DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ROYAL OPENING FOR PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL .................... 1
NEW STANDARD COSTS PROPOSED FOR WELFARE SERVICES WILL MEAN $12M IN INCREASED SPENDING .................................... 3
GOVERNMENT REPLIES ON EASTERN HOSPITAL ......................... 5
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONTINUES ............................. 8
STUDENTS INVITED TO JOIN CYC ................................... 9
URBAN COUNCIL PROJECTS TOR DB DISCUSSION ...................... 10
RSNT TO ATTEND TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ............... 10
NEW ADDRESS FOR LABOUR DEPARTMENT'S DIVISIONAL OFFICES ........ 11
NT FRESH WATER TAPS OFF........................................ 11
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN KENNEDY TOWN AND SHEK TONG TSUI............. 12
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN CAUSEWAY BAY ........................ 12
WATER FIGURES ................................................. 12
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1982
1
ROYAL OPENING FOR PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL * * * *
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUCHESS OF KENT TODAY PRAISED
HONG KONG FOR SETTING +EXCELLENT STANDARDS* IN MEDICAL AND HEALTH
CARE AS SHE OFFICIALLY DECLARED OPEN THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL AT SHA TIN.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 330 COMMUNITY LEADERS, SHE SAID THAT THE COMPLETION OF THIS +MAGNIFICENT+ HOSPITAL WILL PROVIDE THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR THOSE WHO LIVE IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
TO PROVIDE HEALTH SERVICES FOR MORE THAN FIVE MILLION PEOPLE IN A SMALL AREA MUST BE A DIFFICULT TASK AT THE BEST OF TIMES, SAID THE DUCHESS.
+YET, I SEE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ENJOY VERY GOOD HEALTH DESPITE THE DENSITY OF THE POPULATION,+ SHE SAID.
THE NEW INSTITUTION, THE FIRST FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL IN HONG KONG, COMPRISES A 1 448-BED HOSPITAL, A SPECIALIST CLINIC, A NURSE TRAINING SCHOOL AND STAFF QUARTERS.
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, DESCRIBED THE PROJECT AS AN +ULTRA-MODERN HOSPITAL OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS* WHICH WILL SERVE AS A REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOR THE INCREASING POPULATION IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN AS WELL AS THE EASTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE HOSPITAL, WHICH IS NAMED AFTER HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE CHARLES, WILL ALSO SERVE AS A TEACHING HOSPITAL FOR THE TRAINING CF MEDICAL STUDENTS AND POST MEDICAL GRADUATES OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
+THIS IS A MOST ESSENTIAL FUNCTION AS THE FUTURE DOCTORS PASSING THROUGH THE PORTALS OF THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL WILL HELP TO A GREAT EXTENT, TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF MEDICAL SERVICES FOR US IN HONG KONG,* DR THONG SAID.
ALSO ATTENDING THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF KENT, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE AND LADY YOUDE AND MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS.
THE NEW HOSPITAL, WHICH WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL IN PHASES FROM THE LATTER HALF OF NEXT YEAR, WILL PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE FACILITIES IN ALL THE BASIC SPECIALTIES SUCH AS MEDICINE, SURGERY, OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, ORTHOPAEDICS, GERIATRICS AND PAEDIATRICS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE SPECIALIST UNITS FOR PSYCHIATRY, CLINICAL ONCOLOGY, PHYSICAL MEDICINE, INTENSIVE CARE, RENAL DIALYSIS, BURNS AND PAEDIATRIC SURGERY.
ESSENTIAL SUPPORTING SERVICES FOR THE NEW HOSPITAL INCLUDE CLINICAL PATHOLOGY, X-RAY, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, PHYSIOTHERAPY AND PROSTHETIC-ORTHOTIC SERVICES.
/APART FROM .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1982
2
APART FROM THE WIDE RANGE OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH FACILITIES, IT WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH THE LATEST MEDICAL EQUIPMENT SUCH AS A COMPUTERISED BODY SCANNER, SEVERAL HIGHLY ADVANCED X-RAY MACHINES AND REMOTE-CONTROLLED OPERATING TABLES.
♦THE COMPLETION OF THIS ESSENTIAL PROJECT REPRESENTS THE CONCERTED EFFORTS AND STERLING CONTRIBUTIONS IN VARIOUS WAYS BY MANY ORGANISATIONS AND PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS BOTH LOCALLY AND FROM OVERSEAS, AND IT ILLUSTRATES THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO STRENGTHEN THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN HONG KONG,+ DR THONG SAID.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF HR H’S SPEECH!
+l HOPE YOU WILL BELIEVE THAT I AM UTTERING NO CASUAL CONVENTIONAL COURTESY WHEN I TELL YOU THAT I HAVE LOOKED FORWARD EAGERLY TO THIS OCCASION. SOME YEARS AGO, WHEN MY HUSBAND WAS SERVING HERE WITH THE ARMY, WE LIVED IN HONG KONG. WE STRUCK UP THEN MANY VALUED FRIENDSHIPS? WE WERE DEEPLY IMPRESSED, AS ANY VISITOR MUST BE, BY THE ENERGY AND BUSTLE AND INGENUITY OF THE PLACE; AND YOU WILL UNDERSTAND WHY I FEEL A SENSE OF EXCITEMENT AND ANTICIPATION WHENEVER I COME HERE, FOR I KNOW THAT I SHALL SEE AROUND ME FRESH EVIDENCE OF THE VITALITY WITH WHICH HONG KONG INVARIABLY CONFRONTS ITS PROBLEMS AND SEIZES ITS OPPORTUNITIES.
♦TO PROVIDE HEALTH SERVICES FOR MORE THAN 5 MILLION PEOPLE IN A SMALL AREA MUST BE A DIFFICULT TASK AT THE BEST OF TIMES. YET I SEE THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ENJOY VERY GOOD IEALTH, DESPITE THE DENSITY OF THE POPULATION. MAY I CONGRATULATE YOU MOST WARMLY UPON THE EXCELLENT STANDARDS ALREADY SET BY HONG KONG IN THIS FIELD, AND UPON THE COMPLETION OF THIS MAGNIFICENT HOSPITAL, WHICH WILL PROVIDE THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR THOSE WHO LIVE IN THIS PART OF THE TERRITORY.
♦THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL WILL ALSO SERVE AS THE TEACHING HOSPITAL FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS, AT UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE LEVELS, FROM THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG. I CANNOT LET THIS OCCASION PASS WITHOUT DECLARING A SPECIAL INTEREST IN THAT UNIVERSITY.
♦AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS, OF WHICH I AM SO PROUD TO BE THE CHANCELLOR, THE VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG TOOK HIS DOCTORATE. ABOUT 20 YEARS AGO, DR JOHN LOACH. THEN THE UNIVERSALLY RESPECTED REGISTRAR OF THE UNIVERSITY CF LEEDS, WAS ONE OF THOSE WHO ADVISED UPON THE ESTABLISHMENT CF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY; I HOPE YOU WILL ALLOW ME TO SAY HOW HIGHLY WE IN LEEDS, AS IN OTHER BRITISH UNIVERSITIES, HAVE ALWAYS VALUED OUR CONNECTIONS WITH HONG KONG, WHICH HAS PROVIDED US WITH SO MANY EXCELLENT STUDENTS. MANY OF THEM I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING AT THE CEREMONIES WHEN DEGREES ARE CONFERRED. YOU WILL UNDERSTAND WHY I FEEL PARTICULARLY GLAD TO LEARN THAT THE FIRST SCHOLARSHIP FOR AN OVERSEAS STUDENT GIVEN UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE EDWARD BOYLE MEMORIAL TRUST, ESTABLISHED EARLIER THIS YEAR TO HONOUR THE MEMORY OF OUR LATE VICE-CHANCELLOR AT LEEDS, HAS BEEN AWARDED TO AN ENGINEERING STUDENT FROM HONG KONG.
/♦THIS COLLABORATION ...
M . .'.C'VUIBER 1, 1982
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+THIS COLLABORATION IN THE PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE, THE GENEROUS TREATMENT WHICH YOUR UNIVERSITIES ACCORD TO ACADEMIC STAFF AND STUDENTS FROM BRITAIN AND WHICH, WE HOPE, WE ACCORD TO YOURS, CONSTITUTE ONE OF THE LEAST HERALDED BUT MOST POWERFUL STRANDS IN COMMONWEALTH RELATIONSHIPS. HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE GREAT CITIES OF THE WORLD AND, IF YOU WILL ALLOW ME TO SAY SO, ONE OF THE MIRACLES OF THE WORLD. IT IS ESSENTIALLY A CHINESE CITY, BUT ONE WHICH HAS BEEN HOSPITABLE TO OTHER CULTURES AND RECEPTIVE TO OTHERS’ SKILLS.
♦BELIEVE ME, I FEEL HONOURED THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE ASKED re TO DECLARE THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL OPEN AS I NOW MOST GLADLY DO- AND THROUGH YOU, DIRECTOR, MAY I WISH WELL ALL THOSE WITHIN THESE WALLS WHO WILL PROBE THE CAUSES OF DISEASE, TRAIN THE NEW GENERATIONS OF DOCTORS AND PURSUE THE NOBLE VOCATION CF CARING FOR THE SICK.+
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NEW STANDARD COSTS PROPOSED FOR WELFARE SERVICES WILL MEAN $12M IN INCREASED SPENDING
* * * *
PLANS BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO SUBVENT EIGHT WELFARE SERVICES ON A STANDARD COST BASIS IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR WILL MEAN A RISE OF ABOUT $12 MILLION IN GOVERNMENT SPENDING IN THESE IMPORTANT AREAS, SUBJECT TO THE VOTING OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) DESCRIBED THE PROPOSALS AS +A FURTHER STEP FORWARD IN IMPLEMENTING THE NEW SUBVENTION SYSTEM ANNOUNCED LAST YEAR+.
♦THIS IS A CLEAR INDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S INCREASING COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF SERVICES IN THESE Fl ELDS,+ HE SAID.
THE SERVICES COVERED INCLUDE OUTREACH I NG SOCIAL WORK, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK, FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, SMALL GROUP HOMES, FOSTER CARE AND NEIGHBOURHOOD LEVEL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. WORK ON DETERMINING THE STANDARD COSTS FOR TWO REMAINING SERVICES --FAMILY COUNSELLING AND POOL BUS SERVICE — IS BEING FINALISED AND PROPOSALS WILL BE READY VERY SHORTLY.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS WRITTEN TO ALL THE SUBVENTED AGENCIES CONCERNED TO SEEK THEIR VIEWS ON THE PROPOSALS BEFORE PUTTING ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
♦THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE HAPPY TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSALS WITH AGENCIES IF THEY FEEL THAT A MEETING WILL BE USEFUL,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/HE NOTED
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1982
HE NOTED THAT IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON SUBVENTING THESE SERVICES WAS ABOUT $50 MILLION.
+ IN THE NEW FINANCIAL YEAR, IF THE NEW STANDARD COSTS ARE USED, ALLOCATIONS TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THESE FIELDS WILL GO UP TO SOME $62 MILLION,* HE SAID.
+OUR INTENTION IS TO PROVIDE A REASONABLE LEVEL OF SUPPORT FOR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+SUBVENTED AGENCIES SHOULD REST ASSURED THAT STANDARD COSTS WILL BE ADEQUATE. FURTHERMORE, THEY WILL BE FULLY CONSULTED BEFORE FINAL DECISIONS ARE TAKEN.*
THE SPOKESMAN WENT ON: +THE STANDARD COSTS PROPOSED ARE DERIVED FROM EXISTING STANDARDS AS SET OUT IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEVELOPMENT FIVE-YEAR PLAN, WHICH IS A DOCUMENT REPRESENTING CO-OPERATIVE PLANNING EFFORTS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR.*
HE SAID THAT STANDARD COSTS FOR SERVICES WERE CAREFULLY WORKED OUT FOLLOWING A REVIEW OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED IN GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND SHOULD BE REGARDED AS STARTING POINTS FOR FURTHER REVIEW AND IMPROVEMENT.
+ INDEED, UNDER THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN, THERE IS THE NECESSARY MECHANISM ENABLING SERVICES TO BE REVIEWED REGULARLY AND IMPROVED UPON IN A CO-ORDINATED AND SYSTEMATIC WAY TO MEET CHANGING NEEDS AND CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES,* HE SAID.
STANDARD COSTS ARE ASSESSED ON THE BASIS OF THE NUMBERS AND LEVELS OF STAFF REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A PARTICULAR SERVICE AND OTHER CHARGES SUCH AS UTILITIES, ADMINISTRATION AND PROGRAMME EXPENSES. THEY WILL BE REVIEWED REGULARLY TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF RECOGNISED PRICE RISES AND SALARY ADJUSTMENTS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
STAFF COSTS ARE DERIVED FROM EXISTING STANDARDS UNDER THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN AND ALSO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE EXTENSION OF THE WELFARE CLASS REVIEW TO THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR.
SEPARATE PROVISION WILL BE MADE FOR PROVIDENT FUND CONTRIBUTIONS AS WELL AS RENTS AND RATES.
+ONCE THE STANDARD COSTS HAVE BEEN DETERMINED AND THE FUNDS PROVIDED, AGENCIES WILL HAVE MAXIMUM FREEDOM IN USING THE RESOURCES TO THEIR BEST ADVANTAGE WITHIN BROAD GUIDELINES LAID DOWN BY THE DEPARTMENT,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID. +OUR MAIN CONCERN IS TO ENSURE THAT THE FUNDS ALLOCATED ARE EFFECTIVELY SPENT FOR THE PURPOSES INTENDED.*
WORK ON THE STANDARD COSTS FOR THE OTHER WELFARE SERVICES IS PROGRESSING SATISFACTORILY AND IT IS HOPED TO HAVE THEM INTRODUCED IN 1984/85.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1982
5
GOVERNMENT REPLIES ON EASTERN HOSPITAL
KOH
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY OUTLINED ITS PROPOSALS FOR AN EASTERN DISTRICT HOSPITAL AND THE IMPROVEMENTS TO TRANSPORT AND MEDICAL FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED IN THE DISTRICT PRIOR TO ITS OPENING.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSALS ARE CONTAINED IN A COMPREHENSIVE NINE-PAGE LETTER FROM THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR GRAHAM BARNES, IN RESPONSE TO A PETITION FROM RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICT ASKING THAT THE HOSPITAL PROJECT BE BROUGHT FORWARD IMMEDIATELY.
IN HIS LETTER, RELEASED LAST WEEK, MR BARNES SAID THE GOVERNMENT IS +ON A STRAIGHT COURSE+ TO CONSTRUCT AND OPEN THE HOSPITAL AS PLANNED BY 1990, BUT EMPHASISED THAT THIS POSITION COULD CHANGE WITH A CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES AT ANY TIME UNTIL THE CONTRACT IS LET.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT THE PROPOSAL TO BUILD THE EASTERN DISTRICT HOSPITAL WAS INTRODUCED INTO CATEGORY B OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME IN APRIL THIS YEAR. +IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE AND MAKE NO SENSE TO UPGRADE THIS ITEM TO CATEGORY A IMMEDIATELY,* HE ADDED.
+WHILE AN ITEM IS IN CATEGORY B THE CONCEPT MUST BE REFINED TO A DETAILED PROPOSAL, SKETCH PLANS, TECHNICAL SCHEDULES, BUILDING SERVICE REQUIREMENTS AND ESTIMATES OF COST, SO THAT UPGRADING TO CATEGORY A MAY BE SOUGHT ON THE BASIS OF FULL INFORMATION REGARDING THE COSTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF PROCEEDING WITH THE PROJECT.
+THE PREPARATION OF THESE ITEMS IS CURRENTLY IN HAND WITH THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.*
MR BARNES SAID IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE AT THIS STAGE TO GIVE A FIRM DATE WHEN THE PROPOSED HOSPITAL IS TO COMMENCE CONSTRUCTION OR TO PINPOINT THE EXACT DATE OF ITS COMPLETION.
BUT THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVED IT NECESSARY TO HAVE A HOSPITAL BUILT WITHIN THE DECADE AND WAS NOW DOING THE PLANNING WORK NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE HOSPITAL WITHIN THAT PERIOD.
+IT IS IN FACT THE EARLIEST THAT A FULL-SCALE HOSPITAL COULD BE PLANNED AND COMPLETED, BUT THERE ARE MANY FACTORS WHICH COULD MEAN IT COULD BE COMPLETED LATER,* MR BARNES SAID.
HE SAID THAT LIKE ALL ITEMS IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, THE EASTERN HOSPITAL PROPOSAL WOULD BE SUBJECT TO REGULAR REVIEW IN THE LIGHT OF THE TERRITORY’S ECONOMIC SITUATION, THE GOVERNMENT’S FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND THE OTHER PROJECTS COMPETING FOR THEM.
/HE ALSO .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1982
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HE ALSO STRESSED THAT THE PROVISIONING OF MEDICAL FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT COULD NOT BE DIVORCED FROM THE PROVISION OF TRANSPORT FACILITIES, ON WHICH HE MADE THE FOLLOWING POINTS:
* THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR: THE SECTIONS BETWEEN CAUSEWAY BAY AND HEALTHY STREET WEST AND FROM HEALTHY STREET WEST TO THE TAI KOO SHING ARE DUE FOR COMPLETION BY MID-1984, WITH THE TAI KOO SHING TO SHAU KEI WAN PHASE, INCLUDING THE DIRECT LINE TO CHAI WAN ROAD, TARGETTED FOR OPENING A YEAR LATER.
THIS WOULD BE FOLLOWED IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE ’80S BY THE COASTAL ROAD LINKING SHAU KEI WAN AND CHAI WAN.
* MTR ISLAND LINE: THE SECTION COVERING EASTERN DISTRICT — FROM ADMIRALTY TO CHAI WAN — IS EXPECTED TO OPEN IN MID-1985.
* LEI YUE MUN BRIDGE: ALTHOUGH TIMING WAS NOT YET KNOWN, THE HARBOUR CROSSING PROBLEM WAS BECOMING INCREASINGLY URGENT AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BRIDGE WAS LIKELY TO BE GIVEN A HIGH PRIORITY.
ON MEDICAL FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT, MR BARNES MADE THE FOLLOWING POINTS:
* A CASUALTY CENTRE IS BEING PLANNED FOR CHAI WAN TO PROVIDE FIRST AID SO THAT PATIENTS WERE FIT TO TRAVEL ON TO THE NEXT STAGE OF THEIR JOURNEY AT THE TANG SHIU KIN CASUALTY WARD. THE NEED FOR THE CASUALTY CENTRE IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE POSSIBILITIES OF LONG JOURNEY TIMES BETWEEN THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT AND TANG SHIU KIN HOSPITAL.
* THE TANG SHIU KIN HOSPITAL IS TO BE UPGRADED. +THIS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT WILL REDUCE THE NUMBER OF CASES FROM EASTERN DISTRICT WHICH WILL HAVE TO BE TRANSFERRED TO QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL,* MR BARNES SAID.
* THE IMPROVEMENTS WILL ENABLE TANG SHIU KIN TO FUNCTION MORE EFFECTIVELY AS A CASUALTY HOSPITAL AND ENABLE IT TO DEAL ADEQUATELY WITH MORE SURGICAL CASES WITHOUT REFERRING THEM TO QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.
K RUTTONJEE SANATORIUM, CURRENTLY DEALING WITH TB CASES, WILL BE REDEVELOPED TO PROVIDE BETTER SERVICE TO A GREATER NUMBER OF PATIENTS, WITH FEWER TB BEDS AND MORE GERIATRIC BEDS REQUIRED FOR THE AGEING POPULATION. THE REDEVELOPMENT WILL ALSO PROVIDE BED SPACE IN VARIOUS SPECIALITIES TO SUPPORT THE TANG SHIU KIN HOSPITAL, WHICH IN TURN WOULD GREATLY INCREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THAT HOSPITAL AND REDUCE ITS NEED FOR REFERRALS TO THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.
X NEW OUTPATIENT CLINICS WILL BE ESTABLISHED IN SAI WAN HO AND CHAI WAN AND FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES CENTRES WILL ALSO BE REPROVISIONED AT MTR COMPLEXES IN THE COMING YEARS.
/+THUS a ....
MONDAY, NOVJNBER 1, 1982
♦THUS A WIDE RANGE OF BOTH CURATIVE AND PREVENTIVE SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE REGION AND EACH TYPE OF SERVICE WILL IN ITS OWN WAY CONTRIBUTE TO THE BETTERMENT OF HEALTH AMONG THE PEOPLE,+ MR BARNES SAID.
MR BARNES ALSO DEALT WITH CRITICISM THAT PUBLIC FUNDS WERE BE I NG USED TO EXTEND FACILITIES AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL AND EXISTING HOSPITAL SERVICES IN THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT, AT THE EXPENSE OF THE EASTERN HOSPITAL PROJECT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT GRADUATES AT THE MEDICAL SCHOOL AT HONG KONG UNIVERSITY ARE AT PRESENT REGISTRABLE WITH THE GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
IN ORDER TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION WITH THE COUNCIL IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAIN AN ACCEPTABLE STANDARD REGARDING TEACHING FACILITIES, AND THE GMC HAD RECOMMENDED AN IMPROVEMENT IN STANDARDS AND PROVISION OF FACILITIES FOLLOWING A VISIT BY REPRESENTATIVES IN APRIL, 1980.
+IT WOULD BE TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE AND THE CONSEQUENCES DISASTROUS IF THE GMC DECIDED AGAINST FURTHER REGISTRATION OF THE HONG KONG MBBS DEGREE FOR FAILING TO MEET ITS RECOGNISED STANDARDS,+ l*R BARNES SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED TO THE STEADY INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PATIENTS BEING TREATED AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL OVER THE YEARS. THE RESULT WAS THAT EXISTING FACILITIES HAD PROVED INADEQUATE TO MEET DEMAND AND THERE WAS NOW OVERCROWDING IN THE WARDS.
MR BARNES ALSO CORRECTED THE MISCONCEPTION THAT THE PROPOSAL TO BUILD A DISTRICT HOSPITAL AT EASTERN HAD BEEN SUBJECT TO DELAY.
THE SHAU KEI WAN SITE NOW EARMARKED FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT HOSPITAL WAS FIRST CONSIDERED IN THE LATE ’50S AS A POSSIBLE SITE FOR A TERRITORY-WIDE INFECTIOUS DISEASES HOSPITAL, BUT THE IDEA WAS LATER ABANDONED AND THE SITE RESERVED FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES.
THE NEXT PROPOSAL WAS FOR A PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL ON THE SITE, BUT THIS PLAN WAS ALSO ABANDONED.
DURING THIS TIME, MR BARNES EMPHASISED, THE SITE WAS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE LOCAL GENERAL MEDICAL FACILITIES FOR EASTERN HONG KONG AND THE PROPOSAL FOR THE DISTRICT HOSPITAL WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME UNTIL 1982.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1982
8
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONTINUES * * * *
THE FOURTH QUARTER 1982 GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WILL CONTINUE TO BE CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT FROM NOVEMBER 1982 TO JANUARY 1983, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
THE SURVEY STARTED IN AUGUST 1981 AND IS CARRIED OUT ON A CONTINUOUS BASIS BY THE PERMANENT FIELD STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT TO COLLECT CURRENT INFORMATION ON THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION.
A RANDOM SAMPLE OF ABOUT 16 500 HOUSEHOLDS HAVE BEEN SELECTED THROUGHOUT ALL DISTRICTS IN HONG KONG FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SURVEY. SOME OF THE HOUSEHOLDS WERE INCLUDED IN THE THIRD QUARTER 1982 SURVEY (AUGUST TO OCTOBER 1982) THREE MONTHS AGO AND WILL BE INTERVIEWED FOR THE SECOND TIME IN THE FOURTH QUARTER 1982 SURVEY IN ORDER TO MEASURE MORE ACCURATELY THE CHANGES THAT HAVE OCCURRED SINCE THE LAST SURVEY. AN OFFICIAL LETTER, IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH, HAS BEEN SENT TO THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS TO EXPLAIN THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY AND TO SEEK THEIR COOPERATION IN PARTICIPATION.
ASSISTANT CENSUS AND SURVEY OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, WHO WILL IDENTIFY THEMSELVES WITH DEPARTMENTAL IDENTITY CARDS WILL VISIT THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS FROM NOVEMBER 1982 TO JANUARY 1983 TO COLLECT THE INFORMATION.
QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED IN THE SURVEY INCLUDE THE CORE QUESTIONS ON LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS SUCH ASt AGE, SEX AND EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT OF INDIVIDUALS; ACTIVITY STATUS, OCCUPATION, INDUSTRY, EARNINGS, AND HOURS OF WORK FOR THOSE WORKING; TENURE, RENT AND INCOME OF HOUSEHOLDS.
OTHER QUESTIONS ON SOME TRANSPORT CHARACTERISTICS, DEMAND FOR PRE-PRIMARY SCHOOL EDUCATION AND SERVICES, DEMAND FOR AND USE OF MEDICAL SERVICES, TIME SPENT BY STUDENTS IN DOING HOMEWORK AND REVISING LESSONS, AND LOCAL RESIDENTS’ EXPENDITURE ABROAD, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED.
ALL INFORMATION COLLECTED IN THE SURVEY WILL BE TREATED AS STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND WILL NOT BE REVEALED TO ANY PERSON OR ORGANISATION OUTSIDE THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1982
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STUDENTS INVITED TO JOIN CYC * * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING PRIMARY 4 TO FORM 7 STUDENTS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES TO JOIN THE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB.
AT PRESENT, MORE THAN 68 OOO STUDENTS FROM 565 SCHOOLS HAVE JOINED THE CLUB SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1977.
THE CYC MOVEMENT, WHICH IS BECOMING MORE POPULAR AMONG STUDENTS, IS AIMED AT INFORMAL EDUCATION WITHIN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM WITH PARTICULAR COMMITMENT TO MORAL EDUCATION AND THE TRAINING OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN CITIZENSHIP.
CYC ACTIVITIES ARE CONDUCTED IN THREE LEVELS - WITHIN THE SCHOOL, WITHIN THE DISTRICT AND TERRITORY-WIDE. THEY INCLUDE VISITS, SEMINARS, SURVEYS, COMPETITIONS, EXHIBITIONS AND TELEVISION PROGRAMMES WHICH ARE RELATED TO THEMES LIKE CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS, FIRE PREVENTION, CONSUMER EDUCATION, ANTI-CORRUPTION, ROAD SAFETY AND OTHER MATTERS CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS COMMUNITY BUILDING IN HONG KONG.
MEMBERS WHO HAVE TAKEN PART IN A CYC ACTIVITY OR SERVICE WILL BE GIVEN CERTAIN POINTS UNDER A MERIT AWARD SCHEME. IN DECEMBER 1980, SIX MEMBERS WHO SHOWED OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN THE SCHEME WERE SELECTED TO VISIT SINGAPORE AND LAST AUGUST EIGHT OUTSTANDING MEMBERS WERE CHOSEN TO VISIT AUSTRALIA.
STUDENTS WHO WISH TO JOIN THE CYC CAN ENROLL WITH THEIR CLASS OR FORM MASTER OR MISTRESS, WHO WILL COMPLETE A REGISTRATION FORM FOR THEM AND RETURN IT TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB SECTION.
TEACHERS WHO HAVE ANY QUERIES CAN CONTACT THE CYC SECTION AT 5-8392376-80.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1982
10
URBAN COUNCIL PROJECTS FOR DB DISCUSSION
*****
SEVERAL URBAN COUNCIL PROJECTS UNDER PLANNING FOR THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION WILL BE PRESENTED FOR MEMBERS’ COMMENTS AT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE MEETING, TO BE CHAIRED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TONY COOPER, WILL ALSO HEAR REPORTS ON THE WORK DONE BY THE BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES SINCE THEIR FORMATION IN FEBRUARY.
OTHER ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED WILL INCLUDE THE BOARD’S TERMS CF REFERENCE, COMPOSITION AND MEMBERSHIP, STANDING ORDERS, AND ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD CONSISTS OF FIVE ELECTED MEMBERS, FIVE APPOINTED UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, TWO URBAN COUNCILLORS AND EIGHT OFFICIALS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 4 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AT TUNG WAH MANSION, 3TH FLOOR, 201 HENNESSY ROAD.
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RSNT TO ATTEND TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING
M K K
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON, WILL ATTEND THE FOURTH MEETING OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS’ VIEWS WILL BE SOUGHT ON THE GAMBLING POLICY AND OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES AS WELL AS PROBLEMS RELATING TO ABANDONED VEHICLES IN THE DISTRICT.
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON ROOFTOPS OR PODIUMS OF NON-1NDUSTRI AL BUILDINGS AND UNAUTHORISED ALTERATIONS WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, WILL REPORT ON ARRANGEMENTS ON CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES IN THE DISTRICT.
THE KAU WAH KENG OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN HAS ALSO BEEN INCLUDED ON THE AGENDA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 1ST FLOOR OF FOU WAH CENTRE, 210 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1982
11
NEW ADDRESS FOR LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S DIVISIONAL OFFICES * * * *
THE THREE DIVISIONAL OFFICES OF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN KOWLOON - K-6, K-7 AND K-12 - HAVE MOVED TO THE AMOY PLAZA, SECOND FLOOR, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD, KOWLOON.
UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS, THESE OFFICES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE OF WORKERS IN FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS IN TSZ WAN SHAN, NGAU CHI WAN, JORDAN VALLEY, NGAU TAU KOK, KWUN TONG, SAU MAU PING AND SAI KUNG AREAS.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES ARE 3-7551592 AND 3-755159* FOR KOWLOON-6 3-7551581 AND 3-7551585 FOR KOWLOON-7, AND 3-7551503 AND 3-7551505 FOR KOWLOON-12.
-------c ---------
NT FRESH WATER TAPS OFF * * * *
SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES AND VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR NINE HOURS FROM 9 PM ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 4) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY (FRIDAY) FOR MAINS CONNECTION WORK.
THE PREMISES AND VILLAGES AFFECTED WILL BE THOSE ALONG:
* TAI PO ROAD BETWEEN KOWLOON HANG TSUEN AND SHEUNG SHU I CROSS ROAD
* CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I CROSS ROAD AND LOK MA CHAU, SAN TIN
* FAN KAM ROAD BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I CROSS ROAD AND CHIU KENG TSUEN
* JOCKEY CLUB ROAD BETWEEN FANLING ROUND-ABOUT AND SAN FUNG AVENUE INCLUDING SHEK WU HUI AND SHEUNG SHU I TSUEN
* MAN KAM TO ROAD BETWEEN SAN FUNG AVENUE AND MAN KAM TO POLICE POST INCLUDING LO WU K.C.R. STATION AND MUK WU PUMPING STATION
* SHA TAU KOK ROAD BETWEEN FANLING ROUND-ABOUT AND SHA TAU KOK MARKET INCLUDING LUEN WO HUI AND ON LOK TSUEN
* PING CHE ROAD BETWEEN SHA TAU KOK AND TA KWU LING POLICE STATION IN FANLING.
- 0 -
/12........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1982 - 12 -
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN KENNEDY TOWN AND SHEK TONG TSUI
* * *
QUEEN’S ROAD WEST BETWEEN KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA AND BELCHER’S STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AS AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 3).
WITHIN THE SECTION, VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
SIMILARLY, PEAK-HOUR CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS WILL ALSO BE IMPOSED ON HILL ROAD IN SHEK TONG TSUI BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD WEST AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 5).
--------0 ---------
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN CAUSEWAY BAY
A X X
FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 3), FUK KWAN AVENUE IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE CLOSED FOR ABOUT FIVE WEEKS TO VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE REQUIRING ACCESS TO LOCAL PREMISES.
THE CLOSURE IS TO ALLOW FOR THE LAYING OF GAS MAINS.
-----o-----
WATER FIGURES * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY)
STOOD AT 81.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 473.064 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 274.723 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 47.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK TO BECOME AN INTERNATIONAL LEADER IN PERFORMING ARTS...... 1
FULL WATER SUPPLY THROUGHOUT WINTER ........................... 2
PIECE GOODS AND TAILORING TRADES GO METRIC ..................... 3
COUNTRY PARKS BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR ...................... 4
WATER LEAKAGE TEST ............................................. 6
RECORD 9J9 AMBULANCE CALLS IN A DAY............................. 6
TSIM SHA TSUI SQUATTER AREA CLEARED............................. 6
CLEAN-UP CONTEST IN NORTH DISTRICT VILLAGES .................... 7
NEW SAFE CAMPING BOOKLET AVAILABLE ............................. 8
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1982
1
HK TO BECOME AN INTERNATIONAL LEADER IN PERFORMING ARTS * * * *
ONE OF THE AIMS OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS (APA) IS TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR ITS STUDENTS AT THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE LEVEL, ON A PAR WITH PRESTIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR THE APA, MR ROBERT FOOTMAN, AT A LUNCH MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG.
APART FROM MEETING HONG KONG NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS, HE CONTINUED, THE ACADEMY WOULD BE FIRMLY ROOTED IN EXISTING ORGANISATIONS.
♦WE FORESEE A TERRIFIC POTENTIAL FOR COLLABORATION WITH THE UNIVERSITIES, THE POLYTECHNIC, AND THE BAPTIST COLLEGE ON THE EDUCATIONAL FRONT? WITH THE COLLEGES OF FURTHER EDUCATION ON THE TEACHER TRAINING FRONT? WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF EXISTING AND PLANNED PERFORMING VENUES FOR TECHNICAL ARTS? WITH EXISTING IRA IN ING SCHOOLS AND WITH SCHOOLS.
♦IN SHORT — ACROSS THE WHOLE SPECTRUM OF CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG. THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE ENORMOUS, AS IS TALENT AND ENTHUSIASM,^ HE SAID.
PILING WORK ON THE APA SITE IN WAN CHAI, NEXT TO THE ARTS CENTRE. BEGAN LAST MONTH AND THE COMPLEX IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY MID-1985. THIS WILL ENABLE FULL-TIME COURSES TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER OF THAT YEAR. PART-TIME EVENING COURSES
MAY ALSO BE AVAILABLE.
OF THE 1370 MILLION ESTIMATED COST OF THE PROJECT, $300 MILLION WILL BE MET BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AND THE REST BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE APA IS NOW MANAGED BY A PROVISIONAL COUNCIL CHAIRED BY A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ALEX WU.
MR FOOTMAN SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ACADEMY AND OTHER VENUES INDICATED A LEVEL OF FINANCIAL COMMITMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT CF CULTURAL FACILITIES AND OF THE PERFORMING ARTS AS AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT OF HONG KONG SOCIETY UNRIVALLED IN THE WORLD AT THIS TIME.
HE EMPHASISED THAT HONG KONG’S DENSE POPULATION AND THE NECESSITY FOR YOUNG ARTISTIC TALENTS TO GO OVERSEAS FOR FURTHER TRAINING POINTED TOWARDS A NEED FOR A FOCUS WHICH COULD PROVIDE AN OUTLET AND TRAINING FOR EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED YOUNGSTERS, AND WHICH COULD FOSTER EXCELLENCE AND GENERAL COMMUNITY INTEREST IN THE PERFORMING ARTS.
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE PREDICTED THAT HONG KONG WOULD NOT ONLY TAKE ITS RIGHTFUL PLACE IN INTERNATIONAL TERMS, BUT WOULD ALSO BECOME AN INTERNATIONAL LEADER.
/HE SAID .....
TUESDAY, NOVUffiER 2, 1982
2
HE SAID THE COMBINATION OF THE FOUR FACILITIES - SCHOOLS OF MUSIC, DANCE, DRAMA AND TECHNICAL ARTS - UNDER ONE ROOF WOULD ENABLE STUDENTS TO DEVELOP AN UNDERSTANDING OF THEATRE ARTS AS A WHOLE.
♦THUS, MUSICIANS WILL UNDERSTAND THE NEEDS OF DANCERS, DANCERS WILL UNDERSTAND THE ART OF STAGE AND THEATRE WORK - ALL WILL MIX TOGETHER AND INEVITABLY GATHER THE WISDOM AND TECHNIQUES OF THEIR FELLOW STUDENTS,♦ MR FOOTMAN SAID.
♦THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS INTER-DISCIPLINARY EDUCATIONAL CONCEPT IS SOMETHING THAT IS UNRIVALLED IN THE WORLD, AND HAS ENABLED US TO ATTRACT TO HONG KONG AS ADVISERS TO THE ACADEMY WORLD LEADERS.♦
THEY INCLUDED, HE CONTINUED, GUILDHALL SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND DRAMA, THE VIENNA HOCHSCHULE, THE LINCOLN CENTRE INSTITUTE, THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL FILM SCHOOL, THE EAST-WEST CENTRE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AND THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCING.
MR FOOTMAN SAID ONE OF THE ADVISERS, PROFESSOR GOTTFRIED SCHOLZ FROM THE VIENNA HOCHSCHULE WHO IS CURRENTLY HERE HAD PRESENTED TO THE ACADEMY A COPY OF THE 12TH VOLUME OF THE FIRST EDITION OF THE COMPLETE WORKS OF HAYDN, PRINTED BETWEEN 1799 AND 1806 UNDER HAYDN’S PERSONAL SUPERVISION.
♦THIS SPLENDID GIFT MARKED THE FOUNDATION OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY MARKED THE BEGINNING OF A LONG RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO INSTITUTIONS,+ HE ADDED.
STAFF FOR THE TOP ACADEMIC POSTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN ADVERTISED LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY AND ARE EXPECTED TO BE FILLED NEXT YEAR.
THIS, MR FOOTMAN SAID, WOULD GIVE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO ATTRACT STUDENTS TO ITS INITIAL COURSES, TO DEVELOP FURTHER INTERNATIONAL LINKS AND TO REFINE ITS EDUCATIONAL POLICY INTO REAL ACHIEVEMENTS.
♦THIS IS A TERRIFIC AND EXCITING PROJECT, AND THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT WILL DEPEND ON THE GOODWILL OF THE COMMUNITY AND ON THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE APPOINTED AS DIRECTOR, DEANS, AND HEADS OF SCHOOLS, ON THEIR IMAGINATION AND DEDICATION, AND ON THEIR ABILITY TO ENSURE THAT THE ACADEMY WORKS WITH THE COMMUNITY IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF HONG KONG,+ HE ADDED.
- 0 - -
FULL WATER SUPPLY THROUGHOUT WINTER X X X X X
FULL WATER SUPPLY WOULD BE MAINTAINED THROUGHOUT THE WINTER MONTHS, THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR TOM TOMLINSON, ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE SAID THAT THE WATER SITUATION WOULD BE CONTINUOUSLY MONITORED AND A REVIEW WOULD BE CARRIED OUT NEXT SUMMER.
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY STOOD AT 81.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY, OR 472.689 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
/THIS COMPARES
TUESDAY, rwvOffiER 2, 1982
5
THIS COMPARES WITH 47.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY, OR 274.775 MILLION CUBIC METRES, AT THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR.
HOWEVER, MR TOMLINSON STRESSED THE NEED FOR MAXIMUM ECONOMY IN THE USE OF WATER AT ALL TIMES.
------o-------
PIECE GOODS AND TAILORING TRADES GO METRIC * * * * *
THE CURRENT METRIC CHANGEOVER OF THE PIECE GOODS AND TAILORING TRADES HAS RECEIVED FULL SUPPORT FROM THE RESPECTIVE TRADESMEN AND TRADE ASSOCIATIONS, ACCORDING TO MISS ALYSON MAR, CHAIRPERSON CF THE CLOTHING AND FASHION WORKING GROUP OF THE METRICATION COMMITTEE.
MISS MAR TOLD A LUNCH MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON EAST TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT SHE WAS OPTIMISTIC THE TRADES WOULD GO FULLY METRIC BY MID-1983.
♦THE HONG KONG PIECE GOODS ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON EUROPEAN DRESS MERCHANTS' ASSOCIATION HAVE PLAYED AN ACTIVE PART IN THE TRADES’ METRICATION PROGRAMME,* SHE SAID.
♦MOREOVER, THEY HAVE ARRANGED METRICATION SEMINARS FOR INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN THE TRADES WHEREBY THE METRICATION COMMITTEE KNOWS THAT THE TRADES ARE BASICALLY IN FAVOUR OF SELLING FABRICS IN METRIC UNITS,+ SHE ADDED.
MISS MAR ASSURED THE PUBLIC THAT THE METRICATION PROGRAMME WAS IN THE INTEREST OF BOTH THE TRADES AND THE CONSUMERS.
♦FOR TEN YEARS, FABRICS HAVE BEEN IMPORTED IN METRIC,* SHE SAID, +BUT LOCAL MERCHANTS HAVE RENDERED THEM INTO IMPERIAL UNITS IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL STAGES. NOW THE PROGRAMME WILL SAVE THE TRADES A LOT OF TROUBLE.*
ON THE OTHER HAND, MISS MAR SAID THE CONSUMERS WOULD BENEFIT FROM THE METRICATION PROGRAMME AS THEY WERE LESS LIKELY TO BE CHEATED IN CALCULATION.
AS AN INTERIM MEASURE BETWEEN NOVEMBER AND THE END OF NEXT MARCH, METRIC AND IMPERIAL UNITS WILL BE CONCURRENTLY USED BY THE TRADES.
♦ALL FABRICS SOLD IN THIS PERIOD WILL BEAR DUAL PRICES, CALCULATED IN METRIC AND IMPERIAL UNITS,♦ MISS MAR SAID.
THE NEW +METRESTICK+ AND +HALF-METRE RULER* PRODUCED FOR THE TRADES WILL ALSO BEAR CALIBRATIONS IN METRIC AND IMPERIAL UNITS.
MISS MAR SAID THAT LARGE QUANTITIES OF PROMOTION POSTERS AND CONVERSION CHARTS HAD ALSO BEEN PRODUCED TO FACILITATE THE CHANGEOVER.
SHE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE PUBLIC AS WELL AS TRADESMEN WOULD GIVE FULL SUPPORT TO THE METRICATION PROGRAMME.
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/4
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1982
- 4 -
COUNTRY PARKS BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR ******
HONG KONG’S COUNTRY PARKS NOW OCCUPY CLOSE TO HALF OF ITS TOTAL LAND AREA, A PROPORTION WHICH RANKS HONG KONG HIGH IN THE WORLD IN COUNTRYSIDE DEVELOPMENT.
FROM A MODEST BEGINNING WITH SIMPLE FACILITIES IN A FEW POPULAR PICNIC SPOTS, THE DEVELOPMENT WAS GIVEN IMPETUS BY THE COUNTRY PARKS ORDINANCE ENACTED IN 1976. SINCE THEN THE GOVERNMENT HAS DESIGNATED 21 COUNTRY PARKS FOR CONSERVATION AND RECREATIONAL USE, TAKING UP OVER 41 000 HECTARES, OR 40 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S LAND AREA.
THEY RANGE IN SIZE FROM THE 337-HECTARE PARK IN KAM SHAN TO THE 5 640-HECTARE PARK IN LANTAU SOUTH.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES PROVIDED IN THE PARKS INCLUDE PICNIC SITES WITH TABLES AND BENCHES, CHILDREN’S GAMES, CAMP SITES AND BARBECUE PITS, ALL OF THEM CAREFULLY DESIGNED TO BLEND WITH THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.
FOOTPATHS AND TRAILS PROVIDE EASY ACCESS TO SCENIC HILLS AND WOODLANDS.
STATISTICS TESTIFY TO THE GROWING POPULARITY OF THE COUNTRY PARKS.
THE NUMBER OF VISITS TO THESE PARKS INCREASED FROM
2.36 MILLION IN 1976 TO 8.1 MILLION IN 1981, WITH A NEW MONTHLY RECORD OF 1 047 000 VISITS BEING SET IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, SAID MR K.C. IU, SENIOR COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
THE PARKS ARE IDEAL FOR PICNICKERS AND HIKERS — AS WELL AS FOR NATURE LOVERS IN GENERAL.
+WITH AN ESTIMATED 2 500 SPECIES OF PLANTS AND SOME 340 SPECIES OF BIRDS, THE PARKS WOULD ALSO SATISFY THE MOST SERIOUS BOTANISTS AND BIRDWATCHERS,* MR IU SAID.
SOME OF THE EARLY PICNIC SITES ARE BEING RE-DESIGNED WITH BETTER PAVED PATHS, BETTER FACILITIES AND BETTER PROTECTION MEASURES FOR THE LARGE VARIETY OF PLANTS.
THE PARKS ARE MANAGED BY ABOUT 1 500 STAFF OPERATING FROM 27 MANAGEMENT CENTRES, WITH TWO MORE CENTRES DUE FOR COMPLETION SOON.
THIS MEANS THERE IS ONE STAFF MEMBER FOR EVERY 28 HECTARES CF PARK LAND, OR ONE MAN FOR EVERY 5 400 VISITORS A YEAR.
THE STAFF PERFORM A WIDE RANGE OF DUTIES, INCLUDING PARK PATROL, MANAGING FACILITIES, COLLECTING LITTER, PLANTING TREES AND CONSTRUCTING OR REPAIRING FOOTPATHS.
/There are .......
TUESDAY, N0VU4BER 2, 1982
- 5 -
THERE ARE COUNTRY PARK RANGERS PERFORMING LAW ENFORCEMENT, AS WELL AS EDUCATIONAL AND GUIDE DUTIES FOR VISITORS.
AMONG THE MORE SERIOUS PROBLEMS STAFF HAVE TO DEAL WITH ARE LITTERING AND FIRES, MR IU POINTED OUT.
LAST YEAR THE STAFF DISPOSED OF 3 OOO TONNES OF LITTER LEFT BEHIND BY VISITORS, MANY OF WHOM DID NOT USE THE 4 500 LITTER BINS PROVIDED. BUT OFFENDERS HAVE BEEN FINED UP TO $350.
+WITHOUT LITTERING, THE STAFF COULD HAVE BETTER EMPLOYED THEIR TIME IN PROVIDING MORE AND BETTER RECREATION FACILTIES OR IN IMPROVING THE COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT GENERALLY,* MR IU SAID.
HILL FIRES IN HONG KONG HAVE BEEN MAINLY THE RESULT OF HUMAN CARELESSNESS. NATURAL CAUSES LIKE LIGHTNING STRIKES AND SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION ARE VIRTUALLY UNKNOWN HERE, ACCORDING TO l*R IU.
OVER THE LAST TEN YEARS, FIRE OUTBREAKS IN COUNTRY PARKS HAVE AVERAGED MORE THAN 500 A YEAR.
*IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT ALL HILL FIRES START SMALL AND ANY OUTBREAK COULD DEVELOP INTO THE SORT OF CONFLAGRATION WE HAD IN NOVEMBER 1979, WHICH BURNED FOR 29 HOURS, DAMAGING 500 HECTARES OF LAND AND 250 000 TREES,* HE CAUTIONED.
AT WORST, A FIRE COULD MAKE A WOODLAND INCAPABLE OF SUPPORTING THE LIVES OF PLANTS, BIRDS, OR EVEN BUTTERFLIES AND OTHER INSECTS. IT COULD ALSO REMOVE VEGETATION GROWTH WHICH IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE PREVENTION OF SOIL EROSION AND THE PREVENTION OF SILT BEING WASHED INTO RESERVOIRS AND CATCHWATERS, MR IU EXPLAINED.
HE URGED VISITORS TO OBSERVE THE COUNTRY CODE, SUMMARISED INTO FIVE +DON’TS+t
M DO NOT DESTROY ANYTHING BY FIRE OR VANDALISM.
* DO NOT SPOIL THE COUNTRYSIDE WITH LITTER AND DIRT.
* DO NOT POLLUTE WATER CATCHMENT AREAS, WATER COURSES AND RESERVOIRS.
* DO NOT DESTROY VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE.
* DO NOT DAMAGE CROPS.
IU
MR PARK ORD
•J WARNED THAT THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES UNDER THE COUNTRY INANCE ARE A 15 000 FINE AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT FOR STARTING A FIRE ILLEGALLY, AND A $2 000 FINE AND THREE MONTHS’
IMPRISONMENT FOR LITTERING.
-----0------
/6
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1982
6
WATER LEAKAGE TEST
* * X
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN WAN CHAI WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 5) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY LUARD ROAD, JOHNSTON ROAD, HENNESSY ROAD, FLEMING ROAD AND GLOUCESTER ROAD.
-----0-----
RECORD 939 AMBULANCE CALLS IN A DAY
* * *
THE FIRE SERVICES AMBULANCE COMMAND RESPONDED TO A RECORD NUMBER OF 939 CALLS DURING THE 24-HOUR PERIOD ENDING AT 8.30 AM TODAY (TUESDAY).
♦THE CALLS INCLUDED BOTH EMERGENCIES AND REMOVAL CASES,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.
+THE PREVIOUS RECORD,* THE SPOKESMAN RECALLED, +WAS IN JUNE WHEN 899 CALLS WERE RECEIVED BY THE FIRE SERVICES COMMUNICATION CENTRE.*
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE NUMBER OF AMBULANCE CALLS RECEIVED HAS BEEN INCREASING STEADILY IN THE LAST FEW YEARS.
LAST YEAR, 252 967 CALLS WERE RECEIVED, COMPARED WITH 221 057 IN 1980, AN INCREASE OF 14.4 PER CENT.
IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, THE AMBULANCE COMMAND RESPONDED TO 134 464 CALLS, COMPARED WITH 119 844 DURING THE SAME PERIOD IN 1981, AN INCREASE OF 12.2 PER CENT.
------0-------
TSIM SHA TSUI SQUATTER AREA CLEARED * * * *
THE ONLY SQUATTER AREA IN TSIM SHA TSUI ALONG KOWLOON PARK DRIVE WAS CLEARED TODAY (TUESDAY) TO MAKE WAY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND REST AREA.
THE OPERATION, CO-ORDINATED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FORMED LAST YEAR, WAS CARRIED OUT BY STAFF FROM THE SQUATTER CONTROL DIVISION OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
/THE MANAGEMENT........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1982
THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAD IDENTIFIED SERIOUS HYGIENE PROBLEMS AND FIRE RISKS POSED BY THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND HAD DECIDED TO DEMOLISH THEM.
THE CLEARANCE INVOLVED THE DEMOLITION OF 79 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES, FIVE WORKSHOPS AND ONE SHRINE.
REHOUSING NEEDS OF THOSE AFFECTED HAD BEEN EXAMINED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND ELIGIBLE OCCUPANTS HAD BEEN OFFERED RESETTLEMENT OR CASH COMPENSATION.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE THE LANDS AND URBAN SERV OPERATION.
, THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, ICES DEPARTMENTS ALSO HELPED IN THE
CLEAN-UP CONTEST IN NORTH DISTRICT VILLAGES O I IM
A CLEAN-THE-VILLAGE COMPETITION STARTED TODAY IN EIGHT NORTH DISTRICT VILLAGES TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO TIDY-UP THEIR HOMES, COINCIDING WITH THE FINAL PHASE OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.
THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE VILLAGERS’ CLEAN-UP EFFORT WILL BE ASSESSED BY A PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS COMPRISING NORTH DISTRICT RURAL LEADERS.
TO LAUNCH THE COMPETITION, A BRIEF CEREMONY WAS HELD BEFORE A GROUP OF VILLAGERS AT HO SHEUNG HEUNG TODAY. AT THE SAME TIME SOME 50 SCHOOL CHILDREN DID SOME CLEANING UP AT VARIOUS REFUSE-RIDDEN BLACKSPOTS.
ADDRESSING THE GATHERING, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF THE COMPETITION, MR LAU TIN-FUK, URGED HIS FELLOW VILLAGERS TO HELP MAKE THEIR VILLAGE A MORE PLEASANT PLACE TO LIVE IN BY DISPOSING OF LITTER PROPERLY.
♦WITHOUT WHOLE-HEARTED SUPPORT FROM OTHER VILLAGERS, THERE WILL BE NO LASTING BENEFIT,* MR LAU SAID.
ALSO TAKING PART IN THE FUNCTION TODAY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF NORTH DISTRICT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, MR LIU CHING-LEUNG, THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF NORTH, MR LAW WAI-MING, THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, NORTH, MR MAK CHING-HUNG, AND THE VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE OF HO SHEUNG HEUNG, MR HAU TAK-MING.
SEVEN OTHER VILLAGES IN THE NORTH DISTRICT WHICH JOINED THE CLEAN VILLAGE COMPETITION ARE MA CHO LUNG, CHUNG YUEN HA, KAN TAU WAI, KUK PO, LAI CHI WO, MA MEI HA AND LING TSAI.
0
/8........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2982
8
NEW SAFE CAMPING BOOKLET AVAILABLE * * * *
THE ’SAFE CAMPING’ BOOKLET COMPILED BY THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS HAS BEEN REVISED TO INCORPORATE NEW INFORMATION.
FREE COPIES WILL BE OBTAINABLE FROM THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 4) FROM THE HEAD OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, 11TH FLOOR, WING ON CENTRE, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
THE FIRST EDITION OF THE BOOKLET PROVED SO POPULAR THAT THE STOCK RAN OUT WITHIN A FEW MONTHS.
THE REVISED VERSION INCLUDES SIX ADDITIONAL PAGES ABOUT Nt* CAMP SITES.
THE BOOKLET, BOTH EDITIONS OF WHICH ARE SPONSORED BY EXXON CHEMICAL ASIA PACIFIC LTD. AS A COMMUNITY SERVICE, PROVIDES THE PUBLIC WITH SAFETY HINTS AND GENERAL GUIDELINES ON CAMPING AS WELL AS INFORMATION ON CAMPING SITES MANAGED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS.
♦SINCE CAMPING IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY POPULAR, ESPECIALLY AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE,+ SAID MR CHAM SIU-LEUN, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS, ♦IT IS HOPED THAT THIS BOOKLET WILL SERVE AS A USEFUL GUIDE TO CAMPERS AND PROVIDES HELPFUL ADVICE ON HOW TO ’PLAY SAFE’ WHILE CAMP I NG.♦
’SAFE CAMPING’ CONSISTS OF TWO SECTIONS.
THE FIRST SECTION ON CAMPING REMINDS CAMPERS ABOUT FUNDAMENTAL PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN AND THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT THEY SHOULD BRING ALONG.
THE OTHER SECTION ON CAMP SITES COVERS A TOTAL OF 35 SITES, GIVING SUCH DETAILS AS LOCATIONS, ACCESS ROUTES, FACILITIES AVAILABLE, MANAGING AUTHORITIES AND A SIMPLE SKETCH MAP OF EACH SITE.
♦SINCE THE ’SAFE CAMPING’ BOOKLET IS FULL OF VALUABLE REFERENCE MATERIAL, IT SHOIH BE >N EVERY CAMPER’S RUCKSACK,♦ M? CHAM SAID.
-------o----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR AUGUST 1982 1
DB TO DISCUSS REPORT ON VICE ESTABLISHMENTS ................... 4
MONTH-LONG SPORTS FESTIVAL OPENING ............................ 4
NEED FOR GOOD REPRESENTATION STRESSED ......................... 5
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES HOLDING FAIR ............................ 6
TV PROGRAMME TO SPREAD FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE..................... 7
PLB CLEARWAY IN SAI YING PUN .................................. 7
SHEUNG SHUI ROAD CLOSURE....................................... 8
MORE PARKING METERS FOR PEAK................................... 8
CELLO MASTER CLASS BY CHRISTOPHER BUNTING
8
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1982
1
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR AUGUST 1982 * * X *
PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY FIVE PER CENT AND THOSE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY TWO PER CENT IN AUGUST 1982 AS COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1981, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
_ ™E TERMS 0F TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED as a ratio
OF THE DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO THE IMPORT PRICE INDEX) ROSE BY THREE PER CENT.
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DROPPED BY TWO PER CENT WHEREAS THAT FOR IMPORTS ROSE MARGINALLY.
THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT, WITH THE VOLUME DOWN BY FIVE PER CENT, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, PRICES *ERE UP BY SEVEN PER CENT AND A DECREASE BY THREE PER CENT WAS RECORDED FOR THE VOLUME.
FOR THE TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD TO AUGUST 1982 AS COMPARED WITH THE TWELVE MONTHS TO AUGUST 1981, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY NINE PER CENT, NINE PER CENT AND 11 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS EXPANDED BY THREE PER CENT AND THAT OF RE-EXPORTS BY FOUR PER CENT, GIVING A THREE PER CENT INCREASE IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS AS AGAINST A SLIGHT DROP 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 i-
PERCENTAGE CHANGES COMPARING AUGUST 1982 WITH AUGUST 1981
EXPORT VALUE EXPORT UNIT VALUE EXPORT VOLUME
CLOTHING (EXCEPT FUR) + 5 +11 - 5
TEXTILE FABRICS - 9 + 6 -14
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD - 5 -10 + 6
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES -10 +12 -20
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS -26 -12 -16
FOOTWEAR -16 ♦19 -29
/metal manufactures
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1982
2
PETAL MANUFACTURES + 7 +10 - 3
PETAL ORES AND SCRAP -23 - 7 -17
WATCHES AND CLOCKS ♦ 5 -20 +30
ALL COMMODITIES ♦ 3 ♦ 5 - 2
THE DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES OF SOME COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED, FROM SIX PER CENT FOR TEXTILE FABRICS TO 19 PER CENT FOR FOOTWEAR. ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES IN THE DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-7%), TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-10%), ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-12%), AS WELL AS WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-20%).
DECREASES IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR MOST COMMODITY GROUPS, INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-16%), PETAL ORES AND SCRAP (-17%), TEXTILE MADE-UPS (-20%) AND FOOTWEAR (-29%). ON THE OTHER HAND, CONSIDERABLE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS REGISTERED FOR WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+30%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN BELOW:-
PERCENTAGE CHANGES COMPARING
AUGUST 1982 WITH AUGUST 1981
IMPORT VALUE IMPORT UNIT VALUE IMPORT VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS +17 + 4 +13
CONSUMER GOODS + 7 + 4 + 3
FUELS +15 - 9 +26
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES - 5 + 1 - 7
CAPITAL GOODS + 2 + 8 - 5
ALL COMMODITIES + 3 + 2 INSIGNIFI-
CANT
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FUELS, THE PRICES OF WHICH DROPPED BY NINE PER CENT, THE PRICES OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY INCREASED MODERATELY, RANGING FROM ONE PER CENT FOR RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES TO EIGHT PER CENT FOR CAPITAL GOODS.
MOST OF THE MAJOR IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS INCREASED IN VOLUME TERMS, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR AS WELL AS FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF LIVE POULTRY DROPPED.
/m ths........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1982
, - -
IN THE CONSUMER GOODS CATEGORY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR. THE IMPORT VOLUMES OF TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES DECLINED CONSIDERABLY.
IMPORTS OF FUELS ROSE BY 26 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
,^0RT V0LUME 0F MOST RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECLINED, AMONG WHICH LEATHER AND DRESSED FUR SKINS, YARN OF MAN-MADE FIBRES AS WELL AS WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR DROPPED SUBSTANTIALLY. THE IMPORT VOLUMES OF COTTON YARN AND THREAD AS WELL AS CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS ROSE CONSIDERABLY.
MOST OF THE MAJOR IMPORTED CAPITAL GOODS DECLINED IN VOLUME TERMS, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND TEXTILE MACHINERY. SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF OFFICE MACHINES.
BY
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN BELOW i-
PERCENTAGE CHANGES COMPARING AUGUST 1982 WITH AUGUST 1981
RE-EXPORT VALUE RE-EXPORT UNIT VALUE RE-EXPORT VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS ♦26 ♦17 ♦ 8
CONSUMER GOODS +12 + 9 + 3
FUELS -14 + 3 -17
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES - 7 + 8 -14
CAPITAL GOODS + 9 ♦16 - 6
ALL COMMODITIES ♦ 4 +10 - 5
A
17 PER
THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORT VOLUME VARIED, RANGING FROM CENT DECREASE FOR FUELS TO AN EIGHT PER CENT INCREASE FOR FOODSTUFFS.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE AUGUST 1982 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS*, AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT HK$2 PER COPY.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1988
4
DB TO DISCUSS REPORT ON VICE ESTABLISHMENTS * M *
T~E NEW M0NG K0K DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS A REPORT ON «et7ngSon'fridayS(novemberN5).IN THE DISTR,CT AT ,TS F,RST
T1^URES RECOMMENDED BY THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE J?nTAfiKb£ IeE™Ee?n!»LP0SED BY ,LLEGAL VEGETABLE WHOLESALERS WILL ALSO BE CONSIDERED.
OTHER ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDE THE BOARD'S TERMS OF REFERENCE, STANDING ORDERS, FINANCIAL POSITION AND SETTING UP CF COMMITTEES.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 10.30 AM IN THE COMMUNITY HALL OF THE MONG KOK KAIFONG ASSOCIATION CHAN HING SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRE AT 45, FUK TSUN STREET, TAI KOK TSUI.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FIRST MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 10.30 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 5) IN THE COMMUNITY HALL OF THE MONG KOK KAIFONG ASSOCIATION, CHAN HING SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRE AT 45, FUK TSUN STREET, TAI KOK TSUI. THE MEETING WILL BE PRECEDED BY A TEA GATHERING AT 10 AM.
COPIES OF THE +REPORT ON VICE-ASSOCIATED ESTABLISHMENTS IN MONG KOK+ BY THE BOARD’S WORKING GROUP WILL BE AVAILABLE AT 9 AM FROM EITHER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE OR THE ABOVE ADDRESS.
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MONTH-LONG SPORTS FESTIVAL OPENING * * *
THE MONTH-LONG, SECOND WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT SPORTS FESTIVAL INVOLVING OVER 7 000 SPECTATORS AND PARTICIPANTS WILL BE INAUGURATED ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 6) AT MORSE PARK FOOTBALL PITCH. FUNG MO STREET, WONG TAI SIN. ’
IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD. THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (RSS) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE WONG TAI SIN RECREATION AND SPORT COMMITTEE.
.... , JHE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR G. BARNES atL9 th dmE 0FF,CIAT,ng GUEST AT THE OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD
Ml CL • r fi>
DURING THE CEREMONY THERE WILL BE A BAND DISPLAY, CYCLING DEMONSTRATION AND DANCE PERFORMANCE. ’
/THS SBSTIVAL, .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1982
- 5 -
THE FESTIVAL, CATERING FOR THE INTERESTS OF PEOPLE OF VARIOUS PHYSICAL ABILITIES, WILL LAST FOR ONE MONTH.
THERE WILL BE GAMES FOR THE AGED, TELE-MATCH FOR CHILDREN, WHEEL-CHAIR BASKETBALL COMPETITION AND VARIOUS BALL GAMES, DANCE AND OUTDOOR PURSUITS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT MORSE PARK ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 6) AT 2.30 PM.
------o-------
NEED FOR GOOD REPRESENTATION STRESSED * * * *
THE NEED FOR GOOD REPRESENTATION WITH A WIDER MEMBERSHIP BEYOND THE SCOPE OF INDIVIDUAL FACTORY BUILDINGS IN THE KWUN TONG INDUSTRIAL AREA WAS STRESSED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR GRAHAM BARNES.
SUCH A REPRESENTATION COULD DISCUSS WIDER ISSUES WHICH CONCERN THE AREA AS A WHOLE, SUCH AS THE PROVISION OF OFF-STREET PARKING AND LUNCHEON FACILITIES, HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE NEWLY-FORMED KWUN TONG INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCE ASSOCIATION, MR BARNES SAID HE BELIEVED THE ASSOCIATION, WITH ITS AIM TO FOSTER GREATER UNITY AND CO-OPERATION AMONG MANUFACTURERS AND BUSINESSMEN IN THE DISTRICT, WAS CAPABLE OF ASSUMING THIS IMPORTANT ROLE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT IN THE INDUSTRIAL AREA HAD CREATED SOME UNDESIRABLE SIDE EFFECTS WHICH REQUIRED RECTIFICATION.
THE SHORTAGE OF LUNCHEON FACILITIES, ILLEGAL OCCUPATION OF BACKLANES, POLLUTION AND INADEQUATE OFF-STREET PARKING FACILITIES ARE SOME OF THE MORE SERIOUS PROBLEMS THE DISTRICT BOARD NEEDS TO DEAL WITH, MR BARNES SAID.
+WITH YOUR SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION, THE BOARD AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CAN EXECUTE MORE EFFECTIVELY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE AREA,+ HE SAID.
HE CITED AS AN EXAMPLE THE ^OPERATION TORCH* WHICH AIMED TO CLEAR ALL THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE BACKLANES OF FACTORY BUILDINGS AND RESTORE THEIR ORIGINAL PURPOSE FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING.
♦ITS SUCCESS DEPENDS VERY MUCH ON THE CO-OPERATION OF FACTORY OWNERS AND OPERATORS TO GUARD THE LANES FROM RE-OCCUPATION.
/+THB HE-SURFACING........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1982
- 6 -
♦THE RE-SURFACING OF THE PRIVATE PORTION OF THE REAR LANES ALSO CALLS FOR UNSELFISH CONTRIBUTION OF THE OWNERS CONCERNED.
+THE VOLUNTARY IMPROVEMENT MADE BY THE FACTORY OPERATORS TO RECTIFY THE 24 POLLUTION SPOTS IDENTIFIED IN THE OPERATIONS IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE WHICH ILLUSTRATES HOW MUCH WE CAN ACHIEVE WITH YOUR CO-OPERATION.
+1 SINCERELY HOPE THAT THE ASSOCIATION WILL SERVE AS A FOCAL POINT WHERE THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD CAN WORK CLOSELY WITH THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS IN THE DISTRICT IN IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE INDUSTRIAL AREA, AND --------
STANDARD OF THOSE WORKING THERE,♦ MR BARNES
IMPROVING THE LIVING SAID.
- 0
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES HOLDING FAIR X * * K * *
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE HOLDING ITS 3OTH AUTUMN FAIR ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD NEXT TO STANLEY PRISON ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 6) BETWEEN 12 NOON AND 5 PM.
THE FAIR WILL BE OPENED BY MRS GORDON WU.
THERE WILL BE OVER 30 STALLS SELLING A WIDE SELECTION OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES INDUSTRIAL AND HOBBY CLASS PRODUCTS, IN ADDITION TO REFRESHMENT AND GAMES STALLS.
AND, ENTERTAINMENT ARRANGED FOR THE FAIR WILL INCLUDE PERFORMANCES BY THE TAI TAM GIRL PIPERS AND PRECISION MARCHING TEAM, A MARCHING DISPLAY BY THE CAPE COLLINSON BAND, AS WELL AS A MOTOR CYCLE DEMONSTRATION BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES.
ALL PROCEEDS OF THE FAIR, ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S SPORTS ASSOCIATION, WILL BE DONATED TO VARIOUS CHARITIES, AS WELL AS THE DEPARTMENT’S WELFARE FUNDS.
ADMISSION IS FREE AND THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
HOWEVER, AS PARKING SPACE IS LIMITED, VISITORS ARE ADVISED THAT BUS ROUTE NOS. 6 AND 260 STARTING FROM CENTRAL, NO. 73 FROM ABERDEEN, NO. 63 FROM NORTH POINT AND NO. 14 FROM SHAU KEI WAN ARE CONVENIENT WAYS OF GETTING TO THE FAIR GROUND.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AUTUMN FAIR WILL BE FELD ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD NEXT TO STANLEY PRISON ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 6) BETWEEN 12 NOON AND 5 PM.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT 10.45 AM SHARP, AND WILL LEAVE THE FAIR FOR HEADQUARTERS ABOUT 12.30 PM.
--------o ----------
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1982
7
TV PROGRAMME TO SPREAD FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE * * * *
THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE WILL BE CARRIED TO YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH A DRAMA SERIES ON TELEVISION THIS MONTH.
FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY), THE RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG CHILDREN’S PROGRAMME +AMAZING BUBBLES* WILL DEVOTE FOUR SUCCESSIVE EPISODES TO MORAL EDUCATION FOR YOUNGSTERS.
JOINTLY PRESENTED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN 1982/83, THE DRAMA EPISODES ARE AIMED AT PREVENTING CHILDREN FROM BECOMING INVOLVED IN CRIME.
♦FOUR NEW CHARACTERS HAVE BEEN SPECIALLY CREATED FOR THESE EPISODES - CAPTAIN AND MRS. WISDOM AND THEIR CHILDREN KA KA AND DO DO, REPRESENTING MEMBERS OF A FAMILY FROM OUTER SPACE,♦ PRODUCER OF THE PROGRAMME, MR WILLY NGA I SAID.
♦THE STORY CENTRES ON THE TEMPTATIONS ENCOUNTERED BY THE CHILDREN AFTER THE FAMILY LANDS ON EARTH, AND HOW THEY OVERCOME THESE TEMPTATIONS WITH PROPER GUIDANCE AND LOVE FROM THEIR PARENTS.♦
THE FIRST EPISODE DEPICTS HOW CHILDREN’S CURIOSITY MIGHT LEAD THEM INTO CRIME, AND HOW PARENTS SHOULD HANDLE THIS PROBLEM.
THE SECOND EPISODE CONCENTRATES ON THE EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENT ON CHILDREN AND STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING PROPER GUIDANCE TO CHILDREN IN THEIR EARLY AGE.
IN THE THIRD EPISODE, KA KA AND DO DO ARE ENTICED BY CRIMINAL ELEMENTS BUT ARE EVENTUALLY RESCUED BY THEIR PARENTS, AND THE LAST EPISODE AIMS AT DISSUADING CHILDREN FROM INDULGING IN MATERIAL COMFORTS.
THE FOUR EPISODES WILL BE AIRED ON TVB JADE FROM 5.15 TO 5.45 PM EVERY THURSDAY FROM TOMORROW, AND REPEATED ON ATV CHANNEL ONE EVERY FOLLOWING MONDAY AT THE SAME TIME.
APART FROM WATCHING THE DRAMA SERIES, CHILDREN ARE ALSO WELCOMED TO TAKE PART IN A +FIGHT CRIME* QUIZ WHICH WILL FORM PART OF THE PROGRAMME. SIX ATTRACTIVE PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO WINNERS EACH WEEK.
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PLB CLEARWAY IN SAI YING PUN X M *
WITH FROM
THE EASTBOUND SECTION OF QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, NEAR ITS JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A PUBLIC light BUS CLEARWAY announced” T S FR DAY (N0VEMBER 5)’ THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT
WITHIN THE SECTION, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS BETWEEN 7 AM AND 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1982 ■
8
SHEUNG SHU I ROAD CLOSURE * * *
PO ROAD AND THE KCR’S SHEUNG BE PERMANENTLY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
SAN FUNG AVENUE BETWEEN TAI
Si for kcr"electrification works
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA A NEW ROAD STRETCHING FROM TAI PO ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH FAN KAM ROAD TO SHEK WU HUI.
-----0------
MORE PARKING METERS FOR PEAK XXX
THIRTY PARKING METERS WILL BE 8 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 5).
INSTALLED ON PEAK ROAD FROM
A RATE OF >2 PER HOUR WILL PERIOD FROM 8 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
BE CHARGED DURING THE OPERATING ON WEEKDAYS, A TRANSPORT
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CELLO MASTER CLASS BY CHRISTOPHER BUNTING
* * * *
A CELLO MASTER CLASS CONDUCTED BY CHRISTOPHER BUNTING WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL TOMORROW (THURSDAY) FROM 5.30 PM TO 7.30 PM AT THE MUSIC OFFICE, 9TH FLOOR, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE.
CHRISTOPHER BUNTING RECEIVED HIS MUSIC EDUCATION IN CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY. AFTER GRADUATION, HE STUDIED CELLO WITH MAURICE EISENBERG IN THE UNITED STATES AND PABLO CASALS IN FRANCE.
MR BUNTING HAS PERFORMED IN MANY CONCERTS UNDER THE BATON OF WORLD RENOWNED CONDUCTORS SUCH AS SIR JOHN BARBIROLLI AND SIR ADRIAN BOULT. HE HAS ALSO GIVEN RADIO PERFORMANCES IN ENGLAND, GERMANY, SWITZERLAND, CANADA, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.
HIS PUBLICATIONS INCLUDE ’FUGUE FOR 6 CELLOS’, ’PATINAGES’ THREE VOLUMES OF ’STUDIES’ AND A BOOK ON CELLO PLAYING ENTITLED ’ESSAY ON THE CRAFT OF CELLO PLAYING’ IN 2 VOLUMES.
AT THE MASTER CLASS, THE WORKS ’CELLO CONCERTO IN C MAJOR’ BY HAYDN, ’SONATA IN G MAJOR (3RD AND 4TH MOVT.)’ BY TELEMANN, ’CANZONA’ BY BRUCH, AND ’CELLO CONCERTO NO. 1 IN A MINOR’ BY SAINTSAENS WILL BE PLAYED BY THE STUDENTS.
THE MASTER CLASS IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND ADMISSION LS FREE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HEUNG YEE KUK’S ROLE REASSURED............................... -j
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL SECURITY AND DISABLED ARRIVES .. 2
WORKING HOURS FOR BUS DRIVERS ................................ 3
SIR PHILIP VISITS RCD ......................................... 3
PARKING CHARGES ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN CAUSEWAY BAY ........................................................... 4
EXHIBITION OF ANTI-HARCOTICS PROJECT DESIGN COMPETITION...... 4
FRESH, SALT WATER SUPPLY INTERRUPTIONS ....................... 5
CNTA MOVES TO NEW OFFICE....................................... 6
550 NT SWIMMERS COMPETE...................................... 7
NT LIFE SAVING OPEN COMPETITION ............................... 7
TSWPORaRY ROAD CLOSURE IN W/JIG TAU HOM
8
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1982
1
HEUNG YEE KUK’S ROLE REASSURED * * * *
THE HEUNG YEE KUK’S ROLE AS A STATUTORY ADVISORY BODY ON NEW TERRITORIES AFFAIRS AND AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF INFORMED AND RESPONSIBLE OPINION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL CONTINUE TO BE RESPECTED BY THE GOVERNMENT, AS IT ALWAYS HAS BEEN.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TODAY (THURSDAY) AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE KUK’S 25TH TERM AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.
+GOVERNMENT AIMS TO BE RESPONSIVE TO THE PUBLIC WILL AND IT ATTACHES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THOSE PUBLIC BODIES WHICH GIVE EXPRESSION TO THAT WILL,+ THE GOVERNOR SAID.
+THE KUK’S IMPORTANT ROLE IN REPRESENTING THE INTERESTS OF THE INDIGENOUS NEW TERRITORIES PEOPLE IS WELL RECOGNISED.*
HE SAID THE RAPID PACE OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAD GIVEN RISE TO A NUMBER OF CHANGES, AND HE FULLY AGREED THAT +OUR COMMON OBJECTIVE SHOULD BE TO ENSURE THAT THE FULL RANGE OF COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES FOR THE RAPIDLY INCREASING POPULATION IS PROVIDED, IN THE RIGHT PLACES AND AT THE RIGHT TIME.+
+THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS FOR INTRODUCTION OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, BY WHICH DISTRICT DEFICIENCIES AND PROBLEMS CAN BE IDENTIFIED AND REMEDIED,* THE GOVERNOR SAID.
+THE MEMBERSHIP OF YOUR RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN ON THE DISTRICT BOARDS IS PROVING A VALUABLE LINK BETWEEN THE KUK AND DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
+GIVEN THE NEW EMPHASIS ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MAJOR GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE ORGANISING THEMSELVES ON A REGIONAL OR DISTRICT BASIS TO SUIT DISTRICT DEMANDS.
♦ IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL DEPARTMENTS, AND IN PARTICULAR THE DISTRICT OFFICES, TO ENSURE THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM IS ABLE TO RECEIVE AND TO RESPOND TO THE ADVICE AND VIEWS CF EACH DISTRICT, QUICKLY AND CONSTRUCTIVELY.
+THE KUK WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE THE GOVERNMENT THE BENEFIT OF ITS ADVICE THROUGH ITS REPRESENTATION ON DISTRICT BOARDS- THE JOINT MEETINGS OF RURAL COMMITTEE AND DISTRICT OFFICERS AND THE MEETINGS BETWEEN THE KUK AND THE REGIONAL SECRETARY, NEW TERRITORIES.*
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE PRESENT UNSATISFACTORY STATE OF SOME OF THE RURAL AREAS RESULTED LARGELY FROM THE FACT THAT MANY OF THE VILLAGE STRUCTURES, WHETHER PERMANENT OR TEMPORARY, HAD BEEN BUILT IN AN UNPLANNED MANNER.
+FOR THE LARGE AREAS FALLING BETWEEN LAYOUT AREAS, GENUINE RURAL VILLAGES AND COUNTRY PARKS, CONSULTANTS RESPONSIBLE FOR INVESTIGATING THE CONCEPT OF A DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO CONSIDER THE USE OF SMALL CORPORATIONS IN IMPLEMENTING LIMITED RURAL STYLE DEVELOPMENT.*
/HE SAID .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER U, 1982
2 -
HE SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THE JOINT WORKING PARTY ON SMALL HOUSE POLICY, IN WHICH THE KUK PARTICIPATED, HAD AGREED TO THE PRINCIPLE THAT, WHERE PRACTICABLE, PROPER VILLAGE LAYOUTS SHOULD BE PREPARED TO ENSURE ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT AND THE PROPER PROVISION OF FACILITIES.
♦ I AM ALSO GLAD TO KNOW THAT A START HAS BEEN MADE IN A FEW SELECTED VILLAGES ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS,+ SIR EDWARD NOTED.
ON PUBLIC WORKS EXPENDITURE ESPECIALLY FOR PROJECTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE PRESENT LEVEL AT $13.6 BILLION PER ANNUM WAS ALREADY SUBSTANTIAL AND IT WAS GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO MAINTAIN IT AT ABOUT THE CURRENT LEVEL.
♦ THIS SHOULD ENABLE WORK TO PROCEED AS PLANNED ON ALL THE PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES, INCLUDING THE NEW TOWN PROGRAMMES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES,* HE ADDED.
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MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL SECURITY AND DISABLED ARRIVES X * K X *
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL SECURITY AND THE DISABLED, PR HUGH ROSSI ARRIVED IN HONG KONG THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING TO ATTEND THE FESPIC GAMES AND TO LOOK AT SOME OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED FOR THE DISABLED IN HONG KONG.
MR ROSSI IS INVITED HERE BY THE FESPIC GAMES ORGANISERS AND WILL BE STAYING AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE AT THE GOVERNOR’S INVITATION. HE WAS WELCOMED AT KAI TAK AIRPORT BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, DR HARRY FANG, THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, MR ERIC HO, AND MR PAUL CROFT, THE GOVERNOR’S AIDE-DE-CAMP.
HE WILL ATTEND THE FESPIC GAMES TOMORROW AFTERNOON, ATTEND A VARIETY PERFORMANCE FOR FESPIC DELEGATES AND OFFICIALS AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY ON SATURDAY EVENING, AND OFFICIATE AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE GAMES ON SUNDAY.
DURING HIS STAY, MR ROSSI WILL ALSO MEET MEMBERS OF THE HK JOINT COUNCIL FOR THE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY DISABLED, AND VISIT THE CHOI WAN SHELTERED WORKSHOP, THE WORLD REHABILITATION FUND DAY CENTRE, THE J.F. KENNEDY CENTRE AND THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE BEFORE RETURNING TO THE UK ON MONDAY EVENING.
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/3........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1982
3
WORKING HOURS FOR BUS DRIVERS * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS PROPOSED TO EACH OF THE BUS COMPANIES THAT THEY SHOULD VOLUNTARILY ADOPT STANDARDS AIMED AT ELIMINATING THE SMALL PROPORTION OF EXTREME WORKING PATTERN, THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR RICHARD MEAKIN SAID TODAY.
HE IS RESPONDING TO CRITICISM OF EXCESS WORKING HOURS FOR BUS DRIVERS.
CHINA MOTOR BUS PERMITTING
MR MEAKIN SAID THAT THE PROPOSALS WERE MADE FOLLOWING A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF WORKING HOURS, WORKING CONDITIONS AND FATIGUE AMONG BUS DRIVERS IN HONG KONG, WHICH WAS COMPLETED LAST NOVEMBER.
THESE PRELIMINARY PROPOSALS, WHICH ARE BASED ON REGULATIONS GOVERNING DRIVERS’ HOURS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, AREi
X FOR EVERY 5-1/2 HOURS OF DUTY A DRIVER SHALL HAVE AT LEAST A 30-MINUTE BREAK I
X THE MAXIMUM PERIOD BETWEEN COMMENCEMENT OF DAILY DUTY AND COMPLETION SHALL BE 14 HOURS (THIS STANDARD IS INTENDED TO LIMIT THE SPREADOVER OF ’SPLIT’ DUTIES WHICH REQUIRE A DRIVER TO COVER MORNING AND EVENING PEAK PERIODS WITH A BREAK BETWEEN).
* NOt'tcTeXCEED 11THOURS^LUDINS breaks in excess of ONE HOUR)
X TOTAL CUMULATIVE DUTY NOT TO EXCEED 77 HOURS IN ANY 8-DAY PERIOD.
+THESE STANDARDS WERE PROPOSED TO THE COMPANIES BY THE CURRENT?? STIKJII EARLV S6PTEMBER ‘ND THE COMPANIES ARE
uni OPERATING a PERIOD OF VOLUNTARY STANDARDS
JND,CATE WHETHER LEGISLATION IS NECESSARY TO PLACE STATUTORY W0RK,NS HOURS, AND WILL ASSIST IN DETERMINING WHAT THOSE LIMITS SHOULD BE.+ MR MEAKIN SAID.
SIR PHILIP VISITS RCD X X X X
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, ICE HOUSE STREET.
ON ARRIVAL, HE WAS MET BY THE DEPARTMENT’S COMMISSIONER, NR BARRIE WIGGHAM. SIR PHILIP THEN HAD A BRIEF DISCUSSION WITH NR WIGGHAM AND OTHER SENIOR STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT.
/SIR PHILIP .......
THURSDAY, N0VD4BER 4, 1982
SIR PHILIP THEN WENT TO THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AT WING ON CENTRE. THERE HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS - AVERAGING MORE THAN 6OO PER MONTH - ORGANISED BY THE RSS. HE ALSO WATCHED A 10-MINUTE VIDEO TAPE ON THE WORK OF THE RSS.
AN HOUR LATER, SIR PHILIP WENT TO THE MUSIC OFFICE IN WAN CHAI WHERE HE SAW STUDENTS BEING TAUGHT TO PLAY VARIOUS MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.
HE ALSO SPENT SOME TIME LISTENING TO THE MUSIC OFFICE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND REHEARSING FOR THE FIFTH HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL, WHICH WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED ON SUNDAY AT KOWLOON PARK.
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PARKING CHARGES ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN CAUSEWAY BAY o * * x *
PARKING CHARGES AT METERED SPACES ON 13 BUSY STREETS IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE EXTENDED TO SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS STARTING FROM 10 AM ON NOVEMBER 7 (SUNDAY).
THIS IS TO REGULATE THE USE OF PARKING SPACES IN THIS SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT AREA, AND TO DETER LONG TERM PARKING.
THE CHARGES WILL BE THE SAME AS THOSE ON WEEKDAYS BUT THE OPERATING HOURS WILL BE FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM.
FOR EASY IDENTIFICATION, THE UPPER PORTION OF THE METER POSTS WILL BE PAINTED VIOLET, AND PLATES SHOWING THE OPERATING HOURS WILL ALSO BE PUT UP ON THE PARKING SIGNS.
THESE METERED SPACES WILL BE ON CLEVELAND STREET, PERCIVAL STREET, LOCKHART ROAD BETWEEN PERCIVAL STREET AND EAST POINT ROAD, JAFFE ROAD BETWEEN PERCIVAL STREET AND EAST POINT ROAD, HYSAN AVENUE, SUN WUI ROAD, HOI PING ROAD, SUNNING ROAD, YAN PING ROAD, LAN FONG ROAD, PAK SHA ROAD, LEE GARDEN ROAD AND RUSSELL STREET.
------o-------
EXHIBITION OF ANTI-NARCOTICS PROJECT DESIGN COMPETITION H
THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) AND THE community YOUTH CLUB SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ARE SiTI Organising an ant -narcotics project design competition AND EXHIBITION TO BE HELD FROM SATURDAY TO MONDAY (NOVEMBER 6 - 8) AT THE EXHIBITION HALL OF THE CITY HALL.
PART OF ACAN’S PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMME FOR THIS YEAR THE AIM OF THE COMPETITION AND EXHIBITION S TO EDUCATE STUDENTS ON THE EVILS OF DRUG ABUSE AND IN PARTICUL HOW TO AVOID SUCH DANGERS.
/A SPOKESMAN
o
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1982
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT EXPLAINED THAT MANY OF THE YOUNG ADDICTS WERE AWARE CF THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE WHEN THEY FIRST STARTED TO TAKE DRUGS, BUT THAT THE MAJORITY OF THEM TRIED DRUGS BECAUSE OF CURIOSITY OR PRESSURE FROM THEIR PEERS. SOME EVEN THOUGHT THAT THEY WERE CLEVER ENOUGH TO AVOID BEING HOOKED ON DRUGS BY TRYING IT JUST ONCE.
+THE OBJECT OF THIS COMPETITION AND EXHIBITION IS, THEREFORE, TO GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY STUDENTS, AN OPPORTUNITY TO RESEARCH AND DESIGN PROJECTS THAT WOULD INCREASE THEIR UNDERSTANDING CF THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE AND THE WAYS OF OVERCOMING SUCH DANGERS,♦ HE SAID.
PARTICIPATING IN THE COMPETITION WILL BE 14 SECONDARY SCHOOLS. IN ADDITION, STALLS OF THE ACAN YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP AND COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB AS WELL AS WINNING ENTRIES OF THE +ANTI-NARCOTICS ESSAY WRITING AND POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION* HELD EARLIER THIS YEAR WILL BE DISPLAYED.
THE ADJUDICATION OF THE ANTI-NARCOTICS PROJECT DESIGN COMPETITION WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY AT 3 PM TO BE FOLLOWED BY A PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
MR KARL STUMPF, CHAIRMAN OF THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE OF ACAN WILL ADDRESS THE GATHERING AND OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WITH MRS LOUISE MOK, DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC FROM 4 PM TO 6 PM ON SATURDAY, FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM ON SUNDAY AND FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON MONDAY. ADMISSION IS FREE.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE OPENING AND PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 4 PM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 6) IN THE EXHIBITION HALL OF THE CITY HALL.
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FRESH, SALT WATER SUPPLY INTERRUPTIONS * K * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN THE CENTRAL DISTRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 8) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY ELGIN STREET. CAINE ROAD, ARBUTHNOT ROAD AND HOLLYWOOD ROAD INCLUDING WYNDHAM STREET BETWEEN HOLLYWOOD ROAD AND LOWER ALBERT ROAD.
/BEGINNING CW
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1982,
6
BEGINNING ON THE SAME DAY, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO PARTS OF THE MID-LEVELS, CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICTS WILL ALSO BE CUT OFF FOR TWO DAYS, FROM 9 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 8) TO 9 AM ON WEDNESDAY, FOR REPAIR WORK.
THE AREAS TO BE AFFECTED AREi
MID-LEVELSi ROBINSON ROAD FROM CASTLE ROAD TO GARDEN ROAD, MACDONNELL ROAD, SEYMOUR ROAD, CASTLE ROAD, MOSQUE STREET, MOSQUE JUNCTION, CAINE ROAD, CONDUIT ROAD, KOTEWALL ROAD, LYTTELTON ROAD AND BONHAM ROAD.
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICTS: FROM ICE HOUSE STREET TO HILL ROAD, INCLUDING CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, HOLLYWOOD ROAD, ABERDEEN STREET, PEEL STREET, WYNDHAM STREET, FIRST STREET, SECOND STREET, THIRD STREET, HIGH STREET AND WATER STREET.
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CNTA MOVES TO NEW OFFICE * * * *
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS WILL MOVE TOMORROW (NOVEMBER 5) TO NEW PREMISES ON THE 12TH AND 13TH FLOORS OF WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE AT 7 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE MOVE WILL BRING THE NEW TERRITORIES AND HONG KONG
AND KOWLOON REGIONAL SECTIONS OF THE CNTA, NOW OPERATING IN SEPARATE OFFICES IN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING IN HO MAN TIN AND IN THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING IN CENTRAL RESPECTIVELY, UNDER ONE ROOF.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES IN THE NEW OFFICE ARE 3-692255 AND 3-692256.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
FOR PRESS ENQUIRIES, STAFF OF THE INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT OF CNTA CAN BE CONTACTED AT 3-673917 AND 3-674340.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1982
7
550 NT SWIMMERS COMPETE * * * *
SWIMMERS FROM THE EIGHT NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS WILL COMPETE IN THE SECOND NT INTER-DISTRICT SWIMMING GALA AT THE SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB SWIMMING POOL ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 7).
ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES INTER-DISTRICT SPORTS COMPETITION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, THE GALA IS AIMED AT PROMOTING SWIMMING ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN NT DISTRICTS.
ABOUT 550 SWIMMERS, TWICE THE NUMBER OF LAST YEAR, WILL PARTICIPATE IN THIS YEAR’S EVENT.
SELECTED BY THEIR DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS, THEY WILL BE DIVIDED INTO SEVEN GROUPS ACCORDING TO THEIR AGES — FOUR IN THE MEN’S SECTION AND THREE IN THE WOMEN’S SECTION.
THERE WILL BE 77 RACES INCLUDING FREESTYLE, BREAST AND BUTTERFLY STROKES AND RELAY RACES.
THE EIGHT DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TAKE TURNS EACH YEAR TO HOST THE EVENT AND TAI PO IS HOST DISTRICT THIS YEAR.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SWIMMING GALA, MR DAVID CHIU YIM-SHUN AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION, M? WONG YUEN-CHEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE GALA.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE SECOND NT INTER-DISTRICT SWIMMING GALA TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 7) FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM AT THE SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB SWIMMING P001
- - 0 - -
NT LIFE SAVING OPEN COMPETITION * * *
MORE THAN 140 LIFEGUARDS WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR LIFE SAVING TECHNIQUE AT THE NEW TERRITORIES LIFE SAVING OPEN COMPETITION AT KWAI SHING SWIMMING POOL IN KWAI CHUNG ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 6).
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOMED TO ATTEND BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM WHEN THEY WILL BE ALLOWED TO TAKE UP SEATS IN THE SPECTATOR STAND AT THE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX.
/DURING THE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1982
8
DURING THE OCCASION NON-STOP RESCUE OPERATIONS WILL GO ON MOST OF THE DAY. THERE WILL BE SEVEN EVENTS IN THE MEN’S SECTION AND TWO IN THE WOMEN’S SECTION INCLUDING CHIN (EXTENDED) TOW RACE, CROSS CHEST (HIP) TOW RACE, TIRED SWIMMER RACE, DIVE RELAY, LIFE SAVING RELAY AND FOUR STYLES RELAY.
U... B!!.?!?B£T0R 0F NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JOHN HEYWOOD, AT A PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT ABOUT 4 PM
ON SATURDAY.
„ Ur^L^PI?ESENT WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (NORTH REGION) £JJE*JERR*TOR,ES SERVICES, MR BOWEN LEUNG, THE DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG LIFEGUARD CLUB, MR KWOK HON-MING, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF NEW TERRITORIES BRANCH OF HONG KONG LIFEGUARD CLUB, MR LAU HON-WAH.
NOTE TO ED ITORSt
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT AT KWAI SHING PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL IN KWAI FUK ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 6).
-----0------
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN WANG TAU HOM X X * X
WANG TAU HOM SOUTH ROAD BETWEEN FU KEUNG STREET AND WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 6) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, WANG TAU HOM CENTRAL ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BRITISH MINISTER IMPRESSED WITH VOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT SERVICE................................................. 1
NEW SECRETARY POST CREATED ............................ 1
MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER ......... 2
DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES VISITS NORTH DISTRICT AND TAI PO ............................................... 7
SALE OF tJJEENSWAY SITE SUSPENDED........................ 7
CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE HAPPIER FAMILY LIFE ................. 8
APPOINTMENT OF DISTRICT JUDGE.......................... 9
CHINESE VISITORS OFFICE MOVES TO HONG KONG ISLAND ........ 9
STREET CLOSURE FOR MTR ISLAND LINE CONSTRUCTION ......... 10
GAMES COMPETITIONS FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE ................... 11
BUS-ONLY LANES IN MID-LEVELS ............................ 11
CURTAILMENT OF TRAM SERVICES ON SATURDAY............... 12
FIRING PRACTICE IN SAI KUNG ............................. 12
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1982
1
BRITISH MINISTER IMPRESSED WITH VOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT SERVICE ******
THE BRITISH MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL SECURITY AND THE DISABLED, MR HUGH ROSSI, WAS IMPRESSED WITH THE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY VOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT SERVICE FIRST INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG THIS VEEK AS HE VISITED THE WORLD REHABILITATION FUND DAY CENTRE IN KWUN TONG TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR ROSSI, ACCOMPANIED BY HIS WIFE, WAS MET BY THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING, MR MORRIS MORGAN AND STAFF OF THE CENTRE.
THE MINISTER EXPRESSED INTEREST IN THE SERVICE THROUGH WHICH THE WORKING AND TRAINING POTENTIAL OF A DISABLED PERSON CAN BE IDENTIFIED.
MR MORGAN EXPLAINED THAT SPECIALLY DESIGNED TRAINING PROGRAMME COULD BE ARRANGED THUS ASSISTING A DISABLED PERSON TO ACHIEVE A MORE MEANINGFUL LIFE, AS HE SHOWED THE GUESTS ROUND THE CENTRE.
THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT TOOK OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE WRFDC AFTER THE DEPARTMENT WAS FORMED IN APRIL.
MR ROSSI ALSO VISITED THE CHOI WAN SHELTERED WORKSHOP AND HOSTEL WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE WORKSHOP’S ACTIVITIES BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE.
------o-------
NEW SECRETARY POST CREATED • * * *
A POST OF SECRETARY (GENERAL DUTIES) HAS BEEN CREATED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY. THE NEW POST WILL BE LOCATED IN THE CHIEF SECRETARY S OFFICE.
THE MAIN DUTIES OF THE NEW POST WILL BE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE CHIEF SECRETARY IN DEALING WITH ADDITIONAL WORK ARISING FROM THE TALKS ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
THE OFFICER APPOINTED TO FILL THIS POST IS MR L.M. DAVIES, WHOSE APPOINTMENT WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
- - o - -
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1982
2
MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER ******
THE NARROWEST DEFINITION OF THE MONEY SUPPLY (Ml) GREW FAIRLY RAPIDLY, WHILE THE WIDER DEFINITIONS (M2 AND M3) GREW IN SEPTEMBER AT SLOWER RATES, WHERE DIFFERENT, THAN IN AUGUST, ACCORDING TO MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY).
AS THE SHIFT OF DEPOSITS FROM DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO BANKS CONTINUED, M2 GREW FASTER THAN M3. THE FOREIGN CURRENCY COMPONENT ALSO GREW FASTER THAN THE CORRESPONDING HONG KONG DOLLAR COMPONENT ON ALL DEFINITIONS OF THE MONEY SUPPLY BUT MUCH OF THIS DIFFERENCE WAS DUE TO VALUATION EFFECTS RESULTING FROM THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR I DURING SEPTEMBER THE TRADE-WEIGHTED INDEX FELL BY 1-1/2 PER CENT, WHILE AGAINST THE US DOLLAR - THE PRINCIPAL DENOMINATION OF FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS -THE DECLINE WAS 3-1/2 PER CENT. THE MONETARY STATISTICS ARE PRESENTED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS, CONTRIBUTING INSTITUTIONS HAVING CONVERTED FOREIGN CURRENCY AMOUNTS AT THE RELEVANT EXCHANGE RATE ON THE REPORTING DAY. AFTER ALLOWANCE FOR ™E ESTIMATED VALUATION EFFECT THE GROWTH RATE OF FOREIGN CURRENCY TIME AND SAVINGS DEPOSES WAS NO FASTER THAN SIMILAR DEPOSITS IN HONG KONG DOLLARS. HOWEVER, EVEN AFTER ALLOWING FOR THE VALUATION EFFECT, FOREIGN CURRENCY TIME DEPOSITS AGAIN GREW QUITE BRISKLY, SUGGESTING THAT THE EXEMPTION OF FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS FROM ’NTEREST TAX, WHICH TOOK EFFECT ON FEBRUARY 25, WAS CONTINUING TO ATTRACT SUCH DEPOSITS TO HONG KONG.
(TABLE 1 ATTACHED SETS OUT THE DETAILED FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER 1982 AND COMPARISONS WITH CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR EARLIER MONTHS. TABLE 2 SETS OUT SOME SELECTED FIGURES FROM THE QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR.)
HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY
HK$M1 ROSE BY 5.3 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER, COMPARED WITH 1.6 PER CENT IN AUGUST. THE GROWTH COMPRISED INCREASES OF 7.1 PER CENT IN CASH HOLDINGS BY THE PUBLIC AND 3.9 PER CENT IN HK$ DEMAND DEPOSITS.
HKSM2 INCREASED BY 4.2 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER WHILE HK$M3 WAS UP ONLY BY 1.2 PER CENT. THE DIFFERENCE REFLECTED A CONTINUATION OF THE SHIFT OF DEPOSITS FROM DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO BANKS. BOTH RATES REPRESENT A SLOWING DOWN WHEN COMPARED WITH THEIR CORRESPONDING RATES IN AUGUST OF 6.8 PER CENT AND 3.0 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
IN THE THREE MONTHS TO SEPTEMBER HK$M1 ROSE BY 5.7 PER CENT, H(|M2 BY 12.8 PER CENT AND HK$M3 BY 4.3 PER CENT. IN THE TWELVE MONTHS TO SEPTEMBER, THE RESPECTIVE GROWTH RATES WERE 9.2 PER CENT, 31.2 PER CENT AND 6.3 PER CENT.
/total .......
FBIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1982
- 3 -
TOTAL (ALL CURRENCIES) MONEY SUPPLY
TOTAL Ml ROSE BY 6.4 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER COMPARED WITH 2.0 PER CENT IN AUGUST. TOTAL M2 ROSE BY 6.3 PER CENT AND TOTAL M3 BY 4.1 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBERi THESE RATES WERE ROUGHLY THE SAME AS THOSE IN AUGUST.
IN THE THREE MONTHS TO SEPTEMBER, TOTAL Ml INCREASED BY 8.3 PER CENT, TOTAL M2 BY 18.8 PER CENT AND TOTAL M3 BY 12.5 PER CENT. IN THE TWELVE MONTHS TO SEPTEMBER, THESE THREE AGGREGATES GREW BY 15.8 PER CENT, 80.4 PER CENT AND 42.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DIRECTLY TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG INCREASED MARGINALLY, BY 0.5 PER CENT, IN SEPTEMBER, AFTER A DECREASE OF 0.2 PER CENT IN AUGUST. OVER THREE MONTHS THE INCREASE WAS 0.3 PER CENT, AND OVER TWELVE MONTHS 9.8 PER CENT. OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG ROSE BY 3.1 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 2.1 PER CENT IN AUGUST. OVER THREE MONTHS THE INCREASE WAS 6.6 PER CENT, AND OVER TWELVE MONTHS 35.9 PER CENT.
QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR
IN THE THIRD QUARTER, LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ROSE ONLY MARGINALLY, BY 0.6 PER CENT, WHILE THOSE TO THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR ROSE BY 7.4 PER CENT. LOANS TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE ROSE BY 8.2 PER CENT. BORROWING BY INDIVIDUALS TO PURCHASE FLATS IN THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME INCREASED BY 4.4 PER CENT AND BORROWING TO PURCHASE OTHER RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY ROSE BY 3.2 PER CENT. LOANS TO FINANCIAL CONCERNS (OTHER THAN BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES) GREW FAIRLY RAPIDLY, BY 16.0 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
THERE WERE INCREASES IN SEPTEMBER OF 427 r> nil i mw ta monetary'sector »2T7FB>Lu?Ncu?5E,^IeSAt;t1![^5 JJI goyoRE Ign gSJ ^lksiTTETAT^eSISDTiAsSeMiRE o¥ “ET
/BALANCE SHEET .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1982
BALANCE SHEET RATIOS
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 18 OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE) FOR ALL BANKS IN HONG KONG DECREASED SLIGHTLY IN SEPTEMBER, TO 47.8 PER CENT FROM 48.1 PER CENT IN AUGUST. THE RATIO OF THEIR LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG TO THEIR DEPOSITS FELL AGAIN, TO 73.1 PER CENT AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER FROM 75.6 PER CENT AT THE END OF AUGUST AS THE RAPID EXPANSION OF DEPOSITS WITH BANKS CONTINUED, UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE SHIFT OF DEPOSITS FROM DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 24A OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE) FOR ALL DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES INCREASED TO 53.7 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER FROM 52.8 PER CENT IN AUGUST. THE RATIO OF THEIR LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG TO THEIR DEPOSITS ROSE FURTHER TO 112.9 PER CENT AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER FROM 103.2 PER CENT AT THE END OF AUGUST.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING BANKS IN SEPTEMBER INCREASED BY ONE TO 125. THE NUMBER OF LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 16 AND THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES INCREASED BY ONE TO 345.
Monetary . _ 5 _ FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1982
Statistics - New Series: End of September 19&2 Table 1 HK$ Mn
Mdney Supply September 1982 Figures for Earlier Months (% change) August 1982 June ~ 1982 September 1981
M1 - Total 28,i4i 26,460 (+6.4%) 25,993 (+8.3%) 24,311 (+15.8%)
HKS 25,569 24,095 (+5.3%) 24,000 (+5.7%) 23.233 (+9.2%)
M2 - Total 195,087 183.597 (+6.3%) 164,189 (+18.8%) 108,112 (+80.4%)
HKS 119,468 114,611 (+4.2%) 105,876 (+12.8%) 91,042 ( + 31.2%)
M? - Total 239,355 229,908 (+4.1%) 212,748 (+12.5%) 168,129 (+42.4%)
HKS 148,351 146,597 (+1.2%) 142,282 (+4.3%) 139,514 (+6.3%)
Banka* Balance Sheets Deposits 180,110 169,701 (+6.1%) 150,802 (+19.4%) 97,161 (+85.4%)
Negotiable certificates of deposit 8,554 7,827 (+6.5%) 7,355 (+13-3%) 3,568 (+133.6%)
outstanding Loans and advances; To finance Hong Kong’s visible trade 22,579 22,453 (+0.6%) 22,658 (-0.3%) 20,555 (+9.8%)
For use in Hong Kong 151,625 128,292 (+2.6%) 123,974 (+6.2%) 96,303 (+36.7%)
For use outside Hong Kong 55,580 35,343 (+0.7%) 34,328 (+3.6%) 34,952 (+1.8%)
Domestic loan/Deposit Ratio Average Liquidity Ratio Deposit-taking Companies’ Balance Sheets Deposits 75.1% 47.8% 45,158 75.6% 48.1% 45,125 (-4.4%) 82.2% 48.7% 47,455 (-9.1%) 99.1% 52.1% 59,207 (-27.1%)
Negotiable certificates of deposit 1,522 1,614 (-5.7%) 1,554 (-2.1%) 1,245 (+22.2%)
outstanding Loans and advances: To finance Hong Kong’s visible trade 2,510 2,502 (+0.J%) 2,357 (+6.5%) 2,302 (+9.0%)
For use in Hong Kong 48,695 46,567 (+4.6%) 168 (+7.8%) 36,400 (+33.8%)
For use outside Hong Kong 55,780 54,322 (+2.7%) 48,255 (+15.6%) 40,711 (+37.0%)
Domestic loan/Deposit Ratio Average Liquidity Ratio 112.9% 55-7% 103.2% 52.8% 95.2% 53.4% 61.5% 46.?%
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1982
Table 2
Category of Borrower Quarterly Analysis of Loans and Advances for use in Hong Kong
Loans and Advances by banks HKSmn. Loans and Advances by deposit-taking companies
ending September 1982 ending June 1982 ending September 1982 ending June 1982
Manufacturing 14,068 (+0.6%) 15,984 2,445 (+0.8%) 2,426
of which textile 2,885 (+7.4%) 2,687 226 (+15.3$) 196
Transport and transport equipment 9,492 (+12.1%) 8,468 4,700 (+13.0%) 4,158
Building and construction 33,989 (+6.0%) 32,069 12,586 (+11.5%) 11,504
Wholesale and retail trade 16,905 (+7.6%) 15.709 5,101 (+11.5%) 2,782
Financial concerns* 10,156 (+12.4%) 9,021 5,165 (+29.5%) 2,445
Individuals : to purchase flats in the Home Ownership Scheme and Private Sector Participation Scheme 1,102 (+2.0%) 1,080 941 (+7.4%) 876
to purchase other residential property 9,585 (+0.6%) 9,531 6,553 (+7.3%) 5,919
other purposes 13.849 (+5.2%) 13,162 9,029 (+0.7%) 8,965
Others 22,497 (+7.4%) 20,950 6,377 (+1-3%) 6,295
Total* 151,625 (+6.2%) 125,974 48,695 (+7.8%) 45,168
•This excludes funds advanced to banks and deposit-taking companies
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/7........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1982
7
DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES VISITS NORTH DISTRICT AND TAI PO * * * *
THE NEWLY APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, JOHN HEYWOOD, TODAY (FRIDAY) INSPECTED WORK BEING CARRIED OUT ON THE ERECTION OF THE FIRST EVER AIR-SUPPORT STRUCTURE AT ONE OF THE HEATED POOLS OF THE FANLING SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX DURING A FAMILIARISATION VISIT.
THE $2 MILLION PROJECT EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR WILL PROTECT BATHERS AGAINST THE WINDS WHILE ENJOYING A DIP IN THE UNCOVER HEATED POOL DURING COLD WEATHER.
MR HEYWOOD, WHO WAS ACCOMPANIED BY MR BOWEN LEUNG, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (NORTH REGION) OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DURING HIS VISIT WAS BRIEFED ON THE PROJECT BY THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF NORTH, W LAW WAI-MING.
MR HEYWOOD THEN PROCEEDED TO SHEK WU HUI WHERE HE HAD A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN FROM THE ROOF OF A HIGH-RISE BUILDING. HERE HE WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON THE WORK BEING DONE TO PROVIDE A RANGE OF SERVICES FOR THE LOCAL RESIDENTS AND THE PLANS FOR NEW PROJECTS IN THE FUTURE.
THE NEW PROJECTS WILL INCLUDE A LARGE GOVERNMENT ABATTOIR WITH AN INITIAL SLAUGHTERING CAPACITY OF 3 OOO PIGS A DAY AND RISING TO 4 500 PIGS EVENTUALLY WHICH IS IN LINE WITH THE LONG TERM REQUIREMENTS OF THE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING NEW TOWN. THE CONSTRUCTION COST FOR THE PROJECT IS ESTIMATED AT MORE THAN $150 MILLION.
MR HEYWOOD NEXT VISITED TAI PO WHERE HE WAS MET BY THE DISTRICT URBAN SERVICES OFFICER, MR NG YING-NEEN, WHO BRIEFED HIM ON VARIOUS SERVICES AND FACILITIES BEING PROVIDED IN THE AREA.
MR HEYWOOD LATER WENT TO THE WORK SITE FOR A TEMPORARY MARKET AT PO HEUNG STREET WHERE SOME 350 ELIGIBLE HAWKERS NOW TRADING IN PO YICK HAWKER BAZAAR WILL EVENTUALLY BE ACCOMMODATED. THE PO YICK HAWKER BAZAAR WILL BE DEMOLISHED EARLY NEXT YEAR TO MAKE WAY FOR DEVELOPMENT.
BEFORE LEAVING, MR HEYWOOD TOURED A NURSERY AT TUNG TZE, CLEANSING AND OTHER FACILITIES AT SHUEN WAN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA AND THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
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SALE OF QUEENSWAY SITE SUSPENDED £ i J
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THREE TENDERS WERE RECEIVED WHEN THE DEADLINE CLOSED AT NOON FOR A 10 690-SQUARE-METRE SITE ON QUEENSWAY, INLAND LOT NO. 8571.
/DEVELOPMENT .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1982
8
DEVELOPMENT CONDITIONS FOR THIS SITE REQUIRED THAT A PODIUM AND THREE TOWER BLOCKS BE CONSTRUCTED. TWO OF THE TOWER BLOCKS WOULD BE FOR OFFICE USE AND, IN THE CASE OF THE THIRD BLOCK, THERE WAS AN OPTION OF EITHER OFFICE OR HOTEL USE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LANDS DEPARTMENT SAID THAT FOLLOWING A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE TENDERS RECEIVED IT WAS DECIDED NOT TO AWARD ANY TENDER.
HE SAID THAT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TENDER CONDITIONS THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT BOUND TO ACCEPT ANY TENDER.
HE SAID THAT IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE THE TENDER PRICES WERE UNACCEPTABLE AS THEY DID NOT REFLECT THE POTENTIAL OF THIS LARGE, CENTRALLY-LOCATED SITE.
HE CONSIDERED THAT THE LOW PRICES OFFERED FOR THE SITE AND THE SMALL NUMBER OF TENDERS RECEIVED REFLECTED THE CURRENT DEPRESSED STATE OF THE PROPERTY MARKET AND A RELUCTANCE TO BECOME INVOLVED IN PROJECTS WITH HEAVY DEVELOPMENT COSTS.
THE SITE WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE AND WILL BE RE-OFFERED FOR SALE WHEN THERE IS A REVIVAL OF INTEREST.
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CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE HAPPIER FAMILY LIFE M * * * *
AIMS LIFE
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION IS A FORM OF COMMUNITY EDUCATION WHICH TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE VITAL IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY AND TO MOTIVATE THEIR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN VARIOUS
ACTIVITIES.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR CF SOCIAL WELFARE (OPERATIONS), MRS EVELYN DOE AT A JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE THE KICK-OFF CEREMONY OF THIS YEAR S FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN NEXT TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 9) AT THE ACADEMY HALL.
MRS DOE SAID +ADOLESCENT AND THE FAMILY* HAD BEEN CHOSEN AS THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN THEME AND THE TARGET GROUPS WOULD BE YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 11 AND 18 AND THEIR PARENTS.
+THROUGH A SERIES OF EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES, PARENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS MAY KNOW BETTER THE GROWTH, BEHAVIOUR, THE ROLES AND THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE YOUTH IN THE FAMILY AND THE SOCIETY,* SHE SAID.
THE UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT FROM THE ADULTS, SHE ADDED, WOULD LEAD TO A HAPPIER FAMILY LIFE.
THE YEAR-LONG TERRITORY-WIDE CAMPAIGN WILL KICK OFF WITH A VARIETY SHOW ON TUESDAY STARTING AT 8 PM. IT WILL BE OFFICIATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE.
THE ONE-AND-A-HALF-HOUR SHOW IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES.
/THE programme .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1982
THE PROGRAMME WILL CONSIST OF SINGING, DANCING, SHORT DRAMA BY TELEVISION ARTISTES AND OTHER PERFORMANCES — ALL CARRYING MESSAGES OF THE CAMPAIGN THEME.
THE ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME, COUPLED WITH DOCUMENTARY FILMS AND INTERVIEWS, WILL BE SCREENED ON TELEVISION ON NOVEMBER 14.
APART FROM THIS LARGE SHOW, MRS DOE SAID, A SERIES OF PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES WOULD ALSO BE ORGANISED BY DISTRICT COMMITTEES ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION AND THE VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES IN THE DISTRICTS TO DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGES OF A HARMONIOUS FAMILY LIFE.
IN SUPPORT OF THE CAMPAIGN, A VARIETY OF PUBLICITY MATERIALS HAVE ALSO BEEN PRODUCED.
THESE INCLUDE A 13-PART CHINESE RADIO PROGRAMME, A TELEVISION SHORT FILM AND A RADIO ANNOUNCEMENT DIRECTED AT THE TARGET GROUPS, AS WELL AS POSTERS, CALENDARS, AND BOOK MARKS BEARING THE CAMPAIGN MESSAGES AND SLOGANS.
ALSO ATTENDED AT TODAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE ARE *R SIMON LUN AND MISS MARIA WAN OF RTHK, MRS BETTY SHUM OF GIS M SS WINNIE LAU CF THE HONG HONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, MR KAM ^ING-TONG OF SWD, MR CHIU YU-HEI, A DONOR AND POPULAR SINGERS AND TELEVISION ARTISTES.
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APPOINTMENT OF DISTRICT JUDGE * * * *
MR LEONARDO JOSE D’ALMADA REMEDIOS, A LOCAL SOLICITOR. HAS BEEN APPOINTED DISTRICT JUDGE. THE APPOINTMENT WILL TAKE EFFECT ON DECEMBER 1, 1982.
MR D’ALMADA REMEDIOS WAS BORN IN HONG KONG IN 1924. HE WAS EDUCATED AT LA SALLE COLLEGE. HE BECAME AN ARTICLED CLERK IN HONG KONG IN 1946 BUT COMPLETED HIS ARTICLES IN ENGLAND WHERE HE QUALIFIED AS A SOLICITOR IN 1950. HE RETURNED TO HONG KONG IN 1951 SINCE THEN HE HAS BEEN IN PRIVATE PRACTICE AS A SOLICITOR.
HE HAS BEEN DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE INLAND REVENUE BOARD OF REVIEW SINCE 1963 AND SAT AS A DEPUTY DISTRICT JUDGE IN 1981.
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CHINESE VISITORS OFFICE MOVES TO HONG KONG ISLAND
X x x
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT'S CHINESE VISITORS OFFICF in pantan ROAD, KOWLOON, WILL MOVE TO A NEW OFFICE AT NEW RODNFY RI nrJ CA T° QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 8). NEY BL°CK'
SITUATED "H“H IS
/IT rfILL ...........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1982
- 10
IT WILL DEAL WITH APPLICATIONS FOR EXTENSIONS OF STAY, RE-ENTRY VISAS AND DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY FROM TEMPORARY RESIDENTS HOLDING HONG KONG ENTRY PERMITS, CHINESE PASSPORTS OR EXIT PERMITS FROM CHINA.
♦APPLICATION PROCEDURES WOULD BE SIMILAR TO THOSE IN THE CANTON ROAD OFFICE. APPLICANTS SHOULD FIRST OBTAIN A NUMBER TAG INDICATING THE TIME TO HAND IN THEIR APPLICATIONS. THE TAGS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO APPLICANTS, STARTING FROM 7 AM AT THE OPEN GROUND IN FRONT OF THE NEW RODNEY BLOCK,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE SERVICE OF THIS NEW OFFICE WILL BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE THE ISSUING OF IDENTITY CARDS TO NEW ENTRANTS FROM CHINA AND THE ISSUING OF MACAU VISIT PERMITS TO MACAU RESIDENTS LATER IN THE MONTH.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES CAN TELEPHONE 3-7333111.
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STREET CLOSURE FOR MTR ISLAND LINE CONSTRUCTION X M K X
A SECTION OF EAST POINT ROAD BETWEEN LOCKHART ROAD AND HENNESSY ROAD IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY IN EARLY DECEMBER THIS YEAR TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MTR ISLAND LINE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, PEDESTRIAN FOOTPATHS WILL BE PROVIDED ON OR NEAR THE PRESENT ROUTE OF EAST POINT ROAD. A NEW TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME TO BE ANNOUNCED LATER WILL BE IMPLEMENTED AND TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE ERECTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
A NOTICE IN RESPECT OF THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY). COPIES OF THE NOTICE, TOGETHER WITH THE ROAD CLOSURE PLAN (NO. MT/G/215), MAY BE INSPECTED DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AT 222-224 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL; ITS ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE AT CGO WEST WING I THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AT 201 HENNESSY ROAD; OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE IN MURRAY BUILDING, COTTON TREE DRIVE.
CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF THE CLOSURE MUST BE MADE IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT AND MUST REACH HIS OFFICE WITHIN ONE YEAR AFTER THE ROAD IS REOPENED.
