION FROM 8.45 AM TO 12.15 PM AND FOR THOSE WHO PREFER TO.ATTEND IN THE AFTERNOON, THERE WILL BE A SECOND SESSION FROM 1.45 PM TO 5.15 PM.
EACH SESSION WILL CATER FOR 20 TEACHERS AND IS OF 42 HOURS DURATION.
ALL CLASSES WILL BE HELD AT SOOTH ISLAND SCHOOL, 5 EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
PRINCIPALS WISHING TO NOMINATE TEACHERS FOR THE COURSE SHOULD SUBMIT THE NOMINATIONS BEFORE JUNE 8 TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (ENGLISH), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, 5/F., HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE BY TELEPHONING 5-774001 EXT. 30.
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VACANCIES IN DESALTING PLANT
* * * *
THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS TO FILL THE POSTS OF SENIOR ARTISAN (DESALTING) AND ARTISAN (DESALTING) IN THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
THE SENIOR POST CARRIES A STARTING SALARY OF $2 085 A MONTH, RISING TO $2 205, AND THE JUNIOR POST, $1 725 TO $2 030.
APPLICANTS FOR THE FIRST POST SHOULD HAVE EITHER A HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC OR TECHNICAL INSTITUTE DIPLOMA OR CERTIFICATE OF ELECTRICAL OR MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, OR EQUIVALENT- OR HAVE COMPLETED AN APPRENTICESHIP IN ELECTRICAL OR MECHANICAL ENGINEERING OR HAVE EQUIVALENT TRAINING AND A KNOWLEDGE OF ENGLISH AT A STANDARD EQUIVALENT TO GRADE E IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE (SYLLABUS B) IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED, AMONG OTHER DUTIES, TO ASSIST IN THE OPERATION OF BOILERS, GENERATORS, EVAPORATORS AND OTHER AUXILIARY PLANT, AND TO CARRY OUT ROUTINE OPERATIONAL MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING. THEY WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED TO WORK SHIFTS.
FOR THE SECOND POST APPLICANTS MUST HAVE COMPLETED AN APPRENTICESHIP IN ELECTRICAL OR MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, OR HAVE FIVE YEARS EXPERIENCE IN AN APPROPRIATE TRADE. PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IN A POWER GENERATING PLANT OR AN ALLIED FIELD WILL BE AN ADVANTAGE.
THE DUTIES OF A SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT FOR THE SECOND POST INCLUDE MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL AND INSTRUMENT MAINTENANCE. SHIFT WORK MAY BE REQUIRED.
/THCSB INTBHBoTfS .......
TUESDAY, HAY 5, 1981
11
THOSE INTERESTED IN THE POSTS SHOULD CALL AT ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE SERVICE, BRINGING WITH THEM THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TELEPHONE NUMBERS i 3-666615, 5-270276 OR 12-420154.
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WORK ON WATER PIPES * * * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF AREAS IN KOWLOON WILL EE CUT OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 13 AM TO 6 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 7) TO FACILITATE WORK ON WATER PIPES.
AREAS TO BE AFFECTED ARE KwUN TONG, LAM TIN, SAU MAU PING, NGAU TAU KOK, JORDAN VALLEY, PING SHEK AND KOWLOON BAY.
IN ADDITION, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE CUT OFF FOR NINE HOURS FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 8) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAIN CONNECTION WORKS.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY AUSTIN ROAD, GASCOIGNE ROAD, SALISBURY ROAD AND CANTON ROAD, INCLUDING THE SEA FRONT.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 19&1
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DISTRICT BOARDS ARE NOT A COSMETIC, GOVERNOR SAYS .............. 1
COMMONWEALTH DELEGATES LOOK OVER PUBLIC HOUSING .................2
CASH HELP OFFERED FOR YOUTH PROJECTS ............................ 3
NINE KWAI CHUNG TANNERIES GET LICENCES ......................... 4
CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL PROCESSION ON SUNDAY .................. 5
PART-TIME LECTURERS FOR EVENING CLASSES WANTED ................. 6
YOUNG THAI MUSICIANS TO PERFORM HERE.............................6
NEW TERRITORIES MARKET STALLS FOR AUCTION .......................8
WATER CUT IN SAI KUNG .......................................... 8
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1981
1
DISTRICT BOARDS ARE NOT A COSMETIC, GOVERNOR SAYS
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) JOINED THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD AT ITS FIRST MEETING. HE CONGRATULATED MEMBERS ON THEIR APPOINTMENT AND THANKED THEM FOR AGREEING TO TAKE ON THE WORK.
♦THERE WILL BE A LOT OF WORK AND IT WILL NOT BE EASY. THE DISTRICT BOARDS ARE NOT A COSMETIC. THEY REPRESENT A RECOGNITION BY THE GOVERNMENT THAT THE PROBLEMS, AND THE BLACKSPOTS AND THE ASPIRATIONS OF DISTRICTS CANNOT BE DEALT WITH BY THE GOVERNMENT WITHOUT THE CONSTANT ADVICE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THAT DISTR ICT.*
HE SAID THE BOARD WOULD BE CLOSELY SUPPORTED BY ABLE AND AUTHORITATIVE OFFICIALS ON THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
THE GOVERNOR WATCHED A SLIDE PRESENTATION OF WORK UNDERTAKEN AND PLANNED BY THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. HE NOTED THAT MUCH OF THE WORK INVOLVED LITTLE SPECIAL EXPENDITURE BUT REQUIRED A DETERMINED AND CO-ORDINATED APPROACH BY VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. THE BOARD’S ROLE WOULD BE TO PROVIDE THE LEADERSHIP.
HALF A MILLION DOLLARS HAVE BEEN SET ASIDE FOR MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS. THIS MAY WELL BE INCREASED IN FUTURE YEARS.
+BUT THIS IS ONLY A FRACTION OF THE FUNDS WHICH GOVERNMENT THROUGH ITS VARIOUS PROGRAMMES WILL SPEND IN WONG TAI SIN IN THE COURSE OF THE YEAR. OFFICIALS WILL INFORM AND CONSULT DISTRICT BOARDS IN BROAD OUTLINE ON THIS EXPENDITURE AND IT IS IN THE INFLUENCE THAT THE BOARD CAN EXERT ON THIS EXPENDITURE THAT THEIR REAL FINANCIAL POWER WILL REST,* HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR DESCRIBED THE DISTRICT BOARDS AS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ADMINISTRATIVE DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG FOR A LONG TIME. ITS SUCCESS WOULD DEPEND ON THE INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.
SPEAKING OF GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION THAT A PROPORTION OF EACH BOARD SHOULD EVENTUALLY BE ELECTED,, HE SAID, +1 VERY MUCH HOPE THAT SOME SITTING MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AS WELL AS OTHERS WILL CONSIDER STANDING FOR ELECTION AND THUS GIVE A LEAD IN THIS NEW PROCESS.*
MEMBERS DISCUSSED A WIDE RANGE OF PROBLEMS WITH THE GOVERNOR BEFORE THE BOARD EMBARKED ON ITS FIRST AGENDA.
IN HIS SPEECH, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, MR I.R. STRACHAN, SAID IT COMMENCED WORK WITH THE RECOGNITION OF *THE MOMENTOUS TASKS LYING AHEAD*, INCLUDING INADEQUATE AND UNCONTROLLED PARKING OF VEHICLES, SQUATTER PROBLEMS, AND THE DEMAND FOR MORE RECREATIONAL, SPORTS AND CULTURAL FACILITIES.
/BUT THE ...
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, '198'1
2
BUT THE BOARD WAS +NOT DEPRESSED BY THIS CHALLENGE*. THIS WAS BECAUSE SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS HAD BEEN ACHIEVED IN THE SEVEN MONTHS OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND A WIDE VARIETY OF PROFESSIONAL SKILLS WAS BEING USED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN DEVELOPING A CORPORATE IDENTITY OF COMMITMENT AND CONCERN FOR THE RESIDENTS AND INDUSTRIAL WORK FORCE.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD POSSESSED A +WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE OF AND AN INTIMATE FEELING FOR OUR PEOPLE AND THEIR NEEDS.*
HE THANKED THEM FOR THEIR WILLINGNESS TO JOIN HANDS WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION A SUCCESS IN WONG TAI SIN.
-----o------
COMMONWEALTH DELEGATES LOOK OVER PUBLIC HOUSING * * * *
DELEGATES ATTENDING THE ANNUAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION HERE TOOK TIME OFF TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FOR A LOOK AT OUR PUBLIC HOUSING AND NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENTS.
AT HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS THIS MORNING, THE VISITORS V^RE GIVEN A BRIEFING ON HOUSING PROBLEMS AND PROGRESS BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR DONALD LIAO, BEFORE BEING TAKEN TO CHUN MAN COURT HOME OWNERSHIP ESTATE AND 01 MAN RENTAL ESTATE.
THE SIZE OF HONG KONG’S HOUSING PROBLEM, AND THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF HOUSING MORE THAN TWO MILLION PEOPLE IN 27 YEARS, WAS DESCRIBED AS +AWE INSPIRING* AND +STAGGERING+ BY SOME OF THE VISITORS WHO HAD NEVER BEEN TO HONG KONG BEFORE AND THE WHOLE CONCEPT OF MULTI-STOREY HOUSING WAS *QUITE ASTONISHING* TO THE VISITORS, WHO LIVE IN COUNTRIES WITH PLENTY OF LAND FOR INDIVIDUAL HOMES.
ONE VISITOR, MRS PAULINE BAXTER, WIFE OF THE AUSTRALIAN LEGISLATOR, MR WILLIAM BAXTER, WAS PLEASED TO LEARN OF THE ON-GOING PROGRAMME IN THE AUTHORITY’S ESTATES TO PROVIDE RAMPS AND OTHER EASY MEANS OF ACCESS FOR DISABLED TENANTS.
THE PARTY VISITED FAMILIES LIVING IN HOME OWNERSHIP AND RENTAL ESTATES, AND THE WOMEN PARTICULARLY WERE HIGHLY IMPRESSED WITH THE WAY THE FAMILIES HAD FITTED THEIR COMPACT FLATS WITH MODERN CONVENIENCES.
LATER IN THE MORNING, THE DELEGATES WERE BRIEFED ON THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENTS BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, W DAVID AKERS-JONES BEFORE THEY WERE TREATED TO LUNCH AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, SHA TIN.
IN THE AFTERNOON, THEY WENT TO A VANTAGE POINT FOR A PANORAMIC VIEW OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN, WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY HOUSE 460 000 PEOPLE.
SHA.......
WEDNESDAY, i-lAY 6, 1981
3 -
mcu TIN» THEY WENT To THE TAI Po industrial estate where
NEW FACTORIES ARE SPRINGING UP ON RECLAIMED LAND UNDER THE GOVERNMENT’S ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION PLAN.
Ann ™SJT,JNDED WITH A T0UR 0F THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK
AND THE PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR.
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CASH HELP OFFERED FOR YOUTH PROJECTS
* * * *
YOUTH GROUPS NEEDING MONEY FOR INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS THEY INITIATE MAY NOW APPLY FOR CASH ASSISTANCE UNDER A SCHEME ADMINISTERED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THE DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS UNDER THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME, WHICH ENCOURAGES YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP AN AWARENESS IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES.
THE DEPARTMENT ALLOCATED NEARLY $170 000 IN 1980-81 FOR 104 APPROVED PROJECTS, BRINGING TO $808 000 THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF SUBSIDIES GIVEN TO 609 PROJECTS SINCE THE SCHEME STARTED IN 1974.
PREVIOUS PROJECTS INCLUDED SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE DISABLED, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, AND WORKS PROJECTS CARRIED OUT BY 20 000 PARTICIPANTS BENEFITING AN ESTIMATED 990 000 PEOPLE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY ANY GROUP OF AT LEAST SEVEN MEMBERS AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 25 YEARS AND SPONSORED BY A SCHOOL, YOUTH AGENCY OR BUSINESS ORGANISATION, MAY NOW APPLY.
HE SAID GROUPS WHICH ARE NOT SO SPONSORED MAY ALSO APPLY PROVIDED THEY HAVE OBTAINED THE APPROVAL OF THE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICERS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS MAY 27, 1981. ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME AND APPLICATIONS CAN BE MADE AT THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICES IN THE VARIOUS DISTRICTS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DURATION OF A PROPOSED PROJECT SHOULD PREFERABLY BE SPREAD OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.
EACH PROJECT WILL BE ASSESSED FOR ITS YOUTH INVOLVEMENT, COMMUNITY BENEFITS, INNOVATION, FEASIBILITY AND OPTIMUM USE OF RESOURCES, HE SAID.
THE MAXIMUM GRANT FOR EACH APPROVED PROJECT IS NORMALLY $3 000, AND THE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICERS «ILL MAINTAIN CLOSE WORKING LIAISON WITH PARTICIPATING GROUPS, HE ADDED.
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A......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1981
4
NINE KWAI CHUNG TANNERIES GET LICENCES *****
NINE APPLICANTS HAVE SO FAR OBTAINED OFFENSIVE TRADE LICENCES FOR TANNERIES OPERATING IN TWO KWAI CHUNG INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.
DISCLOSING THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID A TOTAL OF 23 APPLICATIONS FOR OFFENSIVE TRADE LICENCE TO OPERATE TANNERIES IN THE WING LOI AND WING SHING INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS IN KWAI CHUNG HAD BEEN RECEIVED.
♦APART FROM THE LICENCES WHICH HAVE BEEN ISSUED, 10 APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN PROVISIONALLY APPROVED SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH CERTAIN HEALTH REQUIREMENTS, AND FOUR ARE STILL BEING PROCESSED,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SOME OF THESE APPLICATIONS ARE FROM TANNERY OPERATORS PREVIOUSLY BASED AT SHEUNG SHU I, NEW TERRITORIES.
COMMENTING ON A RECENT REPORT ALLEGING THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN SLOW IN ISSUING OFFENSIVE TRADE LICENCES TO TANNERIES OPERATING IN KWAI CHUNG, THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THIS WAS NOT CORRECT.
HE SAID THE ISSUE OF AN OFFENSIVE TRADE LICENCE WAS NOT AUTOMATIC, AND THE OPERATION OF AN OFFENSIVE TRADE WITHOUT A LICENCE WAS A SERIOUS OFFENCE AGAINST WHICH THE NTSD TOOK STRINGENT ENFORCEMENT ACTION.
♦THIS IS BECAUSE THE INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES INVOLVED IN THE BUSINESS CAN, IF NOT PROPERLY CONTROLLED, CAUSE SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION IN THE FORM OF FLY NUISANCE, DISGUSTING SMELL AND LIQUID CHEMICAL POLLUTION OF STREAMS, SEWERS AND THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE OUTSTANDING APPLICATIONS FOR LICENCES IN KWAI CHUNG ARE LARGELY DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE APPLICANTS TO COMPLY WITH THE BASIC HEALTH REQUIREMENTS.
♦DETAILS OF THESE HAVE BEEN CONVEYED INDIVIDUALLY TO APPLICANTS, AND EXPLAINED AT SEMINARS SPECIALLY ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF POTENTIAL APPLICANTS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED APPLICANTS WHO ARE STILL UNCLEAR ABOUT THE OUTSTANDING REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLIANCE TO CONTACT THE LICENSING SECTION OF THE NTSD AT NINTH FLOOR, FOURSEAS BUILDING, 208-212 NATHAN ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.
HE STRESSED THAT UNLICENSED TANNERY BUSINESSES FOUND IN OPERATION OR LICENSED PREMISES OPERATING IN BREACH OF THEIR CONDITIONS OF LICENCE WOULD BE LIABLE TO SUMMONS ACTION WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE.
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/5......
5 _ WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1981
CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL PROCESSION ON SUNDAY *****
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THIS YEAR’S CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL MAIN PROCESSION ON SUNDAY (MAY 10).
MORE THAN 2 000 PEOPLE FROM 20 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS AND SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS WILL TAKE PART IN THE PROCESSION WHICH IS WATCHED BY LARGE CROWDS ALONG THE ROUTE.
THE PROCESSION, HELD EVERY YEAR TO PACIFY THE SPIRITS OF PEOPLE KILLED BY PIRATES IN PAST CENTURIES, WILL FEATURE A PARADE OF ALL THE SHRINES FROM THE ISLAND’S TEMPLES, THE TREASURE SWORD OF PAK Tl TEMPLE, FLOATS, UNICORN AND LION DANCES, FAMOUS CHIU CHAU GONG AND DRUM PERFORMANCES AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MUSIC AND DANCES.
THE ONE-AND-A-HALF HOUR PROCESSION WILL SET OFF FROM PAK Tl TEMPLE AT 2.30 PM, PASS THE GUEST STANDS IN PRAYA STREET AND RETURN TO THE TEMPLE.
THE PROCESSION IS REPEATED THE FOLLOWING DAY, ALSO STARTING FROM THE TEMPLE AT 2.30 PM, BUT TAKING A DIFFERENT ROUTE.
AS IN PAST YEARS, THERE WILL BE NO BUN SCRAMBLE. INSTEAD, EUNS, WHICH ACCORDING TO LEGEND BRING LUCK TO THE RECIPIENTS FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR, WILL BE DISTRIBUTED ON MONDAY AT 10 AM.
THE FESTIVAL STARTS TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AND ENDS NEXT WEDNESDAY.
DURING THE FESTIVAL, ISLANDERS DO NOT EAT FISH OR MEAT.
THERE WILL BE CHINESE OPERA PERFORMANCES EVERY NIGHT OF THE FESTIVAL. TAOIST PRIESTS WILL CHANT PRAYERS AT THE PAK Tl TEMPLE ON SATURDAY AT NOON, WHILE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ANDREW FOK, WILL OFFICIATE AT A LION AND UNICORN EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY AT THE TEMPLE AT 3 PM THE SAME DAY.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ARRANGED FINANCING FOR BUILDING THREE 13-METRE TALL BUN TOWERS.
THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION IS SPONSORING THE FESTIVAL, WHICH IS BECOMING A POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTION.
THE CELEBRATIONS ARE CO-ORDINATED BY AN ORGANISING COMMITTEE ON WHICH CHEUNG CHAU RESIDENTS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE REPRESENTED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND MEMBERS OF YOUR STAFF TO COVER THE GRAND PROCESSION ON SUNDAY (MAY 10).
SPECIAL BADGES FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE MOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE GIS PRESS ROOM.
A FERRY, THE MAN YAN, WILL TAKE THE PRESS AND OTHER INVITED GUESTS TO CHEUNG CHAU. IT LEAVES QUEEN’S PIER AT 12.30 PM ON SUNDAY AND IS SCHEDULED TO RETURN BY <30 PM. STAFF OF THE NTA INFORMATION UNIT WILL TRAVEL 0’ THE FERRY.
------q ------- /& ......................
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1981
6
PART-TIME LECTURERS FOR EVENING CLASSES WANTED * * * *
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING INVITED FOR PART-TIME LECTURING POSTS IN SOME COURSES ADMINISTERED BY THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION ADMINISTERS TEN CATEGORIES OF COURSES THROUGH THE EVENING INSTITUTE, THE EVENING SCHOOL OF HIGHER CHINESE STUDIES AND 16 ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES. THESE COURSES ARE HELD IN VARIOUS PARTS OF HONG KONG, KOWLOON, THE NEW TERRITORIES AND SOME OUTLYING ISLANDS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID, +APPLICANTS FOR POSTS IN ALL FORMAL COURSES SHOULD BE QUALIFIED TEACHERS WITH A GENUINE INTEREST IN PART-TIME TEACHING IN THE EVENING AND EXPERIENCE IN TEACHING YOUNG ADULTS WILL BE AN ADVANTAGE.*
♦APPLICANTS FOR POST AS HOBBY INSTRUCTORS IN THE ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES SHOULD HAVE SPECIALISED SKILLS IN THE HOBBY OR SUBJECT CONCERNED. EXPERIENCE IN ORGANISING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND INTEREST GROUPS FOR ADULTS WILL BE AN ADVANTAGE,* HE ADDED.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AT MA TAU KOK ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 MA TAU KOK ROAD, 4TH FLOOR, KOWLOON. ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE BY TELEPHONING 3-713Q811.
TEACHERS IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS AND OFFICERS EMPLOYED IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ARE REMINDED THAT IN ACCORDANCE WITH GENERAL STAFF CIRCULAR NO. 14/78, DATED APRIL 6, 1978, THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION WILL SEEK ON THEIR BEHALF THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION’S PERMISSION FOR THEM TO DO +OUTSIDE WORK* THOUGH EACH PERSON MUST OBTAIN THE PRIOR CONSENT OF THE HEAD OF SCHOOL/ SECTION/COLLEGE.
TEACHERS IN AIDED OR PRIVATE SCHOOLS SHOULD FIRST OBTAIN THE APPROVAL OF THEIR SUPERVISORS BEFORE APPLYING.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD REACH THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION ON OR BEFORE MAY 18, 1981.
APPLICANTS NOT CALLED FOR INTERVIEW WITHIN EIGHT WEEKS OF THE CLOSING DATE MAY ASSUME THAT THEIR APPLICATIONS WERE UNSUCCESSFUL.
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YOUNG THAI MUSICIANS TO PERFORM HERE * * * *
THE NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR AND DANCE TROUPE FROM THAILAND
H0MS K0N6 AMD G,VE A SALA PERFORMANCE OF THAI MUSIC AND DANCE ON SATURDAY, MAY 23, 1981.
THIS WILL BE THE TROUPE'S FIRST VISIT TO HONG KONG.
UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE THAI GOVERNMENT, THE TROUPE OF SOME ? YOUNG SINGERS, MUSICIANS AND DANCERS WILL S^AY IN HONG KONG FOR FOUR DAYS, GIVING TWO PUBLIC PERFORMANCES AND VISITING SCHOOLS AND MUSIC ORGANISATIONS.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1981
7
THE GALA PERFORMANCE ON MAY 23 FEATURING THE NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR AND DANCE TROUPE, IS PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE. HONG KONG GOVERNMENT. *
THE PERFORMANCE WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL.
THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES NATIONAL THAI FOLK AND CLASSICAL SONGS AND DANCESi ’THE DRUM DANCE’ (RAM GLAWNG YAOW), ’THE PURSUIT OF SUPANA MATCHA* (THE WHITE MONKEY, IN PURSUIT OF A MERMAID), ’SAT CHATRI DANCE’ (SOUTHERN FOLK DANCE) AND ’CONTEMPORARY ThXI SONG’.
POPULAR COMPOSITIONS BY KING BHUMIBOL OF THAILAND, ’LOVE IN SPRING’, ’OH I SAY* WILL BE PERFORMED.
OTHER ITEMS INCLUDE JOHANNES BRAHMS* »LOVE SONG WALTZES 0P.52 (SELECTIONS)*, ROGERS* AND HAMMERSTEIN’S ’GETTING TO KNOW YOU* FROM ’THE KING AND I’, MOZART’S ’LAUDATE DOM I NUM* AND MANY OTHER POPULAR CHORAL ITEMS.
THE THAI YOUTH CHOIR AND DANCE TROUPE IS ORGANISED JOINTLY f THE NATIONAL YOUTH BUREAU AND THE FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT OF 4AILAND. ITS MEMBERS HAVE BEEN SELECTED THROUGH A PUBLIC c :;TEST AMONG STUDENTS OF VARIOUS SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, AND .DIVERSITIES OF VARIOUS REGIONS.
THE TROUPE. UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF ITS TROUPE DIRECTOR, SUCNIN F.'.ICHAROEN, CONSISTS OF 12 STAFF, 51 SINGERS, 10 DANCERS AND 7 MUSICIANS WHO PLAY TRADITIONAL THAI MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS LIKE Pt, RANAD, TAPOON, ETC. DUE TO THEIR DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS, THEY HAVE BEEN PLACED IN A MUSIC CAMP FOR ABOUT 6 WEEKS IN ORDER TO GET HARMONISED AS A NATIONAL TEAM JUST BEFORE TRAVELLING ABROAD.
THE MUSIC DIRECTOR OF THE TROUPE, MADAM MALAIVAL BOONYARATVEJ. IS A WELL KNOWN PIANIST AND CHOIR DIRECTOR OF THAILAND’S MOST FAMOUS CHOIRS. AMONG THEM, THE WATANA GIRLS CHOIR, THE ROYAL SCHOOL’S CHOIR AND THE THAI CHRISTIAN CHOIR. SHE RECEIVED HER MASTERS DEGREE IN MUSIC FROM EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC, UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, IN 1956.
SHE IS FOUNDER AND PROMOTER OF MANY CHORAL SINGING GROUPS AT VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS, UNIVERSITIES AND SCHOOLS. IN RECOGNITION OF HER SUCCESS IN THIS FIELD, THE THAI GOVERNMENT HAS ENTRUSTED HER WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR LEADING THE THAI YOUTH CHOIR TO PERFORM IN HONG KONG.
TICKETS AT $5 EACH ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT 1
MUSIC OFFICE (9/F., HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, WANCHAI)
(3/F., TUNG PING BUILDING, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, MONGKOK) *
(2/F., YAN HAU BUILDING, TING FU ST., NGAUTAUKOK)
(1/F., CHEUNG YIU BUILDING, CASTLE PEAK ROAD. TSUEN WAN).
/TOM LEE.....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 1981
8
TOM LEE PIANO CO. (MAN YEE BUILDING, CENTRAL) (CAMERON ROAD, TSIMSHATSUI) (389-B NATHAN ROAD, YAUMATI).
ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL, WATERLOO ROAD. FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT 5-283257.
NOTE TO EDITORS 1
THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR REQUESTS THE PLEASURE OF YOU AND YOUR REPORTERS’ COMPANY AT THE EVENING OF THAI MUSIC AND DANCE TO BE HELD AT 8 PM ON SATURDAY, MAY 23, 1981 AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL. PLEASE CONTACT MISS PAULINE NG FOR COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS. TEL.i 5-283257.
NEW TERRITORIES MARKET STALLS FOR AUCTION *****
MARKET STALLS AT TAI PO AND TSUEN WAN WILL BE PUT UP FOR PUBLIC AUCTION TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AND ON FRIDAY RESPECTIVELY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT TWO STALLS SELLING VEGETABLE AT TAI PO MARKET AND ONE STALL SELLING FISH AT TAI PO KUK TENG MARKET ARE AVAILABLE FOR AUCTION TOMORROW.
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH URBAN SERVICES OFFICE, ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF MEI TAK BUILDING, 1-17 KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO.
ON FRIDAY, ONE STALL SELLING COOKED FOOD AT CHAI WAN KOK IN COOKED FOOD MARKET, TSUEN WAN, WILL BE AUCTIONED AT THE TSUEN WAN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE, AT 10 AM AT FAR EAST BANK BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
ONLY PERSONS AGED 21 OR ABOVE CAN TAKE PART IN THE AUCTIONS, AND POTENTIAL BIDDERS ARE REQUESTED TO BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND FIVE PHOTOGRAPHS TO THE AUCTION.
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS CAN START OPERATING THEIR BUSINESS ON JUNE 1, FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS.
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WATER CUT IN SAI KUNG
* * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SAI KUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR 10 HOURS FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 8) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAIN CONNECTION.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED INCLUDES MAN NIN STREET, Yl CHUN STREET WAN KING PATH, AND SHA TSUI PATH.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STRICT MEASURES PROPOSED TO DEAL WITH VR'S REFUSING RESETTLEMENT OFFERS ................................... 1
HONG KONG TO HAVE SMALLER, ROUND FIVE-DOLLAR COIN ..... 3
GOVERNMENT TEAM BACK FROM CHINA VISIT ................. 4
GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO SIR RUN RUN SHAW ............. 5
RENT REVIEW - PRESS CONFERENCE ........................ 6
NEW TOWNS SERVED BY NEW BUSES ......................... 6
TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE BUILDING OPENED ....... 7
VOCAL CONCERTS TO BE HELD.............................. 8
URBAN CLEARWAY IN NORTH POINT ......................... 8
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1981
1
STRICT MEASURES PROPOSED TO DEAL WITH VR’S REFUSING RESETTLEMENT OFFERS
* * * *
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG WAITING FOR PERMANENT RESETTLEMENT OVERSEAS WILL RISK DETENTION AND BEING BANNED FROM WORKING HERE IF THEY REFUSE OFFERS OF RESETTLEMENT.
AND THOSE WHO DO NOT COMPLY WITH RULES IN TEMPORARY TRANSIT CENTRES OPERATED BY THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSION FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR), WILL FACE FINES AS WELL AS CONFINEMENT.
THESE PROPOSED MEASURES ARE CONTAINED IN THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED IN TOMORROW’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE BILL, WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 13, IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR CONDITIONS OF STAY FOR PROPER CONTROL OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES DURING THEIR TEMPORARY STAY HERE.
THE CONDITIONS OF STAY PROVIDE THAT VIETNAMESE REFUGEES -
* SHALL NOT WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE FAIL OR REFUSE TO ACCEPT AN OFFER OF OVERSEAS RESETTLEMENT-
* MUST NOT WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE FAIL OR REFUSE TO SURRENDER THEIR VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CARD, WHEN REQUIRED-
* MUST RESIDE IN SPECIFIED REFUGEE CENTRES AND COMPLY WITH CENTRE RULES- AND
* MUST ABIDE BY OTHER CONDITIONS RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT, SETTING UP OF BUSINESS AND ENROLMENT IN ANY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION.
UNDER THE BILL, A BREACH OF ANY CONDITION OF STAY WILL RENDER A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE LIABLE TO BE CONFINED FOR UP TO 28 DAYS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE RULES IN THE TEMPORARY TRANSIT CENTRES WILL RESULT IN A FINE OF |1OO OR CONFINEMENT FOR SEVEN DAYS.
IN THE CASE OF A REFUSAL TO ACCEPT AN OFFER OF RESETTLEMENT, A RENEWED OFFER MAY BE MADE AFTER THE 28 DAYS OF CONFINEMENT AND IF THIS TOO WAS REFUSED A FURTHER WARRANT OF DETENTION MAY EE ISSUED.
COMMENTING ON THE MEASURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE UNHCR HAD BEEN CONSULTED AND SUPPORTED THEM.
HE STRESSED THAT HONG KONG STILL REGARDED THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AS AN INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THAT THOSE STILL HERE WERE ACCEPTED ON A TEMPORARY BASIS ONLY, PENDING THEIR PERMANENT RESETTLEMENT OVERSEAS.
+THE RATE OF OFF-TAKE OF REFUGEES DEPENDS VERY MUCH ON THE GOODWILL AND COOPERATION OF MANY OVERSEAS COUNTRIES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/♦HOWEVER, REOEUTLY...
IHUaSDAY, MAY 7» 1981
2
♦HOWEVER, RECENTLY THERE HAS BEEN SOME INDICATION THAT REFUGEES ARE REFUSING OFFERS OF RESETTLEMENT IN ORDER THAT THEY MAY CHOOSE WHERE TO GO. SUCH A DEVELOPMENT IS DETRIMENTAL TO THE RESETTLEMENT PROGRAMME AND REDUCES THE OPPORTUNITY OF RESETTLEMENT OVERSEAS.♦
UNDER THE BILL, THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION WILL BE EMPOWERED TO PROHIBIT VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WHO CONTRAVENE A CONDITION OF STAY, INCLUDING REFUSAL OF A RESETTLEMENT OFFER, FROM TAKING EMPLOYMENT DURING THEIR TEMPORARY STAY HERE.
THE PROHIBITION WOULD BE CLEARLY ENDORSED ON THE OFFENDING VIETNAMESE REFUGEE’S CARD. WHILE HE WOULD NO LONGER BE ^LAWFULLY EMPLOYABLE+, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, HIS REFUGEE CARD WOULD STILL BE ACCEPTED AS A PROOF OF IDENTITY.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT UNDER EXISTING LAW ANY EMPLOYER OFFERING EMPLOYMENT TO A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE WHO IS NOT ^LAWFULLY EMPLOYABLE^ WILL RISK A S5O 000 FINE AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, THE BILL WILL MAKE IT MANDATORY FOR EMPLOYERS TO INSPECT THE CARDS OF THEIR VIETNAMESE REFUGEE EMPLOYEES EVERY TIME WAGES ARE PAID THEM AS A CHECK ON THEIR EMPLOYMENT STATUS.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WHO FAIL OR REFUSE TO PRODUCE THEIR REFUGEE CARDS FOR INSPECTION OR WHO HAVE CEASED TO BE ^LAWFULLY EMPLOYABLE* TO BE SUMMARILY DISMISSED BY EMPLOYERS. EMPLOYERS WILL ALSO BE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED FROM LIABILITY (E.G. NOTICE OR WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE OR SEVERANCE PAY) ARISING FROM THE DISMISSAL OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES UNDER SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT SINCE JANUARY 1979, 77 212 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES HAVE ARRIVED IN HONG KONG. OF THESE, 70 175 HAVE BEEN RESETTLED OVERSEAS — 37 535 TO THE UNITED STATES, 13 189 TO CANADA AND 11 124 TO THE UNITED KINGDOM.
♦BY JULY, AND ASSUMING THE MONTHLY INFLUX IS NOT MORE THAN 1 500, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THERE WILL BE ABOUT 15 000 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES STILL IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
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THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1981
3
HONG KONG TO HAVE SMALLER, ROUND FIVE-DOLLAR COIN ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO INTRODUCE A NEW ROUND FIVE-DOLLAR COIN. IT HAS A SMALLER DIAMETER THAN THE PRESENT 13-SIDED COIN, BUT WEIGHS SLIGHTLY MORE.
THE GOVERNOR HAS, BY A PROCLAMATION WHICH WILL APPEAR IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TOMORROW (FRIDAY), FIXED MAY 11 AS THE DATE FROM WHICH THE NEW COINS WILL BECOME LEGAL TENDER FOR ANY AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING $130.
IN 1974, ON THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COINAGE REVIEW COMMITTEE SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED. THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS
• CLUDED A PROPOSAL TO REPLACE THE FIVE-DOLLAR NOTE WITH ,■ 13-SIDED COIN.
SO AS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF NON-ROUND COINS IN THE RANGE, THE COMMITTEE SUGGESTED THAT WHEN THE LARGE ONE DOLLAR COIN CE SED TO CIRCULATE, CONSIDERATION MIGHT BE GIVEN TO REPLACING TH-. iHAPED $2 COIN PROPOSED IN ITS REPORT WITH A ROUND COIN.
ALTHOUGH OVER 50 MILLION LARGE ONE DOLLAR COINS ARE OUTSTANDING, IT HAS EFFECTIVELY CEASED TO CIRCULATE, THUS PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF NON-ROUND COINS.
THE SCALLOPED TWO-DOLLAR COIN OF WHICH 101 MILLION WERE IN CIRCULATION OVER CHINESE NEW YEAR, HAS BEEN WELL RECEIVED. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE FIVE-DOLLAR COIN OF WHICH 51 MILLION wERE IN CIRCULATION OVER CHINESE NEW YEAR, HAS RECEIVED CONSIDERABLE CRITICISM PARTLY BECAUSE OF ITS SHAPE AND BECAUSE IT WILL NOT ROLL AND THEREFORE CANNOT BE USED EASILY IN VENDING MACHINES. IT HAS ALSO BEEN UNLAWFULLY IMITATED.
THE GOVERNMENT THEREFORE HAS DECIDED THAT THE NUMBER OF SHAPED COINS SHOULD BE REDUCED THROUGH THE INTRODUCTION OF A ROUND $5 COIN, RATHER THAN THROUGH THE INTRODUCTION OF A ROUND $2 COIN AS SUGGESTED BY THE COINAGE REVIEW COMMITTEE. A SECONDARY REASON FOR THIS DECISION IS THAT THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AUTOMATIC TICKET ISSUING MACHINES ACCEPT $2 COINS, BUT THEY DO NOT ACCEPT THE PRESENT $5 COINS.
THE NEW $5 COIN WILL HAVE A DISTINCTIVE SECURITY EDGE WHICH, WITH OTHER FEATURES, MAKES IT MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TO PRODUCE THAN HONG KONG’S OTHER COINS AND THOSE CIRCULATING IN OTHER COUNTRIES. IT WILL CIRCULATE INITIALLY ALONGSIDE THE EXISTING 10-SIDED COIN, BUT THE LATTER WILL BE PHASED OUT GRADUALLY AND AFTER GOOD NOTICE, IT WILL CEASE TO BE LEGAL TENDER.
THE NEW COIN HAS THE SAME WEIGHT AS THE 50 PENCE COIN IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND HAS A LARGE +5+ NUMERAL AVOIDING ANY CONFUSION WITH OTHER COINS NOW IN CIRCULATION.
/THE COIN .......
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1981
4
THE COIN HAS A WIRED OUTLINE OF THE CREST OF ARMORIAL BEARINGS KONG DOLLAR DENOMINATION COINS.
OF THE *5+ NUMERAL IN PLACE WHICH NOW APPEARS ON ALL HONG
TO SIGHT AND FEEL, IT IS FAR MORE EASILY IDENTIFIABLE.
IT WILL NOT BE CONFUSED WITH THE $1 COIN, OR WITH THE 50-CENT COIN.
THE SECURITY EDGE IS WHAT MAKES THE COIN SPECIAL. THIS TAKES THE FORM OF A GROOVE LET INTO A MILLED EDGE. THE FLOOR OF THE GROOVE HAS RAISED ENGLISH LETTERING AND CHINESE CHARACTERS WHICH READ: *HONG KONG FIVE DOLLARS.*
WITH ONE EXCEPTION, ALL OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COINAGE REVIEW COMMITTEE HAVE NOW BEEN IMPLEMENTED. THE EXCEPTION IS THE PROPOSAL THAT CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO REDUCING THE SIZE OF THE 1O-CENT COIN. THE PRESENT NICKEL BRASS COIN RANGE DOES NOT HAVE AN ENTIRELY SUITABLE ♦SLOT* FOR A NEW SMALLER TEN-CENT COIN, BUT VARIOUS IDEAS ARE NOW BEING CONSIDERED.
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GOVERNOR
THE GOVERNOR, SIR TRIBUTE TO SIR RUN RUN SERVICE IN HONG KONG.
PAYS TRIBUTE TO SIR RUN RUN SHAW * * * *
MURRAY MACLEHOSE TODAY (THURSDAY) PAID
SHAW FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARY RECORD OF
SPEAK ING AT THE OPENING OF THE SIR RUN RUN SHAW HALL IN THF CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, SIR MURRAY SAIDi +ALL THF WORI n KNOWS ABOUT HIS FILMS AND CINEMAS, BUT LESS IS KNOWN ABOUT WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR THE RED CROSS ANd’tHE COMMUNITY CHEST OR IN PRIVATE FOR THE HONG KONG FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND AS CHAIRMAN nr thf BOARD OF GOVERNORS, FOR THE ARTS CENTRE, AND OF THE IMPETUS ?HuI GIVEN TO THE EXPANSION OF PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS IN HONG KONG.*
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF SPEECH RY thf cnvFDMAD at THE OPENING OF THE SIR RUN RUN SHaJ SaLL TOMY? GOVERNOR AT
+TO-DAY WE CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF THIS NEW AUDITORIUM.
*WE AS A UNIVERSITY HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH MANY GIFT’S that 2,UT 0F THIS HEADLAND SUCH A WELL-EQUIPPED AND
BEAUTIFUL PLACE OF LEARNING. HERE, IN THIS HALL WE SEE THE MOST RECENT AND PERHAPS THE MOST MANIFICENT OF THESE GIFTS - A MAGNIFICENT ADDITION TO OUR UNIVERSITY, A FINE BU LDING GENEROUSLY EQUIPPE^ S?veASsi!EyDli?e?ANY USES’ *° ™AT ,T ma? "'ay a f^LpYarEtU!S ED
♦PERHAPS LONG WANTED, BUT WELL WORTH WAITING FOR.
♦SUCH AUDITORIA ARE STILL SCARCE IN HONG KONG AND WHILE ITS PRIMARY PURPOSE IS TO SERVE THE UNIVERSITY I AM PARTICULARLY GRATEFUL THAT THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE PLAN TO USE IT SO THAT IT ATUb?orcS0 PERM,T EXCHANGES BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITY AND THE COMMUNITY AI LAKbt•
Asm run ......
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1981
5
+SIR RUN RUN HAS AN EXTRAORDINARY RECORD OF SERVICE IN HONG KONG. ALL THE WORLD KNOWS ABOUT HIS FILMS AND CINEMAS, BUT LESS IS KNOWN ABOUT WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR THE RED CROSS AND THE COMMUNITY CHEST, OR, IN PRIVATE FOR THE HONG KONG FESTIVAL CF ARTS, AND, AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS, FOR THE ARTS CENTRE, AND OF THE IMPETUS THUS GIVEN TO THE EXPANSION OF PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS IN HONG KONG.
♦ NOW, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GOVERNMENT, HE HAS PRESENTED THIS AUDITORIUM. I AM SURE WE ALL SHARE HIS HOPE THAT IT WILL GIVE TO THE PERFORMING ARTS IN THE UNIVERSITY - WHERE THEY ARE 4.READY OF SUCH A HIGH STANDARD - THE SAME ENCOURAGEMENT THAT HE HAS GIVEN TO THE ARTS OUTSIDE IT.
♦ ON BEHALF OF THE UNIVERSITY, FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, I THANK HIM.
♦ I NOW HAVE GREAT PLEASURE IN DECLARING OPEN THE SIR RUN RUN SHAW HALL.*
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GOVERNMENT TEAM BACK FROM CHINA VISIT
* * * *
A GROUP OF SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS RETURNED FROM A TWO-DAY VISIT TO GUANGZHOU TH-S MORNING AFTER A SERIES OF TALKS ON BORDER SECURITY AND RELATED MATTERS.
THE GROUP, LED BY THE POLITICAL ADVISER, DR DAVID WILSON, MET HIGH RANKING OFFICIALS FROM THE GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL AUTHORITY INCLUDING VICE-GOVERNOR ZENG DINGSHI AND MR ZHANG JIANNAN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE PROVINCIAL PUBLIC SECURITY DEPARTMENT.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE VISIT WAS TO DISCUSS METHODS OF ESTABLISHING MORE REGULAR CONTACT FOR DEALING WITH SUCH MATTERS AS MOVEMENT OF PASSENGERS AND VEHICLES ACROSS THE BORDER AS WELL AS RELATED PROBLEMS SUCH AS SMUGGLING AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.
AMONGST OTHER MATTERS DISCUSSED DURING MEETINGS IN GUANGZHOU, WHICH WERE HELD IN A VERY FRIENDLY AND CO-OPERATIVE ATMOSPHERE, WAS THE PROBLEM OF REFUGEES FROM VIETNAM SETTLED IN CHINA ATTEMPTING TO COME ILLEGALLY TO HONG KONG.
ACCOMPANYING DR WILSON ON THE VISIT WEREj
J.R. HEYWOOD, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY-
K.S. TONG, SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT, CUSTOMS AND
EXCISE DEPARTMENT-
SO LAI-YIN, DEPUTY DISTRICT POLICE COMMANDER, NEW TERRITORIES-
LAURENCE M.Y. LEUNG, PRINCIPAL IMMIGRATION OFF ICER (CONTROL)- AND
CHENG YANG-PING, CHIEF INTERPRETER.
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/6
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1981
- 6
NOTE TO EDITORSi
RENT REVIEW - PRESS CONFERENCE * * * *
THE COMMITTEE OF REVIEW, LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE GIS THEATRE, 5TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
PRESENT WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR DONALD LIAO, IN HIS CAPACITY OF CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, AND THREE MEMBERS -MR RAYMOND FRY, COMMISSIONER FOR RATING AND VALUATION, PROF P.G. WILLOUGHBY OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY, AND MR ROGER LOBO, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT THE GIS THEATRE BY 2 PM WHEN THEY WILL BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY OF READING THE COMMITTEE’S REPORT AND A SUMMARY BEFORE THE START OF THE CONFERENCE AT 2.30 PM.
THE CONTENTS OF THE REPORT WILL BE EMBARGOED UNTIL AFTER THE CONFERENCE.
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NEW TOWNS SERVED BY NEW BUSES * * * *
MANY OF THE NEW BUSES BOUGHT BY HONG KONG’S TWO FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES HAVE BEEN PUT, A FEW AT A TIME, ON ROUTES TO HOUSING ESTATES IN NEW TOWNS AND ON FEEDER ROUTES FOR THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, SAID THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR ALAN ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE TOLD THE KOWLOON ROTARY CLUB AT A PENINSULA HOTEL LUNCHEON THAT THE REPLACEMENT OF OLD BUSES AND NEW DEPLOYMENT ON PROBLEM ROUTES WERE OTHER FACTORS WHICH TENDED TO NULLIFY EFFORTS MADE BY THE COMPANIES TO IMPROVE THEIR SERVICES.
MR ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT SAID THAT KMB LAST YEAR BOUGHT NEARLY 300 BUSES, AND CMB 180, INCREASING THE TOTAL FLEET OF THE TWO COMPANIES FROM 2 700 TO OVER 3 000 AND THE CARRYING CAPACITY BY 16 PER CENT.
♦IN THEORY, THE PUBLIC SHOULD NOW BE ENJOYING A MUCH BETTER BUS SERVICE, BUT IN PRACTICE, IN SPITE OF THE UNPRECEDENTED EXPANSION OF THE BUS FLEETS AND RELIEF PROVIDED BY MTR, WE STILL l€AR THE CRY THAT BUS SERVICES HAVE NOT IMPROVED,♦ HE SAID.
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THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1981
- 1
♦ I SUSPECT THAT THE MAIN REASON IS THAT NEW BUSES HAVE BEEN PHASED INTO SERVICE, A FEW AT A TIME, SPREAD OVER A LARGE NUMBER OF ROUTES, RATHER THAN BEING INTRODUCED EN BLOCK WITH A BIG FLOUR ISH,+ HE ADDED.
MR ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE EFFORTS HAD BEEN DECRIED BY SOME, THE ADDITIONAL BUSES AND RELIEF PROVIDED BY THE MTR HAVE HAD AN EFFECT.
HE SAID NEW BUS ROUTES WERE BEING WELL USED AND SURVEY RESULTS SHOWED THAT THE LENGTH OF PEAK PERIODS AND THE LEVEL OF OVERCROWDING HAD BEEN REDUCED ON MANY EXISTING ROUTES.
MR ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT ADMITTED THAT ALTHOUGH MANY STEPS WERE TAKEN IN 1980 TO OBTAIN ENOUGH BUSES TO MEET DEMAND, BUS SERVICES STILL FELL FAR SHORT OF PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS FOR A GOOD BUT CHEAP DUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM.
BUT EFFORTS WERE BEING MADE TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION, HE SAID.
HE ALSO SAID A TEAM HEADED BY AN EXPERT FROM THE U.K. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT, HAD BEEN FORMED TO DEVELOP PUBLIC TRANSPORT PRIORITY MEASURES.
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TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE BUILDING OPENED * * *
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, OPENED THE NEW TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE BUILDING TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE FOUR-STOREY BUILDING IS ON A 658-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT SAN TSING ROAD GRANTED BY GOVERNMENT.
INCLUDED IN THE BUILDING ARE OFFICES AND MEETING AND CONFERENCE ROOMS WITH A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF 950 SQUARE METRES.
IT WAS BUILT AT A COST OF S2.1 MILLION, THE LARGEST AMOUNT EVER SPENT ON A RURAL COMMITTEE BUILDING.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAU WONG-FAT- A FORMER CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN YAT-SUN AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BILLY LAM.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, MR LAM SAID A SPECIAL FEATURE OF THE BUILDING WAS THAT, APART FROM BEING THE ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE OF TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, IT WOULD PROVIDE OFFICE SPACE FOR FOUR LONG-ESTABLISHED LOCAL ORGANISATIONS - TUEN MUN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, TUEN MUN MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION, TUEN MUN MEAT TRADE ASSOCIATION AND TUEN MUN SPORT ASSOCIATION.
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THURSDAY,' MAY 7, 1?81
8
ALSO, TEMPORARY SPACE WOULD BE PROVIDED FOR ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS JUNIOR POLICE CALL WHICH HAD NO PERMANENT OFFICE.
MR LAM SAID THE FORMER TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE BUILDING *AS BUILT IN 1954 WHEN MR CHAN YAT-SUN WAS THE COMMITTEE’S CHAIRMAN.
IT WAS DEMOLISHED IN 1976 TO MAKE WAY FOR NEW TOWN
DEVELOPMENT.
DURING THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD, THE COMMITTEE HAD CONTINUED TO PROVIDE SERVICES FROM RENTED PREMISES.
ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS IT HAD PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN RESOLVING DISPUTES BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE ARISING FROM DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, MR LAM SAID.
HE SAID GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL RESIDENTS WOULD ALWAYS REMEMBER THE CONTRIBUTION MADE BY THE COMMITTEE AND ITS MEMBERS, IN PARTICULAR MR CHAN YAT-SUN AND MR LAU WONG-FAT.
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VOCAL CONCERTS TO BE HELD * * * *
STUDENTS OF MADAM EVELYN CHIU, SOPRANO, WILL PERFORM IN THE FRIDAY MUSIC HOUR CONCERT JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE BRITISH COUNCIL AND THE MUSIC OFFICE AS A PART OF THE REGULAR MUSIC PROGRAMME.
THE CONCERT WILL BE HELD AT 5.30 PM EACH DAY, ON MAY 8 AT THE BRITISH COUNCIL HALL AND ON MAY 15 AT THE WEST KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE CF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
THE PROGRAMME FOR THE CONCERTS WILL INCLUDE ART SONGS, FOLK SONGS AND OPERA ARIAS, SUCH AS ’LOVE LORN SONG’, ’CARO MIO BEN’, ’0 MIO BABBINO CARO’.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE BRITISH COUNCIL LIBRARY (225, HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG), THE MUSIC OFFICE HEADQUARTERS (HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, 9/F., HONG KONG) AND THE WEST KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE OF THE MUSIC OFFICE (157, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON).
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URBAN CLEARWAY IN NORTH POINT * * * *
THE SECTION OF OIL STREET BETWEEN KING’S ROAD AND ELECTRIC ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM ON SUNDAY ^THURSDAY)A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP ON THE CLEARWAY BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 7 AM AND 10 AM AND 4 PM AND 7 PM.
THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CLEARWAY WILL BE INDICATED BY TRAFFIC
SIGNS. | . fy
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STATEMENT ON THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF REVIEW LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE .................. 1
BANKING, DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AMENDMENT BILLS .............. 3
MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS FOR MARCH 1981 ........... 4
CHANGES TO RATING ORDINANCE .................................... 8
MORE LAND FOR HOUSING PLANNED .................................. 9
MASSIVE PLAN UNDER WAY FOR MORE 'WATER SUPPLIES FRCM CHINA . 10
BARNETT APPOINTED SUPREME COURT REGISTRAR ..................... 10
TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS AWARE OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME ........................................................ 11
NEW REGULATIONS, REVISED FEES FOR LAND REGISTRATION ........... 12
RED CROSS YOUTH PROGRAMME PRAISED ............................. 13
BOARD TO MANAGE DENTAL HOSPITAL TO BE SET UP .................. 14
SUMMER JOBS FOR CAREERS TEACHERS WORK OUT WELL ................ 14
TENDERS CALLED FOR AIRPORT SELF-DRIVE CAR SERVICE ............. 15
INDUSTRIAL LIAISON UNIT SET UP IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE ........................................................ 16
AMBULANCES HAVE BUSY TIME...................................... 17
SHA TIN'S FIRST REGATTA TO TAKE PLACE TOMORROW ................ 18
NEW MAXICAB SERVICE IN K0.7L00N ............................... 19
WATER CUT ..................................................... 19
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1981
1
STATEMENT ON THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF REVIEW LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE * * * * ft ft
IN ANNOUNCING THE PUBLICATION OF THE REPORT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN STATED THAT IT HAD BEEN FULLY CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL, AND THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS IT CONTAINS ON FUTURE POLICY FOR RENT CONTROL LEGISLATION ARE GENERALLY ACCEPTED.
THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT CONSIDER THAT THIS IS THE RIGHT TIME FOR A SIGNIFICANT MOVE TO PHASE OUT RENT CONTROL. ONE OF THE MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE WAS THAT AS SOON AS CIRCUMSTANCES PERMIT AND SUBJECT TO ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS RENT CONTROL SHOULD BE PHASED OUT. WHILE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS THE RECOMMENDATION IN PRINCIPLE, IT DOES NOT THINK THAT PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES ARE RIGHT FOR SUCH A MOVE.
PART II OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE IS DUE TO EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 18, 1981. GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THAT THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF PROTECTION FOR POSTWAR PREMISES SHOULD REMAIN, AND A BILL WILL THEREFORE SHORTLY BE PUT FORWARD IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PROPOSING THE EXTENSION OF PART 11 BY A FURTHER TWO YEARS.
IN EXTENDING THE LIFE OF THE LEGISLATION, CERTAIN AMENDMENTS WILL BE PROPOSED WITH THE OBJECT OF REVISING THE SYSTEM OF PERMITTED INCREASES AND CONTROLS, BROADLY IN ACCORD WITH THE COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS.
THESE WILL INCLUDEi
(A) THE RAISING OF THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED INCREASE IN CONTROLLED RENTS FROM THE PRESENT 21 PER CENT BIENNIALLY (THAT IS, EQUAL TO 10 PER CENT PER ANNUM) TO 30 PER CENT BIENNIALLY (THAT IS, EQUAL TO 14 PER CENT PER ANNUM)*
(B) THE EXCLUSION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF PART II OFi-
(I) PREMISES IN BUILDINGS ISSUED WITH AN OCCUPATION PERMIT AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT DATE OF THE AMENDING LEGISLATION"
(II) PREMISES WITH A CURRENT RATEABLE
VALUE (BASED ON 1976 RENTAL LEVELS) OF $80 000 OR MORE, WITH EFFECT FROM THE EXPIRY OF THE PRESENT PART II, (THAT IS AT MID-NIGHT ON DECEMBER 18, 1981)-
/(III) PREMISES ..
2
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1981
(III) PREMISES WITH A CURRENT RATEABLE VALUE OF $60 000 OR MORE, WITH EFFECT FROM MID-NIGHT ON DECEMBER 18, 1982.
THE RAISING OF THE PERCENTAGE CEILING OF PERMITTED INCREASES IN RENT FOR CONTROLLED PREMISES IS DESIGNED TO SLOW DOWN THE RATE AT WHICH SUCH RENTS HAVE BEEN FALLING BEHIND MARKET RENTS.
THE EXCLUSION OF NEW PREMISES FROM CONTROLS IS INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPERS TO PRODUCE FLATS FOR THE RENTAL MARKET, AND TO COUNTERACT ANY TENDENCY FOR OWNERS OF NEW PREMISES TO HOLD THEM VACANT FOR SPECULATIVE REASONS.
THE EXCLUSION IN TWO STAGES OF PREMISES HAVING A CURRENT RATEABLE VALUE OF $60 000 OR MORE TAKES ACCOUNT OF THE ARGUMENT, NOTED BY THE COMMITTEE, THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD SEEK TO INTERVENE ONLY TO ASSIST THOSE CONSIDERED TO BE IN NEED OF PROTECTION, NAMELY THE MIDDLE AND LOWER INCOME GROUPS.
THE EXCLUSION OF PREMISES WITH RATEABLE VALUES OF $80 000 OR MORE WOULD AFFECT ABOUT 1 000 TENANCIES, WITH A CURRENT RENTAL LEVEL OF ABOUT $25 000 PER MONTH OR MORE. PREMISES WITH A RATEABLE VALUE FROM $60 000 TO $80 000 CARRY CURRENT RENTALS OF ABOUT $18 000 TO $25 000 PER MONTH- AND SOME 1 500 MORE TENANCIES WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THIS EXCLUSION.
THE COMMITTEE'S REPORT INCLUDES AN IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATION, WHICH WILL BE FULLY EXAMINED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE JUDICIARY, FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE JURISDICTION OF THE LANDS TRIBUNAL TO PROVIDE FOR MEDIATION BETWEEN LANDLORDS AND SITTING TENANTS OF PREMISES TO BE EXCLUDED FROM THE PART II CONTROLS.
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF SUCH A MEASURE WOULD BE TO ENSURE A REASONABLE DEGREE OF SECURITY FOR A SITTING TENANT WHO WISHES TO EXTEND HIS TENANCY AND IS PREPARED TO PAY A FAIR MARKET RENT.
THE SPOKESMAN CONCLUDED BY RECORDING THE APPRECIATION OF GOVERNMENT OF THE VERY CONSIDERABLE WORK DONE BY THE COMMITTEE IN EXAMINING THESE COMPLEX AND IMPORTANT PROBLEMS.
HE SAID THAT, IN ADDITION TO THE MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS ON SECURITY OF TENURE AND CONTROL OF RENTS, THE COMMITTEE, IN ITS COMPREHENSIVE REPORT OF ALMOST 300 PAGES, HAD MADE A LARGE NUMBER CF DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING THE LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS OF RENT CONTROL AND SECURITY OF TENURE, WHICH WILL RECEIVE MOST CAREFUL STUDY BY GOVERNMENT.
NOTE TO ED ITORSi
THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION CENTRES IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH VERSIONS AT $15 A COPY.
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1981
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BANKING, DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AMENDMENT BILLS *****
THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) CONTAINS THE TEXT OF THE BANKING (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1981 AND THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1981.
THE PURPOSE OF THESE BILLS, WHICH WERE FORESHADOWED IN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S BUDGET SPEECH ON FEBRUARY 25 (PARAGRAPH 287), IS TO IMPROVE THE GENERAL QUALITY OF THE PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION EXERCISED OVER THE ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG OF BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
THE BILLS THUS COMPLEMENT THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL, AND THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL, PUBLISHED ON APRIL 10, WHICH DEAL WITH THE DEFINITION OF BANKING BUSINESS AND THE CREATION OF A NEW CATEGORY OF LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY.
THE BILLS INCREASE THE MINIMUM PAID UP SHARE CAPITAL REQUIRED BY LOCALLY-INCORPORATED BANKS AND REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (WITH AN APPROPR IATE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD FOR THOSE NOW KLOW THE NEW MINIMUM). THEY ALSO INTRODUCE, OR TIGHTEN, CERTAIN CONTROLS ON ADVANCES TO DIRECTORS OF BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, AND TO CERTAIN OTHER CUSTOMERS.
THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL INTRODUCES LIMITS, RELATED TO ITS PAID UP CAPITAL AND RESERVES, ON THE SHAREHOLDINGS OR INTERESTS IN LAND AND PROPERTY WHICH MAY BE HELD BY A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY. THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES THAT ALL DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WILL IN FUTURE REQUIRE THE APPROVAL OF THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES BEFORE OPENING BRANCHES IN HONG KONG OR, FOR COMPANIES INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG, ABROAD.
A NUMBER OF MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE TWO ORDINANCES ARE CONTAINED IN THE TWO BILLS, WHICH ALSO AIM TO REVISE THE PENALTIES SET FOR DIFFERENT OFFENCES.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL MOVE THE SECOND READINGS OF THESE TWO BILLS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 13.
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A
_ FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1981
MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS FOR MARCH 1981 * * M * *
THE MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS FOR MARCH 1981 ARE PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THEY SHOW A FALL, PARTLY ON SEASONAL GROUNDS, IN THE QUARTERLY GROWTH RATES OF THE MONEY SUPPLY (M3) AND OF CREDIT TO THE ECONOMY. THERE WAS A FURTHER OUTFLOW OF FUNDS FROM THE HONG KONG MONETARY SECTOR IN THE MONTH.
THE DETAILED FIGURES FOR MARCH 1981, AND COMPARISONS WITH PREVIOUS MONTHS, ARE SET OUT IN TABLE 1. TABLE 2 SETS OUT SOME FIGURES FROM THE QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR.
AS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT IN PARAGRAPH 32 OF HIS BUDGET SPEECH, OUR MONETARY STATISTICS DO NOT YET PROVIDE A BASIS FOR REALLY MEANINGFUL ECONOMIC ANALYSIS. THE GOVERNMENT IS HOWEVER NOT YET IN A POSITION TO PUBLISH ON A REGULAR BASIS THE STATISTICS WHICH ARE NOW BEING COLLECTED UNDER THE MONETARY STATISTICS ORDINANCE.
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 0.6 PER CENT DURING MARCH, AFTER FALLING BY 11.2 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY (ON SEASONAL GROUNDS).
M2 (Ml PLUS SAVINGS AND TIME DEPOSITS, OTHER THAN FROM BANKS AND DTCS, WITH LICENSED BANKS) INCREASED BY 1.2 PER CENT IN MARCH, ^FTER A 1.4 PER CENT FALL IN FEBRUARY.
M3 (M2 PLUS PUBLIC DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES) INCREASED BY 1.3 PER CENT IN MARCH, AFTER RISING BY 0.9 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY.
IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981 Ml FELL FURTHER BY 1.6 PER CENT, AFTER FALLING BY 5.7 PER CENT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1980. BUT IN THE FIRST QUARTER M2 ROSE BY 5.8 PER CENT AND M3 BY 7.3 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE INCREASES OF 1.3 PER CENT AND 8.7 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
LOANS IN HONG KONG
TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG GREW BY 2.9 PER CENT IN MARCH, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 2.3 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY. IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981 TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG ROSE BY 11.6 PER CENT, WELL DOWN FROM AN INCREASE OF 16.7 PER CENT RECORDED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1980.
BANK LOANS IN HONG KONG ROSE IN MARCH BY 2.7 PER CENT AND LOANS IN HONG KONG BY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES BY 3.4 PER CENT, AS COMPARED WITH THE INCREASES OF 2.5 PER CENT AND 1.6 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY RESPECTIVELY. BUT THE GROWTH RATES OF LOANS IN HONG KONG BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981 AT, RESPECTIVELY, 11.8 PER CENT AND 10.9 PER CENT, WERE DOWN FROM THEIR INCREASES OF 18.0 PER CENT AND 12.7 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1981
5
FOREIGN ASSETS
THE NET IDENTIFIABLE FOREIGN ASSETS OF ALL BANKS FELL IN MARCH BY S3 885MN, WHILE THOSE OF DTCS ROSE BY |2 O37MN, SUGGESTING A NET OUTFLOW OF FUNDS FROM THE HONG KONG MONETARY SECTOR OF $1 848MN, AGAINST AN OUTFLOW OF $1 289MN IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH. THE NET OUTFLOW OF FUNDS FROM HONG KONG IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981 AMOUNTED TO $4 111MN, AS COMPARED WITH A NET OUTFLOW OF S3 977MN IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1980.
BALANCE SHEET RATIOS
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO FOR ALL BANKS IN HONG KONG ROSE IN MARCH TO 46.4 PER CENT FROM 46.1 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY. THE LOAN/DEPOSIT RATIO ROSE FURTHER TO 113.1 PER CENT AT THE END OF MARCH FROM 112.1 PER CENT AT THE END OF FEBRUARY.
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO FOR ALL DTCS FELL IN MARCH TO 44.2 PER CENT FROM 45.0 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY. THE LOAN/DEPOSIT RATIO, HOWEVER, ROSE TO 68.8 PER CENT AT THE END OF MARCH FROM 67.7 PER CENT AT THE END OF FEBRUARY.
QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LENDING IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR
IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981, LOANS TO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ROSE BY 14.7 PER CENT, WELL UP FROM A 8.9 PER CENT RISE IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1980. LOANS TO THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR EXPANDED BY 21.3 PER CENT, DOWN FROM AN INCREASE OF 26.3 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. LOANS TO THE TRANSPORT AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT SECTOR FELL BY 4.3 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER, AFTER A RISE OF 1.3 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
BORROWING BY INDIVIDUALS TO PURCHASE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY ROSE BY 8.6 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981, DOWN FROM AN INCREASE OF 15.8 PER CENT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1980. BORROWING BY INDIVIDUALS FOR OTHER PURPOSES, HOWEVER, ROSE FURTHER BY 17.2 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER, AFTER RISING BY 3.1 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING BANKS REMAINED UNCHANGED IN MARCH AT 115. THE NUMBER OF REPORTING DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY ANOTHER 15 DURING THE MONTH TO 332.
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1981
6
TABLE 1
MONEY AND BANKING FIGURES - END OF MARCH 1981 (IN HK$ MILLIONS)
FIGURES FOR EARLIER MONTHS (% CHANGE)!
MARCH 1981 FEBRUARY 1981 DECEMBER 1980 MARCH 1980
Ml 23 745 23 615 (♦0.6%) 24 124 (-1.6%) 20 310 (♦16.9%)
M2 102 490 101 265 (♦1.2%) 96 862 (♦5.8%) 76 109 (♦34.7%)
M3 149 733 147 753 (♦1.3%) 139 578 (+7.3%) 106 657 (+40.4%)
3ANKS
DEPOSITS 93 844 92 185 (+1.8%) 88 490 (+6.1%) 68 393 (+37.2%)
-OANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG 106 154 103 335 (+2.7%) 94 970 (+11.8%) 69 560 (+52.6%)
LOAN/DEPOSIT RATIO 113.1% 112.1% 107.3% 101.7%
AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO 46.4% 46.1% 48.4% 52.6%
DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES
DEPOSITS 47 243 46 488 (+1.6%) 42 716 (+10.6%) 30 548 (+54.7%)
LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG 32 515 31 454 (+3.4%) 29 317 (+10.9%) 16 742 (♦94.2%)
LOAN/DEPOSIT RATIO 68.8% 67.7% 68.6% 54.8%
AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO 44.2% 45.0% 44.2% 44.6%
BANKS AND DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES
TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES IN 138 669 134 789 (+2.9%) 124 287 (+11.6%) 86 302 (+60.7%)
HONG KONG
/TABLE 2 ......
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1981
7
TABLE 2
QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG (IN HK$ MILLIONS)
CATEGORY OF BORROWER LOANS AND ADVANCES LOANS AND ADVANCES BY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES
BY BANKS
MARCH 1981 DECEMBER 1980 MARCH 1981 DECEMBER 1980
MANUFACTURING OF WHICH* 13 673 (♦14.9%) 11 905 1 602 (♦13.0%) 1 418
TEXTILES 3 106 (♦16.1%) 2 675 248 (-8.1%) 270
TR NSPORT AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 7 260 (-5.7%) 7 699 3 765 (-1.5%) 3 822
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION 16 753 (♦19.1%) 14 064 6 545 (♦27.3%) 5 143
GENERAL COMMERCE 29 021 (♦6.3%) 27 308 5 025 (♦2.5%) 4 904
FINANCIAL CONCERNS * 6 030 (♦13.0%) 5 336 1 668 (♦29.4%) 1 289
INDIVIDUALS! TO PURCHASE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY 7 921 (♦10.4%) 7 173 4 786 (♦5.7%) 4 530
OTHER PURPOSES 9 977 (♦11.4%) 8 952 5 044 (♦30.6%) 3 861
OTHERS 15 519 (♦23.8%) 12 533 4 080 (-6.2%) 4 350
TOTAL * 106 154 (♦11.8%) 94 970 32 515 (♦10.9%) 29 317
M THIS EXCLUDES FUNDS ADVANCED BY BANKS TO DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
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FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1981
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CHANGES TO RATING ORDINANCE ft * ft ft
A BILL WHICH PROPOSES A NUMBER OF CHANGES OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE NATURE TO THE RATING ORDINANCE IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
AMONG THE MORE IMPORTANT CHANGES IN THE RATING (AMENDMENT) BILL ARE i
(A) FOR FUTURE REVIEWS OF RATEABLE VALUES THE GOVERNOR WILL DESIGNATE A DATE BY REFERENCE TO WHICH VALUES ARE TO BE DETERMINED. SINCE RENTS TEND TO CHANGE RAPIDLY OVER EVEN SHORT PERIODS. THIS PROPOSAL WILL HELP TO SECURE GREATER UNIFORMITY IN THE LEVEL OF RATEABLE VALUES.
(B) IN FUTURE, VALUATION LISTS WILL BE ON DISPLAY TO THE PUBLIC ONLY IN THE YEAR FOLLOWING A general REVALUATION. HOWEVER, ADDITIONAL FACILITIES ARE BEING PROVIDED AT BOTH THE TREASURY AND RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT WHEREBY RATEPAYERS WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING ASSESSMENTS AT ANY TIME DURING THE YEAR. THIS PROPOSAL WILL NOT AFFECT A RATEPAYER’S RIGHT TO OBJECT TO AN ASSESSMENT EACH YEAR.
(C) IN FUTURE IT WILL BE POSSIBLE FOR THE TREASURY TO CHARGE RATES ON AN INTERIM VALUATION FOR UP TO 24 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ISSUE OF THE DEMAND NOTE INSTEAD OF 12 MONTHS AS PRESENTLY PROVIDED. ALTHOUGH IT IS UNLIKELY THAT IT WILL OFTEN BE NECESSARY TO BACK-DATE ASSESSMENTS TO SUCH AN EXTENT THE PROPOSAL WILL EASE THE BURDEN ON THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT AT TIMES WHEN IT IS HEAVILY INVOLVED WITH OTHER WORK.
(D) IN KEEPING WITH THE ABOVE AMENDMENT IT IS ALSO PROPOSED TO INCREASE FROM 12 TO 24 MONTHS THE PERIOD IN WHICH A RATEPAYER MAY CLAIM A REFUND OF RATES.
(E) A NUMBER OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS CONCERN THE MANNER IN WHICH PREMISES ARE EXEMPTED FROM RATES, BUT PROVISION IS ALSO INCLUDED TO CONFIRM THE PRACTICE OF EXEMPTING FROM RATES DOMESTIC UNITS IN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS AND COTTAGE AREAS MANAGED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT STRESSED THAT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS DID NOT PRESAGE ANY EARLY REVIEW OF RATEABLE VALUES.
ON THE PROPOSAL TO EXTEND FROM 12 TO 24 MONTHS THE MAXIMUM PERIOD THAT RATES CAN BE CHARGED ON INTERIM VALUATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS PROVIDE THAT RATES ON AN INTERIM VALUATION OF MORE THAN 12 MONTHS WILL NOT BECOME CHARGEABLE UNTIL AFTER DECEMBER 1981.
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1981
9
MORE LAND FOR HOUSING PLANNED ft * ft ft
SHA TIN NEW TOWN WILL ENTER ANOTHER STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT LATER THIS MONTH, FOLLOWING THE SIGNING OF A CONTRACT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MA ON SHAN.
the contract, worth about million, was signed today by MR JOHN DON, DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT AND MR H.S. LEE OF OKPO CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING CO. LTD.
IT CALLS FOR THE RECLAMATION OF IS HECTARES OF LAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING TO PROVIDE PLACES FOR ABOUT 25 OOO PEOPLE.
THE CONTRACT, THE FIRST AWARDED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW SATELLITE TOWN AT MA ON SHAN, ALSO COVERS THE CONSTRUCTION OF SEAWALLS AND AN ACCESS ROAD OF ABOUT THREE KILOMETRES LONG, AND THE FORMATION OF A FISHERMAN'S VILLAGE RESITE AREA.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 30 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
MR DOH SAID THAT THE WORK FORMED THE FIRST STAGE OF A MAJOR NEW DEVELOPMENT AT MA ON SHAN TO HELP MEET THE DEMAND FOR PUBLIC MOUSING BEYOND 1985.
THE FULL DEVELOPMENT WILL PROGRESS IN STAGES OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS, AS THE NEED FOR MORE LAND ARISES.
MR DON SAID THAT DETAILED PLANNING AND DESIGN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT HAD BEGUN.
IT IS PLANNED TO INCORPORATE ALL ESSENTIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES, SUCH AS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING, INDUSTRIES, SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY HALLS, POLYCLINICS, OPEN SPACE AND OTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES. A CIVIC CENTRE COMPLEX IS ALSO BEING PLANNED.
MA ON SHAN. SITUATED TO THE NORTH-EAST OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN, PROVIDES AN IDElL LOCALE FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AS |T IS ADJACENT TO THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK, AND HAS A VIEW OF TOLO
HARBOUR.
IT IS ALSO WITHIN EASY REACH FROM THE DEVELOPED AREAS OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
HE SAIDi +THE GOVERNMENT IS STUDYING IN DETAIL THE TRANSPORT REQUIREMENTS AND LAND NEEDS OF THIS DEVELOPMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER STUDIES IN THE TERRITORY.
AS RECENTLY PLANNED, THE POPULATION IN THE AREA OF DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE ABOUT 200 000, BUT FURTHER STUDIES WERE BEING MADE ON THIS, HE SAID.
WORKS OF THE CONTRACT HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
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FR IDAY,MAY 8, 1981
10 -
MASSIVE PLAN UNDER WAY FOR MORE WATER SUPPLIES FROM CHINA *****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS TO AWARD CONTRACTS WORTH A TOTAL OF $150 MILLION IN THE SECOND HALF OF THIS YEAR AS PART OF A 12—YEAR SCHEME TO CATER FOR ADDITIONAL WATER SUPPLIES FROM CHINA.
THE CHIEF ENGINEER (RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT) OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, MR LEUNG KWOK-WAI, TODAY (FRIDAY) SAlDi +THE CONTRACTS WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE PUMPING STATIONS AT MUK WU, TAI PO TAU AND FAN KAM ROAD RESPECTIVELY RECEPTION FACILITIES AT MUK WU, 5.2 KILOMETRES OF TUNNEL AND THE LAYING OF FIVE KILOMETRES OF PIPELINE.*
MR LEUNG WAS SPEAKING AFTER THE SIGNING OF A $14 MILLION CONTRACT WITH THE HONG KONG AREA MANAGER OF DRAGAGES ET TRAVAUX PUBLICS, MR MICHAEL PINAUD.
THE CONTRACT COVERS THE LAYING OF 2.1 KILOMETRES OF STEEL PIPELINE WITH A DIAMETER OF 200 MM FROM LOWER SHING MUN VALLEY TO JUBILEE CONDUIT.
WORK WILL START NEXT WEEK AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 17 MONTHS TO COMPLETE•
THE NEW PIPELINE TOGETHER WITH A NEW PUMPING STATION BEING BUILT AT THE LOWER SHING MUN VALLEY WILL BOOST THE DAILY SUPPLY OF RAW WATER FROM THE VALLEY TO TSUEN WAN AND SHEK LEI PUI TREATMENT WORKS BY FOUR TIMES TO ALMOST 182 □□□ CUBIC METRES BY EARLY 1983.+ HE SAID.
0 - -
BARNETT APPOINTED SUPREME COURT REGISTRAR * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF MR NICHOLAS JOHN BARNETT AS REGISTRAR, SUPREME COURT.
MR BARNETT WAS BORN IN BRISTOL, ENGLAND IN 1940 AND EDUCATED AT BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND KING’S COLLEGE, LONDON. HE OBTAINED HIS LAW DEGREE IN 1962 AND WAS ADMITTED AS SOLICITOR IN 1966.
HE WORKED AS ASSISTANT PROSECUTING SOLICITOR IN BRISTOL BEFORE JOINING THE HONG KONG JUDICIARY AS A MAGISTRATE IN 1969.
IN 1977, HE WAS APPOINTED ASSISTANT REGISTRAR, SUPREME COURT AND IN 1979 PRESIDENT, LANDS TRIBUNAL.
HE HAS ACTED AS REGISTRAR, SUPREME COURT ON MANY OCCASIONS.
MR BARNETT’S APPOINTMENT IS WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 1980.
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FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1981
11
TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS AWARE OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME
M * * * *
MORE THAN 40 PER CENT OF TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS HAVE SAID THEY ARE AWARE OF THE NEW DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME, ACCORDING TO A SAMPLE SURVEY CONDUCTED IN THE AREA RECENTLY.
AND OVER 90 PER CENT OF THOSE WHO KNOW OF THE SCHEME SAY THEY APPROVE.
4
THE SURVEY WAS ONE OF THE PUBLICITY MEASURES NOW TAKING PLACE IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT TO INCREASE LOCAL AWARENESS OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND ITS PURPOSE. IT WAS CONDUCTED BY 36 LIAISON OFFICERS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISERS FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
ABOUT 620 RESIDENTS FROM TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG WERE INTERVIEWED IN CONNECTION WITH THE SURVEY, OF WHOM 266 (OR 42.8 PER CENT) SAID THEY KNEW ABOUT THE SCHEME.
THESE 266 WERE THEN ASKED IF THEY AGREED WITH IT AND WHETHER THEY WOULD REGISTER AS VOTERS AND RUN FOR ELECTION NEXT MARCH.
IN ANSWER, 245 RESIDENTS (OR 92.1 PER CENT) SAID THEY SUPPORTED THE SCHEME- 161 (OR 60.5 PER CENT) SAID THEY WOULD REGISTER AS VOTERS- AND 34 (OR 12.8 PER CENT) SAID THEY WOULD STAND AS CANDIDATES.
COMMENTING ON THE SURVEY, A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAIDi ♦THIS IS VERY ENCOURAGING AND I WOULD SAY THAT LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE MORE AWARE OF AND SHOWING GREATER CONCERN TOWARDS THE SCHEME THAN THEY WERE THREE MONTHS AGO.+
HE SAID THIS MIGHT BE DUE TO VISITS MADE BY STAFF OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO EXPLAIN THE SCHEME.
♦BUT IT MIGHT ALSO BE DUE TO THE FAIRLY HIGH LEVEL OF COMMUNITY AWARENESS IN THE TOWN, AND THE WORK DONE BY MANY OF OUR LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS,♦ HE ADDED.
SO FAR, STAFF OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAVE VISITED 82 ORGANISATIONS IN THE AREA, INCLUDING MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, SCHOOLS AND ASSOCIATIONS.
OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, BEFORE REGISTRATION OF VOTERS BEGINS IN AUGUST, THEY WILL CONTINUE TO VISIT MEMBERS OF ALL MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS AND LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
AS WELL AS THESE VISITS, THERE WOULD BE SEMINARS, TALKS AND MEETINGS BETWEEN TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS AND DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF, HE SAID.
