DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MID-YEAR SURVEY OF ECONOMIC PROSPECTS 1981 .................. 1
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS SYSTEM ... 2
INDUSTRIALISTS URGED TO SAVE WATER .......................... 4
Textile industry's training needs surveyed .................. 8
SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD SPENDS 375 OOO ON ARTS FORTNIGHT .... 9
SHA TIN SLIP ROAD TO CLOSE FOR WEEK.......................... 9
CANTONESE OPERAS AT TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ..................... 10
WATERLOO ROAD TO BE CLOSED THREE MORNINGS
10
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1981
MID-YEAR SURVEY OF ECONOMIC PROSPECTS 1981 X * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) PUBLISHED THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY CONDUCTED IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR TO ASCERTAIN THE BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR FROM A SAMPLE OF SOME 500 PROMINENT MANUFACTURERS.
SURVEYS OF ECONOMIC PROSPECTS ARE CONDUCTED TWICE A YEAR BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, LARGELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WITH ORGANISED ^^BACK FR0M ’NDUSTRY, AS ONE OF MANY SOURCES OF INFORMATION FOR ASSESSING THE SHORT-TERM OUTLOOK OF THE ECONOMY.
THE MID-YEAR SURVEY WAS DESIGNED TO REVIEW THE OPINIONS OF THOSE MANUFACTURERS WHO WERE COVERED IN A PRECEDING SURVEY CONDUCTED AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR ON EXPORT ORDERS AND OTHER RELATED BUSINESS TOPICS.
MANUFACTURERS INCLUDED IN THE SURVEY EXPECTED THE VOLUME OF THEIR EXPORT ORDERS IN THE SECOND HALF OF THIS YEAR TO BE TWO PER CENT MORE THAN IN THE SECOND HALF OF LAST YEAR. THIS IS LOWER THAN WAS IMPLIED IN THE REVISED FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF SEVEN PER CENT IN REAL TERMS FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR THE YEAR AS A WHOLE GIVEN BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS MID-YEAR ECONOMIC REVIEW SPEECH.
WHILE OPINIONS NECESSARILY DIFFER DEPENDING ON THE SOURCE OF INFORMATION, EXPERIENCE OF SIMILAR SURVEYS'CONDUCTED IN THE PAST SHOWS THAT MANUFACTURERS TEND TO BE RATHER CONSERVATIVE ABOUT THE BUSINESS OUTLOOK. FOR EXAMPLE, AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR MANUFACTURERS EXPECTED THE VOLUME OF EXPORT ORDERS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1981 TO BE TWO PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1980, BUT THE ACTUAL GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TURNED OUT TO BE SIX PER CENT. ALLOWING FOR THIS, THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURERS IN THE MID-YEAR SURVEY WERE BROADLY CONSISTENT WITH THE OFFICIAL FORECAST.
THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED EXPECTED THAT BUSINESS PROSPECTS FOR THE MONTHS AHEAD MIGHT BE BETTER IN THE UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM AND JAPAN THAN IN THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY. THEY ALSO EXPECTED THAT THE PLASTICS, ELECTRONICS, FOOD AND PRINTING INDUSTRIES WOULD FARE BETTER THAN THE WATCHES AND CLOCKS, TEXTILES AND METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
IN LINE WITH THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN THE VOLUME OF ORDERS, EMPLOYMENT IN THE FACTORIES SURVEYED WAS ALSO EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY TWO PER CENT IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1981 COMPARED WITH THE SECOND HALF OF 1980. CORRESPONDINGLY, THE WAGE RATES OF OPERATIVES WERE EXPECTED TO RISE BY 10 PER CENT, THE PRICE OF MATERIAL INPUTS BY SEVEN PER CENT, AND THE PRICES OF PRODUCTS FOR EXPORTS BY FIVE PER CENT.
FIFTY-SIX PER CENT OF THE MANUFACTURERS COVERED BY THE SURVEY EXPECTED THEIR PROFIT MARGINS TO BE NARROWER AS A RESULT OF THESE PRICE TRENDS, BUT 17 PER CENT OF THEM LOOKED FORWARD TO BETTER PROFIT MARGINS IN THE COMING MONTHS.
/MOST JtuTUFACTORERS ........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1981
- 2 -
MOST MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED DID NOT, HOWEVER, ENVISAGE MUCH CHANGE IN THEIR LABOUR RECRUITMENT SITUATION.
PRODUCTION CAPACITY, AS MEASURED BY MACHINERY INSTALLATIONS AND FACTORY FLOOR SPACE, SHOULD EXPAND BY ABOUT FIVE PER CENT IN 1981 ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED. THEY EXPECTED TO UTILISE 86 PER CENT OF THEIR TOTAL CAPACITY ON THE AVERAGE DURING THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR.
SIXTY-TWO LEADING CONTRACTORS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR WERE ALSO INCLUDED IN THE SURVEY.
THEIR EMPLOYMENT WAS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY NINE PER CENT IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1981 COMPARED WITH THE SECOND HALF OF 1980, WHILE BUILDING MATERIAL PRICES WERE EXPECTED TO RISE BY NINE PER CENT AND THE WAGE RATES OF OPERATIVES BY 12 PER CENT. THE CONTRACTORS SURVEYED EXPECTED TO EXPAND THE CAPACITY OF THEIR MACHINERY BY 13 PER CENT DURING 1981.
A REPORT ON THE MID-YEAR SURVEY OF ECONOMIC PROSPECTS WILL BE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, HONG KONG, AT $2 A COPY TOMORROW. ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTIONS STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (AT 3-7221914).
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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS SYSTEM ******
A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ON +RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS SYSTEM* IS CONTAINED IN THE JULY 1981 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS.
A? H0NG K0NG TRADE STATISTICS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE ECONOMIC STATISTICS SYSTEM, A HIGH PRIORITY IS PLACED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THEIR EFFECTIVE PRODUCTION AND TIMELY RELEASE.
JHE ARTICLE DESCRIBES IN DETAIL RECENT DEVELOPMENTS THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN IMPROVING THE COMPLETENESS, RELIABILITY, TIMELINESS AND INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY OF TRADE STATISTICS, AND IN PROVIDING BETTER MEASURES OF CHANGES IN TRADE VALUES, PRICES AND VOLUMES.
THE BASIC DOCUMENTS USED IN PROCESSING AND COMPILING TRADE STATISTICS ARE TRADE DECLARATIONS AND CARGO MANIFESTS.
™E '"P0*T AND EXP0RT (REGISTRATION) REGULATIONS, IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS ARE REQUIRED TO LODGE WITH THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT ACCURATE AND COMPLETE IMPORT AND EXPORT/RE-EXPORT DECLARATIONS WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER THE IMPORTATION OR EXPORTATION OF THE GOODS, AND SIMILARLY, SHIPPING AND AIRLINE COMPANIES AND AGENTS ARE REQUIRED TO LODGE ACCURATE AND COMPLETE CARGO MANIFESTS WITHIN SEVEN DAYS AFTER THE ARRIVAL OR DEPARTURE OF THE CARRIERS.
/A Pjh^>AJjTY •••••••
THURSDAY, OCJUBEH 1, 1?81
- 3 -
A PENALTY CHARGE IS PAYABLE IF THE IMPORT AND EXPORT/ RE-EXPORT DECLARATIONS ARE LODGED AFTER THE SPECIFIED 14-DAY PERIOD.
TO ENSURE COMPLETE COVERAGE OF THE TRADE STATISTICS, THE TRADE DECLARATIONS RECEIVED FROM IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS ARE CHECKED AGAINST THE CARGO MANIFESTS RECEIVED FROM SHIPPING AND AIRLINE COMPANIES AND AGENTS, IN ORDER TO IDENTIFY UNDECLARED SHIPMENTS AND TO ISSUE REMINDERS FOR OUTSTANDING DECLARATIONS.
THE DATA ELEMENTS PROVIDED BY IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS ON THE TRADE DECLARATIONS ARE CHECKED FOR ACCURACY AND COMPLETENESS BEFORE BEING PUT INTO THE COMPUTER.
THE CHECKERS ARE EXPERIENCED IN COMMODITY AND COUNTRY CLASSIFICATION, AS WELL AS TRADE FLOWS AND PRICE RANGE CHECKS. IN CASES WHERE DECLARATIONS ARE SUSPECTED OF BEING UNDERVALUED, THE IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS CONCERNED ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT INVOICES AND RELATED DOCUMENTS FOR VERIFICATION.
AS A RESULT OF VARIOUS MEASURES ADOPTED TO INCLUDE AS MUCH VALIDATED TRADE DATA AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE IN THE CURRENT MONTH’S TRADE STATISTICS, A VERY HIGH PROPORTION OF SHIPMENT COVERAGE HAS BEEN ACHIEVED, WITH THE CURRENT MONTH’S DATA USUALLY REPRESENTING OVER 90 PER CENT OF THE ACTUAL SHIPMENTS. THE REMAINDER REPRESENTS LATE DECLARATIONS IN RESPECT OF SHIPMENTS EFFECTED IN EARLIER MONTHS.
PROVISIONAL TOTAL VALUES FOR EACH TYPE OF TRADE ARE USUALLY AVAILABLE WITH THREE TO FOUR WEEKS AFTER THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.
A PRESS RELEASE GIVING THE TRADE VALUES OF THE LARGEST TRADING PARTNERS AND THE MAIN COMMODITIES TRADED, IS PUBLISHED FIVE TO SIX WEEKS AFTER THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.
THE +HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS - SUMMARY* IS ON SALE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF THE PRESS RELEASE, AND THE ♦HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE* REPORT ABOUT TWO TO THREE WEEKS LATER.
TO GIVE AN INDICATION OF TRADE CHANGES IN REAL TERMS, QUANTUM INDEXES ARE COMPILED BY DEFLATING TRADE VALUE INDEXES BY UNIT VALUE INDEXES.
A NEW MEASURE OF CHANGES IN THE PHYSICAL VOLUME AND WEIGHT OF TRADE WILL BE AVAILABLE WHEN THE SHIPPING/PORTS/CARGO STATISTICS SYSTEM, AT PRESENT BEING PLANNED, IS IMPLEMENTED.
THE JULY 1981 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS IS NOW ON SALE AT HKS14 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, HONG KONG.
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/4......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1981
- 4 -
INDUSTRIALISTS URGED TO SAVE WATER ******
THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR WILLIAM TUCKER, TODAY APPEALED TO ALL INDUSTRIALISTS TO PLAY THEIR PART IN THE COMMUNITY’S EFFORT TO SAVE WATER.
HE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE FOR FACTORIES IN INDUSTRIAL ZONES TO CONTINUE RECEIVING FULL SUPPLY DURING WATER RESTRICTIONS, THIS DID NOT RELIEVE THEM OF THEIR DUTY TO ECONOMISE ON THE USE OF WATER AND AVOID WASTE.
LETTERS WOULD BE SENT TO ALL INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS ENLISTING THEIR CO-OPERATION AND SUGGESTING VARIOUS WAYS IN WHICH THEY COULD HELP SAVE WATER.
+WE HAVE ALSO SET UP A HOT LINE (5-7900212) SO THAT INDUSTRIALISTS WHOSE FACTORIES ARE LOCATED OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRIAL ZONES CAN CONTACT US IF THEY EXPERIENCE ANY DIFFICULTY DURING RESTRICTION HOURS,+ HE SAID.
MR TUCKER URGED FACTORY OWNERS TO EDUCATE THEIR EMPLOYEES IN SAVING WATER.
IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT REGULAR LEAKAGE TESTS WERE MADE PARTICULARLY IN REGARD TO CONCEALED PIPING TO AVOID WASTE, HE SAID.
CHECKS SHOULD ALSO BE MADE FOR OVERFLOWING TANKS, WORN TAP WASHERS AND OTHER POSSIBLE DEFECTS.
THE INDUSTRIAL ZONES WHICH WILL RECEIVE FULL WATER SUPPLY ARE AS FOLLOWS i
HONG KONG
A WONG CHUK HANG
NORTH BOUNDED BY YIP KAN STREET AND TONG BIN LANE
EAST BOUNDED BY YIP FAT STREET
SOUTH BOUNDED BY HEUNG YIP ROAD
WEST BOUNDED BY ABERDEEN POLICE STATION
B QUARRY BAY
(A) INDUSTRIAL AREA ON BOTH EAST AND WEST SIDE OF WESTLAND ROAD
(B) INDUSTRIAL AREA ON THE NORTH, EAST AND WEST SIDE OF SHIPYARD LANE
/C CHAI '..’AN
THURSDAY, 0CT033R 1, 1961
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C CHAI WAN
(A) INDUSTRIAL AREA BOUNDED BY HONG MAN STREET, NING FOO STREET AND KUT SHING STREET
(B) INDUSTRIAL AREA BOUNDED ON THE EAST AND WEST SIDE OF SUN YIP STREET AND ON YIP STREET
D NORTH POINT
INDUSTRIAL AREA Of! THE EAST AND WEST SlbE OF HEALTHY STREET EAST AND BOUNDED BY JAVA: ROAD ON THE NORTH AND KING’S ROAD ON THE SOUtH
E TIN WAN
(A) INDUSTRIAL AREA BOUNDED EY TIN WAN PRAY^ ROAD AND SEA FRONT
(B) INDUSTRIAL AREA BOUNDED BY YUE WOK STREET, YUE KO STREET AND YUE LEI STREET
KOWLOON
A CHEUNG SHA WAN
NORTH BOUNDED BY CHING CHEUNG ROAD
EAST BOUNDED BY TSAP FAI STREET KWONG CHEONG STREET AND CHEUNG SHA WAN PATH
SOUTH BOUNDED BY LAI CHI KOK ROAD —
WEST BOUNDED BY KOM TSUN STREET AND CHEUNG MOU STREET
B SAN PO KONG
NORTH BOUNDED BY CHOI HUNG ROAD ?
EAST BOUNDED BY SZE MEI STREET
SOUTH BOUNDED BY PRINCE EDWARD ROAD
WEST BOUNDED BY SHEUNG HEI STREET AND TSEUK LUK STREET
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1981
6
C YAU TONG
NORTH BOUNDED BY KO FAI ROAD
EAST BOUNDED BY CHA KWO LING ROAD
SOUTH BOUNDED BY SHUNG SHUN STREET
WEST BOUNDED BY HARBOUR FRONTAGE
D KWUN TONG
NORTH BOUNDED BY KWUN TONG ROAD, HONG TAK ROAD AND TAI YIP STREET
EAST BOUNDED BY KING YIP STREET
SOUTH BOUNDED BY HOI BUN ROAD AND ITS NEW EXTENSION
WEST BOUNDED BY A NEW ROAD BETWEEN WAI YIP STREET AND SIU YIP STREET
NEW TERRITORIES
A CHAI WAN KOK
NORTH BOUNDED BY CASTLE PEAK ROAD
EAST BOUNDED BY TAI CHUNG ROAD
SOUTH BOUNDED BY HARBOUR FRONTAGE
WEST BOUNDED BY CASTLE PEAK ROAD AT MILESTONE 10
B TSUEN WAN
NORTH BOUNDED BY CASTLE PEAK ROAD
EAST BOUNDED BY TEXACO ROAD
SOUTH BOUNDED BY TEXACO ROAD
WEST BOUNDED BY MA TAU PA STREET, LUEN YAN STREET AND KWAN MUN KAU STREET
C KWAI CHUNG
NORTH BOUNDED BY WO YI HOP ROAD
EAST BOUNDED BY WO YIP HOP ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD
SOUTH BOUNDED BY TAI LIN PAI ROAD
WEST BOUNDED BY KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND CHEUNG WING STREET
/D HA KWAI CHUNG....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1981
- 7 -
D HA KWAI CHUNG
NORTH BOUNDED BY TEXACO ROAD, GIN DRINKER BAY ROAD AND KWAI FUK ROAD
EAST BOUNDED BY KWAI CHUNG ROAD
SOUTH BOUNDED BY HARBOUR FRONTAGE
WEST BOUNDED BY HARBOUR FRONTAGE
E FO TAN
NORTH-EAST BOUNDED BY WO SHU I STREET
SOUTH-EAST BOUNDED BY KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY
SOUTH-WEST BOUNDED BY FO TAN NULLAH
NORTH-WEST BOUNDED BY WO LIU HANG ROAD
F TA I PO
NORTH BOUNDED BY TING KOK ROAD
EAST BOUNDED BY HARBOUR FRONTAGE
SOUTH BOUNDED BY HARBOUR FRONTAGE
WEST BOUNDED BY DAI FAT STREET
G YUEN LONG
(KIU TAU WAI INDUSTRIAL AREA)
DD 127 LOTS 354-363 AND 384
H TUEN MUN
NORTH BOUNDED BY SHEK PAI TAU ROAD
EAST BOUNDED BY RIVER CHANNEL
SOUTH BOUNDED BY HUNG CHEUNG ROAD
WEST BOUNDED BY MING KUM ROAD
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/8 .....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1981
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TEXTILE INDUSTRY’S TRAINING NEEDS SURVEYED * * * *
A MANPOWER SURVEY OF HONG KONG’S TEXTILE INDUSTRY BEGAN TODAY (THURSDAY) TO COLLECT UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON TRAINING REQUIREMENTS OF THE 'NDUSTRY.
THE 16-DAY SURVEY, THE SIXTH IN A SERIES, IS BEING CONDUCTED BY THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MR FEI LEE, SAID THAT BASED ON THE SURVEY FINDING, THE BOARD WOULD MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON MANPOWER PLANNING AND TRAINING TO THE GOVERNMENT AND THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY.
QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS HAD ALREADY BEEN SENT TO 700 TEXTILE MILLS TO BE COVERED IN THE SURVEY.
SURVEY INTERVIEWING OFFICERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CALL AT EACH OF THE MILLS DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD TO ASSIST IN COMPLETING AND TO COLLECT THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
THE INFORMATION WHICH EMPLOYERS ARE REQUESTED TO SUPPLY INCLUDESi
(I) THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AT PRESENT EMPLOYED,
(II) THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AT PRESENT UNDER TRAINING,
(III) THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANCIES, AND
(IV) A FORECAST OF ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEES REQUIRED FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.
MR LEE STRESSED THAT INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL MILL.
♦AS THE INFORMATION COLLECTED FROM THIS SURVEY WILL ASSIST THE TRAINING BOARD IN DRAWING UP TRAINING PLANS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE INDUSTRY, ALL EMPLOYERS COVERED IN THE SURVEY ARE REQUESTED TO OFFER THEIR FULL CO-OPERAT ION,+ HE ADDED.
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/9......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1981
- 5 -
SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD SPENDS $75 OOO ON ARTS FORTNIGHT ******
SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD IS TO SPEND $75 000 ON AN ARTS FORTNIGHT TO BE HELD IN THE MIDDLE OF DECEMBER.
THE ALLOCATION WAS APPROVED AT A BOARD MEETING YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN A PROGRAMME FOR THE FORTNIGHT WAS DISCUSSED.
IT WAS AGREED THAT AN EXHIBITION OF SHA TIN HISTORY, CONCERTS, CANTONESE OPERAS, PUPPET AND ACROBATIC SHOWS AND DANCE AND DRAMA PERFORMANCES WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAMME.
THE EVENT IS BEING ORGANISED BY SHA TIN ARTS ASSOCIATION, THE CULTURAL AFFAIRS SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE MUSIC OFFICE.
ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE IS $300 000. APART FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD ALLOCATION, THE BALANCE WILL BE MET BY TICKET SALES AND PRIVATE DONATIONS.
MORE THAN 25 000 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE ACTIVITIES WHICH WILL BE HELD IN SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY HALLS, PUBLIC PLAYGROUNDS AND OPEN SPACES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD SAID IT WAS HOPED THAT THE FORTNIGHT WOULD BE THE FORERUNNER TO A LARGE SCALE ARTS FESTIVAL NEXT YEAR.
HE SAID IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO HOLD A LARGE NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE 240 000 PEOPLE WHO WILL BE LIVING IN THE NEW TOWN BY 1984 WHEN A CULTURAL COMPLEX AND LIBRARY IN THE CENTRAL AREA ARE COMPLETED.
THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE A MULTI-PURPOSE AUDITORIUM WITH 1 400 SEATS, AN EXHIBITION AREA, LECTURE ROOMS, A LIBRARY WITH A FLOOR AREA OF 3 300 SQUARE METRES AND A RESTAURANT.
CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE $160 MILLION PROJECT WILL BEGIN SOON.
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SHA TIN SLIP ROAD TO CLOSE FOR WEEK
*******
THE WESTBOUND SLIP ROAD OFF SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD, NEAR LEK YUEN ESTATE, WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM SATURDAY (OCTOBER 3) TO OCTOBER 10 TO FACILITATE BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR THE SHA TIN STATION OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY.
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD, WESTBOUND KMB ROUTES NO. 70, 70A, 73M, 71, 72, 72A, 86, 87, 88, 88A, 88B, 89 AND CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL BUS NO. 170 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA YUEN WO ROAD AND ROAD P6 TO REJOIN TAI PO ROAD.
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/1O ........
10
CANTONESE OPERAS AT TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL
* * * K
EXTRACTS FROM SIX WELL-KNOWN CANTONESE OPERAS WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AND PERFORMED BY MEMBERS OF THE HON FUNG CANTONESE OPERA INSTITUTE, AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AUDITORIUM ON OCTOBER 5 AND 6, AT 7.30 PM.
THE OPERAS WILL INCLUDE THE WELL-KNOWN +RETRIEVAL OF CHIU’S JADE+, +MISTRESS S’U+, +THE CAPITULATION OF KING LI+, AND ♦BUTTERFLY LOVERS+.
♦RETRIEVAL OF CHIU’S JADE+ TAKES PLACE IN THE WARRING YEARS AND TELLS HOW A DIPLOMAT’S SKILL HELPS TO PRESERVE HIS LIFE, PEACE BETWEEN THE KINGDOM OF CHIN AND CHIU AS WELL AS THE PRECIOUS JADE OF CHIU.
♦MISTRESS S’U+ UNFOLDS A TRAGIC LOVE STORY BETWEEN A SOUGHT-AFTER BELLE AND A YOUNG MASTER.
♦THE CAPITULATION OF KING LI+, DEPICTS THE HISTORICAL FACT OF THE CAPITULATION AND DISGRACE WHICH AWAIT KING LI, THE LAST KING OF THE SOUTH TANG KINGDOM.
THE +BUTTERFLY LOVERS+ TELLS OF THE LOVE OF LIANG SHAN BAI AND CHUK YIN TAI, AND DESCRIBES HOW THEY TRANSFORM INTO A PAIR OF BUTTERFLIES.
TICKETS AT $5, $10, $15 AND $20 ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE TOWN HALL BOX OFFICE.
ON SATURDAY NIGHT (OCTOBER 3) AT 7.30 PM, THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL WILL PRESENT A PIANO RECITAL BY WOLFRAM LORENZEN AT THE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL OF THE TOWN HALL. TICKETS AT $7 ARE AVAILABLE AT THE VENUE.
THE URBAN COUNCIL’S HONG KONG REPERTORY THEATRE WILL STAGE TWO CANTONESE DRAMAS, +DRAGON DANCE+ AND +CHI-WAI AND HIS ROBOT+, AT THE YUEN LONG LUT SAU HALL ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 4) AT 3 PM. TICKETS AT $5 AND $10 ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL BOX OFFICE AND YUEN LONG PUBLIC LIBRARY.
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WATERLOO ROAD TO BE CLOSED THREE MORNINGS * * * *
WATERLOO ROAD, BETWEEN YIM PO FONG STREET AND PEACE AVENUE, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM ON OCTOBER 4, 7 AND 8, TO ALLOW WORK ON DEMOLITION OF A KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY BRIDGE.
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIODS, EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON WATERLOO ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO DUNDAS STREET, KWONG WA STREET, YIM PO FONG STREET AND ARGYLE STREET. WESTBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO HO MAN TIN STREET, HO MAN TIN HILL ROAD, WYLIE ROAD AND WATERLOO ROAD.
YIM PO FONG STREET AND WYLIE ROAD WILL REMAIN OPEN TO BOTH NORTH AND SOUTH-BOUND TRAFFIC.
- - 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONGKONG TEL 5-233191
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEED TO RESTRAIN VEHICLE.. GROWTH STRESSED,............... 1
LICENCES NOT NEEDED FOR MOST RADIO MODEL CARS ............. 2
ANALYSIS OF MERCHANDISE TRADE STATISTICS RE-CLASSTFTED
BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1981 ....... 3
TURN MUN FISHERMEN ENTITLED TO EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES ....... 4
TOPLEY HAS HIGH HOPES OF EDUCATION REVIEW.................. 5
HEIGHT LIMIT FOR CHILDREN PASSENGERS RELAXED .............. 6
EMPLOYERS URGED TO HELP SOCIALLY HANDICAPPED .............. 7
LORD KADOORIE.............................................. 7
FIRE WATCH TEAMS TOP 100 MARK ............................. 8
APPOINTMENT OF HIGH COURT JUDGE............................ 9
TSUEN WAN STUDENTS TO HELP IN VOTER REGISTRATION .......... 9
REVISED TRAIN TIMETABLE................................... 13
NEW BUS ROUTE AND MAXICAB SERVICE FOR LAI KING ........... 10
MENTAL HEALTH DISPLAY OPENED ............................. 11
MEDALS PRESENTED TO FIREMEN .............................. 12
ROYAL COLLEGE OF DEFENCE STUDIES GROUP VISIT NEW TERRITORIES ..13
WEAK WATER PRESSURE....................................... 13
YOUNG MUSIC MAKERS' TALENT QUEST ....................... 14
STAFF SWIMMING GAIA ................................. 14
MINI SOCCER MATCHES TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION ....... 15
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1981
1
NEED TO RESTRAIN VEHICLE GROWTH STRESSED
*****
THERE IS A NEED TO RESTRAIN THE GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF MOTOR ^'^es.partkuurly private cars’ the acting deruty COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR GARY MULLOY, SAID TODAY.
at AD5RESSING THE annual SPEECH DAY OF TSUNG TSIN COLLEGE HELD ™EATRE, MR MULLOY SAID THAT NEW ROAD CONSTRUCTION &UL^?TW?h^HS“SES 0F THE order EXRERIENCED °’ER
a» OOO WERE PA IV*feRC*RS?° 000 LICENSED VEHICLES. OF WHICH H£ARLV
+BUT MERELY TO RESTRAIN IS NEGATIVE APPROACH,* MR MULLOY SAID.
nn i D0WN THE ,NCREASE ,N CONGESTION, IT WOULD
DO LITTLE TO HELP THE MAN WHO HAS TO TRAVEL.*
♦SO IMPROVEMENTS IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT HAVE A VERY HIGH PRIORITY
Mice ™EM0ST DRAMATIC EXAMPLE of such improvements was the J£~«J£AJ£,T.RA,LWAY» WH,CH MUST RANK AS ONE OF HONG KONG’S BIGGEST SUCCESS STORIES IN THE LAST DECADE.
eoIHE MASS TRANSIT railway will extend to tsuen wan next year, TO SHAU KEI WAN IN 1985 AND CHAI WAN IN 1986.
♦IMPROVEMENTS TO BUS SERVICES ARE MORE GRADUAL AND, THEREFORE, LESS STRIKING, BUT THEY ARE GOING ON,+ MR MULLOY SAID.
♦BOTH OF THE MAJOR BUS COMPANIES HAVE CONSIDERABLY INCREASED AND IMPROVED THEIR FLEETS IN THE LAST FEW YEARS AND KMB, IN PARTICULAR, HAS EXTENDED ITS SERVICES INTO THE RAPIDLY-DEVELOPING NEW TOWNS.♦
OTHER NEW DEVELOPMENTS WOULD INCLUDE A NEW LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM TO SERVE TUEN MUN AND TO LINK THE NEW TOWN WITH YUEN LONG.
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY ALSO WAS RAPIDLY TRANSFORMING ITSELF FROM A SLOW AND RATHER OLD-FASHIONED RAILWAY INTO AN ELECTRIFIED, RAPID TRANSPORT SYSTEM.
♦OTHER PLANS, LINKED WITH PROPOSED NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENTS LIKE JUNK BAY, ARE IN THE PIPELINE,+ MR MULLOY SAID.
♦TO REFLECT THESE DEVELOPMENTS, THE ORGANISATION OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL CHANGE AND SHOULD HAVE SOME EFFECT ON SPEEDING UP DEVELOPMENTS.
♦THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE OVER CERTAIN DIVISIONS OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT LATER THIS YEAR OR EARLY NEXT YEAR, AND THIS RE-ORGANISATION WILL ENSURE A MORE INTEGRATED AND RATIONAL APPROACH TO SOLVING HONG KONG’S TRANSPORT PROBLEMS IN THE 198OS.+ HE SAID.
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/2.......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1981
2.
LICENCES NOT NEEDED FOR MOST RADIO MODEL CARS ft ft ft ft
MOST RADIO-CONTROLLED MODELS AND TOYS WILL NO LONGER NEED TO BE LICENSED UNDER THE TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE (CAP 106), THE ACTING POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR T.H. BARMA, ANNOUNCED TODAY.
AT PRESENT. NO PERSON MAY POSSESS OR USE ANY RADIO TRANSMITTING APPARATUS EXCEPT UNDER LICENCE GRANTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ORDINANCE.
THE REQUIREMENT FOR A LICENCE RELATES NOT ONLY TO RADIOCOMMUNICATION APPARATUS BUT ALSO TO ANY EQUIPMENT THAT GENERATES AND EMITS RADIO WAVES.
+IT HAS, THEREFORE. BEEN NECESSARY FOR ANYONE OWNING A RADIO-CONTROLLED MODEL TO HOLD A VALID MODEL CONTROL LICENCE,* MR BARMA SAID.
♦IT HAS BEEN RECOGNISED, HOWEVER, THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF SUCH MODELS, PARTICULARLY RADIO-CONTROLLED TOYS, HAVE A VERY LIMITED RANGE OF OPERATION AND CAUSE A NEGLIGIBLE AMOUNT OF RADIO INTERFERENCE. THE GOVERNMENT HAS, THEREFORE INVESTIGATED THE NEED FOR LICENSING AND HAS CONCLUDED THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF RADIO-CONTROLLED MODELS AND TOYS USED IN HONG KONG THAT CONFORM TO A GIVEN SPECIFICATION MAY BE EXEMPTED FROM THE NEED TO BE LICENSED.
♦THE SPECIFICATION COVERS RADIO-CONTROLLED MODELS (FOR EXAMPLE, CARS, BOATS, AND PLANES) THAT OPERATE IN THE 26.96 -27.28 MHZ RADIO-FREQUENCY BAND WITH A POWER OUTPUT OF UP TO 0.5 WATT.
♦THE ORDER BRINGING THIS INTO EFFECT WAS GRANTED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL ON SEPTEMBER 29, 1981. HENCE ELIMINATING THE NEED FOR LICENSING FOR A LARGE NUMBER OF TOYS THAT WILL BE BOUGHT AT CHRISTMAS.
♦IN FUTURE, THEREFORE, RADIO-CONTROLLED MODELS CONFORMING TO THE SPECIFICATION IN THE ORDER DO NOT REQUIRE A LICENCE WHEREAS ONES OUTSIDE OF THE SPECIFICATION STILL REQUIRE LICENSING.
♦FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE POST OFFICE TELECOMMUNICATIONS LICENSING CENTRES IN CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AND KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE (SECOND FLOOR), OR FROM POST OFFICE HEADQUARTERS, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
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/3........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1981
5
ANALYSIS OF MERCHANDISE TRADE BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR THE * ft ft
STATISTICS RE-CLASSIFIED SECOND QUARTER OF 1981 ft
io T,HE CLASSIFICATION OF COMMODITY ITEMS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN UN,TE1? MAT,0NS INTERNATIONAL STANDARD S:^S2FJCAT,0N 0F ALL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES (ISIC), AS DISTINCT (q nrrl^wu’iru^c inLJSen STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (SITC) WHICH IS ADOPTED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
AN ALTERNATIVE CLASSIFICATION BY PRODUCING INDUSTRIES MAY
I M EXAM,NING THE CHANGING RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF ES BASED 0N EXP0RT SALES, FOR STUDYING IMPORT WLLECTED°FROMA?NDUSTR?ALA£HOU W'™ '"F0R"ATI0N
iSJAoES 13 WH0LLY ALLOCATED TO THE INDUSTRY IN WHICH PRODUCED, BUT THAT INDUSTRY WILL NOT NORMALLY BE
THE SOLE CONTRIBUTOR TO ITS OVERALL EXPORT VALUE.
„..XYRTHERM0RE» THE CLASSIFICATION OF AN EXPORTED COMMODITY TO A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE ENTIRE LOT OF SUCH COMMODITY IS ACTUALLY PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS OF THAT INDUSTRY, SINCE SOME MAY BE SECONDARY PRODUCTS PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS CLASSIFIED ELSEWHERE.
FINALLY, WHILE THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF A PARTICULAR COMMODITY IS ATTRIBUTED TO THE INDUSTRY OF WHICH THE COMMODITY IS A PRINCIPAL PRODUCT, IT WILL BE ERRONEOUS TO REGARD THAT INDUSTRY AS IMPORTER OF THE COMMODITY CONCERNED.
FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, THE SIX MOST IMPORTANT INDUSTRY GROUPS WERE WEARING APPAREL, ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS, TEXTILES, PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT, PLASTIC PRODUCTS, AND METAL PRODUCTS. THEY TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 87 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1981.
THE LARGEST INCREASES IN TERMS OF ABSOLUTE VALUES OVER THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1980 OCCURRED IN ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS ($864 MILLION), TEXTILES (1547 MILLION), WEARING APPAREL (1358 MILLION). AND PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT ($258 MILLION). IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, THE HIGHEST INCREASES WEREl BEVERAGES (263 PER CENT), TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (124 PER CENT), FOOTWEAR (47 PER CENT), TOBACCO (44 PER CENT), AND PRODUCTS OF PETROLEUM AND COAL (41 PER CENT). SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR METAL PRODUCTS ($75 MILLION) IN TERMS OF ABSOLUTE VALUES, AND IN MINING AND QUARRYING (-79 PER CENT) WHEN EXPRESSED IN PERCENTAGE TERMS.
FOR IMPORTS, PRODUCTS OF TEXTILES, ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS, PETROLEUM AND COAL, CHEMICALS, PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT, METALS, AND FOOD INDUSTRIES TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 66 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF IMPORTS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1981.
/INCREASED IN .......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1981 4 -
INCREASES IN ABSOLUTE VALUES OVER THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1980 l€RE LARGEST IN ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS ($1 372 MILLION), TEXTILES ($1 211 MILLION), PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT (S757 MILLION), AND PRODUCTS OF PETROLEUM AND COAL ($688 MILLION).
IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, THE HIGHEST INCREASES WEREi WEARING APPAREL (65 PER CENT), PLASTIC PRODUCTS (50 PER CENT), TOBACCO (47 PER CENT), AND PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT (44 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND. DECREASES IN IMPORTS WERE OBSERVED FOR MINING AND QUARRYING (-9 PER CENT), AND FORESTRY AND LOGGING (-4 PER CENT).
FURTHER DETAILS OF MERCHANDISE TRADE STATISTICS RE-CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. 3-7221914).
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TUEN MUN FISHERMEN ENTITLED TO EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES * * * * * *
FISHERMEN AFFECTED BY THE SO KWUN WAT BAY MARINA PROJECT IN TUEN MUN HAVE BEEN URGED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO REGISTER THEIR CLAIMS FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES BY OCTOBER 19.
THE PROJECT, SCHEDULED TO START NEXT SEPTEMBER, INVOLVES RECLAMATION OF PART OF THE BAY AND BUILDING A SEA WALL. AS A RESULT OF THE PROJECT FISHING RIGHTS IN THE AREA WILL HAVE TO BE WITHDRAWN BUT EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES WILL BE PAID TO THOSE WHO ARE ELIGIBLE.
A GOVERNMENT REGISTRATION TEAM WILL INTERVIEW FISHERMEN WHO ARE EITHER BASED IN OR WHO FISH REGULARLY IN THE WATERS OF TAI LAM CHUNG, CASTLE PEAK BAY, MA WAN AND TSI NG LUNG TAU, INCLUDING SHAM TSENG, AND WILL INSPECT THEIR VESSELS AND GEAR.
THE TEAM, CONSISTING OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES AND MARINE DEPARTMENTS, THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION, THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE, WILL BE ABOARD A MARINE DEPARTMENT LAUNCH ANCHORED NEAR SO KWUN WAT BAY DURING THE REGISTRATION PERIOD.
FOR REGISTRATION PURPOSE, THE FISHERMEN WILL BE REQUIRED TO PRESENT VALID DOCUMENTS SUCH AS VESSEL LICENCES, MARINE DEPARTMENT LICENCES, IDENTITY CARDS, CREW BOOKS AND FISH MARKET RECEIPTS.
FISHING BOATS EXCEEDING 50 FEET IN LENGTH ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS.
REGISTRATION DATES FOR CASTLE PEAK BAY AREA WILL BE OCTOBER 12-14- TAI LAM CHUNG OCTOBER 15- MA WAN OCTOBER 16- AND TSING LUNG TAU, INCLUDING SHAM TSENG, OCTOBER 19.
THE NOTICE FOR REGISTRATION OF CLAIMS WILL BE POSTED AT AL! AFFECTED FISHING BASES, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AND TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE. EXPLANATORY LEAFLETS WILL ALSO BE DESPATCHED TO FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATIONS. _____0________
/5......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1981
5
TOPLEY HAS HIGH HOPES OF EDUCATION REVIEW ft ft ft ft
THE CURRENT OVERALL REVIEW OF EDUCATION OFFERED A MOST WELCOME OPPORTUNITY FOR AN IMPARTIAL APPRAISAL OF THE PRESENT STATE OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG AND OF THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF EDUCATION POLICY, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION, MR KENNETH TOPLEY SAID TODAY AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG EAST.
SA1D HE BEL,EVED THAT WE HAD reached THE POINT IN 22Lf?2CH’2^AL DEVELOPMENT WHERE THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE POTENTIAL BENEFIT TO BE GAINED FROM AN INTERNATIONAL REVIEW.
+JUST ABOUT EVERYBODY IN HONG KONG HAS AN OPINION ABOUT ONE ASPECT OR ANOTHER OF OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM,* HE STATED.
*™E EEV’EW W,LL ENABLE US T0 TAKE STOCK WHAT WE H*VE ACHIEVED AND HELP US TO SEE OUR FUTURE NEEDS MORE CLEARLY.*
ov H!.SA,D» THAT THE REV’EW SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT
BY AN INTERNATIONAL PANEL, AS THIS WOULD ENSURE AN OBJECTIVE THIRD-PARTY APPROACH TO OUR PROBLEMS, SHARPENED BY THE PANEL’S EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE OF EDUCATION IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD. HOWEVER, HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE PANEL’S THINKING WOULD BE INFLUENCED BY THE WISHES OF THE HONG KONG PUBLIC, WHOM THE EDUCATION SYSTEM WAS DESIGNED TO SERVE.
POINTING OUT THAT THE PANEL WOULD BE ARRIVING IN HONG KONG IN THREE WEEKS’ TIME FOR THEIR FIRST JOINT MEETING, MR TOPLEY EXPLAINED THAT FOR SOME MONTHS MEMBERS HAD BEEN STUDYING AT THEIR HOME BASES THE PRINCIPAL POLICY DOCUMENTS CONCERNING HONG KONG EDUCATION, TOGETHER WITH INFORMATION ON THE EDUCATION SYSTEM. THEY WERE ALSO LOOKING VERY CLOSELY AT THE WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED FROM INDIVIDUALS, ASSOCIATIONS AND INTEREST GROUPS IN RESPONSE TO THE OPEN INVITATION ISSUED EARLIER THIS YEAR. THESE REPRESENTATIONS COVERED A VERY WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS.
MR TOPLEY SAID THAT WHILE HE WAS SURE THAT THE PANEL’S CONCLUSIONS WOULD BE SOUNDLY BASED AND TAKE FULLY INTO ACCOUNT THE MANY AND VARIED VIEWS HELD BY THE PUBLIC, WE SHOULD NOT EXPECT FORMAL PRONOUNCEMENTS ON EVERY LAST DETAIL OF HONG KONG EDUCATION.
♦THE PANEL WILL BE CONCERNED, RATHER, WITH THE MAIN LINES OF EDUCATIONAL POLICY, THOUGH THIS MIGHT WELL ENTAIL THE EXAMINATION CF SIGNIFICANT DETAIL WHERE THIS HAS DETERMINED POLICY,* HE SAID.
MR TOPLEY SAID THERE WAS NO SHORTAGE OF IDEAS ABOUT EDUCATION AMONG THE HONG KONG PUBLIC.
♦IN TACKLING OUR EDUCATIONAL PROBLEMS,♦ HE STATED, *WE MUST RECOGNISE THE COMPLEXITY OF THE ISSUES. YOU CAN’T SIMPLY PRODUCE A LIST OF THINGS TO BE DONE AND THEN KNOCK THEM OFF ONE BY ONE AS THOUGH THEY WERE COMPLETELY FREE-STANDING.
/♦EDUCATION IS .......
6
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1981
♦EDUCATION IS INTERTWINED WITH THE WHOLE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC FABRIC OF SOCIETY AND WE NEED TO BE SURE THAT THE FURTHEST-REACH I IMPLICATIONS ARE RECOGNISED AND UNDERSTOOD BEFORE WE COMMIT OURSELVES TO A MAJOR CHANGE OF DIRECTION. IN THESE MATTERS A CLEAR-THINKING APPROACH IS NECESSARY. AND WE MUST BE CAREFUL TO ENSURE THAT WE COMMAND THE RIGHT RESOURCES, BEARING IN MIND THAT THE THINGS THAT REALLY MATTER IN DETERMINING EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS CANNOT BE MASS-PRODUCED.♦
MR TOPLEY SAID THAT HE HAD HIGH HOPES OF THE EDUCATION REVIEW AND WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO THE ARRIVAL OF THE PANEL.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
THE MEMBERS OF THE REVIEW PANEL ARE SIR JOHN LLEWELLYN, DR GREG HANCOCK, DR KARL ROELOFFS AND PROFESSOR MICHAEL W. KIRST. THEY ARE ASSISTED BY TWO SPECIAL ADVISERSi MR Q.W. LEE, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, AND MR JAMES MCHUGH. AN OVERSEAS MEMBER OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE.
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HEIGHT LIMIT FOR CHILDREN PASSENGERS RELAXED ft ft * ft &
THE GOVERNMENT HAS RELAXED THE HEIGHT LIMIT FOR COUNTING CHILDREN AS PASSENGERS IN VEHICLES.
IN AMENDING REGULATIONS, PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. THE CARRYING CAPACITY OF PRIVATE CARS AND PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES WILL NOW BE ASSESSED ON THE BASIS OF THREE CHILDREN UNDER 4-1/2 FT. (1.37 METRES) IN HEIGHT BEING RECKONED AS EQUAL TO TWO ADULT PASSENGERS. THE PREVIOUS HEIGHT LIMIT WAS 3 FT. (0.92 NETRES).
THE RELAXATION IN THE HEIGHT LIMIT FOLLOWS REPRESENTATIONS BY THE OPERATORS OF SCHOOL TRANSPORT SERVICES AND A PRACTICAL EXPERIMENT CARRIED OUT BY TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO ESTABLISH A MORE REALISTIC RATIO OF SMALL CHILDREN TO ADULTS WHEN LOADING A VEHICLE.
THE EXPERIMENT FOUND THAT A RELAXATION IN THE HEIGHT LIMIT FOR COUNTING CHILDREN AS PASSENGERS IN VEHICLES WOULD NOT AFFECT SAFETY.
STATISTICS PROVIDED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ON THE AVERAGE WEIGHT AND HEIGHT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN BELOW 4-1/2 FT. (1.37 METRES) ALSO INDICATED THAT A CHANGE IN THE HEIGHT LIMIT WOULD NOT RESULT IN VEHICLES BEING OVERLOADED.
THE AMENDED REGULATIONS ARE EFFECTIVE FROM TODAY.
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/7........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1981
- 7
EMPLOYERS URGED TO HELP SOCIALLY HANDICAPPED
******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE, APPEALED TODAY (FRIDAY) TO MORE MANAGERS AND INDUSTRIALISTS TO HELP WITH THE RE-INTEGRATION OF THE SOCIALLY HANDICAPPED INTO THE COMMONITY.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE AMBASSADOR HOTEL BY THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE TO THANK EMPLOYERS WHO HAD GIVEN JOBS TO SOCIALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE.
THE STAFF OF THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE HAD, OVER THE YEARS, WORKED ENERGETICALLY TO FIND PLACEMENT FOR AS MANY OF THEIR CLIENTS AS POSSIBLE, MR ALLEYNE SAID.
♦HOWEVER,+ HE SAID, +THE SUCCESS OF THE SERVICE DEPENDS EQUALLY ON THE WILLINGNESS OF EMPLOYERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS WORK AND PERHAPS, FROM TIME TO TIME, TO MAKE A GAMBLE ON THE FUTURE POTENTIAL OF THE PERSON THEY ACCEPT FOR PLACEMENT.♦
IN THE PAST YEAR, SOME 500 JOBS WERE FOUND FOR PEOPLE WHO SOUGHT ASSISTANCE.
MOST OF THE PEOPLE ASSISTED BY THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE ARE DISCHARGED PRISONERS, PROBATIONERS, EX-DRUG ADDICTS, THE ELDERLY AND THOSE WITH PERSONALITY PROBLEMS.
♦THE SERVICE IS ALSO AVAILABLE TO NEWLY-ARRIVED IMMIGRANTS WHO MAY BE FINDING IT DIFFICULT TO ADJUST TO LIVING CONDITIONS AND TO THE COMPETITIVE NATURE OF THE JOB MARKET HERE,+ MR ALLEYNE NOTED.
MOST OF THE SOCIALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE +SHARE A COMMON FEAR OF REJECTION OR STIGMATISATION BY EMPLOYERS, BASED ON THEIR PAST RECORD OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR OR POSSIBLE DOUBT AS TO THEIR ABILITY TO MIX WITH OTHER WORKERS,♦ HE CONTINUED.
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LORD KADOORIE
* * *
A NOTICE IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY ANNOUNCES THAT THE QUEEN HAS BEEN PLEASED TO CONFER THE DIGNITY OF A BARONY CF THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR LIFE UPON SIR LAWRENCE KADOORIE.
THE FORMAL AND CEREMONIAL TITLE OF LORD KADOORIE IS +BARON KADOORIE, OF KOWLOON IN HONG KONG AND OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER*, BUT THE NORMAL STYLE IS +LORD KADOORIE+.
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/8......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1981
8
FIRE WATCH TEAMS TOP 100 MARK * * * *
MORE RESIDENTS OF SQUATTER AREAS AND VILLAGES ARE AWAKENING TO THE PERILS THAT FIRE BRINGS TO THEIR LIVES AND PROPERTIES.
IN RESPONSE TO THE GOVERNMENT’S CALL, VOLUNTEERS FROM THESE AREAS TODAY (FRIDAY) FORMED 25 NEW FIRE WATCH TEAMS TO JOIN IN THE FIGHT AGAINST FIRE.
THE NEW PATROLS COMPRISE 13 FROM URBAN SQUATTER AREAS AND 12 FROM NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGES, INCLUDING TWO FROM LANTAU ISLAND.
THEY ARE THE FIFTH GROUP OF FIRE WATCH TEAMS TO BE FORMED UNDER THE FIRE WATCH SCHEME, IMPLEMENTED IN FEBRUARY 1979 BY THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
TO DATE, 108 TEAMS HAVE BEEN FORMED.
TODAY’S OCCASION WAS DESCRIBED BY THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, NEW TERRITORIES COMMAND, MR FRED JACKSON, AS A FURTHER MILESTONE TOWARDS BETTER FIRE PRECAUTION AND PREVENTION IN HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY AT SHA TIN FIRE STATION, MR JACKSON COMMENDED THE VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR COMMUNITY SPIRIT IN ORGANISING THEMSELVES FOR THE BETTER PROTECTION OF THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD AGAINST FIRE.
HE SAIDi +FINDING AND GIVING UP ONE’S TIME IN ORDER TO BE TRAINED AND IF NECESSARY, BE ON CALL NOT ONLY IN OUR DRY LOW HUMIDITY PERIODS BUT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, IS NOT ALWAYS EASY. IT CALLS FOR SOME SACRIFICE OF LEISURE TIME AND DEMANDS A GREAT UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN FAMILY MEMBERS.
+THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE JOINED SUCH A WORTHWHILE CAUSE IS IN ITSELF MOST HEARTENING AND I SINCERELY HOPE THAT WITH ADEQUATE TRAINING FROM PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS YOU YOURSELVES AND THOSE YET TO COME, WILL EMERGE AS TRUE SEMI-PROFESSIONALS.+
MR JACKSON SAID THE DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF FIRES WERE EVER PRESENT. +BUT WITH IMMEDIATE ACTION BY YOU, YOUR COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS, THEY CAN BE REDUCED AND CONTROLLED,+ HE ADDED.
+IT IS NOT AN EASY BATTLE AND ONE WHICH WILL NOT BE OVERCOME BY LETHARGY.+
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU WONG-FAT, ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MRS SHELLEY LAU AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR KEITH KWOK.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, THE TAI WAI FIRE WATCH TEAM AND THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT JOINTLY PRESENTED A SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING DEMONSTRATION FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE NEW TEAM MEMBERS.
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/9.....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, ->981
9
APPOINTMENT OF HIGH COURT JUDGE * M * *
THE APPOINTMENT OF DISTRICT JUDGE E.C. BARNES THE HIGH COURT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE QUEEN.
AS JUDGE OF
HIS APPOINTMENT BECAME EFFECTIVE ON SEPTEMBER 28.
MR JUSTICE BARNES WAS BORN IN QUEENSLAND. AUSTRALIA IN 1924 AND WAS EDUCATED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND. HE WAS ADMITTED AS A BARRISTER OF THE SUPREME COURT OF QUEENSLAND IN 1957.
HE SERVED AS A MAGISTRATE IN HONG KONG FROM 1966 TO 1968, AND THEN PRACTISED AT THE BAR IN BRISBANE FOR A YEAR BEFORE REJOINING THE HONG KONG JUDICIARY AS A MAGISTRATE IN 1970.
HE WAS APPOINTED DISTRICT JUDGE IN 1978 AND HAS SAT AS A COMMISSIONER OF THE HIGH COURT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.
0 - -
TSUEN WAN STUDENTS TO HELP IN VOTER REGISTRATION
X X X X
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE SENDING OUT LETTERS TO 40 000 SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS URGING THEM TO ENCOURAGE THEIR PARENTS AND RELATIVES TO REGISTER AS VOTERS FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
EACH STUDENT WILL BE GIVEN FOUR REGISTRATION FORMS TO BE FILLED IN AND HANDED BACK TO TEACHERS BEFORE OCTOBER 8.
AT A MEETING WITH ABOUT 30 SCHOOL PRINCIPALS TODAY (FRIDAY), ACTING TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, MR LUI HAU-TUEN, THANKED THEM FOR ALLOWING THEIR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE CAMPAIGN.
♦BUT I MUST STRESS THAT THIS IS NOT COMPULSORY, STUDENTS ARE REQUESTED TO HELP ON A VOLUNTARY BAS IS,♦ HE SAID.
♦MORE ELIGIBLE PEOPLE REGISTERED AS VOTERS WILL ENSURE THAT PERSONS WITH THE RIGHT CALIBRE ARE TO BE ELECTED TO THE DISTRICT BOARDS,♦ HE ADDED.
A WORKING PARTY, COMPRISING SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, STAFF FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND DISTRICT OFFICE, HAS BEEN FORMED TO MOBILISE STUDENTS FOR THE CAMPAIGN.
SO FAR TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE HAS RECEIVED 30 000 COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS.
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/1O
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1981
10
REVISED TRAIN TIMETABLE M K K
A REVISED TIMETABLE WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON OCTOBER 5 TO FACILITATE ENGINEERING WORKS AT TAI PO KAU AND SHEUNG SHU I STATIONS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY SAID TODAY.
♦THIS IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE MODERNISATION AND ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAMME,+ HE STRESSED.
HOWEVER, THE EXPRESS THROUGH TRAINS WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE NEW SCHEDULES.
THE REVISED TIMETABLES WILL BE PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED AT ALL STATIONS.
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NEW BUS ROUTE AND MAXICAB SERVICE FOR LAI KING * * * *
A NEW BUS ROUTE AND A NEW MAXICAB SERVICE WILL SERVE LAI KING HEADLAND FROM SUNDAY (OCTOBER 4).
THE SERVICES ARE BEING INTRODUCED TO COMPENSATE FOR THE CANCELLATION OF KMB ROUTE NO. 46B, WHICH OPERATED BETWEEN LAI KING HEADLAND AND CHAI WAN KOK WEST.
THE NEW KMB ROUTE, 39B. WILL BE A CIRCULAR SERVICE OPERATING BETWEEN CHAI WAN KOK WEST AND SHA TSUI ROAD/TSUEN WAN FERRY. THE SERVICE WILL TRAVEL VIA TSUEN KING CIRCUIT, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TAI HO ROAD, YEUNG UK ROAD, KWU HANG ROAD, SHA TSUI ROAD, TAI HO ROAD, CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND TSUEN KING CIRCUIT.
A FLAT FARE OF 60 CENTS WILL BE CHARGED FROM CHAI WAN KOK VEST TO SHA TSUI ROAD, AND FROM TSUEN WAN FERRY TO CHAI WAN KOK.
THE NEW MAXICAB ROUTE, TO OPERATE BETWEEN WAH YUEN CHUEN AND HAM TIN STREET, TSUEN WAN, IS AIMED AT PROVIDING A BETTER TRANSPORT SERVICE FOR PEOPLE LIVING AT LAI KING HEADLAND.
THE MAXICAB SERVICE WILL PASS THROUGH WAH YUEN PATH, WAH KING SHAN ROAD, A FLYOVER, WAH YIU ROAD, LAI CHI LING ROAD, LIM CHO ROAD, LAI CHO ROAD, JOINT STREET, LAI KING HILL ROAD, KWAI FUK ROAD, TEXACO ROAD, YEUNG UK ROAD, KWU HANG ROAD, SHA TSUI ROAD AND HAM TIN STREET.
A FLAT FARE OF $1 WILL BE CHARGED. ---------------------------0-------
/11........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1981
11
MENTAL HEALTH DISPLAY OPENED ft ft ft ft
MENTAL ILLNESSES HAVE DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS ON THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF A SOCIETY, RESULTING IN FAR-REACHING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PROBLEMS.
THIS WAS STATED BY DR MA LIN, VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MENTAL HEALTH EXHIBITION AT CITY HALL THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
HE POINTED OUT THAT MENTAL DISEASES STRAINED MEDICAL RESOURCES AND CAUSED LOSS OF HUMAN PRODUCTIVITY.
DR MA APPEALED FOR JOINT EFFORTS BY GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH MASS EDUCATION, AND COMMENDED THE DEPARTMENT FOR ORGANISING THE MENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN.
DURING THE CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, EXPLAINED THAT THE EXHIBITION WAS MOUNTED TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT WAYS TO PREVENT MENTAL ILLNESSES.
ANOTHER OBJECTIVE IS TO ALLAY FEARS AND CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS AMONG THE PUBLIC ON PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESSES AND TO PROMOTE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES’ SERVICES ON PREVENTION, COUNSELLING, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION, HE SAID.
THE EXHIBITION IS ONE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S MAIN ACTIVITIES IN THE MENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN ORGANISED IN SUPPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS.
THE JOINT ORGANISERS OF THE CAMPAIGN ARE THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT AND THE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION AND THE NEW LIFE PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION.
THE DIRECTOR TAHNKED MR JOSEPH KOO AND MR CHENG KWOK-KONG, LOCAL MUSICIANS, FOR HAVING ADJUDICATED AT THE SONG COMPOSITION AND LYRIC-WRITING CONTESTS HELD IN JULY.
THE EXHIBITION IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM TODAY TILL THURSDAY (OCTOBER 8) BETWEEN 10 AM TO 6 PM DAILY.
DISPLAYS ARE IN THE FORM OF CARTOONS, PHOTOGRAPHS, SLIDES AND VIDEO-SHOWS.
- - 0 -
/12........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1981
12
MEDALS PRESENTED TO FIREMEN M M M M
OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WERE PRESENTED TODAY (FRIDAY) WITH MEDALS AND CLASPS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR LONG SERVICE.
THE PRESENTATIONS WERE MADE TO 121 OFFICERS AND MEN AT VARIOUS FIRE COMMANDS, INCLUDING THE AMBULANCE SERVICE, BY THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS.
AT THE FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS, THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, MR BRIAN FENDER, PRESENTED COLONIAL FIRE BRIGADES LONG SERVICE MEDALS TO AN ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICER, AN AMBULANCE OFFICER, THREE PRINCIPAL FIREMEN, FIVE SENIOR FIREMEN AND FIVE FIREMEN, EACH OF WHOM HAS COMPLETED 18 YEARS’ SERVICE.
** FENDER Al-SO PRESENTED A STATION OFFICER, THREE PRINCIPAL FIREMEN AND A FIREMAN WITH FIRST CLASP TO THEIR MEDALS FOR 25 YEARS’ SERVICE. A RECENTLY RETIRED PRINCIPAL FIREMAN RECEIVED SECOND CLASP FOR 30 YEARS’ SERVICE
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, FIVE OFFICERS AND 32 OTHER RANKS WERE PRESENTED UI Th MEDALS AND CLASPS BY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER MONTAGUE KINGDOM.
IN KOWLOON, CHIEF FIRE OFFICER ANTHONY CONWAY PRESENTED THE LONG SERVICE MEDAL TO AN ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICER, THREE PRINCIPAL FIREMEN, TWO SENIOR FIREMEN AND 14 FIREMEN. TWO PRINCIPAL FIREMEN EACH WITH 25 YEARS’ SERVICE RECEIVED FIRST CLASP TO THEIR bEDALS.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES COMMAND, THREE OFFICERS, TEN NCO’S AND FIVE FIREMEN RECEIVED THEIR LONG SERVICE MEDALS FROM CHIEF FIRE OFFICER FRED JACKSON. IN ADDITION, TWO OFFICERS AND THREE PRINCIPAL FIREMEN RECEIVED FIRST CLASP TO THEIR MEDALS FOR 25 YEARS’ SERVICE.
AT THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU, AN ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICER, THREE STATION OFFICERS AND FOUR SENIOR FIREMEN RECEIVED THEIR LONG SERVICE MEDALS FROM CHIEF FIRE OFFICER JOHN MARCH.
MR MARCH ALSO PRESENTED A DIVISIONAL OFFICER, A PRINCIPAL FIREMAN AND A SENIOR FIREMAN FIRST CLASP TO THEIR MEDALS FOR 25 YEARS’ SERVICE. A SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER WITH 30 YEARS’ SERVICE RECEIVED SECOND CLASP.
IN THE AMBULANCE SERVICE, A SENIOR AMBULANCE OFFICER, AN AMBULANCE OFFICER, A SENIOR AMBULANCEMAN, TWO AMBULANCEMEN AND A PRINCIPAL AMBULANCEMAN RECEIVED THEIR LONG SERVICE MEDALS FROM CHIEF AMBULANCE OFFICER HARRY KENYON.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1981
******
ROYAL COLLEGE OF DEFENCE STUDIES GROUP VISIT NEW TERRITORIES
A 12-MEMBER GROUP FROM BRITAIN’S ROYAL COLLEGE OF DEFENCE STUDIES VISITED TAI PO AND AN ANCESTRAL HALL IN TAI WAI, SHA TIN, TODAY (FRIDAY). * *
THE GROUP, LED BY AIR CHIEF MARSHAL SIR ROBERT FREER, COMPRISES SENIOR MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT OFFICERS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM, GERMANY, FRANCE, AUSTRALIA AND ITALY.
THEY ARRIVED IN HONG KONG ON SEPTEMBER 30 FOR A ONE-WEEK VISIT AS PART OF THEIR FAR EAST TOUR.
THEIR VISIT PROGRAMME TODAY BEGAN WITH BRIEFINGS AT TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI KAM, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICKY LO.
AFTERWARDS THE GROUP TOURED TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND WERE BRIEFED BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION, MR VIC MILLER, AND THE COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, MR P.K. WONG.
IN THE AFTERNOON THE GROUP TOURED SHA TIN NEW TOWN AND WERE BRIEFED ON DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS BY TVE DISTRICT OFFICER, DR PATRICK HASE, AND THE PROJECT MANAGER, MR KENNETH KWOK.
SR0UP ALSO VISITED THE WAI FAMILY ANCESTRAL HALL AT TAI WAI WHERE THEY WERE GREETED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR WAI HON-LEUNG.
THE ANCESTRAL HALL WAS BUILT IN THE MING DYNASTY MORE THAN 300 YEARS AGO AND WAS RENOVATED LAST YEAR.
THE GROUP WILL LEAVE HONG KONG ON OCTOBER 6 FOR LONDON.
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WEAK WATER PRESSURE
* * ‘ * A
CERTAIN PREMISES IN MONG KOK AND YAU MA TEI WILL EXPERIENCE WEAK WATER PRESSURE BETWEEN 10 PM TOMORROW (OCTOBER 3) AND 6 AM ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 4) WHEN REPAIR WORK IS CARRIED OUT ON RESERVOIR VALVES.
THE AFFECTED BUILDINGS ARE BOUNDED BY SOY STREET, JORDAN ROAD AND NATHAN ROAD.
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FRIDAY, OC'OBER 2, 1981
14
YOUNG MUSIC MAKERS’ TALENT QUEST
*****
THE FINAL CONTEST OF THE 1981 YOUNG MUSIC MAKERS’ 1ALENT QUEST JOINTLY ORGANISED BY TH" MUSIC OFFICE AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND SPONSORED BY m.JA DRANSFIELD CO. WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 17 AT 7.30 PM AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL.
POP SINGER MR ALBERT AU AND THE HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR WILL BE GUEST PERFORMERS, ADDING ATTRACTION TO THE COMPOSITIONS AND PERFORMANCES OF THE YOUNG LOCAL ARTISTES.
THE TALENT QUEST PROVIDES AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR TALENTED YOUNG PEOPLE TO PERFORM THEIR OWN COMPOSITIONS IN PUBLIC BEFORE AN AUDIENCE AND THEREBY GAIN VALUABLE EXPERIENCE.
THE CONTEST IS DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONSs WESTERN MUSIC, CHINESE MUSIC AND FOLK MUSIC.
THE PRELIMINARY ROUND WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE ARTS CENTRE RECITAL HALL ON OCTOBER 11 PRIOR TO THE FINAL CONTEST.
THE WINNER OF EACH SECTION WILL BE AWARDED AN AIWA 30TH ANNIVERSARY SCHOLARSHIP OF |5 000 AND TWO SPECIAL AWARDS WILL BE GIVEN FOR +BEST PERFORMANCE* AND +BEST COMPOSITION*.
JUDGES WILL BEi MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE- MR THOMAS WANG, ASSISTANT MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR (PROFESSIONAL), MUS IC OFFICE- MR KENNETH FUNG, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF AIWA DRANSFIELD CO.- AND LEADING COMPOSERS PROF. LIN SHING-SHIH, MR DOMING LAM AND DR YIP WAI-HONG, AS WELL AS W CHAN HO-CHOI, MUSIC CRITIC.
ADMISSION TICKETS AT $5 TO THE GRAND FINAL ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT A.C. HALL AND ALL THE MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE. FOR ENQUIRIES, CALL 5-283257.
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STAFF SWIMMING GALA * * *
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ITS SEVENTH ANNUAL SWIMMING GALA FOR STAFF AND THEIR FAMILIES AT THE MORRISON HILL SWIMMING POOL TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE ANNUAL EVENT PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE STAFF AND THE IR FAMILIES TO GET TOGETHER AND AT THE SAME TIME FOR THE CHILDREN TO HAVE A DAY OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT.
ABOUT 300 DOCTORS, NURSES AND OTHER STAFF AND THEIR FAMILIES WILL COMPETE IN 27 EVENTS. IN ADDITION, 40 OFFICERS FROM 10 OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL TAKE PART IN AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL INVITATION RELAY.
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG. WILL PRESENT THE PRIZES.
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FRIDAY, OCT ;ER 2, 1981
15
MINI SOCCER MATCHES TO PROMOTE V^TER REGISTRATION * * * *
TWO SEVEN-A-SIDE FOOTBALL MATCHES WERE HELD AT THE TAI WAI PLAYGROUND IN SHA TIN TODAY (FRIDAY) AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN TO ENCOURAGE REGISTRATION OF VOTERS FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
THE FIRST MATCH WAS PLAYED COMMITTEE AND A TEAM OF VETERAN ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION.
BETWEEN A TEAM FROM SHA TIN RURAL SOCCER STARS FROM THE SOUTH CHINA
MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CHINA KIN-CHUNG, KO PO-KEUNG, LAU YEE, MOK CHUN-WAH AND WONG CHE-KWONG.
VETERAN TEAM INCLUDED MESSRS LAU WONG CHE-KEUNG, YIU CHENG-YIN,
FOLLOWING THE DEMONSTRATION THE HONG KONG MINIATURE FOOTBALL REPRESENTATIVE TEAM FROM THE SHA
MATCH, A CONTEST WAS HELD BETWEEN ASSOCIATION TEAM AND A
TIN DISTRICT.
THE EVENT WAS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND TAI WAI VILLAGE OFFICE.
AFTER THE MATCHES, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, DR PATRICK HASE, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR WAI HON-LEUNG. WHO IS ALSO THE CHAIRMAN OF TAI WAI VILLAGE OFFICE, VISITED HOUSEHOLDS IN TAI WAI TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.
DR HASE TOLD THE VILLAGERS THAT THE SIX-WEEK REGISTRATION PERIOD WOULD END ON OCTOBER 12, AND PEOPLE WHO HAD NOT REGISTERED SHOULD DO SO AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
SO FAR. THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS RECEIVED MORE THAN 8 OOO REGISTRATION FORMS.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
SATURDAY, OCTOBER J, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MORE COPIES OF REPORT BEING PRINTED ............................ 1
PRISON OFFICERS PRAISED FOR WORK ............................... 1
FIRE DANGER FROM HUNG MING BALLOONS ............................ 2
THREE PUBLIC DUMPS IN TUEN MUN ................................. 2
RURAL PUBLIC FACILITIES DESIGN COMPETITION
3
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1981
1
MORE COPIES OF REPORT BEING PRINTED K * * M
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT STOCKS OF THE FULL VERSION IN ENGLISH OF THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO INSPECTOR MACLENNAN’S CASE HAD BEEN SOLD OUT.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT COPIES OF THE SUMMARY OF THE REPORT IN CHINESE AND IN ENGLISH WERE AVAILABLE IN PLENTIFUL SUPPLY, AS WERE COPIES OF THE FULL REPORT IN CHINESE.
HE FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT ALL PRINCIPAL PARTIES CONCERNED IN THE PROCEEDINGS HAD BEEN GIVEN A FREE COPY. SEVERAL HUNDRED COPIES HAD BEEN AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC AT WELL BELOW THE COST OF PRINTING. THE DEMAND, HOWEVER, FOR COPIES OF THE FULL ENGLISH VERSION HAD UNEXPECTEDLY EXCEEDED SUPPLY. IT HAS BEEN DECIDED TO PRINT MORE COPIES, AND COPIES WILL BE ON SALE AGAIN FROM THURSDAY (OCTOBER 8).
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PRISON OFFICERS PRAISED FOR WORK * * * *
THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF HONG KONG’S SERVICE WAS WIDELY KNOWN IN THE WORLD, AN UNOFFICIAL THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DR HENRY HU, SAID TODAY.
CORRECTIONAL MEMBER OF
95 RECRUIT
DR HU WAS SPEAKING AT THE PASSING-OUT PARADE OF PRISON OFFICERS AT THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY. THE RECRUITS COMPRISING 14 OFFICERS AND 81 ASSISTANT OFFICERS HAVE COMPLETED THEIR SIX-MONTH BASIC TRAINING
IN THE INSTITUTE.
HE ALSO PRESENTED GOLDEN WHISTLES TO THE TWO BEST ALL-ROUND RECRUITS, MR LEUNG CHUN-KEUNG AND MISS LAU TSUI-LING, BOTH ASSISTANT OFFICERS.
ne mu TOLD THE RECRUITS THAT THEY HAD THE WISDOM TO CHOOSE A CAREER IN WHICH THEY COULD HELP AND INFLUENCE FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVES.
tup PRISON SERVICE HAD BEEN DESCRIBED AS A SILENT SERVICE, ALWAYS HIDDEN FRlM TliE LIMELIGHT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME, HE SAID.
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/2........
2
SATUKLa.
FIRE DANGER FROM HUNG MING BALLOONS * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) ISSUED ANOTHER APPEAL TO VISITORS TO COUNTRY PARK AREAS NOT TO TAKE HUNG MING BALLOONS WITH THEM.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID HUNG MING BALLOONS HAD BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR SEVERAL MAJOR COUNTRYSIDE FIRES IN THE PAST, USUALLY IK AREAS NOT EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO FIREFIGHTERS.
the danger of fires in the countryside increased greatly as the dry season approached and there was an added complication this YEAR AS A RESULT OF THE RECENTLY-ANNOUNCED WATER RESTRICTIONS.
+ANYONE FOUND IN A COUNTRY PARK WITH A HUNG MING BALLOON FACES A FINE OF $5 OOO AND IMPRISONMENT FOR A YEAR,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE FIRE WARNING WAS TIMELY, AS CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL DAY FALLS ON TUESDAY, AND THIS IS USUALLY THE BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR FOR FIREMEN.
MOST OF THE FIRES OCCURRED IN THE COUNTRYSIDE AND WERE CAUSED MAINLY BY CARELESS GRAVE WORSHIPPERS.
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THREE PUBLIC DUMPS IN TUEN MUN * * * *
THREE PUBLIC DUMPS AT PILLAR POINT IN TUEN MUN WILL BE OPENED FROM MONDAY (OCTOBER 5).
ACCESS TO THE NEW DUMPS WILL BE VIA PUI TO ROAD, TSI NG WUN ROAD AND LUNG MUN ROAD, AND DUMPING MAY BE CARRIED OUT AT THE SITES BETWEEN 8 AM AND 6 PM DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
DUMPING PERMITS MAY BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE ON APPLICATION TO THE PROJECT MANAGER (TUEN MUN), TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, 13 TAT YAN SQUARE, TUEN MUN.
EACH APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER, THE ORIGIN, TYPE AND APPROXIMATE QUANTITY OF MATERIALS TO BE DUMPED AND THE PERIOD FOR WHICH THE PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR A PARTICULAR JOB.
ALL DUMPING MUST BE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE DUMP
CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SUPERVISOR.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1981
- 3 -
RURAL PUBLIC FACILITIES DESIGN COMPET'~k
M * *
CASH AWARDS TOTALLING $30 000 AND BOOK COUPON AWARDS ARE BEING OFFERED IN A COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR NEW AND IMPROVED DESIGNS FOR RURAL REFUSE COLLECTION FACILITIES, LITTER CONTAINERS AND PUBLIC TOILET.
TIMED TO COINCIDE WITH THE FORTHCOMING CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN, THE RURAL CLEANSING FACILITIES DESIGN COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN NEW TERRITORIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE HEUNG YEE KUK, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO THREE GROUPS — AN OPEN GROUP FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, INCLUDING SCHOOL CHILDREN, A SECONDARY SCHOOL GROUP, AND A PRIMARY SCHOOL GROUP.
ENTRY FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED NEXT WEEK FROM CITY DISTRICT AND DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICES OF THE NTSD.
THE COMPETITION IS INTENDED TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF THE PUBLIC TO THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAYING THEIR PART IN CLEANSING UP THE ENVIRONMENT, AND ALSO TO ENLIST PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN DESIGNING IMPROVED VERSIONS OF RURAL CLEANSING FACILITIES BOTH FUNCTIONALLY AND AESTHETICALLY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE EXISTING DESIGNS OF RURAL CLEANSING FACILITIES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WAS NEED TO MAKE THEM MORE IN KEEPING WITH A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT, IN LINE WITH THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.
♦TRADITIONALLY, IN THE EYES OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC THOSE FACILITIES HAVE BEEN LOOKED UPON AS PLACES FOR FILTH AND WASTE AND SO THERE IS INADEQUATE EMPHASIS ON THEIR EXTERNAL APPEARANCE AND DESIGN.+ HE SAID.
THE PANEL OF JUDGES WILL CONSIST OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CLEANSING FACILITIES ACTION GROUP OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN, W CARLOS CHEUNG- THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN NEW TERRITORIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MR CHARLES YEUNG- THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LIU YUN-SUM- A MEMBER OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, MR TAI KUEN- THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR A.J. REEVE, AND THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JIMMY SWEETMAN.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1981
CONTENTS _ PAGE NO.
STUDY ON ATTITUDES TOWARDS MARRIAGE ............................ 1
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JULY........ J
POK FU LAM ROAD BUS-ONLY LANE .................................. 6
SAFETY-AT-WORK TV QUIZ ......................................... 6
KOWLOON TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL .. 7
CROWN LAND FOR SALE ............................................ 8
PLAN FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT ................................ 8
300 TAKE PART IN ISLANDS DISTRICT SWIMMING GALA................. 9
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1981
1
STUDY ON ATTITUDES TOWARDS MARRIAGE * * * *
THE CONTENTS OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMMES INTENDED FOR YOUNGER PEOPLE SHOULD BE EXPANDED Tu COVER SUCH ASPECTS OF MARRIAGE AND MARRIED LIFE AS PREPARATION FOR MARRIAGE, MARRIAGE ADJUSTMENT AND ENR IChr.ENT, RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD, AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH IN-LAWS.
THIS IS ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN A STUDY JOINTLY UNDERTAKEN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE TO FIND OUT THE ATTITUDES OF THE YOUNGER GENERATION TOWARDS MARRIAGE.
THE YEAR-LONG STUDY WAS BASED ON INTERVIEWS WITH MORE THAN 1 200 MARRIED AND UNMARRIED PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 34, ALL RESIDENTS OF THE URBAN AREAS AND THE THREE NEW TOWNS OF TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN.
THE STUDY RECOMMENDS THAT IN FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMMES, THE YOUNGER GENERATION SHOULD BE EDUCATED ON +HUMAN SEXUALITY AND THE CONSEQUENCES AND RESPONSIBILITY ATTACHED TO IT*.
ON PREPARATION FOR MARRIAGE, THESE PROGRAMMES SHOULD +HELP YOUNG PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND THE REAL MEANING OF LOVE, COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE BEFORE THEY COMMIT THEMSELVES TO A LIFE-LONG RELATIONSHIP*.
ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE GIVEN TO NEWLY-MARRIED COUPLES TO ADJUST TO LIVING WITH EACH OTHER AND PERHAPS WITH MEMBERS OF THE SPOUSE’S FAMILY.
APART FROM EXPANDING FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMMES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, THE STUDY RECOMMENDS THAT FAMILY COUNSELLING SERVICES +BE ACTIVELY PROMOTED SO THAT THOSE WHO ARE IN TROUBLE CAN COME FORWARD FOR ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE*.
THE STUDY WAS PROMPTED BY A FEELING, ON THE PART OF MANY SOCIAL WORKERS, THAT THEY LACK INFORMATION ON HOW YOUNG PEOPLE VIEW MARRIAGE, PARTICULARLY AT A TIME WHEN HONG KONG IS UNDERGOING RAPID SOCIAL CHANGES.
THE STUDY SHOWS THAT THERE IS A TENDENCY AMONG RESPONDENTS TO BELIEVE MORE IN THE IDEALISTIC SIDE OF LOVE, SUCH AS MUTUAL RESPECT AND MUTUAL CARING, WHEREAS MORE PRACTICAL ASPECTS, SUCH AS SHARING OF DIFFICULTIES, IS INFREQUENTLY PERCEIVED.
HOWEVER, MOST REALISE THAT LOVE TAKES TIME AND EFFORT TO DEVELOP AND IT JUST DOES NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT.
A COMPARATIVELY OPEN AND PERMISSIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS SEX IS EVIDENT FROM THE STUDY.
/THIS APPLIES .......
SUNDAY, OCTOBEK 4, 1981
2
+THIS APPLIES IN PARTICULAR TO A PRE-MARITAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TWO PEOPLE INTENDING TO MARRY AND TO A LESSER EXTENT, EXTRA-MARITAL SEX+, THE REPORT SAYS.
WHEN IT COMES TO SEXUAL EXPECTATIONS IN MARRIAGE, MOST EXPECT IT TO SATISFY THE NEEDS OF THEIR SPOUSE, THEIR OWN NEEDS AND TO MAINTAIN HUSBAND-WIFE RELATIONSHIP. HOWEVER, A PERCENTAGE OF THEM DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT FROM SEX IN MARRIAGE.
THE STUDY INDICATES THAT THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT THE YOUNGER GENERATION STILL REGARD A LEGAL MARRIED LIFE AS THE NATURAL WAY TO SEEK FULFILMENT IN A LOVING RELATIONSHIP.
IN THIS RESPECT, THEY TEND TO OVERLOOK MANY DIFFICULTIES AND ADJUSTMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH MARRIAGE.
ON THE CHOICE OF THE OPTIMAL AGE TO GET MARRIED AND ON THE DURATION OF COURTSHIP, MOST OF THE RESPONDENTS REALISE THAT SUFFICIENT TIME IS REQUIRED TO BECOME PSYCHOLOGICALLY MATURE AS WELL AS TO UNDERSTAND AND KNOW EACH OTHER. IT IS ALSO ENCOURAGING TO FIND THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITIES SOUGHT AFTER IN CHOOSING A PROSPECTIVE SPOUSE ARE PERSONALITY AND HEALTH AND THAT A MAJORITY WOULD ALSO CONSULT THEIR PARENTS BEFORE MAKING A FINAL DECISION.
ON MARITAL PROBLEMS, THE PREVAILING ATTITUDE IS THAT THEY SHOULD BE TACKLED IN A COOL-HEADED FASHION, FOR EXAMPLE, BY TALKING THINGS OVER.
SOME OF THOSE QUESTIONED FAVOUR DIVORCE AS A LAST RESORT AND A NUMBER OPENLY ADMITTED TO HAVING DIFFICULTIES IN THEIR MARRIAGE.
♦IT IS DISTURBING TO FIND THAT NOT MANY WOULD SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IN RESOLVING CRISES IN MARRIAGE+, THE REPORT SAYS.
ON ROLE EXPECTATIONS AND DECISION-MAKING, THERE IS EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT THE YOUNGER GENERATION PREFER JOINTLY TO CARRY OUT HOUSEHOLD TASKS AND MAKE DECISIONS ON HOUSEHOLD MATTERS.
THIS, TOGETHER WITH THE WISHES OF THE MAJORITY THAT THE WIFE SHOULD CONTINUE WORKING AFTER MARRIAGE, LENDS SUPPORT TO THE VIEW THAT WOMEN ARE BEING LOOKED UPON AS AN EQUAL PARTNER AT HOME AND IN SOCIETY.
ON IN-LAW RELAT NSHIPS, ALTHOUGH THE YOUNGER GENERATION WOULD VIEW THEIR IN-LAWS/PARENTS AS IF THEY WERE THEIR OWN, THEY ARE SOMEWHAT UNCERTAIN WHETHER THEY WISH TO LIVE WITH THEM AFTER MARRIAGE.
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/5.......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1981
- 3 -
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JULY *****
THE PRICES OF BOTH DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND IMPORTS ROSE BY 10 PER CENT IN JULY 1981 COMPARED WITH JULY 1980, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF THE DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO THE IMPORT PRICE INDEX) REMAINED UNCHANGED.
THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 21 PER CENT WHILE THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 10 PER CENT. THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 8 PER CENT, WITH VOLUME UP BY 29 PER CENT, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, PRICES ROSE BY 9 PER CENT AND VOLUME ROSE BY 15 PER CENT.
FOR THE TWELVE MONTH PERIOD TO JULY 1981 AS COMPARED WITH THE TWELVE MONTHS TO JULY 1980, THE PRICES OF EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 8 PER CENT AND THOSE OF IMPORTS BY 9 PER CENT.
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 6 PER CENT AND OF RE-EXPORTS BY 39 PER CENT, GIVING A 15 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS AS AGAINST A 17 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS.
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 BELOW:
CHANGES COMPARING JULY 1981 WITH JULY 1980
EXPORT VALUE EXPORT UNIT VALUE EXPORT VOLUME
CLOTHING (EXCEPT FUR) +23% +12% + 9%
TEXTILE FABRICS +40% + 7% +31%
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD ♦31% +13% + 16%
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES 1 NSIGNIFICANT +15% -13%
ALL TRANSISTORISED RADIOS + 7% +11% - 4%
/ELECTRONIC COMPONENT^
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1981
4
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS +25% +18% + 5%
FOOTWEAR +49% + 3% +45%
METAL MANUFACTURES - 1% + 6% - 7%
METAL ORES AND SCRAP -24% - 3% -22%
WATCHES AND CLOCKS +18% -12% +34%
COMMODITY GROUPS NOT SPECIFIED ABOVE +21% +13% + 7%
ALL COMMODITIES +21% +10% +10%
THE EXPORT PRICES OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED, FROM 3 PER CENT FOR FOOTWEAR TO 18 PER CENT FOR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE EXPORT PRICES OF METAL ORES AND SCRAP, AS WELL AS WATCHES AND CLOCKS, FELL BY 3 PER CENT AND 12 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
CONSIDERABLE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR FOOTWEAR (+45%) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+34%). HOWEVER, THE EXPORT VOLUME OF METAL ORES AND SCRAP DECLINED BY 22 PER CENT.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN BELOW:
CHANGES COMPARING JULY 1981 WITH JULY 1980
IMPORT VALUE IMPORT UNIT VALUE IMPORT VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS + 34% +17% +14%
CONSUMER GOODS +25% + 5% +19%
FUELS +126% +28% +78%
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES +32% + 9% +21%
CAPITAL GOODS +16% +10% + 5%
ALL COMMODITIES +34% +10% +21%
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FUELS, THE PRICES OF WHICH JUMPED BY 28 PER CENT, THE PRICES OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY INCREASED MODERATELY, RANGING FROM 5 PER CENT FOR CONSUMER GOODS TO 17 PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS.
ONLY SOME MAJOR IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS ROSE IN VOLUME TERMS, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING LIVE POULTRY, VEGETABLES, AND WHEAT AND FLOUR.
/Ufl rhL.....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1981
5 -
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANL“ OIL AND LARD, AS WELL AS TEA AND COFFEE DROPPED.
IN THE CONSUMER GOODS CATEGORY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING, RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS AND TAPE RECORDERS, AND TEXTILE MADE-UPS.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF PASSENGER MOTOR CARS DECLINED.
IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED BY 78 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MOST RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES INCREASED. PURCHASES OF YARN OF MAN-MADE FIBRES, COTTON YARN AND THREAD, AND FABRICS OF MAN-MADE FIBRES ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY, WHEREAS DEMAND FOR WOOLLEN YARN AND MAN-MADE FIBRES FELL.
AS FOR CAPITAL GOODS, MAJOR INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR OFFICE MACHINES AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN BELOWs
CHANGES COMPARING JULY 1981 WITH JULY 1980
RE-EXPORT VALUE RE-EXPORT UNIT VALUE RE-EXPORT VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS +81% +13% +61%
CONSUMER GOODS +32% + 1% +31%
FUELS +24% +26% - 1%
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES +43% +11% +29%
CAPITAL GOODS +42% +21% +17%
ALL COMMODITIES +40% + 8% +29%
WITH THE EXCEPT 10?' OF FUELS, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF THE MAJOR END-USE CATEGORY SHOWED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES, RANGING FROM 17 PER CENT FOR C ITAL GOODS TO 61 PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS.
FURTHER DETAILS AR CONTAINED IN THE JULY 1981 ISSUE Of THE +HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS*, SOLD AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT HK-J2 PER COPY.
0 - ■■
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1981
- 6 -
POK FU LAM ROAD BUS-ONLY LANE
* * * *
BUS JOURNEY TIMES BETWEEN THE ABERDEEN-WAH FU CENTRAL DURING THE MORNING PEAK HOURS ARE EXPECTED 10 TO 15 MINUTES WHEN T-!E POK FU LAM ROAD BUS-ONLY LATER THIS MONTH.
AREA AND TO BE CUT BY LANE IS INTRODUCED
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER/TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, MR ALAN LUI, SAID THE TIME DNorc SuRE T0 BE WELC0MED THE 12 000 PEOPLE CARRIED BY 160 BUSES BETWEEN THESE TWO CENTRES FROM 7 AM TO 9 AM EACH WEEK-DAY.
r^E.HZKIL0METRE BUS-ONLY LANE WILL EXTEND NORTHWARDS ALONG POK FU LAM ROAD BETWEEN BISNEY ROAD AND POKFIELD ROAD.
uuiru°!!>M AND MAX,CABS WILL BE PERMITTED TO USE THE LANE,
WHICH WILL OPERATE FROM 7 AM TO 9 AM MONDAY TO SATURDAY.
LUI SA,D W0RKMEN WOULD BEGIN PUTTING DOWN ROAD MARKINGS FOR THE BUS-ONLY LANE TOMORROW (MONDAY).
TA ♦”2^'?’ MUCH 0F THE W0RK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN THE EVENINGS TO MINIMISE INCONVENIENCE TO ROAD-USERS,+ HE SAID.
ta .. MR LUI SAID THE CENTRE LINE OF POK FU LAM ROAD WOULD BE OFFSET TO ALLOW NORTHBOUND VEHICLES TO QUEUE ALONGSIDE EACH OTHER, THEREBY MAINTAINING THE STATUS QUO FOR OTHER VEHICLES BUT PROVIDING PR IORITY TO BUSES.
+THE INTRODUCTION OF THE POK FU LAM ROAD BUS-ONLY LANE IS IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S STATED AIM OF MOVING THE GREATEST NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN VEHICLES WHICH MAKE THE MOST EFFICIENT USE OF THE LIMITED ROAD SPACE AVAILABLE IN THE TERRITORY,* HE SAID.
FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT THE POK FU LAM ROAD BUS-ONLY LANE WILL EE ANNOUNCED NEARER THE DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION.
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SAFETY-AT-WORK TV QUIZ
* * * * *
FOUR TEAMS HAVE SO FAR ADVANCED INTO THE SEMI-FINALS OF THE CURRENT +SAFETY-AT-WORK+ TELEMATCH/QUIZ TELEVISION PROGRAMME IN WHICH 18 TEAMS PROM MANUFACTURING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES ARE BATTLING EACH OTHER FOR THE GRAND PRIZE OF AN EIGHT-DAY, ALL-EXPENSES PAID HOLI'AY OF A LIFETIME IN BRITAIN.
THE FOUR TEAMS ARE FROM CHI LIK METAL AND PLASTIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY, YANGTZEKIANG GARMENT MANUFACTURING COMPANY, ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND SONC'A INDUSTR/ES.
THEY WILL TAKE PART IN THE SEMI-FINAL LATER THIS MONTH, TOGETHER WITH THE WINNERS OF THE Flf-"TH AND SIXTH F'REL IMINAR IES WHICH WILL BE CONTESTED OVER THE CHINESE CHANNEL OF RTV IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.
SUNDAY, 0C703S.- 4, 1931
- 7
jOIMTLY organised by rthk, the labour department and the FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, AND CO-SPONSORED BY BRITISH CALEDONIAN AIRWAYS, 'HE RTHK-PRODUCED PROGRAMME HAS BEEN EXCLUSIVELY DEVELOPED FOR WORKERS IN THE MANUFACTURING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES TO MAKE THEM AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
THE 18 TEAMS FROM BOTH INDUSTRIES ARE COMPETING IN ELIMINATION ROUNDS FOR 3300 000 WORTH OF PRIZES, INCLUDING COLOUR TELEVISION SETS, REFRIGERATORS, WASHING MACHINES, STEREO RADIO/RECORDERS, SUMPTUOUS CHINESE DINNERS, ELECTRONIC TV GAMES AND WRIST WATCHES.
THE FIVE MEMBERS OF THE WINNING TEAM, TO BE DECIDED IN THE GRAND FINALS ON NOVEMBER 14, WILL LATER LEAVE FOR LONDON BY BRITISH CALEDONIAN AIRWAYS FOR A HOLIDAY.
------o-------
KOWLOON TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL * * * *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN KOWLOON FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 6) FOR THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL.
IN THE SHAM SHU I PO AREA, THE 'NO WAITING’ RESTRICTION ON CHING CHEUNG ROAD WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL.
WING MING STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM ON OCTOBER 6.
THE GOODS VEHICLE PARKING SPACES IN KING LAM STREET, WING HONG STREET AND YU CHAU STREET WILL BE CANCELLED BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM ON OCTOBER 6.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED THAT ACCESS TO THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY ABOVE CHING CHEUNG ROAD WILL BE VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YEE KUK STREET AND KING LAM STREET.
PARKING FACILITIES ARE LIMITED AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
IN THE WONG TA SIN AREA, PEOPLE VISITING THE HAMMER HILL CEMETERY ARE ADV I SET TO APPROACH VIA LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, THE PO KONG VILLAGE INTERCHANGE ID PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD BECAUSE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IS EXPECT 3 TO OCCUR AT HAMMER HILL ROAD JUNCTION WITH LUNG CHEUNG ROAD.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1981
- 8 -
CROWN LAND FOR SALE * * * *
FOUR LOTS OF CROWN LAND, TOTALLING ABOUT 5 300 SQUARE METRlS, WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY AUCTION BY The CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE ON OCTOBER 23.
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT THE SHOUSON THEATRE OF THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE AT 2.30 PM.
TWO OF THE LOTS ARE IN T.E KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION. THE LARGER SITE MEASURING 2 000 SQUARE METRES IS FOR GODOWN PURPOSES, WHILE THE OTHER, HAVING AN AREA OF ABOUT 1 345 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES.
THE REMAINING TWO LOTS ARE BOTH FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES AND ARE IN NAM LONG SHAN ROAD, ABERDEEN, AND SHAU KEI WAN ROAD. THEY MEASURE 1 498 AND 527 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
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, 405 NATHAN ROAD.
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PLAN FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CONSTRUCT A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT ON THE PROPOSED RECLAMATION IN THE NORTHERN PART OF STONECUTTERS ISLAND AND TO LAY THE ASSOCIATED TWIN SUBMARINE INTERCEPTER SEWERS AND OUTFALLS.
THE SEWERS WILL CONVEY SEWAGE FROM TAI KOK TSUI, SHAM SHU I PO AND LAI CHI KOK TO THE PROPOSED SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AND THE ™toTtheEcentral FAIRWAY D,SCHARGED THR0UGH the SUBMARINE OUTFALL nee/.oTn^E^TENT 0F THE AREA 0F FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WAS fr?dayBED N A N0TICE PUBLISHED in the GOVERNMENT GAZETTE LAST
PERSONS HAVING OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL OR ANY CLAIM FOR COMPENSATIONS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR OBJECTIONS AND CLAIMS IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
u.o J!£ N0TICE» IN BOM ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WITH ITS RELATED PLAN HAS BEEN POSTED NEAR SITE.
THE PLAN SHOWING THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY ALSO BE SEEN AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, STH FLOOR, EMPIRE CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, KOWLOON, OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE ON THE 10TH FLOOR OF THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1981
- 9 -
300 TAKE PART IN ISLANDS DISTRICT SWIMMING GALA * * * *
MORE THAN 300 PEOPLE TOOK PART IN THE SIXTH ISLANDS DISTRICT SWIMMING GALA HELD AT KENNEDY TOWN POOL TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE EVENT WAS ORGANISED BY ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, EIGHT ISLANDS RURAL COMMITTEES, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD.
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, PRESENTED TROPHIES AND MEDALS TO WINNERS OF THE VARIOUS COMPETITIONS. HE SAID THE GALA AIMED AT STIMULATING INTEREST IN SWIMMING AND PROVIDING A HEALTHY OUTLET FOR THE ENERGIES OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT.
+THE FAVOURABLE RESPONSE OF ISLANDS RESIDENTS GIVES CONFIDENCE TO THE ORGANISERS TO PRODUCE SIMILAR EVENTS IN FUTURE,+ MR MACLEOD SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE GALA WAS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF WHAT COULD BE ACHIEVED BY CO-OPERATION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
THERE WERE 57 RACES IN TODAY’S GALA.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMMUNITY'S ROLE IN CLEAN HK DRIVE ............................ 1
GOVERNOR TO OPEN NEW LEGCO SESSION............................. 2
YOUTH PROGRAMME BACKERS THANKED ............................... J
PUBLIC ADVISED TO BOIL DRINKING WATER ......................... 4
ISLANDS RESIDENTS REMINDED TO RETURN REGISTRATION FORMS .... 5
COUNTRY PARKS OFFICERS ON FIRE ALERT .......................... 6
YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA CONCERT ............................... 7
WATER FIGURES-................................................. 7
CANOEING COURSE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ................. 8
SALT WATER TAPS OFF ........................................... 8
MONTHLY GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY ............................. 9
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1981
- 1 -
COMMUNITY’S ROLE IN CLEAN HK DRIVE
* * M *
COMMUNITY LEADERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE PLAYING A KEY ROLE IN THE PREPARATION FOR THE FORTHCOMING CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN, SAID THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JIMMY SWEETMAN.
SPEAKING AT THE MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF NEW TERRITORIES THIS EVENING (MONDAY), MR SWEETMAN SAID WITH THE COOPERATION AND CONTRIBUTION OF THE PUBLIC, HE WAS SURE HIS DEPARTMENT COULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CAMPAIGN TO GET NEW EXPERIENCE LEADi G TO PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
TALKING ABOUT THE REMOVAL OF REFUSE AND CLEANSING OF THE STREETS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR SWEETMAN SAID, *WE ARE -ORTUNATELY GETTING A LARGE FLEET OF NEW AND REPLACEMENT VEHICLES.*
MORE THAN 50 NEW REFUSE-COLLECTION VEHICLES ARE BEING DEPLOYED IN TIME FOR THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN, HE SAID.
♦MOREOVER, WE WILL SOON HAVE MORE TO DO IN MAINTAINING ROADSIDES BY GRASS CUTTING AND AMENITIES PLANTING, INCLUDING THE USE OF MORE MACHINERY, ESPECIALLY FOR KEEPING DRAINS CLEAR ALONG THE ROADSIDE TO PREVENT FLOODING AND LANDSLIDES.
♦OTHER VEHICLES WILL ALLOW US TO CLEAR SEPTIC TANKS MORE OFTEN,* HE CONTINUED.
♦THIS WILL HELP REDUCE POLLUTION AND I HOPE MAY IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF WELL WATER,* MR SWEETMAN SAID.
HE SAID THAT THE NTSD IS NOW CARRYING OUT A REVIEW OF PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY ON THIS ISSUE.
+WE ARE ALSO LOOKING INTO DISPOSING OF REFUSE FROM THE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES BY CONTRACT.
ON THE CONTRACTING OUT SERVICES, MR SWEETMAN SAIDi +WE MUST BE CAREFUL TO CHOOSE A FIRM THAT CAN BE RELIED ON TO PERFORM IN A LONG-TERM CONTRACT AND NOT TAKE ECONOMIC SHORT CUTS TO PERFORM A MINIMUM SERVICE FOR MAXIMUM PROFIT.
TO ACHIEVE THIS AIM, AN OFFICER FROM THE NTSD HAD VISITED ENGLAND AND THE UNITED STATES TO STUDY PUBLIC CLEANSING BY PRIVATE ENTERPRISE.
MR SWEETMAN SAID T WAS NECESSARY TO IMPROVE THE COMPLICATED LICENSING PROCEDURES I' POSSIBLE AND TO GET MORE STAFF TO DEAL WITH LICENSING AND SUB-QUENT INSPECTIONS OF RESTAURANTS AND FOOD FACTORIES.
MR SWEETMAN SAID ALSO THE AIM OF THE NTSD IS TO GET ALL HAWKERS CFF THE STREETS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/RECREATION ........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 19.81
- 2 -
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OFFICE WILL BE BUILT ABOVE THE MARKETS TO MAXIMISE PLOT RATIOS SO AS TO IMPROVE THE USE OF TH SITE.
un 0N THE PROVISION OF SLAUGHTERING FACILITIES,
*ATOI™5dSS^GHEs‘'". IS T0 C0NCE"TRATE °" TSUEN »«
mW<Slir?!L9F.eYD?’;^C!^1 HAS VISITED EUROPEAN AND A DANISH 4°nA^vAoo^,^t^.NLE^PL0YED T0 deSIGN A VERY MODERN ABATTOIR FOR A DAILY PRODUCTION OF 4 500 PIGS AND 100 CATTLE,+ HE SAID.
LOCAL SLAUGHTER-HOUSES FOR MEAT INSPECT ION,♦
««Nw;?LMeLieS^aAHI5,!7NH^? ‘5Uu2S*R°DFOR M0RE REM0TE AREAS BUT TO PREVENT DISEASE AND IMPROVE FACILITIES HE CONCLUDED.
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GOVERNOR TO OPEN NEW LEGCO SESSION K M M » K
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL REVIEW THE AFFAIRS OF HONG KONG ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 7) WHEN HE OPENS THE NEW LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION FOR 1981/82.
THE PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER AND WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG'S RADIO 2 CHINESE SERVICE AND RADIO 3 ENGLISH SERVICE.
COMMERCIAL RADIO AND THE TWO TELEVISION STATIONS WILL PRESENT HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GOVERNOR'S REVIEW IN THEIR REGULAR NEWS PROGRAMMES.
THREE NEWLY-APPOINTED UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS - MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG SELINA CHOW AND MISS MARIA TAM - WILL ASSUME THEIR SEATS IN TH! COUNCIL FOR THE FIRST TIME.
FOLLOWING THE GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS ON WEDNESDAY, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES WILL INTRODUCE THE TELEPHONE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981 WHICH IS EXPECTED TO COMPLETE ITS FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD READINGS THAT AFTERNOON.
THE COUNCIL WILL RESUME ON OCTOBER 14 WHEN THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER, WILL OVE A MOTION TO THANK THE GOVERNOR FOR HIS ADDRESS. A NUMBER OF -FIC I AL MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO SPEAK ON THE MOTION.
THE PROCEEDINGS OCTOBER 14 WILL ALSO BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RTHK RADIO 2 CHINESE SERVICE AND RADIO 4 ENGLISH SERVICE.
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ARE DUE TO SPEAK ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS ON OCTOBER 28 AND 29, AND OFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL REPLY TO THE POINTS RAISED ON NOVEMBER 11 AND 12. THEIR SPEECHES WILL ALSO BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RTHK’S CHINESE AND ENGLISH CHANNELS 2 AND 4.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1981
- 5 -
YOUTH PROGRAMME BACKERS THANKED ft * * *
WITH THE CLOSE OF THIS YEAR’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME, THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, TODAY (MONDAY) EXTENDED HIS APPRECIATION TO THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, AND ALL OTHERS INVOLVED IN ORGANISING THE EVENTS.
MR WIGGHAM SAIDi +THE PROGRAMME WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE GENEROUS DONATION OF $3 MILLION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, WHICH HAS BEEN THE MAIN CONTRIBUTOR OF FUNDS SINCE THE PROGRAMME’S INCEPTION IN 1969.
+THE JOCKEY CLUB HAS MADE AVAILABLE AN ADDITIONAL $1 MILLION THIS YEAR FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PERMANENT RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR YOUTH. THREE JOCKEY CLUB SCHOLARSHIPS WILL AGAIN BE AWARDED TO OUTSTANDING YOUTHS TO ATTEND COURSES AT THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL.*
HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT IN ADDITION TO GOVERNMENT AND URBAN COUNCIL FUNDS, DONATIONS HAD ALSO BEEN RECEIVED FROM MANY OTHER ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS. FOR THEIR HELP, MR WIGGHAM WISHED TO RECORD HIS THANKS.
MR WIGGHAM SAID HE WAS PARTICULARLY PLEASED THAT MANY DISABLED YOUTHS HAD PARTICIPATED IN THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME. AMONG THE EVENTS ORGANISED THIS YEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS THE TRAINING CAMP FOR STUDENT CONSERVATION LEADERS AND THE YOUTH MUSIC CAMP, PROVED TO BE MOST POPULAR.
THE COMMISSIONER ALSO THANKED ALL THOSE WHO HAD HELPED TO PLAN AND ARRANGE THE MORE THAN 8 OOO EVENTS FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE, INCLUDING THE 52 VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, OVER 1 500 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, SOME 1 000 COMMUNITY CENTRES AND LOCAL GROUPS, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
+LAST BUT NOT LEAST,* HE SAID, +1 SHOULD LIKE TO THANK THE 50 000 VOLUNTEERS WHO SACRIFICED THEIR OWN LEISURE TIME TO HELP ORGANISE THE EVENTS. WITHOUT THEIR HELP, THE PROGRAMME WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL.*
MR WIGGHAM NOTED THAT A SURVEY HAD JUST BEEN CONDUCTED ON THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE RECREATIONAL NEEDS OF HONG KONG YOUTH.
+WE EXPECT ITS Fl DINGS TO BE MOST USEFUL IN PLANNING FUTURE ACTIVITIES,* HE SAID.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1981
- 4 -
PUBLIC ADVISED TO BOIL DRINKING WATER
* * * *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE TODAY ADVISED BY THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR WILLIAM TUCKER. TO BOIL ALL DRINKING WATER, PARTICULARLY WATER STORED IN CONTAINERS SUCH AS TANKS, BUCKETS OR BINS, DURING THE PERIOD OF WATER RESTRICTIONS.
THE ADVICE COMES THREE DAYS BEFORE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE FIRST PHASE OF WATER RESTRICTIONS, REDUCING THE DAILY SUPPLY TO 16 HOURS.
MR TUCKER SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WOULD BE TAKING EXTRA PRECAUTIONS TO ENSURE THE PURITY OF THE SUPPLY, SUCH AS INCREASING CHLORINATION AND INTENSIFYING THE MONITORING OF QUALITY AT SERVICE RESERVOIRS AND CONSUMERS TAPS, THERE WAS ALWAYS A SLIGHT RISK OF CONTAMINATION ENTERING THE WATER PIPES AT TIMES WHEN THE SUPPLY WAS TURNED OFF.
♦HOWEVER,+ HE STRESSED, +A GENERAL DETERIORATION IN THE PRESENT HIGH STANDARD OF BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY IS NOT EXPECTED.♦
MR TUCKER SAIDi +EVERY EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT RECEPTACLES USED TO STORE WATER FOR DRINKING ARE CLEAN AND KEPT COVERED.
♦NORMAL HOUSEHOLD PLASTIC-WARE IS QUITE SAFE AND SATISFACTORY FOR SUCH USE, BUT ANY INTERNALLY PAINTED CONTAINERS SHOULD BE AVOIDED.*
DURING THE EARLY STAGES OF THE RESTRICTIONS, HE POINTED OUT, TAP WATER MIGHT, AT PARTICULAR TIMES, BE SOMEWHAT DISCOLOURED AND COULD CONTAIN SOME SEDIMENTS.
♦UNFORTUNATELY, THIS IS UNAVOIDABLE AND IS DUE TO THE DISTURBANCE OF RUSTY DEPOSITS IN THE MAINS. HOWEVER, THE DISCOLOURATION IS QUITE HARMLESS TO HEALTH,♦ MR TUCKER SAID.
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/5.........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1981
- 5 -
ISLANDS RESIDENTS REMINDED TO RETURN REGISTRATION FORMS
*****
WITH ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT BEFORE THE DISTRICT BOARD VOTER REGISTRATION PERIOD ENDS, ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RICKY FUNG, HAS APPEALED TO ALL RESIDENTS WHO HAVE NOT YET DONE SO TO COMPLETE REGISTRATION FORMS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
MR FUNG SAID AFTER THE CLOSING DATE - OCTOBER 12 - ANYONE WANTING TO REGISTER WOULD HAVE TO DO SO IN PERSON WITH THE REGISTRATION OFFICER DURING THE PERIOD NOVEMBER 21 - DECEMBER 5.
♦IT IS OBVIOUSLY MORE CONVENIENT, THOUGH, TO FILL UP A FORM AND SEND IT IN NOW, PARTICULARLY AS ISLANDS DISTRICT IS SO SPREAD OUT,+ MR FUNG SAID.
ONLY THOSE PERSONS WHOSE NAMES ARE ENTERED ON THE FINAL REGISTER OF ELECTORS WILL BE ABLE TO VOTE AT THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS NEXT MARCH.
♦SO FAR WE HAVE RECEIVED MORE THAN 7 500 REGISTRATION FORMS FROM ISLANDS RESIDENTS,♦ MR FUNG SAID, A RESPONSE HE DESCRIBED AS ♦ENCOURAGING^.
ISLANDS DISTRICT HAS A TOTAL POPULATION OF ABOUT 45 000.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS EMPLOYED 12 TEMPORARY COMMUNITY ORGANISERS TO CARRY OUT DOOR-TO-DOOR VISITS TO HELP RESIDENTS REGISTER AND TO EXPLAIN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION TO THEM.
REGISTRATION FORMS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO ALL RURAL COMMITTEES, CLANSMEN’S ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ALSO PLACED HUNDREDS OF POSTERS AND BANNERS WITH ATTRACTIVE SLOGANS AT PUBLIC PLACES ON ALL THE ISLANDS.
RESIDENTS WHO HAVE DIFFICULTIES COMPLETING THE REGISTRATION FORM SHOULD TELEPHONE 5-409207, 5-409934 OR 5-409225 FOR ASSISTANCE.
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/6
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1981
- 6 -
COUNTRY PARKS OFFICERS ON FIRE ALERT
* * * *
STAFF MEMBERS OF THF COUNTRY PARKS AND CONSERVATION DIVISION OF THE AGRICULTURE AND F.SHER IES DEPARTMENT HAVE STEPPED UP VIGILANCE AGAINST OUTBREAKS OF FIRES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
FOR THE PAST WEEK STAFF MEMBERS ENGAGED IN FIRE DUTIES HAVE BEEN BUSY PREPARING THEMSELVES FOR SUCH AN OPERATION IN CASE OF FIRE.
THE FIRE FIGHTERS HAVE BEEN TRAINING FOR DEPLOYMENT BY HELICOPTER TO THE SCENE OF A FIRE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE.
LEADERS OF FIRE TEAMS, EQUIPPED WITH FIRE BEATERS AND
4.5- LITRE WATER BUCKETS, FLEW IN THE HELICOPTER ON PRACTICE FLIGHTS OVER THE COUNTRYSIDE AND LEARNED ABOUT THE WAYS OF EMBARKING AND DISEMBARKING FROM A HELICOPTER WHEN FIGHTING FIRES.
SOME 400 STAFF MEMBERS WILL BE ON FULL ALERT FOR FIRE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE DURING THIS DRY SEASON.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC TO TAKE EVERY PRECAUTION AGAINST FIRES WHILE VISITING THE COUNTRYSIDE, ESPECIALLY DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL.
♦DON’T LEAVE ANY FIRE UNATTENDED AND ALWAYS LOOK FOR A METAL CONTAINER TO PUT BURNING JOSS-PAPERS AND JOSS-STICKS,* HE SAID.
THOUSANDS OF METAL CONTAINERS HAVE BEEN PLACED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN THE VARIOUS GRAVE SITES SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES.
BESIDES THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, THE ROYAL AIR FORCE WOULD ALSO ASSIST IN FIRE FIGHTING BY MAKING AVAILABLE THE SERVICE OF ITS HELICOPTERS WHEN NECESSARY.
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/7 ........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1981
- 7 -
YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA CONCERT
* * * *
THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA WILL HOLD ITS THIRD ANNIVERSARY CONCERT ON C OBER 25 (SUNDAY), AT TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.
JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DIVISIONS MUSIC CFFICE AND THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, THE CONCERT WILL INCLUDE SOLO PERFORMANCES AND A NUMBER OF ENSEMBLE PIECES.
THE FIRST ENSEMBLE IS THE BEAUTIFUL +YANG GUAN SAN DIE* (THREE VERSES OF THE YANG GUAN), BASED ON A POEM WRITTEN BY A FAMOUS TANG POET WANG WEI.
THE SECOND IS +LADY WANG ZHAO-JUN+, A HISTORICAL FIGURE WHO WAS SENT TO MARRY THE KING OF HUN. THE MUSIC, COMPOSED BY MR TAM CHI-BUN FOR THE FIRST HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP, IS INTERWOVEN WITH CLASSICAL TASTE AND ETHNIC STYLE.
THE FINAL ITEM ON THE PROGRAMME IS A NEW COMPOSITION, +AN EVENING AT THE CAMPFIRE+ BY MR LAW WE I-LUN COMMISSIONED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE, AND HAVING ITS PREMIER AT THE CONCERT.
MR LAW WROTE THIS PIECE DURING A VISIT TO LAI RIVER IN WAN NAN PROVINCE IN CHINA IN 1978, WHEN HE SPENT AN EVENING WITH NASI TRIBE ON THE TOP OF A MOUNTAIN. THE MUSIC DESCRIBES THE SCENE AT THAT EVENING AT THE CAMPFIRE.
TICKETS AT $5 EACH ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES CF MUSIC OFFICE, TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, TOM LEE PIANO CO. LTD. (U-12 MAN YEE BUILDING ARCADE, HONG KONG- 6 CAMERON ROAD, KOWLOON-389-B NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON). FOR ENQUIRY PLEASE CALL 3-7561328.
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WATER FIGURES * * M
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 45.3 PER CENT .R 261.498 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS IS EQUIVALENT TO 174 DAYS’ CONSUMPTION.
THIS TIME LAST YEA' THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 377.545 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 65.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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/8.........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1981
- 8 -
CANOEING COURSE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS
* * *
SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS HOLDING LIFE-SAVING BRONZE f€DALLIONS ARE INVITED TO JOIN A CANOEING PROFICIENCY COURSE TO BE HELD IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER.
THE COURSE HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO ENABLE TEACHERS TO CONDUCT CANOEING CLASSES FOR SCHOOLS.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE TAUGHT CANOE HANDLING, SAFETY PRECAUTIONS BASIC STROKES, CANOE REPAIRING, RESCUE PROCEDURE AND DRILL, AND WILL GO ON CANOEING EXPEDITIONS.
THE COURSE WILL BE HELD ON FOUR CONSECUTIVE WEEKENDS, FROM OCTOBER 17 AND 18 TO NOVEMBER 7 AND 8, AT THE TAI MEI TUK SCHOOLS SAILING AND CANOEING CENTRE IN TAI PO.
CLASSES WILL BE HELD DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM. PARTICIPANTS MUST ATTEND ALL THE SESSIONS IN ORDER TO QUALIFY.
TEACHERS WISHING TO JOIN THE COURSE SHOULD APPLY TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (ATTN. MR SUN HOI-YAM), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 7TH FLOOR, 435 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 10.
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SALT WATER TAPS OFF * * X
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KOWLOON TONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 8 AM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 8) TO 5 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR ROUTINE CLEANING WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT.