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/11
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1982
11
GAMES COMPETITIONS FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE * * * *
MORE THAN 500 ELDERLY PEOPLE FROM YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK WILL TAKE PART IN A SERIES OF LIGHT-HEARTED GAMES COMPETITIONS TO BE HELD AT THE KOWLOON PARK IN TSIM SHA TSUI TOMORROW (SATURDAY) STARTING FROM 9 AM.
THE GAMES ARE ENTITLED +DRESSING GRANDMA+, ♦WEIGHING PANDA*, ♦FLORAL WRITING*, ♦SEDAN-CHAIR RACE* AND +CHEER LEADER CONTEST*.
THE EVENT WILL FORM PART OF THE 10-WEEK LONG +YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK INTER-DISTRICT COMPETITION* PROGRAMME WHICH STARTED ON SEPTEMBER 18.
THE INTER-DISTRICT COMPETITION HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY A LOCAL COMMITTEE COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.
ANOTHER ITEM IN THE INTER-DISTRICT COMPETITION TO BE HELD THIS WEEKEND WILL BE A RECITATION CONTEST BETWEEN GROUPS OF YOUTHS FROM THE YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK DISTRICTS TO BE HELD AT 8 PM AT THE HENRY G. LEONG COMMUNITY CENTRE OF PUBLIC SQUARE STREET, YAU MA TEI.
OTHER ITEMS INCLUDED IN THE INTER-DISTRICT COMPETITION PROGRAMME ARE DANCING, DEBATE, DRAWING COMPETITION AND LONG DISTANCE RUN.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE DRAWING COMPETITION, TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 21 AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE, ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE TWO DISTRICT OFFICES AND THEIR SUB-OFFICES.
THE WHOLE COMPETITION PROGRAMME WILL COST THE ORGANISERS $500 000 WHICH WILL BE MET WITH FUNDS FROM THE TWO DISTRICT BOARDS AND FROM PRIVATE DONATIONS.
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BUS-ONLY LANES IN MID-LEVELS * * *
BUS-ONLY LANES HAVE BEEN RE IMPOSED IN THE MIDDLE LEVELS.
tmf TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED MOTORISTS NOT TO ENTER ThIIanIs EVEN ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
TUC I AMFC arf ON CAINE ROAD WESTBOUND, BONHAM ROAD WESTBOUND BETWEEN PARK ROAD^AND KINE ROAD, AND PARK ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN BONHAM ROAD AND LYTTELTON ROAD.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1982
12
CURTAILMENT OF TRAM SERVICES ON SATURDAY * K * *
TRAM SERVICES WILL BE SHORTEN TOMORROW (SATURDAY) FOR THE REALIGNMENT OF TRAM TRACKS IN NORTH POINT.
THE LAST TRAMS WILL LEAVE HAPPY VALLEY FOR SHAU KEI WAN AT ID PM , WESTERN MARKET FOR SHAU KEI WAN AT 9.45 PM, SHAU KEI WAN FOR HAPPY VALLEY AT 10.30 PM AND SHAU KEI WAN FOR WESTERN MARKET AT 10.35 PM.
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FIRING PRACTICE IN SAI KUNG * M M
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE FOR FIVE DAYS IN THE BASALT ISLAND RANGE IN SAI KUNG NEXT MONTH FROM DECEMBER 6 TO 10.
ALL AIRCRAFT AND VESSELS ARE WARMED TO KEEP OUT OF THE AREA DURING PRACTICE TIMES. AND VESSELS FOUND IN THE AREA WILL BE TOWED OUT BY THE MILITARY AUTHORITIES.
DATES AND TIMES OF FIRING PRACTICE ARE FROM 8 AM TO NOON EACH DAY FROM DECEMBER 6 TO 8 (MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY) J AND FROM 1.30 PM TO 4 PM ON DECEMBER 9 AND 10 (THURSDAY AND FRIDAY).
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL OPENS............................... -j
SHAM SHUT PO DB MEMBERS TOUR DISTRICT ......................... 1
LIFE-SAVING SERVICE VITAL TO BATHERS .......................... 2
SEMINARS ON DRAFT HISTORY SYLLABUS ............................ 3
SECONDARY SCHOOL PROVISION ON DB AGENDA ....................... 4
HOLIDAY PARKING CHARGES IN CAUSEWAY BAY ....................... 5
PIANO DUO TO PERFORM IN HONG KONG.............................. 5
FORESHORE AND SEABED FOR BERTHING FACILITIES .................. 6
LAND TENDERS INVITED .......................................... g
FIRING PRACTICE ............................................... y
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EAST KOWLOON WAY AND AIRPORT TUNNEL .... 7
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TO KWA WAN AND MA TAU KOK........ 7
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1982
1 -
TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL OPENS
* * *
THE FOURTH TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, bR IAN MACPHERSON.
THE THREE-WEEK ANNUAL FESTIVAL, AIMED AT PROMOTING LOCAL SPORTS STANDARDS, WILL PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES INCLUDING VARIOUS KINDS OF BALL GAMES, WATER SPORTS, BOXING, ROLLER-SKATING AND GO-KART RACING.
A HIGHLIGHT OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE THE INTERNATIONAL TABLE-TENNIS INVITATION COMPETITION AND A TEAM FROM CHINA HAS BEEN INVITED TO PERFORM IN THIS EVENT.
A BASKETBALL-ON-WHEELCHAIR COMPETITION FOR THE DISABLED HAS ALSO BEEN INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAMME SO THAT THE HANDICAPPED WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO ENJOY THE FESTIVAL.
ALTOGETHER 60 EVENTS WILL BE HELD AT 15 VENUES IN THE DISTRICT. ADMISSION TO ALL THE EVENTS WILL BE FREE.
TICKETS AND PROGRAMME BROCHURES ARE AVAILABLE FROM TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES, RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT OFFICES AND THE FEDERATION OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION.
THE EXPENSES OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE OVER $420 000, OF WHICH $300 000 WILL BE FINANCED BY TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE BALANCE FROM LOCAL DONATIONS.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, AND THE FESTIVAL CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN.
THE FESTIVAL HAS BEEN 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.
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SHAM SHU I PO DB MEMBERS TOUR DISTRICT * * * * *
ELECTED AND APPOINTED UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD TODAY (SATURDAY) TOURED THE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE GROUP WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, bR STEPHEN IP, AND OTHER OFFICIAL BOARD MEMBERS.
THEY FIRST ARRIVED AT THE SHAM SHU I PO FERRY CONCOURSE WHERE THEY WERE BRIEFED ON THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR PROJECT NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS ON THE WATERFRONT RECLAMATION INCLUDING A CULTURAL COMPLEX, A POLYCLINIC, A MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK, A COMMUNITY CENTRE AND SCHOOLS.
/the MEMBERS .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1982
2
THE MEMBERS THEN PROCEEDED TO HAWKER AREAS IN PEI HO AND APLIU STREETS WHERE THEY WERE TOLD THAT THE SHAM SHU I PO MARKET WOULD BE REDEVELOPED NEXT YEAR AND OPERATORS THERE WOULD BE RESITED TEMPORARILY TO TUNG CHAU STREET, UNDER THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR.
THE PARTY ALSO VISITED THE TAI HANG TUNG RESETTLEMENT ESTATE WHERE THEY SAW THE TYPICAL WORK OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE THE LIVING CONDITIONS AT OLDER ESTATES THROUGH IN-SITU CONVERSION OF FLATS AND BUILDING NEW BLOCKS ON THE SITES OF OLD ONES.
AT THE ADJACENT NAM SHAN ESTATE, THEY LEARNED THAT THE LARGE MURAL PROVIDED BY THEIR DISTRICT BOARD HAD PROVED A POPULAR SPOT FOR CHILDREN.
THE MURAL, DEPICTING A COLOURFUL CARP AND AN UNDERWATER SCENE, HAS ITS CENTRE PART LEFT BLANK TO LET CHILDREN EXPRESS THEIR ARTISTIC TALENTS.
THE MORNING TOUR ALSO TOOK THE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TO THE CHU KOO CHAI SQUATTER AREA WHERE THE CO-OPERATION OF THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD BROUGHT ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS.
LATER AT THE LAI KOK ESTATE AND THE HOME OWNERSHIP CHING LAI COURT, THEY HAD DISCUSSIONS FROM VANTAGE POINTS ON DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS FOR SHAM SHU I PO AND ON THE LAI CHI KOK RECLAMATION.
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LIFE-SAVING SERVICE VITAL TO BATHERS * * * * *
THERE ARE MANY KEEN READY TO MAKE THEMSELVES
AND CAPABLE VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE ALWAYS
------------------------ AVAILABLE TO UNDERTAKE LIFE-SAVING DUTIES TO SUPPLEMENT GOVERNMENT’S OWN STAFF RESOURCE SO THAT THE PUBLIC CAN ENJOY BATHING IN SAFETY, THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JOHN HEYWOOD STATED TODAY AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES LIFE-SAVING OPEN COMPETITION AT KWAI SHING PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL.
HE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH BATHING MAY BE ENJOYABLE, THERE WAS HOWEVER ALWAYS THE DANGER OF ACCIDENT, SOMETIMES FATAL, WHEN INEXPERIENCED SWIMMERS KNOWINGLY OR UNKNOWINGLY CHALLENGE THE FORCES OF NATURE.
AND TO MEET THIS THREAT TO LIFE, THE SKILL OF LIFE-SAVING HAS BEEN FOSTERED AND DEVELOPED, PARTICULARLY BY A NUMBER OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS WHO TRAIN THEIR MEMBERS IN LIFE-SAVING, HE ADDED.
/AMONG THE........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1982
3
AMONG THE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS ARE THE HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB, THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE AND ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE.
MR HEYWOOD SAID THE GOVERNMENT ALSO EMPLOYED AND TRAINED LIFEGUARDS AND DEPLOYED THEM AT BEACHES IT MANAGED.
HE PAID TRIBUTE TO ALL THOSE LIFE SAVERS, VOLUNTEERS AND GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES ALIKE, WHO WORK ON THE PUBLIC BEACHES MANAGED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
+THE BATHING PUBLIC IS GREATLY IN YOUR DEBT FOR, AS I HAVE SAID, IT IS YOUR PRESENCE AT PUBLIC BATHING FACILITIES DURING THE LONG HOT SUMMER DAYS WHICH ENABLES THE MAXIMUM BENEFIT TO BE DERIVED FROM OUR BEACHES AND POOLS FOR RECREATIONAL AND LEISURE PURPOSES,* HE SAID.
ALTHOUGH THE EVER-INCREASING NUMBER OF SWIMMERS AT THE NTSD BEACHES EACH YEAR MADE THE TASK OF LIFE SAVERS EVEN MORE DIFFICULT, MR HEYWOOD SAID THERE WAS ALWAYS A NEED TO IMPROVE THE LIFE-SAVING SKILLS AND TO DO BETTER.
IT WAS FOR THIS REASON THAT THE NTSD HAD ORGANISED LIFEGUARD TRAINING COURSES THIS YEAR AND TODAY’S OPEN COMPETITION, MR HEYWOOD POINTED OUT.
MR HEYWOOD SAID THE COMPETITION COULD FOSTER THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT OF THESE IMPORTANT LIFE-SAVING SKILLS, AND SUCH IMPROVEMENTS MIGHT WELL MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LIFE SAVED AND A LIFE LOST.
TODAY’S COMPETITION, WITH 140 EXPERIENCED LIFEGUARDS TAKING PART, WAS AIMED AT TESTING THE PARTICIPANTS’ ENDURANCE AND SWIMMING ABILITY AS WELL AS THEIR LIFE-SAVING TECHNIQUES.
FOR MOST OF THE DAY, NON-STOP RESCUE OPERATIONS WENT ON AT KWAI SHING SWIMMING POOL. THE COMPETITION CAME TO A HAPPY END IN THE AFTERNOON WITH TROPHIES PRESENTED TO THE WINNING TEAMS BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (NORTH REGION) OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR BOWEN LEUNG.
ALSO TAKING PART IN THE FUNCTION WERE THE DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG LIFEGUARD CLUB, MR KWOK HON-MING, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF NEW TERRITORIES BRANCH OF HONG KONG LIFEGUARD CLUB, MR LAU HON-WAH.
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SEMINARS ON DRAFT HISTORY SYLLABUS KO*
HISTORY TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A SERIES OF SEMINARS TO BE HELD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 30 AND DECEMBER 3 ON A DRAFT HISTORY SYLLABUS FOR FORM/MIDDLE 1-5 RECENTLY PREPARED BY THE HISTORY SUBJECT COMMITTEE.
+THE AIMS OF THE SEMINARS ARE TO FAMILIARISE TEACHERS WITH THE DRAFT SYLLABUS, TO GATHER TEACHERS’ COMMENTS AND TO DISCUSS ITS IMPLEMENTATION,* AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
/TEB SEMINARS, .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 13-i
- 4 -
THE SEMINARS, COMPRISING SHORT TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS, WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE AT THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE TEACHING CENTRE, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, 5TH FLOOR, NORTH POINT.
OWING TO LIMITED SEATING CAPACITY, EACH SCHOOL IS REQUESTED TO NOMINATE NOT MORE THAN TWO TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE SEMINARS AND APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A *FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED* BASIS.
SCHOOL HEADS SHOULD SEND THEIR NOMINATIONS TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR (HISTORY), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN NOVEMBER 16.
THE DRAFT SYLLABUS HAS RECENTLY BEEN SENT TO ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR CONCERNED TEACHERS’ INFORMATION AND COMMENTS. THEIR COMMENTS SHOULD BE SENT ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 10, 1983 TO THE PRINCIPAL CURRICULUM PLANNING OFFICER (SECONDARY), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG.
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SECONDARY SCHOOL PROVISION ON DB AGENDA # # # #
GOVERNMENT POLICY ON SECONDARY SCHOOL PROVISION IN KWUN TONG AND THE STUDENT TRAVEL SCHEME WILL BE CONSIDERED AT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 8).
A PROPOSAL TO SET UP A TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO ASSESS THE ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT WILL ALSO BE RAISED FOR DISCUSSION.
ANOTHER ITEM FOR COMMENT WILL BE AN ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR MEMBERS WHICH COVERS BRIEFINGS, SEMINARS AND VISITS TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
THE BOARD CONSISTS OF 12 ELECTED MEMBERS, 12 APPOINTED UNOFFICIALS, THREE URBAN COUNCILLORS AND NINE OFFICIAL MEMBERS.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON MR GRAHAM BARNES WILL ALSO ATTEND THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 8) IN THE SCHOOL HALL OF LEUNG SHEK CHEE COLLEGE, HIU KWONG STREET, SAU MAU PING, KWUN TONG.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1982
- 5 -
HOLIDAY PARKING CHARGES IN CAUSEWAY BAY * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT PARKING CHARGES AT METERED PARKING SPACES ON 13 BUSY STREETS IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE EXTENDED TO SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (NOVEMBER 7).
THE CHARGES WILL BE THE SAME AS THOSE ON WEEKDAYS BUT THE OPERATING HOURS WILL BE FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM.
THE PARKING SPACES WHICH HAVE METER POSTS PAINTED VIOLET AT THE TOP WILL BE LOCATED ON CLEVELAND STREET, PERCIVAL STREET, LOCKHART ROAD BETWEEN PERCIVAL STREET AND EAST POINT ROAD, JAFFE ROAD BETWEEN PERCIVAL STREET AND EAST POINT ROAD, HYSAN AVENUE, SUN WUI ROAD, HOI PING ROAD, SUNNING ROAD, YAN PING ROAD, LAN FONG ROAD, PAK SHA ROAD, LEE GARDEN ROAD AND RUSSELL STREET.
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PIANO DUO TO PERFORM IN HONG KONG
ISRAELI PIANO DUO BRACHA EDEN AND ALEXANDER TAMIR WILL GIVE A CONCERT WITH THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AT 3 PM ON NOVEMBER 13 (SATURDAY) AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL.
THE CONCERT, PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE CONCERTMASTER OF THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, MIRAN KOJIAN.
MR KOJIAN WAS FORMERLY CONCERTMASTER OF THE NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IN WASHINGTON AND MUSIC DIRECTOR OF THE VIRGINIA CHAMBER SYMPHONY AND THE WOLF TRAP PLAYERS. HE WAS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA AND THE NATIONAL SYMPHONY STRING QUARTET.
THE PROGRAMME WILL START WITH MOZART’S CONCERTO IN E FLAT MAJOR FOR TWO PIANOS AND POULENC’S CONCERTO IN D MINOR FOR TWO PIANOS AND CONCLUDE WITH TCHAIKOVSKY’S SYMPHONY NO. 4 IN F MINOR.
EDEN AND TAMIR BECAME A PIANO DUO IN 1951 UPON GRADUATION FROM THE JERUSALEM ACADEMY OF MUSIC AND HAVE PERFORMED WITH LEADING ORCHESTRAS IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD.
THEY WERE AWARDED THE COVETED +GRAND PRIX DU DISQUE+ IN 1968 AND THEIR MANY RECORDS HAVE BEEN ACCLAIMED INTERNATIONALLY.
BESIDES THE CONCERT. EDEN AND TAMIR WILL CONDUCT A PIANO MASTER CLASS ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 9) BETWEEN 5.30 PM AND 7.30 PM AT THE RECITAL HALL, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE.
AT THE MASTER CLASS, STUDENTS WILL PLAY DVORAK’S ’SLAVONIC DANCE’, MILHAUD’S SUITE ’SCARAMOUCHE’ AND SMETANA’S ’RONDO IN C MAJOR’.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS FOR BOTH EVENTS MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE MUSIC OFFICE HEADQUARTERS, 9/F., HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE OR AT ANY CF ITS MUSIC CENTRES.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE BY DIALLING 3-7226240.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1982
6
FORESHORE AND SEABED FOR BERTHING FACILITIES
* M * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO GRANT A LEASE OF 3 380 SQUARE METRES OF THE FORESHORE AND SEABED IN WESTERN PART OF TSI NG Yl ISLAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL BERTHING FACILITIES AT THE CALTEX OIL TERMINAL THERE.
THE AREA INVOLVED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE AND ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD REACH THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
THE NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN MAY ALSO BE SEEN AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FOU WAH CENTRE, 2ND FLOOR, 210 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN AND AT THE SURVEY DIVISION OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, MJRRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
-----0------
LAND TENDERS INVITED
A' . * * *
I 'J ’
' THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR TWO PIECES OF LAND.
THE FIRST LOT OF ABOUT 7 304 SQUARE METRES IN HAMMER HILL ROAD, KOWLOON IS INTENDED FOR A PRIVATE-SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME FOR NON-INDUSTRI AL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES.
THE^DER DEADLINE IS 12 NOON ON DECEMBER 31, 1982.
THE OTHER LOT OF ABOUT 2 550 SQUARE METRES IS LOCATED AT TSI NG Yl HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD ON TSI NG Yl ISLAND AND IS EARMARKED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND GODOWN PURPOSES.
THE TENDER DEADLINE FOR THIS SITE IS 12 NOON ON DECEMBER 17, 1982.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT, THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (KOWLOON WEST), KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
- - - - 0-----------
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1982
7
FIRING PRACTICE * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 8) TO SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 13).
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING.
THE DATES AND TIMES OF THE PRACTICE ARE AS FOLLOWSt-
DATE
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER 10
NOVEMBER 11
NOVEMBER 12
NOVEMBER 13
8 (MONDAY)
9 (TUESDAY)
(WEDNESDAY)
(THURSDAY) (FRIDAY) (SATURDAY)
TIME
9 AM - 5 PM
8 AM - 5 PM
8 AM - 5 PM
8 AM - 5 PM
8 AM - 4.30 PM
8 AM - 5 PM
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EAST KOWLOON WAY AND AIRPORT TUNNEL * * * *
THE AIRPORT TUNNEL’S EASTBOUND TUBE AND THE NORTHBOUND SECTION CF EAST KOWLOON WAY FROM WUHU INTERCHANGE TO SAN SHAN INTERCHANGE WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 11 PM AND 5 AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING STARTING FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 8) FOR ABOUT 12 CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS.
THE CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE THE INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL EQUIPMENT ALONG EAST KOWLOON WAY.
DURING THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE, TRAFFIC FROM THE TSIM SHA TSUI AND MONG KOK AREA HEADING FOR KWUN TONG WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, MA TAU WAI ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST.
------0-------
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TO KWA WAN AND MA TAU KOK
XX ii XX
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 8) IN TO KWA WAN AND MA TAU KOK TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, A NEW ROAD LEADING FROM HA HEUNG ROAD TO KOWLOON CITY ROAD WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC.
HA HEUNG ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH SHEUNG HEUNG ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
------o-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FESPIC GAMES CLOSES............................................ 1
HK ACCEPTED AS LEADEN IN COUNTER DISASTER OPERATIONS .......... 1
KCR OPERATION DIRECTOR APPOINTED .............................. 5
FIFTH HONG KONG BAND FESTIVAL ................................ 5
MORE SCHOOLS ADOPT ACTIVITY APPROACH ......................... 4
NTSD INVITING TENDERS............ ............................. 5
DEVELOPMENT PROJECT TOR TUEN MUN .............................. 6
THEN MUN ICE STALL FOR AUCTION
6
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1982
1
FESPIC GAMES CLOSES M * * *
THE THIRD FAR EAST AND SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES FOR THE DISABLED ENDED THIS (SUNDAY) EVENING WITH A CEREMONY PRESIDED OVER BY THE VISITING MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL SECURITY AND THE DISABLED, MR HUGH ROSSI.
A PARACHUTE DISPLAY BY THE BRITISH FORCES, A PRECISION MARCHING PERFORMANCE AND FANFARES ADDED COLOUR TO THE CLOSING CEREMONY HELD AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE.
ALSO ATTENDING THE CEREMONY WERE THE GOVERNOR AND LADY YOUDE.
IN HIS SPEECH, MR ROSSI CONGRATULATED HONG KONG ON ITS SUCCESSFUL ORGANISATION OF THE GAMES.
+THIS INTERNATIONAL SPORTS EVENT HAS NOT SIMPLY BEEN THE LARGEST EVER YET HELD IN HONG KONG? IT HAS BEEN A UNIQUE AND QUITE MOVING EXPERIENCE.
+THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAVE SEEN FROM WHAT DISABLED SPORTSMEN HAVE SHOWN THEM THAT 'DISABLED' DOES NOT MEAN 'UNABLE' AND THAT DISABILITY CAN BE CONQUERED,* HE SAID.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE GAMES ORGANISING COMMITTEE, DR HARRY FANG, WHO INVITED MR ROSSI TO CLOSE THE CEREMONY, SAID THE GAMES HAD EXCEEDED HIS EXPECTATIONS OF FOUR AND A HALF YEARS AGO WHEN PLANS WERE BEING MADE.
BEFORE THE CLOSING CEREMONY, A TREE PLANTING CEREMONY WAS HELD AT THE ENTRANCE OF JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE.
THE GOVERNOR, MR ROSSI, DR FANG AND THE CHAIRMAN OF HONG KONG FESPIC COUNCIL, SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES, EACH PLANTED A TREE.
THE DUKE OF KENT OPENED THE ONE-WEEK GAMES LAST SUNDAY WHEN HE UNVEILED A SMALL PYRAMID TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE CENTRE. THE DUCHESS ALSO ATTENDED THE CEREMONY.
MORE THAN 800 ATHLETES FROM OVER 20 COUNTRIES TOOK PART IN THE GAMES.
THE EVENTS INCLUDED SWIMMING, FENCING, TABLE-TENNIS, WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL AND ARCHERY.
------o--------
HK ACCEPTED AS LEADER IN COUNTER DISASTER OPERATIONS M M M
THIRD-WORLD COUNTRIES HAVE SHOWN CONSIDERABLE INTEREST IN HONG KONG’S EMERGENCY AUXILIARY SERVICES AT A CONGRESS IN GENEVA JUST HELD BY THE UNITED NATIONS, THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL DEFENCE ORGANISATION AND THE RED CROSS.
/HONG KONG .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1982
2
HONG KONG IS ACCEPTED AS A LEADER IN COUNTER-DISASTER PLANNING, WITH THE UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (UNESCAP) HOLDING IT UP AS A MODEL IN THIS FIELD.
♦THE DEPLOYMENT OF PERSONNEL, THEIR TRAINING AND DISCIPLINE, AND THEIR CAPABILITY FOR HANDLING EMERGENCY TASKS, NOT TO MENTION THEIR ESPRIT DE CORPS AND THE QUALITY OF THEIR LEADERS, ALL MAKE FOR A UNIQUELY EFFICIENT AND COMPETENT RESOURCE TO THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF GOVERNMENT INVOLVED IN DISASTER SITUATIONS,* THE UNESCAP SAID IN A REVIEW REPORT ON HONG KONG’S SYSTEM.
THE CONGRESS WAS ATTENDED BY 380 DELEGATES FROM OVER 67 COUNTRIES.
COINCIDING WITH THE CONGRESS, THE GENEVA-BASED INTERNATIONAL CIVIL DEFENCE ORGANISATION PUBLISHED AN ARTICLE IN ITS OFFICIAL BULLETIN DESCRIBING HONG KONG’S EMERGENCY AUXILIARY SERVICES AS +QUITE A REMARKABLE PROTECTION AND RELIEF SYSTEM+.
WITH WORLD-WIDE INTEREST SWINGING AWAY FROM NUCLEAR PROTECTION TO COUNTER-DISASTER PLANNING, DELEGATES IMPRESSED BY HONG KONG’S SUCCESS HAVE REQUESTED INFORMATION ON THE CIVIL AID SERVICES FROM ITS CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, MR JOHN FORTUNE, WHO REPRESENTED HONG KONG AT THE CONFERENCE.
MR FORTUNE BRIEFED DELEGATES AT THE CONFERENCE ON THE STRUCTURE, OPERATIONS AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE CAS.
SINCE ITS FORMATION IN 1952, THE CAS HAS GROWN FROM A CIVIL DEFENCE UNIT TO A BROADLY BASED AUXILIARY ORGANISATION WITH 3 525 ADULTS AND A CADET CORPS OF 2 500.
AMONG OTHER FUNCTIONS, THEIR TASKS INCLUDE SEARCH, RESCUE AND EVACUATION, RECOVERY AND TRANSPORTATION OF CASUALTIES, RECONNAISSANCE, ROAD CLEARANCE, TRAFFIC CONTROL, CONTROL AND SUPERVISION OF HOMELESS DISASTER VICTIMS AND REFUGEES, AND DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD AND PROVISION OF EMERGENCY RELIEF.
HE STRESSED THAT PRE-PLANNING, PREPARATION, TRAINING AND PUBLIC EDUCATION WERE ESSENTIAL IN COUNTER-DISASTER WORK.
AMONG THE CRITERIA HE LISTED FOR VOLUNTARY RECRUITS IN HONG KONG ARE THEIR AVAILABILITY FOR PUBLIC DUTY IN TIMES OF EMERGENCY, THEIR PHYSICAL FITNESS, POSSESSION OF BASIC SKILLS, DISCIPLINE, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SUITABILITY.
HE TOLD THE CONGRESS THAT VOLUNTEERS IN HONG KONG WERE TRAINED ON SUCH SUBJECTS AS MOUNTAIN RESCUE, FOREST FIRE FIGHTING, REFUGEE CAMP MANAGEMENT, CROWD CONTROL PSYCHOLOGY, RESCUE WORK DURING FLOODS OR LANDSLIDES, COUNTER-OIL POLLUTION DUTIES AND ADVANCED FIRST AID.
HE ALSO UNDERLINED THE IMPORTANCE OF CLOSE LIAISON AMONG DIFFERENT SERVICES, RAPID MOBILISATION AND MAINTENANCE OF MORALE AMONG VOLUNTEER WORKERS.
MR FORTUNE IS RETURNING TO HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 16 AFTER VISITING CIVIL DEFENCE FACILITIES IN HAWAII.
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/3......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1962
- 3 -
KCR OPERATION DIRECTOR APPOINTED XXX
THE TRANSITIONAL BOARD OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THE APPOINTMENT OF MR GORDON GRAHAM AS OPERATION DIRECTOR (DESIGNATE).
MR GRAHAM WAS BORN AND EDUCATED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND HAS SPENT THE WHOLE OF HIS CAREER WITH BRITISH RAIL. HE WAS CHIEF OPERATING MANAGER OF THE SOUTHERN REGION OF BRITISH RAIL FROM MAY 1977 TO JUNE 1979 AND SINCE THEN HAS BEEN CHIEF OPERATING MANAGER OF THE EASTERN REGION.
+MR GRAHAM’S LONG EXPERIENCE IN MANAGING THE OPERATIONAL SIDE OF URBAN AND SUBURBAN RAILWAYS INVOLVING BOTH PASSENGER AND FREIGHT TRAFFIC, COUPLED WITH EXPERIENCE IN THE MARKETING CF RAILWAY SERVICES, WILL BE MOST VALUABLE TO THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSITIONAL BOARD SAID.
MR GRAHAM IS THE FELLOW OF THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE CF TRANSPORT. HE IS MARRIED WITH NO CHILDREN. HE WILL TAKE UP HIS POST AT THE END OF NOVEMBER.
-------0---------
FIFTH HONG KONG BAND FESTIVAL * * *
THE FIFTH HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL, WHICH ATTRACTED A RECORD NUMBER OF 30 YOUTH BANDS, WAS OPENED THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON WITH A BAND CONCERT AT THE KOWLOON PARK IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
SIX RENOWNED MUSICIANS FROM AUSTRALIA ARE ALSO TAKING PART IN THE FESTIVAL. ONE OF THEM IS SIMONE DE HAAN, A LECTURER OF TROMBONE AT THE CANBERRA SCHOOL OF MUSIC, AUSTRALIA. HE PARTICIPATED IN THE 1982 HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP HELD IN JULY/AUGUST THIS YEAR, AND DURING HIS STAY IN HONG KONG, HIS TEACHING TECHNIQUE AND HIGH STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE HAD EARNED HIM RESPECT FROM MANY YOUNG MUSICIANS IN HONG KONG.
MR DE HAAN WILL BE THE PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR WHILE THE OTHER FIVE WIND SOLOISTS, MESSRS. VERNON HILL (FLUTE), LAURENCE FRANKEL (OBOE), DONALD WESTLAKE (CLARINET), RICHARD MCINTYRE (BASSOON) AND HECTOR MCDONALD (HORN) FROM THE CANBERRA SCHOOL OF MUSIC, AUSTRALIA, WILL BE THE GUEST INSTRUCTORS/PERFORMERS DURING THE FESTIVAL.
THE SECOND MAJOR EVENT OF THE FESTIVAL IS THE FESTIVAL CONCERT TO BE HELD AT 8 PM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 9) AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL. THIS WILL BE A DEMONSTRATION CONCERT BY THE FIVE WIND SOLOISTS CF THE CANBERRA SCHOOL OF MUSIC. THE AUDIENCE WILL FIND IT BOTH ENTERTAINING AND EDUCATIONAL. IN ADDITION, OUTSTANDING PLAYERS FROM THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND WILL ALSO PERFORM.
/THE HIGHLIGHT .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 19^2
4
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE BAND FESTIVAL WILL EE THE BAND DAY TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 14 AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM. A MARCHING BAND DISPLAY AND A SYMPHONIC BAND PERFORMANCE WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM AND 2 PM RESPECTIVELY, DURING WHICH THE PERFORMING TEAMS WILL BE AWARDED GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE MEDALS ACCORDING TO THEIR STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE.
THE LEN TRACY JAZZ BAND HAS BEEN INVITED TO GIVE A DEMONSTRATION PERFORMANCE ON JAZZ MUSIC IN THE MORNING.
THE FESTIVAL’S GALA CONCERT WHICH WILL BE ATTENDED BY THE SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM.
APART FROM PERFORMANCES BY THE TWO GOLD MEDAL WINNERS OF THE MARCHING BAND DISPLAY AND SYMPHONIC BAND PERFORMANCE, A COMBINED YOUTH BAND OF MORE THAN 600 YOUNG PLAYERS FROM OVER 14 SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY BANDS, AND SIX MUSIC OFFICE’S BANDS WILL GIVE A JOINT PERFORMANCE ON BOTH CLASSICAL AND POPULAR BAND MUSIC.
DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD, SIMONE DE HAAN AND THE FIVE WIND SOLOISTS WILL CONDUCT MASTERCLASSES/WORKSHOPS ON FLUTE, HORN, BASSOON, CLARINET, OBOE, TROMBONE, WOODWIND ENSEMBLE AND BRASS ENSEMBLE AT THE MUSIC OFFICE HEAD OFFICE AT HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, NINTH FLOOR, AND THE MONG KOK MUSIC CENTRE AT CAMBRIDGE COURT, WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON.
TICKETS AT $5 EACH FOR THE FESTIVAL CONCERT ON NOVEMBER 9 AND THE FESTIVAL GALA PERFORMANCE ON NOVEMBER 14 ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL THE MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND ADMISSION TO ALL OTHER ACTIVITIES ARE FREE. FOR ENQUIRIES, TELEPHONE 5-296221.
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MORE SCHOOLS ADOPT ACTIVITY APPROACH
KMX
THIRTY MORE PRIMARY SCHOOLS HAVE INTRODUCED THE +ACTIVITY APPROACH* IN THEIR PRIMARY ONE CLASSES DURING THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS ADOPTING THIS TEACHING METHOD TO 106, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SINCE ITS INTRODUCTION AS A PILOT SCHEME IN 1972, THE APPROACH HAS ATTRACTED INCREASING INTEREST AMONG TEACHERS, SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, STUDENTS AND PARENTS.
THIS LESS FORMAL, PUPIL-ORIENTED APPROACH IS AIMED AT PROMOTING ACTIVE AND SELF-INITIATED LEARNING THROUGH PURPOSEFUL, CAREFULLY DESIGNED ACTIVITIES. PUPILS ARE GIVEN OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN AT THEIR OWN PACE AND ACCORDING TO THEIR OWN ABILITIES.
MORE THAN 20 PRIMARY SCHOOLS HAVE ALSO INDICATED TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT THAT THEY WILL ADOPT THE APPROACH IN THEIR PRIMARY ONE CLASSES IN THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR.
/THE SPOKESMAN
SUNDAY, NOVIXBER 7, 1982
5
THE SPOKESMAN SAID GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHICH WISH TO ADOPT THIS APPROACH NEXT YEAR BUT HAVE NOT YET INFORMED THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SHOULD DO SO QUICKLY SO THAT THE DEPARTMENT CAN MAKE THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS, INCLUDING FUNDING.
HE SAID THAT A SCHOOL WILL BE GIVEN AN ALLOWANCE OF $3 OOO PER CLASS AS INITIAL COSTS TO PURCHASE TEACHING AIDS AND MATERIALS. SUBSEQUENTLY, IT WILL BE GIVEN A RECURRENT ALLOWANCE CF $600 PER CLASS EACH YEAR.
AS STIPULATED IN THE 1981 WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES, THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ACTIVITY APPROACH, PARTICULARLY IN PRIMARY ONE TO THREE CLASSES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID EXPERIENCE HAD SHOWN THAT STUDENTS WHO HAD ATTENDED CLASSES ADOPTING THE ACTIVITY APPROACH TENDED TO ENJOY THEIR LESSONS MORE THAN THOSE ATTENDING TRADITIONAL CLASSES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW APPROACH DID NOT MEAN LESS HOME WORK.
♦BUT WORK IS MORE VARIED AND DEMANDS MORE INITIATIVE AND THINKING ON THE PART OF THE STUDENTS,+ HE EXPLAINED.
TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING NUMBER OF SCHOOLS ADOPTING THE METHOD, THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN CONDUCTING COURSES REGULARLY FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.
IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ALSO STARTED EIGHT-WEEK RETRAINING COURSES FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
-----o------
NTSD INVITING TENDERS HMM
THE MEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR SITE FORMATION WORK AND THE SUPPLY AND LAY I NG OF TURF,_ TOPSOIL AND SUBSOIL FOR ROADSIDE AMENITY PLOTS, GARDENS AND SOCCER PITCHES.
THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO INVITING SEPARATE TENDERS FOR THE CUTTING OF UNDERGROWTH.
BOTH CONTRACTS COVER THE PERIOD FROM FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR TO JANUARY 1984.
TENDER FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE RECREATION AND AMENITIES SECTION OF THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF AUSTIN CENTRE, 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, KOWLOON.
COMPLETED TENDER FORMS MUST BE PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX IN THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 3).
-----o-------
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1982
6
DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FOR TUEN MUN * * * *
THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A ROAD PROJECT AS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN.
UNDER THE PROJECT, A SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING TO PUI TO ROAD WILL BE WIDENED INTO A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY AND AN ELEVATED INTERCHANGE WILL BE CONSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE EXISTING ROUNDABOUT AT THE JUNCTION OF TUEN MUN ROAD AND PUI TO ROAD.
THE PROJECT WILL ALSO INCLUDE THE EXTENSION OF AN EXISTING FOOTBRIDGE OVER CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND THE PROVISION OF ROOF COVERS FOR THREE EXISTING FOOTBRIDGES OVER TUEN MUN ROAD, TOGETHER WITH ANCILLARY DRAINAGE WORK.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 22
START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
-------o----------
TUEN MUN ICE STALL FOR AUCTION
« M K
A STALL FOR SELLING ICE AT KWONG CHOI MARKET IN TUEN MUN WILL BE PUT UP FOR PUBLIC AUCTION ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 15).
THE AUCTION WILL START AT 9.30 AM AT THE TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE AT ’TOP COURT’, GROUND FLOOR, TAK CHING COURT, TUEN MUN.
THE UPSET MONTHLY RENTAL FOR THE STALL IS S300, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER MUST PAY THE BIDDED RENTAL QUARTERLY AND MAY START BUSINESS FROM DECEMBER 1 ON A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT, HE SAID.
BIDDERS, WHO MUST BE AGED 21 OR ABOVE, ARE REQUESTED TO BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND FIVE PHOTOGRAPHS TO THE AUCTION.
FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE HAWKERS AND MARKETS SECTION OF THE TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON TELEPHONE 0-820800, EXT. 231.
o -------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
AMBULANCE COMMAND IN MIDST OF BIG EXPANSION PT,AN .......... 1
STATISTICS ON THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR ................. 3
UK MINISTER VISITS REHABILITATION CENTRE ................... 6
SUPPORT URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS APPEAL ..................... 6
DIRECTOR OF NT SERVICES VISITS SHA TIN ..................... 7
NE? TOWNS NEED SERVICE...................................... 8
SCHEMES OF CONTROL PUBLISHED ............................... 8
CODE OF AID BEING REVIEWED.................................. 9
CONTRACT SIGNED FOR TAI JAI TEMPORARY RAILWAY STATION ...... 9
AUSTRALIAN MUSICIANS PARTICIPATING IN BAND FESTIVAL ........ 10
SHANKAR'S INTERNATIONAL DRAWING COMPETITION ................ 11
SIR PHILIP ADDRESSES POLYTECHNIC GRADUATES ................. 11
WATER FIGURES............................................... 12
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SLIP ROAD IN KWUN TONG ................ 12
Water cut in sai rung
12
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1982
1
AMBULANCE COMMAND IN MIDST OF BIG EXPANSION PLAN * * * * *
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S AMBULANCE COMMAND IS IN THE MIDST OF A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR EXPANSION PROGRAMME.
MOVING AHEAD IN STAGES, IT WILL BY THE NEXT THREE YEARS BE BUILDING FIVE NEW DEPOTS AND AN AMBULANCE STATION, PURCHASING 64 NEW AMBULANCES, AND INTRODUCING ITS FIRST MOBILE CASUALTY TREATMENT CENTRE. AT THE SAME TIME, IT WILL ALSO BE UNDERTAKING A MAJOR RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN.
THE NEW AMBULANCE DEPOTS WILL COST NEARLY $8 MILLION EACH, AND WILL BE LOCATED IN FANLING, TSI NG Yl, CHEUNG SHA WAN, SAI WAN HO AND POK FU LAM. THE ADDITIONAL AMBULANCE STATION WILL BE LOCATED IN YUEN LONG.
THERE WILL THEN BE 19 AMBULANCE DEPOTS AND STATIONS, IN ADDITION TO 22 OTHER LOCATIONS OCCUPIED BY THE FIRE SERVICES, EXPLAINED MR PANG TAK-SUM, THE ASSISTANT CHIEF AMBULANCE OFFICER.
+THE CHEUNG SHA WAN AMBULANCE DEPOT AND THE YUEN LONG AMBULANCE STATION WILL COME INTO OPERATION NEXT YEAR, ANOTHER TWO DEPOTS IN 1984, AND THE FOURTH AND FIFTH IN 1985,+ MR PANG SAID.
THE LOCATION OF THE NEW DEPOTS, EACH OF WHICH WILL ACCOMMODATE ID AMBULANCES, WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT PROJECTED POPULATION GROWTH AND DISTRIBUTION, AS WELL AS TRAFFIC.
THE CASUALTY TREATMENT CENTRE WILL BE IN THE FORM OF A LARGE VEHICLE MORE THAN TWICE THE SIZE OF A REGULAR AMBULANCE. IT WILL BE AIR-CONDITIONED AND EQUIPPED WITH A MINI-OPERATION THEATRE SO THAT EMERGENCY SURGERY CAN BE PERFORMED ON THE SPOT BY A MEDICAL TEAM.
THE CENTRE WILL BE PARTICULARLY USEFUL FOR SUCH MAJOR DISASTERS AS AN AIR CRASH AND LARGE FIRES, MR PANG REMARKED.
MR PANG SAID 25 OF THE 64 NEW AMBULANCES WILL BE REPLACEMENTS FOR EXISTING VEHICLES, AND THE NEW VEHICLES WILL INCREASE THE AMBULANCE FLEET BY NEARLY 25 PER CENT, TO A TOTAL STRENGTH OF 198 VEHICLES BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
INITIALLY THREE WILL BE AIR-CONDITIpNED, AND A DECISION WILL THEN BE MADE ON WHETHER TO EQUIP THE REST SIMILARLY, MR PANG SAID.
EACH VEHICLE WILL COST ABOUT $290 000, INVOLVING AN OVERALL COST OF ABOUT $19 MILLION, HE SAID.
IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR, THE CURRENT FLEET OF 159 AMBULANCES RESPONDED TO SOME 260 000 CALLS, SOME 75 PER CENT OF THEM DEALING WITH EMERGENCIES, INCLUDING 18 500 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.
/EMERGENCY GALLS .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1982
2
EMERGENCY CALLS ARE THOSE INVOLVING PEOPLE WHOSE PHYSICAL CONDITION REQUIRES THAT THEY BE CONVEYED TO HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY, HE EXPLAINED.
IN ALMOST ALL CASES, PATIENTS ARE GIVEN AMBULANCE AID TREATMENT EITHER BEFORE THEY ARE MOVED INTO THE AMBULANCES OR ON THE WAY TO HOSPITAL, HE SAID.
AMBULANCE PERSONNEL RECEIVE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING FROM AMBULANCE OFFICERS WHO ARE QUALIFIED AMBULANCE AID INSTRUCTORS TRAINED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. AMBULANCE SUPERVISORS ALSO ATTEND TRAINING COURSES IN HOSPITALS.
MR PANG EXPLAINED THAT THE EXISTING RATIO WAS ONE AMBULANCE TO EVERY 40 000 PEOPLE, THOUGH THIS WAS FAR BEHIND THE ONE-FOR-10 000 RATIO IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. HOWEVER, THE HONG KONG AMBULANCE SERVICE COMPARED VERY FAVOURABLY WITH SIMILAR SERVICES PROVIDED IN BRITAIN AND THE UNITED STATES, PARTLY BECAUSE THEIR SERVICES ARE USUALLY NOT SO CENTRALLY LOCATED, AND ARE OFTEN OPERATED BY DIFFERENT AUTHORITIES.
HONG KONG, HOWEVER, HAD A COMMON PROBLEM WITH OTHER MAJOR METROPOLITAN CITIES IN THE WAY OF TRAFFIC JAMS.
IN AN EFFORT TO BEAT TRAFFIC SNARLS, THE AMBULANCE COMMAND RECENTLY INTRODUCED, ON A TRIAL BASIS, A MOTORCYCLE MEDICAL ATTENDANCE SERVICE WHICH WILL ENABLE THEIR PERSONNEL TO PROVIDE THE QUICKEST POSSIBLE RELIEF BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF AMBULANCES.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT SERVICE IS THE STEP IT TOOK RECENTLY TO PROVIDE THE QUICKEST POSSIBLE RESPONSE BY INSTALLING AN ADVANCED UHF (ULTRA-HIGH-FREQUENCY) RADIO SYSTEM WHICH OPERATES +A SEMI-AUTOMATIC VEHICLE STATUS INDICATOR* TO PINPOINT THE LOCATION OF AN AMBULANCE FOR QUICK SUMMONS.
+THIS HAS PROVED TO BE A VERY USEFUL DEVICE, ENABLING US TO REACH THE SCENE OF A CALL IN AN AVERAGE OF 10 MINUTES IN THE URBAN AREA AND 20 MINUTES IN THE RURAL AREAS,* MR PANG SAID.
EACH AMBULANCE, HE SAID, IS MANNED BY ONE SUPERVISOR AND TWO ATTENDANTS, INCLUDING THE DRIVER, ALL OF WHOM ARE TRAINED TO TREAT THE INJURED, HE SAID.
EACH AMBULANCE IS EQUIPPED WITH A PORTABLE RESUSCITATOR, AN ENTONOX ANAGELSIC APPARATUS, PIPED OXYGEN SUPPLY, WOODEN AND AIR SPLINTS, A CERVICAL COLLAR, STRETCHERS, A FIRST AID BOX, EMERGENCY RESCUE TOOLS, AND OTHER MEDICAL SUPPLIES AND INSTRUMENTS.
WHERE SPECIAL RESCUE EXPERTISE IS REQUIRED, SUCH AS IN LANDSLIDES, HOUSE COLLAPSES, OR CRASHES, THE +SPECIAL SERVICES* CF THE FIRE SERVICES ARE ALERTED. SUCH SPECIAL SERVICES RESPONDED TO 2 000 CALLS IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, MR PANG SAID.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1982
- 3 -
STATISTICS ON THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR
******
THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A BENCHMARK ECONOMIC CENSUS FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IN 1981-82 FOR THE REFERENCE YEAR 1980 WERE RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY). THE RESULTS FOR THE STORAGE, COMMUNICATIONS, FINANCING AND INSURANCE SECTORS OBTAINED IN THE SAME ECONOMIC CENSUS HAD ALREADY BEEN RELEASED DURING THE PAST WEEKS.
THE CENSUS OF THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR COVERED ALL ESTABLISHMENTS IN LEGAL, ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING, DATA PROCESSING, BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTING, PUBLIC RELATIONS, MARKETING RESEARCH, ADVERTISING, DESIGNING, SECRETARIAL AND TRANSLATION SERVICES, EMPLOYMENT, NEWS GATHERING AND REPORTING, DETECTIVE AND PROTECTIVE AGENCIES, AND MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT RENTAL AND LEASING. ALSO INCLUDED IN THE SECTOR WERE BRANCH/LIAI SON AND REGIONAL OFFICES PROVIDING ADMINISTRATION, MANAGEMENT OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL SERVICES TO THEIR PARENT COMPANIES. THEATRICAL EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES, ARCHITECTURAL, ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SERVICES, AND CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT RENTAL WITH OPERATORS WERE, HOWEVER, EXCLUDED FROM THE CENSUS.
THE CENSUS RESULTS INDICATED THAT THERE WERE 1 885 ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN BUSINESS SERVICES DURING THE WHOLE OR PART OF 1980. THE SECTOR HAD A WORKFORCE OF 26 482 PERSONS, OF WHOM, 24 603 WERE EMPLOYEES AND THE REST WERE WORKING PROPRIETORS, WORKING PARTNERS OR UNPAID FAMILY WORKERS. THESE ESTABLISHMENTS GENERATED S3 629 MILLION OF INCOME AND RECEIPTS AND PAID OUT 8940 MILLION IN COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES AND Si 652 MILLION IN OPERATING EXPENSES. OPERATING EXPENSES INCLUDED RENTAL AND INTEREST PAYMENTS, EXPENSES ON REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE, PURCHASES OF GOODS, SUPPLIES, FUELS, WATER AND ELECTRICITY, AND PAYMENTS FOR OTHER SERVICES. CAPITAL STOCK AT THE END OF 1980 WAS ESTIMATED TO BE $744 MILLION, WITH $175 MILLION AS DEPRECIATION OVER THE YEAR, AND $366 MILLION AS GROSS ADDITIONS TO FIXED ASSETS WHICH WERE ACQUISITIONS OF FIXED ASSETS LESS PROCEEDS FROM RE-SALE OF FIXED ASSETS.
THE ATTACHED TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL STATISTICS FOR THE 1 885 REPORTING ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR CLASSIFIED INTO 12 SERVICES GROUPS, VIZ. LEGAL SERVICES, ACCOUNTING, AUDITING AND BOOKKEEPING SERVICES, DATA PROCESSING AND TABULATING SERVICES, ADVERTISING COMPANIES AND AGENCIES, PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICES, MARKET RESEARCH COMPANIES, AND OTHER ADVERTISING SERVICES, MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS CONSULTING SERVICES, EMPLOYMENT AGENCY SERVICES, SECURITY AND INVESTIGATION SERVICES, INTERIOR DECORATION AND OTHER DESIGNING SERVICES, SECRETARIAL, TYPING AND TRANSLATION SERVICES, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT RENTAL AND LEASING SERVICES, AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS SERVICES.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1982
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AMONG THE 12 GROUPS OF BUSINESS SERVICES, +ACCOUNTING, AUDITING AND BOOKKEEPING SERVICES* WAS THE LARGEST IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS AS WELL AS PERSONS ENGAGED. THERE WERE 421 ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGING 6 311 PERSONS, ACCOUNTING FOR 22 PER CENT AND 24 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OF THE SECTOR’S TOTALS. +LEGAL SERVICES* RANKED SECOND, WITH 310 ESTABLISHMENTS AND 5 883 PERSONS ENGAGED, REPRESENTING 16 PER CENT AND 22 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY CF THE SECTOR’S TOTALS. WHILE THE NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS IN ♦ADVERTISING COMPANIES AND AGENCIES* WAS THE SAME AS THAT IN +PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICES, MARKET RESEARCH COMPANIES AND OTHER ADVERTISING SERVICES*, EACH ACCOUNTING FOR 15 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS, THE FORMER HAD A WORKFORCE TWICE AS LARGE AS THAT IN THE LATTER. +SECURITY AND INVESTIGATION SERVICES* WITH A WORKFORCE OF 5 702 PERSONS OR 22 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL, HOWEVER, ONLY ACCOUNTED FOR TWO PER CENT CF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS.
AVERAGE COMPENSATION PER EMPLOYEE VARIED SIGNIFICANTLY AMONG THE VARIOUS GROUPS OF BUSINESS SERVICES, RANGING FROM THE HIGHEST AT $81 000 PER ANNUM IN +MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS CONSULTING SERVICES* TO THE LOWEST AT $19 000 PER ANNUM IN +SECURITY AND INVESTIGATION SERVICES*. OTHER GROUPS WITH RELATIVELY HIGH COMPENSATION PER EMPLOYEE WERE +DATA PROCESSING AND TABULATING SERVICES*, +INTERIOR DECORATION AND OTHER DESIGNING SERVICES* AND ♦OTHER BUSINESS SERVICES*, AT $52 000, $50 000 AND $53 000 PER ANNUM RESPECTIVELY.
♦ADVERTISING COMPANIES AND AGENCIES* INCURRED THE LARGEST OPERATING EXPENSES AT $951 MILLION, OVER 90 PER CENT OF WHICH WERE PAYMENTS TO OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS ON BEHALF OF CUSTOMERS AS CONTRACT WORK. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY +LEGAL SERVICES* AT $148 MILLION AND +DATA PROCESSING AND TABULATING SERVICES* AT $99 MILLION, HALF OF WHICH WERE SPENT ON PURCHASES OF GOODS AND SUPPLIES, NOTABLY PURCHASES OF ELECTRONIC OFFICE EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES.
♦ADVERTISING COMPANIES AND AGENCIES+, WITH $1 130 MILLION OF INCOME AND RECEIPTS WHICH INCLUDED COST OF PRODUCTION AND COMMISSIONS CHARGED TO CUSTOMERS ON THE ADVERTISING PROJECTS COMMISSIONED (OVER $880 MILLION), ACCOUNTED FOR THE LARGEST SHARE CF THE SECTOR’S TOTAL RECEIPTS (31 PER CENT). OTHER GROUPS WITH SIGNIFICANT SHARE OF RECEIPTS WERE +LEGAL SERVICES+ (26 PER CENT) AND +ACCOUNTING, AUDITING AND BOOKKEEPING SERVICES+ (12 PER CENT).
♦MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT RENTAL AND LEASING SERVICES+ ENGAGED ONLY ONE PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS. THEY, HOWEVER, OWNED OVER 65 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL CAPITAL STOCK AND ACCOUNTED FOR 61 PER CENT AND 68 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OF THE TOTAL GROSS ADDITIONS TO FIXED ASSETS AND DEPRECIATION OF FIXED ASSETS. THIS SUGGESTS THE IMPORTANCE OF FIXED ASSETS (I.E. MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT) IN THEIR BUSINESS.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS NOW IN THE PROCESS OF PREPARING A REPORT ON THE 1980 CENSUS. THE REPORT WILL DESCRIBE IN DETAIL THE RESULTS OF THE CENSUS AND THE METHODOLOGY EMPLOYED.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE 1980 CENSUS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE SERVICES STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 3-661070).
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1982
Fy^viBiooal statistice for reporting establishments in the business services sector analysed by group
Group Number of establishments Number of persona engaged Number of Compensation of employees Rental and interest payments Repair, maintenance and Purchases of goods, supplies, fuels, water and electricity Other operating expenses Changes ia stocks Income and receipts Grose additions to fixed assets Depreciation of fixed assets Capital stock
work
1 Mn S Mn S Mn 1 Mn 1 Hn 1 Mn 1 Mn I Mn S Mn S Mn
Legal services 310 5 883 5 352 231.2 55.0 3.1 16.6 73.7 N.A. 929.0 2«*.9 10.4 49.4
Accounting, auditing and bookkeeping services 421 6 511 5 762 198.4 38.6 3.9 8.5 39.2 N.A. 438.5 10.5 6.4 32.1
Data processing and tabulating services 46 1 102 1 095 57.2 24.3 5.7 53.3 16.1 -1.1 194.7 41.2 17.2 42.7
Adveitialng companies and agencies 278 2 664 2 463 114.9 20.8 883.5 11.7 35.2 0.4 1 129.8 12.4 5.1 36.7
Public relations services, market research companies, and other advertising services 280 1 372 1 076 40.6 9.1 42.5 10.5 22.9 • 150.2 13.0 3.1 20.9
Management and business consulting services 144 1 397 1 369 110.5 23.8 6.9 4.7 42.6 N.A. 217.0 11.4 6.1 25.9
Employment agency services 6l 184 129 4.4 1.4 2.2 0.4 2.9 N.A. 14.0 0.4 0.2 0.9
Security and investigation services 4? 5 702 5 678 105.5 7.5 3.3 6.4 12.7 -0.1 158.3 20.3 5.5 27.1
Interior decoration and other designing (other than architectural) services 66 352 295 14.8 2.1 13.3 1.5 3.6 N.A. 41.3 2.1 0.7 3.4
Secretarial, typing and translation services 102 324 279 8.9 1.7 3.3 0.6 5.6 N.A. 29.7 1.9 0.8 4.0
Other business services, except machinery and equipment rental and leasing 106 795 723 38.3 7.0 7.8 11.0 19.4 0.2 98.5 3.6 1.5 12.5
Machinery and equipment rental and leasing services 28 396 382 15.7 47.4 1.8 29.2 7.8 3.7 227.7 224.4 118.4 488.5
Total 1 885 26 482 24 603 940.4 233.8 977.2 154.4 281.8 3.0 3 628.7 366.1 175.4 74*4.2
Notes j (1) N.A. *.ot ipplicable.
(2) • s Less than 30.1 million.
(3) Figures may not add up to the totals due to rounding.
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MONDAY, WOVEBBER H, W
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UK MINISTER VISITS REHABILITATION CENTRE * * * *
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL SECURITY AND THE DISABLED, M? HUGH ROSSI, TODAY (MONDAY) CONTINUED HIS LAST ROUND OF VISITS TO LOCAL INSTITUTIONS FOR THE DISABLED.
HE VISITED THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, WHICH OFFERS SOCIAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR SOME 250 MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY DISABLED PEOPLE.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE, MR ROSSI AND HIS WIFE TOURED THE CENTRE’S CLINIC, THE SHELTERED WORKSHOP, THE WORK ACTIVITY SECTION AND CLASSROOMS AND CHATTED WITH THE DISABLED.
ALSO PRESENT TO EXPLAIN THE WORK OF THE CENTRE WERE THE REGIONAL OFFICER (HONG KONG), MR KWOK KA-CHI, AND THE CENTRE’S OFFICER-IN-CHARGE, MRS JUDY MA.
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SUPPORT URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS APPEAL * * * * *
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR GRAHAM BARNES, TODAY (MONDAY) APPEALED TO DISTRICT BOARDS TO SUPPORT THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS TO BE HELD NEXT MARCH.
ADDRESSING THE FIRST KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING, MR BARNES SAID THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE URBAN COUNCIL WOULD BE MUCH CLOSER WHEN THE WHOLE ELECTED ELEMENT CF THE COUNCIL WERE RE-ELECTED ON A CONSTITUENCY BASIS CLOSELY TIED IN WITH URBAN DISTRICTS NEXT MARCH.
+THE BOARD THUS HAS A KEEN INTEREST IN A STRONG TURNOUT IN SUPPORT OF THESE ELECTIONS ALSO, AS MORE THAN EVER THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE A DISTRICT MAN AND HIS POSITION VIS-A-VIS THE REPRESENTATIVES OF OTHER DISTRICTS WILL DEPEND TO A CERTAIN DEGREE ON THE VOTERS’ SUPPORT WHICH HE HAS BEEN ABLE TO MUSTER.+
HE POINTED OUT THAT A DISTRICT BOARD HAD TO ACHIEVE ALL IT COULD THROUGH ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS.
+IN THE URBAN AREA, PERHAPS THE MOST CRUCIAL RELATIONSHIP WHICH A BOARD MUST DEVELOP IS THAT WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL, AS THE URBAN COUNCIL PROVIDES SO MANY OF THE THINGS WHICH THE DISTRICT BOARD WANTS FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE DISTRICT,* MR BARNES SAID.
PUBLIC HEALTH, THE CLEANLINESS OF THE STREETS, RUBBISH COLLECTION, THE PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND CULTURAL SHOWS WERE ALL UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE URBAN COUNCIL TOGETHER WITH A GREAT DEAL OF OTHER FUNCTIONS.
/UR BARNES .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1982
- 7 -
MR BARNES CONTINUED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD BE GOOD FOR THE BOARD TO HAVE AS ITS FRIEND AND THAT SUCH FRIENDSHIP INVOLVED EFFORTS ON BOTH SIDES.
+ON ITS SIDE THE COUNCIL HAS MADE A CONSIDERABLE EFFORT TO ADJUST ITSELF TO THE NEW DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION PROCESS AND TO WELCOME THE NEW BOARDS. ON THEIR SIDE ALSO BOARDS SHOULD RECIPROCATE AND SUPPORT THE COUNCIL,+ HE SAID.
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DIRECTOR OF NT SERVICES VISITS SHA TIN X * * X
THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR JOHN HEYWOOD, TODAY TOURED VARIOUS WORK SITES AT SHA TIN WHERE WORK IS PROGRESSING ON A PACKAGE OF SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES COSTING SOME $100 MILLION.
THESE INCLUDE A SPORTS GROUND, A RECREATION GROUND, A PLAYGROUND AND A TOWN PARK.
MR HEYWOOD WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE TOUR BY THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER FOR SHA TIN, MR IP SHING-WAI, AND NTSD’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (SOUTH REGION), MR DAVID DOWDING.
AFTER VIEWING DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEW TOWN FROM A VANTAGE POINT, MR HEYWOOD WENT TO THE SHA TIN RECREATION GROUND BEING CONSTRUCTED ON THE BANKS OF THE SHING MUN RIVER, NEAR THE SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB SWIMMING POOL AND SQUASH COURT COMPLEX.
MR HEYWOOD WAS TOLD THAT THE $25 MILLION SHA TIN SPORTS GROUND WILL HAVE A FULL-SIZE TURFED SOCCER PITCH, A 400-METRE ALL-WEATHER RUNNING TRACK, AND A COVERED SPECTATOR STAND WITH SEATING FOR
2 500 SPECTATORS.
HE NEXT WENT TO THE YUEN WO RECREATION GROUND WHERE WORKS ON A CHILDREN’S PLAY PARK, A ROLLER SKATING RINK, A PUBLIC PLAZA, A RIVER-SIDE WALK AND OTHER LANDSCAPING ARE IN FULL SWING.
HE THEN PROCEEDED TO THE SHA TIN TOWN PARK WHICH WILL COST ABOUT $50 MILLION TO CONSTRUCT. MR HEYWOOD WAS TOLD THAT TENDERS FOR BUILDING A CENTRAL PLAZA, WATER GARDEN, FLOWER GARDEN AND LAWN, CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, CHILDREN’S MODEL-BOATING POND AND RIVERSIDE PROMENADE WOULD PROBABLY BE INVITED NEXT MONTH.
LATER THE PARTY WENT TO THE WORK SITE OF TSANG TAI UK PLAYGROUND WHERE SIX TENNIS COURTS, THREE BASKETBALL COURTS WHICH CAN BE CONVERTED INTO VOLLEYBALL COURTS, ONE STANDARD SOCCER PITCH WITH ARTIFICIAL TURF, LANDSCAPING AND A PLAYGROUND WILL BE BUILT.
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS DEVELOPMENT, THE EXISTING ROYAL JOCKEY CLUB TEMPORARY PLAYGROUND WILL BE DEMOLISHED NEXT MARCH TO MAKE WAY FOR THE PROJECT WHICH WILL COST $13 MILLION.
MR HEYWOOD ALSO TOURED SHA TIN MARKET, TAI WAI TEMPORARY MARKET AND SIU LEK YUEN NURSERY.
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/8 .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1982
8
NEW TOWNS NEED SERVICE
* * X *
AN APPEAL WAS MADE BY MRS IAN MACPHERSON, WIFE OF THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL ANCILLARY SERVICES, SUCH AS PRIMARY SCHOOL, KINDERGARTEN AND NURSERY, IN THE FAST GROWING NEW TOWNS.
MRS MACPHERSON MADE THE APPEAL TODAY (MONDAY) WHEN SHE OPENED THE CHING CHUNG WU KING KINDERGARTEN AT TUEN MUN’S NEWEST LARGE HOUSING ESTATE, WU KING ESTATE, WHERE 200 TO 330 PEOPLE ARE MAKING THEIR NEW HOMES EVERYDAY.
NOTING THAT TUEN MUN’S POPULATION WILL BE INCREASED BY 70 000 ANNUALLY OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS, MRS MACPHERSON SAID: +IT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT THAT ADEQUATE FACILITIES ARE PROVIDED IN GOOD TIME TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE INCOMING RESIDENTS.+
+IN THIS REGARD, AND ESPECIALLY IN VIEW OF THE EXTRAORDINARILY HIGH PROPORTION OF YOUNG FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN AMONGST THE NEW SETTLERS, SERVICES SUCH AS PRIMARY SCHOOL, KINDERGARTEN AND NURSERY ARE MOST IN DEMAND,+ SHE SAID.
SHE CALLED UPON VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO FILL THE GAP BY PROVIDING MUCH-NEEDED FACILITIES IN TUEN MUN AS WELL AS OTHER NEW TOWNS.
THE WU KING KINDERGARTEN IS PART OF A WIDE RANGE OF FACILITIES OFFERED BY THE CHING CHUNG KOON IN TUEN MUN. THE KOON, A LOCALLY-BASED TAOIST ORGANISATION, ALSO RUNS A HOME FOR THE AGED, TWO FREE MEDICAL CLINICS, A KINDERGARTEN AND ORGANISES AN ANNUAL BONSAI SHOW.
+THE KOON IS A TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS ORGANISATION FULFILLING A MOST COMMENDABLE MODERN ROLE IN THE FAST GROWING NEW TOWN,+ MRS MACPHERSON SAID.
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SCHEMES OF CONTROL PUBLISHED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY PUBLISHED IN FULL ALL THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL.
THEY APPLY TO THE OPERATIONS OF THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES: CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LIMITED; KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY (1933) LIMITED; CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY LIMITED; HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY LIMITED; HONG KONG AIR CARGO TERMINALS LIMITED; HONG KONG AIR TERMINAL SERVICES LIMITED AND THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC COMPANY LIMITED.
COPIES OF A BOOKLET CONTAINING THE SCHEMES IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT $25 EACH AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
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/9 .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1982
9
CODE OF AID BEING REVIEWED
* * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS REVIEWING THE CODE OF AID FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, DISCLOSED TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SPEECH DAY OF THE COGNITIO COLLEGE, MR HAYE SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS LOOKING INTO WAYS AND hEANS BY WHICH THE GOVERNMENT COULD GIVE AIDED SCHOOLS MORE DISCRETION TO ADMINISTER THEIR AFFAIRS UNDER THE CODE OF AID.
HE PRAISED THE COGNITIO COLLEGE FOR ACCEPTING THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S INVITATION SEVERAL YEARS AGO TO BECOME FULLY AIDED. A MOVE HE DESCRIBED AS BOLD AND PROGRESSIVE.
♦OF COURSE COMING ON TO FULL AID MEANT CERTAIN SACRIFICES.+ W HAYE SAID, ADDING THE SCHOOL WAS PREPARED TO ACCEPT THE MINOR RESTRICTIONS OF THE CODE OF AID BECAUSE OF ITS PARAMOUNT INTEREST IN EDUCATION AND THE WELFARE OF THEIR PUPILS AND TEACHERS.
THE DIRECTOR NOTED: +THE COLLEGE WILL CONFIRM THAT WHILE THE CODE ENSHRINES THE PRINCIPLE OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY FOR PUBLIC MONEY, THE GOVERNMENT RESPECTS A SCHOOL’S RIGHT TO MANAGE ITS OWN AFFAIRS IF IT HAS ACCOUNTED FOR THE AID THE GOVERNMENT HAS GIVEN IT.+
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CONTRACT SIGNED FOR TAI WAI TEMPORARY RAILWAY STATION MM*
THE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TODAY AWARDED A $6 MILLION CONTRACT TO HOI SING CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD. FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TAI WAI TEMPORARY RAILWAY STATION ABOUT ONE KILOMETRE SOUTH OF THE EXISTING SHA TIN STATION.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY MR LEUNG MIN-SUN, GOVERNMENT RAILWAY ENGINEER OF THE DEPARTMENT AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY.
WORK ON THE CONTRACT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO TAKE SEVEN MONTHS TO COMPLETE, COVERS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TEMPORARY BOOKING OFFICE, TWO PLATFORMS AND PLATFORM AWNINGS AND ASSOCIATED CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1982
10
AUSTRALIAN MUSICIANS PARTICIPATING IN BAND FESTIVAL * * * *
SIX AUSTRALIAN MUSICIANS HAVE ARRIVED IN HONG KONG TO TAKE PART IN THE FIFTH HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL.
THEY ARE THE LECTURER OF TROMBONE OF THE CANBERRA SCHOOL OF MJSIC, SIMONE DE HAAN, AND WIND SOLOISTS VERRON HILL (FLUTE), LAURENCE FRANKEL (OBOE), DONALD WESTLAKE (CLARINET), RICHARD MCINTYRE (BASSOON) AND HECTOR MCDONALD (HORN).
THEY WILL APPEAR WITH THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND IN THE FESTIVAL CONCERT TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) NIGHT AT THE AUDITORIUM OF TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.
SIMONE DE HAAN WON WIDE ACCLAIM DURING HIS PARTICIPATION RECENTLY IN THE 1982 HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP.
HE WILL CONDUCT THE YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND WHICH WILL PERFORM WORKS BY GREIG AND TCHAIKOVSKY AS WELL AS THOSE BY CONTEMPORARY COMPOSERS PERISCHETTI AND MALTBY.
THE AUSTRALIAN WIND SOLOISTS WILL PERFORM WIND QUINTETS BY FRANZ DANZ I, JEAN FRANCA IX AND MALCOLM ARNOLD.
DANZ I WAS A PROLIFIC EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY COMPOSER WHILE FRANCAIX AND ARNOLD ARE CONTEMPORARY COMPOSERS KNOWN FOR THEIR WITTY AND LIGHT-HEARTED WORKS.
BESIDES GIVING PERFORMANCES, THESE FIVE MAESTROS WILL BE GUEST INSTRUCTORS OF THE MASTER CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS OF THE FESTIVAL.
TICKETS AT $5 EACH ARE AVAILABLE AT TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL BOX CFFICE AND THE MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE IN WAN CHAI, MONG KOK, YAU MA TEI, NGAU TAU KOK AND TSUEN WAN.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY DIALLING 5-296221 OR 5-283257.
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/11.........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1982
11
SHANKAR’S INTERNATIONAL DRAWING COMPETITION * * * *
CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 16 ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN AN ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL DRAWING COMPETITION WITH THE FINAL JUDGING BEING HELD IN INDIA.
PUPILS WISHING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SHANKAR’S INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S COMPETITION 1983 SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR DRAWINGS OR PAINTINGS VIA THEIR SCHOOL TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR PRELIMINARY SELECTION BEFORE DECEMBER 8, 1982.
THE COMMISSION OF INDIA WILL BE REPRESENTED IN THE LOCAL SELECTION WHILE THE FINAL SELECTION WILL BE MADE BY A PANEL OF JUDGES IN INDIA.
EACH PARTICIPANT MAY SUBMIT A MAXIMUM OF SIX PAINTINGS OR DRAWINGS IN ANY MEDIUM EXCEPT BLACK LEAD PENCIL.
GROUP WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
ENTRIES SHOULD NOT BE MOUNTED AND THEIR MINIMUM SIZE IS 330 MM BY 400 MM.
PARTICIPANTS SHOULD STATE ON THE BACK OF EACH ENTRY THEIR NAME, SEX, AGE AND DATE OF BIRTH, NATIONALITY, THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THEIR SCHOOL, THE TITLE OF THEIR ENTRY AND THEIR ART TEACHER’S SIGNATURE TO CERTIFY THAT THE SUBMISSION IS THEIR ORIGINAL AND UNAIDED WORK DONE DURING 1982.
ENTRIES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE INSPECTOR (ART), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, 4/F, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES
MAY BE MADE BY DIALLING 5-621006 OR 5-621967.
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SIR PHILIP ADDRESSES POLYTECHNIC GRADUATES ft ft ft ft
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TODAY OFFICIATED AT THE 10TH GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AT THE CITY HALL.
COPIES OF SIR PHILIP’S SPEECH ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE GIS PRESS BOXES.
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' /12 .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1982
12
WATER FIGURES * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 81.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 470.051 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 277.548 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 48.0 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SLIP ROAD IN KWUN TONG XXX
THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM HONG NING ROAD TO TUNG YAN STREET IN KWUN TONG WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR FOUR DAYS FROM 8 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) FOR CLEARANCE WORK.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC FROM HONG NING ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KWUN TONG ROAD.
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WATER CUT IN SAI KUNG X X X
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES AND VILLAGES IN SAI KUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 PM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 10) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE PREMISES AND VILLAGES AFFECTED WILL BE THOSE IN:
X CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD BETWEEN HIRAM’S HIGHWAY AND MANG KUNG UK, SILVER-STRAND, HANG HAU TOWN, SHAW’S STUDIO, AND BAY SIDE;
* PO LAM ROAD, RENNIE’S MILL AREA AND MA YAU TONG;
X HIRAM’S HIGHWAY INCLUDING TAN CHEUNG AREA;
* SAI KUNG TOWN AREA.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG.TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
OFFICE EQUIP:ENT PRODUCTION RISES ........................... 1
LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS SCHEME PROVES VALUABLE ................... 2
LEGCO DEBATE RESUMES TOMORROW ............................... 3
IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY LIFE STRESSED .......................... 3
PILOT SCHEME ON PRIMARY CLASS LIBRARIES ..................... 4
WORK ON SPORTS CENTRE INSPECTED ................................ 5
57 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN SEPTEMBER ..................... 6
BAND FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS ........................................ 6
COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS ..................................... 7
UK-SWISS AIR TALKS ............................................. 7
REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY ....................................... 8
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN K7UN TONG CLEARED ..................... 8
WATER MAINS WORK IN THREE AREAS ............................. 9
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1982
1
OFFICE EQUIPMENT PRODUCTION RISES K M O
THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR PETER TSAO TODAY (TUESDAY) CALLED ON MANUFACTURERS TO CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY OF SETTING UP FACTORIES FOR PRODUCING OFFICE EQUIPMENT IN HONG KONG.
ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 13TH BUSINESS EFFICIENCY EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG OFFICE EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION, MR TSAO NOTED THAT OVER THE YEARS, MANY MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS HAD BEEN SET UP IN HONG KONG PRODUCING OFFICE EQUIPMENT. A ROUGH ESTIMATE SHOWED THAT ABOUT 60 PER CENT OF THEM WERE ESTABLISHED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS.
MR TSAO SA IDi + IN THE PAST, SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS CONCENTRATED IN THE PRODUCTION OF ELECTRONIC CALCULATORS. RECENT TREND HAS HOWEVER INDICATED THAI THEY ARE BEGINNING TO DIVERSIFY INTO MANUFACTURING COMPUTERS AND PHOTOCOPYING MACHINES. AS A RESULT COMPUTERS AND PHOTOCOPYING MACHINES NOW FEATURE PROMINENTLY IN HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS.
+0F HONG KONG’S TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF OFFICE EQUIPMENT VALUED AT OVER $500 MILLION IN 1981, 30 PER CENT WERE SUCH PRODUCTS. AS AN EXPORT EARNER, SUCH PRODUCTS NOW RANK AS EQUAL WITH ELECTRONIC CALCULATORS, WHICH HAD FOR A LONG TIME DOMINATED THE EXPORT SCENE.
+THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WHICH CO-ORDINATES ALL INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION ACTIVITIES HAS IDENTIFIED OFFICE EQUIPMENT AS AMONG THOSE PRODUCTS MOST SUITED TO BE PRODUCED IN HONG KONG,+ SAID MR TSAO.
♦ALREADY SEVEN FACTORIES WITH OVERSEAS INTEREST HAVE BEEN SET UP IN HONG KONG FOR THE PRODUCTION OF OFFICE EQUIPMENT. MANY MORE OVERSEAS COMPANIES HAVE EXPRESSED THEIR INTERESTS IN SETTING UP FACILITIES HERE FOR MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS IN THIS FIELD. FOUR OF THESE ARE EXPECTED TO BE SET UP IN HONG KONG WITHIN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.*
IN 1971, HONG KONG IMPORTED A TOTAL OF $90 MILLION WORTH OF OFFICE EQUIPMENT, AND TEN YEARS LATER, INCREASED THIS TO $920 MILLION.
APART FROM THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN IMPORTED EQUIPMENT, THE PRODUCT COMPOSITION OF OFFICE EQUIPMENT HAS UNDERGONE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT WAS THAT COMPUTERS, WHICH WERE NOT A SIGNIFICANT ITEM OF IMPORT DURING THE EARLY 70’S, BECAME A MAJOR ITEM IN THE EARLY 80’S. IN 1981, COMPUTERS REPRESENTED OVER 50 PER CENT OF OFFICE EQUIPMENT IMPORTS.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1982
- 2 -
LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS SCHEME PROVES VALUABLE
*****
THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS SCHEME HAS PROVED TO BE ONE OF GOVERNMENT’S MOST VALUABLE MEASURES TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS.
SPEAKING AT THE DINNER MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, bR RICKY FUNG, SAID THE SCHEME DID NOT ONLY IMPROVE THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT, BUT ALSO ENABLED EMERGENCY REPAIR WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT IN RESPECT OF INSECURE STRUCTURES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, A TOTAL GF $1.25 MILLION HAD BEEN ALLOCATED TO THE ISLANDS DISTRICT FOR LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS.
+SO FAR, ABOUT $400 000 HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO SOME 40 LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS, WHICH INCLUDE THE REPROVISIONING OF A BRIDGE IN SHA LO WAN, THE IMPROVEMENT TO CHI MA WAN ROAD IN SOUTH LANTAU, THE IMPROVEMENT TO NGONG PING ROAD IN TAI 0 AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MINI-SOCCER PITCH ON PENG CHAU,+ MR FUNG SAID.
IN THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, ABOUT $1.22 MILLION WAS SPENT ON 70 PROJECTS IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT, INCLUDING IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO FOOTPATH, DEFECTIVE CHANNEL AND WATER SUPPLY, MAINTENANCE OF VILLAGE LIGHTING AND CONSTRUCTION OF PIERS.
AMONG THE MORE IMPORTANT PROJECTS WERE THE RENOVATION OF A COMMUNITY CENTRE AND CONSTRUCTION OF A MINI-SOCCER PITCH AT SOK KWU WAN ON LAMMA, THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PIER AT MONG TUNG WAN IN SOUTH LANTAU AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MINI-SOCCER PITCH AT TUNG CHUNG.
MR FUNG SAID APART FROM LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS FUNDS, DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS COULD BE USED FOR MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD WAS PREPARED TO PROVIDE ABOUT $1 MILLION FOR MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS. AMONG THOSE PROJECTS APPROVED WERE IMPROVEMENT TO ACCESS AT CHUNG HAU STREET IN MUI WO, IMPROVEMENT TO THE NGONG PING VILLAGE CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND IMPROVEMENT TO THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM IN TAI 0.
+LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS ARE USUALLY INITIATED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS, NORMALLY THROUGH THEIR VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES OR RURAL COMMITTEES OR BY DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF IN THE COURSE OF THEIR CONTACTS WITH THE RURAL COMMUNITY,* HE ADDED.
MR FUNG RECALLED THAT THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS SCHEME STARTED AS EARLY AS 1919 AND OVER THE YEARS, WITH DRASTIC INCREASE OF FUNDS, A LOT OF PROJECTS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED, BRINGING ABOUT A MUCH BETTER ENVIRONMENT TO LOCAL RESIDENTS.
0
/3........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1982
- 3 -
LEGCO DEBATE RESUMES TOMORROW * * * *
SIXTEEN OFFICIAL MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO SPEAK IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND ON THURSDAY, DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS.
THE DEBATE RESUMES AT 2.30 PM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER AND WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RTHK’S CHINESE AND ENGLISH SERVICES RADIO 1 AND 3.
LEADING OFF FOR THE OFFICIAL SIDE WILL BE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON JOHN BREMRIDGE.
HE WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON BILL DORWARD; THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS; THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON DAVID MCDONALD; THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON DONALD LIAO; THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON; THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON MARTIN ROWLANDS: AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JOHN GRIFFITHS.
SPEAKING ON THURSDAY WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON ERIC HO; THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR THE HON THONG KAH-LEONG; THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE HON SELWYN ALLEYNE 5 THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION, THE HON KENNETH TOPLEY; THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON COLVYN HAYE; THE SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DAVID AKERS-JONES? THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON DENIS BRAY5 AND THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE.
ALSO AT TOMORROW’S SITTING, DEBATE WILL RESUME ON THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL, THE PEAK TRAMWAY (AMENDMENT) BILL, THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL, AND THE GUARDIANSHIP OF MINORS (AMENDMENT) BILL.
TWO OTHER BILLS — THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL AND THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL — WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READING.
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IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY LIFE STRESSED
X X X
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE, STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FAMILY TO EACH INDIVIDUAL WHEN HE OPENED THIS YEAR’S FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL THIS EVENING (TUESDAY).
HE SAID THE AIM OF THE CAMPAIGN WAS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY CF FAMILY LIFE AND TO PREVENT PROBLEMS ARISING IN THE FAMILY.
PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS HAD BEEN HELD IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS TO DRAW ATTENTION TO VARIOUS ASPECTS OF FAMILY LIFE.
/THE THEk.-J «••<>•••
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1982
4
THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN WAS +THE ADOLESCENT AND THE FAMILY* AND MEANT FOR YOUTHS BETWEEN 11 AND 18 YEARS OF AGE AND THEIR PARENTS.
+ IT IS HOPED THAT BY MEANS OF PROMOTIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES, WHICH ARE TO BE TRANSMITTED THROUGH THE MASS MEDIA AND ORGANISED IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS, TEENAGERS AND THEIR PARENTS WILL HAVE A BETTER PERSPECTIVE OF THEIR OWN ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES,* MR ALLEYNE SAID.
THE OPENING CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY A STAR-STUDDED VARIETY SHOW JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES.
THE ONE-AND-A-HALF-HOUR SHOW, CONSISTING OF SINGING, DANCING, DRAMA AND OTHER PERFORMANCES, WAS DESIGNED TO PROMOTE HARMONIOUS FAMILY LIFE THROUGH A COMBINED ENTERTAINMENT AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME.
THE SHOW, SUPPLEMENTED BY DOCUMENTARY FILMS AND INTERVIEWS WITH CELEBRITIES, WILL BE SCREENED ON TVB’S JADE CHANNEL ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 14) BETWEEN 7 PM AND 8 PM.
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PILOT SCHEME ON PRIMARY CLASS LIBRARIES K K * K
TWENTY-FIVE GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE TAKING PART IN AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PILOT SCHEME TO SET UP CLASS LIBRARIES IN PRIMARY 5 AND 6.
TO PREPARE FOR THE EXPERIMENTAL PROJECT, 60 TEACHERS FROM THESE SCHOOLS ARE ATTENDING, TWO 11-WEEK-LONG COURSES JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AND THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY’S DEPARTMENT OF EXTRA-MURAL STUDIES.
ON COMPLETING THE COURSES NEXT MONTH, THE TEACHERS WILL START A CLASS LIBRARY IN EACH OF THE PRIMARY 5 AND 6 CLASSES IN THEIR SCHOOLS.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS SET ASIDE MORE THAN $760 000 FOR THE PILOT SCHEME, TO HELP THE SCHOOLS PURCHASE BOOKS AND BOOKCASES.
EACH CLASS WILL HAVE ONE BOOKCASE AND ABOUT 160 TO 240 BOOKS, MOSTLY STORY BOOKS IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH AND THE REST TOPICAL OR INTEREST BOOKS.
SCHOOLS MAY CHOOSE BOOKS BEST SUITED FOR THEIR STUDENTS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE IDEA WAS INTRODUCED TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN 1979 AND FOUND TO BE VERY SUCCESSFUL IN PROMOTING THE HABIT OF READING FOR PLEASURE AND FOR INFORMATION.
/it has
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1982
5
IT WAS ALSO FOUND USEFUL IN HELPING STUDENTS IMPROVE THEIR LANGUAGE ABILITY AND IN COMPLEMENTING THE EXISTING SCHOOL CURRICULUM.
AS A RESULT, THE 1981 WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES RECOMMENDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT EXTEND THE SCHEME TO ALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR.
ACCORDING TO THE WHITE PAPER, CLASS LIBRARIES WILL BE INTRODUCED IN ALL PRIMARY 5 AND 6 CLASSES IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS FROM SEPTEMBER 1983 AND TO ALL PRIMARY CLASSES IN THESE SCHOOLS FROM SEPTEMBER 1985.
TO PAVE THE WAY FOR FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME, THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL START TO RUN LIBRARY COURSES FOR MORE THAN 1 OOO PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS BETWEEN MARCH AND JUNE NEXT YEAR.
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WORK ON SPORTS CENTRE INSPECTED * * * *
-mn*vT/Tucln^SIOf? 0F NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JOHN HEYWOOD, JPaALJTUESDAY) INSPECTED THE SAI KUNG TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
kiiwr M£dHmIW?BLVASauR-1EFED BY THE URBAN servICES OFFICER OF SAI ™LMLnA. Y"10’ 0N THt W0RK PROGRESS OF THIS FIRST SPORTS
SAI KUNG’ WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE READY BY EARLY
THE $6 MILLION PROJECT WILL HAVE COMPREHENSIVE FACILITIES AL1CLwf1tSpJ ™FED S0CCER P,TCH» A SIX-LANE 400-METRE'
ALL-WEATHER ATHLETIC TRACK, A BASKETBALL COURT THAT CAN ALSO BE ^EBF?R Y0LLEYBALL or ten*,s« and a COVERED STAND FOR 1 000 t v T A I On 5 •
«IS FIELD TRIPS T0 FACILITIES ADMINISTERED BY THE ^TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR HEYWOOD NEXT VISITED THE tVERSTRAND BEACH WHERE HE SAW NTSD STAFF USING A PILOT SCHEME OF TRAPPING SEA-BORNE REFUSE WITH A NET.
FL0ATS» is placed IN SHALLOW WATER NEAR A BEACH, TRAPPING REFUSE WHEN THE TIDE EBBS.
THEN T0URED A NEWLY BUILT MARKET AT TUI MIN HOI AND SUNDRY MODS 34 STALLS F°R SELL'NG MEAT’ F‘SH' P0ULTRY
THE PUBL !CASOON' BU’LT AT A C0ST 0F *2 M,LL,°N, WILL BE OPENED TO
$Alr!;EB AT THE TUI M,N H01 T0WN CENTRE, MR HEYWOOD THAT A LARGER MARKET WITH ACCOMMODATION FOR MORE THAN 200 STALLS IS BEING PLANNED FOR THE TOWN.
pniNTLATETii!NMluEuAOY’*HLZOURED THE NEWLY BUILT REpUSE COLLECTION MAR^t LIUatuJo ^TrMP0RARY PLANT NURSERY, SAI KUNG OLD MARKET AND OTHER FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
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/6
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1982
6
57 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN SEPTEMBER * * ft
FIFTY-SEVEN NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH 60 IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR.
OF THESE NEW PLANS, 23 WERE FOR NEW BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 13 FOR KOWLOON AND 21 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INCLUDE AN ENTRANCE BUILDING FOR THE OCEAN PARK, THE Y.M.C.A. COMMUNITY CENTRE IN HARBOUR ROAD, A MOTOR-SERVICE CENTRE IN CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, A TEMPLE ON LANTAU ISLAND AND A SCHOOL AT HONG LOK YUEN IN TAI PO.
THE DECLARED COST OF ALL THE NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS $699.8 MILLION, COMPARED WITH 1901.6 MILLION IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
THEIR USABLE FLOOR AREA TOTALLED 364 447.2 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 266 400.8 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC AND 98 046.4 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
IN THE SAME MONTH, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 34 PROJECTS INCLUDING A HALL AT YUK CHOI ROAD, A CINEMA AT NGAU TAU KOK ROAD AND A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT IN HONG LOK YUEN, TAI PO.
ALTOGETHER, 66 OCCUPATION PERMITS WERE ISSUED FOR NEWLY-COMPLETED BUILDINGS IN SEPTEMBER, INCLUDING A RELIGIOUS/COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 01 KWAN ROAD, A SCHOOL AT CHUNG HAU STREET AND A SCHOOL EXTENSION AT TIN KWONG ROAD, A HOSTEL AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, AN ELECTRICITY SUBSTATION AT TAI YUEN ESTATE AND A SWIMMING POOL AT HONG LOK YUEN IN TAI PO AND A CHAPEL AND DORMITORY IN SAI KUNG.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO GAVE PERMISSION FOR 87 BUILDINGS TO BE DEMOLISHED.
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BAND FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS ft ft ft ft
THE SIX WELL-KNOWN AUSTRALIAN MUSICIANS, NOW TAKING PART IN THE FIFTH HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL, WILL CONDUCT A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS FOR STUDENTS OF WIND INSTRUMENTS.
THESE WORKSHOPS, ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY.
/THSY INCLUDE
TU3SDA.Y, MOVEMBBH 9, 1982
7
THEY INCLUDE DISCUSSIONS ON INDIVIDUAL INSTRUMENTSi TROMBONE, FLUTE, OBOE, CLARINET, BASSOON AND HORN AS WELL AS BRASS ENSEMBLE AND WOODWIND ENSEMBLE.
THE SIX MAESTROES ARE SIMONE DE HAAN (TROMBONE), VERNON HILL (FLUTE), LAURENCE FRANKEL (OBOE), DONALD WESTLAKE (CLARINET), RICHARD MCINTYRE (BASSOON) AND HECTOR MCDONALD (HORN).
SIMONE DE HAAN IS A SPECIALIST IN THE PERFORMANCE OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC AND HIS PARTICIPATION IN THE 1982 HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP HAS IMPRESSED MANY YOUNG MUSICIANS.
VERNON HILL HAS PLAYED PRINCIPAL FLUTE IN THE LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WHEREAS LAURENCE FRANKEL HAS BEEN THE PRINCIPAL OBOE OF THE WEST AUSTRALIAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.
AS HEAD OF WOODWIND DEPARTMENT OF THE CANBERRA SCHOOL OF MUSIC, DONALD WESTLAKE APPEARS REGULARLY IN CONCERT WITH VARIOUS AUSTRALIAN ORCHESTRAS.
RICHARD MCINTYRE HAS BEEN SOLOIST WITH THE SYDNEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND MANY OTHER ORCHESTRAS AS WELL.
STARTING AT 7 PM, THE WORKSHOPS WILL BE HELD AT THE MUSIC OFFICE ON 9/F., ARTS CENTRE, WAN CHAI, AND THE MONGKOK MUSIC CENTRE ON 1/F., CAMBRIDGE COURT, 84, WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE VARIOUS MUSIC CENTRES. FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE AT 5-296221 AND 5-283257.
COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS M M M
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT MR GORDON MORTIMER WILL REPLACE MR PETER LEE AS COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS WHEN THE LATTER RETIRES ON DECEMBER 1 AFTER 31 YEARS OF CROWN SERVICE.
„ril,,MR M0RT,MER» AGED 52, JOINED THE HONG KONG ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN OCTOBER 1971 AFTER HAVING SERVED FOR 14 YEARS IN FIJI. HIS CAREER TO DATE HAS BEEN SPENT IN THE LANDS AND ENVIRONMENT BRANCHES OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AND IN THE FORMER TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT WHERE HE WAS DEPUTY DIRECTOR (ADMINISTRATION).
UK-SWISS AIR TALKS
XXX
MR N. LATHAM, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION WILL REPRESENT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AT AIR SERVICES TALKS BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND SWISS AERONAUTICAL AUTHORITIES OPENING IN LONDON TOMORROW.
THE TALKS ARE EXPECTED TO DEAL WITH AIR SERVICES BETWEEN MATTERS.
LAST FOR THREE DAYS AND WILL EUROPE AND HONG KONG, AND OTHER
0 --------
/£ .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1982
- 8 -
REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY * * * *
A REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE CENOTAPH IN STATUE SQUARE ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 14) IN HONOUR OF THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES IN ACTIVE SERVICE.
THIS CEREMONY, LIKE THE ONE HELD LAST YEAR, WILL COMBINE THREE SEPARATE OBSERVANCES.
THERE WILL BE NO CEREMONY AT THE CHINESE MEMORIAL IN THE ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS AND NO OFFICIAL REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE AT ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL.
WREATHS WILL BE LAID BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE; THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS ; THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR GENERAL DEREK BOORMAN; REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EXECUT VE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS ; COMMONWEALTH COMMISSIONERS, THE COMMISSIONER CF POLICE MR ROY HENRY; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, PR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN ; SERVICE COMMANDERS, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, SERVICE UNITS, DISTRICT BOARDS, TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND EX-SERVICEMEN’S ASSOCIATIONS.
THE CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 10.45 AM AND WILL END AT ABOUT 11.30 AM, WHEN ALL WHO WISH TO LAY WREATHS AT THE CENOTAPH MAY DO SO.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PRESS STAND WILL BE SET UP ON CHATER ROAD OUTSIDE THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING (NEAR THE MTR CHATER STATION ENTRANCE). REPRESENTATIVES ASSIGNED TO COVER THE CEREMONY MUST BE IN POSITION BEFORE 10.30 AM. PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS AND T.V. CAMERAMEN ARE REMINDED THAT TELE OR ZOOM LENSES MAY BE REQUIRED. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE PRESENT TO ASSIST.
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ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN KWUN TONG CLEARED * * * * *
A CLEARANCE OPERATION TO DEMOLISH ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE PAVEMENT OF KWUN TONG ROAD NEAR TUNG YAN STREET WAS CARRIED OUT SMOOTHLY TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE OPERATION WHICH WILL LAST TWO DAYS WILL REMOVE 24 ILLEGAL WORKSHOPS, COOKED FOOD STALLS, STORAGES AND CANTEENS, WHICH HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS OBSTRUCTION TO PEDESTRIANS AND HAVE GENERATED MANY COMPLAINTS FROM LOCAL RESIDENTS.
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, AFTER CONSULTING WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD, HAD DECIDED TO REMOVE THE EYESORES AND THREE MONTHS AGO POSTED CROWN LAND NOTICE ON THESE STRUCTURES.
/the move .......
TUESDAY, NOVSffiER 9, 1982
9
IHE M0VE WAS discussed again at the first meeting of the new K*UN TONG DISTRICT BOARD YESTERDAY AND IN A SECRET BALLOT. THE BOARD AGREED TO GO AHEAD WITH THE OPERATION AS SCHEDULED.
n.u.cTSBAneS-r2bE^!J?E WAS CARR,ED OUT BY THE SQUATTER CONTROL ^IS'ON OF TH£ H0US,NG DEPARTMENT WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, THE LANDS, THE FIRE SERVICES AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.
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WATER MAINS WORK IN THREE AREAS
* K # M
FRESH WATER SUPPLIES TO THREE AREAS WILL BE CUT FOR SEVERAL HOURS BETWEEN THURSDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY MORNING FOR MAINS WORK.
IN WONG TAI SIN THE WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 11) TO 6 AM ON THE FOLLOWING DAY.
PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED WILL BE FU SHAN ESTATE, KING SHAN COURT, PING TING ROAD, KA WAH TERRACE, SHEUNG YUEN LENG, TAI HOM VILLAGE AND DIAMOND HILL MTR STATION.
IN CENTRAL THE WATER SUPPLY WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 12) TO 6 AM ON THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY ARSENAL STREET, QUEENSWAY, MURRAY ROAD AND THE SEA FRONT.
AND IN WONG CHUK HANG THE WATER SUPPLY WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 10 PM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 12) TO 6 AM ON THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE AREAS TO BE AFFECTED WILL BE«
* POLICE SCHOOL ROAD, INCLUDING WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE AND WONG CHUK HANG POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL
* NAM LONG SHAN ROAD, INCLUDING OCEAN PARK, NAM LONG HOSPITAL, AND TUNG WAH DAVID TRENCH HOME FOR THE AGED
* WELFARE ROAD
* SHUM WAN PIER ROAD, INCLUDING TAI PAK SEA FOOD RESTAURANT, SEA PALACE FLOATING RESTAURANT, AND JUMBO FLOATING RESTAURANT
* SHUM WAN ROAD AND PO CHONG WAN.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL: BUDGET DEFICIT THIS YEAR, FS REPORTS ....................... 1
INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY OUTLINED ............... 3
EFFORT TO ’REMOVE AIR OF MYSTERY' OVER UTILITIES............ 6
ADEQUATE ROAD SYSTEM PLANNED FOR NT ........................ 8
PUBLIC HOUSING RENTS AMONG V/ORLD'S LOWEST IN RELATION TO INCOMES, LEGCO TOLD .................................... 11
RENT CONTROLS BEING REVIEWED .............................. 12
DECLINE SEEN IN TRADE DISPUTES ............................ 12
SLOWER GROWTH PLANNED FOR CIVIL SERVICE ................... 14
HOPE OVER NATIONALITY DESCRIPTION ......................... 16
POWER TO EXPEND TRIBUNAL APPEAL PERIOD SOUGHT ............. 17
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS .................................. 17
FOUR BILLS PASSED ....................•'3.................. 18
MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC SECTOR .................................. 19
REMINDER ON ANTI-SMOKING LAWS ...............................
BEWARE OF DOMESTIC ACCIDENTS ................................. 21
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AUTUMN FAIR ON SATURDAY ................ 23
ELECTRIC TRAINS TO SHA TIN RACECOURSE......................... 24
FIRE SERVICES DIRECTOR OFF TO JAPAN FOR CONFERENCE............ 24
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1982
1
BUDGET DEFICIT THIS YEAR, FS REPORTS * * X *
THERE IS NOW CLEARLY GOING TO BE A BUDGET DEFICIT THIS YEAR BECAUSE OF A PRONOUNCED FALL IN REVENUE FROM LAND SALES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS.
MR BREMRIDGE SAID THAT A DEFICIT WOULD BE TAKEN UP BY HONG KONG’S RESERVES WHICH HE CONSIDERED TO BE SATISFACTORY.
+THAT IS WHAT SAVINGS ARE FOR, AND WE MUST NOT GET EXCITED ABOUT ONE OR POSSIBLY TWO DIFFICULT YEARS,* HE STATED.
HE SAID THAT THE LAND SALES COMPONENT OF REVENUE WOULD LIKELY IN FUTURE BE A LESS SIGNIFICANT PART OF TOTAL REVENUE THAN IT HAD BEEN FOR THE PAST SEVEN YEARS.
HE REPORTED THAT HONG KONG’S FISCAL RESERVES NOW TOTAL OVER $22 BILLION WHICH, AFTER ALLOWING CONSERVATIVELY FOR CONTINGENT LIABILITIES, LEAVES FREE RESERVES OF OVER $16 BILLION.
MR BREMRIDGE SAID ALSO THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S TARGET GROWTH IN PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITUREFOR FISCAL 1983-84 WILL BE ABOUT 10 PER CENT IN MONETARY TERMS.
HE SAID THAT HE HOPED TO ARRANGE THAT REAL GROWTH IN PUBLIC SPENDING IN THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR WOULD NOT EXCEED WHATEVER MIGHT BE THE EXPECTED GDP GROWTH.
HE ADDED THAT NEVERTHELESS, THERE WOULD BE +N0 STRINGENT CUTBACKS, NO STOP AND GO, NO FAILURE TO CONTINUE WITH EXISTING MAJOR PROGRAMMES, NO PETTY MEANNESS*.
SUBJECT TO THE COUNCIL’S APPROVAL, MR BREMRIDGE SAID THAT AT THE BEGINNING OF FISCAL 1983-84, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE COMMITMENTS OF ABOUT $25 BILLION IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME FUNDED VIA THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND.
THE FIGURE WOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT NEW WORKS, INCLUDING LAND ACQUISITION WHOSE COSTS TO COMPLETION IN TODAY’S MONEY WOULD BE AT LEAST $5 BILLION, HE SAID.
AS BEFORE, THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, HE SAID, WOULD NOT INCLUDE THE LOW COST PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME.
HE POINTED TO TWO +PRESSING REASONS* FOR FIRM CONTROL OF THE GROWTH RATE OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE IN RELATION TO THE GDPi
* THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT PREEMPT RESOURCES WHICH MIGHT BETTER BE USED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTION OF ALL-IMPORTANT EXPORTS.
* BUDGETARY EXIGENCE WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS +THE NEED TO CUT OUR COAT TO SUIT OUR CLOTH*.
Awhile we......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1982
2
♦WHILE WE INTEND TO PROCEED WITH OUR COMMITMENTS STEADILY AND CAREFULLY, MANY MEMBERS MAY AGREE WITH ME THAT THE DISCIPLINE OF A RATHER MORE AUSTERE APPROACH TO PUBLIC SPENDING IS OVERDUE. IN BRIEF A LITTLE BELT TIGHTENING IS INDICATED,* MP BREMRIDGE SAID.
HE REGARDED PRESENT PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE, WHICH IS EQUIVALENT TO 25 PER CENT OF THE GDP, AS BEING TOO HIGH.
HE CAUTIONED THAT FAILURE TO CONTROL THIS EXPENDITURE +IS A RECIPE FOR INFLATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT*.
♦THUS DECISIONS ON REALLY LARGE PROJECTS SUCH AS A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT CAN ONLY BE APPROACHED AFTER THE MAJOR SUB-REGIONAL STUDIES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND WE KNOW WHAT CASH COMMITMENTS ARE LIKELY TO BE.
♦INITIAL EXCITEMENT OVER NEW PROJECTS COULD SO EASILY GIVE WAY TO LONG-TERM DESPAIR IF EXPENDITURE EXCEEDS WHAT WE CAN PROPERLY AFFORD. i CANNOT EMPHASISE TOO STRONGLY THAT PRUDENCE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN SHORT-TERM POPULARITY,+ MR BREMRIDGE SAID.
MR BREMRIDGE SAID THAT WHILE THE IMPORTANCE OF LARGE-SCALE EMPLOYMENT OFFERED BY THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY WAS CLEAR, IT WAS NEVERTHELESS WISE ALSO TO RECOGNISE THE GROWING CONTRIBUTION OF THE FINANCIAL, HOTELS AND EXPORT-BASED SERVICES SECTORS WHERE GROWTH IS AT PRESENT CONCENTRATED.
EXPRESSING HIS PROFOUND BELIEF IN THE CONTINUED PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG, HE SAID, +THE PRESENT PROBLEMS THAT WE FACE APPEAR TO ME TO BE CLEARLY EPHEMERAL.+
♦OF COURSE, THEY EXIST? OF COURSE THEY ARE CREATING CONCERN OF COURSE INTELLIGENCE, COURAGE, CONFIDENCE AND HARD WORK WILL PREVAIL AS THEY HAVE BEFORE,+ HE STRESSED.
HE REITERATED THAT IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY AND FIRM INTENTION TO INVEST VIGOROUSLY IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE.
MR BREMRIDGE SAID, +THE WORLD AT PRESENT IS SUFFERING FROM WHAT IS HOPEFULLY THE TAIL END OF THE WORST RECESSION SINCE THE 1930’S. IT CANNOT BE TOO OFTEN REPEATED THAT HONG KONG IS RELIANT ON EXPORT TRADE.+
♦HONG KONG IS HOWEVER SPECIAL IN THAT IN THIS DIFFICULT YEAR WE STILL EXPECT FOUR PER CENT GROWTH IN GDP, DO NOT FACE SERIOUS UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEMS — THOUGH THEY ARE INCREASING — AND HAVE EXPERIENCED A NOTICEABLE DROP IN INFLATION WHICH PRESENTLY IS RUNNING AT ABOUT 10 PER CENT.+
MR BREMRIDGE ASSUMED THAT THERE WOULD BE +THE SHADOWY BEGINNINGS+ OF A RECOVERY IN THE U.S. ECONOMY IN THE LAST QUARTER CF THIS YEAR AND A CONSERVATIVE TWO-AND-A-HALF PER CENT GROWTH IN THE U.S. GDP NEXT YEAR.
♦I BELIEVE THAT THE U.S. RETAIL TRADE WILL FIRST REFLECT THIS CHANGE OF TIDE, AND THAT HONG KONG WILL THUS BENEFIT WITH OUR CONCENTRATION ON FLEXIBLE LIGHT INDUSTRY DESIGNED FOR EXPORT,+ HE SAID. ’
/+WHILE THEREFORE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1982
3
+WHILE THEREFORE REMAINING CONTINUE CALMLY WITH OUR TESTED NO NEED FOR CHANGE IN OUR BASIC
PRUDENTLY ON OUR GUARD, WE SHALL ECONOMIC POLICIES. THERE IS BELIEF IN NON-INTERVENTION ISM
AND IN OUR RELIANCE ON FREE MARKETS. THE GOVERNMENT WILL CARRY ON STEADILY ON THE COURSE THAT HAS LONG BEEN SET,* MR BREMRIDGE
STATED.
HE ALSO SAID THAT A PROPOSAL BY AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER TO ABOLISH THE INTEREST TAX ON HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS +WILL CERTAINLY NOT BE OVERLOOKED*.
SUMMING UP HIS SPEECH, MR BREMRIDGE STATED, +LET ME END BY SAYING THAT DESPITE OUR PRESENT LOCAL DIFFICULTIES, THE FUTURE LOOKS PROSPEROUS AND STABLE PROVIDED THAT GOVERNMENT’S ECONOMIC, FINANCIAL AND FISCAL POLICIES CONTINUE TO REFLECT PRAGMATIC PRUDENCE AND THE LESSONS WE HAVE LEARNED THE HARD WAY.
♦SIR, OUR POLICIES WILL DO S0.+
------0 - -
INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY OUTLINED
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR BILL DORWARD SAID TODAY THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY ACTIVITIES AND PLANS SHOWED THAT SUSTAINED EFFORTS WERE BEING MADE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE GOVERNMENT OR GOVERNMENT-RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE TO ASSIST INDUSTRY.
HE WAS RESPONDING TO REMARKS REGARDING SUPPORT TO INDUSTRY RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY SPEECH.
REFERRING TO COMMENTS BY THE HON FRANCIS TIEN AND THE HON ALLEN LEE THAT THERE WAS A PRESSING NEED TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO MODERN TECHNOLOGY FROM ABROAD, MR DORWARD DISCLOSED THAT FUNDS HAD JJST BEEN PROVIDED FOR A TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER STUDY TO BE CONDUCTED BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL.
+ITS PURPOSE IS TO ASSESS THE REQUIREMENTS OF INDUSTRY IN THIS RESPECT BY MEANS OF INTENSIVE STUDY OF SELECTED SEGMENTS. IT WILL SEEK TO IDENTIFY THE SERVICES AND FACILITIES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AND CONSIDER HOW AND TO WHAT EXTENT THEY SHOULD BE INCREASED.
+A CONSEQUENCE OF THE STUDY MAY BE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AGENCY,* HE ADDED.
THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL IS EXPANDING ITS SERVICES TO INDUSTRY IN OTHER WAYS. A MICRO-PROCESSOR DEVELOPMENT LABORATORY HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED AND IS PROVIDING FACILITIES FOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AS WELL AS CONSULTANCY SERVICES TO THE INDUSTRY.
A TECHNO-ECONOMIC STUDY ON THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL IN JANUARY 1983 TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE ON FUTURE DEVELOPMENT NEEDS AND RESOURCES. A SIMILAR STUDY BY THE CENTRE HAS JUST BEEN COMPLETED ON THE METAL AND LIGHT ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES AND IS UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD.
/on industrial ...
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1?82
4 -
ON INDUSTRIAL LAND, MR DORWARD POINTED OUT THAT FOR SOME YEARS GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN EXHORTED TO INTERFERE WITH THE MARKET MECHANISM SO AS TO PROVIDE CHEAP, OR LESS EXPENSIVE, LAND FOR INDUSTRY.
MR DORWARD EMPHASISED THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S LAND POLICY IN CONSIDERING INDUSTRIAL LAND VALUES TODAY. +THERE ARE, OF COURSE, OTHER FACTORS AT PLAY - ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL - BUT THE REDUCTION IN THESE YA. ES IS TO A SUBSTANTIAL DEGREE THE CONSEQUENCE OF A DELIBERATE GOVERNMENT POLICY TO ASSIST INDUSTRY BY PROVIDING MORE, AND THEREFORE LESS EXPENSIVE, LAND.
+THE OPERATION OF THE LAW OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND CAN BE SLOWED DOWN, BUT IT CANNOT, IN THE END, BE STOPPED.
+IT IS DIFFICULT TO MAKE EXACT COMPARISONS, FOR THERE ARE A NUMBER OF VARIABLE FACTORS, BUT IT IS FAIR TO SAY THAT THE SELLING PRICES FOR COMPLETED INDUSTRIAL SPACE IN SINGAPORE TODAY ARE PROBABLY BETWEEN TWO AND THREE TIMES HIGHER THAN THEY ARE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES,* MR DORWARD SAID.
OUTLINING ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT, SUCH AS THE SETTING UP OF OFFICES IN TOKYO, LONDON, STUTTGART AND SAN FRANCISCO, MR DORWARD SAID: +THIS MAY SEEM LIKE A STRANGE TIME TO BE EXPANDING THESE ACTIVITIES, GIVEN THE GENERAL ECONOMIC CLIMATE.
♦ I BELIEVE, HOWEVER, THAT THIS IS IN FACT THE RIGHT TIME TO ESTABLISH AND EXPAND PROMOTIONAL FACILITIES SO THAT WHEN THE EXPANSIONIST SPRING FOLLOWS THE WINTER OF RECESSION, WE SHALL BE POISED TO TAKE MAXIMUM ADVANTAGE.
+IT IS, I THINK, A SUSTAINABLE ARGUMENT IN ANY CASE THAT PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES ARE MORE IMPORTANT IN BAD TIMES THAN IN GOOD.*
IN REPLY TO THE HON MARIA TAM’S SUGGESTION THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ADVISE WOULD-BE MANUFACTURERS WHICH FIELD OF PRODUCTION WAS REACHING SATURATION POINT, AND TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON OVERSEAS MARKET TRENDS, MR DORWARD SA IDx +l BELIEVE THAT THE SAME ENDS COULD BE, AND INDEED ARE BEING, ACHIEVED - AND MORE EFFECTIVELY - BY USING THE FACILITIES OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
+IT IS, I SUPPOSE, INEVITABLE THAT THE BEST KNOWN ACTIVITIES OF THE COUNCIL ARE THE MORE PUBLICISED ONES, FASHION SHOWS AND MISSIONS AND THE LIKE. BUT DAY BY DAY THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL IS PROVIDING AN UNSPECTACULAR BUT VERY VALUABLE SERVICE IN BRINGING TOGETHER LOCAL AND OVERSEAS BUSINESSMEN TO SATISFY THEIR MUTUAL NEEDS,* HE SAID.
REFERRING TO MR TIEN’S CALL FOR THE SPEEDY ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY, MR DORWARD TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT PREPARATIONS WERE WELL ADVANCED AND THE LABORATORY WAS EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL BY MID-1983.
/+INITIAL!,'.' IT
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1982
5
♦INITIALLY IT WILL SERVE INDUSTRY’S NEEDS IN RESPECT OF ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION. CONSIDERATION IS, HOWEVER, BEING GIVEN TO EXPANSION OF ACTIVITIES INTO OTHER FIELDS OF MEASUREMENT.
HE NOTED THAT ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION BY INDUSTRY - A FAIR MEASURE OF ACTIVITY - WAS SLIGHTLY DOWN IN THE YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 1982 WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
+BUT THE DECLINE IS ALMOST ENTIRELY IN THE TROUBLED TEXTILE MILL SECTOR, THE HEAVIEST ELECTRICITY USER, WHERE PRODUCTION HAS DECLINED TO ABOUT 75 PER CENT OF WHAT IT WAS A DECADE AGO. MOST OTHER KEY INDUSTRIES HAVE RECORDED REAL GROWTH IN CONSUMPTION THIS YEAR.
♦ IN THE SIGNIFICANT GARMENT SECTOR, QUOTA UTILISATION FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1982 IN THE US MARKET WAS 72.1 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 73.3 PER CENT FOR THE SAME PERIOD IN 1981. FOR THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, IT WAS 49.8 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 52.6 PER CENT FOR THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF 1981.
♦EXPORT PROSPECTS ARE HARD TO PREDICT, BUT IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO HEAR MR STEPHEN CHEONG’S VIEW THAT THE WORST IS BEHIND US. ORDER BOOKS ARE PRESENTLY SHORT BUT FAIRLY FULL AND I WOULD HAZARD A GUESS THAT WE SHALL BE ABLE TO LOOK BACK NEXT YEAR AND SEE THAT THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1982 WAS WHERE WE TOUCHED BOTTOM,♦ MR DORWARD ADDED.
REFERRING TO THE CRITICAL TEXTILE NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE EEC WHICH ARE TO RESUME IN BRUSSELS NEXT WEEK, MR DORWARD SAID THE COMMUNITY’S DEMAND FOR CUTBACKS FROM HONG KONG AND OTHER SO-CALLED DOMINANT SUPPLIERS ON FIVE CATEGORIES REPRESENTED NEARLY 60 PER CENT OF OUR TOTAL TEXTILE AND CLOTHING EXPORTS TO THAT MARKET.
♦ IN OUR VIEW THE COMMUNITY’S DEMANDS ARE INCONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT WHICH GOVERN THESE NEGOTIATIONS. ACCEPTANCE OF THESE DEMANDS WOULD NOT ONLY RESULT IN A SIZEABLE REDUCTION OF OUR EXPORT EARNINGS FROM THE COMMUNITY MARKET, BUT WOULD SET A DAMAGING PRECEDENT FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW AND, BY CONDONING THIS DISREGARD FOR A FREELY NEGOTIATED CODE OF DISCIPLINE, WOULD PUT THE FABRIC OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAW UNDER GREAT STRAIN.
♦IRONICALLY, THIS HARSH ATTITUDE TO THIS, THE FREEST OF MARKETS, IS COINCIDING WITH GREAT EMPHASIS BEING PLACED IN COMMUNITY COUNTRIES ON THE NEED FOR RECIPROCAL MARKET ACCESS IF THEY ARE TO MAINTAIN THEIR LIBERAL TRADE POLICIES.
♦ I HOPE IT WILL BE RECOGNISED THAT THEIR INTERNATIONAL CREDIBILITY IS UNDER STRAIN UNLESS THEY SHOW SOME RECOGNITION OF THE FREE AND SUBSTANTIAL MARKET WHICH HONG KONG PROVIDES,+ MR DORWARD CONCLUDED.
- 0 -
/6
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1982
6
EFFORT TO ’REMOVE AIR OF MYSTERY’ OVER UTILITIES
* * * * *
THE HOPE THAT THE PUBLICATION OF THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES WILL HAVE GONE SOME WAY TOWARDS REMOVING THE AIR CF MYSTERY PREVIOUSLY SURROUNDING THEM, WAS EXPRESSED TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS.
THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN RELATION TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES WAS ESSENTIALLY TO PROVIDE A MONITORING SERVICE, NOT SUPERVISION, HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR JACOBS SAID THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL CONSTITUTED BINDING CONTRACTS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMPANIES WHICH COULD NOT BE ALTERED UNILATERALLY, AND IT WAS ON THE BASIS OF THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL THAT THE COMPANIES FINANCED THEIR OPERATIONS.
♦THE SCHEMES PROVIDE FOR A REASONABLE RETURN FOR INVESTORS, AND DETAIL THE MANNER IN WHICH THE COMPANIES’ FINANCIAL AFFAIRS SHOULD BE ACCOUNTED FOR,+ HE SAID.
♦IT IS ON THESE BASES, THE RETURN TO INVESTORS ON THE ONE HAND AND THE CONSISTENT APPROACH TO VARIOUS MATTERS PROVIDED BY THE SCHEMES ON THE OTHER, THAT THE COMPANIES ARE ABLE TO APPROACH THE FINANCIAL MARKETS IN ORDER TO ARRANGE THE FINANCING OF THEIR OPERATIONS.
♦MOST OF THE UTILITIES ARE CAPITAL INTENSIVE AND HAVE TO MEET A GROWING DEMAND FOR THEIR SERVICES. IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, FINANCING PLANS HAVE TO BE PROJECTED INTO THE FUTURE.+
MR JACOBS SAID WE WERE ALREADY BEGINNING TO ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF THE POWER COMPANIES’ EXPANSION INTO COAL FUEL GENERATION.
♦IF THE STABILITY PROVIDED BY THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL WERE REMOVED, THE COMPANIES’ ABILITY TO OBTAIN THE FINANCE FOR THEIR FUTURE OPERATIONS OF THIS KIND WOULD BE SEVERELY IMPAIRED TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE CONSUMER,+ HE ADDED.
MR JACOBS SAID THAT WHEN THE COMPANIES’ FINANCING PLANS WERE PRESENTED FOR APPROVAL, THEY WERE SUBJECTED TO VIGOROUS PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION BY THE FINANCIAL MONITORING UNIT OF THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH AND OTHER BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS OF THE GOVERNMENT.
