DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
HK/EEC TEXTILE AGREEMENT ....................................... 1
GOVERNOR TOURS LANTAU .......................................... 2
SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE OPENED ................................. 2
ENTRIES INVITED FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS GYMNASTICS COMPETITIONS 5
SAI KUNG D.B. MEETING ON FRIDAY ................................ 4
CAD HOLDS SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE............................ 4
TWO NTSD ANTI-LITTER FOREMEN COMMENDED ......................... 5
LICENSING CHIEF RECEIVES PERSONALISED NUMBER PLATE ............. 5
SITE FOR OFF-STREET DRIVER TRAINING ............................ 6
TENDERS INVITED FOR SHEUNG SHUI PUMPING STATION ................ 6
URBaN CLEARWAYS IN KWUN TONG ................................... 7
WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG
7
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1982
1
HK/EEC TEXTILE AGREEMENT • * * * *
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR PETER TSAO, ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT A NEW TEXTILE AGREEMENT BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE EEC WAS INITIALLED IN BRUSSELS LAST NIGHT (TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30).
♦WE ARE AWAITING FULL DETAILS OF THE AGREEMENT FROM THE HONG KONG DELEGATION IN BRUSSELS,♦ HE SAID.
♦THE NEGOTIATIONS HAVE BEEN VERY LONG AND DIFFICULT, AND THERE HAS BEEN GIVE AND TAKE ON BOTH SIDES. ALTHOUGH HONG KONG HAS HAD TO MAKE SOME CONCESSIONS, THE FINAL PACKAGE REPRESENTS AN IMPROVEMENT OVER THE ORIGINAL EEC DEMANDS. MOREOVER, I CAN SAY THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS DO NOT INCLUDE CUTBACKS ON CURRENT TRADE LEVELS, AND IN MOST CATEGORIES HONG KONG'S TRADING OPPORTUNITIES IN 1983 ARE HIGHER THAN CURRENT TRADE LEVELS.+
♦AS ALWAYS WITH AGREEMENTS SUCH AS THIS ONE THERE IS SOME TIDYING UP WORK TO BE DONE, BUT THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, W LAWRENCE MILLS, WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE ON HIS RETURN TO HONG KONG ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 3),+ MR TSAO SAID.
THE AGREEMENT IS FOR A FOUR-YEAR PERIOD BEGINNING ON JANUARY 1, 1983.
COMMENTING ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR PETER LO SAID* *THE TRADE DEPARTMENT IS GEARED UP TO ISSUE PRELIMINARY QUOTAS FOR 1983 AND, AS ALREADY ANNOUNCED, THESE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION ON DECEMBER 15.+
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR LAWRENCE MILLS, COMMENTING ON THE EEC’S ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE CONTENT OF THE NEW FOUR-YEAR TEXTILE AGREEMENT INITIALLED LAST NIGHT IN BRUSSELS, SAIDi +WE HAVE AN AGREEMENT. THE COMMUNITY IS PRESENTING IT AS ONE IN WHICH THEY HAVE SECURED CUTBACKS FROM HONG KONG. HONG KONG WAS NOT PREPARED TO NEGOTIATE DEPTH OF CUTBACK, BUT WAS PREPARED TO CONSIDER ANY FORMULAE THAT ENSURED THAT IMPORTS IN 1983 WOULD BE NO LESS THAN IMPORTS IN 1981. IT HAS ACHIEVED THIS WITH SOME ROOM TO SPARE. SO FROM HONG KONG’S POINT OF VIEW THERE HAS BEEN NO CUTBACKS.
♦TAKING THE AGREEMENT AS A WHOLE, THE TRADE OPPORTUNITIES FOR 1983 ARE HIGHER - IN SOME CASES CONSIDERABLY HIGHER - THAN IMPORTS IN 1981,+ SAID MR MILLS.
♦WE ALSO OBTAINED VALUABLE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE COMMUNITY’S PROPOSALS ON GROWTH AND FLEXIBILITY. THE AGREEMENT PROVIDES FOR AUTOMATIC SWING, AUTOMATIC CARRYOVER, CARRYFORWARD AND ALL THE USUAL FEATURES. GROWTH RATES FOR GARMENTS ARE BETWEEN 0.5 PER CENT AND 6 PER CENT,+ CONCLUDED MR MILLS.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1982
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GOVERNOR TOURS LANTAU
Jt O'
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TOURED LANTAU ISLAND BY IELICOPTER THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING TO SEE THE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTS THERE.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER (ISLANDS) MR RICKY FUNG, AND THE GOVERNMENT ENGINEER (NEW TERRITORIES), MR GEORGE CHIEN.
SIR EDWARD FIRST FLEW OVER THE CHI MA WAN PENINSULA, THEN DISCOVERY BAY, CHEK LAP KOK, TUNG CHUNG, CHEUNG SHA, SHEK PIK AND NSONG PING BEFORE LANDING AT TAI 0.
HE THEN WENT TO LUNG TIN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED BY SENIOR HOUSING MANAGER, MR K.W. CHOY, ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ESTATE WHICH ACCOMMODATES MORE THAN 1 000 PEOPLE REHOUSED FROM NEARBY STILT STRUCTURES.
SIR EDWARD WAS LATER GIVEN A WARM WELCOME WHEN HE VISITED A FAMILY IN TIN KWAI HOUSE IN THE ESTATE. THE GOVERNOR CHATTED WITH THE TENANT, MR CHEUNG CHO-LAI, FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES.
LATER HE WENT TO THE ROOF OF A PRIMARY SCHOOL WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED BY MR CHIEN ON DIFFERENT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
THE GOVERNOR THEN FLEW TO MUI WO AND LUNCHED WITH THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES), MR IAN MACPHERSON, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HUI WO RURAL COMMITTEE. MR TSANG LIN. AND OTHER LOCAL LEADERS.
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SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE OPENED K M *
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT'S PROGRAMME FOR OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION MOVED FURTHER FORWARD WITH THE SETTING UP OF THE SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE YESTERDAY (TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30).
THE OPENING WAS MARKED BY THE DOTTING OF A CHINESE LION’S EYES BY MAYOR DIANNE FEINSTEIN OF SAN FRANCISCO, FOLLOWED BY A LION DANCE.
THE RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY WAS PERFORMED BY THE MAYOR, THE BRITISH CONSUL GENERAL, MR JOHN L. BEAVEN AND THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR ALEC PURVES.
THANKING THE MAYOR, MR PURVES SAID THAT HONG KONG HAD CHOSEN SAN FRANCISCO FOR ITS FOURTH INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION OFFICE AFTER TOKYO, LONDON AND STUTTGART BECAUSE IT WAS IN THE CENTRE OF THE EASTERN SIDE OF THE PACIFIC RIM AND HAD AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE PACIFIC BASIN.
/.T^IS OFFICE .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1982
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♦THIS OFFICE HAS BEEN CREATED TO HELP THOSE WHO WANT TO BECOME INVOLVED IN HONG KONG, WHICH IS THE CENTRE OF THE PACIFIC BASIN. IF THEY WISH TO SHARE YOUR HONOUR’S CONFIDENCE. THEY WILL FIND IT IS A CONFIDENCE WHICH WILL NOT HAVE BEEN MISPLACED,+ STATED MR PURVES.
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ENTRIES INVITED FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS GYMNASTICS COMPETITIONS * * * *
PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE GYMNASTICS COMPETITIONS TO BE HELD ON MARCH 25 AND 26 NEXT YEAR.
THE COMPETITIONS ARE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
PUPILS CAN COMPETE FOR TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. INDIVIDUAL EVENTS WILL INCLUDE FLOOR EXERCISE, VAULTING, HORIZONTAL BAR, PARALLEL BAR AND BALANCE BEAM.
EACH SCHOOL MAY ENTER ONE TEAM OF BOYS AND ONE TEAM OF GIRLS IN THE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS AND NOT MORE THAN THREE BOYS AND THREE GIRLS IN EACH INDIVIDUAL EVENT. ALL COMPETITORS MUST BE UNDER 13 YEARS OF AGE ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1983.
EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL WILL HAVE TO NOMINATE ONE TEACHER TO SERVE AS JUDGE FOR THE COMPETITIONS, AND PAY AN ENTRY FEE OF $20 PER TEAM AND $4 PER HEAD IN EACH INDIVIDUAL EVENT.
SCHOOLS WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THE COMPETITIONS SHOULD SEND COMPLETED ENTRY FORMS AND THE REQUIRED FEES TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR, PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 6TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON NOT LATER THAN JANUARY 15, 1983.
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, SCHOOLS SHOULD CONTACT THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION AT 3-684111 EXTENSION 277.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1982
_ _
SAI KUNG D.B. MEETING ON FRIDAY M M * *
MEMBERS OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE VILLAGE LAYOUT PLANS IN CONNECTION WITH SMALL HOUSE DEVELOPMENT AT THE BOARD’S FIFTH MEETING ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 3).
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STANDING CONFERENCE ON ROAD SAFETY WILL BE PRESENT TO TALK ABOUT THE ROLE AND THE FUNCTIONS OF THE STANDING CONFERENCE AND ITS FUTURE PLANS.
THE BOARD WILL ALSO EXAMINE THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF ITS TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE AND THE PROGRESS REPORT ON PUBLIC WORKS IN THE DISTRICT.
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION WILL INCLUDE APPLICATION FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS AND PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES.
333
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING BE HELD AT 10 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 3) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT AT AMOY PLAZA, 2ND FLOOR, NGAU TAU KOK ROAD, KOWLOON.
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CAD HOLDS SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE ■ MMX
A TWO-DAY SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE INVOLVING THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, THE ROYAL AIR FORCE, TH^ ROYAL NAVY AND THE U.S. AIR FORCE AND NAVY WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 3) AND SATURDAY.
THE EXERCISE IS TO PROVIDE TRAINING AND FAMILIARISATION IN SEARCH AND RESCUE TECHNIQUES FOR THE AIR J^AFFIC CONTROL STAFF OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, AIRCREWS AND STAFF OF THOSE EMERGENCY UNITS LIKELY TO BE INVOLVED IN SUCH OPERATIONS. IT WILL ALSO SERVE TO TEST THE ALERTING PROCEDURES, CO-ORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION FACILITIES.
AN
THE EXERCISE WILL START WITH A SIMULATED INCIDENT OF AIRCRAFT CRASH IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA WHICH WILL ACTIVATE A FULL-SCALE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION.
0
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1982
5
TWO NTSD ANTI-LITTER FOREMEN COMMENDED * * * *
TWO ANTI-LITTER FOREMEN OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT WERE COMMENDED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JOHN HEYWOOD, FOR BRINGING MORE THAN 1 100 LITTERBUGS TO COURT DURING THE CURRENT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.
THEY WERE MR KWAN CHIU-TONG OF YUEN LONG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE AND MR HO LAM-HAY OF TSUEN WAN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE WHO RECEIVED THE COMMENDATIONS AT A CEREMONY AT THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS.
MR KWAN ISSUED THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF 636 SUMMONSES TO LITTER OFFENDERS.
AMONG THEM WAS A YUEN LONG PIG FARMER WHO WAS FINED $2 000 FOR DISCHARGING PIG MANURE INTO KAM TIN RIVER, THE HIGHEST FINE EVER IMPOSED BY ANTI-LITTER COURTS.
MR HO EARNED HIS AWARD FOR BOOKING 205 LITTER OFFENDERS IN SEPTEMBER, THE HIGHEST MONTHLY RECORD.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN, MR HO ISSUED A TOTAL OF 504 SUMMONSES IN TSUEN WAN.
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LICENSING CHIEF RECEI YES' PERSONALISED NUMBER PLATE
*****
A DELEGATION OF 22 OFFICIALS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., RECENTLY PAID A ViSIT TO THE HONG KONG OFFICE OF THE LICENSING DIVISION OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
DURING THEIR VISIT, THEY DISCUSSED LICENSING PROCEDURES AND MANAGERIAL PROBLEMS WITH TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT STAFF AND WATCHED THE PROCESSING OF DRIVING AND VEHICLE LICENCES BY THE COMPUTERISED SYSTEM.
AT THE CONCLUSION OF THEIR VISIT, THEY PRESENTED A PERSONALISED CALIFORNIA NUMBER PLATE TO THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (LICENSING) MR C.J. PRISTON.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1982
6
SITE FOR OFF-STREET DRIVER TRAINING * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A SITE IN WONG CHUK HANG FOR USE AS AN OFF-STREET DRIVER TRAINING CENTRE.
THE SITE, ADJOINING OCEAN PARK COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1.25 HECTARES.
THE TENANCY SHALL BE FOR THREE YEARS INITIALLY, AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON DECEMBER 17, 1982.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (HONG KONG SOUTH), ROOM 601, NEW WORLD TOWER, 16-18 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG? THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD 5/F., HONG KONG; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (KOWLOON WEST), KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10/F., KOWLOON.
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TENDERS INVITED FOR SHEUNG SHUI PUMPING STATION *****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FRESH WATER PUMPING STATION AT ORB HILL, SHEUNG SHUI, AND THE LAYING OF ABOUT 650 METRES OF PUMPING MAIN FROM ORB HILL TO MAN KAM TO ROAD.
THE PROJECT FORMS PART OF A NEW WATER TREATMENT SCHEME FOR NORTHEASTERN NEW TERRITORIES WHICH ALSO INCLUDES A TREATMENT WORKS AT ORB HILL, A SERVICE RESERVOIR AT TABLE HILL AND ASSOCIATED WATER MAINS.
THE NEW SCHEME WILL COPE WITH THE INCREASING DEMAND FROM ON-GOING AND PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS IN THIS PART OF THE TERRITORY WHICH IS PRESENTLY HANDLED BY THE EXISTING SUPPLY SYSTEM AT TAI PO TAU.
TOGETHER WITH THE ASSOCIATED MAINS, THE PUMPING STATION WILL SERVE TO TRANSFER WATER FROM THE PROPOSED SHEUNG SHUI TREATMENT WORKS TO THE PROPOSED TABLE HILL SERVICE RESERVOIR AND ALSO TO THE EXISTING SERVICE RESERVOIR AT TONG HANG.
WORK ON THE PUMPING STATION WILL START TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 19 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WHOLE PUMPING SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO BE COMMISSIONED, ON COMPLETION OF THE TREATMENT WORKS AND THE TABLE HILL SERVICE RESERVOIR, BY THE END OF 1984.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1982
7
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN KWUN TONG ft ft ft ft
CLEARWAY RESTRICTION WILL BE IMPOSED ON MUT WAH STREET AND TUNG YAN STREET IN KWUN TONG FROM 4 PM THIS FRIDAY (DECEMBER 3).
VEHICLES. EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL BE BANNED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THESE SECTIONS FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
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WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG ft ft ft ft
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN THE KWUN TONG AREA WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR NINE HOURS FROM 9 PM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 4) TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT THE KWUN TONG INDUSTRIAL AREA BOUNDED BY HUNG TO ROAD, TSUN YIP STREET, HOI BUN ROAD AND KING YIP STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
'HONG KONG'S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY TO BE MAINTAINED' .... 1
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES ........................... 3
MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS: OCTOBER 1982 ............ 5
PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION RESULTS OUT ON SUNDAY .................... 9
S3.5 BILLION TO BE SPENT ON SEWAGE DISPOSAL FACILITIES ........ 10
TRUST FUND FOR SOCIETIES ...................................... 12
NEW SITTING-OUT AREA IN CENTRAL ............................. 13
YUEN WNG SWIMMING POOL OPENS ON SATURDAY ...................... 13
TEMPORARY CURTAILMENT OF TRAM SERVICES ........................ 14
WATER CUT IN SHA TIN ........................................ 14
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1982
1
'HONG KONG’S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY TO BE MAINTAINED’ I * H * K I
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TONIGHT URGED THE COMMUNITY TO LOOK BEYOND SOME OF HONG KONG’S IMMEDIATE PROBLEMS AND +REMEMBER THAT THE HIGHEST AUTHORITIES IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND GREAT BRITAIN HAVE AGREED THAT OUR STABILITY AND PROSPERITY SHALL BE MAINTAINED AND ARE SEEKING AN AGREEMENT THAT THIS SHALL BE SO.+
THE RESOLVE OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO GO ON WITH THE BUILDING OF A GREAT CITY SHOULD THEREFORE BE NURTURED AND STRENGTHENED BY THESE ASSURANCES GIVEN ABOUT THE TERRITORY’S FUTURE.
SPEAKING AT THE 14TH ANNUAL DINNER OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY, MR AKERS-JONES HIGHLIGHTED THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE LAST DECADE AND EMPHASISED THAT THE WORK WHICH HAD GONE INTO MAKING HONG KONG A GREAT CITY IN THE 1970’S WAS CONTINUING.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN THE 1970’S, BY A COMBINATION OF DETERMINED LEADERSHIP, MEN WITH VISION IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LIFE AND A WILL AND ENERGY TO ACHIEVE AND OVERCOME THE OBSTACLES AND DEFICIENCIES OF THE PAST, +WE POWERED INDUSTRIAL AND ECONOMIC EXPANSION AND GENERATED THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR A PLANNED IMPROVEMENT IN ALMOST EVERY SPHERE OF ACTIVITY AND LIFE IN HONG KONG.
♦SINCE 1973, WHEN WE BEGAN OUR FIRST SYSTEMATIC ATTACK ON THE HOUSING PROBLEM, THE PUBLIC AND THE PRIVATE SECTORS COMBINED WILL HAVE BUILT NEARLY HALF A MILLION FLATS PROVIDING HOMES FOR TWO MILLION PEOPLE IN THE 10 YEARS 1973-83.
♦FEW COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD CAN MEASURE SUCH AN ACHIEVEMENT IN SUCH A DIFFICULT PERIOD.
♦BUT WE HAVE NOT STOPPED, AT THIS MOMENT PUBLIC HOUSING FOR HALF A MILLION PEOPLE IS AT VARIOUS STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION, AS THE PROGRAMME ROLLS FORWARD INTO THE 80’S. AND IT WILL CONTINUE TO ROLL,+ HE SAID.
MR AKERS-JONES CONTINUED THAT WE WERE NOW PROVIDING A MUCH BETTER CHANCE FOR EVERYONE TO RECEIVE EDUCATION, AND SINCE 1971 WE HAVE CONSTRUCTED THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, THE CONTAINER TERMINAL, A SECOND RACECOURSE, THE HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR AND ELECTRIFIED THE RAILWAY.
♦THE 1970’S, TOO, SAW A CONCERTED ATTACK ON THE PROBLEMS OF CRIME, POLLUTION, CLEANLINESS AND THE ENVIRONMENT; OUR CITY HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED BY THESE ACTIVITIES,* HE SAID.
/♦THE SEPARATE .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1982
2
♦THE SEPARATE FAMILIES LIVING IN OUR DENSELY POPULATED J'lULT I-STOREY BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN BROUGHT TOGETHER TO SHARE IN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MANAGING THIS CROWDED METROPOLIS BY THE FORMATION OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, AREA COMMITTEES, FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES, AND CLEAN HONG KONG COMMITTEES.
♦AND FINALLY, BUILDING ON THIS PLATFORM OF COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, WE HAVE ESTABLISHED A MORE INTIMATE FORM OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, WHICH IS, IN SOME SENSE, A CULMINATION CF THESE EFFORTS IN COMMUNITY BUILDING.
♦IT WAS SAID THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE HAD NO INTEREST IN ELECTIONS, BUT WELL OVER 300 000 PEOPLE VOTED THIS YEAR IN DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS,+ MR AKERS-JONES SAID.
HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT DURING THE 70’S THERE WAS A RENAISSANCE IN THE ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL LIFE, PROVIDING THE EVIDENCE OF GREAT CHANGE IN THE LIFE OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
♦FINALLY, DURING THIS LAST DECADE HONG KONG HAS BECOME A FAR EASTERN CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL BANKING, COMMERCE AND COMMUNICATIONS- AND, IN THE LAST FEW YEARS, TRAINS, PLANES, AND FERRIES BEGAN TRAVELLING FROM HONG KONG TO MANY PARTS OF CHINA STARTING A NEW ERA OF CO-OPERATION AND INVESTMENT.
♦LET US LOOK BEYOND OUR IMMEDIATE PROBLEMS AND REMEMBER, NOT THE DECLINE IN THE PROPERTY MARKET, BUT THE FACT THAT WE ARE BUILDING 40 000 FLATS A YEAR IN THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME, THAT WE ARE CONSTRUCTING THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE EASTERN ISLAND CORRIDOR, THE NORTHERN CIRCULAR ROAD, PLANNING A FURTHER EXTENSION OF THE CONTAINER PORT AND BUILDING SIX NEW TOWNS ALL AT THE SAME TIME.
♦WE ARE BUILDING THE ACADEMY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AND A VAST CULTURAL CENTRE IN KOWLOON, THE NEW HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANK IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND THE SITE IS BEING CLEARED FOR A NEW BANK OF CHINA BUILDING.
♦LET US REMEMBER, AS THE FIGURES OF UNEMPLOYMENT IN OTHER COUNTRIES CONTINUE TO INCREASE, THAT WE HAVE WORK FOR OUR PEOPLE AND THAT OUR ECONOMY CONTINUES TO GROW.
♦LET US REMEMBER THAT THE HIGHEST AUTHORITIES IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND IN GREAT BRITAIN HAVE AGREED THAT OUR STABILITY AND PROSPERITY SHALL BE MAINTAINED AND ARE SEEKING AN AGREEMENT TO ENSURE THAT THIS SHALL BE SO.
♦THE WORK OF THE 1970’S, WHICH SET THE COURSE FOR DEVELOPMENT IN SO MANY FIELDS, WHICH WARMED THE HEARTS OF OUR PEOPLE AND FIRED THEIR IMAGINATIONS, CONTINUES.
♦THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAVE BUILT A GREAT CITY IN THE NINETEEN SEVENTIES AND THIS GIVES US A CORPORATE LIFE AND STRENGTH.
♦IT GIVES US THE CONFIDENCE TO GO ON BUILDING AND OUR RESOLVE SHOULD BE NURTURED AND STRENGTHENED BY THE ASSURANCES ABOUT THE FUTURE THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED,+ HE SAID.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1982
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INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES ******
THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TO BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW (FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3) CONTAINS A LEGAL NOTICE TO THE EFFECT THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED A DECREASE IN THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES. AS FROM DECEMBER 3, 1982, THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST WILL BE 7.8 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 9 PER CENT (TAX FREE).
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.65 PER MONTH PER $100. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETED MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX.
INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID BY A CHEQUE.
THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 3, 1982.
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE DECEMBER 3, 1982 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS I-
3.24 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 22, 1978 AND BEFORE NOVEMBER 24, 1978;
5.04 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 24, 1978 AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 16, 1979;
5.76 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 16, 1979 AND BEFORE MAY 4, 1979;
8.04 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 4, 1979 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 26, 1979 ;
8.4 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 26, 1979 AND BEFORE APRIL 11, 1980;
10.5 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 11, 1980 AND BEFORE MAY 30, 1980;
9 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 30, 1980 AND BEFORE JUNE 27, 1980 I
7.2 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 27, 1980 AND BEFORE JULY 30, 1980;
6.24 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 30, 1980 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 16, 1980 <
/8.16 PER CENT .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1982
8.16 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 16, 1980 AND BEFORE NOVEMBER 21, 19805
9.84 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 21, 1980 AND BEFORE JULY 31, 1981;
13.2 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 31, 1981 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 16, 1981 ;
14.4 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 16, 1981 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 4, 1981;
12 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 4, 1981 AND BEFORE JUNE 4, 1982;
10.8 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 4, 1982 AND BEFORE AUGUST 27, 1982; AND
9 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 27, 1982 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 3, 1982.
BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETED MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
EXAMPLE 1 $1 000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON DECEMBER 7,
------- 1982, JANUARY 7, 1983 AND FEBRUARY 7, 1983
RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON MARCH 7, 1983 WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS 1-
ON $1 000, DECEMBER 7. 1982 TO MARCH 7, 1983, 3 COMPLETE MONTHS AT >6.50 PER MONTH - $19.50
ON $1 000, JANUARY 7, 1983 TO MARCH 7, 1983, 2 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $6.50 PER MONTH - $13.00
ON $1 000, FEBRUARY 7, 1983 TO MARCH 7, 1983,
1 COMPLETE MONTH AT $6.50 PER MONTH - $ 6.50
$39.00
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1982
- 5 -
MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICSi OCTOBER 1982 X K K K # K
DESPITE RUMOURS TO THE CONTRARY, THE OCTOBER MONEY SUPPLY FIGURES REVEAL THAT THERE WAS NO SIGNIFICANT SHIFT OUT OF HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS, NOR ANY OVERALL SWITCH INTO FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS I THE LEVEL OF HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS AT THE END OF OCTOBER WAS ONLY MARGINALLY BELOW THAT AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER, WHILE THE INCREASE IN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR VALUE OF FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS DURING THE MONTH WAS NO MORE THAN THAT WHICH WOULD HAVE OCCURRED SOLELY AS A RESULT OF THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AGAINST THE U.S. DOLLAR, THE CURRENCY IN WHICH MOST FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS ARE DENOMINATED.
MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS GREW AT SLOWER RATES THAN IN SEPTEMBERi IN FACT, SMALL DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR COMPONENTS, WHILE THE FOREIGN CURRENCY COMPONENTS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY.
THIS IS INDICATED IN THE MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER 1982 PUBLISHED TODAY.
THE RELATIVE SHIFT IN DEPOSITS FROM DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO BANKS CONTINUED, ALTHOUGH ON A MORE MODEST SCALE THAN IN PREVIOUS MONTHS. •
THERE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN SOME UPTURN IN LOANS TO FINANCE THE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG, WHILE OTHER LENDING OUTSTANDING FOR USE IN HONG KONG CONTINUED TO EXPAND SIGNIFICANTLY.
THE ATTACHED TABLE SETS OUT SUMMARY FIGURES FOR OCTOBER 1982 AND COMPARISONS WITH EARLIER MONTHS.
HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY
THE HK$ MONEY SUPPLY, ON THE NARROWEST DEFINITION, Ml, FELL BY ONE PER CENT IN OCTOBER AFTER RISING BY 5.3 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER. HK|M2 FELL BY 0.3 PER CENT IN OCTOBER, AND H<$M3 BY 0.6 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH INCREASES OF 4.2 PER CENT AND 1.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
IN THE THREE MONTHS TO OCTOBER HK$M1 ROSE BY 6.0 PER CENT, H<$M2 BY 11.0 PER CENT AND HK$M3 BY 3.5 PER CENT. IN THE TWELVE MONTHS TO OCTOBER, THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES WERE 11.3 PER CENT, 31.8 PER CENT AND 4.4 PER CENT.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1982
6
TOTAL (ALL CURRENCIES) MONEY SUPPLY
TOTAL Ml ROSE BY 1.4 PER CENT, TOTAL M2 BY 3.8 PER CENT AND TOTAL M3 BY 3.1 PER CENT IN OCTOBER. THESE RATES ARE SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER THAN THOSE RECORDED IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH AT 6.4 PER CENT, 6.3 PER CENT AND 4.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
IN THE THREE MONTHS TO OCTOBER Ml ROSE BY 10.0 PER CENT, M2 BY 17.3 PER CENT AND M3 BY 11.7 PER CENT. DURING THE TWELVE MONTHS TO OCTOBER THESE THREE AGGREGATES ROSE BY 20.5 PER CENT, 86.8 PER CENT AND 44.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
THE UPTURN, ALTHOUGH PROBABLY SEASONAL, SEEN IN SEPTEMBER IN OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG CONTINUED INTO OCTOBER. A GROWTH OF 1.4 PER CENT WAS RECORDED, FOLLOWING 0.5 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO OCTOBER THE INCREASE WAS 1.7 PER CENT, AND OVER TWELVE MONTHS 14.3 PER CENT. OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG INCREASED BY 1.9 PER CENT IN OCTOBER, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 3.1 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER. OVER THREE MONTHS THE INCREASE WAS 7.2 PER CENT, AND OVER TWELVE MONTHS 37.1 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS AND-LI AB IL IT IES
THERE WERE INCREASES IN OCTOBER OF 130.5 BN TO $562.6 BN IN THE SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY LIABILITIES OF THE MONETARY SECTOR AND OF $28.8 BN TO $547.5 BN IN THE SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS. THUS, THE SECTOR AS A WHOLE HAD NET SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY LIABILITIES OF $15.1 BN AT THE END OF OCTOBER, COMPARED WITH $13.4 BN AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER. WITHIN THE OCTOBER FIGURE, BANKS HAD NET LIABILITIES OF $7.3 BN AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES HAD NET LIABILITIES OF $7.8 BN.
SO FAR THIS YEAR, SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY LIABILITIES OF THE MONETARY SECTOR HAVE INCREASED RAPIDLY. THIS LARGELY REFLECTED THE SUBSTANTIAL INFLOW OF FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INTO THE MONETARY SECTOR, BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE EXEMPTION OF SUCH DEPOSITS FROM INTEREST WITHHOLDING TAX SINCE FEBRUARY 25. BUT SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS OF THE MONETARY SECTOR HAVE NOT INCREASED AS RAPIDLY. AS A RESULT THE NET SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY POSITION CF THE MONETARY SECTOR SHIFTED FROM NET ASSETS OF $4.4 BN AT THE END OF FEBRUARY TO NET LIABILITIES OF $15.1 BN AT THE END OF OCTOBER.
/THIS SWITCH .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1982
THIS SWITCH IN THE SPOT POSITION OF THE MONETARY SECTOR SINCE FEBRUARY WAS, HOWEVER, MATCHED BY A COMPENSATING SWITCH IN THE SECTOR’S FORWARD POSITION. STATISTICS COLLECTED FOR PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION PURPOSES BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES SHOW THAT, WHILE THE SECTOR’S NET SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY POSITION SHIFTED FROM NET ASSETS CF >2.3 BN AT THE END OF FEBRUARY TO NET LIABILITIES OF $15.8 BN AT THE END OF OCTOBER (THESE FIGURES DIFFER SLIGHTLY FROM THOSE IN THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPH BECAUSE OF MINOR DIFFERENCES OF DEFINITION), NET FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS INCREASED FROM $15.5 BN TO $36.5 BN.
BALANCE SHEET RATIOS
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 18 OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE) FOR ALL BANKS IN HONG KONG DECLINED MARGINALLY IN OCTOBER TO 47.5 PER CENT FROM 47.8 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER. THE RATIO OF THEIR LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG TO THEIR DEPOSITS FELL TO 72.1 PER CENT AT THE END OF OCTOBER FROM 73.1 PER CENT AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER.
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 24A OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE) FOR ALL DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES GREW TO 56.5 PER CENT IN OCTOBER FROM 53.7 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER. THE RATIO OF THEIR LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG TO THEIR DEPOSITS REMAINED VIRTUALLY STABLE AT 112.8 PER CENT.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS, LICENSED DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES AND REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES IN OCTOBER REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 125, 16 AND 345 RESPECTIVELY.
/8........
Monetary Stat is tic.
THURSDAY, D£C£HbKH 2, 1982
Money Supply October 1982
M1 - - Total 28,526
HKS 25,122
M2 • - Total 202,412
HKS 119,097
M3 • - Total 246,862
HKS 147,374
Banks1 Balance Sheets
Deposits 187,149
1 Negotiable certificates of 8,826
deposit outstanding
Loans and advances :
• To finance Hong Kong’s visible trade 22,788
Fox' use in Hong Kong 134,927
For usp outside Hong Kong 38,523
Domestic loan/Deposit Patio 72.1%
Average Liquidity Ratio 47.5%
Deposit-taking Companies’ Balance Sheets
Deposits 43,239
Negotiable certificates of 1.687
deposit outstanding
Loans and advances :
To finance Hong Kong’s visible trade 2,647
For use in Hong Kong 48,776
For use outside Hong Kong 60,791
Domestic loan/Deposit Ratio 112.8%
Average Liquidity Ratio 56.5%
- Feu Series
Figures for Earlier Months (% change) September 1982 July 1982 HKS Mn October 1981
28,141 (+1.4%) 25,933 (+10.0%) 23,671 (+20.5%)
25,369 (-1.0%) 23,710 (+6.0%) 22,570 (+11.3%)
195,087 (+3.8%) 172,628 (+17.3%) 108,530 (+86.8%)
119,468 (-0.5%) 107,293 (+11.0%) 90,390 (+31.8%)
239,335 (+3-1%) 220,943 ( + 11-756) 170,601 (+44.7%)
148,331 (-0.6%) 142,351 (+3-5%) 141,196 (+4.4%)
180,110 (+3.9%) 158,634 (+18.0%) 96,956 (+93.0%)
8,334 (+5-9%) z7,812 (+13.0%) 3,903 (+126.1%)
22,579 (+0.9%) 22,527 (+1.2%) 20,060 (+13.6%)
• 131,623 (+2.5%) 124,695 (+8.2%) 96,422 (+39.9%)
• 35,580 (+8.3%) 73-1% 47.8% 35,014 (+10.0%) 78.6% 47.9% 33,474 (+15.1%) 99-4% 53.9%
43,138 (+0.2%) 47,086 (-8.2%) 61,367 (-29.5%)
1,522 (+10.8%) 1,646 (+2.5%) 1,353 (+24.7%)
2,510 (+5.5%) 2,471 (+7.1%) 2,201 (+20.3%)
48,695 (+0.2%) 46,644 (+4.6%) 37,529 (+30.0%)
55,780 (+9.0%) 49,546 (+22.7%) 41,507 (+46.5%)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1982
9 -
PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION RESULTS OUT ON SUNDAY *****
RESULTS OF ALLOCATION OF DISCRETIONARY PLACES UNDER THE NEW PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM WILL BE RELEASED ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 5) BY ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
PARENTS ARE ADVISED TO GO TO THE SCHOOL TO WHICH THEIR CHILDREN HAVE APPLIED FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE ON THAT DAY BETWEEN 9 AM TO 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, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
OF THE 78 000 CHILDREN WHO HAD APPLIED FOR A PRIMARY ONE DISCRETIONARY PLACE IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS, MORE THAN 42 000 WILL BE OFFERED A PLACE.
REGISTRATION OF SUCCESSFUL AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL TAKE
APPLICANTS WITH ALL GOVERNMENT AND PLACE ON DECEMBER 8 AND 9.
PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN HAD BEEN OFFERED A DISCRETIONARY PLACE SHOULD NOTE CAREFULLY THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS AS STIPULATED BY INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS, SUCH AS THE NUMBER CF PHOTOGRAPHS, AND PARENT’S COPY OF THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION APPLICATION FORM. .
IF PARENTS ACCEPT AN OFFER OF A PRIMARY ONE PLACE, IT WILL BE REGARDED AS BINDING ON BOTH THE SCHOOLS AND THE PARENTS, HE SAID.
PARENTS WHO CANNOT REGISTER THEIR CHILD WITH A SCHOOL ON DECEMBER 8 AND 9 FOR PERSONAL REASONS SHOULD NOTIFY THE SCHOOL CONCERNED OR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT (5-724383) TO MAKE ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS.
PARENTS WHO FAILED TO DO SO WOULD BE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN UP THE PLACE OFFERED TO THEM, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT APPLICANTS SHOULD NOT GIVE UP THE DISCRETIONARY PLACE OFFERED TO THEM, EXCEPT FOR REASONS SUCH AS EMIGRATION OR MOVING HOUSE.
IF THERE ARE VACANCIES LEFT UNFILLED AFTER THE REGISTRATION PERIOD, THE SCHOOL CONCERNED WILL INFORM PARENTS OF APPLICANTS ON THE WAITING LIST IN STRICT ORDER OF PRIORITY, BY PHONE, TO COME TO REGISTER WITH THE SCHOOL.
CHILDREN WHO HAVE NOT BEEN OFFERED A DISCRETIONARY PLACE AND WHO HAVE NOT APPLIED FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE WILL BE CENTRALLY ALLOCATED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THEY WILL BE INFORMED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BY LETTER TO GO TO A SPECIFIED DI STRIBUTION/COLLECTION CENTRE IN MARCH 1983 TO COLLECT A +CHOICE OF SCHOOLS+ FORM AND LIST ALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THEIR DISTRICT IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE.
/IF A .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1982
10 -
IF A PARENT HAS PREVIOUSLY APPLIED UNSUCCESSFULLY FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE AT A SCHOOL IN THE DISTRICT IN WHICH HE LIVES, HE IS STILL ELIGIBLE TO INCLUDE THAT SCHOOL IN HIS PREFERENCE LIST.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE DISTRIBUTION/ COLLECTION CENTRE WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
THE SPOKESMAN ASSURED THAT ALL CHILDREN WHO HAD JOINED THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM, INCLUDING THOSE LIVING IN THE NEW TOWNS SUCH AS SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN WILL BE GIVEN A SCHOOL PLACE WITHIN THEIR HOME DISTRICT.
A NUMBER OF NEW PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL BE COMPLETED IN THE NEW TOWNS IM SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR AND ALL THE PRIMARY ONE PLACES IN THESE SCHOOLS WILL BE RESERVED FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION TO CHILDREN IN THE RESPECTIVE NEW TOWNS, HE SAID.
RESULTS OF THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN JUNE NEXT YEAR. PARENTS WILL BE ASKED TO RETURN TO THEIR DISTRICT DISTRIBUTION/COLLECTION CENTRE TO COLLECT A SLIP BEFORE GOING TO THE RESPECTIVE SCHOOLS FOR REGISTRATION.
PARENTS WHO HAVE ANY QUERIES ON THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT.
-----0-----
>3.5 BILLION TO BE SPENT ON SEWAGE DISPOSAL FACILITIES ft ft ft ft
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL BE SPENDING SOME $3.5 BILLION ON SEWAGE DISPOSAL FACILITIES IN THE COMING YEARS TO DEAL WITH POLLUTION-CAUSING EFFLUENTS, A PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR PAUL HOLMES, TOLD MEMBERS OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG SOUTH THIS AFTERNOON.
MR HOLMES WAS SPEAKING ABOUT THE WAYS THE SEA WAS BEING USED TO GET RID OF SEWAGE, AND ABOUT THE PROBLEM OF FLOATING REFUSE, AND ALSO OUTLINING THE GOVERNMENT’S METHODS OF +MEETING THE CHALLENGE OF ENSURING THAT THE WASTE-RECEIVING CAPACITY OF THE SEA IS UTILISED WITH CONSERVATION IN MIND+.
IN HIS TALK ON +THE CHALLENGE OF CLEAN SEAS+, HE DESCRIBED THE SEA AS ONE OF HONG KONG’S MOST PRECIOUS ASSETS, AS IT CARRIES AWAY, ULTIMATELY, THE EFFLUENTS PRODUCED BY THE PEOPLE, AND +BY ALL THEIR PIGS, POULTRY AND FACTORIES*.
HONG KONG WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE STRONG TIDAL CURRENTS WHICH DISPERSE ALL THESE EFFLUENTS, HE SAID.
♦BUT THE SEA DOES MORE THAN MERELY SWEEP THE WASTE AWAY FROM OUR SHORES. IT RENDERS MOST FORMS OF WASTE QUITE HARMLESS, AND, TREATED WITH RESPECT, CAN ABSORB SEEMINGLY ENORMOUS QUANTITIES OF WASTE WITHOUT CAUSING ANY PROBLEMS.
♦IT IS THUS A RESOURCE TO BE USED, BUT USED WISELY,* HE SAID.
/While the
THURSDAY, DECIMBER 2, 1982
11
WHILE THE HARBOUR AS A WHOLE, WITH ITS STRONG CURRENTS IS WELL FLUSHED AND THE DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION SELDOM DROPS BELOW A SATISFACTORY 50 PER CENT OF ITS SATURATION VALUE, CERTAIN BLACK SPOTS OF POLLUTION IN POORLY FLUSHED BAYS AND TYPHOON SHELTERS HAD TO BE ELIMINATED.
+A VERY GOOD WAY TO DO THAT IS BY INTERCEPTING THE SEWAGE AND, WITH ADEQUATE SCREENING TO PREVENT REFUSE GETTING THROUGH, DISCHARGING IT BY MEANS OF A SUBMARINE OUTFALL OF ADEQUATE LENGTH.+
HE POINTED OUT THAT SEA WATER AND SUNLIGHT KILL THE BACTERIA PRESENT IN THE SEWAGE WITHIN A SHORT TIME, SO THAT, WITH DILUTION AND DISPERSION OF THE WASTE BY THE SEA, SEWAGE DISCHARGE FROM A PROPERLY-SITED OUTFALL NEED NEVER CAUSE A PROBLEM.
A KEY ELEMENT IN THE GOVERNMENT’S POLLUTION CONTROL STRATEGY IS THUS THE INSTALLATION OF SCREENING PLANT AND SUBMARINE SEWAGE OUTFALLS SUCH AS THOSE AT WAH FU, ABERDEEN AND AP LEI CHAU, AND THE NEW ONES UNDER PLANNING OR CONSTRUCTION BY THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT CENTRAL, WAN CHAI AND NORTH POINT.
ONE OF THE MOST OBVIOUS FORMS OF SEA POLLUTION IS FLOATING REFUSE, AND THE MARINE DEPARTMENT COLLECTS SOME 5 000 TONNES CF THIS REFUSE EACH YEAR.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, HE SAID, RECENTLY EMBARKED ON A MAJOR INVESTIGATION AIMED AT TRACKING DOWN ALL THE SOURCES OF THIS REFUSE AND PROPOSING MEANS OF CONTROL. PRELIMINARY RESULTS SUGGEST’THAT A LARGE AMOUNT OF THE REFUSE COMES FROM SOURCES ON LAND, CARRIED DOWN BY NULLAHS AND SEWERS.
♦SWIMMERS, AND BOAT OWNERS, ARE OFTEN THEMSELVES RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FILTH OF WHICH THEY COMPLAIN,+ HE SAID.
OVERALL, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO THE CHALLENGE CF KEEPING THE SEAS CLEAN HAS THREE MAIN THRUSTS I
(1) ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS, SUCH AS THE SEWAGE DISPOSAL PROGRAMME, AGRICULTURAL WASTE COLLECTION AND SO ON ।
(2) PLANNING FOR A BETTER ENVIRONMENT — BECAUSE, HE EXPLAINED, +POLLUTION ANTICIPATED AND CONTROLLED NEVER BECOMES A PROBLEM,♦ AND
(3) LEGISLATION, INCLUDING THE NEW WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE NOW GOING THROUGH ITS IMPLEMENTATION STAGES.
♦BY ALL THESE MEANS, THE GOVERNMENT EXPRESSES ITS COMMITMENT TO THE CAREFUL CONSERVATION OF CLEAN SEAS AS A RESOURCE FOR NOW AND THE FUTURE,♦ MR HOLMES CONCLUDED.
/12........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1982
12
TRUST FUND FOR SOCIETIES
* * *
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY RECEIVED A CHEQUE FOR $300 000 FROM THE ZONTA CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR A TRUST FUND FOR YIN NGAI SOCIETIES — WOMEN’S ASSOCIATIONS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
THE YIN NGAI SOCIETIES WERE FIRST FORMED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF DISTRICT OFFICES, ABOUT A YEAR AGO WITH THE OBJECT OF BRINGING FELLOWSHIP AND FRIENDSHIP, INTEREST AND SERVICE INTO THE LIVES OF WOMEN RESIDENTS IN NEW HOUSING ESTATES.
THEY HAVE EXPANDED TO THE URBAN AREAS SINCE THEN AND AT PRESENT THERE ARE EIGHT YIN NGAI SOCIETIES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
THE WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR, LADY YOUDE, WILL OFFICIATE AT A JOINT INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF FIVE YIN NGAI SOCIETIES AT PAK TIN, 01 MAN, ON TING AND YAU 01, TAI YUEN AND SHU I PIN WAI LATER THIS MONTH.
AT TODAY’S ZONTA CLUB LUNCH MEETING, MR AKERS-JONES TOUCHED ON THE BACKGROUND THAT LED TO THE FORMATION OF THESE SOCIETIES.
HE SAID HONG KONG HAD CHANGED DRAMATICALLY SINCE THE END OF THE WAR AND THE LIFE FOR WOMEN TODAY WAS ENTIRELY DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF YESTERDAY.
♦ GENERALLY SPEAK.ING IN HONG KONG TODAY WOMEN VIEW FREEDOM AND EQUALITY AS A FACT OF LIFE AND PART OF THE AIR THEY BREATHE.*
HE ATTRIBUTED THESE CHANGES TO THE SPREAD OF EDUCATION AND SAID IT WAS INTERESTING TO RELATE TH IS TO THE RATIO OF MEN TO WOMEN IN THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
♦ IN 1972 OUT OF 220 STAFF IN MY HEADQUARTERS OVER 26 PER CENT WERE WOMEN, NOW WITH 380 STAFF 55 PER CENT ARE WOMEN; 18 PER CENT OF GOVERNMENT DOCTORS ARE WOMEN I THERE ARE 215 WOMEN SOLICITORS; FIVE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS; AND 35 DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS,+ HE SAID.
♦ SO FAR AS OCCUPATION AND EMPLOYMENT ARE CONCERNED THERE IS CLEARLY LESS DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SEXES THAN THERE WAS 10 YEARS AGO.
♦MARRIAGE AND FAMILY, THOUGH STILL IMPORTANT, ARE NOT THE SOLE REASON FOR THEIR BEING.
♦HOWEVER, RECONCILING THIS CHANGED ATTITUDE TO THE NEED TO CARRY OUT THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A WIFE AND MOTHER UNDOUBTEDLY CAUSES OTHER STRESSES AND STRAINS.*
MR AKERS-JONES POINTED OUT THAT IN THE CASE OF FAMILIES THAT COULD AFFORD DOMESTIC HELP THE PROBLEMS WERE AT LEAST PARTIALLY RESOLVED BUT, FOR MANY MOTHERS AND CHILDREN, CHILD CARE CENTRES WERE THE ONLY SOLUTION FOR THE WORKING WIFE.
♦OTHERS DO NOT HAVE EVEN THIS OPPORTUNITY. THEY ARE AT HOME LOOKING AFTER YOUNG CHILDREN AND POSSIBLY AGEING PARENTS WITH NEVER-ENDING HOUSEHOLD CHORES AND THE STRESSES AND PROBLEMS OF HIGH-RISE., HIGH-DENSITY LIVING.
/♦THERE ARE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 198?
- 15 -
+THERE ARE FEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM TO GATHER IN FELLOWSHIP TO CULTIVATE THE POTENTIAL WHICH HAS BEEN REVEALED TO THEM BY EDUCATION.
♦HENCE, THE IDEA TO FORM AN ORGANISATION FOR THIS GROUP OF WOMEN WAS DISCUSSED TWO YEARS AGO. AND, AS A RESULT, YIN NGAI SOCIETIES WERE FOUNDED.+
HE CONTINUED THAT INTEREST IN THE MOVEMENT WAS GROWING AND MEMBERS WERE ENTHUSIASTIC.
THEY HAD NOT ONLY ADDED INTEREST TO THEIR LIVES BUT WERE ALREADY SERVING THEIR NEIGHBOURS AND THE COMMUNITY, HE SAID.
♦THE ADMIRABLE EFFORT OF THE ZONTA CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES IN RAISING 1300 000 FOR SETTING UP A TRUST FUND FOR YIN NGAI SOCIETIES TO FURTHER THE OBJECTIVES OF THE SOCIETIES AND SUSTAIN THE MOVEMENT IS WARMLY WELCOME,+ HE ADDED.
------0-------
NEW SITTING-OUT AREA IN CENTRAL
* * *
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD SPENT 130 000 TO CONVERT A PIECE OF VACANT LAND AT THE JUNCTION OF LOK KU ROAD AND LOWER LASCAR ROW INTO A TEMPORARY SITTING-OUT AREA.
UNWANTED BUILDING MATERIALS AND DEBRIS ON THE SITE WERE CLEARED AND REPLACED BY FLOWER BEDS, BENCHES AND TABLES WITH CHESS BOARDS.
THE TEMPORARY SITTING-OUT AREA IS ONE OF MANY PROJECTS BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE.
IT WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED AT A BRIEF CEREMONY TODAY BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR LEE KAI-FAT, AND SIX OTHER COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
0--------
YUEN LONG SWIMMING POOL OPENS ON SATURDAY * * *
THE NEWLY COMPLETED TOWN CENTRE WILL BE OPEN
YUEN LONG SWIMMING POOL SITUATED AT THE TO THE PUBLIC ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 4).
ADMISSION WILL BE FREE ON THE FIRST DAY.
STARTING FROM SUNDAY (DECEMBER 5), AN ADMISSION FEE OF $1 FOR CHILDREN AND $2 FOR ADULTS WILL BE CHARGED.
THE DAILY OPENING SESSIONS OF THE POOL WILL BE FROM 9 AM TO 11.30 AM, 12.30 PM TO 3 PM AND 3-30 PM TO 6 PM.
- o -
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1982
14
TEMPORARY CURTAILMENT OF TRAM SERVICES
* * *
TRAM SERVICES WILL BE CURTAILED ON SATURDAY NIGHT (DECEMBER 4) AND SUNDAY MORNING (DECEMBER 5) FOR THE RELOCATION OF THE TRAM TRACK ON KING’S ROAD.
THE AMENDED SCHEDULES WILL BE AS FOLLOWSi FIRST DEPARTURE ON DECEMBER 5
FROM TO LAST DEPARTURE ON DECEMBER 4
WESTERN MARKET SHAU KEI WAN 9.20 PM 9.30 AM
HAPPY VALLEY SHAU KEI WAN 9.40 PM 9.40 AM
WHITTY STREET NORTH POINT 9.10 PM 9.20 AM
SHAU KEI WAN WESTERN MARKET 10.20 PM 10.20 AM
SHAU KEI WAN HAPPY VALLEY 10.20 PM 10.20 AM
NORTH POINT WHITTY STREET 9.57 PM 10.03 AM
-------o ---------
WATER CUT IN SHA TIN
MM*
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHA TIN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SIX HOURS FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 6) FOR REPAIR WORK AT LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD.
THE PREMISES AFFECTED WILL BE THOSE IN SAN TIN WAI, SHA TIN TAU VILLAGE, SHA TIN TAU TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, LEI UK VILLAGE,
SAN TIN VILLAGE, JAT MIN CHUEN, YUE SHING COURT, SHA KOK ESTATE,
FUI YIU HA, SHA TIN WAI, TSANG TAI UK, PRINCE OF WALES TEACHING
HOSPITAL, BELAIR GARDEN, CITY ONE, NGAU PEI SHA, SIU LEK YUEN,
POK HONG ESTATE, CHAP WAI KON, DOR SHEK VILLAGE, WONG UK, AREA 11 (PIONEER CONCRETE LTD., KEN ON CONCRETE, HEAVY EQUIPMENT INTERNATIONAL LTD., TAI SEI MACHINERY RENTAL CO., LTD.), SHA TIN WAI TEMPORARY INDUSTRIAL AREA, YUEN CHAU KOK TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, HANG SENG SCHOOL OF COMMERCE, WONG NAI TAU, AND SAM YICK APIARY.
-----o------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
IMMIGRATION AMENDMENT BILLS ................................# 1
BACKGROUND NOTE...................*.........................a 3
KCR CORPORATION BILL PUBLISHED................................. 5
HK FACING NEW CHALLENGE IN KEEPING BIRTH-RATE DOWN: BREMRIDGE 7
OPENING OF CAT SCANNER AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL............. 8
LORD BELSTEAD ARRIVES ON MONDAY.....*......................... 10
BETTER LIGHT BUSES EXPECTED .................................. 10
SIMPLIFIED CREMATION PROCEDURES SOON ......................... 11
HOME OFFICE DIRECTOR-GENERAL PRISON SERVICE ARRIVES .......... 12
SERVICES TO HELP YOUNG STUDENTS.............................. 12
INTELPOST SERVICE............................................. 1J
NEW POST OFFICE IN TAIKOO SHING .............................. 14
LONG-SERVING OFFICER RETIRES ................................. 14
GRADUATING FIREMEN URGED TO BE TOLERANT....................... 15
FIRE PREVENTION IN SHAM SHUI PO THAS STEPPED UP............... 15
SUNDAY CARNIVAL IN SHA TIN.................................... 16
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR +WALK FOR MILLIONS*......... 17
WATER CUT IN POK FU LAM AND NORTH POINT....................... 18
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1982
1
IMMIGRATION AMENDMENT BILLS * * * *
CF
DETAILS OF AMENDMENTS THE BRITISH NATIONALITY
TO THE LAW CONSEQUENT UPON THE PASSAGE ACT 1981 ARE PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THEY ARE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE UNDER THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1982, IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1982, BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981 (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL 1982, AND THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982.
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(CUKC) WILL BE REPLACED BY KiNGD°M AND COLONIES
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THIS CATEGORY OF CITIZENSHIP WAS ACHIEVED LARGELY AS A RESULT CF STRONG AND PERSISTENT HONG KONG REPRESENTATIONS TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT. IT WILL BE RECALLED THAT THE GREEN PAPER ON BRITISH NATIONALITY LAW PRESENTED TO PARLIAMENT IN 1977 BY THE HOME SECRETARY PROPOSED ONLY TWO CATEGORIES OF CITIZENSHIP, BRITISH CITIZENSHIP (BC) AND BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZENSHIP (BOC). HONG KONG CUKCS WERE INCLUDED IN THE LATTER. THE BNA 1981 RETAINS BOC WHICH IS NOW FOR CUKCS WHO WILL QUALIFY NEITHER AS BDTCS NOR BCS ON JANUARY 1, 1983. SUCH CITIZENSHIP DOES NOT CARRY THE RIGHT CF ABODE IN THE UK OR IN THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES. IT CANNOT BE ACQUIRED BY BIRTH-OR PASSED ON BY DESCENT.
UNDER THE BNA 1981, BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENSHIP IS FOR THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES AS A WHOLE. CONSEQUENTLY, THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1982 IS DESIGNED MAINLY TO ENSURE THAT ONLY THOSE BDTCS WHO ARE SUCH BY CONNECTION WITH HONG KONG WILL BE HONG KONG BELONGERS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT A HONG KONG BELONGER IS SOMEONE WHO HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AND WHO CANNOT BE REMOVED OR DEPORTED FOR ANY REASON.
THE BILL PROVIDES THAT FROM JANUARY 1 NO ONE WILL BECOME A HONG KONG BELONGER UNLESS HE OR SHE IS A BDTC BY REASON OF CONNECTION WITH HONG KONG.
HOWEVER, AS A TRANSITIONAL MEASURE, ALL PERSONS WHO ARE HONG KONG BELONGERS AT DECEMBER 31, 1982, BUT WHO DO NOT BECOME BDTCS, WILL KEEP THEIR EXISTING RIGHTS AND CONTINUE TO BE HONG KONG BELONGERS, HE SAID.
FRIDAY, DECH3ER J, 1982
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FOR EXAMPLE, CURRENTLY ANY BRITISH SUBJECT WHO IS THE SPOUSE CF A HONG KONG BELONGER IS AUTOMATICALLY A HONG KONG BELONGER AND WILL REMAIN SUCH UNDER THE TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS. BUT IN FUTURE A PERSON WHO MARRIES A HONG KONG BELONGER WILL NOT HIMSELF OR FERSELP BE A HONG KONG BELONGER UNLESS HE OR SHE IS A BDTC, OR BECOMES A BDTC BY NATURALISATION IN HONG KONG.
APPLICATIONS FOR NATURALISATION IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES WILL BE CONSIDERED, IF, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE APPLICANT HAS BEEN IN HONG KONG FOR THE THREE YEARS IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE DATE OF APPLICATION AND IS FREE OF CONDITIONS OF STAY.
THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT THE NEED TO HAVE A CONNECTION WITH HONG KONG WILL MEAN THAT NOT EVERY CHILD BORN HERE IN FUTURE WILL BE A HONG KONG BELONGER.
CHILDREN BORN IN HONG KONG FROM JANUARY 1, 1983. WILL NOT BE HONG KONG BELONGERS BY BIRTH UNLESS AT LEAST ONE PARENT IS A HONG KONG BELONGER OR SETTLED IN HONG KONG.
+SETTLED+ MEANS BEING ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG AND NOT SUBJECT UNDER THE IMMIGRATION LAWS TO ANY CONDITION OF STAY.
THIS MEANS THAT, FOR EXAMPLE, CHILDREN BORN TO PARENTS WHO ARE VISITORS, VIETNAMESE REFUGEES OR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL NOT BE HONG KONG BELONGERS BY BIRTH, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ASSUMING THE BILL IS ENACTED AS IT STANDS, HE ADDED, FEWER PEOPLE WILL QUALIFY AS HONG KONG BELONGERS FROM JANUARY 1, 1983 THAN WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN THE CASE.
PROVISIONS FOR THE IMMIGRATION CONTROL OF PERSONS BORN AFTER DECEMBER 31, 1982 IN HONG KONG TO NON-HONG KONG BELONGERS ARE CONTAINED IN THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1982. THIS WILL MEAN, FOR EXAMPLE, CHILDREN BORN TO VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG WILL THEMSELVES BE REGARDED AS REFUGEES.
THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981 (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL 1982 SUBSTITUTES WHEREVER APPROPRIATE IN EXISTING LEGISLATION THE NEW TERMINOLOGY ADOPTED BY THE BNA 1981.
THE MAIN PROVISIONS OF THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS)(AMENDMENT) BILL WILL DEAL WITH THE SUBSTITUTION OF A FEW SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR SERVICES SUCH AS REGISTRATION AND NATURALISATION AS A BDTC. THESE FEES ARE SIMILAR TO THOSE AT PRESENT CHARGED FOR COMPARABLE SERVICES.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1932
3
BACKGROUND NOTE * * *
THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981 WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 1983. BDTCS WILL, ON THAT DATE, BE ACQUIRED BY EXISTING CUKCS
X WHO ARE SUCH BY BIRTH, NATURALISATION OR REGISTRATION IN AN EXISTING DEPENDENT TERRITORY?
* WHO ARE THE CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN OF CUKCS, WHO ACQUIRED THAT STATUS BY BIRTH, NATURALISATION OR REGISTRATION IN AN EXISTING DEPENDENT TERRITORY,
* WHO HAVE BEEN MARRIED TO A MAN WHO BECOMES OR WOULD, BUT FOR HIS DEATH, HAVE BECOME A BDTC?
K-WHO WERE REGISTERED AS CUKCS OUTSIDE THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES, WHILE THEY WERE MINORS, AND ONE OF WHOSE PARENTS BECOMES A BDTCJ
* WHO WERE REGISTERED AS CUKCS OUTSIDE THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES ON GROUNDS OF CONNECTION WITH AN EXISTING DEPENDENT TERRITORY.
FROM JANUARY 1, 1983, THE PRINCIPAL METHODS BY WHICH A PERSON MAY ACQUIRE BDTC WILL BE -
BY BIRTH (WITHIN OR WITHOUT A DEPENDENT TERRITORY)
M A CHILD BORN IN THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES WILL BE A BDTC IF AT THE TIME OF THE BIRTH A PARENT IS A BDTC OR SETTLED IN THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES (I.E. ORDINARILY RESIDENT WITHOUT BEING SUBJECT TO ANY RESTRICTION ON THE PERIOD FOR WHICH HE/SHE MAY REMAIN);
M A CHILD BORN OUTSIDE THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES TO A BDTC WHO IS SERVING OUTSIDE THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES IN CROWN SERVICE UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF A DEPENDENT TERRITORY WILL BE A BDTC SUBJECT TO RECRUITMENT HAVING TAKEN PLACE IN A DEPENDENT TERRITORY;
* A CHILD BORN IN THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES WHO IS NOT AUTOMATICALLY A BDTC WILL BE ENTITLED TO BE REGISTERED AS A BDTC -
(A) IF, WHILE HE OR SHE IS A MINOR, EITHER PARENT BECOMES A BDTC OR SETTLE! IN A DEPENDENT TERRITORY;
(B) AT ANY TIME AFTER HE ATTAINS THE AGE OF TEN IF HE HAS LIVED IN THE DEPENDENT TERRITORY FOR THE FIRST TEN YEARS OF HIS LIFE - ABSENCES UP TO 93 DAYS PER YEAR BEING DISREGARDED.
FRIDAY, DECOffiER J, 1982
BY DESCENT
A CHILD BORN OUTSIDE THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES WILL BE A BDTC IF AT THE TIME OF BIRTH A PARENT IS A BDTC OTHERWISE THAN BY DESCENT. (IN GENERAL THIS MEANS THAT A PARENT MUST HAVE ACQUIRED BDTC BY BIRTH, REGISTRATION, NATURALISATION OR ADOPTION IN A DEPENDENT TERRITORY).
THE EFFECT OF THIS PROVISION IS THAT BDTC WILL NOT NORMALLY BE ACQUIRED BY THE SECOND GENERATION BORN OUTSIDE THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES. HOWEVER, IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, THE SECOND GENERATION BORN OUTSIDE THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES MAY ACQUIRE BDTC AT A SUBSEQUENT DATE BY REGISTRATION; SEE BELOW UNDER +BY REGISTRATION (MINORS)*.
BY NATURALISATION
AS AT PRESENT, APPLICATIONS FOR NATURALISATION MAY BE MADE AFTER FIVE YEARS’ RESIDENCE. ADDITIONALLY, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN WHO MARRY BDTCS WILL BE ABLE TO APPLY FOR BDTC BY NATURALISATION AFTER THREE YEARS’ RESIDENCE IN A DEPENDENT TERRITORY SUBJECT TO THEIR BEING FREE OF CONDITIONS OF STAY.
BY REGISTRATION (MINORS)
A CHILD BORN OUTSIDE THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES TO A PARENT WHO IS A BDTC BY DESCENT WILL HAVE AN ENTITLEMENT TO BDTC BY REGISTRATION IF -
(A) THE FATHER, MOTHER AND CHILD RETURN TO A DEPENDENT TERRITORY AND ARE RESIDENT THERE FOR THREE YEARS, OR
(B) A GRANDPARENT WAS, OR BUT FOR DEATH WOULD HAVE BEEN, A BDTC OTHERWISE THAN BY DESCENT AND THE PARENT HAD LIVED IN A DEPENDENT TERRITORY FOR THREE YEARS AT ANY TIME BEFORE THE CHILD’S BIRTH AND THE APPLICATION IS MADE WITHIN ONE YEAR OF BIRTH;
BY DISCRETIONARY REGISTRATION
THERE WILL BE DISCRETIONARY POWER TO REGISTER ANY CHILD AS A BDTC. THIS IS ANALOGOUS TO THE EXISTING DISCRETIONARY POWER TO REGISTER ANY CHILD AS A CUKC.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1982
5
KCR CORPORATION BILL PUBLISHED * * * *
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION CF A KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION BILL, WHICH IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 8). THE PROPOSED VESTING DATE OF THE CORPORATION IS JANUARY 1, 1983.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PREPARATION OF THE BILL HAD TAKEN ACCOUNT OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION ORDINANCE AND THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY ORDINANCE.
♦WHILE THERE ARE MANY PROVISIONS IN THE BILL WHICH ARE IDENTICAL TO THESE ORDINANCES, THERE ARE NECESSARILY DIFFERENCES,* THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT. +THESE INCLUDE THE NEED TO PROVIDE FOR THE TRANSFER OF AN EXISTING RAILWAY AS OPPOSED TO CONSTRUCTING A NEW ONE, TO CATER FOR THE CARRIAGE OF GOODS AND CROSS-BORDER TRAFFIC, AND TO DEFINE MORE PRECISELY THE FINANCIAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE CORPORATION AS A RESULT OF EXPERIENCE GAINED FROM THE MTRC ORDINANCE.+
AS IN THE CASE OF THE MTRC, IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CORPORATION SHOULD BE A MANAGING BOARD COMPRISING A CHAIRMAN, THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE CORPORATION AND BETWEEN FOUR AND EIGHT MEMBERS. THE MANAGING DIRECTOR WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE BOARD, SUBJECT TO .THE APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNOR, AND THE CHAIRMAN AND THE OTHER MEMBERS WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. THE CHAIRMANSHIP CF THE CORPORATION WILL BE A PART-TIME APPOINTMENT AND THEREFORE THE CHAIRMAN WILL NOT BE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE.
THE CORPORATION WILL BE EMPOWERED GENERALLY TO OPERATE AS WELL AS TO EXTEND AND IMPROVE THE EXISTING RAILWAY, ALTHOUGH ANY EXTENSION BEYOND THE EXISTING RAILWAY BOUNDARY WILL REQUIRE THE APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL. THE BILL ALSO ENABLES THE CORPORATION GENERALLY TO IMPROVE OR DEVELOP FOR NON-RAILWAY PURPOSES THE RAILWAY LAND VESTED IN IT OR ANY LAND WHICH IT MAY ACQUIRE.
FOLLOWING THE MTRC PRECEDENT, THE CORPORATION WILL HAVE THE POWER TO DETERMINE ITS OWN FARES AND CHARGES. IT WILL ALSO BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE BUSES OR OTHER MOTOR VEHICLE TRANSPORT SERVICES TO AND FROM RAILWAY PREMISES, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE PUBLIC OMNIBUS SERVICES ORDINANCE.
THE DUTIES OF THE CORPORATION INCLUDE THE REQUIREMENT TO EXERCISE ITS POWERS HAVING REGARD TO THE REASONABLE NEEDS OF THE TRANSPORT SYSTEM OF HONG KONG. +THIS MEANS THAT WHILE THE CORPORATION WILL BE EXPECTED TO PERFORM ITS FUNCTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ORDINARY COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES, IT WILL BE PRECLUDED FROM MAXIMISING ITS RETURN ON THE ASSETS EMPLOYED BY, FOR EXAMPLE, SEEKING TO OBTAIN MORE REVENUE BY CHARGING HIGHER FARES AND CARRYING FEWER PASSENGERS,* THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER J, 1982
6
THE BILL INCLUDES THE IMPORTANT PROVISIONS ENABLING THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO GIVE GENERAL AND SPEC IF IC DIRECT IONS TO THE CORPORATION IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST. IF ANY DIRECTION REQUIRES THE CORPORATION TO ACT CONTRARY TO PRUDENT COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES IT WILL --------------------------------------- FR0M THE qqvERNMENT.
BE ENTITLED TO REASONABLE COMPENSATION
THE DISCRETIONARY POWER TO
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL HAVE
DETERMINE A TARGET RATE OF RETURN IF HE CONSIDERS THAT THE CORPORATION IS NOT ACHIEVING SATISFACTORY RESULTS IN THE PREVAILING CIRCUMSTANCES. HE MAY ALSO GIVE DIRECTIONS AS TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE CORPORATION’S INVESTMENTS ARE MADE. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE CORPORATION, MAY ORDER THE PAYMENT OF ANY EXCESS PROFIT TO THE GOVERNMENT.
THE ESTIMATE dF THE INITIAL CAPITAL, WHICH WILL BE QUANTIFIED IN PRECISE TERMS AFTER THE CORPORATION COMES INTO OPERATION, IS $4.2 BILLION. THIS INCLUDES THE VALUE OF ASSETS TRANSFERRED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COST OF COMPLETING THE MODERNISATION AND ELECTRIFICATION OF THE RAILWAY.
PROVISION IS MADE IN THE BILL FOR THE CREATION OF AN INTEREST BEARING DEBT DUE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF $1 BILLION, TO BE PAID FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND. THE AMOUNT DERIVES FROM DETAILED STUDIES OF THE ANTICIPATED REVENUES OF THE CORPORATION OVER THE NEXT TEN YEARS WHICH WERE UNDERTAKEN TO ARRIVE AT A FINANCIAL STRUCTURE THAT WOULD ALLOW THE CORPORATION TO BECOME A COMMERCIALLY VIABLE ORGANISATION IN A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME. THE RATE OF INTEREST ON THE DEBT AND THE REPAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE CORPORATION.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL GUARANTEE THE CORPORATION’S DEBT UP TO A FURTHER $500 MILLION, WHICH MAY BE INCREASED BY RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
OTHER PROVISIONS IN THE BILL INCLUDE POWERS TO ENHANCE RAILWAY SAFETY. +FOR EXAMPLE, THE CORPORATION WILL HAVE THE RIGHT CF ENTRY TO ANY LAND ADJOINING THE RAILWAY TO LOP OR REMOVE TREES CAUSING AN OBSTRUCTION OR CONCEALING A SIGNAL, A POWER WHICH IS PARTICULARLY NECESSARY WITH AN ELECTRIFIED RAILWAY,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1982
7
HK FACING NEW CHALLENGE IN KEEPING BIRTH-RATE DOWNi BREMRIDGE * * * *
HONG KONG IS NOW FACING A NEW CHALLENGE IN KEEPING DOWN THE FERTILITY RATE, AS A RESULT OF THE BIG INFLUX OF CHINESE IMMIGRANTS AND VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION, MR BREMRIDGE POINTED OUT THAT ABOUT 600 000 CHINESE IMMIGRANTS ARRIVED DURING THE 1970’S, NEARLY 400 000 OF THEM BETWEEN 1978 AND 1981, AND THERE WERE ALSO MANY VIETNAMESE BOAT REFUGEES,
♦COMPARED WITH THE LOCAL POPULATION. THEY ARE LESS EDUCATED AND HAVE HIGHER FERTILITY. CLEARLY THEY WILL HAVE A MARKED IMPACT ON THE FERTILITY PERFORMANCE OF THE POPULATION IF NOTHING IS DONE TO CHANGE THIS.
+1 AM GLAD THAT THE ASSOCIATION HAS ALREADY LASNCHED PROGRAMMES FOR THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, AND HAS EXPLORED VARIOUS APPROACHES TO REACH THE CHINESE IMMIGRANTS,* HE SAID.
MR BREMRIDGE SAID THERE HAD BEEN SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN POPULATION IN THE PAST THREE DECADES.
IN THE 195O’S FERTILITY REMAINED HIGH, MORTALITY LOW AND DECLINING AND INWARD MIGRATION WAS THE SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN THE POPULATION GROWTH.
+THE NEXT TEN YEARS SAW A MARKED FALL IN THE RATE OF POPULATION GROWTH; 2.3 PER CENT GROWTH BETWEEN 1961 AND 1971 AS AGAINST 4.5 PER CENT FOR 1951-61.
♦THIS WAS THE RESULT OF A SUBSTANTIAL DECLINE IN FERTILITY RATES AND A RELATIVELY LOW RATE OF MIGRATION AS COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS PERIOD,+ HE SAID.
IN THE LAST DECADE, FERTILITY DECLINED FURTHER AND THERE WAS A REDUCTION IN THE RATE OF NATURAL INCREASE, BUT WITH A LARGE INFLUX OF MIGRANTS FROM 1978 TO 1980, THE POPULATION PASSED THE FIVE MILLION MARK, REACHING 5.2 MILLION THIS YEAR.
MR BREMRIDGE SAID THAT, WITHOUT THIS DECLINE IN FERTILITY IN THE PAST 20 YEARS, THE POPULATION WOULD HAVE INCREASED AT A FASTER RATE AND BY NOW WOULD HAVE BEEN ABOUT 6.5 MILLION.
HE SAID THERE WAS NO DOUBT THAT THE PRESENT STANDARD OF LIVING COULD NOT HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED IF THERE WERE AN INCREASE OF ALMOST ONE-AND-A-HALF MILLION MORE PEOPLE AGED UNDER 20.
♦THIS BRIEF REVIEW OF THE PERIOD 1951-1981 SHOWS HOW IMPORTANT AND NECESSARY WAS THE DECLINE IN FERTILITY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG; AND THE FERTILITY DECLINE WAS IN LARGE MEASURE A RESULT OF THE GOOD WORK OF YOUR ASSOCIATION, WHICH HAS TIRELESSLY PROMOTED FAMILY PLANNING THROUGHOUT THE PAST 25 YEARS,+ HE SAID.
/M.R BRJXRID3E.......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1982
8
ME BREMRIDGE STRESSED THAT IT HAD BEEN THE GOVERNMENT’S PRACTICE TO SUPPORT THE WORK OF FAMILY PLANNING AND THIS WOULD CONTINUE.
♦TO THIS END, WE HAVE PARTICIPATED DIRECTLY IN THE PROVISION CF FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES SINCE 1973. THE CLOSE COLLABORATION IN THIS FIELD BETWEEN THE ASSOCIATION AND THE GOVERNMENT BROUGHT HONG KONG’S FERTILITY RATES DOWN TO A LEVEL SLIGHTLY BELOW THOSE REQUIRED FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE POPULATION BY THE BEGINNING OF THE 1980’S.
♦ALL THIS HAPPENED IN THE WAY PEOPLE DESIRED WITHOUT AN* GOVERNMENT MEASURES TO INDUCE COUPLES TO HAVE SMALLER FAMILIES,+ HE SAID.
HONG KONG IS A FREE SOCIETY AND IT IS THE PARENTS THEMSELVES WHO DECIDE HOW MANY CHILDREN THEY WILL HAVE AND WHEN THEY WILL HAVE THEM, MR BREMRIDGE SAID.
IF THE PARENTS WERE NOT SUFFICIENTLY MOTIVATED, NO PLANNING PROGRAMME WOULD BE SUCCESSFUL. IT WAS ONLY THROUGH EFFECTIVE PUBLICITY THAT COUPLES WERE EDUCATED TO PLAN THE SIZE OF THEIR FAMILIES, AND IT WAS IN THIS AREA THAT THE ASSOCIATION MADE ITS GREATEST CONTRIBUTION, MR BREMRIDGE SAID.
LARGELY THROUGH THE ASSOCIATION’S PUBLICITY AND EDUCATION EFFORTS, NEARLY THREE OUT OF EVERY FOUR MARRIED COUPLES IN HONG KONG ARE NOW PRACTISING FAMILY PLANNING.
♦THIS IS INDEED A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT,♦'HE ADDED.
MR BREMRIDGE SAID THAT THE NUMBER OF FEMALES IN THE FERTILE AGES WOULD CONTINUE TO INCREASE IN THE NEXT TWO DECADES, THOUGH AT A SLOWER RATE.
♦WITH THE PROSPECTS OF AN EVER-INCREASING POPULATION WHO ARE IN NEED OF FAMILY PLANNING EDUCATION AND SERVICES, THE WORK OF THE ASSOCIATION WILL CONTINUE TO BE OF PARAMOUNT VALUE AND IMPORTANCE,+ HE SAID.
THE BATTLE WAS STILL FAR FROM BEING WON, BUT HE WAS SURE THAT THE ASSOCIATION WAS ALWAYS PREPARED TO FACE NEW CHALLENGES, MR BREMRIDGE SAID, EXPRESSING HIS APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE FOR THE GOOD WORK IT HAD DONE FOR HONG KONG.
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OPENING OF CAT SCANNER AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL *****
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, NO MATTER HOW ADVANCED AND SOPHISTICATED. ARE ONLY DIAGNOSTIC AIDS AND NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR SKILL AND CLINICAL ACUMEN OF GOOD PHYSICIANS, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
FHIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 198?
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SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE COMPUTERISED AXIAL TOMOGRAPHY SCANNER AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL, HE ADVISED DOCTORS TO DEVELOP CLINICAL SKILLS THROUGH THE TRADITIONAL PRACTICE OF TAKING A GOOD HISTORY AND EXAMINING THE PATIENT WITH DUE CARE FOR SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS.
♦MACHINES ARE BUT ONLY GOOD AIDS TO OUR BASIC ART OF DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT,* HE STRESSED.
♦CLINICAL ACUMEN RATHER THAN BLIND DEPENDENCY ON HIGH TECHNOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT, NO MATTER HOW EXPENSIVE AND EFFICIENT, WOULD STILL HAVE TO BE THE MAINSTAY OF THE TRAINING OF A GOOD DOCTOR AND WOULD CERTAINLY IN THE END BE OF BENEFIT TO OUR PATIENTS,* HE ADDED.
THE CAT SCANNER IS THE FIRST OF SUCH EQUIPMENT TO BE INSTALLED IN MAJOR GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AT A COST OF SOME $6 MILLION. ACCORDING TO DR THONG, THERE ARE PLANS TO PROVIDE SIMILAR EQUIPMENT IN ALL THE OTHER REGIONAL HOSPITALS.
AS THE SCANNER AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL WILL HAVE TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE WHOLE GOVERNMENT SERVICE FOR THE TIME BEING, THE DIRECTOR APPEALED TO THE STAFF USING IT TO EXERCISE DUE CARE AND JUDGEMENT WHEN REQUESTING FOR SCANNING AID IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR PATIENTS.
DR THONG WENT ON TO SAY THAT MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND ADVANCEMENT IN MEDICAL SCIENCE HAVE GREATLY INCREASED THE ABILITY OF PHYSICIANS TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND EVEN TO PROLONG IT.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, ACHIEVEMENTS SUCH AS THE CAT SCANNER, SOMETIMES CALLED THE LATEST AMERICAN DREAM MACHINE, DO NOT COME CHEAPLY.
HE SAID THAT THE COST OF USING THE MACHINE ONCE ON A PATIENT
IS ABOUT |1 OOO, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE MANPOWER INVOLVED AND EXCLUDING THE COST OF SENDING PROFESSIONAL STAFF OVERSEAS FOR TRAINING IN OPERATING THE EQUIPMENT.
THE DIRECTOR POINTED OUT THAT WITH RISING EXPECTATION, THE PUBLIC HAVE COME TO EXPECT THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF MEDICAL CARE IN LARGE QUANTITY AS A RIGHT.
THE PROBLEMS OF PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY CARE AND TRYING TO hEET THE EVER-RISING DEMANDS ARE ENORMOUS, HE SAID.
DR THONG CITED EXAMPLE OF QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL WHERE THE COST OF KEEPING SUCH AN INSTITUTION RUNNING SMOOTHLY WITH ITS REQUIREMENTS OF TRAINED MANPOWER, ACCOMMODATION AND EQUIPMENT, SPIRALS YEAR AFTER YEAR.
UNFORTUNATELY, HE SAID, HEALTH AUTHORITIES, LIKE ANY OTHER ORGANISATIONS, HAVE TO WORK WITHIN A FINITE FINANCIAL LIMIT.
♦THIS CONSTITUTES THE CHALLENGE ON THE ONE HAND OF MAKING ADEQUATE PROVISION FOR THE BASIC BUT ESSENTIAL FIELD OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, AND ON THE OTHER, OF TRYING TO KEEP ABREAST OF THE LATEST ADVANCES IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY AND SOPHISTICATIONS,* HE SAID.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1982
10
LORD BELSTEAD ARRIVES ON MONDAY
* * * *
LORD BELSTEAD, MINISTER OF STATE AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE, IS DUE TO ARRIVE ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 6) FOR A FIVE-DAY VISIT ON HIS WAY TO BANGKOK WHERE HE WILL ATTEND A MEETING OF HEADS OF UK MISSIONS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE FAR EAST.
LORD BELSTEAD IS SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE AT KAI TAK AIRPORT ON FLIGHT CX 200 (STA 9.15 AM). HE WILL BE GREETED ON ARRIVAL BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE.
A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY WILL BE ARRANGED TO COVER LORD BELSTEAD’S ARRIVAL. PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS AND TV CAMERAMEN WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THIS FACILITY ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE IN THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING BY 8.15 AM.
GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
EDITORS ARE ADVISED THAT LORD BELSTEAD WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS AT THE AIRPORT, BUT IS EXPECTED TO GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE ON DECEMBER 10.
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. BETTER LIGHT BUSES EXPECTED
* * * *
THE PUBLIC MAY IN THE NEAR FUTURE SEE THE PHASING IN OF NEWER, SAFER, MORE POWERFUL AND MORE COMFORTABLE LIGHT BUSES.
SOME OPERATORS HAVE BEEN KEEN TO SWITCH TO NEW MODELS OF LIGHT BUSES, BUT THE OBSTACLE HAS BEEN THE DEFINITION IN THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE WHICH RESTRICTS A LIGHT BUS TO A MAXIMUM 2-TON UNLADEN WEIGHT.
IT WAS THE INTENTION TO REMOVE THIS OBSTACLE IN THE GENERAL REVISION OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC LEGISLATION, BUT THIS CANNOT BE IMPLEMENTED UNTIL APRIL 1984.
HOWEVER, IN THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1982 PUBLISHED TODAY, THE RAISING OF THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMIT AND DIMENSIONS OF LIGHT BUSES CAN EFFECTIVELY BE BROUGHT FORWARD.
UNDER THE BILL, REFERENCE TO A 2-TON UNLADEN WEIGHT LIMIT WILL BE DELETED FROM THE DEFINITION OF A LIGHT BUS ALTHOUGH ITS SEATING CAPACITY WILL REMAIN AT 14.
IF THE BILL IS ENACTED, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL BE ABLE ON APPLICATION FROM OPERATORS TO REGISTER LIGHT BUSES UP TO FOUR TONS IN GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT AND UP TO SEVEN METRES iN LENGTH, THREE METRES IN HEIGHT AND 2.3 METRES IN WIDTH.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1982
11
SIMPLIFIED CREMATION X * *
PROCEDURES SOON *
REGULATIONS TO SIMPLIFY THE PROCEDURES OF APPLYING FOR A CREMATION PERMIT ARE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID THAT AMENDMENTS TO THE STATUTORY FORMS IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE CREMATION AND GARDENS OF REMEMBRANCE (NEW TERRITORIES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1982 ARE AIMED AT EXPEDITING THE ISSUE OF CREMATION PERMITS TO THOSE WHO WISH TO HAVE THE REMAINS OF THE DECEASED CREMATED.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPROVED THE AMENDMENTS UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE AND THE NEW REGULATIONS WILL BE BROUGHT INTO OPERATION WHEN THE URBAN COUNCIL INTRODUCES CORRESPONDING AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THERE ARE THREE STATUTORY FORMS IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE EXISTING REGULATIONS.
ONE OF THE FORMS IS USED BY THE BEREAVED FAMILY TO APPLY FOR A CREMATION PERMIT WHILE ANOTHER IS USED BY THE DIRECTOR CF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES TO AUTHORISE CREMATION OF THE REMAINS.
THESE TWO STATUTORY FORMS REQUIRE THE APPLICANT AND THE AUTHORISING OFFICER TO SPECIFY THE NAME OF A GOVERNMENT CREMATORIUM IN RESPECT OF WHICH A CREMATION PERMIT IS TO BE GRANTED.
THE NEW REGULATIONS REMOVE THIS REQUIREMENT, SO THAT THE APPLICANT WILL NOT HAVE TO RETURN TO THE PORT HEALTH OFFICE FOR AMENDMENT OF THE FORMS IN CASE OF ANY CHANGE IN THE PLACE OF CREMATION.
THE THIRD FORM IS ISSUED BY THE MEDICAL PRACTITIONER TO APPROVE CREMATION OF THE REMAINS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW REGULATIONS REQUIRE A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER TO CERTIFY ON THIS FORM WHETHER ANY CARDIAC PACEMAKER OR RADIOACTIVE OR OTHER IMPLANT HAS TO BE REMOVED FROM THE BODY BEFORE CREMATION.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1982
12
HOME OFFICE DIRECTOR-GENERAL PRISON SERVICE AiWWVES *****
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE PRISON SERVICE IN ENGLAND AND WALES, MR D.J. TREVELYAN, ARRIVED IN HONG KONG TODAY (FRIDAY) FOR AN EIGHT-DAY VISIT. HE IS ACCOMPANIED BY HIS WIFE.
DURING HIS STAY, MR TREVELYAN WILL HAVE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR T.G. GARNER, ON THE TREATMENT OF OFFENDERS. HE WILL VISIT A NUMBER OF CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND SEE SOME OF THE PROGRAMMES FOR OFFENDERS RUN BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 8), HE WILL BE THE INSPECTING OFFICER AT A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF RECRUIT OFFICERS AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY.
HONG KONG IS THE LAST LEG OF MR TREVELYAN’S FAR EAST TOUR DURING WHICH HE HAS VISITED CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE AND THAILAND.
HE WILL RETURN TO ENGLAND ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 10).
NOTE TO EDITORSl
MR TREVELYAN WILL MEET THE MEDIA IN THE 6IS THEATRE AT 2.30 PM THURSDAY (DECEMBER 9).
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SERVICES TO HELP YOUNG STUDENTS xxx
EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE TO INTEGRATE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION ELEMENTS INTO THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM TO HELP STUDENTS UNDERSTAND THEMSELVES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SPEECH DAY OF CHEUNG CHUK SHAN COLLEGE, M? ALLEYNE SAID THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES WERE WORKING TOGETHER ON THE PLANS.
HE SAID THAT AS FAR AS MANPOWER ALLOWED, THE S.W.D. WAS TRYING TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OP FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WORKERS AND TO DRAW UP PRIORITIES FOR DEVELOPING RESOURCE MATERIALS SO AS TO MAKE THE SERVICE MORE EFFECTIVE.
HE NOTED THAT YOUNG PEOPLE EXPERIENCED A SERIES OF PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES WHEN THEY STEPPED INTO ADOLESCENCE, WHICH WAS SOMETIMES CALLED AN AGE OF +STORM AND STRESS*.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER J, 1982
♦THROUGH A TERRITORY-WIDE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN AND MASS ACTIVITY PROGRAMMES, WE TRY TO HELP ADOLESCENTS TO ACQUIRE THE RIGHT ATTITUDES AND VALUES TOWARDS LIFE, TO UNDERSTAND THEMSELVES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS IN FRIENDSHIP AND IN COURTSHIP, AND TO UNDERTAKE THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS THEMSELVES AND THE COMMUNITY IN WHICH THEY LIVE,+ FR ALLEYNE SAID.
♦THESE ARE ALL STEPS TOWARDS THE BUILDING OF A HEALTHY AND STABLE SOCIETY FOR US ALL IN HONG KONG.+
MR ALLEYNE ALSO SPOKE OF ANOTHER SERVICE — SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK — TO HELP STUDENTS OVERCOME ANY DIFFICULTIES WHICH MIGHT HINDER THEIR ACADEMIC, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
♦IT ALSO PREPARES YOUNG PEOPLE FOR A RESPONSIBLE ADULTHOOD AND TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL TO THE FULL,+ HE SAID.
APART FROM THIS, THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER WAS CONCERNED TO FOSTER BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND CO-OPERATION AMONG STUDENTS, THEIR FAMILIES, SCHOOL PERSONNEL AND OTHER COMMUNITY GROUPS THROUGH SPECIAL PROGRAMMES AND GROUP ACTIVITIES.