THE PREMISES AFFECTED ARE LOCATED IN AN AREA NORTH OF CORNWALL STREET TO BEACON HILL ROAD, BROADCAST DRIVE, INCLUDING LUNG CHEUNG COURT.
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/9.........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1981
- 9 -
MONTHLY GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY
* * * *
A CONTINUOUS MONTHLY GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY IS BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TO COLLECT CURRENT INFORMATION ON THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS CF THE POPULATION.
A RANDOM SAMPLE OF ABOUT 5 000 HOUSEHOLDS IS SELECTED EACH MONTH THROUGHOUT ALL DISTRICTS OF HONG KONG FOR THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY AND AN OFFICIAL LETTER, IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH, IS SENT TO THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS EXPLAINING THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY AND SEEKING THEIR CO-OPERATION.
PERMANENT FIELD STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT, WHO WILL IDENTIFY THEMSELVES WITH OFFICIAL IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THEN VISIT THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS TO OBTAIN THE INFORMATION NEEDED FOR THE SURVEY.
QUESTIONS ASKED IN THE SURVEY INCLUDE AGE, SEX AND EDUCATION ATTAINMENT OF INDIVIDUALS, ACTIVITY STATUS, OCCUPATION, INDUSTRY, EARNINGS, AND HOUR OF WORK OF THOSE WORKING, DURATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT, REASON OF NOT SEEKING JOB- TENURE, RENT, AND INCOME CF HOUSEHOLDS.
ALL INFORMATION COLLECTED IS TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE, AND IS NOT REVEALED TO ANY PERSON OR ORGANISATION OUTSIDE THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 19&1
CONTENTS PAGE NCL
LATEST EQUIPMENT INSTALLED FOR CHILD ASSESSMENT.............
SAI KUNG PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION TINNERS...................
REMINDER ON JORK ACCIDENTS
3
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1981
1
LATEST EQUIPMENT INSTALLED FOR CHILD ASSESSMENT ******
SOPHISTICATED AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT DESIGNED FOR THE ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF CHILDREN OF ANY ABNORMALITY HAS BEEN INSTALLED AT THE ARRAN STREET CHILD ASSESSMENT CLINIC THROUGH A DONATION OF 154 570 FROM THE KOWLOON ROTARY CLUB.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ROTARY CLUB, MR STAN MCCAFFREY, ACCOMPANIED BY MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON ROTARY CLUB, VISITED THE CLINIC YESTERDAY (MONDAY) AFTERNOON AND HAD A GLIMPSE OF THE EQUIPMENT.
THE VISITORS WERE IMPRESSED BY THE CLINIC’S SERVICES AND FACILITIES AND PLEDGED THAT THEY WOULD CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT IN THE PROMOTION OF THE WELFARE FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN.
THE EQUIPMENT WILL BE USED TO RECORD THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROBLEM CHILD TO BE USED LATER FOR ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT PURPOSES.
IT WILL ALSO SERVE AS TEACHING MATERIAL IN TRAINING CHILD ASSESSMENT WORKERS, FOR WHOM A GREAT DEMAND IS ENVISAGED WITH THE OPENING OF MORE SUCH CLINICS IN HONG KONG.
THE CLINIC, ESTABLISHED IN OCTOBER 1977, IS THE FIRST TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT SERVICE FOR CHILDREN FROM BIRTH TO 12 YEARS OF AGE WITH PHYSICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS.
THE CLINIC IS UNIQUE IN THAT SPECIALISTS FROM VARIOUS ASSESSMENT FIELDS, INCLUDING DEVELOPMENTAL PAEDIATRICIAN, CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST, MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER, OPHTHALMOLOGIST, SPEECH THERAPIST, PHYSIOTHERAPIST, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, AUDIOLOGY TECHNICIAN AND HEALTH NURSES, ARE ALL HOUSED UNDER ONE ROOF TO GIVE A TEAM APPROACH IN TREATING THE PROBLEM CHILD.
THE DISABLED CHILD IS THOROUGHLY EXAMINED AND THEN ASSESSED ACCORDING TO THE NATURE AND DEGREE OF HIS HANDICAP AND INNER POTENTIAL.
RECOMMENDATIONS ON SUBSEQUENT MANAGEMENT AND EDUCATIONAL PLACEMENT OF THE CHILDREN ARE MADE AND SUPPORT AND COUNSELLING ARE GIVEN TO THE PARENTS OF THESE CHILDREN.
SINCE THE OPERATION OF THE CLINIC, THE TEAM HAS ASSESSED 2 000 CHILDREN. TO MEET THE EVER-INCREASING DEMAND FOR SERVICE, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL SET UP SIX MORE CENTRES IN HIGH STREET. ARGYLE STREET, LOWER KWAI CHUNG, TUEN MUN, SHA TIN AND KWUN TONG.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1981
2 -
SAI KUNG PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION WINNERS * * * * X
THE WINNING ENTRIES IN A SAI KUNG PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION HELD AT THE END OF JUNE WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE COMPETITION, ORGANISED BY SAI KUNG CULTURE AND RECREATIONAL ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION, WAS DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS.
IT ATTRACTED NEARLY 300 ENTRIES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID ENTRIES SELECTED WOULD BE DISPLAYED IN A PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION TO BE HELD IN DECEMBER.
CERTIFICATES AND PRIZES, INCLUDING CAMERAS, WILL BE PRESENTED TO WINNERS NEXT MONTH.
ADJUDICATORS OF THE COMPETITION INCLUDED THE PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION, MR CHANG HUNG-CHEONG- THE PRESIDENT OF PENTAX PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION, MR TAM KWOK-KWAN-PROMINENT PHOTOGRAPHER, MR KO LO-TONG- AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EVENT’S ORGANISERS.
THE WINNERS AREt
OPEN SECTION - FIRST - MR LAI YAU-CHUEN-SECOND - MR CHAN KWONG-THIRD - MR YUE CHUNG-HIM.
STUDENT SECTION - FIRST - MR TAM KAM-FAI-SECOND - MR HO YUN-KEUNG-THIRD - MISS LAW SUK-WAN.
SAI KUNG SECTION - FIRST - MR SIU LAI-KWONG-SECOND - MR NG WING-CHEONG-THIRD - MR CHAN SIU-KEUNG.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1981
3
REMINDER ON WORK ACCIDENTS
* * * *
EMPLOYERS WERE REMINDED TODAY (TUESDAY) TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW CONCERNING NOTIFICATION OF OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT IF AN EMPLOYEE IS INJURED AT WORK AND GIVEN SICK LEAVE BY A DOCTOR FOR MORE THAN THREE DAYS, THE EMPLOYER SHOULD NOTIFY THE DEPARTMENT WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF THE ACCIDENT.
THE EMPLOYER SHOULD DO SO WHETHER OR NOT THE ACCIDENT GIVES RISE TO ANY LIABILITY OF PAY COMPENSATION.
ANY EMPLOYER WHO, WITHOUT A REASONABLE EXCUSE, FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THIS PROVISION, IS LIABLE ON SUMMARY CONVICTION TO A FINE OF |1 OOO.
THE SPOKESMAN WAS COMMENTING ON A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY WAS FINED A MAXIMUM OF $1 000 AT NORTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY FOR FAILING TO INFORM THE DEPARTMENT OF AN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED SEVEN-DAY PERIOD.
IN THE ACCIDENT A WORKER HAD HIS LEFT EYE INJURED WHILE WORKING ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE ON FEBRUARY 20 AND WAS GIVEN SICK LEAVE BY A DOCTOR UNTIL APRIL 28.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES 0EACONSF.IELD HOUSE. HONGKONG TEL-5-233191
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 198-.1
‘ ’... CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL : -----:—
PROSPECTS FOR 1982 .............. .......................... 1
HONG KONG DOING WELL AMID WORLD RECESSION, GOVERNOR SAYS ... 2
PUBLIC FINANCES "VERY SATISFACTORY" ........................ 5
EXPORTS HOLDING UP WELL.................................... i,
RELATIONS WITH CHINA EXCELLENT ............................. 6
IMPORTANCE OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME ............... 7
IMPROVEMENTS IN SOCIAL SECURITY AND SERVICES ............... 8
100 HECTARES OF LaND AVAILABLE THIS VEaR................... 9
LAND PRICE NOT TO BE INCLUDED IN HOME SjXES PLhN........... 10
PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING ................................. n
NEW LaWS TO PROTECT ENVIRONMENT .......................... 12
EXPANSION IN MEDICAL’ SERVICES OUTLINED ................... 15
TRANSPORT PROJECTS COST 114 BILLION........................ 14
LONG-TERM MANPOWER PLANNING TO OFFSET PROFESSIONAL
SHORTAGES.................................................. 15
STEADY PROGRESS IN WORK FOR DTSARLEn....................... 16
NEED FOR MUTUAL RESPECT AND RESTRAINT EMPHASISED........... 17
IMPROVED EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS FOR WORKERS ................ 18
BIG DROP IN NUMBER OF DRUG ADDICTS.......................
POLICE RESPONDING EFFECTIVELY TO NEW CONDITIONS ........... 19
ICAC WELL ABLE TO DEAL WITH CORRUPTION..................... 20
NEW ARTS ACADEMY MAY BE SITED IN WAN CH11I 20
NEED FOR MORE TECHNICIANS STRESSED......................... 21
/TRIBUTE TO .......
TRIBUTE TO LEGCO MEMBERS ......................................... 22
VR RESETTLEMENT PROGRAMMES MUST CONTINUE - GOVERNOR .............. 22
PERSISTENT AND IMAGINATIVE INNOVATION IN EDUCATION ............... 2J
IMMIGRATION STILL A WORRY DESPITE DROP IN NUMBER ' 0FJXL'S._.^i.--^2^i:-SUPERVISION .QE .BANKS -AND DEPGSI-T-TAKI-NG COMPANIES....- ^0^
THREE UNFAVOURABLE FEATURES • .................. . ..... " 'Cj,t26
CLEAN UP DRIVE .STARTS SOON ..................-.........'... .. n ’
PRISON RULES .BEING -REVIEWED ...........'?...’ 28’'lX’3
LAW CHANGED TO REFLECT C AND -W STATUS- •.................... '28
.. i .■■■ I « -■ ; '
* ♦ * ♦
I ’..‘us Y, .Li
TOYS SEEN AS SHOWCASE FOR HONG KONG INDUSTRY ................... 29
'..-.i'l:. •* .
TAX FREE INTEREST RAISED ...................................... 30
SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL .................. . 30
1 .......................... . . . 1 .
REMINDER ON VOT’IR REGISTRATION ........................ ..
HINTS ON LABOUR RELATIONS .................................... . 31 .
1
JiJDNSSDAX, 0C1CB23 7,
PROSPECTS FOR 1982 * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID AT THE OPENING SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT SOME RECOVERY IN THE WORLD’S ECONOMIES COULD BE EXPECTED IN 1982, WITH SOME BENEFICIAL EFFECT ON WORLD TRADE.
SIR MURRAY SAID ALTHOUGH MUCH DEPENDED ON THE LEVEL OF INTEREST RATES, PARTICULARLY IN THE UNITED STATES, +THE CONCENSUS IS THAT THINGS ARE LIKELY TO BE BETTER NOT WORSE- THE RECESSION IS BOTTOMING OUT*.
♦AND WHERE THERE IS SOME REVIVAL IN DEMAND WE ARE WELL PLACED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT. OUR ABILITY TO REACT QUICKLY TO MEET AN INCREASE IN EXPORT ORDERS HAS BEEN WELL DEMONSTRATED IN THE PAST, AND WITH THE RECENT DEPRECIATION IN THE EXCHANGE OF VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, OUR PRICES ARE NOW VERY COMPETITIVE.
♦SO WHILE AWAITING THE ECONOMIC TIDE IN THE WORLD TO TURN AROUND, I HAVE CONFIDENCE THAT WHEN IT DOES, HONG KONG WILL EXPERIENCE YET ANOTHER YEAR OF PROSPERITY,+ HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY SAID THE MANY WORRIES OF OUR BUSINESSMEN IN SPITE OF COMPARATIVE BUOYANCY OF OUR ECONOMY RESULTED FROM MEASURES OF VARIOUS SORTS IN OUR LEADING MARKETS AIMED AT CONTAINING INFLATION. ♦NEVERTHELESS IN SPITE OF IT ALL WE HAVE NOT DONE TOO BADLY,+ HE SAID.
BUT THERE IS ONE PARTICULAR POINT OF CONCERNi +THE EXPIRY OF THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT AT THE END OF THIS YEAR, AND THt REQUIREMENT FOR ITS RENEGOTIATION CAST A BIG SHADOW ON THE FUTURE OF OUR TEXTILE AND APPAREL EXPORTS WHICH PROVIDE JOBS FOR NEARLY HALF OUR INDUSTRIAL WORKFORCE.♦
♦ITS RENEGOTIATION ON SATISFACTORY TERMS IS A MAJOR OBJECTIVE OF YOUR GOVERNMENT,♦ SIR MURRAY SAID.
♦THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES HAVE NEVER BEEN SO UNITED IN THEIR DETERMINATION TO SECURE A FAIRER BETTER-DEFINED MFA UNDER WHOSE PROVISIONS THEIR BILATERAL TRADE WITH DEVELOPING COUNTRIES CAN BE CONDUCTED.♦
SIR MURRAY SAID HONG KONG’S NEGOTIATORS WOULD SHORTLY BE KETING AGAIN WITH THOSE FROM OTHER DEVELOPING COUNTRIES TO SEEK OUT A COMMON POSITION FOR THE NEXT ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS IN GENEVA IN NOVEMBER.
♦BUT WE HAVE NO ILLUSIONS ABOUT OUR SITUATION. WITH RECESSION AND HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT THE GOVERNMENTS OF DEVELOPED COUNTRIES ARE UNDER IMMENSE POL.TICAL PRESSURE TO TAKE A HARD LINE - HOWEVER IRRELEVANT STATISTICS AY PROVE OUR EXPORTS HAVE BEEN TO THAT RECESSION AND UNEMPLOYMENT.♦
FORTUNATELY, THE GOVERNOR ADDED, WE HAVE SOME OF THE BEST NEGOTIATORS IN THE TEXTILE WORLD AND THEY ARE ABLY ADVISED BY THE TEXTILE ADVISORY BOARD.
♦WE WILL PLAY A FULL PART IN OUR OWN RIGHT IN THE NEGOTIATIONS AND VIGOROUSLY DEFEND THE INTERESTS OF OUR INDUSTRY,* HE SAID.
♦WE ALSO LOOK TO THE UK TO SEE THAT THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG ARE RECOGNISED AND THAT WE GET FAIR TREATMENT.*
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/2 .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981
- 2 -
HONG KONG DOING WELL AMID WORLD RECESSION, GOVERNOR SAYS * X * *
HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE ARE FARING REMARKABLY WELL IN THE FACE OF THE CURRENT WORLD RECESSION AND CAN LOOK FORWARD TO ANOTHER YEAR OF PROSPERITY ONCE THE WORLD ECONOMIC TIDE TURNS AROUND.
THIS FAVOURABLE OUTLOOK WAS GIVEN BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, IN HIS ANNUAL REVIEW TO THE OPENING OF THE NEW LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION TODAY.
WHILE THERE WERE SOME DARK PATCHES, AND MUCH DEPENDED ON THE LEVEL OF INTEREST RATES - PARTICULARLY IN THE US - THE CONSENSUS WAS, HE SAID, THAT +THINGS ARE LIKELY TO BE BETTER NOT WORSE-THE RECESSION IS BOTTOMING OUT.*
THE GOVERNOR BEGAN HIS WIDE-RANGING REVIEW WITH A LOOK AT THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL SITUATION.
HE POINTED OUT THAT -
* THE BUDGETED SURPLUS OF $7 800 MILLION WOULD BE SURPASSED, THEREBY REINFORCING ITS DISINFLATIONARY EFFECT"
* TOTAL EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR IS NOW EXPECTED TO EXCEED THE ESTIMATE BY NEARLY 10 PER CENT-
M THE GDP IS TO GROW BY 10 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS, MAINLY BEING LED BY DOMESTIC DEMAND-
* DOMESTIC EXPORTS ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE OVER 1980 BY ABOUT SEVEN PER CENT IN REAL TERMS-
* THE RENEGOTIATION OF THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT WILL CAST A BIG SHADOW ON THE FUTURE OF OUR TEXTILE AND APPAREL EXPORTS AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL VIGOROUSLY DEFEND THE INTERESTS OF OUR INDUSTRY.
AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF THE FAVOURABLE SITUATION, THE GOVERNOR MENTIONED THREE UNFAVOURABLE FEATURES -- THE GREAT IMPACT OF RECENT IMMIGRATION ON HONG KONG- SHARP RISES IN THE COST OF ACCOMMODATION AND LAND, FUELLED BY THE EASY AVAILABILITY OF CREDIT WHICH HAD CAUSED CONSIDERABLE DISTRESS- AND THE WEAKENING HONG KONG DOLLAR COUPLED WITH THE RAPID GROWTH RATE CF THE MONEY SUPPLY WHICH IN TURN IS LARGELY THE RESULT OF EXCESSIVE CREDIT GROWTH.
THE GOVERNMENT’S ANSWER TO THE HOUSING PROBLEM, HE SAID, WAS TO BUILD OVER 42 000 'LATS A YEAR WHICH WILL BE EITHER SOLD OR RENTED ON A BASIS THA TOTALLY EXCLUDES LAND VALUE ON THE OPEN MARKET.
IT HAD BEEN DECIDED, HE SAID, TO REVISE THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO THAT THE HIGH LAND VALUES THAT HAD BEEN INCLUDED IN THE PRICE DO NOT FRUSTRATE THE SOCIAL PURPOSE CF THE AVERAGE 5 000 UNITS A YEAR TO BE BUILT UNDER THE SCHEME.
/Tlx /trt << Ou ••••«••
’.VEDKESDAY, OCTOBJK 7, 1?&1
- 3 -
THERE WOULD BE 12 500 UNITS A YEAR FOR SALE AT PRICES WELL WITHIN THE MEANS OF THE MIDDLE AND LOWER-MIDDLE INCOME GROUPS, INSULATED AGAINST THE VAGARIES OF THE LAND MARKET.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO GAVE A DETAILED REVIEW OF PROGRESS IN THE SOCIAL PROGRAMMES RELATING TO EDUCATION, SOCIAL WELFARE, NED I CAL SERVICES AND LABOUR, OUTLINING VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS AND EXPANSIONS.
HE THANKED THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG FOR THE RESPONSIBILITY AND GOOD HUMOUR WITH WHICH THEY HAD ACCEPTED THE MEASURES INTRODUCED LAST OCTOBER TO DETER ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, BUT CAUTIONED THAT HONG KONG MUST REMAIN ON ITS GUARD EVEN THOUGH THE NUMBERS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HAD NOW BEEN GREATLY REDUCED.
HE WAS CONCERNED, HOWEVER, OVER THE NUMBER OF LEGAL ARRIVALS FROM CHINA WHO ADDED 55 □□□ PEOPLE TO OUR POPULATION EACH YEAR.
THE GOVERNOR SAID SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS CONTINUED TO BE EXCELLENT IN THEMSELVES AND OVER HONG KONG, AND HE NOTED WITH SATISFACTION THE STEADY DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION BETWEEN AGENCIES OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESSMEN IN HONG KONG, GUANGDONG AND OTHER PART OF CHINA.
ON RELATIONS WITH THE UK, SIR MURRAY EXPRESSED REGRET THAT THE INCREASE IN UNIVERSITY FEES AND THE NATIONALITY BILL HAD BEEN SEEN BY SOME AFFECTED AS DELIBERATE POLICY OF DISENGAGEMENT BY BRITAIN.
THESE, HE SAID, HAD BEEN PROMPTED BY PURELY UK CONSIDERATIONS AND WERE TOTALLY UNCONNECTED WITH HONG KONG. ♦ INDEED IT IS IRONIC THAT SUCH INTENTION SHOULD HAVE BEEN SUSPECTED OF A UK GOVERNMENT WHOSE MEMBERS HAVE BEEN SO HELPFUL TO HONG KONG AND FREQUENTLY SPOKEN SO WARMLY OF IT,+ HE ADDED.
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PUBLIC FINANCES +VERY SATISFACTORY*
* * *
THE STATE OF HONG KONG'S PUBLIC FINANCES REMAINED VERY SATISFACTORY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR MURRAY, SPEAKING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, PREDICTED THAT IF THE PRESENT TREND CONTINUED REVENUE WOULD SUBSTANTIALLY EXCEED THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATE AND THE BUDGETED SURPLUS OF S7 800 MILLION WOULD BE SURPASSED, THEREBY REINFORCING ITS DISINFLATIONARY EFFECT.
♦REVENUE COLLECTIONS SO FAR THIS YEAR HAVE EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS, DUE LARGELY TO HIGH YIELDS FROM INTEREST TAX AND STAMP DUTIES, AND OF COURSE LAND SALES,♦ HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1?81
4
HE SAID TOTAL EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR WAS NOW EXPECTED TO EXCEED THE ESTIMATE BY NEARLY 10 PER CENT, MAINLY BECAUSE OF SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN SALARIES, INCREASED SPENDING ON PUBLIC WORKS, AND THE DESALTER.
♦AT PRESENT WE CAN EASILY MEET THE INCREASED EXPENDITURE AND STILL ACHIEVE A LARGER BUDGET SURPLUS, AND CLEARLY PURELY BUDGETARY RESTRAINTS ARE NOT A PROBLEM,* THE GOVERNOR SAID.
SIR MURRAY, HOWEVER, POINTED OUT THAT IN THE CURRENT INFLATIONARY SITUATION THERE WERE MACRO-ECONOMIC RESTRAINTS ON EXPENDITURE THAT COULD NOT BE IGNORED IF HONG KONG GOODS WERE TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE AND HONG KONG CURRENCY REMAIN STABLE.
WHAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD DO MIGHT BE LIMITED IN COMPARISON TO THE MORE MASSIVE EFFECT OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR ON CREDIT CREATION AND CONSEQUENTLY ON TOTAL FINAL DEMAND- BUT IT WAS STILL IMPORTANT THAT GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE SHOULD NOT FALL TOO FAR OUT OF STEP WITH THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY, HE ADDED.
♦THIS WE WILL WATCH,+ HE SAID.
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EXPORTS HOLDING UP WELL
* * * *
HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS ARE HOLDING UP REMARKABLY WELL DESPITE ADVERSE CONDITIONS ABROAD AND WE CAN EXPECT AN INCREASE OF ABOUT SEVEN PER CENT IN REAL TERMS OVER LAST YEAR, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR MURRAY, WHO WAS REVIEWING HONG KONG’S ECONOMY IN HIS OPENING SPEECH AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, ALSO SAID THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC DEMAND NOW SHOWED SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN.
HE SUMMED UP THE 1981 DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY AS, TO SOME EXTENT, A CONTINUATION OF THE TRENDS OF THE SECOND HALF OF 1980.
IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS, HE SAID, THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC DEMAND CONTINUED TO BE RAPID AND SO THE RELATIVE SHIFT FROM DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO DOMESTIC DEMAND AS THE MAIN IMPETUS TO ECONOMIC GROWTH WAS MAINTAINED.
SIR MURRAY SAID T<AT ALTHOUGH HONG KONG CAN EXPECT THE GDP TO GROW BY TEN PER CENT IN REAL TERMS SUCH GROWTH WAS STILL BEING LED BY DOMESTIC DEMAND.
RE-EXPORTS, HE SAID, HAD CONTINUED TO GROW RAPIDLY IN 1981 SO THAT TOTAL EXPORTS WOULD PROBABLY SHOW AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 15 PER CENT OVER 1980 IN REAL TERMS.
♦NEVERTHELESS,♦ SIR MURRAY SAID, ♦THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL IMPORTS IN VALUE TERMS IN 1981 SO FAR HAS BEEN SOMEWHAT FASTER THAN THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS.
Abut in
WEDNESDAY, O'JTOBEP. 7, 1$S1
- 5 -
♦BUT IN TERMS OF HONG KONG’S OVERALL TRADE POSITION, THE VISIBLE TRADE ACCOUNT CONTINUES TO SHOW A FAIR DEGREE OF STABILITY, WITH THE VISIBLE TRADE ’GAP’ HAVING WIDENED ONLY SLIGHTLY IN PERCENTAGE TERMS.♦
THE RELATIVE STABILITY IN THE ECONOMY WAS ALSO EVIDENCED BY THERE BEING NO OBVIOUS IMBALANCE BETWEEN THE DEMAND FOR AND THE SUPPLY OF DOMESTIC RESOURCES WITH THE OBVIOUS EXCEPTION OF HOUSING AND LAND, SIR MURRAY ADDED.
ON THE LABOUR FRONT, SIR MURRAY SAID IN MARCH THIS YEAR 2 365 OOO PEOPLE WERE EMPLOYED IN HONG KONG, 162 000 MORE THAN IN MARCH LAST YEAR.
BUT IN SPITE OF THIS STRONG INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR LABOUR, THE GROWTH OF SUPPLY CONTINUED TO BE RATHER TOO RAPID FOR THE ECONOMY TO ABSORB, AND THERE WAS A FURTHER INCREASE IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE TO 4.1 PER CENT BY MARCH THIS YEAR.
SIR MURRAY SAID THERE WERE ALSO SIGNS OFtASING IN THE PROPERTY MARKET AND OF A FALL-BACK IN PRICES.
CN THE ONE HAND, DEMAND WAS BEING DAMPENED BY HIGH PRICES AND INTEREST RATES. ON THE OTHER HAND, SUPPLY, PARTICULARLY OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, WAS NOW MEETING THE PREVIOUS EXCESS DEMAND.
LAND PRICES, THE GOVERNOR SAID, HAD SIMILARLY BEGUN TO EASE IN MOST AREAS, TO THE EXTENT THAT THE FORMER PRICE LEVELS IN THE PROPERTY MARKET WERE DUE TO SPECULATION.
CN DOMESTICALLY GENERATED INFLATION, SIR MURRAY SAID IT APPEARED TO HAVE MODERATED IN 1981 WITH THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT DEFLATOR NOW RUNNING AT ABOUT TEN PER CENT PER ANNUM, BUT THE RATE CF INCREASE IN CONSUMER PRICES, AT ABOUT 14 PER CENT PER ANNUM HAD CCNTINUED TO BE RAPID.
THIS, HE SAID, WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO INCREASES IN WORLD PRICES AND TO THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.
♦IT IS UNDOUBTEDLY A SERIOUS MATTER FOR OUR PEOPLE,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
♦EVEN THOUGH, ON AVERAGE, MONEY INCOMES HAVE BEEN INCREASING AT AN EVEN MORE RAP.u RATE AND EVEN THOUGH EMPLOYMENT IS RELATIVELY FULL, AND THAT IN THESE RESPECTS THERE HAS GENERALLY BEEN IMPROVEMENT OVER 198 , THERE ARE STILL SECTORS IN WHICH REAL INCOMES ARE STATIC OR HAVE FALLEN, AND MANY MORE IN WHICH THE RATE OF INCREASE IN REAL FAMILY INCOMES HAS NOT BEEN AS FAST AS IN THE LATTER 7O’S WITH CONSEQUENTIAL DISAPPOINTMENT,♦ HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981'.'
/i - 6 -
RELATIONS WITH CHINA EXCELLENT * * *
SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS CONTINUE TO BE EXCELLENT IN THEMSELVES AND OVER HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID IN H’° OPENING ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLAT IVE,COUNC IL TODAY.
♦IN HONG KONG THE RELATIONS OF OUR OFFICIALS WITH THOSE OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AND THE GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT ARE FRIENDLY, PRACTICAL AND CONSTRUCT IVE,+*SIR MURRAY SAID.
THE GOVERNOR NOTED WITH SATISFACTION THE STEADY DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION BETWEEN AGENCIES OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, AND HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN IN HONG KONG, GUANGDONG AND OTHER PARTS OF CHINA.
+1 AM CONVINCED THAT AT THIS TIME THE BEST CONTRIBUTION WE CAN MAKE TO OUR OWN FUTURE IS THE FOSTERING OF THE GROWING ECONOMIC LINKS THAT EXIST WITH OUR NEIGHBOUR.
♦THESE ARE COMPLEMENTARY TO OUR VERY LARGE ECONOMIC INTERESTS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD,♦ HE SAID.
ON HONG KONG’S RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM, SIR MURRAY NOTED THAT THIS YEAR UNFORTUNATE COINCIDENCE HAD PRODUCED ONE OR IWO DEVELOPMENTS IN THE UK THAT WERE DISAGREEABLE TO HONG KONG — SUCH AS THE INCREASE IN UNIVERSITY FEES AND THE NATIONALITY BILL.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT PUT UP A STIFF FIGHT, AND THOUGH IT HAD NO SUCCESS ON UNIVERSITY FEES IT HAD SOME OVER THE NATIONALITY BILL.
SOME HERE AFFECTED HAD HOWEVER SEEN THESE DEVELOPMENTS AS PART OF A DELIBERATE POLICY OF DISENGAGEMENT BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.
THE GOVERNOR STRESSED HOWEVER THAT THEY WERE PROMPTED BY PURELY UK CONSIDERATIONS +TOTALLY UNCONNECTED WITH HONG KONG+. THEIR TIMING WAS PURE COINCIDENCE AND THE MOST SATISFACTORY ASSURANCES OF CONTINUED UK SUPPORT FOR HONG KONG WERE GIVEN.
♦INDEED IT IS IRONIC THAT SUCH INTENTION SHOULD HAVE BEEN SUSPECTED OF A UK GOVERNMENT WHOSE MEMBERS HAVE BEEN SO HELPFUL TO HONG KONG AND FREQUENTLY SPOKEN SO WARMLY OF IT,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
HE ADDED, ♦! BELIEVE THAT IN RECENT YEARS THERE HAS BEEN A WIDER UNDERSTANDING IN PARLIAMENT OF HONG KONG, ITS PROBLEMS AND ITS ACHIEVEMENTS, AND THIS HAS BEEN DUE IN NO SMALL MEASURE, NOT ONLY TO THE VIGOUR OF SUCCESSIVE HONG KONG COMMISSIONERS, BUT ALSO TO THE WORK OF THE ALL-PARTf PARLIAMENTARY GROUP UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF SIR PAUL BRYAN.♦
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981
7
IMPORTANCE OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME * I * H
IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S DUTY TO ENSURE THE PUBLIC UNDERSTAND THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AND REALISE THE NEED FOR LOCAL PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN IT, AND UNDERSTAND HOW THEY CAN REGISTER AND VOTE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, HIS OPENING ADDRESS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
DUR ING
SIR MURRAY SAIDt +1 ATTACH GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE NEW FORM CF ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NOW BEING CREATED IN EACH D I STR ICT.
♦INDEED WITHOUT IT I DO NOT SEE HOW THE PLANS FOR DEVELOPMENT SPREADING OUT AND PROVIDING FOR THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG THAT I HAVE DESCRIBED CAN BE CARRIED THROUGH EFFECTIVELY AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WISHES OF RESIDENTS.^
SIR MURRAY SAID THE REFORM IN ADMINISTRATION FOLLOWS AN EVOLUTION THAT HAS BEEN TAKING PLACE OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS.
♦SO THOUGH THE FORM IS ENTIRELY NEW TO HONG KONG IT IS NOT A STEP IN THE DARK, NOR DOES IT CIRCUMSCRIBE THE ESSENTIAL POWERS OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OR OF THIS COUNCIL, THE URBAN COUNCIL OR THE TRADITIONAL ROLE OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK.
♦NEVERTHELESS THIS PARTNERSHIP IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WILL PRODUCE NEW AND MUCH SHARPER FOCUS ON THE NEEDS OF EACH DISTRICT, AND WILL DO SO IN THE LIGHT OF THE VIEWS OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF EACH DISTRICT.
♦IT SHOULD MAKE GOVERNMENT LESS FACELESS AND MORE ACCESSIBLE AND RESPONSIVE. IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY A PART IN ADMINISTRATION TO LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE,♦ SIR MURRAY SAID.
SO FAR IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, 90 000 APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. REGISTRATION WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE CITY DISTRICTS IN MARCH AND APRIL NEXT YEAR AND ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD IN SEPTEMBER.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981
8
IMPROVEMENTS IN SOCIAL SECURITY AND SERVICES * * * * *
ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS HAVE NOW BEEN FORMULATED TO REPLACE THE SEMI-VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTORY SICKNESS, INJURY AND DEA’H BENEFIT SCHEME ADVOCATED IN THE 1977 GREEN PAPER +HELP FOR THOSE LEAST ABLE TO HELP THEMSELVES*, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID TODAY.
THE PROPOSALS, AGREED BY THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD AND BOTH SIDES OF INDUSTRY, WILL COVER T E SAME RISKS WITHOUT EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
SIR MURRAY SAID THE PROPOSALS ENVISAGEi
* ENTITLEMENT TO SICK LEAVE WITH PAY UNDER THE ORDINANCE BEING EXTENDED UP TO AN ACCUMULATED MAXIMUM OF 120 DAYS.
* A DEATH GRANT BEING PAYABLE TO FAMILY OF A WAGE-EARNER AT A FLAT RATE OF $3 000 IF DEATH OCCURS DURING EMPLOYMENT, AND SUBJECT TO A QUALIFYING PERIOD OF SERVICE-
WHERE THIS DEATH GRANT IS NOT PAYABLE BY THE EMPLOYER, AN EQUIVALENT GRANT, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS, WOULD BE PAYABLE WITHOUT MEANS-TEST UNDER THE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE SCHEME ADMINISTERED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
AMENDMENTS TO THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE DEALING WITH THESE MATTERS WILL BE INTRODUCED DURING THE CURRENT SESSION OF THE COUNCIL AND ARRANGEMENTS TO INTRODUCE THE DEATH GRANT UNDER THE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE SCHEME ARE BEING MADE.
ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME AS A WHOLE, SIR MURRAY SAID THE PAST YEAR HAD SEEN SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN BENEFITS PAYABLE UNDER THE SCHEME.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL SOCIAL WORK IN +THIS CROWDED CITY* IS OBVIOUS, AND HAS BEEN UNDERLINED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON JUVENILE CRIME.
ON CHANGES IN THE SUBVENTION SYSTEM, SIR MURRAY SAID THAT, SUBJECT TO THE NECESSARY FUNDS BEING VOTED BY FINANCE COMMITTEE, WITH EFFECT FROM 1982, PRIORITY I SERVICES WILL BE SUBVENTED ON FULL ASSESSED COSTS, WHILE PRIORITY II SERVICES WILL BE SUBVENTED IN A SUM BASED ON A DEFINED PERCENTAGE OF ASSESSED COSTS.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981
9
100 HECTARES OF LAND AVAILABLE THIS YEAR
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HOPES TO SELL CLOSE ON 100 HECTARES OF LAND THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, “OLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ACHIEVE AT LEAST A SIMILAR LEVEL OF SALES IN 1982/83.
SIR MURRAY POINTED OUT THAT THE TARGETS SET BY THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON LAND SUPPLY, CHAIRED BY THE HON MISS LYDIA DUNN, CALLED FOR THE SALE IN 1982/83 OF AT LEAST 58 HECTARES OF LAND FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT.
♦NEVERTHELESS WE MUST AIM AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO EXCEED THESE TARGETS IN ORDER TO FURTHER HOUSING AND DIVERSIFICATION AND TO ASSIST IN STABILISING LAND PR ICES,+ THE GOVERNOR EXPLAINED.
ON LAND PRODUCTION, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT IN 1982/83, TOTAL LAND FORMATION WAS EXPECTED TO REACH 580 NET HECTARES, WITH 84 HECTARES DESIGNATED FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING 34 HECTARES TO BE FORMED BY THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION, 48 FOR COMMERCIAL AND PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND 448 FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES, INCLUDING PUBLIC HOUSING, COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND ROADS.
TOTAL LAND FORMATION IN 1983/84 AND 1984/85 IS EXPECTED TO BE ON AVERAGE ABOUT 12 PER CENT MORE THAN THESE FIGURES FOR 1982/83, THE GOVERNOR ADDED.
♦ALTHOUGH IN THEMSELVES THEY REPRESENT A STARTLING ADVANCE UPON LAND PRODUCTION IN THE LATE 197O’S, THEY ARE NO MORE THAN SUFFICIENT TO MEET OUR MINIMUM NEEDS AND EVERY EFFORT IS BEING MADE TO IMPROVE ON THEM,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO CALLED ON THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN LAND PRODUCTION.
♦OUR FIRM INTENTION IS TO EXPAND CONSIDERABLY THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO BECOME INVOLVED IN THIS VITAL FIELD OF ACTIVITY.
♦IN PARTICULAR, I WOULD WISH TO SEE DIRECT PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN COMPREHENSIVE LAND PRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT AND ON A SCALE MUCH GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE.
♦THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AND OTHER LARGE-SCALE DEVELOPMENT IN THE NE TERRITORIES WILL PROVIDE THE NECESSARY OPPORTUNITIES,* THE G VERNOR SAID.
ON COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, SIR MURRAY SAID THE TOTAL STOCK OF FLOOR SPACE WOULD INCREASE BY 11 PER CENT THIS YEAR, AND 3Y A FURTHER 12 PER CENT NEXT YEAR.
/SIISILAKLY, ........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981
10 -
SIMILARLY, SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE WITH THE CONSTRUCTION Or FACTORY SPACE OF WHICH THE TOTAL AREA WOULD INCREASE BY 11 PER CENT THIS YEAR AND 13 PER CENT NEXT.
♦TAKEN TOGETHER A "JRTHER 2.9 MILLION SQUARE METRES WILL BE ADDED TO OUR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL FLOOR SPACE BRINGING THE INCREASE IN TOTAL STOCK OVER THE TWO-YEAR PERIOD TO A STAGGERING 25 PER CENT,* HE SAID.
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LAND PRICE NOT TO BE INCLUDED IN HOME SALES PLAN * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO REVISE THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME SO THAT PRICES OF HOS UNITS WOULD BE REDUCED TO ABOUT HALF OF THOSE IN THE FREE MARKET, WELL WITHIN THE MEANS OF THE FAMILIES FOR WHOM THE SCHEME IS INTENDED, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY.
♦ IN FUTURE, AS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES FOR RENTAL, LAND VALUE WILL BE EXCLUDED FROM THE CHARGE,+ HE SAID.
THIS WILL MEAN THAT THE HIGH LAND VALUES THAT HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE PRICE DO NOT FRUSTRATE THE SOCIAL PURPOSE OF THE AVERAGE OF 5 000 UNITS A YEAR TO BE BUILT UNDER THE SCHEME.
HOWEVER, THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT WITH SUCH FAVOURABLE AND SUBSIDISED TERMS THERE MUST BE SAFEGUARDS AGAINST PROFITEERING ON RESALE.
♦ THE PROPOSAL IS TO FORBID RESALE, EXCEPT TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, FOR THE FIRST 10 YEARS, THEREAFTER A PREMIUM WOULD BE PAYABLE ON SALE TO MAKE GOOD TO THE GOVERNMENT THE LARGE ELEMENT OF SUBSIDY IN THE ORIGINAL PRICE ADJUSTED TO CURRENT OPEN MARKET PR ICES,♦ SIR MURRAY SAID.
SIR MURRAY SAID SIMILAR ARRANGEMENTS WOULD ALSO APPLY TO THE ADDITIONAL 5 000 UNITS A YEAR PLANNED FOR SALE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME, AND THE FURTHER 2 500 PLANNED FOR THE MIDDLE INCOME HOUSING PROGRAMME.
♦ THUS THERE WILL BE 12 500 UNITS A YEAR FOR SALE AT PRICE WELL WITHIN THE MEANS OF THE MIDDLE AND LOWER INCOME GROUPS, INSULATED AGAINST THE VAGARIES OF THE LAND MARKET,♦ SIR MURRAY SAID.
SINCE COMPLETIONS ON THIS SCALE ARE ESSENTIAL TO OUR NEEDS, HE ADDED, +IF SITES OFFERED TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME DO NOT ATTRACT ADEQUATE TENDERS THEY WILL BE TAKEN OVER AND DEVELOPED AS PART OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.♦
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981
11 -
PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING M * * *
ABOUT 71 500 HOUSING UNITS WOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS IN THE CURRENT YEAR, COMPARED WITH 59 100 UNITS FOR LAST YEAR, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY.
OF THESE, THE FORECAST IS FOR THIS YEAR’S TOTAL TO EXCEED 31 000 UNITS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WHILE THE ANNUAL COMPLETION OF PUBLIC SECTOR UNITS SHOULD STEADILY RISE FROM THE CURRENT LEVEL OF AT LEAST 35 000 UNITS TO OVER 42 000 BY 1985/86.
THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT THE DIMENSIONS OF THE HOUSING SHORTAGE WERE VERY HARD TO QUANTIFY WITH ACCURACY.
THE GOVERNOR SAID« +A COMPARISON ON THE NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS RECORDED IN THE CENSUS AGAINST OUR STOCK OF SELF-CONTAINED FLATS IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS PRODUCES A SHORTAGE OF SOME 260 000 FLATS. THIS IS ON VARIOUS ASSUMPTIONS INCLUDING THAT 50 PER CENT OF ONE AND TWO PERSON HOUSEHOLDS WILL CONTINUE TO SHARE ACCOMMODATION WITH OTHERS.
+IF WE SUCCEED IN COMPLETING AN AVERAGE, AND I STRESS THE WORD AVERAGE, OF ABOUT 40 000 A YEAR IN THE PUBLIC AND 26 000 A YEAR IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, THAT IS TO SAY 330 000 NEW FLATS BY THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 85/86, AFTER ALLOWING FOR INCREASE IN POPULATION AND DEMOLITION OF EXISTING FLATS FOR REDEVELOPMENT AND THE TREND TOWARDS THE FORMATION OF MORE, SMALLER HOUSEHOLDS, THE SHORTFALL SHOULD BE REDUCED TO ABOUT 90 000 AND UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES APART THE PROBLEM SHOULD BE REDUCED TO MANAGEABLE PROPORTIONS IN THE SECOND HALF OF THIS DECADE. +
THERE WERE TWO FURTHER POINTS ON THIS IMPORTANT SUBJECT.
♦FIRSTLY THE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM ASSUMES A LARGE CONTRIBUTION BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR. CONSEQUENTLY IF PRIVATE SECTOR PRODUCTION FALLS OFF, EITHER WAYS OF ENCOURAGING IT, OR AN INCREASE IN GOVERNMENT CONSTRUCTION, MUST BE CONSIDERED.
♦SECONDLY THE SHARP RISE IN LAND AND PROPERTY PRICES, IN ADDITION TO INTEREST RATES, HAS GREATLY AGGRAVATED THE EFFECTS OF HOUSING SHORTAGE. HOUSING OTHERWISE AVAILABLE HAS BECOME BEYOND THE MEANS OF THOSE WHO NEED IT, THE PROPORTION OF FAMILY INCOMES SPENT ON RENTS OR MORTGAGES HAS BEEN GROSSLY INFLATED. THIS IS PERHAPS THE GREATEST SINGLE CAUSE OF UNHAPPINESS AND WORRY IN HONG KONG AT THIS TIME.
♦YOU WILL NOTE THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S ANSWER IS TO BUILD OVER 42 000 FLATS A YEAR WHI 4 WILL BE EITHER SOLD OR RENTED ON A BASIS THAT TOTALLY EXCLUDES LAND VALUE ON THE OPEN MARKET,♦ THE GOVERNOR SAID.
AEFEaiNG TO......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 19^1
12
REFERRING TO THE COMMITTEE OF REVIEW WHICH STUDIED THE LEGISLATION DEALING WITH RENT CONTROLS, SIR MURRAY SAID THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE COMMITTEE REMAINED TO BE PUT INTO EFFECT.
♦LEGISLATION WILL BE INTRODUCED THIS SESSION, TO ESTABLISH A TRIBUNAL SYSTEM TO PROVIDE REASONABLE SECURITY OF TENURE TO TENANTS OF PREMISES NOT OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY THE ORDINANCE AND WHO ARE PREPARED TO PAY A FAIR MARKET RENT, ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FOR SUB-TENANCIES, AND SAFEGUARDS WITH REGARD TO THE REDEVELOPMENT OF CONTROLLED PREM ISES,+ THE GOVERNOR SAID.
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NEW LAWS TO PROTECT ENVIRONMENT * * M *
NEW LAWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WILL BE INTRODUCED DURING THE CURRENT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THESE WILL COVER AIR POLLUTION, ILLEGAL DUMPING OF EARTH AND TRADE WASTE, AND THE PROVISION OF REFUSE STORAGE CHAMBERS IN CERTAIN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.
SIR MURRAY SAID REGULATIONS GOVERNING DISPOSAL OF TOXIC AND HAZARDOUS WASTES SHOULD BE BROUGHT INTO FORCE DURING THIS SESSION, AND WORK IS ALSO CONTINUING ON THE DRAFTING OF A NOISE CONTROL BILL.
POLLUTION IN HONG KONG HAD GROWN RAPIDLY, PARTICULARLY WATER POLLUTION, HE SAID, AND AS A COMMUNITY WE ARE BECOMING PAINFULLY AWARE OF WHAT IS AT STAKE.
FI£ST STEP HAD 3EEN To engage EXPERTS TO EXAMINE OUR ADVISE °N SUITABLE LEGISLATION. THIS COMPLICATED PROCESS IS FAR ADVANCED, HE SAID, NOTING THAT THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AND WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCES WERE ENACTED LAST YEAR.
™E governor SAID THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE EXPERTISE, SCIENTIFIC DATA AND CO-ORDINATION ON ALL ASPECTS OF POLLUTION AND ITS CONTROL.
tuc 461!LATIVE ADMINISTRATIVE GROUNDWORK DONE,
™E H'FF,CHLV0RK 0F ENFORCEMENT OF CAREFULLY PHASED PLANS OF POLLUTION CONTROL WILL GRADUALLY GATHER MOMENTUM.+
TO MARK THIS NEW PHASE, HE ADDED, THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECT ON COMMITTEE HAD BEEN RESTORED TO AN UNOFFICIAL, IN THIS CASE MR H.M.G. FORSGATE.
UAlr_ S|P MURRAY NOTED THAT SOME 4OS SQUARE KILOMETRES, NEARLY HALF THE TERRITORY, HAD BEEN DESIGNATED AS COUNTRY PARKS
W‘™ A nT^FFn°F 0VER 1 330 T0 PRESERVE THE AREAS’ NATURAL BEAUTY AND TO ENCOURAGE ENJOYMENT AND ----------
KNOWLEDGE OF THE COUNTRYSIDE.
UP TO 100 000 PEOPLE MADE WEEKENDS IN THE DRY WEATHER.
USE OF THE COUNTRY PARKS ON
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981
- 13 -
EXPANSION IN MEDICAL SERVICES OUTLINED * * * *
HONG KC'.C WILL INCREASE ITS STOCK OF HOSPITAL BEDS FROM THE PRESENT 20 800 TO 36 300 AND ACHIEVE THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE’S TARGET OF 5.7 BEDS PER 1 000 POPULATION BY 1990, COMPARED TO 4 BEDS PER 1 000 POPULATION NOW.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WHEN HE OUTLINED A SERIES OF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE DEVELOPMENT PLANS INCLUDEi
* THE NEWLY BUILT 600-BED CARDIOTHORACIC CENTRE AT THE GRANTHAM HOSPITAL WHICH WILL PROVIDE THE MOST UP-TO-DATE AND SOPHISTICATED TREATMENT TECHNIQUES FOR HEART DISEASES NEXT YEAR-
* THE 1 400—BED PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL AT SHAT IN WHICH WILL SERVE AS THE TEACHING HOSPITAL FOR HONG KONG’S SECOND MEDICAL SCHOOL AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AS WELL AS THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOR THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES"
* A NEW REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOR THE WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES AT TUEN MUN CONSTRUCTION OF WHICH WILL START NEXT YEAR"
* NEW GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS IN EAST KOWLOON, TAI PO AND SHAU KEI WAN WITH CAPACITIES RANGING FROM 1 200 TO 1 500 BEDS EACH- AND
* MAJOR EXTENSIONS FOR POK 01 HOSPITAL (200 BEDS), YAN CHAI HOSPITAL (500 BEDS) AND UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL (775 BEDS).
AND IN ORDER TO RELIEVE PRESSURE ON ACUTE HOSPITAL BEDS, THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS ENDORSED A PROGRAMME FOR THE PROVISION OF INFIRMARIES FOR PATIENTS REQUIRING LONG TERM CARE, THE GOVERNOR SAID.
SIR MURRAY SAID IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO CONCENTRATE FUTURE PROVISION OF CLINIC SERVICES IN THE NEW TOWNS AND IN OUTLYING AREAS WHERE THERE WERE FEWER PRIVATE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS.
♦OUR PLANS INVOLVE ALMOST DOUBLING THE PRESENT NUMBER OF CONSULTING ROOMS FROM 254 TO 486, AND ACHIEVING A RATIO OF 7.6 CONSULTING ROOMS PER 100 000 POPULATION BY 1990, COMPARED TO 5.4 AT PRESENT.+
♦ON PRESENT FORECASTS, AND PARTICULARLY IN REGARD TO DOCTORS THERE WILL BE A SHORTFALL, EVEN ON EXISTING STANDARDS, LET ALONE IMPROVED ONES. IT IS THEREFORE RATHER DOUBTFUL THAT THIS EXPANSION OF SERVICES CAN ALL BE COMPLETED BY 1990 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981
- 14 -
TRANSPORT PROJECTS COST $4 BILLION * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO SPEND $4 BILLION ON TRANSPORT PROJECTS THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID TODAY.
MAJOR IMPROVEMENT. OULD BE COMING INTO SERVICE ALL WITHIN A YEAR SUCH AS THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL, THE AIRPORT TUNNEL, THE TSUEN WAN EXTENSION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND THE MODERNISATION OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY AND ITS INTERCHANGE WITH THE MTR.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, IT WOULD NOT BE UNTIL BETWEEN 1984 AND 1986 THAT SOME MAJOR AREAS OF CONGESTION ARE CLEARED BY COMPLETION OF THE ISLAND LINE AND EASTERN CORRIDOR, THE KOWLOON WESTERN CORRIDOR, THE TSUEN WAN BY-PASS AND THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD.
♦EARLY RELIEF THROUGH WORKS IS THEREFORE NOT POSSIBLE IN MANY PLACES AND MEANWHILE WE MUST FACE THE FACT THAT OUR TOTAL VEHICLE POPULATION HAS INCREASED BY 64 PER CENT IN FIVE YEARS AND PRIVATE CARS BY 75 PER CENT.
+NO DOUBT IT IS THE RESULT OF UNEXPECTEDLY HIGH AND CONSISTENT PROSPERITY, BUT THE CONSEQUENCE IS SERIOUS CONGESTION.
+1 AM AFRAID THAT THE QUESTION HAS BECOME NO LONGER WHETHER RESTRAINTS ON ROAD USE ARE NECESSARY, BUT ONLY WHAT WOULD BE THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND LEAST INCONVENIENT FORM THAT THEY SHOULD TAKE,* THE GOVERNOR SAID.
IN ADDITION, THERE WERE MANY MAJOR TRANSPORT PROBLEMS TO BE STUDIED AND SOLVED.
♦THEY INCLUDE A FURTHER CROSS-HARBOUR LINK, ACCESS TO THE NEW DEVELOPMENT AREA IN JUNK BAY, TRANSPORT FACILITIES TO LINK WITH KOWLOON THE VERY LARGE ADDITIONAL TOWN THAT WILL SHORTLY BE BUILT BETWEEN SHA TIN AND MA ON SHAN, AND OF COURSE THE SITING AND TRANSPORT SUPPORT FOR A NEW AIRPORT.+ THE GOVERNOR SAID.
SIR MURRAY ADDED THAT WITH MANY IMMEDIATE, MEDIUM AND LONG TERM PROBLEMS TO SOLVE, OF SUCH A HIGHLY TECHNICAL AND CONTENTIOUS NATURE, THE GOVERNMENT HAD SET UP A NEW TRANSPORT BRANCH IN THE SECRETARIAT HEADED BY ITS OWN SECRETARY, AND WAS ALSO STRENGTHENING THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT BY THE TRANSFER OF SOME STAFF FROM THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
♦THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AND HIS BRANCH AND PLANNING UNIT WILL WORK IN THE CLOSEST POSSIBLE COLLABORATION WITH THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND <ORKS AND WITH THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT WHETHER ‘I THE URBAN AREA OR THE NEW TERR ITOR IES, + HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981
LONG-TE' 'ANPOWER PLANNING TO OFFSET PROFESSIONAL SHORTAGE: X * * X *
THE GOVERNMENT IS ""VELOPING LONG-TERM MANPOWER PLANNING IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE UN. .E.-.S ITIES AND THE POLYTECHNIC TO COUNTER THE SHORTAGE OF TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL MANPOWER.
REVIEWI G THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE COVET OR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID THAT AT THE SAME TIME NEW ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED FOR EXTENSIONS OF SERVICE TO BE GRANTED AFTER THE AGE OF 55 TO ENSURE THAT THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT DEPRIVE ITSELF OF THE CONTRIBUTION THAT EFFICIENT AND EXPERIENCED OFFICERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN SENIOR RANKS, CAN MAKE.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD CONTINUED TO PUT A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT IN BUILDING AN EFFECTIVE, COMMITTED AND WELL TRAINED PUBLIC SERVICE, AND TO IMPROVING CONDITIONS AND STAFF RELATIONS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
THE HOME PURCHASE SCHEME FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS AS AN ALTERNATIVE OPTION TO RENT ALLOWANCES WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR, HE SAID.
THIS WAS A NEW DEPARTURE, HE ADDED, AND WE MUST SEE HOW IT WORKS OUT IN PRACTICE UNDER PRESENT FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES. + BUT I AM CONVINCED THAT THE SCHEME IS RIGHT IN PRINCIPLE.-*-
SIR MURRAY SAID THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE HAD PLAYED A KEY PART IN IMPROVING CIVIL SERVICE CONDITONS AND STAFF RELATIONS. +ITS WORK IS BOTH HARD AND PAINSTAKING AND IT IS STEADILY RATIONALISING THE STRUCTURE AND SALARY LEVELS OF THE SERVICE.+
AMONGST THE NEW MEASURES INTRODUCED, THE GOVERNOR NOTED, WERE THE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL FOR JUNIOR CIVIL SERVANTS, THE SETTING-UP OF MORE DEPARTMENTAL STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS, AND THE CREATION OF NEW STAFF RELATIONS AND MANAGEMENT UNITS IN THE LARGER DEPARTMENTS.
SIR MURRAY ALSO REFERRED TO THE CIVIL SERVANTS’ ADVISORY OFFICE SET UP IN MARCH THIS YEAR TO DEAL WITH THE LONG-STANDING PROBLEM OF INDEBTEDNESS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE.
IN THE FIRST SIX WERE RECEIVED AND OVER BY THE OFFICE TO THE PA
NTHS OF ITS OPERATION, 3 019 APPLICATIONS 38.5 MILLION WORTH OF LOANS WERE RECOMMENDED TICIPATING BANKS FOR FINANCING.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981
16
STEADY PROGRESS IN WORK FOR DISABLED
* * * *
STEADY PROGRESS IS BEING MADE TOWARDS ACHIEVING THE OBJECTIVES CF REHABILITATING THE DISABLED OUTLINED IN THE 1977 WHITE PAPER, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID.
THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE DISABLED PERSON, COUPLED WITH DR HARRY FANG’S ELECTION AS PRESIDENT OF REHABILITATION INTERNATIONAL, HAS ALSO HELPED OUR COMMUNITY TO FOCUS ON THE PROBLEMS OF THE DISABLED, HE SAID.
+THE ACTIVITIES OF THE YEAR ATTEMPT TO AWAKEN US TO THE PROBLEMS AND NEEDS OF THE DISABLED, AND TO DEMONSTRATE HOW WE CAN ASSIST THEIR INTEGRATION.
♦THE LATTER IS OUR DECLARED POLICY AND THE THEME FOR THE YEAR AND THERE ARE SIGNS OF SUCCESS.+
SIR MURRAY SAID IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN MOMENTUM AND THE PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN STARTED IN THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE DISABLED PERSON NEEDS TO CONTINUE.
ON THE PROGRESS MADE, SIR MURRAY SAID THAT THE DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING PROGRAMME COVERING CHILDREN FROM BIRTH TO THE AGE OF FIVE WHICH FIRST STARTED IN PART-TIME CENTRES IN 1978 IS NOW AVAILABLE IN 34 FAMILY HEALTH CENTRES PERFORMING 100 000 EXAMINATIONS A YEAR.
THE SCHOOL SCREENING SERVICE CARRIES ON THE WORK OF THE DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING PROGRAMME, AND AUDIOMETRIC SCREENING IS BEING EXTENDED TO ALL PRIMARY 1 PUPILS THIS YEAR. VISION SCREENING WILL BE EXTENDED TO ALL PRIMARY 1 PUPILS IN 1982 AND SPEECH SCREENING TO ALL PRIMARY 3 PUPILS IN 1984/85.
IN SPECIAL EDUCATION THE CURRENT PROVISION OF 28 860 PLACES MORE THAN DOUBLES THE 1977 FIGURE OF 12 160.
BUT LARGE SHORTFALLS REMAIN, SIR MURRAY SAID, PARTICULARLY IN PROVISION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED AND SLOW LEARNERS.
♦THIS IS COMPOUNDED BY A LACK OF TEACHERS AND LACK OF ENTHUSIASM AMONG SCHOOL SPONSORS FOR EXPANDING SPECIAL CLASSES FOR SLOW LEARNERS IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS.♦
NEVERTHELESS, HE SAID, OVER 3 000 ADDITIONAL SPECIAL PLACES ARE BEING PROVIDED IN 1981/82.
FOR THE MENTALLY ILL, KWAI CHUNG HOSPITAL WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 1 340 BEDS BRINGING THE TOTAL PROVISION TO NEARLY 3 800.
/a mniER.......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1?81
17
A FURTHE 1 670 BEDS FOR THE MENTALLY ILL ARE PLANNED FOR THE PERIOD TO 1990, TOGETHER WITH A FURTHER 500 BEDS -OR THE SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, WHEN THE ESTIMATE- SHORTFALLS SHOULD BE LARGELY, THOUGH NOT WHOLLY, ELIMINATED.
SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS CAN ALSO BE EXPECTED IN MEDICAL REHABILITATION SERVICES WHEN THE NEW CENTRE OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR REHABILITATION AT SANDY BAY IS COMPLETED IN 1983, SIR MURRAY SAID.
- - , - 0 -----
NEED FOR MUTUAL RESPECT AND RESTRAINT EMPHASISED X * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY SOUNDED A NOTE OF WARNING AGAINST +THE UGLY FACE OF CAPITALISM-*- AND STRESSED THE NEED FOR MUTUAL RESPECT AND RESTRAINT.
SUMMING UP HIS WIDE RANGING ADDRESS TO THE OPENING OF THE NEW LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION, SIR MURRAY NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN EXCESSIVE SPECULATION IN REAL ESTATE AND SOME SOCIALLY DISRUPTIVE TRANSACTIONS.
♦ IT IS ALL VERY WELL TO SAY THAT IN A FREE ECONOMY ONE MUST TAKE THE ROUGH WITH THE SMOOTH- BUT THOSE WHO TAKE THE ROUGH ARE SO SELDOM THOSE WHO ENJOYED THE SMOOTH,+ HE SAID, ADDING THAT THIS REFERRED ONLY TO A VERY FEW.
HE POINTED OUT THAT WHAT IS CALLED +THE UGLY FACE OF CAPITALISM* WAS NOTABLY ABSENT IN THE RECESSION OF 1974/75 AND THE SUBSEQUENT RECOVERY, AND THIS WAS ONE OF THE REASONS HONG KONG CAME THROUGH IT SO WELL.
♦NOW WHEN THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE IS DOING COMPARATIVELY WELL, AND LOOKS LIKE CONTINUING TO DO SO, THERE ARE SIGNS OF THIS LESSON BEING FORGOTTEN BY SOME,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
GOVERNMENT ACTIVITY, HE SAID, SHOULD PROVIDE THE FRAMEWORK FOR AN ECONOMIC SOCIETY WHICH SHOULD BE AS FREE AS POSSIBLE. BUT THIS, HE STRESSED, ASSUMED THAT THE USE OF THIS FREEDOM DOES NOT RUN COUNTER TO THE CONDITIONS OF OUR SURVIVAL, NAMELY THAT AS A SOCIETY WE REMAIN COHESIVE AND RESPECTED.
♦OUR ECONOMY DEPENDS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOUND INDUSTRY, SOUND COMMUNICATIONS, AND SOUND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, BASED ON A DECENTLY HOUSED SOCk 'Y WHOSE ELEMENTS OBSERVE MUTUAL RESPECT AND RESTRAINT.
♦SO LONG AS THE INGENIOUS AND ADMIRABLY INTENSE ECONOMIC ACTIVITY OF HONG KONG CONCENTRATES ON THESE PRODUCTIVE OBJECTIVES, I AM CONVINCED THAT OTHER MEDIUM AND LONG TERM FACTORS ARE VERY GREATLY IN OUR FAVOUR,+ THE GOVERNOR SAID.
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/IS .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981
18
IMPROVED EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS FOR WORKERS * * * *
FURTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE EMPLOYEE’S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE COVERING THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPULSORY INSURANCE, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MORE EFFECTIVE MACHINERY FOR ASSESSING COMPENSATION, AND bEASURES TO EXPEDITE SETTLEMENT OF COMPENSATION CLAIMS WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE CURRENT SESSION, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY.
THESE ARE IN ADDITION TO THE PROVISION OF IMPROVED SICK LEAVE ENTITLEMENT AND A DEATH GRANT TO BE INTRODUCED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE. CONSIDERATION WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO IMPROVING THE CONDITIONS GOVERNING THE AWARD OF SEVERANCE PAY.
SIR MURRAY SAID HE ALSO HAD CALLED FOR A CAREFUL STUDY OF SIR S.Y. CHUNG’S SUGGESTION OF A COUNCIL FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY.
ON INDUSTRIAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, SIR MURRAY SAID A CONSULTANT IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH HAD BEEN APPOINTED TO HEAD THE INDUSTRIAL HEALTH DIVISION AND TO EXPAND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES.
SIR MURRAY SAID THAT FURTHER REGULATIONS ON THE SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY, PROTECTION OF WORKERS’ HEARING AND THE EMPLOYMENT OF SAFETY OFFICERS AND SAFETY SUPERVISORS IN HAZARDOUS INDUSTRIES WOULD BE MADE SHORTLY.
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BIG DROP IN NUMBER OF DRUG ADDICTS
* * * *
THE NUMBER OF DRUG ADDICTS IN HONG KONG IS NOW BELIEVED TO BE ABOUT 40 000 AS AGAINST A GUESS OF OVER 100 000 SEVEN YEARS AGO.
THIS WAS REVEALED TODAY BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
SIR MURRAY ATTRIBUTED THIS RESULT TO THE VERY EFFECTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND COMPULSORY AND VOLUNTARY TREATMENT IN HONG KONG.
STATING THAT HONG KONG STILL HAD A LARGE PROBLEM WHICH WAS BEING TACKLED WITH 'IGOUR AND SUCCESS, SIR MURRAY ADDED, HOWEVER, +WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY IN CONTROLLING NARCOTICS, NO ONE WHO KNOWS POINTS A FINGER AT HONG KONG ANYMORE.+
REFERRING TO THIS YEAR’S BUMPER CROP OF OPIUM IN THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE WHICH HAD PRODUCED AN ABUNDANT SUPPLY, HE SAID THERE WERE PLENTY OF SIGNS OF CRIMINALS TRYING TO DISTRIBUTE IT HERE, INCLUDING THE USE OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
TO MEET THIS THREAT, HE SAID, LAW ENFORCEMENT WAS BEING STEPPED UP AND SO FAR THIS YEAR MORE DRUGS HAD BEEN SEIZED THAN IN THE WHOLE OF LAST YEAR.
/19 .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981
19
POLICE RESPONDING EFFECTIVELY TO NEW CONDITIONS * * * *
THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE IS RESPONDING EFFECTIVELY AND IMAGINATIVELY TO THE NEW CONDITIONS AND NEW SPREAD OF POPULATION IX HONG KONG, AS WELL AS TO THE NEW TYPES OF CRIME THAT CONFRONT IT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, IN HIS REVIEW OF THE POLICE FORCE.
SIR MURRAY SAID THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE HAD CONTINUED ABOUT ITS BUSINESS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND HAD SHOULDERED THE ADDITIONAL BURDENS IMPOSED BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.
♦ IT HAS PERFORMED THESE TASKS WELL, OFTEN WITH ALL TOO LITTLE PUBLIC RECOGNITION OF ITS ACHIEVEMENT,* HE SAID.
WHILST REPORTING THAT OVERALL CRIME HAD BEEN HELD, AND ROBBERY REDUCED FROM 30 REPORTS A DAY IN 1979 TO 24 AT PRESENT, THE GOVERNOR ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE DISTURBING INCREASE IN THE USE OF FIREARMS OR IMITATION FIREARMS HAD CONTINUED, AND THE POLICE HAD FOUGHT SOME BRAVE ACTIONS WITH ARMED ROBBERS.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, DUE TO POLICE CRIME PREVENTION MEASURES AND ELEMENTARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR SELF-PROTECTION, BANK AND GOLDSMITH ROBBERIES HAD DECREASED.
SIR MURRAY SAID ALTHOUGH 10 PER CENT OF ARRESTS HAD BEEN FOUND TO BE RECENT IMMIGRANTS, MOSTLY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, AS WERE OVER 62 PER CENT OF THOSE ARRESTED FOR ARMED ROBBERY, THE PUBLIC SHOULD NOT BE ALARMED BY THESE FIGURES INTO BELIEVING THAT ALL IMMIGRANTS WERE CRIMINALS.
♦ OF COURSE THESE FIGURES RELATE ONLY TO A TINY MINORITY. NEVERTHELESS WE MUST FACE THE FACT THAT WE HAVE NOW SUCH A MINORITY UNABLE EITHER TO INTEGRATE IN GUANGDONG OR ASSIMILATE IN HONG KONG.
♦ I SHOULD HOPE THAT THIS IS A TRANSITIONAL PHENOMENON BUT IT NEEDS CAREFUL WATCH ING,♦ HE ADDED.
THE INCREASE IN JUVENILE CRIME WHICH BEGAN IN 1979, SIR MJRRAY SAID, CONTINUED. +THE FIGURES ARE SMALL BY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS BUT WE IGNORE THE TREND AT OUR PER IL,+ HE ADDED.
ON POLICE WELFARE, “HE GOVERNOR SAID THAT THE FORCE, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF HOME 0 ICE INSPECTORS, HAD PUT A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT AND THOUGHT INTO PLANNING BETTER HOUSEKEEPING AND WELFARE
FOR ITS MEN AND BETTER DEPLOYMENT OF ITS RESOURCES.
♦ IN OUR CONCERN TO EXPAND AND ADA°T THE FORCE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF MODERN HONG KONG, I AM SURE THAT WE HAVE PAID TOO LITTLE ATTENTION TO THE O-'KI'.G AND LIVING CONDITIONS OF MEMBERS OF THE FORCE, AND THERE IS NOW SUPS' N' •'L BACKLOG TO BE TACKLE',+ SIR MURRAY AL.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981
ICAC WELL ABLE TO DEAL WITH CORRUPTION
* * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TCDAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THERE HAD BEEN AN INCREASE IN CORRUPTION CASES BUT THAT THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION WAS WELL ABLE TO DEAL WITH THIS AS ITS PROSECUTION RECORD SHOWED.
SIR MURR-Y SAID A BODY SUCH AS THE ICAC WAS ESSENTIAL AND MUST BE KEPT AT FULL STRENGTH AND AT FULL PITCH FOR M. NY YEARS TO COME IF WE WERE TO KEEP THE ENORMOUS GAINS IN PUBLIC HONESTY ACHIEVED SINCE 1972.
THE ATTITUDE TO CORRUPTION OF BOTH PUBLIC SERVICE AND PUBLIC HAD COMPLETELY CHANGED.
- - 0
NEW ARTS ACADEMY MAY BE SITED IN WAN CHAI # K * #
A SITE NEXT TO THE ARTS CENTRE IN WAN CHAI IS BEING STUDIED FOR THE POSSIBLE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ACADEMY OF THE PERFORMING ARTS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT IN THE ARTISTIC FIELD DEVELOPMENT OF PERFORMING ARTS HAD FAR OUT-STRIPPED EXISTING CAPACITY FOR PRACTICE, INSTRUCTION, STORAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. THE PROPOSAL OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB TO BUILD A NEW ACADEMY WAS THEREFORE MOST TIMELY.
SIR MURRAY ADDED THAT WITH THE PROSPECT OF THE TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURAL COMPLEX, AND NEW TOWN HALL AT TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN ALL DUE TO BE COMPLETED BY EARLY 1985, AS WELL AS THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AND THE LARGE AIR-CONDITIONED HALLS ALREADY IN USE IN YUEN LONG AND SHEUNG SHU I, LOCAL ARTISTS COULD COUNT ON AMPLE OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM TO HONG KONG AUDIENCES.
THE ARTS, SPORT AND RECREATION, AND THE ORGANISED USE OF LEISURE ALL CONTRIBUTE TO THE BUILDING OF COMPLETE AND COHESIVE COMMUNITIES, THE GOVERNOR SAID.
+THESE HAVE MADE EXTRAORDINARY PROGRESS UNDER THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE GOVERNMENT, THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORTS, THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHC ITY, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND THE MUSIC OFFICE, ' MANY PRIVATE BODIES, AND OF COURSE WITH THE ENTHUSIASTIC SU- PORT OF THE PUBLIC FOR WHICH THESE DEVELOPMENTS CLE RLY FILL A LONG-FELT NEED.+
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981
21
NEED FOR MORE TECHNICIANS STRESSED M * # M
HONG KONG’S OUTPUT OF TECHNICIANS, HIGHER TECHNICIANS AND GRADUATES HAD TO BE INCREASED, AND THIS MATTER WOULD BE GIVEN VERY CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
9
THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO REVIEW POST-SECONDARY AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION WILL SHORTLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE PANEL CONDUCTING THE OVERALL REVIEW OF EDUCATION, HE SAID.
AFTER THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL DRAFT A PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS WHOLE AREA.
SIR MURRAY SAID ALSO THAT AS AN INTERIM MEASURE THE GOVERNMENT HAD INCREASED THE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE AT THE UNIVERSITIES FROM THREE TO FOUR PER CENT.
SIR MURRAY ALSO DISCLOSED PLANS TO CREATE A STATUTORY VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WHICH WILL HAVE EXECUTIVE AS WELL AS ADVISORY POWERS FOR THE PROMOTION OF INDUSTRIAL TRAINING.
♦BOTH TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING SCHEMES WILL COME WITHIN THE PURVIEW OF THE COUNCIL, WHICH WILL HAVE ITS OWN DEPARTMENT TO SERVE AS ITS EXECUTIVE ARM,+ HE SAID.
THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITIES WILL MAINTAIN THEIR CURRENT FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS AND ALSO EXPAND THEIR ACTIVITIES.
MEANTIME, THE GOVERNMENT IS IMPROVING THE POSITION BY MAKING BETTER USE OF SOME EXISTING INSTITUTIONS.
+WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE GOVERNORS OF THE BAPTIST COLLEGE A BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED THIS SESSION TO MAKE BETTER ARRANGEMENTS FOR ITS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
HE WAS ACUTELY AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS FACED BY THE 15 OOO TO 20 000 HONG KONG STUDENTS IN OVERSEAS UNIVERSITIES PARTICULARLY IN BRITAIN, WHO RECENTLY FACED SEVERE INCREASES IN TUITION FEES, AND THE LOAN SCHEME FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS IN BRITAIN, BROUGHT INTO EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, SHOULD BE OF SOME HELP.
BUT THE LOCAL EDUCATION SYSTEM SHOULD UNDOUBTEDLY BE FURTHER DEVELOPED SO AS TO REDUCE THE RELIANCE ON OVERSEAS PLACES, HE SAID.
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/22........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981
22
TRIBUTE TO LEGCO MEMBERS *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE AT THE OPENING SESSION TODAY (WEDNESDAY), PAID TRIBUTE TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THEIR WORK, DEVOTION AND GOOD HUMOUR.
♦THE FORM OF THIS COUNCIL MAY BE AN ANACHRONISM, BUT ITS SPIRIT AND PERFORMANCE MATCH THOSE OF ANY LEGISLATURE IN THE WORLD FOR EFFICIENT TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS, FOR FREEDOM FROM FACTION, AND FOR CONCERN NOT FOR SECTIONAL OR PARTY INTERESTS BUT THOSE OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE. THESE ARE PRECIOUS ATTRIBUTES.
♦I AM SURE THAT THE STEADY INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS - THEY HAVE MORE THAN DOUBLED IN 10 YEARS -AND THE EXPANSION OF THE SUPPORT AVAILABLE TO THEM IN THE UMELCO OFFICE, HAVE GREATLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS COUNCIL.+
SIR MURRAY SAID THAT HE HAD NO DOUBT THAT AS THE SCOPE AND COMPLEXITY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG CONTINUED TO INCREASE SO THERE MUST CONTINUE TO BE CHANGE IN THE SIZE AND COMPOSITION OF THE COUNCIL.
♦MEANWHILE I RECORD MY GRATEFUL THANKS FOR THE HIGH QUALITY OF WORK DONE, AND THE IMMENSE DEVOTION OF PERSONAL TIME AND ENERGY TO DOING IT,+ THE GOVERNOR ADDED.
SIR MURRAY MADE SPECIAL MENTION OF THE SERVICES RENDERED BY THE HON OSWALD CHEUNG, AND THE HON LI FOOK-WO, WHO HAVE RETIRED FROM THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. HE WAS PLEASED, HOWEVER, TO CONTINUE TO HAVE THEIR WISE COUNSEL IN THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
THREE NEW MEMBERS TOOK THEIR SEATS IN THE COUNCIL, THEY AREi MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, MRS SELINA CHOW AND MISS MARIA TAM.
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VR RESETTLEMENT PROGRAMMES MUST CONTINUE - GOVERNOR * X * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY REITERATED THAT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY MUST CONTINUE TO PLAY ITS PART IN THE RESETTLEMENT OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES — MORE THAN 14 000 OF WHOM ARE STILL IN HONG KONG AWAITING PERMANENT RESETTLEMENT OVERSEAS.
RESETTLEMENT PROGRAMMES MUST CONTINUE, SIR MURRAY STRESSED, IF PLACES OF FIRST ASYLUM LIKE HONG KONG ARE TO CONTINUE TO PLAY THEIR PART.
HE NOTED THAT WHILE THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A RESUMPTION OF MASSIVE ORGANISED DEPARTURES FROM VIETNAM, ARRIVALS IN HONG KONG SO FAR THIS YEAR ALREADY OUTSTRIPPED THE TOTAL FOR THE WHOLE OF LAST YEAR.
/arrivals in ....
WEDNESDAY, 0CT03ER 7, 19^1
23
ARRIVALS IN OTHER FIRST ASYLUM COUNTRIES SHOWED A SIMILAR, IF LESS MARKED, TREND.
♦SO THE FACT IS THAT LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE STILL REMAIN PREPARED TO FACE UNBELIEVABLE RISKS AT SEA TO ESCAPE THE CONDITIONS IN THEIR HOMELAND,♦ HE POINTED OUT.
FACED WITH THIS HUMAN TRAGEDY, HONG KONG HAD RIGHTLY CONTINUED TO PROVIDE FIRST ASYLUM TO THOSE WHO REACHED OUR SHORES.
SINCE 1979, SIR MURRAY SAID, OVER 74 DOO REFUGEES HAD BEEN RESETTLED FROM HONG KONG, AND HE WAS PARTICULARLY GRATEFUL FOR THE EFFORTS MADE IN RESETTLEMENT BY THE UNITED STATES, CANADA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM AND FOR THE WORK OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSION FOR REFUGEES AND OF THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
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PERSISTENT AND IMAGINATIVE INNOVATION IN EDUCATION * M * *
EDUCATION MUST BE A FIELD FOR PERSISTENT AND IMAGINATIVE INNOVATION, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TODAY.
SIR MURRAY SAID THAT IN A COMMUNITY EVOLVING ECONOMICALLY AND SOCIALLY AS FAST AS HONG KONG, OBVIOUSLY THE EVOLUTION OF EDUCATION MUST BE EXCEPTIONALLY FAST TOO IN TERMS OF QUANTITY, QUALITY AND HONG KONG’S NEEDS.
♦IT IS THEREFORE NOT SURPRISING THAT THE SUBJECT SHOULD HAVE SPAWNED THREE WHITE PAPERS IN THE LAST 10 YEARS OR THAT IN THE SAME PERIOD, GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE HAS INCREASED BY 550 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS,♦ HE SAID.
ON PRE-PRIMARY AND PRIMARY EDUCATION, SIR MURRAY SAID THE WHITE PAPER ON THE SUBJECT PUBLISHED IN JULY HAD PUT FORWARD THE FIRST COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF KINDERGARTENS AND CHILD-CARE CENTRES.
IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS OF CLASS SIZES FROM 45
IT ENVISAGED IN PARTICULAR THE REDUCTION TO 35 FOR SCHOOLS ADOPTING THE ACTIVITY
APPROACH AND TO 40 FOR THOSE FOLLOWING CONVENTIONAL METHODS. THESE REFORMS WILL REQU RE 1 500 ADDITIONAL TEACHING POSTS IF
APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
TURNING TO JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION, SIR MURRAY DESCRIBED AS A +GIANT STEP FORWARD+ THE PROVISION OF FREE AND COMPULSORY SUBSIDISED PLACES FOR ALL.
SIR MURRAY REVEALED THAT 12 MORE PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WILL BE BUILT BY 83/84, AND MORE WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE FUTURE BUILDING PROGRAMME, TO CATER FOR THOSE WHOSE APTITUDE IS FOR PRACTICAL AND TECHNICAL RATHER THAN ACADEMIC SUBJECTS.
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/24........
WbUNbSUAT, UCIUBbR /,“19ai
- 24 -
IMMIGRATION STILL A WORRY DESPITE DROP IN NUMBER OF Il’S *****
IHE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY THANKED THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG FOR THE RESPONSIBILITY AND GOOD HUMOUR WITH WHICH THEY HAD ACCEPTED THE MEASURES INTRODUCED LAST OCTOBER TO DETER ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.
+COUPLED WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, THE UNRELENTING EFFORT OF OUR SECURITY FORCES, AND THE STRONG SUPPORT OF THE PUBLIC, THESE MEASURES SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED THE FLOW,* HE SAID IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TO THE NEW LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESS ION.
HE WARNED, HOWEVER, THAT HONG KONG REMAINED DETERMINED TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE ITS GUARD AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.
THE GOVERNOR WAS CONCERNED THAT WHILE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION HAD NOW BEEN GREATLY REDUCED, THE NUMBER OF THOSE ARRIVING HERE LEGALLY FOR A VISIT AND STAY PERMANENTLY STILL ADDED 55 OOO PEOPLE TO OUR POPULATION EACH YEAR.
MF «AlnFTER THE FL00D 0F THE LAST FEW YEARS WE NEED A RESPITE,* Hu OA IJ, *
HE SAID IT WOULD BE
^nr. ---- -- HELPFUL TO REDUCE THE NUMBERS COMING
HERE FOR PERMANENT SETTLEMENT WHILE AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDING GENUINE VISITORS WHOSE RETURN TO THEIR HOMES IN CHINA WAS ASSURED, +BUT WE CAN ONLY ACT IN COOPERATION WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES FOR WHOM I KNOW THIS IS
NOT AN EASY MATTER.*
STRESSING THE NEED FOR CONTINUED VIGILANCE AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, SIR MURRAY SAID THE GARRISON MUST CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN A CONSIDERABLE PRESENCE ON THE BORDER, THE NON-URBAN COASTLINE, AND AT SEA.
THE GARRISON HAD OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS MADE A TREMENDOUS CONTRIBUTION TO HOLDING THE LINE AGAINST THE WAVES OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, HE SAID, AND WOULD BE REINFORCED WITH AN EXTRA BATTALION — INITIALLY A GURKHA UNIT — WHICH SHOULD BE IN POSITION BY NEXT JANUARY. THIS WOULD BRING THE INFANTRY STRENGTH OF THE GARRISON TO FIVE BATTALIONS.
IN ADDITION, VARIOUS ADDITIONAL SPECIALIST TROOPS ARE BEING ADDED TO THE GARRISON AND AN EXPANSION OF THE HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE CORPS WAS ABOUT TO TAKE PLACE.
A MODERNISED AND COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF COMMUNICATIONS WAS ALSO BEING PLANNED BY SPECIALIST OFFICERS OF THE ROYAL NAVY AND THE POLICE AND BY 1983 SHOULD GIVE US A NEW, RELIABLE AND EFFICIENT RADIO NETWORK.
+L INKED WITH THIS ARE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE COVERAGE OF HONG KONG WATERS BY LAND AND SHIP BASED RADAR,* HE SAID, ADDING THAT REPLACEMENT PATROL CRAFT HAD ALSO BEEN ORDERED AND SHOULD BE OPERATING BY 1984.
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/25
T3DP3SDAY, 0CT033H 7, 19&1
- 25 -
SUPERVISION OF BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES * * * *
MORE BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED TO AMEND THE BANKING ORDINANCE AND THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE IN ORDER TO EXTEND TO THEIR OPERATIONS OVERSEAS THE SYSTEM OF PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION OF HONG KONG INCORPORATED BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES. THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE DISCLOSED THAT DRAFTING PROPOSALS ON DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS IN RELATION TO THE SHARE HOLDING OF DIRECTORS, MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS, ADVISERS AND OFFICERS OF PUBLIC COMPANIES HAD ALSO BEEN PREPARED IN ORDER TO OFFER BETTER PROTECTION TO THE INVESTING PUBLIC AND TO BRING HONG KONG INTO LINE WITH OTHER FINANCIAL CENTRES.
IN HIS REPORT ON ECONOMIC MATTERS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, STARTED BY SAYING THAT IN THIS PRESENT SITUATION OF WORLD RECESSION HONG KONG AND ITS ECONOMY AND ITS PEOPLE WERE ♦FARING REMARKABLY WELL*.
♦BUT THIS COMPARATIVE GOOD FORTUNE HAS BEEN UNEVENLY SPREAD AND IS NOT REFLECTED IN THE PUBLIC MOOD. THERE ARE SPECIAL REASONS FOR THIS WHICH IT IS IMPORTANT TO APPRECIATE,♦ SIR MURRAY SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT 1981 WAS PROVING TO BE A YEAR OF REFORM FOR THE BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING INDUSTRY.
THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS HAD BEEN INCORPORATED BY STATUTE TO ENABLE IT TO PLAY A GREATER PART IN THE MONETARY SYSTEM OF HONG KONG AND THAT STEPS HAD BEEN TAKEN TO LIMIT THE REGISTRATION OF NEW DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
THE DEFINITION OF BANKING BUSINESS CONTAINED IN THE BANKING ORDINANCE HAD BEEN AMENDED-' A NEW CATEGORY OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTION (THE LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY) HAD BEEN CREATED- AND AFTER A TWO-YEAR TRANSITIONAL PERIOD, REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WOULD NO LONGER BE PERMITTED TO ACCEPT FROM THE PUBLIC DEPOSITS REPAYABLE WITHIN THREE MONTHS.
ALSO THIS YEAR, THE PRUDENTIAL LEGISLATION TO WHICH BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WERE SUBJECT HAD BEEN REVISED- AND NEW STATISTICAL RETURNS WERE BEING RECEIVED FROM BANKS AND DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES UNDER THE MONETARY STATISTICS ORDINANCE.
AT THE BEGINNING OF THUS YEAR, HE CONTINUED, TWO ORDINANCES VERE ENACTED AMENDING THE FIIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANIES DEPOSIT ORDINANCE AND THE LITE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, REQUIRING ALL INSURANCE COMF’ANIES CARRYING ON THE RELEVANT CLASSES OF BUSINESS TO HAVE A MINIMUM PAID-UP CAPITAL OF $5 MILLION AND TO MAINTAIN A SOLVENCY MARGIN.
IN CONSEQUENCE A NUMBER OF INSURANCE COMPANIES HAD BEEN REQUIRED TO INCREASE THEIR PAID-UP CAPITAL, AMD SOME OTHERS HAD EITHER DROPPED OUT OF THE MARKET OR HAVE HAO THEIR AUTHORISATION WITHDRAWN.
THIS ESSENTIALLY INTERIM LEGISLATION HiAD, THEREFORE, EFFECTED SOME WEEDING OUT AHEAD OF THE COMPREHENSIVE BILL.
IT WAS HOPED TO I NTRODUgfeJ^^JflPREHEiNS IVI- BILL THIS SESSION, SIR MURRAY SAID. IgggJJTsaS'* »
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981
26
THREE UNFAVOURABLE FEATURES
* * * *
THREE UNFAVOURABLE FEATURES STOOD OUT FROM THE PICTURE OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC SITUATION, WHICH WAS OTHERWISE FAVOURABLE AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF AN UNFAVOURABLE WORLD SITUATION, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID.
THESE WERE THE IMPACT OF RECENT IMMIGRATION, THE SHARP RISES IN THE COST OF ACCOMMODATION AND LAND, AND A DEPRECIATING HONG KONG DOLLAR.
ON THE IMPACT OF IMMIGRATION, SIR MURRAY SAID THAT, FOR INSTANCE, THE AVERAGE ANNUAL INCREASE IN POPULATION, INCLUDING NATURAL INCREASE, BETWEEN 1971 AND 1978 WAS 1.8 PER CENT PER ANNUM, BUT IT MORE THAN DOUBLED TO 3.8 PER CENT BETWEEN 1979 AND 1981.
THE GROWTH IN THE LABOUR FORCE HAD BEEN EVEN MORE DRAMATIC, BEING 3.4 PER CENT A YEAR BETWEEN 1971 AND 1978 BUT 7.4 PER CENT BETWEEN 1979 AND 1981.
♦IMMIGRANT LABOUR WAS ONE DIRECT CAUSE OF THIS INCREASED GROWTH. IT ALSO PROVIDED AN INDIRECT CAUSE IN THAT BY RESTRAINING WAGE INCREASES, ADDITIONAL PERSONS WENT TO WORK SO AS TO MAINTAIN THE RISING LEVEL OF FAMILY INCOME TO WHICH THEY HAD BEEN ACCUSTOMED.
♦THE IMPACT OF THESE UNFORESEEN NUMBERS WILL BE FELT IN MANY WAYS FOR MANY YEARS TO COME,<- SIR MURRAY SAID.
THE SHARP RISES IN THE COST OF ACCOMMODATION AND LAND, FUELLED BY THE EASY AVAILABILITY OF CREDIT, CAUSED CONSIDERABLE DISTRESS, l£ SAID.
♦ IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT LARGE SUPPLIES OF ACCOMMODATION AND LAND WERE COMING FORWARD THAT SHOULD ARREiST OR REVERSE THE UPWARD TREND, YOUR GOVERNMENT, AFTER SOME HESITATION, DECIDED NOT TO INTERVENE IN THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR,♦ SIR MURRAY SAID.
♦ AS EXPECTED THE UPWARD TREND HAS BIEEN ARRESTED THIS YEAR PARTLY BECAUSE OF ADDITIONAL SUPPLY STIMULATED BY HIGH PRICES AND PARTLY BECAUSE THE HIGH COST OF BORROW INO DEPRESSED DEMAND.
♦ A CLOSER BALANCE BETWEEN SUPPLY AND DEMAND HAS NOW BEEN ACHIEVED.
♦ BUT, BECAUSE IT TAKES TIME FOR SUPPLY IN THE PROPERTY MARKET TO CATCH UP WITH INCREASES IN DEMAND, I PEAR THAT THE EXPERIENCE WE HAVE BEEN THROUGH MAY BE REPEATED IN THE FUTURE,♦ HE ADDED.
SIR MURRAY SAID THAT AT THE END OF EiACH OF THESE CYCLES, WE BENEFIT FROM A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE STOCK OF ACCOMMODATION BUT, WITH THE EFFECT OF ORDINARY MARKET FORCES DISTORTED BY SPECULATION, AT A SUBSTANTIAL SOCIAL COST.
ON THE DEPRECIATING HONG KONG DOLLAR, SIR MURRAY SAID THAT WHILE IT HELPS EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS, IT ADDS INFLATIONARY PRESSURES TO THE ECONOMY.
/+EUT AlJOTHSa.........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1?81
27
*BUT ANOTHER FACTOR WHICH IS ADDING PRESSURE TO INFLATION, OR AT LEAST IS ACCOMMODATING IT, AND IS WEAKENING THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, IS THE RAPID GROWTH RATE OF THE MONEY SUPPLY WHICH IN TURN IS LARGELY THE RESULT OF EXCESSIVE CREDIT GROWTH.
♦SO OBVIOUSLY WE HAVE BEEN GIVING SERIOUS THOUGHT TO WHETHER CR NOT THE GROWTH OF THE MONEY SUPPLY SHOULD BE CONTAINED AND IF SO, HOW IT MIGHT BE DONE, PARTICULARLY WITHOUT PUTTING FURTHER PRESSURE ON OUR INDUSTRY WHICH REMAINS THE BACKBONE OF OUR ECONOMY.
♦OBVIOUSLY RECENT EVENTS CAST SOME DOUBT ON THIS, AND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IS WATCHING THE SITUATION CLOSELY,+ SIR MURRAY ADDED.
♦THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY RECENTLY SPOKE IN DETAIL ABOUT THE VARIOUS POSSIBILITIES OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG, AND OF HIS STRONG PREFERENCE FOR RESTRAINT OF CREDIT BY THE SELF-DISCIPLINE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
♦I HEARTILY AGREE. WE ARE COMMITTED IN PRINCIPLE TO AS FREE AS ECONOMY AS POSSIBLE. NEVERTHELESS THIS ASSUMES THAT WE AS A COMMUNITY HAVE THE GOOD SENSE TO ACT FREELY WITHOUT UNDERMINING OUR ECONOMY.♦
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CLEAN UP DRIVE STARTS SOON * * * *
A TERRITORY-WIDE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN WILL BEGIN LATER THIS MONTH, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE»TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SIR MURRAY SAID THE CAMPAIGN, TO BE DIVIDED INTO PHASES DEALING WITH SIX DIFFERENT AREAS, WILL START ON OCTOBER 25 AND WILL CONTINUE UP TO DECEMBER, 1982.
IN PREPARATION, HE SAID, THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED HAVE ALREADY BEEN STRENGTHENED WITH STAFF AND VEHICLES, MANY BLACK SPOTS HAVE BEEN CLEARED AND REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS IMPROVED.
♦I AM SURE THAT THOSE ON THE OPERATIONAL SIDE ARE ON THEIR
TOES,+ SIR MURRAY SAID. +IT IS NOW UP TO THE
... - CLEAN HONG KONG
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN NEW TERRITORIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE MANY DISTRICT COMMITTEES THEY HAVE SET UP TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO RETURN TO THE PUBLIC SPIRITED RECTITUDE OF 1972 AND 1973.+
♦BUT THERE ARE BOUND TO BE SOME WHO WILL BE CARELESS AND THOUGHTLESS, AND I APPEAL TO THE COURTS TO BRING HOME TO THOSE ADDED°MMIT LITTER 0FFENCES THAT THEY MUST MEND THEIR WAYS,+ HE
0
/2E .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981
- 28 -
PRISON RULES BEING REVIEWED * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING AMENDING THE PRISON RULES TO BRING THEM IN LINE WITH MODERN PENAL PRACTICE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNOR SAID A BILL TO AMEND THE PRISONS ORDINANCE WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE COUNCIL DURING THE CURRENT SESSION.
SIR MURRAY NOTED THAT THE YEAR HAD NOT BEEN AN EASY ONL FOR THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT.
+IN ADDITION TO WHAT MIGHT BE DESCRIBED AS EXTRA-CURRICULAR DUTIES CONNECTED WITH VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, THERE HAS BEEN A 3.4 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE PENAL POPULATION, THE TOTAL MUSTER NOW STANDING AT ABOUT 7 OOO.
+THE PROBLEMS OF THESE INCREASED DEMANDS HAVE BEEN COMPOUNDED BY STAFF SHORTAGE WITH VACANCIES RUNNING AT 12 PER CENT IN THE OFFICER GRADES AND 15 PER CENT IN THE RANK AND FILE,+ HE SAID.
+NEVERTHELESS,+ HE ADDED, +HIGH STANDARDS ARE BEING MAINTAINED.+
IN DETENTION CENTRES, HE NOTED, NOT BEEN RECONVICTED IN THE 12 MONTHS
94.6 PER CENT OF INMATES HAVE FOLLOWING THEIR RELEASE.
♦SIMILARLY THE EXTENSION IN MAY 1980 TO OTHER YOUNG OFFENDERS OF STATUTORY SUPERVISION FOR UP TO 12 MONTHS FOLLOWING DISCHARGE HAS PRODUCED MOST ENCOURAGING FIRST RESULTS ALTHOUGH IT IS TOO EARLY TO DRAW FIRM CONCLUSIONS.
♦AT THE SAME TIME THE PRISONS INDUSTRIES HAVE SUCCESSFULLY CONTINUED TO EXPAND AND DIVERSIFY,* THE GOVERNOR SAID.
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LAW CHANGED TO REFLECT C AND W STATUS ♦ # # ♦ *
AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE TELEPHONE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981 PASSED THROUGH ALL THREE STAGES OF READING TO BECOME LAW.
MOVING THE BILL, MR D.G. JEAFFRESON, SECRETARY FOR"ECONOMIC SERVICES, SAID THE PURPOSE WAS TO REPLACE THE WORDS +CABLE AND WIRELESS LIMITED*, IN THE ORDINANCE WITH +CABLE AND WIRELESS (HONG KONG) LIMITED*, AS FROM THE BEGINNING OF THIS MONTH, TO REFLECT THE CHANGE IN STATUS OF THE COMPANY’S OPERATIONS.
♦PREVIOUSLY, THE CABLE AND WIRELESS OFFICE HERE WAS A BRANCH OF A COMPANY INCORPORATED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. NOW ITS OPERATIONS HAVE BECOME THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A LOCAL SUBSIDIARY INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG+, MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
♦THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEK FULLY CONSULTED ON THESE CHANGES AND HAS IN FACT TAKEN UP A TWENTY PER CENT SHAREHOLDING IN THE NEW HONG KONG SUBSIDIARY TO PUT IT IN THE BEST POSSIBLE POSITION TO SAFEGUARD THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG’S TELECOMMUNICATIONS USERS IN THE ABSENCE OF A SCHEME OF CONTROL.+
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981
- 29 -
TOYS SEEN AS SHOWCASE FOR HONG KONG INDUSTRY * * * *
THE NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT BY HONG KONG’S TOY INDUSTRY EXEMPLIFIES SItU2?d?^i,.iN?o1STRENGTH 0F THE H0NG K0NG ECONOMY AS A WHOLE AND MOST PARTICULARLY ITS MANUFACTURING AND EXPORTING SECTOR, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SHAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SEVENTH HONG KONG TOY AND GIFT THAT DESPITE ITS RELATIVELY SHORT HISTORY OF ONLY SEVEN YEARS, THE FAIR HAD BECOME AN INTERNATIONAL EVENT, ^9 LESS "HAN A SHOWCASE FOR HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL ACHIEVEMENTS OVER A WIDE RANGE OF TOYS AND GIFTWARE.
Ollt> *THE 1 "CREASING SUCCESS OF THIS FAIR AMPLY REFLECTS THE ?uSJulNED AND DYNAM,C GROWTH OF THE HONG KONG TOY INDUSTRY WHICH, ™E COURSE OF THE LAST TWO DECADES, HAS BECOME THE LARGEST TOY EXPORTER IN THE WORLD,* SIR JACK SAID.
HE SAID HONG KONG’S CONTINUED PROSPERITY AS AN ECONOMIC ENTITY RELIED IN LARGE PART UPON THE LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY’S FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY, TOGETHER WITH ITS COMMITMENT TO PRODUCING AND EXPORTING A QUALITY PRODUCT AT AN INTERNATIONALLY COMPETITIVE PRICE.
♦THIS ENTREPRENEURIAL PHILOSOPHY, BACKED BY A HARD-WORKING AND EFFICIENT WORK FORCE AND SUPPORTED BY A WORLDWIDE PROGRAMME OF PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES BY THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL. HAS CONTRIBUTED TO A SIGNIFICANT DEGREE TOWARDS HONG KONG’S PRESENT HIGH WORLD RANKING AS AN IMPORTANT EXPORTER,* SIR JACK SAID.
♦WE IN HONG KONG MAY TAKE SOME JUSTIFIABLE PRIDE IN OUR EXPORT PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, BUT IF THIS IS TO BE MAINTAINED OUR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY MUST REMAIN ACUTELY AWARE CF THE CONSTANT NEED TO MONITOR AND TO ACCOMMODATE CHANGES IN THE DEMAND PATTERNS OF OUR OVERSEAS MARKETS.
♦ONE OF THE PRIME EXAMPLES OF THIS SENSITIVITY TO INTERNATIONAL DEMAND MUST SURELY BE THE HONG KONG TOY INDUSTRY WHICH, OVER THE YEARS, HAS SUCCEEDED IN MATCHING A RAPID RATE OF EXPANSION WITH INNOVATIVE DESIGN, UPGRADED QUALITY AND A HIGH LEVEL OF PRODUCT DIVERSIFICATION,+ HE SAID.
WELCOMING OVERSEAS BUYERS TO THE FAIR, SIR JACK SAIDi +1 AM CONFIDENT THAT THEY WILL FIND MUCH TO INTEREST THEM NOT ONLY IN THE RANGE OF PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY BUT ALSO IN THE MANY NEW TOY AND GIFT ITEMS WHICH HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED HERE IN HONG KONG SINCE LAST YEAR.+
SIR vACK ALSO COMMENDED THE 2OO HONG KONG COMPANIES PARTICIPATING IN THE FAIR ON THEIR SUSTAINED EFFORTS AND INITIATIVES WHICH HAD ASSISTED IN MAKING THE TOY INDUSTRY ONE OF HONG KONG’S LEADING EXPORTING SECTORS.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981
- 30 -
TAX FREE INTEREST RAISED * * *
INTEREST PAYABLE BY LICENSED BANKS, BY CERTAIN PUBLIC UTILITIES AND BY THE GOVERNMENT AT RATES OF UP TO 13-1/2 PER CENT PER ANNUM WILL BE EXEMPTED FROM INTEREST TAX FROM TODAY (WEDNESDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED.
HE SAID THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 1-1/2 PER CENT IN THE EXEMPTION LIMIT AND FOLLOWS THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS ON FRIDAY THAT THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON SAVINGS ACCOUNTS WOULD BE SIMILARLY RAISED TO 13-1/2 PER CENT ALSO WITH EFFECT FROM TODAY.
SECTION 28 OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE HAS BEEN AMENDED, BY A PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDER SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR, TO RAISE FROM 12 PER CENT TO 13-1/2 PER CENT THE CEILING ON THE POWER OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO INCREASE THE RATE UP TO WHICH INTEREST IS EXEMPTED FROM INTEREST TAX.
THE PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDER, AND THE NOTICE SIGNED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, ARE PUBLISHED IN AN EXTRAORDINARY ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
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SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL ft ft ft ft
A SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY IS BEING CARRIED OUT THIS MONTH BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL IN PROVIDING SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AS WELL AS INFORMATION ON STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET IN HONG KONG.
A SAMPLE OF ABOUT 38 000 IS DRAWN FROM ESTABLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS SECTORS, INCLUDING INDUSTRIAL, SERVICE AND DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES (WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS), WHILE GENERAL BUILDING CONTRACTORS ARE COVERED IN FULL.
INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON SEPTEMBER 30 WILL BE ASKED OF EACH ESTABLISHMENT.
SOME 10 000 ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE SELECTED FROM THE SAMPLE AND ASKED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF JULY TO SEPTEMBER.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS IN EARLY OCTOBER. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1981 (LEGAL NOTICE NO. 25 OF 1981, GAZETTED ON JANUARY 27, 1981), ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1981
- 31 -
REMINDER ON VOTER REGISTRATION * * * *
THE REGISTRATION OFFICER TODAY REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT ONLY FIVE MORE DAYS WERE LEFT FOR THE RETURN OF APPLICATION FORMS FOR REGISTRATION AS QUALIFIED VOTERS IN HONG KONG.
AS THE GOVERNOR ANNOUNCED THIS AFTERNOON (WEDNESDAY) IN HIS ADDRESS OPENING THE NEW SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MORE THAN 90 000 APPLICATION FORMS HAD BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES, A FIGURE WHICH THE REGISTRATION OFFICER DESCRIBED AS ENCOURAGING.
IN ANSWER TO QUERIES RAISED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, THE REGISTRATION OFFICER CONFIRMED THAT SOME APPLICATION FORMS WERE PRINTED ON WHITE PAPER, IN ADDITION TO THE MAJORITY WHICH WERE PRINTED ON GREEN PAPER AND WERE ALREADY DISTRIBUTED.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE FORMS WERE IDENTICAL IN EVERY
OTHER RESPECT, BUT THAT SUPPLIES OF THE PARTICULAR BRAND OF GREEN PAPER WERE TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK. THIS MEANS THAT ONLY ONE FORM OF EITHER COLOUR NEED BE COMPLETED, AND NOT BOTH.
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HINTS ON LABOUR RELATIONS
MX**
UNNECESSARY LABOUR DISPUTES WOULD BE REDUCED IF EMPLOYERS SET UP JOINT CONSULTATION MACHINERY AND PAID DUE REGARD TO COMPLAINTS BY EMPLOYEES, A SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, MR ALFRED W.K.CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID EXPERIENCE SHOWED THAT MANY LABOUR DISPUTES AROSE FROM MISHANDLING OF TRIVIAL PERSONNEL PROBLEMS, AND ON MANY OCCASIONS EMPLOYERS WERE IMPERIOUS IN THEIR DEALINGS WITH THEIR EMPLOYEES, THUS CAUSING DISCONTENT.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE LAST OF A SERIES OF FIVE WORKSHOPS ON LABOUR RELATIONS AT QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, WAN CHAI, MR CHAN SAID HIS DEPARTMENT HAD SET UP A PROMOTION UNIT IN THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE TO ADVISE ORGANISATIONS AND BUSINESSES ON WAYS TO ACHIEVE HARMONIOUS RELATIONS WITH THEIR EMPLOYEES AND TO ASSIST THEM TO SET UP JOINT CONSULTATION MACHINERY.
THE SERIES OF WORKSHOP FORMED PART OF A YEAR-LONG LABOUR AND STAFF RELATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (UNDP) WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION (ILO).
THE FINAL PROGRAMME OF THE PROJECT IS A CONFERENCE FOR PARTICIPANTS OF THE WORKSHOPS TO BE HELD IN DECEMBER.
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNDP OR THE ILO ARE EXPECTED TO COME TO HONG KONG TO ADDRESS THE CONFERENCE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
RIGHT ATMOSPHERE FOR ARBITRATION HERE, SIR JACK SAYS... 1
OPPORTUNITY IN THE CIVIL SERVICE ........................ 2
PUBLIC URGED NOT TO WASTE WATER ......................... 3
RESIGNATION CONFIRMED ................................... 5
AUGUST MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS ............ 4
CONTRACT FOR MACHINERY .................................. 9
HK GALA EVENING IN LONDON............................... 10
TEACHERS PRODUCE OWN VISUAL AIDS AT MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT ................................................... 11
TO ATTEND CONFERENCE.................................... 12
NEW SUPPLY OF MACLENNAN INQUIRY REPORT ON SALE.......... 12
ANTI-NARCOTICS WALK .................................... 1j
ANTI-NARCOTICS MUSICAL DRAMA ........................... 14
TEMPORARY CLOSURE ...................................... 14
RECREATIONAL PLANS FOR TAI PO
15
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1981
RIGHT ATMOSPHERE FOR ARBITRATION HERE, SIR JACK SAYS * * * * *
HONG KONG HAS THE RIGHT ATMOSPHERE AND THE NECESSARY SUPPORT SERVICES FOR A FLOURISHING INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION CENTRE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE CONFERENCE ON INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION ORGANISED BY THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF ARBITRATORS, SIR JACK SAID THAT ARBITRATION, AS A METHOD OF RESOLVING DISPUTES, WAS A MATTER OF GREAT IMPORTANCE, PARTICULARLY IN THE FIELD OF INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE.
+AS THE MAJOR FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL CENTRE OF ASIA,+ SIR JACK SAID, +HONG KONG HAS OUTSTANDINGLY THE COMMUNICATION AND TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES NECESSARY TO AN INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION CENTRE: IT IS INDEED THE CROSS-ROADS OF ASIA.+
IN THE FIELD OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS, SIR JACK SAID HONG KONG OFFERED THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY +A SOPHISTICATED AND COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE WHICH IS MORE THAN EQUAL TO ITS EVER DEVELOPING NEEDS+.
SIR JACK SAID THE RANGE OF COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG INCLUDED TELEX, BUREAUFAX, INTERNATIONAL DATABASE ACCESS SERVICE AND DATA SWITCH, IN ADDITION TO TELEPHONIC INTERNATIONAL DIRECT DIALLING TO OVER 80 COUNTRIES.
AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS +DEDICATED TO A POLICY OF FREE TRADE, DEDICATED TO A PHILOSOPHY OF HAVING AS FREE AN ECONOMY AS POSSIBLE*, SIR JACK ADDED.
SIR JACK POINTED OUT THAT ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF ARBITRATORS PROVIDED A VALUABLE SERVICE IN THE SEARCH FOR EVER MORE EFFICIENT WAYS OF RESOLVING INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE DISPUTES.
THE WHOLE SUBJECT OF COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION IS AT PRESENT UNDER ACTIVE CONSIDERATION BY THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION OF HONG KONG, HE SAID.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1981
2
OPPORTUNITY IN THE CIVIL SERVICE *****
THE IMPORTANT FEATURE OF ANY PUBLIC ORGANISATION IS ITS CAPACITY TO SATISFY THE PEOPLE IT DEALS WITH, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DENIS BRAY, SAID AT THE OPENING OF THE CIVIL SERVICE CAREERS EXHIBITION AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG TODAY (THURSDAY).
♦THE WELL-BEING OF THE ORGANISATION IS NOT AN END IN ITSELF — IT IS A MEANS TO THE END OF A BETTER COMMUNITY LIFE.+ MR BRAY SAID.
MR BRAY SAID ONE OF THE GREATEST ATTRACTIONS ABOUT THE CIVIL SERVICE WAS THE VARIETY OF OPPORTUNITY IT OFFERED.
♦THIS VARIETY OF OPPORTUNITY CONTINUES THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER.* HE TOLD THE STUDENTS.
MR BRAY ALSO TOLD THE STUDENTS THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT CHOOSING A JOB IS THAT IT SHOULD BE SOMETHING THEY ENJOY.
+YOU WILL BE DOING IT FOR A LONG TIME. ANY JOB HAS ITS UPS AND DOWNS BUT DO GO FOR SOMETHING YOU WILL LIKE DOING,* HE SAID.
HE ASKED THE STUDENTS TO CONSIDER JOINING THE CIVIL SERVICE +IF YOU THINK THAT WORKING WITH PEOPLE IS MORE FUN THAN WORKING WITH THINGS- IF YOU WANT TO PLAY A PART IN SHAPING THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICES- IF YOU WANT TO BE PART OF THE ORGANISATION WHICH PRESIDES OVER ONE OF THE MOST VIGOROUS AND CARING CITIES IN THE WORLD*.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WAS AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS LYDIA DUNN, WHO SAID THAT DURING THE LAST SIX MONTHS ALONE, ABOUT 170 GRADUATES OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY HAD JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE.
+THE UNIVERSITY HAS AN OBLIGATION TO THE COMMUNITY TO ENSURE THAT ITS GRADUATES MAKE A MEANINGFUL AND RELEVANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL LIFE OF THIS CITY,* MISS DUNN SAID.
♦IN PART THIS MEANS ENSURING THAT GRADUATES ARE AWARE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND THE PROFESSIONS AND IN THE CIVIL SERVICE,* SHE SAID.
A TOTAL OF 18 DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES OF THE GOVERNMENT ARE TAKING PART IN THE TWO-DAY EXHIBITION WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AND THE UNIVERSITY APPOINTMENTS SERVICE.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1981
- 3 -
PUBLIC URGED NOT TO WASTE WATER * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR WILLIAM TUCKER, TODAY APPEALED TO PEOPLE NOT TO STORE MORE WATER THAN NECESSARY, SO AS TO AVOID WASTE.
THE APPEAL CAME HOURS BEFORE THE START OF THE FIRST PHASE OF WATER RESTRICTIONS WHICH WILL COME INTO FORCE AT 10 O’CLOCK TON IGHT.
MR TUCKER SAID THAT EXPERIENCE SHOWED THAT PEOPLE TEND TO STORE WATER IN BUCKETS OR BATHS DURING WATER RESTRICTIONS AND TO POUR OR LET IT OUT THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
♦THERE IS ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE WHO ARE IN GENUINE NEED OF STORING MUCH WATER BECAUSE THEY WORK LATE AND START WORK EARLY.
+IF CONSUMERS FIND IT NECESSARY TO STORE WATER, ONLY ENOUGH SHOULD BE STORED FOR OVERNIGHT NEEDS AS SUPPLIES WILL RESUME EARLY IN THE MORN ING,+ HE SAID.
MR TUCKER AGAIN REMINDED CONSUMERS THAT IT WAS ADVISABLE TO BOIL ALL DRINKING WATER, PARTICULARLY WATER STORED IN CONTAINERS SUCH AS TANKS, BUCKETS OR BINS.
♦ALTHOUGH THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS TAKING EXTRA PRECAUTIONS TO ENSURE THE PURITY OF MAINS SUPPLY, THERE IS ALWAYS A SLIGHT RISK OF CONTAMINATION AT TIMES WHEN SUPPLY IS CUT OFF,+ HE ADDED.
MR TUCKER DID NOT EXPECT ANY MAJOR OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS IN THE SWITCHING ON AND OFF OF SUPPLIES.
+HOWEVER,+ HE SAID, +ANYONE WHO EXPERIENCES ANY DIFFICULTY OR HAS ANY QUERY SHOULD CALL 5-8915223 IF HE LIVES ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND 3-913433 FOR KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES WHICH ARE MANNED DURING SUPPLY HOURS -- FROM 6 AM TO 10 PM.
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RESIGNATION CONFIRMED K K M
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED TODAY THAT MR UISDEIN MCINNES, COMMISSIONED FOR SECURITIES, HAS RESIGNED FOR PERSONAL REASONS. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS ASKED THE LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE FOR TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE AT AN APPROPRIATE SENIOR LEVEL.
IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT THE LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE HAS IN IIO SECONDING MR ROBERT FELL, THEIR PRESENT CHIEF EXECUTIVE.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE USUAL RECRUITING PROCESS FOR A SUBSTANTIVE APPOINTMENT OF A COMP. I SS I ONER FOR SECURITIES IS I. TRAIN.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1981
- 4 -
AUGUST MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS * * * *
THE MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS FOR AUGUST ARE PUBLISHED TODAY.
THEY SHOW A RISE IN AUGUST IN THE MONEY SUPPLY (ON ALL DEFINITIONS) AND ALSO IN TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG, WHICH OFFSET FALLS RECORDED IN JULY.
THERE WAS A FLOW OF FUNDS INTO THE HONG KONG MONETARY SECTOR DURING THE MONTH, WHICH ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO THE RISE IN THE MONEY SUPPLY.
NEVERTHELESS THERE HAS BEEN A MARKED SLOWING DOWN IN THE RATE AT WHICH THE MONEY SUPPLY HAS BEEN GROWING: THE AUGUST STATISTICS SHOW THAT IN THE LATEST THREE MONTHS, BOTH M3 (OLD SERIES) AND HK$M3 (NEW SERIES) ROSE APPRECIABLY LESS THAN IN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS.
TABLE ONE SETS OUT THE DETAILED FIGURES FOR AUGUST, FROM THE ORIGINAL SERIES OF MONEY AND BANKING FIGURES, AND PROVIDES COMPARISONS WITH PREVIOUS MONTHS.
TABLE TWO SETS OUT SOME SELECTED FIGURES FROM THE NEW SERIES OF MONETARY STATISTICS NOW BEING COLLECTED UNDER THE MONETARY STATISTICS ORDINANCE 1980. THE NEW SERIES IS PUBLISHED EACH MONTH FROM NOW ON AND WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL SERIES FROM JANUARY 1982.
ALSO ATTACHED IS A NOTE OF THE DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS OF THE HONEY SUPPLY.
MONEY SUPPLY - ORIGINAL SERIES
THE MONEY SUPPLY ON THE NARROWEST DEFINITIONS, Ml, ROSE 1.7 PER CENT IN AUGUST, AFTER A FALL OF 1.8 PER CENT IN JULY. ■M2 ROSE BY 1.5 PER CENT IN AUGUST, FOLLOWING A FALL OF 1.4 PER CENT IN JULY.
M3 ROSE BY 3.3 PER CENT IN AUGUST, AFTER FALLING BY 3.3 PER CENT IN JULY. THE AUGUST INCREASE REFLECTED A 6.8 PER CENT RISE IN DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS Ml FELL BY 4.1 PER CENT WHILE M2 ROSE BY 4.3 PER CENT, AFTER THEIR RESPECTIVE INCREASES OF 5.1 PER CENT AND 2.4 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS. IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS M3 ROSE BY 5.9 PER CENT, DOWN FROM AN INCREASE OF 7.7 PER CENT IN THC PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS.
/MONEY oUPPLY
THURSDAY, OJTC . . 8, ' <1
p
MONEY SUPPLY - NEW SERIES
THE MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS IN THE NEW SERIES ROSE IN AUGUST, WITH M3 - TOTAL UP BY 3.3 PER CENT AND HK$M3 UP BY 2.7 PER CENT. IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS M3 - TOTAL ROSE BY 5.6 PER CENT, WHILE HK3M3 ROSE BY 2.5 PER CENTi THESE ARE SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER THAN THEIR RESPECTIVE INCREASES OF 7.8 PER CENT AND 5.9 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS.
IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS YEAR (THE LONGEST PERIOD FOR WHICH THE SERIES IS AVAILABLE) HK$M3 HAS RISEN BY 15.6 PER CENT, EQUIVALENT TO AN ANNUAL RATE OF SOME 23 PER CENT, WHILE HK$M1 HAS FALLEN BY 0.7 PER CENT.
LOANS IN HONG KONG - ORIGINAL SERIES
TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG ROSE BY 3.4 PER CENT IN AUGUST, AFTER A FALL OF 0.6 PER CENT IN JULY. IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG ROSE BY 7.2 PER CENT, DOWN FROM AN INCREASE OF 11.2 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS.
BANKS LOANS IN HONG KONG ROSE BY 2.5 PER CENT IN AUGUST, AFTER A FALL OF 1.3 PER CENT IN JULY. LOANS IN HONG KONG BY DEPOSIT-TAKING ROSE BY 6 PER CENT, AFTER RISING BY 1.3 PER CENT IN JULY. IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS BANK LOANS IN HONG KONG ROSE BY 4.6 PER CENT AND LOANS IN HONG KONG BY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES EY 15.3 PER CENT, DOWN FROM THEIR RESPECTIVE INCREASES OF 9.8 PER CENT AND 16 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS.
UNLIKE THE NEW SERIES THESE FIGURES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE PLACE WHERE THE LOANS ARE TO BE USED, BECAUSE A BORROWER IN HONG KONG MAY VERY WELL BORROW IN HONG KONG FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG - NEW SERIES
LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE IN AUGUST BY 5.1 PER CENT, AFTER A FALL OF 1.9 PER CENT IN JULY. IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG
ROSE BY 10.8 PER CENT- SINCE DECEMBER 1980 THEY HAVE RISEN BY 29.9 PER CENT, EQUIVALENT TO AN ANNUAL RATE OF SOME 45 PER CENT.
FOREIGN ASSETS
THE NET IDENTIFi BLE FOREIGN ASSETS OF ALL BANKS INCREASED IN AUGUST BY $996 MN. AND THOSE OF DTCS BY $774 MN, INDICATING A NET INFLOW OF FUNDS INTO THE HONG KONG MONETARY SECTOR OF $1 770 MN, AFTER A NET OUTFLOW OF $2 262 MN IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS THE NET INFLOW OF FUNDS INTO HONG KONG AMOUNTED TO SI 260 MN, COMPARED WITH A NET INFLOW OF $81 MN IN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS.
/BALANCE
-HSUoEk: , CC?GB-.. ..
- 6 -
BALANCE SHEET RATIOS
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO FOR ALL BANKS IN HONG KONG ROSE IN AUGUST TO 50.1 PER CENT FROM 49.8 PER CENT IN JULY, THOUGH THE LOAN/DEPOSIT RATIO ROSE TO 120 PER CENT AT THE END OF AUGUST FROM 118.6 PER CENT AT THE END OF JULY.
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO FOR ALL DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE TO 44.6 PER CENT IN AUGUST FROM 44.4 PER CENT IN JULY, BUT THE LOAN/DEPOSIT RATIO AT THE END OF AUGUST FELL TO 69.7 PER CENT FROM 70.3 PER CENT AT THE END OF JULY, REFLECTING THE INCREASE IN DEPOSITS WITH DTCS DURING THE MONTH.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING BANKS REMAINED UNCHANGED IN AUGUST AT 115. THE NUMBER OF REPORTING DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY ONE DURING THE MONTH TO 348.
TABLE 1
MONEY AND BANKING FIGURES - END OF AUGUST 1981 (HK$ MILLION)
FIGURES FOR EARLIER MONTHS (% CHANGE)
AUGUST 1981 JULY 1981 MAY 1981 AUGUST 1980
Ml 23 820 23 418 (+1.7%) 24 829 (-4.1%) 24 074 (-1.1%)
M2 108 134 106 552 (+1.5%) 103 672 (+4.3%) 93 004 (+16.3%)
M3 168 432 163 025 (+3.3%) 159 116 (+5.9%) 124 207 (+35.6%)
BANKS
DEPOSITS 98 926 97 624 (+1.3%) 94 907 (+4.2%) 85 016 (+16.4%)
LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG 118 665 115 779 (+2.5%) 113 457 (+4.6%) 76 764 (+54.6%)
LOAN/DEPOSIT RATIO 120.0% 118.6% 119.5% 90.3%
AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO 50.1% 49.8% 49.4% 48.6%
/deposit-taking .......
THU&iDAlt 9 (Az o, 'i9c1
7
DEPOSIT-TAK ING COMPANIES
DEPOSITS 60 298 56 473 (♦6.8%) 55 444 (+8.8%) 31 203 (+93.2%)
LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG 42 043 39 676 (♦6.0%) 36 475 (+15.3%) 24 784 (+69.6%)
LOAN/DEPOSIT RATIO 69.7% 70.3% 65.8% 79.4%
AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO 44.6% 44.4% 45.9% 46.4%
BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAK ING COMPANIES
TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCE IN HONG KONG 160 708 155 455 (+3.4%) 149 932 (♦7.2%) 101 548 (+58.3%)
MONETARY STATISTICS - NEW SERIES
: END OF AUGUST 1981 (HKS MILLION)
FIGURES FOR EARLIER MONTHS (% CHANGE)
MONEY SUPPLY AUGUST 1981 JULY 1981 MAY 1981
Ml - TOTAL 23 968 23 596 (+1.6%) 24 910 (-3.8%)
HKS 22 905 22 702 (+0.9%) 23 932 (-4.3%)
M2 - TOTAL 106 566 105 003 (+1.5%) 102 474 (♦4.0%)
HK$ 90 333 89 706 (+0.7%) 89 047 (+1.4%)
M3 - TOTAL 166 551 161 264 (+3.3%) 157 691 (+5.6%)
HKS 139 151 135 515 (+2.7%) 135 730 (+2.5%)
/BANKS* BALANSJ .........
BANKS’ BAL E SHEETS - 8 - , 19g 1
DEPOSITS 95 759 94 485 (+1.3%) 92 291 (+3.8%)
NEGOTIABLE CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES: 3 338 3 192 (+4.6%) 2 724 (+22.5%)
FOR USE IN HONG KONG 89 561 87 090 (+2.8%) 85 254 (+5.1%)
FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES’ BALANCE SHEETS 28 308 26 924 (+5.1%) 26 916 (+5.2%)
DEPOS ITS 59 426 55 767 (+6.6%) 54 824 (+8.4%)
NEGOTIABLE CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES : 980 823 (+19.1%) 715 (+37.1%)
FOR USE IN HONG KONG 35 852 32 273 (+11.1%) 27 920 (+28.4%)
FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG 28 546 28 558 (-0.04%) 27 089 (+5.4%)
DEFINITIONS OF THE MONEY SUPPLY
OR IG INAL SER IES
Ml NOTES AND COINS WITH THE PUBLIC, PLUS DEMAND DEPOSITS, OTHER THAN FROM BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, WITH LICENSED BANKS.
M2 Ml PLUS SAVINGS AND TIME DEPOSITS, OTHER THAN FROM BANKS AND DTCS, WITH LICENSED BANKS.
M3 M2 PLUS DEPOSITS, OTHER THAN FROM BANKS AND DTCS, WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
THUHSOhY, CvTO3£.-. . , 15.•-,
I£W SERIES
Ml - TOTAL
M2 - TOTAL
M3 - TOTAL
NOTES AND COINS WITH THE PUBLIC, PLUS CUSTOMERS’ DEMAND DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS.
Ml PLUS CUSTOMERS’ SAVINGS AND TIME DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS, PLUS NEGOTIABLE CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT ISSUED BY LICENSED BANKS AND HELD OUTSIDE THE MONETARY SECTOR.
JJ2 PLUSCUSTOMER5' DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES PLUS NEGOTIABLE CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT ISSUED BY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AND HELD OUTSIDE THE MONETARY SECTOR.
HCSM1 )
HKSM2 )
*$M3 )
NOTES AND COINS PLUS THE HONG KONG DOLLAR -DENOMINATED ELEMENT OF THE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF DEPOSIT AND NEGOTIABLE CD AS APPROPRIATE.
CONTRACT FOR MACHINERY ft ft ft ft
THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE TODAY AWARDED A S9-MILLI0N CONTRACT TO SWIRE ENGINEERING LTD. FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF MACHINERY FOR THE CENTRAL SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT.
< \
THE PLANT, FORMING PART OF THE CENTRAL SEWERAGE DEVELOPMENT, IS DESIGNED TO SERVE ABOUT 300 000 PEOPLE IN THE CENTRAL AND SAI YING PUN AREAS.
•
THE SEWAGE WllL BE CONVEYED TO THE SCREENING PLANT, WHERE THE MACHINERY WILL REMOVE GRIT, RAGS, DEBRIS AND ORGANIC MATTERS BEFORE THE SEWAGE IS DISCHARGED TO THE SEA THROUGH A SUBMARINE OUTFALL.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN MID-1983.
/10.......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1981
10 " ...
HK GALA EVENING IN LONDON * * *
NEARLY 1 000 GUESTS, INCLUDING HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS ALEXANDRA AND THE HON ANGUS OGILVY, ATTENDED THE +HONG KONG GALA EVENING* AT THE BARBICAN CENTRE IN LONDON ON TUESDAY NIGHT (OCTOBER 6).
THE PRESENTATION IN THE CONCERT HALL OF THE BARBICAN CENTRE, THE CITY’S NEW HOME FOR THE LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY, WAS THE CLIMAX OF THE TWO-DAY HONG KONG PROMOTION ON OCTOBER 5 AND 6.
DURING THE HOUR-LONG PRESENTATION, THE AUDIENCE SAW PERFORMANCES BY TRADITIONAL CHINESE DANCERS AND MUSICIANS, AN AUDIO-VISUAL SHOW TELLING HOW HONG KONG HAS TRANSFORMED INTO A DYNAMIC AND PROSPEROUS CITY, AND A +HONG KONG STYLE* SHOW DISPLAYING HONG KONG FASHIONS USING MODELS FROM HONG KONG, NEW YORK, PARIS AND LONDON.
THE SENIOR BRITISH GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE AT THE GALA WAS THE RECENTLY-APPOINTED DEPUTY FOREIGN SECRETARY, MR HUMPHREY ATKINS, THE CABINET MINISTER WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG AFFAIRS.
LEADING FIGURES FROM HONG KONG AT THE PRESENTATION INCLUDED THE CHIEF SECRETARY-DESIGNATE, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE- THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, SIR Y.K. KAN AND THE POLICE COMMISSIONER, MR ROY HENRY.
THE OCCASION WAS HOSTED BY THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER IN-LONDON, MR DAVID FORD, AND MRS FORD.
BEFORE THE PRESENTATION, HRH PRINCESS ALEXANDRA MET LEADERS CF THE HONG KONG CHINESE COMMUNITY IN BRITAIN, A GROUP OF HONG KONG STUDENTS, MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION, MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE ASSOCIATION AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HONG KONG PRESS IN UK.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1981
- 11 _
TEACHERS PRODUCE OWN VISUAL AIDS
AT MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT
* * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, TODAY (THURSDAY) SA* HOW TEACHERS PRODUCE THEIR OWN AUDIO-VISUAL TEACHING AIDS FOR USE IN THE CLASSROOMS.
IN A VISIT TO THE DEPARTMENT’S MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT (MPSU) IN CANTON ROAD THIS AFTERNOON, MR HAYE WATCHED THE TEACHERS PRODUCE SUCH TEACHING TOOLS AS PHOTOGRAPHS, SLIDES, GRAPHIC DRAWINGS, MODELS, OVERHEAD TRANSPARENCIES, CHARTS, DIAGRAMS AND CASSETTE TAPE RECORDINGS.
THE MPSU OF THE VISUAL EDUCATION SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, IS LOCATED ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF 182 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.
WITH A FLOOR AREA OF 470 SQUARE METRES, THE UNIT CONSISTS OF A SPECIAL WORKSHOP, A WORKSHOP FOR TEACHERS AND A LECTURE THEATRE IN ADDITION TO OFFICE SPACE.
THE AIM OF THE UNIT IS TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES TO HELP TEACHERS LEARN THE TECHNIQUES FOR THE PRODUCTION AND USE OF AUDIO-VISUAL MEDIA IN TEACHING AND LEARNING.
FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR USE IN THE UNIT COVER THE AREAS OF PHOTOGRAPHIC, REPROGRAPHIC, SCREEN PRINTING, GRAPHIC, PICTURE PRESERVATION, BOOKLET BINDING, MODEL MAKING AND AUDIO RECORDING.
ALL TEACHERS ARE WELCOME TO MAKE USE OF THE FACILITIES IN THE UNIT’S WORKSHOPS TO PRODUCE TEACHING AIDS FOR THE CLASSROOMS.
NO FEE IS CHARGED FOR USE OF THE EQUIPMENT IN THE WORKSHOP, AND TEACHERS MAY BRING THEIR OWN MATERIAL TO PRODUCE THEIR AIDS, OR MAY USE THE MATERIAL AVAILABLE IN THE WORKSHOPS AT COST PRICE ONLY.
THE UNIT ALSO ORGANISES COURSES AND SEMINARS FOR TEACHERS ON THE EFFECTIVE USE OF MEDIA AND PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES.
BECAUSE OF DEMAND, THE UNIT HAS BEEN OPENED ON THREE DAYS A WEEK SINCE OCTOBER 1, INSTEAD OF TWO DAYS.
THE OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 4.30 PM ON WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS, AND FROM 9 AM TO 11.30 AM ON SATURDAYS.
PLANS ARE BEING MADE TO OPEN THE UNIT ON FIVE DAYS A WEEK FROM OCTOBER NEXT YEAR, AND ON SEVEN DAYS A WEEK BY MAY 1983.
SINCE THE UNIT WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED IN JANUARY 1979, MORE THAN 7 000 TEACHERS HAVE MADE USE OF THE FACILITIES OF THE UNIT, CR AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 30 EACH OPENING DAY.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1981
12
TO ATTEND CONFERENCE * *
nm LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, MR WONG LAM
AND MR HO.KAM-FAI WILL BE LEAVING HONG.KONG ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 10) FOR THE 27TH COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE IN SUVA, FIJI.
THIS PLENARY CONFERENCE CF THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION WILL BE HELD FROM OCTOBER 19 TO 23, AND WILL BE ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 250 PARLIAMENTARIANS INCLUDING SPEAKERS AND MINISTERS FROM COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES.
CONFERENCE WILL BE OPENED BY THE COVERNOR-OBUBRAL OF FIJI RATtFllR GEORGE CAKOBAU, AND ITS PROCEEDINGS WILL BE GUIDED BY THE* PRESIDENT OF THE CPA THIS YEAR, THE HON M. QIONIBARAVf, SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF FIJI. ’
"" ’ * X
MONG THE TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED AT PLENARY SESSIONS ARE ASPECTS OF T:-; PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM, ROLE OF THE COMMONWEALTH POLLUTION CONTROL, AND COMMODITY PRICES. ’
THERE WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSION AT MORE INFORMAL PANEL SESSIONS.
-------0----------
NEW SUPPLY OF MACLENNAN INQUIRY REPORT ON SALE
M
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT MORE COPIES OF THE FULL VERSION 'N ENGLISH OF THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO INSPECTOR MACLENNAN’S CASE HAVE BEEN PRINTED AND ARE NOW ON SALE.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE REPRINTING OF 500 COPIES, IN ENGLISH, WAS UNDERTAKEN TO SATISFY PUBLIC DEMAND.
COPIES OF THE FULL REPORT, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE AT $50 EACH, AND THE SUMMARY (ALSO IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE), AT $6 EACH, MAY BE BOUGHT AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, G/F., CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.
-------o --------
/15
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1981
- 13 -
ANTI-NARCOTICS WftlK * *
MORE THAN 1 OOO PEOPLE EROM ABOUT 300 FAMILIES WILL TAKE PART IN A +FAMILY WALK SCHEME* TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 11) AT SHING MUN RESERVOIR.
THE SCHEME FORMS PART OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS’ PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMME FOR THIS YEAR AND IS ORGANISED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHEME ARE TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE AND TO PROMOTE HEALTHY OUTDOOR PURSUITS AMONG FAMILIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
♦IT IS OUR GOAL TO OFFER THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY YOUNG PEOPLE, HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES TO DRUG ABUSE,♦ HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE RESPONSE OF THE SCHEME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS MOST ENCOURAGING THAT APPLICATIONS WERE STILL BEING RECEIVED AFTER THE CLOSING DATE.
HOWEVER, HE EXPLAINED THAT THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS HAD TO BE LIMITED DUE TO ADMINISTRATIVE REASONS.
THE WALK COVERS SIX ROUTES, INCLUDING VARIOUS COUNTRY PARK AREAS IN SHING MUN, TAI LAM, PAT SIN RANGE, LUK KENG AND SAI KUNG, AN EXCITING FOREST TRAIL IN TAI LAM AND HO PUI, AS WELL AS A VISIT TO CHEUNG SHEUNG PLATEAU IN SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK.
SUNDAY’S OUTING WILL BE THE FIRST WALK OF THE SCHEME, AND FIVE OTHERS WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 25, NOVEMBER 8 AND 29, DECEMBER 13 AND 27, ALL SUNDAYS.
PARTICIPANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO COMPLETE AS MANY ROUTES AS POSSIBLE. FAMILIES COMPLETING ALL SIX ROUTES WILL BE GIVEN PRIZES WHILE THOSE COMPLETING FIVE ROUTES WILL RECEIVE SOUVENIRS.
EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTORS WILL LOOK AFTER PARTICIPANTS ALONG ALL ROUTES. IN ADDITION, STAFF FROM THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES AS WELL AS CIVIL AID SERVICE WILL BE DEPLOYED FOR FIRST AID COVERAGE AND CROWD CONTROL PURPOSE.
TO START OFF THE SCHEME, A CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 9.30 AM ON SUNDAY AT LUI MING CHOI LUTHERAN COLLEGE IN CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE, WHICH WILL BE THE STARTING POINT OF THE WALK.
MR KARL STUMPF, CHAIRMAN OF THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE OF ACAN WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY, TOGETHER WITH MR C.M. LEUNG, ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS-bR DICKEN YUNG, PRINCIPAL RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICERDR ANDREW CHIU, PRESIDENT OF LUTHERAN CHURCH- AND MR LEE WING-CHING PRINCIPAL OF LUI MING CHOI LUTHERAN COLLEGE.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1981-
14 ANTI-NARCOTICS MUSICAL DRAMA M *
THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WILL JOINTLY PRESENT A SERIES OF MUSICAL DRAMA PERFORMANCES TO BRING THE ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGE TO THE HEART OF THE PUBLIC.
ENTITLED +REVIVAL+, THE EDUCATIONAL-CUM-ENTERTAINING MUSICAL DRAMA IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND ORGANISED BY ACAN. IT ALSO FORMS PART OF ACAN’S PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMME FOR THIS YEAR.
BASED ON A CASE-HISTORY, THE DRAMA FEATURES THE AGONIES CF A DRUG ADDICT, THE PRESSING TENSION OF HIS ASSOCIATION WITH DRUG PUSHERS AND THE DISRUPTED FAMILY RELATIONSHIP.
IT ALSO SHOWS THAT WITH THE SUPPORT OF FAMILY MEMBERS, THE HELP OF THE SOCIAL WORKER AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS, THE ADDICT CAN RID HIMSELF OF ADDICTION AND LEAD A NEW LIFE.
THE DRAMA HAS 16 SONG INSERTS, ALL POPULAR MELODIES WITH RE-WRITTEN LYRICS TO PROVIDE AN +ENTERTAINMENT+ ELEMENT.
A THEME SONG WAS ALSO COMPOSED FOR THE DRAMA.
THE PREMIERE IN TSUEN WAN TOWN TO SING THE THEME
SHOW WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 16 (FRIDAY) AT 8 PM HALL AND POP SINGER ROMAN TAM WILL BE ON STAGE SONG AS GUEST PERFORMER.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS TO THE PREMIERE WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE BOOKING OFFICE OF TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 10) AT 2 PM.
0 - -
TEMPORARY CLOSURE * *
_._THE SECTION OF EDINBURGH PLACE EAST OF THE STAR FERRY TAXI ITS UNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD, CENTRAL, WILL BE TRAFFIC FROM 2 AM TO 6 AM TOMORROW AND ON SATURDAY
(OCTOBcR 9 AND 10) TO FACILITATE SEISMIC SURVEY WORK.
THE WESTERN PART OF THE EDINBURGH PLACE SECTION WILL BE CONVERTED INTO A TWO-WAY CUL-DE-SAC DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1981
- 15 -
RECREATIONAL PLANS FOR TAI PO * * * * MANY NEW RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ARE BEING PLANNED FOR TAI PO NE* TOWN, WHICH WILL HAVE A POPULATION OF 210 000 BY THE END OF THE DECADE.
AT THE THIRD MEETING OF TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD RECENTLY, A PLAN TO PROVIDE OUTDOOR AND INDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WAS OUTLINED FOR MEMBERS’ INFORMATION.
A SWIMMING POOL BEHIND THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE READY BY 1984, WHILE A FULL SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX WILL OPEN IN 1986 ON THE RECLAMATION AREA NEAR TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
TOWN RESIDENTS w ILL HAVE ACCESS TO COUNTRY TRAILS VIA A RURAL FOOTPATH SYSTEM WHICH WILL LINK THE DEVELOPMENT AREAS WITH THE SURROUNDING SCENIC COUNTRYSIDE. THE PATHS AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN STAGES.
EXTENSION OF THE EXISTING CYCLE TRACK TO BRIDE’S POOL IS BEING CONSIDERED. AT PRESENT THE TRACK STARTS AT TING KOK ROAD, BUT ENDS AT TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, A DISTANCE OF ONLY TWO MILES.
AS FOR INDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, THE TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY 1983.
THE CENTRE WILL INCLUDE BADMINTON COURTS, CHANGING ROOMS, STAGE FACILITIES AND SEATING FOR 500 SPECTATORS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID AS MOST OF THE PLANNED OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WOULD NOT BE READY UNTIL AFTER 1985, IT HAD BEEN ONE OF THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE DISTRICT BOARD TO EXPLORE WAYS OF DEVELOPING TEMPORARY RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO MEET THE NEED OF THE GROWING POPULATION.
TO THIS EFFECT, TWO TEMPORARY SOCCER PITCHES BEING BUILT IN THE TOWN SQUARE AREA ARE NEAR COMPLETION AND WILL BE IN USE FOR ABOUT FOUR YEARS.
EXISTING OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN TAI PO INCLUDE THE TAI PO PLAYGROUND, TAI MEI TUK WATERSPORTS CENTRE, PLOVER COVE TEMPORARY PLAYGROUND, TAI PO KAU PARK, TAI PO KAU REST GARDEN, TAI PO TOWN SQUARE AND THE CONTOUR PARK.
THE SPORTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL REGUL-R-Y REVIEW PROGRESS BEING MADE AT PROVIDING RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND THE EXTENT EXISTING FACILITIES ARE BE ING USED.
FOR 1981/82, THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED APPROXIMATELY 5500 000 FOR RECREATIO , SPORTS AND CULTURAL PROJECTS.
------0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FE.V PROBLEMS AS WATER RESTRICTIONS START...................... 1
HURRY UP AND REGISTER, SNT URGES .............................. 2
TOUGHER MEASURES AGAINST ILLEGAL DUMPING ...................... 3
MERCHANT SHIPPING (PLEASURE VESSELS) AMENDMENT REGULATIONS 1981 .......................................................... 4
LAND RESUMPTION FOR MTR ISLAND LINE ........................... 5
MAJOR ROAD PROJECT FOR TAI PO ................................. 6
FISHERMEN DO WELL IN TELEPHONY COURSE.......................... 6
TECHNIQUES OF TEACHING DISABLED .............................
NEW 24-HOUR CLEARWAY FOR CASTLE PEAK ROAD ...................
FUN FAIR FOR 2 OOO CHILDREN
8
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1981
1 -
FEW PROBLEMS AS WATER RESTRICTIONS START ft ft ft ft
HONG YESTERDAY
KONG WENT THROUGH ITS FIRST NIGHT OF WATER RESTRICTIONS WITH RELATIVELY FEW PROBLEMS.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR WILLIAM TUCKER, FOLLOWING THE SUCCESSFUL LAUNCHING OF THE FIRST PHASE OF WATER RESTRICTIONS.
HE SAID THAT ON THE WHOLE THERE SEEMED TO HAVE BEEN LITTLE INCONVENIENCE, EXCEPT IN A FEW ISOLATED CASES.
MR TUCKER SAID THAT AS IN THE PAST, A NUMBER OF REPORTS WERE RECEIVED FROM PEOPLE IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS WHO FOUND THEIR TAPS RUNNING OUT EVEN BEFORE SUPPLIES WERE SWITCHED OFF AT 10 PM.
THE MAIN REASON FOR THIS, HE SAID, WAS PROBABLY OVER-REACTION ON THE PART OF SOME PEOPLE WHO ALL DECIDED TO DRAW WATER TO LAST THEM THROUGH THE NIGHT.
MR TUCKER SAID THAT IT WAS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT IN AN ATTEMPT TO REDUCE OPERATIONAL COSTS, SOME BUILDING MANAGEMENTS MIGHT HAVE ALTERED THE INTERNAL PUMPING SYSTEMS, WHICH WERE REQUIRED BY THE WATER AUTHORITY IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE UPPER FLOORS WOULD STILL BE ABLE TO GET WATER WHEN MAINS PRESSURE WAS LOW - PARTICULARLY DURING TIMES OF WATER RESTRICTIONS.
HE APPEALED TO THE MANAGEMENTS OF THESE BUILDINGS TO ENSURE THAT THEIR INTERNAL PUMPING SYSTEMS WERE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
♦WITHOUT THE INTERNAL PUMPING SYSTEM,+ HE SAID, +THE OCCUPANTS OF THE BUILDINGS MIGHT SUFFER UNNECESSARY HARDSHIP DURING WATER RESTRICTIONS, AND THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO BECAUSE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE INTERNAL SYSTEMS LIES ENTIRELY WITH THE BUILDING MANAGEMENTS.♦
COMMENTING ON REPORTS THAT STAFF OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WERE SEEN SWITCHING OFF SUPPLIES BEFORE 10 PM, HE SAID THAT THE TIME TAKEN TO CLOSE A VALVE RANGED FROM TWO MINUTES FOR A FOUR-INCH PIPE TO SOME 25 MINUTES FOR A 48-INCH MAIN.
♦THAT IS WHY THE TURNCOCK STAFF HAVE TO START A BIT EARLY SO THAT THE SUPPLIES CAN BE COMPLETELY SWITCHED OFF BY 10 PM.+
REFERRING TO REPORTS THAT SOME PREMISES HAD CONTINUED TO RECEIVE WATER DU ING THE RESTRICTION HOURS, HE SAID THESE PREMISES WERE APPARENTLY DRAW,'.G WATER FROM STORAGE TANKS ON THE ROOFS OF THE BUILDINGS.
HE URGED THE MANAGEMENTS OF THESE BUILDINGS TO CO-OPERATE IN ENSURING THAT ALL THESE TANKS ARE SHUT OFF DURING THE RESTRICTION HOURS.
/in othek .......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 198*1
2 -
IN OTHER CASES, HE SAID, A FEW PREMISES RECEIVED WATER OUTSIDE SUPPLY HOURS BECAUSE THEY ARE LOCATED WITHIN INDUSTRIAL ZONES.
MR TUCKER POINTED OUT THAT SOME PEOPLE CONTINUED TO RECEIVE WATER WELL AFTER THE MAINS WERE CLOSED BECAUSE SOME WATER REMAINED IN THE PIPING SYSTEM AND FOR A WHILE WOULD CONTINUE TO FEED SOME PREMISES IN LOW-LYING AREAS.
HE STRESSED THAT EVERY EFFORT WAS BEING MADE TO HAVE SUPPLIES STOPPED AT 10 PM EACH DAY AND RESTORED AT 6 O’CLOCK THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED. CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT EXPECT THEIR SUPPLIES TO BE STOPPED AT PRECISELY 10 PM.
+IN SOME CASES, THE SWITCH-OFF TIME VARIES BY MINUTES FROM PLACE TO PLACE AS OUR TURNCOCK STAFF WORK THEIR WAY FROM ONE VALVE TO ANOTHER,* HE SAID.
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HURRY UP AND REGISTER, SNT URGES
* * *
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI KAM, TODAY (FRIDAY) CALLED ON ALL WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE IN NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TO +HURRY UP AND REGISTER*.
THERE ARE ONLY THREE DAYS LEFT FOR REGISTRATION WHICH CLOSES ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 12).
MR CHUI SAID UP TO YESTERDAY THE EIGHT NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES HAD RECEIVED MORE THAN 100 000 COMPLETED FORMS.
♦THIS IS A REASONABLY SATISFACTORY RESULT, ALTHOUGH I AM HOPING THAT A LOT MORE FORMS WILL COME IN BEFORE REGISTRATION CLOSES,* HE SAID.
ONLY THOSE WHO REGISTER CAN VOTE IN THE NT DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ON MARCH 4 NEXT YEAR, HE POINTED OUT.
+BY VOTING, PEOPLE C,\N CHOOSE THEIR OWN REPRESENTATIVES TO SIT ON BOARDS, WHIC HAVE A DIRECT SAY ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND POLICIES AFFECTING THEIR LIVES,* HE SAID.
ELECTIONS FOR THE DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE ORGANISED ON A CONSTITUENCY BASIS. THERE ARE 46 CONSTITUENCIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND 128 POLLING STATIONS.
ANYONE WHO IS AGED 21 YEARS OR OVER, POSSESSES A HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD AND WHO HAS LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR AT LEAST SEVEN YEARS IS QUALIFIED TO VOTE.
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/3......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1981
3
TOUGHER MEASURES AGAINST ILLEGAL DUMPING * * * *
TO HELP MAKE HONG KONG A TO STRENGTHEN THE LAW TO DEAL OF LITTER AND WASTE.
CLEANER PLACE, THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES WITH THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL DUMPING
PROVISIONS ARE CONTAINED
IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN
(AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1981, PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE
J*HfE?i™'T'0N * ufTER To COV6R ALL TVPES w
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE INTENTION WAS TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE LAW APPLIED TO LITTER DEPOSITED FROM GOODS VEHICLES.
SERIOUS PROBLEMS HAD BEEN CAUSED IN THE PAST BY THE ILLEGAL AND INDISCRIMINATE DUMPING OF LORRY LOADS OF LITTER, WASTE AND OTHER MATERIAL, PARTICULARLY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, BY DRIVERS WHO FAILED TO MAKE USE OF CONTROLLED TIPS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦BECAUSE OF THE PREVALENCE OF THIS PRACTICE. ITS HARMFUL EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE COST INVOLVED IN THE REMOVAL OF THE RUBBISH, IT IS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST THAT AMENDMENTS BE INTRODUCED TO MAKE THE LAW MORE EFFECTIVE,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION, LIABILITY FOR THE OFFENCE IS RESTRICTED TO THE PERSON WHO ACTUALLY DUMPS THE LOAD.
IN VIEW OF THE DIFFICULTY IN ESTABLISHING THE IDENTITY OF THE PERSON DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE P^^NCE, UNLESS THE OFFENDER IS CAUGHT IN THE ACT, NEW REGULATIONS WOULD MAKE THE OWNER OR HIRER OF GOODS VEHICLES RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACTIONS OF THE DRIVERS UNDER THEIR CONTROL.
THIS MEANS THAT THE OWNER OR HIRER OF A GOODS VEHICLE WOULD BE LIABLE FOR AN OFFENCE IN ADDITION TO THE DRIVER WHO DUMPS LITTER AND COULD BE PROSECUTED IN CASES WHERE THE DRIVER IS NOT IDENTIFIED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE OWNER OR HIRER OF THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE CONVICTED IF A VEHICLE WAS TAKEN WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE OWNER OR HIRER OR IF THE OFFENCE RESULTED FROM AN ACCIDENT OR SOME OTHER CAUSE BEYOND THEIR CONTROL.
THE GOVERNMENT ALSO PROPOSES TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO RAISE THE FINES FOR ALL LAND-BASED LITTERING OFFENCES TO CONFORM WITH THE PENALTY FOR MARINE LITTERING, AS INTRODUCED UNDER THE SUMMARY OFFEi.CES ORDINANCE IN JUNE THIS YEAR.
SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE CURRENT PENALTIES OF $1 000 FOR A FIRST OFFENCE AND $2 000 FOR SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES WILL BE INCREASED TO A FINE OF 15 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.
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/4......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1981
4
MERCHANT SHIPPING (PLEASURE VESSELS) AMENDMENT REGULATIONS 1981 * * * ft ft
A REMINDER THAT NEW REGULATIONS RELATING TO PLEASURE VESSELS WILL COME INTO FORCE ON OCTOBER 17 WAS ISSUED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TODAY.
THE NEW REGULATIONS ARE MADE IN THE INTERESTS OF SAFETY AND IMPROVED CONTROL AT SEA AND TO COMBAT THE CONTINUING THREAT POSED BY THE USE OF HIGH SPEED CRAFT TO BRING IN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THESE REGULATIONS ARE APPLICABLE TO ALL PLEASURE VESSELS FITTED WITH OR DESIGNED TO CARRY ENGINES, POSSESSED OR USED EITHER IN OR OUT OF THE WATER, BUT DO NOT APPLY TO CRAFT THAT HAVE NEVER BEEN LAUNCHED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THEY ARE PART OF THE MEASURES INTRODUCED UNDER THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1981, ENACTED IN MID-JULY AFTER APPROVAL BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AND ARE INTENDED TO ENSURE THAT PLEASURE VESSELS ARE PROPERLY LICENSED AND OPERATED, ARE INSURED AGAINST THIRD PARTY RISKS AND ARE MORE EASILY IDENTIFIABLE.
CHANGES MADE UNDER THE NEW REGULATIONS AREi
(A) LICENCE NUMBERS MUST BE PAINTED OR PERMANENTLY AFFIXED AS NEAR AS PRACTICABLE AMID SHIPS ON EACH SIDE OF THE PLEASURE VESSEL, IN A COLOUR WHICH CLEARLY CONTRASTS WITH THAT OF THE SIDE ON WHICH THEY ARE PAINTED OR PERMANENTLY AFFIXED. EACH NUMBER MUST BE AT LEAST 300 MM IN HEIGHT WITH EACH OF ITS COMPONENTS AT LEAST 40 MM BROAD AND, EXCEPT FOR THE NUMBER ♦!♦, TOTALLY 170 MM IN WIDTH. THE PENALTY FOR FAILING TO DISPLAY PROPERLY THE NUMBER HAS BEEN INCREASED.
(B) CHANGES OF ADDRESS, OF PARTICULARS OF THE VESSEL AND OF OWNERSHIP, CHARTERING AND REMOVAL MUST BE REPORTED WITHIN THREE DAYS, INSTEAD OF SEVEN DAYS AS WAS THE CASE IN THE PAST.
(C) OTHER PENALTY INCREASES INCLUDEi
FAILURE TO REPORT CHANGES RELATING TO PLEASURE VESSELS OR IN THE OWNERSHIP OR CHARTERING OF THEM-USING THE VESSEL WITHOUT HAVING ON BOARD THE HOLDER OF A LOCAL CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE TO ACT AS MASTER AND ENGINEER OR WITHOUT THE OWNER’S CONSENT- AND PERMITTING A PLEASURE CRAFT TO BE USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES, INCLUDING HIRE OR CARRIAGE OF FARE-PAYING PASSENGERS.
(D) AN UNLICENSED VESSEL, WHETHER IN OR OUT OF THE WATER, MAY BE SEIZED AND HELD UNTIL IT IS LICENSED OR ITS RELEASE ORDERED BY A MAGISTRATE. THE OWNER WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY REMOVAL AND STORAGE CHARGES. ANY VESSEL NOT RECLAIMED WITHIN THREE MONTHS WILL BE DISPOSED OF.
/the spokesman .......
FRIDAY, OCTOEBB. 9, 19&1
- 5 -
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT MOST PLEASURE VESSEL OWNERS HAD COMPLIED WITH THE EXISTING PROVISIONS AND NO DOUBT WOULD COMPLY WITH THE REVISED REGULATIONS. HOWEVER, THE EXTENT OF ILLEGAL SPEEDBOAT OPERATION WAS SUCH THAT MORE SEVERE PENALTIES AND CERTAIN OTHER MEASURES WERE REQUIRED TO DETER THIS TRAFFIC.
HE URGED ALL PLEASURE VESSEL OWNERS TO ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE VALID LICENCES FOR THEIR CRAFT AND THAT THE NEW LICENCE MARKING REQUIREMENTS ARE COMPLIED WITH BEFORE OCTOBER 17.
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LAND RESUMPTION FOR MTR ISLAND LINE * * * *
A NOTIFICATION OF AN ORDER FOR THE RESUMPTION OF A SITE AT NOS. 170-174 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY ISLAND LINE WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE ORDER WAS MADE UNDER SECTION 4 (1) OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND RESUMPTION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: +THE LAND FORMS PART OF THE TRIANGULAR SITE AT NOS. 170-188 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL WHICH WILL BE REQUIRED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHEUNG WAN EAST STATION CONCOURSE. ♦
♦AN OFFER WAS MADE TO SIX OWNERS OF THE SITE FOR JOINT REDEVELOPMENT OF THEIR LAND WITH THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION. OF THESE, FIVE HAVE AGREED TO ENTER INTO A JOINT REDEVELOPMENT. DESPITE PROTRACTED NEGOTIATIONS, THE REMAINING OWNER HAS DECLINED THE OFFER.
♦IN ORDER NOT TO HOLD UP THE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME THAT WILL ILTIMATELY CAUSE A DELAY IN THE OPENING OF THE ISLAND LINE. IT IS NECESSARY TO RESUME THE SITE AT NOS. 170-174 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL FOR WHICH VACANT POSSESSION IS REQUIRED IN EARLY NOVEMBER,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THERE ARE NO DOMESTIC TENANTS IN THE AFFECTED PREMISES. ACCORDANCE WITH THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND RESUMPTION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE, ANY PERSON HAVING ANY ESTATE, SHARE OR INTEREST IN THE LAND MAY CLAIM COMPENSATION.
IN
RIGHT
A
0 - -
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1981
- 6 -
MAJOR ROAD PROJECT FOR TAI PO * ?5« *
WORK WILL BEGIN IN TAI PO EARLY NEXT YEAR ON A MAJOR ROAD PROJECT WHICH FORMS A VITAL PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROUTE.
THE PROJECT MAINLY INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A THREE-KILOMETRE DUAL, THREE-LANE NEW TRUNK ROAD FROM ISLAND HOUSE TO NORTH TAI PO BY-PASSING THE CENTRE OF THE NEW TOWN.
ALSO INCLUDED WILL BE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 7OO-METRE DUAL IWO-LANE LINK ROAD TO SERVE THE NORTHERN PART OF THE NEW TOWN AND FIVE MAJOR ROAD BRIDGES.
TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, WHICH WILL TAKE ABOUT THREE YEARS TO COMPLETE, ARE NOW BEING INVITED BY THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
ON COMPLETION, THE NEW TRUNK ROAD WILL LINK WITH THE SHA TIN - TAI PO COASTAL TRUNK ROAD NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND WILL HELP EASE THE HEAVY TRAFFIC GENERATED BY THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN.
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FISHERMEN DO WELL IN TELEPHONY COURSE ft ft ft ft
THE SECOND COURSE ON RADIO TELEPHONY FOR FISHERMEN ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT BEGINS ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 12), FOLLOWING THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE FIRST.
ALL 16 CANDIDATES WHO TOOK THE FIRST TWO-WEEK COURSE LAST MONTH PASSED THE EXAMINATION.
EIGHTEEN FISHERMEN HAVE ENROLLED FOR THE NEW COURSE.
AN EXAMINATION WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BRANCH OF THE POST OFFICE AT THE END OF THE COURSE AND SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE AWARDED A RESTRICTED CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY IN RADIO TELEPHONY.
THE COURSE IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE FISHERMEN WITH THE PROPER KNOWLEDGE ON THE USE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT ON FISHING VESSELS, A SPOKESMAN F.? THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
lOELoJHMTDmsiO™ 'B6RDEEN °FFICE * THE DE,,AR™ENT’S
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/7 .....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1981
- 7 -TECHNIQUES OF TEACHING DISABLED « * * «
THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE IS ORGANISING A COURSE FOR INSTRUCTORS WORKING WITH THE DISABLED.
♦THE COURSE - WHICH STARTS NEXT MONTH - AIMS TO PROVIDE INSTRUCTORS WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROBLEMS OF THE DISABLED, AND THE TECHNIQUES OF TEACHING AND WORKING WITH THEM.+ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND CLASSES AT THE COLLEGE ONE DAY A WEEK FOR 15 WEEKS, HE SAID.
THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IS CANTONESE, AND THE COURSE FEES IS $100.
INSTRUCTORS POSSESSING THE COLLEGE INSTRUCTORS’ CERTIFICATE OR ITS EQUIVALENT AND WHO ARE WORKING IN VOCATIONAL CENTRES OR SHELTERED WORKSHOPS FOR THE DISABLED ARE INVITED TO APPLY.
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE COLLEGE AT 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG, AND COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE COLLEGE NOT LATER THAN SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24.
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NEW 24-HOUR CLEARWAY FOR CASTLE PEAK ROAD
* * * *
A 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY WILL BE INTRODUCED ON THE YUEN LONG-AU TAU SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 12).
ALL VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, WHICH EXTENDS FROM A POINT 30 METRES EAST OF FUNG CHEUNG STREET TO THE AU TAU ROUNDABOUT.
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/8 .....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1981
8
FUN FAIR FOR 2 000 CHILDREN ft * * ft
A FUN FAIR WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY AT WO CHE ESTATE FOR 2 000 CHILDREN AND 1 000 PARENTS.
THE FAIR IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, HONG KONG (ISLAND EAST) ROUND TABLE NO. 6 AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE.
THERE WILL BE A BRASS BAND PARADE BY THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE, AS WELL AS A MAGIC SHOW, CHILDREN’S FOLK SONG SINGING AND DANCING PERFORMANCES.
IN ADDITION, 20 GAMES STALLS WILL BE SET UP AT THE FAIR, WHICH WILL BE HELD ON THE ROOFTOP PODIUM OF THE WO CHE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX.
A PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION HAS ALSO BEEN ORGANISED.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, WHICH STARTS AT 2 PM, WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE- THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR WAI HON-LEUNG- THE CHAIRMAN OF HONG KONG (ISLAND EAST) ROUND TABLE NO. 6, MR EDDIE FOSTER, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER (SHA TIN), DR PATRICK HASE.
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE J J 0.
MASS MEDIA - POTENTIAL FOR GOOD AND EVIL ................... 1
WAN CIAI TO HAVE OWN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION ................... 2
SECOND TUEN MUN FESTIVAL ................................... 3
RURAL CLEANSING FACILITIES DESIGN COMPETITION .............. 4
FIRING PRACTICE REMINDER ................................... 5
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1981
MASS MEDIA - POTENTIAL FOR GOOD OR EVIL * * * *
THE MASS MEDIA IN ITS VARIOUS FORMS CAN NO DOUBT ASSIST EDUCATION BUT IT HAS POTENTIAL FOR EVIL AS WELL, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE SAID THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.
MR HAYE WAS ADDRESSING A MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION OF HEADS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS AT WAH YAN COLLEGE, KOWLOON, ON ■♦MASS MEDIA - POTENTIAL FOR GOOD OR EVIL*.
THE MASS MEDIA THE DIRECTOR WAS REFERRING TO INCLUDED PRINTED MATERIAL, VISUAL MATERIAL, RADIO, TELEVISION, CINEMA, ADVERTISING AND OTHERS.
SPEAKING ON THE POSITIVE USES OF THE MASS MEDIA IN EDUCATION, MR HAYE REFERRED IN PARTICULAR TO HONG KONG’S ETV SYSTEM WHICH HAS AN INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S VISUAL EDUCATION SECTION AND THE MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT WHICH HAVE HELPED TEACHERS TO BRING LIFE AND COLOUR TO THEIR TEACHING.
ON THE NEGATIVE SIDE, HE SAID USING THE MEDIA TO MANIPULATE MINDS, TO DEBASE FOR COMMERCIAL PROFIT AND TO INDOCTRINATE MUST BE DEPLORED.
BUT, DESPITE ALL THE MASSIVE RESOURCES OF THE MEDIA, W HAYE SAID THERE COULD NEVER BE ANY SUBSTITUTE FOR THE TEACHER IN THE CLASSROOM.
+N0 MATTER HOW SOPHISTICATED EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY MAY BECOME, IT WILL ALWAYS BE DEPENDENT ON THE MAN OR WOMAN WHO USES IT FOR THE BENEFIT OF PUP ILS,+ THE DIRECTOR SAID.
MR HAYE CONCLUDED BY REMINDING TEACHERS OF THE POSITIVE USES OF THE MASS MEDIA IN EDUCATION AND SAIDt
+WHAT WE HAVE IS USEFUL AND EXCITING- WHAT IS TO COME SEEMS EVEN MORE SO.
+THE CLASSROOM OF THE FUTURE WILL BE AN EXTRAORDINARY PLACE IN WHICH PUPILS MAY WELL PACE THEMSELVES WITH TEACHING MACHINES SUCH AS THE TELEPUTER, UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF TEACHERS WHOSE MAIN ROLE WILL BE TO APPLY A SOPHISTICATED EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY TO THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN.*
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2
WAN CHAI TO HAVE OWN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION ******
AN INDEPENDENT ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN WILL SOON BE ESTABLISHED IN WAN CHAI UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (WAN CHAI).
ACCORDING TO THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (WAN CHAI), MR A.G. COOPER, THE PRINCIPAL MOTIVE FOR ESTABLISHING THIS AREA-BASED WOMEN’S ORGANISATION IS TO TAP THE POTENTIAL AND RESOURCES OF THE WOMEN RESIDENTS — FOR SOCIAL AND SELFADVANCEMENT ACTIVITIES.
+AT THE SAME TIME, THE ORGANISATION WILL PROVIDE A CONVENIENT FORUM TO ENCOURAGE INCREASED REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN ON VARIOUS DISTRICT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES AND FOSTER THEIR PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES,* HE SAID.
MR COOPER SAID THE IDEA HAD THE CO-OPERATION AND SUPPORT CF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE WOMEN WHO MAKE UP ABOUT HALF OF THE 222 OOO RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE FULL ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION IS NOW UNDER WAY.
MRS GRACE WAN LEE TSZ-HUEN, THE APPOINTED CHAIRWOMAN OF THE AD HOC PREPARATORY COMMITTEE OF THE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION REMARKED THAT, WITH THE SETTING UP OF A DISTRICT-BASED WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION, WOMEN RESIDENTS WOULD HAVE A BETTER CHANNEL AND GREATER OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
SHE SAID THAT THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THIS ASSOCIATION IS TO IMPROVE THE RESIDENT’S QUALITY OF LIFE AND TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY BUILDING PROGRAMMES WITHIN THE DISTRICT THROUGH THE MUTUAL CO-OPERATION AND SELF HELP OF WOMEN IN WAN CHAI.
SHE THANKED MR COOPER FOR HIS ADVICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT WHICH ENABLED THE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION TO BE SET UP IN SUCH A SHORT TIME.
MRS WAN AND 13 OTHER WOMEN REPRESENTATIVES ARE NOW BUSILY WORKING ON THE F<LL ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION WHICH IS EXPECTED TO HAVE ITS REGISTRATION COMPLETED WITHIN TWO MC THS.
/MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1981
- 3
MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT, AND INITIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE ASSOCIATION WILL START SOON AFTER THE ASSOCIATION IS FORMALLY ESTABLISHED.
THE FIRST PROJECT THE ASSOCIATION INTENDS TO TAKE UP IS TO CONDUCT A SURVEY ON THE SOCIAL NEEDS AND EXPECTATION OF WOMEN RESIDENTS IN WAN CHAI. MEANWHILE, ENQUIRIES ON THE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION MAY BE MADE WITH MRS TSANG CHAN ON-KEE, VICE-CHAIRWOMAN OF THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE ON TEL. 5-774587.
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SECOND TUEN MUN FESTIVAL X * X
THE SECOND TUEN MUN FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD FROM NOVEMBER 21 TO DECEMBER 6.
ACTIVITIES WILL DRAMA, COMPETITIONS, TO SUIT ALL AGES.
THE FESTIVAL IS ORGANISING COMMITTEE THE COMMUNITY.
INCLUDE MUSIC PERFORMANCES, SINGING, DANCING, EXHIBITIONS, STALL GAMES AND CARNIVALS, DESIGNED
BEING ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN FESTIVAL ’81 WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD AND
ms 1 THE CHAIRMAN 0F tuen MUN rural committee,
w°ng-fat, comprises representatives from many government
DEPARTMENTS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS.
t SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID THE AIMS OF THE FESTIVAL WERE TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY TIES AND PROMOTE A SENSE OF BELONGING JT ^LD ALSO PR0VIDE RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL RES I DENTS♦
THE POPULATION OF TUEN MUN DISTRICT IS ABOUT 150 000 AT PRESENT ABOUT 50 000 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES OF THE FESTIVAL.
THE FIRST TUEN MUN FESTIVAL WAS HELD IN NOVEMBER, 1978. THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS iN ACTIVITIES WAS 25 000, ALTHOUGH THE POPULATION OF THE DISTRICT WAS THEN ONLY ABOUT 60 000.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1981
- A -
RURAL CLEANSING FACILITIES DESIGN COMPETITION *****
ENTRIES ARE NOW BEING INVITED EOR A RURAL CLEANSING FACILITIES DESIGN COMPETITION WHICH WILL BE ORGANISED TO COINCIDE WITH THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIG'.
WINNING DESIGNERS WILL HAVE THE CHANCE OF CLAIMING ONE OR MORE OF CASH PRIZES OR BOOK TOKENS TOTALLING $30 000 AND THEIR DESIGNS BEING ADOPTED BY THE AUTHORITIES.
THE CONTEST WILL HELP PEOPLE REALISE THE IMPORTANT ROLE THEY PLAY IN KEEPING THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
IT WILL ALSO GIVE A CHANCE TO THE PUBLIC TO CONTRIBUTE PERSONALLY BY SHOWING THEIR CAPABILITIES IN RE-DESIGNING ONE OR THREE OF THE MOST OFTEN USED FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRYSIDE.
ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN NEW TERRITORIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KUK, THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO TWO ENTRY CATEGORIES. ONE IS OPEN TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHILE THE OTHER IS EXCLUSIVELY FOR SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.
IN THE OPEN COMPETITION, THERE WILL BE THREE GROUPS OF DESIGN — A RURAL REFUSE COLLECTION POINT, A RURAL TOILET AND LITTER CONTAINERS EITHER OF THE PEDESTAL TYPE OR THE HANGING TYPE.
AS FOR SECONDARY AND PRIMARY STUDENTS, THEY ARE REQUESTED TO DESIGN A RURAL REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AND LITTER CONTAINERS ONLY.
ALL ENTRIES WILL BE JUDGED ON A NUMBER OF CRITERIA INCLUDING CONVENIENCE OF USE BY THE PUBLIC, FUNCTIONAL EFFICIENCY, AESTHETIC APPEAL, ERGONOMIC, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS.
ENTRY FORMS AND LEAFLETS DETAILING THE RULES FOR THE OPEN COMPETITION CAN NOW BE OBTAINED AT VARIOUS CITY DISTRICT AND DISTRICT OFFICES AND URBAN SERVICES OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES.
DESIGN ENTRIES MAY BE SUBMITTED AS DRAWINGS (A2 SIZE --420 X 594 MM) AND/OR PORTABLE SCALE MODELS. OTHER VISUAL MEDIA AND WRITTEN DESCRIPTIONS (A4 - 210 X 297 MM) CAN ACCOMPANY THE BASIC DESIGN.
ALL ENTRIES SHOULD BE DELIVERED IN PERSON TO THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS AT AUSTIN CENTRE, FIFTH FLOOR, 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI, DURING O F ICE HOURS BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25 AND 27.
WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER INDIVIDUALLY IN MIDDECEMBER.
------o - - - -
/5
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1981
- 5 -
FIRING PRACTICE REMINDER * * * *
FIRING PRACTICE RANGE FROM 8 AM TO 5
IN THE HA TSUEN/CASTLE PEAK PM ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY (OCTOBER 12 AND 13) THURSDAY (OCTOBER 15) AND FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM
WILL TAKE PLACE
FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 16).
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE FIRING AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING TIMES OF PRACTICE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CENSUS OF PENAL POPULATION 1981 ............................... 1
BIG BOOST FOR HOLIDAY VILLAGE.................................. 3
MISSIONS TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT ..................... 5
NORTH DISTRICT FESTIVAL TO BE HELD ............................ 6
71 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN AUGUST .......................... 7
LEAFLET ON COUNTRY PARK........................................ 7
HONG KONG STUDENTS COMMENDED IN ESSAY COMPETITION ............. 8
CLEAN SAI KUNG MURAL PAINTING COMPETITION ..................... 9
TENDER FOR SALE OF SOUVENIRS AT CASTLE PEAK BEACH ............. 9
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1981
1 -
CENSUS OF PENAL POPULATION 1981 ******
THERE WERE 6 585 MALES AND 223 FEMALES IN THE CUSTODY OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT IN APRIL THIS YEAR, EXCLUDING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, OF WHOM 1 157 MALES AND 36 FEMALES WERE ON REMAND.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, MR THOMAS GARNER, WHEN HE REVEALED THE FINDINGS OF THE CENSUS OF THE PENAL POPULATION CONDUCTED AT THAT TIME.
OF THE CONVICTED PERSONS, 2 023 OR 37 PER CENT OF THE MALES AND 46 OR 25 PER CENT OF THE FEMALES HAD BEEN CONVICTED OF A VIOLENT OFFENCE, SUCH AS MURDER, MANSLAUGHTER, RAPE, WOUNDING, SERIOUS ASSAULT, KIDNAPPING, ROBBERY, ARSON AND CRIMINAL DAMAGE.
MORE THAN HALF OF THESE VIOLENT OFFENDERS HAD SUBSEQUENTLY BREACHED PRISONS DISCIPLINE AT LEAST ONCE, AND SOME MORE THAN 10 TIMES, WHILST ONLY 20 PER CENT OF NON-VIOLENT OFFENDERS HAD BEEN GUILTY OF SIMILAR MISCONDUCT.
MR GARNER SAID THE CENSUS WAS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION FOR RESEARCH, PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PURPOSES AS WELL AS THE ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES.
FINDINGS OF THE CENSUS SHOWED THAT THE NUMBER OF YOUNG MALE OFFENDERS HAD INCREASED. 850 PERSONS OR 16 PER CENT OF THE CONVICTED MALE POPULATION WERE UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE COMPARED WITH 687 OR 13 PER CENT IN A CENSUS TAKEN IN SEPTEMBER 1980.
AS FOR REMANDS, THE PERCENTAGE WAS EVEN HIGHER WITH 240 PERSONS OR 21 PER CENT UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS, THE MEAN AGE OF THE PENAL POPULATION REMAINED AT 30.
YOUNG ADULTS AGED 25 TO 29 CONSTITUTED THE PREDOMINANT AGE GROUP AMONGST MALES WITH A TOTAL OF 1 306 PERSONS OR 24 PER CENT, WHILST GIRLS AGED 16 TO 20 WERE THE PREDOMINANT AGE GROUP AMONGST THE FEMALES NUMBERING 52 PERSONS OR 28 PER CENT.
ANOTHER INTERESTING OBSERVATION WAS THAT FROM THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MALE REMANDS IN CUSTODY, 292 PERSONS OR 25 PER CENT HAD RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR LESS THAN SIX YEARS AT THE TIME OF ADMISSION. A COMPARABLE FIGURE FOR CONVICTED MALE PERSONS WAS 591 OR 11 PER CENT. 3 962 CONVICTED INMATES WERE IN SECURITY PRISONS WHILE 283 WERE IN DETENTION CENTRES, 423 IN TRAINING CENTRES AND 947 IN DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES.
/lilCSJ IN .........
SUNDAY, OCTOB'dK 11, 1961
2
THOSE IN PRISONS INCLUDED 875 SENTENCED TO A PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS OR LESS, 117 OF WHOM WERE SERVING IMPRISONMENT IN DEFAULT OF PAYMENT OF A FINE, i 232 SERVING SENTENCES OF MORE THAN ONE TO THREE YEARS, 1 121 UNDER SENTENCE OF MORE THAN THREE BUT LESS THAN SIX YEARS AND 633 SENTENCED TO MORE THAN SIX YEARS, INCLUDING 64 SERVING LIFE SENTENCES, AND 22 UNDER SENTENCE OF DEATH.
FROM A TOTAL OF 101 MALES AND TWO FEMALES WHOSE DEATH SENTENCES HAD BEEN COMMUTED BY THE GOVERNOR, 58 WERE SERVING LIFE IMPRISONMENT, THREE WERE SERVING 30 YEARS OR MORE, 26 WERE SERVING 20 TO 30 YEARS AND 16 WERE SERVING 10 TO 20 YEARS.
OF THE 1 127 MALE PRISONERS WHO CLAIMED TO BE MARRIED AND LIVING WITH THEIR SPOUSES ON ADMISSION, 119 OR 11 PER CENT HAD INDICATED IN THE CENSUS THAT THEIR SPOUSES HAD DESERTED THEM AFTER THEIR ADMISSION TO AN INSTITUTION.
OVER 29 PER CENT OF THE MALES AND 14 PER CENT OF THE FEMALES IN CUSTODY HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY VISITS IN THE 12 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE CENSUS AND MR GARNER INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A DEFINITE NEED FOR MORE VOLUNTEERS TO VISIT AND BEFRIEND PRISONERS, PARTICULARLY THOSE SERVING LONG TERMS OF IMPRISONMENT.
MANY CONVICTED PERSONS PARTICIPATED IN A WIDE VARIETY OF STUDIES WITHIN INSTITUTIONS. 649 MALES AND 101 FEMALES WERE RECEIVING COMPULSORY EDUCATION WHILST 840 MALES AND 25 FEMALES UNDERTOOK OTHER FORMAL EDUCATION COURSES.
MR GARNER SAID MOST CONVICTED PERSONS WERE. EFFECT IVELY EMPLOYED IN PRISON INDUSTRIES. ON THE DATE OF THE CENSUS, 4 956 PERSONS OR 88 PER CENT OF CONVICTED PERSONS WERE SO EMPLOYED INCLUDING 998 IN GARMENT MAKING, AND 705 IN BUILDING WORK. CARPENTRY, FIBREGLASS FABRICATIONS, PRINTING AND BOOK BINDING, RATTANWARE, SILKSCREENING, SHOE MAKING AND LAUNDERING PROVIDED OTHER FORMS OF WORK FOR INMATES.
THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF TIME A MALE REMAND HELD IN CUSTODY WAS 192 DAYS FOR A TRIAL REMAND, 79 DAYS FOR A DISTRICT COURT REMAND, 26 DAYS FOR A MAGISTRATE COURT REMAND, 14 DAYS FOR A DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE REMAND, 15 DAYS FOR A TRAINING CENTRE REMAND, AND 16 DAYS FOR A DETENTION CENTRE REMAND. NEARLY HALF THE 1 193 REMANDS HAD BEEN IN CUSTODY FOR MORE THAN 30 DAYS WITH 22 HAVING BEEN REMANDED FOR 300 DAYS OR MORE.
IT WAS ALSO W0RTH1 OF NOTE THAT ON THE DATE OF THE SURVEY 91 MALE AND FOUR FEMALE REMANDS WHO HAD BEEN GRANTED BAIL BY THE COURTS STILL REMAINED IN CUSTODY, MR GARNER SAID.
/tmj ?ollo..h:g .........
SUNDAY, 0CT03ZR 11, 1^81
- 3 -
THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST REVEALED IN THE CENSUS :
X 2 976 OR 55 PER CENT OF THE MALES HAD BEEN MEMBERS OF OR HAD BEEN AFFILIATED WITH A TRIAD SOCIETY OR GANG PRIOR TO ADMISSION. IN THE I960 CENSUS, THE FIGURE WAS 3 533 OR 66 PER CENT.
* THE LARGEST NUMBER OF MALES WERE CONVICTED OF ROBBERY, 1 501 PERSONS OR 28 PER CENT WHILST 675 PERSONS OR 12 PER CENT HAD BEEN CONVICTED FOR POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS. AMONGST THE FEMALES THE MOST PREVALENT OFFENCES WERE POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS FOR THE PURPOSE OF UNLAWFUL TRAFFICKING FOR WHICH 43 PERSONS OR 23 PER CENT HAD BEEN CONVICTED AND 28 PERSONS OR 15 PER CENT HAD BEEN CONVICTED FOR THEFT.
* 1 955 OR 36 PER CENT OF MALES AND 99 OR 53 PER CENT OF FEMALES HAD NO PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS.
M 3 895 OR 72 PER CENT OF THE MALES AND 126 OR 67 PER CENT OF THE FEMALES, HAD NO SECONDARY EDUCATION AND 41 MALES AND THREE FEMALES WERE ILLITERATE.
------o-------
BIG BOOST FOR HOLIDAY VILLAGE
* * *
RECREATION FACILITIES AND ACCOMMODATION AT THE LADY MACLEHOSE HOLIDAY VILLAGE WILL BE GIVEN A BIG BOOST NEXT YEAR WITH THE COMPLETION OF A SECOND PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT.
DISCLOSING THIS TODAY, THE MANAGER OF THE HOLIDAY VILLAGE, CHARLES CHU SAID THAT WORK ON THE MULT I-MILL ION-DOLLAR PROJECT WILL SOON BEGIN AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF MARCH, 1982.
+BY THAT TIME,* MR CHU SAID, +WE WILL HAVE A WIDER RANGE OF RECREATION AND SPORTS FACILITIES, INCLUDING HONG KONG’S FIRST SKATE-ON R INK.+
THE SURFACE OF THE SKATE-ON RINK WILL BE MADE OF PLASTIC MATERIAL THAT WILL MAKE MAINTENANCE WORK MUCH EASIER AND AT THE SAME TIME REDUCE OPERATING COSTS WHEN COMPARED WITH ARTIFICIAL ICE-SKATING.
+THE PROJECT WILL ALSO INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO AIR-CONDITIONED SQUASH COURTS, AN ADDITIONAL TENNIS COURT, A NINE-HOLE GOLF COURSE, LAWN BOWLING FACILITIES AND AN ART AND CRAFT CENTRE.
/+T .33E, T0G5Z-u3R.........
SUNDAY, 0CT03SR 11, ‘961
♦THESE, iGGETHER WITH EXISTING FACILITIES LIKE THE SWIMMING POOL, THE CYCLING TRACK, ARCHERY RANGE, ROPE COURSE, TRAMPOLINING POOL TABLES AND GAMES MACHINES, WILL OFFER CAMPERS A WIDER CHOICE OF RECREATION AND SPORT ACTIVITIES,+ HE SAID.
THE HOLIDAY VILLAGE, SITUATED IN 12 HECTARES OF WOODED COUNTRYSIDE NEAR PAK TAM, IS OPERATED BY THE GOVERNMENT’S RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE.
IT WAS OPENED BY LADY MACLEHOSE IN JANUARY THIS YEAR AND HAS QUICKLY BECOME ONE OF HONG KONG’S MOST POPULAR HOLIDAY RESORTS.
+WE ARE ALMOST ALWAYS FULLY-BOOKED,* MR CHU SAID, NOTING THAT THE OVERALL OCCUPANCY RATE IS WELL ABOVE 90 PER CENT.
♦FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR TO THE END OF AUGUST, 5 343 DAY
AND 14 708 OVERNIGHT VISITORS MADE USE OF OUR VARIOUS FACILITIES * HE ADDED.
AT PRESENT, THE HOLIDAY VILLAGE CAN PROVIDE CHALET-TYPE ACCOMMODATION FOR UP TO 120 OVERNIGHT VISITORS. THE CAPACITY WILL BE DOUBLED WHEN PHASE II IS COMPLETED.
MR CHU SAID VISITORS ARE FREE TO JOIN ORGANISED ACTIVITIES SUCH AS INSTRUCTION CLASSES IN ARCHERY, ROPE COURSE, TRAMPOLINING. AMERICAN POOL AND SWIMMING, OR SIMPLY TO RELAX AND ENJOY THE SCENERY.
BOOKINGS FOR ACCOMMODATION CAN BE MADE WITH THE BOOKING OFFICE OF THE VILLAGE THREE MONTHS IN ADVANCE, BY COMPLETING AND RETURNING APPLICATION FORMS AVAILABLE AT ALL RSS DISTRICT CFF ICES.
♦SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL TO BE HELD EVERY THREE MONTHS IN l*R CHU SAID.
BE DETERMINED BY OPEN BALLOT THE PRESENCE OF CAMPERS,+
IF THERE ARE STILL VACANCIES OR SOME SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS HAVE FAILED TO MAKE PAYMENT, THE PLACES WILL BE OPEN TO TELEPHONE BOOK ING.
♦THOSE WHO WISH TO TRY THEIR LUCK SHOULD TELEPHONE 3-2816430
TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE DATE THEY INTEND TO HAVE THEIR HOL IDAYS,+ MR CHU SA ID.
AT PRESENT, PLACES »T THE VILLAGE ARE RESERVED FOR RSS DISTRICT OFFICES FOR ORGANISING ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS OF THEIR DISTRICTS ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS. HOWEVER, WITH THE OPENING OF THE SECOND PHASE, SOME PLACES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC DURING WEEKENDS.
- - 0 - -
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1981
5
MISSIONS TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT * * * *
THE TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT WILL DESPATCH TWO INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION MISSIONS OVERSEAS NEXT MONTH (NOVEMBER): ONE TO JAPAN AND THE OTHER TO THE USA.
™E MISSIONS W,LL PR0M0TE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG WITH A VIEW TO ENCOURAGING THE TRANSFER OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY FROM JAPAN AND THE USA TO HONG KONG.
. ... IrE-r*J(?ST M,SS,°N WILL VISIT TOKYO FROM NOVEMBER 4 TO 28. IT WILL BE TAKING A STAND AT THE TECHNO '81 TOKYO FAIR FROM NOVEMBER 10 TO 14, WHERE EXHIBITORS AND VISITORS ARE INVITED TO DISCUSS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG.
AFTER IHE FAIR’ THE MISSI0N, HEADED BY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OFF CER MR C.L. CHU, WILL SPEND TWO WEEKS IN TOKYO VISITING INDIVIDUAL COMPANIES TO DISCUSS THEIR PROJECTS FOR INVESTING IN HONG KONG INDUSTRIES.
THE SECOND MISSION, LED BY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER MR PAULUS CHAN, WILL CALL ON INDIVIDUAL COMPANIES IN ILLINOIS, INDIANA, OHIO, MICHIGAN AND WISCONSIN IN USA DURING THE PERIOD NOVEMBER 9 TO 27.
THE MISSION WILL ALSO VISIT THE ’MIDCON’ ELECTRONICS SHOW AND CONVENTION IN CHICAGO, BETWEEN NOVEMBER 10 AND 12, TO SEEK OUT COMPANIES WITH SUITABLE TECHNOLOGY FOR HONG KONG INDUSTRIES.
COMPANIES THAT BOTH MISSIONS WILL APPROACH HAVE BEEN SELECTED PRINCIPALLY FROM THE LIGHT AND MEDIUM HEAVY ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES, THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, AND INDUSTRIES WHICH WILL SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT AND DIVERSIFICATION OF INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG. AT PRESENT, USA AND JAPAN ARE THE TWO LARGEST SOURCES OF OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG.
+WE HAVE WRITTEN TO OVER A HUNDRED LOCAL COMPANIES ASKING THEM TO LET US KNOw IF THEY HAVE ANY PLANS FOR DIVERSIFYING THEIR OPERATIONS. THE NEED TO DIVERSIFY IS WELL RECOGNISED BY HONG KONG INDUSTRIES. OUR MISSIONS WILL HELP FILL THIS NEED BY IDENTIFYING THOSE OVERSEAS COMPANIES WITH THE APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY AND MATCHING THEM WITH THE LOCAL COMPANIES,* SAID MR CHU.
LOCAL COMPANIES Wi HING TO SEEK NEW PRODUCTS OR NEW TECHNOLOGY THROUGH JOINT VENTURES OR LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS WITH EITHER JAPANESE OR USA .JMPANIES ARE INVITED TO CONTACT MR C.L. CHU AND MR PAULUS CHAN AT 3-7222420 AND 3-7222421.
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/6........
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1981
6
NORTH DISTRICT FESTIVAL TO BE HELD *****
A NINE-DAY FESTIVAL, CONSISTING OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES. WILL BE HELD IN NORTH DISTRICT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AT THE END OF THE MONTH.
THE FESTIVAL, BEING THE SECOND HELD IN THE DISTRICT, IS ORGANISED BY NORTH DISTRICT FESTIVAL ’81 COMMITTEE.
IT WILL START WITH A VARIETY SHOW ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 AND END WITH A PROMENADE CONCERT ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8.
THE SHOW, FEATURING DRAGON AND LION DANCES, FOLK DANCES, GYMNASTIC AND MARCHING DISPLAYS, WILL BE OPENED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AT FANLING PLAYGROUND.
ON NOVEMBER 1, THERE WILL BE TWO FOOTBALL MATCHES BETWEEN SOUTH CHINA VETERAN AND NORTH DISTRICT TEAMS.
A DANCING COMPETITION WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 2, AT FUNG KAI MIDDLE SCHOOL.
THE PROMENADE CONCERT WILL BE STAGED BY HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND, NORTH DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR, GURKHA RIFLE REGIMENTAL BAND AND FUNG KAI MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE GROUP. THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI KAM, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
THE CONCERT WILL INCLUDE POPULAR SONGS, SYMPHONIES, FILM THEME SONGS AND DANCES.
OTHER FESTIVAL EVENTS WILL INCLUDE A QUIZ ON NOVEMBER 4 AND A WATER TELE-MATCH ON NOVEMBER 7.
THE MATCH, INVOLVING TEAMS FROM SHEUNG SHU I, TA KWU LING, SHA TAU KOK AND FANLING, WILL BE DIVIDED INTO OPEN AND YOUNGSTERS SECTIONS.
FUNDS FOR THE FESTIVAL AMOUNT TO $190 000, OF WHICH 860 000 WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD. THE BALANCE WILL BE RAISED FROM PRIVATE DONATIONS.
THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY MR LAU YAM-MAN, COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
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/7 .....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1981
71 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN AUGUST ******
SEVENTY-ONE NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED BY THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE IN AUGUST THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH 68 IN AUGUST 1980
OF THESE NEW PLANS, 21 WERE FOR NEW BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 13 FOR KOWLOON AND 40 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INCLUDED TWO SCHOOLS AT THE JUNCTION OF TUNG LO WAN ROAD AND LEIGHTON ROAD AND CAROLINE HILL ROAD AND AT AUSTIN ROAD. A SPORT COMPLEX AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, A PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AT CHING YEE ROAD, AN EXTENSION OF A HOME FOR THE AGED AT THE JUNCTION OF KUNG LOK ROAD AND HONG LEE ROAD AND A YOUTH HOSTEL ON LANTAU ISLAND.
THE DECLARED COST OF ALL NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS $224.7 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $510.7 MILLION IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
THEIR TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA AMOUNTED TO 140 386.3 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 38 148.6 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC AND 102 237.7 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR SPACE.
THE BOO ALSO GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 51 PROJECTS, INCLUDING TWO SCHOOLS AT BRAEMAR HILL ROAD AND ON LANTAU ISLAND AND A HOME FOR THE AGED AT TAI PO.
ALTOGETHER 43 NEWLY-COMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION IN AUGUST, INCLUDING AN INSTITUTIONAL BUILDING AT HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
THE BOO ALSO AGREED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 45 BUILDINGS.
-----0------
LEAFLET ON COUNTRY PARK
* * * *
DO YOU KNOW WHERE SOME OF HONG KONG’S MOST DRAMATIC SCENERY IS TO BE FOUND IN THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES?
OR DO YOU KNOW HOW THE FAMOUS HIRAM’S HIGHWAY IN SAI KUNG GOT ITS NAME?
ALL THIS, TOGETHER WITH A WEALTH OF OTHER INTERESTING INFORMATION CONCERNING THE MA ON SHAN COUNTRY PARK CAN BE FOUND IN AN ATTRACTIVE INFORMATION LEAFLET PUBLISHED BY THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY ENTITLED +MA ON SHAN COUNTRY PARK+.
THE FULL-COLOUR, BILINGUAL LEAFLET IS THE EIGHTH IN A SERIES SPONSORED BY THE CHARTERED BANK AS A COMMUNITY SERVICE. IT WAS DESIGNED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
/besides colourful .......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1981
BESIDES COLOURFUL PHOTOGRAPHS DEPICTING PARTS OF THE BEAUTIFUL SCENERY WITHIN THE MA ON SHAN COUNTRY PARK, THE LEAFLET ALSO CONTAINS A CARTOGRAPHIC MAP PREPARED BY THE LANDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
THE MAP GIVES DETAILS ABOUT LOCATION OF VARIOUS FACILITIES INSIDE THE COUNTRY PARK, INCLUDING MANAGEMENT CENTRES, BARBECUE AND PICNIC SITES, CAMPSITES, TOILETS, INFORMAION POINTS AND RAIN SHELTERS.
THE TEXT OF THE LEAFLET GIVES DETAILS ABOUT THE PARK AND THE FLORA AND FAUNA WHICH CAN BE FOUND IN THE AREA.
LAST YEAR CLOSE ON ONE MILLION PEOPLE VISITED THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK SYSTEM WHICH INCLUDES THE MA ON SHAN COUNTRY PARK.
THE LEAFLET, WHICH IS FREE OF CHARGE, CAN 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 DEPARTMENT ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF BASKERVILLE HOUSE IN ICE HOUSE STREET- THE MANAGEMENT CENTRE IN THE MA ON SHAN COUNTRY PARK, AS WELL AS FROM MANAGEMENT CENTRES INSIDE ALL THE OTHER COUNTRY PARKS- DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES- RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICES AND CITY DISTRICT OFFICES.
------0--------
HONG KONG STUDENTS COMMENDED IN ESSAY COMPETITION
*****
ESSAYS WRITTEN BY SIX HONG KONG STUDENTS IN THE 1980/81 ESSAY COMPETITION ORGANISED BY COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY.
HAVE BEEN COMMENDED THE ROYAL
MISS KAREN YIP OF JOCKEY CLUB GOVERNMENT
SCHOOL AND MISS FATIMA BUTT OF DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL HAVE^BEEN^L COMMENDED FOR THEIR ENTRIES TO CLASS A OF THE COMPETITION.
IN CLASS B, MISS ANGELA CHAN OF ST. MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE HAS BEEN HIGHLY COMMENDED FOR HER ESSAY. *
MISS ALICE LUI OF SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE AND MISS PATRICIA LEUNG OF ST. MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE HAVE BEEN HIGHLY COMMENDED FOR THEIR ENTRIES TO CLASS C OF THE COMPETITIONWHILE MISS CAROL CHUNG OF DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL WAS COMMENDED FOR HER ENTRY IN THE SAME CLASS.
THIS YEAR A
TOTAL Of 277 SCHOOLS FROM 34 COUNTRIES AND AREAS TOOK PART IN THE COMPETITION, WHICH IS HELD ANNUALLY BY THE SOCIETY WITH A VIEW TO Ef .'OURAG I NG COMMONWEALTH STUDIES IN SCHOOLS.
CLASS A IS FOR CANDIDATES AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 19. WHILE wncc F0R STUDENTS 0F 14 AND UNDER 16, AND CLASS C FOR
InUot UNDER 14.
THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDS BOOK PRIZES ™E BEST COMPETITORS IN EACH CLASS OF THE PRELIMINARY ROUND HELD LOCALLY.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1981
9
CLEAN SAI KUNG MURAL PAINTING COMPETITION *****
AN OUTDOOR MURAL PAINTING COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN WfLL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 31) AT SAI KUNG AS PART OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.
ICATI0N TO ENTER THE +CLEAN HONG KONG, CLEAN SAI KUNG+ COMPETITION CAN NOW BE MADE AT THE SAI KUNG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
THE COMPETITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT
AND THE NTSD, WILL BE TAKING PLACE AT THE EXTERNAL HOARDING OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITE OF SAI KUNG NEW MARKET AT THE TOWN CENTRE.
IT IS AIMED AT EDUCATING THE YOUNG GENERATION THE IMPORTANCE CF KEEPING A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT THROUGH ORGANISED COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES AND THEIR ROLE IN THE CAMPAIGN.
CONTESTANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAINT ON THE BOARDS ALLOTED TO THEM EITHER BY INDIVIDUAL EFFORT OR IN GROUP ACCORDING TO THE SECTION THEY ARE TAKING PART.
ENTRIES ARE DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS - THE SECONDARY SCHOOL, THE PRIMARY SCHOOL AND INDIVIDUAL.
THEY WILL BE JUDGED BY THEIR EFFECTIVENESS IN CONVEYING THE MESSAGE ON THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN AND THE ARTISTIC PRESENTATION OF THE MURAL.
WINNING ENTRIES WILL AWARDS OF BOOK COUPON.
BE PRESENTED WITH SOUVENIR PLAQUE AND
--------0-----------
TENDER FOR SALE OF SOUVENIRS AT CASTLE PEAK BEACH * * * *
TENDERS ARE NOW BEING INVITED FOR THE OPERATION OF EIGHT STALLS SELLING SOUVENIRS AT THE CASTLE PEAK BEACH IN TUEN MUN.
SUCCESSFUL BIDDER CAN START OPERATING BUSINESS ON JANUARY 1, 1982, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY.
THE CONTRACT PERIOD OF FOUR STALLS IS THREE YEARS WHILE THAT CF FOUR OTHERS IS TWO YEARS.
TENDER FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF AUSTIN CENTRE, 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI.
COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX SITUATED AT THE ACCOUNTS OFFICE OF THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS BEFORE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13.
ENQUIRIES ON FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN ALSO BE MADE TO THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON TELEPHONE 3-676901. ------------------------------o-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, OCTOBE’ 12, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
J120-MILLI0N MENTAL HOSPITAL TO BE OPENED ................... 1
TRANSPORT CHIEF CALLS FOR EXPANSION OF REHABUS SCHEME........ 3
OUTDOOR CAMPS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ................. 4
INDUSTRIALISATION AND MENTAL HEALTH IN HK ................... 5
SEPTEMBER //ETTER THAN USUAL ................................
YOUNG MUSIC MAKERS TALENT QUEST ............................. 8
+AN EVENING OF CHINESE MELODIES* ............................ 8
BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION OPEN TO THEN MUN STUDENTS........ 9
SALT WATER SUPPLY............................................ 10
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1981
1
S120-MILLI0N MENTAL HOSPITAL TO BE OPENED * * * *
HONG KONG’S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE WILL TAKE ANOTHER BIG STEP FORWARD WHEN ITS SECOND MENTAL HOSPITAL, ON THE WESTERN PART OF THE KOWLOON PENINSULA AND COSTING $120 MILLION, IS OFFICIALLY OPENED ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 15) BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE.
THE 1 336-BED KWAI CHUNG HOSPITAL, EQUIPPED WITH ADVANCED AND SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGY, HAS ALREADY BEGUN ADMITTING PATIENTS.
IT IS EXPECTED TO BE FULLY OPERATIONAL BY MID-1982, THUS REDUCING OVERCROWDING AT THE EXISTING CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL.
CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL IS THE ONLY MAJOR MENTAL HOSPITAL IN HONG KONG. ORIGINALLY DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE 1 200 BEDS, IT IS NOW TREATING MORE THAN 2 000 PATIENTS.
KWAI CHUNG HOSPITAL, OCCUPYING AN AREA OF 4.45 HECTARES, IS MADE UP OF SEVEN BLOCKS OF BUILDINGS LINKED BY A SYSTEM OF SUBWAYS.
IN THE HOSPITAL COMPLEX ARE A SINGLE-STOREY ADMINISTRATIVE BLOCK- TWO MAJOR BLOCKS OF 11 AND NINE STOREYS PROVIDING 34 WARD UNITS- A FOUR-STOREY GENERAL AND SERVICES BLOCK HOUSING AN X-RAY UNITS, A LABORATORY AND AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DEPARTMENT-A TWO-STOREY BLOCK ACCOMMODATING KITCHENS AND CAR PARKS- AND A MULTI-PURPOSE HALL AND STAFF QUARTERS.
THE DESIGN OF THE WHOLE COMPLEX IS SIMILAR TO THAT OF A GENERAL HOSPITAL BUT INCORPORATING SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS.
THERE WILL BE SPACIOUS AREAS IN BETWEEN EVERY TWO WARD UNITS FOR PATIENTS TO MOVE ABOUT, AS WELL AS PLAYGROUNDS, SPORTSFIELDS AND COVERED ROOF GARDENS.
SOME OF THE WARDS WILL BE AIR-CONDITIONED. EACH GENERAL WARD, IN ADDITION TO AN OPEN DORMITORY AREA, CONTAINS FIVE SINGLE ROOMS AND A SPACIOUS DAY AREA WHERE TELEVISION AND RADIO ARE PROVIDED.
SHARED BY TWO WARDS ARE A GROUP THERAPY ROOM, A VISITORS’ ROOM, A DINING ROOM AND A TREATMENT ROOM.
AS DIFFERENT PATIENTS HAVE DIFFERENT NEEDS, THERE WILL BE SEPARATE WARDS FOR CHILDREN, ADOLESCENT, OLD PEOPLE AND NEUROTIC PATIENTS.
CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION WILL BE INSTALLED IN PLACES SUCH AS THE PLAY AREA OF THE CHILDREN’S WARD, TO ENABLE OBSERVATION OF THE PATIENTS FOR DIAGNOSTIC PURPOSES.
/IN 03DB3 .......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1981
- 2 -
IN ORDER TO CREATE A +HOSPITAL WITHOUT WALLS+ ATMOSPHERE, THROUGHOUT THE BUILDINGS THERE ARE LARGE WINDOWS WHICH CAN BE OPENED UP TO 12 CM, FOR SAFETY REASONS. IN SOME PLACES, SAFETY GLASS IS FIXED TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS.
THERE WILL BE AN OPERATING THEATRE FITTED WITH LASER BEAM BI-PLANE RADIOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT FOR PSYCHO-SURGERY, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG.
THERE IS A SPACIOUS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY UNIT WHICH PROVIDES TRAINING IN DIFFERENT TRADES THROUGH WHICH PATIENTS RECEIVE THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT AS A PART OF REHABILITATION.
PARTICULAR ATTENTION IS PAID TO THE RECREATION AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES OF THE PATIENTS, WHO ARE ENCOURAGED TO DC GARDENING AND TO TAKE PART IN OTHER ACTIVITIES.
PRESENTATIONS, SUCH AS FILMS AND CONCERTS, WILL BE STAGED REGULARLY IN THE HALL TO ENTERTAIN PATIENTS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A SOCIAL CENTRE WITH A CANTEEN AND SHOPS TO BE RUN BY PATIENTS UNDER SUPERVISION. THROUGH THIS ACTIVITY IT IS INTENDED TO SPEED UP ADAPTATION TO COMMUNITY LIFE AFTER DISCHARGE FROM HOSPITAL.
THE COMPLETION OF KWAI CHUNG HOSPITAL FORMS PART OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S EXPANSION PLAN TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SERVICES TO PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS.
PSYCHIATRIC UNITS WILL BE INCORPORATED IN ALL FIVE NEW GENERAL HOSPITALS TO BE BUILT DURING THE 1980S AND IN THREE EXISTING HOSPITALS — PROVIDING AN ADDITIONAL 1 700 BEDS.
THE OUTPATIENT SERVICE FOR PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS WILL LIKEWISE BE STRENGTHENED. IN ADDITION TO THE SEVEN EXISTING PSYCHIATRIC OUTPATIENT CLINICS, ANOTHER SIX SUCH CLINICS ARE BEING PLANNED IN THE DECADE.
PSYCHIATRIC COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE IS ALSO BEING INTRODUCED TO AUGMENT THE AFTER-CARE AND REHABILITATION SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AT LITTLE OR NO COST TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 3 PM ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 AT THE HOSPITAL’S MULTI-PURPOSE HALL.
TRANSPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 1.45 PM SHARP.
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/3........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1981
3
TRANSPORT CHIEF CALLS FOR EXPANSION OF REHABUS SCHEME
* * * *
THE ’REHABUS’ MINIBUS SERVICE FOR THE DISABLED SHOULD BE EXPANDED +FAIRLY RAPIDLY+ TO ALL PARTS OF HONG KONG, PARTICULARLY THE NEW TOWNS, TO IMPROVE THE MOBILITY OF THE TERRITORY’S ESTIMATED 11 OOO PHYSICALLY DISABLED PEOPLE.
AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO MAKE TAXI DRIVERS, PUBLIC TRANSPORT EMPLOYEES AND THE MAN-IN-THE-STREET AWARE THAT THEY HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY, BY THEIR ATTITUDE AND HELPFULNESS, IN AIDING THE MOBILITY OF THE DISABLED.
THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR PETER LEEDS, PUT FORWARD THESE RECOMMENDATIONS WHEN HE ADDRESSED A MEETING OF THE HONG KONG SECTION OF THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF TRANSPORT, HELD IN THE MARINERS’ CLUB, TSIM SHA TSUI.
MR LEEDS DESCRIBED THE REHABUS SCHEME, A SCHEDULED MINIBUS SERVICE OPERATED BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR REHABILITATION AND PARTIALLY SUBSIDISED BY THE GOVERNMENT, AS THE +MOST IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT+ IN THE PROVISION OF TRANSPORT FOR THE DISABLED IN HONG KONG.
THE SERVICE, WHICH PROVIDES AS NEAR AS POSSIBLE A DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE OPERATING ON FIXED SCHEDULES AND FAIRLY FIXED ROUTES, BEGAN IN 1977 WITH TWO SEVEN-SEATER MINI-BUSES CARRYING 17 REGULAR PASSENGERS.
BUT DEMAND SOON OUTSTRIPPED SUPPLY AND, TODAY, 12 VEHICLES CARRY 127 REGULAR PASSENGERS OPERATING ON 11 ROUTES IN THE URBAN AREA.
SEVEN OF THE VEHICLES ARE 12-SEATERS, FITTED WITH A SIMPLE HYDRAULIC LIFT AT THE REAR ENTRANCE TO HOIST A PASSENGER IN HIS
WHEELCHAIR INTO THE VEHICLE, WHERE THE WHEELCHAIR IS SECURED FIRMLY AS A PASSENGER SEAT.
MR LEEDS SAID THAT ORDINARY PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES COULD ONLY BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE MORE SERIOUSLY DISABLED AT ENORMOUS COST, AND HE DESCRIBED EXPERIENCE IN OTHER COUNTRIES TO ILLUSTRATE THAT SUPPORT FOR THE VIEW THAT ALL PUBLIC TRANSPORT SHOULD BE ACCESSIBLE TO WHEELCHAIR PASSENGERS WAS, IN HIS OPINION, MISDIRECTED.
A DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE PROVIDED BY A STANDARD PRODUCTION-TYPE VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A RELATIVELY CHEAP, EASILY-MAINTAINED BUT EFFECTIVE LIFT FOR WHEELCHAIRS WAS MUCH MORE COST-EFFECTIVE AND PROVIDED A BETTER SERVICE FOR THE DISABLED.
/♦although ths........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1981
- 4 -
♦ALTHOUGH THE REHABUS SERVICE MEETS NEARLY ALL OF THE CRITERIA COVERING THE NEEDS OF TRANSPORT FOR THE DISABLED, IN THE ONE RESPECT IT CAN BE FAULTED,* MR LEEDS SAID.
♦ THIS IS BECAUSE IT STILL SEGREGATES DISABLED PERSONS FROM OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, AND IT IS THIS SEGREGATION ARGUMENT THAT IS USED TO SUPPORT THE VIEW THAT ALL PUBLIC TRANSPORT SHOULD BE ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED PERSONS.
♦ IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE SENSIBLE SOLUTION TO THIS IS NOT TO MAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORT UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE, BECAUSE IN TERMS OF COSTS THIS IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE, BUT TO MAKE THE SPECIAL SERVICES PROVIDED FOR DISABLED PERSONS ACCESSIBLE TO OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.*
+THERE IS NO GOOD REASON WHY SPARE SEATS ON A DISABLED PERSON’S SERVICE SHOULD NOT BE OCCUPIED BY AN ABLE-BODIED PERSON WHO HAPPENS TO BE GOING THE SAME WAY.*
♦ THIS WOULD GIVE THE NECESSARY DE-SEGREGATION AND WOULD ALSO ADD TO REVENUE.*
+THERE ARE ALREADY SCHEDULED MAXICAB LIGHT BUS ROUTES AS PART OF OUR TRANSPORT SYSTEM AND A WIDER SPREAD OF REHABUS SERVICES OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC, BUT WITH PRIORITY FOR THE DISABLED, WOULD BRING BENEFITS TO ALL,* HE SAID.
------0 ------
OUTDOOR CAMPS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
* * * *
FOUR SCHOOLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL PROVIDE PREMISES AS OUTDOOR EDUCATION CAMP-SITES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS DURING WEEKENDS AND SCHOOL HOLIDAYS.
THEY ARE TUNG CHUNG PUBLIC SCHOOL ON LANTAU, KIAO LO WAN FISHERMEN’S SCHOOL IN SAI KUNG NORTH, TAI MEI TUK PUBLIC SCHOOL IN TAI PO, AND PUI CHOI SCHOOL IN SAI KUNG.
EACH OF THE CAMP-SITES CAN ACCOMMODATE 30 CAMPERS WHO ARE EXPECTED TO PROVIDE AND COOK THEIR OWN MEALS.
+FIVE DOUBLE-SEAT -R AND ONE SINGLE-SEATER CANOES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE THREE SCHOOLS I SAI KUNG AND TAI PO, AND CAMPERS WITH QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS AY APPLY FOR THE USE OF THESE CANOES,* AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
EXTRA CAMPING EQUIPMENT SUCH AS COMPASSES, RUCKSACKS, LIGHT WEIGHT TENTS AND SLEEPING BAGS ARE AVAILABLE FOR LOAN FROM THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND RESERVATION, SCHOOLS CAN CONTACT NR CHIU KAM-PING OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 6TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, OR ON 3-884111 EXT. 277.
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/5 .....
5
INDUSTRIALISATION AND MENTAL HEALTH IN HK
* * * *
INTENSIVE INDUSTRIALISATION AND DEVELOPMENT, WHILE IMPROVING PEOPLE’S GENERAL LIVING STANDARD, HAVE BROUGHT ABOUT AN INCREASE OF NEUROSIS AND MENTAL ILL HEALTH.
THIS WAS POINTED OUT BY DR K.L. THONG, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, WHEN HE ADDRESSED LOCAL AND OVERSEAS DELEGATES AT THE OPENING OF THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS CONGRESS THIS MORNING.
HE SAID HONG KONG, LIKE MANY OTHER COUNTRIES IN THEIR STATE OF RAPID DEVELOPMENT, IS FEELING THE EFFECTS OF INDUSTRIALISATION AND URBANISATION.
+WITH OUR EXTRAORDINARY DENSITY IN POPULATION, IT IS INEVITABLE THAT THE EFFECTS OF OVER-CROWDEDNESS AND POLLUTION MUST MAKE THEMSELVES FELT,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT IN AN INTENSELY COMPETITIVE SOCIETY, TOGETHER WITH THE BREAKDOWN OF THE TRADITIONAL FAMILY STRUCTURE AND KINSHIP, PEOPLE TEND TO BE MORE IMPERSONAL AND INDIVIDUALISTIC.
+THE HIGH PRESSURE OF ORDINARY LIVING, TOGETHER WITH A LACK OF EMOTIONAL SUPPORT, ARE PRE-DISPOSING FACTORS FOR AN INCREASE IN NEUROSIS AND MENTAL ILL HEALTH,+ HE SAID.
DR THONG SAID THAT THE CARE AND PLACEMENT OF THE AGED IS BECOMING A MAJOR PROBLEM.
+ IMPROVEMENTS IN THE STANDARD OF LIVING AND MEDICAL CARE HAVE MARKEDLY INCREASED LIFE EXPECTANCY AND THE ELDERLY CONSTITUTE A GROWING PROPORTION OF THE GENERAL POPULATION.
+FURTHERMORE, RAPID SOCIAL CHANGES AND HIGH DENSITY ARE ERODING THE TRADITIONAL VIRTUES OF RESPECT AND TOLERANCE OF THE AGED, MORE OF WHOM HAVE TO RELY ON PUBLIC SUPPORT,* HE SAID.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE YOUNG SECTOR OF THE POPULATION ALSO IMPOSED GREATER STRAIN ON SOCIETY.
THIS IS BECAUSE MORE YOUNGSTERS ARE FACING FRUSTRATION AND DISENCHANTMENT RESULTING FROM FAILURE TO ACHIEVE THEIR ASPIRATIONS WHICH ARE OFTEN SET AT AN UNREALISTICALLY HIGH LEVEL, HE SAID.
♦TOGETHER WITH THE DECLINING INFLUENCE FROM THE FAMILY AND THE WIDENING OF THE GENERATION GAP, IT IS NOT SURPRISING THAT THERE SHOULD BE AN INCREASE IN JUVENILE DELINQUENCY IN MANY OF THE TERRITORIES OF THIS REGION,* HE SAID.
THE SITUATION WAS AGGRAVATED BY UNDUE AND SUDDEN INFLUX OF IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES, GIVING RISE TO MAL-ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE ARE LANGUAGE BARRIERS AND DIFFERENCE IN CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS.
DR THONG TOLD THE CONGRESS THAT THIS SITUATION POINTED TO THE FEED FOR THE MODERN PSYCHIATRISTS TO BE AWARE OF THE RISING PSYCHIATRIC MORBIDITY IN THE POPULATION AND THE WIDER RANGE OF NENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS SO THAT THEY MAY BE ABLE TO RENDER BETTER QUALITY CARE FOR THEIR PATIENTS.
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/6 .....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1981
6
SEPTEMBER WETTER THAN USUAL * * *
SEPTEMBER WITH ITS TOTAL RAINFALL OF 381.9 MM, WAS WETTER THAN USUAL, ACCORDING TO THE MONTHLY WEATHER SUMMARY RELEASED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY.
HOWEVER, THE TOTAL RAINFALL FROM JUNE TO SEPTEMBER AMOUNTED TO ONLY 906.7 MM, THE SEVENTH LOWEST FIGURE ON RECORD FOR THE CORRESPONDING FOUR-MONTH PERIOD.
ACCUMULATED RAINFALL FROM JANUARY 1 UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30 CAME TO 1 472.7 MM, WHICH IS 28 PER CENT BELOW THE AVERAGE FIGURE OF 2 043.5 MM.
LAST MONTH WAS ALSO CLOUDIER AND SLIGHTLY COOLER THAN USUAL. THE TOTAL DURATION OF SUNSHINE DURING THE MONTH WAS 132.3 HOURS, THE THIRD LOWEST FIGURE ON RECORD FOR SEPTEMBER.
DURING THE MONTH, FOUR TROPICAL CYCLONES DEVELOPED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA, NAMELY TYPHOONS AGNES, BILL, CLARA AND ELSIE.
IN HONG KONG, A NUMBER ONE SIGNAL WAS HOISTED FOR TYPHOON CLARA AT 9 PM ON SEPTEMBER 20, AND WAS UPGRADED TO NUMBER THREE SIGNAL THE FOLLOWING DAY. ALL SIGNALS WERE LOWERED AT 11.30 AM ON SEPTEMBER 22.
A STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS ALSO HOISTED ON SEPTEMBER 30. THERE WERE THUNDERSTORMS EARLY ON SEPTEMBER 1 DUE TO A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE ASSOCIATED WITH TYPHOON AGNES OVER THE EAST CHINA SEA, BUT THE WEATHER BECAME FINE THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE TROUGH REMAINED ACTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 6 AND THERE WERE MORE THUNDERSTORMS AND FREQUENT SHOWERS. A TOTAL OF 126.1 MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED ON SEPTEMBER 4 AND MINOR LANDSLIPS OCCURRED ON THAT DAY AND SEPTEMBER 6.
THE WEATHER REMAINED CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS ON THE FOLLOWING TWO DAYS. UNTIL SEPTEMBER 13, THE WEATHER WAS FINE AND SUNNY APART FROM SOME SLIGHT SHOWERS LATE ON THE LAST DAY.
WINDS FRESHENED FROM THE EAST ON SEPTEMBER 14 AND SOME THUNDERSTORMS OCCURRED IN THE EVENING. EARLY THE FOLLOWING DAY WINDS TURNED NORTHERLY BRINGING SLIGHTLY COOLER WEATHER AND SOME LIGHT RAIN.
THE MONTH’S LOWEST TEMPERATURE OF 23.8 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED EARLY ON SEPTEMBER 16. WINDS REVERTED TO EASTERLY DURING THE DAY AND IT REMAINED CLOUDY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 18.
THE WEATHER BECAME SUNNY AND HOT FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS AND THE TEMPERATURE ROSE TO A MAXIMUM OF 32.1 DEGREES CELSIUS ON SEPTEMBER 20, THE HIGHEST OF THE MONTH, AS TYPHOON CLARA APPROACHED FROM THE EAST-SOUTHEAST. IT TURNED CLOUDY THE FOLLOWING DAY WITH FRESHENING NORTHERLY WINDS.
/H-iERa .VE&S.........
MOIiDAi, 02T0BHR 12, 1$81
7
THERE WERE STRONG NORTHWESTERLY WINDS AND HEAVY SHOWERS DURING THE NIGHT BUT WINDS MODERATED RAPIDLY ON SEPTEMBER 22 AFTER CLARA MOVED INLAND NEAR SHANWEI.
THERE WERE SOME SHOWERS OVERNIGHT ON SEPTEMBER 23 AND THE WEATHER BECAME MAINLY FINE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 27.
FOLLOWING SOME ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ON SEPTEMBER 28. MORE WIDESPREAD THUNDERSTORMS AND VIOLENT SHOWERS OCCURRED EARLY ON SEPTEMBER 29, MAKING IT THE WETTEST DAY OF THE YEAR. THE RAINFALL RECORDED ON THAT DAY WAS 128.5 MM, AND THE HEAVIEST DOWNPOUR OCCURRED BETWEEN 2 AND 4 AM, THERE WERE MANY REPORTS OF FLOODING, LANDSLIPS AND ROAD SUBSIDENCES.
A STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS HOISTED ON SEPTEMBER 30. EASTSOUTHEASTERLY WINDS WERE STRONG OFFSHORE AND THERE WERE A FEW SHOWERS.
DURING THE MONTH, TWO AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER.
THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED FROM SEPTEMBER 1 TO 6, AND ALSO ON SEPTEMBER 14 AND 29.
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE :
SUNSHINE
RAINFALL
CLOUDINESS
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN TEMPERATURE
MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE SEPTEMBER 20.
132.3 HOURS- 56.2
381.9 MM
72 %
81 %
29.3 DEGREE C
27.2 DEGREE C
25.4 DEGREE C
23.6 DEGREE C
118.5 MM
OF 32.1 DEGREE
HOURS BELOW NORMAL
- 61.5 MM ABOVE NORMAL
10 % ABOVE NORMAL 2 % ABOVE NORMAL
1.2 DEGREE C BELOW NORMAL
0.3 DEGREE C BELOW NORMAL
0.2 DEGREE C ABOVE NORMAL
0.4 DEGREE C ABOVE NORMAL
- 44.7 MM BELOW NORMAL
C WAS RECORDED ON
MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 23.8 DEGREE C WAS RECORDED ON SEPTEMBER 16.
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/8 .....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1981 •
- 8 -
YOUNG MUSIC MAKERS TALENT QUEST * * * *
FOURTEEN GROUPS OF GIFTED YOUNG MUSICIANS WILL TAKE PART IN THE FINALS OF THE 1981 YOUNG MUSIC MAKERS’ TALENT QUEST TO BE HELD AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL THIS SATURDAY EVENING (OCTOBER 17).
THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DIVISION’S MUSIC OFFICE AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, AND SPONSORED BY AIWA DRANSFIELD COMPANY.
THE FINALISTS WERE AMONG 29 GROUPS TAKING PART IN THE SEMIFINALS YESTERDAY (SUNDAY).
IN THE FINALS, THE CONTESTANTS WILL COMPETE IN THREE TYPES OF MUSIC — WESTERN, CHINESE AND FOLK. SIX GROUPS WILL TAKE PART IN WESTERN MUSIC, FOUR IN CHINESE MUSIC AND THE REST IN FOLK MUSIC.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE SAID THE STANDARD OF YESTERDAY’S SEMI-FINALS WAS GENERALLY SATISFACTORY, PARTICULARLY IN WESTERN AND CHINESE MUSIC.
+IT IS WORTHWHILE TO NOTE THAT MANY YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 30 HAVE SHOWN INTEREST IN CHINESE MUSIC AND MANY OF THEIR COMPOSITIONS SHOW ORIGINALITY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
DURING THE FINAL CONTEST, ALBERT AU, A LOCAL SINGER AND THE HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR WILL GIVE GUEST PERFORMANCES.
THE PANEL OF JUDGES IN THE FINALS WILL BE THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM- THE ASSISTANT MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MR THOMAS WANG- THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF AIWA, MR KENNETH FUNG- AND WELL-KNOWN LOCAL MUSICIANS: PROFESSOR LIN SHING SHIH, DOMING LAM, DR YIP WAI HONG AND CHAN HO CHOI.
ADMISSION TICKETS AT $5 EACH FOR THE FINALS TO TAKE PLACE AT 7.30 PM ON OCTOBER 17 ARE NOW ON SALE AT ALL THE MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND A.C. HALL. ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE BY TELEPHONING 5-283257.
------0-------
+AN EVENING OF CHINESE MELODIES*
* * *
+AN EVENING OF CHINESE MELODIES* WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ON OCTOBER 24 (SATURDAY) AT THE TOWN HALL AUDITORIUM, STARTING AT 7.30 PM.
SOPRANO BARBARA FEI, TENOR LIN SIANG-YUEN AND BARITONE CHAN KUNG-SANG WITH GABRIEL KWOK AT THE PIANO WILL APPEAR IN THIS PERFORMANCE, SINGING CHINESE FOLK AND ART SONGS.
BARBARA FEI HAS GIVEN MANY RECITALS IN HONG KONG AND HAS PERFORMED ON RADIO AND TELEVISION HERE AND IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
SHE FOUNDED THE +ALLEGRO SINGERS* AND SERVES AS CHOIR DIRECTOR FOR SEVERAL CHURCHES AND MISSIONARY GROUPS, AND HAS BEEN A VOCAL TEACHER FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.
/ LI2, SIAxIG^YUS. •••*••••
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1;E1
- 9
LIN SIANG-YUEN, A GRADUATE OF THE SHANGHAI CONSERVATORY, SINGS BOTH WESTERN OPERA AND CHINESE FOLK SONGS, AND HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN THE PROMOTION OF OPERATIC ART.
BARITONE CHAN KUNG-SANG GRADUATED FROM CHUNG CHI COLLEGE AND IS A BUSINESSMAN BY PROFESSION. HE HAS TAKEN PART IN SOLO ROLES IN MANY ORATORIO PERFORMANCES AND IS A PAST CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG ORATORIO SOCIETY.
ACCOMPANIST GABRIEL KWOK BEGAN HIS PIANO STUDIES WITH ALICE KWOK AND SUBSEQUENTLY WITH TU YUEH-SIEN. IN 1969 HE WON THE ASSOCIATED BOARD SCHOLARSHIP, ENABLING HIM TO STUDY AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY IN LONDON. HE RETURNED IN 1978 AND HAS BEEN PLAYING IN CONCERTS AS SOLOIST AND ACCOMPANIST FOR LOCAL AND VISITING ARTISTS. HE TEACHES MUSIC AT LINGNAN COLLEGE.
TICKETS FOR THE CONCERT AT S3, S5 AND $7 ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL BOX OFFICE.
--------o----------
BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION OPEN TO TUEN MUN STUDENTS ******
STUDENTS ATTENDING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN TUEN MUN ARE INVITED TO ENTER A BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION.
THE EVENT IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN FESTIVAL ’81 ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
THERE ARE TWO SECTIONS, ONE FOR PRIMARY AND THE OTHER FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.
DESIGNS SHOULD BE ABLE TO SHOW THE CLOSE COMMUNITY TIES AMONG THE RESIDENTS, RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES BEING HELD IN THE NEW TOWN OR THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT.
THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE MORE THAN FOUR COLOURS, AND NOT EXCEED 40 CM BY 30 CM IN SIZE.
ALL ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE NEXT TUESDAY (OCTOBER 20) TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
ADJUDICATORS WILL BE INVITED FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. WINNERS, WHO WILL BE NO IFIED BY LETTER, WILL EACH RECEIVE A MEDAL.
THE WINNING ENTRIE. WILL BE PRINTED AS BOOKMARKS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO STUDENTS TO MARK THE OCCASION OF THE TUEN MUN FESTIVAL.
THE FESTIVAL, TO BE HELD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 21 AND DECEMBER 6, IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE MUSIC PERFORMANCES, SINGING, DANCING, DRAMA COMPETITIONS, EXHIBITIONS, GAME STALLS AND CARNIVALS.
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/10 .....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1981
10 -
SALT WATER SUPPLY * * * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME AREAS IN KOWLOON WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) FOR ROUTINE CLEANING OF A SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR.
THE AREAS TO BE AFFECTED ARE KING’S PARK AND HO MAN TIN. SUPPLY TO KING GEORGE V SCHOOL WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.
------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1?81
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON BUS SERVICE INVITED ........................ 1
CONTRACT TO FORM LAND ON LANTAU ............................... 2
PRIVATE SECTOR EFFORT NEEDED IN NEW TO’-VN DEVELOPMENT ........ 3
LEGCO RESUMES TOMORROW ........................................ 5
TRAFFIC PLAN FOR FESTIVAL OPENING ............................. 5
DISPLAY AT NEW MENTAL HOSPITAL ................................ 6
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE......................................... 6
HK STUDENTS INVITED TO SEND IN DRAWINGS FOR SHaNKaR CONTEST .
SYNCHRONISED TIMING SYSTEM WANTED ............................. 7
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1981
1 -
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON BUS SERVICE INVITED
******
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE INVITED TODAY (TUESDAY) TO SUBMIT THEIR VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE GOVERNMENT TEAMS CONDUCTING THE CURRENT REVIEW OF BUS OPERATIONS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID FOLLOWING AN APPEAL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ABOUT FOUR MONTHS AGO, A TOTAL OF 47 SUBMISSIONS WERE RECEIVED.
♦THIS RESPONSE WAS MOST ENCOURAGING CONSIDERING THAT THIS WAS AT THE INITIAL STAGE OF THE REVIEW,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED. ■♦WITH THE SUBSEQUENT PUBLICITY GIVEN TO THE PROGRESS OF THE REVIEW AND THE SUBJECT MATTER INVOLVED, OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY NOW ALSO WISH TO COMMENT.*
THE REVIEW BEGAN IN MAY WITH THE SETTING UP OF AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL CO-ORDINATING GROUP TO LOOK INTO WAYS FOR *
ECONOMIES IN BUS OPERATIONS TO BE MADE, WITH DUE REGARD TO ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS OF SERVICE AND PASSENGER SAFETY.
UNDER EXAMINATION ARE THE ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES, BUS MAINTENANCE, DEPOT REQUIREMENTS. SPARE PARTS AND PROFIT CONTROL SCHEMES OF THE TWO MAJOR BUS COMPANIES.