WHERE NECESSARY, HE SAID, ON THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS.
OUTSIDE CONSULTANTS WERE ALSO ENGAGED
♦AND LASTLY, THE FINANCING PLANS, INCLUDING THE PROJECTED REVISIONS TO TARIFFS ARE SUBMITTED FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL,+ HE SAID.
AS FAR AS THE TARIFFS WERE CONCERNED, MR JACOBS SAID, THE COMPANIES THEMSELVES WOULD EXPLAIN THESE TO THE PUBLIC. +THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROVIDING A RELIABLE SERVICE AT A REASONABLE PRICE RESTS PRIMARILY WITH THE COMPANIES CONCERNED,+ HE SAID.
/ON CONSUMER.......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1982
7
ON CONSUMER PROTECTION, MR JACOBS SAID A DRAFT BILL HAD BEEN PRODUCED TO REGULATE THE LEGAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARTIES TO A HIRE-PURCHASE AGREEMENT.
HE SAID IN EXAMINING THE BILL IT HAD BECOME APPARENT THAT THERE WERE SOME DIFFICULTIES BUT ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS DOING ITS BEST TO OVERCOME THESE DIFFICULTIES.
WITH REGARD TO TRAVEL AGENTS, HE SAID, A WORKING PARTY HAD BEEN APPOINTED TO ADVISE ON WHAT MEASURES MIGHT BE APPROPRIATE r0f THE GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE IN ORDER TO AFFORD A REASONABLE DEGRr< OF PROTECTION FOR THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY IN RELATION TO ANY FRAUD ON THE PART OF A TRAVEL AGENT.
THE WORKING PARTY COMPRISED REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY, THE CONSUMER COUNCIL AND THE GOVERNMENT.
HE SAID THE WORKING PARTY HAD COMPLETED ITS DELIBERATIONS, AND WOULD BE IN A POSITION TO MAKE ITS PROPOSALS BEFORE THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
HOWEVER, HE EMPHASISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS STILL NOT YET CONVINCED THAT IT WAS EITHER NECESSARY, DESIRABLE OR PRACTICABLE FOR MEMBERS OF THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC TO BE AFFORDED PROTECTION IN RESPECT OF QUALITY OF SERVICES ACTUALLY RENDERED BY TRAVEL AGENTS.
♦WHAT WE ARE CONCERNED WITH IS FAILURE BY TRAVEL AGENTS, WHETHER BY REASON OF FRAUD OR OTHERWISE, TO PRODUCE THE SERVICES PAID FOR BY THEIR CUSTOMERS,+ HE SAID.
ON CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY, MR JACOBS SAID HITHERTO THE GOVERNMENT’S CONCERN HAD BEEN TO SUPPORT MANUFACTURERS IN THEIR EFFORTS TO MEET THE MANY AND VARIED OVERSEAS SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS SET BY THEIR EXPORT MARKETS. THIS SUPPORT WAS BACKED BY AN EXPORT LICENSING SYSTEM OPERATED BY THE TRADE DEPARTMENT.
♦IT IS NOW BECOMING APPARENT THAT QUALITY ASSURANCE, OF WHICH PRODUCT SAFETY IS AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT, WOULD BE BETTER VIEWED IN FUTURE AS A MATTER OF COMMON CONCERN FOR THE WHOLE HONG KONG ECONOMY SO THAT LOCAL EXPECTATIONS IN THIS AREA, AS WELL AS THE EXPECTATIONS OF OUR EXPORT MARKETS, ARE ALSO MET.+
MR JACOBS SAID THE GOVERNMENT SCIENCE ADVISER’S REPORT ON THIS TOPIC SHOULD BE AVAILABLE VERY SHORTLY. AND IN KEEPING WITH THIS GENERAL AWARENESS, THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALREADY RECEIVING AND ACTING ON REPORTS FROM CONSULTANTS WHO HAD BEEN ASKED TO ADVISE ON A TESTING LABORATORIES ACCREDITATION SYSTEM FOR HONG KONG.
♦SUCH A SYSTEM WOULD BE AN ESSENTIAL PRE-REQUISITE FOR A PROPERLY DEVELOPED PRODUCT QUALITY AUDIT SYSTEM. BUT IT WILL TAKE TIME,+ HE SAID.
MR JACOBS ALSO SPOKE ON THE INSURANCE COMPANIES BILL 1982, AIMED AT PROTECTING POLICY-HOLDERS WITHOUT IMPEDING THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.
HE SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT, WITH THE IMPROVEMENTS WHICH FOLLOWED UPON DISCUSSIONS WITH THE UMELCO GROUP AND WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HOPED TO INTRODUCE, THE RIGHT FRAMEWORK OF INSURANCE LEGISLATION FOR HONG KONG WOULD BE ACHIEVED.
------0 ------- /8 ............
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1982
8
ADEQUATE ROAD SYSTEM PLANNED FOR NT *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS CAREFULLY PLANNED FOR AN ADEQUATE ROAD SYSTEM TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF THE INCREASING POPULATION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON DAV II MCDONALD, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF THE IMMENSE SCALE OF THE WORKS INVOLVED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD AND ITS LINKS TO PRESENT AND FUTURE BORDER CROSSINGS INTO CHINA, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO UNDERTAKE ITS CONSTRUCTION ALL AT ONCE, HE ADDED.
HE WAS REPLYING TO POINTS RAISED BY THE HON WONG PO-YAN CONCERNING HIGHWAY DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
MR MCDONALD POINTED OUT FOR EXAMPLE THAT IN THE SECTION FROM YUEN LONG TO SHA TIN VIA FANLING ABOUT 30 KILOMETRES OF HIGH-SPEED DUAL CARRIAGEWAY WERE INVOLVED, TOGETHER WITH INTERCHANGES AND SERVICE ROADS.
+ IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO PROCEED IN STAGES AND ACCORD PRIORITY TO THOSE SECTIONS OF THE ROUTE WHERE THE NEED IS GREATEST.
+WORK ON THE SECTION MOST URGENTLY NEEDED, THE COASTAL ROAD FROM SHA TIN TO THE SOUTHERN EDGE OF TAI PO, IS PROCEEDING SATISFACTORILY AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1984 AT A COST OF SOME $680 MILL ION,+ HE SAID.
THE CONTINUATION TO NORTH TAI PO WAS ALSO UNDER WAY AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY MID-1985. WORK ON OTHER SECTIONS OF THE ROUTE AND ITS INTERCHANGES HAD EITHER ALREADY STARTED OR WOULD START NEXT YEAR, SO THAT BY THE END OF 1985 MOST OF IT, INCLUDING ALL THE SECTIONS FROM SHA TIN TO FANLING AND AN EXTENSION TO THE BORDER AT LOK MA CHAU, WILL BE COMPLETED, HE SAID.
THE FINAL SECTION OF THE ROUTE, FROM LOK MA CHAU TO AU TAU, WOULD BE BUILT AND BROUGHT INTO USE IN STAGES BETWEEN 1985 AND 1987, HE ADDED.
MR MCDONALD REFERRED TO THE PROPOSAL BY THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN THAT STUDIES BE UNDERTAKEN TO IMPROVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF HONG KONG.
ON THE PROPOSAL TO BUILD A RESERVOIR AT TAI TAM BAY, HE SAID IT HAD TO BE SEEN IN THE CONTEXT OF CURRENT THINKING ON FUTURE WATER SUPPLIES.
♦BASICALLY, THE POSITION IS THAT BY FAR THE CHEAPEST SOURCE OF ADDITIONAL WATER AVAILABLE TO US IS CHINA, AND WE HAVE AN ON-GOING AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES TO MEET PREDICTED ADDITIONAL DEMANDS.
+WE ALSO HAVE ADEQUATE STORAGE FACILITIES. ANY CAPITAL WORKS AIMED AT TAPPING NEW SOURCES OR PROVIDING ADDITIONAL STORAGE CAPACITY COULD NOT THEREFORE BE JUSTIFIED EITHER IN TERMS OF NEED OR HAVING REGARD TO OTHER COMPETING DEMANDS ON AVAILABLE FUNDS,♦ HE SAID.
/ON THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1982
9
ON THE PROPOSAL TO USE SOLAR ENERGY TO TRANSFORM SEA WATER INTO FRESH WATER, MR MCDONALD SAID THAT THE MOST RECENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FROM WORKS AND STUDIES CARRIED OUT IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD IN THE FIELD OF DESALINATION USING SOLAR ENERGY INDICATED THAT IT WAS ONLY FEASIBLE WHERE THE QUANTITIES REQUIRED WERE SMALL, UP TO ABOUT 200 CUBIC METRES PER DAY.
♦AS WELL AS REQUIRING A SUNNY CLIMATE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, ■ LARGE AREAS OF LAND ARE REQUIRED TO ACCOMMODATE ENERGY COLLECTORS ♦ HE SAID.
♦THE LOK ON PAI DESALTER OCCUPIES A SITE OF ABOUT 10 HECTARES AND CAN PRODUCE 180 000 CUBIC METRES OF WATER PER DAY, BUT TO PRODUCE THE SAME AMOUNT BY SOLAR CONVERSION A LAND AREA OF ABOUT 10 000 HECTARES WOULD BE NEEDED. IT CAN THEREFORE BE SEEN THAT FOR LARGE SCALE DESALTING THE USE OF SOLAR ENERGY IS BOTH IMPRACTICABLE AND UNECONOMICAL.+
REGARDING THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL FACILITIES, M? MCDONALD SAID THAT PROPOSALS AIMED AT BRINGING ABOUT SPEEDY EXPANSION OF THE FACILITIES AT KWAI CHUNG TO MEET CURRENT FORESEEABLE PRESSURES WERE ALREADY AT AN ADVANCED STAGE OF DISCUSSION WITH PRIVATE INTERESTS. LONGER TERM PORT REQUIREMENTS WERE BEING CONSIDERED IN THE WIDER CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES.
IN A GENERAL SENSE, MR MCDONALD SAID, HE AGREED WITH MR CHAN THAT +WHILE WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ACCELERATE CURRENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES AT THIS STAGE, WE MUST STUDY FUTURE NEEDS AND LAY THE PLANNING FOUNDATION TO MEET THEM+.
THE BROAD AIMS OF THE STUDIES WHICH ARE ALREADY WELL UNDERWAY AS MENTIONED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS ADDRESS WERE TO IDENTIFY DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS FOR THE FUTURE AND TO RECONCILE COMPETING AND INTER-RELATED DEMANDS IN THE FORMULATION OF A DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY WHICH WOULD PRODUCE THE BEST ENVIRONMENT POSSIBLE WITHIN THE LIMITS OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES.
♦THE COMPLEX TASK OF CO-ORDINATING THESE EFFORTS BEGAN IN 1980 WITH THE SETTING UP OF A SMALL TECHNICAL UNIT IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT ESPECIALLY FOR THE PURPOSE. BY MID-1983 SUB-REGIONAL STUDIES AIMED AT IDENTIFYING URBAN GROWTH POTENTIAL WILL HAVE BEEN COMPLETED FOR THE NORTH-WEST NEW TERRITORIES, NORTH-EAST NEW TERRITORIES, JUNK BAY, SAI KUNG, NORTH-EAST LANTAU AND THE HARBOUR AREA,+ MR MCDONALD SAID.
BY THAT TIME RESULTS OF OTHER MORE PARTICULAR STUDIES RELATING TO SUCH MATTERS AS POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT, LAND REQUIREMENTS FOR HOUSING, INDUSTRY AND OTHER PURPOSES, MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL ITEMS INCLUDING THE AIRPORT, CONTAINER PORT, INTERNAL TRANSPORT AND SO ON WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE.
♦FULL ASSESSMENT OF THE LONG-TERM OPTIONS, USING COMPUTER TECHNIQUES TO COMPARE LAND AND TRANSPORT COSTS AND REVENUES, WILL THEN BE POSSIBLE. BY THE END OF 1983 WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO FORMULATE A LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR THE TERRITORY EXTENDING UP TO AND BEYOND THE END OF THE CENTURY,+ MR MCDONALD SAID.
/HBPLYING TO........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1?82
10
REPLYING TO THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG ON MATTERS RELATING TO LAND POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION, MR MCDONALD SAID THAT WHILE HE AGREED IT WOULD BE WRONG TO CHANGE THE LAND SALES PROGRAMME AND TO HOLD BACK LAND AVAILABLE FOR SALE, IT WOULD ALSO BE WRONG FOR GOVERNMF • TO SELL LAND AT UNREALISTICALLY LOW PRICES.
♦TO DO SO WOULD BE TO GIVE AWAY LAND WHICH IS THE COMMUNITY v BIRTHRIGHT AND TO TRANSFER FUNDS WHICH RIGHTLY BELONG TO THE COMMUNITY INTO DEVELOPERS’ POCKETS. GOVERNMENT WILL THEREFORE CONTINUE TO SELL LAND SO LONG AS DEVELOPERS ARE PREPARED TO BUY lT AT A PRICE WHICH FAIRLY REFLECTS ITS LONG-TERM POTENTIAL,+ HE ADDED.
MR MCDONALD SAID GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS BEING FACED BY DEVELOPERS IN THE PRESENT MARKET AND ACCEPTED THAT A SYMPATHETIC RESPONSE TO THOSE WITH A REASONABLE CASE COULD BE JUSTIFIED TO ENSURE THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF DESIRABLE DEVELOPMENTS.
♦WE INTEND TO BE FLEXIBLE, FOR EXAMPLE, IN DEALING WITH MATTERS SUCH AS BUILDING COVENANTS. AT THE SAME TIME WE MUST BE CAREFUL NOT TO TURN LOSSES WHICH ARE THE RESULT OF INJUDICIOUS INVESTMENT OR SPECULATION INTO UNEARNED GAINS, PARTICULARLY IF THIS IS AT THE EXPENSE OF THE TAX-PAYERS,+ HE SAID.
♦WE INTEND THEREFORE TO AVOID THE INTRODUCTION OF BLANKET NEASURES, SUCH AS MORATORIA ON PAYMENTS NORMALLY DUE, WHICH FAIL TO DISCRIMINATE BETWEEN THE DESERVING AND THE UNDESERVING.
♦GIVEN THE EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH LEVELS REACHED, A FALL IN THE PROPERTY MARKET, BUT PERHAPS NOT ITS FULL EXTENT AND SPEED, WAS PREDICTABLE. TO SOME DEGREE IT MIGHT BE REGARDED AS A BLESSING IN THAT IT SHOULD HELP PAVE THE WAY TO ESTABLISHING MORE REALISTIC MARKET CONDITIONS.♦
REFERRING TO REMARKS MADE BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG ABOUT THE LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENT SYSTEM, MR MCDONALD SAID THE IMPLICATIONS OF CEASING TO ISSUE LETTERS B WERE UNDER DISCUSSION WITH THE HEUNG YEE KUK BUT THERE COULD BE NO DOUBT THAT IT WAS A STEP WHICH MUST BE TAKEN IF GOVERNMENT WAS TO MEET ITS COMMITMENTS TOWARDS THOSE ALREADY HOLDING LETTERS B.
TURNING TO FEES FOR SHORT-TERM WAIVERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, M? MCDONALD SAID GOVERNMENT RATES FOR TEMPORARY TENURE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAD LONG BEEN CONSIDERABLY BELOW OPEN MARKET RATES AND IT HAD BEEN THE POLICY SINCE DECEMBER 1978 TO GRADUALLY INCREASE GOVERNMENT RATES TO CLOSE THE GAP.
♦THE RECENT INCREASE CONTINUED THIS POLICY AND A REVIEW OF CURRENT RATES SHOWS THAT THERE IS STILL SOME WAY TO GO BEFORE THE RATES BEING CHARGED BY GOVERNMENT FAIRLY REFLECT MARKET RATES,+ HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1982
- 11 -
PUBLIC HOUSING RENTS AMONG WORLD’S LOWEST IN RELATION TO INCOMES, LEGCO TOLD
* * * *
HONG KONG’S PUBLIC HOUSING RENTS ARE AMONG THE WORLD’S LOWEST IN RELATION TO TENANTS’ INCOMES, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE SAID BRINGING THE PRESENT RENTS TO A LEVEL AROUND 20 PER CENT OF THE TENANT’S INCOME AS SUGGESTED BY THE HON F.K. HU WOULD REQUIRE A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE WHICH +WOULD NOT BE ACCEPTABLE IN OUR SITUATION, ALTHOUGH THIS IS A PERCENTAGE GENERALLY ACCEPTED INTERNATIONALLY*.
+IT IS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S POLICY THAT DOMESTIC RENTS SHOULD AT LEAST COVER THE RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, AND THIS IS BEING ACHIEVED THROUGH REGULAR AND GRADUAL INCREASES.*
AND RENT ASSISTANCE WAS ALREADY BEING GIVEN TO NEEDY FAMILIES UNDER THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME, HE ADDED.
ON THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME, MR LIAO SAID THE CURRENT CAPITAL EXPENDITURE FOR MAINTAINING THE PRODUCTION OF 35 000 RENTAL AND HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS AND RELATED FACILITIES AMOUNTED TO ONE-THIRD OF THE TOTAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON CAPITAL WORKS.
♦THIS REPRESENTS A MORE THAN 10-FOLD INCREASE OVER A PERIOD OF SIX YEARS, AND WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT THIS HIGH LEVEL OF HOUSING PRODUCTION CAN AT LEAST BE MAINTAINED IN THE REMAINDER OF THE DECADE.*
HE SAID THE LARGEST QUOTA OF NEW RENTAL FLATS HAD BEEN CONSISTENTLY ALLOCATED TO WAITING LIST APPLICANTS, AND MANY FAMILIES ON THE WAITING LIST WERE NOW MOVING TO NEW ESTATES IN SHEUNG SHU I AND TUEN MUN AFTER A WAIT OF THREE TO FOUR YEARS.
ON INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMITS, MR LIAO SAID THESE HAD JUST BEEN RAISED TO A LEVEL WHICH INCLUDED ALL FAMILIES WHO COULD NOT AFFORD TO RENT ADEQUATE PRIVATE HOUSING OR TO BUY HOS FLATS.
+IN THIS WAY, IT IS HOPED THAT ALL THOSE WHO REQUIRE HOUSING ASSISTANCE WILL BE COVERED BY DIFFERENT PROGRAMMES,* HE ADDED.
REFERRING TO THE SUGGESTION BY DR THE HON HENRY HU TO RE-EXAMINE THE POSSIBILITY OF A MEANS TEST FOR PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS, THE SECRETARY SAID SUCH A SCHEME WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO IMPLEMENT, WOULD NOT BE COST-EFFECTIVE AND COULD BE SEEN AS DISCOURAGING TENANTS FROM BETTERING THEIR LOT.
AS TO HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY, MR LIAO SAID THAT APART FROM HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION AND A SPECIAL WAITING LIST QUOTA, THE AUTHORITY HAD RECENTLY TAKEN ANOTHER INITIATIVE BY GIVING PRIORITY TO THOSE FAMILIES ON THE WAITING LIST WHOSE APPLICATION INCLUDED AN ELDERLY RELATIVE.
ON SQUATTERS, HE SAID THAT CONTROL HAD BEEN REGAINED, AND A NUMBER OF PILOT SCHEMES FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO SQUATTER AREAS HAD BEEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED.
A LONG-TERM ........
'ffSDHESDAY, N0V3MB£a 10, 1982
12
A LONG-TERM PROGRAMME WAS BEING DRAWN UP TO INSTALL, IMPROVE AND MAINTAIN BASIC SERVICES AND AMENITIES IN SQUATTER AREAS, WITH PRIORITY FOR THOSE MAJOR URBAN ONES NOT SCHEDULED FOR CLEARANCE IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, HE ADDED.
AS REGARDS REHOUSING OF THOSE MADE HOMELESS FROM SQUATTER HUTS AND BOATS, MR LIAO SAID A NEW BASELINE HAD BEEN ADOPTED TO GIVE GREATER PRIORITY TO LONG-TERM RESIDENTS.
+THE NEW BASELINE DOES NOT AFFECT THE ELIGIBILITY OF RECENT IMMIGRANTS, NOR OF NEW SQUATTERSt THEY WILL HAVE TO AWAIT THEIR TURN.*
----0------
RENT CONTROLS BEING REVIEWED
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING THE FUTURE FORM OF EXISTING RENT CONTROLS AND APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION WILL BE INTRODUCED DURING THE CURRENT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION.
ANNOUNCING THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON DONALD LIAO SAID HE EXPECTED DETAILED PROPOSALS TO BE READY BY EARLY 1983.
♦ALTHOUGH A NUMBER OF SIGNIFICANT STEPS WERE TAKEN WHEN EXTENDING THE LEGISLATION LAST DECEMBER, + HE SAID, +CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE SINCE CHANGED AND THERE APPEARS TO BE ROOM FOR FURTHER RELAXATION OF RENT CONTROLS.*
MR LIAO RECALLED THAT IN ITS REPORT OF FEBRUARY 1981, THE COMMITTEE OF REVIEW HAD CONCLUDED THAT RENT CONTROL SHOULD BE RESORTED TO ONLY AS AN EXPEDIENT MEASURE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST AND THAT AS SOON AS CIRCUMSTANCES PERMIT, EVERY EFFORT CONSISTENT WITH THE NEED TO AVOID ADVERSE SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES SHOULD BE MADE TO ACCELERATE THE PHASING OUT OF RENT CONTROL.
------ o -----
DECLINE SEEN IN TRADE DISPUTES X X *
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON J.N. HENDERSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON, THAT DESPITE A FEW TENSE AND PROTRACTED DISPUTES AND A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN REDUNDANCY CASES, THE NUMBER OF TRADE DISPUTES HAD BEEN DECLINING IN THE LAST THREE QUARTERS OF THIS YEAR.
HE URGED EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO REACT WITH GREATER SENSITIVITY AND CONSIDERATION DURING THESE MORE DIFFICULT ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES, SO THAT THE GOODWILL, TRUST AND HARMONIOUS RELATIONS BUILT UP BETWEEN THEM OVER THE YEARS WOULD NOT BE DISSIPATED.
/lb aiKDsasoN
•.WEDKiSSIlAY, NOVEMBiH 10, 1982
13
MR HENDERSON SAID, +l AM SURE THIS WILL BE THE CASE AND I AM SURE WE ALL STRONGLY ECHO THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN’S ADVICE TO EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS TO KEEP WORKFORCES TOGETHER AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE IN LEANER TIMES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FUTURE IMPROVEMENT ■N ECONOMIC CONDITIONS.+
MR HENDERSON SAID THAT HE DETECTED IN A NUMBER OF SPEECHES, NOTABLY THOSE OF THE HON ALLEN LEE, THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN AND THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG, SOME UNEASE ABOUT THE EFFECT OF THE PRESENT ECONOMIC SITUATION ON RELATIONS BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES, AND OF UNEMPLOYMENT SPECIFICALLY REFERRED TO BY THE HON MARIA TAM.
HE DISCLOSED THAT THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURE FOR JUNE THIS YEAR WAS 3.4 PER CENT, WHICH WAS NOT ONLY VERY LOW BY WORLD STANDARDS BUT BELOW THE 1981 FIGURES.
MR HENDERSON SAID, +1 AM VERY CONSCIOUS, OF COURSE, THAT THIS FIGURE IS PRECISELY WHAT IT SAYS IT IS, THAT IT IS AN UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURE, IT IS NOT AND CANNOT BE A MEASURE OF UNDER-EMPLOYMENT WHICH IS PROBABLY ON THE INCREASE, WITH LESS HOURS AND OVERTIME BEING WORKED IN MANY FACTORIES, BUT THE INDICATIONS ARE THAT MANY EMPLOYERS ARE TRYING TO KEEP THEIR WORKFORCES TOGETHER.+
HE SAID THAT INDICATIONS WERE THAT THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HAD BEEN ON THE INCREASE.
BUT HE ADDED THAT EVEN IF THE SEPTEMBER FIGURE WAS AROUND FOUR PER CENT THIS WOULD BE ABOUT THE SAME AS THE FIGURE IN MARCH 1981 AND CERTAINLY NOT OF THE SAME ORDER AS THE WORST FIGURE OF THE 1974-75 RECESSION OF AROUND NINE PER CENT.
HE SAID THAT IT WAS STILL THE EXPERIENCE OF THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICES OFFICES THAT THEY HAD BEEN ABLE TO MAINTAIN THEIR PLACEMENT RATE AT A HIGH LEVEL.
MR HENDERSON SAID THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD ENACTED 159 ITEMS OF LABOUR LEGISLATION IN THE LAST TEN YEARS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THESE WERE OF VARYING IMPORTANCE, THEY REPRESENTED A STEADY LONG-TERM SOCIAL REFORM AND IMPROVEMENT IN THE FIELD OF LABOUR LEGISLATION.
HE PROPOSED THAT THIS MEASURED PROGRESS SHOULD CONTINUE
AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROCEED IN A MANNER ADAPTED TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG AND COMMENSURATE WITH ITS ECONOMIC CONDITION AND DEVELOPMENT.
HE WAS DEEPLY CONSCIOUS THAT IN PURSUING THIS COURSE NOW, AS IN THE PAST THE PACE WOULD PLEASE NEITHER EMPLOYERS NOR EMPLOYEES, HE SAID.
REFERRING TO PAID HOLIDAYS, HE SAID THAT DESPITE THE URGINGS OF THE REV. THE HON MCGOVERN, IT WOULD SEEM RATHER PREMATURE TO REVIEW THE HOLIDAY POSITION AGAIN AT THIS STAGE.
HE SAID THAT THE CHANGES DEBATED AND ENACTED EARLIER THIS YEAR, BOTH FOR GENERAL HOLIDAYS AND STATUTORY HOLIDAYS, DO NOT COME INTO FORCE UNTIL THE FIRST OF JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1982
14
SLOWER GROWTH PLANNED FOR CIVIL SERVICE * * * *
.H0NG K0NG 15 A DEVELOPING AND GROWING SOCIETY AND THE CIVIL SERVICE MUST IN CONSEQUENCE GROW IN ORDER TO MEET DEMANDS FOR NEW EXPANDED AND IMPROVED SERVICES, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL ’ SERVICE, THE HON MARTIN ROWLANDS SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HOWEVER, THE RATE OF GROWTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE IN RECENT APPLY !A?o5c£°W ?HEAB«AKe" SeNAWEDAN“ 'T "°“ APPR0PRIATE T°
f i VE perRcentNthisAf?nancial°year? wouldDstIllFpermItHtheTcreatI ON OF SEVERAL THOUSAND NEW POSTS, WITH PRIORITY GIVEN TO THOSE REQUIRED TO MEET THE GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES.
oco No ,NTENT,0N THAT EITHER THE EXTENT OR QUALITY OF
SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC SHOULD SUFFER,* HE SAID.
MR ROWLANDS SAID HE FULLY ENDORSED THE REMARK MADE BY THE HON LO TAK-SHING THAT IN SLOWING DOWN THE GROWTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE WE SHOULD NOT +STIFLE THE DIRECTORATE AND PREVENT IT FROM HAVING AN APPROPRIATE SENSE OF BEING ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE PLANNING AND EXECUTION OF ITS PART IN THE VARIOUS PROGRAMME AREA*.
+CERTAINLY, ANY ADJUSTMENT TO GROWTH RATES MUST NOT BE AN EXCUSE FOR FAILING TO PLAN AND IMPLEMENT AGREED PROGRAMMES.
+RATHER WOULD I HOPE THAT IT WILL PROVIDE A STIMULUS FOR DEPARTMENTS TO SEARCH VIGOROUSLY FOR WAYS OF CARRYING OUT THEIR PROGRAMMES WITHIN EXISTING STAFF RESOURCES,* HE SAID.
ON THE HON WONG PO YAN’S REFERENCE TO THE NEED TO ENHANCE THE PERFORMANCE OF CIVIL SERVANTS THROUGH IMPROVED STAFF MANAGEMENT, W ROWLANDS SAID HE WAS CERTAIN THAT MR WONG WAS REFERRING TO THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AT THE INTERFACE WITH THE PUBLIC, AT THE POINT OF DELIVERY.
+REFLECTING ON HIS REMARK OVER THE PAST FORTNIGHT I FIND MYSELF WONDERING WHETHER PERHAPS WE HAVE DEVOTED TOO MUCH EFFORT, IN RELATIVE TERM, TO PERFECTING OUR INTERNAL CIVIL SERVICE PROCEDURES AND NOT ENOUGH TO MONITORING OUR PERFORMANCE AT THE POINT WHERE WE DELIVER SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
+IF FURTHER STUDIES CONFIRM ME IN THIS VIEW, IT COULD HAVE QUITE CONSIDERABLE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE WAY WE MANAGE THE CIVIL SERVICE AND MONITOR ITS ACTIVITIES*.
TURNING TO THE SHORTAGE OF TRAINED SOCIAL WORKERS, MR ROWLANDS SAID A WORKING PARTY APPOINTED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES TO LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM HAD FOUND THAT THE UNDERLYING CAUSE WAS THAT THE DEMAND FOR TRAINED SOCIAL WORKERS IN OUR RAPIDLY DEVELOPING SOCIETY HAD OUTSTRIPPED THE SUPPLY FROM THE UNIVERSITIES AND OTHER TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
.EDIINSDAY, NCV2MBR3 10, 1982
15
AS A FIRST STEP, HE SAID, THE UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE HAD BEEN ASKED TO INVITE THE UNIVERSITIES TO EXPAND THEIR INTAKES OF SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS: THE POLYTECHNIC HAD ALREADY RESPONDED BY INCREASING ITS INTAKE OF STUDENTS AT DIPLOMA LEVEL THIS YEAR.
+BUT LARGER STUDENT INTAKES INTO TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS CANNOT PRODUCE MORE TRAINED SOCIAL WORKERS ON THE GROUND FOR SEVERAL YEARSi WE ARE THEREFORE ACTIVELY PURSUING OTHER SHORT AND MEDIUM TERM fEASURES RECOMMENDED BY THE WORKING PARTY,* MR ROWLANDS ADDED.
ONE OF THESE WAS THAT THE DEGREE GRADE OF SOCIAL WORK OFFICER SHOULD BE OPENED UP TO NON-SOCIAL WORK DEGREE HOLDERS WHO WOULD THEN BE GIVEN PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORK TRAINING WHILE IN THE SERVICE.
SUCH AN ARRANGEMENT WOULD PERMIT THE RECRUITMENT OF MORE MATURE CANDIDATES WHO HAD DEVELOPED A SENSE OF VOCATION FOR SOCIAL WORK, BUT WHO FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER STUDIED OTHER SUBJECTS AT UNIVERSITY.
MR ROWLANDS SAID THE ADVICE OF THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICES WAS BEING SOUGHT ON APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS.
ANOTHER KEY RECOMMENDATION OF THE WORKING PARTY WAS THAT WHETHER SOME JOBS IN THE SOCIAL WORK FIELD COULD IN PRACTICE BE DONE SATISFACTORILY BY STAFF HAVING NO FORMAL SOCIAL WORK QUALIFICATION.
MR ROWLANDS SAID GOOD PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN THIS RESPECT AND HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT AS MANY AS 100 SUCH POSTS SHOULD BE FOUND IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
ON THE STANDING COMMISSION’S NO. 8 REPORT, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE STRESSED THAT THE REPORT DID NOT DEAL ONLY WITH SOCIAL WORK STAFF BUT WAS IN FACT A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT COVERING MORE THAN 60 RELATED CIVIL SERVICE GRADES.
MR ROWLANDS SAID ALSO THAT THE SOCIAL WORK ASSISTANT GRADE HAD BEEN CLASSIFIED AS ONE OF THE POLYTECHNIC DIPLOMA GRADES, THE REVISED STARTING PAY FOR WHICH IS $3 460, WELL ABOVE THE AVERAGE STARTING PAY REPORTED BY THE POLYTECHNIC FOR ITS DIPLOMA HOLDERS GENERALLY.
AND ALTHOUGH THE STANDING COMMISSION RECOMMENDED A LOWER STARTING POINT FOR SOCIAL WORK ASSISTANTS, IT RECOMMENDED AN INCREASE TO THE TOP OF THEIR PAY SCALE.
A FURTHER POINT WAS THAT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE DID NOT SUGGEST THAT THE REVISED PAY SCALES FOR THE SOCIAL WORK ASSISTANT GRADE HAD HAD ANY EFFECT ON THE NUMBERS OF YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN EMBARKING ON A SOCIAL WORK CAREER. BUT THE SITUATION WOULD BE WATCHED CLOSELY, HE SAID.
/1.IR ROWLANDS........
.7EDNBSDAY, N0V3LE2R 10, 1962
16
MR ROWLANDS SAID THAT, IN THE LIGHT OF WHAT HE SAID, HE TRUSTED THAT MEMBERS WOULD ACCEPT THE ADMINISTRATION’S VIEW THAT A CASE HAD NOT BEEN MADE OUT FOR REOPENING THE QUESTION AT THE PRESENT TIME.
ON THE SUPPLY OF QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED STAFF FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS MAKING VERY STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO ENSURE THAT SUFFICIENT SKILLED STAFF WERE AVAILABLE TO ENABLE PROGRAMMES TO PROCEED AS PLANNED.
MR ROWLANDS POINTED OUT THAT AS AT TODAY, THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 5 994 MEN AND WOMEN TRAINING TO ENTER THE MEDICAL, NURSING AND PARA-MEDICAL PROFESSIONS AND THESE NUMBERS WOULD GROW MONTH BY MONTH AS NEW TEACHING AND TRAINING FACILITIES COME ON STREAM.
------o-------
HOPE OVER NATIONALITY DESCRIPTION * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS HOPEFUL THAT THE ISSUE OF THE NATIONALITY DESCRIPTION OF HONG KONG BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS WILL BE SATISFACTORILY RESOLVED BEFORE LONG AND JUSTICE PREVAIL, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JOHN GRIFFITHS, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR GRIFFITHS TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT IN A PRESS INTERVIEW PRIME MINISTER MARGARET THATCHER HAD HINTED THAT GOOD NEWS ON THE ISSUE MIGHT BE FORTHCOMING.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD CONTINUED TO PRESS THE MATTER AND HAD MADE +CRYSTAL CLEAR* THE IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO IT BY OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
ON THE ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT-SUBVENTED LEGAL ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE SCHEME RAISED EARLIER BY THE HON PETER C. WONG, MR GRIFFITHS POINTED OUT THAT SINCE ITS INTRODUCTION IN 1978 IN IWO MAGISTRACIES, THE SCHEME HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO COVER SIX OF THE EIGHT MAGISTRACIES.
♦APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE FOR EXTENSION TO FANLING AND KWUN TONG MAGISTRACIES HAS BEEN GIVEN AND THE MATTER NOW DEPENDS ON THE FUNDS BEING MADE AVAILABLE,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT IF FUNDS WERE APPROVED, IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE TO EXTEND THE SCHEME TO THE LAST TWO MAGISTRACIES IN APRIL OR MAY NEXT YEAR.
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/17 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1982
17
POWER TO EXTEND TRIBUNAL APPEAL PERIOD SOUGHT * * * *
TWO BILLS PROVIDING FOR AN EXTENSION OF THE PRESENT SEVEN DAYS ALLOWED FOR APPEAL AGAINST AN AWARD BY EITHER THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL OR THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL WERE READ A SECOND TIME BY THE LAW DRAFTSMAN, THE HON G.P. NAZARETH, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE BILLS ARE THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982 AND SMALL CLAIMS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982.
MR NAZARETH SAID THAT TWO TRIBUNALS PROVIDE INEXPENSIVE, EXPEDITIOUS AND INFORMAL THE MEANS OF SETTLING DISPUTES AND ENFORCING RIGHTS WITHIN THEIR JURISDICTION.
HOWEVER, THE LAW NOW ALLOWS SEVEN DAYS WITHIN WHICH TO APPLY FOR LEAVE TO APPEAL.
+ IF SUCH APPLICATION IS NOT LODGED WITHIN THE SEVEN-DAY PERIOD, THE PROVISION FOR APPEAL IS LOST ALTOGETHER.
♦THIS IS IN SHARP CONTRAST TO THE GENERAL POSITION ON APPEALS WHICH ENABLES THE COURTS TO EXTEND THE TIME WITHIN WHICH APPEALS MAY BE LODGED IF THERE IS GOOD CAUSE OR WHERE THAT WOULD BE JUST.
+IT IS ALSO OF RELEVANCE THAT SINCE BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS HAVE NO RIGHT OF AUDIENCE IN THESE TRIBUNALS, THE PARTIES TO PROCEEDINGS ARE NOT ABLE TO RELY ON THEM TO ENSURE THAT APPLICATIONS ARE MADE IN TIME,* HE SAID.
MR NAZARETH POINTED OUT, HOWEVER, THAT THERE HAD BEEN CASES WITH GOOD CAUSE WHERE ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO APPEAL AFTER THE SEVEN-DAY PERIOD HAD EXPIRED.
THE TWO BILLS BEFORE COUNCIL WILL ENABLE THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT TO EXTEND THE PERIOD OF SEVEN DAYS FOR +GOOD CAUSE+, AN EXPRESSION DERIVED FROM SIMILAR PROVISIONS IN THE MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE AND BANKRUPTCY LEGISLATION.
DEBATE ON THE BILLS WAS ADJOURNED.
-----o--------
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED FINAL SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS OF $38 MILLION FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1981-82 AND $73 MILLION FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1982-83.
IN MOVING THE TWO MOTIONS FOR APPROVAL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID THIS WAS TO SEEK THE COUNCIL’S COVERING AUTHORITY FOR SUCH EXPENDITURE WHICH HAD BEEN APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
/HE SAID........
.73DNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1982
18
HE SAID THE FINAL SCHEDULE OF SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION FOR THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR 1981-82 TOTALLED $38 MILLION. +IT INCLUDES SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN APPROVED BUT FOR WHICH THE DOCUMENTATION WAS NOT COMPLETED IN TIME FOR IT TO BE INCLUDED IN PREVIOUS SCHEDULES.
+THIS SCHEDULE BRINGS THE TOTAL SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION FOR 1981-82 TO $6.6 BILLION. BECAUSE OF SAVINGS MADE IN OTHER SUBHEADS, HOWEVER, GROSS EXPENDITURE AT $27.8 BILLION FOR THE FULL FINANCIAL YEAR 1981-82 WAS ACTUALLY $2.7 BILLION MORE THAN THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATE.
MR BREMRIDGE SAID THE SCHEDULE OF SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1982-83 COVERED A TOTAL OF $73 MILLION.
♦ MAJOR ITEMS INCLUDE $19 MILLION FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO SQUATTER AREAS: $12 MILLION TO MEET THE COST OF RADIO EQUIPMENT FOR THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT; AND $11 MILLION FOR LAND ACQUISITION AND ASSOCIATED COSTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW BARRACKS IN CLEARWATER BAY.
♦THE SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION COVERED BY THE SCHEDULE HAS NOT RESULTED IN A NET INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE. OFFSETTING SAVINGS HAVE BEEN FOUND EITHER UNDER OTHER HEADS OF EXPENDITURE, OR BY THE FREEZING OF FUNDS UNDER THE TWO ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS VOTES,+ HE SAID.
------o-------
FOUR BILLS PASSED * * *
FOUR BILLS WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY ARE: THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1982, THE PEAK TRAMWAY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982, THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982 AND THE GUARDIANSHIP OF MINORS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982.
THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982 AND THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982 WERE INTRODUCED AND READ A SECOND TIME AND DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED.
/19 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1982
19
MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC SECTOR M * * *
ONE OF THE DIFFERENCES IN MANAGEMENT BETWEEN THE PUBLIC SECTOR AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS THAT THE OPERATIONS OF GOVERNMENT ARE OPEN TO CONSTANT PUBLIC SCRUTINY AND CRITICISM, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE SAID TODAY.
THE SIZE ALONE ALSO GIVES MANAGEMENT IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR A DIMENSION OF ITS OWN, SIR EDWARD TOLD A DINNER GATHERING OF THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION.
+IN A PRIVATE COMPANY IF SOMEONE GETS THE ANSWER WRONG - AND I MUST ADMIT TO A SUSPICION THAT EVEN IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR THAT OCCASIONALLY HAPPENS - YOU CAN USUALLY TREAT IT AS A PRIVATE MATTER OR AT LEAST AS A MATTER BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR SHAREHOLDERS,* HE SAID.
+WITH THE WATCHDOGS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE INVESTIGATIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE UMELCO COMPLAINTS SYSTEM AND CONSTANT EXPOSURE TO CRITICISM, WHETHER JUSTIFIED OR UNJUSTIFIED, IN THE PRESS, THOSE IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR WILL HEAR SOON ENOUGH WHEN THEY DO NOT DO A GOOD JOB.*
SIR EDWARD SAID IT WAS SOMETIMES ARGUED THERE WAS ANOTHER ESSENTIAL DIFFERENCE - THAT IN GOVERNMENT THERE WAS NO TEST OF PROFITABILITY AND THAT IN CONSEQUENCE THOSE WHO WORKED IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR HAD IT EASY.
♦THIS DISTINCTION IS OVERDONE. VALUE FOR MONEY IS AS IMPORTANT A PRINCIPLE IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR AS IT IS IN THE PRIVATE,+ HE SAID, ADDING THAT IN BOTH THERE WERE USUALLY MEANS OF ESTABLISHING COSTS.
SIR EDWARD SAID THAT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, ONE COULD USUALLY QUANTIFY THE LIKELY BENEFITS. +BUT IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR THERE ARE MANY DECISIONS TO BE TAKEN WHERE THE BENEFITS CANNOT BE QUANTIFIED IN ANY MATHEMATICAL SENSE,+ HE SAID.
♦ I CAN TELL YOU WHAT IT COSTS TO BUILD A HOSPITAL, CONSTRUCT A ROAD OR PAY A HIGHER RATE OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT TO A SPECIFIED NUMBER OF PEOPLE- BUT THERE IS NO SIMPLE WAY OF QUANTIFYING THE COMPETING NEEDS OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT, THE PRIVATE MOTORISTS OR THE DISADVANTAGED POOR IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH WHICH SHOULD TAKE PRECEDENCE.♦
SIR EDWARD SAID THE SIMPLE TOOL OF PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT COULD NOT BE BROUGHT INTO USE AND THE CHOICE REMAINED IN THE LAST RESORT A MATTER OF JUDGEMENT.
♦ BUT THE NEED TO GET VALUE FOR MONEY, WHICHEVER IS CHOSEN, IS AS VITAL IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR AS IT IS IN THE PRIVATE.+
SIR EDWARD HAD EARLIER IN HIS SPEECH STRESSED THAT THE FIRST PRINCIPLE OF MANAGEMENT WAS THAT PEOPLE WERE DIFFERENT FROM ALL OTHER RESOURCES AND THEY WOULD REMAIN THE KEY TO THE SUCCESS OF ANY ORGANISATION.
/H3 SAIB ,......
7/3DNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1982
20
HE SAID THE FEATURES OF THE ENVIRONMENT WHICH WERE PECULIAR FO THE PUBLIC SERVICE MUST BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE FIRST MOVE IN THE MANAGERIAL PROCESS WHICH WAS THE SELECTION OF STAFF.
+AS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE PUBLIC SECTOR SEEKS TO RECRUIT THOSE WHO WILL BE EFFICIENT IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR TASK- BUT MANY OF THEM TOO MUST BE PEOPLE WHO CAN WORK WELL IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE COMMUNITY AND NOT TAKE IT TOO MUCH TO HEART THAT THEIR MINOR SINS WILL RECEIVE MORE PUBLIC NOTICE THAN THEIR MAJOR VIRTUES.+
ONCE THE SELECTION HAD BEEN MADE, HE SAID, THE NEXT ESSENTIAL WAS TO MOTIVATE THEM TO GIVE OF THEIR BEST.
+SINCE IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR THE STIMULUS IS NOT GOING TO BE THAT OF GETTING RICH IT MUST BE DONE BY GIVING FAIR TREATMENT, RESPECTING THE NEED FOR CONSULTATION AND OTHER GOOD STAFF PROCEDURES.
+BUT MUCH MORE IMPORTANT IT MUST BE DONE BY ESTABLISHING POLICIES IN WHICH PEOPLE CAN BELIEVE, AND IN WHICH THEY CAN FEEL A SENSE OF PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT; AND BY MAINTAINING AN ORGANISATION IN WHOSE EFFICIENCY AND REPUTATION THEY CAN LEGITIMATELY TAKE PR IDE.+
MANAGEMENT IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR ALSO MEANT ENCOURAGING A WILLINGNESS NOT ONLY TO ACCEPT, BUT TO INITIATE CHANGE. +WE LIVE IN A CHANGING WORLD AND PEOPLE IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR KEEP PACE WITH IT,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
HE SAID THAT AS EACH NEW POLICY WAS ESTABLISHED IT MUST BE JUDGED AGAINST THE NEEDS OF THE FUTURE AS WELL AS THE EXPERIENCE OF THE PAST; THERE SHOULD BE REGULAR INTERVALS OF QUESTIONING OF WHAT WAS DONE, WHY IT WAS DONE THAT WAY AND WHETHER IT STILL NEEDED TO BE DONE.
+l BELIEVE THE PROCESS NOT ONLY IMPROVES THE EFFICIENCY OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR; IT GIVES GREAT SATISFACTION TO THOSE WHO ENGAGE IN IT,* SIR EDWARD ADDED.
------o-------
REMINDER ON ANTI-SMOKING LAWS * * * *
THE FIRST STAGE OF THE ANTI-SMOKING LAWS WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON NOVEMBER 15, WHEN IT WILL BE MANDATORY FOR ADVERTISEMENTS IN LOCAL NEWSPAPERS AND OTHER PRINTED MATTER PUBLISHED OR DISTRIBUTED IN HONG KONG TO CARRY THE GOVERNMENT HEALTH WARNING AND THE TAR GROUP DESIGNATION OF THE CIGARETTES ADVERTISED.
IN ISSUING THIS REMINDER TODAY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT DETAILS OF THE NEW STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS AND COMMENCEMENT DATES WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON AUGUST 13.
THE REQUIREMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE SMOKING (PUBLIC HEALTH) REGULATIONS 1982. SMOKING (PUBLIC HEALTH) (NOTICES) ORDER 1982 AND THE SMOKING (PUBLIC HEALTH) ORDINANCE 1982 (COMMENCEMENT) NOTICE 1982.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE WARNING THAT HAS TO BE CARRIED IN THE ADVERTISEMENTS WILL READ +HK GOVERNMENT HEALTH WARNING! CIGARETTE SMOKING IS HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH+.
JiiDKiJSDAY, N0VSiB2R 10, 1962
21
THE TAR GROUP RATING OF THE DIFFERENT BRANDS OF CIGARETTES WILL BE DIVIDED INTO FIVE CATEGORIES, ACCORDING TO THE TAR CONTENT IN MILLIGRAMS IN EACH CIGARETTE, AS FOLLOWSi
0 - 10 MGS LOW TAR
11 - 16 MGS LOW TO MIDDLE TAR
17 - 22 MGS MIDDLE TAR
23 - 28 MGS MIDDLE TO HIGH TAR
29 AND OVER HIGH TAR
THE LANGUAGE, TYPEFACE, SIZE, SHAPE, COLOUR AND LOCATION OF THE HEALTH WARNING AND TAR GROUP DESIGNATION BOTH ON CIGARETTE PACKAGING AND IN ADVERTISEMENTS WERE EXPLAINED IN DETAIL IN THE SMOKING (PUBLIC HEALTH) (NOTICES) ORDER 1982, HE SAID.
THE NEXT STAGES OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ANTI-SMOKING LAWS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
FROM FEBRUARY 15, 1983, MOST OTHER TYPES OF CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENTS (NOT INCLUDING NEON SIGNS) WILL BE REQUIRED TO CARRY THE HEALTH WARNING ONLY. NO-SMOKING AREAS WILL HAVE TO BE DESIGNATED IN NOT LESS THAN 50 PER CENT OF EACH CLASS OF SEATING IN FERRIES, TRAINS AND CINEMAS, CONCERT HALLS AND THEATRES. SMOKING WILL ALSO BE PROHIBITED IN PUBLIC LIFTS, SINGLE-DECKER ROAD PUBLIC TRANSPORT (EXCEPT TAXIS AND HIRED VEHICLES) AND ON THE LOWER DECK OF DOUBLE-DECKER BUSES AND TRAMS. IN ALL CASES, LEGIBLE NO-SMOKING SIGNS IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE DISPLAYED.
FROM MAY 15, 1983, THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE GOVERNMENT HEALTH WARNING TO BE INCLUDED IN CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENTS WILL BE EXTENDED TO NEON SIGNS.
FROM AUGUST 15, 1983, IT WILL BE MANDATORY FOR ALL CIGARETTE PACKETS AND RETAIL CONTAINERS ON SALE IN HONG KONG TO CARRY THE HEALTH WARNING AND TAR GROUP RATING.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE REQUIREMENTS COULD RESULT IN FINES OF UP TO $5 000.
-----0------
BEWARE OF DOMESTIC ACCIDENTS * * *
IN HONG KONG, AS IN ARE THE LEADING CAUSE OF ,
OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD ACCinPNT*: death in children between the *ge of >- SENIOR MEDICAL AND HEALTH
DISCLOSED TODAY
» LeO2°RhS?DNAcJlDEUNNfsE^T"^LYNKlL°( °F THE
numerous INJURIES AND DISABILITIES.11, BUT ALS0 account for
/accidents :.ay.......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1962
22
ACCIDENTS MAY OCCUR IN THE HOME, ON THE ROAD OR IN ONE’S WORKING PLACE, AND THERE SEEMS TO BE NO SIMPLE OR SINGLE CURE FOR THEM, SHE POINTED OUT.
THEY COULD BE CAUSED BY PERSONAL AND MECHANICAL FAILURES, ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS, INADEQUATE KNOWLEDGE, INSUFFICIENT SKILLS, IMPROPER ATTITUDES AND BAD HABITS.
♦HOWEVER, MOST ACCIDENTS ARE AVOIDABLE,* SHE SAID, +AND ONE CF THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS IN THE AVOIDANCE OF ACCIDENT IS SAFETY EDUCATION.*
+THE FOCAL POINT FOR EDUCATION ON HOME ACCIDENTS IS TO INCREASE THE AWARENESS OF RISKS IN THE HOME AND TO DEVELOP SAFE BEHAVIOUR IN THE FACE OF THESE RISKS,* DR LEUNG SAID.
THE COMMON TYPES OF HOME ACCIDENTS ARE FALLS, BURNS, POISONING DROWNING AND SUFFOCATION.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT AS THE FIRST STEP, PARENTS MUST ACCEPT FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENSURING THAT THEIR CHILDREN UNDERSTAND AND LEARN ABOUT THE DANGERS THAT SURROUND THEM.
SHE SAID, +FORTUNATELY, THERE IS A PATTERN OF SAFETY THAT FOLLOWS THE STAGES OF GROWING UP THROUGH WHICH EVERY CHILD PASSES, E.G., THE HELPLESS AGE NEEDS COMPLETE PROTECTION; THE CURIOUS TODDLER MUST BE CLOSELY SUPERVISED; AND THE INDEPENDENT PRE-SCHOOL EXPERIMENTER REQUIRES DISCIPLINE AND EXPLANATION ABOUT THE DANGERS.*
SHE WENT ON TO SAY THAT AS A CHILD GROWS UP, TRAINING BECOMES THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN THE PATTERN OF SAFETY, E.G.,SAFE CROSSINGS, SWIMMING, FIRST AID, CANOEING AND BICYCLE TRAINING.
+SAFETY BECOMES MORE AND MORE A MATTER OF EDUCATION, ENGENDERING IN EVERY CHILD THE DESIRE AND THE ABILITY TO SHIELD HIMSELF FROM POTENTIAL DANGERS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO ACQUIRE JUDGEMENT FROM THE EXAMPLE SET BY ADULTS.*
DR LEUNG ADDED THAT THERE IS ANOTHER VULNERABLE GROUP IN OUR HOMES - THE ELDERLY PEOPLE.
+AS THE COMMONEST CAUSE OF INJURY IS FALLS, IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS GOOD LIGHTING, AND THAT HANDRAILS ARE INSTALLED WHERE NECESSARY, E.G., IN THE BATHROOM AND LAVATORY. KEEP AWAY MATS OR CHILDREN’S TOYS OVER WHICH AN OLD PERSON MIGHT TRIP,* SHE SAID.
IN CONCLUDING, DR LEUNG ADVISED THAT PARENTS, SCHOOLS AND EVERY MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY MUST CO-OPERATE TO MAKE NOT ONLY THE HOME, BUT ALSO THE SCHOOL, THE COMMUNITY, THE FACTORY AND THE ROAD, SAFE PLACES FOR ALL.
------o-------
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1982
23
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AUTUMN FAIR ON SATURDAY IKK*
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S 30TH AUTUMN FAIR WILL NOW TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 13). IT WAS POSTPONED FROM LAST SATURDAY DUE TO THE INCLEMENT WEATHER.
MRS GORDON WU, WIFE OF A LOCAL BUSINESSMAN HAS BEEN INVITED TO OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE FAIR WHICH WILL BE HELD ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD NEXT TO STANLEY PRISON BETWEEN 12 NOON AND 5 PM.
THERE WILL BE OVER 30 STALLS SELLING A WIDE SELECTION OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES INDUSTRIAL AND HOBBY CLASS PRODUCTS INCLUDING STUFFED TOYS, TOY HOUSES, RATTAN FURNITURE, WOODEN FURNITURE AS WELL AS A FIBRE GLASS DINGHY. IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE SNACK, REFRESHMENT AND GAMES STALLS.
A SERIES OF ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES HAVE ALSO BEEN ARRANGED FOR VISITORS. THESE INCLUDE PERFORMANCES BY THE TAI TAM GIRL PIPERS AND PRECISION MARCHING TEAM, A MARCHING DISPLAY BY THE CAPE COLLINSON BAND, AND A MOTOR CYCLE DEMONSTRATION BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES.
THE FAIR, A CHARITABLE EVENT, IS ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S SPORTS ASSOCIATION, AND THE PROCEEDS WILL GO TO CHARITIES AND THE DEPARTMENT’S WELFARE FUNDS.
ADMISSION IS FREE AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOMED TO ATTEND.
AS PARKING SPACE IS LIMITED, VISITORS ARE ADVISED THAT BUS ROUTE NOS. 6 AND 260 (STARTING FROM CENTRAL), 73 (FROM ABERDEEN), 63 (FROM NORTH POINT) AND 14 (FROM SHAU KEI WAN) ARE CONVENIENT WAYS OF GETTING TO THE FAIR.
VISITORS ARE REMINDED THAT NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE FAIR UNTIL AFTER IT HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY OPENED AT 12 NOON. ITEMS ON SALE ARE VERY REASONABLY PRICED AND DISCERNING BUYERS ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE EARLY AS THE FAIR WILL CLOSE AT 5 PM.
NOTE TO ED I TORSi
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S AUTUMN FAIR WILL BE HELD ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD NEXT TO STANLEY PRISON ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 13) BETWEEN 12 NOON AND 5 PM.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT 10.45 AM SHARP, AND WILL LEAVE THE FAIR GROUND FOR THE DEPARTMENT'S HEADQUARTERS AT ABOUT 12.30 PM.
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/24......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1982
24
ELECTRIC TRAINS TO SHA TIN RACECOURSE
*****
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL ONCE AGAIN RUN ELECTRIC TRAINS TO THE SHA TIN RACECOURSE DURING THE NEXT TWO RACE MEETINGS TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 13), AND ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 17).
A KCR SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT ACCORDING TO EXPERIENCE GAINED DURING THE PAST FEW RACE MEETINGS HELD AT THE SHA TIN RACECOURSE, THE ELECTRIFIED SERVICE HAD PROVED ITS WORTH AS MOST RACEGOERS FOUND IT CONVENIENT, FAST AND COMFORTABLE.
+ IN VIEW OF ITS POPULARITY, WE WILL CONTINUE TO EXTEND THE ELECTRIFIED SERVICE TO THE RACECOURSE STATION ON RACE DAYS.+ HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO URGED RACING FANS TO BUY RETURN TICKETS IN ADVANCE STARTING FROM WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 10) FOR THE DAY MEETING ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 13) AND FROM NEXT MONDAY (NOVEMBER 15) FOR THE NIGHT RACING ON NOVEMBER 17.
------0-------
FIRE SERVICES DIRECTOR OFF TO JAPAN FOR CONFERENCE *****
THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR F.M. WATSON, AND CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, MR LAM LOK-BUN, HAVE LEFT FOR JAPAN TO ATTEND THE 12TH GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CHIEFS’ ASSOCIATION OF ASIA. THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE WILL LAST UNTIL FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 12).
DURING THE ABSENCE OF MR WATSON, MR ROBERT HOLMES WILL ACT IN HIS PLACE AS DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES.
-----o------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
PUBLIC TO BE KEPT POSTED ON TALKS 'WHERE POSSIBLE* ....... 1
NW HK TRADE POST IN U.S................................... 2
EFFORT TO IMPROVE LEGCO PROCEDURES ....................... 5
MEDICAL SERVICES FEEL IMPACT OF POPULATION PRESSURE....... 6
NEED FOR LONG TERM SCHOOL POLICIES STRESSED .............. 9
IMPORTANCE OF UPGC STRESSED .............................. 13
POW PENSIONS ISSUE REVIEWED .............................. 14
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME.................................. 15
SHELTERED HOUSING FOR ELDERLY............................. 16
DISTRICT BOARDS’ POWER.................................... 19
BRAY DEFENDS PRESS FREEDOM................................ 20
LEGCO TRIBUTE FOR *BIM* DAVIES ........................... 21
FINANCIAL SECRETARY CALLS FOR IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY.......... 22
ROLE FOR BAPTIST COLLEGE IN SYSTEM OP HIGHER EDUCATION....... 23
SITE INVESTIGATION FOR JUNK BAY ROAD TUNNEL.................. 25
FEEDER BUS SERVICES IN KWAI CHUNG TO TAKE MORE DIRECT ROUTE 25
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SEMINAR FOR EMPLOYEES...................... 26
NEW KINDERGARTEN OPENS IN TUSN MUN .......................... 2?
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN SAI YING PUN ...................... 27
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1982
1
PUBLIC TO BE KEPT POSTED ON TALKS ’WHERE POSSIBLE’ ******
STATEMENTS ON DEVELOPMENTS REGARDING THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG WILL BE RELEASED +WHEN THERE IS SOMETHING WHICH CAN BE SAID ABOUT THE CONTENT OF THE TALKS, OR ABOUT HONG KONG PARTICIPATION IN THEM+.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, GAVE THIS ASSURANCE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY WHEN WINDING UP THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS.
♦IF THE TIMING PERMITS, THESE STATEMENTS WILL TAKE THE FORM OF PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THIS CHAMBER,* HE SAID, ADDING THAT HE AGREED WITH THE HON BILL BRO«N THAT THE COUNCIL WAS THE CORRECT AND PROPER PLACE FOR DEVELOPMENTS ABOUT THE FUTURE TO BE MADE KNOWN PUBLICLY.
SIR PHILIP WAS GRATEFUL FOR THE RESTRAINT SHOWN BY MEMBERS IN RECOGNISING THAT THE TALKS MUST REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL. THEY HAD, HE SAID, SPOKEN WITH A STRONG SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY, REALISING THAT IT WAS A SENSITIVE SUBJECT.
♦AS MEMBERS BRING TO THIS COUNCIL A PROFOUND KNOWLEDGE OF THE CONCERNS AND ASPIRATIONS OF THIS COMMUNITY, I CAN ASSURE THEM THAT THEIR ADVICE WILL NOT GO UNHEEDED,+ HE SAID.
SIR PHILIP ALSO ASSURED MEMBERS THAT IT WOULD BE THE CONSTANT ENDEAVOUR OF HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE INTERESTS AND WISHES OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
♦MEANWHILE, NOTHING IS TO BE GAINED BY AN UNMERITED CRISIS IN CONFIDENCE, PARTICULARLY IF THE CAUSATIVE FACTORS ARE SPECULATIVE EXPRESSIONS OF PERSONAL VIEWS.+
PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BELIEVE ALL THEY READ AND HEAR, HE WARNED. THE ALMOST DAILY HEARSAY STORIES IN THE PRESS ABOUT WHAT THE POSITION OF ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER MIGHT BE SOMETIMES HAD MUCH CIRCUMSTANTIAL DETAIL.
♦SUCH STORIES HAVE AN UNSETTLING EFFECT EVEN THOUGH ON OCCASIONS THEY HAVE NO BASIS IN FACT,+ HE SAID. RUMOUR SO OFTEN FEEDS ON ITSELF, HE ADDED, AND WE MUST NOT ALLOW THAT CONTAGION TO SPREAD.
IT WAS WORTH BEARING IN MIND THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN’S ADVICE THAT 'THE ONLY TRUE INFORMATION WILL BE THE OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS MADE FROM TIME TO TIME ARISING FROM THE OFFICIAL SINO-BRITISH TALKS ON OUR FUTURE’.
SIR PHILIP BELIEVED THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WOULD LOOK AT THE SITUATION AS IT UNFOLDS IN ITS PROPER CONTEXT.
NO-ONE, HE SAID, SHOULD UNDERESTIMATE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DECLARED COMMON OBJECTIVE OF MAINTAINING THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG AS STATED IN THE JOINT COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AFTER PRIME MINISTER THATCHER’S MEETING WITH CHAIRMAN DENG XIAOPING.
/HE REITERATED........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1982
2
HE REITERATED THAT STEADY NERVES WOULD BE REQUIRED OF ALL OF US OVER THE COMING MONTHS, AND WE MUST ALL WORK TOGETHER IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF MUTUAL TRUST.
+THE GOVERNMENT WILL PLAY ITS PART IN DEVELOPING SUCH AN ATMOSPHERE THROUGH THE CONSULTATIVE SYSTEM AND, PARTICULARLY, BY WORKING IN CLOSE CONCERT WITH UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS,* HE SAID.
SIR PHILIP STRESSED THAT THIS GOVERNMENT CARES FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG FROM WHEREVER, AND WHENEVER, THEY HAVE COME HERE, AND ADDED + IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRM INTENTION THAT HONG KONG SHALL REMAIN, AS A FREE SOCIETY, A DESIRABLE, REWARDING, AND CHALLENGING PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK IN.*
------0-------
NEW HK TRADE POST IN U.S.
* * H *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED PLANS TO RE-TITLE THREE SECRETARY POSTS AND TO CREATE A POST OF HONG KONG TRADE COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED STATES.
THE CHANGES ARE AIMED AT ACHIEVING MORE APPROPRIATE GROUPINGS OF POLICY PROGRAMMES AND A BETTER BALANCE OF RESPONSIBILITIES BETWEEN POLICY BRANCHES IN THE SECRETARIAT.
IN HIS SPEECH CONCLUDING THE DEBATES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR PHILIP SAID THE PRESENT SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, WILL BE RE-TITLED SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER AND SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
SIR PHILIP SAID THE SCHEDULE OF RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE NEW SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE WILL BECOME MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES (INCLUDING PUBLIC HEALTH), SOCIAL WELFARE (INCLUDING CHILD WELFARE) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS (BOTH PROTECTION AND HYGIENE).
THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR REHABILITATION AND LABOUR MATTERS FROM THE PRESENT SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES WILL BE TAKEN OVER BY THE NEW SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER WHOSE RESPONSIBILITIES WILL BE BROADENED TO COVER ALL LEVELS AND TYPES OF EDUCATION.
COMMENTING ON REMARKS MADE BY DR THE HON HARRY FANG THAT THOUGHT SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE CREATION OF A SECRETARY FOR HEALTH, SIR PHILIP SAID THERE COULD BE NO DOUBT ABOUT THE RANGE AND COMPLEXITY OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROBLEMS CONNECTED WITH THE HEALTH AND MEDICAL SERVICES.
/+BUT, AS ........
THURSDAY, NOVIXBER 11, 1982
+BUT, AS A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE, I AM NOT IN FAVOUR OF CREATING A NEW SECRETARY TO DEAL WITH POLICY MATTERS FOR A SINGLE PROGRAMME AREA WHICH IS ALSO HANDLED BY A HEAD OF DEPARTMENT OF EQUAL SENIORITY, AS THIS TENDS TO LEAD TO A DUPLICATION OF EFFORT AND CONFUSION OVER RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES,* HE SAID.
+NOR WOULD I CONSIDER IT ESSENTIAL FOR A PROFESSIONALLY ■QUALIFIED OFFICER TO FILL SUCH A POST, EVEN IF IT WAS CREATED ALTHOUGH, CONSISTENT WITH THE POLICY OF OPENING UP ALL DIRECTORATE LEVEL POSTS TO MEMBERS OF DEPARTMENTAL CADRES AS WELL AS THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE, THERE WOULD BE NO REASON WHY IT SHOULD NOT BE.*
SIR PHILIP SAID HE ACCEPTED THAT THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES DID DESERVE MORE ATTENTION AT THE HIGHEST POLICY LEVELAND THIS WOULD BE DONE BY REMOVING RESPONSIBILITY FOR REHABILITATION AND LABOUR MATTERS FROM THE PRESENT SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES AND RETITLING HIS POST.
AT THE SAME TIME, HE SAID, RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND HYGIENE, SUBJECTS CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY, WOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO THE NEW SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE FROM THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS.
SIR PHILIP SAID THIS WOULD ALSO ENABLE THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS TO DEVOTE MORE ATTENTION TO SOME OF HIS OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES, PARTICULARLY THOSE RELATING TO INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS AND THE MONITORING OF PUBLIC OPINION.
+HE WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO IDENTIFYING PEOPLE OF THE RIGHT CALIBRE AND EXPERIENCE TO MAN OUR EVER DEVELOPING NETWORK OF ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES,* HE ADDED.
ON THE RE-TITLING OF SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION TO SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, SIR PHILIP SAID THIS WAS CONSISTENT WITH THE RECENT STANDARDISATION OF THE TITLES OF DISTRICT STAFF THROUGH THE URBAN AREAS AND THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE SCHEDULE OF RESPONSIBILITIES WOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED.
+HIS CONSTANT PRE-OCCUPATION WILL, OF COURSE, BE THE NURTURING CF THE DISTRICT BOARD SYSTEM AND HE, TOGETHER WITH THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, WILL BE CONCERNED WITH RESOLVING ANY IMMEDIATE INTERFACE PROBLEMS WHICH MAY ARISE BETWEEN DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE VARIOUS SUBJECT-ORIENTED ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES, OR BETWEEN THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS.
+IN THE LONGER TERM, HE WILL EVENTUALLY BE CONCERNED WITH ANY MODIFICATION TO THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME WHICH MAY BE INDICATED BY EXPERIENCE AND LONGER TERMS INTERFACE PROBLEMS.*
ON THE CREATION OF THE POST OF HONG KONG TRADE COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED STATES, SIR PHILIP SAID THERE WAS NOW AN OBVIOUS CASE FOR HAVING A MULTI-PURPOSE PRESENCE IN THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPE AS WELL AS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
ACCORDINGLY, HE SAID, IT HAD BEEN DECIDED TO EXPAND AND UPGRADE THE LEVEL OF OUR REPRESENTATION IN THE UNITED STATES BY OPENING A NEW OFFICE IN NEW YORK. THE OFFICER IN CHARGE WOULD BE KNOWN AS THE HONG KONG TRADE COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED STATES.
/+HIS RESPONSIBILITIES
THURSDAY, N0VD4BER 11, 1982
4
♦ HIS RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE KEEPING UNDER REVIEW COMMERCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS IN THE UNITED STATES, WHICH MAY AFFECT HONG KONG’S INTERESTS, IN CONCERT WITH THE COUNSELLOR (HONG KONG COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS) IN WASHINGTON,+ SIR PHILIP SAID.
THE TRADE COMMISSIONER WILL ALSO CONTROL AND COORDINATE THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT UNDERTAKES DIRECTLY IN THE UNITED STATES’ MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH THE OFFICES OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION IN THE UNITED STATES; DISSEMINATE INFORMATION ABOUT HONG KONG AND ESTABLISH PERSONAL CONTACTS WITH INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATION WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING HONG KONG’S IMAGE THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES.
♦THE OFFICER SELECTED TO FILL THIS POST IS MR W. DORWARD WHO WILL TAKE UP THIS APPOINTMENT IN APRIL NEXT YEAR,+ HE SAID.
SIR PHILIP SAID THE EXPANSION OF THE PRESENT ROLE OF OUR BRUSSELS OFFICE, WHICH IS ALREADY HEADED BY AN OFFICER WITH THE DIPLOMATIC RANK OF MINISTER, WOULD FOLLOW LATER ON.
♦THE REORGANISATION OF THE SECRETARIAT WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE DIRECTOR, COUNCILS AND ADMINISTRATION BRANCH, IS NOW WORKING OUT ALL THE DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS RELATING TO SCHEDULES OF BUSINESS, STAFFING, ACCOMMODATION AND OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP OF ADVISORY AND ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEES, SUBJECT TO ONE OVER-RIDING PROVISO THAT THERE IS TO BE NO NET INCREASE IN STAFF AS A RESULT CF THESE CHANGES.+
HE SAID OTHER CHANGES WILL UNDOUBTEDLY BECOME NECESSARY FAIRuY SOON. FOR INSTANCE, HE ADDED, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO CREATE A SMALL UNIT WITHIN THE SECRETARIAT, PROBABLY ATTACHED TO THE COUNCILS AND ADMINISTRATION BRANCH AND RESPONSIBLE TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY, TO COORDINATE THE USE OF GOVERNMENT’S SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL RESOURCES (EXCLUDING THOSE IN THE ENGINEERING AND MEDICAL FIELDS), IN A MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE MANNER.
SIR PHILIP ALSO REFERRED TO THE RECENT CREATION OF A NEW POST OF SECRETARY (GENERAL DUTIES), FILLED BY MR LEWIS DAVIES, TO PROVIDE SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE CHIEF SECRETARY IN DEALING WITH ADDITIONAL WORK ARISING FROM THE TALKS ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
♦ASSOCIATED WITH THE RE-ORGANISATION OF POLICY BRANCH SCHEDULES WHICH I HAVE DESCRIBED, BUT ALSO NECESSARY IN ITS OWN RIGHT, A SHORT AND MEDIUM-TERM POSTINGS PLOT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED ON THE BASIS OF THE GENERAL PRINCIPLE THAT THERE IS AN OPTIMUM PERIOD FOR SERVICE IN ANY POST, PARTICULARLY A SENIOR ONE; AND REGARD HAS BEEN HAD TO THE OPEN DIRECTORATE CONCEPT AND THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKING THE 'ADM INISTRATIV I SAT ION’ OF THE DIRECTORATE STAFF OF THE FORMER TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT A REALITY BY CROSS-POST INGS,+ HE SAID.
ALL THOSE POSTINGS WOULD BE ANNOUNCED IN A SERIES OF PRESS STATEMENTS AND INTERNAL CIRCULARS, IN DUE COURSE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY ADDED.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1982
- 5 -
EFFORT TO IMPROVE LEGCO PROCEDURES
*****
THERE MAY BE SCOPE FOR MORE EFFECTIVE USE TO BE MADE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S EXISTING STANDING ORDERS WITHOUT THE NEED FOR ANY MAJOR AMENDMENTS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID AT THE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY.
AS AN EXAMPLE, SIR PHILIP CITED THE PROVISIONS DEALING WITH ADJOURNMENT DEBATES AND SELECT COMMITTEES WHICH, HE SAID, COULD BE INVOKED TO GREATER EFFECT.
HE WAS SPEAKING ON THE FINDINGS OF A WORKING PARTY SET UP TO REVIEW THE STANDING ORDERS, CONVENTIONS AND PRACTICES OF THE COUNCIL IN ORDER TO IMPROVE PROCEDURES AND TO REFLECT MORE CLEARLY THE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO THE MAKING OF NEW LEGISLATION.
SIR PHILIP SAID THAT UPON COMPLETION OF THE WORKING PARTY’S REVIEW, WHICH IS EXPECTED WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, HE WOULD DISCUSS ITS RECOMMENDATIONS WITH THE HON R.H. LOBO TO DECIDE WHAT FURTHER ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN ON THEM.
+TO ALLAY ANY MISCONCEPTION, I SHOULD MAKE IT QUITE CLEAR THAT THE SCOPE OF THIS REVIEW WAS NEVER INTENDED TO GO BEYOND THE PROCEDURES FOLLOWED BY THIS COUNCIL IN ITS MEETINGS.
+IT CERTAINLY WAS NOT INTENDED TO COVER THE CONSTITUTION OF, OR APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO, THIS COUNCIL, WHICH ARE MATTERS PRESCRIBED IN THE ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS; AND IT IS NOT PROPOSED TO RECOMMEND ANY CHANGES TO THEM AT THE PRESENT TIME,* HE EXPLAINED.
ON THE SUGGESTION THAT THE OLD SUPREME COURT BUILDING BE CONVERTED TO A COUNCIL CHAMBER AND THE UMELCO OFFICE, SIR PHILIP SAID THAT WHILE HE WAS PERSONALLY ATTRACTED TO THE IDEA, HE COULD NOT OFFER +MORE THAN A CAUTIOUS RESPONSE* UNTIL OTHER FACTORS HAD BEEN EVALUATED AND THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CONSULTED.
HE REPORTED THAT THE REVIEW OF FUNCTIONAL ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES WOULD BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE NEXT THREE MONTHS.
+ALL HEADS OF SECRETARIAT BRANCHES AND HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS HAVE BEEN ASKED TO GIVE THE MOST CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO BOTH THE TERMS OF REFERENCE AND THE MEMBERSHIP OF THESE 300 AND MORE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES, WITH A VIEW TO ENSURING THAT THEY REFLECT CURRENT CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG AND ARE SO COMPOSED AS TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE SOUND AND RELEVANT ADVICE TO THE GOVERNMENT,* HE SAID.
/6........
- 0 ---------
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1982
6
MEDICAL SERVICES FEEL IMPACT OF POPULATION PRESSURE *****
THE RELENTLESS POPULATION PRESSURE HAS HAD A PARTICULARLY CRUCIAL IMPACT ON THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES WHICH ARE EXTREMELY SUSCEPTIBLE TO ANY IMMEDIATE AND MASSIVE DEMAND, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR THE HON K.L. THONG SAID TODAY AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
+THIS IS BECAUSE THERE ARE NO MEANS TEST OR CRITERIA GOVERNING THE UTILISATION OF THE SERVICES WHICH ARE AVAILABLE PRACTICALLY FREE OF CHARGE FOR ANYONE,* HE ADDED.
DR THONG ATTRIBUTED THE MASSIVE DEMAND ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES TO THE DRAMATIC CHANGE IN POPULATION GROWTH OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.
HE SAID THAT FROM THE 1970’S TO 1978 POPULATION GROWTH WAS ABOUT 70 000 YEARLY, LARGELY THROUGH BIRTHS. BUT FROM 1979 TO THE END OF 1981, THE ARRIVAL OF THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE AND OTHER IMMIGRATION INCREASED THE POPULATION BY 600 000, MORE THAN TWO-THIRDS BY IMMIGRATION.
THE GOVERNMENT TOOK TIMELY AND EFFECTIVE MEASURES WHICH NOT ONLY ABSORBED THE SHOCK OF SUDDEN AND OVERWHELMING DEMANDS, AND EVEN IMPROVED THE STANDARD OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE DESPITE THE ADVERSE DEMOGRAPHIC EVENTS, HE SAID.
+WE IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ARE BY NO MEANS COMPLACENT AND ARE WELL AWARE OF THE DAUNTING CHALLENGES AHEAD IN OUR ATTEMPTS TO IMPLEMENT OUR AMBITIOUS PLANS,* DR THONG SAID.
+THE ILL-INFORMED AND PREJUDICED WILL NO DOUBT CONTINUE TO HARP ON THE INEVITABLE PROBLEMS, REAL OR IMAGINARY, WITH OUT BEING ABLE TO OFFER ANY CONSTRUCTIVE OR HELPFUL SOLUTIONS.*
♦HOWEVER, WE ON OUR PART, WITHIN ALL AVAILABLE RESOURCES, WILL CONTINUE TO STRIVE OUR UTMOST IN BRINGING ABOUT THOSE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES WHICH WE ALL DESIRE,* HE SAID.
DR THONG SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES ARE UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW EACH YEAR, AND THE FORECAST FOR DEMAND FOR SERVICES ARE UPDATED PROMPTLY AND EFFECTIVELY IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES, SUCH AS NEW POPULATION GROWTH, CHANGING PATTERN OF DISEASES, OCCUPANCY AND UTILISATION RATES OF HOSPITAL BEDS AND FACILITIES.
IN THE PAST NINE YEARS, FOUR MAJOR HOSPITALS AND TEN MAJOR HOSPITAL EXTENSION PROJECTS WERE COMPLETED, PROVIDING AN ADDITIONAL 5 200 BEDS OR AN INCREASE OF OVER 30 PER CENT TO THE BED PROVISION IN 1973.
/DURING THE.........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1982
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, NO LESS THAN TEN CLINICS AND POLYCLINICS WERE COMPLETED. THIS, TOGETHER WITH THE REPROVISIONING CF THREE CLINICS, INCREASED THE NUMBER OF CONSULTING ROOMS BY 77, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN 30 PER CENT.
A LARGE NUMBER OF FACILITIES AND SERVICES WERE ESTABLISHED AND EXPANDED TO PROVIDE A BALANCED DEVELOPMENT OF BOTH CURATIVE AND PREVENTIVE HEALTH FACILITIES. THESE INCLUDE HEALTH EDUCATION, FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES, INCORPORATING MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES AND FAMILY PLANNING, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES, COMMUNITY NURSING, SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICES AND CHILD ASSESSMENT.
THE OVERALL ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN THE PAST DECADE HAS INCREASED FROM 13 475 TO 20 534 OR 52 PER CENT MORE OVER THE ESTABLISHMENT FIGURE IN 1973, TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE STAFFING COMPLEMENTS TO MATCH DEVELOPMENTS.
DURING THIS PERIOD, THE ESTABLISHMENT STRENGTH OF DOCTORS INCREASED BY 59 PER CENT FROM 826 TO 1 310, NURSES BY 67 PER CENT FROM 4 968 TO 8 294, PARA-MEDICALS BY 61 PER CENT FROM 896 TO 1 440, AND OTHER STAFF BY 40 PER CENT FROM 6 785 TO 9 490.
♦THAT WE ARE PROCEEDING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION IS BORNE OUT BY THE FACT THAT OUR HEALTH INDICES ARE COMPARABLE TO SOME OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD AS MENTIONED BY YOUR EXCELLENCY IN YOUR ADDRESS TO THIS COUNCIL,* DR THONG SAID.
IN REPLY TO A SUGGESTION BY THE HON PETER WONG THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD REVIEW THE PRIORITIES OF VARIOUS PROGRAMMES IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES, DR THONG SAID THIS IS PRECISELY THE PRACTICE OF THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WHICH REVIEWS PROJECTS AND THEIR PRIORITIES ANNUALLY.
DR THONG SAID THERE WAS CONSTANT AND SEVERE COMPETITION FOR RESOURCES AMONG PROJECTS IN THE MEDICAL PLAN.
IN REPLY TO A SUGGESTION BY DR HENRIETTA IP THAT MORE SHOULD BE DONE TO IMPROVE OBSTETRICAL AND NEONATAL SERVICES SO THAT MORBIDITY DURING THE PERINATAL PERIOD COULD BE REDUCED, DR THONG SAID THE PERINATAL MORTALITY RATE IN HONG KONG FOR LAST YEAR WAS 10.7 PER 1 000 TOTAL BIRTHS, WHICH IS AMONG THE LOWEST IN THE WORLD.
/ON THE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1982
8
ON THE QUESTION OF WHY THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT PROVIDED A CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL, DR THONG REFERRED TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 1979 REVIEW OF THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, WHICH STATED THAT +THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPECIALIST HOSPITALS IS NOT ADVISABLE BECAUSE THEY TEND TO BE ISOLATED FROM THE GENERAL BODY OF MEDICINE AND LACK THE SUPPORT OF OTHER DISCIPLINES, AND THEY ALSO GIVE RISE TO UNEVEN DISTRIBUTION OF FACILITIES AND EXPERTISE, RESTRICT FLEXIBILITY IN USE AND OFTEN LEAD TO UNDER-UTILISATION IN SOME AREAS.+
HE SAID IN THE CONTEXT OF HONG KONG, IT WAS ONLY LOGICAL TO AIM FOR THE PROVISION OF GOOD AND UP-TO-DATE PAEDIATRIC FACILITIES ATTACHED TO GENERAL HOSPITALS, RATHER THAN TO PROVIDE FOR SPECIALIST HOSPITALS ON THEIR OWN IN ANY SPECIFIC LOCATIONS.
+OUR PRESENT PLANS INCLUDE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MODERN AND WELL-EQUIPPED PAEDIATRIC FACILITIES SUCH AS MOTHER-CHILD ROOMS FOR THE BENEFIT OF SICK CHILDREN WITHIN THE EXTENSION AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN THE GENERAL HOSPITALS,* HE ADDED.
DR THONG ALSO OUTLINED THE LATEST SITUATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE SCHEME.
THE NUMBER OF ELIGIBLE PUPILS UNDER THE SCHEME STOOD AT 805 497 AT THE END OF MARCH 1982. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PUPILS TAKING PART IN THE SCHEME IN THE PAST FINANCIAL YEAR WAS 244 864 REPRESENTING A PARTICIPATION RATE OF 30.4 PER CENT. THIS INDICATED AN INCREASE OF 18 PER CENT OVER THE FIGURES IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR. THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING DOCTORS IN THE SCHEME WAS 232, COMPARED WITH 211 — AN INCREASE OF TEN PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR. DR THONG SAID THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE BOARD ENVISAGES THAT ONE IN THREE ELIGIBLE PUPILS WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THE SCHEME BY EARLY NEXT YEAR.
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/9........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1982
9
NEED FOR LONG TERM SCHOOL POLICIES STRESSED ******
HONG KONG MUST HAVE CONSISTENT LONG-TERM STRATEGIES AND PRAGMATIC SHORTER-TERM IMPLEMENTATION PLANS IN ITS EFFORTS TO SHAPE AND DEVELOP THE SCHOOL SYSTEM TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE CHILDREN AND THE COMMUNITY, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON COLVYN HAYE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
MR HAYE SAID HE WAS GLAD THAT EDUCATION WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR TOPICS IN THE COUNCIL AS WELL OVER A MILLION CHILDREN WERE IN SCHOOL.
HE THANKED THE REV JOYCE BENNETT, MRS SELINA CHOW, DR HENRIETTA IP AND MR STEPHEN CHEONG FOR THEIR COMMENTS ON THE EDUCATION SERVICE, WHICH HE SAID WAS STILL GROWING RAPIDLY IN QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE TERMS.
+ IT IS ONLY RIGHT THAT WE SHOULD CONTINUE TO EVALUATE AND DEBATE OUR EDUCATIONAL POLICIES AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION TO HELP ENSURE THAT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM WILL BE PROPERLY SHAPED AND DEVELOPED TO MEET THE NEEDS BOTH OF OUR CHILDREN AND OF OUR COMMUNITY,* MR HAYE SAID.
TURNING TO MISS BENNETT’S COMMENTS ON THE STANDARDS OF PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS WITH BOUGHT PLACES AND THE NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THEM, THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT THIS WAS A MATTER TO WHICH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD ALWAYS ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE.
MR HAYE LISTED IN DETAIL EXAMPLES OF THE DAY-TO-DAY HELP OFFERED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO THESE SCHOOLS, INCLUDING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, IN-SERVICE TRAINING AND REFRESHER COURSES FOR TEACHERS, FULL ACCESSIBILITY TO THE VARIOUS TEACHING CENTRES, AND EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION, AMONG OTHERS.
THIS YEAR, AS PART OF THE +LANGUAGE PACKAGE*, PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS WITH BOUGHT PLACES WERE ALSO SUPPLIED WITH A WIRE-FREE INDUCTION LOOP SYSTEM TO ASSIST THEM IN THE TEACHING CF LANGUAGES AND OTHER SUBJECTS.
HE SAID HE APPRECIATED THAT THE KEY TO IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS MUST BE ADEQUATE SALARIES FOR THE TEACHERS AND SAID THIS WAS PARTICULARLY REFLECTED IN THE APPROVED INCREASES OF SCHOOL FEES ANNUALLY.
+WE ENSURE THAT IMPROVEMENTS IN PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL TEACHERS' SALARIES MATCH INFLATION AND THE PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN THE SALARIES OF TEACHERS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR. IN ADDITION, WE PROVIDE A MARGIN WHICH IS SYMPATHETICALLY FLEXIBLE TO GIVE TEACHERS IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS MORE, SO THAT THEY WILL REMAIN TO SERVE IN THE SCHOOLS IN WHICH THEY ARE EMPLOYED, AND WE DO OUR UTMOST TO ENABLE SCHOOLS TO EMPLOY ADDITIONAL TEACHERS,* MR HAYE SAID.
/ARRANGD4ENTS FOR........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1982
10
ARRANGEMENTS FOR IMPROVING INDIRECT GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS THROUGH THE FUNDING CF BOUGHT PLACES HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED AND WELCOMED BY THE VARIOUS PRIVATE SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS, WHOSE REPRESENTATIVES MEET THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION EVERY THREE MONTHS.
THESE ASSOCIATIONS HAVE ALSO BEEN ADVISED OF THE CONTROL NEASURES WHICH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE TO ENSURE THAT THE TEACHERS WILL INDEED RECEIVE THE SALARY INCREASES INTENDED FOR THEM.
MR HAYE SAID THAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE SCHOOLS WERE SO DIFFERENT THAT IT WAS NEITHER FEASIBLE NOR DESIRABLE TO REQUIRE ALL OF THEM TO CONFORM TO A SINGLE ELABORATE FORMULA FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT FOLLOWING AN INVITATION TO PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS TO JOIN THE PUBLIC AIDED SECTOR AFTER THE 1978 WHITE PAPER, ONLY ONE PRIVATE SCHOOL WAS PREPARED TO BECOME NON-PROFIT MAKING AND FULLY AIDED.
ON THE LONG-TERM INTENTIONS AND PLANS REGARDING BOUGHT PLACES IN PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS, HE SAID THAT WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE LAST 39 SCHOOLS OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS IN THE APPROVED SECONDARY SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMME OF 130 IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO PHASE OUT THE BOUGHT PLACES IN THE LESS SATISFACTORY PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS.
♦CONSIDERATION IS NOW BEING GIVEN TO AN EXTENSION OF THE BUILDING PROGRAMME WHICH WILL ENABLE US TO MAKE FURTHER HEADWAY IN THIS DIRECTION,* MR HAYE SAID.
TURNING TO COMMENTS ON THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT SYSTEM BY MRS SELINA CHOW, HE SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO REPORT THAT THE ALLEGED ADVERSE EFFECTS OF THE SYSTEM WERE MUCH LESS MARKED IN THE RECENTLY COMPLETED SECOND CYCLE AS TEACHERS, STUDENTS AND PARENTS BECAME MORE FAMILIAR WITH THE PROCEDURES.
THIS YEAR SOME 65 PER CENT OF THOSE ELIGIBLE QUALIFIED FOR PUBLIC SECTOR PLACES IN FORM IV AND 80 PER CENT OF THESE WERE IN THEIR OWN SCHOOLS.
HE SAID THAT GIVEN THE PREFERENCE OF MOST STUDENTS AND PARENTS FOR ACADEMIC SENIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION, THE JSEA WAS NECESSARY AND WAS STILL THE FAIREST MEANS OF SELECTING STUDENTS FOR FORM IV-V EDUCATION.
APPEALING TO PARENTS NOT TO COMMUNICATE THEIR FEARS TO THEIR CHILDREN, HE SAID, +THEY ARE LESS CONCERNED BY THE JSEA THAN YOU ARE.*
ON PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION, MR HAYE ACKNOWLEDGED IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO MAKE AN EARLY START IN THIS AREA BECAUSE OF THE PRIORITY WHICH HAD TO BE GIVEN TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION.
/BUT HE........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1982
11 -
BUT HE ADDED THAT THE WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES OF JULY, 1981 WAS A CLEAR COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE.
♦IF THE DEVELOPMENTS OF SOME OF THE WHITE PAPER APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN DELAYED, THIS IS NOT BECAUSE THERE IS LACK OF A SENSE OF URGENCY, BUT BECAUSE WE DO NOT INTEND TO SACRIFICE QUALITY FOR INITIAL SPEED.
+THE LEAD TIME REQUIRED FOR THE VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS, AND THE NEED FOR PHASING, DO NOT ADMIT INSTANT RESULTS, BUT THE BETTER SERVICES PLANNED SHOULD MATERIALISE FROM THE MID-1980’S,+ HE SAID.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, HE ADDED, HAD STARTED A USEFUL DIALOGUE WITH SIX UNOFFICIAL BODIES WITH AN INTEREST IN KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION.
THESE TALKS WILL BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE OTHER INTERESTED BODIES AND INDIVIDUALS AND IT IS INTENDED THAT REGULAR CONSULTATIVE MEETINGS WILL BE HELD IN FUTURE.
PROPOSALS WILL BE PROCESSED BY AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL STANDING COMMITTEE WHICH COORDINATES THE WORK OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN SUPERVISING AND SERVICING PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION AND CARE, HE SAID.
RESPONDING TO MR CHEONG’S COMMENTS ON THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM, MR HAYE ASKED IF HE WANTED TO IMPOSE, OR RE IMPOSE, PRESSURE AND ANXIETY ON FIVE YEAR-OLDS AND FOUR YEAR-OLDS IN KINDERGARTEN, BEARING IN MIND THE CONCERN EXPRESSED BY MRS CHOW OF THE JSEA ON THE 15 YEAR-OLDS AND DR IP’S WARNING THAT CHILDREN MUST NOT BE TREATED LIKE MINIATURE ADULTS LEST THEY GROW UP TO BE OVERSIZED CHILDREN.
IN THE PAST THE POSSIBLE OPTIONS OPEN TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS >£RE EITHER TO HOLD AN ENTRANCE EXAMINATION, OR A LOTTERY, OR CHOOSE CHILDREN FROM ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD, OR CHOOSE CHILDREN WHO HAVE SOME CONNECTIONS WITH THE SCHOOL.
+IF WE AGREE THAT ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS ARE UNDESIRABLE AND LOTTERIES ARE UNACCEPTABLE, THE TWO REMAINING OPTIONS ARE THE ONLY ONES WHICH ARE FEASIBLE. THEY WERE IN FACT THE METHODS ADOPTED BY SOME SCHOOLS UP TO THE PRESENT.
+THE PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM, WHICH IS BASED ON THESE TWO METHODS, ARE THEREFORE NOT ENTIRELY NEW.
+1 CANNOT CLAIM THAT THE SYSTEM IS PERFECT, BUT I CAN SAY THAT IT HAS BEEN FINALISED ONLY AFTER MOST CAREFUL CONSULTATION WITH ALL MAJOR SCHOOL COUNCILS, NONE OF WHOM DISAGREED WITH THE UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES OF THE NEW SYSTEM ALTHOUGH A NUMBER OF VERY HELPFUL COMMENTS WAS RECEIVED ON POINTS OF DETAIL.
/+EVIM NOW, .......
THURSDAY, NOVEHBER 11, 1982
12 -
♦EVEN NOW, COMMENTS ON DETAILS CONTINUE TO BE MADE BY THE PUBLIC. THESE ARE GIVEN CAREFUL CONSIDERATION BY MY DEPARTMENT AND WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN SUBSEQUENT REVIEWS OF THE SYSTEM,* MR HAYE SAID.
ON MR CHEONG’S POINT CONCERNING THE FREEDOM OF PARENTS TO CHOOSE, MR HAYE SAID, +WHILE THE NEW SYSTEM MAY APPEAR TO HAVE REDUCED THE FREEDOM OF PARENTS TO CHOOSE, IT DOES NOT NECESSARILY FOLLOW THAT IF THE PREVIOUS ARRANGEMENTS WERE REINTRODUCED, PARENTS WOULD HAVE A BETTER CHANCE OF SUCCESS IN GAINING ADMISSION TO THE SCHOOL OF THEIR CHOICE BECAUSE OF THE COMPETITION OF OTHER PARENTS WHO WOULD ALSO BE FREE TO APPLY.
+AND WE WOULD BE BACK TO THE SITUATION WHERE FIVE YEAR-OLDS WERE FORCED TO QUEUE UP IN FRONT OF ONE PRIMARY SCHOOL AFTER ANOTHER TO SIT INIQUITOUS ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS, SOME OF THEM OF THREE HOURS DURATION. I AM GLAD THAT PARENTS HAVE BEEN DEPRIVED OF THE FREEDOM TO IMPOSE THIS ON THEIR CHILDREN.*
ON ANOTHER PROPOSAL BY MR CHEONG THAT POPULAR PRIMARY SCHOOLS BE ALLOWED TO GO PRIVATE, MR HAYE SAID THAT TECHNICALLY, ANY AIDED SCHOOL COULD GO PRIVATE SO LONG AS IT COMPLIED WITH THE CONDITIONS IN THE CODE OF AID FOR WITHDRAWING FROM THE SUBSIDY SCHEME.
BUT, MR HAYE SAID THAT SINCE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM HE HAD NOT HAD A SINGLE APPLICATION FROM AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO GO PRIVATE AND HAD RATHER UNEXPECTEDLY RECEIVED AS MANY AS 16 APPLICATIONS FROM PRIVATE NON-PROFIT-MAKING PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO TURN FULLY AIDED.
+IS MR CHEONG SERIOUSLY SUGGESTING THAT WE SHOULD DELIBERATELY AIM AT CREATING A TWO-TIER EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM CONSISTING OF SOME SCHOOLS FOR THE WEALTHY AND OTHER SCHOOLS FOR THE REST?* MR HAYE ASKED.
SCHOOLS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR WERE NOT, AND WOULD PROBABLY NEVER BE, HOMOGENEOUS, HE STATED.
+YET I THINK AS A MATTER OF POLICY WE MUST AIM TO NARROW RATHER THAN WIDEN GAPS, AND WE MUST AIM TO LEVEL UPWARDS AND NOT DOWNWARDS,* HE ADDED.
ON BISESSIONALISM IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS REFERRED TO BY DR IP, MR HAYE SAID IT WOULD BE UNREALISTIC TO PLAN FOR A COMPLETE REVERSION TO WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING AT THIS STAGE THOUGH 21 SCHOOLS CONVERTED TO WHOLE-DAY OPERATION IN SEPTEMBER, 1982.
HOWEVER, MR HAYE SAID THAT THE 1981 WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES HAD CLEARLY STATED OUR INTENTION TO ENCOURAGE WHOLE-DAY OPERATION IN THOSE SCHOOLS WHERE THIS WAS CONSIDERED FEASIBLE AND PRACTICABLE.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1982
13
IMPORTANCE OF UPGC STRESSED
* * * *
THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE PROVIDES THE ORGANISATIONAL MEANS TO ACHIEVE TWO DISPARATE ENDS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION, THE HON K.W.J. TOPLEY, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY.
THE TWO ENDS ARE THE COMMUNITY’S DESIRE FOR GOOD TERTIATRY INSTITUTIONS WITH ADEQUATE FREEDOM TO GET ON WITH THEIR WORK, AND THE GOVERNMENT’S STRONG DISAPPROVAL OF WASTE OR MISAPPLICATION OF MONEY, MR TOPLEY SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT AS INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION ARE EXTREMELY COMPLEX, THE GOVERNMENT MUST RELY CONSIDERABLY ON THE UPGC FOR ADVICE ABOUT THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM AND APPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN IT.
THIS COMMITTEE, WHICH PROVIDES EXPERT AND IMPARTIAL ADVICE, IS WITHOUT EXECUTIVE POWERS, AND CONSISTS OF DISTINGUISHED LOCAL AMBERS WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND OF OVERSEAS ACADEMIC MEMBERS FROM BRITAIN, AUSTRALIA AND CANADA, HE SAID.
+THE COMMITTEE GIVES INTENSIVE STUDY TO UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS AND REVIEWS THE NEED FOR DEVELOPMENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION AS NECESSARY,* MR TOPLEY ADDED.
HE SAID THAT CRITICISMS THAT THE COMMITTEE WAS +BULKING TOO LARGE* IN THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS AND WAS BEING TOO HEAVILY WEIGHTED WITH OVERSEAS MEMBERS WERE +WIDE OF THE MARK*.
+THE UPGC DOES LOOK CAREFULLY AT WHAT THE INSTITUTIONS PROPOSE BUT DOES NOT INVOLVE ITSELF IN THE INSTITUTIONS’ OWN GOVERNANCE.
+THE UPGC ASSESSES BLOCK GRANTS BUT DOES NOT APPROVE OR EVEN SEE DETAILED FINAL BUDGETS, MUCH LESS INTERFERE IN TEACHING,* NR TOPLEY POINTED OUT.
THE OVERSEAS MEMBERS BRING GREAT EXPERTISE TO HONG KONG AND PROVIDE NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE AND IMPARTIALITY, HE SAID.
WHILE CONCEDING THERE IS NO WAY OF +PROVING BEYOND DOUBT* WHAT UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS NEED, MR TOPLEY SAID IT IS ♦INFORMED AND EXPERIENCED JUDGEMENT* WHICH THE UPGC PROVIDES.
IN EXPRESSING GRATITUDE TO DR THE HON HENRY HU'S REMARKS ABOUT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SECOND POLYTECHNIC, MR TOPLEY SAID A SITE OF 12.2 HECTARES ON TAT CHEE AVENUE HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR IT. THE SITE IS VERY WELL PLACED, CLOSE BY A MAJOR TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE, AND CONVENIENT FOR STUDENTS FROM ALL PARTS OF THE TERRITORY.
MR TOPLEY SAID ALSO: +WE ARE BRINGING OUR MINDS TO THE REQUIREMENT FOR, AND THE APPROPRIATE CHARACTERISTICS OF, A THIRD TERTIARY INSTITUTION AT UNIVERSITY LEVEL AND AN OPEN UNIVERSITY.*
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/14........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1982
14
POW PENSIONS ISSUE REVIEWED
* * *
A REVIEW OF THE ISSUE ON PRISONERS OF WAR PENSIONS ORDERED BY THE GOVERNOR WAS COMPLETED LAST MONTH BY A SENIOR OFFICER WITHOUT PREVIOUS INVOLVEMENT IN THE MATTER, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SIR PHILIP SAID THAT THE OFFICER CAME TO SIX CONCLUSIONS
IN HIS REVIEW:
* PENSIONS PAYABLE TO THOSE WHO WERE POWS IN HONG KONG DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR OR THEIR DEPENDENTS IN RESPECT OF DISABILITY OR DEATH HAVE BEEN PAID AT THE SAME RATES AND ON THE SAME CONDITIONS AS APPLICABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM’S REGULAR FORCES.
X MEDICAL TREATMENT AVAILABLE TO POWS LIVING HERE COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH THAT IN THE UK.
* GRANTS PAID BY THE WAR MEMORIAL AND FAR EASTERN RELIEF FUNDS TO BENEFICIARIES ARE MUCH HIGHER THAN THOSE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE LOCAL PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME, AND ARE FAIR AND REASONABLE IN RELATION TO AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOMES IN HONG KONG.
M MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS CONTAINED IN THE RICHARDSON REPORT ON FORMER CANADIAN POWS OF THE JAPANESE HAVE BEEN FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
* BY USING MOST OF THE MONEY REALISED BY THE SALE OF JAPANESE ASSETS FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS, RATHER THAN BY DISTRIBUTING IT EQUALLY AMONG POWS, THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT INTEND ANY SLIGHT ON THE POWS’ SERVICES. THE GOVERNMENT SIMPLY RECOGNISED THAT IN HONG KONG, THE POWS’ SUFFERING COULD NOT BE FAIRLY DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT OF THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY.
M THERE IS NO CASE FOR HONG KONG TO CHANGE ITS POLICY OF PAYING PENSIONS ONLY TO THOSE ASSESSED AS DISABLED DURING SERVICE OR TO THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS OF THOSE KILLED. THE BASIS FOR THIS CONCLUSION WAS THAT IT WOULD BE INVIDIOUS TO MAKE A DISTINCTION BETWEEN HONG KONG’S POWS AND THE CIVILIAN POPULATION WHICH ALSO SUFFERED GRIEVOUSLY AS HONG KONG, UNLIKE CANADA, WAS OCCUPIED BY THE ENEMY DURING THE WAR.
ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT CONSIDERED THAT THERE IS ANY CASE FOR PENSIONS TO BE PAID TO ALL POWS AS OF RIGHT, THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY HAVE ALWAYS RECOGNISED A SPECIAL DEBT TO THOSE WHO SERVED HONG KONG LOYALLY DURING THE WAR, SIR PHILIP SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS FULL CONFIDENCE, HE SAID, THAT THE HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL FUND COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE TO BE GENEROUS IN THEIR DETERMINATION OF GRANTS AND ALLOWANCES PAYABLE TO POWS AND OTHER ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES.
/ON OCTOBER 1 .......
THURSDAY, BOVJMBER 11, 1982
15
ON OCTOBER 1 THIS YEAR, THE FUND WAS JUST UNDER $19 MILLION, AND WITH ITS ANNUAL INCOME OF ABOUT $2 MILLION AND ANNUAL OUTLAY OF $3.6 MILLION, IT WILL BE SOME YEARS BEFORE THE FUND WILL NEED TO CALL ON THE GOVERNMENT’S GUARANTEE, SIR PHILIP REPORTED.
HE DISCLOSED THAT APART FROM THE MAIN CONCLUSIONS OF THE REVIEW, SOME POINTS OF DETAIL ALSO EMERGED WHICH THE GOVERNMENT WILL BRING TO THE ATTENTION OF THE WAR MEMORIAL FUND COMMITTEE FOR THEIR FURTHER CONSIDERATION.
PROCEDURE EXISTED
UNDER THE
NOTING THAT NO FORMAL APPEALS
VOLUNTEER AND NAVAL VOLUNTEER PENSIONS ORDINANCE, HE SAID, +YOUR EXCELLENCY HAS DECIDED THAT YOU WILL CONSIDER PETITIONS IN INDIVIDUAL CASES, AND YOU WILL SEEK THE ADVICE OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WHERE APPROPRIATE.*
SAID
SIR PHILIP EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE REVIEW WOULD SATISFY THOSE CONCERNED THAT +ALL THAT CAN BE REASONABLY DONE FOR OUR POWS IS ACTUALLY BEING DONE.*
------o-------
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME * * * * *
THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME WILL REMAIN THE CENTRAL PILLAR CF HONG KONG’S SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM, PROVIDING A SAFETY NET FOR PEOPLE IN NEED, THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON ERIC HO SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY), DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS.
+THIS IS THE ONE ITEM OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE WHICH CANNOT, AND WILL NOT BE ARTIFICIALLY RESTRAINED BECAUSE OF ANY FINANCIAL STRINGENCY,* MR HO STRESSED.
HE SAID THAT IF THERE WAS HIGHER UNEMPLOYMENT AS A RESULT OF A FURTHER ECONOMIC DOWNTURN, THE GOVERNMENT WAS FULLY COMMITTED TO MEETING ALL PUBLIC ASSISTANCE OUTLAYS WHICH MIGHT THEN RESULT.
MR HO STATED THAT IN THE PRESENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO KEEP UNDER REGULAR REVIEW THE LEVELS OF PAYMENT DUE UNDER THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES SCHEMES SO AS TO KEEP PACE WITH THE MOVEMENT OF PRICES.
HE REPORTED THAT AN AMENDMENT BILL TO PROVIDE FOR BETTER SICKNESS BENEFITS AND GRANTS TO COVER DEATHS OF EMPLOYEES WOULD BE INTRODUCED FOR THE COUNCIL’S CONSIDERATION SHORTLY.
THE EXISTING PROVISION WHEREBY AN EMPLOYEE IS ELIGIBLE FOR SEVERANCE PAYMENT IF HIS EMPLOYER MOVES HIS PLACE OF BUSINESS WILL REQUIRE CAREFUL REVIEW, MR HO SAID.
THIS IS BECAUSE THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE IS INTENDED TO FACILITATE A FREE FLOW BETWEEN HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, HE EXPLAINED.
/ON PRE-SCHOOL
THURSDAY, NOVIXBER 11, 1982
16
ON PRE-SCHOOL TRAINING PLACES FOR THE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, MR HO SAID THE CAPACITY WOULD BE INCREASED BY 120 PLACES A YEAR.
PLANS ARE ALSO IN HAND TO INCREASE THE PROVISION OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING PLACES FOR MODERATELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED SCHOOL LEAVERS BY MORE THAN 100 PER CENT IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS FROM 676 TO 1 431 BY 1987-88, HE DISCLOSED.
PROVISION OF BOTH SHELTERED WORKSHOPS AND WORK ACTIVITY CENTRES IS ALSO BEING INCREASED, BY 300 PLACES EACH, HE ADDED.
MR HO REPORTED THAT ACTION WAS BEING TAKEN TO SEPARATE, WHEREVER POSSIBLE, GIRLS AND BOYS IN NEED OF CARE AND PROTECTION FROM REMAND AND PROBATION CASES.
THE SEPARATION, HE EXPLAINED, WAS TO +ALLEVIATE THE RISK OF CONTAMINATION BETWEEN THE OFFENDER AND THE NON-OFFENDER AND TO FACILITATE DEFINING THE GOALS OF TREATMENT, THE TIME SPAN, THE DEGREE OF SECURITY AND THE STYLE OF PROGRAMME.*
HE POINTED OUT THERE WAS A PARTICULAR PROBLEM ON THE TREATMENT OF GIRLS ON CARE AND PROTECTION ORDERS AS MANY OF THEM HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN +GIRLIE+ ESTABLISHMENTS.
♦PRIORITY IS THEREFORE BEING GIVEN TO ESTABLISHING A PURPOSE-BUILT HOME IN A SECURE SETTING, WITH GRADATIONS OF SECURITY WITHIN THE HOME ITSELF,* HE SAID.
-----0-----
SHELTERED HOUSING FOR ELDERLY
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT’S PLAN TO PURCHASE FLATS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO PROVIDE SHELTERED HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY WILL MAKE A SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTION TO REDUCING THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE NOW ON WAITING LISTS FOR HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE HON SELWYN ALLEYNE, SAID IN T LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
UNDER THE PROPOSED SCHEME, SOME 700 ADDITIONAL PLACES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO, FOR WHATEVER REASON, ARE NOT ABLE TO LIVE WITH THEIR FAMILIES.
MR ALLEYNE NOTED THAT SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC FACTORS IN HONG KONG OFTEN MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR OLD PEOPLE, WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF A FAMILY, TO AFFORD DECENT SELF-CONTAINED ACCOMMODATION.
+MANY OF THESE OLD PEOPLE ARE STILL IN GOOD HEALTH AND, WITH A MINIMUM OF SUPPORT, ARE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES AND IT IS FOR THIS GROUP, IN PARTICULAR, THAT THE PROVISION OF SHELTERED HOUSING IS APPROPRIATE AS OPPOSED TO MORE INSTITUTIONAL FORMS OF RESIDENTIAL CARE,* HE SAID.
/ACCOMMODATION, .......
THURSDAY, NOVQdBER 11, 1982
17
ACCOMMODATION, MR ALLEYNE SAID, WOULD BE FOR GROUPS OF FOUR OR FIVE AND EVERY ATTEMPT WOULD BE MADE, IN THE DESIGN AND FITTING OUT OF THE FLATS, TO ALLOW FOR PERSONAL PRIVACY TO MINIMISE THE POSSIBILITY OF CONFLICT BETWEEN RESIDENTS.
HE SAID A NUMBER OF SUITABLE FLATS IN TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN HAD BEEN LOCATED AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS LOOKING FOR OTHERS IN THE OLDER BUILT-UP URBAN AREAS.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING APPROPRIATE COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES IN THE LOCATIONS WAS ALSO CONSIDERED.
MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY ARE PLANNED TO SERVE ALL MAJOR POPULATION AREAS OF 250 000 PEOPLE. SEVEN SUCH CENTRES ARE ALREADY SERVING WAN CHAI, CHAI WAN, SHAM SHU I PO, TSUEN WAN, KOWLOON CITY, MONG KOK AND YUEN LONG. THREE MORE ARE SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN 1983/84 IN TUEN MUN, SHA TIN AND TAI PO.
IN ADDITION, SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY ARE PLANNED FOR A LOCAL POPULATION OF 30 000 - AND 86 SUCH CENTRES ARE IN OPERATION AND A FURTHER 61 ARE PLANNED OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
MR ALLEYNE SAID: +PARTICULAR EMPHASIS IS ALSO BEING GIVEN TO THE EXPANSION OF HOME HELP SERVICES WHICH PLAY SUCH A VITAL ROLE IN ENABLING THE ELDERLY TO REMAIN IN THE COMMUNITY.
HE SAID MUCH EMPHASIS WAS PLACED ON PROVIDING A RANGE OF RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR THE ELDERLY WHICH WOULD ENABLE THEM TO REMAIN IN CONTACT WITH THE COMMUNITY AND NOT BECOME ISOLATED IN INSTITUTIONS IF THIS COULD BE AVOIDED.
MR ALLEYNE SAID +THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT CF RESIDENTIAL CARE EMPHASISE THE NEED FOR FLEXIBILITY.*
FOR EXAMPLE, WHILE HOSTELS FOR THE ELDERLY CATER FOR THOSE WHO ARE LARGELY ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES, THEY INCLUDE A SECTION WHICH PROVIDES MEALS AND ASSISTANCE WITH HOUSEKEEPING AND LAUNDRY.
SIMILARLY, WHEREVER POSSIBLE, OLD PEOPLE’S HOMES ARE PLANNED IN CONJUNCTION WITH CARE-AND-ATTENTI ON HOMES OR INCLUDE A SMALL CARE-AND-ATTENTION UNIT TO PROVIDE FOR THOSE RESIDENTS WHOSE CONDITION DETERIORATES, BUT WHERE IT IS DESIRABLE TO AVOID THE ANGUISH OF A TRANSFER TO ANOTHER HOME.
MR ALLEYNE SAID A RECENT UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG RESEARCH PROJECT CONFIRMED HIS BELIEF THAT ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE INFIRM ELDERLY AND BUILDING MORE CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES SHOULD BE EXPLORED.
SPECIFICALLY, THE SUGGESTION IS THAT IF DAY CARE FOR THE ELDERLY WERE MORE WIDELY AVAILABLE, THE DEMAND FOR RESIDENTIAL CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES WOULD BE REDUCED FROM A POSSIBLE 8.8 PLACES PER 1 000 ELDERLY POPULATION TO FIVE PLACES PER 1 000, OR NOT GREATLY IN EXCESS OF THE PRESENT PLANNING TARGET OF FOUR PLACES PER 1 000.
/TO PROVIDE .......
THURSDAY, NOVINBER 11, 19^2
18
TO PROVIDE MORE IMPETUS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF DAY CARE CENTRES, NR ALLEYNE SAID IT WAS NOW PLANNED. TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE SUCH CENTRE IN ALL URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS.
AT PRESENT THERE ARE 60 PLACES IN DAY CARE CENTRES AND A FURTHER 160 PLACES ARE PLANNED FOR 1983/84.
MR ALLEYNE ASSURED COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT HE WAS + NOT IN ANY WAY COMPLACENT ABOUT THE ADEQUACY OF OUR PLANNING TARGET FOR THE PROVISION OF CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES AND THIS IS NOW UNDER REVIEW.+
PRESENT PLANS PROVIDE FOR AN ADDITIONAL 3 000 PLACES IN SUCH HOMES BY 1986/87, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PLACES TO NEARLY 3 400. THIS REPRESENTS A RATIO OF NEARLY FIVE PLACES PER 1 000 ELDERLY POPULATION IN THAT YEAR EXCEEDING THE STRICT PLANNING TARGET BY 25 PER CENT.
REFERRING TO BED-RIDDEN CASES IN NEED OF ALMOST CONSTANT NURSING CARE, MR ALLEYNE SAID THAT AS AN INTERIM MEASURE, IT HAD BEEN AGREED THAT SMALL INFIRMARY UNITS SHOULD BE SET UP IN SOME LARGER CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES TO PROVIDE THE HIGHER DEGREE OF NURSING CARE REQUIRED.
HE SAID ALSO THAT A PROPOSAL WAS UNDER CONSIDERATION TO OFFER CONCESSIONARY FARES ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO ELDERLY PEOPLE DURING OFF-PEAK HOURS.
DISCUSSING CHILD ABUSE, HE SAID IT WAS +A COMPLEX ISSUE TO WHICH CONSIDERABLE EFFORT AND RESOURCES HAD BEEN DEVOTED AND WOULD CONTINUE TO BE DEVOTED.
IN RECENT YEARS, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMMES HAVE BEEN STRENGTHENED.
+SADLY, IT MUST BE ADMITTED THAT A FEW CASES DO GO WRONG EVEN WITH THE CLOSEST SUPERVISION AND THE BEST OF INTENTIONS,+ THE DIRECTOR SAID.
MR ALLEYNE GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT +THE PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING CHILD ABUSE CASES WOULD BE REVIEWED REGULARLY, PARTICULARLY IN THE LIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE OF SPECIFIC COURT CASES, TO ENSURE THAT THEY REMAIN RESPONSIVE AND ADEQUATE TO MEET THE NEED, AND A REVIEW IS NOW UNDERWAY IN THE LIGHT OF THE RECENT AMALGAMATION OF THE MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER GRADE WITH THE SOCIAL WORKER GRADE IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.+
TWO YEARS AGO, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ESTABLISHED A HOT-LINE TO FACILITATE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE VOLUNTARY REPORTING OF POSSIBLE CHILD ABUSE CASES.
+THE RESPONSE HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO PUBLICISE THIS SERVICE,+ MR ALLEYNE SAID.
THE POLICE WILL ACT ON ANY REPORT RECEIVED, AS WILL SOCIAL WORKERS IN FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES OPERATED EITHER BY THE S.*.D. OR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
--------o - -
/19........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1982
-19-
D I STR I CT BOARDS’ POWER * * * *
THE POWER OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS LIES IN THE STRENGTH AND ACCURACY OF THEIR ADVICE TO THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AND IN THEIR ABILITY TO CONVEY IN THE OTHER DIRECTION THE DECISIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT TAKEN IN THE LIGHT OF THAT ADVICE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
RESPONDING TO COMMENTS RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, HE SAID IT IS NOT AN OVERSIGHT THAT THE DISTRICT BOARDS THEMSELVES HAVE NO EXECUTIVE POWER.
+THIS IS NOT THE WAY HONG KONG WORKS. HONG KONG IS TOO SMALL TO BE DIVIDED INTO A NUMBER OF WARRING KINGDOM CONTINUALLY AT LOGGERHEADS WITH THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT, EACH PURSUING LOCALLY DECIDED POLICIES, EACH WITH ITS OWN REVENUE AND PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMMES.+
CONCERNING +PLATFORMS OF OPINION* MENTIONED BY DR RAYSON HUANG, MR AKERS-JONES SAID THERE WERE 385 OF THESE PLATFORMS — ADVISORY COMMITTEES COVERING EVERY CONCEIVABLE ACTIVITY, AND THEY, IN ADDITION TO THE DISTRICT BOARD, AMOUNTED TO A FAIRLY FORMIDABLE EDIFICE.
+THERE WILL NO DOUBT BE DIFFERENCES OF OPINION, BUT WE ESTABLISH, BY THESE CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION, A CONSENSUS.
♦AND THAT IS WHAT GIVES US OUR STRENGTH, BECAUSE, BY ITS NATURE, A CONSENSUS COMMANDS BROAD SUPPORT AND IS REMOVED FROM THE POLITICAL ARENA.