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INTELPOST SERVICE * * *
ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 6), THE POST OFFICE WILL ENTER THE AGE OF ELECTRONIC MAIL BY LAUNCHING ITS INTELPOST SERVICE. THE SERVICE WILL PROVIDE FOR THE HIGH SPEED TRANSMISSION OF DOCUMENTS, DRAWINGS, ETC. BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE UNITED KINGDOM.
TO MARK THE OCCASION, A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM ON THAT DAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE 4TH FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING. THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR A.C. HEATHCOTE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CONFERENCE. HE WILL ALSO EXCHANGE OVER THE NEW ELECTRONIC MAIL LINK AN INAUGURAL MESSAGE WITH THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BRITISH POST OFFICE, FR R.E. DEARING.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1982
14
NEW POST OFFICE IN TA I KOO SHING
S S M
A NEW POST OFFICE WILL BE OPENED AT THE CITYPLAZA IN TAIKOO SHING ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON (DECEMBER 9) TO SERVE RESIDENTS IN THE AREA.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHAU KEI WAN KAIFONG WELFARE ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION, MR CHEUNG KAM-TIM; THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR A.C. FCATHCOTE; AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER, EASTERN, MR LUI HAU-TUEN WILL JOINTLY PERFORM THE OPENING CEREMONY.
LOCATED IN SHOP UNIT NO. 002 ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF CITYPLAZA THE NEW POST OFFICE WILL BRING THE TOTAL NUMBER OPENED IN HONG KONG TO 90. IT WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC AT 2.15 PM ON THAT DAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE NEW POST OFFICE WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 12 NOON ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 9).
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LONG-SERVING OFFICER RETIRES K * X *
ONE OF THE LONGEST SERVING OFFICERS OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR T.C. CHAU, RETIRED TODAY (FRIDAY) AFTER 25 YEARS OF SERVICE.
MR CHAU JOINED THE CO-OPERATIVE AND MARKETING DEPARTMENT AS A CO-OPERATIVE OFFICER IN 1957 AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CAREER AS A FILM PRODUCER.
WHEN THE CO-OPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WAS MERGED WITH THE AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY DEPARTMENT IN 1964, W CHAU CONTINUED IN CO-OPERATIVE WORK.
IN 1968 HE WAS SENT TO READING UNIVERSITY WHERE HE COMPLETED A DIPLOMA COURSE IN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION METHODS.
MR CHAU WAS APPOINTED AGRICULTURAL OFFICER AND LATER PROMOTED TO SENIOR AGRICULTURAL OFFICER IN CHARGE OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION
AT A FAREWELL PARTY THIS EVENING, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR JOHN RIDDELL-SWAN, SAID THAT ALTHOUGH MR CHAU WAS LEAVING THE DEPARTMENT, HE WAS NOT RETIRING COMPLETELY.
MR CHAU WILL TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT WITH THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION, AND +wlLL CONTINUE TO HAVE A CLOSE WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE DEPARTMENT*, MR RIDDELL-SWAN ADDED.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1982
15
GRADUATING FIREMEN URGED TO BE TOLERANT
* * *
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR ROBERT HOLMES TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED GRADUATING FIREMEN TO BE TOLERANT WHILE PERFORMING THEIR DUTIES AND NOT TO EXPECT ANY GRATITUDE FOR DOING THEIR JOB.
♦YOU WILL RECEIVE LITTLE THANKS OR GRATITUDE FOR THE SERVICES YOU PERFORM AND POSSIBLY YOU WILL BE CRITICISED BECAUSE YOU FAILED TO SAVE SOMEONE’S HUT OR BELONGINGS,+ HE SAID.
MR HOLMES WAS SPEAKING AT A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF FOUR SQUADS OF FIREMEN WHO HAD JUST COMPLETED THEIR 13-WEEK INITIAL TRAINING AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL AT PAT HEUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
HE TOLD THEM TO TAKE HEED OF THE WORD +INITIAL+.
♦UNTIL THE DAY YOU RETIRE OR LEAVE THE SERVICE, YOU WILL BE LEARNING - ON STATIONS, TAKE HEED OF YOUR SENIOR OR PRINCIPAL FIREMEN - WATCH HOW THEY BEHAVE AT EMERGENCIES AND DO NOT BE SHY OF SEEKING ADVICE,+ HE ADDED.
MR HOLMES LATER PRESENTED THE BEST RECRUIT AWARD TO FI REMAN CHAN CHI-FAI AND WITH OTHER GUESTS, WATCHED A FIRE DRILL STAGED BY THE NEW FIREMEN.
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FIRE PREVENTION IN SHAM SHUI PO THAS STEPPED UP
M M M
EIGHT +FIRE WATCH+ TEAMS HAVE BEEN FORMED RECENTLY IN FIVE TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS IN SHAM SHUI PO TO STEP UP FIRE PREVENTION WORK.
EACH TEAM COMPRISES ABOUT 20 THA RESIDENTS WHO WILL BE PROVIDED WITH FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT FUNDED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD.
THEY WILL UNDERGO TRAINING BY STAFF OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING TALKS AND FILM SHOWS ON FIRE PREVENTION, HANDLING OF EQUIPMENT, AND HOW TO HELP RESIDENTS TO EVACUATE DURING A FIRE.
A DISTRICT BOARD SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT TWO MAJOR FIRES BROKE OUT IN TAI WOH PING AND PAK TIN THAS LAST YEAR RESULTING IN HEAVY LOSSES.
♦WE FEEL THAT MORE ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID TO FIRE PREVENTION WORK IN THESE AREAS BEFORE THE START OF THE DRY SEASON,+ HE SAID.
THE FIVE THAS ARE IN PAK TIN, CORNWALL STREET, FORTUNE STREET, TAI WOH PING AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD WITH A COMBINED POPULATION OF MORE THAN 10 000.
/ffisas ARE..........
Triday, decembep j, 1982
16
THERE ARE THREE *FIRE WATCH* TEAMS IN PAK TIN, TWO IN CORNWALL STREET AND ONE EACH IN THE OTHER THREE THAS, DEPENDING ON THE SIZE OF THE POPULATION IN EACH OF THESE AREAS.
AN INAUGURATION CEREMONY FOR THE EIGHT TEAMS WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 5) AT 2.30 PM AT THE SHEK KIP MEI PARK DURING WHICH A FIRE PREVENTION DRIVE FEATURING A PHOTO EXHIBITION, FIRE-FIGHTING DEMONSTRATIONS AND A VARIETY SHOW WILL ALSO BE HELD.
NOTE TO ED I TORSi
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
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SUNDAY CARNIVAL IN SHA TIN * * * *
A FREE-FALL PARACHUTE DROP BY MEMBERS OF THE +FLYING DRAGON* OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE WILL HIGHLIGHT THE TIN SUM VALLEY CARNIVAL TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 5) AFTERNOON AT THE SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB TEMPORARY SPORTS GROUND.
OVER 3 000 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE HALF-DAY EVENT, WHICH IS FUNDED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD.
IT IS ORGANISED BY THE TIN SUM VALLEY AREA COMMITTEE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND THE POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE IN THE DISTRICT.
THE CARNIVAL WILL START AT 1.30 PM FOLLOWING A CURTAIN-RAISER BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE BAND.
APART FROM THE PARACHUTING PERFORMANCE, THERE WILL BE NUMEROUS DISPLAYS INCLUDING A DEMONSTRATION OF FIRE ENGINES BY STAFF OF THE SHA TIN FIRE STATION AND THE FLYING OF A HOT-AIR BALLOON.
THERE WILL ALSO BE GAMES STALLS, CHINESE DANCE BY THE SHA TIN JUNIOR POLICE CALL AS WELL AS A SINGING PERFORMANCE BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD CHILDREN’S CHOIR.
ADMISSION TICKETS AT SI ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SUN TIN WAI COMMUNITY HALL AND THE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BRANCH OFFICE OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE TIN SUM VALLEY CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD AT THE SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB TEMPORARY SPORTS GROUND (OPPOSITE JIT MIN ESTATE) ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 5) BETWEEN 1.30 PM AND 4.30 PM. YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. _ f _ ___
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1982
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR +WALK FOR MILLIONS* X * * *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN WAN CHAI, HAPPY VALLEY AND SO KON PO ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 5) IN CONNECTION WITH THE +WALK FOR MILLIONS* ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
TRAFFIC ON A NUMBER OF ROADS WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM 7.30 AM TO 5.30 PM AS FOLLOWS!
EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD FROM GOVERNMENT STADIUM TO TUNG LO WAN ROAD; BROADWOOD ROAD FROM VENTRIS ROAD TO LINK ROAD; BLUE POOL ROAD FROM SING WOO ROAD TO WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD; MOUNT BUTLER ROAD FROM TAI HANG ROAD TO PERKINS ROAD; GREEN LANE FROM BLUE POOL ROAD TO BROOM ROAD; AND LINK ROAD FROM BROADWOOD ROAD TO CAROLINE HILL WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY NORTHBOUND.
CAROLINE HILL ROAD FROM LEIGHTON ROAD TO GOVERNMENT STADIUM WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY EASTBOUND.
BLUE POOL ROAD FROM SING WOO ROAD TO TAI HANG ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY SOUTHBOUND.
TAI HANG ROAD FROM STUBBS ROAD ROUNDABOUT TO MOUNT BUTLER ROAD AND BROOM ROAD FROM BLUE POOL ROAD TO GREEN LANE WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY WESTBOUND.
ALSO FROM 7.30 AM TO 5.30 PM THAT DAY, VENTRIS ROAD, TAI TAM RESERVOIR ROAD NEAR REPULSE BAY ROAD, MOUNT BUTLER DRIVE, PRICE ROAD AND BLUE POOL ROAD SOUTH OF TAI HANG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT ACCESS VEHICLES TO LOCAL PREMISES.
AT THE SAME TIME, NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO USE MOUNT PARKER ROAD.
DURING THE CLOSURE, CMB NO. 19 ON JOURNEYS TO THE TEMPORARY TERMINUS AT BROOM ROAD WILL TRAVEL VIA SING WOO ROAD AND BLUE POOL ROAD. ON RETURN JOURNEYS TO NORTH POINT FERRY, THE ROUTE WILL OPERATE VIA GREEN LANE, BLUE POOL ROAD AND SING WOO ROAD.
CMB NO. 11, BEING A CIRCULAR ROUTE, WILL BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE VIA TAI HANG ROAD, MOUNT BUTLER ROAD AND PERKINS ROAD.
MAXICAB ROUTE NO. 5 WILL OPERATE VIA STUBBS ROAD AND QUEEN’S ROAD EAST INSTEAD OF BLUE POOL ROAD IN BOTH DIRECTIONS.
AND FROM 6 AM TO 6 PM ON DECEMBER 5 PARKING SPACES ON GOVERNMENT STADIUM SLIP ROAD? EASTERN SIDE OF VENTRIS ROAD ; TAI TAM RESERVOIR ROAD NEAR REPULSE BAY ROAD; PRICE ROAD; MOUNT BUTLER DRIVE AND GREEN LANE WILL BE CANCELLED.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1982
18
WATER CUT IN POK FU LAM AND NORTH POINT
* * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN POK FU LAM WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 7) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED WILL BE THOSE IN THE AREA BOUNDED BY POK FU LAM ROAD BETWEEN BISNEY ROAD AND POKFIELD ROAD, CHIU YUEN CEMETERY, AND MOUNT DAVIS ROAD FROM POK FU LAM ROAD TO NO. 50 MOUNT DAVIS ROAD.
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN NORTH POINT WILL ALSO BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 7) TO 6 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
S72M PAID OUT TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ..................... 1
MANPOWER SURVEY ON WHOLESALE/RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES 2
CUSTOMS RECRUITS TOLD TO UP-HOLD DEPARTMENT'S REPUTATION .... 2
YAU MA TEI MUSIC CENTRE OPENS ................................. 3
RSNT OPENS NORTH DISTRICT FESTIVAL '82 ........................ 3
E AMD M STAFF JOIN CHARITY WALK ............................... 4
FORK LIFT TRUCK DRIVING COMPETITION ........................... 4
HORTICULTURE CLASS FOR RAINBOW BRIGADE ........................ 5
HORTICULTURE CLASS POPULAR IN NT .............................. 5
MARKET STALLS FOR AUCTION ..................................... 6
PARKING METERS IN TSUEN WAN ................................... 6
FIRING PRACTICE
7
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1982
1
$72M PAID OUT TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS
* * * *
THE FAMILY OF A MAN WHO DIED IN A BUS CRASH ON NOVEMBER 14 AT TUEN MUN HIGHWAY HAS RECEIVED $31 300 UNDER THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) SCHEME ADMINISTERED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THE MONEY WAS PAID TO THE FAMILY FIVE DAYS AFTER THE ACCIDENT.
OTHER PAYMENTS, AMOUNTING TO $33 600, WERE GIVEN TO 29 PEOPLE WHO WERE INJURED IN THE SAME ACCIDENT. SEVERAL OF THEM RECEIVED THE CASH ASSISTANCE TWO OR THREE DAYS AFTER THE APPLICATIONS VERE MADE.
+THE SCHEME, WHICH IS NON-MEANS-TESTED, PROVIDES QUICK CASH RELIEF FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS REGARDLESS OF WHO WAS AT FAULT IN CAUSING THE ACCIDENT, BUT IT MUST HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE POLICE,* SAID MR SIU KING-CHIU, THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TAVA SECTION.
PEOPLE INVOLVED MUST APPLY WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE ACCIDENT AT THE TAVA SECTION AT THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE, 14TH FLOOR, 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY. ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE BY CALLING 5-779421 OR 5-7903650.
+THERE WERE SEVERAL MAJOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN OCTOBER AND WE AUTHORISED PAYMENTS ON AN AVERAGE OF 10 WORKING DAYS,* MR SIU SAID.
BY THE END OF OCTOBER, THE DEPARTMENT HAD PAID OUT NEARLY $72 MILLION UNDER THE SCHEME SINCE ITS INTRODUCTION THREE YEARS AGO.
PAYMENT HAD BEEN AUTHORISED FOR 16 648 APPLICATIONS OUT OF A TOTAL 19 482 RECEIVED.
+ABOUT 370 APPLICATIONS ARE BEING PROCESSED AND THE APPLICANTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO RECEIVE PAYMENTS SHORTLY,* MR SIU SAID.
OF THE 25 202 PAYMENTS MADE SO FAR, 1 314 INVOLVED DEATHS AND 23 888 RELATED TO INJURY CASES.
♦PAYMENTS FOR FATAL CASES AMOUNTED TO MORE THAN $12 MILLION WHILE INJURY PAYMENTS TOTALLED $59.3 MILLION, OF WHICH $17.7 MILLION WAS PAID AS FURTHER GRANTS TO THOSE WHO SUBSEQUENTLY REQUIRED EXTENDED SICK LEAVE,* HE SAID.
+THE HIGHEST PAYMENT SO FAR WAS $32 900 AWARDED IN ONE FATAL CASE,* HE ADDED.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1982
2
MANPOWER SURVEY ON WHOLESALE/RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES * K * » X M
A SURVEY TO ASCERTAIN THE MANPOWER AND TRAINING NEEDS IN THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES NOW BEING CARRIED OUT WILL CONTINUE UNTIL DECEMBER 16.
SOME 1 500 ESTABLISHMENTS WILL ASSIST IN THE SURVEY. QUESTIONNAIRES, EXPLANATORY NOTES AND DESCRIPTIONS OF PRINCIPAL JOBS HAVE BEEN SENT TO THEM.
INTERVIEWERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT THESE ESTABLISHMENTS DURING THE SURVEY TO COLLECT THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES, AND IF NECESSARY, TO HELP ANSWER THEM.
THE SURVEY WHICH STARTED IN LATE NOVEMBER IS ORGANISED BY THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
THE ESTABLISHMENTS ASSISTING IN THE SURVEY 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 WOULD ENABLE HIS TRAINING BOARD TO FORMULATE TRAINING PLANS AND RECOMMEND TRAINING POLICIES FOR CONSIDERATION BY EMPLOYERS, THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE GOVERNMENT.
THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE PUBLISHED ONLY IN STATISTICAL FORM WITHOUT REFERENCE TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS, HE STRESSED.
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CUSTOMS RECRUITS TOLD TO UP-HOLD DEPARTMENT’S REPUTATION M X X * *
THE SENIOR STAFF OFFICER OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT’S TECHNICAL BUREAU, MR LEE SEE-BIU TODAY (SATURDAY) STRESSED TO NEW RECRUITS THAT THE PRESTIGE AND REPUTATION OF THE DEPARTMENT DEPENDED UPON THE ATTITUDE AND EFFICIENT PERFORMANCE OF ITS MEMBERS.
ADDRESSING THE PASSING-OUT PARADE OF 10 INSPECTORS AND 114 CUSTOMS OFFICERS AT THE SERVICES’ TAI LAM CHUNG TRAINING SCHOOL, W LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD ATTAINED INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR ITS RELENTLESS EFFORTS IN THE SUPPRESSION OF NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING AND THE FACILITATION AND PROTECTION CF LEGITIMATE TRADE.
+OUR ACHIEVEMENTS WILL BE ENHANCED FURTHER BY YOUR FULL PARTICIPATION. HENCE YOU SHOULD ALWAYS REMAIN LOYAL, FIRM AND FORTHRIGHT IN THE DISCHARGE OF YOUR DUTIES WITHOUT LOSING SIGHT CF BEING CONSIDERATE, FAIR AND COURTEOUS TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHOM WE MUST SERVE,♦ HE TOLD THE OFFICERS.
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- 3 -
YAU MA TEI MUSIC CENTRE OPENS
XXX
THE YAU MA TEI MUSIC MUSIC OFFICE - WAS OPENED
CENTRE - THE FIFTH MUSIC CENTRE OF THE TODAY (SATURDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE MR CLIVE OXLEY, THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR RECRATIO AND CULTURE, AND MR LAI SZE-NUEN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD AND PRESIDENT CF YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION.
♦THE CENTRE, WHICH IS CENTRALLY LOCATED, WILL BE THE BASE FOR ORGANISING MUSIC ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS OF YAU MA TEI, TSIM SHA TSUI AND KOWLOON CITY,+ SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE.
♦EQUIPPED WITH EIGHT TRAINING AND REHEARSAL ROOMS, IT WILL PROVIDE INSTRUMENTAL, CHORAL, AURAL AND THEORY TRAINING AS WELL AS ORCHESTRAL REHEARSAL,+ HE ADDED.
A SERIES OF SHORT PERFORMANCES BY THE YOUNG TRAINEES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE ADDED COLOUR TO THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH TOOK PLACE AT 3 PM.
THE YAU MA TEI MUSIC CENTRE IS SITUATED AT GOLDEN GATE COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 2/F AND 3/F, 136-138 AUSTIN ROAD, KOWLOON.
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RSNT OPENS NORTH DISTRICT FESTIVAL '82
XXX
MORE THAN 1 000 NORTH DISTRICT RESIDENTS TODAY HAD AN ENJOYABLE AFTERNOON AT THE DISTRICT TOWN HALL WATCHING CLASSICAL AND WESTERN DANCES.
THE TWO-AND-HALF-HOUR PROGRAMME MARKED THE OPENING OF A TWO-WEEK DISTRICT FESTIVAL '82 WHICH CONSISTS OF 18 RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON, SAID THIS IMPORTANT EVENT WAS ORGANISED FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL RESIDENTS OF NORTH DISTRICT.
♦IN THESE TIMES OF DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE I HOPE IT WILL HELP TO ENCOURAGE A SENSE OF BELONGING AND COMMON IDENTITY,* HE ADDED. ’
WHICH
MR MACPHERSON ALSO THANKED ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN ORGANISING THE FESTIVAL FOR THEIR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION, WITHOUT THE FESTIVAL COULD NOT HAVE COME TO FRUITION.
THIS YEAR, THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD HAS CONTRIBUTED $120 000 TOWARDS THE COST OF THE FESTIVAL.
HIGHLIGHTS WILL INCLUDE A MODEL CARS AND AEROPLANES SHOW ON DECEMBER 11 AND A PARACHUTE DEMONSTRATION ON DECEMBER 18.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS FOR VARIOUS EVENTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE FANLING SUB-OFFICE AND THE SHEUNG SHUI COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BRANCH OFFICE.
A....
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1982
4
E AND M STAFF JOIN CHARITY WALK ft ft ft ft
MORE THAN 270 STAFF MEMBERS OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S HONG KONG +WALK FOR MILLIONS* TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE TEAM, TO BE LED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR GRAHAM OSBORNE, COMPRISES ALL GRADES OF STAFF FROM GOVERNMENT ENGINEERS TO APPRENTICES IN THE DEPARTMENT.
THE WALK, OVER A DISTANCE OF 20 KILOMETRES, WILL START FROM THE HONG KONG STADIUM, THE ROUTE WILL COVER BROADWOOD ROAD, TAI HANG ROAD, SIR CECIL’S RIDE, MT BUTLER ROAD, BLUE POOL ROAD AND BACK TO THE STARTING POINT.
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FORK LIFT TRUCK DRIVING COMPETITION ft ft ft
AN INTER-COMPANY FORK LIFT TRUCK DRIVING COMPETITION WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 9 AM AT THE POLICE DRIVING SCHOOL COMPOUND LOCATED AT THE EAST END OF THE KAI TAK AIRPORT.
THIS ANNUAL COMPETITION, THE FOURTH ONE IN SUCCESSION, IS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG AIR CARGO TERMINALS LTD. WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE COMPOSITE ORDINANCE DEPOT, R.A.O.C. AND THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN ORDER TO PROMOTE SAFETY AWARENESS AMONGST FORK LIFT TRUCK DRIVERS IN HONG KONG.
A RECORD NUMBER OF 12 TEAMS WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN TWO SECTIONS - INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - AND WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP IN BOTH SECTIONS WILL BE AWARDED CASH PRIZES, TROPHIES AND CERTIFICATES OF MERIT.
THE PANEL OF JUDGES WILL COMPRISE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE COMPOSITE ORDINANCE DEPOT, CENTRAL CONTAINER HANDLING SAFETY COMMITTEE, THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE, CROWN MOTORS LTD., WILLIAM HUNT AND CO. (INTERNATIONAL) LTD., AND EAST ASIATIC CO. LTD.
o
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1982
5
HORTICULTURE CLASS FOR RAINBOW BRIGADE
* * * *
AN EXHIBITION OF POTTED PLANTS WAS HELD TODAY (SATURDAY) AT
THE PO LEUNG KUK CENTENARY SCHOOL TO MARK THE GRADUATION OF 50 COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB RAINBOW BRIGADE MEMBERS FROM A COURSE ON HORTICULTURE.
THE RAINBOW BRIGADE IS A FORMATION WITHIN THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB TO RENDER SUPPORT TO THE CLEAN HONG KONG MEI FA PHASE.
THE PLANTS ON DISPLAY WERE GROWN BY THIS GROUP OF YOUNGSTERS AS A HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT DURING THE TWO-MONTH COURSE.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CYC SECTION OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE COURSE WAS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR RAINBOW BRIGADE MEMBERS OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT.
♦THE AIM OF THE COURSE WAS TO PROVIDE THE RAINBOW BRIGADE MEMBERS WITH MORE PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE IN THEIR TASK OF BEAUTIFYING THE ENVIRONMENT,+ A CYC SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE COURSE CONSISTED OF EIGHT LECTURES DELIVERED BY EXPERTS ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF TREE AND PLANT GROWING IN HONG KONG. EACH LECTURE WAS FOLLOWED BY A PRACTICAL SESSION TO ENABLE THE PARTICIPANTS TO GAIN MORE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SUBJECT.
♦SIMILAR CLASSES ARE ALSO PLANNED FOR OTHER DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID. +FOR INSTANCE, A COURSE IN THE NORTHERN DISTRICT HAS ALREADY STARTED, AND ONE IN TAI PO DISTRICT WILL COMMENCE IN JANUARY.+
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HORTICULTURE CLASS POPULAR IN NT X * * *
SIXTY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB IN NORTH DISTRICT WILL HAVE THEIR FIRST LESSON ON HORTICULTURE TODAY (SATURDAY) AT THE SHEK WU PUBLIC SCHOOL IN SHEUNG SHU I AS MORE AND MORE SCHOOL CHILDREN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES JOINED HORTICULTURE CLASSES TO LEARN PLANTING TECHNIQUES.
THE HORTICULTURE CLASS, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION AND NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENTS, WILL COMPRISE FOUR SESSIONS TO BE HELD ON FOUR CONSECUTIVE SATURDAY AFTERNOONS.
IT IS AIMED AT AROUSING THE INTEREST OF YOUNGSTERS IN THE APPRECIATION OF TREES AND PLANTS. THE HORTICULTURE CLASS HAS BEEN TIMED TO COINCIDE WITH THE ’MEI FA’ — BEAUTIFICATION SCHEME — OF THE CURRENT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD.
DURING THE SESSIONS HORTICULTURAL EXPERTS OF THE NTSD WILL GIVE TALKS ON VARIOUS TOPICS INCLUDING INTRODUCTION OF SEASONAL FLOWERS AND THEIR PROPAGATION; SEEDING, GROWING AND WATERING; CARE AND FERTILISATION; AND TRANSPLANTING OF POTTED PLANTS.
PLANTING DEMONSTRATION AND PRACTICAL WORK WILL ALSO BE ARRANGED FOR THE CLASS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1982
- 6 -
MARKET STALLS FOR AUCTION
* * *
TWO STALLS SELLING ICE AND FISH AT SAN HUI MARKET IN TUEN MUN AND TAI PO KUK TEN MARKET IN TAI PO, WILL BE PUT UP FOR RENT BY PUBLIC AUCTION NEXT WEEK.
THE AUCTION FOR THE ICE STALL WILL BE HELD ON THE ROOF GARDEN OF THE NEWLY BUILT SAN HUI MARKET IN TUEN MUN AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 7).
THE AUCTION FOR THE FISH STALL WILL TAKE PLACE AT 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 8) AT THE OFFICE OF THE TAI PO URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF MEI TAK BUILDING, 1-17 KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO.
THE UPSET MONTHLY RENTAL FOR THE ICE STALL IS $2 800 WHILE THE RENT FOR THE FISH STALL IS $100.
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS FOR THE STALLS CAN START BUSINESS ON JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR FOR A CONTRACT PERIOD OF THREE YEARS.
THEY ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO PAY THE BIDDED RENTAL ON A QUARTERLY BASIS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.
POTENTIAL BIDDERS, WHO MUST BE OVER 21 YEARS OF AGE, ARE REQUESTED TO BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND FIVE PHOTOGRAPHS TO THE AUCTION VENUE, HE ADDED.
FURTHER DETAILS ON THE TWO AUCTIONS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE HAWKERS AND MARKETS SECTIONS OF THE TUEN MUN SERVICES OFFICE ON TELEPHONE 0-820800 EXT. 231 AND OF THE TAI PO URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON 0-6577111 EXT. 158.
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PARKING METERS IN TSUEN WAN A X X
A TOTAL OF 658 PARKING METERS WILL BE INSTALLED IN TSUEN WAN OVER A FOUR-DAY PERIOD STARTING ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 7) TO REGULATE THE USE OF PARKING SPACES.
A RATE OF $2 PER HOUR WILL BE CHARGED DURING THE OPERATING PERIOD FROM 8 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY.
THESE METERED SPACES WILL BE ON CHUNG ON STREET, SHIU WO STREET, TAI PEI SQUARE, HAU TEI SQUARE, TAI UK STREET, SAN TSUEN STREET, LO TAK COURT, SAI LAU STREET, HO PUI STREET, HEUNG WO STREET, HOI PA STREET, SHA TSUI ROAD, FU YUNG STREET, PUN SHAN STREET, TAK WAH STREET, HAM TIN STREET, LUEN YAN STREET, MA TAU PA ROAD, PAK TIN PAR STREET AND TAI CHUNG ROAD.
LATER THIS MONTH, 100 MORE METERS WILL BE INSTALLED IN TSUEN WAN.
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/7......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1982
- 7 -
FIRING PRACTICE * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE FOR FIVE DAYS IN THE BASALT ISLAND RANGE IN SAI KUNG AND THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 6) TO FRIDAY (DECEMBER 10).
THE PRACTICE SCHEDULE IN THE BASALT ISLAND RANGE IS FROM
8 AM TO NOON EACH DAY FROM MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY, AND FROM 1.30 PM TO 4 PM ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY.
ALL AIRCRAFT AND VESSELS ARE WARNED TO KEEP OUT OF THE AREA DURING PRACTICE TIMES, AND VESSELS FOUND IN THE AREA WILL BE TOWED OUT BY THE MILITARY AUTHORITIES.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE PRACTICE SCHEDULE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE IS FROM 9 AM TO 11 PM ON MONDAY, FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM FROM TUESDAY TO THURSDAY, AND FROM 8 AM TO 4.30 PM ON FRIDAY.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING.
I
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
AIMOST 81^ ALLOCATED FROM LOTTERIES FUND FOR 3 COMMUNITY AND WELFARE PROJECTS ............................................ 1
WARNING ON PROSECUTION ........................................ 2
SEVEN LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIRS IN NT .............................. J
ISLANDS DISTRICT FIFTH ATHLETIC MEET .......................... 4
NEW ROADS FOR TUEN MUN ........................................ 5
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CAUSEWAY BAY........................... 5
TRAINING COURSES FOR TRADE AND WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS ........... 6
ROYAL OBSERVATORY WALL CALENDAR................................ 7
WATER SUPPLY IMPROVEMENT WORK FOR AP LEI CHAU ................. 8
NT SITES FOR LETTER A/B TENDERS ............................... 8
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1902
1
ALMOST $14M ALLOCATED FROM LOTTERIES FUND FOR 3 COMMUNITY AND WELFARE PROJECTS ******
NEARLY $14 MILLION HAS BEEN ALLOCATED FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A COMMUNITY CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN AND A TOWN HALL IN SAI KUNG AND FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TOY LIBRARY FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN.
THE ALLOCATIONS INCLUDE A GRANT OF $11.4 MILLION TO THE LUTHERAN CHURCH — HONG KONG SYNOD FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A COMMUNITY CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN AND ANOTHER GRANT OF $2 MILLION TO THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRST PHASE OF A TOWN HALL IN THE DISTRICT.
CARITAS HONG KONG WAS ALLOCATED $429 430 TO ESTABLISH ON A TWO-YEAR EXPERIMENTAL BASIS A TOY LIBRARY FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN.
COMMENTING ON THE COMMUNITY CENTRE PROJECT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT IT WOULD PROVIDE A MUCH NEEDED VENUE FOR COMMUNITY AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE 150 000 PEOPLE LIVING IN HO MAN TIN.
THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TO BE BUILT ON A 2 600-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF CHUNG HAU STREET AND GOOD SHEPHERD STREET, WILL INCLUDE A BUILDING TO HOUSE THE SYNOD’S HEAD OFFICE, A NURSERY, CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE DISABLED AND OTHER WELFARE UNITS.
AN AUDITORIUM, WITH A CAPACITY FOR 600 TO 800 PEOPLE, WILL SERVE AS A VENUE FOR CULTURAL, SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
THE ESTIMATED TOTAL COST OF THE PROJECT IS $23.2 MILLION.
THE SYNOD WILL CONTRIBUTE $11.8 MILLION TOWARDS THE PROJECT AND IT HAS ALREADY RAISED $1.5 MILLION FROM THE JOCKEY CLUB. IT WILL RAISE FUNDS TO MEET THE BALANCE.
TURNING TO THE PLANNED SAI KUNG TOWN HALL, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE COMPLEX WAS TO BE BUILT IN TWO PHASES ON A 4 322-SQUARE-f-ETRE SITE FOR THE PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN SAI KUNG.
THE FIRST PHASE COSTING MORE THAN $7 MILLION, WILL FEATURE A MULTI-PURPOSE AUDITORIUM AND A COMMUNITY WORKERS’ OFFICE. THE TWO-STOREY AUDITORIUM, WITH A SEATING CAPACITY OF 1 000, CAN BE USED AS A CONCERT HALL OR AS A GYMNASIUM.
THE SECOND PHASE WILL FEATURE A FIVE-STOREY BUILDING HOUSING A PUBLIC LIBRARY, A NURSERY, A SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, ACTIVITIES ROOMS AND OTHER FACILITIES.
THE TOWN HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, WHICH DEVELOPED THE PROJECT, IS A CHARITABLE ORGANISATION INCORPORATED IN 1981 TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL, RECREATIONAL AND OTHER FACILITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
/REFERRING TO .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5» 1982
- 2 -
REFERRING TO THE CARITAS PROJECT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PLAN WAS TO SET UP A TOY LIBRARY CENTRE AT CARITAS HOUSE >N CAINE ROAD FOR 75 MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN UNDER SIX YEARS OF AGE.
APART FROM TRAINING SESSIONS FOR THE CHILDREN, THE PROGRAMMES TO BE PROVIDED WILL INCLUDE LECTURES, FILM SHOWS AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS FOR PARENTS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE TOY LIBRARY WAS A PILOT PROJECT WHICH HAD BEEN INCLUDED IN THE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION.
+THE SERVICE WILL BE REVIEWED ONE YEAR AFTER OPERATION,* HE SAID. + IF IT IS FOUND TO BE SUCCESSFUL, FURTHER FINANCING MAY BE PROVIDED THROUGH GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION.*
THE LOTTERIES FUND, CREATED IN 1965 MAINLY FOR FINANCING DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, IS ADMINISTERED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
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WARNING ON PROSECUTION
* * * *
FACTORY OWNERS WHO FAIL TO ENSURE THAT THEIR BOILERS OR STEAM RECEIVERS ARE'OPERATED UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF A COMPETENT PERSON, ARE LIABLE TO BE PROSECUTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
ISSUING THE WARNING TODAY (SUNDAY), THE PRINCIPAL SURVEYOR OF BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, W B.S. MAKHIJA, POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE LAW, NO BOILER CR STEAM RECEIVER SHOULD BE OPERATED EXCEPT UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF A COMPETENT PERSON, AND THAT THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR BREACH OF THIS STATUTORY REQUIREMENT WAS $30 000.
AT THE SAME TIME, MR MAKHIJA URGED FACTORY OWNERS TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE FACILITIES BEING OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE TO HELP THEM TO SECURE QUALIFIED BOILER OPERATORS.
ONE OF THE FACILITIES INTRODUCED EARLY LAST YEAR, HE EXPLAINED, WAS THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL SESSIONS FOR WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY IN ORDER TO REDUCE CANDIDATES’ WAITING TIME.
THE OTHER WAS THE PROVISION OF A PART-TIME EVENING COURSE FOR BOILER OPERATORS RUN BY THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE CATERING MAINLY FOR THE TYPE OF BOILERS USED IN THE GARMENT INDUSTRY. CANDIDATES WHO COMPLETE THE COURSE AND ARE SUCCESSFUL IN THE INSTITUTE’S EXAMINATION ARE ISSUED WITH CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY BY THE DEPARTMENT’S PRESSURE EQUIPMENT UNIT, ENABLING THEM TO TEND CLASS III OR IHA TYPE BOILERS.
/HR MAKHIJA .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, ">982
- 3 -
MR MAKHIJA WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE UNIT ISSUED 12 GRADES OF CERTIFICATES, DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF BOILER, AND INFORMATION REGARDING THE GRADE OF CERTIFICATE REQUIRED FOR ANY PARTICULAR TYPE OF BOILER WAS CONTAINED IN A BOOKLET PUBLISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE BOOKLET, ENTITLED *A GUIDE AND SYLLABUS FOR PERSONS REQUIRING A CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY ISSUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVER ORDINANCE, CAP. 56+ COULD BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT
$3 PER COPY.
ON
FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE UNIT SITUATED THE FOURTH FLOOR IN CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, KOWLOON.
MR MAKHIJA STRESSED THAT NEGLECTING PROPER ATTENTION TO STEAM BOILERS COULD ENDANGER LIFE AND PROPERTY.
SEVEN LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIRS IN NT ft ft ft ft
SEVEN LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIRS WILL BE HELD IN THE NEW TERRITORIES EARLY IN FEBRUARY AND A TOTAL OF 954 SITES SELLING FLOWERS, DRY GOODS, BOTTLED DRINKS, AND SNACKS AT THE FAIRS WILL BE PUT UP FOR PUBLIC AUCTION NEXT MONTH (JANUARY).
THE FAIRS WILL BE LOCATED AT KWAI CHUNG, TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, SHA TIN, TAI PO AND SHEUNG SHU I, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.
OF THE SEVEN NEW YEAR FAIRS THE BIGGEST WILL BE HELD AT THE YUEN LONG SPORTS GROUND WHICH WILL INCLUDE THE CAR PARK COMPOUND OUTSIDE YUEN LONG STADIUM. IT WILL HAVE 211 STALLS FOR SELLING FLOWERS AND DRY GOODS.
THE AUCTIONING OF THESE STALL SITES WILL BE HELD AT THE OFFICE CF PING SHAN RURAL COMMITTEE AT ON NING ROAD ON JANUARY 7.
THE SECOND BIGGEST FAIR WILL BE AT SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND IN TSUEN WAN WHERE 208 STALL SITES ARE EXPECTED TO BE PUT UP FOR AUCTION AT THE AUDITORIUM OF THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ON JANUARY 12.
ANOTHER FAIR WILL BE HELD AT THE KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND AND THE AUCTIONING OF ITS 112 STALL SITES WILL TAKE PLACE AT KWAI FONG COMMUNITY HALL AT LAI FONG STREET ON JANUARY 11.
AT SHA TIN, THE FAIR WILL AGAIN BE HELD AT THE CAR PARK OF THE SHA TIN RACECOURSE WITH 110 STALL SITES AVAILABLE. THEY WILL EE PUT UP FOR AUCTION AT LEK YUEN COMMUNITY HALL AT LEK YUEN ESTATE ON JANUARY 10.
AT THE TAI PO FAIR, WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE TAI PO PLAYGROUND, THERE WILL BE 100 STALL SITES. THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 4 AT THE OFFICE OF TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE AT PO HEUNG STREET.
/A SIXTH .......
SUNDAY, DDCQ4BER 5. 1982
4
A SIXTH FAIR WILL BE HELD AT TUEN MUN SAN HUI PLAYGROUND AND TRADERS WHO WISH TO BID FOR ONE OF THE 100 STALL SITES THERE ARE ADVISED TO GO TO THE TAI HING COMMUNITY HALL AT TAI HING ESTATE ON JANUARY 5 WHEN THE AUCTIONING OF THE STALL SITES WILL TAKE PLACE.
THE SHEUNG SHU I FAIR, TO BE HELD AT SHEK WU MARKET PLAYGROUND, WILL HAVE 113 STALL SITES AND THE AUCTIONING WILL TAKE PLACE AT FANLING SWIMMING POOL ON JANUARY 6.
THE UPSET PRICE FOR EACH SITE WOULD BE $75 EACH AND THE HIGHEST BID, ON THE FALL OF THE HAMMER, WILL BE ACCEPTED IN ALL CASES.
SITE PLANS SHOWING THE STALLS TO BE AUCTIONED AT VARIOUS FAIRS WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICES OF THE NTSD LATER THIS MONTH.
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ISLANDS DISTRICT FIFTH ATHLETIC MEET
* * * * *
ALTHOUGH SPORTS FACILITIES ON OUTLYING ISLANDS ARE COMPARATIVELY INADEQUATE, DIFFICULTIES COULD BE OVERCOME THROUGH CO-OPERATION AMONG GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, RURAL COMMITTEES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS', THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RICKY FUNG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
MR FUNG WHO WAS SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION OF THE DISTRICT’S FIFTH ATHLETIC MEET AT WONG CHUK HANG SPORTS GROUND SAID OVER THE PAST YEARS, MANY ISLANDS RESIDENTS HAD TURNED GOOD ATHLETES.
♦THEY HAD ACHIEVED PROMINENT RESULTS, ESPECIALLY IN THE RECENT NEW TERRITORIES INTER-DISTRICT ATHLETIC MEETS.
♦THE PURPOSE OF HOLDING THIS SPORTS MEET, WHICH IS IN ITS FIFTH YEAR, IS TO PROMOTE GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP AND ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION IN BOTH TRACK AND FIELD SPORTS.
♦BY TAKING PART IN THE EVENTS, YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD HAVE A CHANCE TO LEARN THE SPIRIT OF FAIR COMPETITION.+
TODAY’S EVENT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND THE DISTRICT’S EIGHT RURAL COMMITTEES, AND SPONSORED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD.
MORE THAN 400 COMPETITORS TOOK PART IN ABOUT 60 ITEMS OF FIELD AND TRACK EVENTS.
THE WINNERS WILL REPRESENT ISLANDS DISTRICT IN THE COMING NEW TERRITORIES INTER-DISTRICT ATHLETIC MEETS IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1982
- 5 -
NEW ROADS FOR TUEN MUN * * * *
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PLANS TO WIDEN AND RE-ALIGN A SECTION OF LUNG MUN ROAD BETWEEN BUTTERFLY BEACH AND PILLAR POINT TO PROVIDE A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY AND TO CONSTRUCT FIVE NEW ROADS OF A TOTAL LENGTH OF ABOUT 2.1 KILOMETRES ON RECLAIMED LAND NEAR PILLAR POINT, TUEN MUN.
THE SCHEME FORMS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN UNDERTAKEN BY THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE, THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE , TUEN MUN BUILDING, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CAUSEWAY BAY
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CAUSEWAY BAY FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 7) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MTR . CAUSEWAY BAY STATION.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, EAST POINT ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
LOCKHART ROAD BETWEEN CANNON STREET AND EAST POINT ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO WAYS, AND CANNON STREET FROM LOCKHART ROAD TO GLOUCESTER ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY NORTHBOUND.
WESTBOUND VEHICLES ALONG HENNESSY ROAD WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT INTO PERCIVAL STREET SOUTHBOUND.
HOWEVER, THE EXISTING LEFT TURN BAN FROM PERCIVAL STREET SOUTHBOUND INTO HENNESSY ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE LIFTED.
THE TRAFFIC LANE ON THE WESTBOUND TRAM TRACK OF HENNESSY ROAD BETWEEN PERCIVAL STREET AND EAST POINT ROAD WILL BE RESERVED EXCLUSIVELY FOR TRAMS.
CMB ROUTE NOS. 17 AND 72 TRAVELLING ALONG HENNESSY ROAD WESTBOUND TOWARDS MORRISON HILL ROAD WILL HAVE TO USE CANAL ROAD EAST INSTEAD OF PERCIVAL STREET AND LEIGHTON ROAD.
/ROUTE NOS. 6? ......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1982
- 6 -
ROUTE NOS. 63 AND 81 TRAVELLING ALONG GLOUCESTER ROAD WESTBOUND TOWARDS YEE WO STREET WILL USE PERCIVAL STREET AND HENNESSY ROAD, INSTEAD OF CANNON STREET, LOCKHART ROAD AND EAST POINT ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, HONG KONG MAXICAB ROUTE NO. 5 TRAVELLING ALONG KAI CHIU ROAD TOWARDS PERCIVAL STREET WILL USE LEE GARDEN ROAD AND FOO MING STREET INSTEAD OF HENNESSY ROAD.
AND HONG KONG MAXICAB ROUTE NO. 30 TRAVELLING ALONG LOCKHART ROAD TOWARDS GREAT GEORGE STREET WILL USE STEWART ROAD AND HENNESSY ROAD INSTEAD OF EAST POINT ROAD.
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TRAINING COURSES FOR TRADE AND WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS ******
TRADE INSTRUCTORS AND WORKSHOP SUPERVISORS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THREE BLOCK RELEASE COURSES IN INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUE TO BE RUN BY THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THE COURSES, WITH EMPHASIS ON THE METHODS OF INSTRUCTION, WILL GIVE THE INSTRUCTORS AND SUPERVISORS AN OPPORTUNITY TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY TRAINING FOR CARRYING OUT THEIR DAY TO DAY DUTIES.
EXPERIENCED WORKERS WHO WILL TAKE UP INSTRUCTION DUTIES MAY ALSO APPLY FOR THE COURSES.
TUTORS WILL VISIT STUDENTS AT THEIR OWN PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT TO GIVE FURTHER ADVICE WHEN THE COURSE IS COMPLETED.
THE THREE COURSES WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE AND WILL COMMENCE ON JANUARY 24, APRIL 18 AND MAY 23 RESPECTIVELY. PARTICIPANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND CLASSES FOR TWO WEEKS FULL TIME. THE COURSE FEE IS $100.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, HONG KONG AND SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE COLLEGE BY DECEMBER 18 FOR THE FIRST COURSE, MARCH 12 FOR THE SECOND COURSE AND APRIL 16 FOR THE LAST ONE.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1982
7
ROYAL OBSERVATORY WALL CALENDAR
* * * *
AN ATTRACTIVE WALL CALENDAR FOR 1983 WHICH COMBINES EXCELLENT FULL COLOUR PICTURES WITH SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION COMPILED BY HONG KONG’S ROYAL OBSERVATORY IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTMAS GIFT BUYERS.
IT IS ON SALE AT $32 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL. IT CAN ALSO BE PURCHASED FROM THE NINTH OF THIS MONTH FROM THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HEADQUARTERS IN NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, AND AT LEADING BOOKSHOPS.
THE 1983 EDITION OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDAR WITH A DRAMATIC TWILIGHT PICTURE ON ITS COVER IS THE LATEST IN THE LONG LINE OF BILINGUAL CALENDARS PRODUCED JOINTLY BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES. IT HAS BEEN PRINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER.
+THE CALENDAR HAS BEEN PRODUCED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE WORK DONE BY VOLUNTARY WEATHER OBSERVERS AND STORM SIGNAL OPERATORS, AND TO HELP POPULARISE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN HONG KONG,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLISHING SUB-DIVISION OF GIS SAID TODAY.
+THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A STRONG DEMAND FOR THIS SCIENTIFIC CALENDAR BECAUSE OF ITS EDUCATIVE NATURE AND HIGH QUALITY OF PRODUCT ION,+ HE ADDED.
IN ADDITION TO THE TWILIGHT PICTURE OF ABERDEEN ON THE COVER, THERE ARE OTHER BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING PEACH BLOSSOMS AT LUNAR NEW YEAR, THE FORMATION OF HAILSTONES, OCEAN CURRENTS, THE +GREENHOUSE+ EFFECT, BEHAVIOUR OF A SMOKE PLUME, AND JET STREAMS.
APART FROM THE NEW ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDAR THE POPULAR GOVERNMENT CALENDAR, 1983, IS ALSO ON SALE AT $29 A COPY. IT IS ACCOMPANIED WITH AN ENVELOPE WHICH MAKES IT AN IDEAL GIFT FOR POSTING.
THE CALENDAR PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE MEMBERS OF THE MANY YOUTH ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG AND IT HELPS ILLUSTRATE THE IMPORTANT ROLE THEY PLAY IN THE COMMUNITY.
IT HAS A TWO-MONTH TO A PAGE FORMAT AND FEATURES GLOSSY COLOUR PICTURES OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE UNIFORMS OF GROUPS SUCH AS THE RED CROSS, ROAD SAFETY PATROL AND JUNIOR POLICE CALL.
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/8........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1982 .
8
WATER SUPPLY IMPROVEMENT WORK FOR AP LEI CHAU ******
WORK WILL SOON BE CARRIED OUT TO IMPROVE FRESH AND SALT WATER SUPPLY ON AP LEI CHAU TO CATER FOR THE INCREASING NEED ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ISLAND.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FRESH WATER AND A SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR ON THE SOUTHWESTERN PART OF THE ISLAND.
THE CONTRACT ALSO INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 600 I^TRES OF ACCESS ROAD AND THE LAYING OF ABOUT 2 700 METRES OF TRUNK AND DISTRIBUTION MAINS.
WORK WILL START IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 23 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
-----o------
NT SITES FOR LETTER A/B TENDERS * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM REGISTERED OWNERS If uJi EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS (LETTERS A AND B) FOR TWO PIECES OF CROWN LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
BOTH SITES ARE FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL AND VEHICLE-PARKING PURPOSES.
THE FIRST SITE, SITUATED IN TAI PO TOWN, COVERS AN AREA CF ABOUT 10 280 SQUARE METRES.
THE OTHER LOT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3 194 SQUARE METRES AND IS IN SAI KUNG TOWN.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 12 NOON ON JANUARY 14, 1983.
APPLICATION FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND SALE PLANS INSPECTED AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 5/F, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (KOWLOON WEST), 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON; AND DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN, NORTH, YUEN LONG,
SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
-------0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SEPTEMBER PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE....... 1
NEW ELECTRONIC ’ INTELPOST' SERVICE LAUNCHED.................... 4
PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT CONDITIONS BEING REVISED.................. 5
IMPORTANCE OF ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY STRESSED..................... 6
MORE PARKING SPACES IN COMING YEARS ............................ 7
UK PRISON CHIEF VISITS INSTITUTIONS ............................ 9
AIR SERVICES NEGOTIATIONS ...................................... 9
SHA TIN TOWN BUILDING UNEQUALLED................................ 10
LORD BELSTEAD ARRIVES........................................... 11
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PASSING-OUT PARADE........................ 11
SAN PO KONG WATER MAINS WORK................................... 12
WATER FIGURES
12
MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1982
SEPTEMBER PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE X X * X X *
PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY TWO PER CENT AND THOSE OF IMPORTS ROSE MARGINALLY IN SEPTEMBER 1982 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1981, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF THE DOMESTIC EXPORT UNIT VALUE INDEX TO THE IMPORT UNIT VALUE INDEX) ROSE BY ONE PER CENT.
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DROPPED BY SEVEN PER CENT WHEREAS THAT FOR IMPORTS IMPROVED BY ONE PER CENT. THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY SIX PER CENT, WITH THE VOLUME DOWN BY NINE PER CENT, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, PRICES WERE UP BY THREE PER CENT BUT THE VOLUME DECREASED BY EIGHT PER CENT.
FOR THE TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD TO SEPTEMBER 1982, AS COMPARED WITH THE TWELVE MONTHS TO SEPTEMBER 1981, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY EIGHT PER CENT, EIGHT PER CENT AND 11 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS EXPANDED BY ONE PER CENT AND THAT OF RE-EXPORTS BY TWO PER CENT, GIVING A ONE PER CENT INCREASE IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS AS AGAINST A ONE PER CENT 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 PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUPS ARE SHOWN BELOW :
PERCENTAGE CHANGES COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1982
WITH SEPTEMBER 1981
EXPORT VALUE EXPORT UNIT VALUE EXPORT VOLUME
CLOTHING (EXCEPT FUR) - 11 + 5 - 16
TEXTILE FABRICS - 19 + 2 - 21
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD * 1 - 9 ♦ 11
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES - 34 + 2 - 35
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS - 9 - 10 ♦ 1
FOOTWEAR - 31 ♦ 11 - 38
/metal manufactures........
MONDAY, DBCaiBEH 6, 1?82
2
METAL MANUFACTURES - 5 + 9 - 13
METAL ORES AND SCRAP - 49 - 1 - 49
WATCHES AND CLOCKS ♦ 7 - 22 ♦ 37
ALL COMMODITIES - 6 ♦ 2 - 7
THE DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES OF SOME COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED, FROM TWO PER CENT FOR TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND TEXTILE FABRICS TO 11 PER CENT FOR FOOTWEAR. ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES IN THE DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-ONE PER CENT), TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-NINE PER CENT), ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-10 PER CENT) AS WELL AS WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-22 PER CENT).
DECREASES IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR MOST COMMODITY GROUPS, INCLUDING TEXTILE FABRICS (-21 PER CENT), TEXTILE MADE-UPS (-35 PER CENT), FOOTWEAR (-38 PER CENT) AND METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-49 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, CONSIDERABLE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS REGISTERED FOR WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+37 PER CENT).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN BELOW t
PERCENTAGE CHANGES COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1982
WITH SEPTEMBER 1981
IMPORT IMPORT IMPORT
VALUE UNIT VALUE VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS +16 +4 +11
CONSUMER GOODS +2 +2 INSIGNIFICANT
FUELS +28 - 8 +40
RAW MATERIALS AND - 9 - 1 “8
SEMI-MANUFACTURES
CAPITAL GOODS +4 +5 INSIGNIFICANT
ALL COMMODITIES ♦ 1 INSIGNIFICANT + 1
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FUELS, THE PRICES OF WHICH DROPPED BY EIGHT PER CENT, THE CHANGES IN PRICES OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY WERE MODERATE, RANGING FROM A ONE PER CENT DROP FOR RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES TO A FIVE PER CENT INCREASE FOR CAPITAL GOODS.
/MOST of........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1982
- 3 -
MOST OF THE MAJOR IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS INCREASED IN VOLUME TERMS, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING SUGAR, SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD AND FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF TEA AND COFFEE DROPPED.
IN THE CONSUMER GOODS CATEGORY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR FOOTWEAR AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
THESE INCREASES WERE, HOWEVER, OFFSET BY DECLINES IN THE IMPORT VOLUMES OF RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS AS WELL AS TEXTILE MADE-UPS.
IMPORTS OF FUELS ROSE BY 40 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MOST RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECLINED. AMONG THEM LEATHER AND DRESSED FUR SKINS, YARN OF MAN-MADE FIBRES AS WELL AS WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR DROPPED SUBSTANTIALLY. THE IMPORT VOLUMES OF YARN OF WOOL AND MIXTURES AS WELL AS CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND COMPOUNDS 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, HOWEVER, RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF OFFICE MACHINES.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN BELOW :
PERCENTAGE CHANGES COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1982
WITH SEPTEMBER 1981
RE-EXPORT VALUE RE-EXPORT UNIT VALUE RE-EXPORT VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS ♦ 31 * 14 * 14
CONSUMER GOODS - 6 * 5 - 11
FUELS + 7 + 5 + 2
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES - 9 + 4 - 13
CAPITAL GOODS + 13 + 12 + 1
ALL COMMODITIES - 3 + 6 - 9
THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORT VOLUME VARIED, RANGING FROM A 13
PER CENT DECREASE FOR RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES TO A 14 PER CENT INCREASE FOR FOODSTUFFS.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE SEPTEMBER 1982 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS*, AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT HK$2 PER COPY.
------o-------
4
NEW ELECTRONIC ’INTELPOST’ SERVICE LAUNCHED ******
THE POST OFFICE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH CABLE AND WIRELESS (HK) LTD, TODAY (MONDAY) LAUNCHED A NEW ELECTRONIC +INTELPOST+ SERVICE, WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC FROM TOMORROW.
EXPLAINING THE NEW ♦INTELPOST+ SERVICE AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR A.C. HEATHCOTE SAID IT WAS ♦A MARRIAGE BETWEEN THE TRADITIONAL POSTAL SYSTEM AND THE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION MEDIA.*
♦IT WILL PROVIDE FOR THE HIGH SPEED FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION OF BUSINESS PAPERS, DOCUMENTS, ETC. BETWEEN HONG KONG AND 60 CENTRES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM,+ HE SAID.
UNDER THIS SERVICE, FACSIMILE COPIES OF DOCUMENTS, ETC. ACCEPTED FOR TRANSMISSION AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE OR TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE WILL BE DELIVERED WITHIN A FEW HOURS BY SPECIAL MESSENGER DIRECT TO THE ADDRESSEE IN THE TOWN AREAS SERVED BY THESE 60 CENTRES.
IF THE ADDRESS OF THE RECIPIENT IS LOCATED OUTSIDE THESE 60 TOWN AREAS, ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR THE DOCUMENTS TO BE COLLECTED AT THE NEAREST INTELPOST OFFICE OR DELIVERED BY FIRST CLASS MAIL.
THE INTELPOST CENTRES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM HAVE BEEN SELECTED WITH THE TWIN AIMS OF PROVIDING WIDESPREAD GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE AND MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE MAIN COMMERCIAL CENTRES WHERE THE GREATEST DEMAND FOR THE NEW SERVICE WILL BE EXPECTED.
MR HEATHCOTE POINTED OUT THAT THE AVAILABILITY OF GOOD COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN THE MAINTENANCE CF THE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG AND THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS ELECTRONIC MAIL SYSTEM WILL BE A VALUABLE ADDITION TO THE EXISTING SERVICES OFFERED BY THE POST OFFICE.
HE SAID THAT EVENTUALLY ALL POST OFFICES WILL HAVE TO MOVE INTO THE ELECTRONIC AGE AND FORECAST THAT INTELPOST, WHICH WAS AT PRESENT AVAILABLE ONLY IN EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA, WOULD BECOME AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT SERVICE.
HE ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE SERVICE WAS NOT RESTRICTED TO DOCUMENTS BUT COULD ALSO BE USED TO SEND DRAWINGS AND EVEN LETTERS OR GREETINGS IN MANUSCRIPT TO RELATIVES AND FRIENDS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
THE COST OF THE INTELPOST SERVICE, WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC TOMORROW (DECEMBER 7) WILL BE $50 FOR THE FIRST SIDE OF A DOCUMENT OF A4 SIZE (210 MM X 297 MM OR 8.2 IN X 11.6 IN) AND $25 FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT SIDE BEING SENT AT THE SAME TIME TO THE SAME ADDRESSEE.
NEGOTIATIONS ARE ALSO PROCEEDING FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE INTELPOST SERVICE TO OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
FURTHER DETAILS ON THE INTELPOST SERVICE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM KR P.C. LUK ON TELEPHONE NO. 5-2671202.
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/5........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1982
5
PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT CONDITIONS BEING REVISED *****
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR DAVID MCDONALD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE 1977 EDITION OF THE CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT, NOW IN USE FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS, IS BEING REVISED.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DES INGENIEURS CONSEILS (INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF CONSULTING ENGINEERS) SEMINAR ON CONTRACTING FOR INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS, SAID THE REVISION FOLLOWS THE INCREASED INCIDENCE OF TECHNICAL CLAIMS BASED ON INTERPRETATIONS GIVEN BY LEGAL COMMENTATORS ON CERTAIN CLAUSES IN CONTRACTS.
+THE OPPORTUNITY HAS ALSO BEEN TAKEN TO CLARIFY CERTAIN OTHER CLAUSES. REPRESENTATIONS MADE BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAVE BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT. THE NEW FORM WILL STILL FOLLOW THE ICE FORM OF CONTRACT, ALTHOUGH IT WILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY DIFFERENT IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS,* MR MCDONALD SAID.
A JOINT DISCUSSION GROUP ON THE STANDARD FORM OF CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT FOR CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS HAS, SINCE SEPTEMBER 1981, BEEN CONSIDERING SUCH TOPICS AS CONTRACTORS’ ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS, FIXED TIME LIMITS, INSURANCE, THE PRESENTATION OF GEOTECHNICAL DATA TO CONTRACTORS, MEDIATION AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO ARBITRATION, AND AN EXPANDED METHOD OF MEASUREMENT TO ACCOMMODATE CHANGE IN GEOTECHNICAL CIRCUMSTANCES, l€ ADDED.
THE GROUP COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LANDS AND WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS, THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS AND THE ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTING ENGINEERS OF HONG KONG.
REFERRING TO CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY IN HONG KONG, NR MCDONALD POINTED OUT THAT EXPENDITURE ON NEW PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS ROSE FROM $1 368 MILLION IN 1977-78 TO $5 041 MILLION IN 1981-82 — AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 55 PER CENT WHEN ADJUSTED TO CURRENT PRICES.
+THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON PUBLIC WORKS FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, EXCLUDING PUBLIC HOUSING AND LAND ACQUISITION, IS EXPECTED TO BE IN THE REGION OF $8 500 MILLION.
+IT IS LIKELY TO BE AT LEAST THAT AMOUNT NEXT YEAR, AND THE COMPLETION OF PROJECTS FOR THAT PART OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME FOR WHICH ESTIMATES HAVE ALREADY BEEN APPROVED WILL ENTAIL THE EXPENDITURE OF A FURTHER $12 600 MILLION,* HE SAID.
MR MCDONALD STRESSED THAT THESE FIGURES DID NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE SUBSTANTIAL EXPENDITURE OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION, NOR OF PLANS FOR FUTURE PROJECTS SUCH AS THE PROPOSED BRIDGE AT LEI YUE MUN AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TIN SHU I WAI AREA.
/the high .......
MONDAY, DBCEMBEB 6, 1982
6
THE HIGH LEVEL OF ACTIVITY, MR MCDONALD SAID, HAD ATTRACTED MUCH OVERSEAS INTEREST AND THERE WERE NOW SEVERAL INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING ENGINEER ORGANISATIONS PRACTISING IN HONG KONG.
■♦•THERE HAS ALSO BEEN A LARGE INCREASE IN THE PRESENCE CF INTERNATIONAL CONTRACTORS, WHO NOW FORM SOME 35 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CONTRACTORS ELIGIBLE TO TENDER FOR PUBLIC WORKS OF UNLIMITED VALUE,* HE SAID.
♦I AM THEREFORE CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE OF US ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY,* MR MCDONALD ADDED.
------o-------
IMPORTANCE OF ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY STRESSED * * * *
ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY WAS ALMOST CERTAINLY PRECIPITATING A MASSIVE SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL READJUSTMENT WITH CONSEQUENCES THAT COULD NOW ONLY BE GUESSED AT, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR BILL DORWARD TOLD MEMBERS OF THE INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERS (IEEE) TODAY (MONDAY).
OPENING THE INSTITUTE’S CONFERENCE, TENCON ’82, AT THE FURAMA HOTEL, MR DORWARD SAID:
+BUT THESE ARE PROBLEMS THAT MUST BE FACED, FOR THE TIDE OF PROGRESS UNLEASHED BY THE MICROCHIP CANNOT BE TURNED BACK. IT IS PARTICULARLY FITTING THAT TENCON '82 IS BEING HELD HERE IN HONG KONG IN THE MIDST OF A DYNAMIC REGION WHERE THE FOUNDATIONS ARE ALREADY LAID FOR THE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER NECESSARY TO HARNESS THAT TIDE OF PROGRESS.*
MR DORWARD SPOKE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY AND SAID THERE WAS A LOT MORE THAN TECHNOLOGY AT STAKE.
+YOUR WORK IS TAKING US INTO A NEW SOCIETY WHERE MANY OLD CUSTOMS AND CONVENTIONS WILL GO BY THE BOARD. ADJUSTMENTS WILL BE COMPLEX AND SOMETIMES PAINFUL, BUT THEY MUST BE MADE.
+IN MANY INDUSTRIES, FOR EXAMPLE, THE JOB LOSS OF RECENT YEARS HAS BEEN FAR MORE THE RESULT OF PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENTS THAN ECONOMIC RECESSION OR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION.
+WITH MORE AND MORE APPLICATION OF MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY, THAT PROCESS MUST INEVITABLY ACCELERATE AND SOCIETIES WHICH DEPEND ON MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY WILL HAVE TO ADJUST TO A DECLINING DEMAND FOR LABOUR.
+COMING GENERATIONS WILL HAVE TO BE EDUCATED FOR LEISURE TO A DEGREE HITHERTO UNDREAMED OF AND THERE WILL BE A CORRESPONDING BOOST IN THE SERVICE SECTOR,* MR DORWARD SAID.
WELCOMING THE IEEE, WHICH HAS OVER 200 000 MEMBERS, TO ITS FIRST-EVER CONFERENCE IN THE REGION, AT WHICH SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS ARE TO DISCUSS THE STATE OF THE ART AND FUTURE TRENDS IN ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY, MR DORWARD SAID:
/+YOUHS IS .......
MONDAY, D03EMBER 6, 1982
- 7 -
♦YOURS IS AN ARCANE WORLD, IT IS ONE OF THE GREAT IRONIES OF OUR AGE THAT DEVELOPMENTS WHICH HAVE ALREADY CHANGED OUR LIVES, AND WHICH WILL CERTAINLY SHAPE OUR FUTURES THROUGH WHAT HAS BECOME KNOWN AS ’THE SECOND INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION’ ARE SO LITTLE UNDERSTOOD BY OTHERWISE WELL-INFORMED PEOPLE.
♦ THIS IS A MEASURE, OF COURSE, OF THE SPEED OF DEVELOPMENT; AND THE DEGREE OF IGNORANCE SEEMS TO INCREASE IN RATIO TO AGE. I WATCH WITH WONDER AND NOT A LITTLE DISCOMFORT AT THE EASE WITH WHICH THE YOUNG ADAPT TO THE MICROCHIP IN ITS VARIOUS MANIFESTATIONS.
♦ IT IS NOT ALL THAT LONG AGO THAT THE SCHOOL CHILDREN EQUIVALENT TO THOSE NOW CASUALLY USING MICRO COMPUTERS WERE USING SLATES ON WHICH TO WRITE THEIR ARITHMETIC AND SPELLING.
♦ IT IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO TALK OF ’THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY*, FOR THE APPLICATION OF ITS TECHNOLOGY SEEMS TO KNOW NO BOUNDS AND PERMEATES VIRTUALLY ALL ASPECTS OF INDUSTRY INDEED ALL ASPECTS OF SOCIETY.
♦ THE ONLY LIMITATIONS APPEAR TO BE IN WHAT PRACTITIONERS OF THE ART CALL NOT THE HARDWARE OR THE SOFTWARE, BUT RATHER THE ’WETWARE’, THAT IS TO SAY THE BRAINS, THE INGENUITY AND THE COMPETENCE OF THE USERS.
♦ I SEE FROM YOUR PROGRAMME THAT PAPERS WILL BE PRESENTED ON SUCH DIVERSE APPLICATIONS AS ROBOTICS, SPEECH SYNTHESIS, MEDICAL CARE, OFFICE AUTOMATION AND CHINESE LANGUAGE PROCESSING.
♦ I DO NOT NEED TO STRESS TO THE HONG KONG MEMBERS OF THIS AUDIENCE JUST HOW IMPORTANT THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY HAS BECOME FOR US, AND HOW MUCH WE SHALL BE DEPENDENT IN FUTURE ON THE DEVELOPMENTS INSPIRED AND CREATED BY THE PARTICIPANTS IN THIS CONFERENCE. I WISH YOU EVEfcY SUCCESS WITH TENCON ’82+, MR DORWARD
-----o------
MORE PARKING SPACES IN COMING YEARS
* K *
THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR JAMES SO, TODAY (MONDAY) ASSURED MOTORISTS THAT MORE PARKING FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE WITHIN THE NEXT THREE TO FIVE YEARS.
HE SAID THAT IMPROVEMENTS IN SERVICE MIGHT BE EXPECTED WHEN THE FACILITIES ARE TAKEN OVER BY PRIVATE CONCERNS.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED THE COSTS OF THIS SERVICE ARE LIKELY TO INCREASE, THOUGH IT WILL NOT BE BEYOND THE REACH OF THE AVERAGE MOTORIST.
SPEAKING AT A ROTARY LUNCH MEETING, MR SO STRESSED THAT THE LEVEL OF CHARGES *ILL BE DETERMINED BY MARKET FORCES AND THAT IT IS IN THE INTEREST OF PRIVATE MANAGEMENT TO ENSURE THAT THEY DO NOT PRICE THEMSELVES OUT OF THE MARKET.
/MR SO .......
MONDAY, DECSMEHB 6, 1982
- 8 -
MR SO REVEALED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD APPOINTED A WORKING PARTY TO LOOK INTO PARKING PROBLEMS AND AT THE SAME TIME HAD EMBARKED ON A POLICY TO PROVIDE MORE OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES.
HE SAID TWO ADDITIONAL MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS, ONE IN KWAI FONG AND THE OTHER IN TSUEN WAN, ARE BEING CONSTRUCTED AND WILL BE READY IN 1983 PROVIDING AN ADDITIONAL 1 OOO PARKING SPACES.
IN ADDITION, 88 SITES HAVE BEEN RESERVED FOR CAR PARK DEVELOPMENT IN THE HONG KONG OUTLINE PLAN, OF WHICH 24 HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR AN EARLY START.
MR SO POINTED OUT, HOWEVER, THAT THESE PROJECTS CANNOT COMPETE WITH ESSENTIAL SOCIAL SERVICE PROJECTS SUCH AS HOSPITALS, CLINICS, POLICE STATIONS, SCHOOLS AND HIGHWAYS.
♦ IN VIEW OF THIS, THE WORKING PARTY ON PARKING SUGGESTED ENTRUSTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF FUTURE MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS TO PRIVATE ENTERPRISE. THIS WAS ENDORSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN AUGUST THIS YEAR,+ HE SAID.
THE WORKING PARTY’S PROPOSAL HAS TWO FACETS:
* TO ENTRUST THE DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN SITES RESERVED ON THE HONG KONG OUTLINE PLAN FOR DEVELOPMENT OF CAR PARKS TO PRIVATE ENTERPRISE.
* TO TURN OVER ALL PUBLIC MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS, BOTH EXISTING AND FUTURE ONES, TO PRIVATE MANAGEMENT.
MR SO SAID THE BASIC ARGUMENTS FOR ENTRUSTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF FUTRUE MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR ARE THREE-FOLD:
* THEY CAN BE DEVELOPED MUCH MORE QUICKLY.
* THEIR DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT HAVE TO FOLLOW THE RATHER CUMBERSOME AND SOMETIMES TEDIOUS PROCEDURES WHICH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW.
* THEY WILL BE ABLE TO RESPOND MORE READILY TO MARKET FORCES.
MR SO EXPLAINED THAT AT PRESENT THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING A NUMBER OF OPTIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE PROPOSAL. THEY ARE:
* SELLING ALL EXISTING CAR PARKS BY PUBLIC TENDER TO PR IVATE FIRMS.
* LEASING THEM TO PRIVATE FIRMS BY PUBLIC TENDER IN RETURN FOR A MONTHLY OR ANNUAL RENTAL.
* TENDERING OUT THE MANAGEMENT OF CAR PARKS TO PRIVATE FIRMS ON A CONTRACT BASIS IN RETURN FOR A PREMIUM, A PREMIUM PLUS A RENTAL, OR ON A REVENUE SHARING BASIS.
♦ THESE OPTIONS ARE CURRENTLY BEING EXAMINED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND ONCE A DECISION IS REACHED, PUBLIC TENDER WILL BE CALLED,+ HE SAID.
------o-------
MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1982
Q X
UK PRISON CHIEF VISITS INSTITUTIONS * * *
THE VISITING DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE PRISON SERVICE IN ENGLAND AND WALES, MR DENNIS TREVELYAN, TODAY (MONDAY) VISITED SEVERAL CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT INSTITUTIONS, ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER.
MR TREVELYAN FIRST WENT TO LAI CHI KOK RECEPTION CENTRE FOR THE CUSTODY OF ADULTS ON REMAND, ONE OF THE FEW HIGH-RISE PENAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE WORLD.
HE THEN PROCEEDED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY AND LOOKED OVER THE TRAINING PROGRAMMES.
LATER, HE VISITED THE MAXIMUM SECURITY STANLEY PRISON AND SAW THE VARIOUS FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE EXTENSIVE INDUSTRIES SECTION WHERE ALL TRAFFIC SIGNS IN HONG KONG ARE MADE.
OTHER INDUSTRIES PROVIDED BY THE SECTION INCLUDE SHOE MAKING, TAILORING, PRINTING, ENVELOPE MAKING AS WELL AS TELEVISION AND RADIO REPAIRING.
MR TREVELYAN IS ON AN EIGHT-DAY VISIT, AND WILL BE TOURING OTHER CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT.
-----o------
AIR SERVICES NEGOTIATIONS * * *
LATHAM» ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, WILL HONG KONG AT AIR SERVICES TALKS TO BE HELD IN LONDON FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
THE TALKS HAVE BEEN ARRANGED TO REVIEW THE AIR SERVICES ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS.
AFTER THE TALKS IN LONDON, MR LATHAM WILL PROCEED TO BERNE FOR ANOTHER ROUND OF AIR SERVICES TALKS BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE SWISS AERONAUTICAL AUTHORITIES.
THE TALKS, STARTING ON DECEMBER 13, WILL BE A CONTINUATION OF THE NEGOTIATIONS HELD IN LONDON LAST MONTH TO REVIEW, AMONG OTHER CIVIL AVIATION MATTERS, AIR SERVICES BETWEEN EUROPE AND HONG KONG.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1982
- 10 -
SHA TIN TOWN BUILDING UNEQUALLED * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY (MONDAY) STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF CAREFUL CO-ORDINATION AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS IN MOVING RESIDENTS INTO THE NEW TOWNS.
SPEAKING AT THE FIRST GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE KIANGSU-CHEKIANG COLLEGE IN SHA TIN, MR AKERS-JONES SAID IN 1970, 20 000 PEOPLE WERE LIVING IN SOME 40 RURAL VILLAGES IN SHA TIN.
♦ WE HAVE NOW CONSTRUCTED A MODERN TOWN IN WHICH 200 000 PEOPLE HAVE MADE THEIR HOMES.
♦ NOW, EVERY MONTH SHA TIN WELCOMES 7 000 NEW RESIDENTS AND IN TWO YEARS TIME SHA TIN WILL HOUSE NEARLY HALF A MILLION PEOPLE.
♦ THIS MASS MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE WHICH, IN TOWN BUILDING TERMS, HAS NO EQUAL IN THE WORLD, CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED BY CAREFUL CO-ORDINATION AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS.♦
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SUCCESS OF THESE EFFORTS WAS CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED BY THE POPULARITY OF SHA TIN AMONG ITS RESIDENTS.
♦ THE TOWN PROVIDES A WIDE RANGE OF INSTITUTIONS AND FACILITIES. IT HOUSES A UNIVERSITY, A SCHOOL OF COMMERCE, A MODERN HOSPITAL AND ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST EQUIPPED SPORTS TRAINING CENTRES.
♦ THERE ARE 26 PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND 12 SECONDARY SCHOOLS, AND 80 MORE ARE IN THE WORKS PROGRAMME, BUT IT IS PERHAPS A PITY THAT THERE IS NO PRIVATE NON-PROFIT MAKING OR PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL IN SHA TIN.+
HE ADDED THAT RECENTLY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD HAD LENT ITS SUPPORT TO ESTABLISH PRIVATE NON-PROFIT MAKING SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT.
♦ THE COMMUNITY IS OBVIOUSLY ANXIOUS TO INTRODUCE A DIVERSITY OF OPPORTUNITY FOR ITS CHILDREN, AND I CERTAINLY FAVOUR AS MUCH VARIETY AS POSSIBLE IN THE PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL MAKE UP OF THE TOWN IN ORDER TO CREATE A LIVELY ENVIRONMENT,+ HE SAID.
0 --------
MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1982
11 -
LORD BELSTEAD ARRIVES * * *
LORD BELSTEAD, MINISTER OF STATE AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE, WAS GREETED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WHEN HE ARRIVED THIS (MONDAY) MORNING FOR A FIVE-DAY VISIT. ALSO PRESENT WAS THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR ROBIN MCLAREN, AND THE GOVERNOR’S AIDE-DE-CAMP, MR PAUL CROFT.
DURING HIS STAY HERE, LORD BELSTEAD WILL HAVE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE GOVERNOR AND SENIOR OFFICIALS, MEET WITH MEMBERS OF UMELCO, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE HEUNG YEE KUK, GO ON A HELICOPTER TOUR TO SEE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, TOUR A TRANSIT CENTRE FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AND VISIT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
LORD BELSTEAD WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 4 PM ON FRIDAY IN THE GIS THEATRE BEFORE LEAVING FOR BRUNEI THE SAME
EVENING.
LORD BELSTEAD WILL THEN TRAVEL TO BANGKOK TO ATTEND A MATING 0F HEADS 0F UK MISSIONS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE
FAR EAST.
- 0 - -
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PASSING-OUT PARADE X X X X X
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF RECRUITS AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 8). .
ON PARADE WILL BE 11 OFFICERS AND 157 ASSISTANT OFFICERS WHO RECENTLY COMPLETED SIX MONTHS OF BASIC TRAINING AT THE INSTITUTE.
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE PRISON SERVICE IN ENGLAND AND WALES, MR D.J. TREVELYAN, WILL BE THE INSPECTING OFFICER AND WILL PRESENT SILVER WHISTLES TO THE TWO BEST RECRUITS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PASSING-OUT PARADE OF 168 RECRUITS OFFICERS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE AT 47 TUNG TAU WAN ROAD, STANLEY AT 10.15 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 8).
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS AT GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI AT 9.30 AM. SHARP.
0
MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1982
12
SAN PO KONG WATER MAINS WORK * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN FACTORIES AND PREMISES IN THE SAN PO KONG AREA WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER Q) FOR A WATER MAINS CONNECTION.
THE AFFECTED FACTORIES AND PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY TAI YAU STREET, CHOI HUNG ROAD AND TSEUK LUK STREET.
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WATER FIGURES * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 78.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 455.506 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 270.162 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 46.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
+SCAREMONGERING+ ON HONG KONG'S FUTURE SHOULD BE IGNORED — BRAY......................................................... 1
IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY BILLS TO BE INTRODUCED IN LEGCO 1
SPEECH BY BANKING COMMISSIONER .............................. 2
REVISION OF PASSENGER FARES FOR DIRECT THROUGH TRAINS........ 3
MORE SEEK PAYMENTS UNDER INJURIES SCHEME.................... 4
CHILDREN REMINDED TO REGISTER WITH SCHOOL ................... 5
BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN OCTOBER........................... 6
TEN +METRIC+ DAYS FOR HONG KONG ............................. 7
ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD TO HOLD FIFTH MEETING................. 8
RAPID TRANSFORMATION IN EAST TSIM SHA TSUI .................. 8
SECOND NEW MARKET FOR TUEN MUN .............................. 9
FACILITIES IN REMOTE AREAS IMPROVED ......................... 10
SPECIAL TRAINS FOR HKCU CONGREGATION ........................ 11
REFRESHER COURSES FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH ................... 11
1983 BALLROOM DANCE CONTEST ................................. 12
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN SHAU KEI WAN ...................... 12
WATER CUTS IN TSUEN WAN AND HAPPY VALLEY .................... 13
WATER CUT IN TUEN MUN ....................................... 13
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1982
1
+SCAREMONGERI NG* ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE SHOULD BE IGNORED — BRAY
*******
NO ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID TO SUGGESTIONS THAT NEGOTIATIONS ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG WILL BE UNILATERALLY DECIDED BY ANY SINGLE PARTY OR THAT AN AGREEMENT NOT WELCOMED BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL BE IMPOSED UPON THEM, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DENIS BRAY, STATED THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE GUILD OF BUSINESS TRAVEL AGENTS, MR BRAY SAID THAT ANY AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG +MUST BE LOCALLY ACCEPTABLE* AND SCAREMONGERING SHOULD BE IGNORED.
ON THE NEGOTIATIONS, HE SAID, +IN ANY SITUATION SUCH AS THIS, WHERE THE BULK OF LOCAL RESIDENTS, LOCAL BUSINESSMEN, LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS ARE ALL ANXIOUS THAT HONG KONG WILL REMAIN BASICALLY UNCHANGED, WILD COMMENTS AND SCAREMONGERING WILL ABOUND. WE SHOULD NOT PAY ATTENTION TO THESE.*
THE COMMON AIM OF BOTH THE CHINESE AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS, HE STRESSED, IS THE PRESERVATION OF THE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG.
+1 AM CONFIDENT IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG. OUR PRESENT DAILY RELATIONS WITH CHINA ARE EXCELLENT AND WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE.
+YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS, BUSINESSMEN HERE AND BUSINESSMEN IN UK, MAY PLAN FORWARD IN CONFIDENCE FOR MANY YEARS TO COME,* MR BRAY SAID.
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IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY BILLS TO BE INTRODUCED IN LEGCO
* * * *
FOUR BILLS WHICH SEEK TO AMEND THE LAW ON IMMIGRATION AND BRITISH NATIONALITY CONSEQUENT UPON THE PASSAGE OF THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981 WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW.
THE BILLS, PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE LAST FRIDAY. ARE: IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT)(NO.2) BILL 1982? IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) BILL 1982; BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981 (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL 1982; AND THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1982.
THREE OTHER BILLS WILL ALSO BE READ A FIRST AND SECOND TIME, AND DEBATE ON THESE WILL ALSO BE ADJOURNED. THEY ARE THE:
KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION BILL 1982, THE CREATION OF A KCR CORPORATION;
PROVIDING FOR
/ROAD TRAFFIC .......
TUESDAY, DECHffiER 7, 1?82
- 2 -
ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT)(NO.2) BILL 1982, PAVING THE WAY FOR NEWER, SAFER AND MORE POWERFUL AND MORE COMFORTABLE LIGHT BUSES? AND
HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982, WHICH AIMS AT MAKING MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE MEMBERSHIP PROVISIONS AND INCREASING SUBSTANTIALLY THE PENALTY FOR UNAUTHORISED USE OF THE ASSOCIATION’S LOGO AND TITLE.
DEBATE WILL RESUME ON THE SECOND READING OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC BILL 1982, WHICH AIMS TO REPLACE THE PRESENT ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE, BEFORE BEING FURTHER ADJOURNED.
OTHER BUSINESS WILL INCLUDE 12 QUESTIONS FROM UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ASKED TO 6 IVE’REASONS FOR THE DELAY IN RECEIVING THE REPORT ON THE OVERALL REVIEW OF THE HONG KONG EDUCATION SYSTEM WHICH WAS EXPECTED IN NOVEMBER.
THE QUESTION WILL BE ASKED BY THE REV THE HON JOYCE BENNETT, WHO WILL ALSO WANT TO KNOW WHEN THE REPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS, AND WHEN IT WILL BE PUBLISHED FOR THE PUBLIC.
TWO OTHER QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE WELFARE OF SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL ALSO BE ASKED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS.
THE HON HO KAM FAI, WILL WANT TO KNOW WHAT ACTION IS BEING TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF TRUANCY AMONG JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL CHILDREN, AND DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP WILL ASK WHAT STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO PROTECT YOUNG CHILDREN TRAVELLING UNSUPERVISED AND UNRESTRAINED TO AND FROM KINDERGARTENS IN LICENSED MINI-BUSES.
OTHER QUESTIONS WILL DEAL WITH THE TESTING OF VEHICLES IN THE KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE, AS WELL AS THE STANDARD OF SERVICE PROVIDED? IMPROVEMENTS AND REDEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THE LAI CHI KOK HOSPITAL BUILDING? MARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INSTRUCTIONS ON PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS? THE SCHEME TO ASSIST REFINANCING OF DEBTS INCURRED BY CIVIL SERVANTS? THE LEGISLATION ON CONVEYANCING AND LAW OF PROPERTY? THE TUEN MUN HIGHWAY? RESTRICTIONS IN THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA, AND VILLAGE LIGHTING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
------o - - - -
NOTE TO EDITORS?
SPEECH BY BANKING COMMISSIONER * * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES, MR COLIN MARTIN, WILL GIVE A SPEECH ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 9) ON +THE CURRENT SITUATION IN HONG KONG IN THE BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY SECTOR*.
THE SPEECH WILL BE GIVEN AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN THE BALLROOM OF THE HILTON HOTEL. THE FUNCTION WILL BEGIN AT 12 NOON.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1982
3
REVISION OF PASSENGER FARES FOR DIRECT THROUGH TRAINS * * * * *
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT AN AGREEMENT HAS RECENTLY BEEN REACHED WITH THE GUANGZHOU RAILWAY ADMINISTRATION THAT THE PASSENGER FARES FOR THE THROUGH TRAINS BETWEEN KOWLOON AND GUANGZHOU TOGETHER WITH THE CHARGES FOR LUGGAGE AND PARCELS WILL BE REVISED AS FROM DECEMBER 28.
THE NEW FARES AND CHARGES WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:-
(1) PASSENGER FARES
SINGLE JOURNEY (ADULT):
* FROM HKS54.4O TO HK$80 (FOR TICKETS SOLD AT HONG KONG) AND FROM RMB Y16.40 TO Y24.0Q (FOR TICKETS SOLD AT GUANGZHOU)
* CHILD TICKETS, BE THEY SOLD AT KOWLOON STATION OR GUANGZHOU STATION, SHALL BE HALF OF THE ADULT FARES
(2) CHARGES FOR LUGGAGES
UNIT CHARGE RATE FOR EVERY 5 KG OF LUGGAGE:
* FROM HKS2.3O TO HK$3.00 AT KOWLOON STATION AND FROM RMB YO.7O TO RMB YQ.9O AT GUANGZHOU STATION
(3) CHARGES FOR PARCELS
UNIT CHARGE RATE FOR EVERY 5 KG OF PARCELS:
* FROM HKS6.80 TO HK$9.00 AT KOWLOON STATION AND FROM RMB Y2.1O TO RMB Y2.7O AT THE GUANGZHOU STATION
A KCR SPOKESMAN SAID THE AGREEMENT TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE RATE OF INFLATION AND THE FACT THAT THE THROUGH PASSENGER TRAIN FARES AND OTHER RELATED CHARGES HAD NOT BEEN REVISED SINCE THE INTRODUCTION CF THE SERVICE MORE THAN THREE-AND-A-HALF YEARS AGO.
♦THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS MADE SIMULTANEOUSLY IN HONG KONG AND GUANGZHOU TODAY,+ HE POINTED OUT.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1982
4
MORE SEEK PAYMENTS UNDER INJURIES SCHEME
MH *
APPLICATIONS FOR CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION IN THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR REACHED A RECORD HIGH CF 997.
THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 96 CASES, OR 10.6 PER CENT, OVER THE PRECEDING YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE 1981-82 ANNUAL REPORT CF THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION (CLEIC) BOARDS.
THE SCHEME, STARTED IN 1973, PROVIDES CASH RELIEF FOR VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIMES OR THEIR DEPENDENTS.
DESPITE THE DROP IN THE NUMBER OF REPORTED CASES WITH INJURIES IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, THERE HAD BEEN AN INCREASE IN THE APPLICATION RATE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDS, MR ROBERT WEI, SAID IN THE REPORT.
*IT IS PROBABLY DUE TO THE INCREASING PUBLIC AWARENESS AND THE RELAXATION OF THE MINIMUM SICK LEAVE REQUIREMENT FROM SEVEN TO THREE DAYS,* HE SAID.
+THE INCREASE IS PROBABLY ALSO ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE CONTINUOUS EFFORTS MADE BY THE BOARDS’ STAFF IN ENCOURAGING INNOCENT VICTIMS TO SUBMIT THEIR CLAIMS AND THEIR READINESS IN RENDERING ASSISTANCE TO THESE VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS,* HE ADDED.
THE POLICE ARE STILL THE MAIN REFERRING CHANNEL THROUGH WHICH APPLICATION FORMS ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE VICTIMS.
REFERRALS BY THE POLICE DURING THE YEAR NUMBERED 639 CASES, OR 64 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS.
THE NUMBER OF DIRECT APPLICATIONS ALSO INCREASED, FROM 243 TO 295.