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FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1981
12 -
NEW REGULATIONS, REVISED FEES FOR LAND REGISTRATION ******
TWO SETS OF REGULATIONS GOVERNING LAND REGISTRATION AND LAND REGISTRATION FEES IN THE LAND OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT ARE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THEY ARE THE LAND REGISTRATION REGULATIONS 1981 AND THE LAND REGISTRATION FEES (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1981.
THE LAND REGISTRATION REGULATIONS, WHICH FOLLOW ON THE ENACTMENT OF THE LAND REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1980, ARE TO ESTABLISH DETAILED STATUTORY PROCEDURES FOR THE REGISTRATION CF INSTRUMENTS BY MEMORIAL IN THE LAND OFFICE, AND PROVIDE FOR THE KEEPING OF DOCUMENTS AND RECORDS OF THE LAND OFFICE, FOP THE MICROFILMING OF MEMORIALS AND INSTRUMENTS DELIVERED FOR REGISTRATION, FOR THE DISPOSAL OF MEMORIALS AFTER THE INSTRUMENTS HAVE BEEN REGISTERED, AND FOR THE PRODUCTION AND SUPPLY OF RECORDS TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
THESE REGULATIONS APPLY ONLY TO THE LAND OFFICE IN VICTORIA AND NOT TO THE DISTRICT LAND OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE LAND REGISTRATION FEES (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1981 ARE TO REVISE THE SCHEDULE OF FEES PAYABLE IN RESPECT OF THE REGISTRATION OF INSTRUMENTS IN THE LAND OFFICE IN VICTORIA, AND THE PROVISION OF COPIES OF AND EXTRACTS FROM LAND OFFICE RECORDS, INCLUDING MICROFILM RECORDS, WITH EFFECT FROM JUNE 8.
APART FROM THE REVISION OF EXISTING FEES, TWO NEW TYPES OF FEES ARE ALSO INCLUDED.
THE FIRST IS A FEE PAYABLE UPON THE REDELIVERY FOR REGISTRATION OF AN INSTRUMENT WITHHELD FROM REGISTRATION. THE FEE IS $120 FOR EACH PERIOD OF 28 DAYS UNTIL THE INSTRUMENT IS REDELIVERED
THIS FEE, WHICH IS IN ADDITION TO THE REGISTRATION FEE OTHERWISE PAYABLE, IS INTENDED TO DISCOURAGE THE DELIVERY OF MEMORIALS WHICH DID NOT COMPLY WITH THE LAND REGISTRATION REGULATIONS, A LAND OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SECOND IS A FEE OF $5 IMPOSED UPON PRODUCTION OF A NEMORIAL DAY BOOK OR PLAN FOR SEARCH PURPOSES. DETAILS OF THE NEW SCHEDULE OF FEES CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE LAND OFFICE, REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, (WEST WING), 10TH AND 11TH FLOORS, HONG KONG. ------------------------------o--------
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1981
- 13 -
RED CROSS YOUTH PROGRAMME PRAISED *****
THE HONG KONG RED CROSS YOUTH PROGRAMME WAS DESCRIBED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE THIS EVENING (FRIDAY) AS +WORK OF IMMENSE VALUE*.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE RED CROSS YOUTH JUBILEE CELEBRATION, SIR MURRAY SAID THAT THE PROGRAMME HAD GROWN FROM ITS MODEST START IN 1956 WITH 57 STUDENTS TO TODAY’S MEMBERSHIP OF OVER 5 OOO STUDENTS, PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE AND OTHER WORKERS.
♦YOU HAVE BUILT UP A STRONG AND VIGOROUS ORGANISATION. YOUNG PEOPLE ARE GIVEN A THOROUGH GROUNDING IN FIRST AID, HEALTH EDUCATION, LIFE SAVING, AND OTHER SKILLS. THEY UNDERTAKE A WIDE VARIETY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE WITH THE SICK, THE HANDICAPPED AND THE UNDERPRIVILEGED.+
HE SAID THE REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON YOUTH WORK, WHICH WAS PART OF THE CELEBRATIONS AND THE FIRST OF ITS KIND ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG RED CROSS, ♦SHOULD BE OF GREAT INTEREST AND VALUE TO PARTICIPANTS FROM HONG KONG AND COUNTRIES NEARBY+.
SIR MURRAY EXPRESSED HOPE THAT THE ORGANISATION’S PLAN TO EXPAND INTO NEW TOWNS WOULD BE PURSUED WITH VIGOUR, AS THIS WAS URGENTLY NEEDED.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF OPENING OF THE RED CROSS YOUTH JUBILEE
THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH AT THE CELEBRATIONi
♦TWENTY-FIVE YEARS IS A LONG TIME IN THE LIFE OF A YOUTH ■MOVEMENT - THE MAIN PURPOSE OF TO-DAY’S GATHERING IS TO CELEBRATE THE GROWTH OF THE HONG KONG RED CROSS YOUTH PROGRAMME FROM ITS MODEST START IN 1956 WITH 57 STUDENTS TO TO-DAY’S MEMBERSHIP OF OVER 5000 STUDENTS, PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE AND OTHER WORKERS.
♦YOU HAVE BUILT UP A STRONG AND VIGOROUS ORGANISATION. YOUNG PEOPLE ARE GIVEN A THOROUGH GROUNDING IN FIRST AID, HEALTH EDUCATION, LIFE SAVING, AND OTHER SKILLS. THEY UNDERTAKE A WIDE VARIETY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE WITH THE SICK, THE HANDICAPPED AND THE UNDERPRIVILEGED. IT IS WORK OF IMMENSE VALUE AND THE SPLENDID EXHIBITION WHICH OPENS TOMORROW WILL PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH AN INSIGHT INTO BOTH THE SCOPE OF YOUR WORK AND THE HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY.
♦ANOTHER ENTERPRISING VENTURE DURING THESE CELEBRATIONS IS YOUR REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON YOUTH WORK. THIS IS THE FIRST GATHERING OF THIS SORT ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG RED CROSS AND SHOULD BE OF GREAT INTEREST AND VALUE TO PARTICIPANTS FROM HONG KONG AND COUNTRIES NEARBY.
♦THE REGIONALISATION YOU HAVE RECENTLY INTRODUCED INTO YOUR ORGANISATION CREATES A SOUND BASIS FOR THE EXPANSION INTO NEW TOWNS WHICH YOU NOW PLAN. THIS IS URGENTLY NEEDED AND I HOPE IT WILL BE PURSUED WITH VIGOUR.
♦CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SILVER JUBILEE. I HOPE THE CELEBRATIONS ARE REWARDING AND THAT THE NEXT TWENTY-FIVE YEARS WILL SEE EVEN GREATER GROWTH.+
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1981
14
BOARD TO MANAGE DENTAL HOSPITAL TO BE SET UP ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT HAS INTRODUCED LEGISLATION TO SET UP A BOARD OF GOVERNORS TO MANAGE THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL.
UNDER THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL BILL 1981, PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY, THE BOARD WILL COMPRISE A CHAIRMAN, FOUR MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, FIVE NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS INCLUDING TWO REGISTERED DENTISTS, AND FOUR OFFICIALS. THEY WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
IN ADDITION, THE DIRECTOR AND COMPTROLLER OF THE HOSPITAL WILL BE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS.
THE DIRECTOR WILL BE A QUALIFIED DENTAL TEACHER NOMINATED BY THE UNIVERSITY AND APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. THE COMPTROLLER, APPOINTED BY THE BOARD, WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FINANCIAL MATTERS AND WILL ASSIST THE DIRECTOR IN THE DAY-TO-DAY RUNNING OF THE HOSPITAL.
THE BOARD WILL BE EMPOWERED TO EMPLOY ITS OWN STAFF OTHER THAN TEACHING STAFF WHO WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE UNIVERSITY.
IT WILL TAKE OVER THE WORK OF THE PROVISIONAL BOARD WHICH WAS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR IN MAY 1980 TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COM SSI ON ING AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOSPITAL PENDING ENACTMENT OF LEGISLATION.
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SUMMER JOBS FOR CAREERS TEACHERS WORK OUT WELL ft ft ft ft ft
A PILOT SCHEME IN WHICH CAREERS MASTERS WERE ATTACHED TO OR VISITED FACTORIES AND COMMERCIAL CONCERNS DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS PROVED SUCCESSFUL LAST YEAR, MR JEFFREY DEVEREUX, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A CAREERS MASTERS’ SEMINAR HELD AT HANG SENG BANK.
IN FUTURE, CAREERS TEACHERS WILL BE CALLED UPON TO PLAY AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT ROLE IN SHAPING THE VOCATIONAL ASPIRATIONS OF YOUNG PEOPLE, AND THIS SUMMER WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME CAN BE OF GREAT VALUE TO BOTH THE TEACHERS AND THEIR STUDENTS, MR DEVEREUX SAID.
♦IN THE LONG TERM, EVERYONE STANDS TO GAIN FROM THIS SORT OF CO-OPERATION AND I HOPE THAT WE CAN COUNT ON THE SUPPORT OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN MAKING AVAILABLE ATTACHMENTS TO ALL TEACHERS WHO WISH TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SCHEME,♦ HE SAID.
THE PILOT SCHEME LAST YEAR ENABLED FOUR CAREERS MASTERS TO WORK IN SONCA INDUSTRIES FOR A TWO-WEEK PERIOD DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS. IN ADDITION SOME 90 TEACHERS VISITED VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL UNDERTAKINGS.
/+THIS WAS ...
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1981
15
♦THIS WAS A MOST ENCOURAGING START AND I AM PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THIS YEAR SOME 50 TEACHERS HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN ATTACHMENTS DURING THE SUMMER,♦ MR DEVEREUX SAID.
THE SUMMER WORK SCHEME IS A JOINT VENTURE SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION DIVISION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES AND THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
MR DEVEREUX WELCOMED THE CAREERS MASTERS* SEMINAR BECAUSE IT GAVE TEACHERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET PEOPLE FROM INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE.
♦THIS EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION IS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL AND MAY LEAD TO NEW IDEAS FOR CLOSER CO-OPERATION,+ HE SAID.
TENDERS CALLED FOR AIRPORT SELF-DRIVE CAR SERVICE *****
TENDERS ARE BEING CALLED BY THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT FOR THE OPERATION OF A SELF-DRIVE HIRE CAR RENTAL BUSINESS AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
A COUNTER IN THE RESTRICTED PASSENGER BUFFER HALL OF THE TERMINAL BUILDING AND FOUR VEHICLE PARKING SPACES WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITH THREE YEARS’ TENANCY, STARTING IN MID-JUNE THIS YEAR.
ALL TENDERS FOR THE CONCESSION MUST REACH THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD BEFORE 12 NOON ON FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1981. TENDERS RECEIVED FROM INTER-RELATED COMPANIES OR GROUPS MAY BE REJECTED.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN NEW RODNEY BLOCK, QUEENSwAY, OR FROM THE MANAGEMENT OF HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
FRIDAY, MAY 3, 1981
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INDUSTRIAL LIAISON UNIT SET UP IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE ft ft ft ft
AN INDUSTRIAL LIAISON UNIT HAS BEEN SET UP WITHIN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE TO HELP WITH PROBLEMS AFFECTING LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS AND FACTORY OPERATORS.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, DR JAMES HAYES, AT A LUNCHEON MEETING WITH MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S INDUSTRIAL SUB-COMMITTEE.
DR HAYES SAID WITH THE SETTING UP OF THE NEW UNIT, THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE ABLE TO ESTABLISH MORE TIES WITH LOCAL FACTORIES.
♦THESE WILL BE ESTABLISHED THROUGH MEMBERS OF THE FEDERATION OF TSUEN WAN INDUSTRIES, INDUSTRIAL MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS, AND PERSONS WHO WISH TO FORM NEW MACS IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS,* DR HAYES SAID.
+OUR PURPOSE IS TO PROVIDE MORE HELP TO SOLVE ALL KINDS OF PROBLEMS AFFECTING MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS, ESPECIALLY IN BUILDINGS IN MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP AND TENANCY,* HE SAID.
+WE WILL ALSO ENLIST THE HELP OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE LEASE ENFORCEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TEAMS AND TRY TO GIVE ASSISTANCE WHERE NEEDED TO THE SPECIALIST DEPARTMENTS DEALING WITH
FACTORIES, SUCH AS THE LABOUR AND FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENTS AND BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE.*
SET UP LAST MONTH, THE UNIT HAS AT PRESENT TWO LIAISON OFFICERS FOR TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG WHO HAVE ALREADY VISITED SEVERAL LOCAL FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL MAC’S TO GIVE ADVICE AND OFFER HELP.
DR HAYES ALSO ASSURED MEMBERS OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE THAT FULL ATTENTION WOULD BE PAID TO ITS WORK.
♦WE WANT THE SUB-COMMITTEE TO BE PROBLEM ORIENTATED AND, WITH OUR HELP, PROBLEM SOLVING,* HE SAID.
HE CALLED ON MEMBERS TO MAKE FULL USE OF THEIR CONTACTS TO DO BENEFICIAL WORK FOR TSUEN WAN INDUSTRY. HE SAID THE SUB-COMMITTEE WAS PLAYING A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE BECAUSE IN TSUEN WAN THERE WERE 10 000 REGISTERED INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS AND A WORK FORCE OF 200 000.
♦ON THIS BASIS, THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF SCOPE FOR USEFUL WORK,* HE SAID.
DR HAYES ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO TWO TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD NEMBERS, MR LAM KIN-MING AND DR LAI MING-WAH, WHO WERE RECENTLY AWARDED BADGES OF HONOUR FOR THEIR SERVICES TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. MR LAM IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE INDUSTRIAL SUB-COMMITTEE.
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1981
- 17 -
AMBULANCES HAVE BUSY TIME * * * *
THE AMBULANCE COMMAND OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SET A NEW DAILY RECORD BY RESPONDING TO 812 CALLS LAST FRIDAY (MAY 1).
THE PREVIOUS RECORD WAS 811 CALLS, RECEIVED DURING THE 24 HOURS ON JUNE 18 LAST YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE NUMBER OF CALLS RECEIVED HAS BEEN EXPANDING FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS AT A RATE OF BETWEEN EIGHT AND 15 PER CENT.
LAST YEAR, 221 057 CALLS WERE MADE COMPARED WITH 199 152 IN 1979. THIS IS AN INCREASE OF 11 PER CENT.
WHEN COMPARING THE 1979 FIGURE WITH 173 816 CALLS OF 1978, THE RISE IS ABOUT 14.6 PER CENT.
IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE RESPONSE BY THE COMMAND TOTALLED 77 974 COMPARED WITH 69 459 RECORDED DURING THE SIMILAR PERIOD IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR. THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 12.3 PER CENT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE REASONS FOR THE INCREASING NUMBER OF CALLS RECEIVED BY THE SERVICE WERE MANY, THE MAJOR ONES BEING THE GROWTH OF THE POPULATION AND THE PUBLIC MAKING INCREASING USE OF THE AMBULANCE SERVICE.
CITING AN EXAMPLE OF PRESSURE EXPERIENCED BY THE DEPARTMENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID IN ONE INCIDENT ALONE ON MARCH 19 THIS YEAR WHEN A JETFOIL RAN AGROUND IN HONG KONG WATERS, 15 AMBULANCES WERE USED TO TRANSPORT 86 INJURED PASSENGERS TO QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.
TO COPE WITH INCREASING CALLS MORE AMBULANCES ARE ENTERING SERVICE. MOST OF THE 24 ADDITIONAL VEHICLES ORDERED FOR THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR HAVE ARRIVED AND THE DEPARTMENT IS AT PRESENT CONSIDERING BUYING ABOUT 26 NEW ONES FOR THE COMING YEAR.
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FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1981
18
SHA TIN’S FIRST REGATTA TO TAKE PLACE TOMORROW * * * *
THE FIRST REGATTA IN SHA TIN WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON.
IT WILL BE HELD OH A 5OO-METRE STRETCH OF THE SHING MUN RIVER STARTING AT 2.30 PM. THERE WILL BE FOURS AND SCULLS EVENTS INVOLVING ABOUT 60 OARSMEN.
THE REGATTA IS ORGANISED BY SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ROWING ASSOCIATION.
IN WELCOMING THE DECISION OF THE ASSOCIATION TO HOLD A REGATTA IN SHA TIN, SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, DR PATRICK HASE SAID IT WAS EVIDENCE OF THE IMPROVED STATE OF THE RIVER, WHICH IS UNDERGOING A $5 MILLION CLEAN-UP.
HE SAID ALTHOUGH THERE WAS STILL A GREAT DEAL OF WORK TO BE DONE ON THE RIVER, INCLUDING DREDGING, HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT WITHIN 12-18 MONTHS IT WOULD BE READY FOR USE FOR A WIDE RANGE OF BOATING ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING COMPETITIONS. HE HOPED THE REGATTA WOULD BE HELD ANNUALLY.
THE RIVER CHANNEL WILL EVENTUALLY BE ABOUT FOUR KILOMETRES IN LENGTH STRETCHING FROM TAI WAI TO MA LIU SHU I AND BE ABOUT FOUR-SIX FEET DEEP.
THE CLEAN-UP OPERATION BEGAN TWO YEARS AGO, SINCE THEN TONS CF INDUSTRIAL AND AGRICULTURAL WASTE HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE RIVER. MORE CLEARANCE WILL TAKE PLACE DURING THIS YEAR TO REMOVE THE MAJOR REMAINING CAUSES OF RIVER POLLUTION.
IN DUE COURSE THE SHING MUN RIVER WILL BE TREE-LINED AND RUN ALONGSIDE THE TOWN PARK. IT WILL BE A MAJOR ATTRACTION IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN WHICH WILL HAVE A POPULATION OF 750 000 BY 1990.
OFFICIATING AT TOMORROW’S OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE DR HASE AND MR BOB WILSON, PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ROWING ASSOCIATION.
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FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1981
- 19 -
NEW MAX I CAB SERVICE IN KOWLOON * * * X
A NEW MAX I CAB ROUTE NO. 9 BETWEEN UPPER PAK TIN ESTATE AND SHEK KIP MEI MTR STATION IN KOWLOON WILL BE INTRODUCED ON MONDAY (MAY 11).
The maxicab SERVICE will OPERATE VIA PAK WAN STREET, PAK TIN STREET, BERWICK STREET, SHEK KIP MEI STREET, WOH CHAI STREET, WAI CHI STREET, AND NAM CHEONG STREET. IT WILL RETURN TO PAK WAN STREET VIA THE SAME ROUTING.
A FLAT FARE OF 50 CENTS WILL BE CHARGED FOR A SINGLE JOURNEY.
ALSO FROM NEXT MONDAY, THE TIMETABLE OF MAXICAB ROUTE NO. 10 FROM NAM SHAN ESTATE TO SHAM SHU I PO FERRY WILL BE REVISED. THE SERVICE WILL OPERATE ONLY DURING PEAK HOURS FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4.30 PM TO 8 PM DAILY.
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WATER CUT * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR NINE HOURS FROM 10 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 11) TO 7 AM ON TUESDAY FOR WATER MAINS CONNECTION.
THE AREAS TO BE AFFECTED ARE INDUSTRIAL ZONES 9 AND 12, TUEN MUN- TAI HING ESTATE- MING KUM ROAD LICENSED AREA- AREA 34 LICENSED AREA- AND LUNG MUN ROAD FROM TSI NG WEN ROAD TO PILLAR POINT.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT STEPS UP CHECKS FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ........... 1
HOT AND DRY APRIL .........................................
TENDERS INVITED FOR WORK AT LO WU STATION ................... 5
NEW MARKET FOR KWAI CHUNG .................................
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TECHNICAL STUDENTS ........................ iF
WATER LEAKAGE TEST
4
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1981
1
GOVERNMENT STEPS UP CHECKS FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
******
MORE THAN 700 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SUMMONSED FOR FAILING TO CARRY PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY FOLLOWING A SPECIAL TWO-DAY OPERATION BY THE POLICE AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THE JOINT OPERATION, CARRIED OUT LAST WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, WAS PART OF THE ONGOING TERRITORY-WIDE EFFORT BY A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED TODAY THAT THIS EFFORT WOULD CONTINUE UNABATED.
♦CONTRARY TO RUMOURS CIRCULATING IN GUANGZHOU,* HE SAID, ♦THERE WILL BE NO NEW AMNESTY.
♦NOR WILL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS BE ISSUED IDENTITY CARDS, AND OF COURSE, WITHOUT IDENTITY CARDS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO WORK OR SUSTAIN THEMSELVES.
♦THERE IS NO QUESTION OF ANY LET UP IN OUR DETERMINATION TO DEAL WITH ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG,+ HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN RECALLED THAT THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER, RECENTLY SAID IN CLEAR AND UNMISTAKABLE TERMS THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT THE SLIGHTEST INTENTION OF CHANGING ITS IMMIGRATION POLICY, NOR OF RELAXING THE MEASURES INTRODUCED LAST OCTOBER WHEN THE SO-CALLED ’REACHED BASE’ POLICY WAS SCRAPPED.
♦IN FACT, IN HIS DISCUSSIONS IN GUANGZHOU LAST MARCH, SIR JACK HAD BEEN ASSURED BY THE AUTHORITIES THERE THAT THEY WOULD CONTINUE TO TAKE STERN MEASURES TO PREVENT ILLEGAL EMIGRATION.
♦FOR OUR PART IN HONG KONG WE WILL MAINTAIN OUR GUARD AND WILL CONTINUE TO MOUNT OPERATIONS, SUCH AS THE ONE A FEW DAYS AGO, AS PART OF OTHER OPERATIONS AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION,♦ HE SAID.
IN THE PAST WEEK, POLICE HAVE CHECKED MORE THAN 153 000 PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY FOR IDENTIFICATION, WHILE LABOUR INSPECTORS MADE DAY AND NIGHT CALLS ON 4 816 INDUSTRIAL AND NON-INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
A TOTAL OF 742 PERSONS ARE BEING SUMMONSED OR CHARGED FOR FAILING TO CARRY PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY, AND 15 OTHERS HAVE BEEN REFERRED BY THE POLICE TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION.
LABOUR INSPECTORS FOUND 21 PEOPLE IN 20 ESTABLISHMENTS WHO WERE WITHOUT PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY. THEY TOO HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR INVESTIGATION.
ELEVEN OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND NOT TO BE KEEPING PROPER RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES AS REQUIRED UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE, WHILE 113 ESTABLISHMENTS COULD NOT PRODUCE ACCEPTABLE EMPLOYEE RECORDS AT THE TIME OF THE VISITS.
/THE SPOKESMAN ...
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1981
2
THE SPOKESMAN WARNED EMPLOYERS FOUND ENGAGING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS THAT THEY COULD BE FINED UP TO $50 000 AND FACE IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR. THOSE FAILING TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE RECORDS OF EACH OF THEIR EMPLOYEES SHOWING THE EMPLOYEE’S NAME, TYPE OF IDENTITY DOCUMENT AND THE NUMBER OF THE DOCUMENT, RISKED A $10 000 FINE.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC OF THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION TO CARRY PROOF OF IDENTITY — SUCH AS ID CARD, CURRENT DRIVING LICENCE OR A VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENT.
♦APART FROM AVOIDING THE RISK OF BEING FINED $1 000 FOR NOT CARRYING ACCEPTABLE PROOF OF IDENTITY, THEY WOULD BE GREATLY ASSISTING THE POLICE, IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AND LABOUR INSPECTORS IN DETECTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS,* HE SAID.
♦AT THE SAME TIME, THEY WOULD AVOID INCONVENIENCE TO THEMSELVES SHOULD THEY BE STOPPED AND ASKED FOR IDENTIFICATION.*
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HOT AND DRY APRIL ft ft ft ft
LAST MONTH WAS HOTTER AND DRIER THAN USUAL, ACCORDING TO THE MONTH’S WEATHER SUMMARY ISSUED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
ALTHOUGH THERE WERE EIGHT DAYS WITH THUNDERSTORMS DURING THE MONTH, THE TOTAL RAINFALL AMOUNTED ONLY TO 94.2 MM, 45.2 MM BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR APRIL.
THE ACCUMULATED RAINFALL FROM JANUARY 1 TO APRIL 30 WAS 229.9 MM, 13 PER CENT BELOW THE AVERAGE FIGURE OF 263 MM.
APRIL WAS THE SEVENTH CONSECUTIVE MONTH WITH TEMPERATURES ABOVE NORMAL. THE MONTH'S MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 24.2 DEGREES CELSIUS IS SAME AS THAT IN 1975 AND 1977 — THE HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR APRIL.
THE MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 22.4 DEGREES CELSIUS IS ALSO THE HIGHEST FOR APRIL WHILE THE MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 26.8 DEGREES CELSIUS IS THE FIFTH HIGHEST.
APRIL WAS ALSO CLOUDIER THAN USUAL, AND THE TOTAL DURATION OF SUNSHINE OF 104.3 HOURS WAS 15.9 HOURS BELOW NORMAL.
THE MONTH BEGAN WITH A CLOUDY DAY BUT THE WEATHER BECAME SUNNY AND WARM ON APRIL 2. A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE CAUSED RAIN ON APRIL 3. WINDS TURNED SOUTHERLY THE FOLLOWING DAY AND WEATHER BECAME WARM AND HUMID.
APART FROM SOME EARLY MORNING COASTAL FOG ON APRIL 4 AND 6, IT REMAINED CLOUDY WITH SUNNY INTERVALS UNTIL APRIL 7. THERE WAS LIGHT RAIN OVERNIGHT AND MORE MIST IN THE EVENING OF APRIL 8. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY A WEEK OF UNSETTLED WEATHER FROM APRIL 9 TO 15, AND HALF OF THE MONTH’S RAINFALL FELL DURING THIS PERIOD. SOME THUNDERSTORMS OCCURRED ON APRIL 9 AND 10. THERE WERE MORNING SHOWERS ON APRIL 11 AND THUNDERSTORMS AGAIN THE FOLLOWING AFTERNOON.
/IT REMAINED ...
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1981
- 3 -
IT REMAINED CLOUDY WITH SUNNY INTERVALS ON APRIL 13, BUT SHOWERS OCCURRED ALL DAY ON APRIL 14 AND THERE WERE SOME MORE THUNDERSTORMS IN THE EVENING. SHOWERS PERSISTED UNTIL NOON ON APRIL 15, AFTER WHICH THE WEATHER REMAINED FINE UNTIL APRIL 16. IT TURNED CLOUDY AGAIN ON APRIL 17 AND THERE WERE A FEW MORE SHOWERS.
THE WEATHER WAS SUNNY ON APRIL 18 AND 19, BUT A COLD FRONT BROUGHT THUNDERSTORMS AND COOLER WEATHER LATE IN THE AFTERNOON OF APRIL 19. EASTERLY WINDS STRENGTHENED DURING THE NIGHT AND REMAINED STRONG THE NEXT DAY.
TEMPERATURES FELL TO A MINIMUM OF 19.3 DEGREES CELSIUS ON APRIL 20, THE LOWEST OF THE MONTH. IT REMAINED DULL IN THE NEXT THREE DAYS WITH OCCASIONAL SHOWERS AND SOME THUNDERSTORMS AROUND NOON ON APRIL 23. THE FOLLOWING DAY WAS SUNNY AND FINE.
ANOTHER WEAK COLD FRONT PASSED ON APRIL 25 AND THERE WERE MORE THUNDERSTORMS. SUNNY INTERVALS WERE EXPERIENCED ON APRIL 26 AND 27. APART FROM THE THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AFTERNOON OF APRIL 29, THE LAST THREE DAYS OF THE MONTH WERE FINE AND HOT, WITH TEMPERATURES RISING TO A MAXIMUM OF 29.8 DEGREES CELSIUS ON APRIL 28 AND 30, THE HIGHEST OF THE MONTH.
THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS HOISTED TWICE DURING THE MONTH.
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TENDERS INVITED FOR WORK AT LO WU STATION ft ft ft ft
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS WIDENING OF AN UNDERBRIDGE AT LO WU
INVITING TENDERS FOR THE STATION.
THE WORK FORMS PART OF THE KCR ELECTRIFICATION AND
MODERNISATION SCHEME. IT INCLUDES THE PARTIAL DEMOLITION OF THE EXISTING BRIDGE AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW BRIDGE EXTENSION TO ACCOMMODATE THE NEW RAIL TRACK.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE CONTRACT WILL BE THE ASSOCIATED SITE AND BUILDING WORKS FOR THE RE-CONSTRUCTION OF THE STATION BUILDINGS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND WILL TAKE SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND THE CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
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SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1981
4
NEW MARKET FOR KWAI CHUNG
* * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO BUILD A NEW MARKET AT WING FONG STREET, KWAI CHUNG.
THE MARKET WILL HAVE MORE THAN 110 HAWKER STALLS, OFFICES, STORE ROOMS AND STAFF QUARTERS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A ROOFTOP PLAYGROUND TO PROVIDE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE AREA.
IN ANOTHER PWD PROJECT, A SITTING-OUT AREA WILL BE BUILT AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR LAI CHI KOK HOSPITAL.
THE SITTING-OUT AREA WILL HAVE ARBOURS, FLOWER BEDS, FOOTPATHS AND BENCHES.
TENDERS FOR THE TWO PROJECTS ARE BEING INVITED BY PWD. WORK ON THE KWAI CHUNG MARKET WILL BEGIN IN JUNE FOR COMPLETION IN MAY NEXT YEAR WHILE THAT FOR THE SITTING-AREA WILL ALSO COMMENCE *£XT MONTH FOR COMPLETION IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
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SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TECHNICAL STUDENTS
*****
TWENTY-FIVE STUDENTS FROM THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS AMOUNTING TO $50 000 DONATED BY A LOCAL INDUSTRIALIST.
ALL THE RECIPIENTS ARE SECOND YEAR STUDENTS ON DIPLOMA COURSES IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, MARINE AND FABRICATION, AND INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY.
AWARDS WERE BASED ON THEIR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF THE COURSE.
THE SCHOLARSHIPS WERE DONATED BY MR CHIANG CHEN OF CHEN HSONG MACHINERY CO. LTD.
THE AIMS OF THE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE TO PROMOTE TECHNICAL EDUCATION, ESPECIALLY AT TECHNICIAN LEVEL, AND TO RAISE THE CRAFT SKILLS OF LOCAL CRAFTSMEN IN THE RELATED FIELDS.
------o-------
WATER LEAKAGE TEST * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 12) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD, BROADCAST DRIVE, EDE ROAD AND BEACON HILL ROAD INCLUDING RHONDDA ROAD, ALNWICK ROAD, MARCONI ROAD ROAD, LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICERS’ HOUSING SCHEMES,
, FESSENDEN RADIO HONG KONG
AND HONG KONG COMMERCIAL RADIO
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 10, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
POST OFFICE SALES SYSTEM A BIG SUCCESS .......................... 1
TICD PUTS OUT GUIDE TO INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT .................... 2
ABERDEEN CENTRE HELPS DISABLED TO FULLER LIFE ................... 3
TUEN MEN TO HOLD "TAI HING WEEK" ................................ 5
GRANTS OFFERED FOR TECHNICAL TEACHERS COURSE .................... 5
POLYTECHNIC OFFERS ORAL SHILLS COURSE FOR JOURNALISTS .........
SUNDAY, MAY 10, 1981
1
POST OFFICE SALES SYSTEM A BIG SUCCESS *****
THE SALES SYSTEM INTRODUCED BY THE POST OFFICE TWO YEARS AGO TO PROMOTE SPEEDPOST AND OTHER POSTAL SERVICES AND TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER RELATIONS, PARTICULARLY WITH THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, HAS BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL.
SOME 160 FIRMS AND ORGANISATIONS SIGNED CONTRACTS WITH THE POST OFFICE IN 1980 TO USE THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE, AN INCREASE OF 17 PER CENT OVER THE 1979 FIGURE.
IN ADDITION, SOME 100 000 ITEMS WERE HANDLED FROM OTHER CUSTOMERS ON NON-CONTRACT TERMS. REVENUE PRODUCED FROM THE SERVICE IN 1980 AMOUNTED TO MORE THAN $14 MILLION, REPRESENTING A 60 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE PRECEDING YEAR.
TWO POSTAL SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES APPOINTED UNDER THE SALES SYSTEM VISIT FIRMS AND ORGANISATIONS TO EXPLAIN THE FULL RANGE OF POSTAL SERVICES THE POST OFFICE HAS TO OFFER. THEY ALSO KEEP A CLOSE CONTACT WITH MAIN USERS OF POSTAL SERVICES IN ORDER TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR REQUIREMENTS AND PROBLEMS. ANY FIRM WISHING TO DISCUSS POSTAL MATTERS WITH A POSTAL SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE CAN CONTACT MR LEE KI-PONG OR MR CHEUNG KANG-CHING ON 5-2671108.
♦SINCE THE SYSTEM WAS STARTED, SOME 2 500 CALLS HAVE BEEN MADE TO CUSTOMERS, FIRMS AND ORGANISATIONS,* SAID MR LEE KI-PONG, ONE OF THE POSTAL SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES.
♦AFTER RECEIVING ADVICE FROM OUR REPRESENTATIVES, SOME MAIN USERS OF POSTAL SERVICES IMPROVED THEIR METHOD OF POSTING. THIS HAS RELIEVED THE POST OFFICE OF SOME WORK AND HAS RESULTED IN A BETTER SERVICE TO THE USERS,* HE EXPLAINED.
+FOR EXAMPLE, ADVICE HAS BEEN GIVEN TO FIRMS AND ORGANISATIONS WITH COMPUTER ADDRESS FILES ON HOW TO CODE AND SEGREGATE THEIR ENVELOPES ACCORDING TO DELIVERY AREAS.*
♦THE SET UP OF MAIL ROOMS WITHIN CERTAIN FIRMS AND ORGANISATIONS HAS ALSO BEEN IMPROVED WITH THE HELP OF THE POSTAL SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES,* MR LEE ADDED.
TO GIVE USERS OF POSTAL SERVICES SOME IDEA OF THE OPERATION OF THE POST OFFICE, THE POSTAL SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES HAVE ARRANGED VISITS TO THE GENERAL POST OFFICE ON SATURDAYS TO ILLUSTRATE MAIL HANDLING PROCEDURES AND OTHER MATTERS OF INTEREST TO USERS OF THE POST.
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SUNDAY, MAY 10, 1981
2
TICD PUTS OUT GUIDE TO INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT * * * * *
A 60-PAGE GUIDE TO INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG HAS BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT.
ILLUSTRATED IN FULL COLOUR, ITS 12 CHAPTERS ENDEAVOUR TO ANSWER QUESTIONS LIKELY TO BE ASKED BY AN OVERSEAS INDUSTRIALIST INTERESTED IN ESTABLISHING A WHOLLY-OWNED MANUFACTURING FACILITY OR JOINT VENTURE OPERATION IN HONG KONG.
TOPICS COVERED IN THE GUIDE RANGE FROM THE CHOICE OF INDUSTRIAL SITES TO MANPOWER AND WAGES, FROM COMMUNICATIONS TO RECREATION FACILITIES.
PRINTED IN ENGLISH AND JAPANESE, *HONG KONG INTO THE ’80S : INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT* WILL SHORTLY ALSO BE AVAILABLE IN GERMAN AND FRENCH.
DESIGNED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, COPIES OF THE GUIDE ARE AVAILABLE AT $12 FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE.
FOLLOWING A FOREWORD BY THE GOVERNOR, AND AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY MANY INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES HAVE SUCCESSFULLY ESTABLISHED PROJECTS HERE, THE PUBLICATION ADVISES THAT ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT STIPULATE WHICH INDUSTRIES SHOULD OR SHOULD NOT BE DEVELOPED, THOSE MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED ARE COMPANIES WHICH HAVE REASONABLY HIGH LEVELS OF TECHNOLOGY- WHICH ARE EXPORT-ORIENTED OR PROVIDE A SERVICE TO MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
THE AVAILABILITY OF LAND AND FACTORY BUILDINGS IS EXPLAINED IN DETAIL, INCLUDING LAND AUCTIONS, THE CRITERIA FOR SITES ON INDUSTRIAL ESTATES, TENDERS AND PRIVATE TREATIES, BUYING FROM PRIVATE DEVELOPERS, AND THE GROWTH OF THE INDUSTRIAL TOWNS AND ZONES. COSTS TOO, OF BUILDING FACTORIES AND BUYING OR LEASING PREMISES, INCLUDING COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS, ARE ALL COVERED.
OF VITAL INTEREST TO AN OVERSEAS INDUSTRIALIST IS THE AVAILABILITY OF MANPOWER, AND LABOUR COSTS. THESE QUESTIONS, AS WELL AS LEGISLATION COVERING HOLIDAYS AND WORKING HOURS, INDUSTRIAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, AND WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ARE ANSWERED, TOGETHER WITH REFERENCES TO THE GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS THAT CAN ASSIST.
GOVERNMENT BUREAUCRACY COULD BE A DAUNTING ASPECT WHEN INVESTING OVERSEAS, SO THE GUIDE, IN A CHAPTER ENTITLED +CUTTING THE RED TAPE* INTRODUCES THE TICD’S *ONE-STOP+ UNIT, WHICH PROVIDES, ON BEHALF OF ANY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT, ACCURATE AND SWIFT INFORMATION AND ADVICE.
TOGETHER WITH SEVERAL NON-GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS, THE GOVERNMENT HELPS TO MAINTAIN A VARIETY OF SERVICES TO MEET INDUSTRY’S NEEDS. PRODUCT TESTING AND QUALITY CERTIFICATION, HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS, PATENTS, DESIGNS, TRADE DESCRIPTIONS AND TRADE MARKS, AND EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE ARE JUST SOME GIVEN IN A CHAPTER CALLED +SERVING INDUSTRY*.
/•J3CHNICAL xDUCATlUN ....
SUNDAY, MAY 10, 1981
3
TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING, RANGING FROM THE WORK OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE TRAINING CENTRES RUN BY THE CONSTRUCTION AND CLOTHING INDUSTRIES, TO THE FLOW OF STUDENTS THROUGH UNIVERSITIES AND OTHER POST-SECONDARY SCHEMES, SHOW THAT HONG KONG AIMS TO PROVIDE HIGHLY-TRAINED TECHNICAL PERSONNEL.
ONE CHAPTER DEALS WITH EVERY ASPECT OF FINANCE AND TAXATION, WHILE ANOTHER DETAILS THE PROVISION AND COST OF POWER, WATER AND FUEL SUPPLIES.
COMMUNICATIONS - TELEGRAPHIC, AIR, ROAD AND RAIL - AND CARGO HANDLING - BY SEA, LAND OR AIR - ARE FULLY EXPLAINED.
THE GUIDE POINTS OUT THAT NOT ONLY IS KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL, IN TERMS OF THROUGHPUT, THE LARGEST IN ASIA, IT IS THE THIRD LARGEST IN THE WORLD AFTER NEW YORK AND ROTTERDAM.
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ABERDEEN CENTRE HELPS DISABLED TO FULLER LIFE ******
THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE PAVES THE WAY FOR THE DISABLED TO RETURN TO THE COMMUNITY FOR A FULLER LIFE.
THE CENTRE PROVIDES SOCIAL AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION WITH RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR MORE THAN 250 DISABLED PERSONS, WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON VOCATIONAL TRAINING.
ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF ITS TRAINEES ARE MENTALLY RETARDED, OTHERS ARE THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, THE BLIND, THE DEAF, THE DISCHARGED MENTAL PATIENTS AND THE ELDERLY INFIRMED.
THEY HAVE BEEN ADMITTED TO THE CENTRE EITHER BY REFERRALS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES OR BY APPLYING THEMSELVES INDIVIDUALLY.
+SERVICES IN THE FORM OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING, A SHELTERED WORKSHOP, WORK ACTIVITIES GROUP, CASEWORK, GROUP WORK, MEDICAL CARE, ADULT EVENING CLASS AND REFERRAL FOR EMPLOYMENT ARE OFFERED TO THE RESIDENTS,* SAID THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CENTRE, MRS JUDITH MA.
♦THROUGH THESE SERVICES, THEY WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH THE hECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS WHICH WILL ENABLE THEM TO OBTAIN OPEN EMPLOYMENT UPON COMPLETION OF THEIR TRAINING, AND BE FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT.+
Aas ma.....
SUNDAY, MAY 10, 19&1
4
MRS MA POINTED OUT THAT THE CENTRE’S EFFORTS ARE DIRECTED TOWARDS ACCLIMATISING THE TRAINEES TO A WORK MILIEU, MOTIVATING THEM TO MAKE THE TRANSITION FROM THE ROLE OF A DEPENDENT HANDICAPPED PERSON TO THAT OF A PRODUCTIVE WORKER, AND HELPING THEM TOWARDS PERSONAL OR SOCIAL GROWTH WHICH WILL ENABLE THEM TO ADAPT SUCCESSFULLY TO THE LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY.
THERE ARE FIVE VOCATIONAL TRAINING CLASSES IN THE CENTRE, NAMELY CARPENTRY, GARDENING, INDUSTRIAL MACHINE SEWING, TAILORING AND DOMESTIC HELP.
TRAINEES ATTENDING THESE CLASSES ARE FROM 16 TO 40 YEARS OLD, AND WILL NORMALLY COMPLETE THE TRAINING IN TWO YEARS, SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT THE JOB PLACEMENT UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT UNIT OF LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL ASSIST TRAINEES IN SEEKING OPEN EMPLOYMENT WHEN THEY COMPLETE THEIR TRAINING.
MRS MA SAID REMUNERATIVE OCCUPATIONS ARE OFFERED IN THE CENTRE TO THE SEVERELY DISABLED WHO CAN NEITHER FIT INTO THE COMPETITIVE OPEN EMPLOYMENT, NOR TAKE UP VOCATIONAL TRAINING.
♦THESE INCLUDE JOBS OF THREAD CUTTING, PLASTIC TOY AND FLOWER ASSEMBLING AND PACKING AND SEALING, OFFERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH TRAINEES’ INTEREST AND RESIDUAL CAPABILITY.*
ACCORDING TO MRS MA, TRAINEES WITH REGULAR ATTENDANCE IN VOCATIONAL TRAINING CLASSES AND SHELTERED WORKSHOP ARE GIVEN INCENTIVE PAYMENTS IN ADDITION TO THEIR WAGES.
MENTALLY RETARDED YOUTHS WITH I.Q. BELOW 40, WHO ARE UNABLE TO TAKE UP VOCATIONAL TRAINING BUT ARE IN NEED OF INTENSIVE SOCIAL TRAINING ARE TRAINED IN THE WORK ACTIVITIES GROUP AND ARE UNDER CLOSE SUPERVISION IN THEIR DAILY ACTIVITIES.
♦TRAINING PROGRAMMES OF THE GROUP EMPHASISE SPECIALLY ON SKILLS OF SELF CARE, COMMUNICATION, SENSORY AND MOTOR, SOCIAL COMPETENCE AND WORK HABIT FORMATION,* SHE SAID.
THERE ARE CASEWORK SERVICES TO HELP TRAINEES SOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS AND IN PLANNING THEIR RETURN TO THE COMMUNITY AT THE END OF THEIR COURSES, AS WELL AS GROUP WORK SERVICES TO ENR ICH THEIR SOC IAL LIFE.
TO BROADEN THE OUTLOOK OF TRAINEES AND TO INCREASE THEIR EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS, THE CENTRE IN COOPERATION WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, OFFERS EVENING CLASSES IN CHINESE, ENGLISH AND GENERAL SUBJECTS.
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/5 .......
SUNDAY, MAY 10, 1981
5
TUEN MUN TO HOLD +TAI HING WEEK*
* * *
THE NEWLY-ESTABLISHED LOCAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF TAI HING ESTATE IS ORGANISING ITS FIRST EVENT FOR THE 40 000 RESIDENTS.
THE EVENT, +TAI HING WEEK*, IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS’ INTEREST IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TOWN.
IT IS ALSO HOPED A BETTER UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND RESIDENTS WILL BE ACHIEVED THROUGH THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES.
THESE INCLUDE A VARIETY SHOW, CONCERTS, AN EXHIBITION, A CHILDREN’S GAMES DAY AND A TOUR AROUND THE ESTATE FOR THE ELDERLY, BEGINNING ON MAY 23.
THERE WILL ALSO BE ESSAY WRITING AND LOGO DESIGN COMPETITIONS.
THE TRANSPORT GROUP OF THE ESTATE IS ALSO INVOLVED IN PLANNING THE ACTIVITIES, WHICH ARE BEING FUNDED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
SET UP IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, THE TAI HING LOCAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE, POLICE, SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE MEMBERS, WOMEN AND YOUTH ASSOCIATION MEMBERS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND SHOPS. IT IS CHAIRED BY TUEN MUN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS SARAH WU.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID IT WAS SET UP TO PROMOTE A SENSE OF BELONGING AND TO IMPROVE THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
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GRANTS OFFERED FOR TECHNICAL TEACHERS COURSE * * *
YOUNG PEOPLE WISHING TO TAKE UP THE TEACHING OF TECHNICAL OR COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS CAN APPLY FOR A THREE-YEAR, FULL-TIME TEACHER TRAINING COURSE TO BE CONDUCTED BY THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS' COLLEGE IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATION IS A HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION WITH GRADE D OR ABOVE IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE (SYLLABUS B), GRADE E OR ABOVE IN THREE OTHER SUBJECTS INCLUDING CHINESE LANGUAGE, AND GRADE C OR ABOVE IN THE VARIOUS RELEVANT TECHNICAL OR COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS.
FEES ARE $800 A YEAR, IN 10 MONTHLY INSTALMENTS, AND STUDENTS ARE ENTITLED TO APPLY FOR INTEREST-FREE LOANS UP TO $2 400 A YEAR.
NEEDY STUDENTS MAY BE OFFERED A MAINTENANCE GRANT OF UP TO $2 000 A YEAR, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
/BUT THIS .....
SUNDAY, MAY 10, 1981
6
BUT THIS SUM IS REPAYABLE IF, ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, THE RECIPIENT FAILS TO TAKE UP A TEACHING POST APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, HE SAID.
CURRENT FORM V STUDENTS MAY ALSO APPLY FOR THE COURSE.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE COLLEGE AT 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE COLLEGE BY MAY 30.
THE COLLEGE IS ALSO RUNNING ITS FINAL BLOCK RELEASE INDUSTRIAL TRADE INSTRUCTORS’ COURSE FOR THE CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR NEXT MONTH.
THE COURSE WILL REQUIRE FULL-TIME ATTENDANCE AT THE COLLEGE FOR TWO WEEKS.
APPLICANTS SHOULD BE EMPLOYED AS A TRADE OR WORKSHOP INSTRUCTOR OR AN EXPERIENCED WORKER WHO WILL TAKE UP INSTRUCTION DUTIES.
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE COLLEGE AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED BY MAY 19.
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POLYTECHNIC OFFERS ORAL SKILLS COURSE FOR JOURNALISTS *****
THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, AT THE REQUEST OF THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL, WILL OFFER AN INTENSIVE COURSE IN ENGLISH ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR WORKING JOURNALISTS NEXT MONTH.
THE COURSE, WHICH IS PART OF A SERIES OF PRACTICAL COURSES AND WORKSHOPS PLANNED BY THE BOARD TO UPGRADE THE STANDARD OF JOURNALISM IN HONG KONG, AIMS AT ENABLING WORKING JOURNALISTS TO BE MORE EFFECTIVE IN COMMUNICATING IN ENGLISH IN JOB-RELATED SITUATIONS.
IT IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD FROM JUNE 1 TO 26, WITH THREE THREE-HOUR SESSIONS PER WEEK. THE COURSE FEE IS $555.
THE CONTENTS OF THE COURSE INCLUDE COMMUNICATION SKILLS, TECHNIQUES OF QUESTIONING AND INTERVIEWING, USING THE TELEPHONE FOR ENQUIRIES, LISTENING COMPREHENSION SKILLS AND ORAL PRESENTATION.
LECTURES ON THE SIGNIFICANT FEATURES OF ENGLISH, NATIONAL VARIETIES AND CONVERSATIONAL SKILLS WILL BE GIVEN IN ADDITION TO PRACTICAL WORK IN THE LANGUAGE LABORATORY.
ENROLMENT IS LIMITED TO 20, AND THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD APPLY EARLY.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO MISS EVELYN MAN OF THE POLYTECHNIC’S DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES BEFORE MAY 27.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MISS MAN ON TELEPHONE 3-638344, EXT. 291, OR MR FRANK NG OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON 5-284783 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO
DECISION ON WATER RESTRICTIONS DEFERRED ...................... 1
GOVERNOR TO OFFICIATE AT CEREMONY ............................ 1
PEOPLE LOOKED AFTER FROM +CRADLE TO GRAVE+ ................... 2
EMPLOYERS URGED TO GIVE MORE JOBS TO DISABLED PEOPLE .... 3
RCWING BOATS TO MAKE- WAY FOR COASTAL HIGHWAY................. 3
YAN 01 TONG TO HOLD SWEARING-IN CEREMONY ..................... 4
FREE SWIMMING LESSONS FOR PRIMARY PUPILS ..................... 4
SALT WATER LEAKAGE TEST
5
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1981
1
DECISION ON WATER RESTRICTIONS DEFERRED
4 4 4
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR TOM TOMLINSON, ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE DECISION ON WHETHER THERE WOULD BE WATER RESTRICTIONS ON HONG KONG ISLAND HAD BEEN FURTHER DEFERRED --THIS TIME PROBABLY UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF JUNE.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT CAME AFTER THE HEAVY DOWNPOURS OVER THE WEEKEND, WHEN MORE THAN 140 MM OF RAIN WERE RECORDED, AND A REVIEW OF THE WATER STORAGE POSITION IN THE ISLAND RESERVOIRS.
MR TOMLINSON SAID: + THE RAINFALL AT BOTH SHEK PIK AND TAI TAM RESERVOIRS, WHICH MEET PART OF THE DEMAND ON HONG KONG ISLAND, WAS VERY FAVOURABLE AND IT CAME IN THE NICK OF TIME.
♦WITHOUT THE LATEST RAIN, WATER RESTRICTIONS FOR HONG KONG ISLAND WOULD HAVE BEEN INEVITABLE WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.*
HE ADDED: +THE SITUATION NOW IS THAT IF THE RESIDUAL YIELD RESULTING FROM THE WEEKEND’S RAIN IS SATISFACTORY, NO RESTRICTIONS WILL BE NECESSARY BEFORE THE MIDDLE OF JUNE EVEN WITHOUT RA IN.*
MR TOMLINSON STRESSED, HOWEVER, ALTHOUGH RAINFALL OVER THE WEEKEND HAD HELPED THE GENERAL STORAGE POSITION, A LOT MORE RAIN WAS STILL REQUIRED TO BRING OVERALL STORAGE TO A HEALTHY LEVEL.
THE DIRECTOR URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO CONTINUE EXERCISING MAXIMUM ECONOMY IN THE USE OF WATER.
AT 9 AM TODAY, THE TOTAL STORAGE IN THE RESERVOIRS WAS 225 MILLION CUBIC METRES OR 39 PER CENT OF THE CAPACITY, COMPARED WITH 347 MILLION CUBIC METRES OR 60.1 PER CENT AT THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR.
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
GOVERNOR TO OFFICIATE AT CEREMONY * X * X
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE ON FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1981, AT THE JUNCTION OF RECLAMATION STREET AND MARKET STREET, NEAR THE YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB POLYCLINIC.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
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MONDAY, MAY 11, 1981
2
PEOPLE LOOKED AFTER FROM +CRADLE TO GRAVE* ft****
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TOOK CARE OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG FROM ♦CRADLE TO GRAVE* BY PROVIDING A WHOLE RANGE OF PREVENTIVE, CURATIVE AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR S.H. LEE, SAID TODAY,
SPEAKING TO MEMBERS OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF TSUEN WAN, DR LEE SAID THERE WAS A GENERAL MISCONCEPTION AMONG THE PUBLIC THAT THE DEPARTMENT DEALT ONLY WITH TREATMENT OF PATIENTS IN HOSPITALS OR CLINICS.
♦PEOPLE TEND TO MEASURE THE STANDARD OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES BY THE INPUT OF RESOURCES, SUCH AS THE NUMBER OF DOCTORS, NURSES, HOSPITAL BEDS AND CLINICS, INTO THE SERVICES,* HE SAID.
BUT MORE IMPORTANT, DR LEE SAID, WAS THE OUTPUT OF SUCH SERVICES, MEASURED IN TERMS OF THE INTERNATIONALLY-RECOGNISED HEALTH INDICES, SUCH AS THE MATERNAL, INFANT AND PERI-NATAL MORTALITY RATES.
HE SAID THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF ANY RESPONSIBLE HEALTH AUTHORITY MUST BE TO PROVIDE A BALANCED PROGRAMME OF DEVELOPMENT OF PREVENTIVE, PROMOTIVE, CURATIVE AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, AND NOT JUST HOSPITAL OR CLINIC SERVICES.
♦WHEN ONE HAS TO USE THE FACILITIES IN A HOSPITAL IT MAY IMPLY THAT THERE IS A FAILURE IN THE PREVENTIVE AND PROMOTIVE ASPECT OF THE SERVICES, BECAUSE, IF WE ARE ABLE TO PREVENT PEOPLE FROM GETTING ILL OR INJURED, THEY WILL NOT END UP IN A HOSPITAL,♦ HE SAID.
THE SUCCESS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PREVENTIVE PROGRAMME IN ERADICATING POLIOMYELITIS AND TUBERCULOSIS OF THE BONES AND SPINE AMONG CHILDREN WAS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF THE WISE APPLICATION OF ThE DEPARTMENT’S RESOURCES, HE SAID.
EXTENSIVE IMMUNISATION PROGRAMMES CARRIED OUT BY THE DEPARTMENT HAD RESULTED IN A DRASTIC REDUCTION IN THE NEED FOR HOSPITAL FACILITIES AND REHABILITATION SERVICES, SO MUCH SO THAT HOSPITAL BEDS INTENDED FOR PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM THESE DISEASES COULD NOW BE USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES, DR LEE SAID.
AS A RESULT ALSO OF THE DEPARTMENT’S INTENSIVE EFFORTS IN PREVENTIVE SERVICES, THERE HAD BEEN, OVER THE PAST THREE DECADES, A STEADY DECLINE IN THE INFANT MORTALITY AND MATERNAL MORTALITY RATES IN HONG KONG.
these health indices were one of the lowest in the world and COMPARED FAVOURABLY WITH THOSE IN THE MOST ADVANCED COUNTRIES. DR LEE SAID.
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MONDAY, MAY 11, 1981
3
EMPLOYERS URGED TO GIVE MORE JOBS TO DISABLED PEOPLE
*****
EMPLOYERS WERE URGED TODAY THE WORKING ABILITY OF DISABLED EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
(MONDAY) TO HAVE MORE CONFIDENCE IN PEOPLE AND OFFER THEM MORE
THE PLEA WAS MADE BY THE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER JOHN SUNG, IN A TALK TO THE WEEKLY MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF NEW TERRITORIES.
MR SUNG STRESSED THAT MANY OF THE DISABLED PEOPLE WHO HAD GONE THROUGH THE VARIOUS STEPS OF REHABILITATION WERE ABLE TO OVERCOME DIFFICULTIES AND REGAIN A HIGH LEVEL OF WORKING ABILITY
♦GIVEN THE RIGHT JOBS BEST SUITED TO THEIR APTITUDE. THEY ARE JUST AS EFFICIENT AS THEIR ABLE-BODIED COUNTERPARTS,+ HE SAID.
APART FROM BEING EFFICIENT, THE DISABLED WERE +MORE LOYAL WORKERS COMPARED WITH SOME ABLE-BODIED WORKERS AND LESS LIKELY TO -EAVE FOR OTHER JOBS FOR A SMALL INCREASE IN EARN INGS,+ HE SAID.
DEVELOPMENTS IN MEDICAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN RECENT YEARS HAD ENHANCED THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THESE PECDLE WHO WERE NOW CAPABLE OF DOING NUMEROUS JOBS, HE ADDED.
THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE WAS TO HELP A DISABLED PERSON TO RETURN TO A NORMAL WORKING LIFE IN REMUNERATIVE EMPLOYMENT COMPATIBLE WITH HIS APTITUDE, INTERESTS AND CAPACITY, MR SUNG EXPLAINED.
SINCE ITS START LAST JULY, THE SPS HAD REGISTERED AND NTERVIEWED 1 045 DISABLED JOB-SEEKERS, PAID 183 PROMOTIONAL VISITS TO EMPLOYERS AND MADE 568 REFERRALS TO EMPLOYERS FOR SELECTION INTERVIEWS, WHICH RESULTED IN 230 SUCCESSFUL PLACEMENTS, HE SAID.
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ROWING BOATS TO MAKE WAY FOR COASTAL HIGHWAY * * * *
SOME 560 ROWING BOATS AT MA LIU SHU I, SHA TIN, WILL HAVE TO BE MOVED BY THE END OF THIS MONTH TO MAKE WAY FOR RECLAMATION WORK IN CONNECTION WITH THE TAI PO COASTAL HIGHWAY.
HAVE BEEN THERE for ABOUT 20 YEARS AND ARE A POPULAR ATTRACTION WITH RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TO SHA TIN.
„ ™ERE ARE 22 operATORS, WHO HAVE RECEIVED AN EX-GRATIA PAYMENT OF SI 500 FOR EACH LICENSED BOAT.
THE RECLAMATION CONTRACT WILL BEGIN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER THE BOATS HAVE BEEN MOVED.
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MONDAY, MAY 11, 1961
4
A SPOKESMAN FOR SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE SAID OPERATORS HAD BEEN OFFERED AN ALTERNATIVE SITE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF SHA TIN HOI AT *U KAI SHA, BUT DECLINED.
HE SAID WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHING MUN RIVER IN SHA TIN FOR VARIOUS BOATING ACTIVITIES THEY WOULD BE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A RESTRICTED TENDER TO OPERATE ROWING BOATS WHEN WORK ON THE RIVER IS COMPLETED IN ABOUT 18 MONTHS.
THE COASTAL ROAD, RUNNING FROM SHA TIN RACECOURSE TO TAI PO, WILL BE READY BY 1984.
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
YAN 01 TONG TO HOLD SWEARING-IN CEREMONY *****
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE SWEARING-IN OF YAN 01 TONG DIRECTORS TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE REGENT HOTEL AT 7 PM.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TONG, MR LAU WONG-FAT, WILL SIGN THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE $35 MILLION YAN 01 TONG COMMUNITY AND INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND MEMBERS OF YOUR STAFF TO COVER THE EVENTS.
THEY SHOULD MEET MR DONALD STRANGE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION PRESS UNIT AT THE REGENT HOTEL BALLROOM BY 6.45 PM.
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FREE SWIMMING LESSONS FOR PRIMARY PUPILS * * * *
PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO JOIN A +LEARN TO DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS WHEN THEY CAN SEND PUPILS SWIM FOR FREE LESSONS.
THREE TEACHING SESSIONS OF 12 LESSONS EACH WILL JULY 20 TO AUGUST 29, AND THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PLACES
SWIM+ SCHEME WHO CANNOT
BE HELD FROM IS 12 750.
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1981
5
THE SCHEME IS OPERATED BY THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION THEEDUCATfON DEPARTMENT, AND WILL EE HELD AT THE CHAI WAN VICTORIA PARK, ABERDEEN, KWUN TONG, MORSE PARK, TAI WAN SHAN, LEI CHENG UK, KWAI SHING, FANLING AND SHA TIN SWIMMING POOLS.
QUALIFIED SWIMMING INSTRUCTORS WILL BE CONDUCTING THE SWIMMING LESSONS, AND THE CHILDREN’S SWIMMING ABILITIES WILL BE ASSESSED FOR DISTANCE CERTIFICATES AND SWIMMING AWARDS.
TUITION AND ADMISSION TO THE POOL IS FREE.
PUPILS NOMINATED TO TAKE PART IN THE SCHEME MUST BE OVER 10 YEARS OF AGE AND MUST AGREE TO ATTEND ALL 12 ONE-HOUR LESSONS.
SCHOOLS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR NOMINATIONS THIS WEEK TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICAL EDUCATION), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 7TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
0
SALT WATER LEAKAGE TEST *****
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO PART OF KOWLOON TONG WILL BE TURNED OFF -OR SEVEN HOURS, FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 14) TO 6 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 15) TO ALLOW LEAKAGE TESTS TO BE CARRIED OUT.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, *ATtRLOO ROAD, BROADCAST DRIVE, EDE ROAD AND BEACON HILL ROAD, INCLUDING RHONDDA ROAD, ALNWICK ROAD, MARCONI ROAD, FESSENDEN ROAD, EASTBOURNE ROAD, BUILDINGS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICERS’ HOUSING SCHEMES, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND HONG KONG COMMERCIAL RADIO.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
QUESTIONS ABOUT II rS TO BE RAISED AT LEGCO ..................
OVERSEAS WORKERS NEED PERMISSION FOR JOB CHANGE........
YAN 01 TONG BOARD INAUGURATED AND CONTRACT SIGNED ............
VTLLAGERS PLEASED WITH ROAD WORK ............................. 3
OPERATION TO IMPROVE HTVIRONMENT IN TUEN MUN ................. 4
DONATION FOR GOOD WORK........................................ 4
LESSONS IN CHAIRMANSHIP FOR MATHS TEACHERS ...................
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1981
1
QUESTIONS ABOUT Il’S TO BE RAISED AT LEGCO
* * * *
AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE ACTIVITIES OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN HONG KONG WILL BE ASKED BY AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, DR THE HON RAYSON HUANG.
DR HUANG WILL ASK HOW MANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE GIVEN PERMISSION TO STAY IN HONG KONG AS A RESULT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CALL LAST YEAR FOR Il’S TO REGISTER, WHETHER THERE IS ANY INFORMATION TO SHOW HOW MANY OF THEM ARE GAINFULLY EMPLOYED, AND IF NOT, WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD MAKE A SURVEY TO DETERMINE THIS.
HE WILL ALSO ASK THE EXTENT TO WHICH FORMER Il’S ARE INVOLVED IN THE PRESENT CRIME SITUATION, AND GOVERNMENT POLICY REGARDING THE REMOVAL FROM HONG KONG OF Il’S AND FORMER Il’S CONVICTED OF SERIOUS OFFENCES.
QUESTIONS WILL ALSO BE ASKED BY OTHER UNOFFICIALS ON A VARIETY OF MATTERS CONCERNING INDUSTRY, EDUCATION, TRANSPORT AND PUBLIC RECREATION FACILITIES.
DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI WILL ASK IF MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO REGULATE THE OPERATION OF ILLEGAL FACTORIES IN MULTI-STOREY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS TO PROTECT RESIDENTS FROM FIRE HAZARDS AND POLLUTION.
THE REV. THE HON JOYCE BENNETT WILL ASK WHAT ENCOURAGEMENT IS BEING GIVEN TO SCHOOLS TO DIVERSIFY THEIR CURRICULUM TO OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS FOR THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION. SHE WILL ALSO ASK IF GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER SETTING UP A FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL TEAM FOR CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT.
A QUESTION WILL BE ASKED BY THE HON WONG BEING TAKEN TO END ILLEGAL CAR-RACING IN HONG
LAM WHAT MEASURES ARE KONG’S STREETS.
A NUMBER OF NEW BILLS WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED. THEY ARE BANKING (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1981- DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1981- ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981-INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1981- RATING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981- STAMP (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981- IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981- AND THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL BILL 1981.
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TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1931
OVERSEAS WORKERS NEED PERMISSION FOR JOB CHANGE * * * X
OVERSEAS WORKERS, INCLUDING DOMESTIC WORKERS, ARE REMINDED NOT TO CHANGE THEIR EMPLOYMENT OR TAKE UP ANY PART-TIME JOB IN HONG KONG WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS RULE MAY LEAD TO PROSECUTION UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE.
AND EMPLOYERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT THEIR PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES FULFIL THIS LEGAL REQUIREMENT, HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT IT IS ALSO ESSENTIAL FOR THOSE WHO INTEND TO WORK IN HONG KONG TO OBTAIN THE PROPER VISA IN THEIR nOME COUNTRIES BEFORE COMING HERE.
+WE STRONGLY DISCOURAGE PEOPLE FROM CHANGING THEIR VISA STATUS AFTER THEIR ARRIVAL,* HE NOTED.
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YAN 01 TONG BOARD INAUGURATED AND CONTRACT SIGNED
* * * *
THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES INTO URBANISED, PROSPEROUS AND COHESIVE COMMUNITIES REQUIRES SINGLE-MINDEDNESS, DETERMINATION AND ABUNDANT RESOURCES.
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THIS TODAY (TUESDAY) AT THE INAUGURATION OF YAN 01 TONG DIRECTORS.
♦THIS CAN ONLY BE SUCCESSFULLY ACHIEVED THROUGH EXCELLENT CO-OPERATION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR,* MR AKERS-JONES SAID.
♦I AM, THEREFORE, PARTICULARLY GLAD TO SEE THAT THE TONG, ORGANISED BY TUEN MUN’S LEADING RESIDENTS TOGETHER WITH PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF HONG KONG, IS WORKING CLOSELY TOGETHER WITH GOVERNMENT IN PROVIDING DIFFERENT FACILITIES FOR THE FAST GROWING TOWNSHIP.*
HE SAID THE COMING YEAR WOULD BE EXCITING FOR THE TONG.
THE YAN 01 POLYCLINIC, BEING BUILT WITH A $4 MILLION DONATION BY THE TONG, WOULD BE COMPLETED THIS SEPTEMBER.
THE CONVERSION OF THE FORMER FIRE SERVICES DEPOT IN TAI HING ESTATE INTO AN INDOOR RECREATION AND SPORTS CENTRE, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, WOULD BE COMPLETED IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS TO PROVIDE YOUNGSTERS WITH A MUCH NEEDED, PROPERLY DESIGNED AND EQUIPPED PLACE TO REST AND TO EXERCISE.
♦ABOVE ALL, THE COMPLETION OF THE 340 MILLION YAN 01 TONG COMMUNITY AND INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE PROJECT IN 18 MONTHS’ TIME. THE BUILDING CONTRACT FOR WHICH IS BEING SIGNED TODAY, WILL GO A LONG WAY IN BUILDING UP THIS NEW COMMUNITY AND IN MEETING THE RECREATIONAL NEEDS OF THE RAPIDLY EXPANDING TOWN,* MR AKERS-JONES
SAID
/THE EIGHT-STOREY ....
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1981
THE EIGHT-STOREY CENTRE WILL BE BUILT ON A 3 800-SQUARE-METRE SITE IN TUEN MUN GRANTED BY GOVERNMENT.
FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A SPORTS HALL, ROLLER RINK, THEATRE, SWIMMING POOL, TENNIS AND SQUASH COURTS, BASKET AND VOLLEY BALL COURTS, BILLIARDS ROOM, BOWLING ALLEY, LIBRARY, EXHIBITION HALL, CANTEEN AND RESTAURANT.
THE CENTRE WILL BE OPERATED BY A MANAGEMENT BOARD TO BE FORMED JOINTLY BY THE BOARD OF THE TONG AND GOVERNMENT.
ALL PROFITS WILL BE DEVOTED TO THE EXPANSION OF LOCAL COMMUNITY WELFARE.
THE YAN Ol TONG WAS A LOCAL TRADITIONAL BODY OF LONG STANDING IN TUEN MUN BEFORE BEING INCORPORATED, UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, AS A NON-PROFIT-MAKING CHARITABLE ORGANISATION IN 1977.
ITS OBJECTIVES ARE TO PROVIDE CHARITABLE AND WELFARE SERVICES, IMPROVE THE LIVELIHOOD OF THE PEOPLE AND BRING PROSPERITY TO THE AREA.
MR LAU WONG-FAT AND MR CHAN CHUNG-HANG WERE RE-ELECTED CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN FOR 1981/82.
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VILLAGERS PLEASED WITH ROAD WORK * * * *
SAI KUNG VILLAGERS THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING EXPRESSED APPRECIATION TO THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT FOR WORK CARRIED OUT BY INMATES FROM PIK UK PRISON IN RECENTLY CONSTRUCTING A 1OO-METRE LONG VAN TRACK IN MA YAU TONG VILLAGE, HANG HAU.
ALL THE VILLAGERS WERE VERY GRATEFUL FOR THE PRISON’S HELP IN PREPARING A TOTAL OF THREE VAN TRACKS AND IN REPAIRING DRAINS IN THE VILLAGE OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS, SAID MR TSANG WAN, VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE, IN SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF MA YAU TONG VILLAGERS.
MR TSANG PRESENTED A SHIELD TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PIK UK PRISON, MR ALOYSIUS WONG, AT A SPECIAL CEREMONY HELD TODAY IN THE VILLAGE, IN RECOGNITION OF THE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY SERVICE.
A PRISONS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROJECTS WERE +PART OF THE PRISON INDUSTRIES’ CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY.* OTHER PROJECTS, HE SAID, INCLUDED CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF ROADS AND FOOTPATHS, BEACH CLEANING, BUILDING WORK, GRASS CUTTING AND AFFORESTATION.
SINCE THE PIK UK PRISON STARTED OPERATING IN 1975, OVER 190 LOCAL WORKS PROJECTS, COVERING MOST OF THE VILLAGES IN SAI KUNG, HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT BY PRISONERS.
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TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1981
4
OPERATION TO IMPROVE ENVIRONMENT IN TUEN MUN ******
AN OPERATION TO IMPROVE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN AN AREA OF TUEN MUN STARTED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE AREA IS BOUNDED BY TUEN MUN ROAD, CASTLE PEAK ROAD (SAN HUI), PUI TO ROAD AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE OPERATION, THE FIRST ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT LAUNCHED IN THE DISTRICT, WAS TO CLEAR OBSTRUCTIONS AND RUBBISH DUMPED ON PAVEMENTS, ROADWAYS AND VACANT SITES IN THE AREA.
A SPOKESMAN FOR TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE SAID SOME SHOP OPERATORS HAD BLOCKED PEDESTRIAN WALKWAYS WITH THEIR GOODS AND SOME WERE EVEN CARRYING OUT BUSINESS ON THE OPEN GROUND.
♦ADVICE AND NOTICES WERE GIVEN TO SHOP OPERATORS AND GOODS OWNERS SEEKING THEIR COOPERATION,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ABANDONED VEHICLES FOUND ON VACANT SITES AS WELL AS IN CAR PARKING SPACES WERE ALSO REMOVED.
STAFF OF SEVERAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS PARTICIPATED IN TODAY’S OPERATION.
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DONATION FOR GOOD WORK * * * *
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE WELFARE FUND WILL RECEIVE A DONATION OF $68 OOO FROM THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF PRODUCERS OF PHONOGRAMS AND VIDEOGRAMS ( IFPI) REGIONAL OFFICE AND HONG KONG (SOUP IN RECOGNITION OF THE OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CUSTOMS SERVICE IN THE FIELD OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION.
AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 11 AM ON THURSDAY (MAY 14), IN THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE SENIOR OFFICERS MESS, 9/F, RUMSEY STREET MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK BUILDING, THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND CONTROLS, MR DOUGLAS JORDAN, WILL RECEIVE THE DONATION FROM THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF IFPI, MR JAMES S. WOLSEY.
GUESTS ATTENDING THE CEREMONY WILL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE RECORDING INDUSTRY AND LAWYERS ASSOCIATED WITH COPYRIGHT MATTERS.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR A PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE EVENT.
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/5 ....
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1981
- 5 -LESSONS IN CHAIRMANSHIP FOR MATHS TEACHERS *****
A SERIES OF SEMINARS WILL BE HELD IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS TO PREPARE MATHEMATICS TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR THE ROLE OF MATHEMATICS PANEL CHAIRMAN.
ORGANISED BY THE MATHEMATICS TEACHING CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SEMINARS WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY AFTERNOONS FROM JUNE 9 UNTIL JULY 7.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ACQUAINTED WITH CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, TEXT AND REFERENCE BOOKS, TEACHING AIDS, MATHEMATICS ACTIVITIES AND PANEL MEETINGS.
INSPECTORS OF THE MATHEMATICS TEACHING CENTRE AND EXPERIENCED PANEL CHAIRMEN WILL BE GIVING SHORT TALKS TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH PARTICIPANTS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A GROUP DISCUSSION.
THE SESSIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE, AND WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 2.15 PM AND 4.30 PM AT THE TEACHING CENTRE, ROOMS 45 AND 46, 4TH FLOOR, LI CHENG UK GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, TONKIN STREET, KOWLOON.
ATTENDANCE AT EACH SESSION WILL BE LIMITED TO 25, AND APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
TEACHERS NOMINATED BY THEIR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS SHOULD APPLY BEFORE MAY 19 TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (MATHEMATICS), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 5/F, LEE GARDENS, HONG KONG.
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES THEY CAN CONTACT THE MATHEMATICS TEACHING CENTRE ON 5-774001 EXT. 47.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL:
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS BEHIND 35-45 PER CENT OF CRIME ......... 1
GOVERNMENT REMAINS DETERMINED TO RESETTLE ALL VR'S ........ 1
POLICE TAKE SERIOUS VIEW OF ILLEGAL CAR RACING ............ 2
DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO.3) BILL ........... 3
BILLS TO KEEP IN LINE WITH REALITIES ...................... 5
STAMP DUTY BILL CALLED 'SENSIBLE AiiD PROGRESSIVE' ........ 7
STAMP DUTY BILL TO BE AMENDED.............................. 9
RATING (AMENDMENT) BILL INTRODUCED INTO LEGCO ............ 10
DEBATE OK INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO.2) BILL RESUMED . 11
ICAC HAS RECORD YEAR ..................................... 12
AIRPORT TUNNEL TO BE OPENED IN TWO STAGES ................ 13
SITES BENEATH FLYOVERS FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES IDENTIFIED .... 14 DISPLAY OF STREET NAMES AND BUILDING NUMBERS ............. 14
J1 MILLION DEATH DUTY EXEMPTION PROPOSED ................. 15
HIGHER DEPRECIATION APPROVED ............................. 16
ACTION TAKEN UNDER LAW AGAINST ILLEGAL FACTORIES ......... 16
PLANS TO STRENGTHEN EDUCATION ADVISORY INSPECTORATE ...... 17
MORE SUBJECTS AT HKCEE LEVEL FOR SCHOOLS ................. 17
HOVER-FERRY SERVICE TO BE OPERATED ............................. 18
SHA TIN TO HOLD SEMINAR ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION ............. 19
SEMINAR ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR HONG KONG INDUSTRIALISTS ...........20
FIRE SERVICES OFFICER RETIRES .................................. 20
TRAFFIC RE-ROUTING IN CAUSEWAY BAY ............................. 21
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1981
1
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS BEHIND 35-45 PER CENT OF CRIME * * * *
A RECENT POLICE ASSESSMENT SUGGESTS THAT FORMER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR BETWEEN 35 PER CENT AND 45 PER CENT OF THE CRIME OF ROBBERY WITH VIOLENCE IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON LEWIS DAVIES, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON RAYSON HUANG, AS TO THE EXTENT TO WHICH FORMER Il’S WERE INVOLVED IN CRIME, MR DAVIES SAID THE ASSESSMENT WAS BASED ON AN ANALYSIS OF A NUMBER OF RECENT ROBBERIES WITH VIOLENCE, TOGETHER WITH INFORMATION DERIVED FROM CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE SOURCES.
MR DAVIES ALSO SAID ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRIVING FROM CHINA AND ARRESTED AFTER OCTOBER 23, 1980, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THEY WERE CONVICTED OF SERIOUS OFFENCES OR NOT, WOULD CONTINUE TO BE REPATRIATED TO CHINA.
those who had come before that date, together with those who HAD REGISTERED IN THE GRACE PERIOD BETWEEN OCTOBER 23 AND 26 AND WHO AFTER INVESTIGATION WERE ALLOWED TO STAY CONDITIONALLY, WOULD NOT BE REMOVED.
HE SAID THAT DURING THE GRACE PERIOD, 6 952 Il’S WHO PURPORTED TO HAVE COME FROM CHINA, APPEARED FOR REGISTRATION, AND OF THESE, 4 086, OR 59 PER CENT, WERE ALLOWED TO REMAIN.
ON THE QUESTION of Their EMPLOYMENT SITUATION, HE SAID A COMPLETE RECORD WAS NOT AVAILABLE, ALTHOUGH THERE WERE FIGURES FOR SOME OF THEM. HE WOULD DISCUSS WITH THE COMMISSIONERS OF POLICE AND LABOUR ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF CONDUCTING A SPECIAL SURVEY ON THIS AND WOULD THEN ADVISE DR HUANG, HE SAID.
------0 - - - -
GOVERNMENT REMAINS DETERMINED TO RESETTLE ALL VR’S * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON LEWIS DAVIES SAID TODAY THE GOVERNMENT REMAINS DETERMINED TO ENDEAVOUR TO SEE ALL 16 000 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES NOW IN HONG KONG RESETTLED OVERSEAS AND TO PROVIDE A FAIR AND EFFECTIVE ARRANGEMENT FOR THE QUOTAS OFFERED BY OTHER COUNTRIES TO BE FILLED.
THE REMARKS WERE MADE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT THE SECOND READING OF THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981 WHICH IS DESIGNED TO INTRODUCE DETERRENTS TO VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WHO REFUSE RESETTLEMENT OFFERS.
MR DAVIES SAIDi +IT IS OUR INTENTION TO USE THE POWER TO MAKE DETENTION WARRANTS WITH DISCRETION BUT TO ENSURE THAT IT HAS THE GREATEST IMPACT AND DETERRENT EFFECT.+
/the ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1981
2
THE MAIN PROVISIONS OF THE BILL ARE«
* VIETNAMESE REFUGEES SHALL NOT WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE FAIL OR REFUSE TO ACCEPT AN OVERSEAS RESETTLEMENT OFFER®
* THEY MUST NOT, WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE, AND WHEN REQUIRED FAIL OR REFUSE TO SURRENDER THEIR VR CARD ISSUED AS PART OF THE ABANDONMENT OF THE REACHED BASE POLICY LAST AUTUMN®
* THEY MUST RESIDE IN SPECIFIED REFUGEE CENTRES AND COMPLY WITH CENTRE RULES- AND
* MUST ABIDE BY OTHER CONDITIONS RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT ETC.