+AND A CONSENSUS ARRIVED AT BY CONSULTATION CERTAINLY PROVIDES A SOUND BASIS FOR SOUND DECISIONS,* HE SAID.
REFERRING TO CRITICISM THAT THE DISTRICT BOARDS WERE NOT WHOLLY ELECTED, MR AKERS-JONES STRESSED THAT APPOINTED MEMBERS WERE THERE BECAUSE OF THEIR SPECIAL SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE OR BECAUSE OF THE CONTRIBUTION THEY WERE ALREADY MAKING TO THE LIFE OF THE DISTRICT.
+THEIR EXPERTISE WILL BE EXTREMELY VALUABLE AT THIS TIME.*
AS FOR ELECTED MEMBERS, HE NOTED THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WERE NOT EASILY DECEIVED, AND THAT WAS WHY A QUARTER OF A MILLION PEOPLE TURNED OUT TO VOTE IN THE ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER.
IN REPLY TO MISS TAM WHO HAD ASKED WHETHER DISTRICT BOARDS COULD CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS INTEGRATING RECENT IMMIGRANTS INTO THE FABRIC OF SOCIETY, MR AKERS-JONES SAID THE WONG TAI SIN BOARD HAD ALREADY INVESTIGATED THIS AND EXECUTIVE ACTION HAD BEEN TAKEN TO FURTHER THIS OBJECTIVE.
/ON A ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1982
20 -
ON A SUGGESTION BY DR HUANG OF FURTHER CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE, MR AKERS-JONES SAID THAT SO FAR AS THE DISTRICT BOARDS WERE CONCERNED, +WE MUST, PLEASE, BE ALLOWED A BRIEF PERIOD OF CONSOLIDATION AND NOW ALLOW THE BOARDS TO GET ON WITH THEIR JOB.+
TURNING TO THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS NEXT MARCH, MR AKERS-JONES MAINTAINED THAT THIS WAS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE REFORM OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
■•■THIS, TOO, IS NOT A FRAUD AND A DECEPTION. THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS A VITAL ROLE TO PLAY IN THE DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT CF OUR CITY.+
+THE LINK WITH THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS IS AN OBVIOUS ONE, AND THIS IS RECOGNISED IN THE SEATS THE URBAN COUNCILLORS WILL OCCUPY ON THE BOARDS,+ HE SAID.
-----0------
BRAY DEFENDS PRESS FREEDOM * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON DENIS BRAY TODAY SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS, BUT CAUTIONED AGAINST OVER-DRAMATISATION OR SENSATIONALISM IN REPORTING, PARTICULARLY ABOUT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
NEITHER REPORTERS NOR THE REPORTED ON ARE INFALLIBLE, HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, STRESSING THAT ASSESSMENT OF THE VALUE OF THE NEWS MEDIA MUST BE BASED ON THEIR LONGTERM PERFORMANCE DAY IN AND DAY OUT, ON THEIR BALANCE IN REPORTING OF EVENTS, AND ON THE STANDARD OF THEIR COMMENTARY.
+BY THESE STANDARDS HONG KONG IS REMARKABLY WELL SERVED.+
MR BRAY SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS IN NO POSITION TO DICTATE WHAT EMPHASIS THE MEDIA SHOULD ADOPT, +NOR, I AM SURE, WOULD ANY hEMBER WISH TO FIND HIMSELF IN A SOCIETY WHERE THE GOVERNMENT WAS ABLE TO DO S0.+
PEOPLE IN THE PUBLIC EYE, HE SAID, HAVE A LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MEDIA.
+WE FEEL RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION WHEN WE ARE AFFRONTED AND SATISFACTION WHEN WE ARE APPLAUDED. BUT WE SELDOM PAUSE TO REFLECT THAT THE COLOUR AND VARIETY OF OUR NEWS AND COMMENT SPRING DIRECTLY FROM THE FREEDOM OF A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE PRESS.
+WE DO WRONG TO TAKE THIS FOR GRANTED,* MR BRAY SAID, POINTING OUT THAT THERE ARE A GREAT MANY PLACES WHERE SUCH FREEDOM IS NOT TO BE FOUND.
+HONG KONG WOULD BE A VERY MUCH DULLER AND MORE DANGEROUS AND UNSTABLE A PLACE WITHOUT IT,+ HE ADDED.
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/21
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1982
21
LEGCO TRIBUTE FOR ’BIM* DAVIES
* * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE TODAY PAID WARM TRIBUTE TO MR LEWIS DAVIES WHO RETIRES FROM THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AFTER SERVING FOR MORE THAN EIGHT YEARS AS SECRETARY FOR SECURITY.
MR DAVIES HAS BEEN APPOINTED SECRETARY WITHOUT PORTFOLIO AND HIS MAIN TASK WILL BE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE CHIEF SECRETARY IN DEALING WITH ADDITIONAL WORK ARISING FROM THE TALKS ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
THANKING HIM FOR HIS OUTSTANDING LOYAL AND VALUABLE SERVICES IN THE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS GRATEFUL NR DAVIES HAD POSTPONED HIS WELL EARNED RETIREMENT AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE THE BENEFIT OF HIS WIDE EXPERIENCE FOR SOME TIME TO COME.
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ALSO JOINED IN PRAISING MR DAVIES.
THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON ROGER LOBO NOTED THAT MR DAVIES’ TENURE AS CHIEF SPOKESMAN ON SECURITY AFFAIRS HAD SEEN SOME MOMENTOUS EVENTS, PARTICULARLY THE ISSUES OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND THE INFLUX OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES.
MR DAVIES, HE SAID, HAD SPENT MANY HOURS WITH UNOFFICIALS, ANSWERING QUESTIONS AND EXAMINING PROBLEMS BRINGING TO THE DELIBERATIONS +ELOQUENCE, COURAGE, DEDICATION AND UNFAILING PATIENCE+.
-----o------
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1982
22
FINANCIAL SECRETARY CALLS FOR IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY * * * *
IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY MUST BECOME A MAJOR GOAL FOR PERSONNEL MANAGERS IF HONG KONG IS TO MAINTAIN ITS COMPETITIVENESS IN WORLD MARKETS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY.
OPENING THE THIRD ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT AT THE SHERATON HOTEL THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING, MR BREMRIDGE SAID HONG KONG HAS THE HIGHEST LABOUR RATES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA, EXCEPT FOR JAPAN, AND MUST CONTINUE TO BE COMPETITIVE.
+WE HAVE TO ENSURE THAT WE DO NOT ENCOURAGE INFLATIONARY GROWTH BY INTERNAL COST PUSH INFLATION AS A RESULT OF INCREASED LABOUR COSTS,+ HE SAID.
MR BREMRIDGE SAID IT WAS THE TASK OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT TO GUIDE BUSINESS LEADERS IN THE RECONCILIATION OF THESE PRESSURES.
+TO DO THIS, THEY MUST ENSURE THAT MONEY SPENT ON SALARIES AND FRINGE BENEFITS IS SO APPORTIONED THAT EQUITY IS SEEN TO PREVAIL IN COMPANY POLICIES, AND SIMULTANEOUSLY THAT THE REWARD SYSTEMS ARE DESIGNED IN SUCH A WAY TO MOTIVATE PEOPLE TO IMPROVE BOTH THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES PRODUCED.
NOTING THAT IN THE CONVENTION’S PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES, GREAT EMPHASIS WAS PLACED +ON THE HANDLING OF CHANGE*, MR BREMRIDGE SAID, +1 WELCOME THIS APPROACH AND APPLAUD YOUR ORGANISING COMMITTEE’S SKILLS IN IDENTIFYING OTHER WAYS IN WHICH YOU CAN ASSIST THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR ECONOMY.*
HE SAID THAT HONG KONG HAD TO BE FLEXIBLE IN COPING WITH WORLD RECESSION AND INCREASING MOVES TOWARDS PROTECTIONISM IN SOME OF ITS MAJOR MARKETS, AND HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIALISTS HAD IN THIS FREE MARKET ECONOMY CONTINUALLY TO ADAPT TO CHANGING EXTERNAL CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES.
+WE ARE FORTUNATE INDEED TO HAVE SUCH A HIGHLY-MOTIVATED AND FLEXIBLE WORK FORCE. THIS IS IN NO SMALL WAY DUE TO THE PROFESSIONAL MANNER IN WHICH SUCH RAPID ADAPTATION IS HANDLED BY PERSONNEL MANAGERS,* HE SAID.
MR BREMRIDGE SAID IT WAS GRATIFYING TO SEE THAT SERIOUS STUDY IS BEING UNDERTAKEN IN SUCH AREAS AS CHANGING TECHNOLOGY AND THE MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE, FOR HONG KONG WILL ONLY SURVIVE IF IT CONTINUES TO DIVERSIFY, IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF ITS PRODUCTS AND MAKE THE MOST OF THESE GAPS IN THE WORLD MARKET-PLACE WHICH IT CAN PROFITABLY EXPLOIT.
+THIS WILL HELP MAINTAIN OUR RECORD OF REASONABLY FULL EMPLOYMENT TO WHICH I AM COMMITTED,* HE SAID.
/HE NOTED .......
TWJXSDkX, NOVEXBER 11, 1982
HE NOTED THAT THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE PLAYS A LEADING ROLE IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE ASIAN-PACIFIC FEDERATION FOR PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT, AND SAID IT WAS FITTING THAT HONG KONG’S PROFESSIONAL MANAGERS SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN AND INFLUENCE MATTERS WHICH IMPINGE ON ITS REGIONAL RELATIONSHIPS.
HE wAS A FIRM SUPPORTER OF THE IDEALS OF THE INSTITUTE BECAUSE THEY ARE ACCORD WITH HONG KONG’S OWN ASPIRATIONS, HE SAID.
+WE HAVE NO RESOURCES EXCEPT OUR PEOPLE,* MR BREMRIDGE CONCLUDED, IN DECLARING OPEN THE CONVENTION.
-----o------
ROLE FOR BAPTIST COLLEGE IN SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION *****
THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE HAS MADE A NUMBER OF POSITIVE SUGGESTIONS TO THE BAPTIST COLLEGE ABOUT COURSES TO BE INCLUDED IN ITS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PLANS, AND HAS DELINEATED A ROLE FOR THE COLLEGE IN THE SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
THE COLLEGE IS SEEN AS A COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, IN WHICH PROVISION IS MADE FOR LIBERAL EDUCATION, BUT WITH AN ORIENTATION MORE TOWARDS PREPARATION FOR LOCAL EMPLOYMENT THAN POST-GRADUATE EDUCATION.
+THIS IS A ROLE WHICH IS NOT, ACCORDING TO THE UPGC, BEING PERFORMED BY OTHER INSTITUTIONS AND IN WHICH THE BAPTIST COLLEGE CAN BE SEEN TO BE PRE-EMINENT,* SAID A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY.
THE UPGC HAS ASKED THE COLLEGE TO CONSIDER AN INCREASED DEGREE OF COMPUTER LITERACY FOR ALL STUDENTS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF COURSES WHICH EMPHASIZE COMPUTER APPLICATIONS WITHIN PARTICULAR ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES. THE COLLEGE MIGHT ALSO CONSIDER DEVELOPMENTS IN GEOTECHNICAL SCIENCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL STUDIES. THESE PROPOSALS ARE ALL INTENDED TO INTRODUCE FRESH AND PRACTICAL ELEMENTS INTO ACADEMIC COURSES.
THE UPGC HAS SAID THAT THE COLLEGE SHOULD MAKE PROPOSALS COMPATIBLE WITH A RECURRENT EXPENDITURE CEILING OF $40 M FOR 1983-84 FOR POST-ADVANCED LEVEL STUDIES. +THE FIGURE OF $40 M SHOULD GIVE SCOPE FOR POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS*, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE COMMITTEE WILL MAKE SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT AFTER IT HAS RECEIVED AND CONSIDERED DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS NOW BEING INVITED FROM THE COLLEGE.
/Meanwhile, .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1982
24 -
MEANWHILE, THE FULL UPGC, AFTER DISCUSSION WITH THE COLLEGE AND ITS PRESIDENT, HAS CONCLUDED THAT DEVELOPMENT OF A CIVIL ENGINEERING COURSE IS NOT CONSISTENT WITH THE ROLE OF THE COLLEGE, AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED TO THIS VIEW.
THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THIS VIEW WAS ONLY REACHED AFTER CAREFUL STUDY OF THE CASE FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE COURSE AT THE COLLEGE, PARTICULARLY IN THE WIDER CONTEXT OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.
♦GIVEN THE ROLE ENVISAGED FOR THE BAPTIST COLLEGE IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM, DEVELOPMENT OF A FULLY PROFESSIONAL CIVIL ENGINEERING COURSE WILL INHIBIT THE ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE OTHER DEPARTMENTS OF THE COLLEGE. DEVELOPMENT OF A PROGRAMME IN CIVIL ENGINEERING AT THE COLLEGE WOULD, THEREFORE, BE NEITHER IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COLLEGE NOR OF HONG KONG, AND RESOURCES FOR SUCH DEVELOPMENT WILL BE MORE PRODUCTIVE IF SPENT WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE POLYTECHNICS,* HE SAID.
HE EMPHASIZED, HOWEVER, THAT BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE UPGC BELIEVED THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHOULD NOT BE CLOSED BEFORE 1985 SO AS TO ENSURE THAT EXISTING STUDENTS ARE IN NO WAY AFFECTED, AND THAT THEY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMPLETE THEIR STUDIES WITH THE SAME FACILITIES AS THEY NOW ENJOY.
+THE UPGC HAS TOLD THE GOVERNMENT THAT IT EXPECTS THAT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC WOULD INCLUDE ALL BRANCHES OF ENGINEERING AS PRIORITY SUBJECTS IN THEIR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO BELIEVED, AS A RESULT OF PRELIMINARY DISCUSSIONS WITH THE DIRECTOR OF THE POLYTECHNIC, THAT THE POLYTECHNIC WILL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE FROM 1983 A SIMILAR NUMBER OF PLACES TO THAT TO BE DISCONTINUED AT THE BAPTIST COLLEGE. FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES WOULD ALSO BE AVAILABLE WHEN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SECOND POLYTECHNIC IS COMPLETED IN ABOUT 1988.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1982
- 25 -
SITE INVESTIGATION FOR JUNK BAY ROAD TUNNEL * * * *
THE JUNK BAY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) AWARDED A $2 MILLION CONTRACT TO LAM SOIL AND CONCRETE LABORATORY LTD. FOR THE SITE INVESTIGATION OF THE PROPOSED PRINCIPAL ACCESS - A ROAD TUNNEL -TO JUNK BAY NEW TOWN.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY MR M.J. JEFFERY, ACTING CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE JUNK BAY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY.
MR JEFFERY SAID THE ROAD TUNNEL WOULD RUN FROM THE NORTHERN END OF THE EXISTING JUNK BAY ROAD TO FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN JUNK BAY.
THE CONTRACT CONSISTS OF TAKING VARIOUS SOIL SAMPLES THROUGH WHICH THE ROAD TUNNEL WILL PASS TO ESTABLISH THE GROUND CONDITIONS AND VARIOUS METHODS OF DRILLING WILL BE EMPLOYED BY THE CONTRACTOR.
-----o------
FEEDER BUS SERVICES IN KWAI CHUNG TO TAKE MORE DIRECT ROUTE
* * * *
MORE DIRECT BUS FEEDER SERVICES TO THE KWAI FONG MTR STATION WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM 11 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY), A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY.
KMB ROUTES 31M, 36M AND 50M AT PRESENT TRAVELLING ALONG KWAI CHUNG ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE TAKING A MORE DIRECT ROUTE BY TURNING RIGHT INTO KWAI FOO ROAD, INSTEAD OF TRAVELLING VIA KWAI ON ROAD AND HING FONG ROAD.
BY SEGREGATING BUSES FROM OTHER VEHICLES ALONG THE CONGESTED HING FONG ROAD, TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA IS EXPECTED TO IMPROVE SUBSTANTIALLY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEANWHILE, THE BUS STOPS ON HING FONG ROAD WILL BE RE-LOCATED TO THE SOUTHBOUND SECTION OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD BETWEEN KWAI ON ROAD AND KWAI FOO ROAD.
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/26........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1982
26
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SEMINAR FOR EMPLOYEES
*****
SUPERVISORS AND FOREMEN IN INDUSTRIAL CONCERNS WERE TODAY (THURSDAY) URGED TO ATTEND AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SEMINAR TO BE HELD NEXT WEEK.
THE APPEAL WAS MADE BY MR NICOLAS YEUNG SHU-YAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE TWO-DAY SEMINAR, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD IN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, LEE GARDENS THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
MR YEUNG SAID THAT THE SEMINAR WAS ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD TO PROMOTE SAFETY AT WORK AMONG EMPLOYEES.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT THE CHINESE Y.M.C.A., WATERLOO ROAD CENTRE ON NOVEMBER 18 AND 19, WITH MR ANDREW SO KWOK-WING, AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
SAFETY PROFESSIONALS, ACADEMICS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO GIVE TALKS ON VARIOUS TOPICS AT THE SEMINAR, MR YEUNG SAID.
AMONG THE SPEAKERS ARE MR YIP YUK-LUN, DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND MR HO KAM-CHUEN, INDUSTRIAL SAFETY OFFICER OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION, WHO WILL SPEAK ON THE RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND THE GOVERNMENT IN PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY. OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDE MR NGAN KWAN-LEUNG, ENGINEER OF HONG KONG ELECTRIC CO. LTD., DR ONG SAY-GARK, LECTURER OF THE COMMUNITY MEDICINE DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND MR HO KWOK-WAH, ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICER OF FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
TWO FILMS FEATURING SAFETY AT WORK WILL ALSO BE SHOWN DURING THE TWO-DAY SEMINAR, MR YEUNG ADDED.
THE REGISTRATION FEES FOR THE SEMINAR IS $45 PER PERSON.
THOSE WISHING TO JOIN THE SEMINAR SHOULD CONTACT THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON 3-688111 EXT. 401.
0 -------
/27........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1982
27
NEW KINDERGARTEN OPENS IN TUEN MUN * * *
THE YAN 01 TONG KINDERGARTEN IS A FINE EXAMPLE OF THE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION THAT LOCAL CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS CAN MAKE TO HELP SMOOTH SOME OF THE ROUGH EDGES THAT APPEAR DURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW TOWN.
THIS WAS STATED BY MRS JANE AKERS-JONES, WIFE OF THE SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, WHEN SHE OPENED THE KINDERGARTEN AT YAU 01 ESTATE IN TUEN MUN TODAY (THURSDAY).
+AS A RESULT OF CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, TUEN MUN NOW HAS 45 KINDERGARTENS SERVING A POPULATION OF 190 000,+ MRS AKERS-JONES SAID.
HOWEVER SHE POINTED OUT THAT WITH 14 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION BELOW THE AGE OF FOUR AND THE POPULATION INCREASING BY 70 000 A YEAR, EVERY ENCOURAGEMENT WOULD BE GIVEN TO PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS TO KEEP UP WITH THE DEMAND.
+THIS KINDERGARTEN WELCOMED ITS FIRST CHILDREN IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR AND MARKS YET ANOTHER SERVICE THE TONG IS PROVIDING IN TUEN MUN,+ SHE CONTINUED.
+IT WAS COMPLETED IN RECORD TIME AND FULFILS AN IMMEDIATE NEED TO THE MANY RESIDENTS OF ON TING AND YAU 01 ESTATES AT A TIME WHEN KINDERGARTEN PLACES ARE IN GREAT DEMAND.
+IT ALSO SHOWS THE GENUINE CONCERN OF THE DIRECTORS OF YAN 01 TONG, WHO ARE SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND ARE READY TO OFFER THEIR HELP,+ SHE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN SAI YING PUN X * X *
CHUNG CHING STREET IN SAI YING PUN WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 8 AM AND 8 PM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 14) FOR THE LAYING OF WATER MAINS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR CALLS FOR OPEN MARKETS ....................... 1
$35M IN CONTRACTS FOR CHINA WATER SUPPLY SCHEME........ 2
WARNING ABOUT FIRE DEATH TRAPS ........................ 3
SURVEY OF RETAIL SALES FOR AUGUST ..................... 5
SHORT TERM TENANCIES OFFERED FOR CROWN LOTS ........... 9
CASH TENDERS SOUGHT FOR TUEN MUN LAND ................. 10
NEV/ TRANSPORT COMPLEX FOR TSUEN WAN .................. 10
DB HELPS IMPROVE ENVIRONMENT .......................... 11
WORKING GROUP TO MEET ................................. 11
CANOE RACES IN TAI PO ................................. 12
10 TSUEN WAN MODEL WORKERS SELECTED ................... 13
CHAMPION CUPS FOR THEN MUN ............................ 13
HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN IN SHA TIN ....................... 14
SEMINAR ON BOOKS AND YOUNG READERS .................... 14
NEW CHRISTMAS AEROGRAMMES ............................. 15
REMEMBRANCE DAY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS .................. 15
SALT WATER MAINS WORK.................................. 16
rRIDAV, NOVEMBER 12,
1
GOVERNOR CALLS FOR OPEN MARKETS
XX XX
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, CALLED TODAY ON ALL COUNTRIES TAKING ADVANTAGE OF HONG KONG’S OPEN MARKET TO OFFER SIMILAR TREATMENT TO HONG KONG PRODUCTS.
♦WE BELIEVE STRONGLY THAT IT IS IN THE INTEREST NOT ONLY OF HONG KONG BUT OF THE WORLD TRADING SYSTEM THAT OPEN MARKET POLICIES SHOULD PREVAIL: AND WE URGE ALL THOSE COUNTRIES WHO, WITH OUR ENCOURAGEMENT, ARE QUICK TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF OUR OPEN MARKET FOR THEIR EXPORTS TO BE READY TO ACCORD SIMILAR OPEN TREATMENT TO OURS,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
THE GOVERNOR WAS SPEAKING THIS MORNING WHEN OPENING THE REMEX CENTRE AT WONG CHUK HANG, HEADQUARTERS OF A LEADING WATCH MAKER, THE REMEX GROUP OF COMPANIES.
REFERRING TO THE UNILATERAL IMPOSITION OF RESTRICTIONS ON WATCH IMPORTS BY FRANCE. THE GOVERNOR ASSURED THE TRADE THAT THIS WAS OF MUCH CONCERN TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, AS IT WAS TO HONG KONG INDUSTRY.
SIR EDWARD SAIDi +HONG KONG’S REQUEST TO THE GATT COUNCIL FOR A PANEL EXAMINATION OF OUR COMPLAINTS HAS BEEN ACCEPTED AND WE EXPECT THE PROCESS TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH.
♦WE SHALL HAVE TO WAIT THE PANEL’S FINDINGS BEFORE WE CAN DECIDE ON WHAT FUTURE COURSE OF ACTION HONG KONG SHOULD TAKE.+
HE SAID ALTHOUGH THE WATCH AND CLOCK INDUSTRY WAS NOT IMMUNE TO THE CURRENTLY WEAK DEMAND IN MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS, THERE WERE SOME HOPEFUL SIGNS OF QUICKENING OF CONSUMER DEMAND.
♦I AM SURE THAT THE KIND OF CONFIDENCE AND COMMITMENT THAT HAS BEEN DEMONSTRATED HERE BY THE REMEX GROUP OF COMPANIES WILL BE REWARDED WHEN THE RECOVERY CYCLE GATHERS SPEED.+
SPEAKING OF THE WATCH AND CLOCK INDUSTRY, SIR EDWARD SAID: ♦IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, THIS INDUSTRY HAS NOT ONLY ACHIEVED AN IMPRESSIVE GROWTH IN OUTPUT, BUT HAS ALSO EXPANDED ITS RANGE TO CATER TO RAPIDLY CHANGING MARKET DEMAND. FROM ITS BEGINNINGS AS AN ASSEMBLY INDUSTRY, TODAY IT PRODUCES THE SPECTRUM OF CONVENTIONAL, DIGITAL QUARTZ AND ANALOGUE QUARTZ WATCHES.
♦THE RECENT ESTABLISHMENT OF WAFER DIFFUSION PLANTS ON THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING ELECTRONIC WATCH MODULES HAS ADDED A NEW DIMENSION TO AN INDUSTRY, ALREADY WELL SUPPORTED BY WATCH BAND AND CASE MANUFACTURERS.+
HE SAID LAST YEAR, WATCHES AND CLOCKS MADE UP HONG KONG’S THIRD LARGEST EXPORT ITEM, WORTH $7 WO MILLION.
IN VALUE TERMS, HONG KONG NOW IS SECOND ONLY TO SWITZERLAND IN EXPORTS OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS. AND IN QUANTITY TERMS HONG KONG IS THE WORLD’S LARGEST EXPORTER: THE INDUSTRY, WITH ITS 45 OOO STRONG WORKFORCE, LAST YEAR EXPORTED AN ASTONISHING 146.4 MILLION WATCHES.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, l*o<;-
2
$35M IN CONTRACTS FOR CHINA WATER SUPPLY SCHEME
******
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) AWARDED TWO CONTRACTS WORTH A TOTAL OF $35M AS PART OF A SCHEME FOR THE RECEPTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF ADDITIONAL WATER SUPPLIES FROM CHINA.
THE CHIEF ENGINEER (RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT) OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, MR ERIC BOWLER, SAIDl +THE FIRST CONTRACT COSTING $27.8M IS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE AU TAU PUMPING STATION AND THE SECOND CONTRACT COSTING $7M INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF VALVE CHAMBERS AND TRUNK MAIN CROSS CONNECTIONS IN SHEUNG SHU I AND TAU PASS.
♦WORK ON BOTH CONTRACTS WILL START LATER THIS MONTH AND WILL BE COMPLETED |N 26 MONTHS AND 28 MONTHS RESPECTIVELY.♦
MR BOWLER TODAY SIGNED THE PUMPING STATION CONTRACT WITH DR CHARM HOI-SANG, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF HOI SING CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD. AND THE VALVE CHAMBER CONTRACT WITH MR DAVID POLLARD, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF POLLARD CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD., AT THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN LEIGHTON CENTRE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE NEW PUMPING STATION WILL BE LOCATED ABOUT 450 METRES SOUTH OF KO PO TSUEN, KAM TIN.
ON COMPLETION IT CAN DELIVER UP TO 637 000 CUBIC METRES OF RAW WATER PER DAY FROM CHINA THROUGH THE AU TAU-TAI LAM CHUNG TUNNEL NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION TO TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVOIR, AND 273 000 CUBIC METRES OF TREATED WATER PER DAY FROM THE AU TAU TREATMENT WORKS TO BE CONSTRUCTED TO MEET FUTURE DEMANDS FROM YUEN LONG DISTRICT.
MR BOWLER SAID A LARGE VALVE CHAMBER WOULD BE CONSTRUCTED ON SAN FUNG AVENUE NEAR THE SHEUNG SHU I RAILWAY STATION AND FOUR SMALLER VALVE CHAMBERS AND A BATTERY HOUSE ON TAI PO ROAD AT TAU PASS.
THE VALVE CHAMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO CONNECT EXISTING AND NEW PIPELINES FOR CONVEYING WATER FROM CHINA WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING THE FLEXIBILITY AND CAPACITY OF THE OVERALL SYSTEM.
TODAY’S CONTRACTS ARE THE LAST TWO OF A TOTAL OF 12 MAJOR CONTRACTS BEING AWARDED FOR STAGE ONE OF THE SCHEME ON WHICH CONSTRUCTION WORK STARTED EARLY LAST YEAR.
MR BOWLER SAID THE WORK ON THE FIRST CONTRACT FOR STAGE ONE HAD BEEN COMPLETED WHILE WORK ON 11 OTHER CONTRACTS WOULD BE COMPLETED BETWEEN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND EARLY 1985.
WORK ON STAGE TWO WOULD START IN 1984 AND WOULD BE COMPLETED IN 1988 AND WORK ON STAGE THREE WOULD BE CARRIED OUT BETWEEN 1988 AND 1992, HE SAID.
------0-------
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1982
- 3 -
WARNING ABOUT FIRE DEATH TRAPS *****
A SENIOR FIRE OFFICER WARNED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT BLOCKED MEANS OF ESCAPE IN A BUILDING COULD BECOME DEATH TRAPS IN A FIRE.
HE SAID THAT OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE FORM OF LOCKED METAL GATES OR PILED-UP MATERIALS IN COMMON AREAS WOULD NOT ONLY IMPEDE ESCAPE DURING A FIRE, BUT WOULD ALSO ASSIST THE SPREAD OF A FIRE.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO LAUNCH THE 1982/83 FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN, THE ACTING DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU, MR LAM CHEK-YUEN, SAID THAT THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN WOULD PLACE EMPHASIS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING MEANS OF ESCAPE CLEAR AT ALL TIMES.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WERE THE SENIOR HOUSING MANAGER OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT DIVISION, MR CHU CHAI-KUEN, AND THE DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR YIP YUK-LUN.
THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE BACKED UP BY STRENGTHENED FIRE SERVICES LEGISLATION.
IN JULY THIS YEAR, THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR FAILURE TO ABATE A FIRE HAZARD WAS INCREASED BY MORE THAN 12 TIMES, FROM $2 OOO TO $25 000, AND THE DAILY FINE FOR NOT COMPLYING WAS RAISED SIGNIFICANTLY, FROM $40 TO $2 500.
MR LAM POINTED OUT THAT IN TWO RECENT COURT CASES, FINES OF $5 000 WERE IMPOSED FOR FAILING TO ABATE A FIRE HAZARD.
♦IT IS HOPED THAT THE IMPOSITION OF HIGHER FINES, COUPLED WITH PUBLICITY, WILL ACT AS AN EFFECTIVE DETERRENT,+ MR LAM SAID. IF THIS DOES NOT WORK, +SERIOUS CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO AMENDING THE LEGISLATION TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED EFFECT,+ HE ADDED.
MR LAM SAID THAT FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, THERE WERE 9 279 FIRE CALLS, WITH 422 INJURIES AND 33 DEATHS.
HE SAID THE DIRECT FINANCIAL LOSS IN 1981 AS REPORTED BY THE FIRE INSURANCE ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG WAS $150 MILLION --EQUIVALENT TO ABOUT 900 HOME OWNERSHIP HOUSING UNITS AT PRICES BASED ON THE LAST PROMULGATION.
♦THE INDIRECT FINANCIAL LOSS THROUGH THE LOSS OF PRODUCTION WAS PROBABLY CONSIDERABLY MORE,* HE ADDED.
/l£i LAI.'.............
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1982
4
MR LAM SAID EFFORTS WERE BEING MADE TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE PROBLEM THROUGH FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGNS ORGANISED BY VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES, THROUGH MEDIA PUBLICITY AND THROUGH THE ISSUE OF TEACHING KITS TO SCHOOLS.
IN ADDITION TO FIRE PREVENTION LECTURES GIVEN BY THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLICITY UNIT, REGULAR INSPECTIONS OF COMMON MEANS OF ESCAPE IN BUILDINGS WERE ALSO BEING CARRIED OUT BY OPERATIONAL UNITS OF THE FIRE SERVICES.
♦DURING THE PAST NINE MONTHS,* HE SAID, +A TOTAL OF SOME 2 500 FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES HAVE BEEN ISSUED. THE NUMBER OF CASES BROUGHT TO COURT WAS 1 290 AND THE FINES AMOUNTED TO $820 000.+
COMMENTING ON THE PROBLEM OF SQUATTER FIRES, WHICH MADE 27 000 PEOPLE HOMELESS IN 1981/82, THE SENIOR HOUSING MANAGER OF HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT DIVISION, MR CHU CHAI-KUEN SAID THAT ALTHOUGH IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO STOP THEIR OCCURRENCE ALTOGETHER, PREVENTIVE MEASURES COULD BE TAKEN TO REDUCE THE EFFECTS OF THE FIRES.
+ONE OF THESE IS TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT MEANS OF ESCAPE AND TO KEEP THEM CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTION,* HE SAID.
+THE SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT DIVISION’S FIRST TASK WAS TO REDUCE THESE DANGERS THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF FIRE ACCESS ROADS, INSTALLING FIRE HYDRANTS ALONG THESE ROADS, AND CREATING FIRE BREAKS OF AT LEAST 10 METRES WIDE WITHIN A LARGE SQUATTER CONGLOMERATION. EXISTING FOOTPATHS ARE ALSO BEING WIDENED, PAVED AND IMPROVED,* MR CHU ADDED.
MR CHU QUOTED THE THIRD ALARM FIRE AT CHEUNG LUNG TIN ON NOVEMBER 3 AS AN EXAMPLE OF THE SUCCESS OF THE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME.
+THE FIRE WAS STOPPED AS IT REACHED THE FOOT OF A PYLON WHICH STANDS IN A RECENTLY CONSTRUCTED FIRE BREAK,* HE SAID.
+THE RESULT WOULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS HAD THE PYLON CAUGHT FIRE AS THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY IN THE WHOLE DISTRICT WOULD HAVE BEEN CUT OFF FOR A CONSIDERABLE PERIOD OF TIME,* MR CHU ADDED.
THE DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR YIP YUK-LUN, SPOKE OF THE HIGH COST HONG KONG INDUSTRIES HAD TO PAY IN TERMS OF LOSS OF PRODUCTION TIME, PERSONAL INJURIES OR DEATHS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY RESULTING FROM FIRES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT NEW REGULATIONS WERE INTRODUCED LAST JULY TO PROVIDE FIRE SAFETY IN WORKPLACES.
/TH3 INDUS i’itlAL...............
FRIDAY, N0V3M32R 12, 1982
- 5 -
THE INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (FIRE PRECAUTIONS IN REGISTRABLE WORKPLACES) REGULATIONS, WHICH CARRY PENALTIES VARYING FROM $10 OOO TO $30 000, LAY DOWN REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIRE DOORS, THE USE AND STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES, SAFETY MEASURES TO BE ADOPTED WHEN USING NAKED FIRE AND THE MAINTENANCE OF FIRE ESCAPES WITHIN WORKPLACES AND OF THE FIRE FIGHTING APPLIANCES INSTALLED THERE.
FROM THE ENACTMENT OF THIS LEGISLATION TO SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, 400 CASES INVOLVING THE VIOLATION OF FIRE REGULATIONS WERE BROUGHT TO COURT AND FINES TOTALLING $524 950 WERE IMPOSED, MR YIP NOTED.
MR YIP SAID MOST FACTORY FIRES ARE A RESULT OF POOR MAINTENANCE OR OVER-LOADING OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, UNSAFE PRACTICES IN THE USE OF FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES AND POOR HOUSEKEEPING.
♦OBSTRUCTION TO MEANS OF ESCAPE IN WORKPLACES COULD MAKE THE CONSEQUENCES MORE SERIOUS,+ HE STRESSED.
HOWEVER, THESE DEFECTS COULD BE EASILY RECTIFIED IF THOSE IN THE WORKPLACE, EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES ALIKE, PAID PROPER ATTENTION TO FIRE SAFETY, HE ADDED.
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SURVEY OF RETAIL SALES FOR AUGUST
M * * *
THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES FOR THE RETAIL TRADE SECTOR IN AUGUST WAS ESTIMATED TO BE $4 285 MILLION, ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL SURVEY RESULTS ISSUED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AT 126, THE OVERALL RETAIL SALES VALUE INDEX FOR AUGUST ROSE BY FOUR POINTS OR THREE PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY AND BY SIX POINTS OR FIVE PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1981.
THE OVERALL RETAIL SALES VOLUME INDEX FOR AUGUST, AT 104, WAS THREE POINTS OR THREE PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT FOR JULY, BUT WAS THREE POINTS OR THREE PER CENT LOWER THAN THAT FOR AUGUST 1981.
FRIDAY, NOVEHBEH 12, 1982
- 6 -
COMPARED WITH JULY, THE RETAIL SALES FOR MOST MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND SELECTED TRADES INCREASED IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME ’ERMS.
RETAIL SALES OF DEPARTMENT STORES INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY BY 19 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS (OR 18 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS), rHOSE OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY NINE PER CENT IN VALUE FERMS (ALSO NINE PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS), AND THOSE OF MOTOR VEHICLES INCREASED BY FIVE PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS (OR FOUR PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS).
ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS DECREASED BY SIX PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS (OR THREE PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS) AND THOSE OF CONSUMER DURABLES DECREASED BY TWO PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS (ALSO TWO PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS).
COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1981, RETAIL SALES OF SUPERMARKETS INCREASED BY 23 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS, WHILE THOSE OF FUELS BY 15 PER CENT AND OF CONSUMER GOODS BY 11 PER CENT. THEIR RESPECTIVE INCREASES IN VOLUME TERMS WERE 16 PER CENT, SEVEN PER CENT AND FOUR PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES, ON THE OTHER HAND, REGISTERED A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION OF 44 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS AND 55 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS. THE VOLUME OF RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES, CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS, AND DEPARTMENT STORES ALSO DECREASED BY 17 PER CENT, SIX PER CENT AND TWO PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
ATTACHED TABLES 1 AND 2 PRESENT THE REVISED FIGURES FOR JULY AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR AUGUST ON THE TOTAL RETAIL SALES, AND ON THE RETAIL SALES VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES BY SELECTED TRADES AND MAJOR TRADE GROUPS. THE AVERAGE MONTHLY RETAIL SALES IN 1980 ARE TAKEN AS 100,
COMPARISONS OF THE AUGUST RESULTS WITH THOSE OF THE PRECEDING MONTH AND OF THE CORRESPONDING MONTH IN 1981 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, TEL. NO. 3-7216024.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, V
Table 1 1 Value indexes of retail sales for July and August 1982
( (M -^7\O^S^2F^J^a = i 0 0 ) on thly average of 1980 3 100) , y- — . uda-
Item § Total retail sales (HKS million) ( ) Retail sales value indexes: (i) for all retail trades (ii) by major trade groups alcoholic drinks and tobacco Fuels Clothing9 footwear and allied products & 0% Consumer goods MS Consumer durables ilfflsg.a (iii) by selected trades Motor vehicles Department stores Supermarkets July 1282 (Revised figures) (gl> 4 132 122 1J0 150 127 116 115 62 106 177 —/L/\— a £ August 1982 (Provisional figures) ( Wft?) 4 285 126 132 151 120 127 113 65 126 183 £4 — A(^uiFl982 compared with July 1982 7L/\—Fj —\/4 August i982 compared with August 1981 Points % ♦ 6 +5 ♦ 9 +7 ♦ 20 +15 ♦ 6 +5 ♦ 1? +11 - 16 - 12 - 52 - 44 ♦ 9 +8 ♦ 34 +23
Points % ♦ * + 3 ♦ 2 >2 ♦ 1 ♦ 1 -7 -6 ♦ 11 *9 -2 -2 ♦ 3 *5 ♦ 20 *19 ♦ 6 ♦ 3
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1982
- 8 -
Table 2 : Volume indexes of retail sales for July and August 1982
( - A/\O^® fl =10 0)
(Monthly average of 19&0 * 100)
Item —9lA— £ -t fl July 1232 —AA—^ A fl August 1982 A-XlfA fl ^A -=^-bflJt^ August 1982 compared with July 1982 A-x££ A A -fcAfl JW August 1982 compared vith Autist 1981
m g Retail sales volume indexes: (Revised figures) ®C^) (Provisional figures) (09$®^) Points % & Points %
(i) for all retail trades (ii) by major trade groups Foodstuffs, alcoholic 101 104 ♦ 3 ♦ 3 - 3 - 3
drinks and tobacco as" 99 100 ♦ 1 ♦ 1 ♦ 1 ♦ 1
Clothing, footwear 116 117 ♦ 1 ♦ 1 ♦ 8 ♦ 7
and allied products 100 97 - 3 - 3 - 6 • 6
Consumer goods fHMnn 100 109 ♦ 9 ♦ 9 ♦ 4 + 4
(i ii ) by selected trades 100 98 - 2 . 2 - 20 - 17
Motor vehicles R ¥ *5 47 ♦ 2 ♦ 4 - 58 - 55
W ‘,or“ 91 10? ♦ 16 ♦ 16 - 2 - 2
Supermarkets 136 140 ♦ 4 ♦ 3 ♦ 19 ♦ 16
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER ,12, 1932
- 9 -
SHORT TERM TENANCIES OFFERED FOR CROWN LOTS *****
TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCIES OF EIGHT PIECES OF CROWN LAND ARE BEING INVITED BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT.
TWO OF THE SITES, BOTH FOR LOG STORAGE PURPOSES, ARE IN KELLET BAY, ABERDEEN. ONE OF THEM IS ABOUT 210 SQUARE METRES WHILE THE OTHER ONE IS ABOUT 220 SQUARE METRES.
THE TENANCIES WILL BE INITIALLY FOR ONE YEAR AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS FOR THE TWO SITES IS 12 NOON ON NOVEMBER 19.
FIVE OTHER LOTS BEING OFFERED ARE IN THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL AREA.
THE LARGEST OF THESE SITES COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3 870 SQUARE METRES AND CAN BE USED FOR CONCRETE BATCHING AND THE MANUFACTURING OF CONCRETE PRODUCTS.
THE FOUR SMALLER LOTS, EACH OF AN AREA OF ABOUT 900 SQUARE METRES, ARE FOR REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND PAINT-SPRAYING OF MOTOR VEHICLES.
THE TENANCY FOR THE FIVE YUEN LONG LOTS ARE FOR 15 MONTHS INITIALLY, AND..QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE DEADLINE FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON NOVEMBER 26.
THE LAST LOT, SITUATED AT RED HILL, TAI TAM, ON HONG KONG ISLAND HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1 540 SQUARE METRES AND IS TO BE USED FOR STORAGE OF TENANT’S GOODS, VEHICLES, CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL BUT NOT FOR A CONCRETE BATCHING PLANT.
THE INITIAL TENANCY FOR THIS SITE IS FOR SIX MONTHS AND MONTHLY THEREAFTER.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR THIS TENDER IS ALSO 12 NOON ON NOVEMBER 26.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES, AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE/HONG KONG ISLAND (SOUTH), 16-18 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, ROOM 601, NEW WORLD TOWER, CENTRAL, HONG KONG, FOR THE ABERDEEN AND TAI TAM SITES, AND AT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES FOR THE YUEN LONG SITES.
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/io .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1982
10 -
CASH TENDERS SOUGHT FOR TUEN MUN LAND M M M M
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING CASH TENDERS FOR A PIECE OF CROWN LAND IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
THE SITE, COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 18 640 SQUARE METRES, IS SITUATED JUST NORTH OF TUEN MUN SAN HUI.
IT IS INTENDED FOR PRIVATE-SECTOR PARTICIPATION AND IS FOR NON-INDUSTRI AL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE APPLICATION OF TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON DECEMBER 31.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT, THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 5/F, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; THE KOWLOON WEST DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10/F, KOWLOON; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
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NEW TRANSPORT COMPLEX FOR TSUEN WAN * * * *
A MAJOR TRANSPORT AND ADMINISTRATION COMPLEX WILL BE BUILT SHORTLY ON THE RECLAIMED LAND IN TSUEN WAN BAY TO MEET THE GROWING NEEDS OF THE NEW TOWN.
A S143-MILLI0N CONTRACT FOR THE WORK WAS AWARDED THIS MORNING TO WAN HIN AND CO. LTD. BY THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY MR C.R. SAUNDERS, PROJECT MANAGER OF TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AND MR CHAU HON-KIT, GENERAL MANAGER/DI RECTOR OF THE COMPANY.
MR SAUNDERS SAID THAT THE TRANSPORT PROJECT FORMED PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN.
WORK ON THE COMPLEX WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BUS TERMINUS, SEPARATE MAXI-CAB AND TAXI STANDS, AN ELEVATED PEDESTRIAN DECK CONNECTING DIRECTLY WITH A NEW FERRY PIER NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION, AND FURTHER LINKS WITH FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS ON THE RECLAIMED AREA.
+THE CONTRACT WILL ALSO INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FIVE-STOREY CARPARK FOR ABOUT 1 000 CARS ON THE DECK TO PROVIDE CARPARKING SPACES FOR THE RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TOWN.+ MR SAUNDERS ADDED.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1984.
- 0 ----------
/11 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1982
11
DB HELPS IMPROVE ENVIRONMENT * * * *
IT IS ALWAYS THE DISTRICT BOARD’S MAIN CONCERN TO REDRESS THE DISTRICT’S DEFICIENCIES TO PROVIDE A PLEASANT LIVING ENVIRONMENT FOR THE RESIDENTS, THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, NR TONY COOPER, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A 'SMALL BUT UNIQUE’ PIECE OF AMENITY PLOT IN FENWICK STREET NEXT TO THE CHINESE METHODIST CHURCH.
THE SITE HAS FORMERLY BEEN MISUSED FOR ILLEGAL PARKING AND HAS ATTRACTED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS.
TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION, THE DISTRICT BOARD DECIDED TO CONVERT IT INTO A REST PLACE BY WIDENING THE PEDESTRIAN PAVEMENT AND INSTALLING SOME CONCRETE PLANTERS. THE PROJECT COSTS $20 000.
♦WAN CHAI IS ONE OF THE OLDEST AND DENSELY POPULATED DISTRICTS IN HONG KONG, AND IT FACES A CHRONIC SHORTAGE OF OPEN SPACES AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES,+ MR COOPER SAID.
♦HOWEVER, I WOULD LIKE TO ASSURE YOU THAT THE BOA AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND IT IS ALWAYS OUR MAIN CONCERN REDRESS THESE DEFICIENCIES.*
HE ADDED THAT THE OPENING OF THE AMENITY PLOT WAS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF WHAT THE DISTRICT BOARD COULD DO AND IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT.
D IS WELL TO
INDEED HELP IN
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WORKING GROUP TO MEET
* * *
THE WORKING GROUP SET UP TO EXAMINE WAYS TO HELP WORKERS AFFECTED BY BUSINESS CLOSURES WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 16).
ITS MEMBERS ARE (EMPLOYEES REPRESENTATIVES ON THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD) THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN, MR POON CHI-CH I NG, (EMPLOYERS REPRESENTATIVES ON THE BOARD) MR J.A. CHEETHAM, AND hfi STANISLAUS TSAO.
THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH, THE POLICY BRANCH RESPONSIBLE FOR LABOUR MATTERS, AND THE REGISTRAR GENERAL ARE ALSO REPRESENTED ON THE WORKING GROUP, TO BE CHAIRED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR.
/ITS T3FJ.IS.............
JRILAY, SOVSI.BER 12, 1982
12 -
ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE AREi
♦TO EXAMINE THE PROBLEMS FACED BY EMPLOYEES IN THE EVENT OF INSOLVENCY OF THEIR EMPLOYERS AND TO RECOMMEND APPROPRIATE COURSES OF ACTION TAKING INTO ACCOUNTi
(A) THE REASONABLE CLAIMS OF THE WORKERS INVOLVED TO RECEIVE PROMPT PAYMENT OF WAGES DUE;'
(B) THE WIDER CONSEQUENCES FOR THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE; AND
(C) THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER COUNTRIES IN THIS FIELD.
THE DECISION TO SET UP THE WORKING GROUP WAS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR AND WAS ANNOUNCED IN HIS ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 6.
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CANOE RACES IN TAI PO
* M M
ABOUT 300 CANOE ENTHUSIASTS WILL COMPETE IN THE NINTH TOLO HARBOUR CANOE RACES AT YUEN CHAU TSAI, TAI PO KAU, ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 14).
THE ANNUAL EVENT WILL START AT 9 AM AND THERE WILL BE 17 RACES RANGING FROM HALF-A-KILOMETRE TO 30 KILOMETRES.
THE ROUTE FOR THE 30 KILOMETRES ELITE ROUND TRIP RACE FOR OUTSTANDING COMPETITORS WILL BE FROM ISLAND HOUSE VIA NAI CHUNG TO LAI CHI CHONG AND RETURN VIA TAI MEI TUK TO ISLAND HOUSE.
OVER 40 ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EVENT WHICH IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE OUTWARD BOUND (ALUMNI) ASSOCIATION WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE.
AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, MR DICKEN YUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY AT 4 PM ON THAT DAY.
THE SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, IS THE HONORARY ADVISER TO THE ASSOCIATION.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1982
- 13 -
10 TSUEN WAN MODEL WORKERS SELECTED * * * *
TEN FACTORY WORKERS IN TSUEN WAN HAVE WON +MODEL WORKER’ AWARDS THIS YEAR FOR THEIR INTEREST IN WORK AND FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO LOCAL INDUSTRY.
AS A RECOGNITION OF THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS, THE 10 WINNERS WILL EACH RECEIVE A CASH PRIZE OF $2 000 AND A TROPHY. FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR, THEY WILL ALSO BE INVITED TO TOUR LOCAL FACTORIES AND FIRMS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
THE MODEL WORKER AWARD SCHEME, HELD ANNUALLY SINCE 1980 BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S INDUSTRIAL SUB-COMMITTEE, THE FEDERATION OF TSUEN WAN INDUSTRIES AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, AIMS TO CREATE A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG THE WORKERS AND TO PROMOTE THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS.
APART FROM THE AWARD SCHEME, WINNERS OF A SINGING CONTEST ORGANISED BY THE SAME ORGANISATIONS WILL ALSO RECEIVE CASH PRIZES OF $2 000, $1 500, $1 000 AND THERE WILL BE FIVE CONSOLATION PRIZES OF $300 EACH.
THE DISTRICT COMMISSIONER OF TSUEN WAN, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO ALL THE WINNERS AT A CEREMONY, TO BE FOLLOWED BY A TWO-HOUR VARIETY SHOW, TO BE HELD AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 16) AT 7.30 PM.
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CHAMPION CUPS FOR TUEN MUN X * *
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS OF THE SECOND INTER-DISTRICT TABLE TENNIS LEAGUE AT THE LUT SAU HALL OF THE CHIU LUT SAU MEMORIAL SECONDARY SCHOOL, YUEN LONG, TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
TUEN MUN WILL RECEIVE BOTH THE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S CHAMPION CUPS AT THE CEREMONY. THE DISTRICT WON ALL THE SEVEN MATCHES IN THE MEN’S SECTION AND SIX OUT OF THE SEVEN MATCHES IN THE WOMEN’S SECTION.
MATCHES OF THE LEAGUE STARTED ON OCTOBER 17 AND LASTED FOR THREE WEEKS.
INVOLVING ALL EIGHT NT DISTRICTS, THE LEAGUE HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES INTER-DISTRICT SPORTS COMPETITION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE.
THE EIGHT NT DISTRICTS TAKE TURN TO ORGANISE THE ANNUAL EVENT WITH YUEN LONG AS THE HOST DISTRICT THIS YEAR.
0 - - —-
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1982
- 14 -
HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN IN SHA TIN * * *
A 12-WEEK LONG CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE HOME SAFETY IN SNA TIN WILL BE OPENED BY MRS JANE AKERS-JONES, WIFE OF THE SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 11 AM AT THE OPEN SPACE NEAR SHA KOK ESTATE WHERE AN EXHIBITION ON HOME SAFETY WILL BE HELD.
THERE WILL ALSO BE DEMONSTRATIONS BY THE ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE, THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE’S CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE STAGED AT VARIOUS VENUES IN THE DISTRICT IN THE NEXT THREE MONTHS AND A VARIETY OF COMPETITIONS ON THE THEME OF HOME SAFETY WILL BE HELD.
THE CAMPAIGN IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN YIN NGAI SOCIETY WITH A SUBSIDY OF S12O 000 FROM THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD.
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SEMINAR ON BOOKS AND YOUNG READERS M ft M ft
THE LIBRARY SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE WILL HOLD A ONE-DAY SEMINAR ON BOOKS AND YOUNG READERS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ON DECEMBER 21.
THE SEMINAR, TO BE HELD AT THE HENRIETTA SCHOOL AT 33 PARK ROAD, IS AIMED AT INTRODUCING WAYS AND MEANS TO ENCOURAGE WIDE READING AMONG YOUNG READERS.
IT WILL BE CONDUCTED MAINLY IN CANTONESE WITH DR LAU SING, A LECTURER FROM THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, AS THE GUEST SPEAKER.
SCHOOLS WISHING TO SEND THEIR TEACHERS TO THE SEMINAR SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR NOMINATIONS TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, LIBRARY SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 5/F, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 25, 1982.
ACCEPTANCE WILL BE ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE SEMINAR MAY BE MADE AT THE LIBRARY SECTION AT 5-8392502-7.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1982
- 15 -
NEW CHRISTMAS AEROGRAMMES M M * *
THE 1982 CHRISTMAS PICTORIAL AEROGRAMMES WILL BE PLACED ON SALE AT 20 CENTS EACH AT ALL POST OFFICES FROM WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE CHRISTMAS AEROGRAMME WILL FEATURE CHUBBY FATHER CHRISTMAS WITH HIS BAG FULL OF PRESENTS.
CHRISTMAS AEROGRAMMES ARE A CONVENIENT WAY OF SENDING CHRISTMAS GREETINGS ABROAD. THEY COMBINE BOTH A PERSONAL LETTER AND A GREETING, AND CAN BE POSTED TO ANY PART OF THE WORLD AS FIRST CLASS AIRMAIL FOR ONLY 31.
THE SIZE OF THE NEW AEROGRAMME HAS BEEN INCREASED TO THE STANDARD A4 SIZE.
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REMEMBRANCE DAY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * * *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN CENTRAL ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 14) FOR THE REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY AT THE CENOTAPH IN STATUE SQUARE.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, CHATER ROAD FROM REDDER STREET TO JACKSON ROAD, AND ICE HOUSE STREET FROM QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL TO CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 7 AM UNTIL 12 MIDNIGHT.
JACKSON ROAD WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 12 NOON. WHEREAS THE HARCOURT ROAD FLYOVER, THE WESTBOUND SECTION OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL FROM HARCOURT ROAD TO ICE HOUSE STREET AND THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF MURRAY ROAD FROM CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL TO CHATER ROAD WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 10.30 AM AND 12 NOON. /
CLUB STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM 10 AM UNTIL 12 NOON.
ON THE SAME DAY VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS ALONG JACKSON ROAD, CLUB STREET, LAMBETH WALK AND CHATER ROAD BETWEEN 12.01 AM AND 12 NOON.
THE PARKING SPACES ALONG JACKSON ROAD, EDINBURGH PLACE WEST, EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH AND THE TAXI STAND IN CHATER ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED FROM 12.01 AM TO 12 NOON, WHILE THE SECOND FLOOR OF MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK WILL ALSO BE CLOSED BETWEEN 12.01 AM AND 1 PM.
MAXICAB ROUTE 32 HEADING FOR THE LAMBETH WALK TERMINUS WILL BE DIVERTED VIA MURRAY ROAD INSTEAD OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, CLUB STREET AND CHATER ROAD FROM 9.30 AM TO 12 NOON.
- 0 -
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1982
16 -
SALT WATER MAINS WORK * * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN HO MAN TIN WILL BE CUT OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS, FROM 8 AM TO 4 PM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 15) FOR MAINS REPAIR WORK.
THE AFFECTED AREAS w ILL BE KING’S PARK DISTRICT, HO MAN TIN ESTATE, 01 MAN ESTATE, VALLEY ROAD ESTATE AND KING GEORGE V SCHOOL.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HOME SAFETY DRIVE STARTS ...................................... 1
TEACHERS* SUPPORT VITAL, HAYE SAYS ............................ 2
GROUP LEAVES FOR TEXTILE TALKS ................................ 2
NEW POST OFFICE FOR SHA TIN .................................... 3
RECREATION SPOT FOR CAMPERS ON LANTAU ......................
TENDERS INVITED ................................................ 4
NT YOUTHS SET UP FIRST HORTICULTURAL CLUB....................... 5
THOUSANDS VISIT FAIR............................................ 6
HEALTH WEEK IN TSUEN WAN ....................................... 6
SERVICE RESERVOIRS FOR SHA TIN ................................. 7
MAXICAB ROUTE 10 SERVICE REORGANISED ........................... 7
NEW ROAD IN KOWLOON BAY OPENS MONDAY ........................... 7
ROAD PROJECT FOR YUEN LONG.................................. 8
WATER CUT IN NORTH POINT........................................ 8
FIRING PRACTICE WARNING....................................... 8
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1982
1
HOME SAFETY DRIVE STARTS * * *
MANY OF THE TRAGIC ACCIDENTS WHICH HAPPEN IN THE HOME COULD BE AVOIDED IF A FEW BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ARE TAKEN.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY MRS JANE AKERS-JONES, WIFE OF THE SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, AT THE OPENING OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN AT THE SHA KOK ESTATE.
THE 12-WEEK-LONG CAMPAIGN BEGAN WITH AN EXHIBITION ON SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AT HOME AND DEMONSTRATIONS BY THE ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE, THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE.
ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE YIN NGA I SOCIETY WITH DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS, THE CAMPAIGN IS THE LARGEST OF ITS KIND EVER ORGANISED IN THE DISTRICT.
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME AT TODAY’S CEREMONY, THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE YIN NGA I SOCIETY, MRS LEUNG HO CHUN-TIM SAID APART FROM THE EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE DISTRICT, THE CAMPAIGN ALSO FEATURED OTHER ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING SEMINARS, DEMONSTRATIONS, AND COOKING, PHOTOGRAPHIC, SLOGAN DESIGN AND ESSAY COMPETITIONS.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT ALL MATERIALS USED IN THE EXHIBITION WERE BASED ON THE BOOKLET +SAFETY STARTS AT HOME* PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.
FREE COPIES OF THIS HANDBOOK WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD IN THE DISTRICT THROUGH MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.
+THE 2O-PAGE BOOKLET IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE FEATURES DIFFERENT DANGEROUS SITUATIONS IN THE HOME AND PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES,* SAID MRS LEUNG.
SHE STRESSED THAT HOME SAFETY EDUCATION IS A LONG TERM ENDEAVOUR.
+IT REQUIRES THE COOPERATION OF GOVERNMENTS, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES. IDEALLY, CHILDREN SHOULD BE EDUCATED FROM EARLY CHILDHOOD BY PARENTS WHO SET GOOD EXAMPLES FOR THEM TO FOLLOW.*
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/2........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1982
2
TEACHERS’ SUPPORT VITAL, HAYE SAYS * * *
IMPROVEMENTS IN EDUCATION AND THE TRAINING OF MORE RESPONSIBLE AND BETTER CITIZENS WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF TEACHERS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE OPEN I NG CEREMONY OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, MR HAYE SAID THE ROLE OF A TEACHER HAD ALWAYS BEEN A DEMANDING ONE AND WAS EVEN MORE SO TODAY.
♦NOT ONLY DOES A TEACHER HAVE TO KEEP HIMSELF ABREAST WITH KNOWLEDGE, AT THE SAME TIME HE HAS TO BE AWARE OF THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AROUND HIM AND SET A GOOD PERSONAL EXAMPLE FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION TO FOLLOW,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THE AIM OF EDUCATION WAS TO DEVELOP STUDENTS’ POTENTIAL TO THE UTMOST FOR THE GOOD OF SOCIETY, AND THE DEMAND ON TEACHERS TO COPE WITH THE NEEDS OF MODERN SCIENTIFIC, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTS WAS EVER INCREASING.
♦TODAY’S TEACHER HAS TO UPDATE Hl$ KNOWLEDGE OF HIS SUBJECT AREAS AND THE EFFECTIVE UTILISATION OF GROWINGLY SOPHISTICATED AIDS AND EQUIPMENT.
♦HE HAS TO BE AWARE OF THE BEHAVIOURAL ASPECTS OF HIS STUDENTS AND THE MANNER IN WHICH TEACHING MUST BE ADAPTED TO THEM. HE ALSO HAS TO BUILD UP THE SOCIAL AWARENESS OF STUDENTS SO AS TO PREPARE THEM TO BE RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS OF THE COMMUNITY,* W HAYE SAID.
HE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT ALL THESE ASPECTS WERE REFLECTED IN THE PROGRAMME FOR DISCUSSION.
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GROUP LEAVES FOR TEXTILE TALKS
* * *
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION TO THE NEXT ROUND OF TEXTILE TALKS WITH THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY LEFT HONG KONG YESTERDAY (FRIDAY).
THE TALKS WILL RESUME IN BRUSSELS ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 15).
TWO EARLIER ROUNDS OF TALKS RESULTED IN A LARGE MEASURE OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES BUT THE MAJOR STUMBLING BLOCK TO FINALISING AN AGREEMENT REMAINS THE EEC’S DEMANDS FOR A 12 PER CENT CUTBACK ON HONG KONG’S QUOTAS FOR KNIT SHIRTS, KNIT PULLOVERS, TROUSERS, BLOUSES AND WOVEN SHIRTS.
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL BE JOINED IN BRUSSELS NEXT WEEK BY THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR BILL DORWARD.
0
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1982
- 3 -NEW POST OFFICE FOR SHA TIN * * *
A NEW POST OFFICE AT SHOP NO. 35~37, FIRST FLOOR, MEI LAM COMMERCIAL CENTRE, MEI LAM ESTATE, SHA TIN WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC AT 10 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 15), THE POSTMASTER GENERAL ANNOUNCED TODAY.
ALSO ON THAT DAY, A THIRD MOBILE POST OFFICE WILL BE INTRODUCED TO AUGMENT THE TWO EXISTING MOBILE POST OFFICES SERVING THE REMOTE AND ISOLATED COMMUNITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
A MOBILE POST OFFICE PROVIDES SERVICE IN THE SALE OF POSTAGE STAMPS, THE ACCEPTANCE OF REGISTERED ARTICLES AND PARCELS, THE SALE AND ENCASHMENT OF BRITISH POSTAL ORDERS AND THE ACCEPTANCE AND PAYMENT OF MONEY ORDERS. A POSTING BOX IS ALSO PROVIDED.
WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS NEW MOBILE POST OFFICE, THE FREQUENCY OF CALLS WILL BE INCREASED TO THE FOLLOWING PLACESi-
FAIRVIEW PARK, 7MS AND 10-1/2MS CLEARWATER BAY ROAD, SHEUNG YEUNG, PAK SHA WAN AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
ADDITIONAL CALLING POINTS HAVE ALSO BEEN SCHEDULED TO THE FOLLOWING PLACESi-
SIU HONG COURT, SAM SHING ESTATE, SHEK KONG VILLAGE, CHUEN LUNG, TA KU LING SAN TSUEN, SILVER STRAND AND HANG HAU WING LUNG ROAD, SHEUNG SZE WAN, SHAP SZE HEUNG PO LO CHE, NAM WEI, SUN TIN WAI ESTATE, PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL, SUI WO COURT, CITY ONE SHA TIN, FO TAN INDUSTRIAL AREA, TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, HONG LOK YUEN, PING CHE, TA KWU LING AND MA MEI HA.
THE OPENING OF MEI LAM POST OFFICE AND THE INTRODUCTION OF THE THIRD MOBILE POST OFFICE WILL BRING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF POST OFFICES IN HONG KONG TO 89.
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A ...
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1982
- 4 -
RECREATION SPOT FOR CAMPERS ON LANTAU XXX
A NEW $3.3-MILLION YOUTH CAMP WAS OPENED TODAY (SATURDAY) IN NORTH LANTAU BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE.
THE 4 8OO-SQUARE-METRE CAMP, WITH DORMITORIES AND VARIOUS AMENITIES, IS SITUATED IN A SCENIC SPOT IN TUNG CHUNG.
IT IS BUILT AND FUNDED BY THE HONG KONG BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION ON LAND ALLOCATED BY THE GOVERNMENT FREE OF PREMIUM.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR ALLEYNE SAID CAMPING WAS BECOMING MORE POPULAR AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE AND AS A FAMILY ACTIVITY.
HE SAID THAT THE SITE WOULD PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL TO RELAX AND ENJOY, AWAY FROM THE PRESSURES OF URBAN LIFE.
HE PRAISED THE ASSOCIATION FOR PROVIDING EDUCATION AND MEDICAL SERVICES FOR THE LOCAL PEOPLE.
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TENDERS INVITED * * * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR REPAIR AND REMOORING WORK ON BEACH RAFTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
TENDER FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF AUSTIN CENTRE, 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
COMPLETED TENDER FORMS MUST BE PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX LOCATED IN THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, BEFORE NOON ON DECEMBER 3, 1982.
FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE RECREATION AND AMENITIES SECTION OF THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS, TELEPHONE 3-678715.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1982
- 5 -
NT YOUTHS SET UP FIRST HORTICULTURAL CLUB * * * *
A GROUP OF 50 YOUNGSTERS ATTENDING COURSES ON THE TECHNIQUES OF POT AND GARDEN PLANTING IN SHA TIN TODAY (SATURDAY) SET UP THE FIRST HORTICULTURAL CLUB IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE CLUB WAS FORMED TO PROMOTE HORTICULTURE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE, THE SENIOR AMENITIES OFFICER OF SHA TIN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE, MR GORDON WHITAKER, SAID.
THIS WILL ALSO ENCOURAGE THEM TO BEAUTIFY AND CARE FOR THEIR ENVIRONMENT, HE SAID.
MR WHITAKER WAS SPEAKING AT A BRIEF CEREMONY MARKING THE OPENING OF THE SHA TIN HORTICULTURAL CLUB AT AN OPEN SPACE ADJACENT TO THE SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SQUASH COURTS AND ON THE BANK OF SHING MUN RIVER.
THE CLUB WAS FORMED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SHA TIN ARTS ASSOCIATION AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
♦WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN, IT IS NECESSARY TO BEAUTIFY THE ENVIRONMENT WITH PLANTS,♦ MR WHITAKER SAID.
THE NTSD HAD ALREADY PLANTED MANY VARIETIES OF TREES, SHRUBS AND GROUND COVERS IN PARKS, PLEASURE GROUNDS AND ROADSIDE AMENITY AREAS, MR WHITAKER SAID, ADDING THAT THE PUBLIC COULD ALSO PLAY A ROLE IN THE LANDSCAPE PLANTING AND BEAUTIFICATION WORK.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, THE YOUNGSTERS ATTENDED THE FIRST SESSION OF A THREE-MONTH-LONG COURSE BEING CONDUCTED BY HORTICULTURAL EXPERTS OF THE NTSD.
THEY WILL BE GIVEN PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS IN THE CORRECT TECHNIQUES OF GARDENING AND THE GROWING OF PLANTS AND TREES.
ALSO TAKING PART IN THE FUNCTION TODAY WAS THE DIRECTOR OF THE SHA TIN ARTS ASSOCIATION, MR SOUTH CHOW.
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/6
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1981
6
THOUSANDS VISIT FAIR * * * *
THOUSANDS OF VISITORS FLOCKED TO STANLEY TODAY (SATURDAY) FOR THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S 3OTH AUTUMN FAIR.
HELD AT THE FOOTBALL GROUND NEXT TO STANLEY PRISON, THE ANNUAL FAIR WAS OPENED BY MRS GORDAN WU, WIFE OF A LOCAL BUSINESSMAN.
THE PROCEEDS OF THE FAIR WILL ALL BE DONATED TO CHARITY AND THE DEPARTMENT’S WELFARE FUNDS.
THERE WAS A WIDE SELECTION OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES INDUSTRI Al AND HOBBY CLASS PRODUCTS FOR SALE, IN ADDITION TO GAME STALLS AND OTHER ENTERTAINMENT AT THE FAIR.
THERE WERE ALSO PERFORMANCES BY THE TAI TAM GIRL PIPERS AND MARCHING TEAM, A MARCHING DISPLAY BY THE CAPE COLLINSON BAND AND A MOTORCYCLE DEMONSTRATION BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES.
- _ . - 0 - • —-
HEALTH WEEK IN TSUEN WAN
XXX
ABOUT 2 OOO SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND FACTORY WORKERS IN TSUEN WAN WILL GET FREE MEDICAL SERVICE DURING A HEALTH WEEK WHICH STARTS ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 15).
MEDICAL STAFF FROM THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL, WHICH IS SPONSORING THE HEALTH WEEK WITH THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, WILL VISIT EIGHT SCHOOLS AND THREE FACTORIES IN THE DISTRICT TO CARRY OUT BLOOD AND URINE TESTS FOR THE STUDENTS AND WORKERS.
NEXT SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 20), THE MEDICAL STAFF WILL BE AT THE SHAM TSENG YOUTH CENTRE FROM 9 AM TO PROVIDE SIMILAR MEDICAL SERVICE TO VILLAGERS FROM THE REMOTE AREAS OF TSUEN WAN.
THE HEALTH WEEK, WHICH ALSO INCLUDES TALKS AND A PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION, IS BEING HELD ANNUALLY TO AROUSE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS CF THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD HEALTH.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1982
- 7 -
SERVICE RESERVOIRS FOR SHA TIN * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS TO BUILD A FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR AND A FLUSHING WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR NEAR LOWER SHING MUN ROAD IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN SHORTLY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE PROJECT, WHICH FORMED PART OF THE WATER SUPPLY PROGRAMME FOR THE AREA, AIMED TO COPE WITH INCREASING DEMANDS IN THE NEW TOWN.
THE STORAGE CAPACITY FOR THE FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR IS 17 OOO CUBIC METRES AND THAT FOR THE FLUSHING WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR IS 5 000 CUBIC METRES.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND IT WILL TAKE ABOUT 17 MONTHS TO FINISH.
------o-------
MAXICAB ROUTE 10 SERVICE REORGANISED X X X X
DUE TO RISING OPERATIONAL COSTS, THE FARE FOR MAXICAB ROUTF 10 RUNNING BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND RENNIE'S MILL WILL BE INCREASED FROM $2 TO S2.5O ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 15). INCREASED
* NEW MAXICAB SERVICE — NO. 10A — WITH THE SAME TERMINAL
- will be ,ntroduced ™e s‘he
.... SHUTTLE BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND RENNIE’S mill
VIA YAN 01 COURT, TUNG YAN STREET, KWUN TONG ROAD, HIP WO STREET, SAU MAU PING ROAD, ANDERSON ROAD AND PO LAM ROAD.
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NEW ROAD IN KOWLOON X
BAY OPENS MONDAY X X
A NEW ROAD IN KOWLOON BAY AIRPORT TUNNEL’S APPROACH ROAD FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER
LEADING FROM WAI YIP STREET TO THE WILL BE OPENED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC
TRAFFIC BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND THE AIRPORT TUNMFi uiii nr
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/8........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1982
- 8 -
ROAD PROJECT FOR YUEN LONG * * M
THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING TO CONSTRUCT NEW ROADS, FOOTPATHS AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE IN TONG YAN SAN TSUEN, YUEN LONG TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT FOR RESIDENTS THERE.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE PROJECT PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE, AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, MAIN STREET, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
- - 0 - -
WATER CUT IN NORTH POINT I K *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN NORTH POINT WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 16) TO 6 AM ON THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY BOAT STREET, KING’S ROAD, LAU SIN STREET AND ELECTRIC ROAD.
- - 0 - -
FIRING PRACTICE WARNING * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 16 AND 17).
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING.
THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON TUESDAY AND FROM 9 AM TO 4.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY.
---0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FUNDS APPROVED FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS TO HELP INDUSTRY... 1
LODGING OF IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS .............. 2
CUSTOMS OFFICERS TO MEET GUANGDONG COUNTERPARTS ........ 3
BETTER DISTRICT OFFICE SERVICE IN THEN MUN ............. 4
1983 SPECIAL STAMP ISSUES .............................. 5
REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE AT STANLEY ..................... 5
ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION 1984......................... 5
NORTH DISTRICT FESTIVAL................................. 6
CAREERS EXHIBITION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE..................... 6
METRIC GAMES FOR WORKING PEOPLE ........................
'OBSERVE RULES', NT LICENSED ESTABLISHMENTS TOLD ....... 8
TWO NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR YUEN LONG................. 9
NEW TSUEN WAN TRAFFIC SCHEME............................ 9
ROAD PROJECT FOR TUEN MUN .............................. 10
SHA TIN AND TAI WAI MARKET STALLS FOR AUCTION .......... 11
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN LAI CHI KOK .................. 11
WATER CUT IN CHAI WAN................................... 11
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1982
1
FUNDS APPROVED FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS TO HELP INDUSTRY
* * * M
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAS APPROVED THE PROVISION OF S3.4 MILLION FOR CARRYING OUT, WITHIN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, TWO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH PROJECTS AND THE COMMISSION OF A CONSULTANCY STUDY ON TRANSFERS OF TECHNOLOGY.
THE PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN ENDORSED BY THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD.
FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION, THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD AGREED WITH A PROPOSAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH IN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT TECHNOLOGY AND SEMI-CONDUCTOR DEVICES, TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY.
+THE PROJECT SEEKS TO IMPROVE EXISTING FACILITIES OF THE SEMI-CONDUCTOR LABORATORY OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY TO ENABLE IT TO ASSIST WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF SINGLE-CHIP SYSTEMS AND INTEGRATED CIRCUIT FABRICATION MANUFACTURING FACILITIES,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED.
♦THIS LABORATORY CAN ASSIST INDUSTRY BY COMPLEMENTING THE MICRO-ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY IN DEVELOPMENT, TESTING AND DIAGNOSTIC WORK, AND BY SUPPORTING RESEARCH IN SILICON DEVICES AND MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY,* HE ADDED.
FUNDS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE AVAILABLE FOR THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC TO CARRY OUT A RESEARCH ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS TO PROMOTE IN THE LOCAL PRODUCTION OF CIRCUIT CHIPS AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS.
THE PROJECT WILL INCREASE THE INDUSTRY’S ABILITY TO MANUFACTURE PRODUCTS OF GREATER SOPHISTICATION AND VARIETY WITH A SHORTER PRODUCT CYCLE, FASTER RESPONSE TO ENGINEERING AND MARKET CHANGES AND BETTER INTEGRATION BETWEEN DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE.
THE OBJECTIVE CAN BE ACHIEVED BY DEVELOPING A SET OF SOFTWARE TOOLS FOR DESIGNERS AND ALSO BY OFFERING COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN, CONSULTANCY SERVICES AND EXTENSION COURSES, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
THE THIRD PROJECT APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IS A STUDY OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE.
IT WILL ASSESS THE REQUIREMENTS OF INDUSTRY IN RESPECT OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER BY SELECTING PARTS OF INDUSTRY FOR INTENSIVE STUDY.
IT WILL ALSO IDENTIFY THE SERVICES AND FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, AND CONSIDER HOW AND TO WHAT EXTENT THESE SERVICES AND FACILITIES MEET REQUIREMENTS.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1982
2
IN ADDITION, CONSIDERATIONS WILL BE GIVEN TO WHAT OTHER SERVICES AND FACILITIES ARE REQUIRED AND HOW THEY CAN BE PROVIDED.
+THE PROPOSAL INCLUDES THE STUDY OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER TECHNIQUES IN NEIGHBOURING ASIAN COUNTRIES, AND WILL DRAW ON THE ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE OF LOCAL AND OVERSEAS SPECIALISTS IN THIS FIELD,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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LODGING OF IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS * X * *
MANY IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS APPEAR TO BE WASTING THEIR MONEY UNNECESSARILY ON PENALTY CHARGES FOR NOT SUBMITTING IMPORT OR EXPORT DECLARATIONS WITHIN THE ALLOWED PERIOD OF 14 DAYS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS NOT ENGAGED IN TRADE, ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO SUBMIT IMPORT OR EXPORT DECLARATIONS COVERING ALL THEIR TRANSACTIONS (INCLUDING THOSE NOT FOR TRADE PURPOSES), OTHER THAN GOODS EXEMPTED UNDER REGULATION 3 OF THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (REGISTRATION) REGULATIONS, WITHIN 14 DAYS OF IMPORTATION OR EXPORTATION.
ANY IMPORT OR EXPORT DECLARATION SUBJECT TO PAYMENT OF AD VALOREM CHARGES SUBMITTED OUTSIDE THE PRESCRIBED PERIOD OF 14 DAYS WILL BE LIABLE TO PENALTY CHARGES WHICH RISE AFTER TWO MONTHS PLUS 14 DAYS TO A MAXIMUM OF $100 PER DECLARATION WHERE THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE GOODS DOES NOT EXCEED $20 000, AND TO A MAXIMUM OF $200 PER DECLARATION WHERE THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE GOODS EXCEEDS $20 000.
PROSECUTIONS MAY BE INITIATED AGAINST THOSE WHO, WITHOUT GOOD REASONS, FAIL TO LODGE THE NECESSARY IMPORT OR EXPORT DECLARATIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT MANY OF THE PENALTY AND PROSECUTION CASES COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF THE DECLARANTS HAD LODGED THE NECESSARY IMPORT OR EXPORT DECLARATIONS WITHIN THE TIME ALLOWED.
DECLARANTS MAY CONTACT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AT TELEPHONE NUMBERS 5-455118, 5-444674, 5-436560 AND 5-439372 FOR INFORMATION ABOUT LODGEMENT OF IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1982
- 3 -
CUSTOMS OFFICERS TO MEET GUANGDONG COUNTERPARTS *****
THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR D.A. JORDAN WILL LEAD A DELEGATION OF SENIOR CUSTOMS OFFICIALS TO GUANGZHOU TOMORROW (MONDAY) FOR A WEEK-LONG SERIES OF MEETINGS WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS THERE.
THE VISIT FOLLOWS A PREVIOUS MEETING BETWEEN THE TWO CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATIONS HELD IN HONG KONG IN MARCH LAST YEAR.
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL BE MET BY MR SUN CHUAN-LU, DIRECTOR OF THE GUANGDONG BRANCH OF THE GENERAL CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND SEVERAL OF HIS COLLEAGUES AT BA I YUN AIRPORT, GUANGZHOU.
AFTER A SERIES OF DISCUSSIONS ON ISSUES RELATING TO SMUGGLING, TRAFFICKING OF NARCOTICS, TRADE FACILITATION, AND FUTURE CONTACT, THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL BE SHOWN THE VARIOUS UNITS OF THE CHINESE CUSTOMS AT WORK INCLUDING THE CUSTOMS INSPECTION OFFICES AT GUANGZHOU RAILWAY STATION, BAIYUN AIRPORT, AND THE JOU TAU JOO TERMINAL.
THEY WILL ALSO VISIT OTHER CHINESE CUSTOMS CONTROL POINTS AT JIULONG, SHENZHEN AND MAN KAM TO CUSTOMS STATIONS.
♦THE PURPOSE OF THE EXCHANGE OF VISITS IS TO STRENGTHEN CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE TWO ORGAN I SAT IONS,+ SAID hfi JORDAN.
+THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THESE VISITS PROMOTE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND WILL LEAD TO GREATER FACILITATION OF TRADE AND OF THE HANDLING OF THE EVER INCREASING NUMBERS OF PASSENGERS WHO PASS BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG.+
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION INCLUDES SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT K.S. TONG, HEAD OF THE CUSTOMS INVESTIGATION BUREAU; SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT H.L. KWONG, REGIONAL COMMANDER OF THE N.T. REGION; SUPERINTENDENT K.H. TO, STAFF OFFICER OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE! MR P.l. WEBB OF THE POLITICAL ADVISER’S OFFICE AND MR M.H. FAN, THE INTERPRETER FOR THE PARTY.
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL SPEND A WEEK IN GUANGDONG PROVINCE.
--------o
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1982
4
BETTER DISTRICT OFFICE SERVICE IN TUEN MUN
KO*
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE IS EXPANDING ITS SERVICES TO RESIDENTS BY OPENING A NEW COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BRANCH OFFICE (CABO) AND UPGRADING AN EXISTING PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE TO ’CABO’ STATUS.
THE NEW ’CABO’ WILL SERVE RESIDENTS MOVING INTO THE TWO NEWEST ESTATES IN THE DISTRICT - BUTTERFLY AND WU KING ESTATES -WHICH WILL HOUSE 70 000 PEOPLE WHEN FULLY COMPLETED.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID RESIDENTS HAD STARTED MOVING INTO WU KING ESTATE IN AUGUST. THERE ARE NOW ABOUT 1 200 FAMILIES WITH 6 000 PEOPLE LIVING IN THE ESTATE, AND ABOUT 300 MORE PEOPLE ARE MOVING IN EACH DAY.
+IN ORDER TO HELP THESE NEWCOMERS SETTLE DOWN SMOOTHLY, THE DISTRICT OFFICE IS SETTING UP A COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BRANCH OFFICE AT WU PIK HOUSE.
+FITT ING-OUT WORK IS NOW IN SPEEDY PROGRESS AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED NEXT MONTH,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT IN THE INTERIM PERIOD, NORMAL ’CABO’ SERVICES WERE BEING PROVIDED AT THE HOUSING ADVICE CENTRE, ALSO LOCATED AT WU PIK HOUSE, SINCE THE INCEPTION OF INTAKING.
MEANWHILE, THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE AT HING SHING HOUSE, TAI HING ESTATE, HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO A CABO TO PROVIDE A WIDER RANGE OF SERVICE. IT WILL MOVE TO ITS NEW PREMISES AT HING FAI HOUSE EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THE TAI HING CABO, TOGETHER WITH THE ON TING/YAU 01 CABO, WILL PROVIDE NIGHT SERVICE ON A TRIAL BASIS STARTING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE TAI HING CABO WILL PROVIDE NIGHT SERVICE ON MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS WHILE THE ON TING/YAU 01 OFFICE WILL RUN THE NIGHT SERVICE ON TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS.
OPENING HOURS WILL BE FROM 5.15 PM TO 9.30 PM.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF NIGHT SERVICE, IT WAS HOPED THAT THE LINK BETWEEN THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES WOULD BE STRENGTHENED SO AS TO PROVIDE BETTER SERVICE TO THE RESIDENTS.
IN ADDITION, ONE LIAISON OFFICER FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE IS STATIONING AT THE MANAGEMENT OFFICE OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME SIU HONG COURT IN THE MORNINGS FROM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY TO SERVE RESIDENTS THERE.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1982
1983 SPECIAL STAMP ISSUES K KK
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR A.C. HEATHCOTE, ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE FIRST TWO SPECIAL STAMP ISSUES FOR 1983 WILL BE ON THE THEMES OF +PERFORMING ARTS OF HONG KONG+ AND +COMMONWEALTH DAY*.
THE FIRST ISSUE ^PERFORMING ARTS OF HONG KONG* WILL BE PLACED ON SALE ON JANUARY 26.
IT WILL CONSIST OF THREE STAMPS FEATURING THE CHINESE CHARACTERS FOR +DANCE+ (30 CENTS), +DRAMA* ($1.30) AND *MUSIC+ ($5).
THE SECOND ISSUE WILL BE ON MARCH 14 TO COMMEMORATE ■►COMMONWEALTH DAY 1983*. IT WILL COMPRISE FOUR STAMPS AT DENOMINATIONS OF 30 CENTS, $1, $1.30 AND $5.
REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE AT STANLEY * M *
A REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE WAS HELD BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, IN THE MAIN HALL OF THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICERS’ CLUB AT STANLEY TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE SERVICE WAS ATTENDED BY THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, THE STAFF AND FRIENDS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
FOLLOWING THE SERVICE, THE CONGREGATION LED BY THE TAI TAM GIRL PIPERS, MARCHED TO STANLEY MILITARY CEMETERY AND JOINED IN THE WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY IN REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE KILLED DURING SERVICE IN THE TWO WARS.
ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION 1984 M K M K
SCHOOLS WISHING TO ENTER CANDIDATES FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR THE HONG KONG ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION IN 1984 AND TO ENTER CANDIDATES FOR A PRACTICAL SUBJECT NOT PREVIOUSLY TAKEN MUST APPLY TO THE SECRETARY OF THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY FOR APPROVAL BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 1982, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
APPLICATION FORMS MAY NOW BE OBTAINED FROM THE EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY AT CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 10/F, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON. THE FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
/THE HANDBOOK
SUNDAY, NCVEMBSR 14, 1982
THE HANDBOOK OF REGULATIONS AND SYLLABUSES FOR THE 1984 EXAMINATION MAY BE PURCHASED AT THE PUBLICATION UNIT, HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY, 17 TSEUK LUK STREET, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON AND THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG AND LEADING BOOK STORES.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MR W.L. CHEUNG OF THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY AT 3-698731.
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NORTH DISTRICT FESTIVAL
XXX
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD HAS APPROVED AN ALLOCATION OF $120 000 FOR THIS YEAR’S DISTRICT FESTIVAL, ONE-THIRD MORE THAN LAST YEAR’S FIGURE.
THE TWO-WEEK LONG FESTIVAL, WHICH OPENS ON DECEMBER 4, IS THE THIRD TO BE HELD IN THE DISTRICT.
EIGHTEEN EVENTS HAVE BEEN ARRANGED, INCLUDING ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES, COMPETITIONS, MUSICAL PRESENTATIONS AND CANTONESE OPERAS.
THE FESTIVAL BUDGET IS $210 000.
TO MEET THE BALANCE, AN ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR THE FESTIVAL, COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, IS RAISING FUNDS.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING.
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CAREERS EXHIBITION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
* * X
YOUNG PEOPLE OR SCHOOL LEAVERS LOOKING FOR CAREERS WILL BE ABLE TO EXPLORE THE WORLD OF WORK AT AN EXHIBITION TO BE STAGED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL FROM NOVEMBER 20 TO NOVEMBER 29.
CO-SPONSORED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE CAREERS ’83 EXHIBITION WILL BE OPENED BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, ER KEITH LEGG, IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE AT 10.30 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 19).
IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM THE NEXT DAY, BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 6.30 PM DAILY.
/T<<aL. TY- TWO ITOHS •••«•••
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1962
- 7 -
TWENTY-TWO EXHIBITORS FROM COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, THE SERVICES, PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE 1O-DAY EXHIBITION.
EXHIBITORS FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR WILL INCLUDE BANKS, HOTEL SERVICES, CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES, SOCIAL SERVICES, AND PUBLIC UTILITIES.
EACH EXHIBITOR WILL HAVE A DISPLAY STAND TO ILLUSTRATE, BY bEANS OF CHARTS, PHOTOGRAPHS, MODELS AND OTHER AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS, THE NATURE OF THE JOBS, ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS, CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING, PROMOTION PROSPECTS AND OTHER INFORMATION.
THE EXHIBITION IS STAGED ANNUALLY BY THE DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY J +CHOOSING A CAREER IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISIONS A YOUNG PERSON HAS TO MAKE. THE EXHIBITION AIMS TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE MAKE A RIGHT START.
IN ADDITION, A SERIES OF CAREER-ORIENTED ACTIVITIES WILL BE STAGED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT EDINBURGH PLACE ON NOVEMBER 20, 21, 27 AND 28.
EACH PARTICIPANT WILL STAGE A FULL-DAY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTING THE VARIOUS FACETS OF ITS WORK BY MEANS OF DISPLAYS AND DEMONSTRATIONS.
THE LIVE SHOWS WILL BE BOTH INFORMATIVE AND ENTERTAINING AND WILL INCLUDE DEMONSTRATIONS BY SPECIALIST UNITS OF THE POLICE FORCE, PERFORMANCES BY BANDS, DOG SHOWS, FOLK SONG AND FOLK DANCE PERFORMANCES, DISPLAY OF POLICE VEHICLES AND FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT.
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METRIC GAMES FOR WORKING PEOPLE
* * * *
THE METRICATION COMMITTEE IS INVITING EMPLOYEES FROM VARIOUS TRADES AND PROFESSIONS TO TAKE PART IN THE COMING METRIC GAMES DAY.
THE EVENT, TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 16, 1983 AT THE VICTORIA PARK, IS ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE IN COLLABORATION WITH THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AS PART OF THE 10-DAY METRIC PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN.
THE GAMES DAY IS TARGETTED AT INCREASING PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE OF METRIC UNITS THROUGH FUN-FILLED TELEMATCHES.
ANYONE AGED 18 OR ABOVE MAY APPLY IN THE NAME OF THE COMPANY HE WORKS FOR OR THE ORGANISATION TO WHICH HE BELONGS.
T3ALI.........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1962
- 8 -
EACH TEAM WILL COMPRISE 20 MEMBERS, OF WHICH AT LEAST FIVE MUST BE FEMALE. THE TEAMS WILL COMPETE IN SPECIALLY DESIGNED GAMES INVOLVING THE USE OF THE BASIC METRIC UNITS.
ATTRACTIVE PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE OVERALL CHAMPION, TWO RUNNERS-UP, AND THE WINNING TEAMS OF THE INDIVIDUAL GAMES. IN ADDITION, ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE GIVE-AWAY ITEMS.
THE VENUE FOR THE EVENT WAS PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE BY THE URBAN COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF THE METRICATION PROGRAMME.
APPLICATION FORMS AND RELATED MATERIAL ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE HEAD OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, ill CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, 11/F, WING ON CENTRE, HONG KONG, AND ITS BRANCH OFFICES. THEY MUST BE FILLED IN AND RETURNED TO THE OFFICE BY DECEMBER 15, 1982 AT THE LATEST.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED IN WRITING BEFORE JANUARY 3, 1983.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE AT 5-458511.
- 0--------
'OBSERVE RULES’, NT LICENSED ESTABLISHMENTS TOLD
* * * * *
OPERATORS OF LICENSED ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING RESTAURANTS, FOOD SHOPS AND PUBLIC BILLIARD SALOONS, WERE REMINDED TODAY TO OBSERVE LICENSING REGULATIONS.
FAILURE TO DO SO MAY LEAD TO THE SUSPENSION OR CANCELLATION CF LICENCES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE WARNING FOLLOWS A RECENT DECISION BY THE NTSD TO SUSPEND THE LICENCE OF A RESTAURANT, A FRESH PROVISION SHOP AND A PUBLIC BILLIARD SALOON FOR TWO DAYS.
UNDER A STANDING POLICY, THE NTSD MAY SUSPEND THE LICENCE CF ANY ESTABLISHMENTS WHOSE OPERATORS HAVE BEEN CONVICTED FOR OFFENCES IN CONNECTION WITH THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE ON THREE OCCASIONS WITHIN 12 MONTHS.
THE SPOKESMAN WARNED THAT LICENCES MAY BE CANCELLED FOR REPEATED OFFENDERS.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1982
TWO NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR YUEN LONG
* * * *
THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN YUEN LONG TOWN.
THE SCHOOLS, TO BE BUILT ON A SITE OF ABOUT 9 800 SQUARE METRES IN FUNG YAU SOUTH STREET, WILL BE OF THE STANDARD 24-CLASSROOM TYPE.
IN ADDITION TO THE MAIN TEACHING BLOCKS, THEY WILL HAVE ADMINISTRATION OFFICES, SPECIAL FACILITIES FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS AS WELL AS A LIBRARY AND ANCILLARY BUILDINGS AND STAFF QUARTERS.
CONSTRUCTION WILL BEGIN IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN MID-1984.
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NEW TSUEN WAN TRAFFIC SCHEME X * * *
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN TSUEN WAN ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 17) TO IMPROVE SUBSTANTIALLY BUS JOURNEY TIME AS WELL AS GENERAL TRAFFIC FLOW.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE MAIN AIM OF THIS PUBLIC TRANSPORT PRIORITY SCHEME WAS TO REDUCE BUS TRAVELLING TIME ALONG SHA TSUI ROAD, TEXACO ROAD, AND YEUNG UK ROAD BY AS MUCH AS 25 TO 30 PER CENT WHICH WILL BENEFIT UP TO 16 000 PASSENGERS EVERY HOUR IN EACH DIRECTION DURING PEAK PERIODS.
TO ACHIEVE THIS, CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS WILL BE IMPOSED ON KERBSIDE ACTIVITIES TOGETHER WITH A NUMBER OF ROAD DIVERSIONS, TO ELIMINATE JUNCTION DELAYS. AND SOME BUS STOPS WILL BE RELOCATED.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT FEATURE OF THE SCHEME IS THE INSTALLATION OF MORE SOPHISTICATED SIGNAL CONTROLLERS IN TSUEN WAN AREA, PARTICULARLY AT THE IMPORTANT JUNCTIONS OF YEUNG UK ROAD WITH CHUNG ON STREET, MA TAU PA ROAD AND KWU HANG ROAD, AND THE JUNCTIONS OF SHA TSUI ROAD WITH KWU HANG ROAD, WO TIK STREET AND HAM TIN STREET.
THE FOLLOWING CHANGES WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 17):
CHUNG ON STREET FROM HO PUI STREET TO YEUNG UK ROAD, AND TAI HA STREET NEAR ITS WESTERN JUNCTION WITH TAI WO HAU ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED AS 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAYS.
/clbarway assraicrioK .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1982
10 -
CLEARWAY RESTRICTION WILL ALSO BE IMPOSED ON THE FOLLOWING ROADS DAILY FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM«
* SHA TSUI ROAD BETWEEN TAI HO ROAD AND TEXACO ROAD’
* THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF KWU HANG ROAD; AND
M THE SOUTHBOUND SECTION OF KWU HANG ROAD BETWEEN SHA TSUI ROAD AND LUEN YAN STREET.
WITHIN THESE SECTIONS, VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE BANNED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
MOREOVER, KWU HANG ROAD BETWEEN SHA TSUI ROAD AND LUEN YAN STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A 24-HOUR CLEARWAY FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES.
THE BUS STOPS ON TEXACO ROAD OUTSIDE CROWNS OF THORNS CHURCH WILL BE MOVED TO SHA TSUI ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH TEXACO ROAD, AND THOSE ALONG SHA TSUI ROAD WILL BE RE-ARRANGED ACCORDINGLY.
AT THE SAME TIME, VEHICLES TRAVELLING ALONG CHUNG ON STREET WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN INTO SHA TSUI ROAD.
AND FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 18), VEHICLES TRAVELLING ALONG TAI WO HAU ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE BANNED FROM EITHER TURNING RIGHT INTO TEXACO ROAD NORTHBOUND OR DRIVING STRAIGHT INTO TSUEN FU STREET. INSTEAD, MOTORISTS WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TEXACO ROAD SOUTHBOUND, SHA TSUI ROAD, KWU HANG ROAD AND YEUNG UK ROAD TO REJOIN TEXACO ROAD NORTHBOUND.
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ROAD PROJECT FOR TUEN MUN
* * X X
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS PROPOSING A ROAD PROJECT, NORTH OF TUEN MUN CLINIC TO LINK THE EXISTING SECTION OF TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD TO ANOTHER NEW ROAD IN THE AREA.
THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF A NEW ROAD TOGETHER WITH A FLYOVER AND A FOOTBRIDGE OVER CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
UNDER THE PROPOSAL, A SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE WIDENED FROM A DUAL TWO-LANE TO A DUAL THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY.
THE SCHEME FORMS PART OF A DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED SCHEME IS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
AN OUTLINE OF THE SCHEME CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, TUEN MUN BUILDING, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN SITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1982
11
SHA TIN AND TAI WAI MARKET STALLS FOR AUCTION
X * * *
A TOTAL OF 17 STALLS AT TAI WAI TEMPORARY MARKET AND SHA TIN MARKET WILL BE PUT UP FOR PUBLIC AUCTION ON NOVEMBER 18, STARTING AT 10 AM, AT THE LEK YUEN COMMUNITY HALL, LEK YUEN ESTATE IN SHA TIN.
OF THE TEN STALLS TO BE OFFERED AT TAI WAI TEMPORARY MARKET, ONE IS FOR THE SALE OF ICE, SEVEN ARE FOR THE SALE OF WET GOODS AND THE OTHER TWO FOR DRY GOODS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
THE UPSET MONTHLY RENTAL FOR THE ICE STALL IS $1 500, AND FOR EACH OF THE WET GOODS AND DRY GOODS STALLS IS $1 000.
OF THE SEVEN STALLS AT SHA TIN MARKET, THE UPSET MONTHLY RENTAL IS $750 FOR EACH OF THE FOUR STALLS SELLING WET GOODS, $2 000 FOR EACH OF THE TWO FISH STALLS, AND $3 000 FOR THE SINGLE STALL FOR THE SALE OF NEWSPAPERS AND CIGARETTES.
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MAY START BUSINESS ON DECEMBER 1 FOR A CONTRACT PERIOD OF THREE YEARS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
BIDDERS MUST BE OVER 21 YEARS OF AGE AND MUST BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND FIVE PHOTOGRAPHS.
FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE HAWKERS AND MARKETS SECTION OF THE SHA TIN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE, TELEPHONE 0-623467.
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TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN LAI CHI KOK * * *
THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM LAI CHI KOK ROAD WESTBOUND TO LAI CHI KOK BRIDGE WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5.30 AM THIS WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 17) FOR ROAD WORKS.
„„ DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON BROADWAY HEADING FOR KWAI CHUNG MAY TRAVEL VIA LAI CHI KOK ROAD EASTBOUND, CHEUNG LAI CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD WESTBOUND AND LAI CHI KOK BRIDGE.
STREET,
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WATER CUT IN CHAI WAN
* * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN CHAI WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 PM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 17) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS CONNECTION.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT FUNG YIP STREET, SUN YIP STREET, ON YIP STREET, SUN ON STREET, CHAI WAN ROAD BUS DEPOT, A SECTION OF CHAI WAN ROAD BETWEEN HONG PING STREET AND SUN YIP STREET, AND THE ON YIP STREET RESITE AREA.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
KWAI CHUNG EXPANSION COMPLETE IN 1986 ....................... 1
PREMIUM ON SMALL NT HOUSES REDUCED............................. 2
BRITISH TRADE GROUP TOURS NT .................................. 3
MORE APPEALS HEARD BY SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD................... 't
TRAINING COURSE ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT ........................ 5
DECEMBER SPORTS CARNIVAL FOR WEST KOWLOON ..................... 5
$22.8 MILLION MORE FOR TAI PO WORKS ........................... 6
KODALY CENTENARY CELEBRATION CONCERT .......................... 6
BANNING OF RIGHT TURNS IN TSUEN WAN AND SHAU KEI WAN .......... 7
CLOSURE OF SECTION OF TUEN MUN HIGHWAY......................... 7
WATER MAINS WORK ............................................ 8
WATER FIGURES
8
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1982
1
KWAI CHUNG EXPANSION COMPLETE IN 1986 *****
WHEN THE CURRENT PHASE OF EXPANSION IS COMPLETED IN 1986, THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER PORT, THE THIRD LARGEST IN THE WORLD, WILL HAVE A THROUGHPUT CAPACITY OF 2.2 MILLION TEUS (TWENTY-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS), COMPARED WITH 1.56 MILLION TEUS LAST YEAR, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID AT THE OPENING OF EXPOSHIP FAR EAST '82 TODAY (MONDAY).
THE EXPANSION PHASE WILL INVOLVE THE RECLAMATION OF THE CREEK TO THE EAST OF THE CONTAINER PORT SO AS TO PROVIDE ABOUT 14 HECTARES OF ADDITIONAL LAND AS BACK-UP AREA FOR THE PRESENT CONTAINER TERMINALS, SIR PHILIP SAID.
♦EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OF THE PORT IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR ABILITY TO TRADE, WHETHER IN OUR OWN PRODUCTS OR IN RE-EXPORTS,* HE SAID.
THE OCEAN-GOING TONNAGE ON THE HONG KONG REGISTER INCREASED FROM 0.42 MILLION GROSS REGISTERED TONS IN 1975 TO 2.58 MILLION IN 1981 AND TO 3.49 MILLION BY THE END OF LAST SEPTEMBER, SIR PHILIP POINTED OUT.
♦ IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO MAINTAIN THE HIGH STANDARDS OF SHIP CONSTRUCTION, SAFETY, MANNING AND CREW TRAINING APPLICABLE BY LAW TO BRITISH SHIPS, BY EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT AND CONTINUAL MONITORING OF CHANGES IN INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS,* HE STRESSED.
APART FROM BEING A PORT OF BRITISH REGISTRY, HONG KONG IS A MAJOR OWNING CENTRE, WITH AN ESTIMATE OF 33 MILLION GROSS REGISTERED TONS OF SHIPPING BEING CONTROLLED BY HONG KONG SHIPOWNERS, HE SAID.
WITH REFERENCE TO DIFFICULTIES OF HONG KONG SHIPOWNERS IN THE PREVAILING ECONOMIC CLIMATE, SIR PHILIP EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT THE OWNERS WOULD +SAFELY NAVIGATE THEIR. WAY THROUGH TO CALMER WATERS.*
ON HONG KONG’S SLUGGISH PERFORMANCE IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN THE FACE OF GLOBAL RECESSION, SIR PHILIP SAID, ♦THERE IS NO WAY IN WHICH AN EXTERNALLY-ORIENTED ECONOMY, SUCH AS HONG KONG’S, CAN BE INSULATED AGAINST FLUCTUATIONS IN THE GROWTH RATE OF WORLD TRADE AND, INDEED, IT WOULD BE DAMAGING TO THE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM TO ATTEMPT TO DO S0.+
♦THE FACT IS THAT UNFETTERED OPERATION OF THE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM ENSURES OUR PROSPERITY IN THE LONGER TERM, NOT THAT THIS FUNDAMENTAL TRUTH NECESSARILY PRECLUDES A DEGREE OF POSITIVE INTERVENTIONISM BY THE GOVERNMENT IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES,+ HE SAID.
♦FOR EXAMPLE, THE SUPPLY RESPONSE IN THE PROPERTY MARKET IN HONG KONG IS INEVITABLY LUMPY, AND THIS CAN CAUSE RATHER SPECIAL DIFFICULTIES IF A LARGE SUPPLY OF PROPERTY COMES ON STREAM AT A TIME OF WEAK DEMAND.
♦CERTAINLY, IN SUCH A SITUATION, THE BANKING SYSTEM HAS AN OBLIGATION TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF RESCHEDULING THE DEBT LIABILITIES OF SOUND PROPERTY COMPANIES, FOR THE BANKING SYSTEM ACCEPTED THE EXPOSURE IN THE FIRST PLACE,♦ SIR PHILIP SAID.
0
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1982
2
PREMIUM ON SMALL NT HOUSES REDUCED * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO REDUCE BY 30 PER CENT THE FIVE-YEAR, NON-ASSIGNMENT PREMIUM ON SMALL HOUSES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER, YUEN LONG, MR THOMAS H.K. HO, REVEALED TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE NEW TERRITORIES ROTARY CLUB’S DINNER TONIGHT, W HO SAID OWNERS OF SUCH HOUSES NEED ONLY PAY AN ADMINISTRATIVE FEE OF $400 PLUS A PREMIUM FOR THE MODIFICATION OF THE SMALL HOUSE CONDITIONS, THUS ALLOWING THEM TO SUB-DIVIDE THEIR HOMES INTO THREE SEPARATE FLATS, SUBJECT TO A DEED OF COVENANT GOVERNING THE THREE FLATS.
MR HO SAID THAT A VILLAGE HAD BEEN SELECTED FOR THE DRAWING UP OF A VILLAGE LAYOUT SO THAT SYSTEMATIC DEVELOPMENT COULD BE ACHIEVED.
AND FOR THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL AREA, PLOT RATIOS HAVE BEEN READJUSTED ACCORDING TO NEEDS SO THAT LARGE SITES COULD BE SUB-DIVIDED INTO SMALLER PLOTS.
AS AN EXAMPLE OF THIS READJUSTMENT, MR HO POINTED OUT THAT FOR TWO PLOTS OF LAND IN THE YUEN LONG AREA WHICH WOULD BE AUCTIONED ON NOVEMBER 18, THE PLOT RATIO HAS BEEN ADJUSTED FROM SIX TO THREE.
♦AND AGAIN IN JANUARY 1983, THE PLOT RATIO FOR TWO SITES WHICH WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE IN THE SAME AREA HAS BEEN CHANGED FROM EIGHT TO THREE,+ HE ADDED.
THE REMAINING INDUSTRIAL AND GODOWN SITES IN YUEN LONG WOULD BE SIMILARLY READJUSTED TO A PLOT RATIO OF NOT MORE THAN THREE, SAID.
HE ALSO SAID THESE WERE SOME OF THE CHANGES IN THE LAND ADMINISTRATION POLICY WHICH HAS BEEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE KEPT AS FLEXIBLE AS POSSIBLE TO MEET THE DEMANDS FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO ALLOW PRIVATE LAND OWNERS TO PARTICIPATE IN DEVELOPMENT. IN THE CASE OF TONG YAN SAN TSUEN, GOVERNMENT WILL ONLY RESUME LAND FOR ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS WHILE LAND OWNERS WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO COME FORWARD WITH PROPOSALS FOR IN—SITU EXCHANGES,+ MR HO SAID.
LOOKING AT THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE, MR HO SAID THAT 14.5 HECTARES OF LAND IN YUEN LONG WOULD BE OFFERED FOR SALE OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS. THESE WOULD INCLUDE 4.8 HECTARES FOR INDUSTRIAL AND GODOWN USE, SEVEN HECTARES FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES ONLY AND TWO HECTARES FOR COMMERCIAL/RESI DENT I AL USE.
/+ABOQT 12 .......
MONDAY, NOVSMBEB 15, 1982
5
♦ABOUT 12 PLOTS OF CROWN LAND ARE BEING LEASED OUT TEMPORARILY FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS AND PAINT SPRAYING, ONE PLOT FOR OPEN STORAGE INCLUDING EMPTY CONTAINERS, ANOTHER FOR BATCHING PLANTS CONCRETE AND A 5 000 SQUARE METRES SITE WILL BE MARKETED FOR A MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK AND CAR-REPAIRING PURPOSES.+ MR HO SAID.
LAND OWNERS COULD ALSO APPLY FOR SHORT-TERM WAIVERS FOR STORAGE PURPOSES ON PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LAND ON WHICH PERMANENT DEVELOPMENT COULD NOT TAKE PLACE FOR THE TIME BEING, PROVIDED THE APPLICATION MET WITH THE NECESSARY CRITERIA.
♦AS FAR AS YUEN LONG IS CONCERNED NO FURTHER LICENCES WILL BE ISSUED FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES,+ MR HO SAID. +LEASE ENFORCEMENT AND CROWN LAND CONTROL WILL ALSO BE STEPPED UP.*
MR HO SAID THAT THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY WAS BEING LOOKED INTO BY THE NORTH-WEST NEW TERRITORIES CONSULTANTS AND THEIR REPORTS WERE EXPECTED SOME TIME NEXT YEAR.
MEANWHILE, THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, HE SAID, WOULD CONTINUE TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN TURNING YUEN LONG INTO A MORE DYNAMIC AND BALANCED COMMUNITY.
_ - 0 - -
BRITISH TRAut GROUP TOURS NT * * *
MEMBERS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SELECT COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY AND TRADE, WHO ARE IN HONG KONG FOR A FOUR-DAY VISIT, TODAY (MONDAY) TOOK A HELICOPTER TOUR OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE 11-MEMBER DELEGATION WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, DR RICHARD BUTLER.
THE PARTY LATER LANDED AT TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WHERE THEY WERE BRIEFED BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION, MR VICTOR W. MILLER, ON THE WORK OF THE CORPORATION.
THEY ALSO VISITED AN ELECTRONICS FACTORY AT THE ESTATE AND A CARPET FACTORY IN TAI PO.
THE DELEGATION ARRIVED IN HONG KONG ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 13) AND WILL LEAVE FOR KUALA LUMPUR TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
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A
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1982
4
MORE APPEALS HEARD BY SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD
* * * *
THE SOCIAL SECURITY APPEAL BOARD RECEIVED 70 APPEALS IN 1981-82, OR 29 PER CENT MORE THAN THE YEAR BEFORE.
IN ITS 1981-82 ANNUAL REPORT JUST PUBLISHED, THE BOARD NOTES THAT OF THE APPEALS, 19 WERE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES, 47 WERE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE CASES AND THE REMAINING FOUR CONCERNED THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME.
BOARD HEARINGS WERE HELD FOR 57 APPEALS, 11 OF WHICH WERE BROUGHT FORWARD FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR. THE TOTAL REFLECTED AN INCREASE OF 17 HEARINGS OVER 1980-81.
OF THE APPEALS HEARD, THE BOARD CONFIRMED THE DECISIONS OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE ON 31 CASES AND GAVE SUBSTITUTES FOR HIS DECISIONS ON 26 OTHERS.
THE REPORT SAID THAT THE HANDLING OF COMPLAINTS CONTINUED TO BE ONE OF THE BOARD’S IMPORTANT ROLES.
♦THE COMPLAINTS LODGED AT THE OFFICE OF THE BOARD DO NOT ALL EVENTUALLY BECOME APPEALS BECAUSE THE PROBLEMS OF SOME COMPLAINANTS MAY BE SOLVED WHEN APPROPRIATE ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN BY THE STAFF OF THE BOARD,♦ IT ADDED.
THE BOARD RECEIVED 103 COMPLAINTS DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW, ONE CASE LESS THAN IN THE PRECEDING YEAR.
OF THESE, 45 DID NOT LEAD TO APPEALS, 11 WERE REFERRED TO THE APPROPRIATE OFFICES, AND 47 EVENTUALLY BECAME APPEALS.
THE BOARD SAID IN THE REPORT THAT THE APPEAL MACHINERY SHOULD BE GIVEN WIDER PUBLICITY.
WHERE INVESTIGATIONS OF A CASE BEING REVIEWED FOR EXTENSION CF ALLOWANCE MIGHT NOT BE COMPLETED FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER EVEN WHEN THE ALLOWANCE HAD EXPIRED, THE BOARD SAID THAT PAYMENTS SHOULD CONTINUE UNTIL COMPLETION OF INVESTIGATIONS IN ORDER TO AVOID ANY HARDSHIP TO THE RECIPIENT.
IT SUGGESTED THAT PART OF THE EARNINGS OF THOSE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS WHO SHOULD BE IN GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT BE DISREGARDED.
AT PRESENT, THIS RULE APPLIES ONLY TO THOSE WHO ARE NOT REQUIRED TO REGISTER WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AS A CONDITION CF RECEIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
IT SAID THAT A RELAXATION OF THIS RULE WOULD ENCOURAGE RECIPIENTS TO BE DILIGENT AND AT THE SAME TIME DISCOURAGE THEM FROM BEING DISHONEST.
THE BOARD ALSO FELT THAT THE PERMITTED PERIOD OF ABSENCE FROM HONG KONG FOR RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE OR SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES SHOULD BE RELAXED TO SIX MONTHS IN A YEAR.
/AT PRESENT, ........
MONDAY, NOVhMBER 15, 1982
5
AT PRESENT, THE ALLOWABLE PERIOD OF ABSENCE IS 28 DAYS FOR A PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENT AND 56 DAYS FOR A SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE RECIPIENT.
COMMENTING ON THE BOARD’S REPORT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS GRATEFUL FOR THE VALUABLE OBSERVATIONS MADE.
+WE WILL CERTAINLY CONTINUE TO STRIVE TO IMPROVE THE APPEAL SYSTEM,♦ HE SAID.
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TRAINING COURSE ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT * * *
YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICES HAVE ORGANISED OF TRAINING COURSES FOR MEMBERS OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS IN THE DISTRICTS TO UPDATE THEIR ABOUT BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
THE A SERIES AND FLAT KNOWLEDGE
SPEAKERS FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND PRIVATE COMPANIES WILL GIVE TALKS ON BUILDING MAINTENANCE, HOME SAFETY, CRIME PREVENTION AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF TENANCY MATTERS.
CARETAKERS, WATCHMEN AND MEMBERS OF AREA COMMITTEES HAVE ALSO BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND.
THE COURSES, DIVIDED INTO FOUR SESSIONS, WILL BE HELD AT THE l€NRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE AND THE HONG KONG VERNACULAR NORMAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOOL IN MONG KOK.
THE SESSIONS FOR YAU MA TEI RESIDENTS WILL BEGIN FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) WHILE THOSE FOR MONG KOK WILL START FROM NOVEMBER 23.
CERTIFICATES WILL BE ISSUED TO PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE ATTENDED THE FULL COURSE.
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DECEMBER SPORTS CARNIVAL FOR WEST KOWLOON
* * * *
RESIDENTS LIVING IN WEST KOWLOON WILL BE TREATED TO A HALF-DAY CARNIVAL OF SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL EVENTS ON DECEMBER 12.
THE KOWLOON WEST SPORTS CARNIVAL IS BEING JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.
NEARLY 3 000 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE CARNIVAL TO BE HELD AT THE PO ON ROAD PLAYGROUND, SHAM SHU I PO, STARTING AT 2 PM.
/CARNIVAL EVENTS.....
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1982
6
CARNIVAL EVENTS WILL INCLUDE A CHILDREN’S OLYMPICS, THREE-ASIDE WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL COMPETITION, LONG-DISTANCE RUNNING FOR TEENAGERS, WALKATHON FOR THE AGED, SHUTTLE-COCK FOR ALL AND FISHING FOR FUN.
PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS WILL BE AWARDED TO PARTICIPANTS.
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE RSS OFFICES OF KOWLOON WEST, AND ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE AT 3-326449 (MONG KOK OFFICE), 3-614757 (SHAM SHU I PO OFFICE) OR 3-682585 (YAU MA TEI OFFICE).
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$22.8 MILLION MORE FOR TAI PO WORKS * * *
THE TAI PO AND FANLING DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $22.8 MILLION CONTRACT FOR ANOTHER PROJECT AS PART OF ITS PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TAI PO NEW TOWN.
WORK INVOLVES THE FORMATION OF ABOUT 2.35 HECTARES OF LAND IN THE VICINITY OF YIM TIN TSAI FOR A FISH MARKET, FUEL DEPOT, ICE PLANT AND SMALL BOATYARDS, AS WELL AS CONSTRUCTION OF 300 METRES OF SEAWALL AND ROADWORKS, DRAINAGE AND SEWERAGE WORKS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 14 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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KODALY CENTENARY CELEBRATION CONCERT * * * *
A CENTENARY CONCERT TO MARK THE BIRTH OF HUNGARIAN COMPOSER AND MUSIC EDUCATOR ZOLTAN KODALY WILL BE HELD IN LA SALLE COLLEGE, LA SALLE ROAD, KOWLOON ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 20) AT 2.30 PM.
THE PROGRAMME HAS BEEN DEVISED AND ARRANGED BY MISS CECILIA VAJDA, VISITING MUSIC ADVISER TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AND WILL FEATURE KINDERGARTEN, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN A DEMONSTRATION OF KODALY’S APPROACH TO MUSIC EDUCATION AND A PERFORMANCE OF THE COMPOSER’S *CHRISTMAS DANCE OF THE SHEPHERD* SUNG BY THE CELESTIAL CHILDREN’S CHOIR CONDUCTED BY MR CHAN TAK-CHEE.
THE CONCERT WILL CONCLUDE WITH KODALY’S *SONG OF PEACE* AND ♦TO THE NATION*, SUNG BY COMBINED CHOIRS DRAWN FROM TEACHERS AND STUDENTS WHO ATTENDED MISS VAJDA’S COURSES.
THE CONCERT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND FREE TICKETS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE MUSIC SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, 5TH FLOOR LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
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/7.....
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1982
7
BANNING OF RIGHT TURNS IN TSUEN WAN AND SHAU KEI WAN
I » If
NORTHBOUND VEHICLES TRAVELLING ALONG TAI HO ROAD IN TSUEN WAN WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT INTO CASTLE PEAK ROAD EASTBOUND FROM 10.30 AM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 17) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TAI HO ROAD FLYOVER.
THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL LAST FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH, DURING WHICH KOWLOON-BOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD WESTBOUND AND SAI LAU KOK ROAD.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, RIGHT TURN MOVEMENTS FROM HOI LEE STREET INTO SHAU KEI WAN ROAD EASTBOUND WILL ALSO BE BANNED FOR ABOUT A MONTH STARTING FROM 10 AM ON THE SAME DAY TO FACILITATE WORK ON THE TRAM TRACKS.
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CLOSURE OF SECTION OF TUEN MUN HIGHWAY
*****
CLOSURE LAST NIGHT OF THE SECTION OF ROAD BETWEEN THE SHAM TSENG INTERCHANGE AND THE SIU LAM INTERCHANGE ON TUEN MUN HIGHWAY FOLLOW!NG A SERIOUS BUS ACCIDENT WILL REMAIN IN FORCE UNTIL REPAIRS TO THE CRASHED BARRIERS ARE COMPLETED.