PAYMENTS, AMOUNTING TO $2.2 MILLION, WERE MADE TO 594 NEW AND REVIEW CASES DURING THE YEAR.
THE YEAR SAW THE LARGEST SINGLE AWARD OF $29 700 BEING MADE TO THE WIDOW AND TWO CHILDREN OF A GEM DEALER WHO WAS MURDERED IN A WAN CHAI HOTEL ROOM IN DECEMBER 1981.
THE CLEIC BOARDS ALSO REFERRED THE FAMILY TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
ASSAULT-WOUNDING AND ROBBERY-THEFT-BURGLARY REMAINED TO BE THE MAJOR CATEGORIES, ACCOUNTING FOR 600 AND 317 CASES RESPECTIVELY.
THERE WERE 12 APPLICATIONS FOR COMPENSATION FROM SEXUAL OFFENCE VICTIMS DURING THE YEAR, EIGHT MORE THAN IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
/+TiI30UG3 TEE.........
TUESDAY, DECEStSEE 7, 1982
- 5 -
♦THROUGH THE HELP OF THE POLICE, WE ARE ABLE TO CONTACT MORE VICTIMS .'OFFERING FROM RAPE AND INDECENT ASSAULT TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO APPLY FOR COMPENSATION,* MR WEI SAID.
+WE ALSO STRENGTHEN OUR CO-OPERATION WITH THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG PSYCHIATRIC CENTRE TO GIVE SUITABLE SERVICES TO THESE VICTIMS,* HE ADDED.
FIVE PEOPLE WERE GIVEN COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF INJURIES CR DEATHS CAUSED BY FALLING OBJECTS IN THE YEAR.
ON PUBLICITY, MR WEI SAID PAMPHLETS AND APPLICATION FORMS OF THE CLEIC SCHEME ARE AVAILABLE AT POLICE STATIONS, HOSPITALS AND DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION. POSTERS ARE ALSO DISTRIBUTED TO THESE PLACES AS WELL AS COURTS AND MAGISTRACIES.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION SECTION, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, ON THE 14TH FLOOR OF WORLD TRADE CENTRE, GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY OR TELEPHONE 5-7903349.
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CHILDREN REMINDED TO REGISTER WITH SCHOOL
K H X K
PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN HAVE BEEN OFFERED A DISCRETIONARY PLACE UNDER THE NEW PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM ARE REMINDED TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN WITH THE SCHOOL TOMORROW OR ON THURSDAY.
IN DOING SO, PARENTS SHOULD NOTE CAREFULLY THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS AS STIPULATED BY INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS, SUCH AS THE NUMBER OF PHOTOGRAPHS, AND PARENT’S COPY OF THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION APPLICATION FORM, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID,
IF PARENTS ACCEPT AN OFFER OF A DISCRETIONARY PLACE, IT WILL BE REGARDED AS BINDING ON BOTH THE SCHOOLS AND THE PARENTS, HE SAID.
PARENTS WHO CANNOT REGISTER THEIR CHILD WITH A SCHOOL TOMORROW OR ON THURSDAY FOR PERSONAL REASONS SHOULD NOTIFY THE SCHOOL CONCERNED OR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT (5-724383) TO MAKE ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS.
PARENTS WHO FAILED TO DO SO WOULD BE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN UP THE PLACE OFFERED TO THEM, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT APPLICANTS SHOULD NOT GIVE UP THE DISCRETIONARY PLACE OFFERED TO THEM, EXCEPT FOR REASONS SUCH AS EMIGRATION OR MOVING HOUSE.
/IF ..............
TUESDAY, DECEMBEH 7, 1982
- 6 -
IF THERE ARE VACANCIES LEFT UNFILLED AFTER THE REGISTRATION PERIOD, THE SCHOOL CONCERNED WILL INFORM PARENTS OF APPLICANTS ON THE WAITING LIST IN STRICT ORDER OF PRIORITY, BY PHONE, TO REGISTER WITH THE SCHOOL.
MEANWHILE, THE SPOKESMAN ASSURED THAT CHILDREN WHO FAILED TO SECURE A DISCRETIONARY PLACE WILL BE ALLOCATED A PRIMARY ONE PLACE WITHIN THEIR HOME DISTRICT BY CENTRAL ALLOCATION NEXT MARCH, TOGETHER WITH CHILDREN WHO HAVE NOT APPLIED FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE.
SUCH ALLOCATION, HE SAID, WILL EE BASED PRIMARILY ON PARENTAL CHOICES.
-----o------
BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN OCTOBER * * * *
FORTY-SEVEN NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH 53 IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
OF THESE NEW PLANS, 16 WERE FOR NEW BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, SIX FOR KOWLOON AND 25 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INCLUDE A HOME FOR THE AGED IN KO CHIU ROAD, AND ANOTHER CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR THE AGED IN HA TSUEN, YUEN LONG, AND AN ELECTRICITY SUB-STATION AT KWONG FUK ROAD IN TAI PO.
THE DECLARED COST OF ALL THE NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS $1 281.1 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $375.5 MILLION IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
THE USABLE FLOOR AREA TOTALLED 308 507.5 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 210 507.4 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC AND 98 000.1 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 SCHOOL IN AUSTIN ROAD, A PUMP HOUSE IN TSING Yl ISLAND AND AN ASSEMBLY HALL EXTENSION IN SO UK ESTATE.
ALTOGETHER, 50 OCCUPATION PERMITS WERE ISSUED FOR NEWLY-COMPLETED BUILDINGS IN OCTOBER, INCLUDING A SCHOOL EXTENSION IN SYCAMORE STREET, A TEMPLE IN NGONG PING, LANTAU ISLAND, A CHURCH, KINDERGARTEN AND QUARTER IN PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD, A TRAINING CENTRE IN KWAI CHUNG.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO GAVE PERMISSION FOR 62 BUILDINGS TO BE DEMOLISHED.
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/7........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1982
- 7 -
TEN +METRIC+ DAYS FOR HONG KONG * * * *
THE METRICATION COMMITTEE TODAY (TUESDAY) DISCLOSED PLANS TO LAUNCH ITS BIGGEST EVER PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN ENTITLED +METRIC IQ DAYS* NEXT MONTH (JANUARY, 1983).
THE CAMPAIGN’S ORGANISING CHAIRMAN, MISS OPHELIA CHEUNG, TOLD A ROTARY CLUB LUNCHEON MEETING THAT THE CAMPAIGN, SCHEDULED TO RUN FROM JANUARY 14 TO 23, HAD BEEN NINE MONTHS IN PREPARATION.
+IT IS A MAJOR EFFORT IN AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME DESIGNED TO HELP THE PUBLIC OVERCOME THEIR FEAR OF CONVERSION TO, AND ACCEPTANCE OF, THE METRIC SYSTEM IN THEIR DAILY LIVES,+ SHE SAID.
MISS CHEUNG POINTED OUT THAT A PERSON’S ACCEPTANCE OF THE METRIC SYSTEM VARIED IN DIRECT RELATION TO HOW MUCH HE KNEW ABOUT THIS SYSTEM OF MEASUREMENT.
MISS CHEUNG SAID: +DURING THE 1O-DAY PERIOD, AN EXCITING SERIES OF EVENTS WITH MASSIVE PUBLICITY SUPPORT WILL BE HELD TO FAMILIARISE THE GENERAL PUBLIC WITH THE COMMON METRIC TERMS*.
THE SUPPORT OF THE MASS MEDIA WILL ALSO BE ENLISTED AT EVERY STAGE OF THE CAMPAIGN TO ENSURE THE METRICATION MESSAGE WILL REACH THE WIDEST POSSIBLE AUDIENCE.
THE EVENTS WILL INCLUDE STREET THEATRE SHOWS, A GAMES DAY, POSTER DESIGN AND LYRIC WRITING COMPETITIONS, NEWSPAPER AND RADIO QUIZZES, A SEMINAR, A 1O-KILOMETRE RACE AND A SPECIAL TELEVISION VARIETY SHOW.
MISS CHEUNG SAID THAT MANY ORGANISATIONS, PRIVATE AND GOVERNMENT ALIKE, WERE GIVING THEIR VALUABLE SUPPORT TO THE CAMPAIGN.
IN ADDITION, MANY SUPERMARKETS AND DEPARTMENT STORES WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE CAMPAIGN BY SELLING GOODS IN METRIC UNITS.
IN CONCLUDING, MISS CHEUNG SAID THAT THE CAMPAIGN WILL HOPEFULLY BEGIN A NEW ERA OF CONSUMER AWARENESS TO METRICATION AND SHE CALLED ON MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO SUPPORT AND TAKE PART IN THE CAMPAIGN’S ACTIVITIES.
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/8 .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1982
ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD TO HOLD FIFTH MEETING * * * * *
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE POSSIBILITY OF GIVING ELECTED MEMBERS, WHO ARE INDIGENOUS RESIDENTS, THE AUTHORITY TO CERTIFY THE STATUS OF INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS LIVING IN THEIR CONSTITUENCY AT ITS FIFTH MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE MEDICAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT AND HOW LOCAL FISHERMEN’S WIVES FROM CHINA COULD RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS.
THE BOARD WILL EXAMINE A PROPOSED PLAN TO BUILD AN ACCESS ROAD BETWEEN THE NEW PIER AND SHEK PIK RESERVOIR ROAD, AND REVIEW THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE AS WELL AS THE RECENT ALLOCATION OF DB FUNDS.
A TALK ON +THE FUNCTIONS AND WORK OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL+ WILL BE GIVEN BY A COUNCIL MEMBER, MISS ELSIE LEUNG OI-SIE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED'TO COVER THE FIFTH MEETING OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD TO BE HELD AT 2 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, SINCERE BUILDING, 16TH FLOOR, 173 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
- _ 0 - _
RAPID TRANSFORMATION IN EAST TSIM SHA TSUI
* * * *
THE RAPID TRANSFORMATION OF EAST TSIM SHA TSUI SYMBOLISES NOT ONLY THE DYNAMISM OF OUR PRIVATE DEVELOPERS, BUT ALSO THE ENTERPRISE OF OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, M? DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE EAST TSIM SHA TSUI PROPERTY DEVELOPERS’ ASSOCIATION AT THE HARBOUR VIEW HOLIDAY INN.
+NOT SO LONG AGO, EAST TSIM SHA TSUI CONSISTED MAINLY OF TIN SHED AND PATCHES OF GRASS,+ HE SAID.
+ NOW IT HAS DEVELOPED INTO A BUSTLING COMMERCIAL AREA OF MODERN HOTELS, SHOPPING ARCADES, RESTAURANTS AND OPEN SPACES EMBRACED BY A MAGNIFICENT WATER-FRONT PROMENADE.
/+NOW THAT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1982
♦NOW THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS PEOPLE HAVE SETTLED IN, THERE HAS BEEN WHAT IS NEEDED TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE AREA.+
AREA HAS TAKEN SHAPE AND SUFFICIENT TIME FOR ASSESSING THE ENVIRONMENT AND
MR AKERS-JONES SAID THE FORMATION OF AN ASSOCIATION OF PROPERTY DEVELOPERS WAS MOST TIMELY - FOR WHO WOULD HAVE A BETTER IDEA THAN THE OWNERS AND USERS OF THE BUILDINGS OF WHAT WAS NEEDED AND WHAT COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT.
♦CERTAINLY THE ASSOCIATION WILL HAVE A VITAL ROLE TO PLAY IN ADVISING GOVERNMENT AND MAINTAINING AND IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE AREA.
♦INDEED THERE MAY WELL BE OTHER COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS IN HONG KONG WHICH WOULD BENEFIT FROM THIS TYPE OF ORGANISATION,+ HE ADDED.
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SECOND NEW MARKET FOR TUEN MUN * * * *
A SECOND NEW MARKET HAS BEEN CONSTRUCTED AT TUEN MUN TO CATER TO THE NEEDS OF THE INCREASING NUMBER OF RESIDENTS LIVING IN THE NEW TOWN.
COSTING $11 MILLION, THE TWO-STOREY SAN HUI MARKET ADJACENT TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC ON JANUARY 1, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
ALL 332 STALLS AT THE NEW MARKET HAD BEEN SOLD TO TRADERS FROM THE SAN HUI OLD MARKET, A TEMPORARY MARKET, AND VARIOUS HAWKER BAZAARS IN TUEN MUN DURING TWO RESTRICTED AUCTIONS HELD AT THE NEW MARKET YESTERDAY AND TODAY (DECEMBER 6 AND 7).
AMONG THE MARKET STALLS, 33 ARE DESIGNATED FOR SELLING MEAT, 25 FOR FISH, EIGHT FOR POULTRY, AND EIGHT FOR SIU MEI AND LO MEI. THE HIGHEST PRICE PAID FOR A MARKET STALL WAS $3 200 AND THE LOWEST WAS $1 350, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE HIGHEST PRICE PAID FOR A MINI STALL WAS $1 550 WHILE THE LOWEST WAS $500. THERE WERE 258 MINI STALLS AT THE MARKET FOR SELLING VEGETABLE, FRUIT AND GROCERY.
ONCE THE MARKET IS OPERATIONAL, THE EXISTING OLD MARKETS AND HAWKER BAZAARS WILL BE DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PROJECTS FOR THE NEW TOWN.
APART FROM SHOPPING AT THE MARKET, RESIDENTS AND CHILDREN CAN ALSO ENJOY THEIR LEISURE OR PLAY AT THE PLEASANT ROOF-TOP GARDEN AND PLAY AREA WHERE FLOWER BEDS AND BENCHES ARE PROVIDED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
A KIOSK SELLING LIGHT REFRESHMENT ON THE ROOF GARDEN WILL ALSO BE OPERATED FROM FEBRUARY 1, AND TENDERS FOR RUNNING THE BUSINESS IS NOW BEING INVITED.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1982
FACILITIES IN REMOTE AREAS IMPROVED *****
THE WORKS SECTION OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES IN REMOTE AREAS, THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICKY LO, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A JETTY AT THE TAP MUN FISHERMEN’S VILLAGE, MR LO SAID WITH THE PROGRESS OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AND THE INCREASING EMPHASIS PUT BY THE PUBLIC ON THE ABILITY CF THE GOVERNMENT TO RESPOND QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY TO LOCAL PROBLEMS, THE IMPORTANT ROLE WHICH THE WORKS SECTION COULD PLAY COULD HARDLY BE OVER-EMPHASISED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN ADDITION TO THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS VOTE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT VOTE, THE WORKS SECTION OF TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE WAS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR MINOR AND EMERGENCY REPAIRS, ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT WORKS.
THE TOTAL VALUE OF WORKS UNDERTAKEN BY THE SECTION WAS ABOUT S3 MILLION FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
+THESE INCLUDE A VARIETY OF MINOR WORKS SUCH AS IMPROVEMENT OF LOCAL ACCESS, WATER SUPPLY, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, DRAINAGE IN REMOTE AREAS, WHICH COULD NOT BE MORE EFFECTIVELY DEALT WITH UNDER THE NORMAL CENTRALISED PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME,+ MR LO SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE JETTY WAS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF WHAT THE WORKS SECTION COULD HELP TO IMPROVE INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES IN REMOTE AREAS.
THE JETTY WAS COMPLETED AT A COST OF NEARLY $200 000 WITHIN A YEAR FROM THE DATE WHEN THE REQUEST FOR THIS FACILITY WAS FIRST MADE BY THE SAI KUNG NORTH RURAL COMMITTEE AND THE LOCAL FISHING COMMUNITY.
MR LO THANKED THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION FOR DONATING SEVERAL SEAWALL BLOCKS WHICH HELPED REDUCE THE COST CF THE PIER BY OVER $100 QOO.
HE ADDED THAT THE WORKS SECTION WAS CONSTRUCTING A SOCCER PITCH WITH A HELIPAD ON THE ISLAND AT A COST OF ABOUT $280 000.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION, MR V.W. MILLER, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF SAI KUNG NORTH RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAM PAK—PING.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1982
11
SPECIAL TRAINS FOR HKCU CONGREGATION * * *
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL OPERATE TWO SPECIAL TRAINS FOR PEOPLE ATTENDING THE 24TH CONGREGATION OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 9).
IN ADDITION TO THE REGULAR SERVICES, A SPECIAL TRAIN WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION AT 12.24 PM AND ARRIVE AT THE UNIVERSITY STATION AT 12.51 PM.
AFTER THE CONGREGATION, A SPECIAL TRAIN WILL TAKE PEOPLE BACK TO KOWLOON, LEAVING THE UNIVERSITY STATION AT 6.20 PM AND ARRIVING AT KOWLOON STATION AT 6.49 PM.
THESE SPECIAL TRAINS WILL STOP AT MONG KOK AND SHA TIN STATIONS.
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REFRESHER COURSES FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH * * *
TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS CAN ATTEND TWO REFRESHER COURSES BETWEEN JANUARY AND APRIL NEXT YEAR.
THE COURSES, WHICH WILL BE RUN BY THE BRITISH COUNCIL, ARE COMMISSIONED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. THE AIMS ARE TO IMPROVE TEACHERS’ FLUENCY AND CONFIDENCE IN USING SPOKEN ENGLISH, TO MAKE TEACHERS A MORE ACCURATE MODEL OF ENGLISH FOR THEIR PUPILS AND TO INTRODUCE TEACHERS TO A RANGE OF COMMUNICATIVE TEACHING TECHNIQUES.
THE TWO COURSES, EACH OF 90 HOURS DURATION, WILL BE HELD FROM JANUARY 10 TO APRIL 14 ON MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS. ONE COURSE WILL BE HELD IN THE MORNINGS AND THE OTHER IN THE AFTERNOONS. ALL CLASSES WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THE BRITISH COUNCIL AT 253-261 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THERE WILL BE PLACES FOR 25 TEACHERS ON EACH COURSE. APPLICATIONS WILL BE TREATED ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS WITH PRIORITY GIVEN TO TEACHERS IN CHARGE OF THE ENGLISH SUBJECT IN THE SCHOOL.
TEACHERS WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE COURSE WILL BE ABLE TO ENROL FOR A TERM IN THE ENGLISH CLASSES AT THE BRITISH COUNCIL TO FURTHER IMPROVE THEIR ORAL PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH.
SCHOOL HEADS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR NOMINATIONS TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR, ENGLISH SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, 5/F, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN DECEMBER 15.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1982.
12
1983 BALLROOM DANCE CONTEST
XXI
DANCE ENTHUSIASTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN AN OPEN DANCE CONTEST TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 16).
OPEN TO AMATEUR DANCERS AGED 18 OR ABOVE, THE CONTEST IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (RSS) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG DANCING ASSOCIATION.
THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO FOUR CATEGORIES. PARTICIPANTS JOINING ANY ONE OF THE CATEGORIES CAN CHOOSE BETWEEN THE MODERN BRANCH AND THE LATIN BRANCH.
THOSE ENTERING THE MODERN BRANCH WILL PERFORM EITHER WALTZ, FOXTROT, QUICK STEP OR TANGO AND FOR THE LATIN BRANCH EITHER RUMBA, CHA CHA, JIVE OR SAMBA.
A RSS SPOKESMAN SAID THE AIM OF THE CONTEST IS TO PROMOTE DANCE IN HONG KONG AND TO FOSTER A CLEAR CONCEPT OF SOCIAL DANCE AMONG THE PUBLIC.
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE FIRST, SECOND AND THE THIRD WINNERS AS WELL AS THREE OTHER OUTSTANDING PERFORMERS OF EACH CATEGORY.
THE CONTEST WILL TAKE PLACE AT MACPHERSON STADIUM, MONG KOK FROM 7 PM TO 10 PM.
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE RSS HEAD OFFICE AND ITS 19 DISTRICT OFFICES, THE HONG KONG DANCING ASSOCIATION AND ANY OF ITS AFFILIATED TEACHERS. APPLICATION IS FREE OF CHARGE.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 0-295949 OR 5-458511.
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TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN SHAU KEI WAN * * *
MONG LUNG STREET BETWEEN KENG SHAN LANE AND YUEN HING LANE WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 9) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MTR SHAU KEI WAN STATION.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES TRAVELLING TOWARDS THE SHIPYARDS AT ALDRICH BAY WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE NEW ACCESS ROAD ADJACENT TO NAM ON STREET BUS TERMINUS.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1982
13
WATER CUTS IN TSUEN WAN AND HAPPY VALLEY * * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN AND HAPPY VALLEY WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVERAL HOURS BETWEEN FRIDAY AND SATURDAY (DECEMBER 10 AND 11) TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS WORK AND A LEAKAGE TEST.
IN TSUEN WAN THE SUSPENSION WILL BE FOR 10 HOURS FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY YEUNG UK ROAD, TEXACO ROAD AND MA TAU PA STREET. THIS INCLUDES ALL THE HOUSES IN FUI YIU KOK STREET, WANG LUNG STREET, LUNG TAK STREET AND MA KOK STREET.
ALSO AFFECTED WILL BE SHEK WEI KOK ESTATE, TSUEN WAN FRESH WATER PUMPING STATION, WAH DO MANSION AND TSUEN WAN POLICE STATION AS WELL AS PREMISES IN TAI HO ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
IN HAPPY VALLEY THE SUSPENSION WILL BE FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY THE SECTION OF BLUE POOL ROAD BETWEEN YUEN YUEN STREET AND HOLLY ROAD, YUEN YUEN STREET, YUK SAU STREET, THE SECTION OF SHAN KWONG ROAD BETWEEN YUK SAU STREET AND TSUI MAN STREET, TSUI MAN STREET AND THE SECTION OF SING WOO ROAD BETWEEN YUEN YUEN STREET AND HOLLY ROAD.
THE SUSPENSION WILL ALSO AFFECT PREMISES IN KWAI FONG STREET, MUI HING STREET, HAWTHORN ROAD AND HOLLY ROAD.
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WATER CUT IN TUEN MUN X K X
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN AREAS IN TUEN MUN WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR 11 HOURS FROM 8 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 10) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS WORK.
THE AREAS TO BE AFFECTED ARE ALONG KIN TAI STREET FROM PUI TO ROAD TO HO TIN STREET, INDUSTRIAL ZONE AREA 9 AND LICENSED AREA 34 IN TUEN MUN.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY BILLS ..................... 1
EXTENSIVE DEBATE ON ROAD TRAFFIC BILL ................. 3
BILL TO ALLOW EARLY PHASING IN OF LARGER PLB'S ........ 8
EFFECTIVE SERVICE IS FIRST KCR CORPORATION PRIORITY ... 9
BATTLE AGAINST RATS IN QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL........ 10
BILINGUAL USAGE INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEDICINES PROPOSED ... 11
BIG IMPROVEMENTS MADE TO HOSPITAL ..................... 11
VOTING RIGHTS PROPOSED FOR RETAILERS IN HKTa........... 12
FRONTIER RESTRICTIONS MUST BE RETAINED ................ 13
TUEN MUN HIGHWAY SPEEDING PROSECUTIONS UP ............. 14
22 000 VEHICLES INSPECTED AT KOWLOON BAY CENTRE ....... 14
NEED FOR SUPERVISION IN SCHOOL BUSES RECOGNISED ....... 15
GOOD PROGRESS ON CONVEYANCING AND LAW OF PROPERTY BILL ... 15
CIVIL SERVANTS REFINANCING SCHEME...................... 16
THREE-PRONGED EFFORT TO TACKLE TRUANCY................. 17
EDUCATION REPORT RECEIVED ............................. 18
4 000 STREET LIGHTS FOR NEW TERRITORIES ............... 18
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PROGRAMMES SUCCESSFUL .............. 19
96 FIRE OFFICERS AND MEN RECEIVE LONG SERVICE MEDALS ..... 19
WHERE TO MEET PARENTS AT AIRPORT WHEN RETURNING FROM OVERSEAS 20
CRIME PREVENTION TALK FOR JEWELLERY SHOP OWNERS .......... 21
EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TIN LOK LANE OPEN TO TRAFFIC .... 21
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1982
1
IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY BILLS * * *
FROM JANUARY 1, 1983, SUBJECT TO ENACTMENT OF THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1982, NO ONE WILL BECOME A BELONGER UNLESS HE IS OR BECOMES A BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN BY CONNECTION WITH HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY. THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR JEAFFRESON, IN INTRODUCING THE BILL, SAID THIS WOULD MEAN THAT CHILDREN BORN IN HONG KONG FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR WOULD NOT BE BELONGERS UNLESS AT LEAST ONE PARENT WAS A BELONGER OR WAS SETTLED HERE.
♦IN THIS CONTEXT ’SETTLED’ MEANS ORDINARILY RESIDENT AND NOT SUBJECT TO ANY RESTRICTION ON THE PERIOD FOR WHICH HE OR SHE MAY REMAIN IN HONG KONG,* HE EXPLAINED.
MR JEAFFRESON ALSO SAID THIS WOULD MEAN THAT COMMONWEALTH CITIZENS MARRYING BELONGERS ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR WOULD NOT BE BELONGERS AUTOMATICALLY UNLESS THEY WERE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS IN THEIR OWN RIGHT.
♦THE RATIONALE FOR THESE PROPOSALS IS THAT, PARTICULARLY HAVING REGARD TO HONG KONG’S ALREADY OVER-CROWDED STATE, IT IS ENTIRELY LOGICAL TO LIMIT BELONGERSHIP AND THUS THE ABSOLUTE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG TO THOSE PERSONS WHO WILL BE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS BY CONNECTION WITH HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
AT THE SAME TIME. THE BILL WOULD PROVIDE THAT ANYONE BECOMING A BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN BY CONNECTION WITH HONG KONG, FOR EXAMPLE BY BIRTH TO A BELONGER OR A SETTLED PARENT, OR BY REGISTRATION OR NATURALISATION IN HONG KONG, WOULD AUTOMATICALLY ACQUIRE THE STATUS OF BELONGER, HE CONTINUED.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE OVERALL EFFECT OF THESE PROVISIONS WOULD BE THAT FEWER PEOPLE WOULD QUALIFY AS BELONGERS FROM JANUARY 1, 1983.
♦BUT NO ONE WHO IS A BELONGER AT 31ST DECEMBER THIS YEAR WILL LOSE THAT STATUS,+ HE POINTED OUT.
OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE BILL WOULD MEAN THAT THE FOREIGN WIVES AND FOREIGN CHILDREN OF BRITISH CITIZENS WOULD NOT BE ACCORDED THE STATUS OF BRITISH CITIZEN UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE UNLESS THEY THEMSELVES HAD BEEN NATURALISED OR REGISTERED AS BRITISH CITIZENS.
IN INTRODUCING IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1982, JEAFFRESON EXPLAINED THE MAIN OBJECT WAS TO MAKE PROVISION FOR THE IMMIGRATION CONTROL OF NON-BELONGER CHILDREN BORN IN HONG KONG AF.TER DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR.
♦THE COMBINED EFFECT OF THIS BILL AND THE EXISTING PROVISIONS OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE WILL BE TO ACCORD THE CHILDREN CONCERNED, INCLUDING, FOR EXAMPLE, THE CHILDREN OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, THE SAME IMMIGRATION STATUS AS THAT OF THEIR PARENTS,♦ HE SAID.
/IN PRACTICAL
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1982
- 2
IN PRACTICAL TERMS, HE ADDED, A CHILD BORN HERE WHO DID NOT HAVE A PARENT WHO WAS A HONG KONG BELONGER, WOULD BE TREATED IN EXACTLY THE SAME WAY AS HIS PARENTS AND WOULD NORMALLY BE REQUIRED TO LEAVE WHEN HIS PARENTS DID SO.
♦THE PROPOSED PROVISIONS ARE IN LINE WITH THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE THAT THOSE WHO ARE NOT BELONGERS SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS OF STAY,+ MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
THE SECRETARY ALSO MOVED TWO OTHER BILLS — THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981 (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL 1982 AND THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982.
THE FIRST BILL, HE SAID, WOULD SEEK TO AMEND OTHER HONG KONG LEGISLATION, WHERE NECESSARY, AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THE ENACTMENT CF THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981 BYi
M INTRODUCING DEFINITIONS OF THE NEW TERMINOLOGY LAID DOWN IN THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981 INTO THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE, AND
M SUBSTITUTING REFERENCES TO EXISTING CITIZENSHIP TERMINOLOGY BY THE APPROPRIATE NEW TERMINOLOGY.
THE OTHER BILL WOULD SEEK TO AMEND THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE BY«
M SUBSTITUTING A NEW SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AND NATURALISATION AS A BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN AND RENUNCIATION OF CITIZENSHIP, AND
REVISING THE TWO PENALTIES FOR OFFENCES CONNECTED WITH APPLICATIONS FOR CITIZENSHIP.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE PRESENT SCHEDULE PRESCRIBED THE FEES PAYABLE IN HONG KONG BY APPLICANTS FOR CITIZENSHIP OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND COLONIES, A CITIZENSHIP THAT WOULD BE ABOLISHED UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981 FROM JANUARY 1, 1983.
♦THERE IS NOW A NEED TO PROVIDE FOR FEES PAYABLE BY PERSONS APPLYING FOR OR RENOUNCING THE NEW BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENSHIP, WHICH BECOMES THE APPLICABLE CITIZENSHIP FOR HONG KONG AT THE BEGINNING OF NEXT MONTH,+ HE SAID.
BUT THE FEES IN THE NEW SCHEDULE WOULD BE, IN THE MAIN, THE SAME AS THOSE CURRENTLY CHARGED FOR SIMILAR SERVICES, HE ADDED.
ON PENALTIES, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THEY HAD NOT BEEN CHANGED SINCE 1949 AND, +IT IS CLEARLY APPROPRIATE TO BRING THEM UP-TO-DATE IN ONE CASE BY ADDING A FINE AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO A PRISON SENTENCE AND IN THE OTHER BY INCREASING THE FI NE.♦
DEBATE ON THE FOUR BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
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/3......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1982
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EXTENSIVE DEBATE ON ROAD TRAFFIC BILL
* * *
THE CHINESE TRANSLATION OF THE TERM ♦RECKLESS DRIVING* IN THE CONTROVERSIAL ROAD TRAFFIC BILL CAME UNDER ATTACK BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE BILL WHICH PROPOSES A REVAMPING OF THE EXISTING ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE WAS DEBATED AT THE COUNCIL TODAY, BUT ITS COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING WERE ADJOURNED TO THE NEXT MEETING.
THE HON S.L. CHEN, CONVENER OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICES WORKING GROUP OF UNOFFICIALS WHICH LOOKED INTO THE BILL, SAID DURING THE DEBATE THAT A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF UNNECESSARY ANXIETY IN THE PUBLIC MIND OVER THIS BILL HAD BEEN INDUCED BY THE ♦WOEFULLY INADEQUATE AND MISLEADING* CHINESE TRANSLATION OF THE TERM ♦RECKLESS DRIVING*.
♦ WE ARE FIRMLY OF THE VIEW .... THAT THE PRESENT TRANSLATION GIVES A FALSE IMPRESSION,* HE SAID.
♦ IT DOES NOT CARRY WITH IT THE CONCEPT OF ’DISREGARD OF CONSEQUENCES’ WHICH IS FUNDAMENTAL TO THE MEANING OF THE ENGLISH TERM, INSTEAD IT IMPLIES A LACK OF CARE MORE AKIN TO CARELESSNESS.♦
HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO LOOK CLOSELY INTO THE MATTER TO PRODUCE A FORM OF WORDS WHICH WOULD ACCURATELY REFLECT THE REAL MEANING OF THE ENGLISH TERM.
AND UNTIL THIS WAS DONE, HE ADDED, THE WIDESPREAD AND UNDERSTANDABLE FEAR OF THE PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS WOULD NOT BE DIMINISHED AND OPPOSITION TO IT WOULD PROBABLY PERSIST.
ON THE BILL ITSELF, MR CHEN SAID THAT A PACKAGE OF OVER 30 AMENDMENTS WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN THE COMMITTEE STAGE.
THE CHANGES CAME AFTER THE WORKING GROUP HELD NINE MEETINGS AMONG THEMSELVES AND TWO LENGTHY DISCUSSIONS WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
HE SAID ONE OF THE MAIN CONCERNS OF THE UNOFFICIALS HAD BEEN ON THE QUESTION OF ♦RECKLESS DRIVING+.
ALTHOUGH THEY HAD MUCH SYMPATHY WITH THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SEE ♦RECKLESS DRIVING* FORMALLY DEFINED IN THE LAW, THEY HAD SOMEWHAT RELUCTANTLY COME TO THE VIEW AFTER HAVING STUDIED THE MATTER CAREFULLY, THAT A DEFINITION OF THE TERM WOULD NOT BE IN THE INTEREST OF EITHER THE DEFENDANT IN COURT OR T..E COMMUNITY AT LARGE.
♦ WE ARE THEREFORE REASSURED BY THE UNDERTAKINGS WHICH WE HAVE OBTAINED FROM THE ADMINISTRATION AS TO THE PROCEDURE FOR THE CHARGING AND PROSECUTION OF OFFENCES OF RECKLESS DRIVING.
/+SUFFICE IT........
WEDNESDAY, DECJMBER 8, 1982
4 -
♦ SUFFICE IT TO SAY FOR THE MOMENT, THAT WE ARE SATISFIED THAT REASONABLE SAFEGUARDS ARE IN PLACE TO ENSURE THAT CHARGES OF ’RECKLESS DRIVING’ WILL BE PROPERLY LAID BY THE POLICE AND FAIRLY DEALT WITH IN THE COURTS,♦ HE SAID.
MR CHEN SAID HIS GROUP HAD ALSO LOOKED AT THE PROPOSED LEVELS OF FINE UNDER THE BILL AND AT THE SENTENCING LEVELS WHICH HAD BEEN IMPOSED RECENTLY BY THE COURTS UNDER THE EXISTING ORDINANCE.
THEY NOTED THAT THE AVERAGE FINE AWARDED FOR ♦DANGEROUS DRIVING CAUSING DEATH+ IN THE PAST TWO YEARS HAD BEEN LESS THAN 1900.
♦ IN VIEW OF THIS FACT WE CONSIDERED THAT THE INCREASE FROM THE PRESENT LEVEL OF *5 000 TO 150 000 FOR ’CAUSING DEATH BY RECKLESS DRIVING* WAS TOO HIGH AND HAVE ACCORDINGLY RECOMMENDED THAT THE NEW LEVEL SHOULD BE SET AT *25 000,+ HE SAID.
AS THE AIM OF THE BILL WAS TO ACHIEVE A GREATER DEGREE OF SAFETY ON THE ROADS, HE URGED THE JUDICIARY TO ASSIST, BY ENSURING THAT THE SENTENCES THEY IMPOSED PROVIDED AN INCENTIVE TO HONG KONG’S DRIVERS TO ACT SAFELY.
ANOTHER KEY CHANGE AGREED TO WAS THE REMOVAL OF THE PROVISION FOR COMPULSORY DISQUALIFICATION FOR A FIRST OFFENCE OF ♦RECKLESS DRIVING* OR ♦CAUSING DEATH BY RECKLESS DRIVING+.
MR CHEN SAID, +WE NOTED THE VIEWS OF PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS THAT DISQUALIFICATION.FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS ON A FIRST CONVICTION FOR THE NEW OFFENCE OF ’RECKLESS DRIVING* CONSTITUTED AN UNACCEPTABLE THREAT TO THEIR LIVELIHOOD.
♦ WE AGREED WITH THEM AND HAVE SECURED THE ADMINISTRATION’S AGREEMENT TO REMOVE THIS PROVISION FOR A FIRST OFFENCE WHILE APPROVING THE COURTS’ DISCRETIONARY POWER TO DISQUALIFY IN CASES WHERE IT IS CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE.+
HOWEVER, HE ADDED, COMPULSORY DISQUALIFICATION FOR A SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENCE WOULD REMAIN.
THE HON WONG LAM SAID THE BILL FAILED TO DEFINE CLEARLY AND FAIRLY +RECKLESS DRIVING*.
HE SAID WHETHER THE TERM IN ENGLISH WAS PRECISE OR NOT WAS OPEN TO QUESTION.
BUT THE CHINESE TERM PRESENTLY USED WAS UNDOUBTEDLY FAR FROM BEING PRECISE, HE CONTENDED.
MR WONG SAID, *THE MAJORITY OF DRIVERS IN HONG KONG, PARTICULARLY PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS, ARE CHINESE.
♦ TO THEM, THE NEW TERM SIGNIFIES A MUCH HEAVIER OFFENCE WHILE ITS MEANING IS MUCH MORE UNFATHOMABLE.
♦ IN THEIR OPINION, IT IS UNCONVINCING AND UNFAIR.♦
/ARGUING THAT .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1982
5
ARGUING THAT THE CHINESE TRANSLATION OF THE TERM WAS JUST THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT ♦RECKLESS+ MEANT IN THE NEW BILL, HE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO LOOK FOR A BETTER TRANSLATION SO AS TO EASE THE MINDS OF DRIVERS IN GENERAL.
MR WONG ALSO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO RECONSIDER GIVING A DEFINITION OF ♦RECKLESS DRIVING* EVEN THOUGH IT MIGHT BE A LONG ONE.
HE DISMISSED THE FEAR OF THE PUBLIC THAT THE BILL WOULD GIVE THE POLICE GREATER POWER.
BUT BECAUSE OF THE HEAVIER PENALTIES IMPOSED, HE ADDED, ABUSE CF POWER ON THE PART OF THE POLICE WOULD HAVE A MUCH GREATER INFLUENCE ON THE DRIVERS THAN BEFORE.
♦ NOWADAYS, THE POLICE FORCE IS BETTER DISCIPLINED BUT STILL MANY POLICEMEN ARE INEXPERIENCED.
♦ THE POSSIBILITY OF ABUSING POWER KNOWINGLY OR UNKNOWINGLY THEREFORE EXISTS.
♦ THOUGH IN THE EARLY DAYS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW LAW, THE GOVERNMENT MAY NOT ASK THE POLICE TO DECIDE IF A PERSON IS GUILTY OF 'RECKLESS DRIVING’, THE SUBJECT WILL STILL CAUSE GREAT CONCERN,* MR WONG SAID.
MR F.K. HU WELCOMED THE INTRODUCTION OF THE BILL AND THE SEVEN SETS OF RELATED REGULATIONS WHICH HE FELT WOULD FORM AN UPDATED STRUCTURE OF LEGISLATION TO DEAL WITH THE PRESENT COMPLICATED TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND PROBLEMS.
REFERRING TO THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINED EFFORT TO REGULATE +PAK PAIS*, HE STRESSED THAT THERE MUST BE PROPER CONTROL OF ILLEGAL PAK PAI OPERATIONS WITH EFFECTIVE DETERRENTS SUCH AS THOSE OUTLINED IN THE BILL.
BUT HE CONSIDERED THAT LICENCES OF THOSE VEHICLES USED FOR PAK PAI OPERATIONS SHOULD BE SUSPENDED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT RATHER THAN BY THE TRANSPORT TRIBUNAL.
HE SAID AGREEMENT HAD BEEN REACHED WITH THE GOVERNMENT ON THIS POINT AND AN AMENDMENT TO THIS EFFECT WOULD BE PROPOSED IN THE COMMITTEE STAGE.
MR HU NOTED THAT THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WERE ALSO CONCERNED WITH THE SUSPENSION OF A LICENCE ON FIRST OFFENCE AS THERE COULD BE MANY CASES OF DRIVERS SOLICITING CAR-HIRE FOR REWARD WITHOUT ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE OWNER.
♦HOWEVER, WE ACCEPT THE EXPLANATION THAT THE TRANSPORT TRIBUNAL HAS THE POWER TO QUASH THE CONVICTION ON APPEAL AND THAT THE VEHICLE LICENCE WOULD NOT BE SUSPENDED UNTIL THE APPEAL IS HEARD,+ HE SAID.
AS ILLEGAL PAK PAI OPERATIONS ARE POSING A SERIOUS PROBLEM ESPECIALLY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, HE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO LOGICALLY DETERMINE THE NUMBER OF HIRE CAR PERMITS TO BE ISSUED IN EACH AREA BEARING IN MIND PASSENGER DEMANDS, AVAILABILITY AND FREQUENCIES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND TAXI SERVICE.
/IT WAS .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1982
6
IT WAS HIGH TIME HONG KONG WOKE UP TO THE FACT THAT THERE WERE GOOD MINDS RIGHT HERE, READY, WILLING AND ABLE TO COPE WITH LOCAL PROBLEMS LIKE DEVISING A NEW SYSTEM OF ROAD SIGNS, THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR CHEUNG SAID WHAT HONG KONG NEEDED WERE *SIGNS OF THE TIMES, DESIGNED AND TESTED BY HONG KONG PEOPLE, AND NOT SIGNS DERIVED FROM OTHER COUNTRIES’ SYSTEMS, ONTO WHICH THE CHINESE LANGUAGE IS GRAFTED.*
HONG KONG HAS NOT ONE BUT TWO OFFICIAL LANGUAGES AND, AS IF THESE WERE NOT ENOUGH, THE NEW SIGN SYSTEM ♦INCORPORATES SYMBOLS AND COLOURS WHICH MOTORISTS ARE EXPECTED TO DECIPHER,* HE SAID.
AND MR CHEUNG ASKED 1 +MUST WE CREATE A THIRD ’LANGUAGE’ IN A CODE OF SYMBOLS AND COLOURS? WHY NOT SIMPLY SAY WHAT WE MEAN IN PLAIN CHINESE AND ENGLSIH TERMS? DO WE REALLY NEED TO RESORT TO GUESSING GAMES ON HONG KONG ROADS?*
POINTING OUT THAT THOUGH COLOURS AND SYMBOLS WERE SANCTIONED BY THE UNITED NATIONS AND ACCEPTED INTERNATIONALLY, HE SAID THE FACT WAS THAT CHINESE CHARACTERS DERIVED IN PART FROM GRAPHIC SYMBOLS.
♦SO TO THE CHINESE MIND, THERE IS NO MORE POSITIVE ’PICTURE’ THAN A CHINESE CHARACTER,* HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG, WHO SUPPORTED THE MOTION, ADDED1 +AS I HAVE SAID BEFORE, THIS IS HONG KONG, NOT ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD, AND WE ARE PERFECTLY CAPABLE OF DECIDING ON WHAT FORMAT OF ROAD SIGNS TO SUIT OUR OWN ROAD USERS.*
SOME CONCERN AND RESERVATION OVER THE TERM +RECKLESS DRIVING* STILL EXIST BECAUSE OF UNCLEAR DEFINITION AND THE ABSENCE OF AN AGREED CRITERION, THE HON SELINA CHOW SAID.
UNLIKE THE COURT AND THE LAWYER, THOSE WHO STAND ACCUSED OF THE OFFENCE MIGHT NOT BE FULLY AWARE OF THE LEGAL CONCEPTS INVOLVED, WS CHOW SAID.
WITHOUT AN AGREED CRITERION, THE ACCUSED MIGHT BE TOO MUCH AT THE MERCY OF THE POLICE, AND PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS WERE PARTICULARLY CONCERNED AS THEIR LIVELIHOOD MIGHT BE AFFECTED, SHE SAID.
BUT MRS CHOW POINTED OUT THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAD GIVEN ASSURANCE THAT INITIALLY ALL 'RECKLESS DRIVING’ CASES WOULD BE REFERRED TO HIS OFFICE FOR DECISION ON WHETHER OR NCf TO PROSECUTE.
SHE SAID THE CHINESE TRANSLATION OF +RECKLESS LT IV ING* DID NOT FULLY REFLECT THE LAW DRAFTSMAN’S EXPLANATION OF THE TERM WHICH CONTAINS TWO ELEMENTS!
X DRIVING IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO CREATE AN OBVIOUS AND SERIOUS RISK OF CAUSING PHYSICAL INJURY TO SOME OTHER PERSON WHO MIGHT BE USING THE ROAD OR OF DOING SOME SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, AND
/•DRIVING IN .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1982
7
* DRIVING IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO GIVE NO THOUGHT TO THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH A RISK OR, HAVING RECOGNISED THAT THERE IS SOME RISK, HAS NONETHELESS GONE ON TO TAKE IT.
MRS CHOW CALLED FOR A +SATISFACTORY TRANSLATION* WHICH WOULD CONVEY THE FULL MEANING OF THE TERM.
ON RECKLESS CYCLING, MRS CHOW SAID THERE WAS A TENDENCY TO UNDERESTIMATE ITS THREAT TO OTHER MOTORISTS.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT CYCLISTS WERE NOT REQUIRED BY LAW TO READ AND COMPLY WITH ROAD SIGNS AND OTHER REGULATIONS.
SHE CALLED ON THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT TO KEEP A CLOSE WATCH ON HOW OFTEN MOTOR ACCIDENTS WERE THE RESULT OF BAD CYCLING SO THAT TIGHTER CONTROL MIGHT BE INTRODUCED IF NECESSARY.
THE HON MARIA TAM SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE MEANING OF ♦RECKLESS DRIVING* IS NOT CLEARLY STATED IN THE BILL, DRIVERS NEED NOT WORRY TOO MUCH ABOUT COMMITTING OFFENCES IF THEY MAKE SAFETY THEIR PRIME CONCERN AND REFRAIN FROM BEING ADVENTURERS.
IN HER OPINION, +RECKLESS DRIVING* IS THE ACTION OF A DRIVER WHEN HE IS DRIVING WITHOUT REGARD TO CONSEQUENCES, THUS INCURRING THE DANGER OF INJURING OTHER PEOPLE OR CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.
CITING EXAMPLES, SHE SAIDi +WHEN A DRIVER WANTS TO CHANGE LANE, IF HE SIGNALS TO TURN LEFT BUT SWITCHES TO THE RIGHT LANE, HIS ACTION OBVIOUSLY COURTS THE DANGER OF BUMPING HEAVILY AGAINST CARS ON THE RIGHT; AND THIS IS 'RECKLESS DRIVING’.
♦ IF HE SIGNALS TO TURN LEFT, BUT SWITCHES TO THE RIGHT LANE, YET LEAVES ENOUGH DISTANCE FOR THE CARS ON THE RIGHT LANE TO BRAKE ABRUPTLY TO SLOW DOWN, THEN IT BECOMES CARELESS DRIVING.
♦ SUCH EXAMPLES ARE TOO NUMEROUS TO BE QUOTED, BUT IN ESSENCE, WHAT CONSTITUTES 'RECKLESS DRIVING’ IS THE ACTION REGARDLESS OF CONSEQUENCES, WHICH INCURS THE DANGER OF INJURING PEOPLE AND DAMAGING PROPERTY AS MENTIONED ABOVE.*
MISS TAM EXPRESSED HOPES THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WOULD INSTRUCT THE POLICE IN DETAIL ON HOW TO DISCHARGE THEIR DUTIES AND HOW DECISIONS WOULD BE MADE AS TO WHETHER A DRIVER SHOULD BE CHARGED WITH ’RECKLESS DRIVING’ SO THAT THE PUBLIC COULD ACCEPT AND UNDERSTAND THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS NEW LEGISLATION AS WELL AS GET HOLD OF ITS CONCEPT.
♦ IN THE PAST, DRIVERS IN HONG KONG COULD UNDERSTAND THE EQUALLY ABSTRACT CONCEPT OF ’DANGEROUS DRIVING’,♦ SHE SAID.
♦ NOW, GIVEN GUIDANCE, THEY CAN CERTAINLY UNDERSTAND THE MEANING CF 'RECKLESS DRIVING’.*
-------o---------
/8........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1982
8
BILL TO ALLOW EARLY PHASING IN OF LARGER PLB’S ******
THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1982 IS TO ALLOW THE EARLY PHASING IN OF NEW, LARGER LIGHT BUSES, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT, SAID TODAY.
MOVING THE FIRST AND SECOND READINGS OF THE BILL, MR SCOTT EXPLAINED THAT THIS IS REQUIRED NOW, AS OVER HALF OF HONG KONG’S EXISTING PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES ARE NINE OR MORE YEARS OLD.
MR SCOTT SAID THAT LARGER AND HEAVIER PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WOULD BE PERMITTED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC BILL ALSO UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE COUNCIL, AND ITS REGULATIONS- BUT THESE PROVISIONS COULD NOT IN ANY CASE BE IMPLEMENTED UNTIL APRIL 1984.
HE SAID THAT UNDER THE EXISTING ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 220) THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT CAN PERMIT THE INTRODUCTION OF LARGER PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, SAVE FOR THE OBSTACLE CF THE DEFINITION IN SECTION 2(1) WHICH RESTRICTS A LIGHT BUS TO +AN UNLADEN WEIGHT NOT EXCEEDING TWO TONS.+
THE AMENDMENT BILL PROPOSES TO DELETE THAT RESTRICTION, AND A CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENT TO THE DEFINITION OF +OMNIBUS+ IS ALSO NECESSARY.
MR SCOTT SAID THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT INTENDS TO APPROVE THE REGISTRATION OF LIGHT BUSES UP TO FOUR TONS IN GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT AND UP TO SEVEN METRES IN LENGTH, THREE METRES IN HEIGHT AND 2.3 METRES IN WIDTH.
♦THESE ARE THE DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT FOR LIGHT BUSES AS DEFINED IN THE ROAD TRAFFIC LEGISLATION NOW UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE COUNCIL,* HE ADDED.
THE AMENDMENTS WOULD COME INTO EFFECT IMMEDIATELY UPON PUBLICATION, HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1982
- 9 -
EFFECTIVE SERVICE IS FIRST KCR CORPORATION PRIORITY * * * * -
WHILE THE NEW KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION IS REQUIRED TO MAKE PROFITS, ITS FIRST PRIORITY IS TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE SERVICE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
EXPLAINING THE VARIOUS CLAUSES OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION BILL 1982, MR SCOTT STATED THAT ALTHOUGH THE CORPORATION IS EXPECTED TO MAKE A SURPLUS, IT IS EFFECTIVELY PRECLUDED FROM MAXIMISING THE RETURN ON ASSETS BY CHARGING HIGHER FARES WHILE CARRYING FEWER PASSENGERS.
MR SCOTT EXPLAINED THAT AN IMPORTANT PROVISION OF THE BILL ENABLES THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO GIVE GENERAL AND SPECIFIC DIRECTIONS TO THE CORPORATION IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
BUT HE ADDED THAT IF ANY DIRECTION REQUIRES KCRC TO ACT CONTRARY TO PRUDENT COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES, IT WILL BE ENTITLED TO REASONABLE COMPENSATION FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
THE BILL ALSO GIVES THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY DISCRETIONARY POWER TO DETERMINE A TARGET OF RETURN, IF HE CONSIDERS THAT THE CORPORATION IS NOT MEETING THE ^ORDINARY COMMERCIAL CRITERIA* STIPULATED.
AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE CORPORATION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MAY ALSO DIRECT THAT ANY EXCESS PROFIT SHOULD BE PAID TO THE GOVERNMENT.
WHILE THE CORPORATION WILL BE WHOLLY GOVERNMENT-OWNED INITIALLY, MR SCOTT SAID THAT THE POSSIBILITY OF SELLING SHARES TO THE PUBLIC IN THE FUTURE WILL NOT BE PRECLUDED.
♦UNTIL AND IF THAT OCCURS, ANY PROFITS DERIVED WILL BE RETURNABLE TO GOVERNMENT,* HE ADDED.
THE CORPORATION’S INITIAL CAPITAL IS ESTIMATED AT $4.2 BILLION, COMPRISING MOSTLY THE TRANSFERRED ASSETS OF RAILWAY LAND, BUILDINGS AND STOCK AND THE COST OF THE MODERNISATION AND ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAMME.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES AN INTEREST BEARING DEBT TO THE GOVERNMENT OF $1 BILLION.
♦THE PROPOSED fl BILLION DEBT OUT OF THE ESTIMATED $4.2 BILLION TOTAL CAPITAL HAS THE EFFECT OF MAKING 1989 THE ESTIMATED FIRST YEAR OF PROFITABILITY, WITH THE LOAN CAPITAL BEING FULLY REPAID BY 1992,+ MR SCOTT POINTED OUT.
THE TRANSFORMATION OF KCR INTO A STATUTORY CORPORATION WILL RESULT IN THE RETIREMENT OF SOME 1 500 CIVIL SERVANTS ON ABOLITION OF OFFICE TERMS.
/+APPROPRIATE
WEDNESDAY, DECIHBER 8, 1982
10
♦APPROPRIATE EX-GltATIA COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS WILL SHORTLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL, FOR PRESENTATION TO -COUNCIL. ALL EXISTING KCR STAFF WILL
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THIS
BE OFFERED APPOINTMENT BY
THE
NEW CORPORATION,* HE SAID
COMMENDING THE STAFF FOR THEIR LOYALTY, DEVOTION AND EFFICIENCY, M? SCOTT SAID HE WAS SURE THE CORPORATION WOULD RECOGNISE THEM AS ITS +MOST VALUABLE ASSETS*.
DEBATE WAS ADJOURNED AFTER THE BILL WAS READ A SECOND TIME.
------o-------
BATTLE AGAINST RATS IN QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL * * * *
A NUMBER OF MEASURES ARE USED AGAINST RAT INFESTATION AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL, THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON ERIC HO, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY.
THESE MEASURES INCLUDE THE SEALING OF PIPE DUCTS, THE FITTING OF SCREEN MESHES TO DOORS AND WALL APERTURES, PROMINENT DISPLAY OF NOTICES DISCOURAGING VISITORS FROM BRINGING FOOD AS WELL AS RAT TRAPPING AND SYSTEMATIC POISONING PROGRAMMES.
MR HO SAID THAT AS RATS ARE FOUND IN MOST OF THE WORLD WHERE THERE IS HUMAN SETTLEMENT, IT WOULD BE UNFAIR TO ATTRIBUTE THE PRESENCE OF RATS AT THE HOSPITAL WHOLLY OR EVEN LARGELY TO DESIGN FAULTS, ALTHOUGH TECHNICAL STANDARDS HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED SINCE ITS COMPLETION 20 YEARS AGO.
THE EXISTENCE OF FALSE CEILINGS, AIR DUCTS AND CONCEALED PIPING MEANS THAT CONSTANT VIGILANCE IS NEEDED TO ENSURE THAT THESE POTENTIAL SHELTERS FOR RATS REMAIN SEALED OFF, MR HO SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ON THE ISSUE FROM THE HON LYDIA DUNN.
ANOTHER MAIN CONTRIBUTOR TO RAT INFESTATION IS FOOD LEFT BY VISITING RELATIVES. HERE IT MUST BE BORNE IN MIND THAT DURING DAILY VISITING HOURS, QEH RECEIVES UP TO 5 000 VISITORS, HE POINTED OUT.
HE SAID THAT IN THIS CONNECTION, HOSPITAL STAFF ALSO ENSURE THAT UNCONSUMED FOOD IS NOT LEFT AROUND AT NIGHT.
THE SHEER PRESSURE ON THE HOSPITAL IS ALSO CITED AS A CAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS.
ORIGINALLY PLANNED FOR 1 300 BEDS, THE HOSPITAL NOW HAS NEARLY 2 000 BEDS, MR HO EXPLAINED.
NEW TREATMENT METHODS ALSO GENERATE EXTRA WASTE MATERIALS, RESULTING IN OVERFLOWS FROM THE REFUSE HOLDING CENTRE.
HOWEVER, THE POSITION HERE SHOULD IMPROVE WHEN THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS ABLE TO INCREASE THE FREQUENCY OF ITS REFUSE AND JUNK COLLECTIONS, MR HO ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1982
11
BILINGUAL USAGE INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEDICINES PROPOSED
*****
A PROPOSAL WILL BE MADE TO THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD TO MAKE IT MANDATORY FOR USAGE INSTRUCTIONS IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE TO BE ATTACHED TO ALL MEDICINES FREELY OBTAINABLE OVER THE COUNTER IN MEDICINE SHOPS, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, SAID TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY MR WONG LAM AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING, DR THONG SAID USAGE INSTRUCTIONS IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE ARE ALREADY AVAILABLE IN A NUMBER OF DRUGS WHICH CAN EE BOUGHT OVER THE COUNTER.
AS FOR THE COMPOSITION OF SUCH PRODUCTS TO BE LABELLED IN CHINESE, HE DID NOT CONSIDER THIS TO BE PRACTICABLE NOR NECESSARY BECAUSE THERE IS NO STANDARD NOMENCLATURE FOR ALL DRUG CHEMICALS IN CHINESE AND IN ANY CASE, KNOWLEDGE OF THE CHEMICAL BY THEMSELVES IS OF LITTLE VALUE TO THE PUBLIC.
DR THONG EXPLAINED THAT AT PRESENT THERE ARE PROVISIONS IN THE PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS WHICH REQUIRE THAT THE COMPOSITION OF ALL PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS BE MARKED ON THE LABEL IN EITHER ENGLISH OR CHINESE, BUT NOT THE USAGE INSTRUCTIONS WHICH ARE NORMALLY AVAILABLE IN A SEPARATE LEAFLET ATTACHED TO THE PRODUCT.
FOR CONTROLLED MEDICINES SUCH AS PART ONE POISONS AND ANTIBIOTICS, WHICH ARE NOT AVAILABLE IN MEDICINE COMPANIES, LABELLING IN CHINESE IS NOT NECESSARY BECAUSE THEY CAN ONLY BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH REGISTERED PHARMACIES OR REGISTERED MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS WHO ARE CONVERSANT WITH THE ENGLISH DESCRIPTIONS.
------0-------
BIG IMPROVEMENTS MADE TO HOSPITAL
* * * *
CONSIDERABLE WORK AND IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE LAI CHI KOK HOSPITAL WHICH SERVES AS A CONVALESCENT CENTRE FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L.THONG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY MISS JOYCE BENNETT, HE SAID IT WAS THE INTENTION TO PHASE OUT THE HOSPITAL BUT IT WAS NOT YET POSSIBLE TO DO SO BECAUSE OF PRESSURE ON HOSPITAL BEDS.
HOWEVER, PLANS WERE IN THE PIPELINE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FACILITIES FOR THE CHRONICALLY SICK IN PROJECTS SUCH AS THE POK 01 HOSPITAL EXTENSION, THE SHA TIN INFIRMARY, THE TSUEN WAN INFIRMARY AND THE KOWLOON HOSPITAL EXTENSION.
DR THONG POINTED OUT THAT THE LAI CHI KOK HOSPITAL, WHICH CONSISTS OF OLD PRE-WAR, CHALET-TYPED BUILDINGS, WAS FIRST USED FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND CHRONIC CONVALESCENT CASES IMMEDIATELY-AFTER THE WAR.
/IN 1975..........
WEDNESDAY, DECQ4BER 8, 1982
12
IN 1975, THE INFECTIOUS MARGARET HOSPITAL.
CASES WERE TRANSFERRED TO PRINCESS
THE 384-BED LAI CHI KOK HOSPITAL AND CHRONIC PSYCHO-GERIATRIC CASES.
IS NOW USED FOR SPECIAL SKIN
+1 AM AWARE THAT THE HOSPITAL IS OLD AND THUS EVERY ATTEMPT IS MADE TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE IT TO SERVE ITS PRESENT FUNCTIONS ADEQUATELY,* SAID DR THONG.
THE WARDS WERE COMPLETELY RENOVATED IN 1975, AND BETWEEN 1978 AND 1991, FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS WERE MADE, INCLUDING THE INSTALLATION OF ADDITIONAL WASH BASINS, URINALS, SLUICES, WATER HEATERS, ELECTRIC RADIATORS, FANS AND FLOOR DRAINAGE IN TOILET AREAS.
FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS WERE BEING PLANNED TO ENSURE BETTER HYGIENE AND CLEANLINESS IN THE HOSPITAL, HE SAID.
DR THONG SAID THE HOSPITAL IS ADEQUATELY STAFFED AND THE STANDARD OF CARE REASONABLY MAINTAINED.
+IT STILL SERVES A USEFUL ROLE IN PROVIDING ACCOMMODATION FOR CHRONIC CASES WHICH OTHERWISE WOULD OCCUPY MUCH NEEDED ACUTE FACILITIES ELSEWHERE,* SAID DR THONG.
-----o------
VOTING RIGHTS PROPOSED FOR RETAILERS IN HKTA * * * *
VOTING RIGHTS FOR RETAILERS IN THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION AND REPRESENTATION IN THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT ARE TWO GF THE PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
SO FAR RETAILERS, WITH WHOM TOURISTS SPEND SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNTS OF MONEY, HAVE HAD NO EFFECTIVE ROLE IN THE ASSOCIATION, MR JACOBS POINTED OUT.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES THAT THE FINE FOR THE ILLEGAL USE OF THE ASSOCIATION’S BADGES, EMBLEMS OR TITLE BE RAISED FROM $1 000 TO $50 000.
EXPLAINING THE REASON FOR THE INCREASE, MR JACOBS SAID THERE WERE A LARGE NUMBER OF INFRINGEMENTS BUT, THE EXIST! G PENALTY HAS NOT PROVED TO BE A SUFFICIENT DETERRENT.
/KE F INTED .......
WEDNESDAY, DECJMBER 8, 1982
13
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE JUNK LOGO, WHICH IS THE ASSOCIATION’S PRINCIPAL BADGE, HAS BECOME A WELL-KNOWN MARK OF QUALITY TO WHICH MUCH GOODWILL IS ATTACHED.
UNDER THE BILL, SEA AND AIR CARRIERS WILL BE ALLOWED TO NOMINATE ONE MEMBER TO THE ASSOCIATION’S BOARD, INSTEAD OF TWO AT PRESENT.
♦THUS, ALTHOUGH RETAILERS WILL BE REPRESENTED ON THE BOARD IN FUTURE, THE TOTAL SIZE OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT WILL REMAIN THE SAME AS BEFORE,+ MR JACOBS SAID.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES THAT TRAVEL INDUSTRY MEMBERS SHOULD BE REPRESENTED ON THE BOARD BY PERSONS WITH A REAL WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF THE BUSINESS OF EACH PARTICULAR CLASS.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-------o---------
FRONTIER RESTRICTIONS MUST BE RETAINED
* * *
FOLLOWING A RECENT REVIEW, THE GOVERNMENT HAS CONCLUDED THAT THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA ARRANGEMENTS MUST BE RETAINED.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE HON IAN MACPHERSON, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHARLES YEUNG AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR MACPHERSON SAID THERE MIGHT BE A FEELING THAT, NOW THAT THE LEVEL OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IS MUCH LOWER THAN IT ONCE WAS, RESTRICTIONS COULD BE LIFTED.
♦ I AM AFRAID THAT THIS CANNOT BE CONSIDERED — ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION REMAINS A CAUSE FOR CONCERN AND THIS OF ITSELF IS A GOOD REASON FOR MAINTAINING A SECURE AREA ALONG THE BORDER,+ HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE THAT PEOPLE WHO LIVED WITHIN THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA EXPERIENCED SOME INCONVENIENCE IN THEIR LIVES.
♦ WHEN SPECIFIC COMPLAINTS ARE RECEIVED BY THE POLICE OF THE FRONTIER DIVISION OR BY THE DISTRICT OFFICES CONCERNED, THEY ARE ALWAYS INVESTIGATED CAREFULLY.
♦ IN ADDITION. THE POLICE TRY TO BE AS HELPFUL AS POSSIBLE WHEN ISSUING PASSES AND IN THEIR GENERAL DEALINGS WITH THE RESIDENTS OF THE CLOSED AREA.+ MR MACPHERSON SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1982
- 14 -
TUEN MUN HIGHWAY SPEEDING PROSECUTIONS UP * * * *
PROSECUTIONS FOR SPEEDING ON TUEN MUN HIGHWAY HAVE MORE THAN TREBLED THIS YEAR.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT SAID TODAY THERE HAD BEEN 11 197 PROSECUTIONS UP TO NOVEMBER 21 THIS YEAR. LAST YEAR THERE WERE 3 069 PROSECUTIONS, AND 2 519 IN 1980.
MR SCOTT WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON WONG LAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MEASURES TO DISCOURAGE SPEEDING ON TUEN MUN HIGHWAY.
MR SCOTT SAID, +THE GOVERNMENT ALREADY FIRMLY DISCOURAGES DRIVERS FROM REGARDING THE TUEN MUN HIGHWAY AS A HIGH-SPEED MOTORWAY BY IMPOSING A SPEED LIMIT OF 40 MPH AND TAKING ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST OFFENDERS.+
HE ADDED THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF SIGNS AND WARNINGS HAD BEEN PUT UP ALONG THE HIGHWAY.
-----o------
22 000 VEHICLES INSPECTED AT KOWLOON BAY CENTRE XXX
SOME 22 000 VEHICLES HAVE BEEN INSPECTED SINCE THE OPENING OF THE KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE IN SEPTEMBER 1979, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT SAID TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON S.L. CHEN, MR SCOTT SAID THAT DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF VEHICLE, THE FAILURE RATES VARIED FROM 35 PER CENT TO 60 PER CENT.
♦THUS MANY VEHICLES ARE INSPECTED TWICE OR EVEN MORE TIMES, AND THE TOTAL NUMBER OF INSPECTIONS WAS 35 676. OF THESE 26 848 WERE OF GOODS VEHICLES, 7 865 OF PLB’S AND 963 OF PRIVATE CARS,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THE EXAMINATION CENTRE HAS SPARE CAPACITY, BEING DESIGNED TO CARRY OUT 41 000 INSPECTIONS A YEAR.
SO FAR IN 1982, THE DEMAND HAS BEEN FOR A TOTAL CF 20 104 INSPECTIONS.
THE WAITING TIME FOR A RE-TEST IS NOW VERY REASONABLE FOR MOST CATEGORIES OF VEHICLE, AND SHOULD BE REDUCED FURTHER IN THE SHORT TERM BY RECRUITMENT OF MORE STAFF FOR THE KOWLOON BAY CENTRE, AND IN THE LONGER TERM BY THE DEVELOPMENT OF MORE EXAMINATION FACILITIES, HE SAID.
------o-------
/15......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1982
15
NEED FOR SUPERVISION IN SCHOOL BUSES RECOGNISED *****
THE ADVANTAGES OF YOUNG CHILDREN BEING SUPERVISED IN SCHOOL BUSES SEEM GENERALLY RECOGNISED BY PARENTS AND KINDERGARTENS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT SAID TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP ABOUT SUPERVISION OF YOUNG CHILDREN TRAVELLING IN LICENSED MINIBUSES, W SCOTT SAID THAT A RECENT SAMPLE SURVEY SHOWED THAT THREE QUARTERS OF THE KINDERGARTENS SAMPLED DO PROVIDE SUPERVISION FOR THE CHILDREN WHEN IN TRANSIT.
♦THIS SEEMS REASONABLE ENOUGH, BUT AS I SAID ON NOVEMBER 24 IN THIS COUNCIL, GOVERNMENT IS CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY ON THE ROADS
♦REGULAR LECTURES ARE GIVEN TO KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, WITH EMPHASIS ON CHILDREN'S BEHAVIOUR ON THE ROADS THEMSELVES.
♦THE ASPECT OF BEHAVIOUR IN VEHICLES IN PARTICULAR SCHOOL BUSES, I.E. PASSENGER SAFETY, WILL IN FUTURE BE GIVEN SOMEWHAT GREATER EMPHASIS.
♦KINDERGARTEN SUPERVISORS WILL ALSO BE ADVISED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES IN THIS CONNECTION,♦ MR SCOTT SAID.
HE ALSO EXPLAINED THAT THERE WERE TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES IN PROVIDING PROPER ANCHORS FOR SEAT BELTS OR CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS IN MINIBUSES, AND SO THERE WERE NO PLANS TO REQUIRE CHILDREN TO BE THUS RESTRAINED IN MINIBUSES.
-------o----------
GOOD PROGRESS ON CONVEYANCING AND LAW OF PROPERTY BILL ******
THE CONVEYANCING AND LAW OF PROPERTY BILL SHOULD BE READY FOR PRESENTATION TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN ABOUT FOUR MONTHS’ TIME, IF NO UNEXPECTED DIFFICULTIES ARE ENCOUNTERED, THE LAW DRAFTSMAN, THE HON. G.P. NAZARETH, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. PETER WONG, MR NAZARETH EXPLAINED THAT THE LAW SOCIETY’S COMMENTS ON THE BILL WERE RECEIVED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, AND THE SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENTS NEEDED TO MEET THE COMMENTS WERE PREPARED AND CIRCULATED IN MARCH.
IT WAS LATER FELT BY THOSE CONSULTED, INCLUDING THE LAW SOCIETY, THAT THE AMENDMENTS, CERTAIN OTHER RELATED MATTERS, AND GENERALLY THE FINAL SETTLING OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL INVOLVED COMPLEX AN IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS THAT COULD BEST BE RESOLVED BY A WORKING GROUP, HE SAID.
/THE WORKING .......
WEDNESDAY, DEC JUBER 8, 198?
16
THE WORKING GROUP, WHICH COMPRISED THE LAW DRAFTSMAN, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, THE PRESIDENT OF THE LAW SOCIETY AND TWO PRACTISING EXPERTS IN CONVEYANCING, HELD SEVERAL MEETINGS, AND WILL f€ET AGAIN LATER THIS MONTH.
♦GOOD PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE AND IF NO UNEXPECTED DIFFICULTIES ARE ENCOUNTERED, THE BILL SHOULD BE READY FOR PRESENTATION TO THE COUNCIL IN ABOUT FOUR MONTHS’ TIME.
♦THAT, IT SHOULD BE CAREFULLY NOTED, IS AN ESTIMATE AND NOT IN ANY WAY AN UNDERTAK I NG,♦ MR NAZARETH SAID.
--------o----------
CIVIL SERVANTS REFINANCING SCHEME * * *
SINCE ITS INTRODUCTION IN MARCH 1981, THE CIVIL SERVANTS’ REFINANCING SCHEME HAS HELPED TO REFINANCE 2 802 CIVIL SERVANTS WHO WERE IN DEBT FOR VARIOUS REASONS.
A FURTHER 400 CIVIL SERVANTS RECEIVED ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE ON THEIR PERSONAL FINANCES.
THE TOTAL LOANS MADE BY THE 15 BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WHICH TOOK PART IN THE SCHEME AMOUNTED TO $50 MILLION. THIS WAS STATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON MARTIN ROWLANDS, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ANDREW SO.
WHEN THE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IT WAS MADE CLEAR THAT IT WOULD OPERATE FOR A LIMITED PERIOD ONLY, SET AT SIX MONTHS INITIALLY, AND THAT IT WOULD APPLY ONLY TO DEBTS INCURRED BEFORE MARCH 12, 1981.
THE SCHEME WAS EXTENDED FOR A FURTHER SIX MONTHS UNTIL MARCH 11, 1982 ON THE ADVICE OF THE WORKING GROUP CHAIRED BY THE HONOURABLE LI FOOK-WO, HE SAID.
THE CIVIL SERVICE STAFF WHO WERE BROUGHT TOGETHER TO OPERATE THE SCHEME HAVE NOW BEEN REDEPLOYED TO OTHER DUTIES, EXCEPT FOR A SMALL NUCLEUS ASSISTING WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OF REPAYMENTS TO THE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
A REPORT EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SCHEME WOULD SHORTLY BE PUT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, MR ROWLANDS SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1982
17
THREE-PRONGED EFFORT TO TACKLE TRUANCY
* * M *
INITIATIVES WERE BEING TAKEN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SCHOOLS TO TACKLE TRUANCY, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON COLVYN HAYE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI, MR HAYE SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT DEFINED TRUANCY AS THE UNEXPLAINED ABSENCE OF A PUPIL FROM SCHOOL FOR THREE DAYS IN SUCCESSION AND HEADS OF SCHOOLS HAD BEEN INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT THE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS OF PUPILS TO EXPLAIN ANY SUCH ABSENCE.
IF THIS WAS UNSUCCESSFUL, OR THE EXPLANATION WAS UNSATISFACTORY, THE HEAD OF SCHOOL MUST REPORT TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE CASE WOULD BE TAKEN UP BY ONE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS, HE SAID.
+MOST CASES SO REFERRED ARE STRAIGHTFORWARD, BUT WHERE THERE IS A COMPLEX EMOTIONAL OR SOCIAL PROBLEM THE STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICER MUST REFER THE CASE TO ONE OF MY SPECIALISTS IN THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION, OR TO A TRAINED SOCIAL WORKER IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT,+ MR HAYE ADDED.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM OF TRUANCY HAD THREE MAIN COMPONENTS, NAMELY DETECTION, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION.
HE SAIDi +EARLY DETECTION MUST REST WITH THOSE DIRECTLY CONCERNED - THE SCHOOL AUTHORITIES, AND WE RELY ON HEADS OF SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS TO HELP US MONITOR THE PROBLEM.♦
♦TREATMENT, AS INDICATED, LIES IN THE FOLLOW-UP OF REPORTED CASES OF TRUANCY, AND HERE AGAIN, OUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE MUST BE IN THE SCHOOLS, WHICH COULD EFFECTIVELY TURN TO PARENTS FOR INFORMATION AND ASS I STANCE.♦
♦ONLY WHEN THIS FAILS DO WE COME INTO THE PICTURE THROUGH STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS, COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE IN THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THROUGH SOCIAL WORKERS IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT,♦ HE SAID.
MR HAYE, SAID IT WAS IN THE AREA OF PREVENTION THAT HIS DEPARTMENT SPENT MOST TIME AND EFFORT.
♦IF WE CAN MAKE OUR SCHOOLS HAPPIER PLACES, FEWER CHILDREN WILL WISH TO PLAY TRUANT. THIS IS WHY WE HAVE CONCENTRATED IN RECENT YEARS ON MAKING THE SCHOOL CURRICULA MORE FITTED TO THE NEEDS OF PUPILS,+ HE SAID.
THIS HAd BEEN DONE THROUGH SYLLABUS REVISION, THE PROVISION OF A WIDER RANGE OF SUBJECTS, CHANGES IN TEACHING METHODS, MORE REMEDIAL ASSISTANCE AND STUDENT GUIDANCE, AND AS VARIED A PROGRAMME CF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AS CAN BE MANAGED.
/TO IMPLEMENT........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1982
18
TO IMPLEMENT THESE, MR HAYE SAID STEPS HAD BEEN TAKEN TO PERMIT SCHOOLS TO EMPLOY MORE TEACHERS FOR REMEDIAL TEACHING IN THE BASIC LANGUAGES OF INSTRUCTION AND FOR GUIDANCE, COUNSELLING AND THE SUPERVISION OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
♦WE HAVE ALSO TRIED TO BRING MORE VARIETY INTO OUR CLASS-ROOMS THROUGH AN EXPANSION OF EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION AND AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS FOR SCHOOLS. OUR EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MATCHED BY IMPRESSIVE WORK IN THE SCHOOLS AND BY THE ENTHUSIASTIC COOPERATION OF HEADS OF SCHOOLS AND THEIR TEACHERS,+ HE SAID.
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EDUCATION REPORT RECEIVED M * *
THE REPORT FROM THE PANEL OF VISITORS CONDUCTING AN OVERALL REVIEW OF THE HONG KONG EDUCATION SYSTEM WAS RECEIVED LAST WEEK, AND HE PROPOSED TO SEEK, AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY, THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON ITS PUBLICATION, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION, THE HON KENNETH TOPLEY, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE REV. THE HON JOYCE BENNETT.
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4 OOO STREET LIGHTS FOR NEW TERRITORIES
MMX
AT LEAST 4 000 STREET LIGHTS WILL HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES IN ABOUT THREE YEARS TIME, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, THE HON IAN MACPHERSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHARLES YEUNG ON THE PROGRESS MADE AND THE FUTURE PROGRAMME OF VILLAGE LIGHTING, HE SAID 1 816 SUCH LIGHTS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED SINCE 1978.
♦THIS IS A BIT BEHIND THE SCHEDULED PROGRAMME. HOWEVER A MAJOR EFFORT IS NOW BEING MADE AND ON PRESENT EVIDENCE IT LOOKS AS THOUGH FAIRLY COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE WITH AT LEAST 4 000 STREET LIGHTS WILL HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED IN ABOUT THREE YEARS’ TIME,* MR MACPHERSON ADDED.
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/19........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1982
19
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PROGRAMMES SUCCESSFUL * * *
MANY PENAL SYSTEM IN THE WORLD CANNOT RIVAL THE SUCCESS RATES FOR THE VARIOUS PROGRAMMES RUN BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE VISITING DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE PRISON SERVICE IN ENGLAND AND WALES, MR DENNIS TREVELYAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID IT WAS A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT THAT 66 PER CENT OF ALL INMATES RELEASED FROM TRAINING CENTRES, 94 PER CENT FROM DETENTION CENTRES AND 67 PER CENT FROM DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES DID NOT COMMIT ANY FURTHER OFFENCE DURING THE PERIOD THEY WERE UNDER SUPERVISION.
MR TREVELYAN WAS SPEAKING AT THE PASSING-OUT PARADE OF RECRUIT OFFICERS AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY, AT WHICH HE WAS THE INSPECTING OFFICER.
ON PARADE WERE 11 OFFICERS AND 157 ASSISTANT OFFICERS WHO HAVE RECENTLY COMPLETED THEIR SIX-MONTH BASIC TRAINING. HE ALSO PRESENTED SILVER WHISTLES TO THE TWO BEST ALL-ROUND RECRUITS, M? WONG YAU-SHING AND MISS LEUNG PUI-FONG.
HAVING DISCUSSED WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT IN PENAL AFFAIRS, MR TREVELYAN SAID HE WAS PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN THE DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES WHICH HAD +A LOT TO TEACH THE WORLD.+ HE WAS ALSO IMPRESSED BY THE TRAINING ARRANGEMENTS IN HONG KONG INCLUDING INITIAL AND DEVELOPMENT TRAINING.
MR TREVELYAN POINTED OUT THAT IN THE U.K. SYSTEM, ONLY DISCIPLINED OFFICERS WEAR UNIFORM AND THOSE IN COMMAND, GOVERNORS AND THE PRISONS BOARD, DO NOT. THEREFORE HE WAS DEEPLY IMPRESSED BY THE PARADE WITH EVERYONE IN UNIFORM WHICH +TESTIFIES TO THE DISCIPLINE AND UNITY* OF HONG KONG’S CORRECTIONAL SERVICES.
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96 FIRE OFFICERS AND MEN RECEIVE LONG SERVICE MEDALS *****
A TOTAL OF 96 OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENTED WITH MEDALS AND CLASPS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR SERVICES TO THE DEPARTMENT AND THE COMMUNITY AT THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN JAVA ROAD, NORTH POINT TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AMONG THE RECIPIENTS WAS SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER MR K. AYLWARD WHO WAS AWARDED THE 2ND CLASP OF THE COLONIAL FIRE BRIGADES LONG SERVICE MEDAL BY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, MR JOHN MARCH.
MR AYLWARD HAS COMPLETED 30 YEARS’ SERVICE.
MR MARCH ALSO PRESENTED A RETIRED ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICER, A PRINCIPAL FIREMAN AND A SENIOR FIREMAN WITH THE FIRST CLASP TO THEIR MEDALS FOR 25 YEARS’ SERVICE.
/NINE OTriER
WEHiESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1982
20
NINE OTHER PRINCIPAL FIREMEN, SEVEN SENIOR FIREMEN AND SIX FIREMEN EACH OF WHOM HAS COMPLETED 18 YEARS’ SERVICE WERE ALSO PRESENTED WITH LONG SERVICE MEDALS BY MR MARCH.
THE OTHER OFFICERS AND MEN WHO RECEIVED MEDALS WERE AT THE HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON, AND NEW TERRITORIES COMMAND POSTS AS WELL AS THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU IN WAN CHAI AND AMBULANCE SERVICE AT NGAU TAU KOK AMBULANCE DEPOT.
THEY WERE PRESENTED THEIR MEDALS BY CHIEF FIRE OFFICERS, BRIAN FENDER, MR MONTAGUE KINGDOM, MR FRED JACKSON, MR LAM LOK-BUN AND CHIEF AMBULANCE OFFICER, MR HARRY KENYON RESPECTIVELY.
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WHERE TO MEET PARENTS AT AIRPORT WHEN RETURNING FROM OVERSEAS
X X X X X
THE AIRPORT MANAGEMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ADVISED PARENTS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN STUDYING OVERSEAS TO INFORM THEM IN GOOD TIME WHERE TO MEET AT THE AIRPORT IF THEY WERE TO RETURN HOME FOR THEIR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MANAGEMENT SAID THERE HAD BEEN CASES WHERE PARENTS WAITED IN VAIN AT THE ARRIVALS HALL WHILE THEIR CHILDREN LEFT THE PASSENGER TERMINAL THROUGH OTHER EXITS WITHOUT MEETING •DIEM.
♦IT IS THEREFORE ADVISABLE FOR PARENTS, WHEN WRITING TO THEIR CHILDREN, TO CONFIRM THAT ON ARRIVAL AT HONG KONG AIRPORT AFTER CLEARING CUSTOMS, THEY SHOULD TURN LEFT AND FOLLOW SIGNS TO THE PUBLIC GREETING AREA,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1982
21
CRIME PREVENTION TALK FOR JEWELLERY SHOP OWNERS * * * ft ft
A SEMINAR ON CRIME PREVENTION FOR GOLDSMITHS AND JEWELLERY SHOP OWNERS IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) EVEN I NG.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE POLICE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU AND THREE INSURANCE COMPANIES WILL TALK ON SECURITY MEASURES, TOGETHER WITH A DISPLAY OF BURGLARY-ROBBERY ALARM EQUIPMENT.
ABOUT 80 REPRESENTATIVES FROM SHAM SHU I PO’S 39 GOLDSMITHS AND JEWELLERY SHOPS AND THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEMBERS HAVE BEEN INVITED.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, THE POLICE AND THE COMMITTEE, THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE HILLTOP COUNTRY CLUB IN TSUEN WAN STARTING AT 7 PM.
THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER CHEUNG, WILL CHAIR THE SEMINAR.
NOTE TO ED ITORSt
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. A VEHICLE WILL LEAVE THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, 37-39 TONKIN STREET, AT 6.30 PM TAKING PRESS MEMBERS TO AND FROM THE HILLTOP COUNTRY CLUB.
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EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TIN LOK LANE OPEN TO TRAFFIC ft * * * ft
THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TIN LOK LANE BETWEEN HENNESSY ROAD AND WAN CHAI ROAD IN WAN CHAI, WILL BE OPEN TO NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 10), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THIS LANE WILL BE EXCLUSIVELY RESERVED FOR VEHICLES TURNING RIGHT INTO HENNESSY ROAD EASTBOUND, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS URGED TO STICK TOGETHER ......... 1
HONG KONG COMICS OF VIOLENCE ........................... 3
MORE FREEDOM AND FLEXIBILITY PROPOSED FOR SCHOOL AUTHORITIES 5
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS ............. 6
KEEN COMPETITION FOR ENTRY INTO TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.... 6
LORD BEDSTEAD VISITS JEWELLERY FACTORY.................. 7
CAS TO HOLD ANNIVERSARY PARADE AND FAMILY DAY........... 8
ELECTRONICS MISSION TO UNITED STATES ................... 9
THEN MUN BOARD MEETING TOMORROW ........................ 9
TENDERS INVITED FOR MORE URBAN AND NT TAXI LICENCES..... 10
SHORT TERM TENANCIES INVITED FOR WO SITES IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN ................................................... -J1
CURTAILMENT OF TRAM SERVICES
11
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1982
1
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS URGED TO STICK TOGETHER
*****
MEMBERS OF THE FINANCIAL COMMUNITY WERE URGED TODAY TO PULL TOGETHER TO OVERCOME THE PROBLEMS BEING EXPERIENCED IN THE DEPOSI
T-
TAKING COMPANY SECTOR.
THE CALL CAME FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, MR COLIN MARTIN.
AND COMMISSIONER
CHAMBER OF
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE AMERICAN COMMERCE. MR MARTIN SAID MOST OF THE PROBLEMS WHICH HAD COME TO LIGHT IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS WERE CONCERNED WITH THE DIFFICULTIES OF SOME NON-BANK-OWNED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES IN MAINTAINING ADEQUATE
LIQUIDITY.
♦THESE PROBLEMS HAVE ARISEN VERY MUCH AS A RESULT OF BANKS, PARTICULARLY FOREIGN BANKS, EXAMINING FAR MORE CLOSELY THAN IN THE PAST THE EXTENT AND QUALITY OF THEIR EXPOSURE TO DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES IN HONG KONG. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF REASONS WHY THESE BANKS HAVE BEEN RE-EXAMINING EARLIER DECISIONS MADE BY THEM BUT, I THINK, THE PREDOMINANT REASON IS THE RESCHEDULING OF THE DEBTS OF CERTAIN PROPERTY GROUPS IN HONG KONG. AS A RESULT, BANKS STARTED TO LOOK AT THEIR EXPOSURE TO OTHER SECTORS OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY AND, QUITE NATURALLY, AS THE PROBLEMS OF A FEW DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES BECAME KNOWN, THE BANKS BECAME EVEN MORE CAUTIOUS,* HE EXPLAINED.
+THE LIQUIDITY PROBLEMS INITIALLY AFFECTED A SMALL NUMBER OF RELATIVELY SMALL NON-BANK-OWNED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, WHOSE INABILITY TO MEET THEIR OBLIGATIONS IN THE MONEY MARKET HAS AFFECTED SOME OTHER DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.*
MR MARTIN SAID THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SOLVING THE LIQUIDITY PROBLEMS OF INDIVIDUAL DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES RESTED WITH THEIR MANAGEMENT AND SHAREHOLDERS, WHOSE DUTY IT WAS TO NEGOTIATE WITH BANKS AND OTHER DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WITH THE OBJECT OF RESTOCKING THEIR LIQUID ASSETS.
♦I REMAIN IN TOUCH WITH THE SITUATION OF EACH SUCH COMPANY, SOME OF WHOM HAVE RETAINED PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS BUT, IN RECENT WEEKS, I HAVE BEEN CAREFUL TO AVOID THE TEMPTATION TO DESPATCH IMMEDIATELY A TEAM OF EXAMINERS TO A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY WHICH REPORTS LIQUIDITY DIFFICULTIES FOR, TO DO SO, COULD IMPLY TO THE MANAGEMENT OF THAT COMPANY THAT THEY COULD AWAIT MY REPORT, IN THE HOPE THAT IT WOULD TELL THEM WHAT TO DO. THAT IS NOT THE CASE. IT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE ACTION. ONCE THAT ACTION IS TAKEN, I SEND IN AN EXAMINATION TEAM TO SATISFY MYSELF THAT THE ACTION IS ADEQUATE.*
HE STRESSED THAT HE COULD NOT ALLOW A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY TO CONTINUE TO ACCEPT DEPOSITS FROM THE PUBLIC IF IT BECAME UNABLE TO RESTOCK ITS LIQUID ASSETS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW.