ANY CONTRAVENTION OF THESE CONDITIONS RENDERS THE INDIVIDUAL LIABLE TO DETENTION FOR A PERIOD UP TO 28 DAYS. IN ADDITION A PERSON WHO CONTRAVENES A CONDITION OF STAY MAY FIND THIS AND ANY OTHER CONDITION LIABLE TO CANCELLATION.
THE BILL ALSO GIVES POWERS TO THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY TO DESIGNATE PLACES AS REFUGEE CENTRES AND TO MAKE RULES COVERING SUCH MATTERS AS CAMP SECURITY, HEALTH AND HYGIENE, BEHAVIOUR AND PERSONAL SAFETY. A BREACH OF THESE CONDITIONS RENDERS A REFUGEE LIABLE TO A PENALTY NOT EXCEEDING $100 AND FOR SEPARATE CONFINEMENT OF A PERIOD NOT EXCEEDING SEVEN DAYS.
ANOTHER PROVISION STIUPLATES THAT ANY EMPLOYER OFFERING EMPLOYMENT TO A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE WHO IS NOT LAWFULLY EMPLOYABLE WILL RISK A FINE AND IMPRISONMENT WHEN A BAN IS IMPOSED ON HIS EMPLOYMENT.
THE POWER TO ISSUE A DETENTION WARRANT IS VESTED WITH THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION OR HIS DEPUTY OR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR AND VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WILL HAVE A RIGHT OF APPEAL TO THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY OR HIS DEPUTY. THE APPEAL WILL BE FINAL.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-------o----------
POLICE TAKE SERIOUS VIEW OF ILLEGAL CAR RACING * * * * *
THE POLICE TAKE A SERIOUS VIEW OF THE ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR OF ILLEGAL CAR RACING, AND WILL NOT RELAX THEIR VIGILANCE IN WORKING TO STAMP IT OUT, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR LEWIS DAVIES, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
♦POLICE ACTION TAKES THE FORM OF SPECIAL PRE-PLANNED OPERATIONS IN SELECTED AREAS AND RESPONSES TO REPORTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC,* MR DAVIES SAID, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON WONG LAM.
WHERE THERE IS SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE, SUSPECTED DRIVERS ARE PROSECUTED FOR ILLEGAL ROAD RACING, DANGEROUS OR CARELESS DRIVING, SPEEDING, OR MAKING ILLEGAL MODIFICATIONS TO VEHICLES.
/IN SPECIAL ...
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 19©1
3
IN SPECIAL OPERATIONS IN KOWLOON THIS YEAR, 480 VEHICLES WERE CHECKED, 13 VEHICLES DETAINED ON SUSPICION OF BEING MODIFIED FOR RACING AND 7 DRIVERS ARRESTED.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 10 MOTORCYCLISTS HAVE BEEN SUMMONED THIS YEAR.
♦POLICE ARE AWARE THAT AREAS REMAIN IN WHICH ILLEGAL ROAD RACING CONTINUES, AND WILL CONTINUE TO COMBAT THIS,+ HE SAID.
-----o------
DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL * * * *
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1981 IS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION APPLIED TO DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES IN HONG KONG, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, SIR PHILIP SAID THAT, LIKE THE BANKING (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL, IT ALSO INCORPORATES A NUMBER OF MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE, INCLUDING REVISIONS TO THE PENALTIES PRESCRIBED FOR VARIOUS OFFENCES.
SIR PHILIP SA IDi +CLAUSE 5 OF THE BILL SEEKS TO INCREASE FROM $2.5 MILLION TO $10 MILLION THE MINIMUM PAID-UP SHARE CAPITAL REQUIRED BY A COMPANY APPLYING TO BE REGISTERED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY, AND IT REMOVES THE PRESENT REQUIREMENT FOR A MINIMUM ISSUED CAPITAL OF $5 MILLION, SINCE THIS REQUIREMENT IS NO LONGER RELEVANT.
♦THE THRUST OF THE ORDINANCE HAS NOW CHANGED TOWARDS THE PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION OF THOSE COMPANIES ON THE REGISTER AND SO THE MINIMUM PAID-UP CAPITAL REQUIREMENT CLEARLY NEEDS TO BE INCREASED,♦ HE SAID.
♦CLAUSE 6 SEEKS TO RAISE THE MINIMUM PAID-UP CAPITAL OF A COMPANY ALREADY ON THE REGISTER- AND CLAUSE 7 PROVIDES A TWO-YEAR TRANSITIONAL PERIOD, WHICH CAN BE EXTENDED BY THE GOVERNOR-INCOUNCIL IN INDIVIDUAL CASES, DURING WHICH THOSE 171 DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES REGISTERED AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF THIS ORDINANCE, AND WHICH HAVE PAID-UP SHARE CAPITAL OF LESS THAN $10 MILLION, CAN ATTAIN THE NEW MINIMUM LEVEL.
♦OF THOSE 171 COMPANIES, 23 REQUIREMENT BY CAPITALISING PART
COMPANIES COULD MEET THE NEW OR ALL OF THEIR EXISTING RESERVES.
/+CLAUSE 1b ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1961
4
♦CLAUSE 18 INTRODUCES A REQUIREMENT, NAMELY THAT A DEPOSITTAKING COMPANY INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG SHOULD BUILD UP ITS SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS - ITS PAID-UP CAPITAL AND RESERVES - TO AN ADEQUATE LEVEL BEFORE IT CAN PAY OUT IN DIVIDENDS MORE THAN TWO-THIRDS OF ITS AFTER-TAX PROFITS, OR BEFORE IT CAN DISTRIBUTE ANY EXTRAORDINARY PROFITS. THE SUGGESTED LEVEL OF ADEQUACY FOR SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS IS $20 MILLION.
♦CLAUSE 21 ALSO INTRODUCES LIMITATIONS ON THE SHAREHOLDINGS AND ON THE INTERESTS IN LAND AND BUILDINGS WHICH MAY BE HELD BY A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY.
♦THE NEW SECTION 23(C) LIMITS, AGAIN TO NOT MORE THAN 25 PER CENT OF ITS PAID-UP CAPITAL AND RESERVES, THE TOTAL VALUE OF INTERESTS IN LAND SITUATED IN OR OUTSIDE HONG KONG WHICH MAY BE PURCHASED OR HELD BY A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY.
♦CLAUSE 20 SEEKS TO TIGHTEN THE EXISTING RESTRAINTS ON UNSECURED LOANS (OR OTHER UNSECURED FACILITIES) MADE BY A DEPOSITTAKING COMPANY TO CONNECTED BORROWERS.
♦IT ALSO SEEKS TO PROHIBIT ENTIRELY THE GRANTING BY A DEPOSITTAKING COMPANY TO ANY DIRECTOR, OR ANY OF HIS RELATIVES, OF AN UNSECURED LOAN ON A PERSONAL BASIS.
♦TWO FURTHER RESTRAINTS ARE PROPOSED ON LOANS OR ADVANCES MADE BY A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY. CLAUSE 18 SEEKS TO PROHIBIT THE MAKING OF ANY LOAN AGAINST THE SECURITY OF SHARES IN THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY CONCERNED.
♦CLAUSE 21 PROVIDES THAT A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY MAY NOT MAKE AN UNSECURED LOAN (OR OTHER UNSECURED FACILITY) TO AN EMPLOYEE IN AN AMOUNT EXCEEDING ONE YEAR’S SALARY.
♦CLAUSE 5, 8 AND 10 SEEK TO APPLY TO DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES A CONTROL WHICH ALREADY APPLIES TO LICENSED BANKS, NAMELY, A CONTROL ON THE EXTENT TO WHICH THEY CAN OPEN BRANCHES, IN HONG KONG OR ELSEWHERE. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTROL IS TO ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO ENSURE THAT A DEPOSITTAKING COMPANY DOES NOT, BY AN EXCESSIVELY FAST PROGRAMME OF OPENING NEW BRANCHES, OVER-STRETCH THE MANAGEMENT RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THE COMPANY, EITHER AT BRANCH MANAGER LEVEL OR IN THE HEAD OFFICE IN HONG KONG. THE CLAUSE ALSO PROVIDES FOR AN ANNUAL FEE TO BE PAID IN RESPECT OF EACH BRANCH MAINTAINED IN HONG KONG BY A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY.
♦TWO NEW PROVISIONS ARE PROPOSED AS A RESULT OF CERTAIN DIFFICULTIES THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES HAS EXPERIENCED IN ADMINISTERING THE ORDINANCE SINCE 1976.
♦CLAUSE 12 PROVIDES FIRST THAT EVERY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY KIST AT ALL TIMES MAINTAIN A PLACE OF BUSINESS IN HONG KONG AND SECOND THAT EVERY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY SHALL APPOINT AS ITS CHIEF EXECUTIVE AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS NORMALLY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG.
/+CLAUSE 16 ....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1981
5
♦CLAUSE 16 SEEKS TO SHORTEN FROM 21 DAYS TO 14 DAYS THE PERIOD WITHIN WHICH COMPANIES HAVE TO SUBMIT THEIR MONTHLY AND QUARTERLY RETURNS TO THE COMMISSIONER.
♦ CLAUSE 23 SEEKS TO PERMIT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO MAKE A LIMITED SPECIFICATION OF MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS AS LIQUID ASSETS FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
♦ PROPOSALS ARE CONTAINED IN 14 CLAUSES OF THE BILL TO REVISE THE PENALTIES FOR DIFFERENT OFFENCES.
♦ THE REMAINING CLAUSES OF THE BILL SET OUT CERTAIN MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE.
♦ CLAUSE 1 STATES THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL COME INTO OPERATION ON A DAY TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR 1 IT IS INTENDED THAT THIS SHOULD BE ON THE SAME DAY AS IS APPOINTED FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1981,+ SIR PHILIP SAID.
DEBATE ON THIS MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.
-----0------
BILLS TO KEEP IN LINE WITH REALITIES * * *
THE BANKING (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1981 AND THE DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1981 DID NOT SPRING FROM ANY IMMEDIATE CONCERN ABOUT THE ADEQUACY OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION, BUT RATHER FROM A RECOGNITION OF THE CONTINUING NEED TO KEEP THE PROVISIONS OF THE TWO ORDINANCES IN LINE WITH PRESENT DAY REALITIES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1981, SIR PHILIP SAID ITS PURPOSE WAS TO UPDATE AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION APPLIED TO BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES IN HONG KONG.
SIR PHILIP ALSO MENTIONED THAT WORK WOULD SHORTLY START ON DRAFTING FURTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE TWO ORDINANCES TO TAKE ACCOUNT CF THE GROWING ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE HONG KONG OF BANKS AND DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG.
♦TO ENABLE HONG KONG, AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE, TO ACCEPT IN FULL ITS INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES, BOTH THE BANKING AND THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE WILL NEED TO BE AMENDED TO ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION THAN HE NOW RECEIVES ON THE ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE HONG KONG OF LOCALLY INCORPORATED BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, AND TO ENABLE HIM TO PLAY HIS FULL PART IN THE INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL NETWORK OF BANKING SUPERVISION, HE SAID.
/Sia PHILIP........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1981
SIR PHILIP SAID CLAUSE 9 OF THE BILL SEEKS TO INCREASE FROM $10 MILLION TO $100 MILLION THE MINIMUM PAID-UP SHARE CAPITAL CF A LICENSED BANK WHICH IS INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG. A TRANSITIONAL PERIOD OF 24 MONTHS, OR LONGER AT THE DISCRETION OF THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, FOR AN INDIVIDUAL BANK, IS SET TO ALLOW THE 23 LOCALLY INCORPORATED BANKS WITH CAPITAL OF LESS THAN $100 MILLION TO ATTAIN THIS NEW MINIMUM.
HE ALSO SAID THE MINIMUM CAPITAL REQUIREMENT WOULD NO LONGER APPLY TO THOSE LICENSED BANKS INCORPORATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG BECAUSE THE BANKING AUTHORITIES IN THE COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN HAD THE RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THEY HAD AN ADEQUATE CAPITAL STRUCTURE FOR THEIR BUSINESS.
SIMILARLY, THE BILL NO LONGER APPLIED THE MINIMUM CAPITAL REQUIREMENT TO AN APPLICANT FOR A BANKING LICENCE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
♦THE REASON FOR THIS IS THAT THE CRITERIA UNDER WHICH BANKS INCORPORATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG ARE CONSIDERED, WHEN THEY Ar'PLY FOR A LICENCE, ARE DETERMINED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL FROM TIME TO TIME, HE SAID.
SIR PHILIP SAID CLAUSE 8 SEEKS TO RAISE FROM $20 MILLION TO $200 MILLION THE LEVEL OF PAID-UP SHARE CAPITAL AND PUBLISHED RESERVES WHICH A LICENSED BANK INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG HAS TO ATTAIN BEFORE IT CAN PAY OUT IN DIVIDENDS MORE THAN TWO-THIRDS CF ITS ANNUAL PUBLISHED PROFITS AFTER TAX. THIS INCREASE REFLECTS THE PROPOSED 10-FOLD INCREASE IN THE MINIMUM PAID-UP SHARE CAPITAL.
+THIS PROVISION WILL ALSO NOW APPLY ONLY TO LICENSED BANKS WHICH ARE INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG.
♦CLAUSE 10 OF THE BILL SEEKS TO RAISE FROM $20 MILLION TO $200 MILLION THE LEVEL OF PAID-UP SHARE CAPITAL AND PUBLISHED RESERVES WHICH A LICENSED BANK INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG HAS TO ATTAIN BEFORE IT CAN MAKE ANY DISTRIBUTIONS OF EXTRAORDINARY PROF ITS.
♦THIS INCREASE AGAIN REFLECTS THE 10-FOLD INCREASE IN THE MINIMUM PAID-UP SHARE CAPITAL SET OUT IN CLAUSE 9.
♦CLAUSE 12 OF THE BILL SEEKS TO REDUCE FROM 25 PER CENT OF A BANK’S PAID-UP CAPITAL AND RESERVES TO 10 PER CENT THE LIMIT ON THE TOTAL AMOUNT WHICH A LICENSED BANK MAY ADVANCE, BY WAY OF UNSECURED LOANS OR OTHER UNSECURED FACILITIES, TO ALL ITS DIRECTORS, THEIR RELATIVES, AND ANY PRIVATE COMPANIES CONNECTED WITH ITS DIRECTORS OR THEIR RELATIVES- AND IT SEEKS TO PLACE AN ABSOLUTE CEILING OF $250 000 ON EACH UNSECURED LOAN OR FACILITY GRANTED TO A DIRECTOR, OR A RELATIVE OF A DIRECTOR.
♦CLAUSE 11 EASES THE EXISTING RESTRICTIONS ON LOANS AND ADVANCES MADE BY A LICENSED BANK TO A SINGLE CUSTOMER.
/♦S&JTION 23.....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1981
7
♦ SECTION 23 OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE PLACES A LIMIT OF 25 PER CENT OF A BANK’S PAID-UP CAPITAL AND RESERVES ON LOANS AND OTHER FACILITIES GRANTED TO ANY ONE CUSTOMER, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS, WHICH INCLUDE TRANSACTIONS WITH ANOTHER BANK.
♦ CLAUSE 26 OF THE BILL SEEKS TO TIGHTEN UP THE CONTROL ON THE USE OF THE WORD ’BANK’ BY ANYONE OTHER THAN A LICENSED BANK.
♦ CLAUSE 15 OF THE BILL SEEKS TO SHORTEN FROM 21 DAYS TO 14 DAYS THE PERIOD WITHIN WHICH LICENSED BANKS HAVE TO SUBMIT THEIR MONTHLY AND QUARTERLY RETURNS TO THE COMMISSIONER OF BANK ING.
♦ CLAUSE 7 SEEKS TO AMEND THE PROVISIONS OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE MAINTENANCE OF A MINIMUM HOLDING OF LIQUID ASSETS.
♦ CLAUSES 19 TO 27 SET OUT REVISED PENALTIES FOR DIFFERENT OFFENCES UNDER THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE.
♦ THE PURPOSE HERE IS TO UPDATE THE PENALTIES SINCE THEY WERE LAST REVISED - WHICH, IN MANY CASES, WAS IN 1969 - AND TO BRING THEM INTO LINE WITH THE PENALTIES FOR COMPARABLE OFFENCES UNDER THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
♦ THE REMAINING CLAUSES OF THE BILL SET OUT A NUMBER OF MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE, AND PROPOSE THE REPEAL OF CERTAIN SPENT PROVISONS.
♦ CLAUSE 1 STATES THAT THIS AMENDMENT ORDINANCE SHALL COME INTO OPERATION ON A DAY TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR- IT IS INTENDED THAT THIS SHOULD BE ON THE SAME DAY AS THAT APPOINTED FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1981,* SIR PHILIP SAID.
DEBATE ON THIS MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.
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STAMP DUTY BILL CALLED ’SENSIBLE AND PROGRESSIVE’
* * * *
THE STAMP DUTY BILL WHICH IS DESIGNED TO CONSOLIDATE AND AMEND THE LAW RELATING TO STAMP DUTY WAS GIVEN A SECOND READING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TWO UNOFFICIALS COMMENTED ON THE BILL J
THE HON PETER C. WONG DESCRIBED THE BILL AS +A SENSIBLE AND PROGRESSIVE MEASURE DESIGNED TO FACILITATE THE COLLECTION OF STAMP REVENUE AND THE REMOVAL OF ANOMALIES+.
/♦IN xi'iGLAlO ...
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1?&1
8
♦ IN ENGLAND,* HE SAID, +THE STAMP DUTIES MANAGEMENT ACT, 1981 AND THE STAMP ACT, 1891, AS AMENDED BY VARIOUS FINANCE AND REVENUE ACTS, NOTABLY THE FINANCE ACTS, 1949, 1970 AND 1971, CONSTITUTE THE PRESENT LAW ON THE SUBJECT OF STAMP DUTIES.
♦THE BILL NOW BEFORE COUNCIL BRINGS UNDER ONE UMBRELLA THE EXISTING STAMP ORDINANCE AND THE STAMP DUTIES MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE.
♦IN THIS RESPECT, WE ARE, FOR A CHANGE, AHEAD OF ENGLISH LEGISLATION.*
MR WONG SAID THE BILL ALSO REMOVES A LONG-STANDING ANOMALY BY EXPRESSLY PROVIDING FOR UNIT TRUSTS, DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS AND WARRANTS ENTITLING THE HOLDER TO SUBSCRIBE FOR SHARES.
UNDER THE BILL, THERE ARE NOW TO BE ONLY FOUR HEADS OF CHARGE, NAMELY HONG KONG IMMOVABLE PROPERTY, HONG KONG STOCK, HONG KONG BEARER INSTRUMENTS, AND DUPLICATES AND COUNTERPARTS OF CHARGEABLE INSTRUMENTS.
ANOTHER AMENDMENT CONCERNED CLAUSE 15 OF THE BILL WHICH DEALS WITH THE NON-ADMISSIB ILITY OF INSTRUMENTS NOT DULY STAMPED.
ALTHOUGH SUBSECTION 3 OF SECTION 7 OF THE EXISTING STAMP ORDINANCE GIVES THE COURTS A DISCRETION TO ADMIT INSTRUMENTS WHICH ARE NOT DULY STAMPED AND PROVIDES SAFEGUARDS TO ENSURE PROPER STAMPING AND PAYMENT OF PENALTY IN DUE COURSE, MR WONG NOTED THIS DISCRETION IS NOT RETAINED IN CLAUSE 15.
♦HOWEVER, IN RESPONSE TO VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE LEGISLATION SCRUTINY GROUP, THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOW AGREED TO AMEND CLAUSE 15 SO THAT THE COURTS WILL RETAIN THIS DISCRETION.
♦THIS PROVISION IS IMPORTANT AS IT WILL FACILITATE COURT PROCEEDINGS.
♦THE RETENTION OF SUCH DISCRETION IS IN LINE WITH THE CURRENT PRACTICE IN ENGLISH COURTS,♦ HE SAID.
THE HON JOHN SWA INE, SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PROPOSE A FORM CF RELIEF FROM STAMP DUTY FOR FUND MANAGERS OF UNIT TRUSTS WHO BUY AND SELL UNITS WITHIN A SPECIFIED PERIOD OF UP TO TWO MONTHS, ♦IF THIS PERIOD IS SHOWN TO BE APPROPRIATE FOR HONG KONG.+
♦AMENDING LEGISLATION WILL BE INTRODUCED BEFORE PART IV OF THE PRESENT BILL COMES INTO OPERATION^ HE SAID.
♦IT IS NOT INTENDED THAT THE CANCELLATION OF UNITS IN A UNIT TRUST SHALL ATTRACT DUTY, AND THE CONCEPT OF ’DISPOSAL’ IN CLAUSE 19(11) AND THAT OF ’CANCELLATION’ ARE MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE.
♦IF, AS A RESULT OF THE REVIEW NOW IN PROGRESS, A DECISION IS TAKEN TO EXEMPT FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS FROM INTEREST TAX, STEPS WILL BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT ASIAN DOLLAR BONDS ISSUED IN HONG KONG ARE RELIEVED FROM STAMP DUTY.+
/MH SWaINE.....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1981
9
MR SWA INE SAID IT WAS NOT THE INTENTION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO LEVY STAMP DUTY ON MORTGAGES AND THAT WOULD NOT BE CAUGHT BY THE PRESENT DEFINITIONS OF IMMOVABLE PROPERTY, CONVEYANCE AND LEASE.
LETTER B LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS ISSUED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WILL ALSO RE^A<N EXEMPT FROM DUTY AS THEY ARE RIGHTS ONLY AND NOT IMMOVABLE PROPERTY WITHIN JHE DEFINITIONS OF +CONVEYANCE+ AND +CONVEYANCE ON SALE*, HE ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-----o------
STAMP DUTY BILL TO BE AMENDED
* * * *
THE HON DAVID NEWBIGGING URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSULT THE COMMITTEE ON UNIT TRUSTS AND MUTUAL FUNDS WHEN AMENDMENTS TO THE STAMP DUTY BILL ARE INTRODUCED IN THE AUTUMN.
THE CALL WAS MADE WHEN HE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SPOKE AT THE SECOND READING OF THE 2) BILL AND THE STAMP DUTY BILL IN
HE SAID THE AD HOC GROUP OF UNOFFICIALS SET UP TO EXAMINE THESE BILLS HAS INDEED SPENT CONSIDERABLE TIME AND EFFORT RECEIVING AND REVIEWING REPRESENTATIONS BOTH FROM THE FINANCIAL COMMUNITY AND FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
♦HAVING PARTICIPATED IN THIS PROCESS I HAVE LITTLE DOUBT THAT A SIGNIFICANT SAVING OF TIME - AND POSSIBLY AVOIDANCE OF DAMAGING UNCERTAINTY AS WELL - COULD HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED IF THE COMMITTEE ON UNIT TRUSTS AND MUTUAL FUNDS - A BODY SET UP UNDER GOVERNMENT SPONSORSHIP - HAD BEEN INCLUDED IN CONSULTATIONS PRIOR TO THE PUBLICATION OF THESE PROPOSALS,* HE SAID.
ON THE QUESTION OF LIABILITY OF THE TRUSTEES OF UNIT TRUST FUNDS TO TAX ON TRADING PROFITS, MR NEWBIGGING SAID THE PROBLEM LIES WITH THE UNCERTAINTY AS TO WHAT IS AND WHAT IS NOT A TRADING PROFIT IN THE CONTEXT OF THE OPERATIONS OF A UNIT TRUST.
UNIT TRUST MANAGERS MUST BUY AND SELL UNITS AT REGULAR INTERVALS, OFTEN FORTNIGHTLY OR MONTHLY, AT PRICES BASED ON THE NET ASSETS OF THE TRUST.
IT IS OBVIOUSLY IMPRACTICAL TO AWAIT THE OUTCOME OF POSSIBLE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS BEFORE DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT TO INCLUDE A TAX LIABILITY IN THIS CALCULATION, HE SAID.
♦THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MAY WITH JUSTIFICATION POINT OUT THAT THE POSITION IS NOT AFFECTED ONE WAY OR THE OTHER BY THE PROPOSED LEG ISLATION.
THIS.....
'WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1981
10
♦HOWEVER THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL, COUPLED BY UNHAPPY COINCIDENCE WITH A NUMBER OF RECENT ASSESSMENTS TO TAX BEING RAISED AGAINST UNIT TRUST TRUSTEES, HAS UNQUESTIONABLY HEIGHTENED THE CONCERN OF THE INDUSTRY - A LEGITIMATE CONCERN WHEN ONE CONSIDERS THAT ANY TAX TRUSTEES BEAR AS A RESULT IS ONE OTHER PEOPLES’ PROFITS.
♦IF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY CONSIDERS IT INAPPROPRIATE TO MATCH THE U.K. LEGISLATION ON THIS POINT (WHICH IN EFFECT EXEMPTS UNIT TRUSTS FROM TAX ON THE U.K. EQUIVALENT OF TRADING PROFITS) HE MAY NEVERTHELESS WISH TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS DEBATE TO CLARIFY THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON THIS AND TO PROVIDE THE UNIT TRUST INDUSTRY WITH SOME REASSURANCE,♦ MR NEWBIGGING SAID.
- - 0 - -
RATING (AMENDMENT) BILL INTRODUCED INTO LEGCO
*****
A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO INTRODUCE CHANGES OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE NATURE TO THE RATING ORDINANCE WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE RATING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE OUTLINED THE MORE IMPORTANT CHANGES IN THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION.
HE SAID ONE OF THE PROVISIONS IN THE BILL IS TO DESIGNATE A DATE BY REFERENCE TO WHICH RATEABLE VALUES IN A NEW VALUATION LIST ARE TO BE ASCERTAINED. THE NEED FOR THIS CHANGE ARISES FROM THE PROBLEM THAT THE VALUATION LISTS HAVE BECOME SO LARGE AT PRESENT THAT FOLLOWING A DIRECTION BY THE GOVERNOR TO MAKE A VALUATION OF TENEMENTS, THE VALUATION WORK TAKES A CONSIDERABLE PERIOD OF TIME TO COMPLETE AND DURING THIS PERIOD, CHANGES IN RENTAL VALUES CAN OCCUR.
THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO BRING THE PROCEDURE FOR THE PREPARATION OF A NEW VALUATION LIST INTO LINE WITH ACTUAL PRACTICE.
ANOTHER AMENDMENT PROPOSED THAT NEW VALUATION LISTS ARE TO BE DISPLAYED FOR THE WHOLE MONTH OF MARCH IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE LISTS COME INTO FORCE. THESE LISTS WOULD NOT BE DISPLAYED IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS BUT INFORMATION ON TENEMENTS INCLUDED IN THE LISTS, AND ON THEIR RATEABLE VALUES, WILL READILY BE OBTAINABLE AT ANY TIME FROM THE TREASURY OR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT. THE PROPOSED ARRANGEMENT WILL NOT AFFECT RATEPAYERS’ RIGHT TO OBJECT TO AN ASSESSMENT EACH YEAR.
IT IS ALSO PROPOSED TO EXTEND FROM 12 TO 24 MONTHS, THE PERIOD DURING WHICH INTERIM VALUATIONS ARE MADE OF A TENEMENT WHEN IT BECOMES LIABLE AND THAT BACK RATES FOR MORE THAN 12 MONTHS WILL NOT START TO BE CHARGED UNTIL AFTER JANUARY 1, 1982. THE MAXIMUM PERIOD FOR CLAIMING A REFUND OF RATE WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED FROM 12 TO 24 MONTHS.
/T3E BILL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1981
11
THE BILL ALSO DEALS WITH THE EXEMPTIONS OF RATE TO ENSURE AS FAR AS POSSIBLE THAT TENEMENTS WHICH BY THEIR NATURE ARE ALWAYS LIKELY TO BE EXEMPT ARE EXEMPTED FROM ASSESSMENT TO RATES, WHILE THOSE WHICH ARE BY THEIR NATURE RATEABLE, BUT ARE TEMPORARILY EXEMPT DUE TO THE MODE OF THEIR OCCUPATION, ARE EXEMPTED ONLY FROM THE PAYMENT OF RATES.
A NUMBER OF OTHER AMENDMENTS ARE PROPOSED TO ENSURE CONSISTENCY IN TERMINOLOGY, TO CLARIFY THE LAW AND TO REGULARISE CURRENT PRACTICE. THESE INCLUDE THE TIME LIMIT FOR ISSUING DECISIONS ON PROPOSALS IS EXTENDED FROM THREE TO SIX MONTHS IN THE FIRST YEAR OF A NEW VALUATION LIST AND EXTENDING THE PERIOD FOR MAKING AN APPEAL BY RATEPAYERS FROM 21 TO 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF SERVICE OF THE NOTICE FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION.
TWO OTHER BILLS WHICH SEEK TO GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO THE BUDGET PROPOSALS ANNOUNCED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WERE ALSO INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL. THEY ARE THE STAMP (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981 TO RAISE THE CONCESSIONARY RATE OF DUTY OF CONVEYANCE AND THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1981 TO IMPLEMENT THE PERSONAL TAXATION CONCESSIONS.
DEBATE ON ALL THREE BILLS WAS ADJOURNED.
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DEBATE ON INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO.2) BILL RESUMED *****
DEBATE WAS RESUMED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY ON THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(N0.2) BILL WHICH SEEKS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO REMOVE THE PRESENT LOOPHOLE IN THE LAW AND TO RENDER LIABLE TO TAX THE SURPLUS ACCRUED ON THE REDEMPTION OR REALISATION CF CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT AND SIMILAR MONETARY INSTRUMENTS.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE THE HON PETER C. WONG NOTED THAT THE LEGISLATION SCRUTINY GROUP OF UNOFFICIALS HAD DISCUSSED THE LEGAL AND TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF THE BILL WITH SENIOR GOVERNMENT CFF ICIALS.
THE GOVERNMENT IS PREPARED TO MEET THE OBJECTION THAT THE BILL OUGHT NOT BE RETROSPECTIVE, HE SAID.
♦REPRESENTATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS THAT THE EFFECTS OF THE BILL SHOULD BE CONFINED TO CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT AND BILLS OF EXCHANGE ISSUED AFTER APRIL 1, 1981.
♦ALTERNATIVELY, THE IMPACT OF THE BILL SHOULD BE LIMITED TO GAINS ACCRUING AFTER APRIL 1, 1981.
♦GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED TO ACCEPT THE LATTER SUGGESTION AND WILL MOVE AMENDMENTS AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE TO VEST THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE WITH THE APPROPR IATE STATUTORY AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH A BASE DATE VALUE AS AT APRIL 1, 1981 ON A DESIGNATED LIST OF CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT AND BILLS OF EXCHANGE EXTANT AT THAT DATE,+ MR WONG SAID.
/ANOTHER GOuNCILLOB ..
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1981
12
ANOTHER COUNCILLOR, THE HON JOHN SWA I NE, POINTED OUT THAT ONE MAJOR PROVISION OF THE AMENDING BILL IS THE INCLUSION IN SECTION 15 OF THE PROFITS DERIVED FROM THE SALE, DISPOSAL OR REALISATION OF CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT AS PART OF THE DEEMED TRADING RECEIPTS OF THE TAXPAYER.
HE QUOTED THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY AS SAYING, WHEN INTRODUCING THE BILL, THAT THE NEW PROVISIONS WOULD IN NO WAY BREACH THE TERRITORIAL SOURCE CRITERION, AND THE TRADITIONAL PROVISION OF CREDIT TEST USED IN DETERMINING THE ASSESSABILITY TO TAX OF INTEREST PAYMENTS WOULD BE APPLIED TO THOSE INSTRUMENTS.
+THIS TEST WOULD BRING WITHIN THE TAX NET THOSE CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT WHICH ORIGINATED IN HONG KONG, WHATEVER THEIR CURRENCY OF DENOMINATION, AND WOULD EXCLUDE THOSE WHICH ORIGINATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG.* AS A RESULT, MR SWA INE SAID, FOREIGN CURRENCY CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT ISSUED OFF-SHORE WILL CONTINUE TO ESCAPE THE TAX NET, FOREIGN CURRENCY CERTIFICATES AND HONG KONG DOLLARS CERTIFICATES ISSUED IN HONG KONG WILL BE TAXABLE, BUT HONG KONG DOLLAR CERTIFICATES ISSUED OFF-SHORE WILL NOT BE TAXABLE.
+THERE IS HOWEVER THE PROSPECT OF RELIEF FOR SOME HONG KONG ISSUED CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT,* HE SAID.
MR SWA INE ALSO SAID THAT A COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT WILL BE PROPOSED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO DEEM PROFITS TO BE INTEREST ON DISPOSAL OF CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT BY CORPORATIONS CARRYING ON TRADE OR BUSINESS IN HONG KONG FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBVIATING ANY QUESTION OF CORPORATIONS BEING DOUBLY TAXED, UNDER BOTH INTEREST AND PROFITS TAX.
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ICAC HAS RECORD YEAR * * * *
A RECORD TOTAL OF 333 PROSECUTIONS WERE TAKEN TO COURT BY THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION LAST YEAR, THE HON R.H. LOBO SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
AND THERE WERE 233 CONVICTIONS - THE LARGEST NUMBER SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT SEVEN YEARS AGO.
MR LOBO, WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE ICAC COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE, WAS SPEAKING AT THE TABLING OF THE COMMISSION’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1980.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD THE COMMISSION RECEIVED OVER 7 000 REPORTS, A QUARTER OF WHICH ALLEGED CORRUPTION.
*THE REST WERE REPORTS INVOLVING A WIDE RANGE OF COMPLAINTS. AND OTHER MATTERS MANY OF WHICH ARE PASSED ON TO THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED,* SAID MR LOBO.
/+IT IS .....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1981
13
♦IT IS GRATIFYING THAT OVER HALF OF THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO REPORTED CORRUPTION TO THE ICAC IDENTIFIED THEMSELVES.*
THE REPORT ALSO DESCRIBES THE STEADY PROGRESS MADE IN THE FIELD OF CORRUPTION PREVENTION AND THE WORK CARRIED OUT BY THE COMMISSION’S COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT TO IMPRESS UPON THE PUBLIC THE EVILS OF CORRUPTION AND ENLIST THEIR SUPPORT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST IT.
MR LOBO PAID TRIBUTE TO MRS JOYCE SYMONS WHO STOOD DOWN FROM THE OPERATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE AFTER HAVING SERVED ON IT FOR ALMOST SEVEN YEARS- AND SIR DONALD LUDDINGTON WHO RETIRED AFTER 32 YEARS’ DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE, THE LAST TWO-AND-A-HALF-YEARS AS THE COMMISSIONER OF THE ICAC.
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AIRPORT TUNNEL TO BE OPENED IN TWO STAGES * * * *
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON JACK STEAN, SAID TODAY THAT ONE TUBE OF THE TUNNEL UNDER THE AIRPORT WOULD BE OPENED TO TWO WAY TRAFFIC AT THE BEGINNING OF NEXT YEAR TOGETHER WITH THE ROAD SYSTEM ON KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JOYCE BENNETT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR STEAN SAID: +THERE SHOULD BE A VERY DEFINITE IMPROVEMENT IN THE TRAFFIC FLOW TO AND FROM KWUN TONG WITH THE OPENING OF ONE TUBE OF THE TUNNEL.
♦THE SECOND TUBE OF THE TUNNEL IS EXPECTED TO BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC AT THE END OF NEXT YEAR WHEN THE UNDERGROUND SLIP ROAD FROM THE TUNNEL TO SUNG WONG TOI ROAD AND THE AIRPORT WILL ALSO BE OPENED,♦ HE ADDED.
♦ONE GRADE-SEPARATED INTERCHANGE WITH WAI YIP STREET WILL ALSO BE COMPLETED AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME.+
MR STEAN SAID THAT THE START OF CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROADS ON THE RECLAMATION AND THE FITTING OUT OF THE TUNNEL HAD BEEN DELAYED BY STAFF SHORTAGES IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
BUT, HE SAID THAT THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF THE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM IN THE TUNNEL WAS AT PRESENT THE MOST CRITICAL PROBLEM AFFECTING THE DATE WHEN THE TUNNEL COULD OPEN.
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/14 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1981
14
SITES BENEATH FLYOVERS FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES IDENTIFIED * M * *
A SURVEY COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR IDENTIFIES 144 SITES BENEATH BOTH PLANNED AND EXISTING FLYOVERS WHICH ARE, OR MAY BE USED FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON JACK STEAN, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON F.K. HU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE SAID THAT SITES IDENTIFIED HAD A TOTAL AREA OF 72 HECTARES. OF THESE SITES, 69 WITH AN AREA OF 23 HECTARES, WERE IN EXISTENCE AT PRESENT.
♦MOST OF THESE SITES ARE BEING USED FOR SUCH PUBLIC PURPOSES AS ROADS, PEDESTRIAN WAYS, AMENITY AREAS, REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS, VEHICLE PARKS, CAR PARKS, BUS TERMINI, USD STORAGE, TEMPORARY MARKETS, CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUNDS, PUBLIC TOILETS, NULLAHS, WORKS AREAS, CONTAINER STORAGE ETC..+ HE SAID.
IN GENERAL, HE ADDED, SITES BENEATH FOOTBRIDGES AND FLYOVERS BECAME AVAILABLE FOR USE AS SOON AS THE CONSTRUCTION WORK HAD BEEN COMPLETED.
♦MAJOR USES SUCH AS ROADS, OR RELOCATION OF MARKETS WILL NORMALLY HAVE BEEN PLANNED IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE FLYOVER PROJECT.
♦FOR MINOR AREAS, DEMANDS WHICH ARISE ON COMPLETION, CAN BE CONSIDERED. EACH REQUEST FOR ALLOCATION IS TREATED ON ITS INDIVIDUAL MERITS AND AN ASSESSMENT OF WHETHER THE PROPOSED USE IS ACCEPTABLE, PUBLIC SAFETY BEING THE PARAMOUNT CONSIDERATION,♦ MR STEAN SAID.
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DISPLAY OF STREET NAMES AND BUILDING NUMBERS K * * X
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON JACK STEAN, TODAY OUTLINED THE RESPONSIBILITY OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN ENSURING THAT THE NAMES OF STREETS AND NUMBERING OF BUILDINGS ARE PROPERLY DISPLAYED.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN, HE SAID THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT STREET NAMES WERE PROPERLY DISPLAYED.
♦WHEN A NEW STREET IS OPENED TO THE PUBLIC, STREET NAME PLATES IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE ARE ERECTED AT APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS,♦ HE SAID.
♦THE DETAILED DESIGN OF THE PLATES AND THE POSITIONING ARE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STANDARDS ADOPTED BY THE HIGHWAYS OFF ICE.+
/MR ST2AN
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1981
15
MR STEAN POINTED OUT THAT STREET NAME PLATES WERE INSPECTED AND MAINTAINED AS PART OF THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME FOR PUBLIC HIGHWAYS.
AS REGARDS THE NUMBERING OF BUILDINGS, HE SAID: +THE AUTHORITY FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND NEW KOWLOON IS THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION- THE AUTHORITY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES IS THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROVISION AND MAINTENANCE OF NUMBERS ON BUILDINGS RESTS WITH INDIVIDUAL OWNERS.+
MR STEAN SAID THAT HE HAD BEEN ADVISED THAT +THE AUTHORITIES ENSURE THAT EACH NEW BUILDING IS NUMBERED ON COMPLETION AND THAT, AS RESOURCES PERMIT THEY ENDEAVOUR TO ENSURE THAT HOUSE NUMBERS ARE MAINTAINED.*
♦PERIODICALLY, CAMPAIGNS ARE MOUNTED TO ENCOURAGE BUILDING OWNERS TO MAINTAIN THE NUMBERING OF THEIR BUILDINGS AND I AM ADVISED THAT THE NEXT CAMPAIGN WILL TAKE PLACE NEXT YEAR,* HE ADDED.
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$1 MILLION DEATH DUTY EXEMPTION PROPOSED *****
IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, PROPOSED THAT THE CEILING AT WHICH DUTY ON ESTATES OF DECEASED PERSONS BECOME PAYABLE BE LIFTED FROM THE FIGURE OF $600 000 OF LAST YEAR, TO $1 MILLION, +HAVING REGARD IN PARTICULAR TO PREVAILING PROPERTY PRICES*.
THIS WOULD COST THE REVENUE ABOUT $13 MILLION IN 1981-82 AND ABOUT $17 MILLION IN 1982-83, HE POINTED OUT.
THE SUM WOULD BE LESS FOR 1981-82 BECAUSE THE INCREASED EXEMPTION WOULD NOT APPLY TO ESTATES OF PERSONS DYING BEFORE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL.
HE ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO INTRODUCE THREE +RELATIVELY MINOR* AMENDMENTS TO THE ESTATE DUTY ORDINANCE:
* TO PROVIDE FOR A SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE FOR THE PROCESSING OF SMALL ESTATES WHEREBY, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE ESTATE DUTY COMMISSIONER IS EMPOWERED TO EXEMPT EXECUTORS FROM THE NEED TO DELIVER SWORN AFFIDAVITS FOR ALL PROPERTY IN RESPECT OF WHICH ESTA'E DUTY IS PAYABLE UPON DEATH-
/k to aisras........
'.WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 19&1
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M TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS NO MULTIPLE CHARGE TO DUTY IN CASES WHERE TWO OR MORE PERSONS HAVE DIED IN CIRCUMSTANCES RENDERING IT UNCERTAIN WHICH OF THEM SURVIVED THE OTHER OR OTHERS, AND
* TO MAKE A MINOR TEXTUAL AMENDMENT TO SECTION 6 OF THE ORDINANCE WHEREBY CERTAIN DISPOSITIONS ARE DEEMED TO BE GIFTS INTER VIVOS.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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HIGHER DEPRECIATION APPROVED
* * * *
AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) RULES 1981, PROVIDING FOR INCREASES IN THE DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCES FOR CERTAIN ITEMS OF PLANT AND MACHINERY, WERE APPROVED.
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ACTION TAKEN UNDER LAW AGAINST ILLEGAL FACTORIES * * *
ACTION IS TAKEN BY ENFORCEMENT BODIES TO REDUCE THE NUISANCE AND HAZARDS CAUSED BY FACTORIES IN NON-INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, UNDER VARIOUS ORDINANCES, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON DEREK JONES, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI CONCERNING MEASURES TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT AGAINST ILLEGAL FACTORIES IN MULTI-STOREY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS FOR THE PROTECTION OF RESIDENTS, MR JONES POINTED OUT THAT SUCH ACTION HAD BEEN GOING ON SINCE 1976.
THE LAWS THAT DEALT WITH SUCH MATTERS WERE PROVIDED IN THE FIRE SERVICES, THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS, THE BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCES, AND, WHERE POSSIBLE, BY LEASE ENFORCEMENT, MR JONES EXPLAINED.
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/17 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1981
17
PLANS TO STRENGTHEN EDUCATION ADVISORY INSPECTORATE *****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS FORMULATING PROPOSALS TO STRENGTHEN AND REORGANISE ITS ADVISORY INSPECTORATE TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING WORKLOAD AND THE CHANGING REQUIREMENTS OF THE CURRICULUM, THE HON COLVYN HAYE, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
*THE WORK OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT SECTION IS EXPANDING, PARTICULARLY IN THE CONTEXT OF PROPOSALS FOR THE REFORM OF THE SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM AND THE POSSIBLE REFORM OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE ITSELF,* HE SAID.
MR HAYE WAS REPLYING TO A QUERY FROM THE REV THE HON JOYCE BENNETT ON WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER SETTING UP A FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL TEAM FOR CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT.
HE SAID THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT SECTION OF THE INSPECTORATE WHICH IS STAFFED BY FULL-TIME PROFESSIONALS HAS BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE 1972.
♦ALL STAFF ARE QUALIFIED AND PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED TEACHERS AND EXPERIENCED INSPECTORS, AND FIVE OF THEM HAVE RECEIVED ADDITIONAL TRAINING OVERSEAS IN CURRICULUM RELATED WORK,* MR HAYE SAID.
THE MAIN TASK OF THE TEAM IS TO FACILITATE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE CO-ORDINATION AND NECESSARY SERVICING OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.
♦CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT ITSELF, THE CREATION OF NEW SYLLABUSES AND MATERIALS MUST BE THE BUSINESS OF PRACTISING TEACHERS IN THE SCHOOLS, WHICH IS WHY WE PLACE SUCH EMPHASIS ON THEIR ROLE IN THE COMMITTEES OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE,* MR HAYE SAID.
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MORE SUBJECTS AT HKCEE LEVEL FOR SCHOOLS *****
Tur ,,thirty”NINE SUBJECTS ARE NOW OFFERED IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR MHL«NSi^?N^eCIET,F,CATE 0F EDUCATION EXAMINATION (HKCEE) AND THE increased over the next FEW YEARS, THE HON COLVYN leg^slat^veTcouncilDUCATION SAID today Wednesday) in the additional subjects to be introduced will include computer
S0C,AL STUDIES AND A RANGE OF NEW SUBJECTS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, HE SAID.
/UB HAYE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1981
18
MR HAYE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE REV THE HON JOYCE BENNETT ON WHAT ARRANGEMENT WAS BEING GIVEN TO SCHOOLS TO DIVERSIFY THEIR CURRICULUM TO OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS FOR THE HKCEE.
THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ORGANISES SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, IN SERVICE COURSES AND PILOT SCHEMES AS REQUIRED TO ASSIST SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS IN THE TEACHING OF ALL SUBJECTS.
♦SPECIFIC ENCOURAGEMENT HAS BEEN GIVEN TO SCHOOLS SINCE 1976 TO WIDEN THEIR CURRICULUM TO INCLUDE PRACTICAL AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS,♦ MR HAYE SAID.
THIS HAS TAKEN THE FORM OF EXTENSIONS AND CONVERSIONS OF FACILITIES IN EXISTING SCHOOLS, AND IN THE PLANNING OF PRACTICAL EDUCATION CENTRES FOR THOSE SCHOOLS UNABLE TO EXTEND OR CONVERT THEIR PREMISES, HE SAID.
♦WHILE IT IS GOVERNMENT POLICY TO ENCOURAGE A BROADER CURRICULUM, IT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED THAT IT IS STILL GOVERNMENT POLICY TO LEAVE THE ACTUAL DECISIONS ON THE CURRICULUM TO THE SCHOOLS THEMSELVES,+ MR HAYE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE RANGE OF OPTIONAL SUBJECTS IN ANY ONE SCHOOL DEPENDED ON THE AVAILABLE STAFF, HE SAID THE PRESENT STAFF ARRANGEMENTS AND FACILITIES IN MOST SECONDARY SCHOOLS PERMIT THEM TO PRESENT THEIR PUPILS FOR SOME EIGHT MAJOR SUBJECTS IN THE HKCEE.
SCHOOLS ARE USUALLY ABLE TO OFFER SOME 15 SUBJECTS FOR PUPILS TO CHOOSE FROM, AND MR HAYE SAID ♦THIS IS ABOUT AS WIDE A RANGE OF SUBJECTS WHICH MIGHT REASONABLY BE OFFERED PUPILS IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITHOUT PLACING TOO GREAT A STRAIN ON THEM.+
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HOVER-FERRY SERVICE TO BE OPERATED
* * *
THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY CO. LTD. WILL PROVIDE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN WITH A HOVER-FERRY SERVICE TO AND FROM CENTRAL TO MEET INCREASED DEMAND FOR THIS FORM OF TRANSPORT.
IT WILL ALSO INTRODUCE AN ORDINARY FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN THE NEW TOWN AND MEI FU SUN CHUEN.
THE COMPANY TODAY ENTERED INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WHEREBY THE FORMER WILL BUILD, ON BEHALF OF GOVERNMENT, A TEMPORARY PASSENGER WAITING SHED AND BERTHING FACILITY WITHIN THE EXISTING TYPHOON SHELTER OF THE NEW TOWN.
THE AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED BY MR T.S. NG, PROJECT MANAGER (TUEN MUN), AND MR LAU CHAN-KWOK, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE COMPANY.
/THE ifOUK .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 19&1
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THE WORK, COSTING ABOUT $2.5 MILLION, WILL START IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE BERTH WILL BE READY FOR USE IN SEPTEMBER.
SPEAKING AFTER THE SIGNING CEREMONY, MR NG SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PROVIDE A TEMPORARY BUS TERMINUS AND A COVERED WALKWAY NEAR THE BERTH TO PROTECT THE PASSENGER FROM RAIN AND SHINE.
MEANWHILE, PLANS ARE IN HAND TO BUILD A PERMANENT PIER AT THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE NEW TOWN.
♦DESIGN WORK HAS ALREADY BEGUN AND THE PIER IS EXPECTED TO BE READY BY THE END OF 1983,+ MR NG SAID.
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SHA TIN TO HOLD SEMINAR ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION * * * *
SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE IS ORGANISING A SEMINAR TO INCREASE LOCAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM.
IT WILL BE HELD AT LEK YUEN COMMUNITY HALL ON MAY 28 (THURSDAY) AT 8.30 PM.
SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE THE SHA TIN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, AND A CHINESE UNIVERSITY LECTURER IN GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, MR ANDREW WONG, WHO IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
BESIDES OUTLINING THE SCHEME, THE SPEAKERS WILL ANSWER QUESTIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE SAID THE SEMINAR WAS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN IN THE NEW TOWN TO ENCOURAGE INTEREST IN THE NEW PATTERN OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, WHICH IS INTENDED TO CREATE MORE AND BETTER COMMUNICATION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE.
THE NEW SYSTEM WILL ALSO GIVE PEOPLE A MORE DIRECT SAY ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND POLICIES AFFECTING THEIR DISTRICTS AND ENSURE THAT THEIR NEEDS ARE IDENTIFIED AND DEALT WITH EFFECTIVELY, HE SAID.
UNDER THE NEW SCHEME, DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES OF SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND DISTRICT BOARDS COMPRISING BOTH UNOFFICIAL AND OFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL BE FORMED.
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT BOARDS WILL INCLUDE DIRECTLY ELECTED AND APPOINTED MEMBERS AND RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN.
ELECTIONS TO THESE BOARDS WILL BE HELD IN MARCH, 1982, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT SHA TIN WILL BE DIVIDED INTO FOUR CONSTITUENCIES, WHICH WILL ELECT TWO MEMBERS EACH TO THE DISTRICT BOARD.
HE SAID CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1981
20
SEMINAR ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR HONG KONG INDUSTRIALISTS * *
WITH A VIEW TO STIMULATING INTEREST AMONG LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS, THE DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY, THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION (HKIEC) AND THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES <FHK I), JOINTLY ORGANISED A HALF-DAY SEMINAR ENTITLED ‘OPPORTUNITIES COR HONG KONG INDUSTRIALISTS’.
THE SEMINAR, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND HELD IN HONG KONG, TOOK PLACE THIS AFTERNOON (MAY 13) IN THE FHKI LECTURE ROOM.
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION INCLUDED LOCAL AND OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION, INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION WITH OVERSEAS INVESTORS, ACQUISITION OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION, AND QUALIFICATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR SITES IN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL ESTATES.
+WE ARE DELIGHTED AT THE NUMBER OF FEDERATION MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED - OVER 70 IN ALL - AND THE INTEREST SHOWN IN THE EVENT,* SAID MR ALEX PURVES, COMMISSIONER OF INDUSTRY.
THE DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY AND THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION INTEND TO ORGANISE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS, MORE OF THESE SEMINARS TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
AFTER AN INTRODUCTION BY MR H.C. TANG, CHAIRMAN OF THE FHK I, W PAUL WONG, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF INDUSTRY, AND MR P.K. WONG, COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR OF HKIEC, ADDRESSED THE MEETING.
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FIRE SERVICES OFFICER RETIRES * * *
A FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT STATION OFFICER, MR YUNG PO-LAM, WHO ROSE FROM THE RANKS RETIRED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AFTER 23 YEARS’ SERVICE.
THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF FSD , PRESENTED HIM WITH A WRIST WATCH
TO MARK HIS RETIREMENT, HEADQUARTERS, MR BRIAN FENDER
IN PRESENTING THE GIFT, MR FENDER PRAISED YUNG’S LOYALTY AND DEVOTION TO DUTY DURING HIS ENTIRE CAREER WITH THE DEPARTMENT.
STATION OFFICER YUNG JOINED THE SERVICE IN 1958 AS A WATCH-KEEPER AT THE CONTROL CENTRE. HE BECAME A SENIOR FIREMAN IN 1961 AFTER THE POST OF WATCH-KEEPER WAS REGRADED.
IN MID-1964 HE WAS PROMOTED TO PRINCIPAL FIREMAN RISING TO HIS PRESENT RANK IN MAY 1979 AFTER ACTING AS A STATION OFFICER ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS.
/hs is .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1?&1
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HE IS MARRIED AND HAS A DAUGHTER AND TWO SONS, ALL IN THEIR TWENTIES.
♦I’LL TAKE A LONG HOLIDAY FIRST BEFORE DECIDING WHAT TO DO IN MY RETIREMENT,♦ HE SAID.
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TRAFFIC RE-ROUTING IN CAUSEWAY BAY * * * *
WITH EFFECT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 15), THE SECTION OF GLOUCESTER ROAD BETWEEN GREAT GEORGE STREET AND SUGAR STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY SOUTH-BOUND TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TAI HANG ROAD FLYOVER.
THE CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO LAST 30 MONTHS.
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
Thursday, may 14, i9ci
CONKIITS PAGE NO.
5 108 000 PEOPLE HERE, PROVISIONAL FIGURES SHOW ............... 1
COUNTRY AND COMMODITY BREAKDOWN FIGURES FOR HONG KONG'S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY-MARCH 1981 ......................... 2
NEED TO PROTECT HONG KONG'S TRADING REPUTATION STRESSED ....... 7
RECOGNITION OF CUSTOMS' ACTIONS AGAINST RECORD-PIRACY ......... 9
GOLD COIN CABINETS ON SALE NEXT WEEK ..........................10
$2 MILLION PI7D LIGHTING CONTRACT AWARDED .....................11
CDO BRINGS SERVICE TO PEOPLE...................................11
PUBLIC REMINDED TO KEEP FIRS SERVICE INSTALLATIONS EFFICIENT ...12
PLB PROHIBITED ZONES IN KOWLOON CITY...........................13
"ON DEMAND" SERVICE TO FRANCE..................................13
RESIDENTIAL SUMTER COURSE FOR MUSIC TEACHERS...................14
SAI KUNG CHILDREN'S CHOIR WANTS PART-TIME STAFF ...............15
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1981
1
5 108 000 PEOPLE HERE, PROVISIONAL FIGURES SHOW * * * * *
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF THE 1981 POPULATION CENSUS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT YESTERDAY SHOWED AN ENUMERATED POPULATION OF 5 022 000 ON MARCH 9, 1981.
THIS FIGURE INCLUDES 14 000 TRANSIENTS AND 20 000 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, BUT EXCLUDES 120 000 RESIDENTS WHO WERE AWAY FROM HONG KONG ON THE REFERENCE DATE.
TAKING THESE INTO ACCOUNT, THE TOTAL RESIDENT POPULATION OF HONG KONG BECOMES 5 108 000.
THE MARCH 1981 HEADCOUNT REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 1 074 000 PEOPLE OR 27.2 PER CENT OVER THE 1971 CENSUS COUNT, GIVING AN AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF 2.4 PER CENT.
IT WAS FOUND IN THE CENSUS THAT THERE WERE 1 090 MALES TO EVERY 1 000 FEMALES- THE SEX RATIO FOR 1971 WAS 1 033 MALES PER 1 000 FEMALES. THE INCREASE IN THE PROPORTION OF MALES OVER FEMALES DURING THIS PERIOD IS A RESULT OF THE LARGE INFLUX OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, WHO WERE PREDOMINANTLY YOUNG AND MALE.
A BROAD GEOGRAPHICAL BREAKDOWN OF THE POPULATION, WITH THE 1971 CENSUS RESULTS FOR COMPARISON, IS AS FOLLOWS:
1971 CENSUS
1981 CENSUS
CENSUS AREA ENUMERATED POPULATION * % ENUMERATED POPULATION * %
HONG KONG ISLAND 996 000 25.2 1 183 000 23.6
KOWLOON 716 000 18.1 799 000 15.9
NEW KOWLOON 1 469 000 37.3 1 652 000 33.0
TSUEN WAN 276 000 7.0 608 000 12.1
YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN 175 000 4.4 308 000 6.1
TAI PO AND FANLING 132 000 3.3 183 000 3.6
SHA TIN 29 000 0.7 117 000 2.3
SAI KUNG SOUTH AND
HANG HAU 26 000 0.7 42 000 0.8
ISLANDS 38 000 1.0 46 000 0.9
MAR INE 80 000 2.0 50 000 1.0
TRANS IENTS 11 000 0.3 14 000 0.3
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES — — 20 000 0.4
TOTAL 3 948 000 100.0 5 022 000 100.0
* FIGURES ARE ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST THOUSAND.
FROM 1971 TO 1981, THE INCREASE IN POPULATION OF THE NE* TERRITORIES, PARTICULARLY THE NE* TOWNS AND TOWNSHIPS, WAS ESPECIALLY SUBSTANTIAL. INDEED, TSUEN WAN HAS RECORDED THE LARGEST ABSOLUTE INCREASE OF 332 000 PEOPLE IN THE PAST DECADE, AND SriA TIN HAS RECORDED A THREEFOLD INCREASE. AS A RESULT, THE PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION IN THE NEW TERR I"OR IES ROSE FROM 17 PER CENT IN 1971 TO 26 PER CENT IN 1981.
/the marine ....
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1981
2
THE MARINE POPULATION CONTINUED TO DECREASE DURING THE PAST 13 YEARS. ITS NUMBER IN 1981 WAS LESS THAN TWO-THIRDS OF THAT IN P71. THE AVERAGE RATE OF DECREASE WAS 4.6 PER CENT PER ANNUM.
ACCORDING TO THE PRELIMINARY COUNT OF THE CENSUS, THE THREE MOST DENSELY POPULATED DISTRICTS, IN ORDER OF THEIR POPULATION DENSITY, ARE SHAM SHU I PO, MONG KOK, AND HUNG HOM.
THE NUMBER OF PERSONS PER SQUARE KM IN SHAM SHU I PO WAS 165 430.
♦THESE PROVISIONAL FINDINGS OF THE CENSUS ARE BASED ON A --EL IM INARY MANUAL COUNT. FINAL AND MORE DETAILED RESULTS WILL BE RELEASED IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR.+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE CENSUS, WHICH COST SOME 521 MILLION, TOOK PLACE FROM ‘'•■ARCH 6 TO MARCH 15.
DATA COLLECTION WAS CARRIED OUT BY SOME 12 500 STUDENTS AND TEACHERS WHO VISITED ALL HOUSEHOLDS IN THE TERRITORY.
0 -
COUNTRY AND COMMODITY BREAKDOWN FIGURES FOR HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY-MARCH 1981 X X X * X
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FOR JANUARY TO MARCH 1981, VALUED AT $56 670 MILLION, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 29 PER C^T, AS COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1980. DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 17 PER CENT TO 516 064 MILLION, IMPORTS BY 28 PER CENT TO $31 081 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS BY 58 PER CENT TO 59 526 MILLION. DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 30 PER CENT.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT RELEASED TODAY THE RELEVANT DETAILED TRADE STATISTICS.
/THE CHANGES.......
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1981
THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MARKETS WERE AS FOLLOWS
THE TEN MAJOR OVERSEAS
INCREASE/
JAN-MAR 81 (HK$ MN) JAN-MAR 80 (HK$ MN) DECREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
U.S.A. 5 361 4 352 ♦1 009 ♦23
F.R. OF GERMANY 1 606 1 616 — 10 - 1
U.K. 1 516 1 373 ♦ 144 ♦ 10
JAPAN 555 498 + 57 ♦ 11
CHINA 552 305 + 248 ♦81
AUSTRAL IA 523 452 ♦ 71 + 16
CANADA 428 347 ♦ 81 ♦23
SINGAPORE 376 369 4- 7 + 2
NETHERLANDS 370 349 4- 21 ♦ 6
NIGER IA 323 198 ♦ 125 +63
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S. CONTINUED TO GROW. SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $585 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT), ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND PARTS FOR COMPUTERS (BY $292 MILLION OR 140 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $165 MILLION OR 42 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $68 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS DECLINED (BY $46 MILLION OR 16 PER CENT).
AS FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE F.R. OF GERMANY, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN CLOTHING (BY 869 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT) AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $5 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS, AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT DECLINED (BY 813 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT, AND $40 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY).
INCREASES WERE NOTED IN THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.K. OF CLOTHING (BY $40 MILLION OR 6 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $37 MILLION OR 67 PER CENT), AS WELL AS WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $12 MILLION OR 16 PER CENT).
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING TO JAPAN (BY $47 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT), AND IN THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY 875 MILLION OR 525 PER CENT) AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS (BY 845 MILLION OR 136 PER CENT) TO CHINA.
/ATI ANALYSIS .....
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1981
AN ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN DOMESTIC COMMODITY DIVISION IS PRESENTED BELOWt-
EXPORTS BY MAJOR
INCREASE/ JAN-MAR 81 JAN-MAR 80 DECREASE PERCENTAGE (HK$ MN) (HK5 MN) (HKS MN) CHANGE
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING
ACCESSORIES 5 669 4 574 *1 □95 +24
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS) 2 246 2 171 ♦ 75 ♦ 3
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, OPTICAL GOODS, BATCHES AND CLOCKS 1 686 1 313 ♦ 373 ♦28
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1 1 117 1 129 13 - 1
ELECTRICAL MACH INERY, APPARATUS AND APPL IANCES (MAINLY TRANSISTORS AND DIODES AND HOUSEHOLD TYPE APPLIANCES) 1 109 883 ♦ 226 +26
TEXTILE YARN, FABR ICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1 102 1 □35 4- 67 + 6
/THE CHANGES ......
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1981
5
THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM THE TEN MAJOR SOURCES ARE
SUMMARISED AS FOLLOWSi- INCREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
JAN-MAR 81 (HK$ MN) JAN-MAR 80 (HKS MN)
JAPAN 7 480 5 383 +2 097 ♦39
CH INA 6 044 4 419 *1 624 +37
U.S.A. 3 310 2 892 ♦ 417 +14
TAIWAN 2 539 1 695 ♦ 843 *50
SINGAPORE 2 307 1 532 + 774 +51
U.K. 1 440 1 111 ♦ 329 *30
SOUTH KOREA 1 306 798 ♦ 508 +64
F.R. OF GERMANY 796 745 + 52 + 7
SWITZERLAND 722 667 ♦ 55 + 8
THAILAND 445 413 + 32 * 8
LOCAL DEMAND FOR JAPANESE GOODS REMAINED STRONG. INCREASES WERE NOTED PARTICULARLY FOR ROAD VEHICLES (BY $429 MILLION OR Q4 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $312 MILLION OR 69 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $222 MILLION OR 43 PER CENT), TEXTILES (BY $205 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT), AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $205 MILLION OR 39 PER CENT).
AS FOR IMPORTS FROM CHINA, INCREASES WERE RECORDED MAINLY IN TEXTILES (BY $376 MILLION OR 48 PER CENT), CLOTHING (BY $303 MILLION OR 92 PER CENT), VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $97 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT), AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD (BY $77 MILL ION OR 24 PER CENT).
INCREASES IN IMPORTS FROM THE U.S. WERE LARGELY OF ORGANIC CHEMICALS (BY $94 MILLION OR 439 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $77 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT), TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (BY $58 MILLION OR 143 PER CENT). AS wELL AS VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $55 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN THE IMPORTS OF TEXTILE FIBRES (BY $124 MILLION OR 42 PER CENT) AND ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS (BY $63 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT).
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORTS OF TEXTILES (BY $451 MILLION OR 72 PER CENT) FROM TAIWAN, AND OF PETROLEUM AND RELATED PRODUCTS (BY $672 MILLION OR 71 PER CENT) FROM SINGAPORE.
/THE FOLLOWING ......
6
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1981
THE FOLLOWING TABLE ILLUSTRATES THE MORE IMPORTANT CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY COMMODITY SECT ION:-
INCREASE/
JAN-MAR 81 JAN-MAR 80 DECREASE PERCENTAGE
(HK$ MN) (HK$ MN) (HK$ MN) CHANGE
MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY TEXTILE PRODUCTS, DIAMONDS, IRON AND STEEL, AND PAPER) 9 204 7 221 4. 983 +27
.MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 7 099 5 129 *1 971 ♦ 38
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES fMA INLY WATCHES AND CLOCKS, ARTICLES OF APPAREL) 5 039 3 452 +1 586 +46
FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD 3 075 2 504 + 571 +23
MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED MATERIALS 2 404 1 712 + 692 +40
CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS ' 2 112 2 118 6 LESS THAN 0.5%
SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA (BY 81 266 MILLION OR 192 PER CENT), INDONESIA (BY $464 MILLION OR 99 PER CENT), U.S.A. (BY $430 MILLION OR 74 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (BY S268 MILLION OR 56 PER CENT), MACAU (BY $117 MILLION OR 58 PER CENT), JAPAN (BY $112 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT), NIGERIA (BY $103 MILLION OR 66 PER CENT), SOUTH KOREA (BY $72 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT), PANAMA (BY $68 MILLION OR 235 PER CENT) AND TAIWAN (BY $60 MILLION OR 12 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECLINES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS TO THE F.R. OF GERMANY (BY $37 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT) AND SWITZERLAND (BY $70 MILLION OR 39 PER CENT).
MOST COMMODITIES RE-EXPORTED THROUGH HONG KONG EXHIBITED STRONG GROWTH, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING TEXTILES (BY $880 MILLION OR 122 PER CENT), ROAD VEHICLES (BY $412 MILLION OR 247 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $289 MILLION OR 133 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPL IANCES (BY $279 MILLION OR 80 PER CENT), AS WELL AS WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $187 MILLION OR 48 PER CENT).
/+THE HO: S3...
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1981
7
♦THE HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS - SUMMARY*, BEING A SUMMARY REPORT ON HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN MARCH 1981, WILL SOON BE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT HK$3 PER COPY.
A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE*, WITH A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE MONTH’S IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS, WILL BE PUBLISHED IN EARLY JUNE AND WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT HKS1O PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, HONG KONG. (TEL NOs 5-214375).
------0-------
NEED TO PROTECT HONG KONG’S TRADING REPUTATION STRESSED *****
♦PROTECTION OF OUR TRADING REPUTATION IS OUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE AGAINST CREEPING PROTECT ION ISM,+ SAID THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR BILL DORWARD TODAY (MAY 14).
BECAUSE OF ITS COLOURFUL ORIGINS, HONG KONG WAS GOOD HEADLINE MATERIAL IN THE WORLD PRESS.
♦IT HAS A MYSTERIOUS, BIZARRE, BUCCANEERING, ’OPIUM DENS AND HAUNT OF PIRATES’ FLAVOUR TO IT IN THE EYES OF MANY WESTERN READERSAND IT IS NOT TOO LONG A STEP FROM THERE TO AN IMAGE OF SWEAT SHOPS, FIERCE COMPETITION, DANGEROUS GOODS AND FRAUDS,* HE TOLD A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON.
♦GIVE A DOG A BAD NAME AND IT WILL STICK,+ HE SAID.
THIS WAS AGGRAVATED BY WHAT LESS REPUTABLE JOURNALISTS WERE PREPARED TO PUBLISH, SAID MR DORWARD, GIVING EXAMPLES.
A REPORT IN A SCOTTISH NEWSPAPER ABOUT A GLASGOW WOMAN’S TERRIFYING ENCOUNTER WITH BOMBS ON A NEW TERRITORIES ROAD WAS INVESTIGATED AND FOUND TO BE A HOAX BY GLASGOW STUDENTS.
EVEN MORE DAMAGING, PERHAPS, WAS A RECENT FRENCH TELEVISION PROGRAMME MADE BY A TEAM WHO CAME HERE, SO THEY SAID WHEN THEY ASKED FOR HELP, TO MAKE A SERIES CALLED ’ASIAN CHALLENGE’, SAID MR DORWARD.
♦THE PART OF THE PROGRAMME DEVOTED TO HONG KONG CONSISTED OF AN INTERVIEW ON GAMBLING IN MACAU, HORSE RACING AT HAPPY VALLEY -NEITHER OF WHICH SEEMS TO ME TO HAVE MUCH TO DO WITH THE ASIAN CHALLENGE - AND THEIR ALLEGATIONS, BASED ON ONE SO-CALLED EXAMPLE, THAT HONG KONG IS A ’COUNTERFEITER’S PARADISE’ WHICH ’PILLAGES THE IDEAS OF OTHERS’,♦ HE SAID.
THE T.V. JOURNALISTS, APPARENTLY MOTIVATED BY THAT THEORY THAT ONE SHOULD NEVER SPOIL A STORY FOR THE SAKE OF GETTING THE FACTS RIGHT, WENT ON TO CLAIM, QUITE wRONGLY, THAT DESIGNS CANNOT EE REGISTERED IN HONG KONG, HE SAID.
/ACKNO.'/LEDGINu THAT .
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1981
8
ACKNOWLEDGING THAT HONG KONG HAD ITS SHARE OF COMMERCIAL VILLAINS AND SHARP BUSINESSMEN, MR DORWARD SUMMARISED THE LEGISLATION AND ACTION TAKEN TO PROTECT CONSUMERS AT HOME AND OVERSEAS.
BEFORE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COPYRIGHT PROTECTION UNIT IN THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE IN 1973, HONG KONG, LIKE MOST CITIES IN ASIA AND A LOT OF THE REST OF THE WORLD WAS FLOODED WITH PIRATED MUSIC CASSETTES.
IN FIVE YEARS THE UNIT WITH, AT ITS PEAK, JUST OVER 40 MEN, VIRTUALLY STAMPED OUT THE PRODUCTION AND SALE OF THESE CASSETTES IN HONG KONG, AND WAS NOW TRYING TO ACHIEVE THE SAME SUCCESS IN THE FIELD OF PIRATED VIDEO TAPES, SAID MR DORWARD.
♦NO-ONE CAN PUT A FIGURE ON THE VALUE OF THE POSITIVE PUBLICITY WHICH RESULTS FROM ALL THIS, BUT AT A TIME WHEN HONG KONG IS A TARGET FOR PROTECTIONIST SNIPING, IT MUST BE SUBSTANTIAL.
♦IRONICALLY, THE PUBLICITY GENERATED BY OUR SUCCESS IN TRACKING DOWN AND PROSECUTING THE COMPANIES RESPONSIBLE FOR MUSIC PIRACY, TEXTILE TRANSHIPMENTS AND OTHER INFRINGEMENTS OF THE LAW GOVERNING THE CONDUCT OF TRADE TENDS, UNFORTUNATELY, TO GIVE CREDENCE TO ALLEGATIONS THAT IT IS MORE PREVALENT THAN INDEED IT IS,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO TEXTILE TRANSHIPMENT FRAUDS, COMMITTED MAINLY IN 1978 AND 1979, AND DETECTED DURING LAST YEAR, MR DORWARD SAID* ♦I SAY WITH CONVICTION THAT WE ATTACKED THIS PROBLEM WITH ALL THE RESOURCES AND DEDICATION AT OUR DISPOSAL. WE TOOK COURT ACTION AND ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION AGAINST A TOTAL OF 95 COMPANIES. AND, ALTHOUGH ONE CAN NEVER BE COMPLETELY CERTAIN, I BELIEVE WE HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM VIRTUALLY ELIMINATED FOR ABOUT A YEAR.
♦NEVERTHELESS, THE FACT THAT SUCH FRAUDS TOOK PLACE IS BEING USED, NOTABLY IN THE EEC, AS A JUSTIFICATION FOR A MORE RESTRICTIVE ATTITUDE IN CURRENT AND FORTHCOMING TEXTILE NEGOTIATIONS. TALK OF PUNITIVE AND AUTOMATIC PENALTIES ON COUNTRIES OF ORIGINAL EXPORT IS BEING HEARD, HE SAID.
♦A CONSIDERABLE PART OF OUR CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE AND TRADE INVESTIGATION BRANCH, A TOTAL FORCE OF ABOUT 2 500, IS AT ANY GIVEN TIME DEPLOYED ON CONSIGNMENT CHECKS, FACTORY INSPECTIONS, CARGO EXAMINATION AND OTHER ACTIVITIES.
♦THIS IS NOT ONLY TO CURB THE MOVEMENT OF PROHIBITED ARTICLES, SUCH AS NARCOTICS AND FIREARMS, BUT TO MEET INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS IN RESPECT OF SUCH THINGS AS ORIGIN CERTIFICATION, TEXTILE IMPORT AND EXPORT CONTROLS, HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS AND PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPEC IES,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE PROTECTION OF THE HONG KONG CONSUMER, MR DORWARD SAID GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION WAS ESSENTIALLY LIMITED TO THOSE SITUATIONS WHERE CONSUMERS REALISTICALLY COULD NOT PROTECT THEMSELVES.
HE CITED AREAS, WHICH WERE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE TICD, WHERE THE PROVIDERS OF GOODS AND SERVICES COULD PREVENT CONSUMERS MAKING A FAIR JUDGEMENT, AND WHICH NOW CAME UNDER THE NEW TRADE DESCR I PT IONS ORDINANCE.
/♦THIS DEALS ...
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1981
9
♦THIS DEALS WITH MISDESCRIPTIONS ORALLY OR IN ADVERTISEMENTSIT PROVIDES FOR MARKING ORDERS TO BE LAID DOWN- AND FOR INCREASED PENALTIES FOR INFRINGEMENTS.
*THE CONSUMER COUNCIL ORDINANCE HAS, OF COURSE, ALREADY MADE A CONSIDERABLE IMPACT. IT GIVES THE COUNCIL AUTHORITY TO PROTECT CONSUMERS BY PROVIDING FACTUAL INFORMATION AND SETTLING COMPLAINTS. MY DEPARTMENT WORKS CLOSELY WITH THE COUNCIL IN THIS EFFORT,* HE SA ID.
♦WE HAVE REGRETTABLY FALLEN BEHIND IN THE MATTER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, BUT WE HAVE RECRUITED AN EXPERT IN THE FIELD AND ARE CURRENTLY ACTIVE IN PREPARING A NEW LAW WHICH WILL, WE ANTICIPATE, DEFINE THE VARIOUS UNITS, SPECIFY TYPES OF EQUIPMENT AND SET UP A SPECIAL INSPECTORATE. IMPLEMENTATION WILL, I EXPECT, BEGIN IN A LITTLE OVER A YEAR FROM NOW,* HE PREDICTED.
MR DORWARD SAID THAT OTHER AREAS FOR POSSIBLE FUTURE CONSUMER PROTECTION WERE HIRE PURCHASE AND PRODUCT SAFETY STANDARDS.
♦WE ARE ALSO CONSIDERING AN EXTENSION OF THE NEW TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE TO COVER MORE THAN JUST GOODS, AS AT PRESENT, AND TO INCLUDE, PERHAPS, SERVICES AND ACCOMMODAT ION,+ HE SAID.
------0-------
RECOGNITION OF CUSTOMS’ ACTIONS AGAINST RECORD-PIRACY * * * *
♦THOSE WHO ATTEMPT TO STEAL FROM HONG KONG INDUSTRY OR TO DECEIVE THE PUBLIC WITH COUNTERFEIT AND INFERIOR PRODUCTS WILL BE VIGOROUSLY DEALT WITH IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW,+ THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND CONTROLS, MR DOUGLAS JORDAN, TOLD REPRESENTATIVES AND GUESTS OF THE RECORDING INDUSTRY TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE HEADQUARTERS DURING A PRESENTATION OF $68 OOO TO THE SERVICE’S WELFARE FUND BY THE HONG KONG GROUP AND THE REGIONAL OFFICE OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF PRODUCERS OF PHONOGRAMS AND VIDEOGRAMS (IFPI). THE PRESENTATION WAS MADE BY MR JAMES WOLSEY, REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF IFPI, AND MR CHUNG KUM-PUI, CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG GROUP.
THE DONATION WAS IN RECOGNITION OF THE SERVICE'S OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION, SPECIFICALLY IN REDUCING MUSIC PIRACY IN HONG KONG.
♦IT IS OF COURSE AN OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT - OF WHICH THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE FORMS AN IMPORTANT PART - TO PROTECT THE LEGITIMATE TRADE OF HONG KONG,* SAID MR JORDAN.
♦OUR RECORD SHOWS WE MEAN BUSINESS, AND I TRUST IT WILL SERVE AS A WARNING TO OTHERS WHO MAY BE TEMPTED TO FLOUT COPYRIGHT LEGISLATION,* HE CONTINUED.
MR JORDAN SAID THE SERVICE’S RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE COPYRIGHT LAWS IN HONG KONG HAVE A RELATIVELY SHORT HISTORY -JUST OVER SEVEN YEARS - BUT THE SUCCESSES ARE ALREADY WELL KNOWN BOTH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY.
/+WE AHE
Thursday, may 1981
10
+wE ARE HAPPY TO BE HELD AS AN EXAMPLE TO OTHER ADMINISTRATIONS FOR THE NOTABLE RESULTS WHICH HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED IN REDUCING - IF NOT ELIMINATING - THE ILLEGAL TRADE OF MUSIC PIRACY IN HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
MR JORDAN SAID THAT THE SUCCESSES IN COMBATTING RECORD PIRACY WERE MOST SATISFYING IN THEMSELVES.
+BUT IT IS EVEN MORE GRATIFYING TO HAVE OUR EFFORTS RECOGNISED AND APPRECIATED IN SUCH A TANGIBLE MANNER AS YOU HAVE SEEN FIT TO DO TODAY,* HE SAID.
------0-------
GOLD COIN CABINETS ON SALE NEXT WEEK
* X
A LIMITED NUMBER OF QUALITY COIN PRESENTATION CABINETS ARE TO °E OFFERED FOR SALE NEXT WEEK TO GOLD COIN COLLECTORS. A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE CABINETS, MADE OF SATIN-FINISHED DANISH ROSEWOOD. ARr PERFECT PRESENTATION CASES FOR STORING AND DISPLAYING THE GOLD COINS ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT. THEY WILL BE ON SALE FROM o.?0 AM TO 4 PM ON MONDAY, TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY (MAY 18-20).