FOLLOWING THE COLLECTION OF EXTENSIVE DATA, SITE VISITS AND DISCUSSIONS WITH COMPANY OFFICIALS, THE FIVE SUB-GROUPS CARRYING OUT THE DETAILED WORK IN THESE AREAS ARE COMPLETING THEIR REPORTS ON THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY. THEY ARE NOW ALSO IN THE PROCESS OF STUDYING THE OPERATIONS OF THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY.
THE WORK OF THESE SUB-GROUPS IS STEERED BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS KNOWLEDGEABLE IN THE RELEVANT SUBJECTS, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
THE SPOKESMAN RECALLED THAT TEN MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WITH RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE OR WHO SAT ON DISTRICT BOARDS AND OTHER PUBLIC ORGANISATIONS. JOINED THE SUB-GROUPS IN JULY AT THE INVITATION OF THE GOVERNMENT.
HE SAID THE MEMBERS WOULD BE HAPPY TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO HAD SUGGESTIONS ON HOW BUS SERVICES COULD BE IMPROVED.
WRITTEN COMMENTS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY, REVIEW OF BUS OPERATIONS, ROOM 332, EAST WING, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.
VERBAL COMMENTS. AS WELL AS ENQUIRIES, CAN ALSO BE MADE BY TELEPHONING 5-776866.
ANYONE WISHING TO DISCUSS THEIR VIEWS WITH THE PUBLIC MEMBERS OF THE SUB-GROUPS MAY SEEK AN APPOINTMENT BY TELEPHONING 5-776866.
/THS SP0K3SKAN .......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 15&1
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SPECIFIC SUBJECTS ON WHICH THE MEMBERS WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS INCLUDED THE CLEANLINESS AND SAFETY OF BUSES, THE LEVEL AND COMPETITIVENESS OF SERVICES, THE PARKING OF BUSES ON-STREET, THE PURCHASE OF SPARE PARTS IN BULK AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF PROFITS.
THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE FIVE SUB-GROUPS ARE I
M TO RE-EXAMINE THE ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WITH A VIEW TO REDUCING UNDER-UTILISED SERVICES AND OPTIMISING EFFICIENCY-
M TO REVIEW THE PROCEDURES FOR EXAMINING BUSES HAVING REGARD TO THE COST AND SAFETY IMPLICATIONS-
* TO RE-EXAMINE THE PROGRAMME FOR ACQUIRING DEPOT SPACE AND TO RECOMMEND THE MOST ECONOMICAL METHOD OF MEETING THE LAND REQUIREMENT-
* TO 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-
* TO REVIEW THE SCHEME OF CONTROL APPLICABLE TO THE BUS COMPANIES WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE SOURCES OF INCOME CURRENTLY OUTSIDE THE SCHEME.
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CONTRACT TO FORM LAND ON LANTAU * * *
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TODAY AWARDED A £o“5ZeLJ2L?2l!lIRACT T0 CHINA CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CORPORATION FORMATION OF SEVEN HECTARES OF LAND IN MU' WO, LANTAU ISLAND•
MR K.K. TANG, DEVELOPMENT BRANCH, CF MUI WO.
GOVERNMENT ENGINEER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SAID THE PROJECT FORMED PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT
THE NEW FORMED LAND WOULD BE USED FOR PRIVATE AND PUBLIC PITCH!"! SmGEMpUNHP?SG,sfAflONCAND'S'HfLI^D.STATION- * MIN|-S0CCER pootbM&‘CI m Sell
AS ASSOCIATED ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS.
WORK WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE. -------------------------o-------
/3
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1981
PRIVATE SECTOR EFFORT NEEDED IN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OXO*
THE GOVERNMENT IS FULLY AWARE OF THE NEED TO SECTOR PARTICIPATION TO MAKE THE TAI PO NEW TOWN 1 PROGRAMME A SUCCESS SAID THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICKY LO AT A NEW TERRITORIES LIONS CLUB MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY)
> ATTRACT PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT
U.*IHE government HAS ALREADY TAKEN THE NECESSARY MEASURES TO MAKE ROOM FOR SUCH INVESTMENT AND I PERSONALLY THINK THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS OFFERING AN AWFULLY GOOD DEAL IN TAI P0,+ W LO SA ID.
ai INFRASTRUCT^E, HE SAID, GOVERNMENT WAS
TCAHSPORT CO^?cI?iJ«SERIES °F IMPR0VEHE“TS T° R0*D *N» InANOrUK। LUnMUNIvATION.
^CONTRACT FOR THE SHA TIN-TAI PO SIX-LANE COASTAL HIGHWAY WAS LET IN JULY THIS YEAR. THIS NEW ROAD WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1984.
♦WORK ON THE ELECTRIFICATION AND DOUBLE TRACKING OF THE ceob?2e"SHNJ°^Rr,LWAY ,S IN PR0GRESS AND THE NEW ELECTRIC TRAIN SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO TA I PO IN EARLY 1983.
I 0N THE REMAINING parts of the nt trunk road project
LINKING TAI PO TO FANLING IS SCHEDULED TO START IN PHASES WITHIN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS AND WILL BE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1984.
♦RESUMPTION OF PRIVATE LAND FOR WORK ON SOME OF THESE SECTIONS HAS BEEN COMPLETED,+ MR LO SAID.
SECONDLY, HE CONTINUED, WITH REGARD TO LEASE CONDITIONS GOVERNING SITES FOR PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE DISTRICT, THE GOVERNMENT WAS PREPARED TO ADOPT A FLEXIBLE APPROACH WHENEVER POSSIBLE TO ENSURE THAT SUCH SITES WOULD BE ATTRACTIVE TO THE PRIVATE INVESTORS AS WELL AS CONFORMING WITH THE OVERALL REQUIREMENTS AND ACHIEVING THE OBJECTIVES OF THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PLAN.
♦THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF IS TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED FORM
GOVERNMENT’S LAND SALES PROGRAMME OF PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT.
♦WHILE THE GOVERNMENT HAS A DUTY TO SAFEGUARD PUBLIC REVENUE, THE LAND SALES PROGRAMME IS NOT DESIGNED TO OBTAIN THE MAXIMUM SALES REVENUE AS AN END IN ITSELF.
♦THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE REGULARLY MONITORS THE PROGRESS OR LACK OF PROGRESS OF PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT AND WOULD RECOMMEND MODIFICATION OF LAND SALES CONDITIONS WHEN JUSTIFIED.
/+ONE J4.UPL3........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1981
4
♦ONE EXAMPLE IS, AS A RESULT OF OUR EXPERIENCE WITH SELLING THE FIRST THREE LOTS IN TAI PO TOWN CENTRE AND CONSULTATION WITH THE INVESTORS CONCERNED, WE SHALL BE AMENDING THE LEASE CONDITIONS OF THE FUTURE TAI PO TOWN CENTRE LOTS TO PERMIT BASEMENT PARKING AS WELL AS SALE OF GROUND FLOOR AND PODIUM LEVEL SHOPS.
♦WE EXPECT THAT THESE MODIFICATIONS WOULD PROVIDE GREATER FLEXIBILITY AND THEREFORE ATTRACT A LARGER SPECTRUM OF POTENTIAL INVESTORS WHILE NOT AFFECTING THE OBJECTIVE OF OUR TOWN CENTRE DEVELOPMENT PLAN.+
MR LO SAID TAI PO NEW TOWN HAD, AND WOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE A SOUND ECONOMIC BASE.
THE TOWN HAD BEEN AND WOULD CONTINUE TO BE MAJOR MARKET TOWN CENTRE FOR VILLAGES IN THE NEIGHBOURING AREAS.
♦THE EXISTING TOWN ALREADY HAS SUBSTANTIAL PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT. TAKING HOUSING AS AN EXAMPLE, ONLY ABOUT 25 000 OUT OF THE PRESENT POPULATION OF 72 000 ARE STAYING IN PUBLIC PERMANENT OR TEMPORARY HOUSING.
♦CONSIDERING THE TOWN AS A WHOLE. THERE ARE AT PRESENT NO SUBSTANTIAL LACK OF COMMERCIAL AND RETAIL FACILITIES.
♦THE FINAL 50-50 SPLIT OF PUBLIC VERSUS PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING IN TAI PO, COMPARED WITH 70 PUBLIC-30 PRIVATE IN SOME OTHER NEW TOWNS SUCH AS TSUEN WAN, SHOULD ATTRACT A FINAL MIX OF COMMUNITY WHICH WOULD INDUCE A FAVOURABLE INVESTMENT CLIMATE FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
♦FURTHERMORE, THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, WHICH HAS ALREADY BROUGHT SOME OF THE MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES AND SOUND INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT, IS EXPECTED TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO ATTRACT SUCH INVESTMENT TO TAI PO.
♦SUCH INVESTMENT WILL NOT ONLY PROVIDE JOBS OF HIGH SKILL, BUT ALSO HELP GENERATE DEMAND FOR FINANCIAL, LEGAL AND GENERAL COMMERCIAL SERVICES AS WELL AS GENERATE A LATENT DEMAND FOR PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING BY VIRTUE OF THOSE EXECUTIVES, ENGINEERS, TECHNICIANS WORKING IN THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES BUT NOT RESIDING IN TAI PO.*
MR LO EMPHASISED THAT THE BALANCED DEVELOPMENT OF TAI PO NEW TOWN DEPENDED MUCH ON PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT.
♦CONSIDERING THE USUAL LEAD TIME OF TWO TO THREE YEARS IN OBTAINING RETURN FROM INVESTMENT, I THINK MANY OF YOU WILL CONSIDER THAT NOW. RATHER THAN LATER, IS THE TIME TO CONSIDER SERIOUSLY TO INVEST IN TAI P0,+ HE SAID.
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/5 .....
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1981
" 5 -LEGCO RESUMES TOMORROW M * M
THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM CONCERNING COUNTERFEITING OF HONG KONG COINS AND NOTES WILL BE AMONG QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WHEN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETS AGAIN TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE SUBJECT WILL BE RAISED BY THE HON ANDREW SO WHO WILL ALSO WANT TO KNOW ABOUT MEASURES BEING TAKEN TO DEAL WITH COUNTERFEITING ACTIVITIES.
TOMORROW’S MEETING WILL BE THE FIRST REGULAR SITTING OF THE NEW LEGISLATIVE SESSION, AND SEVERAL OFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL ELABORATE ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ACTIVITIES DEALT WITH BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, IN HIS ANNUAL REVIEW LAST WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 7). SPEAKING WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON DONALD LIAO, AND THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON E.P. HO. ’
AT QUESTION TIME, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER THE HON S.L. CHEN WILL ASK ABOUT THE NUMBER OF ARMED ROBBERIES OF BANKS AND GOLDSMITH SHOPS DURING THE PAST TEN MONTHS, THE NUMBER OF ARRESTS AND SENTENCES IMPOSED ON THOSE CONVICTED.
THE HON MISS LYDIA DUNN WILL ASK ABOUT TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ON THE TUEN MUN HIGHWAY AND WHAT STEPS, OTHER THAN SAFE-DRIVING CAMPAIGNS, ARE BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION.
SHE WILL ALSO ASK THE GOVERNMENT ABOUT ITS PLANS TO RELIEVE CONGESTION IN THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL.
ON TEXTBOOK GRANTS, THE REV THE HON MISS JOYCE BENNETT WILL ASK IF THE GOVERNMENT WILL EXTEND THE PRESENT GRANT FOR NEEDY PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
MISS BENNETT WILL ALSO ASK ABOUT ASSISTANCE BEING GIVEN TO SPECIAL SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND AND TO ORDINARY SCHOOLS INTEGRATING BLIND STUDENTS INTO THEIR CLASSES FOR THE PURCHASE OR LOAN OF BOOKS IN BRAILLE, AND WHETHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THIS IS ADEQUATE.
----0------
TRAFFIC PLAN FOR FESTIVAL OPENING
M M M
THE SECTION OF EDINBURGH PLACE EAST BETWEEN STAR FERRY AND WIS TAMAR WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 11 AM TO 6.30 PM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 15) BECAUSE OF THE OPENING OF THE SIXTH FESTIVAL OF ASIAN ARTS.
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/6
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1981
- 6 -
DISPLAY AT NEW MENTAL HOSPITAL
* M * *
KWAI CHUNG HOSPITAL, HONG KONG’S SECOND MAJOR MENTAL INSTITUTION, WILL HOLD A TWO-DAY EXH IB ITION-AND-OPEN-DAY AFTER THE OFFICIAL OPENING ON THURSDAY BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE.
THE EXHIBITION WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY (OCTOBER 16 AND 17), WHEN VISITORS WILL BE SHOWN THE HOSPITAL’S SOPHISTICATED TREATMENT FACILITIES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAID THIS SPECIAL EVENT, AND OTHER ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO PROMOTE THE AWARENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH, ARE IN SUPPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO MAKE USE OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBSERVE THE NEW TREND IN PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE SIMILAR TO THE ONE MOUNTED BY THE DEPARTMENT AT THE CITY HALL EARLIER THIS MONTH, ATTRACTING MANY VISITORS.
THE VENUE FOR THE KWAI CHUNG EXHIBITION WILL BE THE COVERED WALKWAY ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF GH BLOCK, OUTSIDE THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING.
TWO OTHER ARTISTIC EXHIBITIONS WILL BE MOUNTED AT THE SAME TIME. THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DEPARTMENT WILL BE CONVERTED INTO AN ART GALLERY TO DISPLAY THE DRAWINGS DONE BY THE PATIENTS THEMSELVES.
A GARDEN SHOW WILL BE HELD ON THE ROOF TOP DISPLAYING THE WORKS OF THE PATIENTS ON POTTED PLANTS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL MATCHES, AND GAMES STALLS RUN BY THE PATIENTS FOR VISITORS AND PATIENTS ALIKE TO TRY THEIR LUCK AND TO HAVE FUN.
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TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
MO
A SECTION OF THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TEXACO ROAD BETWEEN KWOK SHU I ROAD AND SHING MUN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN MIDNIGHT ON WEDNESDAY AND 5.30 AM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 14 AND 15) TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE.
DURING THE HOURS OF CLOSURE, SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SHING MUN ROAD, CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND KWOK SHUI ROAD.
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/7 .....
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1981
7
HK STUDENTS INVITED TO SEND IN DRAWINGS FOR SHANKAR CONTEST * * * *
STUDENTS BELOW THE AGE OF 16 CAN SUBMIT THEIR PAINTINGS AND DRAWINGS TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR SELECTION TO JOIN THE SHANKAR’S INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S COMPETITION 1982.
THE COMPETITION IS AN ANNUAL EVENT ORGANISED IN INDIA.
♦PAINTINGS OR DRAWINGS IN ANY MEDIUM EXCEPT BLACK LEAD PENCIL CAN BE SUBMITTED. GROUP WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED, AND THE WORK MUST NOT BE MOUNTED,* AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THE THEME OF THE ENTRIES CAN BE AN EVENT YOU HAVE WITNESSED-ANY ACTIVITY, SPORT OR HOBBY YOU ARE INTERESTED IN- OR HOW TO MAKE YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN,* HE SAID.
THE MINIMUM SIZE OF AN ENTRY IS 3OOMM BY 400MM, AND EACH ENTRANT CAN SUBMIT UP TO SIX PAINTINGS OR DRAWINGS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE COMMISSION OF INDIA WILL BE REPRESENTED IN THE LOCAL SELECTION, AND THE FINAL SELECTION WILL BE MADE BY A PANEL OF JUDGES IN INDIA. RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY THE ORGANISER IN DUE COURSE.
MEDALS AND CERTIFICATES OF MERIT WILL BE AWARDED TO OUTSTANDING ENTRIES.
ENTRIES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOLS ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 27 TO THE INSPECTOR (ART), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
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SYNCHRONISED TIMING SYSTEM WANTED ft ft ft ft ft
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF A SYNCHRONISED TIMING SYSTEM AT ALL RAILWAY STATIONS. THE CONTRACT IS FOR FIVE YEARS, STARTING FROM THE INTRODUCTION OF THE FIRST STAGE OF ELECTRIFICATION NEXT SPRING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR KCR SAID TODAY THAT SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS WOULD ALSO HAVE THE RIGHT TO ADVERTISE THE BRAND OF THEIR CLOCKS.
TENDERS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD AND PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX, GROUND FLOOR, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (MAIN WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16.
LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
------0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL:
WAYS TO IMPROVE CROSS HARBOUT TRAFFIC ......................... 1
THEN MUN HIGHWAY .............................................. 2
'BEST EFFORTS' BEING MADE TO CURB COUNTERFEITING............... 3
BANK AND GOLDSMITH ROBBERY FIGURES ............................ 3
MORE CENTRES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ................................. 4
TOURISM HAS RECORD YEAR ....................................... 5
HEAVIER FINES SOUGHT FOR ILLEGAL DUMPING ...................... 7
FINANCIAL HELP FOR BLIND SCHOOLS FELT ADEQUATE ................ 7
SAFETY REGULATION FINES INCREASED ............................. 8
BILL TO RAISE INTEREST TAX EXEMPTION .......................... 9
S57-MILLION IN SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS ...................... 10
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS FOR FIRST QUARTER.................... 10
BILL TO INCORPORATE CaRITAS .................................. 11
PATENT FEES RISE............................................. -)1
GUARANTEE FOR MTR LOANS ...................................... 12
DETAILS OF NEW HOS PRICING POLICY OUTLINED ................... 12
NEV DEPARTMENT FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE....................... 13
AUGUST PWD CONTRACTS TOTAL $429 MILLION ........................ 14
GOVERNMENT TACKLING TWO MAJOR PROBLEMS OF ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY 15
RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT MOVING TO HENNESSY CENTRE .... 16
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1981
1
WAYS TO IMPROVE CROSS HARBOUR TRAFFIC * * * *
THERE IS VERY LITTLE THAT CAN BE DONE IN THE SHORT TERM TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TO TAKE MORE TRAFFIC, THE ECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT THE HON DEREK JONES SAID TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LYDIA DUNN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR JONES SAID HOWEVER CONSIDERATION WAS BEING GIVEN TO CERTAIN MINOR WORKS TO IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE APPROACH AREAS, AND TO POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS TO VEHICULAR FERRY SERVICES.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSULTANTS HAD RECOMMENDED AGAINST THE TUNNEL COMPANY’S PROPOSAL TO BUILD A MEZZANINE DECK FOR CARS IN ONE OF THE TUBES OF THE EXISTING TUNNEL.
♦THE PRINCIPAL REASONS ARE THE DISRUPTION TO TRAFFIC DURING CONSTRUCTION, PARTICULARLY IN THE APPROACHES TO THE TUNNEL, A GREATER RISK IN EMERGENCIES, PARTICULARLY FIRE RISK, AND THE COMPLICATIONS OF PROVIDING SAFE ACCESS INTO, AND EXIT FROM, THE PROPOSED MEZZANINE DECK,+ HE SAID.
MR JONES POINTED OUT THAT THE TSUEN WAN EXTENSION OF THE MTR AND KCR ELECTRIC TRAIN SERVICES BOTH COMING INTO SERVICE EARLY NEXT SUMMER WOULD PROVIDE A SIGNIFICANT ADDITION TO THE PASSENGER RAILWAY NETWORK AND WOULD TEMPT MORE CAR OWNERS TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
♦TO THIS END, ALSO, THERE ARE PLANS FOR BUILDING CAR PARKING FACILITIES AT MORE MTR AND KCR STAT IONS,+ HE ADDED.
IN THE MEDIUM TERM, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM, IF FOUND FEASIBLE, WAS TO BUILD A BRIDGE ACROSS THE LEI YUE MUN CHANNEL TO CONNECT WITH THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR ROAD BEYOND SHAU KEI WAN BY ABOUT 1986 OR 87.
♦THE PROBLEM HERE IS TO FIND OUT WHETHER SUCH A BRIDGE WOULD BE COMPATIBLE WITH AIRCRAFT SAFETY, MAINLY BECAUSE OF ITS POSSIBLE EFFECT ON THE INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM.
♦THIS QUESTION IS NOW UNDER ACTIVE STUDY BY THE PUBLIC WORKS AND CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENTS.+
IF IT TURNED OUT THAT NO SATISFACTORY SOLUTION COULD BE FOUND, THEN IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE TO BUILD A BRIDGE UNTIL THE 199OS AFTER THE AIRPORT HAD BEEN REMOVED FROM KAI TAK, HE SAID.
IN THAT CASE, HE ADDED, SERIOUS CONSIDERATION WOULD THEN BE GIVEN TO BUILDING A THIRD TUBE TO THE PRESENT TUNNEL.
♦THIS WOULD, HOWEVER, HAVE THE DISADVANTAGE OF CONCENTRATING YET MORE TRAFFIC IN AREAS WHICH ARE ALREADY CONGESTED AND IT WOULD THEREFORE REQUIRE HEAVY ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE ON ROAD WORKS,+ NR JONES SAID.
/THE COMPLETION .......
.7HDNJSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 19t1
2
THE COMPLETION OF THE KCR ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT BY EARLY 1983 AND THE MTR ISLAND LINE BY 1985 AND 86 WOULD FURTHER EXTEND THE COVERAGE OF THE INTEGRATED RAIL TRANSIT NETWORK WHICH WAS AT THE CENTRE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS TO IMPROVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN HONG KONG.
HOWEVER, MR JONES SAID, IN THE 1990S, ANOTHER FIXED HARBOUR CROSSING WOULD BE NECESSARY IN THE WESTERN HARBOUR.
♦THIS WILL BE EXTREMELY COSTLY TO CONSTRUCT AND IT WILL PROBABLY NEED TO BE PLANNED IN CONJUNCTION WITH FURTHER LAND RECLAMATIONS IN THAT AREA OF THE HARBOUR,* HE SAID.
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TUEN MUN HIGHWAY * * *
THERE HAVE BEEN 422 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ON THE TUEN MUN HIGHWAY RESULTING IN 73 DEATHS SINCE IT OPENED IN MAY 1978, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON DEREK JONES, SAID IN ANSWER TO QUESTIONS BY THE HON LYDIA DUNN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
EXPRESSED AS ACCIDENTS PER MILLION VEHICLE KILOMETRES TRAVELLED, THEY ARE ONLY ABOUT A FIFTH OF THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS PER MILLION VEHICLE KILOMETRES ON ALL ROADS IN HONG KONG OVER THE SAME PERIOD, HE SAID.
+THE TUEN MUN ROAD IS THEREFORE A SAFER ROAD THAN THE GENERALITY OF OUR ROADS,* HE SAID.
+HOWEVER, PRO RATA, THE NUMBER OF DEATHS FROM ACCIDENTS IS GREATER ON THE TUEN MUN ROAD, MAINLY BECAUSE OF THE HIGHER SPEEDS INVOLVED AND EVERY EFFORT MUST THEREFORE BE MADE TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS YET FURTHER,* HE ADDED.
MR JONES SAID THAT THE MAJOR STEP BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION IS TO COMPLETE THE BUILDING OF THE SECOND CARRIAGEWAY AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE, THUS SEPARATING THE TRAFFIC MOVING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS.
THIS WILL BE ACHIEVED BY JANUARY 1983, SIX MONTHS AHEAD OF THE ORIGINAL SCHEDULE AND SECTIONS WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC AS SOON AS THEY ARE COMPLETED, HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION ON THE SECTIONS OF ROAD STILL SUBJECT TO TWO-WAY OPERATION.
♦FIRST, THE VISIBILITY OF ROAD MARKINGS IN THE DARK ARE BEING INCREASED BY THE INSTALLATION OF REFLECTIVE ROAD STUDS AND BY ADDITIONAL CHEVRON SIGNS.*
+SECONDLY, THE POLICE PATROLS ON THE HIGHWAY WILL STEP UP THEIR EFFORTS TO ENFORCE THE 40 M.P.H. SPEED LIMIT AND TO PROSECUTE OTHER RECKLESS DRIVERS,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE INSERTING A SECTION ON THE PRINCIPLES OF w ,^TI-LANE HIGHWAY DRIVING IN THE NEW EDITION OF THE HIGHWAY COLE .«.W BEING PREPARED.
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/3......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1981
3
'BEST EFFORTS’ BEING MADE TO CURB COUNTERFEITING M * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING ITS BEST TO CURB COUNTERFEITING OF HONG KONG COINS AND BANKNOTES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID TODAY.
BUT HE DID NOT WISH TO DESCRIBE THE MEASURES BEING TAKEN, BECAUSE TO DO SO WOULD BE +CLEARLY OF ASSISTANCE TO CRIMINALS*, HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON ANDREW SO.
MR BREMRIDGE SAID THE RECENT REPLACEMENT OF THE OLD, TEN-SIDED S5-COIN WITH THE PRESENT ROUND ONE, WHICH HAS SPECIAL SECURITY FEATURES, WAS DUE PARTLY TO COUNTERFEITING OF THE OLD COINS.
+THIS INFORMATION IS NOW OF LITTLE USE TO COUNTERFEITERS, BECAUSE THE OLD COIN HAS BEEN DEMONETISED- BUT IF OUR INTENTION TO CHANGE THE DESIGN HAD NOT BEEN MADE PUBLIC, SAY, 12 MONTHS AGO, IT WOULD ALMOST CERTAINLY HAVE PROMPTED AN INCREASE IN THE PRODUCTION OF IMITATIONS.
*1 MENTION THIS MERELY TO ILLUSTRATE WHY IT IS NECESSARY TO KEEP PLANS TO COUNTERACT COUNTERFEITING TO OURSELVES,* HE SAID.
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BANK AND GOLDSMITH ROBBERY FIGURES * *
saId tm5y.the secret,ry for whSI? LeCiS^?,??,
« ” ■“■SB'S
BEING SEVEN—AND—A-HALF ECONVICTIONS IN 1981
A....
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1981
- 4 -
MORE CENTRES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE * * * ft
THE GOVERNMENT AIMS AT PROVIDING 11 NEW CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH CENTRES A YEAR, PREFERABLY AS COMBINED FACILITIES, IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING 216 SUCH CENTRES, THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON ERIC HO, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN ADDITION, A COMMITTEE WAS STUDYING THE SOCIAL WORK CONTENT IN THE PROGRAMMES IN THE EXISTING CENTRES, WITH A VIEW TO RECOMMENDING HOW THEY COULD BE STRENGTHENED AND DEVELOPED, HE SAID.
THE STUDY IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR. MR HO ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT AIMS ALSO TO PROVIDE 15 MORE COMMUNITY CENTRES, EIGHT ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRES (OR AREA CENTRES) AND 16 COMMUNITY HALLS (OR NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRES) IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
+OUR COMMUNITY AND YOUTH SERVICES AIM TO PROVIDE MUTUAL CARE AND RESPONSIBILITY, LEADERSHIP, CONCERN AND PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNAL PROBLEMS,* MR HO SAID.
♦COMMUNITY CENTRE FACILITIES HELP DEVELOP COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND AN AWARENESS OF LOCAL NEED, AND ARE USED TO ACCOMMODATE A WIDE VARIETY OF SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, INCLUDING VOLUNTARY AGENC IES.
♦CENTRES ARE PLANNED IN RELATION TO POPULATION,+ MR HO SAID.
ON PERSONAL SOCIAL WORK AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE, MR HO SAID THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE THREE MAIN STREAMS IN THIS PROGRAMME — SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK, OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK AND FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION — WAS BEING REVIEWED IN THE LIGHT OF ACTUAL FIELD EXPER IENCE.
THIS PROGRAMME AIMS TO PROMOTE POSITIVE SOCIAL ATTITUDES AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE, THROUGH BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR ROLES IN THE FAMILY, SCHOOL AND THE COMMUNITY.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1981
- 5 -
TOURISM HAS RECORD YEAR
*****
IT WAS ANOTHER RECORD YEAR FOR THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY, WITH THE NET TOURISM SURPLUS COMING TO ABOUT $1 800 MILLION, SAID THE HON DAVID NEWBIGGING, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN TABLING THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1980-81, MR NEWBIGGING, ITS CHAIRMAN, SAID THE SURPLUS WAS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GROSS TOURISM RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS TRAVELLING ABROAD.
THIS SURPLUS OFFSET 13.5 PER CENT OF THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT EVEN AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE EXPENDITURE OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS TRAVELLING TO CHINA, HE SAID.
THE NUMBER OF VISITORS INCREASED BY FOUR PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR, ALTHOUGH PER CAPITA SPENDING FELL BY 1.6 PER CENT.
HOWEVER, GROSS EXPENDITURE BY VISITORS CAME TO $6.5 BILLION, AND HE EXPECTED THE FIGURE TO EXCEED $7 BILLION THIS YEAR.
THE QUESTION OF COURTESY AND SERVICE WAS HIGHLIGHTED IN THE ANNUAL REPORT.
♦WHILE I BELIEVE IT IS OVER-STATING THE POSITION TO CLAIM THAT HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE RUDEST CITIES TO VISIT IN ASIA, WE DO NONETHELESS RECEIVE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT RUDENESS, LACK OF COURTESY AND POOR SERVICE.
♦THIS DOES NOT APPLY GENERALLY TO THE HOTEL INDUSTRY BUT I WOULD TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY AGAIN TO URGE THE TOURIST INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE TO CONCENTRATE ON UPGRADING THE STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONALISM, COURTESY AND SERVICE.
♦THE REMEDY RESTS WITH THE INDUSTRY IF THE GOOSE WHICH LAYS THE GOLDEN EGG IS NOT TO MEET AN UNTIMELY END.
♦THE ASSOCIATION ITSELF CONTINUES WITH ITS OWN COURTESY CAMPAIGN,+ HE SAID.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT INITIATIVE OF THE ASSOCIATION WAS THE EXPANSION OF THE RANGE OF CULTURAL AND OTHER FORMS OF ENTERTAINMENT, ATTRACTING BOTH VISITORS AND RESIDENTS. HE WELCOMED THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO INVITE THE TOURIST ASSOCIATION TO ORGANISE A FIREWORKS DISPLAY ON THE EVE OF CHINESE NEW YEAR ON JANUARY 24.
/THE HONG
WEDNESDAY, 0C£03J? 14, 1961
- 6 -
THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, HE SAID, OPERATED ON A DISCIPLINED AND TIGHT EXPENDITURE BUDGET APPROVED BY THE GOVERNMENT, AND ALL COSTS WERE CAREFULLY SCRUTINISED BY THE BOARD AND MANAGEMENT WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF MAXIMISING THE ♦PRODUCT IVITY+ OF EACH DOLLAR SPENT.
HOWEVER, THE GOVERNMENT’S RECENT DECISION ON SALARIES WHICH AFFECTED THE TOURIST ASSOCIATION AS A SUBVENTED ORGANISATION, HAD MADE A MOCKERY OF THE ASSOCIATION’S BUDGETS.
WITH A 17/18 PER CENT INCREASE, AND PARTICULARLY THE RETROACTIVE ELEMENT, THE BUDGETARY CONTROLS IN THE CURRENT YEAR HAD BEEN DESTROYED. THIS WAS DISCOURAGING TO THE BOARD AND MANAGEMENT AND COMPOUNDED THE DIFFICULTY OF ANY FORM OF MEDIUM TO LONG TERM POLICY PLANNING.
WHAT WAS EVEN MORE DISCOURAGING WAS THAT PRIMARILY AS A RESULT OF THE RETROACTIVE ELEMENT, THE TOURIST ASSOCIATION NOW FACED A 45 PER CENT INCREASE IN HONG KONG STAFF EXPENSES ALONE FOR 1982/83 OVER THE ORIGINALLY APPROVED BUDGET FOR 1981/82.
♦THIS WILL HAVE THE EFFECT OF THE ASSOCIATION BUDGETTING FOR A DEFICIT (IN OPERATIONAL TERMS) IN 1982/83 EVEN ASSUMING NO INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE IN HONG KONG DOLLAR TERMS FOR ADVERTISING, SALES PROMOTION, PUBLIC RELATIONS, FOREIGN REPRESENTATION, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS AT A TIME WHEN INFLATION IS ANYWAY RUNNING AT TOO HIGH A LEVEL BOTH HERE AND WORLDWIDE.
♦MUCH OF THE EXPENDITURE I HAVE REFERRED TO ARISES OVERSEAS, SO WITH A WEAK HONG KONG DOLLAR THE ASSOCIATION’S REAL EXPENDITURE IN 1982/83 WILL SHOW A MARKED DECLINE.
♦AT A TIME OF INTENSE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION IN TOURISM I BELIEVE WE SHOULD BE CONCENTRATING OUR EFFORTS ON MAINTAINING AND INCREASING THE EXISTING MOMENTUM: BUT THIS CANNOT BE DONE WITH A SLASHING OF THE REAL EXPENDITURE IN THE MOST IMPORTANT AREAS OF THE ASSOCIATION’S ACTIVITIES AND I WILL BE TAKING THIS MATTER UP SEPARATELY WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY,+ HE SAID.
HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER REMOVING THE RETROACTIVE ELEMENT, MAKING JANUARY 1, THE EFFECTIVE DATE FOR SALARY INCREASES, AND REVIEWING THE METHODOLOGY USED TO ENSURE THAT A LIKE-FOR-LIKE COMPARISON IS BEING MADE WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
HONG KONG REMAINED AN EXTREMELY ATTRACTIVE PLACE FOR VISITORS, HE SAID.
------0-------
/7........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1981
?
HEAVIER FINES SOUGHT FOR ILLEGAL DUMPING * * * *
EXISTING LEGISLATION IS TO BE AMENDED BY EXTENDING LIABILITY FOR THE OFFENCE OF ILLEGAL DUMPING TO THE REGISTERED OWNER OR HIRER OF THE GOODS VEHICLE IN QUESTION.
THE DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, THE HON IAN MACPHERSON, MOVED THE SECOND READING OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1981 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
dcmaitv n£c£=E™2\^,?>THLB,LL provides FOR AN INCREASED ^^TY °F 000 AND S,X MOTHS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR THE OFFENCE, SO AS TO HAVE ALL LITTERING OFFENCES SUBJECT TO THE SAME PENALTY
and^wastI m?N™THe™E™ itteTarI!".™ 'sa id" ICLES DUMP Litter
MR MACPHERSON SAID THAT THE LEGISLATION WAS TIMELY WITH THE KONG CAMPAIGN.
INTRODUCTION OF THIS IMMINENT START OF THE
PROPOSED CLEAN HONG
DEBATE ON THE MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.
-----o-------
FINANCIAL HELP FOR BLIND SCHOOLS FELT ADEQUATE
* * * *
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO SPECIAL SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND, AS WELL AS TO ORDINARY SCHOOLS INTEGRATING THE BLIND, rfAS CONSIDERED ADEQUATE, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON COLVYN HAYE, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY. *■
+BUT, OF COURSE, LEVELS OF GRANTS FOR TEACHERS AND RESOURCE MATERIALS ARE PERIODICALLY REVIEWED, AND SUCH A REVIEW IS IN PROGRESS,* MR HAYE ADDED.
IN REPLYING TO QUESTIONS FROM THE REV THE HON JOYCE BENNETT, MR HAYE SAID ALSO THAT ALL BLIND STUDENTS IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND, AND ALL THOSF INTEGRATED IN ORDINARY SECONDARY SCHOOLS, WERE SUPPLIED WITH BRAILLE BOOKS ON LOAN FREE OF CHARGE.
ON THE QUESTION OF TEXTBOOK GRANTS, HE SAID HE HAD RECENTLY PROPOSED THAT THE CURREN’ RATE OF PRIMARY SCHOOL TEXTBOOK GRANTS FOR NEEDY PUPILS BE REVISED, AND THAT THE GRANT BE EXTENDED TO SIMILAR STUDENTS IN -ORMS ONE TO THREE.
-----0----------
/«........
WEDNESDAY, OCT JER 14, 1981
- 8 -
SAFETY REGULATION FINES INCREASED * * * *
THE MAXIMUM FINES RANGING FROM $10 000 TO $50 000 PROVIDED IN ANOTHER 14 SETS OF SAFETY REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN APPROVED.
AMENDMENT REGULATIONS PROVIDING FOR THE INCREASED PENALTIES WERE APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY ARE:-
(1) THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (BLASTING BY ABRASIVES) (AMENDMENT) SPECIAL REGULATIONS 1981-
(2) THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (FIRST AID IN REGISTRABLE WORKPLACES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1981-
(3) THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (NOTIFICATION OF OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1981-
(4) THE QUARRIES (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1981-
(5) THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (WOODWORKING MACHINERY) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1981-
(6) THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (ELECTROLYTIC CHROMIUM PROCESS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1981-
(7) THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (CARGO HANDLING) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1981-
(8) THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (ABRASIVE WHEELS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1981-
(9) THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (WORK IN COMPRESSED AIR) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1981-
(10) THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (SPRAYING OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1981-
(11) THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GOODS LIFTS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1981-
(12) THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (DRY BATTERIES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1981-
(13) THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (CARTRIDGE-OPERATED FIXI -G TOOLS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1981- AND
(14) THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (PROTECTION OF EYES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1981.
/PEKING APPROVAL ........
WEDNESDAY, OCx'ciiL l4j 1?81
SEEKING APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT REGULATIONS, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON J.N. HENDERSON, RECALLED THAT IN APRIL THE COUNCIL HAD APPROVED THE FIRST BATCH OF FIVE SETS OF AMENDMENT REGULATIONS MADE UNDER T E FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE TO RAISE THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES IN THOSE REGULATIONS, RANGING FROM $5 OOO TO $50 000.
IN GRADING LEVELS OF MAXIMUM PENALTIES IN THE 14 REGULATIONS, HE POINTED OUT, HE HAD FOLLOWED THE SAME PRINCIPLE USED IN THE PREVIOUS FIVE REGULATIONS - AND THAT IS THAT ONLY THE MOST SERIOUS OFFENCES WILL ATTRACT THE MAXIMUM OF $50 000.
THE OFFENCES ARE FAILURE TO CONSTRUCT AND MAINTAIN SAFELY EVERY BULKHEAD, AIR LOCK, OR OTHER STRUCTURE IN COMPRESSED AiR WORK- FAILURE TO PROVIDE PROPER CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE AND EXAMINATION OF GOODS LIFT- AND FAILURE TO FENCE A QUARRY OR TO PROVIDE PROPER SUPERVISION FOR QUARRY OPERATION.
FOR SERIOUS OFFENCES, SUCH AS FAILURE TO GUARD A WOODWORKING MACHINE OR AN ABRASIVE WHEEL, THE MAXIMUM FINE WOULD BE $30 000, WHILE THOSE FOR OTHER LESS SERIOUS OFFENCES WOULD RANGE FROM $10 000 TO 320 000.
-----o------
BILL TO RAISE INTEREST TAX EXEMPTION
* * * *
THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 5) BILL 1981 WAS INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON JOHN BREMRIDGE.
THE BILL SEEKS TO RAISE FROM 11 PER CENT TO 13.5 PER CENT THE CEILING ON THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S AUTHORITY TO SPECIFY THE RATE OF EXEMPTION FROM TAX OF INTEREST PAYABLE BY THE GOVERNMENT, LICENSED BANKS AND CERTAIN SPECIFIED PUBLIC UTILITIES.
THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 4) BILL, INTRODUCED EARLIER AND WHICH WOULD HAVE RAISED THE CEILING FROM 11 PER CENT TO 12 PER CENT, WAS WITHDRAWN AS IT WAS SUPERSEDED BY THE NEW BILL.
THE NO. 5 BILL WAS BROUGHT INTO FORCE ON OCTOBER 7 BY MEANS « OF A REVENUE PROTECTION ORDER, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE IN THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BAN- S’ RATE OF INTEREST ON SAVINGS ACCOUNT WHICH BROUGHT THE RATE 10 13.5 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 11 PER CENT LAST DECEMBER.
-----o------
/10.......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1981
10
$57-i ILL ION IN SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS * * *
THE SUPPLEME TARY PROVISIONS OF GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF THE “INANCI AL YEAR 1980-81 AMOUNTED TO $57 MILLION.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON JOHN BREMRIDGE, WHEN HE INTRODUCED A MOTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY TO SEEK THE COUNCIL’S COVERING AUTHORITY FOR SUCH EXPENDITURE WHICH HAD BEEN APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
MR BREMRIDGE SAID OF THIS SUM, $22 MILLION WAS REQUIRED TO MEET INCREASES IN RATES OF PAYMENT FOR STANDARD ALLOWANCES, ADDITIONAL DUTY ALLOWANCES AND ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE ON LAUNDRY FOR THE POLICE FORCE- T9 MILLION FOR VARIOUS PAY ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE AND i8 MILLION FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE INCURRED ON ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE AUTHORITY ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT DURING 1979-80.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THIS SCHEDULE BROUGHT THE TOTAL SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION FOR 1980-81 TO $7 873 MILLION AND BECAUSE OF SAVINGS IN OTHER SUBHEADS, ACTUAL GROSS EXPENDITURE FOR THE FULL FINANCIAL YEAR 1980-81 WAS $23 593 MILLION AND ONLY $5 152 MILLION MORE THAN THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATE.
------o ------
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS FOR FIRST QUARTER
* X
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON JOHN BREMRIDGE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT THE SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1981-82 AMOUNTED TO $511 MILLION.
+THE MAJOR ITEMS INCLUDE $280 MILLION FOR PAYMENT OF A SPECIAL ONE-OFF GRANT TO THE URBAN COUNCIL TO ENABLE IT TO COVER ITS ESTIMATED DEFICIT IN 1981-82- $45 MILLION FOR EXPENDITURE ON A SCHEME FOR PRIVATE DENTAL TREATMENT FOR CIVIL SERVANTS AND THEIR DEPENDANTS- $40 MILLION TO ENABLE THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY (1933) LIMITED TO INTRODUCE A SCALE OF BUS FARES LOWER THAN THAT REQUIRED FOR THE COMPANY TO BREAK EVEN IN 1981,* HE SAID.
OTHER ITEMS INCLUDE $40 MILLION FOR THE EXPENDITURE ON PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS- $35 MILLION FOR THE RE-ACTIVATION OF THE LOK ON PAI DESALTER AND ?3 MILLION FOR PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES OF WATER FROM CHINA.
HE NOTED THAT THE PROVISION COVERED BY THE SCHEDULE RESULTED IN A NET INCREASE Oc $35 ILL ION IN THE EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR, THE REMAINDER WOULD BF OFFSET UNDER OTHER HEADS OF EXPENDITURE AND BY THE FREEZING Or FUNDS UNDER THE TWO ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS VOTES.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1981
11
BILL TO INCORPORATE CARITAS * *
A BILL WAS INTRODUCED BY THE HON ANDREW SO TO INCORPORATE THE CARITAS.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE CARITAS-HONG KONG INCORPORATION BILL, MR SO EXPLAINED THAT THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE BILL IS TO INCORPORATE THE COUNCIL OF CARITAS-HONG KONG WHICH IS THE OFFICIAL SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN HONG KONG.
IT ALSO AIMS TO TRANSFER TO THE CORPORATION PROPERTY AT PRESENT USED BY THE UN INCORPORATED BODY SO THAT THE CORPORATION CAN CARRY ON THE WORK AND ACTIVITIES HITHERTO CARRIED ON BY THE UNINCORPORATED BODY, HE ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- - 0 - -
PATENT FEES RISE * *
A RESOLUTION FOR AN INCREASE OF FEES FOR REGISTRATION OF PATENTS, MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON D.G. JEAFFRESON, WAS APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IT WAS STATED THAT THE FEES HAD NOT BEEN REVISED SINCE 1974 AND THE COST OF RUNNING THE PATENTS REGISTRY OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT HAD DOUBLED.
THE NEW FEES COME INTO EFFECT ON NOVEMBER 16 THIS YEAR.
AMONG OTHERS, THE FEE FOR A CERTIFICATE OF PATENT WILL BE RAISED FROM $120 TO $240.
/12
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBcA 14, 1981
GUARANTEE FOR MTR LOANS * * *
GOVERNMENT GUARAN EES TO COVER REPAYMENT OF THREE LOANS TOTALLING $114 MILLION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION WERE APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE MONEY WILL BE USED TO FINANCE PART OF THE ISLAND LINE CONTRACTS COVERING ADVANCE WORKS FOR STATIONS AT WAN CHAI, CAUSEWAY BAY, TIN HAU, TAI KOO SHING AND ADMIRALTY AND QUARRY BAY.
THIS BROUGHT THE GOVERNMENT’S TOTAL GUARANTEE COMMITMENT ON OUTSTANDING LOANS AVAILABLE TO THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION TO $5 826 MILLION.
DETAILS OF NEW HOS PRICING POLICY OUTLINED * *
THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TODAY OUTLINED DETAILS OF THE NEW PRICING POLICY FOR HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, IN HIS ANNUAL REVIEW TO THE OPENING OF THE NEW LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION LAST WEEK.
MR LIAO WAS SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF A MOTION OF THANKS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS.
COPIES OF THE FULL TEXT OF MR LIAO’S SPEECH, TOGETHER WITH A SUMMARY, ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE GIS PRESS BOXES.
0 - -
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1981
- 13 -
NEW DEPARTMENT FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPROVED THE FORMATION OF A NEW DEPARTMENT TO CO-ORDINATE RECREATIONAL AND SPORT ACTIVITIES FOR THE POPULATION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS.
FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DIVISION OF THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH WILL BE KNOWN AS THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.
THE NEW DEPARTMENT IS TO BE HEADED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM.
THE DEPARTMENT CONSISTS OF THE HEADQUARTERS AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, AND THREE OPERATIONAL UNITS - THE RECREATION AND SPORT DIVISION, THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE PERFORMING ARTS DIVISION, EACH UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER.
MR WIGGHAM SAID THIS MOVE REFLECTED THE SERIOUSNESS WITH WHICH GOVERNMENT TOOK ITS RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS, RECREATION AND CULTURE.
♦ IT IS AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE, A STARTING POINT FROM WHICH GOVERNMENT’S INVOLVEMENT IN SPORTING AND CULTURE ACTIVITIES WILL BE COHESIVELY PLANNED AND DEVELOPED.
♦ WE ARE PARTICULARLY CONCERNED TO SEE THAT YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAVE AMPLE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN HOW TO USE THEIR LEISURE TIME. WE CAN HELP THEM DEVELOP A SKILL AND TAKE PART IN LARGE-SCALE COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES,+ HE SAID.
♦ THE NEW DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO ORGANISE AND PROVIDE MORE OUTDOOR AND INDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR THE COMMUNITY- AND ITS CO-OPERATION WITH EXISTING CULTURAL AND SPORT ORGANISATIONS WILL BE FURTHER EXPANDED,+ HE ADDED.
THE DECISION TO FORM A NEW DEPARTMENT FOLLOWED A DETAILED REVIEW OF GOVERNMENT’S INVOLVEMENT IN RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND IN THE PERFORMING ARTS.
ACTIVE GOVERNMENT PROMOTION OF SPORTS AND RECREATION DATES BACK TO OCTOBER 1974 DURING WHICH THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE WAS ESTABLISHED.
SINCE THEN, SOME TWO MILLION PEOPLE HAVE PARTICIPATED IN ONE OR MORE OF ITS 17 000 SPORTS PROJECTS.
/THE MUSIC .......
WEDNESDAY, CETO. , 1981
14
THE MUSIC OFFICE WAS ESTABLISHED IN OCTOBER 1977 TO PROVIDE TRAINING ON BOTH WESTERN AND CHINESE INSTRUMENTS, TO PROMOTE INTEREST IN MUSIC AMONG VOUNG PEOPLE AND TO ORGANISE MUSIC ACTIVITIES.
MORE THAN 2 500 STUDENTS ARE RECEIVING WEEKLY TRAINING, AND SOME 560 CLASSES ARE HELD EACH WEEK AT THE FOUR MUSIC CENTRES, SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY CENTRES.
THE PERFORMING ARTS DIVISION - A COMPLETELY NEW UNIT - PROVIDES ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO CULTURAL ORGANISATION, IN THE FIELDS OF MUSIC, DANCE, DRAMA, OPERA AND SINGING IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PERFORMING ARTS IN HONG KONG.
-----0--------
AUGUST PWD CONTRACTS TOTAL $429 MILLION ft ft ft *
EIGHTY-FOUR CONTRACTS WORTH MORE THAN $429 MILLION, AWARDED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN AUGUST.
THE LARGEST CONTRACT, WORTH ABOUT $105 MILLION, WAS CONSTRUCTION OF A 5 200-METRE LONG WATER TUNNEL, RUNNING TSI NG TAM IN YUEN LONG TO YAU KOM TAU IN TSUEN WAN.
WERE
FOR THE FROM
TO
12
BY
THF work<5 FORM PART OF STAGE ONE OF A $1 300-MILLION SCHEME RECEIVE ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES OF WATER FROM CHINA OVER THE NEXT
YEARS.
OF THE CONTRACTS AWARDED DURING THE MONTH, 36 WERE RECOMMENDED THE CENTRAL TENDER BOaSd AND THE OTHERS BY THE PUBLIC WORKS
DEPARTMENT TENDER BOARD.
WEDNESDAY, OCTc.ER 14, 1981
- 15 -
GOVERNMENT TACKLING TWO MAJOR PROBLEMS OF ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY
* * * *
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS FACING THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, AND CUSTOMS, MR BILL DORWARD SAID
TACKLING TWO MAJOR PROBLEMS THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE INDUSTRY TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ONE IS IMPROVING COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE INDUSTRY AND THE GOVERNMENT, AND THE OTHER IS THE BATTLE AGAINST PROTECTIONIST PRESSURES, HE TOLD THE AUDIENCE WHILE OPENING THE FIRST HONG KONG ELECTRONICS SHOW AT THE HOTEL MIRAMAR.
♦ I AM ACUTELY AWARE THAT ONE OF THE PROBLEMS FACING S CTORS OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY, WHERE THE TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS TEND TO CUT THE MANUFACTURER OFF FROM THE LAYMAN, IS THE MATTER OF COMMUNICATION WITH GOVERNMENT AND QUAS(-GOVERNMENT BODIES. THIS IS PARTICULARLY IRONIC IN THE CASE OF THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY WHICH IS, MORE THAN ANY OTHER, DEDICATED TO THE BUSINESS OF COMMUNICATION,* HE SAID.
MR DORWARD ANNOUNCED THAT A NEW DIVISION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WOULD BE BUILT UP IN 1982 TO PROVIDE A POINT OF CONTACT WITH INDUSTRY, WHERE GOVERNMENT SCIENTISTS AND TECHNOLOGISTS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ACT AS INTERLOCUTORS BETWEEN INDUSTRY AND THE ADMINISTRATION.
MR DORWARD SAID THE PROBLEMS OF THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY WERE NOT, HOWEVER, CONFINED TO TECHNICAL MATTERS.
+AFTER TEXTILES IT IS PROBABLY THE INDUSTRY MOST IN THE FIRING LINE AS FAR AS PROTECTIONIST PRESSURES ARE CONCERNED. IT IS IRONIC THAT SO MUCH OF THIS SPACE-AGE INDUSTRY IS LABOUR INTENSIVE- WHICH MAKES IT A PRIME TARGET FOR CLAIMS IN THE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES FOR PROTECTION AGAINST SO-CALLED 'LOW COST’ COMPETITION.*
* 1 AM NOT LOOKING TO DISPUTE THAT CASE TODAY. I MERELY TAKE NOTE OF THE SITUATION. AND OF THE HANDFUL OF ’VOLUNTARY RESTRAINT AGREEMENTS’ OR ’ORDERLY MARKETING ARRANGEMENTS’ WHICH HAVE BEEN ENTERED INTO BY A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES IN THIS REGION,* SAID MR DORWARD.
♦ THESE ARE PARTICULARLY CONCENTRATED ON TELEVISION SETS, AN AREA OF PRODUCTION WHICH I THINK WE CAN EXPECT TO SEE SIGNIFICANTLY EXPANDED IN HONG KONG IN THE NEAR FUTURE.*
MR DORWARD STRESSED THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS OPPOSED TO THE CONCEPT OF VOLUN.ARY RESTRAINTS ON THIS OR ANY OTHER SECTOR OF TRADE, AND WOULD RESIST THEM WITH ALL VIGOUR.
/THE ELECTRONS .....
WEDNESDAY, uj... 1981
16
THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY HAD MAINTAINED ITS GROWTH AHEAD OF TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS - UP 20 PER CENT IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, OR RECORD EXPORT EARNINGS OF NEARLY $7 000 MILLION, HE SAID.
THIS WAS ACHIEVED WITH A REDUCTION IN THE LABOUR FORCE OF ABOUT 8 000 TO JUST OVER 84 000 IN MARCH 1980/81.
+THE EXPLANATION FOR THIS LIES TO A SUBSTANTIAL EXTENT IN GREATER USE OF THE MICRO-PROCESSOR WHICH HAS RAPIDLY BOOSTED BOTH PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY STANDARDS,* HE SAID.
--------0 ---------
RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT MOVING TO HENNESSY CENTRE
X * * *
THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE MOVING TO ITS NEW OFFICES IN HENNESSY CENTRE, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG IN THREE STAGES BETWEEN OCTOBER 17 AND NOVEMBER 14.
THE FIRST STAGE WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, AND WILL INVOLVE MOVING THE HEADQUARTERS, LEASING. SPECIAL PROPERTIES AND HOUSING ESTATES DIVISIONS AT PRESENT LOCATED AT NO. 1 GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL.
THE SECOND STAGE WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE WEEKEND OF NOVEMBER 7 AND 8, WHEN THE RENT CONTROL DIVISION, KOWLOON RATING DIVISION AND HONG KONG RATING DIVISION, NOW LOCATED IN SUN HUNG KAI CENTRE AND NEW MERCURY HOUSE, WAN CHAI, WILL MOVE TO THE NEW LOCATION.
THE FINAL STAGE OF REMOVAL WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, INVOLVING THE NEW KOWLOON RATING DIVISION AND NEW TERRITORIES RATING DIVISION, AT PRESENT LOCATED IN TAI SANG COMMERCIAL BUILDING, WAN CHAI.
THE WHOLE DEPARTMENT WILL BE OPERATING IN HENNESSY CENTRE FROM MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16. THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE DEPARTMENT IS 5-7957888- FOR ENQUIRIES CALL 5-7957666.
0 -------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1?81
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR OPENS HOSPITAL FOR MENTALLY ILL ................. 1
SIR JACK SWITCHES ON LATEST IN PRINTING TECHNOLOGY ....
MARKED DECREASE IN AVERAGE PREMIA FOR TAXI LICENCES ...... 4
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES ..................... 5
SEMINAR ON COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION ...................... 6
ANTI-NARCOTICS MUSICAL DRAMA ............................. 7
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY GALA NIGHT ............................. 8
NEW URBAN CLEARWAY FOR NGAU TAU KOK ...................
ENTRIES INVITED FOR SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL .............. 10
OLD BUILDINGS CLEARED ................................... 11
HUNG HOM PARKING SPACES ................................. 11
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1991
1
GOVERNOR OPENS HOSPITAL FOR MENTALLY ILL
* * K
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY THAT HONG KONG HAS MADE DRAMATIC AND INTERNATIONALLY-RECOGNISED PROGRESS IN THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL SERVICES OVER THE LAST TWO DECADES.
WITH THE OPENING OF THE KWAI CHUNG HOSPITAL, HONG KONG HAS PASSED ANOTHER MILESTONE IN THE FIELD OF MENTAL HEALTH, HE SAID THIS AFTERNOON AS HE DECLARED OPEN THE $12O-MILLI0N SECOND MAJOR MENTAL HOSPITAL NEAR LAI CHI KOK.
THE OPENING OF THE 1 3OO-BED HOSPITAL INCREASES THE NUMBER OF BEDS FOR THE MENTALLY ILL BY ALMOST 60 PER CENT.
TWO DECADES AGO, SAID SIR MURRAY, THERE WAS FOR THE WHOLE OF HONG KONG A SMALL HOSPITAL FOR THE MENTALLY ILL IN HIGH STREET, WHERE OUTPATIENT CONSULTATIONS WERE HELD ONLY TWO OR THREE TIMES A WEEK.
TODAY, THERE ARE THREE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS, THREE PSYCHIATRIC UNITS IN GENERAL HOSPITALS AND ALSO FOUR MENTAL HEALTH CENTRES EACH OF WHICH HAS A DAY HOSPITAL AND A FULL-TIME OUTPATIENT CLINIC.
TOGETHER THEY PROVIDE AROUND 3 700 BEDS, 180 DAY HOSPITAL PLACES AND 25 CONSULTATION ROOMS.
SIR MURRAY SAID THAT MUCH MORE NEEDED TO BE DONE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PROFESSIONAL TREND IS TOWARDS OUTPATIENT TREATMENT WHEREVER POSSIBLE, WHICH WOULD MEAN THAT FACILITIES SHOULD BE MADE EASILY ACCESSIBLE.
ACCORDINGLY, THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO BUILD FOUR DAY-HOSPITALS AND FOUR PSYCHIATRIC CLINICS IN EAST KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING MORE PSYCHIATRIC BEDS IN THE QUEEN MARY EXTENSION, AND THE NEW HOSPITALS IN TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN.
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, ALSO SPOKE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
HE SAID THE NEW HOSPITAL INCORPORATES THE MOST ADVANCED AND MODERN FACILITIES FOR THE CARE AND TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH PSYCHIATRIC PROBLEMS.
THE OPERATING THEATRE OF THE HOSPITAL, FOR INSTANCE, IS FITTED WITH THE LATEST LASER BEAM BI-PLANE RADIOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT AND OTHER PSYCHO-SURGICAL EQUIPMENT FOR STEREOTACTIC SURGERY ON THE BRAIN.
THERE IS ALSO AN ELECTROGRAPHIC DIAGNOSTIC UNIT WITH SOPHISTICATED EQUIPMENT WHICH HAS WIDE APPLICATIONS IN DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH IN NEUROLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY.
/♦ALL THESE ......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1981
- 2 -
♦ALL THESE FACILITIES,* SAID DR THONG, +WILL BE SEEN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HONG KONG.*
THE HOSPITAL HAD ACTUALLY BEGUN TO FUNCTION SINCE NOVEMBER 1980 TAKING IN SUB-ACUi'E AND LONG-STAYING PATIENTS FROM CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL AND LATER ON ADMITTING PATIENTS DIRECT FROM MAJOR CASUALTY DEPARTMENT, HE SAID.
BESIDE THE PRESENT INPATIENT SERVICE, KWAI CHUNG HOSPITAL PLANS TO OFFER OTHER AREAS OF NEW SERVICE, SAID DR THONG.
AMONG THESE IS THE COMMUNITY PSYCHIATRIC NURSING SERVICE, WHICH WILL SOON BE ESTABLISHED.
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SIR JACK SWITCHES ON LATEST IN PRINTING TECHNOLOGY ******
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT MOVED INTO THE NEW ERA OF ADVANCED PRINTING TECHNOLOGY WHEN THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER, OPENED THE $2.4 MILLION BRITISH-MADE COMPUTERISED TYPESETTING SYSTEM OF THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT THIS AFTERNOON (THURSDAY).
SIR JACK SAID THE NEW SYSTEM WAS +A CONCRETE EXAMPLE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO PROVIDE A MORE EFFICIENT, MORE ECONOMIC SER V ICE • +
+MODERN GOVERNMENTS, BUSINESSES AND INDUSTRIES ARE EVER INCREASINGLY DEPENDENT UPON FASTER AND CHEAPER ACCESS TO INFORMAT MUCH OF WHICH MUST BE ATTRACTIVELY PRESENTED AND IN A PERMANENT
ION,
+THIS IS THE PRINTER’S BUSINESS AND IF HE IS TO RETAIN THAT BUSINESS AGAINST NEWER FORMS OF COMMUNICATION, HE MUST CONSTANTLY ^dSeconomy*MPROVEMENTS T° H,S PR0DUCT,0N VINODS BOTH FOR SPEED
+THE TYPESETTING SYSTEM ON DISPLAY HERE TODAY IS ONE EXAMPLE OF THE INDUSTRY’S RESPONSE TO THESE INCREASING PRESSURES,* SIR JACK SAID.
ALTHOUGH SMALL IN TERMS OF MANPOWER AND DOMESTIC EXPORT FIGURES, THE PRINTING INDUSTRY HAD A CRUCIAL ROLE TO PLAY IN PROMOTING SALES OF HONG KONG GOODS ABROAD, IN OILING THE HUGE AND COMPLICATED MACHINERY OF INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC TRADE, AND IN PACKAGING AND LABELLING PRODUCTS, SIR JACK SAID.
PRINTING, BEING A TRADITIONAL CRAFT, WAS STILL A LABOUR INTENSIVE INDUSTRY. WITH SKILLED LABOUR IN SHORT SUPPLY, WAGE RATES IN THE INDUSTRY HAD BEEN INCREASING RAPIDLY. BUT HIGHTER LEVELS OF INVESTMENT AND A GREATER DEGREE OF AUTOMATION WOULD INEVITABLY BE NEEDED, AS WELL AS A CONCENTRATED EFFORT TO TRAIN MORE OPERATIVES TO HIGHTER LEVELS OF SKILL.
+WHILE GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS THIS IN THE FORM OF THE KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, THE ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY MUST LIE WITH MASTER PRINTERS,* SIR JACK SAID.
/HE PAID
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1981
- 3 -
HE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL INDUSTRY FOR ITS WILLINGNESS TO ADOPT AND ADAPT THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY.
USING LASER-BEAM TECHNOLOGY, THE NEW SYSTEM WHICH GOES UNDER THE NAME OF ’L.^SERCOf'3’ -- MEANING LASER COMPOSITION — PROVIDES A FASTER, SIMPLER AND HIGHER QUALITY SERVICE -- AND HAS THE DISTINCTION OF BEING THE FIRST IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA.
IN ADDITION TO SAVING ON MANPOWER, THE NEW EQUIPMENT ALSO TAKES UP LESS SPACE, AND THIS IN ITSELF IS INVALUABLE IN PARTLY ALLEVIATING THE DEPARTMENT’S PROBLEM OF SPACE SHORTAGE, IN THE FACE OF RAPIDLY GROWING DEMANDS FOR ITS SERVICE.
IN TERMS OF TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY, THE SYSTEM SIMPLIFIES THE MORE INVOLVED PRINTING PROCESSES OTHERWISE REQUIRED FOR SUCH THINGS AS TRADE STATISTICS AND TABLES.
ONE ADVANTAGE FOR INSTANCE IS THAT TYPESETTING ERRORS NEED ONLY BE DELETED BY A SIMPLE PROCESS AND REPLACED WITH THE CORRECT WORDS OR FIGURES WITHOUT DOING THE WHOLE PAGE AGAIN.
ANOTHER ADVANTAGE IS THAT THE NEW SYSTEM PROVIDES SELECTION FROM 300 DIFFERENT SIZES OF TYPE, WHICH IS SEVEN TIMES MORE THAN IS OFFERED BY THE OLDER EQUIPMENT.
THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO DEAL QUICKLY WITH LATE AMENDMENTS, SUCH AS THOSE FREQUENTLY REQUIRED FOR ENTRIES IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
TO PREPARE FOR THE NEW TECHNOLOGY, THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT ASSIGNED A SECTION OF ITS STAFF TO UNDERGO A THREE-MONTH TRAINING COURSE.
THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROVISION OF ALL GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS, FORMS AND PRINTED STATIONERY.
ITS WORKLOAD AND USE OF PAPER HAVE DOUBLED IN THE PAST FEW YEARS. LAST YEAR ALONE, THE DEPARTMENT UNDERTOOK A RECORD NUMBER CF 12 000 JOBS AND USED 3 036 TONS OF PAPER.
THE JOBS INCLUDED THE PRINTING OF THE BEST-SELLING GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION +HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT+, THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, LEGISLATIVE BILLS AND ORDINANCES, FACT SHEETS, APPLICATION FORMS FOR DRIVING LICENCES, HONG KONG’S REVENUE AND ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE, MAPS, EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPERS AND NUMBEROUS OTHER PUBLICATIONS.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT IS CONSIDERING THE POSSIBILITY OF INCORPORATING THE CHINESE LANGUAGE TYPESETTING CAPABILITY INTO THE LASERCOMP SYSTEM.
SOME 60 PEOPLE FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE PRINTING INDUSTRY WERE PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY.
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A....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1981
- 4 -
MARKED DECREASE IN AVERAGE PREMIA FOR TAXI LICENCES
H * *
RESULTS OF TENDERS SUBMITTED IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER FOR 300 URBAN AND 150 NEW TERRITORIES TAXI LICENCES SHOW A MARKED DECREASE FROM THE AVERAGE PREMIA OFFERED IN PREVIOUS TENDERING EXERCISES.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION, MR R.A. DA SILVA, SAID THAT 791 TENDERS WERE LODGED FOR 1 042 URBAN TAXI LICENCES - ALMOST 3.5 TIMES THE 300 TAXIS AVAILABLE.
THE HIGHEST BID ACCEPTED WAS $206 800 AND THE LOWEST $179 003.
THIS GAVE AN AVERAGE PREMIUM OF $182 143, WHICH REPRESENTED A 32 PER CENT DECREASE ON THE AVERAGE BID OF $267 957 MADE IN APRIL FOR 331 URBAN TAXI LICENCES.
MR DA SILVA SAID A TOTAL OF 99 TENDERS FOR 112 NEW TERRITORIES TAXI LICENCES WERE RECEIVED, OF WHICH 97 TENDERS WERE ACCEPTED FOR 110 LICENCES.
SUCCESSFUL BIDS RANGED FROM A HIGH OF $139 800 TO A LOW OF $1 000, GIVING AN AVERAGE PREMIUM OF $61 500.70.
THIS REPRESENTED A DECREASE OF 69.3 PER CENT ON THE AVERAGE PREMIUM OF $200 592.92 ACCEPTED FOR 100 NEW TERRITORIES TAXI LICENCES OFFERED IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER, 1980.
MR DA SILVA SAID THAT TENDERS FOR THE BALANCE OF THE 150 NEW TERRITORIES TAXI LICENCES WOULD BE INVITED SOON.
DETAILS OF SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS FOR URBAN TAXI LICENCES, AND THE AMOUNTS OFFERED, WILL BE PUBLISHED IN TOMORROW’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
RESULTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES TAXI LICENCE TENDERING EXERCISE WILL BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23.
Thursday, October 15, 1981
- 5 -
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES
XXX
THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TO BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW (OCTOBER 16), CONTAINS A LEGAL NOTICE 0 THE EFFECT THAT ThE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED AN INCREASE IN THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES.
AS FROM TOMORROW, THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST WILL BE 14.4 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 13.2 PER CENT (TAX FREE).
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $1.20 PER MONTH PER 3100. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETED MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX.
INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID IN CASH.
THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 16, 1981.
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE OCTOBER 16, 1981 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS i-
4.2 % - PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 19TH SEPTEMBER 1975 AND BEFORE 17TH FEBRUARY 1977-
3$ - PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
17TH FEBRUARY 1977 AND BEFORE 22ND SEPTEMBER 1978-
3.24$ - PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 22ND SEPTEMBER 1978 AND BEFORE 24TH NOVEMBER 1978-
5.04$ - PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 24TH NOVEMBER 1978 AND BEFORE 16TH FEBRUARY 1979-
5.76$ - PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 16TH FEBRUARY 1979 AND BEFORE 4TH MAY 1979-
8.04$ - PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 4TH MAY 1979 AND BEFORE 26TH OCTOBER 1979-
8.4 $ - PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 26TH OCTOBER 1979 AND BEFORE 11TH APRIL 1980-
10.5$ - PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 11TH APRIL 1980 AND BEFORE 30TH MAY 1980-
9$ - PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
30TH MAY 1980 AND BEFORE 27TH JUNE 1980-
7.2 $ - PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 27TH JUNE 1980 AND BEFORE 30TH JULY 1980-
/6.24>o - PhH..........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, I9&1
6
6.24$ - PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 3OTH JULY 1980 AND BEFORE 16TH OCTOBER 1980-
8.16$ - PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 16TH OCTOBER 1980 AND BEFORE 21ST NOVEMBER 1980-
9.84$ - PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 21ST NOVEMBER 1980 AND BEFORE 31ST JULY 1981-AND
13.2$ - PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 31ST JULY 1981 AND BEFORE 16TH OCTOBER 1981-
BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETED MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
EXAMPLE t SI 000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON 2ND NOVEMBER 1981, 2ND DECEMBER 1981 AND 2ND JANUARY 1982 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON 2ND FEBRUARY 1982, WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS 1-
ON SI 000, 2ND NOVEMBER 1981 TO 2ND FEBRUARY 1982, 3 COMPLETE MONTHS AT >12.00 PER MONTH ->36.00
ON SI 000, 2ND DECEMBER 1981 TO 2ND FEBRUARY 1982, 2 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $12.00 PER MONTH ->24.00
ON >1 000, 2ND JANUARY 1982 TO 2ND FEBRUARY 1982, 1 COMPLETE MONTH AT >12.00 PER MONTH ->12.00
>72.00
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SEMINAR ON COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION * * * *
SOME 50
LEADERS OF HIKING GROUPS WILL HOLD A SEMINAR ON COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 18).
THE FULL-DAY SEMINAR, ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, IS BEING HELD TO ADVISE THESE LEADERS ABOUT CONSERVATION MEASURES, SO THAT THEY CAN PASS ON THE MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC.
IT WILL BE HELD AT THE KOWLOON HILLS FIRE CONTROL CENTRE, TAI PO ROAD.
TALKS WILL BE GIVEN BY SIX CONSERVATION EXPERTS OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID MORE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN GOING TO THE COUNTRYSIDE FOR RECREATION IN RECENT YEARS.
/LAST liXK
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1981
7
padkcLAST YEAR AB0UT SEVEN MILL,on PEOPLE VISITED THE 21 COUNTRY r An lx O •
IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT DAMAGED BY THE LARGE NUMBERS OF VISITORS,
THE COUNTRYSIDE WAS NOT HE SAID.
HAS BEEN PROVIDING MORE EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT ^Du£2N?.TeUCT NG M0RE management centres in the country PARKS-it has also employed more staff to cope with the work
tuc nc^0A>VE01’.r,1S^CESS DEPENDS A GREAT deal on co-operation from THE GENERAL PUBLIC,* HE SAID.
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ANTI-NARCOTICS MUSICAL DRAMA
*****
.THE PREMIERE OF AN ANTI-NARCOTICS MUSICAL DRAMA. ENTITLED TOWN hah*’ WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 8 PM IN TSUEN WAN
._...Jt!E DRAMA IS BEING JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE *St N^L™t<?2T,CS AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG TO BRING THE ANT I-NARCOTICS MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC.
DRUG
PC K nt^D.™.^CA$E-H,ST0RY’ THE DRAMA FEATURES the agonies OF A DRUG ADDICT, THE PRESSING TENSION OF HIS ASSOCIATION WITH - -J PUSHERS AND THE DISRUPTED FAMILY RELATIONSHIP.
HELP
IT ALSO SHOWS THAT WITH THE SUPPORT OF FAMILY MEMBERS, THE
OF THE SOCIAL WORKER AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS, THE ADDICT CAN RID HIMSELF OF ADDICTION AND LEAD A NEW LIFE.
THE MUSICAL DRAMA HAS 16 SONG INSERTS, ALL POPULAR MELODIES WITH RE-WRITTEN LYRICS. A THEME SONG WAS ALSO COMPOSED FOR THE DRAMA.
TO MARK THE OCCASION, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE OF ACAN, MR KARL STUMPF WILL PRESENT SOUVENIRS TO ALL THOSE WHO HELPED IN THE PRODUCTION CF THE DRAMA.
AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE MR JOHN TISDALL, DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING- MR ROMAN TAM, A POP SINGER- MR HARRY YEUNG, MUSICAL DIRECTOR- AND MR CHOW WING-KWAN, SCRIPT-WRITER.
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/8.......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1981
- 8 -
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY GALA NIGHT * * * *
THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES LTD., MR M.W. KWAN, EXPRESSED THE HOPE TODAY THAT THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY GALA NIGHT SPONSORED BY HIS COMPANY AND ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND REDIF: US ION TELEVISION, WOULD GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS MAKING EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS MORE CONSCIOUS OF THE BENEFIT OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
MR KWAN WAS SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD IN THE ROYAL GARDEN HOTEL AT WHICH HE PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR $150 000 TO THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR AS HIS COMPANY’S CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE PRODUCTION COST OF THE GALA NIGHT IN SUPPORT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
THE GALA NIGHT, TO BE PRODUCED BY REDIFFUSION TELEVISION, WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL OF BAPTIST COLLEGE, AND WILL FEATURE THE FINALS OF AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY QUIZ COMPETITION.
MR KWAN SAID HIS FIRM EMPLOYED THOUSANDS OF WORKERS DIRECTLY CR INDIRECTLY AND THAT THEIR SAFETY AT WORK WAS HIS COMPANY’S MAIN CONCERN.
+IN FACT,WE HAVE OURSELVES SET UP A SMALL UNIT TO LOOK AFTER AND ADVISE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY,* HE SAID.
MR KWAN RECALLED THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD EMBARKED ON A PROGRAMME OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY BEGINNING JUST AFTER THE WAR.
+AS HONG KONG IS FAST DEVELOPING AS AN INDUSTRIAL CITY, THIS FORESIGHT ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT ONLY KEPT PACE WITH THE ADVANCEMENT OF HONG KONG, BUT HAS ACTUALLY SAVED MANY A LIFE AND LIMB OF THE PEOPLE,* HE SAID.
MR YIU YAN-NANG, ACTING ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, IN ACCEPTING THE CHEQUE FROM MR KWAN, SAID THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD GONE OUT TO COMMERCIAL COMPANIES TO SEEK THEIR SUPPORT IN CO-SPONSORING PROJECTS TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN HONG KONG.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, HE SAID, WAS GRATEFUL TO SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES LTD. FOR THE GENEROUS SUPPORT.
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WAS A TRIPARTITE AFFAIR, INVOLVING THE GOVERNMENT, THE WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS AND HE WAS GLAD TO SAY THAT THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN HAD BEEN FULLY SUPPORTED BY A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF ORGAN ISAT IC'S AND FIRMS AS WELL AS WORKERS.
HE EXPRESSED HOPE THAT OTHER COMPANIES WOULD ALSO HELP PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
/THE uALA........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1981
9
THE GALA NIGHT IS BEING STAGED FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT OF FACTORY AND CONSTRUCTION WORKERS.
OVER 1 OOO WORKERS WOULD BE ENTERTAINED BY LOCAL POP SINGERS, INCLUDING JOHNNY YIP, TEDDY ROBIN AND HUI KOON-YING.
MR LO KWOK-TSIM, RTV’S CONTROLLER FOR PUBLICITY, PROMOTIONS AND PUBLICATIONS, POINTED OUT THAT RTV HAD SPARED NO EFFORT IN ASSISTING THE GOVERNMENT IN PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
EXAMPLES OF THESE EFFORTS WERE THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY QUIZ COMPETITION JOINTLY ORGANISED BY RTV, HONG KONG DAILY NEWS AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE SCREENING OF THE RTHK-PRODUCED INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TELEVISION PROGRAMME, SUCH AS +THE WORKERS* AND +SAFETY AT WORK*.
DURING THE GALA NIGHT, THE FINALS OF AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY QUIZ COMPETITION, ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, HONG KONG DAILY NEWS AND REDIFFUSION TELEVISION WILL BE HELD WITH THE 15 FINALISTS COMPETING FOR THE FIRST PRIZE OF A $30 000 DAIHATSU CHARADE DONATED BY TAI FAT HONG LTD., PLUS MANY OTHER PRIZES DONATED BY HONG KONG DAILY NEWS, PHILIPS HONG KONG LTD. AND KONG KING TRADING COMPANY.
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NEW URBAN CLEARWAY FOR NGAU TAU KOK
* * * *
A SECTION OF ON WAH STREET, BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH ON TAK ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES NORTH OF THAT JUNCTION, WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 20).
THE CLEARWAY IS AIMED AT FACILITATING ACCESS TO THE NGAU TAU KOK HOUSING-SHOPPING COMPLEX.
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE.
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/10.......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1981
10
ENTRIES INVITED FOR SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL * * * *
CHILDREN FROM SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE 18TH SCHOOLS D :CE FESTIVAL TO BE HELD FROM FEBRUARY 3 TO 18, 1982.
THERE WILL BE A SEPARATE SECTION FOR HANDICAPPED STUDENTS.
THE FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
THERE WILL BE WESTERN FOLK OR NATIONAL DANCE, ORIENTAL DANCE AND CREATIVE DANCE. O
ENTRIES WILL BE CLASSIFIED INTO A LOWER PRIMARY SECTION FOR STUDENTS FROM PRIMARY 1 TO 3- AN UPPER PRIMARY SECTION FOR STUDENTS FROM PRIMARY 4 TO 6- A SECONDARY SECTION- AND A SECTION FOR ALL HANDICAPPED CHILDREN.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE FESTIVAL WILL TAKE PLACE AT CLEMENTI MIDDLE SCHOOL IN FORTRESS HILL ROAD, NORTH POINT.
IN KOWLOON, IT WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG SZE YAP COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION WONG TAI SHAN MEMORIAL COLLEGE IN NAM CHEONG STREET- AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES THE VENUE IS TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL, 70 HOI PA STREET, TSUEN WAN.
EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL WILL BE CHARGED A FEE OF $25.
PRIZES WILL BE IN THE FORM OF AWARDS, INCLUDING HONOURS AWARDS, HIGHLY COMMENDED AWARDS AND COMMENDED AWARD CERTIFICATES, WHICH WILL BE PRESENTED TO SCHOOLS ACCORDING TO THE MARKS GAINED IN THE PERFORMANCES.
OVERALL CHALLENGE AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED TO THREE
SECONDARY AND THREE PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHICH HAVE THE OVERALL HIGHEST SCORES IN THE FESTIVAL AND A CERTIFICATE WILL BE AWARDED TO EACH PERFORMING STUDENT OF A SCHOOL WHICH ACHIEVES A COMMENDED STANDARD OR ABOVE.
EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL WILL BE GIVEN A SOUVENIR PENNANT.
ENTRY FORMS AND FEES MUST BE FORWARDED TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICAL EDUCATION)(ATTNi MISS MABLE MAK), PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 6TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1981
11 -
OLD BUILDINGS CLEARED ft ft ft
CLEARANCE OF TWO BLOCKS OF BUILDINGS IN TSUEN WAN WHICH ARE TO BE DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR A TRAFFIC INTERCHANGE, WENT AHEAD TODAY (THURSDAY) WITHOUT INCIDENT.
THE BUILDINGS ARE AT THE JUNCTION OF CASTLE PEAK AND TAI PO ROADS AND CONTAINED DOMESTIC, FACTORY AND SHOP PREMISES.
DOMESTIC TENANTS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED PUBLIC OR TEMPORARY HOUSING IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT, WHILE ELIGIBLE FACTORY OPERATORS HAVE BEEN OFFERED GOVERNMENT FLATTED-FACTORY SPACE AND STATUTORY COMPENSATION.
SHOP OPERATORS HAVE BEEN PAID STATUTORY COMPENSATION.
BY THE END OF TODAY, ALL THE REMAINING OCCUPANTS HAD EITHER MOVED OR SIGNED UNDERTAKINGS TO MOVE WITHIN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
DEMOLITION OF THE PREMISES WILL START SHORTLY AND WORK ON THE INTERCHANGE IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR.
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HUNG HOM PARKING SPACES
X X X
A TOTAL OF 112 PARKING SPACES ON THE 4TH FLOOR OF HUNG HOM MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK WILL BE RE-OPENED FOR PUBLIC USE FROM 8 AM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 17).
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN - SUPPLEMENT
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
SPEECH BY H.E. THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, GBE, KCMG, KCVO, AT THE OPENING OF KWAI CHUNG HOSPITAL ON THURSDAY^ OCTOBER 15TH 1981
In this, The International Year of Disabled Persons, it gives me great pleasure to open the Kwai Chung Hospital.
Progress made in Hong Kong’s medical services over the last two decades has been dramatic and is internationally recognised. Today we pass another milestone, for the opening of this new hospital increases the number of beds for the mentally ill by 60 per.cent• Only-20 years ago all we had was a small hospital for the mentally ill in High Street where out-patient consultations were held only two or three times a week. Today our various psychiatric facilities include around 3 700 beds, 180 day hospital places and 25 consultation rooms.
Of course much more must be done. The professional trend is towards out-patient treatment for the mentally ill wherever possible, and this involves facilities being easily accessible. Accordingly our plans include four day hospitals and four psychiatric clinics to be built in East Kowloon and the New Territories over the next five years. Similarly, in addition to beds to be provided at the Queen Mary extension, the new Regional hospitals at Tuen Mun and Sha Tin will each have a psychiatric unit.
Recent advances in mental health care mean that the majority of those who become mentally ill will recover provided they receive proper treatment; and as with physical illness the earlier the treatment the greater the chance of complete and rapid recovery.
It is our hope that this great hospital, we open today together with the other facilities I have mentioned, will make the cure of the mentally ill in Hong Kong both quicker and surer. It gives me great pleasure to declare the Kwai Chung Hospital open.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUE'.) BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG'S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY-AUGUST 1981 .......... 1
PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN TUEN MUN SET FOR BOOST .................. 4
FCO OFFICIAL VISITS NEV/ TERRITORIES ........................ 5
COLLEGE PRINCIPALS THANKED FOR JORK ./ELL DONE .............. 6
REFUSE-DUMPERS ENDANGER LIVES ............................... 7
LOCKOUT AREA FOR TOURISTS ................................... 7
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR MISSION SUNDAY 1981 ........ 8
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1981
1
HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE
* * M
FOR JANUARY-AUGUST 1981 *
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FOR JANUARY TO AUGUST 1981, VALUED AT 1165 980 MILLION, INCREASED BY 25 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1980.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 15 PER CENT TO 150 438 MILLION, IMPORTS BY 26 PER CENT TO $89 170 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS BY 44 PER CENT TO $26 372 MILLION.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER INCREASED BY 23 PER CENT.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT RELEASED TODAY THE RELEVANT DETAILED TRADE STATISTICS.
THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS WERE AS FOLLOWSi
JAN-AUG 81 (HK$ MN.) JAN-AUG 80 (HK$ MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
USA 18 153 14 919 +3 234 +22
UK 4 761 4 284 + 477 ♦11
FR OF GERMANY 4 552 4 844 - 292 - 6
JAPAN 1 785 1 457 + 328 +23
CHINA 1 643 925 * 718 +78
AUSTRALIA 1 611 1 260 ♦ 351 +28
CANADA 1 479 1 129 ♦ 350 +31
SINGAPORE 1 100 1 159 - 59 - 5
NETHERLANDS 1 008 1 028 - 20 - 2
FRANCE 921 857 + 64 + 8
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES CONTINUED TO GROW. SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $1 321 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT), ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND PARTS FOR COMPUTERS (BY $732 MILLION OR 106 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $628 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $186 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF OFFICE MACHINES DECLINED (BY $76 MILLION OR 42 PER CENT).
1 INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.K. OF PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS (BY $163 MILLION OR 75 PER CENT), CLOTHING (BY $141 MILLION OR SEVEN PER CENT), AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $87 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT).
MOST COMMODITIES EXPORTED TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY DECREASED IN VALUE. INCLUDING TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (DECLINED BY $75 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (DECLINED BY $55 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT). THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES INCREASED STEADILY (BY $16 MILLION OR NINE PER CENT).
/SIGNIFICANT INCREASES .......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1?81
2
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING TO JAPAN (BY $193 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT), AND IN THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $165 MILLION OR 268 PER CENT) AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS (BY $131 MILLION OR 126 PER CENT) TO CHINA.
AN ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION IS PRESENTED BELOWt
J AN-AUG 81 (HK$ MN.) JAN-AUG 80 (HK$ MN.) INCREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
ARTICLES OF APPAREL
AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 17 735 15 185 +2 550 ♦17
MISCELLANEOUS MANU-
FACTURED ARTICLES
(MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS) 8 164 7 382 + 782 +11
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS f
OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES
AND CLOCKS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, 5 034 4 313 + 721 +17
APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES
(MAINLY TRANSISTORS AND
DIODES AND HOUSEHOLD TYPE APPLIANCES) 3 681 2 863 + 818 +29
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND
SOUND RECORDING AND
REPRODUCING APPARATUS
AND EQUIPMENT ' TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, 3 439 3 242 + 197 + 6
MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 3 313 2 897 + 416 ♦14
THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM THE TEN MAJOR SOURCES ARE SUMMARISED
AS FOLLOWS1
JAN-AUG 81 JAN-AUG 80 INCREASE PERCENTAGE
(HK$ MN.) (HK$ MN.) (HK$ MN.) CHANGE
JAPAN 20 873 15 984 ♦4 889 +31
CHINA 18 286 13 236 +5 050 +38
USA 9 586 8 899 ♦ 687 4 8
TAIWAN 7 033 4 924 +2 109 +43
SINGAPORE 6 880 4 631 +2 249 +49
UK 4 005 3 430 ♦ 575 + 17
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 3 635 2 328 +1 307 ♦56
FR OF GERMANY 2 213 1 946 + 267 +14
SWITZERLAND 1 910 1 803 + 107 + 6
THAILAND 1 207 1 038 + 169 +16
LOCAL DEMAND FOR - JAPANESE GOODS REMAINED STRONG.
/increases were .......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1981
- 3 -
INCREASES WERE NOTED PARTICULARLY FOR WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $750 MILLION OR 55 PER CENT), ROAD VEHICLES (BY $709 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $548 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS a' D APPLIANCES (BY $527 MILLION OR 34 PER CENT), AS WELL AS TEXTILES (BY $485 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT).
AS FOR IMPORTS FROM CHINA, INCREASES WERE RECORDED MAINLY IN TEXTILES (BY $1 170 MILLION 3R 48 PER CENT), CLOTHING (BY $940 MILLION OR 79 PER CENT), VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $335 MILLION OR 55 PER CENT) AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD (BY $208 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT).
INCREASES IN IMPORTS FROM THE UNITED STATES WERE LARGELY OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $208 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT), ORGANIC CHEMICALS (BY $187 MILLION OR 263 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $164 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT), AS WELL AS VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $153 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN THE IMPORTS OF ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS (BY $161 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT), AND TEXTILE FIBRES AND WASTES (BY $407 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT).
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORTS OF TEXTILES (BY $933 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT) FROM TAIWAN, AND OF PETROLEUM AND RELATED PRODUCTS (BY $1 824 MILLION OR 61 PER CENT) FROM SINGAPORE.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE ILLUSTRATES THE MORE IMPORTANT CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY COMMODITY SECTION:
JAN-AUG 81 JAN-AUG 80 INCREASE PERCENTAGE (HK$ MN.) (HK$ MN.) (HK$ MN.) CHANGE
MANUFACTURED GOODS
CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY TEXTILE PRODUCTS, DIAMONDS, IRON AND STEEL, AND PAPER) 26 043 21 044 +4 999 +24
MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 21 045 16 Oil +5 034 +31
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES AND CLOCKS, ARTICLES OF APPAREL) 14 606 10 523 +4 083 +39
FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD 8 646 7 111 + 1 535 +22
MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED MATERIALS 7 275 5 072 +2 203 +43
CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS 5 798 5 446 + 352 + 6
/SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1931
4
SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA (BY $2 706 MILLION OR 110 PER CENT), USA (BY $1 205 MILLION OR 67 PER CENT), INDONESIA (BY $983 MILLION OR 57 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (BY $514 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT), REPUBLIC OF KOREA (BY $294 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT), MACAU (BY $266 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT), JAPAN (BY $250 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT), NIGERIA (BY $218 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT), PHILIPPINES (BY $204 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT) AND PANAMA (BY $176 MILLION OR 118 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECLINES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS TO BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG (BY $43 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT) AND SWITZERLAND (BY $186 MILLION OR 42 PER CENT).
MOST COMMODITIES RE-EXPORTED THROUGH HONG KONG EXHIBITED STRONG GROWTH, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING TEXTILES (BY $1 973 MILLION OR 78 PER CENT), ROAD VEHICLES (BY $857 MILLION OR 129 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $679 MILLION OR 54 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $546 MILLION OR 74 PER CENT), AND CLOTHING (BY $409 MILLION OR 43 PER CENT).
THE AUGUST 1981 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS -SUMMARY+, BEING A SUMMARY REPORT ON HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN AUGUST 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 NOVEMBER AND WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT HK$10 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, HONG KONG. (TEL. NO.i 5-214375).
------o-------
PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN TUEN MUN SET FOR BOOST X X X
PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN TUEN MUN WILL BE MUCH IMPROVED FROM MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, WITH THE OPENING OF A NEW PIER NEAR THE ON TING AND YAU 01 PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW FERRY AND BUS SERVICES.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR TRANSPORT OFFICER, WATERBORNE TRANSPORT, MRS ZINA WONG, SAID A NEW FERRY SERVICE WOULD OPERATE BETWEEN THE NEW TUEN MUN PIER AND BLAKE PIER IN CENTRAL DISTRICT FROM 6.30 AM TO 6 PM MONDAY TO SATURDAY, USING WATERBUSES, DOUBLE-DECKED VESSELS AND HOVER-FERR IES.
FARES WILL RANGE FROM $3 FOR WATERBUSES AND DOUBLE-DECKED VESSELS TO $6 FOR HOVER-FERRIES.
/THE EXISTING .......
FKIDAY, OCTCBLx 16, 1031
- 5 -
THE EXISTING HONG K0lyG - TA I 0 FERRY SERVICE CALLING AT CASTLE PEAK BAY WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE NEW PIER FROM MONDAY BECAUSE OF RECLAMATION WORK BEING CARRIED OUT IN THE CASTLE PEAK BAY ARE£.
A NEW KMB BUS SERVICE, NO. 62, WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED ON THAT DAY TO PROVIDE A TRANSPORT LINK BETWEEN THE NEW PIER AND THE TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE,TA I HING AND SAM SHING ESTATES, AND THE CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL.
THE FARE WILL BE 70 CENTS FOR A SINGLE JOURNEY.
-------0---------
FCO OFFICIAL VISITS NEW TERRITORIES * * * *
A FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE OFFICIAL, MR HENRY MCQUADE, VISITED THE NEW TERRITORIES TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR MCQUADE, WHO IS ASSISTANT IN THE HONG KONG AND GENERAL DEPARTMENT, WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHIEF PLANNING OFFICER OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, MR ROBERT ADDERLEY, DURING A HELICOPTER TOUR WHICH INCLUDED THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC COMPANY POWER STATION SITE ON LAMMA ISLAND AND THE PROPOSED AIRPORT SITE AT CHEK LAP KOK, LANTAU.
HE ALSO FLEW OVER CHEUNG CHAU, TSING Yl, TSUEN WAN, SHA TIN, SAI KUNG, TAI PO, FANLING, YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN BEFORE LANDING AT THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY SITE AT TAP SHEK KOK WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED BY THE GENERAL PROJECTS SITE MANAGER, MR JACK WOODS, ON THE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR POWER PLANT PROJECT.
AFTER SEEING MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN TUEN MUN IN THE COMPANY OF THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BILLY LAM, MR MCQUADE TRAVELLED TO NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS FOR A BRIEFING BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI KAM.
AFTER LUNCH HOSTED BY MR CHUI IN SHA TIN, MR MCQUADE WENT TO TSOK POK SHAN WHERE THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, AND THE PROJECT MANAGER, MR KENNETH KWOK, POINTED OUT PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS AND THE INDUSTRIAL AREAS.
HIS FINAL CALL WAS TAI PO WHERE PROGRESS ON INDUSTRIAL S DEVELOPMENTS WAS OUTLINED BY THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MIKE ARNOLD.
MR MCQUADE, WHO ARRIVED ON WEDNESDAY, IS MEETING SEVERAL GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS OFFICIALS DURING HIS TWO-WEEK VISIT HERE.
HE WILL HAVE LUNCH WITH THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, ON OCTOBER 27, THE DAY BEFORE HE LEAVES HONG KONG FOR SYDNEY, AUSTRAL I A.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1981
6
COLLEGE PRINCIPALS THANKED FOR WORK WELL DONE
* * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, TODAY (FRIDAY) CONGRATULATED THE PRINCIPALS OF THE THREE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION FOR THEIR WORK IN PRODUCING THE QUALITY TEACHERS NEEDED IN EDUCATING HONG KONG’S NEXT GENERATION.
IN A ROUTINE VISIT TO THE SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, MR HAYE THANKED THEM FOR THEIR EFFORTS TO ENROL AND TRAIN MORE GRADUATES FOR THE THREE-YEAR AND TWO-YEAR COURSES TO MEET THE PHASED DEMAND FOR MORE TEACHERS IN SCHOOLS OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS. INTAKE AT THE THREE COLLEGES THIS YEAR HAS BEEN DOUBLED.
THE NEED FOR MORE TEACHERS WAS THE RESULT OF MEASURES APPROVED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO RAISE LANGUAGE STANDARDS AND IN AN IMPROVED TEACHER CLASSROOM RATIO FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE RECENTLY ISSUED WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES.
A MAIN FEATURE OF THE NEW TWO-YEAR AND THREE-YEAR COURSES IS THE INTRODUCTION OF A CORE CURRICULUM CONSISTING OF A COMPULSORY PROGRAMME OF STUDIES WHICH INCLUDE LANGUAGE SKILLS IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE.
THIS IS GEARED TO EQUIP STUDENT TEACHERS WITH THE SKILL TO TEACH BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE ON GRADUATION AND HOPEFULLY HELP RAISE THE STANDARD OF LANGUAGES AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN.
IN THE COURSE OF HIS TOUR OF THE COLLEGE, MR HAYE CHATTED INFORMALLY WITH THE STAFF AND OBSERVED LECTURES IN PROGRESS.
♦THE EFFICIENCY OF THE STAFF AND THE SMOOTH RUNNING OF THE COLLEGE IS MOST IMPRESSIVE,* THE DIRECTOR COMMENTED ON DEPARTURE.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1981
7
REFUSE-DUMPERS ENDANGER LIVES
K X X
PEOPLE WHO DUMP LITTER AND REFUSE ON THEIR DOORSTEPS, ARE RISKING THEIR OWN LIVES AS WELL AS THOSE OF OTHERS.
REFUSE FROM HOUSEHOLDS, FACTORIES AND SHOPS IS DUMPED WITHIN A FEW FEET OF ITS SOURCE , IN CORRIDORS OUTSIDE APARTMENT DOORS AND EVEN IN CORNERS OF FACTORY WORK-AREAS.
SOME SHOPKEEPERS HAVE THE BAD HABIT OF DUMPING REFUSE ON THE PAVEMENT RIGHT IN FRONT OF THEIR SHOPS, NOT REALISING THAT IT WILL AFFECT THEIR BUSINESSES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY UNIT STRESSED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT COMBUSTIBLE RUBBISH SUCH AS DISCARDED WOOD, CARDBOARD CARTONS AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS CONSTITUTE A SERIOUS FIRE R ISK.
♦IT IS HIGHLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE CASUALLY DISCARDED CIGARETTE-END OR A SPARK FROM A FAULT IN AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,♦ HE SAID.
♦KITCHEN WASTE DUMPED IN THE CORRIDOR AND BACK STAIRCASE IS UNHYGENIC- IT ATTRACTS FLIES AND RATS WITH THE RESULTANT POSSIBILITY OF DISEASE.+
HE URGED PEOPLE TO KEEP THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT CLEAN BY REGULARLY DISPOSING OF THEIR REFUSE AND WASTE PROPERLY.
♦IF THE PUBLIC WERE TO TAKE JUST A FEW MINUTES EVERY DAY TO CLEAN THEIR PREMISES, IT WOULD MEAN A BETTER STANDARD OF LIVING AND WAY OF LIFE FOR ALL,+ HE ADDED.
LOOKOUT AREA FOR TOURISTS ft ft *
A SITTING-OUT AND LOOKOUT AREA WILL BE BUILT AT LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, KOWLOON TO PROVIDE A STOP-OVER FOR TOURISTS AND LOCAL SIGHTSEEING COACHES.
THE SITTING-OUT AREA WILL HAVE PLANTINGS, WOODEN ARBOURS, BENCHES AND A COACH PARKING AREA.
TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE NOW BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN DECEMBER AND BE COMPLETED IN APRIL NEXT YEAR.
- - 0 -----------
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1981
8
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR MISSION SUNDAY 1981 * * * *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 18) IN CAUSEWAY BAY FOR THE MISSION SUNDAY 1981 TO BE FELD AT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT STADIUM.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 1 PM UNTIL NORMAL TRAFFIC IS RESUMED i-
CAROLINE HILL ROAD WEST WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM LEIGHTON ROAD TO THE STADIUM.
CAROLINE HILL ROAD EAST WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY NORTHBOUND FROM HONG KONG STADIUM TO LEIGHTON ROAD AND IS PROHIBITED TO ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE REQUIRING ACCESS TO PREMISES ON THE ROAD.
EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY NORTHBOUND FROM THE STADIUM TO TUNG LO WAN ROAD.
LINK ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM CAROLINE HILL ROAD TO BROADWOOD ROAD.
FROM 5.15 PM UNTIL NORMAL TRAFFIC IS RESUMED, THE FOLLOWING DIVERSIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED »-
CAROLINE HILL ROAD WEST WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY NORTHBOUND FROM THE STADIUM TO LEIGHTON ROAD.
EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD, LINK ROAD AND CAROLINE HILL ROAD EAST WILL REMAIN ROUTED AS BEFORE.
AFTER THE EVENT AT 5.30 PM, ADDITIONAL BUSES FOR ROUTES 101 AND 112 WILL START TO PICK UP PASSENGERS AT THE STOPS IN MORRISON HILL ROAD AND YEE WO STREET RESPECTIVELY. IN ADDITION, EXTRA SERVICES OF ROUTES 101 AND 112 WILL BE PROVIDED IN EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD FOR THE PICKING UP OF PARTICIPANTS OF THE EVENT.
AT THE SAME TIME, PARKING WILL BE SUSPENDED IN TUNG LO WAN ROAD BETWEEN JONES STREET AND TAI HANG ROAD AND AT WAN CHAI FERRY PIER FROM 3.30 PM TO 6 PM ON THE MISSION SUNDAY.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACi'NSFIELD HOUSE HONGKONG TEL 5-233191
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1?81
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DOOR ALWAYS WIDE OPEN ....................................... q
SELFISHNESS GIVES RISE TO LITTER PROBLEM .................... 2
SALVATION ARMY WEEK LAUNCHED................................. j
BEACHES NOT FOR CAMPING AND BARBECUING ...................... 3
FIRST STAGE MOVE COMPLETED .................................. 4
DRAMA NIGHT IN TAI PO........................................ 4
CHANGEOVER AT SHA TIN STATION ............................... 5
PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION OPENS .............................. 5
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1981
.DOR -WAYS WIDE OPEN
x x x
THE DOOR OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT WILL ALWAYS ?£ -IDE O=E ’C mNY ENQUIRIES OR ASSISTANCE FROM GOVERNING SPORTS BODIES AND METERS OF THE PUBL C.
THIS WAS AID TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE COMMISSIONER, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, IN AN ADDRESS BY A PROMOTION OF SPORTS SE.' INAR AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
MR WIGGHAM POINTED OUT THAT THE APPROVAL TO UPGRADE THE RECREA’ION AND CULTURE DIVISION OF THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH INTO A FULL-FLEDGED DEPARTMENT REFLECTED GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF ACTIVE SUPPORT COR SPORTS AND RECREATION.
-►THIS DECISION HAS A PARTICULAR SIGNIFICANCE FOR ALL PRESENT AS IT IS VERY CLEAR WHICH GOVERNMENT DOOR AN ENQUIRER INTO SOME RECREATION AND SPORTING MATTER SHOULD COME TO,* HE SAID.
+ IT WILL ALWAYS BE OPEN WIDE TO ANY OF YOU, AND IF WE DO NOT HAVE THE ANSWER IMMEDIATELY TO A QUESTION THEN WE SHALL ENDEAVOUR TO CONTACT THOSE WHO CAN HELP,* HE ADDED.
THE SEMINAR, ORGANISED BY THE COUNCIL FOR SPORT AND RECREATION, WAS ATTENDED BY SOME 100 PEOPLE, MANY OF THEM REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE 49 GOVERNING SPORTS BODIES OF HONG KONG.
MR WIGGHAM SAID THE NUMBER OF SPORTS BODIES IN HONG KONG WAS GROWING AND THEY THEMSELVES WOULD BE SETTING THE TREND FOR THE FUTURE.
♦ IT IS NOT UP TO GOVERNMENT TO DECIDE WHICH DIRECTION THEY TAKE- GOVERNMENT HAS NO WISH TO CONTROL OR INTERFERE IN THE LOCAL SPORTS SCENE,* HE EMPHASISED.
♦ IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S TASK TO ASSIST IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORT (PARTICULARLY PERHAPS WITH YOUR ADMINISTRATION PROBLEMS) AND TO PROVIDE BACK-UP IN TERMS OF FACILITIES AND, AS FAR AS IT IS POSSIBLE TO DO SO, THE REQUISITE FINANCE,* HE SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT HE NEW DEPARTMENT CONSISTED OF TWO PARTS: CULTURE WHICH INCLUDES ’HE MUSIC OFFICE AND A NEW PERFORMING ARTS DIVISION- AND THE RECRE^'ION AND SPORT DIVISION.
THE PRESENT RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE WILL CONTINUE TO PERFORM ITS DUTIES BUT THE OVERALL STRATEGIC RECREATIONAL PLANNING WILL BE DEALT w’TH BY A NEW SECTION, BASICALLY ADMINISTRATIVE, DEALING WITH THE VARIOUS LAND, FINANCIAL AND STAFFING ASPECTS OF RECREATION AND SPORTS PROJECTS.
WITH DRAMATIC INCREASES N DEMAND AND EXPECTATIONS, MR WIGGHAM SAID, THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT WILL HAVE A LARGER ROLE TO PLAY DURING TH’ DECADE.
/+THERE is .......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1981
- 2 -
♦ THERE A NEED TO BOOST THE SECRETARIAT TO PROVIDE AN EVEN
BETTER SERVICE TO THE COUNCIL AND ONE OF THE BEST WAYS OF DOING THIS, IT WAS FEL’X aAS TO ESTABLISH A LIAISON SECTION UNDER THE COUNCIL’S SECRETARIAT, tO BUILD UP STRONG LINKS WITH ALL THE GOVERNING SPORTS BODIES,* HE SAID.
♦THIS LIAISON SECTION IS TO DO THE ’LEG WORK’ OF THE SECRETARIAT AND WILL PROVIDE A DIRECT POINT OF CONTACT WITH SPORTS £LL MATTERS RELATED -0 DEVELOPMENT, FINANCE, PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION, INCLUDING THE ASSISTANCE SCHEME.
+SPORTS ORGANISATIONS WILL BE ACTIVELY ENCOURAGED TO BRING THEIR PROBLEMS TO THE COUNCIL WHOSE MEMBERS ARE VERY KEEN TO FIND OUT_EXACTLY HOW THEY CAN BEST HELP THE ASSOC I AT IONS,+ MR W. 3GHAM
SELFISHNESS GIVES RISE TO LITTER PROBLEM
******
MANY PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS IN HONG KONG ARE SELFISH ENOUGH TO TREAT THEIR APARTMENT WINDOWS AS CONVENIENT LITTER-BINS, MR MARTIN LEWIS, CO-ORDINATOR OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
HE POINTED OUT THAT OUT OF SHEER LAZINESS OR FOR SOME OTHER INEXPLICABLE REASONS, THESE LITTERBUGS PREFER TO THROW REFUSE FROM THE WINDOWS OF THEIR LIVING ROOMS OR KITCHENS RATHER THAN MAKE THE EFFORT TO DEPOSIT IT IN DUST-BINS.
MR LEWIS SAID THAT IN SO DOING, THEY NOT ONLY
CAUSED UNSIGHTLY ACCUMULATION OF LITTER ON THE CANOPIES AND IN THE WELLS OF HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS, BUT THEY ALSO GAVE RISE TO A SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEM.
♦MORE SERIOUS STILL IS THE DANGER CAUSED TO PEDESTRIANS WHEN LITTER SUCH AS BOTTLES, WOOD, IRON BARS AND OTHER HEAVY ITEMS ARE THROWN OUT OF WINDOWS,+ HE SAID.
MR LEWIS CITED AS AN EXAMPLE AN INCIDENT IN QUARRY BAY WHERE A PASSER-BY WAS INJURED BY AN LPG CONTAINER DUMPED FROM A HIGH-RISE BUILDING.
HE SAID THAT MANY PEOPLE ALSO HAVE THE UNHYGIENIC HABIT OF SPITTING OUT OF THEIR WINDOWS. +SUCH INCONSIDERATE BEHAVIOUR COULD BE EXTREMELY UNPLEASANT FOR THE UNFORTUNATE RECIPIENT BELOW.♦
MR LEWIS ADVISED INHABITANTS OF HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS TO KEEP PROPER RUBBISH-BINS IN THEIR APARTMENTS AND DISPOSE OF THEIR RUBBISH IN THE PROPER WAY.
♦IN A DENSELY-POPULATED CITY LIKE HONG KONG, EVERYONE OWES A DUTY OF CARE TO HIS NEIGHBOURS AND IT IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY T0 KEEP THE CITY CLEAN,+ HE SAID.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1981
- 3 -
SALVATION ARMY WEEK LAUNCHED * * * *
THE SALVATION ARMY, AFTER MORE THAN 50 YEARS OF DEDICATED COMMUNITY SERVICE, HAS BECOME IN MANY PEOPLE’S MINDS A SYNONYM FOR HELP, CARE, .NDNESS AND GUIDANCE, SAID THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER, THIS MORNING (jATURDAY).
SPEAKING THE LAUNCHING OF SALVATION ARMY WEEK AT THE LANDMARK, SIR JACK SAID THE EVENT FOCUSED ON THE SALVATION ARMY'S *,DESRECTRUM of SERVICES FOR CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE, THE DISABLED AND THE ELDERLY.
SIR JACK SAID THE INTERNATIONAL EMPHASIS ARMY’S WORK THIS YEAR IS ON YOUTH, AN AREA OF HONG KONG WHERE YOUNG PEOPLE BELOW THE AGE OF THIRD OF THE POPULATION.
OF THE SALVATION SPECIAL IMPORTANCE TO 20 MAKE UP OVER ONE-
THE SALVATION ARMY PROVIDED SCHOOLS, AS WELL AS CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH CENTRES, IN HONG KONG.
NURSER IES AND CRECHES CAMPS AND A HOSTEL,
IT ALSO OPERATED SEPARATE HOMES FOR ORPHANED BOYS AND GIRLS AND A HOME FOR THE HANDICAPPED.
♦THEY HAVE BEEN CONTRIBUTING SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT OF OUR SOCIAL SERVICES,* SIR JACK SAID.
BEACHES NOT FOR CAMPING AND BARBECUING
* * *
HOLIDAY MAKERS ARE ADVISED NOT TO CAMP OR LIGHT BARBECUE FIRES ON PUBLIC BATHING BEACHES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND OUTLYING ISLANDS.
MORE THAN 50 BEACHGOERS HAVE BEEN
SUMMONED RECENTLY FOR
CAMPING OR BARBECUING Of BEACHES, INCLUDING SILVERMINE BAY, PUI 0 AND CHEUNG SHA OF LANTAU ISLAND, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE f£W TERRITORIES SERVICE DEPARTMENT.
IT IS AN OFFENCE TC SET UP TENTS OR LIGHT FIRES ON THE BEACH.
TWO PICNICKERS WERE FINED $200 EACH BY A MAGISTRATE LAST WEEK FOR DOING SO.
PICNICKERS ARE ALSO URGED TO MAKE USE OF THE DESIGNATED CAMP SITES NEAR THE BEACHES AND MORE THAN 150 BARBECUE PITCHES LOCATED AT LANTAU, SAI KUNG AND TUEN MUN BEACHES.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1981
4
FIRST STAGE MOVE COMPLETED
X X X
THE HEADQUARTERS, LEASING, SPECIAL PROPERTIES AND HOUSING ESTATES DIVISIONS OF T!-E RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT MOVED TO HENNESSY CENTRE. 500 h_ .NESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY YESTERDAY.
FROM MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, THE OLD OFFICE AT NO. 1 GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE USE OF THE SERVICES OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED DIVISIONS ARE ADVISED TO CALL AT THE NEW OFFICE IN HENNESSY CENTRE.
ALL ENQUIRIES ON RENT CONTROL AND RATING MATTERS CAN BE MADE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S ENQUIRIES SECTION LOCATED ON THE 17TH FLOOR CF THE BUILDING.
THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE DEPARTMENT IN HENNESSY CENTRE IS 5-7957888 AND FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CALL 5-7957666.
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DRAMA NIGHT IN TAI PO * * *
THE TAI PO ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION IS HOLDING A DRAMA NIGHT TONIGHT (SATURDAY) AT THE CARMEL PAK U SECONDARY SCHOOL
THERE WILL BE THREE PERFORMANCES BY THE CARMEL SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, TAI PO ADULT EDUCATION RECREATIONAL CENTRE AND QUEEN ELIZABETH II YOUTH CENTRE.
DURING THE EVENING THE WINNER OF A COMPETITION TO DESIGN A LOGO FOR THE ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION, MISS AU YEUNG TSUI-YIM, A SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT, WILL RECEIVE HER PRIZE OF SI 000.
THE ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION, SET UP IN MAY LAST YEAR, RECEIVED 8120 000 FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD TO ORGANISE CULTURAL EVENTS DURING 1981-82.
IT HAS SEVERAL SUB-COMMITTEES, INCLUDING DRAMA, MUSIC, DANCING, AND ARTS AND RECREATION.
TO PROMOTE DRAMA IN TAI PO, THE DRAMA SUB-COMMITTEE IS ORGANISING A SIX-MONTH TRAINING COURSE FOR LOCAL CHILDREN AGED 12 YEARS AND OVER.
PARTICIPANTS WILL «’EET EVERY WEEK FOR ONE-AND-A-HALF HOURS AT THE CARMEL PAK U SECONDARY SCHOOL HALL. COURSE FEES WILL BE 818 FOR ASSOCIATION MEMBERS AND 830 FOR NON-MEMBERS.
THE COURSE WILL COVER INTRODUCTORY THEORY AND PRACTICAL SESSIONS ON DRAMA EDITING, DIRECTING, ACTING AND STAGING.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE COURSE AND FREE TICKETS FOR THE DRAMA NIGHT ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1981
CHANGEOVER AT SHA TIN STATION
KM#
THE NEW HIGH-PLATFORM AT SHA TIN STATION - ALMOST DIRECTLY OPPOSITE THE EXISTING STOP - WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 20).
TRAIN SERVICES MAY BE CONSIDERABLY DELAYED DUE TO ENGINEERING WORKS IN THE VICINITY, INCLUDING THE INSTALLATION OF A NEW SIGNALLING SYSTEM.
i SPOKESMAN FOP KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY URGED COMMUTERS TO SE OTHER PQRM3 OF TRANSPri!’T r'M T’JAT DAY.