/♦STATUTORY LIQUIDITY........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1982
- 2 -
♦STATUTORY LIQUIDITY IS MEASURED OVER THE COURSE OF A CALENDER MONTH BY TAKING THE AVERAGE LIGUID ASSETS AND DEPOSITS ON THE SPECIFIED WEEKDAYS (WEDNESDAYS) DURING THE MONTH. FAILURE TO MEET THE MINIMUM STATUTORY LIQUIDITY IS A GROUND FOR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF REGISTRATION OF A COMPANY AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPNAY. I WILL CERTAINLY ALLOW DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME TO DETERMINE WHETHER THEY ARE ABLE TO SOLVE THEIR LIQUIDITY PROBLEMS. I DO NOT INTEND TO ACT HASTILY, BUT THE TIME MAY COME WHEN I WILL NEED TO ACT.+
COMMENTING ON THE FOUNDATION OF THE BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY SECTOR, MR MARTIN SAID ITS STRENGTH LAY ESSENTIALLY IN THE NETWORK OF RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN INDIVIDUAL INSTITUTIONS WITHIN THAT SECTOR AND WITH FOREIGN BANKS NOT LICENSED IN HONG KONG.
♦I APPRECIATE THAT DECISIONS ON WHETHER OR NOT TO RENEW, ON MATURITY, CREDIT LINES EXTENDED BY FOREIGN BANKS TO DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ARE NOT ALWAYS MADE BY THE MAN-ON-THE-SPOT IN HONG KONG, BUT RATHER BY HIS SENIOR OFFICER SITTING POSSIBLY THOUSANDS OF MILES AWAY. NEVERTHELESS, WITHIN REASON, FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IEED ONE ANOTHER’S CONFIDENCE AND SUPPORT IN TIMES OF STRESS AND STRAIN AND IT IS TO THE MUTUAL BENEFIT OF THE FINANCIAL COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE THAT INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF IT DO NOT BATTEN DOWN THEIR OWN HATCHES IN ISOLATION.
♦THE RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION INDICATING ITS WILLINGNESS TO SUPPORT SOUNDLY BASED AND WELL-MANAGED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WAS NATURALLY WELCOMED BY ALL OF US IN HONG KONG, ALTHOUGH THE TERMS ’SOUNDLY BASED AND WELLMANAGED’ WERE QUESTIONED BY SOME. NEVERTHELESS, LET ME SAY THAT I SINCERELY HOPE THAT ANY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY WHICH IS EXPERIENCING LIQUIDITY PROBLEMS, WHICH IT CANNOT SOLVE IN CONSULTATION WITH ITS ESTABLISHED BANKERS, WILL NOT HESITATE TO APPROACH OUR LARGEST BANK FOR ASSISTANCE. I AM OBVIOUSLY NOT ABLE TO SAY WHAT THE OUTCOME OF SUCH AN APPROACH WOULD BE, BUT I CAN SAY THAT I AM CONFIDENT THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY WOULD GET A FAIR FARING.*
MR MARTIN DEFENDED THE ROLE OF HIS OFFICE IN SUPERVISING THE OPERATIONS OF BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, WHICH HE SAID DEFINITELY DID NOT INCLUDE INTERVENING IN THE CONTRACTUAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
♦I HAVE IN MY OFFICE A STAFF OF 160 WHO EXERCISE, UNDER MY DIRECTION, A SYSTEM OF PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION OF BANKS AND DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES. THE SYSTEM IS BASED UPON A COMPREHENSIVE MONTHLY RETURN AND IS SUPPORTED BY TEAMS OF EXPERIENCED EXAMINERS FROM MY OFFICE WHO REGULARLY VISIT ALL LICENSED BANKS AND LICENSED AND REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO CARRY OUT MANAGEMENT EXAMINATIONS. THIS INVOLVES US, FOR EXAMPLE, IN SATISFYING OURSELVES THAT THE MANAGEMENT IS ADEQUATELY REVIEWING THE QUALITY OF THE INSTITUTION’S ASSETS ON A REGULAR BASIS RATHER THAN OUR DOING THE JOB OURSELVES.♦
/he said .......
TEUHSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1982
- 3 -
HE SAID WHILE THIS SYSTEM COULD GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS ENSURING A SAFE AND SOUND BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY SECTOR, NO AMOUNT OF SUPERVISION COULD ABSOLUTELY PREVENT AN INDIVIDUAL INSTITUTION FROM GETTING INTO FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES OR BREAKING THE LAW. THE SYSTEM WAS ALSO NOT DESIGNED TO GUARANTEE THE REPAYMENT OF ALL AMOUNTS DUE TO DEPOSITORS AND CREDITORS IN THE EVENT OF SUCH DIFFICULTIES.
♦YET THERE ARE ALWAYS PEOPLE WHO SEEM UNWILLING TO ACCEPT THESE PRINCIPLES. THE FACTS ARE THAT THE BANKER BANKS AND THE SUPERVISOR SUPERVISES AND THERE IS NO WAY IT COULD BE OTHERWISE. IT IS NOT UNLIKELY THAT YOU WILL READ IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO, OF BRICK-BATS BEING HURLED IN MY DIRECTION. IT IS HUMAN NATURE TO LOOK FOR SOMEONE TO BLAME WHEN THINGS GO A BIT WRONG AND THIS IS PRECISELY WHAT HAS HAPPENED, THINGS HAVE GONE A BIT WRONG; BUT OUR BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY SECTOR AS A WHOLE REMAINS SOUNDLY BASED AND WELL-MANAGED AND QUITE CAPABLE OF hEETING THE DEMANDS OF THE TIMES.+
MR MARTIN ALSO COMMENTED ON THE UNDESIRABLE PRACTICE OF CERTAIN LOCALLY INCORPORATED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AGREEING WITH THEIR DEPOSITORS TO VARY THE TERMS OF THEIR TIME DEPOSITS TO ALLOW EARLY REPAYMENT.
REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ARE PREVENTED BY LAW FROM REPAYING DEPOSITS WITHIN A PERIOD OF LESS THAN THREE MONTHS WHERE SUCH DEPOSITS WERE ORIGINALLY ACCEPTED FOR PERIODS OF THREE MONTHS CR MORE. THIS PROVISION WAS INSERTED TO LIMIT THE REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES’ ABILITY TO ACCEPT SHORT-TERM DEPOSITS, BUT HAS THE EFFECT OF GOING SOME WAY TOWARDS PREVENTING THE BREAKING OF TIME DEPOSITS.
♦THE CHOICE OF THE TERM OF DEPOSIT IS IN THE HANDS OF THE DEPOSITOR WHEN HE PLACES HIS MONEY WITH A BANK OR DEPOSITTAKING COMPANY AND HE NEEDS TO LEARN TO LIVE WITH THAT CHO ICE,♦ HE SAID.
♦PROVIDED OUR FINANICAL INSTITUTIONS ACT RESPONSIBLY IN THEIR APPROACH TO THIS MATTER, AND I AM CONFIDENT THEY WILL, I SEE NO NEED TO RECOMMEND A TOTAL PROHIBITION BY LAW.+
- - - - 0 ----------
HONG KONG COMICS OF VIOLENCE
*****
COMICS SHOWING VIOLENCE ARE ACCEPTABLE IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES IN HONG KONG SOCIETY AND ARE ALLOWED UNDER THE LAW, THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, DR PATRICK HASE TOLD A MEETING CF THE Y’S MEN’S CLUB OF HONG KONG TODAY.
♦TO BE ACCEPTABLE, VIOLENCE MUST BE OF HONEST MEN IN EXTREME SITUATIONS DEFENDING THEIR FAMILY, PRINCIPLES, FRIENDS, SOCIETY CR NATIONi EMPHATICALLY THE VIOLENCE MUST NEITHER BE SEXUALLY BASED NOR EXCESSIVE IN CHARACTER,* HE EXPLAINED.
/H3 POINTED.......
THURSDAY, DBCEKBEH 9, 1982
- 4 -
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE STANDARD HONG KONG VIOLENT COMICS, AS MOST KUNG-FU MOVIES, AVOID UNACCEPTABLE VIOLENCE — THE HERO IS SHOWN AS FULL OF HIGH INTENTIONS, THE VILLAINS ARE AS IMPOSSIBLY EVIL, THE ACTUAL MOMENT OF VIOLENCE IS USUALLY MASKED, THE SETTING IS RARELY EVERYDAY, THE HERO IS SHOWN AS A KIND-HEARTED FRIEND AND A GOOD SON, SEX IS ABSENT, AND VIOLENCE IS NOT OFFERED TO WOMEN.
THESE COMICS ARE VERY DIFFERENT FROM SOME GENUINELY SADOMASOCHISTIC ONES WHICH HAVE BEEN FOUND IN HONG KONG WHERE SEX DOMINATES, WHERE THE LEADING FIGURES (THEY CANNOT BE CALLED HEROES), BOTH MALE AND FEMALE, ARE OFTEN SHOWN NAKED OR NEARLY SO, WHERE VIOLENCE IS OFTEN SHOWN AGAINST WOMEN AND WOMEN CHARACTERS ARE OFTEN SHOWN TORTURED, RAPED OR ABUSED SEXUALLY.
♦THESE PUBLICATIONS ARE OBVIOUSLY SOCIALLY DANGEROUS, AND FORM AN EXPLICIT ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE SEXUAL PSYCHOPATH OR LATENT RAPIST TO FOLLOW HIS LUSTS. THEY ARE QUITE UNACCEPTABLE TO LOCAL RESIDENTS. PROSECUTION ACTION IS TAKEN AGAINST THIS SORT OF MATERIAL WHEREVER IT IS FOUND,+ DR HASE SAID.
HE ALSO MADE A DISTINCTION BETWEEN TWO GROUPS OF SEXUALLY LINKED MATERIAL AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG.
THE FIRST GROUP CONSISTS OF MAGAZINES WHICH AIM AT INTERESTING NORMAL ADULT MEN.
♦THEY INCLUDE A SECTION OF NUDE PHOTOGRAPHS OF WOMEN, BUT IT SHOULD BE NOTICED THAT THEY ARE PHOTOGRAPHED USUALLY FROM HEIGHTS AND ANGLES SIMILAR TO THOSE OF THE NATURAL HUMAN EYE. IN SUCH PHOTOGRAPHS THE WOMAN IS SEEN AS A WHOLE AND NOT AS AN EXAGGERATEDLY SEXUAL OBJECT: IN CONSEQUENCE FEW WOMEN OBJECT STRONGLY TO THESE PHOTOGRAPHS.
♦THESE MAGAZINES ALSO CONTAIN A FEW JOKES AND SIMILAR MATERIAL OF A SEXUAL ORIENTATION. THIS MATERIAL REPRESENTS, HOWEVER, ONLY A PORTION OF THE WHOLEi RESPONSIBLE ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS ON OTHER SUBJECTS ARE INCLUDED, REVIEWS OF GENERAL BOOKS AND FILMS, ARTICLES ON SPORT AND FASHION OR ON TRAVEL ARE FREQUENT,♦ HE SAID.
IN THE OTHER GROUP OF MAGAZINES, HOWEVER, VOYEURISTIC, FANTASISED, MASTURBATORY, MALE SEXUAL ACTIVITY IS THE SOLE AREA OF INTEREST, AND THE IDEAL OF SEXUAL PARTNERSHIP IS IGNORED.
♦THE DIFFERENCES WITH THE MUCH MORE NORMAL AND WELL ROUNDED, IF HEDONISTIC, ATTITUDE OF THE FIRST GROUP OF MAGAZINES ARE CLEAR: THE SOCIAL DANGERS OF THIS SECOND TYPE OF MATERIAL OBVIOUS. PROSECUTION ACTION AGAINST THE SECOND TYPE IS, THEREFORE, CONSTANT,+ DR HASE SAID.
HE DISCLOSED THAT BETWEEN 100 AND 150 PROSECUTIONS FOR BREACHES OF THE OBJECTIONABLE PUBLICATIONS ORDINANCE WILL TAKE PLACE THIS YEAR. MOST WILL BE FOR EXCESSIVELY EXPLICIT DESCRIPTIONS CF INTERCOURSE, OR OVER-CANDID ADVERTISEMENTS BY PROSTITUTES IN ONE OR TWO LOCAL NEWSPAPERS, THE REMAINDER (ABOUT ONE THIRD) BEING FOR HARDCORE PUBLICATIONS OF VARIOUS SORTS.
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/5........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1982
- 5 -
MORE FREEDOM AND FLEXIBILITY PROPOSED FOR SCHOOL AUTHORITIES
X * * * * H
THE CODES OF AID ARE BEING REVISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SO AS TO GIVE SCHOOLS MORE FLEXIBILITY AND FREEDOM IN DAY-TO-DAY ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THEIR AFFAIRS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SPEECH DAY OF ST. PAUL’S COLLEGE, MR HAYE SAID THAT FOR YEARS THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN LOOKING FOR WAYS TO EASE THE RESTRICTIONS WHICH AIDED SCHOOLS FELT THE CODES OF AID HAD IMPOSED ON THEM.
+NOW WE THINK WE CAN TAKE AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD, ALTHOUGH IT MAY NOT BE QUITE AS FAR AS SOME SCHOOL AUTHORITIES WOULD WISH.
♦ IF AIDED SCHOOLS WILL ACCEPT THE PROPOSALS IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO TAKE THESE UP FOR APPROVAL AND IMPLEMENTATION WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT,* HE SAID.
MR HAYE ADDED THAT THE MAJOR DILEMMA IN THE IMPORTANT AREA OF THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOL AUTHORITIES HAD ALWAYS BEEN HOW TO STRIKE THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN SCHOOL FREEDOM AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY FOR PUBLIC MONEY.
HE SAID i +AS DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, I WANT THE SCHOOLS TO HAVE AS MUCH FREEDOM AND FLEXIBILITY AS POSSIBLE IN DAY-TO-DAY ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT; BUT I HAVE TO BE EVER MINDFUL OF MY RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THE ATTAINMENT OF APPROVED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES FOR WHICH PUBLIC FUNDS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED.
♦THIS RESPONSIBILITY NECESSITATES WITHIN THE CODES OF AID CERTAIN ENABLING POWERS UPON WHICH I CAN RELY FOR THE FULL DISCHARGE OF MY DUTIES; BUT LET ME HASTEN TO ASSURE YOU THAT IN THE NORMAL COURSE OF EVENTS, SUCH POWERS WILL RARELY, IF EVER, BE INVOKED AND, IF THEY HAVE TO BE, THEN ONLY AFTER THE FULLEST POSSIBLE CONSULTATION WITH THE PARTIES CONCERNED.+
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/6........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1982
6
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS MO
THE LATEST DATE FOR POSTING LOCAL MAIL ITEMS TO ENSURE DELIVERY BEFORE CHRISTMAS IS DECEMBER 21, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
POSTINGS AFTER THIS DATE CANNOT BE GUARANTEED DELIVERY BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE ADDED.
LETTER DELIVERY ARRANGEMENTS DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PERIOD WILL BE AS FOLLOWSt-
DATE
DELIVER IES
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1982
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1982
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1982
MONDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1982
NEW YEAR’S DAY, JANUARY 1, 1983
TWO DELIVERIES NO DELIVERY ONE DELIVERY NO DELIVERY NO DELIVERY
SUNDAY, JANUARY 2, 1983 ONE DELIVERY
DURING THE CHRISTMAS (DECEMBER 25-27) AND NEW YEAR (JANUARY 1-2) HOLIDAY PERIODS ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED EXCEPT ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26 WHEN 35 POST OFFICES INCLUDING THE GENERAL POST OFFICE ON THE HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI IN KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN AND TAI PO POST OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS FROM 9 AM TO 12 NOON.
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KEEN COMPETITION FOR ENTRY INTO TECHNICAL INSTITUTES MOM
THERE WAS VERY KEEN COMPETITION FOR TECHNICAL INSTITUTE PLACES THIS YEAR, AS REFLECTED BY THE FOUR TO ONE RATIO BETWEEN QUALIFIED CANDIDATES AND PLANNED PLACES.
OUT OF 99 663 QUALIFIED APPLICANTS, 23 005 WERE ADMITTED TO THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES ADMINISTERED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL IN THE CURRENT 1982/83 ACADEMIC YEAR.
FOR SOME DISCIPLINES, SUCH AS THE FULL-TIME CRAFT COURSE IN DESIGN, THE RATIO BETWEEN QUALIFIED APPLICANTS AND PLANNED PLACES WAS 85 TO ONE.
THE RATIO FOR THE FULL-TIME POST-SECONDARY COURSE IN COMMERCIAL STUDIES WAS 19 TO ONE.
A spokesman ........
THURSDAY, DECSMBER 9, 1982
7 -
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL SAID THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS ADMITTED ACCORDING TO THEIR MODE OF STUDIES WAS 2 967 FOR FULL-TIME COURSES, 6 171 FOR PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSES AND THE REMAINDER 13 867 FOR PART-TIME EVENING COURSES.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT 10 601, OR 46 PER CENT OF THE NEW STUDENTS ARE ATTENDING TECHNICIAN OR COMPARABLE LEVEL COURSES AND THE REST (54 PER CENT) ARE ATTENDING CRAFT OR COMPARABLE LEVEL COURSES.
WITH THIS NEW INTAKE, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS
STUDYING IN THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES HAS RISEN TO 35 143, HE ADDED.
THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, MAINLY MORRISON HILL, KWAI CHUNG, HAKING WONG, KWUN TONG AND LEE WAI LEE, ARE RUNNING 224 COURSES COVERING 12 DISCIPLINES.
TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION, EXPANSION PROGRAMMES ARE BEING UNDERTAKEN AT THE EXISTING TECHNICAL INSTITUTES INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF EXTENSIONS AND ANNEXES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MOREOVER, NEW TECHNICAL INSTITUTES IN TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN ARE BEING PLANNED FOR COMPLETION BY 1985, HE ADDED.
LORD BELSTEAD VISITS JEWELLERY FACTORY
X * X X
THE BRITISH MINISTER OF STATE AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE, LORD BELSTEAD, THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING VISITED THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND A JEWELLERY FACTORY IN HUNG HOM.
AT THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICE IN OCEAN CENTRE, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR ALEX PURVES BRIEFED LORD BELSTEAD ON THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY AND PROGRAMMES TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG.
AFTER THE MEETING, LORD BELSTEAD, ACCOMPANIED BY MR PURVES, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR HUGH BOYLE AND THE SENIOR BRITISH TRADE COMMISSIONER, MR CHRISTIAN ADAMS VISITED THE CONTINENTAL JEWELLERY LTD. IN HUNG HOM, AND WAS WELCOMED BY THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR CHARLES CHAN.
HE WAS SHOWN AROUND THE COMPANY’S WORKSHOP AFTER A BRIEFING BY MR CHAN ON HONG KONG’S JEWELLERY INDUSTRY.
CONTINENTAL JEWELLERY LTD. IS A LOCALLY-OWNED COMPANY WHICH PRODUCES EARR.INGS, RINGS, NECKLACES AND PENDANTS MAINLY FOR EXPORT TO THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPE.
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/8........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1982
- 8 -CAS TO HOLD ANNIVERSARY PARADE AND FAMILY DAY *****
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL BE HOLDING TWO EVENTS ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 12) TO CELEBRATE ITS 3OTH ANNIVERSARY.
IN THE MORNING, A GRAND PARADE WILL BE HELD AT THE VICTORIA PARK STARTING AT 10.30 AM. THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS WILL INSPECT AND ADDRESS THE PARADE.
AFTER THE PARADE, TWO CAS MEMBERS — ITS OLDEST SERVING OFFICER, M? CHAN SHEK, AND ITS YOUNGEST CADET, MR LEUNG CHI-SHING, WILL FIRE JARDINE’S NOON DAY GUN AT THE COMPANY’S EAST POINT STEPS.
IN THE AFTERNOON, A ’FAMILY DAY’ WILL BE HELD FROM 2 PM TO
5 PM FOR CAS MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES AT THE CABLE AND WIRELESS PLAYGROUND IN CAROLINE HILL ROAD.
APART FROM GAMES AND REFRESHMENTS, PERFORMANCES AND VARIETY SHOWS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED BY THE CAS BAND, THE CAS BICYCLE DEMONSTRATION TEAM, MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT AND CADET CORPS.
THE CAS COMMISSIONER, MR R.H. LOBO, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FUNCTION.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TWO CAS FUNCTIONS TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 12)I
1. THE GRAND PARADE, STARTING AT 10.30 AM, AT PITCHES NOS. 4, 5 AND 6 IN VICTORIA PARK, HONG KONG.
AFTER THE PARADE, THE PRESS WILL BE TAKEN TO JARDINE’S EAST POINT STEPS TO COVER THE NOON DAY GUN FIRING CEREMONY.
TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE CAS.
2. THE ’FAMILY DAY’, STARTING AT 2 PM, AT THE CABLE AND WIRELESS PLAYGROUND (ADJACENT TO THE CAS HEADQUARTERS) IN CAROLINE HILL ROAD, HONG KONG.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MR LEE YIU-WAH AND Wl WONG SHUT-YUNG AT TEL. 5-763236 EXT. 21 AND 33.
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/9........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1982
- 9 -
ELECTRONICS MISSION TO UNITED STATES
* * *
LOCAL ELECTRONICS INDUSTRIALISTS INTERESTED IN CO-OPERATION WITH U.S. COMPANIES WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO MEET THEIR POTENTIAL PARTNERS BY JOINING AN INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION MISSION BEING ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
THE MISSION TO CALIFORNIA, SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 21 - 25 NEXT YEAR, WILL BE LED BY MR PAULUS CHAN, PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT OF THE DEPARTMENT.
♦WE HOPE TO ARRANGE FOR EACH PARTICIPANT TO MEET FIVE TO SIX COMPANIES IN PRIVATE TO DISCUSS THE POSSIBILITY OF JOINT VENTURES AND LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS TO MANUFACTURE NEW ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS IN HONG KONG,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
♦OFFICERS FROM THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WILL ACCOMPANY THEM IN THE MEETINGS IF NECESSARY,+ HE ADDED.
PARTICIPATING INDUSTRIALISTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO MEET THEIR OWN EXPENSES.
INTERESTED PARTIES ARE INVITED TO CONTACT MR PAULUS CHAN AT 3-7222228 OR MRS MIRANDA YEE AT 3-7222384 NOT LATER THAN JANUARY 10, 1983.
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TUEN MUN BOARD MEETING TOMORROW * * * *
TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON DETAILS OF THE TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE CIVIC AND CULTURAL COMPLEX AT THE BOARD’S FIFTH MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THEY WILL ALSO BE INFORMED OF THE PROGRESS MADE BY THE WORKING GROUP ON THE PROVISION OF FACILITIES IN LOCAL TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS.
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION WILL INCLUDE THE BOARD’S FINANCIAL POSITION, ALLOCATION OF FUNDS, THE REVISED TUEN MUN NEW TOWN OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN, REVISED LAYOUT PLAN FOR AREA 17, LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR 1983, NAMING OF HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME PROJECTS, THE PROPOSED FERRY PIER IN AREA 44, MAJOR ROAD PROJECTS P2 AND P3 AND THE PHASING OUT OF UNLICENSED FOOD BUSINESS IN UNDEVELOPED AREAS.
/BOARD KC-iBZRS
THURSDAY, BBCaffiEH 9, 1982
10 -
BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER REPORTS OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND OTHER COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 10 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO BE HELD AT THE BOARD’S OFFICE, FOO YICK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 9TH FLOOR, SAN ON CIRCUIT, TUEN MUN. A 14-SEATER GOVERNMENT VAN WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 8.45 AM.
TENDERS INVITED FOR MORE URBAN AND NT TAXI LICENCES ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE INVITING TENDERS FOR A FURTHER 300 URBAN TAXI LICENCES AND 150 NEW TERRITORIES TAXI LICENCES.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TENDER FORMS FOR THE 450 TAXI LICENCES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION TOMORROW (FRIDAY), FROM EITHER THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE ON THE MEZZANINE FLOOR OF THE MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK, CENTRAL, OR THE KOWLOON LICENSING OFFICE IN DUNDAS STREET, MONG KOK.
PINK TENDER FORMS WILL BE USED FOR URBAN TAXI LICENCES AND YELLOW FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦PROSPECTIVE TENDERERS CANNOT USE ANY OTHER FORM ISSUED PREVIOUSLY,♦ THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.
TENDERERS MUST DEPOSIT $25 000 WITH THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES FOR EACH URBAN TAXI LICENCE AND $15 000 FOR EACH NEW TERRITORIES TAXI LICENCE.
THE TENDERER MAY SUBMIT ONE TENDER FORM FOR ANY NUMBER OF TAXI LICENCES NOT EXCEEDING 300 FOR THE URBAN AREA AND 150 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
A PUBLIC BALLOT MAY BE HELD TO DETERMINE THE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERERS WHO OFFER THE SAME UNIT PREMIUM.
COMPLETED TENDER FORMS, TOGETHER WITH ORIGINAL DEPOSIT RECEIPTS, MUST BE SUBMITTED IN DUPLICATE IN SEALED ENVELOPES, ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1982.
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/11 ........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9,
1982
11 -
SHORT TERM TENANCIES INVITED FOR TWO SITES IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN * ft ft
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCIES OF TWO PIECES OF CROWN LAND IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
THE FIRST SITE, COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 3 850 SQUARE METRES OFF LUNG MUN ROAD, IS FOR OPEN STORAGE (EXCLUDING THE STORAGE OF CONTAINERS) PURPOSE ONLY.
THE OTHER SITE, ALSO FOR OPEN STORAGE PURPOSE, MAY BE USED FOR THE STORAGE OF EMPTY CONTAINERS, OR PLANT AND EQUIPMENT OR NEW VEHICLES. IT IS SITUATED TO THE EAST OF BUTTERFLY ESTATE AND HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 8 350 SQUARE METRES.
THE TENANCIES WILL BE FOR ONE YEAR INITIALLY AND THEREAFTER QUARTERLY.
THE DEADLINE FOR THE APPLICATIONS OF TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON DECEMBER 24, 1982.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TUEN MUN; THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.
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CURTAILMENT OF TRAM SERVICES
X X X
TRAM SERVICES WILL BE CURTAILED ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 11) NIGHT AND SUNDAY (DECEMBER 12) MORNING FOR THE REALIGNMENT OF THE TRAM TRACK ON KING'S ROAD.
THE AFFECTED SERVICES WILL BE;
LAST DEPARTURE FIRST DEPARTURE
FROM TO ON DECEMBER 11 ON DECEMBER 12
WESTERN MARKET SHAU KEI WAN 9.30 PM 9.45 AM
HAPPY VALLEY SHAU KEI WAN 9.45 PM 9.55 AM
SHAU KEI WAN WESTERN MARKET 10.25 PM 10.35 AM
SHAU KEI WAN HAPPY VALLEY 10.25 PM 10.35 AM
THE SERVICES BETWEEN WHITTY STREET AND NORTH POINT WILL NOT BE AFFECTED ON SATURDAY NIGHT. HOWEVER, THE FIRST DEPARTURE ON SUNDAY FROM WHITTY STREET WILL BE AT 10.10 AM AND THAT FROM NORTH POINT AT 10.50 AM.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO
II POLICY STANDS .............................................. 1
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR RECLAMATION OF JUNK BAY................... 1
RESUMPTION OF PRIVATE LAND FOR VILLAGE IMPROVEMENTS........... 2
LAND RESUMPTION AT TUEN MUN ................................... 3
LIMIT FOR ELECTION EXPENSES RAISED ............................ 4
AWARD FOR MAN WITH ECONOMY IN MEND ............................ 4
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS COMPLETE TRAINING .............. 5
TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN STYLE............ 5
DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR SPORTS ACTIVITIES .................... 6
ANTI-NARCOTICS CELEBRITY SHOW IN TUEN MUN ..................... 7
WATER CUT IN HAPPY VALLEY AND CENTRAL.......................... 7
FIRE PREVENTION DAY............................................ 8
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN TO KWA WAN
8
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1982
1 -
II POLICY STANDS * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT CHANGE ITS POLICY TOWARDS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA AND THOSE WHO ARE APPREHENDED ANYWHERE IN HONG KONG WILL BE REPATRIATED.
♦THIS SHOULD BE ABUNDANTLY CLEAR TO PEOPLE WHO ALLOW THEMSELVES TO BE DECEIVED BY SNAKEHEADS IN ATTEMPTING ILLEGAL ENTRY INTO HONG KONG,+ THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DENIS BRAY SAID TODAY.
MR BRAY WAS REFERRING TO RUMOURS BEING SPREAD BY SNAKEHEADS ABOUT JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG TO ENTICE PEOPLE TO PAY MONEY FOR BEING SMUGGLED INTO HONG KONG.
UNSCRUPULOUS OPERATORS ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN THE MONEY THEY CAN OBTAIN FROM PEOPLE REGARDLESS OF THE CONSEQUENCES FOR THEIR VICTIMS, HE SAID.
MR BRAY DESCRIBED YESTERDAY’S ANTI-II OPERATION BY THE POLICE AND THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ON LAMMA ISLAND AND IN CHAI WAN AS A CLEAR ILLUSTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO PURSUE ITS POLICY.
♦OPERATIONS AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL CONTINUE. THE GOVERNOR MADE IT PLAIN IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST OCTOBER THAT THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY,+ MR BRAY SAID.
RUMOURS PUT ABOUT BY SNAKEHEADS THAT THERE MIGHT BE AN AMNESTY WHEN THE NEW I.D. CARDS ARE INTRODUCED NEXT YEAR, ARE ALSO ENTIRELY WITHOUT ANY BASIS OF FACT, HE ADDED.
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR RECLAMATION OF JUNK BAY X « J
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT'S JUNK BAY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE TODAY (FRIDAY) AWARDED A 1215 MILLION CONTRACT TO VIANINI LAVORI S.P.A. FOR FIRST RECLAMATION WORKS FOR THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF JUNK BAY.
THE CONTRACT, WHICH ALSO INCLUDES ASSOCIATED ACCESS ROAD• CONSTRUCTIONS AND PLATFORM FORMATIONS, WAS SIGNED BY THE PROJECT ONAGER OF THE JUNK BAY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR NORMAN TUCKER, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT AND MR PAOLO RINALDI FOR THE CONTRACTORS.
MR TUCKER SAID THE CONTRACT WOULD INVOLVE THE RECLAMATION OF ABOUT 37 HECTARES OF LAND NEAR TSEUNG KWAN 0, MAINLY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE.
ABOUT 13 HECTARES OF PLATFORMS WILL ALSO BE FORMED AT NEARBY HILLSIDES FOR FURTHER HOUSING SCHEMES AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF SERVICE RESERVOIRS.
/+TEESE WORKS .......
rauui, decejcjes 10, 1982
2
♦THESE WORKS WILL INVOLVE THE EXCAVATION OF ABOUT 4.5 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF FILL MATERIAL TO BE USED IN THE RECLAMATION,* MR TUCKER SAID.
THE EIGHT-KILOMETRE ROAD TO BE BUILT UNDER THE CONTRACT WOULD START AT THE WESTERN END NEAR MA YAU TONG AND WOULD LINK UP WITH THE SECTION OF THE PO LAM ROAD EXTENSION TO SAU MAU PING ROAD NOW BEING CONSTRUCTED UNDER ANOTHER CONTRACT, MR TUCKER SAID.
♦THIS ROAD WILL BE CAREFULLY LANDSCAPED TO PROVIDE OCCUPANTS OF HOUSING ESTATES EXPECTED TO MOVE IN AROUND 1986 WITH A PLEASANT ACCESS,♦ HE ADDED.
WORKS ON THE CONTRACT WILL COMMENCE NEXT WEEK AND ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 40 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
RESUMPTION OF PRIVATE LAND FOR VILLAGE IMPROVEMENTS * * * * *
ABOUT 9 760 SQUARE METRES OF PRIVATE LAND IN TIN SAM, SHA TIN NEW TOWN. WILL BE RESUMED BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A PILOT SCHEME AIMED AT MEETING THE DEMAND FOR ADDITIONAL VILLAGE HOUSING AND IMPROVING THE VILLAGE ENVIRONMENT TO STANDARDS SIMILAR TO THOSE IN THE SURROUNDING NEW TOWN.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ABOUT 3.2 HECTARES OF LAND WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR 110 HOUSE SITES TOGETHER WITH LOCAL OPEN SPACE, 116 PARKING SPACES, AN EMERGENCY VEHICULAR ACCESS ROAD, A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, A LATRINE, A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AND A TRANSFORMER COMPOUND.
HE SAID THAT THE SMALL HOUSE POLICY FOR INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, INTRODUCED IN DECEMBER 1972, WAS AIMED AT PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR VILLAGERS WHO WERE IN NEED OF ACCOMMODATION TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
ON THE WHOLE, THE POLICY HAS BEEN EFFECTIVELY PURSUED AND THE HOUSING NEEDS OF A LARGE NUMBER OF INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS HAVE BEEN bET, HE SAID.
♦AT THE BEGINNING OF 1981 A TOTAL OF 7 390 SMALL HOUSE GRANTS (3 516 BY MEANS OF PRIVATE TREATY GRANTS AND 3 874 THROUGH THE ISSUE OF BUILDING LICENCES) WERE APPROVED. HOWEVER, 7 213 APPLICATIONS WERE OUTSTANDING.*
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AT PRESENT THE LACK OF CROWN LAND HAD PROVED A MAJOR OBSTACLE TO THE FURTHERANCE OF THE SMALL HOUSE POLCIY AS MOST OF THE LAND ADJOINING THE 650 ESTABLISHED VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS PRIVATELY OWNED.
/♦Di ABDITCN, .......
raUUT, DJEEMBEB 10, 1982
- 3 -
♦IN ADDITION. THE SMALL HOUSE POLICY IS ALSO HINDERED BY THE ABSENCE OF A POSITIVE LAND POLICY WHICH HAS LED TO UNPLANNED DEVELOPMENT OF VILLAGE HOUSES AND THE ABSENCE OF BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES LIKE SEWERAGE, DRAINAGE AND ROADS WITHIN VILLAGE ENVIRONS. ♦
A WORKING PARTY, COMPRISING HEUNG YEE KUK MEMBERS AND STAFF OF THE FORMER NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, WAS FORMED IN SEPTEMBER 1980. THE WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDED TO GOVERNMENT THE RESUMPTION OF PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LAND FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING VILLAGE EXPANSION AREAS IN WHICH VILLAGERS COULD BUILD SMALL HOUSES, AFTER PAYING THE COST OF PURCHASING, FORMING AND SERVICING THE LAND.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT TO MEET THE DEMAND OF VILLAGE HOUSING AND TO ENSURE MORE ORDERLY AND PLANNED DEVELOPMENT SO THAT BUILDING DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE VILLAGE WAS COMPATIBLE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SURROUNDING AREAS, ACQUISITION OF PRIVATE LAND WITHIN VILLAGE ENVIRONS WAS NECESSARY.
THE COST INCURRED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE ACQUISITION AND SERVICING OF THE LAND, HE SAID, WOULD BE RECOVERED FROM THE PREMIUM CHARGEABLE FOR SMALL HOUSE GRANTS.
LAND OWNERS WILL BE OFFERED LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS AND/OR CASH COMPENSATION, WHILE OTHER PEOPLE AFFECTED WILL BE OFFERED PUBLIC OR TEMPORARY HOUSING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR ELIGIBILITY.
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LAND RESUMPTION AT TUEN MUN M M M
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME ABOUT 5 330 SQUARE METRES CF PRIVATE LAND IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN NEAR KEI LUN WAI FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A STUDENT NURSES TRAINING SCHOOL, IT WAS ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN ORDER TO COPE WITH THE INCREASED DEMAND FOR QUALIFIED NURSES RESULTING FROM THE GENERAL EXPANSION OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN HONG KONG, IT WAS NECESSARY TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF THE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL AND QUARTERS PROJECT TO INCLUDE THE TRAINING SCHOOL WHICH WOULD ACCOMMODATE 400 NURSING STUDENTS.
SOME 32 TEMPORARY STRUCTURES USED FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES AND 103 OTHER TEMPORARY STRUCTURES, INCLUDING A WORKSHOP, WILL HAVE TO BE CLEARED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT LAND OWNERS WOULD BE OFFERED LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS AND/OR CASH COMPENSATION, WHILE OTHER PEOPLE AFFECTED WOULD BE OFFERED PUBLIC OR TEMPORARY HOUSING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR ELIGIBILITY.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1982
- 4 -
LIMIT FOR ELECTION EXPENSES RAISED KMX
CANDIDATES AT THE FORTHCOMING URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS WILL BE ALLOWED TO SPEND UP TO $20 000 IN ELECTION EXPENSES.
THIS IS SET OUT UNDER AN URBAN COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARDS ELECTION EXPENSES ORDER 1982 IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE PREVIOUS EXPENDITURE LIMIT OF $10 000 WAS LAID DOWN IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR.
♦SOME CANDIDATES AT THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN MARCH AND SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR FELT THAT THIS SUM WAS BARELY ADEQUATE FOR CAMPAIGNING PURPOSES. THIS COULD BE MORE SO AT THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN MARCH 1983 BECAUSE OF THE MUCH LARGER CONSTITUENCIES,* HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE CEILING OF ELECTION EXPENSES BY AN URBAN COUNCIL CANDIDATE HAS BEEN RAISED, THE MAXIMUM FEE WHICH THE CANDIDATE CAN PAY HIS ELECTION AGENT WILL REMAIN AT $3 000.
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AWARD FOR MAN WITH ECONOMY IN MIND XX*
A GOVERNMENT ENGINEER TODAY RECEIVED A CERTIFICATE OF AWARD FROM THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MARTIN ROWLANDS, FOR SUGGESTING A WAY TO ECONOMISE ON ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION.
MR ROBIN LUMB OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAD SUGGESTED THE USE OF A DIFFERENT TYPE OF FLUORESCENT TUBE TO ILLUMINATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WHICH USES LESS ELECTRICITY BUT PRODUCES THE SAME AMOUNT OF LIGHT.
THE SUGGESTION WAS ACCEPTED BY A STAFF SUGGESTIONS COMMITTEE, WHICH COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES OF THE THREE MAIN CIVIL SERVICE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS AND THE MAJOR DEPARTMENTS, AFTER IT WAS FOUND TO DE WORKABLE.
THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY TOOK PLACE THIS MORNING DURING A VISIT BY MR ROWLANDS TO THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT THE EMPIRE CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, MR ROWLANDS CALLED ON ALL CIVIL SERVANTS TO LET THE STAFF SUGGESTIONS COMMITTEE KNOW OF ANY PROPOSAL OR IDEA THEY MAY HAVE ON WAYS TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
HE DISCLOSED THAT SOME 320 SUGGESTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE COMMITTEE SINCE THE SCHEME WAS STARTED IN 1974. THIS YEAR ALONE 46 SUGGESTIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.
♦I CERTAINLY ANTICIPATE TO SEE MORE SUGGESTIONS BEING ACCEPTED IN FUTURE,* HE SAID.
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/5
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10,
'■ “’.'S'
- 5 -
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS COMPLETE TRAINING
*****
A TOTAL OF 117 RECRUIT CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS WHO COMPLETED A ONE-YEAR TRAINING COURSE WERE TODAY (FRIDAY) AWARDED CERTIFICATES. THEY COMPRISED 20 OFFICERS AND 97 ASSISTANT
OFFICERS.
THE TRAINING COURSE, CONDUCTED BY THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE, INCLUDED SIX MONTHS OF FIELD TRAINING IN VARIOUS CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
AT A CEREMONY HELD IN THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE, THE GENERAL MANAGER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES INDUSTRIES, MR RAYMOND 21 PRESENTED THE TRAINING CERTIFICATES TO THE RECIPIENTS.
0 - -
TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN STYLE *****
TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS WILL CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN STYLE THIS YEAR WITH SOME 30 FESTIVE ACTIVITIES AND LIGHTING AND FLOWER DECORATIONS ALONG MAJOR ROADS AND WALKWAYS, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING AT THE Y’S MEN’S CLUB OF TSUEN WAN, MISS CHUNG SAID THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME A LARGE SCALE CELEBRATION WAS BEING PLANNED IN THE DISTRICT FOR LOCAL PEOPLE.
♦I BELIEVE THIS WILL SAVE THEM THE TROUBLE OF TRAVELLING ALL THE WAY TO CENTRAL BECAUSE, HERE IN OUR DISTRICT, WE HAVE OUR OWN FESTIVE ACTIVITIES FOR ALL WALKS OF LIFE,* SHE SAID.
STARTING ON DECEMBER 18, THE TWO-WEEK PROGRAMME WILL RANGE FROM TEA PARTIES AND FILM SHOWS FOR THE YOUNG, DISCO NIGHTS FOR TEENAGERS, TO CONCERTS AND CANTONESE OPERAS FOR ADULTS TO BE STAGED AT THE LOCAL TOWN HALL, COMMUNITY CENTRES AND PLAYGROUNDS.
SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS WILL INCLUDE A PERFORMANCE BY POPULAR CANTONESE OPERA SINGER SUN MA SZE TSANGi A CONCERT BY THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA? AND A DISTRICT BOARD-SPONSORED VARIETY SHOW TO BE STAGED BY A TELEVISION STATION AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND.
FOLLOWING A SWITCH-ON CEREMONY ON DECEMBER 22, BOTH CASTLE PEAK ROAD, FROM THE BANG BANG RESTAURANT TO THE CHINA DYEING FACTORY, AND TAI HO ROAD, FROM FOU WAH CENTRE TO THE TOWN HALL, WILL BE ILLUMINATED WITH FESTIVE LIGHTS UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH.
THE TWO ROUNDABOUTS AT KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND TAI HO ROAD OPPOSITE THE TOWN HALL, AND THE THREE PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGES OUTSIDE THE TSUEN WAN MTR STATION WILL HAVE SIMILAR DECORATIONS.
/on cuaisnus......
FRIDAY, DSCBffiER 10, 1982
- 6 -
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, ABOUT 100 CHURCH CHOIR MEMBERS WILL TRAVEL IN FIVE COACHES TO TSUEN WAN CENTRE, KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl SINGING HYMNS AND CAROLS.
♦LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAVE HELPED A LOT IN ORGANISING THESE ACTIVITIES AND I AM VERY GRATEFUL TO THEM,+ SAID MISS CHUNG.
DETAILS OF, AND ADMISSION TICKETS TO, THESE ACTIVITIES ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S PUBLIC ENQUIRIES COUNTERS, LOCAL COMMUNITY CENTRES AND THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.
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DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR SPORTS ACTIVITIES
* * ft *
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED 150 000 TO THE KWUN TONG SPORTS PROMOTION ASSOCIATION TO FORM AREA-BASED BRANCHES IN ORGANISING SPORTS PROGRAMMES.
THE SCHEME IS JOINTLY IMPLEMENTED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DEVELOPMENT SECTION OF THE ASSOCIATION AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE.
THE ASSOCIATION’S MAIN DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, SUPPORTED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, IS TO PROMOTE PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS ACTIVITIES THROUGH THE INVOLVEMENT OF LOCAL LEADERS AT GRASSROOT LEVEL AND TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY SPIRIT.
UP TO THE END OF OCTOBER, FIVE SUCH AREA BRANCHES HAVE BEEN FORMED, NAMELY I WEST NGAU TAU KOK, EAST NGAU TAU KOK, PING SHEK AND KAI YIP, TOWN CENTRE AND SHUN LEE.
THESE AREA BRANCHES HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED FUNDS FOR BUYING SPORTS EQUIPMENT AND ARRANGING SPORTS FUNCTIONS FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
THERE WILL BE TRAINING COURSES FOR BASKETBALL, ROLLER SKATING, CANOEING, DANCING AND FOOTBALL.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE COMPETITIONS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING KITE-FLYING AND CYCLING.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1982
7
ANT I-NARCOTICS CELEBRITY SHOW IN THEN MUN M * * *
* +CELEBRITY SHOW+ TO PUBLICISE THE FIGHT AGAINST NARCOTICS WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING AT TUEN MUN PLAYGROUND, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.
IT WILL BEGIN AT 7.30 PM FOLLOWING A +SWITCH-ON+ BY MR KARL STUMPF, CHAIRMAN OF THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE OF ACAN.
MR LAU WONG-FAT, CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK AND MR BILLY LAM, DISTRICT OFFICER, TUEN MUN WILL ALSO ATTEND THE FUNCTION.
THERE WILL BE SINGING AND DANCING PERFORMANCES BY WELL-KNOWN SINGERS AND TV ARTISTES AS WELL AS EXCITING TELEMATCH GAMES. IT IS EXPECTED THAT SOME 3 000 LOCAL RESIDENTS WILL ATTEND THIS FUNCTION. ADMISSION WILL BE FREE.
THE SHOW IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS THE HONG KONG GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION TUEN MUN BRANCH AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, AND SPONSORED BY TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AND TOM LEE PIANO CO.
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WATER CUT IN HAPPY VALLEY AND CENTRAL
* * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN HAPPY VALLEY WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 13) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THIS WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES IN TUNG SHAN TERRACE, SHIU FAI TERRACE, LINGNAN COLLEGE, 26-28 AND 34 STUBBS ROAD.
MEANWHILE, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN CENTRAL WILL ALSO BE INTERRUPTED FROM 11 PM ON THE SAME DAY UNTIL 6 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 14) FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY ABERDEEN STREET, HOLLYWOOD ROAD, LADDER STREET, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND WELLINGTON STREET.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1982
8
FIRE PREVENTION DAY M M M
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSUEN WAN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, WILL HOLD A FIRE PREVENTION DAY AT THE LEI MUK SHUE FIRE STATION IN WO YEE HOP ROAD ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 13), STARTING AT 3 PM.
THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF NEW TERRITORIES FIRE COMMAND, FRED JACKSON AND ELECTED DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER MR CHENG WING-CHUN WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, AND WILL PRESENT THE DIRECTOR’S COMMENDATION TO PERSONNEL OF THE DEPARTMENT.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE EVENT WILL BE A FIRE RESCUE DEMONSTRATION BY FIRE SERVICES PERSONNEL.
0
URBAN. CLEARWAYS IN TO KWA WAN - * * *
CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS WILL BE INTRODUCED ON CHI KIANG STREET AND NGAN HON STREET NEAR THEIR JUNCTIONS WITH TO KWA WAN ROAD STARTING FROM 4 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 13) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
THIS WILL ALSO APPLY TO THE SOUTHERN SECTION OF BAILEY STREET, PAK KUNG STREET, HOK YUEN STREET, MAN YUE STREET, AND FAT KWONG STREET NEAR THEIR JUNCTIONS WITH MA TAU WAI ROAD.
WITHIN THESE SECTIONS, VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO-
RECOVERY SYSTEM TO BOOST WATER CAPACITY ........................ 1
OLD GET TOGETHER WITH THE YOUNG ................................ 1
FOOTBRIDGE EXTENSION FOR NEW ROAD .............................. 2
FREE CHRISTMAS CONCERT IN TSUEN WAN ............................ 2
SUNDAY FUN FOR SHA TIN RESIDENTS ............................... 3
CHANGE OF PLACE FOR DRIVING TEST ............................. 3
ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR NEW RESIDENTS ........................ 4
SALE OF LIGHT REFRESHMENT AT TUEN MUN MARKET hND BEACHES ... 4
FIGHT CRIME CHILDREN COMIC BOOK PUBLISHED ...................... 5
LAST TRAIN TO TERMINATE AT SHEUNG SHUI STATION ................. 5
WhTER CUTS IN CHAI WAN, YUEN LONG .............................. 6
TO KWA WAN TRAFFIC CHANGE..................................... 6
FIRING PRACTICE
7
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1982
1
RECOVERY SYSTEM TO BOOST WATER CAPACITY
* * * M *
A WASHWATER RECOVERY SYSTEM WILL SOON BE BUILT WITHIN THE COMPOUND OF THE TSUEN WAN TREATMENT WORKS AS PART OF A PROJECT TO RAISE THE EXISTING CAPACITY TO 317 000 CUBIC METRES PER DAY.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS NOW INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE WASHWATER RECOVERY TANKS, EACH WITH A CAPACITY FOR 270 CUBIC METRES, A SMALL PUMP HOUSE, AND 500 METRES OF INLET AND DISCHARGE PIPES.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ON COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT. FILTERED WASHWATER FORMERLY DISCHARGED AS WASTE WOULD BE RECOVERED AND UP TO 7 000 CUBIC METRES OF WATER COULD BE SAVED DAILY.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS.
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OLD GET TOGETHER WITH THE YOUNG xxx
MORE THAN 250 ELDERLY PEOPLE FROM FIVE CENTRES WERE TREATED TO AN AFTERNOON OF FUN AT A VARIETY SHOW HELD IN THE HONG KONG SZE YAP COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION WONG TAI SHAN MEMORIAL COLLEGE TODAY (SATURDAY).
ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY THE ZONTA CLUB OF KOWLOON. THE VARIETY SHOW NOT ONLY PROVIDED ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE AGED, BUT ALSO GAVE THEM A CHANCE TO MIX WITH THE YOUNGSTERS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MRS LOUISE MOK, DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS SAID, *IT IS HOPED THAT BETTER COMMUNICATION AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE TWO AGE-GROUPS CAN BE ACHIEVED AS A RESULT OF THIS GATHERING.*
THE PROGRAMME CONSISTED OF TEN PERFORMANCES RANGING FROM FOLK DANCE AND OPERA TO MARTIAL ART, ALL JOINTLY PRESENTED BY CYC MEMBERS AND THE ELDERLY PEOPLE THEMSELVES.
A 57-YEAR-OLD LADY BEAMING WITH EXCITEMENT AFTER TAKING PART IN THE PERFORMANCE SAID, +IT’S A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE BEING ABLE TO DO SOMETHING WITH THE YOUNGSTERS; IT MAKES ME YOUNG AND LIVELY AGAIN.*
TO CATER TO THE INTEREST OF THE AGED, THE ORGANISERS ALSO INVITED THE HON FUNG CANTONESE OPERA INSTITUTE TO GIVE A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE.
o
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1982
2
FOOTBRIDGE EXTENSION FOR NEW ROAD * ft ft *
THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE EXTENSION ACROSS THE RECENTLY-OPENED NORTH POINT SLIP ROAD AND THE LANDSCAPING CF THE ADJACENT AMENITY AREA NEAR THE ISLAND EXIT OF THE CROSSHARBOUR TUNNEL.
THE PROPOSED FOOTBRIDGE EXTENSION WILL COMPLETE THE SYSTEM OF GRADE-SEPARATED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITIES ACROSS THE TUNNEL APPROACH ROADS AND THE LANDSCAPING WORK WILL PROVIDE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT TO THE AREA.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- - o - -
FREE CHRISTMAS CONCERT IN TSUEN WAN ft ft ft ft
TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS WILL BE GIVEN A FREE CHRISTMAS CONCERT BY THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA TO CELEBRATE THE COMING FESTIVE SEASON.
THE CONCERT WILL BE HELD AT THE LOCAL TOWN HALL ON DECEMBER 20 STARTING AT 2.30 PM. CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND WORKS OF FAMOUS COMPOSERS WILL BE PERFORMED.
♦THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THE ORCHESTRA GIVES A FREE CHRISTMAS CONCERT IN TSUEN WAN AND WE ARE EXTREMELY GRATEFUL TO THEM,* SAID THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELAINE CHUNG.
♦THERE WILL BE A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES IN TSUEN WAN DURING CHRISTMAS, AND A CONCERT BY THE ORCHESTRA WILL CERTAINLY ADD COLOUR TO THE FESTIVITY,* SHE ADDED.
STARTING ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 13), TICKETS TO THE CONCERT ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S SECRETARIAT ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF FOU WAH CENTRE, 210 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, DURING OFFICE HOURS.
LOCAL SCHOOLS AND ORGANISATIONS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE BOARD’S SECRETARIAT AT 0-445509 FOR GROUP TICKETS.
ALL TICKETS ARE ISSUED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
- - 0 -
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1982
3
SUNDAY FUN FOR SHA TIN RESIDENTS
* * *
THOUSANDS OF SHA TIN RESIDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO FLOCK TO THE JOCKEY CLUB TEMPORARY SPORTS GROUND TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON FOR A SPECTACULAR PARACHUTE DISPLAY AND OTHER ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES.
THE PARACHUTE DISPLAY WILL HIGHLIGHT THE 1982 SHA TIN CLEAN HONG KONG TELEMATCH ORGANISED TO COINCIDE WITH THE FINAL PHASE OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.
FUNDED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, THE TELEMATCH IS ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN CLEAN HONG KONG COMMITTEE.
ELEVEN TEAMS COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL COMPETE IN THREE GAMES SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO DRIVE HOME THE CLEAN HONG KONG MESSAGE.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG NEW TERRITORIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MR CHARLES YEUNG, AND THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DONALD TSANG, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNING TEAMS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN CLEAN HONG KUNG COMMITTEE, W WAI HON-LEUNG, POINTED OUT THAT AN EVENT OF THIS KIND WOULD PROVIDE LOCAL PEOPLE WITH A SUNDAY PASTIME, AND ALSO SERVE TO PROMOTE BETTER RELATIONS BETWEEN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE EVENT WILL START AT 2 PM WITH THE ENTERTAINMENT SHOWS AND PRIZE PRESENTATION TAKING PLACE AT ABOUT 3.30 PM.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE JOCKEY CLUB TEMPORARY SPORTS GROUND.
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CHANGE OF PLACE FOR DRIVING TEST x * *
DUE TO THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TIN KWONG ROAD, DRIVING TESTS SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY (DECEMBER 13) AT THE TIN KWONG ROAD CENTRE WILL BE HELD INSTEAD AT PUI CHING ROAD.
CANDIDATES SHOULD REPORT TO THE PUI CHING ROAD DRIVING TEST CENTRE AT THE SCHEDULED TIME THAT DAY.
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A.....
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1982
4
ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR NEW RESIDENTS
MM*
RESIDENTS WHO HAVE JUST MOVED INTO THE YUE KOK TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE ESSENTIAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES AVAILABLE IN TAI PO NEW TOWN.
AN ORIENTATION PROGRAMME HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE TO PROVIDE THESE FAMILIES, WHO ARE MOSTLY FIRE VICTIMS FROM EAST KOWLOON, WITH SOME BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE DISTRICT.
THERE WILL BE A 20-MINUTE SLIDE SHOW OUTLINING THE RECENT AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF TAI PO.
STAFF OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL DISTRIBUTE INFORMATION LEAFLETS AND BRIEF RESIDENTS ON SUCH FACILITIES AS MEDICAL, SOCIAL WELFARE, RECREATIONAL, EDUCATIONAL AND TRANSPORT SERVICES.
ALL RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE EVENT WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 14) AT THE OPEN SPACE IN FRONT OF NO. 141, BLOCK 3 OF YUE KOK THA.
-----0------
SALE OF LIGHT REFRESHMENT AT TUEN MUN MARKET AND BEACHES MMM
THREE TENDERS ARE NOW BEING INVITED FOR THE SALE OF LIGHT REFRESHMENT AT THE ROOF-TOP GARDEN OF THE NEWLY-COMPLETED SAN HUI MARKET, AT CAFETERIA (NEW) BEACH AND AT CASTLE PEAK BEACH IN TUEN MUN.
THE CONTRACT FOR OPERATING A LIGHT REFRESHMENT BUSINESS AT CAFETERIA (NEW) BEACH INCLUDES THE PROVISION OF CHANGING FACILITIES, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER OF THIS CONTRACT CAN START BUSINESS FROM MARCH 1 NEXT YEAR UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 1985.
THE CONTRACT PERIOD FOR RUNNING LIGHT REFRESHMENT BUSINESS AT SAN HUI MARKET IS BETWEEN FEBRUARY 1, NEXT YEAR AND JANUARY 31, 1985 WHILE THE CONTRACT FOR CASTLE PEAK BEACH WILL BE EFFECTIVE BETWEEN APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR AND NOVEMBER 30, 1985.
TENDER FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF AUSTIN CENTRE, 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI OR THE NORTH REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS OF THE NTSD AT GARAGE NO. 1, GROUND FLOOR, TAI YUEN ESTATE, TAI PO.
COMPLETED FORMS FOR ALL THREE CONTRACTS MUST BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX SITUATED AT THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS BEFORE JANUARY 7 (FRIDAY) NEXT YEAR.
FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE NORTH REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS OF THE NTSD ON TELEPHONE 0-6571237.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1982
5
FIGHT CRIME CHILDREN COMIC BOOK PUBLISHED *****
A COMIC BOOK ON MORAL EDUCATION IS NOW BEING DISTRIBUTED TO CHILDREN THROUGH VARIOUS CHANNELS.
THE 16—PAGE BOOK IN CHINESE, PRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THIS YEAR’S FIGHT YOUTH CRIME CAMPAIGN, AIMS AT EDUCATING AND MOTIVATING CHILDREN INTO BECOMING HONEST, LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS.
ILLUSTRATED IN CARTOON STRIPS, THE BOOK CONSISTS OF FOUR INTERESTING STORIES ON SUBJECTS SUCH AS DILIGENCE, HONESTY.
CH0,CE & FR,ENDS AND THE PURSUIT OF HEALTHY 11K N A I I Vuvt
THAT children are encouraged to develop ™£SE VIRTUES AT AN EARLY AGE. IT IS HOPED THAT THIS BOOK, PRODUCED IN A FORMAT THAT APPEALS TO CHILDREN, WILL EFFECTIVELY PUT THE MESSAGE ACROSS TO OUR TARGET GROUP,+ SAID THE GIS CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER, MR BRIAN HICKMAN.
THE FIGHT CRIME CHILDREN COMIC BOOK, SPONSORED BY EXXON CHEMICAL ASIA PACIFIC LTD. AS A COMMUNITY SERVICE, HAS BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO ALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS, PUBLIC LIBRARIES, COMMUNITY CENTRES» AND POPULAR TV PROGRAMMES FOR CHILDREN. LIMITED COPIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES.
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LAST TRAIN TO TERMINATE AT SHEUNG SHU I STATION * * * *
THE LAST TRAIN TO LO WU WILL TERMINATE AT INSTEAD OF LO WU STATION ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY.
SHEUNG SHU I STATION
A KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THE ARRANGEMENT THE LO WUCSTAT*ON ENG,NEER,NG W0RK T0 BE CARRIED OUT AT NIGHT AT
eill, RE E5P1rA!NED THAT THE W0RK F0RMS A V,TAL PART OF THE RAILWAY’S FULL ELECTRIFICATION TO LO WU WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1982
6
WATER CUTS IN CHAI WAN, YUEN LONG if x x
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CHAI WAN WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 PM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 14) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS CONNECTION.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT CHAI WAN ESTATE, YUE WAN ESTATE, YEE TSUI COURT AND CHAI WAN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA AS WELL AS PREMISES IN THE SECTION OF CHAI WAN ROAD BETWEEN WAH HA STREET AND SUN YIP STREET, FUNG YIP STREET, SUN YIP STREET, SUN ON STREET AND ON YIP STREET.
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES AND VILLAGES IN YUEN LONG WILL ALSO BE TURNED OFF FOR 15 HOURS FROM 10 AM THE SAME DAY TO 1 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE PREMISES AND VILLAGES AFFECTED WILL BE THOSE ALONGi
* KAM TIN ROAD, FROM AU TAU TO SHEUNG TSUEN ;
* KAM SHEUNG ROAD, FROM SHU I TAU TO SHEUNG TSUEN; AND
* FAN KAM ROAD, FROM PAT HEUNG POLICE STATION TO FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TRAINING SCHOOL.
MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SEVERAL AREAS IN KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SIX HOURS FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON TUESDAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS WORK.
THE AREAS OR PREMISES INVOLVED ARE HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, MA TAU KOK, MA TAU WAI, KAI TAK, LOK FU ESTATE, KOWLOON CITY, WONG TAI SIN, KOWLOON TONG, KOWLOON HOSPITAL, WANG TAU HOM, TUNG TAU ESTATE. TSZ WAN SHAN AND FU SHAN ESTATE.
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TO KWA WAN TRAFFIC CHANGE
* * * *
TRAFFIC ON CHEUNG NING STREET BETWEEN LOK SHAN ROAD AND SHEUNG HEUNG ROAD IN TO KWA WAN, WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY NORTHBOUND FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 13), TO IMPROVE FLOW IN THE AREA.
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/7
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1982
7
FIRING PRACTICE * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY (DECEMBER 13-17).
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 FOLLOWSi-
DATE TIME
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
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
JANUARY TO OCTOBER EXTERNAL TRADE FIGURES...................... 1
REMINDER ON STATUTORY HOLIDAY.............................. ... 6
METRICATION POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION ......................... 7
NOW 1 GREIN EYES1 ALSO WATCH FOR LITTERBUGS ................... 7
TENDERS INVITED FOR PETROL STATION ............................ 8
RESTAURANT FOR SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX........................... 9
PARKING METERS FOR YAU YAT CHUEN .............................. 9
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1982
JANUARY TO OCTOBER EXTERNAL TRADE FIGURES X X X * * X
at >„I2TAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FOR JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1982, VALUED ?H0WED AN ’NCREASE OF FOUR PER CENT AS COMPARED bvTtuJHLSAME PERIOD IN 1981, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
D°MEST,C EXPORTS ROSE BY THREE PER CENT TO $67 493 MILLION, IMPORTS BY THREE PER CENT TO $116 649 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS BY SIX PER CENT TO $35 917 MILLION.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER SHOWED AN INCREASE OF FOUR PER CENT.
THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC MARKETS WERE AS FOLLOWS i
EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAJOR OVERSEAS
JAN.-OCT. 1982 ($ MN) JAN.-OCT. 1981 ($ MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE ($ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
U.S.A. 25 514 23 906 +1 608 ♦ 7
U.K. 5 727 6 227 - 500 - 8
F.R. OF GERMANY 5 544 5 649 - 105 - 2
CHINA 3 051 2 221 * 830 ♦37
JAPAN 2 646 2 422 + 223 ♦ 9
AUSTRALIA 2 350 2 145 + 205 ♦ 10
CANADA 2 132 1 933 + 199 ♦ 10
SINGAPORE 1 590 1 421 + 169 ♦ 12
NETHERLANDS 1 321 1 283 + 38 + 3
FRANCE 1 203 1 170 + 32 ♦ 3
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A. ROSE BY SEVEN PER CENT. SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS (BY $878 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT), CLOTHING (BY $696 MILLION OR EIGHT PER CENT) AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $339 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT). DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $606 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILES (BY $141 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT).
/DSCRfiASES IN ........
SUNDAY, DECMBEH 12, 1982
- 2 -
DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $207 MILLION OR SEVEN PER CENT) AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $149 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT).
MOST COMMODITIES EXPORTED TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY DECLINED IN VALUE, INCLUDING TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $92 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT) AND CLOTHING (BY $67 MILLION OR TWO PER CENT). HOWEVER, DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES INCREASED BY $38 MILLION OR 16 PER CENT.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA OF TEXTILES (BY $236 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $197 MILLION OR 57 PER CENT) AND IN THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN OF CLOTHING (BY $185 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT).
AN ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS ARE PRESENTED BELOW t
JAN.-OCT. 1982 ($ MN)
JAN.-OCT. 1981 ($ MN)
INCREASE/ DECREASE ($ MN)
PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTH 1 NG ACCESSORIES 23 394 22 877 ♦ 517 ♦ 2
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS) 13 030 10 831 ♦2 199 ♦20
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 6 389 6 612 223 - 3
ELECTRICAL 4 954 4 798 ♦ 156 + 3
MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (MAINLY TRANSISTORS AND DIODES AND HOUSEHOLD TYPE APPLIANCES)
/TELB-COMMUNICATIONS AMD........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1982
TELE- 4 727
COMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT
TEXTILE YARN, 4 032 FABRICS, MADE-UP
ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS
4 553 * 174 +4
4 331 - 300 - 7
THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM THE TEN MAJOR SOURCES ARE SUMMARISED AS FOLLOWS i
JAN.-OCT. 1982 ($ MN) JAN.-OCT. 1981 (8 MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE ($ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
CHINA 26 581 23 609 ♦2 972 +13
JAPAN 25 719 26 370 - 651 - 2
U.S.A. 12 675 12 027 ♦ 647 ♦ 5
SINGAPORE 8 548 8 710 - 162 - 2
TAIWAN 8 397 8 787 - 389 - 4
U.K. 5 627 5 023 + 604 +12
REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) 3 703 4 496 - 793 -18
F.R. OF GERMANY 2 833 2 773 * 60 ♦ 2
SWITZERLAND 2 149 2 327 - 178 - 8
AUSTRALIA 1 911 1 669 ♦ 241 ♦ 14
LOCAL DEMAND FOR IMPORTED GOODS FROM CHINA REMAINED STRONG. INCREASES WERE RECORDED MAINLY IN CLOTHING (BY $898 MILLION OR 31 PER CENT), IRON AND STEEL (BY $366 MILLION OR 96 PER CENT), MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS (BY $272 MILLION OR 39 PER CENT) AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD (BY $177 MILLION OR 12 PER CENT).
/AS FOR .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1982
- 4 -
AS FOR IMPORTS FROM JAPAN, INCREASES WERE NOTED FOR TEXTILE FABRICS (BY $138 MILLION OR FIVE PER CENT) AS WELL AS MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES, SPORTING GOODS AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND ACCESSORIES) (BY $122 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT).
DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $43* MILLION OR 17 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $351 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT), ROAD VEHICLES (BY $260 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT) AND TEXTILE YARN (BY $218 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT).
INCREASES IN IMPORTS FROM THE U.S.A. WERE MOSTLY OF TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $147 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $141 MILLION OR 12 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN IMPORTS OF OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $144 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT), ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $137 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT) AND TEXTILES (BY $84 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT).
INCREASES IN VALUE WERE REGISTERED IN IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $54 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT) AND IN IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $286 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT). IMPORTS OF TEXTILES FROM TAIWAN DECLINED (BY $560 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT).
THE FOLLOWING TABLE ILLUSTRATES THE MORE IMPORTANT CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY COMMODITY SECTION :
JAN.-OCT. 1982 ($ MN) JAN.-OCT. 1981 ($ MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE ($ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
MANUFACTURED 32 563 32 788 - 224 - 1
GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY TEXTILE
PRODUCTS, DIAMONDS, IRON AND
STEEL, AND PAPER)
MACHINERY 26 394 26 485 - 91 INSIGNI-
AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT FICANT
/MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED .......
SUMUAY, DSL'EMBEH 12, 19&Z
5
MISCELLANEOUS 20 013 18 812 +1 201 * 6
MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES AND CLOCKS, ARTICLES OF APPAREL)
FOOD AND LIVE 13 090 11 233 *1 857 +17
ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD
MINERAL FUELS, 9 491 8 965 +526 ♦ 6
LUBRICANTS AND RELATED MATERIALS
CHEMICALS AND 7 778 7 427 +351 +5
RELATED PRODUCTS
INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A. (BY $713 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT), SAUDI ARABIA (BY $278 MILLION OR 59 PER CENT), INDONESIA (BY $245 MILLION OR SEVEN PER CENT), REPUBLIC OF KOREA (BY $240 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (BY $228 MILLION OR NINE PER CENT), TAIWAN (BY $212 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT). MACAU (BY $144 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT), AND THE PHILIPPINES (BY $141 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECLINES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.K. (BY $265 MILLION OR 34 PER CENT) AND NIGERIA (BY $154 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT)
MOST COMMODITIES RE-EXPORTED THROUGH HONG KONG EXHIBITED STRONG GROWTH, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING CLOTHING (BY $643 MILLION OR 36 PER CENT), MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND ACCESSORIES AND JEWELLERY) (BY $340 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $272 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT) AND CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS (BY $238 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT).
DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN THE RE-EXPORTS OF TEXTILES (BY $338 MILLION OR SIX PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $307 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT), AND METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $303 MILLION OR 53 PER CENT).
THE OCTOBER 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 OCTOBER, WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY JANUARY 1983 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).
----0--------
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1982
- 6 -
REMINDER ON STATUTORY HOLIDAY ******
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, EITHER THE CHINESE WINTER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL, WHICH FALLS ON DECEMBER 22, OR CHRISTMAS DAY (DECEMBER 25) SHOULD BE APPOINTED A STATUTORY HOLIDAY AND THAT WORKERS MUST BE GIVEN A DAY OFF ON EITHER DAY.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING DOMESTIC SERVANTS EMPLOYED LOCALLY OR FROM OVERSEAS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS, AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $7 500 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THEY MUST ALSO BE PAID FOR THE DAY-OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO THE EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS, OTHER THAN OVERTIME PAY, ON A NORMAL WORKING DAY. WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE OF THE DAILY EARNINGS DURING A PERIOD OF 28 DAYS PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY. PAYMENT SHOULD BE MADE ON THE NORMAL PAY DAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, « MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY-OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE CR AFTER THAT DAY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO BE GRANTED BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYER MUST NOTIFY THE EMPLOYEE 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY.
WHERE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO BE GIVEN AFTER THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE NOTIFIED OF THE ARRANGEMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE THE HOLIDAY.
IF BOTH THE EMPLOYER AND THE EMPLOYEE AGREE, ANY DAY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY OR ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY MAY BE TAKEN BY THE EMPLOYEE AS A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE WITH THE hEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE 3-205638 FOR KOWLOON EAST? 3-201652 FOR KOWLOON WEST? 3-319454 FOR KOWLOON SOUTH? 3-898520 FOR KWUN TONG? 0-422096 FOR TSUEN WAN? 0-6577111, EXT. 114 FOR TAI PO? 0-818443 FOR TUEN MUN; 5-268671 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND (WEST) AND 5-282213 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND (EAST).
0 --------
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1982
7
METRICATION POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION XXX
THE METRICATION COMMITEEE IS INVITING SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN A POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION AIMED AT INCREASING STUDENTS’ AWARENESS OF METRICATION AND IN PROMOTING THE USE OF METRIC UNITS IN DAILY LIFE.
ENTRIES TO THE COMPETITION, WHICH IS PART OF A 1O-DAY PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN ENTITLED ’METRIC 1O-DAY’ TO BE LAUNCHED IN JANUARY 1983, SHOULD BE SUBMITTED THROUGH RESPECTIVE SCHOOLS TO THE METRICATION COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT AT 31/F, UNITED CENTRE, 95 QUEENSWAY, CENTRAL ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 17.
STUDENTS MAY SUBMIT ANY NUMBER OF DESIGNS, WHICH SHOULD MEASURE 420 X 594 MM AND MUST BEAR ON THE BACK THE NAME, THE CLASS AND THE NAME OF SCHOOL OF THE PARTICIPANT.
ALL POSTERS, THE THEME OF WHICH IS TO PROMOTE THE USE OF METRIC UNITS IN DAILY LIFE, MUST BE THE ORIGINAL WORK OF THE PARTICIPANTS.
WINNER OF THE FIRST PRIZE WILL BE AWARDED A BOOK AND STATIONERY TOKEN WORTH $500, WHILE THE FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP WILL RECEIVE TOKENS WORTH $300 AND $200 RESPECTIVELY.
THERE WILL BE 10 MERIT PRIZES WORTH $50 EACH.
SOUVENIRS WILL BE GIVEN TO THE SCHOOL SUBMITTING THE MOST ENTRIES AS WELL AS TO EACH PARTICIPATING STUDENT.
THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL, KOWLOON ON JANUARY 21.
------o-------
NOW ’GREEN EYES’ ALSO WATCH FOR LITTERBUGS
* * * *
A PAIR OF WATCHFUL +GREEN EYES* HAVE RECENTLY BEEN PLANTED AT A ROUNDABOUT AT TAI PO ROAD IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, AS PART OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.
THE +GREEN EYES* WERE RECENTLY PLANTED IN THE MIDDLE OF A 220-SQUARE-METRE AMENITY PLOT WITH MORE THAN 5 000 GROUND COVER PLANTS, SEASONAL FLOWERS AND SHRUBS AT THE INTERCHANGE NEAR THE HONG LOK YUEN ESTATES.
♦IT TOOK THREE WEEKS OF HARD WORK BY STAFF OF THE TAI PO LRBAN SERVICES OFFICE TO PLANT THE 'EYES’, AND WE HOPE THEY WILL FURTHER HELP IMPRESS ON THE PUBLIC THE NEED TO KEEP THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
/ntsd gahdenebs .......
SUNDAY, DBUEMBEB 12, 1982
- 8 -
NTSD GARDENERS PLANTED SOME 3 400 ORNAMENTAL GROUND COVER PLANTS INCLUDING WEDEL IA, RED BORDER WEED AND YELLOW EYE GRASS TO TRIM AND SHAPE THE PAIR OF EYES AND TWO LOGOS OF THE CAMPAIGN. THEY THEN PLANTED SOME 1 000 MORE SHRUBS OF 18 SPECIES TO FORM A BEAUTIFUL PATTERN IN THE AMENITY PLOT, SUPPORTED BY 150 USED WOODEN RAILWAY SLEEPERS.
THE SHRUBS ARE QUICK-GROWING EVERGREEN AND ORNAMENTAL AND GRACEFUL BUSHY TREES, INCLUDING THE FAMILIES OF APOCYNACEAE, EUPHORBIACEAE, MALVACEAE, REBIACEAE, AND LABIATAE.
THERE ARE ALSO NINE FLOWER BEDS WITH COLOURFUL SEASONAL FLOWERS ALL THE YEAR ROUND AT THE AMENITY PLOT TO PROVIDE A SHARP CONTRAST TO THE NORMAL GREEN FOLIAGE OF OTHER PLANTS.
MEANWHILE, THE NTSD SPOKESMAN URGED PEOPLE TO KEEP THEIR HIGHWAYS CLEAN AND TIDY.
♦LITTERING CAN COST YOU $5 000 ON FIRST CONVICTION,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
----o-----
TENDERS INVITED FOR PETROL STATION
* * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS ON AN ANNUAL RENTAL BASIS FOR A PETROL FILLING STATION AT THE MIDDLE ROAD MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT TENDERERS MUST BE HOLDERS OF A SPECIAL LICENCE TO IMPORT HYDROCARBON OILS UNDER THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE OR BE ABLE TO PRODUCE EVIDENCE OF A GUARANTEED SUPPLY OF HYDROCARBON OILS FROM A LICENSED SUPPLIER.
THE PETROL FILLING STATION, COVERING AN AREA OF 43.2 SQUARE RETRES, WILL BE LET FOR A SEVEN-YEAR TENANCY.
FURTHER PARTICULARS, INCLUDING TENDER FORMS AND LEASE CONDITIONS, MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SECTION, LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
-----o------
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1982
9
RESTAURANT FOR SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX * * * *
THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE EXISTING LIGHT REFRESHMENT KIOSK AT THE VICTORIA PARK SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX INTO A GENERAL RESTAURANT.
CONVERSION WORK FOR THE 375-SQUARE-METRE SITE WILL INCLUDE MINOR ALTERATIONS TO THE KIOSK TO PROVIDE A DINING AREA AND A PROPER KITCHEN WITH FOOD PREPARATION AND SCULLERY AREAS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT THREE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TEMPORARY FOOD CENTRE AT FAT KWONG STREET, KOWLOON.
THE CONTRACT WILL INVOLVE THE LEVELLING AND SITE FORMATION OF A 1 400-SQUARE-METRE SITE AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 930-SQUARE-hETRE TEMPORARY FOOD CENTRE.
THE REMAINING AREA ON THE SITE WILL BE USED AS A DRILL YARD BY THE HUNG HOM FIRE STATION.
THE TEMPORARY FOOD CENTRE WILL MAKE PROVISIONS FOR 24 COOKED FOOD STALLS AND OTHER ANCILLARY FACILITIES, SUCH AS AN OFFICE, A STORE, TOILETS, A REFUSE CHAMBER AND A SWITCH ROOM.
WORK ON THIS PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT FIVE MONTHS.
------0-------
PARKING METERS FOR YAU YAT CHUEN
* * * *
A TOTAL OF 338 PARKING METERS WILL BE INSTALLED IN YAU YAT CHUEN, SHAM SHU I PO OVER A TWO-DAY PERIOD FROM TUESDAY (DECEMBER 14) TO REGULATE THE USE OF ON-STREET PARKING SPACES IN THE AREA.
FROM 9 AM THAT DAY, METERS WILL BE IN OPERATION ALONG BEGONIA ROAD, CASSIA ROAD, WISTARIA ROAD AND VERBENA ROAD.
HOWEVER, THE METERS ON TAT CHEE AVENUE, PEONY ROAD, DIANTHUS ROAD, OSMANTHUS ROAD AND MARIGOLD ROAD WILL BE IN OPERATION FROM 9 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 15).
EARLY NEXT YEAR, MORE PARKING METERS WILL BE INSTALLED IN OTHER AREAS OF SHAM SHU I PO, TAI KOK TSUI, FUNG WONG VILLAGE AND KWUN TONG.
0 --------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
75-YEAR LAND GRANT FOR CHINA MERCHANTS CO. .................... 1
COMPUTERS INSTALLED IN SCHOOLS ................................ 2
YOUNG MUSICIANS WANTED ........................................ 2
NEW TEXTILE AGREEMENT WITH AUSTRIA ............................ 3
1982 ANNUAL DIGEST OF STATISTICS ON SALE....................... 4
MACHINERY NEEDED FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT ......................... 4
ASSISTANCE FOR NEW ARRIVALS TO BE DISCUSSED ................... 5
ABANDONED VEHICLES CLEARED FROM KENNEDY TOWN................... 5
BUILDERS REMINDED ABOUT SAFETY ................................ 6
DRIVING TESTS ................................................. 7
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN CENTRAL ................................... 7
TEMPORARY NIGHT CLOSURE OF PERCIVAL STREET ................. 7
WATER FIGURES ................................................. 8
WATER CUT IN CAUSEWAY BAY
8
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1982
- 1 -
75-YEAR LAND GRANT FOR CHINA MERCHANTS CO. ft ft * ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO GRANT BY PRIVATE TREATY FOR 75 YEARS AN AREA OF ABOUT 13 100 SQUARE METRES IN KENNEDY TOWN TO THE CHINA MERCHANTS STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY LIMITED (CMSN) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CARGO HANDLING PIER AND GODOWN.
THE SITE COMPRISES 7 020 SQUARE METRES OF SEABED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PIER AND AN AREA OF ABOUT 6 100 SQUARE METRES TO PROVIDE GODOWN FACILITIES.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE COMPANY, WHICH BEGAN OPERATING AT WESTERN IN 1900, HAD TO GIVE UP ITS PIER AT WESTERN LAST YEAR TO MAKE WAY FOR RECLAMATION WORK.
HE POINTED OUT THAT TRADE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA HAD INCREASED RAPIDLY OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.
LAST YEAR, HONG KONG IMPORTED OVER 8.7 MILLION TONNES OF GOODS FROM CHINA, REPRESENTING SLIGHTLY OVER 30 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL IMPORTS.
♦ABOUT 80 PER CENT OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA ARRIVES BY SEA AND IN 1981 ABOUT ONE THIRD OF THIS WAS HANDLED BY CMSN, WHICH IS THE LARGEST SINGLE CARRIER OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦CMSN HANDLED SOME 2.7 MILLION TONNES OF CARGO LAST YEAR AND ITS ACTIVITIES ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY ABOUT 10 PER CENT EACH YEAR.*
HE ADDED THAT CARGO HANDLING AND STORAGE FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT PRESENT TO CMSN WERE INADEQUATE. AS A RESULT, SOME OF THE GOODS HAD TO BE HANDLED AT THE WESTERN PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA.
THEREFORE, HE SAID, THE PRIVATE TREATY GRANT WOULD NOT ONLY PROVIDE CMSN WITH ADEQUATE CARGO HANDLING AND GODOWN FACILITIES FOR A RAPIDLY EXPANDING TRADE BUT WOULD ALSO REDUCE THE PRESSURE ON THE WESTERN PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA AND RELIEVE LORRY CONGESTION IN THE VICINITY.
UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF GRANT, CMSN HAS TO COMPLETE THE PROPOSED 133-MILLION DEVELOPMENT WITHIN 48 MONTHS.
THE $30-MILLION PREMIUM, WHICH IS THE FULL MARKET VALUE ON THE BASIS OF ACTUAL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSED, WILL BE PAID IN ONE LUMP SUM.
--------o --------
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1982
2
COMPUTERS INSTALLED IN SCHOOLS * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY COMPLETED INSTALLING COMPUTERS IN 30 SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR WHICH HAVE FOR THE FIRST TIME INCORPORATED COMPUTER STUDIES IN THEIR CURRICULUM ON A TRIAL BASIS FROM THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR.
THE NEW SUBJECT HAS BEEN INTRODUCED IN ONE CLASS AT FORM 4 LEVEL IN THESE SCHOOLS AND WILL BE EXTENDED TO FORM 5 LEVEL NEXT YEAR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
BY MAY 1984, THE STUDENTS WILL TAKE PART IN THE FIRST EXAMINATION ON COMPUTER STUDIES IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE OBJECTIVES OF THE COMPUTER STUDIES SUBJECT ARE TOi
ENABLE STUDENTS TO UNDERSTAND THE FUNCTIONS, USES AND LIMITATIONS OF COMPUTERS,
PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE STUDY OF THE MODERN METHODS OF INFORMATION PROCESSING,
ENCOURAGE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE IMPLICATIONS OF COMPUTERS IN THE MODERN WORLD, AND
PREPARE STUDENTS FOR FURTHER STUDIES IN COMPUTER SCIENCE.
YOUNG MUSICIANS WANTED
HMM
THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT IS INVITING YOUNG MUSICIANS TO JOIN THE OFFICE’S YOUTH SYMPHONIC BANDS, YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS, YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRAS, YOUTH CHOIR AND CHINESE FOLK SINGING CHIDREN’S ENSEMBLE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE OFFICE SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THOSE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE BANDS OR ORCHESTRAS SHOULD BE UNDER THE AGE OF 23 AND HAVE ATTAINED AT LEAST GRADE V OR ABOVE I N THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUS IC.EXAMINATION OR EQUIVALENT IN AT LEAST ONE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT. OR HAVE GOOD KNOWLEDGE IN ONE OR MORE CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.
♦PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE WITH ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦YOUNG PEOPLE, BETWEEN 17 AND 26 YEARS OF AGE, WITH AN INTEREST IN CHORAL REPERTOIRE AND ARE GOOD AT SIGHT-SINGING MAY APPLY TO JOIN THE YOUTH CHOIR.+ HE SAID.
/♦AS FOR........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1982
♦AS FOR THE CHINESE FOLK SINGING CHILDREN’S ENSEMBLE,+ HE CONTINUED, +APPLICANTS SHOULD BE AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND 12 AND INTERESTED IN CHINESE FOLK REPERTOIRE.♦
ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE AUDITIONED AT A LATER DATE.
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND REGULAR REHEARSALS AND TRAINING.
THERE ARE AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERFORMING LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS.
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE MUSIC OFFICE HEAD OFFICE AT THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, 9/F, 2 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI OR ANY OF ITS MUSIC CENTRES BY JANUARY 15.
FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CALL 3-7226240.
--------0----------
NEW TEXTILE AGREEMENT WITH AUSTRIA
* * * *
A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE CURRENT TEXTILE AGREEMENT BETWEEN AUSTRIA AND HONG KONG IS TO BE EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER YEAR FROM FEBRUARY 1, 1983 ON ALMOST THE SAME TERMS.
THE NEW AGREEMENT HAS BEEN CONCLUDED FOLLOWING DISCUSSIONS IN VIENNA LAST WEEK BY A HONG KONG DELEGATION HEADED BY MR JUSTIN YUE, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADE.
FULL DETAILS OF THE NEW AGREEMENT WILL BE ANNOUNCED AFTER A REPORT HAS BEEN MADE TO THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD LATER THIS WEEK, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
- - - - 0 ---------
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1982
4
1982 ANNUAL DIGEST OF STATISTICS ON SALE
* * M *
THE +HONG KONG ANNUAL DIGEST OF STATISTICS*, A PUBLICATION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, IS NOW ON SALE.
IT CONTAINS IN ONE VOLUME SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC STATISTICAL SERIES ON HONG KONG.
WHEREVER POSSIBLE IT ALSO PROVIDES DATA FOR A TEN-YEAR PERIOD (FROM 1972 TO 1981) TO CATER FOR PLANNING AND RESEARCH WORK THAT REQUIRE LONGER STATISTICAL SERIES.
IN ADDITION TO UPDATING MOST TABLES IN THE PREVIOUS EDITION, IT ALSO INCLUDES CERTAIN NEW STATISTICS, SUCH AS THE NEW SERIES OF MONETARY STATISTICS. PRINCIPAL STATISTICS FROM THE 1979 SURVEY OF BUILDING. CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS AND SOME RESULTS FROM THE 1981 POPULATION CENSUS.
THE PUBLICATION IS NOW ON SALE AT S184 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.
MACHINERY NEEDED FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT * * * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF INLET WORKS MACHINERY AND SLUDGE SCRAPERS FOR THE SECOND STAGE OF THE SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.
I
THE SECOND STAGE WOULD PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR 270 000 MORE PEOPLE TO MEET THE CONTINUING GROWTH OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN, THUS INCREASING THE TOTAL CAPACITY OF THE TREATMENT WORKS TO SERVE 335 000 PEOPLE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
THE TREATMENT WORKS COULD BE FURTHER EXTENDED TO COPE WITH A POPULATION OF 900 000 IN THE NEW TOWN AND DEVELOPING MA ON SHAN AREA.
THE CONTRACT COMPRISES THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF TWO BAR SCREENS, TWO CONVEYORS, SIX RECTANGULAR TANK SLUDGE SCRAPERS, 12 CIRCULAR .TANK SLUDGE SCRAPERS, ONE AUTOMATIC WATER GATE AND OTHER ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING STAINLESS STEEL SKIPS, STEEL GUARDS AND COVERS FOR MACHINERY.
IT REPRESENTS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO POLLUTION CONTROL, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1982
- 5 -
ASSISTANCE FOR NEW ARRIVALS TO BE DISCUSSED * * * * *
A PROJECT TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO NEW IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA NOW LIVING IN KOWLOON CITY WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 16).
THE PROJECT, PROPOSED BY THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SERVICE HONG KONG BRANCH, WILL INCLUDE ORIENTATION SESSIONS, PERSONAL AND FAMILY COUNSELLING, CANTONESE AND ENGLISH CLASSES AND TUTORIAL GROUPS FOR CHILDREN.
RESULTS OF A SURVEY ON THE NEEDS AND ASPIRATION OF THE LOCAL RESIDENTS ON COMMUNITY BUILDING WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED AT THE MEETING FOR COMMENTS.