A TOTAL OF 470 CABINETS ARE BEING OFFERED AT HK«1 200 EACH.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: +THE CABINET ATTRACTED CONSIDERABLE PUBLIC INTEREST WHEN A PROTOTYPE WAS PUT ON DISPLAY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN LATE 1977. SINCE THEN. MANY PEOPLE HAVE EXPRESSED THE WISH TO PURCHASE SUCH A CABINET.
♦ADDITIONAL CABINETS
DATE SHOULD DEMAND EXCEED
MAY BE OFFERED FOR SALE SUPPLY.*
AT A LATER
THE CABINET CONTAINS 14 RECESSES TO HOLD THE COMPLETE SERIES OF HONG KONG GOLD COINS. INCLUDING THE 12 NEW YEAR COINS, THE ROYAL VISIT COIN AND A COIN YET TO BE DESIGNATED. IT ALSO HAS A DRAWER TO HOLD THE GOLD COIN BOOKLETS.
EACH CABINET WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED WITH THREE PLASTIC CAPSULES FOR THE FIRST THREE GOLD COINS. MARKING THE ROYAL VISIT (1975), THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON (1976) AND THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE (1®77), WHICH WERE ISSUED WITHOUT SUCH CAPSULES.
THE LID OF THE CABINET IS IMPRESSED WITH THE HONG KONG COAT OF ARMS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: +T0 ENSURE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY. THC CA’I^TS WILL BE RESTRICTED TO ONE PER PERSON AND WILL Bc SOLD ON' A FIRST-COME FPST-SFPVFD BASIS. AT THE COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OFFICF RR THE TREASURY, 2ND FLOOR. CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES. WEST WING. ICE HOUSE STREET. HONG KONG.*
PURCHASERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE THp I P HONG KCNo IDENTITY CARDS.
♦THEY MAY PAY EITHER IN CASH OR DY BANKER’S CASHIER ORDE° MADE PAYABLE TO THE +GOLD COIN PRESENTATION CABINET ACCOUNT*. UNDATED OR p0°T DATED BANKER’S CASH IE0 ORDERS WILL BE REJECTED. PERSONAL CHEQUES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.* THE SPOKE^Mj/' AD^ET-.
------0 ------- /-11 .....................
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1981
11
>2 MILLION PWD LIGHTING CONTRACT AWARDED * * * * *
THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AWARDED A CONTRACT TODAY (THURSDAY) TO AU CHOW ELECTRICAL CO. LTD. FOR THE SUPPLY, DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION OF A PERMANENT LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR THE UNDERPASS AT THE KWUN TONG MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION.
THE 82 MILLION CONTRACT WAS SIGNED THIS MORNING BY THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEER, MR GRAHAM OSBORNE, AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE COMPANY, MR AU YEUNG CHOW.
THE PERMANENT LIGHTING SYSTEM, INCORPORATING LIGHT-SENSING CONTROL TO SWITCH ON AND OFF SELECTED GROUPS OF LAMPS TO COMPENSATE FOR VARIATIONS OF AMBIENT ILLUMINANCE, WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING TEMPORARY SYSTEM AND WILL PROVIDE A BETTER STANDARD OF LIGHTING FOR MOTORISTS AT ALL TIMES OF THE DAY AND NIGHT.
INSTALLATION WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF AUGUST.
-----0------
CDO BRINGS SERVICE TO PEOPLE
* * *
WONG TAI SIN CITY DISTRICT OFFICE WILL OPERATE A MOBILE ENQUIRY CENTRE ON A TRIAL BASIS STARTING FROM WEDNESDAY (MAY 20), BRINGING SERVICE TO PEOPLE IN OUT-OF-THE-WAY AREAS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CDO SAID THE +MOBILE CENTRE+, WHICH IS A SPECIALLY FITTED-OUT VAN, WILL PARK AT CHOI HUNG ESTATE POLICE NEIGHBOURHOOD PATROL POST FROM 6.30 PM TO 9 PM EVERY WEDNESDAY AND OUTSIDE FU SHAN HOUSE OF FU SHAN ESTATE FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM EVERY SATURDAY.
THE AIR-CONDITIONED CENTRE WILL BE MANNED BY THREE STAFF MEMBERS WHO WILL ADMINISTER STATUTORY DECLARATIONS, HANDLE ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS, AND DISTRIBUTE GOVERNMENT FORMS.
DESCRIBING THE SERVICE AS A MEANS OF +BRINGING GOVERNMENT TO THE PEOPLE*, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CENTRE WILL BECOME A PERMANENT FEATURE IF PROVED SUCCESSFUL.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
THE MOBILE ENQUIRY VAN WILL PARK IN THE COURTYARD OUTSIDE SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE, KING FUK STREET (NEXT TO SAN PO KONG MAGISTRACY) FROM 10 AM TO 11 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 16). PRESS ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MR MARCUS YU OF WONG TAI SIN CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AT 3-222261.
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1981
12
PUBLIC REMINDED TO KEEP FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS EFFICIENT . *******
OWNERS OF FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS OR EQUIPMENT WERE TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED OF THEIR DUTIES UNDER EXISTING FIRE SERVICE REGULATIONS TO ENSURE THE UPKEEP OF SUCH FACILITIES.
FAILING TO DO SO COULD LEAD TO FINES UP TO $2 OOO.
THE ADVICE WAS GIVEN IN A LETTER ISSUED BY THE
FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO ALL MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND INCORPORATED OWNERS OF BUILDINGS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID: +UNDER EXISTING FIRE SERVICE REGULATIONS, THE OWNERS OF ANY FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATION OR EQUIPMENT INSTALLED IN ANY PREMISES, SHOULD KEEP SUCH INSTALLATIONS OR EQUIPMENT IN EFFICIENT WORKING ORDER AT ALL TIMES AND HAVE IT INSPECTED BY A REGISTERED CONTRACTOR AT LEAST ONCE IN EVERY 12 MONTHS.+
HE SAID THAT OWNERS OF FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS OR EQUIPMENT INCLUDED THE OCCUPIERS OR THE OWNERS OF THE PREMISES IN OR ON WHICH THE FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS OR EQUIPMENT WERE INSTALLED OR' KEPT.
♦WHEN THE OWNERS OF THE BUILDING HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED, THE RIGHTS AND POWERS, PRIVILEGES AND DUTIES OF THE OWNERS IN RELATION TO THE COMMON PARTS OF THE BUILDING SHALL BE EXERCISED AND PERFORMED BY THE CORPORATION.
+BUT THIS CORPORATION DOES NOT DISCHARGE THE LIABILITIES OF INDIVIDUAL OWNERS FOR THE CONDITION OF THE FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS OR EQUIPMENT WITHIN THEIR PREMISES,* THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
INDIVIDUAL OWNERS WERE THEREFORE URGED TO OBSERVE STRICTLY THE PROVISIONS OF THESE REGULATIONS FOR THEIR OWN BENEFIT.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED: + IF THE FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS OR EQUIPMENT INSIDE YOUR PREMISES REQUIRE REPAIR OR MAINTENANCE, YOU SHOULD ENGAGE A REGISTERED FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR OF YOUR OWN CHOICE TO CARRY OUT THE NECESSARY WORK.
♦ A MAINTENANCE CERTIFICATE SHOULD BE ISSUED BY THE FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER COMPLETION OF THE WORK, AND A COPY FORWARDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES.*
IN CASE OF DOUBT, THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE APPROACHED FOR ADVICE.
A LIST OF THE REGISTERED FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATION CONTRACTORS IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT ANY FIRE STATION, CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AND NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICE.
------C ------
/13......
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1981
13
PLB PROHIBITED ZONES IN KOWLOON CITY
*****
WITH EFFECT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 16), PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING SEVERAL STREETS IN THE KOWLOON CITY AREA UNLESS AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.
THE STREETS ARE THE SECTION OF JUNCTION ROAD BETWEEN TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD AND FU MEI STREET, HENG LAM STREET BETWEEN FU MEI STREET EAST AND JUNCTION ROAD, AND WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD SECTION BETWEEN FU MEI STREET EAST AND JUNCTION ROAD.
♦ON DEMAND* SERVICE TO FRANCE
X X X X
A SPEEDPOST +0N DEMAND+ SERVICE TO FRANCE WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM MONDAY, MAY 18, IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING +CONTRACT+ SERVICE, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE SERVICE IS RESTRICTED TO BUSINESS PAPERS, DOCUMENTS AND SAMPLES WITHOUT COMMERCIAL VALUE AND IS AVAILABLE TO PARIS CITY, HAUTS DE SEINE, SEINE SAINT-DENIS AND VAL DE MARNE BEARING POSTAL CODE NUMBER PREFIXED BY 75, 92, 93 OR 94.
THIS REPRESENTS ANOTHER IMPROVEMENT TO THE SPEEDPOST SERVICES WHICH ARE SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE FAST AND RELIABLE TRANSMISSION OF BUSINESS DOCUMENTS. PRE-DETERMINED FLIGHTS OUT OF HONG KONG ARE USED AND PACKAGES ARE SPECIALLY DELIVERED TO THE OVERSEAS ADDRESSEES.
THE CHARGES FOR THE SERVICE ARE $90 FOR THE FIRST 500 GRAMMES AND $15 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL 500 GRAMMES.
THE STANDARD OF THE SERVICE WILL BE AS FOLLOWS :-
POSTING DELIVERY IN PAR IS DELIVERY IN OTHER PLACES
MONDAY 1 PM TUESDAY AFTERNOON WEDNESDAY MORNING
TUESDAY 6 PM THURSDAY MORNING THURSDAY MORNING
WEDNESDAY 3 PM THURSDAY AFTERNOON FRIDAY MORNING
THURSDAY 6 PM SATURDAY MORNING MONDAY MORNING
FR IDAY 6 PM MONDAY MORNING MONDAY MORNING
SATURDAY 3 PM MONDAY MORNING MONDAY AFTERNOON
CUSTOMERS WISHING TC ) HAVE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE
ARE ASKED TO CONTACT THE ENQUIRY BUREAU ON 5-2671222, OR THE POSTAL SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-2671108.
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1931
14
RESIDENTIAL SUMMER COURSE FOR MUSIC TEACHERS
*****
A FIVE-DAY RESIDENTIAL COURSE FOR MUSIC TEACHERS WILL BE HELD IN JULY AT SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION WITH LECTURES BY WELL-KNOWN MUSICIANS AND COMPOSERS.
VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL MUSIC CURRICULUM WILL BE COVERED, WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE TECHNIQUE OF ARRANGING MUSIC FOR CLASSROOM USE.
THE COURSE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE.
TWO COMPOSERS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM, MR MICHAEL HURD AND MR KENNETH PLATTS WILL DELIVER LECTURES AND CONDUCT MUSIC WORKSHOPS FEATURING THEIR OWN COMPOSITIONS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.
MISS CYNTHIA FOK, WHO BEGAN HER MUSICAL TRAINING IN HONG KONG, WILL RUN A SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY COURSE ON DALCROZE EURYTHMICS, A METHOD OF MUSICAL TRAINING FOR THE YOUNG.
A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO MUSIC APPRECIATION COMPRISING A SERIES OF ILLUSTRATED TALKS WILL BE CONDUCTED BY MR KEITH ANDERSON, WHO IS ENGAGED IN MUSIC CRITICISM AND PRIVATE TUITION.
THE COURSE WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM JULY 22 TO 26 FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM DAILY.
COURSE FEES WILL BE $280. A LIMITED NUMBER OF NON-RESIDENTI AL PLACES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AND FEES WILL BE $220.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE EDUCATION LIAISON OFFICER, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG-AND ALSO AT THE MUSIC SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, CAROLINE MANSION, 4/F, 8 YUN PING ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED BY JUNE 15 TO THE EDUCATION LIAISON OFFICER OF THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE.
0 -
/15.......
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1981
- 15 -
SAI KUNG CHILDREN’S CHOIR WANTS PART-TIME STAFF *****
SAI KUNG CHILDREN’S CHOIR IS LOOKING FOR PART-TIME TEACHERS TO START WORKING WITH THE CHOIR NEXT MONTH.
THERE ARE VACANCIES FOR AN ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR AND TWO ACCOMPANISTS.
THE ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR SHOULD HAVE REACHED GRADE EIGHT IN PIANO OR VOCAL MUSIC AND HAVE EXPERIENCE, WHILE THE ACCOMPANISTS SHOULD HAVE REACHED GRADE SEVEN IN PIANO IN THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF .MUSIC EXAMINATIONS.
THE ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR WILL BE PAID $500 PER MONTH AND THE ACCOMPANISTS $400 PER MONTH. TRAVELLING ALLOWANCES WILL BE PAID FOR EACH PERFORMANCE.
TRAINING SESSIONS WILL BE HELD EVERY SUNDAY AFTERNOON FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM AT SAI KUNG MAN YEE PUBLIC SCHOOL.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSTS SHOULD REACH SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE AT SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BY MAY 30.
THE CHOIR, INAUGURATED LAST MARCH WITH A MEMBERSHIP OF 80, NOW HAS 200 MEMBERS AGED FROM SIX TO 14. IT BECAME AN INDEPENDcNT
BODY IN FEBRUARY.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
RESIDENTS ROLE IN PROBLEM-SOLVING STRESSED BY GOVERNOR......... 1
TSUEN WAN INDUSTRIAL SITES TO BE RESUMED FOR BY-PASS PROJECT .. 2
PAID MATERNITY LEAVE STARTS IN JUNE............................ 3
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR MARCH PUBLISHED .................... 4
TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS VISIT POWER STATION SITE ...... 6
STIFFER PENALTIES PROPOSED FOR MARINE POLLUTION ............... 8
WATER LEAKAGE TEST ............................................ 8
EARLY MORNING CLOSURE OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD SECTION ........... 9
TREATMENT WORKS EXTENSION PLANNED ............................. 9
JOINT-VENTURE TENDERS FOR FLATS SOUGHT ........................ 9
MBE FOR MUSIC INSTRUCTOR....................................... 10
PRIVATE CAR DRIVING TEST FORM REVISED ........................ 10
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1981
1
RESIDENTS ROLE IN PROBLEM-SOLVING STRESSED BY GOVERNOR * * * * *
RESIDENTS HAVE A MAJOR ROLE TO PLAY IN SOLVING THE PROBLEMS THAT AFFECT THEM DIRECTLY, SUCH AS LACK OF RECREATION SPACE AND CRIME, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS, HE ADDED, PROVIDED AN IMPORTANT ORGANISATION FOR THEIR PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE OF THE DISTRICT TO BE BROUGHT TO BEAR DIRECTLY ON ITS PROBLEMS BY THEIR OWN ACTION OR INDIRECTLY VIA THE GOVERNMENT.
SIR MURRAY WAS SPEAKING AT THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF THE HENRY G. LEONG YAUMATI COMMUNITY CENTRE.
THE OBJECT, HE SAID, HAD BEEN INITIALLY — THROUGH THE KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS AND MORE RECENTLY THE OWNER’S INCORPORATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND FINALLY AND MOST IMPORTANT NOW THE DISTRICT BOARDS — TO HELP RESIDENTS TO GET TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER AND SO TO HELP EACH OTHER, AND FINALLY PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE BLOCK OR AREA OR DISTRICT.
THE NEW MOVE TO COORDINATE ADMINISTRATION ON A DISTRICT BASIS SHOULD GREATLY HELP THIS PROCESS, HE SAID.
THE YAUMATI COMMUNITY CENTRE IS BEING BUILT WITH A DONATION FROM THE LEONG FAMILY OF $8 MILLION WHICH WILL MEET TWO-THIRDS OF THE CONSTRUCTION COST. THE BALANCE WILL BE MET BY THE GOVERNMENT.
SIR MURRAY THANKED THE LEONG FAMILY FOR THEIR TIMELY AND PRACTICAL CONTRIBUTION AND SAID THAT THE CENTRE WOULD MAKE YAUMATI A HAPPIER PLACE IN WHICH PERSONAL CONTACTS, COMMUNAL ACTIVITIES AND RECREATION CAN MORE EASILY BE ORGANISED.
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF SIR MURRAY’S SPEECH*
M? LEONG, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
♦I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE HONOUR YOU HAVE DONE ME IN ASKING ME TO LAY THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE HENRY G. LEONG YAUMATI COMMUNITY CENTRE.
+IT IS MOST FITTING THAT THE LEONG FAMILY SHOULD HAVE CHOSEN TO HONOUR THE MEMORY OF MR H.G. LEONG THROUGH THE CONSTRUCTION OF •miS COMMUNITY CENTRE. THEIR GENEROUS DONATION OF $8 MILLION WILL COVER TWO-THIRDS OF THE COST OF THE BUILDING AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE GOOD THE BALANCE. WHEN IT IS COMPLETED IN ABOUT ONE YEAR’S TIME THE BUILDING WILL PROVIDE ROOMS FOR MEETINGS, FOR STUDY AND FOR MANY GROUP ACTIVITIES. THERE WILL BE ACCOMMODATION FOR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, A SPORTS GROUND, AND AN AIR-CONDITIONED MULTI-PURPOSE HALL WHICH WILL SEAT MORE THAN 800 PEOPLE AND WILL PROVIDE A CENTRAL FOCUS FOR DISTRICT FUNCTIONS. IT WILL MAKE YAUMATI A HAPPIER PLACE IN WHICH PERSONAL CONTACTS, COMMUNAL ACTIVITIES AND RECREATION CAN MORE EASILY BE ORGANISED.
/♦IN THIS ....
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1981
2
♦IN THIS THE LEONG FAMILY WILL BE MAKING A MOST TIMELY AND PRACTICAL CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS SOLVING IN YAUMATI SOME OF THE PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS THAT BESET RESIDENTS OF A CITY AS LARGE AND AS CROWDED AS HONG KONG. THESE INCLUDE NOT ONLY LACK OF SPACE FOR RECREATION AND OF THE FELLOWSHIP THAT GROWS NATURALLY IN A SMALL COMMUNITY, BUT ALSO CRIME AND FEAR OF CRIME THAT GROWS IN A COMMUNITY WHICH LACKS THE RESTRAINTS OF CLOSE KNIT PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS.
♦WHILE THESE PROBLEMS OCCUR IN ALL CITIES HONG KONG IS NOTABLE BOTH FOR THEIR SIZE AND FOR THE VIGOUR WITH WHICH THEY ARE ATTACKED. THE GOVERNMENT ACTS ON THEM THROUGH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES SUCH AS THE POLICE, HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICES AND OF COURSE THE MANY INVALUABLE ACTIVITIES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL. BUT RESIDENTS THEMSELVES HAVE A MAJOR PART TO PLAY IN SOLVING THE PROBLEMS THAT AFFECT THEM SO DIRECTLY. BUT THEY NEED ORGANISATION FOR THEIR PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE OF THE DISTRICT TO BE BROUGHT TO BEAR DIRECTLY ON ITS PROBLEMS BY THEIR OWN ACTION OR INDIRECTLY VIA THE GOVERNMENT. HENCE THE KAI FONG ASSOCIATIONS, AND MORE RECENTLY THE OWNER’S INCORPORATIONS, THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, THE AREA COMMITTEES AND FINALLY AND MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL NOW DISTRICT BOARDS. THE OBJECT HAS BEEN INITIALLY TO HELP RESIDENTS TO GET TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER AND SO TO HELP EACH OTHER, AND FINALLY TO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE BLOCK OR AREA OR DISTRICT. OF COURSE THE NEW MOVE TO COORDINATE ADMINISTRATION ON A DISTRICT BASIS SHOULD GREATLY HELP THIS PROCESS.
♦THE PROVISION OF THIS FINE NEW FACILITY AND FOCUS FOR COMMUNITY LIFE AND RECREATION IN YAUMATI WILL GREATLY HELP THESE ESSENTIAL POLICIES. YAUMATI HAS NEVER BEEN LACKING IN COMMUNITY SENSE AND RESPONSIBILITY AND I KNOW THIS NEW BUILDING WILL BE PUT TO MOST EXCELLENT USE. ON BEHALF OF THE RESIDENTS OF YAUMATI I WOULD LIKE TO PLACE ON RECORD MY GRATITUDE TO THE LEONG FAMILY BOTH FOR THEIR GENEROSITY AND THEIR CONCERN FOR THE WELFARE OF THE DISTRICT OF YAUMATI.+
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TSUEN WAN INDUSTRIAL SITES TO BE RESUMED FOR BY-PASS PROJECT *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME SEVEN INDUSTRIAL LOTS IN WEST TSUEK WAN FOR THE MAIN BRIDGE WORK IN CONNECTION WITH THE SECOND STAGE OF THE TSUEN WAN BY-PASS.
A NOTICE IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE SEVEN SITES COVER A TOTAL AREA OF 7 479.5 SQUARE METRES.
TWO ARE AT THE SOUTHERN END OF TEXACO ROAD, WHILE THE OTHERS ARE AT CHAI WAN KOK.
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1981
\ - 3 -
THEY WILL REVERT TO THE CROWN IN A MONTH AND MUST BE CLEARED BEFORE THE END OF SEPTEMBER.
THE BRIDGE WILL BE TWO KILOMETRES IN LENGTH AND STRETCH ACROSS TSUEN WAN BAY FROM THE STAGE I BY-PASS AT THE SOUTHERN END OF TEXACO ROAD TO CHAI WAN KOK, CONNECTING UP WITH THE TUEN MUN HIGHWAY.
WORK ON STAGE II OF THE BY-PASS WILL BEGIN IN OCTOBER AND BE COMPLETED BY LATE 1984. TOGETHER WITH STAGE I IT WILL FORM A MAJOR TRUNK ROAD LINKING KOWLOON TO THE WESTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
A TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THE RESUMPTION WOULD INVOLVE MOSTLY VACANT SITES, ALTHOUGH TWO FOUR-STOREY FACTORY BUILDINGS, TWO TEMPORARY DOMESTIC STRUCTURES AND EIGHT OTHER TEMPORARY STRUCTURES, INCLUDING SHOPS, STORES AND WORKSHOPS, WERE ALSO INVOLVED.
GOVERNMENT HAS FOR SOME TIME BEEN NEGOTIATING WITH THE OWNERS FOR VOLUNTARY SURRENDER OF THE LOTS. THE OWNERS ARE ENTITLED TO STATUTORY COMPENSATION, PLUS EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE, OR LETTERS OF EXCHANGE.
OPERATORS IN THE FACTORY BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THE RESUMPTION AND ADVISED TO SUBMIT CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. THERE ARE ABOUT 500 WORKERS IN THESE PREMISES AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S TSUEN WAN OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL LOOK INTO THEIR PROBLEMS.
TSUEN WAN BY-PASS IS ONE OF SEVERAL MAJOR TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS NOW TAKING PLACE TO COPE WITH THE EXPANSION OF TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN NEW TOWNS.
PART OF THE STAGE I BY-PASS WAS OPENED LAST MONTH, AND THE REMAINING SECTION WILL BE READY BY MID-JUNE.
.----0------
PAID MATERNITY LEAVE STARTS IN JUNE
* M * #
LEGISLATION PROVIDING FOR PAID MATERNITY LEAVE FOR EMPLOYEES COVERED BY THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE COMES INTO OPERATION ON JUNE 1. ACCORDING TO A NOTIFICATION IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) ORDINANCE. 1981. ALL WOMEN MANUAL EMPLOYEES AND ALL WOMEN NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING UP TO $6 000 A MONTH SHOULD BE PAID WHILE ON MATERNITY LEAVE AT THE RATE OF NOT LESS THAN TWO-THIRDS OF THEIR WAGES.
MATERNITY LEAVE PAY IS LIMITED TO THREE SURVIVING CHILDREN AND THE QUALIFYING SERVICE IS 40 WEEKS OF CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT BEFORE THE START OF MATERNITY LEAVE.
/THE SPOKESMAN
FRIDAY, MAT 15, 1?81
4
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD PREPARED A GUIDE TO PROVISIONS OF PAID MATERNITY LEAVE AND FREE COPIES WERE AVAILABLE IN ALL OFFICES OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
THE GUIDE OUTLINES ALL THE IMPORTANT PROVISIONS. SUCH AS THOSE CONCERNING QUALIFICATION OR ENTITLEMENT TO MATERNITY LEAVE AND MATERNITY LEAVE PAY. LENGTH OF MATERNITY LEAVE. RATE OF MATERNITY LEAVE PAY. PREGNANCY CHECK-UPS. POST CONFINEMENT MEDICAL TREATMENT AND MISCARRIAGES. VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND PROHIBITION OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT IN CONNECTION WITH MATERNITY LEAVE.
ANYONE HAVING ENQUIRIES ABOUT MATERNITY PROTECTION SHOULD CONTACT THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE ON TELEPHONE 5-282523 EXT. 81.
- - o - -
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR MARCH PUBLISHED * * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY PUBLISHED THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR MARCH 1981.
THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR MARCH 1981 WERE BOTH 113, EACH BEING ONE POINT OR 0.9 PER CENT HIGHER THAN FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THE NEW C.P.I.(A) AND NEW C.P.I.(B) ARE BASED ON EXPENDITURE PATTERNS RESPECTIVELY OF 50 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE DERIVED FROM THE HOUSEHOLDS EXPENDITURE SURVEY OF 1979/80. AT THAT TIME, THE NEW C.P.I.(A) REFERS TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $1 000 AND $3 499 A MONTH AND THE NEW C.P.I.(B) TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $3 500 AND $6 499 A MONTH.
THE INDEXES FOR MARCH 1981 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMPONENTS OF HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE DISTINGUISHED IN THE TWO NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ARE GIVEN BELOW, TOGETHER WITH THOSE FOR FEBRUARY 1981.
/NS” C.P.I. (A) ......
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1981
5
COMPONENT NEW C.P. I.(A) NEW C.P.1.(B)
MAR.81 FEB.81 MAR.81 FEB.81
FOODSTUFFS 115 114 115 114
HOUSING 109 109 109 109
FUEL AND LIGHT 135 130 136 130
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 111 111 110 110
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 111 109 111 109
DURABLE GOODS 105 104 105 104
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 107 107 107 108
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 115 117 116 117
SERVICES 114 115 114 114
ALL ITEMS 113 112 113 112
THE INDEX FOR THE FOODSTUFFS COMPONENT IN BOTH THE NEW C.P.I.(A) AND NEW C.P.I.(B) INCREASED BY ONE POINT.
THERE WERE SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND RICE, AND OF MEALS BOUGHT IN RESTAURANTS.
SALT-WATER
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF
FISH, LIVE POULTRY, EGGS, SHRIMPS AND PRAWNS DECREASED. THE EFFECTS OF THE MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR THE FOODSTUFFS COMPONENT WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
ON ACCOUNT OF HIGHER COST OF FUEL OIL, ELECTRICITY RATES FOR MARCH WERE INCREASED AND CONSEQUENTLY THE INDEX FOR THE FUEL AND LIGHT COMPONENT IN NEW C.P. I.(A) INCREASED BY FIVE POINTS AND THAT
IN NEW C.P. I.(B) BY SIX POINTS.
THE INDEX FOR THE CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR COMPONENT IN BOTH NEW C.P. I.(A) AND NEW C.P.I.(B) INCREASED BY TWO POINTS AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES FOR OUTERCLOTHING ITEMS AS WELL AS MEN'S AND WOMEN’S FOOTWEAR.
THE ONE-POINT INCREASE IN THE INDEX FOR THE DURABLE GOODS COMPONENT IN BOTH NEW C.P.I.(A)AND NEW C.P.I.(B) WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO HIGHER PRICES FOR ELECTRICAL CONSUMER GOODS, TELEVISION AND SOUND EQUIPMENT. Li
LOWER PRICE FOR GENUINE JEWELLERY CAUSED THE INDEX FOR THE MISCELLANEOUS GOODS COMPONENT IN NEW C.P.I.(B) TO DECREASE BY ONE POINT.
/THE INDEX
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1981
6
THE INDEX FOR THE TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES COMPONENT IN NEW C.P. I.(A) DECREASED BY TWO POINTS AND THAT IN NEW C.P.I.(B) BY ONE POINT AS CHARGES FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUS FARES RETURNED TO NORMAL AFTER THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
THE INDEX FOR THE SERVICES COMPONENT IN NEW C.P.I.(A) DECREASED BY ONE POINT AS CHARGES FOR HAIRDRESSING RETURNED TO NORMAL AFTER THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) (JULY 73/JUNE 74 - 100) FOR MARCH 1981 WERE 178 AND 177 RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH, C.P. I.(A) INCREASED BY TWO POINTS OR 1.1 PER CENT AND C.P.I.(B) BY ONE POINT OR 0.6 PER CENT.
WHEN COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING MONTH IN 198$, BOTH INDEXES INCREASED BY 20 POINTS OR 12.7 PER CENT.
DETAILS OF THESE PRICE MOVEMENTS ARE GIVEN IN THE +CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT+ FOR MARCH 1981, NOW ON SALE AT $2 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE.
TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS VISIT POWER STATION SITE * * *
THE CHINA LIGHT POWER STATION AT TAP SHEK KOK WILL COST BETWEEN $16 BILLION AND $18 BILLION TO DEVELOP, MEMBERS OF TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WERE TOLD THIS MORNING (FRIDAY).
THE GENERAL PROJECTS SITE MANAGER, MR JACK WOODS, SAID THE POWER STATION WAS BEING DEVELOPED IN TWO STAGES.
THERE WERE FOUR UNITS IN STAGE I, THE FIRST OF WHICH WOULD BE COMMISSIONED NEXT YEAR.
THERE WERE ALSO FOUR UNITS IN STAGE II, WHICH WOULD BE IN FULL OPERATION BY 1990.
THE BOARD MEMBERS SPENT TWO HOURS AT TAP SHEK KOK BEING BRIEFED BY PROJECT STAFF AND TOURING THE SITE.
THEY WERE ACCOMPANIED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER TUEN MUN, MR BILLY LAM, AND THE PROJECT MANAGER, MR T.S. NG.
AT ITS REGULAR MEETING HELD EARLIER, THE BOARD DISCUSSED THE PROVISION OF PRIMARY 1 PLACES IN TAI HING ESTATE, WHERE THERE WERE 2 000 PRIMARY 1 CHILDREN AND ONLY 900 PLACES.
/THE BOARD ....
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1981
7
THE BOARD HEARD THAT THERE WERE MORE YOUNG FAMILIES IN TAI HING ESTATE AND THAT THE PROBLEM HAD NOT OCCURRED IN OTHER NEW ESTATES IN TUEN MUN.
MR CHAN YAT-SUN SAID THE SHORTAGE OF PLACES FOR PRIMARY 1 CHILDREN IN TAI HING ESTATE SHOULD BE TAKEN +AS A LESSON+ AND PLANS SHOULD BE CHANGED IN THE FUTURE.
MR TANG CHUN-SING OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THERE WOULD BE NEW SCHOOLS CONSTRUCTED IN TUEN MUN BY 1982/83 AND PRIORITY FOR PLACES WOULD BE GIVEN TO CHILDREN OF THE DISTRICT.
HE SAID VILLAGE PRIMARY SCHOOLS WOULD BE REPLACED BY NEW, LARGE SCALE PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHICH WOULD BE MORE UP TO STANDARD.
THE BOARD SUGGESTED THAT MORE PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACES COULD BE PROVIDED IN EXISTING SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN TAI HING ESTATE OR IN OTHER PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE TOWN IN ORDER TO SOLVE THE IMMEDIATE PROBLEM.
THE BOARD ALSO DISCUSSED THE PROPOSAL FOR A BETTING CENTRE IN TAI HING ESTATE. BOARD MEMBERS SUPPORTED THE IDEA OF A CENTRE IN PRINCIPLE AFTER THE DIVISIONAL SUPERINTENDENT TUEN MUN, MR JIM MCDERMOTT, SAID THERE WAS SOME CONCERN ABOUT ILLEGAL GAMBLING IN TUEN MUN.
♦THE CHOICE IS BETWEEN A LEGAL BETTING CENTRE AND ILLEGAL CENTRES,+ HE TOLD THE BOARD.
♦PERSONALLY, I MUST SUPPORT THE LEGAL FORMS OF THIS.+
HE SAID LAST SUNDAY THERE WAS A VERY BIG GAMBLING CASE IN TAI HING ESTATE IN WHICH AN ILLEGAL BOOKMAKER AVERAGING $40 - $50 000 EACH RACE DAY WAS ARRESTED.
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS MADE SEVERAL PROPOSALS ABOUT THE CENTRE, INCLUDING PREVENTING YOUNG PEOPLE FROM USING THE CENTRE AND DECORATING IT IN SUCH A WAY AS TO MAKE IT LESS CONSPICUOUS. IT WAS ALSO PROPOSED THAT PROCEEDS FROM BETTING AT THE CENTRE MIGHT BE USED TO DEVELOP RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN TUEN MUN.
ON THE LAW AND ORDER SITUATION IN THE NEW TOWN, MR MCDERMOTT SAID SUCCESSES CONTINUED AND SERIOUS CRIME WAS VERY LOW. HE SAID INSTEAD OF TARGETTING TRIAD MEMBERS INDIVIDUALLY, THE POLICE TARGETTED THE TYPE OF OPERATIONS WHICH WOULD MAKE MONEY FOR THE TRIADS, SUCH AS ILLEGAL GAMBLING AND PROTECTION RACKETS.
ON STREET NAMES FOR THE NEW TOWN, MEMBERS AGREED THAT IN FUTURE ALL MAJOR ROADS WOULD HAVE THE PREFIX +TUEN+ AND MINOR STREETS WOULD HAVE THE PREFIX +TSING+.
0
/8........
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1981
8
STIFFER PENALTIES PROPOSED FOR MARINE POLLUTION * * * *
TOUGHER PENALTIES FOR DUMPING LITTER INTO LOCAL WATERS ARE BEING PROPOSED UNDER THE SUMMARY OFFENCES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1981, PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PENALTIES ARE TO BE INCREASED FROM THE PRESENT FINE OF 5500 OR THREE MONTHS IMPRISONMENT TO A FINE OF $5 000 AND SIX MONTHS IMPRISONMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID EXISTING PROVISIONS HAD PROVED INADEQUATE AS A DETERRENT TO MARINE LITTERING AND IT WAS HOPED THAT THE PROPOSED STIFFER PENALTIES WOULD MORE EFFECTIVELY DETER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FROM DUMPING LITTER INTO THE SEA.
LAST YEAR, HE SAID, 4 351 TONNES OF REFUSE WERE COLLECTED FROM THE HARBOUR BY THE DEPARTMENT’S SCAVENGING FLEET OF 41 CARGO BOATS AND SAMPANS AT A COST OF $3.4 MILLION. THIS YEAR THE COST WOULD LIKELY RISE TO ABOUT $3.7 MILLION, HE ADDED.
UNDER THE BILL, LIABILITY WILL EXTEND NOT ONLY TO THE PERSON WHO ACTUALLY COMMITS THE ACT BUT ALSO TO THE OWNER OR MASTER OF A VESSEL, OR THE OWNER OR OCCUPIER OF PREMISES FROM WHICH SUCH AN OFFENCE WAS COMMITTED.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO EXTEND THE MARINE LITTERING OFFENCE TO INCLUDE WASTE THAT IS DEPOSITED IN ANY PLACE FROM WHICH IT IS LIKELY TO BE SWEPT BY THE TIDE INTO HONG KONG WATERS.
WATER LEAKAGE TEST
WILL 6 AM
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CENTRAL DISTRICT F0R SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 18) TO THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
FROM
PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE LOCATED AT QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL vncllvG*R?FN R0*D T0 STINGER STREET, AND THE SOUTH SIDE OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, FROM GARDEN ROAD TO ICE HOUSE STREET.
0 -
/9
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1981
9
EARLY MORNING CLOSURE OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD SECTION *****
A SECTION OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, BETWEEN EMBANKMENT ROAD AND YUEN PO STREET, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM ON MAY 19 AND 20 TO FACILITATE THE RE-CONSTRUCTION OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY BRIDGE OVER PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE VIA SAI YEE STREET AND BOUNDARY STREET, WHILE VEHICLES ON PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE VIA EMBANKMENT ROAD AND BOUNDARY STREET.
-----0------
TREATMENT WORKS EXTENSION PLANNED
* * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN EXTENSION TO THE SHA TIN TREATMENT WORKS TO INCREASE ITS CAPACITY.
THE WORK WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CLARIFIER, AN EXTENSION FILTER BLOCK AND OTHER ASSOCIATED WORKS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT ON COMPLETION OF THE EXTENSION, THE CAPACITY OF THE TREATMENT WORKS WILL BE INCREASED FROM 1.23 MILLION CUBIC METRES TO 1.36 MILLION CUBIC METRES A DAY.
HE ADDED THE NEW WORKS FORMED PART OF A SCHEME TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM, FOLLOWING LAST YEAR’S AGREEMENT WITH CHINA FOR THE SUPPLY OF ADDITIONAL WATER.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START IN AUGUST AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 22 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
----0-----
JOINT-VENTURE TENDERS FOR FLATS SOUGHT
* * *
THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A RESIDENTIAL SITE FOR JOINT VENTURE DEVELOPMENT.
THE 6 436-SQUARE-METRE SITE IS IN NGA TSIN WAI ROAD, KOWLOON.
UNDER THE SALE CONDITIONS, THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER MUST BUILD FOR THE GOVERNMENT, FREE OF CHARGE, 40 RESIDENTIAL FLATS, EACH ABOUT 173 SQUARE METRES IN AREA.
/THE REMAINING ....
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1981
10
THE REMAINING FLATS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER FOR DISPOSAL IN THE OPEN MARKET.
CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS WILL BE NOON ON JUNE 26.
TENDER FORMS, TOGETHER WITH NOTICES AND CONDITIONS OF SALE, MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE ON THE 19TH FLOOR OF MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD AND ON THE 10TH FLOOR OF KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD.
TENDER PLANS MAY BE INSPECTED AT THESE PLACES.
-----0------
MBE FOR MUSIC INSTRUCTOR
* * *
AN INSTRUCTOR FOR THE HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC, W ARRIGO FOA HAS BEEN APPOINTED AN HONORARY MEMBER OF THE CIVIL DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (MBE) BY THE QUEEN.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR FOA CAME TO HONG KONG IN 1952, HAVING TAUGHT AT THE SHANGHAI CONSERVATORY SINCE THE EARLY 1920’S.
MR FOA HAS ACTIVELY INVOLVED HIMSELF IN THE FIELD OF MUSIC IN HONG KONG. HE IS A RESPECTED PERFORMER AND TEACHER AS A VIOLINIST AND IN ENSEMBLE PLAYING.
HE BECAME CONDUCTOR OF THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA IN 1952 AND HELD THAT POST UP TO 1968, HELPING THE ORCHESTRA TO GROW FROM A SMALL AMATEUR CHAMBER ORCHESTRA.
MR FOA IS STILL ACTIVE MUSICALLY AS AN INSTRUCTOR FOR THE HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC AND IN RECITALS AND RECORDINGS.
-----0------
PRIVATE CAR DRIVING TEST FORM REVISED * * *
DRIVING TEST EXAMINERS TODAY (FRIDAY) TO ASSESS THE ABILITY OF CANDIDATES TAKING PRACTICAL ROAD TEST.
BEGAN USING A NEW FORM THEIR PRIVATE CAR
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TIJZ TEST rvnn E^EN INTRODUCED TO STREAMLINE DRIVING TEST PROCEDURES TO SUIT PRESENT-DAY REQUIREMENTS AND ROAD TRAFFIC CONDITIONS.
THE NEW TEST FORM HAD
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ORDERS-ON-HAND STATISTICS FOR MARCH 1981 ..................... 1
PRIME SITE FOR SALE .......................................... 2
WORK OF STANDING CONFERENCE ON ROAD SAFETY ................... 2
BIRTH REGISTRY FOR TSUEN WAN ................................. 4
TSUEN WAN LEGAL ADVICE CENTRE COMPLETES FIRST YEAR........ k
SITTING-OUT AREA TO BE BUILT ................................. 5
TAPS OFF IN NT
5
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1981
1
ORDERS-ON-HAND STATISTICS FOR MARCH 1981 * * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) RELEASED ORDERS-ON-HAND STATISTICS FOR MARCH 1981 AS FOLLOWS :
ORDERS-ON-HAND IN TERMS OF MONTHS
INDUSTRY GROUP MAR. 1980 FEB. 1981 MAR. 1981
WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR 5.1 4.6 4.7
TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL 3.2 2.3 2.5
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 4.7 4.1 4.1
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, EXCEPT MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT 4.6 3.7 3.9
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC MACHINERY, APPARATUS, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES 5.1 5.1 5.3
OTHERS 4.0 3.8 3.8
ALL MANUFACTURING 4.6 4.2 4.3
AT 4.3 MONTHS, THE VOLUME OF ORDERS HELD BY MANUFACTURERS IN MARCH WAS AGAIN HIGHER THAN THAT IN FEBRUARY, REPRESENTING THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE MONTH OF INCREASE. SO THE TREND OF DECREASING VOLUME OF ORDERS HELD BY MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED WHICH WAS APPARENT DURING 1980 APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN REVERSED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981.
THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE BASED ON AN UPDATED AND ENLARGED PANEL CF THE 200 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 IN THE PANEL, BUT IT IS HOPED THAT THEY WILL GENERALLY INDICATE THE DIRECTION CF CHANGE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE.
THIS SURVEY, WHICH IS CONDUCTED MONTHLY, ALSO ASKS QUESTIONS ON EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL AND COVERS THE CONSTRUCTION AND SELECTED SERVICES SECTORS BESIDES MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR MARCH 1981 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, AT $1 PER COPY. ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (AT 3-7213578).
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/2.....
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1981
- 2 -
PRIME SITE FOR SALE * * *
A VALUABLE SITE AT LUNG CHEUNG ROAD IS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
THE SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 42 520 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES, INCLUDING A SHOPPING CENTRE.
IT CARRIES A BUILDING COVENANT OF S120 MILLION AND SHOULD BE DEVELOPED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1986.
TENDER FORMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICES IN MURRAY BUILDING, 19TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND IN THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, A05 NATION ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.
THE SALE PLAN MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE TWO OFFICES.
------o-------
WORK OF STANDING CONFERENCE ON ROAD SAFETY
* * *
DENSE URBAN DEVELOPMENT, THE INCREASE IN POPULATION AND THE VOLUME OF TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD PLACED HEAVY DEMANDS ON HONG KONG’S TRANSPORT SYSTEM IN THE EARLY 7O’S. TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS CORRESPONDINGLY INCREASED UNTIL THE SITUATION BECAME UNTENABLE.
IN ORDER TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM, THE GOVERNMENT SUGGESTED IN 1972 THAT THERE WAS A NEED FOR A STANDING CONFERENCE ON ROAD SAFETY (SCRS) TO CO-ORDINATE ACTION BY CONCERNED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES IN SOLVING THE PROBLEM.
THE SUGGESTION WAS APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL THE FOLLOWING YEAR AND THE STANDING CONFERENCE ON ROAD SAFETY WAS ESTABLISHED. THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DIRECTED THAT THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE (OPERATIONS) BE THE CHAIRMAN AND OTHER CONCERNED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS SHOULD PROVIDE REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND MEETINGS.
THESE DEPARTMENTS WERE THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT. THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES, SUCH AS THE HONG KONG AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION, THE INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS AND THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION, WERE ASKED TO JOIN THE CONFERENCE LATER.
THE LATEST ADDITION TO THE STANDING CONFERENCE IS THE RECENTLY FORMED ROAD SAFETY DIVISION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, ESTABLISHED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.
THE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE CONFERENCE ARE TO CO-ORDINATE ACTION BY THE VARIOUS INTERESTED PARTIES ON ROAD SAFETY- TO ASSIST THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE IN CONDUCTING ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGNS AND IN DISSEMINATING ROAD SAFETY INFORMATION- TO ADVISE, PROMOTE AND ENCOURAGE THE ADOPTION OF PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO PREVENT TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND TO MITIGATE THEIR CONSEQUENCES- TO LIAISE WITH SIMILAR COUNCILS AND ASSOCIATIONS AND TO APPOINT REPRESENTATIVES TO SUCH COUNCILS AND ASSOCIATIONS AS MIGHT BE NECESSARY.
/THERE IS ...
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1981
5
THERE IS A PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE SCRS WHICH CARRIES OUT THE PLANNING AND RUNNING OF PUBLICITY MATTERS AND TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS IN ROAD SAFETY. PUBLICITY INCLUDES THE PRODUCTION OF TV APIS (ANNOUNCEMENTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST), RADIO MESSAGES, ROAD SAFETY POSTERS, DOCUMENTARY FILMS, PRESS RELEASES AND THE ORGANISING OF SEMINARS. THE PURPOSE IS TO INFORM THE PUBLIC THROUGH THE MASS MEDIA OF THE DANGERS ON ROADS AND TO EDUCATE THEM ON ROAD SAFETY.
TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS STATISTICS FOR THE PAST TEN YEARS REVEALED THAT MORE THAN 4 OOO PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND NEARLY 180 000 PEOPLE WERE INJURED. LAST YEAR ALONE, ROAD ACCIDENTS CLAIMED A TOTAL OF 432 LIVES.
THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF CAUSES OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, BUT THE MAIN REASON IS THE +CARELESSNESS+ OF BOTH THE MOTORISTS AND THE PEDESTRIANS. MANY CARELESS PEDESTRIANS TAKE UNNECESSARY RISKS IN CROSSING ROADS BY CLIMBING OVER THE ROAD CENTRE FENCE OR DISOBEYING TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALS AND IGNORING ZEBRA CROSSINGS.
AS TO THE FAULTS OF MOTORISTS, MOST CRASHES ARE DUE TO THE IMPATIENCE OF DRIVERS, WHO OFTEN RACE ON THE ROADS, JUMP TRAFFIC LIGHTS, OVERTAKE ON A DOUBLE WHITE LINE AND CHANGE LANES FREQUENTLY WITHOUT SIGNALLING.
IN FACT, BOTH PEDESTRIANS AND DRIVERS UNDERSTAND THAT WHAT THEY DO IS DANGEROUS, BUT THEY STILL TAKE THE RISKS. THE RESPONSIBLITY OF THE CONFERENCE JS TO HELP PEOPLE CHANGE THESE ATTITUDES, ESPECIALLY BY MEANS OF PUBLICITY.
DURING THE YEARS MUCH HAS BEEN ACHIEVED BY THE CONFERENCE. A ROAD SAFETY TOWN WAS CONSTRUCTED AT SAU MAU PING ESTATE, WHICH ATTRACTED SOME 9 000 VISITING STUDENTS AND OTHER PARTIES LAST YEAR. WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE POLICE, TWO ROAD SAFETY MOBILE EXHIBITION BUSES HAVE BEEN IN OPERATION PAYING VISITS TO SCHOOLS, HOUSING ESTATES AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY, PRIMARILY TO YOUNG CHILDREN. LAST YEAR, THE NUMBER OF VISITORS EXCEEDED 110 000.
IN ADDITION, ROAD SAFETY TEAMS HAVE BEEN SET UP IN VARIOUS POLICE STATIONS TO EXPLAIN ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE TO STUDENTS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THROUGH LECTURES, SEMINARS, DOCUMENTARY FILM SHOWS AND RELATED ACTIVITIES. LAST YEAR ALONE, NEARLY 2 500 LECTURES WERE GIVEN BY THESE TEAMS, WITH OVER 220 000 PEOPLE ATTENDING.
THE ROAD SAFTEY TEAMS ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ORGANISING AND TRAINING OF SCHOOL ROAD SAFETY PATROLS. AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 174 SUCH PATROLS IN HONG KONG INVOLVING 6 000 STUDENT MEMBERS, COMPARED TO THE 115 PATROLS AND 4 388 MEMBERS AT THE END OF 1977.
A ROAD SAFETY DAY IS ALSO DESIGNATED EACH YEAR TO HIGHLIGHT THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN. THIS YEAR THE EVENT WILL EE ON MAY 24 (SUNDAY) AT VICTORIA PARK, WHERE THERE WILL BE A SERIES OF DEMONSTRATIONS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING AN EXHIBITION ON ROAD SAFETY.
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/4.....
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1981
4
BIRTH REGISTRY FOR TSUEN WAN * * *
RESIDENTS IN TSUEN WAN AND NEARBY AREAS WILL HAVE A NEW BIRTH REGISTRY ON MONDAY (MAY 18) TO REGISTER THE BIRTHS OF THEIR NEWLY-BORN CHILDREN.
THE NEW REGISTRY WILL BE LOCATED AT FAR EAST BANK BUILDING, 3RD FLOOR, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN AND WILL REPLACE THE OLD TSUEN WAN BIRTH REGISTRY AT THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANK BUILDING.
+IN ADDITION TO THE REGISTRATION OF BIRTH OF NEWLY-BORN CHILDREN, THE REGISTRY ALSO DEALS WITH APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFIED COPIES OF ilRTH CERTIFICATES, ALTERATION OR ADDITION OF CHILD’S NAME, SEARCH OF BIRTH RECORDS AND CORRECTION OF ERRORS+ A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES CAN TELEPHONE 12-449155.
------0 - -? - -
TSUEN WAN LEGAL ADVICE CENTRE COMPLETES FIRST YEAR
* *
THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE CENTRE IN TSUEN WAN HAS HANDLED NEARLY 430 CASES SINCE STARTING LAST MAY.
THE CENTRE IS OPERATED BY THE LAW SOCIETY TO HELP PEOPLE SEEKING LEGAL ASSISTANCE.
IT IS SITUATED ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGEMENT OFFICE IN HOI PA STREET, TSUEN WAN.
IT IS MANNED BY TWO LAWYERS EVERY TUESDAY EVENING FROM 6.30 - 9.30.
DURING EACH THREE-HOUR SESSION, THE LAWYERS ARE ABLE TO HANDLE 10 CASES BETWEEN THEM.
THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF CASES BEING DEALT WITH ARE LANDLORD/ TENANT DISPUTES, MATRIMONIAL MATTERS AND COMMERCIAL AND PROPERTY DISPUTES.
ANYONE WISHING TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE SHOULD FIRST APPROACH THEIR LOCAL DISTRICT OFFICE OR PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE WHERE DETAILS OF THEIR CASES WILL BE TAKEN DOWN AND APPOINTMENTS WITH THE LAWYERS MADE.
THE LAWYERS ADVISE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON STEPS WHICH MAY BE OPEN TO THEM, BUT CANNOT REPRESENT THEM IN COURT.
BESIDES TSUEN WAN, THE LAW SOCIETY OPERATES CENTRES AT MONGKOK, WONG TAI SIN, WAN CHAI, EASTERN DISTRICT AND SHA TIN.
------o-------
/5 ....
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1981
5
SITTING-OUT AREA TO BE BUILT H If » *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO BUILD A SITTING-OUT AREA AT BERWICK STREET, SHEK KIP MEI, TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE AREA.
THE SITTING-OUT AREA WILL HAVE AN AREA OF 900 SQUARE METRES AND INCLUDE ARBOURS, PLANTING AREAS AND BENCHES.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE PWD.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL BEGIN IN JULY.
ON COMPLETION IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, THE SITTING-OUT AREA WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR MANAGEMENT.
0 - -
TAPS OFF IN NT * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR TEN HOURS, FROM 9 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 19) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAIN CONNECTION.
THE AREAS TO BE AFFECTED INCLUDE ALL PREMISES ALONG TAI PO ROAD BETWEEN KOWLOON HANG AND SHEUNG SHU I CROSS ROAD- THE SAN TIN SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I CROSS ROAD AND LOK MA CHAU- FAN KAM ROAD BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I CROSS ROAD AND CHIU KENG VILLAGE- JOCKEY CLUB ROAD BETWEEN FANLING ROUND-ABOUT AND SAN FUNG AVENUE INCLUDING SHEK WU HUI- MAN KAM TO ROAD- SHA TAU KOK ROAD BETWEEN FANLING ROUND-ABOUT AND SHA TAU KOK MARKET INCLUDING LUEN WO HUI- AND PING CHE ROAD AT TA KWU LING.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 1?81
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
$31.3 MILLION PAID TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ................ 1
DAY OFF FOR ROYAL WEDDING ..................................... 1
PRIOR WORKING ARRANGEMENTS ESSENTIAL DURING TYPHOON............ 2
HEALTH MEASURES FOR SUMMER..................................... 2
FIFTY TEAMS FOR TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACES....................... 3
SWIMMERS URGED TO OBSERVE BASIC SAFETY RULES .................. 4
TRAINING COURSE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS ................ 6
KWAI CHUNG AND TSUEN WAN TO HOLD TREE PLANTING DAY............. 7
FACELIFT FOR KWAI CHUNG REFUSE BLACKSPOTS ..................... 8
BUSY HOLIDAY FOR THE RHKAAF ................................... 9
1
$31.3 MILLION PAID TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS * *
TOTAL DEATH AND INJURY GRANTS MADE UNDER THE +NO FAULT* TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) SCHEME HAVE SURPASSED THE $30 MILLION MARK.
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS PAID OUT $31.3 MILLION AS QUICK CASH RELIEF TO 7 876 CASES SINCE THE SCHEME STARTED IN MAY 1979.
MR SIU KING-CHIU. HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TAVA SECTION, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) ANOTHER $482 000 HAD BEEN AUTHORISED FOR PAYMENT TO 172 CASES AND WAS NOW AWAITING COLLECTION AT THE DEPARTMENT.
MR SIU SAID GRANTS ALREADY MADE WERE PAID TO 713 CASES INVOLVING DEATH, AND TO 7 163 CASES INVOLVING INJURIES WHICH HAD CAUSED AT LEAST SEVEN DAYS’ LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY.
PAYMENTS FOR DEATH GRANTS AMOUNTED TO NEARLY $5.5 MILLION, HE SAID, WHILE INJURY PAYMENTS TOTALLED $25.8 MILLION, OF WHICH $6.5 MILLION WERE FOR FURTHER PAYMENTS TO THOSE WHO SUBSEQUENTLY REQUIRED EXTENDED SICK LEAVE.
MR SIU SAID THE HIGHEST PAYMENT SO FAR WAS $26 100 IN ONE FATAL CASE, WHILE OTHER PAYMENTS RANGED FROM $800 TO $25 040.
+AT PRESENT, 335 APPLICATIONS ARE BEING PROCESSED AND THE APPLICANTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO RECEIVE PAYMENTS SHORTLY,* HE SAID.
THE TAVA SCHEME IS NON-MEANS TESTED AND PROVIDES QUICK CASH RELIEF FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS REGARDLESS OF WHO WAS AT FAULT IN CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.
UNDER THE SCHEME, TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS MUST HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE POLICE.
PEOPLE INVOLVED CAN APPLY WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE ACCIDENT AT THE DEPARTMENT’S TAVA SECTION ON THE 14TH FLOOR OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE AT 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG (TEL. NOS.
5-779421 AND 5-7903650).
0 - -
DAY OFF FOR ROYAL WEDDING * * *
THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG MAY ENJOY A HOLIDAY ON JULY 29, ON THE OCCASION OF THE WEDDING OF PRINCE CHARLES AND LADY DIANA SPENCER.
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL SOON CONSIDER A RESOLUTION TO DECLARE THAT DAY A GENERAL HOLIDAY, AND STUDY A BILL MAKING IT AN ADDITIONAL PAID STATUTORY HOLIDAY UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE. THE BILL WILL ALLOW EMPLOYERS THE FLEXIBILITY OF GRANTING THE HOLIDAY ON ANOTHER DAY.
IN CELEBRATION OF THE EVENT, HONG KONG WILL MAKE A PRESENT OF A CARPET TO BE WOVEN BY A LOCAL FACTORY. A SET OF COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS WILL ALSO BE ISSUED.
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 1981
2
PRIOR WORKING ARRANGEMENTS ESSENTIAL DURING TYPHOON *****
EMPLOYERS WERE TODAY (SUNDAY) ADVISED TO REACH PRIOR AGREEMENT WITH THEIR EMPLOYEES ON WORKING ARRANGEMENTS ON THE APPROACH OF OR DURING A TROPICAL STORM.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID THE AGREEMENT SHOULD INCLUDE RULES FOR WORK, RELEASE FROM WORK, AND THE METHOD OF CALCULATING WAGES TO BE PAID UNDER VARIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES.
♦ALTHOUGH THE LAW DOES NOT LAY DOWN ANY PARTICULAR PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW, IT IS BASICALLY A MATTER OF DECISION BETWEEN EACH EMPLOYER AND HIS EMPLOYEES, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE NATURE OF EMPLOYMENT AND THE INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEE’S PLACE OF RESIDENCE, AVAILABILITY OF TRANSPORT AND OTHER FACTORS,* HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID 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.
+FOR EXAMPLE, EMPLOYERS 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 SAID EMPLOYERS COULD ALWAYS APPROACH THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR ADVICE WHEN DRAFTING OR PREPARING AGREEMENTS CONCERNING TYPHOON ARRANGEMENTS.
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HEALTH MEASURES FOR SUMMER * * * *
THE MEDICAL AND
„1W , - H£ALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) ADVISED THAT WITH THE APPROACH OF THE SUMMER SEASON THE PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST CHOLERA AND OTHER GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES SUCH AS TYPHOID AND DYSENTERY.
VIRAL HEPATITIS AND SICKNESS DUE TO FOOD POISONING AR^ ALSO COMMONLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE WARM WEATHER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THOUGH THERE HAD KEN NO REPORT OF CHOLERA CASES IN HONG KONG SINCE AUGUST 1973 THE PUBLIC SHOULD CONTINUE TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY PRECAUTION AGAINST THE DISEASE WHICH IS ENDEMIC IN THE SOUTHEAST ASIA REGION
/HE PODJTED .......
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 19^1
3
HE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH MOST OF THE NOTIFIABLE COMMUNICABLE DISEASES HAVE REMAINED MORE OR LESS AT THE SAME LEVEL AS PREVIOUS YEARS, THE DEPARTMENT HAS CONTINUED TO TAKE ALL POSSIBLE PREVENTIVE MEASURES THROUGH HEALTH EDUCATION AND IMMUNIZATION PROGRAMMES.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, EXPERIENCE AND RESEARCH HAVE SHOWN THAT THE MOST RELIABLE AND EFFECTIVE MEASURES ARE TO ENSURE CLEANLINESS IN THE PREPARATION AND CONSUMPTION OF FOOD AND WATER, AND GOOD PERSONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE.
HE EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING ONLY THOROUGHLY COOKED FOOD AND BOILED WATER.
+PROPERLY PREPARED FOOD, IF NOT TAKEN IMMEDIATELY, SHOULD NOT BE LEFT IN THE OPEN AND EXPOSED TO CONTAMINATION,* HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THESE PROTECTIVE MEASURES ARE EFFECTIVE NOT ONLY AGAINST THE GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES BUT ALSO AGAINST OTHER COMMUNICABLE DISEASES.
VACCINATIONS AGAINST CHOLERA AND TYPHOID FEVER, IF REQUIRED, ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT ALL GOVERNMENT GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS AND INOCULATION POSTS.
- 0 - -
FIFTY TEAMS FOR TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACES * * *
FIFTY TEAMS REPRESENTING VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS HAVE ENTERED THE TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACES ON JUNE 6.
THE ORGANISATIONS INCLUDE PRIVATE FIRMS, FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATIONS, SPORTS CLUBS, SCHOOLS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL ATTEND THE RACES AND PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNING TEAMS.
THE RACES WILL BE HELD AT SHUE WAN HOI, ALONG THE MAIN DAM CF PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR, STARTING AT 9.30 AM.
THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, WILL BE THE GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE SAI KUNG RACES, WHICH 30 TEAMS HAVE ENTERED.
OF THESE, SIX TEAMS COMPRISING WOMEN ONLY WILL ROW BOATS RESEMBLING THE MYTHICAL BIRD, THE PHOENIX.
A SPECIAL TEAM OF LOCAL SAI KUNG FISHERMEN HAS ALSO BEEN FORMED TO REPRESENT HONG KONG IN INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT RACES TO BE HELD IN SINGAPORE NEXT MONTH.
AT TUEN MUN, WHERE RACES WILL START AT 9 AM, THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN CHAPPLE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION.
/ta3. CEE?
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 1981
- 4 -
AIR CHIEF MARSHAL SIR KEITH WILLIAMSON, WHO WILL BE VISITING HONG KONG DURING THE FESTIVAL, WILL ALSO ATTEND THE RACES.
IN ORDER TO EXPAND THE FLEET, SEVERAL NEW DRAGON AND PHOENIX BOATS HAVE BEEN CONSTRUCTED WITH PRIVATE DONATIONS FOR THE RACtb THIS YEAR.
DRAGON BOAT RACES WILL ALSO BE HELD IN OTHER PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING TAI 0, MUI WO, PUI 0, TSING Yl, CHEUNG CHAU AND LAMMA ISLANDS.
- - 0
SWIMMERS URGED TO OBSERVE BASIC SAFETY RULES * * * * *
EARLY ONE MORNING AT A REMOTE BEACH ON THE OUTLYING ISLAND, JACK AND HIS GIRL FRIEND SUSANNA WERE PLAYING TO THEIR HEART’S CONTENT IN THE BEAUTIFUL CLEAR WATER, ENJOYING THE WARM SUNSHINE AND SOFT SEA BREEZE, BUT MOST OF ALL, THE PRIVACY OF HAVING THE WHOLE BEACH TO THEMSELVES- THERE WAS PRACTICALLY NO ONE ELSE AROUND BECAUSE IT WAS A WEEK-DAY AND THE BEACH WAS NOT EASILY ACCESSIBLE.
THE WATER WAS COOL BUT ROUGH. THIS DID NOT WORRY JACK WHO ALWAYS BOASTED OF BEING A GOOD SWIMMER. HE CHALLENGED SUSANNA TO SWIM WITH HIM OUT TO THE RAFT, BUT SHE REFUSED.
SC HE PLUNGED INTO THE SEA ALONE, PROMISING TO RETURN IN HALF AN HOUR.
JACK NEVER RETURNED. HE GOT INTO TROUBLE ABOUT 100 METRES Al AY FROM THE SHORE. HE YELLED FOR HELP BUT THERE WAS NO LIFE GUARD NEARBY AND NO ONE HEARD HIM. HE BATTLED WITH THE WAVES UNTIL HE LOST ALL HIS STRENGTH. THEN DARKNESS CAME OVER HIM.
HOURS LATER, JACK’S BODY WAS FOUND.
THIS IS ONE OF THE MANY WAYS SWIMMERS GET KILLED. LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 16 SWIMMERS WERE DROWNED FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER, AND 881 WERE RESCUED FROM DANGER.
A WORD OF ADVICE TO SWIMMERS CAME FROM MR CHAM SIU-LEUN, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS TODAY (MAY 17) : +IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT BECAUSE SWIMMING IS SUCH A POPULAR AND COMMON SPORT IN HONG KONG, PEOPLE HAVE BECOME SO USED TO IT THAT THEY TEND TO OVERLOOK THE RISKS AND DANGERS INVOLVED.
♦BUT IN FACT, LIKE ANY OTHER FORM OF OUTDOOR PURSUITS, THERE IS A SET OF BASIC SAFETY RULES THAT SWIMMERS SHOULD OBSERVE.*
/iiuR CHAU....
SUNDAY, MY 17, 1981
5
MR CHAM POINTED OUT THAT IN THE FIRST PLACE, A SWIMMER MUST KNOW HIS PHYSICAL CAPABILITY AND LIMITATION. BEFORE HE SWIMS TOO FAR OUT TO SEA, HE SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT HE wILL HAVE ENOUGH STRENGTH TO SWIM BACK TO SHORE. IT IS NOT WISE TO OVER-STRETCH ONE’S ABILITY FOR THE SAKE OF SHOWING OFF.
HE SAID, + IF YOU ARE NOT A GOOD SWIMMER, DON’T GO FURTHER THAN WAIST-DEEP. PREFERABLY, LEARN TO SWIM WELL IN A SWIMMING POOL BEFORE TACKLING WAVES AND TIDES IN THE SEA.*
+WHEN YOU GO SWIMMING, CHOOSE A BEACH WHERE THERE ARE LIFE GUARDS. IF YOU PREFER TO GO TO REMOTE AND LESS CROWDED SPOTS, BE SURE TO GO ALONG WITH YOUR FRIENDS OR FAMILY SO THAT SOMEONE WILL BE AROUND SHOULD YOU GET INTO TROUBLE AND REQUIRE ASSISTANCE,* HE ADDED.
MANY BEACHES IN HONG KONG HAVE SAFE SWIMMING AREAS CLEARLY MARKED WITH BOOM LINES. IT IS ADVISABLE TO KEEP WITHIN THE DESIGNATED AREAS.
MR CHAM ALSO REMINDED SWIMMERS TO BEWARE OF WAVES, FOR THEY CAN FLIP YOU AND POSSIBLY INJURE YOU.
♦LOOK OUT FOR AND AVOID STRONG CURRENTS. SLICK PATCHES OF WATER A DIFFERENT COLOUR TO THE SURROUNDING OCEAN WATER CAN MEAN FAST-MOVING WATER WHICH COULD DRAG YOU AWAY FROM SHORE OR BASH YOU AGAINST ROCKS,* HE SAID.
+IF YOU EVER FIND YOURSELF IN TROUBLE, REMEMBER YOU MUST KEEP CALM, THEN RAISE YOUR RIGHT ARM AND SHOUT FOR ASSISTANCE, TRYING AT THE SAME TIME, TO TREAD WATER OR FLOAT ON YOUR BACK,* HE ADDED.
SINCE SUMMER IS ALSO THE TYPHOON SEASON IN HONG KONG, IT IS ADVISABLE TO LISTEN TO THE WEATHER FORECAST AND FIND OUT WHETHER THE RED FLAG HAS BEEN HOISTED AT ANY BEACH BEFORE LEAVING HOME. RED FLAG MEANS IT IS DANGEROUS FOR SWIMMERS TO ENTER THE WATER.
MR CHAM SAID, +IGNORING THIS WARNING MEANS PUTTING YOUR LIVES IN PERIL.*
ANOTHER RULE TO REMEMBER IS NEVER SWIM IMMEDIATELY AFTER A MEAL OR WHEN YOU ARE HUNGRY. ALLOW AT LEAST AN HOUR’S REST AFTER MEAL BEFORE YOU TAKE A DIP. IF YOU ARE TIRED OR HAVE HAD SOME ALCOHOLIC DRINKS, IT IS NOT ADVISABLE FOR YOU TO SWIM.
EQUALLY IMPORTANT IS NOT TO STAY IN THE WATER TOO LONG ESPECIALLY IF IT IS VERY COLD- AND ONE SHOULD NOT WEAR MASKS OR SNORKELS UNLESS ONE IS TRAINED TO USE THEM. IT IS DIFFICULT TO SHOUT FOR HELP WITH SUCH EQUIPMENT ON,* MR CHAM EXPLAINED.
/HS PCINW...
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 1?81
6
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT IS DANGEROUS FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT SWIM TO RELY ON SWIMMING AIDS, BECAUSE LILOS, BUOYS AND FLOATS CAN LOSE THEIR BUOYANCY OR FLOW AWAY FROM ONE’S GRASP.
IF YOU WANT TO DIVE OR JUMP INTO THE WATER, MAKE SURE YOU DO SO AT THE POINT WHERE THE WATER IS DEEP ENOUGH AND THERE ARE NO SWIMMERS AROUND.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT MATTER THAT SWIMMERS HAVE TO WATCH OUT IS THAT IF THEY SPOT SHARKS IN THE VICINITY, THEY SHOULD KEEP CALM AND SWIM ASHORE QUIETLY OR GET ABOARD ANY NEARBY BOAT. +DON*T PANIC AND DON’T SWIM SPLASHINGLY AWAY FROM THE SHARK AS THIS MAY EASILY ATTRACT THS SHARK’S ATTENTION AND AROUSE IT TO ATTACK YOU RIGHT AWAY,+ THE CHAIRMAN WARNED.
HERE ARE SOME HINTS ON HOW TO AVOID SHARK BITE :
* DON’T GO SWIMMING ALONE.
K WHEN SWIMMING, DON’T WEAR RINGS, BRACELETS, AND METAL ORNAMENTS.
* DON’T SWIM OR DIVE WITH A BLEEDING WOUND.
+REMEMBER TO SWIM IN SAFETY OR YOU MAY NOT LIVE TO REGRET IT,+ MR CHAM SAID.
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TRAINING COURSE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS
* * * *
QUALIFIED TEACHERS WHO ARE AT PRESENT TEACHING SLOW LEARNING CR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS OR CLASSES ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR A TWO-YEAR PART-TIME TRAINING COURSE STARTING THIS SEPTEMBER AT SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.
TRAINEES WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE COURSE ONE DAY A WEEK DURING THE TWO YEARS AND THREE PERIODS OF TWO-WEEK FULL-TIME TRAINING.
THE FIRST TWO-WEEK PERIOD WILL BE AN ORIENTATION PROGRAMME, THE SECOND TWO-WEEK PERIOD WILL BE AT THE CLOSE OF THE FIRST ACADEMIC YEAR, AND THE THIRD PERIOD AT THE END OF THE SECOND ACADEMIC YEAR.
♦THOSE ACCEPTED TO THE COURSE MUST BE TEACHING SLOW LEARNING CR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN IN SPECIAL CLASSES OR SCHOOLS FOR THE DURATION OF THE COURSE,+ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
TEACHERS SELECTED TO TEACH SLOW LEARNING OR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN WITH EFFECT FROM THIS SEPTEMBER CAN ALSO APPLY HE SAID.
/APPLICjils'JS SHOULD.....
SUNDAY, MY 17, 1?81
7
APPLICANTS SHOULD PREFERABLY HAVE HAD TWO YEARS TEACHING EXPERIENCE.
CONTENTS OF THE COURSE WILL INCLUDE STUDIES IN PSYCHOLOGICAL AND MEDICAL ASPECTS OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN- SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES AND PROVISIONS FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN- LEARNING AND BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS, ORGANISATION AND OPERATION OF SPECIAL CLASSES AND SCHOOLS- SPECIAL AND ADAPTED CURRICULA AND SPECIAL TEACHING TECHNIQUES.
TUTORIALS AND SEMINARS WILL BE CONDUCTED AND TRAINEES WILL BE SUPERVISED AND ADVISED IN THEIR OWN CLASSROOMS BY STAFF FROM THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.
ON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE COURSE A TRAINEE WILL BE AWARDED A CERTIFICATE FOR TEACHERS OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN (MENTALLY HANDICAPPED AND SLOW LEARNING CHILDREN), THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
QUALIFIED FULL-TIME TEACHERS WILL BE AWARDED A SPECIAL EDUCATION ALLOWANCE WHILE ATTENDING THE COURSE AND UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE COURSE.
SELECTION FOR ENTRY TO THE COURSE IS CONDUCTED BY THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION JOINT SELECTION BOARD.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG, AND THE SUF OFFICE AT THE POST OFFICE BUILDING, NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON. THEY ARE \LSO AVAILABLE FROM SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, 6 CALDECOTT ROAD, KOWLOON.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED VIA THE APPLICANTS’ SUPERVISORS OR PRINCIPALS TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION JOINT SELECTION BOARD, C/O SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, 6 CALDECOTT ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATION IS MAY 29.
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KWAI CHUNG AND TSUEN WAN TO HOLD TREE PLANTING DAY ******
THE PAI SHAN TREES TO
^,,1^ V0VER’S •SLAND OF KWAI CHUNG AND CrIEUNG 3E PLANTED THEfi"" *ILL “ ENHANCED 3Y 170 EVERGREEN
TWO
DISTRICT-WIDE TREE PLANTING EXERCISES, IN LINE WITH OTHER DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, ARE BEING JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT. 1b5
-i-CiSSClSZ J..........
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 1981
- 8 -
THE EXERCISES AIM TO AROUSE IN THE LOVE AND CARE OF TREES IN FOR THE NTSD.
PUBLIC CONCERN AND INTEREST
THE NEW TOWNS, SAID
A SPOKESMAN
ABOUT 70 EVERGREEN BAUHINIA
BLAKEANA AND ACACIA BE PLANTED IN THE AMENITY PLOT OF THE LOVER’S ISLAND CHUNG ON FRIDAY (MAY 22).
TREES WILL OF KWAI
ON SATURDAY (MAY 23), A TOTAL OF 100 MELALEUCA LEUCADENDRON, THE HARDY EVERGREEN LARGE TREES, WILL BE PLANTED IN THE CENTRAL DIVIDER OF CHEUNG PAI SHAN ROAD NEAR SHEK WAI KOK ESTATE, TSUEN WAN.
MORE THAN 250 MEMBERS OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND PARTENn\he°TREEVPLANTINGHUNG AND tsuen wan SCH00LS w,ll TAKE
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, MR HO AT THE CEREMONIES.
IMPROVEMENT SUB-COMMITTEE TZE-PING, WILL OFFICIATE
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE NEW (SOUTH REGION), MR JAMES WILSON, WILL
TERRITORIES SERVICES ALSO BE PRESENT.
FACELIFT FOR MORE KWAI CHUNG REFUSE BLACKSPOTS
******
« ?ORE THAN 10 REFUSE BLACKSPOTS IN OPEN SPACES AND HILLSIDES IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE GIVEN A FACELIFT.
THE CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS AIMED AT IMPROVING ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICE OF KWAI CHUNG, A SPOKESMAN OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.
DURING THE ON-GOING FIVE-MONTH EXERCISE, CLEANSING STAFF OF THE NTSD WILL CLEAR THE REFUSE AT VARIOUS BLACKSPOTS AT SHEK YAM ROAD, TAI YUEN STREET, WO Yl HOP ROAD, CASTLE PEAK
TAI PAK T,N street« KWAI HEI STREET, KWAI YUE STREET AND HOI PA SECTION.
ABOUT 100 TONNES OR 100 TIPPER LORRY LOADS OF REFUSE AND ANOTHER 62 TIPPER LORRY LOADS OF BULKY DISCARDED ITEMS WERE COLLECTED, IN THE RECENT CLEAN UP AT THE HILLSIDE OF THE TAI LOONG STREET SQUATTER AREA.
HE SAID THE OPEN SPACE CLEARED WOULD SOON BE TURNED INTO SITTING OUT AREA FOR LOCAL PEOPLE.
- 0 - -
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 1981
- 9 -
BUSY HOLIDAY FOR THE RHKAAF
KOKX
THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE CARRIED OUT AN AVERAGE OF ONE CASUALTY EVACUATION FLIGHT PER DAY DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAY PERIOD FROM APRIL 18 TO 27.
+THE FORCE RESPONDED TO 12 EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION CALLS DURING THIS 1O-DAY PERIOD IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING ROUTINE FLYING SERVICES,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RHKAAF SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
+ON APRIL 24 ALONE. RHKAAF HELICOPTERS AIRLIFTED THREE PATIENTS TO HOSPITAL FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT,* HE SAID.
+WE ALSO FLEW FOUR PREGNANT WOMEN TO HOSPITAL AND CARRIED PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM SNAKE BITE, INJURY DUE TO A CLIMBING ACCIDENT AND A HEART FAILURE,* HE ADDED.
A DAWN SEARCH FOR SIX PICNICKERS IN SAI KUNG WAS CONDUCTED ON SUNDAY, APRIL 26, AND ALL WERE SUBSEQUENTLY FOUND.
THE 12 MISSIONS BROUGHT TO 69 THE NUMBER OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION FLIGHTS CARRIED OUT BY RHKAAF SO FAR THIS YEAR.
MEMBERS OF RHKAAF ARE ON DUTY FOR SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. THEY STAND BY TO CARRY OUT EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION SERVICES AT NIGHT AND DURING HOLIDAYS.
ON RECEIVING AN EMERGENCY CALL DURING NORMAL WORKING HOURS.
AIR CREW PRESENT AT KAI TAK CAN BE AIRBORNE IN AS LITTLE TIME AS FIVE MINUTES AND ARRIVE AT ANY LANDING SITE IN THE TERRITORY WITHIN 20 MINUTES OR SO.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 18, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SURVEY OF ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY TO BE HELD ...................... 1
TRANSPORT LICENSING SUB-OFFICE OPENED FOR EAST KOWLOON AND SAI KUNG AREAS ............................................ 1
TUIN MUN DISTRICT BOARD TO SPEND $825 OOO ON ACTIVITIES....... 2
$25 MILLION TO BUILD TWO SCHOOLS .............................. 3
HONG KONG OFFICER TO ATTEND ICAO TALKS ........................ 3
STUDY-ROOMS POPULAR WITH STUDENTS ............................. 4
MONDAY, MAY 18, 1981
1
SURVEY OF ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY TO BE HELD
* * *
A MAJOR SURVEY OF HONG KONG’S ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY WILL BE CARRIED OUT NEXT MONTH TO COLLECT UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON TRAINING REQUIREMENTS.
THE SURVEY, THE SIXTH OF ITS KIND, WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL FROM JUNE 1 TO 22 WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR AND CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENTS.
QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE ARE BEING SENT OUT TODAY (MONDAY) TO ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED BY RANDOM STRATIFIED SAMPLING.
EMPLOYERS ARE ASKED TO SUPPLY VARIOUS INFORMATION, INCLUDING THE NUMBER OF WORKERS AT PRESENT EMPLOYED OR UNDER TRAINING, THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANCIES AND A FORECAST OF THE NUMBER OF WORKERS REQUIRED IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.
OFFICERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT THE ESTABLISHMENTS AND HELP EMPLOYERS TO COMPLETE THE QUESTIONNAIRE.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD, MR WARNER S.Y. YEH, SAID THE SURVEY WAS NEEDED IN VIEW OF THE MANY CHANGES SINCE THE ONE CONDUCTED TWO YEARS AGO.
MR YEH 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 ANY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT.
+AS THE INFORMATION TO BE COLLECTED FROM THIS SURVEY IS CF IMPORTANCE IN FORMULATING TRAINING PLANS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE INDUSTRY, THE CO-OPERATION OF THOSE COVERED IN THE SURVEY IS SINCERELY SOUGHT,+ HE ADDED.