WILL AFFECT all TRAFFIC TRAVELLING TOWARDS TUEN MUN FROM loUbN WAN.
F0R THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ALSO POINTED OUT THAT ^'JHIN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE» ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE INSTALLED ALONG THIS SECTION OF THE ROAD TO WARN MOTORISTS.
HE URGED DRIVERS TO OBSERVE THE SPEED LIMIT OF 40 MILES PER HOUR ALONG THE WHOLE OF TUEN MUN HIGHWAY AND TO BE ESPECIALLY CAREFUL WHEN DRIVING ON IT IN RAINY WEATHER.
- - 0 -----------
/8........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1982
8
WATER MAINS WORK # # #
- - 0 - -
WATER FIGURES * * *
at KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD
AT 80.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 465.263 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
CUBirTMFTpJ<!MnrLw?TcoEALInr RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 276.328 MILLION
CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 47.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
40 000 PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS A YEAR: GOVERNOR ..................... 1
MONTHLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR SEPTEMBER 1982 ................................................... 2
STI MEETS UK PARLIAMENTARY GROUP ............................... 4
DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES VISITS TSUEN WAN ............ 5
HEALTHY INDUSTRIAL SECTOR IMPORTANT .............................. 6
GROUP HOLDS FIRST MEETING ON WAYS TO HELP WORKERS................. 6
VIEWS SOUGHT ON NEW SUBVENTION SYSTEM ............................ 7
MANPOWER SURVEY OF BANKING AND DEPOSIT TAKING COMPANIES .... 8
ENGLISH CLASS ON ANTENATAL HEALTH .............................. 8
CAS HOLDING INSPECTION EXERCISE .................................. 9
WATER CUT IN WESTERN AND SHEUNG SHUI ............................. 9
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1982
1
40 000 PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS A YEARi GOVERNOR
* X * *
PUBLIC HOUSING PRODUCTION FOR 1982-83 TO 1986-87 IS FORECAST TO BE 203 000 FLATS OR AN AVERAGE OF OVER 40 000 PER YEAR, AND CURRENT PLANS EXTEND WELL BEYOND THAT.
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID THIS TODAY WHILE OFFICIALLY OPENING MEI LAM ESTATE - THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S 106TH RENTAL ESTATE AND THE FIFTH IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
HE SAID THERE HAD BEEN A CONSIDERABLE RATE OF HOUSING PRODUCTION OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS BUT MUCH REMAINED TO BE DONE, AND HE REITERATED THAT EVERY EFFORT WOULD BE MADE TO MAINTAIN THE MOMENTUM FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.
AT THE SAME TIME, SIR EDWARD SAID THE GROWING DEMAND OF RESIDENTS FOR AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE QUALITY OF THE ACCOMMODATION HAD NOT BEEN OVERLOOKED.
+OVER THE YEARS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS BEEN STEADILY IMPROVING THE DESIGN AND STANDARDS OF THEIR NEW ESTATES IN TERMS OF SERVICES AND FINISH.
+MEI LAM IS A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE OF WHICH EVERY ONE CONCERNED CAN BE PROUD.+
THE GOVERNOR SAID TENANTS OF OLDER ESTATES HAD NOT BEEN NEGLECTED EITHER AND A REAL EFFORT WAS BEING MADE TO UPGRADE THEM TOO.
+THE OBJECTIVE OF YOUR GOVERNMENT IS THE PROVISION OF DECENT SELF-CONTAINED ACCOMMODATION FOR ALL WHO NEED IT IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID, ADDING THAT IT COULD BE ACHIEVED BY SUSTAINED EFFORT.
HE PAID TRIBUTE TO HOUSING AUTHORITY MEMBERS AND HOUSING DEPARTMENT STAFF +WITHOUT WHOM THE REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE HOUSING PROGRAMME WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE+.
IN HIS WELCOME SPEECH, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR DONALD LIAO, SAID MEI LAM WAS A PLEASING REMINDER THAT PROFESSIONAL TALENT AND HARD WORK COULD PRODUCE THE GOODS, AND MORE AND MORE OF ITS KIND WERE BEING PRODUCED IN VARIOUS PLACES OF THE TERRITORY.
+WE ARE CONSCIOUS THAT THERE IS A GREAT DEAL MORE TO BE DONE, BUT WE ARE VASTLY ENCOURAGED BY THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO MAINTAIN THE CURRENT LEVEL OF PRODUCTION AS WELL AS THE PRESENT HIGH STANDARDS FOR MANY YEARS TO COME,+ HE SAID.
ON ARRIVAL AT ME I LAM, SIR EDWARD ACCOMPANIED BY LADY YOUDE AND MR LIAO, WAS GREETED BY THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR BERNARD WILLIAMS; CHAIRMAN OF THE AUTHORITY’S BUILDING COMMITTEE, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE ; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, MR T.C. LO.
/AFTER UNVEILING .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1982
2
AFTER UNVEILING A PLAQUE TO MARK THE OPENING, THE GOVERNOR LOOKED AT DISPLAYS OF PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS IN SHA TIN, TOURED THE ESTATE’S MODERN COMMERCIAL CENTRE AND THEN JOINED HOUSING AUTHORITY MEMBERS AND OTHER GUESTS AT A RECEPTION THERE.
LATER HE VISITED A NURSERY RUN BY THE HONG KONG KA I FONG WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION, AND CALLED ON THE FIVE-MEMBER FAMILY OF MR LAI HONG-SANG AT THEIR 35.3 SQUARE-METRE FLAT AT MEI TAO HOUSE.
- - 0 - -
MONTHLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR SEPTEMBER 1982
* * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) RELEASED STATISTICS FROM THE MONTHLY SURVEY FOR SEPTEMBER 1982.
THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES (CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZE IN SEPTEMBER 1979) AS WELL AS OF THE 43 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SELECTED SERVICES SECTORS.
AS THE SAMPLE WAS NOT DRAWN ON A RANDOM BASIS, THE RESULTS ON MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE MIGHT NOT REFLECT THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE, BUT SHOULD GIVE A USEFUL INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.
TAKING ALL OF THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED AS A WHOLE, EMPLOYMENT DECLINED IN SEPTEMBER 1982 AS COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH. THE MORE SIGNIFICANT DROPS IN EMPLOYMENT OCCURRED IN THE PLASTICS, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES. THIS WAS LARGELY DUE TO TEMPORARY WORKERS LEAVING THE FACTORIES AT THE END OF THE SUMMER VACATION, AND TO THE RETRENCHMENT OF WORKERS BY SOME OF THE FACTORIES SURVEYED.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AS CONSIDERABLE AMOUNTS OF SEVERANCE PAY WERE AWARDED TO THE WORKERS LAID OFF BY SEVERAL FACTORIES SURVEYED. THE INCREASES IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS RECORDED FOR THE PLASTICS AND FOR THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES WERE, HOWEVER, LESS SIGNIFICANT. THEY WERE DUE TO WAGE ADJUSTMENTS AND THE PAYMENT OF BONUSES IN A FEW CASES.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS ROSE IN RESPECT OF THE PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES SURVEYED OWING TO THE AWARD OF BACK PAY AND BONUSES TO THE STAFF OF TWO COMPANIES. ON THE OTHER HAND, PER CAPITA EARNINGS DROPPED SLIGHTLY IN BANKS AND IN THE +OTHERS* CATEGORY OF THE SERVICES SECTOR SINCE BACK PAY AND CERTAIN ALLOWANCES WERE PAID BY A FEW COMPANIES IN THE PRECEDING MONTH.
THE OVERALL VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) AS REPORTED BY THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED IN SEPTEMBER 1982 DECLINED SLIGHTLY FROM THAT IN THE PRECEDING MONTH. MORE ORDERS-ON-HAND WERE RECORDED FOR THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRIES, WHILE LESS ORDERS WERE RECORDED FOR THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES.
/THE PERCENTAGE .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1982
5
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT, PER CAPITA EARNINGS AMD ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS ARE SHOWN IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 1982 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, AT SI.50 PER COPY. ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (AT 3-7221914).
A. EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS
PER
PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED PER CAPITA EARNINGS
INDUSTRY/SERVICE (< CHANGE JULY AUG. 1982 1982 OVER THE SEP. 1982 PRECEDING MONTH) JULY AUG. SEP. 1982 1982 1982 CAPITA EARNINGS FOR SEPT. 1982
(HKf)
MANUFACTURING 1 -4 -3 1 1 2 2 214
FOOD AND DRINKS 1 1 2 2 3 -2 3 097
WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR * -1 -2 2 * -2 1 862
TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL 1 -6 -1 1 1 -1 2 042
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 4 —8 —9 2 M 6 1 971
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS -4 -2 -5 3 3 24 2 396
ELECTRICAL AND * ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS *6 -5 -1 2 3 2 089
OTHERS 1 -2 -1 3 * 1 3 012
CONSTRUCTION 2 * -1 1 1 3 400
SERVICES 1 1 8 -2 6 4 194
BANKS 1 * * 1 7 -3 3 575
HOTELS 1 -1 -1 -2 2 1 2 438
PUBLIC UTILITIES 1 1 1 16 -6 17 4 484
OTHERS 1 1 1 5 -2 -3 5 636
/B. ORDERS-ON-HAND
TUESDAY, NOViMBER 16, 1982
4
B. ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING
INDUSTRY (% CHANGE OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH) JULY AUG. SEPT. ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) FOR SEPTEMBER 1982
1982 1982 1982
WEARING APPAREL, -2 A RQ
EXCEPT FOOTWEAR J
TEXTILES, EXCEPT -4 -Q
WEARING APPAREL J IO
PLASTIC PRODUCTS -8 -3 -1 3.21
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS -11 -8 5 2.44
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC -4 -2 -5 Il IlQ
PRODUCTS
OTHERS 3 * -1 3.40
ALL ABOVE INDUSTRIES -3 * -1 3.81
* CHANGES WITHIN ♦ 0.5%
-------0---------
STI MEETS UK PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
* * M M
„ THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR BILL DORWARD TODAY (Tuesday) met members of the uk parliamentary select committee on TRADE AND INDUSTRY, WHO ARE ON A FOUR-DAY VISIT TO HONG KONG.
THE COMMITTEE, LED BY SIR DONALD KABERRY, WERE BRIEFED BY W DORWARD ON VARIOUS TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ISSUES AFFECTING HONG KONG AND THE UNITED KINGDOM, INCLUDING THE CURRENT TEXTILE TALKS WITH THE EEC, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY AND ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG.
ALSO AT THE MEETING WERE THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR LEONARD BOYES; THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, I* PETER TSAO 1 THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR MIKE CARTLAND; THE DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, GEORGE BLANEY, AND THE SENIOR BRITISH TRADE COMMISSIONER, MR C.C. ADAMS.
------0-------
/5......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1982
5
DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES VISITS TSUEN WAN *****
THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES, MR JOHN HEYWOOD, ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (SOUTH REGION) OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, W DAVID DOWDING TODAY (TUESDAY) VISITED THE YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND IN TSUEN WAN WHERE CONSTRUCTION WORK TO IMPROVE EXISTING FACILITIES IS NEARING COMPLETION.
DURING THE VISIT MR HEYWOOD WAS BRIEFED BY THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF TSUEN WAN, MR CHAN YIU-CHEUNG, AND WAS TOLD THAT NEW FENCING AND CROWD CONTROL FACILITIES COSTING 11.25 MILLION WOULD BE INSTALLED AND WOULD BE READY TOWARDS THE END OF NEXT MONTH.
ON COMPLETION, THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION WILL MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR FIRST DIVISION LEAGUE SOCCER MATCHES TO BE HELD AT THE SPORTS GROUND WHICH CAN ACCOMMODATE 4 OOO SPECTATORS.
MR HEYWOOD WAS ALSO TOLD THAT A PLAN WAS IN HAND TO CONVERT THE SPORTS GROUND INTO A STADIUM WITH COVERED STANDS CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING MORE SPECTATORS.
THE PARTY NEXT VISITED A WORK SITE FOR A $5.3 MILLION PROJECT AT TSUEN KING CIRCUIT WHERE A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, A REST GARDEN, A MODEL BOATING POOL, FOUR TENNIS COURTS AND A SERVICE BUILDING WAS BEING BUILT.
MR HEYWOOD THEN PROCEEDED TO ANOTHER CONSTRUCTION SITE AT ALLWAY GARDENS WHICH HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR A SWIMMING POOL AND MARKET COMPLEX. HE WAS TOLD THAT CONSULTANTS HAD BEEN ENGAGED TO PROVIDE A DETAILED DESIGN AND BUILDING SERVICES FOR THE $45 MILLION PROJECT.
THE COMPLEX WILL HAVE A TRAINING AND TEACHING POOL, A SLIDE POOL AND A FREE FORM AMENITY POOL WITH SHADED SEATING AREAS AND A MARKET THAT CAN HOUSE ABOUT 280 STALLS.
MR HEYWOOD LATER TOURED THE YEUNG UK ROAD MARKET WHICH WILL BE DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR A NEW MULTI-STOREY MARKET COMPLEX IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THE NEW MARKET COMPLEX WHICH WILL PROVIDE SPACE FOR MORE THAN 450 STALLS WILL ALSO HAVE AN INDOOR GAMES HALL WITH FOUR SQUASK COURTS AND OTHER COURTS FOR BASKETBALL AND VOLLEYBALL.
THE UPPER FLOORS WILL BE GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
THE PROJECT WILL COST ABOUT $60 MILLION.
------0-------
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1982
HEALTHY INDUSTRIAL SECTOR IMPORTANT * * * *
A HEALTHY INDUSTRIAL SECTOR IS IMPORTANT TO TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS AS A SOURCE OF EMPLOYMENT AND PROSPERITY, THE DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE TSUEN WAN MODEL WORKER AWARD SCHEME PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT THE TOWN HALL, MR MACLEOD SAID 55 PER CENT OF THE DISTRICT’S WORKING POPULATION WAS EMPLOYED IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY AS COMPARED WITH ONLY 41 PER CENT IN HONG KONG AS A WHOLE.
MOREOVER, HE SAID, TSUEN WAN WAS STILL HEAVILY DEPENDENT ON THE MANUFACTURE OF TEXTILES AND WEARING APPAREL.
+THE FACT THAT THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS AN INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE AT ALL — I BELIEVE IT IS THE ONLY DISTRICT BOARD WHICH DOES HAVE ONE — UNDERLIES THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRY TO TSUEN WAN,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THE INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE HAD +VERY PROPERLY* CONCENTRATED ON ACTIVITIES WHICH HELP THE WORKERS, FOR INSTANCE THE MODEL WORKER AWARD SCHEME HELD ANNUALLY SINCE 1980, PROMOTION OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND WORKERS’ CANTEEN.
TEN FACTORY WORKERS WON THE AWARD THIS YEAR FOR THEIR INTEREST IN WORK AND CONTRIBUTION TO LOCAL INDUSTRY. THEY EACH RECEIVED A CASH PRIZE OF $2 000 AND A TROPHY.
THIS YEAR, THE AWARD SCHEME, WHICH AIMS TO CREATE A SENSE CF BELONGING AMONG THE WORKERS AND TO PROMOTE THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS, ALSO INCLUDES A SINGING CONTEST, AND FACTORY VISITS FOR THE 10 SELECTED MODEL WORKERS.
TONIGHT’S PRESENTATION CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY A TWO-HOUR VARIETY SHOW BY LOCAL SINGERS, RADIO PERSONALITIES AND WINNERS CF THE SINGING CONTEST.
------0 ------
GROUP HOLDS FIRST MEETING ON WAYS TO HELP WORKERS ft * *
THE WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE WAYS TO HELP WORKERS AFFECTED BY BUSINESS CLOSURES HELD ITS FIRST MEETING IN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
IT HAS DECIDED TO INVITE PERSONS OR ORGANISATIONS TO FORWARD IN WRITING THEIR VIEWS OR REPRESENTATIONS ON MATTERS WITHIN ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE.
SUCH REPRESENTATIONS SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE WORKING GROUP, MR ALFRED CHAN WING-KIT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, BEFORE DECEMBER 15.
ALL VIEWS AND REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE WORKING GROUP.
/THE GROUP'S .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1982
- 7 -
THE GROUP’S TERMS OF REFERENCE AREi
TO EXAMINE THE PROBLEMS FACED BY EMPLOYEES IN THE EVENT OF INSOLVENCY OF THEIR EMPLOYERS AND TO RECOMMEND APPROPRIATE COURSES CF ACTION, TAKING INTO ACCOUNTi
(A) THE REASONABLE CLAIMS OF THE WORKERS INVOLVED TO RECEIVE PROMPT PAYMENT OF WAGES DUE,
(B) THE WIDER CONSEQUENCES FOR THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE, AND
(C) THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER COUNTRIES IN THIS FIELD.
-----0------
VIEWS SOUGHT ON NEW SUBVENTION SYSTEM
* * * N
A NEW SUBVENTION SYSTEM FOR ELDERLY CENTRES WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 18).
REPORTS OF AN OPINION SURVEY ON THE NEW SYSTEM, CONDUCTED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE MEETING TO BE CHAIRED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TONY COOPER.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS PROPOSALS OF BEAUTIFYING THE MAJOR THOROUGHFARES IN THE DISTRICT AND THE FORMATION OF A DISTRICT YOUTH CHOIR.
OTHER ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED WILL INCLUDE THE BOARD’S TERMS OF REFERENCE, COMPOSITION AND MEMBERSHIP, STANDING ORDERS, AND ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD CONSISTS OF FIVE ELECTED MEMBERS, FIVE APPOINTED UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, TWO URBAN COUNCILLORS AND EIGHT OFFICIALS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DI STR I CT ROARD MEETING TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 18) AT 4 PM N tup rnwrFRFNCE ROOM OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ™WILLlI bS'ld’hS? 3RD FLOOR, AT 222-224 OES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
- 0 - -
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1982
b
MANPOWER SURVEY OF BANKING AND DEPOSIT TAKING COMPANIES
A SURVEY WILL BE HELD FROM DECEMBER 1 TO 18 TO ASCERTAIN THE MANPOWER AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS IN THE BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (DTCS) SECTORS.
THE SURVEY IS BEING CONDUCTED BY THE BANKING TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AND THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT.
QUESTIONNAIRES, EXPLANATORY NOTES AND DESCRIPTIONS OF PRINCIPAL BANK AND DTC JOBS HAVE BEEN SENT TO BANKS AND DTCS. INTERVIEWERS WILL VISIT THESE ESTABLISHMENTS DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD TO COLLECT THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES.
THE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUPPLY INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AND VACANCIES, TRAINING ACTIVITES, PERIOD OF TRAINING AND OTHER RELATED MANPOWER AND TRAINING MATTERS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRAINING BOARD, DEREK F. WHARTON, SAID THAT THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY WOULD ENABLE HIS TRAINING BOARD TO FORMULATE TRAINING PLANS AND RECOMMEND TRAINING POLICIES FOR CONSIDERATION BY EMPLOYERS AND THE GOVERNMENT. HE ALSO STRESSED THAT THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
-----o------
ENGLISH CLASS ON ANTENATAL HEALTH
* * * *
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN RUNNING AN ENGLISH CLASS ON ANTENATAL HEALTH ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 19) AFTERNOON AT TANG CHI NGONG MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE, WAN CHAI.
COURSES ON ANTENATAL HEALTH CONDUCTED IN CHINESE HAVE BEEN OFFERED AT ALL GOVERNMENT FULL-TIME MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES FOR MOTHERS AND MOTHERS-TO-BE EVER SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE 50 YEARS AGO.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE ANTENATAL CLASSES ARE RUN WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF EDUCATING MOTHERS ON ALL HEALTH ASPECTS OF PREGNANCY AND BABY-CARE.
♦THE COURSES IN CHINESE ARE VERY WELL RECEIVED, AND THERE IS A NEED FOR THIS HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMME TO BE EXTENDED TO THOSE WHO DO NOT UNDERSTAND CHINESE,* HE SAID.
THE CLASS WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM EVERY FRIDAY AND WILL LAST ABOUT AN HOUR.
------o-------
/9......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1982
9
CAS HOLDING INSPECTION EXERCISE
* X X
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT WILL CARRY OUT A SERIES OF EXERCISES IN HILLY AND COUNTRYSIDE AREAS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG FROM NOVEMBER 22 TO 27.
THE EXERCISES WILL BE HELD IN CONNECTION WITH THE BIENNIAL INSPECTION TO BE CONDUCTED BY THE INSPECTOR OF LAND RESCUE FROM THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, SQUADRON LEADER GORDON BLACKBURN WHO WILL BE VISITING HONG KONG FOR THAT PURPOSE.
ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EXERCISES WILL BE A ONE-HOUR MOCK CLIFF RESCUE IN A RAVINE AT TAI TAU CHAU NEAR SHEK 0 ON NOVEMBER 23. OTHER EXERCISES WILL INCLUDE A CROSS-COUNTRY EXPEDITION AND CASUALTY EVACUATION.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLIFF RESCUE EXERCISE BY THE CAS MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT AT TAI TAU CHAU NEAR SHEK 0.
THE EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE NEXT TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 23), BEGINNING AT 10.30 AM.
TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE CAS HEADQUARTERS, 100 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, HONG KONG AT 9.15 AM. MR LEE CHUN-WAN, SENIOR MOUNTAIN RESCUE OFFICER WILL ACCOMPANY THEM TO THE EXERCISE SITE.
FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MR CHOW KA-PO, TRAINING OFFICER, TELt 5-763236 EXT. 35.
A FACT SHEET ON THE CAS MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT IS BEING BOXED.
- 0 - -
WATER CUT IN WESTERN AND SHEUNG SHU I x * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 19) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE INTERRUPTION WILL AFFECT PREMISES IN THE AREA BOUNDED BY EASTERN STREET, QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, WESTERN STREET AND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST.
ON THE SAME DAY, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN VILLAGES IN SHEUNG SHU I IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL ALSO BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 10 AM UNTIL 5 PM FOR A WATER MAINS CONNECTION.
THE VILLAGES AFFECTED WILL BE TIN PING SHAN TSUEN, WAH SHAN TSUEN, AND HO BIN TSUEN.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
16 SENIOR APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED............................. 1
GREATER EXPANSION SEEN FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION ............... 2
DIRECTOR OF NT SERVICES VISITS KWAI CHUNG ................... 4
FEWER MEN AND VESSELS BRING IN BIGGER CATCHES OF FISH........ 5
ELITE SCHOOLS ALSO OPEN TO POOR : HAYE....................... q
NEW ROAD BRIDGE FOR YUEN LONG NEW TOWN ...................... 8
QUARRY BAY AND SAI WAN HO TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS............... 9
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS COMMANDED..................... 10
INTER-DISTRICT PAINTING COMPETITION ......................... 10
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1982
1
16 SENIOR APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED * * ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED A SERIES OF SENIOR APPOINTMENTS AT SECRETARY, HEAD OF DEPARTMENT AND DEPUTY HEAD OF DEPARTMENT LEVEL WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN STAGES OVER THE NEXT NINE MONTHS. A NUMBER OF OTHER APPOINTMENTS AT VARIOUS LEVELS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY.
THE APPOINTMENTS TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE ORGANISATIONAL CHANGES WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT WHICH WERE ANNOUNCED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 11.
OTHERWISE. THEY ARE IN ACCORDANCE WITH NORMAL POSTINGS POLICY, ALTHOUGH SOME OF THEM ARE DUE TO THE FORTHCOMING RETIREMENT OF SEVERAL SENIOR OFFICERS AND THE DECISION TO UPGRADE THE LEVEL OF HONG KONG’S REPRESENTATION IN THE UNITED STATES BY OPENING A NEW OFFICE IN NEW YORK.
THE APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED TODAY ARE AS FOLLOWS*
ft SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY -
MR ERIC HO (SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES SINCE APRIL 1977)VICE MR DORWARD.
ft SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE -MR HENRY CHING (DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY SINCE JULY 1976)VICE MR ERIC HO.
ft HONG KONG TRADE COMMISSIONER IN THE UNITED STATES (NEW POST) -
MR BILL DORWARD (SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY SINCE
AUGUST 1982, AND PREVIOUSLY DIRECTOR OF TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS SINCE OCTOBER 1979).
ft SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER -MR NEIL HENDERSON (COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR SINCE MARCH 1978)VICE MR KENNETH TOPLEY RETIRING.
ft DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES -MR GRAHAM BARNES (REGIONAL SECRETARY, HONG KONG AND KOWLOON
SINCE SEPTEMBER 1980)VICE MR BRIAN WILSON RETIRING-
ft DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY -
MR SELWYN ALLEYNE (DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE SINCE OCTOBER 1980)VICE MR HENRY CHING.
ft DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE -MR JOHN CHAMBERS (SECRETARY GENERAL, STANDING COMMISSION
ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE SINCE SEPTEMBER 1980)VICE
MR S. ALLEYNE-
/* DIB3CT0H OF
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1982
* DIRECTOR OF HOUSING -
MR DAVID FORD (PREVIOUSLY COMMISSIONER, HONG KONG
GOVERNMENT OFFICE, LONDON, PRESENTLY ON STUDY LEAVE) VICE MR BERNARD WILLIAMS RETIRING .
* SECRETARY GENERAL, STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE -
MR ALAN BRISTOW (DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES SINCE
AUGUST 1979)VICE MR J. CHAMBERS
* COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR -MR RON BRIDGE (DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION SINCE MARCH 1978) VICE MR N. HENDERSON.
* REGIONAL SECRETARY, HONG KONG AND KOWLOON -
HR LAWRENCE MILLS (DIRECTOR OF TRADE SINCE SEPTEMBER 1977) VICE MR G. BARNES.
* DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES -
MR PETER TSAO (DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY SINCE JANUARY 1979) VICE MR R. SUNo
* COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING -MR ROBERT SUN (DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES SINCE JANUARY 1980) VICE MR N. WATT, RETIRING.
* DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES -
MR CHUI KAM (DIRECTOR, CITY SERVICES SINCE DECEMBER 1981) VICE MR A. BRISTOW.
* DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY -
MR JOHN YAXLEY (POLICE ADMINISTRATION OFFICER SINCE SEPTEMBER 1980)VICE MR P. TSAO.
* DIRECTOR OF TRADE -
MR HAMISH MACLEOD (DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, TSL'EN WAN SINCE FEBRUARY 1982)VICE MR L. MILLS.
GREATER EXPANSION SEEN FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION X * M *
+TERTIARY EDUCATION IN HONG KONG HAS SEEN SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN THE LAST DECADE AND WILL BE EXPANDING AT AN EVEN HIGHER RATE IN THE NEAR FUTURE,* SAID THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION, MR K.W.J. TOPLEY, AT TODAY’S PO LEUNG KUK DIRECTORS’ LUNCHEON MEETING.
MR TOPLEY CITED AS AN EXAMPLE THE GROWTH IN THE UNIVERSITY STUDENT POPULATION, WHICH INCREASED FROM LESS THAN 1 000 BEFORE 1956 TO THE PRESENT 11 200. HE SAID THAT THE UNIVERSITIES NOW GREW AT A RATE OF FOUR PER CENT A YEAR, WHICH EXCEEDED THE TARGET OF THREE PER CENT GROWTH RATE LAID DOWN IN THE 1978 WHITE PAPER ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SENIOR SECONDARY AND ERTIARY EDUCATION.
/ADDITIONALLY, TO
WECNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1982
« - 3 -
ADDITIONALLY, TO MEET THE GOVERNMENT’S REQUEST THAT MORE PLACES SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR THE TRAINING OF DOCTORS, LAWYERS, SOCIAL WORKERS, AND TEACHERS IN ORDER TO MEET THE CURRENT SHORTAGE OF PROFESSIONAL MANPOWER IN THESE AREAS, THE UNIVERSITIES WOULD INCREASE THE INTAKE OVER AND ABOVE THE FOUR PER CENT GROWTH RATE. HENCE, BY 1987-88, THE TWO UNIVERSITIES TOGETHER WOULD HAVE 75 OOr STUDENTS, 3 000 IN EXCESS OF THE PROJECTION MADE IN THE 1978 WHITE PAPER, HE SAID.
♦ THE SUPPLY OF DEGREE PLACES WOULD BE FURTHER AUGMENTED WHEN THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC BEGINS TO OFFER DEGREE PROGRAMMES IN 1983, AND THE BAPTIST COLLEGE IS LIKELY TO FOLLOW SUIT A FEW YEARS LATER,+ MR TOPLEY ADDED.
HE STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT FULLY RECOGNISED THE NEED TO EXPAND TERTIARY EDUCATION TO MEET SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEMANDS. IN TERMS OF DEGREE PLACES, THE LONG-TERM TARGET WOULD BE TO PROVIDE FIRST YEAR PLACES FOR SIX PER CENT OF THE MEAN 17-20 AGE CROUP IN 1989-90, AND EIGHT PER CENT IN 1994-95, WHICH COMPARED VERY FAVOURABLY WITH THE PRESENT 2.5 PER CENT PROVISION.
AS REGARDS NON-DEGREf? TERTIARY PLACES, THE MAJOR EXPANSION WOULD BE THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SECOND POLYTECHNIC, FOR WHICH A SITE HAD ALREADY BEEN RESERVED AT TAT CHEE AVENUE, KOWLOON TONG WEST.
♦ON THE OTHER HAND, THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WOULD ALSO BE EXPANDED SIGNIFICANTLY THROUGH THE COMPLETION OF TWO NEW INSTITUTES AT TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1985, WITH ANOTHER ONE AT CHAI WAN EXPECTED TO BE READY IN 1986,+ MR TOPLEY SAID.
♦LOOKING FURTHER AHEAD, THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A THIRD UNIVERSITY OR ANOTHER MAJOR TERTIARY INSTITUTION BY EARLY 1990’S.
♦BESIDES, THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO BE EXAMINING THE FEASIBILITY OF SETTING UP AN OPEN UNIVERSITY IN HONG KONG,+ HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNMENT MAINTAINS THE POLICY THAT NO STUDENT SHOULD BE PREVENTED FROM RECEIVING FULL-TIME TERTIARY EDUCATION BECAUSE OF LACK OF MEANS AS GRANTS AND LOANS ARE MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE STUDENT FINANCE SCHEMES OPERATED BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
MR TOPLEY POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES THAT MIGHT BE FACED BY THOSE HONG KONG STUDENTS, AND FOLLOWING THE RECENT REPORT OF THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS TRUST, A PROPOSAL ON A JOINT SUBSIDY SCHEME HAD BEEN FORWARDED TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT FOR CONSIDERATION.
A RESPONSE FROM THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WAS EXPECTED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR, HE SAID.
0 --------
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1982 .
4
DIRECTOR OF NT SERVICES VISITS KWAI CHUNG * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JOHN HEYWOOD, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) VISITED VARIOUS RECREATIONAL AND MARKET FACILITIES UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN KWAI CHUNG.
THE PROJECTS, COSTING $140 MILLION, INCLUDE AN INDOOR GAMES HALL, A PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, A TOWN PARK, AND TWO MARKETS.
MR HEYWOOD WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE TOUR BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (SOUTH REGION) OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR DAVID DOWDING.
THE PARTY FIRST CALLED AT THE WORK SITE OF THE S70-MILLI0N GIN DRUNKER’S TOWN PARK, WHERE MR HEYWOOD WAS TOLD BY THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF KWAI CHUNG, MR CHAN TAI-YIU, THAT THE FIRST STAGE OF LANDSCAPE PLANTING AT THE PARK ON A SITE FORMERLY USED AS A RUBBISH TIP HAD BEEN COMPLETED RECENTLY.
OTHER FACILITIES TO BE BUILT ON THE 2.72 HECTARES SITE WILL BE A GARDEN WITH A PAVILION, A GREEN-HOUSE, A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, 14 TENNIS COURTS, AN AMPHITHEATRE AND A MULTI-PURPOSE GAMES PITCH WHICH WILL INCLUDE A STANDARD SOCCER PITCH AND A RUNNING, CYCLING AND JOGGING TRACK.
MR HEYWOOD THEN PROCEEDED TO THE CONSTRUCTION SITE FOR NORTH KWAI CHUNG SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX AND SAW WORK IN PROGRESS ON THE SERVICE BUILDING, FOUR POOLS AND A GENERAL RESTAURANT. THE COST FOR THE PROJECT IS ESTIMATED AT ABOUT $26.4 MILLION.
THIS WILL BE THE SECOND PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX FOR THE RESIDENTS OF KWAI CHUNG.
FROM THERE, HE WENT TO THE SITE FOR NORTH KWAI CHUNG INDOOR GAMES HALL, THE SECOND SUCH FACILITY FOR KWAI CHUNG YOUNGSTERS. THIS S16-MILLI0N PROJECT WILL HAVE A GAMES HALL WITH A SPECTATOR STAND, THREE SQUASH COURTS, TWO GAMES ROOMS AND A CHANGING ROOM.
MR HEYWOOD NEXT TOURED THE NEWLY COMPLETED S5.8-MILLI0N WING FONG STREET MARKET, SCHEDULED TO BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC NEXT MONTH. FINISHING TOUCHES ARE BEING PUT TO 120 STALLS FOR VARIOUS TRADES, A ROOF TOP GARDEN AND CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND.
MR HEYWOOD THEN VISITED THE WORK SITE FOR A MARKET AND LIBRARY COMPLEX AT SHEK YAM ROAD.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE $22.6-MILL ION COMPLEX HAS STARTED. IT WILL HOUSE 130 STALL HOLDERS NOW TRADING AT TWO TEMPORARY MARKETS AT SHEK YAM ROAD AND TAI LOONG STREET TOWARDS THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1982
5
FEWER MEN AND VESSELS BRING IN BIGGER CATCHES OF FISH *****
FEWER FISHERMEN WORKING EFFICIENT METHODS AND MODERN HONG KONG’S CATCHES OF FISH.
FEWER VESSELS, BUT AIDED BY MORE TECHNOLOGY, HAVE BEEN GREATLY INCREASING
LAST YEAR, 28 GOO FISHERMEN, MANNING SOME 4 760 VESSELS, BROUGHT IN 174 600 TONNES OF FISH, VALUED AT $1 233 MILLION, A RECORD IN VALUE TERMS.
CONTRASTED WITH THIS, FOR INSTANCE, WERE THE 54 000 TONNES CAUGHT BY SOME 69 000 FISHERMEN WORKING ON 8 600 VESSELS IN 1965.
MUCH OF THIS INCREASE IN PRODUCTIVITY WAS DUE TO THE VIGOROUS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AND TRAINING COURSES FOR FISHERMEN CONDUCTED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, BACKED BY SEVERAL FISHERIES LOAN FUNDS TO HELP THE FISHERMEN TO MODERNISE THEIR VESSELS AND INTRODUCE MORE EFFICIENT FISHING METHODS.
AS EXPLAINED BY MR T.Y. YIM, ACTING SENIOR FISHERIES OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT’S FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT DIVISION* +MODERN DIESEL ENGINES NOW ENABLE THE VESSELS TO OPERATE ALMOST UNHAMPERED BY THE VAGARIES OF WEATHER, SHORT OF TYPHOON CONDITIONS. THEY ALLOW THE FISH TRAWLERS TO TOW HEAVY TRAWLS AND TO FISH IN FAIRLY DEEP WATERS.♦
+IN CONTRAST, THE WIND-DRIVEN JUNK TRAWLERS OF THE PAST DEPENDED HEAVILY ON THE SOUTHWEST MONSOON IN THE SUMMER AND THE NORTHEAST MONSOON IN THE WINTER TO PROVIDE THE POWER FOR THEM TO FISH EFFECTIVELY.*
+THE RELIABILITY AND POWER OF MODERN ENGINES AND THE NAVIGATIONAL KNOWLEDGE FISHERMEN GAINED FROM THE TRAINING COURSES GAVE THEM THE CONFIDENCE AND ABILITY TO FISH MUCH FARTHER FROM THE HOME PORT. THE USE OF RADARS AND MORE RECENTLY RADIO TELEPHONES TO COMMUNICATE WITH THEIR HOME PORT FURTHER ENCOURAGES THEM TO FISH IN MORE DISTANT WATERS IN SEARCH FOR BETTER CATCHES,♦ MR YIM EXPLAINED.
OTHER MECHANICAL DECK GEAR INTRODUCED IN RECENT YEARS, SUCH AS POWER-DRIVEN WINCHES AND FISHING LINE HAULERS, CUT MANUAL LABOUR AND ALLOWED MORE FISHING TIME EACH DAY.
MOST OF THE FISHING IS CARRIED OUT ON THE HIGH SEAS IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS, BUT SOME OF THE BEST FISHING GROUNDS ARE IN CHINESE TERRITORIAL WATERS OR CLOSE TO THEM. VESSELS OPERATING IN THESE AREAS MUST OBTAIN A LICENCE FROM THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES IN ADDITION TO THE ONE ISSUED IN HONG KONG, AND A CONDITION OF THE CHINESE LICENCE IS THAT A PERCENTAGE OF THE CATCH MUST BE DISCHARGED IN CHINESE PORTS, IT WAS EXPLAINED.
TRAWLING IS THE MOST IMPORTANT OF THE FOUR MAJOR TYPES OF FISHING, THE OTHERS BEING LINING, GILL-NETTING AND PURSE-SEINING. LAST YEAR IT ACCOUNTED FOR 65 PER CENT OF MARINE FISH LANDED.
HONG KONG’S CONSUMPTION OF FISHERY PRODUCTS IS AMONG THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD, WITH PER HEAD CONSUMPTION IN 1981 ESTIMATED AT 18 KG OF MARINE FISH, 9 KG OF FRESHWATER FISH AND 10 KG OF ALL OTHER FISHERY PRODUCTS. AND ITS FISHING FLEET WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR 90 PER CENT OF ALL FRESH MARINE FISH CONSUMED BY THE PEOPLE HERE.
/TH3 liffSOVaSKT........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEtSSH 17, 1982
- 6
THE IMPROVEMENT IN FISHING SKILLS HAS BEEN ACCOMPANIED, HOWEVER, BY A DECLINE IN INTEREST AMONG THE YOUNGER GENERATION IN FISHING FOR THEIR LIVELIHOOD.
THE YOUNGER FISHERFOLK FROM AMONG THE TANGKA AND HOKLO COMMUNITIES HAVE TENDED TO GIVE UP THE SEA FOR JOBS ON SHORE, ACCEPTING LOWER WAGES FOR SHORTER AND MORE REGULAR WORKING HOURS.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FISHING FLEET HAVE BEEN SUPPORTED THROUGH LOANS FROM THE VARIOUS FISHERMEN’S COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES AND LOANS FROM THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION AND THE GOVERNMENT ADMINISTERED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
LAST YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT GRANTED 143 LOANS AMOUNTING TO $11 MILLION. TWO OF THE LONG-TERM LOANS TOTALLING $3.06 MILLION WERE ISSUED FROM THE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND, WHICH AIMS AT FINANCING PIONEERING AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, INCLUDING BUILDING FISHING VESSELS OF NEW DESIGN, EMPLOYING NEW TECHNOLOGY AND FISHING METHODS, AND BUYING MODERN NAVIGATIONAL AIDS. AS A RESULT CF THESE TWO LOANS, A PAIR OF 27-METRE MODERN FISH TRAWLERS WERE BUILT AND STARTED FISHING IN EARLY 1982.
THE SHORT TO MEDIUM-TERM LOANS CAME MAINLY FROM THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION LOAN FUND, ESTABLISHED IN 1946 FOR MAKING LOANS TO FISHERMEN FOR PRODUCTIVE PURPOSES, SUCH AS REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR OF FISHING VESSELS AND PURCHASE OF FISHING GEAR, ENGINES AND OTHER EQUIPMENT.
DESPITE THE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FISHING FLEET AND THE INCREASE IN FISHING EFFICIENCY, IT IS NOT EXPECTED THAT THE FLEET CAN BRING BACK FROM THE PRESENT FISHING GROUNDS ENOUGH FISH TO MEET HONG KONG’S DEMAND FOR MARINE FISH. THESE FISHING GROUNDS ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF BEING OVER-FISHED.
IN AN ATTEMPT TO MEET THIS LIKELY SHORTFALL, THE DEPARTMENT HAS DIRECTED MUCH EFFORT TO A RESEARCH PROGRAMME TO EXPLORE NEW STOCKS OF FISH. AT THE SAME TIME, IT IS STRIVING CONSTANTLY TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY AND CAPABILITY OF THE FISHING FLEET.
TOWARDS THIS END, IT PROVIDES, AMONG OTHER THINGS, MANY TRAINING COURSES FREE OF CHARGE TO FISHERMEN ON SUCH SUBJECTS AS NAVIGATION, USE OF RADAR, ECHO-SOUNDER, RADIO-TELEPHONE, RADIO DIRECTION FINDER, AND EVEN BASIC BUSINESS MANAGEMENT.
THERE HAS ALSO, IN THE LAST DECADE, BEEN CONSIDERABLE DEVELOPMENT OF MARINE FISH CULTURE, A PROCESS IN WHICH LIVE MARINE FISH ARE RAISED IN CAGES SUSPENDED FROM RAFTS IN SHELTERED BAYS.
LAST YEAR, LIVE MARINE FISH SUPPLIED BY THIS ACTIVITY IN 60 LOCATIONS AMOUNTED TO 960 TONNES, VALUED AT $53 MILLION.
APART FROM THAT, IN 1981 SOME 1 820 HECTARES OF FISH PONDS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES YIELDED 6 780 TONNES OF FRESHWATER FISH, VALUED AT $97 MILLION, OR 16 PER CENT OF LOCAL CONSUMPTION OF FRESHWATER FISH. HOWEVER, THESE LOCAL PONDS YIELDED ONLY ABOUT FOUR PER CENT BY WEIGHT OF THE TOTAL LOCAL FISH PRODUCTION.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1982
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ELITE SCHOOLS ALSO OPEN TO POOR I HAYE X * K X
THE SELECTION AND ALLOCATION SYSTEMS OF HONG KONG’S EDUCATION ARE SO GEARED THAT ABILITY IS RECOGNISED AND THE CHILDREN OF THE POOR HAVE ACCESS TO ELITE SCHOOLS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SPEECH DAY OF THE DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL, HAYE SAID A FEW WEEKS AGO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT HONG KONG MIGHT HAVE A TWO-TIERED EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM, WITH SOME SCHOOLS FOR THE RICH AND OTHER SCHOOLS FOR THE NOT SO RICH.
♦IN REJECTING THE SUGGESTION I SAID THAT WHILE I HAD HEARD MANY CRITICISMS OF OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM I HAD NEVER HEARD IT SAID THAT BRIGHT CHILDREN WERE TURNED AWAY FROM OUR SCHOOLS BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT AFFORD THE FEES. NOR SHOULD THEY.+
HE ADDED THAT WHILE THE POOR HAD ALWAYS HAD ACCESS TO DGS AND THE OTHER ELITE SCHOOLS THROUGH SCHOLARSHIPS, +WE HAVE THROWN THE DOORS WIDER, AND, TO THE GREAT HONOUR OF YOUR PRINCIPAL AND HER COLLEAGUES, DGS HAS GONE ALONG WITH US.+
NEVERTHELESS, MR HAYE PROMISED THAT THE PROCESS WOULD NOT BE EXTENDED TO DESTROY THE ESSENTIAL CHARACTER OF DGS AND OTHER SUCH SCHOOLS.
HE SAID, *IN WIDENING THE ABILITY RANGE OF THE PUPIL INTAKE WE HAVE OPENED THE DOOR TO A LIBERALISATION OF THE CURRICULUM TO REFLECT THAT ABILITY RANGE; BUT THE AIM IS NOT A COMPREHENSIVI SAT ION OF THE SCHOOL SYSTEM.
♦THE AIM IS STILL EXCELLENCE, BUT SOMEWHAT BROADER BASED THAN THE RATHER NARROW ACADEMIC TRADITION OF THE PAST.+
HE WELCOMED A REMARK BY THE PRINCIPAL OF DGS, DR JOYCE SYMONS, THAT ALTHOUGH SHE WAS WORRIED ABOUT +THE GENERAL MALAISE OF SOME OF THE GIRLS DGS HOW HAS TO ADMIT+, SHE WAS DETERMINED TO DO THE BEST FOR THEM TO EQUIP THEM FOR THE FUTURE.
HE ADDED THAT HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE +GENERAL MALAISE* TO WHICH DR SYMONS REFERRED WOULD RESPOND TO THE THERAPY OF TRADITION AND EXCELLENCE, THE HIGH STANDARDS SET BY THE STAFF AND THE REST OF THE PUPILS.
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/8.......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1982
e
NEW ROAD BRIDGE FOR YUEN LONG NEW TOWN ft ft ft ft
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT BRANCH OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TODAY AWARDED A $5.58 MILLION CONTRACT TO LEADER CIVIL ENGINEERING CORPORATION LIMITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION CF A NEW ROAD BRIDGE AND ASSOCIATED ROADWORKS IN YUEN LONG NEW TOWN.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY BY MR S.S. LEE, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE BRANCH, AND MR LEUNG KWONG-HA, DIRECTOR OF THE CORPORATION.
THE BRIDGE WILL BE BUILT ACROSS THE NULLAH NEAR THE EASTERN ROUNDABOUT OF THE NEW TOWN, AND WILL FORM AN IMPORTANT SECTION OF A NEW ROAD UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT THE NORTHERN SIDE OF YUEN
LONG.
ROAD WILL CONNECT THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND THE NDUSTRIAL AREA WITH THE DUAL CARRIAGEWAY BETWEEN
THIS NEW NEWLY-FORMED I
YUEN LONG AND AU TAU.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE CONTRACT WILL BE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A COVER TO THE EXISTING FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS THE NULLAH AT TAI KIU ROAD.
WORK ON THE CONTRACT WILL START AT THE END OF THE MONTH AND TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
/9 ..
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1982
- 9 -
QUARRY BAY AND SAI WAN HO TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * * * *
FROM 7 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 19), THE EASTBOUND KERBSIDE LANE CF KING’S ROAD BETWEEN TONG CHONG STREET AND A POINT 30 METRES WEST CF MOUNT PARKER ROAD WILL BE RESERVED FOR BUSES EXCLUSIVELY FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
HOWEVER, THE EXISTING BUS ONLY LANES ON FOUR SECTIONS OF KING’S ROAD WILL BE OPENED TO ALL VEHICLES.
THEY ARE:
M THE EASTBOUND KERBSIDE LANE BETWEEN JAVA ROAD AND FINNIE STREET?
# THE EASTBOUND KERBSIDE LANE BETWEEN THE EASTERN JUNCTION OF SHIPYARD LANE AND TAI KOO SHING ROAD?
* THE WESTBOUND KERBSIDE LANE BETWEEN TAI KOO SHING ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 80 METRES EAST OF GREIG ROAD? AND
* THE WESTBOUND KERBSIDE LANE BETWEEN MOUNT PARKER ROAD AND MANSION STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED FROM ENTERING THE TRAFFIC LANE ON THE EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND TRAM TRACKS ON KING’S ROAD OUTSIDE NORTH POINT GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL.
THE EXISTING TRAM ONLY LANE ON KING’S ROAD BETWEEN Fl NN IE STREET AND TONG CHONG STREET WILL BE EXTENDED EASTWARD UP TO A POINT 25 METRES WEST OF MOUNT PARKER ROAD.
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 19), THE BUS ONLY LANE ON SHAU KEI WAN ROAD IN SAI WAN HO BETWEEN HOI NING STREET AND HOI FOO STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY OPENED TO ALL VEHICLES FOR ABOUT 10 WEEKS WHILE THE TRAM TRACK ON THAT ROAD SECTION IS BEING RENEWED.
/1
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1982
10
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS COMMENDED
* * * *
THREE ASSISTANT OFFICERS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WERE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AWARDED THE COMMISSIONER’S COMMENDATION CERTIFICATES FOR EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE OF DUTY.
THE RECIPIENTS ARE MISS LAU LAI-YEE, MISS LONG SUK-KAN AND CHU AH-WAH.
AT A CEREMONY HELD IN TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, DR ROBERT ANDRY PRESENTED THE CERTIFICATES TO THE OFFICERS.
BOTH MISS LAU AND MISS LONG WERE COMMENDED FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING ZEAL AND TENACITY IN THE RECAPTURE OF AN ESCAPEE FROM TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION IN LATE AUGUST.
MR CHU WAS PRAISED FOR HIS INITIATIVE AND ALERTNESS IN THE INTERCEPTION OF UNAUTHORISED ARTICLES BROUGHT INTO HEI LING CHAU DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE IN JANUARY, WHICH LED TO THE ARREST AND CONVICTION OF A PERSON IN CONNECTION WITH THE CASE.
INTER-DISTRICT PAINTING COMPETITION * * * *
RESIDENTS OF YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK WHO ARE INTERESTED IN PAINTING WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW THEIR TALENTS AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 21).
A PAINTING COMPETITION, WHICH IS PART OF A SERIES OF INTER-DISTRICT COMPETITIONS ORGANISED BY THE TWO DISTRICT BOARDS, WILL BE HELD AT THE PROMENADE FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM.
THE COMPETITION WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS; THE CHILDREN SECTION FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNDER 12, AND THE YOUTH SECTION FOR THOSE BETWEEN 13 AND 21. THOSE WHO ARE ABOVE 21 WILL ENTER
THE OPEN SECTION
APPLICATIONS CAN NOW BE MADE TO THE DISTRICT OFFICES.
♦ANYBODY WHO WISH TO JOIN IN ON SUNDAY WILL ALSO BE WELCOMED,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID.
JUDGES WILL INCLUDE INSPECTORS OF ART FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MRS MAN TAM WAI-HA AND MR LEE SAU-KEE, AND PAINTERS LAI KING-MAN, MR CHAN SHEUNG AND MR CHAN WAI-TAK.
OUTSTANDING PAINTINGS NEW WORLD CENTRE, TSIM SHA
WILL BE SELECTED AND DISPLAYED AT TSUI FROM NOVEMBER 27 TO 29.
ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL BE GIVEN SOUVENIRS.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
10-M0NTH RAINFALL EXCEEDS ANNUAL RECORD...................... 1
IMPROVEMENTS TO TUEN MUN HIGHWAY............................. 3
HONG KONG'S JANUARY - SEPTEMBER EXTERNAL TRADE............... 4
SAFETY PLEA TO MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS ..................... 8
EDUCATIONAL AND CAREERS GUIDANCE TO BE FURTHER EXPANDED...... 9
ANTI-NARCOTICS EFFORT THROUGH SPORTS ........................ 10
CAS CADETS HOLDING COMPETITION .............................. 10
WEEK-LONG HALF TRAIN FARES FOR ELTERLY....................... 11
TWO PIECES OF CROWN LAND SOLD................................ 12
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL.................... 12
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1982
1
1O-MONTH RAINFALL EXCEEDS ANNUAL RECORD
*****
ACCUMULATED RAINFALL IN THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, AMOUNTING TO 3 151.7 MM, HAS ALREADY EXCEEDED THE ANNUAL RECORD (F 3 100.4 MM ESTABLISHED IN 1973, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY REPORTS.
AND LAST MONTH, THE RAINFALL WAS 35 PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL J IT WAS ALSO WARMER THAN USUAL AND THE MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 24.1 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS THE SECOND HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR ANY OCTOBER.
TAKEN SEPARATELY, RECORDS SET IN VARIOUS STATIONS WERE AS FOLLOWS I
* HAPPY VALLEY RACE COURSE — 3 102.9 MM FOR THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH THE ANNUAL RECORD OF 3 054.4 MM SET IN 1972,
* WAGLAN ISLAND — 2 393.2 MM FOR THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH THE ANNUAL RECORD 2 150.3 MM SET IN 1959,
* TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVOIR — 2 873.5 MM FOR THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH THE ANNUAL RECORD OF 2 574.6 MM SET IN 1957.
APART FROM SOME ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS IN THE EVENING OF OCTOBER 3, IT WAS GENERALLY FINE AND HOT FOR THE FIRST FOUR DAYS OF THE MONTH, WITH THE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 31.8 DEGREES CELSIUS FOR THE MONTH RECORDED ON OCTOBER 3.
THUNDERSTORMS OCCURRED ON OCTOBER 5, BUT THE WEATHER IMPROVED RAPIDLY DURING THE NIGHT AS WINDS TURNED NORTHERLY.
BUT THE FINE WEATHER LASTED FOR LESS THAN 24 HOURS.
CLOUDS AND ISOLATED SHOWERS RETURNED ON THE FOLLOWING NIGHT AND PERSISTED INTO OCTOBER 7.
THE WEATHER WAS GENERALLY FINE FROM OCTOBER 8 TO 15.
WINDS TURNED NORTHERLY ON OCTOBER 14 AND FRESHENED ON OCTOBER 15 AS TYPHOON NANCY CAME WITHIN 400 NAUTICAL MILES OF HONG KONG. THE WEATHER WAS CLOUDY WITH SOME LIGHT SHOWERS FROM OCTOBER 16 TO 18.
A SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED DURING THE NIGHT OF XTOBER 16 AS WINDS FRESHENED FROM THE EAST AND BECAME STRONG CFF-SHORE THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
THERE WAS A SHORT SPELL OF FINE WEATHER FROM THE NIGHT OF CTOBER 18 TO THE EVENING OF OCTOBER 19 BEFORE CLOUDY WEATHER WITH 4ITBREAKS OF RAIN SET IN AND LASTED UNTIL OCTOBER 27.
THERE WAS LESS THAN ONE HOUR OF BRIGHT SUNSHINE FROM OCTOBER J TO 27.
/several hours .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1982-
- 2 -
SEVERAL HOURS OF STRONG NORTHEASTERLY WINDS WERE RECORDED AT WAGLAN ISLAND EARLY ON OCTOBER 22. ON THE SAME DAY, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY RECORDED A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE'OF 21 DEGREES CELSIUS, WHICH WAS THE LOWEST OF THE MONTH.
ON OCTOBER 26 AND 27 OUTBREAKS OF HEAVY RAIN LED TO THE OCCURRENCE OF A MUDSLIP EARLY ON OCTOBER 27 AT THE SLOPE OF BLACKHEAD POINT IN TSIM SHA TSUI WHERE A SECTION OF CHATHAM ROAD WAS CLOSED.
THE WEATHER IMPROVED ON OCTOBER 28 AND, EXCEPT FOR SOME LIGHT RAIN PATCHES EARLY ON OCTOBER 29, REMAINED FINE FOR THE REST OF THE MONTH.
DURING THE MONTH FOUR TROPICAL CYCLONES, NAMELY, TYPHOON MAC, TYPHOON NANCY, A TROPICAL DEPRESSION AND TYPHOON OWEN FORMED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC.
TYPHOON NANCY WAS THE ONLY STORM FOR WHICH TROPICAL CYCLONE SIGNALS WERE DISPLAYED IN HONG KONG.
TYPHOON MAC FORMED ON OCTOBER 1 ABOUT 330 NAUTICAL MILES EAST OF GUAM, RECURVED SOUTH OF JAPAN AND PASSED ABOUT 195 NAUTICAL MILES SOUTHEAST OF TOKYO ON OCTOBER 9.
TYPHOON NANCY DEVELOPED AS A TROPICAL DEPRESSION ABOUT 240 NAUTICAL MILES NORTHWEST OF GUAM ON OCTOBER 11. IT MOVED WESTWARD, CROSSED NORTHERN LUZON DURING THE NIGHT OF OCTOBER 14 AND LANDED IN VIETNAM ON OCTOBER 18.
THE TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMED OVER THE PACIFIC ABOUT 970 NAUTICAL MILES EAST-NORTHEAST OF MANILA ON OCTOBER 15 AND DISSIPATED OVER THE OCEAN ON OCTOBER 19.
TYPHOON OWEN FORMED OVER THE PACIFIC ABOUT 570 NAUTICAL MILES EAST OF GUAM ON OCTOBER 16 AND RECURVED EAST-SOUTHEAST OF OKINAWA ON OCTOBER 19.
THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON OCTOBER 3, 4 AND 5.
THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON OCTOBER 20, 21 AND 25 WHILE THE YELLOW DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON OCTOBER 2, 3, 9, 10 AND 31.
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WEREi
SUNSHINE 167.3 HOURS I 42.6 HOURS BELOW
NORMAL
RAINFALL 163.7 MM t 42.5 MM ABOVE
NORMAL
CLOUDINESS 58 PER CENT I 6 PER CENT MORE
THAN NORMAL
RELATIVE HUMIDITY 77 PER CENT i 5 PER CENT HIGHER
THAN NORMAL
/MEAN MAXIMDM.......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1b, iyo<r
3
KAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
KAN TEMPERATURE
MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE
KAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
27.8 DEGREES CELSIUS
25.8 DEGREES CELSIUS
24.1 DEGREES CELSIUS
21.3 DEGREES CELSIUS
131.0 MM
i 0.1 DEGREES CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
l 0.8 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
t 1.4 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
I 2.0 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
l 35.8 MM BELOW NORMAL
MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 31.8 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON OCTOBER 3.
MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 21.0 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON OCTOBER 22.
------0-------
IMPROVEMENTS TO TUEN MUN HIGHWAY
* * * *
ADDITIONAL WARNING AND HAZARD SIGNS AND SPEED LIMIT PANELS HAVE BEEN PUT UP AT STRATEGIC POINTS BETWEEN THE SHAM TSENG INTERCHANGE AND THE SIU LAM INTERCHANGE ON TUEN MUN HIGHWAY FOLLOWING A SERIOUS BUS ACCIDENT IN THE AREA LAST SUNDAY.
KMB DRIVERS HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED TO BE PARTICULARLY CAUTIOUS WHEN DRIVING ALONG TUEN MUN ROAD AND TO KEEP TO THE INSIDE LANE WHEN THEY APPROACH THE INTERCHANGE. KMB INSPECTORS WILL BE DEPLOYED TO ENSURE THIS.
AT A MEETING THIS MORNING BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, KMB, TRAFFIC POLICE, HIGHWAYS OFFICE AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, IT WAS ALSO AGREED THAT MORE WARNING SPEED SIGNS SHOULD BE INSTALLED ALONG THE HIGHWAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT EMPHASISED THAT TUEN MUN HIGHWAY WAS SATISFACTORILY DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED TO A VERY HIGH STANDARD.
HE POINTED OUT THAT MOST ACCIDENTS HAD OCCURRED AS A RESULT CF VEHICLES BEING DRIVEN AT EXCESSIVE SPEEDS.
THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE IS EXAMINING MEASURES TO FURTHER ENHANCE SAFETY ON THE HIGHWAY.
THE ROAD SAFETY DIVISION OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS ALSO RE-EXAMINING THE EDUCATIONAL ASPECTS OF SAFE DRIVING.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT +THE KEY TO ROAD SAFETY IS BASICALLY IN THE HANDS OF THE ROAD USERS+ AND CALLED UPON ALL MOTORISTS USING THE TUEN MUN ROAD TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND TO OBSERVE THE SPEED LIMIT OF 40 MPH ALONG THE WHOLE OF THE CARRIAGEWAY, PARTICULARLY DURING BAD WEATHER.
------o - - - -
/4......
Thursday ;" imffBEris: nw
- 4 -
HONG KONG’S JANUARY - SEPTEMBER EXTERNAL TRADE * * * * *
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FOR JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1982, AT $197 176 MILLION, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF FOUR PER CENT AS WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1981, ACCORDING TO FIGURES PROVIDcD CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY).
VALUED COMPARED BY THE
DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY FOUR PER CENT TO *24 MILLION, IMPORTS BY FOUR PER CENT TO $104 437 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS BY SEVEN PER CENT TO 832 314 MILLION. DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER SHOWED AN INCREASE OF FIVE PER CENT.
THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAJOR OVERSEAS
MARKETS WERE AS FOLLOWSt- INCREASE/
JAN. .-SEPT. 1982 ($ MN) JAN.-SEPT. 1981 DECREASE PERCENTAGE CHANGE
($ MN) ($ MN)_
U.S.A. 22 657 20 988 ♦ 1 669 + 8
U.K. 5 140 5 493 - 353 - 6
F.R. OF GERMANY 5 043 5 133 - 90 - 2
CHINA 2 758 1 937 ♦ 821 +42
JAPAN 2 339 2 114 ♦ 225 ♦11
AUSTRALIA 2 095 1 878 ♦ 217 +12
CANADA 1 904 1 705 + 199 +12
SINGAPORE 1 411 1 259 v 152 ♦12
NETHERLANDS 1 197 1 159 + 38 ♦ 3
FRANCE 1 084 1 034 <■ 50 + 5
( Sk AST f Us » s. Is MILLION OR 35%) AS WELL AS TEXTILES (BY $115 MILLION OR -1%).
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES INCREASED BUT THOSE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT DECLINED BY KINGDOM OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, BY $9 MILLION OR THREE PER CENT SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING $126 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT.
/MOST COMMODITIES
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1982
- 5 -
MOST COMMODITIES EXPORTED TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY DECLINED IN VALUE, INCLUDING TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $89 MILLION OR 21%) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $38 MILLION OR 11%). NEVERTHELESS, DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES INCREASED BY $29 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $225 MILLION OR 78%) AND TEXTILES (BY $224 MILLION OR 51%) AND IN THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN OF CLOTHING (BY $206 MILLION OR 26%).
AN ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN DIVISIONS IS PRESENTED BELOWt- DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY
JAN.-SEPT. 1982 ($ MN) JAN.-SEPT. 1981 ($ MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE ($ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND
CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 21 077 20 351 ♦ 726 ♦ 4
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS) 11 686 9 521 +2 165 ♦23
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 5 608 5 824 — 216 — 4
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (MAINLY TRANSISTORS AND 4 DIODES AND HOUSEHOLD TYPE APPLIANCES) 480 4 234 ♦ 246 + 6
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 4 175 3 993 4- 182 ♦ 5
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 3 626 3 825 — 199 5
/the changes .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1S, 1982
6 -
THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM THE TEN MAJOR SOURCES ARE SUMMARISED AS FOLLOWS*-
INCREASE/
JAN.-SEPT. 1982 JAN.-SEPT. 1981 DECREASE PERCENTAGE
($ MN) ($ MN) ($ MN) CHANGE
CHINA 23 709 20 952 ♦2 757 ♦13
JAPAN 22 961 23 505 — 544 - 2
U.S.A. 11 398 10 816 ♦ 581 + 5
SINGAPORE 7 712 7 732 21 INSIGNIFICANT
TAIWAN 7 586 7 856 270 - 3
U.K. 5 018 4 477 ♦ 542 +12
REPUBLIC Or KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) 3 294 4 072 — 779 -19
F.R. OF GERMANY 2 505 2 485 4- 20 + 1
SWITZERLAND 1 931 2 122 192 - 9
AUSTRALIA 1 715 1 492 + 222 ♦15
STRONG
IMPORTED
FOR
LOCAL DEMAND
GOODS FROM CHINA REMAINED
IN CLOTHING (BY $858 MILLION OR 34%), IRON AND STEEL (BY $346 MILLION OR 107%), MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS (BY $267 MILLION OR 44%) AND TEXTILES (BY $79 MILLION OR 2%).
INCREASES WERE RECORDED MAINLY
AS FOR IMPORTS FROM JAPAN, INCREASES WERE NOTED FOR TEXTILE FABRICS (BY $150 MILLION OR 6%) AS WELL AS MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES TOYS GAMES SPORTING GOODS AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND THE ACCESSORIES) (BY $140 MILLION OR 13%). DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $401 MILLION OR 17%), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $294 MILL ION OR 13%), ROAD VEHICLES (BY $236 MILLION OR 10%) AND TEXTILE YARN (BY $216 MILLION
OR 31%).
INCREASES IN IMPORTS FROM THE U.S.A. WERE MOSTLY OF TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $166 MILLION OR 35%) AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $166 MILLION OR 16%). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN IMPORTS OF OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $184 MILLION OR 16%), ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $116 MILLION OR 19%) AND TEXTILES (BY $67 MILLION OR 22%).
/incheases in .......
THURSDAY, NOVWBSK 18, 1982
- 7 -
INCREASES IN VALUE WERE REGISTERED IN IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE CF WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $36 MILLION OR 12*) AND IN IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $286 MILLION OR 31%). IMPORTS OF TEXTILES FROM TAIWAN DECLINED BY $480 MILLION OR 16%.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE ILLUSTRATES THE MORE IMPORTS BY COMMODITY SECT I ON«-
JAN.-SEPT. 1982 JAN.-SEPT. 1981 ($ MN) ($ MN)
IMPORTANT CHANGES IN
INCREASE/
DECREASE PERCENTAGE ($ MN) CHANGE
MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY TEXTILE PRODUCTS, DIAMONDS, IRON AND STEEL, AND PAPER) 29 r 275 29 402 127 INSIGNIFICANT
MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 23 700 23 740 * 40 INSIGNIFICANT
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES AND CLOCKS, ARTICLES OF APPAREL) 17 775 16 659 + 1 116 ♦ 7
FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD 11 633 9 894 ♦1 739 +18
MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED MATERIALS 8 415 8 106 ♦ 309 +4
CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS 6 986 6 586 ♦ 400 ♦ 6
INCREASES WERE RECORDED IM RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A. (BY $688 MILLION OR 20%), SAUDI ARABIA (BY $284 MILLION OR 71%), REPUBLIC OF KOREA (BY $218 MILLION OR 21%), CHINA (BY $204 MILLION OR 4%), INDONESIA (BY $190 MILLION OR 6%), SINGAPORE (BY $188 MILLION OR 8%), TAIWAN (BY $172 MILLION OR 10%), AND THE PHILIPPINES (BY $171 MILLION OR 19%). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECLINES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.K. (BY $269 MILLION OR 37%) AND NIGERIA (BY $113 MILLION OR 15%).
/most commodities ......
THURSDAY, KOVEUBER 18, 1982
- 8
MOST COMMODITIES RE-EXPORTED THROUGH HONG KONG EXHIBITED STRONG GROWTH, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING CLOTHING (BY $607 MILLION OR 39#), MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND ACCESSORIES AND JEWELLERY) (BY $330 MILLION CR 24#), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $266 MILLION OR 12%) AND NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $209 MILLION OR 58%). DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN THE RE-EXPORTS OF METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $314 MILLION OR 57%), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $250 MILLION OR 17%) AND TEXTILES (BY $199 MILLION OR 4%).
THE SEPTEMBER 1982 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS -SUMMARY* WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT HK$5 PER COPY. A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE*, WITH A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN SEPTEMBER, WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY DECEMBER AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT HKS10 PER COPY. ENQUIRIES CONCERNING SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. 5-214375).
------o-------
SAFETY PLEA TO MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS
* * % * *
MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS MUST ENSURE THAT SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS ARE CAREFULLY OBSERVED, AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MR ANDREW SO SAID THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SEMINAR FOR EMPLOYEES IN HONG KONG HELD AT THE CHINESE Y.M.C.A. IN WATERLOO ROAD, MR SO SAID THAT WORKERS MUST ALSO GIVE FULL SUPPORT BY STRICTLY OBSERVING SUCH RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS.
A SUPERVISOR SHOULD KNOW WHETHER OR NOT CERTAIN SAFETY MEASURES ARE EFFECTIVE AND THEREFORE HIS INFLUENCE CAN BE MOST DECISIVE, HE SAID.
HE TOLD THE SEMINAR THAT THE PREVENTION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS AND THE PROMOTION OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ARE THEREFORE A TRIPARTITE AFFAIR INVOLVING THE GOVERNMENT, EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
+WHILE GOVERNMENT ACTION IN ENACTING AND ENFORCING SAFETY LEGISLATION IS ESSENTIAL, THIS CANNOT ACHIEVE ITS PURPOSE OF MAKING THE WORKPLACE SAFE WITHOUT CONTRIBUTION FROM THE OTHER PARTIES CONCERNED.
+EMPLOYERS HAVE BOTH LEGAL AND MORAL RESPONSIBILITIES TO PROVIDE A SAFE AND HEALTHY WORKPLACE FOR THEIR WORKERS, AS WELL AS TO TAKE INITIATIVES AND SET THE PATTERN FOR SAFETY,* HE NOTED.
/he stressed........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1982
- 9 -
HE STRESSED THAT THE SEMINAR WAS AIMED AT CREATING SAFETY CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG THE PARTICIPANTS AND ALSO PROVIDING THEM WITH A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR DISCUSSING AND EXCHANGING VIEWS ON ISSUES PERTAINING TO WORK SAFETY.
APPEALING TO THEM TO HELP DISSEMINATE THE SAFETY MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNITY, MR SO NOTED: *FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TO BE READILY ACCEPTABLE AS A WAY OF LIFE, AWARENESS OF ITS IMPORTANCE HAS TO BE AROUSED AND CARRIED ACROSS TO ALL CONCERNED.*
SAFETY PROFESSIONALS, ACADEMICS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICERS GAVE SPECIALIST TALKS ON VARIOUS TOPICS AT THE TWO-DAY SEMINARS ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD.
THE SEMINAR ALSO FEATURED TWO FILMS ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
------0--------
EDUCATIONAL AND CAREERS GUIDANCE TO BE FURTHER EXPANDED * * * ft *
EDUCATIONAL AND CAREERS GUIDANCE PROVIDED TO STUDENTS BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE FURTHER EXPANDED WITHIN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, M? MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE JOINT GRADUATION CEREMONY OF PO LEUNG KUK SECONDARY SCHOOLS AT THE CITY HALL, MR LEUNG SAID MANY SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAD REALISED THE IMPORTANCE OF CAREERS EDUCATION AND IN FACT. MORE THAN 80 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S SECONDARY SCHOOLS NOW HAVE APPOINTED CAREERS MASTERS AND MISTRESSES.
HE ADDED THAT MORE SCHOOLS WOULD BE APPOINTING CAREERS MASTERS AND MISTRESSES IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
IN ORDER TO PROVIDE BETTER SERVICE TO SECONDARY STUDENTS, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS FROM THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR EXPANDED ITS CAREERS EDUCATION SECTION.
ALSO ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS CAN EMPLOY AN ADDITIONAL GRADUATE TEACHER FROM SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR TO ASSIST IN STUDENT COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE, MR LEUNG SAID.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WOULD JOINTLY ORGANISE A TRAINING COURSE FOR CAREERS MASTERS NEXT YEAR. THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD ALSO PROVIDE THEM WITH MORE INFORMATION AND REFERENCE MATERIALS TO BETTER EQUIP THEM IN THEIR WORK.
MR LEUNG SAID OTHER PLANS IN THE PIPELINE INCLUDE INTEGRATING CAREERS EDUCATION INTO THE SECONDARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM AND THE SETTING UP OF TWO CAREERS EDUCATION CENTRES, ONE ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE OTHER IN KOWLOON. THESE WOULD PROVIDE STUDENTS, TEACHERS, PARENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WITH THE NECESSARY INFORMATION AND ADVICE.
NOTING THAT EVERY STUDENT HAS HIS OWN POTENTIAL, SKILL, PERSONALITY AND INTEREST, MR LEUNG SAID ALL STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE A BETTER CHOICE BOTH IN FUTURE EDUCATION AND IN SELECTING A CAREER IF THEY RECEIVED PROPER COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE FROM THEIR TEACHERS IN SCHOOL.
- - - - 3 ----
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1982
10 -
ANTI-NARCOTICS EFFORT THROUGH SPORTS * * *
THE SHAM SHUI PO ANT I-NARCOTICS COMMITTEE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, HAS ORGANISED AN ANTI-NARCOTICS ATHLETIC MEET TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 20 AND 21) AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM.
THE AIM IS TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN HEALTHY SPORTS ACTIVITIES AND TO KEEP AWAY FROM DRUGS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID.
MORE THAN 2 000 YOUTHS ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE EVENT WHICH WILL INCLUDE A 1 OOO-MAN GYMNASTIC DISPLAY BY STUDENTS FROM FIVE SCHOOLS.
MR PETER LEE, COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN THE MEET AT 2.30 PM ON SATURDAY, AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM.
ALSO TAKING PART IN THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE MR STEPHEN IP, DISTRICT OFFICER (SHAM SHUI PO); MR S.L. LAW, HONORARY PRESIDENT OF SHAM SHUI PO ANT I-NARCOTICS COMMITTEE; MR GEORGE HSUEH, CHAIRMAN OF THE ATHLETIC MEET ORGANISING COMMITTEE; AND REPRESENTATIVES OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
NOTE TO ED ITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE SHAM SHUI PO ANTI-NARCOTICS ATHLETIC MEET AT MONG KOK STADIUM AT 2.30 PM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 20).
-----o------
CAS CADETS HOLDING COMPETITION X * *
CIVIL A,D SERVICES CADET CORPS WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL COMPETITION AT THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE IN ARGYLE STREET ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 21).
COMPETITION IS AIMED AT PROMOTING GREATER EFFICIENCY AND FOSTERING FRIENDSHIP AMONG THE UNITS.
SEVENTEEN TEAMS FROM HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL COMPETE IN THE EVENT AND THE CHAMPION TEAM WILL BE AWARDED THE +NORMAN LEUNG TROPHY*. THE FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP WILL RECEIVE PENNANTS.
/WARRANT OFFICER........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBSR 18, 1982
11
WARRANT OFFICER II OF THE HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE, NR YIP WAI-KIT AND WARRANT OFFICER II OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS), MR CHARLES LEE WILL BE THE JUDGES.
CAS ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, MR CHAN CHUN-YING, WILL PRESENT THE PR I ZES•
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CAS CADET CORPS’ FOOTDRILL COMPETITION TO BE HELD AT THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE AT 204 ARGYLE STREET, KOWLOON FROM 8.30 AM TO 1 PM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 21).
----0------
s.
WEEK-LONG HALF TRAIN FARES FOR ELDERLY * * * *
FOR ONE WEEK FROM SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 21) PEOPLE WHO ARE 60 YEARS OF AGE AND ABOVE WILL BE CHARGED ONLY HALF FARE FOR TRAVEL ON BOTH DIESEL AND ELECTRIC TRAINS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY SAID TODAY.
THE SEVEN-DAY CONCESSION FOLLOWS AN APPEAL MADE BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, AND ALSO SHOWS THE CONCERN BY KCR FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE, IN SUPPORT OF THE FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY IN HONG KONG WHICH FALLS ON THE THIRD SUNDAY OF NOVEMBER EACH YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID GREATER SIGNIFICANCE IS BEING ATTACHED TO CONCERN FOR THE ELDERLY THIS YEAR AS A WORLD ASSEMBLY ON AGEING IS BEING CONVENED BY THE UNITED NATIONS IN VIENNA IN WHICH DISCUSSIONS ARE BEING HELD ABOUT THE GROWING POPULATION OF ELDERLY PEOPLE.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT, HOWEVER, THAT THE CONCESSION WILL NOT COVER THE DIRECT THROUGH TRAIN SERVICE.
MEANWHILE, POSTERS HAVE BEEN PUT UP AT ALL RAILWAY STATIONS URGING PEOPLE TO BE MORE SOCIAL MINDED AND TO GIVE THEIR SEATS TO THE ELDERLY IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT, HE SAID.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1982
12
TWO PIECES OF CROWN LAND SOLD * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) SOLD TWO PIECES OF CROWN LAND IN YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL AREA AT AN AUCTION HELD IN THE SHOUSON THEATRE OF THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE.
BOTH SITES ARE FOR INDUSTRIAL OR GODOWN PURPOSES.
THE BESTFOLK
FIRST SITE OF ABOUT 1 967 SQUARE METRES WAS SOLD TO LIMITED FOR $2 MILLION, OR $1 016.78 PER SQUARE METRE.
THE SECOND LOT OF ABOUT 1 798 SQUARE METRES WAS SOLD TO ZANGWILL INVESTMENT LIMITED FOR $1.8 MILLION, OR $1 001.11 PER SQUARE METRE.
A THIRD SITE, WHICH IS FOR NON-INDUSTRI AL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES IN MUI WO ON LANTAU ISLAND, WAS WITHDRAWN BECAUSE THERE WERE NO BIDDERS.
----0----
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL I X £
EDINBURGH PLACE BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC (NOVEMBER 20 AND 21)
EAST OUTSIDE QUEEN’S FROM 8.30 AM TO 6 PM FOR AN EXHIBITION.
PIER, IN CENTRAL WILL ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL BE THE SAME REASON.
REPEATED THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND FOR
--------0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD SECOND REPORT PUBLISHED ........... 1
GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE NEW FINANCIAL INFORMATION SYSTEM ... 2
LORD BELSTEAD TO VISIT HONG KONG ............................... 3
TECHNICAL TRAINING FOR MORE YOUNG PEOPLE ....................... 4
NEED FOR MORE SCHOOLS STRESSED.................................. 6
COMMUNITY HAS ROLE TO PLAY IN REHABILITATION OF DISCHARGED PRISONERS, FORMER DRUG ADDICTS ................................. 6
QUALITY OF EDUCATION .......................................... 7
RELOCATION OF REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE ................... 8
FIRE SERVICES SHOW AT EDINBURGH PLACE .......................... 8
SHA TIN SITES OFFERED FOR SALE.................................. 9
WEEKEND FUN DAYS ............................................... 9
STREET CLOSURE FOR MTR ISLAND LINE............................ 10
CHILDREN'S CHOIR FORMED IN SHAM SHUI PO ....................... 11
WATER MAINS WORK IN TWO AREAS ................................. 11
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 19az
1
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD SECOND REPORT PUBLISHED *****
THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD (IDB) IS LOOKING AHEAD TO ANOTHER FRUITFUL YEAR, BASED ON ITS MANY ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THIS YEAR, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR PETER TSAO, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCING THE PUBLICATION OF THE BOARD’S SECOND ANNUAL REPORT.
DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW (AUGUST 1, 1981 TO JULY 31, 1982) THE IDB CONSIDERED VARIOUS PROPOSALS FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. THEY INCLUDED:
* ESTABLISHMENT OF A STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY IN THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT,
* AN OVERSEAS CONSULTANCY ON TESTING LABORATORIES TO IMPROVE QUALITY CERTIFICATION SERVICES,
* TECHNICAL INFORMATION SERVICES FOR INDUSTRY,
* THE NEEDS OF INDUSTRY IN SCIENCE AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH,
* TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER STUDY,
* PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN SERVICES,
* MICRO-ELECTRONICS RESEARCH PROJECTS, AND
* RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT WORK ARISING FROM A TECHNO-ECONOMIC STUDY OF THE METAL AND LIGHT ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES.
♦A NUMBER OF THE PROPOSALS CONSIDERED OR ENDORSED BY THE BOARD ARE NOW BEING IMPLEMENTED,* MR TSAO SAID.
+THE DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS OF EQUIPMENT IN THE STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY HAVE BEEN DRAWN UP. WE EXPECT THAT THE LABORATORY WILL COME INTO OPERATION IN 1983, AS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED.*
ON THE ADVICE OF THE BOARD, THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPOINTED THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TESTING AUTHORITIES, AUSTRALIA, TO UNDERTAKE A CONSULTANCY STUDY ON TESTING LABORATORY SERVICES AND ACCREDITATION OF TESTING LABORATORIES IN HONG KONG. THE CONSULTANTS HAVE ALREADY CONDUCTED PRELIMINARY STUDIES IN MARCH AND OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR INDUSTRY SERVICES WAS ESTABLISHED EARLY THIS YEAR. A MAJOR ITEM CONSIDERED S THE COMMITTEE WAS THE COMPILATION OF THE FIRST GRAND UNION CATALOGUE OF SERIAL HOLDINGS IN HONG KONG. ANOTHER IMPORTANT PROJECT WAS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH TO ADVISE ON THE PROVISION OF INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT FACILITIES AND SCIENTIFIC OR TECHNOLOGICAL MATTERS.
FIVE RESEARCH PROJECTS RELATING TO THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY HAVE BEEN ENDORSED BY THE BOARD AND ARE AT VARIOUS STAGES OF PROGRESS.
/+TEE BOARD ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1982
2
♦THE BOARD IS CONSIDERING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TECHNO-ECONOMIC STUDY ON THE METAL AND LIGHT ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES COMPLETED BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE (HKPC), AND WILL EXAMINE THE NEED FOR PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL AND IMPROVED FACILITIES AND SERVICES,* MR TSAO SAID.
+THE VARIOUS PROJECT PROPOSALS RECEIVED FROM THE HKPC, UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNIC WHICH ARE CURRENTLY UNDER VARIOUS STAGES OF CONSIDERATION AND IMPLEMENTATION ARE TESTIMONIALS OF THE RECOGNITION OF THE BOARD'S ROLE BY RELEVANT SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY. WE EXPECT MORE PROJECTS TO COME TO FRUITION IN OUR NEXT YEAR’S WORK,* MR TSAO REMARKED.
THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD WAS ESTABLISHED IN AUGUST 1980, FOLLOWING A RECOMMENDATION BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION. THE BOARD, RESPONSIBLE FOR PLANNING, MONITORING AND GIVING ADVICE ON VARIOUS PROGRAMMES IN THE FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, IS CHAIRED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
MEMBERS INCLUDE PROMINENT PERSONALITIES IN INDUSTRY, THE ACADEMIC FIELD, AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS. IT IS SERVICED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
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GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE NEW FINANCIAL INFORMATION SYSTEM
M * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL START TO INTRODUCE EARLY NEXT YEAR A NEW FINANCIAL INFORMATION SYSTEM OFFERING ON-LINE FACILITIES FOR BUDGET CONTROL AND MUCH NEEDED MANAGEMENT INFORMATION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS, MR BREMRIDGE SAID THE SYSTEM WOULD BE GEARED TO INFORMATION NEEDS AT ALL MANAGEMENT LEVELS AND WOULD DRAW TOGETHER DATA FROM A WIDE RANGE OF SOURCES INTO A FULLY INTEGRATED DATABASE.
THE SYSTEM WOULD GIVE SPEEDY ACCESS NOT ONLY TO ROUTINE, THOUGH ESSENTIAL, ACCOUNTING DATA BUT ALSO TO INFORMATION OF INTEREST TO THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGEMENT DECISIONS, HE SAID.
♦IN SHORT, THE SYSTEM WILL BE ORIENTED TOWARDS ACHIEVING EFFECTIVE CONTROL TOGETHER WITH PROVIDING DATA IN THE RIGHT FORM FOR ASSESSING BOTH PERFORMANCE AND PRIORITIES,* HE EXPLAINED.
HE SAID ALSO THAT THERE WAS AN INCREASING NEED FOR PRIVATESECTOR ACCOUNTANTS TO EXERCISE INFLUENCE IN MANAGEMENT DECISIONS, PARTICULARLY IN HONG KONG WHERE MARKET CONDITIONS BECAME TOUGHER EACH YEAR AND CONTINUED PROSPERITY DEPENDED MUCH ON IMPROVEMENTS TO OVERALL COST EFFECTIVENESS.
NEVERTHELESS, HE ADDED, AN ACCOUNTANT SHOULD NOT FORGET HE STILL HAD A MAJOR ROLE TO PLAY IN ENSURING THAT THE OVERALL FINANCIAL INTEGRITY OF HIS COMPANY OR ORGANISATION WAS MAINTAINED.
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/3......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1982
5
LORD BELSTEAD TO VISIT HONG KONG * * * *
inon 0F STATE AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
E?£DrJb£TEAD» WILL BE ATTENDING A MEETING IN BANGKOK IN MID-DECSMBER OF HEADS OF UK MISSIONS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE FAR EAST.
ne^eU!r»°?E-rIR^VELLING T0 BANSK0K HE WILL VISIT HONG KONG FROM DtCEriDc.R 6 TO 10.
THIS WILL BE LORD BELSTEAD’S FIRST VISIT TO THE TERRITORY SINCE BEING APPOINTED EARLIER THIS YEAR AS MINISTER OF STATE AT InCLUDEEH0NGAK0N6°MM0NWEAI’TH 0FFICE' WHERE H,S RESPONSIBILITIES
HE WILL HAVE TALKS WITH THE GOVERNOR AND SENIOR OFFICIALS AND WILL MEET UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS AND OTHER COMMUNITY LEADERS.
AN EXTENSIVE PROGRAMME THE MINISTER TO FAMILIARISE TERRITORY.
OF VISITS IS BEING ARRANGED TO ENABLE HIMSELF WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN THE
NOTE TO EDITORS:
LORD BELSTEAD WAS BORN
IN 1932 AND WAS EDUCATED AT ETON HE SUCCEEDED TO HIS TITLE IN 1958.
AND CHRIST CHURCH, OXFORD.
A CONSERVATIVE, HE WAS PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE’ FpR EDUCATION AND SCIENCE FROM 1970 TO 1973, PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE AT THE NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE FROM 1573-74, AND PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE AT THE HOME ^X’CE FROM 1979 UNTIL HE WAS APPOINTED MINISTER OF STATE AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE IN MARCH THIS YEAR.
- - 0 - -
A
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1982
4
TECHNICAL TRAINING FOR MORE YOUNG PEOPLE * X * X
TWO MORE TECHNICAL TRAINING CENTRES, A SIXTH TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AND A SECOND POLYTECHNIC WILL BE ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH MORE TRAINING OPPORTUNITlES.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, DR KEITH LEGG, WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING OF A CAREERS EXHIBITION IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
THE 1O-DAY EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND CO-SPONSORED BY -THE URBAN COUNCIL.
DR LEGG SAID IT WAS BECOMING INCREASINGLY MORE IMPORTANT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE EDUCATED IN BOTH THEORY AND PRACTICE IN AN INTEGRATED WAY. OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE, THEREFORE, IN BUILDING A CAREER WERE TRAINING OPPORTUNITlES.
A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE TRAINING OPPORTUNIT|ES NOW AVAILABLE AND BEING ACTIVELY PROMOTED BY GOVERNMENT ARE THE MANY TYPES AND LEVELS OF FORMAL APPRENTICESHIP SCHEMES ALL LEADING TO RECOGNISED TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
REFERRING TO THE PARTICIPATION IN THE EXHIBITION BY THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY DR LEGG NOTED THAT THEIR PARTICIPATION WOULD PROVIDE YOUNG STUDENTS WITH VALUABLE INFORMATION ON CURRENT TRAINING OPPORTUNITlES.
HE COMMENDED THE EXHIBITION - THE ELEVENTH ONE ORGANISED BY THE YEAS - TO YOUNG PEOPLE.
♦MAINTAINING THE GROWTH IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMY AND THE IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE THAT FOLLOWS OFFERS MANY CHALLENGING JOB OPPORTUNITIES. WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IS WELL DISPLAYED IN THIS EXHIBITION,* HE NOTED.
DR LEGG POINTED OUT THAT SINCE HE OPENED THE FOURTH CAREERS EXHIBITION SEVEN YEARS AGO, MANY INNOVATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT HAD EMERGED FROM THE YEAS IN KEEPING WITH THE INCREASING IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED BY THE DEPARTMENT OVER THE YEARS.
/THE IDEA .......
FRIDAY, N0V5XBER 19, 1982
- 5 -
THE IDEA OF A COORDINATED PATTERN OF +JUNIOR CAREER SOCIETIES* HE PUT FORWARD AT THE OPENING OF THAT EXHIBITION TOOK ROOT AND HAD EMERGED NOW AS THREE CAREER INFORMATION CENTRES ON THE ISLAND, IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THESE CENTRES, TOGETHER WITH CAREER SEMINARS, CONVENTIONS AND EXHIBITIONS ON A DISTRICT BASIS NOW PROVIDED CONSIDERABLE OPPORTUNITY TO YOUNG PEOPLE IN MAKING THE VERY IMPORTANT DECISION ON THEIR FUTURE CAREERS.
EARLIER, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR J.N. HENDERSON, THANKED THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR CO-SPONSORING THE EXHIBITION, ALL EXHIBITORS, PAST AND PRESENT, AND ALL THOSE WHO ASSISTED IN THE PREPARATION OF THE EXHIBITION.
HE ALSO THANKED THE DAO HENG BANK FOR SPONSORING A CAREERS QUIZ AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE. THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE FOR PARTICIPATING IN CAREERS-ORIENTED ACTIVITIES AT EDINBURGH PLACE DURING THE EXHIBITION PERIOD.
IN HIS VOTE OF THANKS, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, SAID THAT IN THE PAST TEN YEARS, THERE HAD BEEN A TREMENDOUS ADVANCE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CAREERS EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING.
SUCH REMARKABLE PROGRESS WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE EFFORTS MADE BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE MANY OTHER PERSONS AND ORGANISATIONS ENTHUSIASTICALLY ENGAGED IN VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND CAREERS WORK.
THE URBAN COUNCIL WOULD ALWAYS BE WILLING TO OFFER WHATEVER ASSISTANCE REQUIRED IN PROVIDING FACILITIES AND MANPOWER RESOURCES FOR MEANINGFUL PROJECTS THAT WOULD ASSIST YOUNG PEOPLE IN CHOOSING A CAREER AND EMBARKING UPON SPECIAL TRAINING, HE ADDED.
THE EXHIBITION WILL OPEN TO THE PUBLIC TOMORROW FROM 9.30 AM TO 6.30 PM DAILY, UNTIL NOVEMBER 29.
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/6
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1982
6
NEED FOR MORE SCHOOLS STRESSED *****
THE SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, NR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY (FRIDAY) STRESSED THAT SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS SHOULD BE PROVIDED IN GOOD TIME IN THE NEW TOWNS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS SUN HOI DIRECTORS’ COLLEGE AT TUEN MUN, MR AKERS-JONES SAID THE POPULATION OF TUEN MUN HAD INCREASED TREMENDOUSLY IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, FROM 80 000 IN 1980 TO THE PRESENT FIGURE OF 190 000 AND WOULD INCREASE AT 70 000 ANNUALLY IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS, REACHING 350 000 IN 1985.
♦ TO COPE WITH THE RAPID GROWTH, AND ESPECIALLY IN VIEW OF THE UNUSUALLY HIGH PROPORTION OF YOUNG PEOPLE AMONG THE INCOMING RESIDENTS, IT IS MOST ESSENTIAL THAT ANCILLARY FACILITIES, IN PARTICULAR, SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS BE PROVIDED IN GOOD TIME.*
♦ THE EFFORTS AND CONTRIBUTION OF COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS TUNG WAH, ACTUALLY TO PROVIDE SUCH SERVICES AND FACILITIES AT THE RIGHT PLACE AND THE RIGHT TIME FOR THE RIGHT PEOPLE ARE TO BE COMMENDED,+ HE SAID.
THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS SUN HOI DIRECTORS’ COLLEGE IS THE GROUP’S FIRST SECONDARY SCHOOL TO BE ESTABLISHED IN TUEN MUN, WITH A SECOND TO BE FOLLOWED AT SIU HONG COURT NEXT YEAR.
♦ TOGETHER WITH ITS KINDERGARTEN AND PRIMARY SCHOOL IN ON TING AND YAU 01 ESTATES, TUNG WAH IS NOW WELL ESTABLISHED AMONG THE COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS OF THIS NEW TOWN,+ MR AKERS-JONES ADDED.
UP TO THE PRESENT, THE TUNG WAH GROUP HAS SET UP A TOTAL OF 11 SECONDARY SCHOOLS, 15 PRIMARY SCHOOLS, TWO KINDERGARTENS AND ONE SPECIAL SCHOOL, PROVIDING PLACES FOR A STUDENT POPULATION OF OVER 20 000.
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COMMUNITY HAS ROLE TO PLAY IN REHABILITATION OF DISCHARGED PRISONERS, FORMER DRUG ADDICTS * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, MR ERIC HO SAID TODAY THAT THE COMMUNITY HAD AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN HELPING TO REHABILITATE THOSE WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY IN ADAPTING TO SOCIETY.
uauc rrisONERS, FORMER DRUG ADDICTS AND EX-PROBATIONERS
HAVE TO MAKE A DECISION THEMSELVES TO START A NEW LIFE, BUT THE COMMUNITY MUST ALSO BE WILLING TO GIVE THEM OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT, HE SAID.
OPPORTUNITIES TO
THE EMPLOYMENT SERViCc
SPEAKING AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF 7:;Z ,;;-„7
THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, MR HO POINTED OUT THA'.
GREAT PRESSURES ON THESE PEOPLE WHEN THEY REJOIN
AB0UT H0W THEY ORGANISE THEIR DAILY LIFE AND RE-ESTABLISH THEIR OWN INDIVIDUAL LIFESTYLE.
/THS FIRST ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1982
7
THE FIRST THING THAT MUST BE DONE TO HELP THEM IS TO OFFER THEM JOBS SO THAT THEY CAN REGAIN SELF-CONFIDENCE AND HAVE THE COURAGE TO COPE WITH THESE PRESSURES AND PROBLEMS, HE SAID.
MR HO PAID TRIBUTE TO THOSE EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE HELPED BY OFFERING JOBS AND WAS ENCOURAGED BY THE WORK OF THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE COUNCIL. IN THE YEAR ENDED THIS MARCH, THE SERVICE HANDLED A RECORD NUMBER OF 847 CASES, OF WHICH 541 OR NEARLY 64 PER CENT WERE SUCCESSFUL.
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QUALITY OF EDUCATION * * *
THE WORLD-WIDE RECESSION IS NOT LIKELY TO RESULT IN ANY CUT BACK IN THE +QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENTS IN EDUCATION BECAUSE OF PRUDENT PLANNING*, THE SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUACTION FOR PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, MR Y.T. LI, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) AT THE SPEECH DAY OF CARMEL ENGLISH SCHOOL.
MR LI ADDED HOWEVER THAT IN THE NEXT YEAR OR SO, IT MIGHT NOT BE POSSIBLE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUE TO BRING ABOUT NEW IMPROVEMENTS AT THE SAME RATE AS IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.
♦PERSONALLY I DO NOT THINK THAT THIS IS NECESSARILY A BAD THING BECAUSE WITH SO MANY CHANGES MADE IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN RECENT YEARS, PERHAPS THE TIME HAS COME FOR US TO CONSOLIDATE, ALTHOUGH LET ME QUICKLY ADD THAT CONSOLIDATION AT THIS STAGE SHOULD NOT, AND WILL NOT, MEAN STAGNATION.
♦A PERIOD OF CONSOLIDATION AT THIS STAGE SHOULD GIVE US A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW PRESENT POLICIES, TO FINE-TUNE IMPLEMENTATION PLANS, AND ABOVE ALL, TO PREPARE FOR FURTHER ADVANCES IN THE FUTURE,* HE SAID.
EARLIER, MR LI SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT STARTED TO EXPAND SECONDARY EDUCATION IN EARNEST FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION CF THE 1974 WHITE PAPER ON SECONDARY EDUCATION, AND EMBARKED ON A PROGRAMME TO BUILD 130 NEW SCHOOLS.
NINETY-ONE OF THE SCHOOLS HAVE SINCE BEEN COMPLETED, AND 93 PRIVATE NON-PROFIT-MAKING SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN TURNED INTO FULLY AIDED SCHOOLS, HE SAID.
♦THESE ARE VERY SUBSTANTIAL ACHIEVEMENTS, ESPECIALLY IF IT IS REMEMBERED THAT THEY HAVE BEEN COMPLETED WITHIN LESS THAN A DECADE.
♦NOR ARE THEY THE ONLY PROOF OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S DETERMINATION TO UPGRADE THE EDUCATION SYSTEM BOTH QUANTITATIVELY AND QUALITATIVELY.
♦THE IMPROVEMENTS SET OUT IN SUBSEQUENT EDUCATION WHITE PAPERS, OUR ’LANGUAGE PACKAGE’ AND THE DECISION TO PROVIDE SCHOOLS WITH ADDITIONAL TEACHERS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE ARE SOME FURTHER INDICATIONS OF OUR INTENTIONS AND PLANS IN THIS VERY IMPORTANT AREAS,♦ MR LI SAID.
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/8.......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1982
8
RELOCATION OF REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE
*****
ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 22), THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE AT QUEENSWAY WILL MOVE TO NEW RODNEY BLOCK, SECOND FLOOR, QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG, NEXT TO THE ADMIRALTY MTR STATION.
THIS OFFICE HANDLES ALL APPLICATIONS FROM NEWLY ARRIVED LEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA WHO ARE REQUIRED TO REGISTER FOR IDENTITY CARDS.
IT ALSO ISSUES +BLACK SEAL+ IDENTITY CARDS TO IMMIGRANTS GRANTED PERMANENT STAY IN HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO TELEPHONE 3-7333111.
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FIRE SERVICES SHOW AT EDINBURGH PLACE
XXX
SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED EQUIPMENT AND APPLIANCES IN DEALING WITH FIRES AND OTHER EMERGENCIES WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT EDINBURGH PLACE TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE DISPLAY WILL BE ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF A CAREER SHOW TO BE STARTED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AS AN ASSOCIATED ACTIVITY OF THE CAREERS EXHIBITION BEING HELD IN THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THE SHOW, SCHEDULED TO START AT 9 AM, SEEKS TO INTRODUCE THE ROLES PLAYED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN PROTECTING LIVES AND PROPERTIES.
VISITORS TO THE SHOW WILL BE ABLE TO HAVE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE WEST GERMAN-MADE 50-METRE TURNTABLE LADDER, WHICH IS ONE OF THE MOST MODERN FIRE APPLIANCES IN THE WORLD. THE GIANT FIRE BOAT 6 WILL MOOR AT QUEEN’S PIER, AND CONDUCTED TOURS OF THE SPECIALLY DESIGNED VESSEL WILL BE ARRANGED BETWEEN 10 AM AND 5 PM.
OTHER MAJOR APPLIANCES ON DISPLAY WILL INCLUDE AN AMBULANCE, AN AMBULANCE MOTOR-CYCLE, A PUMP ESCAPE SNORKEL, A MOBILE COMMAND UNIT (MCU) TO BE MANNED BY SENIOR FIREMEN, AND VARIOUS RESCUE EQUIPMENT USED IN DEALING WITH ALL FORMS OF EMERGENCIES, RANGING FROM LANDSLIDES, FIRE FIGHTING, TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, HOUSE COLLAPSES TO MOUNTAIN RESCUES.
THE SHOW WILL ALSO FEATURE COLOURFUL PHOTOGRAPHS OF FIRE OFFICERS AND MEN AT WORK AND AT LEISURE, SOME OF THE WORST FIRES THAT OCCURRED IN RECENT YEARS AND FIRE FIGHTING OPERATIONS FROM LAND, AIR AND SEA.
A TEMPORARY RECRUITMENT CENTRE WILL BE SET UP AT THE MCU FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE FIRE SERVICES. APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE MCU AND CHEST MEASUREMENTS AND EYE-SIGHT TESTS WILL BE CARRIED OUT FOR APPLICANTS ON THE SPOT.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1982
9
SHA TIN SITES OFFERED FOR SALE
* * * ft
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING TWO PIECES OF LAND NEAR FO TAN IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN FOR SALE BY AUCTION AT 2.30 PM ON DECEMBER 16.
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT THE MARINA ROOM OF THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE LARGER SITE IS FOR PUBLIC LORRY PARKING AND GODOWN PURPOSES. IT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3 956 SQUARE METRES.
THE OTHER SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 2 870 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR INDUSTRIAL/GODOWN USE.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING ANOTHER SITE IN SHAN f-EI STREET, SHA TIN NEW TOWN FOR SALE BY TENDER. IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3 552 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN AND RESIDENTIAL) PURPOSES.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION OF TENDERS FOR THIS SITE IS 12 NOON ON DECEMBER 17.
FULL PARTICULARS, INCLUDING CONDITIONS OF SALE AND TENDER FORMS, MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND PLANS INSPECTED AT, THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONGj THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE KOWLOON WEST, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN, NORTH, YUEN LONG, SAI KUNG, AND ISLANDS.
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WEEKEND FUN DAYS ft ft ft
A FUN DAY AND MOBILE EXHIBITION FOR CHILDREN WILL BE HELD AT KENNEDY TOWN ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 21).
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY DAO HANG BANK AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE FUN DAY IS ONE OF 14 PLANNED.
THE FIRST WAS HELD AT VICTORIA PARK LAST WEEK ATTRACTING MORE THAN 600 CHILDREN OF BETWEEN SIX TO 12 YEARS OF AGE.
THE SECOND FUN DAY WILL BE HELD AT FOSTER PARK, NEAR FORBES STREET IN WESTERN. IT WILL START AT 10 AM AND END AT 1 PM.
ABOUT 600 CHILDREN ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN POTTED-SPORT GAMES AND OTHER CHILDREN TOURNAMENTS. PRIZES AND GIFTS WILL BE GIVEN.
/THE FUN .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 19ft2
10
THE FUN DAYS WILL TAKE PLACE AT WEEKENDS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, WITH THE THIRD IN THE SERIES TO BE HELD AT THE KING GEORGE THE FIFTH MEMORIAL PARK IN YAU MA TEI ON THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 28).
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE WELCOMED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE FUN DAY AT FOSTER PARK IN KENNEDY TOWN ON SUNDAY.
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STREET CLOSURE FOR MTR ISLAND LINE
* * * *
SECTIONS OF DES VOEUX ROAD AND HILLIER STREET IN CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MTR ISLAND LINE.
IN HILLIER STREET, THE CARRIAGEWAY AND FOOTPATH BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD AND WING LOK STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED. A ROVING FOOTPATH OF AT LEAST TWO METRES WIDE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR ACCESS TO PREMISES THERE.
THE TWO FOOTPATHS ALONG THE SECTION OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL BETWEEN CLEVERLY STREET AND MAN WA LANE WILL ALSO BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY. HOWEVER, THEIR CLOSURES WILL NOT BE EFFECTED AT THE SAME TIME.
A NOTICE IN RESPECT OF THE TEMPORARY CLOSURES WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY). COPIES OF IT, TOGETHER WITH THE ROAD CLOSURE PLAN (MT/G/216), MAY BE INSPECTED DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) AT 222-224 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL; ITS ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE AT CGO WEST WING; OR THE SURVEY DIVISION OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IN MURRAY BUILDING, COTTON TREE DRIVE.
CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF THE CLOSURES MUST BE MADE IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT AND MUST REACH HIS OFFICE WITHIN ONE YEAR AFTER THE ROAD IS REOPENED.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1932
11
CHILDREN’S CHOIR FORMED IN SHAM SHU I RO * M *
THE SHAM SHUl PO CHILDREN’S CHOIR HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY FORMED WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, COMPRISING BOARD MEMBERS AND PROFESSIONALS IN THE MUSIC FIELD, WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CHOIR S TRAINING, RECRUITMENT AND PUBLIC PERFORMANCES.
THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALSO ALLOCATED $30 000 FOR THE CHOIR THIS YEAR AHDtANOTHER $60 000 TO $80 000 WOULD BE RESERVED FOR NEXT YEAR. “
THE CHOIR,- COMPRISING 77 MEMBERS AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND 12, HAD BEEN HAVING TRAINING WITH THE MUSIC OFFICE DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS. K
♦THE GROUP HAS BEEN EXPANDING EACH YEAR AND WE FEEL IT IS TIME TO GIVE THEM OUR SUPPORT WHICH, Wg HOPE, WILL ALSO CREATE A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG THEM.+ A DISTRICT BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID.
AN INAUGURATION CEREMONY FOR BOTH THE CHOIR AND ITS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 21) AT 3 PM IN THE HALL OF HAXING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, 702 LAI CHI KOK ROAD.
THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICER. MR STEPHEN IP, AND THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR Of THE MUSIC (XTICE, MR M.C. LUKE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY,
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WATER MAINS WORK IN TWO AREAS
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN HAPPY VALLEY ®E tUfREN?ED/0R EIGHI H0UR£ FR0M 10 PM M ^NDAY
MA?NSMCONNECT1ON 6 M THE POUOW,NG DAY T0 FACILITATE WATER
AU0NG TAi H*M6 DRIVE, CHUN FAI ROAD, WANG FUNG TERRACE, VILLAGE TERRACE AND LOONG FUNG TERRACE wlLL BE AFFECTED.
ON MONDAY MORNING, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO THE CHA-’ WAN AREA ^?5aoINTERRUPT£D FR0M 10 AM UNT,L 10 AM 0N TUESDAY, ALSO FOR I Nw WORK •
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
ANTI-II DRIVE STEPPED UP................................. 1
POPULATION’S COOPERATION NEEDED TO KEEP HK CLEAN......... 2
HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY MANPOWER SURVEY PUBLISHED........... 3
KWUN TONG FESTIVAL OPENS............................... 3
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES SHOW IN CENTRAL................... 4-
WINTER COURSES AND SEMINAR ON PHYSICAL EDUCATION ........ 5
ROAD PROJECT FOR TUEN MUN .............................. 6
PIER TO BE EXTENDED...................................... 6
THREE MORE TENNIS COURTS IN TUEN MUN .................... 7
CHANGE IN KOWLOON MAXICAB SERVICE ....................... 7
FIRING PRACTICE IN HA TSUDI-CASTLE PEAK RANGE............ 8
WATER CUT ON CHEUNG CHAU ................................ 8
PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER TO CLOSE FDR TWO NIGHTS .. 8
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1982
1
ANTI —I I DRIVE STEPPED UP
* * * *
THE ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION NET PULLED TIGHTER THIS WEEK AS THE POLICE, LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS LAUNCHED ANOTHER SPECIAL OPERATION TO FERRET OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
MORE THAN 77 000 PEOPLE WERE CHECKED FOR IDENTIFICATION AND 9 640 ESTABLISHMENTS VISITED, DURING THE THREE-DAY OPERATION.
FIFTY-THREE PERSONS SUSPECTED OF BEING HERE ILLEGALLY WERE TURNED UP AND REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THOSE FOUND TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED.
THE JOINT OPERATION WAS PART OF THE ONGOING TERRITORY-WIDE EFFORT AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.
♦THIS EFFORT HAS BY NO MEANS SLACKENED,* A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY). +0N THE CONTRARY, THE SECURITY FORCES AND THE POLICE CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN A HIGH STATE OF VIGILANCE BOTH AT THE BORDER AND THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
♦THERE IS NO PLACE FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN HONG KONG AND THEY WILL BE SENT BACK,+ HE STRESSED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO DISCOUNTED THE POSSIBILITY OF AN AMNESTY WHEN THE FIRST BATCH OF THE REPLACEMENT IDENTITY CARDS WILL BE ISSUED NEXT YEAR.
♦AS THE GOVERNOR SAID IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST MONTH, THERE IS NO QUESTION OF AN AMNESTY,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦ANYONE FOOLISHLY HOPING FOR THAT IS ONLY DELUDING HIMSELF AND OTHERS.♦
DURING THE SPECIAL OPERATION, POLICE STEPPED UP THEIR IDENTIFICATION SPOT CHECKS IN PUBLIC PLACES AND ALSO CARRIED OUT SPECIAL OPERATIONS IN SUSPECT AREAS AND LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THEY ARRESTED 14 SUSPECTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WITH FORGED IDENTITY CARDS. ANOTHER 384 PERSONS WERE SUMMONSED FOR FAILING TO PRODUCE PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY, AND A FURTHER 218 WERE WARNED IN RESPECT OF THIS OFFENCE, WHICH CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $1 000.
ON THE LABOUR FRONT, INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT VISITED 9 640 ESTABLISHMENTS TO WEED OUT ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WHO MAY BE WORKING, AND TO CHECK THAT EMPLOYERS FULFILL THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION OF KEEPING PROPER RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.
TWENTY-SIX PERSONS IN 26 ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND WITHOUT PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY. THEY TOO HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR INVESTIGATION.
/ONE HUNDRED
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1982
2
ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTEEN ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND NOT TO BE KEEPING PROPER RECORDS OF EMPLOYEES.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT OFFERING EMPLOYMENT TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IS AN OFFENCE PUNISHABLE BY A FINE OF UP TO $50 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR.
-------o----------
POPULATION’S COOPERATION NEEDED TO KEEP HK CLEAN * * * *
A PROPER STANDARD OF CLEANLINESS CAN NEVER BE MAINTAINED UNLESS THE POPULATION AS A WHOLE SHARES A CONVICTION THAT A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT IS FUNDAMENTAL TO A DECENT LIFE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING AT THE LAUNCHING OF THE THIRD CLEAN FOR CHARITY CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF SIR PHILIP'S SPEECHi
♦THE SECOND CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN WAS LAUNCHED JUST A YEAR AGO WITH THE AIM OF MAKING HONG KONG A CLEANER PLACE TO LIVE IN THROUGH THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY. ANTI-LITTER MEASURES BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL ALONE, NO MATTER WHAT RESOURCES ARE DEPLOYED, CAN NEVER BE ENOUGH AND A PROPER STANDARD OF CLEANLINESS CAN NEVER BE MAINTAINED UNLESS THE POPULATION AS A WHOLE SHARES A CONVICTION THAT A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT IS FUNDAMENTAL TO A DECENT LIFE. IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT I AM VERY HAPPY TO BE HERE TODAY, TO TAKE PART IN THE COMMUNITY CHEST’S CONTRIBUTION TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN.
♦LAST YEAR, U ORGANISATIONS SPONSORED TEAMS TO TAKE PART IN CLEAN-UP EXERCISES AND A TOTAL OF $520 000 WAS RAISED FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST. THE CHEST IS TO BE CONGRATULATED ON THE SUCCESSFUL COMBINATION OF FUND RAISING WITH A PRACTICAL OBJECTIVEi AND WE SHOULD ALL BE GRATEFUL TO THE SPONSORING BODIES AS WELL AS TO THE PARTICIPATING TEAMS.
♦THIS IS THE THIRD CLEAN FOR CHARITY CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY THE CHEST. THE TEAMS WILL BE CLEANING UP RECREATIONAL AREAS USED BY MANY PEOPLE IN THEIR LEISURE TIME. IT IS UNFORTUNATELY TRUE THAT, AMONG THOSE SAME PEOPLE WHO ENJOY THESE AREAS ARE THE ONES WHO LEAVE LITTER DEHIND THEM, SELFISHLY DISREGARDING THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS. BUT, HOPEFULLY, THE EXAMPLE SET BY CHEST TEAMS WILL AROUSE A SENSE OF PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND CIVIC PRIDE IN ALL USERS OF THE COUNTRYSIDE AND MAKE THEM MINDFUL OF THE IMPORTANCE CF KEEPING OUR ENVIRONMENT CLEAN AND TIDY.
♦SO, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT I CONGRATULATE ALL OF YOU WHO ARE CONTRIBUTING TO THIS CAMPAIGN, WHETHER YOU BE CLEANERS, SPONSORS OR ORGANISERS AND I AM SURE THIS YEAR’S CLEAN FOR CHARITY CAMPAIGN WILL BE A SUCCESS.♦
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1982
5
HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY MANPOWER SURVEY PUBLISHED * * * * *
WITH MORE NEW HOTELS COMING INTO OPERATION IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY MUST EMBARK ON A MANPOWER TRAINING PROGRAMME OR THE SHORTAGE OF TRAINED OPERATIVE STAFF MIGHT BECOME MORE ACUTE.
THIS WAS POINTED OUT IN A REPORT ON THE MANPOWER SURVEY HELD IN 1981 BY THE HOTEL, CATERING AND TOURISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE FORMER HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL.
TO COPE WITH MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS, THE REPORT RECOMMENDED TWO REMEDIAL MEASURESi TO STANDARDISE AND UNIFY THE PRESENT HOSPITALITY COURSES IN THE EXISTING INSTITUTIONS AND TO SET UP A HOTEL TRAINING CENTRE MAINLY FOR OPERATIVES.
COMMENTING ON THE FINDINGS, MR LARRY TCHOU, CHAIRMAN OF THE TRAINING BOARD NOW UNDER THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, SAID, +WELL-TRAINED AND EDUCATED EMPLOYEES ARE IN GREAT DEMAND BY THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY, ESPECIALLY WITH TOURISM BEING ONE OF THE LEADING REVENUE GENERATORS OF HONG KONG.+
THE TRAINING BOARD ALSO RECOMMENDED SPECIFIC TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR MANAGERIAL AND SUPERVISORY STAFF FOR THE INDUSTRY.
DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD, THERE WERE 784 VACANCIES IN THE 6 827 ESTABLISHMENTS SURVEYED, REPRESENTING 2.15 PER CENT OF THEIR TOTAL WORK FORCE.
THE ESTABLISHMENTS COMPRISED HOTELS, BOARDING HOUSES, AIR TRANSPORT CARRIERS, TRAVEL AGENCIES AND WESTERN-STYLE CATERING INSTITUTIONS WHICH INCLUDE RESTAURANTS, FAST FOOD SHOPS AND BARS.
THE REPORT, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, IS ON SALE AT $43 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.
- - 0 - -
KWUN TONG FESTIVAL OPENS * * * *
A TWO-WEEK LONG KWUN TONG ARTS FESTIVAL STARTED TODAY (SATURDAY) WITH AN EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY BY THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AT THE KWUN TONG RECREATION GROUND IN TSUI PING ROAD.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR HILTON CHEONG-uEEN ALSO OFFICIATED AT THE CEREMONY BY ADDRESSING THE GATHERING.
THE CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY DRAGON AND LION DANCES, FOLK DANCE, PIPERS BAND AND CHINESE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC PERFORMANCES, CHILDREN’S CHOIR SINGING AND VARIOUS EXHIBITIONS.
/THE FESTIVAL
SATURDAY, SOYaffiffl 20, 1982'
4
THE FESTIVAL WHICH WILL HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE LIVING IN THE DISTRICT IS ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CULTURE AND RECREATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION AND THE MUSIC OFFICE.
IT IS HOPED THAT THE ART APPRECIATION STANDARD OF LOCAL RESIDENTS WILL BE RAISED THROUGH THEIR PARTICIPATION AND INVOLVEMENT IN THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR THEM.
IN THE COMING TWO WEEKS, KWUN TONG RESIDENTS OF ALL AGES WILL SHARE THE FUN IN MORE THAN 30 FESTIVAL EVENTS.
THESE WILL INCLUDE MODERN AND FOLK DANCES, PUPPET SHOW, PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST, FLORAL EXHIBITION AS WELL AS POETRY AND ESSAY COMPETITIONS.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FESTIVAL WILL INCLUDE CANTONESE OPERA BY THE WELL-KNOWN CHOR FUNG MING OPERA TROUPE, THE +THOUSAND ARTISTS’ NITE* AND THE +ROLLER SKATING DISCO NIGHT*.
A TELEVISION PROGRAMME ON THE FESTIVAL HAS ALSO BEEN ARRANGED TO BE BROADCAST ON TVB’S JADE CHANNEL +ENJOY YOURSELF TONIGHT* AT 9.30 PM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 22).
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CORRECTIONAL SERVICES SHOW IN CENTRAL
* * M *
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL STAGE A PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAY AND VARIETY SHOW AT THE QUEEN’S PIER CONCOURSE IN CENTRAL TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE DISPLAY, TO BE HELD FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM WILL COINCIDE WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CAREERS '83 EXHIBITION AT PRESENT BEING HELD IN THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL.
ON DISPLAY WILL BE COLOURFUL PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AND THE WIDE RANGE OF iTS INDUSTRIES.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE DISPLAYS BY THE TAI TAM GIRL PIPERS AND PRECISION MARCHING TEAM AND THE CAPE COLLINSON MARCHING BAND AS WELL AS A VARIETY SHOW STAGED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES MOBILE STREET THEATRE, WITH PERFORMANCES BY WELL-KNOWN ARTISTES AND AN ENTERTAINMENT TROUPE.
A MOBILE RECRUITMENT CENTRE WILL BE SET UP ON THE SPOT, WITH CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS ON HAND TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES AND HANDLE APPLICATIONS.
A SPOKESMAN SAID THAT BESIDES THE REGULAR ASSISTANT OFFICERS AND ASSISTANT OFFICERS OF THE REFUGEE UNIT, THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO LOOKING FOR INSTRUCTORS IN VARIOUS TRADES TO SUPERVISE INMATES AT WORK? SUCH AS GARDENING, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE, CARPENTRY, AND THE MAKING OF RATTAN AND FIBREGLASS ARTICLES.