DURING THE MEETING, UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL RAISE QUESTIONS ON FACILITIES IN KOWLOON TSAI PARK AND PERTH STREET SPORTS GROUND, REDUCTION OF SUBVENTION FOR CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, AND RULES GOVERNING THE TENANCY OF CHILDREN IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.15 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141-143, KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN. *
TEN SEATS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INTERESTED SHOULD CONTACT THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARY AT 3-7110171 BEFORE WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 15).
NOTE TO EDITORS t
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD hEETING.
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ABANDONED VEHICLES CLEARED FROM KENNEDY TOWN
M * * *
AN UNNAMED STREET OFF VICTORIA ROAD TODAY FELT THE FORCE 2<SKLSI^$L^RE!T1MAMAGEMENT operations OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE.
Iu_iuJo?t«IRE!Ta NEAR KENNEDY T0WN BUS terminus AND THE ?iEeeT?EA ®EF0MS AN “-LEGAL DUMPING GROUND FOR ABANDONED VEHICLES AND THE OPERATIONS OF ILLEGAL CAR REPAIR WORKSHOPS.
THE SITUATION FIRST CAME UNDER OFFICIAL ATTENTION
A ?SpBV,S,T BY THE CENTRAI- AMD^ESTm DISTRICT
v* r ivCn* ”n IUNT vvvrtK»
/CO-OHDINATKD BY .......
MJNDAT, DKJQffiEB 13, W
- 6 -
CO-ORDINATED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE. THE MATTER WAS SOON TAKEN UP BY THE POLICE, THE LANDS AND WORKS AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.
TODAY’S OPERATION INVOLVED THE TOWING AWAY OF ABANDONED VEHICLES, THE PULLING DOWN OF ILLEGAL EXTENSIONS AND THE REMOVAL OF OBSTRUCTIONS ALONG THE ROAD.
RESULTS OF THE CLEARANCE ACTION — THE LARGEST OF ITS KIND IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN — WILL BE REPORTED TO THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. COMPRISING SENIOR OFFICIALS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
A NAME FOR THE STREET IS NOW BEING CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL.
- - - - 0------------------------
-
BUILDERS REMINDED ABOUT SAFETY * ft ft ft
BUILDING CONTRACTORS WERE REMINDED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THEY ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO ADOPT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT WORKERS ENGAGED IN EXCAVATING OR EARTHWORKING OPERATIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT A BUILDING CONTRACTOR WAS RECENTLY FINED $10 000 IN COURT FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THIS STATUTORY REQUIREMENT.
THE REQUIREMENT, HE ADDED, IS CONTAINED IN THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS. IT STATES THAT A STRUCTURE MADE OF SUITABLE TIMBER OR OTHER MATERIAL SHOULD BE ERECTED FOR AN EXCAVATING OR EARTHWORKING OPERATION AS SOON AS NECESSARY SO AS TO PREVENT WORKMEN ON THE SITE FROM BEING ENDANGERED BY A FALL OR DISPLACEMENT OF EARTH, ROCK OR OTHER MATERIALS.
THE REGULATIONS ALSO STATE THAT BARRIERS OR COVERS SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO EXCAVATIONS, SHAFTS, PITS AND OPENINGS INTO WHICH WORKERS MAY FALL A DISTANCE OF MORE THAN 2 METRES, EXCEPT WHEN WORK IS ACTUALLY IN PROGRESS.
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/7
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1982
- 7 -DRIVING TESTS M M * *
ALL DRIVING TESTS SCHEDULED AT THE TIN KWONG ROAD CENTRE WILL BE CONDUCTED AS USUAL FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY), FOLLOWING THE RE-OPENING OF TIN KWONG ROAD.
THE ROAD WAS CLOSED AFTER AN EXPLOSION LAST FRIDAY.
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URBAN CLEARWAYS IN CENTRAL * * *
WELLINGTON STREET IN CENTRAL NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH LYNDHURST TERRACE WILL BE DESIGNATED AS AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 15).
AT THE SAME TIME, LYNDHURST TERRACE NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH WELLINGTON STREET WILL ALSO BE DECLARED AN URBAN CLEARWAY.
WITHIN THESE ROAD SECTIONS. VEHICLES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS DAILY BETWEEN 7 AM AND MIDNIGHT.
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TEMPORARY NIGHT CLOSURE OF PERCIVAL STREET * * * *
PERCIVAL STREET BETWEEN LOCKHART ROAD AND HENNESSY ROAD IN WAN CHAI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 12.01 AM AND 6.00 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 15) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MTR CAUSEWAY BAY STATION.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES TRAVELLING SOUTHBOUND ALONG PERCIVAL STREET TO HENNESSY ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LOCKHART ROAD AND CANAL ROAD EAST.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1982
8
WATER FIGURES * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 77.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 449.661 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 267.555 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 46.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
WATER CUT IN CAUSEWAY BAY
* M M *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 16) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED AREAS INCLUDE PATERSON STREET, GLOUCESTER ROAD, PERCIVAL STREET, HENNESSY ROAD, GREAT GEORGE STREET TO PATERSON STREET JUNCTION, INCLUDING EXCELSIOR HOTEL, WORLD TRADE CENTRE, AND KELLETT ISLAND.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TAXIS FOR LANTAU .............................................. 1
SHA TIN TO LEAD REVIVAL OF BICYCLING .......................... 3
TRADERS REMINDED ABOUT IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS ......... 4
$820 900 'LAI SEE' FOR NEEDY .................................. 4
HANDING OVER OF NEW PRISON................................... 6
EXTENSION OF CARGO WORKING AREA AT TYPHOON SHELTER ............ 6
LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD MEETS ................................... 7
PARTIAL CLOSURE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD....................... 7
NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON THURSDAY ...................... 8
SEMINAR ON MAKING SCHOOL LIFE HAPPIER ......................... 9
Water cuts in wan chai and east kowloon ....................... 9
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1982
1
TAXIS FOR LANTAU * * *
LANTAU ISLAND WILL HAVE ITS OWN TAXIS SOON, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
♦THIS IS TO MEET STRONG LOCAL DEMAND FROM RESIDENTS AS WELL AS TOURISTS FOR A MORE PERSONALISED FORM OF TRANSPORT, AND ALSO AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO PRIVATE CARS AND PRIVATE HIRE CARS, THE NUMBERS OF WHICH ARE REGULATED ON THE ISLAND,* HE ADDED.
THIS WAS ENDORSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TODAY WHEN IT MADE CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC (PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES) REGULATIONS AND THE ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS.
CURRENT LEGISLATION APPLICABLE TO HONG KONG AND KOWLOON TAXIS AND NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS GENERALLY WILL APPLY TO LANTAU TAXIS.
«
THE FARE'CHARGES WILL BE THE SAME AS FOR NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS.
THE SPOKESMAN STATED THAT ALTHOUGH 20 LANTAU TAXIS WILL INITIALLY BE REGISTERED, THE NUMBER WILL BE REVIEWED SIX MONTHS AFTER COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATION.
THE RIGHT TO REGISTER THESE TAXIS WOULD BE BY OPEN TENDER TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY BY NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE.
DUE TO ROAD CONDITIONS IN PARTS OF LANTAU, CLOSED ROAD PERMITS ISSUED TO LANTAU TAXIS WILL INITIALLY RESTRICT THEIR OPERATION TO SOUTH LANTAU (I.E. ALL ROADS IN LANTAU EXCEPT THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING FROM SHAM WAT ROAD TO PO LIN MONASTERY IN NGONG PING).
THE NEW TAXIS WILL BE BLUE IN COLOUR WITH A WHITE ROOF. AS WITH OTHER VEHICLES REGISTERED AND LICENSED TO OPERATE ON LANTAU ONLY, A LANTAU TAXI WILL BE CHARGED ONE QUARTER OF THE ANNUAL LICENCE FEE LEVIED ON HONG KONG AND KOWLOON TAXIS.
CONCURRENT WITH THE CREATION OF LANTAU TAXIS, AN AMENDMENT HA3 BEEN MADE TO THE REGULATIONS RELATING TO REGISTERING AND LICENSING OF NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS TO DISPENSE WITH THE REQUIREMENT FOR APPLICANTS TO HAVE HELD A DRIVING LICENCE FOR A PRIVATE CAR FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS.
/THE SPOKESMAN
TUESDAY, DECUtBER 14, 1982 '
2
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE OPPORTUNITY HAS BEEN TAKEN TO REMOVE FROM THE DRIVING LICENCE REGULATIONS THE SEPARATE DRIVING ENTITLEMENTS OP HONG KONG AND KOWLOON TAXIS AND NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS.
FROM DECEMBER 17, 1982, THERE WILL BE ONLY ONE DRIVING ENTITLEMENT OF +TAXI+.
THE EFFECT OF THIS CHANGE WILL BE THAT HOLDERS OF EXISTING DRIVING LICENCES FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON TAXIS AND NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS WILL BE ALLOWED TO DRIVE ALL TYPES OF TAXIS INCLUDING LANTAU TAXIS UNTIL THE RENEWAL OF THEIR DRIVING LICENCES WHEN BOTH ENTITLEMENTS WILL BE REPLACED BY THE NEW ENTITLEMENT.
WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, NO FURTHER APPLICATIONS FOR NEW TERRITORIES TAXI DRIVING LICENCE WILL BE ACCEPTED. AS FROM FEBRUARY 1, 1983, ALL CANDIDATES FOR TAXI DRIVING LICENCE IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THEY HAVE APPLIED AND HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON TAXI DRIVING LICENCE OR NEW TERRITORIES TAXI DRIVING LICENCE WILL HAVE TO TAKE A COMPOSITE WRITTEN TEST WHICH WILL CONSIST OF:
(A) HIGHWAY CODES 5
(B) RELEVANT TAXI REGULATIONS; AND
(C) LOCATIONS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING LANTAU ISLAND.
FOR THE INTERIM PERIOD UP TO AND INCLUDING JANUARY 31, 1983, CANDIDATES WILL TAKE, APART FROM HIGHWAY CODES AND RELEVANT TAXI REGULATIONS, THE LOCATION PAPER ON THE AREAS RELATING TO THEIR ORIGINAL APPLICATION.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1982
- 3 -
SHA TIN TO LEAD REVIVAL OF BICYCLING
* * * *
SHA TIN IS THE ONLY DISTRICT IN HONG KONG WITH A COMPREHENSIVE CYCLE TRACK PLAN FOR TRANSPORTATION.
AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DONALD TSANG, IS CONFIDENT THAT PEOPLE IN THE NEW TOWN WILL ACCEPT BICYCLES AS A POLLUTION-FREE AND HEALTHY MODE OF TRANSPORT WITHIN THE DISTRICT.
SPEAKING AT A DINNER MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF NEW TERRITORIES TONIGHT (TUESDAY), MR TSANG RECALLED THAT IN 1975 MR DAVID AKERS-JONES HAD PROPOSED A COORDINATED CYCLE TRACK SYSTEM FOR COMMUTERS.
THEN IN NOVEMBER 1978, THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED ITS DECISION TO PLAN A CYCLE TRACK NETWORK FOR THE DEVELOPING AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, HE SAID.
IT WAS STRESSED THAT A CYCLE TRACK WOULD MAKE THE ROAD SAFER AND ADD A NEW DIMENSION TO RECREATION.
IN DECEMBER 1981, THE 5.2 KM INITIAL SYSTEM OF THE CYCLE TRACK LINKING TAI WAI AND FO TAN IN SHA TIN, WAS OPENED.
BASED ON THE LATEST PROPOSAL, THE CYCLE TRACK IN SHA TIN, WHEN COMPLETED, WILL BE 47.5 KM LONG AND 60 KM LONG IF MA ON SHAN IS INCLUDED.
THE PROPOSED SYSTEM WILL EXTEND ALONG BOTH SIDES OF THE SHING MUN RIVER AS PART OF THE RIVERSIDE PROMENADE PROJECT. THE PROPOSED TRACK ON THE NORTHERN BANK OF THE RIVER WILL RUN TO THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE. ON THE SOUTHERN BANK, PROVISIONALLY IT WILL RUN TO THE SIU LEK YUEN VALLEY.
MR TSANG SAID THAT THE CYCLE TRACKS IN SHA TIN WOULD LOOP AROUND THE TOWN, ALLOWING RESIDENTS TO CYCLE BETWEEN THEIR HOMES AND OFFICES, FACTORIES AND SCHOOLS.
♦ AND IT IS PLANNED THAT CYCLISTS WILL HAVE THEIR SEPARATE TRACKS ON THE COASTAL ROAD CONNECTING SHA TIN AND TAI PO,* HE ADDED.
HE ALSO SPOKE OF SOME MINOR DIFFICULTIES IN DEVELOPING SUCH A COMPREHENSIVE CYCLE TRACK FOR TRANSPORT PURPOSES.
♦ AT PROBLEM JUNCTIONS, GUARDRAILS ARE REQUIRED TO PROTECT THE SAFETY OF BOTH CYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS WHO COMPETE FOR THE USE OF TRACKS,♦ HE SAID.
♦ BESIDES, A NEW SET OF TRAFFIC AIDS AND SIGNS IS REQUIRED. AND A CYCLE TRACK CODE MAY ALSO BE NEEDED.+
HE SAID THE PROJECT MANAGER WILL HAVE TO BUILD CYCLE PARKS ALONG THE RIVER PROMENADES, FO TAN INDUSTRIAL AREA, TOWN CENTRE AND ALL TRANSPORT INTERCHANGES.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER ASSURED RESIDENTS THAT THEY COULD CYCLE SAFELY TO THEIR DESTINATIONS IN THE SAME TIME REQUIRED FOR WAITING A BUS.
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/4........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1982
- 4 -
TRADERS REMINDED ABOUT IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS * * * *
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.
HE 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 2 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 REASONABLE EXCUSE, 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 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 IF THEY HAVE ANY ENQUIRIES ABOUT LODGEMENT OF IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS, HE SAID.
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$820 900 'LAI SEE’ FOR NEEDY * * * *
NEW YEAR *LAI SEE+ PACKETS OF $100 EACH WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO MORE THAN 8 000 NEEDY PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY FROM A LOCAL CHARITABLE FUND.
A TOTAL OF $820 900 HAS BEEN ALLOCATED FOR THE DISTRIBUTION BY THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE TANG SHIU-KIN/HO TIM CHARITABLE FUND TO 2 347 WIDOWS OR WIDOWERS WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN AND ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, 5 380 RESIDENTS OF HOMES AND HOSTELS FOR THE ELDERLY AND 482 ELDERLY PATIENTS OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS.
/OK THURSDAY .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1U, 1982
5
ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 16), THE FOUNDERS OF THE FUND, SIR SHIU-KIN TANG AND MR HO TIM, ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE, WHO IS ALSO TRUSTEE OF THE FUND, WILL HELP DISTRIBUTE THE RED +LAI SEE + PACKETS TO SOME 300 WIDOWED FAMILIES FROM HONG KONG ISLAND, AT THE TUNG WAH HOSPITAL AT 12 PO YAN STREET, HONG KONG, STARTING AT 3 PM.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE PRESENT, AS WILL TELEVISION ACTRESS MISS LEE SEE-KI AND MISS MONA FONG.
WIDOWED FAMILIES IN OTHER PARTS OF THE TERRITORY WILL RECEIVE THE +LAI SEE+ THROUGH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S DISTRICT OFFICES.
RED PACKETS FOR RESIDENTS OF OLD PEOPLE’S HOMES AND HOSTELS AND THE TUNG WAH HOSPITALS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED BY THE INSTITUTIONS THEMSELVES.
THE FUND, ADMINISTERED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1977.
IT PROVIDES IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS OR FAMILIES IN COPING WITH HARDSHIPS ARISING FROM UNEXPECTED CIRCUMSTANCES, SUCH AS THE DEATH OF A BREADWINNER, AN ACCIDENT OR SUDDEN OR PROLONGED SERIOUS ILLNESS.
CASH GRANTS ARE ALSO PROVIDED FOR EDUCATION, PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT OR FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT, SPECIAL DIETS OR OTHER NEEDS.
GRANTS ARE ALSO GIVEN TO MEET SPECIAL NEEDS ARISING FROM PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITY OR CHRONIC ILLNESS AND THE BASIC NEEDS OF THOSE WHO DO NOT QUALIFY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
IN PARTICULAR, THE FUND HELPS VICTIMS OF NATURAL DISASTERS.
APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE FUND CAN BE MADE TO THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, PO LEUNG KUK, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT OR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
SOCIAL WORKERS OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES MAY ALSO REFER HARDSHIP CASES TO THE SECRETARY OF THE FUND OR THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVE= THE DISTRIBUTION OF RED *LA I SEE + PACKETS TO WIDOWED FAMILIES IN THE MAIN HALL OF TUNG WAH HOSPITAL AT 12 PO YAN STREET, HONG KONG AT 3 DM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 16).
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1982
NOTE TO EDITORS:
HANDING OVER OF NEW PRISON * * *
5 NEWLY BUILT PRISON, TUNG TAU CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, IN -’ANLEY a ILL BE FORMALLY HANDED OVER TO THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES department at a special ceremony to be held at the institution on Thursday (December 16) at 2.45
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT, MR JOSE lE I, WILL PRESENT THE KEY OF THE MAIN GATE TO THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER, TO BE FOLLOWED BY A TOUR OF THE INSTITUTION.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE CEREMONY AND TOUR THE INSTITUTION. PHOTOGRAPHING AND FILMING OF FACILITIES INSIDE THE INSTITUTION WILL NOT EE ALLOWED. PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE ISSUED BY CORRECTIONAL SERVICES.
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS AT GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KwAN ROAD, WAN CHAI AT 2 PM SHARP.
EXTENSION OF CARGO WORKING AREA AT TYPHOON SHELTER
*****
THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS TO EXTEND THE PRESENT PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA WITHIN THE RAMBLER CHANNEL TYPHOON SHELTER BY PAVING AND FENCING THE SITE.
ON COMPLETION THE EXTENSION WOULD PROVIDE 60 PER CENT MORE SPACE OVER THE PRESENT AREA, RESULTING IN A MUCH NEEDED EXPANSION CF CARGO HANDLING FACILITIES WITHIN THE TSUEN WAN AREA.
TENDERS FOR THE EXTENSION WORK ARE BEING INVITED AND CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO START IN MARCH.
THE EXTENSION WORK WILL TAKE ABOUT ONE YEAR TO COMPLETE.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1982
7
LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD MEETS 4 4 4
THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD HELD ITS THIRD MEETING OF THE YEAR IN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE MEETING, WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY ALL EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVES AND FIVE EMPLOYER REPRESENTATIVES, DISCUSSED TWO MAIN TOPICS -
THE WAGE CEILING FOR NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES IN THE EMPLOYMENT
ORDINANCE, AND
THE MAXIMUM LEVEL OF COMPENSATION IN THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE AND THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE.
THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARD WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR CONSIDERATION IN LINE WITH USUAL PRACTICE.
THE MEETING ALSO AGREED THAT AT THE END OF A BOARD MEETING A PRESS RELEASE SHOULD BE ISSUED ON THE TOPICS DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD IS AN ADVISORY BODY COMPRISING THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR OR THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR AS THE CHAIRMAN EX-OFFICIO AND SIX EMPLOYER REPRESENTATIVES AND SIX EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVES. THE BOARD ADVISES THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ON SUCH MATTERS, INCLUDING LEGISLATION, AS THE COMMISSIONER MAY REFER TO IT.
PARTIAL CLOSURE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD 4 4 4
LION ROCK TUNNEu ROAD NEAR KAK TIN VILLAGE IN SHA TIN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM UNTIL 5.30 AM ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY (DECEMBER 16 AND 17) FOR THE DEMOLITION OF A FOOTBRIDGE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC BETWEEN KOWLOON AND SHA TIN WILL BE MAINTAINED VIA TAI PO ROAD.
HOWEVER, THE SECTION OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD BETWEEN KAK TIN VILLAGE AND TSANG TAI UK WILL REMAIN OPEN FOR LOCAL ACCESS.
VEHICLES TRAVELLING FROM KOWLOON TO WORLDWIDE GARDENS CAN STILL USE THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1982
8
NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON THURSDAY *****
EMPLOYMENT NEEDS ARISING FROM NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH DISTRICT, NEW TERRITORIES, WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD'S 12TH MEETING ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER lb) AFTERNOON.
BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO SET UP A SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE AND THE PROPOSED PHASING-OUT PROGRAMME FOR UNLICENSED FOOD BUSINESS IN UNDEVELOPED AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR, THE GAMBLING POLICY AND OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES AND THE FUNCTIONS AND WORK OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON, WILL TALK BRIEFLY ON THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD IN GENERAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 16) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, 2ND FLOOR, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO. A 14-SEATER VAN, AM5797, WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 1.30 PM FOR TAI PO.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1982
9
SEMINAR ON MAKING SCHOOL LIFE HAPPIER
*****
ABOUT 250 SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS WILL TAKE PART IN A FULLDAY SEMINAR ON THE THEME +TOWARDS A HAPPIER LIFE IN SCHOOL* AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 17).
THE AIM OF THE SEMINAR IS TO EXAMINE WAYS AND MEANS OF ALLEVIATING THE STRESS AND STRAIN FACED BY PUPILS THROUGH MORE EFFECTIVE CARE AND A HEALTHIER LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, W MICHAEL LEUNG, WILL DELIVER A CLOSING SPEECH.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR ON +TOWARDS A HAPPIER LIFE IN SCHOOL* TO BE HELD AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AT GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 17).
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT =» AM.
- 0 - -
WATER CUTS IN WAN CHAI AND EAST KOWLOON * * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN WAN CHAI WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 17) 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.
MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF AREAS IN EAST KOWLOON WILL ALSO BE CUT OFF FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM DAILY ON FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND MONDAY (DECEMBER 17, 18 AND 20) TO FACILITATE WATER PIPE REPAIR WORK.
THE AFFECTED AREAS ARE HUNG HOM; TO KWA WAN! MA TAU KOK ? MA TAU WEI; KAI TAK; LOK FU; KOWLOON CITY; WONG TAI SIN; KOWLOON TONG; INCLUDING KOWLOON HOSPITAL; WANG TAU HOM; TUNG TAU TSUEN; AND TSZ WAN SHAN AS WELL AS HAMMER HILL ESTATE.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL. 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
PLANS ANNOUNCED FOR A BRIGHTER CHRISTMAS...................... 1
SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS OPENED......................... 2
DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS.................................... 4
EARLY CHRISTMAS FOR THE ELDERLY............................... 7
THAI CORRECTIONAL CHIEF VISITS HK ............................
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK HELPS STUDENTS ............................ 8
YOUTH LEADERS TO GATHER AT BIG FORUM.......................... 9
FIELD STUDY DAY FOR GEOGRAPHY TEACHERS ....................... 9
SPORTS CENTRE FOR TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS ........................ 10
SHA TIN SITES FOR SHORT TERM TENANCIES ....................... 11
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TAI PO AND SHAU KEI WAN .............. 12
SALT WATER CUT ON HK ISLAND................................... 12
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1982
1
PLANS ANNOUNCED FOR A BRIGHTER CHRISTMAS * * * *
COLOURFUL FESTIVE LIGHTINGS WILL BRIGHTEN UP URBAN TOWN CENTRES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS FOR THE COMING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS.
IN ADDITION, A SERIES OF ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY VARIOUS DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR LOCAL PEOPLE TO CELEBRATE THE FESTIVALS.
DETAILS OF THE LIGHTING ARRANGEMENTS AND CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES WERE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR ALBERT LAM.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CONFERENCE WAS CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER, MRS DOROTHY CHAN, WHO GAVE DETAILS OF SPECIAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND OTHER TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS TO COPE WITH THE EXPECTED DEMAND DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.
MR LAM SAID TRADITIONAL LIGHTING DISPLAYS, JOINTLY FINANCED BY DISTRICT BOARDS AND COMMERCIAL FIRMS, WOULD BE PUT ON IN CENTRAL, EAST TSIM SHA TSUI, CHAI WAN, TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN.
IN CENTRAL AND EAST TSIM SHA TSUI, THE DECORATION EXPENSES WILL BE COVERED ENTIRELY BY SHOP OWNERS AND REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS IN THE AREAS.
THE LIGHTING DISPLAYS IN CHAI WAN, TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN -THE FIRST LARGE SCALE DISPLAYS EVER ORGANISED IN THESE DISTRICTS -WILL COST A TOTAL OF $335 000 WHICH WILL BE MET BY THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT BOARDS AND PRIVATE DONATIONS.
A SWITCH-ON CEREMONY FOR CENTRAL WILL TAKE PLACE THIS EVENING, FOLLOWED BY EAST TSIM SHA TSUI TOMORROW (THURSDAY) EVENING, CHAI WAN ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 18), SHA TIN ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 21) AND TSUEN WAN ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 22).
MR LAM ADDED THAT A PHASED SWITCH-OFF PROGRAMME OF LIGHTING HAD BEEN WORKED OUT FOR CENTRAL AND EAST TSIM SHA TSUI ON CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S EVES, STARTING AT 1 AM AND ENDING AT 2.30 AM.
♦THIS SHOULD ENABLE PEOPLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXTENDED PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACILITIES BY LEAVING THE MAJOR AREAS AT DIFFERENT TIMES,* HE SAID.
THE VARIOUS DISTRICTS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI, HAVE ORGANISED A WIDE RANGE OF PROGRAMMES TO ENTERTAIN THE HOLIDAY CROWDS.
THESE INCLUDE DISCO NIGHTS, CARNIVALS, CONCERTS, SKATING SHOWS, CHRISTMAS CAROLS, VARIETY SHOWS, TELE MATCHES AND FILM SHOWS.
THE MAJOR *CITY* ATTRACTION IS EXPECTED TO BE AT EAST TSIM SHA TSUI, WHERE THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD AND COMMERCIAL RADIO ARE PLANNING VARIETY SHOWS FEATURING TOP SHOW BUSINESS PERSONALITY FOR BOTH CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S EVES.
/BOTH SHOWS, ........
WaDNjSSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1982
2
BOTH SHOWS, EACH LASTING THREE HOURS, WILL START AT 9.30 PM AND ADMISSION WILL BE FREE.
IN WONG TAI SIN, A D.J. SHOW HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE MORSE PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE.
VARIOUS CHURCHES IN CHAI WAN WILL JOINTLY PRESENT CHRISTMAS CAROLS IN THE SITTING-OUT AREA OUTSIDE THE WAN TSUI COMMERCIAL COMPLEX FROM 7.30 PM TO 9 PM ON DECEMBER 24 AND 25.
FOR SHAU KEI WAN RESIDENTS, A SERIES OF FESTIVE PRESENTATIONS HAVE BEEN LINED UP BY THE TAI KOO SHING MANAGEMENT AT THE CITY PLAZA.
ONE OF THE MAJOR EVENTS BEING ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL IS A TWO-HOUR VARIETY SHOW AT MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND, MONG KOK, STARTING AT 8 PM ON CHRISTMAS EVE.
MR LAM EMPHASISED THAT THE ACTIVITIES WOULD BE HELD AT DIFFERENT VENUES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY TO ENABLE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO SPEND THE HOLIDAYS NEAR THEIR HOMES, INSTEAD OF HAVING TO TRAVEL TO OTHER DISTRICTS OR ONTO CENTRAL, WHERE THERE WILL BE NO ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES.
MR LAM SAID SPECIAL PEDESTRIAN SCHEMES AND ROAD CLOSURES WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN CERTAIN PARTS OF CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIODS FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC.
MRS CHAN OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID EXTENDED SERVICES WOULD BE PROVIDED BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, AND BUS, FERRY, TRAM, PEAK TRAM, MINI-BUS AND MAXI-CAB COMPANIES DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIODS FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC.
SHE ADVISED MEMBERS OF AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID
THE PUBLIC TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTS CONGESTION ON THE ROADS.
SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS OPENED * * * *
THE SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS WOULD ENSURE THAT THE ENVIRONMENT OF TOLO HARBOUR DID NOT SUFFER FROM THE URBAN GROWTH CF THE NEW TOWN, THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL W H.M.G. FORSGATE, SAID TODAY.
IT WOULD ALSO MAKE THE HARBOUR PURPOSES.
SAFE FOR RECREATIONAL
_ FORSGATE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE FIRST STAGE huit?a?i v0NTnSebARSEST TREATMENT WORKS, WHICH WILL BE ABLE, INITIALLY, TO SERVE A POPULATION OF 230 000.
FJLLY........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1982
- 3 -
WHEN FULLY COMPLETED, THE TREATMENT WORKS WOULD OCCUPY 31 HECTARES OF RECLAIMED LAND AND BE ABLE TO COPE WITH THE NEEDS OF THE PLANNED POPULATION OF 900 OOO IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN, INCLUDING MA ON SHAN, HE SAID.
■♦•BEING AN ENCLOSED AREA OF THE SEA, TOLO HARBOUR HAS LITTLE TIDAL MOVEMENTS AND ANY SEWAGE DISCHARGED INTO IT WOULD NOT BE SWEPT AWAY BY THE TIDES EASILY, AS HAPPENS IN MANY OTHER PARTS OF HONG KONG, BUT WOULD TEND TO BUILD UP AND EVENTUALLY DESTROY THE EXISTING MARINE LIFE.+ MR FORSGATE SAID.
THE NEW TREATMENT WORKS WOULD TREAT THE SEWAGE SO THAT' MORE THAN 90 PER CENT OF THE POLLUTANTS WERE REMOVED BEFORE THE EFFLUENT WAS DISCHARGED INTO THE HARBOUR, HE ADDED.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRST STAGE COST $365 MILLION, PARTLY FINANCED BY A $60 MILLION LOAN FROM THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK.
POWER FOR THE WORKS IS PROVIDED BY FOUR GENERATORS, TWO DIESEL ENGINES AND TWO DUAL FUEL ENGINES WHICH CAN RUN EITHER ON DIESEL OR METHANE PRODUCED FROM THE SLUDGE DIGESTION PLANT, MR FORSGATE SAID.
♦ IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE METHANE WILL PROVIDE ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF THE ENERGY REQUIREMENT TO RUN THE PLANT,♦ HE ADDED.
IN HIS WELCOMING SPEECH, THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, MR F.E. SHORT, SAID THAT PLANNING OF THE WORKS BEGAN IEARLY 10 YEARS AGO, AND ALL THE AREA ON WHICH IT NOW STANDS WAS THEN STILL PART OF TOLO HARBOUR, AND THE FIRST HOUSING ESTATE IN SHA TIN HAD NOT STARTED.
♦ IT WAS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO PROVIDE A TEMPORARY SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT TO SERVE THE INITIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN AND THESE TEMPORARY WORKS HAVE SERVED THE TOWN WELL FOR THE PAST SEVEN YEARS,♦ MR SHORT SAID.
THE FIRST STAGE OF THE WORKS WOULD BE ABLE TO SERVE THE POPULATION OF SHA TIN UP TO 1985, WHEN THE SECOND STAGE WOULD BE OPERATIONAL, HE ADDED.
MR SHORT EXPLAINED THAT THE SEWAGE FROM THE NEW TOWN IS COLLECTED AND CONVEYED TO THE MAIN PUMPING STATION AT THE SOUTHERN END OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB’S RACE COURSE. IT IS THEN PUMPED IN TWIN 1.4-METRE DIAMETER PIPES TO THE WORKS.
♦ THE TREATMENT PROCESS INVOLVES SCREENING, DEGRITTING, PRIMARY SEDIMENTATION, AERATION AND THEN FINAL SEDIMENTATION BEFORE THE CLEAR EFFLUENT GRAVITATES INTO TOLO HARBOUR VIA TWIN 2.5-METRE DIAMETER PIPES LAID BENEATH THE SEABED,♦ MR SHORT SAID.
THESE PROCESSES RELY ON MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL PLANT AND EQUIPMENT WHICH PERFORM SEM(-AUTOMATICALLY. THERE IS ALSO SOPHISTICATED MONITORING EQUIPMENT WHICH PROVIDES UP-TO-THE-MINUTE INFORMATION ON HOW THE VARIOUS PARTS OF THE PROCESS ARE PERFORMING.
♦THIS WILL HELP ENSURE THAT THE WORKS OPERATE EFFICIENTLY AND WILL SAFEGUARD THE WATERS OF TOLO HARBOUR FROM POLLUTION,* MR SHORT SAID.
-----0--------
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1982
4
DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS * * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY RELEASED DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS ANALYSED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1982. (STATISTICAL TABLE ATTACHED)
THIS SERIES IS DERIVED BY RE-GROUPING ALL SIX-DIGIT COMMODITY EXPORT ITEMS UNDER THE PRESENT EXTERNAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM, ACCORDING TO THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH THESE COMMODITY ITEMS ARE NORMALLY PRODUCED.
SINCE ITS SCOPE IS CONFINED TO MERCHANDISE TRADE, TRANSACTIONS IN GOLD AND SPECIE ARE NOT INCLUDED.
THE CLASSIFICATION OF COMMODITY EXPORT ITEMS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN IS STRUCTURED UPON THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL STANDARD CLASSIFICATION OF ALL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES (ISIC), AS DISTINCT FROM THE UNITED NATIONS STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (SITC) WHICH IS ADOPTED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
WHEN INTERPRETING THESE RE-CLASSIFIED FIGURES, IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE OVERALL EXPORT VALUE OF AN EXPORTED COMMODITY REQUIRING SEVERAL INTERMEDIATE PROCESSING STAGES IS WHOLLY ALLOCATED TO THE INDUSTRY IN WHICH IT IS FINALLY PRODUCED, ALTHOUGH THE INDUSTRY IS NOT REALLY THE SOLE CONTRIBUTOR TO THE VALUE. BESIDES, THE CLASSIFICATION OF AN EXPORTED COMMODITY TO A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE ENTIRE AMOUNT OF THE COMMODITY IS ACTUALLY PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS OF THAT INDUSTRY, SINCE SOME MAY BE SECONDARY PRODUCTS PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS CLASSIFIED UNDER OTHER INDUSTRIES.
IN TERMS OF THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, THE SIX MOST IMPORTANT INDUSTRY GROUPS WERE WEARING APPAREL, ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS, TEXTILES, PLASTIC PRODUCTS, PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT, AND METAL PRODUCTS.
THEY TOGETHER, ACCOUNTED FOR 86 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE CF MERCHANDISE DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1982.
THE LARGEST INCREASES BY ABSOLUTE VALUE OVER THE THIRD QUARTER CF 1981 OCCURRED IN PLASTIC PRODUCTS (1189 MILLION) AND WEARING APPAREL ($125 MILLION).
/IN PBHCENTAGi ......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1982
- 5 -
IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, THE LARGEST INCREASES WERE i ELECTRICITY (190 PER CENT), BEVERAGES (30 PER CENT), PETROLEUM AND COAL PRODUCTS (29 PER CENT). TOBACCO (15 PER CENT), AND NON-ELECTRI CAL MACHINERY (13 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED NOTABLY FOR TEXTILES (-1281 MILLION), ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS (-$185 MILLION), AND METAL PRODUCTS (-$141 MILLION).
IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DECREASES WERE OBSERVED IN MINING AND QUARRYING (-92 PER CENT), RUBBER PRODUCTS (-44 PER CENT), NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS (-26 PER CENT). AGRICULTURAL, LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY PRODUCTION (-24 PER CENT) AND FOOTWEAR (-21 PER CENT).
FURTHER DETAILS OF DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS FOR MERCHANDISE RECLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRY ORIGIN MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (AT >7213066).
NOTE TO EDITORSi
THE STATISTICAL TABLE IS ATTACHED.
/6........
WEDNESDAY, DFEaibEh 1?, ,1982
- 6 -
Mlue of domestic exports for merchandise, recxassifiea py xraustrial origin for zne 3rd quarter of 1981 anc of 1982
(HKS’OOO)
. Merchandise domestic exports
.no us tris, origin of the ___________________________________;____
coemod 1 ties exported 3rd otr. 1981 3rd qtr. 1982 % cnange
Agricultural, Forestry and Fishing
Agriculture, livestock and 8 0*9 6 099 -2*
poultry production
Ocean ana coastax fishing 3* 065 28 24** -17
Mining and quarrying 315 25 -92
Manufacturing
Food 26h 573 283 311 7
Beverages 8 862 11 48? 30
Tobacco 31 231 35 939 ^5
Textiles (including knitting; 3 989 570 3 708 926 -7
tearing appare., except 5 732 07* 5 856 676 2
footwear and Knitwear
Leather and ^eetner products 1U0 U15 125 706 -15
Footwear 108 657 85 808 -21
•ood ana cork products. 151 278 124 683 -18
furniture and fixtures
Paper and paper products, 310 797 3*0 >2 1C
printing ana puolishing
Chemicals and checical products 22* 62* 2*o 9b? IC
Products of petroleun and coal 16c 207 29
Rubber oroducts 28 113 15 673
Plastic oroducts 2 139 0*9 2 327 957 9
Non-netallic aineral products 8* 156 62 145 -26
Basic setals and fabricated 1 165 256 1 02* *2* -12
we tai products
Machinery, except electrical 205 00 232 62c 13
Electrical aa chi ne ry and 4 466 123 4 280 848 -u
appliances (incl. electronics)
Transport equipment 44 265 40 100 -9
Professional and optical equipment 2 193 795 2 188 86m •
Other manufacturing industries 999 34c 1 348 498 >>
Electricity 9 749 28 246 19C
Miscellaneous items
(e.g. small postal packages, 137 167 193 3*5 Hi
developed photographic plates
and film, antiques, and works
of art)
Total 22 ^84 686 22 597 3*C ♦ 1
Individual entries of a coluan nay not add up exactly to the corresponding total due to rounding.
a change of lees than 0«%
- 0
WEDNESDAY^DECEMBER 15, 1982
- 7 -
EARLY CHRISTMAS FOR THE ELDERLY .« J J
CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY TO. HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE AT TWO CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY IN WONG TAI SIN TODAY, WHEN THEY RECEIVED GIFTS FROM VISITING DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
THE VISIT WAS PART OF A TWO-DAY PROGRAMME OF CALLS TO FIVE INSTITUTIONS BEING MADE BY MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE BOARD HAD EARLIER ALLOCATED $5 □□□ FOR THE PURCHASE OF SUCH THINGS AS CHOPSTICKS, BOWLS, CUPS, AND SWEETS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE OLD PEOPLE.
ACCOMPANIED BY ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEVEN FISHER, AND SOCIAL WORK OFFICER, MR HO SHUI-LAM, THE BOARD MEMBERS THIS MORNING CALLED AT THE TSZ ON SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY IN TSZ WAN SHAN, AND THE HO TUNG HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY IN FU SHAN ESTATE.
IN THE AFTERNOON, TOGETHER WITH ASSISTANT DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MR BASIL LEUNG, THEY VISITED THE CHOI WAN SHELTERED WORKSHOP AND HOME IN CHOI WAN ESTATE.
THE CENTRE PROVIDES RESIDENTIAL AND SHELTERED WORK SERVICE FOR 146 DISABLED PEOPLE.
TOMORROW, THE BOARD MEMBERS WILL VISIT THE CARITAS SOCIAL CENTRE FOR EX-DRUG ADDICTS AND METHADONE PATIENTS IN TUNG TAU ESTATE. AND THE TUNG TAU WORK ACTIVITY CENTRE WHICH OFFERS DAY CARE AND TRAINING FOR SOME 30 MENTALLY-HANDICAPPED ADULTS.
-----o------
THAI CORRECTIONAL CHIEF VISITS HK M * *
THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THAILAND’S DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, NR DHAVEE CHOOSUP, ARRIVED IN HONG KONG THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON FOR A FIVE-DAY VISIT, ACCOMPANIED BY FOUR SENIOR OFFICERS.
MR DHAVEE AND THE OFFICERS WILL ATTEND CEREMONIES MARKING THE FORMAL HANDING OVER OF THE NEWLY-BUILT TUNG TAU CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION TOMORROW AFTERNOON, AND WILL VISIT TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS, STANLEY PRISON AND THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE.
THEY WILL ALSO HOLD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER.
THE VISITORS WILL RETURN TO THAILAND ON SUNDAY.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1982
8
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK HELPS STUDENTS
* * * *
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK HELPS STUDENTS RESOLVE THEIR ACADEMIC, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS SO THAT THEY CAN ACHIEVE MAXIMUM BENEFIT FROM STUDIES AND EDUCATION.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE, AT THE SPEECH DAY OF THE HONG KONG CHINESE WOMEN’S CLUB HIOE TJO YEONG PRIMARY AND EVENING SCHOOL.
MR ALLEYNE SAID KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING, GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT FROM THE FAMILY AND THE SCHOOL ARE ESSENTIAL TO HELP YOUNG STUDENTS GROW AND DEVELOP NORMALLY AND HEALTHILY.
THE ROLE OF THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER, HE EXPLAINED, IS TO ENHANCE BETTER UNDERSTANDING, CO-OPERATION AND COMMUNICATION AMONG THE STUDENTS, THEIR FAMILIES, SCHOOLS, AND OTHERS THROUGH SPECIAL ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMES.
♦WHERE NECESSARY, COUNSELLING AND PRACTICAL ASSISTANCE ARE RENDERED TO NEEDY STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL PROBLEMS,+ HE SAID.
BUT HE STRESSED THAT THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER WOULD NOT FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY WITHOUT THE HELP OF THE SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS WHO WOULD BE +AMONGST THE FIRST TO DETECT A STUDENT’S PROBLEM AND TO REFER HIM FOR HELP.+
♦THEIR CONCERN AND SUPPORT TO THE STUDENT WILL BE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THAT SHOWN BY THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER OR THE STUDENT’S OWN FAMILY,+ HE SAID.
THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE WAS INTRODUCED IN 1974 AND IT NOW COVERS 467 SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
♦IDEALLY, EVERY SCHOOL SHOULD HAVE ITS OWN SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER, BUT OWING TO LIMITED MANPOWER RESOURCES, A SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER NOW HAS TO SERVE FOUR SCHOOLS OR A STUDENT POPULATION OF ROUGHLY 4 000,♦ HE SAID.
PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE SERVED BY STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS WHO ARE TEACHERS WITH SPECIAL TRAINING IN COUNSELLING TO HELP STUDENTS IN WAYS SIMILAR TO SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, MR ALLEYNE SAID.
THERE ARE AT PRESENT 137 STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS UNDER THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SERVING ABOUT 452 000 STUDENTS IN 856 PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE ENTERING SECONDARY SCHOOL, MR ALLEYNE TOLD THEM TO SEE THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER IF THEY ENCOUNTER DIFFICULTIES.
/9 .......
9
YOUTH LEADERS TO GATHER AT BIG FORUM
*****
OVER 110 REPRESENTATIVES FROM ELEVEN DIFFERENT UNIFORMED YOUTH GROUPS REPRESENTING 50 000 YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WILL MEET AT AN OPEN YOUTH FORUM ON DECEMBER 28 (TUESDAY) AT THE YMCA WU KAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE.
ORGANISED BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES CADET CORPS, THE FORUM AIMS AT OBTAINING:
A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF TODAY’S YOUTHS,
their views on their civic responsibilities,
THEIR LIFE IN A CROWDED ENVIRONMENT, AND
HOW THEY SPEND THEIR LEISURE TIME.
IT IS FELT THAT THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE PARTICIPANTS WILL HELP YOUTH LEADERS IN PLANNING ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTHS IN THE FUTURE, AS SOME 12.5 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION ARE IN THE 14 TO 19 YEARS AGE GROUP, A CAS SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦THESE YOUTHS ARE A VERY IMPORTANT SEGMENT OF THE POPULATION AND THEIR INTERESTS, EDUCATION, RECREATION AND WELFARE ARE OF 'KEEN CONCERN TO ALL YOUTH WORKERS AND THE GOVERNMENT’,♦ HE ADDED.
TAKING PART IN THE FORUM WILL BE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HONG KONG RED CROSS, ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (JUNIOR LEADERS), ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG AIR CADET CORPS, HONG KONG SEA CADET CORPS, THE SCOUTS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, HONG KONG GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION, ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE, POLICE CADET SCHOOL, HONG KONG COUNCIL OF BOYS BRIGADE AND THE CIVIL AID SERVICES CADET CORPS.
REPRESENTATIVES WILL ASSEMBLE ON DECEMBER 27 (MONDAY) AND STAY IN THE VILLAGE OVERNIGHT TO ENJOY ORGANISED SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND RECREATION BEFORE THE FORUM STARTS THE FOLLOWING DAY.
- - - - 0 ----
FIELD STUDY DAY FOR GEOGRAPHY TEACHERS * * * *
A GEOGRAPHY FIELD STUDY DAY WILL BE HELD NEXT MONTH FOR FORMS FOUR AND FIVE GEOGRAPHY TEACHERS.
THE FUNCTION, WHICH WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 22, NEXT YEAR AT THE FIELD STUDIES CENTRE, SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AT PAK KONG, AIMS AT ACQUAINTING TEACHERS WITH FIELD TECHNIQUES RELATED TO GEOGRAPHIC EDUCATION IN UPPER SECONDARY FORMS.
IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG GEOGRAPHICAL ASSOCIATION AND THE GEOGRAPHY SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE.
/SEVERAL GEOGRAPHY .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1982
10
$EVERAL geography experts, including dr victor sit of the DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG; DR S.M LI OF THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY, HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE; MR K.C.
-r°LTHE FIELD STUDIES CENTRE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND MR K.Y. TO PARTl?iPmsGATUTHEFCENTRETALS CHANG M‘NG ™'EN C0LLEGE' WILL ADDRESS
^L0^!.™001-8 WH0 W0ULD L,KE THEIR geography teachers to take PART IN THE FIELD STUDY DAY SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR NOMINATIONS TO THE
\.F1ELD STUD,ES CENTRE, SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, PAK KONG, N.T. ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 20.
™E MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS FOR THE FUNCTION IS 20 AND ACCEPTANCE WILL BE TREATED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS. ^EyER’ PR ,0R ITY W,LL BE G,VEN To THOSE SCHOOLS WHICH HAVE NOT YET PART CIPATED IN ANY GEOGRAPHY FIELD COURSES ORGANISED BY THE FIELD STUDIES CENTRE.
srw.gW STUDY DAV MAV BE MADE AT THE F,ELD
-----0------
SPORTS CENTRE FOR TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS * * * * *
THROUGH THE CONCERTED EFFORTS OF A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT’S RESIDENTS ARE ENJOYING THE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES OF A NEW SPORTS CENTRE IN MEI WAN STREET.
THE SPORTS CENTRE WAS BUILT WITH FUNDS PROVIDED BY TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE 400-SQUARE-METRE CENTRE WAS HANDED OVER TO THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT’S RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE IN MAY THIS YEAR. SINCE THEN, THE SERVICE HAS BEEN PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH VARIOUS INTERESTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR RSS SAID TODAY, +THE CENTRE HAS A VOLLEYBALL COURT, TWO BADMINTON COURTS, THREE TABLE-TENNIS TABLES AND A FLOOR AREA FOR MARTIAL ARTS, YOGA AND DANCE TRAINING.*
♦IT ALSO INCLUDES OFFICE ACCOMMODATION FOR TWO DISTRICT SPORTS ORGANISATIONS,* HE SAID.
♦PAST EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT THE FITNESS TRAINING COURSE USING A GYM MACHINE IS EXCEEDINGLY POPULAR AND THE MEI WAN STREET CENTRE HAS RECENTLY ACQUIRED THE GYM MACHINE THAT WAS FORMERLY UTILIZED AT THE HUNG HOM CARPARK SPORTS CENTRE,* « POINTED OUT.
/TH£ HUNG.......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1982
11 -
THE HUNG HOM CENTRE WAS CLOSED RECENTLY BECAUSE THE CARPARK SITE HAD TO BE RETURNED TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
♦THE GYM MACHINE CAN BE USED FOR 16 KINDS OF EXERCISES TO HELP PEOPLE TONE UP MUSCLES OR LOSE A FEW EXTRA POUNDS,* HE SAID.
♦THE NEW VENUE WILL RUN ABOUT 30 FITNESS TRAINING COURSES IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR.+
CLASSES WILL BE OFFERED FROM 7 AM TO 10 PM WITH EACH SESSION LASTING AN HOUR.
THOSE INTERESTED IN KEEPING FIT SHOULD CONTACT THE CENTRE AT 0-4982387.
TO MAXIMISE ITS USAGE, THE CENTRE MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE TO FACTORIES, SCHOOLS AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS FREE OF CHARGE WHEN THERE ARE NO ACTIVITIES IN PROGRESS,♦ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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SHA TIN SITES FOR SHORT TERM TENANCIES
M *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCIES OF TWO PIECES OF CROWN LAND IN TAI WAI, SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
THE SITES, COVERING ABOUT 1 067 SQUARE METRES AND 980 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY, ARE FOR OPEN STORAGE PURPOSE ONLY.
THE TENANCIES WILL BE FOR TWO YEARS INITIALLY AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON DECEMBER 31.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SHA TIN, 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN; THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, FIFTH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.
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/T2 .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1982
12
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TAI PO AND SHAU KEI WAN * * * *
PO HEUNG STREET NEAR THE ACCESS ROAD TO PAN CHUNG IN TAI PO WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 12.01 AM TO 6 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 17) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BRIDGE.
MEANWHILE, FROM 10 AM THAT DAY, EASTBOUND VEHICLES TRAVELLING ALONG SHAU KEI WAN ROAD WILL BE BANNED FROM TURNING RIGHT INTO HOI FOO STREET SOUTHBOUND. THIS IS TO ENABLE WORK ON RENEWAL CF THE TRAM TRACKS.
THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL LAST FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS.
SALT WATER CUT ON HK ISLAND * * * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR 48 HOURS FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 18) TO 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 20) TO ENABLE REPAIR WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT ON THE SUPPLY SYSTEM.
THE PREMISES AFFECTED WILL BE IN THE AREA STRETCHING FROM ICE HOUSE STREET TO SANDS STREET, AND WILL INCLUDE THOSE HOUSES IN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, HOLLYWOOD ROAD, FIRST STREET, SECOND STREET, THIRD STREET, HIGH STREET, WATER STREET, ABERDEEN STREET, PEEL STREET, WYNDHAM STREET, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1982
CONTENT'S PAGE NO.
NEW REGULATIONS FOR SHIPMENT OF DANGEROUS GOODS BY AIR....... 1
BAN ON IMPORTS FROM ARGENTINA................................ 2
HONG KONG - CANADA TEXTILES CONSULTATIONS ................... 2
INSURANCE FIRM’S AUTHORISATION TO BE REVOKED................. 3
PRESS CONFERENCE ON TRAVEL AGENTS ........................... 3
INAUGURATION OF YIN NGAI SOCIETIES .......................... 4
NEW PRISON ’COMES AT RIGHT TIME’ ............................ 4
’LAI SEE’ FOR NEEDY.......................................... 5
TSIM SHA TSUI LIT UP FOR FESTIVAL............................ 6
AC AN YOUTH VOLUNTEERS ORGANISE ANTI-DRUGS CAMP ............. 7
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS TOLD TO BE GOODWILL ENVOYS TO VISITORS . 8
SOUTHERN D.B. TO HOLD SECOND MEETING......................... 9
TRAINING COURSES FOR TRADE AND WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS.......... 9
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR ’KAITO’ LICENCES.................... 10
TWO PIECES OF CROWN LAND SOLD ............................... 10
REMINDER ON FLOATING HOLIDAYS ............................... 11
CLEAN-UP CONTEST IN TAI PO MARKETS .......................... 12
NGONG PING ACCESS ROAD....................................... 12
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1982
.?* REGULATIONS COR SHIPMENT OF DANGEROUS GOODS BY AIR *****
SET OF NEW, INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE - R-FREIGHTING OF DANGEROUS GOODS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN HONG kONG IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR.
'HE REGULATIONS SPECIFY ITEMS OF DANGEROUS GOODS WHICH MAY CR MAY NOT BE CARRIED, EITHER AS CARGO OR PASSENGER BAGGAGE, THE MAXIMUM QUANTITY OF ANY PARTICULAR ITEM WHICH MAY BE CARRIED, HOW THEY MUST BE PACKED AND LABELLED, AND WHETHER THEY MAY BE CARRIED IN 0ASSENGER OR CARGO AIRCRAFT.
SPEAKING TODAY (THURSDAY) AT A SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE SHIPPERS COUNCIL AND THE ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG AIR FREIGHT AGENTS, J.B. BEARDS, ACTING SENIOR OPERATIONS OFFICER (AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS) OF THE AVIATION SAFETY DIVISION, CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, EXPLAINED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE NEW REGULATIONS TO THE LOCAL AIR FREIGHT INDUSTRY AND THE NEED FOR INTRODUCING THE NEW REQUIREMENTS.
♦THE CARRIAGE BY AIR OF COMMODITIES WITH UNDESIRABLE PROPERTIES, FOR EXAMPLE, INFLAMMABLE, CORROSIVE, POISONOUS, RADIOACTIVE ETC. HAS BEEN CONTROLLED, UP TO NOW, BY REGULATIONS PRODUCED BY THE INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION (IATA),+ MR BEARDS SAID.
♦THESE REGULATIONS IN THEMSELVES ARE MORE THAN ADEQUATE TO ALLOW THESE COMMODITIES TO BE CARRIED SAFELY, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN THAT THEY ARE NOT UNIVERSALLY APPLIED AND IN SOME CASES ARE EITHER NOT RECOGNISED BY THE GOVERNMENTS OF SOME COUNTRIES OR IN OTHER CASES CLASH WITH NATIONAL REGULATIONS, AS IN THE UNITED STATES, WHERE THE CARRIAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS IS REGULATED BY CODE 49 OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS,* HE CONTINUED.
THIS SITUATION LED TO THE CONCLUSION THAT A SET OF INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED REGULATIONS TO CONTROL THE CARRIAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS BY AIR HAD TO BE WORKED OUT.
MR BEARDS SAID THAT THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION (ICAO) THEN SET UP A WORKING GROUP IN 1976 TO IRON OUT THE REQUIRED REGULATIONS.
♦THE RESULT OF THEIR EFFORT IS THE PUBLICATION OF THE NEW REGULATIONS CONTAINED IN ICAO ANNEX 18 - ’THE SAFE TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS BY AIR’,+ HE SAID.
THE REGULATIONS LAY DOWN COMPREHENSIVE RULES GOVERNING THc SHIPMENT BY AIR OF DANGEROUS GOODS, CATEGORISATION AND RESTRICTIONS, AS WELL AS PACKAGING AND LABELLING. THESE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED WORLDWIDE NEXT YEAR.
♦ THE REGULATIONS ALSO PLACE RESPONSIBILITIES UPON SHIPPERS, CARGO AGENTS AND AIRLINES TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE STRICTLY FOLLOWED,* BEARDS ADDED.
THE REGULATIONS ALSO REQUIRE THAT THE STAFF OF THESE ORGANISATIONS ARE PROPERLY TRAINED TO HANDLE SUCH SHIPMENTS.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1 ,C
BAN ON IMPORTS FROM ARGENTINA * K * M
- NOR AMENDMENT TO THE IMPORT PROHIBITION (ARGENTINA) (NO. 2) REGUL-Ti \s 1982, TO BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY), GIVES THE DIRECTOR TRADE DISCRET ON TO AUTHORISE THE IMPORT OF ARTICLES ARGENTINA IN EXCEPTIONAL CASES WHERE HE IS SATISFIED THAT
THIS WOULD NOT CONTRAVENE THE INTENTION OF THE REGULATIONS.
EXPERIENCE HAS NDICATED THAT THE ORIGINAL REGULATIONS WERE UNNECESSARILY RESTRICTIVE IN OMITTING TO PROVIDE ANY SUCH MEASURE OF DISCRE'iON, WHICH WOULD NORMALLY BE INCLUDED IN THIS SORT OF =ROHI BITION.
THE AMENDMENT TO BE GAZETTED TOMORROW SIMPLY RECTIFIES THIS
OMISSION.
HONG KONG - CANADA TEXTILES CONSULTATIONS
CONSULTATIONS WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (FRIDAY) BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA REGARDING HONG KONG’S EXPORTS OF CLOTHING TO CANADA IN 1983-
THE CANADIAN DELEGATION WILL BE LED BY MR CAMPBELL STUART, ASSISTANT UNDER-SECRETARY, SPECIAL TRADE RELATIONS OFFICE. THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL BE LED BY MR M.D. CARTLAND, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADE (NORTH AMERICA AND MULTILATERAL).
A S°OKESMAN FOR THE TRADE DEPARTMENT SAID THESE CONSULTATIONS hAVE BEEN REQUESTED BY THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT IN CONNECTION WITH PROBLEMS CLAIMED TO BE CURRENTLY AFFECTING THE DOMESTIC GARMENT INDUSTRY IN CANADA.
UNDER THE TERMS OF THE HONG KONG/CANADA TEXTILES AGREEMENT, 1982-86, EITHER GOVERNMENT HAS ’HE RIGHT TO REQUEST CONSULTATIONS OK ANY MATTER ARISING FROM THE IMPLEMENTATION OR OPERATION OF THE AGREEMENT, HE ADDED.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1982
INSURANCE FIRM’S AUTHORISATION TO BE REVOKED * * * *
THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES HAS INFORMED UNITED OVERSEAS INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED, A COMPANY INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG, THAT ITS AUTHORISATION FOR CARRYING ON FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE BUSINESS IN HONG KONG WILL BE WITHDRAWN TOMORROW (FRIDAY),
A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TOMORROW.
BY
THE ACTION IS BEING TAKEN UNDER SECTION 3A(5) OF THE FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANIES DEPOSIT ORDINANCE (AS AMENDED BY THE FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANIES DEPOSIT (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1981), WHICH EMPOWERS TH£ REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES TO REVOKE SUCH AUTHORISATION WHERE IT APPEARS TO HIM THAT A COMPANY CARRYING ON FIRE OR MARINE INSURANCE BUSINESS IN HONG KONG HAS CEASED TO MAINTAIN AN EXCESS OF ASSETS OVER LIABILITIES OF AT
LEAST $2 MILLION.
THE EFFECT OF THE REVOCATION WILL BE THAT UNITED OVERSEAS INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO CARRY ON FIRE OR MARINE INSURANCE BUSINESS AS FROM THE SAID DATE.
AS TO THE EFFECT OF THIS ON EXISTING INSURANCE POLICIES, THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES HAS POINTED OUT THAT THIS ORDINANCE SPECIFICALLY PROVIDES THAT THE REVOCATION OF THE COMPANY’S AUTHORISATION WILL NOT OF ITSELF INVALIDATE ANY TRANSACTION ENTERED INTO PRIOR TO SUCH REVOCATION i.E, IN THIS CASE DECEMBER 17, 1982.
HE RECOMMENDS, HOWEVER, THAT POLICYHOLDERS SHOULD SEEK THEIR OWN PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON THE EFFECT OF THIS ACTION ON THEIR INSURANCE POLICIES.
PRESS CONFERENCE ON TRAVEL AGENTS * * *
NOTE TO EDITORSi
A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE GOVERNMENT'S POSITION WITH REGARD TO TRAVEL AGENTS WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 12 NOON IN THE GIS THEATRE, BEACONSFIELD NOUSE, 5TH FLOOR, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
IT WILL BE CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR K.Y. YEUNG.
NOTE to EDITORS:
INAUGURATION OP YIN NGA I SOCIETIES * * * *
LADY YOUDE WILL OFFICIATE AT A JOINT INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF FIVE YIN NGAI SOCIETIES AT PAK TIN COMMUNITY CENTRE, PAK TIN ESTATE, SHAM SHU I PO, AT 11 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 18).
THEY ARE THE ON TING/YAU 01, TAI YUEN, SHU I PIN WAI,/ 01 MAN AND PAK TIN ESTATES YIN NGAI SOCIETIES.
' ' ' ■■ *.• .
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE INAUGURATION. A 14-SEATER GOVERNMENT VAN WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE PRESS AND LEAVE KOWLOON °UBLIC PIER AT 10.15 AM FOR THE CEREMONY.
------1 c--------------•
NEW PRISON ’COMES AT RIGHT TIME’
THE NEW, MINIMUM-SECURITY TUNG TAU CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION IN STANLEY CAME +AT A MOST APPROPRIATE TIME+, WHEN THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN THE PRISON POPULATION, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER, SAID TODAY.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A FORMAL CEREMONY MARKING THE HANDING OVER OF THE INSTITUTION TO THE DEPARTMENT BY THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT, MR JOSEPH LEI.
MR GARNER EXPLAINED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A DECREASE IN THE AVERAGE DAILY PRISON POPULATION UNTIL 1979. AFTER THAT THE AVERAGE DAILY POPULATION BEGAN TO INCREASE BY JUST OVER’siX PER CENT IN 1980 AND AGAIN IN 1981.
HOWEVER, THIS YEAR, AND PARTICULARLY DURING THE PAST SIX MONTHS, THERE HAS BEEN A TEN-PER CENT INCREASE IN THE AVERAGE DAILV POPULATION, HE SAID. < ,
ALSO AT THE CEREMONY, IN WHICH THE KEY TO THE MAIN GATE OF THE INSTITUTION WAS HANDED TO MR GARNER, WERE THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THAILAND’S DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, MR DHAVEE CHOOSUP, AND :FOUR OF HIS SENJOR OFFICERS, WHO HAD COME SPECIALLY FOR THE OCCASION.
THE NEW INSTITUTION, Wlil^H IS ADJACENT TO STANLEY PRISON, IS A MINIMUM-SECURITY PRISON FOfc MALE FIRST OFFENDERS AND HAS ACCOMMODATION FOR 240 PRISONERS.
IT CONSISTS OF A SINGLE SIX-STOREY STRUCTURE WITH FULL SUPPORTING FACILITIES, INCLUDING KITCHEN, DINING ROOM, WORKSHOPS, LAUNDRY AND A CHAPEL.
THURSDAY, DFOzMFS? 1u, 'ofc?
THE BASIS OF THE PROGRAMME AT THE INSTITUTION IS AN
ORDERLY AND REGULAR LABOUR ORIENTATED ROUTINE. MANY OF THE PRISONERS LEAVE THE INSTITUTION DAILY TO CLEAN AND SERVICE THE SURROUNDING AREA AND PARTICIPATE IN OTHER COMMUNITY PROJECTS.
THE INSTITUTION IS HEADED BY A SUPERINTENDENT, ASSISTED BY A CHIEF OFFICER AND OTHER STAFF, INCLUDING TRADE INSTRUCTORS.
WORK ON THE PROJECT STARTED IN JANUARY 1981 AND WAS COMPLETED LAST MONTH.
A UNIQUE FEATURE OF THE PROJECT WAS THE INCORPORATION OF THE GENERAL STORES FOR THE DEPARTMENT IN A SEPARATE PART OF THE BUILDING.
ANOTHER FEATURE IS THE COMPLETION OF OVER 100 ADDITIONAL UNITS OF STAFF QUARTERS OF VARIOUS GRADES BUILT CLOSE TO THE INSTITUTION.
’LAI SEE’ FOR NEEDY * * *
LOCAL PHILANTHROPISTS SIR SHIU-KIN TANG AND MR HO TIM THIS AFTERNOON DISTRIBUTED $100 NEW YEAR RED PACKETS TO ABOUT 300 WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN AND ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AT A CEREMONY AT TUNG WAH HOSPITAL. wioiANit,
THE CEREMONY MARKED THE START OF DISTRIBUTIONS OF $829 000 ALLOCATED BY THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE TANG SHIU-KIN/HC TIM CHARITABLE FUND AS +LAI SEE + TO NEEDY INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES.
BENEFITING FROM THE DISTRIBUTIONS WILL BE 2 347 WIDOWS AND
WIDOWERS WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN AND ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE 5 380 RESIDENTS OF HOMES AND HOSTELS FOR OLD PEOPLE AND 482 ELDERLY PATIENTS OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS.
HELPING SIR SHIU-KIN AND MR HO TIM DISTRIBUTE THE RED PACKETS WERE THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE, THE TRUSTEE OF THE FUND, AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
ALSO HELPING WERE MISS MONA FONG AND TELEVISION ACTRESS MISS LEE SEE-KI.
SPEAKING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY, MR CHARLES C.K. LUI, ADVISER TO THE FUND, SAID THAT THIS YEAR’S ALLOCATION WAS $140 300 MORE THAN LAST YEAR’S AND THAT 1 400 MORE PEOPLE BENEFITED FROM IT.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1982
6
TSIM SHA TSUI LIT UP FOR FESTIVAL
* * * *
TENS OF THOUSANDS OF COLOURFUL BULBS LIT UP THE SKY OVER TSIM SHA TSUI FROM SIX O’CLOCK THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING WHEN THE URBAN COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, SWITCHED ON THE FESTIVE LIGHTING DECORATION IN THE AREA.
THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR LIGHTING DISPLAY COVERS A WIDE AREA — ALONG THE WHOLE OF MODY ROAD FROM CHATHAM ROAD TO SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD, MODY LANE AND THE NORTH SIDE OF SALISBURY ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH CHATHAM ROAD AND SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD.
THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY WAS PERFORMED BY MR CHEONG-LEEN ON THE FOOTBRIDGE BETWEEN TSIM SHA TSUI CENTRE AND ROYAL GARDEN HOTEL.
THE SEASONAL DECORATIONS WILL BE PUT UP FOR OVER 40 DAYS UNTIL AFTER THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, AND ARE FINANCED BY THE EAST TSIM SHA TSUI PROPERTY DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION LIMITED, AT A COST OF $320 000.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE POINTED OUT THAT THE AREA WAS LARGELY SURROUNDED BY BUILDINGS WITH REFLECTIVE MIRROR GLASS, GREATLY ENHANCING THE EFFECT OF THE COLOURFUL LIGHTING.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS DURING THE FESTIVE PERIOD.
THE MAJOR ATTRACTION WILL BE TWO VARIETY SHOWS BY COMMERCIAL RADIO AND THE DISTRICT BOARD, FEATURING TOP SHOW BUSINESS NAMES FOR CHRISTMAS EVE AND NEW YEAR EVE.
EACH SHOW WILL LAST FOR THREE HOURS STARTING AT 9.30 PM AT PIAZZA IN EAST TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT SOME ROADS IN EAST TSIM SHA TSUI WOULD BE RESTRICTED TO PEDESTRIAN USE ONLY DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD, IN ANTICIPATION OF LARGE CROWDS.
♦FURTHERMORE, ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO EXTEND PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES TO COPE WITH THE EXPECTED DEMAND,+ HE SAID.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1982
ACAN YOUTH VOLUNTEERS ORGANISE ANTI-DRUGS CAMP
* * * *
THE YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS WILL HOLD AN ANTI-DRUGS +TRAINING+ CAMP FOR 150 YOUNG PEOPLE ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 18) IN THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE.
THE TWO-DAY CAMP IS ORGANISED BY ACAN YOUTH VOLUNTEER, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, WITH THE AIM OF HEIGHTENING THE AWARENESS OF YOUTHS OF THE DANGERS OF EXPERIMENTING WITH DRUGS.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE MAINLY WORKING YOUTHS FROM FACTORIES DOING SEMI-SKILLED OR UNSKILLED JOBS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION SAID THE SELECTION CF THE PARTICIPANTS WAS BASED ON THE PROFILE OF A POTENTIAL ADDICT AS DERIVED FROM DATA IN THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSERS.
AT THE CAMP, THE ACAN VOLUNTEERS WILL ORGANISE QUIZ EVENTS, GAMES, PLAYS, A SLIDE SHOW AND DISCUSSIONS.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GORDON MORTIMER, WILL VISIT THE YOUTHS IN THE CAMP ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 19) AND PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS OF VARIOUS ACTIVITIES.
THE ACAN YOUTH VOLUNTEERS WERE FIRST RECRUITED IN JULY 1981 AND AGAIN IN MARCH THIS YEAR. THERE ARE NOW SOME 40 VOLUNTEERS COMPRISING TEACHERS, STUDENTS, CLERKS, NURSES AND TECHNICIANS — ALL HIGHLY MOTIVATED AND ENTHUSIASTIC YOUNG INDIVIDUALS.
SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE YOUTH VOLUNTEERS, OVER 30 ANTI-DRUG EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES WERE ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS WITH THEIR ASSISTANCE.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1982
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS TOLD TO BE GOODWILL ENVOYS TO VISITORS
*****
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS WERE URGED TODAY TO SERVE AS GOODWILL AMBASSADORS TO OVERSEAS VISITORS, WHO CONTRIBUTE TO HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY.
LAST YEAR, THESE VISITORS BROUGHT IN MORE THAN EIGHT BILLION DOLLARS, AND, DESPITE THE WORLD-WIDE RECESSION, THEY BROUGHT IN SOME FOUR BILLION FROM JANUARY TO JUNE THIS YEAR, MR ROGER LOBO, SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, TOLD 110 NEW IMMIGRATION RECRUITS.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A PASSING OUT PARADE OF 63 ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICERS, AND 47 IMMIGRATION ASSISTANTS.
+FOR THESE VISITORS, YOU ARE USUALLY THE FIRST HONG KONG OFFICIALS WHOM THEY WILL MEET. I URGE YOU TO BE OUR AMBASSADORS OF GOODWILL AND MAKE THEM FEEL THAT THEY ARE REALLY WELCOME,+ NR LOBO SAID.
HE ALSO REMINDED THEM THAT IN DEALING WITH HONG KONG RESIDENTS DEPARTING FOR OTHER PLACES OR RETURNING FROM OVERSEAS TRIPS, THEY SHOULD PERFORM THEIR DUTIES CAREFULLY AND ALSO +WITH A SMILE*.
HOWEVER, AS LAW-ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, THEY SOMETIMES WOULD ♦HAVE TO SAY ’NO’ FIRMLY, ALBEIT COURTEOUSLY*, HE TOLD THEM.
MR LOBO SAID THE NATURE OF IMMIGRATION WORK HAD BECOME MUCH MORE COMPLEX THAN BEFORE. OFFICERS WOULD BE CALLED UPON TO HANDLE A WIDE RANGE OF DUTIES FROM THE ISSUE OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS TO THE REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGES, FROM THE EXAMINATION OF PASSENGERS TO FIELD INVESTIGATIONS.
♦THE IDENTITY CARD RE-ISSUE PROJECT DUE TO START IN THE MIDDLE CF NEXT YEAR WILL PLACE FURTHER RESPONSIBILITIES ON YOUR SERVICE,* HE SAID.
MR LOBO SAID THE NEW RECRUITS, WHO HAD JUST COMPLETED THREE MONTHS INTENSIVE TRAINING, HAD A CHALLENGING AND REWARDING CAREER AHEAD OF THEM.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1982
SOUTHERN D.B. TO HOLD SECOND MEETING * * * *
DEVELOPMENT PLANS AND THE PROVISION OF SERVICES AND FACILITIES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE SECOND MEETING OF THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE PROPOSALS ARE CONTAINED IN A 91-PAGE REPORT ON SOUTHERN DISTRICT STRATEGY WHICH OUTLINES SUCH ITEMS AS PUBLIC HOUSING, EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS, DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND OTHER PROGRAMMES.
AT THE MEETING, BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON ANOTHER REPORT CONCERNING A SEMINAR WITH STUDENTS ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION WILL INCLUDE THE APPOINTMENT CO-OPTED MEMBERS TO COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD AND ARRANGEMENTS FAMILIARISATION TOURS FOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS.
OF
OF
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO BE HELD AT THE SOUTHERN D ISTR ICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, MEI FUNG COUR i, SECOND FLOOR, ABERDEEN.
0
TRAINING COURSES FOR TRADE AND WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS * * * *
TRADE INSTRUCTORS AND WORKSHOP SUPERVISORS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSE IN INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES TO BE RUN BY THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE IN LATE FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
THE COURSE, WITH EMPHASIS ON THE METHODS OF INSTRUCTION, WILL GIVE THE INSTRUCTORS AND SUPERVISORS AN OPPORTUNITY TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY TRAINING FOR CARRYING OUT THEIR DAY TO DAY DUTIES.
EXPERIENCED WORKERS WHO WILL TAKE UP INSTRUCTION DUTIES MAY ALSO APPLY FOR THE COURSE.
THE COURSE WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE. PARTICIPANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND CLASSES FOR ONE DAY A WEEK FOR 15 WEEKS. THE COURSE FEE IS $100.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, HONG KONG AND SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE COLLEGE BY JANUARY 8.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1982
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR ’KAITO’ LICENCES *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ONCE AGAIN INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR ’KAITO’ SERVICE LICENCES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THIS IS A FURTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE OPERATORS WHO DID NOT APPLY IN AUGUST.
HE STRESSED THAT WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1983, OPERATORS WITHOUT A SERVICE LICENCE WILL BE LIABLE TO A FINE OF $100 000.
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE EXERCISE IS TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO REGULATE THESE SERVICES.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE GRANTED A ONE-YEAR SERVICE LICENCE AT A FEE OF $50.
THE OPERATORS WILL THEN BE REQUIRED TO PERIODICALLY INFORM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT DETAILS OF THEIR SERVICES.
ANOTHER CONDITION IS THAT SCHEDULE OF SERVICES AND FARES MUST BE DISPLAYED ON THE VESSELS, HE ADDED.
FULL DETAILS OF THE CONDITIONS WILL BE SPECIFIED IN THE ♦NOTES FOR GUIDANCE* ATTACHED TO THE APPLICATION FORMS.
THESE FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN WAN CHAI, ITS KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL OFFICE IN MONG KOK, MARINE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN CENTRAL AND VARIOUS DISTRICT MARINE OFFICES IN ABERDEEN, CHEUNG CHAU, SAI KUNG, SHAU KEI WAN, TAI PO, TUEN MUN AND YAU MA TEI AND ALL NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED EITHER IN PERSON OR BY REGISTERED POST TO REACH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS BY 5 PM ON JANUARY 21, 1983.
LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
- C - -
TWO PIECES OF CROWN LAND SOLD * * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) SOLD TWO PIECES OF CROWN LAND IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN AT AN AUCTION HELD IN THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL.
THE FIRST SITE, OF ABOUT 2 870 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND GODOWN PURPOSES.
IT WAS SOLD TO REXTON LIMITED FOR 04.8 MILLION, OR 31 672.47 PER SQUARE METRE.
?HUR£:D.
BSH *c
THE SECOND LOT, WHICH IS FOR PUBLIC LORRY PARK AND GODOWN PURPOSES, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3 956 SQUARE METRES.
IT WAS SOLD TO WADHAM INVESTMENT LIMITED FOR $5.6 MILLION, OR $1 415.57 PER SQUARE METRE.
REMINDER ON FLOATING HOLIDAYS * * * *
EMPLOYERS WERE REMINDED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FROM NEXT YEAR, EMPLOYEES COVERED BY THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE WILL BE ENTITLED TO AN ADDITIONAL FLOATING HOLIDAY.
THE ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY WILL BRING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF STATUTORY HOLIDAYS IN A YEAR FOR SUCH EMPLOYEES TO 11.
THE ORDINANCE APPLIES TO ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES AND THOSE NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $7 5OO A MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT THE ADDITIONAL FLOATING HOLIDAY IS PROVIDED FOR BY THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1982 WHICH WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON JANUARY 1.
THE ORDINANCE, HE ADDED, ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE WAY OF TAKING FLOATING HOLIDAYS.
EMPLOYERS HAVE TO FIX THE DATES OF THE FLOATING HOLIDAYS IN 1983 AND INFORM THEIR EMPLOYEES BY A NOTICE POSTED AT A CONSPICUOUS PLACE BEFORE THE END OF 1982.
IF AN EMPLOYER HAS NOT FIXED ONE OR BOTH OF THE FLOATING HOLIDAYS, THEN SUCH DAY OR DAYS WILL, AT THE REQUEST OF EMPLOYEES, BE ADDED TO THEIR PAID ANNUAL LEAVE.
WHERE THE EMPLOYER HAS NOT FIXED THE FLOATING HOLIDAYS AND EMPLOYEES HAVE NOT REQUESTED THAT THEY BE ADDED TO THEIR PAID ANNUAL LEAVE, THE EMPLOYEES SHOULD BE GIVEN A HOLIDAY ON THE MONDAY IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE SECOND SATURDAY IN JUNE AND ON THE LAST MONDAY IN AUGUST.
IF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY HAPPENS TO FALL ON EITHER OF THESE IWO MONDAYS, THEN THE EMPLOYEES SHOULD BE GIVEN A HOLIDAY ON THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE ALSO PROVIDES EMPLOYEES WITH SAFEGUARD AGAINST LOSING A STATUTORY HOLIDAY IF THE HOLIDAY HAPPENS TO FALL ON A SUNDAY OR A REST DAY.
THEREFORE, IF LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY OR THE SECOND OR THIRD DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR FALLS ON A SUNDAY, THEN THE LUNAR NEW YEAR EVE SHOULD BE A STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
FURTHERMORE, IF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY OR AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY OR A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY FALLS ON A REST DAY, THEN THE EMPLOYEE SHOULD BE GRANTED A HOLIDAY ON THE NEXT DAY, HE SAID.
- 0 -
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 196^
CLEAN-UP CONTEST IN TAI PO MARKETS
* * *
MORE THAN 500 STALL HOLDERS IN TAI PO TOOK PART IN A THREE-DAY CAMPAIGN TO CLEAN UP THEIR MARKETS.
THEY WERE TRADERS OF TAI PO GOVERNMENT MARKET, KUK TENG MARKET, CHE PING HAWKER BAZAAR AND PO YICK HAWKER BAZAAR.
COINCIDING WITH THE CAMPAIGN WHICH ENDED TODAY, A MARKET STALL CLEANLINESS COMPETITION WAS HELD AMONG TRADERS AT TAI PO GOVERNMENT MARKET AND KUK TENG MARKET.
BOTH THE CAMPAIGN AND THE CONTEST WERE ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND CO-SPONSORED BY THE TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE AND VARIOUS HAWKERS ASSOCIATIONS IN TAI PO.
RESULTS OF THE COMPETITION WERE ASSESSED BY A PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS CONSISTING OF THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF TAI PO, NR NG YING-NEEN, RURAL COMMUNITY LEADERS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF TRADERS ASSOCIATIONS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG WAI-LAM, PRESIDED OVER A PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY HELD AT TAI PO GOVERNMENT MARKET TODAY.
SOUVENIRS WERE PRESENTED TO NINE TRADERS WITH THE CLEANEST STALLS.
MR CHEUNG URGED THE WINNERS TO KEEP UP THEIR HIGH STANDARD OF ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE.
------c-------
NGONG PING ACCESS ROAD a *r *
THE ACCESS ROAD TO NGONG PING ON LANTAU ISLAND WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL GOODS VEHICLES EVERY WEEKEND BETWEEN 12 NOON ON SATURDAY AND 12 MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY, STARTING FROM DECEMBER 18.
THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL ALSO COME INTO EFFECT ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS WITH THE CLOSURE TAKING EFFECT FROM NOON ON THE DAY BEFORE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1982
CONTENTS i ■ PAGE NO.
CONTROL OF TRAVEL AGENTS APPROVED ..........................'
BRIMRIDGE EXPRESSES.FAITH IN CONTINUED PROSPERITY ................ 2
OCTOBER SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND .... 4
RAILWAY AREA PLANS FOR ISLAND LINE AMENDED ....................... 7
URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS.,......................................... 9
AMENDMENTS TO HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST ............................................................. 9
CORDLESS TELEPHONES TO BE PROHIBITED ........................
SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICES FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS .. 12
PUBLIC FINANCE BILL ........................................... 12
MODEL SCALE I STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL SET UP ................ -)4
CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS AND ACTIVITIES ............................. 15
TAXI DRIVERS TO HOST TREAT FOR AGED ............................. 16
SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXPANDED ...................................... 17
FIRE PREVENTION ADVICE DELIVERED TO DOORSTEP ................... 17
'SAFETY AT WORK' TV SHOWS ....................................... 18
/PENALTY FOR .......
PENALTY FOR LATE PAYMENT PROPOSED.............................. 1g
DANGER OF 'PASSIVE ’SMOKING' STRESSED ......................... 20
STUDENTS URGED TO LOOK TO EXAMPLES OF PREDECESSORS ......... 21
HOW TO MAKE. .THE SCHOOL A HAPPIER PLACE - HAYE................ 22
WAYS TO STEM. OUT DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS IN SCHOOL ............... 23
HEATED POOL. AT FANLING RE-OPENING TOMORROW ................... 24
TAC MEMBERS.INSPECT AIRPORT TUNNEL AND ROADS ................. 24 "
BUILDINGS IN DANGEROUS CONDITION ............................ 25
TACKLING CRIME IN WONG TAI SIN ................................ 25
NEW ELEVATED LINK ROAD PLANNED................................. 26
TEMPORARY ROaD CLOSURE IN TUEN MUN ............................ 26
WATER LEAKAGE TEST ............................................ 26
.........
i
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1982
1
CONTROL OF TRAVEL AGENTS APPROVED ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT WILL INTRODUCE MEASURES DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC AGAINST FRAUDULENT TRAVEL AGENTS.
ANNOUNCING THIS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID THE MEASURES WOULD INCLUDE LEGISLATIVE CONTROLS OF THE OUTBOUND TRAVEL INDUSTRY, AS WELL AS A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO ENHANCE CONSUMER AWARENESS OF THE PRACTICES OF THE INDUSTRY.
AFTER CONSIDERING PROPOSALS MADE BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES ON THE ADVICE OF A WORKING PARTY, THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS AGREED IN PRINCIPLE THAT LEGISLATION SHOULD BE DRAFTED TO REQUIRE TRAVEL AGENTS, WHETHER CORPORATE OR INDIVIDUAL, TO BE REGISTERED AND LICENSED. THE WORKING PARTY, COMPRISING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY AND THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, WAS SET UP TO ADVISE ON MEASURES THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN TO AFFORD MEMBERS OF THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC A REASONABLE DEGREE OF PROTECTION AGAINST FRAUD IN GENERAL, AND ABSCONDMENT IN PARTICULAR, HAVING DUE REGARD TO THE NEED TO MAINTAIN COMPETITION WITHIN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY.
+THE BASIC AIM OF THE PROPOSALS IS TO REQUIRE TRAVEL AGENTS TO CONFORM WITH FINANCIAL AND OPERATING STANDARDS SUFFICIENT TO GIVE THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC A DEGREE OF ASSURANCE THAT THEY ARE DEALING WITH A BONA FIDE BUSINESS AND WITH SUFFICIENT INFORMATION TO JUDGE THE NATURE OF THEIR PURCHASES,+ MR YEUNG SAID.
BASIC CRITERIA WOULD GOVERN THE GRANTING OF LICENCES TO BUSINESSES THAT PROVIDE THE FULL RANGE OF SERVICES IN THEIR OWN RIGHT. THESE COULD INCLUDE A MINIMUM PAID-UP CAPITAL, THE USE OF OFFICE PREMISES DEVOTED WHOLLY AND EXCLUSIVELY TO THE BUSINESS, A MINIMUM NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AND LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE AND THE GOOD STANDING OF APPLICANTS (E.G. WITHOUT A CRIMINAL RECORD, FINANCIALLY SOUND, ETC.).
THE CONDITIONS ARE SIMILAR TO THE EXISTING MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS, THE CONDITIONS ON WHICH THE AIRLINES APPOINT TICKETING AGENTS AND THE INTERNAL RULE BY WHICH THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION QUALIFIES TRAVEL AGENTS AS MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION.
MR YEUNG SAID ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF THE TRAVEL AGENTS IN HONG KONG WERE SMALL BUSINESSES WHICH ACTED ESSENTIALLY AS BROKERS.
♦IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO INTRODUCE A SEPARATE CLASS OF LICENCE TO ENABLE THESE TRAVEL AGENTS TO STAY IN BUSINESS BECAUSE OF THE VALUABLE SOURCE OF RETAIL BUSINESS THEY PROVIDE TO THE ESTABLISHED BUSINESSES AND IN ORDER TO KEEP COMPETITION ALIVE AND, THEREFORE, PRICES AT REASONABLE LEVELS.♦
HE ADDED THAT TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE INTRODUCED TO ALLOW SMALLER BUSINESSES TO MEET THE CRITERIA WITHIN A CERTAIN PERIOD OF TIME, AFTER WHICH ANY TRAVEL AGENT FOUND OPERATING WITHOUT A LICENCE WOULD BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION.
/IT IS........
FBIDAY, DECEMBER 17, :‘&2
- 2
IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THE POWER OF REGISTRATION AND LICENSING WOULD BE VESTED IN A REGISTRAR OF TRAVEL AGENTS AND THAT LICENCE FEES WOULD BE PITCHED TO COVER THE COST OF ADMINISTERING THE SYSTEM.
ONCE THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION HAS BEEN DRAFTED IT WILL BE PUT TO THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL BEFORE BEING INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MEANWHILE, MR YEUNG SAID, ACTION IS ALREADY BEING TAKEN BY THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL AND THE GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP A PROGRAMME OF PUBLICITY BEFORE CHINESE NEW YEAR IN FEBRUARY.
♦IT IS INTENDED THAT A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN SHOULD BE MOUNTED SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR CORRESPONDING TO PEAK TRAVEL PERIODS,* HE SAID.
THE OBJECT OF THE CAMPAIGN WOULD BE TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC GENERALLY ABOUT THE TRAVEL BUSINESS AND HOW TRAVEL AGENTS CONDUCT THEMSELVES, TO WARN THEM ABOUT SHARP PRACTICES, AND TO INFORM THEM CF REASONABLE PRACTICES AND OF THE TYPE OF SERVICES THEY CAN REASONABLY EXPECT TO OBTAIN FROM RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL AGENTS.
- u
BREMRIDGE EXPRESSES FAITH IN CONTINUED PROSPERITY *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID TODAY THAT HE WAS UNPERTURBED BY THE CHATTERING GOING ON AT PRESENT, AS HE BELIEVED PROFOUNDLY IN THE CONTINUED STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG.
* IT IS MY OBSERVATION THAT THE LESS PEOPLE KNOW THE MORE THEY TALK. AND GOD KNOWS HOW SOME TALK NOW AT THE SLIGHTEST INVITATION AND ARE GIVEN WIDE PUBLICITY,* HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE FAR EAST EXCHANGE THIS EVENING, MR BREMRIDGE SAID HE PREFERRED THE APPROACH OF THE MAJOR HONG KONG BANKS.
♦THEY TALK LITTLE BUT DO MUCH. THANK GOODNESS FOR THEIR CONTINUED AND RESPONSIBLE STAND. WE OWE THEM A GREAT DEAL,* HE SAID.