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TRANSPORT LICENSING SUB-OFFICE OPENED FOR EAST KOWLOON AND SAI KUNG AREAS * * M *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) OPENED A NEW LICENSING SUB-OFFICE TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF THE 1.2 MILLION PEOPLE LIVING IN EAST KOWLOON AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICTS.
THE SUB-OFFICE, LOCATED ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF 26-38 HIU KWONG STREET, KWUN TONG, WILL HELP RELIEVE PRESSURE AT BOTH THE MURRAY ROAD LICENSING OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE DUNDAS STREET LICENSING OFFICE IN KOWLOON.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR ALAN ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT, SAID THE KWUN TONG SUB-OFFICE WAS THE FIRST OF A NUMBER OF REGIONAL LICENSING OFFICES TO BE SET UP BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
+OFFICES ARE ALREADY PLANNED FOR TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN, AND OTHERS WILL FOLLOW,+ HE SAID.
/THE OPENING ...
MONDAY, MAY 18, 1?8l
2
THE OPENING WAS ATTENDED BY MEMBERS OF THE NEWLY-ESTABLISHED KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, INCLUDING MRS ELSIE ELLIOTT, WHO CUT THE RIBBON AT THE CEREMONY. MRS ELLIOTT IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
THE NEW KWUN TONG SUB-OFFICE, WHICH IS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR COMPUTER TERMINALS, WILL PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR RENEWING VEHICLE LICENCES, TRANSFERRING VEHICLE OWNERSHIP, AND ISSUING AND RENEWING DRIVING LICENCES AND OTHER PERMITS.
DRIVING AND WRITTEN TESTS WILL CONTINUE TO BE HANDLED BY THE MURRAY ROAD AND DUNDAS STREET OFFICES.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN URGED MOTORISTS LIVING IN EAST KOWLOON AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT TO USE THE NEW SUB-OFFICE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
THE SUB-OFFICE WILL BE OPEN FROM 8.45 AM TO 4.10 PM ON WEEK DAYS AND FROM 9 AM TO 11.50 AM ON SATURDAYS.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES IS 3-354950.
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TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD TO SPEND $825 000 ON ACTIVITIES
# * * K
TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD IS TO SPEND $825 000 ON CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES THIS YEAR, 60 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL BUDGET ALLOCATED BY GOVERNMENT.
THIS WAS AGREED AT A REGULAR BOARD MEETING HELD RECENTLY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID TUEN MUN RESIDENTS SHOWED TALENT IN ORGANISING ARTS AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES WHICH ALWAYS ATTRACTED ACTIVE PARTICIPATION.
THE BOARD HOPED THAT SUCCESS WOULD CONTINUE AND MORE ACTIVITIES WOULD BE ORGANISED FOR THE GROWING NUMBER OF PEOPLE MOVING INTO THE NEW TOWN WITH THE COMPLETION OF NEW HOUSING ESTATES THIS YEAR, HE SAID.
MORE THAN ONE THIRD OF THE $825 000 HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO TUEN MUN ARTS PROMOTION ASSOCIATION, A MAJOR CULTURAL ORGANISATION IN THE D ISTR ICT.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION COMPRISE SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS, PLUS LEADERS OF LOCAL CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS.
ACTIVITIES BEING ORGANISED BY THE ASSOCIATION INCLUDE CANTONESE OPERA AND CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT TRAINING CLASSES, CHOIR PERFORMANCES, ARTS COMPETITIONS AND EXHIBITIONS.
A FURTHER $84 000 HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO OTHER VOLUNTARY AGENCIES FOR PROMOTING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
BESIDES, $120 000 WILL BE SPENT ON SPORTS PROJECTS ORGANISED BY THE BOARD AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE.
/A TUEN.....
MONDAY, MAY -|8, 1981
3
A TUEN MUN FESTIVAL, SIMILAR TO ONE HELD IN 1978, WILL TAKE PLACE THIS YEAR ON TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND, NOW BEING CONSTRUCTED THE BOARD AGREED TO ALLOCATE $100 000 FOR THIS FUNCTION.
THE BALANCE WILL BE SPENT ON INTER-DISTRICT SPORTS COMPETITIONS, DRAGON BOAT RACES, SPECIAL PROGRAMMES FOR THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL AND CHINESE NEW YEAR, TUEN MUN CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND A MODERN DANCE TRAINING COURSE.
APART FROM PROMOTING RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, THE BOARD HAS ALSO AGREED TO ALLOCATE $348 500 FOR LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS.
THE TOTAL BUDGET FOR TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD FOR 1981/82, IS >1.372 MILLION, EXACTLY DOUBLE THE SUM PROVIDED LAST YEAR.
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$25 MILLION TO BUILD TWO SCHOOLS *****
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) AWARDED TWO CONTRACTS, TOTALLING OVER $25 MILLION, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN CHAI WAN KOK WEST, TSUEN WAN.
MR C.S. LEE, CHIEF ARCHITECT, WHO SIGNED THE CONTRACTS ON BEHALF OF PWD’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, SAID THE SCHOOLS, LOCATED NEAR ON YUK ROAD, WILL BE OF THE STANDARD 24-CLASSR00M TYPE.
+IN ADDITION TO THE MAIN TEACHING BLOCK, EACH SCHOOL WILL HAVE ADMINISTRATION OFFICES AND CHANGING ROOMS, SPECIAL FACILITIES FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS AS WELL AS A LIBRARY, WORKSHOP, ANCILLARY BUILDINGS AND MENIAL STAFF QUARTERS,+ HE SAID.
MR LEE SAID CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL BEGIN NEXT MONTH AND BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER 1982.
------0-------
HONG KONG OFFICER TO ATTEND ICAO TALKS * * * *
HONG KONG WILL BE REPRESENTED AT THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION CONFERENCE ON THE ECONOMICS OF AIRPORT AND ROUTE FACILITIES OPENING IN MONTREAL TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MR C.E DEPARTMENT, TALKS.
JONES, SENIOR TREASURY ACCOUNTANT OF THE CIVIL AVIATION WILL JOIN THE UK DELEGATION AS AN OBSERVER AT THE ICAO
DELEGATES WILL REVIEW ICAO POLICY GUIDELINES AND RECOMMEND wAYS AND MEANS OF FINANCING AIRPORT AND ROUTE SERVICES AT THE 19-DAY CONFERENCE.
THEY WILL ALSO TALK ABOUT AIRPORT SECURITY MEASURES, USER PAYMENT AT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS, LANDING AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES, PASSENGER SERVICE CHARGES AS WELL AS EN-ROUTE FACILITY ECONOMICS.
------0-------
A .....
MONDAY, MAY 18, 1981
4
STUDY-ROOMS POPULAR WITH STUDENTS
* * * *
MORE THAN 3* OOO SEATS WERE TAKEN UP IN APRIL AT THE 64 STUDYROOM CENTRES RUN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
+SOME 20 000 OF THE SEATS TAKEN WERE IN THE ESTATE SCHOOLS,+ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID, •
WITH THE ADVANCE OF THE EXAMINATION SEASON, MORE STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO USE THESE TEMPORARY STUDY ROOMS IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS, HE SAID.
THE STUDY ROOMS ARE MEANT TO PROVIDE STUDENTS LIVING IN CROWDED AND NOISY AREAS WITH FACILITIES TO DO THEIR HOMEWORK AND PRIVATE STUDIES DURING THE EXAMINATION PERIOD. THIS YEAR THE OPENING DATES ARE FROM APRIL 1 TO JUNE 30.
POSTERS SHOWING THE DISTRIBUTION OF STUDY ROOM CENTRES ARE DISPLAYED IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, AND STUDENTS WISHING TO USE THESE FACILITIES CAN APPROACH THEIR PRINCIPALS FOR ADMISSION CARDS.
STUDY ROOM FACILITIES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE OPEN FROM 6 PM TO 9 PM, MONDAY TO FRIDAY, AND THESE ARE FOR THE USE OF SECONDARY STUDENTS.
FACILITIES IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE OPEN FROM 7 PM TO 9 PM, AND CATER FOR BOTH SECONDARY AND PRIMARY STUDENTS.
STUDY ROOMS WILL BE CLOSED ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SUPERVISORS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO MAINTAIN ORDER IN STUDY ROOMS, BUT THEY WILL NOT BE GIVING TUITION TO THE STUDENTS.
------0-------
' DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1981
CONTENTS PaGE NO.
APRIL LABOUR VIOLATIONS COST $720 000 ........................... 1
DORwARD OPENS PRODUCT DESIGN SEMINAR............................. 1
EMPLOYERS URGED TO OPERATE CaNTEENS FOR WORKERS ................. 2
HONG KONG STUDENTS EXCEL IN EXTERNAL EXAMS ...................... 3
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED
4
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1981
1
APRIL LABOUR VIOLATIONS COST $720 000
* * *
OF THE 670 PROSECUTIONS TAKEN OUT IN APRIL THIS YEAR BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR BREACHES OF LABOUR LEGISLATION, 653 CASES RESULTED IN CONVICTION WITH FINES TOTALLING MORE THAN $720 000.
MOST OF THE CASES CONCERNED BREACHES OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND ITS VARIOUS REGULATIONS, THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS.
THREE HUNDRED AND FOUR CASES WERE FOR VIOLATIONS OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY REGULATIONS, RESULTING IN FINES TOTALLING $497 000. THESE INCLUDED 122 CASES FOR BREACH OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS WITH FINES TOTALLING $285 860.
OFFENCES IN CONNECTION WITH EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS ACCOUNTED FOR 288 CASES, WITH $174 225 IN FINES.
OF THE OTHER PROSECUTIONS, 16 CASES RELATED TO FAILURE TO KEEP EMPLOYEE RECORDS, LEADING TO $13 150 IN FINES.
-----o------
DORWARD OPENS PRODUCT DESIGN SEMINAR
* * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR BILL DORWARD, TODAY (TUESDAY) STRESSED THE NEED FOR TALENTED ASIAN DESIGNERS TO USE AND ADAPT THEIR HERITAGE.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE ASIAN SEMINAR ON PRODUCT DESIGN, MR DORWARD ASKED WHETHER WE HAD DONE ENOUGH TO CAPITALISE ON THE COLOUR AND EXCITEMENT AND STIMULATION THAT IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VISUAL ARTS OF ASIA.
+D0 WE GIVE OUR DESIGNERS ENOUGH CHANCE TO DRAW INSPIRATION FROM THAT SOURCE, AND BLEND IT WITH MODERN SKILLS TO PROJECT THE KIND OF IMAGINATIVE AND FANCIFUL IMAGE WHICH WOULD STIMULATE THE SALE OF OUR GOODS IN THE MAJOR MARKETS OF THE w£ST?-»- HE QUESTIONED.
OUTSIDE OF WHAT COULD BE CALLED TRADITIONAL PRODUCTS, INDUSTRIES IN MANY PARTS OF ASIA - CERTAINLY IN HONG KONG - SELL PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY RATHER THAN PRODUCTS.
+HOW DESIRABLE AND HOW REALISTIC IS IT TO TRY TO WEAN THEM AWAY FROM MAKING MAINLY TO THEIR BUYERS’ DESIGNS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO SPEND MONEY ON DEVELOPING AND MARKETING THEIR OWN?+ HE ASKED.
/PROVIDING HIS ....
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1981
2 -
PROVIDING HIS AUDIENCE WITH MORE THOUGHT-PROVOKING QUESTIONS, MR DORWARD TURNED TO THE ORIGIN OF DESIGNS. + IF THE INDUSTRIALIST IS CONVINCED OF THE NEED FOR NEW AND BETTER PRODUCT DESIGN AND PACKAGING, HOW DO YOU PERSUADE HIM TO USE HOME GROWN TALENT RATHER THAN BUYING IT FROM LONDON OR NEW YORK OR ZURICH?* HE QUERIED.
ORGANISED BY THE ASIAN PRODUCTIVITY ORGANISATION (APO), THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL DESIGN COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE, THE TWO-WEEK SEMINAR IS BEING HELD AT THE NEW WORLD HOTEL.
THE OBJECTIVE IS TO ASSIST MEMBER COUNTRIES OF APO IN THEIR EFFORTS TO PROMOTE THE INDUSTRIAL DESIGN PROFESSION BY ALLOWING PARTICIPANTS TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE IN THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN PROMOTION, EDUCATION, PROTECTION AND CO-OPERATION.
TWENTY-TWO PARTICIPANTS FROM 11 APO MEMBER COUNTRIES ARE ATTENDING THE SEMINAR. JAPANESE DESIGN EXPERT, PROFESSOR M. YOSHIOKA, HEAD OF THE PRODUCT DESIGN SECTION OF TSUKUBA UNIVERSITY, LEADS THE DISCUSSIONS.
-----0------
EMPLOYERS URGED
TO OPERATE CANTEENS FOR WORKERS * * * *
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT LOCAL FACTORY OWNERS TO CANTEENS TO BE OPERATED.
OFFICE IS ACCEPTING MODIFY THEIR LEASES
APPLICATIONS FROM TO ENABLE WORKERS’
nuwS TSUEN WAN ALREADY RUN CANTEENS FOR THEIR
EMPLOYEES, ALTHOUGH THEIR LEASES DO NOT CONTAIN SUCH PROVISION.
«... «SI«FF THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAVE VISITED 100 FACTORIES at the,r canteen OPERATIONS AS PART OF
ROUTINE LEASE ENFORCEMENT ACTION.
IN 12 CASES WHERE FAILURE EITHER TO MEET THE CRITERIA FOR curating factory canteens or to apply for lease modification TAKEN. THERECHAVEEALSOCBEEN F^V^OUTR IGHT*RE JECWNS?^
AND mScE3S»?"S T° H0D'FY LEASES H‘VE BEEN AP,,|’0VEI’
THE CHIEF ESTATE SURVEYOR OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, MR C.M. M°’ SAID FACTORY CANTEENS WERE A MUCH-NEEDED SERVICE FOR WVnKcRS•
+ IT IS IN THE INTERESTS OF FACTORY OPERATORS IN ANY INDUSTRIAL BUILDING TO ENSURE THAT THERE ARE ADEQUATE HYGIENIC EATING FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR THEIR WORKFORCE,* HE SAID.
/+0N THE ......
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 198*1
♦ON THE WHOLE, THE LOCAL SITUATION IS QUITE PROMISING. WE WILL CONTINUE OUR VISITS TO FACTORY CANTEENS TO ENCOURAGE MORE LANDLORDS TO COME FORWARD AND APPLY FOR LEASE MODIFICATION WHERE REQUIRED.+ HE SAID.
FACTORY CANTEENS SHOULD NOT BE IN AREAS SET ASIDE UNDER THE LEASE CONDITIONS FOR ACCESS, PARKING, LOADING OR UNLOADING OF VEHICLES- THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE AN EXCLUSIVE DIRECT ACCESS TO THE STREET EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCY USE SINCE CANTEENS ARE INTENDED TO CATER FOR EMPLOYEES WORKING IN THE SAME BUILDING- AND THE FLOOR AREA OF THE CANTEEN SHOULD NOT EXCEED 10 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL GROSS FLOOR AREA OF THE FACTORY PREMISES.
FACTORY CANTEENS WHICH COMPLY WITH THESE CONDITIONS ARE ISSUED WITH A ’NO OBJECTION' LETTER AND LICENSED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
MR MO REMINDED FACTORY LANDLORDS THAT IT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY, NOT THAT OF FACTORY OPERATORS, TO APPLY FOR LEASE MODIFICATION.
------0 - - - -
HONG KONG STUDENTS EXCEL IN EXTERNAL EXAMS
* * * *
FOUR STUDENTS TAKING COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS IN MORRISON HILL AND KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTES HAVE SCORED TOP MARKS IN THE LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY EXAMINATIONS.
THEY HAVE BEEN AWARDED MEDALLIONS BY THE CHAMBER FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE 1980 SPRING/SUMMER EXAMINATIONS.
MISS TAN CHO-WAI OF KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE CAME FIRST IN THE WORLD-WIDE EXAMINATION FOR HIGHER STAGE ACCOUNTING IN THE SPRING EXAMINATION WHILE A FELLOW STUDENT MISS CHUI KWOK-CHING TOOK SECOND PLACE IN INTERMEDIATE STAGE BOOK-KEEPING IN THE SUMMER EXAMINATION.
TWO STUDENTS IN MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE HAVE ALSO ACHIEVED GOOD RESULTS IN THE SPRING EXAMINATION.
MR WONG FU-MAN HAS BEEN AWARDED FIRST PLACE IN THE HONG KONG REGION IN HIGHER STAGE COSTING- AND MISS LEUNG SAU-SHAN CAME SECOND IN THE HONG KONG REGION IN HIGHER STAGE ACCOUNTING.
-----0------
A....
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1981
4
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED
K * *
THE Fl?™T?ipR™%/,FTEoJA£lMS ,NT0 CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF ONEiyXmh!I nu H^aR£ClDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED
?mp»L;SI!2cW?N MARCH 19’ 1980 SH0ULD BE COMMUTED TO LIFE
I rirn I oUnfntM I .
SYRIAN* nu ™E MURDER OF GAHLEB TEYFOUR, A
SYRIAN, IN TSIM SHA TSUI ON JUNE 27, 1979.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1981
CONTENTS page no.
BUS OPERATIONS REVIEW UNDERWAY ................................... 1
PRIVATE BED CHARGES TO BE REVISED IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS..... 2
PUBLIC WARNED OF NEED TO CHECK FIRE INSTALLATION ................. 3
346 500 BOOST FOR DRIVE TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE ..................... 4
FUNDS FOR ADULT EDUCATION COURSES ................................ 5
TENANCY INVITED FOR RECLAMATION AREA ............................. g
MORE STAFF FOR FINANCE ADVISORY OFFICE............................ 6
COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS RETURNS FROM LECTURE TOUR................. 7
SECRETARY FOR CIVIL SERVICE VISITS TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT....... 7
WORK ON WATER MAIN ............................................... 7
NEW TERRITORIES TABLE TENNIS LEAGUE STARTS NEXT MONTH ............ 8
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1981
BUS OPERATIONS REVIEW UNDERWAY ******
WORK HAS BEGUN IN EARNEST ON THE GOVERNMENT REVIEW OF THE BUS OPERATIONS OF THE CHINA MOTOR BUS AND KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANIES.
THE REVIEW IS BEING CONDUCTED WITH A VIEW TO FINDING WAYS OF IMPROVING THE COST EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY OF BUS SERVICES.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN RECALLED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAD RECOMMENDED A PACKAGE OF PROPOSALS FOR A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND THE SCHEME OF CONTROL AS THEY CURRENTLY APPLY TO THE BUS COMPANIES.
IN THE CASE OF KMB, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, THE TAC PROPOSED
AN INTERIM FARE INCREASE TO ALLOW THE COMPANY TO BREAK EVEN IN 1981 BUT THAT FURTHER CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO KMB’S FULL APPLICATION ON COMPLETION OF THE STUDY.
TEAMS COMPRISING A CROSS-SECTION OF OFFICIALS FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAVE BEEN FORMED AND ARE IN THE PROCESS OF EXAMINING EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS UNDER THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND SCHEME OF CONTROL.
THE SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY OF THE TEAMS ARE TO i
* RE-EXAMINE THE ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WITH A VIEW TO REDUCING UNDER-UTILISED SERVICES AND OPTIMISING EFFICIENCY (TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION)"
* REVIEW THE PROCEDURES FOR EXAMINING BUSES HAVING REGARD TO THE COST AND SAFETY IMPLICATIONS (PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT)0
* RE-EXAMINE THE PROGRAMME FOR ACQUIRING DEPOT SPACE AND TO RECOMMEND THE MOST ECONOMICAL METHOD OF MEETING THE LAND REQUIREMENT (ENVIRONMENT BRANCH AND TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT)"
* INVESTIGATE THE METHOD OF ACQUISITION OF SPARE PARTS BY THE BUS COMPANIES WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF SUPPLY OF SPARE PARTS WITH A VIEW TO REDUCING COSTS, AND TO RECOMMEND APPROPRIATE LEVELS FOR SPARE PARTS STOCK (GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT)-
* REVIEW THE SCHEME OF CONTROL APPLICABLE TO THE BUS COMPANIES WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE SOURCES OF INCOME CURRENTLY OUTSIDE THE SCHEME (ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH).
WEDNESDAY, KAY 20, 1 «£ 1
2
THE WORK OF THE VARIOUS TEAMS WILL BE CO-ORDINATED BY A STEERING GROUP CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE ENV IRONMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROGRAMME OF WORK WAS FULLY ENDORSED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AT ITS MEETING YESTERDAY AND MEMBERS OF THE TAG WOULD BE INVOLVED IN THE REVIEW.
THE PUBLIC WOULD BE KEPT INFORMED OF THE PROGRESS OF THE REVIEW AND WOULD BE INVITED BY THE VARIOUS SUB-GROUPS TO SUBMIT THEIR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS ON IMPROVEMENTS TO THE BUS SERVICE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE REVIEW IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT WHERE POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS IN BUS SERVICES WERE IDENTIFIED THEY WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED AS THE REVIEW PROGRESSED, WITHOUT WAITING FOR A FULL REPORT TO BE COMPILED FOR SUBMISSION TO THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.
- 0 - -
PRIVATE BED CHARGES TO BE REVISED IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS * * *
DAILY CHARGES FOR PRIVATE BEDS IN SOME GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS ARE TO BE REVISED FROM JUNE 1, BUT THE COST OF STAYING IN A GENERAL WARD WILL REMAIN AT $5 A DAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT SINCE 1975, THE MAINTENANCE RATES FOR PRIVATE BEDS HAVE NOT CHANGED AT $120 A DAY FOR FIRST CLASS AND $80 A DAY FOR SECOND CLASS.
INCREASED COSTS MADE IT NECESSARY TO REVISE SOME OF THESE CHARGES, HE SAID.
UNDER THE REVISED CHARGES, FIRST CLASS BEDS WILL BE INCREASED TO $240 A DAY AND SECOND CLASS BEDS TO $160 A DAY AT QUEEN MARY AND QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITALS, THE TWO GOVERNMENT REGIONAL HOSPITALS.
THE DAILY MAINTENANCE CHARGE FOR A SPECIAL CLASS BED IN TSAN YUK HOSPITAL WILL BE INCREASED FROM $20 TO $45, BUT THE MAINTENANCE CHARGES AT CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL WILL REMAIN AT $120 FOR A FIRST CLASS BED AND $80 FOR A SECOND CLASS BED, DUE TO ITS RELATIVELY LOWER OPERATIONAL COSTS.
THE RATE FOR CHILDREN’S PRIVATE BEDS WILL STILL BE HALF OF THE ADULT RATE.
THE REDUCED RATES CIVIL SERVANTS PAY WILL ALSO BE CORRESPONDINGLY INCREASED.
/AFTER CONSULT!
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 19b1
- 3 -
AFTER CONSULTING THE VARIOUS CIVIL SERVANTS’ ASSOCIATIONS, IT HAS BEEN AGREED THAT CHARGES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS, PENSIONERS AND OTHER ENTITLED PERSONS WILL BE INCREASED FROM $35 TO $50 FOR FIRST CLASS BEDS, AND FROM $25 TO $35 FOR SECOND CLASS BEDS. THESE NEW FEES WILL APPLY TO QUEEN MARY, QUEEN ELIZABETH AND CASTLE PEAK HOSPITALS BUT NOT THE TSAN YUK HOSPITAL WHERE THE CHARGES FOR SPECIAL CLASS BEDS WILL BE $30 PER DAY.
THE NEW CHARGES ARE NOT EXPECTED TO HAVE MUCH EFFECT ON THE GENERAL PUBLIC, AS THE NUMBER OF PRIVATE BEDS IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AMOUNTS TO LESS THAN THREE PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF BEDS PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PRESENT CHARGES ARE NOT SUFFICIENT TO MEET COSTS, AND IT IS NOT CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE FOR THESE SERVICES TO BE SUBSIDISED FROM THE PUBLIC FUND, HE SAID.
--------o--------
PUBLIC WARNED OF NEED TO CHECK FIRE INSTALLATION ft ft ft ft
A FACTORY FIRE IN KWAI CHUNG EARLY THIS MORNING CAUSED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE DUE IN PART TO THE FACT THAT THE FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATION WAS NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM WAS OBSTRUCTED BY GOODS PILED HIGH.
THE FIRE BROKE OUT ON THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOORS OF KWAI TAK FACTORY BUILDING IN KWAI TAK STREET, AT ABOUT 1.30 AM.
THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF NEW TERRITORIES, MR FRED JACKSON, SAID IT TOOK FIREMEN NEARLY THREE HOURS TO PUT OUT THE FIRST ALARM BLAZE.
FOLLOWING AN INITIAL ENQUIRY, FIREMEN FOUND THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM IN THE PREMISES DID NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY.
♦ WE FOUND GOODS IN THE FACTORY STACKED UP TO THE CEILING,* HE SAID.
♦ THIS IS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE BECAUSE THE SPRINKLER ON THE CEILING MUST NOT BE OBSTRUCTED IF IT IS TO OPERATE EFFECTIVELY.
♦ THERE SHOULD AT LEAST BE A TWO-FOOT GAP BETWEEN THE SPRINKLER HEAD AND THE GOODS BELOW,* HE SAID.
MR JACKSON SAID AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF DAMAGE WAS DONE BY THIS SIMPLE FIRE BECAUSE THE FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATION (FSI) IN THE FACTORY WAS NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED.
APP ^Ai> -... -
’.CTNSSDAY, MAY 20, 1°81
- 4 -
♦I APPEAL TO ALL FACTORY OWNERS TO’ENSURE THAT ALL FSI’S ARE AND T° LEARN THE LESS0N FR6M THIS F?RE IN KWAI nt OAID.
AS
HE REMINDED FACTORY OPERATORS AND OWNERS THAT IT IS THEIR DUTY AND RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP ALL FSI’S IN WORKING ORDER FAILURE TO DO SO COULD LEAD TO PROSECUTION AND A FINE?
-----0------
$46 500 BOOST FOR DRIVE TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE * * * * *
YOUNG PEOPLE AND THEIR NEEDS AND PROBLEMS WILL BE THE FOCUS OF ATTENTION IN A TERRITORY-WIDE CAMPAIGN TO BE UNDERTAKEN THIS YEAR BY PROMOTORS OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
THE ADOLESCENTS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AS THE TARGET GROUP FOR THE FORTHCOMING CAMPAIGN BECAUSE OF THE RISE IN JUVENILE CRIME.
FROM SEPTEMBER. THE CAMPAIGN WILL UNDERLINE THE RAPID CHANGES IN THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL GROWTH OF YOUNG PEOPLE AT ADOLESCENT STAGE AND WILL STRESS THE NEED FOR PARENTAL GUIDANCE TO KEEP THEM ON THE RIGHT TRACK.
MESSAGES WILL BE PUT ACROSS THROUGH CENTRALLY-ORGANISED ACTIVITIES AND DISTRICT PROGRAMMES, SUPPORTED BY A VARIETY OF PUBLICITY MATERIAL, INCLUDING TELEVISION BRIEFS, POSTERS AND BOOKLETS.
TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE CAMPAIGN RECEIVED A BOOST FROM A STAUNCH SUPPORTER WHO DONATED $46 500 FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A DESK CALENDAR CARRYING FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION MESSAGES.
AT A CEREMONY THIS MORNING, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, K? SELWYN ALLEYNE, RECEIVED THE DONATION FROM MR CHIU YU-HEI, A YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY LEADER.
MR ALLEYNE THANKED MR CHIU FOR HIS GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION, AND UNTIRING SUPPORT FOR FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CAMPAIGNS AS A MEASURE TO HELP STRENGTHEN FAMILY TIES AND FORESTALL BREAKDOWNS.
MR CHIU MADE HIS FIRST CONTRIBUTION THREE YEARS AGO TO FINANCE THE PRODUCTION OF A WALL CALENDAR. LAST YEAR, HE CONTRIBUTED AGAIN TOWARDS THE COST OF A NOVEL ELECTRONIC GAME FOR A SPECIAL FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION TELEVISION SERIES.
MR CHIU HAS HAD A LONG-TIME INTEREST IN COMMUNITY SERVICES, PARTICULARLY IN THE FIELD OF YOUTH SERVICES. H- IS THE HONORARY PRESIDENT OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT YOUTH RECREATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1981
5
FUNDS FOR ADULT EDUCATION COURSES
* * M *
NON-PROFIT-MAKING VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS ARE INVITED TO SEND IN PROPOSALS ON ADULT EDUCATION COURSES AND ACTIVITIES WHICH THEY WISH TO ORGANISE WITH GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION IN 1981/82.
THE SUBVENTION SCHEME IS CONTAINED IN THE 1978 WHITE PAPER ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION.
♦A PILOT SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR AND 18 PROJECTS INVOLVING 12 VOLUNTARY BODIES ARE NOW IN SESSION.* AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE EMPHASISED THAT AT THIS STAGE THE PURPOSE OF INVITING APPLICATIONS IS TO EXPLORE WHICH ADULT EDUCATION COURSES PROPOSED BY VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS MERIT SUBVENTION.
+ALL APPLICATIONS FOR SUBVENTION WILL BE DULY CONSIDERED BY THE DEPARTMENT,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SUBVENTION IS TO MEET THE COST OF STAFF DIRECTLY ENGAGED IN THE COURSES AND ACTIVITIES, AND THE PURCHASE OF ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT.
COURSES WHICH MERIT SUBVENTION INCLUDE THOSE DESIGNED
TO IMPROVE BASIC LITERACY IN CHINESE, TO PROMOTE GENERAL EDUCATION FOR GROUPS, RE-ORIENTATION AND CANTONESE FOR NEWCOMERS TO HONG KONG, SOCIAL AND MORAL EDUCATION. LABOUR EDUCATION, PREVOCATIONAL TRAINING, SPECIAL EDUCATION, CAREER EDUCATION, PRE-RETIREMENT AND RETIREMENT EDUCATION, COURSES ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS, AND ACTIVITIES IN AREAS NOT COVERED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S SERVICES.
ORGANISATIONS WISHING TO APPLY FOR SUBVENTION CAN OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. MA TAU KOK ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 MA TAU KOK ROAD, 4/F., KOWLOON.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION NOT LATER THAN JUNE 3. FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SUBVENTION SCHEME, ORGANISATIONS CAN CONTACT MR S.G. WONG OF THE SECTION ON 3-7133285.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1981
6
TENANCY INVITED FOR RECLAMATION AREA * * X
THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF TWO PIECES OF CROWN LAND AT KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION.
THE SITES, MEASURING ABOUT 1 380 AND 960 SQUARE METRES, ARE FOR USE AS CONTRACTOR WORKS AREAS, EXCLUDING CONCRETE AND/OR ASPHALT BATCHING.
THE TENANCY FOR BOTH SITES IS INITIALLY FOR ONE YEAR, AND THEREAFTER ON A QUARTERLY BASIS. THE DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JUNE 5.
TENDER FORMS, WITH NOTICES AND CONDITIONS, MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, 19TH FLOOR, OR KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR.
TENDER PLANS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THESE OFFICES.
- - 0 - -
MORE STAFF FOR FINANCE ADVISORY OFFICE * * * *
ADDITIONAL STAFF PROVIDED TO THE CIVIL SERVANTS’ FINANCE ADVISORY OFFICE HAS ENABLED REFINANCING LOAN APPLICANTS TO ADVANCE THEIR EXISTING APPOINTMENTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ADVISORY OFFICE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IT WAS NOW POSSIBLE TO UNDERTAKE MORE INTERVIEWS IN A DAY.
APPLICANTS WHO HAVE BEEN GIVEN AN APPOINTMENT FOR INTERVIEW CAN TELEPHONE THE ADVISORY OFFICE DURING OFFICE HOURS FROM MAY 25 TO JUNE 13 TO ADVANCE THEIR EXISTING APPOINTMENTS TO AN EARLIER DATE.
REQUESTS FOR ADVANCEMENT OF APPOINTMENTS WOULD NOT BE ENTERTAINED AFTER THAT PERIOD, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE OFFICE AREt 5-785667 (HK OFFICE) AND 3-699373 (KOWLOON OFFICE).
- - 0 - -
77J2XT3SDAY, LlaY 2u, 1981
7
COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS RETURNS FROM LECTURE TOUR
*****
THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, MR THOMAS GARNER, HAS RETURNED TO HONG KONG AFTER A FOUR-WEEK LECTURE TOUR IN THE UNITED STATES AND RESUMED DUTIES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE ATTENDED THE SEVENTH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE SPEAKERS CONSORTIUM, HELD UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK.
DURING THE TOUR, HE VISITED SEVERAL STATES ON THE EAST COAST AND GAVE A SERIES OF TALKS ON THE WORK OF THE PRISON SERVICE IN HONG KONG. THE TALKS WERE ILLUSTRATED WITH PICTURE SLIDES OF THE FACILITIES IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT. AUDIENCES COMPRISED STUDENTS STUDYING IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAMMES AND LOCAL OFFICIALS INVOLVED IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
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SECRETARY FOR CIVIL SERVICE VISITS TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MARTIN ROWLANDS, THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING TOOK A CLOSE LOOK AT THE WORK OF VARIOUS DIVISIONS OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
MR ROWLANDS, ACCOMPANIED BY ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR GARY MULLOY, MET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF, INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE CLERICAL GRADE, DRIVING INSTRUCTORS mutualT?nterestLE exam,ners» and discussed WITH THEM MATTERS OF
AMONG THE OFFICES MR ROWLANDS VISITED WERE THE KOWLOON LICENSING OFFICE IN DUNDAS STREET AND THE KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE.
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WORK ON WATER MAIN * * * *
BE TURNED*OFFTFORS1OPHOUI!S FROm"^''^™''!7-lSES IN,TUEN "UN “ILL 8 AM THE FOLLOW ING DAY^FOR "?SR“ T°
AND AREA "“tUEN MUNAUNCLmiNRCYF?»r'??!!STR,‘L Z0NE AREA 9
TSI NG SHAN TSUEN) ALONG ^ASTL ^pefwNDAAnU £ANG TSUEN AND TO TAI LAM CHUNG (INCLUDING st“ SHiEfi T,N TSUE"
HOSPITAL AND AREA 20) TAI HIN AJE’ CASTLE PEAK
AREA, AREA 34 LICENSED AR^A a ''n t R0AD L 'CENSED
WUN ROAD TO PILLAR PO I NT 7 I NC1 ■ -n R0AD’ FR0N TS|,'S
AND POWER CO LTD). NT SCL ° G S0YS H0ME AND CHINA LIGHT
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1981
8
NEW TERRITORIES TABLE TENNIS LEAGUE STARTS NEXT MONTH X * X * * X
FOLLOWING THE SUCCESSFUL INTRODUCTION OF INTER-DISTRICT SOCCER AND BASKETBALL LEAGUES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, A TABLE-TENNIS LEAGUE IS TO START ON JUNE 14.
THE LEAGUE, ORGANISED BY NORTH DISTRICT, IS BEING PROMOTED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES INTER-DISTRICT SPORTS COMPETITION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE.
EACH DISTRICT CAN ENTER A MEN’S TEAM AND A WOMEN’S TEAM.
THE NEW LEAGUE WILL BE INAUGURATED BY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AT THE FUNG KAI MIDDLE SCHOOL, . SHEUNG SHU I, FOLLOWING WHICH NORTH DISTRICT WILL PLAY TSUEN WAN ’ DISTRICT IN THE FIRST MATCH.
FINALS WILL BE PLAYED IN SEPTEMBER.
OTHER LEAGUES BEING PLANNED BY THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE INCLUDE VOLLEYBALL, BADMINTON AND TENNIS, WHICH IT IS HOPED WILL START THIS YEAR.
THE SOCCER LEAGUE FINALS WERE PLAYED RECENTLY. THE WINNERS, SAI KUNG, WILL BE PRESENTED WITH THE AKERS-JONES CUP ON SUNDAY (MAY 24) AT YUEN LONG STADIUM. THERE WILL ALSO BE AN EXHIBITION MATCH BETWEEN THE CHAMPION SIDE AND A TEAM OF PLAYERS FROM THE OTHER SEVEN NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS.
A BASKETBALL LEAGUE WHICH STARTED IN FEBRUARY WILL CONTINUE UNTIL JULY WHEN FINALS WILL BE PLAYED.
THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE IS CHAIRED BY PRINCIPAL RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER, MR DICKEN YUNG, AND INCLUDES REPRESENTATIVES FROM DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS* SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS AND THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO
HONG KONG ECONOMY CONTINUES TO DO WELL ....................... 1
ROAD SAFETY DRIVE TO START ................................... 3
COMMENTS SOUGHT ON DRAFT ENGLISH SYLLABUS .................
TUEN MUN HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME SITE AWARDED TO NEW WORLD DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD................................. 5
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR SUBSIDY SCHEME EXTENDED ............. 5
TENANCY INVITED FOR SHEUNG SHUI OPEN STORAGE SITE ............ 6
LEARNER DRIVER PROHIBITED ZONE IN KOWLOON DESIGNATED ......... 6
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1981
1
HONG KONG ECONOMY CONTINUES TO DO WELL * * * * *
ACCORDING TO THE FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT FOR 1981 PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE GROWTH RATE OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS, WHICH DECLINED DURING 1980, STABILISED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR. THE REPORT ALSO ILLUSTRATES THAT THERE WAS A NOTICEABLE IMPROVEMENT IN THE BALANCE BETWEEN THE DEMAND FOR, AND SUPPLY OF DOMESTIC RESOURCES, WHICH HAS MODERATED THE RATE OF INCREASE IN PRICES IN HONG KONG.
THE REPORT ASSESSES PRIMARILY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981, USING SUCH STATISTICS AS ARE AVAILABLE, AND UPDATES THE ANALYSES OF 1980 CONTAINED IN THE ECONOMIC BACKGROUND TO THE 1981-82 BUDGET, WHICH WAS PUBLISHED ON BUDGET DAY.
IN A CHAPTER GIVING AN OVERALL VIEW, THE REPORT POINTS OUT THAT THERE WAS A RELATIVE SHIFT IN THE IMPETUS TO ECONOMIC GROWTH FROM DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO DOMESTIC DEMAND DURING 1980 AND THAT THIS SHIFT HAS PROBABLY CONTINUED INTO THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981.
BUT THE REPORT EMPHASISES THAT THERE WAS NEVERTHELESS A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN THE PERFORMANCE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR. AN ACCELERATION IN THE GROWTH RATE OF RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES USED BY THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR SUGGESTS THERE ARE FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS AHEAD.
AS REGARDS LAND AND PROPERTY, THE REPORT ARGUES THAT AS A RESULT OF THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF LAND SOLD BY THE GOVERNMENT IN I960, DEMAND PRESSURE FOR LAND, AS WELL AS LAND PRICES. APPEARS TO HAVE EASED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981. THE REPORT FURTHER POINTS OUT THAT THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT SUPPLY RESPONSE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981 TO THE HIGH LEVEL OF DEMAND IN THE PROPERTY MARKET.
AS REGARDS THE MONEY SUPPLY, THE GROWTH RATE HAS REMAINDED RAPID AS A RESULT OF AN EVEN MORE RAPID GROWTH RATE IN LOANS AND ADVANCES.
APART FROM GIVING AN OVERALL VIEW, THE REPORT ALSO CONTAINS INDIVIDUAL CHAPTERS ON THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE LABOUR SECTOR, ACTIVITY IN SELECTED SECTORS AND PRICES.
ON THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE REPORT POINTS OUT THAT THE GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS HIGHER IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981 THAN IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1980 AND SO THE SHARP SLOW DOWN IN THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1980 WAS ARRESTED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR. THE REPORT, HOWEVER, CAUTIONS THAT IT IS STILL TOO EARLY TO SAY WHETHER THIS DEVELOPMENT IS THE START OF A NEW TREND. NEVERTHELESS, INDICATIONS THAT IT MAY BE SO ARE THE RECENT MODEST RECOVERY IN THE GROWTH RATE CF RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES AND THE INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
/THE REPORT ...
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1981
2
THE REPORT SHOWS THAT THE ENTREPOT TRADE CONTINUED TO EXPAND RAPIDLY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR. IMPORTS WERE GROWING RAPIDLY TOO BUT NOT AS RAPIDLY AS TOTAL EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS), SO THAT THE VISIBLE TRADE +GAP+, THAT IS THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR *AS NARROWER THAN THAT OF THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1980.
ON THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE REPORT INDICATES THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF THE MONEY SUPPLY REMAINED FAIRLY RAPID IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981. AS IN 1980, THE GROWTH IN THE MONEY SUPPLY WAS ATTRIBUTABLE MAINLY TO THE EVEN MORE RAPID GROWTH RATE IN LOANS AND ADVANCES WHICH WAS RELATED TO BUOYANT ACTIVITY IN VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY GENERALLY. THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR REMAINED FAIRLY STABLE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981.
ON THE LABOUR SECTOR, THE REPORT REFRAINS FROM TAKING A DEFINITIVE VIEW, AS STATISTICS REFERRING TO MARCH 1981 ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE. NEVERTHELESS, THE REPORT SUGGESTS THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF THE SUPPLY OF LABOUR HAS REMAINED RAPID AS A RESULT, DIRECTLY AND INDIRECTLY, OF IMMIGRATION. HOWEVER, THE OVERALL DEMAND FOR LABOUR HAS ALSO CONTINUED TO GROW, ALTHOUGH IT MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN RAPID ENOUGH TO ABSORB COMPLETELY THE ADDITIONAL SUPPLY OF LABOUR. THE REPORT POINTS OUT THAT, IN CONSEQUENCE, WAGE RATES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR RECORDED NO SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN REAL TERMS IN 1980.
ON ACTIVITY IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE REPORT SAYS FIGURES ON ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION DO NOT SUGGEST ANY SIGNIFICANT GROWTH. IT, HOWEVER, POINTS OUT THAT THERE WAS ENCOURAGING ACCELERATION IN THE GROWTH RATE OF RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES, WHICH SUGGESTS MORE BUOYANT ACTIVITY IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN THE MONTHS AHEAD.
ON ACTIVITY IN THE PROPERTY SECTOR, THE REPORT NOTES THAT IN TERMS OF TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA OF BUILDINGS COMPLETED, THERE WAS A VERY SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE SUPPLY OF NEW COMMERCIAL (INCLUDING OFFICES AND SHOPS) AND INDUSTRIAL SPACE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981 COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING QUARTER OF 1980.
PRICES AND RENTALS OF RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTY WERE RISING MUCH LESS RAPIDLY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981 THAN IN 1980 WHILE PRICES AND RENTALS OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY CONTINUED TO INCREASE MODERATELY. PROBABLY A REFLECTION OF THE SITUATION THAT THE DEMAND FOR PROPERTY AND FOR LAND WAS GRADUALLY BEING SATISFIED BY INCREASED SUPPLY, THE PRESSURE OF DEMAND FOR LAND HAS ALSO EASED AND CONSEQUENTLY LAND PRICES APPEARED TO HAVE LEVELLED OFF.
CN PRICES, THE REPORT OBSERVES THAT THE DEPRECIATION OF THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR DURING 1980 DID NOT EXERT ANY UNFAVOURABLE EFFECTS ON THE RATE OF INCREASE IN PRICES, OVER AND ABOVE THOSE ARISING FROM WORLD INFLATION. WHILE WORLD PRICES WERE STILL INCREASING RAPIDLY, DOMESTIC INFLUENCES ON THE RATE OF INCREASE IN PRICES APPEARED TO BE FAVOURABLE AS THERE WERE NO NOTICEABLE IMBALANCE BETWEEN THE DEMAND FOR DOMESTIC RESOURCES AND THE SUPPLY OF THEM. REFLECTING THESE DEVELOPMENTS, PRICES IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981 IN GENERAL INCREASED MODERATELY.
THE FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1981 IS NOW ON SALE AT $5 A COPY.
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1981
- 3 -
ROAD SAFETY DRIVE TO START * * * *
THE 1981 ROAD SAFETY PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WILL OFFICIALLY START ON SUNDAY (MAY 24), WHICH IS ALSO ROAD SAFETY DAY.
THE CAMPAIGN WILL EMPHASISE THE TWO MAJOR CAUSES OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS! SPEEDING AND PEDESTRIAN NEGLIGENCE.
STUDIES SHOW THAT OUT OF A TOTAL OF OVER 16 259 ROAD ACCIDENTS IN 1980, OVER 70 PER CENT WERE THE RESULT OF THESE TWO CAUSES.
THE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WILL BE CARRIED OUT THROUGH TELEVISION AND THE USE OF POSTERS IN THE MONTHS AHEAD, STARTING WITH THE THEME OF PEDESTRIAN NEGLIGENCE.
A PRELIMINARY FINDING OF THE RECENTLY FORMED ROAD SAFETY DIVISION, INDICATES THAT CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF SIX AND 11 ARE FAR MORE AT RISK THAN WAS PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE STANDING CONFERENCE ON ROAD SAFETY’S PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP SAIDi +THIS INFORMATION CONCERNING YOUNG CHILDREN IS BEING ACTED ON IMMEDIATELY. THE FIRST TELEVISION AND POSTER PUBLICITY OF THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN IS TARGETED DIRECTLY AT THIS AGE GROUP AND TO THE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS OF YOUNG CHILDREN.*
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE STANDING CONFERENCE WAS SATISFIED WITH THE EFFICIENT AND FAST WAY THAT THE NEWLY FORMED ROAD SAFETY DIVISION HAS BEGUN TO OPERATE.
ROAD SAFETY DAY, ORGANISED BY THE ROAD SAFETY PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP, WILL BE OBSERVED AT VICTORIA PARK, COMMENCING AT 2 PM.
THE GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON D.J.C. JONES, WHO WILL BE WELCOMED BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AND CHAIRMAN OF THE STANDING CONFERENCE ON ROAD SAFETY, MR P.T. MOOR.
IN ADDITION TO AN ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME, WHICH WILL INCLUDE THE MOTORCYCLE DISPLAY TEAM OF THE 29TH SQUADRON ROYAL CORPS OF TRANSPORT, THE MILITARY BAND OF THE 1ST BATTALION OF THE QUEEN’S OWN HIGHLANDERS AND THE RECENTLY FORMED ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE CHOIR, THERE WILL BE A LARGE ROAD SAFETY DISPLAY.
THE DISPLAY WILL INCLUDE AN EXHIBITION ON ROAD ACCIDENTS, A SIMPLE CHILDREN’S EXHIBITION ON THE CROSSING CODE, PLUS STALLS PRESENTED BY THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION, THE ST JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE. THE INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS, THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND THE KOWLOON JAYCEES.
THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT M ILL RUN A ROAD SAFETY TOWN FOR CHILDREN TO PARTICIPATE IN.
TO ADD EFFECT TO THE CAMPAIGN THERE WILL ALSO BE A GRAPHIC REPRESENTATION OF THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE KILLED ON THE ROADS IN 1980, AS WELL AS TABLEAU DEPICTING THE HIGH COST OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS TO THE COMMUNITY.
THIS YEAR, FOUR LEADING MOTOR CAR DEALERS, JEBSEN MOTORS, DAH CHONG HONG, CROWN MOTORS AND WALLACE HARPER WILL BE DISPLAYING THE SAFETY FEATURES OF THEIR LATEST MODELS.
/THS KOWLOON ....
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1?8l
4
THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY WILL ALSO PARTICIPATE BY DISPLAYING ONE OF ITS NEW JUMBO BUSES, WHICH WILL SOON BE ON THE ROADS OF HONG KONG.
A SPECIAL SEAT BELT CATAPULT MACHINE HAS BEEN CONSTRUCTED WHICH WILL SHOW HOW SENSIBLE IT IS TO WEAR A SEAT BELT.
ADMISSION IS FREE.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS ( HAND HELD CAMERAS ONLY FOR TV FILMING) TO COVER THE ROAD SAFETY DAY ON SUNDAY, MAY 24, AT VICTORIA PARK.
GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO MEET THE PRESS AT THE PARK’S HING FAT STREET ENTRANCE AT 1.40 PM.
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COMMENTS SOUGHT ON DRAFT ENGLISH SYLLABUS
* * * *
A DRAFT OF THE REVISED ENGLISH SYLLABUS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS HAS BEEN SENT TO THE SCHOOLS FOR THEIR COMMENTS.
THE DRAFT SYLLABUS HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ENGLISH SUBJECT COMMITTEE (PRIMARY) OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE ON THE BASIS OF PROPOSALS MADE BY THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ADVISER AND THE WORKING PARTY IN ENGLISH.
♦SUGGESTIONS AND COMMENTS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE SYLLABUS WILL BE CAREFULLY EVALUATED BY THE COMMITTEE WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING THE DRAFT WHEREVER POSSIBLE.
♦THE FINAL VERSION WILL BE RECOMMENDED FOR USE IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS,+ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE REVISED SYLLABUS ATTEMPTS TO DEFINE THE ROLE OF ENGLISH IN HONG KONG AND THE GENERAL AIMS OF TEACHING LANGUAGE IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
ALSO, THE TEACHING METHODS RECOMMENDED IN THE REVISED SYLLABUS REPRESENT A CHANGE OF EMPHASIS FROM THE FORMAL APPROACH TO ONE WHICH PAYS GREATER ATTENTION TO THE USE OF ENGLISH FOR PURPOSES OF COMMUNICATION.
IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE TEACHING MATERIALS BASED ON THIS NEW APPROACH WILL BE OF GREATER INTEREST TO PUPILS THAN MANY OF THE TEXTBOOKS AT PRESENT IN USE IN THE SCHOOLS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SCHOOLS ARE REQUESTED TO FORWARD THEIR COMMENTS BEFORE JULY 6 TO THE PRINCIPAL CURRICULUM PLANNING OFFICER (PRIMARY), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, 5TH FLOOR, HONG KONG.
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1981
- 5 -
NOTE TO EDITORSi
TUEN MUN HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME SITE AWARDED TO NEW WORLD DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD. ft ft ft ft
A TUEN MUN SITE FOR HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME DEVELOPMENT HAS BEEN AWARDED TO GOLD QUEEN LIMITED, A SUBSIDIARY OF NEW WORLD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED.
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL PRESENT A LETTER MAKING THE FORMAL AWARD TO MR CHENG YU-TUNG, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF NEW WORLD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED, AT NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 4 PM.
LIMITED
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND MEMBERS OF YOUR STAFF TO COVER THE CEREMONY. THEY SHOULD MEET MR DONALD STRANGE OF THE NTA PRESS UNIT ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF THE HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY BUILDING, 101 PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, AT 3.45 PM.
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APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR SUBSIDY SCHEME EXTENDED ft ft ft ft ft
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS EXTENDED THE DEADLINE FOR YOUTH GROUPS TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR CASH SUBSIDIES UNDER ITS OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH SCHEME.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE DEADLINE WOULD NOW BE JUNE 20 THIS YEAR. ORIGINALLY, IT WAS MAY 27.
THE SCHEME PROVIDES CASH GRANTS FOR YOUTH GROUPS TO CARRY OUT INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS THEY INITIATE.
IT AIMS AT ENCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP POTENTIALS AND AWARENESS IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THEIR OWN PROJECTS.
ANY GROUP OF AT LEAST SEVEN MEMBERS AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 25 YEARS, AND SPONSORED BY A SCHOOL, YOUTH AGENCY OR BUSINESS ORGANISATION, MAY APPLY AT THE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICES IN THE VARIOUS DISTRICTS.
YOUTH GROUPS NOT SO SPONSORED MAY ALSO APPLY, PROVIDED THEY OBTAIN THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER IN THEIR DISTRICT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PROJECTS SUBMITTED BY APPLICANTS WOULD BE ASSESSED FOR THEIR YOUTH INVOLVEMENT, COMMUNITY BENEFITS, INNOVATION, FEASIBILITY AND OPTIMUM USE OF RESOURCES.
A PROPOSED PROJECT SHOULD PREFERABLY BE SPREAD OVER A PERIOD CF TIME, HE SAID.
/THE MAXIMUN ...
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1981
6
THE MAXIMUM GRANT FOR EACH APPROVED PROJECT IS NORMALLY *3 OOO, AND THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICERS WILL MAINTAIN CLOSE WORKING LIAISON WITH PARTICIPATING GROUPS.
SINCE THE SCHEME STARTED IN 1974, GRANTS TOTALLING $808 000 HAVE BEEN MADE FOR 609 PROJECTS CARRIED OUT BY 20 000 YOUNG PEOPLE AND BENEFITING AN ESTIMATED 990 000 PEOPLE.
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TENANCY INVITED FOR SHEUNG SHU I OPEN STORAGE SITE * * * *
THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF A LOT IN SHEUNG SHU I.
THE SITE. AT YING PUN NEAR FAN KAM ROAD, MEASURES 3 005 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR OPEN STORAGE INCLUDING VEHICLES USE.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS NOON ON JUNE 5.
THE TENANCY IS INITIALLY FOR THREE YEARS AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
TENDER FORMS AND OTHER DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE FROM NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS, FIFTH FLOOR, HOUSING AUTHORITY BUILDING, 101 PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, OR FROM NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, TAI PO MARKET, NEW TERRITORIES.
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LEARNER DRIVER PROHIBITED ZONE IN KOWLOON DESIGNATED *****
LOK WAH STREET IN KOWLOON WILL BE DESIGNATED A LEARNER DRIVER PROHIBITED ZONE FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 23) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN THE AREA, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE EXISTING 24-HOUR CLEARWAY IN THE SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE EXTENDED WESTWARD BY 20 METRES IN BOTH DIRECTIONS FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 26).
WITHIN THIS ZONE, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
— 0-
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO
REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY FOR APRIL ............ 1
TUEN MUN HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME SITE AWARDED................... 3
TAI HING WEEK BEGINS TOMORROW ................................ 3
STUDENTS URGED TO JOIN YOUTH CLUB EFFORT ..................... 4
SIX NT SITES FOR LETTER A/B TENDER............................ 4
CROWN LAND TO BE SOLD......................................... 5
SOCCER CUP PRESENTATION ...................................... 6
SAILING BOAT LAUNCHING CEREMONY .............................. 6
PLAN TO CLOSE PARTS OF WYLIE PATH ............................ 7
TREES PLANTED AT KWAI CHUNG ................................ 7
PRIVATE CARS RISE TO 198 000 ................................. 7
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1981
1
REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY FOR APRIL ******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) RELEASED THE RESULTS OF THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY CONDUCTED IN APRIL, THIS YEAR.
ABOUT 830 FIRMS FROM VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND BUSINESSES, FORMING A CROSS-SECTION OF THE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, WERE ASKED ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS EXPERIENCE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981, AND THEIR BUSINESS EXPECTATIONS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1981.
RESULTS OF THE SURVEY INDICATE THAT THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981 WAS QUITE DIFFERENT AS BETWEEN THE MANUFACTURING AND NON-MANUFACTURING SECTORS.
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES EXPERIENCED A SEASONALLY LOW FIRST QUARTER, AT A LEVEL SLIGHTLY BELOW THOSE OF PREVIOUS YEARS, AND THE DEGREE OF DETERIORATION FROM THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1980 WAS SOMEWHAT MORE SIGNIFICANT THAN HAD BEEN PREDICTED BEFORE.
ON THE OTHER HAND, NON-MANUFACTURING SECTORS, TAKEN TOGETHER, REPORTED IMPROVEMENTS IN THE BUSINESS SITUATION TO A GREATER EXTENT THAN HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN EXPECTED, BUT NOT TO THE SAME EXTENT THAT THEY IMPROVED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1980 OVER THE THIRD QUARTER OF THE SAME YEAR.
FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN THE PRINTING, PLASTICS AND ELECTRONICS INDUSTRIES, EXPECT BETTER PERFORMANCE IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
FIRMS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND GAS AND ELECTRICITY INDUSTRIES ARE CONFIDENT OF FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS.
FIRMS IN THE NON-MANUFACTURING SECTORS ALSO ANTICIPATE IMPROVEMENTS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF RESTAURANTS AND THOSE IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE, WHICH EXPECT FURTHER DETERIORATION IN THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION BUT THIS MAY BE ATTRIBUTED TO SEASONAL EFFECTS.
WITHIN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE +FOOD, BEVERAGE AND TOBACCO* INDUSTRY WHICH HAD PREVIOUSLY PREDICTED SOME IMPROVEMENT IN THE BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE FIRST QUARTER, REPORTED DETERIORATION INSTEAD.
THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY EXPERIENCED A SOMEWHAT MORE SIGNIFICANT DECLINE THAN PREVIOUSLY EXPECTED.
THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY, ON THE OTHER HAND, REPORTED A LESS DRASTIC DECLINE THAN ORIGINALLY FORECAST.
AS FOR IMMEDIATE PROSPECTS, MOST INDUSTRIES EXPECT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE SECOND QUARTER IN LINE WITH PREVIOUS YEARS.
A MORE SURPRISING RESULT IS FORECAST FOR THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY. AFTER SEVERAL CONSECUTIVE QUARTERS OF DETERIORATION IN THE BUSINESS SITUATION, AN IMPROVEMENT IS PREDICTED BY RESPONDENTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1981.
/THE CONSTRUCTION ...
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1981
2
THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR REPORTED CONSIDERABLE IMPROVEMENT IN THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981, TO A GREATER EXTENT THAN PREVIOUSLY PREDICTED. IT LOOKS FORWARD TO FURTHER SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1981.
AS FOR THE SERVICES SECTORS, RESTAURANTS HAD PREVIOUSLY EXPECTED DETERIORATIONS IN THE BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE FIRST QUARTER, BUT REPORTED SOME IMPROVEMENTS INSTEAD. BECAUSE OF SEASONAL EFFECTS, A LOW SECOND QUARTER IS PREDICTED. HOTELS ARE MOVING OUT OF A LOW FIRST QUARTER INTO A HIGH SECOND QUARTER.
FIRMS IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE EXPERIENCED SOME DETERIORATION IN THE FIRST QUARTER AS AGAINST AN EARLIER EXPECTATION OF IMPROVEMENT. THEY EXPECT FURTHER DETERIORATION IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
THE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE SURVEY DATA, OBTAINED WITH A MINIMUM TIME LAG, WAS BASICALLY INTENDED TO PROVIDE ONE SOURCE CF REFERENCE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION IN HONG KONG.
APART FROM A LIMITED NUMBER OF QUESTIONS REQUIRING ANSWERS IN QUANTITATIVE TERMS, FIRMS WERE ASKED TO COMPARE THE QUARTER JUST PAST WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER AND SIMILARLY FOR THE FORTHCOMING ONE, AND ONLY HAD TO INDICATE WHETHER, IN THEIR OPINION, A CERTAIN VARIABLE WAS +UP+, +SAME+ OR +DOWN+.
BALANCE OF OPINIONS OF RESPONDENTS WERE TABULATED AND ANALYSED, AND WHERE APPROPRIATE THEY WERE INTERPRETED ALONG WITH RESULTS OBTAINED IN EARLIER SURVEYS.
THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT IN A SURVEY OF THIS NATURE, CONSIDERABLE RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE IN THE INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS AS IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH PRECISELY THE EXTENT TO WHICH RESPONDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE PAST AND THE FUTURE ACCORDS WITH THE UNDERLYING TRENDS.
COPIES OF THE REPORT, CONTAINING AN ANALYSIS AND STATISTICAL TABLES ON VARIOUS ECONOMIC VARIABLES, HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO FIRMS TAKING PART IN THE SURVEY AND OTHER BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY OBTAIN COPIES FROM GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, CENTRAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AT >3 PER COPY.
3
mon, may
TUEN MUN HOS SITE AWARDED
* * * M
A LARGE SITE IN TUEN MUN FOR HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME DEVELOPMENT HAS BEEN AWARDED FOR A PREMIUM OF $303.3 MILLION.
™E 5.3 HECTARE SITE, SITUATED NEAR BUTTERFLY BEACH AND LUNG MUN ROAD, WAS PUT UP FOR CASH TENDER IN JANUARY FOLLOWING FAILURE O^ERED PREVIOUSLY TO HOLDERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS (LETTERS A AND B).
GOLD QUEEN LIMITED, A SUBSIDIARY OF NEW WORLD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED, OUTBID FOUR OTHER COMPANIES FOR THE SITE.
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY (FRIDAY) PRESENTED A LETTER, MAKING THE FORMAL AWARD, TO MR CHENG YU-TUNG, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF NEW WORLD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED.
ne r.JISf’eTen I«E ?F”EME WILL BEGIN AR0UND THE END OF THIS YEAR AND K COMPLETED BY JULY, 1983. THE SITE CARRIES A BUILDING COVENANT OF $216 MILLION.
THE DEVELOPER IS REQUIRED TO BUILD 2 1OO TO 2 300 RESIDENTIAL UNITS IN SIZES FROM 50 SQUARE METRES TO 80 SQUARE METRES.
SHOPPING FACILITIES AND PARKING SPACES WILL BE PROVIDED.
THE FLATS WILL BE SOLD AT PRICES TO BE FIXED BY THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING.
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TAI HING WEEK BEGINS TOMORROW
* * M
A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES AIMED AT ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS’ INTEREST IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE SEVEN-DAY PROGRAMME IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE LOCAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE AND A TRANSPORT GROUP OF TAI HING ESTATE FOR THE SEVEN BLOCKS’ 40 000 RESIDENTS.
A VARIETY SHOW, THE FIRST EVENT OF TAI HING WEEK, WILL BE OPENED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BILLY LAM, IN AN AREA NEAR TAI HING COMMERCIAL COMPLEX AT 3.30 PM.
PERFORMANCES WILL INCLUDE LION DANCES, SINGING, DRAMA, MARTIAL ARTS, FENCING AND A POLICE DOG DEMONSTRATION. THERE WILL ALSO BE A LUCKY DRAW.
AN EXHIBITION ON TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TOWN WILL BE HELD.
OTHER EVENTS DURING THE WEEK INCLUDE A CONCERT, FOLK SONG NIGHT, CHILDREN’S GAMES DAY AND ESSAY AND LOGO DESIGN COMPETITIONS.
THE CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON MAY 30 (SATURDAY) AT THE CARITAS HALL. ---------------------------------o — - -
A......
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1981
- 4 -
STUDENTS URGED TO JOIN YOUTH CLUB EFFORT
KM * *
STUDENTS FROM PRIMARY 4 TO FORM 7 ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) MOVEMENT, WHICH AIMS AT INFORMAL EDUCATION WITHIN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM, WITH PARTICULAR COMMITMENT TO MORAL EDUCATION AND THE TRAINING OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN CITIZENSHIP.
THE MOVEMENT IS ADMINISTERED BY THE CYC SECTION IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE.
♦ IT IS HOPED THAT BY PARTICIPATING IN THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES PROMOTED BY THE MOVEMENT, STUDENTS WILL BECOME MORE AWARE OF THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND WILL SHOW AN ACTIVE CONCERN TOWARDS THEIR COMMUNITY,* AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
CYC ENGAGES IN A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES, HE SAID.
THE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE VISITS, TALKS, DEBATES, TELEGAMES, SEMINARS, SURVEYS, COMPETITIONS, EXHIBITIONS AND TELEVISION GAMES RELATED TO VARIOUS THEMES WHICH WILL CONTRIBUTE TO +COMMUNITY BUILDING* IN HONG KONG, SUCH AS CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS, FIRE PREVENTION, CONSUMER EDUCATION, ROAD SAFETY AND KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN.
CYC GROUPS TAKE THE FORM OF SCHOOL CLUBS ENGAGED IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF CYC MEMBERS A SCHOOL MAY RECRUIT. THE SCHOOL HEAD SHOULD ALSO APPOINT A MEMBER OF THE SCHOOL STAFF TO OVERSEE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CYC GROUPS WITHIN THE SCHOOL,* HE SAID.
APPLICATIONS TO FORM CYC GROUPS MAY BE MADE THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOLS TO THE CYC SECTION AT CAROLINE MANSION, 4TH FLOOR, 8 YUN PING ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG. ENQUIRIES MAY ALSO EE MADE ON TELEPHONE NUMBERS 5-779007 OR 5-7902993.
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SIX NT SITES FOR LETTER A/B TENDER
* * * *
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING INVITED FROM REGISTERED OWNERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS (LETTERS A AND B) FOR THE GRANT OF SIX LOTS TOTALLING 1.82 HECTARES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
FOUR SITES ARE IN SHA TIN, ONE IS IN TAI PO AND THE REMAINING SITE IS IN YUEN LONG.
THE TAI PO SITE, ONE OF NINE SITES IN THE TOWN CENTRE, IS FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT.
IT MEASURES 5 320 SQUARE METRES AND CARRIES A BUILDING COVENANT OF $52 MILLION TO BE COMPLETED IN FOUR YEARS.
ALTOGETHER, THE TOWN CENTRE, MUCH OF WHICH WILL BE LAND RECLAIMED FROM TOLO HARBOUR, WILL OCCUPY AN AREA OF 41.6 HECTARES WHEN COMPLETED BEFORE THE END OF THIS DECADE.
/NEARLY 6 5CC ...
FRIDAY, II.
- 5 -
NEARLY 6 500 FLATS PROVIDING HOMES FOR 29 000 PEOPLE WILL BE BUILT.
OF THE FOUR SHA TIN SITES, TWO MEASURING BETWEEN 3 000 SQUARE METRES AND 3 440 SQUARE METRES ARE FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL USE. THEY CARRY BUILDING COVENANTS OF $18.04 MILLION AND $20.63 MILLION.
THE OTHER TWO SITES ARE FOR INDUSTRIAL OR GODOWN DEVELOPMENT. THEY MEASURE 1 540 SQUARE METRES AND 1 381 SQUARE METRES.
THE YUEN LONG SITE, COVERING 3 020 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK AND PETROL FILLING STATION.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE 12 NOON ON JUNE 19, 1981. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
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CROWN LAND TO BE SOLD * * * *
FIVE LOTS OF CROWN LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY AUCTION BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ON JUNE 18.
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE AT 2.30 PM.
THREE OF THE SITES OFFERED ARE ON THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION AND ARE FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES. THEY MEASURE ABOUT 1 695, 4 600 AND 7 786 SQUARE METRES.
A FOURTH SITE, LOCATED AT SMITHFIELD ROAD, HONG KONG, MEASURES ABOUT 691 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.
THE REMAINING LOT, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 527 SQUARE METRES, IS SITUATED AT SHAU KEI WAN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND IS ALSO FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.
PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), HONG KONG AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 435 NATHAN ROAD.
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/6......
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1981
6
NOTE TO EDITORS!
SOCCER CUP PRESENTATION
* * * *
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL PRESENT THE AKERS-JONES CUP TO SAI KUNG, WINNERS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES INTER-DISTRICT SOCCER LEAGUE, AT YUEN LONG STADIUM ON SUNDAY (MAY 24) AT 6 PM.
BEFORE THE CUP PRESENTATION CEREMONY, SAI KUNG WILL PLAY A REPRESENTATIVE TEAM FROM THE OTHER SEVEN NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS IN AN EXHIBITION MATCH STARTING AT 4.33 PM.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND MEMBERS C" YOUR STAFF TO COVER THE CEREMONY. A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 3 PM AND RETURN AFTER THE CEREMONY.
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
SAILING BOAT LAUNCHING
ft * ft
CEREMONY
SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHAN SHUI-JEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT A SAILING BOAT LAUNCHING CEREMONY AT THE HONG KONG SCOUT ASSOCIATION’S PAK SHA WAN SEA ACTIVITY CENTRE ON SUNDAY (MAY 24) AT 11 AM.
THE SEA ACTIVITY TRAINING COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG SCOUT ASSOCIATION, EAST KOWLOON REGION, FOR 1981/82 WILL ALSO BE INAUGURATED.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND MEMBERS OF YOUR STAFF TO COVER THE CEREMONY. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER FOR SAI KUNG AT 9.45 AM. MR DONALD STRANGE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION PRESS UNIT WILL BE PRESENT TO ASSIST.
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1981
- 7 -
PLAN TO CLOSE PARTS OF WYLIE PATH * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CLOSE PARTS OF WYLIE PATH AND THE FOOTWAY FROM WYLIE PATH AS FROM DECEMBER 27.
THE PROPOSED CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE THE REDEVELOPMENT OF WYLIE COURT, 15 WYLIE PATH, ON A JOINT VENTURE BASIS.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED UNDERTAKING WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS IN WRITING BEFORE JUNE 22 AND CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION SHOULD BE MADE BEFORE JULY 22.
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TREES PLANTED AT KWAI CHUNG
* fc * *
A TOTAL OF 70 ASSORTED EVERGREEN TREES, INCLUDI NG BAUHINIA BLACKEANA AND ACACIA, WERE PLANTED ALONG KWAI CHUNG ROAD TODAY (FRIDAY) TO MARK THE KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT TREE PLANTING DAY*., -
AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF PLANTING AND CARING FOR TREES, THE OCCASION WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
OFFICIATING AT THE TREE-PLANTING CEREMONY, MR HO TZE-PING, CHAIRMAN OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT SUB-COMMITTEE, APPEALED TO LOCAL RESIDENTS TO PLAY A KEY ROLE IN KEEPING THE ENVIRONMENT GREENER.
ALSO TAKING PART IN THE EVENT WERE-THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR CF THE NTSD (SOUTH REGION), MR JAMES WILSON, AND THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER, KWAI CHUNG, MR FAN PUI-LAM, AND MEMBERS OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD.
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PRIVATE CARS RISE TO 198 000 * * *
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED PRIVATE CARS IN HONG KONG ■'>SE TO MORE THAN 198 000 AT THE END OF APRIL, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THIS IS AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN 25 300 OR 14.6 PERCENT OVER THE PAST YEAR AND COMPARES WITH A RISE OF ABOUT 24 300 DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING APRIL, 1980.
♦SOME 2 146 NEW CARS WERE REGISTERED DURING APRIL WHILE THE NUMBER OF REGISTRATIONS WHICH LAPSED TOTALLED 816,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦THIS GIVES A NET INCREASE OF 1 330 PRIVATE CARS AND BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER TO 198 102,♦ HE SAID.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 2J, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S ICT LICENSING OFFICE WELCOMED. 1
TAI PO TO HAVE NEW RAILWAY STATION................... 1
TENDERS CALLED FOR ROAD WORKS ....................... 2
BOAT-BUILDING FACILITIES FOR TECHNICAL INSTITUTE .... 2
VOLUNTEER WORK FORCE TO HELP BEAUTIFY WONG TAI SIN... J
SCHOOL CHILDREN PLANT TREES IN TSUEN WAN
4
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 1981
1
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S NEW LICENSING OFFICE WELCOMED * * * * *
EAST KOWLOON AND SAI KUNG RESIDENTS WELCOMED THE CONVENIENCE OFFERED BY THE OPENING THIS WEEK OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S NEW LICENSING SUB-OFFICE AT 26-38, HIU KWONG STREET, KWUN TONG.
♦ IT’S FAST AND EFFICIENT,* SAID ONE MOTORIST TODAY (SATURDAY) WHEN ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE SUB-OFFICE.
♦ IT TOOK ME ONLY FIVE MINUTES TO REGISTER MY CAR, THE ABSENCE OF LONG QUEUES.*
THANKS TO
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN RUNNING VERY SMOOTHLY SINCE IT OPENED
SAID THE SUB-OFFICE HAS BEEN TO THE PUBLIC LAST MONDAY.
♦ WE HOPE THE 1.2 MILLION PEOPLE LIVING IN THE EAST KOWLOON AND SAI KUNG DISTRICTS WILL USE THE NEW OFFICE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF OUR OTHER TWO LICENSING OFFICES IN MURRAY ROAD, CENTRAL, AND DUNDAS STREET, MONG KOK+, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE KWUN TONG SUB-OFFICE PROVIDES FACILITIES FOR RENEWING VEHICLE LICENCES, TRANSFERRING VEHICLE OWNERSHIP, AND RENEWING DRIVING LICENCES AND OTHER PERMITS.
IT IS OPEN FROM 8.45 AM TO 4.10 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 9 AM TO 11.50 AM ON SATURDAYS.
THE SUB-OFFICE CAN BE REACHED BY TAKING THE ROUTE 1A BUS FROM SAU MAU PING TO TSIM SHA TSUI OR THE ROUTE 13B BUS FROM THE KWUN TONG FERRY PIER.
THE TELEPHONE INQUIRY NUMBER IS 3-354950.
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TAI PO TO HAVE NEW RAILWAY STATION *****
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW TAI PO MARKET RAILWAY STATION ABOUT 700 METRES SOUTH OF THE EXISTING ONE.
THE WORKS, WHICH FORM AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE ELECTRIFICATION AND MODERNISATION PROGRAMME OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A STATION BUILDING, TWO PEDESTRIAN SUBWAYS AND ASSOCIATED CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS.
WORK WILL START IN AUGUST AND WILL TAKE 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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SATURDAY, MAY 23, 1981 .
2
TENDERS CALLED FOR ROAD WORKS * * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS AND THE LAYING OF TRUNK SEWER IN FANLING AND SHEK WU HUI.
THE WORKS, WHICH FORM PART OF THE FANLING/SHEK WU HUI DEVELOPMENTS, COMPRISE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY OF MORE THAN HALF A KILOMETRE, TWO FOOTBRIDGES AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS, AND THE LAYING OF A TRUNK SEWER FROM FANLING TO SHEK WU HUI.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL COMMENCE IN JULY AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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BOAT-BUILDING FACILITIES FOR TECHNICAL INSTITUTE
*****
THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WILL HAVE AN ADDITIONAL ANNEX TO PROVIDE TRAINING FACILITIES FOR THE PROPOSED DEPARTMENT OF MARINE AND FABRICATION ENGINEERING.
THE ANNEX WILL BE SITUATED AT THE WATERFRONT AREA OF LAI CHI KOK ROAD, AND HAVE LAUNCHING FACILITIES AND ACCESS TO THE SEA.
IT WILL CONSIST OF A SINGLE-STOREY WORKSHOP WITH A LARGE COMPOUND BUILT ON A 7OO-SQUARE-METRE SITE, PROVIDING FACILITIES FOR YACHT AND BOAT BUILDING.
A MAJOR FEATURE OF THE WORKSHOP WILL BE A WATER TANK -- LARGE ENOUGH TO CONTAIN BOATS OF UP TO SEVEN METRES LONG — WHICH WILL BE USED TO TEST THE VIABILITY OF DIFFERENT HULL SHAPES.
A SMALL CRANE FOR LIFTING BOATS IN AND OUT OF THE WATER WILL BE PROVIDED.
TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL BEGIN IN JULY AND WILL TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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SATURDAY, MAY 23, 1981
3
VOLUNTEER WORK FORCE TO HELP BEAUTIFY WONG TAI SIN * * * M
A WORK FORCE OF 120 VOLUNTEERS WILL BE LENDING THEIR EFFORTS AS FROM TOMORROW IN A CAMPAIGN TO HELP BEAUTIFY SOME OF THE OLDER HOUSING ESTATES IN THE WONG TAI SIN AREA.
AIMED AT PROVIDING A BETTER LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND PROMOTING A GREATER SENSE OF LOCAL PRIDE AND MUTUAL HELP, THE DRIVE KNOWN AS THE +BEAUTIFY WONG TAI SIN PROJECT* WILL BE THE FIRST TO BE LAUNCHED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD AS PART OF ITS OVERALL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROGRAMME.
WORK TO BE UNDERTAKEN WILL INCLUDE REPAINTING OF COMMON AREAS IN THE OLDER HOUSING ESTATES, AS WELL AS CHILDREN’S PLAY-THINGS AND WHITE-WASHING OF THE PREMISES OF THE ELDERLY, THE DISABLED AND THE INFIRM, IN ADDITION TO TREE PLANTING.
BECAUSE THERE ARE MANY OLD PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN THE AREA THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN STAGES.
A WORKING GROUP HAS PREPARED A LIST OF PRIORITY TARGETS, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT SUCH FACTORS AS WHEN THE LAST PAINTING OF PREMISES WAS DONE, WHEN THE ESTATES ARE DUE FOR REDEVELOPMENT, AND THE EXTENT OF VANDALISM.
THE FIRST STAGE OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED AT THE T3Z MAN AND TSZ CHING ESTATES TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
TO MARK THE OCCASION, A BRIEF CEREMONY WILL BE HELD, STARTING AT 9 AM (SUNDAY), AT THE TSZ MAN ESTATE OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, MAN CHI HOUSE, TSZ MAN ESTATE, AT WHICH SOUVENIR PENNANTS WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE VARIOUS GROUPS OF HELPERS.
THE CAMPAIGN IS BEING COORDINATED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (WONG TAI SIN), WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE POLICE AND THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION, WHICH ARE HELPING WITH THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION.
THE EIGHT MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES OF THE TSZ MAN ESTATE AND THE TSZ CHING ESTATE ARE ALSO HELPING TO PUBLICISE THE EFFORT, AND OTHER HELP IS BEING RENDERED BY A NUMBER OF OTHER BODIES.
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A
SATURDAY. MAY 23. 1981
4
SCHOOL CHILDREN PLANT TREES IN TSUEN WAN O M
ABOUT 150 TSUEN WAN SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS PLANTED TREES ALONG CHEUNG PAI SHAN ROAD TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE EVENT. JOINTLY ORGANISED BY TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT. IS TO AROUSE PUBLIC INTEREST IN PLANTING AND CARING FOR TREES.
IT WAS ONE OF TWO TREE-PLANTING EXERCISES TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT OF TSUEN WAN. THE OTHER WAS CARRIED OUT AT +LOVER’S ISLAND+ ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD YESTERDAY.
ABOUT 100 MELALEUCA LEUCADENDRON. A LARGE AND HARDY EVERGREEN TREE. WERE PLANTED ALONG THE CENTRAL DIVIDER OF CHEUNG PAI SHAN ROAD, OUTSIDE SHEK WAI KOK AND CHEUNG SHAN ESTATES.
THE ROAD WAS BUILT SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND IT WAS FELT THAT TREES COULD PROVIDE SHADE AND BEAUTY.