ANYONE INTERESTED IN TAKING UP A CAREER WITH THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES MAY ENQUIRE WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S RECRUITMENT SECTION AT >8916559 FOR AN APPOINTMENT OR WITH ANY OF THE DISTRICT OFFICES.
------0 ------ /5....................
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1982
5
WINTER COURSES AND SEMINAR ON * * * * *
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
A SERIES OF WINTER COURSES PHYSICAL EDUCATION WILL BE HELD HEXT YEAR.
AND A SEMINAR FOR TEACHERS OF BETWEEN DECEMBER AND FEBRUARY
er„-riL^-°^R?ES' WH1CH W!LL BE CONDUCTED BY THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WILL INCLUDE THE TEACHING OF ^ERYA YEA* ™CTICS ,N BASKETBALL CHINESE DANCE, ORIENTEERING, MODERN DANCE AND VOLLEYBALL. ’
THE FIRST FOUR COURSES ARE MAINLY FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS AND TEACHERS IN CHARGE OF SCHOOL TEAMS WHILE THE VOLLEYBALL COURSE IS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION. THE TEACHING OF MODERN DANCE IS OPEN TO TEACHERS FROM BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
IN ADDITION, AN IN-SERVICE COURSE WILL BE ORGANISED FOR TEACHERS TEACHING PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED FORMAL TRAINING IN THE SUBJECT.
A SEMINAR ON THE TEACHING OF HANDBALL WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 23 FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WHO WISH TO PROMOTE HANDBALL IN SCHOOLS. THERE WILL BE TALKS, A FILM SHOW AND MATCH OBSERVATION AND DISCUSSION.
ONLY IN-SERVICE TEACHERS REGISTERED WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT MAY APPLY. A CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE WILL BE ISSUED TO TEACHERS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE COURSE SATISFACTORILY.
may J??TTEND ANY 0F THE COURSES AND THE SEMINAR
5*Y SEND THE,R APPLICATIONS TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICAL ^CATION), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SEVENTH FLOOR, 405, HATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION, TELEPHONE 3-884111, EXTENSION 271 OR 278. - - - - 0 ----------------------------
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1982 '
6
ROAD PROJECT FOR TUEN MUN « * M
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO WIDEN A SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING AND PUI TO ROAD AND TO CONSTRUCT AN ELEVATED INTERCHANGE AT THE JUNCTION OF TUEN MUN ROAD AND PUI TO ROAD.
THE SCHEME FORMS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
THE PROJECT WILL ALSO INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROOF COVERS TO THE THREE EXISTING FOOTBRIDGES OVER TUEN MUN ROAD NORTH OF PUI TO ROAD AND AN OPEN CAR PARK UNDER THE PROPOSED FLYOVER IN PUI TO ROAD.
NOTICES CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
PROJECT PLANS MAY BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSALS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
- - 0 - -
PIER TO BE EXTENDED X * X
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WILL CONSTRUCT AN EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING PIER AT TSIM BE I TSUI IN DEEP BAY.
TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE BEING INVITED BY THE PORT WORKS DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT.
THE PROJECT WILL INVOLVE THE EXTENSION OF THE EXISTING PIER BY ABOUT 40 METRES INTO DEEP BAY TO OBTAIN SUFFICIENT DEPTH OF WATER FOR THE BERTHING OF POLICE BOATS WHICH PATROL THE DEEP BAY AREA.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1982
7
THREE MORE TENNIS COURTS IN TUEN MUN ft * ft ft
THREE MORE TENNIS COURTS WILL BE OPENED FREE OF CHARGE TO TUEN MUN RESIDENTS FROM DECEMBER 1.
THE TEMPORARY TENNIS COMPLEX LOCATED BETWEEN CASTLE PEAK SAN HUI PLAYGROUND AND TUEN MUN CLINIC WILL BE MANAGED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 6 PM DAILY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD SAID.
FORMS FOR ADVANCE BOOKING ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE AND THE OFFICE OF TUEN MUN TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND.
ALL COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TOGETHER WITH A SELF-ADDRESSED AND STAMPED ENVELOPE BY HAND OR BY MAIL TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE TO THE TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE AT TOP COURT, FIRST FLOOR, TAK CHING COURT, TUEN MUN.
ADMISSION FOR INDIVIDUAL APPLICANTS WILL BE FOR A ONE-HOUR SESSION ONLY AND ALLOCATION OF THE COURTS WILL BE ON A FIRST-COME-F IRST-SERVED BASIS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
A MAXIMUM OF FOUR PLAYERS WILL BE ALLOWED IN ANY ONE COURT EXCEPT FOR TRAINING SESSIONS ORGANISED BY SCHOOLS OR ORGANISATIONS.
TENNIS ENTHUSIASTS MAY ALSO USE TWO OTHER TEMPORARY TENNIS COURTS NEXT TO TAI HING ESTATE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
------o-------
CHANGE IN KOWLOON MAX ICAB SERVICE
XXX
THE KOWLOON MAXICAB ROUTE 4 PRESENTLY OPERATING BETWEEN YAU YAT CHUEN AND TSIM SHA TSUI (HANKOW ROAD) WILL HAVE ITS SERVICE SCHEDULES REVISED FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 22) TO SUIT PASSENGER DEMAND.
DURING PEAK PERIODS FROM 7.30 AM TO 9.45 AM AND FROM 4.30 PM TO 7.15 PM ON WEEKDAYS, THE SERVICE WILL OPERATE BETWEEN THE TWO TERMINAL POINTS AT A FREQUENCY OF 20 MINUTES. A FARE OF $2.50 WILL BE CHARGED.
DURING OFF-PEAK PERIODS AS WELL AS ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, IT WILL SERVE AS A MTR FEEDER ROUTE RUNNING BETWEEN YAU YAT CHUEN AND ARGYLE MTR STATION AT A LOWER FARE OF $1.
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/8........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1982
8
FIRING PRACTICE IN HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ft ft ft ft
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE RANGE FROM TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 23) TO THURSDAY ‘
(NOVEMBER 25)
PEAK
RED FLAGSEARE°FLY,|NGPUBLiC A”£ WARN£D N0T T0 £NTER THE AR£A WHEN
THE DATES AND TIMES OF THE PRACTICE ARE AS FOLLOWSi-
DATE
NOVEMBER 23 (TUESDAY)
NOVEMBER 24 (WEDNESDAY)
NOVEMBER 25 (THURSDAY)
TIME
9 AM - 5 PM
9 AM - 5 PM
8.30 AM - 4.30 PM
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WATER CUT ON CHEUNG CHAU ft X X
FRESH WATER
SUPPLY
TO CERTAIN VILLAGES IN THE
OF CHEUNG CHAU, WILL BE __________ . _
TO 5 PM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 23) FOR A WATER MAINS
TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS
SAI WAN AREA FROM 10 AM CONNECTION.
THE AFFECTED VILLAGES WILL ROUND TABLE THIRD VILLAGE. YING VILLAGE AND TUNG KWUN SAN TSUEN ELECTRIC SUB-STATION.
BE ROUND TABLE SECOND VILLAGE, SIN LEUNG CARE VILLAGE, CARE INCLUDING THE CHEUNG CHAV
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PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER TO CLOSE FOR TWO NIGHTS ft ft ft ft
PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM TO 6 AM ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 23 AND 24) FOR ROAD WORKS.
HOWEVER, NORMAL TRAFFIC WILL BE MAINTAINED ON GROUND LEVEL ROADS.
- - o - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHIEF SECRETARY COMSENDS ST JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE............. 1
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES TO GO METRIC ............................ 2
SOUTHEAST ASIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONFERENCE ..................... 3
SEMINAR FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS ............................ 4
FOUR MODERN MARKETS TO OPEN IN NT SOON ........................ 4
SHAM SHOT PO CHILDREN'S CHOIR GIVES FIRST PERFORMANCE ......... 5
+MICRO+- SOCCER TOURNAMENT .................................... 6
NEW LEAFLETS ON COUNTRY PARKS PUBLISHED ....................... 7
PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE MOVES ........................... 8
TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE FOR MONG KOK............................. 8
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT AT KAM HONG STREET .............. 9
URBAN CLEARJAY IN SHAM SHOT PO ................................ 9
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1982
1
CHIEF SECRETARY COMMENDS ST JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE *****
THE ST JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE IS EXPANDING ITS ACTIVITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO MEET THE EVER GROWING DEMAND OF THE hEW TOWNS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID AT THE BRIGADE’S ANNUAL INSPECTION AND MARCH PAST TODAY (SUNDAY).
THREE MORE COMBINED ASSOCIATION TRAINING CENTRES AND BRIGADE DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS WILL BE ESTABLISHED IN TSUEN WAN, TAI PO AND YUEN LONG BEFORE THE END OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, HE SAID.
AS GROWING NUMBERS OF PEOPLE ENJOY MORE LEISURE AND RECREATIONAL PURSUITS, DEMANDS ON THE BRIGADE’S SERVICES WILL INCREASE, HE ADDED.
LAST YEAR, MEMBERS OF THE BRIGADE SPENT OVER 125 OOO HOURS ON FIRST AID AND AMBULANCE DUTIES, WHICH SIR PHILIP DESCRIBED AS ♦ +A GRAPHIC MEASURE* OF THE BRIGADE'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE COMMUNITY.
THE TEXT OF SIR PHILIP’S SPEECH FOLLOWS*
+IT IS A GREAT PLEASURE TO BE HERE THIS MORNING AS THE REVIEWING OFFICER AT THIS ANNUAL PARADE AND TO PRESENT TROPHIES AND LONG SERVICE MEDALS.
♦SINCE IT STARTED ITS WORK IN HONG KONG 67 YEARS AGO, THE ST JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE HAS BEEN PROVIDING FIRST AID SERVICES AT ATHLETICS MEETINGS, BEACHES AND SWIMMING POOLS, FOOTBALL MATCHES, RACE MEETINGS, FAIRS, WALKATHONS AND AT NUMEROUS OTHER FUNCTIONS WHERE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE GATHER AS SPECTATORS OR AS ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS AND A RISK FACTOR EXISTS. THE BRIGADE ALSO PROVIDES A LIMITED FREE AMBULANCE SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC. APART FROM ATTACHMENTS TO FIRST AID TEAMS, THE CADET SECTION OF THE BRIGADE ALSO PLAYS AN ACTIVE PART IN A VARIETY OF PROFICIENCY AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAMMES.
♦A GRAPHIC MEASURE OF THE BRIGADE’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE bEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE COMMUNITY IS THAT LAST YEAR MEMBERS SPENT OVER 125 000 HOURS ON FIRST AID AND AMBULANCE DUTIES. THIS IS, INDEED, A RECORD TO BE PROUD OF. HONG KONG IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE SO MANY MEN, WOMEN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE PREPARED TO DEVOTE THEIR FREE TIME TO VOLUNTARY WORK. THE PRESENCE OF QUALIFIED FIRST AID PERSONNEL INSTILS A FEELING OF CONFIDENCE AMONG MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY AND IT IS A MANIFESTATION OF THAT SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY SERVICE WHICH REALLY IS SO CHARACTERISTIC OF HONG KONG.
♦AS HONG KONG DEVELOPS AND AS INCREASING NUMBERS OF PEOPLE ENJOY MORE LEISURE AND RECREATIONAL PURSUITS, THE DEMANDS ON THE SERVICES OF THE BRIGADE WILL INEVITABLY INCREASE.
/♦PaSSBKTLY, TH2........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1982
2
+PRESENTLY, THE BRIGADE IS EXPANDING ITS ACTIVITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO MEET THE EVER GROWING DEMAND OF THE NEW TOWNS I AND THREE MORE COMBINED ASSOCIATION TRAINING CENTRES AND BRIGADE DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS ARE TO BE ESTABLISHED IN TSUEN WAN, TAI PO AND YUEN LONG BEFORE THE END OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR. THE FIRST SUCH COMBINED CENTRE IN SHA TIN WAS OPENED LAST YEAR. ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT HAS FINANCED THE BUILDING OF THESE CENTRES, MANY BENEFACTORS HAVE DONATED GENEROUSLY TOWARDS THE COST OF FITTING OUT THE NEW PREMISES AND THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT. IN THESE AND OTHER CENTRES, THE BRIGADE WILL ENSURE THAT MEMBERS ARE KEPT UP-TO-DATE ON MODERN FIRST AID TECHNIQUES.
♦I AM CONFIDENT THAT, UNDER THE ABLE LEADERSHIP OF THE COMMISSIONER, MR CHIU, AND WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ST JOHN COUNCIL, MR MARDEN, THE BRIGADE WILL BE ABLE TO RESPOND TO ANY NEW CHALLENGE WITH ITS TRADITIONAL ENTHUSIASM AND INNOVATIVE INGENUITY.
+l CONGRATULATE ALL OF YOU ON PARADE THIS MORNING ON YOUR EXCELLENT BEARING AND APPEARANCE AND I WISH YOU EVERY SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE.*
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ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES TO GO METRIC ft ft ft ft
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES INDUSTRY WILL BE THE NEXT TO GO METRIC FOLLOWING THE PIECE GOODS AND TAILORING TRADES, THE METRICATION COMMITTEE ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).
1UOWA5 FROM TOMORROW, TV SCREENS WILL BE MEASURED IN ’CENTIMETRES’
*N£HES’ AND REFRIGERATOR CAPACITIES WILL BE EXPRESSED IN ’LITRES’ RATHER THAN ’CUBIC FEET’.
^REFRIGERATORS AND TV SETS ARE TWO OF THE MOST POPULAR ^^T,?-lCAl7 FIANCES IN THE TRADE,* SAID THE COMMITTEE’S SPOKESMAN, wmrIIme wi^rSese rwJTE T0 S™T ofF THE TRAD£’S "ETRIC‘TI0“
HE SAID AN ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES WORKING PANEL HAD ALREADY BEEN FORMED UNDER THE METRICATION COMMITTEE TO COORDINATE MATTERS ARISING FROM THE CHANGEOVER PROCESS OF THESE TWO APPLIANCES.
THE CONVERSION OF OTHER ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES WOULD BE TACKLED AT A LATER STAGE, HE ADDED.
HE SAIDi +THE ENTIRE CONVERSION PROCESS WOULD TAKE ABOUT A YEAR TO COMPLETE.
+BY THEN, ALL ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES WILL BE SOLD IN METRIC UNITS,* HE SAID.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
SUNDAY, NOVBffiBR 21, 1982
- 3 -
THE SPOKESMAN DISCLOSED PLANS TO PRODUCE A QUESTIONNAIRE IN FEBRUARY 1983 TO REVIEW PROGRESS IN THIS AREA, AND TO TEST PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE MOVE.
HE SAID IMPORTERS OF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES HAD ALREADY GIVEN SUPPORT TO THE METRICATION PROGRAMME BY AGREEING TO USE METRIC UNITS IN THEIR CATALOGUES, PRICE LISTS AND PROMOTION LITERATURE.
RETAILERS IN THE TRADE WILL DISPLAY POSTERS AND CONVERSION CHARTS FOR HOME ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES IN THEIR SHOPS.
THESE PUBLICITY MATERIALS ARE PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES WORKING GROUP TO FACILITATE THE CHANGEOVER.
--------0 ----------
SOUTHEAST ASIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONFERENCE
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR DAVID MCDONALD, WILL OPEN THE SEVENTH SOUTHEAST ASIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONFERENCE AT THE REGENT HOTEL AT 10 AM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
IT IS EXPECTED THAT ABOUT 500 PARTICIPANTS FROM 21 COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES WILL ATTEND THE FIVE-DAY CONFERENCE.
THE CONFERENCE WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ENGINEERS AND OTHERS ACTIVE IN GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING TO EXCHANGE THEIR EXPERIENCES AND IDEAS AND TO PROMOTE THE ADVANCEMENT OF THIS TECHNOLOGY IN THE REGION.
DURING THE CONFERENCE, AN EXHIBITION OF GEOTECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS, EQUIPMENT AND PUBLICATIONS WILL BE HELD IN THE FOYER NEXT TO THE CONFERENCE HALL.
THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WILL BE ONE OF 31 EXHIBITORS.
THE GCO DISPLAY WILL FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHS AND PUBLICATIONS ILLUSTRATING THE ACTIVITIES OF THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE, WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON SLOPE STABILITY AND SLOPE-RELATED PROJECTS.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1982
4
SEMINAR FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS ft ft ft
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE A ONE-DAY SEMINAR ON STUDENTS’ SCHOOL LIFE FOR HEADS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS ON DECEMBER 17 AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.
THE SEMINAR, FEATURING THE THEME ^TOWARDS A HAPPIER LIFE IN SCHOOL*, WILL EXAMINE WAYS OF ALLEVIATING THE STRESS AND STRAIN FACED BY PUPILS THROUGH MORE EFFECTIVE PASTORAL CARE AND A ICALTHIER LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, WILL OPEN THE SEMINAR, DURING WHICH TALKS WILL BE GIVEN BY UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MISS MARIA TAM, PSYCHIATRISTS AND SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS.
HEADS OF SCHOOL WHO WISH TO TAKE PART IN THE SEMINAR SHOULD INFORM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BY SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 27).
ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO MR S.K. CHAN, TELEPHONE 5-8392341.
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FOUR MODERN MARKETS TO OPEN IN NT SOON
XXX
FOUR NEWLY COMPLETED MODERN MARKETS BUILT AT KWAI CHUNG. TUEN MUN AND SAI KUNG WILL SOON BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC.
THE MARKETS, TO BE MANAGED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FORM PART OF THE DEPARTMENT'S PLAN TO PROVIDE PROPER MARKET FACILITIES TO RESIDENTS IN RAPIDLY DEVELOPING NEW TOWNS.
HARKEtWkwU CHUN"?SMOR£TTHANEl28lkT*LL HOLDERS^If
BUSINESS AT THE MARKET ON DECEMBER 1. ELDERS WILL START
APART FROM TAKING IN THE UNLICENSED HAWKERS NOW PLYING AT AN OPEN SPACE UNDERNEATH A FLYOVER AT TAI LIN PEI ROAD NEAR KWAI HING ESTATE, THE MARKET WILL HAVE 23 OTHER STALLS DESIGNED FOR SELLING NEAT, POULTRY, FISH AND ICE WHICH WERE LEASED TO OPERATORS AT A PUBLIC AUCTION LAST FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 19). THE MARKET COSTS S5.8 MILLION TO BUILD.
ON THE ROOF OF THE BUILDING THERE IS A PLEASANT GARDEN WITH FLOWER BEDS AND BENCHES AND A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND.
THE SECOND NEW MARKET BUILDING TO COME INTO OPERATION SOON WILL BE THE SAN HUI MARKET IN TUEN MUN.
/FINISHING TOUCESS........
SUNDAY, 21, 1982
- 5 -
FINISHING TOUCHES TO THE MARKET BUILDING IS NOW BEING MADE AND IT IS EXPECTED TO BE READY AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WITHIN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS.
MORE THAN 300 ON-STREET HAWKERS AND TRADERS PLYING AT TEMPORARY MARKETS AND HAWKER BAZAARS AT SUN HUI WILL BE HOUSED IN THIS NEW MARKET COMPLEX.
THE THIRD NEW MARKET DUE TO BE COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR IS LOCATED NEAR CHI LOK FA YUEN IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN. THIS MARKET WILL HAVE 110 STALLS.
THE FOURTH NEW MARKET WILL BE THE TUI MIN HOI MARKET IN SAI KUNG.
IT WILL BE A SINGLE STOREY BUILDING AND WILL HAVE 34 STALLS FOR VARIOUS TRADES.
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SHAM SHUI PO CHILDREN’S CHOIR GIVES FIRST PERFORMANCE
*****
THE SHAM SHUI PO CHILDREN’S CHOIR WHICH WAS FORMED RECENTLY GAVE ITS FIRST PERFORMANCE TODAY (SUNDAY) AT THE SHAM SHUI PO SCHOOL HALL TO CELEBRATE ITS INCEPTION.
IT WAS ALSO THE INAUGURATION OF THE CHOIR’S MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FIRST-TERM OFFICE BEARERS, OFFICIATED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN IP, AND MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, MR M.C. LUKE.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, MR IP SAID THE CHOIR WAS FORMED TO TRAIN LOCAL CHILDREN WITH MUSICAL TALENT, PROMOTE THEIR INTEREST IN MUSIC AND PROVIDE A HEALTHY MEANS OF GROUP RECREATION.
HE SAID HE WAS PLEASED THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD ALSO GIVEN ITS SUPPORT BY ALLOCATING $30 000 THIS YEAR FOR THE CHOIR’S TRAINING AND ACTIVITIES WITH ANOTHER $60 000 TO $80 000 BEING SET ASIDE FOR NEXT YEAR.
♦FURTHERMORE, SOME BOARD MEMBERS HAVE ALSO TAKEN UP THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CHOIR AND I AM SURE IT WILL HAVE BETTER ACHIEVEMENT UNDER THEIR GUIDANCE,+ HE SAID.
IN THE COMING MONTHS, A RECRUITMENT FOR TUTORS, CONDUCTORS AND CHOIR MEMBERS WILL TAKE PLACE AND THERE ARE PLANS TO EXPAND THE CHOIR TO INCLUDE A SENIOR AND JUNIOR SECTIONS.
AT PRESENT, THE CHOIR HAS 77 MEMBERS, AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND 12, WHO ARE EITHER LIVING OR STUDYING IN SHAM SHUI PO.
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/6 .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1982
♦MICRO* SOCCER TOURNAMENT
* * * *
A TERRITORY-WIDE FIVE-A-SIDE FOOTBALL COMPETITION CURRENTLY BEING ORGANISED IS EXPECTED TO DRAW MORE THAN 400 TEAMS INVOLVING OVER 2 000 PLAYERS.
THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (RSS) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL REFEREE ASSOCIATION AND THE SPONSORSHIP OF CARLSBERG.
THE RSS RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER (TEAM GAMES), MR THOMSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY)i *OUR AIM IS TO INTRODUCE AND PROMOTE FIVE-A-SIDE FOOTBALL IN HONG KONG.+
♦FIVE-A-SIDE FOOTBALL,♦ HE POINTED OUT, +IS EVOLVED FROM TRAINING EXERCISES PRACTISED BY MOST PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE CLUBS IN BRITAIN.*
♦THE GAME DEMANDS A HIGH DEGREE OF MOBILITY SPEED AND BALL CONTROL SKILLS,+ MR CHAN SAID.
♦THIS GAME SHOULD BECOME VERY POPULAR IN HONG KONG BECAUSE IT CAN BE PLAYED IN A SMALL PITCH, ABOUT ONE-THIRD THE SIZE OF A REGULAR FOOTBALL PITCH, AND CAN BE PLAYED BOTH INDOORS AND OUTDOORS.
♦BESIDES, HONG KONG PLAYERS ARE GOOD AT BALL CONTROL,* HE NOTED.
KNOCK-OUT MATCHES ARE BEING HELD IN SEVEN DISTRICTS BETWEEN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR AND JANUARY NEXT YEAR, LEADING TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND IN KOWLOON ON JANUARY 22 AND 23 NEXT YEAR.
EACH MATCH LASTS 12 MINUTES WITH A TWO-MINUTE BREAK AT HALF-TIME.
TROPHIES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE CHAMPION AND RUNNER-UP TEAMS OF EACH DISTRICT AND PLAYERS WILL EACH RECEIVE A COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL.
THE SERVICE HAS ALSO PREPARED A BOOKLET ON THE BACKGROUND AND RULES OF THE GAME. THESE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO PARTICIPATING TEAMS.
THE EVENT IS OPEN TO PEOPLE OVER 14 AND ENTRY FEE IS 13 PER TEAM.
ENTRY FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE RSS HEADQUARTERS AND ANY OF ITS 19 DISTRICT OFFICES. CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRY VARIES WITH DISTRICTS. ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE AT 5-458511.
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/7........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1982
- 7 -
NEW LEAFLETS ON COUNTRY PARKS PUBLISHED * * * * *
DO YOU KNOW WHAT A NATURE TRAIL IS AND HOW MANY THERE ARE IN HONG KONG OR IF KITE-FLYING IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR RECREATION ACTIVITIES IN THE CLEAR WATER BAY COUNTRY PARK?
ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS, IN ADDITION TO A WEALTH OF OTHER INFORMATION RANGING FROM TRANSPORT GUIDELINES TO THE PARTICULAR TYPES OF FLORA AND FAUNA LIKELY TO BE FOUND IN HONG KONG, ARE CONTAINED IN FOUR NEW LEAFLETS ON COUNTRY PARKS AND SPECIAL AREAS JUST PUBLISHED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
AREAS COVERED BY THE FOUR FULL-COLOUR, BILINGUAL LEAFLETS ARE THE CLEAR WATER BAY COUNTRY PARK, THE TUNG LUNG FORT SPECIAL AREA, HONG KONG’S NATURE TRAILS, THE TAI PO KAU SPECIAL AREA, THE MAI PO MARSHES AND THE YIM TSO HA EGRETRY.
THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES DESIGNED THE LEAFLETS, WHICH ARE SPONSORED BY THE CHARTERED BANK AS A COMMUNITY SERVICE. CARTOGRAPHIC MAPS IN THE LEAFLETS WERE PREPARED BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT.
COLOURFUL PHOTOGRAPHS DEPICTING SOME OF THE SCENERY AND THE SPECIAL TYPES OF FLORA FROM THESE AREAS ARE ALSO FOUND IN THE LEAFLETS.
THE LEAFLETS ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS ON THE 12TH FLOOR OF CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN KOWLOON, THE MARKETING AND ADVERTISING OFFICE OF THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF BASKERVILLE HOUSE IN ICE HOUSE STREET AS WELL AS A NUMBER OF OTHER RELATED OUTLETS.
AMONG THESE COLLECTION POINTS ARE THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES, COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRES AT ABERDEEN AND TAI MEI TUK, AND MANAGEMENT CENTRES INSIDE COUNTRY PARKS AT TAI PO KAU, SHING MUN, MAN YEE, QUARRY BAY, KAM SHAN AND CLEAR WATER BAY.
COUNTRY PARKS IN HONG KONG OCCUPY ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF THE TERRITORY’S TOTAL LAND AREA, WITH A RECORD NUMBER OF 8.1 MILLION VISITS MADE TO THE PARKS IN 1981.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1982
8
PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE MOVES *****
THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS HAS RECENTLY MOVED TO THE 13TH FLOOR OF WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, HARBOUR CITY, 7 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI. ITS OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 8.45 AM TO 5.15 PM ON WEEKDAYS, AND FROM 9 AM TO 12 NOON ON SATURDAYS.
THE CENTRE’S NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR PUBLIC ENQUIRIES IS >692255.
SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE PES CENTRE, FORMERLY LOCATED AT INTERNATIONAL BUILDING IN CENTRAL, INCLUDE GENERAL ENQUIRIES, FORMS DISTRIBUTION AND STATUTORY DECLARATIONS.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 56 PUBLIC ENQUIRV SERVICE COUNTERS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
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TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE FOR MONG KOK * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT A TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE AT MONG KOK RAILWAY STATION TO GIVE PASSENGERS OF ELECTRIFIED TRAINS EASIER ACCESS TO ROAD TRANSPORT.
THE PROJECT WILL INVOLVE THE REALIGNMENT OF LUEN WAN STREET AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PODIUM OVER THE RAILWAY GOODS YARD, AN ACCESS RAMP TO THE PODIUM, TWO FOOTBRIDGES, TWO ESCALATORS, RETAINING WALLS AS WELL AS THE ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE AND ROAD WORKS.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS IS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE PROJECT PLAN MAY BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, «ST WING MAIN ENTRANCE; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD; AND THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, TUNG PING BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1982
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT AT KAM HONG STREET
*****
FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 23), THE SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ON KAM HONG STREET IN NORTH POINT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO GO STRAIGHT ON TO TANNER ROAD.
DRIVERS WISHING TO PROCEED TO TANNER ROAD SHOULD USE TIN CHIU STREET, KING’S ROAD WESTBOUND AND KAM HONG STREET.
THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL LAST FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS TO FACILITATE THE RELOCATION OF THE TRAM TRACK ALONG KING’S ROAD.
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URBAN CLEARWAY IN SHAM SHU I PO
* * * *
YEE KUK STREET IN SHAM SHU I PO BETWEEN NAM CHEONG STREET AND KWEILIN STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 23).
WITHIN THE SECTION, VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY HELD IN OCTOBER 1982 1
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR OCTOBER 1982 ..................... 4
HK CALLED +A GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER'S PARADISEf .............. 6
TRANSFER OF THE PIU TO THE STANDING COMMISSION .............. 8
INSURANCE IN SCHOOLS ........................................ 8
MEETING ON SCHEMES OF CONTROL ............................... 9
DB TO DISCUSS +MOBILE+ MEET-THE-PUBLIC SCHEME ............... 10
NEW SEWAGE PUMPING STATION FOR EAST KOWLOON ................. 10
CHRISTMAS TENNIS COURSES ....................................
WATER LEAKAGE TEST .......................................... 11
WATER FIGURES ............................................... 12
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS FOR AUCTION
12
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1982
1 -
REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY HELD IN OCTOBER 1982 *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY RELEASED THE RESULTS OF THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY CONDUCTED IN OCTOBER 1982.
ABOUT 800 FIRMS FROM VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND BUSINESSES, REPRESENTING A CROSS-SECTION OF THE ECONOMY, WERE ASKED ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS EXPERIENCE IN THE 3RD QUARTER OF 1982, AND THEIR BUSINESS EXPECTATIONS FOR THE 4TH QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
RESULTS OF THE SURVEY INDICATE THAT FIRMS IN THE ’MANUFACTURING’ SECTOR ON THE WHOLE DID NOT EXPERIENCE IMPROVEMENTS IN BUSINESS DURING THE 3RD QUARTER OF 1982. THIS ACCORDS WITH EXPECTATIONS RECORDED IN THE LAST SURVEY.
FIRMS IN THE ’CONSTRUCTION’ SECTOR EXPERIENCED A MORE SUBSTANTIAL DETERIORATION IN BUSINESS DURING THE 3RD QUARTER COMPARED WITH WHAT THEY HAD PREVIOUSLY EXPECTED.
FIRMS IN THE ’WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS’ SECTOR, REPORTED A DECLINE IN BUSINESS APART FROM RESTAURANTS.
FIRMS IN THE ’OTHER SERVICES’ SECTOR IN GENERAL EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR BUSINESS SITUATION AS THAT IN THE 2ND QUARTER, THIS FELL SHORT OF THEIR PREVIOUS EXPECTATIONS OF A MILD IMPROVEMENT.
ACCORDING TO THE RESPONDENTS, THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN THE 4TH QUARTER OF 1982 IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN AT THE 3RD QUARTER LEVEL.
ON THE WHOLE, NO IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS PROSPECTS IS PREDICTED FOR THE 4TH QUARTER WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE 'WEARING APPAREL’ AND ’TEXTILES’ INDUSTRIES.
FIRMS IN THE ’CONSTRUCTION’ SECTOR ARE PESSIMISTIC ABOUT BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR THE 4TH QUARTER AND EXPECT A FURTHER DETERIORATION IN BUSINESS. HOWEVER, FIRMS IN THE ’WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS’ AND ’OTHER SERVICES’ SECTORS BOTH LOOK FORWARD TO IMPROVEMENTS IN BUSINESS PROSPECTS IN THE 4TH QUARTER.
WITHIN THE ’MANUFACTURING SECTOR’, RESPONDENTS IN THE ’WEARING APPAREL’ AND ’TEXTILES’ INDUSTRIES ON BALANCE REPORTED NO IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS IN THE 3RD QUARTER, AND THEY EXPECT AN UPTURN IN THE 4TH QUARTER.
IN THE ’FOOD, BEVERAGE AND TOBACCO’, ’PLASTICS’, AND ’WATCHES AND CLOCKS’ INDUSTRIES, RESPONDING FIRMS EXPERIENCED IMPROVEMENTS IN BUSINESS TO VARYING DEGREES DURING THE 3RD QUARTER. HOWEVER, THEY EXPECT DETERIORATIONS IN BUSINESS IN THE 4TH QUARTER, ESPECIALLY IN RESPECT OF THE ’PLASTICS’ INDUSTRY.
/A L3T2M0xU2I0N ......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1982
2 -
A DETERIORATION IN BUSINESS WAS REPORTED BY FIRMS IN THE ’PRINTING’, ’FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS’. AND 'ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES’ INDUSTRIES IN THE 3RD QUARTER AND THEY EXPECT THE DOWNTREND TO CONTINUE INTO THE 4TH QUARTER.
THE ’ELECTRONICS’ INDUSTRY, WHICH REPORTED NO IMPROVEMENT IN THE 3RD QUARTER, ALSO PREDICT DETERIORATIONS FOR THE 4TH QUARTER.
RESPONDENTS IN THE ’CONSTRUCTION’ SECTOR REPORTED A RATHER SIGNIFICANT DECLINE IN BUSINESS DURING THE 3RD QUARTER AND EXPECT FURTHER DETERIORATIONS FOR THE 4TH QUARTER.
FIRMS IN THE ’WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE’ AND ’HOTELS’ BUSINESS EXPERIENCED A DECLINE IN BUSINESS DURING THE 3RD QUARTER. HOWEVER, AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS IS EXPECTED BY THESE FIRMS FOR THE 4TH QUARTER.
AS FOR ’RESTAURANTS’, BUSINESS DURING THE 3RD QUARTER IMPROVED AND FURTHER IMPROVEMENT IS EXPECTED FOR THE 4TH QUARTER.
AS REGARDS THE ’OTHER SERVICES’ SECTOR, PARTICIPATING FIRMS REPORTED A SIMILAR BUSINESS SITUATION FOR THE 3RD QUARTER AS COMPARED TO THE 2ND QUARTER. HOWEVER, A SIGNIFICANT UPTURN FOR THE 4TH QUARTER IS EXPECTED.
IN GENERAL, INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS ORDERS OR CONTRACTS, EXCHANGE RATE UNCERTAINTIES AND PRICE COMPETITION AMONG FIRMS IN HONG KONG WERE CITED AS THE MAJOR PROBLEMS BY FIRMS IN THE ’MANUFACTURING’ SECTOR IN THE 3RD QUARTER. THESE PROBLEMS ARE EXPECTED TO PERSIST IN THE 4TH QUARTER.
WHEN COMPARED WITH THE 2ND QUARTER, THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF FIRMS INDICATING EXCHANGE RATE UNCERTAINTIES AND HIGH MATERIAL PRICES AS THEIR MAJOR PROBLEMS IN THE 3RD AND 4TH QUARTERS. HOWEVER, HIGH INTEREST RATES HAVE BECOME A LESS PROMINENT PROBLEM IN THE 3RD QUARTER.
IN THE ’CONSTRUCTION’ SECTOR, PRICE COMPETITION FROM FIRMS IN HONG KONG REMAINED THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM IN THE 3RD QUARTER AND THIS IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE INTO THE 4TH QUARTER. FIRMS ALSO EXPECT THE PROBLEM OF INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS CONTRACTS TO CONTINUE INTO THE 4TH QUARTER.
AS REGARDS THE 'WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE’, PRICE COMPETITION, INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS AND EXCHANGE RATE UNCERTAINTIES WERE THE MAJOR PROBLEMS FOR BOTH THE 3RD AND THE 4TH QUARTERS.
WHILE RESPONDENTS FROM THE 'RESTAURANTS’ BUSINESS CONTINUED TO FACE THE PROBLEM OF HIGH STAFF TURNOVER, FIRMS FROM THE 'HOTELS' BUSINESS EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM OF PRICE COMPETITION.
/AD FOR .......
MONDAY, NOVSMB3R 22, 1982
- 3 -
AS FOR THE ’BANKS’, THE MAJORITY OF THE RESPONDENTS INDICATED EXCHANGE RATE UNCERTAINTIES AS THE MAJOR PROBLEM BOTH IN THE 3RD AND 4TH QUARTERS.
I THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE SURVEY RESULTS, OBTAINED WITH A MINIMUM TIME LAG, WERE BASICALLY INTENDED TO PROVIDE ONE SOURCE OF REFERENCE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION OF HONG KONG.
PARTICIPATING FIRMS WERE ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER IN THEIR OPINIONS, THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND LEVEL OF CAPACITY UTILISATION HAD ’IMPROVED’, ’REMAINED THE SAME’ OR ’DETERIORATED’ IN THE IMMEDIATELY PAST QUARTER AS COMPARED WITH THE QUARTER BEFORE. FOR THE FORTHCOMING QUARTER, THEY WERE ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER THE SITUATION WILL ’IMPROVE’, ’REMAIN THE SAME’ OR ’DETERIORATE’. THE BALANCE OF OPINIONS OF RESPONDENTS WERE TABULATED AND ANALYSED.
THE SURVEY REPORT ALSO CONTAINS A SECTION ON BUSINESS PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED AND EXPECTED BY FIRMS IN DIFFERENT ECONOMIC SECTORS AND A BREAKDOWN OF VIEWS OF FIRMS BY SIZE GROUPS.
THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT FOR A SURVEY OF THIS NATURE, THE RESULTS SHOULD BE INTERPRETED WITH CARE AS IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH PRECISELY THE EXTENT TO WHICH RESPONDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE PAST AND THE FUTURE ACCORDS WITH THE UNDERLYING TRENDS.
COPIES OF THE REPORT, CONTAINING AN ANALYSIS OF THE SURVEY FINDINGS AND STATISTICAL TABLES, HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO FIRMS TAKING PART IN THE SURVEY AND TO OTHER BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS. AMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY OBTAIN COPIES FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AT S3 PER COPY FROM TOMORROW AFTERNOON.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 5-423401.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1982-
4
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR OCTOBER 1982 * * * *
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR OCTOBER 1982 WERE BOTH 134, EACH BEING TWO POINTS OR 1.5 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE PRECEDING MONTH, ACCORDING TO FIGURES PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY).
COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH INCREASED BY 10 POINTS OR 8.1 PER OR 8.9 PER CENT.
OF THE PRECEDING YEAR, C.P. I. (A) CENT AND C.P. I. (B) BY 11 POINTS
DURING OCTOBER, FOOD PRICES
AND FRESH VEGETABLES, INCREASED.' PRIVATE DWELLING RENTALS, SCHOOL FEES, AND PRICES OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS, TEXTBOOKS, CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR ALSO WENT UP.
ESPECIALLY THOSE OF FRESH FRUITS
THE 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, DERIVED FROM THE 1979/80 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY.
THE C.P. I. (A) REFERRED TO HOUSEHOLD SPENDING BETWEEN $1 000 AND $3 499 A MONTH AND THE C.P. I. (B) TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $3 500 AND $6 499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME.
THE INDEXES FOR OCTOBER IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ARE GIVEN BELOW, TOGETHER WITH THOSE FOR SEPTEMBER 1982 AND OCTOBER 1981.
(OCTOBER 1979 TO SEPTEMBER 1980 AVERAGE - 100)
SECTION OCT.81 C.P. 1.(A) SEPT.82 OCT.82 OCT.81 C.P. 1.(B) SEPT.82 OCT.82
FOODSTUFFS 129 138 139 128 138 139
HOUSING 119 127 129 119 127 129
FUEL AND LIGHT 139 ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME 134 138 139 134 138
CONSUMPTION) 117 124 124 116 124 124
CLOTHING AND
FOOTWEAR 117 130 133 118 130 134
DURABLE GOODS 108 108 108 109 110 110
MISCELLANEOUS
GOODS 112 125 125 113 123 123
TRANSPORT AND
VEHICLES 134 142 142 131 142 143
SERVICES 124 135 140 123 134 139
ALL ITEMS 124 132 134 123 132 134
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY ONE POINT IN BOTH C.P.I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B).
/HIS2S WHRE .......
MONDAY, NOVZMBSH 22, 1982
- 5 -
RISES WERE RECORDED IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH FRUITS AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES OF ORANGES CAUSED LARGELY BY THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AGAINST THE U.S. DOLLAR AND IN THOSE OF FRESH VEGETABLES. THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF PORK ALSO WENT UP. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES CF SALT-WATER FISH DECREASED OWING TO INCREASED SUPPLY DURING THE MONTH.
THE EFFECT OF THE MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS INSIGNIFICANT.
THE INDEX FOR HOUSING INCREASED BY TWO POINTS IN BOTH C.P.I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER RENTS FOR PRIVATE DWELLINGS.
THE 4-POINT INCREASE IN THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT IN BOTH C.P.I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B) WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO HIGHER PRICES OF KEROSENE AND LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS AS WELL AS HIGHER CHARGES FOR ELECTRICITY DUE TO FUEL COST ADJUSTMENT.
HIGHER PRICES FOR MEN’S AND WOMEN’S OUTERCLOTHING CAUSED THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR TO INCREASE BY THREE POINTS IN C.P.I. (A) AND BY FOUR POINTS IN C.P.I. (B).
THE INDEX FOR SERVICES INCREASED BY FIVE POINTS IN BOTH C.P.I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B) BECAUSE OF THE UPWARD MOVEMENTS IN BOTH SCHOOL FEES AND TEXTBOOK PRICES FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR OF 1982/83.
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN THE OTHER SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
REGARDING THE YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, IT IS IMPORTANT TO HIGHLIGHT THAT THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT ACTUALLY DECREASED BY ONE POINT IN BOTH C.P.I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B) WHILE THE INDEXES FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR, AND SERVICES EXPERIENCED THE LARGEST INCREASE OF 16 POINTS IN BOTH C.P.I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B).
DETAILS OF THESE PRICE MOVEMENTS ARE GIVEN IN THE +CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT* FOR OCTOBER 1982.
BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE VERSIONS OF THIS REPORT WILL BE ON SALE TOMORROW AT $3 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES, PLEASE CONTACT THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT TELEPHONE NO. 3-7216512.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1982
- 6 -
HK CALLED +A GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER’S PARADISE*
* * X *
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR DAVID MCDONALD, SAID TODAY THAT IT MUST BE QUITE OBVIOUS EVEN TO A CASUAL OBSERVER THAT +HONG KONG IS SOMETHING OF A GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER’S PARADISE*.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE FIVE-DAY SEVENTH SOUTHEAST ASIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONFERENCE, HE SAID: +AT THE PRESENT TIME, THERE IS POSSIBLY A GREATER CONCENTRATION OF GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING ACTIVITY IN HONG KONG THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THERE IS A CORRESPONDINGLY HIGH CONCENTRATION OF GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERS.*
MR MCDONALD SAID: +OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, HONG KONG HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING AN ECONOMIC BOOM. THIS HAS BEEN PARTICULARLY MARKED BY THE EXTENSIVE CIVIL ENGINEERING AND BUILDING WORKS WHICH HAVE BEEN TAKING PLACE IN BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERS HAVE BEEN DEEPLY INVOLVED WITH THIS HIGH LEVEL OF CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY.*
THE GOVERNMENT, HE ADDED, WAS UNDERTAKING A WHOLE RANGE OF MAJOR CIVIL ENGINEERING AND BUILDING PROJECTS, THROUGH ITS SEVERAL WORKS DEPARTMENTS:
X LARGE SITE FORMATION WORKS WERE CONTINUALLY UNDER WAY IN HONG KONG’S HILLY TERRAIN TO CREATE FLAT LAND FOR RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND THESE WORKS WERE OFTEN ACCOMPANIED BY MAJOR RECLAMATION SCHEMES.
* THERE WERE SEVERAL ROAD SCHEMES IN VARIOUS STAGES OF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.
* THE CAPACITY OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WAS BEING CONSIDERABLY INCREASED BY DOUBLE-TRACKING AND ELECTRIFICATION.
X SIX NEW TOWNS, EACH OF WHICH COULD BE CONSIDERED A MASSIVE CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECT ON ITS OWN, WERE AT PRESENT UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
* LARGE DIAMETER TUNNELS WERE BEING ADVANCED THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS TO CARRY FRESH WATER FROM CHINA TO MEET HONG KONG’S EVER INCREASING NEEDS.
X THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION HAD RECENTLY COMMENCED TUNNELLING WORKS FOR A NEW UNDERGROUND LINE THAT WOULD RUN FROM WESTERN DISTRICT TO CHAI WAN AND THE NEW CASTLE PEAK POWER STATION PROJECT MUST RANK AS ONE OF THE LARGEST CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECTS OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD.
/in addition .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1982
- 7 -
IN ADDITION TO THE WIDE RANGE OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS GOING ON IN THE NEW TOWNS, BUILDING ACTIVITIES OF PARTICULAR NOTE WERE THE LARGE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND THE HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL BLOCKS WHICH DOMINATED THE SHORELINES OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR MCDONALD SAID.
A SMALL LAND AREA COUPLED WITH A POPULATION IN EXCESS OF FIVE MILLION PEOPLE MADE THE ECONOMICAL DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF LAND OF PRIME IMPORTANCE TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, HE ADDED.
+UNFORTUNATELY THE MAJORITY OF THE TERRAIN IS EXTREMELY HILLY, AND THIS MAKES LAND DEVELOPMENT DIFFICULT AND COSTLY. THE IMPORTANCE OF ADEQUATE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING INPUT INTO ALL LAND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IS THEREFORE OBVIOUS.
+AT ONE EXTREME, THIS INVOLVES THE PROVISION OF GEOTECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR PLANNING PURPOSES; AT THE OTHER, IT DICTATES THAT FULL RECOGNITION OF GEOTECHNICAL FACTORS BE MADE IN THE SAFE AND ECONOMIC DESIGN OF INDIVIDUAL BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES,+ MR MCDONALD SAID.
TURNING TO THE EXCEPTIONALLY HEAVY SEASONAL RAINFALL, MR MCDONALD SAID THIS HAD GREAT IMPLICATIONS FOR CIVIL ENGINEERING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION. IT WAS PARTICULARLY SIGNIFICANT FOR GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO WERE CONCERNED WITH SLOPE STABILITY AND SLOPE-RELATED PROBLEMS.
+BECAUSE OF HEAVY DOWNPOURS LANDSLIPS ARE NOT UNCOMMON. FORTUNATELY, THE MAJORITY OF THESE ARE SMALL, AND THEY CAUSE CASUALTIES ONLY INFREQUENTLY. REGRETTABLY, HOWEVER, THERE HAVE IN THE PAST BEEN A FEW LANDSLIP DISASTERS WHICH RESULTED IN MANY DEATHS AND INJURIES,* MR MCDONALD SAID.
IN ORDER TO GUARD AGAINST THE REPETITION OF SUCH TRAGIC EVENTS, THE GOVERNMENT ACTED DECISIVELY IN 1977 TO ESTABLISH THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE, HE ADDED.
THE PRIMARY REASON FOR STAGING A CONFERENCE OF THIS KIND, MR MCDONALD SAID, MUST BE THE ADVANCEMENT OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCIENCE AND PRACTICE OF GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING TO THE BENEFIT OF THE PROFESSION AND TO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT ASPECT OF INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES WAS THE OPPORTUNITY THEY AFFORDED FOR PARTICIPANTS OF DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS AND EXPERIENCES TO EXCHANGE VIEWS INFORMALLY AND TO FORGE RELATIONSHIPS WHICH OFTEN PROVE TO BE OF GREAT PROFESSIONAL VALUE, HE ADDED.
--------Q ----------
/8 .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1982
8
TRANSFER OF THE PIU TO THE STANDING COMMISSION
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED A RECOMMENDATION OF THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE THAT CONTROL OF THE PAY INVESTIGATION UNIT BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH TO THE STANDING COMMISSION.
THE STANDING COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATION WAS MADE IN RESPONSE TO VIEWS EXPRESSED BY A LARGE NUMBER OF CIVIL SERVICE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS AND PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANISATIONS THAT THE INDEPENDENCE AND IMPARTIALITY OF THE UNIT SHOULD BE EMPHASISED BY ITS BEING PLACED UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE COMMISSION.
THE UNIT, CURRENTLY PART OF THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH, OBTAINS DATA ON PAY LEVELS, PAY TRENDS, FRINGE BENEFITS AND OTHER CONDITIONS CF SERVICE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO ASSIST IN FORMULATING PROPOSALS ON CIVIL SERVICE PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE. ON TRANSFER TO THE COMMISSION’S CONTROL, IT WILL BE RETITLED AS THE PAY SURVEY AND RESEARCH UNIT.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO ACCEPTED THE COMMISSION’S PROPOSAL THAT A NEW PAY TREND SURVEY COMMITTEE SHOULD BE FORMED TO TAKE OVER THE ROLE OF THE CURRENT PIU STEERING COMMITTEE OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL IN COMMISSIONING AND ANALYSING THE ANNUAL PAY TREND SURVEY. THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATION HAS REGARD TO THE NEED TO ALLOW WIDER STAFF PARTICIPATION IN THE PAY TREND SURVEY PROCESS.
THE NEW COMMITTEE, TO BE CHAIRED BY A COMMISSION MEMBER, WILL CONSIST OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ADMINISTRATION, THE STAFF SIDE CF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL, THE POLICE FORCE WHICH IS NOT REPRESENTED IN THE SENIOR COUNCIL, THE JUNIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE ESTABLISHED LATER THIS YEAR AND THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE STANDING COMMISSION.
------o-------
INSURANCE IN SCHOOLS * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS IN A CIRCULAR ASKED SUPERVISORS AND HEADS OF ALL SCHOOLS TO SERIOUSLY CONSIDER THE NEED FOR OBTAINING ADEQUATE INSURANCE COVER AGAINST THEIR PUPILS, EMPLOYEES AND THE SCHOOL PREMISES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID IN ADDITION TO TAKING NECESSARY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN LESSONS SUCH AS PHYSICAL EDUCATION, SCIENCE, PRACTICAL AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS AS WELL AS IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, HEADS OF SCHOOLS SHOULD TAKE OUT AN INSURANCE POLICY ON BEHALF OF THEIR PUPILS AGAINST ANY ACCIDENTAL BODILY INJURY THAT MAY BE SUSTAINED DURING SUCH ACTIVITIES.
IN THIS CONNECTION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, HEADS OF SCHOOLS SHOULD NOTE THAT IF PERSONAL INJURY SHOULD OCCUR THROUGH NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF A TEACHER OR A STUDENT-TEACHER, THE SCHOOL COULD BE SUED FOR DAMAGES ARISING FROM THIS NEGLIGENCE. IN OTHER WORDS, « SAID, THE SUPERVISOR WOULD BE LIABLE.
/AS EMPLOYERS, ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1982
- 9 -
AS EMPLOYERS, SUPERVISORS HAVE A STATUTORY OBLIGATION TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES ON BEHALF OF THEIR STAFF, WHO ARE COVERED BY THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE WHICH IS APPLICABLE NOT ONLY TO MANUAL WORKERS BUT ALSO TO OTHER EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING TEACHERS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS.
SUPERVISORS ARE ALSO ADVISED IN THEIR OWN INTERESTS TO HAVE THEIR SCHOOL PREMISES TOGETHER WITH FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT INSURED AGAINST LOSS OR DAMAGE BY FIRE, IN PARTICULAR THE PREMISES OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS BECAUSE OF THE PRESENCE OF WORKSHOPS AND LABORATOR IES.
HEADS OF AIDED SCHOOLS SHOULD CHARGE THE INSURANCE PREMIUM TO THE CAPITATION GRANT ACCOUNT, THE OTHER CHARGES GRANT ACCOUNT OR THE TONG FAI ACCOUNT AS STIPULATED IN THE CODE OF AID, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
-----o------
MEETING ON SCHEMES OF CONTROL * * K *
A MEETING WAS HELD THIS MORNING (NOVEMBER 22) IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT BETWEEN THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION AND THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES.
cao cIaliau^1!™ ^AS HELD AT the invitation OF THE SECRETARY
£9? ECONOMIC SERVICES. IT WAS INTENDED TO CREATE AN OPPORTUNITY ^R LHE government to explain how the schemes of control of Isliipq0 ELECTR ,C,TY COMPANIES WORKED AND TO DISCUSS RELATED
•OOUQx) a
_r.„„AT THE MEETING, THE CMA AND THE FEDERATION RA1SPR many SEARCHING QUESTIONS AND MADE A NUMBER OF SUGGESTIONS RECAPniNr THE PROVISIONS AND OPERATION OF THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL ?2e CONSIDERATION EC0N0M,C SERVICES UNDERTOOK TO GIVE THESE CAREFUL I &■/i\ AA I | HI •
WAS THAT THETS^ES^GOFbF , iSk^E^Y™^H°"
WHICH^NAWpI’Jm WtuoccLoa^.LC0NSTRUCT,VE AND CORDIAL
WHICH ENABLED ALL THREE PART ES TO ENGAGE IN A FULL AND EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION AND VIEWS. hULL AND
ATMOSPHERE, FRANK
IT WAS AGREED THAT FURTHER MEETINGS MIGHT USEFULLY BE HELD.
- 0
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1982
10
DB TO DISCUSS +MOBILE+ MEET-THE-PUBLIC SCHEME * * * *
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS A PROPOSAL FOR STARTING A +MOBILE+ MEET-THE-PUBLIC SCHEME IN THE DISTRICT AT ITS FOURTH MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 24) AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE.
AT PRESENT, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS RECEIVE THE PUBLIC AT THE SECRETARIAT OFFICE.
THE BOARD HAS ALSO INVITED A MEMBER OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, MRS WUN LAW YIM-BING, TO TALK ON THE WORK OF THE COUNCIL AT WEDNESDAY’S MEETING.
OTHER ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDE MAINTENANCE OF A FOOTBRIDGE IN KAK TIN VILLAGE, TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE AS RECOMMENDED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE PROGRESS REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO NAME A NUMBER OF NEW ROADS AND HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WHICH WILL START AT 9.30 AM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 24) IN THE FUNCTION ROOM OF THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE. A 14-SEATER GOVERNMENT VAN FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 8.45 AM FOR SHA TIN.
- 0 - -
NEW SEWAGE PUMPING STATION FOR EAST KOWLOON ft ft ft ft
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WILL CONSTRUCT A NEW SEWAGE PUMPING STATION NEAR THE JUNCTION OF SUNG WONG TOI ROAD AND TO KWA WAN ROAD IN EAST KOWLOON.
TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE NOW BEING INVITED BY THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT.
THE PUMPING STATION WILL BE A SINGLE-STOREY BUILDING WITH A BASEMENT TO HOUSE THREE PUMPS. IT WILL AUGMENT THE FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE EXISTING SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT AND THE SUBMARINE OUTFALL WHICH ARE TAKING AN INCREASING SEWAGE LOAD FROM KOWLOON CITY, WONG TAI SIN AND HUNG HOM DISTRICTS.
ON COMPLETION, THE PUMPING STATION WILL PERMIT A BETTER DILUTION AND DISPERSION OF SCREENED SEWAGE EFFLUENTS, WITH A CONSEQUENT OVERALL IMPROVEMENT OF WATER CONDITIONS IN EASTERN VICTORIA HARBOUR.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL COMMENCE EARLY NEXT YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN MID-1984.
- - 0 -
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1982
11
CHRISTMAS TENNIS COURSES
* * *
CHILDREN BETWEEN EIGHT AND 12 YEARS OF AGE WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN TO PLAY TENNIS DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
A +LEARN TO PLAY TENNIS* COURSE, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TENNIS ASSOCIATION, THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (RSS) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD FROM DECEMBER 27 TO JANUARY 1.
TWO-HOUR CLASSES COMPOSED OF 12 PLAYERS WILL BE HELD EACH DAY AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE IN SHA TIN.
THERE WILL BE FOUR DIFFERENT GROUPS PLAYING AT 9 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM AND 4 PM. EACH GROUP WILL HAVE SIX CLASSES.
INSTRUCTORS ARE DIRECTLY APPOINTED BY THE HONG KONG TENNIS ASSOCIATION.
THE PROGRAMME FEE FOR THE COMPLETE COURSE IS $15.
ENROLMENT IS ON FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS. COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS TOGETHER WITH A PHOTOSTAT COPY OF EITHER JUVENILE l/D CARD OR BIRTH CERTIFICATE AND THE FEE SHOULD BE RETURNED TO RSS HEADQUARTERS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE RSS HEADQUARTERS AND ITS 19 DISTRICT OFFICES, THE HONG KONG TENNIS ASSOCIATION AND THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE COURSE MAY BE MADE AT 5-741546, 0-6051212 OR 5-458511.
-----0------
WATER LEAKAGE TEST
* * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 25) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY NAM LONG SHAN ROAD, SHUM WAN ROAD, WELFARE ROAD, POLICE SCHOOL ROAD, OCEAN PARK ROAD, YIP FAT STREET, HEUNG YIP ROAD AND 42-62 WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, INCLUDING OCEAN PARK, POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL AND WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE.
- 0 ---------
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1982
12
WATER FIGURES
* * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 79.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 461.411 MILLION CUBIC NE TRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 274.938 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 47.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS FOR AUCTION * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 27) AT 11 AM IN ROOM 916, MONG KOK LiCENSI NG SUB-OFFICE, 56 DUNDAS STREET, KOWLOON.
THIRTY-FIVE SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY AREs
ex 510 CM 22 ex 721 CL 9999 CX 551
CW 724 ex 2800 ex 720 ex 703 CS 18
ex 128 ex 750 ex 713 ex 702 CX 501
ex 312 ex 751 CK 1818 CW 1212 CG 838
ex 2500 ex 730 ex 712 ex 502 2823
AK 802 ex 747 ex 711 CJ 81 CX 731
CS 55 ex 1288 ex 710 ex 701 CX 503
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 8OTH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
HONG KONG’S IMPORTANCE IN WORLD TRADE STRESSED................. 1
PHILOSOPHY OF YOUTH WORK EXPLAINED............................. 2
ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE TO ACAN SINGING COMPETITION.............. 3
LEGCO TO DISCUSS SCHEMES OF CONTROL ........................... 4
MANPOWER SURVEY OF WHOLE SALE/RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES 5
THIRD CROSS HARBOUR PIPELINE TO CATER FOR FRESH WATER DEMANDS 5
YAU MA TEL DB MEMBERS TO MEET THE PUBLIC ...................... 6
SPORT CARNIVAL FOR HK ISLAND................................... 6
CAS HOLDING TWO WEEKEND EVENTS ................................ 7
NEW CALENDAR AND BOOK ON HK MARINE LIFE........................ 8
TEMPORARY TICKET OFFICE AT UNIVERSITY STATION ................. 8
WATER CUTS IN SAI KUNG AND SAU MAU PING........................ 9
PARKING METERS ON OLD POK FU LAM ROAD.......................... 9
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF PERCIVAL STREET .......................... 9
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1982
1
HONG KONG'S IMPORTANCE IN WORLD TRADE STRESSED
******
HONG KONG OCCUPIES A POSITION OF STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE IN TERMS OF WORLD TRADE. THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, M? PETER TSAO SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
IN A SPEECH HE DELIVERED ON OPENING THE PACIFIC BASIN ECONOMIC COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT SEMINAR, MR TSAO SAIDi +SMALL AS WE ARE, OUR STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE IN TERMS OF WORLD TRADE AND COMMERCE IS WIDELY RECOGNISED. AND OUR POSITION IN THIS REGARD HAS BEEN FURTHER ENHANCED BY OUR PROXIMITY TO CHINA, AND OUR RELATIONS WITH CHINA.♦
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG NOT ONLY SERVES THE WEST AND EAST, IT ALSO PROVIDES USEFUL SERVICES TO THE NORTH OF HONG KONG’S BORDER.
♦PERHAPS THE BEST WAY TO ILLUSTRATE HONG KONG’S POSITION IN RELATION TO CHINA IS TO REFER TO WHAT THE JAPANESE INVESTORS CALL ’THE NORTHERN AND THE SOUTHERN STRATEGIES’.
♦THE JAPANESE WOULD ADOPT WHAT THEY WOULD CALL THE NORTHERN STRATEGY IF THEY ARE TO INVEST IN, OR TO SELL TO CHINA, PROJECTS INVOLVING HEAVY INDUSTRIES. FOR THAT THEY GO DIRECTLY TO BEIJING AND PERHAPS SPEND A PERIOD OF TIME THERE TO WORK OUT THE PROJECT.
♦HOWEVER, WHEN THEY UNDERTAKE SMALLER SIZE PROJECTS, PARTICULARLY TRADING PROJECTS WITH CHINA, THEY ADOPT WHAT IS KNOWN AS THE SOUTHERN STRATEGY, AND THAT IS THROUGH HONG KONG WHERE VARIOUS AGENCIES FROM CHINA ARE FULLY REPRESENTED. THUS A NEW DIMENSION HAS IN FACT BEEN ADDED TO HONG KONG,+ HE EXPLAINED.
HE LISTED THREE REASONS WHY HONG KONG IS IMPORTANT IN THE PACIFIC REGION.
(A) HONG KONG IS A MODEL OF FREE ENTERPRISE OPERATING UNDER THE PRINCIPLE OF RULE OF LAW. IT IS A SOCIETY OF ENTERPRISING, HARD WORKING AND HAPPY PEOPLE. IT IS THEREFORE VERY MUCH A MODEL OF WHAT CAN BE ACHIEVED, AND HOW IT CAN BE MAINTAINED;
(B) IT PROVIDES AIR, SEA AND COMMUNICATION LINKS WITH THE EAST AND THE WEST. THESE LINKS ARE NOT ONLY EFFICIENT BUT ARE ALSO BACKED UP BY AN INFRASTRUCTURE WHICH ENSURES AN UNINTERRUPTED OPERATION OF THESE SERVICES;
(C) IT PROVIDES THE FACILITIES OF A DOOR INTO AND FROM CHINA AND THEREFORE IS WELL PLACED TO SERVE CHINA’S NEEDS ARISING FROM HER MODERNISATION PROGRAMME.
/TURNING TO .......
TUESDAY, N0VB4BER 23, 1982
- 2 -
TURNING TO HONG KONG'S INTERNAL SITUATION IN RELATION TO WORLD-WIDE ECONOMIC RECESSION, MR TSAO SAID; +IN 1982, WE HAVE BEGUN TO EXPERIENCE A DOWNTURN IN OUR EXPORTS; AND OUR FORECAST IS THAT WE WILL PROBABLY COME UP WITH NO REAL GROWTH IN EXPORTS THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR.
♦WE NEED NOT BE UNDULY PESSIMISTIC. WE SHOULD CONSIDER OURSELVES RATHER FORTUNATE, HAVING REGARD TO THE FACT THAT WE HAD UNINTERRUPTED GROWTH IN THE LAST 7 OR 8 YEARS, AND HAVING BY AND LARGE ESCAPED THE INITIAL AND EARLY EFFECTS OF RECESSION.
♦WE EXPECT THAT WHEN OUR MAJOR MARKETS CLIMB OUT OF THE RECESSION, AND INDEED THERE ARE A NUMBER OF INDICATORS POINTING TO THAT DIRECTION, WE SHOULD BE WELL PLACED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE UPTURN,♦ MR TSAO CONCLUDED.
------o-------
PHILOSOPHY OF YOUTH WORK EXPLAINED # * * *
THE SOCIAL WORK APPROACH TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SERVICES FOR YOUNG1PEOPLE IS ONE WHICH AIMS NOT ONLY TO PROMOTE JHE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDIVIDUAL HIMSELF BUT TO FOSTER HIS GROWTH BOTH IN TERMS OF HIS IMMEDIATE FAMILY AND PEER GROUP AND AS A MEMBER OF SOCIETY
AS A WHOLE.
♦THIS IS WHY IT IS SO VITAL THAT YOUNG PEOPLE, DURING THE YEARS WHEN THEY ARE COMING TO MATURITY AS ADULTS, LEARN TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKING HARMONIOUSLY WITH OTHER PEOPLE AND OF BEING TOLERANT OF THE VIEWS AND NEEDS OF OTHERS,♦ HE ADDED.
THIS WAS STATED BY MR ALLEYNE WHEN HE PRESENTED SILVER AWARDS OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME TO MORE THAN 250 YOUNG »€N AND WOMEN AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE KING GEORGE V SCHOOL IN TIN KWONG ROAD HO MAN TIN THIS EVENING.
MR ALLEYNE SAID THE IDEALS OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD SCHEME EMBRACED MANY OF THE MAJOR PRINCIPLES GOVERNING THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S PHILOSOPHY FOR DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTH WORK.
♦INDEED,♦ HE SAID, +THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS ONE OF 21 OPERATING AUTHORITIES FOR THE SCHEME IN HONG KONG AND, AT PRESENT, SOME 500 MEMBERS OF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY CENTRES AND BOYS’ HOMES ARE PARTICIPATING IN VARIOUS AWARD PROGRAMMES.
MR ALLEYNE SAID THE AWARD SCHEME MADE A +MOST CREDITABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF WORTHWHILE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.♦
♦THE GREAT STRENGTH OF THE AWARD PROGRAMMES IS THAT THEY COMBINE A RANGE OF ACTIVITIES DESIGNED, ON THE ONE HAND TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO USE THEIR INITIATIVE AND TO FACE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CHALLENGES AND, ON THE OTHER HAND, TO FOSTER IN THEM A COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY SERVICE AND AN UNSELFISH ATTITUDE TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS,+ HE ADDED.
------o-------
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1982
3
ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE TO ACAN SINGING COMPETITION * * * ft *
TEk INDIVIDUALS AND FIVE GROUPS OF CONTESTANTS WILL TAKE PART IN THE GRAND FINALS OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS’ SINGING COMPETITION TO BE HELD EARLY NEXT MONTH.
THE CONTESTANTS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AFTER A MARATHON AUDITIONING AT THE STUDIOS OF COMMERCIAL RADIO OF SOME 700 GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL ENTRIES OVER THE WEEKEND.
ANNOUNCING THE PRELIMINARY RESULTS TODAY (TUESDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SAID THE ADJUDICATION WAS A VERY TOUGH ONE BECAUSE OF THE HIGH STANDARD OF ENTRIES.
FOUR POPULAR DISC JOCKEYS AND SENIOR PRODUCERS OF COMMERCIAL RADIO, ONE MUSIC OFFICER OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND ONE NARCOTICS DIVISION STAFF ADJUDICATED.
THE SINGING COMPETITION IS BEING JOINTLY ORGANISED BY ACAN AND COMMERCIAL RADIO.
THE FINALS WILL TAKE PLACE ON DECEMBER 5 IN THE STUDIOS OF COMMERCIAL RADIO AND THE FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD PRIZE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE GIFT COUPONS VALUED AT |5 000, |3 000 AND $2 000 RESPECTIVELY — ALL DONATED BY TOM LEE PIANO COMPANY.
♦THE RESPONSE TO THE COMPETITION WAS MOST ENCOURAGING AS REFLECTED BY THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS. EVEN AFTER THE CLOSE OF ENTRIES, MANY STILL CONTINUED TO BE RECEIVED,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THERE WERE 690 ENTRIES — 651 INDIVIDUALS AND 39 GROUPS WHO COME FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, INCLUDING STUDENTS, FACTORY WORKERS, CLERKS AND SALESMEN.
DURING THE AUDITION, CONTESTANTS WERE REQUIRED TO SING ONE OF ACAN’S TWO ANTI-NARCOTICS SONGS — +TREASURE THE PRIME YEARS OF YOUR LIFE* AND +LIVE FOR TOMORROW+, PLUS A CHINESE OR ENGLISH SONG OF THEIR OWN CHOICE.
THE GRAND FINALS WILL LATER BE BROADCAST.
TO ENCOURAGE MORE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION, A +PICK THE WINNERS+ GAME IS BEING ORGANISED FOR RADIO LISTENERS. DETAILS OF THE GAME WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER BY COMMERCIAL RADIO.
A +WINNERS’ CONCERT* WILL BE HELD IN TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ON JANUARY 28 WHEN THE PRIZE PRESENTATION WILL TAKE PLACE. ADMISSION WILL BE FREE.
o -------
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1982
4
LEGCO TO DISCUSS SCHEMES OF CONTROL * * * *
THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED SCHEMES OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS WITH THE MAJOR PUBLIC UTILITIES WILL BE A MAJOR SUBJECT OF DISCUSSION AT TOMORROW’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.
EIGHT UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO SPEAK ON THE SUBJECT UNDER A MOTION TO BE MOVED BY THE HON ANDREW SO. '
THERE WILL ALSO BE 16 QUESTIONS ASKED BY THE UNOFFICIALS, DEALING WITH A WIDE RANGE OF PUBLIC MATTERS, INCLUDING A CALL BY THE HON ALEX WU FOR A FULL INQUIRY INTO +THE REPEATED ACCIDENTS ON, AND SAFETY ASPECTS OF THE TUEN MUN HIGHWAY,* AND FOR A REPORT OF THE FINDINGS TO BE MADE TO THE COUNCIL.
THE HON LYDIA DUNN WILL ASK WHAT GUIDELINES HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO THE OPERATORS OF BUSES REGARDING THE WORKING HOURS, SKILL AND BEHAVIOUR OF BUS DRIVERS.
AN EXPLANATION WILL BE SOUGHT BY DR THE HON RAYSON HUANG AS TO WHY LARGE COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS BEING CONSTRUCTED IN THE TOWN AREA HAVE NOT BEEN REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THEIR OWN PARKING FACILITIES, +DESPITE THE EXPECTATION OVER THE YEARS THAT TRAFFIC CONGESTION WOULD BE ON THE SHARP INCREASE.*
AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ASKED ALSO BY DR HUANG WHETHER IT WILL CONSIDER REQUIRING DEVELOPERS OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS IN THE TOWN AREA *TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ADEQUATE PROVISION* OF SUCH FACILITIES FOR TENANTS.
OTHER QUESTIONS WILL CONCERN THE STANDARDS OF ADOPTION SERVICES IN HONG KONG AND THE PROSPECTS OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN BEING ADOPTED, TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INVOLVING SCHOOL CHILDREN, ACTION AGAINST BUILDING CONTRACTORS FOR FAILING TO PROVIDE SAFE COVERED WALKWAYS, GOVERNMENT POLICY TOWARDS OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES, FACILITIES FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND MEDICAL TREATMENT OF INFANTS WHO MAY OTHERWISE SUFFER MENTAL RETARDATION.
ALSO AT THE MEETING, THE FOLLOWING THREE BILLS ARE EXPECTED TO GO THROUGH THEIR FINAL READINGS AND BECOME LAWs
1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1982.
2. LABOUR TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982.
3. SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1982
- 5 -
MANPOWER SURVEY OF WHOLESALE/RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES
* * * *
A SURVEY TO ASCERTAIN THE MANPOWER AND TRAINING NEEDS IN THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES WILL START TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), AND FIELDWORK WILL CONTINUE UP TO DECEMBER 16.
THE SURVEY IS BEING CONDUCTED BY THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
QUESTIONNAIRES, EXPLANATORY NOTES AND DESCRIPTIONS OF PRINCIPAL JOBS HAVE BEEN SENT TO SOME 1 500 ESTABLISHMENTS. INTERVIEWERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT THESE ESTABLISHMENTS DURING THE PERIOD OF THE SURVEY TO COLLECT THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES.
THE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUPPLY INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AND VACANCIES, TRAINING ACTIVITIES, PERIOD OF TRAINING AND OTHER RELATED MANPOWER AND TRAINING MATTERS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRAINING BOARD, MR DANIEL S.C. KOO, SAID THAT THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY WOULD ENABLE HIS TRAINING BOARD TO FORMULATE PLANS AND RECOMMEND TRAINING POLICIES FOR CONSIDERATION BY EMPLOYERS, THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE GOVERNMENT.
HE ALSO STRESSED THAT THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
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THIRD CROSS HARBOUR PIPELINE TO CATER FOR FRESH WATER DEMANDS * * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) AWARDED A $39 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE LAYING OF A THIRD CROSS HARBOUR PIPELINE TO BOOST FRESH WATER SUPPLY FROM KOWLOON TO HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE PROJECT, WHICH WILL BOOST SUPPLY BY 180 000 CUBIC METRES DAILY»WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR AND WILL FORM PART OF A DEVELOPMENT PLAN TO CATER FOR THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR WATER FROM THE ISLAND.
THE WORK WILL INVOLVE THE LAYING OF A TWIN 1 000 MM DIAMETER MILD STEEL SUBMARINE MAINS, EACH MEASURING 1.4 KILOMETRES LONG FROM THE TSIM SHA TSUI WATERFRONT EAST OF THE HONG KONG SPACE MUSEUM TO THE OPEN AREA ADJACENT TO LUNG KING STREET IN WAN CHAI.
/THE CONTRACT .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1982
- 6- -
THE CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT WAS SIGNED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY MR LIU YAN BUN, CHIEF ENGINEER (CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT) OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WITH MR BOB BUDDEN, MANAGER (HONG KONG BRANCH) AND MR CHRIS MORTON, OPERATIONS MANAGER OF MCCONNELL DOWELL CONSTRUCTORS LIMITED AT THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS IN LEIGHTON CENTRE, LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE BINNIE AND PARTNERS (HONG KONG).
THE TWO EXISTING FRESH WATER CROSS HARBOUR MAINS ARE FROM TSIM SHA TSUI TO CENTRAL AND HUNG HOM TO NORTH POINT.
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YAU MA TEI DB MEMBERS TO MEET THE PUBLIC * * * * *
YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL MEET THE PUBLIC FROM FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 26) TO HEAR SUGGESTIONS AND COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE DISTRICT.
TWO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE AT 490-492 NATHAN ROAD TO RECEIVE THE PUBLIC EVERY FRIDAY EVENING FROM 8 PM TO 10 PM.
THE +MEET THE PUBLIC+ SCHEME, WHICH HAS BEEN INTRODUCED BY DISTRICT BOARDS IN SEVEN DISTRICTS, HAS BEEN WELL RECEIVED.
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SPORT CARNIVAL FOR HK ISLAND M M * *
THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (RSS) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL JOINTLY PRESENT A HONG KONG ISLAND SPORT CARNIVAL TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 19.
♦OVER 5 000 PEOPLE OF ALL AGES ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE HALF-DAY EVENT WHICH WILL BE HELD AT VICTORIA PARK,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR RSS.
THE CARNIVAL WILL FEATURE VARIOUS SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL EVENTS INCLUDING CHILDREN'S OLYMPICS, A DISCO DANCE-IN, POTTED SPORTS FOR THE AGED, MINI-SOCCER MATCHES, ROLLER SKATING FOR FUN AND A TAI CHI DISPLAY.
♦ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL BE GIVEN A SOUVENIR AND WINNERS OF MATCHES WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES,+ SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE RSS OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND; NO FEE WILL BE CHARGED.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE AT 5-641543 (EASTERN OFFICE). 5-274815 (WAN CHAI OFFICE), 5-438559 (CENTRAL AND WESTERN OFFICE) AND 5-551268 (SOUTHERN OFFICE).
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1982
9
- 7 -
CAS HOLDING TWO WEEKEND EVENTS * * * *
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL BE HOLDING TWO EVENTS OVER THE WEEKEND.
ON SATURDAY EVENING (NOVEMBER 27), THE CAS BAND WILL BE +BEATING THE RETREAT*, IN CELEBATION OF ITS 3OTH YEAR.
THE CEREMONY WILL BE REVIEWED BY MR R.H. LOBO, CAS COMMISSIONER AT THE MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND, SAI YEE STREET, KOWLOON, STARTING AT 8.30 PM.
THE +RETREAT+ IS A TRADITIONAL MILITARY CEREMONIAL BUT HAS BECOME A SPECTACLE AND STIRRING ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE PUBLIC.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE BAND MARCHING AND PIPES AND DRUMS DISPLAYS.
ADMISSION IS FREE, AND THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
ON SUNDAY MORNING (NOVEMBER 28), THE CAS WILL HOLD AN INTER-UNIT FOOTDRILL AT THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE, 204 ARGYLE STREET, KOWLOON, FROM 8.30 AM TILL 4.30 PM.
FOURTEEN TEAMS WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE EVENTS.
MR ALLEN LEE, REGIONAL COMMANDER, WILL MAKE THE PRESENTATION OF THE +KAN YUET-KEUNG CHALLENGE CUP+, TO THE WINNING TEAM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FOLLOWING TWO CIVIL AID SERVICES EVENTS:
1. A CAS BAND BEATING RETREAT ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 27), AT THE MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND, SAI YEE STREET, KOWLOON, AT 8.30 PM.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MR LEE YIU-WAH, AT TEL. 5-763236 EXT. 21.
2. A CAS INTER-UNIT FOOTDRILL COMPETITION FOR THE +KAN YUET-KEUNG CHALLENGE CUP+ ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 28) AT THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE, 204 ARGYLE STREET, KOWLOON, STARTING AT 8.30 AM.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MR LIU CHI-KEUNG, TRAINING OFFICER, AT TEL. ^>763236 EXT. 34, DURING CFFICE HOURS,
G - -
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1982
8
NEW CALENDAR AND BOOK ON HK MARINE LIFE
THE 1983 EDITION OF THE rISH .MARKETING ORGANISATION CALENDAR AND A SPECIAL BOOK ON MARINE LIFE AROUND HONG KONG ARE NOW ON SALE.
THE PUBLICATIONS, THE 14TH IN A SERIES SINCE 1970, ARE COMPILED WITH THE ASSISTANCE QF THE FISHERIES RESEARCH DIVISION CF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
TWELVE SPECIES OF FISH FOUND AROUND HONG KONG ARE FEATURED IN THE CALENDAR AND THE BOOK.
THEY ARE THE PAWAK CROAKER, RED SEABREAM, SPADEFISH, HORSEHEAD, LONGSPINE SEABREAM, BLACK SWEETLIP, GUITARFISH, MELON COAT, BOMBAY DUCK, LIZARDFISH, UNICORN FILEFISH AND MONOCLE BREAM.
THE CALENDAR AND THE BOOK ALSO GIVE DETAILS, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, ABOUT THE DISTINGUISHING FEATURES, SIZE, HABITAT, DISTRIBUTION AND OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE FISH. •
THE SCIENTIFIC NAMES OF ;THE SPECIES ARE ALSO GIVEN ALONG WITH THE CHINESE NAMES.
ILLUSTRATIONS GIVE A VIVID IDEA OF SOME OF THE FISH WHICH ARE LESS WELL-KNOWN TO THE AVERAGE CONSUMER IN HONG KONG, WHOSE PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION OF FISHERIES PRODUCTS IN 1981 AMOUNTED
TO 37 KG.
THE PUBLICATIONS ARE ON SALE AT THE SUPPLIES SECTION OFF ICE CF THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION IN ROOM 1360, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, KOWLOON AND THE_G0*6RNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALto CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING IN
CONNAUGHT PLACE.
THEY ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT A NUMBER OF COMMERCIAL BOOKSHOPS. THE PUBLICATIONS COST $26 EACH.
0
TEMPORARY TICKET OFFICE AT UNIVERSITY STATION * * * *
THE TICKET OFFICE AT THE UNIVERSITY STATION OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL BE MOVED FROM THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 25) TO A l£W SITE NEXT TO THE WEST ENTRANCE OF THE STATION’S PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC.
A KCR SPOKESMAN SAID AS^THE AUTOMATIC REVENUE COLLECTION EQUIPMENT MUST BE MOVED OUT OF THE TICKET OFFICE BEFC»ITS RELOCATION, SPECIAL PRE-PRINTED TICKETS WILL*BE SOLD fWBm 6 PM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 24) TO 12 NOON THE FOLLOWING DAY.
/r>ASS3<GERS WITH
TUESDAY, N0V7XBSH 23, 1982
- 9 -
PASSENGERS WITH SPECIAL PRE-PRINTED TICKETS ARE REQUESTED TO USE THE MANUAL GATES WHEN LEAVING THE STATIONS OF THE INNER SUBURBAN SERVICE.
APPROPRIATE SIGNS WILL BE PLACED AT THE UNIVERSITY STATION TO GUIDE PASSENGERS.
THE TEMPORARY TICKET OFFICE, LOCATED SOME 100 METRES SOUTH GF THE EXISTING SITE, WILL BE” USED UNTIL THE SPRING OF 1983 WHEN THE NEW UNIVERSITY STATION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED.
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WATER CUTS IN SAI KUNG AND SAU MAU PING
* * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES AND VILLAGES IN SAI KUNG WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR 10 HOURS FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 26) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE ARRANGEMENT WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES AND VILLAGES ALONG HIRAM’S HIGHWAY BETWEEN TAI CHUNG HAU AND SURF HOTEL, INCLUDING TAI CHUNG HAU TSUEN, PAK KONG, TSIU HANG, CHE KENG TUK, TA HO TUN, SUN ON TSUEN, PO LO CHE, SAI KUNG MARKET AREA, TAN CHEUNG, SUN KING TERRACE, SHA KOK MEI AND SAI KUNG POLICE STATION.
ON THE SAME DAY, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SAU MAU PING WILL ALSO BE TURNED OFF FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY SAU MAU PING ROAD, HIU KWONG STREET, SAU MING ROAD, SAU MAU PATH INCLUDING BLOCK NOS. 19 TO 31 AND 42 TO 45 IN SAU MAU PING ESTATE.
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PARKING METERS ON OLD POK FU LAM ROAD » I M M
PARKING METERS WILL BE INSTALLED ON OLD POK FU LAM ROAD WITH M0UNT DAVIS ROAD FROM 8 AM TOMORROW ° (WEDNESDAY), A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THE METERS WILL OPERATE AT >2 PER 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY DURING WEEKDAYS.
HOUR BETWEEN 8 AM TO
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF PERCIVAL STREET M * M
PERCIVAL STREET IN WAN CHAI BETWEEN LOCKHART ROAD AND HENNESSY ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 12.01 AM TO 6 AM ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 25 AND 26) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CAUSEWAY BAY MTR STATION.
DURING THE CLOSURE, SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES TRAVELLING ALONG PERCIVAL STREET HEADING FOR HENNESSY ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LOCKHART ROAD AND EAST POINT ROAD.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES ' ‘ ’BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING;
’BRITISH' TO.APPEAR IN PASSPORTS FOR HK CITIZENS......... 1
+PUBLIC NOT LET DOW FS .................................. 1
STANDING COMMISSION ON POWER COMPANIES RULED OUT ........ 5
CHANNEL FOR PUBLIC VIEWS ON UTILITIES SUGGESTED ......... 8
STRONGER MONITORING FUNCTION URGED ...................... 9
AD HOC COMMITTEE PROPOSED............................... 9
PUBLICATION OF SCHEMES OF CONTROL +WISE AND TIMELY+ .... 10
PUBLIC HAS RIGHT TO KNOW SCHEMES OF CONTROL - DR HUANG ... 12
CONCERN FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSUMERS ....................... 13
FURTHER CALL FOR +TRIPARTITE COMMISSIQN+ ............... 14
CALL FOR +MORE EQUITABLEf PERMITTED RETURN ............. 16
CALL FOR +PREVENTIVE MEASURES^ ......................... 17
. 4 . • • •
ADEQUACY OF SAFEGUARD QUERIED'.......................... 18
PROPOSAL FOR PROTECTION OF PUBLIC INTEREST ............. 19
THEN MUN ACCIDENTS BEING INVESTIGATED................... 20
• • • • • * • *
BUS COMPANIES TOLD TO EXAMINE WORK STANDARDS ........... 21
’ r‘
/SYSTEM of .....
SYSTEM OF HANDLING CHILD ABUSE CASES UNDER REVIEW......... 22
CONCERN OVER YOUNG PEOPLE ON ROADS .......................... 23
YOUNG PEOPLE AND DRUGS ...................................... 24
SEX EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS ADEQUATE............................ 24
TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN BUILT-UP AREAS ........................ 25
BUILDING SITE WALKWAYS..................................... 26
OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES AND +OBSCENEH- SIGNBOARDS ........ 26
POLICY ON NON-DEPARTMENTAL QUARTERS ......................... 27
DOOR TO DOOR MAIL DELIVERIES IN NT .......................... 27
NEONATAL SCREENING SERVICE EXPECTED ......................... 28
SUPPORT FOR HIGH FOOD STANDARDS ............................. 28
MEASURES TO COMBAT Il'S AND VR'S EXTENDED ................... 30
51.3 BILLION INVESTMENT IN INDUSTRIAL ESTATES ............ 31
SATISFACTORY YEAR FOR PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL .................. 32
THREE BILLS PASSED........................................... 32
PRESERVING CIVIL LIBERTIES IN HONG KONG......................... 33
FIRE PREVENTION DRIVE IN WONG TAI SIN .......................... 35
TECHNICAL EDUCATION GETS ENDORSEMENT FROM INDUSTRY.............. 36
CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS .......................................... 36
• « 5 • • •
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN KWAI CHUNG AND CENTRaL ............... 37
TENANCY INVITED FOR CaR PARK SITE............................... 37
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
1
’BRITISH' TO APPEAR IN PASSPORTS FOR HK CITIZENS ft ft ft ft
THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED THAT THE WORD •BRITISH’ WILL APPEAR OPPOSITE THE WORD ’NATIONALITY’ ON THE FIRST PAGE OF ALL BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES PASSPORTS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE REPORTED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IMMEDIATELY UNDER THIS DESCRIPTION OF NATIONALITY THERE WILL BE A DESCRIPTION OF THE PASSPORT HOLDER’S CITIZENSHIP. IN THE CASE OF HONG KONG, AFTER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT BECOMES INTO FORCE ON JANUARY 1, 1983, THIS DESCRIPTION WILL BE +BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN, HONG KONG+.
SIR PHILIP SAID THESE DESCRIPTIONS DO NOT ALTER OR AFFECT EXISTING LAW SO FAR AS RIGHTS OF ENTRY TO, OR ABODE IN, THE UNITED KINGDOM OR ELSEWHERE ARE CONCERNED.
♦BUT NATIONALITY AND CITIZENSHIP WILL BE ACCURATELY DESCRIBED IN PASSPORTS TO THE GREAT SATISFACTION, I AM SURE, OF MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE,+ SIR PHILIP SAID.
HE RECALLED THAT THE HON JOHN SWA I NE HAD RAISED THIS SUBJECT IN THE RECENT DEBATE IN THE COUNCIL, AND, IN RESPONDING TO THIS LATER, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS HOPEFUL THAT, BEFORE TOO LONG, A SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION OF THE POINTS AT ISSUE WOULD BE ACHIEVED.
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♦PUBLIC NOT LET DOWN+ FS ft ft ft ft
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID TODAY THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT LET DOWN THE PUBLIC IN THE MONITORING OF THE OPERATIONS OF PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR BREMRIDGE SAID IT WAS NOT ONLY VALUABLE BUT ESSENTIAL FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO LISTEN TO PUBLIC OPINION. AT THE SAME TIME THE GOVERNMENT ALSO HAD A RESPONSIBILITY TO ARRANGE FOR THE AVAILABILITY OF BASIC NECESSITIES.
♦IT IS A GOOD THING THAT PEOPLE SHOULD SEEK TO DISCUSS THE COMPLICATED SCHEMES OF CONTROL, WHICH ARE OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO US ALL. BUT BEYOND THE INTERESTS OF THEIR ORGANISERS, THE VALUE OF SIGNATURES OR PETITIONS CALLING FOR CHEAPER ELECTRICITY CHARGES IS HARD TO DESCRY. WHO WOULD NOT WISH FOR CHEAPER ELECTRICITY BILLS? OR FOR THAT MATTER CHEAPER FOOD OR TRANSPORT OR WATER7+ MR BREMRIDGE SAID. HE ADDED THAT IT MEANT NOTHING UNLESS THE PUBLIC WAS TOLD AT THE SAME TIME HOW ELSE THEY WERE TO PAY IF NOT BY DIRECT CHARGES.
MR BREMRIDGE SAID IT WAS A GOOD THING THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSISTENTLY BE PRODDED AS NOTHING WAS EVER PERFECT, INCLUDING SCHEMES OF CONTROL.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
2
♦IMPROVEMENTS ARE POSSIBLE IN ANY SITUATION; BUT SO OF COURSE IS DETERIORATION. ON THE WHOLE IN HONG KONG WE HAVE GOOD UTILITY SERVICES AT PRICES AT LEAST COMPARABLE WITH OTHERS IN ASIA.
SOME INDIVISIBLE SERVICES MUST BE PROVIDED DIRECTLY BY GOVERNMENT. HE SAID. OTHERS ARE MORE EFFICIENTLY PRODUCED IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
MR BREMRIDGE POINTED OUT THAT NEGOTIATION OF SCHEMES OF CONTROL CALLED FOR A MEETING OF THE MINDS, AS THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT COMPEL INVESTMENT.
♦FAILING AGREEMENT THE ALTERNATIVES BASICALLY ARE AN INCOMPETENT AND INEFFICIENT SERVICE, OR GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY, OR TAKE-OVER BY THE GOVERNMENT. THE LATTER TWO ARE ATTRACTIVE ONLY TO THOSE WHO CANNOT SEE THAT GOVERNMENT FUNDS ARE THEIR FUNDS -THE PEOPLE’S FUNDS.+
MR BREMRIDGE SAID THE GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGED PRIVATE ENTERPRISE, AND WHILE MOST SERVED US WELL. SOME ARGUABLY DID NOT. HOWEVER FORCED SEQUESTRATION - SAY NATIONALISATION - WAS ALIEN TO US.
♦IF BOTH COMPANIES WANT TO MERGE I DOUBT IF GOVERNMENT WOULD OBJECT. IT IS VERY HYPOTHETICAL. IN ANY CASE IT IS USEFUL FOR GOVERNMENT TO BE ABLE TO COMPARE THE DIFFERENT COSTS OF THE TWO COMPANIES. IN FACT IN 1959 THE MOULD COMMISSION RECOMMENDED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN AUTHORITY TO GENERATE, TRANSMIT AND DISTRIBUTE ELECTRICITY. THIS INVOLVED NATIONALISATION OF THE TWO POWER COMPANIES. LUCKY HONG KONG TO AVOID SUCH A FATE.
♦IF A TAKEOVER OF THE TWO COMPANIES WAS UNDERTAKEN TODAY MY EXCEEDINGLY ROUGH CALCULATIONS SHOW THAT FAIR COMPENSATION OF ABOUT $20 BILLION WOULD BE NEEDED. WITH 10 PER CENT GOVERNMENT BONDS AND A 10-YEAR SINKING FUND LESS EARNINGS THE ANNUAL COST WOULD BE AT LEAST $2 BILLION, AND THE BURDEN OF MANAGEMENT WOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO GOVERNMENT. AT PRESENT IN HONG KONG ANNUAL CORPORATE TAX PROFIT YIELDS ABOUT $6.8 BILLION PER YEAR.
♦WOULD THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN NATIONALISATION ACCEPT THE NEED FOR CORPORATE PROFITS TAX TO BE INCREASED BY 29 PER CENT? WHAT EFFECT WOULD THIS HAVE ON INDUSTRY? IN ANY CASE I SUSPECT THAT UNDER GOVERNMENT CONTROL ELECTRICITY PRICES WOULD ANYWAY STILL RISE, NOT FALL - SO THE PROBLEM WOULD STILL BE WITH US,+ MR BREMRIDGE SAID.
♦WELL, SOME WILL SAY, LET US HAVE SUBSIDIES INSTEAD. REFUSAL TO ALLOW A 10 PER CENT ACROSS THE BOARD INCREASE IN ELECTRICITY CHARGES COULD INVOLVE GOVERNMENT IN PAYING A SUBSIDY TO THE COMPANIES OF $660 MILLION PER YEAR. SALARIES TAX WILL YIELD ABOUT $2.2 BILLION. WHAT DO YOU FEEL ABOUT A 30 PER CENT INCREASE? WOULD THE VAST MAJORITY NOT PREFER DIRECT CHARGING OF USERS?*
♦LET ME ALSO POINT TO THE FACT THAT LONG-TERM SHAREHOLDERS -NOT SPECULATORS - ARE AS MUCH CONCERNED WITH YIELD ON INVESTMENT AS WITH ANY OTHER CRITERIA. THE CURRENT DIVIDEND YIELD ON HEC AND CLP SHARES IS BELOW FIVE PER CENT. IS THIS EXORBITANT? IS IT A GOOD BASIS FOR GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE? OR CRITICISM OF EXCESS RETURNS? INDEED I BELIEVE THAT EXXON WITH A MAJORITY STAKE IN THE GENERATION SECTOR OF CLP HAVE IN FACT SO FAR TAKEN NO DIVIDENDS.
/MR BREMRIDGE .......
■.■WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
MR BREMRIDGE ALSO COMMENTED ON THE SUGGESTION THAT LONG AGREED RISES SHOULD ONLY BE POSTPONED FOR A PERIOD, THUS HELPING HONG KONG IN THE CURRENT RECESSION. +THIS IS A FAIR DECISION FOR THE POWER COMPANIES TO TAKE - NOT GOVERNMENT. WE WOULD CERTAINLY ACCEPT THEIR DEC IS ION.+ HE NOTED, HOWEVER THAT, HONG KONG IS RIDING THE PRESENT RECESSION BETTER THAN MOST AND WONDERED WHETHER PEOPLE REALLY WANTED DOUBLE INCREASES IN A YEAR’S TIME, OR TREBLE IN TWO YEARS’ TIME.
+MOREOVER THE COMPANIES MUST CONSIDER CASH FLOW AND COMMITMENTS TO BANKERS. ANY ATTEMPT BY GOVERNMENT TO MEDDLE IN THIS AREA WOULD SCARCELY BE AN ATTRACTIVE SIGN TO THOSE SEEKING TO RAISE FUNDS FOR NEW ENTERPRISES IN HONG KONG.+
HE ADDED, +THERE EXIST ANYWAY FIRM LEGALLY-ENFORCEABLE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN UTILITY COMPANIES AND THE GOVERNMENT WHICH CANNOT BE ALTERED IN THE CASE OF THE POWER COMPANIES BEFORE 1993, EXCEPT WITH THE CONSENT OF BOTH SIGNATORIES.
♦ON THE BACK OF SEVERAL OF THESE AGREEMENTS FINANCE HAS BEEN ARRANGED AND LARGE FORWARD ORDERS FOR EQUIPMENT PLACED. UNILATERAL ACTION IS QUITE UNTHINKABLE.♦
MR BREMRIDGE SAID ALL THE INDUSTRIES SUBJECT TO SCHEMES OF CONTROL WERE DIFFERENT. +THERE IS NOT MUCH IN COMMON BETWEEN TELCO WHICH REQUIRES TO INVEST $5.6 BILLION IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, CHINA LIGHT AND POWER WHO ARE COMMITTED TO $35 BILLION, THE BUS COMPANIES AND THE SMALL HATS. CONSEQUENTLY ALL SCHEMES OF CONTROL MUST BE TAILORED TO SUIT EACH INDUSTRY. THERE IS NO VIRTUE IN A STANDARD PATTERN.+
MR BREMRIDGE SAID HE WAS PERSONALLY NO GREAT PROTAGONIST OF SCHEMES BASED ON NET FIXED ASSETS. HE MUCH PREFERRED A CRITERION OF SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS, THOUGH THERE ARE SOUND ARGUMENTS EITHER WAY. +BUT GIVEN THAT GOVERNMENT HAS AVAILABLE EXPERT TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS WHO IN THE CASE OF THE POWER COMPANIES CAN ADVISE PROFESSIONALLY ON EQUIPMENT AND ON FUTURE PLANNING AND CURRENT EFFICIENCY, THE BASE ON WHICH PROFITS ARE CALCULATED IS NOT VERY MATERIAL EXCEPT AS A MATTER OF PRESENTATION TO THE MAN IN THE STREET.
♦PROFIT THERE MUST BE. DOES IT MUCH MATTER IF THIS PROFIT IS BASED ON 15 PER CENT OF NFA OR AN ALTERNATIVE OF PERHAPS 24 PER CENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS? BOTH MIGHT OFFER FAIRLY SIMILAR OUTCOMES. DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THE PERCENTAGES WILL REMAIN SIMILAR, FOR THEY CERTAINLY WILL NOT.
♦OF COURSE NO GOVERNMENT WILL ALWAYS GET IT RIGHT. FOR INSTANCE OUR BUS COMPANIES ARE NOT EVERYONE’S FRIENDS. BUT AT LEAST THEY PROVIDE REASONABLY SUFFICIENT SERVICES AT A PRICE WELL BELOW THOSE FOUND IN SINGAPORE. DO PEOPLE REALLY BELIEVE THAT GOVERNMENT OWNERSHIP COULD DO BETTER? OUR TELEPHONE COMPANY, THOUGH REGULARLY EXECRATED, IS PROBABLY THE CHEAPEST AND BEST IN THE WORLD. OUR ELECTRICITY COMPANIES, THOUGH SUBJECT TO CONSTANT ATTACK, OFFER ELECTRICITY AS CHEAP AS MOST IN ASIA, A RELIABLE SUPPLY, EFFICIENT LONG-TERM PLANNING AND COMPETENT MANAGEMENT.+
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
- 4 -
+WHY DO THE CRITICS NOT REMARK ON THE FACT HONG KONG ELECTRIC’S INCREASES OVER TWO YEARS REFLECT LESS THAN HALF THE RATE OF INFLATION, OR THAT CHINA LIGHT AND POWER WILL OFFER BULK CONSUMERS NEXT YEAR POWER MORE CHEAPLY THAN TWO YEARS BEFORE? THE FIRST COAL FIRED GENERATOR AT CASTLE PEAK +A+ REPRESENTS A SAVING OF HK$1 MILLION PER DAY OVER OIL USAGE. THE CAPITAL COSTS OF THE CHANGE ARE HUGE. HOW WAS IT PLANNED MANY YEARS AGO? HOW WAS IT FINANCED?* HE ASKED.
MR BREMRIDGE SAID HE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT SHAREHOLDERS IN ANY OF THE UTILITIES WERE BEING OVER-REWARDED.
+IN 1981 THE AVERAGE RETURN ON A SELECTION OF SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS IN MAJOR DISPARATE COMPANIES RANGED FROM 22 PER CENT TO 40 PER CENT. THIS WAS A HIGH RETURN IN A GOOD YEAR. THEY WILL DO LESS WELL IN BAD YEARS. THEY WILL, HOWEVER, AVERAGE OUT, WHILE THE UTILITIES REMAIN STEADY ON A MIDDLE COURSE. BUT DO MEMBERS THINK, FOR EXAMPLE, THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS IN TELCO ENTITLED TO 16 PER CENT ARE UNNECESSARILY PRIVILEGED? OR CMB WITH 15 PER CENT?
+THE ARGUMENT THAT OTHER COMPANIES CUT BACK IN TIMES OF DIFFICULTY IS MATCHED BY THE NEED OF THE UTILITIES CONSISTENTLY TO BE PLANNING AND PROVIDING FOR WHAT IS ESSENTIAL TO THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY IN FIVE OR EVEN 10 YEARS’ TIME. NO ONE CARES OVERMUCH - EXCEPT ITS LABOUR - IF AN ORDINARY COMPANY GOES BANKRUPT BECAUSE IT HAS GUESSED WRONG. BUT WE WOULD NOT FIND IT AMUSING IF THIS HAPPENED TO ONE OF THE POWER OR BUS COMPANIES. IN BRIEF, SOME CAN MAKE SERIOUS MISTAKES, BUT THE UTILITIES CANNOT. IN ANY CASE HEC AND CLP ARE VERY LARGE COMPANIES BY WORLD STANDARDS. AGREED PROFITS ARE BOUND TO REFLECT THEIR SIZE.
MR BREMRIDGE SAID THE UTILITIES HAD SERVED THE PUBLIC WELL AND IT WAS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY, NOT THE GOVERNMENT’S, TO CONTINUE TO DO SO. +IT IS QUITE WRONG FOR GOVERNMENT TO INTERFERE WITH MANAGEMENT, SOME OF WHOSE SENSE OF PROPER PUBLIC RELATIONS HAS ADMITTEDLY IN THE PAST BEEN FREQUENTLY AND SIGNIFICANTLY LACKING. IT MUST BE CLEAR, HOWEVER, WHERE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY LIES. AND IT CAN NEVER LIE WITH A COMMITTEE. I TOTALLY REJECT ANY CONCEPT OF A MONITORING AND INTERFERING COMMITTEE.*
+THE PRESENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE IS DIFFICULT. WE SHALL AS BEFORE FIND OUR WAY OUT AND UP BY HARD WORK, NOT BY SELECTING WHIPPING BOYS OR SEEKING TO BURN WITCHES. BEFORE SCHEMES OF CONTROL COME TO THEIR CONTRACTUAL END WE SHALL NATURALLY SEEK IMPROVEMENT IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE.*
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
5
STANDING COMMISSION ON POWER COMPANIES RULED OUT
* X ft ft M
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REJECTED PROPOSALS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A STANDING COMMISSION OR A COMMISSION OF INQUIRY IN RELATION TO THE POWER COMPANIES.
HE HAS, HOWEVER, GIVEN AN UNDERTAKING TO LOOK AT THE IDEA OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONALS TO EXAMINE EXISTING MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS TO SEE WHETHER THEY ACCOMPLISH THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THEY ARE DESIGNED, ALTHOUGH, HE ADDED, IT MAY BE THAT ON CLOSER EXAMINATION THE IDEA WILL BE FOUND TO BE IMPRACTICABLE.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR JACOBS SAID THE THREE PROPOSALS WERE DISCUSSED DURING A MEETING HE HELD WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES AND THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION LAST MONDAY.
ON THE PROPOSAL FOR A STANDING COMMISSION, HE SAID THAT AS THE TERM WAS UNDERSTOOD, IT WOULD MEAN A PERMANENT COMMISSION WHICH WOULD PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN RELATION TO THE MONITORING CF THE POWER COMPANIES.
MR JACOBS SAID HE HAD MADE IT CLEAR AT THE MEETING THAT HE DID NOT SUPPORT THIS PROPOSAL.
♦AS MR PETER WONG HAS ALREADY POINTED OUT, SUCH A STANDING COMMISSION WOULD DUPLICATE THE WORK THAT IS ALREADY BEING DONE BY THE ADMINISTRATION,♦ HE SAID.
A STANDING COMMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE BACKED BY A SECRETARIAT AND PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL SERVICES AND THIS WOULD BE VERY COSTLY, HE ADDED.
♦MOREOVER, WHATEVER TERMS OF REFERENCE MAY BE DEVISED FOR A STANDING COMMISSION TODAY, IT IS INEVITABLE THAT THAT COMMISSION, OVER THE COURSE OF TIME, WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO AVOID BECOMI-NG INVOLVED IN SUPERVISING THE MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANIES.*
♦THIS INVOLVEMENT WOULD DILUTE AND CONFUSE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MANAGEMENT AND ALMOST CERTAINLY LEAD TO LESS RELIABLE SERVICES AT AN INCREASED COST.+
ON THE SECOND PROPOSAL, MR JACOBS SAID IN GENERAL TERMS A COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY MIGHT BE APPROPRIATE WHERE THERE WAS CLEARLY SOMETHING WRONG, AND A PUBLIC ENQUIRY AT WHICH EVIDENCE COULD BE GIVEN WAS THE ONLY METHOD OF ESTABLISHING THE FACTS.
♦BUT AS IT WAS AGREED AT THE MEETING THAT THE POWER COMPANIES PROVIDE A RELIABLE SERVICE ~ AND THIS HAS BEEN REPEATED BY SEVERAL MEMBERS TODAY — THERE IS IN MY VIEW NO CASE WHATSOEVER FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY IN RELATION TO THE PERFORMANCE OF THE POWER COMPANIES.+
HE SAID WHAT WAS BASICALLY AT ISSUE AT THE MEETING WAS THE LEVEL OF TARIFFS AND OTHER ASPECTS OF THE FINANCING PLANS AND THE TERMS OF THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL.
■.WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 19«2 '
6
+1 MUST EMPHASISE AT THIS POINT THAT THESE PLANS AND THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THIS REINFORCES MY VIEW THAT A COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY WOULD BE TOTALLY INAPPROPRI ATE.♦
ON THE THIRD PROPOSAL, MR JACOBS SAID THE CONCEPT OF A SECOND OPINION, PARTICULARLY IF IT WAS DESIGNED TO GIVE SOME REASSURANCE TO THE PUBLIC, WAS NOT UNAPPEALING.
+WE ALREADY ENGAGE THE ASSISTANCE OF TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS, AND A SIMILAR APPROACH ON THE FINANCIAL SIDE COULD WELL PROVE USEFUL.
* AT THIS STAGE I MUST STRESS THAT I SPEAK PERSONALLY. THE IDEA HAS NOT BEEN DEVELOPED WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION AND IT MAY BE THAT ON CLOSER EXAMINATION IT WOULD BE FOUND TO BE IMPRACTICABLE.*
MR JACOBS SAID HE HAD GIVEN AN UNDERTAKING TO THE FEDERATION AND THE CMA TO LOOK MORE CLOSELY AT THE IDEA AS WELL AS SOME OTHERS THAT EMERGED DURING THE DISCUSSIONS IN ORDER TO SEE WHETHER THERE WAS ANYTHING THAT COULD BE BUILT UPON SO AS TO GIVE THAT REASONABLE ASSURANCE TO THE PUBLIC THAT HE BELIEVED TO BE ESSENTIAL.
TURNING TO THE GENERAL ISSUES RAISED IN THE DEBATE, MR JACOBS SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD AN OBILGATION TO PROVIDE A MONITORING FACILITY REGARDING CERTAIN UTILITY COMPANIES WHICH HAD BEEN GRANTED MONOPOLY OR SEMI-MONOPOLY STATUS, AND THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL CONSTITUTED ONE ASPECT OF THAT MONITORING PROCESS.
♦ THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY IS TO ENSURE THAT THE PRICES THAT THESE UTILITY COMPANIES CHARGE SHOULD BE RELATED TO THE COST OF THE SERVICES THEY PROVIDED.
♦ BUT, SUBJECT TO THE MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS, THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR A RELIABLE SERVICE AT A REASONABLE PRICE RESTS PRIMARILY WITH THE COMPANY CONCERNED, AND IT IS THE COMPANY THAT IS DIRECTLY ACCOUNTABLE TO ITS CONSUMERS.♦
HE SAID THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL WERE DESIGNED AMONGST OTHER THINGS TO ENABLE THE COMPANIES TO FINANCE THE EXPANSION NECESSARY TO MEET THE DEMAND FROM CONSUMERS AND TO REMAIN FINANCIALLY VIABLE BY GIVING SHAREHOLDERS SUFFICIENT INCENTIVE TO INVEST.
♦ SO, EVERY SCHEME OF CONTROL MUST PROVIDE A REASONABLE RETURN TO SHAREHOLDERS ON THEIR INVESTMENT,* HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID THAT AS POINTED OUT BY THE HON ALLEN LEE AND THE HON WONG PO-YAN, ALTHOUGH THE RATE OF RETURN AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE VALUE OF AVERAGE NET FIXED ASSETS HAD REMAINED STEADY IN RECENT YEARS, IT HAD INCREASED AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS.
♦ THIS MAY APPEAR TO SUGGEST AN OVER-GENEROUS RETURN TO THE SHAREHOLDERS. BUT IT IS NOT AS SIMPLE AS THAT,* HE SAID.
♦THE PERMITTED PROFIT AS A PERCENTAGE OF SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS IS NOT THE SAME AS THE ACTUAL DIVIDEND THE SHREHOLDERS RECEIVE, THE MONEY THAT GOES INTO THE POCKET. MUCH OF THE COMPANY’S PROFIT IS RETAINED IN THE BUSINESS AND IS NEEDED FOR FINANCING EXPANSION AND FOR SERVICING DEBT.*
/ON ARJUNG3SJTS.......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
- 7 -
ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE FINANCING PLANS, MR JACOBS SAID THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL PROVIDED THAT BEFORE THE COMPANIES COULD INTRODUCE CHANGES OF TARIFF IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FINANCING PLANS APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, THEY MUST REVIEW WITH THE GOVERNMENT THE COMPANY’S ACTUAL PERFORMANCE AGAINST THE CONTENTS OF THE PLANS.
HE SAID PROVIDED THAT ANY PROPOSED CHANGES WERE WITHIN CERTAIN STATED LIMITS, THE CHANGES COULD BE MADE WITHOUT REFERENCE BACK TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. BUT, IF THE PROPOSED CHANGES EXCEEDED THOSE LIMITS, THEN THEY MUST BE REFERRED BACK TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
+SO FAR THIS HAD NOT HAPPENED IN RELATION TO THE POWER COMPANIES. BUT IF IT DID, WE WOULD REQUIRE A COMPLETELY REVISED FINANCING PLAN, WHICH WOULD HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN VERY GREAT DETAIL BY THE FINANCIAL MONITORING UNIT OF THE ECONOMIC SERVICE BRANCH AND MYSELF,+ HE SAID.
ON COMMENTS THAT THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL DID NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE SAFEGUARDS FOR CONSUMERS IN THAT THERE WAS NO PROVISION FOR ANY CEILING TO THE INCREASES FOR WHICH THE COMPANIES MIGHT APPLY, MR JACOBS SAID THE CEILING WAS ALREADY THERE BY VIRTUE OF THE FACT THAT DEPARTURE FROM THE APPROVED FINANCING PLANS DICTATED A NEW PLAN SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
ON REMARKS MADE BY MR LEE THAT THE DEVELOPMENT FUNDS HAD BEEN USED AS PROFIT EQUALISATION FUNDS AND THUS GUARANTEED PROFIT, HE SAID THE FUNDS DID NOT FORM PART OF THE SHAREHOLDERS FUNDS AND IT BELONGED TO CONSUMERS AND THE INTEREST EARNED ON THE FUND WAS DEDUCTED FROM THE PERMITTED RETURN AND REBATED TO CONSUMERS.
MR JACOBS SAID THE FUND COULD EVEN OUT THE RETURN BETWEEN ONE YEAR AND ANOTHER BUT IN NO WAY CONSTITUTED A GUARANTEE OF RETURN TO SHAREHOLDERS. THE LOSS WHICH THE COMPANY SUFFERED IN A PARTICULARLY BAD YEAR WOULD BE REFLECTED IN A REDUCED DIVIDEND TO THE SHAREHOLDERS.
+AS FAR AS THE POWER COMPANIES ARE CONCERNED,* HE SAID,* THE SMALL BALANCE AT THE END OF THIS YEAR WILL BE INSUFFICIENT EITHER TO DEFER OR TO REDUCE THE APPROVED INCREASES IN TARIFFS TO ANY APPRECIABLE EXTENT IF CASH FLOW PROBLEMS ARE TO BE AVOIDED.*
MR JACOBS ALSO SPOKE ON THE INTERCONNECTION ARRANGEMENT WHICH COULD MAKE MORE SUFFICIENT USE OF EXISTING GENERATING PLANT AND RESULT IN CONSIDERABLE SAVINGS FOR CONSUMERS, AND THE REVIEW THAT COULD TAKE PLACE NEXT YEAR.
HE SAID MR LEE’S REMINDER OF THE BENEFITS THAT COULD FLOW FROM INTERCONNECTION WOULD BE REPORTED AT THE NEXT MEETING OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE.
ON THE REVIEW, HE SAID GIVEN THAT THE CURRENT INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME HAD BEEN DESIGNED UPON THE BASIS OF THE EXISTING SCHEMES, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ENVISAGE ANY BASIC AMENDMENTS TO THESE SCHEMES TAKING PLACE BEFORE THE DATE OF THEIR EXPIRY.
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/8 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982 .
- 8 -
CHANNEL FOR PUBLIC VIEWS ON UTILITIES SUGGESTED * * * *
THE HON ANDREW SO CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER ESTABLISHING A PROPER CHANNEL THROUGH WHICH THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND CONSUMERS MAY, AFTER READING THE RECENTLY-PUBLISHED SCHEMES OF CONTROL CAREFULLY, VOICE THEIR OPINIONS AS TO HOW TO MONITOR THE PUBLIC UTILITIES IN A BETTER WAY.
HE SAID THE UMELCO OFFICE WOULD WELCOME OPINIONS FROM THE PUBLIC ON THIS ISSUE AND WOULD ACCORDINGLY REFLECT THEM TO THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED.
♦BUT I AM SURE THE PUBLIC WOULD WELCOME IT MORE IF THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SET UP A CHANNEL SOLELY FOR COLLECTING OPINIONS ON THE CONTROL SCHEMES,♦ HE SAID.
MR SO MADE THE SUGGESTION WHEN MOVING A MOTION TO DEBATE THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES IN HONG KONG.
HE STRESSED THAT THE MOTION IS +TO WELCOME THE GOVERNMENT’S RECENT PUBLICATION OF THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL, AND NOT THE CONTROL SCHEMES AS RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT+.
MR SO TEN OTHER UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION REGARDED THE PUBLICATION OF THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL AS A BREAK-THROUGH AND AN ACT IN DEFERENCE TO PUBLIC OPINION.
BUT HE EXPRESSED MISGIVINGS THAT SHORTLY AFTER THEIR PUBLICATION, THE TWO POWER COMPANIES SIMULTANEOUSLY ANNOUNCED INCREASES IN POWER CHARGES AS FROM JANUARY NEXT YEAR, THUS CAUSING PROTESTS FROM VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.
♦I AM WELL AWARE OF THE FACT THAT BEFORE APPROVING THE INCREASES, THE GOVERNMENT HAS STUDIED THE MATTER VERY CAREFULLY, TAKING INfo CONSIDERATION THE PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE BROADEST SENSE AND THE CURRENT AGREEMENTS.
♦THE GOVERNMENT MUST ABIDE BY THE AGREEMENTS IN ORDER TO GAIN THE CONFIDENCE OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG AND ABROAD; TO THIS I AM SURE WE ALL AGREE.
♦NEVERTHELESS, THE GOVERNMENT CAN MAKE FURTHER NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE TWO COMPANIES, REQUESTING THEM TO RE-CONSIDER THE INCREASES IN THE LIGHT OF THE PRESENT ECONOMIC SITUATION IN HONG KONG, THE DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED BY THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS, THE GENERAL LOWERING OF PROFITS AND THE NEWS OF LESS THAN TEN PER CENT SALARY-INCREASE FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE NEXT YEAR.+ SAID MR SO.
HE HOPED THE POWER COMPANIES WOULD TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO LOWER THE PROFITS TARGET SO THAT WITH CONCERTED EFFORT THE COMMUNITY MIGHT TIDE OVER THE PRESENT DIFFICULTIES.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
STRONGER MONITORING FUNCTION URGED
* * * *
THE HON ALEX WU SPOKE, DURING WHAT HE TERMED THE +ELECTRIFYING+ DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN EXERCISING THE CONTROL OF THE SCHEMES.
WHILE POINTING OUT THAT THE SCHEMES WERE DESIGNED ON THE ONE HAND TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH A REASONABLE DEAL AND ON THE OTHER TO ENSURE THAT INVESTORS WILL CONTINUE TO BE WILLING TO INVEST IN PROVIDING ELECTRICITY, MR WU STRESSED THAT THE MONITORING FUNCTION CF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SCHEMES NEEDED TO BE STRENGTHENED.
♦IN MY OPINION, THE MONITORING UNIT SHOULD NOT ONLY APPROVE THE FINANCIAL PLANS AT INTERVALS BUT SHOULD PLAY AN ACTIVE PART IN THE OPERATION,
♦IN OTHER WORDS, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE A PLACE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANIES OPERATING UNDER THE SCHEMES CF CONTROL, AS IN THE CASE OF OTHER PUBLIC UTILITIES IN WHICH GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES ARE ALREADY PRESENT.
♦PROVIDED THE GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES HAVE THE NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE OF THE BUSINESS, THEY CAN PLAY AN EXTREMELY USEFUL ROLE TO SEE THAT THERE IS ADEQUATE SAFEGUARD FOR CONSUMER INTERESTS,♦ HE SAID.
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AD HOC COMMITTEE PROPOSED I * M M
THE HON F.K. HU (WHOSE SPEECH WAS DELIVERED BY DR HENRY HU) CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO SET UP AN AD HOC COMMITTEE TO LOOK INTO THE OPERATION OF THE POWER COMPANIES AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRESENT SCHEMES OF CONTROL.