NORMAL SERVICES WILL RESUME ON WEDNESDAY.
THE NEW SHA TIN STATION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY EARLY NEXT YEAR.
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PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION OPENS
X X X
A PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION TO PROMOTE BETTER KNOWLEDGE OF TUEN MUN DISTRICT IS OPEN FOR ENTRIES.
ANYONE CAN ENTER THE COMPETITION WHICH IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN FESTIVAL ’81 ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
IT IS DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS, ONE IS FOR PHOTOGRAPHS WITHIN THE SIZES OF 20 CM BY 25 CM AND 4-0 CM BY 50 CM, WHILE THE OTHER IS FOR +3R - 5R, 3S - 5S+ PHOTOGRAPHS.
WINNERS WILL RECEIVE MEDALS AND CASH PRIZES FROM $100 TO $2 000.
ENTRIES, WHICH SHOULD SHOW ASPECTS OF LIFE IN TUEN MUN, CAN BE IN COLOUR OR BLACK AND WHITE. THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUAL ENTRIES.
ADJUDICATORS WILL INCLUDE PROMINENT PHOTOGRAPHERS MESSRS. SIU WANG-NGA I, CHEONG HUNG-CHUEN, MAK CHU-FAT, HO HUNG-KWONG AND YAM LAM.
ALL ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE BEFORE NOVEMBER 10. RESULTS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN NEWSPAPERS ON NOVEMBER 20.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND APPLICATION FORMS, PLEASE CONTACT THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE TUEN MUN FESTIVAL, TO BE HELD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 21 AND DECEMBER 6, WILL COMPRISE MUSIC PERFORMANCES, SINGING, DANCING, DRAMA COMPETITIONS, EXHIBITIONS, GAME STALLS AND CARNIVALS.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONGKONG TEL 5-233191
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE: NO.
BUS PRIORITY SCHEMES SPEEDING MOVEMENT OF COMPUTERS............. 1
NEW FIRMS REACH RECORD HIGH .................................... 2
YOUTHS GET FINANCIAL HELP FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS ............... 3
TWO HOME SITES OFFERED FOR SALE.......................„......... 4
WEEKDAY CAMPS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN .............................. 5
SPORTS GROUND WORK AHEAD OF TIME................................ 6
MINI-SOCCER PITCH AT TUNG CHUNG ................................ 5
FIGHT CRIME SINGING CONTEST .................................... 7
KAM TIN MARKET STALL FOR AUCTION ............................... 8
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1981
BUS PRIORITY SCHEMES SPEEDING MOVEMENT OF COMMUTERS * * * * *
MAJOR BUS PRIORITY SCHEMES OPERATING ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON ARE SPEEDING THE MOVEMENT OF THOUSANDS OF COMMUTERS EACH DAY, ACCORDING TO BEFORE-AND-AFTER STUDIES CARRIED OUT BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
THE CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT DIVISION, MR ALAN LUI, SAID TODAY THAT THE STUDIES, INVOLVING BUS-ONLY LANES OPERATING IN MID-LEVELS, HONG KONG ISLAND, AND IN SHANGHAI STREET AND JUNCTION ROAD, KOWLOON, +ARE CONVINCING PROOF OF THE BENEFITS TO BE DERIVED FROM PROVIDING PRIORITY FOR VEHICLES WHICH MOVE THE GREATEST NUMBER OF PEOPLE.*
HE SAID THAT A SURVEY, CARRIED OUT SHORTLY AFTER THE MIDLEVELS BUS PRIORITY SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN APRIL 1974, REVEALED A 48 PER CENT INCREASE IN BUS CARRYING CAPACITY, A 30 PER CENT INCREASE IN BUS PASSENGERS AND A 20 PER CENT REDUCTION IN BUS JOURNEY TIMES.
A MORE RECENT SURVEY IN MARCH 1981 FURTHER INDICATED THAT THE BUS-ONLY LANE WAS STILL BEING WELL USED. THE LANE OPERATES BETWEEN 7 AM AND 11 PM DAILY ALONG A SECTION OF THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CAINE ROAD AND BONHAM ROAD, AND A SECTION OF THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF ROBINSON ROAD.
+MORE THAN 80 BUSES SERVING EIGHT ROUTES USE THE LANE EACH PEAK-HOUR AND, BECAUSE THE BUSES ARE ABLE TO TRAVEL AT AN AVERAGE SPEED OF 17 KILOMETRES AN HOUR, PASSENGER WAITING TIME AT BUS STOPS RARELY EXCEEDS SIX MINUTES,* MR LUI SAID.
+KOWLOON’S FIRST MAJOR BUS PRIORITY SCHEME, INTRODUCED IN SHANGHAI STREET IN MARCH 1976, HAS BEEN SUCH A SUCCESS THAT IT HAS BECOME ONE OF THE MOST HEAVILY USED BUS-ONLY LANES IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF BUS VOLUME.
+A SURVEY CARRIED OUT IN MARCH SHOWED THAT THE BUSIEST SECTION OF THE BUS LANE WAS USED BY SOME 28 BUS ROUTES, WHICH OPERATED MORE THAN 200 BUSES AN HOUR AT AN AVERAGE JOURNEY SPEED OF ABOUT 15 KILOMETRES AN HOUR DURING PEAK PERIODS.*
MR LUI SAID THE SHANGHAI STREET BUS LANE, WHICH OPERATES ON THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY BETWEEN 7 AM AND 11 PM, WAS ORIGINALLY INTRODUCED TO MAINTAIN A REASONABLE LEVEL OF BUS SERVICES IN WEST KOWLOON WHEN TRAFFIC ALONG NATHAN ROAD WAS DISRUPTED BY CONSTRUCTION OF THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY.
+HOWEVER, THE LANE HAS BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL THAT WE HAVE DECIDED TO KEEP IT RUNNING INDEFINITELY,* HE SAID.
MR LUI SAID THAT SIMILAR SUCCESS HAD BEEN ACHIEVED IN JUNCTION ROAD BY THE INTRODUCTION IN JANUARY OF KOWLOON’S MOST RECENT BUS PRIORITY SCHEME.
♦THE BUS-ONLY LANE HAS BROUGHT ABOUT A 35 PER CENT IMPROVEMENT IN THE JOURNEY SPEED OF BUSES SERVING FIVE ROUTES, RESULTING IN IMPROVED REGULARITY AND A REDUCTION IN PASSENGER WAITING TIME AT BUS STOPS,* HE SAID.
SUNDAY, 0CTCB3R 18, 1?81
THE LANE OPERATES FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY ALONG THE SOUTHBOUND LANE OF JUNCTION ROAD, BETWEEN DUMBARTON ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
MR LUI ADDED THAT, IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF MAKING THE MOST EFF ICI-..T USE OF THE LIMITED ROAD SPACE AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT PLANNED TO INTRODUCE OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS, A FURTHER 40 TO 50 PUBLIC TRANSPORT PRIORITY SCHEMES NOw BEING STUDIED BY CONSULTANTS.
THE FIRST OF THESE WOULD BE THE POK FU LAM ROAD BUS-ONLY LANE, TO BE INTRODUCED LATER THIS MONTH.
THE 1.2-KILOMETRE LANE, RUNNING NORTH FROM BISNEY ROAD TO POKFIELD ROAD, IS EXPECTED TO TAKE 10 TO 15 MINUTES OFF THE JOURNEY TIMES OF BUSES TRAVELLING BETWEEN THE ABERDEEN-WAH FU AREA AND CENTRAL.
THE LANE WILL OPERATE FROM 7 AM TO 9 AM MONDAY TO FRIDAY.
NEW FIRMS REACH RECORD HIGH * * * *
NEW COMPANIES INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG IN THE 1980-81 FINANCIAL YEAR CAME TO A RECORD TOTAL OF 15 162, AN INCREASE OF 3 255 OVER THE YEAR BEFORE.
AND THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF NOMINAL CAPITAL ROSE BY $1 825 MILLION TO $5 088 MILLION.
DURING THE YEAR, 895 COMPANIES WERE DISSOLVED AND THREE RESTORED, LEAVING A NET INCREASE OF 14 270.
WITH THIS NET INCREASE, THE NUMBER OF COMPANIES ON THE REGISTER AS AT MARCH 31, 1981 STOOD AT 85 133, COMPARED WITH 70 863 ON THE REGISTER IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THE NUMBER OF COMPANIES INCORPORATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG WHICH HAVE ESTABLISHED A PLACE OF BUSINESS HERE INCREASED BY 130 TO 1 433 AT THE END OF 1980-81.
SOME OF THE MAJOR COUNTRIES IN WHICH THESE COMPANIES ARE INCORPORATED INCLUDE THE UNITED STATES (353), THE UNITED KINGDOM (200). JAPAN (162), AUSTRALIA (101), PANAMA (89) AND SINGAPORE (83).
THE FIRMS ARE ENGAGED IN A WIDE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES INCLUDING IMPORT AND EXPORT, ENGINEERING, INSURANCE, BANKING, SHIPPING, FINANCING, INDUSTRIAL, AIR AND LAND TRANSPORT, LAND AND BUILDING, AND RELIGION.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1981
3
YOUTHS GET FINANCIAL HELP FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS
* * * *
HONG KONG’S YOUTHS ARE ENCOURAGED BY THE GOVERNMENT WITH FINANCIAL BACKING AND PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE TO ORGANISE PROJECTS CF BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY.
THE OVERALL IDEA BEHIND THE GOVERNMENT-HELP PLAN IS TO PROMPT THE YOUNG PEOPLE TO THINK OF WAYS TO RENDER HELP TO THE AGED, THE HANDICAPPED, THE MENTALLY-RETARDED, AS WELL AS OTHERS, SUCH AS FISHERFOLK, BOAT-DWELLERS, AND PEOPLE IN TEMPORARY HOUS ING.
♦THE SCHEME AIMS AT ENCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE TO INITIATE AND TO CARRY OUT INNOVATIVE PROJECTS DESIGNED BY THEMSELVES AND OF BENEFIT TO OTHERS AS WELL, THEREBY HELPING THEM DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL AND BROADEN THEIR SOCIAL EXPERIENCE,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID.
NOW IN ITS SIXTH YEAR, THE ’OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME’ ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS SPONSORED ALTOGETHER SOME 600 OF THESE COMMUNITY-HELP PROJECTS, INVOLVING THE SERVICES OF ABOUT 20 000 VOLUNTEERS, AND BRINGING BENEFIT TO 1 000 000 PEOPLE.
THE SERVICE IS STILL GROWING, AND THIS YEAR MORE THAN 100 PROJECTS, INVOLVING SOME 2 500 VOLUNTEERS AND BENEFITING ABOUT 130 000 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN APPROVED THROUGHOUT HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES AND OUTLYING ISLANDS.
LAST YEAR, THE OUTLAY BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR 104 PROJECTS CAME TO *170 000, THE SPOKESMAN STATED.
UP TO *3 000 IS GRANTED FOR EACH SCHEME CONSIDERED WORTHWHILE, AND APPLICATIONS MAY BE MADE BY ANY GROUP OF AT LEAST SEVEN MEMBERS BETWEEN 15 AND 25 YEARS OF AGE, SPONSORED BY A SCHOOL, YOUTH AGENCY OR BUSINESS ORGANISATION.
♦THE PLACE TO APPROACH FOR REQUESTS IS ANY OF THE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICES IN THE DISTR ICT,+ HE SAID.
ONE GROUP OF YOUNG PEOPLE FINANCED BY THE PROJECTS, FOR INSTANCE, COME FROM THE WONG TAI SIN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
GIVING THE NAME +OASIS+ TO THEIR PROJECT, THEY HAVE BEEN GOING ABOUT THE ESTATES ENCOURAGING THE USE OF POTTED PLANTS AND FLOWERS SO AS TO CREATE +A MORE BEAUTIFUL AND RELAXING ATMOSPHERE AND ENVIRONMENT.♦
THIS IDEA HAS BEEN CATCHING ON, AND THEY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO RECRUIT SOME 500 YOUTHS IN THE ESTATES TO HELP THEM ALONG.
ANOTHER PROJECT IS ORGANISED BY STUDENTS FROM THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG. NAMED +THE BIG BROTHER AND SISTER SCHEME*, IT IS AIMED AT HELPING PROBLEM YOUTHS RESIDING IN THE GOVERNMENT SUBVENTED QUARTERS AT HOLLAND HOSTEL IN KWUN TONG.
/4........
SUNDAY, 0CT052B 18, 1981
- 4 -
UNDER THE PROJECT, THE STUDENTS ORGANISE DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES INCLUDING OUTINGS AND SEMINARS TO TRY AND BUILD BETTER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE YOUTHS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
ACCORDING TO THE WARDEN OF THE HOSTEL, THE +BIG BROTHER AND SISTER* PROJECT IS ONE OF THE MOST PRACTICAL AND WORTHWHILE WAYS OF HELPING THE YOUTHS READJUST TO A NORMAL LIFE.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTHS TO GAIN SPONSORSHIP ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO THEM ON TWO OCCASIONS A YEAR, AND APPROVAL IS BASED ON AN ASSESSMENT OF VARIOUS FACTORS, INCLUDING YOUTH INVOLVEMENT, COMMUNITY BENEFIT, INNOVATION, FEASIBILITY, AND OPTIMUM USE OF RESOURCES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
--------o-----------
TWO HOME SITES OFFERED FOR SALE * * * *
TWO RESIDENTIAL SITES ARE BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE FOR JOINT VENTURE DEVELOPMENT.
THE FIRST LOT, MEASURING ABOUT 9 440 SQUARE METRES, IS IN MOUNT KELLET ROAD AND THE OTHER SITE IS IN SHOUSON HILL ROAD AND MEASURES ABOUT 37 940 SQUARE METRES.
UNDER THE SALE CONDITIONS, THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER OF THE FIRST LOT IS REQUIRED TO BUILD FOR THE GOVERNMENT, FREE OF CHARGE, EIGHT DETACHED HOUSES, EACH OF ABOUT 350 SQUARE METRES.
THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER OF THE SECOND LOT IS REQUIRED TO BUILD FOR THE GOVERNMENT 16 SEMI-DETACHED HOUSES UNDER SIMILAR CONDITIONS. THE FLOOR AREA OF EACH HOUSE WILL BE ABOUT 300 SQUARE NETRES.
THE REMAINING RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS FOR DISPOSAL IN THE OPEN MARKET IN THE USUAL WAY.
CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS WILL BE NOON ON DECEMBER 18.
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.
PLANS MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE PLACES.
i'j ............
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1981
2
WEEKDAY CAMPS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN * * * *
OUTDOOR EDUCATION CAMPS HAVE BEEN ARRANGED FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS ON .. IEKDAYS AT VARIOUS SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
+THE CAMPS AIM TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF LIVING IN A NATURAL OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT, WHERE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO EXTEND CLASSROOM THEORY INTO FIELDWORK AND PRIMARY STUDENTS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO INTEGRATE SCHOOL SUBJECTS UNDER CAMPING SITUATIONS,+ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
CAMPSITES WILL BE AVAILABLE ON WEEKDAYS BETWEEN NOVEMBER 2 AND JULY 9 NEXT YEAR.
CAMPS FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY EACH WEEK WHILE SECONDARY STUDENTS CAN JOIN THREE-DAY CAMPS RUNNING EITHER FROM MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY OR FROM WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY.
CHARGES FOR THE PRIMARY CAMP WILL RANGE FROM $36 TO $68, AND THOSE FOR SECONDARY CAMPS FROM $20 TO $37, DEPENDING ON THE CAMPSITE CHOSEN.
BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CAMPS WILL BE HELD AT GAUDETE HOUSE, SILVERMINE BAY OUTDOOR RECREATION CAMP, YWCA YOUTH CAMP, WU KWAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE AND MA WAN YOUTH CAMP.
PRIMARY CAMPS WILL ALSO BE CONDUCTED AT CHRISTIAN ALLIANCE SUEN DOUH CAMP, PAK TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP AND HIGH ROCK CHRISTIAN CENTRE.
SECONDARY CAMPS WILL ALSO BE CONDUCTED AT WONG YEE CHAU YOUTH CAMP AND PO LEUNG KUK HOLIDAY CAMP.
+ N0 STUDENTS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND ANY CAMP WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THEIR PARENTS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
BUNKS, BLANKETS, BED SHEETS AND PILLOWS WILL BE PROVIDED AT EACH CAMP, BUT CAMPERS SHOULD BRING SUITABLE CLOTHING AND PERSONAL HYGIENE KITS.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS, SCHOOLS CAN CONTACT M? FRANCIS CHIU OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION ON 3-884111 EXT. 277.
THE ADDRESS OF THE SECTION IS KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 6TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1931’
SPORTS GROUND WORK AHEAD OF TIME * * * *
CONSTRUCT 10’1 C" THE FIRST STAGE OF A MUCH-NEEDED SPORTS GROUND IN THE ; aPIDLY-PEVELOPI NG TUEN MUN NEW TOWN WILL BE COMPLETED NEXT MONTH.
THE TUEN MUN TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND, LOCATED ON A THREE-HECT, RE SITE NEAR THE TAI HING ESTATE, IS BEING BUILT EY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND WILL BE MANAGED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD SAID THE WORK WAS COMPLETED AHEAD OF SCHEDULE AS A RESULT OF A GENEROUS DONATION OF $2 MILLION FROM SIR SHIU-KIN TANG.
COSTING $8.3 MILLION, THE SPORTS GROUND WILL PROVIDE THE FIRST PROPER VENUE FOR LOCAL SPORTS COMPETITIONS, TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS, OUTDOOR RALLIES AND FESTIVALS FOR THE PEOPLE OF TUEN MUN.
IT COMPRISES A FULL-SIZED TURF SOCCER PITCH, AN EIGHT-LANE AOO-METER ALL-WEATHER RUNNING TRACK, AS WELL AS PLACES FOR FIELD EVENTS.
FLOODLIGHTING AND A TEMPORARY WOODEN STAND FOR 3 000 SPECTATORS ARE ALSO PROVIDED AMONG THE FACILITIES.
THE SPORTS GROUND WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE CONCRETE SPECTATOR STANDS, BASKETBALL AND MINI-SOCCER PITCHES AND A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AT AN ADJACENT SITE TO CATER FOR THE INCREASING POPULATION OF THE NEW TOWN.
WORK ON STAGE TWO OF THE SPORTS GROUND WILL START EARLY NEXT YEAR, SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
0 - -
MINI-SOCCER PITCH AT TUNG CHUNG * * *
THE FIRST MINI-SOCCER PITCH AT TUNG CHUNG ON LANTAU ISLAND HAS BEEN BUILT BY ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE.
SITUATED CLOSE TO THE HAU WONG TEMPLE, THE PITCH HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3 ODD SQUARE METRES.
THE FIRST STAGE OF THE PROJECT INVOLVED CONVERTING A PIECE CF VACANT LAND ON THE EDGE OF THE VILLAGE INTO A CONCRETE SURFACE MINI-SOCCER PITCH.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1S, 1981
7
THE PITCH WILL BE USED FOR SEVEN-A-SIDE MATCHES BY LOCAL SCHOOLS A ORGANISATIONS.
IT CAN ALSO BE USED AS A VENUE FOR SPORTS DAYS, GAMES DAYS AND FUNFAIRS.
TUNG CHUNG ALREADY HAS A COMMUNITY CENTRE MANAGED BY THE VILLAGE RURAL COMMITTEE, AND THE PITCH WILL PROVIDE A NEW RECREATIONAL OUTLET FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY YOUNGSTERS, AN ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE SPO' rSMAN SAID.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE SECOND STAGE, INCLUDING A SURROUNDING FENCE AND GOAL NETS, IS UNDERWAY. IT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT TWO MONTHS.
THE WHOLE PROJECT IS COSTING $224 900, OF WHICH $125 400 HAS BEEN DONATED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB. THE BALANCE IS BEING MET BY ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS VOTE.
-----0------
FIGHT CRIME SINGING CONTEST * * * *
YOUNG PEOPLE WITH A FLAIR FOR SINGING WILL NOW HAVE A CHANCE TO JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME AND TO WIN FABULOUS PRIZES BY ENTERING A TERRITORY-WIDE SINGING COMPETITION.
THE FIGHT YOUTH CRIME SINGING COMPETITION, OPEN TO PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 25, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE POLICE.
A THEME SONG FOR THE CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN PREPARED BY SONG COMPOSER, MR RICKY FUNG AND LYRIC WRITER, MR JIMMY LO.
YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE CONFIDENT THAT THEY CAN SING THE SONG CAN ENTER THE COMPETITION IN EITHER THE OPEN OR THE SCHOOLS DIVISION. FOR EACH DIVISION, THERE WILL BE THREE CASH PRIZES OF $5 000, $3 000 AND $2 000, AND THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS NOVEMBER 20 (FRIDAY).
DETAILS AND ENTf Y FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES, MUSIC OFFICE SUB-OFFICES, POLICE COMMUNITY REL TIONS OFFICES, COMMUNITY HALLS AND THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIC S CENTRE.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1$, 1?8l
- 8 -
KA- TIN MARKET STALL FOR AUCTION
* « "
ONE CALL AT THE KAM TIN MARKET IN THE NEW TERRITORIES Wl EE PUT UP FOR PUBLIC AUCTION ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 12).
LL
THE AUCTION STARTS AT 10 AM AND WILL BE HELD AT THE OFFICE CF KAM TIN RURAL COMMITTEE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
THE UPSET MONTHLY RENT OF THE STALL FOR SELLING FRESH MEAT
THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER CAN START OPERATING BUSINESS ON NOVEMBER 1 FOR A CONTRACT PERIOD OF THREE YEARS, THE SPOKESMAN SA ID.
ONLY PERSONS AGED 21 OR ABOVE CAN TAKE PART IN THE AUCTION AND POTENTIAL BIDDERS ARE REQUESTED TO BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND FIVE PHOTOGRAPHS TO THE AUCTION VENUE.
INTERESTED PERSONS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE HAWKERS AND MARKETS SECTION OF THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS AT TELEPHONE 3-676927 FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
- - 0 ----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONGKONG TEL 5-233191
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG CENTRE FOR SEA-BORNE TRADE, GOVERNOR SAYS ........ 1
DR JOHN WRIGHT NAMED SCIENCE ADVISER ....................... 2
SCHOOL PREFECTS TO HELP IN CLEAN HONG KONG DRIVE............ 3
AUGUST SURVEY OF FACTORIES ................................. j
T-SHIRT TO HELP SPREAD ANTI-LITTER MESSAGE ................. 4
FAN KAM ROAD CLOSED FOR ARMY EXERCISE ...................... 4
VILLAGE FOOTPATH BEING RESTORED ............................ 5
LITTER BUGS WARNED.......................................... 5
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1981
1
HONG KONG CENTRE FOR SEA-BORNE TRADE, GOVERNOR SAYS * * * *
HONG KONG HAS BECOME THE FINANCIAL, COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE OF A REGION OF DYNAMIC ECONOMIC GROWTH, BASED ON SEA-BORNE TRADE, SAID THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE THIS EVENING IN OPENING THE PAO SIU-LOONG MARINE ENGINEERING LABORATORY AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
IN ADDRESSING THE GATHERING AT THE CEREMONY, SIR MURRAY SAIDt
+SIR S.Y. CHUNG, MR PAO SIU-LOONG, SIR Y.K. PAO, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
♦ I AM VERY PLEASED TO BE INVITED HERE TODAY FOR THE OPENING CF THE PAO SIU-LOONG MARINE ENGINEERING TRAINING LABORATORY.
♦ WE HAVE BECOME THE FINANCIAL, COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE OF A REGION OF DYNAMIC ECONOMIC GROWTH, BASED ON SEA-BORNE TRADE. AND SO THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG SHIP-OWNERS HAS GROWN, UNTIL THEY NOW CONTROL 55 MILLION TONS OF SHIPPING.
♦ THE REPUTATION OF OUR SHIPPERS AND OF HONG KONG AS A CENTRE CF SHIPPING DEPENDS ON THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE - AND THIS VERY MUCH INCLUDES THE TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY CF OUR MARINE ENGINEERS.
♦THE POLYTECHNIC HAS PIONEERED DEVELOPMENT OF OUR INDUSTRY’S SURVIVAL IN A WORLD OF INCREASING TECHNICAL COMPLEXITY. NOW, WITH THE ADDITION OF THIS MAGNIFICENT LABORATORY, STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE THEIR PRACTICAL AND ACADEMIC TRAINING IN THE SAME INSTITUTION. BY ENABLING STUDENTS TO DISPENSE WITH OUTSIDE LABORATORY EXPERIENCE IT WILL REDUCE THE TOTAL COURSE LENGTH FROM FIVE TO FOUR YEARS. THIS IS A MAJOR STEP FORWARD, AND WE HOPE THIS WILL BOTH INCREASE THE NUMBER OF TRAINED ENGINEERS PRODUCED AND ENCOURAGE MORE YOUNG RECRUITS TO COME FORWARD.
♦ I TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE PAO FAMILY, AND TO THE CLARITY OF THEIR VIEW OF WHAT OUR SHIPPING INDUSTRY NEEDS. THEIR GENEROUS DONATION OF THIS BUILDING COUPLED WITH THE POLYTECHNIC’S CAPACITY TO PUT IT TO GOOD USE, SHOULD RESULT IN MORE HONG KONG-OWNED SHIPS TO BE MANNED BY HONG KONG ENGINEERS.
♦NOW IT GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE TO DECLARE OPEN THE PAO SIU-LOONG MARINE ENGINEER LABORATORY. I WISH INSTRUCTORS AND STUDENTS ALIKE SUCCESSFUL AND REWARDING CAREERS.+
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, OCTOBE? 19, 1981
- 2 -
DR JOHN WRIGHT NAMED SCIENCE ADVISER * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF DR JOHN C. WRIGHT AS GOVERNMENT SCIENCE ADVISER IN SUCCESSION TO THE LATE G.J. BELL.
A METALLURGIST BY TRAINING AND WITH EXPERIENCE IN BRITAIN IN INDUSTRY, INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, DR WRIGHT HAS FOR THE PAST FIVE-AND-A-HALF YEARS BEEN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE.
HE WILL JOIN THE GOVERNMENT ON DECEMBER 1 AND BEFORE THEN WILL UNDERTAKE DUTY VISITS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, AUSTRALIA AND TO THE INTERNATIONAL LABORATORY ACCREDITATION CONFERENCE IN MEXICO.
THE CONCEPT OF A GOVERNMENT SCIENCE ADVISER IS A RECENT INNOVATION AND HAS ARISEN FROM THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD AIM TO IMPROVE ITS UNDERSTANDING OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF INDUSTRY AND THE MEANS OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN ITSELF, INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS AND MANUFACTURERS ON ISSUES INVOLVING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
THE ADVISER WILL ALSO GENERALLY ASSIST THE GOVERNMENT ON ANY ISSUES CONNECTED WITH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY REFERRED TO HIM AND ALSO REINFORCE RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE TERTIARY EDUCATION SECTOR.
DR WRIGHT HAS COMBINED CONSIDERABLE EXPERIENCE IN TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT WITH A SUCCESSFUL CAREER AS AN ADMINISTRATOR.
BEFORE JOINING THE HKPC AS ITS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IN 1976, HE WAS THE DIRECTOR OF THE STEEL CASTINGS RESEARCH AND TRADE ASSOCIATION (SCRATA) IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, ONE OF THE 40 PROGRESSIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS WITH CONSIDERABLE INTERESTS IN ECONOMIC AND TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT ASPECTS OF U.K. INDUSTRY.
PREVIOUS TO THAT, HE WAS PROFESSOR OF INDUSTRIAL METALLURGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ASTON IN BIRMINGHAM FOR TWELVE YEARS. DR WRIGHT ALSO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATED IN THE WORK OF MANY TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
THROUGHOUT HIS CAREER, HE HAS MAINTAINED A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INDUSTRY AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES. HIS WIDE COMMITTEE AND CONSULTANCY EXPERIENCE HAVE GIVEN HIM A GOOD INSIGHT INTO THE CHANGING NEEDS OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
DR WRIGHT HOLDS A FIRST CLASS HONOURS B.SC. DEGREE IN METALLURGY AND A PH.D. OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. DR WRIGHT, AGED 51, IS MARRIED WITH ONE SON.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SA IDs +WE ARE DELIGHTED THAT DR WRIGHT IS JOINING US. MR BELL HAD MADE AN EXCELLENT START AND HIS SUDDEN DEATH WAS A GREAT LOSS. WE HOPE THAT MOMENTUM CAN NOW BE REGAINED SINCE THE SCIENCE ADVISER’S TASK IS AN IMPORTANT ONE WITH POTENTIAL FOR ENORMOUS BENEFITS FOR HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.*
COMMENTING ON HIS APPOINTMENT, DR WRIGHT SAID: +1 AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THE CHALLENGE OF MAKING A FURTHER CONTRIBUTION FROM A NEW ANGLE TO HONG KONG’S PROGRESS IN THE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL FIELDS.*
DR WRIGHT WILL BE SUCCEEDED AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE BY MR S.K. CHAN, AT PRESENT DEPUTY DIRECTOR.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1981
- 3 -
SCHOOL PREFECTS TO HELP IN CLEAN HONG KONG DRIVE XKK
ALL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, INCLUDING SPECIAL SCHOOLS, ARE URGED TO JOIN THE SCHOOL LITTER PREFECT SCHEME WHICH WILL BE LAUNCHED SHORTLY IN SUPPORT OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.
+THE SCHEME AIMS TO INCREASE STUDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CLEANLINESS AND TO ENHANCE THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY,* AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
DUTIES OF SCHOOL LITTER PREFECTS WILL INCLUDE DEVISING WAYS TO PERSUADE OTHER STUDENTS TO TAKE PRIDE IN KEEPING THEIR CLASSROOMS AND SCHOOLS CLEAN, AND TO PERSUADE THEM TO AVOID LITTER ING.
SOME FIVE TO 10 SCHOOL LITTER PREFECTS WEARING SPECIAL BADGES SHOULD BE ON DUTY DAILY, AND SCHOOLS SHOULD ARRANGE FOR STUDENTS TO TAKE TURNS TO ASSUME DUTIES AS PREFECTS.
+THE DUTIES OF THE PREFECTS SHOULD BE CONFINED TO AREAS INSIDE THE SCHOOL, AND NO FINES SHOULD BE IMPOSED ON STUDENTS CAUGHT LITTERING IN SCHOOL,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN THE SCHEME WHICH ACHIEVE GOOD RESULTS WILL BE AWARDED CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION, HE SAID.
LITTER PREFECT BADGES MAY BE COLLECTED FROM THE APPROPRIATE DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS OR OFFICERS IN THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WHEN SCHOOLS RETURN COMPLETED ENTRY FORMS.
ENTRY FORMS SHOULD BE FORWARDED BY HAND BETWEEN OCTOBER 31
AND NOVEMBER 6 TO THE DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS. FORMS FROM SPECIAL SCHOOLS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION.
-------o----------
AUGUST SURVEY OF FACTORIES * * *
INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED IN AUGUST SHOWED THAT THERE WAS A DECREASE IN EMPLOYMENT BUT AN INCREASE IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS COMPARED WITH JULY 1981, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT REPORTED TODAY (MONDAY).
IN ITS AUGUST SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS ON HAND, THE DEPARTMENT ~LSO SAID THE DECREASE IN EMPLOYMENT WAS MOST MARKED IN THE PLASTICS, ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS PRODUCTS SECTORS, AND THIS WAS LARGELY DUE TO STUDENTS HAVING LEFT THEIR SUMMER JOBS TOWARDS THE END OF AUGUST WHEN THE SURVEY WAS TAKEN.
HOWEVER, THE DEPARTURE OF THE STUDENTS FROM THEIR SUMMER JOBS WAS ALSO PARTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS BECAUSE THEY RECEIVED RELATIVELY LOWER WAGES, THE REPORT STATES.
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A....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1981
4
T-SHIRTS TO HELP SPREAD ANT I-LITTER MESSAGE
* * M
A NEWLY-DESIGNED T-SHIRT FOR HONG KONG’S COUNTRY PARKS IS NOW ON SALE AT $9 EACH.
DESIGNED 3Y THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, THE T-SHIRTS FEATURE A SIMPLE BUT STRIKING DESIGN, AND ARE THE FOURTH IN THE CURRENT SERIES SINCE 1978.
AT THE FRONT OF THE SHIRT ARE THE WORDS +WHAT’S NICE AND GREEN7+, AND AT THE BACK, THE ANSWERt +A CLEAN COUNTRY PARK+ — ALL OF WHICH ARE INTENDED TO CARRY THE MESSAGE AGAINST LITTERING AND MESSING-UP THE OPEN AREAS OF HONG KONG.
THE T-SHIRTS CAN BE PURCHASED FROM THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ON THE 12TH FLOOR 0 THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN KOWLOON- THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING IN CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL- AND REFRESHMENT KIOSKS IN THE CLEAR WATER BAY COUNTRY PARK AND THE PLOVER COVE COUNTRY PARK.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY, STRESSING THE NEED TO KEEP THE COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN, URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO BUY THE T-SHIRTS AND HELP SPREAD THE MESSAGE FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL.
MORE THAN 4 400 LITTER BINS ARE PROVIDED IN THE COUNTRY PARKS AND OVER 2 300 TONNES OF LITTER WERE COLLECTED FROM THE COUNTRY PARKS BETWEEN APRIL LAST YEAR AND MARCH THIS YEAR.
COUNTRY PARKS STAFF WARNED 10 000 VISITORS AND PROSECUTED 65 FOR LITTERING DURING THE YEAR.
MEANWHILE, SOME 400 COUNTRY PARK BADGES BEARING ATTRACTIVE DESIGNS OF VARIOUS COUNTRY PARKS — OUT OF 20 000 THAT WERE MADE — ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT $1.50 EACH FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.
-________0-------------
FAN KAM ROAD CLOSED FOR ARMY EXERCISE
XXX
A SECTION OF FAN KAM ROAD, BETWEEN PAT HEUNG POLICE STATION AND DODWELL’S RIDGE CAMP. WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 21) TO 1 AM ON THURSDAY BECAUSE CF AN ARMY SECURITY EXERCISE.
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD, ONLY EMERGENCY VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO USE THE ROAD SECTION.
NO. 77 BUSES SCHEDULED TO LEAVE YUEN LONG AND SHEUNG SHU I AT 10.40 PM ON WEDNESDAY WILL BE SUSPENDED.
_ _-o------
/5.....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1981
- 5 -VILLAGE FOOTPATH BEING RESTORED XXX
A DILAPIDATED FOOTPATH CONNECTING TWO LAMMA ISLAND VILLAGES IS TO BE RESTORED AT A COST OF MORE THAN $74 OOO.
THE VILLAGES ARE TUNG 0 AND SOK KWU WAN AND THE 1 200-METRE LONG FOOTPATH PROVIDES THE ONLY ACCESS BETWEEN THE TWO.
MANY OF THE 150 VILLAGERS OF TUNG 0 WORK ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND USE THE FOOTPATH TO GET TO AND FROM SOK KWU WAN WHERE THERE IS A FERRY SERVICE.
IT IS ALSO USED BY PICNICKERS AND VISITORS.
THE WORK WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO STAGES, WITH THE MIDDLE PART OF THE PATH, WHICH IS IN THE WORST CONDITION, BEING REPAIRED FIRST.
THE PROJECT, WHICH INCLUDES BUILDING STEPS AND PROVIDING DRAINAGE, WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF NEXT MONTH.
THE MONEY FOR THE PROJECT IS BEING PROVIDED FROM THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS VOTE OF ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE.
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LITTER BUGS WARNED
XXX
OFFICERS OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY ARE NOW EMPOWERED TO ISSUE SUMMONSES TO ANYONE CAUGHT LITTERING ON TRAINS AND WITHIN THE RAILWAY AREA.
OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO A FINE OF $1 000 ON THE FIRST CONVICTION BY THE COURTS, AND A FINE OF $2 000 ON THE SECOND AND SUBSEQUENT CONVICTIONS, A SPOKESMAN FOR KCR SAID TODAY.
HE ADDED THAT THE LATEST MOVE WAS IN SUPPORT OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO WARNED AGAINST ILLEGAL HAWKING ON TRAINS AND AT STATIONS AND TRESSED THAT THESE PEOPLE RISK IMMEDIATE ARREST AND FINES OF UP TO S2 000.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUE J BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONGKONG TEL 5-233191
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DEVELOPMENTS IN OUTLYING ISLANDS ....................... 1
SHAM SHUT PO DISTRICT BOARD FORMED ..................... 3
INDIAN COMMUNITY PRAISED ............................... 3
NO SHORT CUT TO DRIVING LICENCES ....................... 4
SIR JACK TOURS KOi/LOON CITY............................ 5
SIR PHILIP RETURNS TOMORROW ............................ 5
VISITS TO YOUTH CENTRES ................................ 6
TWO-PIANO DEMONSTRATION ................................ 6
OFFENCES BY FACTORIES .................................. 7
OPIN DAY AT MENTAL HOSPITAL ............................ 7
3 UK QUEEN'S COUNSEL FOR HK HIGH COURT ................. 8
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION COURSE FOR TEACHERS
8
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1981
1
DEVELOPMENTS IN OUTLYING ISLANDS
* * * *
IN PROVIDING FACILITIES AND SERVICES ON THE OUTLYING ISLANDS PRIORITY MUST BE GIVEN TO THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL COMMUNITIES, ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RICKY FUNG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) IN A SPEECH TO THE CITY LIONS CLUE.
MR FUNG SAID, BASICALLY, BY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE OUTLYING ISLANDS, HE MEANT PROVISION OF AN OVERALL FRAMEWORK OF BALANCED FACILITIES AND SERVICES FOR THE RESIDENTS THERE.
♦INEVITABLY, WHEN DRAWING UP PLANS FOR DEVELOPMENTS ALONG THESE LINES, THE GOVERNMENT MUST GIVE PRIORITY TO THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL COMMUNITIES THAT ARE MOST IN NEED OF THIS KIND OF IMPROVEMENT,+ HE SAID.
IN THIS WAY CHEUNG CHAU, PENG CHAU, MUI WO AND TAI 0 HAD BEEN SELECTED TO BE DEVELOPMENT TARGETS.
♦THE INTENTION IS THAT THE RESIDENTS OF THESE AREAS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH THE WHOLE RANGE OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES, SUCH AS TREATED WATER, PROPER SEWAGE AND REFUSE DISPOSAL AND QUALITY HOUS I NG,♦ MR FUNG SAID.
ON CHEUNG CHAU, MAJOR ENGINEERING WORKS WERE NOW PROGRESSING AT FULL SPEED.
SITE INVESTIGATION WORK WOULD SOON BEGIN FOR A RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, AND A SITE WOULD ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AND A MODERN INCINERATOR.
♦IN ABOUT A YEAR’S TIME I EXPECT FILL WORKS TO COMMENCE TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL RECLAMATION AREA FOR A NEW MARKET AND A NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL, BOTH OF WHICH ARE URGENTLY REQUIRED,+ MR FUNG SAID.
LOOKING FURTHER AHEAD, THERE WERE PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED ON CHEUNG CHAU LATER IN THE 1980S IF DEVELOPMENT WAS TO PROCEED SMOOTHLY, BUT WORK FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS WAS ASSURED.
ON PENG CHAU, A NEW FERRY PIER WAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
♦FROM ALL THE RECENT CRITICISM IN THE PRESS OF INADEQUATE PIER FACILITIES, YOU WILL APPRECIATE HOW URGENTLY THIS PIER IS REQUIRED,♦ HE SAID.
CONSTRUCTION SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY EARLY 1983.
AT MUI WO, A NEW PIER WAS OPENED LAST YEAR, AND A CONTRACT HAS JUST BEEN SIGNED FOR MAJOR ENGINEERING AND RIVER TRAINING WORKS, WHICH WILL PROVIDE LAND FOR A NEW FIRE STATION, A NEW CLINIC AND A PUBLIC HOUSING SITE.
AS FUNG ........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1981
2
MR FUNG SAID TAI 0 DEVELOPMENT HAD BEEN SEVERELY AFFECTED BY PHYSICAL CONDITIONS, AND THE ENGINEERING WORKS REQUIRED WERE THEREFORE MUCH MORE COMPLEX AND MUCH MORE COSTLY THAN ORIGINALLY ENVISAGED.
♦FOR THIS REASON, A REVIEW OF THE PROGRAMME FOR TAI 0 IS NOW UNDERWAY,♦ HE SAID.
HOWEVER, A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE HAD ALREADY BEEN BUILT THERE, AND HE HOPED WORK WOULD BEGIN ON A HOME FOR THE AGED SOMETIME NEXT YEAR.
♦ONE OMISSION FROM ISLANDS WHICH YOU WILL HAVE NOTED IS LAMMA ISLAND,♦ HE SAID.
IN TERMS OF GEOGRAPHICAL AREA LAMMA WAS SECOND AMONG THE OFFSHORE ISLANDS BEHIND LANTAU.
HOWEVER, THE POPULATION OF LAMMA WAS LESS THAN THAT OF THE THREE ISLANDS WHERE DEVELOPMENT WORKS WERE TAKING PLACE AND THE POPULATION WAS AT PRESENT A LITTLE MORE SCATTERED.
DESPITE THE LACK OF A DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, THERE HAD BEEN A NUMBER OF PROJECTS CARRIED OUT ON THE ISLAND, SUCH AS THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC COMPANY'S MAJOR NEW POWER STATION, WHICH WOULD SOON BECOME THE MAIN SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY TO THE WHOLE OF HONG KONG ISLAND, AND THERE WAS ALSO A LARGE QUARRY IN SOUTH LAMMA PRODUCING AGGREGATE FOR USE IN HONG KONG’S BUILDING INDUSTRY.
MR FUNG SAID THE POTENTIAL OF DEVELOPMENT ON LAMMA WAS NOW UNDER REVIEW, BUT IN THE MEANTIME RESIDENTS OF THE ISLAND HAD NOT BEEN OVERLOOKED.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE SUBMARINE MAIN WHICH WOULD BRING FRESH WATER TO THE POWER STATION WOULD ALSO ENABLE THE POPULATION TO RECEIVE DOMESTIC SUPPLY.
HONG KONG ELECTRIC COMPANY HAD CARRIED OUT RECLAMATION WORK IN YUNG SHUE WAN IN NORTH LAMMA AND THE RECLAIMED LAND WOULD BE USED FOR A FOOTBALL PITCH, A BASKETBALL PITCH AND A HELICOPTER LANDING SITE.
THERE WERE PLANS TO IMPROVE THE PIERS AT YUNG SHUE WAN AND SOK KWU WAN, THE PROPOSAL FOR YUNG SHUE WAN MERITING HIGH PRIORITY.
THE QUESTION OF CONSTRUCTING A FIRE STATION TO SERVE LAMMA ISLAND WAS ALSO UNDER ACTIVE CONSIDERATION BY THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1981
- 3 -
SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD FORMED
ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED 16 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD, THE THIRD ONE FORMED IN THE URBAN AREA AFTER KWUN TONG AUD WONG TAI SIN.
MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD COME FROM A WIDE CROSS-SECTION CF SOCIETY, INCLUDING INDUSTRY, EDUCATION, SOCIAL WORK, BUSINESS AND ALL AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN IN THE DISTRICT.
THE WIDE REPRESENTATION WILL ENSURE THAT THE DISTRICT BOARD IS A TRULY REPRESENTATIVE ONE WHICH CAN REFLECT THE VIEWS OF ALL WALKS OF LIFE.
THE APPOINTED UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS AREi
THE HON ALLEN LEE, MR FAN KAM-PING, MISS LI ME I-LIN, MR CHENG PO-HONG, MR LEE KWONG-YUEN, MR SHEK KWOK-NAM, MADAM HUNG WAI-CHING, NR TONG KAM-BIU, MR WONG PING-HON, MR GEORGE HSUEH, MR TU KUEI-YUE, MR HUI GUT-YIN, MR ENG SOON-CHAO, MR CHAN FOO-LEUNG, MR MOK KIN AND MR KWOK CHEONG.
TWO URBAN COUNCILLORS, MR TSIN SAI-NIN AND MR HOWARD YOUNG, WILL ALSO SIT ON THE BOARD. IN ADDITION, THERE ARE SEVEN OFFICIAL MEMBERS WHO COME FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, WITH MR STEPHEN IP, CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER (SHAM SHU I PO), SERVING AS THE CHAIRMAN.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
MEMBERS OF THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET THE PRESS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), OCTOBER 21 AT 4.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SHAM SHU I PO CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 299 LAI CHI KOK ROAD. THE BOARD WILL START WORKING IMMEDIATELY AND WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING ON THURSDAY AT 3 PM AT THE CMA PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, NAM CHEONG STREET. MR DENIS BRAY, SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, WILL ATTEND THE INAUGURAL MEETING.
------o-------
INDIAN COMMUNITY PRAISED ft ft ft ft
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR BILL DORWARD TODAY (OCTOBER 20) PRAISED THE INDIAN COMMUNITY FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG.
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE INDIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MR DORWARD SAID« +IN THE NEARLY THREE DECADES I HAVE BEEN IN HONG KONG, I HAVE SEEN THE VISIBLE ACTIVITIES OF YOUR COMMUNITY GROW FROM MAINLY SMALL SHOPKEEPERS AND TRADING BUSINESS TO THE FULL RANGE AND DIVERSITY OF BUSINESS ACTIVITIES YOU REPRESENT TODAY
/+T;:jR£ CaiCJOT.........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1‘>81
4
♦THERE CANNOT BE ANY MAJOR SECTOR OF OUR TRADING, MANUFACTURING -------------------------------- IS NOT NOW SIGNIFICANT INDIAN
AND SERVICE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH THERE INVOLVEMENT.
♦ACCURATE FIGURES ARE IMPOSSIBLE AND BELIEVE RELIABLE, ESTIMATES WHICH THE INDIAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY’S SHARE SAID.
TO OBTAIN, BUT I HAVE HEARD, PLACE AT AROUND TEN PER CENT IN OUR EXTERNAL TRADE,+ HE
MR DORWARD OUTLINED THE INDIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO HONG KONG FROM --------------------------------- — BUILDING OF THE THREE TOP
THE EARLY DAYS, INVOLVING, FOR EXAMPLE, THE HOTELS, THE STARTING OF THE STAR FERRY, THE EARLY BANKS AND, IN 1911, 7ZZ ZZT.ZZZ !Z Z“*’“
THE ESTABLISHMENT
FORMATION OF ALL THE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF
HONG KONG.
»EARSr*°°R?TRW*SAM" J!Lv’“12S)2ETf!!??I,JOv??","‘TE THE EARLY THE S"“>K*
♦ONE CANNOT BUT ADMIRE THE SKILL AND TENACITY WITH WHICH INDIAN BUSINESSMEN HAVE CARVED A PLACE FOR THEMSELVES IN THE EXPANDING
TRADE OF HONG KONG IN RECENT YEARS,+ HE SAID.
--------o ---------
NO SHORT CUT TO DRIVING LICENCES * * * *
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS UPHELD A DECISION BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT NOT TO ISSUE HONG KONG DRIVING LICENCES TO HOLDERS OF DRIVING LICENCES OBTAINED OVERSEAS IF HE IS NOT SATISFIED THAT THEY ARE FULLY QUALIFIED TO DRIVE.
UNDER THE DIRECT ISSUE SYSTEM, THE COMMISSIONER MAY ISSUE A DRIVING LICENCE TO AN APPLICANT WHO SATISFIES HIM THAT, WITHIN THE PAST THREE YEARS, HE HAS HELD A DRIVER’S CERTIFICATE OR LICENCE ISSUED AFTER THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A TEST OF COMPETENCE BY A COMPETENT AUTHORITY IN ANY COUNTRY LISTED IN THE FIFTH SCHEDULE.
THE DECISION OF THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL WAS IN RESPONSE TO A PETITION LODGED BY A MAN WHO HAD CHALLENGED THE COMMISSIONER’S AUTHORITY TO REFUSE HIM THE DIRECT ISSUE OF A HONG KONG DRIVING LICENCE IN EXCHANGE FOR A LICENCE ISSUED IN CHINA DURING A BRIEF STAY.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID IT WOULD BE IRRESPONSIBLE TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO DRIVE ON HONG KONG ROADS WHEN THEIR QUALIFICATIONS WERE IN DOUBT, PUTTING AT RISK OTHER ROAD USERS.
♦THE DIRECT ISSUE SYSTEM IS PART OF AN INTERNATIONAL ARRANGEMENT WHICH RECOGNISES LICENCES ISSUED IN OTHER COUNTRIES, BUT IT WAS NEVER INTENDED AS A ’SHORT CUT’ FOR RESIDENTS WISHING TO FIND AN EASY WAY TO AVOID THE STRICT STANDARDS REQUIRED IN HONG KONG’S DRIVING TESTS,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1981
5
SIR JACK TOURS KOWLOON CITY ft ft ft ft
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER, THIS AFTERNOON TOURED THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT IN THE COMPANY OF THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, AND THE CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, W LEE LAP-SUN.
THE PURPOSE OF THE TOUR WAS TO ENABLE SIR JACK TO OBSERVE THE PROGRESS BEING MADE BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE IN SOLVING ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN THE DISTRICT.
SITES VISITED INCLUDED THE SAN SHAN TSUEN SQUATTER AREA, PRIVATE STREETS, HOI SHUM PARK, THE TO KWA WAN RECLAMATION AREA, THE HUNG HOM FERRY PIER CONCOURSE AND HA HEUNG ROAD.
ON COMPLETION OF THE TOUR, SIR JACK MET PROMINENT MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY COMMUNITY, INCLUDING THE CHAIRMEN OF THE DISTRICT’S EIGHT AREAS COMMITTEES, FOR A DISCUSSION ON THE NEW DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.
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SIR PHILIP RETURNS TOMORROW ft ft ft
THE CHIEF SECRETARY-DESIGNATE, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, RETURNS TO HONG KONG TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) UPON COMPLETION OF LEAVE.
SIR PHILIP WILL SPEND THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS RE-FAMILIARISING HIMSELF IN PREPARATION FOR TAKING UP HIS NEW APPOINTMENT.
THE ACTUAL DATE OF THE FORMAL SIR JACK CATER WILL BE ON NOVEMBER DUTY SUBSTANTIVELY ON NOVEMBER 20.
HANDING OVER OF THE POST BY 19 AND SIR PHILIP WILL ASSUME
SIR JACK WILL LEAVE HONG KONG ABOUT ONE WEEK LATER TO TAKE UP HIS NEW APPOINTMENT AS HONG KONG COMMISSIONER, LONDON.
MR DAVID FORD, THE COMMISSIONER AT PRESENT, WILL BE TAKING A ONE-YEAR COURSE AT THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF DEFENCE STUDIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY WILL BE ARRANGED AT THE AIRPORT FOR THE ARRIVAL OF SIR PHILIP, WHO WILL RETURN ON FLIGHT BA3 AT 3.35 PM. PHOTOGRAPHERS WISHING TO COVER THIS EVENT SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN THE PRESS ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING AT 3.30 PM. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE PRESENT TO ASSIST.
o
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1981
6
VISITS TO YOUTH CENTRES * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE, HAS STARTED A NEW ROUND OF VISITS TO THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO SEE THE RANGE OF SERVICES THEY PROVIDE.
YESTERDAY (MONDAY) HE SPENT AN EVENING VISITING THREE OF THE CENTRES RUN BY THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS IN KOWLOON.
EARLY NEXT MONTH, HE WILL VISIT A WORKSHOP AND A HOSTEL RUN BY THE SPASTICS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG AT WO CHE ESTATE IN SHA TIN.
MR ALLEYNE BEGAN MONDAY’S TOUR AT THE YOUTH COUNSELLING CENTRE IN RECLAMATION STREET IN YAU MA TEI.
THE CENTRE, WHICH WAS INITIALLY OPERATED BY THE FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS AS AN EXPERIMENTAL PROJECT BETWEEN 1971 AND 1974, HAS BEEN RECEIVING SUBVENTION FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SINCE 1979. IT PROVIDES COUNSELLING SERVICES TO YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN 14 AND 25 YEARS OF AGE.
MR ALLEYNE THEN PROCEEDED TO THE OUTREACH I NG SOCIAL WORK UNIT IN WUHU STREET IN HUNG HOM, WHOSE TARGET GROUP IS YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK. APART FROM HELPING PEOPLE SOLVE THEIR PERSONAL PROBLEMS, WORKERS AT THE UNIT ENCOURAGE THEM TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY SERVICE AND COMPETITIONS.
THE DIRECTOR’S LAST STOP WAS THE 01 MAN YOUTH CENTRE AT 01 MAN ESTATE, WHICH PROVIDES GROUP WORK, STUDY ROOM AND COUNSELLING SERVICES FOR MEN AND WOMEN BETWEEN 14 AND 25.
THE CENTRE IS ONE OF 25 YOUTH CENTRES RUN BY THE FEDERATION. AS OF AUGUST, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PAID-UP MEMBERS FOR ALL CENTRES WAS 20 000.
MR ALLEYNE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE FEDERATION, MR LAO MOU-CHI, THE GENERAL SECRETARY, MRS ROSANNA TAM, AND THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, MISS GRACE CHEUNG.
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TWO-PIANO DEMONSTRATION * * *
THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL WILL PRESENT A PIANO DEMONSTRATION ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 23) AT 8 PM. AT THE AUDITORIUM, TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.
THE FAMOUS ISRAELI PIANO DUO OF BRACHA EDEN AND ALEXANDER TAMIR WILL INTRODUCE AND DEMONSTRATE BRAHMS’ VARIATIONS ON A THEME BY HAYDN, OP. 56- SCHUBERT’S FANTASY IN F MINOR. OP.103-RAVEL’S LA VALSE AND THE RITE OF SPRING BY STRAVINSKY.
TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE MUSIC CENTRES OF MUSIC OFFICE AND THE BOX OFFICE OF TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1981
- 7 -
OFFENCES BY FACTORIES * * *
OF THE 825 PROSECUTIONS TAKEN OUT BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR BREACH OF LABOUR LEGISLATION LAST MONTH (SEPTEMBER), 805 RESULTED IN CONVICTIONS AND THE TOTAL FINES AMOUNTED TO *585 650.
MOST OF THE CASES CONCERNED BREACHES OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND ITS VARIOUS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS, THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS.
THERE WERE 351 CASES RELATING TO VIOLATIONS OF SAFETY REGULATIONS, RESULTING IN FINES OF OVER *342 000.
OFFENCES IN CONNECTION WITH EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN INDUSTRY ACCOUNTED FOR 369 CASES WITH *192 050 IN FINES.
OF THE OTHER PROSECUTIONS, 26 CASES RELATED TO FAILURE TO KEEP RECORDS OF EMPLOYEES, LEADING TO *11 450 IN FINES.
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OPEN DAY AT MENTAL HOSPITAL * * *
win uiUnLfU ^SPITAL, AN INSTITUTION FOR THE MENTALLY SUBNORMAL WILL HOLD AN OPEN-DAY FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 23).
THE OCCASION IS PART OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS £DSJAL HEALTH IN SUPPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED rtK oUNq•
GUIDED TOURS WILL BE ARRANGED FOR VISITORS TO THE WARDS PLAY AREAS, SPECIAL CARE UNITS AND OTHER HOSPITAL FACILITIES.’ — IT0RS WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THE PATIENTS AT REST OR DURING ^APHYS mTHFRAPYSTRpi™PNTPART ,N GAMES’ 0R RECEIVING PLAY THERAPY rn i oIuintnArT IKtAintNT.
THE HOSPITAL, ONE OF THE VERY FEW FOR THE CARE OF THE SEVERELY RETARDED,
SITUATED ON THE HILLSIDE ADJACENT THE NEW TERRITORIES, IT HAS A CAPACITY
IN ASIA DESIGNED SOLELY WAS OPENED IN 1972.
TO THE TAI LAM VALLEY IN OF 200 BEDS.
THE HOSPITAL MAY BE REACHED BY NO. 50 BUS. WHICH RUNS ?EIWEEJ!,,JGRDAN R0AD F:’RY P,ER AND YUEN LONG. VISITORS GOING BY ^SHOULD AL,GHT AT 16-1/2 MILESTONE AND TAKE THE SPECIALLY ^rclcELInA^SP0RT AT THE junction OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROAD FOR THE TRIP TO THE HOSPITAL.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1981'
8
3 UK QUEEN’S COUNSEL FOR HK HIGH COURT * * *
THREE QUEEN’S COUNSEL FROM ENGLAND WILL BE JOINING THE HIGH COURT BENCH OF HONG KONG EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THEY ARE MR MICHAEL KEMPSTER, MR DAVID HUNTER AND MR GEORGE CARMAN.
MR KEMPSTER WAS BORN IN 1923 AND WAS EDUCATED AT MILL HILL SCHOOL AND BRASENOSE COLLEG , OXFORD. HE SERVED WITH THE ROYAL SIGNALS FROM 1943 TO 1946 AND WAS CALLED TO THE BAF. BY THE INNER TEMPLE IN 1949. HE TOOK SILK IN 1969 AND SERVED AS A MEMBER OF THE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE ON PRIVACY IN 1971. HE WAS ELECTED A BENCHER IN 1977.
HE IS CHAIRMAN OF THE LONDON UNIVERSITY DISCIPLINARY APPEALS TRIBUNAL AND IS A GOVERNOR OF MILL HILL SCHOOL. HE WAS APPOINTED AS A RECORDER OF THE CROWN COURT BY THE LORD CHANCELLOR IN 1972.
MR HUNTER WAS BORN IN 1926 AND WAS EDUCATED AT HARROW SCHOOL AND HERTFORD COLLEGE, OXFORD. HE WAS CALLED TO THE BAR BY MIDDLE TEMPLE IN 1951 AND TOOK SILK IN 1971. HE HAS SAT AS A RECORDER OF THE CROWN COURT SINCE 1975.
MR CARMAN WAS BORN IN 1929 AND WAS EDUCATED AT ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE, BLACKPOOL AND BALLIOL COLLEGE, OXFORD. HE WAS CALLED TO THE BAR BY LINCOLN’S INN IN 1953 AND TOOK SILK IN 1971.
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FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION COURSE FOR TEACHERS
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE LIMITED TO 40.
*,LL LAST FROM 9.30 AM TO 12.30 PM AND THE ROAD^ WAN CHALMHbNGPK0N6.'NG ASS0ClAT,0N 0F H0NG KONG, 152 HENNESSY
INTERESTED TEACHERS SHOULD SEND IN THEIR APPI iriTinuc u,,
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUE? Bv GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE HONGKONG TEu 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1981 <
CONTBITS PAGE NO.
CENTRAL DM3 MEETS EOR FIRST TIME .............................. 1
FS VISITS CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE .......................... 2
FOOTWEAR CERTIFICATION ........................................ 2
FOURTH HK YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND FESTIVAL ....................... 3
PROHIBITED ZONES NEAR ADMIRALTY CENTRE......................... 5
STUDENTS TO HELP CLEAN LUEN WO HUI ............................ 5
WORKSHOP ON CANCER EDUCATION .................................. 6
SCHOOL LITTER PREFECT .SCHEME ................................
IMPROVEMENTS ACHIEVED ......................................... 7
'MUSIC FROM THE CLASSROOMS' CONCERT ........................... 7
RACE DAY TRAIN SERVICE
8
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1981
1
CENTRAL DMC MEETS FOR FIRST TIME * * * *
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, THE LAST FORMED ON HONG KONG ISLAND, HELD ITS FIRST MEETING THIS MORNING (WEDNESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, INTERNATIONAL BUILDING.
THE COMMITTEE PROVIDES A FORUM FOR INTER-DEPARTMENTAL CONSULTATION ON DISTRICT PROBLEMS.
+IT WILL CO-ORDINATE AND MONITOR JOINT DEPARTMENTAL ACTION WHEN TACKLING DISTRICT PROBLEMS,+ SAID MR TONY CLARK, CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DMC.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE MEETING WAS MR ALBERT LAM, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT.
THE COMMITTEE WILL INITIALLY DIRECT ITS EFFORTS ON THREE MAIN ASPECTS OF CONCERN I ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS, AND COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES.
ONE OF ITS FIRST TASKS IS TO ATTEMPT TC DEAL WITH WIDESPREAD ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCES OF CONCERN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC, IN ADDITION TO DEALING WITH OTHER PROBLEMS AFFECTING RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
MR CLARK EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT LOCAL RESIDENTS AND ORGANISATIONS WOULD TAKE AN INTEREST IN THEIR DISTRICT AFFAIRS AND LOCAL NEEDS, AND SUBMIT VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT OF THE DMC.
REPRESENTATIVES ATTENDING THE MEETING INCLUDED OFFICERS FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS, URBAN SERVICES, ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, FIRE SERVICES, RECREATION AND CULTURE, SOCIAL WELFARE, TRANSPORT, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, EDUCATION, MARINE, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, HOUSING, LABOUR, AND HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENTS.
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT COVERS THE NORTHERN SECTION CF HONG KONG ISLAND, AS WELL AS THE MID-LEVELS AND PEAK RESIDENTIAL AREAS.
/2 .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1981
2
FS VISITS CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE
MM*
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR JOHN BREMRIDGE VISITED THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR BREMRIDGE, MET BY THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR BILL DORWARD AND THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND CONTROLS, MR DOUGLAS JORDAN, LUNCHED WITH SENIOR OFFICERS AT THE SERVICE MESS AT RUMSEY STREET HEADQUARTERS.
ACCOMPANIED BY MR JORDAN. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY LEFT BY HELICOPTER FOR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TRAINING SCHOOL AT TAI LAM CHUNG WHERE HE WAS GREETED BY THE SENIOR STAFF OFFICER, MR P.W. MAK AND THE SCHOOL COMMANDANT, MR M.H. LO.
MR BREMRIDGE SAW TWO DRUG DETECTOR DOGS DEMONSTRATING THEIR ABILITY IN FINDING DRUGS HIDDEN IN BOXES AND BAGGAGE.
ON HIS TOUR OF THE SCHOOL FACILITIES, MR BREMRIDGE SAW INSPECTOR AND CUSTOMS OFFICER RECRUITS UNDERGOING THEIR INDUCTION TRAINING - WHICH INCLUDED SHOOTING PRACTICE ON THE PISTOL RANGE, LIFE-SAVING, UNARMED COMBAT AND FOOT-DRILL.
BEFORE WINDING UP HIS VISIT, MR BREMRIDGE TOURED THE SCHOOL MUSEUM WHICH HOUSES A VARIETY OF INGENIOUS SMUGGLING DEVICES, NARCOTICS PARAPHERNALIA AND DISTILLING APPARATUS.
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FOOTWEAR CERTIFICATION
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, THE REQUIREMENT OF A CERTIFICATE OF HONG KONG ORIGIN AS A CONDITION FOR THE ISSUE OF AN EXPORT LICENCE FOR EXPORTS OF CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF NON-RUBBER FOOTWEAR TO THE UNITED STATES WHERE HONG KONG ORIGIN IS CLAIMED WILL NO LONGER BE NECESSARY.
HOWEVER, THE EXPORT LICENSING REQUIREMENT FOR FOOTWEAR TO ALL DESTINATIONS, INTRODUCED ON OCTOBER 22, 1978, IS STILL IN FORCE.
THIS MEANS THAT ALL EXPORTS OF FOOTWEAR REMAIN SUBJECT TO LICENSING CONTROL BY THE DEPARTMENT.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1981
3
FOURTH HK YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND FESTIVAL
KM**
—„^IH0V$ANDS °F PE0PLE INCLUDING SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL HAVE AMPLE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY BAND MUSIC TO BE PRESENTED BY THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT’S MUSIC OFFICE NEXT MONTH. ^CREATION
W,TH T0M LEE MUS,C FOUNDATION, A SERIES OF S2nE5HL^Nev$oIP??L^RFORMANCES ARE T0 BE STAGED DURING 1° DAYS OF BAND MUSIC EXTRAVAGANZA.
THE EVENT WILL BE THE FOURTH FESTIVAL, STARTING FROM NOVEMBER 7
HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND
AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE FESTIVAL, THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE. MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID THE CONTINUATION OF THE BAND GALA FOR THE FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR WAS SPURRED BY ITS POPULARITY.
MR WIGGHAM SAID, THOSE WISHING TO IMPROVE THEIR SKILL WILL ALSO HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE TUTELAGE FROM LOCAL AND OVERSEAS EXPERTS.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE FESTIVAL IS THE CHANCE FOR LOCAL YOUTH BANDS TO PLAY TOGETHER, EXCHANGE IDEAS AND TAKE PART IN COMPETITION.
THIS YEAR’S HIGHLIGHT WILL BE THE VISIT TO HONG KONG BY THE JAPANESE SHUJITSU GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL BAND WHICH WON THE GOLD MEDAL IN THE I960 ALL JAPAN BAND CONTEST. THE GROUP, CONSISTING OF 45 STUDENTS, OUTSHONE NO LESS THAN 3 600 OTHER SCHOOL BANDS.
4 THE FESTIVAL WILL COMMENCE ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 AT 11 AM AT STATUS SQUARE WHERE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR WONG LAM, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PARADE OPENING CEREMONY. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A CONCERT OF BAND MUSIC ON THE TOP OF A +TOPLESS+ DOUBLE-DECKER BUS ■
ON THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE BAND FESTIVAL WILL JOIN FORCES WITH THE NORTH FESTIVAL IN PRESENTING A PROMENADE CONCERT AT FANLING PLAYGROUND. OVER 350 PLAYERS FROM 10 LOCAL BANDS OF THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL PLAY A WIDE TRADITIONAL AND
SCHOOL BANDS AND YOUTH
POP BAND MUSIC
REPERTOIRE
OF BOTH
™ERE W,*-L ALSO BE A MARCHING DISPLAY BY THE 1ST AND 2ND GURKHA RIFLES BAND AND ST. BONAVENTURE PRIMARY SCHOOL BANDS, DANCE PERFORMANCES BY STUDENTS OF FUNG KAI MIDDLE SCHOOL AND SINGING BY NORTH DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR. ADMISSION TO THE CONCERT WILL BE FREE.
BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9 AND 13, A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS WILL BE ORGANISED. SEVERAL PRINCIPAL PLAYERS OF THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA HAVE BEEN INVITED TO GIVE LECTURES AND DEMONSTRATIONS TO YOUNG WIND INSTRUMENT PLAYERS.
/tiis insrsuic::n' ...
CTIESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1981
THE INSTRUMENTS TO BE DEMONSTRATED ARE TRUMPET, CLARINET, FLUTE, TROMBONE, SAXOPHONE AND FRENCH HORN. TWO BAND DIRECTORS WORKSHOPS WILL ALSO BE ORGANISED, AND WELL KNOWN JAPANESE B*ND DIRECTORS MR ISAO MURAMATSU AND MR MIKIO YOSHI ICHI WILL DEMONSTRATE REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES WITH THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND. ADMISSION FOR THESE WORKSHOPS IS FREE.
ON NOVEMBER 12, THE JAPANESE SHUJITSU GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL BAND AND THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND WILL JOINTLY PERFORM A FESTIVAL CONCERT AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL. PROGRAMMES FOR THE EVENING WILL CONSIST OF FRENCH WINDBAND MUSIC AND CONTEMPORARY BAND ' MUSIC. TICKETS AT $5 EACH ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL THE MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL AND TOM LEE PIANO CO.
THE MAIN EVENT OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE THE BAND DAY ON NOVEMBER 14, AT QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM. FROM 10 AM TO 12 NOON, SIX MARCHIN^ BANDS WILL TAKE PART IN A PERFORMANCE. AWARDS FOR +BEST BAND DRILL TROPHY*, +BEST MARCHING MUSIC TROPHY* AND THE +BEST SPECTACLE TROPHY* WILL BE PRESENTED.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE BAND WILL GIVE A DEMONSTRATION PERFORMANCE.
FOLLOWING LUNCH, 13 COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL BANDS WILL COMPETE IN A SYMPHONIC BAND PERFORMANCE FOR THE +BEST SYMPHONIC BAND MUSIC TROPHY*. THE SHUJITSU GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL BAND WILL GIVE A GUEST PERFORMANCE. ADMISSION FOR THE MORNING AND AFTERNOON PERFORMANCES IS FREE AND ADMISSION CARDS ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE MUSIC OFFICE AND TOM LEE PIANO CO.
TO CONCLUDE THE BAND DAY, A GALA PERFORMANCE WILL BE HELD IN THE EVENING AT QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM. MORE THAN 20 BANDS WILL PARTICIPATE IN THIS EXTRAVAGANZA OPENING UP WITH THE FESTIVE OVERTURE OF DMITRI SHOSTAKOVITCH.
PERFORMANCES WILL ALSO BE GIVEN BY THE WINNERS OF THE MARCHING BAND AND SYMPHONIC BAND CONTESTS, SHIJITSU GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL BAND AND THE HONG KONG CHILDREN MARCHING BAND.
THE MOST SPECTACULAR PROGRAMME OF THE EVENING WILL FEATURE THE RAINBOW DANCERS, PERFORMING THE ROUSING +CAN-CAN* DANCE ACCOMPANIED BY LIVE BAND MUSIC.
TICKETS AT $5 FOR THIS EVENING CONCERT WILL BE ON SALE AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM BOX OFFICE, MUSIC OFFICE AND TOM LEE PIANO CO.
THE WHOLE FESTIVAL WILL BE CONCLUDED BY FIVE SEMINARS FROM NOVEMBER 15 TO 17 HOSTED BY ATARAH BEN TOVIM AND DOUGLAS BOYD FROM LONDON. THIS SERIES OF SEMINARS WILL.^E JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE MUSIC SECTION OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY BRITISH CALEDONIAN AIRWAYS AND THE BRITISH COUNCIL.
FOR ENQUIRIES TELEPHONE 5-283257 OR 3-819204.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1981
5
PROHIBITED ZONES NEAR * *
ADMIRALTY CENTRE *
WESTBOUND VEHICLES ON HARCOURT ROAD, AND THOSE AUTHORISED IN WRITING, WILL BE CERTAIN SLIP ROADS NEAR ADMIRALTY CENTRE (OCTOBER 23).
EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY
VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DIVIDER, ADJACENT TO THE HARCOURT SLIP ROAD LEADING TO QUEENSWAY TO COTTON TREE DRIVE.
USE AN OPENING IN A CENTRAL ROAD FLYOVER TO SWITCH FROM THE THE SLIP ROAD CONNECTING WITH
VEHICLES WILL ALSO BE BANNED RUNNING ABOUT 50 METRES ALONG THE TREE DRIVE.
FROM ENTERING THE INSIDE LANE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO COTTON
THE PROHIBITED ZONES WILL BE CARRIAGEWAY MARKINGS.
INDICATED BY fRAFF IC SIGNS AND
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A
STUDENTS TO HELP CLEAN LUEN WO HUI
* M X *
STUDENTS FROM EIGHT SCHOOLS IN NORTH DISTRICT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL TAKE PART IN A CLEAN-UP ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 26) OF LUEN WO HUI.
THE CLEAN-UP. ORGANISED BY NORTH DISTRICT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, WILL BE THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF SIMILAR OPERATIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT IN THE DISTRICT.
THE STUDENTS WILL ASSEMBLE AT LUEN WO HUI PLAYGROUND AT 9.45 AM AND BEGIN WORK IMMEDIATELY AFTER AN OPENING CEREMONY AT WHICH COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR PANG HANG-YIN, WILL OFFICIATE.
THEY WILL BE DIVIDED INTO EIGHT GROUPS, EACH OF WHICH WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A SECTION OF LUEN WO HUI.
TEACHERS, MEMBERS OF MUTUAL AID AND RURAL COMMITTEES AND STAFF FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL ASSIST IN THE OPERATION.
A TEAM OF JUDGES CONSISTING OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND LOCAL LEADERS WILL INSPECT THE STREETS AFTERWARDS TO DECIDE WHICH SECTION IS THE CLEANEST.
PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE WINNING TEAM.
A SECOND OPERATION WILL BE HELD IN SHA TAU KOK NEXT MONTH AND OTHER LOCATIONS IN NORTH DISTRICT ARE BEING CONSIDERED.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1981
6
WORKSHOP ON CANCER EDUCATION
MO
A WORKSHOP TO DISCUSS THE IMPORTANCE OF CANCER EDUCATION AND THE POSSIBILITY OF INCORPORATING IT INTO THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM WILL , BE HELD IN DECEMBER.
SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THIS EVENT, WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY AND THE INTERNATIONAL UNION AGAINST CANCER (UICC).
THE WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 14, 15 AND 16 AT THE SHERATON HOTEL, KOWLOON, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN ENGLISH.
PANEL DISCUSSIONS, LECTURES AND SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAMME.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE FORWARDED NOT LATER THAN DECEMBER 1 TO THE SECRETARY, UICC WORKSHOP, C/O RADIOTHERAPY DIVISION, QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MISS 6. FONG OR MRS J. CHAN ON 5-265131.
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
SCHOOL LITTER PREFECT SCHEME
* * * *
A SCHOOL LITTER PREFECT SCHEME INVOLVING ALL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG WILL BE LAUNCHED LATER THIS MONTH IN SUPPORT OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.
DETAILS OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CO-ORDINATOR OF THE CAMPAIGN, MR MARTIN LEWIS, ARE BOXED SEPARATELY IN THE GIS PRESS BOXES.
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/7 .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1981
- 7 -
IMPROVEMENTS ACHIEVED * * * *
CONSIDERABLE IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (EDMC), THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (SHAU KEI WAN/CHAI WAN), MR MATTHEW CHEUNG, SAID TODAY.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF A SWIMMING GALA ORGANISED BY ST MARK’S SCHOOL AT THE VICTORIA PARK SWIMMING POOL.
MR CHEUNG SAID SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN MARCH THIS YEAR, THE EDMC HAS TAKEN ACTION ON VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, TRAFFIC PROBLEMS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES AND HAD ACHIEVED CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS IN THIS WORK.
HE ALSO BRIEFLY EXPLAINED THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AND CALLED ON QUALIFIED YOUNG PEOPLE TO REGISTER AS VOTERS IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.
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'MUSIC FROM THE CLASSROOMS* CONCERT ft * * *
THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL PRESENT A 'MUSIC FROM THE CLASSROOMS’ CONCERT ON OCTOBER 30 (FRIDAY) AT 5 PM IN THE HALL OF LOK SIN TONG YU KAN HING SCHOOL AT 3 FU YUE STREET, WANG TAU HOM.
THE CONCERT IS TO PROMOTE MUSIC AMONG SCHOOLS IN THE KOWLOON CITY AND WONG TAI SIN DISTRICTS, TO PROVIDE THE STUDENTS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM IN PUBLIC, AND TO ENHANCE CONTACT AMONG THEM.
THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES FLUTE DUET, VOCAL SOLO, PIANO SOLO, VIOLIN SOLO, FOLK SINGING, CHORAL ENSEMBLE ETC. THE CONCERT WILL END WITH A DEMONSTRATION ITEM PERFORMED BY AN ER-HU INSTRUCTOR, AIK YEW-GOH FROM THE MUSIC OFFICE.
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS INCLUDE MARYKNOLL CONVENT SCHOOL, HOI PING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SECONDARY SCHOOL, HO LAP SCHOOL, NOTRE DAME COLLEGE, LOK SIN TONG YU KAN HING SCHOOL, KOWLOON TRUE LIGHT MIDDLE SCHOOL AND KIT SAM MIDDLE SCHOOL.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE MUSIC OFFICE EAST KOWLOON MUSIC CENTRE LOCATED AT 100 TING FU STREET, 3/F YAN HAU MANSION, NGAU TAU KOK. FOR ENQUIRY, PLEASE CALL 3-7561328.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1981
8
RACE DAY TRAIN SERVICE * * * *
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL RUN SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICES TO THE SHA TIN RACECOURSE THIS SATURDAY (OCTOBER 24).
TWO TRAINS WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION, AT 12.38 PM AND 1.08 PM, WHILE ON THE RETURN JOURNEY TWO TRAINS WILL LEAVE THE RACECOURSE STATION, AT 5.18 PM AND 5.40 PM.
ONi Y THF FIRST UP—TRAIN WILL STOP AT MONG KOK STATION TO PICK UP PASSENGERS. BOTH DOWN-TRAINS, HOWEVER, WILL STOP AT THIS STATION.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUE 0 8Y GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE HONG KONG TEl 5-233191
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STUDY OE QUALITY CERTIFICATION SERVICES ..................... 1
SHAM SHOT PO DISTRICT BOARD INAUGURATED ..................... 2
WIDER USE OF CHINESE IN GOVERNMENT GAZETTE .................. 3
OFFICERS FOR TSUEN WAN SPORTS ASSOCIATION SWORN IN .......... J
INDIAN COMMUNITY PRAISED FOR HELP TO EDUCATION ..............
OPERATORS NEEDED FOR PEAK MAXICAB ROUTES .................... 5
EMPLOYERS URGED NOT TO OBSTRUCT INSPECTORS .................. 5
ANTI-SMOKING DISPLAY ........................................ 6
PWD MEN FOR UK TRAINING COURSE
6
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1981
1
STUDY OF QUALITY CERTIFICATION SERVICES * * * *
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF INDUSTRY, MR ALEX PURVES SAID TODAY THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS PREPARED TO FACILITATE THE DIVERSIFICATION PROCESS BY UNDERTAKi G CERTAIN OF THE INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT ACTIVITIES WHICH COULD NO’ REASONABLY BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR ON ITS OWN.
ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTE SEMINAR ON ELECTRICAL PRODUCT CERTIFICATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, MR PURVES DISCLOSED THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY WOULD SHORTLY COMMISSION A CONSULTANCY TO STUDY HONG KONG’S NEEDS IN THE FIELD OF QUALITY CERTIFICATION SERVICES TO DETERMINE WHETHER A SYSTEM OF ACCREDITATION OF TESTING LABORATORIES SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED IN HONG KONG AND, IF SO, HOW THIS SHOULD BE ACHIEVED.
+THE OBJECT OF THE EXERCISE IS TO ENSURE THAT LABORATORIES IN HONG KONG ARE COMPETENT TO UNDERTAKE VARIOUS TYPES OF TESTS REQUIRED BY INDUSTRY, AND THAT THE TEST CERTIFICATES THEY ISSUE WILL BE ACCEPTED INTERNATIONALLY.
+THE CONSULTANCY WILL COVER A WIDE RANGE OF MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG INCLUDING THE ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY,* HE SAID.
MR PURVES SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF ESTABLISHING AN ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS STANDARDS MEASUREMENT AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY.
♦THE HEAD OF THE CALIBRATION LABORATORY IS CURRENTLY UNDERTAKING A PROGRAMME OF ATTACHMENTS TO VARIOUS UK STANDARDS BODIES AND TESTING LABORATORIES AND, UPON HIS RETURN TO HONG KONG IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR WILL REVIEW SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE LABORATORY AND CONDUCT A STUDY CF THE NEEDS FOR CALIBRATION FACILITIES IN OTHER FIELD OF MEASUREMENTS, INCLUDING MECHANICAL MEASUREMENTS OF ACOUSTIC NOISE, THERMONETRY AND IONIZING RADIATIONS,* HE ADDED.
HOWEVER, MR PURVES STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT ENTER INTO THESE NEW ACTIVITIES WITHOUT THE SUPPORT AND COOPERATION OF BODIES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
HE SAIDt +WE ARE UNIQUE, IN HONG KONG, IN PURSUING OUR INDUSTRIAL POLICIES JOINTLY IN THIS WAY. IF I MAY SAY SO, IT HAS ADVANTAGES, FOR BOTH SIDES IN THAT WE CAN MORE READILY UNDERSTAND EACH OTHERS PROBLEMS FOR BOTH SIDES IN THAT WE CAN MORE READILY UNDERSTAND EACH OTHERS PROBLEMS AND, IN A SPIRIT OF MUTUAL COOPERATION, DEVISE APPROPRIATE SOLUTIONS TO THEM.
+THIS PRAGMATIC APPROACH CLEARLY HAS BEEN OF BENEFIT IN THE PAST, AND I AM CONFIDENT IT WILL REMAIN SO INTO THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.*
/TO REDUCE .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1981
2
TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF FAULTY CONSUMER ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS POWERED BY MAINS SUPPLY BEING EXPORTED, THE TICD HAD ESTABLISHED AN EXPORT LICENSING CONTROL SCHEME FOR THESE GOODS, MR PURVES SAID.
+CENTRAL TO THE SUCCESSFUL OPERATION OF THIS SCHEME, HOWEVER, ARE TWO THINGS. FIRST, AN AWARENESS BY HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS OF, AND, SECONDLY, THE AVAILABILITY OF TESTING SERVICES FOR THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS PRESCRIBED FOR THE SCHEME.
+SINCE THESE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS CLOSELY FOLLOW RELATED BSI STANDARDS, IT IS ENTIRELY APPROPRIATE THAT HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS SHOULD WIDEN THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF THEM BY MEANS OF THIS SEMINAR,+ CONCLUDED MR PURVES.
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SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD INAUGURATED
* X X X
THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD, THE THIRD ONE FORMED IN THE URBAN AREA, WAS INAUGURATED TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT ITS FIRST MEETING THIS AFTERNOON, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DENIS BRAY, STRESSED THAT THE DISTRICT BOARDS ARE NOT A COSMETIC, BUT ARE AIMED AT ENABLING GREATER PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
THE BOARD COMPRISES 25 MEMBERS — SEVEN EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS, TWO URBAN COUNCILLORS AND 16 APPOINTED UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, COMING FROM A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF SOCIETY.
DURING THE MEETING, THE BOARD APPOINTED THREE COMMITTEES: ENVIRONMENT, TRAFFIC AND COMMUNITY BUILDING. IT ALSO DISCUSSED PLANS FOR THE USE OF THE $500 000 BUDGET AS WELL AS RELATIONS WITH OTHER LOCAL BODIES.
AS PART OF ITS OTHER ACTIVITIES, THE BOARD ALSO DECIDED TO ORGANISE A LARGE-SCALE COMMUNITY PROJECT IN THE FORM OF A FESTIVAL TO BE HELD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 21 AND DECEMBER 20. THE PROJECT WILL BE THE LARGEST COMMUNITY-BUILDING PROGRAMME EVER LAUNCHED IN THE DISTRICT AND WILL INCLUDE A SERIES OF CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL, EDUCATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES TO CATER TO THE TASTES OF ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY, FROM THE ABLE-BODIED TO THE HANDICAPPED, FROM THE YOUNG TO THE ELDERLY AND FROM STUDENTS TO INDUSTRIAL WORKERS.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1981
- 3 -
WIDER USE OF CHINESE IN GOVERNMENT GAZETTE * * *
THE MAIN SECTION OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE WILL BE FULLY BILINGUAL FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY), WITH THE ENGLISH AND CHINESE VERSIONS IN SEPARATE PARTS BUT BOUND TOGETHER.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE WIDER USE OF CHINESE IN THE GAZETTE HAS BEEN YADE POSSIBLE BY THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPUTER TYPESETTING IN THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT.
PUBLISHED WEEKLY, THE GAZETTE PROVIDES INFORMATION ON GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENTS, NEV AND AMENDED LEGISLATION AND TENDERS.
APART FROM THE MAIN GAZETTE, THERE ARE ALSO UP TO SIX LEGAL AND SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTS, INCLUDING ONE FOR PUBLIC NOTICES. THE SUPPLEMENTS WILL BE PRESENTED IN THE SAME FORMAT AS BEFORE.
THE COMPLETE SET WILL BE SOLD AT THE SAME PRICE OF $18 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.
THE GAZETTE IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON SUBSCRIPTION AT $960 A YEAR (JANUARY TO DECEMBER) FROM THE PUBLICATIONS UNIT AT SECOND FLOOR, BASKERVILLE HOUSE, 22 ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG, AND THIS PRICE INCLUDES ALL EXTRAORDINARY ISSUES OF THE GAZETTE.
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OFFICERS FOR TSUEN WAN SPORTS ASSOCIATION SWORN IN
THE FOURTH-TERM OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE FEDERATION (thursday)P°RTS AND recreat,on assocat.on WERE SWORN
OF TSUEN WAN IN TODAY
TWENTY-ONE COMMITTEE MEMBERS WERE PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY, OFFICIATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES.
ALL THE MEMBERS, INCLUDING THE THREE VICE-CHAIRMEN, WERE APPOINTED
CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN, FOR TWO YEARS.
AND
THE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, DR
JAMES HAYES, WHO IS THE
ASSOCIATION’S PRESIDENT, CALLED’ON MEMBERS TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SPORTING ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
BESIDES ORGANISING ACTIVITIES, HE SAID, THE ASSOCIATION SHOULD ALSO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO PLACES LACKING SPORTING OR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
PRESENT THE ASSOCIATION HAS 38 AFFILIATED MEMBERS COMPRISING RURAL COMMITTEES AND WELFARE, TRADE AND SPORTING ORGANISATIONS.
ALL ITS ACTIVITIES ARE BEING FINANCED BY TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WHICH HAS ALLOCATED $160 000 TO THE ASSOCIATION THIS YEAR.
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A
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1981
- 4 -
INDIAN COMMUNITY PRAISED FOR HELP TO EDUCATION ft ft ft ft ft
THE INDIAN COMMUNITY WERE PRAISED TODAY FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO EDUCATION BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, WHEN HE OPENED THE NEW SCHOOL HALL AT THE SIR ELLIS KADOORIE SCHOOL AT SOOKUNPOO.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, SECOND TIME THAT THE HONG KONG INDIAN THIS SCHOOL SO HANDSOMELY.+
MR HAYE SAIDi +THIS IS THE WOMEN’S CLUB HAS HELPED
A PREVIOUS DONATION FOR THE BUILDING OF THE SCHOOL SCIENCE LABORATORY AMOUNTED TO $230 000.
THE GENEROSITY OF THE INDIAN COMMUNITY IN THE SPHERE OF EDUCATION HAD BEEN AN ABIDING FEATURE OF THE SOCIAL HISTORY OF HONG KONG, MR HAYE SAID.
♦IT IS NOT COMMONLY KNOWN THAT AN INDIAN FORCED A SLUGGISH GOVERNMENT AND A RELUCTANT BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO COME UP WITH FUNDS TO MATCH THE CONTRIBUTION HE STOOD READY TO MAKE TO HIGHER EDUCATION. THAT MAN WAS SIR HORMUSJEE MODY AND TO HIM MUST GO CREDIT FOR A MAJOR ROLE IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG IN 1911,+ MR HAYE SAID.
OTHER INDIAN NAMES ASSOCIATED WITH EDUCATION WERE OF COURSE THOSE OF MR BELILIOS, THE FIRST INDIAN MEMBER OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AND THE RUTTONJEES.
NOTING THE STEADY GROWTH OF THE SCHOOL FROM I960, MR HAYE ANNOUNCED THAT FURTHER EXPANSION WAS PLANNED WHICH WOULD NECESSITATE AN ADDITION OF SEVEN CLASSROOMS, FOUR SPECIAL ROOMS AND OTHER ANCILLARY FACILITIES. THE MODERN LABORATORY AND NOW THE HANDSOMELY CONVERTED SCHOOL HALL WOULD PLACE THE SCHOOL AMONG THE BEST IN HONG KONG.
♦IT MUST BE VERY GRATIFYING FOR THE HONG KONG INDIAN WOMEN'S CLUB TO PLAY SUCH A LEADING ROLE IN DEVELOPMENT OF THIS SCHOOL,+ W HAYE SAID.
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/5........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1981
- 5 -
OPERATORS NEEDED FOR PEAK MAXICAB ROUTES * * * X
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM REGISTERED PUBLIC LIGHT BUS OWNERS TO OPERATE A PACKAGE OF THREE EXISTING PEAK MAXICAB ROUTES ON HONG KONG ISLAND FROM DECEMBER.
THESE THREE ROUTES ARE FROM CENTRAL (HMS TAMAR) TO THE PEAK (UPPER PEAK TRAM TERMINUS), A CIRCULAR ROUTE FROM CENTRAL (HMS TAMAR) TO OLD PEAK ROAD AND FROM CENTRAL (HMS TAMAR) TO PO SHAN ROAD.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE ON SPECIAL FORMS OBTAINABLE ON REQUEST FROM THE OFFICES OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AT GUARDIAN HOUSE, PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE AND HIU KWONG STREET, OR FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS MUST BE RETURNED BY REGISTERED POST TO REACH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AT GUARDIAN HOUSE, SIXTH FLOOR, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, HONG KONG, BY 5 PM ON NOVEMBER 5 (THURSDAY).
+LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED,* HE SAID.
o
EMPLOYERS URGED NOT TO OBSTRUCT INSPECTORS
* * X
EMPLOYERS WERE URGED TODAY (THURSDAY) TO COOPERATE FULLY WITH LABOUR DEPARTMENT INSPECTORS VISITING THEIR PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT.
THE REMINDER WAS ISSUED BY A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT FOLLOWING A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH A GARMENT FACTORY PROPRIETOR WAS FINED $2 □□□ FOR OBSTRUCTING A LABOUR INSPECTOR IN THE EXECUTION OF HIS DUTIES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WHEN THE INSPECTOR CALLED AT THE FACTORY FOR A ROUTINE VISIT SHORTLY BEFORE 7 PM ON MARCH 13, HE WAS AT FIRST REFUSED ENTRY. THE INSPECTOR WAS ONLY ALLOWED TO ENTER THE PREMISES AFTER A FEW MINUTES’ DELAY. HOWEVER, DURING THE DELAY, THE INSPECTOR HEARD THE SOUND OF SEWING MACHINES IN OPERATION AND SOMEONE CALLING TO WORKERS TO DISPERSE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID LABOUR INSPECTORS WERE AUTHORISED BY LAW TO ENTER PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT, SUCH AS FACTORIES, OFFICES AND SHOPS, TO CARRY OUT THEIR DUTIES. SUCH AN AUTHORISATION IS STATED IN THEIR WARRANT CARDS.
AN OBSTRUCTION OFFENCE CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5 000 UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
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/6 .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1981
- 6 -
ANT I-SMOKING DISPLAY
* * M *
VISITORS TO THE KAIFONG FESTIVAL EXHIBITION TO BE HELD IN KOWLOON PARK TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND SATURDAY WILL SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF SMOKING ON HEALTH.
ON DISPLAY IN ONE OF THE STANDS WILL BE VISUAL AIDS SHOWING HOW SMOKING AFFECTS THE HUMAN LUNG.
THE ANTI-SMOKING DISPLAY IS BEING MOUNTED BY THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS TO MARK THIS YEAR’S KAIFONG FESTIVAL.
OTHER EXHIBITS INCLUDE STATIC ILLUSTRATIONS AND SLIDES EXPLAINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HEALTH AND DISEASES BROUGHT ABOUT BY SMOKING.
0 - -
PWD MEN FOR UK TRAINING COURSE * * *
SIX PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT OFFICERS LEFT TODAY FOR BRITAIN TO ATTEND TRAINING COURSES ON THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.
THE SIX, ALL FROM THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE, WILL BE AWAY FOR SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS.
THEY WILL BE ATTACHED TO THE THAMES WATER ADVISORY SERVICE AND WILL ATTEND TECHNICAL COURSES, VISIT SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS AND INSPECT MANUFACTURING PREMISES TO STUDY THE LATEST SEWAGE TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY.
THEY AREt MR YIP MOON-TONG, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEER- MR LEE WAI-KING AND MR LEE SHEE, MECHANICAL INSPECTORS-MR TSUI WAI-LUN AND MR LAM HO-KAI, ASSISTANT MECHANICAL INSPECTORS, AND MR WU SIU-BUN, ASSISTANT ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR.
A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE MEN WOULD RECEIVE TRAINING APPROPRIATE TO DEVELOPMENTS AT SHA TIN, WHERE ONE OF THE BIGGEST SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA IS BEING BUILT.
WHEN FULLY DEVELOPED, THE PLANT - EXPECTED TO BE IN OPERATION EARLY NEXT YEAR - WILL BE ABLE TO TREAT DOMESTIC AND INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT FOR A POPULATION OF ABOUT 550 000.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DISTRICT BOARD PLAN GETS BIG NT SUPPORT ....................... 1
PLAN TO EASE SQUATTER WATER PROBLEM ........................... 2
322 MILLION SECONDARY SCHOOL TO BE BUILT AT MUI WO............. 4
POK FU LAM ROAD BUS-ONLY LANE STARTS ON WEDNESDAY.............. 5
EDUCATIONISTS ARRIVING TOMORROW ............................... 6
KWAI CHUNG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED ........................ 7
EMPLOYERS URGED TO EMPLOY DISABLED ............................ 8
MONDAY LAUNCHING FOR TSUEN WAN CLEAN UP CAMPAIGN .............. 9
THREE LOTS OF CROWN LAND SOLD.................................. 9
THIRD W.H.O. COURSE FOR DOCTORS .............................. 10
BRIEF STREET CLOSURE.......................................... 10
FIELD GAMES FOR ELDERLY ...................................... 11
SIX TEAMS IN SAFETY QUIZ FINAL ............................... 11
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2J, 198'1 - 1 -
DISTRICT BOARD PLAN GETS BIG NT SUPPORT
* * M *
THE GOVERNMENT’S IMPETUS TOWARDS DEVELOPING PARTICIPATION IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN HONG KONG HAD MET WITH A VERY ENCOURAGING INITIAL RESPONSE, THE SECRETARY FOR INFORMATION, MR ALAN SCOTT SAID TODAY. .
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE NORTH KOWLOON ROTARY CLUB, MR SCOTT SAID OVER 200 000 NEW TERRITORIES RESIDENTS HAD SENT IN THEIR FORMS TO REGISTER AS ELECTORS TO THE DISTRICT BOARDS, REPRESENTING ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF THE POTENTIAL ELECTORATE.
THIS RESPONSE CONFOUNDED THE PREDICTIONS OF THOSE WHO SAID HONG KONG PEOPLE WOULD NOT BE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN MANAGEMENT OF THEIR OWN AFFAIRS. IT ALSO COMPARED WELL WITH THE TURNOUT FOR LOCAL ELECTIONS IN MANY OTHER COUNTRIES, AND WAS HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE FIGURE IN THE UK, MR SCOTT SAID.
AND ENQUIRIES INDICATED THAT A HIGH PROPORTION OF THOSE WHO HAD REGISTERED INTEND TO TURN OUT TO VOTE, HE SAID.
REFERRING TO SOME CRITICISMS THAT DISTRICT BOARDS WERE MERELY RUBBER STAMPS, OR AN EMPTY SHOW OF CONSULTATION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE, MR SCOTT SAID ONLY TIME WOULD ANSWER THAT. BUT THE RECENT AIRING OF DIFFERING VIEWS IN PUBLIC BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD, BETWEEN UNOFFICIALS AND OFFICIALS, WAS A VERY
♦THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THE SCHEME IS ALL ABOUT - SENSIBLE, LEGITIMATE PRESSURE BEING PUT ON GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO IMPROVE SERVICES, TO GET THINGS RIGHT- AND IF WHAT PEOPLE WANT CAN’T BE DONE IMMEDIATELY. OR MAY HAVE TO BE DONE DIFFERENTLY FOR GOOD REASONS, TO EXPLAIN IT SATISFACTORILY AT DISTRICT LEVEL,+ MR SCOTT
THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS HAD BEEN DIRECTED SIMPLY TO EXPLAINING DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
+IT IS NOT THE GOVERNMENT’S JOB TO PERSUADE VOTERS ACTUALLY TO GO TO THE POLLING STATIONS.
+THIS IS A MATTER FOR EACH VOTER’S OWN JUDGEMENT, AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CANDIDATES’ PRESENTATION AND THEIR IDEAS,♦ HE SAID.
HOWEVER, THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO ENSURE THAT PEOPLE KNEW WHEN POLLING DAY WAS, AND THAT VOTERS KNEW EXACTLY HOW AND WHERE TO CAST THEIR VOTES.
IT WAS ALSO THE GOVERNMENT’S DUTY TO PROVIDE, WITHIN REASONABLE LIMITATIONS FACILITIES FOR CANDIDATES TO PROMOTE THEIR CAMPAIGNS, MR SCOTT ADDED.
THE ELECTIONS FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT BOARD WOULD LIKELY TO BE HELD IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND THOSE FOR THE URBAN AREAS IN SEPTEMBER.
THE MAIN REASON FOR HOLDING NEW TERRITORIES AND URBAN ELECTIONS SEPARATELY, MR SCOTT EXPLAINED, WAS THAT URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS VERE A NEW CREATION, WHILE NT BOARDS HAD ALREADY BEEN OPERATING FOR MORE THAN FOUR YEARS.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1981
- 2 -
PLAN TO EASE SQUATTER WATER PROBLEM * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WAS .AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS SQUATTERS FACED DURING WATER RESTRICTIONS AND WAS WORKING TO HELP RELIEVE SOME OF THE HARDSHIPS, THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, PR WILLIAM TUCKER, SAID TODAY.
MR TUCKER WAS SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ABOUT THE SECOND PHASE OF WATER RESTRICTIONS, WHICH WILL BEGIN ON MONDAY.
IN THE SECOND PHASE, WATER WILL BE SUPPLIED ONLY BETWEEN 6 AM AND 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 10 PM EACH DAY, A TOTAL OF 10 HOURS.
MR TUCKER SAID THAT IN THE LONGER TERM HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE EACH SQUATTER HUT PROVIDED WITH AN INDIVIDUAL, METERED WATER SUPPLY, AND THE ABOLITION OF STANDPIPES, WHICH WERE SUBJECT TO WIDESPREAD ABUSE.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, THERE WERE SEVERAL PROBLEMS, INCLUDING THE AMOUNT OF WORK INVOLVED, THE IDENTIFICATION OF PREMISES FOR BILLING PURPOSES AND THE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES OF LAYING PIPES TO HUTS HAPHAZARDLY ARRANGED AND TO WHICH THERE WAS LIMITED ACCESS.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEGUN A SCHEME TO PROVIDE ABOUT 30 000 METERED CONNECTIONS TO 51 VILLAGES AND SQUATTER AREAS IN THE URBAN AREA AND THE NEW TERRITORIES. THE SCHEME WOULD BENEFIT ABOUT 160 000 PEOPLE.
MR TUCKER ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT SQUATTERS IN SOME AREAS WOULD CONTINUE TO RECEIVE WATER 16 HOURS A DAY DURING THE SECOND PHASE (F RESTRICTIONS. ABOUT 45 000 PEOPLE IN 15 AREAS — MAINLY SHAU KEI WAN — WOULD BENEFIT.
♦THIS IS POSSIBLE BECAUSE THE ADDITIONAL WORK IN MAINTAINING SUPPLIES CAN BE EFFECTED BY LIMITED EXTRA STAFF EFFORT,* HE SAID.
IN SQUATTER AREAS SUBJECT TO THE 10-H0UR DAILY SUPPLY UNDER PHASE TWO, IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL DRAW-OFFS WOULD SATISFY THE NEEDS OF THE POPULATION.
+NEVERTHELESS, THE EFFECTS OF THE PHASE TWO RESTRICTIONS WILL BE CLOSELY MONITORED SO THAT WE CAN RESPOND IN PARTICULAR CASES IF NECESSARY,* HE SAID.
IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, 29 AREAS, HOUSING ABOUT 80 000 PEOPLE, HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED AS POTENTIAL PROBLEM AREAS. ADDITIONAL DRAW-OFF POINTS WERE BEING PROVIDED AND EXTRA PIPES WERE BEING LAID TO IMPROVE THE SUPPLY.
SUPPLY HOURS WOULD BE EXTENDED IN THESE AREAS UNTIL THE PIPE-LAYING WAS COMPLETED, BUT THE AREAS WOULD THEN BE SUBJECT TO THE RESTRICTED HOURS.
/MR TUCKER
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2J, 1981
- 3
MR TUCKER SAID THAT THE FIRST PHASE OF WATER RESTRICTIONS HAD ACHIEVED A SAVING OF ABOUT EIGHT PER CENT, BUT THERE WAS NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY.
CONTINUED PUBLIC COOPERATION WAS VITAL IF THE TARGET OF A 20 PER CENT CUT IN CONSUMPTION WAS TO BE ACHIEVED DURING THE SECOND PHASE OF RESTRICTIONS, HE SAID.
ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION HAD A GENUINE NEED TO STORE MUCH WATER BECAUSE THEY WORKED LATE OR STARTED WORK EARLY.
MR TUCKER SAID HE WANTED TO EXPLAIN THE REASONS BEHIND THE DECISION TO IMPOSE RESTRICTIONS, FOLLOWING CONJECTURE IN THE MEDIA ABOUT THE NEED FOR CURBS ON WATER USE.
HE SAID THAT TWO PERIODS WERE IMPORTANT IN DETERMINING THE LEVEL OF WATER SUPPLY TO BE MAINTAINED IN THE MEDIUM TERM. THESE WERE THE BEGINNING OF THE NEXT WET SEASON - SO STORAGE WOULD BE ADEQUATE TO MEET THE POSSIBILITY OF THE LATE ARRIVAL OF RAIN - AND THE END OF NEXT WET SEASON, SO THAT STORAGE WOULD BE ADEQUATE FOR THE FOLLOWING DRY MONTHS.
BY EXAMINING TOTAL RESOURCES AND ASSUMING A GROWTH OF DEMAND CF SIX PER CENT OVER THE NEXT YEAR, IT WAS POSSIBLE TO DETERMINE HOW THE DESIRED RESULT COULD BE ACHIEVED.
+THE LEVEL OF SUPPLY WHICH GAVE AN ACCEPTABLE DEGREE OF ASSURANCE THAT IT COULD BE ACHIEVED WAS A 10-H0UR DAILY SUPPLY,♦ HE SAID.
THE RISK OF MAINTAINING A HIGHER LEVEL OF SUPPLY THROUGH THE COMING DRY SEASON - IN THE HOPE OF ADEQUATE RAIN NEXT YEAR -WAS TOO HIGH AND IF SUCH LEVEL WERE MAINTAINED THERE WAS A RISK THAT THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT HAVE TO IMPOSE EVEN MORE SEVERE RESTRICTIONS NEXT SUMMER, HE SAID.
IF RAINFALL NEXT YEAR WAS BETTER THAN THAT IN 1981, IT MIGHT BE POSSIBLE TO STOP USING THE DESALTING PLANT EARLIER, OR TO MAINTAIN A BETTER LEVEL OF SUPPLY, OR BOTH. IT WOULD ALSO ENABLE RESERVOIR STOCKS TO BE REPLENISHED FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
MR TUCKER RENEWED HIS APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC TO EXERCISE THE UTMOST CARE IN USING WATER DURING THE RESTRICTIONS, AND SAID THAT CONSUMERS SHOULD REPORT ANY ILLEGAL USE OR WASTAGE TO THE WATER AUTHORITY.
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_ 4 - FKIDIH, OCTOBER 23, 1981
$22 MILLION SECONDARY SCHOOL TO BE BUILT AT MUI WO ft ft ft ft
THE FOUNDATION STONE FOR A ♦BADLY NEEDED* SECONDARY SCHOOL ON LANTAU WAS LAID TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE.
THE SCHOOL IS THE NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KUK SOUTHERN DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL, WHICH WILL BE BUILT ON A 7 OOO-SQUARE-«TRE SITE CLOSE TO THE FERRY CONCOURSE AT MUI WO AT A COST OF $22 MILLION.
CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL BE COMPLETED BY AUGUST NEXT YEAR IN TIME FOR THE 1982/83 ACADEM'"' YEAR WHEN 480 FORM I AND FORM IV STUDENTS WILL BE ENROLLED.
THE SCHOOL WILL HAVE 24 CLASSROOMS, A HALL, FOUR LABORATORIES, IWO HOME ECONOMICS ROOMS, TWO DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY ROOMS, A LIBRARY AND GEOGRAPHY, MUSIC AND ART ROOMS.
WHEN FULLY OPERATIONAL BY 1985, IT WILL PROVIDE 1 160 PLACES FOR FORM I TO FORM VII STUDENTS.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE SCHOOL WAS INDEED BADLY NEEDED. IT WOULD SERVE BOTH LANTAU AND THE SURROUNDING ISLANDS AND EASE THE PRESENT PRESSURE FOR PLACES AT THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS ON CHEUNG CHAU AND IN TAI 0.
♦THE ADVANTAGES OF BUILDING SUBSTANTIAL, CENTRALLY-LOCATED SCHOOLS LIKE THIS IN PREFERENCE TO A PROLIFERATION OF SMALL SCHOOLS WHETHER PRIMARY OR SECONDARY, ARE OBVIOUS,+ HE SAID.
♦SMALL RURAL SCHOOLS HAVE PROBLEMS SUCH AS COMBINED-CLASS TEACHING, INADEQUATE NUMBERS OF ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF, AND LACK OF SPECIALIST TEACHERS WHICH ARE VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SOLVE.
♦IN A CENTRAL SCHOOL PUPILS HAVE A HIGHER STANDARD OF FACILITIES AND RESOURCES AND THE INTEREST OF BEING PART OF A LARGE UNIT,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
+l REAL,SE THAT THERE MAY BE PROBLEMS OF TRANSPORTATION, BUT THEY ARE OF A LESSER SORT AND CAN AND WILL BE SOLVED,+ HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED AT THE FIRM SUPPORT THAT HAD BEEN GIVEN TO THIS CONCEPT BY COMMUNITY LEADERS THROUGHOUT THE IEW TERRITORIES.
HE SAID LEADERS OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK AND LEADING RESIDENTS OF MUI WO HAD SPOKEN TO HIM OF THE NEED FOR THE SCHOOL.
♦MOREOVER,+ HE SAID, +THEY HAVE BACKED THEIR WORDS WITH MONEY AND MADE SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS, WITH THE KUK IN THE LEAD.
♦I AM GLAD IT HAS BEEN POSSIBLE FOR YOUR GOVERNMENT TO RESPOND FAIRLY RAPIDLY TO THESE REPRESENTATIONS.♦
SIR MURRAY SAID HE WAS SURE THE NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KUK SOUTHERN DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL WOULD BE A SOURCE OF CONSIDERABLE LOCAL PRIDE AND SATISFACTION AND WISHED IT ALL SUCCESS.
ALSO ATTENDING TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MH DAVID AKERS-JONES- THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION, KENNETH TOPLlY- THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE-THE CHAIRMAN OF the HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU WONG-FAT- ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RICKY FUNG- AND THE PROJECT ARCHITECT, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MR D. NAINGGOLAN.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1981
5
POK FU LAM ROAD BUS-ONLY LANE STARTS ON WEDNESDAY * * * *
THE 1.2-KILOMETRE POK FU LAM ROAD BUS-ONLY LANE WOULD BE INTRODUCED NEXT WEDNESDAY'(OCTOBER 28), A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THE LANE, EXTENDING FROM BISNEY ROAD TO POKFIELD ROAD, WILL OPERATE FROM 7 AM TO 9 AM MONDAY TO SATURDAY.
COMMENTING ON THIS, THE DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF TRANSPORT OFF ICER/TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, MR ALAN LUI, SAID THE BUS PRIORITY SCHEME WAS EXPECTED TO CUT BY 10 TO 15 MINUTES THE JOURNEY TIMES OF BUSES TRAVELLING BETWEEN THE ABERDEEN AREA AND CENTRAL DURING THE MORNING PEAK.
♦MORE THAN 250 000 PEOPLE LIVE IN THE ABERDEEN AREA AND THE SURROUNDING DISTRICTS OF WONG CHUK HANG, AP LEI CHAU, TIN WAN, SHEK PAI WAN, WAH FU, CHI FU FA YUEN AND POK FU LAM,+ HE SAID.
♦AT THE MOMENT, SOME 160 BUSES ON 10 ROUTES CARRY 12 000 PEOPLE TO CENTRAL FROM THESE AREAS DURING THE PEAK HOURS OF 7 AM TO 9 AM.
♦NOW, IN AN EFFORT TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE NEW BUS-ONLY LANE AND TO PERSUADE EVEN MORE PEOPLE TO LESSEN THEIR DEPENDENCE ON CARS, CHINA MOTOR BUS WILL INTRODUCE A NUMBER OF SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS FROM MONDAY (OCTOBER 26).+
ON THAT DAY, MR LUI SAID, CMB WOULD:
X INTRODUCE A NEW ROUTE, NO. 38, BETWEEN CHI FU FA YUEN AND NORTH POINT, TRAVELLING VIA NAM FUNG ROAD AT A BASIC FREQUENCY OF ONE BUS EVERY 15 MINUTES®
M PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL JOURNEY AT 7.45 AM ON THE ROUTE 3A SERVICE FROM FELIX VILLAS, MT. DAVIS, TO CENTRAL- AND
* IMPROVE THE EVENING OFF-PEAK FREQUENCY OF THE ROUTE 37 SERVICE FROM CENTRAL TO CHI FU FA YUEN TO ONE BUS EVERY 10 MINUTES.
ON CENTRAL-BOUND JOURNEYS, ROUTE NUMBERS 37 (CHI FU FA YUEN TO CENTRAL), 70M (SHEK PAI WAN TO CHATER MTR STATION) AND 71 (WONG CHUK HANG TO CENTRAL) V||_L BE DIVERTED VIA THE HILL ROAD FLYOVER AND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST INSTEAD OF DES VOEUX ROAD WEST.
♦ WE HAVE OFFSET THE CENTRE LINE OF POK FU LAM ROAD TO PROVIDE SPACE FOR OTHER ROAD-USERS TO FORM TWO QUEUES ALONGSIDE THE BUS-ONLY LANE SECTION,* MR LUI SAID.
♦ THIS MEANS, IN EFFECT, THAT THE ROAD CAPACITY FOR OTHER ROAD-USERS WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.+
/MR LUI ......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2J, 1981
6
MR LUI SAID THAT, TO COINCIDE WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE BUS-ONLY LANE, THE SECTION OF POK FU LAM ROAD BETWEEN SASSOON ROAD AND POKFIELD ROAD WOULD BE DESIGNATED A CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 9 AM MONDAY TO SATURDAY.
Aun TuHe A<ZuL?o!nR^AY’ ALL VEH,CLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED OMNIBUSES AND THOSE AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WOULD BE RESTRICTED FROM PICKING UP AND SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS OR LOADING AND UNLOADING GOODS.
TRAFFIC LIGHTS WOULD ALSO BE INSTALLED IN POK FU LAM ROAD AT THE MT. DAVIS ROAD JUNCTION TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
ALL VEHICLES, EXCEPT OMNIBUSES AND THOSE AUTHORISED, WOULD BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE BUS-ONLY LANE DURING ITS HOURS OF OPERATION.
VEHICLES WOULD ONLY BE ALLOWED TO CROSS THE BUS LANE TO GAIN ACCESS TO ADJACENT SITES.
THE EXTENT OF THE BUS-ONLY LANE AND CLEARWAY WOULD BE INDICATED BY TRAFFIC SIGNS AND CARRIAGEWAY MARKINGS, HE SAID.