THE STUDENTS WERE FROM LUI MING CHOI LUTHERAN COLLEGE, HO CHUEN YIU MEMORIAL COLLEGE AND TSUEN WAN LUTHERAN SCHOOL.
ALSO TAKING PART IN TODAY’S TREE PLANTING WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT SUB-COMMITTEE. MR HO TSE-PING, BOARD MEMBERS AND OTHER LOCAL LEADERS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 24, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
‘OLD STYLE' IDENTITY CARD HOLDERS TOLD TO REGISTER FOR NET ADULT CARDS ................................................... 1
MORE PEOPLE AIRING COMPLAINTS ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT .......... 2
PAYMENT OFFERED TO PNEUMOCONIOSIS SUFFERERS ................... 3
SECONDARY SCHOOLS INVITED TO JOIN PUTONGHUA PILOT SCHEME .... 3
SUPPORT PLEDGED FOR SEA ACTIVITY CENTRE ....................... 4
MANPOWER SURVEY OF INSURANCE FIRMS TO BE HELD ................. 5
CAS OFFICERS FOR AUSTRALIAN COURSES ........................... 6
MR CHIU WINS BATTLE AGAINST POLIO WITH HELP OF SWD............. 6
AKERS-JONES CUP PRESENTED TO NT SOCCER LEAGUE WINNERS........ 7
ROAD SAFETY DAY TODAY ......................................... 8
SUNDAY, MAY 24, 1981
1
'OLD STYLE’ IDENTITY CARD HOLDERS TOLD TO REGISTER FOR NEW ADULT CARDS *****
YOUNG PEOPLE STILL HOLDING THE ’OLD STYLE’ JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS, WHICH DO NOT BEAR PHOTOGRAPHS AND ARE NO MORE VALID, ARE NOW REMINDED BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT OF THE NEED TO REGISTER FOR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS.
THESE ’OLD STYLE’ CARDS WERE NOT ISSUED AFTER OCTOBER 31, 1973, AND WERE REPLACED BY NEW-TYPE JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS BEARING PHOTOGRAPHS.
HOWEVER, CHILDREN ATTAINING THE AGE OF 11 AND OVER AT THE TIME WERE ALLOWED TO RETAIN THE USE OF THEIR ’OLD STYLE’ CARDS, UNTIL THEY ATTAINED THE AGE OF 18 AND REGISTERED AS ADULTS, OR UNTIL DECEMBER 1, 1980, WHEN THE CARDS WERE FULLY PHASED OUT.
AS ALL HOLDERS OF THE 'OLD STYLE’ CARDS WILL NOW HAVE REACHED THE AGE OF 18, THEY ARE REQUIRED TO REGISTER AS ADULTS.
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE OFFICES FOR REGISTRATION!
HONG KONG
HONG KONG BRANCH OFFICE! CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY BUILDING, 5/F, ELECTRIC ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
ABERDEEN OFFICE! ABERDEEN CENTRE, BLOCK K-N, SHOP 4B, 2-16 NAM NING STREET.
KENNEDY TOWN OFFICE! LUEN GAY APARTMENT, 9 DAVIS STREET.
KOWLOON
KOWLOON BRANCH OFFICE! CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2/F, 393 CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI.
SAN PO KONG SUB-OFFICE! SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 692 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
SHAM SHU I PO OFFICE! SOUTH OCEAN BUILDING, 286-300 CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD.
NEW TERRITORIES
TSUEN WAN BRANCH OFFICE! FAR EAST BANK BUILDING, MEZZ FLOOR, LOT 2158, CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
TAI PO OFFICE! TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 3/F, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO MARKET.
YUEN LONG OFF ICEi FAR EAST CONSORTIUM BUILDING, 13-33 ON LOK ROAD. o- /2
SUNDAY, MAY 24, 1981
2
MORE PEOPLE AIRING COMPLAINTS ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT ******
MORE PEOPLE ARE AIRING THEIR COMPLAINTS ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT THROUGH THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE UNIT, W JAMES KWAN, SAID THAT SINCE THE UNIT WAS SET UP LAST SEPTEMBER, THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS HAS RISEN FROM 61 TO 76 A WEEK.
IN THE PAST SEVEN MONTHS, THE UNIT HANDLED 1 168 COMPLAINTS. MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, THE COMPLAINANTS WERE SATISFIED WITH THE EXPLANATIONS GIVEN BY THE TRANSPORT AUTHORITIES, HE SAID. MOST CF THE COMPLAINTS WERE ABOUT BUS SERVICES.
♦OF THE 987 COMPLAINTS RECEIVED DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, 422 CASES OR 43 PER CENT, CONCERNED BUS SERVICES,* MR KWAN SAID.
+1 AM, HOWEVER, MORE CONCERNED ABOUT COMPLAINTS CONNECTED WITH THE BEHAVIOUR OF BUS DRIVERS AND THEIR FAILURE TO OBSERVE BUS STOPS.*
♦ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF THESE COMPLAINTS IS SMALL IN RELATION TO THE LARGE VOLUME OF PASSENGERS CARRIED BY KOWLOON MOTOR BUS CO AND CHINA MOTOR BUS CO, WE DO REALISE THAT THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC IS PARTICULARLY ANNOYED BY SUCH INCIDENTS.*
MR KWAN POINTED OUT THAT HALF OF THE 166 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE BUS SERVICES WERE FROM PEOPLE LIVING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, THERE HAD BEEN MORE COMPLAINTS ABOUT BUS SERVICES IN SHA TIN THAN IN OTHER PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
DURING THE QUARTER UNDER REVIEW, 335 COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED ABOUT TRAFFIC ENGINEERING ARRANGEMENTS, INCLUDING TRAFFIC CONGESTION. THE MAIN PROBLEM AREAS WERE SHAU KEI WAN ROAD/KING’S ROAD, POK FU LAM ROAD AND HING FONG ROAD.
IN MOST CASES, THE PROBLEMS WERE ALREADY KNOWN, AND EITHER SHORT-TERM TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES OR LONG-TERM ROAD PROJECTS WERE PLANNED TO CORRECT THE SITUATIONS.
MAJOR PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WERE: INADEQUATE BUS SERVICES TO RENNIE’S MILL- SHARING OF THE MINI-BUS STAND IN SAI KUNG BY TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES (ORDINARY PLBS AND MAXICABS), AND THE NOISE FROM BRAKES IN .HE NEW LEYLAND BUSES USED BY BOTH KME AND CMB.
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SUNDAY, MAY 24, 1981
3
PAYMENT OFFERED TO PNEUMOCONIOSIS SUFFERERS * * * * *
PEOPLE DIAGNOSED BEFORE JANUARY 1 THIS YEAR AS SUFFERING FROM PNEUMOCONIOSIS HAVE BEEN REMINDED THAT THEY ARE ENTITLED TO EXGRAT IA PAYMENTS FROM THE GOVERNMENT, SUBJECT TO ASSESSMENT OF THEIR LUNG DISEASE.
THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET BEEN ASSESSED BY THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS btDICAL ASSESSMENT BOARD SHOULD CONTACT THE WAN CHAI CHEST CLINIC IN KENNEDY ROAD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THEY CAN CALL IN PERSON OR TELEPHONE 5-726024.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAD WRITTEN TO PEOPLE KNOWN TO BE SUFFERING FROM PNEUMOCONIOSIS TO COME FORWARD FOR MEDICAL ASSESSMENT, BUT SOME OF THEM HAD NOT RESPONDED.
♦PERHAPS THIS IS BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE LETTER DUE TO CHANGE OF ADDRESSES. THEY SHOULD CONTACT THE WAN CHAI CLINIC AS SOON AS THEY LEARN OF THIS REMINDER IN THE NEWSPAPERS OR ON THE RADIO,+ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT SO FAR 1 130 APPLICATIONS FOR EXGRATIA PAYMENTS INVOLVING ABOUT $31 □□□ 000 HAD BEEN APPROVED.
PEOPLE DIAGNOSED AFTER JANUARY AS SUFFERING FROM THE LUNG DISEASE ARE NOT ENTITLED TO EXGRATIA PAYMENTS, BUT TO COMPENSATION UNDER THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
- o - -
SECONDARY SCHOOLS INVITED TO JOIN PUTONGHUA PILOT SCHEME X X * * * * *
SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS ARE INVITED TO JOIN A PILOT SCHEME ON THE TEACHING OF PUTONGHUA ON A MONITORED SCHOOL BASIS AND TO NOMINATE TEACHERS FOR A RELATED TRAINING PROGRAMME STARTING IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
THE PILOT SCHEME RECOMMENDED BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WILL START IN THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR IN PRIMARY 4 OF 20 MONITORED PRIMARY SCHOOLS, AND WILL BE EXTENDED TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS BY 1984.
IN READINESS FOR THIS EXTENSION THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION IS RUNNING A PART-TIME EVENING TRAINING COURSE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.
♦TEACHERS NOMINATED SHOULD HAVE A GENUINE INTEREST IN TEACHING PUTONGHUA,♦ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
SUNDAY, MY 24, 1$81
4
THE TRAINING PROGRAMME WILL CONSIST OF TWO PARTS, THE FIRST ON KNOWLEDGE OF AND PROFICIENCY IN PUTONGHUA- AND THE SECOND PART ON METHODOLOGY RELATED TO THE TEACHING OF PUTONGHUA, HE SAID.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE AN EXAMINATION AT THE END OF PART I OF THE PROGRAMME BEFORE THEY CAN PROCEED ON TO PART I I.
PART I OF THE PROGRAMME WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR TO MAY, 1982, AND PARTICIPANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND 33 EVENING CLASSES.
FEES OF $210 ARE PAYABLE IN THREE INSTALMENTS, AND TEACHERS WHO SATISFACTORILY COMPLETE PART I OF THE PROGRAMME MAY APPLY FOR A FULL FEE REFUND, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
PART II OF THE TRAINING PROGRAMME WILL BE ORGANISED LATER ON BY THE CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE.
APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PILOT SCHEME ON PUTONGHUA SHOULD BE SENT BEFORE JUNE 15 TO THE CHINESE SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 8 YUN PING ROAD, CAROLINE MANSION, FOURTH FLOOR, HONG KONG.
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SUPPORT PLEDGED FOR SEA ACTIVITY CENTRE
* * *
INVESTMENT IN YOUTH NOW WILL HELP CREATE A RESERVOIR OF PEOPLE WITH COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY WHO WILL BE A SIGNIFICANT RESOURCE OF THE FUTURE.
SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHAN SHUI-JEUNG, SAID THIS TODAY (SUNDAY) AT A SAILING BOAT LAUNCHING CEREMONY AT THE HONG KONG SCOUT ASSOCIATION’S PAK SHA WAN SEA ACTIVITY CENTRE.
THE 2 000 SQUARE METRE SITE ON WHICH THE CENTRE IS BEING BUILT WAS GRANTED TO THE ASSOCIATION BY GOVERNMENT PRIVATE TREATY IN APRIL LAST YEAR.
FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A BOAT HOUSE FOR CANOES AND SAMPANS, A HOSTEL TO ACCOMMODATE 48 PEOPLE, AN ASSEMBLY HALL, CANTEEN, ACTIVITY ROOM, LECTURE ROOMS AND OFFICES.
WORK ON SITE FORMATION AND A SLIPWAY HAS ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED. THE WHOLE PROJECT WILL BE COMPLETED BY 1983.
FOUR NEW SAILING BOATS BUILT WITH PRIVATE DONATIONS WERE LAUNCHED AT TODAY’S CEREMONY.
SUNDAY, MAY 24, 19c1
5
MR CHAN SAID SAI KUNG SUPPORT TO THE PROJECT AND SCHEDULE.
THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION PROJECT.
DISTRICT OFFICE WOULD PLEDGE FULL HOPED IT WOULD BE COMPLETED ON
HAS SO FAR RAISED $900 000 FOR THE
THE SEA ACTIVITY TRAINING COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG SCOUT ASSOCIATION, EAST KOWLOON REGION, FOR 1981/82 WAS ALSO INAUGURATED TODAY. MR LEE HOK-MING AND MR CHAN KWAI-SANG WERE RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE.
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MANPOWER SURVEY OF INSURANCE FIRMS TO BE HELD
* * * *
THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL IS TO CARRY OUT A MANPOWER SURVEY OF ALL INSURANCE COMPANIES, BROKERS AND AGENTS BETWEEN JUNE 8 AND 19.
PLANNED BY THE INSURANCE TRAINING BOARD OF THE COUNCIL, SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES, EXPLANATORY NOTES AND DESCRIPTION OF PRINCIPAL JOBS IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WILL BE SENT TO ALL INSURANCE COMPANIES, BROKERS AND AGENTS.
OFFICERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT THESE ESTABLISHMENTS DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD TO ANSWER QUERIES AND ASSIST IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
THE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUESTED TO SUPPLY, FOR EACH PRINCIPAL JOB, INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF EXISTING EMPLOYEES, FORECASTS OF ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEES, PERIOD OF TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES AND OTHER PERSONNEL AND TRAINING MATTERS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MR ANTHONY KAN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE PUBLISHED IN STATISTICAL SUMMARIES ONLY, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT.
MR KAN URGED THE ESTABLISHMENTS TO OFFER THEIR COOPERATION, ADDING THAT THE INFORMATION TO BE COLLECTED FROM THE SURVEY WAS IMPORTANT FOR FORMULATING MEANINGFUL TRAINING PLANS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE INDUSTRY.
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/6........
SUNDAY, MAY 24, 1981
6
CAS OFFICERS FOR AUSTRALIAN COURSES * * * *
SERVICES MR FUNG
FOUR SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE CIVIL AID
KWOK-HIM, SENIOR TRAINING OFFICER AND ASSISTANT REGIONAL COMMANDER- MR WOO MAN-KONG, DEPUTY CADET COMMANDANT- MR TSE KWOK-FU, ASSISTANT REGIONAL COMMANDER AND MR LEE SHU-WING, COMMANDER, MOUNTAIN RESCUE WILL LEAVE ON MONDAY EVENING (MAY 25) ^OR AUSTRALIA TO ATTEND ADVANCED DISASTER CONTROL AND PLANNING COURSES AT THE AUSTRALIAN COUNTER DISASTER COLLEGE IN
MT. MACEDON, VICTORIA.
THE OFFICERS WILL ALSO VISIT STATE EMERGENCY SERVICES ORGANISATIONS IN MELBOURNE, SYDNEY AND CANBERRA TO SEE HOW THE EMERGENCY CONTROL SYSTEM ACTUALLY WORKS ON THE GROUND IN AUSTRALIA. THE GROUP WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON JUNE 17.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE OFFICERS WILL BY QF028 AT 7.45 PM ON
ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT AT 6 PM AND DEPART MONDAY (MAY 25).
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MR CHIU WINS BATTLE AGAINST POLIO WITH HELP OF SWD * * * *
FIFTEEN YEARS AGO, POLIO-STRICKEN CHIU YAU-SHUN FIRST WENT TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE, AND EVER SINCE THEN HE HAS BEEN HELPED ALONG THROUGH VARIOUS FORMS OF WELFARE SERVICES.
TODAY (SUNDAY) THE DEPARTMENT SHARES HIS JOY AS MR CHIU, NOW AGED 30 AND MARRIED WITH TWO DAUGHTERS, IS HAPPILY SETTLING DOWN IN HIS NEW HOME AT YAU 01 ESTATE, TUEN MUN.
IN A TYPICAL WAY, HIS LONG-TERM CASE TELLS OF THE CONCERTED FOLLOW-UP EFFORTS THE DEPARTMENT MAKES FOR ITS CLIENTS FOR AS LONG AS THEY NEED HELP.
MORE SIGNIFICANTLY, IT SERVES AS AN INSPIRING EXAMPLE OF HOW DISABLED PEOPLE, WITH COURAGE AND DETERMINATION, CAN OVERCOME DISABILITY AND BE REINTEGRATED INTO THE COMMUNITY.
MR CHIU WAS PARALYSED IN THE LEGS BY POLIO IN INFANCY.
HE IMPROVED AFTER OPERATIONS AND PHYSIO-THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT AND DURING THIS TIME, HE COMPLETED FORM 3.
AT THE AGE OF 15, HE WAS SENT BY HIS FAMILY TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE AND WAS PLACED AT THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE FOR VOCATIONAL TRAINING.
HE WAS AMONG THE FIRST DISABLED PERSONS TO USE THE SERVICES OF THE DEPARTMENT’S JOB PLACEMENT UNIT SET UP IN 1967 TO HELP FIND JOBS FOR THE HANDICAPPED.
IN 1973, HE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TO BENEFIT FROM THE DISABILITY ALLOWANCE INTRODUCED FOR THE DISABLED TO MEET SPECIAL NEEDS.
SUNDAY, LAY 24, 19c1
7
LATE LAST YEAR, MR CHIU WAS ALLOCATED A SELF-CONTAINED FLAT IN YAU Ol ESTATE BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
♦ MY WIFE AND I FEEL SO GREATLY RELIEVED NOW, BOTH MENTALLY AND FINANCIALLY,* SAID A CHEERFUL MR CHIU AS HIS CASEWORKER, NRS NG LAI YIN-MING OF THE CAUSEWAY BAY FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE, VISITED HIM IN HIS NEW FLAT.
♦ I THANK THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR ITS CONCERN AND HELP THROUGH ALL THESE DIFFICULT YEARS,♦ HE TOLD MRS NG.
♦ THE INSTITUTIONAL CARE, VOCATIONAL TRAINING, JOB PLACEMENTS, COUNSELLING SERVICE, SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS AND CASH GRANTS FROM CHARITABLE TRUST FUNDS HAVE BEEN SUCH A GREAT HELP,+ HE ADDED.
HAVING GRADUALLY DONE AWAY WITH WHEELCHAIRS, CRUTCHES AND STICKS EIGHT YEARS AGO, HE NOW WALKS TO WORK IN A TUEN MUN TOY FACTORY 15 MINUTES AWAY FROM HIS HOME.
MR CHIU’S CASEFILE IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS NOT CLOSED. FOR, AFTER HER VISIT TO THE FAMILY, MRS NG HAS ARRANGED TO TRANSFER THE FILE TO HER COLLEAGUES IN YUEN LONG FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE FOR CONTINUED MONITORING TO ENSURE THAT HELP IS GIVEN WHEN IT IS NEEDED.
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AKERS-JONES CUP PRESENTED TO NT SOCCER LEAGUE WINNERS
* X * *
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY (SUNDAY) PRESENTED A CUP NAMED AFTER HIM TO SAI KUNG, WINNERS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES INTER-DISTRICT SOCCER LEAGUE, AT YUEN LONG STADIUM.
THE LEAGUE, INVOLVING ALL EIGHT NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS, STARTED LAST DECEMBER.
OF THE 14 MATCHES SAI KUNG PLAYED, THEY WON 11, LOST ONE AND DREW TWO.
THE FIRST THREE RUNNERS-UP ARE NORTH DISTRICT, TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG.
THE SOCCER LEAGUE WAS THE FIRST TO BE PROMOTED BY THE NEW TERR I TOR IES INTER-DISTRICT SPORTS COMPETITION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, WHICH IS CHAIRED BY THE PRINCIPAL RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER, MR DICKEN YUNG.
A BASKETBALL LEAGUE STARTED IN FEBRUARY AND A TABLE TENNIS LEAGUE WILL COMMENCE IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT MONTH. VOLLEYBALL, BADMINTON AND TENNIS LEAGUES ARE PLANNED.
SUNDAY, LAY 24, 1?81
8
MR DICKEN YUNG THANKED LOCAL SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS FOR THEIR SUPPORT IN ORGANISING THE LEAGUES AND APPEALED FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT IN FUTURE SPORTING ACTIVITIES.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WAS MRS DAVID AKERS-JONES, WHO PRESENTED SOUVENIRS TO DISTRICT TEAMS.
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ROAD SAFETY DAY TODAY K # M
THE 1981 ROAD SAFETY DAY ORGANISED BY THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD AT 2.00 PM TODAY (SUNDAY) IN VICTORIA PARK.
THE HON. D.J.C. JONES, SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
MEMBERS OF THE PRESS SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE PARK’S HING FAT STREET GATE AT 1.40 PM, WHERE THEY WILL BE MET BY GIS STAFF.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 25, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO
RENT MATTERS TO BE AIRED IN TSUEN WAN............... 1
LABOUR MP VISITS NT............................
RECLAMATION LAND SOLD BY AUCTION.................... 2
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD TO HOLD LOGO COMPETITION ... 5
SCOUTS PRAISED FOR EFFORTS AND SELF RELIANCE ....... 3
BIG INCREASE OF NT SCOUTS PLANNED .................. 5
WORK ON SALT WATER PIPES ........................... 5
MONDAY, MAY 25, 1981
- 1 -
RENT MATTERS TO BE AIRED IN TSUEN WAN MM * * * *
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE IS ORGANISING A SEMINAR ON RENTAL MATTERS TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 27) AT THE TOWN HALL.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HOUSING, RATING AND VALUATION, LEGAL AID AND INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENTS WILL GIVE TALKS ON RENT CONTROL LEGISLATION, LEGAL ASPECTS OF LANDLORD AND TENANT MATTERS AND ON THE POLICY FOR DETERMINING AND REVIEWING RENTS FOR PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
THE SEMINAR WILL THEN BE OPENED TO THE FLOOR FOR A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION.
MR H.T. LUI, DISTRICT OFFICER TSUEN WAN, WILL CHAIR THE SEMINAR WHICH IS TO BE HELD AT THE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL STARTING AT 2.30 PM.
THIS IS THE FOURTH SEMINAR THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ORGANISED SINCE AUGUST LAST YEAR. THE AIM IS TO PROVIDE A FORUM FOR LOCAL PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO HOLD DISCUSSIONS ON AFFAIRS OF MUTUAL INTEREST.
TOPICS AT PREVIOUS SEMINARS HAVE INCLUDED TOWN MANAGEMENT, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT PROBLEMS, AND ESTATE MANAGEMENT. THEY WERE ATTENDED BY MEMBERS OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR WHICH WILL BE HELD IN THE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL OF TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL STARTING AT 2.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 27). A VEHICLE WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 1.30 PM SHARP TO TAKE PRESS MEMBERS TO TSUEN WAN AND BRING THEM BACK AFTERWARDS.
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LABOUR MP VISITS NT
* * * *
LABOUR MP, THE RT. HON. PETER SHORE, WHO IS IN HONG KONG FOR THREE DAYS, VISITED THE NEW TERRITORIES TODAY (MONDAY).
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES.
THE VISIT BEGAN AT TSUEN WAN WHERE MR SHORE WAS MET AND BRIEFED ON LOCAL DEVELOPMENTS BY THE TOWN MANAGER AND DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JAMES HAYES, AND THE PROJECT MANAGER, MR C.N. FONG.
/PHOM TSUEN ......
MONDAY, MAY 25, 19&1
2
FROM TSUEN WAN, MR SHORE FLEW TO TUEN MUN FOR A 30-MINUTE TOUR AND BRIEFING OF THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY STATION BEING BUILT AT TAP SHEK KOK. HE WAS MET ON ARRIVAL THERE BY SIR SIDNEY GORDON, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF CHINA LIGHT.
MR SHORE WAS NEXT TAKEN ON A HELICOPTER TOUR OF TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG INCLUDING THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, MA IPO MARSHES, THE BORDER, SHA TAU KOK AND PLOVER COVE.
AFTER LUNCH WITH MR AND MRS AKERS-JONES AND SEVERAL GUESTS AT ISLAND HOUSE, MR SHORE ATTENDED A MEETING OF SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, CHAIRED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, DR PATRICK HASE.
IN THE LATE AFTERNOON, MR SHORE VISITED THE HEADQUARTERS CF THE TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT AT OCEAN CENTRE WHERE HE HAD A MEETING WITH THE DIRECTOR, MR BILL DORWARD, AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
MR SHORE ARRIVED IN HONG KONG FROM CHINA YESTERDAY (SUNDAY) AND IS STAYING AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE. HE WILL LEAVE ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 27).
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RECLAMATION LAND SOLD BY AUCTION X * X * * *
FIVE LOTS OF CROWN LAND WERE SOLD AT AN AUCTION CONDUCTED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE IN THE CITY HALL TODAY.
ALL THE SITES OFFERED ARE ON THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION AND ARE FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES.
THE FIRST LOT, MEASURING 5 832 SQUARE METRES, WAS SOLD TO DAH CHONG HONG LTD. FOR $101 MILLION OR $17 318.24 PER SQUARE bETRE.
THE SECOND LOT, MEASURING 3 700 SQUARE METRES, WAS SOLD TO HAMBORDEN COMPANY LTD FOR $74 MILLION OR $20 000.00 PER SQUARE METRE.
THE THIRD SITE, MEASURING 1 399 SQUARE METRES, WAS SOLD TO WELL PLANTED LTD FOR $26.5 MILLION OR $18 942.10 PER SQUARE METRE.
THE REMAINING TWO LOTS, MEASURING 1 445 AND 3 100 SQUARE bETRES, WERE SOLD TO PINE WAY ENTERPRISES LTD AND HONG LEONG INVESTMENT COMPANY, LTD FOR $26.5 MILLION AND S45 MILLION OR $18 339.10 OR $14 516.13 PER SQUARE METRE RESPECTIVELY.
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MONDAY, MAY 25, 1981
3
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD TO HOLD LOGO COMPETITION *******
A LOGO IS BEING SOUGHT BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD THROUGH WHICH IT HOPES TO GAIN GREATER IDENTITY FOR ITS WORK FOR RESIDENTS IN THE AREA.
SUCH IDENTITY, IT IS BELIEVED, WILL ENHANCE THE IMAGE OF THE BOARD, AND AT THE SAME TIME GENERATE GREATER PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE BOARD AND ITS WORK.
WITH THIS IN MIND, THE BOARD DECIDED AT ITS INAUGURAL MEETING RECENTLY, TO ORGANISE A LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION WHICH WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD, MR IAN STRACHAN, CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER FOR WONG TAI SIN, AT 5 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EAST KOWLOON REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICE, 5TH FLOOR, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON, TO GIVE DETAILS OF THE COMPETITION.
FIRST PRIZE WINNER OF THE COMPETITION WILL BE GIVEN A PRESENT VALUED AT $500- THE SECOND PRIZE WINNER WILL GET A PRESENT VALUED AT $250 AND THERE WILL BE THREE CONSOLATION PRIZES OF PRESENTS VALUED AT $100 EACH, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD STATED.
THE SELECTION COMMITTEE WILL BE MADE UP OF MR STEPHEN LEUNG HOK-NIN, CHAIRMAN, WITH DR CONRAD LAM, MRS NG CHOW MEI-LIN, MR KWAN HO I-SHAN, MR CHUNG SHE-YEN, MR CHU CHUN-TUNG AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICES AND CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AS MEMBERS.
THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD WAS SET UP ON APRIL 28 THIS YEAR, TO GIVE RESIDENTS A MORE DIRECT SAY IN GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND POLICIES AFFECTING THEIR DISTRICT, TO ENSURE THAT DISTRICT NEEDS ARE IDENTIFIED AND DEALT WITH EFFECTIVELY, AND TO IMPROVE COORDINATION AND RESPONSE BY THE ADMINISTRATION AT DISTRICT LEVEL.
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SCOUTS PRAISED FOR EFFORTS AND SELF RELIANCE * * * *
HONG KONG SCOUTS WERE PRAISED BY THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DENIS BRAY, THIS (MONDAY) EVENING FOR THEIR EFFORTS OVER THE YEARS AND FOR THEIR SELF RELIANCE.
THE SCOUTS’ +BLUEPRINT FOR THE 8O’S,+ WHICH WILL BE MADE KNOWN NEXT MONTH AND THROUGH WHICH THEY WILL CARRY OUT A NUMBER OF EXPERIMENTAL SCHEMES, AND THEIR DECISION TO ESTABLISH AN ENDOWMENT FUND TO FINANCE THESE ACTIVITIES WERE +AN EXCELLENT IDEA,* MR BRAY SAID.
/TH3 chtz?.........
MONDAY, MAY 25, 1?81
4
THE CHIEF SECRETARY WAS SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY MARKING THE OFFICIAL ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND REGIONAL SCOUT FOUNDATION, HELD AT THE TANG SHIU KIN BUILDING, Ol KWAN ROAD AT 7 PM TODAY (MONDAY).
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF MR BRAY’S SPEECHi
CHIEF COMMISSIONER, MR REGIONAL PRESIDENT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
♦THIS EVENING’S GATHERING SPRINGS FROM SOME ADMIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE. WE HAVE HERE A LOCAL BRANCH OF A WORLD-WIDE YOUTH MOVEMENT NOW VERY FIRMLY ESTABLISHED AND GROWING IN STATURE. THE MOVEMENT IS WORLD-WIDE BUT LOCAL IN SELF-SUPPORT AND IN THE IMAGINATIVE WAY YOU ADAPT TO LOCAL REQUIREMENTS.
♦HONG KONG SCOUTING IN THIS 7OTH ANNIVERSARY YEAR HAS PAUSED TO TAKE STOCK. AFTER A VERY CAREFUL SELF-EVALUATION NEW PRIORITIES HAVE BEEN FORMED FOR THE NEXT TEN YEARS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE FINAL VERSION OF YOUR +BLUEPRINT FOR THE 8O’S+ WILL BE COMPLETED BY NEXT MONTH, AND THAT IT WILL CONTAIN A NUMBER OF EXPERIMENTAL SCHEMES WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO HELP THE SCOUT MOVEMENT ACHIEVE A MUCH CLOSER ASSOCIATION WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN THE URBAN AREAS AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦AS IT IS CLEAR THAT SOME OF THESE NEW PROJECTS WILL HAVE TO BE FINANCED BY THE ASSOCIATION FROM ITS OWN RESOURCES YOU HAVE DECIDED TO ESTABLISH AN ENDOWMENT FUND FOR THE HONG KONG ISLAND REGION, THE INCOME FROM WHICH IS TO BE EARMARKED FOR THOSE SCOUTING ACTIVITIES WHICH WILL NOT ATTRACT SUBVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC PURSE. THIS IS AN EXCELLENT IDEA. IT FITS IN VERY WELL WITH THE TRADITIONAL SCOUT VIRTUE OF SELF-RELIANCE, WHICH YOU HAVE ALWAYS TRIED TO IMPRESS ON ALL MEMBERS, YOUNG OR OLD, IN YOUR TRAINING PROGRAMMES.
♦THE WIDESPREAD GENEROUS SUPPORT WHICH YOU HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED IS DISPLAYED HERE THIS EVENING. TO MARK THE OFFICIAL ESTABLISHMENT OF YOUR ENDOWMENT FUND MR GORDON WU, HIMSELF A FORMER SCOUT, WILL SHORTLY BE PRESENTING THE INITIAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE REGION. AND IT IS A SPLENDID AND SUBSTANTIAL DONATION. I AM CERTAIN THAT MR WU’S PUBLIC SPIRIT AND GENEROSITY WILL SOON BE FOLLOWED BY MANY OTHER BENEFACTORS OF YOUR REGION.
♦WITH THIS KIND OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT YOU SHOULD GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH, TO THE BENEFIT BOTH OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE AND OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE. I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE ALL OF YOU ON YOUR PAST EFFORTS AND TO WISH YOU EVERY SUCCESS IN THE YEARS TO COME.+
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/5.......
MONDAY, MAY 25, 1981
5
BIG INCREASE OF NT SCOUTS PLANNED * * *
PROVISION OF ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNGSTERS IS ONE OF THE MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF DISTRICT BOARDS, YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR FUNG KWOK-KEUNG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) AT YUEN LONG TOWN HALL.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS OF THE EAST YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOY SCOUT ASSOCIATION.
HE SAID WITH NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENTS AND POPULATION INCREASES, THERE WAS NEED TO EXPAND SCOUT ACTIVITIES.
+1 AM VERY PLEASED THEREFORE TO LEARN OF PLANS TO INCREASE NEW TERRITORIES MEMBERSHIP FROM THE PRESENT 8 OOO TO 14 000 IN FIVE YEARS- AND ALSO TO ORGANISE MORE ACTIVITIES AND BUILD MORE TRAINING
CENTRES,+ MR FUNG SAID.
HE GAVE ASSURANCE OF THE CONTINUED SUPPORT OF YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD FOR SCOUT ACTIVITIES AND SAID SCOUT ASSOCIATIONS IN NEED OF FUNDS TO PROVIDE TRAINING AND ACTIVITIES COULD APPROACH THE BOARD.
SET UP IN 1974, EAST YUEN LONG DISTRICT SCOUT ASSOCIATION HAS 584 MEMBERS.
AT TODAY’S CEREMONY, 68 COMMITTEE MEMBERS WERE INAUGURATED FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM OF OFFICE.
MR WILLIAM MAN, CHAIRMAN OF SAN TIN RURAL COMMITTEE, WAS ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE INAUGURATION WAS THE NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL COMMISSIONER, MR CHEUNG CHE-FAN.
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WORK ON SALT WATER PIPES
XXX
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN EAST KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR 12 HOURS FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 28) FOR WORK ON WATER PIPES TO BE CARRIED OUT.
THE AREAS TO BE AFFECTED INCLUDE KWUN TONG, LAM TIN, SAU MAU PING, NGAU TAU KOK, JORDAN VALLEY, PING SHEK AND KOWLOON BAY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BRITAIN’S HOUSING MINISTER LEADS TOP-LEVEL BRITISH PARTY ON PENETRATING HOUSING VISIT ............................. 1
LABOUR HP VISITS FRUIT MARKET .................................. 2
PETER SHORE TO MEET THE MEDIA .................................. 2
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR APRIL, 1981 ...................... 2
SUMMARY OF 1979 SURVEY OF TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS .....................................................
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SEMINAR IN SHA TIN ..................... 7
RISE IN BUILDING PLAN APPROVALS ................................ 8
NEW TSU® WAN CLEARWAY........................................... 9
REMENDER ON WAGE PAYMENTS ...................................... 9
BISHOP KWONG VISITS STANLEY PRISON
9
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1981
1
BRITAIN’S HOUSING MINISTER LEADS TOP-LEVEL BRITISH PARTY ON PENETRATING HOUSING VISIT *****
BRITAIN’S MINISTER FOR HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION, MR JOHN STANLEY, TODAY (TUESDAY) LED A HIGH-LEVEL PARTY OF BRITISH BUILDER^ ON A PENETRATING VISIT TO VARIOUS PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS.
THE PARTY WAS EARLIER BRIEFED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR DONALD LIAO, AND THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR BERNARD WILLIAMS, ON THE SCOPE OF HONG KONG’S HOUSING PROBLEM, AND THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME WHICH HAS ALREADY HOUSED MORE THAN TWO MILLION PEOPLE.
MR STANLEY’S PARTY INCLUDES REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BIGGEST BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING COMPANIES IN BRITAIN.
THE PROGRAMME BEGAN AT HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS, THEN MOVED TO THE MEI LAM ESTATE PROJECT AT SHA TIN NEW TOWN, WHERE THE PARTY SAW THE SEMI-MECHANISED METHOD BEING USED BY THE SITE CONTRACTOR TO PUT UP SPEEDILY THE DOMESTIC BLOCKS.
THE PARTY THEN MOVED ON TO SHA KOK ESTATE, TO SEE THE TRADITIONAL HONG KONG METHODS OF BUILDING MULTI-STOREY BLOCKS, THEN VISITED THE IMPOSING SUI WO COURT HOME OWNERSHIP ESTATE, PAYING A BRIEF CALL ON A FAMILY IN THEIR NICELY DECORATED 14TH-FLOOR HOME.
A HOUSING AUTHORITY SPOKESMAN SAIDt ♦TODAY’S VISIT HAS GIVEN REPRESENTATIVES OF BRITAIN’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY A REALISTIC INSIGHT NOT ONLY INTO OUR PROBLEMS, BUT HOW WE ARE GOING ABOUT SOLVING THEM.
♦WE HAVE SO MUCH STILL TO DO THAT THERE IS ROOM FOR NEW BLOOD AND FRESH IDEAS IN OUR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
♦THE CHALLENGE IS THERE, AND IT IS UP TO OUR DISTINGUISHED VISITORS TO SHARPEN THEIR PENCILS AND DECIDE WHAT PART THEY MIGHT LIKE TO PLAY, EITHER IN A DIRECT ROLE OR AS PARTNERS IN JOINT VENTURES WITH ESTABLISHED LOCAL FIRMS.♦
YESTERDAY (MONDAY) MORNING, MR STANLEY AND THE OTHER UK VISITORS, CALLED ON THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
THEY WERE BRIEFED BY MR JACK STEAN, ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS. AND DIRECTORS OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS WITH THE PWD, ON EXISTING AND FUTURE MAJOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS.
THE VISITORS ALSO WATCHED AN AUDIO VISUAL SHOW ON +SHA TIN NEW TOWN,+ WHICH TELLS THE DEVELOPMENT OF ONE OF THE SEVEN NEW TOWNS AND THE PWD INVOLVEMENT IN IT.
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1981-
2
LABOUR MP VISITS FRUIT MARKET * * * *
THE VISITING LABOUR MP, THE RT HON PETER SHORE, TOURED THE WHOLESALE FRUIT MARKET IN WESTERN THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
ACCOMPANIED BY MR DENIS BRAY, THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, AND MR GRAHAM BARNES, DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, HE WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY MR A.R. CLARK, CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER (hK) AND MR EDDY CHAN, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (CENTRAL AND WESTERN).
BEFORE STARTING ON HIS TOUR, MR SHORE WAS BRIEFED BY MR CHAN ON THE HISTORY OF THE WHOLESALE FRUIT MARKET AND ITS DAILY OPERATIONS.
MR SHORE WAS TOLD THAT THE WHOLESALE FRUIT MARKET WILL MOVE TO A SITE IN WESTERN RECLAMATION STAGE ONE BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR, AND THE EXISTING SITE WILL BE TAKEN OVER BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND REDEVELOPED.
MR SHORE ALSO VISITED THE NEARBY WESTERN MARKET, WHERE HE SPOKE TO SEVERAL STALL OPERATORS.
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NOTE TO ED I TORSt
PETER SHORE TO MEET THE MEDIA
* * * *
THE RT. HON. PETER SHORE, LABOUR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, WILL MEET THE MEDIA IN THE GIS THEATRE AT 4.45 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE PRESS CONFERENCE COVERED.
TV CREWS ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE EARLY TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
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PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR APRIL 1981
* M M * M *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) PUBLISHED THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR HONG KONG’S VISIBLE TRADE IN APRIL 1981.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR APRIL WAS $9 172 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AT $5 844 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS AT $3 328 MILLION. WITH IMPORTS AT 111 398 MILLION, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT FOR APRIL WAS |2 226 MILLION.
COMPARED WITH APRIL 1980, THERE WERE THE FOLLOWING INCREASES BY VALUE« $455 MILLION OR 8.5 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, $1 026 MILLION OR 44.6 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS, $1 481 MILLION OR 19.3 PER CENT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS AND $1 861 MILLION OR 19.5 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS.
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1981
5
THE VISIBLE TRADE +GAP+, THAT IS THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, WAS 19.5 PER CENT IN APRIL THIS YEAR, THE SAME AS THAT IN APRIL 1980.
COMMENTING ON THE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT, ALTHOUGH THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR APRIL APPEARED TO BE LOW COMPARED WITH PREVIOUS MONTHS, THE VISIBLE TRADE ACCOUNT CONTINUED TO SHOW A FAIR DEGREE OF STABILITY. THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS ROUGHLY THE SAME AS THAT OF IMPORTS AND THE VISIBLE TRADE +GAP+ DID NOT SHOW ANY TENDENCY TO WIDEN. THE ENTREPOT TRADE ALSO CONTINUED TO EXPAND RAPIDLY.
A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1980 SHOWED THE SAME PATTERN.
THE GROWTH RATE OF THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, AT 26.7 PER CENT, WAS SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN THE GROWTH RATE OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS AT 26 PER CENT.
THE VISIBLE TRADE ♦GAP* IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, AT 18.2 PER CENT, WAS SLIGHTLY NARROWER THAN IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1980 AT 18.7 PER CENT.
THE GROWTH RATE OF THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WAS HIGH AT
54.2 PER CENT, MUCH HIGHER THAN THE GROWTH RATE OF THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WHICH, AT 14.7 PER CENT, WAS BY ITSELF QUITE IMPRESSIVE.
MERCHANDISE 1 DOMESTIC EXPORTS 1 $ 5 844 MILLION
RE-EXPORTS 1 S 3 328 MILLION
TOTAL EXPORTS 1 $ 9 172 MILLION
IMPORTS 1 $11 398 MILLION
TRADE BALANCE 1 $ 2 226 MILLION (IN DEFICIT)
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
INCREASE OR DECREASE
FEBRUARY-APRIL
1980
FEBRUARY-APRIL 1981
LATEST 3 MONTHS
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 15 562 14 096 ♦ 1 467 ♦ 10.4
RE-EXPORTS 9 525 6 289 ♦3 236 ♦ 51.5
TOTAL EXPORTS 25 088 20 385 ♦4 703 ♦23.1
IMPORTS 31 793 25 594 ♦6 200 ♦24.2
TRADE BALANCE - 6 705 - 5 209 -1 496
/SAME MONTH ......
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1981
4
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR APRIL 1961 APRIL 1980 INCREASE OR DECREASE
DOMESTIC EXPORTS I MN. 5 844 $ MN. 5 389 $ MN. % ♦ 455 +8.5
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) RE-EXPORTS (63.7%) 3 328 (70.1%) 2 302 ♦1 026 +44.6
TOTAL EXPORTS 9 172 7 690 ♦1 481 +19.3
IMPORTS 11 398 9 537 +1 861 +1
TRADE BALANCE - 2 226 -1 847 - 379
LAST MONTH APR IL 1981 MARCH 1981 INCREASE OR DECREASE
DOMESTIC EXPORTS $ MN. 5 844 S MN. 5 784 S MN. <% ♦ 60 ♦ 1.0
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) RE-EXPORTS (63.7%) 3 328 (63.5%) 3 326 + 1 ♦ c 33
TOTAL EXPORTS 9 172 9 111 ♦ 61 ♦ 0.?
IMPORTS 11 398 11 326 ♦ 72 ♦ 0.6
TRADE BALANCE - 2 226 - 2 215 11
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JANUARY- APRIL 1981 JANUARY-APRIL 1980 INCREASE CR DECREASE
DOMESTIC EXPORTS S MN. 21 908 $ MN. 19 092 $ MN. % +2 816 +14.7
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) RE-EXPORTS (63.0%) 12 853 (69.6%) 8 337 ♦4 517 +54.2
TOTAL EXPORTS 34 761 27 429 ♦7 332 +26.7
IMPORTS 42 479 33 726 ♦8 753 +26.0
TRADE BALANCE - 7 718 - 6 297 -1 421
LAST 12 MONTHS MAY 1980 TO APRIL 1981 MAY 1979 TO APRIL 1980 INCREASE OR DECREASF
DOMESTIC EXPORTS $ MN. 70 986 $ MN. 60 734 S MN. % +10 252 +16.9
RE-EXPORTS 34 589 22 564 +12 025 +53-3
TOTAL EXPORTS 105 575 83 298 +22 277 +26.7
IMPORTS 120 403 94 887 ♦25 516 +26.9
TRADE BALANCE - 14 828 -11 589 - 3 239
0 /5
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1981
- 5 -
SUMMARY OF 1979 SURVEY OF TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TO-DAY (TUESDAY) RELEASED SUMMARY RESULTS OF THE 1979 SURVEY OF WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS.
THIS SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED DURING THE PERIOD APRIL I960 TO FEBRUARY 1981 TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SECTOR IN 1979 AND TO ENABLE ANALYSIS OF THE CHANGES SINCE THE 1977 BENCHMARK CENSUS.
DATA COLLECTED IN THE FOLLOW-UP SURVEY INCLUDED TYPE OF OWNERSHIP- NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED- LABOUR COST- OPERATING EXPENSES- PURCHASES OF GOODS FOR SALE- STOCKS- SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS- AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE. A SUMMARY OF THE SURVEY RESULTS TOGETHER WITH COMPARATIVE FIGURES FOR 1977 IS SHOWN IN THE ATTACHED TABLE.
THE SURVEY SHOWED A TOTAL OF 60 206 WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT ESTABLISHMENTS, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS WERE IN OPERATION DURING THE WHOLE OR PART OF 1979, WITH A WORKFORCE OF 412 094 PERSONS, REPRESENTING INCREASES OF 19 PER CENT AND 13 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER 1977. THE CONCERNS GENERATED $181 606 MILLION IN SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS, AND PAID OUT $8 013 MILLION IN LABOUR COST AND $13 657 MILLION IN OPERATING EXPENSES. THESE FIGURES, COMPARED WITH 1977, SHOWED INCREASES OF 67 PER CENT, 58 PER CENT AND 83 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
VALUE ADDED, COMPRISING LABOUR COST, INTEREST PAYMENTS AND OPERATING SURPLUS, GREW FROM $11 014 MILLION IN 1977 TO <19 762 MILLION IN 1979, AN INCREASE OF 79 PER CENT. THIS VALUE ADDED REPRESENTS THE SECTOR’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF THE ECONOMY.
THE SURVEY ALSO REVEALED THAT IN 1979 OVER 56 PER CENT OF THE 60 206 ESTABLISHMENTS WERE IN RETAIL TRADE, ACCOUNTING FOR 31 PER CENT OF ALL PERSONS ENGAGED, 17 PER CENT OF TOTAL SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS, AND 22 PER CENT OF TOTAL VALUE ADDED IN THE SECTOR.
THE IMPORT/EXPORT TRADE, REPRESENTING 23 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS, AND WITH 25 PER CENT OF THE WORKFORCE, RECORDED THE LARGEST SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS, AT $118 044 MILLION OR 65 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL, AND CONTRIBUTED 51 PER CENT OF TOTAL VALUE ADDED IN THE SECTOR.
WHOLESALE TRADE ACCOUNTED FOR 13 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS, 11 PER CENT OF THE SECTOR’S WORKFORCE, 13 PER CENT OF TOTAL SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS, AND 8 PER CENT OF TOTAL VALUE ADDED IN THE SECTOR.
RESTAURANTS AND HOTEL/BOARDI NG HOUSES REPRESENTED 7 PER CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS, AND 27 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OF THE TOTAL WORKFORCE. RESTAURANTS REGISTERED 4 PER CENT OF TOTAL SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS AND CONTRIBUTED 13 PER CENT OF TOTAL VALUE ADDED WHEREAS HOTELS/BOARDING HOUSES, ACCOUNTED FOR 1 PER CENT OF TOTAL SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS, AND 5 PER CENT OF TOTAL VALUE ADDED.
/IN TERMS ....
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1981
6
IN TERMS OF GROWTH IN SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS SINCE 1977, RETAIL TRADE ATTAINED THE HIGHEST RATE AT 77 PER CENT, FOLLOWED BY IMPORT/EXPORT TRADE AT 74 PER CENT, HOTELS/BOARDI NG HOUSES AT 68 PER CENT, RESTAURANTS AT 50 PER CENT AND WHOLESALE TRADE AT 35 PER CENT^ IMPORT/EXPORT TRADE, ON THE OTHER HAND, RECORDED THE GREATEST GROWTH SINCE 1977 IN TERMS OF VALUE ADDED AT 92 PER CENT. FOLLOWED BY RETAIL TRADE AT 79 PER CENT, HOTELS/BOARDI NG HOUSES AT 71 PER CENT, RESTAURANTS AT 60 PER CENT AND WHOLESALE TRADE AT 53 PER CENT.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS NOW IN THE PROCESS OF COMPILING A REPORT ON THE 1979 SURVEY, WHICH WILL CONTAIN DETAILED ANALYSIS BY TRADE GROUPS AND ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS. ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT.
SUMMARY STATISTICS FOR REPORTING ESTABLISHMENTS ANALYSED BY ACTIVITY FOR 1977 AND 1979
ACTIVITY NO OF ESTABLISHMENTS NO OF PERSONS ENGAGED LABOUR COST OPERATING EXPENSES
WHOLESALE 1977 7 175 43 280 $ MILLION 504 S MILLION 630
TRADE 1979 8 122 45 658 737 1 174
% CHANGE ♦ 13% +5% ♦46% ♦86%
RETAIL 1977 28 417 113 618 1 074 1 519
TRADE 1979 33 744 129 694 1 774 2 723
% CHANGE ♦19% +14% ♦65% ♦79%
IMPORT/ 1977 10 474 87 955 1 942 3 960
EXPORT 1979 13 621 104 801 3 004 7 583
TRADE % CHANGE ♦30% +19% ♦55% ♦91%
RESTAU- 1977 3 672 101 718 1 305 963
RANTS 1979 3 949 113 239 2 112 1 558
% CHANGE ♦8% ♦11% ♦62% +62%
HOTELS/ 1977 655 16 795 251 396
BOARDING 1979 770 18 702 387 618
HOUSES * CHANGE ♦ 18% ♦11% ♦ 54% ♦56%
TOTAL 1977 50 392 363 365 5 077 7 468
1979 60 206 412 094 8 013 13 657
% CHANGE ♦19% ♦13% ♦58% ♦83%
/activity ......
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1981
7
ACTIVITY PURCHASES OF GOODS FOR SALE CHANGES IN STOCKS SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS VALUE ADDED
$ MILLION $ MILLION $ MILLION $ MILLION
WHOLESALE 1977 15 611 203 17 067 1 089
TRADE 1979 20 624 288 23 103 1 668
% CHANGE ♦32% ♦42% ♦35% ♦53%
RETAIL 1977 14 262 651 17 492 2 443
TRADE 1979 25 123 1 133 30 934 4 370
% CHANGE +76% ♦74% ♦77% ♦79%
IMPORT/ 1977 59 962 901 67 788 5 252
EXPORT 1979 TRADE 103 479 2 825 118 044 10 086
% CHANGE +73% ♦214% ♦74% ♦92%
RESTAU- 1977 2 570 14 5 131 1 622
RANTS 1979 3 583 43 7 681 2 600
% CHANGE ♦39% ♦207% ♦50% ♦60%
HOTELS/ 1977 142 2 1 100 607
BOARDING 1979 HOUSES 220 6 1 845 1 038
% CHANGE ♦ 55% ♦200% +68% ♦71%
TOTAL 1977 92 546 1 771 108 578 11 014
1979 153 029 4 295 181 606 19 762
% CHANGE ♦65% ♦ 143% ♦67% +79%
— — - - 0
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SEMINAR IN SHA TIN ft ft ft ft
A SEMINAR ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION FEATURING A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION WILL BE HELD IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN ON THURSDAY (MAY 28) EVENING.
THE SESSION WILL TAKE PLACE AFTER SPEECHES BY SHA TIN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, AND CHINESE UNIVERSITY LECTURER IN GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, MR ANDREW WONG.
SLIDES WILL BE SHOWN TO EXPLAIN THE NEW PATTERN OF ADMINISTRATION, WHICH IS TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE.
MR CHENG SAID THE NEW ADMINISTRATION WOULD INVOLVE A MAJORITY OF RESIDENTS AS ANYONE WHO WAS OVER 21 AND WHO HAD LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR SEVEN OR MORE YEARS COULD VOTE IN DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TO BE HELD IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.
/+THE PUBPOSg ...
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1981
8
♦THE PURPOSE OF OUR SEMINAR IS TO INCREASE LOCAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE NEW SYSTEM AND TO ENCOURAGE INTEREST IN REGISTERING AS VOTERS,♦ HE SAID. HE HOPED IT WOULD BE WELL ATTENDED.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD IN LEK YUEN COMMUNITY HALL, STARTING AT 8.30 PM.
AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PUBLICISE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF WILL SOON START VISITING LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS AND RURAL COMMITTEES TO EXPLAIN THE NEW SCHEME.
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RISE IN BUILDING PLAN APPROVALS * * * *
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT APPROVED 83 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN APRIL THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH 55 IN APRIL, 1980.
OF THESE NEW PLANS, 33 WERE FOR BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 20 FOR KOWLOON AND 30 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INCLUDED TWO OIL TANKS AT KWUN TONG AND A BARGE BERTH AT CASTLE PEAK.
THE DECLARED COST OF ALL NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN APRIL WAS $899.6 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $231 MILLION IN APRIL LAST YEAR.
DURING THE MONTH, THE TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED AMOUNTED TO 321 749.1 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 175 948.7 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 145 800.4 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 52 PROJECTS, INCLUDING A WELFARE CENTRE AND SCHOOL AT HING FAT STREET, THE GIRL GUIDES HEADQUARTERS AT GASCOIGNE ROAD, A SPORTS CENTRE AT SHAT IN AND A STUDENT HOSTEL AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
ALTOGETHER, 44 NEWLY-COMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION IN APRIL, INCLUDING A GYMNASIUM AND A SCHOOL IN STANLEY, AN OIL STORAGE TANK AT AP LEI CHAU AND THREE HOTELS IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
THE OFFICE ALSO AGREED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 69 BUILDINGS. -----------------------------0--------
/9.....
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1981
- 9 -
NEW TSUEN WAN CLEARWAY * * * *
THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF A SECTION OF TSUEN WAN BY PASS STAGE ONE, BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND TEXACO ROAD, WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR CLEARWAY ZONE FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 29).
ALL VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THIS CLEARWAY.
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REMINDER ON WAGE PAYMENTS * ft ft ft ft *
EMPLOYERS WERE REMINDED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT WAGES MUST BE PAID ON TIME.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ISSUED THE REMINDER FOLLOWING A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH THE EMPLOYER OF A FUR GARMENT FACTORY WAS FINED A TOTAL OF $7 000 ON 14 SUMMONSES FOR DELAYING PAYMENTS OF WAGES.
A SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, WAGES MUST BE PAID TO EMPLOYEES NOT LATER THAN SEVEN DAYS AFTER THEY ARE DUE. ANY EMPLOYER CONTRAVENING THIS PROVISION IS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5 000 ON CONVICTION.
ACCORDING TO THE ORDINANCE, AN EMPLOYER MUST TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO TERMINATE A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS TERMS IF HE FEELS THAT HE IS UNABLE TO PAY ALL THE WAGES.
FAILURE TO DO SO WITHOUT REASONABLE GROUNDS WILL ALSO RENDER HIM LIABLE TO PROSECUTION.
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BISHOP KWONG VISITS STANLEY PRISON ft ft ft
THE BISHOP OF HONG KONG, THE RT REV PETER KWONG KONG-KIT, TODAY VISITED STANLEY PRISON, A MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON WITH A COMPREHENSIVE INDUSTRIAL SECTION.
THE VISIT IS THE FIRST OF A NUMBER OF VISITS THE BISHOP WILL MAKE TO LEARN ABOUT THE WORK OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE PRISONS CHAPLAINS, FATHER STEPHEN EDMONDS, REV A. LEUNG AND REV CHUNG KA LOK, BISHOP KWONG INSPECTED VARIOUS FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE ACCOMMODATION FOR PRISONERS, THE HOSPITAL, KITCHEN, CHAPEL AND THE WORKSHOPS, AND SAW PRISONERS AT WORK.
HE WAS ALSO BRIEFED BY THE SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT IN CHARGE OF THE PRISON, MR FRANCIS WONG, ON THE VARIOUS PROGRAMMES PROVIDED.
EARLIER TODAY, HE MET THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, MR THOMAS GARNER.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL:
BILLS PASSED.................................................... 1
ES SPEAKS ON BANK LICENSING POLICY AND FUTURE OF HK AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE .......................................... 1
BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES BILLS BECOME LAW .......... 2
INLAND REVENUE (NO.2) BILL PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS .............. 6
TWO-YEAR LAW REVIEW BEHIND STAMP DUTY BILL ..................... 7
IMPORTANT CHANGES TO RATING LAW ................................ 8
INCREASES ,'LLLOWED TO BRING RENTS CLOSER TO MARKET LEVEL.... 9
IMMIGRATION BILL BECOMES LAW .................................. 10
BILL SEEKS HIGHER PENhLTY FOR MARINE LITTERING ................ 11
BILL ON OPERATION OF ROPEWaY INTRODUCED ....................... 12
ROAD MAINTENANCE IS ADEQUATE .................................. 12
GOVERNMENT NOT PARTY TO CONTRACTS ............................. 1J
TOO MaNY CHILDREN FOR ESTATE SCHOOL PLACES .................... 14
BASIC FACILITIES PROVIDED IN MOST SQUaTTER rtREAS ............. 14
SQUATTER CONTROL OPERATIONS TO BE STEPPED UP .................. 15
POLICY ON PATIENT TRANSFERS WORKS WELL ........................ 16
DENTAL HOSPITAL GAINS WIDE PRAISE ............................. 17
COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR LAND RECORDS LIKELY ....................... 18
Railway freight track being upgraded........................... 19
NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS FOR LANGUAGE INSTITUTE ................ 19
NEW CHARGES AT GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS STaRT MONDaY ................... 20
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS ..................................... 21
HOUSING MINISTER SEES DEVELOPMENTS ................................. 21
QUEENSLAND MP’S SEE HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR........................... 22
THAI OFFICIALS SEE HK PRISONS SYSTEM ............................... 2?
OTA LAND EXECUTIVES PaSS POLYTECHNIC COURSE ....................... 2J
RETIREMENT CEREMONY ................................................ 24
WATER CUT .......................................................... 24
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1981
BILLS PASSED * * *
TWELVE BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THEY WERE THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, THE DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1981, THE BANKING (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1981, THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1981, THE ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1981, THE STAMP DUTY BILL 1981, THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1981, THE RATING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, THE STAMP (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981 AND THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL BILL 1981.
0
FS SPEAKS ON BANK LICENSING POLICY AND FUTURE OF HK AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE
* * M *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TODAY ANNOUNCED IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL A NEW BANK LICENSING POLICY. WHICH WILL PERMIT A LIMITED GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF FOREIGN BANKS AND LOCALLY INCORPORATED INSTITUTIONS LICENSED AS BANKS UNDER THE BANKING ORDINANCE. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY STATED THAT THIS NEW POLICY WILL HELP FURTHER TO ENHANCE HONG KONG’S STATUS AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE.
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL (THE LICENSING AUTHORITY UNDER THE BANKING ORDINANCE) WILL CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR LICENCES FROM BANKS INCORPORATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG WHICH MEET CERTAIN CRITERIA, INCLUDING MINIMUM ASSETS (NET OF CONTRA ITEMS) OF US$10 000 MILLION. IN CONSIDERING APPLICATIONS THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL WILL ALSO TAKE OTHER FACTORS INTO ACCOUNT, INCLUDING THE NUMBER OF BANKS FROM AN APPLICANT BANK’S COUNTRY OF ORIGIN WHICH ARE ALREADY LICENSED UNDER THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL WILL ALSO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR LICENCES FROM LOCALLY INCORPORATED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WHICH MEET A DIFFERENT SET OF CRITERIA, INCLUDING MINIMUM TOTAL ASSETS (NET OF CONTRA ITEMS) OF HK$2 000 MILLION, AND DEPOSITS FROM THE PUBLIC OF HK$1 500 MILLION.
THERE ARE NOW 115 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG. THIS INCLUDES 41 BANKS WHICH WERE LICENSED BETWEEN MARCH 1978 (WHEN THE PREVIOUS 13-YEAR MORATORIUM ON LICENSING NEW BANKS WAS EASED) AND AUGUST 1979 (WHEN THE GRANT OF FURTHER LICENCES WAS SUSPENDED, TO PERMIT A REVIEW OF BANK LICENSING POLICY WHICH HAS NOW BEEN COMPLETED).
/this RSVISV.....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2?, 19&1
2
THIS REVIEW HAS BEEN CONDUCTED AS PART OF A SEQUENCE OF WORK ON THE MONETARY SECTOR IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING THE COLLECTION OF A NEW SERIES OF MONETARY STATISTICS- THE ESTABLISHMENT OF HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS AS A STATUTORY BODY- THE CREATION OF A NEW CATEGORY OF LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY- AND THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION OF BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES. THIS SEQUENCE OF WORK IS NOT COMPLETED WITH THIS REVIEW OF BANK LICENSING POLICYi THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY REFERRED IN HIS STATEMENT TODAY TO TWO AREAS ON WHICH WORK IS CONTINUING, NAMELY THE TAXATION TREATMENT OF INTEREST EARNED ON FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS IN HONG KONG-AND THE SUPERVISION OF ACTIVITIES CARRIED ON OUTSIDE HONG KONG BY LOCALLY INCORPORATED BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
- - 0 - -
BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES BILLS BECOME LAW K H K * K
AMENDMENTS WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1981 BEFORE IT WAS PASSED INTO LAW TOGETHER WITH THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE AMENDMENTS WERE TO RELAX THE MINIMUM PAID-UP SHARE CAPITAL REQUIREMENT FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FROM $100 MILLION TO $75 MILLION, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, TO PROVIDE THAT EACH APPLICANT SHOULD ALSO HAVE A MINIMUM ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL OF $100 MILLION.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES BILL THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID THE UNPAID SHARE CAPITAL OF UP TO $25 MILLION WOULD REPRESENT A FIRM COMMITMENT BY THE SHAREHOLDERS, A COMMITMENT WHICH COULD BE CALLED ON IN CASE OF NEED AND WHICH WAS PERMANENTLY IN PLACE, UNLIKE SUBORDINATED LOAN STOCK OR SIMILAR VARIETIES OF CAPITAL.
SIR PHILIP SAID BOTH THESE MINIMA COULD BE AMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL AT ANY TIME.
THE OTHER AMENDMENTS WERE TO PREVENT A REGISTERED DEPOSITTAKING COMPANY FROM TAKING ANY SHORT-TERM DEPOSITS FROM A BANK OUTSIDE HONG KONG WHICH WAS NOT LICENSED UNDER THE BANKING ORDINANCE, AND THEY WERE DESIGNED TO REMOVE THE INTERFERENCE WITH NORMAL TRANSACTIONS ON THE INTERNATIONAL MONEY MARKETS.
SIR PHILIP SAID THESE AMENDMENTS MADE IT CLEAR THAT REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES MIGHT CONTINUE TO TAKE SHORT-TERM DEPOSITS FROM BANKS IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS, AND ALSO, FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF A MINOR RESIDUAL DOUBT AS TO THE PRECISE IMPACT OF THE AMENDING BILL AS DRAFTED, FROM OTHER DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
/UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1$81
3
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS SUPPORTED THE AMENDING LEGISLATION TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF BANKING BUSINESS AND TO DRAW A CLEAR DISTINCTION BETWEEN BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
BUT THEY HAD A RESERVATION AS TO THE PROPOSED REQUIREMENT THAT, TO QUALIFY FOR LICENSED STATUS, A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY SHOULD HAVE A PAID-UP SHARE CAPITAL OF AT LEAST $100 MILLION.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE TWO BILLS, THE HON JOHN SWA INE SAID: +THIS IS SEEN AS IMPOSING TOO ONEROUS A CASH REQUIREMENT ON PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS.
♦AND UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS THEREFORE RECOMMEND THAT THIS REQUIREMENT BE MODIFIED BY APPLICANTS BEING ALLOWED TO MAKE PART OF THE PAYMENT BY YEARLY INSTALMENTS, WITH THE DEFERRED PORTION BEING COVERED BY A BANK OR OTHER SUITABLE GUARANTEE.+
THE BILLS SEEK TO SPECIFY TWO CLASSES OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES - ONE CATEGORISED AS ^REGISTERED* AND THE OTHER ♦LICENSED*.
A REGISTERED DTC WITH A MINIMUM DEPOSIT OF $50 000 WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TAKE DEPOSITS OF LESS THAN THREE MONTHS.
HOWEVER, A LICENSED DTC WILL BE ALLOWED TO TAKE DEPOSITS OF ANY MATURITY, BUT IT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO TAKE DEPOSITS OF LESS THAN $500 000.
MR SWA INE SAID THE AD HOC GROUP OF UNOFFICIALS FORMED TO STUDY THE BILLS RECEIVED WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS AND THE DEPOSIT-TAKING INDUSTRY AND MET WITH THEIR REPRESENTATIVES.
THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELT, NOT UNNATURALLY, THAT THESE CHANGES WOULD INJURE THEIR BUSINESS, HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR SWA INE ADDED, IT WAS FELT THAT GOVERNMENT’S POLICY REASONS FOR THESE REFORMS MUST BE SUPPORTED.
♦THEY ARE, AS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID IN HIS SPEECH MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THESE BILLS, TO ENSURE THAT AN EFFECTIVE INTEREST RATE AGREEMENT IS AVAILABLE AS AN INSTRUMENT OF GOVERNMENT’S MONETARY POLICY, AND TO AVERT AN INTEREST RATE WAR WHICH WOULD UNDERMINE THE STABILITY OF THE MONETARY SYSTEM.
♦THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS STRESSED THAT THE INTEREST RATE AGREEMENT IS THE ONLY TOOL AVAILABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT TO INFLUENCE THE GROWTH RATE OF THE MONEY SUPPLY.
♦AS LONG AS THIS REMAINS GOVERNMENT’S POLICY, AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE DOUBTS WHICH HAVE BEEN FELT AS TO WHETHER SUCH TOOL IS EFFECTIVE, PUBLIC POLICY, TO BE CONSISTENT, REQUIRES THAT THE INTEREST RATE AGREEMENT SHOULD BE OBSERVED AND NOT CIRCUMVENTED.+
MR SWA INE POINTED OUT THAT DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES CAN NOW LAWFULLY QUOTE FOR DEPOSITS OF ANY MATURITY PROVIDED THE DEPOSITS ARE AT LEAST $50 000.
/as they ....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1981
4
AS THEY ARE NOT COVERED BY THE INTEREST RATE AGREEMENT, THEY HAVE HAD A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OVER THE BANK WHO HAVE REACTED BY USING SUBSIDIARY OR ASSOCIATED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO BID FOR DEPOSITS OUTSIDE THE INTEREST RATE AGREEMENT.
♦WE ARE TOLD THAT, AT THE END OF FEBRUARY 1981, THE 94 COMPANIES CONCERNED HELD 77 PER CENT OF ALL DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, AND 30 OF THESE COMPANIES WERE PRIMARILY CONCERNED WITH ON-LENDING THE DEPOSITS GARNERED BY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES CONNECTED WITH BANKS BEING SO ON-LENT.
♦DEVICES SUCH AS THESE MUST STOP BUT EQUALLY WELL THE CONDITIONS WHICH GIVE RISE TO THEM MUST BE PUT RIGHT,♦ HE SAID.
TO QUALIFY LICENSED STATUS, MR SWAINE SAID, A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY WHICH IS A SUBSIDIARY OR ASSOCIATE OF A LICENSED BANK MUST SATISFY THE REQUIREMENT THAT IT IS WIDELY RECOGNISED AS AN ENTITY IN ITS OWN RIGHT AND HAS A SEPARATE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE AT EXECUTIVE LEVELS.
♦THIS ADDITIONAL CRITERION IS WELCOME BECAUSE IT SERVES TO UNDERSCORE THE DETERMINATION THAT THE INTEREST RATE AGREEMENT SHOULD BE UPHELD AND SHOULD NOT BE CIRCUMVENTED BY A BANK, THROUGH A CORPORATE ALTER EGO, COMPETING FOR FUNDS OUTSIDE THE INTEREST RATE AGREEMENT,♦ HE ADDED.
THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG ALSO COMMENTED ON THE BILLS.
HE NOTED THAT ONE OF THE TWO REASONS GIVEN BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY FOR CREATING A NEW THREE-TIER STRUCTURE FOR DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES WAS TO ENSURE THAT AN EFFECTIVE INTEREST RATE AGREEMENT WAS AVAILABLE AS AN INSTRUMENT OF GOVERNMENT’S MONETARY POLICY.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY CLAIMED THAT THIS WAS +THE ONLY MEANS AT OUR DISPOSAL TO INFLUENCE THE GROWTH RATE OF THE MONEY SUPPLY* THROUGH ♦VARIATIONS IN THE LEVELS OF INTEREST RATES*.
BUT MR CHEONG BELIEVED THAT, IN OUR CIRCUMSTANCES, INTEREST RATE VARIATIONS ALONE WILL NOT HAVE THE DESIRED EFFECT ON CURTAILING THE GROWTH RATE OF MONEY SUPPLY AND THAT IT IS NOT THE ONLY MEANS AT OUR DISPOSAL TO INFLUENCE MONEY SUPPLY.
♦ANOTHER FEASIBLE REGULATOR OF MONEY SUPPLY IS CHANGES IN THE MINIMUM LIQUIDITY RATIOS OF ALL DEPOSIT-TAKING INSTITUTIONS,♦ HE SUGGESTED.
♦THE POWER TO EFFECT SUCH CHANGES DEFINITELY LIES WITH THE GOVERNMENT.*
THE SECOND REASON GIVEN BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY FOR THE REFORMS WAS TO AVOID DE-STABIL 12 ING INFLUENCES THAT WOULD ♦UNDERMINE THE GENERAL STABILITY OF OUR MONETARY SYSTEM+.
HOWEVER, MR CHEONG EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE VERY ELEMENTS OF THE THREE-TIER STRUCTURE, IF NOT MONITORED CAREFULLY, MAY IN THEMSELVES LEAD TO DE-STABILIZI NG INFLUENCES OF OUR MONETARY SYSTEM.
/under the ....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1981
5
UNDER THE BILLS. HE SAID, DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WOULD BE PROHIBITED FROM ACCEPTING DEPOSITS WITH AN ORIGINAL TERM TO MATURITY OF UNDER THREE MONTHS AND UNDER $500 000, BUT NO STATISTICS HAVE BEEN COLLECTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO ASSESS WHAT PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL INTO THIS CATEGORY.
♦WHILST I APPRECIATE THAT THESE STATISTICS WOULD FLUCTUATE ACCORDING TO INTEREST RATE EXPECTATIONS AND THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO JUDGE TO WHAT EXTENT A 90-DAY MARKET FOR DEPOSITS OF BETWEEN $50 000 AND $500 000 WOULD DEVELOP, I DO NOT CONSIDER THIS TO BE SUFFICIENT JUSTIFICATION FOR NOT HAVING EVEN ATTEMPTED TO UNDERTAKE THIS STATISTICAL ANALYSIS.
♦CERTAINLY, GIVEN THE TENDENCY FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO BORROW SHORT AND LEND LONG, IT IS LIKELY THAT SOME, AT LEAST, WILL FACE SEVERE PROBLEMS AS THE CHOKING PROCESS TAKES EFFECT ON THEIR SOURCES OF SHORT TERM FUNDS.♦
ALTHOUGH A TRANSITIONAL PERIOD OF 24 MONTHS HAS BEEN PROPOSED, l*R CHEONG FEARED THAT THIS CHOKING EFFECT COULD GENERATE UNDESIRABLE DE-STABILIZING INFLUENCES IN PART OF THE MONETARY SECTOR.
HE THEREFORE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO MONITOR THE SITUATION CAREFULLY AND NOT TO SHUT THE DOOR TO POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS OF THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD IF REQUIRED.
QUOTING ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF POSSIBLE DE-STABIL IZI NG INFLUENCES, MR CHEONG POINTED OUT THAT A NUMBER OF SMALL LOCAL LICENSED BANKS HAVE ACCESS THROUGH THEIR DTC SUBSIDIARIES AND OUTSIDE THE CONTEXT OF THE INTEREST RATE AGREEMENT TO COMPETE FAIRLY FOR DEPOSITS INCLUDING THOSE OF OVER $500 000 AND WITH AN ORIGINAL TERM TO MATURITY OF UNDER THREE MONTHS.
HE SAID« +THESE DTC SUBSIDIARIES EXIST LARGELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF GARNERING FUNDS FOR ON-LENDING TO THEIR PARENT BANKS.
♦WHEN THESE TWO BILLS COME INTO EFFECT, THESE DTCS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR LICENSED STATUS AND THE PARENT BANKS INVOLVED WILL BE PLACED AT A SUBSTANTIAL DISADVANTAGE TO COMPETE FOR LARGE DEPOSITS OUTSIDE THE INTEREST RATE AGREEMENT VIS A VIS THOSE BANKS WHICH CAN ESTABLISH THEIR OWN LICENSED DTCS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VARIOUS CRITERIA LAID DOWN.+
HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO EXAMINE URGENTLY THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS TYPE OF DEPOSIT AS A SOURCE OF FUNDING TO THE SMALL LICENSED BANKS.
DEPENDING ON THE OUTCOME OF THIS ASSESSMENT, HE ADDED, THERE MAY WELL BE A STRONG CASE FOR ABANDONING THE INTEREST RATE AGREEMENT FOR DEPOSITS EXCEEDING S500 000.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1981
6
INLAND REVENUE (NO. 2) BILL PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) INTRODUCED AMENDMENTS TO THE INLAND REVENUE AMENDMENT (NO. 2) BILL 1981 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
ONE OF THE AMENDMENTS WAS TO ACHIEVE TWO PURPOSESi FIRSTLY, TO MAKE CLEAR THAT GAINS OR PROFITS ARISING FROM TRANSACTIONS IN CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT OR BILLS OF EXCHANGE BE CHARGEABLE TO PROFITS TAX ONLY WHERE THERE ARE GAINS OR PROFITS IN RESPECT OF THE FUNDS OF THE TRADE, PROFESSION OR BUSINESS CONCERNED AND SECONDLY TO GIVE THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE STATUTORY AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE A MARKET VALUE FOR CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT OR BILLS OF EXCHANGE AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON A SPECIFIED DATE, NAMELY, MARCH 31, 1981.
ANOTHER AMENDMENT WAS TO ENSURE THERE IS NO QUESTION OF DOUBLE TAXATION, ONCE UNDER INTEREST TAX AND THE OTHER UNDER PROFITS TAX. THIS AMENDMENT ALSO CATERS FOR THE SITUATION WHERE, EXCEPTIONALLY, THE ACCEPTOR RATHER THAN THE DRAWER OF A BILL OF EXCHANGE RECEIVES THE MONIES ON THE FIRST SALE OR OTHER DISPOSAL OF THE INSTRUMENT.
IT ALSO GIVES STATUTORY AUTHORITY TO THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE TO ENABLE HIM TO ESTABLISH MARKET VALUES FOR CERTIFICATES OF
DEPOSIT OR BILLS OF EXCHANGE AT MARCH 31, 1981 SO AS TO REMOVE
FROM THE BILL THE ALLEGED ELEMENT OF RETROSPECTIVITY FOR SURPLUSES SUBJECT TO INTEREST TAX, IN THE SAME WAY AS IT HAS BEEN REMOVED IN
RESPECT OF GAINS OR PROFITS SUBJECT TO PROFITS TAX.
IN REPLY TO THE HON DAVID NEWBIGG ING’S CALL FOR SOME REASSURANCE TO THE UNIT TRUST INDUSTRY. SIR PHILIP SAID, THE ONLY ASSURANCE HE COULD GIVE WAS THAT UNIT TRUSTS WHICH TRADE IN SHARES INCUR A TAX LIABILITY.
♦PERHAPS, HOWEVER, HE AND THE INDUSTRY MAY GLEAN SOME COMFORT FROM THE THOUGHT THAT, IN THE COMMISSIONER’S VIEW, UNIT TRUSTS GENERALLY DO NOT TRADE, ALTHOUGH SOME DO SOMETIMES,♦ SIR PHILIP SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ONLY FOUR UNIT TRUSTS HAD BEEN ASSESSED RECENTLY: EACH WAS A PROTECTIVE ASSESSMENT FOR YEARS OF ASSESSMENT WHICH WOULD HAVE BECOME TIME-BARRED, EACH WAS THE SUBJECT OF OBJECTIONS AND IT WAS STILL OPEN TO EACH TO SHOW THAT IT HAD NOT BEEN TRADING IN SHARES.
THE BILL WAS PASSED WITH THESE AMENDMENTS IN THE COUNCIL TODAY.
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/7
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1981
7
TWO-YEAR LAW REVIEW BEHIND STAMP DUTY BILL * * *
THE STAMP DUTY BILL, WHICH WAS APPROVED WITH SOME AMENDMENTS AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, WAS THE RESULT OF A CONSIDERABLE LAW REVISION EXERCISE OVER A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS AND WAS A COMPREHENSIVE PIECE OF LEGISLATION WHICH CONSOLIDATED AND UPDATED THE EXISTING ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID.
REFERRING TO A POINT RAISED BY THE HON JOHN SWA INE, THAT HE WAS DISPOSED TO OFFER RELIEF FOR FUND MANAGERS IN UNIT TRUSTS WHO BUY AND SELL UNITS WITHIN A SPECIFIED PERIOD, HE SAID THAT SUBJECT TO FURTHER RESEARCH, AN AMENDING BILL WOULD BE INTRODUCED LATER THIS YEAR, BEFORE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PART IV OF THE NEW PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE.
♦THE PRECISE FORM OF THE RELIEF WILL NEED TO BE WORKED OUT CAREFULLY. HAVING REGARD TO THE PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES OF THE UNIT TRUST INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
REPLYING TO A POINT MADE BY THE HON DAVID NEWBIGGING WITH REGARD TO CONSULTATION, SIR PHILIP SAID THAT THERE WAS CONSULTATION WITH THE LAW SOCIETY ON THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF THE BILL, AND THERE WOULD SHORTLY BE CONSULTATION WITH THE UNIT TRUST INDUSTRY ON PROCEDURAL MATTERS.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAIDi ♦HOWEVER, I COULD NOT POSSIBLY AGREE THAT THERE SHOULD BE CONSULTATION WITH INTERESTED PARTIES PRIOR TO THE PUBLICATION OF PROPOSALS FOR TAX REFORM.
♦WHILST THE BILL IS LARGELY A CONSOLIDATION EXERCISE, THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO UNIT TRUSTS INVOLVE REFORM, NAMELY, THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW IMPOST, ALBEIT ONE THAT DOES NO MORE THAN TO PLACE UNIT TRUST HOLDERS IN A SIMILAR POSITION TO THAT CF ALL OTHER PERSONS WHO BUY AND SELL SHARES.