HE SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE GOOD ORDER WHICH THE STOCK MARKET HAD SHOWN IN THESE DIFFICULT AND NOVEL TIMES.
+THERE HAS BEEN A REVISION IN THE MARKET ASSESSMENT OF OUR ECONOMY, BUT THE MARKET HAS NOT HAD TO MEET ANYTHING LIKE PANIC SELLING.*
HE SAID HE WAS SURE THAT BEFORE TOO LONG THE ACTIVITIES IN THE FAR EAST EXCHANGE WOULD SHOW THAT, AS ALWAYS IN HONG KONG, *WE HAVE TOGETHER SOLVED OUR TEMPORARY DIFFICULTIES*.
/TOLLOWWG li, .....
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 19b
- 3 -
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF MR BREMRIDGE’S SPEECH«
-►CHAIRMAN, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
♦WHEN YOU KINDLY INVITED ME TO ATTEND YOUR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION I WONDERED MILDLY WHAT SORT OF MARKET YOU AND YOUR MEMBERS WOULD BE TOASTING THIS EVENING.
♦LOOKING AROUND THE MARKETS OF THE WORLD I SUPPOSE ONLY THE BROKERS IN NEW YORK AND LONDON HAVE LARGE PROFITS TO CELEBRATE. THEIR VOLATILITY HAS IN FACT NOT PRODUCED MUCH TURNOVER. THERE HAS BEEN A REVISION IN THE MARKET ASSESSMENT OF OUR ECONOMY, BUT THE MARKET HAS NOT HAD TO MEET ANYTHING LIKE PANIC SELLING.
♦ I AM IMPRESSED BY THE GOOD ORDER WHICH THE MARKET HAS SHOWN IN THESE DIFFICULT AND INDEED NOVEL TIMES. I WAS ENCOURAGED, MR CHAIRMAN, WHEN YOU CALLED THE ATTENTION OF YOUR MEMBERS TO THE DANGERS OF A BEAR SELLING IN THIS MARKET. WE CAN DO WITHOUT BEAR SELLING IN EITHER THE PHYSICAL OR METAPHORICAL SENSE IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. AS THE LARGEST OF OUR EXCHANGES, YOU HAVE THE MAIN ROLE IN SETTING STANDARDS BEFORE UNIFICATION.
♦ ON THAT POINT AND ON A PERSONAL NOTE I WOULD EXPRESS MY WARM CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ON YOUR ELECTION AS CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE NEW EXCHANGE. MR WOO HON FAI HAS RENDERED STERLING SERVICE IN WELDING THE COMMITTEE TOGETHER IN ITS FIRST YEAR. YOU BECOME LEADER WHEN MAJOR DECISIONS WILL HAVE TO BE TAKEN AND I WISH YOU WELL IN YOUR TASK.
♦ AS FOR THE FAR EAST EXCHANGE, I WISH ALL ITS MEMBERS A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR. I AM SURE THAT BEFORE TOO LONG THE ACTIVITIES IN YOUR MARKET WILL SHOW THAT, AS ALWAYS IN HONG KONG, WE HAVE TOGETHER SOLVED OUR TEMPORARY DIFFICULTIES.
♦ AS I BELIEVE PROFOUNDLY IN THE CONTINUED STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG, I AM UNPERTURBED BY THE CHATTERING GOING ON AT PRESENT.
♦ IT IS MY OBSERVATION THAT THE LESS PEOPLE KNOW, THE MORE THEY TALK. AND GOD KNOWS HOW SOME TALK NOW AT THE SLIGHTEST INVITATION -AND ARE GIVEN WIDE PUBLICITY.
♦ LET US PREFER THE APPROACH OF THE MAJOR HONG KONG BANKS. THEY TALK LITTLE BUT DO MUCH. THANK GOODNESS FOR THEIR CONTINUED AND • RESPONSIBLE STAND. WE OWE THEM A GREAT DEAL.
♦MAY I PROPOSE A TOAST TO THE PROSPERITY AND CONTINUED GOOD ORDER OF YOUR EXCHANGE AND YOUR MEMBERS.*
------0-------
A ...
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1982
4
OCTOBER SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND
* * * * M
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY RELEASED STATISTICS FROM THE MONTHI-Y SURVEY FOR OCTOBER 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 N
MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE HIGH AS A WHOLE, BUT SHOUI-D § CHANGE FOR A ---- ------ SHORT TERM.
QUIC
T DRAWN ON A RANDOM BASIS, THE RESULTS ON NOT REFLECT THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ECONOMY VE A USEFUL INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION OF MENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE
FOR ALL MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED TAKEN TOGETHER, EMPLOYMENT DECLINED IN OCTOBER 1982 AS COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH.
EMPLOYMENT DROPPED IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY ON ACCOUNT CF LESS DEMAND FOR SOFT DRINKS AFTER THE SUMMER SEASON.
EMPLOYMENT ALSO DECLINED IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES AS A RESULT OF THE RETRENCHMENT OF WORKERS BY A FEW FACTORIES SURVEYED.
TAKING ALU OF THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED AS A WHOLE, PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS REMAINED RELATIVELY STABLE WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH. HOWEVER, PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS DROPPED IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY BECAUSE A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SEVERANCE PAY WAS GIVEN OUT IN THE PRECEDING
PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ALSO DROPPED IN
INDUSTRY AS BONUSES WERE AWARDED MONTH, AND LESS OVERTIME WORK WA IN SEVERAL OTHER FACTORIES SURVEYED.
BY A FACTORY IN THE
AS CARRIED OUT IN THE
THE PLASTICS PRECEDING CURRENT MONTH
THE DECLINE IN PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR WORKERS IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY WAS CAUSED BY THE SLACKENED DEMAND FOR SOFT DRINKS AFTER SUMMER.
IN THE CASE OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES, THE DROP IN PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS WAS DUE TO THE AWARD OF BONUSES AND BACK PAY BY IWO OF THE COMPANIES SURVEYED IN THE PRECEDING MONTH.
THE OVERALL VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) AS REPORTED BY THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED FOR OCTOBER 1982 DECLINED SLIGHTLY AS COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH. LESS ORDERS-ON-HAND WERE RECORDED FOR THE PLASTICS, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, TEXTILES, AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT, PER CAPITA EARNINGS AND ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS ARE SHOWN IN THE ACCOMPANYING TABLE.
/THE SURVEY .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1982
- 5 -
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR OCTOBER 1982 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, AT 11.50 PER 0N THE SURVEY results may be made to the industrial DCPARtSeSt (It >7221914)!'°" °F ™E CE"SUS *"° RUSTICS
A. EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS
PERSONS ENGAGED •
BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED PER CAPITA EARNINGS PER CAPITA
INDUSTRY/SERVICE (% CHANGE OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH) EARNINGS FOR OCTOBER
AUG. 1982 SEP. 1982 OCT. 1982 AUG. 1982 SEP. 1982 OCT. 1982 1982 (HK|)
MANUFACTURING -4 -3 -1 1 2 * 2 211
—
FOOD AND DRINKS 1 2 -3 3 -2 -4 2 959
WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR -1 -2 * * -2 2 1 902
TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL •*6 -1 1 1 -1 3 2 102
PLASTIC PRODUCTS -8 -9 * M 6 •8 1 822
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS -2 -5 -2 3 24 -17 1 989
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -6 -5 -3 2 3 3 2 148
OTHERS -2 -1 -1 M 1 * 3 026
CONSTRUCTION * * M 1 1 3 385
• • — — —
SERVICES 1 * * -2 6 -4 4 012
• — —
BANKS * * * 7 -3 M 3 585
HOTELS -1 “1 2 1 * 2 439
PUBLIC UTILITIES 1 1 1 -6 17 • -10 4 054
OTHERS 1 1 * -2 -3 2 5 735
/B. OKuEriS-ON-n^ND
- 6
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1982
B. ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING
INDUSTRY (% CHANGE OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH) ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) FOR OCTOBER 1982
AUG. 1982 SEP. 1982 OCT. 1982
WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR 3 * 4.60
TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL -4 -3 -3 2.10
PLASTIC PRODUCTS -3 -1 -10 2.88
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS -8 5 -7 2.27
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -2 -5 -3 4.35
OTHERS -1 1 3.42
ALL ABOVE INDUSTRIES * -1 -2 3.73
* CHANGES WITHIN ♦ 0.5%
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/7........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1982
7
RAILWAY AREA PLANS FOR ISLAND LINE AMENDED *****
THE EXISTING RAILWAY AREA PLANS FOR THE ISLAND LINE OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY BETWEEN SHEUNG WAN AND SHAU KEI WAN HAVE BEEN AMENDED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND RESUMPTION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE.
THE AMENDED PLANS, WHICH REPLACE ALL PREVIOUSLY GAZETTED RAILWAY AREA PLANS FOR THIS SECTION OF THE ISLAND LINE, HAVE BEEN DEPOSITED IN THE LAND OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT AND COPIES OF THE PLANS MAY BE INSPECTED FREE OF CHARGE AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE. CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG; AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT OFFICES, MURRAY BUILDING (5TH FLOOR), GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT ANY DISTRICT OFFICE.
FOLLOWING THIS ACTION, THE RAILWAY AREA, WITHIN WHICH LAND MAY BE RESUMED OR EASEMENTS CREATED FOR THE PURPOSE OF BUILDING AND OPERATING THE ISLAND LINE, IS DELINEATED ON THREE RAILWAY AREA PLANS; NO. 12A AND 15A, WHICH SUBSTITUTE ALL PREVIOUS PLANS BETWEEN SHEUNG WAN AND SHAU KEI WAN, AND NO. 20 WHICH COVERS THE SECTION FROM SHAU KEI WAN TO CHAI WAN AND WHICH REMAINS UNCHANGED. THIS WILL ASSIST PROPERTY OWNERS, WHOSE LAND MAY BE AFFECTED BY RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION, IN IDENTIFYING THE EXTENT OF THE LAND INCLUDED IN THE RAILWAY AREA.
THE NEW PLANS INCORPORATE ALL LAND PREVIOUSLY SHOWN ON THE SUPERSEDED RAILWAY AREA PLANS AND, IN ADDITION, A NUMBER CF PROPERTIES RECENTLY INCLUDED WITHIN THE GAZETTED RAILWAY AREA.
THE ISLAND LINE IS BEING DEVELOPED BY GOVERNMENT AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION TO A STRICT CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME, IN ORDER TO RELIEVE COMMUTER TRAFFIC BETWEEN THE EASTERN AND CENTRAL URBAN AREAS ON HONG KONG ISLAND IN THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME. BECAUSE OF THE EXIGENCIES THAT THIS PROGRAMME IMPOSES, PROPERTIES HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RAILWAY AREA WHERE A POSSIBILITY EXISTS THAT THESE MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE RAILWAY WORKS. WHETHER OR NOT THE PROPERTIES ARE ACTUALLY AFFECTED DEPENDS UPON GROUND CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED AS TUNNELLING AND STATION CONSTRUCTION PROCEEDS AND THE STRUCTURAL ABILITY OF OLDER BUILDINGS TO WITHSTAND NEARBY UNDERGROUND WORKS.
OCCUPIERS OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES WHICH ARE REQUIRED FOR RAILWAY PURPOSES WILL, WHERE ELIGIBLE, BE OFFERED ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
/THE ALIGNMENT
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 198?
8
THE ALIGNMENT OF THE RAILWAY AND THE LOCATION OF BUILDINGS CONNECTED WITH IT HAVE, AS WAS THE CASE WITH THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM AND THE TSUEN WAN EXTENSION, BEEN CHOSEN WITH GREAT CARE SO THAT THE EFFECT ON PROPERTIES IS KEPT TO AN ABSOLUTE MINIMUM. IT IS THE INTENTION THAT, WHENEVER POSSIBLE, THE OWNERS OF AFFECTED PROPERTIES WILL BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO REDEVELOP THEIR PROPERTIES IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE-MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME SO THAT NOT ALL THE AFFECTED SITES WILL NEED TO BE RESUMED BY GOVERNMENT. UNDER THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND RESUMPTION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE, THE OWNERS OF LAND AND PROPERTIES RESUMED OR OVER OR UNDER WHICH EASEMENTS ARE CREATED MAY CLAIM COMPENSATION.
AS WELL AS GIVING THE GOVERNOR THE POWER TO ORDER RESUMPTION OR THE CREATION OF EASEMENTS, THE ORDINANCE ALSO EMPOWERS THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT TO REQUIRE THE OWNER OF ANY BUILDING IN THE RAILWAY AREA TO REMOVE ANY OBJECT OR STRUCTURE WHICH IS ATTACHED TO, OR PROJECTS FROM, A BUILDING IF HE CONSIDERS ITS REMOVAL IS NECESSARY FOR THE PURPOSE OF BUILDING THE RAILWAY.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ISLAND LINE DOES NOT MEAN THAT REDEVELOPMENT OF THE SITES ADJACENT TO THE RAILWAY AREA WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE +FROZEN+, SINCE IN ALL BUT A FEW CASES REDEVELOPMENT CAN BE PERMITTED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. HOWEVER, AS A SAFEGUARD AGAINST POSSIBLE CONFLICT BETWEEN THE RAILWAY WORKS AND PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS, THE BUILDING AUTHORITY HAS THE POWER TO REFUSE APPROVAL TO BUILDING PLANS IF IT CONSIDERS THEY ARE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE RAILWAY.
OWNERS MAY BE ABLE TO ESTABLISH CLAIMS TO COMPENSATION WHERE THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT REQUIRES LEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE REMOVED, OR THE BUILDING AUTHORITY REFUSES CONSENT TO COMMENCEMENT OF BUILDING WORKS.
ALL CLAIMS MUST BE MADE IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT. THE TIME LIMIT FOR THE SUBMISSION OF CLAIMS IS IN MOST CASES ONE YEAR, AS LAID DOWN IN THE SAID ORDINANCE. GENERAL ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE RAILWAY AREA PLANS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED IN THE FIRST INSTANCE TO DISTRICT OFFICES.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1982
- 9 -
URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS ft ft ft ft
NOMINATIONS OF CANDIDATES FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS WHICH WILL BE CONDUCTED ON A CONSTITUENCY BASIS ON MARCH 8 NEXT YEAR, WILL BEGIN ON JANUARY 7 AND CLOSE ON JANUARY 28.
SPECIAL ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS, SIMILAR TO THOSE MADE FOR THE RECENT DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN THE URBAN AREAS, ARE GAZETTED TODAY UNDER THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS (SPECIAL PROVISIONS; ORDER 1982.
THE ARRANGEMENTS WILL ALLOW FOR CLOSING THE POLL ONE HOUR LATER AT 11 PM, FOR THE DIRECTOR, COUNCILS AND ADMINISTRATION BRANCH TO AUTHORISE PERSONS TO ENTER A POLLING STATION ON OFFICIAL DUTY, AND FOR COMMISSIONERS OF OATHS, IN ADDITION TO RETURNING OFFICERS AND JUSTICES OF THE PEACE, TO TAKE DECLARATIONS OF SECRECY.
G---------
AMENDMENTS TO HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS OF THE AMENDMENTS RECENTLY MADE TO THE HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST, JANUARY 1982.
THE AMENDMENTS, WHICH ARE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY, WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1983. TRADE DECLARATIONS FOR SHIPMENTS MADE ON OR AFTER THIS DATE MUST BE COMPLETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMENDED CLASSIFICATION.
FROM JANUARY 1, IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS, WHEN LODGING THEIR TRADE DECLARATIONS, WILL BE REQUIRED TO MAKE SEPARATE CLASSIFICATIONS FOR HANDBAGS, WALLETS AND PURSES, TRUNKS AND SUITCASES, TRAVELLING BAGS, SHOPPING BAGS, BRIEF CASES AND OTHER TRAVEL GOODS MADE OF LEATHER, PLASTIC AND OTHER MATERIALS. FUR CLOTHING WILL ALSO BE SEPARATELY CLASSIFIED BY MINK SKINS, RABBIT FURSKINS, FOX FURSKINS AND OTHER FURSKINS.
APART FROM THESE EXAMPLES, FURTHER BREAKDOWNS WILL ALSO BE MADE OF CERTAIN ITEMS SUCH AS CEILING FANS, WALL FANS, VENTILATING FANS, DOMESTIC FOOD GRINDERS AND MIXERS, FRUITJUICE EXTRACTORS, RICE COOKERS, KETTLES, TOASTERS, COFFEE MAKERS AND PERCOLATORS, RADIO CONTROLLED TOYS, T.V. GAMES’ CARTRIDGES, HAND-HELD ELECTRONIC GAMES, PEN-WATCHES, METAL BUTTONS ANH ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS OF TEXTILE MATERIAL.
/Ill
FRlJnY, DECEMBER ‘’7, 1982
- 1C -
IN LINE WITH THE PRACTICE OF HONG KONG’S TRADING PARTNERS, A UNIT OF QUANTITY WILL BE SPECIFIED FOR SOME COMMODITY ITEMS WHICH HAVE SO FAR BEEN WITHOUT A SPECIFIED UNIT OF QUANTITY. ♦THE ADDITION OF A UNIT OF QUANTITY TO COMMODITY ITEMS WILL ENABLE UNIT VALUES TO BE CALCULATED,♦ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED.
♦THE AMENDMENTS ARE BASED LARGELY ON SUGGESTIONS MADE BY USERS °Lr?TERNAL TRADE STATISTICS, INCLUDING GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, BUSINESS FIRMS, AND THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL. THERE IS A NEED FOR SOME ITEMS TO BE ^RARATEbY CLASSIFIED IN VIEW OF THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF THE TRADE IN SUCH ITEMS. THE AMENDMENTS WILL ALSO ENABLE HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS TO BE COMPARED EASILY WITH THOSE PUBLISHED BY OTHER TRADING PARTNERS,♦ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
CUO1 URGED IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS TO ENSURE THAT THEIR EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLETING TRADE DECLARATIONS ARE FULLY CONVERSANT WITH THESE AMENDMENTS.
COPIES OF THE FULL LIST OF AMENDMENTS ARE OBTAINABLE FREE OF CHARGE ATi
* GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE,
GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG;
* CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, COLLECTION OFFICES, GROUND FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, KOWLOON ; AND FIRST FLOOR, ASIAN HOUSE, HONG KONG;
* ClNSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, TRADE CLASSIFICATION SECTION, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, THIRD FLOOR, 317 DES VOEUX ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1982
11
CORDLESS TELEPHONES TO BE PROHIBITED
* M M *
THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY, MR H.G. ARDLEY, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT ACTION IS TO BE TAKEN TO PROHIBIT RETAIL SALES OF CORDLESS TELEPHONES IN HONG KONG AS FROM APRIL 1, NEXT YEAR.
RADIO DEALERS AND MANUFACTURERS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY HAVE BEEN GIVEN ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACTION.
♦THE EFFECT OF THE MOVE WILL BE TO MAKE IT ILLEGAL FOR ANY RADIO DEALER TO SELL CORDLESS TELEPHONES IN HONG KONG. THIS DIFFERS FROM THE PRESENT SITUATION IN WHICH IT IS ONLY ILLEGAL TO SELL SUCH APPARATUS FOR USE IN HONG KONG. IT WILL NOT, HOWEVER, AFFECT MANUFACTURERS OR EXPORTERS WHO HOLD STOCKS FOR EXPORT,♦ HE SAID.
♦OVER THE PAST MONTHS IN HONG KONG THERE HAS BEEN AN INCREASE IN COMPLAINTS CONCERNING RADIO INTERFERENCE FROM UNLICENSED CORDLESS TELEPHONES CONNECTED TO THE PUBLIC TELEPHONE NETWORK.
♦THE INTERFERENCE HAS SERIOUSLY AFFECTED MAJOR USERS OF RADIO COMMUNICATIONS INCLUDING THE EMERGENCY SERVICES AND IT ARISES BECAUSE THEIR ASSIGNED FREQUENCIES ARE CLOSE TO THOSE USED BY THE CORDLESS TELEPHONES AT PRESENT ON SALE IN HONG KONG.
♦IT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED THAT CORDLESS TELEPHONES ARE IN FACT RADIO EQUIPMENT AND, AS SUCH, REQUIRE A LICENCE.
♦OWNERS OF THESE TELEPHONES WHO USE THEM IN HONG KONG ARE THEREFORE ACTING ILLEGALLY AND, IN ADDITION, BY CONNECTING NONAPPROVED APPARATUS TO THE LINE, ARE IN THE BREACH OF THE CONDITIONS CF THE AGREEMENT FOR TELEPHONE SERVICE WITH THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE CO. LTD.
♦THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY RECOGNISES THAT CORDLESS TELEPHONES ARE A USEFUL FACILITY AND A SPECIFICATION IS NOW BEING PRODUCED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE CO. LTD. FOR CORDLESS TELEPHONES WHICH ARE SUITABLE FOR CONNECTION TO THE TELEPHONE NETWORK AND WHICH OPERATE ON AN ACCEPTABLE RADIO FREQUENCY.
♦WHEN THIS WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED THE PROHIBITION ON SALES CF CORDLESS TELEPHONES THAT MEET THE ABOVE CONDITIONS WILL BE LIFTED,♦ HE SAID.
12 ........
■pHIDaY, DECtFiSSlH 17, 1982
- 12 -
SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICES FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS * * * * *
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL START RUNNING SPECIAL PASSENGER TRAINS TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO COPE WITH THE EXPECTED LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE GOING TO CHINA FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT DURING THE NINE-DAY PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 18 TO 26, ONE SPECIAL UP-TRAIN WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION AT 7.14 AM DAILY.
THERE ARE AT PRESENT 16 NORTHBOUND AND TRAINS BETWEEN KOWLOON AND LO WU EACH DAY.
17 SOUTHBOUND
TO COPE WITH PASSENGERS RETURNING FROM CHINA AFTER THE HOLIDAYS, FOUR SPECIAL TRAINS WILL OPERATE FROM DECEMBER 26 TO JANUARY 3, 1983, LEAVING LO WU STATION AT 1.22 PM. 4.34 PM, 6.17 PM AND 7.37 PM.
TIMETABLES FOR THE SPECIAL TRAINS ARE DISPLAYED AT ALL STATIONS.
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PUBLIC FINANCE BILL * * *
A BILL TO PROVIDE FOR THE FIRST TIME A STATUTORY FRAMEWORK FOR THE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PUBLIC FINANCES OF HONG KONG IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.
THE NEED FOR THE BILL, AS EXPLAINED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN RECENT BUDGET SPEECHES, WAS IDENTIFIED AS A RESULT CF AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPLICATIONS FOR HONG KONG’S ADMINISTRATION CF THE PRESENT SIZE AND SCOPE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ACTIVITIES.
THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION IS DERIVED FROM THE LETTERS PATENT, THE ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS AND COLONIAL REGULATIONS. BUT TO A LARGE EXTENT THE SYSTEM ALSO REFLECTS CONVENTIONS AND PRACTICES ADOPTED OVER THE YEARS AND FOR WHICH NO FORMAL AUTHORITIES CAN NOW BE TRACED.
THE PUBLIC FINANCE BILL 1982 IS DESIGNED TO CLARIFY THE FINANCIAL AUTHORITIES AND TO BRING THEM TOGETHER IN ONE PLACE, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
+ IT DOES NOT INTRODUCE ANY BASIC CHANGE IN THE PRESENT SYSTEM, WHICH IN ESSENCE MEETS CURRENT NEEDS,* HE ADDED.
THE BILL STIPULATES, FOR INSTANCE, THAT MONEY RECEIVED FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE GOVERNMENT SHALL FORM PART OF THE GENERAL REVENUE AND LAYS DOWN THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE THAT NO EXPENDITURE MAY BE CHARGED ON THE GENERAL REVENUE WITHOUT STATUTORY AUTHORITY.
THE GENERAL REVENUE IS DESCRIBED IN THE BILL AS BEING PART OF THE +PUBLIC MONEYS*, THE CUSTODY OF WHICH IS GOVERNED BY DETAILED PROVISIONS.
/AT PRESENT
FRIDAY, DSCFMBDR 17, 1982
13
AT PRESENT THE STANDING ORDERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PROVIDE FOR THE ESTIMATES OF GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE TO BE EXAMINED IN DETAIL AND FOR AMENDMENTS TO BE MADE AND REFLECTED IN THE APPROPRIATION BILL. THE PUBLIC FINANCE BILL 1982 PROVIDES THAT THE ESTIMATES SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN APPROVED UPON THE ENACTMENT OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL.
THE BILL FORMALISES THE EXISTING PRACTICE WHEREBY APPROVAL CF SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IS TAKEN AS SUFFICIENT AUTHORITY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PROCEED. WHILE THIS REMOVES THE NEED FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO SEEK THE SUBSEQUENT APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WHICH IS DONE AT PRESENT BY WAY OF A MOTION INTRODUCED BY THE Fl NAN I CAL SECRETARY ON A QUARTERLY BASIS, THE PROVISIONS WILL REMAIN IN THE STANDING ORDERS AS AN ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IS ALSO EMPOWERED BY THE BILL TO APPROVE NOT ONLY SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS BUT ALSO CHANGES TO THE ESTIMATES. IT IS NOT CLEAR AT PRESENT WHOSE AUTHORITY IS REQUIRED FOR CHANGES TO THE ESTIMATES, WHICH DO NOT NECESSARILY REQUIRE SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS.
THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE DELEGATION OF FINANCIAL POWERS ARE COMPLICATED AND, GIVEN THE PACE OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN RECENT YEARS, THE NEED HAS ARISEN FOR THE LIMITS OF FINANCIAL DELEGATION TO BE EXTENDED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦IT IS NECESSARY, THEREFORE, NOT ONLY TO REDEFINE CLEARLY THE SOURCES OF FINANCIAL AUTHORITY BUT ALSO TO SIMPLIFY THE CHAIN AND METHOD OF DELEGATION AND THE RESPONSIBILITIES THAT DEVOLVE UPON PUBLIC OFFICERS, AND THIS THE BILL SEEKS TO DO,* HE EXPLAINED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE ESTABLISHMENT IN LATE 1978 OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE, CHARGED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EXAMINING ANNUALLY THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT ON THE GOVERNMENT’S ACCOUNTS, AND THE INTRODUCTION IN 1979 OF THE CONCEPT OF CONTROLLING OFFICERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE PUBLIC FUNDS WHICH THEY CONTROL WERE SIGNIFICANT STEPS IN THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE MANAGEMENT OF THE PUBLIC FINANCES. BUT ALTHOUGH THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE ENJOYS LEGAL STATUS, THERE IS NO STATEMENT IN LAW OF THE AUTHORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CONTROLLING OFFICERS.
THE BILL LAYS DOWN THE MAIN DUTIES OF CONTROLLING OFFICERS AND MAKES THEM PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE FOR EXPENDITURE UNDER THEIR CONTROL.
ANOTHER SECTION OF THE BILL DEALS WITH THE AUTHORITY AND PROCEDURES FOR THE SURCHARGE OF PUBLIC OFFICERS RESPONSIBLE FOR A LOSS OF PUBLIC MONEY OR PROPERTY OR FOR THE FAILURE TO COLLECT REVENUES.
SIMILAR PROVISIONS ALREADY EXIST IN FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING REGULATIONS AND NO SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES ARE PROPOSED. DEDUCTIONS OF SURCHARGE WILL, HOWEVER, EE LIMITED TO 50 PER CENT CF AN OFFICER’S MONTHLY SALARY OR PENSION.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1982
- 14 -
MODEL SCALE I STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL SET UP *****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT A MODEL SCALE I STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL HAS BEEN SET UP IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE IN ITS 4TH REPORT ON ♦CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY IN THE CIVIL SERVICE*.
THE COUNCIL IS TO BECOME THE CENTRAL CONSULTATIVE FORUM BETWEEN THE MODEL SCALE I STAFF AND THE ADMINISTRATION. JTS AIM IS TO ACHIEVE BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO PARTIES THROUGH REGULAR DISCUSSIONS ON MATTERS AFFECTING THE MODEL SCALE I STAFF, WITH A VIEW TO PROMOTING THEIR WELFARE AND IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
SPEAKING AFTER THE FIRST MEETING OF THE COUNCIL THIS MORNING, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MARTIN ROWLANDS, IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL COMMENTED THAT IT WAS A SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT TO HAVE THE MODEL SCALE I STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL ESTABLISHED.
♦THERE ARE MORE THAN 45 OOO MODEL SCALE I STAFF IN THE CIVIL SERVICE AND A CENTRAL CONSULTATIVE FORUM TO DISCUSS MATTERS AFFECTING THESE STAFF IS ESSENTIAL.
♦THE COUNCIL HAS A LOT OF WORK TO DO AND ITS SUCCESS WILL DEPEND VERY MUCH ON MUTUAL TRUST AND COOPERATION OF EVERYONE SERVING ON IT,+ HE SAID.
THE COUNCIL IS STRUCTURED SIMILARLY TO THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL. IT IS CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE WITH FIVE OTHER OFFICIAL MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY.
THE STAFF SIDE IS MADE UP OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE FOLLOWING FIVE UNIONS HAVING A LARGE MEMBERSHIP OF MODEL SCALE I STAFFi THE HONG KONG CHINESE CIVIL SERVANTS’ ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG CIVIL SERVANTS’ GENERAL UNION, HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WATERWORKS CHINESE EMPLOYEES UNION, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT KOWLOON WORKERS GENERAL UNION AND HONG KONG URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF GENERAL ASSOCIATION, EACH NOMINATING TWO REPRESENTATIVES WHO MUST BE SERVING MEMBERS OF THE MODEL SCALE I STAFF.
IN ADDITION, MR IP WING-HONG OF HONG KONG URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF GENERAL ASSOCIATION AND MR MA WING-WOON OF URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT KOWLOON WORKERS GENERAL UNION HAVE BEEN INVITED AS ADVISORS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSIONS OF THE COUNCIL.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1982
15
CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS AND ACTIVITIES *****
THE TOWN CENTRE OF CHAI WAN WILL GLITTER WITH CHRISTMAS LIGHTING DECORATIONS TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING FOLLOWING A SWITCH-ON CEREMONY AT THE WAN TSUI COMMERCIAL COMPLEX.
THIS WILL BE THE FIRST MAJOR FESTIVE DISPLAY PUT ON IN CHAI WAN WITH MORE THAN 6 OOO BULBS SET AGLOW OVER THE SITTING-OUT AREA OUTSIDE THE COMPLEX.
EASTERN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY AT 6.30 PM.
IN SHA TIN, MORE THAN 90 WORKERS HAVE BEEN WORKING 10 HOURS DAILY FOR THE PAST FEW DAYS TO ENSURE THAT THE DECORATIVE LIGHTINGS WILL SHINE IN THE NEW TOWN NEXT WEEK.
A TOTAL OF 25 000 LIGHT BULBS TOGETHER WITH OTHER CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS ARE BEING PUT ON ALONG THE SHING MUN RIVER.
THE SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON, WILL SWITCH ON THE LIGHTS AT 7 PM AT SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD BRIDGE ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 21).
A PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION IN CONNECTION WITH THE LIGHTING DISPLAY IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AS PART OF THE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION PROGRAMME.
MEANWHILE. AT A BRIEF CEREMONY TODAY, TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELAINE CHUNG RECEIVED ABOUT 1 500 PACKETS OF GIFTS, CONTAINING TOYS AND CANDIES DONATED BY LOCAL FIRMS, FOR DISTRIBUTION AS SOUVENIRS TO RESIDENTS ATTENDING A CHRISTMAS EVE VARIETY SHOW.
THE SHOW, SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND A TELEVISION STATION, WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND STARTING AT 9 PM. IT WILL BE OPENED BY THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES.
THREE GRAND PRIZES, TOTALLING MORE THAN $10 000, WILL ALSO BE AWARDED TO WINNERS OF A GAME COMPETITION TO BE HELD DURING THE THREE-HOUR SHOW. THE PRIZES INCLUDE ONE HONG KONG-LONDON RETURN AIR TICKET PLUS ONE WEEK HOTEL ACCOMMODATION. A SUCKLING PIG AND A SHARKS FIN DINNER FOR 12 PEOPLE, AND A CASHMERE JUMPER.
TICKETS TO THE VARIETY SHOW WILL BE AVAILABLE ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S PUBLIC ENQUIRIES COUNTERS STARTING ON MONDAY.
IN KWUN TONG, AN OPEN DANCE CONTEST, ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ORGANISATIONS AS PART OF CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES, WILL BE HELD AT 7 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE LEUNG SHEK CHEE COLLEGE, HIU KWONG STREET, SAU MAU PING.
/THE DEPUTY........
FRIDAY, JECEMBER 17, 1982
- 16 -
THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, W DAVID TSUI, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
THE CONTEST, WITH COMPETING TEAMS PARTICIPATING IN VARIOUS EVENTS INCLUDING ORIENTAL FOLK DANCE, ORIENTAL CLASSICAL DANCE AND WESTERN DANCE, WILL CONTINUE ON DECEMBER 19, 20, 21 AND 23 AT THE NING PO COLLEGE ON KUNG LOK ROAD.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS TO THE EVENTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE INFORMATION COUNTER OR BY TELEPHONING 3-416315.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY AT CHAI WAN’S WAN TSUI COMMERCIAL COMPLEX AT 6.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
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TAXI DRIVERS TO HOST TREAT FOR AGED * * * * *
ABOUT SIXTY DRIVERS EMPLOYED BY A TAXI COMPANY HAVE VOLUNTEERED TO DONATE THEIR SUNDAY SHIFT INCOME - EARNED BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4 PM-TO FUND ACTIVITIES FOR OLD PEOPLE LIVING IN WAN CHAI DISTRICT.
THE DRIVERS ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE FREE CARRIAGE FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN CO-ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, THE WAN CHAI (EAST) AREA COMMITTEE AND SEVERAL LOCAL ORGANISATIONS*
AT 9 AM ON SUNDAY THEY WILL GATHER IN THEIR TAXIS AT THE TANG SHIU KIN VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL.
AFTER A LION DANCE AND A BRIEF PENNANT PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT WHICH THE WAN CHAI ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR FRANCIS HO? w!hL 9eTIC,ATE* THE TAX,S> displaying SPECIALLY-DESIGNED posters, WILL SET OFF ON THEIR CHARITABLE MISSION.
THE MONEY RAISED WILL BE COUNTED AND THE TOTAL ANNOUNCED DURING A DINNER PARTY FOR THE AGED TO BE HELD AT THE CHINA RESTAURANT ON THE SAME EVENING, WHEN 200 OF THE OLDEST PEOPLE LIVING IN WAN CHAI WILL BE ENTERTAINED.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FREE CARRIAGE FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN PENNANT PRESENTATION CEREMONY ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 19) AT TANG SHIU KIN VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL AT 9 AM.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1982
17
SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXPANDED
* * *
FROM MONDAY, DECEMBER 20 SPEEDPOST SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND TO THE NETHERLANDS WILL BE FURTHER EXPANDED, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL ANNOUNCED TODAY.
IN ADDITION TO THE 16 CITIES IN CHINA ALREADY BEING SERVED, THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO SHIJIAZHUAN AND SHUZHOU. SPEEDPOST ITEMS POSTED TO THESE TWO CITIES BEFORE 10 AM FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY WILL BE DELIVERED ON THE AFTERNOON OF THE NEXT WORKING DAY.
ON THE SAME DATE, THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED TO ALL DESTINATIONS IN THE NETHERLANDS. ITEMS POSTED TO THE NETHERLANDS WILL BE DELIVERED ON THE SECOND WORKING DAY AFTER POSTING.
FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE POST OFFICE ENQUIRY BUREAU ON TELEPHONE 5-2671222.
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FIRE PREVENTION ADVICE DELIVERED TO DOORSTEP * * * *
FIRE PREVENTION ADVICE WAS, FOR THE FIRST TIME, BROUGHT TO PEOPLE’S DOORSTEPS WITH THE RECENT INTRODUCTION OF METAL POSTERS TO MAJOR SQUATTER AREAS.
n.nr ™E NEW pubi-ICITY MEASURE AIMED AT SQUATTER RESIDENTS FORMS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR.
COLOURFUL METAL POSTERS ON STEEL POLES HAVE BEEN RAISED AT THE MAIN ENTRANCES OF MORE THAN 40 SQUATTER AREAS.
PREVENTi0NTT*PS? Wl™ CART00NS’ THEY CARRY THE FOLLOWING FIRE
X AVOID OVERLOADING POWER POINTS,
M DON’T LEAVE COOKING UTENSILS IN USE UNATTENDED,
* SWITCH OFF ALL ELECTRIC APPLIANCES BEFORE GOING OUT,
* DO NOT REFILL KEROSENE APPLIANCES WHEN THEY ARE IN USE,
* STORE KEROSENE AND PETROL IN SEALED METAL CONTAINERS AWAY FROM ANY SOURCE OF HEAT, AND
* RAISE AN ALARM AT THE FIRST SIGN OF A FIRE.
A
SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP SAID TODAY (FRIDAY), +DUE TO THE INFLAMMABLE NATURE AND HIGH DENSITY OF THE STRUCTURES, SQUATTER AREAS ARE MORE PRONE TO FIRE ATTACKS.
/+DURING THE........
FRIDAY, DECBSBiR 17, 1982
- 18-
♦DURING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, 79 SQUATTER FIRES WERE REPORTED, RESULTING IN ABOUT 10 000 PEOPLE HOMELESS.*
HE POINTED OUT THAT MANY OF THESE FIRES WERE CAUSED BY CARELESSNESS AND NEGLIGENCE AND A LITTLE MORE CARE COULD HAVE SAVED NUMEROUS LIVES AND PROPERTY.
♦THE PRESENCE OF THESE POSTERS WILL SERVE AS AN EFFECTIVE ON-THE-SPOT REMINDER TO THE RESIDENTS AND HOPEFULLY BRING DOWN THE NUMBER OF FIRES IN FUTURE,* HE SAID.
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'SAFETY AT WORK’ TV SHOWS ft ft ft *
THE SECOND +SAFETY AT WORK* TELEVISION PROGRAMME JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, RTHK AND THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES WILL START ON SUNDAY.
THE 13-EPISODE PROGRAMME WILL THEN CONTINUE TO BE SCREENED ON HK-TVB’S JADE CHANNEL EVERY SUNDAY FROM 5 TO 5.30 PM.
AT A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD AT RTHK THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON, THE ACTING ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR YIU YAN-NANG, POINTED OUT THAT THE PROGRAMME WAS AIMED AT SPREADING THE MESSAGE OF WORK SAFETY AS WIDELY AS POSSIBLE THROUGH TELEVISION AND PARTICIPATION BY WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS.
♦ I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT PARTICIPATION BY WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS IS AN EFFECTIVE WAY OF PROMOTING SAFETY AT WORK,* HE SAID.
THE PROGRAMME IS AN EXCELLENT TELEVISION PRODUCTION AND ITS CONTENTS ARE BOTH ENTERTAINING AND EDUCATIONAL. EVEN WORKERS WHO ARE NOT ABLE TO TAKE PART IN THE PROGRAMME HAVE A CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN A QU IZ-FOR-HOME VIEWERS.
♦ I UNDERSTAND THAT PRIOR TO THE COMPETITION MANY PARTICIPANTS TRIED HARD TO GAIN KNOWLEDGE OF WORK SAFETY AND SAFETY REGULATIONS IN A BID TO WIN THE FIRST PRIZE,* HE SAID.
THE PROGRAMME CARRIES PRIZES WORTH MORE THAN 1300 000, MANY OF WHICH ARE BY COURTESY OF COMMERCIAL FIRMS.
WINNERS OF THE FIRST PRIZE WILL RECEIVE AIR TICKETS TO ENGLAND, BY COURTESY OF SHU I ON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FEDERATION’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, MR STANISLAUS TSAO, POINTED OUT AT THE CONFERENCE THAT THE FEDERATION’S INVOLVEMENT IN THE PROGRAMME FORMED PART OF ITS CONTINUING EFFORTS FOR PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
/THE FEKShTIC.’;, .........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1982
- 19 -
THE FEDERATION, HE SAID, REALISED THAT REDUCING THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS REQUIRED CO-OPERATION AMONG THE PARTIES CONCERNED. IT WAS NOT ENOUGH FOR GOVERNMENT TO LAUNCH PUBLICITY PROGRAMME AND TO ENACT LEGISLATION IT ALSO REQUIRED EFFORTS BY EMPLOYERS TO INSTALL SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND TO MONITOR ITS USAGE AS WELL AS CO-OPERATION BY EMPLOYEES IN OBSERVING SAFETY REGULATIONS.
♦ IN OTHER WORDS, IT’S A TRIPARTITE EFFORT BY GOVERNMENT, EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES,♦ HE NOTED.
THE ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER OF SHU I ON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, W M.C. LAO, SAID THAT AS A CO-SPONSOR OF THE PROGRAMME, HIS COMPANY HELD THE FIRM BELIEF, WHICH WAS ALSO SHARED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND MANY MEMBERS OF THE INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITY, THAT A HIGH STANDARD OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WOULD HELP UPGRADE PRODUCTIVITY.
IT WAS HOPED THAT THROUGH THE PROGRAMME INDUSTRIALISTS AND WORKERS WOULD BECOME MORE AWARE OF THE NEED TO SUPPORT THE frEANINGFUL CAUSE OF, AND TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN, UPGRADING THE STANDARDS OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN HONG KONG.
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PENALTY FOR LATE PAYMENT PROPOSED * * * *
A RILL PROPOSING TO DISCOURAGE LATE PAYMENTS OF LEVY TO THE
GAZETTE TODAY.
UNDER THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, A LEVY WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED PERIOD WILL LEAD TO A CENT OF THE AMOUNT UNPAID.
OR SURCHARGE NOT PAID PENALTY OF FIVE PER
IF THIS OUTSTANDING SUM IS NOT SETTLED WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DEADLINE, THE CONTRACTOR OR QUARRY OPERATOR WILL HAVE TO PAY, IN ADDITION, A FURTHER PENALTY OF FIVE PER CENT OF THE TOTAL SUM.
THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1982 ALSO ALLOWS THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION FUND BOARD IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS TO DISCLOSE CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION SUPPLIED TO IT.
IF THE BILL IS ENACTED, THE INTENTION IS TO INTRODUCE REGULATIONS TO ALLOW FOR SUCH DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY, AND TO PEOPLE AUTHORISED OR EMPLOYED BY THE BOARD FOR THE PURPOSE OF CHECKING THE VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORKS.
THE AMENDMENT REGULATIONS WOULD ALSO RAISE THE EXISTING PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO REPORT THE START AND END OF CONSTRUCTION OR QUARRY WORKS, THE RECEIPT OF PAYMENTS BY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS, AND THE MONTHLY PRODUCTION VOLUME OF QUARRY PRODUCTS.
G
/20
20 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1?, 1982
DANGER OF 'PASSIVE SMOKING’ STRESSED ft ft ft ft
PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF A STUDY ON THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF CANCER INDICATE THAT PASSIVE SMOKING CAN CAUSE LUNG CANCER IN NON-SMOKERS, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, WARNED TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY, DR THONG SAID THAT WHILE EVERY EFFORT IS BEING MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT TO DISCOURAGE CIGARETTE SMOKING, SOME PEOPLE WOULD ARGUE THAT A LARGE PROPORTION OF WOMEN WHO DEVELOPED LUNG CANCER WERE NON-SMOKERS.
+TH,S ARGUMENT IGNORES THE POSSIBILITY OF PASSIVE SMOKING FROM HUSBANDS, RELATIVES AND WORKMATES WHO SMOKE AND WHO MIGHT THEREFORE CONTRIBUTE TO CARCINOMAGENESIS IN THESE WOMEN,+ HE SAID.
aht STUDY 0N THESE ASpECTS OF CANCER IS BEING CARRIED
OUT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S INSTITUTE OF RADIOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY AND THE INSTITUTE OF PATHOLOGY.
cucdvDR ™°NG SAID THAT ,N SPITE 0F THe INCREASING EFFORTS AT EYERY LEXEL T0 C0NTR0L CANCER, IT REMAINS A MAJOR HEALTH PROBLEM N THE WORLD AND IN HONG KONG, WHERE THERE HAS BEEN A STEADY RISE IN THE DEATH RATE FROM THIS DISEASE.
RATE FROM THIS DISEASE.
IN MEN, THE DEATH RATE HAS RISEN FROM 120 PER 100 000 IN 1971 100 000 IN 198O» WH,CH ,S AN INCREASE OF 25 PER CENT, AND IN WOMEN IT HAS GONE UP FROM 88.9 PER 100 000 TO 100.7 PER 100 000 DURING THE SAME PERIOD, A RISE OF 11 PER CENT.
THE MAJORITY OF THE DEATH RATE FROM CANCER IS MAINLY REFLECTED IN DEATHS CAUSED BY CANCER OF THE LUNG, WHICH IS BY FAR THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF DEATH FROM THE DISEASE IN BOTH SEXES.
RATE IN LUNG CANCER IN MEN HAS RISEN FROM 26 PER 100 000 IN 1971 TO 46.6 PER 100 000 IN 1980, AND IN WOMEN FROM 18.9 PER 100 000 TO 24 PER 100 000 DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
♦THE CURE RATE FOR THIS DISEASE IS LOW AND OUR EFFORTS THEREFORE HAVE TO BE CONCENTRATED ON THE PREVENTIVE ASPECT AS CIGARETTE SMOKING IS NOW RECOGNISED AS THE MAJOR RISK FACTOR IN LUNG CANCER,♦ SAID DR THONG.
IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY HAVE INCREASED EFFORTS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CIGARETTE SMOKING THROUGH HEALTH EXHIBITIONS.
CANCER EDUCATION MESSAGES ARE BROUGHT TO THE PEOPLE THROUGH CAMPAIGNS IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS, PARTICULARLY IN SCHOOLS WHERE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE WARNED OF THE HAZARDS OF CIGARETTE SMOKING.
♦IT IS NOW GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO DISCOURAGE CIGARETTE SMOKING BY REQUIRING WARNINGS TO BE INCLUDED IN CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENTS AS WELL AS ON TV PRESENTATIONS,* SAID DR THONG.
♦THE CANCER PROBLEM IS IMMENSELY COMPLICATED AND I AM GLAD TO NOTE THAT WE IN HONG KONG ARE EARNESTLY TACKLING THIS WITH ALL AVAILABLE FINANCIAL AND MANPOWER RESOURCES AT OUR DISPOSAL.♦ HE ADDED.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1982
21
STUDENTS URGED TO LOOK TO EXAMPLES OF PREDECESSORS *****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR ALAN SCOTT TOLD GRADUATING STUDENTS OF THE DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THEY WERE LEAVING SCHOOL AT A TIME OF A CERTAIN LACK OF CONFIDENCE BY THE COMMUNITY, BUT URGED THEM TO LOOK TO THE EXAMPLE OF THEIR PREDECESSORS.
♦IMAGINE, FOR A MOMENT, HOW THE DBS GRADUATES OF 1970 EVALUATED THEIR PROSPECTS* DURING THE 196O’S, WHILE THEY WERE AT SCHOOL, HONG KONG HAD EXPERIENCED ENORMOUS GROWTH IN ITS POPULATION BY WAVES OF IMMIGRATION; HAD BEEN STAGGERED BY NATURAL CALAMITIES SUCH AS TYPHOONS AND WATER SHORTAGES; HAD PASSED THROUGH A BANKING CRISIS, AND MOST TESTING OF ALL, THE DISTURBANCES OF 1966 AND 1967.
♦BUT WHAT, IN FACT, WAS THEIR EXPERIENCE? - THEY AND THEIR CONTEMPORARIES WITNESSED AND CONTRIBUTED TO A DECADE OF EXTRAORDINARY GROWTH AND PROGRESS IN THE 197O’S - WHICH DID SO MUCH FOR HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE - IN THE SPHERES OF HOUSING, EDUCATION, SOCIAL WELFARE AND TRANSPORT; THE COMMUNITY’S DETERMINED ATTACK ON CRIME, AND ON THE ENVIRONMENT; AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CULTURAL LIFE OF HONG KONG,+ MR SCOTT SAID.
FURTHERMORE, HE ADDED, THE 1970'S SAW HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENT AS A WORLD RANKING CENTRE OF BANKING AND COMMERCE, WITH SUPERB COMMUNICATIONS. IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE DECADE, A PARTICULAR FEATURE WAS THE RAPID GROWTH IN COMMUNICATION AND CO-OPERATION IN INVESTMENT WITH CHINA.
HE TOLD THE STUDENTS AT THEIR ANNUAL SPEECH DAY THAT ♦PROBLEMS* AFTER ALL, IS OFTEN, IF NOT ALWAYS, A SYNONYM FOR ♦CHALLENGES*, AND THE PRESENT CHALLENGE FACED BY HONG KONG IS BUT ONE IN A LONG SERIES IN THE LAST 40 YEARS.
HE THOUGHT THE CHANGE OF MOOD OF THE COMMUNITY AND ITS ASSESSMENT OF THE FUTURE FROM ONLY A FEW MONTHS AGO WAS IN PART A REFLECTION OF THE HONG KONG CAPACITY FOR FOCUSSING VIGOROUSLY ON A PROBLEM.
HE STRESSED HOWEVER THAT WE SHOULD KEEP A PROPER PERSPECTIVE AND A TRUER PERSPECTIVE COULD BE GAINED BY LOOKING AT OUR ACHIEVEMENTS, IN PARTICULAR OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS.
♦AND YET DESPITE ALL THIS ACHIEVEMENT, AND DESPITE DURING A WORLD RECESSION HAVING VIRTUALLY FULL EMPLOYMENT FOR OUR PEOPLE AND CONTINUING GROWTH IN THE ECONOMY, SOMEHOW WE FEEL WE LACK CONFIDENCE
♦THIS IS A STRANGE BUT UNDERSTANDABLE PHENOMENON - BUT WITH THE FIRM ASSURANCES FROM CHINA AND GREAT BRITAIN WHICH WE HAVE RECEIVED AND WITH THE SKILLS AND RESILIENCE AND DETERMINATION OF THE PEOPLE CF HONG KONG, I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT AS ONE NEWSPAPER RECENTLY EXPRESSED ITi 'IT IS NECESSARY TO KEEP IN MIND WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN THE PAST, IN ORDER TO REALISE THAT THIS IS YET ANOTHER PHASE IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY WHICH WE SHALL OVERCOME,’♦ MR SCOTT SAID.
22
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1982
HOW TO MAKE THE SCHOOL A HAPPIER PLACE - HAYE M * * * *
GOVERNMENT AND SCHOOL AUTHORITIES ARE MAKING SCHOOLS HAPPIER PLACES FOR ALL WHO LIVE AND WORK IN THEM, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, NR COLVYN HAYE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY). +BUT STRESS IS A PROBLEM WHICH MUST BE FACED,* HE ADDED.
SPEAKING TO 250 SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS AT THE OPENING OF A SEMINAR ENTITLED +TOWARDS A HAPPIER LIFE IN SCHOOL*, MR HAYE OUTLINED VARIOUS LONG AND SHORT TERM MEASURES WHICH COULD HELP STUDENTS AND TEACHERS TACKLE PRESSURES.
♦ IN HANDLING STRESS IN SCHOOLS WE HAVE TO SPOT IT EARLY, DEAL WITH IT PROMPTLY, AND, MOST IMPORTANT, TRY TO PREVENT IT,* NR HAYE SAID.
HE SAID THE LONG TERM MEASURES LOOKED FAIRLY OBVIOUS - MORE TEACHERS, SMALLER CLASSES, REVISED SYLLABUSES BETTER GEARED TO THE ACTUAL NEEDS AND INTERESTS OF THE CHILDREN, WITH WIDER OPTIONS FOR SUBJECTS, BETTER STANDARDS ACROSS THE BOARD AND PUBLICITY TO CHANGE PUBLIC ATTITUDES AND ESTABLISH A GREATER AWARENESS OF CHILDREN’S NEEDS.
ON A SHORTER-TERM BASIS, MR HAYE ASKED SCHOOL HEADS TO EXPLORE:
* HOW TO ENSURE THE MAXIMUM TEACHER/PUPIL CONTACT - MORE INFORMALITY, MORE ♦APPROACHABILITY+;
* A RE-CONSIDERATION OF PRESENT EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAMMES -LESS ACADEMICALLY ORIENTED, MORE SOCIETY/WORLD OF WORK RELATED ;
* ATTEMPTS WITHIN SCHOOL TO PLAY DOWN THE IMPORTANCE OF EXAMINATIONS - LESS APPARENT EMPHASIS ON THE PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS BEING THE *END* ;
M HOW TO IMPROVE PRESENT SYSTEMS OF ASSISTANCE TO THE SCHOOLS BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND OTHER RELEVENT DEPARTMENTS; AND,
* WHAT MIGHT BE DONE FOR TEACHERS UNDER STRESS.
MR HAYE STRESSED THAT PRELIMINARY EVIDENCE SHOWED THAT THE PRESENT PICTURE WAS NOT SO BLEAK AS SOME WOULD PAINT.
♦ WE THINK OUR SCHOOLS ARE HAPPY PLACES IN WHICH MUCH OF THE PRESSURE HAS BEEN RELIEVED BY EDUCATIONAL REFORMS IN RECENT YEARS. THIS IS WHY WE HAVE CHOSEN THE THEME ’TOWARDS A HAPPIER LIFE IN SCHOOL’,* HE SAID.
UNDERLINING THE VALUE OF SUCH ANNUAL CONFERENCE MR HAYE SAID THEY BROUGHT TOGETHER THOSE MOST DIRECTLY CONCERNED WITH MAKING EDUCATIONAL POLICY AND IMPLEMENTING IT.
♦ SEMINARS ARE NOT ALL TALKS. THEY LEAD TO TANGIBLE RESULTS SUCH AS MORE TEACHERS IN SCHOOLS,+ MR HAYE SAID.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1982
23
WAYS TO STEM OUT DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS IN SCHOOL ft ft * ft *
DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS IN SCHOOLS WILL BECOME RARE, AND DISCONTENT AND ANXIETY WILL NOT FLOURISH IF SCHOOLS CAN ESTABLISH A SITUATION IN WHICH STAFF AND PUPILS ALL WORK TOGETHER IN MUTUAL RESPECT AND FRIENDLINESS, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF A SEMINAR ON ♦TOWARDS A HAPPIER LIFE IN SCHOOL* ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS, MR LEUNG SAID MANY WHO TOOK PART IN THE SEMINAR HAD EXPRESSED THE NEED TO ESTABLISH A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE IN SCHOOLS IF STUDENTS’ STRAIN WAS TO BE RELIEVED.
HE SAIDi ♦ THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE IF TENSION EXISTS BETWEEN PUPILS AND STAFF, BETWEEN SENIOR AND JUNIOR STAFF, AND AMONG STAFF IN GENERAL.*
MR LEUNG SAID SUCH AN ATMOSPHERE, GENERALLY KNOWN AS *ETHOS* OF A SCHOOL, COULD BE ACHIEVED THROUGH FIRM AND ENLIGHTENED LEADERSHIP GIVEN BY THE HEADS, THROUGH A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF THE SCHOOLS’ OBJECTIVES BY THE STAFF, WHO WOULD THEN BE ABLE TO TRANSMIT THIS SENSE OF PURPOSE fo PUPILS DURING THEIR DAY-TO-DAY TEACHING AND CONTACT WITH THEM.
HE SAID YOUNG PEOPLE NEEDED AN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THEY COULD FEEL SECURE AND IN WHICH THEY WERE CONVINCED THAT THEIR ACTIVITIES WERE PURPOSEFUL.
♦THEY ARE QUICK TO NOTICE AND CATCH TENSIONS OR UNCERTAINTIES AMONG THE TEACHING STAFF. YOUNG PEOPLE, TOO, NEED TO FEEL RESPECTED, TO HAVE THEIR OPINIONS SOUGHT AND TAKEN SERIOUSLY.
♦THIS IS WHY I HAVE REFERRED EARLIER TO FIRM AND ENLIGHTENED LEADERSHIP. BY ’ENLIGHTENED’ I MEAN LEADERSHIP WHICH TAKES FULL ACCOUNT OF THE VALUE OF CONSULTATION OF THE ’LED’,^ MR LEUNG SAID.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1982
HEATED POOL AT FANLING RE-OPENING TOMORROW * * * *
ONE OF THE HEATED POOLS AT THE FANLING PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX WILL BE RE-OPENED TOMORROW (SATURDAY) ON COMPLETION OF ANNUAL MAINTENANCE WORK.
THE POOL WILL BE OPEN FOR THREE SESSIONS DAILY — FROM 9 AM TO 11.30 AM, FROM 12.30 PM TO 3 PM AND FROM 3.30 PM TO 6 PM, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.
MEANWHILE, AN AIR SUPPORT STRUCTURE IS BEING PUT UP OVER THE KATED MAIN POOL AT THE COMPLEX.
THE STRUCTURE, WHICH WILL SHELTER SWIMMERS FROM THE COLD WIND IN WINTER, IS EXPECTED TO BE READY BY EARLY NEXT YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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TAC MEMBERS INSPECT AIRPORT TUNNEL AND ROADS
* * M
MEMBERS OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, LED BY THE CHAIRMAN, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE THIS AFTERNOON INSPECTED THE AIRPORT TUNNEL AND ITS APPROACH ROADS, WHICH FORM A FAST COMMUNICATION LINK BETWEEN SOUTH KOWLOON AND THE INDUSTRIAL AREAS OF KWUN TONG. THIS LINK IS BEING COMPLETED IN STAGES, THOUGH THE TUNNEL ITSELF WAS OPENED TO TRAFFIC EARLIER THIS YEAR.
THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, MR F.E. SHORT, AND THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER, MR H.C. BEATON TOGETHER WITH THE PRbJECT ENGINEERS, EXPLAINED THE LAY-OUT PLANS AND FACILITIES TO THE VISITORS. / I
THE 1 260-METRE AIRPORT TUNNEL ROAD IS ABOUT 9 METRES BELOW THE RUNWAY ANDiEMERGES IN KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION. IT IS LINKED AT ' THE OTHER END TO THE TRAFFIC STREAM IN TO KWA WAN.
Qi AS DHU3J
ACCESS TO THE TUNNEL IS HELPED BY A SERIES OF ROAD INTERCHANGES, GROUND-LEVEL AND ELEVATED CARRIAGEWAYS, FOOTBRIDGES, AND PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR SUBWAYS.
WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDINGS ARE HOUSED SOPHISTICATED ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT WHICH CONTINUOUSLY MONITOR AND CONTROL TRAFFIC USING THE TUNNEL AND THE APPROACH ROADS.
VISUAL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED BY CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION CAMERAS, WHILE THE ACTUAL NUMBER AND SPEED OF VEHICLES IN THE TUNNEL ARE FED IN BY ELECTRICAL DETECTORS SET INTO THE ROAD SURFACE.
MOTORISTS ARE GUIDED BY DIRECTION SIGNS, LANE SIGNALS AND AUTOMATIC BARRIERS WHICH CAN BE VARIED INSTANTLY TO HELP THEM GET OUT OF THE WAY OF BREAKDOWNS OR ACCIDENTS.
rRIDAY, DECJM3ER 17, 1982
25
BUILDINGS IN DANGEROUS CONDITION
* * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY DECLARED NOS. 2 AND 6 SAI WOO LANE, HONG KONG TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS MORNING, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT THESE TWO-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS, CONSTRUCTED WITH LOAD-BEARING BRICK WALLS AND TIMBER FLOORS AND ROOFS, HAD BEEN UNDER SURVEILLANCE SINCE 1969.
A RECENT INSPECTION OF THESE BUILDINGS INDICATED THAT THE FRACTURED BRICKWORK HAS NOW REACHED THE STAGE WHERE THERE IS A SERIOUS RISK OF A COLLAPSE. IT IS THEREFORE CONSIDERED NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THESE BUILDINGS.
ACCORDINGLY, NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON JANUARY 14, 1983 WERE POSTED TODAY.
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TACKLING CRIME IN WONG TAI SIN
* * *
A LARGE GROUP OF WONG TAI SIN’S MOST INFLUENTIAL RESIDENTS WILL BECOME +POLICEMEN FOR A DAY* THIS WEEKEND.
THEY WILL BE AMONG MORE THAN 300 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE AND AREA COMMITTEE OFFICIALS AND MEMBERS WHO WILL BE ATTENDING A SEMINAR WITH THEIR LOCAL POLICE OFFICERS AND MEN AT THE WONG TAI SIN POLICE STATION ON SUNDAY.
THE POLICE AND THE CITIZENS THEY PROTECT ARE COMING TOGETHER UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WAYS IN WHICH THEY CAN BEST ASSIST EACH OTHER.
THE IDEA IS TO GIVE THE RESIDENTS FIRST HAND KNOWLEDGE OF HOW THE LOCAL FORCE WORKS WITH EMPHASIS ON CRIME REPORTING PROCEDURES, HOW TO ASSIST POLICE IN IDENTIFYING SUSPECTS AND THE ROLE OF MACS IN TACKLING CRIME.
SENIOR OFFICERS FROM UNITS SUCH AS THE MARINE POLICE, THE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU AND THE POLICE CADET SCHOOL WILL BE ATTENDING THE SEMINAR TO EXPLAIN THEIR ROLE AND HOW IT RELATES TO THE DISTRICT.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE CHAIRED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR IAN STRACHAN, AND THE POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR K.H. CHING.
NOTE TO ED I TORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT-POLICE COMMUNITY FIGHT CRIME SEMINAR DAY AT THE WONG TAI SIN POLICE STATION IN SHA TIN PASS ROAD AT 2 PM THIS SUNDAY (DECEMBER 19).
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1982
26 -
NEW ELEVATED LINK ROAD PLANNED
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PLANS TO CONSTRUCT A NEW ELEVATED ROAD LINKING THE EXISTING SECTIONS OF PAK FUK ROAD BETWEEN BRAEMAR TERRACE AND TANNER HILL ROAD POLICE
QUARTERS, IT IS ANNOUNCED TODAY.
MARRIED
THE PROPOSED PROJECT COMPRISES THE BUILDING OF THE SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY, 150 METRES LONG AND 10.75 METRES WIDE, INCLUDING FOOTWAYS AND ASSOCIATED SITE FORMATION AND DRAINAGE WORKS.
A SHORT SECTION OF THE EXISTING PAK FUK ROAD AT BOTH ENDS WILL ALSO BE RE-CONSTRUCTED TO LINK WITH THE NEW ROAD, WHICH WILL COMPLETE THE ROAD LINK BETWEEN TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD AND THE EASTERN PART OF NORTH POINT, THUS EASING TRAFFIC CONGESTION.
A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED WORKS IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE, THE HONG KONG (NORTH) DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 3RD FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 884-886 KING’S ROAD.
OBJECTION TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS NOT LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE NOTICE.
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN TUEN MUN
it ft it
MING KUM ROAD IN TUEN MUN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 19) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE.
THE ARRANGEMENT WILL BE REPEATED ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 21).
DURING THE CLOSURES, TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PUI TO ROAD, TSUN WEN ROAD AND SHEK PAI TAU ROAD.
WATER LEAKAGE TEST * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN EASTERN DISTRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 20) FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY JARDINE’S BAZAAR, KAI CHIU ROAD. LEE GARDEN ROAD, LAN FONG ROAD, YUN PING ROAD AND THE SECTION OF PENNINGTON STREET BETWEEN YUN PING ROAD AND JARDINE’S BAZAAR.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LADY YOUDE PRAISES YIN NGAI SOCIETIES .................... 1
ADULT EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT MEANS OF ADVANCEMENT - TOPLEY . 2
SAFER WINTER FOR TAI SHING VILLAGERS ...................... 2
ADVANCE PAYMENT DATES FOR SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS ...... J
ROAD IMPROVEMENT IN TAI TAM ............................. 3
ADDITIONAL TUEN MUN ROAD WORKS ............................ 4
TEN-YEAR LEASE FOR PIER ................................... 4
TEMPORARY PIER FOR MA LIU SHUI .......................... 5
traffic arrangements in central, sham shui po and sha tin .. 5
OPENING OF USD TRAINING SCHOOL ............................ 5
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES STAFF STAGE FUN-RAISING WALK ........ 6
CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA FOR WONG TAI SIN RESIDENTS.... 6
PRE-CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS .............................. 7
CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR THE DISABLED .......................... 8
WAN CHAI DISTRICT CLEAN HCH4G KONG CAMPAIGN VARIETY SHOW .... 8
SHA TIN ARTS FORTNIGHT OPENS .............................. 9
FUN DAY FOR TSUEN WAN VILLAGERS .......................... 10
NORTH DISTRICT MARKET STALLS FOR AUCTION ................. 10
WATER CUT IN MUI WO
11
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1982
1
LADY YOUDE PRAISES YIN NGA I SOCIETIES ft ft ft ft
YIN NGAI SOCIETIES — WOMEN’S ASSOCIATIONS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES — ARE GROWING QUICKLY AND RESPONDING SUCCESSFULLY TO THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES, AND LADY YOUDE, WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR, HOPES THE SOCIETIES WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
SPEAKING AT THE JOINT INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF FIVE NEW YIN NGAI SOCIETIES AT THE PAK TIN COMMUNITY HALL IN SHAM SHU I PO TODAY, LADY YOUDE SAIDi ♦MODERN LIVING CAN SO EASILY ISOLATE WOMEN IN THEIR HOMES, CUTTING THEM OFF FROM NATURAL CONTACT WITH RELATIVES AND NEIGHBOURS.
♦MANY DO NEED HELP WITH THE APPARENTLY SMALL THINGS IN LIFE -SUCH AS MEETING NEIGHBOURS AND FINDING NEW FRIENDS? GETTING HELP WITH BABY-SITTING AND SHOPPING? AND SHARING HOBBIES AND FAMILY OUTINGS - BECAUSE IT IS THE SMALL THINGS THAT PROVIDE THE KEY TO A HAPPY AND FULFILLED EXISTENCES
♦THE YIN NGAI SOCIETIES PROVIDE THE HELP AND SUPPORT THAT LEADS TO THE BUILDING OF A SUCCESSFUL AND CARING COMMUNITY,* SHE ADDED.
LADY YOUDE NOTED THAT THERE WERE NOW EIGHT YIN NGAI SOCIETIES IN EXISTENCE, AND WITH THE INAUGURATION OF THE PAK TIN AND 01 MAN SOCIETIES, THE ORGANISATION WOULD PUT ITS ROOTS DOWN IN KOWLOON.
THE OTHER THREE SOCIETIES INAUGURATED TODAY ARE AT ON TING AND YAU 01, TAI YUEN AND SHU I PIN WAI ESTATES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE WIFE OF THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MRS AKERS-JONES? THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON? THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR ALBERT LAM? AND THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR S.E. ALLEYNE.
THE IDEA OF FORMING YIN NGAI SOCIETIES CAME FROM MR AKERS-JONES IWO YEARS AGO WHEN HE ENCOURAGED THE SETTING UP OF WOMEN’S ASSOCIATIONS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOUSEWIVES TO GET TOGETHER, EXCHANGE VIEWS IN HOUSECRAFT, HELP ONE ANOTHER AND GENERALLY MAKE BETTER USE OF THEIR SPARE TIME.
APART FROM THE FIVE SOCIETIES INAUGURATED TODAY, THREE OTHERS AT LEI MUK SHUE. TAI HING AND LEK YUEN-WO CHE ESTATES WERE INAUGURATED A YEAR AGO BY MRS AKERS-JONES.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1982
2
ADULT EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT MEANS OF ADVANCEMENT - TOPLEY ******
ADULT EDUCATION IS A VALUABLE AND IMPORTANT MEANS OF ADVANCEMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION, MR KEN TOPLEY SAID AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE CARITAS ADULT EDUCATION WEEK TODAY (SATURDAY).
+ADULT EDUCATION MAY BE CALLED SECOND CHANCE EDUCATION, BUT IT IS BY NO MEANS SECOND CLASS EDUCATION. THIS IS BECAUSE THIS FORM OF VOCATIONAL AND ACADEMIC EDUCATION IS SOUGHT ONLY BY THOSE WHO ARE DETERMINED TO SUCCEED AND WHO ARE PREPARED TO MAKE SACRIFICES,* HE SAID, ADDING THAT MOTIVATION WAS ONE OF THE REAL STRENGTHS OF ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMES.
HE POINTED OUT, FOR EXAMPLE, THAT IN SWEDEN ONLY 18 PER CENT OF UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES ARE UNDER 25 YEARS OF AGE AND SAID THAT THE MAJORITY THEREFORE ARE FIRST-CLASS STUDENTS WHO SEEK A FORM OF EDUCATION WHICH THEY DESIRE, AT AN AGE WHEN THEY ARE ABLE TO REALISE ITS FULL VALUE.
MR TOPLEY PRAISED THE WORK OF CARITAS CONTINUING AND ADULT EDUCATION SERVICE AND ITS CO-ORDINATOR, MISS THERESE SHAK, AND EMPHASIZED THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING, AND HELPING TO PROVIDE, ADULT EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
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SAFER WINTER FOR TAI SHING VILLAGERS
*****
SOME 800 SQUATTER FAMILIES LIVING IN TAI SHING VILLAGE, SAU MAU PING, WILL ENJOY A SAFER AND WARMER WINTER THIS YEAR FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF AN ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME.
THE SCHEME, INITIATED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND IMPLEMENTED BY THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY, COSTS EACH OF THE FAMILIES LESS THAN $500.
FOR THIS OUTLAY, THEY HAVE REMOVED THE DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH ILLEGAL ELECTRICITY TAPPING AND WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF THEIR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES FOR THE FIRST TIME IN YEARS.
TO MARK THE INSTALLATION OF STANDARD ELECTRICAL METERS AND WIRING COVERING 80 PER CENT OF THE VILLAGERS, THE KWUN TONG ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ARTHUR NG, WILL PERFORM A SWITCH-ON CEREMONY TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 10.30 AM.
ALSO PRESENT WILL BE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE POWER COMPANY AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1982
- 5 -
ADVANCE PAYMENT DATES FOR SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS MADE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE WITH PAYMENT DATES FALLING ON THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS TO GET THEIR PAYMENTS EARLIER.
THOSE WHO ARE TO RECEIVE PAYMENT ON DECEMBER 25, 26 AND 27 CAN CASH THEIR COUPONS ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 22, 23 AND 24 RESPECTIVELY.
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS ARE MADE THROUGH POST OFFICES, TREASURY SUB-OFFICES AND THE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES WHILE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES ARE PAID THROUGH BANKS IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE OFFICES.
STAFF OF SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS HAVE BEEN ASKED TO INFORM THEIR CLIENTS OF THE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS.
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ROAD IMPROVEMENT IN TAI TAM
MM*
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO WIDEN A SECTION OF TAI TAM ROAD BETWEEN THE SOUTHERN END OF TAI TAM TUK DAM AND TAI TAM RESERVOIR ROAD AS AN INTERIM ROAD IMPROVEMENT MEASURE.
THE PROPOSED PROJECT, TOGETHER WITH SITE FORMATION AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORK, IS IN LINE WITH A PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN TAI TAM.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROJECT IS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A SCHEME PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE ; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG SOUTH, NEW WORLD TOWER, SIXTH FLOOR, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL; AND THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, SECOND FLOOR, ABERDEEN CENTRE, HONG KONG.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS NOT LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE NOTICE.
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A....
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1982
ADDITIONAL TUEN MUN ROAD WORKS « t Ji
THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE WILL CARRY OUT IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO A AOO-METRE LENGTH OF THE WESTBOUND SECTION OF TUEN MUN ROAD BETWEEN SHAM TSENG AND SIU LAM STARTING FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 20).
WHILE STRESSING THAT TUEN MUN ROAD HAD BEEN BUILT TO A HIGH STANDARD, AN OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE ADDITIONAL WORKS WERE BEING CARRIED OUT TO FURTHER IMPROVE SAFETY FOR MOTORISTS.
THESE WORKS WILL CONSIST OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 270-METRE CONCRETE BARRIER ALONG THE EXTREME EDGE OF THE OUTER LANE OF THE ROAD AND THE APPLICATION OF A HIGH-FRICTION DRESSING TO THE ROAD
SURFACE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WS SKTIO^ROAD^ULD ^CLOSED
TO ALL TRAFFIC FROM ABOUT APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS MOTORISTS.
9.30 WILL
BE PLACED IN POSITION
TO GUIDE
♦AFTER THAT THE ROAD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.+ HE
WILL SAID
ONLY BE OPENED TO ONE
LANE TRAFFIC
HE ADDED THAT ON COMPLETION OF ALL WORKS, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO TAKE A FEW WEEKS, THIS SECTION OF ROAD WOULD BE REOPENED TO THREE-LANE TRAFFIC.
-------o ---------
TEN-YEAR LEASE FOR PIER X * X
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO GRANT BY PRIVATE TREATY A 10-YEAR LEASE OF THE NEW KOWLOON PERMANENT PIER NO. 17 IN KWUN TONG TO THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LIMITED.
THE COMPANY WILL BE PERMITTED TO USE THE EXISTING PIER STRUCTURE ONLY FOR THE LOADING AND UNLOADING OF GOODS AND MATERIALS CONNECTED WITH ITS NORMAL BUSINESS.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
ANY OBJECTIONS TO THIS PLAN MUST REACH THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS NOT LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE NOTICE.
™E NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE SURVEY DIVISION OF LANDS DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET, KOWLOON.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1982
- 5 -
TEMPORARY PIER FOR MA LIU SHU I * * *
A NEW TEMPORARY PIER AT MA LIU SHU I RECLAMATION WILL BE OPENED ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 20) TO REPLACE THE EXISTING PIER.
THE FERRY SERVICES USING THE PIER WILL INCLUDE REGULAR ROUTES TO WU KAI SHA AND MA ON SHAN.
GOVERNMENT VESSELS, KAITOS AND OTHER PUBLIC VESSELS MAY ALSO USE THE PIER.
SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP NEAR THE EXISTING PIER AND ALONG THE ACCESS TO THE NEW PIER TO GUIDE PASSENGERS.
-------o----------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL, SHAM SHU I PO AND SHA TIN * * * *
THE WESTBOUND SECTION OF KENNEDY ROAD NEAR THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC COMPANY BUILDING WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 29) UNTIL JANUARY 2 FOR WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT ON A SLOPE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, ONE-LANE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC WILL BE INTRODUCED AT THIS SECTION.
MEANWHILE, IN SHA TIN, THE BRIDGE LINKING SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD WITH SHA TIN WAI ROAD ACROSS SHING MUN RIVER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 6.30 PM TO 7.30 PM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 21) FOR THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTING SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY.
AND IN SHAM SHU I PO, VEHICLES TRAVELLING ALONG CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT INTO TONKIN STREET EASTBOUND FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 20).
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OPENING OF USD TRAINING SCHOOL
* * *
DR KIM CHAM, CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL’S ADMINISTRATION SELECT COMMITTEE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TRAINING SCHOOL ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 20).
THE TRAINING SCHOOL IS LOCATED AT 01 KWAN COURT IN WAN CHAI.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED FOR MEMBERS OF THE PRESS OUTSIDE THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING) CARPARK AT 10.15 AM.
0 -
/6.......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1982'
6
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES STAFF STAGE FUND-RAISING WALK M * * * *
MORE THAN 800 STAFF AND FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) PARTICIPATED IN A SPONSORED WALK IN TAI LAM CHUNG IN AID OF THE DEPARTMENT’S WELFARE FUND.
THE ANNUAL EVENT WAS ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS-GARNER, PERFORMED A RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY TO START OFF THE SIX-KILOMETRE WALK FROM TAI LAM CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION.
ALL PARTICIPANTS WALKED AROUND THE TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVOIR AND BACK TO THE INSTITUTION.
AFTER THE WALK, A BARBECUE PARTY WAS ORGANISED FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS, ACCOMPANIED BY GAMES FOR THE CHILDREN. MUSIC WAS PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF BAND.
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CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA FOR WONG TAI SIN RESIDENTS # * * *
MORE THAN 5 000 YOUTHS IN WONG TAI SIN ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND A SERIES OF FESTIVE EVENTS SPECIALLY ORGANISED FOR THEM ON CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S EVES.
THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED $40 000 FOR THESE ACTIVITIES.
THE HIGHLIGHTS WILL INCLUDE A +D.J. VARIETY SHOW+ AND A ♦SOCIAL DANCE+ BOTH ON CHRISTMAS EVE. THEY ARE BEING ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE WITH SUPPORT FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
THE +D.J. SHOW+, TO BE HELD BETWEEN 8.30 PM AND 11.30 PM AT THE MORSE PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE, WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR RADIO D.J.S AND SINGERS.
ADMISSION IS FREE AND TICKETS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE, OR TELEPHONE 3-222261 FOR ENQUIRIES.
THE +SOCIAL DANCE+ WILL ALSO BE HELD BETWEEN 8.30 PM AND 11.30 PM, BUT AT THE EAST KAI TAK INDOOR GAMES HALL IN SAN PO KONG.
IT WILL BE A DISCO PARTY FOR 400 PEOPLE, FEATURING A PROFESSIONAL BAND AND FAMOUS SINGERS.
YOUTHS IN THE DISTRICT ARE WELCOME TO JOIN THE PARTY AND ADMISSION TICKETS AT $10 PER COUPLE, ARE AVAILABLE AT THE LOK FU, TUNG TAU AND WANG TAU HOM SUB-OFFICES, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
FIVE OTHER PROGRAMMES, SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK SERVICES CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, WILL ALSO BE LAUNCHED ON CHRISTMAS EVE.
/THEY WILL .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 19^2
7
THEY WILL BE HELD, BETWEEN 8.30 PM AND 12 MIDNIGHT, AT DIFFERENT VENUES AND ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 3-273327.
IN ADDITION, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAVE JOINTLY ORGANISED TWO DISCO NIGHTS ON CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S EVES.
BOTH FUNCTIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE MORSE PARK INDOOR GAMES HALL IN FUNG MO STREET, BETWEEN 7.30 PM AND 10.30 PM.
ADMISSION IS FREE AND TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OFFICE AT 15-24, WANG TAU HOM ESTATE, BLOCK 26, GROUND FLOOR.
------0-------
PRE-CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS * * * *
A SERIES OF CELEBRATIONS WILL TAKE PLACE IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS TOMORROW (SUNDAY) HERALDING CHRISTMAS WHICH IS ONLY A FEW DAYS AWAY.
IN SHA TIN, LOCAL CHILDREN WILL HAVE A TASTE OF FESTIVE SNACKS MADE BY GIRL GUIDES AND LADY MEMBERS OF THE YIN NGAI SOCIETY IN THE DISTRICT.
THE FOOD STALL WILL BE ONE OF THE MAJOR ATTRACTIONS AT THE CHRISTMAS FUN FAIR TO BE HELD ON THE PODIUM OF LEK YUEN ESTATE BETWEEN 2 PM AND 4 PM.
FUNDED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE FUN FAIR WILL BE OPENED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DONALD TSANG, AND HIS WIFE.
FOR SHAU KEI WAN RESIDENTS, A FUN FAIR WILL BE HELD ON THE PODIUM AT BLOCK 25, MING WAH BUILDING IN A KUNG NGAM, STARTING AT 2 PM.
THE FUN FAIR, ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE HONG KONG BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUB ASSOCIATION, WILL INCLUDE 10 GAME STALLS, A BOOK EXHIBITION AND FOLK DANCES.
ANOTHER EVENT WILL BE CAROL SINGING BY THE WONG TAI SIN CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND MEMBERS FROM COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS TO BE HELD AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT IN CENTRAL AT 2.30 PM.
A t!APPY FAM,LY CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES,
WAJ? AREA COMMITTEE AND WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE, WILL BE HELD AT BLAKE GARDEN, PO HING FONG, SHEUNG WAN, BEGINNING FROM 2 PM.
IN KWAI CHUNG, A CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL WILL TAKE PLACE AT 10 AM AT THE YMCA CENTRE AT 321 KWAI SHING CIRCUIT.
AT THe"ojEH;SIACEREHoI?.,CT °FF'CER- MRS KIHSST0"- WILL ---------------------------------o-------
/8.........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1982
8
CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR THE DISABLED
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE AND KAI CHI CHILDREN’S CENTRE WILL JOINTLY ORGANISE A CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR THEIR 400 TRAINEES ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 21).
THE TRAINEES WILL PERFORM DANCES, SINGING, DRAMA, ACROBATICS AND OTHER ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES. THE BAND OF TAI TAM GIRL PIPERS WILL BE THERE TO GIVE A MARCHING DISPLAY.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE (OPERATIONS), fRS EVELYN DOE, AND A MEMBER OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD, MR LAM HON-KEUNG WILL ATTEND AS GUESTS OF HONOUR.
THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE PROVIDES SOCIAL AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR DISABLED PEOPLE, AND THE KAI CHI CHILDREN’S CENTRE IS A RESIDENTIAL CENTRE FOR MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN UNDER 16.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE, WELFARE ROAD, WONG CHUK HANG, STARTING AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 21).
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WAN CHAI DISTRICT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN VARIETY SHOW * * * *
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, MR CHAM SIU-LEUN, CALLED FOR PUBLIC SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION FOR THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.
HE MADE THE CALL THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING DURING A SPEECH AT THE OPENING OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN VARIETY SHOW AT THE SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND FOOTBALL PITCH.
THE SHOW WAS CO-ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE.
HE SAID: +T0 MAKE WAN CHAI PROSPEROUS, RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICT SHOULD FIRST KEEP THEIR ENVIRONMENT CLEAN.*
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, WHO WAS AMONG THE OFFICIATING GUESTS ALSO STRESSED THE NEED FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN ANY GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED CAMPAIGN.
HE SAID THAT PAST EXPERIENCE SHOWED PUBLIC SUPPORT WAS PREREQUISITE FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE +KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN* CAMPAIGN
/OTHER GUESTS .......
SATURDAY, DECIMBER 18, 1982
9
OTHER GUESTS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY INCLUDED MR WONG TAK-FUN, URBAN SERVICES OFFICER (WAN CHAI), MR FRANCIS S.W. HO, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (WAN CHAI) AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS MR CHU WING-KEE, MR LEE KON, MR CHENG HOK-YIN, MR HO YUK-WING, MR NG SAI-YING, HO FOOK-CHU AND MR LO WAI-MAN.
AT THE CEREMONY SOUVENIRS WERE PRESENTED BY MR CHAM SIU-LEUN TO MR CHEONG-LEEN, MR WONG TAK-FUN, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SIX WAN CHAI DISTRICT AREA COMMITTEES AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE.HONG KONG FOOD, GROCERY AND VEGETABLE HAWKER WELFARE AND FRATERNITY ASSOCIATION.
PROGRAMMES OF THE NIGHT INCLUDED SINGING, ACROBATICS, A MAGIC SHOW AND A LUCKY DRAW. THE SHOW ATTRACTED A LARGE AUDIENCE.
--------o----------
SHA TIN ARTS FORTNIGHT OPENS
* * *
THE SHA TIN ARTS FORTNIGHT, TIMED TO COINCIDE WITH THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS, OPENED TONIGHT (SATURDAY) AT THE SIR RUN RUN SHAW HALL OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY.
TWENTY-EIGHT SHOWS WILL BE HELD AT 11 VENUES IN SHA TIN, FEATURING PERFORMANCES INCLUDING MUSIC, DANCE, FILMS, DRAMA, CANTONESE OPERA AND VARIETY SHOWS WHICH ARE SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, MISS LYDIA DUNN, POINTED OUT THAT SOME 160 CULTURAL EVENTS HAD BEEN HELD IN SHA TIN DURING THE YEAR.
BUT SHE SAID IT WAS A PITY THAT THESE ACTIVITIES WERE NOT HELD IN A PLACE WITH PROPER FACILITIES.
HOWEVER, THE DISTRICT’S OWN TOWN HALL WOULD BE READY IN EARLY 1985, MISS DUNN SAID.
IT WOULD HAVE A 1 450-SEAT RECITAL HALL TOGETHER WITH SEVERAL TRAINING ROOMS AND REHEARSAL AREAS.
THE OPENING CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY A DANCE DRAMA ENTITLED •♦ROMANCE OF THE MESMERISING VISIONS* BY THE HONG KONG DANCE COMPANY.
THE ARTS FORTNIGHT IS A CONCERTED EFFORT BY THE SHA TIN ARTS ASSOCIATION, THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO BRING HIGH-STANDARD CULTURAL ACTIVITIES TO THE NEW TOWN.
PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE FESTIVAL EVENTS ARE ADVISED TO MAKE BOOKINGS EARLY AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE.
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/10........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1982
10
FUN DAY FOR TSUEN WAN VILLAGERS
* * * *
A NUMBER OF PROGRAMMES, INCLUDING A CHILDREN’S FUN FAIR AND A BEER-DRINKING CONTEST, HAVE BEEN ARRANGED FOR VILLAGERS OF TSUEN WAN AT TOMORROW’S (SUNDAY) RURAL AREA DAY.
STARTING AT 1.30 PM, 12 GAMES STALLS AT THE BASKETBALL COURT UNDER THE SHAM TSENG VIADUCT WILL OPEN FOR SOME 1 200 CHILDREN WHO WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITIES OF WINNING VALUABLE PRIZES.
A BEER-DRINKING CONTEST FOR 80 MEN AND WOMEN WILL BE HELD AT THE SAME VENUE, PRECEDED BY AN OPENING CEREMONY AT 2 PM TO BE PRESIDED OVER BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELAINE CHUNG.
A VARIETY SHOW COMPRISING MAGIC, ACROBATICS AND SINGING PERFORMANCES FOR THE YOUNG AND OLD WILL START AT 7.30 PM.
THE RURAL AREA DAY IS BEING ORGANISED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO PROVIDE CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE RURAL COMMUNITY IN TSUEN WAN.
OTHER PROGRAMMES, INCLUDING A MINI SOCCER TOURNAMENT, A DRAWING AND CALLIGRAPHY COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN, AND A PICNIC AND VEGETARIAN LUNCH FOR THE ELDERLY HAVE BEEN HELD OVER THE PAST WEEK.
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NORTH DISTRICT MARKET STALLS FOR AUCTION
x if *
TEN STALLS AT THREE MARKETS IN NORTH DISTRICT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE PUT UP FOR PUBLIC AUCTION ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 21).
TWO STALLS FOR SELLING FISH AT SHA TAU KOK MARKET WILL BE AUCTIONED AT THE SHA TAU KOK RURAL COMMITTEE’S OFFICE AT 10 AM, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE OTHER EIGHT STALLS LOCATED AT TWO TEMPORARY MARKETS IN SHEK WU HUI WILL BE AUCTIONED AT 2.30 PM AT THE NORTH URBAN SERVICES OFFICE IN FU HING STREET, SHEUNG SHUI.