HE WELCOMED THE PUBLICATION OF THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL BUT POINTED OUT THAT THEY SHOULD BE ASSESSED AND MODIFIED, IF NECESSARY FROM TIME TO TIME TO COPE WITH CHANGING SITUATIONS.
♦ALL PARTIES, INCLUDING THE GOVERNMENT, THE POWER COMPANIES
THE £2NSHttRS’ MUST ENSURE SATISFACTORY IMPLEMENTATION OF THE S9'!IIROL WH,CH CAN BE MODIFIED IF ALL SIGNING PARTIES AGREE,+ HE SAID.
rcriru, HEru«lLTHAT THE AD H0C COMMITTEE SHOULD CONSIST OF OFFICIAL MEMBERS, UMELCO MEMBERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC KNOWLEDGEABLE IN MANAGEMENT AND ELECTRICITY GENERATION.
CONSULTANTS SHOULD ALSO BE ENGAGED TO PROVIDE ADVICE AND ™5VJ£E, ™ ™lhe?eMITTEE WHICH’ MR HU SUGGESTED, SHOULD LOOK INTO lot rULLUwING AREASt
WEDN3SDAY, N0V3LBHR 24, 1982
10
* EFFICIENCY OF OPERATION;
* REALISTIC AND FLEXIBLE EXPANSION PLAN TO COPE WITH FORECAST DEMAND;
* SECURED FUEL SUPPLY AT REASONABLE PRICE;
* PROCUREMENT OF GENERATING PLANT, TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM BEARING IN MIND THE OVERALL ECONOMY WITH DUE REGARD TO EFFICIENCY AND COST;
M MINIMUM RISK ON FOREIGN EXCHANGE; AND
* EFFECT ON OPERATION OF THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER CO. LTD. ON THE POSSIBLE ESTABLISHMENT OF HYDRAULIC POWER PLANT AND NUCLEAR POWER PLANT.
+UPON CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION, THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THIS AD HOC COMMITTEE SHOULD BE MADE PUBLIC.
+ IF AGREEABLE TO ALL SIGNING PARTIES, THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL CAN BE MODIFIED ACCORDINGLY,* MR HU SAID.
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PUBLICATION OF SCHEMES OF CONTROL *WISE AND TIMELY* * * * *
THE HON BILL BROWN, WHOSE SPEECH AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY WAS DELIVERED BY THE HON PETER C. WONG, DESCRIBED THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO PUBLISH THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL AS A *WISE AND TIMELY* MOVE.
IN HIS OPINION, THE SCHEMES ARE TO ENSURE THAT SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC IS ADEQUATE TO MEET DEMAND, IS EFFICIENT AND IS PROVIDED AT THE LOWEST COSTS.
THEY MUST ALSO ENSURE THAT SHAREHOLDERS RECEIVE A RETURN, WHICH IS REASONABLE IN RELATION TO THE RISK INVOLVED AND CAPITAL INVESTED.
♦ I BELIEVE THEY ACHIEVE JUST THAT AND IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO DEVISE OTHER METHODS WHICH WOULD PRODUCE BETTER RESULTS,* HE SAID.
WHILE APPRECIATING THAT CRITICISM MAY BE LEVIED AT THE SCHEMES BY CONSUMERS AND, IN SOME RESPECTS, BY THE COMPANIES THEMSELVES, MR BROWN SAIDi +BUT WHICHEVER WAY ONE LOOKS AT IT ANY FAIR MINDED PERSON MUST SURELY AGREE THAT IN HONG KONG WE ENJOY STANDARDS OF SERVICE FROM OUR UTILITIES WHICH COMPARE FAVOURABLY WITH MOST OTHER TERRITORIES BOTH IN TERMS OF RELIABILITY AND COST.*
HE CITED THE TWO POWER COMPANIES AS EXAMPLES, POINTING OUT THAT THEIR CHARGES COMPARED FAVOURABLY WITH THOSE IN KOREA, SINGAPORE, JAPAN, MALAYSIA, THE PHILIPPINES, THAILAND AND TAIWAN.
/QUOTING STATISTICS, ........
rfiKIiJlUY, NOVildB-a 24, 1982
11
QUOTING STATISTICS, MR BROWN NOTED THAT THE CHANGES IN ELECTRICITY COST FOR INDUSTRIAL CONSUMERS IN THOSE SEVEN PLACES DURING THE TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 1982 REGISTERED AN AVERAGE INCREASE OF 13 PER CENT WHILE THAT IN HONG KONG DECREASED BY FIVE PER CENT.
THE ELECTRICITY COST ALSO DECREASED BY FOUR PER CENT FOR COMMERCIAL CONSUMERS AND THREE PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC USERS IN HONG KONG, WHILE MOST OTHER TERRITORIES RECORDED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES.
ALTHOUGH SOME ARGUED THAT THE BASIC TERMS OF THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL FOR THE POWER COMPANIES SHOULD BE CHANGED, MR BROWN CONSIDERED IT IS NECESSARY TO EXTEND THE DURATION OF THE SCHEMES UNTIL 1993 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE CONTINUITY ESSENTIAL FOR THE PLANNING AND FINANCING OF MAJOR PROJECTS.
+SUBSTANTIAL INTERNATIONAL LOANS AT HIGHLY COMPETITIVE INTEREST RATES, TOTALLING MANY BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, HAVE BEEN ARRANGED ON THE SECURITY OF THE SCHEMES IN THEIR PRESENT FORM,* HE SAID.
♦ THESE LOANS WERE ADVANCED ONLY AFTER THE LENDERS HAD SATISFIED THEMSELVES THAT THEIR SECURITY WAS ASSURED THROUGH THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL.
♦ THERE CAN, THEREFORE, BE NO QUESTION OF CHANGING THE BASIC TERMS OF THE SCHEMES BEFORE 1993 SINCE TO DO SO WOULD CAST DOUBTS ON THE VIABILITY OF HONG KONG IN THE EYES OF INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL MARKETS.+
MR BROWN ALSO DISAGREED WITH THE SUGGESTION THAT THE SCHEMES SHOULD BE MONITORED BY AN INDEPENDENT BODY.
HE STATED THAT THE COMPANIES ARE TO SUBMIT TO THE GOVERNMENT ON A CONTINUING BASIS FULL DETAILS OF THEIR FINANCIAL FORECASTS, DEMAND AND SALES FORECASTS, CAPITAL EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS AND TARIFF PROJECTIONS.
IN ADDITION TO EXAMINING THESE FINANCIAL FORECASTS, HE WENT ON, THE GOVERNMENT CONDUCTS AN ANNUAL AUDIT REVIEW IN WHICH ACTUAL FINANCIAL RESULTS ARE COMPARED WITH FORECASTS SUBMITTED AND FULL EXPLANATIONS AND JUSTIFICATIONS ARE PROVIDED BY THE COMPANIES ON ANY VARIANCES.
♦ IN THE LIGHT OF THE REVIEW AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ANY PUBLIC MONITORING OF ELECTRICITY UTILITIES WOULD BE A DUPLICATION OF WHAT IS ALREADY BEING DONE AND WOULD BE OF DOUBTFUL BENEFIT TO CONSUMERS.
♦ IN PARTICULAR, THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENSURING THAT ELECTRICITY IS AVAILABLE WHEN AND WHERE REQUIRED MUST REMAIN wI TH THE POWER COMPANIES - IT CANNOT BE DELEGATED TO A MONITORING BODY,+ bR BROWN STRESSED.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
12
PUBLIC HAS RIGHT TO KNOW SCHEMES OF CONTROL - DR HUANG * * * *
DR THE HON RAYSON HUANG SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE PUBLIC HAS A RIGHT TO KNOW THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL UNDER WHICH PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES ARE GUARANTEED A +PERMITTED RETURN+ WITHOUT COMPETITION.
AT A TIME WHEN THE ECONOMY IS BUOYANT, HE SAID, THE COMPANIES CONCERNED SHARE IN THE GENERAL PROSPERITY AND THE WORKFORCE PAYS A FAIR PRICE FOR THE SERVICE WITH WHICH IT IS PROVIDED.
HOWEVER, HE FELT THAT IN TIMES WHEN THE ECONOMY IS LESS BUOYANT AND WHEN BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES ARE HAVING TO ACCEPT LOWER PROFITS OR WORSE, IT WOULD BE REASONABLE TO EXPECT THE LEVEL OF ♦PERMITTED RETURN* FOR THESE FRANCHISED COMPANIES TO EE SUITABLY ADJUSTED.
♦ IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THEY, RELATIVE TO OTHER ENTERPRISES, ARE NOT ACCORDED A POSITION OF UNDUE PRIVILEGE,* SAID DR HUANG.
♦ FURTHERMORE, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL SHOULD BE SUCH AS TO ENSURE MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY AND ECONOMIC VIABILITY.
♦ THE PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES CANNOT EXPECT THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.+
DR HUANG REMARKED THAT ’THE BIGGER THE OPERATION THE MORE EFFICIENT’ IS THE JUSTIFICATION FOR MONOPOLY.
♦ HAVING IN THE INTEREST OF EFFICIENCY CHOSEN MONOPOLY, ANY DEVIATION FROM THIS MUST BE THOROUGHLY JUSTIFIED,+ HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
13
CONCERN FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSUMERS
* * * * M-
DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO SET UP A MONITORING MACHINERY TO OVERSEE THE OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES.
HE SAID THE EVER INCREASING TARIFFS IMPOSED BY THESE COMPANIES CALL FOR THE ^CONSUMER MONITORING* OF SUCH UTILITIES.
♦THERE IS A MYTH THAT CONSUMER MONITORING OF THE OPERATION OF A PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANY IS AN AUTOMATIC ANSWER TO IMPROVED EFFICIENCY AND MAXIMISED PUBLIC INTEREST,* HE ADDED.
DR HO POINTED OUT THAT THE CONSUMERS OF A PUBLIC UTILITY, SUCH AS A POWER COMPANY, FALL INTO TWO BROAD CATEGORIESi CORPORATE CONSUMERS AND INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLD CONSUMERS.
THE CORPORATION CONSUMERS, WHICH OFTEN FORM THEMSELVES INTO A FEDERATION OR AN ASSOCIATION TO TAKE COLLECTIVE ACTION TO FEND FOR THEIR INTERESTS, HAVE THE NEEDED RESOURCES AND EXPERTISE TO STUDY THE PROBLEM CONFRONTING THEM. THEY ALSO HAVE THE SKILL AND TACT TO NEGOTIATE WITH AND TO BRING PRESSURE TO BEAR ON THE PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES.
BUT HE FELT THAT INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLD CONSUMERS ARE FAR LESS RESOURCEFUL IN TERMS OF TIME, MONEY, SKILL AND EXPERTISE IN DEALING WITH A MODERN UTILITY COMPANY WHICH HAS BECOME HIGHLY COMPLEX IN ORGANISATION AND OPERATION.
IT IS THEREFORE UNDERSTANDABLE THAT SOME OF THE CRITICISMS FROM THE LAYMEN-CONSUMERS MAY BE SOMEWHAT MISPLACED FROM A TECHNICAL POINT OF VIEW, HE SAID.
♦FURTHERMORE, THE INTERESTS OF THE CORPORATE CONSUMERS MAY NOT ALWAYS COINCIDE WITH THOSE OF THE INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLD CONSUMERS.
♦UNDER SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE UTILITY COMPANY SHOULD NOT COMPROMISE ITS INTERESTS WITH THOSE OF THE CORPORATE CONSUMERS AT THE EXPENSE OF THE INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLD CONSUMERS.+
IN THE EVENT OF A MONITORING MACHINERY BEING ESTABLISHED, DR HO SUGGESTED THAT IT SHOULD INCLUDE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, APPOINTED UNOFFICIALS WHO HAVE THE RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CONSUMING PUBLIC AND THE COMPANIES CONCERNED.
♦THE PRINCIPAL FUNCTION OF THESE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS OR APPOINTED UNOFFICIALS IS TO PLAY AN IMPARTIAL ROLE IN SAFEGUARDING THE INTERESTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLD CONSUMERS AND THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE,♦ HE SAID.
-----o------
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
U
FURTHER CALL FOR +TRIPARTITE COMMISSION*
* X * *
THE HON ALLEN LEE, ON BEHALF OF MEMBERS OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, AGAIN URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO SET UP A TRIPARTITE COMMISSION TO REVIEW THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL SO AS TO ENSURE THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS’ INTERESTS ARE ACCOUNTED FOR AND THE CONSUMERS’ INTEREST ARE PROTECTED.
THE COMMISSION, HE SAID, SHOULD CONSIST OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE POWER COMPANIES AS WELL AS THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
AS STATED IN THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL THAT EACH OF THE COMPANIES AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO REQUEST MODIFICATION BEFORE THE END OF SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR, MR LEE FELT THAT THE COMMISSION CAN ONLY SERVE ITS PURPOSE IF IT IS SET UP URGENTLY.
+1 AM FULLY AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG’S CREDIBILITY WITH REGARD TO THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS,* HE SAID.
+ON THE OTHER HAND, IF IT CAN BE GUARANTEED THAT THE PAYMENT SCHEDULE OF THE LONG TERM LOANS OF THE POWER COMPANIES WILL BE l-ET AND THAT THE PURPOSES MENTIONED ABOVE CAN BE ACHIEVED, I SEE NO REASON FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S REFUSAL TO SET UP A COMMISSION.*
EARLIER IN HIS SPEECH, MR LEE QUESTIONED WHETHER THE CONSUMERS INTEREST WOULD BE PROTECTED UNDER THE CURRENT SCHEMES OF CONTROL.
HE ALSO WONDERED WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO TARIFF IF THE PROJECTION OF INCREASE CONSUMPTION IS OVERLY OPTIMISTIC.
BASED ON SOME INFORMATION ON CAPITAL EXPANSION PLAN OF CHINA LIGHT, HE GUESSED THAT PROFIT ON YEAR TO YEAR BASIS WOULD BE INCREASED BY A LARGE PERCENTAGE AND TARIFF INCREASES EVERY YEAR WAS INEVITABLE.
QUOTING STATISTICS, HE SAID THE NET RETURN FOR CHINA LIGHT INCREASED FROM 1238 MILLION IN 1978 TO $919 MILLION IN 1982.
ON YEAR TO YEAR, INCREASE OF NET RETURN PERCENTAGE FROM 1978 TO 1982 WAS 34, 50, 45, AND 31 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, AND THE AVERAGE NET FIXED ASSETS DURING THE SAME PERIOD INCREASED FROM $1 863 MILLION TO $9 290 MILLION.
♦CHINA LIGHT HAS PROUDLY ANNOUNCED THAT THE CHINA LIGHT GROUP’S POWER STATIONS AND TRANSMISSION NETWORK REPRESENT THE SINGLE LARGEST PRIVATE INVESTMENT EVER MADE IN HONG KONG, AND FROM 1978-1992, IT IS $45 BILLION.
*BUT IT DID NOT MENTION THAT 'YOU ARE GOING TO PAY FOR IT’.*
MR LEE AGREED THAT BECAUSE OF THE LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY INVOLVED IN THE CAPITAL INTENSIVE INDUSTRY, A REASONABLE RETURN SHOULD BE EXPECTED.
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Ml RggALklB THAT THE SEgRETARY IQR tLONOMIg BOVI&S HAD ^NflDNfD 9N NgVIMBIR ip THAT PHI Qr THE PURPQ§E§ OF THE BOVE monitor ins the affairs of the publig utiuties was to ensure THAT §HABEH§EPER§ SET A REASONABLE F INANglAL RETURN ON THEIR INVESTMENT.
ALSO RNMfNT
HE P0INTEP OUT, HOWEVER, THAT THE AVERASE NET RETURN BASED ON SHAREHOLDERS FUNDS FOR china LIGHT is 14.h PER CENT FROM 1M7 TO 1979, 20,4 PER CENT IN 1980 AND 24 PER CENT IN 1901,
HE ESTIMATED THAT THE PERCENTAGE FOR 1982 COULD BE IN THE REGION OF 27 PER CENT AND THAT IT WOULD WELL EXCEED 30 PER CENT IN THE LATE 1980‘S.
♦DOES THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES STILL THINK THAT THIS IS A REASONABLE FINANCIAL RETURN FOR THE SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENTS7+ HE ASKED.
♦IT IS MY OPINION, 16 PER CENT IS REASONABLE, 20-25 PER CENT IS EXCESSIVE AND 30 PER CENT OR OVER IS ENORMOUS, PARTICULARLY WHEN DEALING WITH CAPITAL INTENSIVE INDUSTRY OF PUBLIC CONCERN.♦
TURNING TO THE DEVELOPMENT FUND, MR LEE SAID ITS TERM NEEDED TO BE REVIEWED.
IN HIS OPINION, THE FUND WAS BEING USED AS AN EQUILIBRIUM FUND INSTEAD OF ASSISTING THE COMPANIES IN THE ACQUISITION OF FIXED ASSETS.
♦IN OTHER WORDS IN ANY GIVEN YEAR, IF THE POWER COMPANIES’ PERMITTED RETURN IS IN EXCESS OF 15 PER CENT, THE EXCESS WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE DEVELOPMENT FUND.
♦ON THE OTHER HAND, IF THE PERMITTED RETURN OF 15 PER CENT IS NOT REACHED, IT WILL BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE DEVELOPMENT FUND TO MAKE UP THE DIFFERENCE.
♦THIS PRACTICE CONFIRMS MY ARGUMENT OF GUARANTEE PROF IT,♦ HE SAID.
WITH REGARD TO THE RESERVE CAPACITY, MR LEE SAID THE SUBJECT ALSO NEEDED TO BE EXAMINED +AS RESERVE CAPACITY IS IN DIRECT PROPORTION OF CAPITAL INVESTMENTS+.
HE NOTED THAT THE RESERVE CAPACITY FOR CHINA LIGHT IN 1983 WILL BE 34.2 PER CENT AND THAT FOR HONG KONG ELECTRIC WILL BE 32 PER CENT.
♦BOTH NETWORKS ARE INTERCONNECTED, BUT I UNDERSTAND IT IS A MANUAL SYSTEM.
♦WHY CAN IT NOT BE INTERCONNECTED THROUGH AN AUTOMATIC SYSTEM?
♦WHAT IS THE USE OF A GRID NETWORK IF IT IS MANUALLY 0PERATED7+ HE ASKED.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
1c
CALL FOR *MORE EQUITABLE* PERMITTED RETURN
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THE HON WONG PO-YAN SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE PROVISION IN THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL TO ALLOW PERMITTED RETURN OF THE ELECTRICITY COMPANIES TO BE BASED ON AVERAGE NET FIXED ASSETS WA'S ♦DEBATABLE*.
)
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE PERMITTED RETURN OF THE TWO COMPANIES BE BASED ON A MORE EQUITABLE BASIS, SUCH AS SHAREHOLDERS FUND, WITH THE PERCENTAGE TO BE DISCUSSED AND AGREED IN OPEN.
3HT Ml 38 QUOD SB<?I Hu’4 SoaTMjQR • 3H1 IAMT :3TAM|T23 3H
Ml Ti'HE *0TED? THAJj/THE NET 'RETURNI OF’ THE CHIN^t-IGH^ AKD I«OWCA' COMPANY BETWEEN 1967 AND 1979 EXPRESSED AS A PERCENTALOF^WrWE SHAREHOLDERS FUND FLUCTUATED BETWEEN 14.7 AND 17 PER CENT, A RELATTVEt>Y' ICONS I5TENTJ AND ■ STABLE PATTERN WAS* SHOWl^ DEVoTWtN AVERAGE'OF-."16.2BmF,ER CENTRO ’ I". 3P JAIjMA/l- 3jaAM08A3R A cl 2IKT J?hcA 3H *V2TM3MT23VMI
HOWEVER, THIS PERCENTAGE JUMPED PERCEPTIBLY TO 20.3 PER CENT IN 1980, 24 PER CENJj IN 1984-’ AND COULD SUfcSTANT'l ALLV^Q NOKEASeT TO AN UNJUSTIFIABLE 30 PER CENT AND OVER WlTRWTHEc NE5tTtfF4w3mWX3 I^EN THE SCHEDULED INCREASE OF THE FIXED ASSETS^’HEA3AHDIW 0MIJA3C M3HW
U i - MR WONG ATTRIBUTED SUCH INCREASES’.™.-THECPERMITTEWETW BEING RELATED TO AVERAGE NET FIXED ASSETS. .G3W3IV39 33 OT
J4 +UNDER THIS PROVISION,. BECAUSE OF fTHE-EXPAMSlON’QHxED ASSETSj'THE PROFIT OF THE ELECTRIC ITY COMPANIESMN2TERMS3OFGA3T2HI PERCENTAGE OF SALES REVENUE WILL INCREASE DISPROPORTIONATELY$TB<2A SAID, ADDING THAT THE PROFIT PER UNIT OF ELECTRICITY SOLD WOULD THEN CEASE TO REFLECT REAL ISTICALLY E ITHER'SALGS/.ORSOPfiRAf 30N«LM। * EFFICIENCY. . ,• ... L-.33X3 Ml 21 MRUT3R G3TTIMR39
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♦IT IS ALSO EVIDENT THAT BECAUSE THE RETURN OF ANY YEAR IS ASSURED,/THE-DECREASE OF SALES OR THE SLOW.DOWN OF GROWTH OP ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION RATE WILL EFFECT A TARIFF INCREASE' 'r0H 21 AUTOMATICALLY. j .' 'IJ 3..AM OT
♦ I NEED NOT REMIND HONOURABLE MEMBERS OF. THIS COUNCIL THE ADVERSE EFFECTS AND IMPLICATION OF SUCH PHENOMENA ON THE FUTURE 3H DEVELOPMENT OF OUR ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES.
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*THElrlRROVISION iOF PERMITTED. RETURN, CEMHR.aRQRBa 9900130330 OEOSELY EXAMINED WHEN THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENTS VUR E JWIBB jAEV I EUE DRUBilH YEAR,* HE SAID.
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[Typographical errors in
the original document]
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
- 17 -
CALL FOR ^PREVENTIVE MEASURES* * * * *
THE HON K.C. CHAN EXPRESSED THE VIEW AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT WITH THE NEW COAL-FIRED POWER STATIONS, HONG KONG MIGHT GET A BREAK FROM THE STEEP INCREASE OF ELECTRICITY TARIFFS IN THE COMING YEARS.
THIS WOULD BE SO, HE SAID, PROVIDED THAT SAVINGS IN FUEL COST WERE MAINLY PASSED ON TO THE CONSUMERS AND THAT THEY WERE NOT ALL ABSORBED INTO THE PERMITTED RETURN OF 13.5 PER CENT OF THE AVERAGE hET FIXED ASSETS, WHICH WAS ABOUT 24 PER CENT OF AVERAGE SHAREHOLDERS FUNDS BY 1981 FIGURES.
HE SUGGESTED THAT PREVENTIVE MEASURES SHOULD BE WORKED OUT SO THAT THE PERMITTED RETURN WOULD NOT BE AUTOMATICALLY MAXIMISED BY A PRO RATA INCREASE IN RATES IN THE EVENT OF A STEEP FALL IN CONSUMPTION ARISING FROM A RECESSION OR ENERGY CONSERVATION NEASURES.
♦ IF THE PERMITTED RETURN IS COMPUTED ON SHAREHOLDERS FUND, IT MAY INHIBIT DEVELOPMENT TO MEET THE EXPANSION OF INDUSTRY AND DOMESTIC DEMAND,♦ MR CHAN EXPLAINED.
♦ BUT ON THE OTHER HAND, IF THE PERMITTED RETURN IS BASED ON AVERAGE NET FIXED ASSETS, IT MAY RESULT IN THE CONSUMERS PAYING FOR A MUCH LARGER PERMITTED RETURN WHICH INCLUDES GROSS ASSETS NOT YET IN USE OR THOSE USED FOR ELECTRICITY SUPPLY OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
♦ IT WOULD SEEM THEREFORE THAT ONLY A PERMITTED RETURN BASED ON FIXED ASSETS WHICH IS REQUIRED AND ACTUALLY IN USE FOR SUPPLYING TO HONG KONG CONSUMERS EXCLUSIVELY WOULD BE A FAIRER FORMULA,♦ HE SAID.
- 0
/1t........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
- 18 -
ADEQUACY OF SAFEGUARD QUERIED
M * *
THE HON SELINA CHOW QUERIED WHETHER THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL FOR THE TWO POWER COMPANIES WERE ADEQUATE TO SAFEGUARD THE INTEREST CF THE PUBLIC IN A MONOPOLY SITUATION.
SPEAKING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, SHE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT HAD OFTEN EXPLAINED THE RATIONALE BEHIND USING +NET FIXED ASSETS* AS THE BASE FOR THE PERCENTAGE OF PERMITTED RETURN, THE PUBLIC WERE NOT TOLD HOW THE FIGURE OF 13.5 PER CENT HAD BEEN ARRIVED AT.
IN THE CASE OF ONE OF THE COMPANIES, SHE NOTED, THE PERCENTAGE CF RETURN ON ASSETS HAD DROPPED OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS BUT THE ANNUAL INCREASE IN THAT RETURN HAD JUMPED FROM A SINGLE DIGIT INCREASE TO OVER 60 PER CENT IN THE PAST TWO YEARS.
AND ACCORDING TO THE PROJECTION INTO THE NEXT TEN YEARS, ITS CAPITAL INVESTMENT WOULD LIKELY INCREASE FROM $9 BILLION TO $45 BILLION - A GROWTH OF FIVE TIMES.
♦IS THAT FAIR RETURN, OR MORE THAN FAIR RETURN?* MRS CHOW ASKED.
♦THIS ARRANGEMENT IS NOT FAIR TO TODAY’S CONSUMERS, FOR THE POWER COMPANIES ARE INVESTING IN THE FUTURE.
♦SINCE ASSETS PAID FOR TODAY WILL NOT START TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY UNTIL SOME FOUR YEARS LATER, CONSUMERS ARE NOW ALREADY PAYING FOR THAT PORTION OF THE PERMITTED RETURN DERIVED FROM THE NON-GENERATING ASSETS.+
AS FOR THE FIVE-YEARLY FINANCIAL PLANS STIPULATED IN THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL, MRS CHOW WONDERED WHETHER CONSUMERS WOULD HAVE TO FACE STEEP INCREASES IF THE RATE OF INCREASE OF ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION SHOULD FALL SHORT OF THAT ENVISAGED IN THE ORIGINAL PLAN.
SHE NOTED THAT THE DROP IN PERCENTAGE IN THE PERMITTED RETURN AGAINST NET FIXED ASSETS IN RECENT YEARS HAD RESULTED IN THE SIZE CF THE DEVELOPMENT FUND DWINDLING TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT IT COULD NOT BE RELIED UPON TO ACT AS AN EQUALIZING ACCOUNT AS IT WAS ORIGINALLY INTENDED FOR.
♦THIS MIGHT VERY WELL LEAD THE COMPANIES TO SEEK A MAJOR INCREASE IN TARIFFS TO MAKE UP FOR THE SHORTFALL,+ SHE SAID.
SHE THEREFORE URGED THE GOVERNMENT, WHEN REVIEWING THE SCHEMES BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30 NEXT YEAR, TO CONSULT THE PUBLIC SO THAT THE INTEREST OF THE CONSUMERS WOULD BE PROTECTED.
- 0----------
/19 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
19
PROPOSAL FOR PROTECTION OF PUBLIC INTEREST * * * *
THE HON MARIA TAM SAID THE ROCKETING COST OF ELECTRICITY HAS GENERATED MUCH HEAT IN THE CONSUMERS’ CRITICISM OF THE FIXED PERCENTAGE OF PROFITS MADE UNDER MONOPOLY.
SHE NOTED THAT UNDER THE RESPECTIVE SCHEMES OF CONTROL, THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY (CLP) IS ALLOWED TO EARN A PROFIT CF 13.5 PER CENT PER ANNUM ON ITS ASSETS ACQUIRED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1978 AND A 15 PER CENT RETURN ON ITS ASSETS ACQUIRED AFTER THIS DATE.
THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC COMPANY (HKEC) IS ALLOWED TO EARN A PROFIT AT THE SAME PERCENTAGE AS THE CLP, WITH THE WATERSHED DATE BETWEEN 13.5 PER CENT AND 15 PER CENT RETURN FIXED AT JANUARY 1, 1979.
HOWEVER, SHE POINTED OUTi + IN THE RELEVANT PERIODS BETWEEN 1979 AND 1981, CLP ELECTRICITY CHARGES SOARED FROM 23.51 CENTS PER KILOWATT-HOUR TO 49.86 CENTS PER KILOWATT-HOUR, A RISE OF 112 PER CENT AND HKEC CHARGES ALSO ROSE SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
♦THE CONSUMERS’ EXASPERATION AND INDIGNATION OVER THIS EVER GROWING BURDEN IS CLEARLY WRITTEN ON THE WALL.
♦IF THESE SCHEMES ARE NOT MODIFIED THE TWO POWER COMPANIES PROFIT, ALTHOUGH KEPT AT 15 PER CENT OF ITS ACQUIRED ASSETS, WILL IN REAL MONETARY TERMS SNOWBALL, AND SO WILL BE THE DISSATISFACTION CF THE 5.2 MILLION CONSUMERS TOWARDS THE OTHER CONTRACTING PARTY, THE GOVERNMENT.♦
TO PROTECT PUBLIC INTEREST, MISS TAM URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO
* ADJUST THE FIGURES ON +REASONABLE RETURN+ IN THE CLP AND HKEC AGREEMENTS TO A LOWER FIGURE;
* CONFINE DEVELOPMENT FUNDS TO THE PURPOSE OF DEVELOPING PLANTS AND EQUIPMENTS AND NOT TO MAKE UP FOR LOSS PROFITS’ AND
* CALCULATE THE ♦PERMITTED RETURN+ OF BOTH CLP AND HKEC BY REFERENCE TO +ACQUIRED ASSETS+ IN OPERATION IN THE RELEVANT YEAR OF ASSESSMENT RATHER THAN PURELY ^ACQUIRED ASSETS+ ON THE SPECIFIC DATES.
0
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
TUEN MUN ACCIDENTS BEING INVESTIGATED ******
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR DAVID MCDONALD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT INVESTIGATIONS HAD BEEN INSTITUTED BY THE HIGHWAY ENGINEERS, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND POLICE FOLLOWING THE RECENT SERIES OF ACCIDENTS ON THE TUEN MUN HIGHWAY TO ASCERTAIN THE CAUSES OF THE ACCIDENTS AND TO DETERMINE WHAT MEASURES SHOULD BE TAKEN TO IMPROVE SAFETY ASPECTS.
REPLYING TO THE HON ALEX WU. HE SAID THAT A DETAILED CHECK HAD ALREADY BEEN CARRIED OUT ON THE STRETCH OF THE HIGHWAY BETWEEN TSI NG LUNG TAU AND SIU LAM WHERE NINE ACCIDENTS HAD P£ OCCURRED OVER THE LAST TWO MONTHS.
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♦THIS CHECK CONFIRMED THAT THE GEOMETRY AND CONSTRUCTION , Vpt STANDARDS ARE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DESIGN SPEED OF THE ROAD, . ,, -Q WHICH IS 40 M.P.H., OR 64 K.P.H. IN METRIC TERMS. SKID A < #39 RESISTANCE TESTS OF THE ROAD SURFACE UNDER WET CONDITIONS JjOI R3R ALSO PROVED TO BE SAT ISFACTORY,♦ MR MCDONALD SAID.
♦THE INVESTIGATIONS ARE CONT INU J NG PREOM IKAR.Y.r INDICATIONS ARE THAT THE FAULTS LIE NOT WITK THE'HIDhWAY,
RUS I WORD
BUT WITH THE ROAD USERS.♦
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MR MCDONALD POINTED OUT THAT SPEED STVi&W)
SECTION OF THE ROAD HAD SHOWN THAT,THE EXCEEDED THE SPEED LIMIT OF 40 M.P.H// AND OTHERS AT RISK.
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♦CONSEQUENTLY ADDITIONAL WARNINGS AND SPEED LIMIT SIGNS HAVE BEEN ERECTED OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS AND HOPEFULLY THE:. MESSAGE WILL GET THROUGH TO.MOTOR I STS THAT THE TUEN MUN HlGHWA\ IS SIMPLY A LIMITED ACCESS, HIGH CAPACITY HIGHWAY, AND IT IS NOT, NOR WAS IT EVER INTENDED TO BE,* A HIGHpPEfD.. MOTOftW^y* A FR,MCDONALD SAIP^ .• qt‘ JXAN OT TOM OMA 8TM3M«IIU03 QMA cTMAJR
♦WHEN THE CURRENT INVESTIGATIONS HAVE BEEN CONCLUDES1/
*
AS A MATTER Of,.,URGENCY,♦ ^,<ADDEDr. sbhTA? TM3M22322A 30 RA3Y
MR MCDONALD SAID HE WOULD PROV IDE MEMBERS' i/lTH ^FULL BeTAILS OF THE INVESTIGATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS IN DUE COURSE.
[Typographical errors in the original document]
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
- 21 -
BUS COMPANIES TOLD TO EXAMINE WORK STANDARDS XXX*
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT HAS ASKED THE BUS COMPANIES TO EXAMINE THE ADOPTION OF STANDARDS AIMED AT ELIMINATING CERTAIN UNSATISFACTORY WORK SHIFT PATTERNS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY.
THESE STANDARDS WILL HAVE IMPLICATIONS FOR BUS SCHEDULES, SPECIFICALLY PERIODS AND FREQUENCIES OF OPERATION BECAUSE OF THE EFFECTS ON DRIVERS' DUTY ROSTERS, WHICH IN TURN WILL REQUIRE DECISIONS ON THE BALANCE BETWEEN MAINTAINING STANDARDS OF SERVICE AND INCREASING OPERATING COSTS, MR SCOTT EXPLAINED.
HE WAS REPLYING TO THE HON LYDIA DUNN, WHO ASKED ABOUT GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES ON THE WORK HOURS, SKILL AND BEHAVIOUR OF BUS DRIVERS.
HE ADDED THAT IF THE BUS COMPANIES DO NOT ADOPT THE STANDARDS VOLUNTARILY, THE GOVERNMENT HAS THE POWER UNDER THE PUBLIC OMNIBUS SERVICES ORDINANCE TO INTRODUCE REGULATIONS FOR THE PURPOSE.
ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF BUS DRIVERS, MR SCOTT EXPLAINED THAT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ENCOURAGES THE BUS COMPANIES TO SET STANDARDS, BUT DOES NOT PRESCRIBE REGULATIONS.
HE ADDED THAT BOTH THE MAJOR COMPANIES HAVE PLAIN CLOTHES SUPERVISORS OUT ON ROUTES CHECKING THE BEHAVIOUR OF DRIVERS AND TAKE DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR REPEATED BREACHES OF COMPANY REGULATIONS.
MR SCOTT POINTED OUT THAT DRIVERS UPON RECRUITMENT BY THE IWO COMPANIES RECEIVE SOME 90 HOURS OF TRAINING BEFORE TAKING THE REQUIRED SKILL TEST AT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
THE PASS RATE FOR THESE DRIVERS IS 90 PER CENT WHICH MR SCOTT CONSIDERED TO BE HIGH.
RESPONDING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON RAYSON HUANG, MR SCOTT REPORTED THAT NINE DOUBLE-DECKER BUSES OVERTURNED IN ACCIDENTS IN THE 12 MONTHS UP TO NOVEMBER 23 THIS YEAR.
IN THREE OF THESE CASES, THE DRIVERS WERE FOUND GUILTY OF DANGEROUS DRIVING AND DISMISSED BY THEIR EMPLOYERS WHILE IN ONE CASE THE COMPANY INVOLVED WAS FINED FOR NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINING THE STEERING OF THE BUS.
THE OTHER FIVE CASES, MR SCOTT SAID, ARE STILL UNDER POLICE INVESTIGATION.
EVERY TYPE OF DOUBLE-DECKER BUS HAS TO PASS A STABILITY OR TILT TEST IN HONG KONG BEFORE IT MAY GO INTO SERVICE, MR SCOTT EXPLAINED.
THE STABILITY OF DOUBLE-DECKER BUSES IS HIGH AND FEW BUSES OVERTURN, COMPARED WITH MOTOR CARS, HE POINTED OUT.
HE ADDED THAT THE MAJOR CAUSE OF VEHICLES OVERTURNING, INCLUDING DOUBLE-DECKER BUSES, IS WHEN THEY HIT OBSTRUCTIONS ON THE GROUND OR GO OFF THE ROAD.
------o-------
/22
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
22
SYSTEM OF HANDLING CHILD ABUSE CASES UNDER REVIEW ******
THE SYSTEM OF HANDLING CHILD ABUSE CASES WAS BEING REVIEWED AFTER MAKING ENQUIRIES AND INVESTIGATIONS, PARTICULARLY INTO RECENT COURT CASES, TO TRY TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF ■THE PROBLEM AND TO STRENGTHEN THE PROCEDURES FOR EARLIER IDENTIFICATION AND PROTECTIVE MEASURES FOR CHILDREN AT RISK, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE HON SELWYN ALLEYNE, SAID TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JOYCE BENNETT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ALLEYNE DESCRIBED CHILD ABUSE AS A ♦DIFFICULT AND TRAGIC SOCIAL PROBLEM+.
HE REPEATED A CALL TO THE PUBLIC TO REPORT ANY SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE CASES TO THE POLICE OR TO THE NEAREST DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT OR BY CALLING THE DEPARTMENTAL HOTLINE (3-432255).
MR ALLEYNE SAID THAT SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE CASES WERE NORMALLY DEALT WITH BY A SOCIAL WORKER IN THE S.W.D. OR A VOLUNTARY AGENCY, STAFF IN A HOSPITAL OR CLINIC OR OTHER PEOPLE SUCH AS TEACHERS.
AS AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER, THERE WERE 159 CASES CLASSIFIED AS CHILD ABUSE UNDER THE CARE OF THE S.W.D.
THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT ON BEING NOTIFIED OF A SUSPECTED CASE, A CASEWORKER WOULD BE IMMEDIATELY ASSIGNED TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION AND TO MAKE A REPORT.
THE CASEWORKER WOULD NOTIFY THE CHILD’S PARENTS OF HER INTENTION TO SEEK A MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND ESCORT THE CHILD TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL. THE POLICE WOULD ALSO BE NOTIFIED.
IF THE PARENTS WERE UNWILLING TO CO-OPERATE, THE CASEWORKER COULD EXERCISE HER POWERS UNDER THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES ORDINANCE TO DETAIN THE CHILD FOR ADMISSION TO A PLACE OF REFUGE.
♦IF THE DOCTOR HAS REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE CHILD HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF ABUSE, A CASE CONFERENCE ATTENDED BY ALL THE PROFESSIONAL STAFF CONCERNED WILL BE CALLED TO WORK OUT A CO-ORDINATED TREATMENT PLAN FOR THE CHILD AND HIS FAMILY,* NR ALLEYNE SAID.
IF THE PARENTS REFUSED TO CO-OPERATE AND THERE WERE GROUNDS FOR BELIEVING THAT FUTURE ABUSE WAS LIKELY, A CARE AND PROTECTION ORDER WOULD BE OBTAINED.
IF THE CHILD REQUIRED TO BE REMOVED FROM HIS PARENTS, THE CASEWORKER WOULD ARRANGE FOR THE CHILD TO BE ADMITTED TO A PLACE OF REFUGE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES ORDINANCE, HE SAID.
♦SIMILAR GUIDELINES ARE APPLIED WHERE A CASE COMES TO THE ATTENTION OF OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS,♦ THE DIRECTOR SAID. ♦THESE PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN IN FORCE SINCE SEPTEMBER 1981.+
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
- 23 -
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON PETER C. WONG, MR ALLEYNE SAID THAT +OUR ADOPTION SERVICE COMPARES WELL WITH THAT IN OTHER PLACES+ IN TERMS OF THE QUALITY OF INVESTIGATIVE WORK, MATCHING OF THE CHILD WITH PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE PARENTS, COMPLIANCE WITH LEGAL FORMALITIES, AND SUBSEQUENT SUPERVISION OF THE PLACEMENT.
HE NOTED THAT IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, 58 HANDICAPPED CHILDREN FROM RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN ADOPTED, THE MAJORITY OF THEM OVERSEAS BECAUSE OF DIFFICULTIES IN FINDING SUITABLE LOCAL ADOPTERS.
AT PRESENT ABOUT 80 HANDICAPPED CHILDREN IN LOCAL RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTIONS ARE AWAITING ADOPTION.
MR ALLEYNE SAID THE S.W.D.’S ADOPTION UNIT WAS BEING STRENGTHENED AND MORE OVERSEAS ADOPTION AGENCIES IDENTIFIED TO IMPROVE THE PROSPECTS FOR THESE CHILDREN.
♦WE ARE MAKING PARTICULAR EFFORTS TO PERSUADE PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE PARENTS IN OUR OWN COMMUNITY TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN,♦ HE SAID.
♦CONTINUOUS EDUCATION AND GREATER PUBLICITY IS REQUIRED AND THE ASSISTANCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SERVICE IN HANDLING MORE CASES OF OVERSEAS ADOPTIONS ON OUR BEHALF SHOULD DO MUCH TO IMPROVE THE PROSPECTS OF FINDING SUITABLE HOMES FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN,* HE ADDED.
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CONCERN OVER YOUNG PEOPLE ON ROADS * * * *
THERE WERE 578 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT CASUALTIES AMONG PEDESTRIANS TRAVELLING TO OR FROM SCHOOL DURING THE YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SELINA CHOW.
MR SCOTT EXPLAINED THAT MOST OF THESE WERE CHILDREN BUT ACCOMPANYING ADULTS WERE ALSO INCLUDED IN THE FIGURE, WHICH REPRESENTED SEVEN PER CENT OF ALL PEDESTRIAN CASUALTIES.
PEDESTRIAN CASUALTIES OF CHILDREN AGED FIVE TO 15, IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, TOTALLED 2 324, OR 25 PER CENT OF ALL SUCH CASUALTIES, HE REPORTED.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THERE WERE 3 972 CASUALTIES OF ALL KINDS INVOLVING CHILDREN UP TO 15 YEARS OLD, OR 16 PER CENT OF TOTAL CASUALTIES, MR SCOTT SAID.
CHILDREN IN THIS AGE GROUP FORM 24 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S POPULATION.
HE SAID THAT THE VULNERABILITY OF YOUNG CHILDREN WAS A MATTER OF +VERY CONSIDERABLE CONCERN* TO THE GOVERNMENT.
ROAD SAFETY INITIATIVES AIMED AT REDUCING THE TOLL OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INCLUDED INCREASING ROAD SAFETY PATROLS, LEGISLATION ON SEAT-BELT WEARING, THE PROPOSED PENALTY POINTS SYSTEM, REFLECTIVE NUMBER PLATES, IMPROVED TRAINING IN SCHOOLS AND ACCIDENT BLACK SPOT INVESTIGATIONS, MR SCOTT SAID.
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/24 ••
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
- 24 -
YOUNG PEOPLE AND DRUGS * M X *
GREATER AVAILABILITY OF DRUGS AND CONTINUED INTENSIVE ENFORCEMENT ACTION BY THE POLICE AND CUSTOMS SERVICES HAVE BEEN THE MAIN REASONS FOR THE GROWING NUMBERS OF YOUNG PEOPLE PROSECUTED FOR DRUG OFFENCES OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON D.G. JEAFFRESON, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HO KAM-FAI, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE UNDER 21 THUS PROSECUTED WAS 245 IN 1977, 294 IN 1978, 264 IN 1979, 304 IN 1980, 693 IN 1981 AND 691 IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE FIGURES INCLUDED MANY YOUNG PEOPLE PROSECUTED FOR SUCH OFFENCES AS CARRYING DRUGS, BUT WHO WERE NOT THEMSELVES ADDICTS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE AVERAGE YOUNG ADDICT IN HONG KONG HAS NO MORE THAN FIVE AND A HALF YEARS’ EDUCATION, IS EMPLOYED IN CASUALLABOUR OR SEMI-SKILLED OCCUPATIONS, HAS A POOR HOME BACKGROUND AND LIVES IN OVERCROWDED CONDITIONS.
ON PREVENTIVE MEASURES RAISED BY MR HO, MR JEAFFRESON REPORTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WITH THE ADVICE OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS HAD DEVELOPED A PROGRAMME OF PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SPECIFICALLY DIRECTED AT YOUNG PEOPLE MOST AT RISK OF BECOMING ADDICTS.
THE FIRST +LINE OF ATTACK+ DIRECTED AT THE COMMUNITY IS DESIGNED TO TELL SOCIETY GENERALLY AND PARENTS IN PARTICULAR ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DRUGS AND TO ENLIST THEIR SUPPORT IN ACTIVELY DISCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE FROM STARTING ON DRUGS.
THE SECOND IS DIRECTED AT POTENTIAL ADDICTS THROUGH DRUG EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS AS WELL AS THROUGH SEMINARS AND EXHIBITIONS.
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SEX EDUCATION IN
SCHOOLS ADEQUATE * X
THERE IS ADEQUATE PROVISION IN THE SCHOOL CURRICULA FOR SEX EDUCATION, THE HON COLVYN HAYE, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION SAID TODAY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.
THE PROVISION, HE SAID, WAS MADE THROUGH SYLLABUSES FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, EDUCATION TELEVISION, A MASS OF AUDIO VISUAL RESOURCE MATERIAL, REGULAR SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS FOR TEACHERS, THE TRAINING OF TEACHERS, SCHOOL INSPECTION, AND CLOSE COLLABORATION WITH THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION, AND FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WORKERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
MR HAYE WAS REPLYING TO A QUERY FROM DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI AS TO WHETHER GOVERNMENT WAS SATISFIED THAT ADEQUATE PROVISION WAS MADE IN SCHOOL CURRICULA FOR SEX EDUCATION.
•..'JDKSSIUr, N0V3MBLR 24, 1?82
25
♦WE BELIEVE THAT SEX IS BUT ONE OF MANY FACETS OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, AND ACCORDINGLY EMBODY ASPECTS OF SEX EDUCATION IN BASIC SUBJECTS SUCH AS HEALTH EDUCATION, SOCIAL STUDIES AND IN THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, RATHER THAN PRESENT IT AS A SEPARATE SUBJECT,* HE SAID.
THIS WAS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY OF DEALING WITH THE TOPIC BECAUSE IT ENABLED CHILDREN TO UNDERSTAND SEX AS PART OF A PERSON’S TOTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING, RATHER THAN AS SOMETHING WHICH WAS ISOLATED FROM OTHER ASPECTS OF PERSONAL AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR.
IN THIS APPROACH, APTLY DESCRIBED AS FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, THE FAMILY PLAYED AS IMPORTANT A ROLE AS THE SCHOOL IN PROMOTING CHILDREN’S UNDERSTANDING AND ACCEPTANCE OF SEX, THE DIRECTOR SAID.
MOST SCHOOLS ACCEPTED THE PROVISION FOR SEX EDUCATION BUT THEIR PRACTICE VARIED, MR HAYE SAID, EMPHASISING THAT ALTHOUGH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDED AND ENCOURAGED SEX EDUCATION, IT DID NOT BELIEVE IN FORCING PEOPLE TO ACCEPT ITS VIEWS.
♦THIS IS TRUE OF ALL SUBJECTS IN THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM. WE POINT THE WAY BUT IT IS UP TO THE SCHOOLS TO TRAVEL THE DISTANCE,* HE SAID.
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TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN BUILT-UP AREAS X X X X
ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC GENERATED BY SIGNIFICANT ADDITIONAL PARKING FACILITIES PROVIDED IN NEW COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS WOULD HAVE BROUGHT CERTAIN ROADS UP TO SATURATION POINT, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR SCOTT WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON RAYSON HUANG AS TO WHY THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT REQUIRED LARGE COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS BEING BUILT IN THE TOWN AREA TO PROVIDE THEIR OWN PARKING FACILITIES, DESPITE THE EXPECTATION OVER THE YEARS THAT TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN THE AREA WOULD INCREASE SHARPLY.
MR SCOTT SAID, IT HAD BEEN CLEAR FOR SOME YEARS THAT IN THE BUILT-UP AREAS CONGESTION WAS REACHING UNDESIRABLY HIGH LEVELS.
HE ADDED THAT THE MAIN CONSTRAINT ON FURTHER TRAFFIC IS THE CAPACITY OF ALREADY BUSY CENTRAL ROADS.
REFERRING TO DR HUANG’S QUESTION ON WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER REQUIRING DEVELOPERS OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS IN THE TOWN AREA TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ADEQUATE PROVISION OF CAR PARKING FACILITIES FOR THEIR TENANTS, MR SCOTT SAIDi
♦PARKING STANDARDS ARE BEING REVIEWED AND SOME RELAXATION OF RESIDENTIAL PARKING STANDARDS IS LIKELY, AND THE STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS ARE NEXT FOR REVIEW.+
HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT THE CAPACITY OF EXISTING ROAD NETWORK IN BUILT-UP ZONE I AREAS WOULD REMAIN THE MAIN CONSTRAINT.
♦THEREFORE, IT WOULD BE BETTER TO CONSIDER EACH SITE ON ITS MERITS, AND TO SET PARKiNG PROVISION AT A LEVEL AT WHICH THE TRAFFIC GENERATED WILL NOT OVERLOAD ADJACENT STREETS,♦ HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
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BUILDING SITE WALKWAYS * * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY HAS HAD TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF REGISTERED CONTRACTORS TO THE UNSATISFACTORY CONDITION OF COVERED WALKWAYS AT BUILDING SITES IN ABOUT 270 INSTANCES OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR DAVID MCDONALD SAID TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ANDREW SO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR MCDONALD SAID THAT IN EVERY CASE THE CONTRACTOR HAD TAKEN IMMEDIATE ACTION TO PUT THE WALKWAY INTO A SATISFACTORY STATE OF REPAIR AND NO FURTHER ACTION BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY WAS REQUIRED.
+ IN CASES WHERE WALKWAYS ARE RENDERED IMPASSABLE DUE TO BLOCKAGE BY DEBRIS, BUILDING MATERIALS AND SO ON, ACTIONS AGAINST THE OFFENDERS ARE INSTITUTED BY THE POLICE UNDER SECTION 4A OF THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE,* MR MCDONALD SAID.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED THAT AS THE POLICE DID NOT MAINTAIN READILY AVAILABLE STATISTICS ON THIS TYPE OF PROSECUTION HE WAS UNABLE TO TELL HOW MANY CONTRACTORS MIGHT HAVE BEEN PROSECUTED OVER THE TWO-YEAR PERIOD NOR WHAT PENALTIES MIGHT HAVE BEEN IMPOSED.
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OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES AND +OBSCENE+ SIGNBOARDS
X ft * ft
THE LICENSING OF SUFFICIENT OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES IS TO ASSIST IN SUPPRESSING ILLEGAL GAMBLING AND NOT TO ENCOURAGE THE GROWTH OF GAMBLING, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON D.C. BRAY, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR BRAY WAS REPLYING TO THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG WHO ASKED ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY REGARDING SUCH CENTRES.
ON THE ISSUE OF +OBSCENE ADVERTISING SIGNS* OUTSIDE OF CLUBS AND RESIDENTIAL FLATS RAISED BY THE HON MARIA TAM, MR BRAY SAID SUCH SIGNS FALL UNDER THE DEFINITION OF +OBJECTIONABLE ARTICLE* IN THE OBJECTIONABLE PUBLICATIONS ORDINANCE (CAP. 150).
UNDER THE SUBSECTION 6 (3) OF THE ORDINANCE, HE EXPLAINED, ANY POLICE OFFICER WITH A WARRANT FROM A MAGISTRATE MAY SEIZE ANY ARTICLE WHICH HE REASONABLY SUSPECTS IS OBJECTIONABLE UNDER THE LAW.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
27
POLICY ON NON-DEPARTMENTAL QUARTERS * * *
THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON THE PROVISION OF NON-DEPARTMENTAL QUARTERS SHOULD TAKE ACCOUNT OF CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING THE STATE OF THE PROPERTY MARKET, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON MARTIN ROWLANDS, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+AT THE PRESENT TIME WE ENVISAGE MEETING OUR SHORT TERM REQUIREMENTS AS FAR AS POSSIBLE BY PURCHASING OR LEASING ON THE OPEN MARKET,* MR ROWLANDS SAID.
CURRENTLY, THE GOVERNMENT HAS 1 409 LEASED NON-DEPARTMENTAL QUARTERS, OR 42 PER CENT OF ITS TOTAL STOCK OF 3 338 SUCH QUARTERS, SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LYDIA DUNN.
HE ESTIMATED THE CURRENT SHORTFALL OF NON-DEPARTMENTAL QUARTERS AT ABOUT 150.
FROM NOW TILL NEXT MARCH, THE GOVERNMENT WILL ACQUIRE A FURTHER 133 SUCH QUARTERS, 72 OF THEM BEING PURCHASED ON THE OPEN MARKET, 57 LEASED FROM PRIVATE DEVELOPERS AND FOUR BUILT BY THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID.
BY THAT TIME, THE PRESENT SHORTFALL WILL IN THEORY HAVE BEEN ALMOST ELIMINATED, MR ROWLANDS SAID.
BUT HE ADDED THAT AS DEMAND IS CONTINUING TO INCREASE, ADDITIONS TO THE STOCK WILL IN PRACTICE BE NECESSARY.
DOOR TO DOOR MAIL DELIVERIES IN NT ft ft ft ft
THE POST OFFICE NOW MAKES DOOR-TO-DOOR DELIVERIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO ALL ESTABLISHED VILLAGES WHICH ARE ACCESSIBLE WITHIN REASON, THE HON P. JACOBS, SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, SAID TODAY.
THIS MEANS THAT THE POST OFFICE NOW PROVIDES THIS SERVICE TO A TOTAL OF 448 VILLAGES. THE REMAINING ESTABLISHED VILLAGES COMPRISE 55 WHICH ARE NOT REASONABLY ACCESSIBLE, ANOTHER 56 WHICH ARE DESERTED AND SIX VILLAGES WHICH PREFER TO DO WITHOUT DOOR-TO-DOOR DELIVERIES, HE SAID.
HE WAS SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY MR CHARLES YEUNG.
MR JACOBS SAID HE WAS ALSO ABLE TO REPORT THAT POSTAL DELIVERIES ARE NOW MADE TWICE A DAY TO INDUSTRIAL AREAS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
♦PREVIOUSLY CERTAIN PLACES RECEIVED ONLY ONE DELIVERY A DAY. THESE INCLUDED KWAI CHUNG, TSI NG Yl, FO TAN AND TAI WAI IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, KOWLOON BAY AND YAU TONG IN KOWLOON AND CHAI WAN IN HONG KONG,* HE EXPLAINED.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
- 28 -
NEONATAL SCREENING SERVICE EXPECTED * * * *
THE TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS FOR PROVIDING A NEONATAL SCREENING SERVICE FOR CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM ARE CURRENTLY BEING EXAMINED, DR THE HON K.L. THONG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THE SERVICE SHOULD BE IN OPERATION BY THE END OF 1983.
DR THONG WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP
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SUPPORT FOR HIGH FOOD STANDARDS
******
TWO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1982 WHICH WENT THROUGH ITS FINAL READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DR THE HON HARRY FANG SAID THE BILL, WHICH ESTABLISHES A PECHANISM FOR THE SPEEDY UPDATING OF REGULATIONS IN THE LIGHT OF LOCAL AND OVERSEAS SCIENTIFIC FINDINGS IN THE CONTROL OF HARMFUL INGREDIENTS IN FOOD, WAS AN IMPORTANT ADVANCEMENT IN THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH.
HE SAID HONG KONG COULD NOT ALLOW ITS FOOD STANDARD TO FALL BELOW THE INTERNATIONAL LEVEL, OTHERWISE IT COULD WELL BECOME THE DUMPING GROUND OF MANY UNSUITABLE FOOD ITEMS.
DR FANG SAID THAT IT WAS UNREASONABLE TO EXPECT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO DISCOVER FOR THEMSELVES WHICH FOOD WAS SUITABLE FOR CONSUMPTION AND WHICH WAS NOT.
♦LEGISLATIVE CONTROL AND GOVERNMENT SUPERVISION ARE THEREFORE NECESSARY,* HE SAID.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT WHILE SPEEDY ACTIONS IN THE CONTROL OF HARMFUL SUBSTANCES IN FOOD WERE NECESSARY, THEY SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN AT THE EXPENSE OF A CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF ALL THE POSSIBLE IMPLICATIONS TO WHICH THEY MAY LEAD.
FOR EXAMPLE, DR FANG SAID, HE UNDERSTOOD THAT ALTHOUGH THE INTENTION TO CONTROL THE LEVEL OF AFLATOXIN AND ERUCIC ACID IN FOOD WAS FIRST INITIATED IN 1977, NO FORMAL ARRANGEMENT HAD BEEN ENTERED INTO WITH TRADERS CONCERNED REGARDING DETAILS OF HOW THE CONTROL WAS TO BE IMPLEMENTED.
♦THIS STATE OF UNCERTAINTY HAD RESULTED IN A NUMBER OF FOOD TRADERS APPROACHING THE UMELCO RECENTLY FOR AN ASSURANCE THAT THEY WOULD BE CONSULTED BEFORE GOVERNMENT DECIDES TO IMPOSE SPECIFIC LIMITS ON THE PRESENCE OF SUBSTANCE CONSIDERED HARMFUL IN FOOD,* HE SAID.
W3DN2SMY, NOVEMBER 24, 19S2
HE ADDED THAT HE WAS GLAD TO LEARN THAT SUCH ASSURANCE HAD NOW BEEN GIVEN AND HE WISHED THAT THE CONSULTATIVE PROCESS COULD CONTINUE WITH FRUITFUL RESULTS.
THE HON MARIA TAM ALSO URGED THAT THE LIMITS OF CONTROL IN CONTAMINATION IN FOOD-STUFF IN HONG KONG MUST CLOSELY FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION.
MISS TAM SAID RESEARCH EXPERIMENTS IN COUNTRIES ABROAD AND IN HONG KONG HAD SHOWED A CORRELATION BETWEEN AFLATOXIN IN FOOD AND THE INCIDENCE OF LIVER DISEASES AND LIVER CANCER.
ERUCIC ACID, HE SAID, WAS ALSO KNOWN TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FATTY DEPOSITS IN THE HEART MUSCLE AND THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS IF CONCENTRATED IN FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
MISS TAM SAID THE MAIN CONCERN OF LOCAL TRADERS WAS THAT ALTHOUGH THERE WAS CONSULTATION WITH THE TRADE ON THE PROPOSED CONTROL, THERE WAS NO CONSULTATION ON THE PROPOSED LIMITS OF AFLATOXIN AND ERUCIC ACID IN FOOD PRODUCTS AND THAT THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES HAD TOO MUCH POWER IN INTRODUCING REGULATIONS MERELY *BY NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE*.
HOWEVER, SHE SAID THE TRADE’S OBJECTION TO THE BILL WAS WITHDRAWN FOLLOWING A MEETING BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TRADE AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON THE ADVICE OF THE SOCIAL SERVICE GROUP OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
AT THE MEETING, MISS TAM SAID, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TRADE (NOW CALLED THE HONG KONG FOODS COUNCIL) PROMISED TO ESTABLISH A PROPER REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITY TO SPEAK ON FOOD CONTROL ISSUES, AND THE USD AGREED TO SEEK AN EXTENSION IN THE SCOPE OF CONSULTATION IN RESPECT OF NEW REGULATIONS IN FUTURE.
IT HAD ALSO BEEN EXPLAINED TO THE TRADE THAT THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES COULD NOT MAKE REGULATIONS MERELY +BY NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE* AND THAT ALL PROPOSED REGULATIONS HAD TO GO THROUGH THE CONSULTATION PROCESS WITH THE FOOD HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE SCRUTINY OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS BEFORE THEY COULD BE ENACTED AS A PIECE CF SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION.
IN MOVING THE SECOND AND THIRD READINGS OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON ERIC HO, THANKED DR FANG AND MISS TAM FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE BILL.
REFERRING TO DR FANG’S POINT ON THE NEED FOR CONSULTATION, HE SAIDi *l AM HAPPY TO SAY THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO DISAGREEMENT ON THIS.*
IN THE CASE OF THE PROPOSED CONTROL OF AFLATOXINS AND ERUCID ACID IN FOOD, AS BOTH DR FANG AND MISS TAM HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED, THE TRADE HAD BEEN CONSULTED OVER A PERIOD CF SIX YEARS, HE SAID.
7EDKESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
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HOWEVER, HE SAIDi +CONSULTATION DOES NOT AND CANNOT MEAN THAT THE GOVERNMENT MUST NOT MOVE WITHOUT A COMPLETE IDENTITY CF VIEWS WITH THE ORGANISATIONS CONSULTED, BECAUSE AS BOTH DR FANG AND MISS TAM HAVE EMPHASIZED, IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S DUTY TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH.
♦IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS IT IS THE GOVERNMENT WHICH WILL HAVE TO TAKE A VIEW AS TO WHAT IS BEST IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.+
FINALLY, MR HO SAID, THE ADMINISTRATION WAS CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO GIVE ADEQUATE NOTICE OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF CERTAIN NEW PROPOSALS, AND PROVISION WOULD BE INCLUDED SO THAT THE CONTROLS ON ERUCID ACID WOULD NOT COME INTO EFFECT UNTIL JANUARY 1, 1985.
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MEASURES TO COMBAT Il’S AND VR’S EXTENDED M M N M
THE LIFE OF SPECIAL IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE AND MERCHANT SHIPPING ORDINANCE PROVISIONS AIMED AT COMBATTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND THE INFLUX OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES HAS BEEN EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER YEAR.
THESE PROVISIONS RELATE TO TRAFFICKING IN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHICH CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF *5 MILLION AND LIFE IMPRISONMENT, AS WELL AS FORTFEITURE OF VESSELS INVOLVED IN THE CONVEYING OF UNAUTHORISED ENTRANTS, MAKE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES SUBJECT TO REMOVAL FROM HONG KONG AT ANY TIME, AND PROVIDE FOR FORFEITURE OF VESSELS CARRYING EXCESS PASSENGERS.
MOTIONS TO RETAIN THEM FOR 1983 WERE ADOPTED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON.
STRESSING THE NEED FOR THE FURTHER YEAR’S EXTENSION, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD COUNCIL THAT THE PROBLEMS OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AND TRAFFICKING IN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE STILL WITH US. BUT HE HOPED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE PERMANENT.
THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, HE SAID, HAD INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE PAST TEN MONTHS AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
UP TO THE END OF OCTOBER 1982, 6 896 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HAD BEEN CAPTURED TRYING TO ENTER HONG KONG AND 2 018 EVADERS HAD BEEN ARRESTED WITHIN HONG KONG ITSELF.
AS REGARDS VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, 7 741 HAD ARRIVED SO FAR THIS YEAR, 3 466 OF WHOM HAD REACHED HONG KONG SINCE THE INTRODUCTION CF THE CLOSED CENTRES POLICY ON JULY 2.
LAST YEAR, 8 470 ARRIVED BY BOAT DIRECT FROM VIETNAM COMPARED WITH 6 788 DURING 1980.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
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$1.3 BILLION INVESTMENT IN INDUSTRIAL ESTATES M M M M M
THE 36 COMPANIES APPROVED TO OPERATE AT THE TAI PO AND YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES WILL INVEST A TOTAL OF $1.3 BILLION, THE HON WONG PO-YAN SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY.
THIRTY PER CENT OF THIS INVESTMENT IN LAND, BUILDING EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY IS FROM OVERSEAS INVESTORS AND THE INDUSTRIALISTS, MR WONG WHO IS ALSO A BOARD ‘NmL RER0RT 0F TKE H0NG K0NG
THE COMPANIES REPRESENT A WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS USING £“J2Z?i*TE TECHNOLOGY, WHICH WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE ADVANCEMENT OF LOCAL INDUSTRY AND IMPROVE HONG KONG’S EXPORT PERFORMANCE, WONG STATED.
THIRTY-FIVE OF THE COMPANIES ARE LOCATED AT THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, WITH 20 OF THEM ALREADY IN PRODUCTION.
THE GRANTING OF THE FIRST COMPANY AT YUEN LONG +HERALDS AN ADDITIONAL MILESTONE IN THE CORPORATION’S HISTORY*, MR WONG SAID.
HE ALSO DISCLOSED THAT THE CORPORATION IS CURRENTLY PROCESSING APPLICATIONS INVOLVING SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENT.
THE PERCENTAGE OF APPROVED APPLICATIONS CONTINUED TO RISE FROM 26 PER CENT IN THE FIRST YEAR OF 1977-78 TO 69 PER CENT IN 1981-82, HE REPORTED.
FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THE FIRST STANDARD FACTORY BLOCK AT TAI PO, THE BOARD OF THE CORPORATION DECIDED TO PROCEED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO MORE BLOCKS AT TAI PO AND TWO AT YUEN LONG, WITH APPROVED LOANS FROM THE GOVERNMENT DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND, hfi WONG SAID.
THE STANDARD FACTORY UNITS REPRESENT AN IMPORTANT ALTERNATIVE FOR INDUSTRIALISTS WHO MEET THE CORPORATION’S CRITERIA AND WISH TO START MANUFACTURING IMMEDIATELY IN PREMISES WHICH PROVIDE FOR A WIDE RANGE OF MANUFACTURING REQUIREMENTS.
THEY ALSO FURTHER ENHANCE THE CORPORATION’S OBJECTIVE OF BROADENING THE BASE OF HONG KONG INDUSTRY BY PROVIDING A NEW STIMULUS FOR INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT AND DIVERSIFICATION, MR WONG SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
SATISFACTORY YEAR FOR PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL
XXX
A YEAR OF SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE AND GROWTH FOR THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND CENTRE WAS REPORTED BY THE HON ALLEN LEE, IN TABLING THE ORGANISATION'S ANNUAL REPORT AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN ADDITION TO ITS CORE ACTIVITIES IN INDUSTRIAL CONSULTANCY, TRAINING, MARKET RESEARCH AND ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING SERVICES, THE HKPC WAS ABLE TO MAKE CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS IN IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS ARISING FROM THE REPORT OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION WHICH WERE SUBSEQUENTLY ENDORSED BY THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD, MR LEE SAID.
MR LEE, WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISATION, REPORTED THAT IT ESTABLISHED A NUMBER OF SUPPORT FACILITIES AIMED AT REINFORCING WEAK AREAS IN INDUSTRY, INCLUDING A HEAT TREATMENT LABORATORY, A SURFACE TREATMENT AND ANALYTICAL CHEMICAL LABORATORY, AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL LABORATORY AND A MICROPROCESSOR LABORATORY.
♦INDUSTRY’S RESPONSE TO THESE ENLARGED FACILITIES HAS BEEN VERY FAVOURABLE,♦ MR LEE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE SUPPORT FACILITIES PROVIDED TO INDUSTRY, NR LEE SAID THE SCALE OF THESE SERVICES VARIED WIDELY. WITHIN THE TIME AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE, A GOOD START HAD BEEN MADE, BUT MORE HAD STILL TO BE DONE.
♦A SOLID FOUNDATION IS GRADUALLY BEING LAID UPON WHICH WILL BE BUILT MORE SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES WHICH WILL FACILITATE THE PROCESS CF INDUSTRIAL DI VERS IFI CAT I ON,+ MR LEE SAID.
HE CONCLUDED BY EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO THE HON S.L. CHEN FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COUNCIL WHICH HE CHAIRED FROM JANUARY 1977 TO DECEMBER 1981.
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THREE BILLS PASSED * * *
THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1982, THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982 AND THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL WERE PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
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PRESERVING CIVIL LIBERTIES IN HONG KONG * * * *
HONG KONG IS UNIQUE IN THAT TWO QUITE COMMON FEATURES OF SOCIETY ELSEWHERE - A GOVERNMENT THAT CANNOT BE CHANGED BY ELECTION, AND A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF CIVIL LIBERTIES - ARE FOUND IN THE SAME PLACE, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DENIS BRAY SAID TODAY.
HE SAID CIVIL LIBERTIES ARE PRESERVED IN HONG KONG PARTLY BECAUSE WE BELIEVE IN THEM BUT PARTLY ALSO BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT PARLIAMENT. IN THE BACKGROUND, WOULD BE BOUND TO USE ITS POWER TO ENSURE THAT ANY EROSION OF THEM WOULD BE REVERSED.
♦THE CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS ARE THERE,+ MR BRAY EXPLAINED. *THE SECRETARY OF STATE CAN DIRECT THE GOVERNOR AND DISALLOW ORDINANCES. HE HAS NOT HAD TO DO SO BECAUSE THE FEELINGS OF PARLIAMENT ON THESE BASIC CIVIL LIBERTIES ARE SO WELL KNOWN THAT THEY ARE NEVER CHALLENGED.
♦PARLIAMENT HAS A HISTORY OF HUNDREDS OF YEARS DURING WHICH IT SEIZED THESE CIVIL LIBERTIES FIRST FROM THE KINGS AND THEN FROM THE NOBLES SO THAT ORDINARY PEOPLE COULD ENJOY THEM IN THEIR DAILY LIVES. IT IS ON THIS INSTITUTION THAT OUR OWN CIVIL LIBERTIES ULTIMATELY REST,+ HE SAID.
MR BRAY SAID HONG KONG HAS A UNIQUE SOCIETY BECAUSE IT HAS A GOVERNMENT WHICH IS NOT ACCOUNTABLE TO AN ELECTORATE BUT WHICH LISTENS TO THE PEOPLE, AND A GOVERNMENT WHICH HAS NO APPARENT LIMITS TO ITS POWER BUT WHICH PRESERVES BASIC CIVIL LIBERTIES FOR ITS PEOPLE.
SPEAKING TO THE ZONTA CLUB OF HONG KONG AT THEIR LUNCHEON ►EETING, MR BRAY SET OUT THE CIVIL LIBERTIES WHICH HONG KONG PEOPLE ENJOYi THEY CAN LIVE AND WORK WHERE THEY LIKE, THEY CAN TRAVEL FREELY IN AND OUT OF HONG KONG AND MOVE AROUND AS THEY PLEASE. THEY CANNOT BE ARRESTED OR LOCKED UP BY THE POLICE FOR MORE THAN A FEW HOURS BEFORE THEY MUST BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE COURTS. THE COURTS WILL SET THEM FREE UNLESS IT CAN BE PROVED BEYOND ALL REASONABLE DOUBT THAT THEY HAVE COMMITTED SOME CRIME - SOME OFFENCE AGAINST A LAW WRITTEN DOWN AND INTERPRETED BY THE COURTS; AND THE COURTS DECIDE THE PUNISHMENT OF THE GUILTY. THESE COURTS ARE THEMSELVES ENTIRELY INDEPENDENT OF THE ADMINISTRATION. THEY CANNOT BE TOLD WHAT TO DO EVEN BY THE GOVERNOR. THERE IS A FREE AND PROLIFIC AND COMPETITIVE PRESS COVERING EVERY IMAGINABLE SHADE OF POLITICAL OPINION. ITS REPORTERS FREELY WRITE ABOUT EVENTS IN AND OUT OF HONG KONG, AND ITS EDITORS FREELY CRITICISE THE GOVERNMENT CR ANYONE ELSE THEY WANT, KNOWING THEY WILL NOT BE CLOSED DOWN.
IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THIS UNIQUENESS OF OUR SOCIETY, THE GOVERNMENT IS SUBMITTED TO SEVERE DISCIPLINE. +SINCE WE CANNOT LOCK UP PEOPLE WE DO NOT LIKE OR CLOSE DOWN NEWSPAPERS THAT DISAGREE WITH US WE ARE OBLIGED TO LISTEN TO WHAT PEOPLE SAY. IF WE DID NOT DO SO AND YET ATTEMPTED TO PRESERVE CIVIL LIBERTIES, HONG KONG WOULD BECOME QUITE UNGOVERNABLE,* MR BRAY SAID.
/TO 20 ........
■JEDNSSDaY, NOVEi-BER 24, 1982
- 34 -
TO DO THIS, THE GOVERNMENT UNDERTAKES A GREAT DEAL OF PRESS ANALYSIS AND HAVE THE MOST ELABORATE SYSTEMS OF TALKING TO AND LISTENING TO PEOPLE.
SPECIAL EFFORT IS MADE TO ENSURE THAT SENIOR OFFICERS ARE AWARE OF PRESS OPINION DAY BY DAY. NEWSPAPERS ARE SCANNED FOR ITEMS OF INTEREST TO THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED, A SUMMARY OF CHINESE PRESS REPORTS AND OPINIONS AND ANOTHER OF RADIO AND TELEVISION COMMENTS ARE CIRCULATED BEFORE LUNCH TIME, WEEKLY COLLECTIONS OF EDITORIALS ON TOPICAL SUBJECTS ARE PREPARED, AND SPECIAL TRANSLATIONS, SUMMARIES AND ANALYSES ON PARTICULAR TOPICS ARE PRODUCED WHENEVER REQUIRED.
VIEWS NOT EXPRESSED IN THE PRESS ARE OBTAINED THROUGH A VERY EXTENSIVE CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY STARTING WITH THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, GOING THROUGH HUNDREDS OF SUBJECT ORIENTED COMMITTEES, BOARDS AND SO FORTH, AND INCLUDING THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED DISTRICT BOARDS. CONSULTATION IS ALSO DONE INFORMALLY THROUGH LIAISON WITH TRADITIONAL ORGANISATIONS OF THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES, THROUGH NEWER BODIES LIKE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, THROUGH PERSONAL CONTACT, AND THROUGH LISTENING TO COMPLAINTS AND ENQUIRIES AT DISTRICT OFFICES, AT URBAN COUNCIL WARD OFFICES, AT DEPARTMENTAL ENQUIRY AND COMPLAINTS UNITS AND LISTENING TO THOSE TAKING THEIR PROBLEMS TO UMELCO.
♦THAT THE GREAT MASS OF PUBLIC BUSINESS IS TRANSACTED SO SMOOTHLY SPEAKS VOLUMES FOR THE EFFICIENCY AND SENSITIVITY OF THE SYSTEM AS A WHOLE. DECISIONS ARE NOT MADE BY CONFRONTATION AND A VOTE BUT BY DISCUSSION AND COMPROMISE. NOT ALL DECISIONS ARE EASY NOR CAN THEY ALL PLEASE EVERYONE. BUT A CONSENSUS IS NEARLY ALWAYS ARRIVED AT WHICH MAY NOT PLEASE EVERYBODY BUT WHICH IS ACKNOWLEDGED AS A WORKABLE COMPROMISE,* MR BRAY SAID.
WHERE THERE IS NO CONSENSUS, INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS CAN TAKE THEIR PROBLEMS TO LONDON AND TO MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, WHICH IS A LOGICAL AND CORRECT STEP FOR IT IS IN PARLIAMENT THAT ULTIMATE AUTHORITY LIES.
THAT FEW SUCH EXPEDITIONS HAVE LED TO A REVERSAL OF GOVERNMENT POLICY HERE MAKES SOME PEOPLE THINK THAT PARLIAMENT DOES NOT EXERT MUCH INFLUENCE OVER THE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG. WHILE THIS IS PROBABLY TRUE IN THE DAY TO DAY AFFAIRS, +WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO BASIC RULES LIMITING THE ACTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT HERE IN HONG KONG THE INFLUENCE OF PARLIAMENT IS PARAMOUNT,♦ MR BRAY STRESSED.
- - - 0
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
35
FIRE PREVENTION DRIVE IN WONG TAI SIN * * * *
THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE IS TO LAUNCH A DISTRICT-WIDE CAMPAIGN THIS WEEK TO SPREAD FIRE PREVENTION ADVICE TO LOCAL RESIDENTS, PARTICULARLY THOSE IN SQUATTER AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS, DURING THE DRY SEASON.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE FIRE AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENTS, THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE KICKED OFF THIS SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 27) AFTERNOON BY MR M. KINGDOM, CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, KOWLOON, AT AN OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE WONG TAI SIN DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE GIS PRINCIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER, MRS BETTY SHUM, AND ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, WONG TAI SIN, MR STEPHEN FISHER.
THE OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL ALSO PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS OF A FIRE PREVENTION CROSSWORD PUZZLE AND QUIZ COMPETITION HELD EARLY THIS MONTH.
THE CEREMONY WILL ALSO MARK THE START OF A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION ON FIRE PREVENTION AT THE STATION’S COMPOUND. WELL ILLUSTRATED WITH PHOTOGRAPHS AND DRAWINGS, THE EXHIBITION WILL SHOW POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARDS AND EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO PREVENT THEIR OCCURRENCES.
DURING THE EXHIBITION PERIOD, THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL PUT ON A DAILY FIRE FIGHTING DEMONSTRATION AND A TV SHOW ON FIRE SAFETY AT THE COMPOUND FOR THE VISITING PUBLIC.
A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES ARE ALSO BEING ORGANISED IN SUPPORT OF THE PUBLICITY DRIVE. THESE INCLUDE SEMINARS, TALKS, FIRE DRILLS, EXHIBITIONS AND FIRE PREVENTION FILM SHOWS IN LOCAL SQUATTER AREAS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE WONG TAI SIN DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION, FUNG TAK ROAD, WONG TAI SIN, AT 2.30 PM THIS SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 27).
GIS OFFICERS AND LIAISON STAFF OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
36
TECHNICAL EDUCATION GETS ENDORSEMENT FROM INDUSTRY X X X X
EIGHT STUDENTS OF THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE EACH RECEIVED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) A SCHOLARSHIP VALUED AT $500 FROM A TRUST FUND SET UP BY THE KWONG YEE WO SHIPYARD FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ABILITY.
THE STUDENTS WHO ARE IN THE CONSTRUCTION, MARINE AND FABRICATION, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTS RECEIVED THEIR AWARDS FROM THE SHIPYARD’S GENERAL MANAGER, MR FUNG SUN-KWAN.
THE TRUST FUND WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1980 TO PROMOTE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN CRAFT COURSES.
COMMENTING ON THE AWARDS THE PRINCIPAL OF THE INSTITUTE, M? R. BRAY SAID THAT APART FROM HELPING THE STUDENTS TO MEET THEIR FINANCIAL COMMITMENT ON COMPLETING THEIR STUDIES, THE SCHOLARSHIPS ALSO UNDERLINE INDUSTRY’S RECOGNITION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION.
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CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS
XXX
CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS WILL BE IMPOSED IN SHA TIN, CLEAR WATER BAY AND SHEUNG WAN FROM 10 AM THIS FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 26) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THESE AREAS.
SHA TIN WAI ROAD BETWEEN TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROAD TO THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL WILL BE DESIGNATED AS AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY.
A SHORT SECTION OF HANG HAU-BOUND CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD NEAR ERSKINE CAMP WILL ALSO BE MADE AN URBAN CLEARWAY, BUT THE OPERATING HOURS WILL BE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM EVERY DAY.
IN SHEUNG WAN, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE BANNED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS ALONG HOSPITAL ROAD FROM 7 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY.
THE 24-HOUR CLEARWAY RESTRICTION AT BEECH STREET IN TAI KOK TSUI BETWEEN CHERRY STREET AND ANCHOR STREET WILL BE RESCINDED FROM 10 AM THAT MORNING.
0---------
Z37 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1982
- 37 -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN KWAI CHUNG AND CENTRAL * * *
KWAI HOP STREET IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 PM TO 5 PM ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 25) FOR THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE.
IN CENTRAL, CLEVERLY STREET BETWEEN BURD STREET AND JERVOIS STREET WILL ALSO BE CLOSED FROM 2.30 PM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 27) TO 12 MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY TO FACILITATE THE LAYING OF TELEPHONE DUCTS.
WESTBOUND MOTORISTS ON JERVOIS STREET HEADING FOR BONHAM STRAND ARE ADVISED TO USE MORRISON STREET.
- 0 ----------
TENANCY INVITED FOR CAR PARK SITE * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF A PUBLIC CAR AND GOODS VEHICLE PARKING SITE IN KWUN TONG.
THE SITE, SITUATED AT THE JUNCTION OF KO CHIU ROAD AND YAN WING STREET, MEASURES ABOUT 2 100 SQUARE METRES.
THE TENANCY WILL BE INITIALLY FOR ONE YEAR CERTAIN AND THEREAFTER QUARTERLY.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON DECEMBER 10.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES, AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON EAST, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES 9/F., 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
INTERNAL COST/PRICE STRUCTURE ADJUSTING TO WORLD RECESSION . 1
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR OCTOBER 1982 .................... i+
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY PRAISED FOR CONTRIBUTION TO HK GROWTH 7
MORE SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO BE BUILT IN TAI PO ................... 8
GIRLS TOLD NOT TO UNDERESTIMATE THEIR COMMUNITY ROLE ........... 9
20 YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ............................ 9
EXHIBITION ON CAUSE AND PREVENTION OF HEART DISEASES .......... 10
RIMINDER ON NEED TO FENCE OFF DANGEROUS PLACES ................ 11
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR SHA TIN ............................... 11
OPEN-AIR CONCERT FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS .............. 12
SEMINARS ON CLASS LIBRARIES SCHEME ............................ 13
ARCHERY COMPETITION FOR NOVICES ............................... 1^
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN TSUEN WAN ........................... 14
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1982
1
INTERNAL COST/PRICE STRUCTURE ADJUSTING TO WORLD RECESSION ******
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY PUBLISHED THE THIRD QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1982. THE REPORT UPDATES THE ANALYSIS IN THE HALF-YEARLY ECONOMIC REPORT PUBLISHED IN AUGUST, AND REVIEWS DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
THE REPORT NOTES THAT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY SO FAR THIS YEAR HAS BEEN MUCH AFFECTED BY THE PRESENT WORLD RECESSION. THERE HAS BEEN A DELAY IN THE RECOVERY OF THE ECONOMIES OF HONG KONG’S EXPORT MARKETS, IN PARTICULAR THE UNITED STATES. AS A RESULT, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FOR HONG KONG IN 1982 WAS REVISED DOWNWARDS IN SEPTEMBER TO FOUR PER CENT IN REAL TERMS.
THE EXPORT SECTOR HAS REMAINED RATHER WEAK THROUGHOUT THE PAST YEAR, AS EVIDENCED BY THE DECLINES IN REAL TERMS IN THE RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES AND OF CAPITAL GOODS, IN THE VOLUME OF ORDERS HELD BY LARGE MANUFACTURERS, AND IN MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT. THE TERTIARY SERVICES SECTORS, HOWEVER, HAVE CONTINUED TO GROW.
IN CONSEQUENCE, THE OVERALL EMPLOYMENT SITUATION HAS BEEN FAIRLY STABLE. THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 3.4 PER CENT IN JUNE. BUT THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT UNEMPLOYMENT HAS RISEN SINCE THEN.
ON A BRIGHTER NOTE, THE REPORT POINTS OUT THAT THE UNDERLYING RATE OF INFLATION CONTINUED TO SLOW DOWN IN THE THIRD QUARTER. TOGETHER WITH THE GENERAL DECLINE IN LOCAL INTEREST RATES AND THE FURTHER EASING OF PROPERTY PRICES AND RENTALS, THEY INDICATE A RELATIVELY DEFLATED INTERNAL COST/PRICE STRUCTURE AND THE EXISTENCE OF SOME SPARE CAPACITY. THE ECONOMY THUS APPEARS WELL PLACED TO BENEFIT FROM A REVIVAL IN EXPORT DEMAND WHEN THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY OF HONG KONG'S MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS GETS UNDERWAY.
APART FROM GIVING AN OVERALL VIEW, THE REPORT ALSO CONTAINS INDIVIDUAL CHAPTERS ON THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE LABOUR SECTOR, ACTIVITY IN SELECTED SECTORS AND PRICES.
ON THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE REPORT INDICATES THAT HONG KONG’S EXPORTS REMAINED SLUGGISH IN THE THIRD QUARTER, DUE TO THE WEAK DEMAND FROM HONG KONG’S MAIN MARKETS. DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE THIRD QUARTER SHOWED A YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF ONLY ONE PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS OR A DECLINE OF FIVE PER CENT IN REAL TERMS. FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS AS A WHOLE, THE DECLINE WAS THREE PER CENT IN REAL TERMS.
THE REPORT FURTHER NOTES THAT IMPORTS SHOWED A YEAR-ON-YEAR DECLINE OF ONE PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER, MAKING A TOTAL DECLINE OF THREE PER CENT IN REAL TERMS FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1982. HOWEVER, WITH A SHARP DECELERATION IN THE GROWTH RATE OF RE-EXPORTS, RETAINED IMPORTS SHOWED A MARGINAL INCREASE OF ONE PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
/AS THE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25• 1982
2 -
AS THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATES OF TOTAL EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS) AND OF IMPORTS HAVE BOTH SLOWED DOWN TO ONLY ONE PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER, THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP, AT SIX PER CENT, WAS ROUGHLY THE SAME AS THAT IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1981. BUT THERE WAS A SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT TO 11.2 PER CENT IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1982 WHEN COMPARED WITH 12.4 PER CENT IN THE SAME PERIOD OF 1981.
ON THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE REPORT SHOWS THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF THE MONEY SUPPLY ACCELERATED SOMEWHAT IN THE THIRD QUARTER, BUT THE GROWTH RATE OF CREDIT SLOWED DOWN.
THE MONETARY STATISTICS CONTINUED TO BE INFLUENCED BY A NUMBER OF SPECIAL FACTORS.
THERE WAS A MARKED EXPANSION IN FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS (VERY LARGELY IN US DOLLARS) WITH BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, PARTLY AS A CONTINUING RESULT OF THE EXEMPTION AS FROM FEBRUARY 25, 1982 OF SUCH DEPOSITS FROM INTEREST WITHHOLDING TAX, AND PARTLY AS A RESULT OF THE REVALUATION EFFECT FROM THE RECENT DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AGAINST THE US DOLLAR.
AT THE SAME TIME, THERE WAS A FURTHER SHIFT OF DEPOSITS FROM DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO BANKS DURING THE THIRD QUARTER AS REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES CONTINUED TO REDUCE THEIR SHORT-TERM DEPOSIT BASE, IN PURSUANCE OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE AS AMENDED IN 1981.
THE REPORT ALSO INDICATES THAT LOCAL INTEREST RATES DECLINED IN THE THIRD QUARTER AS THE GROWTH RATE OF THE DEMAND FOR CREDIT IN HONG KONG SLOWED DOWN AND AS INTEREST RATES IN MAJOR OVERSEAS ECONOMIES FELL. BUT THE DECLINE WAS NOT CONTINUOUSi INTEREST RATES HARDENED AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER WHEN THE EXCHANGE RATE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR CAME UNDER PRESSURE. THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR REMAINED FAIRLY STRONG FOR MOST OF THE YEAR, PROBABLY HELPED BY THE NARROWING OF THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP. HOWEVER, IT WEAKENED TOWARDS THE END OF SEPTEMBER WHEN THE MARKET WAS AFFECTED BY THE WORLDWIDE STRENGTHENING OF THE US DOLLAR AND BY ANXIETIES ABOUT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG. THIS WEAKNESS CONTINUED INTO OCTOBER.
ON THE LABOUR SECTOR, THE REPORT SAYS THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF THE SUPPLY OF LABOUR SLOWED DOWN. THERE WAS AT THE SAME TIME A SLOWING DOWN IN THE GROWTH RATE OF THE DEMAND FOR LABOUR, PARTICULARLY BY THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR. THE NET DECREASE OF FOUR PER CENT IN EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR OVER THE PAST YEAR WAS, HOWEVER, MORE THAN COMPENSATED FOR BY THE INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT IN THE TERTIARY SERVICES SECTORS.
THE REPORT FURTHER OBSERVES THAT AS THE EFFECT OF IMMIGRATION ON THE LABOUR FORCE DIMINISHED AND THE RATE OF INFLATION EASED, WAGE RATES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR SHOWED AN INCREASE IN REAL TERMS DURING THE SIX MONTHS ENDING MARCH 1982? BUT, GIVEN THE POOR EXPORT PERFORMANCE, THERE WAS NO FURTHER INCREASE BETWEEN MARCH AND JUNE THIS YEAR. SALARIES IN THE TERTIARY SERVICES SECTORS, HOWEVER, HAVE CONTINUED TO INCREASE IN REAL TERMS.
/ACCORDING TO
THURSDAY, NOVTMBEB 25, 19&2
- 3 -
ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, THE DECLINES IN REAL TERMS IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND IN THE RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES AND OF CAPITAL GOODS INDICATE THAT ACTIVITY IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR REMAINED RATHER DEPRESSED IN THE THIRD QUARTER. THE FINDINGS OF THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY CONDUCTED IN JULY 1982 AND OF THE MONTHLY SURVEY ON EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND CRDERS-ON-HAND ALSO CONFIRMED THE ABOVE OBSERVATION. THERE WERE, IEVERTHELESS, REPORTS OF ORDERS IN THE GARMENT INDUSTRY PICKING UP TOWARDS THE END OF SEPTEMBER AND IN EARLY OCTOBER.
ON THE PROPERTY SECTOR, THE REPORT POINTS OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT DEVELOPERS HAVE BEEN MAKING ADJUSTMENTS IN THE PACE OF ONGOING BUILDING WORK, COMPLETIONS IN TERMS OF TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA CONTINUED TO BE SUBSTANTIAL IN THE THIRD QUARTER. GIVEN A VERY HIGH VACANCY POSITION AT THE END OF 1981, SUPPLY WAS ABUNDANT IN RELATION TO DEMAND. AS A RESULT, PROPERTY PRICES AND RENTALS EITHER LEVELLED OFF OR DECLINED COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
ON PRICES, THE REPORT NOTES THAT THE RATE OF INFLATION, AS INDICATED BY THE YEAR-ON-YEAR INCREASE IN THE VARIOUS CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES, AVERAGED ABOUT 10 PER CENT IN THE THIRD QUARTER. THIS REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT WHEN COMPARED WITH EQUIVALENT INCREASES OF 11 PER CENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER AND 13 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, AND OF 15 PER CENT
BOTH THE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FACTORS FAVOUR A FURTHER DECLINE IN THE RATE OF INFLATION, ALTHOUGH THE WEAKER TONE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR MORE RECENTLY MIGHT AFFECT THE PRICE LEVEL ADVERSELY IN DUE COURSE.
THE THIRD QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1982 IS NOW ON SALE AT $10 A COPY.
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A....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1982
- 4 -
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR OCTOBER 1982
*****
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR OCTOBER WAS $10 702 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $7 087 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF S3 615 MILLION ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR HONG KONG’S VISIBLE TRADE IN OCTOBER 1982 PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY.
WITH IMPORTS AT $12 218 MILLION, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT FOR OCTOBER WAS $1 516 MILLION.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1981, THERE WERE THE FOLLOWING DECREASES IN VALUEi $447 MILLION OR SIX PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, $76 MILLION OR TWO PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS AND $523 MILLION OR FIVE PER CENT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, HOWEVER, INCREASED BY $145 MILLION OR ONE PER CENT. THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP, THAT IS THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, AT 12 PER CENT IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR WAS LARGER THAN THE SEVEN PER CENT IN OCTOBER 1981.
COMMENTING ON THE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT, AS CONSUMER DEMAND IN HONG KONG’S MAIN MARKETS REMAINED WEAK, THERE WAS NO IMPROVEMENT IN HONG KONG'S EXPORT PERFORMANCE IN OCTOBER. IMPORTS, ON THE OTHER HAND, SHOWED FAINT SIGNS OF PICKING UP.
PUTTING THE OCTOBER TRADE FIGURES INTO CONTEXT, THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT COMPARING THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF 1982 WITH THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF 1981, THE VALUES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY THREE PER CENT AND SIX PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
AS A RESULT, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY FOUR PER CENT, AGAINST AN INCREASE OF THREE PER CENT IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS.
IN CONSEQUENCE, THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP NARROWED SLIGHTLY OVER THIS PERIOD TO 11 PER CENT, FROM 12 PER CENT IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1981.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS RELEASED THE FOLLOWING
PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES MERCHANDISE! DOMESTIC EXPORTS
RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS
TRADE BALANCE
FOR OCTOBERi-
i $ 7 087 MILLION
i $ 3 615 MILLION
1 $10 702 MILLION
l $12 218 MILLION
! $ 1 516 MILLION (IN DEFICIT) ■ • «• £ > •* " A*"*
/COMPAMTIVB BIGURES......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1982
5
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
AUGUST-OCTOBER AUGUST-OCTOBER INCREASE OR
LATEST 3 MONTHS 1982 1981 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 22 013 22 660 - 647 -2.9
RE-EXPORTS 10 940 10 988 - 48 -0.4
TOTAL EXPORTS 32 953 33 648 - 695 -2.1
IMPORTS 35 591 34 990 ♦ 601 +1.7
TRADE BALANCE - 2 638 - 1 342 -1 296
OCTOBER OCTOBER INCREASE OR
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR 1982 1981 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. S MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 7 087 7 534 - 447 -5.9
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (66.2%) (67.1%)
RE-EXPORTS 3 615 3 691 - 76 -2.1
TOTAL EXPORTS 10 702 11 225 - 523 -4.7
IMPORTS 12 218 12 073 ♦ 145 *1.2
TRADE BALANCE - 1 516 - 848 - 668
OCTOBER SEPTEMBER INCREASE OR
LAST MONTH 1982 1982 DECREASE
$ MN. S MN. S MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 7 087 7 218 - 131 -1.8
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (66.2%) (66.0%)
RE-EXPORTS 3 615 3 722 - 107 -2.9
TOTAL EXPORTS 10 702 10 940 - 238 -2.2
IMPORTS 12 218 11 826 ♦ 392 +3.3
TRADE BALANCE - 1 516 - 886 - 630
/CALE?! DAR YEAR..........
THURSDAY, NOViXcui 2>, !9O2
6
JAN.“OCTOBER JAN.-OCTOBER INCREASE OR CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE 1982 1981 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. 1 MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 67 511 65 616 +1 895 ♦2.9
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (65.3*) (65.9%)
RE-EXPORTS 35 929 33 901 ♦2 028 +6.0
TOTAL EXPORTS 103 440 99 517 ♦3 923 +3.9
IMPORTS 116 655 112 912 +3 743 +3.3
TRADE BALANCE - 13 215 - 13 395 + 180
NOVEMBER 1981 NOVEMBER 1980
TO TO INCREASE 01
LAST 12 MONTHS OCTOBER 1982 OCTOBER 1981 DECREASE
$ MN. 1 MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 82 318 77 756 +4 562 +5.9
RE-EXPORTS 43 767 39 950 +3 817 ♦9.6
TOTAL EXPORTS 126 085 117 706 +8 379 ♦7.1
IMPORTS 142 118 135 080 +7 038 +5.2
TRADE BALANCE - 16 033 - 17 374 +1 341
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/7
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1982
?
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY PRAISED FOR ft ft ft
CONTRIBUTION TO HK GROWTH ft
HONG KONG COULD NOT HAVE SUSTAINED ITS REMARKABLE RATE OF DEVELOPMENT IN RECENT YEARS WITHOUT THE GREAT CONTRIBUTION MADE BY THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN SATISFYING THE DEMAND FOR NEW BUILDINGS AND INFRASTRUCTURE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING THIS AFTERNOON IN OPENING THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY’S SECOND TRAINING CENTRE, AT KWAI CHUNG, SIR EDWARD SAID NEW TOWNS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING, TRANSPORT NETWORKS AND OTHER MAJOR CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECTS WOULD CONTINUE TO BE REQUIRED.
THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT, EMPLOYED OVER 86 OOO PEOPLE.
♦TO DEVELOP FURTHER IT MUST CONTINUE TO BE EFFICIENT, PRODUCTIVE AND COMPETITIVE AND FOR THIS IT WILL DEPEND ON AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF SKILLED AND WELL TRAINED MANPOWER,+ SIR EDWARD SAID.
THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY HAD TAKEN THE LEAD IN PROVIDING THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN THE SKILLS REQUIRED FOR THE WORK, THE GOVERNOR SAID.
THE TRAINING WHICH THE AUTHORITY ORGANISED ENABLED THE YOUNG PEOPLE TO FOLLOW A WORTHWHILE AND SATISFYING CAREER AND TO MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE FUTURE PROSPERITY AND DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG, HE SAID.
IN ESTABLISHING THE SECOND TRAINING CENTRE, THE AUTHORITY SHOWED ITS DETERMINATION TO PROVIDE THE ADDITIONAL TRAINING FACILITIES SO NECESSARY FOR THE INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE.
THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THE AUTHORITY WAS CONSIDERING ESTABLISHING A THIRD CENTRE.
HE SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO MAKING LAND AVAILABLE, FREE OF PREMIUM, FOR THE PURPOSE OF BUILDING TRAINING FACILITIES FOR NON-PROFIT-MAKING INDUSTRIAL TRAINING SCHEMES.
THE AUTHORITY, HE ADDED, HAD THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT FOR ITS PLANS TO PROVIDE A THIRD TRAINING CENTRE ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE GOVERNOR THEN CONGRATULATED THE MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY FOR WORKING SO HARD TO BRING THE CENTRE TO COMPLETION SO QUICKLY.
/8........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1982
8
MORE SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO BE BUILT IN TAI PO * * * * *
NINE GOVERNMENT OR GOVERNMENT-SUBSIDISED OR ASSISTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE EITHER BEING BUILT OR PLANNED TO BE BUILT IN TAI PO WITHIN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE SPEECH DAY OF THE WONG SHIU CHI MIDDLE SCHOOL, THE FIRST GOVERNMENT SUBSIDISED SECONDARY SCHOOL IN TAI PO ESTABLISHED 20 YEARS AGO.
THE NUMBER OF THESE SCHOOLS IN TAI PO HAS NOW GROWN TO SEVEN, HE SAID.
♦THE DRAMATIC GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF SUCH SCHOOLS PERHAPS REFLECTS THE EXTENT OF EXPANSION AND TRANSFORMATION WHICH TAI PO IS AND WILL BE UNDERGOING FROM A TRADITIONAL MARKET TOWN INTO A MODERN NEW TOWN WITH A QUARTER OF A MILLION POPULATION,* M? MACPHERSON SAID.
♦WHILE IT IS NECESSARY TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SCHOOL PLACES TO f€ET THE DEMAND OF THE GROWING POPULATION IN TAI PO, IT IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT THAT THE SCHOOLS SO BUILT ARE FIRMLY ESTABLISHED WITH A LOCAL IDENTITY AND FULLY INTEGRATED INTO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, SO THAT RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICT WILL ALL TAKE PRIDE IN SENDING THEIR CHILDREN TO THESE SCHOOLS TO BE EDUCATED AS AMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.
HE COMMENDED THE ACHIEVEMENTS MADE IN THIS REGARD BY THE WONG SHIU CHI MIDDLE SCHOOL AND MANY OTHER SCHOOLS IN TAI PO.
MR MACPHERSON SAID THAT THE EXTENT OF INVOLVEMENT OF SOME OF THEIR SUPERVISORS, PRINCIPALS, TEACHERS AND STUDENTS IN LOCAL SPORTING ACTIVITIES AND ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATIONS AND IN THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES REFLECTED THIS.
+1 AM SURE THEY ARE SETTING A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR THE FUTURE SCHOOLS IN TAI PO TO FOLLOW, SO THAT STUDENTS AND GRADUATES OF SCHOOLS AND GENERALLY YOUNG PEOPLE WILL BE EDUCATED WITH A STRONG COMMUNITY SPIRIT, AND GENERALLY BE MORE CONCERNED WITH THE WELL-BEING OF LOCAL COMMUNITY, AND MORE PREPARED TO VOICE THE PROBLEMS OF THE DISTRICT AND SUGGEST SOLUTIONS TO THEM,* HE SAID.
+THE PROMOTION AND MAINTENANCE OF SUCH COMMUNITY SPIRIT AMONG THE POPULATION AT LARGE IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT KEYS TO THE SUCCESS OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND THE IMPORTANT ROLE WHICH SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS CAN PLAY IN THIS REGARD CAN HARDLY BE OVER-EMPHASISED,* HE ADDED.
----o----
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1982
- 9 -
GIRLS TOLD NOT TO UNDERESTIMATE THEIR COMMUNITY ROLE
* * * *
GIRLS GRADUATING FROM ST. CATHARINE'S SCHOOL IN KWUN TONG WERE TOLD BY LADY YOUDE THIS EVENING THAT THEY WOULD HAVE A CHANCE TO PLAY THEIR PART IN THE COMMUNITY AND NOT TO UNDERESTIMATE WHAT THEY COULD DO TO IMPROVE HONG KONG LIFE.
♦YOU ARE HONG KONG’S FUTURE, AND WE HAVE GREAT FAITH IN YOU,+ LADY YOUDE SAID, ON THE OCCASION OF THE SCHOOL’S SPEECH DAY.
SHE TOLD THE GIRLS THAT WHETHER THEY WERE CONTINUING THEIR EDUCATION OR GOING OUT INTO THE WORLD, THEY COULD BE CONFIDENT THAT THE SCHOOL WORK THEY HAD DONE WOULD HELP THEM MAKE A GOOD START IN LIFE. THEY WERE FORTUNATE ALSO, LADY YOUDE SAID, TO HAVE A PRINCIPAL IN THE REVD. JOYCE BENNETT WHO HAD NOT ONLY CONTRIBUTED MUCH TO THE SCHOOL, BUT HAD ALSO FOUGHT FOR A BETTER EDUCATION AND A BETTER LIFE FOR ALL THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
♦AS A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHE HAS WORKED UNSTINTINGLY FOR THE GOOD OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, AND YOU HAVE ALL BENEFITED FROM HER WIDE-RANGING EXPERIENCE. MISS BENNETT’S LEADERSHIP HAS ENABLED THE SCHOOL TO GIVE YOU THE FULLEST PREPARATION FOR YOUR FUTURE. SHE HAS SET AN EXAMPLE WHICH I AM SURE WILL BE AN INSPIRATION TO YOU ALL,+ LADY YOUDE SAID.
SHE WISHED THE GIRLS ALL THE SUCCESS IN THEIR CHOSEN CAREER, AND LATER PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO THEM.
0 - - - -
20 YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
* M *
THE CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICER OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR G.E. EYLES, IS RETIRING AFTER 20 YEARS CF SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
TO MARK THE OCCASION, THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR GRAHAM OSBORNE, PRESENTED MR EYLES WITH A SILVER TRAY AND TWO SILVER GOBLETS ON BEHALF OF HIS COLLEAGUES IN THE DEPARTMENT.
MR EYLES, WHO WAS THE VEHICLE SECTION MANAGER (HONG KONG), DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF BY HIS DEVOTION TO DUTY, HE SAID.
♦HE HAS NEVER FAILED TO REPORT FOR DUTY DURING A TYPHOON OR ANY OTHER EMERGENCY AND IN 1964, HAVING ONLY JUST RETURNED TO DUTY AFTER MAJOR SURGERY, UNDERTOOK 24 HOURS OF ARDUOUS DUTY DURING TYPHOON RUBY,* MR OSBORNE SAID.
♦HE WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN CLEARING DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL TO ALLOW TRAFFIC TO FLOW THE NEXT DAY,+ HE ADDED.
/Di JULY .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1982
- 10 -
IN JULY 1965, MR EYLES TOOK A LEADING ROLE IN REMOVING A 5DO-POUND UNEXPLODED BOMB FROM POK FU LAM TO ABERDEEN FOR DISPOSAL AT SEA.
MR OSBORNE SAID THAT MR EYLES ALSO MAINTAINED HIGH STANDARDS IN PROVIDING TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ESPECIALLY DURING ROYAL VISITS.
MR EYLES, WHO WILL BE RETURNING TO THE UNITED KINGDOM ON PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE NEXT MONTH, JOINED THE GOVERNMENT IN 1962 AS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER II.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO TECHNICAL SUPERINTENDENT IN 1974 AND TO CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICER IN 1977.
----0-----
EXHIBITION ON CAUSE AND PREVENTION OF HEART DISEASES * ft ft ft *
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL MOUNT AN EXHIBITION ON HEART DISEASES IN SHA TIN NEXT WEEK FOR THE BENEFIT OF RESIDENTS IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC EVERY WEEKDAY FROM NOVEMBER 29 TO DECEMBER 10 BETWEEN 10 AM AND 4 PM, AT THE SHA TIN HEALTH EDUCATION CENTRE ON THE 2ND FLOOR OF LEK YUEN HEALTH CENTRE IN SHA TIN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE AIM OF THE EXHIBITION IS TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC, THROUGH AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS, ON THE CAUSES, PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF CARD IO-VASCULAR DISEASES WHICH HAD CLAIMED MORE THAN 7 000 LIVES IN HONG KONG LAST YEAR.
THIS IS THE THIRD SUCH EXHIBITION TO BE HELD WITHIN TWO MONTHS DESIGNED TO ALERT THE PUBLIC ON IMPORTANCE OF POSSESSING A STRONG HEART.
SIMILAR EXHIBITIONS WERE HELD AT CITY HALL AND THE NEW WORLD CENTRE LAST MONTH.
PAMPHLETS ABOUT HEART DISEASES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED FREE AT THE EXHIBITION.
------0-------
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1982
11
REMINDER ON NEED TO FENCE OFF DANGEROUS PLACES * * *
BUILDING CONTRACTORS WERE REMINDED TODAY (THURSDAY) TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO FENCING OFF WORKING PLATFORMS, LIFT SHAFT OPENINGS AND OTHER DANGEROUS PLACES IN BUILDINGS UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
THEY SHOULD ALSO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO ENSURE THAT NO WORKER REMAINS ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE UNLESS HE IS WEARING A SUITABLE SAFETY HELMET.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ISSUED THE REMINDER FOLLOWING A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH A BUILDING CONTRACTOR WAS FINED A TOTAL OF $67 OOO ON THREE SUMMONSES FOR FAILING TO SECURELY FENCE OFF A WORKING PLATFORM AND LIFT SHAFT OPENINGS AND FAILING TO ENSURE THAT WORKERS WEAR SAFETY HELMETS ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE.
UNDER THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS, THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED, ALL PLACES LIABLE TO CAUSE FALLS OF PERSONS ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE, SHOULD BE SECURELY FENCED TO A HEIGHT OF NOT LESS THAN 0.9 METRE. IF THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE, OTHER PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES MUST BE TAKEN TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR. SUCH PLACES INCLUDE EVERY OPENING IN FLOORS AND EVERY WORKING PLATFORM FROM WHICH A WORKER MIGHT FALL A DISTANCE OF MORE THAN TWO METRES.
THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR FAILURE TO FENCE OFF DANGEROUS PLACES IS $50 000, HE ADDED.
- - - - 0 ----
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR SHA TIN
X X *
SHA TIN RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY CANTONESE OPERA SHOWS AT LOW PRICES NEXT MONTH.
THE SHOWS ARE PART OF THE $750 000 SHA TIN ARTS FORTNIGHT WHICH WILL BE OPENED ON DECEMBER 18 BY EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MISS LYDIA DUNN, AT THE SIR RUN RUN SHAW HALL OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY.
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR BENJAMIN NG, SAID TICKETS FOR THE CANTONESE OPERA SHOWS WILL RANGE FROM $5 TO $40.
THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES SIX PERFORMANCES AT THE DISTRICT’S CARITAS SOCIAL CENTRE BY THE REC KONER TROUPE, WITH MISS LI PO-YING AND MR LAW KAR-YING PLAYING THE LEADING ROLES.
/HR NG
THURSDAY, NOV JUBER 25, 1982
- 12
MR NG ADDED THAT LOCAL CELEBRITIES HAD BOUGHT PREMIERE VIP TICKETS FOR THE OPENING NIGHT TO HELP MEET THE PRODUCTION COSTS OF THE SHOWS.
♦CANTONESE OPERA IS A CHINESE ART WITH SUCH A WIDE SPECTRUM THAT IT DESERVES A BIG AUDIENCE,+ MISS LI SAID.
THE ARTS FORTNIGHT IS A JOINT PRESENTATION OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT’S ARTS ASSOCIATION, THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.
THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS CONTRIBUTED $300 000 TOWARDS THE COSTS.
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DONALD TSANG, POINTED OUT THAT THE RAPID INCREASE IN THE NEW TOWN’S POPULATION HAD RESULTED IN A GROWING DEMAND FOR RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.
♦ONE OF THE AIMS OF THE ARTS FORTNIGHT IS TO GAUGE RESIDENTS’ INTEREST WHICH WILL HELP THE PLANNING OF FUTURE LARGE-SCALE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES,♦ HE SAID.
THE HONG KONG DANCE COMPANY WILL PRESENT A DANCE DRAMA ♦ROMANCE OF THE MESMERIZING VISIONS+ TO RAISE THE CURTAIN FOR THE ARTS FORTNIGHT.
THE ARTS FORTNIGHT WILL INCLUDE OUTDOOR POP SHOWS, VOCAL AND ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCES STAGED BY LOCAL GROUPS, AND EXHIBITIONS OF BONSAI AND CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY.
COPIES OF A BROCHURE WITH DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMMES AND TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AT 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD AND THE COMMUNITY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AT SAU CHUEN HOUSE, LEK YUEN ESTATE. BLOCK BOOKINGS ARE ACCEPTED AT THE SIR RUN RUN SHAW HALL.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY DIALLING 0-617111, EXT. 225.
-----0------
OPEN-AIR CONCERT FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS
O M »
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT IS TO HOLD ITS FIRST OPEN-AIR YOUTH CONCERT AT THE FOOTBALL PITCH BEHIND ABERDEEN INDOOR GAMES HALL, WONG CHUK HANG, ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 27).
THE TWO-AND-A-HALF HOUR CONCERT, STARTING FROM 7.30 PM, WILL INCLUDE JAZZ ENSEMBLE, GUITAR ENSEMBLE, BRASS QUINTET, CITY FOLK AND MODERN DANCES.
PROFESSIONAL GUEST SINGERS, INCLUDING MR JOHNNY IP, MR LI LUNG-KAY AND MISS MABEL CHAN, WILL ALSO PERFORM AT THE CONCERT.
/SPONSORED BY
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1982
SPONSORED BY JOINTLY ORGANISED AND MUSIC OFFICE.
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD, THE EVENT IS BEING BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, URBAN COUNCIL
ADMISSION IS FREE. TICKETS MAY DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR CENTRE, AND THE MUSIC OFFICE ON THE CENTRE. WAN CHAI.
BE OBTAINED AT THE SOUTHERN OF MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN 9TH FLOOR, HONG KONG ARTS
- - - - 0 ----------
SEMINARS ON CLASS LIBRARIES SCHEME * * * *
THE LIBRARY SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE WILL ORGANISE TWO SEMINARS IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR TO INTRODUCE TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS THE NEW CLASS LIBRARY SCHEME WHICH WILL BE LAUNCHED IN SEPTEMBER 1983.
THE FIRST SEMINAR WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 8, 1983 AT QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL, MONG KOK, BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 12.30 PM, WHILE THE OTHER WILL TAKE PLACE ON JANUARY 22 AT HO TUNG TECHNICAL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS IN CAUSEWAY BAY FROM 9.30 AM TO 12.30 PM.
OWING TO LIMITED ACCOMMODATION, HEADS OF SCHOOLS ARE REQUESTED TO NOMINATE ONE TEACHER FROM THEIR SCHOOL. ACCEPTANCE WILL BE ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
SCHOOL HEADS SHOULD SEND THEIR NOMINATIONS TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, LIBRARY SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 5/F, HYSAN AVENUE ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 4.
ENQUIRIES ON THE TWO SEMINARS MAY BE MADE TO THE LIBRARY SECTION AT 5-8392502 AND 5-8392505.
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1985
ARCHERY COMPETITION FOR NOVICES M M M
AN ARCHERY COMPETITION, ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ARCHERY ASSOCIATION AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD ON BOXING DAY, AT THE KOWLOON HOSPITAL’S FOOTBALL FIELD.
PEOPLE WHO ARE AGED 16 OR ABOVE AND WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY ENROLLED IN ARCHERY TRAINING COURSES ORGANISED BY RSS, THE HK ARCHERY ASSOCIATION, ITS AFFILIATED ASSOCIATIONS AND ANY SCHOOLS ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART.
THE CONTEST WILL BE DIVIDED INTO MEN AND WOMEN CATEGORIES, AND THE CHAMPIONS AND THE FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP IN EACH CATEGORY WILL BE AWARDED TROPHIES.
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE RSS HEAD OFFICE IN WING ON CENTRE AND ANY OF ITS 19 DISTRICT OFFICES. THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS DECEMBER 3.
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN TSUEN WAN
J IX
A NUMBER OF ROADS IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 7.30 AM TO 11 AM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 28) FOR THE +WALKS FOR MILLIONS* ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
THEY ARE I
* THE SOUTHBOUND KERBSIDE LANE ON WO YI HOP ROAD BETWEEN LO WAI ROAD AND WO Yl HOP ROAD STADIUM,
* SHING MUN ROAD BETWEEN LO WAI ROAD AND SHING MUN RESERVOIR DAM, AND
* LO WAI ROAD BETWEEN SHING MUN ROAD AND WO Yl HOP ROAD.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DECLINE SEEN IN AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE...................... 1
FOUNDATION WORK ON GOVERNMENT COMPLEX IN WAN CHAI .......... 2
MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE..................................... 3
AMENDMENTS TO HKTA ORDINANCE PROPOSED ...................... 4
COMMUNITY URGED TO KEEP RESOLVE............................. 5
HAYE SAYS SOME FAITH IS BETTER THAN NONE.................... 6
NATHAN ROAD SHOP SITE FOR SALE.............................. 7
HOME OWNERSHIP PROJECT...................................... 8
FLAGSTAFF HOUSE MUSEUM PROJECT.............................. 8
NEW ADDRESS FOR MACAU VISIT PERMIT OFFICE................... 9
NEW PRISON COMES INTO OPERATION ............................ 9
TV VARIETY SHOWS TO BRING FAMILIES CLOSER................... 9
BUILDING CLEAN-UP COMPETITION IN WONG TAI SIN............... 10
CUSTOMS DISPLAY AT EDINBURGH PLACE.......................... 10
DINNER TREAT FOR 1 000 PEOPLE OVER 70 ...................... 11
SQUASH TRAINING COURSE...................................... 11
PLB CLEARWAY IN ABERDEEN ................................... 12
WATER MAINS WORK ........................................... 12
FIRING PRACTICE WARNING..................................... 13
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1982
1
DECLINE SEEN IN AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE ft ft ft
THE POPULATION OF HONG KONG WILL INCREASE TO 6.2 MILLION IN 1991 AND TO 6.7 MILLION IN 1996, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, W JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID AT THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT ALUMNI SOCIETY THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
MR BREMRIDGE BASED THESE ESTIMATES ON PAST TRENDS OF DECLINING FERTILITY AND MORTALITY AND ON AN ASSUMED NET IMMIGRATION OF 44 OOO A YEAR.
♦IF WE COULD ASSUME ZERO NET IMMIGRATION, WHICH MUST BE A REASONABLE AIM, THE FIGURES WOULD BECOME 5.8 MILLION IN 1991 AND 6 MILLION IN 1996,+ HE SAID.
DUE TO DECLINING FERTILITY AND RISING PROSPERITY, THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE FELL FROM 4.5 IN 1971 TO 3.9 LiST YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO DECLINE FURTHER TO 3.3 IN 1991 AND 3.1 IN 1996,
MR BREMRIDGE ADDED THAT THERE WERE OBVIOUS IMPLICATIONS HERE FOR HOUSING DEMAND WHICH HE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE UNABATED FOR MANY YEARS.
BETWEEN 1971 AND 1981, LIFE EXPECTANCY FOR MEN INCREASED BY FIVE YEARS FROM 67.4 TO 72.4 AND FOR WOMEN BY 3.1 YEARS FROM 75 TO 78.1, HE REPORTED.