♦TO CONCEDE THAT FISCAL PROPOSALS SHOULD BE THE SUBJECT CF ADVANCE NOTICE AND PRIOR CONSULTATION WITH INTERESTED PARTIES WOULD BE TO PROCEED ALONG A SLIPPERY PATH INDEED AND TO RENDER THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS QUITE INTERMINABLE.*
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/8......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1981
8
IMPORTANT CHANGES TO RATING LAW
* * * *
THE RATING (AMENDMENT) BILL WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY WITH SEVERAL AMENDMENTS.
THE CHANGES WERE RECOMMENDED BY THE LEGISLATION SCRUTINY GROUP OF UNOFFICIALS AFTER A MEETING WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
GROUP CONVENER, THE HON PETER C. WONG, SAID DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE THAT SOME OF THE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED IN THE BILL REPRESENT IMPORTANT CHANGES TO RATING LAW AND PRACTICE WHILE OTHERS ARE OF A RELATIVELY MINOR NATURE TO CLARIFY THE LAW AND TO ENSURE THAT IT ACCORDS WITH MODERN PRACTICES.
APART FROM THE AGREED CHANGES, HE SAID, THREE OTHER POINTS DESERVE MENTION.
THE FIRST POINT RELATES TO THE PROPOSED EXTENSION OF THE CURRENT TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD OF BACK-DATING INTERIM VALUATIONS TO 24 MONTHS.
SUBJECT TO A TRANSITIONAL PROVISION, THE EFFECT OF THE EXTENSION IS TO PREVENT ANY DEMANDS FOR MORE THAN 12 MONTHS BACK RATES BEING ISSUED UNTIL AFTER DECEMBER 1981.
THEREAFTER THE MAXIMUM BACK-DATING PERIOD WILL BE GRADUALLY INCREASED UNTIL DECEMBER 1982 AFTER WHICH THE FULL 24 MONTHS BACK-DATING WILL BE POSSIBLE, HE SAID.
+IT IS NOT GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO RELY UPON THE ADDITIONAL PERIOD FOR BACK-DATING AS A MATTER OF ROUTINE.
♦UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES PROPERTIES WILL BE ASSESSED SO THAT INTERIM DEMANDS ARE ISSUED FOR NOT MORE THAN 12 MONTHS RATES.
♦THE PROPOSED ADDITIONAL PERIOD IS FOR THE PROTECTION OF REVENUE DURING OCCASIONAL PERIODS OF PRESSURE WHEN THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT IS HARD PRESSED FOR SOME REASON E.G. DUE TO A GENERAL REVALUATION,♦ MR WONG SAID.
HE ALSO REVEALED THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION UNDERTOOK TO CONSIDER, AFTER THE NEXT REVALUATION EXERCISE, WHETHER THE EXEMPTION FROM RATES IN RESPECT OF TENEMENTS WITH A RATEABLE VALUE NOT EXCEEDING $200 SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE THOSE WITH A HIGHER RATEABLE VALUE.
BUT, HE ADDED, IT APPEARS THAT THE PROPOSED EXEMPTION CEILING OF $200 MAY BE RAISED.
AS TO THE QUESTION OF WHETHER SQUATTERS SHOULD PAY RATES, bR WONG FELT THAT THERE ARE DOUBTS AS TO WHETHER ILLEGAL BUILDINGS ON CROWN LAND ARE +TENEMENTS+ AS DEFINED IN THE RATING ORDINANCE.
THERE WOULD ALSO BE A NUMBER OF DIFFICULTIES IN TRYING TO ASSESS SQUATTERS AND RATES PAYABLE FOR MANY SMALL SQUATTER STRUCTURES MIGHT BE SUCH AS TO MAKE COLLECTION UNECONOMIC.
/IN addition ...
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1981
9
IN ADDITION, THERE ARE MORE REMUNERATIVE TASKS TO WHICH SCARCE STAFF RESOURCES IN THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT CAN BE PUT, MR WONG ADDED.
REFERRING TO MR WONG’S COMMENTS ON THE BACK-DATING OF INTERIM VALUATIONS. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THAT WHILE MR WONG’S INTERPRETATION OF THE POLICY CHANGE PROPOSED IN CLAUSE 19 IS CORRECT IN SUBSTANCE, +1 WOULD GO NO FURTHER THAN TO SAY THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION WILL ENDEAVOUR TO ASSESS NEW PREMISES TO RATES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOLLOWING COMPLETION.
♦SECONDLY, I CONFIRM THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE PREPARED TO REVIEW THE MINIMUM RATEABLE VALUE FIGURE IN THE COURSE OF THE NEXT GENERAL REVALUATION, WHENEVER THAT MAY BE, BUT THE PURPOSE OF HAVING THE MINIMUM FIGURE IS ADMINISTRATIVE CONVENIENCE.
♦IT IS NOT INTENDED, IN ITSELF, TO PROVIDE A MEASURE OF EXEMPTION FOR SMALL TENEMENTS ON SOCIAL OR OTHER GROUNDS.♦
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INCREASES ALLOWED TO BRING RENTS CLOSER TO MARKET LEVEL *****
RENT INCREASES FOR PREWAR DOMESTIC AND BUSINESS PREMISES ARE ALLOWED SO AS TO BRING THE RENTS OF THESE PREMISES CLOSER TO MARKET LEVEL UNDER A MOTION ADOPTED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE MOTION SOUGHT TO INCREASE THE PERMITTED RENTS OF
PREWAR DOMESTIC PREMISES FROM THE EXISTING LEVEL OF SIX TIMES THE
STANDARD RENT (I.E. RENT PASSING IN 1941) TO EIGHT TIMES AND
THAT OF PREWAR BUSINESS PREMISES FROM 12 TO 18 TIMES THE STANDARD RENT PROVIDED THAT THE PREMITTED RENT DID NOT EXCEED THE FAIR MARKET RENT.
MOVING THE MOTION IN THE COUNCIL TODAY, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON DONALD LIAO SAID THE RELAXATION WOULD RESULT IN AN AVERAGE INCREASE OF LESS THAN $100 A MONTH FOR A DOMESTIC PREMISES USUALLY SHARED BY THREE FAMILIES, BRINGING THE RENT FROM ABOUT 21 PER CENT TO 27 PER CENT OF ITS MARKET RENT. ABOUT 4 200 IN PREWAR BUILDINGS ARE LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED.
DOMESTIC UNITS
ON PREWAR BUSINESS PREMISES, MR LIAO SAID THE AVERAGE INCREASE FOR A TYPICAL COMMERCIAL GROUND TENEMENT FLOOR WOULD BE ABOUT $540 A MONTH, BRINGING THE RENT FROM ABOUT 27 PER CENT TO 38 PER CENT OF ITS FAIR MARKET RENT. ABOUT 1 800 BUSINESS UNITS ARE LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED.
UNDER THIS MOTION, LANDLORDS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SERVE AT LEAST ONE MONTH’S NOTICE OF THE INCREASED RENTS TO THEIR TENANTS. IN THE CASE OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS, ANY INCREASE IN RENT WILL BE OFFSET BY INCREASES IN RENT ALLOWANCES UP TO THE PERMITTED MAXIMA.
/MR i.IAO .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1?81
10
MR LIAO SAID THE INCREASES WERE SMALL IN ACTUAL CASH TERMS AND REPRESENTED ANOTHER SMALL STEP IN GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF LOOSENING THESE RIGID AND OUTDATED CONTROLS WHICH HAD BEEN IN FORCE FOR OVER 30 YEARS.
HE RECALLED THAT IN NOVEMBER 1978, THE GOVERNMENT AGREED TO PURSUE A POLICY OF ALLOWING ANNUAL INCREASES IN THE PERMITTED RENTS OF PREWAR PREMISES IN ORDER TO MITIGATE THE RESTRICTIVE NATURE OF THE STATIC RENT CONTROLS. AND IT WAS THE DECLARED POLICY OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DECONTROL PREWAR BUSINESS PREMISES ON JULY 1, 1984.
HE SAID DESPITE THE ANNUAL INCREASES SINCE 1976, AVERAGE PERMITTED RENTS OF BUSINESS PREMISES SUBJECT TO CONTROL STILL STOOD AT ABOUT 27 PER CENT OF FAIR MARKET RENTS WHILE THOSE OF DOMESTIC PREMISES AT ABOUT 21 PER CENT OF FAIR MARKET RENTS.
♦THIS IS DUE TO THE VERY LOW BASE ON WHICH RENT INCREASES ARE CALCULATED AND TO INCREASED MARKET RENTAL LEVELS OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS. UNLESS FURTHER INCREASES ARE ALLOWED, THE GAP BETWEEN EXISTING RENTS AND MARKET RENTS IS NOT LIKELY TO BE REDUCED,+ HE SAID.
THERE ARE 11 000 UNITS IN PREWAR BUILDINGS. OF THESE 5 000 ARE EITHER OCCUPIED BY OWNERS, SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED FROM CONTROLS OR LET AT RENTS AT OR APPROACHING MARKET LEVELS. THE RESOLUTION ADOPTED HAS LITTLE EFFECT ON RENTS PAYABLE BY TENANTS OF PREMISES WHICH ARE NOT SUBJECT TO CONTROLS.
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IMMIGRATION BILL BECOMES LAW * * * *
„ .It!E 'MMIGRATfON (AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH INTRODUCES DETERRENTS j? ^r^^A?rv^i5N^[u^^Y:EsETTLEMENT ofeers- p«sE»
DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR ^CURITY THE hon LEWIS DAV,ES’ M0VED A M,N°R amendment TO THE BILL WHICH WILL ENABLE THE COUNCIL TO DELETE OR ADD TO THE LIST CF DOCUMENTS USED AS PROOF OF IDENTITY.
UNDER THE BILL, VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WHO CONTRAVENE THEIR CONDITIONS OF STAY ARE LIABLE TO DETENTION FOR UP TO 28 DAYS AND MAY BE REFUSED PERMISSION TO WORK.
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/11 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1981
11
BILL SEEKS HIGHER PENALTY FOR MARINE LITTERING *****
A BILL WAS INTRODUCED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PROVIDING FOR AN INCREASED PENALTY OF $5 OOO AND SIX MONTHS IMPRISONMENT FOR MARINE LITTERING.
IN INTRODUCING THE SUMMARY OFFENCES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1981, WHICH WAS ALSO GIVEN A SECOND READING, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON DEREK JONES, SAID THAT WHILE THE PENALTY MIGHT SEEM HIGH, IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT IT SHOULD BE SET AT A LEVEL *NOT ONLY TO DEMONSTRATE THE SERIOUSNESS WITH WHICH THIS OFFENCE IS VIEWED, BUT ALSO TO ACT AS A SUFFICIENT DETERRENT.*
MR JONES EXPLAINED THAT THE BILL REFINES EXISTING MEASURES FOR CONTROLLING LITTERING IN PUBLIC PLACES AND AT THE SAME TIME MAKES SPECIFIC PROVISION FOR A NEW MARINE LITTERING OFFENCE.
HE SAID THE BILL WOULD MAKE IT AN OFFENCE TO DEPOSIT LITTER INTO HONG KONG WATERS, OR TO LEAVE LITTER IN ANY PLACE WHERE IT WOULD BE LIKELY TO BE SWEPT BY THE TIDE INTO THE SEA. THIS IS INTENDED TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM OF SUCH MATERIAL AS SCRAP TIMBER FROM BOAT OR TIMBER YARDS WHICH IS FREQUENTLY LEFT ON THE TIDE LINE AND ALLOWED TO DRIFT INTO THE WATER.
IT IS ALSO PROPOSED THAT, APART FROM THE ACTUAL OFFENDER, LIABILITY FOR THIS OFFENCE WILL BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE THE OWNER OR MASTER OF THE VESSEL OR THE PROPRIETOR OR OCCUPIER OF THE ESTABLISHMENT FROM WHICH SUCH WASTE EMANATES SO AS TO ENCOURAGE HIM TO PROVIDE PROPER DISPOSAL ARRANGEMENTS.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES THAT IT SHALL BE A DEFENCE IF A PERSON CHARGED UNDER THESE EXTENDED LIABILITIES CAN PROVE THAT THE OFFENCE OCCURRED DUE TO AN ACCIDENT, OR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND HIS CONTROL, AND THAT ALL REASONABLE PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT ITS OCCURRENCE HAD BEEN TAKEN.
♦FINALLY, THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE PENALTY FOR THE OFFENCE OF MARINE LITTERING TO BE INCREASED TO $5 000 AND SIX MONTHS IMPRISONMENT. WHILE THIS MAY SEEM HIGH, IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THE PENALTY SHOULD BE SET AT A LEVEL NOT ONLY TO DEMONSTRATE THE SERIOUSNESS WITH WHICH THIS OFFENCE IS VIEWED, BUT ALSO TO ACT AS A SUFFICIENT DETERRENT.♦
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1981
12
BILL ON OPERATION OF ROPEWAY INTRODUCED * * * *
THE PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF AN AERIAL ROPEWAY WOULD BE PLACED ON ITS OWNER UNDER THE AERIAL ROPEWAYS (SAFETY)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON DEREK JONES, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR JONES SAID THE DEFINITION OF ♦OWNER* WOULD BE MADE CLEAR TO INCLUDE THE LESSEE, HIRER OR MANAGER OF A ROPEWAY.
UNDER THE AMENDMENTS, CRIMINAL LIABILITY WOULD BE IMPOSED ON AN OWNER WHO OPERATED A ROPEWAY IN AN UNSAFE CONDITION OR IN A DANGEROUS MANNER. AN OWNER WOULD ALSO BE LIABLE FOR BREACHES OF REGULATIONS BY PERSONS EMPLOYED BY HIM TO CONTROL, OPERATE, OR MAINTAIN THE ROPEWAY.
A NEW CLAUSE WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WHICH WOULD SHIFT THE ONUS OF PROOF ONTO DIRECTORS OR OFFICERS OF COMPANIES TO REQUIRING THEM TO PROVE THAT AN OFFENCE WAS COMMITTED WITHOUT THEIR CONSENT OR CONNIVANCE.
THE BILL EXPANDS EXISTING PROVISION WITH REGARD TO SAFETY, SO THAT REQUIREMENTS MAY TAKE INTO ACCOUNT PERSONS WHO ARE IN THE VICINITY OF A ROPEWAY, AS WELL AS PERSONS USING OR OPERATING IT.
IT ALSO SEEKS TO INCREASE PENALTIES UNDER THE ORDINANCE AND ANY REGULATIONS TO A LEVEL WHICH WILL BE A PROPER. DETERRENT. THE PRINCIPAL CHANGE IS TO INCREASE THE PENALTIES FOR OFFENCES BY AN OWNER WHICH DIRECTLY ENDANGER SAFETY TO A FINE OF $50 000, IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS, AND A DAILY PENALTY OF $1 000.
THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES WHICH MAY BE PRESCRIBED BY REGULATIONS WOULD BE INCREASED TO THE SAME LEVEL FROM THE PRESENT LEVEL OF A "INE OF $2 000 AND SIX MONTHS IMPRISONMENT.
DEBATE ON th£ BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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ROAD MAINTENANCE IS ADEQUATE
* * *
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON JACK STEAN, SAID TODAY HE BELIEVED THE HIGHWAYS SYSTEM THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY WAS ON THE WHOLE MAINTAINED IN AN ADEQUATE STATE OF REPAIR THOUGH THERE WAS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LYDIA DUNN IN THE LEGILATIVE COUNCIL.
MR STEAN SAID, ♦THE TASK OF MAINTAINING THE HIGHWAYS SYSTEM, WHICH FALLS ON THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, IS ONE OF INCREASING DIFF ICULTY.+
/♦IN THE.....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1981
13
♦IN THE CALENDAR YEARS 1979 AND 1980, THE NUMBER VEHICLES REGISTERED ROSE FROM 235 000 TO 304 000 AND WE NOW HAVE 272 VEHICLES FOR EVERY KILOMETRE OF ROAD IN HONG KONG.+ HE ADDED.
♦COUPLED WITH THIS VERY HIGH DENSITY OF TRAFFIC, THERE IS A TREND TOWARDS HEAVIER VEHICLES WHICH OF COURSE GENERALLY MEANS HEAVIER AXLE LOADINGS AND BOTH OF THESE FACTORS OBVIOUSLY INCREASE THE RATE OF DETERIORATION OF THE ROADS.
♦ADDITIONALLY, BECAUSE OF THE HIGH VOLUME OF TRAFFIC FLOW ON OUR ROADS THE DIFFICULTIES OF GAINING ADEQUATE TIME AND SPACE TO PROPERLY CARRY OUT ROAD REPAIR WORKS HAVE BEEN EXACERBATED.*
MR STEAN POINTED OUT THAT THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE WAS ATTEMPTING TO MITIGATE THESE PROBLEMS BY IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF MATERIALS USED IN ROAD WORKS AND BY INTRODUCING NEW TECHNIQUES AND MECHANICAL PLANT INTO HIGHWAYS WORKS.
♦HOWEVER,♦ HE CONTINUED, ♦THERE ARE STAFF SHORTAGES, PARTICULARLY AT THE TECHNICAL LEVEL WHICH RESTRICT THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OVERALL CAPACITY FOR WORK INCLUDING ROAD REPAIR WORKS.
♦THE MOST CRITICAL SHORTAGE IS IN THE WORKS SUPERVISOR GRADE WHERE THE VACANCY RATE IS 35 PER CENT.*
WHILE HE BELIEVED THAT THE OVERALL PICTURE WAS NOT REALLY A BAD ONE, MR STEAN ASSURED MISS DUNN THAT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WAS NOT COMPLACENT AND WOULD EXERT ITS BEST EFFORTS TO IMPROVE ON THE PRESENT SITUATION.
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GOVERNMENT NOT PARTY TO CONTRACTS ft ft ft ft
ta a InL^A?ETARY F0R S0CIAL SERVICES, THE HON E.P. HO, IN REPLY ANDREW SO WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER MAKING FUNDS AVAILABLE TO ALLOW VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND SUBSIDISED SCHOOLS TO IMPROVE THE CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF THE IR BYAFF AJ*D To BR,NG THEM M0RE ,N L,NE with those offered to civil SERyANTS, SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT A PARTY TO THE CONTRACTS OF EMPLOYMENT BETWEEN A VOLUNTARY AGENCY AND ITS STAFF.
AIDED SCHOOLS, TO APPROVED POLICIES,*
♦ INSOFAR AS THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC FUNDS FOR THE USE OF c?*c,NIA!Y AGENC,ES ,s CONCERNED, THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY IS TO ENABLE SUCH SUBVENTED AGENCIES, INCLUDING MAINTAIN SERVICES AT AGREED LEVELS WITHIN M? HO SAID.
IT IS A PRINCIPLE OF THIS SUBVENTION MUST NOT USE THE SUBVENTIONS THEY RECEIVE
T° TH0SE 0F THE,R STAFF HAVING SIMILAR
S r v FAI«v!i.TcNDuc°J*(?nC0MPARABLE W0RK» AS SPECIFIC CLASSES Lr LiviL otKVANlOj He SAID.
POLICY THAT AIDED BODIES TO GIVE BETTER SALARIES
.„™i!Y/?PLICAT,0N BY A SUBVERTED AGENCY FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO IMPROVE THE CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF ITS STAFF WILL HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THESE CRITERIA,* MR HO SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1981
14
TOO MANY CHILDREN FOR ESTATE SCHOOL PLACES ft ft ft ft ft ft ft
THERE IS AN INADEQUATE PROVISION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACES IN TAI HING ESTATE BECAUSE OF THE EXTRAORDINARILY LARGE NUMBER OF YOUNG CHILDREN LIVING IN THE ESTATE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, W DAVID AKERS-JONES, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY MR HO KAM-FAI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
♦ ABOUT 36 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL POPULATION OF TAI HING ARE BELOW THE AGE OF NINE, AND THIS IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE UNUSUALLY HIGH NUMBER OF YOUNG FAMILIES WHO FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER ARE ATTRACTED TO LIVE IN TUEN MUN,* MR AKERS-JONES SAID.
PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACES IN ALL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WERE PROVIDED ON A YARDSTICK OF ONE CLASSROOM FOR EVERY 850 PEOPLE, HE SAID.
♦ THIS STANDARD OF PROVISION MAKES CERTAIN ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT THE POPULATION STRUCTURE AND WE HAVE FOUND BY EXPERIENCE THAT THIS STANDARD IS ADEQUATE.
♦ THE SITUATION IN TAI HING IS EXCEPTIONAL FOR THE REASONS EXPLAINED.
♦HOWEVER I AM GLAD TO REPORT THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE IMMEDIATE PROBLEM IN TAI HING BY USING OTHER SCHOOL PREMISES IN THE VICINITY,* MR AKERS-JONES SAID.
A LONGER-TERM SOLUTION WOULD BE THE PROVISION OF MORE SCHOOL PREMISES WITHIN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD.
♦THE TAI HING SITUATION HAS ALERTED US TO A SITUATION WHICH MAY CROP UP ELSEWHERE, AND I WILL BE MEETING WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE TO DECIDE WHAT ADJUSTMENTS MAY BE NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE PROVISION OF FACILITIES TO MATCH THE SIZE AND STRUCTURE OF THE POPULATION IF THIS SHOWS SIGNS OF HAPPENING ELSEWHERE,♦ HE SAID.
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BASIC FACILITIES PROVIDED IN MOST SQUATTER AREAS ft ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS THAT BASIC FACILITIES SHOULD BE PROVIDED IN EXISTING LONG-STANDING SQUATTER AREAS, AND INDEED MOST OF THEM HAVE FACILITIES OF ONE SORT OR ANOTHER, THE DIRECTOR CF HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON WONG LAM AS TO WHAT PLAN THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO IMPROVE BASIC FACILITIES IN THE EXISTING SQUATTER AREAS MR BARNES SAID SINCE 1975 MORE THAN 80 AREAS IN THE URBAN AREAS HAD BEEN PROVIDED WITH A LEGAL SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY AND ANOTHER 20 WOULD BE ADDED TO THESE SOON.
/mors than ....
WEDNESDAY, iAY 27, 1?81
15
MORE THAN 185 AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ALREADY HAD A SUPPLY, HE ADDED.
AS REGARDS WATER, MR BARNES SAID THE MAJORITY OF SQUATTERS HAD REASONABLY RELIABLE MAINS SUPPLY BUT MANY WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEIR SUPPLY SYSTEMS IMPROVED AND A VERY SMALL NUMBER WERE SITUATED IN PLACES WHERE IMPROVEMENT WAS PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT.
BUT A SYSTEMATIC PROGRAMME OF PROVISION OF MAINS WATER, MOSTLY THROUGH STANDPIPES, HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT, OVER MANY YEARS AND THIS WOULD CONTINUE.
AS FOR REFUSE COLLECTION, SANITATION AND THE PROVISION OF ACCESS ROADS AND PATHS TO FACILITATE CLEANSING, MR BARNES SAID: ♦IMPROVEMENT IS MADE DIFFICULT BY THE VERY DISORGANISED NATURE OF SQUATTER AREAS. WHETHER THEY ARE CLOSELY PACKED TOGETHER OR SOMEWHAT SCATTERED, THE SAME QUESTION ARISES: WHERE CAN FACILITIES SUCH AS REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS AND TOILETS ACTUALLY BE SITED SO THAT NOT ONLY WILL THEY BE USED BY RESIDENTS, BUT THEY WILL ALSO HAVE REASONABLE ACCESS FOR REFUSE AND NIGHTSOIL COLLECT ION.♦
FOR THE SAME REASON, SQUATTER AREAS COULD BE VERY DIFFICULT PLACES TO KEEP CLEAN BY SWEEPING, HE SAID.
♦NEVERTHELESS, AS THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS MADE CLEAR TO THE COUNCIL ON APRIL 8, IT IS THE INTENTION TO PROVIDE MORE OF THESE TYPES OF THE FACILITY WHEREVER WE CAN,+ HE ADDED.
MR BARNES POINTED OUT THE GREATEST CURRENT PROBLEM IN MANY OF THE LONG-STANDING SQUATTER AREAS WAS THAT THE FACILITIES, SUCH AS THEY WERE, HAD BEEN OVER-LOADED BY INCREASES OF POPULATION.
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SQUATTER CONTROL OPERATIONS TO BE STEPPED UP
* * * *
PLANS ARE IN HAND TO REINFORCE THE SQUATTER CONTROL EFFORT IN CERTAIN AREAS, FOR EXAMPLE EAST KOWLOON, WHERE SQUATTING PRESSURE IS PARTICULARLY ACUTE.
THIS WAS SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR DONALD LIAO, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON WONG LAM, ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS TO CURB ILLEGAL SQUATTING.
HE ADDED: ♦HOWEVER, GIVEN THAT RESOURCES ARE LIMITED, PRIORITY FOR CONTROL MUST BE GIVEN TO AREAS OF CROWN LAND SCHEDULED FOR DEVELOPMENT.
♦SQUATTER CONTROL STAFF PATROL DAILY, INCLUDING WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, WITH A VIEW TO PREVENTING NEW SQUATTING AND DEMOLISHING ANY NEW STRUCTURES DISCOVERED, EITHER UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR COMPLETED.
/♦WELL OVEB.....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1?81
16
♦ WELL OVER 2 OOO HUTS ARE DEMOLISHED EACH MONTH BY THESE TEAMS.
♦ IN ADDITION TO REGULAR PATROLLING AND DEMOLITION, THE POLICE FORCE, WORKING TOGETHER WITH HOUSING DEPARTMENT STAFF, WILL CONTINUE TO ARREST AND PROSECUTE PEOPLE FOUND BUILDING HUTS.
♦ IN THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, NEARLY 1 400 PEOPLE WERE CHARGED, MANY SUBSTANTIAL FINES WERE IMPOSED, AND OVER 70 WERE SENTENCED TO TERMS OF IMPRISONMENT FOR SUCH OFFENCES,* HE SAID.
MR LIAO ADDED THAT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF SQUATTER CONTROL THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES WOULD ALSO PASS TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT LATER THIS YEAR.
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POLICY ON PATIENT TRANSFERS WORKS WELL ft ft ft ft
THE POLICY OF TRANSFERRING PATIENTS BETWEEN HOSPITALS IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF REGIONALISATION OF MEDICAL SERVICES AND HAS WORKED WELL IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS SINCE THE REGIONALISATION SCHEME WAS FIRST INTRODUCED.
THIS WAS STATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR THE HON K.L. THONG WHO ALSO SAID THE POLICY HAD CONTRIBUTED MUCH TO THE OBJECTIVE OF BETTER AND MORE OPTIMUM USE OF THE HOSPITAL FACILITIES TO THE BENEFITS OF ALL CONCERNED.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LYDIA DUNN, DR THONG SAID THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DOCTORS AND NURSING STAFF LOOKING AFTER TRANSFERRED PATIENTS WERE CLEARLY DEFINED. ♦THUS, EVEN AFTER A TRANSFER, THE PATIENT CONTINUES TO BE TAKEN CARE OF, UNDER WELL ESTABLISHED ARRANGEMENTS MADE BETWEEN THE ATTENDING PHYSICIANS AND THE NURSING STAFF,♦ HE ADDED.
DR THONG DISCLOSED THAT THE STAFFING IN RESPECT OF NURSES IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS WAS GOVERNED BY A GENERAL APPROVED NURSE AND BED RATIO AS RECOMMENDED BY THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WHICH REVIEWED IT REGULARLY ON AN ANNUAL BASIS.
BUT IN ACTUAL PRACTICE, HE SAID, THIS RATIO MIGHT ALSO BE VARIED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE NURSING OFFICER IN-CHARGE DEPENDING ON FACTORS SUCH AS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIENTS IN THE WARDS, TYPES OF CASES AND THE TURNOVER RATE ETC.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 198.
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DENTAL HOSPITAL GAINS WIDE PRAISE * * * *
THE BILL WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BOARD OF GOVERNORS FOR THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE HON LYDIA DUNN SAID THE IMAGINATIVE AND INNOVATIVE LAYOUT OF THE HOSPITAL AND ITS MODERN FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT HAVE ALREADY DRAWN MUCH PRAISE AND ADMIRATION FROM INTERNATIONAL LEADERS IN DENTISTRY WHO HAVE SO FAR VISITED THE COMPLEX BUILDING.
♦ALL HAVE AGREED THAT, WHEN IT IS FULLY COMMISSIONED AND OPERATIONAL IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, HONG KONG WILL HAVE IN THE PRINCE PHILIP HOSPITAL ONE OF THE MOST MODERN AND BEST EQUIPPED DENTAL HOSPITALS IN THE WORLD,+ SHE SAID.
AS CHAIRMAN OF THE PROVISIONAL BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE HOSPITAL, MISS DUNN NOTED THAT THE HIGH COST OF PROVIDING DENTAL EDUCATION AND THE RELATIVELY LOW PRIORITY ACCORDED TO IT IN MOST COUNTRIES HAVE MEANT THAT EVEN IN THE MOST ADVANCED WESTERN COUNTRIES EXISTING DENTAL SCHOOLS ARE REFURBISHED AND REHOUSED ONLY INFREQUENTLY.
SAID MISS DUNNi +IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, FACILITIES FOR DENTAL EDUCATION USUALLY HAVE TO BE PROVIDED ON AN INCREMENTAL BASIS AND IT TAKES SOME YEARS FOR THE QUALITY OF THEIR DENTAL GRADUATES TO MEET ACCEPTED INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
♦BUT WITH THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL WE WILL NOT ONLY BE INSTITUTING A DENTAL DEGREE COURSE DE NOVE, BUT WILL BE PRODUCING 60 GRADUATES A YEAR HOLDING A QUALIFICATION OF AN INTERNATIONALLY-ACCEPTED STANDARD.♦
SHE SAID HER BOARD WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO RUNNING AN EFFICIENT HOSPITAL IN CLOSE COOPERATION WITH ALL CONCERNED, PARTICULARLY THE ACADEMIC STAFF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
♦ I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE UNIVERSITY’S REPRESENTATIVES ON THE BOARD WILL PUT FORWARD THE ACADEMIC VIEWPOINT FORCEFULLY.
♦ I THINK THAT PRESENTLY ENVISAGED ARRANGEMENTS FOR ADVICE AND CONSULTATION WILL PROVE TO BE PERFECTLY ADEQUATE, BUT THEY CAN ALWAYS BE REVIEWED AND RECONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE,* SHE ADDED.
DR THE HON RAYSON HUANG SHARED THE VIEWS OF MISS DUNN THAT TRAINING OF DENTISTS IS A COMPLETELY NEW ENTERPRISE IN HONG KONG.
IT REQUIRES THE CLOSEST OF PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITY AND THE HOSPITAL BOARD TO ENSURE THAT THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT ARE EFFECTIVELY AND ECONOMICALLY MET, HE SAID.
♦ THE ACADEMIC AND THE LAYMAN MUST UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER’S LEGITIMATE INTERESTS IF WE ARE TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SYSTEM.
/♦IN THIS .......
WEDHESDAX, MAY 27, 1981
18
♦IN THIS, MISS DUNN HAS RIGHTLY SAID, THE UNIVERSITY REPRESENTATION ON THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS, PROPOSED IN THE BILL, IS VERY IMPORTANT, AS IS OF COURSE THE PRESENCE ON THE BOARD OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE HOSPITAL.*
POINTING OUT THAT THE TRAINING OF DENTISTS INVOLVES A CONSIDERABLE RANGE OF IMPORTANT SPECIALISMS, DR HUANG EXPLAINED: ♦THESE SPECIALISMS ARE ORGANISED IN SEPARATE CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS AND UNITS, AND IT IS ESSENTIAL TO RECOGNISE THAT IT IS ON THE TEACHERS IN THESE DEPARTMENTS THAT, IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, THE RESPONSIBILITY RESTS FOR MAINTAINING THOSE INTERNATIONALLY-RECOGNISED STANDARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE HAS ALREADY BEEN MADE.
♦THERE WILL THEREFORE BE A NEED, AS MISS DUNN HAS FORESEEN, FOR THE BOARD TO RECEIVE REGULARLY THE VIEWS AND ADVICE OF THE ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT HEADS ON THOSE MATTERS RELEVANT TO HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT WHICH HAVE FUNDAMENTAL IMPLICATIONS FOR THE TEACHING OF DENTISTS.+
IN WINDING UP THE DEBATE ON THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON E.P. HO THANKED MISS DUNN AND DR HUANG FOR THEIR SUPPORT.
DESPITE THE DELAYS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HOSPITAL, HE SAID, WE HAD BEEN ABLE TO COMPLETE THIS MAJOR AND COMPLEX INSTITUTION IN LESS THAN FIVE YEARS FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE PLANNING PROCESS.
♦I BELIEVE IT IS NOT UNKNOWN FOR COMPARABLE INSTITUTIONS ELSEWHERE TO HAVE TAKEN UP TO 10, OR EVEN 20, YEARS BEFORE COMPLETION. OUR AMAZING PROGRESS HAS BEEN POSSIBLE ONLY BECAUSE CF THE ADAPTABILITY OF OUR PROCEDURES AS WELL AS THE GOODWILL AND HARD WORK OF ALL CONCERNED.♦
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COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR LAND RECORDS LIKELY
* * *
PROPOSALS TO COMPUTERISE LAND OFFICE RECORDS, IF APPROVED, WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED IN ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO TWO YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON DEREK JONES TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER C WONG, MR JONES SAID A STUDY INTO THE COMPUTERISATION OF LAND REGISTER CARDS WOULD BE FINISHED NEXT MONTH AND PROGRESS MADE SO FAR INDICATED THAT A RECOMMENDATION TO DEVELOP A COMPUTER SYSTEM WOULD BE MADE.
♦THE SYSTEM, IF DEVELOPED, WOULD CREATE A COMPUTERISED INDEX OF THE LAND REGISTER TO ENABLE MICROFILMED COPIES OF ANY NEMORIALS TO BE QUICKLY LOCATED AND OBTAINED,♦ HE SAID.
MR JONES SAID TO DATE SOME 600 000 OF THE EXISTING TWO MILLION OR SO MEMORIALS HAD BEEN MICROFILMED AND THE MICROFILMING CF THE REMAINDER COULD TAKE ABOUT ANOTHER THREE YEARS.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1981
19
RAILWAY FREIGHT TRACK BEING UPGRADED
* * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS UPGRADING THE FREIGHT TRACK OF THE RAILWAY TO MAIN LINE STANDARDS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE v HON DEREK JONES SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON S.L. CHEN, MR JONES SAID THE TWO RECENT DERAILMENTS OCCURRED ON FREIGHT ONLY TRACK WHICH, IN ACCORDANCE WITH WORLDWIDE PRACTICE, WAS NOT NORMALLY MAINTAINED TO PASSENGER LINE STANDARDS.
HOWEVER, AS THE FREIGHT TRACK LEADS TO THE MAIN LINE AND THE DERAILMENTS HELD UP MAIN LINE SERVICES, ACTION IS BEING TAKEN TO UPGRADE THE TRACK TO PREVENT A RECURRENCE.
MR CHEN ALSO ASKED WHETHER ANY SPECIAL TRAINING WOULD BE PROVIDED TO STAFF OF THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY TO ENSURE SAFE OPERATION AFTER ITS ELECTRIFICATION.
MR JONES SAID THAT A DETAILED AND COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME HAD BEEN DEVELOPED BY THE KCR MANAGEMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSULTANTS, TRANSMARK, AND HAD BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE MARCH.
♦IT WILL COVER ALL STAFF AND EVERY ASPECT OF THE RAILWAY SERVICE,* HE SAID.
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NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS FOR LANGUAGE INSTITUTE * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION THE HON COLVYN HAYE SAID IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT ENGAGE A PROPORTION OF NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS FOR THE TRAINING OF TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM REV THE HON JOYCE BENNETT, MR HAYE, HOWEVER, SAID A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER WOULD BE ENGAGED IN THE PROPOSED INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION TO WORK CLOSELY WITH ENGLISH DEPARTMENTS IN THE COLLEGES.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1981
20
NEW CHARGES AT GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS START MONDAY * * * *
DEPAR™ENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT NEW PARKING CHARGES AT 11 GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS WOULD COME INTO EFFECT ON JUNE 1 (MONDAY).
AND MONTHLY PASSES FOR JUNE, SCHEDULED TO GO ON SALE TOMORROW (THURSDAY), WOULD BE SOLD AT THE NEW RATES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS HOPED THAT THE REVISED CHARGES WOULD HELP REGULATE DEMAND FOR PARKING SPACES BY INCREASING TURNOVER AND CUTTING DOWN ON CONGESTION AND INCONVENIENCE CAUSED BY VEHICLES FORMING QUEUES TO GAIN ENTRY TO CAR PARKS.
THE NEW HOURLY RATES FOR THE GARDEN ROAD, STAR FERRY, MURRAY ROAD, RUMSEY STREET AND CITY HALL CAR PARKS WILL BE INCREASED FROM $3 TO $4 BETWEEN 8 AM AND 6 PM ON WEEK DAYS. THE 6 PM TO 8 AM RATE WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AT $1 AN HOUR. BUT THE CHARGE FOR MONTHLY PASSES AT THESE CAR PARKS WILL BE INCREASED FROM $600 TO $800.
CHARGES FOR THE MIDDLE ROAD AND YAU MA TEI CAR PARKS WILL BE INCREASED FROM $2 TO $3 AN HOUR BETWEEN 8 AM AND MIDNIGHT FROM MONDAY TO SUNDAY. THE MIDNIGHT TO 8 AM RATE WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AT SI AN HOUR. MONTHLY PASSES WILL REMAIN AT $600.
SUNDAY, WHILE
$200 TO $300.
CHARGES AT THE TAI KOK TSUI OPEN-AIR CAR PARK WILL GO UP FROM $1 TO $2 AN HOUR BETWEEN 8 AM AND MIDNIGHT MONDAY TO THE COST OF A MONTHLY PASS WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE MIDNIGHT TO 8 AM HOURLY RATE WILL CONTINUE TO
THE 8 AM
U4onrtllB 6/M RATE 0N WEEK DAYS AT B0TH THE MURRAY BARRACKS AND HARBOUR ROAD OPEN-AIR CAR PARKS WILL BE RAISED FROM $2 TO S3 AN HOUR AND THE MONTHLY PASSES FROM $300 TO $400. THE 6 PM TO MIDNIGHT RATE AT THE HARBOUR ROAD CAR PARK ALSO WILL BE INCREASED FROM $1 TO $2 AN HOUR, BUT THE MIDNIGHT TO 8 AM CHARGE WILL REMAIN AT $1 AN HOUR. THE CHARGE OF THE MURRAY ROAD CAR PARK DURING THE 6 PM TO MIDNIGHT PERIOD WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AT $1 PER HOUR.
THE COST OF A MONTHLY PASS FOR THE HUNG HOM MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK HAS BEEN REDUCED FROM $600 TO $200, ALTHOUGH THE HOURLY RATE REMAINS AT $1.
MOTORISTS ARE REMINDED THAT ONLY THE $800 MONTHLY PASS COULD BE USED AT ALL CAR PARKS. OTHER MONTHLY PASSES COULD ONLY BE USED IN SPECIFIC CAR PARKS WHERE THE MONTHLY CHARGE WAS THE SAME OR LESS. PASSES FOR EACH OF THE TEMPORARY OPEN-AIR CAR PARK ARE ONLY VALID FOR INDIVIDUAL CAR PARK.
CHARGES AT GOVERNMENT LORRY PARKS WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
MEANWHILE, THE OPENING OF THE NEW ABERDEEN MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK, SCHEDULED FOR NEXT MONTH, HAS NOW BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL JULY.
THE HOURLY RATE AT THE NEW CAR PARK, WHICH HAS SPACE FOR 351 VEHICLES, WILL BE $2 BETWEEN 8 AM AND MIDNIGHT AND $1 FROM MIDNIGHT TO 8 AM THROUGHOUT THE WEEK. MONTHLY PASSES WILL COST $400.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1961
21
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS
* * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD AN AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (MAY 30) AT 10 AM IN THE CITY HALL LECTURE HALL.
A TOTAL OF 35 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE PUT UP FOR BIDDING.
THEY ARE :
CK 113 CK 1283 CL 4 CK 3183 CK 1956
CJ 7220 CC 353 CK 1668 CK 1932 CK 1839
CK 280 CK 5525 BN 1 CM 2 CK 108
CK 213 8668 CK 661 AA 2828 CK 3033
CK 802 AA 30 HK 6 CK 348 CK 1970
CK 7313 CC 2222 CG 101 CK 1999 CK 2572
CK 308 CK 618 CK 223 CK 332 CK 329
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 BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
AS IN THE PAST, PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE AUCTION WILL BE THE 64TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
--------o - - - -
HOUSING MINISTER SEES DEVELOPMENTS * * X- *
THE MINISTER FOR HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION, MR JOHN STANLEY, HERE ON A FIVE-DAY VISIT, THIS MORNING WENT ON A LAUNCH CRUISE AND SAW DEVELOPMENTS ON THE NORTH-WESTERN SIDE OF THE HARBOUR.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY MR PETER THOMSON, SENIOR BRITISH TRADE COMMISSIONER- MR JOHN TODD, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT- MR EDDIE SHORT, ACTING DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND MR FRED PANG, DEPUTY DIRECTOR (CONSTRUCTION) OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
/ALSO ON ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1981
22
FROM BRL|T0»?NN’SB0"?LDT?NGL*4NDNCC0^?p4UB^;0!‘tND‘uI^^ T°P EXE<*™EE COMTAlS MM ™JrV|Sge°.4 V'E" °F THE *“*1 CHUNG
WAN, mi Sg’!^ ts;nsE?IBIsM0ST 0N THE developne“’ I" tsuen AT TUEjEM!i5UE«L?07rTHfDAFTERiloONy0 ™E "E“ TERR'T0RIES ARRIVING ™NAGlRHEnOENTKSuw7?:E?H?‘NEWBR^^D.NBDV ?? I'of “VN?RN?H!!jE??ERSNLIwT?iRROyfo^EUS.AND P‘RTNERS- 0N THE DEVELOPMENT
-----0------
QUEENSLAND MP’S SEE HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR
* X X X
A GROUP OF PARLIAMENTARIANS FROM QUEENSLAND TODAY TOURED THE HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR, THE BIGGEST SEABED FRESHWATER RESERVOIR IN THE WORLD.
THE 11-MEMBER PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION, LED BY MR K.B. TOMKINS, MINISTER FOR WATER RESOURCES AND ABORIGINAL AND ISLAND AFFAIRS, IS IN HONG KONG ON A FOUR-DAY VISIT IN THE COURSE OF A FACT-FINDING TOUR OF ASIAN COUNTRIES.
THEY WERE ACCOMPANIED ON THE TOUR OF THE $1 348 MILLION PROJECT BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR TOM TOMLINSON.
EARLIER IN THE DAY, THE VISITORS WERE GIVEN A BRIEFING IN MR TOMLINSON’S OFFICE ON WATER SUPPLIES IN HONG KONG.
THEY WERE TOLD OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S MOST EXTENSIVE SCHEME EVER TO CATER FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES OF WATER FROM CHINA.
THE PROJECT, COSTING MORE THAN $1. 300 MILLION, WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN THREE STAGES DURING THE NEXT 12 YEARS.
-------o - - -
/23.........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1981
23
THAI OFFICIALS SEE HK PRISONS SYSTEM * * * *
SIX OFFICIALS FROM THAILAND’S DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) VISITED THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE TO SEE PRISON OFFICERS UNDERGOING TRAINING, AND ALSO VISITED STANLEY PRISON, A MAXIMUM-SECURITY PRISON.
THE OFFICERS, WHO WILL SPEND FIVE DAYS HERE, WILL ALSO VISIT OTHER CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING A RECEPTION CENTRE, A DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE, A DETENTION CENTRE AND A TRAINING CENTRE FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS, AS WELL AS A CENTRE FOR WOMEN.
BEFORE LEAVING HONG KONG, THEY WILL ATTEND A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF PRISON OFFICER RECRUITS AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE ON SATURDAY.
YESTERDAY (TUESDAY), THEY CALLED AT PRISONS HEADQUARTERS AND HAD TALKS WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, MR THOMAS GARNER.
-----0------
NTA LAND EXECUTIVES PASS POLYTECHNIC COURSE
*****
wDfP,2IY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI KAM. TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO 25 NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION LAND EXECUTIVES, WHO HAVE PASSED A TWO-YEAR COURSE
ADMIN'STRATION ORGANISED BY THE NTA AND THE SoNG KONG
THE PRESENTATIONS WERE MADE AT NTA HEADQUARTERS.
IN C0URSE PROVIDES FORMALISED TRAINING
IN LAND ADMINISTRATION FOR NEWLY-RECRUITED LAND EXECUTIVES.
SUBJECTS COVERED INCLUDE PRACTICE AND PROCFDURF nr i acai uwn1SURVEYING AND MAP INTERPRETATION VALUATION OF CONSTRUCT?™10,?S?',,?JW.RELATED T0 LAND ADMINISTRATION. BUILDING MANAGEMENT? AND^ECONoS ICS? DEVEL0PMENT. ORGANISATION AND
SINCE THE COURSE STARTED IN 1974 A Tatai ac teBUiU.
Kt’S ^E^rV!SnoSxJLtt^S?ngTHE PSE’ENf
/passing phe .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1?&1
24
le * PASSING the course, held one day a ANr)Ap?M^n2*nlEcT/0R CONFIRMATION TO THE AND PENSIONABLE ESTABLISHMENT.
WEEK AT THE POLYTECHNIC, GOVERNMENT’S PERMANENT
RETIREMENT CEREMONY * *
TWO LONG-SERVING MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL BE RETIRING SHORTLY FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE.
FOREMANEY ARE MR CHU W,NG"H,N» SUPPLIES OFFICER AND MR CHAN WONG,
MR CHU SERVED THE GOVERNMENT FOR FOR 34 YEARS.
35 YEARS AND MR CHAN SERVED
VseI?ErSM the c^In?ues
NOTE TO EDITORS!
HU Tuc°e*^L2NyJTED T0 SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CEREMONY TOpTFLOORNTnilN StbJpt G2ao?uMoaLtUPPL,ES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, TOP FLOOR, OIL STREET, NORTH POINT ON FRIDAY (MAY 29) AT 4 PM.
- - 0 - -
WATER CUT * * *
WILL
MAY
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN 2Q) FOR WATER MAIN WORK.
NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KOWLOON CITY HOURS FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM ON FRIDAY
KAI
T0 BE AFFECTED ARE THOSE BETWEEN SA PO ROAD AND TAK ROAD.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
KCWLOON CITY DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETS ............. 1
PEOPLE MORE THAN WILLING TO MOVE TO NEW TOWN ................. 1
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY COURSES OFFERED ............................ 3
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP REFORM OFFENDERS ................... 4
OLD PEOPLE'S HOME PLANNED FOR YUEN LONG ...................... 4
WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A GOOD PUBLIC SPEAKER .................... 5
COUNTRY PARK INFORMATION LEAFLETS PUBLISHED .................. 6
PRISON RECRUITS TO PARADE
6
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1981
1 -
KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETS * * * *
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, THE FIFTH TO BE SET UP IN THE URBAN AREA, HELD ITS FIRST MEETING THIS AFTERNOON (THURSDAY).
DEPARTMENTS REPRESENTED IN THE COMMITTEE INCLUDE THE POLICE, PUBLIC WORKS, TRANSPORT, SOCIAL WELFARE, URBAN SERVICES, HOUSING, FIRE SERVICES, EDUCATION, LABOUR, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, RECREATION AND SPORT, AND HOME AFFAIRS.
♦THE MEETING OPENS A NEW ERA IN THE ADMINISTERING OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT. WITH THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE PROVIDING A FORUM FOR INTER-DEPARTMENTAL CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION, IT IS HOPED THAT DISTRICT NEEDS AND PROBLEMS CAN BE TACKLED WITH FRESH IMPETUS,+ HE CHAIRMAN, MR LEE LAP-SUN, CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, KOWLOON CITY DECLARED IN MAKING THE OPENING ADDRESS.
♦DEPARTMENTAL REPRESENTATIVES ATTENDING DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETINGS ARE AT AN APPROPRIATE LEVEL, THUS THEY CAN BE EXPECTED TO SPEAK AUTHORITATIVELY AND, WHERE POSSIBLE, TO ACT UPON ALL DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS AFFECTING THE DISTRICT.
♦WE HOPE THAT THROUGH REGULAR MEETINGS OF THIS KIND, DISTRICT NEEDS AND DEFICIENCIES CAN BE SYSTEMATICALLY REASSESSED AND A PROGRAMME OF PROVISION AND IMPROVEMENT CAN BE DEVISED TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS AND DEAL WITH THE DEFICIENCIES,* HE SAID.
MR LEE STRESSED THAT THOUGH THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE COMPRISES ONLY OFFICIAL MEMBERS, DECISIONS AFFECTING THE DISTRICT WOULD BE MADE ONLY AFTER THE VIEWS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS AND ORGANISATIONS HAD BEEN TAKEN INTO FULL CONSIDERATION.
HE ASKED MEMBERS TO APPEAL TO LOCAL RESIDENTS TO TAKE AN INTEREST IN THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND TO MAKE KNOWN TO IT THEIR VIEWS ON DISTRICT MATTERS.
------o-------
PEOPLE MORE THAN WILLING TO MOVE TO NEW TOWN *****
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) HE WAS OFTEN ASKED WHETHER FAMILIES WERE WILLING TO MOVE OUT TO HOUSING ESTATES BUILT FAR FROM OLDER, CROWDED URBAN AREAS.
THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION, HE SAID, WAS AN UNEQUIVOCAL ♦YES+.
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF TAI PING SHAN LIONS CLUB, MR AKERS-JONES SAID FAMILIES WERE SO WILLING THAT THERE WAS NOW A FOUR TO FIVE-YEAR WAIT FOR HOUSING IN TUEN MUN, 20 MILES AWAY FROM KOWLOON.
/the demand ...
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1981
2
THE DEMAND FOR HOUSING WAS SO PRESSING THAT IT WOULD BE EASY IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES TO LOWER STANDARDS AND IGNORE THOSE THINGS WHICH DISTINGUISHED +LIFE+ FROM +A BETTER LIFE*, HE SAID.
♦I BELIEVE WE ARE GOING TO ACHIEVE THIS BETTER LIFE, BUT THAT WE CAN ONLY DO SO IF WE HAVE A SENSITIVE GOVERNMENT CAREFULLY RESPONDING TO THE STRANDS AND STRESSES IN THE COMMUNITY.
♦WE NOW HAVE
MANY MEANS OF CONSULTING THE PEOPLE - DISTRICT BOARDS, RURAL COMMITTEES, AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND ENORMOUS VARIETIES OF OTHER ORGANISATIONS - AND THERE IS A BLANKET OF DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES TO RESPOND TO VIEWS AND CRITICISMS OF THE PEOPLE.
+WE IN GOVERNMENT HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE THIS SYSTEM WORK.*
HE SAID AS AN EXAMPLE THE RECENTLY REVEALED SHORTAGE OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACES IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN HAD EMERGED RATHER SUDDENLY, DESPITE A PRIMARY SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMME BASED ON CAREFULLY ENUMERATED PLANS.
IT SO HAPPENED THAT THE FAMILIES WHO HAD CHOSEN TO GO TO TUEN MUN WERE PARTICULARLY YOUNG AND ADVENTUROUS AND PREPARED TO FORSAKE THE FAMILIAR ENVIRONMENT OF KOWLOON FOR THE NEW TOWN, AND THEY HAD FAR MORE YOUNG CHILDREN THAN HAD BEEN EXPECTED AND PLANNED FOR.
+WE HAVE BEEN ALERTED TO THIS SOON ENOUGH TO RESPOND AND BY MAKING A RE-ADJUSTMENT, HOPEFULLY WE WILL BE ABLE TO MEET THIS EMERGENCY.
♦BUT THE LESSON HAS BEEN LEARNED AND WE WILL HAVE TO LOOK VERY CAREFULLY AT FANLING, TAI PO AND ELSEWHERE TO SEE THAT A SIMILAR IMBALANCE IN SCHOOLS AND OTHER FACILITIES DOES NOT APPEAR IN THESE TOWNS,♦ MR AKERS-JONES SAID.
SPEAKING OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN, AKERS-JONES SAID THIS YEAR GOVERNMENT WOULD BEGIN TO BUILD A STADIUM, A RIVERSIDE PROMENADE WITH BOAT AND CYCLE HIRING, A FOOTBALL PITCH, 12 TENNIS COURTS, NINE BASKETBALL COURTS, THREE MINI-SOCCER PITCHES, AND FOUR CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUNDS.
THE STORY WAS REPEATED ELSEWHERE IN EACH TOWN, HE SAID.
ALTOGETHER, GOVERNMENT HAD BUDGETED $100 MILLION THIS YEAR FOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, COMPARED WITH $20 MILLION LAST YEAR.
♦AT THE SAME TIME WE REALISE THAT NOT EVERYONE WANTS TO PLAY BASKETBALL AND MINI-SOCCER. WE MUST TRY TO CATER FOR ALL TASTES AND ALL AGES,+ HE SAID.
/EVERY DISTRICT ......
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1981
3
EVERY DISTRICT NOW HAD ITS ARTS COMMITTEE AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THESE ORGANISATIONS WERE THE MEETING PLACE, THE FOCAL POINT BETWEEN THE PEOPLE AND THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED WITH PROMOTING RECREATION AND THE ARTS- SHORTCOMINGS WERE IDENTIFIED AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT AND EXPANSION EXPLORED.
THE SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS HAD NOW ORGANISED AN INTER-DISTRICT LEAGUE IN ALMOST EVERY POPULAR SPORT AND THE ARTS COMMITTEES WERE SPONSORING COURSES IN MUSIC, DANCE AND DRAMA.
FESTIVALS WHICH GAVE A STIMULUS TO LOCAL EFFORT AND INITIATIVE WERE NOW BECOMING A REGULAR PART OF OUR LIVES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, W AKERS-JONES SAID.
-----0------
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY
X X X X
COURSES OFFERED X X
EMPLOYERS WERE URGED TODAY (THURSDAY) TO SEND THEIR EMPLOYEES TO ATTEND A SERIES OF 120 INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING COURSES TO BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FROM JULY TO DECEMBER THIS YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID THE COURSES WOULD BE CONDUCTED IN THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE IN THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND THE DURATION WOULD RANGE FROM ONE TO THREE DAYS.
♦IT IS HOPED THAT EMPLOYERS CAN MAKE FULL USE OF OUR FREE SERVICES SO THAT MORE WORKERS WILL BENEFIT FROM THE COURSES,♦ HE ADDED.
THE COURSES ARE RECOMMENDED FOR TECHNICIANS, FOREMEN, WORKS SUPERVISORS AND THOSE WHO MAY FROM TIME TO TIME BE REQUIRED TO PERFORM SUPERVISORY DUTIES.
THE COURSES FALL INTO 13 CATEGORIES — BASIC INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT PREVENTION, CONSTRUCTION SAFETY, MANUAL LIFTING AND HANDLING, WORK IN CONFINED SPACES, SLINGING SAFETY, ELECTRICAL SAFETY IN INDUSTRY, SAFETY IN THE USE OF ABRASIVE WHEELS, MACHINERY SAFETY, SAFETY IN DIE-CASTING WORK, SAFETY IN PLASTIC INDUSTRY, SAFE USE OF WOODWORKING MACHINERY, SAFE USE OF POWER PRESS AND SAFETY IN WORK IN COMPRESSED AIR.
THE GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSES ARE TO ENABLE TRAINEES TO IDENTIFY UNSAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENTS, TO SUGGEST METHODS FOR THEIR ELIMINATION AND TO PREPARE THEM TO BE ABLE TO CARRY OUT THE DUTIES OF A SAFETY SUPERVISOR IN ADDITION TO THEIR NORMAL DUTIES AT WORK.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE MADE BY THE SPONSORING COMPANY IN WRITING TO THE CENTRE AND DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED ON TELEPHON-3-638111 EXT 347.
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1981
4
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP REFORM OFFENDERS
*****
PUBLIC-SPIRITED CITIZENS ARE BEING SOUGHT BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO JOIN ITS VOLUNTEER SCHEME TO BEFRIEND AND HELP REFORM OFFENDERS PUT ON PROBATION.
INTRODUCED IN 1976 AS A COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECT, THE SCHEME ENABLES VOLUNTEERS TO WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S PROBATION OFFICERS TO COUNSEL PROBATIONERS, PARTICULARLY THE YOUNG ONES.
AS FROM MONDAY (JUNE 1), ANY PERSON AGED 21 OR ABOVE, WITH A SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION, A MATURE AND SOCIABLE PERSONALITY, AS WELL AS A FLAIR TO HELP OTHERS, MAY APPLY.
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE SCHEME OFFICE IN CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY BUILDING, SEVENTH FLOOR, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. 5-701474).
MR PETER LIN. OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE SCHEME, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) VOLUNTEERS HAD A SIGNIFICANT ROLE TO PLAY IN WIDENING PROBATIONERS’ SOCIAL CONTACTS AND HELPING REINTEGRATE THEM INTO THE COMMUNITY.
APART FROM BEING THEIR FRIENDS, HE SAID, VOLUNTEERS MAY HELP PROBATIONERS DEVELOP MEANINGFUL HOBBIES BY ACCOMPANYING THEM IN RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS PICNICKING, SWIMMING OR PHOTOGRAPHY.
OTHERS, CAN PROVIDE TUITION OR KNOWLEDGE IN THEIR FIELD OF SPECIALTY.
MR LIN SAID THAT VOLUNTEERS, WOULD BE BRIEFED ON THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF PROBATION SERVICE.
ARRANGEMENTS WOULD THEN BE MADE TO MATCH THEM WITH PROBATIONERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR AREAS OF INTEREST AND ABILITY, HE SAID.
EACH ASSIGNMENT WOULD NORMALLY LAST SIX MONTHS UNDER CLOSE LA IS ION WITH THE PROBATION OFFICER HANDLING THE CASE, HE ADDED.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME ARE WELCOME AND MAY BE MADE WITH MR LIN ON TELEPHONE NO. 5-788563.
------o--------
OLD PEOPLE’S HOME PLANNED FOR YUEN LONG
* * X X -X *
WITH ACTIVE SUPPORT FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE POK 01 HOSPITAL PLANS TO BUILD A $7.4 MILLION CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOME FOR OLD PEOPLE IN YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WAS TODAY (THURSDAY) OUTLINED BY A GROUP OF THE HOSPITAL’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS, LED BY THE CHAIRMAN, PR DAVID K.M. LAI, DURING A COURTESY CALL ON THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE.
/MR LAI ....
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1981
5
MR LAI SAID PREPARATIONS WERE WELL UNDERWAY WITH LAND PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND LAYOUT PLANS APPROVED.
THE HOSPITAL ITSELF HAD RAISED $1.5 MILLION AND WOULD SEEK A GRANT FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND.
THE NEW HOME WOULD CARE FOR 150 OLD PEOPLE.
THE PROJECT REPRESENTS THE FIRST ATTEMPT BY THE HOSPITAL TO EXTEND ITS WORK INTO WELFARE SERVICES IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S OBJECTIVES TO MEET GROWING NEEDS.
MR ALLEYNE EXPRESSED APPRECIATION FOR THE WORK DONE BY THE HOSPITAL DIRECTORS AND ASSURED THEM OF CONTINUED SUPPORT BY THE DEPARTMENT.
------0 - - - .
WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A GOOD PUBLIC SPEAKER * * *
ANYONE WITH COURAGE, WIT AND APPLICATION CAN THINK AND SPEAK TO BETTER PURPOSE, MR COLVYN HAYE, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON, HE SAIDi +WHAT APPEARS TO BE A GIFT OF THE GAB IS REALLY THE PRODUCT OF CAREFUL PREPARATION AND THE APPLICATION OF SIMPLE TECHNIQUES IN SPEAKING.*
PUBLIC SPEAKING IS AN EXTENSION OF PRIVATE CONVERSATION AMOUNTING TO THE ABILITY TO STAND UP, SPEAK UP AND SHUT UP, NR HAYE SAID.
BUT THE KEY TO SUCCESS IS PREPARATION, INVOLVING AUDIENCE RESEARCH, CHOICE OF SUBJECT, DRAFTING AND PRACTICE IN PRESENTATION.
QUOTING SOMERSET MAUGHAM ON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY, MR HAYE SAID« ♦ANY DAMNED FOOL CAN STAND UP AND BORE PEOPLE FOR 20 MINUTES, BUT IT MAY TAKE TWO MONTHS TO PREPARE A TELLING TWO M INUTES.♦
THE TOOLS OF THE EFFECTIVE CONVERSATIONALIST AND PUBLIC SPEAKER ARE HIS APPEARANCE, VOICE, EYES AND GESTURES, AND THESE CAN BE ADAPTED TO THE OCCASION, HE SAID.
TECHNIQUE IS A MATTER OF COMMON SENSE AND APPLICATION, AND APPARENTLY EFFORTLESS ART IS THE PRODUCT OF EXPERIENCE.
CITING SAMUEL SMILES AS THE APOSTLE OF SELF-HELP, MR HAYE WENT ON TO DESCRIBE DALE CARNEGIE, RALPH SMODLEY AND ERNESTINE WHITS AS PRACTITIONERS WHO HAD BROUGHT THE GOSPEL TO MILLIONS IN THE 20TH CENTURY THROUGH PROGRAMMES OF PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT IN GROUPS OF LIKE-MINDED ENTHUSIASTS AND SERVICE CLUBS SUCH AS THE TOASTMASTERS.
♦THE GIFT OF THE GAB IS WITHIN THE REACH OF THE AVERAGE MAN AND WOMAN. ALL THEY NEED IS THE COURAGE TO GRAB,* THE DIRECTOR SA ID.
------0-------
/6.....
COUNTRY PARK INFORMATION LEAFLETS PUBLISHED *****
TWO COLOURED, BILINGUAL INFORMATION LEAFLETS ON FIVE COUNTRY PARKS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY, AND ARE AVAILABLE FREE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
ONE OF THE LEAFLETS FEATURES THE PLOVER COVE, PLOVER COVE EXTENSION AND PAT SIN LENG COUNTRY PARKS.
THE OTHER DEALS WITH THE TAI LAM, TAI MO SHAN AND LAM TSUEN COUNTRY PARKS.
THE LEAFLETS, GIVE DETAILS ABOUT LOCATIONS OF MANAGEMENT CENTRES, PICNIC SITES, BARBECUE PITS, CAMPSITES, SHELTERS, TELEPHONES AND OTHER FACILITIES INSIDE THE PARKS, AND ARE CF SPECIAL USE TO HIKERS, PICNICKERS AND CAMPERS.
A CARTOGRAPHIC MAP PREPARED BY THE LANDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INCLUDED IN THE LEAFLETS FOR EASY REFERENCE.
THE LEAFLETS ARE THE SIXTH AND SEVENTH IN A SERIES SPONSORED BY THE CHARTERED BANK AS A COMMUNITY SERVICE. THEY WERE DESIGNED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.
THEY MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ON THE 12TH FLOOR OF CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, THE MARKETING OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF BASKERVILLE HOUSE IN DUDDELL STREET, AND THE TWO INFORMATION CENTRES AT ABERDEEN AND TAI MEI TUK, AS WELL AS FROM THE MANAGEMENT CENTRES INSIDE THE COUNTRY PARKS, DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICES AND CITY DISTRICT OFFICES.
------0-------
PRISON RECRUITS TO PARADE * * * *
THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF ANOTHER GROUP OF ITS RECRUITS AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY ON SATURDAY, MAY 30.
THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AND PRESENT GOLDEN WHISTLES TO THE BEST RECRUITS.
ON PARADE WILL BE SEVEN OFFICERS AND 123 ASSISTANT OFFICERS, INCLUDING 51 FEMALE ASSISTANT OFFICERS, WHO RECENTLY COMPLETED THEIR TRAINING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PASSING-OUT PARADE OF PRISON RECRUITS AT THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN TUNG TAU WAN ROAD, STANLEY AT 9.45 AM ON SATURDAY, MAY 30.
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED, LEAVING THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI AT 9 AM SHARP. _
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1981
CONTENTS PACE NO.
APRIL CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES .................................... 1
TIGHTER CONTROL OVER ILLEGAL GAMBLING PROPOSED .................. 3
PROPOSAL TO EXTEND REMAND PERIOD ................................ 3
WRE OPEN SPACE PLANNED FOR MA TAU KOK............................ 4
REVISED DRAFT WONG NAI CHUNG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN ................ 5
REMINDER ON TAX PAYMENTS ........................................ 5
DISABLED PEOPLE CAN WORK, SEMINAR TOLD........................... 6
HONG KONG FISHERMEN FOR SINGAPORE EXHIBITION .................... 7
PRISON YOUTHS EXCEL IN LONDON EXAMS ............................. 8
WATER SPORTS SAFETY CAMPAIGN TO START ........................... 9
RUNNING CLINIC ORGANISED IN SHING MUN .......................... 10
MORE GREENERY FOR SAI KUNG DISTRICT ............................ 11
SATURDAY SPORTS FOR TSING YI RESIDENTS ......................... 12
DRAINAGE ON TSING YI ISLAND BEING IMPROVED ..................... 13
POKFULAM WATER LEAKAGE TEST .................................... 13
FIRING PRACTICE TO TAKE PLACE IN JUNE........................... 14
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1981
1
APRIL CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES * * * M
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR APRIL 1981. THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR APRIL 1981 WERE BOTH 114, EACH BEING 1 POINT OR 0.9 PER CENT HIGHER THAN FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THE NEW CPI (A) AND NEW CPI (B) ARE BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF 50 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY, OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE DERIVED FROM THE 1979/80 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY.
AT THAT TIME, THE NEW CPI (A) REFERRED TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $1 000 AND <3 499 A MONTH AND THE NEW CPI (B) TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN S3 500 AND $6 499 A MONTH.
THE INDEXES FOR APRIL 1981 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMPONENTS OF HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE DISTINGUISHED IN THE TWO NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ARE GIVEN BELOW, TOGETHER WITH THOSE FOR MARCH 1981.
(OCTOBER 1979 - SEPTEMBER 1980 - 100)
COMPONENT NEW C.P. 1. (A) NEW C.P. 1. (B)
APR. 81 MAR. 81 APR. 81 MAR. 81
FOODSTUFFS 115 115 115 115
HOUSING 112 109 112 109
FUEL AND LIGHT 135 135 136 136
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 111 111 110 110
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 109 111 108 111
DURABLE GOODS 107 105 107 105
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 108 107 108 107
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 123 115 122 116
SERVICES 115 114 115 114
ALL ITEMS 114 113 114 113
THE INDEX FOR THE FOODSTUFFS AND NEW CPI (B) REMAINED UNCHANGED COMPONENT IN I BECAUSE OF BOTH NEW ROUNDING. CPI (A)
REDUCTIONS WERE RECORDED IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES, EGGS AND SALT-WATER FISH.
/on the ......
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1981
2
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH-WATER FISH, RICE AND MEALS BOUGHT IN RESTAURANTS INCREASED.
THE EFFECTS OF MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR THE FOODSTUFFS COMPONENT WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
THE INDEX FOR THE HOUSING COMPONENT IN BOTH NEW CPI (A)
AND NEW CPI (B) INCREASED BY 3 POINTS AS HIGHER RENT WAS REGISTERED IN PRIVATE DWELLINGS AND IN SOME HOUSING SOCIETY AND HOUSING AUTHORITY GROUP A ESTATES.
THE INDEX FOR THE CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR COMPONENT IN NEW CPI (A) DECREASED BY 2 POINTS AND THAT IN NEW CPI (B) BY 3 POINTS BECAUSE OF LOWER PRICES FOR OUTERCLOTHING ITEMS.
THE TWO-POINT INCREASE IN THE INDEX FOR THE DURABLE GOODS COMPONENT IN BOTH NEW CPI (A) AND NEW CPI (B) WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO HIGHER PRICES FOR ELECTRICAL CONSUMER GOODS, TELEVISION AND SOUND EQUIPMENT.
HIGHER PRICES FOR JEWELLERY, TOYS AND HOBBIES CAUSED THE INDEX FOR THE MISCELLANEOUS GOODS COMPONENT IN BOTH NEW CPI (A) AND NEW CPI (B) TO INCREASE BY 1 POINT.
THE INDEX FOR THE TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES COMPONENT IN NEW CIP (A) INCREASED BY 8 POINTS AND THAT IN NEW CPI (B) BY 6 POINTS AS A RESULT OF THE UPWARD REVISION OF BUS FARES DURING THE MONTH.
THE INDEX FOR THE SERVICES COMPONENT IN BOTH NEW CPI (A) AND NEW CPI (B) INCREASED BY 1 POINT DUE TO HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT, HOUSEHOLD SERVICES AND HAIRDRESSING.
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER COMMODITY SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) (JULY 73/JUNE 74 - 1OO) FOR APRIL 1981 WERE 179 AND 178 RESPECTIVELY, EACH BEING 1 POINT OR 0.6 PER CENT HIGHER THAN FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH. COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING MONTH IN 1980, CPI (A) INCREASED BY 23 POINTS OR 14.7 PER CENT AND CPI (B) BY 22 POINTS OR 14.1 PER CENT.
DETAILS OF THESE PRICE MOVEMENTS ARE GIVEN IN THE +CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT* FOR APRIL 1981, NOW ON SALE AT S2 EACH AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE.
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1981
- 3 -
TIGHTER CONTROL OVER ILLEGAL GAMBLING PROPOSED ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING TWO CHANGES TO THE LAW TO TIGHTEN CONTROL OVER ILLEGAL GAMBLING IN HONG KONG.
UNDER THE GAMBLING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), ANYONE FOUND IN POSSESSION OF ONE OR MORE BETTING SLIPS WOULD BE PRESUMED TO HAVE POSSESSED THEM TO ASSIST ANOTHER PERSON IN BOOKMAKING.
THIS IS INTENDED TO DEAL WITH ILLEGAL OFF-COURSE BETTING OPERATORS WHO, TO AVOID POLICE DETECTION AND PROSECUTION, RELY HEAVILY NOW ON RUNNERS TO RECEIVE CASH PAYMENT IN ADVANCE FROM KNOWN CUSTOMERS.
THE OTHER LEGISLATIVE CHANGE PROPOSED APPLIES TO CASES WHERE POLICE OFFICERS ON ANTI-ILLEGAL GAMBLING RAIDS ARE OBSTRUCTED OR DELAYED IN ENTERING THE GAMBLING PLACE. IN SUCH INSTANCES, ANY MONEY OR OTHER PROPERTY FOUND IN THE PLACE OR ON ANY PERSON AT THAT PLACE WOULD BE PRESUMED TO HAVE BEEN USED IN CONNECTION WITH ILLEGAL GAMBLING.
THIS MEASURE IS AIMED AT THOSE ILLEGAL GAMBLERS AND OPERATORS WHO HOLD OFF THE POLICE IN ORDER TO POCKET OR CONCEAL GAMBLING MONEY AND EQUIPMENT, AND AVOID BEING REQUIRED BY THE COURT TO HAVE THEM FORFEITED.
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PROPOSAL TO EXTEND REMAND PERIOD * * * *
THE MAXIMUM PERIOD FOR WHICH A MAGISTRATE CAN REMAND AN ACCUSED PERSON IN CUSTODY, ON TRANSFERRING THE CASE TO THE DISTRICT COURT, MAY BE EXTENDED TO 20 DAYS UNDER A MAGISTRATES (AMENDMENT)(NO.2) BILL 1981 PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) IN THE GAZETTE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT AN ACCUSED PERSON CAN USE THE REMAND PERIOD TO APPLY FOR AND OBTAIN LEGAL AID OR ENGAGE HIS OWN LAWYER. THE CROWN ALSO PREPARES A SUMMARY OF FACTS OF THE CASE WHICH IS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE DEFENCE LAWYER PRIOR TO THE FIRST DISTRICT COURT HEARING.
AT PRESENT, THE MAXIMUM REMAND PERIOD IS EIGHT CLEAR DAYS, UNLESS THE ACCUSED PERSON AND THE PROSECUTOR AGREE TO A LONGER PERIOD.
EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT THIS IS INADEQUATE TO ENSURE THAT ACCUSED PERSONS ARE LEGALLY REPRESENTED, FULLY INFORMED AND PROPERLY ADVISED BEFORE MAKING THEIR PLEAS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE ACTUAL PERIOD OF REMAND WILL STILL BE DETERMINED BY THE MAGISTRATE, HE ADDED.
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FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1981
4
MORE OPEN SPACE PLANNED FOR MA TAU KOK
*****
MORE AREAS HAVE BEEN PROPOSED FOR OPEN SPACE AND GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USES UNDER A REVISED OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR MA TAU KOK PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID THAT 16 AMENDMENTS WERE INCORPORATED IN THE DRAFT PLAN.
ONE OF THE AMENDMENTS CALLS FOR THE REZONING OF AN OPEN SPACE AT LOK SHAN ROAD FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A GOVERNMENT JOINT-USER BUILDING NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE NEW BUILDING WOULD HOUSE A MARKET, LIBRARY, COOKED FOOD STALLS, GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
OTHER REZONING PROPOSALS INCLUDE THE PROVISION FOR A NEW POLICE STATION AT THE JUNCTION OF KO SHAN ROAD AND SHANSI STREET AND THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE KOWLOON CITY FERRY CONCOURSE TO INCLUDE, APART FROM A BUS TERMINUS AND FERRY CONCOURSE, POSSIBLY A MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK.
ALIGNMENT OF THE WESTERN APPROACHES TO THE AIRPORT TUNNEL, WHICH FORMS PART OF THE PRIMARY DISTRIBUTOR ROAD TO SERVE EAST KOWLOON, IS ALSO PLANNED.
FOR LONG TERM LAND RESERVATION PURPOSE, THE ALIGNMENT OF THE PROPOSED MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY EAST KOWLOON LINE AND TWO PROPOSED MTR STATIONS WERE ALSO INCORPORATED IN THE PLAN.
HOWEVER, NO DECISION HAD YET BEEN MADE ON THE CONSTRUCTION CF THIS MTR LINE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE DRAFT PLAN COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 112 HECTARES, INCLUDING 34.06 HECTARES FOR RESIDENTIAL USE, 17.53 HECTARES FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USE, 13.17 HECTARES FOR OPEN SPACE, 11.44 HECTARES FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSE AND 2.83 HECTARES FOR OTHER SPECIFIED USES.
PROPOSALS WERE ALSO MADE TO REVISE THE SCHEDULE OF NOTES OF THE PLAN.
THE AMENDED PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, 17TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD AND THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE AND THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (KOWLOON CITY), MA TAU KOK ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1ST FLOOR, MA TAU KOK ROAD.
THE DRAFT AMENDMENT PLAN IS ON SALE AT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, AT 58.50 FOR AN UNCOLOURED COPY AND S60 FOR A COLOURED COPY.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PLAN MAY BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/0 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, ON OR BEFORE JUNE 18 THIS YEAR.
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/5 ........
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1981
5
REVISED DRAFT WONG NAI CHUNG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN ******
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED A REVISED DRAFT WONG NAI CHUNG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN INCORPORATING TWO AMENDMENTS IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID THAT THE PROPOSED CHANGES INCLUDED THE REZONING OF TWO SITES AT SHAN KWONG ROAD AND BROADWOOD ROAD FROM +OTHER SPECIFIED USES+ AND +GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USE+ TO +RESIDENTIAL GROUP C+.
PROPOSALS WERE ALSO MADE TO REVISE THE SCHEDULE OF NOTES TO THE PLAN.
THE AMENDED PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED IN THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, 17TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD- THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, AND THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (WAN CHAI), TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD, GROUND FLOOR.
THE DRAFT AMENDMENT PLAN IS ON SALE IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AT $8.5 FOR AN UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 FOR A COLOURED COPY.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING, ON OR BEFORE JUNE 18, TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/0 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD.
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REMINDER ON TAX PAYMENTS
* * *
TAXPAYERS ARE URGED TO CHECK THEIR DEMAND NOTES TO ENSURE THAT THE TAX IS PAID ON OR BEFORE THE DUE DATE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT TAXPAYERS WHO HAVE PAID THE FIRST INSTALMENT EARLIER SHOULD NOW CHECK THEIR DEMAND NOTES AND ENSURE THAT THE SECOND INSTALMENT IS PAID ON OR BEFORE THE DATE STIPULATED.
PAYMENT MAY BE MADE AT THE FOLLOWING COLLECTION OFFICES:
HONG KONG: WINDSOR HOUSE, 3RD FLOOR, 311 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
KOWLOON: PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 12TH FLOOR, 56 DUNDAS STREET, MONGKOK.
NEW TERRITORIES: TSUEN WAN OFFICE: FOU WAH CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 210 CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
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/6 .......
Friday, may 29, 1981
6
PAYMENT MAY ALSO BE MADE BY POST BY SENDING A CROSSED CHEQUE IN FAVOUR OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, TOGETHER WITH THE DEMAND NOTE TO THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, GPO BOX 132, HONG
KONG
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DISABLED PEOPLE CAN WORK, SEMINAR TOLD * * X * X
MANY EMPLOYERS STILL HAVE THE WRONG IDEA THAT DISABLED PEOPLE ARE ONLY CAPABLE OF MENIAL JOBS, AND SOME EVEN BELIEVE THAT THE DISABLED ARE INCAPABLE OF HOLDING ANY JOB.
SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ON +YEAR OF THE DISABLED* TODAY (FRIDAY), THE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT'S SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE, SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER JOHN SUNG, SAID HE DISCOVERED THIS SITUATION DURING THE COURSE OF HELPING THE DISABLED IN FINDING EMPLOYMENT.
MR SUNG SAID HIS PLACEMENT OFFICERS ARE ENDEAVOURING TO CONVINCE EMPLOYERS OF THE ABILITIES OF DISABLED PERSONS AND THE VERY MANY ADVANTAGES OF ENGAGING EMPLOYEES THROUGH THE SPS.