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EDUCATIONISTS ARRIVING TOMORROW *****
THE INTERNATIONAL PANEL OF VISITORS WHO ARE REVIEWING HONG KONG’S EDUCATION SYSTEM WILL BE ARRIVING TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO HAVE DIRECT DISCUSSIONS WITH PEOPLE CONCERNED ABOUT EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG.
THEY WILL ALSO VISIT A WIDE RANGE OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS DURING THEIR TWO-WEEK STAY.
THE VISITORS HAVE ALREADY BEEN STUDYING AT THEIR HOME BASES THE MAIN EDUCATION POLICY DOCUMENTS, AND THE WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED FROM INDIVIDUALS, ASSOCIATIONS AND INTEREST GROUPS WHO RESPONDED TO THE OPEN INVITATION EARLIER THIS YEAR.
MEMBERS OF THE REVIEW PANEL ARE SIR JOHN LLEWELLYN, DR GREG HANCOCK, DR KARL ROELOFFS AND PROFESSOR MICHAEL W. KIRST. THEY WILL BE ASSISTED IN THEIR WORK BY TWO SPECIAL ADVISERS, MR Q.W. LEE, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, AND MR JAMES MCHUGH, AN OVERSEAS MEMBER OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
THE PANEL OF VISITORS WILL MEET THE PRESS AT 11.30 AM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 26) AT THE GIS THEATRE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 5TH FLOOR. COPIES OF INFORMATION NOTES AND A PRESS RELEASE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PRESS REPRESENTATIVES FROM 11 AM.
0 - -
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1981
- 7 -
KWAI CHUNG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED * * * *
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT KWAI CHUNG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID THAT THE AMENDMENTS WERE NECESSARY IN VIEW OF THE RECENT RAPID DEVELOPMENT IN KWAI CHUNG, INCLUDING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING SCHEMES AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY EXTENSION TO TSUEN WAN, AND THE NEED TO PROVIDE MORE SPACE FOR RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE EXPANSION OF THE CONTAINER PORT.
THE MAJOR AMENDMENTS INCLUDE t
THE UNDETERMINED SITE EAST OF THE CONTAINER PORT HAS BEEN REZONED TO OTHER SPECIFIED USES AND ANNOTATED +CONTAINER PORT AND TRUNK TRANSPORT ROUTE RESERVE* TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE CONTAINER PORT.
ANOTHER UNDETERMINED SITE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FUTURE KWAI FONG MTR STATION HAS BEEN REZONED FOR COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTI AL PURPOSES TO PROVIDE SCOPE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A DISTRICT BUSINESS/SHOPPING CENTRE FOR SOUTH KWAI CHUNG.
THE GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY SITE TO THE NORTH OF LAI CHI KOK BAY HAS ALSO BEEN REZONED FOR OTHER SPECIFIC USES AND ANNOTATED +AMUSEMENT PARK, CAR PARK AND BUS TERMINUS* TO REFLECT MORE APPROPRIATELY ITS EXISTING AND INTENDED FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PATTERN.
LARGE AREAS IN THE NORTH WESTERN PART OF KWAI CHUNG HAVE BEEN REZONED AS DISTRICT OPEN SPACE AND SAM DIP TAM WILL BE DEVELOPED INTO A RIVER PARK TO PROVIDE A NEW FORM OF RECREATIONAL OUTLET FOR THE PEOPLE.
PROPOSALS TO THE PLAN.
HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE TO REVISE THE SCHEDULE OF NOTES
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 DISTRICT OFFICE (TSUEN WAN), FIRST FLOOR, 93 HOI PA STREET, TSUEN WAN.
THE DRAFT AMENDMENT PLAN IS ON SALE AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AT $10 FOR UNCOLOURED COPY AND ?60 FOR A COLOURED COPY.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN MAY SUBMIT AN OBJECTION IN WRITING, ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 12, TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/0 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1981
- 8 -
EMPLOYERS URGED TO EMPLOY DISABLED
* * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE, TODAY (FRIDAY) APPEALED TO ALL'EMPLOYERS TO EXAMINE WHETHER THEY COULD DO MORE TO RECRUIT DISABLED PEOPLE.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE 16TH NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE HONG KONG JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HELD AT THE REGENT HOTEL.
MR ALLEYNE SAID THAT IN SOME COUNTRIES, EMPLOYERS WERE REQUIRED BY LEGISLATION TO EMPLOY A SPECIFIC PROPORTION OF DISABLED PEOPLE.
THE SUCCESS OF SUCH COMPULSORY MEASURES WAS DIFFICULT TO ASSESS AS THERE WAS EVIDENCE THAT IT CREATED RESENTMENT AGAINST THE DISABLED, HE SAID.
FOR THE PRESENT, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT PREFERRED TO RELY ON VOLUNTARY CO-OPERATION FROM EMPLOYERS.
MR ALLEYNE SAID POSSIBLE WAYS OF DEVELOPING FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR EMPLOYERS TO TAKE ON DISABLED WORKERS WERE BEING STUDIED.
DEDUCTIONS ON PROFITS TAX ARE ALLOWED FOR MODIFICATION OF PREMISES OR PLANT OR PROVIDING SPECIAL EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING FOR DISABLED EMPLOYEES.
HE SAID A JOINT WORKING PARTY COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR WAS NOW REVIEWING FUTURE POLICY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION OF SHELTERED WORKSHOPS.
♦ IF PRESENT ESTIMATES ARE CORRECT, WE FACE THE AWESOME TASK CF HAVING TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 3 OOO SHELTERED WORK PLACES BY THE END OF THIS DECADE,* HE SAID.
MANY COUNTRIES SAW THE NEED TO RUN SHELTERED WORKSHOPS ON BUSINESS-LIKE LINES - NOT SIMPLY AS A WAY TO REDUCE GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES, BUT ALSO AS A WAY TO IMPROVE THE WAGE LEVELS AND SELF-ESTEEM OF SHELTERED WORKERS, HE SAID.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUCH AN APPROACH TO THE RUNNING OF SHELTERED WORKSHOPS COULD NOT BE ACHIEVED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND WELFARE AGENCIES ALONE, MR ALLEYNE SAID.
♦RATHER, IT WILL REQUIRE CO-OPERATION BY THE BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS IN IDENTIFYING PRODUCTION PROCESSES AND SERVICES WHICH CAN BE PASSED OUT TO SHELTERED WORKSHOPS,♦ HE EXPLAINED.
MR ALLEYNE SAID IT WAS LIKELY THAT ABOUT 160 000 OR 6.5 PER CENT OF PEOPLE IN THE 15-64 AGE GROUP, WERE DISABLED TO A GREATER OR LESSER EXTENT.
HE CALLED FOR ♦A POSITIVE COMMITMENT ON THE PART OF EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS* NOT JUST TO TALK ABOUT INDUSTRIAL SAFETY BUT TO BE PREPARED TO MAKE THE INVESTMENT IN MONEY AND EFFORT TO ENSURE A SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1981
9
MONDAY LAUNCHING FOR TSUEN WAN CLEAN UP CAMPAIGN M * M
A SERIES OF COMPETITIONS, SEMINARS AND EXHIBITIONS ON CLEANLINESS WILL BE LAUNCHED IN TSUEN WAN NEXT WEEK TO AROUSE COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT IN THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.
A +CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMITTEE*, CHAIRED BY AN UNOFFICIAL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR HO CHI-PING, HAS BEEN FORMED TO CO-ORDINATE AND ENCOURAGE GRASSROOTS PARTICIPATION IN THE 14-M0NTH-L0NG CAMPAIGN.
UNDER THE COMMITTEE, 11 GEOGRAPHICAL WORKING GROUPS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ORGANISING ACTIVITIES WITHIN THEIR OWN DISTRICT. EACH GROUP COMPRISES MEMBERS OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, AREA COMMITTEES, RURAL COMMITTEES AND THE FEDERATION OF SOCIETIES.
ABOUT $210 000 HAS BEEN ALLOCATED FOR THESE ACTIVITIES, OF WHICH $20 000 COMES FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
A CEREMONY TO MARK THE BEGINNING OF THE CAMPAIGN IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE HELD AT THE KWAI CHUNG SPORTSGROUND ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 26) BETWEEN 4 PM AND 6 PM.
THE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER. DR JAMES HAYES, THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JAMES SWEETMAN, AND MR HO WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
-----o------
THREE LOTS OF CROWN LAND SOLD
XXX
THREE LOTS OF CROWN LAND WERE SOLD AT AN AUCTION HELD BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE IN THE SHOUSON THEATRE TODAY.
ONE OF THE LOTS WAS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES.
THIS LOT, OF 527 SQUARE METRES IN SHAU KEI WAN, WAS SOLD TO HARLAKE LIMITED FOR $24.4 MILLION OR $46 299.81 PER SQUARE ►ETRE.
THE REMAINING TWO LOTS, BOTH IN THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION, WERE FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES.
ONE LOT, OF 2 ''90 SQUARE METRES, WAS SOLD TO KWONG SUN HONG GODOWN LIMITED FOR 17 MILLION, OR $8 500 PER SQUARE METRE. ANOTHER LOT OF 1 345 SQUARE METRES WAS SOLD TO LIMMEX INVESTMENTS LIMITED FOR $12.4 MILLION, OR $9 219.33 PER SQUARE METRE.
ONE NON-INDUSTR IAL SITE IN NAM LONG SHAN ROAD, HONG KONG WAS WITHDRAWN BECAUSE OF NO BIDS.
0---------
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1981
10
THIRD W.H.O. COURSE FOR DOCTORS
* * *
THE THIRD WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION INTER-REGIONAL TRAINING COURSE FOR DOCTORS ON THE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG DEPENDENT PERSONS WILL EE HELD IN HONG KONG BETWEEN OCTOBER 27 AND NOVEMBER 17.
THE COURSE IS ORGANISED BY WHO IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FOLLOW IK THE VERY SUCCESSFUL TWO COURSES FELD HERE IN 1979 AND LAST YEAR.
ANNOUNCING THE COURSE TODAY (FRIDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION SAID THE OBJECTIVE OF THE COURSE WAS TO PROVIDE PARTICIPANTS WITH AN IN-DEPTH STUDY INTO THE LATEST THEORY AND PRACTICE IN DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION.
♦HOWEVER, EMPHASIS WILL ALSO BE PUT ON THE LOCAL SITUATION SO AS TO PROMOTE A CROSS-FLOW OF IDEAS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
DURING THE COURSE, THERE WILL BE LECTURES BY LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS IN THIS FIELD. IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE GROUP DISCUSSIONS, VISITS AND ATTACHMENT TO VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AS WELL AS TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION INSTITUTIONS.
TAKING PART IN THE COURSE WILL BE 27 DOCTORS FROM EGYPT, MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE, THAILAND, CHINA, BANGLADESH, BURMA, INDIA, SRI LANKA, INDONESIA, PAKISTAN AND THE PHILIPPINES.
SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES, CHAIRMAN OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE COURSE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT 9.15 AM ON OCTOBER 27.
NOTE TO ED ITORS«
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE THIRD WHO INTER-REGIONAL TRAINING COURSE FOR DOCTORS ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 27). MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE PUBLIC ENTRANCE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER NOT LATER THAN 9 AM. NARCOTICS DIVISION STAFF WILL ASSIST THEM.
-----0-------
BRIEF STREET CLOSURE * * *
win Iil/.|NA«nT$AeL’ ®£TWEEN KWEILIN STREET AND PEI HO STREET, /AATA?LCk2?EBAT0»TRAFF ,C BETWEEN NOON AND 3 PM ON SUNDAY sham°shui2po 4^ t°PEM,MG °F ™E CLEAN hong kong campa,sn in
/11 .......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1981
11
FIELD GAMES FOR ELDERLY * * *
MORE THAN 500 ELDERLY PEOPLE WILL TAKE PART IN A SENIOR CITIZENS’ GAMES DAY TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND.
THE EVENT, ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT’S RECREATION AND 8P0RT SERVICE IN CONJUNCTION WITH A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, IS FOR 60-YEAR-0LD PEOPLE RESIDING IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICTS.
IT AIMS AT BUILDING UP CONFIDENCE AND ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION IN RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES AMONG ELDERLY CITIZENS.
THERE WILL BE INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP FIELD EVENTS, FEATURING SHOT-PUTTING. OBSTACLE RACE AND JAVELIN THROW. OTHER ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE SPECIALLY-DESIGNED POTTED SPORTS GAMES.
SIX TEAMS IN SAFETY QUIZ FINAL XXX
SIX TEAMS COMPRISING WORKERS FROM THE MANUFACTiis ikic Aim
the six teams reached the semi-finals after beating 12 OTHER TEAMS IN THE PRELIMINARIES HELD OVER THE PAST SIX WEEKS. ~,..THE FIRST SEMI-FINAL IS SCHEDULED TO BE SCREENED OVER THE “KbD^NOVRHMR WITH THE
LONDorf/^T^MS xisjs
THE SEMI-FINALISTS ARE FROM CHI LIK METAL AND PLASTIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY, YANGTZEKIANG GARMENT MANUFACTURING COMPANY, ELECTRONIC 4VICES, SONCA INDUSTRIES AOKI CONSTRUCTICN COMPANY AND HONS KONG BUILdInO CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION*
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY RTHK. THE LABOUR DEPARTMFNT Alin tmc FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES AND CO—SPONSORED BY BRITISH ^lES^^\AiI?^.y^c?;Lrthk-pro^ced%rC^rS;^O!as been ,T,SH EXCLUSIVELY DEVELOPED FOR WORKERS IN THE MANUFACTURING AMD INDUSTR?AL°SAFETYSTRieS ™ ™EM AWARE * ™E ’^RTaScE OF
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE HONG KONG ’• . 5-233191
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1?81
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHURCHES' ROLE IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION ..................... 1
RECLAMATION FOR JUNK BAY DEVELOPMENT .......................... 2
TUEN MUN FERRY PIER OPENED .................................... 3
FINDING SQUASH COURTS OPEN NEXT SATURDAY ...................... 4
INSIGNIA PRESENTATION ON MONDAY................................ 5
RABIES AFFECTED AREAS DESIGNATED ............................ 5
NT INTER-DISTRICT BADMINTON LEAGUE LAUNCHED ................... 6
PRISONS DEPARTMENT OFFICERS' ANNUAL DINNER..................... 6
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD CARRIAGEWAYS .......... 7
TENDER FOR NEW QUEENSWAY FLYOVER .............................. 7
SITE FOR MARINA PROPOSED ...................................... 8
FIRING PRACTICE REMINDER
8
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1981
1
CHURCHES’ ROLE IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
* M * * *
. THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THERE IS A PART FOR THE LOCAL CHURCHES TO PLAY IN ALL ASPECTS OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND INVITED THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHEME BY BRINGING MATTERS TO THE BOARDS’ ATTENTION AND GIVING THEM GUIDANCE.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ON +DISTR ICT ADMINISTRATION AND THE LOCAL CHURCH* AT THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN COUNCIL IN PEKING ROAD, KOWLOON.
MR BARNES SAID ONE OF THE FEATURES OF MOST CHURCHES WAS THAT THEY DREW THEIR CONGREGATIONS MAINLY FROM THE RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN WHICH THEY WERE SITUATED AND FOR THIS REASON THE CHURCH WAS WELL AWARE OF AND USUALLY AFFECTED BY THE QUALITY CF GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE IN THE AREA.
♦IT IS ALSO BY DEFINITION CONCERNED FOR THE GOOD OF BOTH ITS MEMBERS AND OTHERS. IT MUST THEREFORE, BE CONCERNED ABOUT HOW THE LOCALITY IS ADMINISTERED, AND BY INFERENCE WHO IS DOING THE ADMINISTRATION,♦ HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT MANY CHURCHES AND PRIESTS WERE ALREADY INVOLVED DIRECTLY IN CREATING PRESSURE ON BEHALF OF UNFORTUNATE PEOPLE OR AGAINST APPARENT INJUSTICES.
MR BARNES ALSO SAID THAT HE THOUGHT THAT THE DISTRICT BOARDS WOULD WANT GUIDANCE, AND IT HAD ALWAYS SEEMED TO HIM THAT THE CHURCHES WERE RATHER A NEGLECTED SOURCE OF ADVICE.
♦DISTRICT BOARDS WOULD BE UNWISE TO CONTINUE THIS NEGLECT. SO I AM SUGGESTING THAT THERE IS A ROLE FOR THE CHURCH IN BRINGING MATTERS TO THE BOARD’S ATTENTION AND IN GIVING GUIDANCE TO THE BOARD,♦ MR BARNES SAID.
MR BARNES ADDED THAT HE ALSO FELT THAT THE CHURCHES COULD PLAY A STRONG PART IN SELECTING LOCAL CANDIDATES FOR DISTRICT BOARDS AND IN ASSISTING THEM TO CANVASS VOTES FOR ELECTIONS.
♦I BELIEVE THAT THIS WOULD BE A PERFECTLY LIGITIMATE AND NATURAL EXTENSION OF THE CHURCH WELFARE AND COMMUNITY WORK.+ HE SAID.
MR BARNES THEN LISTED SEVERAL WAYS IN WHICH GOVERNMENT WOULD HELP CANDIDATES TO PUBLICISE THEMSELVES IN CAMPAIGNING FOR ELECTION AND THESE WOULD BEi
/(1) CITY ........
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1981
2
(1) CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND DISTRICT BOARDS WERE ENCOURAGING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICT NEWSPAPERS IN ALL DISTRICTS-
(2) GOVERNMENT WOULD, WHENEVER POSSIBLE, PROVIDE NOTICE BOARDS ON WHICH CANDIDATES COULD DISPLAY THE PARTICULARS- AND
(3) GOVERNMENT WAS THINKING OF RUNNING PUBLIC MEETINGS IN WHICH ALTERNATIVE CANDIDATES COULD ADD THEIR VIEWS AND CANVASS FOR VOTES.
HOWEVER, IN THE END, IT WOULD BE UP TO THE CANDIDATES AND IT SEEMED LIKELY THAT IN THE ABSENCE OF ACTIVE POLITICAL PARTIES THEY WOULD HAVE TO ESTABLISH A POLITICAL BASE WITHIN ESTABLISHED SOCIAL ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS CHURCHES, KAIFONGS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, MR BARNES SAID.
IT WOULD ALSO BE IMPORTANT TO SECURE ASSISTANCE OF THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, AS IN MANY BUILDINGS THESE WERE THE NEXT INFLUENTIAL ORGANISATIONS AVAILABLE, HE ADDED.
------0 - - - -
RECLAMATION FOR JUNK BAY DEVELOPMENT * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO RECLAIM ABOUT 12 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED NEAR HANG HAU FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF JUNK BAY NEW TOWN.
THE RECLAMATION WILL PROVIDE LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ACCESS ROAD TO YAU YUE WAN VILLAGE AND THE FUTURE PUBLIC HOUSING AND A TEMPORARY SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT TO SERVE THE FIRST STAGE OF JUNK BAY DEVELOPMENT.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WAS SET OUT IN A NOTICE IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL OR CLAIMS OF PRIVATE RIGHT SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN A PERIOD OF 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 INSPECTED AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, EIGHTH FLOOR, EMPIRE CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, KOWLOON OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, OR DISTRICT OFFICE (SAI KUNG), FIRST FLOOR, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 692 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON.
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/3 .....
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1981
3
TUEN MUN FERRY PIER OPENED ft ft ft ft
AN EFFICIENT TRANSPORT NETWORK IS ESSENTIAL TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN, SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
MR AKERS-JONES WAS SPEAKING AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE TUEN MUN TEMPORARY FERRY PIER, FROM WHICH HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY SERVICES TO JORDAN ROAD AND BLAKE PIER, CENTRAL, BEGAN ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 19).
HE SAID HE WAS VERY CONSCIOUS OF THE FACT THAT TRAVELLING PROBLEMS WERE A MAJOR CONCERN TO LOCAL RESIDENTS, BUT ADDEDi ■♦GREAT IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE, OF WHICH THIS FERRY SERVICE IS THE LATEST EXAMPLE.+
MR AKERS-JONES SAID THESE ACHIEVEMENTS WERE THE RESULT OF THE RESOURCEFULNESS AND PERSISTENCE OF MEMBERS OF TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SUB-COMMITTEE, AND THE EXCELLENT CO-OPERATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE VARIOUS TRANSPORT COMPANIES AND MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
♦THIS IS AN ENCOURAGING EXAMPLE OF HOW DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SHOULD FUNCTION FOR THE WELL-BEING OF DISTRICT RESIDENTS, AND THIS CLOSE CO-OPERATION MUST CONTINUE IN THE YERAS AHEAD,+ HE ADDED.
HE CONGRATULATED ALL CONCERNED, ESPECIALLY THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY, FOR BRINGING ABOUT THE SERVICE +IN REMARKABLY SHORT TIME+.
THE SERVICE HAD TO BE EXPANDED AFTER ONLY THREE DAYS OF DEMAND. THERE ARE NOW 15 TRIPS DAILY FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY AND SERVICES ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS HAVE INTRODUCED.
A
BECAUSE
BEEN
THE FIRST FERRY LEAVES TUEN MUN AT 7 AM EVERY DAY- THE LAST DEPARTS AT 7.40 PM ON WEEK-DAYS AND AT 5 PM ON SUNDAYS.
FROM CENTRAL SERVICES START AT 7.15 AM FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY AND AT 7 AM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. THEY END WITH THE DEPARTURE OF THE LAST FERRY AT 5.55 PM ON WEEK-DAYS AND AT 5 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE PIER IS CONNECTED TO TUEN MUN NEW TOWN BY A BUS SERVICE.
A HOVERFERRY IS USED ON THE ROUTE, JOURNEY TIME BEING 35 MINUTES FROM TUEN Ml- TO CENTRAL, VIA JORDAN ROAD, AND 29 MINUTES FROM CENTRAL TO TUEN Mh. THE FARE IS $6.
THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR LAU CHAN-KOK, OFFICIATED FOR THE FERRY COMPANY AT TODAY’S OPENING.
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/4 .......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1981
4
FANLING SQUASH COURTS OPEN NEXT SATURDAY * * * * *
STARTING NEXT SATURDAY (OCTOBER 31), SQUASH ENTHUSIASTS LIVING IN THE NORTH-EASTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL HAVE THEIR OWN VENUE WHEN A NEW SQUASH COURT COMPLEX THROWS ITS DOORS OPEN.
THE FANLING NEW TOWN SQUASH COURTS, BUILT BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND MANAGED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC USE BETWEEN 7 AM AND 11 PM EVERY DAY.
ADVANCE BOOKINGS CAN BE MADE IN PERSON AT THE BOOKING OFFICE OF THE SQUASH COURTS FROM MONDAY (OCTOBER 26), SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
LOCATED AT TAI PO ROAD AT A SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE FANLING RAILWAY STATION, THE SQUASH COURT COMPLEX IS THE FOURTH OF SUCH FACILITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE PROJECT, COSTING MORE THAN $1.1 MILLION, FUNDED BY THE CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES LIMITED, MR KWOK TAK-SENG, MEETS THE GROWING DEMAND FOR MODERN RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE DEVELOPING NEW TOWN OF FANLING.
BEING THE FIRST AIR-CONDITIONED SQUASH COURT COMPLEX, IT IS BUILT ACCORDING TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS SUITABLE FOR BOTH TRAINING AND COMPETITION PURPOSES.
THE REAR WALL OF ONE OF THE COURTS IS MADE OF TRANSPARENT GLASS AND WILL ENABLE SPECTATORS TO WATCH THE GAME WITHOUT ANY VIEWING OBSTRUCTION. OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDE CHANGING ROOM, TOILETS, SHOWERS WITH COLD AND HOT WATER AND LOCKERS FOR PLAYERS.
TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE SQUASH COURT COMPLEX, AN OFFICIAL CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 11 AM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 31).
OFFICIATING WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JIMMY SWEETMAN.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE FUNCTION WILL BE A DEMONSTRATION OF SQUASH GAMES BY MR TONY COOPER AND MR T. FARNWORTH REPRESENTING THE GOVERNMENT AND SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES LIMITED RESPECTIVELY.
0
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1981
5
INSIGNIA PRESENTATION ON MONDAY
4 * 4
SEVENTY-SEVEN PEOPLE DECORATED BY THE QUEEN FOR SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC WILL RECEIVE THEIR INSIGNIA FROM THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO BE HELD IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE AT 6 PM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 26).
THE INSIGNIA TO BE PRESENTED INCLUDE TWO CBE’S, SIX OBE’S. ONE ISO, AND NINE MBE’S.
HEADING THE LIST OF RECIPIENTS ARE THE HONOURABLE E.P. HO, SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, AND DR KARL STUMPF, BOTH OF WHOM WILL RECEIVE THE CBE.
NOTE TO EDITORS «
COPIES OF A LIST OF THE RECIPIENTS AT THE PRESENTATION OF INSIGNIA CEREMONY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE GIS PRESS ROOM AT 4 PM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 26).
ONLY PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN WITH SPECIAL PASSES WILL BE ADMITTED TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE. THEY SHOULD MEET GIS OFFICERS IN THE GUARD ROOM NOT LATER THAN 5.30 PM.
NEWSPAPERS NOT RECEIVING SUCH PASSES WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN PHOTOGRAPHS BY MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OF PRINTS WITH MING YUEN STUDIO, 22 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, TEL 5-224310.
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RABIES AFFECTED AREAS DESIGNATED
4 4 4
A NOTICE GIVING DETAILS OF THE NEWLY DESIGNATED AREA IN THE IEW TERRITORIES FROM WHERE MOVEMENT OF DOGS WILL BE RESTRICTED IS PUBLISHED IN THE EXTRAORDINARY EDITION OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (SATURDAY).
-r. NEWLY DESIGNATED AREA WILL INCLUDE SHEUNG SHUI, FANLING,
TA KU LING, SHA TAU KOK AND THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA.
.un ,!IEW AREA WILL EXTEND PROM SAN TIN, SAN WAI, TO SHA TAU KOK £NLrJLLrJNCLLIDE THE DISTRICT ALREADY GAZETTED AS THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA.
,,__.ROAD BLOCKS MANNED BY STAFF OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE HAVE BEEN SET UP ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD FAN KAM ROAD, TAI PO ROAD AND IN LUK KENG ON THE FRINGES OF THE AREAS.
coautTc! W,LL C0NT,NUE TO MAN CHECK POINTS LEADING TO THE
rKUNI I ER AREA.
nr-u...£™P0KESMAN F0R THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT DOG 0WNERS THAT THE ILLEGAL REMOVAL OF DOGS TO AND FROM THE INFECTED AREA CARRIES A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $2 000.
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/6
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1981
6
NT INTER-DISTRICT BADMINTON LEAGUE LAUNCHED ft * *
THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IS NEEDED TO MAKE INTER-DISTRICT TOURNAMENTS COMPLETELY SUCCESSFUL, SECRETARY FORy THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
MR AKERS-JONES WAS SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCHING OF A NEW TERRITORIES BADMINTON LEAGUE AT CARMEL PAK U SECONDARY SCHOOL, TAI PO.
+TOURNAMENTS LIKE THIS ENABLE YOUNG PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT DISTRICTS TO MEET IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF FRIENDLY COMPETITION, AND ARE OF GREAT VALUE IN FOSTERING A SENSE OF DISTRICT IDENTITY,* HE SAID.
THE LEAGUE IS THE FIFTH TO BE ORGANISED INVOLVING ALL EIGHT NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS.
THE OTHERS ARE SOCCER, BASKETBALL, TABLE-TENNIS AND VOLLEYBALL.
TENNIS, SQUASH AND SWIMMING LEAGUES ARE ALSO PLANNED.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NEW TERRITORIES INTER-DISTRICT SPORTS COMPETITIONS CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR DICKEN YUNG, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF TAI PO SPORTS CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR STEPHEN WONG.
AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY TEAMS FROM TAI PO AND YUEN LONG PLAYED THE FIRST MATCH OF THE LEAGUE.
MATCHES WILL BE HELD AT WEEKENDS AND ON SUNDAYS AT VARIOUS VENUES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. FINALS WILL BE PLAYED IN JANUARY.
------0-------
PRISONS DEPARTMENT OFFICERS’ ANNUAL DINNER ft ft ft ft
THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT HELD ITS OFFICERS’ ANNUAL DINNER IN A HOTEL IN CENTRAL YESTERDAY (FRIDAY) EVENING. IT WAS ATTENDED BY OVER 600 OFFICERS OF THE PRISON SERVICES AND THEIR PARTNERS.
DURING THE DINNER, THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, MR THOMAS GARNER, PRESENTED THE +S0 SHU I BOR* MEMORIAL TROPHY TO ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, MR R.W.B. HIGGINBOTTOM, FOR HIS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE PRISON OFFICERS’ CLUB.
THE TROPHY WAS DONATED BY DR AND MRS J.H. YAP IN MEMORY OF ffiS YAP’S BROTHER, MR SO SHU I BOR, A PRISON OFFICER WHO WAS KILLED DURING AN ESCAPE ATTEMPT IN 1958.
THE GUEST OF HONOUR WAS DR ROBERT ANDRY, A UNITED NATIONS ADVISER WHO IS HERE ON HIS THIRD VISIT TO ADVISE ON THE MAINTENANCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES IN THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT. HIS FIRST VISIT, IN 1975, RECOMMENDED THE INTRODUCTION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICE AND HIS SECOND IN 1978 DEALT WITH THE EXPANSION OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL UNIT.
DURING THE EVENING THERE WAS ALSO A PERFORMANCE OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE DANCES ARRANGED BY THE GOVERNMENT’S RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1981
7
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD CARRIAGEWAYS
M H M *
THE CARRIAGEWAYS OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD OUTSIDE THE KAI TAK AIRPORT WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED IN TURNS FOR THREE NIGHTS FROM OCTOBER 27 TO 29 TO ALLOW FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE.
THE NORTHERN-MOST EASTBOUND (KWUN TONG-BOUND) CARRIAGEWAY OF THE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 27).
THE SOUTHERN-MOST WESTBOU'D (TO KWA WAN-BOUND) CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE CLOSED FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 28).
THE MIDDLE OF THE WESTBOUND (KOWLOON CITY-BOUND) AND EASTBOUND (KWUN TONG-BOUND) CARRIAGEWAYS WILL BE CLOSED FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 29).
ALTERNATIVE WAYS WILL BE AVAILABLE DURING THE CLOSURE PERIODS.
SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP AND POLICE OFFICERS WILL BE ON DUTY TO GUIDE MOTORISTS. »
WHEN THE NORTHERN-MOST EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY IS CLOSED ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 27), THE CHOI HUNG-BOUND TRIPS OF CROSS-HARBOUR ALL NIGHT BUS SERVICE, ROUTE 121, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KOWLOON CITY INTERCHANGE, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, JUNCTION ROAD, TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD, SHAT IN PASS ROAD AND CHOI HUNG ROAD.
WHEN THE SOUTHERN-MOST WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY IS CLOSED ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 28), ITS HONG KONG-BOUND TRIPS WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HAMMER HILL ROAD, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, FUNG MO STREET TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD, JUNCTION ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON CITY INTERCHANGE, AND MA TAU CHUNG ROAD.
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TENDER FOR NEW QUEENSWAY FLYOVER
* * *
A FLYOVER WILL BE CONSTRUCTED OVER QUEENSWAY TO PROVIDE ROAD CONNECTIONS TO THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE FORMER VICTORIA BARRACKS.
.TENDERS FOR THE WORK ARE BEING INVITED BY THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT
THE FLYOVER FORMS STAGE ONE OF A AND ASSOCIATED ROAD WORKS PROJECT FOR DEVELOPMENT SCHEME WHICH WILL INCLUDE
GRADE SEPARATED INTERCHANGE THE VICTORIA BARRACKS
------ A GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING
THE NEW SUPREME COURT AND OTHER PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS.
THE WORK CONSISTS OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-LANE ROAD BRIDGE AND SLIP ROADS, BOX CULVERT, RETAINING WALLS AND OTHER ANCILLARY WORKS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JANUARY AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS.
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/8 .....
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1981
8
SITE FOR MARINA PROPOSED * * *
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO GRANT OF FORESHORE AND SEABED FOR A MARINA,
AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
A LEASE OF ABOUT 10 HECTARES INCLUDING SOME RESIDENTIAL
IN MAU TIN HARBOUR, NAM WAI, SAI KUNG
THE EXTENT OF THE SET OUT IN A NOTICE IN
AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WAS THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL OR ANY CLAIM OF PRIVATE RIGHT SHOULD BE SUBMITTED 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 CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR. MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG- THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, STH FLOOR, EMPIRE CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, KOWLOON- NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, 4TH AND 5TH FLOORS, HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING , 101 PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, KOWLOON- AND DISTRICT OFFICE (SAI KUNG), FIRST FLOOR, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 692 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON.
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FIRING PRACTICE REMINDER * * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN/CASTLE PEAK RANGE FROM 8.30 AM TO 4.30 PM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 26), AND FROM 9 AM TO 3 PM ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 28). ’
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING TIMES OF PRACTICE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SSUELB’ GOVERNMENT \FOAMA* ?‘J SERVICES BEAC’\SFiELL -I .. SE HONGKONG _ 5-233191
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SIR MURRAY PLEDGES FULL SUPPORT TO CLEAN HK CAMPAIGN ....... 1
THE ECONOMY SHOWING STRENGTH ............................... 2
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR SEPTEMBER 1981 .................. J
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER 1981 ............... 4
EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCY STATISTICS IN JUNE 1981 ............. 5
TRADITIONAL VALUES AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE ...................... 7
APPRENTICE VACANCIES IN CRAFT TRADE ........................ 8
YUEN LONG DISTRICT CHILDREN'S SINGING CONTEST .............. 8
SPECIAL TRAINS TO SHA TIN RACECOURSE ON WEDNESDAY .......... 9
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1981
1
SIR MURRAY PLEDGES FULL SUPPORT TO CLEAN HK CAMPAIGN
* * * X
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY (SUNDAY) PLEDGED HIS FULL SUPPORT AND THAT OF THE GOVERNMENT TO THE NEWLY-LAUNCHED CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN. THE AIM OF WHICH, HE SAID, IS TO STOP THE ROT, AND STOP IT FOR GOOD.
AT A CEREMONY AT MORSE PARK LAUNCHING THE CAMPAIGN, SIR MURRAY SAIDi +THIS CAMPAIGN IS FOR KEEPS, AND TO SUCCEED WE MUST BREAK CARELESS ANTI-SOCIAL ATTITUDES. WE CAN DO SO IF WE ALL ACT TOGETHER.+
SIR MURRAY SAID THE DENSITY OF POPULATION PRODUCES A FANTASTIC CONCENTRATION OF RUBBISH BUT ADDED THAT RUBBISH IS NOT THE PROBLEM.
+IT IS WHAT WE DO WITH IT.+ HE ADDED. +THERE IS NO PART OF THE CITY SO FINE THAT IT CANNOT BE SPOILT BY LITTER, AND NO SLUM OR SQUATTER AREA SO BAD THAT LITTER CANNOT MAKE IT WORSE. LITTERING BY A FEW SPOILS THE CITY FOR ALL.+
SIR MURRAY PRAISED THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND THE MEN WHO OPERATE OUR REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLES AND SWEEP OUR STREETS AND PAVEMENTS FOR FIGHTING A DAILY BATTLE TO KEEP OUR STREETS CLEAN.
+BUT SO MUCH OF WHAT THEY DO WOULD BE UNNECESSARY IF ALL OF US DEPOSITED OUR LITTER IN THE RIGHT PLACE- NOT IN THE STREET- NOT IN THE HARBOUR- NOT THROWN OUT OF WINDOWS OR DOORS- BUT IN A RUBBISH BIN WHERE IT OUGHT TO BE AND FROM WHICH IT IS SO EASY TO COLLECT.
+WE CAN KEEP OUR OWN AREAS CLEAN- WE CAN REBUKE LITTERBUGS AND I APPEAL TO EVERYONE TO DO SO- IF NECESSARY THE COURTS CAN PUNISH THEM AND I HOPE THEY WILL.+
AT ANOTHER CEREMONY AT TUEN MUN LAUNCHING THE CAMPAIGN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, SIR MURRAY SAID NEVER BEFORE HAVE THE NEW TERRITORIES MOBILISED THEMSELVES TO THIS EXTENT IN SO WORTHY A CAUSE.
HE SAID THERE ARE SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦THERE IS THE LITTER OF DEVELOPMENT- THE LITTER OF WEEK-END HIKERS, VISITORS AND P:CNICKERS- THERE IS THE REMOTENESS OF SO MANY VILLAGES AND BEACHES WHICH MAKES CLEANSING DIFFICULT- THERE IS THE PROBLEM OF ORGANISING A POPULATION UNDERGOING SUCH RAPID CHANGE,♦ HE SAID.
HOWEVER, SIR MURRAY SAID OBVIOUSLY THIS CAMPAIGN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAS BEEN WELL AND IMAGINATIVELY PREPARED.
♦THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE THE OLDEST, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL, AND THE MOST RAPIDLY DEVELOPING PART OF HONG KONG. ALL WORKING TOGETHER, WE CAN ALSO MAKE IT THE CLEANEST,♦ HE SAID.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1981
- 2 -
THE ECONOMY SHOWING STRENGTH * * * *
COMMENTING ON THE STATISTICS ON EMPLOYMENT. TRADE AND CONSUMER PRICES PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, A SPOKESMAN FROM THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SAID THAT THE WAY WITH WHICH THE ECONOMY IS ADJUSTING TO DEAL WITH UNFAVOURABLE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG’S MAJOR MARKETS IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGING.
HE POINTED OUT THAT EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN JUNE THIS YEAR, AT 943 OOO WAS A RECORD- SO WAS THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN SEPTEMBER AT $7 659 MILLION.
SO DESPITE CERTAIN PUBLIC ANXIETY ABOUT THE GENERAL ECONOMIC SITUATION, THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE BACKBONE OF THE ECONOMY, IS HOLDING UP EXTREMELY WELL.
THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER SHOWED THAT THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS 28 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR. PUTTING THE MONTH’S FIGURE INTO CONTEXT, HE SAID THAT THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE THIRD QUARTER WAS 20 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1980, WHILE THE CORRESPONDING COMPARISON FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR WAS 14 PER CENT. DISCOUNTING FOR PRICE INCREASES, THIS MEANS AN ACCELERATION IN THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FROM LESS THAN 6 PER CENT IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR TO ABOUT 8 PER CENT IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO DREW ATTENTION TO ANOTHER ENCOURAGING ASPECT. HE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE GROWTH RATE OF IMPORTS THAT WERE RETAINED IN HONG KONG CONTINUED TO BE FAIRLY RAPID IN THE THIRD QUARTER, THIS WAS THE RESULT OF A FAIRLY SHARP ACCELERATION IN THE GROWTH RATE OF RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES OFFSET BY AN EQUALLY SHARP SLOWING DOWN IN THE GROWTH RATE OF RETAINED IMPORTS OF CONSUMER GOODS.
WHILE EMPHASISING THAT IT WAS STILL TOO EARLY TO SAY THAT THE RECENT SHIFT IN THE IMPETUS TO GROWTH FROM DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO DOMESTIC DEMAND HAS REVERSED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THERE WERE CERTAINLY INDICATIONS OF SUCH A REVERSAL STARTING TO TAKE PLACE.
AS REGARDS THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES WHICH WERE UNCHANGED IN SEPTEMBER COMPARED WITH AUGUST, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT NOT TOO MUCH SHOULD BE READ INTO FIGURES FOR ONE MONTH. WHILE THIS DEVELOPMENT WAS OBVIOUSLY WELCOME, HE SAID THAT THE DEPRECIATION IN THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF THIS YEAR MAY EXERCISE AN UNFAVOURABLE EFFECT IN THE FUTURE. BUT HE ADDED THAT WHILE CONSUMER PRICES HAVE INCREASED BY ALMOST 16 PER CENT DURING THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, DOMESTIC INFLATION, AS MEASURED BY THE G.D.P. DEFLATOR, IS ESTIMATED TO BE ONLY ABOUT 10 PER CENT THIS YEAR.
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/3.......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1981
- 3 -
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR SEPTEMBER 1981
X X X X
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY PUBLISHED THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR SEPTEMBER 1981. THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR SEPTEMBER 1981 WERE 121 AND 120 RESPECTIVELY, EACH BEING THE SAME AS THAT FOR THE PRECEDING MONTH.
DURING SEPTEMBER, INCREASES IN COMMODITY PRICES AND SERVICE CHARGES WERE OFFSET TO A LARGE EXTENT BY A REDUCTION IN FOOD PRICES, PARTICULARLY FOR FRESH VEGETABLES.
SINCE THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES WERE FIRST INTRODUCED IN OCTOBER 1980, C.P.I.(A) AND C.P.I.(B) HAVE INCREASED IN THE ELEVEN-MONTH PERIOD FROM OCTOBER 1980 TO SEPTEMBER 1981 BY 14.2 PER CENT AND 13.2 PER CENT, GIVING ANNUALISED RATES OF 15.5 PER CENT AND 14.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE NEW C.P.I.(A) AND C.P.I.(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 C.P.I.(A) REFERRED 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 SEPTEMBER 1981 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ARE GIVEN BELOW, TOGETHER WITH THOSE FOR AUGUST 1981.
(AVERAGE DURING THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1979 TO SEPTEMBER 1980 - 100)
SECTION NEW C.P.I.(A) NEW C.P. 1.(B)
SEPT. 81 AUG. 81 SEPT. 81 AUG. 81
FOODSTUFFS 125 125 125 125
HOUSING 116 116 116 116
FUEL AND LIGHT 138 137 138 138
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 117 112 116 112
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 114 113 113 112
DURABLE GOODS 108 108 109 109
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 111 109 112 109
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 134 132 130 129
SERVICES 120 117 119 117
ALL ITEMS 121 121 120 120
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1981
4
BECAUSE OF ROUNDING, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS REMAINED UNCHANGED IN THE NEW C.P.I.(A) AND C.P.I.(B). WITHIN FOODSTUFFS, HOWEVER, THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES FELL SUBSTANTIALLY. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF SALT-WATER FISH, FRESH FRUIT, AND BREAD, CAKES AND BISCUITS INCREASED. THE AVERAGE PRICES OF MEALS BOUGHT IN RESTAURANTS ALSO WENT UP. THE EFFECTS OF MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
HIGHER PRICES FOR CIGARETTES CAUSED THE INDEX FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) TO INCREASE BY FIVE POINTS IN THE NEW C.P.I.(A) AND BY FOUR POINTS IN THE NEW C.P. I.(B).
THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS INCREASED BY TWO POINTS IN THE NEW C.P. I.(A) AND THREE POINTS IN THE NEW C.P.I.(3) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES FOR JEWELLERY, TOYS AND HOBBIES.
FOLLOWING INCREASES IN PUBLIC LIGHT BUS FARES, SCHOOL BUS FARES AND CHARGES FOR MONTHLY STUDENT TICKETS FOR TRAIN SERVICE, THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES INCREASED BY TWO POINTS IN THE NEW C.P. I.(A) AND BY ONE POINT IN THE NEW C.P.I.(B).
ON ACCOUNT OF HIGHER CHARGES FOR TELEPHONE SERVICES, PACKAGE TOURS, MEDICAL TREATMENT, HAIRDRESSING, BOWLING GAMES AND ADMISSION FEES TO FOOTBALL MATCHES, THE INDEX FOR SERVICES INCREASED BY THREE POINTS IN THE NEW C.P. I.(A) AND BY TWO POINTS IN THE NEW C.P.I.(B).
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
DETAILS OF THESE PRICE MOVEMENTS ARE GIVEN IN THE +CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT* FOR SEPTEMBER 1981, WHICH IS NOW AVAILABLE ON SALE AT $2 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.
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PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER 1981 * * * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY PUBLISHED THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR HONG KONG’S VISIBLE TRADE IN SEPTEMBER 1981. THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR SEPTEMBER WAS $11 495 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AT $7 659 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS AT $3 836 MILLION. LUU"
WITH IMPORTS AT *11 710 MILLION, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT FOR SEPTEMBER WAS $215 MILLION. vtr ivil
COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1980, THERE WERE THE FOLLOWING INCREASES BY VALUE» $1 679 MILLION OR 28.1 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, $1 054 MILLION OR 37.9 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS, $2 733 MILLION OR 31.2 PER CENT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS AND $2 321 MILLION OR 24.7 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS. THE VISIBLE TRADE +GAP+, THAT IS THF PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY THE VALUE OF ,T?I*LxEXP0RTS’ WAS 1'8 PER CENT ,N SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH 6.7 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER 1980.
/the figures
SUNDAY, OCTOBES 25, 1981
- 5 -
THE FIGURES FOR THE THIRD QUARTER SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, COMPARED WITH THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1980 OF 19.6 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 35.2 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPCRTS, 24.2 PER CENT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS AND 26.1 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS. THE VISIBLE TRADE +GAP+ IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WAS 5.9 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 4.5 PER CENT IN THE THIRD QU/RTER OF 1980.
COMPARING THE THIRD QUARTER WITH THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ACCELERATED, THAT OF RE-EXPORTS DECELERATED AND THAT OF IMPORTS REMAINED UNCHANGED.
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EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCY STATISTICS IN JUNE 1981 * * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY PUBLISHED EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY IN JUNE 1981.
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 JUNE 1980 AND MARCH 1981 ARE AS FOLLOWS*
EMPLOYMENT IN
SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY JUN. 80 MAR. 81
MANUFACTURING 926 700 889 100
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION (MANUAL WORKERS ON SITES ONLY) 89 700* 90 300*
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 440 900 458 700
FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERV ICES 121 300 134 000
NOTE* * REVISED FIGURE;
PERCENTAGE CHANGE
JUN. 81 JUN. 81 ON JUN. 80 JUN. 81 ON MAR. 81
942 800 +1.7 ♦6.0
86 800 -3.3 -3.9
455 700 +3.4 -0.7
141 700 ♦ 16.8 ♦ 5.7
/COMPARING THE .......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1981
6
COMPARING THE FIGURES FOR JUNE 1981 WITH THOSE FOR THE SAME TIME IN 1980, THERE WERE INCREASES IN EMPLOYMENT IN 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.
THE RAPID GROWTH RATE IN THE FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR CONTINUED- EMPLOYMEKT IN THIS SECTOR IN JUNE 1981, AT 141 700, WAS 16.8 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN JUNE 1980.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AND THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR IN JUNE 1981 AT 942 800 AND 455 700 RESPECTIVELY, WERE 1.7 PER CENT AND 3.4 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN JUNE 1980. ON THE OTHER HAND, EMPLOYMENT IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES DECREASED BY 3.3 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR.
COMPARING THE FIGURES FOR JUNE 1981 WITH THOSE FOR MARCH 1981, GROWTH IN EMPLOYMENT VARIED IN EACH OF THE FOUR SECTORS ABOVE. INCREASES OF 6 PER CENT AND 5.7 PER CENT IN EMPLOYMENT WERE REGISTERED RESPECTIVELY IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AND THE FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR.
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES OF 3.9 PER CENT ,.ND 0.7 PER CENT IN EMPLOYMENT WERE OBSERVED IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES AND THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR RESPECTIVELY.
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 JUNE 1981.
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 JUNE 1980 AND MARCH 1981, ARE AS FOLLOWS:
NUMBER OF REPORTED
VACANCIES IN PERCENTAGE CHANGE
SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY JUN. 80 MAR. 81 JUN. 81 JUN. 81 ON JUN. 80 JUN. 81 ON MAR. 81
MANUFACTURING 43 400 55 200 42 000 +4.0 -24.0
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 5 600 6 400 5 000 -10.0 -21.1
FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 2 400 2 500 2 000 -9.8 -13.3
/COMPARING THE .......
SUMDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1981
- 7 -
COMPARING THE FIGURES FOR JUNE 1981 WITH THOSE FOR THE SAME TIME IN 1980, THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF 4 PER CENT IN THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR. FOR THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR AND THE FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES IN JUNE 1981 DECREASED RESPECTIVELY BY 10.0 PER CENT AND 9.8 PER CENT RELATIVE TO THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR.
COMPARING THE FIGURES FOR JUNE 1981 WITH THOSE FOR MARCH 1981, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES DECREASED IN ALL OF THE ABOVE SECTORS.
EMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR SELECTED INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES WITHIN THE FOUR SECTORS ARE GIVEN IN THE TABLES WH CH ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM GIS PRESS ROOM. FURTHER DETAILS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
0 - -
TRADITIONAL VALUES AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE * * * *
IN WORK WITH YOUNG PEOPLE, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT SUCH TRADITIonai VALUES AS ^CO-OPERATION*, ^SINCERITY* AND *MUTUAL HELP* SHOU??
B^ ISED AND CULTIVATED AMONG OUR YOUNG, THE DIRECTOR
OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE FOUNDER’S DAY PARADE OF THE mono kour COUNCIL OF THE BOYS’ BRIGADE AT THE DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL IN MONG r*Ur\ .
___ ♦efforts should be directed to bring OUT THE INHERENT and POTENTIAL GOOD QUALITIES OF HUMAN NATURE,* HE SAID.
THE DIRECTOR NOTED THAT YOUTH PROGRAMMES PROVIDED BY YOUTH So Sere contInu 1 ngUtoNcro!!.'FORM srours' were manv and VABI6d «l6A;^J.^OC?E^r^ULV?U£7F^^KTS3u^?EHEMESL^^NT^DBOyS’ hfRIah!PAT,0N 0F PE0PLE WH0 G,VE THEIR TIME AND EFFORT VOLUNTARILY,* nt qA ID. ’
tu.t TH,S VOLUNTARY SPIRIT AND EFFORT,* HE CONTINUED,
lnii8iJ!:ITY °F LIFE DIFFERENT IN THE COMMUNITY THAT Wt ARE NOW BUILDING.*
eno BUILDING, MR ALLEYNE SAID, IS A CONTINUING TASK
rOK ALL OF US.
*p Y°UNG PE0PLE FOUND SOME FRUITFUL RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR PEERS IN A GROUP, AND IF THE GROUP IN TURN PARTICIPATED IN THE WIDER CONTEXT OF SOCIETY, THEY WOULD BE ON THE WAY TO BECOMING SA^m^^SEF UL INDIVIDUALS CONTR I BUT I NG TO THE DE VELOpSe NT OF A COMMUNITY.
♦THIS,* HE SAID, +IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED.*
0 - -
- 8 -
APPRENTICE VACANCIES IN CRZFT TRADE * * *
THERE ARE STILL APPRENTICE VACANCIES IN SOME CRAFT TRADES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WISH TO PURSUE A CAREER IN INDUSTRY THROUGH APPRENTICESHIP.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE VACANCIES ARE AVAILABLE IN THE TRADES OF MACHINIST, MECHANICAL FITTER, MOULD AND DIE MAKER AND REPAIRER, TEXTILE MECHANIC, TOOL AND DIE MAKER AND PRINTING MACHINE OPERATOR.
ANY QUALIFIED YOUNGSTERS INTERESTED IN APPRENTICE TRAINING ARE WELCOME TO ENQUIRE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S TRAINING COUNCIL DIVISION AT 1 HENNESSY ROAD, ASIAN HOUSE, 12TH FLOOR, WAN CHAI.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT LAST YEAR, THE DIVISION ASSISTED SOME 2 600 YOUNG PEOPLE IN FINDING A CRAFT OR TECHNICIAN APPRENTICESHIP IN 10 MAJOR INDUSTRIES.
THESE APPRENTICES ARE NOW PRODUCTIVELY EMPLOYED, EARNING THEIR LIVING AND AT THE SAME TIME LEARNING A TRADE IN WHICH THEY ARE INTERESTED. IN ADDITION TO RECEIVING ON-THE-JOB TRAINING PROVIDED BY THEIR EMPLOYERS, THEY ALSO ATTEND RELATED PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSES IN EITHER A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE OR THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
THE ENTRY QUALIFICATION FOR CRAFT APPRENTICESHIP IS COMPLETION CF FORM 3, AND THE DURATION IS NORMALLY FOUR YEARS.
ON COMPLETION OF TRAINING, THE APPRENTICES WILL BE AWARDED CERTIFICATES ISSUED JOINTLY BY THEIR EMPLOYERS AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR CERTIFYING THEIR COMPETENCY IN THE TRADES THEY HAVE BEEN TRAINED.
-----o------
YUEN LONG DISTRICT CHILDREN’S SINGING CONTEST * * * *
A SINGING CONTEST FOR YUEN LONG CHILDREN WILL BE HELD NEXT MONTH.
THERE WILL BE SOLO AND GROUP SINGING EVENTS FOR JUNIORS AND SENIORS AND AN INSTRUMENT PLAYING COMPETITION FOR THOSE AGED SIX TO 13 YEARS.
PRELIMINARIES WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 7 AND 8 AT THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL, WHILE THE FINAL WILL TAKE PLACE TWO WEEKS LATER AT LUT SAU HALL.
ENTRY FORMS, WHICH MUST BE RETURNED BY THE END OF THE MONTH, ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE TOWN HALL.
WHEN THE CONTEST WAS FIRST HELD IN 1978, 200 CHILDREN TOOK PART. LAST YEAR, THERE WERE MORE THAN 400 PARTICIPANTS AND IT IS EXPECTED THERE WILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY MORE ENTRANTS THIS YEAR.
THE TOWN HALL MANAGEMENT IS ORGANISING THE CONTEST WITH DISTRICT BOARD SPONSORSHIP.
0 - -
/9 .......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1981
- 9 -
SPECIAL TRAINS TO SHA TIN RACECOURSE ON WEDNESDAY
is? mm?"1""'--- kwt -
will^ave'at k^LstationTtoNpi?k6up7passengers^
ON THE RETURN JOURNEY, RACECOURSE STATION AT 10.40 STOP AT MONG KOK STATION.
TWO SPECIAL TRAINS WILL DEPART
PM AND 10.55 PM. BOTH TRAINS WILL
0 - -
PR 13
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUPPLEMENT
P '- ^ment 7o. 2
SPEECH BY H E THE GOVERNOR ON THE OCCASION OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN LAUNCHING AT TUEN MUN ON_SyNPAYi_25TH_OCTOBER_1981_
I am very pleased to officiate at the Opening Ceremony of the New Territories Clean Hong Kone Campaign. I congratulate Mr Yeung on his admirable speech. Obviously this campaign in the New Territories has been well and imaginatively prepared.
I know you have special problems. There is the litter of development; the litter of week-end hikers, visitors and picnickers; there is the remoteness of so mar villages and beaches which makes cleansing difficult; the1, is the problem of organising a population undergoing such rapid change.
But I am impressed with the strong community spirit of your districts, and I am convinced that these problems will be overcome if everyone plays their part. The head of every household, of every shop and factory, of every school, office and institution, leading personalities in villages, blocks, areas and districts -
/ tr.ey all.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
2
they all must make a concerted effort to achieve total public response to the very simple rule: litter should pro in the bin or the recption point and nowhere else.
Some will break this rule; let the public rebuke and ridicule them - their anti-social carelessness spoils for all the vilhge, the town, the countryside or the heach. Litter wardens and park rangers and police are there to give support, and they will do their duty with zeal. But it is to the public to whom I appeal in the first instance to correct the thoughtless. If necessary there are the courts to do justice on litterbugs.
Ladies and gentlemen, I must pay my tribute to the Clean Hong Kong New Territories Advisory Committee, the Heung Yee Kuk, the District Boards, and the New Territories Administration who have set up this campaign. Never before have the New Territories mobilised themselves to this extent in so worthy a cause. I pledge you my nersonal support and that of your Government. The New Territories are the oldest, the most beautiful, and the most rapidly developing part of Hong Kong. All working together, we can also make it the cleanest.
I have much pleasure in launching the New Territories part oi the Clean Hong Kong Campaign and will closely watch its progress,
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PR 33
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUPPLEMENT
SPEECH BY H E THE GOVE 'NOR ON THE OCCASION OF THE CLEAN IONG KONG CAMPAIGN LAUNCHING AT IORSE PARK ON SUNDAY, 25TH OCTOBE?_1981
We have come a loner way since the 1972 Campaign. But some of the success has slipped away, and habits that were broken are takiner hold acai i. This campaign is to stop the rot, and stop it for mod.
I know that the density of population produces a fantastic concentration of rubbish. But rubbish is not the problem, it is what we do with it. There is no part of the city so fine that it cannot be spoilt by litter, and no slum or squatter area so bad that litter cannot make it worse. Littering by a few spoils the city for all.
The Urban Council, the Urban Services Department, the men who operate our refuse collection vehicles and sweep our streets and pavements firht a daily battle / to keep ...
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Pa ere 2
to keep our streets clean. They do a fine job and are steadily better equipped. But so much of what they do vould be unnecessary if all of us deposited our litter in the right place; not in the street; not in the harbour; not thrown out of windows or doors; but in a rubbish bin where it ought to be and 1rom which it is so easy to collect.
I am heartened to see so many representatives from the Urban districts here to-day. You will be organfeing special cleansing operations in the district in which you live or work. These should produce an immediate improvement and I wish you success. But this campaign is for keeps, and to succeed we must break careless anti-social attitudes. We can do so if we all act together; Urban Services, litter wardens, police, householders, mutual aid committees, area committees, district boards, schools, and above all, the general public, young, middle aged and old. We can keep our own areas clean; we can rebuke litterbugs and I aopeal to everyone to do so; if necessary the courts can punish them and I hope they will.
There is much to be done; I pledge you my full support and that of your Government. We owe it to ourselves, our children and Hong Kong's good name that our city should be clean.
- o -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEl 5-233191
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 19^1
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EDUCATION REVIEW PANEL OUTLINES INITIAL IMPRESSIONS ......... 1
DEBATE ON MOTION OF THANKS .................................. 2
SWD ./ILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE ACCIDENT SCHEME................ 3
EMPLOYMENT OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES ........................... 4
ESSAY COMPETITION OK DISABLED ............................... 5
BIG NT CLEAN-UP STARTS ...................................... 6
TSUEN WAN CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED ........................ 7
RE-ROUTING OF LAM TEI ROAD, TUEN MUN
7
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1981
1
EDUCATION REVIEW PANEL OUTLINES INITIAL IMPRESSIONS * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL PANEL OF VISITORS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO CONDUCT AN OVERALL REVIEW OF HONG KONG’S nRSTTJOl|lNTYMEETINGR IVED *N H0NS K0NG °VER ™E WEEKEND F0R THE,R
THEY ARE SIR JOHN LLEWELLYN (FORMER VICE-CHANCELLOR OF EXETER UNIVERSITY AND DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE BRITISH COUNCIL), DR GREG HANCOCK (CHIEF EDUCATION OFFICER, AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY SCHOOLS AUTHORITY), DR KARL ROELOFFS (SECRETARY-GENERAL, FEDERAL GERMAN ACADEMIC EXCHANGE SERVICE) AND PROFESSOR MICHAEL W. KIRST (PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, STANFORD UNIVERSITY). THE PANEL IS ASSISTED BY TWO SPECIAL ADVISERS, FR Q.W. LEE AND MR JAMES MCHUGH.
INTRODUCING THE VISITORS TO THE PRESS TODAY, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION, MR KENNETH TOPLEY, SAID THAT A WIDE DIVERSITY OF PERSONS AND GROUPS HAD RESPONDED TO THE PRESS ADVERTISEMENTS INVITING WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS ON ASPECTS OF HONG KONG EDUCATION: THESE INCLUDED INDIVIDUAL PARENTS, STUDENTS, TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATIONS, INTEREST GROUPS, AND STAFF OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS. IN ADDITION SOME 30 OR SO PERSONS OR GROUPS HAD ASKED TO MEET MEMBERS OF THE PANEL.
MR TOPLEY SAID THAT THE VISITORS WOULD HAVE A VERY BUSY TIME DURING THE NEXT TWO WEEKS. IN ADDITION TO THE REQUEST MEETINGS THEY WOULD VISIT SCHOOLS OF VARIOUS TYPES, THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, THE POLYTECHNIC, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, A COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND A POST-SECONDARY COLLEGE.
THEY WOULD DISCUSS EDUCATIONAL POLICY IN THE CONTEXT OF GENERAL GOVERNMENT POLICY WITH SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICERS AND MEET REPRESENTATIVES OF EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS AS WELL AS THE PRINCIPAL ADVISORY BODIES IN EDUCATION.
SIR JOHN LLEWELLYN SAID THAT THE PANEL HAD BEEN STUDYING THE POLICY DOCUMENTS CONCERNING EDUCATION, TOGETHER WITH THE GENERAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION MADE AVAILABLE BY THE GOVERNMENT. THEY HAD PAID PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS FORWARDED TO THEM AND WERE STRUCK BY THE IMMENSE VARIETY OF POINTS OF VIEW EMBODIED IN THEM. A GOOD DEAL OF THE DISCUSSION OF THE NEXT TWO WEEKS WOULD CENTRE ON THE STATEMENTS AND OPINIONS MADE IN THE REPRESENTATIONS. HE THOUGHT THAT THE OPENNESS OF THE REVIEW, GIVING THE PANEL ACCESS TO ALL SHADES OF OPINION ON EDUCATION, WAS ONE OF ITS MOST VALUABLE FEATURES.
SIR JOHN EXPLAINED THAT AT THE PRESENT STAGE THEIR VIEWS HAD BEEN INFORMED BY CONSIDERABLE BACKGROUND READING, THE STUDY OF WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS, AND PREVIOUS VISITS TO HONG KONG. THEIR IMPRESSIONS WOULD BE CONSIDERABLY INFLUENCED IN THE LIGHT OF DISCUSSIONS AND OBSERVATIONS OVER THE NEXT FORTNIGHT. HE SAID THE PANEL HAD NOTED MANY ISSUES WHICH SEEMED TO BE OF INTEREST TO ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY, LAY AND PROFESSIONAL, OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL. THREE MATTERS WHICH RECEIVED PROMINENCE IN THE MATERIAL WHICH THE PANEL HAD CONSIDERED TO DATE WERE:
/» THE EXTENT.........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1?81
2
* THE EXTENT TO WHICH PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS ALLOW A SMOOTH PROGRESSION FROM PRE-SCHOOL ONWARDS-
* THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM AND STANDARDS OF LANGUAGE EDUCATION-AND
* THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EDUCATION
SYSTEM AND FUTURE INDUSTRIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
SIR JOHN SAID THAT THE PANEL MEMBERS WERE NO DOUBT ASKING THEMSELVES THE SAME SORT OF QUESTIONS AS THOSE RAISED BY THE VARIOUS GROUPS THAT HAD WRITTEN TO THEM.
+ IS THE SYSTEM PRACTICAL ENOUGH, HUMAN ENOUGH, FAMILIAR ENOUGH AND SUFFICIENTLY RESPONSIVE TO THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY?* HE ASKED. + IS IT GEARED TO THE NEEDS OF THE ECONOMY, THE CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE AND THE PRESENT STAGE OF EVOLUTION OF HONG KONG SOCIETY?*
------0-------
DEBATE ON MOTION OF THANKS * * * *
A TWO-DAY DEBATE ON THE MOTION OF THANKS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS MOVED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JACK CATER WILL BEGIN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 28).
A TOTAL ON WEDNESDAY
OF 23 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL SPEAK ON THE MOTION AND THURSDAY.
LEADING OFF THE DEBATE ON WEDNESDAY WILL BE THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON R.H. LOBO, FOLLOWED BY DR THE HON HARRY FANG, THE HON T.S. LO, DR THE HON FRANCIS TIEN, THE HON ALEX WU THE REV THE HON JOYCE BENNETT, THE HON S.L. CHEN, Th£ HON MISS LYDIA DUNN, DR THE HON HENRY HU, THE HON PETER C. WONG, DR THE HON RAYSON HUANG AND THE HON J.J. SWAINE.
ON THURSDAY, 11 OTHER UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL SPEAK ON THE MOTION. THEY ARE: THE HON CHARLES YEUNG, DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI, THE HON ANDREW SO, THE HON F.K. HU, THE HON WONG PO-YAN, THE HON W.C.L. BROWN, THE HON K.C. CHAN, THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG, THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, THE HON MRS SELINA CHOW AND THE HON MISS MARIA TAM.
THE SPEECHES WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RTHK’S CHINESE AND ENGLISH CHANNELS 2 AND 4.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1981
3
SWD WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE ACCIDENT SCHEME ft ft ft ft
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO TRY AND IMPROVE UPON THE OPERATION OF THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG INSURERS’ CLUB, HE SAID IT HAD BEEN PROPOSED TO RELAX THE SEVEN-DAY SICK LEAVE QUALIFICATION TO A THREE-DAY REQUIREMENT FOR INJURY CASES, SO THAT MORE PEOPLE COULD BENEFIT FROM THIS SCHEME.
IT HAD ALSO BEEN PROPOSED TO RAISE THE LEVEL OF PAYMENT AND TO REDUCE THE LEVEL OF LEVIES ON VEHICLE AND DRIVING LICENCES.
THE DIRECTOR NOTED THAT IN 1980-81, INCOME FROM LEVIES AND FROM THE GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION WAS $41.1 MILLION AND $18.5 MILLION RESPECTIVELY, WHILE TOTAL EXPENDITURE INCLUDING ADMINISTRATION COST WAS ONLY $21 MILLION.
THEREFORE PAYMENTS MADE AMOUNT TO JUST ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF INCOME, HE SAID.
MR ALLEYNE SAID TWO RECENT TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS HAD THROWN UP PROBLEM AREAS IN THE SCHEME. ONE WAS THE CASE OF A CHINESE UNIVERSITY STUDENT KNOCKED DOWN BY A LORRY ON A ROAD WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS, AND THE OTHER WAS AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING AN MTR TRAIN.
THE SCHEME, HE SAID, DID NOT COVER AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING THE USE OF A VEHICLE NOT ON A ROAD AS DEFINED UNDER THE ORDINANCE GOVERNING THE SCHEME.
AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING A TRAIN, HE WENT ON, WAS IN A DIFFERENT CATEGORY AS IT DID NOT SEEM APPROPRIATE FOR THE SCHEME TO FUND COMPENSATION FOR SUCH VICTIMS. MOREOVER, THERE WERE DIFFICULTIES IN EXTENDING A SCHEME BASED ON ROAD TRANSPORT CONDITIONS TO RAILWAY OPERATIONS.
+STEPS ARE NOW BEING TAKEN TO CLARIFY THE MEANING OF ’ROAD’ IN THE ORDINANCE AS WELL AS TO CONSIDER PROVISION OF SEPARATE COVERAGE FOR ACCIDENTS INVOLVING TRAINS AND IT IS HOPED TO FORMULATE NEW ARRANGEMENTS TO COVER THESE AREAS OF NEED,+ MR ALLEYNE SAID.
MR ALLEYNE SAID IT WAS NOT KNOWN TO WHAT EXTENT THE SCHEME HAD DISCOURAGED VICTIMS TO CLAIM DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION.
IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS, THERE WERE ONLY 72 REFUNDS FROM THIRD PARTY CLAIMS, BUT 483 REFUNDS AND DEDUCTIONS FROM EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION, THE AMOUNT BEING ABOUT $300 000 AND $1 100 000 RESPECTIVELY.
+THIS IS AN INDICATION THAT ABOUT 88 PER CENT OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS WOULD BE UNLIKELY TO GET ANY COMPENSATION IF NO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WAS MADE UNDER THIS SCHEME,♦ HE SAID.
/welfare wohkers .......
MONDAY, OCTOBEH 26, 1981
- 4 -
WELFARE WORKERS OFTEN REACHED OUT TO CONTACT VICTIMS IN MAJOR ACCIDENTS TO HELP THEM APPLY.
PAYMENTS ARE ALSO OFTEN MADE IN STAGES FOR SERIOUS CASES WHERE A PROLONGED SICK LEAVE PERIOD IS INVOLVED.
+WE ARE ALSO VERY CONSCIOUS TO KEEP THE PROCEDURES AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE,* HE SAID.
MR ALLEYNE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE POLICE FOR PLAYING A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN FURTHERING THE SCHEME. ABOUT HALF OF THE APPLICANTS WERE REFERRED TO THE DEPARTMENT BY THEM, WITH THE OTHERS APPLYING DIRECTLY, HE NOTED.
------0-------
EMPLOYMENT OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
* * * *
EMPLOYERS WHO WISH TO EMPLOY VIETNAMESE REFUGEES ARE REMINDED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE LATTER ARE LAWFULLY EMPLOYABLE UNDER THE LAW.
THOSE ALREADY EMPLOYING VIETNAMESE REFUGEES ARE URGED TO CHECK THEIR REFUGEE CARDS EVERY PAY DAY TO ENSURE THAT THEY REMAIN EMPLOYABLE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT ACCORDING TO THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1981 A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE IS LAWFULLY EMPLOYABLE ONLY IF HIS OR HER REFUGEE CARD DOES NOT PROHIBIT HIM OR HER FROM TAKING EMPLOYMENT.
THE ORDINANCE ALSO REQUIRES AN EMPLOYER TO CHECK THE REFUGEE CARDS OF HIS VIETNAMESE EMPLOYEES EVERY PAY DAY TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY REMAIN LAWFULLY EMPLOYABLE.
THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT CAMP PASSES HELD BY VIETNAMESE REFUGEES CANNOT BE REGARDED AS REFUGEE CARDS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT HAD COME TO THE NOTICE OF THE DEPARTMENT THAT AN EMPLOYER HAD MISTAKEN CAMP PASSES AS REFUGEE CARDS.
IN ANOTHER INSTANCE, AN EMPLOYER FAILED TO NOTE THAT A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE IN HIS EMPLOYMENT HAD CEASED TO BE EMPLOYABLE.
+TO PREVENT THIS, IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR AN EMPLOYER TO CHECK THE REFUGEE CARDS EVERY PAY DAY TO MAKE SURE THERE IS NO CHANGE IN THE EMPLOYMENT STATUS OF HIS VIETNAMESE EMPLOYEES,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN WARNED THAT ANY EMPLOYER WHO EMPLOYED A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE NOT LAWFULLY EMPLOYABLE WOULD RISK A $50 000 FINE AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1981
5
ESSAY COMPETITION ON DISABLED * * * *
STUDENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO JOIN A CHINESE ESSAY COMPETITION AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS AND CONCERN TOWARDS THE DISABLED.
THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. WAH KIU YAT PO AND THE HONG KONG PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS’ UNION IN SUPPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS. AND FINANCED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
ENTRIES WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS: A JUNIOR DIVISION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS, A SENIOR DIVISION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PUPILS, AND AN OPEN DIVISION FOR POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS AND ADULTS.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE JUNIOR DIVISION SHOULD WRITE A LETTER OF NOT MORE THAN 500 WORDS TO A DISABLED FRIEND.
SENIOR DIVISION ENTRIES ON THE SUBJECT +ENLIGHTENMENT FROM THE DISABLED+, SHOULD NOT EXCEED 1 000 WORDS.
OPEN DIVISION ENTRIES ON +INTEGRATING THE DISABLED INTO THE COMMUNITY*, SHOULD NOT EXCEED 2 000 WORDS.
THERE WILL BE A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD PRIZE FOR EACH DIVISION, WITH AWARDS AMOUNTING TO $500, $300 AND $200 RESPECTIVELY. THERE WILL ALSO BE FIVE PRIZES FOR OUTSTANDING ENTRIES IN EACH DIVISION WITH AWARDS OF $100 EACH.
PERSONAL PARTICULARS SUCH AS NAME, AGE, SEX, IDENTITY CARD NUMBER, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF HOME AND SCHOOL SHOULD ALL BE CLEARLY WRITTEN ON THE FIRST PAGE OF THE ENTRY.
ALL ENTRIES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 21.
JUDGING WILL BE CONDUCTED BY A PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS INVITED BY THE ORGANISERS, AND WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE EDUCATION PAGE OF WAH KIU YAT PO.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE BY CONTACTING MR W.M. CHIU OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION ON 5-7904679 EXT. 19.
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/6
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1981
6
BIG NT CLEAN-UP STARTS
* * *
CEREMONIES TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN TOOK PLACE IN SEVERAL NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS TODAY (MONDAY).
THEY WERE HELD AT SHA TIN, TAI PO AND NORTH DISTRICT TO TIE IN WITH THE TERRITORY-WIDE CAMPAIGN WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
IN NORTH DISTRICT, MORE THAN 160 STUDENTS, ASSISTED BY TEACHERS AND MEMBERS OF MUTUAL AID AND RURAL COMMITTEES, TOOK PART IN A CLEAN-UP OF LUEN WO HUI THIS MORNING.
THEY WERE DIVIDED INTO EIGHT TEAMS AND WERE PROVIDED WITH BROOMS, PLASTIC BAGS, BASKETS AND GLOVES.
A TEAM OF JUDGES, INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS, INSPECTED THEIR WORK AFTERWARDS.
TEAMS WHICH WON THE HIGHEST MARKS WERE PRESENTED WITH PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS AT A CEREMONY HELD IN LUEN WO HUI PLAYGROUND.
IN THE AFTERNOON, 350 TAI PO RESIDENTS PARTICIPATED IN A PARADE STARTING FROM TAI WING LANE TO PUBLICISE ANT I-LITTER l*ESSAGES.
THERE WERE ALSO LION DANCES AND PERFORMANCES BY TAI KWONG MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND. A SHOP CLEAN~UP COMPETITION WAS HELD IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PROCESSION.
MEANWHILE, A BONFIRE CEREMONY WAS HELD IN SHA TIN TO KICK OFF THE CAMPAIGN.
ATTENDING WERE THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JIMMY SWEETMAN- THE DISTRICT OFFICER, DR PATRICK HASE- LOCAL LEADERS- AND 1 000 YOUNGSTERS WHO PUT ON T-SHIRTS AND CAPS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THIS OCCASION.
/7 ........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 2b, 1981
7
TSUEN WAN CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN IN TSUEN WAN WAS LAUNCHED TODAY (MONDAY) WITH A TWO-HOUR PROGRAMME OF FUN.
THOUSANDS OF LOCAL DIGNITARIES, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, STUDENTS AND RESIDENTS PACKED KWAI CHUNG SPORTSGROUND TO WATCH LION DANCES, SINGING, MAGAND ACROBATIC PERFORMANCES, AND PLAY STALL GAMES.
A HUGE HOT-AIR BALLOON, CARRYING CLEAN TSUEN WAN BANNERS, FLEW OVER THE SPORTSGROUND.
X-
FOR THE CAMPAIGN, 11 GEOGRAPHICAL WORKING GROUPS HAVE BEEN FORMED TO ORGANISE COMPETITIONS, SEMINARS AND EXHIBITIONS ON CLEANLINESS FOR RESIDENTS WITHIN THEIR OWN AREA.
A TOTAL OF $210 000 HAS BEEN ALLOCATED FOR THESE ACTIVITIES, OF WHICH $20 000 COMES FROM TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN TSUEN .WAN DISTRICT COMMITTEES, MR HO CHI-PING, CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN THE CAMPAIGN.
HE SAID CLEANLINESS IS OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE TO TSUEN WAN WHICH IS THE LARGEST SATELLITE TOWN WITH A POPULATION OF MORE THAN 600 000.
AND ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PROVIDED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MORE THAN 300 TONNES OF GARBAGE IS COLLECTED FROM THE TOWN EACH DAY. k
+FOR SUCH A BIG TOWN, IT IS UNFAIR AND IMPOSSIBLE TO RELY ON GOVERNMENT STAFF ONLY TO CLEAN UP OUR DISTRICT,* HE SAID.
♦CLEANING TSUEN WAN IS A RESPONSIBILITY FOR US ALL,+ HE STRESSED.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, DR JAMES HAYES- THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JIMMY SWEETMAN- AND SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT COMMITTEE.
EARLIER IN THE DAY, THE CENTRAL TSUEN WAN WORKING GROUP HELD ITS CAMPAIGN OPENING CEREMONY AT SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND WHERE HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS TOOK PART IN A CLEAN-UP EXERCISE.
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RE-ROUTING OF LAM TEI ROAD, TUEN MUN
X X X X
LAM TEI ROAD IN TUEN MUN WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 28) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
0 --------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUEpBY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERV(CES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE HONGKONG TEl 5-233191
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS MAINTENANCE ESSENTIAL ....... 1
DISTRICT SCHEME HELPS SOCIAL SERVICE PROVISION ......... 3
EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS NAMED ................... 4
BIG JUMP IN GRANTS TO HOSPITALS ........................ 5
WARM THANKS FROM PRINCE CHARLES AND LADY DIANA ......... 6
POK FU LAM RO21D BUS-ONLY LANE STARTS TOMORROW.......... 6
MORE TEETH TO COMBAT HARBOUR LITTER..................... 7
FLYOVER PLANNED ........................................ 8
LOK SIN TONG GROUP CALLS ON WELFARE DIRECTOR............ 8
FIRST PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTER IN THA..................... 9
PRISON OFFICERS THANKED FOR SAVING OLD WOMAN ........... 9
TRAINING COURSE ON CAGE CULTURE FOR FISH ............... 10
APPEAL FOR STUDENTS’ SUPPORT OF CHILDREN’S WARD ........ 10
TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS SEE NEW TOWN OF THE FUTURE .... 11
TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL PRESS CONFERENCE.............. 11
GOOD PROMOTION PROSPECTS IN IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT...... 12
DISABLED TO STAGE TALENT SHOW........................... 13
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1981
1
FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS MAINTENANCE ESSENTIAL *****
OWNERS OF DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WERE TODAY (TUESDAY) WARNED THAT THE PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPERLY FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENT IN THEIR BUILDINGS AT ALL TIMES HAD BEEN INCREASED BY 150 PER CENT FROM $2 000 TO 15 000.
THE WARNING WAS GIVEN BY THE DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU, MR LAM LOK-BUN, AT TODAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE WHEN HE ANNOUNCED THE START OF THIS YEAR’S FIRE PREVENTION
ALSO PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WERE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR JOHN WHOLEY, AND THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN SHIU-LAP.
MR LAM SAID THAT THE LAW REQUIRED OWNERS OF BUILDINGS TO KEEP FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENT IN EFFICIENT WORKING ORDER AT ALL TIMES AND TO HAVE THEM INSPECTED BY A REGISTERED CONTRACTOR AT LEAST ONCE IN EVERY 12 MONTHS. HOWEVER, THE FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENT IN MOST BUILDINGS WERE NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED.
♦IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE SITUATION,* HE SAID, +THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR PROVEN OFFENCES WAS RECENTLY INCREASED TO THE MORE REALISTIC LEVEL OF $5 000. THIS WILL HOPEFULLY SERVE AS A MORE EFFECTIVE DETERRENT AGAINST NEGLIGENCE.♦
SIMILARLY, THE OFFENCE OF SIGNING OR ISSUING A FALSE OR MISLEADING CERTIFICATE IN RESPECT OF THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH EQUIPMENT WAS SUBJECT TO THE SAME FINE ON CONVICTION.
TO INDICATE THE EXTENT OF THE FIRE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG, LAM SAID THAT A TOTAL OF 10 051 FIRES WERE REPORTED TO THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN THE 12-MONTH PERIOD ENDING AUGUST THIS YEAR — A SLIGHT DECREASE AS COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S FIGURE OF ID 721.
♦THERE WERE, UNFORTUNATELY, MORE INJURIES AND FATALITIES,* HE SAID. HE POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM HEAVY MONETARY LOSSES, THESE FIRES RESULTED IN 48 DEATHS AND 786 INJURIES.
HE SAID THAT MANY FIRES WERE CAUSED BY CARELESSNESS.
URGING THE PUBLIC TO BE CONSTANTLY ON GUARD AGAINST POTENTIAL FIRE RISKS, HE SAIDi +FIRE PREVENTION IS NOT A MATTER OF EXPERTISE" IT IS THE SIMPLE APPLICATION OF COMMONSENSE AND CARE.+
ON COUNTRYSIDE FIRE, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR JOHN WHOLEY, SAID THAT OVER THE LAST ID YEARS, THERE HAD BEEN, ON AVERAGE, MORE THAN 500 HILL FIRES IN HONG KONG EVERY YEAR.
/MANY PEOPLE.......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1981
2
MANY PEOPLE SEEMED TO THINK THAT COUNTRYSIDE FIRES ARE OF LITTLE IMPORTANCE, PROBABLY BECAUSE OF THE INSIGNIFICANT LOSSES IN TERMS OF BUILDINGS AND HUMAN LIFE.
♦THIS IS A MISTAKEN BELIEF,* MR WHOLEY SAID. +HILL FIRES DO COST MONEY BOTH TO MEET THE COST OF THE FIRE FIGHTING ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED, AND IN TERMS OF LOSS ON THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS IN GOVERNMENT PLANTATIONS AND COUNTRY PARKS.*
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, THERE ARE SIGNIFICANT AND NOT-EASILY-QUANTIFIABLE LOSSES IN TERMS OF VEGETATION, LANDSCAPE QUALITY, WILD LIFE HABITAT, RISK OF EROSION AND SUBSEQUENT SILTING, ALL OF WHICH ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO THE COMMUNITY IN TERMS OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY.
MR WHOLEY CITED GRAVE WORSHIPPERS, ILLEGAL BARBECUE PARTIES, CARELESS HIKERS OR CAMPERS AND FARMERS WHO BURN OFF RUBBISH, AS THE MAIN CAUSES OF COUNTRYSIDE FIRES.
ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT HAD STEADILY IMPROVED AND STRENGTHENED ITS CAPABILITY TO DEAL WITH HILL FIRES, THE FINAL SOLUTION DEPENDED ON THE PREVENTION OF FIRE AND ONLY THE SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND REAL CO-OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC COULD MAKE THIS POSSIBLE.
THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN SHIU-LAP, WHO ALSO SPOKE AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRE SAFETY PRECAUTION IN WORKPLACES AND IN PARTICULAR THE PROBLEM OF OBSTRUCTION TO MEANS OF ESCAPE.
HE SAID LAST YEAR, THERE WERE 407 CASES HEARD BY THE COURTS FOR INFRINGEMENT OF FIRE SAFETY REGULATIONS, RESULTING IN FINES AMOUNTING TO $351 450. OF THESE CASES. 249 OR OVER 60 PER CENT WERE CONCERNED WITH OBSTRUCTION TO MEANS OF ESCAPE.
MR CHAN SAID THAT THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WAS ADOPTING AN ACTIVE APPROACH TO IMPROVE FIRE SAFETY IN FACTORIES THROUGH ENFORCING LEGISLATION, EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY. APART FROM SAFETY COURSES RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE, A NEW SET OF 'FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (FIRE PRECAUTIONS IN REGISTRABLE WORKPLACES) REGULATIONS WHICH CARRY PENALTIES RANGING FROM $10 000 TO $30 000 WAS INTRODUCED IN JULY THIS YEAR TO LAY DOWN MORE STRINGENT FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.
♦MOST OF THE FIRE- OCCURRING IN FACTORIES ARE A RESULT OF POOR MAINTENANCE OR OVERLOADING OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, UNSAFE PRACTICE IN THE USE OF FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES AND POOR HOUSEKEEPING, THESE DEFECTS COULD BE EASILY RECTIFIED IF THOSE IN THE WORKPLACES, EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES ALIKE, PAY PROPER ATTENTION TO FIRE SAFETY,* MR CHAN ADDED.
PUBLICITY FOR THIS YEAR’S FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN WOULD BE STEPPED UP IN THE FORM OF LEAFLETS, POSTERS, WARNING SIGNS, BOOKMARKS, RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS AND FILMS ON TELEVISION.
IN ADDITION, A TEACHING KIT HAS BEEN PRODUCED TO SPREAD THE BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF FIRE SAFETY TO SCHOOL CHILDREN.
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/3......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1981
3
DISTRICT SCHEME HELPS SOCIAL SERVICE PROVISION *****
THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR GRAHAM BARNES SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT WITH THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME THE OVERALL EXPANSION OF SOCIAL SERVICES, THE RATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND THE PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WOULD NEED TO BE FASTER.
AND THIS MIGHT HAVE SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL EXPENDITURE, HE TOLD THE JOINT DINNER ZONE II OF THE LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303 THIS EVENING.
MR BARNES SAID HE BELIEVED MOST OF THE PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE CONFLICTS BETWEEN DISTRICT BOARDS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WOULD BE RELATED TO TIMING AND DELAYS IN THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES WHICH WERE MOST LACKING IN EACH AREA.
HE SAID THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WOULD FIND ITSELF UNDER CONSIDERABLE PRESSURE TO SPEED UP THESE PROVISIONS.
MR BARNES STRESSED THAT THE NEW DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME WAS A BIG STEP WHICH GOVERNMENT WAS TAKING IN THIS FIELD.
AND IT WAS A BIGGER STEP IN THE URBAN AREAS THAN IT WAS IN THE NEW TOWNS WHERE THE DISTRICT OFFICER SYSTEM HAD ALREADY BEEN GRADUALLY EXPANDED INTO A SYSTEM OF DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES AND BOARDS.
♦IN THE URBAN AREA THE DISTRICT-BASED SYSTEM IS BEING EXPANDED FROM THE RELATIVELY HUMBLE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE TO A FULLY-FLEDGED AND HALF ELECTED BOARD IN A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS.
+THIS BY GOVERNMENT STANDARDS IS FAIRLY SPEEDY EVOLUTION,* HE ADDED.
MR BARNES PRAISED THE LIONS CLUBS FOR THEIR MAGNIFICENT TRADITION OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND SAID THAT THEY HAD STRONG INTERESTS, BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE, IN PARTICIPATING IN DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
+1 UNDERSTAND THE LIONS CLUBS AS SUCH DO NOT FUNCTION AS POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS, AND THEY ARE CERTAINLY WISE TO AVOID SO DOING.
+BUT IT IS NOT ONLY A VERY WIDE OPPORTUNITY OF PUBLIC SERVICE, BUT ALSO VITAL TO THE COMMUNITY AND INDEED THE INDIVIDUAL’S INTEREST IN THE FUTURE,* HE SAID.
♦SO IT IS VERY MUCH A LION’S JOB.*
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/4 ......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1981
4
EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS NAMED * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE HAS APPOINTED 20 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, THE FIRST TO BE SET UP ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE APPOINTED MEMBERS, COMING FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE INCLUDING EDUCATION, KAIFONGS, COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, REPRESENT A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
ALSO SERVING ON THE BOARD WILL BE FOUR URBAN COUNCILLORS -MISS MARIA TAM, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG, MR PETER P.F. CHAN AND DR KIM CHAM - AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM SIX GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. IT WILL BE CHAIRED BY THE CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER (EASTERN).
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DENIS BRAY, WILL ADDRESS THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE BOARD ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 28) AT THE MANSION STREET YOUTH CENTRE IN MODEL LANE, NORTH POINT.
BEFORE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, AN EASTERN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (EDMC) WAS ESTABLISHED IN MARCH THIS YEAR TO CO-ORDINATE GOVERNMENT SERVICES AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL TO ENSURE THAT DISTRICT NEEDS ARE MET AND PROBLEMS RESOLVED AS SWIFTLY AND EFFECTIVELY AS POSSIBLE.
THE EDMC, CHAIRED BY THE CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER (EASTERN), COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS MOST CLOSELY CONCERNED WITH THE PROVISION OF SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.
DURING THE PAST FEW MONTHS, THE EDMC, WORKING THROUGH ITS THREE SUB-COMMITTEES, HAS ENDEAVOURED TO IDENTIFY DISTRICT NEEDS AND PROBLEMS AND INITIATED A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND LIAISON SUB-COMMITTEE HAS, SINCE ITS INCEPTION, ORGANISED A WIDE VARIETY OF DISTRICT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS AND MADE A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT SUB-COMMITTEE HAS CONCENTRATED ON IDENTIFYING PROBLEM AREAS AND SUGGESTING IDEAS FOR IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES. IT HAS ALSO UNDERTAKEN MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND COMPILED A LIST OF VACANT CROWN LAND SITES AND MADE PROPOSALS FOR THEIR TEMPORARY USE.
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SUB-COMMITTEE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, HAS LOOKED INTO ILLEGAL PARKING, NEW FERRY SERVICES, PEDESTRIAN SAFETY, ABANDONED VEHICLES, THE KING’S ROAD TRAFFIC PROBLEM. AND THE LARGE SCALE'ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR AND MTRC ISLAND LINE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
/from the .......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1981
- 5 -
FROM THE EXPERIENCE GAINED IN WORKING TOGETHER, MEMBERS OF THE EDMC ARE NOW GEARED TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE SUPPORT TO THE NEW DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD TO BE HELD IN THE MANSION STREET YOUTH CENTRE, MODEL LANE, NORTH POINT AT 10 AM TOMORROW (OCTOBER 28). MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW AT 9.45 AM.
MEANWHILE, COPIES OF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES OF THE NEWLY-APPOINTED UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS MAY BE COLLECTED FROM GIS PRESS BOXES LATER TODAY.
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BIG JUMP IN GRANTS TO HOSPITALS
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS INCREASED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO SUBVENTED HOSPITALS BY MORE THAN 20 TIMES IN THE LAST 20 YEARS IN RECOGNITION OF THE CONTRIBUTION BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE IN HONG KONG.
THIS WAS STATED BY DR S.H. LEE, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, AT A MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION OF PAST AND PRESENT DIRECTORS OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE AMOUNT OF SUBVENTION TO THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES JUMPED FROM $22M IN I960 TO $476M LAST YEAR, HE SAID.
DR LEE SAID HONG KONG IS UNIQUE IN THAT MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE IS PROVIDED THROUGH THE JOINT EFFORTS OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND THE GOVERNMENT.
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAVE PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE OF HONG KONG BY PROVIDING A FULL RANGE OF PREVENTIVE, CURATIVE AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES.
♦WITHOUT THEIR ASSISTANCE THE OVERALL MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE IN HONG KONG WOULD NOT BE SO COMPLETE,+ DR LEE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE NUMBER OF SUBVENTED HOSPITALS AND BEDS MORE THAN DOUBLED, AND THE NUMBER OF INPATIENTS TREATED INCREASED BY 150 PER CENT, IN THE PAST 20 YEARS.
DR LEE SAID THAT IN THE NEXT DECADE THERE WOULD BE 3 000 MORE HOSPITAL BEDS FROM THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR.
♦WITH THE POPULATION GROWTH IN HONG KONG AND THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREAS, THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE IN THE COMMUNITY,+ HE SAID.
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/6 .....
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1981
6
WARM THANKS FROM PRINCE CHARLES AND LADY DIANA
* * M *
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES AND THE PRINCESS OF WALES HAVE SENT THEIR WARMEST THANKS TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG FOR THEIR MOST GENEROUS GIFT ON THE OCCASION OF THE ROYAL COUPLE’S WEDDING.
♦THE CARPET IS MAGNIFICENT AND WE ARE THRILLED WITH IT,+ PRINCE CHARLES WRITES IN A PARTLY HANDWRITTEN LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, REQUESTING HIM TO CONVEY HIS AND LADY DIANA’S WARMEST THANKS TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
THE FULL LETTER READS I
♦WE ARE BOTH OVERWHELMED BY YOUR GREAT KINDNESS IN THINKING OF SENDING US SUCH A SPLENDID WEDDING PRESENT. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING ALL THE TROUBLE TO FIND SOMETHING WHICH IS SO GREATLY APPRECIATED AND WILL BRING SO MUCH PLEASURE TO BOTH OF US THROUGHOUT OUR MARRIED LIFE.
♦THE CARPET IS MAGNIFICENT AND WE ARE THRILLED WITH IT. PLEASE WOULD YOU CONVEY OUR WARMEST THANKS TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG FOR THEIR MOST GENEROUS GIFT.+
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POK FU LAM ROAD BUS-ONLY LANE STARTS TOMORROW * * * *
MOTORISTS ARE REMINDED THAT A BUS-ONLY LANE WILL BE INTRODUCED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) ALONG A 1.2-KILOMETRE SECTION OF POK FU LAM ROAD.
THE LANE, EXTENDING FROM BISNEY ROAD TO POKFIELD ROAD, WILL OPERATE FROM 7 AM TO 9 AM FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY.
THE SECTION OF POK FU LAM ROAD BETWEEN SASSOON ROAD AND POKFIELD ROAD WILL ALSO BE DESIGNATED A CLEARWAY DURING THE SAME TIMES.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER, TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT DIVISION, MR ALAN LUI, TODAY URGED CAR DRIVERS TO FORM TWO QUEUES IN THE SPACE ALONGSIDE THE BUS-ONLY LANE.
ALL VEHICLES, EXCEPT OMNIBUSES AND THOSE AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE BUS-ONLY LANE DURING ITS HOURS OF OPERATION.
VEHICLES WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED TO CROSS THE BUS LANE TO GAIN ACCESS TO ADJACENT SITES.
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/7 .....
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1981
7
MORE TEETH TO COMBAT HARBOUR LITTER H * * *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S POLLUTION CONTROL UNIT HAS STRENGTHENED ITS FLEET OF REFUSE COLLECTION VESSELS IN SUPPORT OF THE REVITALISED CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.
TWO NEW +WATERWITCHES* HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S FLEET BRINGING TO THREE THE NUMBER OF SUCH VESSELS IN HONG KONG. THE +WATERWITCH+ IS ONE OF THE MOST ADVANCED REFUSE-COLLECTION VESSELS IN THE WORLD.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), MR TREVOR BERRY, MARINE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE POLLUTION CONTROL UNIT SAID THAT THE WATERWITCHES ARE NOW OPERATING THROUGHOUT HONG KONG WATERS DAILY TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM OF FLOATING REFUSE. SUCH REFUSE IS ILLEGALLY DUMPED INTO THE HARBOUR OR FINDS ITS WAY INTO THE WATERS FROM NULLAHS AND DRAINS.
♦EACH ’WATERWITCH’ IS CAPABLE OF LIFTING ON AVERAGE FROM EIGHT TO NINE TONNES OF FLOATING REFUSE EVERY DAY. THE POLLUTION CONTROL UNIT’S FLEET HAS BEEN COLLECTING REFUSE AT THE RATE OF 4 000 TONNES A YEAR AND AS THE ESTIMATED POTENTIAL YIELD OF REFUSE FROM HONG KONG WATERS IS 10 000 TONNES A YEAR, THE ADDITION OF THESE NEW ’WATERWITCHES’ TO OUR FLEET IS VITAL,* HE SAID.
THE POLLUTION CONTROL UNIT’S FLEET NOW CONSISTS OF 46 VESSELS, INCLUDING TWO ’HARBOURSWEEPERS’, RECEPTION VESSELS AND A FLEET OF SAMPANS, MR BERRY STATED.
HE SAID THAT TO UTILISE THE UNIT’S FLEET AS QUICKLY AND AS EFFICIENTLY AS POSSIBLE, DAWN HELICOPTER PATROLS WILL SOON BE UNDERTAKEN TO PINPOINT PARTICULARLY BAD SLICKS OF FLOATING REFUSE. THE WHEREABOUTS OF THESE SLICKS WILL BE RELAYED TO THE POLLUTION CONTROL UNIT WHICH WILL THEN SEND OFF ITS FLEET TO THE TROUBLED WATERS IMMEDIATELY.
♦THE ’WATERWITCH’ IS MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AT A COST OF HK$75O 000 EACH,* MR BERRY SAID. +IT IS USED BY MARINE AUTHORITIES IN COUNTRIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD INCLUDING THOSE IN THE U.S.A., EUROPE, THE MIDDLE EAST AND SINGAPORE,* HE STATED.
THE TWO NEW WATERWITCHES WHICH ONLY ARRIVED BY SHIP ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, WERE COMMISSIONED ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 25) IN THE PRESENCE OF THREE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MANUFACTURER WHO FLEW OUT TO HONG KONG ESPECIALLY FOR THE OCCASION, HE ADDED.
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/8......
lUtSUAY, OCTOBER 27, 1981
- 8 -
FLYOVER PLANNED * * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT PLANS TO BUILD A FLYOVER ALONG LAU SIN STREET LINKING HING FAT STREET AND TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD.
BECAUSE OF INTENSIVE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT IN THE TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD AND BRAEMAR HILL ROAD AREAS, HEAVY TRAFFIC WAS BEING GENERATED AT THE JUNCTIONS OF TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD AND KING’S ROAD AND CAUSEWAY ROAD AND HING FAT STREET, A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PROPOSED FLYOVER WOULD PROVIDE A BYPASS FOR TRAFFIC HEADING FOR THESE AREAS AND IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW ON KING’S ROAD. IN ADDITION, A FOOTBRIDGE WOULD BE BUILT ACROSS KING’S ROAD.
THE PROPOSED WORKS WILL INVOLVE ALTERATION TO THE ALIGNMENTS, LEVELS AND WIDTHS OF LAU SIN STREET AND ITS INTERSECTION WITH HING FAT STREET, ELECTRIC ROAD, NGAN MOK STREET, KING’S ROAD AND TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED UNDERTAKINGS WAS PUBLISHED IN GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSALS SHOULD BE MADE IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS BEFORE NOVEMBER 16 THIS YEAR AND CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION SHOULD BE MADE BEFORE DECEMBER 16 THIS YEAR.
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LOK SIN TONG GROUP CALLS ON WELFARE DIRECTOR KO*
SIXTEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY, LED BY THE CHAIRMAN, MR KU SZE-CHUNG, PAID A COURTESY VISIT TO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE, THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING.
DURING THE MEETING, MR KU TOLD MR ALLEYNE THAT THE SOCIETY HAD UNDERTAKEN TWO MAJOR PROJECTS IN THE CURRENT YEAR — THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW S10-MILLI0N SECONDARY SCHOOL IN LOK SIN ROAD AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOME IN TAI PO WITH MORE THAN 240 PLACES.
THE S10-MILLI0N TAI PO PROJECT, WHICH IS RECEIVING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, IS DUE FOR COMPLETION NEXT SUMMER.
MR ALLEYNE SAID HE WAS HAPPY TO HEAR OF THE NEW PROJECTS
♦I HOPE THE DEPARTMENT AND THE -------
SOCIETY WILL DO SOME PROJECTS
TOGETHER, + HE SAID
DURING THE MEETING, MR KU TOTALLING $5 000 TO MR ALLEYNE
TWO FAMILIES INVOLVED IN THE ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO.
ALSO PRESENTED TWO CHEQUES AS THE SOCIETY’S DONATIONS TO THE
POISON WELL
TRAGEDY IN HO SHEUNG HEUNG
A VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE ALSO PERSONALLY DONATED $250
SOCIETY, MR LUI FOOK-HONG, EACH TO THE FAMILIES.
THE LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY
____ _________ IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST
VOLUNTARY WELFARE ORGANISATIONS IN THE TERRITORY WITH A HISTORY GOING BACK MORE THAN 100 YEARS.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1981
9
FIRST PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTER IN THA
* * M
THE FIRST PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTER IN A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA (THA) WAS OPENED AT YUE KOK, TAI PO, TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE COUNTER IS IN BLOCK 37 IN AN OFFICE WHICH IT WILL SHARE WITH THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION.
RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE DECLARATIONS THERE, GET ANSWERS TO GENERAL ENQUIRIES AND OBTAIN GOVERNMENT FORMS.
MANNED BY A LIAISON OFFICER FROM TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, THE COUNTER WILL BE OPEN EVERY TUESDAY BETWEEN 7 PM AND 9.30 PM.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID LOCAL RESPONSE TO SIMILAR SERVICES PROVIDED AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING HAD BEEN GOOD.
THE NEW COUNTER WOULD SERVE AS A CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THA RESIDENTS. IT WOULD IMPROVE SERVICES AND ENABLE CLOSER CONTACT BETWEEN THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND RESIDENTS.
THE YUE KOK THA, LOCATED AT TING KOK ROAD, IS THE ONLY ONE IN TAI PO. IT HOUSES 8 900 PEOPLE, MOST OF WHOM HAVE MOVED THERE FROM OTHER AREAS OF TAI PO, FANLING AND SHEUNG SHU I.
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PRISON OFFICERS THANKED FOR SAVING OLD WOMAN
HUM
TWO ASSISTANT OFFICERS OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT WHO RESCUED AN ELDERLY WOMAN FROM CHOPPY SEA AT CHI MA WAN EARLY LAST MONTH WERE TODAY (TUESDAY) THANKED FOR THEIR COURAGEOUS ACT.
THE 68-YEAR-OLD WOMAN, MRS LEE LAU-YING, CALLED AT THE CHI MA WAN PRISON TODAY AND PRESENTED THE OFFICERS EACH WITH A PLAQUE IN APPRECIATION OF THEIR BRAVERY AND PUBLIC-SPIRITED ACTION. THE OFFICERS ARE MR CHAN KWOK-KEUNG AND MR NG SHUl-MING.
TO
MRS LEE SAID THE TWO PLAQUES WERE SENT HERE BY HER SON WHO IS A BUSINESSMAN IN TAIWAN. HER SON HAD ALSO WRITTEN TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF CHI MA WAN PRISON THAT HE WAS VERY GRATEFUL THE TWO OFFICERS FOR SAVING HIS MOTHER’S LIFE.
THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AT 11.15 AM ON SEPTEMBER 4 WHEN MR CHAN KWOK-KEUNG OF CHI MA WAN PRISON AND MR NG SHUl-MING, A DRIVER OF MA PO PING PRISON WHO WERE ON DUTY AT CHI MA WAN RESPONDED TO A CRY FOR HELP COMING FROM THE DIRECTION OF A PUBLIC PIER NEARBY.
THEY SAW MRS LEE, A VILLAGER OF SHAP LONG TSUEN ON LANTAU, WHO HAD FALLEN OFF THE PIER, STRUGGLING IN THE CHOPPY SEA, AND DIVED IN AND RESCUED HER.
AFTER INITIAL TREATMENT BY THE MEDICAL OFFICER IN THE PRISON, M?S LEE WAS TAKEN BY HELICOPTER TO THE HOSPITAL.
THE VILLAGERS OF SHAP LONG TSUEN INFORMED HER SON IN TAIWAN OF WHAT HAD HAPPENED.
/10 .....
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1981
10
TRAINING COURSE ON CAGE CULTURE FOR FISH * * *
SIXTEEN REPRESENTATIVES FROM SEVEN ASIAN COUNTRIES WILL TAKE PART IN A TRAINING COURSE ON CAGE CULTURE FOR FINFISH AT THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S FISHERIES RESEARCH STATION IN ABERDEEN FROM NOVEMBER 2 TO 12.
THE TRAINING COURSE IS ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND FUNDED BY THE SOUTH CHINA SEA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AND CO-ORDINATING PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED NATIONS.
COUNTRIES TO BE REPRESENTED ARE BANGLADESH, INDONESIA. MALAYSIA, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, SRI LANKA AND THAILAND.
LECTURES WILL BE GIVEN BY FISHERIES EXPERTS OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ON THE SELECTION OF SITES, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF FLOATING CAGES AND RAFTS FOR CAGE CULTURE, SPECIES
CULTURED- FEEDS AND FEEDING, FISH DISEASES AND THEIR DIAGNOSIS AND CONTROL, AS WELL AS THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF CAGE CULTURE.
- - o - -
APPEAL FOR STUDENTS’ SUPPORT OF CHILDREN’S WARD * * *
AN APPEAL TO SCHOOL CHILDREN TO SUPPORT BY ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS THE +SCHOOL CHILDREN’S WARD* IN THE RUTTONJEE SANATORIUM WAS MADE BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, IN A GENERAL SCHOOLS CIRCULAR.
THIS WARD OF 10 COTS IS THE ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG AND THE DONATIONS RECEIVED FROM SCHOOLS ENABLE THE CHILDREN THERE TO RECEIVE MEDICAL CARE AND ATTENTION WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE NOT BE AVAILABLE TO THEM.
♦LAST YEAR, SCHOOLS CONTRIBUTED A SUM OF ABOUT $314 888, A SPLENDID ACHIEVEMENT AND A CREDIT TO ALL CONCERNED,* MR HAYE SAID.
HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT SCHOOLS WOULD CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN THIS WARD BY INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE EFFORTS.
♦INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS SHOULD AGAIN BE LIMITED TO 50 CENTS AND MUST BE ENTIRELY VOLUNTARY, BUT SCHOOLS MAY CONSIDER VARIOUS OTHER WAYS AND MEANS OF RAISING MONEY TO SUPPORT THIS PRAISEWORTHY CAUSE,* THE DIRECTOR SAID.
SCHOOL CONTRIBUTIONS SHOULD BE SENT, PREFERABLY BY CROSSED CHEQUES PAYABLE TO THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION, TO THE DEPUTY SECRETARY (GENERAL) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG FOR ONWARD TRANSMISSION TO THE ASSOCIATION. ENVELOPES SHOULD BE MARKED +ANTI-TB+.
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/11 ........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1981
11
TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS SEE NEW TOWN OF THE FUTURE * * * *
A PREVIEW OF WHAT TAI PO WILL LOOK LIKE BY THE 1990’S WAS GIVEN TODAY (TUESDAY) TO MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE MEMBERS ATTENDED AN EXHIBITION OF MODELS, MAPS AND PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING FUTURE POPULATION GROWTH AND DISTRIBUTION, TRANSPORT SYSTEMS, HOUSING AND SPORTING AND CULTURAL FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED IN THE NEW TOWN BY THE TIME IT IS FULLY DEVELOPED.
THE MEMBERS, INCLUDING 14 UNOFFICIALS AND FIVE OFFICIALS WERE BRIEFED BY THE PROJECT MANAGER OF TAI PO AND FANLING DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR JEFF THOMAS.
THEY LEARNED THAT THE POPULATION WOULD RISE FROM THE PRESENT 70 000 TO 230 000 BY THE END OF THE DECADE AND THAT HALF WOULD BE LIVING IN PUBLIC HOUSING.
RESIDENTS ARE ALREADY MOVING INTO THE FIRST PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, TAI YUEN, AND WORK ON TWO OTHER ESTATES WILL BE COMPLETED BY 1985.
ROAD PROJECTS, INCLUDING THE COASTAL HIGHWAY, ELECTRIFICATION OF THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY AND THE TRUNK ROAD LINKING TAI PO TO FANLING, WERE EXPLAINED.
THE EXHIBITION, ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE IN TING KOK ROAD, WILL ALSO BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM UNTIL NEXT TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 3).
AFTER THE VISIT, THE MEMBERS ATTENDED THE FOURTH DISTRICT BOARD MEETING.
0 - -
TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL PRESS CONFERENCE * X * *
MORE THAN 70 EVENTS WILL BE HELD DURING THE THREE-WEEK TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL WHICH STARTS ON NOVEMBER 7.
THE FESTIVAL, HELD ANNUALLY SINCE 1979, IS BEING ORGANISED BY TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE FEDERATION OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION.
DETAILS OF THIS VEAR’S FESTIVAL WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 3 PM AT THE FUNG SHU I ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF HONG KONG HOTEL IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, DR JAMES HAYES- THE FESTIVAL CHAIRMAN, NR CHAU HOW-CHEN- THE DISTRICT’S URBAN SERVICES OFFICER, MR LI TIN-MING- AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER, MR POON SHU-KEE, WILL BE PRESENT.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE.
0 - -
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1931
12
GOOD PROMOTION PROSPECTS IN IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT * * * *
MORE INTELLIGENT YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN ARE BEING URGENTLY SOUGHT BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TO COPE WITH THE EVER-INCREASING WORKLOAD.
♦FOR INSTANCE, WE HAVE HAD TO DEAL WITH NEARLY 16 MILLION ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH ABOUT 14 MILLION FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR + A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED.
THE DEMAND FOR OTHER IMMIGRATION FACILITIES HAS ALSO INCREASED. FOR EXAMPLE, A TOTAL OF 786 559 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WERE ISSUED AND 385 527 VISA APPLICATIONS WERE PROCESSED FROM JANUARY TO AUGUST THIS YEAR. DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE DEPARTMENT’S ENQUIRIES SECTION HAS HAD TO DEAL WITH SOME 361 800 CALLS, AN EIGHT PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1980.
+THAT IS WHY WE HAVE TO RECRUIT MORE STAFF AND AT THE SAME TIME, TO PROMOTE THE EXPERIENCED OFFICERS TO TAKE UP POSTS OF HIGHER RESPONSIBILITY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦IMMIGRATION WORK IS INTERESTING, CHALLENGING, EXCITING AND FULL OF VARIETY,* SAID MR LEE KUN-SUM, AN IMMIGRATION ASSISTANT RECENTLY PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICER. MR LEE JOINED THE DEPARTMENT IN 1977 AS AN IMMIGRATION ASSISTANT.
+THE WORK RANGES FROM THE CONTROL OF PEOPLE PASSING IN AND OUT OF HONG KONG TO THE ISSUE OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, FROM SEARCHES FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF IMMIGRANT LAWS,* HE SAID.
SHARING HIS COLLEAGUE’S VIEWS, MR WONG HANG-CHEONG ADDED THAT THE WORK WAS IMPORTANT AND BUSY TOO.
+AS IMMIGRATION OFFICERS, WE HAVE THE CHANCE TO MEET PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES AND FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, AND THERE WAS ALSO OPPORTUNITIES TO GO OVERSEAS,* MR WONG SAID.
MR WONG WAS AWARDED A BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL (BEM) LAST YEAR 3Y THE QUEEN FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN HANDLING LARGE NUMBERS OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES DURING THE HEIGHT OF THE INFLUX IN 1979.
BOTH OFFICERS AND EIGHT OTHER PROMOTED ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICERS ARE NOW RECEIVING A FURTHER 13 WEEKS INTENSIVE TRAINING WHICH COVERS PHYSICAL EXERCISES, LEARNING ABOUT THE RELEVANT IMMIGRATION LAWS AND STANDING ORDERS, AS WELL AS THE TECHNIQUES OF HANDLING SUSPECTS, AND THE IDENTIFICATION OF FORGED DOCUMENTS.
+THE TRAINING IS ESSENTIAL BECAUSE THE OFFICERS ARE GIVEN POWERS TO SEARCH, DETAIN AND ARREST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, OVERSTAYERS AND THOSE WHO BREACH THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THE TECHNIQUES IN IDENTIFYING FORGED DOCUMENTS ARE DESIGNED TO CURB ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND ASSOCIATED CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES + HE STRESSED.
THE TRAINEES ARE ALSO DESPATCHED TO CONTROL POINTS AT THE AIRPORT, LOWU AND HO'.G KONG-MACAU FERRY PIER ON PRACTICAL WORK.
------o-------
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1981
13
DISABLED TO STAGE TALENT SHOW * * * *
DISABLED AND ABLE-BODIED PEOPLE FROM 11 VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE WILL STAGE A COLOURFUL TALENT SHOW AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM IN WAN CHAI ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 1).
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE SHOW, WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT IN LINE WITH THE UNITED NATIONS’ PROCLAMATION OF 1981 AS THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS, THE DEPARTMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR HAD ORGANISED MANY ACTIVITIES TO DRIVE HOME THE OVERALL THEME OF +INTEGRATION+.
+THE TERRITORY-WIDE TALENT SHOW IS ONE OF THE MAIN ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR THE YEAR,* HE SAID.
+THE PURPOSE IS TO DRAW THE PUBLIC’S ATTENTION TO THE PROBLEMS OF THE DISABLED AND TO THE FACT THAT THEY HAVE MANY OTHER ABILITIES AND ARE IMPORTANT MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
PERFORMANCES BY THE DISABLED ON SUNDAY WILL INCLUDE DANCES, BAND MUSIC, FOLK SONG SINGING, A LION DANCE, A VARIETY SHOW AND THE PLAYING OF VIOLIN AND OTHER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.