SEVEN OF THESE STALLS WILL BE FOR THE SALE OF GROCERIES, FRUITS AND CONFECTIONERY WHILE THE REMAINING ONE WILL BE FOR THE SALE OF VEGETABLES.
THE UPSET MONTHLY RENTAL IS $50 EACH FOR THE TWO STALLS AT SHA TAU KOK MARKET AND $100 EACH FOR THE OTHER EIGHT STALLS.
/SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS ..
SATURDAY, DECJNBER 18, 19$2
11
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MAY START BUSINESS ON JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR ON THREE-YEAR CONTRACT, AND ARE REQUIRED TO PAY THE BIDDED RENTAL QUARTERLY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
BIDDERS MUST EE AT LEAST 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 NORTH URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON TELEPHONE 06572837.
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WATER CUT IN MUI WO
,-^E^^TER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN MUI WO WILL BE TURNED S WATFR maImsOw™/ROM 10 AM To 6 PM 0N TUESDAY (DECEMBER 21) run WRitn MA I No WORK.
THE A(rpECTED AREAS INCLUDE LUK TEI TONG. TAI TEI TONG PAK CHUNGHHAt|GTA<i'H^TRF^U’cKMYnHAc^NAM P,NG» SA1 YUEN» T0NG Y^EN» CHUNG HAU TAI STREET, C.M.B. FREE HOSPITAL AND ELECTRIC SUB-STATION.
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1982
CONTENTS page no.
PREVENTING PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS ............................... 1
NO SHORT-CUT TO OBTAINING HK DRIVING LICENCE................... 2
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES TO EXTEND DURING CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS 3
SEMINAR FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS ............................. 4
NW PARK FOR SHA TIN ........................................... 5
NINE NT SITES FOR SALE BY TENDER............................... 6
TENDERS INVITED FOR RUNNING RESTAURANT AND SALE OF LIGHT REFRESHMENTS AT NT BEACHES .................................... 7
YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING.............................. 8
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1982
1
PREVENTING PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS * * * *
ALL LOCATIONS WITH SIX PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS OR MORE IN A YEAR WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY FOR INVESTIGATION BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S ROAD SAFETY DIVISION.
THIS WAS STATED IN THE 1982 ANNUAL REVIEW ON PEDESTRIAN PROBLEM SPOTS COMPLETED RECENTLY.
THE CRITERION FOR SIX CASUALTIES A YEAR - SET DOWN IN- EARLY 1981 - WAS INITIALLY CHOSEN TO MATCH THE STAFF RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR SITE INVESTIGATIONS.
THE REVIEW, THE 12TH IN A CONTINUING SERIES, COVERED THE PERIOD UP TO JULY 1982. IT SAID THAT PROBLEM AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WOULD ALSO BE LOOKED INTO.
THE REVIEW REPORTED THAT THE ROAD SAFETY DIVISION WAS ABLE TO MONITOR THE NUMBER AND LOCATIONS OF PEDESTRIAN BLACK SPOTS BY UTILISING INFORMATION FROM A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT DATA BANK.
IT RECOMMENDED REMEDIAL MEASURES RANGING FROM PROVIDING SIGNAL-CONTROLLED CROSSINGS AND RESITING DIRECTIONAL SIGNS TO PROVIDING SKID RESISTANT MATERIAL ON THE APPROACHES TO PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING ROAD LIGHTING.
BUT THE REVIEW ALSO POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS NOT ALWAYS THE CASE THAT SITES WITH LARGE VEHICLE PEDESTRIAN CONFLICTS AND A HIGH INCIDENCE OF ACCIDENTS WERE BEST TACKLED BY THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES.
♦SOME OF THE WORST ACCIDENT SITES ARE AT JUNCTIONS WITH AN ADJACENT TRAM PLATFORM OR PEDESTRIAN REFUGE NEXT TO THE TRAM TRACKS.
♦INVESTIGATIONS REVEALED THAT AT MANY OF THESE SITES, THE ACCIDENTS OCCURRED ON SIGNAL-CONTROLLED PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES WHICH HAD BEEN INSTALLED TO ASSIST PEDESTRIANS IN CROSSING THE ROAD SAFELY.
♦FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS INDICATED THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE ACCIDENTS OCCURRED ON THE TRAM TRACKS, AND WERE A RESULT OF MOTOR VEHICLES TRAVELLING ALONG THE OFFSIDE OF TRAM ISLANDS OR PEDESTRIAN REFUGES FROM A DIRECTION PEDESTRIANS WERE NOT EXPECTING.♦
THE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM, THE REVIEW STRESSED, WAS TO BAN MOTOR VEHICLES FROM THE TRAM TRACKS AND NOT THE PROVISION OF MORE PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES.
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/2 ........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1982
2
NO SHORT-CUT TO OBTAINING HK DRIVING LICENCE
* * * *
LEARNER DRIVERS WHO OBTAIN THEIR LICENCES THROUGH A RECENTLY ADVERTISED SEVEN-DAY TOUR TO HUNAN WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY BE ISSUED WITH HONG KONG LICENCES AFTER FIVE YEARS, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFF ICER/LI CENS I NG, MR COLIN PRISTON SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
MR PRISTON ADDED THAT THE FIVE-YEAR CRITERION WAS INTRODUCED TO COVER THOSE DRIVERS WHO HAD PASSED THE TEST OVERSEAS - DROVE THERE REGULARLY BUT DID NOT MEET THE SIX-MONTH OVERSEAS RESIDENTIAL PERIOD NOW REQUIRED UNDER THE DRIVING LICENCE REGULATIONS.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT DRIVERS WOULD STILL HAVE TO SATISFY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT THAT THEY HAD PASSED A PROPER TEST OF COMPETENCE BEFORE A HONG KONG LICENCE WOULD BE ISSUED.
HE REFERRED TO THE COURT PROCEEDINGS HELD EARLIER THIS YEAR WHEN THE FULL BENCH OF THE HIGH COURT SUPPORTED THE COMMISSIONER’S INTERPRETATION OF THE DRIVING LICENCE REGULATIONS IN REFUSING TO ISSUE HONG KONG LICENCE TO MORE THAN 500 PEOPLE WHO HAD OBTAINED DRIVING LICENCES BY ATTENDING A DRIVING SCHOOL IN HUNAN PROVINCE FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF INSTRUCTION.
+THESE CURRENT PACKAGE TOURS APPEAR TO BE SIMILAR IN NATURE AND DO NOT PROVIDE LEARNER DRIVERS WITH SUFFICIENT KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE TO DRIVE IN HONG KONG.
+IN ADDITION, IF THEY THEN HAD NO FURTHER PRACTICE FOR FIVE YEARS, WHAT LITTLE SKILL THEY HAD LEARNT WOULD BE LONG FORGOTTEN AND THEY WOULD BECOME A DANGER ON THE ROADS,+ MR PRISTON ADDED.
HE ADVISED LEARNER DRIVERS NOT TO WASTE THEIR MONEY ON THESE TOURS WHICH WOULD ONLY RESULT IN ULTIMATE DISAPPOINTMENT WHEN THEY APPLY FOR A HONG KONG LICENCE.
THE DRIVING LICENCE REGULATIONS WERE AMENDED IN JANUARY, 1982 SPECIFICALLY TO PREVENT PEOPLE WHO GO OVERSEAS ON SHORT VISITS FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING A LICENCE, AND HAVING THEIR PERMIT EXCHANGED ON THEIR RETURN TO HONG KONG.
----0------
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1982
3
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES TO EXTEND DURING CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
* * * *
PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS WILL EXTEND THEIR SERVICES DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
MORE FREQUENT RUNS WILL BE INTRODUCED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND ON DECEMBER 31 UNTIL THE FOLLOWING MORNINGS.
THESE WILL INCLUDE:
CMB
SEVEN MAJOR ROUTES - NOS. 2, 4, 7, 10, 23, 38 AND 72 WILL RUN ADDITIONAL SERVICES.
THE LAST DEPARTURES OF NO. 2 FROM SHAU KEI WAN AND MACAU FERRY WILL BE AT 1.30 AM AND 2.15 AM RESPECTIVELY- NO. 4 FROM WAH FU AND CENTRAL WILL BE AT 12.30 AM AND 1 AM- NO. 7 FROM SHEK PAI WAN AND CENTRAL AT 2.30 AM AND 3 AM- NO. 10 FROM NORTH POINT FERRY AND KENNEDY TOWN AT 1 AM AND 2 AM-NO. 23 FROM NORTH POINT FERRY AND POKFIELD ROAD AT 12.30 AM AND 1.15 AM- NO. 38 FROM NORTH POINT AND CHI FU FA YUEN AT 12 MIDNIGHT AND 1 AM- AND NO. 72 FROM ABERDEEN AND CAUSEWAY BAY AT 12.50 AM AND 1.30 AM.
A SPECIAL BUS, NO. 8M, WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED BETWEEN ADMIRALTY MTR STATION (EAST) AND CHAI WAN (SAN HA STREET) WITH THE FIRST DEPARTURES AT 12.05 AM AND 12.15 AM RESPECTIVELY AT 10-MINUTE INTERVALS. THE LAST DEPARTURE FROM ADMIRALTY WILL BE AT 3 AM AND THAT FROM CHAI WAN AT 2.10 AM. THE SINGLE JOURNEY FARE WILL BE $1.20.
KMB
THE LAST DEPARTURES Op NO. 5 (STAR FERRY - CHOI HUNG) AND NO. 6 (STAR FERRY - LAI CHI KOK BRIDGE) WILL BE AT 3 AM AND NO. 5C (STAR FERRY - TSZ WAN SHAN SOUTH), NO. 8 (STAR FERRY - 01 MAN), NO. 13M (SAU MAU PING CENTRAL - KWUN TONG MTR STATION), NO. 15M (LAM TIN NORTH - KWUN TONG MTR STATION). NO. 36M (LEI MUK SHUE - KWAI FONG MTR STATION), NO. 37M (KWAI SHING CENTRAL - KWAI HING MTR STATION), NO. 70M (SUI WO COURT - KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION) AND NO. 81M (SUN TIN WAI - KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION) WILL HAVE THEIR SERVICES EXTENDED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR.
CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL BUS SERVICES
THE ALL NIGHT CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTES NO. 121 (CHOI HUNG -CENTRAL) AND 122 (SO UK - NORTH POINT) WILL OPERATE AT MORE FREQUENT INTERVALS.
/MTR........
SUNDAY, DiDEMBSFl 19, 1982
4
MTR
THE SERVICES ON CHRISTMAS EVE WILL BE EXTENDED TO 4 AM AND THAT ON NEW YEAR’S EVE TO 2.30 AM.
TRAM AND PEAK TRAM
TRAM AND PEAK TRAM SERVICES WILL BE PROLONGED TO 3 AM.
STAR FERRY
AN ALL NIGHT SERVICE WILL BE MAINTAINED.
HYF
THE CENTRAL-JORDAN ROAD PASSENGER/VEHICLE FERRY SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED UNTIL 2 AM.
MAXICAB SERVICES
THE LAST DEPARTURES FOR NO. 1 (HMS TAMAR - PEAK) WILL BE AT 4 AM, AND NO. 31 (TIN WAN - CAUSEWAY BAY) AT 3 AM. HOWEVER, A FLAT FARE OF $4 WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE SERVICES AFTER 12 MIDNIGHT.
NO. 32 SERVICES (NORTH POINT - CENTRAL) WILL BE EXTENDED TO 2 AM AND THE FLAT FARE WILL BE INCREASED TO $3 AFTER 12 MIDNIGHT.
THE LAST DEPARTURE OF NO. 22 FROM POKFULAM GARDENS AT 12.30 AM AND FROM STAR FERRY AT 1 AM.
BUT NO. 8 (STAR FERRY - BAGUIO VILLAS) WILL EXTEND ITS SERVICE TO 12 MIDNIGHT ON CHRISTMAS EVE ONLY.
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SEMINAR FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS
* * *
THREE IDENTICAL HALF-DAY SEMINARS ON LANGUAGE GAMES FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS WILL BE HELD ON THREE CONSECUTIVE SATURDAYS NEXT MONTH.
THE FIRST SEMINAR, TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 8, WILL CATER FOR TEACHERS WORKING ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN SHA TIN, SAI KUNG, TAI PO AND NORTHERN DISTRICT.
/THS SBJOND .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 19&2
5
THE SECOND SEMINAR WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 15 FOR TEACHERS FORKING IN URBAN KOWLOON, AND THE THIRD ON JANUARY 22 FOR THOSE WORKING IN YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND THE OUTLYING ISLANDS.
ALL THE SEMINARS WILL BE HELD AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IN GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON.
SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR WILL BE MRS BETTY LOWE, WHO IS THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S VISITING ADVISER ON KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION IN HONG KONG AND FORMER SENIOR LECTURER OF EDUCATION AT WEST LONDON HIGHER INSTITUTE OF LEARNING. HER TALKS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN ENGLISH, WITH A SUMMARY IN CANTONESE.
HEADS OF KINDERGARTENS WHO WISH TO SEND THEIR TEACHERS TO THE SEMINARS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR NOMINATIONS TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, KINDERGARTEN SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT LEE GARDENS, FIFTH FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG BY DECEMBER 29.
DUE TO LIMITED CAPACITY, ACCEPTANCE WILL BE ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY DIALLING 5-8392482 OR 5-8392489.
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NEW PARK FOR SHA TIN * * *
THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHA TIN TOWN PARK, IT WAS ANNOUNCED
THE 9.25 HECTARES PARK, STRETCHING ALONG THE NORTH BANK OF THE SHING MUN RIVER JUST DOWNSTREAM FROM THE LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, WILL BE SITUATED AT THE HEART OF THE TOWN, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE MAIN FEATURE OF THE PARK WILL BE A PAVED PLAZA THAT WILL PROVIDE A SETTING FOR THE CULTURAL COMPLEX AND AN OPEN-AIR BANDSTAND THEATRE, WITH TREES TO PROVIDE SHADE.
+A CONTINUOUS PROMENADE AND A CYCLE TRACK WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED ALONG THE HALF-MILE RIVER FRONT, SHADED WITH BANYAN TREES. STEPS AND RAMPS WILL GIVE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS UP TO THE HIGHER LEVEL OF THE PARK AND TO THE CAFES AND TEA TERRACES OVERLOOKING THE RIVER.+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
OTHER FEATURES OF THE PARK INCLUDE A LARGE ARTIFICIAL HILL AND WATERFALL, A TROPICAL GARDEN, PLAY AREAS, POOLS, PONDS AND FOUNTAINS, BOULEVARDS, WALLED FLOWER GARDENS, PAVILIONS AND EXTENSIVE AREAS OF TREES AND SHRUBS.
PLANTS WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY IRRIGATED WITH RE-CYCLED WATER FROM THE RECENTLY-OPENED SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS, HE ADDED.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1932
6
NINE NT SITES FOR SALE BY TENDER
* * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING NINE SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR SALE BY TENDER TO REGISTERED OWNERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS.
FOUR OF THE SITES ARE IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN AND OCCUPY AREAS RANGING FROM 2 215 SQUARE METRES TO 5 219 SQUARE METRES.
TWO OF THESE SITES - 2 215 SQUARE METRES AND 3 834 SQUARE METRES IN AREA - ARE FOR INDUSTRIAL OR GODOWN PURPOSES.
THE THIRD SITE OF 5 005 SQUARE METRES IS FOR OFFICE USE WHILE THE 5 219 SQUARE-METRE LOT IS FOR HOTEL USE ONLY.
TWO SITES IN YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL AREA - BOTH OF ABOUT 1 777 SQUARE METRES - THAT HAVE BEEN OFFERED FOR SALE ARE FOR INDUSTRIAL OR GODOWN PURPOSES.
THE REMAINING THREE SITES ARE IN KWAI CHUNG NEW TOWN, TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, AND TAI PO TOWN.
THE KWAI CHUNG SITE, FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL (EXCLUDING RESIDENTIAL) PURPOSE, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1 670 SQUARE METRES.
THE SITE IN TUEN MUN, COVERING ABOUT 312 SQUARE METRES, IS ALSO FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSE.
THE TAI PO SITE, WHICH IS THE LARGEST AMONG THE NINE SITES BEING OFFERED, MEASURES ABOUT 9 016 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR NON-INDUSTRI AL PURPOSE ONLY.
THE DEADLINE FOR THE APPLICATION OF THESE TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON JANUARY 14.
APPLICATION FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS OF GRANT MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND SALE PLANS INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING PLACES :
* LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING 5/F., GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE KOWLOON WEST, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD 10/F., KOWLOON.
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, TAI PO, NORTH, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1982
- 7 -
TENDERS INVITED FOR RUNNING RESTAURANT AND SALE OF LIGHT REFRESHMENTS AT NT BEACHES * * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE SALE OF LIGHT REFRESHMENTS AT 11 PUBLIC BATHING BEACHES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE OPERATION OF A RESTAURANT AT THE SHA TIN PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX.
THE BEACHES ARE HOI MEI BEACH, GEMINI BEACH, ANGLER’S BEACH. AND APPROACH BEACH ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD; CLEAR WATER BAY (1ST) BEACH, CLEAR WATER BAY (2ND) BEACH, KIU TSUI BEACH, CAMPER’S BEACH AND PAK SHA CHAU BEACH IN SAI KUNG; CHEUNG SHA BEACH (LOWER) ON LANTAU ISLAND AND TUNG WAN BEACH AT CHEUNG CHAU.
THE CONTRACTS FOR CHEUNG SHA BEACH (LOWER), CLEAR WATER BAY (1ST) BEACH AND KIU TSUI BEACH ALSO INCLUDE THE ERECTION OF TENTS FOR HIRE AND PROVISION OF CHANGING FACILITIES TO THE PUBLIC, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THREE OTHER CONTRACTS FOR CAMPER’S BEACH, PAK SHA CHAU BEACH AND HOI MEI BEACH INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF CHANGING FACILITIES WHILE THE CONTRACT FOR CLEAR WATER BAY (2ND) BEACH CONSISTS OF THE ERECTION OF TENTS FOR HIRE TO THE PUBLIC.
ALL 11 CONTRACTS WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM MARCH 1 NEXT YEAR UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 1985, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AS FOR THE SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL RESTAURANT CONTRACT THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WOULD BE ABLE TO START HIS BUSINESS ON MARCH 1 NEXT YEAR. THE CONTRACT WILL LAST THREE YEARS AND WILL EXPIRE ON FEBRUARY 28, 1986.
TENDER FORMS FOR ALL CONTRACTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTH REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS OF THE NTSD ON THE 10TH FLOOR OF FOURSEAS BUILDING, 208-212 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
COMPLETED TENDER FORMS MUST BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX SITUATED AT THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF AUSTIN CENTRE, 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI, BEFORE JANUARY 14 (FRIDAY).
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE WITH THE SOUTH REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS OF THE NTSD ON TELEPHONE 3-7211837 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1982
- 8 -
YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING
X * * * * *
DETAILS OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT PLANS COVERING MAJOR PROJECTS UP TO 1985, WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN INTERIM TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME DEVISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ALONG CANTON ROAD WHERE TRAFFIC CONGESTION HAS BEEN GENERATED BY RECENT DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA WILL ALSO BE EXAMINED.
AN URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVE WILL BRIEF MEMBERS OF THE FACILITIES PROVIDED IN THE PLANNED KWUN CHUNG MARKET AND KIMBERLEY ROAD MARKET COMPLEXES.
MEMBERS’ VIEWS WILL ALSO BE SOUGHT ON THE PROBLEM CREATED BY STREET-SLEEPERS AT THE FERRY POINT COMPLEX.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 3 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE AT 490-492 NATHAN ROAD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMING U.C. ELECTIONS 'NEW AND DIFFERENT' ..................... 1
APPLICATION INVITED FOR YEAR OF THE PIG GOLD COIN.............. 3
SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES CHAIRMAN TO RETIRE ................. 5
CONFISCATED TORTOISES LEFT FOR NEW HOME ....................... 6
STEVEDORING SAFETY GUIDE ISSUED FREE .......................... 7
GIFTS TO LAST EVERY DAY OF 1983 ............................... 7
NEW COMMUNITY HALL FOR AP LEI CHAU ............................ 8
INSIGNIA FOR OFFICER CADETS ................................... 8
WATER FIGURES ................................................. 9
TRAFFIC RE-ROUTING IN SHAU KEI WAN............................. 9
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1982
1
COMING U.C. ELECTIONS ’NEW AND DIFFERENT’ *****
THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS NEXT MARCH WOULD BE +NEW AND SUBSTANTIALLY DIFFERENT+ AND PRODUCE A MORE COHESIVE AND INTEGRATED ADMINISTRATION FOR THE CITY, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY.
THE ELECTIONS WOULD ALSO COMPLETE FOR THE TIME BEING THE
REFORMS OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATION OUTLINED IN THE WHITE PAPER ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, HE ADDED.
IN A SPEECH TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, AKERS-JONES OUTLINED SOME OF THE NEW ELEMENTS OF THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS WHICH INCLUDEDi
* THE SIZE OF THE ELIGIBLE ELECTORATE HAS BEEN INCREASED FOUR TIMES FROM 500 000 IN 1981 TO 2 000 000I
* THE SIZE OF THE REGISTERED ELECTORATE AT THE CLOSE OF THE LATE REGISTRATION PERIOD EARLIER THIS MONTH WAS 708 305 — 20 TIMES THAT OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN RECENT YEARS;
* FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD ON A CONSTITUENCY BASIS UNDER WHICH PEOPLE IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF HONG KONG WILL ELECT THEIR OWN LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES;
* THERE WILL BE A TOTAL OF 15 SINGLE-MEMBER CONSTITUENCIES WITH AN AVERAGE POPULATION OF ROUGHLY 250 000 EACH;
* THE NUMBER OF APPOINTED URBAN COUNCILLORS WILL BE CORRESPONDINGLY INCREASED BY THREE TO 15, BRINGING THE TOTAL MEMBERSHIP OF THE COUNCIL TO 30; AND
* THE COMPOSITION OF DISTRICT BOARDS IN URBAN AREAS WILL ALSO BE ENLARGED AFTER THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS WITH THE FIVE LARGER DISTRICTS HAVING TWO ELECTED AND TWO APPOINTED URBAN COUNCILLORS AND THE FIVE SMALLER DISTRICTS ONE EACH.
MR AKERS-JONES SAID THAT THIS ENLARGEMENT WOULD NOT ONLY STRENGTHEN THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP OF THE URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS BUT WOULD +PRODUCE A MORE COHESIVE AND INTEGRATED ADMINISTRATION FOR OUR CITY WITH INVOLVEMENT OF THE PEOPLE AT ALL LEVELS, FROM THE STREETS OF KWUN TONG TO THE CITY HALL IN CENTRAL+.
♦FROM THEN ON THE ELECTED URBAN COUNCILLORS RETURNED BY THE CONSTITUENCY-BASED ELECTIONS WILL BE DIRECTLY ANSWERABLE TO THE PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT AND CONVERSELY THE URBAN COUNCILLORS THEMSELVES WILL HAVE A MORE INTIMATE AND RESPONSIBLE RELATIONSHIP WITH A PARTICULAR DISTRICT AND CONSTITUENCY.♦ !!E SAID.
♦ AT THE CENTRE, THE URBAN COUNCIL ITSELF WILL BE KEPT IN CLOSE TOUCH WITH THE WISHES AND ASPIRAT<ONS OF EACH 'OCALITY.
♦THIS WILL
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1982
- 2 -
+THIS WILL ENSURE A BETTER AND MORE INFORMED RESPONSE FROM THE CENTRE TO DISTRICT PROBLEMS.
♦FINALLY, BECAUSE IT WILL INCREASE THE ELECTIVE ELEMENT OF THE BOARDS, IT WILL STRENGTHEN THEIR REPRESENTATIVENESS AND AUTHORITY TO SPEAK ON THE LOCAL IMPACT OF CENTRAL POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES.♦
IN HIS SPEECH, THE SECRETARY TRACED THE HISTORY OF THE URBAN COUNCIL BACK TO 1883 WHEN THE FIRST SANITARY BOARD WAS ESTABLISHED TO DEAL WITH THE FLEDGLING CITY’S MUNICIPAL PROBLEMS.
HE OUTLINED THE CHANGES THAT TOOK PLACE RIGHT UP TO THE WHITE PAPER ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, DESCRIBING THE PROCESS AS ♦A CONTINUOUS EVOLUTION AND RESPONSE TO CHANGING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN KEEPING WITH THE DYNAMIC CHARACTER OF HONG KONG*.
♦AND YET UNDERLYING THE PROCESS OF CHANGE AND ADAPTATION WE FIND ENDURING QUALITIES, THOSE FUNDAMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WHICH ARE SO VITAL TO ITS STABILITY AND PROSPERITY.
♦THE HISTORY OF HONG KONG SHOWS THAT THE BULK OF THE ISSUES AND PROBLEMS IN THE FOREFRONT OF THE MINDS OF PEOPLE TODAY — ECONOMIC RECESSION, DECLINING LAND VALUES (OR CONVERSELY LAND SPECULATION DEPENDING ON OUR PREVAILING ECONOMIC FORTUNES), LAW AND ORDER, OVERCROWDING, IMMIGRATION CONTROL AND WATER SUPPLY HAVE BEEN ALWAYS WITH US.
♦SELDOM IN THE PAST HAVE THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE BEEN FREE FROM THE NEED TO GRAPPLE WITH ONE OR ANOTHER OF THESE PROBLEMS, AND WE CAN LOOK WITH PRIDE AND SATISFACTION OVER THE PAST THAT WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN RESILIENT ENOUGH TO RISE TO THE CHALLENGE, AND GET THE BETTER OF THEM.
♦IF HISTORY HAS ANY LESSONS TO TEACH IT WILL TELL US THAT WE CAN FACE THE FUTURE CONFIDENT THAT WE WILL FIND A HONG KONG SOLUTION TO HONG KONG’S PROBLEMS.♦
MR AKERS-JONES ADDED i +WE NOW HAVE AN INTERNAL LIFE AND AN IDENTITY OF OUR OWN AND THE URBAN COUNCIL IS YOUR COUNCIL*.
HE URGED +ALL AS CITIZENS OF THIS GREAT AND WONDERFUL CITY, WHICH HAS GROWN FROM NOTHING. TO PLAY YOUR PART IN THE ELECTIONS FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL NEXT YEAR. FOR IT IS YOUR CONGERN+.
THE URBAN COUNCIL IS NOW THE MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY RESPONSIBLE FOR A BROAD SPECTRUM OF PUBLIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES RANGING FROM STREET CLEANSING, FOOD HYGIENE, HAWKERS, RUNNING PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS, BUILDING AND MANAGING MARKETS AND HAWKER BAZAARS, SWIMMING POOLS, PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS AND SPORTING STADIA.
THE NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES WILL BEGIN ON JANUARY 7, AND LAST FOR THREE WEEKS. ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 8.
0
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1982
- 3 -
APPLICATION INVITED FOR YEAR OF THE PIG GOLD COIN
O O
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THE ISSUE OF A LIMITED QUANTITY OF $1 000 GOLD COINS TO MARK THE COMING LUNAR NEW YEAR - THE YEAR OF THE PIG.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM ALL OFFICES OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION AND DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION. THE CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR APPLICATIONS WILL BE JANUARY 5, 1983 AT 4.30 PM.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THIS YEAR, THE PROOF VERSION CF THE COIN IS PRICED AT $3 300 WHILE THE BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED COIN COSTS $2 200.
+THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE IS THE SAME, AS THAT OF LAST YEAR IN THAT CHEQUES ON PERSONAL ACCOUNTS ARE ACCEPTED AS WELL AS CASHIER’S ORDERS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦HOWEVER, APPLICATIONS ARE RESTRICTED TO RESIDENTS WITH A HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD. IN THE EVENT OF OVER SUBSCRIPTION, ONLY ONE APPLICATION FOR EACH TYPE OF COIN WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE BALLOT FOR ANY ONE HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD HOLDER,* HE ADDED.
THE YEAR OF THE PIG GOLD COIN IS THE EIGHTH IN A SERIES TO COMMEMORATE THE 12 LUNAR YEARS WHICH FALL IN THE WESTERN CALENDAR YEARS 1976-87.
WORLD-WIDE MINTAGE FOR EACH COIN IN THE SERIES IS LIMITED, AND THE YEAR OF THE PIG COIN IS NO EXCEPTION. THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT 12 000 PROOF AND 15 000 UNCIRCULATED COINS HAVE BEEN SET ASIDE FOR HONG KONG RESIDENTS.
UNLIKE THE BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED COIN, THE PROOF VERSION USES A SPECIALLY SELECTED BLANK AND THIS IS STRUCK WITH CONSIDERABLE FORCE BETWEEN CAREFULLY PREPARED AND ULTRA SHARP DIES. THIS BLOW PRESSES THE DESIGN ON EACH SIDE OF THE BLANK AND ALSO AROUND THE EDGE.
THE PROOF VERSION IS FURTHER ENHANCED BY AN ATTRACTIVE FROSTING OF THE RELIEF DESIGN AND THIS IS ACHIEVED BY BLASTING THE DIES WITH IMMENSELY HARD PARTICLES. THE TABLE OF THE PROOF COIN DIE IS PAINSTAKINGLY POLISHED WITH DIAMOND PASTE TO ACHIEVE A MIRROR-LIKE FINISH. THE COIN IS THEN IMPRESSED WITH EXTRA FIRM PRESSURE TO ENSURE THE CLARITY OF DETAIL THAT IS UNIQUE TO PROOF COINS.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT, AS IN THE PAST, THE PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE COIN WILL BE PUT INTO A SPECIAL COIN SUSPENSE ACCOUNT WHICH HELPS TO FINANCE SPECIAL PUBLIC PROJECTS FOR THE GROWING NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
A TOTAL OF $70 MILLION FROM GOLD COIN PROFITS HAD BEEN USED TO FINANCE THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS s
$15 MILLION QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM
$55 MILLION SILVER JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE
AND INITIALLY $33 MILLION HAD BEEN SET ASIDE TO PURCHASE FLATS TO PROVIDE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 19&2
- 4 -
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED RESIDENTS TO HAND IN THEIR APPLICATIONS EARLY. COMPLETED FORMS, TOGETHER WITH CASHIER’S ORDERS OR CROSSED CHEQUES DATED NO LATER THAN JANUARY 5, 1983 AND MADE PAYABLE TO +HONG KONG GOVERNMENT 1983 SPECIAL COIN ACCOUNTS*, MUST REACH ANY OF THE FOLLOWING BRANCHES OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION BY 4.30 PM OF THAT DAY i
7 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
82-84 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
673 NATHAN ROAD, MONG KOK, KOWLOON.
192 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.
455-457 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.
306 KING’S ROAD, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG.
40-50 DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, HONG KONG.
1 YUE MAN SQUARE, KWUN TONG, KOWLOON.
42 WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, ABERDEEN, HONG KONG.
1 HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
STRUCK IN 22 CARAT GOLD, EACH COIN MEASURES 28.4 MM IN DIAMETER AND WEIGHS 15.976 GRAMMES. THE OBVERSE CARRIES A WELL-KNOWN PORTRAIT OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN WHILE THE REVERSE DEPICTS A +SWAY-BACK+ PIG, A DESIGN WHICH WAS SPECIALLY COMMISSIONED FOR THIS ISSUE.
EACH COIN WILL BE PACKAGED IN A PLASTIC SCREW TOP CAPSULE AND SUPPLIED WITH A PRESENTATION CASE AND A DESCRIPTIVE BOOKLET.
GOLD COINS WITH A FACE VALUE OF $1 000 WERE MADE LEGAL TENDER ON MAY 5, 1975.
THE YEAR OF THE PIG BEGINS ON FEBRUARY 13, 1983 AND ENDS ON FEBRUARY 1, 1984. THE PIG IS REGARDED AS THE BIRTHDAY ANIMAL FOR PEOPLE BORN BETWEEN THESE DATES AND FOR ANYONE BORN IN PREVIOUS YEARS OF THE PIG:
1911 - 1912 (JANUARY 30, 1911 TO FEBRUARY 17, 1912)
1923 - 1924 (FEBRUARY 16, 1923 TO FEBRUARY 4, 1924)
1935 - 1936 (FEBRUARY 4, 1935 TO JANUARY 23, 1936)
1947 - 1948 (JANUARY 22, 1947 TO FEBRUARY 9, 1948)
1959 - I960 (FEBRUARY 8, 1959 TO JANUARY 27, 1960)
1971 - 1972 (JANUARY 27, 1971 TO FEBRUARY 14, 1972)
/5........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1982
- 5 -
SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES CHAIRMAN TO RETIRE * * * *
AFTER NEARLY 10 YEARS SERVICE STEERING THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN IMPORTANT PART OF HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL SECTOR, MR Y.H. KAN WILL RETIRE AS CHAIRMAN OF THE SECURITIES COMMISSION AND OF THE COMMODITIES TRADING COMMISSION.
AT A LUNCHEON GIVEN IN MR KAN’S HONOUR TODAY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, EXPRESSED THE GOVERNMENT’S WARM APPRECIATION OF HIS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION OVER THE YEARS. DURING THIS TIME, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SOUND REGULATION HAD BEEN A KEY FACTOR IN THE SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT OF THE STOCK AND COMMODITIES MARKETS IN HONG KONG AND THE EMERGENCE OF HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.
MR Y.H. KAN WAS INVITED IN JANUARY 1973 TO BE CHAIRMAN OF THE SECURITIES ADVISORY COUNCIL, THE FORERUNNER OF THE SECURITIES COMMISSION. IN MARCH 1974, MR KAN BECAME THE FIRST CHAIRMAN OF THIS STATUTORY BODY APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO REGULATE TRADING IN SECURITIES IN HONG KONG.
IN 1976, UNDER THE LEGISLATION PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT CF THE HONG KONG COMMODITY EXCHANGE, MR Y.H. KAN BECAME ALSO THE FIRST CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMODITIES TRADING COMMISSION.
A MAJOR DEVELOPMENT DURING MR KAN’S LONG TERM OF OFFICE WAS THE MOVE TO UNITE THE FOUR STOCK EXCHANGES. AFTER YEARS OF PATIENT NEGOTIATION, THE FORMING OF THE NEW STOCK EXCHANGES OF HONG KONG LIMITED AND THE PASSING OF THE ENABLING LEGISLATION WAS A MARKED SUCCESS FOR THE WORK OF THE SECURITIES COMMISSION. DURING THIS PERIOD MR KAN WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR SETTING UP AND DEVELOPING SEVERAL IMPORTANT COMMITTEES OF THE COMMISSION, SUCH AS THE COMMITTEE ON TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS AND THE COMMITTEE ON UNIT TRUSTS AND MUTUAL FUNDS.
THE GOVERNOR SAID MR KAN’S UNDOUBTED SUCCESS WAS DUE PARTLY TO HIS LONG BANKING EXPERIENCE IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS. BUT OF MORE IMPORTANCE WAS MR KAN’S UNDOUBTED INTEGRITY AND PERSONAL QUALITIES. THE GOVERNOR SAID HONG KONG WAS VERY FORTUNATE IN HAVING SUCH LEADERS AS MR KAN WILLING TO DEVOTE THEIR TIME AND ENERGIES TO THE WELL-BEING OF THEIR FELLOW CITIZENS.
SUCCEEDING MR KAN IS MR ARCHIBALD ZIMMERN, CURRENTLY A NEMBER OF THE SECURITIES COMMISSION. MR ZIMMERN RECENTLY RETIRED FROM THE BENCH AS A JUSTICE OF APPEAL. HIS APPOINTMENT WILL BE EFFECTIVE FROM JANUARY 1, 1983.
/6
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1982
6
CONFISCATED TORTOISES LEFT FOR NEW HOME * * * *
A CONSIGNMENT OF 57 TORTOISES HAVE LEFT FOR A NEW HOME IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AFTER SPENDING ABOUT TWO MONTHS IN HONG KONG.
THE REPTILES, KNOWN AS RADIATED TORTOISES BECAUSE OF THEIR COLOURFUL SHELLS, WERE ILLEGALLY IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG BY A SEAMAN IN OCTOBER.
AS RADIATED TORTOISES ARE A HIGHLY ENDANGERED SPECIES, THE SEAMAN WAS CHARGED UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE. RADIATED TORTOISES ARE VEGETARIANS AND ARE AMONG THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND VALUABLE OF TURTLES.
A COURT LATER IMPOSED A FINE OF $2 000 ON THE SEAMAN WHO PLEADED GUILTY TO THE CHARGE.
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SOON BEGAN LOOKING FOR A PERMANENT HOME FOR THE TORTOISES.
IT HAS SINCE BEEN DECIDED THAT THE JERSEY ZOOLOGICAL PARK OF THE CHANNEL ISLANDS GROUP IN THE UNITED KINGDOM BE GIVEN THE TORTOISES. THE PARK IS WELL KNOWN FOR BREEDING ENDANGERED SPECIES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE TO IMPORT OR POSSESS ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS WITHOUT AUTHORISATION.
POSSESSION AND IMPORTATION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS, INCLUDING PARTS, IS REGULATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE WHICH GIVES EFFECT TO THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES). THE CONVENTION IS A TRADE AGREEMENT AND IS ENFORCED AT INTERNATIONAL BORDER CROSSINGS.
SOME LOCAL RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO BRING ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS INTO HONG KONG AFTER VISITS TO NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES.
THESE ARE CONFISCATED WHENEVER FOUND AND THE IMPORTERS BROUGHT BEFORE COURTS UNDER RELEVANT CHARGES.
SINCE APRIL THIS YEAR, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAS SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED 200 CASES UNDER THE LEGISLATION.
FINES TOTALLING $93 000 WERE IMPOSED BY THE COURTS WITH GOODS VALUED AT $170 OOQ HAVING BEEN CONFISCATED.
THE CONFISCATED GOODS INCLUDE 391 SEA TURTLE EGGS, 21 SEA TURTLE SPECIMENS, 14 LIVE PANGOLINS, 25 DEAD PANGOLINS AND 165 PIECES OF PYTHON SKIN.
ABOUT 80 OTHER CASES WERE AWAITING COURT HEARINGS.
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/7 ........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1982
7
STEVEDORING SAFETY GUIDE ISSUED FREE * * *
A POCKET-SIZE CODE OF SAFE WORKING PRACTICES IN CHINESE FOR PERSONS EMPLOYED IN CARGO HANDLING AFLOAT HAS BEEN PRODUCED BY THE MARINE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SECTION OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AND IS BEING ISSUED FREE OF CHARGE TO STEVEDORES.
THE FIRST SECTION OF THE STEVEDORING SAFETY GUIDE EXPLAINS THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF OWNERS OF VESSELS, OF PERSONS IN CHARGE OF CARGO HANDLING OPERATIONS AND OF THE WORKERS THEMSELVES.
FURTHER SECTIONS DEAL WITH GANGWAYS AND MEANS OF ACCESS, WORK PLACES, THE OPENING AND CLOSING OF HATCHES AND THE USE OF SHIPS’ CARGO HANDLING GEAR AND STEVEDORES’ GEAR. THE SAFE HANDLING OF CARGO INCLUDING DANGEROUS GOODS AND WORKING CONDITIONS, LIGHTING, VENTILATION, PERSONAL BEHAVIOUR AND HEALTH ARE ALSO COVERED.
THERE ARE LISTS OF +DO’S AND DON’TS+ FOR STEVEDORES, SIGNALMEN, WINCH AND CRANE DRIVERS AND HATCH FOREMEN. SIMILAR SAFETY RULES ARE PROVIDED FOR LIGHTER, TUG BOAT AND LAUNCH CREWS AND FOR MEN WORKING ON BOARD RO RO SHIPS.
THERE IS SENSIBLE ADVICE ON HOW TO LIFT HEAVY OBJECTS WITHOUT STRAINING THE BACK AND A WARNING TO ALL TO TAKE PARTICULAR CARE TO AVOID SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS WHICH CAUSE A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF ACCIDENTS ON BOARD VESSELS, MOST OF WHICH ARE AVOIDABLE IF CARE IS TAKEN BY THE INDIVIDUAL.
FINALLY, A SUMMARY OF THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (CARGO HANDLING) REGULATIONS, CAP. 313 IS GIVEN TO ACQUAINT STEVEDORING WORKERS WITH THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS MADE BY GOVERNMENT FOR THEIR PROTECTION AGAINST ACCIDENTS.
GIFTS TO LAST EVERY DAY OF 1983 * * *
SHOPPERS HAVE ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT BEFORE CHRISTMAS TO BUY TWO GF THE MOST COLOURFUL AND REASONABLY-PRICED PRESENTS AVAILABLE THIS FESTIVE SEASON. THESE ARE THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDAR AND THE GOVERNMENT CALENDAR, AVAILABLE AT S32 AND $29 RESPECTIVELY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
THE OBSERVATORY CALENDAR, WHICH IS ALSO AVAILABLE FROM LEADING BOOKSHOPS, FEATURES A WEALTH OF INFORMATION ON WIDE-RANGING TOPICS SUCH AS WIND STUDIES, JET STREAMS AND EVEN THE BLOSSOMING OF PEACHES AT LUNAR NEW YEAR. EACH SUBJECT IS *ELL ILLUSTRATED AND ACCOMPANIED BY METEOROLOGICAL DETAILS FOR THAT PARTICULAR MONTH.
THE GOVERNMENT CALENDAR HAS AS ITS THEME THE CONTRIBUTION MADE TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MANY YOUTH GROUPS OF HONG KONG. IT COMES COMPLETE •I TH A LARGE ENVELOPE READY FOR POSTING.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1982
- 8 -
NEW COMMUNITY HALL FOR AP LEI CHAU
* * * *
A NEW COMMUNITY HALL HAS BEEN OPENED ON AP LEI CHAU, PROVIDING THE 13 000 RESIDENTS THERE WITH A MUCH NEEDED VENUE FOR CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
THE SPECIALLY-DESIGNED BUILDING, LOCATED AMID LOW-COST HOUSING BLOCKS, IS COMPLETE WITH FACILITIES FOR ORGANISING DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMES AND IS THE FIRST COMMUNITY HALL IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
THE MULTI-PURPOSE AUDITORIUM HAS A CAPACITY OF 400 PEOPLE AND IS EQUIPPED WITH A STAGE AND LIGHTING AND SOUND SYSTEMS SUITABLE FOR EXHIBITIONS, PARTIES, DRAMA PERFORMANCES, VARIETY SHOWS AND INDOOR SPORTS.
OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDE A CONFERENCE/STUDY ROOM, A RECEPTION AREA, OFFICES AND CHANGING ROOMS.
SINCE ITS OPENING LAST MONTH, THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL HAS BEEN ORGANISING A NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS HOME WORK GUIDANCE SESSIONS FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS, FAMILY CAMPS, SINGING COMPETITIONS AND MUSIC PROGRAMMES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.
+T0 BOOST COMMUNITY ACTIVITES FOR THE DISTRICT, WE ARE NOW RECRUITING YOUNG VOLUNTEERS TO HELP US OUT,+ THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE COMMUNITY HALL, MR LAM HANG-KWONG SAID TODAY.
-----0 - - -
INSIGNIA FOR OFFICER CADETS
* * *
FIFTY ASSISTANT OFFICERS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WERE APPOINTED OFFICER CADETS TODAY (MONDAY).
AT A SPECIAL CEREMONY HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY, SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR ALOYSIUS WONG, PRESENTED RANK INSIGNIA AND APPOINTMENT LETTERS TO THE NEWLY PROMOTED OFFICER CADETS.
ADDRESSING THE CEREMONY, MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT THE OFFICER CADETS HAD BRIGHT PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE AS THEY NOW HAD THE OPPORTUNITY OF REACHING THE TOP.
HE STRESSED, HOWEVER, THAT MUCH MORE WAS DEMANDED OF AN OFFICER THAN OF AN ASSISTANT OFFICER IN THE WAY OF TACTFULNESS, INITIATIVE AND DECISION MAKING.
THE NEWLY APPOINTED OFFICER CADETS WILL UNDERGO FURTHER DEVELOPMENT TRAINING IN VARIOUS PENAL INSTITUTIONS AND IN THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE SO THAT THEY MAY CARRY OUT THEIR WORK EFFECTIVELY
IF THEY PASS THE REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS AND WORK HARD, THEY WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR PROMOTON TO THE OFFICER RANK IN DUE COURSE.
- - 0
/s .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1982 । i
- 9 -
WATER FIGURES * * *
RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY)
STOOD AT 76.8 PcR CtNT OF CAPACITY OR 443.409 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
■/THIS YEAR, THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 264 244 MILLION
CUBIC METRES OF WATcR, REPRESENTING 45.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - o - -
TRAFFIC RE-ROUTING IN SHAU KEI WAN XXX
eTD ™AFF1C?N ALDR,CH STREET BETWEEN FACTORY STREET AND NAM ON EHAU KEI yAN W,LL BE re-routed one-way southbound from ID AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 22).
o-rA-r.If113 ,S T0 ALL0W F0R THE CONSTRUCTION OF MTR SHAU KEI WAN STATION.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NO CHANGE FOR TELCO'S PERMITTED RETURN ......................... 1
HONG KONG-CANADA TEXTILES CONSULTATIONS ........................ 3
NINE BILLS DUE FOR FINAL READING................................ 3
DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED ....................................... 4
HK$13 MILLION CONTRACT FOR TAI PO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS AWARDED ........................................................ 4
POTENTIALS OF DISABLED ......................................... 4
JOGGING IN SUPPORT OF ANTI-DRUGS DRIVE ......................... 5
FESTIVE DECORATIONS LIGHT UP SHA TIN ........................... 6
TRAFFIC RE-ROUTING AT STUBBS ROAD .............................. 6
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1982
1
NO CHANGE FOR TELCO’S PERMITTED RETURN * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT ACCEPTED A REQUEST BY THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY LIMITED THAT THE BASE FOR DETERMINING THE PERMITTED RETURN UNDER ITS SCHEME OF CONTROL SHOULD BE CHANGED FROM THE VALUE OF SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS TO THE VALUE OF AVERAGE NET FIXED ASSETS.
THE COMPANY ALSO REQUESTED AN INCREASE IN THE PERMITTED RETURN, BUT THIS WAS ALSO NOT ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.
♦AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF TELCO’S PROPOSALS, IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT THE REASONS ADVANCED DID NOT JUSTIFY CHANGING EITHER THE BASE OR RATE OF PERMITTED RETURN,♦ A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID. HE ADDED THAT EACH SCHEME OF CONTROL WAS TAILORED TO MEET THE INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE COMPANY TO WHICH IT APPLIED.
IN VIEW OF THE RAPID EXPANSION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS GENERALLY IN HONG KONG SINCE TELCO’S SCHEME OF CONTROL CAME INTO OPERATION IN 1976, THE SCOPE OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY WAS EXAMINED TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE SCHEME SHOULD CONTINUE TO APPLY TO THE WHOLE COMPANY IN TODAY’S CIRCUMSTANCES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AS IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO LIMIT FRANCHISES AND SCHEMES OF CONTROL AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO MONOPOLY UTILITY SERVICES, ONLY THE BASIC TELEPHONE SERVICE SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE SUBJECT TO THE SCHEME OF CONTROL.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS THEREFORE AGREED THAT SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT WHICH ARE NOT AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE PUBLIC TELEPHONE SERVICE OR WHICH ARE NOT PROVIDED EXCLUSIVELY BY TELCO SHOULD CEASE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE COMPANY’S SCHEME CF CONTROL. THESE ARE i-
(I) APPROVED EQUIPMENT CONNECTED TO THE TELEPHONE NETWORK WHICH IS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC ON A COMPETITIVE BASIS FROM OTHER COMPANIES;
(II) TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SERVICES',
(III) THUNDERSTORM AND HEAVY RAIN WARNING SERVICES;
(IV) PAGING SERVICES?
(V) INTERNATIONAL SERVICES OTHER THAN VOICE TELEPHONES;
(VI) DIRECTORY ADVERTISING?
(VII) VIEWDATA SERVICES?
/(VIII) DATHL..........
TUESDAY, DHKEffiEH 21, 1982
2
(VIII) DATEL MESSAGE SERVICES?
(IX) MOBILE RADIO TELEPHONE SERVICES?
(X) PACKET SWITCHED'DATA SERVICES',
(XI) FACSIMILE SERVICES',
(XII) CENTRALISED ALARM AND MONITORING SERVICES?
(XIII) PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT.
TELCO WILL STILL, HOWEVER, EE OBLIGED TO PROVIDE CERTAIN OF THESE ITEMS NOTWITHSTANDING THE FACT THAT THEY MAY ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM OTHERS. THESE INCLUDE SINGLE EXCHANGE LINE SWITCHING TELEPHONES AND THE TROPICAL CYCLONE AND THUNDERSTORM WARNING SERVICES. WHILST OUTSIDE THE SCHEME OF CONTROL SUCH EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES WILL CONTINUE TO EE REGULATED AND THE MAXIMUM CHARGES TO BE APPLIED WILL STILL REQUIRE THE APPROVAL CF THE GOVERNMENT.
THE CONDITIONS ATTACHED ARE THAT
(I) TELCO DOES NOT USE ITS POSITION AS THE PROVIDER OF THE MAIN TELEPHONE SERVICE TO INFLUENCE CHOICE IN ITS FAVOUR?
(II) TELCO AGREES WITH THE GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATE ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THAT THE SERVICES ARE NOT SUBSIDISED IN ANY WAY BY THE EXCLUSIVE SERVICES?
(Ill) TELCO SHOULD PROVIDE ANY FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION THAT MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO ENABLE IT TO BE SATISFIED IN REGARD TO (II) ABOVE?
(IV) THE EXCLUDED SERVICES BE CARRIED OUT BY A SUBSIDIARY COMPANY OF TELCO’S? AND
(V) THE GOVERNMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO BRING ANY OF THE EXCLUDED SERVICES BACK INTO THE SCHEME OF CONTROL AT ANY TIME IF IT CONSIDERS THAT IT IS IN THE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC AND USERS OF TELCO’S EXCLUSIVE SERVICES TO DO SO.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CHANGES WOULD COME INTO EFFECT PROGRESSIVELY FROM JANUARY 1, 19-..
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1982
- 3 -
HONG KONG-CANADA TEXTILES CONSULTATIONS * * * * *
THE TEXTILES CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA, WHICH BEGAN ON FRIDAY WERE CONCLUDED TODAY (TUESDAY). THE CANADIAN DELEGATION EXPLAINED THE SERIOUS ADVERSE DEVELOPMENTS AFFECTING THE CANADIAN GARMENT INDUSTRY IN 1982, WHICH THEY FORECAST WOULD CONTINUE INTO 1983, BUT THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WAS UNABLE TO ACCEPT A CANADIAN PROPOSAL TO MODIFY THE TERMS OF THE CURRENT AGREEMENT.
UNDER THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT EITHER GOVERNMENT MAY REQUEST CONSULTATIONS AT ANY TIME AND THE OTHER GOVERNMENT WILL ACCEPT SUCH A REQUEST.
NO ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO HOLD FURTHER DISCUSSIONS ON THE CANADIAN PROPOSAL.
-----0--------
NINE BILLS DUE FOR FINAL READING * * * *
NINE BILLS, INCLUDING THE ROAD TRAFFIC BILL 1982, AND THE IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY BILLS, ARE DUE FOR FINAL READINGS AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
TWO OTHER BILLS, THE PUBLIC FINANCE BILL 1982 AND THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982, ARE DUE TO BE READ A FIRST AND SECOND TIME, WITH DEBATE ON THEM BEING ADJOURNED.
THERE WILL ALSO BE TWO RESOLUTIONS TO BE MOVED BY THE LAW DRAFTSMAN TO RAISE THE MEANS TEST LIMITS FOR BOTH CIVIL AND CRIMINAL CASES, MAKING LEGAL AID AVAILABLE TO STILL MORE PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.
TWELVE QUESTIONS WILL BE ASKED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, DEALING WITH A WIDE RANGE OF MATTERS.
THE QUESTIONS WILL CONCERN SUCH MATTERS AS THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN, THE HEALTH AND FIRE HAZARDS POSED BY CAR REPAIRING AND BODY-PAINTING SHOPS OPERATING IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS, THE PROVISION OF HELIPAD SITES IN NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR EMERGENCY USE, SPEED LIMITS ON THE EAST KOWLOON ELEVATED HIGHWAYS, THE FUTURE OF THE EXPORT TRADE FOLLOWING THE GATT MEETING IN GENEVA, CONTROL OF GOLD AND COMMODITIES FUTURES TRADING FIRMS, ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, AND PROCEDURES CONCERNING REVIEW CF FILMS APPROVED BY THE CENSORS.
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/4........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1982
4
DeATH SENTENCES COMMUTED * X *
T'jc GOVERNOR. AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCES PASSED Cl TSU1 SHING-YAU AND YEU G PAK-LUK ON APRIL 24, 1981 AND AUGUST 23, 1981 RESPECTIVELY SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
TSUI SHING-YAU WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF WONG CHUN-LEUNG ON OCTOBER 19, 1979 AND YEUNG PAK-LUN WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF A GIRL, YEUNG WAI-SHEUNt OK JANUARY 28, 1981.
-----0------
HK813 MILLION CONTRACT FOR TAI PO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS AWARDED
X * * X
THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) AWARDED A CONTRACT WORTH MORE THAN HK$13 MILLION TO JARDINE ENGINEERING CORPORATION LIMITED FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE STAGE II OF TAI PO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
THE CONTRACT IS THE LAST OF FOUR MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL CONTRACTS AWARDED FOR THE SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.
IT WAS FORMALLY SIGNED THIS MORNING BY MR G.J. OSBORNE, DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES AND MR C.O. SYNN, DIRECTOR OF THE JARDINE ENGINEERING CORPORATION LIMITED AT THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN CAROLINE HILL ROAD.
WORK ON THE CONTRACT COVERS THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF THE SLUDGE PUMPING STATION AND THE SLUDGE DIGESTION PLANT WITH THE ASSOCIATED ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.
--------o ----------
POTENTIALS OF DISABLED
THE SUCCESS OF T-E RECENT FESPIC GAMES HELD IN HONG KONG LAST MONTH HAS EMPHATICALLY HOW “HAT DISABLED PEOPLE CAN DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIALS . T- < F.LLE THE REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (HONG KONG), MR KWOK KA-CHI. ; ? TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE WAS SPEAK'NC * -* PA^TY JOINTLY ORGANISED BY
THE SOCIAL WELFARE ’DEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE
AND THE KAI CHI CHILDE’ •ROUT 400 DISABLED TRAINEES.
TUESDAY, DB3E3SSH 21, 1982
- 5 -
HE SAID THAT BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES WOULD IN FUTURE TRY HARD TO PROVIDE MORE WELFARE SERVICES FOR THESE LESS PRIVILEGED PEOPLE.
MR KWOK SAID THAT SUITABLE HELP AND TRAINING WOULD GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIALS AND TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE PARTY WAS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT RECREATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR LAM HON-KEUNG, WHO IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD.
IN HIS SPEECH, MR LAM URGED RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT, ABLED AND DISABLED ALIKE, TO WORK TOGETHER FOR A BETTER COMMUNITY.
TRAINEES OF THE TWO CENTRES AND GUEST TEAMS PERFORMED DANCES, SINGING, ACROBATIC SHOWS AND OTHER ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES FOR EVERYONE PRESENT.
THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE PROVIDES SERVICES FOR THE SOCIAL AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION OF DISABLED PEOPLE. THE KAI CHI CHILDREN’S CENTRE IS A RESIDENTIAL CENTRE FOR MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN UNDER 16.
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JOGGING IN SUPPORT OF ANT I-DRUGS DRIVE
* * * *
ABOUT 2 500 JOGGERS KWUN TONG RUN TO BE HELD
ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE ROUND-AT THE END OF JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
THE EVENT, CALLED +LIVELY DRAGON JOG+ IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG ANT I-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN COORDINATING COMMITTEE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS AS A HIGHLIGHT OF THE KWUN TONG ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN.
20
ALL HOBBY RUNNERS OVER THE AGE OF 15 MAY ENTER THE EVENT AS INDIVIDUALS OR IK GROUPS REPRESENTING THEIR SCHOOLS OR ANY OTHER ORGANISATION. EACH GROUP, HOWEVER, MUST COMPRISE AT LEAST KEMBERS.
A CHALLENGING, 4 500-METRE ROUTE HAS BEEN MAPPED OUT, STARTING FROM KWUN TONG RECREATION PLAYGROUND, AND GOING ON TO TSUI PING ROAD, VIA KWUN TONG ROAD, UP JUNK BAY ROAD, DOWN SAU MAU PING ROAD, HIU KWONG STREET, HIP WO STREET, INTO TSUI PING ROAD AND BACK TO THE STARTING POINT IN THE PLAYGROUND.
EACH JOGGER COMPLETING THE COURSE WILL BE PRESENTED WITH AN ATTRACTIVE JOGGER’S BADGE AND THE GROUPS WHO COMPLETE THE LAP WITHIN ONE HOUR WILL BE AWARDED TROPHIES.
ENTRY FORMS FOR THE +LIVELY DRAGON JOG* MAY BE OBTAINED FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE. APPLICATION WILL CLOSE ON JANUARY 16.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1982
FESTIVE DECORATIONS LIGHT UP SHA TIN
SOME 25 OOO LIGHT BULBS BLINKED ON TONIGHT (TUESDAY) IN SHA TP -E* "'*• * T-E . -ING MUN RIVER GOING ALIGHT WITH COLOURFUL CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS.
THE SEASONAL LIGHTING, WHICH WAS SWITCHED ON BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON AT 7 PM, WILL STAY ON UNTIL JANUARY 2 AND WILL SHINE AGAIN FOR 10 DAYS DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
THE DECORATIONS ARE FINANCED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, THE RURAL COMMITTEE AND PRIVATE DONATIONS.
THE DISTRICT BOARD IS ALSO ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO RECORD THE FESTIVE SPIRIT IN SHA TIN WITH THEIR CAMERAS. AN OPEN PHOTO CONTEST, WITH PRIZES TOTALLING $15 000 IS BEING ORGANISED AND DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
- - 0 -
TRAFFIC RE-ROUTING AT STUBBS ROAD M X K M
THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY ON STUBBS ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH SHIU FAI TERRACE AS WELL AS ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN’S ROAD EAST WILL BE CLOSED IN STAGES DURING OFF PEAK PERIODS FROM BOXING DAY (DECEMBER 26) TO JANUARY 2, 1983. ONE LANE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC WILL BE MAINTAINED DURING THIS PERIOD, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THIS IS TO ALLOW FOR SLOPE REPAIR WORKS, HE ADDED.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUEDBY. GOVERNMENT INFORMATION.SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL. 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
.......... CONTENTS■••• PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
DESCRIPTION +BRITISH+ MOST WELCOME/LOBO SAYS ............. 1
ROAD TRAFFIC BILL 1982'BECOMES LAW ....................... 4
SUITABLE TRANSLATION FOR +RECKLESS DRIVING*- IS IMPORTANT . 6
ROAD JUNCTION STILL A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT PROBLEM SPOT ... 7
+DANGER SIGNALS*- RAISED ON PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES ........... 8
TRIBUTE TO LEGCO UNOFFICIALS FOR THOROUGHLY EXAMINING ROAD TRAFFIC BILL ............................................ 10
MORE PEOPLE TO BENEFIT FROM LEGAL AID................... 13
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION MAY ENHANCE KCR EFFICIENCY.......... 14
BILL TO FACILITATE DELEGATION OF FINANCIAL AUTHORITIES ... 16
IMPLICATIONS OF SELECTIVE SAFEGUARDS TO HK'S FUTURE TRADE 17
EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE DEFICIT REACHES 85-78 MILLION .... 18
TDC TRADE PROMOTION BEING STEPPED UP .................... 19
NEW STEPS BEING TAKEN TO COVER COMMODITIES TRADING.... 20
NEED TO PROTECT HKTA EMBLEM STRESSED .................... 21
BETTER BENEFITS SEEN FOR WORKERS ........................ 22
PENALTY PROPOSED FOR LATE PAYMENTS OF LEVY............... 25
RECRUITMENT OF SOCIAL WORKERS ........................... 25
/CLEAN HK.......
CLEAN HK DRIVE SEEN AS A SUCCESS............................ 26
HOSPITAL NOISE PROBLEM...................................... 26
CaR REPAIR WORKSHOPS NUISANCE EXAMINED...................... 27
MEASURES TO REDUCE SQUATTER PIRES EXTENDED.................. 28
FACILITIES FOR HELICOPTERS INCREASED ....................... 28
REVIEW OF APPROVED FILMS ................................... 29
•- NINE BILLS PASSED........... ............................... 29
AGREEMENT ON TWO-WAY PERMITS ............................... 30
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION..........♦............ 30
CHRISTMAS LIGHTING IN TSUEN WaN................................ 31
TALK ON MONITORING OF POWER COMPANIES ......................... 33
NOVEMBER CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ............................... 34
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
1
DESCRIPTION +BRITISH+ MOST WELCOME, LOBO SAYS
*****
THE DESCRIPTION +BRITISH+ WHICH IS TO APPEAR OPPOSITE THE WORD +NATIONALITY+ ON THE FIRST PAGE OF ALL BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES PASSPORTS, INCLUDING HONG KONG, WAS SEEN BY THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON ROGER LOBO, AS +M0ST WELCOME NEWS AND A GREAT RELIEF-*-.
HE WAS SPEAKING ON THE FOUR BILLS STEMMING FROM THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981, WHICH WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE BILLS WERE THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1982, THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1982, THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981 (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL 1982 AND THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982.
MR LOBO TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT SINCE THE BRITISH NATIONALITY BILL WAS PASSED INTO LAW ON OCTOBER 30, 1981, THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS HAD CONTINUED TO REPRESENT THAT PASSPORTS ISSUED TO HONG KONG’S BRITISH SUBJECTS SHOULD CONTAIN A NATIONALITY DESCRIPTION.
THE MATTER WAS PRESSED FURTHER WHEN THE FORMER LORD PRIVY SEAL VISITED HONG KONG IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, HE SAID.
IN MAY THIS YEAR, HE RECALLED, HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE LEGAL REASONS WHY ONLY THE CITIZENSHIP DESIGNATION BDTC (BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN) SHOULD APPEAR IN HONG KONG BDTC PASSPORTS.
HOWEVER, MR LOBO NOTED, THIS VIEW WAS CHALLENGED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WHO ARGUED THAT +IT WAS LAWFUL AND INDEED APPROPRIATE TO DESCRIBE IN A PASSPORT NOT ONLY THE HOLDER’S CATEGORY OF CITIZENSHIP, BUT ALSO THE RELATIONSHIP WHICH GIVES RISE TO THE RIGHT OF PROTECTION, I.E. NATIONAL ITY+.
WHEN THE PRIME MINISTER VISITED HONG KONG IN SEPTEMBER, UMELCO STRESSED AFRESH THE IMPORTANCE THEY ATTACHED TO RETAINING A NATIONALITY DESCRIPTION IN THE NEW BDTC PASSPORTS.
AND IT WAS A MATTER OF PUBLIC RECORD THAT MRS THATCHER PROMISED TO LOOK INTO THE MATTER PERSONALLY, SAID MR LOBO.
+1 WOULD LIKE TO PAY PARTICULAR TRIBUTE TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S ADVOCACY ON OUR BEHALF,+ HE SAID.
+BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT GAVE US NOTHING NEW? NOTHING WE DID NOT ALREADY POSSESS.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
2
♦I CAN ONLY SAY THAT HAD WE FAILED TO PERSUADE HMG TO OUR POINT OF VIEW, BDTC PASSPORTS ISSUED TO HONG KONG’S BRITISH SUBJECTS WOULD NOT HAVE CONTAINED A CLEAR DESCRIPTION OF NATIONALITY.♦
EARLIER IN HIS SPEECH, MR LOBO GAVE A FULL ACCOUNT OF THE ROLE PLAYED BY UMELCO IN TRYING TO SAFEGUARD THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG’S BRITISH SUBJECTS UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT.
HE MADE A CHRONOLOGICAL REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS FROM THE PUBLICATION OF THE GREEN PAPER ON BRITISH NATIONALITY IN APRIL 1977 TO THE PASSAGE OF THE BILL INTO LAW IN OCTOBER 1981.
DURING THE FOUR-AND-A-HALF-YEAR PERIOD, HE NOTED, LENGTHY DISCUSSIONS ON HONG KONG’S POSITION WERE HELD BETWEEN UMELCO MEMBERS AND SENIOR BRITISH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, AS WELL AS WITH A NUMBER OF INFLUENTIAL MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT.
THESE MEETINGS TOOK PLACE IN BOTH HONG KONG AND LONDON.
ALTHOUGH SOME CONCESSIONARY AMENDMENTS WERE EVENTUALLY MADE TO THE BILL IN RESPONSE TO HONG KONG’S STRENUOUS REPRESENTATIONS, HE SAID, UMELCO REMAINED UNCONVINCED OF THE NEED FOR CHANGES IN CITIZENSHIP AND CONCERNED ABOUT THE LACK OF A DEFINITION AS REGARDS THE NATIONALITY OF HONG KONG’S BRITISH SUBJECTS.
AND THE NEW DESCRIPTION FOR HONG KONG PASSPORT HOLDERS WAS THE RESULT OF FURTHER REPRESENTATIONS BY UMELCO.
MR LOBO ALSO COMMENTED ON THE RECENT AMENDMENT TO THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT WHICH AFFORDED FALKLAND ISLANDERS THE RIGHT TO BRITISH CITIZENSHIP.
♦THERE IS NO QUESTION THE MEASURE IS DISCRIMINATORY AGAINST OTHER DEPENDENT TERRITORIES OF WHICH HONG KONG IS MUCH THE BIGGEST,+ HE SAID.
♦SIR, YOUR PREDECESSOR, LORD MACLEHOSE SPOKE ON THE FALKLANDS BILL IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND I THINK ACCURATELY REFLECTED OUR VIEWS.+
MR PETER C. WONG AND MR JOHN SWA I NE ALSO SPOKE ON THE BILLS.
MR WONG, CONVENER OF THE LEGISLATION SCRUTINY GROUP OF UNOFFICIALS WHICH STUDIED THE BILLS, SAID HIS GROUP W/'S BY AND LARGE SATISFIED WITH THEIR LEGAL AND DRAFTING ASPECTS.
HE SAID MOST OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WERE CONSEQUENTIAL, INVOLVING MAINLY CHANGES IN NOMENCLATURE.
♦HOWEVER,+ HE SAID, +THE OPPORTUNITY WAS TAKEN TC TIGHTEN THE DEFINITION OF HONG KONG BELONGER AND TO IMPOSE IMMIGRATION CONTROLS ON NON-HONG KONG BELONGERS BORN AFTER DECEMBER 31, 1982 INCLUDING CHILDREN BORN TO VIETNAMESE REFUGEES.
/+THESE AKE........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
3 -
♦THESE ARE POLICY MATTERS APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
♦GIVEN THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG, THE GROUP FEELS THAT THE PROPOSED MEASURES ARE JUSTIFIED.+
MR WONG EXPLAINED THAT THE NEW DEFINITION OF HONG KONG BELONGER ENSURED THAT THE ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO LAND AND REMAIN IN HONG KONG WAS ENJOYED ONLY BY THOSE WHO HAD ACQUIRED BDTC STATUS BY CONNECTION WITH HONG KONG.
WHILE AGREEING THAT THE NEW DEFINITION WOULD BE MORE RESTRICTIVE IN PRACTICAL TERMS, HE ESTIMATED THAT THE NUMBER CF PERSONS AFFECTED WOULD BE RELATIVELY SMALL.
HE ALSO SPELLED OUT VARIOUS CHANNELS WHEREBY A CHILD BORN AFTER DECEMBER 31, 1982 COULD BECOME A BDTC.
TO ACQUAINT THE PUBLIC WITH THE NEW LAW, MR WONG NOTED THAT THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT OPERATES A SPECIAL NATIONALITY SECTION WHICH DEALS EXCLUSIVELY WITH PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT AND THE CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO HONG KONG'S OWN ORDINANCES.
THERE IS ALSO A TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE AND AN EXPLANATORY PAMPHLET IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE, HE ADDED.
MR SWA I NE CONFINED HIS COMMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL WHICH PROVIDES, INTER ALIA, .« NEW DEFINITION OF ♦HONG KONG BELONGER* TO ENSURE THAT THE ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO LAND AND REMAIN IN HONG KONG IS ENJOYED ONLY BY THOSE BDTCS WHO HAVE ACQUIRED BDTC BY CONNECTION WITH HONG KONG.
HE SAID THAT UNDER THE PRESENT IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE, ONLY HONG KONG BELONGERS HAVE THE ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO LAND IN HONG KONG.
BUT ONE CANNOT BE A HONG KONG BELONGER WITHOUT FIRST BEING A BRITISH SUBJECT AND SHOWING HIS HONG KONG CONNECTION, I.E. BY BIRTH, NATURALISATION OR REGISTRATION IN HONG KONG, OR BY MARRIAGE TO OR BEING THE CHILD OF SUCH A PERSON.
♦THE DIFFICULTY WHICH ARISES RELATES TO THOSE CHILDREN BORN IN HONG KONG ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 1983 WHO DO NOT QUALIFY AS BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS UNDER THE CRITERIA DESCRIBED EARLIER,* SAID MR SWAINE.
♦ARE WE NEVERTHELESS TO CONSTITUTE THEM AS HONG KONG BELONGERS, THEREBY CREATING A CLASS OF BELONGER WITHOUT CITIZENSHIP?
♦IT WOULD BE WITHIN OUR POWER TO DO SO BUT WOULD IT BE RIGHT FOR US TO DO SO?+ HE ASKED.
fa, POINTED.......
WEDNESDAY, DE52KBSS 22, 1982
- 4 -
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE CHILDREN WHO WOULD BE CHIEFLY AFFECTED WERE THOSE BORN OF REFUGEE PARENTS AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS +WHO HAVE NO LEGITIMATE CALLS ON OUR RESOURCES AND OVER WHOM WE HAVE HAD TO ENACT STRINGENT BUT NECESSARY bEASURES OF CONTROL IN RECENT YEARS+.
MR SWA INE AGREED THAT IT WAS PAINFUL TO DECIDE WHETHER THEIR CHILDREN SHOULD BE FREE OF IMMIGRATION CONTROL.
♦BUT GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG TODAY, THEIR EXCLUSION FROM BELONGER STATUS IS I BELIEVE JUSTIFIED,* HE ADDED.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, CONFIRMED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE PUBLISHING THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981 IN THE GAZETTE ON DECEMBER 31 TOGETHER WITH THE SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION.
♦WE WILL ALSO PUBLISH ANY FURTHER SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT PASSES,♦ HE ADDED.
HE DESCRIBED THE SPEECH ON THE FOUR BILLS BY THE HON R.H. LOBO AS A +VERY REMARKABLE EXAMPLE OF THE REMARKABLE WAY+ IN WHICH MEMBERS OF BOTH THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS HAD FOUGHT FOR THE INTERESTS OF THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY.
- 0 - -
ROAD TRAFFIC BILL 1982 BECOMES LAW M X M M
THE ROAD TRAFFIC BILL 1982 WAS PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WITH AMENDMENTS TO 32 CLAUSES AND THE SCHEDULE.
THE AMENDMENTS WERE MOVED AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBER THE HON S.L. CHEN AND THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT.
THE MORE SUBSTANTIVE AMENDMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS I
M CLAUSE 24 (4). THE REQUIREMENT IN SUB-CLAUSES (B) AND (D) FOR THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ON RECEIVING AN APPLICATION TO LICENCE A MOTOR VEHICLE AS A TAXI THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES LICENSED AS TAXIS WHICH ARE OWNED BY THE APPLICANT AND HIS FINANCIAL RESOURCES IS DELETED.
* CLAUSES 35, 36, 37 AND 38. THE AMENDMENTS ARE, BRIEFLY, TO REDUCE MAXIMUM FINE LEVELS AND TERMS OF IMPRISONMENT AND DELETE THE PROVISION FOR COMPULSORY DISQUALIFICATION FOR A FIRST OFFENCE UNDER THESE CLAUSES. PROVISION l’AS ALSO BEEN MADE FOR A SUMMARY OFFENCE OF CAUSING DEATH BY RECKLESS DRIVING.
'WEDNESDAY, DaS^EIi 22, 1962
- 5 -
* CLAUSE 42. THE AMENDMENT PROVIDES A DIFFERENCE IN PENALTY FOR TWO RELATED OFFENCES — FAILURE TO PRODUCE A DRIVING LICENCE ON THE SPOT AND FAILURE TO PRODUCE THE LICENCE WITHIN 72 HOURS. IT PROVIDES FOR THE SECOND OFFENCE TO CARRY A PENALTY TWICE THAT OF THE FIRST AND SETS THE FINE AT 52 OOO.
K CATEGORISATION OF GOODS VEHICLES. THE AMENDMENTS MAKE IT CLEAR THAT A +L1GHT GOODS VEHICLE* MAY HAVE A PERMITTED GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT UP TO AND INCLUDING 5.5 TONNES; A ♦MEDIUM GOODS VEHICLE* WOULD WEIGH OVER 5.5 TONNES AND UP TO AND INCLUDING 24 TONNES; A +HEAVY GOODS VEHICLE* MAY HAVE A PERMITTED GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT OF OVER 24 TONNES AND UP TO AND INCLUDING 38 TONNES.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE REVISED CLASSIFICATION OF GOODS VEHICLES, DRIVING LICENCE ARRANGEMENTS WILL ALSO BE CHANGED SO THAT AFTER IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BILL A PERSON WISHING TO DRIVE, FOR EXAMPLE, A HEAVY GOODS VEHICLE, WILL HAVE TO PASS THE TEST ON SUCH A VEHICLE. ALL EXISTING GOODS VEHICLE LICENCE HOLDERS WILL BE ALLOWED TO DRIVE HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES WITHOUT UNDERGOING A RE-TEST BUT HOLDERS OF GOODS VEHICLE LICENCES WISHING TO DRIVE ARTICULATED VEHICLES WILL BE REQUIRED TO PASS A RE-TEST ON THE VEHICLE.
M OPERATION OF TRANSPORT TRIBUNALS. A NEW CLAUSE IS INSERTED AFTER CLAUSE 17.TO ALLOW THE TRANSPORT TRIBUNALS TO CONSULT A LEGAL ADVISER. AMENDMENTS ARE ALSO MADE TO TRANSFER THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUSPENDING VEHICLE LICENCES FROM THE TRIBUNAL TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT AND FOR THE TRIBUNAL TO CONSIDER APPEALS MADE AGAINST THE COMMISSIONER’S DEC ISI ON.
X CLAUSE 40 IS AMENDED TO INCREASE THE FINE FOR SPEEDING AND CLAUSES 83 (4) AND 34 (3) ARE AMENDED TO BRING THE LEVEL OF FINES FOR BREACH OF VEHICLE SUSPENSION ORDERS AND REPAIR ORDERS INTO LINE WITH OTHER FINES IN THE BILL.
M CLAUSE 68 IS AMENDED TO ENABLE THE DISQUALIFICATION PROVISIONS TO BE APPLIED TO A PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY USES A VEHICLE WITH DEFECTIVE BRAKES, TYRES OR STEERING.
* CLAUSE 85 (2) IS AMENDED TO PROVIDE FOR DOUBLE CHARGING OF EXAMINATION FEES ONLY FOR FURTHER EXAMINATIONS ON VEHICLES SUBJECT TO A VEHICLE SUSPENSION ORDER.
/C .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
6
SUITABLE TRANSLATION FOR +RECKLESS DRIVING* IS IMPORTANT *****
THE INTRODUCTION OF +RECKLESS DRIVING* TO REPLACE +DANGEROUS DRIVING* BRINGS ABOUT QUITE A FEW PROBLEMS IN HONG KONG, THE HON K.C. CHAN TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE SAID THAT WITH 98 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S POPULATION BEING CHINESE, A SUITABLE TRANSLATION FOR THE NEW TERM IS IMPORTANT.
*BUT I MUST ADMIT THAT AN ADEQUATE ONE IS NOT EASY TO COME BY.
+EVEN IF THE BEST TRANSLATION IS FOUND, IT STILL GIVES THE PUBLIC A FEELING OF 'NEW BOTTLE WITH THE SAME WINE’,* HE SAID.
MR CHAN WAS SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE CONTROVERSIAL ROAD TRAFFIC BILL WHICH SEEKS TO REVAMP THE EXISTING ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.
THE B.ILL WAS DEBATED TWO WEEKS AGO AND THE THIRD READING WAS ADJOURNED UNTIL TODAY.
MR CHAN SAID HE WAS GLAD TO LEARN THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE, AND NOT THE POLICE, WOULD INITIALLY DECIDE ON ALL RECKLESS DRIVING CASES.
BUT HE URGED THAT DURING THE TRIAL PERIOD, A CLEAR-CUT DEFINITION SHOULD BE FOUND WHICH COULD BE SEEN BY ALL LAYMEN AS EASY TO UNDERSTAND AND FAIR.
ON THE PROPOSED STIFFER PENALTIES, MR CHAN CONTENDED THAT IT WAS USELESS FOR MOTORISTS TO COMPLAIN BECAUSE THE EXISTING ONES HAD BEEN ERODED BY INFLATION AND THE PINCH OF THE PENALTY WAS LESS ACUTE AND COULD NOT DETER INCREASING CASUALTIES.
HE CITED STATISTICS TO SHOW THAT THERE WERE 339 335 CASUALTIES BETWEEN OCTOBER 1981 AND SEPTEMBER 1982 AND 323 546 FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THIS SHOWS AN INCREASE OF 8.27 PER CENT IN CASUALTIES AGAINST AN INCREASE OF 4.88 PER CENT IN THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES REGISTERED.
+EVERY CARELESS AND DANGEROUS ACTION OF EACH DRIVER MAY CONTRIBUTE TO THE POOL OF CASUALTIES AND WHEN THESE FIGURES REACHED AN UNACCEPTABLE LEVEL, THE AUTHORITIES HAVE NO ALTERNATIVE BUT TO IMPOSE MORE STRINGENT AND UNPLEASANT MEASURES IN ORDER TO CUT DOWN THE ACCIDENT FIGURES,* MR CHAN SAID.
+THINK OF THE 478 DEAD IN 1981 AND ALL THE LOSSEo TO THEIR FAMILIES AND 7 446 SERIOUSLY INJURED WHO MAY BE HANDICAPPED FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES, THEN MOTORISTS MAY NOT FIND THE PENALTIES TOO HARSH,* HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
- 7 -
ROAD JUNCTION STILL A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT PROBLEM SPOT
* M * *
DESPITE SAFETY MEASURES INTRODUCED, THE CHAI WAN ROAD AND SHAU KEI WAN ROAD JUNCTION AREA WAS STILL A PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT +PROBLEM SPOT*, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARIA TAM, MR SCOTT REPORTED THAT ALMOST ALL THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT CASUALTIES IN THE JUNCTION WERE PEDESTRIANS, AND THE MAJOR CAUSE WAS THE LIMITED PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES FOR CROSSING SHAU KEI WAN ROAD.
MR SCOTT SAID THAT TO MAKE CROSSING SAFER AT THIS LOCATION, AN ALL-RED PHASE LASTING SIX SECONDS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE VEHICLE TRAFFIC SIGNAL SEQUENCE IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR.
HIGHER INTENSITY TRAFFIC SIGNALS WERE ALSO INSTALLED, AND GUARD RAILS ERECTED ALONG CHAI WAN ROAD AND SHAU KEI WAN ROAD TO CHANNEL PEDESTRIANS INTO THE PROPER CROSSING PLACES.
♦DESPITE THE INTRODUCTION OF THESE MEASURES AND SOME INITIAL SUCCESS IN CHECKING THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENT CASUALTIES, THIS LOCATION IS STILL A PROBLEM SPOT,+ HE SAID.
MR SCOTT SAID FURTHER MEASURES WERE BEING PREPARED, INCLUDING A SPECIFIC PEDESTRIAN PHASE IN THE SIGNAL SEQUENCE FOR PEDESTRIANS CROSSING SHAU KEI WAN ROAD, AND THE ERECTION OF ADDITIONAL SAFETY FENCES ON SHAU KEI WAN ROAD AND CHAI WAN ROAD, AND ON THE CENTRAL DIVIDER ON CHAI WAN ROAD.
REPLYING TO QUESTIONS BY THE REV THE HON JOYCE BENNETT, MR SCOTT SAID GOVERNMENT POLICY IS THAT SPEED LIMITS BE SET AT 40 MPH IN ROAD TUNNELS DURING NORMAL TWIN-TUBE OPERATION.
WHEN TRAFFIC IS RESTRICTED TO TWO-WAY FLOW IN ONE TUBE, THE SPEED LIMIT IS REDUCED TO 30 MPH FOR SAFETY REASONS, HE ADDED.
DEALING WITH THE SPEED LIMITS ON THE EAST KOWLOON ELEVATED HIGHWAY, MR SCOTT SAID THAT FOR A PERIOD, THE SPEED LIMIT SIGN ON THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY APPROACH INCORRECTLY SHOWED ON OCCASIONS 30 MPH.
THIS WAS BECAUSE THE VARIABLE SPEED SIGN, WHICH COULD BE SWITCHED ELECTRICALLY TO SHOW 30 OR 40 MPH, HAD BEEN INADVERTENTLY TRIGGERED DURING THE TESTING PROGRAMME OF THE COMPUTERISED TRAFFIC SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM.
♦THE SIGN HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED FROM THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS AND SET AT 40 MPH BY MANUAL OPERATION.
♦WHEN THE COMPUTERISED TRAFFIC SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM IS OPERATIONAL IN MARCH 1983, REMOTE CONTROL OF THE SPEED LIMIT SIGN WILL BE REIMPOSED,♦ HE SAID.
- 0 -
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
- 8 -
+DANGER SIGNALS* RAISED ON PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES
*****
THE REV THE HON JOYCE M. BENNETT RAISED A NUMBER OF +DANGER SIGNALS* CONCERNING PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WHEN SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL WHICH WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE AMENDMENT BILL PROPOSED TO DELETE THE PRESENT TWO-TON RESTRICTION ON THE UNLADEN WEIGHT OF LIGHT BUSES, AND ALLOW THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO APPROVE THE REGISTRATION OF LIGHT BUSES UP TO FOUR TONS IN GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT AND OF LARGER DIMENSIONS, SHE SAID.
WHILE AGREEING THAT PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES HAD PROVED VERY USEFUL IN HONG KONG, MISS BENNETT FELT THAT THEIR PUBLIC IMAGE WAS TOO OFTEN SPOILED BY THEIR DOUBLE-PARKING AND PARKING ON THE CORNERS OF STREETS.
SHE MENTIONED TUNG MING STREET IN KWUN TONG AND THE CORNER OF HANG ON STREET AND TUNG MING STREET AS EXAMPLES.
PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES ALSO USED TO CAUSE CHAOS TO TRAFFIC BY DOING U TURNS IN THE MIDDLE OF STREETS, SUCH AS HIP WO STREET IN KWUN TONG, SHE ADDED.
+1 AM SURE OTHER MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL CAN SUPPLY THE AUTHORITIES WITH DETAILS OF OTHER STREETS WHERE THE PUBLIC IS TROUBLED BY THE LACK OF DISCIPLINE BY DRIVERS OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES.*
ON THE PROBLEMS IF EACH PUBLIC LIGHT FEWER VEHICLES COULD STANDS.
OF DOUBLE PARKING, MISS BENNETT SAID THAT BUS COULD BE ONE FOOT LONGER IN FUTURE, BE PARKED IN THE PRESENT PUBLIC LIGHT BUS
+CAN WE EXPECT EVEN MORE PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES PARKING ILLEGALLY?* SHE ASKED.
+WE MUST ENSURE THAT THESE HEAVIER AND BIGGER PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES ARE NOT DRIVEN CARELESSLY OR RECKLESSLY NOR EXCEEDING THE SPEED LIMITS.
+WERE THEY TO DO SO, THERE MAY BE EVEN MORE DANGERS THAN IN THE PAST.*
MISS BENNETT SAID ALSO THAT PUBLIC LIGHT BUS FARES SEEMED TO BE LESS UNDER CONTROL THAN OMNIBUS FARES.
FOR INSTANCE, SHE POINTED OUT, THE MINIBUS FARE WOULD *SHOOT UP+ AT THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
♦I AM CONCERNED THAT SOME DRIVERS MAY FIND THE OPERATION OF THESE LARGER VEHICLES WILL NOT BE VIABLE.
/+AId I
ATCwESDAY, DHJEZBiS 22, 1982
- 9 -
♦AM I RIGHT THAT THE LARGER, HEAVIER VEHICLES WILL USE MORE FUEL PER MILE?
♦WHAT CONTROLS WILL BE EXERCISED OVER THE FARES?* SHE ASKED.
ANOTHER UNOFFICIAL, DR HO KAM-FAI, ALSO CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO GUARD AGAINST LIGHT BUS OPERATORS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES TO RAISE BUS FARES HIGHER THAN JUSTIFIED.
♦AS THE NEW TYPE OF LIGHT BUS WILL BE LARGER, HEAVIER AND MORE POWERFUL, THE OPERATING COST IS LIKELY TO BE HIGHER THAN THAT OF THE EXISTING MODELS.
♦THIS INCREASE IN OPERATING COST WILL INEVITABLY BE PASSED ONTO THE PASSENGERS.
♦I WOULD THEREFORE LIKE TO ASK THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE COMMUTING PUBLIC AND TO GUARD AGAINST LIGHT BUS OPERATORS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO RAISE BUS FARES HIGHER THAN IS JUSTIFIED BY ANY ACTUAL INCREASE IN OPERATING COST,+ HE SAID.
DR HO NOTED THAT SOME UNSCRUPULOUS LIGHT BUS OPERATORS ALREADY HAD THE REPUTATION OF RUTHLESSLY JACKING UP THE BUS FARES UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES FAVOURABLE TO THEMSELVES, SUCH AS DURING RUSH HOURS, TYPHOON DAYS AND CERTAIN STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
REFERRING TO CONCERN EXPRESSED BY THE UNOFFICIALS ABOUT POSSIBLE INCREASED FARES, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT, SAID THIS COULD ARISE, IF, FOR INSTANCE, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN OPERATING COSTS FROM THE USE OF AIR-CONDITIONING IN VEHICLES.