THESE FIGURES WERE COMPARABLE WITH THOSE OF THE MOST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD, HE POINTED OUT.
THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF CHILDREN BORN PER WOMAN FELL DRAMATICALLY FROM 5.17 IN 1961 TO 1.97 LAST YEAR AND FURTHER DECLINES MIGHT BE EXPECTED, HE SAID.
TODAY, THE CRUDE BIRTH RATE STANDS AT 17 PER THOUSAND AND THE CRUDE DEATH RATE AT FIVE PER THOUSAND.
INFANT MORTALITY — DEFINED AS DEATHS DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF LIFE — FELL FROM 18 PER THOUSAND IN 1971 TO 10 PER THOUSAND IN 1981, WHICH IS LOWER THAN THOSE OF BRITAIN, THE UNITED STATES AND SINGAPORE BUT SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN JAPAN’S EIGHT PER THOUSAND, MR BREMRIDGE SAID.
ALTHOUGH A QUARTER OF HONG KONG’S POPULATION ARE BELOW 15 YEARS OLD, THE MEAN AGE ROSE FROM 27.4 YEARS IN 1971 TO 30.3 YEARS IN 1981, HE SAID.
OF SIGNIFICANCE TO FUTURE SOCIAL DEMANDS, THE PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE OVER 65 YEARS OLD IS NOTICEABLY INCREASING, M? BREMRIDGE POINTED OUT.
THE FIGURE WAS UP FROM 4.5 PER CENT IN 1971 TO 6.6 PER CENT IN 1981 AND IS EXPECTED TO RISE FURTHER TO 8.7 PER CENT IN 1991 AND TO 9.6 PER CENT IN 1996, HE ADDED.
/THE LMPLICATICWS .......
FEIDaY, NOVEMBER 26, 1982
2
THE IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL WELFARE WERE OBVIOUS AND PUBLIC SPENDING IN THIS AREA MIGHT HAVE TO BE CONSIDERABLY INCREASED, HE SAID.
RECENT IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA HAD HIGHER LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATES THAN THE LOCAL POPULATION, AND IN GENERAL HAD TAKEN UP JOBS REQUIRING LOWER LEVELS OF SKILL, HE DISCLOSED.
SEVENTY-FOUR PER CENT WERE IN PRODUCTION OCCUPATIONS IN 1981, COMPARED WITH ONLY 48 PER CENT OF THE LOCAL POPULATION WHILE THEIR MEDIAN INCOME WAS ONLY 80 PER CENT OF THE LOCAL WORKERS, MR BREMRIDGE SAID.
-------0 - - - -
FOUNDATION WORK ON GOVERNMENT COMPLEX IN WAN CHAI M M K K
THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TODAY AWARDED A S240-MILLI0N CONTRACT TO KUMAGAI GUM I (HONG KONG) LTD. FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-LEVEL BASEMENT AND FOUNDATIONS ON A WAN CHAI RECLAMATION SITE EARMARKED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A GOVERNMENT COMPLEX.
THE CONTRACT, ONE OF THE BIGGEST AWARDED BY THE DEPARTMENT THIS YEAR, WAS FORMALLY SIGNED THIS MORNING BY THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, MR D.W.T. MOK, AND MR C.P. YU AND MR T. NAKAYAMA OF THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.
MR MOK SAID THE GOVERNMENT COMPLEX, ESTIMATED TO COST SI.5 BILLION AT CURRENT PRICES, WOULD BE BUILT ON THE 19 OOO-SQUARE-METRE SITE BOUNDED BY HARBOUR ROAD TO THE NORTH AND GLOUCESTER ROAD TO THE SOUTH, NEXT TO THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE.
+AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THIS CONTRACT IN ABOUT TWO YEARS’ TIME, SIX BLOCKS OF GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ABOVE THE BASEMENT WHICH WILL HAVE PARKING SPACES FOR 400 GOVERNMENT VEHICLES AND AN AIR-CONDITIONING PLANT FOR THE ENTIRE COMPLEX,+ MR MOK SAID.
THE SIX BUILDINGS INCLUDE A DISTRICT COURT/MAGISTRACY BUILDING, A SCIENCE BUILDING, A PUBLIC CAR PARK, A FIRE STATION AND TWO OFFICE TOWERS.
+THE DISTRICT COURT/MAGISTRACY BUILDING WILL BE 30 STOREYS HIGH WITH 30 000 SQUARE METRES OF FLOOR AREA FOR DISTRICT AND MAGISTRACY COURTS ON THE LOWER FLOORS AND 27 000 SQUARE METRES OF GOVERNMENT OFFICES ON THE UPPER FLOORS,* MR MOK SAID.
+THE GOVERNMENT SCIENCE BUILDING, WHICH WILL BE 19 STOREYS HIGH AND PROVIDE 22 000 SQUARE METRES OF ACCOMMODATION FOR GOVERNMENT LABORATORIES, WILL BE ERECTED ABOVE AN EIGHT-STOREY PUBLIC CAR PARK BUILDING THAT WILL PROVIDE PARKING SPACE FOR ABOUT 600 PRIVATE CARS.*
THE SUB-DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION INCLUDED IN THE COMPLEX WOULD BE A FOUR-STOREY BUILDING.
/MH MOK
K-LLDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1?«2
MR MOK SAID THAT THE TWO TOWERS. EACH 49 STOREYS HIGH, WOULD PROVIDE A TOTAL OF 200 000 SQUARE METRES OF GOVERNMENT OFFICE SPACE.
A UNIQUE FEATURE OF THIS COMPLEX IS A 3 OOO-SQUARE-METRE GARDEN TO BE BUILT BETWEEN THE DISTRICT COURT/MAGISTRACY BUILDING AND THE TWO TOWERS.
*THIS OPEN PLAZA WILL BE COLOURFULLY LANDSCAPED WITH LUXURIANT PLANTS AND BEAUTIFUL FOUNTAINS THAT SHOULD BRING ENVIRONMENTAL RELIEF TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC,* MR MOK SAID.
WORK ON THE PRESENT CONTRACT IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH, BUT FOUNDATION WORKS FOR THE 30-ST0REY COURT BUILDING HAVE ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE ENTIRE COMPLEX HAS BEEN PROGRAMMED TO BE CARRIED OUT IN STAGES WITH THE DISTRICT COURT/MAGISTRACY BEING FIRST.
DESIGN PLANS FOR THE OTHER BUILDINGS ARE STILL BEING DRAWN UP, MR MOK ADDED.
- - 0 - -
MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE * * *
THE REGISTRAR GENERAL HAS INFORMED SCOTLAND INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED THAT ITS AUTHORISATION FOR CARRYING ON MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE BUSINESS IN HONG KONG IS TO BE WITHDRAWN AS FROM 00.01 AM ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1982.
A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT IS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE ACTION IS BEING TAKEN UNDER SECTION 3 OF THE MOTOR VEHICLES INSURANCE (THIRD PARTY RISKS) ORDINANCE, WHICH EMPOWERS THE REGISTRAR GENERAL TO REVOKE SUCH AUTHORISATION WHERE HE CEASES TO BE SATISFIED AS TO THE FINANCIAL STABILITY OF A COMPANY CARRYING ON MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.
THE EFFECT OF THE REVOCATION WILL BE THAT ALL MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE POLICIES ISSUED BY SCOTLAND INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED WILL CEASE TO BE VALID AS AT 00.01 AM ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11.
+ALL MOTORISTS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO BE COVERED AGAINST THIRD PARTY BODILY RISK AND PASSENGER LIABILITY. IT WILL THEREFORE BE A MATTER OF THE GREATEST URGENCY FOR THOSE INSURED WITH THE COMPANY TO TAKE OUT NEW POLICIES WITH ANOTHER AUTHORISED COMPANY*, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT IF ANY MOTORIST WHO IS PRESENTLY COVERED BY A SCOTLAND INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED POLICY FAILS TO TAKE OUT A NEW POLICY BY MIDNIGHT ON DECEMBER 10 AND USES HIS VEHICLE ON A PUBLIC ROAD AFTER THAT, HE WILL BE COMMITTING A STATUTORY OFFENCE FOR WHICH HE COULD BE LIABLE TO A FINE OF $10 000, BE IMPRISONED FOR UP TO A YEAR AND LOSE HIS/HER DRIVING LICENCE FOR UP TO THREE YEARS.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1982 .
4
AMENDMENTS TO HKTA ORDINANCE PROPOSED
* * * *
A BILL IS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO AMEND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION ORDINANCE TO EFFECT MINOR CHANGES TO THE MEMBERSHIP PROVISIONS AND TO INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY THE PENALTY FOR UNAUTHORISED USE OF THE ASSOCIATION’S LOGO AND TITLE.
THE AMENDMENTS, WHICH ARE PROPOSED BY THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT OF THE ASSOCIATION, ARE DERIVED FROM CHANGED CIRCUMSTANCES OR ARE FOUND NECESSARY IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE.
THEY WILL:
* REPLACE THE TWO EXISTING CATEGORIES OF +ORDINARY+ AND +ASSOCIATE+ MEMBERS WITH +TRAVEL INDUSTRY* AND +ORDINARY* MEMBERS RESPECT IVELY.
* REPLACE THE TERM +TOURIST AGENT* WITH +TOUR OPERATOR*.
* CHANGE THE NAME OF THE DIRECTOR AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.
* RECONSTITUTE THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT FROM JANUARY 1, 1983 SO THAT ORDINARY (AT PRESENT ASSOCIATE) MEMBERS WILL HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE IN FUTURE AND INTERNATIONAL PASSENGER CARRIERS, BOTH AIR AND SEA, WHO ARE AT PRESENT SEPARATELY REPRESENTED, WILL HAVE ONLY ONE REPRESENTATIVE. THE NOMINATED MEMBER OF EACH CLASS OF BOARD MEMBERS WILL HAVE TO BE ENGAGED IN THE ACTIVITIES APPROPRIATE TO THAT CLASS, FOR EXAMPLE, HOTEL PROPRIETORS WILL BE REPRESENTED BY A HOTELIER AND NOT A HOTEL OWNER.
X FORMALISE THE EXISTING PRACTICE OF NOT ACCEPTING INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS.
* INCREASE THE MAXIMUM FINE, INTRODUCED IN 1965, FROM $1 000 TO $50 000 FOR UNAUTHORISED USE OF THE LOGO OR TITLE OF THE ASSOCIATION.
IF THE BILL IS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AMENDMENT RULES WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED TO ENABLE THE ASSOCIATION TO CHARGE ENTRANCE FEES AND TO REQUIRE ITS MEMBERS TO COMPLY WITH CODES OF PRACTICE.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1982
5
COMMUNITY URGED TO KEEP RESOLVE
* * *
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONtS, TODAY CALLED ON THE COMMUNITY NOT TO FALTER IN ITS RESOLVE TO BUILD A FULL AND HAPPY LIFE FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
THIS COULD BE DONE, HE SAID, BY USING THE IMAGINATION, ENTERPRISE AND DETERMINATION WHICH HAD BROUGHT THE TERRITORY TO ITS POSITION OF PRE-EMINENCE IN TODAY’S WORLD.
MR AKERS-JONES’ CALL CAME AT THE END OF A SPEECH IN WHICH HE SPOKE OF THE DECADES OF CONTINUAL CHANGE AND CHALLENGE SINCE THE WAR WHICH HAD TRANSFORMED HONG KONG INTO A GREAT MODERN CITY.
HE TOLD AN AUDIENCE OF TEACHERS, PARENTS AND STUDENTS AT THE ST STEPHEN’S COLLEGE SPEECH DAY THAT +WE HAVE CREATED A MODREN, COMPLEX SOCIETY WHICH, WITH ONLY FIVE MILLION PEOPLE, IS RANKED SIXTEENTH AMONG THE TRADING NATIONS OF THE WORLD AND THIRD AMONG THE FINANCIAL CENTRES, COMPETING ON EQUAL TERMS WITH GREAT NATIONS AND CAPITAL CITIES AROUND THE WORLD.*
MR AKERS-JONES EMPHASISED THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE HAD FACED MANY HARDSHIPS TOGETHER I NO NATURAL RESOURCES, HOUSING SHORTAGES, DROUGHT AND FLOOD, TYPHOONS, FIRE AND SICKNESS.
*WE HAVE FOUND A WAY TO OVERCOME THESE ADVERSITIES AND TO GO ON TO ACHIEVE A STANDARD OF LIVING THAT IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST IN ASIA,* HE SAID.
♦AT THE SAME TIME, AS PEOPLE INFLUENCED BY EDUCATION, TRAVEL, CINEMA AND TELEVISION, BY POLITICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND THE CONSTRAINTS OF HIGH-DENSITY, HIGH-RISE LIVING, WE HAVE CREATED A HONG KONG LIFE STYLE AND, WITHIN THE ESSENTIAL FRAMEWORK OF THE LAW, OUR OWN SPECIAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT, WHICH DOES NOT RELY ON ELECTIONS TO ACHIEVE A WIDE MEASURE OF PUBLIC SUPPORT.
+WE GOVERN BY CONSENSUS AND THERE CAN BE FEW GOVERNMENTS IN THE WORLD WHICH ARE ADVISED BY OVER 300 BOARDS AND COMMITTEES.
+THERE ARE FEW COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD WHERE EACH DAY SEES THE PUBLICATION OF OVER 50 DAILY PAPERS REPRESENTING THE WHOLE SPECTRUM OF THE FREEDOM WHICH WE ENJOY.*
MR AKERS-JONES REMINDED THE GRADUATING STUDENTS THAT THEY WOULD BE GOING OUT INTO SOCIETY TO JOIN THREE MILLION OTHER HONG KONG PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 30.
HE SAID THAT HONG KONG WAS NOT AN EASY PLACE IN WHICH TO GROW UP AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO CHOOSE WHETHER TO JOIN THOSE FORCES WORKING TO CREATE A NEW SOCIETY AND TO STRUGGLE AGAINST THE DISRUPTIVE FORCES TO CRIME, CORRUPTION, DRUGS AND POLLUTION OR TO LEAD A MATERIALISTIC, SELF-CENTRED LIFE.
MR AKERS-JONES EXPRESSED THE BELIEF THAT THE STUDENTS HAD THE VISION TO SEE THE NEED TO PARTICIPATE IN SOLVING THE PROBLEMS OF THE SOCIETY AND TO SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITIES OPEN TO THEM ALL, TO JOIN IN THIS WIDER SPHERE OF ACTIVITY OUTSIDE THE CIRCLE OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
/H3 SAID; ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1982
6
HE SAID, +THESE OPPORTUNITIES ARE INCREASING AS MORE REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATIONS ARE CREATED AT A DISTRICT LEVEL AND
MORE ACTIVITIES ARE GIVEN A DISTRICT FOCUS.
♦AND I AM NOT REFERRING MERELY TO THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS BUT TO A SPECTRUM OF ACTIVITY, WHICH COVERS ALL THOSE ORGANISATIONS WHICH UNITE OUR COMMUNITY I SCOUTS, RED CROSS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, RECREATION AND CULTURAL ORGANISATIONS.
♦THE VAST MAJORITY OF HONG KONG'S PEOPLE WILL LIVE HERE ALL THEIR LIVES, THEIR HOMES ARE HERE, THEIR FUTURE IS HERE, FOR THEM THERE IS NO QUESTION OF DEPARTURE.
♦THEREFORE WE MUST NOT FALTER IN OUR RESOLVE AS A PEOPLE -AS A GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE, TO BUILD HEERE A FULL AND HAPPY LIFE FOR OUR PEOPLE, BY USING THE IMAGINATION, ENTERPRISE AND DETERMINATION, WHICH HAS BROUGHT US TO THE PRE-EMINENT POSITION WE ENJOY TODAY.♦
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HAYE SAYS SOME FAITH IS BETTER THAN NONE ft * * *
IN THE MODERN WORLD THOSE THAT HAVE A FAITH ARE IMMEASURABLY BETTER OFF THAN THOSE WHO HAVE NONE, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, COLVYN HAYE, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE SPEECH DAY OF ST MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE, HE SAID, + ONE OF THE GREATEST THINGS IN THE AGE IN WHICH WE LIVE IS SOME SORT OF FAITH, AN IDEAL WHICH IS OUTSIDE ONESELF, TO WHICH ONE CAN CLING IN UNCERTAIN TIMES.+
MR HAYE SAID THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE TO DIVIDE PEOPLE INTO THREE BROAD CATEGORIESi THOSE WHO HAD A FAITH, THOSE WHO REJECTED FAITH AND THOSE WHO EITHER DID NOT KNOW OR DID NOT CARE.
♦PHILOSOPHICALLY I SUPPOSE ONE WOULD SAY THAT PEOPLE ARE EITHER BROADLY IDEALISTIC OR MATERIALISTIC.
♦I HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT IT MUST BE TERRIBLY DEPRESSING TO BE A MATERIALIST BECAUSE THIS REALLY MEANS THAT YOU BELIEVE THAT LIFE IS SOMEHOW THE PRODUCT OF MATERIAL ACCIDENT, THAT IT IS A f€ANINGLESS LOTTERY OR THAT EVERYTHING IS SOME SORT OF ADJUSTMENT TO ENVIRONMENT, AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING AFTER DEATH.
♦THE IDEALIST, ON THE OTHER HAND, SUBSCRIBES TO PURPOSE, MEANING, AND A DESTINY WHICH MAY NOT BE TOTALLY INTELLIGIBLE BUT WHICH UNDOUBTEDLY SHAPES OUR ENDS.
♦QUITE APART FROM PREFERENCE FOR AN EXCITING AND MEANINGFUL EXISTENCE, AS DISTINCT FROM A DESPAIRING AND MEANINGLESS WORLD, THERE ARE VERY GOOD RATIONAL REASONS FOR BEING AN IDEALIST,+ MR HAYE SAID.
HE SAID HE WAS NOT PRAISING ANY PARTICULAR SYSTEM OF FAITH, BUT ADDED, +l DO BELIEVE THAT WHAT YOU LEARN HERE AT ST MARY’S PREPARES YOU FOR A POSITIVE IDEALISTIC LIFE.+
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1982
7
NATHAN ROAD SHOP * * *
SITE FOR SALE *
A 5 410-SQUARE-METRE SITE ON NATHAN ROAD WILL BE SOLD BY TENDER EARLY NEXT YEAR FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SINGLE AND TWO-STOREY SHOPS OVER BASEMENTS.
THE SITE CONSISTS OF A STRIP OF LAND 17 METRES WIDE STRETCHING FROM A POINT NEAR THE CORNER OF AUSTIN ROAD AND NATHAN ROAD TO THE NORTHERN BOUNDARY OF THE KOWLOON MOSQUE.
TENDERS WILL CLOSE ON JANUARY 28.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LANDS DEPARTMENT SAID THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WILL BE REQUIRED TO CONSTRUCT THE BUILDING ACCOMMODATING THE SHOPS TO A SPECIFIED LEVEL SO THAT THE ROOF WILL FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF KOWLOON PARK.
+ AT THE SOUTHERN END THE ROOF TOP WILL BE APPROXIMATELY LEVEL WITH THE ADJACENT PARK AND AT THE NORTHERN END THE PARK WILL BE LANDSCAPED TO SLOPE GENTLY UP TO THE ROOF TOP,* HE ADDED.
UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF SALE, THE DEVELOPER WILL BE PREVENTED FROM INTRUDING ONTO THE ROOF AREA AND NO AIR-CONDITIONING PLANT OR VENTS WILL BE PERMITTED ON THE ROOF.
THE ROW OF SHOPS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THREE BLOCKS SEPARATED BY WIDE FLIGHTS OF STEPS GIVING DIRECT ACCESS FROM NATHAN ROAD TO KOWLOON PARK.
ON COMPLETION OF THE DEVELOPMENT THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL LANDSCAPE THE ADJACENT AREAS AND PLANT TREES AND SHRUBS ON THE ROOF-TOP SO AS TO MAKE IT AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE PARK.
+THIS WOULD EFFECTIVELY INCREASE THE USABLE AREA OF THE PARK BY CREATING A PLEASANT PASSIVE RECREATION AREA OF MORE THAN HALF A HECTARE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE ROOF STRUCTURE OF THE SHOPS WILL OVERHANG NATHAN ROAD BY THREE METRES, THUS PROVIDING PEDESTRIANS WITH SHELTER ALONG THIS SIDE OF NATHAN ROAD.
+ IT IS ALSO EXPECTED THAT THE SHOPS TOGETHER WITH THE LANDSCAPING AND SHRUBS PLANTED ON THE ROOF WILL FORM AN EFFECTIVE BARRIER AGAINST TRAFFIC NOISE ON NATHAN ROAD AND SO ENHANCE THE TRANQUILITY OF THE PARK AREA,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT, THE SURVEY DIVISION OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD. THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (KOWLOON WEST), KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, AO5 NATHAN ROAD, 1OTH FLOOR, KOWLOON AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES CF SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
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/&.......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1981'
8
HOME OWNERSHIP PROJECT * * * *
SOME 1 560 SQUARE METRES OF PRIVATE LAND IN TAI HOM WOR, KOWLOON, WILL BE RESUMED TO MAKE WAY FOR A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME PROJECT, IT IS ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT NINE AGRICULTURAL LOTS WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE RESUMPTION. THE MAJORITY OF THESE LOTS WERE COVERED BY TEMPORARY STRUCTURES OCCUPIED FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES.
♦ AN AREA OF 1 400 SQUARE METRES UNDER CULTIVATION WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED,* HE SAID.
+IN ADDITION, A TOTAL OF 2 300 STRUCTURES SITUATED ON CROWN LAND WILL HAVE TO BE CLEARED. THEY CONSIST OF DOMESTIC DWELLING HOUSES, SHOPS AND WORKSHOPS.*
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT ALL ELIGIBLE PERSONS AFFECTED BY THE CLEARANCE WOULD BE PROVIDED WITH COMPENSATION AND RE-HOUSING.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE HOS PROJECT WOULD PROVIDE
3 400 FLATS FOR 15 300 PEOPLE.
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FLAGSTAFF HOUSE * *
MUSEUM PROJECT *
TENDERS FOR THE CONVERSION OF FLAGSTAFF HOUSE IN THE FORMER VICTORIA BARRACKS INTO A MUSEUM, ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT, THE UPPER FLOOR OF THE BUILDING WILL BE CONVERTED INTO GALLERIES FOR THE DISPLAY OF ABOUT 500 CERAMIC PIECES.
THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE BUILDING WILL BE TURNED INTO A RECEPTION HALL WITH SALES COUNTERS, A SPECIAL SUBJECT LIBRARY A LECTURE/ORIENTATION ROOM, EXH IBIT ION/PREPARAT I ON WORKSHOP A ANCILLARY FACILITIES.
MEANWHILE, THE SERVICE BLOCK OF FLAGSTAFF HOUSE WILL ALSO BE CONVERTED INTO A MUSEUM STORE, WORKSHOP AND STAFF QUARTERS,
WORKS WILL START IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN OCTOBER.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1982
9
NEW ADDRESS FOR MACAU VISIT PERMIT OFFICE * * * *
FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 29), THE MACAU VISIT PERMIT OFFICE OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE FROM INTERNATIONAL BUILDING TO NEW RODNEY BLOCK, SECOND FLOOR, QUEENSWAY.
THE OFFICE HANDLES ALL APPLICATIONS FOR VISIT PERMITS FROM CHINESE RESIDENTS IN MACAU.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO TELEPHONE 3-7333111.
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NEW PRISON COMES INTO OPERATION
* * X
TUNG TAU CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, A NEWLY-CONSTRUCTED AND PURPOSE-BUILT.MINIMUM SECURITY PRISON, WAS GAZETTED TODAY AND WILL RECEIVE ITS FIRST ADMISSIONS NEXT WEEK.
THE INSTITUTION IS SITUATED ON STANLEY PENINSULA ADJACENT TO STANLEY PRISON AND WILL BE HOUSING LOW-SECURITY-RISK FIRST OFFENDER MALE PRISONERS WHO ARE SERVING RELATIVELY SHORT SENTENCES. THERE IS CERTIFIED ACCOMMODATION FOR 260.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID THE OPENING OF THE INSTITUTION WILL RELIEVE OVERCROWDING IN OTHER MINIMUM SECURITY PRISONS.
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TV VARIETY SHOWS TO BRING FAMILIES CLOSER
* * X
A SERIES OF TV PROGRAMMES AIMED AT FOSTERING CLOSER RELATIONSHIP AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS, HAS BEEN PRODUCED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND WILL BE SCREENED BY LOCAL TV STATIONS AS PART OF A WEEK-LONG CAMPAIGN ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION BEGINNING ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 28).
ENTITLED +FAMILY WEEK 1982+ AND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY RTHK AND THE URBAN COUNCIL IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, THE EVENT WILL START OFF WITH AN OPENING CEREMONY AT THE REPULSE BAY CAR PARK ON SUNDAY AT 2.30 PM.
MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, CHAIRMAN OF URBAN COUNCIL, MR STUART WILKINSON, DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, AND MR DOMINIC K.M. CHEUNG, GENERAL MANAGER OF OVERSEAS TRUST BANK LIMITED, WHICH SPONSORED THE EVENT, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
THE OPENING WILL BE FOLLOWED BY AN HOUR-LONG VARIETY SHOW BY RTHK ARTISTES AND A SANDCASTLE BUILDING COMPETITION AMONG 84 CHILDREN OF ALL NATIONALITIES FROM VARIOUS SCHOOLS.
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/10 .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1982
10
BUILDING CLEAN-UP COMPETITION IN WONG TAI SIN * * * *
A BUILDING CLEAN-UP COMPETITION HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE TO IMPROVE THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT IN THE DISTRICT.
SO FAR FIVE RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS IN TSZ WAN SHAN (SOUTH), FUNG WONG NEW VILLAGE AND SAN PO KONG HAVE ENTERED FOR THE COMPETITION.
LOCAL DOMESTIC OCCUPANTS AND FACTORY PROPRIETORS WISHING TO JOIN THE COMPETITION SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE THROUGH THEIR MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES BY NOVEMBER 30.
ENTRANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO CLEAR UP GARBAGE IN PUBLIC CORRIDORS, STAIRCASES AND EXITS IN THEIR BUILDINGS.
SIX ADJUDICATORS FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE, WONG TAI SIN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE AND LOCAL AREA COMMITTEES WILL EXAMINE THE BUILDINGS ON DECEMBER 7 AND 8.
WINNERS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH SOUVENIR BANNERS AND PLAQUES.
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CUSTOMS DISPLAY AT EDINBURGH PLACE
* X *
YOUNG PEOPLE INTERESTED IN A CAREER WITH THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE SHOULD NOT MISS THE CAREER ’83 EXHIBITION AT EDINBURGH PLACE OUTSIDE CITY HALL TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE SERVICE’S EXHIBITION WILL INCLUDE DEMONSTRATIONS, EXHIBITS AND DISPLAY STANDS MANNED BY CUSTOMS OFFICERS AND SHOWING THE WIDE VARIETY OF DUTIES OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE.
THE PROGRAMME FOR THE DAY WILL INCLUDE DRUG DETECTOR DOG SHOWS AND DEMONSTRATIONS OF THE DETECTION OF DETREATED INDUSTRIAL DIESEL OIL.
IN ADDITION, THE PUBLIC CAN VISIT CUSTOMS’ LAUNCHES BERTHED AT QUEEN’S PIER, AND SEE A PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAY OF THE DUTIES OF INSPECTORS AND OFFICERS IN THE SERVICE WILL BE ON SHOW.
THE SHOWS WILL TAKE PLACE AFTER THE OPENING AT 10 AM BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND CONTROLS, MR DOUGLAS JORDAN.
THE DISPLAY IS PART OF THE CAREERS '83 EXHIBITION JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
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:/l1 ..........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1982
11
DINNER TREAT FOR 1 OOO PEOPLE OVER 70 * * *
SOME 1 000 PEOPLE AGED OVER 70 FROM SAI KUNG WILL BE INVITED TO A DINNER NEXT MONTH AS PART OF A MONTH-LONG FESTIVAL TO AROUSE RESIDENTS’ CONCERN AND CARE FOR OLD PEOPLE.
THE FESTIVAL WILL ALSO PROVIDE A VARIED PROGRAMME INCLUDING MEDICAL CHECK-UPS, DENTAL EXAMINATIONS, SEMINARS, OUTINGS, EXHIBITIONS, X-RAY CHECKS AND FILM SHOWS.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHAN SUl-JEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 28) WHICH WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A VARIETY SHOW AND A FUN FAIR AT THE CHENG CHIK CHEE SECONDARY SCHOOL HALL.
THE EVENT, COSTING $120 000, IS BEING ORGANISED BY LOCAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS WITH SPONSORSHIPS FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS.
A TALK ON INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES WILL BE ORGANISED FOR VOLUNTARY WORKERS WHO WILL START VISITING THE AGED IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT MONTH.
+T0 ENABLE THE OLD PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN THE ACTIVITIES, THE ORGANISERS HAVE ARRANGED TRANSPORT TO TAKE THEM TO AND FROM THE VENUES,♦ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID.
THE FESTIVAL WILL CLOSE WITH A SERIES CREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, A LUCKY DRAW AND A DINNER FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE ON DECEMBER 27 (MONDAY).
. o ----------
SQUASH TRAINING COURSE
Ml
A SQUASH TRAINING COURSE FOR WOMEN WHO WISH TO IMPROVE THEIR SKILL WILL BE HELD EVERY SUNDAY FROM DECEMBER 26 TO JANUARY 30.
THE COURSE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG SQUASH RACQUETS ASSOCIATION AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (RSS) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.
ALL WOMEN OVER 16 YEARS OF AGE WHO HAVE PLAYED SQUASH FOR ONE YEAR MAY APPLY.
TWO CLASSES, STARTING AT 12.30 PM AND 1.45 PM, WILL BE HELD AT ISLAND SQUASH RACKETS CLUB, BORRETT ROAD.
THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS FOR EACH CLASS WILL BE LIMITED TO 16, AND THOSE INTERESTED ARE URGED TO APPLY BEFORE DECEMBER 6. THE PROGRAMME FEE IS $15.
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE RSS HEAD OFFICE AND ITS 19 DISTRICT OFFICES. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 5-458511 OR 5-236968.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1982
12
PLB CLEARWAY IN ABERDEEN
M * *
TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN ABERDEEN, TUNG SING ROAD BETWEEN TSUNG MAN STREET AND ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 29).
PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
THE SAME ARRANGEMENT WILL APPLY TO TSUNG MAN STREET NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD.
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WATER MAINS WORK * * * *
WATER MAINS WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN ABERDEEN AND KWUN TONG FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY.
AS A RESULT, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN ABERDEEN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY.
THE WORK WILL AFFECT THE AREA BOUNDED BY TIN WAN STREET, TIN WAN HILL ROAD, SHEK PAI WAN ROAD AND ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD, AS WELL AS A SECTION OF SHEK PAI WAN ROAD TO ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD BETWEEN TIN WAN HILL ROAD AND CHENGTU ROAD.
AND FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR NINE HOURS, FROM 9.30 PM ON MONDAY.
THE ARRANGEMENT WILL AFFECT PREMISES ALONG HONG NING ROAD BETWEEN HIP WO STREET AND KUNG LOK ROAD, KUNG LOK ROAD BETWEEN HONG NING ROAD AND ’HYDE TOWER’, HONG LEE ROAD INCLUDING HONG LEE COURT AND THOSE ON-ROUTE BUILDINGS, SAU YAN PATH AND UPPER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1982
- 13 -
FIRING PRACTICE WARNING M * It
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FOR 15 DAYS NEXT MONTH.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING.
THE DATES AND TIMES OF THE PRACTICE ARE AS FOLLOWS«-
DATE TIME
DECEMBER 1 (WEDNESDAY) 9 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 2 (THURSDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 3 (FRIDAY) 8 AM - 4.30 PM
DECEMBER 4 (SATURDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 6 (MONDAY) 9 AM - 11 PM
DECEMBER 7 (TUESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 8 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 9 (THURSDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 10 (FRIDAY) 8 AM - 4.30 PM
DECEMBER 11 (SATURDAY) 8 AM - 4.30 PM
DECEMBER 13 (MONDAY) 8 AM - 11 PM
DECEMBER 14 (TUESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 15 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 16 ; (THURSDAY) NOON - 5 PM
DECEMBER 17 (FRIDAY) 9 AM - 11 PM
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MONTHLY SURVEY OF RETAIL SALES FOR SEPTEMBER 1982 ............. 1
PUBLIC SUPPORT NEEDED IN PREVENTING FIRES ..................... 4
URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS ....................................... 5
AUDITORIUM FOR TUEN MUN ....................................... 6
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE CAREERS DISPLAY............................. 6
LIFE-SAVING SERVICES AT NT BEACHES SUSPENDED................... 7
NEW YUEN LONG TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ............................ 7
WATER CUTS IN RENNIE'S MILL AND KWUN TONG...................... 8
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1982
1
MONTHLY SURVEY OF RETAIL SALES FOR SEPTEMBER 1982 * * * *
THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES FOR THE RETAIL TRADE SECTOR IN SEPTEMBER 1982 WAS ESTIMATED TO BE $4 263 MILLION, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL SURVEY RESULTS PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AT 125, THE OVERALL RETAIL SALES VALUE INDEX FOR SEPTEMBER 1982 WAS THE SAME AS THAT FOR AUGUST 1982 BUT INCREASED BY SEVEN POINTS OR SIX PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1981.
THE OVERALL RETAIL SALES VOLUME INDEX FOR SEPTEMBER 1982, AT 102, WAS ONE POINT OR ONE PER CENT LOWER THAN THAT FOR AUGUST 1982, AND TWO POINTS OR TWO PER CENT LOWER THAN THAT FOR SEPTEMBER 1981.
COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1982, THE RETAIL SALES VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES FOR MOST MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND SELECTED TRADES REMAINED RELATIVELY STABLE.
RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES, HAVING BEEN STAGNANT FOR A LONG PERIOD, INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS. ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAIL SALES OF DEPARTMENT STORES FELL BY 16 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS AND 19 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS. RETAIL SALES OF SUPERMARKETS DECREASED BY THREE PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.
COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1981, RETAIL SALES OF SUPERMARKETS
AND CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 20 PER CENT AND 15 PER CENT
RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE TERMS, WHILE THOSE OF FUELS. AND CLOTHING,
FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS, EACH INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT.
IN VOLUME TERMS, SUPERMARKETS RECORDED THE HIGHEST GROWTH IN RETAIL SALES AT 11 PER CENT, FOLLOWED BY FUELS AT EIGHT PER CENT AND CONSUMER GOODS AT FIVE PER CENT.
ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY BY 36 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS AND 48 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE VOLUME OF RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES, DEPARTMENT STORES, AND FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ALSO DECREASED BY 17 PER CENT, SIX PER CENT AND FIVE PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
TABLES 1 AND 2 (ATTACHED) PRESENT THE REVISED FIGURES FOR
AUGUST AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER 1982 ON THE TOTAL RETAIL SALES, AND ON THE RETAIL SALES VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES BY SELECTED TRADES AND MAJOR TRADE GROUPS. THE AVERAGE MONTHLY RETAIL SALES IN I960 ARE TAKEN AS 100. COMPARISONS OF THC SEPTEMBER RESULTS WITH THOSE OF THE PRECEDING MONTH AND OF THE CORRESPONDING MONTH IN 1981 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, TEL. NO. 3-7216024.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, V-2
2
Table 1 : Value indexes of retail sales for August and Sept eater 1^82
(Monthly average of 1980 • 100)
lUa August 1982 September 1982 September 1982 compared with August 1982 September 19&2 compared with September 1981
1 (Revised (Provisional Points % Points %
figures) figures)
Total retail sale a 4 2j8 4 263
(m million) I
Retail eales value indexes:
(I) for all retail • •
trades 125 125 same same ♦7 *6
! (XI) by major trade !
groups
Foodstuffs,
alcoholic drinks
and tobacco 131 133 *2 *2 ♦ b *5
ru«u 151 151 sane sane *19 *14
Clothing, footwear 1
and allied
products 119 120 ♦1 *1 *15 ♦lA
Consumer goods 125 126 ♦1 *1 *16 *15 t
Consumer durables 112 m -1 -1 -14 -11
(III) by selected trades •
Motor vehicles 65 75 ♦10 *15 -42 -36
Department stores 125 105 -20 -16 ♦5 ’3
Supermarkets 1B3 177 -6 -3 ♦ 30 ’■ 0
SATURDAY, LTOVSIdB£R 27, 1982
- 3 -
Table 2 3 Volume indexes of retail sales for />^gus t and S e p t pa be 1 ffiP
(Monthly awenge of 1^80 - ICO)
e *
Item August 1902 September 1982 September 1982 compared with August 19&2 September 19&2 compared with September 1981
(Revised figures) (Prorisionnl figures) Points % Pointe %
Hetail sales roluse indexes :
CI) for all retail •
trades 103 102 ■■1 -1 -2 -2
(II) by major trade groups
Foods tuff a, alcoholic drinks and tobacco 100 101 *x ♦1 -5 -5
Fuels U7 11? same same ♦9 *8
Clothing, footwear and allied products 96 95 -1 •1 ♦1 ♦1
Censuser goods 107 105 •2 •2 *5 ♦5
Consumer durables 97 95 -2 -2 -19 -17
Un) by eelected trades
Motor rehiclee 47 5* ♦ 7 +15 i -50 -48
Department stone 10? 87 •20 -19 •6 -6
■*— - Supermarkets 140 136 •4 -3 ♦ 14 ♦ u
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1982
PUBLIC SUPPORT NEEDED IN * * * *
PREVENTING FIRES
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS WAGED A WAR AGAINST FIRE FOR YEARS, BUT IF THIS +CONTINUOUS AND ON-GOING BATTLE* IS TO BE WON, THE SERVICES OF EVERY HONG KONG RESIDENT HAVE TO BE ENLISTED IN PREVENTING FIRE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER. KOWLOON. OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR M. KINGDOM TODAY (SATURDAY) WHEN HE LAUNCHED A FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN IN THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT AT THE WONG TAI SIN DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION.
MR KINGDOM WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE NEWLY-FORMED DISTRICT BOARDS HAD READILY ACCEPTED THEIR ROLE OF RESPONSIBILITY IN THIS AREA.
HE SAID, +1 HAVE SEEN IN MY TRAVELS AROUND KOWLOON, MANY INSTANCES OF WHERE THE COMBINED RESOURCES OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, UTILITIES AND OTHER BODIES WORKING TOGETHER UNDER DISTRICT BOARD MANAGEMENT HAVE ERADICATED PARTICULAR BLACK SPOTS OF POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARDS.*
MR KINGDOM DESCRIBED THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN AS YET +ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE READINESS OF ALL THE BOARD MEMBERS TO ACCEPT THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY.*
+BUT PLEASE REMEMBER THAT WE CANNOT HAVE A CAMPAIGN OF TWO WEEKS DURATION AND THEN LET THE MATTER REST THERE,* HE SAID.
+PREVENTION IN ANY FIELD OF OPERATIONS WHETHER IN SUPPORT OF THE POLICE, HEALTH SERVICES, KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN ETC. IS A CONTINUING EXERCISE THAT MUST BECOME A DAILY ROUTINE.*
HE POINTED OUT THAT SO FAR THIS YEAR, 4 700 FIRES INCLUDING 51 MAJOR ONES HAD OCCURRED IN KOWLOON.
+MOST COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF ONLY PEOPLE HAD NOT BEEN CARELESS OR BEEN MORE PREVENTIVE IN THE WAY THEY CONDUCT THEMSELVES IN THEIR HOMES, OFFICES AND FACTORIES,* HE ADD^D.
THE WONG TAI SIN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN FISHER, WHO ALSO OFFICIATED AT TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY, SPOKE CF THE DISTRICT’S EFFORTS IN PREVENTING FIRES IN SQUATTER AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS.
HE SAID THAT THE FIRE WATCH TEAMS FORMED IN LOCAL SQUATTER AREAS HAD PERFORMED WELL IN MANY FIRES AND MANAGED TO STOP THE FIRES FROM SPREADING BEFORE FIREMEN ARRIVED.
TO BACK UP THEIR EFFORT, THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD ALLOCATED FUNDS TO ACQUIRE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND LOUD HAILERS FOR THEM.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1?&
EFFORTS MADE IN INDUSTRIAL AREAS INCLUDED THE DISTRIBUTION OF POSTERS TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF FACTORY OWNERS TO KEEPING FIRE ACCESS CLEAR AND THE DEMOLITION OF ILLEGAL EXTENSIONS AND STRUCTURES IN THE BACKLANES OF SAN PO KONG.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, A THREE-DAY PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION WAS OPENED TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS OF FIRE AND THE EFFECTIVE MEANS TO PREVENT THEM.
THE EXHIBITION WILL REMAIN OPEN FROM 9.30 AM TO 11 AM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AND ON MONDAY. ADMISSION IS FREE.
- - 0 - -
URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS X X X
RESIDENTS IN THE URBAN AREAS WHO WISH TO REGISTER AS ELECTORS TO VOTE OR TO STAND AS CANDIDATES IN NEXT YEAR’S URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS HAVE ONLY ONE MORE WEEK TO MAKE A LATE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION.
THE ELECTIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED ON A CONSTITUENCY BASIS FOR THE FIRST TIME NEXT MARCH WHEN THE TERMS OF OFFICE OF ALL SERVING ELECTED COUNCILLORS ARE DUE TO EXPIRE.
THE REGISTRATION OFFICER, MR C.W. WONG, SAID AS THERE IS NO URBAN COUNCIL CONSTITUENCY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, ONLY REGISTERED ELECTORS RESIDENT IN THE URBAN AREAS ARE ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR LATE APPLICATIONS IS DECEMBER 6 (MONDAY), AFTER WHICH NO FURTHER APPLICATIONS CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR INCLUSION IN THE FINAL REGISTER OF ELECTORS DUE TO BE PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 1983.
+THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURE IS VERY SIMPLE. ALL ONE HAS TO DO IS TO CALL AT THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION, 18TH FLOOR, NEW MERCURY HOURS, 22 FENWICK STREET, COMPLETE A REGISTRATION FORM AND LODGE IT IN PERSON WITH THE REGISTRATION OFFICER. THIS WILL ONLY TAKE A FEW MINUTES,* MR WONG SAID.
HE ALSO REMINDED PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS OF THE NEED FOR EACH CANDIDATE TO BE NOMINATED BY TWO ELECTORS, REGISTERED FOR THE CONSTITUENCY CONCERNED, AS PROPOSER AND SECONDER AND BY EIGHT OTHER SUCH ELECTORS AS ASSENTING TO THE NOMI NAT ICS..
IT IS EXPECTED THAT NOMINATIONS FOR THE 15 VACANCIES FOR ELECTED COUNCILLORS WILL „E RECEIVED IN JANUARY 1983 BY THE RETURNING OFFICERS OF THE 10 DISTRICTS IN THE URBAN AREAS.
A FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT ON THIS WILL BE MADE IN DUE COURSE.
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1982
- 6 -
AUDITORIUM FOR TUEN MUN
* * *
AN AUDITORIUM WILL SOON BE BUILT IN TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE NEXT TO TOWN PARK.
TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE AUDITORIUM OCCUPYING A FOUR-HECTARE SITE ON RECLAIMED LAND WILL FORM PART OF THE TUEN MUN CIVIC AND CULTURAL COMPLEX.
IT WILL CONSIST OF A 1 45O-SEAT HALL SIMILAR IN DESIGN TO THE ONE IN TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, WITH FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE MAIN AND SIDE STAGE AREAS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A NUMBER OF FUNCTION ROOMS AND A TWO-STOREY BLOCK FOR CHINESE AND EUROPEAN RESTAURANTS IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE AUDITORIUM.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CULTURAL COMPLEX IS PART OF THE TOWN CENTRE DEVELOPMENT AND WILL PROVIDE CULTURAL FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS OF THE NEW TOWN.
WORK ON THE AUDITORIUM WILL START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 1985.
-----o------
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE CAREERS DISPLAY
* * *
A DEMONSTRATION BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE ON THE DETECTION OF NARCOTICS BY TRAINED DOGS WAS A MAIN ATTRACTION AT ITS CAREER DISPLAY AT EDINBURGH PLACE TODAY.
THE DISPLAY, OPENED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, W DOUGLAS JORDAN, WAS PART OF THE ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES OF THE CAREERS ’83 EXHIBITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
THE PROGRAMME DURING THE DAY INCLUDED STANDS AND DISPLAY PANELS AT WHICH CUSTOMS OFFICERS SHOWED A WIDE VARIETY OF CAREERS AVAILABLE IN THE SERVICE. HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE VISITED TWO CUSTOMS' LAUNCHES BERTHED ALONGSIDE QUEEN’S PIER.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1982
7
LIFE-SAVING SERVICES AT NT BEACHES SUSPENDED K X X
LIFE-SAVING SERVICES AT ALL 29 GAZETTED PUBLIC BATHING BEACHES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ON OUTLYING ISLANDS WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 1).
BEACH-GOERS SHOULD TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTION AGAINST ACCIDENTS DURING THE COLD SEASON AS THERE WILL BE NO LIFEGUARDS ON DUTY BETWEEN DECEMBER AND FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THEY WERE URGED TO BEWARE OF WAVES AND TIDES AND AVOID STRONG CURRENTS.
MEANWHILE, THE KWAI SHING PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL AND SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL COMPLEXES WILL BE CLOSED FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE FROM WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 1) TO NEXT MARCH.
THE HEATED SECONDARY POOL AT THE FANLING PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX IS SCHEDULED TO RE-OPEN IN MID-DECEMBER ON COMPLETION CF REPAIR WORK AND THE HEATED MAIN POOL BY EARLY NEXT YEAR WHEN AN AIR SUPPORT STRUCTURE IS SET UP.
--------0----------
NEW YUEN LONG TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * *
STARTING 10 AM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 30), NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN YUEN LONG TO IMPROVE CIRCULATION IN THE AREA.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, TAI KIU ROAD, ON LOK ROAD OUTSIDE YUEN LONG ESTATE AND WANG CHAU ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY CLOCKWISE.
ON NING ROAD, BETWEEN TAI KIU ROAD AND WANG CHAU ROAD, WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY WESTBOUND.
PAU CHEUNG STREET FROM ON NING ROAD TO FOOK TAK STREET, AS WELL AS FOOK HONG STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY SOUTHBOUND.
TUNG LOK STREET BETWEEN CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND SAU FU STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY NORTHBOUND.
----0-------
/£
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27» 1982
8
WATER CUTS IN RENNIE’S MILL AND KWUN TONG
* * * * *
, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN RENNIE’S MILL WILL BE CUT FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 PM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 30) FOR WATER MAINS CONNECTION.
THE AREA AFFECTED WILL INCLUDE PREMISES ALONG PO LAM ROAD, BETWEEN MA YAU TONG AND RENNIE’S MILL POLICE STATION, MA YAU TONG TSUEN, HAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL AND THE RENNIE’S MILL VILLAGE COTTAGE AREA.
ON THE SAME DAY, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR 11 HOURS BETWEEN 9 AM AND 8 PM FOR WATER MAINS CONNECTION.
THE ARRANGEMENT WILL AFFECT PREMISES ALONG HONG NING ROAD BETWEEN HIP WO STREET AND KUNG LOK ROAD, KUNG LOK ROAD BETWEEN HONG NING ROAD AND ’HYDE TOWER’, HONG LEE ROAD AND SAU YAN PATH.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW SAFETY REGULATIONS COME INTO OPERATION WEDNESDAY......... 1
PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS HOLDING OPEN DAY THURSDAY................ 2
RATEPAYERS REMINDED TO SUPPLY PARTICULARS ..................... 3
PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION RESULTS OUT NEXT SUNDAY.................. 3
CHINESE CHESS TOURNAMENT FOR TSUEN WAN WORKERS ................ 4
FARE REVISION FOR NT MAXICAB ROUTES ........................... 4
NEW SITTING-OUT AREA FOR ABERDEEN ............................. 5
SUSPENSION OF SHA TIN BUS STOP
5
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1982
1
NEW SAFETY REGULATIONS COME INTO OPERATION WEDNESDAY *****
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED PROPRIETORS OF INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS THAT TWO SETS OF NEW ' REGULATIONS ON THE SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS AND ON PROTECTION OF INDUSTRIAL WORKERS’ HEARING COME INTO OPERATION ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 1).
THE FIRST SET OF REGULATIONS, PRESCRIBE GENERAL REQUIREMENTS TO ENSURE SAFETY IN THE USE OF ELECTRICITY IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS AND PLACE ON THE PROPRIETOR THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENSURING THAT HIS ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS AND APPARATUS ARE IN SAFE WORKING ORDER.
THE REGULATIONS ALSO DEAL WITH, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE INSULATION AND THE SAFEGUARDING OF CONDUCTORS, THE CONSTRUCTION OF SWITCHES AND SWITCHBOARDS, SWITCH FUSES, CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND INSULATING LINKS, MEANS OF ISOLATING VOLTAGE AND MEANS OF PREVENTING ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND FIRE.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD PRODUCED A GUIDE TO THE REGULATIONS OUTLINING THE PROVISIONS IN SIMPLE TERMS TO HELP EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO UNDERSTAND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES.
COPIES OF THE GUIDE - IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE - ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM DIVISIONAL OFFICES OF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SECOND SET OF REGULATIONS REQUIRES THE PROPRIETOR TO PROPERLY MAINTAIN HIS MACHINERY AND PLANT TO MINIMISE NOISE AND PROVIDE HEARING PROTECTORS FOR WORKERS EXPOSED TO A SOUND LEVEL OF 90 DB(A) OR HIGHER FOR CERTAIN LENGTHS OF TIME IN A DAY.
A GUIDE ON THE HEARING REGULATIONS AND A CODE OF PRACTICE FOR REDUCING THE EXPOSURE OF INDUSTRIAL WORKERS TO NOISE WERE BEING PRINTED.
ANYONE REQUIRING FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE REGULATIONS MAY CONTACT THE INSPECTORATE OR ANY DIVISIONAL OFFICE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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A ...
SUNDAY, NOVSBER 2S, 1982
2
PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS HOLDING OPEN DAY THURSDAY
* * * *
THE ANNUAL PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS JOINT OPEN DAY WILL BE HELD THIS YEAR IN THE NEWLY-COMPLETED MARDEN FOUNDATION CARITAS PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL IN CHAI WAN.
THE EVENT, ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS COUNCIL, WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, M? COLVYN HAYE ON THURSDAY.
A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE MARDEN FOUNDATION CARITAS PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL AND CARITAS SOCIAL CENTRE BY MR J.L. MARDEN, CHAIRMAN OF THE MARDEN FOUNDATION LTD WILL PRECEDE THE OPENING OF THE JOINT OPEN DAY. THE MOST REV. JOHN BAPTIST WU, ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF HONG KONG, AND GOVERNORS OF THE FOUNDATION, WILL HOST THE CEREMONY.
PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS ARE GOVERNMENT AIDED SCHOOLS PROVIDING THREE YEARS OF JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION TO PREPARE PUPILS FOR THE CRAFT APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME. TWO YEARS OF SENIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ARE OFFERED FOR THOSE ACADEMICALLY MORE CAPABLE PUPILS TO CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION UP TO CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION LEVEL, AND LATER TO PROCEED DIRECTLY TO TECHNICIAN PROGRAMMES IN THE POLYTECHNIC OR THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
THERE ARE AT PRESENT 12 PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WITH A TOTAL ENROLMENT OF ABOUT 10 000 PUPILS. IN THE NEXT THREE TO FOUR YEARS, 12 MORE SUCH SCHOOLS ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED TO MEET PUBLIC DEMAND.
THE POPULARITY OF THESE SCHOOLS IS SHOWN BY THE LARGE NUMBER OF APPLICANTS FOR FORM I PLACES IN THEM VIA THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SYSTEM.
THERE WERE ABOUT 13 000 APPLICANTS IN EACH OF THE LAST THREE YEARS FOR THE 3 000 FORM I PLACES AVAILABLE IN THE 12 SCHOOLS.
THIS BIG DEMAND RESULTED IN THE INTRODUCTION OF FORM IV CLASSES IN SEPTEMBER 1981 AND FORM V CLASSES IN 1982.
THE FIRST GROUP OF 738 PUPILS FROM THESE 12 PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WILL BE TAKING THEIR HKCEE NEXT YEAR.
ASIDE FROM THE BASIC ACADEMIC SUBJECTS, THEY WILL ALSO BE SITTING FOR SEVERAL OF THE PRACTICAL/TECHNICAL SUBJECTS SUCH AS ENGINEERING METALWORK, ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICITY, TECHNICAL DRAWING, ART AND DESIGN, AND COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS SUCH AS PRINCIPLE OF ACCOUNTS, TYPING AND SHORTHAND.
+THERE WILL BE AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATES TO FURTHER THEIR STUDIES EITHER IN THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE AND THE POLYTECHNIC,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CAREERS EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
BECAUSE OF THE BROAD-BASED BASIC SKILLS THEY HAVE ACQUIRED IN THEIR FIVE-YEAR SECONDARY SCHOOL COURSE, THEY FIND A WIDE RANGE OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES ARE OPEN TO THEM.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1982
3
RATEPAYERS REMINDED TO SUPPLY PARTICULARS A A K
THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT IS ISSUING REMINDERS TO OVER 68 OOO RATEPAYERS WHO HAVE FAILED TO RETURN THE ORIGINAL FORMS RIA SENT TO THEM IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
FORM RIA REQUIRES RATEPAYERS TO FURNISH INFORMATION ON RENTS AND OTHER PARTICULARS OF THEIR PREMISES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT 584 000 RATEPAYERS, ALMOST 90 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL, HAVE COMPLETED AND RETURNED THE ORIGINAL FORMS.
THE REMINDERS ARE SIMILAR IN FORMAT TO THE FORMS SENT PREVIOUSLY ALTHOUGH ONLY 14 DAYS ARE ALLOWED FOR THEIR COMHLETION.
TO FACILITATE RATEPAYERS RETURNING THE FORMS A POSTAGE PREPAID RETURN ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED WITH EACH FORM.
ANY PERSON WHO REFUSES OR NEGLECTS TO FILL IN THE FORM IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF-$2 000, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE URGED THOSE WHO RECEIVE A REMINDER TO RETURN IT WITHIN THE TIME LIMIT OR TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT IF HE HAS DIFFICULTY IN COMPLETING IT OR IF THE ORIGINAL FORM HAS BEEN RETURNED.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE MADE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICES AT HENNESSY CENTRE, 17TH FLOOR, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG OR BY TELEPHONING 5-7957888.
- - 0
PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION RESULTS OUT NEXT SUNDAY k a x
RESULTS OF ALLOCATION OF DISCRETIONARY PLACES UNDER THE NEW PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM WILL BE RELEASED NEXT SUNDAY (DECEMBER 5) BY ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
PARENTS ARE ADVISED TO GO TO THE SCHOOL TO WHICH THEIR CHILDREN HAVE APPLIED FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE ON THAT DAY BETWEEN 9 AM AND 12 NOON OR DURING SCHOOL HOURS ON THE FOLLOWING MONDAY OR TUESDAY TO FIND OUT THE RESULTS OF THEIR APPLICATION.
THIS APPLIES TO ALL PARENTS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEIR CHILDREN HAVE BEEN INTERVIEWED BY’THE SCHOOL OR NOT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1982 .
- 4 -
CHINESE CHESS TOURNAMENT FOR TSUEN WAN WORKERS * * *
a MONTH-LONG CHINESE CHESS TOURNAMENT WILL BE HELD IN JANUARY FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS IN TSUEN WAN.
WORKERS MAY ENTER THE COMPETITION EITHER ON THEIR OWN OR IN GROUPS.
ENTRY FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S PUBLIC ENQUIRIES COUNTERS, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S SUB-OFFICES IN TSUEN WAN AND LOCAL COMMUNITY CENTRES.
THE FORMS MUST BE RETURNED BEFORE DECEMBER 19.
THE FIRST MATCH WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 9 AND SUBSEQUENT MATCHES ON MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY EVENINGS AT THE LADY MACLEHOSE CENTRE IN KWAI CHUNG.
WINNERS WILL RECEIVE CASH PRIZES OF $2 OOO, $1 500, $1 000 AND $500 AND A TROPHY EACH, AND THERE WILL BE AN INDUSTRIAL CUP FOR THE TEAM WITH THE HIGHEST SCORE.
A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 30.
THE TOURNAMENT IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE, THE FEDERATION OF TSUEN WAN INDUSTRIES AND THE HONG KONG CHINESE CHESS ASSOCIATION.
FARE REVISION FOR NT MAXICAB ROUTES
DUE TO RISING OPERATIONAL COSTS, FARES FOR FOUR MAXICAB ROUTES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE REVISED FROM WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 1).
THE AFFECTED ROUTES ARE NO. 90M (LAI KING HEADLAND - LAI WAN MTR STATION); NO. 91 (LAI KING HEADLAND - TSUEN WAN); NO. 92M (WAH YUEN CHUEN - LAI WAN MTR STATION) AND NO. 93 (WAH YUEN CHUEN - TSUEN WAN).
THE FARES WILL BE INCREASED BY 50 CENTS TO $1.50. HOWEVER, SECTIONAL FARES OF $1 WILL BE CHARGED FOR SHORTER JOURNEYS.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1982
- 5 -
NEW SITTING-OUT AREA FOR ABERDEEN * * *
A SITTING-OUT ARE.A WILL SOON BE BUILT ON ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD NEAR. ITS JUNCTION WITH OLD MAIN STREET.
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT.
THE AREA WILL OCCUPY ABOUT 330 SQUARE METRES AND WILL HAVE FLOWER POTS, A CHESS TABLE WITH SEATING TOOLS, RAILINGS AND FENCES.
WORK WILL START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
-------0----------
SUSPENSION OF SHA TIN BUS STOP K * * *
THE KOWLOON-BOUND BUS STOP ON LION ROCK JUNNEL ROAD OPPOSITE KAK TIN VILLAGE IN SHA TIN WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH FROM IC AM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 30) FOR REPAIRS TO A FOOTBRIDGE.
COMMUTERS WISHING TO TRAVEL FROM KAK TIN VILLAGE TO KOWLOON ARE ADVISED TO TAKE NO. 81M, 87 AND 89 AT WORLDWIDE GARDEN.
THOSE TAKING NO. 70, 70M, 72M, 74A, 80, 85 ^D 170 FROM OTHER AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO KAK TIN VILLAGE MUST ALIGHT AT THE STOP OPPOSITE SAN TIN WAI ESTATE.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR STRESSES COMMITMENT TO TECHNICAL TRAINING.............. 1
SAFEGUARDING HONG KONG'S TRADING INTEGRITY...................... 2
GOVERNOR LOOKS AT TELEVISION SCENE ............................. 4
INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT BRINGS IN JAPANESE TECHNOLOGY............... 5
MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR NEW TOWN....................... 7
VOLUNTARY CLEARANCE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ...................... 8
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CHIEF BACK FROM LECTURE TRIP ............. 9
TAI PO SLUDGE DEWATERING PLANT CONTRACT........................ 10
CAREERS EXHIBITION ATTRACTS 115 000 VISITORS................... 10
PING CHAU DEVELOPMENT PROJECT.................................. 11
LABOUR LAW OFFENCES............................................ 12
NEW KWUN TONG TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ............................ 12
TSUEN WAN WORKERS VISIT FACTORIES ............................. 13
WATER FIGURES.................................................. 13
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL AND MURRAY ROAD........ 14
FRESH AND SALT WATER MAINS WORK IN SAI KUNG ................... 14
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1982
1
GOVERNOR STRESSES COMMITMENT TO TECHNICAL TRAINING
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, THIS (MONDAY) EVENING REAFFIRMED THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUING COMMITMENT TO AND INVESTMENT IN THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
♦THIS IS A COMMITMENT FROM WHICH WE SHALL NOT FALTER,+ HE SAID AT A DINNER COMMEMORATING THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
SIR EDWARD SAID 1982 MARKED A MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE POLYTECHNIC WHICH HAD SEEN A RAPID RATE OF ADVANCE BOTH IN NUMBERS AND QUALITY.
♦THESE CAN BE NO BETTER EVIDENCE OF THE HIGH DEGREE OF COMMITMENT WHICH HAS BEEN SHOWN BY ALL THOSE CONCERNED- AND OF THE SUCCESS OF THEIR EFFORTS.♦
THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT THE PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR THE SECOND POLYTECHNIC, APPOINTED THIS YEAR AND CHAIRED BY SIR S.Y. CHUNG, HAD ALREADY MADE GOOD PROGRESS IN ESTABLISHING THE FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH THE POLYTECHNIC WILL DEVELOP.
THE TWO POLYTECHNICS ARE WELL ON COURSE, HE SAID, AND WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE A CAPACITY OF 27 OOO FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT PLACES.
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH*
♦ I AM DELIGHTED TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN YOU THIS EVENING TO COMMEMORATE THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
♦ I NOTE THAT AT THE RECENT GRADUATION CEREMONY YOU, SIR S.Y., LIMITED SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TO AN ORATION OF TEN MINUTES ONLY, MINDFUL OF THE MERITS OF BREVITY, PARTICULARLY AT SUCH A PLEASANT DINNER, I SHALL BE EVEN BRIEFER.
+1982 MARKS A MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE POLYTECHNIC. YOU HAVE VIVIDLY DESCRIBED ITS RAPID RATE OF ADVANCE BOTH IN NUMBERS AND QUALITY. THESE CAN BE NO BETTER EVIDENCE OF THE HIGH DEGREE OF COMMITMENT WHICH HAS BEEN SHOWN BY ALL THOSE CONCERNED-AND OF THE SUCCESS OF THEIR EFFORTS. THIS YEAR HAS ALSO SEEN THE APPOINTMENT OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR THE SECOND POLYTECHNIC, UNDER YOUR DISTINGUISHED CHAIRMANSHIP, SIR S.Y. THE COMMITTEE HAS ALREADY MADE GOOD PROGRESS IN ESTABLISHING THE FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH THE NEW POLYTECHNIC WILL DEVELOP.
♦ SO THE TWO POLYTECHNICS ARE WELL ON COURSE. THEY COULD EVENTUALLY HAVE A CAPACITY OF 27 000 FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT PLACES.
/+V7E LIVE...........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1982
2
♦WE LIVE IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD AND TO CONTINUE TO SE SUCCESSFUL IN IT, AS I AM SURE HONG KONG WILL BE, WE WILL NEED AN INCREASINGLY WELL TRAINED AND TECHNICALLY PROFICIENT MANAGEMENT AND WORK FORCE ABLE TO RESPOND QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY TO NEW IDEAS, SYSTEMS, PROCESSES, AND EQUIPMENT. THE POLYTECHNIC HAS BECOME A PRIME SOURCE OF THAT TRAINING AND PROFICIENCY, AND IN SO DOING HAS WON ITSELF A HIGH REPUTATION IN THE COMMUNITY IT SERVES.
+THE GROWTH OF THE TWO POLYTECHNICS ALSO REFLECTS THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUING COMMITMENT TO AND INVESTMENT IN THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. THIS IS A COMMITMENT FROM WHICH WE SHALL NOT FALTER, AND ONE WHICH I KNOW IS SHARED BY THE POLYTECHNIC COUNCIL.
+1 CONGRATULATE YOU WARMLY ON VERY SUCCESSFUL DECADE. I WISH YOU AND I INVITE YOU NOW TO JOIN ME IN OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.*
THIS ANNIVERSARY OF YOUR FIRST ALL EVERY SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE A TOAST TO THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY
-------o----------
SAFEGUARDING HONG KONG’S TRADING INTEGRITY
* * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR DOUGLAS JORDAN, TODAY (MONDAY) STRESSED THAT THE MISDEMEANOURS OF THE TINY PERCENTAGE OF HONG KONG’S TRADING COMMUNITY WHO COULD BRING THE TERRITORY’S TRADING REPUTATION INTO DISREPUTE MUST BE CONSTANTLY COUNTERED.
ADDRESSING THE LUNCH MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, MR JORDAN SAID THAT THE PROPORTION OF FAKE GOODS IMPROPERLY PRODUCED IN HONG KONG WAS +1 NF INITESIMAL+ COMPARED WITH THOSE PRODUCED IN LEGITIMATE TRADE.
♦NEVERTHELESS WHEN COUNTERFEIT GOODS ARE DISCOVERED AND THERE IS CONSEQUENT PUBLICITY EITHER HERE OR ABROAD, HONG KONG’S TRADING REPUTATION AS A WHOLE IS PLACED IH JEOPARDY.
♦LIKEWISE WHEN THE OCCASIONAL SHARP OPERATOR EVADES QUOTA CONTROL, OR FALSELY OBTAINS CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN OF HIS GOODS, HE BRINGS THE SYSTEM AND ALL DECENT TRADERS OF HONG KONG INTO DISREPUTE,+ HE SAID.
VIEWING TRADING INTEGRITY AS ONE OF HONG KONG’S MOST PRECIOUS POSSESSIONS, HE STRESSED THAT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WOULD USE ITS VERY BEST ENDEAVOURS TO PROTECT THIS INTEGRITY AND THE VAST MAJORITY OF DECENT TRADERS WHO DEPENDED UPON IT.
EXPLAINING THE ROLE OF A CUSTOMS SERVICE IN A FREE PORT, NR JORDAN SAID MOST GOODS MOVED UNINHIBITED BY REVENUE RESTRICTIONS AND WITH ONLY LIMITED DOCUMENTATION.
/+SO’.B DOaUKEtn??.TION.........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1982
- 3 -
♦SOME DOCUMENTATION FOR ALL GOODS, WHETHER OR NOT DUTIABLE, IS NECLSSARY FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS. NOT THE LEAST OF THESE IS THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT MUST PROVIDE ITSELF AND THE TRADING COMMUNITY WITH STATISTICS ABOUT ITS TRADE,+ SAID MR JORDAN.
WHERE HONG KONG WAS REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS, OR WHERE THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE CITIZENS OF HONG KONG WAS CONCERNED THERE WERE SOME RESTRICTIONS, BUT THESE WERE KEPT AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE IN THEIR APPLICATION.
CERTIFICATES OF HONG KONG ORIGIN OR THOSE PROVIDED TO ENABLE PREFERENTIAL DUTY TO BE CLAIMED IN IMPORTING COUNTRIES WERE ALSO ISSUED BY THE TRADE DEPARTMENT.
♦BUT OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT VISIT FACTORIES, INSPECT GOODS AND VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY OF APPLICATIONS FROM BOOKS AND ACCOUNTS OF THE HONG KONG EXPORTERS,+ NR JORDAN POINTED OUT.
HE SAID THAT THE SYSTEM USED IN CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN, IN PARTICULAR, WAS ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD AND BY ITS INTEGRITY GREATLY FACILITATED THE TRADE OF HONG KONG.
THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE AND THE COPYRIGHT PROTECTION ORDINANCE.
♦WITH THE FORMER WE ARE CONCERNED WITH DEFEATING ATTEMPTS TO COUNTERFEIT GOODS BY FALSE DESCRIPTION, AND WE ACT BOTH IN THE INTERESTS OF TRADE AND OF THE PURCHASER WHETHER THE OFFENDER PARTIES ARE CITIZENS OF HONG KONG OR NOT. WITH THE LATTER WE ARE PROTECTING COPYRIGHT PROPERTY OF THE NATURE OF AUDIO AND VIDEO CASSETTES AND OCCASIONALLY LITERARY WORKS,♦ HE SAID.
♦THE CITIZENS OF HONG KONG ARE GENERALLY LAW-ABIDING PEOPLE.
. THEY ARE HONEST IN TRADE JUST AS THEY ARE IN THEIR DAILY LIVES AS MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. NEVERTHELESS, THERE IS HERE, AS THERE IS EVERYWHERE ELSE, A MINISCULE FRACTION OF THE COMMUNITY WHO WOULD ENDEAVOUR TO DEFEAT THE LAW FOR THEIR OWN NEFARIOUS GAINS.
♦THE MOST DESPICABLE, OF COURSE, ARE THOSE WHO WOULD TRAFFIC IN NARCOTICS, TAKING ADVANTAGE OF HONG KONG’S 40 000 TO 50 000 ADDICTS,♦ HE SAID.
IN THE ANTI-NARCOTICS FIELD, THE PROFESSIONAL ENFORCEMENT FORCE OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE HAD RECEIVED INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM FOR THEIR SUCCESSES, MR JORDAN ADDED.
♦THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE HAS ALSO ACHIEVED ACCLAIM FOR THE SUCCESS IT HAS ATTAINED AGAINST PIRATED CASSETTE TAPES, AND IT MUST BE UNIQUE IN THAT IT HAS BEEN PRESENTED WITH NOT ONE BUT TWO GOLDEN DISCS BY THE RECORDING INDUSTRY IN RECOGNITION OF ITS EFFORTS IN THIS FIELD,+ HE CONTINUED.
THE WHOLE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT HAD UNDERGONE DRASTIC REORGANISATION TO MATCH THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG OF THE PRESENT AND OF THE FUTURE.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1982
- 4 -
+WE ARE CURRENTLY INTRODUCING NEW OR ADDITIONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES SUCH AS X-RAY MACHINES AND METAL DETECTORS FOR USE AT THE ENTRY POINTS.
♦WE HAVE PLANS TO RENEW AND EXPAND OUR LAUNCH FLEET AT AN EARLY DATE AS FUNDS BECOME AVAILABLE.
♦IN EVERY WAY WE ARE SEEKING TO MEET XZHET ARE WIDE AND EVER-INCREASING DEMANDS ON US TO PROVIDE SERVICE BOTH TO TRADE AND TO SOCIETY GENERALLY IN HONG KONG.+ HE CONCLUDED.
- - 0
GOVERNOR LOOKS AT * *
TELEVISION SCENE *
IN A THREE-PART PROGRAMME, THE GOVERNOR SIR EDWARD YOUDE M ~NG-S
r? R VIEWS 0N THE PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT
2LT!k!VIS,0N ,N H0NG K0NS’ PRESENT AT THE MEETING WERE MR WATT SatESJtc W0NG» DR PETER LEE» MR mERVYN LAW, MR A.C. ’
POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR S. WILKINSON, DIRECTOR OF
S^AST’NG, MR P’ S,NGH’ SECRETARY OF THE BOARD AND TWO MEMBERS Sn0N AUTH0RITY STAFF, MISS ROSE MAY LI AND nioo NUocliA wu.
LADY YOUDEGHOUT ™E PR0GRAMME THE govERNOR WAS ACCOMPANIED BY
c.o rn.c™WLNG .THE MEETING WITH THE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD guestsWofDtheDboard Y°UDE attended LUNCH AT THE HOCKEY club AS
AFTER LUNCH THE GOVERNOR AND LADY YOUDE, ACCOMPANIED BY THE ’SJON AUTHORITY, DROVE TO BROADCAST DRIVE WHERE THEY ^*£L2J!e“™d7a"half H0URS VISITING the two commercial television STATIONS, TELEVISION BROADCASTS LTD. AND ASIA TELEVISION LTD.
THEY WERE WELCOMED BY THE CHAIRMEN OF THE TWO COMPANIES, SIR RUN RUN SHAW OF TVB AND MR DEACON CHIU OF ATV, AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATIVES.
THEY SUBSEQUENTLY TOURED THE FACILITIES IN BOTH STATIONS, WATCHED PROGRAMMES IN REHEARSAL AND DISCUSSED PRODUCTION PROBLEMS WITH ENGINEERING AND PROGRAMME PERSONNEL.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT HE WAS GREATLY IMPRESSED WITH THE ENERGY, DEDICATION AND ORIGINALITY OF THE MANY TELEVISION PRODUCTION PEOPLE HE HAD SPOKEN TO DURING HIS VISIT TO THE TWO STATIONS.
HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT WITH THE ENTHUSIASM AND SKILL WHICH IE HAD SEEN, THE TELEVISION INDUSTRY WOULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE FIRST RATE ENTERTAINMENT INFORMATION AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1982
5
INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT BRINGS IN JAPANESE TECHNOLOGY
*****
A FACTORY SET UP IN TUEN MUN BY THE WORLD’S LARGEST ELECTRIC APPLIANCES ENTERPRISE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY (MONDAY).
THE FACTORY, CALLED THE INTERNATIONAL FAN MANUFACTURING CO. LTD (IFM), IS A JOINT COMPANY ESTABLISHED BY MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD AND ITS SUBSIDIARY MATSUSHITA SEIKO CO. LTD.
IFM IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT TO FACILITATE FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
ALMOST TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS AFTER THE DEPARTMENT’S PROMOTION CONSULTANCY DIVISION FIRST CONTACTED THE JAPANESE COMPANIES, THE FACTORY HAS STARTED PRODUCING ELECTRIC FANS — MAINLY CEILING FANS --FOR MARKETS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA, THE MIDDLE EAST AND CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA.
+THE FAN MOTOR INCORPORATES A REVOLUTIONARY DESIGN SO THAT IT CAN RUN FOR LONG PERIODS WITHOUT GETTING HOT, AND SO EXTENDS THE LIFE OF THE MOTOR,+ A COMPANY SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN APRIL 1980 AN INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION MISSION TO OSAKA HEADED BY THE PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT, MR C.L. CHU, MET SENIOR MANAGEMENT AT THE MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL COMPANY’S HEAD OFFICE IN KADOMA-CITY.
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION LEARNT THAT THE COMPANY’S SUBSIDIARY, MATSUSHITA SEIKO, HAD ONCE CONDUCTED A DETAILED FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THEIR BUSINESS EXPANSION TO HONG KONG.
HAVING ESTABLISHED THE COMPANY’S INTENTION TO CONSIDER
HONG KONG AS AN OFF-SHORE MANUFACTURING BASE, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT CONTINUED WITH ITS EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN THE COMPANY’S INTEREST.
AT THE REQUEST OF BOTH COMPANIES, A MISSION TO OSAKA AT THE END OF 1980 HELD FURTHER DISCUSSIONS WITH THEIR OFFICIALS ON THEIR PLAN TO SET UP AN ELECTRIC FAN FACTORY IN HONG KONG.
A SERIES OF CONTACTS THEN FOLLOWED BETWEEN THE PROMOTION CONSULTANCY DIVISION AND MR K. IKEDA, WHO THEN REPRESENTED THE MATSHUSHITA SEIKO HONG KONG AND OTHER REPRESENTATIVES FROM JAPAN.
THEY WERE PROVIDED WITH DETAILED INFORMATION AND ADVICE ON THE SETTING UP OF A MANUFACTURING PLANT IN HONG KONG.
THIS INCLUDED THE ACQUISITION OF INDUSTRIAL PREMISES, LABOUR LAWS, AND THE RECRUITMENT OF STAFF.
THEY WERE ALSO HELPED TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL SUPPLIES OF COMPONENTS AND PARTS.
/TO ?IND ......
MONDAY. NOVEMBER 29, 1982
6
TO FIND SUITABLE PREMISES WHICH COULD WITHSTAND SHOCKS GENERATED BY MACHINES WAS NO EASY TASK.
TWO RENTAL PLANS HAD TO BE DROPPED BEFORE THE MATSUSHITA SEIKO CO., WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE PROMOTION CONSULTANTS, FINALLY FOUND A GROUND FLOOR FACTORY OF SOME 1 950 SQ. METRES IN TUEN MUN.
THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S WORK DID NOT STOP THERE. THE PROJECT OFFICERS TOOK AN ACTIVE ROLE IN HELPING THE COMPANY TO RECRUIT LOCAL WORKERS.
WHEN IT CAME TO VISA PROBLEMS, THE DEPARTMENT’S HOT LINE IN THE *ONE-STOP UNIT+ TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HELPED THRASH THEM OUT.
A TOTAL OF SIX MANAGERIAL STAFF AND SKILLED TECHNICIANS HAVE BEEN DESPATCHED FROM THE COMPANY’S HEAD OFFICE TO TRAIN LOCAL WORKERS.
THREE POLYTECHNIC GRADUATES, WHO HAVE BEEN RECRUITED AS FOREMEN, WERE SENT TO OSAKA FOR TRAINING AT THE END OF LAST YEAR.
EXPRESSING CONFIDENCE ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE PROJECT, THE CHAIRMAN OF IFM, MR JYUZABURO NAGAI, SAIDi +IT IS WIDELY KNOWN THAT HONG KONG IS AN EXCELLENT INTERNATIONAL FREE PORT WITH A STRONG AND SKILFUL WORKFORCE, CHEAP AND SUFFICIENT SUPPLY OF MATERIALS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, GOOD TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES AND A SOPHISTICATED COMMUNICATION NETWORK.
+WE IN IFM ARE DETERMINED TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY THROUGH OUR BUSINESS ACTIVITIES OF PRODUCING AND SUPPLYING HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS TO SATISFY THE CUSTOMERS.
+WE CAN ACHIEVE THIS BY TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF HONG KONG’S EXCELLENT SITUATION AND IMPLEMENTING THE MERITS OF JAPANESE MANAGEMENT.*
MR NAGAI SAID THAT WORLD-WIDE DEMAND FOR CEILING FANS HAD EXPANDED CONSIDERABLY DUE TO THE RISING TREND OF ENERGY SAVING.
THE MARKET SIZE IS EXPECTED TO REACH 12 MILLION CEILING FANS ANNUALLY, AND HONG KONG IS SUPPLYING ABOUT HALF OF THEM, HE ADDED.
IFM IS THE FIRST OVERSEAS MANUFACTURING COMPANY OF MATSUSHITA SEIKO CO. AND THE FORTIETH OF MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., WHICH ALREADY HAS OVERSEAS MANUFACTURING COMPANIES THROUGHOUT AMERICA, EUROPE AND ASIA.
♦THIS IS THE MATSUSHITA GROUP’S FIRST MANUFACTURING PLANT IN HONG KONG, AND I AM HOPEFUL THAT THIS WILL BE ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL EXAMPLE OF OUR MANY OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROJECTS,* MR NAGAI SAID.
0 - -
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1982
7
MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR NEW TOWN *****
A NUMBER OF RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS FACILITIES HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR FANLING-SHEK WU HUI WHICH WILL HOUSE SOME 180 000 PEOPLE IN THE EARLY 1990S.
THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STUART HARBINSON, DISCLOSED THIS TODAY AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ’82.
THIS WOULD BE IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING FACILITIES IN THE AREA, NOTABLY THE FANLI NG SWIMMING COMPLEX, SQUASH COURTS, SOCCER PITCHES AND BASKETBALL COURTS.
MR HARBINSON SAID THAT A SPORTS COMPLEX, A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX AND AN INDOOR GAMES HALL WOULD BE PROVIDED IN THE AREA BY LATE 1986.
♦ANOTHER FEATURE OF THE NEW TOWN IS THE SPACE RESERVED FOR OPEN AREAS FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES. A LANDSCAPE STUDY IS TO BE CONDUCTED BY A FIRM OF CONSULTANTS BEFORE A TOWN PARK IS BUILT IN AREA 9, WHICH IS CENTRALLY SITUATED IN THE NEW TOWN,+ HE ADDED.
THE TWO-WEEK DISTRICT FESTIVAL, WHICH IS TO BE HELD IN THE DISTRICT FOR THE THIRD YEAR, WILL OPEN ON DECEMBER 4.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CONFERENCE WAS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LAW CHAK-TONG, WHO DESCRIBED THE FESTIVAL AS AN IMPORTANT EVENT FOR LOCAL PEOPLE TO CELEBRATE THE FORMATION OF THE DISTRICT THREE YEARS AGO.
GEOGRAPHICALLY, THE NORTH DISTRICT CONSISTS OF FOUR ♦ SUB-DISTRICTS, NAMELY, FANLING, SHEUNG SHUI, SHA TAU KOK AND TA KWU LING.
MR LAW POINTED OUT THAT THE AMOUNT OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR THE FESTIVAL INCREASED EVERY YEAR.
THE BOARD CONTRIBUTED $120 000 TOWARDS THE COMING FESTIVAL WHICH IS ONE-THIRD MORE THAN LAST YEAR’S.
THE FESTIVAL IS BEING JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (NT), RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, MUSIC OFFICE, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS.
THE PROGRAMME WILL CONSIST OF 18 EVENTS INCLUDING WESTERN FOLK DANCE, PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION AND EXHIBITION, VARIETY SHOWS, CHINESE ORCHESTRA AND CANTONESE OPERAS AND A SPORTS CARNIVAL.
ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT WILL BE A MODEL CARS AND AEROPLANES SHOW ON DECEMBER 11.
THE HEADQUARTERS GURKHA FIELD FORCE WILL ALSO STAGE A PARACHUTE JUMP DEMONSTRATION ON DECEMBER 16.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FESTIVAL OPENING ON DECEMBER 4 AT THE TOWN HALL.
0----
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1982
8
VOLUNTARY CLEARANCE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES
U * H
MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD TODAY (MONDAY) LEARNED HOW A LONG-STANDING ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM AT FIVE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS IN QUARRY BAY HAD BEEN RESOLVED THROUGH THE CLOSE COOPERATION BETWEEN RESIDENTS AND THE GOVERNMENT.
A VISIT, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND EVER ORGANISED BY THE BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, WAS MADE TO THE OWNERS’ CORPORATION OF THE YICK FAT, YICK CHEONG, FOOK CHEONG, OCEANIC AND MONTANE BUILDINGS THIS EVENING.
THE VISITING PARTY COMPRISED 10 DB MEMBERS, THE EASTERN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE POLICE, RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, ICAC, HOUSING, AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS.
THE VISITORS LEARNED THAT ABOUT 13 000 PEOPLE LIVED IN THE FIVE 10-YEAR-0LD BUILDINGS WHICH JOINTLY SHARED TWO COMMON COURTYARDS COMPRISING PLATFORMS OVER BASEMENTS.
SOON AFTER THE BUILDINGS WERE OCCUPIED, THE TWO COURTYARDS HAD BEEN ENCROACHED UPON BY UNAUTHORISED EXTENSIONS AND ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WHICH WERE MOSTLY USED AS COOKED-FOOD STALLS, CREATING SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS..
TO IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT OF THE BUILDINGS AND TO COORDINATE EFFORTS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS OF THE COURTYARDS, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS WERE FORMED.
THE PROBLEMS WERE ALSO DISCUSSED AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING IN MAY LAST YEAR AND IT WAS AGREED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ASSIST THE OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS IN SOLVING THE PROBLEMS BY CLEARING THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES.
DETAILS OF THE CLEARANCE HAD BEEN WORKED OUT AFTER NUMEROUS INTER-DEPARTMENTAL MEETINGS CONVENED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, SOME OF WHICH WERE ALSO ATTENDED BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS.
ON JUNE 28 THIS YEAR, THE CORPORATIONS ISSUED LETTERS AND NOTICES TO DEMAND THAT ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND EXTENSIONS BE DEMOLISHED VOLUNTARILY WITHIN 12 WEEKS. BUT THE STRUCTURES REMAINED INTACT ON THE EXPIRY DATE.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE THEN POSTED NOTICES OF DEMOLITION ORDERS ON THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND PUBLISHED THE ORDERS IN THE GAZETTE.
THE NOTICES ORDERED THAT THESE STRUCTURES BE DEMOLISHED BY OCTOBER 19, FAILING WHICH THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE CONTRACTOR WOULD STEP IN TO DO THE JOB.
/TEE TRESPASSERS .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 19??
- 9 -
THE TRESPASSERS AND THE SHOP OPERATORS WHO OWNED THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES THEN REALISED THE DETERMINATION OF THE OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND THE GOVERNMNET AND VOLUNTARILY DEMOLISHED ALL THE STRUCTURES.
THE PARTY WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE CORPORATIONS HAD FOUND A CONTRACTOR TO DEVELOP THE CLEARED COURTYARD INTO A REST GARDEN AND THAT WORK WAS EXPECTED TO COST $250 000, TAKING THREE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
EARLIER, THE PARTY ALSO VISITED THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE OF THE HOLY CROSS PATH VILLAGE IN SHAU KEI WAN, WHICH HAS A POPULATION OF 10 000, THE LARGEST SQUATTER VILLAGE IN EASTERN DISTRICT AS WELL AS HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE VISIT WAS ORGANISED TO HELP THE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE OPERATION OF MACS AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS.
----o------
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CHIEF BACK FROM LECTURE TRIP
* * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER, RETURNED LAST NIGHT (SUNDAY) FROM JAPAN, AFTER SPENDING THREE MONTHS LECTURING AS A VISITING EXPERT AT A UNITED NATIONS TRAINING COURSE THERE.
THE COURSE WAS ORGANISED BY THE UNITED NATIONS ASIA AND FAR EAST INSTITUTE FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRIME AND TREATMENT OF OFFENDERS (UNAFEI), AND HAD AS ITS THEME THE ♦IMPROVEMENT OF CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMMES FOR MORE EFFECTIVE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS*.
MR GARNER, WHO RESUMED OFFICE TODAY, DEALT MAINLY WITH THE UNITED NATIONS STANDARD MINIMUM RULES FOR THE TREATMENT OF OFFENDERS
THE COURSE ATTRACTED SOME 32 PARTICIPANTS FROM 16 COUNTRIES INCLUDING TWO OTHER SENIOR OFFICERS FROM HONG KONG’S CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, HE SAID.
o --------
/10 .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1982
10
TAI PO SLUDGE DEWATERING PLANT CONTRACT * * *
THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY AWARDED A CONTRACT TO GILMAN AND CO. LTD. FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE SLUDGE DEWATERING PLANT FOR TAI PO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS, STAGE II. ’
THE CONTRACT, WORTH $11.4 MILLION, IS ONE OF THE FOUR MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL CONTRACTS FOR THE TREATMENT WORKS.
IT COVERS THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF THREE FILTER PLATE PRESSES AND ASSOCIATED SLUDGE AND CHEMICAL FEED PUMPS, THREE SLUDGE TRANSFER PUMPS, VARIOUS TANK/MIXER STIRRERS AND ASSOCIATED ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.
THE CONTRACT WAS FORMALLY SIGNED THIS MORNING BY MR R.T. JENKINS, ACTING GOVERNMENT ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEER (PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT), AND MR M.J.C. HASZLAKIEWICZ, DIRECTOR OF GILMAN AND-CO. LTD.
WORKS ON THE CONTRACT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY MID-1985.
--------0----------
CAREERS EXHIBITION ATTRACTS 115 000 VISITORS
XXX
MORE THAN 115 □□□ PEOPLE VISITED THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S 10-DAY 11TH ANNUAL CAREERS EXHIBITION WHICH CLOSED IN THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL THIS (MONDAY) EVENING.
AT THE SAME TIME, LIVE CAREERS SHOWS HELD AT EDINBURGH PLACE ON WEEKENDS AND SUNDAYS DURING THE EXHIBITION PERIOD ATTRACTED NO LESS THAN 110 OOOVISITORS.
SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY THIS EVENING, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR J.N. HENDERSON, ATTRIBUTED SUCCESS OF THE EXHIBITION TO CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY THE PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS, ADDING THAT THEIR SUPPORT IN PROVIDING FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR THE DESIGN OF THEIR STANDS AND IN PROVIDING EXPERIENCED STAFF TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES ON THE SPOT HAS CERTAINLY HELPED TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVE OF THE EXHIBITION.
+THE SUCCESS OF THE CAREERS EXHIBITION REFLECTS ITS POPULARITY AND THE FACT THAT IT HELPS TO SATISFY A DEMAND OF YOUNG PEOPLE FOR CAREERS INFORMATION. I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT WE WILL CONTINUE TO ORGANISE THE EVENT AND, WITH THE HELP OF THE MANY PARTIES INVOLVED, MAKE IT EVEN BETTER AND MORE INFORMATIVE IN FUTURE,* l€ TOLD EXHIBITORS ATTENDING THE CEREMONY.
/AFP eh the.......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1982
PRESENTEDRATPPNS?ftCtA tuc ,0TT’ AN URBAN COUNCILLOR,
.o.-\PEN SET T0 THE 100 OOOTH VISITORS, MISS LAM WAI-MAN ^e2*,Sr.A F0RM F,VE STUDERT FROM ST ANTONIUS GIRLS’ COLLEGE THE URBAN COUNCIL CO-SPONSORED THE EXHIBITION. E* ™E
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES BY THE dippptoo wSrBY^iiNrn.S| °F DA° HENG BANK» MR FRANK TUNG, T0 THE C.C.C.
MING YIN COLLLGE AND THE CHEUNG SHA WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOm “H'CH ?SXE=?C0REI> TRE HIGHEST **ER‘GE HARKS RESPECTIVELY IN THE ’ ti!fSJ yJio I LEGS 0F A QU,Z ORGANISED IN CONNECTION WITH
int tAniDiriON.
TO INDIV,§UALMEXHimORS?£D W'T" "" HENDERS0N PRESERTI"G SOUVENIRS
- - 0 - -
PENG CHAU DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
M M X K
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE FORMATION OF 4.3 HECTARES OF LAND ON THE NORTH-WESTERN COASTLINE OF PENG CHAU AND ON TAI LEI ISLAND.
THE PROJECT FORMS PART OF THE PENG CHAU ISLAND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME UNDERTAKEN BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT BRANCH OF THE DEPARTMENT.
THE LAND FORMED WILL PROVIDE SITES FOR PRIVATE HOUSING, A MARKET COMPLEX, A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AND PUMPING STATION, AN ABATTOIR, AN INCINERATOR, AN ELECTRIC SUBSTATION, AS WELL AS FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.
ALSO INCLUDED WILL BE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BRIDGE LINKING TAI LEI ISLAND WITH PENG CHAU AND A JETTY ON TAI LEI ISLAND.
WORK WILL START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
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/12 .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1982
- 12 -
LABOUR LAW OFFENCES X K I
A TOTAL OF 604 PROSECUTION CASES FOR BREACHES OF LABOUR LAWS TAKEN OUT BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN OCTOBER RESULTED IN CONVICTIONS, AND FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS TOTALLED MORE THAN $723 000.
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 294 CASES CONCERNING VIOLATIONS OF SAFETY REGULATIONS. WITH $556 100 IN FINES. THESE INCLUDED 74 CASES (WITH $258 800 IN FINES) FOR BREACH OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS AND 153 CASES (WITH $220 300 IN FINES) FOR BREACH CF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS.
THERE WERE 254 CASES RELATING TO BREACHES OF THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS, WITH $128 175 IN FINES.
OF THE OTHER PROSECUTIONS, SIX CASES CONCERNED FAILURE TO KEEP RECORDS OF EMPLOYEES, LEADING TO $3 050 IN FINES.
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NEW KWUN TONG TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
* * *
NEW MEASURES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN KWUN TONG WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 1).
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES ON NGAU TAU KOK ROAD WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT INTO THE SLIP ROAD NEAR BLOCK 1 OF LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE.
MEANWHILE, SHING SHUN ROAD AND NGAU TAU KOK ROAD FROM SHING SHUN ROAD TO JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED AS 24 HOUR URBAN CLEARWAYS, WHERE NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF NGAU TAU KOK ROAD NEAR BLOCK 1 OF LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE WILL ALSO BE DESIGNATED AS AN URBAN CLEARWAY, BUT THE OPERATING HOURS WILL BE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
0
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1982
- 13 -
TSUEN WAN WORKERS VISIT FACTORIES
X A X
TEN FACTORY WORKERS IN TSUEN WAN, ACTING AS ’AMBASSADORS’, TODAY (MONDAY) VISITED A NUMBER OF FIRMS IN TUEN MUN TO GET FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE AND EXCHANGE VIEWS AND EXPERIENCE.
THE TRIP, ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE AND THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, WAS PART OF THEIR PRIZES FOR WINNING THIS YEAR’S MODEL WORKERS AWARD SCHEME.
TODAY’S ITINERARY, THE FIRST OF A TWO-DAY PROGRAMME, INCLUDED VISITS TO THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER PLANT AT TAP SHEK KOK, AND A TOY AND A ZIPPER FACTORY IN TUEN MUN.
NEXT MONDAY (DECEMBER 6) THE WORKERS WILL VISIT A DYEING AND A GARMENT MANUFACTURING FIRM BEFORE GOING TO THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER PORT AND THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE.
THE VISITS, HELD FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR, ARE TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORKERS TO GET BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF OTHER INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS, AND TO PROMOTE THE MODEL WORKERS SCHEME TO OTHER DISTRICTS.
TSUEN WAN, WITH A WORKFORCE OF ABOUT 200 000, IS THE ONLY DISTRICT WHICH HAS BEEN ORGANISING THIS AWARD SCHEME ANNUALLY SINCE 1980.
------o-------
WATER FIGURES X X X
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 79.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY, OR 459.859 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 272.840 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 47.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - - - 0 -----------
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1982
14
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL AND MURRAY ROAD
X * * *
ONE TUBE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL WILL BE CLOSED DAILY BETWEEN 9.30 PM AND 6 AM THROUGHOUT DECEMBER EXCEPT SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FOR ROAD REPAIRS, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
DURING THE CLOSURE, THE OTHER TUBE WILL BE OPEN TO TWO WAY TRAFFIC.
MEANWHILE, IN CENTRAL, THE SOUTHBOUND SECTION OF MURRAY ROAD BETWEEN HARCOURT ROAD AND LAMBETH WALK WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 1) FOR THE LAYING OF WATERMAINS.
THE ARRANGEMENT WILL LAST FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH, DURING WHICH, WESTBOUND VEHICLES ON HARCOURT ROAD HEADING FOR MURRAY ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, JACKSON ROAD AND CHATER ROAD.
- - 0 - -
FRESH AND SALT WATER MAINS WORK IN SAI KUNG *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES AND VILLAGES IN SAI KUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FOUR HOURS FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 2) FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE PREMISES AND VILLAGES TO BE AFFECTED ARE ON CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD BETWEEN HIRAM’S HIGHWAY AND MANG KUNG UK, SILVER-STRAND, HANG HAU TOWN, SHAW’S STUDIO, BAY SIDE, PO LAM ROAD, RENNIE’S MILL AREA, MA YAU TONG, SAI KUNG TOWN AREA, AS WELL AS ON HIRAM’S HIGHWAY, INCLUDING THE TAN CHEUNG AREA.
ON THE SAME DAY, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE CUT OFF FOR TEN HOURS FROM 9 AM FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
PREMISES AFFECTED WILL BE THOSE ON HONG LEE ROAD, HONG NING ROAD, AND KUNG LOK ROAD, AS WELL AS IN SAU MAU PING ESTATE, HAM TIN ESTATE, CHOI WAN ESTATE, SHUNG LEE ESTATE, AND SHEUNG ON ESTATE.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LADY YOUDE CALLS FOR EFFORT AGAINST CHILI) ABUSE .............. 1
SIR PHILIP GOING ON VACATION .................................. 1
TAC ENDORSES KMB ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PLAN ....................... 2
SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND GRANTS .................................. 3
CALL FOR UNITED EFFORT IN WORK SAFETY ......................... 3
COMPUTER SCANNER IN OPERATION AT QEH .......................... 4
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ....................................... 5
BOOKLET TO SAFEGUARD THE HOME.................................. 5
BANKING MANPOWER SURVEY STARTING TOMORROW...................... 6
KCR TO REDUCE ELECTRIFIED NIGHT SERVICE........................ 7
LICENSING OF FISHING VESSELS .................................. 7
YOUTHS FEATURE IN 1983 CALENDAR ............................... 8
ONE-WAY TRAFFIC ON NGAU TAU KOK ROAD .......................... 8
WATER CUTS IN THREE DISTRICTS ................................. 9
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1982
1
LADY YOUDE CALLS FOR EFFORT AGAINST CHILD ABUSE * M *
MEASURES AGAINST CHILD ABUSE CALL FOR THE UNITED EFFORTS OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES, THE POLICE, THE COMMUNITY AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, LADY YOUDE SAID THIS EVENING (TUESDAY) IN OPENING THE ♦AGAINST CHILD ABUSE* CENTRE AT CHOI WAN ESTATE.
♦CHILD ABUSE IS AN ISSUE WHICH CONCERNS US ALL. IT BRINGS GREAT SUFFERING NOT ONLY TO THE CHILD, BUT TO THE FAMILY INVOLVED, AND MUCH SADNESS TO THE COMMUNITY IN WHICH IT OCCURS.
♦ITS CAUSES ARE LEGION, AND THE MEASURES NOW BEING ADOPTED TO DEAL WITH IT ARE EQUALLY WIDE-RANGING,+ SHE SAID.
LADY YOUDE ADDED THAT +AGAINST CHILD ABUSE* PLAYED A VALUABLE ROLE AS A SOURCE OF DIRECT HELP TO THE FAMILIES AS WELL AS TO THE ABUSED CHILDREN.
SHE THEN CONGRATULATED THE AGENCY ON ITS ♦INITIATIVE AND HUMANITARIAN CONCERN* WHICH HAD LED TO THE PROVISION OF THE CENTRE AND WISHED IT SUCCESS IN ITS AIM TO REDUCE AND, HOPEFULLY, ELIMINATE CHILD ABUSE IN HONG KONG.
-----o-----
SIR PHILIP GOING ON VACATION * * * *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, WILL BE LEAVING VACAT*IONQLEAVERR°W EVEN,N6 (DECEMBER 1> F0R A®OUf ONE MONTH’S
in DENIS BRAY W,LL ACT AS CHIEF SECRETARY
IN ADDITION TO BEING SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1982
2
TAC ENDORSES KMB ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PLAN * * * *
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY ENDORSED THE ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY WHICH WILL REQUIRE THE COMPANY TO EXPAND ITS FLEET BY 200 NEW BUSES IN 1983 AND A FURTHER 140 BUSES IN 1984.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO AGREED TO CANCEL THE CENTRAL-TO-MEI FOO FERRI1 SERVICE FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
THE ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PLAN, COVERING THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF A FIVE-YEAR PROGRAMME, GENERALLY FOLLOWS THE MODERATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AS RECOMMENDED BY THE KMB OPERATION REVIEW SUB-GROUP.
A REPORT ANALYSING THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF KMB IMPLEMENTING THIS PLAN WAS CONSIDERED. IN THE LIGHT OF THE FINANCIAL FORECAST, THE NEED FOR A MODERATE FARES REVISION SOMETIME IN THE FIRST HALF OF NEXT YEAR SEEMS LIKELY.
VARIOUS OPTIONS TO DELAY THE FARE INCREASE WERE CONSIDERED, BUT IT BECAME EVIDENT THAT, OTHER THAN BY CUTTING BACK ON THE ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PLAN - AND THIS WOULD MEAN A DETERIORATION IN THE LEVEL OF SERVICE PROVIDED TO THE PUBLIC - SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS CANNOT BE ACHIEVED BY ANY OTHER MEANS.
THE REASON ADVANCED FOR CANCELLATION OF THE CENTRAL-TO-MEI FOO FERRY SERVICE WAS THE SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION OF AN AVERAGE 76 PER CENT IN PATRONAGE FOLLOWING THE OPENING OF THE TSUEN WAN EXTENSION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY. ATTEMPTS BY THE FERRY COMPANY TO KEEP THE SERVICE VIABLE, INCLUDING THE INTRODUCTION OF ORDINARY FERRY SAILINGS AND HOVERFERRIES AT LOWER FARES, HAVE FAILED TO ATTRACT MORE PASSENGERS.
IN AGREEING TO THE CANCELLATION. THE TAC NOTED THAT ALTERNATIVE MODES OF TRANSPORT BETWEEN MEI FOO AND CENTRAL ARE AVAILABLE. MOREOVER, THE FOUR VESSELS IN USE, TWO HOVERFERRIES AND TWO DOUBLE-DECKERS, WOULD BE REDEPLOYED TO IMPROVE SERVICE ON OTHER ROUTES. AN ADDITIONAL BERTH IN THE CENTRAL DISTRICT AREA WOULD ALSO BE RELEASED TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF FERRY OPERATIONS SERVING THE AREA.
A PEDESTRIAN PROBLEM SPOTS REVIEW COMPILED BY THE ROAD SAFETY DIVISION OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WAS CONSIDERED BY MEMBERS.
THIS LATEST ANNUAL REVIEW HAS SYSTEMATICALLY ATTEMPTED TO IDENTIFY PEDESTRIAN PROBLEMS ON SITE, GIVING PARTICULAR REGARD TO THE ACCIDENT SITUATION AS IT AFFECTS PEDESTRIANS. IMPROVEMENTS TO FACILITIES ARE AIMED MORE AT PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS, THAN AT REDUCTION OF CONFLICT BETWEEN TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIANS.
MEMBERS ALSO CONSIDERED AN INFORMATION PAPER ON THE RECENT BUS ACCIDENTS AND NOTED THAT THE NUMBER OF BUS ACCIDENTS IN RECENT YEARS HAD NOT BEEN DISPROPORTIONATE TO THAT OF OTHER CAR ACCIDENTS.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1982
3
SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND GRANTS
* * *
MORE THAN $2 MILLION WILL BE ALLOCATED NEXT YEAR FROM THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT AND OTHER NON-CAPITAL PROJECTS.
ORGANISATIONS NEEDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL, CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS FACILITIES SHOULD NOW APPLY FOR GRANTS.
THE FUND IS SPORT.
ADMINISTERED BY THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO INITIATION OF NEW PROJECTS AND NEW AGENCIES WHICH HAVE DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING GOVERNMENT SUBVENTIONS OR ASSISTANCE FROM OTHER MAJOR SOURCES.
REQUESTS FROM SCHOOLS WILL GENERALLY BE REFERRED TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR COMMENT AND, SIMILARLY, APPLICATIONS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD PROJECTS WILL BE REFERRED TO THE RELEVANT SPONSORING DEPARTMENTS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, THE VARIOUS OFFICES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND ALSO FROM THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT.
APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN DUPLICATE AND SENT TO THE SECRETARY, COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), 3RD FLOOR, ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG BEFORE JANUARY 15, 1983.
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CALL FOR UNITED EFFORT IN WORK SAFETY * * *
A CALL TODAY BY MR
FOR A UNITED EFFORT IN PROMOTING WORK SAFETY WAS
MADE
ou SpEA*,Ne AT OPENING OF AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SEMINAR NG AND SHIPREPAIRING INDUSTRY HELD AT THE CHINESE R0AD' MR W0Ne URGED GOVERNMENT, EMPLOYERS E*PL9YEES *T0 J0,N HANDS ,N CONTAINING WORK ACCIDENTS WHICH HAVE TAKEN SO MANY LIVES AND CAUSED SO MUCH MISERY TO THE COMMUNITY*.
FOR
TRI PARTITE SEMINAR HELD IN HONG KONG FOR THE SHIPBUILDING AND SHIPREPAIRING INDUSTRY OFFERED A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR OPEN DISCUSSION AND EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON MATTERS RELATING TO SA,D* ,T ALS0 SHOWED THE WHOLE-HEARTED SUPPORT OF ALL CONCERNED FOR THE PROMOTION OF VOLUNTARY SAFETY MOVEMENT IN INDUSTRY, MR WONG SAID.
/MB WONG ......
TUESDAY, K0VKMBE8 30, 1982
- 4 -
HR WONG SAID 217 ACCIDENTS WERE RECORDED IN THE SHIPBUILDING AND SHIPREPAIR ING INDUSTRY IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR. AN INCREASE OF 20 PER CENT OVER THE 183 ACCIDENTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
OUT OF THOSE ACCIDENTS, 38 WERE FALLS, WHILE 62 WERE RELATED TO STEPPING ON OR STRIKING AGAINST OBJECTS.
♦THIS SHOWS THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE STILL ATTACH LITTLE IMPORTANCE TO SAFE WORKING PRACTICES AND GOOD SAFETY MANAGEMENT AT WORKPLACES. CLEARLY MUCH MORE HAS TO BE DONE IN THIS RESPECT, IE SAID.
WHILE SAFETY LEGISLATION AND ITS STRICT ENFORCEMENT WAS NECESSARY IN MAINTAINING A BASIC STANDARD OF SAFETY AND HEALTH IN INDUSTRY, NO SAFETY PROMOTION PROGRAMME WAS LIKELY TO SUCCEED WITHOUT THE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AND UNRESERVED CO-OPERATION OF ALL THOSE WHO ACTUALLY MANAGED OR WORKED AT THE WORKPLACE - THE EMPLOYERS, SUPERVISORS AND WORKERS, HE SAID.
AT THE ONE-DAY SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE SHIPBUILDING AND SHIPREPAIRING INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, THE PARTICIPANTS HEARD TALKS GIVEN BY SAFETY PROFESSIONALS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICERS AND SAW TWO FILMS ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
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COMPUTER SCANNER IN OPERATION AT QEH M * * *
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS BEGUN OPERATIONS OF A HIGHLY ADVANCED COMPUTERISED BODY SCANNER AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL.
THE COMPUTERISED TOMOGRAPHY SCANNER, WHICH COSTS ABOUT $4.5 MILLION, HAS BEEN INSTALLED IN H-BLOCK OF THE HOSPITAL AND WILL BE A CONSIDERABLE AID TO THE INSTITUTE OF RADIOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY IN DIAGNOSING SERIOUS ILLNESSES.
ONE OF THE MANY FUNCTIONS OF THE MACHINE INCLUDES BODY AND l€AD SCANS, WHICH WILL HELP DETECT AND IDENTIFY POSSIBLE CANCER GROWTHS AS WELL AS EXAMINING HEAD INJURY CASES TO FIND OUT IF THERE IS INTERNAL HEMORRHAGE.
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG WILL PERFORM A BRIEF CEREMONY TO MARK THE BEGINNING OF FULL OPERATIONAL SERVICES OF THE NEW COMPUTERISED SCANNER ON DECEMBER 3 (FRIDAY).
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CEREMONY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT AROUND 11 AM, DECEMBER 3, ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF H-BLOCK, QEH.
------O'------
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1982
- 5 -
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED
XXI
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON CHU CH I-LUNG ON FEBRUARY 19, 1982, SHOULD BE COWWTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
CHU WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF CHU CHUN-KWONG ON JUNE 14, 1981.
--->o-----
BOOKLET TO SAFEGUARD THE HOME KU
MANY SERIOUS ACCIDENTS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED HAVE OCCURRED IN THE HOME AS A RESULT OF IGNORANCE AND CARELESSNESS.
THIS IS POINTED OUT IN A 24-PAGE BILINGUAL BOOKLET RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AS PART OF THIS YEAR’S HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
THE BOOKLET, ENTITLED +SAFETY STARTS AT HOME*, SAYS THERE ARE AT LEAST ELEVEN DANGER AREAS IN THE HOME.
THESE INCLUDE GAS WATER HEATERS, ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, FLAMES AND FUELS, BABIES’ BED COVERS, HOT OR STEAMING UTENSILS, SHARP OBJECTS, WINDOWS AND HIGH PLACES, MEDICINES, MOVING MACHINERY, LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT AND BATH TUBS.
IT GIVES MORE THAN 100 SAFETY HINTS, INCLUDING FIRST AID TIPS, TELLING THE READER HOW TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS AND WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS.
DOMESTIC SAFETY SHOULD BE A LONG-TERM ENDEAVOUR, REQUIRING THE CO-OPERATION OF THE GOVERNMENT, THE SCHOOL AND THE FAMILY, IT SAYS.
STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF PARENTAL GUIDANCE, THE BOOKLET SUGGESTS THAT PARENTS SHOULD START TEACHING THEIR CHILDREN ABOUT HOME SAFETY BY SETTING GOOD EXAMPLES.
THE BOOKLET DRAWS ON THE EXPERTISE OF FOUR GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH, THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AND THE FIRE SERVICES.
THE CONSUMER COUNCIL HAS ALSO PROVIDED VALUABLE ADVICE ON THE CONTENT.
/to make ......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1?82
- 6 -
TO MAKE READING EASY AND INTERESTING, THE BOOKLET IS WRITTEN IN SIMPLE LANGUAGE AND CONSISTS OF CARTOON ILLUSTRATIONS.
OTHER GOVERNMENT EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO PUBLICISE HOME SAFETY.
THESE INCLUDE TV AND RADIO PROGRAMMES, TALKS, POSTERS, LEAFLETS, MOBILE STREET THEATRE SHOWS, FEATURE ARTICLES AND PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES.
THE BOOKLET IS AVAILABLE FREE AT VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES.
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BANKING MANPOWER SURVEY STARTING TOMORROW
* * *
THE BANKING TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WILL START A MANPOWER SURVEY TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO ASCERTAIN THE MANPOWER AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS IN THE BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (DTCS) SECTORS.
QUESTIONNAIRE^, EXPLANATORY NOTES AND JOB DESCRIPTIONS WERE SENT TO BANKS AND DTCS TWO WEEKS AGO.
INTERVIEWERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL BE VISITING THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO COLLECT THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES AND, IF NECESSARY, TO HELP IN ANSWERING THEM.
THE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUPPLY INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AND VACANCIES, TRAINING ACTIVITIES, PERIOD OF TRAINING AND OTHER RELATED MANPOWER AND TRAINING MATTERS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRAINING BOARD, MR DEREK F. WHARTON, REITERATED THAT INFORMATION COLLECTED IN THE SURVEY WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
THE SURVEY WILL END ON DECEMBER 18, 1982.
/7........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1982
- 7 -
KCR TO REDUCE ELECTRIFIED NIGHT SERVICE ft ft ft ft
THE FREQUENCY OF ELECTRIC TRAINS RUNNING BETWEEN KOWLOON AND SHA TIN WILL BE REDUCED AFTER 8 PM EACH NIGHT STARTING TOMORROW (DECEMBER 1).
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY SAID THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE WORK TO BE CARRIED OU! ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TEMPORARY TAI WAI STATION.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THERE WILL BE ONLY ONE SINGLE TRACK (DOWN LINE) IN OPERATION BETWEEN BEACON HILL NORTH AND SHA TIN AND, AS A RESULT, NORMAL TRAIN SCHEDULES WILL BE SLIGHTLY ALTERED AFTER 8 PM EVERY MIGHT.
THE SPOKESMAN APOLOGISED TO COMMUTERS FOR ANY J^CONVENIENCE CAUSED BUT STRESSED THAT THE TEMPORARY TAI WAI STATION IS URGENTLY NEEDED TO COPE WITH THE ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAMME.
♦PEOPLE LIVING IN TAI WAI ARE ALREADY LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING A RAILWAY STATION BUILT IN THEIR DISTRICT,♦ HE SAID.
THE TEMPORARY TAI WAI STATION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN JULY NEXT YEAR.
MEANWHILE, KCR WILL INTRODUCE A SUPPLEMENTARY TIMETABLE FOR OPERATING TRAINS AT NIGHT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. COPIES OF THE TIMETABLE ARE DISPLAYED AT ALL STATIONS.
_ _ o - -
LICENSING OF FISHING VESSELS ft ft * *
LICENSING AND INSPECTION OF FISHING VESSELS WILL BE CONDUCTED ON THE FIRST AND THIRD WEDNESDAYS OF EVERY MONTH, BEGINNING TOMORROW (DECEMBER 1), AT THE SAI KUNG MARINE OFFICE, 65 MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG.
OWNERS OF ANY VESSELS REQUIRING A LICENCE OR RENEWAL OF LICENCE SHOULD HAVE THIS DONE ON THESE DAYS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE REMINDED OWNERS OF ALL VESSELS, INCLUDING SAMPANS, FISHING VESSELS, TRADING VESSELS AND OTHERS THAT A LICENCE IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT UNDER THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (MISCELLANEOUS CRAFT) REGULATIONS.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT LICENSING MATTERS MAY BE MADE AT THE SAI KUNG MARINE OFFICE AT TELEPHONE NUMBER 3-2811212.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1982
8
YOUTHS FEATURE IN 1983 CALENDAR * * *
THE ACTIVE PART WHICH YOUNG PEOPLE PLAY IN THE COMMUNITY PROVIDES THE THEME FOR A COLOURFUL NEW WALL CALENDAR WHICH HAS BEEN PRODUCED TO PROMOTE HONG KONG.
THE CALENDAR IS THE LATEST IN A SUCCESSFUL SERIES WHICH AIMS TO FOLLOW A YEAR-LONG THEME SHOWING DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF LIFE IN HONG KONG.
IT IS BILINGUAL, COSTS $29 AND IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, HONG KONG. IT COMES IN AN ENVELOPE READY FOR POSTING.
THE FRONT COVER SHOWS YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE UNIFORMS OF VARIOUS YOUTH GROUPS - FROM THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL TO THE GIRL GUIDES’ ASSOCIATION. EACH PAGE INSIDE CARRIES A PHOTOGRAPH OF A MEMBER OF A YOUTH GROUP.
THE FOREWORD NOTES'THAT NEARLY A QUARTER OF THE TERRITORY’S POPULATION ARE UNDER 15 AND THAT HONG KONG’S MANY YOUTH ORGANISATIONS ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO PLAY A FULL PART IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
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ONE-WAY TRAFFIC ON NGAU TAU KOK ROAD * * * *
NGAU ROAD WILL (DECEMBER
TAU KOK ROAD BE RE-ROUTED
FROM JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ROAD TO SHING SHUN ------ ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY
2) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NORTHERN ELEVATED ROAD.
_ ARRANGEMENT WILL LAST FOR ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS, DURING WHICH TRAFFIC ON KWUN TONG ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR JORDAN VALLEY WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE SLIP ROAD OUTSIDE BLOCK 1 OF THE LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE AND THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF NGAU TAU KOK ROAD.
THIS DIVERSION WILL APPLY TO KMB ROUTE 2A AND 6D, BOTH OF WHICH TERMINATE AT NGAU TAU KOK.
MEANWHILE, BUS NOS. 13A, 13D AND 89 ON KWUN TONG ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL HAVE TO USE ELEGANCE ROAD TO REACH NGAU TAU KOK ROAD SOUTHBOUND.
/also starting .......
TUESDAY. MOVEMBEH 30, 1982
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ALSO STARTING FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY, THE TURNING MOVEMENTS FORMERLY BANNED AT THE FOLLOWING JUNCTIONS WILL BE LIFTEDi
M THE RIGHT TURN FROM NGAU TAU KOK ROAD NORTHBOUND INTO JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ROADS
* THE LEFT TURN FROM KWUN TONG ROAD SOUTHBOUND INTO THE SLIP ROAD OUTSIDE BLOCK 12 OF THE LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATES AND
M THE LEFT TURN FROM THIS SLIP ROAD INTO KWUN TONG ROAD SOUTHBOUND.
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WATER CUTS IN THREE DISTRICTS
* * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO TWO AREAS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND ONE IN KOWLOON WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVERAL HOURS BETWEEN FRIDAY AND SATURDAY (DECEMBER,3 AND 4) TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE IN KENNEDY TOWN EETWEEN 10 AM AND 5 PM ON FRIDAY AND IN WAN CHAI FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
IN KENNEDY TOWN THE PREMISES AFFECTED WILL BE THOSE SITUATED ALONG VICTORIA ROAD, INCLUDING THE KENNEDY TOWN BUS TERMINAL, CHIU SHEUNG KUK, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT CAR PARK, HONG KONG LAND’S STAFF QUARTERS, PIONEER INDUSTRY AND COLD STORAGE COMPANY LIMITED, THE KENNEDY TOWN CLINIC AND SQUATTER AREAS ON MOUNT DAVIS AND AT HOI PONG VILLAGE.
IN WAN CHAI THE PREMISES AFFECTED WILL BE THOSE IN MONMOUTH PATH, STAR STREET, ELECTRIC STREET, ST FRANCIS STREET, 1-65 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST INCLUDING 4-44 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, ANTON STREET, 8-22 ►ENNESSY ROAD, ASIAN HOUSE, ARSENAL STREET AND THE POLICE QUARTERS.
IN KWUN TONG WHERE THE SUSPENSION WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY TO 6 AM ON SATURDAY, THE AFFECTED PREMISES WILL BE THOSE IN THE KWUN TONG INDUSTRIAL AREA BOUNDED BY KWUN TONG ROAD, LAI YIP STREET, HOI BUN STREET AND HOW MING STREET.
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