DANCERS FROM TVB AND DISC JOCKEYS FROM RTHK WILL ALSO ENTERTAIN THE GATHERING.
TWO MONTHS AGO, THE TALENT SHOW ORGANISING COMMITTEE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LIONS CLUB OF SHA TIN, HELD A SLOGAN COMPETITION IN SUPPORT OF THE TALENT SHOW. WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES AT THE OPENING CEREMONY ON SUNDAY.
OTHERS TAKING PART IN THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE- THE PRESIDENT OF THE TSIM SHA TSUI KAI FONG ASSOCIATION, MR NG TOR-TAI- THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIETY OF HOMES FOR THE HANDICAPPED, MR NG WAI-KEI, AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE LIONS CLUB OF SHA TIN, MR SIU WING-HONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TALENT SHOW WHICH STARTS AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, 18 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI. THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL START AT 3 PM AND WILL LAST ABOUT HALF AN HOUR. PERFORMANCES WILL RESUME AT ABOUT 3.45 PM.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED B'r GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONS' ELD HOUSE. HONG KONG ’• . 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBI® 28, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
STRONGER ACTION URGED AGAINST HUT RACKETEERS—THE HON R.H. LOBO ................................................ -I
EXAMINATION OF MEDICAL POLICY URGED—DR THE HON HARRY S.Y. FANG.................................................. 4
TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENTS—THE HON T.S. LO ................... 7
SPEED UP MANPOWER TRAINING SCHEMES, GOVT URGED—DR THE HON
FRANCIS Y.H. TIEN ......................................... 9
+REVIVE INDUSTRY'S PIONEER SPIRIT+—THE HON AT,EX S.C. WU . 10
CHANGE NEEDED IN CORRECTIONAL CENTRES FOR JUVENILES—THE HON JOYCE BENNETT ........................................ 12
NEED FOR SINGLE AUTHORITY STRESSED—THE HON S.L. CHEN .... 16
WARNING OVER GROWDJG RATE OF PUBLIC SPENDING—THE HON LYDIA DUNN .............................................
CONCERN OVER JUVENILE CRIME—DR THE HON HENRY HU........... 22
DELAY IN LAW OF PROPERTY BILL RAPPED—THE HON PETER C. WONG...................................................... 23
HIGH RENTS BLAMED FOR LOWER QUALITY OF T.TFE—DR THE HON RAYSON HUANG ............................................. 25
IMPLICATIONS OF UK NATIONALITY BILL—THE HON J.J. SWAINE . 28
BUS LANE CUTS JOURNEY TIMES BY 80 PER CENT' ................. 30
THIRD TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED ................... 31
EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD INAUGURATED .......................... 32
MORE PARKING SPACES RE-OPINED IN HUNG HOM.................... 32
ELECTION OF EMPLOYEES' REPRESENTATIVES ...................... 33
HEALTH TALKS IN TUIN MUN .................................... 33
OPEN DAY AT KOWLOON REHABILITATION CENTRE ................... 34
LABOUR RELATIONS WORKSHOPS .................................. 34
PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND 'WATERLOO ROAD CLOSED FOR BRIDGE DEMOLITION ................................................. 35
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY GALA NIGHT ................................ 35
RETIREMENT MEMENTO .......................................... 36
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
1
STRONGER ACTION URGED AGAINST HUT RACKETEERS ******
THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON R.H. LOBO, THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE MORE POSITIVE EFFORTS TO ARREST AND PROSECUTE THOSE WHO BUILD SQUATTER HUTS FOR SALE INSTEAD OF RELYING SO MUCH ON THE CORRECTIVE NEASURE OF DEMOLISHING THEM.
HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT HE WAS NOT SUGGESTING THAT THE HELPLESS SQUATTER WHO IS GENUINELY BUILDING A HUT IN WHICH TO LIVE SHOULD BE PROSECUTED.
+BUT RATHER THAT WE SHOULD SEEK OUT AND PUNISH THOSE WHO BUILD AND SELL HUTS, THUS PROFITING FROM THE MISFORTUNES OF OTHERS AT THE EXPENSE OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE,* HE SAID.
MR LOBO NOTED THAT SINCE 1976, 90 PER CENT OF NEW SQUATTING HAS BEEN CONCENTRATED IN EAST KOWLOON.
AND IT IS THE AVAILABILITY OF ACCOMMODATION IN THIS DESIRABLE LOCATION, RATHER THAN THE FORCE OF DEMAND FOR HOMES, WHICH IS THE MAIN CAUSE OF CURRENT NEW SQUATTING IN THIS AREA.
THIS IS BORNE OUT BY THE RELUCTANCE OF THOSE RENDERED HOMELESS BY FIRE OR FLOOD TO ACCEPT PERFECTLY GOOD ACCOMMODATION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
MR LOBO SAID HE UNDERSTOOD 90 PER CENT OF THE NEW HUTS IN EAST KOWLOON ARE BEING BUILT BY RACKETEERS AND IT IS AGAINST THIS GROUP THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS SHOULD BE CONCENTRATED.
INDEED, HE SAID, ROOF-OVER +IS THE GREATEST SINGLE CAUSE OF WORRY IN HONG KONG*.
+FOR MANY PEOPLE IT WILL CONTINUE TO BE A CASE OF 'JAM TOMORROW’ AND FOR SOME IT LOOKS LIKE NO JAM AT ALL IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.
+IF WE ARE TO REGARD THAT AS A PROBLEM OF MANAGEABLE PROPORTIONS I THINK THAT WE MUST DO MORE TO MAKE CONDITIONS TOLERABLE FOR THOSE WHO WAIT, PARTICULARLY IN THE SQUATTER AREAS,* MR LOBO SAID.
HE REITERATED HIS EARLIER PLEA IN THE COUNCIL ON THE NEED TO PROVIDE BASIC FACILITIES, SUCH AS WATER, ELECTRICITY, FOOTPATHS, LATRINES, ETC. FOR THE MORE PERMANENT SQUATTER AREAS AND ASKED WHAT PROGRESS IS BEING MADE IN THIS RESPECT.
HONG KONG, HE POINTED OUT, MUST NOW ACCEPT THAT SQUATTERS WILL BE A FEATURE OF OUR HOUSING SITUATION FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.
THIS IS BECAUSE OUR OWN HOUSING PROGRAMMES DO NOT PROVIDE FOR THEIR ELIMINATION IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE AND THEY WILL CERTAINLY NOT GO AWAY BY THEMSELVES.
/+THAT BEING........
WEDNESDAY, OGTOBEH 28, 19& 1
- 2 -
♦ THAT BEING SO, WE MUST CONSIDER WHAT SORT OF AN ELEMENT THEY CONSTITUTE IN OUR SOCIETY.
♦ IF IT IS IMPORTANT THAT OUR SOCIETY SHOULD BE COHESIVE, THEN TO DENY OR TO WITHHOLD FROM SQUATTER AREAS WHAT ARE REGARDED EVERYWHERE ELSE AS ESSENTIAL SERVICES AND AMENITIES, RISKS DISCONTENT, RESENTMENT AND DIVISION.
♦ IT IS ONE THING, AS A MATTER OF POLICY, TO MAKE NEW SQUATTING UNATTRACTIVE- IT IS ANOTHER TO PERPETUATE AMONG ESTABLISHED SQUATTERS A SENSE OF NEGLECT AND ALIENATION.+ MR LOBO SAID.
WHILE RECOGNISING THERE IS NO EASY SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEMS THAT SOME PEOPLE HAVE A GREATER CLAIM ON RESOURCES THAN OTHERS AND THAT THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN LIFETIME OF WORK AND THEIR LOYALTY TO HONG KONG WILL RESENT WAITING EVEN LONGER IN THE QUEUE, HE CONSIDERED IT +NOT NECESSARY TO REVERSE OUR POLICIES AND OUR PRIORITIES+.
♦ INDEED NO GREAT EFFORT IS REQUIRED AT ALL TO PROVIDE BASIC SERVICES ON A REASONABLE ADEQUATE SCALE,+ HE SAID.
♦ IF ELECTRICITY CAN BE SUPPLIED ILLEGALLY, FOR EXAMPLE, IT CAN SURELY BE DONE LEGALLY.
♦ IT SOMETIMES LOOKS AS IF RED TAPE RATHER THAN A DETERMINED EFFORT TO IMPROVE IS THE MAJOR OBSTACLE.+
PUBLIC CLEANLINESS WAS ANOTHER TOPIC ON WHICH MR LOBO EXPRESSED HIS VIEWS.
HE SAID NEGLECT IS TOO PREVALENT A FEATURE OF OUR ENVIRONMENT.
CITING EXAMPLES OF OFFICIAL NEGLECT, HE SAID PAVEMENTS ARE RIPPED APART AND OBSTRUCTED BY UNTIDY AND INCONSIDERATE BUILDING WORK- UNDEVELOPED PLOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND HAVE DEGENERATED INTO UNCONTROLLED TIPS- ROAD SIGNS ARE UNPAINTED AND ILLEGIBLE- AND ROAD DIVIDERS ARE FESTOONED WITH RUBBISH AND SILTED UP WITH DIRT.
♦IRONICALLY SOME OF THE MOST VISIBLE EYESORES FOR MANY YEARS HAVE BEEN THE TILTED CUBES ADVERTISING THE LAST CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN, WHICH LAY PEELING AND FADED UNTIL THEY WERE REPAINTED FOR THIS ONE.
♦IT IS EQUALLY IRONIC THAT SOME OF THE WORSE DESPOILERS OF THE ENVIRONMENT ARE THOSE WHO WOULD REGARD THEMSELVES AS CARING AND RESPONSIBLE PEOPLE.+
MR LOBO SAID ART AND THEATRE GROUPS SLAP THEIR CULTURAL INVITATIONS UP WITHOUT THOUGHT AND NEVER THINK OF TAKING THEM DOWN, SUCH AS THE POSTERS GLUED ON PILLARS AND WALLS OR WRAPPED AROUND TREES.
/civic-minded.........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
3
CIVIC-MINDED ORGANISATIONS HANG BANNERS FOR WORTHY CAUSES ON FLYOVERS AND PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES AND YEARS LATER THE REMNANTS HANG IN TATTERS AS ANOTHER CONTRIBUTION TO CIVIC SQUALOR.
♦CLEANLINESS, LIKE CHARITY, BEGINS AT HOME,+ SAID MR LOBO.
♦AND I HOPE THAT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND PUBLIC ORGANISATIONS WILL SET AN EXAMPLE TO THE REST OF US.
♦CLOSER ATTENTION TO THE IMPACT WHICH PUBLIC PROGRAMMES HAVE ON THE INDIVIDUALS AND MORE EVIDENT CONCERN FOR THE IMMEDIATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF DAILY LIFE COULD DO MUCH TO GIVE OUR SOCIETY THE SENSE OF PURPOSE AND DIRECTION WHICH WE MAY OTHERWISE BE LOSING.
♦YOU SPOKE, SIR, OF THE QUALITIES OUR SOCIETY ASPIRES TOi TO BE TECHNICALLY ADVANCED, VALUED AND RESPECTED- I HUMBLY ADD -THE QUALITY OF SELF-RESPECT7+
MR LOBO ALSO TOUCHED ON THE WORK OF THE UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS.
HE SAID THE 27 UNOFFICIALS GIVE ONLY A VERY SMALL PROPORTION OF THEIR PUBLIC SERVICE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER AND SPEND MUCH MORE TIME ON OTHER PUBLIC COMMITTEES IN STUDYING THE IMPACT OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES, OR MEETING GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH PROBLEMS AND GRIEVANCES.
THEY ARE HOLDING OVER 300 SEATS ON A WIDE RANGE OF PUBLIC BOARDS AND COMMITTEES DEALING WITH EVERY ASPECT OF PUBLIC LIFE.
AT THE SAME TIME THEY ARE GIVING DETAILED ATTENTION TO SPECIFIC AREAS OF GOVERNMENT POLICY ON 17 STANDING GROUPS AND AN EVEN LARGER NUMBER OF IN-HOUSE COMMITTEES EXAMINING INDIVIDUAL PROPOSALS AND PROBLEMS.
♦THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL NEED NOT DEFER TO ANYONE AS TO CONCERN FOR THE WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AT EVERY LEVEL AND IN EVERY WALK OF LIFE.
♦WE ARE WELL AWARE THAT BROAD PLANS AND POLICIES DO NOT SOLVE IMMEDIATE INDIVIDUAL PROBLEMS AND THAT THE QUALITY OF OUR SOCIETY IS JUDGED ULTIMATELY BY THE EXTENT TO WHICH, ON AN EVERY DAY BASIS, IT RESPECTS THE RIGHTS OF EVERY MEMBER, PROTECTS THE WEAK FROM THE STRONG AND IS IN EVERY WAY JUST AND FAIR.
♦OUR FREE SOCIETY MUST ALWAYS BE FAIR,+ MR LOBO SAID.
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/4.......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
4
EXAMINATION OF MEDICAL POLICY URGED
* * * *
THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN HONG KONG HAS REACHED A CROSS-ROAD, DR THE HON HARRY FANG TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
AND THE TIME HAS COME FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO EXAMINE THE BROAD PRINCIPLES OF ITS MEDICAL AND HEALTH POLICY, HE ADDED.
HE QUOTED A SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AS SAYING THAT +GOVERNMENT HAD BY IMPLICATIONS VEERED TOWARDS THE POLICY OF PROVIDING A MEDICAL SERVICE FOR ALL THAT NEEDED IT, BUT IN TRYING TO PROVIDE TOO MUCH FOR TOO MANY PEOPLE THE GOVERNMENT HAS ENDED UP BY NOT PROVIDING ENOUGH FOR ANYONE*.
+THERE IS A LOT OF TRUTH IN THIS STATEMENT,* SAID DR FANG. *WITHOUT A CLEAR DEFINITION OF WHO ARE THE ONES IN NEED, THE GOVERNMENT HAS IN FACT BEEN PROVIDING A MINI NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE.
+IF A NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE FOR ALL IS OUR AIM, THEN FUNDS MUST BE MADE AVAILABLE TO RUN IT.*
STATISTICS SHOW THAT THE $1 884 MILLION MEDICAL AND HEALTH BILL FOR 1981/82 FORMS ROUGHLY EIGHT PER CENT OF THE TOTAL GOVERNMENT BUDGET BUT SLIGHTLY MORE THAN ONE PER CENT OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT. MOST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES ARE SPENDING BETWEEN FIVE AND EIGHT PER CENT OF THEIR GDP ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
+THIS SHARE - EIGHT PER CENT OF OUR BUDGET - CAN ONLY BE INCREASED AT THE EXPENSE OF OTHER PROGRAMMES OR BY AN OVERALL INCREASE IN TAXATION OR THROUGH A SPECIAL TAX FOR MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE.
+THE LAST TWO WOULD MEAN MAJOR CHANGES IN OUR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL POLICIES,* HE ADDED. '•
HOWEVER, DR FANG NOTED THAT NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE SCHEMES ELSEWHERE HAVE NOT PROVED TO BE THE PANACEA THAT THEY PROMISED TO BE AND ALSO EXPRESSED DOUBT WHETHER HONG KONG CAN AFFORD IT.
BASED ON THE PER CAPITA COST (POUND STERLING 141) OF THE BRITISH NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE IN 1978, DR FANG SAID HONG KONG WOULD NEED TO SPEND OVER $7 600 MILLION IN 1981/82 WHICH IS FOUR TIMES THE PRESENT MEDICAL AND HEALTH BUDGET AND IS OVER 40 PER CENT OF LAST YEAR’S TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON THE PUBLIC SECTOR.
DR FANG AGREED WITH THE GOVERNOR THAT THE LIKELIHOOD OF ACHIEVING AN ADDITIONAL 15 000 HOSPITAL BEDS BY THE END OF THE DECADE IS +RATHER DOUBTFUL*.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS ALREADY DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY THROUGH SUBVENTIONS, FUNDING 85 PER CENT OF THE HOSPITAL BEDS AND IF NO NEW BEDS ARE BUILT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE PROPORTION OF THE GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT WILL BE OVER 92 PER CENT BY THE END OF THE DECADE.
/BJT THE ....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
5
BUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRIVATE HOSPITALS IN THE PAST TEN YEARS IS MOST DISAPPOINTING, HE SAID.
AND IT WILL CONTINUE TO BE DISAPPOINTING UNLESS POSITIVE STEPS ARE TO BE TAKEN.
FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, PLANS OF THE DR SUN YAT SEN HOSPITAL IN KOWLOON WERE ABORTED- THE WAH JEN HOSPITAL ON BRAEMAR HILL HAS BEEN DELAYED AND THE RECENTLY-APPROVED AW BOON HAW HOSPITAL IN WONG CHUK HANG HAS MADE LITTLE HEADWAY.
ONE OF THE DISINCENTIVES COULD WELL BE IN THE RESTRICTIVE LAND GRANT CONDITION WHICH REQUIRE 20 PER CENT OF THE HOSPITAL BEDS TO BE OPERATED AS +CHARITY BEDS*, HE ADDED.
+IT IS COMMON KNOWLEDGE THAT IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES THE CHANCE OF BREAKING EVEN IS VERY SLIM.
♦I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO ARE WILLING TO SHOULDER THE CAPITAL COSTS OF CONSTRUCTING HOSPITALS, BUT WHO ARE PUT OFF BY THE PROHIBITIVE RECURRENT COSTS.
+ IF THE REQUIREMENT FOR LAND GRANTS COULD BE MODIFIED TO EMPHASIZE SOLELY ON THE ’NON-PROFIT MAKING’ ASPECT, I AM SURE THIS WOULD STIMULATE PRIVATE PARTICIPATION WITHOUT NEGATING THE SOCIAL OBJECTIVE OF ENSURING THAT THE SERVICE IS WITHIN THE MEANS OF THE COMMUNITY.*
HE SUGGESTED THAT A FIXED PERCENTAGE OF BEDS BE PROVIDED +AT COST* WHILE PROFITS FROM THE REMAINING BEDS BE USED TO UPGRADE AND EXPAND THE SERVICES.
TURNING TO PRIMARY MEDICAL CARE, DR FANG NOTED THAT IT IS ONE OF THE WEAKEST AREAS IN THE GOVERNMENT MEDICAL SERVICE.
AT PRESENT, PRIMARY CARE IS CARRIED OUT IN THE GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS. WORK AT THESE CLINICS IS HEAVY WITH LITTLE SCOPE FOR TRAINING AND DOCTORS ARE ASSIGNED THERE NOT BY CHOICE BUT BY CIRCUMSTANCE.
BECAUSE OF THE TREMENDOUS WORKLOAD, HE SAID, OFTEN LESS THAN TWO MINUTES ARE SPENT ON EACH PATIENT AND THE DOCTOR/PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS NON-EXISTENT.
A RECENT SURVEY OF ATTENDANCE AT THE CLINICS SHOWS THAT THE MAJORITY WERE HOUSEWIVES, ELDERLY PEOPLE AND CHILDREN. FEW WORKING MEN OR WOMEN COULD AFFORD TO SPEND TIME QUEUING AT THESE CLINICS.
+1 SUGGEST THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD ENCOURAGE MORE EMPLOYERS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO PROVIDE FOR THE MEDICAL NEEDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES AND THEIR FAMILIES THROUGH INSURANCE SCHEMES AND ARRANGEMENTS WITH PRIVATE DOCTORS,* HE SAID.
SUCH A SCHEME WOULD RELIEVE PRESSURE ON GOVERNMENT FACILITIES AND MAKE THESE MORE READILY AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO CANNOT AFFORD bEDICAL CARE OTHERWISE, HE SAID.
THERE MOULD ALSO BE A BETTER UTILIZATION OF RESOURCES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND THE PUBLIC WOULD HAVE A GENUINE CHOICE IN SERVICE SELECTION AT COSTS THAT THEY CAN AFFORD.
/aNuTHEH key .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1961
(>
ANOTHER KEY PROBLEM FACING THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH FIELD IN HONG KONG IS NOT ONE OF OVERALL SHORTAGE OF DOCTORS BUT OF AN UNBALANCED USE OF THE EXISTING RESOURCES.
QUOTING STATISTICS, HE SAID ABOUT 50 PER CENT OF SOME 3 200
DOCTORS WHO ARE AT PRESENT WORKING IN HONG KONG ARE IN THE GOVERNMENT AND ASSISTED SERVICES WHILE THE REMAINDER WORK IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
HOWEVER, OUT OF A TOTAL OF 20 800 BEDS, 85 PER CENT ARE IN THE GOVERNMENT AND ASSISTED HOSPITALS.
+THE WORKLOAD IS THEREFORE VERY UNEVENLY SPREAD,+ HE SAID.
♦THE PRESENT HIGH WASTAGE RATE OF TRAINED STAFF FROM THE PUBLIC SECTOR, WHICH IS IN THE REGION OF OVER 12 PER CENT, IS A CAUSE FOR SOME CONCERN AND WE MUST CONTINUE OUR EFFORTS TO REDUCE THIS WASTAGE AND ENCOURAGE THE DOCTORS TO STAY.+
HE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY SET UP A SPECIAL UNIT, HEADED BY A SENIOR CONSULTANT, TO LOOK INTO THE MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING WAYS AND MEANS OF INCREASING THE SUPPLY OF DOCTORS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR.
DR FANG ALSO MADE FOUR FURTHER SUGGESTIONS TO REDRESS THE IMBALANCE.
FIRST, HE SAID, MORE POSTS SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE ON CONTRACT TERMS FOR DOCTORS WHO WISH TO REJOIN THE SERVICE.
+1 EXPECT THAT SOME PRIVATE DOCTORS WHO HAVE PASSED THE EARLY RETIREMENT AGE AND HAVE ESTABLISHED THEMSELVES FINANCIALLY MAY WELL CONSIDER A GOVERNMENT CONTRACT ATTRACTIVE.
♦THEY BRING WITH THEM A RICH STORE OF EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE AND COULD PLAY A PARTICULARLY USEFUL ROLE IN TRAINING THE YOUNGER DOCTORS,* HE SAID.
SECONDLY, HE THOUGHT THAT LIMITED PRIVATE PRACTICE FOR SENIOR RANKING GOVERNMENT MEDICAL OFFICERS ON PENSIONABLE ESTABLISHMENT WOULD ENCOURAGE GOOD AND EXPERIENCED DOCTORS TO REMAIN IN THE SERVICE.
+THEY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO KEEP SOME OF THE FEES CHARGED UP TO A PRESCRIBED CEILING,* HE SAID. +THIS HAS WORKED WELL IN OTHER COUNTRIES NOT ONLY TO THE ADVANTAGE OF THE DOCTORS THEMSELVES BUT ALSO TO THE PATIENTS IN GENERAL BECAUSE IT FOSTERS A CLOSER DOCTOR/PAT IENT RELATIONSHIP*.
IN FACT, A SIMILAR BUT INADEQUATE SCHEME IS ALREADY OPERATING IN THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THIRDLY, DR FANG QUESTIONED WHETHER THE EXISTING SCARCE PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES ARE BEING USED TO THEIR OPTIMUM OR IS THERE SCOPE TO RELIEVE THEM OF DUTIES THAT DO NOT REQUIRE THEIR PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE?
FOURTHLY, HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER A +D 1ST INCT ION AWARD* SCHEME FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE TO RECOGNISE GOOD WORK. PARTICULARLY IN LESS POPULAR POSTS.
------o--------
/ / • ft ft ft • « ft
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
7
TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENTS * * * *
THE PAST YEAR SAW A NUMBER OF DEVELOPMENTS ON THE TRANSPORT FRONT IN HONG KONG, THE HON T.S. LO SAID.
SPEAKING DURING THE POLICY DEBATE, MR LO SAID THAT IN THE FIRST PLACE, A TRANSPORT SECRETARIAT WAS ESTABLISHED ALONG THE LINES SUGGESTED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
SECONDLY, HE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS BEGINNING TO ACCEPT THAT IN MAKING A JUDGMENT ON THE ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES, TRANSPORT WAS NO LESS IMPORTANT THAN HOUSING. MOREOVER, HE CONTINUED, IT WAS ALSO BEGINNING TO ADMIT THAT ROAD BUILDING IN THE PAST HAD SUFFERED MUCH MORE FROM BUDGETARY TAILORING THAN WAS PRUDENT.
THIRDLY, THE GOVERNMENT WAS BEGINNING TO REALISE THAT IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO DODGE ISSUES SUCH AS HOW TO SLOW DOWN THE GROWTH AND USE OF PRIVATE CARS.
♦MOREOVER, THROUGH CONSISTENT T.A.C. PRODDING IT IS EVEN BEGINNING TO RESPOND (NOT ADMITTEDLY WITH A MARKED DEGREE OF ENTHUSIASM) TO SUGGESTIONS THAT IT SHOULD HAVE A GREATER INPUT INTO THE PROPER MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT UNDERTAKINGS,* HE SAID.
FOURTHLY, MR LO POINTED OUT THE GOVERNMENT HAD IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS DESTROYED A FEW MYTHS THAT BADLY NEEDED EXPLODING. THESE INCLUDE THE MYTHS THAT THE TAXI TRADE IS A PROTECTED BUSINESS AND THE GOVERNMENT HAD A RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT IT REMAINED LUCRATIVE BY LIMITING TAXI LICENCES, THAT CONGESTION COULD BE RELIEVED BY NOT INCREASING OFF-STREET PARKING FACILITIES, AND THAT MOST PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN ARE LESS THAN THREE FEET TALL.
+ALL OF THIS IS ENCOURAGING AND I DARE SAY IF IT HAD HAPPENED TEN YEARS AGO OUR TRANSPORT SITUATION WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE TOLERABLE THAN IT IS TODAY,* HE SAID.
♦I KNOW IT IS DEPRESSING TO SAY THIS BUT IT WILL TAKE TIME FOR THE TRANSPORT SECRETARIAT TO GET A GRIP ON THINGS.
+BUT I DO SEE A DIM LIGHT AT THE END OF THE LONG TUNNEL.*
TURNING TO THE UMELCO POLICE GROUP OF WHICH HE IS CHAIRMAN, M? LO SAID: +CRITICS OF THE SYSTEM SAY IN EFFECT THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE GROUP PROPERLY TO MONITOR THE WORK OF CAPO BECAUSE CAPO IS BUT A PART OF THE POLICE FORCE. THIS IS A TWO-PRONGED CRITICISM BOTH OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE UMELCO GROUP IN MONITORING AND OF THE INTEGRITY OF CAPO IN DETECTING.
♦IN A SENSE IT IS ALWAYS TRUE TO SAY THAT NO ONE CAN PERFECTLY MONITOR THE wORK OF ANOTHER UNLESS HE ACTUALLY SEES WHAT THE OTHER IS ACTUALLY DOING THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE OF THE TIME THAT HE IS DOING IT. THIS LINE OF REASONING IS CHILDISH AND NEED NOT BE PURSUED.*
/MH LO .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
8
MR LO NOTED THAT THE OTHER CRITICISM WAS DIRECTED AT THE SYSTEM OF USING MEMBERS OF THE SAME POLICE FORCE TO INVESTIGATE THE CONDUCT OF THEIR FELLOW POLICEMEN.
♦WHERE DOES THIS ARGUMENT TAKE US?+ HE ASKED.
♦IF, FOR EXAMPLE, A SPECIAL CORPS IS ESTABLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT SEPARATELY FROM THE POLICE FORCE, CAN IT NOT THEN BE CRITICISED BECAUSE MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ARE BEING EMPLOYED TO INVESTIGATE THE CONDUCT OF OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT?
♦TO BE ABSURD, EVEN IF THE SPECIAL CORPS WERE ATTACHED TO A FOREIGN GOVERNMENT, THERE WOULD DOUBTLESS BE CRITICS WHO WOULD COMPLAIN THAT MEMBERS OF THE HUMAN RACE WERE INVESTIGATING FELLOW HUMANS.+
PSYCHOLOGICALLY, MR LO CONTINUED, HE ACCEPTED THAT IT WAS DESIRABLE TO DESTROY ANY SUGGESTION OF COLLUSION OR OF THE TURNING OF A BLIND EYE.
♦THAT IS PRECISELY WHY THERE IS A UMELCO GROUP. WE CAN AND WE DO GO INTO ANY FILE WE CHOOSE AND IN DEPTH. WE CAN AND WE DO DUPLICATE SOME INVESTIGATIONS AND WE CAN AND WE DO INTERVIEW WITNESSES TO ENSURE THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO MISREPRESENTATION OF THEIR EVIDENCE BY CAPO.
♦ALL OF THIS IS IN OUR ANNUAL REPORT. AS WE SAID IN EFFECT IN THE REPORT, WHILST THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT, wE ARE SATISFIED THAT CAPO IS RUN VERY MUCH ON THE RIGHT LINES,* HE SAID.
MR LO ALSO SAID THAT FROM THE PRACTICAL POINT OF VIEW IT WAS CLEARLY FAR MORE ECONOMICAL AND SENSIBLE TO ESTABLISH AN ELITE UNIT WITHIN A LARGE POLICE FORCE THAN IT WAS TO ESTABLISH A SEPARATE FORCE ALTOGETHER.
THIS IS AN ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE POINT WHICH NEED NOT BE DWELT ON, HE ADDED.
♦BUT EQUALLY IMPORTANT! A POLICEMAN KNOWS THE TRAINING, THE REACTION AND THE THINKING OF ANOTHER POLICEMAN. HE IS A TRAINED INVESTIGATOR AND AS A POLICEMAN HE CAN TELL WHETHER IN A MOMENT OF STRESS THE REACTION OF A POLICEMAN IS CONSISTENT WITH THAT OF A GOOD POLICEMAN.
♦IT IS PERHAPS FOR SIMILAR REASONS THAT WHEN THE CONDUCT OF A MEMBER OF THE BAR IS CALLED INTO QUESTION, THE INVESTIGATION IS INVARIABLY DONE BY OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BAR AND WHEN THE CONDUCT OF A SOLICITOR IS CALLED INTO QUESTION, THE INVESTIGATION IS INVARIABLY DONE BY OTHER SOLICITORS.
♦WHAT IS PERHAPS NOTEWORTHY IS THAT NO ONE HAS EVER SUGGESTED THAT THIS SYSTEM IS INHERENTLY WRONG OR COLLUSIVE,* MR LO SAI".
0
/S
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 19b
9
SPEED UP MANPOWER TRAINING SCHEMES, GOVT URGED * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT'S LACK OF PROGRESS IN IMPLEMENTING THE MANPOWER TRAINING SCHEMES RECOMMENDED BY THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL CAME UNDER ATTACK BY DR THE HON FRANCIS TIEN, THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT ALL WHO WERE ENGAGED IN INDUSTRY OR HAD AN INTEREST IN ITS FUTURE WERE EXTREMELY CONCERNED ABOUT THE DELAY.
THE GOVERNOR SAID LAST OCTOBER THAT LEGISLATION WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN THE 1980/81 SESSION TO ESTABLISH A STATUTORY BODY TO IMPLEMENT THE TRAINING SCHEMES PROPOSED BY THE TRAINING COUNCIL.
AGAIN IN HIS SPEECH THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNOR REMARKED THAT ♦SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, LEGISLATION WILL SHORTLY BE INTRODUCED TO CREATE A STATUTORY VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL+, DR TIEN NOTED.
♦BUT IN VIEW OF THE CONSIDERABLE TIME THAT HAS BEEN LOST SINCE THE TRAINING COUNCIL FIRST RECOMMENDED THE TRAINING SCHEMES,* DR TIEN SAID, +1, IN COMPANY WITH MANY IN AND OUTSIDE THIS COUNCIL, WOULD BE HAPPIER IF RATHER THAN ’SHORTLY’, GOVERNMENT CAN BE SPECIFIC ABOUT THE DATE BY WHICH A BILL WILL BE PLACED BEFORE THIS COUNCIL.*
HE POINTED OUT THAT, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHAT MAY HAPPEN, THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES WOULD REMAIN THE ENGINE OF OUR ECONOMY AND IMPORTANT TO HONG KONG BOTH AS A JOB PROVIDER AND A WEALTH GENERATOR.
AND TO REMAIN IN BUSINESS, HE STRESSED HONG KONG MUST DIVERSIFY, UPGRADE ITS PRODUCTS AND KEEP PRODUCT COSTS DOWN THROUGH INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY.
+BUT TO DO THIS DEMANDS BETTER TRAINING AT ALL LEVELS.
+THE FACILITIES FOR SUCH TRAINING DO NOT EXIST AT THE MOMENT AND WE ARE RUNNING OUT OF TIME,* HE SAID.
DR TIEN NOTED THAT THE TRAINING COUNCIL HAD DONE ITS UTMOST TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON FACILITIES NEEDED TO RAISE THE LEVEL OF TRAINING, IN QUANTITY AND QUALITY, TO THAT REQUIRED BY HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES.
DESPITE ENDORSEMENT BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION AND ACCEPTANCE BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE TRAINING COUNCIL’S RECOMMENDATIONS HAD YET TO BE IMPLEMENTED, HE ADDED.
+LET US REMEMBER THE LATE PRESIDENT KENNEDY WHO SAID 'TIME IS A TOOL TO USE, NOT A BED ON WHICH TO LIE’.
♦THERE IS ALSO A CHINESE SAYING ’AN INCH OF TIME IS AN INCH OF GOLD, BUT AN INCH OF GOLD CANNOT BUY AN INCH OF TIME’,+ DR TIEN SA ID.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
10
♦REVIVE INDUSTRY’S PIONEER SPIRIT*
******
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE EVERY POSSIBLE STEP TO RESTORE THE MORALE AND STATUS - THE PIONEER SPIRIT - OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, THE HON ALEX WU SAID.
HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT LOOKING BACK ONLY 33 YEARS TO THE BEGINNING OF OUR INDUSTRIAL MIRACLE, THERE WAS ALMOST FRONTIER VIRTUE ABOUT THE SPIRIT HONG KONG THEN DISPLAYED.
*T0 BE AN INDUSTRIALIST IN THOSE DAYS WAS TO BE RECOGNISED AS A PILLAR OF SOCIETY, SOMEONE WHO MADE A TANGIBLE, VISIBLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROGRESS OF THE COMMUNITY, AND, ABOVE ALL, WHO CREATED JOBS.
♦BUT WHAT ABOUT THE SPIRIT THAT WROUGHT OUR ECONOMIC MIRACLE AND BUILT A MODERN INDUSTRIAL ECONOMY OUT OF VIRTUALLY NOTHING?
+HAS IT LOST IT IMPETUS, OR JUST DIRECTION?* HE ASKED.
THE LEGENDS WHICH CATCH POPULAR IMAGINATION TODAY, MR WU CONTINUED, ARE NOT ABOUT MEN WHO STARTED WITH A DOLLAR AND A BACKROOM WORKSHOP AND BUILT A MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISE EMPLOYING HUNDREDS AND SENDING HONG KONG GOODS ALL OVER THE WORLD.
+1 DO NOT THINK THAT DOES MEAN OUR MANUFACTURING ENTREPRENEURS HAVE LOST THEIR TOUCH, OR THEIR BELIEF IN THE ESSENTIAL IMPORTANCE OF THE MANUFACTURING BASE OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY.
+1 DO THINK THERE IS A LACK OF PURPOSE AND DIRECTION EVIDENT AT THIS TIME,* HE SAID.
MR WU WAS COMMENTING ON THE FAILURE OF SELF-RESTRAINT IN THE PROVISION OF CREDIT AND IN THE SPECULATION IN REAL ESTATE WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO HIGH HOUSING COSTS IN HONG KONG.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT DID NOT TAKE A VERY SOPHISTICATED ECONOMIST TO SEE THAT *WE WILL NOT EXPAND THE WEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY BY TAKING IN EACH OTHER’S WASHING*.
BUT THIS IS WHAT A GREAT MANY BIG FINANCIAL DEALS AMOUNT TO RECENTLY, HE SAID.
+IF WE DO NOT EXPAND OUR NATIONAL WEALTH,* HE WARNED, +WE DO NOT KEEP UP WITH OUR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC COMMITMENTS, WE DO NOT ENJOY THE BETTER LIFE WE HAVE WORKED FOR, AND OUR STANDARDS OF LIVING WILL FALL.
+WE USED TO BE A SOCIETY THAT KNEW THOSE HOMETRUTHS BY INSTINCT.
/+i Can .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
- 11
♦I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT OUR SECOND GENERATION ENTREPRENEURS ARE NOT LOSING THE TOUCH THEIR FATHERS HAD,* HE SAID.
ON THE SUBJECT OF DIVERSIFICATION, MR WU CONSIDERED IT NOT A BAD THING TO RECONVENE THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION, OR THOSE MEMBERS WHO ARE AVAILABLE AND REPORT PROGRESS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS.
CONDITIONS HAVE CHANGED A GOOD DEAL SINCE THAT REPORT WAS PUBLISHED AND EVEN MORE SINCE THE TERMS OF REFERENCE WERE FRAMED IN 1977.
♦THE REASONS WHY WE MUST DIVERSIFY AND MODERNISE ARE MORE COMPELLING TODAY.
+HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY REMAINS THE BACKBONE OF THE ECONOMY AND WE MUST NOT NEGLECT ANY OPPORTUNITY TO ENCOURAGE AND DEVELOP IT.*
TURNING TO THE PROPOSED ACADEMY OF THE PERFORMING ARTS, MR WU SAID HE WELCOMED THIS IMAGINATIVE PROJECT AND THE GOVERNMENT’S RECOGNITION OF ITS ROLE IN EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN THE ARTS.
HE WAS PARTICULARLY PLEASED TO SEE THAT THE NAME +ACADEMY+ WAS USED TO DESCRIBE THE ESTABLISHMENT - A NAME SUGGESTED BY MR WU DURING THE POLICY DEBATE IN 1977.
FOLLOWING ITS ANNOUNCEMENT, HE NOTED, THE PROJECT HAD ATTRACTED SOME CRITICISM WHICH REVEALED ONLY TOO CLEARLY THE CONFUSION BETWEEN THE TEACHING FUNCTION OF SUCH AN INSTITUTION AND THE PROVISION OF FACILITIES FOR PERFORMANCE.
+THIS ILL-CONCEIVED CRITICISM CULMINATED IN QUERULOUS COMPLAINTS THAT WE WERE EMBARKING ON THE ACADEMY BEFORE WE HAD BEGUN WORK ON THE LONG-PLANNED TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURAL COMPLEX.
+WHILE A COMPLEX DESIGNED FOR PUBLIC PERFORMANCES MAY WELL BECOME INVOLVED IN EDUCATION AND CAN CERTAINLY PROVIDE VALUABLE FACILITIES THE DISTINCTION SHOULD BE RECOGNISED AS FUNDAMENTAL.
♦AND WHEN IT IS RECOGNISED THERE WILL BE NO GROUNDS FOR CONFLICT OR MISUNDERSTANDING OF ANY KIND,* HE SAID.
- 0 -
/12
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
12
CHANGE NEEDED IN CORRECTIONAL CENTRES FOR JUVENILES ******
THE REV THE HON JOYCE BENNETT TODAY CALLED FOR A COMPLETE REORGANISATION OF THE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS IN HONG KONG.
IN MAKING HER PLEA, MISS BENNETT SUGGESTED THAT PROBATION WORK AND CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS BE FULLY INTEGRATED WITH THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT SOCIAL WORKERS WHO SPENT A YEAR OR TWO OR MORE AS PROBATION OFFICERS AND THEN RETURNED FULLY TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIELD WOULD NEVER MAKE SATISFACTORY PROBATION OFFICERS.
PROBATION WORK IS A SPECIALISED CAREER AND THE EXPERTISE NEEDED IN IT IS DIFFERENT FROM THAT IN THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION, SHE STRESSED.
MISS BENNETT, WHO CHAIRS AN AD HOC GROUP FORMED BY UNOFFICIALS TO LOOK INTO THE RUNNING OF CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS FOR JUVENILES IN HONG KONG, SAID: +THE GROUP HAS SEEN THAT YOUNG PEOPLE MAY COMMIT OFFENCES FOR MANY REASONS, NOT THE LEAST IMPORTANT CAN BE THEIR UNSATISFACTORY HOMES AND LACK OF PARENTAL CONTROL.
+HOWEVER, WE HAVE BEEN CONVINCED THAT THE YOUNG OFFENDERS MUST BE BROUGHT FACE TO FACE WITH THE FACT THAT OFFENCES HAVE BEEN COMMITTED.
+THIS FACT MUST NOT BE CONCEALED. WE CONSIDER THAT THE YOUNG OFFENDER NEEDS TO RECEIVE SOME CLEAR PUNISHMENT TO BRING HOME TO HIM THAT HIS UNSOCIAL BEHAVIOUR CANNOT BE TOLERATED.
+WE MUST NOT BE MISLED BY ANY STARRY-EYED IDEALISM FROM OVERSEAS THAT DISCIPLINE IS OLD-FASHIONED. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING CHANGES IN OUR CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS.*
INDEED, MISS BENNETT SAID, THE UNOFFICIALS WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE YOUNG OFFENDERS PUT UNDER THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT CORRECTION.
SHE NOTED THAT THEY WOULD SUPPORT A RECOMMENDATION PUT FORWARD A FEW YEARS AGO THAT THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE RENAMED THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES.
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS COMMITTED TO INSTITUTIONAL CARE AFTER BEING FOUND GUILTY BY THE COURTS SHOULD BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO REFORM THEMSELVES IN A PROPERLY DESIGNATED SECTION OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT, SHE ADDED.
/+THE PRISONS .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1?81
♦THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT IS DOING A FINE J03 WITH YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN.
♦VISIT THEIR INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS AT TAI TAM GAP AFTER SEEING THE MA TAU WAI GIRLS’ HOME AND YOU WILL BE IN NO DOUBT WHICH PLACE IS GIVING THE YOUNG OFFENDERS A SECOND CHANCE IN LIFE, A RESPECT FOR THEMSELVES AND SOUND TRAINING FOR THEIR FUTURE TO THE COMMUNITY.+
MISS BENNETT ALSO SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATION BY A UK ADVISER, MR R.M. JARMAN, WHO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO SEPARATE THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF CASES REFERRED TO THE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
TO DEVELOP THIS THEME EVEN MORE CLEARLY, SHE CONTINUED, THE UNOFFICIALS OF THE AD HOC GROUP CONSIDERED THAT GIRLS ON REMAND FOR INVESTIGATION INTO SOME OFFENCE OR AWAITING SENTENCE IN THE COURTS WOULD BENEFIT FROM A DIFFERENT EXPERTISE THAN THAT AVAILABLE IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
♦THE SOCIAL WORKER IN THAT DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN TRAINED IN A CARING PROFESSION THAT IS ADMIRABLY SUITED TO THE HOME WHERE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE COMMITTED FOR CARE AND PROTECTION.
♦WE NEED TO REVIEW THE CARE AND PROTECTION ORDINANCE TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS NO CONFUSION BETWEEN CARING FOR THOSE CHILDREN, WHO COME FROM INADEQUATE HOMES, AND BRINGING DISCIPLINE INTO THE LIVES OF THOSE OTHER CHILDREN WHO HAVE BEGUN A LIFE OF CRIME.
♦THESE OTHERS, DELINQUENTS, NEED DISCIPLINE BECAUSE THEIR OWN HOMES DO NOT PROVIDE THEM WITH SUFFICIENT CONTROL, SO THAT THEY HAVE NOT LEARNT THE ESSENCE OF SELF-DISCIPLINE,+ SHE SAID.
SHE HOPED THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THOSE IN THE SOCIAL WORK FIELD WOULD NOT BE HURT BY HER DESIRE TO TAKE FROM THEM THE PROBATION WORK AND THE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
♦I THINK OUR SOCIAL WORKERS ARE DOING TREMENDOUSLY VALUABLE WORK IN PREVENTION AND IN OUTREACH WORK AMONGST YOUNG PEOPLE.
♦I AM ALARMED TO HEAR THAT THERE IS AN ATTEMPT TO CUT BACK ON THE LATTER. THEIR OUTREACH PROGRAMMES MUST SURELY BE DEVELOPED, AS ALSO THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK PROGRAMME,+ SHE NOTED.
ON THE SCHOOL SOC'AL WORK SCHEME, MISS BENNETT CONSIDERED IT TO BE HIGHLY DANGEROUS TO ALLOW SCHOOLS TO HAVE FREEDOM AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THEY WISH TO USE IT.
WHILE APPRECIATING THAT THERE WAS AN INADEQUATE NUMBER OF SOCIAL WORKERS, SHE SA IDs +WE MUST AIM TO ENSURE THAT NO CHILD IN NEED OF COUNSELLING AND THE CARE OF A SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER FALLS THROUGH THE NET WHICH OUR SOCIAL SERVICES PROGRAMME IS MEANT TO PROVIDE FOR THOSE LEAST ABLE TO CARE FOR THEMSELVES.
/♦IT MUST .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER.28, 1981
14
+IT MUST BE PART OF THE AIM OF OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM TO ENSURE THAT EACH SCHOOL IS SERVED ADEQUATELY BY SOCIAL WORKERS.
+THEY WILL HELP BY PREVENTIVE, AS WELL AS BY REMEDIAL WORK, TO CREATE THAT STABLE SOCIETY WHICH PROVIDES MUTUAL RESPECT AND RESTRA INT.+
CONTINUING HER LONG STRUGGLE TO IMPROVE THE EDUCATION SYSTEM, MISS BENNETT REITERATED HER EARLIER CALLS ON MARCH 25 AND APRIL 29 THIS YEAR FOR EXTRA POSTS FOR DEPUTY-PRINCIPALS, CAREERS COUNSELLORS AND FOR REMEDIAL WORK IN THE SENIOR CLASSES OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
+1 HAVE HAD INSPECTORS FROM THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT COME FOR BRIEFING ON THE EVERYDAY PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN RUNNING CLASSES FOR SLOW LEARNERS.
+1 HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ADVICE ON HOW TO STRENGTHEN MIDDLEMANAGEMENT IN OUR SCHOOLS WITH DISCUSSIONS ON THE DUTIES OF VICE-PRINCIPALS AND HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS.
+1 SUSPECT THAT THERE IS NO ONE IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WHO REALLY UNDERSTANDS THE PROBLEMS OF RUNNING NEW AIDED SCHOOLS, ESPECIALLY THOSE SERVING THE CHILDREN ALLOCATED TO THE LOWEST BANDS (3, 4 AND 5) BY THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCAT ION,+ SHE SAID.
SCHOOLS NEED MORE STAFF, SO THAT THEY ARE AVAILABLE UP TO 4.30 PM FOR EXTRA CLASSES AND COUNSELLING TO THOSE IN NEED.
MORE SMALL GROUP TUTORIAL CLASSES SHOULD ALSO BE DEVELOPED FOR THE CHILDREN WHO DESERVE THE EXTRA HELP THAT THEIR CLASSMATES FROM WEALTHIER HOMES CAN AFFORD BY PRIVATE TUITION.
BUT SHE WAS DISHEARTENED AT THE GOVERNMENT’S RELUCTANCE TO IMPROVE FURTHER OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM.
+WHAT IS THE GOOD OF HAVING A FULL-SCALE REVIEW OF THE WHOLE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM WHEN KNOWN-NEEDS ARE NOT YET PROVIDED FOR7+ SHE ASKED.
SHE HOPED THAT FURTHER +REAL+ IMPROVEMENTS WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED IN OUR SCHOOLS AS A RESULT OF THE REPORT BY THE PANEL OF VISITORS WHO ARE NOW IN HONG KONG TO ASSESS THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.
TURNING TO THE POST-FORM V SYSTEM, MISS BENNETT SA IDs +WHEN CAN WE PROVIDE A UNIFIED SYSTEM FOR ENTRY INTO INSTITUTIONS AT THE
TERTIARY LEVEL? THIS MUST BE LINKED WITH OUR POST-FORM V SYSTEM.
/4has ajty .......
Wednesday, October 28, 1981
- 15 -
♦HAS ANY STUDY BEEN MADE BY OUR GOVERNMENT OF THE UK UCCA SYSTEM?
♦WE NEED SOMETHING SIMILAR - A SYSTEM THAT WILL LINK TOGETHER FOR ADMISSION THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, THE POLYTECHNIC, THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.*
THE BAPTIST COLLEGE SHOULD ALSO BE ASKED WHETHER IT WOULD LIKE TO JOIN SUCH A SCHEME WHICH, MISS BENNETT THOUGHT, WOULD BENEFIT NOT ONLY OUR STUDENTS, BUT ALSO OUR SCHOOLS AND TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
ON THE PROVISION OF MORE HOUSING FOR THE LESS WELL-OFF, MISS BENNETT SAID SHE *AS GLAD TO KNOW THAT SOME OF THE OLDER +H+ BLOCKS WOULD BE RE-USED BY THOSE IN NEED OF TEMPORARY HOUSING.
SHE WAS ALSO HAPPY TO LEARN THAT BY ENABLING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS TO BE TWO-STOREYED, MORE PEOPLE COULD BE HOUSED.
♦BUT WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO?+ SHE QUERIED. +OUR RACKETEERS AND SQUATTERS HAVE CUT AWAY SO MUCH OF OUR HILLSIDES, CAN WE SAFELY UTILISE THIS LAND INTO VAST NEW TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS?*
SO MUCH OF OUR ANT I-ILLEGAL STRUCTURE POLICY SEEMS SO NEGATIVE AND CLEARLY WE ARE NOT SUCCEEDING IN DEMOLISHING ALL THE NEW HUTS, SHE SAID.
+DO WE NEED MORE MEN WORKING IN EAST KOWLOON TO DO THIS?
+DO WE CONCENTRATE TOO MUCH ON CHECKING, AND MEASURING AGAIN SO REGULARLY, THE TOLERATED STRUCTURES AND THE HOUSES ALREADY PASSED AT SOME EARLIER SURVEY?*
SHE NOTED THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAD TAKEN OVER ALL THIS SQUATTER CONTROL WORK BUT WONDERED WHETHER SOME MEN SHOULD BE BETTER EMPLOYED IN SUPERVISING PROPER FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES, IN PROMOTING SAFER LIGHTING AND COOKING METHODS AND IN ORGANISING THE SQUATTERS IN SANITATION AND CLEANLINESS TEAMS.
+LET US REALISTICALLY SUPERVISE THEM UNTIL WE CAN PRODUCE ENOUGH LAND THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE TERRITORY AND REHOUSE THEM NEAR SUFFICIENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNIT IES,+ MISS BENNETT SUGGESTED.
-----0------
/16 .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
16
NEED FOR SINGLE AUTHORITY STRESSED * * * *
UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON S.L. CHEN HAS CALLED FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A SINGLE OVERRIDING AUTHORITY FOR THE VARIOUS RESPONSIBILITY AREAS.
HE WAS COMMENTING ON THE MIS-MATCHES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS +A MATTER OF PARTICULAR CONCERN*.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SUCH MIS-MATCHES NOT ONLY RESULTED IN HARDSHIP AND INCONVENIENCE, BUT COULD ALSO BE EXPENSIVE TO CORRECT.
+THE IMPORTANT QUESTION IS WHY SUCH MIS-MATCHES WERE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN IN THE FIRST PLACE?* MR CHEN ASKED.
+MY GUESS IS THAT THEY HAVE ARISEN NOT MERELY BECAUSE OF LACK OF CO-ORDINATION BUT RATHER THE RESULT OF THE LACK OF A SINGLE OVERRIDING AUTHORITY FOR THE VARIOUS RESPONSIBILITY AREAS.+
QUOTING TRANSPORT PROBLEMS AS AN EXAMPLE, HE DESCRIBED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW TRANSPORT BRANCH AS BOTH +LOGICAL AND TIMELY*.
HOWEVER, FROM THE STRUCTURAL ORGANISATION OF THE TRANSPORT AND LANDS AND WORKS BRANCHES, IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE NEW TRANSPORT BRANCH WOULD NOT BE GIVEN EXCLUSIVE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR TRANSPORT MATTERS, HE SAID.
+THE BRANCH’S ROLE APPEARS TO BE ONLY ONE OF PLANNING AND CO-ORDINATING.
+THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR TRANSPORT WORKS RESTS WITH THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH OVER WHICH THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT WILL HAVE NO JURISDICT ION.+
WHILE APPRECIATING THAT THE TRANSFER OF SOME STAFF FROM THE PWD’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT MIGHT STRENGTHEN THE DEPARTMENT, MR CHEN THOUGHT IT WOULD NOT VEST THE TRANSPORT BRANCH WITH THE TOTAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROVISION OF AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE - THAT WAS, FROM INITIAL PLANNING AND DESIGN TO THE ULTIMATE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WORKS PROGRAMME.
HE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE CONSIDERATION TO THE POSSIBILITY OF PUTTING THE ENTIRE HIGHWAYS OFFICE TO COME UNDER THE TRANSPORT BRANCH.
+THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT WILL THEN BECOME THE OVERRIDING AUTHORITY FOR ALL TRANSPORT MATTERS,* HE ADDED.
BY THE SAME REASONING, MR CHEN CONTINUED, THE LANDS ’ARM’ OF THE NEwLY ESTABLISHED LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH SHOULD ALSO BE GIVEN THE TOTAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL LAND MATTERS.
/HE POINTED........
WSDNjSSDaY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
17
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE COMPLEXITY AND MATTERS COULD WELL JUSTIFY A LANDS BRANCH ON
IMPORTANCE OF LAND ITS OWN.
+ l AM THEREFORE OF THE OPINION, ALBEIT A LITTLE TOO LATE IN THE DAY,. THAT THE LAND PRODUCTION RELATED ENGINEERING SECTIONS OF THE PWD SHOULD COME UNDER A 'LANDS BRANCH’ WHICH WOULD HAVE TOTAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR LAND MATTERS.*
MR CHtN SAID THE HOUSING BRANCH WAS AN EXAMPLE WHERE HAVING AN OVERRIDING AUTHORITY HAD RESULTED IN EFFICIENCY OF OPERATION AND THE ABILITY TO MEET PROGRAMME TARGETS.
TURNING TO THE ECONOMY, MR CHEN STRESSED THE NEED TO BOLSTER THE MORALE AND STRENGTH OF INDUSTRY WHICH REMAINED THE BACKBONE OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY.
IT PROVIDED THE BULK OF OUR EARNING WITHOUT WHICH OUR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES COULD NOT POSSIBLY BE SUSTAINED.
+MOREOVER IT ALSO PROVIDES MORE THAN 40 PER CENT OF OUR TOTAL EMPLOYMENT, A VITAL FACTOR IN MAINTAINING THE SOCIAL STABILITY OF OUR COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.
ALTHOUGH THE PREFERENTIAL INTEREST RATES OFFERED TO INDUSTRIAL BORROWERS BY SEVERAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS APPEARED TO BE SOMETHING LESS THAN WHAT THE INDUSTRIALISTS HAD HOPED FOR, MR CHEN NOTED THAT IT WAS NEVERTHELESS A HELPFUL RESPONSE.
HE HOPED SUCH A STEP WOULD ALSO INSPIRE MORE SUBSTANTIAL AND MEANINGFUL ASSISTANCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
+SUCH ASSISTANCE COULD TAKE THE FORM OF LONG-TERM LOW-INTEREST CREDIT FACILITIES FOR THE PURCHASE OF CAPITAL PLANT WHICH I SUGGESTED IN THE LAST BUDGET DEBATE.*
HE NOTED THAT GOVERNMENTS OF MANY DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES HAD ACCEPTED THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROVIDING SIMILAR CREDIT FACILITIES TO ASSIST THEIR INDUSTRIES.
MR CHEN ALSO SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSAL TO REVISE THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME BY EXCLUDING LAND VALUE FROM THE SALES PRICE.
HE REPEATED HIS EARLIER PLEA THAT THOSE WELL-OFF TENANTS IN SUBSIDISED PUBLIC HOUSING WHO WERE OWNERS OF PROPERTIES SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO VACATE THEIR UNITS TO MAKE ROOM FOR THE NEEDY.
THEY SHOULD ALSO BE EXCLUDED FROM CONSIDERATION FOR HOUSING UNITS OFFERED IN THE REVISED SCHEME, HE SAID.
ON THE SUBJECT OF MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT, MR CHEN HOPED THAT NO EFFORT WOULD BE SPARED TO ENSURE THE EARLIEST ESTABLISHMENT OF THE STATUTORY VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
WITHOUT THIS BODY, HE SAID, THE IMPORTANT TRAINING SCHEMES PROPOSED BY THE TRAINING COUNCIL AND ACCEPTED BY GOVERNMENT COULD NOT BE IMPLEMENTED.
- 0 ---------
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
18
WARNING OVER GROWING RATE OF PUBLIC SPENDING
*****
THERE IS EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS LOST, OR AT LEAST IS IN DANGER OF LOSING, CONTROL OVER THE GROWING RATE OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, THE HON LYDIA DUNN WARNED, IN A SPEECH ABOUT DOMESTICALLY GENERATED INFLATION.
TO SUPPORT HER VIEW, SHE REFERRED TO THE REVISED FORECAST GROWTH RATES OF EXPENDITURE ON THE VARIOUS COMPONENTS OF THE G.D.P. IN 1981 RELEASED LAST MONTH.
SHE SAID: +THE GROWTH RATE OF GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE IN REAL TERMS IS NOW FORECAST TO BE 22 PER CENT AS OPPOSED TO AN ORIGINAL FORECAST OF 15 PER CENT.
♦AND THE GROWTH RATE OF GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION IS NOW FORECAST TO BE 13 PER CENT AS OPPOSED TO AN ORIGINAL FORECAST OF EIGHT PER CENT.
♦DESPITE THE ACCELERATING GROWTH RATES NOW APPARENT, THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT SEEM TO BE WORRIED BY THEM OR EVEN ANXIOUS TO DEFEND THEM.+
MISS DUNN RECALLED THAT IN RESPONSE TO HER COMMENTS ON THE SUBJECT DURING THIS YEAR’S BUDGET DEBATE, THE GOVERNMENT GAVE EXPLICIT ASSURANCES THAT THE APPROVED ESTIMATES ON EXPENDITURE WOULD BE OBSERVED +FOR IT WAS ADMITTED THAT THE HIGH LEVELS OF EXPENDITURE ACHIEVED LAST YEAR, AND PROPOSED FOR THIS YEAR, COULD ONLY BE TOLERATED IN THE CONTEXT OF SUBSTANTIAL PUBLIC SECTOR SURPLUSES+.
THE GOVERNMENT VOLUNTEERED THAT THE SCOPE FOR FURTHER ENLARGEMENT OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR WAS VERY LIMITED AND, INDEED, NON-EXISTENT IN THE SHORT TERM, AND ALSO PROMISED THAT EVERY EFFORT WOULD BE MADE TO AVOID OVER-EXTENDING OURSELVES.
BUT IS THIS PROMISE BEING FULFILLED? SHE ASKED.
SHE SAID IT NOW TRANSPIRES THAT, ENCOURAGED BY THE POSSIBILITY OF THE BUDGETTED FOR SURPLUS FOR 1981/82 OF NEARLY $8 BILLION BEING EXCEEDED, TOTAL EXPENDITURE WILL EXCEED THE APPROVED ESTIMATES BY AT LEAST TEN PER CENT.
AND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HIMSELF RECENTLY ADMITTED THAT THE RELATIVE SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR WOULD SOAR THIS YEAR TO 24 PER CENT, EVEN THOUGH THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF THE G.D.P. HAS ALSO BEEN REVISED UPWARDS.
♦SO IT IS FAIR TO ASK: HAS THE GOVERNMENT LOST CONTROL OF THE GROWTH RATE OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE? IF SO, WHY HAS THIS HAPPENED?* SHE ASKED.
♦PERHAPS THE GOVERNMENT wAS SEEKING TO IMPLEMENT PROGRAMME PLANS MORE QUICKLY THAN INTENDED.
/+PERHAPS THERE........
Wednesday, October 28, 1981
- 19
♦PERHAPS THERE IS SOME FAILURE TO RESIST SPECIAL PLEAS DESPITE THE LESSON LEARNED SO PAINFULLY BY GOVERNMENTS ELSEwHERE THAT, ONCE SUCH PLEAS ARE ACCEDED TO IN SUCH A WAY AS TO LEAD TO A SURGE OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO REESTABLISH CONTROL.♦
INDEED, MISS DUNN CONTINUED, IT IS APPARENT THAT THERE ARE OBVIOUS GROUNDS FOR CONCERN WHEN ONE LOOKS AT CERTAIN ASPECTS OF GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON BOTH RECURRENT AND CAPITAL AMOUNT.
AS REGARDS RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, SHE WAS PARTICULARLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE INFLATIONARY IMPACT OF THE RECENT SI.4 BILLION SALARIES AWARD TO THE CIVIL SERVICE AND SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS - A SUM WHICH SHE SAID CANNOT BE EXPECTED TO BE COVERED BY SAVINGS TO ANYTHING LIKE THE SAME EXTENT AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS.
♦ AS I UNDERSTAND IT, THE PRINCIPLE UNDERLYING THE GOVERNMENT’S PAY POLICY IS THAT ADJUSTMENTS TO CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES SHOULD, OVER TIME, REFLECT OBSERVED TRENDS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR,+ SHE SAID.
♦ I DO NOT QUARREL w ITH THIS PRINCIPLE AND BELIEVE THAT OUR CIVIL SERVANTS, OF ALL RANKS, SHOULD BE WELL PAID.
♦ BUT I FEEL OBLIGED AND I AM NOT ALONE IN THIS TO QUESTION THE APPLICATION OF THIS PRINCIPLE IN PRACTICE.*
SHE POINTED OUT THAT UNOFFICIALS HAVE ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS EXPRESSED UNEASE ABOUT THE RESULTS OF THE ANNUAL PAY INVESTIGATION UNIT EXERCISE WHICH HAS LET THEM TO BE SCEPTICAL OF THE METHODOLOGY USED.
AT ABOUT 140 003 THE CIVIL SERVICE NOW EMPLOYS SIX PER CENT OF THE LABOUR FORCE WHICH IS AS LARGE A PROPORTION AS THE FINANCIAL SECTOR AND NEARLY ONE THIRD MORE THAN THE NUMBER EMPLOYED IN THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
IF THE EMPLOYEES OF SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS ARE ADDED IN, THEN THE INFLUENCE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR AS A WHOLE BECOMES EVEN MORE APPARENT. BUT THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE Ok THE PUBLIC SECTOR AS A WHOLE NEED BE, LET ALONE SHOULD BE, THE MARKET LEADER IN THE DETERMINATION OF WAGES AND SALARIES.
AND IT IS NOT THE GOVERNMENT’S DECLARED POLICY THAT THIS SHOULD BE SO, SHE ADDED.
SHE HOPED THAT THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES *ILL TAKE A LONG HARD LOOK AT THE GOVERNMENT’S PAY POLICY BEFORE THE NEXT PIU EXERCISE IS PUT IN HAND.
THERE ARE TwO CO^SEQUENCES OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR BEING THE MARKET LEADER WHEN THE ECONOMY IS ENJOYING STRONG GROwTH, VISS DUNN SAID.
THE *IRST IS TO “UEL INFLATION AND TO DAMAGE OUR EXTERNAL COMPETITIVENESS- AND ThE SECOND IS TO CONFER ON THE CIVIL SERVICE A DOUBLE BENE* IT.
/♦IT HAS .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
- 20 -
♦IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN ACCEPTED, IN VIEW OF THE ASSUMED TENDENCY OF CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES TO LAG BEHIND THOSE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR DURING MORE PROSPEROUS TIMES, THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE WILL TEND TO GAIN ON THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN TIMES OF SLUGGISH GROWTH AND RECESSION.
♦BUT NOW IT SEEMS TO ME WE HAVE DRIFTED INTO A SITUATION IN WHICH THE CIVIL SERVICE, OR SO IT COULD BE ARGUED, IS ENJOYING IMPROVEMENTS IN REAL INCOMES BETTER THAN THOSE EXPERIENCED IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN BOTH EAD TIMES AND GOOD.+ SHE SAID.
ON CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, MISS DUNN NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S DECLARED POSITION EARLIER THIS YEAR WAS THAT THE LEVEL OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROVIDED FOR IN THE 1981-82 ESTIMATES OF $9.5 BILLION, A RECORD 38 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE, WAS THE MAXIMUM THAT COULD BE CONTEMPLATED.
SINCE THEN, SHE CONTINUED, SOCIAL AND POLITICAL ARGUMENTS FOR INCREASES IN OUR CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMMES SEEM TO HAVE CARRIED MORE WEIGHT THAN THE ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH INCREASES ON THE RATE OF INFLATION AND HENCE ON THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.
♦I SUSPECT THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS SEIZED WITH THE RELATIVE EASE WITH WHICH HIGH LEVELS OF EXPENDITURE CAN BE FINANCED, GIVEN THE BUOYANCE OF OUR REVENUES AND THE COMFORTABLE STATE OF OUR FISCAL RESERVES.
♦FURTHERMORE, I AM QUITE CONVINCED THAT THIS PREOCCUPATION WITH INCREASING THE VOLUME OF EXPENDITURE IS NOT ONLY INFLATIONARY BUT ALSO PUTS THE VALUES FOR MONEY CRITERION AT RISK,+ MISS DUNN SAID.
FOR MANY YEARS THE GOVERNMENT HAS EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE CF THE VALUE FOR MONEY CRITERION.
IT IS SURPRISING, SHE SAID, THAT A REVISION OF CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES IS NOT AUTOMATICALLY ASSOCIATED WITH A CRITICAL LOOK AT DEPARTMENTAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
WHILE REALISING THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE HAS AN ON-GOING PROGRAMME OF IN-DEPTH REVIEWS OF DEPARTMENTAL ESTABLISHMENTS, SHE SAID IT IS NOT THEIR EXPLICIT OBJECTIVE TO ACHIEVE SAVINGS IN RESPONSE TO A LARGER WAGE BILL.
♦BUT, WHEREAS THE PURPOSE OF REQUIRING SAVINGS TO BE IDENTIFIED MIGHT WELL BE LEGITIMATELY TO OFFSET PART OF THE COST OF A SALARIES REVISION, THE CONSEQUENCES, OR EVEN SECONDARY PURPOSE, CF REQUIRING SAVINGS TO BE IDENTIFIED COULD BE TO IMPROVE COST EFFICIENCY.+ SHE SAID.
MISS DUNN FURTHER MADE A PLEA FOR IMPROVED AND SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURES IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY IN THE BUILDING INDUSTRY.
SHE DISAGREED WITH THE ASSERTION THAT THE BUILDING INDUSTRY IS UNDERCAPITALISED AND INDIFFERENT TO MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND URGED THAT SOME CONCLUSION MUST BE DRAWN FROM THE MANY COMPLAINTS VOICED ABOUT THE TIME IT TAKES FOR BUILDING PLANS TO BE APPROVED AND OCCUPATION PERMITS ISSUED.
/♦IT FOLLOWS........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1981
21
♦IT FOLLOWS THAT PRIVATE DEVELOPERS WOULD BE IN A POSITION TO OFFER MORE FLATS FOR SALE OR RENTING IN ANY GIVEN TIME PERIOD THEREBY INFLUENCING ASKING PRICES AND RENTS, IF THE SPEED WITH WHICH BUILDING CONTRACTORS AND ARCHITECTS ARE SERVICED WAS IMPROVED,+ SHE SAID.
TURNING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW LANDS DEPARTMENT, MISS DUNN EXPRESSED REGRET THAT IT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL APR IL NEXT YEAR.
THE NEW DEPARTMENT IS TO TAKE OVER RESPONSIBILITY FOR LAND ADMINISTRATION FROM THE NTA AND THE LANDS, SURVEY AND TOWN PLANNING DEPARTMENT OF THE OLD PWD.
SHE HOPED THAT THE SAME RELATIVELY BOLD APPROACH THAT HAS BEEN ADOPTED IN RESPECT OF THE NEW LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH AND THE NEW TRANSPORT BRANCH AS WELL AS THE DE-FEDERALISATION OF THE PWD -THAT IS TO SAY, DECIDE THE MAIN ISSUES FIRST AND DO THE DETAILED THINKING AFTERWARDS - WILL BE APPARENT WHEN IT COMES TO THE CREATION OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT.
♦IN OTHER WORDS I HOPE THAT A TIME LIMIT WILL BE PLACED ON THE PRE-PLANNING PHASE AND THAT THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE BROUGHT INTO EXISTENCE AT THE VERY BEGINNING OF THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR,* SHE SAID. ’
MISS DUNN ALSO SUGGESTED THAT, CONCURRENTLY WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NEW LANDS DEPARTMENT AND THE RATIONALISATION CF THE COMMITTEE STRUCTURE IN THE AREAS OF LAND PLANNING, PRODUCTION AND DISPOSAL, URGENT CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO HOW BEST TO MOBILISE THE GOVERNMENT’S AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR’S RESOURCES IN A CO-OPERATIVE WAY TO SPEED UP, ON A COST-EFFICIENT BASIS, THE PRODUCTION OF LAND.
THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF LAND SUPPLY OF WHICH MISS DUNN IS CHAIRMAN, HAS RECENTLY FORMED A WORKING PARTY TO STUDY VARIOUS POSSIBILITIES, SHE SAID.
♦MY OWN PERSONAL VIEW IS THAT THERE IS A ROLE FOR A STATUTORY CORPORATION CHARGED WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PARTICULAR AREAS OF NEW LAND WHICH WOULD BE ASSIGNED TO THE CORPORATION AT F.M.V., THE PREMIA BEING RECOVERED FROM THE CORPORATION BY WAY OF THE ASSIGNMENT BACK TO THE GOVERNMENT CF PREPARED SITES AGAIN AT F.M.V. BUT LESS AN INTEREST FACTOR, FOR G.I.C. USES.
+FINANCE FOR THE ACTUAL DEVELOPMENT WORKS COULD BE RAISED ON THE OPEN MARKET, PERHAPS WITH A LIMITED CALL ON THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND,* SHE ADDED.
---0------
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
22
CONCERN OVER JUVENILE CRIME * * * *
THE CONTINUED INCREASE IN JUVENILE CRIME MUST BE ARRESTED BEFORE IT GETS OUT OF HAND, SAID DR THE HON HENRY HU.
SPEAKING AT THE POLICY DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DR HU NOTED THAT POSITIVE ACTIONS WERE BEING TAKEN.
THESE INCLUDED MEASURES TO IMPROVE REMEDIAL TEACHING, COUNSELLING AND SOCIAL WORK SERVICES IN SCHOOLS, TO ADAPT THE CURRICULA TO LESS ACADEMICALLY MINDED PUPILS, AND TO ENABLE THE POLICE TO MAKE A GREATER DIRECT CONTRIBUTION THROUGH THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL.
+THESE ARE VERY WORTHWHILE EFFORTS,* HE SAID. *BUT THEY WILL NOT BE TRULY EFFECTIVE WITHOUT THE WHOLE-HEARTED CO-OPERATION OF THE PARENTS WHO MUST SHOULDER THE FINAL RESPONSIBILITY IN SETTING A GOOD EXAMPLE TO THEIR CHILDREN AND IN INSTILLING IN THEM THE RIGHT VALUES AS RESPONSIBLE MEMBERS OF OUR SOCIETY.
+THE PARENTS SHOULD TEACH THEIR CHILDREN, AMONG OTHER THINGS, SELF-RESPECT AND DISCIPLINE.
♦MENTION OF THE WORD ’DISCIPLINE’ PERHAPS CONJURES UP IN THE MIND SOMETHING TO BE AFRAID OF, BUT ALL IT REALLY MEANS IS COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND ORDERS - WHICH PROTECT OUR PERSONS, OUR HOMES AND OUR SURROUNDINGS, AND IF THEY ARE OBEYED, WE ALL BENEFIT FROM THEM.*
HOWEVER, DR HU THOUGHT THAT JUVENILE DELINQUENTS SHOULD NOT BE +MIXED+ WITH THE NON-DELINQUENTS IN THE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THERE SHOULD BE SEPARATE INSTITUTIONS FOR THOSE YOUNG OFFENDERS PLACED ON PROBATION ORDERS, THOSE ON REMAND CASES AND THOSE NONDELINQUENTS WHO WERE IN NEED OF CARE AND PROCTECTION, HE SAID.
HE SUPPORTED THE SUGGESTIONS PUT FORWARD BY THE HON JOYCE M BENNETT AND HER AD HOC GROUP ON THE OPERATION OF CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS FOR JUVENILES.
DR HU ALSO SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE TEN-YEAR ASSIGNMENT RESTRICTION ON THE +NEW DEAL* HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME UNITS IN WHICH THE LAND VALUE WOULD BE DISCOUNTED FROM THE PRICE OF SUCH UNITS.
+IT WOULD NOT ONLY FOSTER AND STRENGTHEN A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG THE LOWER INCOME OWNERS, THUS FUNCTIONING AS A STRONG SOCIAL STABILISER, BUT ALSO ACT AS AN INDIRECT AND GRADUAL ECONOMIC STABILISING FORCE,* HE SAID.
+THIS WOULD BE SO BECAUSE AS MORE AND MORE SUCH H.O.S. FLATS COME ONTO STREAM, THE HYPER-PROFITS NOW REAPED BY THE PROPERTY DEVELOPERS AND SPECULATORS WOULD DROP, ACCOMPANIED BY A STEADY EASING OF DOMESTIC RENTS FOR THIS INCOME BRACKET.
+THIS WOULD RESULT IN THE RE-CHANNELLING - AT LEAST IN PART -OF TALENTS AND CAPITAL BACK TO THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR, THUS REDUCING THE MAIN IMBALANCE IN OUR ECONOMY,* HE SAID.
------o-------
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
23
DELAY IN LAW OF PROPERTY BILL RAPPED ******
THE GOVERNMENT’S DELAY IN PRODUCING AN IMPORTANT LAW HIGHLIGHTED A DEFECT IN ITS CONSULTATIVE PROCESS, THE HON PETER C. WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE SAID NO ONE WOULD DISPUTE THE VALUE AND NECESSITY OF CONSULTATION ON MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE.
BUT FOR SUCH A SYSTEM TO 'WORK WELL, HE SAID, IT MUST BE FLEXIBLE AND CAPABLE OF ACHIEVING MAXIMUM RESULTS IN THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME.
MR WONG WAS REFERRING TO THE LAW OF PROPERTY BILL WHICH HE HAD URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE DURING THE LAST POLICY DEBATE.
+1 POINTED OUT THAT OUR LEGISLATION RELATING TO LAND WAS NOT ONLY FRAGMENTARY BUT LEFT SEVERAL IMPORTANT AREAS VAGUE AND OFTEN CONFUSING.
■••ALTHOUGH PROPOSALS FOR SUCH AN ORDINANCE HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER, SADLY WE ARE STILL WITHOUT ONE TODAY.*
THE COUNCILLOR RECALLED THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, IN RESPONSE TO HIS PLEA, ADMITTED THAT THIS MATTER HAD BEEN UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR SOME CONSIDERABLE TIME AND THAT IT WAS NECESSARY TO CONSULT INTERESTED PARTIES.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ALSO POINTED OUT THAT IN THE COURSE OF PREPARATION, THE BILL WAS IN THE LAW DRAFTING SECTION ONLY FOR SOME SEVEN MONTHS OUT OF A TOTAL OF 32 MONTHS. FOR THE OTHER 25 MONTHS, THE MATTER HAD IN FACT BEEN UNDER CONSIDERATION ELSEWHERE.
+1 HAVE MADE SOME DISCREET ENQUIRIES AND UNDERSTAND THAT AT THE MOMENT THE BILL IS STILL IN THE COURSE OF A LEISURELY ’TOUR’, AT TIMES GATHERING DUST ON THE SHELF.
♦WHEN IT WILL RETURN TO THE LAW DRAFTING SECTION OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT IS ANYBODY’S GUESS,* HE SAID.
MR WONG STRESSED THAT FAILURE TO RESPOND PROMPTLY TO A REQUEST FOR COMMENTS IS CERTAINLY MOST UNFORTUNATE AND PROTRACTED CONSULTATION IS DEFINITELY NOT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
+SURELY DELAY IN PRODUCING IMPORTANT LEGISLATION IS INDEED A VERY SERIOUS MATTER.
+IT IS IN EVERYONE’S INTEREST TO ENSURE THAT THE CONSULTATIVE PROCESS, WHETHER DUE TO LACK OF DIRECTION OR CO-OPERATION, DOES NOT BECOME COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE AND WORK AGAINST PUBLIC INTEREST.*
MR WONG ALSO COMMENTED ON THE SOCIETIES ORDINANCE.
HE WELCOMED THE NEwS THAT AMENDMENTS WOULD BE INTRODUCED TO THE ORDINANCE WHICH WAS AMENDED NO LESS THAN TEN TIMES SINCE ITS ENACTMENT IN 1949..
/THE EXISTING .......
WKDNASDAI, OCTOBER 28, 1961
- 24 -
THE EXISTING LEGISLATION, WHICH HE SAID NEEDS TO BE FURTHER REVISED IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES, PROVIDES FOR THE REGISTRATION OF SOCIETIES AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS.
+IN A SENSE,* SAID MR WONG, +IT IS A NEGATIVE MEASURE, DESIGNED MERELY TO COMBAT THE EVILS OF UNLAWFUL SOCIETIES.
*MAY I SUGGEST THAT THE OPPORTUNITY BE ALSO TAKEN TO REINFORCE THE ORDINANCE IN A POSITIVE WAY BY CONFERRING BENEFITS ON SOCIETIES REQUIRED TO REGISTER UNDER ITS PROVISIONS.*
TAKING THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS INCORPORATION) ORDINANCE AS AN EXAMPLE, MR WONG NOTED IT CONFERS CORPORATE STATUS ON THE OWNERS UPON INCORPORATION UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
SIMILAR PROVISIONS CONFERRING CORPORATE STATUS MAY BE FOUND IN THE TRADE UNIONS ORDINANCE, CREDIT UNIONS ORDINANCE, CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ORDINANCE AND THE REGISTERED TRUSTEES INCORPORATION ORDINANCE.
+THE ADVANTAGES ARE OBVIOUS,* SAID MR WONG.
+FOR EXAMPLE, A BODY CORPORATE MAY HOLD LAND IN ITS CORPORATE NAME WHEREAS AN UNINCORPORATED BODY MAY NOT.*
AT PRESENT, SOCIETIES WISHING TO ACQUIRE CORPORATE STATUS WILL HAVE TO BE INCORPORATED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
THE PROCEDURE IS BOTH CUMBERSOME AND COSTLY AND THE REQUIREMENTS ARE NUMEROUS AND COMPLICATED, MR WONG NOTED.
+THERE ARE AT THE MOMENT OVER 3 OOO REGISTERED SOCIETIES, MOST OF WHICH ARE SMALL ORGANISATIONS WITHOUT THE NECESSARY FINANCIAL RESOURCES OR MANPOWER TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE BENEFITS CONFERRED BY THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
+THE INTRODUCTION OF CORPORATE STATUS UNDER THE SOCIETIES ORDINANCE WILL NO DOUBT EE A BENEFICIAL MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION,* HE SAID.
ON THE SUBJECT OF RENT CONTROL, MR WONG CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE HEED OF THE RECOMMENDATION ON CORPORATE LETTINGS MADE BY THE COMMITTEE OF REVIEW.
HE SAID HE AGREED WITH THE COMMITTEE THAT CORPORATE TENANTS SHOULD BE EXCLUDED FROM PROTECTION AND QUOTED TWO PASSAGES FROM THE COMMITTEE’S REPORT TO SUPPORT HIS VIEWSt
* THERE IS A STRONG BODY OF OPINION OPPOSED TO PROTECTING CORPORATE TENANTS ON THE GROUND THAT BOTH THE LANDLORD AND THE TENANT ARE IN BUSINESS-AND
* SOME COMPANIES THAT ARE TENANTS OF RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION HAVE BEEN STRIPPED OF OTHER ASSETS AND ARE BEING SOLD AT SUBSTANTIAL PRICES THEREBY EFFECTING A CHANGE IN THE PERSON IN PHYSICAL OCCUPATION EVEN THOUGH AS A MATTER OF TECHNICAL LAW, THE ACTUAL TENANT DOES NOT CHANGE.
MR WONG URGED THAT THIS +UNDESIRABLE ANOMALY AND INEQUITY* BE REMOVED AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE.
- - - - 0 ----
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
- 25 -
HIGH RENTS BLAMED FOR LOWER QUALITY OF LIFE ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN CALLED UPON TO TAKE ACTION TO CURB THE CURRENT RISE IN DOMESTIC RENTS, IMPROVE THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM AT PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LEVEL AND PROVIDE MORE GENUINE CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
SPEAKING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ANNUAL POLICY DEBATE, DR THE HON RAYSON HUANG SAID THAT IN REAL TERMS, THE AVERAGE HONG KONG WORKER OF TODAY WAS LESS WELL OFF AS REGARDS THE QUALITY OF LIFE THAN HE WAS A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO.
HE CONSIDERED THE INCREASE IN DOMESTIC RENTS AS PROBABLY THE BIGGEST SINGLE FACTOR IN THIS DETERIORATION, SINCE THE RISE HAD NOT BEEN PARALLELED BY CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN WAGES GENERALLY.
HE ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE CONTROLS WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAD BROUGHT IN A LITTLE WHILE AGO WERE ALREADY BEING RELAXED, +LONG BEFORE THE DEMAND FOR HOUSING IS IN SIGHT OF BEING MATCHED BY THE SUPPLY AND AT A TIME WHEN RESTRAINT ON THE PART OF LANDLORDS IS STILL SADLY LACKING*.
IN ADDITION, DR HUANG POINTED OUT, THE SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF HONG KONG HAVE CHANGED DRASTICALLY OVER THE PAST 20 OR 30 YEARS, ESPECIALLY IN THE STRUCTURE OF THE FAMILY AND THE PATTERN OF FAMILY LIFE.
♦ONE EARNER CANNOT MAKE ENDS MEET, SO BOTH PARENTS WORK AND THE CHILDREN ARE LESS WELL CARED FOR.
♦THEIR WELL-BEING IS LEFT TO THE SCHOOLS WHERE CLASSES ARE LARGE, MUCH TOO LARGE, FOR TEACHERS TO BE ABLE TO PAY MUCH ATTENTION TO INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS OR TO FILL THE GAPS LEFT BY INSUFFICIENT CARE AT HOME.+
HE NOTED THAT THE TRADITIONAL VIRTUES OF OLD CHINA WERE STEADILY BEING ERODED. WITH THE GAP BETWEEN AFFLUENT AND ORDINARY CONTINUING TO WIDEN, PARENTS WERE CAUGHT UP IN THE RAT RACE FOR MATERIAL ADVANCEMENT AND THEIR CHILDREN IN THE RAT RACE FOR THE RUNGS OF THE EDUCATIONAL LADDER.
DR HUANG WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF THIS ON THE YOUNG. +THEY ARE CORKED UP IN TINY CUBICLES CALLED HOME, WITH HEALTHY RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FEW AND FAR AWAY, ACCESSIBLE ONLY BY CROWDED, UNCOMFORTABLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT THROUGH CONGESTED ROADS.
♦THE EFFECTS OF SUCH SURROUNDINGS SOONER OR LATER MAKE THEIR MARK, FOR IT WOULD TAKE A WILL OF IRON TO RISE ABOVE THE DELETERIOUS EFFECT OF SUCH AN ENVIRONMENT,+ HE SAID.
/HE NOTED
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBEk 28, 1981
- 26 -
HE NOTED THAT OFFERING TO OUR YOUNG THE PROSPECT OF A DECENT FUTURE SHOULD NOT BE BEYOND EITHER OUR MEANS OR OUR INGENUITY.
+YOU, SIR, POINT IN YOUR ADDRESS TO POSSIBLE LINES OF HOPEFUL APPROACH, BUT INDICATE THAT NO POSITIVE DECISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE ON THEIR IMPLEMENTATION BECAUSE OF FINANCIAL CONS I DERAT IONS.
+l AM HOPEFUL THAT THESE CONSIDERATIONS WILL NOT UNDULY DETER US FROM TAKING THE POSITIVE STEPS WHICH SO NEED TO BE TAKEN, SINCE I AM ENCOURAGED BY YOUR EARLIER REMARKS THAT OUR BUDGETED SURPLUS OF S7 800 MILLION WILL BE SURPASSED AND THAT, I QUOTE, 'BUDGETARY RESTRAINTS ARE NOT A PROBLEM’.+
TURNING TO THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM AT PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LEVEL, DR HUANG STRESSED THAT IT NEEDED IMPROVEMENTS.
THIS COULD BE DONE, AS SUGGESTED BY THE GOVERNOR, BY STRENGTHENING CAREER COUNSELLING AND REMEDIAL TEACHING, BY WIDENING THE CURRICULUM TO PROVIDE FOR THE NON-ACADEMIC AND BY ENCOURAGING MORE LEISURE AND COMMUNITY-ORIENTED PROJECTS.
♦WE MUST MAKE THESE IMPROVEMENTS,+ HE SAID. +WE MUST ALSO PROVIDE, AGAIN AS YOU SUGGEST, MORE EFFECTIVELY AND MORE CONSTRUCTIVELY FOR DISABLED AND HANDICAPPED CHILDREN. THIS WILL OBVIOUSLY REQUIRE MORE TEACHERS, MORE FACILITIES, AND WE MUST PROVIDE THEM.
♦THE SURPLUS IS THERE AND, WHILE I RECOGNISE THAT WE CANNOT HAVE OUR CAKE AND EAT IT, DO EARNESTLY SUBMIT THAT IN THIS CASE WE SHOULD TAKE A GOOD BITE OF IT.+
DR HUANG ALSO TOOK THE GOVERNMENT TO TASK FOR BEING AMBIVALENT IN ITS OWN ATTITUDE ON LEISURE AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY.
GAMBLING IS A CASE IN POINT.
♦THE ARGUMENT HAS REGULARLY BEEN PROFFERED THAT LEGAL GAMBLING OUTLETS MUST BE READILY AVAILABLE IF ILLEGAL GAMBLING IS TO BE COMBATTED.
♦FOLLOWING THE SUPPOSED LOGIC OF THIS ARGUMENT WOULD WE, AS I ASKED IN THIS COUNCIL SOME YEARS AGO, PUT UP LEGAL OPIUM LOUNGES TO KEEP PEOPLE AWAY FROM TAKING THE MORE DANGEROUS HEROIN?
♦WOULD WE ENCOURAGE OUR YOUNGSTERS TO SMOKE POT SO THAT THEY WOULD HAVE A HABIT TO LEAN ON WHICH IS LESS DANGEROUS THAN DEPENDENCE ON OTHER DRUGS?+ ASKED DR HUANG.
HE NOTED THAT GAMBLING, WHETHER LEGAL OR ILLEGAL, ALL TOO OFTEN LEADS TO DISTRACTION FROM WORK, DISHONESTY AND LOSS OF CAREER, POVERTY, UNHAPPINESS, AND FAMILY STRIFE.
HE STRESSED THAT HE DID NOT OBJECT TO GAMES OF CHANCE OR SKILL AS RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, OR TO HORSE-F! AC I NG AS SUCH..
/+WHAT I AM .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
- 27 -
+ *HAT I AM WORRIED ABOUT IS THE PROPAGATION OF GAMBLING, AS IF BY EDICT, THROUGH OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES WHICH ARE SPREADING SYSTEMATICALLY THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY.
♦ WE HAVE HAD THE RIDICULOUS SITUATION OF GOVERNMENT CONDONING THE PROLIFERATION OF OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES AGAINST THE WISHES Oc THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND AGAINST THEIR FORMAL PETITIONS,* HE SAID.
HE wAS ALSO WORRIED ABOUT THE EFFECT OF THESE CENTRES ON THE YOUNG.
+WE SHOULD NOT BE BRINGING UP YOUNG PEOPLE TO REGARD GAMBLING AS A PART OF THE NORMAL LIFE-STYLE.
♦NOR CAN IT BE ARGUED THAT THE TINY PERCENTAGE OF THE PROFITS WHICH GO TO CHARITY MAKE UP FOR EVEN A PART OF THE TOTAL DAMAGE DONE.*
DR HUANG SUGGESTED THAT WE MUST BE MUCH MORE POSITIVE AND GENEROUS IN THE PROVISION OF MORE YOUTH CLUBS, SPORTS AND CULTURAL CENTRES WHICH, IN THE SHORT TERM, WOULD OFFSET SOME OF THE WORSE ASPECTS OF THE HOUSING SITUATION AND THE PRESSURES OF THE NOISY, CROWDED AND MERCILESSLY COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH MOST PEOPLE LIVE.
IN THE LONG TERM, HE CONTINUED, THE HOUSING SITUATION ITSELF MUST BE REMEDIED.
♦ WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO YET, BEARING IN MIND THE MANY THOUSANDS WHO LIVE IN DINGY, MAKE-SHIFT SHACKS OR IN DILAPIDATED, UNSANITARY CRAFTS FLOATING OR HALF SINKING IN WATER BLACK WITH POLLUTION,♦ HE SAID.
/28
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
28 -
IMPLICATIONS OF UK NATIONALITY BILL
*****
THE BRITISH NATIONALITY BILL WHICH HAS RECENTLY RUN ITS
COURSE IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND IS COMPLETING ITS PASSAGE THROUGH THE COMMONS CAME IN FOR SPECIAL COMMENT TODAY FROM AN UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON JOHN SWAINE.
SPEAKING AT THE POLICY DEBATE, MR SWAINE SAID: +1 THINK IT
IS TRUE TO SAY THAT HONG KONG’S INTEREST STEMS NOT FROM THE PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE BILL FOR TODAY’S HONG KONG CITIZENS, BUT ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE OF THIS TERRITORY.
♦ IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT THE BILL SHOULD HAVE HAD THIS EFFECT.+
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE UNDERLYING POLICY OF THE BILL IS THAT ONLY THOSE PERSONS WHO HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL CONNECTION WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM SHOULD BE CITIZENS OF THAT COUNTRY AND BE ENTITLED TO THE STATUS +BRITISH CITIZEN*.
HOWEVER, HE CONTINUED, THE UNITED KINGDOM CANNOT LEGISLATE FOR THE CITIZENSHIP OF ITS PEOPLE AND THOSE OF ITS DEPENDENT TERRITORIES OVERSEAS WITHOUT RAISING FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS ABOUT ITS CONTINUED RELATIONSHIP wITH THOSE OVERSEAS TERRITORIES.
+IN HONG KONG,+ SAID MR SWAINE, +BECAUSE OF OUR UNIQUE POLITICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING, THOSE QUESTIONS HAVE A PARTICULAR SIGN IF ICANCE.
+WE IN HONG KONG HAVE RECEIVED REPEATED ASSURANCES FROM HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT THAT THE BILL IS NOT INTENDED TO DISTANCE HONG KONG FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THAT THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO BE SAFEGUARDED.
+ACCEPTING THESE ASSURANCES AS WE MUST, AND IT WOULD BE FOLLY TO DO OTHERWISE, WE MUST HOWEVER ASSERT THE HOMELY TRUTH THAT A PERSON, AS WELL AS A GOVERNMENT, IS JUDGED BY HIS ACTIONS.
+WE MUST THEREFORE URGE HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT TO DEMONSTRATE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG IN THE YEARS AHEAD ITS DECLARED POLICY THAT THE LINKS WILL REMAIN AND THAT THE INTERESTS OF THIS TERRITORY WILL BE PRESERVED.*
THE RECENT DEFEAT IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE BILL WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN EFFECTIVE TO DECLARE THE BRITISH NATIONAL STATUS OF HONG KONG CITIZENS DOES NOT MEAN, HOWEVER, THE DEPRIVATION OF SUCH STATUS, MR SWAINE CONTENDED.
HE SAID HONG KONG CITIZENS WHO ARE BORN OR NATURALISED HERE ENJOY THEIR NATIONAL STATUS THROUGH ALLEGIANCE TO THE BRITISH CROWN, AND THIS INVOLVES, AS A MATTER OF RECIPROCAL OBLIGATION, THE DUTY OF HER MAJESTY’^ GOVERNMENT TO AFFORD PROTECTION AND ASSISTANCE TO HER MAJESTY’S SUBJECTS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.
♦ASSURANCES HAVE BEEN GIVEN BY HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL THAT THESE OBLIGATIONS WILL CONTINUE TO BE HONOURED.
/♦THE PEOPLE .......
wt.vwis>DAY, OCTOBER 28, 19«1
29
♦ THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG DESERVE NOTHING LESS,-*- HE STRESSED.
FURTHERMORE, A HONG KONG CITIZEN MAY ACQUIRE THE STATUS OF A BRITISH CITIZEN BY THE PROCESS OF REGISTRATION UNDER THE PROVISION IN CLAUSE 4 OF THE BILL, SAID MR SWAINE.
ONCE THAT STATUS IS ACQUIRED, HE HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM IN THE SAME WAY AS ANY OTHER BRITISH CITIZEN.
THE BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR REGISTRATION, HE SAID, IS THAT THE HONG KONG CITIZEN HAS LIVED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS, wITH THE FURTHER REQUIREMENT THAT DURING THE LAST TaELVE MONTHS OF HIS STAY HE IS NOT SUBJECT TO ANY IMMIGRATION RESTRICTIONS.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THIS PROVISION APPLIES TO ALL HONG KONG CITIZENS - BORN OR NATURALISED HERE - AND NOT TO JUST A SELECT OR FAVOURED MINORITY.
MR SWA INE DESCRIBED THE SECURING OF THIS CONCESSION BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AS +A VERY NOTABLE SUCCESS-*-.
♦ BUT IT HAS NOT RECEIVED THE RECOGNITION IT DESERVES,+ HE NOTED.
♦ THIS CONCESSION WAS OBTAINED AFTER INTENSE LOBBYING IN LONDON EARLIER THIS YEAR, AND THE MOST ENERGETIC INTERVENTION BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL.+
MR SWA INE ENDED WITH A PLEA FOR MORE FAITH AND CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
♦WE MUST NEVER ASSUME HONG KONG’S FRAGILITY BECAUSE OF 1997, BUT MUST ASSUME HONG KONG WILL REMAIN STRONG AND VIABLE BEYOND THAT DATE,-*- HE URGED.
HE ALSO SUGGESTED THREE PRACTICAL WAYS IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF HONG KONG SHOULD THINK POSITIVELY ABOUT THE FUTURE AND TREAT 1997 NOT AS A TERMINAL DATE BUT A MILESTONE.
THESE AREt
* THE GOVERNMENT MUST TAKE THE LEAD, AND ENSURE FOR THE PURPOSES OF LAND RESUMPTION COMPENSATION, THAT LAND NORTH OF BOUNDARY STREET IS TREATED IN THE SAME WAY AS LAND TO THE SOUTH.
* ACCOUNTANTS AND THE COMPANIES THEY ADVISE MUST GET AWAY FROM THE NOTION THAT LAND AND PLANT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES MUST BE WRITTEN DOWN IN THE BOOKS OF THE COMPANY TO 1997 AS THE TERMINAL DATE, AND THEY MUST BE PREPARED TO TREAT THEM IN THE SAME WAY AS IN THE URBAN AREAS.
* BANKS AND FINANCE HOUSES WHICH LEND MONEY TO PROPERTY-BUYERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES MUST NOT TIE DOWN THEIR REPAYMENT SCHEDULES TO A PERIOD ENDING IN 1997, BUT SHOULD TREAT SUCH PROPERTY-PURCHASERS IN THE SAME WAY AS THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE URBAN AREAS.
-------o------ -
Z5O........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
- JO -
BUS LANE CUTS JOURNEY TIMES BY 80 PER CENT * * * *
BUS JOURNEY TIMES ALONG THE BISNEY ROAD TO POKFIELD ROAD SECTION OF POK FU LAM ROAD WERE CUT BY 80 PER CENT WHEN THE °0K FU LAM ROAD BUS-ONLY LANE WAS INTRODUCED BETWEEN 7 AM AND 9 AM TODAY.
THE TIME SAVED ALONG THE 1.2-KILOMETRE SECTION TOOK 10 TO 15 MINUTES OFF OVERALL BUS JOURNEY TIMES.
QUOTING THE RESULTS OF BEFORE-AND-AFTER TRAFFIC SURVEYS, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER, TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT DIVISION, MR ALAN LUI SAID : +BEFORE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE BUS LANE, BUSES TOOK 18 MINUTES TO TRAVEL BETWEEN BISNEY ROAD AND POKFIELD ROAD.
* NOW IT TAKE A MERE 3-1/2 MINUTES - ONE FIFTH OF THE TIME.*
MR LUI SAID THAT A CONTROL POINT SET UP AT THE JUNCTION OF POKFIELD ROAD BETWEEN 7 AM AND 9 AM TODAY RECORDED THE MOVEMENT OF 190 BUSES CARRYING MORE THAN 20 000 PEOPLE.
+IN COMPARISON, 2 000 OTHER VEHICLES OCCUPYING TWICE AS MUCH ROAD SPACE AS THE BUSES CARRIED ONLY ABOUT 4 000 PEOPLE DURING THE SAME PERIOD,* HE SAID.
MR LUI ADDED THAT OTHER ROAD-USERS WERE NOT UNDULY AFFECTED BY THE OPENING OF THE BUS-ONLY LANE, THANKS TO THE PROVISION OF SPACE FOR TWO QUEUES OF VEHICLES ALONGSIDE THE BUS LANE.
CHINA MOTOR BUS TRAFFIC MANAGER MR LYNDON REES SAID HE WAS +DELIGHTED WITH THE SIGNIFICANT DROP IN OVERALL BUS JOURNEY TIMES*.
+AS A RESULT OF THE SCHEME, OUR BUSES WERE ABLE TO CLEAR PASSENGER QUEUES AT THE WAH FU BUS TERMINUS BY 7.40 AM, 40 MINUTES EARLIER THAN USUAL,* HE SAID.
MR LEN RICHBELL, TECHNICAL ADVISER TO A FIRM OF CONSULTING ENGINEERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SCHEME, SAID HE WAS +VERY PLEASED* wrITH THE SUCCESS OF THE SCHEME.
* A NUMBER OF REFINEMENTS WILL HAVE TO BE MADE OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS BUT, ONCE MOTORISTS GET USED TO THE SCHEME, ITS BENEFIT TO THE MAJORITY OF COMMUTERS WILL QUICKLY BECOME APPARENT,* MR RICHBELL SAID.
THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN OF WAH HING HOUSE AT WAH FU ESTATE, MR LAM WAN, SAID HE WAS HAPPY TO SEE AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUS JOURNEY TIMES WITHOUT INCONVENIENCING OTHER ROAD-USERS.
THE BUS-ONLY LANE, EXTENDING FROM BISNEY ROAD TO POKFIELD ROAD, OPERATES FROM 7 AM TO 9 AM MONDAY TO SATURDAY.
-----0------
/31 .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
- 51 -
THIRD TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED * * * *
PLANS ARE WELL ADVANCED TO PROVIDE TWO TEMPORARY SPORT CENTRES IN TSUEN WAN TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE POPULATION, THE TOWN MANAGER, DR JAMES HAYES SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE TWO CENTRES, IN CHEUNG HONG ESTATE ON TSING Yl ISLAND AND AT MEI WAN STREET IN THE HEART OF TSUEN WAN, WILL BE READY BY MARCH NEXT YEAR.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED $200 OOO THIS FINANCIAL YEAR TO PROMOTE RECREATION AND SPORT IN HOUSING ESTATES. A WORKING COMMITTEE HAS BEEN FORMED TO CO-ORDINATE AND HELP ORGANISE SUCH ACTIVITIES.
DR HAYES WAS SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE THIRD TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL WHICH WILL BE HELD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 7 AND 29.
♦ IT IS NO USE ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO JOIN IN THE FESTIVAL IF, FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR, FOR VARIOUS REASONS CONNECTED WITH TRAINING, EQUIPMENT, MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION, THEY ARE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY PREVENTED OR DETERRED FROM USING THE FACILITIES TO THEIR FULL EXTENT,+ HE SAID.
♦ OUR AIM IS TO MAXIMISE THE USE OF AMENITIES, NOT JUST FOR THESE THREE WEEKS BUT THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE YEAR,+ HE STRESSED.
♦ THE ANNUAL SPORTS FESTIVAL, WITH ITS CONCENTRATION ON SPORTING ACTIVITIES, IS AN EXCELLENT WAY OF SPURRING US ON AND REMINDING US OF OUR OBJECT IVES,+ HE ADDED.
FOR THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL, MORE THAN 70 ACTIVITIES, FRIENDLY MATCHES AND GROUP PERFORMANCES ARE BEING ORGANISED. A GO-KART RACE AND EVENTS FOR THE HANDICAPPED, INTRODUCED LAST YEAR, WILL BE REPEATED.
THE FESTIVAL CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN, SAID ABOUT $300 000 WOULD BE SPENT, OF WHICH $250 000 WOULD COME FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REST FROM PRIVATE DONATIONS.
ADMISSION TO ALL FESTIVAL EVENTS WILL BE FREE. TICKETS AND PROGRAMME BROCHURES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES AND OFFICES OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND THE FEDERATION OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION.
AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 7 AT 3 PM AT THE OSMAN RAMJU SADICK MEMORIAL GAMES HALL IN KWAI CHUNG. THE SECRETARY FOR INFORMATION, MR ALAN SCOTT, WHO IS PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, WILL OFFICIATE.
THE FESTIVAL IS BEING JOINTLY ORGANISED BY TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE FEDERATION OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD INAUGURATED * * * *
THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, THE FIRST TO BE SET UP ON HONG KONG ISLAND, wAS INAUGURATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN CANTONESE AT THE INAUGURAL MEETING, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DENIS BRAY CALLED FOR WHOLE-HEARTED SUPPORT FOR THE REGISTRATION OF VOTERS IN SPRING NEXT YEAR.
IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT CANDIDATES WHO ARE PREPARED TO STAND FOR ELECTION BE IDENTIFIED AND PERSUADED TO +TAKE THE PLUNGE,+ HE SAID.
THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS 12 MONTHS TO LAY THE FOUNDATIONS OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WHICH WILL PROVIDE CONTINUITY FOR THE NEXT BOARD DUE TO ASSEMBLE AFTER THE DISTRICT ELECTIONS IN OCTOBER 1982.
MR BRAY SAID THE EASTERN DISTRICT HAD RECENTLY BEEN FACED WITH THE COMPLICATIONS OF LARGE SCALE DEVELOPMENT OF ITS TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE SHAPE OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY ISLAND LINE, AS WELL AS THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF QUARRY BAY AND CHAI WAN.
+THE RAMIFICATIONS OF THESE DEVELOPMENTS WILL PRESENT A CHALLENGE TO THE DISTRICT BOARD WHICH MUST SEEK TO ENSURE THAT THE TRADITIONAL IS NOT SWEPT AwAY BY THE NEW AND THE NEW IS NOT UNDULY DELAYED BY SHORTSIGHTED DEMANDS TO MAINTAIN THE STATUS QUO.+ HE SAID.
TOPICS DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING INCLUDED THE FUNCTIONS AND TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, ITS FINANCIAL POSITION AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THREE COMMITTEES TO DEAL WITH ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT, AS WELL AS COMMUNITY, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MATTERS.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE MEETING WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN- THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR GRAHAM BARNES- AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MR ALBERT LAM.
MORE PARKING SPACES RE-OPENED IN HUNG HOM * * *
A FURTHER 180 PARKING SPACES ON THE FIFTH AND SIXTH FLOORS OF THE HUNG HOM MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK WILL BE RE-OPENED FOR PUBLIC USE FROM 8 AM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 31).
THIS BRINGS TO 74.8 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES AVAILABLE IN THE CAR PARK.
WEDNESDAY, 0CT03EH 28, 1981
- 33 -
ELECTION OF EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES * * *
THE ANNUAL ELECTION OF EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD WILL BE HELD BY SECRET BALLOT ON CAUSEWAY BAY AT 10*3° AM AT THE QUEEN’S COLLEGE SCHOOL
TO THE FR IDAY HALL,
THE BOARD IS A NON-STATUTORY BODY WHICH ADVISES THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ON MATTERS REFERRED TO IT BY HIM INCLUDING A”? '^NATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. IT COMPRISES SIX EMPLOYERS’ .PRESENTATIVES AND SIX EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES, w ITH THE COMMISSIONER AS CHAIRMAN.
THREE OF THE EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES ARE ELECTED BY BYGTHEEGOVERNOR°YEES’ UN,0NS AND THE 0THER THREE ARE APPOINTED
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT EIGHT CANDIDA :S HAD BEEN NOMINATED FOR ELECTION AND THEIR NAMES HAD BEEN SENT TO ALL REGISTERED EMPLOYEES’ UNIONS FOR CONSIDERATION.
A REGISTERED EMPLOYEES’ TRADE UNION WISHING TO VOTE SHOULD SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO THE ELECTION. THE REPRESENTATIVE MUST BRING A LETTER OF AUTHORISATION FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE UNION AND A COPY OF THE CIRCULAR LETTER DATED OCTOBER 9, 1981 FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON THE SUBJECT, HE SAID.
HEALTH TALKS IN TUEN MUN
X X X
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD, IN AN ATTEMPT TO PROMOTE BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF CHILD CARE AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS, HAS ORGANISED A SERIES OF HEALTH TALKS WITH THE BACKING OF A FRENCH PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY.
THE SUBJECT OF THE FIRST TALK, TO BE HELD AT CASTLE PEAK CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL TOMORROW (THURSDAY) EVENING, IS +COMMON ILLNESSES OF WOMEN+.
OTHER TALKS WILL BE GIVEN AT TAI HING, ON TING AND SAM SHING ESTATES ON NOVEMBER 5, 12 AND 19.
TOPICS WILL INCLUDE +COMMON ILLNESSES OF CHILDREN*, +INFANT CARE+ AND +TREATMENT OF FEVER*.
THE TALKS, BY MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS IN THE DISTRICT, WILL BE ILLUSTRATED WITH FILM AND SLIDE SHOWS.
ALL THE TALKS WILL START AT 8 PM AND LAST ONE HOUR.
- 0 -----------
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
- > -
OPEN DAY AT KOWLOON REHABILITATION CENTRE
* * *
MANY PHYSICALLY DISABLED PERSONS HAVE BEEN INTEGRATED BACK TO SOCIETY THROUGH A WIDE RANGE OF REHABILITATIVE SERVICES OFFERED BY THE KOWLOON REHABILITATION CENTRE OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
THE CENTRE, LOCATED INSIDE THE COMPOUND OF KOWLOON HOSPITAL, WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 30) FOR THEM TO SEE HOW DISABLED PERSONS CAN BECOME PRODUCTIVE AGAIN.
THE OPEN DAY IS PART OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS.
THE OBJECTIVE OF THE EVENT IS TO PROMOTE EFFECTIVE MEASURES FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE HANDICAPPED AND FOR THE PREVENTION OF DISABILITY.
GUIDED TOURS WILL BE ARRANGED FOR SMALL GROUPS OF VISITORS.
NOTE TO EDITORS s
PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO VISIT THE KOWLOON REHABILITATION CENTRE DURING THE OPEN DAY ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 30) FROM 9.30 AM TO 4.30 PM.
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LABOUR RELATIONS WORKSHOPS * * * *
THE FIFTH AND FINAL IN A SERIES OF LABOUR RELATIONS WORKSHOPS ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT CONCLUDED AT QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.
SEVENTY-FIVE PARTICIPANTS FROM COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS, EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS AND TRADE UNIONS RECEIVED CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION’S REGIONAL ADVISER ON INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, DR C.D. CALDERON.
BEFORE THAT, A LECTURER FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MR NG SEK-HONG, SPOKE ON THE +ROLE OF TRADE UNIONS, EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER LABOUR GROUPS IN LABOUR RELATIONS*.
THE SERIES OF WORKSHOP, WHICH DREW 360 PARTICIPANTS OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS, FORMED PART OF A YEAR-LONG LABOUR AND STAFF RELATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (UNDP) WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
35
PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND WATERLOO ROAD CLOSED
FOR BRIDGE DEMOLITION * * *
RRINCE EDWARD ROAD, BETWEEN EMBANKMENT ROAD AND YUEN PO STREET, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM FOR FIVE MORNINGS FROM OCTOBER 30 TO NOVEMBER 3 BECAUSE OF THE DEMOLITION OF A KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY BRIDGE.
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIODS, TRAFFIC HEADING EAST ALONG PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO SAI YEE STREET AND BOUNDARY STREET. WESTBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO EMBANKMENT ROAD AND BOUNDARY STREET.
WATERLOO ROAD, BETWEEN YIM PO FONG STREET AND PEACE AVENUE, WILL ALSO BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM FOR FOUR MORNINGS FROM NOVEMBER 4 TO 7 TO ALLOW FOR THE DEMOLITION OF ANOTHER RAILWAY BR IDGE.
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIODS, EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON WATERLOO ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO DUNDAS STREET, KWONG WAH STREET, YIM PO FONG STREET AND ARGYLE STREET. WESTBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO HO MAN TIN STREET, HO MAN TIN HILL ROAD, WYLIE ROAD AND WATERLOO ROAD •
YIM PO FONG STREET AND WYLIE ROAD WILL REMAIN OPEN TO BOTH NORTH AND SOUTH-BOUND TRAFFIC.
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY GALA NIGHT * * *
AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY GALA NIGHT, FEATURING WELL-KNOWN LOCAL AND OVERSEAS SINGERS AND TELEVISION PERSONALITIES WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 30) AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL IN WATERLOO ROAD.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND REDIFFUSION TELEVISION AND SPONSORED BY SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES, THE SHOW WILL HIGHLIGHT THE GRAND FINALE OF THE CURRENT INDUSTRIAL SAFETY QUIZ COMPETITION.
FIVE WORKERS - FOUR MEN AND A WOMAN - WILL TAKE PART IN TELEMATCH GAMES TO COMPETE FOR THE PRIZES, INCLUDING THE GRAND PRIZE OF A S30 000 DAIHATSU CHARADE CAR DONATED BY TAI FAT HONG LTD.
THE SHOW WILL BE RECORDED AND SCREENED ON RTV’S CHINESE CHANNEL ON SUNDAY EVENING (NOVEMBER 1).
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1981
36
RETIREMENT MEMENTO
* * *
PRINCIPAL FIREMAN YU LUNG-''IN, RESPONSIBLE FOR RECEIVING THOUSANDS OF DISTRESS FIRE CALLS IN THE PAST 22 YEARS, IS RETIRING AFTER 32 YEARS OF SERVICE.