HE TOLD THE SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION CF HEALTH SERVICE ADMINISTRATORS: +WE ALL KNOW FOR A FACT THAT MANY DISABLED PERSONS, AFTER UNDERGOING A CAREFULLY DESIGNED AND COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL AND VOCATIONAL REHAB IL I TATIONAL PROGRAMME, ARE CAPABLE OF OVERCOMING THE HANDICAPPING EFFECTS OF THEIR DISABILITY AND REGAINING A VERY HIGH DEGREE OF WORKING ABILITY.*
THE ADVANCES MADE IN THE FIELDS OF MEDICINE, TECHNOLOGY, EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN RECENT YEARS HAVE ALL HELPED IN INCREASING THE NUMBER OF JOBS WHICH THE DISABLED ARE CAPABLE OF DOING, HE STRESSED.
MR SUNG DEFINED +SELECTIVE PLACEMENT* AS THE PROCESSES OF HELPING A DISABLED PERSON TO ENTER OR RE-ENTER INTO A NORMAL WORK ' NG LIFE IN REMUNERATIVE EMPLOYMENT COMPATIBLE WITH HIS CAPABILITY SO THAT HE CAN EXERCISE TO THE FULLEST HIS AVAILABLE RES iDUAL SK ILLS.
THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE (SPS), THEREFORE, OPERATES ON T E PRINCIPLE OF HELPING A DISABLED PERSON TO FIND A JOB COMMENSURATE WITH HIS APTITUDE, CAPABILITY AND INTEREST.
HE SUMMARISED THE WORKING PROCESSES OF THE SPS AS KNOWING THE WORKER, KNOWING THE JOB AND MATCHING THE WORKER WITH THE JOB.
/another important
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1961
7
ANOTHER IMPORTANT ASPECT IS TO PUBLICISE THE WORKING ABILITY OF DISABLED PERSONS IN THE HOPE THAT EMPLOYERS’ DOUBTS MAY BE DISPELLED AND MORE VACANCIES WOULD BE PROVIDED FOR THE DISABLED.
TO THIS END, PLACEMENT OFFICERS VISIT EMPLOYERS AND GIVE TALKS ON THE WORK OF THE SPS TO EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS OR INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS.
IN ORDER TO HIGHLIGHT THE WORKING ABILITY OF THE DISABLED, THE DEPARTMENT PLANS TO HOLD A SPECIAL CEREMONY LATER THIS YEAR AT WHICH EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE PROVIDED CONSIDERABLE JOB OPPORTUNITIES TO DISABLED PERSONS THROUGH THE SPS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH SOUVENIRS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR EFFORTS IN INTEGRATING DISABLED PERSONS INTO THE COMMUNITY.
MR SUNG CALLED ON EMPLOYERS TO MAKE MORE USE OF THE FREE SERVICES OFFERED BY THE SPS.
+1 WOULD LIKE TO EMPHASISE THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE VERY MUCH DEPENDS ON EMPLOYERS ACCEPTING DISABLED PERSONS AS ORDINARY PEOPLE LIKE ANYONE OF US. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT DISABLED PERSONS, GIVEN THE RIGHT JOB, NOT ONLY CAN RESTORE THEIR CONFIDENCE IN THEMSELVES BUT CAN ALSO ESTABLISH THEIR OWN INDEPENDENCE AND CONTRIBUTE EQUALLY TO SOCIETY,* HE CONCLUDED.
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HONG KONG FISHERMEN FOR SINGAPORE EXHIBITION ft ft ft ft
A GROUP OF HONG KONG FISHERMEN WILL LEAVE FOR SINGAPORE ON SUNDAY TO ATTEND THE FIRST ASIAN FISHING AND AQUACULTURE EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE.
THE VISIT BY THE 13 FISHERMEN IS SPONSORED BY THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
THIS IS THE FIRST OVERSEAS VISIT FOR LOCAL FISHERMEN FUNDED BY THE FMO.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAIDi +IT HAS BEEN CONSIDERED DESIRABLE TO ORGANISE STUDY VISITS TO DEVELOPED COUNTRIES FOR LOCAL FISHERMEN TO KEEP THEM ABREAST OF THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN FISHING TECHNOLOGY, MARKETING AND FISH PROCESSING.
♦THE ASIAN r I SHI NG CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN SINGAPORE BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND 5 IS An APPRC’RIATE OPPORTUNITY TC MAKE SUCH A VISIT.
••••••
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1981
8
♦THE ADVANTAGES ARE THAT AT RELATIVELY LOW COST THE FISHERMEN WOULD ALSO BE ABLE TO SEE AND COMPARE A WIDE RANGE OF GEAR EQUIPMENT, DECK MACHINERY AND ENGINES.*
THE FISHERMEN WILL ALSO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THE FISH MARKET AND FISH PROCESSING FACTORIES AT JURONG IN SINGAPORE TO BROADEN THEIR EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD OF POST-HARVEST HANDLING.
TWO OFFICERS OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL ACCOMPANY THE FISHERMEN.
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR JOHN RIDDELL-SWAN TODAY PRESENTED A BANNER TO MR H.Y. WONG, THE SENIOR FISHERIES SUPERVISOR WHO WILL LEAD THE GROUP.
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PRISON YOUTHS EXCEL IN LONDON EXAMS *****
EIGHTEEN YOUNG OFFENDERS RECEIVING SCHOOLING AND VOCATIONAL '.RAINING UNDER THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S PROGRAMMES HAVE EMERGED /(TH DISTINCTION AND CREDIT IN THE RECENT TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIANS’ EXAMINATIONS OF THE LONDON CITY AND GUILDS INSTITUTE.
OF THE GROUP WHO ACHIEVED THE REMARKABLE RESULTS, 11 SAT FOR THE FIRST YEAR EXAMINATION IN THREE SUBJECTS — PRACTICAL MATHEMATICS, ENGINEERING SCIENCE AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS PRACTICE, '.MILE THE OTHER SEVEN SAT FOR THE SECOND EXAMINATION IN MATHEMATICS, TELECOMMUNICATIONS PRINCIPLES AND COMPUTER SCIENCE, A PRISONS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
AT A SPECIAL CEREMONY HELD AT THE PIK UK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION TODAY (FRIDAY), THE CANDIDATES, INCLUDING THREE NOW DISCHARGED, WERE PRESENTED WITH THE CERTIFICATES BY DR HENRY HU, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
PRESENT WERE THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, MR THOMAS GARNER, SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT, AS WELL. AS PARENTS AND RELATIVES OF THE YOUTHS.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, DR HU STRESSED THAT IT WAS IN THE INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT.
♦THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT HAS OVER THE YEARS PERFORMED THIS TASK WITH ADMIRABLE EFFICIENCY AND PERSEVERANCE,* HE SAID.
♦THESE YOUNG MEN BEFORE ME THIS MORNING ARE FINE EXAMPLES CF THE RESULT OF GOOD CORRECTIONAL WORK,* HE SAID.
/msnticning TH2
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1981
- 9 -
MENTIONING THE RISE IN JUVENILE CRIME, DR HU APPEALED TO THE COMMUNITY TO GIVE MORE SUPPORT TO THE GOOD WORK BEING DONE BY THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.
ALL OFFENDERS. EXCEPT A FEW WHO MUST FOREVER BE LOCKED AWAY, MUST RETURN TO THE COMMUNITY, AND UNLESS THEY WERE ACCEPTED AND GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY IN EMPLOYMENT AND FURTHER STUDIES TO ENABLE THEM TO TURN A NEW LEAF, ALL THE EFFORTS WOULD BE WASTED, HE SAID.
IN ADDRESSING THE GATHERING LATER, MR GARNER URGED THE YOUNG PEOPLE TO FORGET THE PAST AND PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE.
♦YOUR FUTURE IS MOST IMPORTANT, ABOVE ALL,+ HE SAID.
MR GARNER ALSO SAID THAT WHILE THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT PROVIDED THE EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, IT WAS UP TO THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES TO DECIDE HOW TO BEST MAKE USE OF THE FACILITIES, AND HE WAS PLEASED THAT THOSE PRESENT HAD DONE THE RIGHT THING.
♦YOU CAN BRING A COW TO THE WATER, BUT YOU CANNOT BEND ITS NECK TO DRINK,* HE SAID, QUOTING A CHINESE SAYING.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, ALL PRESENT JOINED IN TEA AND OTHER REFRESHMENTS.
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WATER SPORTS SAFETY CAMPAIGN TO START X * X *
THE 1981 WATER SPORTS SAFETY CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED ON SUNDAY (MAY 31) AT VICTORIA PARK, WITH A SPECIAL DISPLAY OF EQUIPMENT AND A DEMONSTRATION OF’THE SAFETY TECHNIQUES EMPLOYED IN MANY POPULAR WATER SPORTS.
THE WATER SPORTS SAFETY CAMPAIGN, CO-ORDINATED BY THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT AND LAUNCHED TO TIE IN WITH THE START OF THE SWIMMING SEASON, IS AIMED AT REMINDING THOSE WHO ENJOY WATER SPORTS THE IMPORTANCE OF +SAFETY FIRST*.
ORGANISERS OF THIS SUNDAY’S EVENT INCLUDE THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, THE G°^^MENT INFORMATION SERVICES, THE HONG KONG AMATEUR SWIMMING ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG CANOE UNION, THE HONG KONG YACHTING ASSOCIATION, THE WINDSURF ING ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB, THE HONG KONG UNDERWATER FEDERATION AND THE HONG KONG WATER SKI ASSOCIATION.
THE HON HU FA-KUANG, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 2 PM IN THE VICTORIA PARK SWIMMING POOL.
/IN ADDITION .......
FHIMf, MAT 29, 1981
10
IN ADDITION TO AN EXHIBITION ON SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND THE SAFETY RULES OF VARIOUS AQUATIC SPORTS, THE DAY’S PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE A COMBINATION OF SAFETY DEMONSTRATIONS AND SPECTACULAR DISPLAYS OF CANOEING, WINDSURFING, YACHTING, SWIMMING, LIFE-SAVING, SNORKELLING, SCUBA DIVING AND DIVING.
AS SWIMMING ACCIDENTS TOPPED THE AQUATIC ACCIDENT FIGURES LAST YEAR, THIS SUNDAY’S FUNCTION WILL GIVE SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON SAFETY ELEMENTS IN SWIMMING, INCLUDING SURVIVAL SWIMMING TECHNIQUES, AND LIFE-SAVING TECHNIQUES.
ADDING TO THE ENTERTAINMENT OF THE DAY, THE MOBILE STREET THEATRE OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL PRESENT A SPECIAL PUPPET SHOW ON SAFETY IN AQUATIC SPORTS.
ADMISSION TO THE WATER SPORTS SAFETY CAMPAIGN OPENING CEREMONY IS FREE.
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RUNNING CLINIC ORGANISED IN SHING MUN
******
THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS ORGANISED A NEW +RUNNING CLINIC* FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO TAKE UP RUNNING FOR PHYSICAL FITNESS.
THE SHING MUN RUNNING CLINIC, THE FIRST IN THE NEW TERR(TORIES, WILL CLOSELY FOLLOW THE PROGRAMME AND PRINCIPLES CF THE SUCCESSFUL CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND, AND THE ORIGINAL MARATHON CLINIC IN HONOLULU, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE RUNNING CLINIC WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING ON SUNDAY MORNING AT 7.30 AT WO Yl HOP ROAD SPORTSGROUND, KWAI CHUNG, AND f€ET EVERY SUNDAY MORNING THEREAFTER.
FROM THE STARTING POINT, PARTICIPANTS WILL JOG OR RUN THROUGH THE PATHS AND TRAILS OF THE SHING MUN COUNTRY PARK, WHICH IS FREE OF TRAFFIC, DUST AND NOISE POLLUTION.
THERE WILL BE FOUR GROUPS RUNNING FOR DIFFERENT LENGTHS OF TIME, 30, 60 OR 90 MINUTES AND A VETERAN GROUP — DEPENDING ON THEIR ABILITY.
PARTICIPANTS WILL UNDERGO A NINE-MONTH PROGRAMME DESIGNED TO BUILD UP SLOWLY THEIR CONDITION TO THE LEVEL OF FITNESS OF A MARATHON RUNNER.
♦HOWEVER, THE IMPORTANT THING IS NOT THE SPEED THEY RUN BUT THE TIME THEY SPEND ON RUNNING,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PROGRAMME IS OPEN TO ALL AGES.
/TOICHHCf (SA1URDAY) .
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1981
11
TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING, A MEETING EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND OF THE FIRST JOG WILL BE HELD AT THE O.R. SADICK MEMORIAL GAMES HALL AT HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, STARTING AT 8 PM.
SPEAKERS WILL ADDRESS THE GATHERING IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH.
PEOPLE INTERESTED SHOULD CONTACT THE RECREATION PROMOTION UNIT, SOUTH REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AT 208-212, NATHAN ROAD, FOUR SEAS BUILDING, 9TH FLOOR, TSIM SHA TSUI, OR TELEPHONE 3-7211769.
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MORE GREENERY FOR SAI KUNG DISTRICT ft ft ft ft
FORTY EVERGREEN TREES WERE PLANTED TODAY (FRIDAY) AT AN OPEN SPACE NEAR THE CHENG CHEK CHEE SECONDARY SCHOOL IN SAI KUNG.
THE TREES, INCLUDING HIBISCUS TILIACEUS, ALEURITES MOLUCCANA AND BAUHINIA VARIEGATA, WERE PLANTED BY 60 STUDENTS FROM THE CHENG CHEK CHEE SECONDARY SCHOOL AND KWONG PUI SCHOOL AND MEMBERS OF BOTH THE SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE AND HANG HAU RURAL COMMITTEE.
THE EVENT WAS ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
♦IT IS IMPORTANT THAT MORE TREES SHOULD BE PLANTED AS THE CONSTRUCTION AND WIDENING OF ROADS IN SAI KUNG WHICH IS IN PROCESS HAS BROUGHT A FACELIFT TO THE DISTR ICT,♦ SAID THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (SOUTH REGION) OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JAMES WILSON WHO OFFICIATED AT A CEREMONY MARKING THE TREE PLANTING.
MR WILSON SAID THE SUCCESS OF THE TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME WOULD VERY MUCH DEPEND ON THE CO-OPERATION AND ASSISTANCE OF LOCAL RESIDENTS. +WITHOUT THEIR SUPPORT, THE TREES PLANTED HERE TODAY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GROW WELL AND MATURE,* HE SAID.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE RURAL LEADERS AND THE STUDENTS SPONSORING AND PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENT, MR WILSON URGED THEM AND THE PUBLIC TO KEEP AN INTEREST IN THE LOVE AND CARE OF TREES.
TO HIGHLIGHT THE EVENT, MR WILSON PLANTED A YOUNG HIBISCUS TILIACEUS AT THE OPEN SPACE OF THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE CHENG CHEK CHEE SECONDARY SCHOOL.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF SAI KUNG, MR CHAN SUI-JEUNG, THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF SAI KUNG, MR LOK SHIU-CHUN, THE CHAIRMAN CF SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE, MR CHUNG PUN AND THE CHAIRMAN OF HANG HAU RURAL COMMITTEE, ALSO PLANTED YOUNG TREES TO MARK THE CEREMONY.
- - - 0 ---------
/12........
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1981
12
SATURDAY SPORTS FOR TSI NG Yl RESIDENTS *****
A WEEKEND SPORTING ACTIVITIES SCHEME IS BEING ORGANISED FOR RESIDENTS OF TSING Yl ISLAND.
THE SCHEME WILL START TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT CHEUNG CHING AND CHEUNG HONG ESTATES AND RUN, ON A TRIAL BASIS, FOR 10 SATURDAYS FROM 2 PM - 5 PM UNTIL EARLY AUGUST.
ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS ROLLER SKATING, TRAMPOL IN ING, FENCING, BASKETBALL AND FOOTBALL, WILL BE HELD AT THE TWO BASKETBALL COURTS AND MINI-SOCCER PITCH OUTSIDE CHING WAI HOUSE IN CHEUNG CHING ESTATE.
STAFF OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE WILL ALSO HELP ORGANISE COMPETITIONS AND TRAINING CLASSES.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE SCHEME WILL BE A SPORTS CARNIVAL ON JUNE 13, TO INCLUDE BASKETBALL AND MINI-SOCCER INVITATION MATCHES, TRAMPOLINING AND FENCING DEMONSTRATIONS, AND GAMES.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF TSING YI, MR JOSEPH WONG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING.
MR WONG SAID THERE WAS A NEED FOR SPORTING ACTIVITIES ON TSING Yl, PARTICULARLY AT THE TWO HOUSING ESTATES, WHICH HAVE A POPULATION OF ABOUT 32 000.
♦GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE TAKING THE LEAD IN ORGANISING ACTIVITIES FOR THEM, AND WE HOPE EVENTUALLY THAT LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, ESPECIALLY MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN THE ESTATES, WILL DO SO ON THEIR OWN,+ HE SAID.
TAKING PART IN THE NEW SCHEME ARE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, HOUSING DEPARTMENT, NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE UNIT, TSING Yl ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.
IT IS BEING FINANCED BY TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND IS ONE OF SEVERAL ESTATE RECREATION PROJECTS BEING ORGANISED LOCALLY.
THE OTHERS ARE AT KWAI CHUNG, FOK LOI AND CHEUNG SHAN ESTATES.
/13........
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1931
13
DRAINAGE ON TSING Yl ISLAND BEING IMPROVED
*****
WORK HAS STARTED ON IMPROVEMENTS TO THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM ALONG TSING Yl MAIN STREET, RUNNING FROM TSING Yl TONG TO THE FERRY PIER.
THE WORK INVOLVES BUILDING A GREASE TRAP AT ONE SECTION OF THE 26O-METRE-LONG UNDERGROUND DRAIN, TO FILTER OILY MATtRIAL WHICH ENTERS THE DRAIN FROM NEARBY RESTAURANTS.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE 17 MANHOLES BUILT AT SIX-METRE INTERVALS TO ENABLE CLEANSING STAFF TO GO INSIDE THE DRAIN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFF ICE SA ID THE UNDERGROUND DRAIN HAD BEEN FILLED WITH RUBBISH POURED IN BY RESIDENTS.
CLEANSING STAFF HAD BEEN UNABLE TO ENTER THE DRAIN AND CLEAR Tric RUBBISH BECAUSE OF ITS SMALL DIAMETER AND BECAUSE THERE WERE NO ACCESSIBLE OUTLETS TO THE SURFACE.
AS A RESULT, DIRTY WATER FLOWED OUT TO THE STREET G IV ING A BAD SMELL AND POOR SANITATION. FLOODING ALSO OCCURRED DURING RAINY SEASONS.
♦THE SITUATION WILL EE IMPROVED UPON COMPLETION OF THE WORK,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PROJECT, COSTING $28 OOO, WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE MIDDLE CF JULY.
STAFF OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL THEN BE ABLE TO CARRY OUT REGULAR DESILTING AND CLEANSING ALONG THE DRAIN.
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POKFULAM WATER LEAKAGE TEST
*****
WATFR SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN POKFULAM WILL BE TURN-X FOR SEvU SoJrS FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (JUNE 1) .0 6 AM S TUESDAY (JUNE 2) FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
-_E AR-A AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY NO 102-136 POKFULAM ROAD, INCLUDING QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL AND ITS QUAnTtRS.
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1931
U
FIRING PRACTICE TO TAKE PLACE IN JUNE ******
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FOR 14 DAYS FROM JUNE 1.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING PRACTICE TIMES.
THE TIMES ARE AS FOLLOWS!
DATE TIME
JUNE 1, 1981 (MONDAY ) 8 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 2, 1981 (TUESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 9, 1981 (TUESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 10, 1981 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 11, 1981 (THURSDAY) 8 AM - 11 PM
JUNE 12, 1981 (FRIDAY) 3 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 16, 1981 (TUESDAY) 8 AM - 11 PM
JUNE 17, 1981 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
JU t - 13, 1981 (THURSDAY) 8 AM - 11 PM
JUNE 19, 1981 (FRIDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 25, 1981 (THURSDAY) 8 AM - 11 PM
JUNE 26, 1981 (FRIDAY) 8 AM - 4 PM
JU N E 29, 1981 (MONDAY) 8 AM - 11 PM
v'UNE 39, 1981 (TUESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
- - 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY >0, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SEAT-BELTS - IS THERE REALLY A CHOICE? ........................ 1
PRISON SERVICE HAS WELL-DESERVED REPUTATION.................... 3
ABATTOIR TO BE BUILT AT SHEUNG SHUI ........................... 5
THREE BRIDGES FOR YUEN LONG NEW TOWN........................... 6
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES .................... 7
BEAUTIES GREET ’JI FUNG1 VOYAGERS ............................. 8
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SALE BY AUCTION............................ 8
LAM TSUEN VILLhGE OFFICE OPENED................................ 9
TENDERS SOUGHT FOR SITE FORMATION............................. 10
LEASE FOR CARGO HANDLING AREA ................................ 10
SLIP ROADS TO BE CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE WORK.................. 11
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1981
1
SEAT-BELTS - IS THERE REALLY A CHOICE? ft * * * ft
THE CHOICE BETWEEN WEARING OR NOT WEARING SEAT-BELTS IN A CAR HAS BEEN A PUBLIC ISSUE, ESPECIALLY AMONG DRIVERS, SINCE THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATIONS GOVERNING SAFETY BELTS CAME INTO EFFECT IN 1976.
THIS LAW STIPULATES THAT ALL PRIVATE CARS NEWLY REGISTERED AFTER JULY 31, 1976, MUST BE FITTED WITH SAFETY BELTS.
THERE ARE THREE CATEGORIES OF PRIVATE CAR EXEMPTED FROM INSTALLING SUCH BELTS, THESE AREi
A) CARS WITH FIRST REGISTRATION DATED ON OR BEFORE JULY 31, 1976,
B) CARS BEING USED UNDER TRADE LICENCES,
C) CARS FITTED WITH AN ALTERNATIVE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM DESIGNED TO PREVENT OR LESSEN INJURY, APPROVED IN WRITING BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.
ALTHOUGH IT IS COMPULSORY TO INSTALL SEAT-BELTS IN THE FRONT SEATS OF MOST PRIVATE CARS, WEARING THEM IS NOT MANDATORY UNDER PRESENT LEGISLATIONS IN HONG KONG.
AS A RESULT, ALTHOUGH MOST CARS ARE FITTED WITH SEAT-BELTS, MANY DRIVERS DO NOT BOTHER TO WEAR THEM. THEY USUALLY CONSIDER THEM A BURDEN, AND HAVE THE MISTAKEN IDEA THAT BY NOT WEARING A SEAT-BELT, THEY WILL BE FREE TO DODGE THE STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING COLUMN IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.
A SPOKESMAN FROM THE TRAFFIC HEADQUARTERS, ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, STRESSED THAT IT IS ADVISABLE FOR DRIVERS TO WEAR SEAT-BELTS BECAUSE THEY CONSTITUTE ONE OF THE MOST ESSENTIAL SAFETY FACTORS TO DRIVERS AS WELL AS PASSENGERS IN A VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A ROAD ACCIDENT.
EXPERIENCE FROM THE PAST REVEALS THAT THE MOST FREQUENT AND SERIOUS INJURIES TO DRIVERS AND FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS IN PRIVATE CARS OCCURRED WHEN, AS A RESULT OF RAPID DECELERATION AFTER A COLLISION, THEY WERE THROWN FORWARD ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL, DASH-BOARD OR WINDSCREEN.
IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION, A DRIVER USUALLY BREAKS MOST OF HIS RIBS OR SUFFERS SERIOUS HEAD AND FACIAL INJURIES. IF A DRIVER IS WEARING A SEAT-BELT, IT WILL USUALLY SAVE HIM FROM SUCH PAIN AND POSSIBLE DISFIGUREMENT AND, AT THE VERY LEAST, REDUCE INJURY TO A MINIMUM.
IN FACT, WHEN SEAT-BELTS ARE FITTED AND ADJUSTED CORRECTLY, THEY ARE VERY CONVENIENT TO USE, IT ONLY TAKES A FEW SECONDS TO FASTEN OR RELEASE THE QUICK ACTION BUCKLE. +USING A SEAT-BELT IS VERY EASY AND PROVIDES THE MOST PROTECTIVE FACTOR WITHIN AN AUTOMOBILE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/ACCORDIN3 TO ...
SATURDAY, MAY JO, 1981
2
ACCORDING TO MR PHIL TAYLOR, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION AND A STRONG BELIEVER IN SAFETY SEAT-BELTS, IT IS MORE THAN PROBABLE THAT BY NOW 50 PER CENT OF THE PRIVATE CARS ON HONG KONG’S ROADS HAVE BEEN FITTED WITH APPROVED STANDARD SEAT-BELTS, BUT ONLY A LITTLE MORE THAN TWO PER CENT OF THE DRIVERS ARE WEARING THEM. HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT HE SAW NO DISADVANTAGES IN USING SEAT-BELTS AND THEIR EFFECTIVENESS HAS BEEN PROVED BEYOND DOUBT.
HE SAID, +WHEN YOU COMPARE A SEAT-BELT WITH ANY OTHER AUTOPART, IT IS THE SINGLE MOST EFFECTIVE SAFETY FEATURE INCORPORATED INTO A CAR TO PROTECT THE DRIVER, SHOULD AN ACCIDENT OCCUR.♦
EVIDENCE HAS SHOWN THAT IF SOME OF THE DRIVERS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS IN HONG KONG HAD TAKEN THE SIMPLE AND INEXPENSIVE PRECAUTION OF WEARING SEAT-BELTS, MOST OF THE FATALITIES WOULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED AND THE SEVERITY OF MANY OF THE INJURIES GREATLY REDUCED.
MR TAYLOR SAID* +ONE SET OF APPROVED SAFETY SEAT-BELTS ONLY COSTS AROUND $150. IT IS ECONOMICAL AND YET OFFERS MORE PROTECTION THAN ANY OTHER SAFETY MEASURE IN A CAR. IT IS ILLOGICAL NOT TO WEAR A BELT WHEN IT HAS ALREADY BEEN INSTALLED IN A CAR.+
THE PRESIDENT OF THE INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS, W STEPHEN NG, WHEN ASKED TO COMMENT SAID THAT WEARING SEAT-BELTS DEFINITELY HELPS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF DEATHS AND INJURIES THROUGH ROAD ACCIDENTS.
MR NG SAID, +0F COURSE IT IS NECESSARY TO PUT ON A SEAT-BELT FOR ONE GOOD REASON: IT IS ’SAFE’.*
EUROPEAN STATISTICS HAVE PROVED THAT A SEAT-BELT IS NOT ONLY AN ACCESSORY IN A CAR, BUT IT IS ALSO A NOT-TO-BE IGNORED SAFETY FACTOR THAT CAN PROTECT A DRIVER OR PASSENGER FROM FATAL INJURIES, SHOULD THEIR VEHICLE BE INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT, ESPECIALLY A HEAD-ON COLLISION.
MANY TECHNICALLY ADVANCED COUNTRIES, INCLUDING AUSTRALIA, AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, DENMARK, FINLAND, FRANCE, HOLLAND, IRELAND, ISRAEL LUXEMBURG, SWITZERLAND AND WEST GERMANY, HAVE PASSED LEGISLATION ENFORCING THE COMPULSORY USE OF SEAT-BELTS. AND MOST PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR NON-USE.
DURING THE PAST FEW YEARS INVESTIGATIONS HAVE SHOWN THAT IF APPROVED SEAT-BELTS HAD BEEN IN GENERAL USE BY THE MOTORING PUBLIC IN HONG KONG, 80 PER CENT OF FATALITIES AND SERIOUS INJURIES SUFFERED BY DRIVERS AS A RESULT OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, WOULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED.
IT IS NOT ONLY ADULTS WHO SHOULD WEAR SAFETY BELTS, CHILDREN TOO, HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED.
USUALLY, CAR OWNERS INSTALL SEAT-BELTS FOR THEMSELVES AND THE FRONT-SEAT PASSENGER, BUT NEGLECT THE SAFETY OF A CHILD, OR OTHER OCCUPANTS, IN THE CAR.
/IN AUSTRALIA ......
SATURDAY, MAY JO, 1981
■5
IN AUSTRALIA, SEVERAL EXPERTS ON ROAD TRAFFIC PROBLEMS WERE ASKED BY THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO CONDUCT A SURVEY ON THE USEFULNESS OF SEAT-BELTS. ONE OF THESE EXPERTS, MR ERIC MONTGOMERY, DIRECTOR OF GOULBURN VALLEY DRIVER TRAINING COMPLEX SAID, +IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO START DEVELOPING THE CORRECT APPROACH (USING SEATBELTS) AT THE AGE OF 18. IT IS NECESSARY TO START AT THE TIME WHEN THE CHILD CAN FIRST USE A SEAT-BELT, AND MUST BE DEVELOPED THROUGH THE YEARS .... AN INTEGRATED EDUCATIONAL PROCESS WHICH MUST BE CARRIED ON.+
IN RECENT YEARS, PRE-DRIVER EDUCATION HAS BEEN APPROVED AS AN EXTRA CURRICULUM SUBJECT UNDER THE CONTROL OF SCHOOL TEACHERS. A SPECIAL TEACHER TRAINING COURSE ON ROAD SAFETY/DRIV ING HAS BEEN STARTED AT THE GOULBURN VALLEY DRIVER TRAINING COMPLEX AT SHEPPERTON, AUSTRALIA.
IN NEW ZEALAND, PROVIDED THAT A CAR IS FITTED WITH SEAT-BELTS, LEGISLATION HAS MADE IT MANDATORY THAT CHILDREN EIGHT YEARS OF AGE AND OVER, MUST WEAR THEM.
HOWEVER, A RECENT SURVEY CONDUCTED IN AUCKLAND’S VEHICLE TESTING STATIONS REVEALED THAT 71 PER CENT OF CHILDREN EIGHT YEARS AND UNDER, USUALLY TRAVELLED IN A CAR WITHOUT ANY FORM OF RESTRAINING DEVICE.
DURING A COLLISION OR A SIMPLE ABRUPT STOP, A CHILD COULD BE HELPLESSLY THROWN FORWARD AGAINST THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR, THE WINDSCREEN, DASH BOARD OR EVEN THE STEERING WHEEL. IN THIS EVENT, A CHILD’S HEAD IS MOST VULNERABLE.
IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT, APPROXIMATELY 60 PER CENT OF ROAD ACCIDENT INJURIES ARE TO THE HEAD AND 65 PER CENT OF FATALITIES RESULTING FROM ROAD ACCIDENTS, ARE DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO HEAD INJURIES. SEVERE DISABILITY OFTEN FOLLOWS THE HIGH INCIDENT RATE OF BRAIN DAMAGE WHICH CAN BE THE OUTCOME OF SUCH HEAD INJURIES.
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PRISON SERVICE HAS WELL-DESERVED REPUTATION
******
THE HONG KONG PRISON SERVICE HAS A WELL-DESERVED REPUTATION BOTH HERE AND ABROAD FOR COMPASSION, FAIRNESS AND RELIABILITY, THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE PASSING-OUT PARADE OF RECRUIT PRISON OFFICERS AT THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY. THE RECRUITS COMPRISING SEVEN OFFICERS AND 123 ASSISTANT OFFICERS HAVE RECENTLY COMPLETED SIX-MONTH BASIC TRAINING IN THE INSTITUTE.
SIR DENYS TOLD THE RECRUITS THAT THEY HAD SELECTED A CAREER WHICH WAS ESSENTIAL TO THE WELL-BEING OF SOCIETY AND WHICH SHOULD BRING THEM THE DEGREE OF PERSONAL SATISFACTION WHICH CAME FROM DOING WELL WORK WHICH WAS DIFFICULT AND DEMANDING.
HE SAID CONTROLLING PRISONERS REQUIRED A VARIETY OF ATTRIBUTES WHICH INCLUDED INTEGRITY, INEXHAUSTIBLE PATIENCE AND CHARITY.
/HE ALSO ....
SATURDAY, MAY JO, 1981
4
HE ALSO NOTED THAT A GOOD PRISON OFFICER MUST ALSO MAINTAIN HIGH STANDARDS OF PHYSICAL FITNESS, A MENTAL DISCIPLINE AND SELF-CONTROL AND MUCH STRENGTH OF CHARACTER.
SIR DENYS INSPECTED THE PARADE, TOOK THE SALUTE AND PRESENTED GOLDEN WHISTLES TO THE TWO BEST ALL-ROUND RECRUITS, MISS KWONG CHAU-LING AND MR TO CHI-HUNG, BOTH ASSISTANT OFFICERS.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF SIR DENYS’ SPEECH 1
♦SINCE I CAME TO HONG KONG IN 1962, I HAVE OCCUPIED VARIOUS POSTS WHICH BROUGHT ME REGULARLY INTO CONTACT WITH MEMBERS OF THE PRISON SERVICE.
♦ HAVING HAD MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO OBSERVE THEM AT WORK, I HAVE DEVELOPED A DEEP ADMIRATION FOR THE PROFESSIONALISM, DEVOTION TO DUTY AND SENSE OF HUMANITY OF THE SERVICE WHICH THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE PASSING-OUT TODAY HAVE RECENTLY JOINED.
♦ IT FALLS UPON THE PRISON SERVICE TO DEAL, ON BEHALF OF THE COMMUNITY, WITH THOSE WHO HAVE COME INTO CONFLICT WITH THE LAWS WHICH SOCIETY HAS MADE FOR THE COMMON GOOD AND FOR THE REGULATION OF ITS CITIZENS.
+INEVITABLY, SUCH A GROUP CONTAINS MANY WHO ARE NOT EASY TO CONTROL. SOME OF THEM WILL BE EMBITTERED BY WHAT THEY REGARD AS THE INJUSTICE OF THEIR TREATMENT. OTHERE WILL BE DEEPLY DEPRESSED BY THE SHOCK OF BEING LOCKED AWAY FROM NORMAL LIFE FOR SUBSTANTIAL PERIODS. MANY WILL BE RESENTFUL AND HOSTILE TOWARDS YOU AS THE SYMBOL OF THE SOCIETY WITH WHICH THEY HAVE CLASHED. AT BEST, THE MAJORITY OF PRISONERS WILL BE UNEASY AT BEING FORCED INTO AN ENVIRONMENT WHICH IS STRANGE, AND INTO A PATTERN OF LIFE IN WHICH THEY HAVE CEASED TO BE MASTERS OF THEIR OWN AFFAIRS AND HAVE BECOME SUBJECT TO THE ORDERS OF STRANGERS.
♦ TO CONTROL PRISONERS REQUIRES A VARIETY OF ATTRIBUTES, PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT OF WHICH IS INTEGRITY, BY WHICH I MEAN COMPLETE IMPARTIALITY BETWEEN PRISONERS. THIS IS NOT EASY SINCE, IN OUR PRIVATE LIVES, WE FREQUENTLY PERMIT A PREFERENCE FOR ONE PERSON OVER ANOTHER TO INFLUENCE OUR CONDUCT. IN A PRISON SERVICE THIS HAS TO BE AVOIDED.
♦ANOTHER CHARACTERISTIC OF THE GOOD PRISON OFFICER IS INEXHAUSTIBLE PATIENCE, SINCE YOU MUST DEAL WITH A WIDE ASSORTMENT OF MEN, SOME QUICK IN THOUGHT AND ACTION, SOME STUPID AND SLOW, SOME PHYSICALLY STRONG AND SOME WEAK, SOME EAGER AND CO-OPERATIVE AND OTHERS HOSTILE AND OBSTINATE.
♦ YOU MUST ALSO HAVE CHARITY, WHICH REQUIRES AN ACCEPTANCE THAT YOUR CHARGES, ALTHOUGH THEY ARE IMPRISONED BECAUSE THEY HAVE OFFENDED SOCIETY, AND WHATEVER THEIR FAULTS MAY BE, REMAIN INDIVIDUAL MEN AND WOMEN, ENTITLED TO A MEASURE OF HUMAN DIGNITY AND TO SUCH CONSIDERATION AS IS PERMISSIBLE WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE DISCIPLINARY STRUCTURE WHICH YOU MUST IMPOSE UPON THEM.
/♦THESE ARE....
SATURDAY, MAY JO, 1981
5
♦THESE ARE BUT A FEW OF THE QUALITIES REQUIRED OF A GOOD PRISON OFFICER, WHO MUST, IN GENERAL, MAINTAIN HIGH STANDARDS OF PHYSICAL FITNESS, A MENTAL DISCIPLINE AND SELF-CONTROL AND MUCH STRENGTH OF CHARACTER.
♦YOU HAVE SELECTED A CAREER WHICH IS ESSENTIAL TO THE WELL-BEING OF SOCIETY AND WHICH SHOULD BRING YOU THAT DEGREE PHONAL SATISFACTION WHICH COMES FROM DOING WELL WORK WHICH IS DIFFICULT AND DEMANDING.
u.o /,* CAN ALS0 ASSURE YOU THAT THE HONG KONG PRISON SERVICE HAS A WELL-DESERVED REPUTATION, NOT ONLY HERE BUT ABROAD, FOR COMPASSION, FAIRNESS AND RELIABILITY. IT IS, THEREFORE, A SERVICE WHICH YOU CAN FEEL PROUD TO HAVE JOINED.
+l WISH YOU GOOD FORTUNE IN THE FUTURE IN THE BUT REWARDING LIFE WHICH YOU HAVE CHOSEN.+
CHALLENGING
----0-------
ABATTOIR TO BE BUILT AT SHEUNG SHU I K M M M
THE FIRST EVER GOVERNMENT ABATTOIR IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE BUILT IN SHEUNG SHU I TO MEET THE LONG TERM REQUIREMENTS FOR FRESH MEAT IN THE RAPIDLY DEVELOPED NEW TOWNS IN THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES TOWARDS THE MID 1980S.
THE PROJECT INCLUDING EQUIPMENT AND OTHER ANCILLARY ENGINEERING WORKS IS ESTIMATED TO COST MORE THAN $150 MILLION AND A SITE HAS BEEN RESERVED IN AREA 2B OF THE SHEUNG SHU I NEW TOWN, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE PROPOSED ABATTOIR WILL HAVE AN INITIAL SLAUGHTERING CAPACITY OF 3 000 PIGS PER DAY RISING TO 4 500 PIGS PER DAY EVENTUALLY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN ADDITION, SMALL CATTLE SLAUGHTERING FACILITY WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED WITH A DAILY CAPACITY OF 100 CATTLE AT THE ABATTOIR.
A BY-PRODUCT PLANT WILL BE INCLUDED FOR PROCESSING THE UNFIT PEAT INTERCEPTED AT THE ABATTOIR INTO ANIMAL FEED AND FERTILIZER AND WILL ALSO SUPPLEMENT THE SERVICES OF OTHER ABATTOIRS.
IN ORDER TO ACQUIRE UP-TO-DATE KNOWLEDGE ON THE SOPHISTICATED DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT OF THE MODERN ABATTOIR, THE SUPERINTENDENT OF ABATTOIR AND FOOD OF THE NTS, MR CHUNG YIU-FAN, WILL BE LEAVING FOR GERMANY, DENMARK, THE NETHERLANDS AND ENGLAND NEXT MONTH TO SEE HOW ABATTOIRS IN THESE EUROPEAN LEADING PORK PRODUCING COUNTRIES OPERATE.
MR CHUNG WILL TOUR A NUMBER OF SLAUGHTERING PLANTS TO SEE HOW THEY CAN BE APPLICABLE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS AND VISIT ABATTOIR EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS IN THE FOUR COUNTRIES DURING HIS 28-DAY STUDY TRIP.
/THE SPOKESMAN ......
SATURDAY, MAY JO, 1981
6
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CURRENT DEMAND FOR FRESH MEAT THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES IS ABOUT 3 □□□ PIGS AND 150 CATTLE PER DAY. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE DAILY DEMAND WILL REACH 7 000 PIGS AND 350 CATTLE TOWARDS THE LATE 1980S.
AT PRESENT, FRESH MEAT SUPPLIED TO THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE MAINLY FROM CHEUNG SHA WAN ABATTOIR AND TWO LICENSED PRIVATE SLAUGHTER-HOUSES AT YUEN LONG AND TAI PO.
A PRIVATE ABATTOIR FOR PIGS IN TSUEN WAN, FOR WHICH A SITE HAS BEEN GRANTED BY TENDERS, IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. IT WILL HAVE AN INITIAL CAPACITY OF 2 000 PIGS PER DAY AND WILL EVENTUALLY EXPAND TO 3 000 PIGS PER DAY.
PROVISION OF TWO SMALL GOVERNMENT ABATTOIRS IS ALSO BEING PLANNED TO COPE WITH THE RISING DEMAND OF THE OUTLYING ISLANDS AND THE REMOTE AREA OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WHERE DEVELOPMENTS ARE UNDERWAY AND RESIDENTS ARE RAPIDLY INCREASING, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
------0-------
THREE BRIDGES FOR YUEN LONG NEW TOWN
* * * *
TWO VEHICULAR BRIDGES, ONE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AND ASSOCIATED ROADS AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS WILL SHORTLY BE BUILT IN YUEN LONG NEW TOWN BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
THE VEHICULAR BRIDGES WILL FORM PART OF A NEW ROAD BYPASSING YUEN LONG NEW TOWN ON THE NORTH, CONNECTING THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND INDUSTRIAL AREA IN THE NORTHERN PART OF TOWN TO THE YUEN LONG/AU TAU ROAD NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
THE FOOTBRIDGE, TO BE BUILT AT SHU I PIN WAI, WILL ENABLE PEDESTRIANS TO CROSS THE BUSY CASTLE PEAK ROAD SAFELY FROM THE RECENTLY COMPLETED PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE TO MAJOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THE TOWN, INCLUDING THE TOWN HALL, SPORTS STADIUM, SCHOOLS AND TO THE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT PRESENT.
THE PROJECT FORMS PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF YUEN LONG NEW TOWN UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT BRANCH OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, PWD.
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE WORKS AND CONSTRUCTION WILL START IN SEPTEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 20 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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/7.......
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1981
7
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES * * * *
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW INVITED FOR SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS AND INTEREST-FREE LOANS UNDER TWO FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
THEY ARE THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS SCHOLARSHIP FUND AND THE MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUND.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE AWARDS, SUBJECT TO ANNUAL REVIEW, WOULD BE TENABLE AT A UNIVERSITY IN HONG KONG OR THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC OR A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE. THEY WILL ALSO BE TENABLE AT AN ACCEPTABLE OVERSEAS ACADEMIC OR TECHNOLOGICAL OR POST-GRADUATE INSTITUTION.
CANDIDATES SHOULD BE STUDENTS WHO MAY BE EXPECTED TO MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO EITHER AGRICULTURE OR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT MARKETING INDUSTRIES, OR MARINE FISHERIES OR FISH MARKETING INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG.
THESE STUDENTS SHOULD NORMALLY STUDY AGRICULTURE, VETERINARY SCIENCE, BOTANY, ZOOLOGY OR ANY APPLIED SCIENCES THAT ARE RELEVANT TO HONG KONG, OR ZOOLOGY, FISHERY, BIOLOGY, MARINE BIOLOGY, FOOD TECHNOLOGY, ECONOMICS, MANAGEMENT OR ADMINISTRATIVE STUDIES, MARINE ENGINEERING, NAVAL ARCHITECTURE OR ANY APPLIED SCIENCES THAT ARE RELEVANT TO LOCAL MARINE FISHERIES OR FISH MARKETING INDUSTRIES.
APPLICATIONS ARE ALSO OPEN TO PEOPLE WHO ARE EMPLOYED IN AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT MARKETING INDUSTRIES OR MARINE FISHERIES AND FISH MARKETING INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG.
CANDIDATES SHOULD BE HONG KONG RESIDENTS AND ADMITTED BY A RELEVANT ACADEMIC INSTITUTION. THEY SHOULD BE UNDER THE AGE OF 33 AND PREFERABLY BETWEEN 18 AND 25 YEARS OF AGE.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THESE SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS OR LOANS ARE NOW OBTAINABLE FROM THE INFORMATION COUNTER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ON THE 12TH FLOOR OF CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS JULY 17.
DETAILS OF THE APPLICATIONS ARE ADVERTISED IN THE PRESS TODAY, TOMORROW AND ON MONDAY.
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1981
8
BEAUTIES GREET +JI FUNG* VOYAGERS
* * M
THERE WAS A PLEASANT SURPRISE FOR THE 39 YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WHO RETURNED TO HONG KONG TODAY (SATURDAY) ON THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL’S TRAINING SHIP, THE ♦ J I FUNG+, AFTER AN 18-DAY VOYAGE TO THE PHILIPPINES AND BACK.
WAITING AT QUEEN’S PIER TO WELCOME THEM HOME WERE SOME OF HONG KONG’S MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRLS - THE PRESENT MISS HONG KONG, MISS DORIS LOH, AND SEVERAL PAST HOLDERS OF THE TITLE.
THIS WAS THE THIRD VOYAGE OF THE +JI FUNG+, A 132-FOOT LONG BRIGANTINE, BUILT AT A HANG HAU BOATYARD WITH JOCKEY CLUB FUNDS AND LAUNCHED IN MARCH.
IT DEPARTED ON MAY 14, VISITING MANILA AND SAN FERNANDO. OF THE 39 TRAINEES ON BOARD, SEVEN WERE WOMEN.
IT IS THE LAST ONE TO THE PHILIPPINES FOR SOME TIME BECAUSE OF THE TYPHOON SEASON, ALTHOUGH THERE WILL BE SHORT, LIVE-ABOARD CRUISES FOR CHILDREN UNTIL THE LONGER, 18-DAY JOURNIES START AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER.
ALSO PRESENT TODAY TO GREET THE RETURNED VOYAGERS WAS SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WHO PRESENTED CERTIFICATES AND BADGES TO THE PARTICIPANTS.
------o-------
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SALE BY AUCTION * * * *
SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD BY AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $502 200 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION HELD AT LECTURE HALL OF THE CITY HALL, 8TH FLOOR, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER HK 6 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $120 000.
ANOTHER NUMBER CM 2 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $55 000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1 000 FOR CK 802, CK 7313, CK 5525, CK 3183, CK 1956, CK 1839, CK 1970 AND CK 2572.
/THE OTHER ......
9
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1981
THE OTHER SPECIAL FOLLOWING PR ICES 1 REGISTRATION 1 NUMBERS WERE SOLD AT THE
$ S $
CK 113 3 000 CC 2222 40 000 AA 2828 45 000
CJ 7220 1 500 CK 618 11 000 CK 348 7 500
CK 280 6 500 CL 4 8 500 CK 1999 2 100
CK 213 2 800 CK 1668 19 000 CK 332 11 000
CK 308 9 000 BN 1 45 000 CK 108 6 000
CK 1283 3 100 CK 661 2 700 CK 3033 8 500
CC 353 4 000 CG 101 5 000 CK 329 13 500
8668 10 000 CK 223 12 000 CK 1932 1 500
AA 30 41 000
THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 64TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $19 249 532.
-----0------
LAM TSUEN VILLAGE OFFICE OPENED
* * * *
DISTRICT BOARDS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS TO TAKE PART IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS, TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICKY LO, SAID AT THE OPENING OF LAM TSUEN VILLAGE OFFICE TODAY (SATURDAY).
HE SAID THE NEW OFFICE, BUILT AT A COST OF $230 000, MARKED A MILESTONE FOR PROMOTING VILLAGE AFFAIRS.
THE TWO-STOREY BUILDING IS ON A 65 SQUARE-METRE SITE GRANTED BY GOVERNMENT AND REPLACES THE PREVIOUS VILLAGE OFFICE AT TIN HAU TEMPLE.
INCLUDED IN THE BUILDING ARE OFFICES, RECEPTION AND CONFERENCE ROOMS.
MR LO APPEALED TO RESIDENTS OF TAI PO TO FULLY SUPPORT DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TO BE HELD NEXT MARCH. HE SAID REGISTRATION OF VOTERS WOULD BEGIN IN AUGUST.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE LAM TSUEN COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR CHEUNG CHE-FAN- TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR STEPHEN WONG, AND OTHER LOCAL LEADERS.
LAM TSUEN CONSISTS OF 23 VILLAGES AND DATES BACK NEARLY 700
YEARS. ______0_______
/1O.....
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1981
10
TENDERS SOUGHT FOR SITE FORMATION ft ft ft ft
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR SITE FORMATION, ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN AN AREA EAST OF THE SHA KOK AND POK HANG PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
UNDER THE CONTRACT, ABOUT 5.5 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE PRODUCED FOR PHASE TWO DEVELOPMENT OF THE POK HANG HOUSING ESTATE AND ASSOCIATED BUS TERMINAL AND GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONAL FACILITIES.
ROADS AND DRAINS WILL ALSO BE BUILT TO SERVE COMMERCIAL AND PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA.
IN ADDITION, TWO PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGES WILL BE CONSTRUCTED. ONE WILL CONNECT THE SHA KOK HOUSING ESTATE WITH A PROPOSED BUS TERMINUS AND POK HANG HOUSING ESTATE, AND THE OTHER WILL LINK THE ESTATE WITH THE PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT EAST OF THE ESTATE.
WORKS ON THE PROJECT WILL START IN AUGUST AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
------o - - - -
LEASE FOR CARGO HANDLING AREA ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO LEASE ABOUT 1.15 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED OFF LOK KWAN STREET IN TAI KOK TSUI FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CARGO HANDLING AREA.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE YESTERDAY.
PEOPLE HAVING OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL OR ANY CLAIM OF PRIVATE RIGHT SHOULD SUBMIT THEM IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
THE NOTICE (IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE) WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN SHOWING THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY ALSO BE SEEN AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, FIRST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD.
-----o------
/11 ......
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1981
11
SLIP ROADS TO BE CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE WORK * ft * * *
FOUR SLIP ROADS NEAR COTTON TREE DRIVE AND HARCOURT ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC AT ONE AND A HALF HOUR INTERVALS BETWEEN 12.30 AM AND 6.30 AM ON JUNE 2, 3 AND 5, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE SLIP ROADS (AND THE TIMES THEY WILL BE CLOSED) ARE FROM COTTON TREE DRIVE NORTHBOUND TO COTTON TREE DRIVE SOUTHBOUND (12.30 AM TO 2 AM)- FROM HARCOURT ROAD EASTBOUND TO COTTON TREE DRIVE SOUTHBOUND (2 AM TO 3.30 AM)- HARCOURT ROAD EASTBOUND TO QUEENSWAY (3.30 AM TO 5 AM)- AND HARCOURT ROAD WESTBOUND TO COTTON TREE DRIVE (5 AM TO 6.30 AM).
THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORK ON THE SLIP ROADS.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
0 -------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN BUS REVIEW................................ 1
GOVERNOR TEAMS ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT ........................ 3
PRICE CHANGES AND TRADE VOLUME MOVEMENTS, MARCH 1981 ........... 4
BOAT FESTIVAL A STATUTORY HOLIDAY............................... 6
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD INFORMATION SUB-COMMITTEE.............. 7
MORE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS FOR THE DISABLED....................... 8
APPLICATION FORMS FOR MAINTENANCE GRANT AVAILABLE............... 9
NEW EQUIPMENT FOR FIRE FIGHTING ................................ 9
SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS GRANTS ............................................... 10
CUSTOMS DELEGATION BACK FROM KOREA............................. 11
NEW ADDRESSES FOR CUSTOMS AND CONTROLS DEPARTMENT ............. 11
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SECTION OF STUBBS ROAD ................... 12
TAPS OFF FOR MAINS WORK ....................................... 12
SUMDAY, MAY 31, 1981
1
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN BUS REVIEW * * * *
THE PUBLIC WILL BE CONSULTED WIDELY OM THE DEVELOPMENT OF BUS SERVICES DURING THE CURRENT REVIEW OF THE BUS OPERATIONS OF THE CHINA MOTOR BUS AND KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANIES.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS WOULD BE DONE IN SEVERAL WAYSi
* THE INVOLVEMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN THE REVIEW-
* SEEKING THE VIEWS OF RESIDENTS ON THEIR LOCAL BUS SERVICES-
* INVITING COMMENTS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON THE MATTERS COVERED BY THE REVIEW.
ONE OF THE OBJECTIVES OF THE REVIEW IS TO RE-EXAMINE THE EXISTING NETWORK OF BUS SERVICES AND THE ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WITH A VIEW TO REDUCING UNDER-UTILISED SERVICES AND OPTIMISING EFFICIENCY.
PARTICULAR AREAS WHICH WILL BE CONSIDERED IN DETAIL INCLUDEi
* THE BUS NETWORK AS A WHOLE-
* THE REDEPLOYMENT OF BUSES FROM UNDER-UTILISED ROUTES TO OVERCROWDED ROUTES-
X CONVERSION OF SERVICES FROM SINGLE DECKER TO DOUBLE DECKER BUSES-
* WITHDRAWING LIGHTLY USED ROUTES AND REPLACING THEM WITH MAX I CAB SERVICES-
* REDUCTIONS IN SERVICE DURING OFF-PEAK
PERIODS
THE SPOKESMAN SAID COPIES OF A DRAFT ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME HAD BEEN CIRCULATED TO CITY DISTRICT OFFICERS AND DISTRICT OFFICERS AND THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC ON THESE PROPOSALS, AS WELL AS ON OTHER ASPECTS OF THE REVIEW, WOULD BE SOUGHT THROUGH DISTRICT BOARDS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OTHER SIMILAR CHANNELS.
THE PROGRAMME HAS BEEN PRODUCED ANNUALLY BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT FOR MANY YEARS BUT WAS FORMALISED UNDER THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SIGNED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE TWO BUS COMPANIES IN FEBRUARY 1980.
♦ IN PROVIDING FOR THE FUTURE NEEDS OF THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +MANY VARIABLES HAD TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN DEVI Cl NG THE PROGRAMME SUCH AS THE DEVELOPMENT OF HOUSING ESTATES AND NEW TOWNS, OTHER TRANSPORT MODES AND NEW ROADS AND TUNNELS.
/♦MUCH OP
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 1981
2
♦MUCH OF THE EXPANSION IN BUS SERVICES IN 1980 TOOK PLACE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHILE CONDITIONS IN KOWLOON WERE EASED BY THE NEW CAPACITY OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY. A ROUTE BY ROUTE STUDY WILL NOW BE MADE TO IDENTIFY AREAS FOR ECONOMIES ON A TERRITORY-WIDE BASIS.♦
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE STUDY WOULD ALSO LOOK AT BUS SERVICES IN RELATION TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT AS A WHOLE AND AT THE QUESTION OF FEEDER ROUTES WHERE THERE WERE OTHER MAJOR TRANSPORT MODES INVOLVED.
♦ IT IS THROUGH CONSULTATION WITH THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC THAT THE GOVERNMENT HOPES TO ASCERTAIN THE DESIRED LEVEL OF SERVICE ON INDIVIDUAL ROUTES, GIVEN THE COSTS AND OTHER IMPLICATIONS INVOLVED,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
The government WILL be ASSISTED in the review BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THREE OF WHOM HAVE BEEN CO-OPTED ONTO THE COMMITTEE ESPECIALLY FOR THIS EXERCISE.
THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN THE DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE REVIEW IS AS FOLLOWSi
* ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (MRS ELSIE ELLIOTT AND MR STEPHEN WONG)“
* BUS MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME (MR F.K. HU AND MRS GRACE HO)-
X DEPOT REQUIREMENTS (MR H.M.G. FORSGATE AND MR STEVEN CHEONG)-
* SPARE PARTS STOCK (MR P.K. CHAN AND MR K.C. CHAN)"
X PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME (MR T.S. LO AND MR LEO GOODSTADT).
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE SUGGESTIONS OR COMMENT ON ANY OF THESE SUBJECTS MAY DO SO BY WRITING TO THE SECRETARY, REVIEW OF BUS OPERATIONS, FIFTH FLOOR, GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WANCHAI, HONG KONG BY JUNE 30.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE VIEWS EXPRESSED WOULD BE INCLUDED IN A REPO T OF THE REVIEW FOR DUE CONSIDERATION BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.
------o-------
/3 ......
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 1931
3
GOVERNOR THANKS ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE TODAY (SUNDAY) THANKED THE HONG KONG ROYAL REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) FOR THEIR SERVICE DURING THE RECENT PERIOD OF LIMITED CALL-OUT AND ESPECIALLY THEIR MAGNIFICENT RESPONSE TO THE FULL CALL-OUT LAST OCTOBER.
SPEAKING AT THE REGIMENT’S PASSING OFF PARADE, SIR MURRAY ALSO THANKED EMPLOYERS FOR ALLOWING VOLUNTEERS LEAVE OF ABSENCE WHEN NEEDED. +THE SUCCESSFUL OPERATION OF THE REGIMENT OWES MUCH TO THEIR PUBLIC SPIRIT AND SUPPORT,+ HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY SAID THE REGIMENT HAS A FINE TRADITION AND MEMBERS SHOULD HAVE PRIDE IN IT AND IN THEIR WORK FOR IT. LIKE THE REGIMENT, THEY WILL SERVE HONG KONG WELL.
THE GOVERNOR PRAISED THE TRAINING CADRE FOR HAVING THE HIGHEST ATTENDANCE ON RECORD, EXCELLENT PROFICIENCY AND FITNESS, AND CONGRATULATED IT ON HAVING MADE SUCH AN EXCELLENT START.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH:
+1 AM HONOURED TO REVIEW YOUR PASSING OFF PARADE TODAY.
♦THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT HAS A FINE REPUTATION, AND COMPETITION TO JOIN IT IS KEEN. SO IT IS NO MEAN ACHIEVEMENT TO HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED AT ALL, AND I CONGRATULATE YOU ON YOUR SUCCESS.
+1 UNDERSTAND YOU ARE A STAR TRAINING CADRE, WITH THE HIGHEST ATTENDANCE ON RECORD, EXCELLENT PROFICIENCY AND FITNESS, AND THAT YOUR INSTRUCTORS ARE PROUD OF YOU. SO I CONGRATULATE YOU ON HAVING MADE SUCH AN EXCELLENT START IN THE REGIMENT.
+ IT IS A FINE REGIMENT WITH A FINE TRADITION. IT IS PART OF THE BRITISH ARMY. YOU WILL SERVE ALONGSIDE UNITS OF THAT ARMY AND THEY HAVE THEIR TRADITIONS AND BATTLE HONOURS. SO HAS OUR REGIMENT. SO HAVE PRIDE IN IT, AND IN YOUR WORK FOR IT, AND THUS LIKE THE REGIMENT, YOU WILL SERVE HONG KONG WELL. HONG KONG NEEDS SUCH SERVICE AND IT NEEDS THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT.
+1 WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL MEMBERS OF THE REGIMENT FOR THEIR SERVICE DURING THE RECENT PERIOD OF LIMITED CALL-OUT AND ESPECIALLY THEIR MAGNIFICENT RESPONSE TO THE FULL CALL-OUT LAST OCTOBER. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THEIR EMPLOYERS. THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE REGIMENT THROUGH ALLOWING VOLUNTEERS LEAVE OF ABSENCE WHEN NEEDED, IS VERY GREATLY APPRECIATED. THE SUCCESSFUL OPERATION OF THE REGIMENT OWES MUCH TO THEIR PUBLIC SPIRIT AND SUPPORT.
+1 WOULD FINALLY LIKE TO CONGRATULATE YOU AND YOUR EVERY SMART TURN OUT AND DRILL AND OK YOUR BEARING ON PARADE THIS MORNING. I
WISH YOU E^ERY SUCCESS IN YOLF CAREER WITH THE VOLUNTEERS.*
/4.........
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 1981
4
PRICE CHANGES AND TRADE VOLUME MOVEMENTS, MARCH 1981 *****
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND IMPORTS ROSE BY 8 PER CENT AND 10 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN MARCH 1981 COMPARED WITH MARCH 1980.
AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO CF THE DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO THE IMPORT PRICE INDEX) DECLINED BY 2 PER CENT. A LARGER INCREASE IN VOLUME WAS REGISTERED FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS (+17%) THAN FOR IMPORTS (+15%). THE PRICES CF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 9 PER CENT, WITH VOLUME UP BY 38 PER CENT, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, PRICES ROSE BY 8 PER CENT AND VOLUME ROSE BY 20 PER CENT.
PRICES ARE BASED ON UNIT VALUES WHICH DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OR QUALITY OF GOODS TRADED. CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE ARE DERIVED FROM CHANGES IN TRADE VALUES, AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP ARE SHOWN BELOWi
CHANGES COMPARING MARCH 1981 WITH MARCH 1980
EXPORT EXPORT UNIT
VALUE VALUE
EXPORT
VOLUME
CLOTHING (EXCEPT FUR) +38% ♦ 8% +29%
TEXTILE FABRICS + 22% + 4% +18%
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD - 9% + 7% -15%
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND
RELATED ARTICLES +14% +13% + 1%
ALL TRANSISTORIZED RADIOS - 1% + 8% - 9%
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS ♦61% ♦17% +38%
FOOTWEAR +44% - 1% +45%
METAL MANUFACTURES - 1% +10% -10%
METAL ORES AND SCRAP + 46% - 2% +49%
WATCHES AND CLOCKS ♦29% - 5% +36%
ALL COMMODITIES +26% + 8% + 17%
THE EXPOPT PRICES OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED, FROM 4 ’ER CENT FOR TEXTILE FABRICS TO 17 PER CENT FOR ELECTRONIC COM0ONENTS. ON The OTHER HAND, THE EXPORT PRICES OF FOOTWEAR. METAL ORES AND SCRAP, AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS DECLINED BY 1 PER CENT, 2 ’ER CENT AND 5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
/CQNSIDEHXBLE SROWTE......
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 1981
5
CONSIDERABLE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS NOTED FOR METAL ORES AND SCRAP (49%), FOOTWEAR (+45%), AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+38%). HOWEVER, DECLINES WERE REGISTERED IN THE EXPORT VOLUMES OF TRANSISTORIZED RADIOS (-9%), METAL MANUFACTURES (-10%), AND TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-15%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS
BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN BELOW-.
CHANGES COMPARING MARCH 1981 WITH MARCH 1980
IMPORT IMPORT UNIT VALUE VALUE IMPORT VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS +18% ♦17% + 1%
CONSUMER GOODS +40% + 6% +33%
FUELS RAW MATERIALS AND +70% +42% +20%
SEMI-MANUFACTURES +13% + 7% + 6%
CAPITAL GOODS +34% + 7% +25%
ALL COMMODITIES +26% +10% +15%
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FUELS, THE PRICE OF WHICH JUMPED BY 42 PER CENT, THE PRICES OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY INCREASED MODERATELY, RANGING FROM 6 PER CENT FOR CONSUMER GOODS, TO 17 PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS.
SOME IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS ROSE IN VOLUME TERMS, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING MILK, BUTTER, CHEESE AND EGGS, AND LIVE POULTRY. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE IMPORT VOLUMES OF CEREAL AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS, AS WELL AS MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS FELL.
IN THE CONSUMER GOODS CATEGORY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR CAMERAS AND APPARATUS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, TEXTILE MADE-UPS, CLOTHING, HOUSEHOLD ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, AS WELL AS RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS AND TAPE RECORDERS. THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOAPS, CLEANSING AND POLISHING PREPARATIONS DECLINED.
IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED BY 20 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE IMPORT VOLUMES OF VARIOUS KINDS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES SHOWED A MIXED TREND. WHEREAS PURCHASES O'7 FABRICS OF MAN-MADE FIBRES, WOOL AND ANIMAL HAIR, AND YARN OF MAN-MADE FIBRES ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY, DEMAND FOR RAw COTTON, WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK, AND PLASTIC MOULDING MATERIALS DECLINED.
/AS FOB .......
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 1981
6
AS FOR CAPITAL GOODS, MAJOR INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT AND OFFICE MACHINES.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS
BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN BELOW:
CHANGES COMPARING MARCH 1981 WITH MARCH 1980
RE-EXPORT VALUE RE-EXPORT UNIT VALUE RE-EXPORT VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS +57% +11% +42%
CONSUMER GOODS ♦59% + 5% ♦52%
FUELS +109% +47% ♦42%
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES +39% +12% +24%
CAPITAL GOODS +65% +14% +45%
ALL COMMODITIES +51% + 9% ♦38%
THE RE-EXPORT VOLUMES OF THE MAJOR END-USE CATEGORIES SHOWED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES, RANGING FROM 24 PER CENT FOR RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES TO 52 PER CENT FOR CONSUMER GOODS.
-----o------
BOAT FESTIVAL A STATUTORY HOLIDAY
X X X X X X
THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL, WHICH THIS YEAR FALLS ON SATURDAY, JUNE 6,IS ONE OF THE 10 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS APPOINTED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT UNDER THE ORDINANCE ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING DOMESTIC SERVANTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS, AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $6 000 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY.
THEY MUST ALSO BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE 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 VARY 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.
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 1981
7
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 3Y 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 ARE : FOR KOWLOON EAST 3-205638- KOWLOON VEST 3-201652- KWUN TONG 3-898520- TSUEN WAN 12-422096-TUEN MUN 12-818443 AND HONG KONG ISLAND 5-282523 EXT 60.
- - - - 0 ----------
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD INFORMATION SUB-COMMITTEE *****
A NEW SUB-COMMITTEE HAS BEEN SET UP WITHIN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD TO HELP PROMOTE THE WORK OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
KNOWN AS THE COMMUNITY INFORMATION SUB-COMMITTEE, IT WILL COVER A WIDE RANGE OF WORK, FROM PUBLICISING ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY LOCAL BODIES TO PRINTING INFORMATIVE AND EXPLANATORY MATERIAL.
IT WILL ALSO HELP PUBLICISE THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS OTHER SUB-COMMITTEES.
THE NEW SUB-COMMITTEE WILL BE CHAIRED BY AN UNOFFICIAL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR HO TUNG-CHING, A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL. THERE ARE 17 UNOFFICIAL AND OFFICIAL MEMBERS.
IN VIEW OF NEXT YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION, THE SUB-COMMITTEE’S WORK WILL FOCUS ON PUBLICISING THE NEW DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.
AS A START, MEMBERS ARE NOW WORKING ON A BROCHURE, TO INTRODUCE THE WORK CF THE DISTRICT BOARD OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS AND TO EXPLAIN TO LOCAL PEOPLE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FORTHCOMING ELECTION.
THE BROCHURE WILL EE AVAILABLE AT THE EIGHT PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES, COMMUNITY HALLS AND PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN TSUEN WAN. OFFICERS OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, WHILE VISITING LEADING ORGANISATIONS, WILL ALSO DISTRIBUTE COPIES TO MEMBERS.
/WITH TEE ........
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 1981
8
WITH THE SETTING UP OF THE NEW SUB-COMMITTEE, THERE ARE ALTOGETHER SEVEN SUB-COMMITTEES UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD RESPONSIBLE FOR FINANCE, CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, RECREATION AND SPORTS SOCIAL SERVICES, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS AND INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENTS.
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MORE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS FOR THE DISABLED
* * *
FACILITIES FOR DISABLED PEOPLE TO LEAD A USEFUL WORKING LIFE WILL MORE THAN DOUBLE BY 1984-85 AS PLANS ARE IN HAND TO SET UP 14 NEW SHELTERED WORKSHOPS.
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS CO-ORDINATING PLANS FOR SEVEN SHELTERED WORKSHOPS TO BE RUN BY ITSELF AND ANOTHER SEVEN BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
THE NEW WORKSHOPS WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 1 820 PLACES FOR DISABLED PERSONS WHO ARE NOT READY TO GO INTO OPEN EMPLOYMENT.
ONE IS EXPECTED TO COME INTO OPERATION BY MID-JUNE THIS YEAR WITH A CAPACITY FOR 140. IT IS THE PAK TIN SHELTERED WORKSHOP RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT.
AT PRESENT, THE DEPARTMENT OPERATES SEVEN SHELTERED WORKSHOPS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES RUN 12, PROVIDING A TOTAL OF 1 660 PLACES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THE PLANS IN HAND WERE TO MEET AN INCREASING NEED FOR SHELTERED WORKSHOP PLACES OFFERING THE DISABLED PRODUCTIVE AND REMUNERATIVE JOBS.
SHELTERED WORKERS ARE PRIMARILY ENGAGED IN ASSEMBLING WORK WHICH CAN BE PART-FINISHED, LABOUR-ADDED OR PACKING UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF TRADE INSTRUCTORS, HE SAID.
MATERIALS AND JOB ORDERS ARE SUPPLIED BY FIRMS AND MANUFACTURERS, HE ADDED.
SHELTERED WORKERS INCLUDE MENTALLY RETARDED, PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, EX-MENTALLY ILL, BLIND OR MULTl-HANDICAPPED PERSONS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THEY WERE ASSIGNED TO DIFFERENT WORKSHOP CLASSES ON HANDICRAFT, MACHINE-SEWING OR METAL WORK ACCORDING TO THEIR ABILITIES.
A°ART FROM WAGES, HE SAID, SHELTERED WORKERS ARE GIVEN INCENTIVE PAYMENTS, FREE LUNCH AND, WHERE NECESSARY, SPECIAL BUS SERVICES.
WORKSHOP STAFF REGULARLY ORGANISE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE WORKERS INCLUDING PICNICS, TEA PARTIES AND GATHERINGS.
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SUNDAY, MAY 31, 1981
APPLICATION FORMS FOR MAINTENANCE GRANT AVAILABLE * * * * *
APPLICATION FORMS FOR GOVERNMENT MAINTENANCE GRANTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO STUDENTS WISHING TO PURSUE FULL-TIME MATRICULATION COURSES.
NEEDY STUDENTS NOW STUDYING IN FORM/MIDDLE 5 OR FORM 6 WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR THE GRANT CAN OBTAIN THE FORMS FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, ROOM 1522, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 15TH FLOOR, HONG KONG.
THE GRANT AMOUNTS TO ABOUT $500 PER ANNUM PER STUDENT, AND AIMS TO HELP NEEDY STUDENTS WHO WISH TO CONTINUE WITH THEIR ADVANCED LEVEL OR HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATIONS STUDIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
FOR STUDENTS NOW STUDYING IN FORM/MIDDLE 5, THE FORMS MUST BE RETURNED THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOLS TO THE SECRETARY, MAINTENANCE GRANTS COMMITTEE, NOT LATER THAN 10 DAYS AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF THE CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION RESULTS.
STUDENTS IN FORM 6 AND PROMOTING TO FORM 7 MUST RETURN THE APPLICATION FORMS THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOLS TO THE SECRETARY NOT LATER THAN JULY 25.
♦GRANTS ARE AWARDED ON A YEARLY BASIS AND RENEWAL IS NOT AUTOMATIC. IF A RECIPIENT IN FORM 6 WISHES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR A GRANT ON PROMOTION TO FORM 7, HE MUST APPLY AGAIN,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
STUDENTS IN FORM 6 WHO ARE NOT RECEIVING GRANTS IN THE CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR ARE ALSO ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR GRANTS TO ENABLE THEM TO COMPLETE THE ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION COURSE IN 1981/82, HE SAID.
GRANTS WILL BE PAID THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOLS AT THE END CF EACH MONTH IN ARREARS FOR 10 MONTHS IN THE YEAR, AND THERE WILL BE NO PAYMENTS FOR JULY AND AUGUST.
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NEW EQUIPMENT FOR FIRE FIGHTING
* * *
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS PLACED ORDERS FOR NEW FIRE FIGHTING APPLIANCES WORTH ABOUT $16 MILLION.
THE EQUIPMENT. COMPRISING THREE MAJOR PUMPS, FOUR RESERVE HEAVY PUMP CHASSIS AND 10 PUMP SNORKELS ARE DUE TO ARRIVE FROM U.K. BETWEEN JULY AND DECEMBER THIS YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE APPLIANCES ORDERED ARE FOR REPLACEMENTS AND FOR NEW FIRE STATIONS THAT ARE EXPECTED TO BECOME OPERATIONAL THIS YEAR.
/he said .....
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 1?81
10
HE SAID THAT MR PATRICK LAI, A MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEER FROM THE DEPARTMENT HAS JUST LEFT FOR BRITAIN TO COMMISSION AND TO INSPECT THE APPLIANCES BEFORE THEY ARE SHIPPED TO HONG KONG.
EACH OF THE THREE MAJOR PUMPS FOR CHAI WAN, POKFULAM AND SHEUNG WAN STATIONS COSTS MORE THAN $600 000, WHILE THE PRICE FOR THE CHASSIS OF A RESERVE HEAVY PUMP IS MORE THAN $360 000. THE MOST EXPENSIVE IS THE SNORKEL WHICH IS TAGGED AT ABOUT $1.19 MILLION EACH.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE MAJOR PUMP, PRODUCED BY HESTAIR DENNIS LTD., HAS AN ALL STEEL FRAMEWORK GIVING EXTRA STRENGTH TO THE BODY OF THE APPLIANCE AND PROTECTION TO THE DRIVER AND CREW.
+WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRESENT TYPE, WHICH IS A COMPOSITE OF STEEL AND WOOD, THE ONES ORDERED ARE MUCH SAFER AND MORE DURABLE,* HE SAID.
OF THE 10 NEW SNORKELS, EACH OF WHICH IS FITTED WITH A 16-METRE ARM USED FOR RESCUE AND FIRE FIGHTING WORK, SIX ARE REPLACEMENTS FOR OLD PUMP-ESCAPES.
+THEY ARE EASIER TO CONTROL AND MORE SUITED FOR THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT WHERE RAPID AND PRECISE MANOEUVRING IN DENSELY BUILT-UP AREAS IS OFTEN VITAL IN PREVENTING FIRES FROM SPREADING OUT OF CONTROL,* HE ADDED.
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SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS GRANTS
* * * M-
APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS ARE NOW INVITED FROM VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1981-82 FROM THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION.
THE FUND IS DESIGNED TO ASSIST IN PROVIDING FACILITIES FOR A WIDE RANGE OF RECREATIONAL, SPORTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.
THIS YEAR, APPROXIMATELY $1 MILLION IS AVAILABLE FOR SPECIFIC PROJECTS WHICH ARE PRINCIPALLY FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES AND ARE OF THE +BRICK AND MORTAR* TYPE AND WHICH CANNOT BE FINANCED THROUGH NORMAL GOVERNMENT CHANNELS AND FOR WHICH FUNDS FROM OTHER SOURCES ARE UNAVAILABLE.
PROJECTS OF CONSTRUCTIVE AND LONG TERM BENEFIT, DESIGNED TO DEVELOP THE INDIVIDUAL AND ENCOURAGE PURPOSEFUL USE OF LEISURE TIME BY YOUNG PEOPLE, ARE GIVEN PRIORITY.
THE FUND IS ADMINISTERED BY THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT.
/application FORMS ...
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 1?81
11
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, THE VARIOUS OFFICES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND FROM THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY, COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFF ICES (WEST WING), 3RD FLOOR, ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG BEFORE
JULY 1, 1981.
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CUSTOMS DELEGATION BACK FROM KOREA * * *
A CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DELEGATION, LED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND CONTROLS, MR DOUGLAS JORDAN, RETURNED FROM SEOUL, KOREA TODAY (SUNDAY).
AT THE SECOND CUSTOMS COOPERATION CONFERENCE WITH THE KOREAN DELEGATION, WHICH VISITED HONG KONG LAST YEAR, THEY DISCUSSED NEW TRENDS IN THE SMUGGLING OF NARCOTICS, THE LATEST TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENTS AVAILABLE TO CUSTOMS OFFICIALS, AND THE ROLE OF CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATIONS IN THE FACILITATION OF TRADE.
+IT IS IMPORTANT THAT CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATIONS, ESPECIALLY IN THE SOUTH-EAST ASIA REGION, KEEP IN TOUCH WITH EACH OTHER AND THESE CONFERENCES, IN WHICH WE DISCUSS THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN OUR FIELD, ARE INVALUABLE,+ SAID MR JORDAN.
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NEW ADDRESSES FOR CUSTOMS AND CONTROLS DEPARTMENT
* * *
FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY), VARIOUS UNITS IN THE CUSTOMS AND CONTROLS DEPARTMENT OF THE TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE TO NEW PREMISES.
THE KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL OFFICES OF THE OPERATIONS BRANCH, TRADE CONTROLS DIVISION, WILL MOVE FROM OCEAN CENTRE TO 3RD FLOOR, EMPIRE CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS WILL BE 3-7211441 (6 LINES), 3-7211554, 3-7211604, 3-7211942 AND 3-7211706.
THE HEADQUARTERS AND THE HONG KONG REGIONAL OFFICE OF THE OPERATIONS BRANCH, TRADE CONTROLS DIVISION, WILL MOVE FROM OCEAN CENTRE TO 22ND FLOOR, SUN HUNG KAI CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG.
/THE NEW........
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 1981
12
THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS WILL BE 5-757232 (6 LINES), AND 5-748752.
5-748997
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE HEADQUARTERS WILL MOVE FROM RUMSEY STREET MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK BUILDING TO 22ND FLOOR, SUN HUNG KAI CENTRE.
THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS WILL BE 5-757260 (6 LINES), 5-741004 5-744171 AND 5-744795.
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SECTION OF STUBBS ROAD X * *
ABOUT 300 METRES OF STUBBS ROAD, NORTH OF THE STUBBS ROAD AND TAI HANG ROAD ROUNDABOUT, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 12.30 AM AND 5.30 AM FROM TUESDAY (JUNE 2) TO FRIDAY (JUNE 5).
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (SUNDAY), A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE WAS NECESSARY TO ALLOW WORK ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FLYOVER.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS TRAVELLING TO TUNG SHAN TERRACE AND CRAIGMOUNT WILL BE DIVERTED TO QUEEN’S ROAD EAST AND STUBBS ROAD. OTHER TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO TAI HANG ROAD.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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TAPS OFF FOR MAINS WORK
* X
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KOWLOON CITY AND YAU MA TEI WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON TUESDAY (JUNE 2) FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
IN KOWLOON CITY, SUPPLY WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM ON TUESDAY.
THE PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE BETWEEN SA PO ROAD AND KAI TAK ROAD.
IN YAU MA TEI, SUPPLY WILL BE CUT OFF FOR NINE HOURS FROM 9 PM ON TUESDAY TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY NATHAN ROAD TO SHANGHAI STREET AND PAK HOI STREET TO NING PO STREET, INCLUDING SAIGON STREET, PARKES STREET, WOOSUNG STREET AND TEMPLE STREET.
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