TO MARK HIS RETIREMENT, THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR BRIAN FENDER PRESENTED A MEMENTO TO HIM AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE FIRE SERVICES CONTROL CENTRE TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR YU JOINED THE DEPARTMENT IN SEPTEMBER 1949 AS A FIREMAN. TEN YEARS LATER HE wAS TRANSFERRED TO THE FIRE SERVICES CONTROL CENTRE UNTIL HIS RETIREMENT.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR FIREMAN (CONTROL) IN 1968 AND TO THE PRESENT RANK IN JUNE 1975.
he was awarded the colonial fire brigades long service medal IN 1967 AND THE FIRST CLASP TO THE MEDAL IN 1974.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED B> GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL:
AUSTERE LIFE AHEAD, SAYS UNOFFICIAL—THE HON CHARLES S.C. YEUNG .......................................... 1
MORE PUBLICITY ABOUT FOSTER HOMES SUGGESTED—DR .THE HON K.F. HO ............................................. 2
CALL FOR SOCIAL AUDIT SYSTEM—THE HON ANDREW K.W. SO.. 5
+BUY HONG KONG+ DRIVE ADVOCATED—THE HON F.K. HU...... 6
CONCERN OVER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY—THE HON WONG PO-YAN . 8
PRAISE FOR GOVERNMENT'S +PRAGMATIC APPROACH-*—THE HON W.C.L. BROWN ........................................ 11
LOW-COST LAND FOR INDUSTRIES SUGGESTED—THE HON K.C. CHAN 13
PLEA FOR TWO-TIER INTEREST RATES—THE HON STEPHEN K.C. CHEONG ......................................... 16
BETTER DEAL FOR NT RESIDENTS URGED—THE HON CHEUNG YAN LUNG ................................................ 18
ADVANTAGES OF WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING—THE HON SELINA CHOW ... 19
NON-INTERVENTION POLICY CRITICISED—THE HON MARIA TAM .... 21
«
BACK FROM CHINA WATER TALKS ........................... 24
RUBBISH DUMP TURNED INTO CAR PARK...................... 24
SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF CROWN LAND AVAILABLE............. 25
ELEVATED ROAD TO BE BUILT.............................. 25
CAS RECRUITS TO PARADE................................. 26
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
1
AUSTERE LIFE AHEAD, SAYS UNOFFICIAL * * * *
HONG KONG
AHEAD, THE HON
PEOPLE MUST BRACE THEMSELVES FOR AN AUSTERE LIFE CHARLES YEUNG WARNED TODAYS
+ ... NOT SO MUCH AS WE CANNOT AFFORD A BETTER LIFE NOW AS WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE A BETTER LIFE IN OUR IMMEDIATE FUTURE,* HE ca in *
HE NOTED THAT AS ECONOMIC BENEFIT IS THE ORDER OF THE DAY IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS, HONG KONG MUST IMPROVE ITS ECONOMIC STRENGTH SO THAT IT MAY BE IN A POSITION FOR ITS OWN GOOD TO OFFER MORE.
+THIS CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED BY PLACING OUR COMMUNAL WEALTH BEFORE PERSONAL WEALTH. FUTURE PROSPERITY BEFORE SHORT TERM SUCCESS, IMMEDIATE BENEFIT TO OTHERS BEFORE IMMEDIATE GAIN TO OURSELVES,* MR YEUNG SAID.
AS GOOD RELATION CANNOT BE MAINTAINED WITHOUT GOODWILL AND GOODWILL CANNOT BE FOSTERED WITHOUT BENEFIT, HE AGREED THAT +AT THIS TIME THE BEST CONTRIBUTION WE CAN MAKE TO OUR FUTURE IS THE FOSTERING OF THE GROWING ECONOMIC LINKS THAT EXIST WITH OUR NEIGHBOUR*.
+NO DOUBT OUR PEOPLE WILL SPARE NO EFFORT TO SUPPORT OUR GOVERNMENT TO ACHIEVE THIS AIM IN RETURNING THE GOODWILL WHICH HAS BEEN EXTENDED AND SURELY WILL CONTINUE TO EXTEND TO US BY CHINA.*
EARLIER, MR YEUNG COMMENTED ON THE INCREASE IN TUITION FEES FOR OVERSEAS STUDENTS BY THE BRITISH UNIVERSITIES, AND ON THE BRITISH NATIONALITY BILL.
♦THOUGH UNFORTUNATE TO US,+ HE SAID, +IT IS CONSIDERED BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, PURPORTEDLY TO REFLECT THE PEOPLE’S SENTIMENT, AS ESSENTIAL IN THE BRITISH NATIONAL INTERESTS, ALBEIT SHORTSIGHTED AND SELF-CENTRED, RESULTING IN ISOLATION IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS AND FRIENDS AND ALIENATION OF FINANCE AND RESOURCE AND SELF-NEGATION OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN AND TRADE WITH BRITAIN.
+1, FOR ONE, CANNOT COMMEND THE WISDOM OF TAKING A DECISION ON THE STRENGTH OF SUCH PLAUSIBLE CONSIDERATION BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.*
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT, +OUR HAND OF GOODWILL EXPRESSED IN MATERIAL FORM HAS BEEN ALL ALONG STRETCHING WITH EVER INCREASING VIGOUR AND ZEAL OVER THE OCEANS AND CONTINENTS TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND ITS PEOPLE*.
♦I BELIEVE THAT OUR EFFORT WILL BE WELL APPRECIATED AND APPROPRIATELY RETURNED IN THE LONG RUN,* HE ADDED.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
2
MORE PUBLICITY ABOUT FOSTER HOMES SUGGESTED * * * *
DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI CALLED FOR MORE PUBLICITY ON THE MERITS OF FOSTER HOMES AND SMALL GROUP HOMES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE MODERN CONCEPT OF CHILD CARE IS SHIFTING ITS EMPHASIS TOWARDS NON-INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES TAKING THE FORM OF FOSTER HOMES AND SMALL GROUP HOMES.
CHILD WELFARE WORKERS, HE SAID, EXPOUNDED THAT CHILDREN IN NEED OF A SUBSTITUTE HOME SHOULD BE BEST REARED IN AN ENVIRONMENT AS HOME-LIKE AS POSSIBLE +SO THAT THEIR EMOTIONAL, SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS CONTINUE TO BE MET WITH MINIMUM DISRUPTION*.
EXPLAINING THE FEATURE OF SUCH HOMES, DR HO SAID THEY ARE LOCATED UNOBTRUSIVELY IN PRIVATE OR PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS AND ARE NON-DISTINGUISHABLE FROM OTHER ORDINARY HOMES.
THIS PERMITS CLOSE IDENTIFICATION WITH COMMUNITY LIVING AND THEREFORE FACILITATES THE CHILDREN’S RE-INTEGRATION INTO THE COMMUNITY.
♦UNDER THE GUIDANCE AND CARE OF A MARRIED COUPLE WHO HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY SELECTED FOR THE JOB, THE FOSTER HOME OR THE SMALL GROUP HOME ENGENDERS THE KIND OF FAMILY LIFE, PARENTAL AFFECTION, PEER GROUP RELATIONSHIP, DISCIPLINE AND SECURITY WHICH ARE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS FOR THE CHILDREN TO GROW INTO HEALTHY AND RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUALS.
♦THESE ADVANTAGES ARE NORMALLY NOT AVAILABLE FROM LARGE, DEPERSONALIZED CHILDREN’S INSTITUTIONS AND ORPHANAGES.♦
HOWEVER, DR HO POINTED OUT, THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS ALTERNATIVE TYPE OF CHILD CARE SERVICES HAS BEEN VERY SLOW IN HONG KONG.
QUOTING STATISTICS, HE SAID THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN REVIEW 1981 INDICATED THAT THERE IS A REQUIREMENT OF SOME 300 NON-1NSTI TUT I ONAL PLACES IN 1981/82 AGAINST A CURRENT PROVISION OF 94.
AND THE PROPORTION OF PLACES IN NON-INSTITUTIONAL SETTINGS TO THE TOTAL RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARE PLACES IN HONG KONG IS ABOUT 5 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 56 PER CENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM IN 1976.
♦THE MAJOR OBSTACLES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS TYPE OF CHILD CARE ARE DIFFICULTIES RELATED TO THE SECURITY OF SUITABLE ACCOMMODATION AND TO THE RECRUITMENT OF PERSONNEL,* HE SAID.
+THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PERHAPS ORGANISE A CAMPAIGN TO PUBLICISE THE MERITS OF FOSTER HOMES AND SMALL GROUP HOMES, TO AROUSE THE INTEREST OF THOSE PARENTS WHO HAVE REARED THEIR OWN CHILDREN.
/♦THE GOVSBNMKT.......
TEUBSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
- 3 -
♦THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALSO BE PREPARED TO SUBSIDISE PRIVATELY LEASED ACCOMMODATION, ALLOCATE MORE ACCOMMODATION IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES FOR CHILD CARE SERVICES AND INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF INCENTIVE ALLOWANCE FOR THE FOSTER PARENTS.♦
TURNING TO RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARE SERVICES, DR HO HIGHLIGHTED THE CURRENT SHORT-FALLS IN THE PROVISION OF PLACES FOR NEEDY CHILDREN.
HE SAID THAT ACCORDING TO REPORTS, OF THE 800 CHILDREN APPLYING FOR RESIDENTIAL CARE LAST YEAR, ONLY 240 PLACES WERE FOUND.
♦ AN INCREDIBLY LONG WAITING TIME, COUPLED WITH A LOW DISCHARGE RATE FROM INSTITUTIONS, SERVES TO DETER NEW APPLICATIONS FOR PLACEMENT OF NEEDY CHILDREN.
♦ IN ORDER TO PUT THE PROVISION AND THE DEMAND IN A BETTER BALANCE, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD EARNESTLY MAKE PLANS TO EXPAND RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARE SERVICES, WHICH ARE MAINLY PROVIDED BY THE SUBVENTED AGENCIES.
♦ THE GOOD-WILL AND SERVICES OF THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR CAN AND SHOULD BE VIGOROUSLY EXPLOITED BY WAY OF INCREASED SUBVENT IONS,+ DR HO SAID.
HE ALSO CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO URGENTLY DRAW UP A CODE OF PRACTICE LAYING DOWN THE MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILDREN’S HOMES SO AS TO SAFEGUARD THE WELFARE OF THE UNDERPRIVILEGED AND MALADJUSTED CHILDREN.
HE SAID A LOW SOCIAL WORKER TO CHILDREN RATIO, AGGRAVATED BY AN INADEQUATE COMPLEMENT OF RELIEF WORKERS, ACCOUNTS IN PART FOR THE GENERALLY LESS THAN SATISFACTORY SERVICE STANDARDS IN SOME OF THE INSTITUTIONS.
A HIGH STAFF TURNOVER RATE ADVERSELY AFFECTS NOT ONLY THE CLOSE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CHILD AND THE SOCIAL WORKER, BUT ALSO THE CHILDREN’S PROCESS OF DEVELOPMENT.
♦GENERAL UNDER-STAFFING, VARIATIONS IN MANAGERIAL ABILITY, AND THE GENERAL LACK OF APPROPRIATE PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES ALL CONTRIBUTE THEIR SHARES IN REDUCING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CHILDREN’S HOME.+
ON THE SUBJECT OF WATER QUALITY, DR HO REMARKED THAT DESPITE OUR WATER POLLUTION CONTROL EFFORTS, THE WATER QUALITY OF THE INLAND RIVERS, WELLS, BEACHES AND HARBOURS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAS REGRETTABLY CONTINUED TO DETERIORATE.
HE DESCRIBED THE WATER COURSES THERE AS +DEPOSITORIES FOR AGRICULTURAL WASTE, TOXIC EFFLUENTS FROM SQUATTER INDUSTRIAL PLANTS, AND LEFTOVERS OF UNCIVIC-MINDED PICNICKERS+.
/and the
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
- 4 -
AND THE WELL WATER IN MOST PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES IS REPORTED TO BE SO CONTAMINATED THAT IT IS NOT POTABLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GUIDELINES ISSUED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGAN ISATIONS.
DR HO WAS PARTICULARLY CONCERNED THAT SOME 100 000 WELL USERS ARE EXPOSED TO HEALTH HAZARDS FROM CONSUMING THE GROSSLY CONTAMINATED WELL WATER.
FROM PUBLIC HEALTH AND ECOLOGICAL POINTS OF VIEW, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE IMMEDIATE REMEDIAL MEASURES TO AMELIORATE THE SITUATION.
+SUCH MEASURES MAY INCLUDE MAKING LOANS AVAILABLE TO FARMS IN NEED OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO SET UP AGRICULTURAL WASTE TREATMENT PLANTS SUCH AS ’BIOGAS’ PLANTS.
+THE VILLAGERS MAY ALSO BE TAUGHT TO USE CHICKEN MANURE TO GROW BLOODWORMS, WHICH ARE IN GREAT DEMAND BY THE TROPICAL FISH INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
+A MORE EFFICIENT REFUSE AND ANIMAL WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED TO DISCOURAGE DUMPING OF ALL KINDS INTO THE INLAND WATER COURSES.+
PRIORITY SHOULD ALSO BE GIVEN TO PROVIDE METERED WATER OR PUBLIC STANDPIPES TO AS MANY RURAL COMMUNITIES AND VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AS POSSIBLE, HE SAID.
AS REGARDS THE POST OF THE HEAD OF THE WATER QUALITY SECTION IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY WHICH HAS BEEN LEFT VACANT SINCE APRIL, DR HO HOPED IT WOULD NOT GIVE RISE TO THE PUBLIC CONCERN THAT THE NEWLY GENERATED MEMENTUM IN WATER POLLUTION CONTROL HAS DISAPPEARED.
HE WARNED THAT TOO READY A RELIANCE ON CONSULTANTS AND CONTRACT OFFICERS FROM OVERSEAS MAY ENTAIL ONLY TEMPORARY BENEFITS.
+ IF WE WANT TO ENSURE AN ON-GOING ACHIEVEMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION, WE MUST BUILD UP A CONTINGENT OF OUR OWN LOCAL TALENTS EQUIPPED WITH THE APPROPRIATE APTITUDE AND TRAINING IN THIS FIELD OF KNOWLEDGE.
+THE GOVERNMENT MAY HAVE TO STEP UP ITS EDUCATIONAL AND PROMOTION EFFORTS FOR THIS RELATIVELY NEW CAREER,* HE SAID.
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iHUKaUAT, OCTOBER 29, 1981
5
CALL FOR SOCIAL AUDIT SYSTEM * * * *
A CALL FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF A +SOCIAL AUDIT* SYSTEM IN HONG KONG CAME FROM THE HON ANDREW SO.
SPEAKING DURING THE POLICY DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, MR SO SAID SOCIAL AUDIT, A CONCEPT EVOLVED IN THE SIXTIES, IS A SYSTEM UNDER WHICH CONTINUING ACCOUNT IS KEPT OF NON-FINANCI AL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES.
+AS IN FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING,* HE POINTED OUT, +A TALLY IS MADE OF EACH OF THE SOCIAL COSTS, INCLUDING SUCH DISADVANTAGES AS LAYING OFF STAFF OR AIR POLLUTION AND SOCIAL BENEFITS AS SELF-DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYEES OR SUBSIDISING COMMUNITY SERVICES.
+ALTHOUGH THIS CONCEPT IS STILL NASCENT, IT WILL PERFORCE BECOME THE BEST MEANS TO CHECK AGAINST CORPORATE SOCIAL IRRESPONSIBILITY AS WELL AS MEASURE CORPORATE CONSCIENCE.*
MR SO NOTED THAT SOME PROGRESSIVE CORPORATIONS IN NORTH AMERICA AND EUROPE ARE ALREADY DEVELOPING SUCH A SYSTEM.
IN FRANCE, HE SAID, THE PRACTICE HAS EVEN BEEN LEGISLATED AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT HAS ENGAGED MORE THAN 750 EXPERTS TO CONDUCT A SOCIAL AUDIT EVERY FINANCIAL YEAR SINCE 1978.
WHILE ADMITTING THAT HONG KONG IS A UNIQUE PLACE WHERE IMPORTED CONCEPTS OR SYSTEMS MIGHT NOT BE PRACTICAL, MR SO TOLD MEMBERS THAT HONG KONG HAS A GREAT NEED TO ESTABLISH SOCIAL STANDARDS AGAINST WHICH ITS ECONOMIC ENTERPRISES CAN BE JUDGED.
+WE HAVE TO TRAIN EXPERTS SIMILAR TO SOCIAL AUDITORS IN OTHER COUNTRIES. ABOVE ALL, WE HAVE TO RECOGNISE THE NEED FOR SOCIAL AUDIT,* HE STRESSED.
IN RECENT YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE GREAT EFFORTS TO EFFECT ADMINISTRATIVE AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS.
BUT TO IMPROVE OUR SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT WOULD INVOLVE MORE THAN JUST GOVERNMENT OR LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS, HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SET A GOOD EXAMPLE AND CALL UP ALL OUR CORPORATIONS AND ORGANISATIONS TO GIVE DUE ATTENTION TO THEIR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INSTEAD OF THINKING ONLY OF ECONOMIC GAINS.
THE RECENTLY ESTABLISHED DISTRICT BOARDS MAY CONSIDER EMPHASISING THIS ASPECT OF THEIR WORK, HE SAID.
MR SO ALSO SAID THAT IF A SOCIAL AUDIT REPORT IS PUBLISHED IN FUTURE, IDENTIFYING wHICH OF OUR POLICIES AND ACTIVITIES AFFECTS THE HEALTH OF OUR WORKERS, WHICH POLLUTES OUR AIR OR WATER, WHICH ERODES THE MIND OF OUR YOUTH AND AT THE SAME TIME PRESENTING WAYS AND MEANS TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION, IT WILL CERTAINLY AROUSE WIDE PUBLIC INTEREST.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
- 6 -
♦BUY HONG KONG+ DRIVE ADVOCATED
* * *
THE HON F.K. HU TODAY CALLED FOR A +BUY HONG KONG+ CAMPAIGN TO ENCOURAGE HONG KONG PEOPLE TO SUPPORT LOCAL INDUSTRIES.
HE SAID THIS WOULD INCREASE PRODUCTION, EASE THE UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM AND REDUCE TRADE DEFICIT.
AND HE SUGGESTED THAT ~HE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SET AN EXAMPLE BY GIVING PREFERENCE, SAY FIVE PER CENT IN PRICE, TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT AND GOODS OF HONG KONG ORIGIN, SUBJECT TO QUALITY BEING COMPARABLE.
♦SUCH ACTION WOULD NO DOUBT GIVE GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT TO LOCAL INDUSTRIES AND COULD, IN SOME CASES, COUNTERACT THE DUMPING SALES OF SUPPLIERS OF NON-HONG KONG GOODS,+ HE SAID.
QUOTING STATISTICS, MR HU POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HAS INCREASED FROM 2.3 PER CENT IN MARCH 1979 TO 3.8 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR AND FURTHER TO 4.1 PER CENT IN MARCH THIS YEAR.
FURTHERMORE, HE ADDED, THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL IMPORTS IN MONEY TERMS THIS YEAR HAS BEEN FASTER THAN THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS.
+ALL THESE ARE DANGEROUS SIGNS NOT TO BE OVERLOOKED,* HE WARNED.
♦ THE GOVERNMENT MUST EXERT EVERY EFFORT IN SUPPORTING OUR INDUSTRIES TO INCREASE THEIR EXPORT.
♦ ON THE OTHER HAND, WE MUST RECOGNISE THAT THERE IS A HUGE DOMESTIC MARKET WHICH SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED.
♦ ALTHOUGH IN PRINCIPLE WE ARE COMMITTED TO A FREE ECONOMY, THERE IS NO REASON WHY OUR INDUSTRIES WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT AIM AT A BIGGER SHARE OF OUR OWN MARKET,♦ HE SAID.
MR HU EMPHASISED THAT IN AN ERA OF TECHNOLOGY AND SOPHISTICATION, THE PROSPECT OF FURTHERING EXPORT NO LONGER RELIES ON LABOUR INTENSIVE AND LOW PRICED PRODUCTS ALONE, BUT ON OUR ABILITY TO PRODUCE HIGH TECHNOLOGY GOODS.
♦ IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE SHOULD HAVE A LONG TERM PLAN TO TRAIN SKILLED AND TECHNICAL PERSONNEL IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THIS AIM.
♦ IN THIS RESPECT, I FULLY SUPPORT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A STATUTORY VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WITH EXECUTIVE AS WELL AS ADVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE PROMOTION OF INDUSTRIAL TRAINING.+
TURNING TO HOUSING, THE UNOFFICIAL COUNCILLOR SAID IT IS STILL HONG KONG’S BIGGEST SOCIAL PROBLEM AND HAS TO BE TACKLED VIGOROUSLY.
/HE WAS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
7
HE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE
PUBLIC HOUSING UN ITS YEAR.
A YEAR
THAT THE PREVIOUS TARGET OF 35 OOO WILL BE INCREASED TO 42 500 UNITS A
HE PAID TRIBUTE THE PRICE OF HOUSING SCHEME.
TO THE UNITS
GOVERNMENT FOR EXCLUDING LAND VALUE FROM PURCHASED THROUGH THE HOME OWNERSHIP
*0ULD LIKE To SEE THE IMPOSITION OF RULES STRICTER THE seCRETARY FOR HOUSING TO PROHIBIT THE ntoALt Or SUCH UNITS.
♦I ACCEPT THAT THERE COULD BE VARIOUS REASONS WHICH NECESSITATE AN OWNER TO WISH TO SELL HIS UNIT,* SAID MR HU.
*HOWEVER, IN SUCH CASE, I FEEL THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN THE FIRST OPTION TO BUY IT BACK, IRRESPECTIVE OF THE YEAR OF OWNERSHIP, AT THE PREVAILING SELLING PRICE OF A SIMILAR HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME UNIT WITH APPROPRIATE DEDUCTION TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION DEPRECIATION AND OTHER RELEVANT CHARGES.*
ONLY IN THE EVENT OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY DECLINING TO TAKE UP THE OPTION THAT THE OWNER WOULD BE ALLOWED TO SELL THE UNIT IN THE OPEN MARKET AFTER PAYMENT OF A SUITABLE PREMIUM TO THE GOVERNMENT TO COVER THE AMOUNT OF SUBSIDY IN THE ORIGINAL PRICE ADJUSTED TO THE PREVAILING MARKET PRICE, HE ADDED.
ON THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME, MR HU NOTED THAT THE PRESENT TERMS UNDER WHICH PREMIUM MUST BE PAID IN FULL WITHIN A MONTH WOULD NOT BE ATTRACTIVE TO MANY COMPANIES.
THIS IS DUE TO THE RELATIVELY LOW ALBEIT GUARANTEED RETURN COUPLED WITH HIGH INITIAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT.
HE PROPOSED THAT EASIER PAYMENT TERMS, SAY 10 PER CENT DOWN PAYMENT, WITH THE BALANCE TO BE PAID UP IN 10 EQUAL ANNUAL INSTALMENTS AT 10 PER CENT INTEREST PER ANNUM, SHOULD BE OFFERED IN ORDER TO ATTRACT MORE TENDERERS AND TO ACHIEVE MORE FAVOURABLE RESULTS.
MR HU ALSO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO HELP THE +HIGHER MIDDLE INCOME GROUP* WHO ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME UNITS TO SOLVE THEIR HOUSING PROBLEM.
OeTvr<,e.E«££2P2SED THA THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD REVIEW THE COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR BOTH URBAN DISTRICTS AND FOR NEW TOWNS, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION TRANSPORT FACILITIES, COMMUNITY NEEDS AND SERVICES AND THEN CO SIDER A REASONABLE INCREASE IN THE PLOT RATIO CF BUILDINGS TO BE CONSTRUCTED.
*SUCH REVISION WOULD CERTAINLY HELP TO INCREASE PRODUCTION IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND WOULD REDUCE THE SELLING PRICE OF FLATS TO THE BENEFIT OF THIS INCOME GROUP,* HE SAID.
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/8........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
8
CONCERN OVER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY
*****
THE HON WONG PO-YAN EXPRESSED GRAVE CONCERN OVER THE PROBLEMS OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY AND ITS EFFECT ON THE WEAKNESS OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.
SPEAKING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THE PERSISTENT WIDENING OF OUR VISIBLE TRADE +GAP+ IS THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL SINGLE FACTOR FOR THE DECLINING EXCHANGE VALUE OF OUR DOLLAR.
♦DISTINCT FROM SUCH OTHER FACTORS AS A TEMPORARY IN-FLOW OR OUT-FLOW OF FUNDS OR SPECULATIONS IN FOREIGN EXCHANGE, WHICH MAY AFFECT THE HONG KONG DOLLAR WITHIN A SPECIFIC PERIOD, THE WIDENING TRADE GAP HAS A CONTINUOUS AND FAR-REACHING EFFECT.
♦IT IS NOT ILLOGICAL TO SAY, AND I BELIEVE WE ALL KNOW, THAT THE LONG-TERM SOLUTION FOR STIFFENING OUR DOLLAR IS TO NARROW THIS GAP - BY STRENGTHENING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF OUR EXPORT-ORIENTATED FOREIGN-EXCHANGE-EARNING MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY,+ HE SAID.
QUOTING STATISTICS, MR WONG SAID THE +GAPS+ IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR WERE 16 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 14.7 PER CENT FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR - A DIFFERENCE OF 1.3 PER CENT OR AN INCREASE OF 8.8 PER CENT IN PERCENTAGE TERMS.
IN DOLLAR TERMS, THE +GAPS+ IN THE SAME HALF-YEAR PERIOD WERE $10 480 MILLION AGAINST $7 614 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 37.6 PER CENT.
HE NOTED THAT ACCORDING TO PRESS REPORTS, JAPANESE IMPORTS IN A RECENT MONTH INCREASED BY ONE PER CENT ONLY WHILE THEIR EXPORTS INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
♦WE CANNOT AND MUST NOT IGNORE THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF OUR PERSISTENTLY WIDENING VISIBLE TRADE ’GAP’,+ HE STRESSED.
♦WE HAVE TO DO WHATEVER WE CAN TO INCREASE OUR EXPORTS, IF WE CANNOT REDUCE IMPORTS BY CERTAIN EFFECTIVE MEASURES BECAUSE OF OUR ’POSITIVE NON-INTERVENTION’ ECONOMIC POLICY.+
MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT THE STATE AND SURVIVAL OF THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY WHICH EMPLOYS SOME 42 PER CENT OF A 2.4 MILLION WORKFORCE, HAS DIRECT OR INDIRECT BEARINGS ON THE ENTIRE ECONOMY, AND HENCE THE LIVELIHOOD OF EACH AND EVERY ONE IN HONG KONG.
HE SAID IN THE LAST FEW YEARS HONG KONG HAD ABSORBED HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF NEW IMMIGRANTS, A VERY HIGH PERCENTAGE CF THEM ARE WITHIN THE WORKING AGE RANGE.
BUT THEY ARE MOSTLY UNSKILLED WORKERS AND MANY OF THEM CAN ONLY BE EMPLOYED IN THE COMPARATIVELY LESS SOPHISTICATED INDUSTRIES.
/♦THEREFORE, WHEN ........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
♦THEREFORE, WHEN WE ARE EARNESTLY MOVING UP-MARKET AND UPGRADING THE TECHNOLOGICAL STANDARD OF OUR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, WE HAVE TO ACCEPT THE FACT THAT FROM A SOCIAL POINT OF VIEW, THE EXISTENCE OF CERTAIN FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS AT "HE LOWER END IS NECESSARY TO TAKE CARE OF THESE UNSKILLED WORKERS,♦ HE SAID.
MR WONG URGED THAT CERTAIN ASSISTANCE TO THESE FACTORIES TO ENABLE THEM TO CONTINUE THEIR OPERATIONS MAY BE JUSTIFIED IN THE LIGHT OF SOCIAL CONSIDERATIONS, ADDING THAT THIS SHOULD NOT AFFECT IN ANY WAY THE TREMENDOUS EFFORTS IN UPGRADING AND DIVERSIFYING OUR INDUSTRY IN GENERAL.
TURNING TO THE EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT OF OUR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT IN THE EARLY YEARS, OUR NE IGiHBOUR ING COUNTRIES WERE FAR BEHIND US IN PROGRESS AND THEIR COMPETITION WAS NOT A REAL THREAT.
SOME OF THEM EVEN WERE NOT YET ACTIVE IN THE WORLD MARKET WHILE HONG KONG HAD THE PROTECTION OF THE COMMONWEALTH PREFERENCE SYSTEM AT THAT TIME.
♦TODAY, WE STAND STRIPPED OF THESE ADVANTAGES AND, ON THE CONTRARY, OUR NEIGHBOURS HAVE REVERSED THE POSITION ON US.
♦THEY HAVE LOW COST LAND, THEY HAVE MORE RESOURCES, THEY HAVE A LARGER POTENTIAL DOMESTIC MARKET AND THEY ALSO HAVE THEIR GOVERNMENT’S ASSISTANCE IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. THEY HAVE DEVELOPED MANY BASIC INDUSTRIES TO PRODUCE THE RAW MATERIALS WHICH WE STILL HAVE TO IMPORT.
♦WE EVEN HAVE TO COMPETE WITH SOME WELL-DEVELOPED COUNTRIES IN CERTAIN EXPORT ITEMS,♦ HE SAID.
INTERNALLY, MR WONG CONTINUED, IN THE LAST FEW YEARS DURING THE PERIOD OF THE ECONOMIC UPSURGE, THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AS A WHOLE HAS HAD A LESSER PORTION OF THE FORTUNE WHICH THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY CREATED.
HE SAID SOME INDUSTRIALISTS WHO WERE TOO ENTHUSIASTIC IN INCREASING OR IMPROVING THEIR PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT OR FOR ANY OTHER REASON WHO DID NOT SECURE A PIECE OF PROPERTY FOR THEIR OWN USE ARE NOW FACING THE PROBLEM OF INCREDIBLY HIGH RENTS FOR THEIR FACTORY SITES.
♦THEREFORE, WE HAVE A GENUINE AND URGENT PROBLEM OF PROVIDING SITES FOR THOSE INDUSTRIES WHICH CANNOT COMPETE IN THE OPEN MARKET BUT WHOSE EXISTENCE IS DESIRABLE ON SOCIAL CONSIDERATIONS.
♦PROBABLY THE PROVISION OF MORE PUBLIC INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS MAY BE ONE OF THE ANSWERS FOR THE SMALL SIZE FACTORIES, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHICH HAVE TO BE CLEARED FROM CROWN LAND REQUIRED FOR DEVELOPMENT.+
/ANOTHSt PROBLEM .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
10 -
ANOTHER PROBLEM WHICH MR WONG SAID FACED THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IS HOW TO MAINTAIN OR CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO ATTRACTING FOREIGN AS WELL AS LOCAL INVESTMENTS.
+l BELIEVE IT IS NOT ALWAYS WRONG TO USE PUBLIC FUNDS TO STIMULATE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENTS BY PROVIDING LOWER INTEREST RATES FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
+IF IT IS, WHY SO MANY COUNTRIES - INCLUDING THE E.E.C., U.S.A. AND JAPAN - USE THE FUNDS PROVIDED BY THEIR GOVERNMENTS OR PUBLIC BODIES TO FINANCE THE EXPORTS OF SPECIFIC PROJECTS AT AN AVERAGE INTEREST RATE AS LOW AS EIGHT PER CENT UNTIL NOW WHICH IS MUCH LOWER THAN THE MARKET RATE?+ MR WONG ASKED.
IN CALLING FOR SOME POSITIVE ACTION TO BE TAKEN TO RECTIFY THE UNFAVOURABLE CONDITIONS WHICH AFFECT THE LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, MR WONG URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE CAREFUL CONSIDERATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS:
* USE PART OF THE SURPLUS TO SET UP A CENTRAL FUND FOR PROVIDING TRULY LOW-INTEREST LOANS TO CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AND TO FINANCE IMPORTANT INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS- AND
X INTRODUCE A PAYMENT-BY-INSTALMENT SCHEME AT A LOW INTEREST RATE FOR AUCTIONED INDUSTRIAL LANDS, SPECIFIED FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY, BY THE MANUFACTURER-PURCHASER FOR A MINIMUM OF, SAY, TEN YEARS, ON THE CONDITION THAT THEY CANNOT BE RESOLD IN THE OPEN MARKET.
-----0------
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
11
PRAISE FOR GOVERNMENT’S +PRAGMATIC APPROACH* * * * *
THE HON WILLIAM BROWN PAID TRIBUTE TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR +TRANSLATING OPTIMISM INTO A PRAGMATIC APPROACH* TOWARDS CURRENT ECONOMIC CONDITIONS.
SPEAKING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, MR BROWN NOTED THAT HONG KONG’S DEPENDENCE ON EXTERNAL FACTORS REQUIRES CONSTANT EMPHASIS.
*1 AM SURE WE CAN CONTINUE TO RELY ON GOVERNMENT REFUSING TO PUSH THE ’PANIC BUTTON’ WHENEVER OUR ECONOMIC INDICATORS GYRATE IN SYMPATHY WITH EVENTS LARGELY OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL.
♦AVOIDANCE OF PRECIPITATE ACTION IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES DOES NOT IMPLY THAT NOTHING AT ALL CAN BE DONE AND IT MUST BE CORRECT THAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR, FOR ITS PART, IS UNDER A DUTY TO DEMONSTRATE IT POSSESSES THE WISDOM TO MANAGE ITS AFFAIRS IN THE INTERESTS OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY IN RETURN FOR GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO AS LITTLE INTERVENTION AS POSSIBLE IN OUR FREE ECONOMY.*
HOWEVER, MR BROWN ADDED, THE PUBLIC SECTOR SHOULD ALSO KEEP THIS ADMONITION IN MIND.
HE SAID IN SOME AREAS IT MUST ENSURE THAT THE PROTECTION OF ITS OWN SECTIONAL INTERESTS DOES NOT RUN CONTRARY TO THE COMMON GOOD.
IN PARTICULAR, RESTRAINT SHOULD BE EXERCISED IN REGARD TO FUTURE PAY AWARDS, THEIR TIMING AND THE METHOD BY WHICH THEY ARE DETERMINED.
♦WE HAVE AN EXCELLENT CIVIL SERVICE THAT SERVES US WELL, AND IT IS IN THE COMMON INTEREST THAT IT SHOULD BE GENEROUSLY REWARDED.
♦HOWEVER, IN TIMES OF ECONOMIC HARDSHIP FOR MANY OF OUR COMMUNITY WE MUST GUARD AGAINST TOO BIG A GAP EMERGING BETWEEN ANY OF ITS COMPONENT SECTORS - BE THEY PRIVATE OR PUBLIC,+ HE WARNED.
REFERRING TO MONETARY STATISTICS AND THE RELATIVE SIZE OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE, MR BROWN DREW ATTENTION TO THE DANGER OF BECOMING OBSESSED BY SUCH STATISTICS AND WARNED THAT EXTREME CARE WAS NEEDED IN THEIR INTERPRETATION. THERE WAS A NEED TO AVOID SEEKING SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS WHICH DO NOT EXIST, OR AT LEAST DO NOT EXIST TO THE EXTENT OR IN THE FORM OF POPULAR BELIEF, HE SAID.
/EXPRESSING RESPECT .......
THUHSDAY, OCTOBER 2?, 1981
12 -
EXPRESSING RESPECT FOR THE INTELLECTUAL VIEWS OF ECONOMIC COMMENTATORS, MR BROWN REMARKED THAT HE HAD EQUAL RESPECT FOR THE VERY VISIBLE EVIDENCE IN HONG KONG THAT AS A COMMUNITY WE WERE FARING REMARKABLY WELL IN VERY DIFFICULT WORLD CONDITIONS.
+IF THE ACHIEVEMENT OF IMPROVED MONETARY STATISTICS SHOULD NECESSITATE A HIGHER LEVEL OF UNEMPLOYMENT AND LOWER GROWTH RATES, OR IF A LOWER RATIO OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE SHOULD REQUIRE ANY REDUCTION IN OUR HOUSING, TRANSPORT AND OTHER ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY SERVICES AND PROJECTS, THEN I KNOW WHERE MY CHOICE WOULD BE,+ SAID MR BROWN.
HE WENT ON TO POINT OUT THAT THE EXPERIENCE OF THOSE TERRITORIES WHICH HAVE CONCENTRATED ON GETTING THEIR ECONOMIC INDICATORS WITHIN SELF IMPOSED ACCEPTABLE LEVELS HAVE NOT GENERALLY PRODUCED RESULTS WORTHY OF EMULATION.
ACKNOWLEDGING THAT WE CANNOT BE COMPLACENT ABOUT THE LEVEL OF INFLATION, MR BROWN ENDORSED THE ATTITUDE OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN THAT WE MUST AVOID ANY CURE OF OUR ECONOMIC CONDITIONS CAUSING RESULTS WORSE THAN THE DISEASE.
♦WE MUST ALSO BE CAREFUL NOT TO ADMINISTER MEDICINE JUST AS THE PATIENT IS RECOVERING FOR THERE IS GROWING EVIDENCE THAT MARKET FORCES ARE PRODUCING THEIR OWN SOLUTIONS TODAY JUST AS THEY HAVE DONE IN THE PAST,+ HE ADDED.
TURNING TO THE AIMS AND ASPIRATIONS OF OUR SOCIETY, MR BROWN SAID HE WAS PLEASED AND ENCOURAGED TO SEE THAT EMPHASIS IS BEING PLACED ON THE NEED TO IMPROVE OUR CULTURAL AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT.
♦THAT WE LIVE IN A MATERIALISTIC AGE CANNOT BE DENIED, BUT THE REFERENCES IN YOUR (THE GOVERNOR’S) ADDRESS TO THOSE ASPIRATIONS WHICH PRODUCE REWARDS BEYOND ANOTHER DOLLAR IN THE BANK ACCOUNT ARE A TIMELY REMINDER OF WHAT LIFE IS, OR SHOULD BE, ALL ABOUT,+ HE REMARKED.
HE ALSO PLEDGED FULL SUPPORT TO THE GOVERNMENT’S WIDE RANGING PROGRAMME FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN THE COMING YEARS.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
13
LOW-COST LAND FOR INDUSTRIES SUGGESTED
* * * *
THE TIME IS RIPE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ASSIST THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR BY MAKING MORE PRIVATE TREATY GRANTS OR SETTING THE SALE PRICES OF INDUSTRIAL LAND AT LOWER THAN THE MARKET VALUE, THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN SAID TODAY.
HE SUGGESTED THAT SUCH SUBSIDISED LAND MAY ONLY BE RE-SOLD UNDER VERY EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES TO THE GOVERNMENT AND RE-SALE TO THE OPEN MARKET FOR PROFIT SHOULD BE PROHIBITED, HE SAID.
+THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT WOULD NOT ONLY ENCOURAGE MORE LOCAL AND OVERSEAS INVESTMENTS IN OUR MANUFACTURING SECTOR, BUT ALSO BOOST HONG KONG’S FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS DUE TO INCREASED EXPORTS.
+IN ADDITION, OUR WORKERS WOULD BE ASSURED THAT A PORTION OF OUR INDUSTRIAL LAND AND THE BUILDINGS THEREON ARE RESERVED FOR A CERTAIN NUMBER OF JOBS, THOUGH THEIR OWNERSHIP AND TYPES OF INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS MAY CHANGE.*
BUT HE EMPHASISED THAT THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT SHOULD ONLY APPLY TO NE* INDUSTRIAL LAND SITES AND SHOULD NOT BE IMPOSED ON EXISTING INDUSTRIAL LAND OR BUILDINGS WHICH SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE FREELY REDEVELOPED BY THEIR OWNERS.
MR CHAN ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE SITUATION THAT SOME INDUSTRIALISTS WERE ANXIOUS TO REAP HUGE AND QUICK PROFITS BY SELLING THEIR FACTORY SITES FOR RE-DEVELOPMENT INTO DOMESTIC OR COMMERCIAL PREMISES.
MANY OF THE FACTORIES WHICH HAD BEEN PULLED DOWN WERE NOT NECESSARILY INEFFICIENT ONES, HE NOTED.
TO PREVENT SIMILAR RECURRENCES, HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO STIPULATE IN FUTURE AUCTIONS OF INDUSTRIAL LAND IN DESIGNATED AREAS THAT THE USE OF THE LAND MAY NOT BE CHANGED TO OTHER PURPOSES.
REFERRING TO THE WIDENING TRADE +GAP+ AND THE WEAKENING HONG KONG DOLLAR, MR CHAN CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO GRADUALLY REDUCE THEIR EXPENSIVE HABIT OF TAKING TOO MANY PLEASURE TRIPS ABROAD AND SPENDING LAVISHLY ON NON-ESSENTIAL CONSUMER GOODS.
EXCESSIVE INDULGENCE, HE SAID, WOULD ONLY HELP WEAKEN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AND THE LOWER INCOME GROUP WOULD CONSEQUENTLY SUFFER FROM RUNAWAY INFLATION.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE TRULY STRONG ECONOMIC POWERS ARE NOT ONLY STRONG IN THEIR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, PRODUCTIVITY AND EXPORTS, BUT THEIR SCHOOL CHILDREN ARE ALSO EDUCATED TO BE PROUD OF THEIR COUNTRIES AND USE THEIR OWN PRODUCTS.
/+THIS IS .......
THURSDAY, /OCTOBffi 29, 1?81
- 14 -
♦THIS IS THE PSYCHOLOGICAL DEFENCE LINE IN THE MIND OF EVERY WELL-DISCIPLINED CITIZEN, WHICH FOREIGN BUSINESSES FIND HARD TO PENETRATE.
♦IT IS TIME THAT *E SHOULD CAPITALISE ON ADVERSITY AND GRADUALLY BUILD UP THIS MENTALITY BY STARTING A +USE HONG KONG GOODS* CAMPAIGN.
♦THEREFORE, WHENEVER POSSIBLE OUR MANUFACTURERS SHOULD DEVELOP THE DOMESTIC MARKET, WHICH AFTER ALL HAS A POTENTIAL 5.1 MILLION
♦THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG SHOULD ALSO BE EDUCATED AND ENCOURAGED TO BUY MORE HONG KONG GOODS,+ HE SAID.
MR CHAN ALSO NOTED THAT IN 1980/81, THERE WERE 7.9 MILLION DEPARTURES OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS TO CHINA, MACAU AND OTHER COUNTRIES. THE EXPENDITURE OF EACH HONG KONG RESIDENT OVERSEAS WAo ESTIMATED TO BE $595, EXCLUDING SUCH EXPENSIVE GIFTS AS TELEVISION SETS AND OTHER CONSUMER GOODS THAT WERE CARRIED OVER THE BORDER.
IE S.,FTS 0F AN AVERAGE VALUE OF $1 838.50 WERE CARRIED ON
EACH OF THE 7.9 MILLION DEPARTURES OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS ON OVERSEAS TOURS, MR CHAN SAID, THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON SUCH GIFTS WOULD BE EQUAL TO THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $14.52 BILLION IN THE SAME FINANCIAL YEAR.
*1 BELIEVE THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT CONSIDER ASKING THE PEOPLE. ON LEAVING HONG KONG, TO COMPLETE A SIMPLE FORM TO ’DECLARE’ THE TRUE VALUE OF ANY BRAND NEW CONSUMER GOODS WHICH THEY ARE BRINGING OUT OF HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
+THIS IS OF COURSE NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF TAXATION BUT TO PRESENT A MORE ACCURATE PICTURE OF THE MAGNITUDE OF THE PROBLEM.
+THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT LATER WISH TO RE-CLASSIFY ’PERSONAL GIFTS’ IN ITS TRADE STATISTICS, THEREBY PLACING OUR VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT IN THE CORRECT PERSPECTIVE WITH A VIEW TO INSTITUTING EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO IMPROVE OUR TRADE BALANCE.*
ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, MR CHAN NOTED THAT THE COMMITTEE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD IS PERFORMING PARTLY THE FUNCTIONS OF AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY COUNCIL ON A TRIPARTITE BASIS AND IS DEVELOPING IN THIS DIRECTION.
HE WAS ALSO PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN ON SAFETY AT WORK THROUGH THE MEDIA, SHOWS AND DISPLAYS, COUPLED WITH SEMINARS ORGANISED WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, HAVE AROUSED A GROWING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG BOTH WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS.
HE HOPED THAT THIS WOULD REDUCE THE NUMBER OF HONG KONG’S ♦RATHER LAMENTABLE* INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS, PARTICULARLY IN THE FATAL AND SERIOUS DISABILITY CASES.
/TJHMING TO .......
THUHSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
- 15 -
TURNING TO THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR CHAN BELIEVED THAT THE RETROACTIVE ELEMENT IN CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENTS IS RELATED TO THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF FOLLOWING GENERAL PAY MOVEMENTS WHICH HAVE OCCURRED IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
HE NOTED THAT THE STANDING SALARIES COMMISSION IS CURRENTLY STUDYING THE METHODOLOGY OF PAY SURVEYS AND THE TIMING OF CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENTS.
♦WHATEVER THE RECOMMENDATIONS, THESE WOULD AFFECT SOME 130 000 CIVIL SERVANTS PLUS THOUSANDS OF EMPLOYEES IN SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS.
+1 HOPE, THEREFORE, THAT AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE STAFF BODIES, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD EE PRUDENT AND FAIR-MINDED IN MAKING ANY NECESSARY CHANGES TO THE AGREED PRACTICE SO AS NOT TO UNSETTLE THE PRESENTLY HARMONIOUS STAFF RELATIONS,* HE SAID.
•4
/16 ...........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
16
PLEA FOR Tw/O-TIER INTEREST RATES
* * * *
THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG TODAY URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO INITIATE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS REPRESENTING MANUFACTURING INTERESTS AND LOCAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, WITH THE AIM OF INTRODUCING A TWO-TIER SYSTEM OF INTEREST RATES.
HIS CALL WAS MADE IN DISAGREEMENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S +STRONG PREFERENCE* FOR RESTRAINT OF THE EXCESSIVE CREDIT GROWTH BY THE SELF-DISCIPLINE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF OUR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
SAID MR CHEONG: +1 APPRECIATE THAT, IN A FREE ENTERPRISE ECONOMY SUCH AS OURS, THE SCOPE FOR GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IS LIMITED.
+BUT GIVEN THE ALMOST WHOLLY EXPORT-ORIENTED NATURE OF OUR MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISE AND THE SIZE OF THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE WELL-BEING OF OUR ECONOMY, I AM NOT SURE HOW THE EXERCISE OF SELF-DISCIPLINE BY OUR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ALONE COULD RESTRAIN CREDIT GROWTH WITHOUT, AT THE SAME TIME, ADVERSELY AFFECTING THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
+NOR AM I CERTAIN THAT ACROSS-THE-BOARD UPLIFTS IN THE BANKS’ BEST LENDING RATE IS NOT TOO BLUNT AN INSTRUMENT, PARTICULARLY IN DIFFICULT TIMES SUCH AS THOSE WE ARE NOW FAC ING.+
HE POINTED OUT THAT A MEANINGFUL TWO-TIER SYSTEM OF INTEREST RATES IS ALREADY IN OPERATION IN SOUTH KOREA, TAIWAN AND SINGAPORE WHICH ARE AMONGST HONG KONG’S CLOSEST COMPETITORS.
MR CHEONG SAID HE WAS PLEADING FOR GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN THIS ISSUE NOT JUST BECAUSE HE BELIEVED THAT THE CURRENT LEVEL OF BEST LENDING RATES ARE HAVING A DAMAGING EFFECT ON THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR BUT ALSO BECAUSE HE WAS NOT CONVINCED THAT THE SELF-DISCIPLINE EXERCISE BY THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ALONE WOULD RECONCILE THE NEED TO DAMPEN DOWN EXCESSIVE CREDIT CREATION AND THE NEEDS OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
+1 WOULD SUBMIT THAT IT IS TIME THE GOVERNMENT CEASE 'WATCHING THE SITUATION CLOSELY’ AND STARTS A CONSULTATIVE PROCESS, WITH A VIEW TO DEVISING SOME SOLUTIONS, HOWEVER DIFFICULT AND HOWEVER UNPALATABLE THE IDEA OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION MAY SEEM IN THIS FREE ENTERPRISE ECONOMY OF OURS.
/♦THE DIFFICULTIES .......
THOTSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
- 17 -
+THE DIFFICULTIES OF A TWO-TIER SYSTEM OF INTEREST RATES WILL, I AM SURE, ARGUE FOR THEMSELVES.
+BUT LET US AT LEAST TAKE A GOOD, HARD LOOK AT IT,+ HE SAID.
EARLIER, MR CHEONG SAID HE DID NOT QUITE SHARE THE GOVERNOR’S OPTIMISM AT THE PRESENT TIME THAT +HONG KONG WILL EXPERIENCE YET ANOTHER YEAR OF PROSPERITY IN 1982+.
GIVEN THAT THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN AT PAINS TO IMPRESS UPON OTHER GOVERNMENTS THAT IT WILL TAKE SOME TIME FOR ITS ECONOMIC AND MONETARY POLICIES TO BEAR FRUIT, HE SAID: +l WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE BASIS UPON WHICH THE CONSENSUS THAT 'THINGS ARE LIKELY TO BE BETTER IN 1982, NOT WORSE’ AND THAT 'THE RECESSION IS BOTTOMING OUT’ WAS REACHED.+
FROM HIS TALK TO MANY BUSINESSMEN IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ABOUT PROSPECTS FOR NEXT YEAR, MR CHEONG SAID HE HAD DETECTED +A MOOD OF DESPONDENCY+ HE HAD NEVER ENCOUNTERED BEFORE.
+THEY WOULD AGREE THAT, AS A SHORT-TERM PHENOMENON, THE RECENT DEPRECIATION IN THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR HAS MADE OUR EXPORT PRICES MORE COMPETITIVE- BUT THEY ARE IN MORE THAN TWO MINDS AS TO WHETHER THIS COULD LAST.+
BUT WHAT WAS EVEN MORE WORRYING IS THE GROWING RELUCTANCE OF MANY MANUFACTURERS TO INCREASE THEIR INVESTMENT IN PLANT AND EQUIPMENT.
+THIS IS WORRYING, PARTLY BECAUSE IT WILL RETARD THE PACE OF OUR RESPONSE TO ANY REVIVAL IN DEMAND IN OUR OVERSEAS MARKETS, AND PARTLY BECAUSE IT WILL SLOW DOWN THE RATE AT WHICH OUR MANUFACTURING OUTPUT MOVES UP-MARKET.
+1 CAN ONLY HOPE THAT THIS RELUCTANCE IS SHORT-LIVED.
+IF IT PERSISTS, IT WILL DEFINITELY HAVE FAR-REACHING CONSEQUENCES FOR THE GROWTH RATE OF OUR ECONOMY,+ HE ADDED.
/18........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
- 18 -
BETTER DEAL FOR NT RESIDENTS URGED ******
THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG DREW ATTENTION TO THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHANGES WHICH HAD TAKEN PLACE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE HUMANITARIAN CONSIDERATION TO THE LONG-ESTABLISHED RESIDENTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN HIS MAIDEN SPEECH TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, MR CHEUNG SAID SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHANGE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES SINCE 1950 HAD BEEN DRAMATIC, IF NOT CATASTROPHIC - +DRAMATIC IN THEIR EFFECT ON PEOPLE’S ENTIRE LIVES AND CATASTROPHIC IN THEIR EFFECT ON THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF THE PEOPLE AT THE RECE IV ING END+.
Ht SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE HUMANITARIAN CONSIDERATION GIVEN IN THE PLANNING OF NEW HOUSING ESTATES, SUCH AS THE PROVISION CF FULLER SOCIAL SERVICES, HIGHER SAFETY STANDARDS, AND CHEAPER RENTALS AND PURCHASE PRICES FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
+WHY HAS THE SAME NOT BEEN DONE FOR THE LONG-ESTABLISHED RESIDENTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES?* MR CHEUNG ASKED.
♦THESE PEOPLE ASKED SPECIFICALLY FOR HIGHER QUALITY EMERGENCY fEDICAL SERVICES, BETTER SAFETY STANDARDS FOR OVERHEAD POWER PYLONS ON THEIR PRIVATE LAND, AND PREMIA-FREE LICENCES TO BUILD THEIR OWN HOMES ON THEIR OWN LAND, AND A PROPER SYSTEM OF WATER SUPPLY WHICH UP TILL NOW IS VIRTUALLY NON-EXISTENT.+
MR CHEUNG ALSO ASKED THAT EQUAL IMPORTANCE BE GIVEN TO THE DEMOGRAPHIC REDISTRIBUTION FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES PEOPLE.
HE SA IDs +IN THE WORDS OF YOUR EXCELLENCY, THE PROBLEM IS NOT ONLY TO PROVIDE SOCIAL, MEDICAL AND SECURITY SERVICES THAT ALL COMMUNITIES NEED BUT ALSO THE DEMOGRAPHIC REDISTRIBUTION WITHOUT WHICH NO RISE IN THE QUALITY OF LIFE IS POSSIBLE.
♦THIS I BELIEVE TO BE THE KEY TO THE FUTURE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, BEARING IN MIND THAT OUR RESOURCES WERE BARELY ADEQUATE TO SERVE THE EXISTING POPULATION EVEN BEFORE ANY FURTHER URBAN INFLUX, ESTIMATED TO BE RUNNING AT ABOUT 180 000 PEOPLE PER YEAR.+
--------o - - - -
/19
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
19
ADVANTAGES OF WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING
* * * K
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER THE ADOPTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF WHOLE DAY SCHOOLING, THE HON SELINA CHOW SAID.
SPEAKING FOR THE FIRST TIME AS AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS CHOW POINTED OUT THAT THE LIMITATIONS OF HALF-DAY SCHOOLS MIGHT RESULT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TWO EXTREMES.
♦WITHIN SCHOOL HOURS+, SHE SAID, +LESSONS ARE OFTEN TAUGHT AT TOO FAST A PACE, LEAVING LITTLE TIME FOR REVISION AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN TEACHERS AND STUDENTS AND AMONG STUDENTS THEMSELVES.
+THUS, CONCERNED PARENTS FIND IT NECESSARY TO COMPLEMENT THE INADEQUACIES OF THEIR CHILDREN’S SCHOOLING WITH REVISION AND TUTORING AT HOME, THEREBY AGGRAVATING ACADEMIC PRESSURE YET FURTHER.
♦ ON THE OTHER HAND, PERMISSIVE OR IRRESPONSIBLE PARENTS LEAVE THEIR CHILDREN ENTIRELY ON THEIR OWN ONCE THEY ARE HOME FROM SCHOOL WITH NEITHER SUPERVISION NOR ATTENTION FOR THE BETTER HALF OF THE DAY, LEAVING THE DOOR WIDE OPEN TO TEMPTATIONS.*
SHE EXPLAINED THAT WHOLE DAY SCHOOLING HAS MANY ADVANTAGES. THESE INCLUDE:
* CURRICULUM BECOMES LESS CRAMMED, THUS ALLEVIATES PRESSURES FOR TEACHERS, PARENTS AND STUDENTS.
* STUDENTS CAN LEARN, REVISE AND EXERCISE AMONG THEMSELVES IN AN ATMOSPHERE CONDUCIVE TO LEARNING.
X MORE TIME IS AVAILABLE FOR EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, STUDENT COUNSELLING, COMMUNITY SERVICES AND MORAL EDUCATION.
# A MORE BALANCED AND RELAXED LIFE-STYLE WOULD RESULT AS STUDENTS CAN HAVE CLEARLY-DEFINED WORK AND LEISURE PERIODS IN THE DAY.
HOWEVER, MRS CHO* WARNED THAT ADDING HALF7 A DAY SCHOOLING DOES NOT MEAN ADDING 50 PER CENT WORKLOAD.
TEACHERS MUST ADOPT A MORE RELAXED STYLE OF TEACHING BY PLACING MORE EMPHASIS ON COMMUNICATION AND DISCUSSION TO GENERATE MORE INTEREST AND UNDERSTANDING OF KNOWLEDGE, SHE SAID.
TURNING TO BILINGUALISM, MRS CHOW SA I'D IT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BASIC ELEMENTS OK WHIT- THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG IS BUILT.
BUT SHE FELT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ENGLISH IS UNDERPLAYED IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND THUS A MAJORITY OF STUDENTS FACE +A LANGUAGE SHOCn* 0‘. GRADUATIN' - -OM PRIMARY TO SECONDARY SCHOOL WHEN THE MEDIUM OF TEACH ING CHANGES FROM CHINESE TO ENGLISH.
/♦IVE ARE..........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
- 20 -
*WE ARE LEFT WITH TWO POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES,* SHE SAID. +EITHER THE STANDARD OF ENGLISH IS UPGRADED IN PRIMARY SCHOOL SO THAT STUDENTS ARE EQUIPPED TO ACCEPT EITHER ENGLISH OR CHINESE XS THE MEDIUM OF TEACHING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, OR, CHILDREN ARE CATEGORIZED INTO CHINESE AND ENGLISH SECONDARY SCHOOLS RESPECTIVELY.*
SHE THOUGHT THE FIRST ALTERNATIVE IS MORE DESIRABLE AS CHILDREN ARE PREPARED FOR A CHOICE WHICH THEY AND THEIR PARENTS ARE FREE TO MAKE UP TO THE AGE OF TWELVE.
ALSO ON THE SUBJECT OF EDUCATION, MRS CHOW SAID THE RECENT INFLUX OF IMMIGRANTS CALLS FOR A LONG HARD LOOK AT OUR ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMME.
INFORMATION IS NOW REQUIRED TO IDENTIFY NEEDS IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND THE QUALITY OF HUMAN RESOURCES AVAILABLE AND SUBSEQUENTLY TO PLAN TRAINING PROGRAMMES TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN SUPPLY AND DEMAND.
+THIS IS A MATTER OF IMMEDIATE SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE AS THIS AFFECTS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR RECENT ARRIVALS AND INDIRECTLY THE STABILITY OF OUR COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE,* SHE SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE FAR-REACHING INFLUENCE OF THE MASS MEDIA, MRS CHOW CALLED FOR A MORE STRUCTURED SYSTEM TO TRAIN THE PROGRAMME WORKERS AND MANAGERS AS WELL AS TO ASSESS THEIR PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS.
IT HAS BEEN RECOGNISED RECENTLY BY PEOPLE, BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE BROADCASTING INDUSTRY, THAT PERHAPS THE MASS MEDIA SHOULD BE LOOKED AT MORE CLOSELY AS A MEDIUM NOT ONLY FOR FREE ENTERTAINMENT BUT ALSO FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION, SHE SAID.
THERE ARE SOME WHO BELIEVE THAT IT HAS NOT FULFILLED ITS MORAL FUNCTIONS ADEQUATELY, AND FEEL THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD EXERCISE MORE STRINGENT CONTROL OVER PROGRAMMING.
OTHERS TAKE THE MUCH MORE LIBERAL VIEW THAT NO ONE SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT OF CENSORSHIP AND EVERY VIEWER SHOULD HAVE THE FREEDOM OF CHOICE.
♦I PERSONALLY FEEL THAT GIVEN THE CONTEXT OF HONG KONG AND THE TREMENDOUS INFLUENCE THE MASS MEDIA HAS ON THE MINDS OF OUR PEOPLE, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD RETAIN SOME FORM OF CONTROL PROVIDING PARAMETERS WITHIN WHICH CREATIVE FREEDOM IS NOT HAMPERED,* MRS CHOW URGED.
HOWEVER, SHE ADDED, THE MAIN CONTROL IS IN THE HANDS OF THE PEOPLE wHO CREATE AND SELECT PROGRAMMES, AND IT IS THEY WHO SHOULD ASSUME THE ULTIMATE MORAL RESPONSIBILITY.
SHE NOTED THAT ALTHOUGH COMMERCIAL TELEVISION COMPANIES ARE CONTRACTUALLY BOUND TO PROVIDE A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF PROGRAMME, SUCH PERCENTAGES HAVE NEVER BEEN STRICTLY ADHERED TO OP ENFORCED IN PRACTICE.
/THIS has ........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
- 21 -
THIS HAS RESULTED IN AN OVERWHELMING PROPORTION OF LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES DURING WEEK-DAY PRIME-TIME WHERE THE HIGHEST VIEWERSHIP IS FOUND.
♦IN MY VIEW, THIS IS WHERE THE GOVERNMENT CAN AND SHOULD COME IN TO EXERCISE CONTROL.
+BY ACHIEVING THE RIGHT BALANCE IN LIGHT AND SERIOUS PROGRAMMES, AND WITH OUR TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE, WE CAN THEN CLAIM TO BE THE TRUE LEADER IN THE BROADCASTING INDUSTRY IN THE ASIAN REGION, AS THE UNITED KINGDOM IS IN EUROPE,* SHE SAID.
-------0 - - - -
NON-INTERVENTION POLICY CRITICISED
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT’S +FREE ECONOMY* AND +NON-INTERVENT ION* POLICIES CAME UNDER ATTACK BY AN UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON MARIA TAM, TODAY.
IN HER FIRST SPEECH TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS TAM SAID SUCH POLICIES MAY HAVE POSSIBLY LED TO THE PRESENT STATE CF CONFUSING +NO-POLICY+ AND HAVE THROWN THE MEDIUM AND SMALL MANUFACTURERS IN UTTER CHAOS.
SHE NOTED THAT SOME HIDDEN WORRIES ARE AT PRESENT BEDEVILLING HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES. THESE ARE 1
* GLOBAL INFLAT ION-
* EFFECTS OF THE LONG-STANDING HIGH LAND PRICE POLICY-
K ASCENDANCY OF INTERNATIONAL PROTECT IONISM-
M WEAKNESS OF THE LOCAL CURRENCY IN RECENT YEARS-
* THE UNBEARABLE HEIGHTS AT WHICH INTEREST RATES ARE BEING PEGGED-
* THE INCREASE OF PRODUCTION COSTS DUE TO RAISING OF INDUSTRIAL HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS- AND
* THE GROWING SOPHISTICATION OF NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES AS COMPETITORS VYING FOR MARKETS HITHERTO ENJOYED BY OUR PRODUCTS.
/IT IS .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBjffi 29, 1981
22
IT IS REPORTED THAT IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1980, A TOTAL OF 2 479 MEDIUM AND SMALL FACTORIES SUSPENDED PRODUCTION - A TWO-FOLD INCREASE OVER THE NUMBER (1 227) FOR THE SAME PERIOD IN 1979, SHE
+HOW FAR INDEED HAS THE ’NON-1NTERVENTION 1ST’ FREE ECONOMY AFFECTED HONG KONG?* SHE ASKED.
+OUR EFFORTS IN DIVERSIFICATION HAVE BEEN THWARTED BY HIGH LAND PRICES WHICH PUSHED THE COST OF SETTING UP NEW FACTORIES TO SUCH HIGH LEVELS.
+SINCE 1978, SMALL FACTORIES, WHICH WERE RECOGNISED TO HAVE BEEN A BIG CONTRIBUTORY FACTOR TO HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY AND STANDING THEN AT SOME 37 030 ESTABLISHMENTS, HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY ASSISTANCE IN TECHNOLOGY OR FACTORY LAND. THE SMALL FACTORY LOAN SCHEME HAD ALSO SUBSIDED IN 1976.+
ON THE CONTRARY, MISS TAM CONTINUED, SOUTH KOREA HAS IMPLEMENTED A NUMBER OF POLICIES TO HELP MEDIUM AND SMALL INDUSTRIES WHICH NOW STAND AS PEERS OF HONG KONG. THESE INCLUDE THE SETTING UP OF THE COUNCIL OF SMALL INDUSTRY POLICY TO PROVIDE CAPITAL, TECHNOLOGY, EXPORT AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES- AND THE BUREAU OF SMALL BUSINESS TO HELP SPECIALISATION AND MERGING OF SMALL BUSINESS.
ALTHOUGH SHE REALISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN INCREASING THE STOCK OF INDUSTRIAL FACTORY SPACE, MISS TAM HOPED THAT IT WILL NOW ALLOCATE LAND TO ESTABLISH INDUSTRIAL ESTATES FOR SMALL FACTORIES TO ENABLE SMALL FACTORY OWNERS TO ACQUIRE THEIR OWN FACTORY PREMISES.
SHE ALSO CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO SHOW ITS EMPHASIS AND CONCERN BY SETTING UP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE A BODY WHICH WOULD STUDY HOW A CONCESSIONARY INTEREST RATES SCHEME COULD BE BEST RUN FOR THE BENEFIT OF MEDIUM AND SMALL INDUSTRIES.
AS A LONG-TERM MEASURE, MISS TAM SUGGESTED THAT AN INDUSTRIAL AID AGENCY, SIMILAR TO WHAT THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAS DONE, BE ESTABLISHED TO GIVE AID AND ADVICE WITH REGARD TO THE FOUR BASIC FACTORS OF PRODUCTION - LAND, LABOUR. CAPITAL, AND ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT.
TURNING TO IMMIGRATION, MISS TAM HIGHLIGHTED THE NEED TO CARRY OUT A SYSTEMATIC SURVEY OF THE +GREEN SEAL IDENTITY CARD HOLDERS* IN ORDER TO FACILITATE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ASSIMILATION SCHEME.
SHE SAID THE PUBLIC SHOULD TREAT THE 510 003 ODD *GREEN SEAL IC HOLDERS* AS PART AND PARCEL OF THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF VOTING :IGHTS, THEY SHOULD HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS AS ANY ‘‘ER HONG KONG CITIZEN.
SHE NOTED THAT AMONG THEM THERE ARE MANY MUSICIANS, DANCERS, ARTISTS AND wR lTERS WHO HAVE ADDED LUSTRE TO HONG KONG’S ART AND CULTURAL ACT VITIES. THERE ARE ALSO ATHLETES WHO ARE NOw TRAINING OUR YOUNG SPORTSMEN.
MISS Ta., oa BUT IES. SHE HAD VAR I OUS TRADES.
'’E COURSE OF HER URBAN COUNCIL *ARD OFFICE ACROSS MANY +GREEN SEAL IC HOLDERS* WORKING IN
/BUT SHE .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
BUT SHE FELT THAT THOSE WORKING IN FACTORIES ARE MORE HARDWORKING AND THRIFTY AND ARE COMPARATIVELY EASIER TO ASSIMILATE.
+ l THINK THA' T0 INTEGRATE ’GREEN SEAL IC HOLDERS’ INTO OUR SOCIETY, CONCERN GUIDANCE FROM THEIR RELATIVES AND FRIENDS IN HCNG KONG - ECESSARY.+ SHE SAID.
AND CULTIVATING THEIR SKILLS, OR REACHING OUT 1° *9L A%: •' '^ANT GROUPS, OR SETTING UP PERMANENT ADVISORY
SERVIC: wE HAVE *j DEPEND ON THE EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT.+
_Z REGARD. COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE POLICE AND SOCIAL -CRkERS, MISS - K REM-~-tJ that HER INVOLVEMENT WITH VOLUNTARY AGENCIE -AS ckOU^ HER INTJ CONTACT wITH OUTREACH WORKERS AND SOMETIMES * ITH
" DISCOVERED THAT EVEN THOUGH THE POLICE AND SOCIAL WORKERS MA' 7 -'.x OFF IC _ IA I SON AT A HIGHER LEVEL, THERE IS NO APPROPRIATE
ME-oL>-- OOMM OATION BETWEEN THEM ON THE LEVEL OF THE DIVISIONAL
♦SOMETIMES CONSTABLES TAKE OUTREACH WORKERS FOR TROUBLEMAKERS,+ SHE SAID. -OUTREACH *‘RnERS ARE AlSC UNABLE TO TElL WHAT HELP THE POLICt CAN OFFER THE CLIENTS WHO HAVE COMMITTED A CRIME.
♦ AS A RESULT, WORKERS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENTS WHO ARE OK T E SAME BATTLE FRONT TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF JUVENILE CRIME FIND GROSS INCOORDINATION AND DISHARMONY IN THEIR RELATIONSHIPS.
♦ I HOPE THE POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICES OF VARIOUS DIVISIONAL. STATIONS WILL STRENGTHEN THEIR REGULAR CONTACTS WITH WC -ERS OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN ORDER TO BETTER UNDERSTAND ONE ANOTHER.+
QUZT'NG THE POLICE DISCRETIONARY SCHEME AS ANOTHER EXAMPLE, MISS TA'’ POINTED OUT THAT OF THE 749 PEOPLE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THIS SCHEME IN 1980, ONLY 28 RETURNED TO CRIME. Th IS COMPARED WITH 326 PEOPLE TOOK PART iN THE SCHEME UP TO NOW THIS YEAR, WITH ONLY NINE RETURNED TO CRIME.
♦HOWEVER, THERE HAS BEEN NO ANALYTICAL REPORT wHICH EXPLAINS WHY YOUNG PEO’LE WITH COMPARATIVELY BETTER FAMILY, SCHOOL ANZ OTHER BACKGROUND TURN TO C- ME OR wHY THE INCIDENCE OF SUCH CRIME nAS BEEN SO HIGH.
ANALYSIS OF THESE CASES WILL GIVE US A CLEARER IDEa AS TO WHETHE- _AwZ SHOULD ENACTED TO HELP CONVICTED JUVENILES IN THEIR REF r -ITAT N ANZ ' HAVE THEIR RECORD OF CONVICTION REMOVED.
♦ I FEEL THAT POLICE SHOULD COMMUNICATE MORE * ITr THE
SC aL WELFARE DE-APTvENT AND OTHERS AND UTILISE OT-ER DEPARTMENT’S E- RTISE IN ANA.- v THEIR OwN DATA.
♦ THIS WILL t -AN --"PR RESULTS WITH LESS EFFORT,♦ SHE ADDED.
0 --------
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
24
BACK FROM CHINA WATER TALKS * ft *
S'X^AN DELEGATION, LED BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND ^Hoer »v\D^J?rM£D0NrtLD’ RETURNED TO HONG KONG THIS MORNING (THURSDAY) AFTcR TALKS IN GUANGDONG WITH REPRESENTATIVES THe DEPARTMENT OF WATER CONSERVATION AND HYDRO-ELECTRIC
• vwt K•
r^roTo-nD<-Ccfn!?c,S, CN ADDITIONAL WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA WERE described as fruitful.
the delegation is AN ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE MADE SHORTLY.
TO REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL AND RESULT OF THE TALKS IS EXPECTED TO BE
- - _ _ 0
RUBBISH DUMP TURNED INTO CAR PARK * * * *
AN UNSIGHTLY RUBBISH DUMP IN HANG HAU, SAI KUNG, HAS BEEN CONVERTED INTO A CAR PARK FOR 20 VEHICLES WITH DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS•
™ U»THE. SITE’ COVERING AN AREA OF 415 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED ON HANG HAU TOWN MAIN STREET FACING JUNK BAY.
FOR SEVERAL YEARS THE GROUND AND SHOP OPERATORS TO DUMP RUBBISH
WAS USED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS
TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT AND PREVENT FURTHER DUMPING, THE ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT SUB-COMMITTEE OF SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD DECIDED IT WAS AN EXCELLENT SITE FOR A CAR PARK.
CLEARANCE AND EXCAVATION WORK STARTED AT THE AUGUST AND SURFACING WAS COMPLETED RECENTLY.
BEGINNING OF
THE CONSTRUCTION COST OF $47 000 WAS MET BY SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT VOTE, WHICH TOTALS $385 200 THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
SIMILAR PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT INCLUDE CONSTRUCTING TWO SITTING-OUT AREAS AT PO LO CHE AND TUI MIN HOI, SURFACING THE PAK KONG SOCCER PITCH, AND PLANTING AND TURFING SEVERAL ROADSIDE AMENITY PROJECTS.
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/25
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
- 25 -
SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF CROWN LAND AVAILABLE
******
TENDERS FOR A SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF CROWN LAND AT CHAI wAN, HONG KONG ARE BEING SOUGHT BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE.
THE 1 580-SQUARE-METRE SITE, SITUATED BETWEEN WAN TSUI ROAD AND SUI MAN ROAD, IS FOR THE STORAGE OF TENANT’S GOODS VEHICLES (INCLUDING FEE PAYING CAR PARK), CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS BUT EXCLUDING CONCRETE/ASPHALT BATCHING.
THE TENANCY IS FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF ONE YEAR AND QUARTERLY, THEREAFTER.
CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS WILL BE NOON NOVEMBER 13.
TENDER FORMS AND PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, 19TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND ALSO AT THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR.
THE TENDER PLAN MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE OFFICES.
-----0-----
ELEVATED ROAD TO BE BUILT
* * *
THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TODAY AWARDED A $59~MILLI0N CONTRACT TO FRANK I CONTRACTORS LIMITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NORTHERN ELEVATED ROAD FROM NGAU TAU KOK TO KOWLOON BAY.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY MR K.C. YEUNG, CHIEF ENGINEER OF OF CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY.
THE CONTRACT INVOLVES CONSTRUCTION OF A 520-METRE ELEVATED ROAD LINKING THE ALREADY-COMPLETED SECTION OVER THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY DEPOT WITH NGAU TAU KOK ROAD TO THE WEST AND THE AIRPORT TUNNEL ROAD TO THE EAST, TOGETHER WITH A GRADE SEPARATED CROSSING AT KWUN TONG ROAD.
THERE WILL ALSO BE GRADE SEPARATED ACCESS TO AND FROM WAI YIP STREET.
A SUBWAY WILL BE BUILT FOR PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC UNDER THE AIRPORT TUNNEL ROAD NEAR WAI YIP STREET.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
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/26........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1981
- 26 -
CAS RECRUITS TO PARADE
* * *
MORE THAN 300 CIVIL AID SERVICE RECRUITS FROM 10 UNITS WILL BE DRAWN UP ON PARADE ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 31) AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE HEADQUARTERS PARADE GROUND AT 8 PM.
THE RECRUITS, THE LARGEST IN NUMBER, COMPRISE ADULTS AND CADETS wHO HAVE COMPLETED FULL TRAINING AIMED AT MAKING THEM EFFICIENT CAS VOLUNTEERS.
THEIR TRAINING INCLUDED FOOT DRILL, DISCIPLINE, FIRST AID, LIGHT RESCUE, FOREST FIRE FIGHTING, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND TYPHOON DUTIES.
A CAS SPOKESMAN SAID THE VOLUNTEERS WERE DRAWN FROM ALL WALKS CF LIFE AND FROM EVERY PROFESSION. THEY HAVE SATISFIED THE EXAMINERS OF THEIR WILLINGNESS TO PERFORM DUTIES FOR THE BENEFIT OF HONG KONG.
MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, WILL INSPECT THE PARADE AND PRESENT CERTIFICATES TO THE BEST RECRUITS. HE WILL ALSO AWARD CIVIL DEFENCE LONG SERVICE MEDALS TO 19 SERVING CAS MEMBERS.
THERE WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY THE 50-MEMBER CAS BAND, THE CHAMPIONSHIP CADETS AND ADULT DRILL TEAMS, AND THE CAS SPECTACULAR TRICK BICYCLING TEAM.
AT THE END OF THE PARADE, REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED TO GUESTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PRESS.
NOTE TO EDITORS i
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PARADE WHICH BEGINS AT 8 PM ON SATURDAY AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE HEADQUARTERS PARADE GROUND, HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SSUEOBY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEAC3NSF ELC HOUSE HONGKONG TEL 5-233191
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TEXTILES TASK FORCE APPOINTED .............................. 1
GOVERNOR OPENS SEA SCHOOL'S NEW BLOCK ...................... 2
EMPLOYERS OF DISABLED THANKED ............................ 3
GAMES CONTEST FOR DISABLED AND ABLE-BODIED ................. 4
GUTZLAFF STREET CLOSED FOR DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE............. 4
TSUEN WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN .............................. 5
JOURNALISM WORKSHOP AND SEMINARS ........................... 6
YOUTH ORGANISATIONS TO DISCUSS CRIME........................ 7
WORKERS’ MEMBERS CHOSEN FOR LABOUR BOARD ................... 7
OFFICIAL START FOR YUEN LONG CLEAN-UP DRIVE................. 8
PWD ARCHITECT TO DISPLAY WATERCOLOURS IN LONDON ............ 8
FIRING PRACTICE ............................................ 9
SIX BUILDINGS TO BE RESUMED FOR MTR STATION ............... 10
EASEMENTS FOR MTR WORK .................................... 10
TENDERS INVITED FOR THEN MUN SITE.......................... 11
813-MILLION FOR SIX FOOTBRIDGES ........................... 11
FRIDAY, OCTOBER.30, 1981
1
TEXTILES TASK FORCE APPOINTED
M * M M
A TEXTILES TASK FORCE HAS INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT
BEEN ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE TRADE
THE CREATION OF THE TEXTILES TASK FORCE WAS FORESHADOWED BY THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR BILL DORWARD, IN A STATEMENT TO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST APRIL.
♦WITH THE IMMINENCE OF WHAT WE HOPE WILL BE THE FINAL ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS TO CONSIDER THE FUTURE OF THE MFA, AND THE INTER-RELATED QUESTIONS OF HONG KONG’S BILATERAL RESTRAINT AGREEMENTS MADE UNDER THE MFA, I THINK THE TIME HAS COME FOR US TO PUT TOGETHER A TEAM WHICH CAN CONCENTRATE ON THESE VITAL ISSUES, MR DORWARD SAID.
THE TASK FORCE COMPRISES A CORE OF OFFICERS IN THE TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT WITH LONG EXPERIENCE OF HONG KONG’S TEXTILES AFFAIRS. OTHER OFFICERS WITH SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE OF SUCH MATTERS AS QUOTA CONTROLS AND CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN WILL BE ADDED TO THIS CORE AS REQUIRED.
HONG KONG’S COUNSELLOR IN GENEVA, MR BRIAN CHAU, IS A MEMBER AND WILL REMAIN HONG KONG’S PRINCIPAL NEGOTIATOR ON THE FUTURE OF THE MFA.
THE TASK FORCE IS HEADED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF TRADE, MR LAWRENCE MILLS, WHO WILL BE JOINING MR CHAU NEXT MONTH IN GENEVA FOR THE NEXT MEETING OF THE TEXTILES COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER THE FUTURE OF THE MFA.
THE TASK FORCE REPORTS DIRECTLY TO THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, AND IS GUIDED IN ITS WORK BY THE ADVICE OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD.
MEMBERS OF THE TASK FORCE WILL REPRESENT HONG KONG AT A WEEK-LONG MEETING OF DEVELOPING EXPORTING COUNTRIES TO BE HELD IN NEW DELHI STARTING ON NOVEMBER 2 AS PART OF THE SERIES OF MFA CO-ORDINATION ACTIVITIES SO FAR HELD IN BOGOTA, DJAKARTA AND HONG KONG.
0
/2 .......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1981
2
GOVERNOR OPENS SEA SCHOOL’S * * * *
NEW BLOCK
THE PROSPECTS OF HONG KONG’S YOUNG F".\ „
SCHOOL ATE3EPMNT0DAYT(FR’lDAY)fH00L BL°CK ™E H°WG K°NG SEA
MEN GETTING GOOD JOBS AT
+S0 WE MUST DO ALL THAT IS PRACTICAL TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD ST C AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING. THE FACILITIES IN THIS NEW
BLOCK REPRESENT A LARGE STEP FORWARD,+ THE GOVERNOR SAID.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECHi
♦I WAS LAST HERE THREE YEARS AGO TO OPEN THE BRADBURY PIER ' AM °ELIGHTED T0 RETURN T0DAY T0 0PEN THIS NEW CLASSROOM BLOCK AND SEE ANOTHER MAJOR IMPROVEMENT.
+THE SCHOOL’S RECORD IS EXCELLENT. SINCE 1955, OVER 2 500 »YS ™E SCHOOL HAVE ROISTERED AS SEAMEN AND OVER 60 OF THEM HAVE GONE ON TO BECOME CAPTAI NS-IN-COMMAND. THESE ARE
/o*Su?«yEZACTS- 0NE CAN SEE A TRADITION EMERGING OF WHICH ALL GRADUATES CAN BE PROUD. THEY ARE ALSO FACTS OF WHICH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS WILL TAKE ACCOUNT IN CHOOSING CREWS. THE PROSPECTS OF OUR YOUNG MEN TO GET GOOD JOBS AT SEA, WILL DEPEND INCREASINGLY ON HONG KONG’S REPUTATION FOR TRAINING THEM.
+S0 WE MUST DO ALL THAT IS PRACTICAL TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD CF ACADEMIC AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING. THE FACILITIES IN THIS NEW BLOCK REPRESENT A LARGE STEP FORWARD. THEY INCLUDE AN ENGLISH LANGUAGE LABORATORY, LIGHT ENGINEERING WORKSHOP, STEWARDS WORKSHOP AND BOAT HOUSE. TH^SE ARE VALUABLE ADDITIONS TO THE SCHOOL’S RESOURCES.
+THANKS ARE DUE TO THE BRADBURY CHARITABLE TRUST AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB FOR THEIR VERY GENEROUS DONATION OF TWO MILLION DOLLARS EACH. THEY PROVIDE AN ELOQUENT VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN BOTH THE SCHOOL AND THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY.
♦IN OPENING THE NEW BLOCK, I CONGRATULATE THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT AND THE STAFF OF THE HONG KONG SEA SCHOOL ON THEIR SOLID ACHIEVEMENTS AND WISH ALL THOSE WHO ENTER THE SCHOOL SUCCESS.+
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1981
3
EMPLOYERS OF
M
DISABLED THANKED * *
THE WORK OF THE SELECTIVE
DEPARTMENT DEPENDS ON A BALANCE OF A SUPPLY OF SUITABLE AND THE AVAILABILITY OF DISABLED JOB-SEEKERS POSSESSING QUALIF ICATIONS.
PLACEMENT SERVICE OF THE
LABOUR VACANCIES THE RIGHT
THIS WAS STATED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR J.N. HENDERSON, TODAY (FRIDAY) WHEN HE PRESENTED SOUVENIRS TO 10 EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE EMPLOYED THE LARGEST NUMBER OF DISABLED PEOPLE THROUGH THE SPS.
THE EMPLOYERS ARE HONG KONG SECURITY LTD., BEREC INTERNATIONAL (HK) LTD., SECURITY ALLIANCE LTD., ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, WHEELOCK MARDEN AND CO. LTD.. URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, RADIO CONSUMER H.K. LTD., REMEX INTERNATIONAL TIME LTD., SUMMIT METAL FINISHING LTD., AND PRO-QUALITY ELECTRONIC CO. LTD.
MR HENDERSON POINTED OUT THAT IN FINDING EMPLOYMENT FOR THE DISABLED, THE SPS ADOPTED THE MORE DIFFICULT APPROACH OF ^PLACING THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN THE RIGHT JOB*.
MANY VACANCIES, HE EXPLAINED, COULD NOT BE FILLED BECAUSE THERE WAS NO DISABLED PERSON WITH SUITABLE QUALIFICATIONS REGISTERED WITH THE SPS.
CONVERSELY, THERE WERE ALSO OFFERS WHICH WERE TURNED DOWN BY DISABLED PEOPLE ON THE GROUNDS THAT THEY WERE UNATTRACTIVE OR UNINTERESTING.
♦PLACEMENT OFFICERS THEREFORE HAVE THE DIFFICULT CHOICE OF WHETHER TO ADHERE TO THE ADOPTED APPROACH OR TO SIMPLY INFLATE THE PLACEMENT RATE BY INFLUENCING THE JOB-SEEKERS INTO ACCEPTING UNSATISFACTORY POSITIONS. THEY HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO DEPART FROM THE ORIGINAL APPROACH,* MR HENDERSON ADDED.
MR HENDERSON WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE PRESENTATION WAS MADE TO MARK THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS 1981 AND TO EXPRESS HIS DEPARTMENT’S APPRECIATION TO EMPLOYERS WHO HAD GIVEN WORK TO DISABLED PEOPLE THROUGH THE SPS.
THE WORK OF THE SPS, HE ADDED, ALSO DEPENDED ON MORE EMPLOYERS HAVING A MUCH LARGER MEASURE OF CONFIDENCE IN THE WORKING ABILITY OF THE DISABLED AND BEING PREPARED TO PROVIDE GREATER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM. QUITE A NUMBER OF EMPLOYERS HAD OPENED THEIR DOORS TO DISABLED PEOPLE, SOME FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME.
MR HENDERSON ALSO THANKED ANOTHER GROUP OF OVER 70 EMPLOYERS WHOSE NAMES APPEARED IN THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY’S PROGRAMME.
♦THEY HAVE EACH EMPLOYED A SMALLER NUMBER OF DISABLED PEOPLE, BUT THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE WORK OF INTEGRATING THE DISABLED IS NO LESS VALUABLE.
+THEY HAVE ALL SET A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE WHICH I APPEAL TO ALL OTHER EMPLOYERS TO FOLLOW IN ORDER TO ENABLE DISABLED PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ECONOMIC GROWTH OF OUR COMMUNITY TO A GREATER DEGREE,* HE SAID.
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/4......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1981
4
GAMES CONTEST FOR DISABLED AND ABLE-BODIED
* ft * *
A ’TALENTS UNLIMITED’ GAMES CONTEST, AIMED AT BRINGING CLOSER TOGETHER DISABLED AND ABLE-BODIED PERSONS, WILL BE HELD TOWARDS THE END OF NOVEMBER.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ISLAND JAYCEES, AND THREE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS — EDUCATION, SOCIAL WELFARE AND RECREATION AND CULTURE THE 'TALENTS UNLIMITED’ GAMES CONTEST HAS BEEN DESIGNED FOR BOTH ABLE-BODIED AND DISABLED PERSONS TO WORK IN TEAMS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE FUN AND GAMES. ABOUT 350 PERSONS INCLUDING STAFF FROM COMMERCIAL FIRMS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, WILL TAKE PART.
LADY MACLEHOSE HAS CONSENTED TO BE THE GRAND PATRON OF THE EVENT AND MRS J. BREMRIDGE WILL BE THE GUEST OF HONOUR AND OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE CONTEST, WHICH WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, IN THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND.
A SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE DISABLED HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED BY SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LTD. AND A THEME SONG COMPOSED FOR THE OCCASION.
OTHER PATRONS AREi THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR J.H. BREMRIDGE-THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR D.C. BRAY- THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR C.H. HAYE- THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR S.E. ALLEYNE- THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE OF IYDP, DR HARRY FANG- AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LTD, MR S.J. OSMOND.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 3) AT 3 PM IN THE GIS THEATRE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, TO GIVE DETAILS OF THE ’TALENTS UNLIMITED’ GAMES CONTEST.
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GUTZLAFF STREET CLOSED FOR DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE ft ft ft
THE SECTION OF AND STANLEY STREET, MONDAY (NOVEMBER 2) MAINTENANCE WORK.
GUTZLAFF STREET, BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO FACILITATE DRAINAGE
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1981
5
TSUEN WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN
M M M M M
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID THE TO MAINTAIN BALANCED DEVELOPMENT WITHIN TO INCORPORATE NEW DEVELOPMENTS TO COPE DISTRICT.
AMENDMENTS WERE NECESSARY TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN AND WITH CHANGING NEEDS OF THE
THE MAJOR AMENDMENTS INCLUDEi
PART OF THE OTHER SPECIFIED USES SITE LYING BETWEEN TUEN MUN ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD HAS BEEN REZONED TO RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B)
RE^ECTS Ju! EARLIER APPROVAL TO PERMIT RESIDENTIAL ?
DtVtLOrMtNT ON THE SITE.
ABOUT 6.7 HECTARES (HA) OF LAND NORTH OF THE JUNCTION OF TUEN MUN ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD HAVE BEEN REZONED TO OPEN SPACE WHICH WILL CONSIDERABLY ENHANCE THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE ADJACENT HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
PART OF THE GREEN BELT IN YAU KOM TAU HAS BEEN REZONED TO GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USES FOR A WATER TREATMENT WORKS WHICH WILL FORM PART OF THE SYSTEM FOR HANDLING THE FUTURE INCREASE OF WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA.
SEVERAL INDUSTRIAL AREAS, TOTALLING ABOUT 20 HA AND MAINLY TO THE NORTH OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD, HAVE BEEN REZONED TO RESIDENT! (GROUP A) AND COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT AREAS.
AL
THE REZONING HAS BEEN PROMPTED BY A GENERAL REVIEW OF INDUSTRIAL LAND RESERVATION IN TSUEN WAN WHICH CONCLUSIVELY PROVED A LARGE SURPLUS OF INDUSTRIAL LAND.
BESIDES ACHIEVING A MORE BALANCED DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TOWN, THE REZONING WILL CREATE A MORE EVEN POPULATION DISTRIBUTION.
tZJ A BETTER SEPARATION OF CONFLICTING LAND USES
AND THE REMOVAL OF POTENTIAL SOURCES OF POLLUTION.
PURTHERM°RE. THE TOWNSCAPE ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED. THE SCHEDULE OF NOTES ATTACHED TO THE PLAN HAS ALSO BEEN REVISED.
THE AMENDED PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED IN THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, 17TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD- THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) cNQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE- AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE (TSUEN WAN), FIRST FLOOR, 93 HOI PA STREET, TSUEN WAN.
THE DRAFT AMENDMENT PLAN IS ON SALE AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AT $10 FOR AN UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 FOR A COLOURED COPY.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN MAY SUBMIT AN OBJECTION IN WRITING, ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 19, TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/0 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD.
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/6........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1981
6
JOURNALISM WORKSHOP AND SEMINARS
* * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR INFORMATION, MR ALAN SCOTT, WILL OPEN ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 2) THE 1981 JOURNALISM WORKSHOP AND SEMINARS CONDUCTED BY THE THOMSON FOUNDATION AND SPONSORED BY THE WONG KAM YIP TRUST FUND.
THIS IS THE SECOND YEAR IN WHICH THE TRAINING PROGRAMME HAS BEEN ORGANISED, PROVIDING HONG KONG JOURNALISTS WITH A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO GET A RANGE OF TRAINING IN AN INTER-DISCIPLINARY ENVIRONMENT NOT OTHERWISE AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG.
THE FIRST WORKSHOP, HELD IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER LAST YEAR, WAS WELL ATTENDED BY MEMBERS FROM VARIOUS HONG KONG NEWSPAPERS, RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS, AND THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.
THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME HAS BEEN REVISED TO INCLUDE BOTH A SIX-WEEK MORNING WORKSHOP AND NINE SEMINARS IN THE AFTERNOONS.
THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS HAS INCREASED FROM 14 IN THE 1980 WORKSHOP TO 62, INCLUDING MANY FROM THE CH INESE-LANGUAGE MEDIA, FOR THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME.
THE 1981 JOURNALISM WORKSHOP AND SEMINARS, AIMED AT IMPROVING SKILLS AND DEVELOPING RELEVANT KNOWLEDGE, WILL BE HELD FROM NOVEMBER 2 TO DECEMBER 11 IN THE PREMISES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING DIVISION IN WING ON CENTRE, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
THE TWO LECTURERS WILL AGAIN BE SENIOR INSTRUCTORS FROM THE THOMSON FOUNDATION WHO HAVE LONG PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE OF WORKING IN THE MEDIA AND HAVE TAUGHT OVERSEAS.
IN ADDITION, A FOLLOW-UP COURSE FOR THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN LAST YEAR’S WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD FROM DECEMBER 14-18.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
THE SECRETARY FOR INFORMATION, MR ALAN SCOTT, WILL OPEN ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 2) THE 1981 JOURNALISM WORKSHOP AND SEMINARS CONDUCTED BY THE THOMSON FOUNDATION AND SPONSORED BY THE WONG KAM YIP TRUST FUND.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING DIVISION, ROOM 15, 18TH FLOOR, WING ON CENTRE, AT 10 AM.
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/7 ...
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1981
- 7 -
YOUTH ORGANISATIONS TO DISCUSS CRIME
M * *
YOUNG PEOPLE FROM YOUTH ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG AND
MEMBERS OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WILL GET TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON HOW BEST TO CO-OPERATE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.
THE INFORMAL GATHERING, TO BE HELD AT THE KAI TAK POLICE CLUB, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND THE POLICE AS PART OF THIS YEAR’S FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN.
MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, WILL ADDRESS THE GROUPS. HE WILL THEN RECEIVE A CHEQUE FOR $15 000 FROM MR EDMOND CHAM, A SPONSOR OF THE FIGHT YOUTH CRIME SINGING COMPETITION, ON BEHALF OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.
MR ALBERT AU, A SINGER, WILL PRESENT TO MR CHEONG-LEEN WITH HIS LATEST RECORD WHICH INCLUDES THE FIGHT CRIME THEME SONG.
SOME 100 YOUNG PEOPLE FROM 10 YOUTH ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING THE CIVIL AID SERVICES CORPS, AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES, COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB, HONG KONG SCOUT ASSOCIATION, ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION AND JUNIOR POLICE CALL, WILL TAKE PART IN THE GATHERING.
THE CEREMONY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A BARBECUE.
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WORKERS’ MEMBERS CHOSEN FOR LABOUR BOARD KO
THREE EMPLOYEES’ UNION MEMBERS WERE ELECTED TODAY (FRIDAY) AS EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR AS MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD FOR 1982.
THEY ARE MR POON CH I-CH ING OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON LITHOGRAPHIC WORKERS UNION, MR WONG WAI-HUNG OF ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT LAND AND ENGINEERING SURVEYING OFFICERS AND MR SZETO WAH OF HONG KONG PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS UNION.
THE ELECTION - HELD BY SECRET BALLOT AT THE SCHOOL HALL OF QUEEN’S COLLEGE, CAUSEWAY BAY - WAS SUPERVISED BY OFFICERS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THE BOARD IS A NON-STATUTORY BODY WHICH ADVISES THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ON LABOUR MATTERS, INCLUDING LEGISLATION AND INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. IT COMPRISES SIX EMPLOYERS’ REPRESENTATIVES AND SIX EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES, WITH THE COMMISSIONER AS CHAIRMAN.
THREE OF THE EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES ARE ELECTED BY REGISTERED EMPLOYEES’ UNIONS AND THE OTHER THREE ARE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
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/8........
I-KIUAY, UCIOBER 3U, 1981
8
OFFICIAL START FOR YUEN LONG CLEAN-UP DRIVE * * * *
THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN IN YUEN LONG DISTRICT WILL BE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED ON SUNDAY MORNING (NOVEMBER 1) ALTHOUGH A BLOCK BY BLOCK BUILDING CLEAN-UP OPERATION HAD ALREADY BEGUN EARLIER THIS WEEK.
A TWO-HOUR-LONG ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME WILL BE HELD AT THE YUEN LONG STADIUM AT 11 AM TO START OFF THE CAMPAIGN, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.
MORE THAN 1 OOO SCHOOL CHILDREN AND LOCAL RESIDENTS WILL ATTEND THE FUNCTION.
VARIETY SHOWS, LION DANCES, MAGIC PERFORMANCES, DANCES, AND OTHER ENTERTAINMENT WILL BE PUT ON AT THE FUNCTION, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JIMMY SWEETMAN, THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF YUEN LONG, MR FUNG KWOK-KEUNG- THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN NEW TERRITORIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MR CHARLES YEUNG-THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU WONG-FAT, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, MR TANG TAK-KAU.
NOTE TO ED ITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 1) AT 11 AM AT THE YUEN LONG STADIUM.
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PWD ARCHITECT TO DISPLAY WATERCOLOURS IN LONDON )€ )€ M
BRITAIN
CHINESE
" ToWlW tThSM eXHl|BITWHRO?ECONTEMPORAR?R INSTITUTE IN Sl^™ S“4,““" 0F C°™N“EALTH
/a graduate ......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 198l
- 9 -
at FR0M THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
MR TSE COMPLETED A DIPLOMA COURSE IN TROPICAL STUDIES
AND IN 1969 BECAME AN ASSOCIATE OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTE OF BRITISH ARCHITECTS. HE JOINED THE PWD IN 1974.
.HE.NOW W0RKS AS ARCH ITECT-1N-CHARGE OF A NUMBER OF PROJECTS,
<ShtuDJaSi ,H$USE» THE CHINESE GARDEN IN KOWLOON PARK,
SOUTH KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT, HARBOUR ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICE BLOCKS
HIS *0RK REFLECTS HIS ARCHITECTURAL TALENTS AND HIS INTEREST IN CITY AND VILLAGE LIFE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
S]NCE 1975, MR TSE HAS BEEN A PART-TIME LECTURER IN ^■io*^i,nRFH'JESTURE AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN IN THE DEPARTMENT OF EXTRA-MURAL STUDIES, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
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FIRING PRACTICE MM*
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE PEAK RANGE FOR 11 DAYS NEXT MONTH (NOVEMBER)
HA TSUEN AND CASTLE
oen c.MaJ??E^L0F THE PUBL,c are WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING PRACTICE TIMES, WHICH ARE AS FOLLOWSi
DAY
NOVEMBER 3 (TUESDAY) 4 (WEDNESDAY) 5 (THURSDAY) 6 (FRIDAY) 9 (MONDAY) 10 (TUESDAY) 11 (WEDNESDAY) 19 (THURSDAY) 24 (TUESDAY) 25 (WEDNESDAY) 26 (THURSDAY)
TIME
8 AM - 5 PM
8 AM - 5 PM
8 AM - 5 PM
8 AM - 4.30 PM
8 AM - 5 PM
8 AM - 5 PM
8 AM - 5 PM
8 AM - 11 PM
8 AM - 5 PM
8 AM - 5 PM
8 AM - 5 PM
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/10 .......
Friday, October 30, 1981
10
SIX BUILDINGS TO BE RESUMED FOR MTR STATION M * * *
SIX F iVE-STOREY BUILDINGS AT 5A-2—552 LOCKHART ROAn wh 1 RESUMED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY ISLAND L. 1 roc •
GOVERNMENT spokesman said the buildings were within LARGE AREA OF LAND AT THE JUNCTION OF EAST POINT ROAD WITH HENNESSY ROAD, GREAT GEORGE STREET AND LOCKHART ROAD WHICH REQUIRED BY THE MASS TRANSIT RA ILWAY CORPORATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MAJOR STATION CONCOURSE.
A
WAS
ROADS
THE
!*?ST THE OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY IN THE OTHER THREE HAVE REACHED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CORPORATION FOR THE ^V^1°.PMENT 0F THE,R L0TS AND ™ERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT ^SJue2LKJ0,NTLY REDEVELOP THEIR PROPERTY WITH THE MTRC. ALL £J??EJ?r.HAVE AGREED TO PROVIDE VACANT SITES WITHIN THE TIME-SCALE REQUIRED FOR THE RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME.
ApR0P0SAL. FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE STATION SITE WITH THE CORPORATION WAS ALSO MADE TO THE OWNERS OF THE LOCKHART ROAD PROPERTY BUT THEY FAILED TO REACH A CONCENSUS.
m ?A,D THE SITE IS SCHEDULED TO BE HANDED OVER
J£,JcL£2R™Rfr,0N ,N MAY ^82 AND RESUMPTION OF THE LAND IS NECESSARY TO ALLOW TIME FOR CLEARANCE WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT.
__ UNDER A RESUMPTION ORDER PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE nprFMRPoHE LAND WILL REVERT To ™E GOVERNMENT AT THE END OF 1 Lt Lt Fid tn .
DOMESTIC TENANTS WILL BE ENTITLED TO REHOUSING IN accapdaiucc PA™ T0UTHFM ANDATn^rpn|,|wnPcf’AAo* STATUT0RY COMPENSATION WILL B£E rfccivp T?EM AND T0 GR0UND FLOOR SHOP OPERATORS ELIGIBLE TO KCvCIVt I I .
- - - - 0 ----------
EASEMENTS FOR MTR WORK
EASEMENTS WILL BE CREATED OVER A SMALL PORTION OF LAND IN THE SOUTH EASTERN CORNER OF THE SHARP STREET TRAM DEPOT SITE TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY ISLAND LINE.
A NOTIFICATION OF AN ORDER TO THIS EFFECT, MADE UNDER SECTION 6(1) OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND RESUMPTION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE, WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAIDi ♦ONLY A SMALL SURFACE AREA WITHIN THE DEPOT SITE IS REQUIRED AS A WORK AREA FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TUNNEL ACCESS SHAFT LEADING TO THE FUTURE MTR CAUSEWAY STATION.
♦THE REST OF THE EASEMENTS ARE BENEATH THE DEPOT SITE WHERE THE PASSENGER TUNNEL WILL ENCROACH ON THE DEPOT ALONG THE MATHESON STREET ALIGNMENT.
♦THE EASEMENTS ARE NOT EXPECTED TO AFFECT THE NORMAL OPERATIONS OF THE HONG KONG TRAMWAYS,♦ HE ADDED.
- - 0
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1981
11
TENDERS INVITED FOR TUEN MUN SITE
M * * *
TENDERS ARE INVITED FOR A TWO-YEAR TENANCY OF A SITE IN TUEN MUN FOR THE OPEN STORAGE OF CONTAINERS.
THE SITE MEASURES 9 650 SQUARE METRES AND IS LOCATED IN TAI LAM BAY RECLAMATION AREA.
THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WILL BE ALLOWED TO BUILD A WATCHMAN’S STRUCTURE MEASURING 10 SQUARE METRES BY THREE METRES HIGH.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION BEFORE NOON ON NOVEMBER 20, 1981.
APPLICATION FORMS AND OTHER DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE NTA AND DISTRICT OFFICES OF YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, SHA TIN, TSUEN WAN, TAI PO, NORTH, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
- - 0 - -
S13-MILLI0N FOR SIX FOOTBRIDGES
A S13-MILLI0N CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SIX FOOTBRIDGES OVER THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY TRACKS BETWEEN HONG LOK YUEN AND WO HOP SHEK WAS AWARDED TODAY BY THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO CHUI HING CONSTRUCTION LIMITED.
THE BRIDGES WILL BE BUILT AT TAI HANG, TAI WO, NAM WAH PO, KAU LUNG HANG, TONG HANG SOUTH AND TONG HANG NORTH.
A TWO-METRE WIDE WALKWAY WITH STEPS AND RAMPS WILL BE PROVIDED AT EACH LOCATION FOR PEDESTRIAN AND HANDCART MOVEMENTS.J ACROSS THE KCR TRACKS.
WORK ON THE CONTRACT IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, OCTOBER , 1981
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SECOND NORTH DISTRICT FESTIVAL OPENED ........................... 1
LAND FORMATION PLAN FOR MA ON SHAN .............................. 2
FANLING SQUASH COURTS OPENED .................................... 5
ROAD SECTION TO BE WIDENED..................................... 4
MORE TRAINING COURSES FOR TRADE INSTRUCTORS
4
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1981
1
SECOND NORTH DISTRICT FESTIVAL OPENED
* M M *
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, OPENING THE SECOND NORTH DISTRICT FESTIVAL AT FANLING TODAY (SATURDAY), SAID INCREASED ACTIVITIES CALLED FOR A CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN FACILITIES.
TO THIS END, HE SAID, NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL AND COMMUNITY CENTRE WOULD BE COMPLETED NEAR THE END OF THIS YEAR, ADDING TO EXISTING VENUES FOR INDOOR PERFORMANCES IN TSUEN WAN AND YUEN LONG.
ALSO, CONSTRUCTION WORK HAD STARTED FOR PHASE I OF SAI KUNG TOWN HALL AND CULTURAL COMPLEXES WOULD BE PROVIDED FOR SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN BY 1985.
♦IN THE MEANTIME, THROUGH THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE KIND COOPERATION OF SCHOOLS, MANY SCHOOL HALLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE BEING USED AS VENUES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO TRAIN AND PERFORM IN DANCE, SINGING AND MUS IC,♦ MR AKERS-JONES SAID.
MANY SCHOOLS HAD FORMED CHOIRS, BANDS, DANCE GROUPS AND ORCHESTRAS AND SOME DISTRICTS ALSO HAD CHILDREN’S CHOIRS, THE STANDARD OF WHICH WAS, IN MR AKERS-JONES’S VIEW, EQUAL TO THE BEST IN THIS TERRITORY.
SO GREAT WAS THE INTEREST OF NEW TERRITORIES RESIDENTS IN CULTURE AND MUSIC THAT THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPEECH AND MUSIC ASSOCIATION HAD SET UP A SPECIAL COMMITTEE FOR ORGANISING ITS ANNUAL SPEECH AND MUSIC FESTIVALS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, HE SAID.
IT WAS ENCOURAGING THAT THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS FROM NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS HAD RAPIDLY INCREASED IN THE LAST TWO YEARS.
MR AKERS-JONES SAID HE WAS GRATEFUL TO THE DISTRICT ARTS ASSOCIATIONS, THE MUSIC OFFICE, RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN JOINTLY ORGANISING AND RUNNING TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND PERFORMANCES.
♦THERE ARE, IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, ENERGY, POTENTIAL AND INTEREST IN PROMOTING CULTURE AND MUSIC IN THIS TERRITORY AND, THROUGH THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE COMMUNITY AND GOVERNMENT, I AM CONFIDENT THEY WILL BE CHANNELLED TOWARDS A BRIGHT FUTURE,♦ HE SAID.
WITH THE SUP'-'ORI OF DISTRICT BOARDS, FESTIVALS HAD NOW BECOME A POPULAR YEARLY FEATURE THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES. THEY INVOLVED THE JOINT EFFORT OF COMMUNITY LEADERS, ARTISTES, SPORTSMEN, SCHOOL CHILDREN AND ENTERTAINERS IN PRODUCING IDEAS AND EXECUTING THEM. FURTHERMORE, THEY HELPED TO FOSTER A SENSE OF DISTRICT IDENTITY.
THE FESTIVAL INCLUDES A SERIES OF RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL EVENTS OVER A NINE-DAY PERIOD.
/IMMEDIATELY AJTEK .......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1981
2
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE OPENING, A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING displaysNwas'staged068, F°LK dances’ AND gymnastic AND MARCHING
„ew«THERE WILL BE TW0 FOOTBALL MATCHES BETWEEN SOUTH CHINA
VETERAN AND NORTH DISTRICT ------ “
TEAMS TOMORROW.
A DANCING COMPETITION WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY AT FUNG KAI MIDDLE SCHOOL.
OTHER FESTIVAL EVENTS INCLUDE A QUIZ ON WEDNESDAY AND A WATER TELE-MATCH ON SATURDAY.
A PROMENADE CONCERT CLOSING THE FESTIVAL WILL BE STAGED BY THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND, NORTH DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR, toUJSoTs8nmyL(NSoRvI^erNJ)!- BANI) FUHG KAI H">DLE SCH00L DANCE
THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS PROVIDED $60 000 TOWARDS THE C0ST,NG A TOTAL OF $190 000. THE BALANCE IS BEING MET THROUGH LOCAL DONATIONS.
■rue A^?.0FF,CIATING AT TODAY’S OPENING WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LAU YUM-MAN-MR PETER JOHNSON- AND THE DISTRICT POLICE TERRITORIES), MR MIKE ILLINGWORTH.
NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER COMMANDER (NEW
LAND FORMATION PLAN FOR MA ON SHAN * * * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FOR THE FORMATION OF ABOUT 60 HECTARES OF LAND FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MA ON SHAN.
OF THESE, 5.5 HECTARES WILL BE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING,
4.7 HECTARES FOR HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, 11.7 HECTARES FOR PRIVATE HOUSING AND 19.3 HECTARES FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USES.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE 4.8 HECTARES FOR INDUSTRIAL USES, IWO HECTARES FOR A CIVIC CENTRE AND TWO HECTARES FOR OPEN SPACE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE OFFICE SAID THAT THE PROJECT FORMED PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW SATELLITE TOWN AT MA ON SHAN.
WORK ON THE CONTRACT WILL ALSO COVER THE CONSTRUCTION OF SEAWALLS, 600 METRES OF OPEN RIVER CHANNEL AND ASSOCIATED STORMWATER DRAINS.
WORK WILL START IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 42 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1981
FANLING SQUASH COURTS OPENED o o
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, OPENED THE FANLING NEW TOWN SQUASH COURTS COMPLEX TODAY (SATURDAY).
ALSO OFFICIATING WERE THE DONOR OF THE PROJECT, THE CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES LIMITED, MR KWOK TAK-SENG AND THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JIMMY SWEETMAN.
MR AKERS-JONES SAID COMPLETION OF THE $1.1 MILLION COMPLEX BROUGHT TOGETHER IN NORTH DISTRICT A VARIETY OF COMPLEMENTARY SPORTING FACILITIES! A FOOTBALL PITCH, RUNNING TRACK AND SWIMMING POOL. AND NOW THE SQUASH COURTS WERE AVAILABLE TO MEET THE RECREATIONAL NEEDS OF THE GROWING POPULATION.
♦THIS OPENING COULD NOT HAVE COME AT A BETTER TIME FOR IN JUST TWO MONTHS FROM NOW WE SHALL BE STARTING AN NT DISTRICTS OPEN SQUASH COMPETITION,♦ HE SAID.
♦THIS ADDITIONAL VENUE WILL BE INVALUABLE AND WILL ENABLE YOUNG PEOPLE FROM NORTH DISTRICT TO TAKE PART.
♦I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT, AS WITH THE SQUASH COURTS IN KWAI SHING, YUEN LONG AND SHA TIN, THESE NEW COURTS IN FANLING WILL VERY SOON BE USED TO THEIR CAPACITY AND INTRODUCE TO MANY AN EXCELLENT AND HIGHLY ACTIVE SPORT,+ MR AKERS-JONES SAID.
THE COMPLEX IS LOCATED AT TAI PO ROAD ADJACENT TO THE FANLING SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX.
IT IS THE FIRST SQUASH COURTS COMPLEX TO BE AIR-CONDITIONED AND IS BUILT ACCORDING TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS SUITABLE FOR BOTH TRAINING AND COMPETITION PURPOSES.
THE REAR WALL OF ONE OF THE COURTS IS MADE OF GLASS TO ENABLE SPECTATORS TO WATCH GAMES WITHOUT VIEWING OBSTRUCTIONS. OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDE CHANGING ROOMS, TOILETS, SHOWERS WITH HOT AND COLD WATER AND LOCKERS FOR PLAYERS.
THE COURTS ARE MANAGED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC USE BETWEEN 7 AM AND 11 PM DAILY.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1981
4
ROAD SECTION TO BE WIDENED
MM*
aL^CII0N 0F CHEUNG W»NG ROAD BETWEEN WO Yl HOP ROAD AND willGbe w?denedNshor?ly? CASTLE PEAK R0AD AND kwai chuns road
«re.nIENPE^S F0R THE W0RK ARE BE 1NG INVITED BY THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
ON COMPLETION, CHEUNG WING ROAD WILL BECOME A TWO-WAY ROAD TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE FOR TRAFFIC FROM TSUEN WAN TO KWAI CHUNG NORTH AND WILL THUS RELIEVE THE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT PRESENT EXPERIENCED AT THE GYRATORY JUNCTION AND LEI MUK ROAD. ^CONSTRUCTION WILL START IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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MORE TRAINING COURSES FOR TRADE INSTRUCTORS * * *
THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR A FURTHER FOUR BLOCKRELEASE TRAINING COURSES FOR INDUSTRIAL TRADE INSTRUCTORS.
THE COURSES WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 23 THIS YEAR AND MAY 17, 1982, AND WILL REQUIRE FULL-TIME ATTENDANCE AT THE COLLEGE FOR TWO WEEKS.
PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY TRAINING FOR CARRYING OUT THEIR DAY TO DAY DUTIES.
CLASSES WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE, AND CONTENTS WILL INCLUDE METHODS OF INSTRUCTION BASED ON THE STUDY OF EDUCATION THEORY AND EDUCATION PSYCHOLOGY.
FEES WILL BE $100 PER COURSE.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE COLLEGE AT 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE COLLEGE ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 14.
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