♦BUT THIS WOULD PROVIDE A BETTER SERVICE,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID ALSO THAT THE BILL WOULD ALLOW OPERATORS +TO SHOP AROUND* FOR CHOICE OF MODELS, THUS INTRODUCING AN ELEMENT OF PRICE COMPETITION AMONG SUPPLIERS.
WITH REGARD TO CONTROL OF THE PLB’S, THIS MATTER WAS CONTINUALLY IN MIND. THERE WERE ALREADY CONSIDERABLE CONTROLS, FOR INSTANCE, THROUGH DESIGNATION OF PLB PROHIBITED ZONES.
NOTWITHSTANDING THEIR ADMITTED DISADVANTAGES, PLB’S ARE AN ACCEPTED FEATURE OF THE TRANSPORT SCENE AND PROVIDE ABOUT 19 PER CENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT PASSENGER JOURNEYS, MR SCOTT SAID.
HE FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT THERE IS NO GOVERNMENT CONTROL OVER FARES OF PLB’S (OTHER THAN MAXICAES) AND THEY GENERALLY FACE COMPETITION FROM FRANCHISED BUSES, THE MTR, TRAMS AND TAXIS.
♦THIS TO SOME EXTENT DETERMINES THE LEVEL OF FARE WHICH THEY CAN CHARGE,+ MR SCOTT SAID.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
- 10 -
TRIBUTE TO LEGCO UNOFFICIALS FOR THOROUGHLY EXAMINING ROAD TRAFFIC BILL * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PAID TRIBUTE TO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THE THOROUGHNESS WITH WHICH THEY HAD EXAMINED THE PROPOSALS EMBODIED IN THE ROAD TRAFFIC BILL 1982.
SPEAKING IN THE COUNCIL, MR SCOTT ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THE PLETHORA OF AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL DID NOT MEAN THAT THE BILL WAS UNTIMELY OR THAT ITS PRINCIPLES HAD NOT BEEN SUFFICIENTLY WELL THOUGHT OUT BEFORE INTRODUCTION INTO THE COUNCIL.
HE SAID UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS HAD EXPRESSED PARTICULAR CONCERN ABOUT THE LEVEL OF PENALTIES FOR RECKLESS DRIVING AND AMENDMENTS WOULD BE INTRODUCED TO REDUCE THIS LEVEL SIGNIFICANTLY.
HE SAID THE INTRODUCTION OF THE CONCEPT OF RECKLESS DRIVING HAD GIVEN RISE TO OTHER CONCERNS — ABOUT ITS DEFINITION, ITS TRANSLATION INTO CHINESE, AND HOW IT WOULD BE INTERPRETED IN PRACTICE.
MR SCOTT SAID THE ABSENCE OF A DEFINITION OF RECKLESS DRIVING IN THE BILL HAD BEEN TAKEN BY SOME COMMENTATORS TO MEAN THAT THE TERM WAS NOT CAPABLE OF PRECISE INTERPRETATION.
+THIS IS NOT SO. THE TERM ’RECKLESS DRIVING’ HAS BEEN USED FOR ALMOST A DECADE IN U.K. ROAD TRAFFIC LEGISLATION, AND ITS INTERPRETATION HAS BEEN MADE CLEAR IN CASE LAW,* HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN 1981 IN THE APPEAL CASE OF THE QUEEN VERSUS LAWRENCE, THE HOUSE LORDS STATED IN SPECIFIC TERMS WHAT MUST BE PROVED IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH WHETHER A PARTICULAR PIECE CF DRIVING WAS RECKLESS. THE LAW LORDS CONSIDERED THAT THE STANDARD OF THE ORDINARY PRUDENT MOTORIST SHOULD BE APPLIED AND THEY HELD THAT IT MUST BE PROVED*
M FIRST, THAT THE DEFENDANT WAS IN FACT DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO CREATE AN OBVIOUS AND SERIOUS RISK OF CAUSING PHYSICAL INJURY TO SOME OTHER PERSON WHO MIGHT HAPPEN TO BE USING THE ROAD OR OF DOING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY; AND
* SECOND, THAT IN DRIVING IN SUCH A MANNER THAT THE DEFENDANT DID SO WITHOUT HAVING GIVEN ANY THOUGHT TO THE POSSIBILITY OF THERE BEING ANY SUCH RISK, OR HAVING RECOGNISED THAT THERE WAS SOME RISK INVOLVED, HAD NONETHELESS GONE ON TO TAKE IT.
/MR SCOTT .......
■ 3DNESDAY, DIE EMBER 22, 1982
MR SCOTT SAID UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, HAVING STUDIED THIS, HAD ACCEPTED THAT IT WAS NOT DESIRABLE TO DEFINE RECKLESS DRIVING IN THE BILL, BECAUSE THIS WOULD PUT THE CONCEPT IN A STRAIT JACKET AND NEGATE ITS POSSIBLE FURTHER EVOLUTION THROUGH CASE LAW.
+RESERVING THE CHARGE OF ’RECKLESS DRIVING' SOLELY FOR OFFENCES INVOLVING BODILY INJURY, AS MR CHAN KAM-CHUEN SUGGESTS, WOULD NOT I THINK HELP, BECAUSE CREATING A SERIOUS RISK OF PHYSICAL INJURY, WHETHER OR NOT ACTUALLY CAUSING li*, IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE CONCEPT OF RECKLESS DRIVING — AS STATED IN THE JUDGEMENT OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS WHICH I HAVE JUST QUOTED,* HE SAID.
HE SAID UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ALSO REFLECTED THE CONCERN EXPRESSED BY DRIVERS’ ASSOCIATION THAT THE TRANSLATION OF ’RECKLESS DRIVING’ INTO CHINESE USED IN THE EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM WAS INADEQUATE.
♦THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS WISHES TO JOIN ME IN EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR THE CARE WITH WHICH UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS HAVE WORKED TO PRODUCE A TRANSLATION WHICH CLEARLY EMBODIES THE CONCEPT OF DRIVING WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONSEQUENCES.*
A NEW CHINESE VERSION OF THE TERM WILL BE USED IN THE EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM WHEN THE BILL IS PUBLISHED AS AN ORDINANCE. IT CAN BE RE-TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH AS +WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONSEQUENCES, DRIVING RECKLESSLY*.
MR SCOTT SAID ANXIETY HAD BEEN EXPRESSED AS TO WHETHER ►EMBERS OF THE POLICE FORCE WOULD BE ABLE TO DISTINGUISH FAIRLY BETWEEN RECKLESS DRIVING AND CARELESS DRIVING.
HE SAID THE POLICE WOULD IN THE NORMAL COURSE BE TRAINED IN THE PROVISIONS OF THE NEW LEGISLATION, INCLUDING THE OFFENCE OF RECKLESS DRIVING.
+BUT IN ANY CASE, I MUST POINT OUT THAT THE CHARGING OF AN OFFENCE OF RECKLESS DRIVING IS NOT LEFT TO THE TRAFFIC POLICEMAN AT THE SCENE OF THE OFFENCE. THE POSSIBILITY AND NATURE OF SUCH CHARGES IS CONSIDERED AT SENIOR LEVELS WITHIN THE FORCE.*
HE SAID THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAD ASSURED THAT AS AN ADDITIONAL SAFEGUARD, IN THE INITIAL PERIOD FOLLOWING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BILL, ALL CASES CONSIDERED TO BE OFFENCES OF RECKLESS DRIVING WOULD BE REFERRED NOT ONLY TO SENIOR LEVELS WITHIN THE POLICE FORCE, BUT ALSO TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS IN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBER.
ON REDUCING THE LEVEL OF PENALITIES, MR SCOTT SAID ALTHOUGH HE RECOGNISED THAT THESE AMENDMENTS WOULD BE WELCOMED BY ONE SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY, HE COULD NOT OVERLOOK THE VIEW, WHICH HAD RECENTLY FOUND STRONG EXPRESSION IN EDITORIALS IN SOME ENGLISH AND CHINESE NEWSPAPERS, THAT PEDESTRIANS - THE SILENT MAJORITY OF ROAD USERS - DESERVE TO BE, AND MUST BE, PROTECTED FROM RECKLESS DRIVING.
/+IT IS .......
WSDNESJAY, DjsE-iMBEH 22, 1982
12 -
♦IT IS OF COURSE RIGHT TO BE PROPERLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE LIVELIHOOD OF PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS - PROVIDED THEY DRIVE SAFELY AND SENSIBLY; BUT WE MUST ALSO BE PROPERLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND LIVELIHOOD OF PEDESTRIANS AT RISK OF BEING KILLED OR INJURED BY RECKLESS DRIVERS,* HE ADDED.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE REDUCTIONS IN THE PROPOSED FINES FOR SERIOUS OFFENCES, AND THE CHANGES IN THE DISQUALIFICATION PROVISIONS, SHOULD NOT BE MISINTERPRETED AS A WEAKENING OF THE GOVERNMENT’S RESOLVE TO TACKLE DRIVING BEHAVIOUR WHICH ENDANGERS THE LIVES OF OTHER ROAD USERS.
MR SCOTT JOINED THOSE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WHO NOTED IN THEIR SPEECHES ON DECEMBER 8 THAT FINES ACTUALLY IMPOSED IN CONNECTION WITH CONVICTIONS FOR DANGEROUS DRIVING FALL FAR SHORT OF THE EXISTING MAXIMUM PENALTY IN THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE; AND WHO EXPRESSED THE VIEW THAT PENALTIES ON CONVICTION SHOULD REFLECT THE AIM OF DETERRENCE AS WELL AS PUNISHMENT.
♦I BELIEVE THEREFORE THAT THE QUESTION OF PENALTIES SHOULD BE REVIEWED AT AN APPROPRIATE PERIOD AFTER IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BILL, AND SHALL MAKE ARRANGEMENTS ACCORD INGLY,+ HE SAID.
ON THE ROAD SAFETY IMPLICATIONS OF THE BILL, MR SCOTT SAID THE BILL IS ONLY PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL PLAN TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY.
AMONG ROAD SAFETY MEASURES WHICH WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN 1983 ARE THE PROVISION OF MORE PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES, MORE INVESTIGATIONS INTO AND REMEDIAL WORKS AT PEDESTRIAN PROBLEM SPOTS, A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN CONCENTRATING ON PEDESTRIAN SAFETY, AND BETTER DRIVER TRAINING AT AN OFF-STREET DRIVER DRIVING CENTRE.
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.‘GONESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
13
MORE PEOPLE TO BENEFIT FROM LEGAL AID ******
MORE PEOPLE WILL BENEFIT FROM LEGAL AID NEXT YEAR AS A RESULT CF NEW MEANS TEST LIMITS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE LAW DRAFTSMAN, THE HON G.P. NAZARETH, SAID.
UNDER A RESOLUTION WHICH MR NAZARETH MOVED THROUGH THE COUNCIL TODAY, THE MAXIMUM MONTHLY DISPOSABLE INCOME FOR CIVIL CASES WILL BE RAISED FROM Si OOO TO $1 500 AND THE CEILING FOR DISPOSABLE CAPITAL FROM $10 000 TO $15 000, EFFECTIVE FROM JANUARY 3.
THESE TWO LIMITS WERE LAST RAISED TO THE EXISTING LEVELS IN 1977, HE SAID.
SINCE THEN THE COST OF LIVING AND WAGES AS WELL AS THE COST CF OBTAINING LEGAL REPRESENTATION HAD RISEN SUBSTANTIALLY, HE POINTED OUT.
MR NAZARETH ESTIMATED THAT UNDER THE NEW SCHEME, THERE WOULD BE AN INCREASE OF 16 PER CENT IN THE NUMBER OF SUCCESSFUL CIVIL LEGAL AID APPLICATIONS.
UNDER ANOTHER RESOLUTION PASSED TODAY, THE DISPOSABLE CAPITAL LIMIT FOR LEGAL AID ELIGIBILITY IN CRIMINAL CASES WILL AT THE SAME TIME BE INCREASED FROM $10 000 TO $15 000 WHILE THE EXISTING MAXIMUM MONTHLY DISPOSABLE INCOME OF $1 500 WILL BE THE SAME.
MR NAZARETH SAID THAT UNLIKE CIVIL LEGAL AID CASES, MOST APPLICANTS FOR AID IN CRIMINAL CASES HAD NO DIFFICULTY IN MEETING THE MEANS TEST AS IN PRACTICE THEY LACKED THE DISPOSABLE CAPITAL CR INCOME OF THE ORDER IN QUESTION.
BUT HE EXPLAINED + IT IS DESIRABLE THAT THERE SHOULD BE UNIFORM FINANCIAL CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE TWO LEGAL AID SCHEMES,* WHICH THE TWO RESOLUTIONS NOW ACHIEVED.
UNDER SEPARATE AMENDMENTS, NEW SCALES OF CONTRIBUTIONS APPLICABLE TO BOTH SCHEMES WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM JANUARY 3, THEREBY ELIMINATING THEIR EXISTING DIFFERENCES.
FUTURE APPLICANTS WHO ARE FINANCIALLY ELIGIBLE FOR LEGAL AID UNDER THE EXISTING MEANS TEST LIMITS, BUT WHO WILL STILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THEIR LEGAL COSTS, WILL PAY SMALLER AMOUNTS.
UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS, THE *THRESHOLD POINTS* ABOVE WHICH CONTRIBUTIONS BECOME PAYABLE WILL BE RAISED TO A MONTHLY DISPOSABLE INCOME OF $750 AND DISPOSABLE CAPITAL OF $5 000, COMPARED WITH THE PRESENT THRESHOLDS OF $500 AND S3 000.
THE AMENDMENTS WILL ALSO RAISE THE LEVEL OF ALLOWANCES THAT ARE MADE WHEN CALCULATING THE DISPOSABLE CAPITAL OF APPLICANTS FOR LEGAL AID.
AMONG OTHER ADJUSTMENTS, THE DEDUCTIBLE ALLOWANCE FOR THE VALUE OF SELF-OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL PREMISES WILL BE RAISED FROM $40 000 TO $300 000 AND THE CAPITAL ALLOWANCE PER DEPENDANT FROM $1 500 TO S3 800.
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/14......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
- 14 -
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION MAY ENHANCE KCR EFFICIENCY *****
THERE IS NO COMPELLING REASON WHY THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD REMAIN INDEFINITELY THE SOLE OWNER OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION MAY ENHANCE THE CORPORATION’S EFFICIENCY, THE HON PETER C.WONG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION BILL 1982, WHICH WAS PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS TODAY MR WONG DESCRIBED AS +WELCOME NEWS* THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT’S RECENT INDICATION THAT AT SOME FUTURE DATE THE PUBLIC MIGHT BE PERMITTED TO OWN SHARES OF THE CORPORATION.
THE BILL IS PARTLY BASED ON THE EXISTING KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY ORDINANCE AND ON THE MTR ORDINANCE, WITH CERTAIN SAFEGUARDS TO ENSURE THAT THE GOVERNMENT AS SOLE OWNER OF THE CORPORATION WILL HAVE SUBSTANTIAL POLICY CONTROLS ON FINANCIAL AND OTHER MATTERS, MR WONG POINTED OUT.
HE SAID THAT IN THIS RESPECT, THE BILL APPEARED TO REPRESENT A COMPROMISE, BALANCING THE INTEREST OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE OPERATION OF THE CORPORATION ON PURELY COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES.
MR WONG SAID THE COUNCIL’S COMMUNITY SERVICES WORKING GROUP FELT THAT GOVERNMENT CONTROLS, WHILE DESIRABLE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, SHOULD BE EXERCISED CAUTIOUSLY IN ORDER NOT TO HAMPER THE SMOOTH OPERATION OF THE CORPORATION ON COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES.
ON THE CORPORATION’S POWERS TO ENTER PRIVATE LAND, MR WONG SAID, THERE WAS SOME CAUSE FOR CONCERN IN CERTAIN CASES WITH REGARD TO DAMAGE TO PRIVATE PROPERTY BUT +ON BALANCE, WE ACCEPT THAT IN THE MAJORITY OF CASES, THE PRIVATE LAND OWNER IS WELL PROTECTED AND IT IS UNLIKELY THAT THE CORPORATION WOULD ABUSE ITS POWERS OR BEHAVE IN AN IRRESPONSIBLE MANNER, BEARING IN MIND THAT IT WILL BE WHOLLY OWNED BY GOVERNMENT.*
TWO OTHER UNOFFICIALS ALSO SPOKE ON THE BILL.
THE HON JOHN SWA I NE SAID THAT THE PROPOSED KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION WOULD BE WHOLLY-OWNED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
BUT TO REFLECT ITS NATURE AS A PUBLIC CORPORATION, THE BILL PROVIDES THAT THE CORPORATION WHEN EXERCISING ITS POWERS, SHALL HAVE REGARD TO THE REASONABLE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM OF HONG KONG, AND THE EFFICIENCY, ECONOMY AND SAFETY OF OPERATION OF ITS SERVICES AND FACILITIES.
/+THE COBPOHATICH'S .......
15
♦ THE CORPORATION’S CHARTER IS ENSHRINED IN CLAUSE 8 WHICH ENJOINS THE CORPORATION, IN SO FAR AS CONSISTENT WITH THE PROPER DISCHARGE BY IT OF ITS FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES, TO ACHIEVE A SATISFACTORY RATE OF RETURN ON THE ASSETS EMPLOYED IN ITS UNDERTAKING IN ACCORDANCE WITH ORDINARY COMMERCIAL CRITERIA,* HE SAID.
VARIOUS FINANCIAL SAFEGUARDS WERE ALSO WRITTEN INTO THE BILL IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE GOVERNMENT’S INTEREST, HE SAID.
+BUT EXPRESS PROVISION IS MADE IN EACH CASE FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S POWERS TO BE EXERCISED ONLY AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE CORPORATION.
+IN A SENSE THIS REFLECTS THE DILEMMA INHERENT IN THE HIVING-OFF PROCESS* TO WHAT EXTENT SHOULD THE CORPORATION THROUGH ITS BOARD BE FULLY AUTONOMOUS AND HOW MUCH RESIDUAL FINANCIAL POWER SHOULD GOVERNMENT RESERVE TO ITSELF OVER ITS STATUTORY OFFSPRING.
♦ AFTER MUCH THOUGHT AND DELIBERATION, THE PRESENT BILL REPRESENTS, I BELIEVE, A BALANCED PACKAGE,♦ MR SWAINE SAID.
THE HON BENTON CHEUNG REGARDED THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE KCR INTO THE KCRC AS A COMPLEX AND LONG TERM PROCESS THAT MUST TAKE INTO ACCOUNT PERSONNEL, FINANCE AND A MULTITUDE OF OTHER CONSIDERATIONS.
HE THOUGHT THAT KCR, HAVING BEEN IN SERVICE FOR OVER HALF A CENTURY, MUST NOW, NOT ONLY +SWITCH TRACKS* AS IT WERE, BUT ALSO TRANSFORM ITSELF INTO A BODY-CORPORATE.
♦ BY SO DOING, THE ENTIRE NATURE OF THE RAILWAY MUST ALTER BECAUSE IN ITS NEW CAPACITY, ITS MANAGEMENT BOARD IS GIVEN A MUCH GREATER FREEDOM AND WIDER DISCRETION IN THE EXERCISE OF ITS MANAGERIAL POWERS AND IN THE PERFORMANCE OF ITS STATUTORY DUTIES.
♦ IN THIS REGARD, THERE WILL BE A NEED FOR WATCHFUL AND CONTINUOUS REVIEWS TO ENSURE THAT THE CORRECT BALANCE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INTERESTS IS MA INTA I NED,+ HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE STAFF OF THE KCR, ESPECIALLY LONG-SERVING STAFF, FOR THEIR LOYAL AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE RAILWAY.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT, EXPRESSED GRATITUDE FOR THE WISE ADVICE FROM UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ON THE BILL.
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/16 .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
1o
»ILL TO FACILITATE DELEGATION OF FINANCIAL AUTHORITIES *****
THE PURPOSE OF THE PUBLIC FINANCE BILL 1982 IS TO PROVIDE, ^OR THE FIRST TIME, A STATUTORY FRAMEWORK FOR THE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PUBLIC FINANCES OF HONG KONG, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE BILL DOES NOT INTRODUCE ANY BASIC CHANGE IN THE PRESENT SYSTEM, WHICH IN ESSENCE MEETS CURRENT NEEDS, MR BREMRIDGE SAID.
+HOWEVER, THE AUTHORITIES WHICH UNDERLIE THIS SYSTEM ARE VARIOUS AND OFTEN UNTRACEABLE. THE BILL IS THEREFORE DESIGNED TO CLARIFY THESE AUTHORITIES AND TO BRING THEM TOGETHER IN ONE PLACE,* HE EXPLAINED.
HE DREW THE COUNCIL’S ATTENTION TO ONLY ONE CHANGE MADE BY THE BILL.
PROPOSALS FOR SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS DURING THE COURSE OF A FINANCIAL YEAR ARE AT PRESENT FIRST EXAMINED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND, UPON ITS APPROVAL, SUBMITTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR COVERING APPROVAL.
MR BREMRIDGE SAID THAT IN PRACTICE, THE INITIAL APPROVAL GIVEN BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IS TAKEN AS SUFFICIENT AUTHORITY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PROCEED.
THIS PRACTICE IS NOW RECOGNISED IN THE BILL WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE COMMITTEE TO APPROVE SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS WITHOUT OBTAINING COVERING APPROVAL FROM THE COUNCIL, MR BREMRIDGE SAID.
THE BILL, HE POINTED OUT, WILL FACILITATE THE DELEGATION OF FINANCIAL AUTHORITIES BY SIMPLIFYING THE CHAIN AND METHOD OF DELEGATION.
IT IS INTENDED THAT THE BILL WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1, 1983.
DEBATE WAS ADJOURNED AFTER THE BILL WAS READ A SECOND TIME.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
- 17 -
IMPLICATIONS OF SELECTIVE SAFEGUARDS TO HK’S FUTURE TRADE *****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR BILL DORWARD TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT A SELECTIVE SAFEGUARDS CODE WOULD, IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S VIEW, BECOME EFFECTIVELY AN MFA WRIT LARGE.
♦THAT IS TO SAY, IT WOULD OPEN UO OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPED COUNTRIES TO APPLY THE KIND OF RESTRICTIONS WHICH BEAR MORE AND MORE HEAVILY UPON OUR TEXTILE INDUSTRY TO EACH AND EVERY AREA OF HONG KONG’S EXPORT TRADE. THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WILL BE IMMEDIATELY APPARENT.♦
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY MR STEPHEN CHEONG, MR DORWARD SAIDl ♦AFTER MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND DEBATE, HOWEVER, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS CONVINCED THAT ANY DEFINITION OF CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING INJURY IN A SELECTIVE SAFEGUARDS CODE WOULD INEVITABLY BE IMPRECISE AND OPEN TO INTERPRETATIONS WHICH COULD BE HIGHLY INIMICAL TO OUR TRADING INTERESTS.
♦OUR EXPERIENCE IN TEXTILES WITH THE MFA — WHICH IS A SELECTIVE INSTRUMENT AND A SPECIFIC DEROGATION FROM GATT RULES — HAS SHOWN THAT IT HAS BEEN USED BY DEVELOPED COUNTRIES SOLELY AGAINST DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.
♦IT IS OUR CONCERN THAT, WHATEVER GOOD INTENTIONS MIGHT BE EXPRESSED AT THE BEGINNING, A SELECTIVE SAFEGUARDS CODE WOULD ALSO DEGENERATE INTO AN INSTRUMENT WHOSE DISCIPLINES WOULD BE LESS AND LESS RESPECTED WHEN APPLIED BETWEEN UNEQUAL PARTNERS,♦ HE REMARKED.
♦HONG KONG HAS THEREFORE CONSISTENTLY OPPOSED THE CONCEPT OF SELECTIVE SAFEGUARDS AND, DESPITE CONSIDERABLE PRESSURE FROM DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, THE LEGISLATION OF THAT CONCEPT HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY RESISTED.
♦HONG KONG HAS NOT, OF COURSE, BEEN ABLE TO DO THIS ALONE. THERE HAS BEEN CLOSE AND EFFECTIVE COOPERATION AND COORDINATION AMONG DEVELOPING COUNTRIES ON THIS ISSUE. IT WILL BE IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE THAT COOPERATION AND COORDINATION IN THE FUTURE, FOR WE HAVE NOT HEARD THE LAST OF SELECTIVE SAFEGUARDS.♦
MR DORWARD FORECAST THAT IN THE COMING YEAR THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES WOULD ONCE AGAIN BE BROUGHT UNDER HEAVY PRESSURE BY THE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES TO ACCEPT OR AT LEAST ACQUIESCE IN SELECTIVE SAFEGUARDS.
♦AT THE GATT MINISTERIAL MEETING WHICH I ATTENDED IN GENEVA LAST MONTH, THE DECISION WAS REACHED THAT THERE WAS A NEED FOR AN IMPROVED AND MORE EFFICIENT SAFEGUARD SYSTEM - NOT THAT THAT MEANS OR IMPLIES SELECTIVE SAFEGUARDS - AND THAT AN UNDERSTANDING ON SUCH A SYSTEM SHOULD BE DRAWN UP FOR ADOPTION BY THE GATT CONTRACTING PARTIES NOT LATER THAN ITS NOVEMBER 1983 SESSION,* HE SAID.
/d£ DISJuCSjSD.........
WjJDNSSDAY, DSJiiMBEti 22, 1982
- 18 -
HE DISCLOSED THAT THE MINISTERIAL MEETING ALSO DECIDED TO LAUNCH A STUDY ON THE FUTURE OF THE MFA.
+THE SAFEGUARDS ISSUE IS PROBABLY THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT TRADE POLICY PROBLEM FACING HONG KONG IN 1983. I CANNOT SPECIFICALLY ANSWER MR CHEONG’S QUESTION AS TO WHAT THE IMPLICATIONS OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS WILL BE FOR OUR FUTURE EXPORT TRADE, BUT I BELIEVE I HAVE SAID ENOUGH TO INDICATE THAT IT IS A SUBJECT WHICH WE, AND PARTICULARLY OUR GENEVA REPRESENTATIVES, WILL HAVE TO CONTINUE TO HANDLE DELICATELY BUT FIRMLY IN THE COMING MONTHS, BECAUSE THE DOWNSIDE RISK IS OBVIOUSLY CONSIDERABLE,+ MR DORWARD CONCLUDED.
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EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE DEFICIT REACHES $5.78 MILLION * * *
THE HONG KONG EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION SUSTAINED AN UNDERWRITING DEFICIT OF $5.78 MILLION IN THE 1981-82 FISCAL YEAR AS A RESULT OF A 50 PER CENT INCREASE IN CLAIMS OVER THE PRECEDING YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON W. DORWARD, DISCLOSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR DORWARD EXPLAINED THAT RECESSION AND BANKRUPTCIES IN NEARLY ALL OVERSEAS MARKETS PLUS POLITICAL UPHEAVALS IN SOME COUNTRIES WERE THE CAUSE OF THE INCREASE WHICH RAISED THE CORPORATION’S CLAIM SETTLEMENTS TO $20.9 MILLION.
THIS DEFICIT, HOWEVER, WAS OFFSET BY AN IMPROVED YIELD FROM INVESTMENT INCOME, WHICH INCREASED BY 34 PER CENT TO $8.1 MILLION, LEAVING THE CORPORATION WITH AN OVERALL SURPLUS OF $2.3 MILLION, MR DORWARD SAID WHEN TABLING THE CORPORATION’S 1981-82 ANNUAL REPORT AND ITS ACCOUNTS.
HE REPORTED MODERATE GROWTH IN THE CORPORATION’S BUSINESS DURING THE YEAR, WITH THE VALUE OF INSURED EXPORTS UP BY 8.8 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR TO REACH $3 817 MILLION.
AS IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR, THE REPRESENTED ABOUT 4.6 PER CENT OF EXPORTS.
CORPORATION’S INSURED EXPORTS HONG KONG’S TOTAL DOMESTIC
GROSS PREMIUM INCOME GREW BY 6.5 PER CENT TO $19.4 MILLION AND THE NUMBER OF INSURANCE POLICIES INCREASED BY 96 TO 1 209.
TOTAL MAXIMUM LIABILITY UNDERWRITTEN STOOD AT $2 342 MILLION AT THE CLOSE OF THE FISCAL YEAR UNDER REVIEW, MR DORWARD SAID.
/19 .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
- 19 -
TDC TRADE PROMOTION BEING STEPPED UP
*****
NO EFFORT WILL BE SPARED TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG PRODUCTS RECEIVE THE MAXIMUM EXPOSURE OVERSEAS AND THAT HONG KONG’S REPUTATION AS A MAJOR MANUFACTURING AND TRADING CENTRE IS MAINTAINED.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE HON W.C.L. BROWN WHEN HE TABLED THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL’S 1981-82 ANNUAL REPORT AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY.
FOR THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW, GREAT EFFORTS WERE MADE BY THE TDC TO EXPAND PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES OF HONG KONG’S PRODUCTS AND IMAGE ABROAD, HE SAID.
HONG KONG’S TOTAL TRADE REACHED A RECORD OF $265.5 BILLION, GROWING BY 24 PER CENT, LAST YEAR, EVEN THOUGH TOTAL WORLD bERCHANDISE TRADE DROPPED BY ONE PER CENT, MR BROWN POINTED OUT.
THOUGH PRODUCT PROMOTION THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN MAJOR TRADE FAIRS. WAS A MAJOR PART OF THE TDC’S OBJECTIVE, THE COUNCIL WAS ALSO MINDFUL OF THE NEED TO CEMENT BETTER ECONOMIC RELATIONS WITH THE GOVERNMENTS OF MAJOR COUNTRIES, MR BROWN SAID.
DURING THE YEAR, HIGH LEVEL ECONOMIC MISSIONS, SEMINARS OR OTHER OFFICIAL VISITS WERE LED BY TDC CHAIRMAN SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN TO SUCH COUNTRIES AS FRANCE, THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, EGYPT, GREECE, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, AUSTRIA, MEXICO AND CHINA.
+SUCH ACTIVITIES ARE LIKELY TO BE STEPPED UP IN FUTURE YEARS AS A RESULT OF SUCCESSFUL AND FRUITFUL DIALOGUES WITH SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND COMMERCIAL LEADERS,+ MR BROWN SAID.
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/2O........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
20
NEW STEPS BEING TAKEN TO COVER COMMODITIES TRADING H R * *
STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO BUILD UP WIDER AND CLOSER CONTACTS WITH OVERSEAS REGULATORY AUTHORITIES IN CONNECTION WITH COMMODITIES TRADING, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON P. JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE SAID THIS ACTION WAS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT BECAUSE OF THE INTERNATIONAL NATURE OF THE TRADE.
MR JACOBS WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER C. WONG WHO ASKED ABOUT ACTION BEING TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTROL COMMODITIES AND GOLD FUTURES COMPANIES IN HONG KONG.
MR JACOBS SAID THAT SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR, THE COMMISSIONER FOR COMMODITIES TRADING HAD REVOKED OR SUSPENDED THE REGISTRATION OF 12 COMMODITIES DEALERS.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THESE DEALERS HAD FAILED TO COMPLY WITH VARIOUS REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCE, INCLUDING MISUSE OF CUSTOMERS’ FUNDS AND FAILURE TO EXECUTE ORDERS.
+IT IS RECOGNISED THAT THE PROVISIONS CF THE ORDINANCE, PARTICULARLY IN RELATION TO INTERVENTION, NEED TO BE STRENGTHENED,* HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN MAY A WORKING PARTY CHAIRED BY THE COMMISSIONER WAS APPOINTED TO REVIEW THE ORDINANCE GENERALLY AND IN JUNE PENALTIES FOR VARIOUS OFFENCES UNDER THE ORDINANCE WERE SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED.
THE STAFF OF THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE HAD ALSO BEEN STRENGTHENED DURING RECENT MONTHS, MR JACOBS POINTED OUT.
IN JULY, A NEW POST OF DEPUTY COMMISSIONER WAS CREATED TOGETHER WITH AN ADDITIONAL POST OF ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER EXPRESSLY CHARGED WITH RESPONSIBILITIES COVERING COMMODITIES TRADING.
LAST MONTH SEVERAL OTHER NEW POSTS WERE CREATED, AND AT PRESENT TWO POSTS CF SEN ICR SECURITIES OFFICER AND FIVE OF SECURITIES OFFICER ARE ASSIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE COMMODITIES TRADING ORD 1 DE.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
- 21 -
NEED TO PROTECT HKTA EMBLEM STRESSED M * * «
THE COMPULSORY GOLD MARKING SCHEME INTRODUCED BY THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION LAST JANUARY FOR ITS MEMBERS IS THE ONLY SCHEME OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD FOR ENSURING THE QUALITY OF GOLD JEWELLERY SOLD TO TOURISTS. THE HON PETER C. WONG SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IT WAS THEREFORE IMPORTANT THAT THE ASSOCIATION’S WELL-KNOWN EMBLEM IN THE FORM OF A RED CHINESE JUNK BE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED, BY AN INCREASE IN THE PENALTY FOR INFRINGEMENT, MR WONG SAID IN SUPPORTING THE MOTION FOR THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982, WHICH WAS PASSED TODAY.
DEALING WITH ANOTHER POINT, HE SAID SECTION 4(B) OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE READS +TO FURTHER THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COLONY AS A HOLIDAY RESORT+.
THE BILL PROPOSED TO CHANGE +HOLIDAY RESORT* IN THE SECTION TO +TOURIST DESTINATION*, AN EXPRESSION MORE ACCURATELY REFLECTING THE ROLE THE ASSOCIATION WAS EXPECTED TO PLAY, MR WONG SAID.
HE REPORTED THAT TOURISM RECEIPTS TOTALLED 38.1 BILLION LAST YEAR, AN INCREASE OF 13.7 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
+WE OWE MUCH TO THE SPLENDID WORK UNDERTAKEN BY THE ASSOCIATION TO ATTRACT MORE TOURISTS, AND HENCE MORE FINANCIAL AND OTHER BENEFITS, AND TO IMPROVE THE IMAGE OF HONG KONG,* MR WONG STATED.
CURRENTLY, THE ASSOCIATION OPERATES SOME 13 OVERSEAS OFFICES IN JAPAN, SOUTH-EAST ASIA, THE AMERICAS, BRITAIN, WEST GERMANY, FRANCE, ITALY, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.
+1 HAVE VISITED MOST OF THESE OFFICES, AND IT IS FAIR TO SAY THAT CREDIT MUST EE GIVEN TO THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE VERY SUCCESSFUL PROMOTION WORK BEING DONE BY THESE OVERSEAS OFFICES, WHICH MAINTAIN CLOSE LIAISON WITH OUR TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OVERSEAS OFFICES,* MR WONG SAID.
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON P. JACOBS, EXPLAINED THAT CUE OF THE OBJECTS OF THE TOURIST ASSOCIATION IS TO FURTHER THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AS A HOLIDAY RESORT.
THE TERM +HOLIDAY RESORT* HAD, HOWEVER, SINCE TAKEN ON A SPECIAL MEANING IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY, '. RO’.'ER THAN THAT INTENDED, AND THE TERM +TOURIST DESTINATICR+ CONVEYED THE INTENTION WITH MORE PRECISION, HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982-
22
BETTER BENEFITS SEEN FOR WORKERS * * * *
THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982 WOULD BE ANOTHER GREAT STEP FORWARD IN IMPROVING EMPLOYEES’ BENEFITS, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, AT A COST THAT EMPLOYERS COULD BEAR, DR THE HON HARRY FANG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
+TO THOSE WHO SEEK EXTRA BENEFITS NOT YET COVERED IN THE BILL, I WOULD URGE THAT THEY ACCEPT IT AS A NEW AND BETTER PLATFORM UPON WHICH FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS COULD EE BUILT WHEN THE TIME COMES.
♦AND TO THOSE WHO MAINTAIN THAT THE BILL WOULD COST EMPLOYERS MORE AND HENCE WEAKEN THEIR COMPETITIVENESS, I WOULD ASK THEM TO THINK IN TERMS OF HIGHER OUTPUT FROM A MORE CONTENDED WORKFORCE AS A RESULT OF THE IMPROVED BENEFITS,* DR FANG SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, DR FANG SAID THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS’ SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SERVICES GROUPS HAD RECEIVED REPRESENTATIONS FROM VARIOUS QUARTERS AND LATER MET TO DISCUSS THE. POINTS IN DETAIL, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION.
DESCRIBING THE BILL AS +A COMPLEX ONE+, HE REFERRED PARTICULARLY TO TWO POINTS.
THE FIRST POINT CONCERNED THE PROPOSED TWO-TIER SYSTEM OF EMPLOYEES COMPENSATION ASSESSMENT BOARDS, NAMELY THE ORDINARY ASSESSMENT BOARD AND THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT BOARD.
HE WAS REASONABLY SATISFIED, HE SAID, WITH THE COMPOSITION OF THE ORDINARY ASSESSMENT BOARD, WHICH WOULD CONSIST OF TWO PERSONS, EITHER A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER OR A REGISTERED DENTIST, AND A LABOUR OFFICER. THIS MEANT THAT THE BOARD WOULD COMPRISE MEMBERS NOT NECESSARILY FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
BUT HE WAS CONCERNED, HOWEVER, THAT THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT BOARD, WHICH WILL CONSIST OF AN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CONSULTANT (OR OFFICER), A SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, AND A LABOUR OFFICER FROM THE ORDINARY ASSESSMENT BOARD, WOULD NOT INCLUDE MEMBERS WHO ARE EXPERTS OUTSIEE OF THE GOVERNMENT, DR FANG SAID.
WITH REGARD TO THIS POINT, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR LATER EXPLAINED THAT THE COMPOSITION OF THE SPECIAL BOARD HAD ARISEN ♦NOT BY DESIGN, BUT SIMPLY BECAUSE THERE ARE NOT MANY OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CONSULTANTS OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT, AND TO INSIST ON GETTING OUTSIDE EXPERTS TO SERVE ON THE BOARD MAY RESULT IN DELAYS.*
THE COMMISSIONER ALSO POINTED OUT THAT UNDER NEW SECTION 16(E)4 HE COULD APPOINT 'DITIC- L MEMBERS TO THE BOARD, AND GAVE ASSURANCE THAT HE WOULD TA E LIBERAL VIEW AND REVIEW THE BOARD’S COMPOSITION AFTE A YE. CF OPERATION, DR FANG SAID.
DR FA;'. THE "'.’.'BESTED Ty-“ T E MEDICAL ASSOCIATIONS EE FULLY CONSULTED IN 7? £ SELECTION C- ' .’.£ FERS.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
ON THE SECOND POINT, CONCERNING COMPULSORY INSURANCE, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL REQUIRES AN EMPLOYER TO TAKE OUT EITHER COMPULSORY INSURANCE OR A BANK GUARANTEE FOR THE FULL AMOUNT OF LIABILITY FOR BOTH COMPENSATION AND DAMAGES IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT AT WORK.
HE SAID THE UNOFFICIALS HAD NOTICED THERE WOULD BE TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES IN IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BANK GUARANTEES AND THEREFORE ASKED THE COMMISSIONER TO CONSIDER REMOVING THE PROVISION.
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD SINCE ADVISED ON THE MATTER AND HE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE BANK GUARANTEE PROVISIONS WOULD BE DELETED AND AMENDMENTS MOVED TO THAT EFFECT.
DR FANG THEN REFERRED TO THE NEED TO PUBLICISE THE REQUIREMENTS, AND SAID HE WAS RELIEVED TO LEARN THAT THE INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS WOULD NOT BE IMPLEMENTED FOR AT LEAST A YEAR, AND THAT DURING THAT TIME EXTENSIVE PUBLICITY WOULD BE GIVEN TO THE MATTER, SO THAT EVEN THE SMALL BUSINESSES, INCLUDING COOKED FOOD STALLS, WOULD BE AWARE CF THEM.
♦I WOULD LIKE TO EMPHASISE THE IMPORTANCE OF SUCH PUBLICITY,* DR FANG SAID, IN SUPPORTING THE MOTION.
ALSO SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION, THE HON SELINA CHOW URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO ASSIST AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE IN SHORTENING THE WAITING PERIOD FOR COMPENSATION IN CASES WHERE DISPUTES COULD CAUSE DELAYS.
ON THE MATTER OF COMPENSATION RATES FOR DEATH OR PERMANENT INCAPACITY, MRS CHOW CALLED FOR BIANNUAL REVIEWS OF THE LEVELS OF PAYMENT. SHE ALSO CALLED FOR A REVIEW OF BURIAL EXPENSES PAYABLE IN CASES OF DEATH WHERE THE DECEASED LEAVES NO DEPENDANTS.
THE $3 OOO NOW PROVIDED WAS FAR FROM ADEQUATE AT TODAY’S PRICES, SHE SAID.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON J.N. HENDERSON, STRESSED THAT HE WOULD ARRANGE FOR AN EXTENSIVE PUBLICITY PROGRAMME TO ENSURE THAT THE MESSAGE REACHED ALL EMPLOYERS, LARGE AND SMALL.
HE WOULD ALSO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE PROVISION WOULD INCLUDE DOMESTIC EMPLOYMENT.
MR HENDERSON ASSURED DR FANG THAT HE WOULD REVIEW THE COMPOSITION OF THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT BOARD AFTER ABOUT A YEAR, AND WOULD CONSULT WITH MEDICAL ASSOCIATIONS.
MR HENDERSON ALSO SAID HE SHARED THE HON MRS SELINA CHOW’S VIEW THAT THE PERIOD REQUIRED FOR SETTLING CASES BE SHORTENED, AND THAT THE ADEQUACY OF THE EXISTING LEVELS OF COMPENSATION, INCLUDING BURIAL EXPENSES, SHOULD BE REVIEWED.
♦THIS IS WHY VARIOUS MEASURES HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE BILL IN ORDER TO EXPEDITE PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION,* HE SAID.
'.•.jSDNSSDAY, 2r.it 22, 1982
- 24 -
IN CERTAIN CASES WHERE AN EMPLOYER DISPUTES LIABILITY OR WHERE THE RELATIONSHIP AND THE DEGREE OF DEPENDANCY OF THE DEPENDANTS HAVE TO BE DETERMINED BY THE DISTRICT COURT, THERE MIGHT BE SOME UNAVOIDABLE DELAY IN PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION, HE SAID.
IN SUCH CASES, INJURED EMPLOYEES OR THEIR DEPENDANTS WHO ENCOUNTER FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES WOULD BE REFERRED TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE UNTIL THEY EVENTUALLY OBTAIN COMPENSATION.
AND A REVIEW OF THE LEVELS OF COMPENSATION WAS BEING CONDUCTED AS A SEPARATE EXERCISE, HE ADDED.
ONE OF THE AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL WAS THE REMOVAL OF THE PROVISION OF BANK GUARANTEES AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO INSURANCE DUE TO CONSIDERABLE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES IN OPERATING SUCH A SCHEME.
APART FROM COMPULSORY INSURANCE, THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO IMPROVE PROCEDURES FOR THE RECOVERY OF COMPENSATION, TO ENHANCE ENFORCEMENT CF AN EMPLOYER’S OBLIGATIONS, AND TO CLARIFY VARIOUS UNCERTAINTIES OR AMBIGUITIES IN THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
THE BILL WILL BE BROUGHT INTO OPERATION IN TWO STAGES IN ORDER TO ALLOW BOTH EMPLOYERS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES TIME TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS.
ALL THE PROVISIONS, EXCEPT THOSE CONCERNING COMPULSORY INSURANCE, WILL BE BROUGHT INTO FORCE SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DATE CF PUBLICATION OF THE AMENDING ORDINANCE IN THE GAZETTE.
THE PROVISIONS ON COMPULSORY INSURANCE WILL BE BROUGHT INTO FORCE ANOTHER SIX MONTHS LATER.
THE BILL WAS PASSED INTO LAW WITH A FEW AMENDMENTS.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
- 25 -
PENALTY PROPOSED FOR LATE PAYMENTS OF LEVY * * * *
A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO DISCOURAGE LATE PAYMENTS OF LEVY OR SURCHARGE TO THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION FUND BOARD WAS INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON J.N. HENDERSON, SAID THE BILL PROVIDES FOR A FIVE PER CENT PENALTY FOR LEVY OR SURCHARGE NOT PAID WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED PERIOD.
IF THE OUTSTANDING SUM IS STILL NOT PAID WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DEADLINE, THE CONTRACTOR OR QUARRY OPERATOR WILL, IN ADDITION, HAVE TO PAY, A FURTHER PENALTY OF FIVE PER CENT OF THE TOTAL SUM.
THE PENALTIES WERE RECOMMENDED BY THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION FUND BOARD DUE TO AN INCREASING NUMBER OF CASES CF NON-REPORTING OR LATE REPORTING OF WORK COMMENCEMENT, RESULTING IN THE BOARD LOSING INTEREST INCOME AND INCURRING HIGHER ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.
MR HENDERSON POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL ALSO INTRODUCES PROVISIONS IN ORDER TO ENABLE THE FUND BOARD TO EMPLOY PROFESSIONAL QUANTITY SURVEYORS TO COUNTER-CHECK THE VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORKS AND TO DIVULGE INFORMATION TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHOR ITY.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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RECRUITMENT OF SOCIAL WORKERS * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, TAKEN TOGETHER, WERE ENCOUNTERING NO GREATER DIFFICULTIES IN RECRUITING SOCIAL WORK ASSISTANTS NOW THAN THEY DID LAST YEAR, OR THE YEAR BEFORE THAT, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON MARTIN ROWLANDS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE MAIN DIFFICULTY CONTINUES TO BE THE INSUFFICIENT OUTPUT OF DIPLOMA-HOLDERS FROM THE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS CONCERNED, AND THIS IS IN PROCESS OF BEING REMEDIED. REPORT NO. 8 DID NOT APPEAR TO HAVE HAD ANY PARTICULAR EFFECT ON THE SITUATION, HE SAID, REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HARRY FANG.
MR ROWLANDS SAID THE FACTS DID NOT INDICATE A NEED FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW ITS POSITION ON THE MATTER, BUT HE RECOGNISED THAT IT WAS OF CONCERN IN CERTAIN QUARTERS.
+1 AM WATCHING THE POSITION CLOSELY, AND I WOULD WELCOME ANY ADDITIONAL FACTS WHICH MIGHT ASSIST ME IN THIS TASK,* HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 19b
26
CLEAN HK DRIVE SEEN AS A SUCCESS
* * *
NEARLY TWO-THIRDS OF THE PEOPLE THOUGHT THAT THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN, LAUNCHED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR, HAD BEEN A SUCCESS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DENIS BRAY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
ANSWERING A QUESTION BY THE HON CHARLES YEUNG, MR BRAY SAID THAT WHILE THE CAMPAIGN IS TO END ON DECEMBER 31, +THERE WILL BE NO LET-UP IN THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN.*
MR BRAY SAID THAT ONE-THIRD OF PEOPLE SURVEYED FELT THAT THINGS WERE ABOUT THE SAME, WHILE FIVE PER CENT THOUGHT HONG KONG WAS DIRTIER NOW.
HE SAID ALSO THAT ALTHOUGH THE PENALTIES FOR LITTERING HAD BEEN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED, THE FINES ACTUALLY IMPOSED HAD, AFTER AN INITIAL INCREASE FOLLOWING THE LAUNCHING CF THE CAMPAIGN, DROPPED BACK TO PRE-CAMPAIGN LEVELS.
+THIS IS PUZZLING. ONE WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT IN THE FACE OF CONTINUING EVIDENCE OF THIS DISREGARD OF SOCIAL OBLIGATIONS PENALTIES WOULD BE STEADILY INCREASED AND NOT REDUCED,* HE ADDED.
REFERRING TO COUNTRYSIDE AND BEACH OUTINGS, MR BRAY SAID HE COULD NOT UNDERSTAND THE THOUGHTLESSNESS OF PEOPLE WHO MAKE SPECIAL OUTINGS TO ENJOY THE COUNTRYSIDE BECAUSE IT IS BEAUTIFUL AND WHO DESTROY BEAUTY FOR OTHERS.
SOMETHING, MR BRAY SAID HOWEVER, CERTAINLY HAD BEEN ACHIEVED. THOUSANDS HAD HELPED AND IT WOULD BE STRANGE IF NOTHING HAD BEEN DONE.
+LITTER IS A DISGUSTING MARK OF THOUGHTLESSNESS AND CAN ONLY BE ELIMINATED BY PERSONAL EFFORT BY EVERYONE. IF HONG KONG PEOPLE WANT A CLEAN HONG KONG THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED IF WE TAKE JUST A LITTLE MORE CARE,* HE SAID.
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HOSPITAL NOISE PROBLEM * * X X
THE MEDICAL COMMITTEE OF THE CARITAS MEDICAL CENTRE WILL HAVE TO EXAMINE THE PROBLEM OF NOISE AND AIR POLLUTION AFFECTING THE HOSPITAL, BEFORE SUBMITTING PROPOSALS TO THE GOVERNMENT TO SUBVENT AIR-CONDITIONING IN THE WARDS, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR THE HON K.L. THONG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
DR THONG SAID A LETTER FROM THE MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT OF THE HOSPITAL ON THE MATTER HAD BEEN RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT ONLY A FEW DAYS AGO.
/H3 WAS ......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
- 27 -
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON WONG LAM WHO ASKED IF THE GOVERNMENT HAD ANY PLANS TO SUBVENT AIR-CONDITIONING IN THE CMC WARDS WHICH WERE +BADLY AFFECTED BY NOISE AND AIR POLLUTION ARISING FROM SURROUNDING FACTORIES AND TRAFFIC.*
DR THONG SAID HE WOULD REFER THE PROPOSAL TO THE MEDICAL COMMITTEE OF THE CMC FOR EXAMINATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
♦ IF THE PROPOSAL IS FOUND TO BE WORTHY OF SUPPORT BY THE MEDICAL COMMITTEE, A FORMAL SUBMISSION SHOULD THEN BE MADE TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR ITS CONSIDERATION WITH A VIEW TO OBTAINING THE NECESSARY FUNDS,♦ HE SAID.
♦ IN VIEW OF THIS, IT IS PREMATURE FOR THE GOVERNMENT AT THIS STAGE TO HAVE ANY CONCRETE PLANS FOR SUBVENTING AIR-CONDITIONING IN ANY OF THE WARDS OF THE HOSPITAL,* HE ADDED.
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CAR REPAIR WORKSHOPS NUISANCE EXAMINED *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS EXAMINING THE POSSIBILITY OF IMPOSING CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND RESTRAINTS UPON CAR REPAIR WORKSHOPS IN THE URBAN AREA WITH A VIEW TO REDUCING THE NUISANCE THEY CAUSE.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DAVID AKERS-JONES, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI.
MR AKERS-JONES SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THESE WORKSHOPS AND HAD BEEN TRYING TO FIND A SOLUTION TO ACCOMMODATING VEHICLE REPAIR SHOPS FOR MANY YEARS WITHOUT MUCH SUCCESS.
IN 1979 THERE WERE ABOUT 800 SUCH WORKSHOPS AND THERE WERE MORE NOW, HE SAID.
♦ THEY ARE BASICALLY AN INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY AND SOME SITES HAVE BEEN MADE AVAILABLE IN INDUSTRIAL AREAS. BUT THIS CAN ONLY PROVIDE A SMALL PART OF THE ANSWER.
♦ THE BASIC PROBLEM IS THAT THE DEMAND FOR CAR REPAIRING SERVICE EXISTS WHERE CARS ARE FOUND. THE INNER URBAN DISTRICTS ARE PLACES WHERE THE DEMAND IS GREATEST, BUT THEY ARE SO FULLY DEVELOPED THAT SUITABLE SITES ARE SIMPLY NOT AVAILABLE,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID THE WORKSHOPS, THEREFORE, MADE IMPROPER USE CF THE GROUND FLOORS OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AND SPILLED OVER TO THE PAVEMENTS AND ROADWAY.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
- 28 -
MEASURES TO REDUCE SQUATTER FIRES EXTENDED * * *
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IS PROGRESSIVELY EXTENDING ITS PROGRAMME TO UPGRADE SAFETY MEASURES IN SQUATTER AREAS TO REDUCE FIRE RISKS.
THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY WORK HAD ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED IN THE LARGE SQUATTER CONCENTRATIONS IN SAU MAU PING, LAM TIN AND CHEUNG LUNG TIN WHERE FIRE BREAKS AND IMPROVED ACCESS AND WATER SUPPLIES FOR FIGHTING HAD BEEN PROVIDED.
THE PROGRAMME WAS NOW BEING EXTENDED TO OTHER VULNERABLE AREAS.
MR LIAO SAID THAT DURING THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS 30 ADDITIONAL SCHEMES HAD ALSO BEEN COMPLETED TO PROVIDE LEGAL SUPPLIES OF ELECTRICITY TO ESTABLISHED SQUATTER AREAS.
THIS BROUGHT TO 96 THE NUMBER OF SUCH SCHEMES COMPLETED AND WOULD ALSO HELP TO REDUCE FIRE RISKS AS ILLEGAL TAPPING IN THE PAST TENDED TO CAUSE FIRES.
+WE WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SUCH SUPPLIES WHEREVER PRACTICABLE,+ HE SAID.
MR LIAO ALSO NOTED THAT FOLLOWING THE DEVASTATING SERIES OF FIRES IN SQUATTER AREAS LAST WINTER, THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES HAD MOUNTED A FIRE PREVENTION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN DIRECTED SPECIFICALLY AT RESIDENTS OF SQUATTER AREAS.
+AT THE SAME TIME, CONTINUED EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ENCOURAGE THE FORMATION OF LOCAL FIRE WATCH TEAMS, WHOSE VOLUNTEER MEMBERS PLAY A VITAL PART BOTH IN STIMULATING AN AWARENESS AMONG RESIDENTS OF THE DANGER OF FIRES AND AS A FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE WHEN FIRES OCCUR,+ HE ADDED.
MORE THAN 140 SUCH TEAMS HAD ALREADY BEEN ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICES WITH THE ASSISTANCE FROM THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, HE SAID.
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FACILITIES FOR HELICOPTERS INCREASED
* * *
|U •rUIHLR,£EICULTIES ARISING FROM INCREASING TRAFFIC CONGESTION
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES LED THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW THE USE OF HELICOPTERS FOR THE URGENT TRANSFER OF PATIENTS TO HOSPITAL EARLIER TH S YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON D.G. JEAFFRESON, SAID TODAY. ’
+AS A RESULT, SINCE OCTOBER 5, FACILITIES FOR THIS SERVICE HAVE BEEN INCREASED. LANDING SITES ARE NOW AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES INCLUDING THE NEW TOWNS FOR THIS PURPOSE,* l£ SAID, REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
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29
REVIEW OF APPROVED FILMS X X X
A FILM APPROVED FOR EXHIBITION BY THE FILM CENSORS MAY BE REVIEWED ON APPLICATION RECEIVED EITHER FROM FILM PRODUCERS OR DISTRIBUTORS OR FROM THE PUBLIC, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON D.C. BRAY, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
♦IF A FILM PRODUCER OR DISTRIBUTOR IS AGGRIEVED BY ANY DECISION OF THE FILM CENSORS HE MAY APPLY DIRECT TO THE FILM CENSORSHIP AUTHORITY FOR A REVIEW BY THE BOARD OF REVIEW.
♦MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO OBJECT TO A FILM BEING EXHIBITED IN THE FORM AS APPROVED BY THE FILM CENSOR MAY REQUEST A REVIEW, BY WRITING TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY STATING THE GROUNDS OF THE OBJECT ION,+ HE SAID.
IF THE FILM HAS NOT ALREADY BEEN REFERRED TO THE BOARD OF REVIEW, THE CHIEF SECRETARY MAY, IF HE SEES FIT, ORDER THAT THE FILM BE REVIEWED BY THE BOARD AND MAY IMPOSE ANY CONDITIONS FOR THE REVIEW HE THINKS JUSTIFIED. HE MAY ORDER THAT THE FILM NOT BE EXHIBITED UNTIL IT HAS BEEN REVIEWED, MR BRAY SAID, REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SELINA CHOW.
THE DECISION OF THE BOARD OF REVIEW, MR BRAY POINTED OUT, SUPERSEDES ANY MADE BY THE FILM CENSORS AND IS FINAL.
♦THE PRESENT SYSTEM, WHICH PROVIDES FOR REVIEW BOTH ON APPLICATION FROM INTERESTED PARTIES IN THE FILM INDUSTRY, AND ALSO FROM CITIZENS CONCERNED GENERALLLY WITH CENSORSHIP STANDARDS IS FAIR.
♦IT ENSURES ON THE ONE HAND THAT THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE FILM INDUSTRY ARE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED, AND, ON THE OTHER, THAT CENSORSHIP STANDARDS REFLECT THE STANDARDS OF THE AVERAGE HONG KONG RESIDENT,* MR BRAY SAID.
NINE BILLS PASSED * * *
NINE BILLS WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY ARE THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION BILL 1982, THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1982, THE ROAD TRAFFIC BILL 1982, THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982, THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982, THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1982, THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) EILL 1982, THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981 (CONSEQUENT I AL AMENDMENT) BILL 1982 AND THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982.
TWO OTHER BILLS. THE PUBLIC FINANCE EILL 1982 AND THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1^82 WERE INTRODUCED AND READ A SECOND TIME AND DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED.
o -
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
- 30 -
AGREEMENT ON TWO-WAY PERMITS * * *
CONTACTS WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES ABOUT VISITORS TO HONG KONG HAVE BEEN TAKING PLACE FOR SOME TIME, BOTH THROUGH DIPLOMATIC CHANNELS AND LOCALLY THROUGH THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY.
A DELEGATION OF HONG KONG OFFICIALS HEADED BY THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR R.J.T. MCLAREN, AND INCLUDING THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR R.G.B. BRIDGE, AND THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR P.J. WILLIAMSON, VISITED CANTON ON DECEMBER 17 FOR DETAILED DISCUSSIONS WITH GUANGDONG OFFICIALS LED BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE PROVINCIAL FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICE, MR YANG KEZHONG. THE DISCUSSIONS TOOK PLACE IN A VERY FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE AND BOTH SIDES EXPRESSED THEIR SATISFACTION WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF COOPERATION IN THIS FIELD.
IT HAS BEEN AGREED WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES THAT VISITORS ARRIVING IN HONG KONG ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 23, 1982 WILL BE REQUIRED TO RETURN HOME ON OR BEFORE THE EXPIRY DATE OF THEIR TWO-WAY PERMITS. IF NECESSARY, STEPS WILL BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT ALL SUCH VISITORS DO IN FACT LEAVE HONG KONG AT THE END OF THEIR AUTHORISED VISITS.
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION
* M * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS URGED SCHOOL HEADS AND TEACHERS OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION TO PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION.
A HANDBOOK ON THE SUBJECT HAS RECENTLY BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WITH THE AIM OF HELPING TEACHERS INVOLVED IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION TO AVOID UNNECESSARY RISKS SO AS TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITIES OF ACCIDENTS.
+THE WEARING OF PROPER CLOTHING AND SUITABLE FOOTWEAR FOR THE APPROPRIATE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IS AN IMPORTANT SAFETY FACTOR,* SAYS THE HANDBOOK.
WHEN STRENUOUS MUSCULAR EFFORT IS DEMANDED, THE BODY SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY +WARMED UP+, IT ADDS.
IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE EQUIPMENT FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE CAREFULLY EXAMINED AT REGULAR INTERVALS AND STORED PROPERLY SO THAT UNAUTHORISED USE IS PREVENTED. TEACHERS AND PUPILS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO CHECK THE CONDITIONS OF EQUIPMENT BEFORE USE.
THE HANDBOOK SAYS THAT PUPILS WHEN PRACTISING MUST BE UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF THE TEACHER, AND PRACTICES MUST ONLY TAKE PLACE IN THE SPECIFIC PLACES SET APART FOR THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.
WEJx'iJSDAY, JJJ.Ei4ii3.cIR 22, 1>cx
♦TO TEACH ACTIVITIES OF A MORE HAZARDOUS NATURE SUCH AS CANOEING, SAILING AND TRAMPOLINING, THE TEACHER IS REQUIRED TO POSSESS A SPECIFIC QUALIFICATION SO THAT HE IS ABLE TO GIVE DEMONSTRATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THE SAFEST MANNER,* IT ADDS.
THE HANDBOOK ALSO DESCRIBES IN DETAIL JHE SPECIFIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES REGARDING ATHLETICS, CANOE ING, SAILING, GYMNASTICS, TRAMPOLINING, EDUCATIONAL GYMNASTICS, HIKING, EXPEDITION ING AND SWIMMING.
♦THE RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED IN THE HANDBOOK, HOWEVER, ARE NOT HARD AND FAST RULES. TEACHERS OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION SHOULD TAKE THEIR OWN PRECAUTIONS IN ADDITION TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
HE ADDED THAT GENERALLY SPEAKING SMALLER CHILDREN NEED MORE GUIDANCE AND PROTECTION, AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ARE MORE IMPORTANT IN THE EARLY LEARNING STAGES.
PARENTS ARE ALSO URGED TO INFORM SCHOOL PROMPTLY IF THEIR CHILDREN NEED TO BE EXEMPTED FROM PARTICIPATING IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION
LESSONS FOR ANY REASONS.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASIZSED THAT PHYSICAL EDUCATION IS PART OF THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM AND THEREFORE ANY REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION SHOULD EE SUPPORTED BY A CERTIFICATE SIGNED BY A RECOGNISED MEDICAL PRACTITIONER. THIS MEDICAL CERTIFICATE SHOULD ALSO INDICATE THE PERIOD OF TIME DURING WHICH EXEMPTION IS NECESSARY, HE SAID.
♦ALL STUDENTS EXEMPTED FROM PHYSICAL EDUCATION LESSONS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO TAKE PART IN ANY SUCH LESSONS UNTIL THE EXEMPTION PERIOD IS OVER AND A WRITTEN CONFIRMATION FROM PARENTS IS RECEIVED,*
THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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CHRISTMAS LIGHTING IN TSUEN WAN * X * *
GLITTERING LIGHTS AND CHRISTMAS CAROLS BY A CHILDREN’S CHOIR FILLED THE AIR OF TSUEN WAN THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING FOLLOWING A SWITCH-ON CEREMONY BY MRS JANE AKERS-JONES, WIFE OF THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
SOME 6 000 COLOURFUL LIGHT BULBS, GARLANDS AND BANNERS OF SEASON’S GREETINGS, DECORATED THE AREAS ALONG TAI HO ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD AS WELL AS THE TWO ROUNDABOUTS AT KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND OUTSIDE THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL WHERE THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY WAS HELD.
FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS, THE TWO-KILOMETRE-LONG FESTIVE LIGHTIN> WILL BE ON BETWEEN 5 PM AND 1 AM EVERY NIGHT, AND UNTIL 3 AM ON CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S EVES.
32
THE FESTIVE DECORATIONS ARE PART OF THE DISTRICT’S CELEBRATIONS WHICH INCLUDE A VARIETY SHOW BY A TELEVISION STATION, A PERFORMANCE BY POPULAR CANTONESE OPERA SINGER SUN MA SZE TSANG AND A CONCERT BY THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA.
SPEAKING AT THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY, THE DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, W HAMISH MACLEOD, CONGRATULATED THE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WHO HAD MANAGED TO COMPLETE THE CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME WITH GOOD RESULTS IN ONLY TWO MONTHS.
+1 MUST ALSO THANK SOME OF THE PRIVATE ENTERPRISES IN TSUEN WAN FOR ANSWERING OUR CALL FOR A COLOURFUL AND FESTIVE TSUEN WAN BY DECORATING THEIR OWN BUILDINGS,HE SAID.
♦THIS IS THE FIRST TIME TSUEN WAN HAS HAD CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. I AM SURE THAT THEY MAY BE TAKEN AS SYMBOLISING THE BRIGHT FUTURE BEFORE US DESPITE ANY CURRENT UNCERTAINTIES,* HE ADDED.
A SUM OF S2OO OOO HAS BEEN ALLOCATED FOR THE LIGHTING DECORATIONS AND FESTIVE ACTIVITIES WHICH RANGE FROM TEA PARTIES AND FILM SHOWS FOR THE YOUNG, DISCO NIGHTS FOR TEENAGERS TO CONCERTS AND CANTONESE-OPERAS FOR ADULTS.
TOMORROW (THURSDAY), A NUMBER OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED BY DISTRICT BOARDS AND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS INCLUDING:
* A CARNIVAL BY THE HONG KONG GIRL GUIDES TUEN MUN DISTRICT ASSOCIATION AT THE SHUN TAK FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION LEUNG KAU KU I COLLEGE AT ON TING ESTATE, BEGINNING AT 2 PM.
THE CARNIVAL, FEATURING 10 GAME STALLS, WILL BE OFFICIATED BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF HONG KONG GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION, MRS JANE AKERS-JONES.
* A VARIETY SHOW ORGANISED BY THE LOCAL CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE AT 8 PM AT LEK YUEN COMMUNITY HALL IN SHA TIN.
* A CHRISTMAS GALA CONSISTING GAME STALLS AND BAND PERFORMANCES AT 2.30 PM AT KEI CHI PRIMARY SCHOOL, TAI PO.
* A CHRISTMAS CAROL COMPETITION AT THE YMCA CENTRE AT KWAI SHING CIRCUIT, STARTING AT 8 PM WHEN 15 TEAMS FROM LOCAL SCHOOLS AND ORGANISATIONS WILL TAKE PART.
* A CARNIVAL AT THE TAI WO PING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA IN SHAM SHU I PO STARTING AT 8 PM.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1982
TALK ON MONITORING OF POWER COMPANIES ******
SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE MONITORING OF POWER COMPANIES AND ELECTRICITY CHARGES AT A MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING ON THE SUBJECT WILL BE A CHIEF TREASURY ACCOUNTANT, W? P.G. WINDER.
ANOTHER GUEST SPEAKER, CHIEF TOWN PLANNER (KOWLOON) OF THE URBAN DISTRICT PLANNING TEAM, MR L.K.C. WONG, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE SHEK KIP MEI PLANNING AREA AND THE DRAFT SHEK KIP MEI OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE SHEK KIP MEI REDEVELOPMENT PHASE IV B, SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, ACCESS AND TRANSPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DISABLED, AND THE NAM CHEONG STREET NULLAH DECKING.
TOMORROW MORNING, THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL ALSO HOLD A MEETING WHEN A REPORT BY ITS SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE ON SERVICES OF POK 01 HOSPITAL WILL BE TABLED.
AT THE MEETING, BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE COMING LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR, AND ON A PROPOSED PHASING-OUT PROGRAMME FOR UNLICENSED FOOD BUSINESS IN UNDEVELOPED AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
TWO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL RAISE THE ISSUE OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YUEN LONG AND SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE YUEN LONG DB MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 9 AM AT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG. A 14-SEATER GOVERNMENT VAN FOR PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 7.45 AM.
THE SHAM SHUI PO DB MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, 37-39 TONKIN STREET, STARTING AT 2 PM.
0 -
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 198-2
34
NOVEMBER CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES * * * *
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR NOVEMBER 1982 WERE BOTH 134, THE SAME AS IN THE PRECEDING MONTH, ACCORDING TO FIGURES PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH OF THE PRECEDING YEAR, C.P.I. (A) INCREASED BY 10 POINTS OR 8.1 PER CENT AND C.P.I. (B), BY 11 POINTS OR 8.9 PER CENT.
DURING NOVEMBER, TAXI FARES AND PRICES OF JEWELLERY, CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INCREASED. ON THE OTHER HAND, FOOD PRICES, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF FRESH VEGETABLES, WERE LOWER.
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, WHICH WERE DERIVED FROM THE 1979/80 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY. THE C.P.I. (A) REFERRED TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN SI 000 AND S3 499 A MONTH AND THE C.P.I. (B) TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN S3 500 AND S6 499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME.
THE INDEXES FOR NOVEMBER 1982 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/ SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ARE GIVEN BELOW, TOGETHER WITH THOSE FOR OCTOBER 1982 AND NOVEMBER 1981.
(OCTOBER 1979 TO SEPTEMBER 1980 AVERAGE - 100)
C.P.I.(A) C.P.I.(B)
SECTION NOV 81 OCT 82 NOV 82 NOV 81 OCT 82 NOV 82
FOODSTUFFS 126 139 138 126 139 138
HOUSING 119 129 129 119 129 129
FUEL AND LIGHT 135 138 140 136 138 140
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 117 124 125 117 124 124
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 124 133 137 125 134 137
DURABLE GOODS 108 108 108 110 110 110
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 119 125 126 116 123 125
/TrUlISPGnT AND.........
35
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 135 142 145 131 143 146
SERVICES 125 140 140 124 139 139
ALL ITEMS 124 134 134 123 134 134
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY ONE POINT IN BOTH C.P.I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B). REDUCTIONS WERE RECORDED IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES, SALT-WATER FISH AND LIVE POULTRY. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH FRUIT WENT UP AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES OF ORANGES CAUSED BY REDUCED SUPPLY AND THE APPRECIATION OF THE U.S. DOLLAR AGAINST THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.
THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT INCREASED BY TWO POINTS IN BOTH C.P. I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B), REFLECTING THE FULL IMPACT OF THE RISES IN THE PRICES OF KEROSENE AND LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS SINCE OCTOBER 1982 AS WELL AS HIGHER CHARGES FOR ELECTRICITY AND TOWNGAS CAUSED BY INCREASED FUEL COSTS.
THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INCREASED BY FOUR POINTS IN C.P.I. (A) AND BY THREE POINTS IN C.P.I. (B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES OF WINTER OUTERCLOTHING WHICH CAME ONTO THE MARKET DURING THE MONTH.
HIGHER PRICES OF JEWELLERY CAUSED THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS TO INCREASE BY ONE POINT IN C.P.I. (A) AND BY TWO POINTS IN C.P.I. (B).
THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES INCREASED BY THREE POINTS IN BOTH C.P.I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B) OWING TO HIGHER TAXI FARES.
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN THE OTHER SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
DETAILS OF THESE PRICE MOVEMENTS ARE GIVEN IN THE +CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT* FOR NOVEMBER 1982. BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE VERSIONS OF THIS REPORT ARE AVAILABLE AT S3 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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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1982
CQIJT^Tg PaGE NO.
SUMMARY OF BENCHMARK ECONOMIC CENSUS ............................ 1
KCRC BOARD APPOINTED............................................. 4
INCREASED SECURITY AT FERRY TERMINALS ........................... 5
+AMIESTY+ RUMOURS CIRCULATE AGAIN ............................... 6
WARNING ON USE OF GaS WATER HEATERS ........................... 6
BILL TO IMPROVE CONTROL ON OPERATION OF OIL STORAGE.............. 7
APPLICATIONS FOR LARGER PLBS CONSIDERED ......................... 7
BIG SHOWS FOR HOLIDAY MAKERS .................................... 8
REMINDER ON STATUTORY HOLIDAY ................................... 9
TINDERS INVITED FOR LANTAU TAXI LICENCES ....................... 10
ED UNIT CLOSES ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS............................... 10
HK STUDINTS WIN INTERNATIONAL AWARDS ........................... 11
CAS CADETS ANNUAL CAMP ......................................
DISABLED GUIDES AND BROWNIES HELP WITH CT,EAN Up ............... 12
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1982
1
SUMMARY OF BENCHMARK ECONOMIC CENSUS * * * *
THE OCTOBER 1982 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS CONTAINS A REVIEW ARTICLE ON THE SUMMARY RESULTS OF THE FIRST BENCHMARK ECONOMIC CENSUS OF HONG KONG’S STORAGE, COMMUNICATIONS, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTORS, AND OF A SIMPLIFIED SURVEY OF TRANSPORT ESTABLISHMENTS FOR THE REFERENCE YEAR 1980.
THE PURPOSE OF THESE TWO STATISTICAL ENQUIRIES WAS TO PROVIDE BASIC STATISTICS ON THE STRUCTURE, AND PERFORMANCE OF THE ECONOMIC SECTORS CONCERNED, AND AN EVALUATION OF THE SECTORS’ CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT IN TERMS OF VALUE ADDED.
THE ARTICLE PRESENTS THE SUMMARY RESULTS IN TWO PARTS, PART I ON THE CENSUS OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATIONS, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES AND PART II ON THE SURVEY OF TRANSPORT ESTABLISHMENTS.
WHILE PART I CONTAINS AN ANALYSIS OF THE SALIENT FEATURES OF THE CENSUS RESULTS BY SECTOR, WITH SEPARATE TABLES OF PRINCIPAL STATISTICS ANALYSED BY SERVICE GROUP, EMPLOYMENT SIZE, AND INCOME AND RECEIPTS FOR REPORTING ESTABLISHMENTS, PART II PROVIDES A DETAILED ANALYSIS BY SERVICE GROUP OF TRANSPORT ESTABLISHMENTS, INCLUDING TABLES OF PRINCIPAL STATISTICS FOR REPORTING ESTABLISHMENTS.
A TABLE SUMMARISING THE AS REVEALED IN THE ARTICLE,
PERFORMANCE OF IS ATTACHED.
THE VARIOUS SECTORS
IN 1980, 183 STORAGE ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND IN OPERATION, WITH A WORKFORCE OF 4 064 PERSONS.
THESE ESTABLISHMENTS GENERATED $665 MILLION OF INCOME AND RECEIPTS, PAID OUT $117 MILLION IN COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES AND $350 MILLION IN OPERATING EXPENSES, AND CONTRIBUTED $354 MILLION TO VALUE ADDED.
IN THE COMMUNICATIONS SECTOR, 50 ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND IN OPERATION DURING 1980, ENGAGING 16 010 PERSONS. TOTAL INCOME AND RECEIPTS GENERATED BY THE SECTOR WERE $2 814 MILLION, WITH $643 MILLION SPENT ON COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES AND $641 MILLION ON OPERATING EXPENSES. THEIR VALUE ADDED AMOUNTED TO $2 164 MILLION.
/THJRE WERE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1982
2
THERE WERE 1 847 FINANCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS IN OPERATION DURING 1980, INCLUDING BILL DISCOUNTING COMPANIES, CREDIT INSTITUTIONS, LOAN AND MORTGAGE COMPANIES, PAWNSHOPS, INVESTMENT AND HOLDING COMPANIES, SECURITY, COMMODITY AND GOLD BULLION BROKERS AND DEALERS, MONEY CHANGERS, AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE BROKERS AND DEALERS, BUT EXCLUDING BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES. THIS SECTOR, WITH A WORKFORCE OF 15 582 PERSONS, GENERATED $8 417 MILLION OF INCOME AND RECEIPTS, AND PAID OUT 1647 MILLION IN COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES AND 11 931 MILLION IN OPERATING EXPENSES. THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO VALUE ADDED WAS $1 568 MILLION.
DURING 1980, 540 INSURANCE COMPANIES, ENGAGING 7 016 PERSONS, GENERATED $1 467 MILLION OF GROSS OUTPUT, SPENT 1327 MILLION ON COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES AND $242 MILLION ON OPERATING EXPENSES. VALUE ADDED WAS $323 MILLION.
1 885 BUSINESS SERVICES ESTABLISHMENTS WERE IN OPERATION IN 1980. THIS SECTOR, WITH A WORKFORCE OF 26 482 PERSONS, COMPRISED LEGAL, ACCOUNTING, AUDITING AND DATA PROCESSING FIRMS; BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTING, ADVERTISING, DESIGNING, SECRETARIAL AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES; AND MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT RENTAL AND LEASING SERVICES. THEIR TOTAL INCOME AND RECEIPTS AMOUNTED TO $3 629 MILLION. $940 MILLION WERE SPENT ON COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES AND $1 652 MILLION ON OPERATING EXPENSES. THE SECTOR CONTRIBUTED $1 957 MILLION TO VALUE ADDED.
26 156 TRANSPORT ESTABLISHMENTS HAD OPERATED DURING 1980, ENGAGING A TOTAL OF 110 784 PERSONS. TOTAL INCOME AND RECEIPTS OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS WERE ESTIMATED TO/BE $22 246 MILLION, WITH $3 069 MILLION SPENT ON COMPENSATION CF EMPLOYEES AND $16 961 MILLION ON OPERATING EXPENSES^ VALUE ADDED GENERATED BY THE SECTOR AMOUNTED TO $6 691CMILLI0N.
MORE DETAILED ANALYSES ARE INCLUDED IN THE OCTOBER 1982 ISSUE OF THE MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS, NOW AVAILABLE AT $18 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE.
THURSDAY, DHBEMBER 23, 1982
3
Summary statistics for reporting establishments in the transport, stores, communications, financing, insurance and business services sectors
Sector Number of establishments Number of persons engaged Number of employees Compensation of employees Operating expenses Income and receipts/ gross output Value added
$ million i million 5 million iimill ion
Storage 18J k 0^ If 031 117 550 665 55*4
Communications 50 16 010 15 995 6'4 3 6M 2 81*4 p 164
Financing 1 8^7 15 582 1*4 1^5 6'»7 1 951 8 '<17 1 568
Insurance 5*10 7 016 6 797 527 ?'<2 1 <<67 325
Business services 1 885 26 ^82 2*4 603 9*40 1 652 3 6.9 1 957
Transport 26 156 110 78't 83 927 3 069 16 961 22 2<*6 6 691
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1982
4
KCRC BOARD APPOINTED * * *
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION ORDINANCE 1982 IS BROUGHT INTO OPERATION WITH EFFECT FROM TODAY. A FURTHER NOTICE IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE CORPORATION AND ITS MANAGING BOARD.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD IS TO BE MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, WHO HAS HELD MANY PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS IN HIS CAREER AND IS AT PRESENT THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE. THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AREi-
MR T.J. BEDFORD, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG LAND COMPANY LIMITED, AND HOLDER OF SEVERAL OTHER PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS;
MR CHAN KAM-CHUEN, WHO IS THE SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CABLE AND WIRELESS (HONG KONG) LTD AND AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ;
MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, WHO IS A FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, AND HOLDS A NUMBER OF OTHER PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS, INCLUDING BEING AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL;
MISS LYDIA DUNN, WHO IS AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND ALSO HOLDS MANY OTHER PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS.
THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS AND THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT ARE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR AS EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THE CORPORATION AND ITS MANAGING BOARD. THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE CORPORATION IS UNDER THE ORDINANCE AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBER OF THE CORPORATION AND ITS MANAGING BOARD.
BRINGING THE ORDINANCE INTO OPERATION CREATES THE CORPORATION AND ENABLES IT TO PREPARE ITSELF FOR ASSUMING THE RESPONSIBILITY OF OPERATING THE KCR. THE CORPORATION CAN THEREFORE AT ITS FIRST MEETINGS TAKE STEPS TO APPOINT VARIOUS OFFICERS, SPECIFY AND DELEGATE ITS POWERS TO ITS OFFICERS, APPROVE-FINANCI AL PROCEDURES AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR STAFF, AND SO ON.
AT A LATER DATE, AT PRESENT INTENDED TO BE FEBRUARY 1, THE CORPORATION WILL BE VESTED WITH THE ASSETS OF THE RAILWAY, SUCH AS THE LAND, BUILDINGS, ROLLING STOCK AND WORKING CAPITAL, AND WILL FROM THAT DATE BE FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RAILWAY. THIS STAGE WILL BE FORMALLY NOTIFIED BY THE GOVERNOR UNDER SECTION 7 OF THE ORDINANCE DECLARING +THE APPOINTED DAY* ON WHICH THE PROPERTY, RIGHTS, AND LIABILITIES OF THE RAILWAY WILL BE VESTED IN THE CORPORATION.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1982
- 5 -
INCREASED SECURITY AT FERRY TERMINALS *****
NEW REGULATIONS WILL BE INTRODUCED TO STRENGTHEN SECURITY AT TERMINALS USED FOR FERRY SERVICES OPERATING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND BOTH CHINA AND MACAU.
THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (HONG KONG - CHINA AND MACAU FERRY TERMINALS) REGULATIONS 1982, WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TOMORROW, WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON A DAY TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. THEY ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO EXERCISE GREATER CONTROL THAN ALREADY EXISTS WITH HONG KONG -MACAU SERVICES BY THE DECLARATION OF CERTAIN PARTS OF THE TERMINALS AS RESTRICTED AREAS AND BY THE ISSUE OF DIFFERENT PASSES FOR ENTRY TO SUCH AREAS. THEY ALSO EXTEND THE SCOPE OF CONTROL TO INCLUDE EXTERNAL FERRY SERVICES TO CHINA.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID IMPROVED SECURITY WOULD, IN PARTICULAR, MAKE ATTEMPTS TO ENTER HONG KONG ILLEGALLY THROUGH THE TERMINALS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT.
THE NEW REGULATIONS PROVIDE FOR A MORE STRINGENT PASS SYSTEM IN RESPECT OF ENTRY TO RESTRICTED AREAS OF BOTH HONG KONG - MACAU AND HONG KONG - CHINA FERRY TERMINALS.
A NEW PROCEDURE FOR THE ISSUE OF ALL PASSES WILL BE INTRODUCED. THERE WILL BE THREE TYPES OF PASSESi
- CREW PASSES, FOR THE CREWS OF THE VESSELS CONCERNED-
- RESTRICTED AREA PASSES, FOR PERSONS WHO BY THE NATURE OF THEIR WORK REQUIRE FREQUENT AND REGULAR ACCESS TO A RESTRICTED AREA - AND
- POOL PASSES, FOR AUTHORISED OFFICERS AND PERSONS REQUIRING IMMEDIATE ACCESS FOR A LIMITED PERIOD OF TIME.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A NEW PROCEDURE FOR THE DISPLAY, LOSS, REPLACEMENT, REVOCATION AND VALIDITY OF PASSES.
A RANGE OF NEW OFFENCES IS CONTAINED IN THE REGULATIONS AND PENALTIES ARE RAISED, THE MAXIMUM BEING A FINE OF 820 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.
THE MAXIMUM PENALTY PROVIDED FOR AT THE MOMENT IS A FINE OF 82 000.
- - c ---------
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1982
6
♦AMNESTY* RUMOURS CIRCULATE AGAIN
*****
THE RUMOUR MONGERS ARE AT IT AGAIN.
AND THIS TIME THEY HOPE TO CASH IN BY DECEIVING PEOPLE THAT THERE WILL BE AN +AMNESTY+ FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS OVER THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
♦ONE WOULD HAVE TO BE EXTREMELY FOOLISH TO FALL FOR THIS ONE,* THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON, REMARKED TODAY.
+THIS TIME THE SNAKEHEADS REALLY ARE STRETCHING THE IMAGINATION, BUT IT DOES INDICATE THAT THESE UNSCRUPULOUS PEOPLE WILL STOP AT NOTHING TO MAKE A PROFIT OUT OF OTHERS, REGARDLESS OF THE CONSEQUENCES TO THEIR VICTIMS,* HE SAID.
THE POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID, WAS QUITE CLEAR. +THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE IN THE COURSE WE HAVE ADOPTED SINCE THE ABOLITION OF THE ’REACHED BASE’ POLICY IN OCTOBER 1980.
+THIS MEANS THAT ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE RETURNED NO MATTER WHERE THEY ARE APPREHENDED IN HONG KONG. NEITHER WILL THEY BE ISSUED WITH IDENTITY CARDS, NOR WILL THEY BE ALLOWED TO WORK HERE,* HE STRESSED.
MR WILLIAMSON SAID THAT FAR FROM RELAXING THEIR GUARD, THE SECURITY FORCES AT THE BORDER, SEA APPROACHES AND THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY WOULD BE MAINTAINING THEIR VIGILANCE DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.
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WARNING ON USE OF GAS WATER HEATERS
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS MAKING A RENEWED APPEAL TO GAS WATER-HEATER USERS TO UPGRADE THE UNSAFE INSTALLATIONS THEY MAY NOW BE USING IN THEIR BATHROOMS.
A NEW SAFETY MESSAGE HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR TELEVISION AND RADIO, AND WILL BE BROADCAST FROM TIME TO TIME DURING THE COLD SEASON TO REMIND EVERYONE THAT WHEN GAS WATER-HEATERS ARE USED, BATHROOMS MUST BE WELL VENTILATED TO PREVENT THE PRODUCTION OF DEADLY CARBON MONOXIDE, BY HAVING THE WINDOW OR DOOR OPEN WIDE, UNLESS THE HEATER IS ONE OF THE ROOM-SEALED TYPES.
MODELS OF THESE POTENTIALLY UNSAFE HEATERS, THE SINK (OR FLUELESS) TYPE AND THE CONVENTIONAL (OR OPEN) FLUE TYPE, WILL BE SHOWN FOR IDENTIFICATION ON TV. VIEWERS USING THEM WILL BE URGED TO REPLACE THEM WITH ONE OF THE NEW TYPES DEVELOPED FOR HONG KONG WHICH CAN BE EASILY INSTALLED, OR IN SOME CASES TO HAVE THEM MODIFIED AND MADE SAFER.
/THE GOVERNMENT’S .....
THURSDAY, DECD4BER 23, 1982
7
THE GOVERNMENT’S GAS ADVISER HAS WRITTEN TO GAS APPLIANCE DEALERS INFORMING THEM OF THE SPECIFIC BRANDS OF HEATERS WHICH WEY CAN RECOMMEND TO CUSTOMERS, AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH IT IS PERMISSIBLE TO RELOCATE FLUELESS HEATERS, AS WELL AS THE PROPER WAY TO DO SO.
THE PUBLIC AND DEALERS ARE REMINDED THAT WATER HEATERS SHOULD ONLY BE INSTALLED BY PERSONS WHO HAVE RECEIVED SPECIALISED TRAINING FROM THE SUPPLIERS.
- - 0 - -
BILL TO IMPROVE CONTROL ON OPERATION OF OIL STORAGE
* * * K
THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL WHICH AIMS TO EXTEND THE CONTROL OVER ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND TO ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE BILL, IF ENACTED, WOULD GIVE THE BUILDING AUTHORITY CONTROL OVER CAVERNS ADAPTED OR CONSTRUCTED FOR THE STORAGE OF OIL AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS, AND WOULD ALSO GIVE THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL THE POWER TO MAKE MORE STRINGENT REGULATIONS TO IMPROVE THE BUILDING AUTHORITY’S CONTROL OVER THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF OIL STORAGE INSTALLATIONS.
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APPLICATIONS FOR LARGER PLBS CONSIDERED * * *
OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL HAVE A WIDER SELECTION OF VEHICLES TO CHOOSE FROM FOLLOWING THE PASSAGE OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982 BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL YESTERDAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT WITH LARGER VEHICLES, NOT ONLY WILL JOURNEYS BE MORE COMFORTABLE BUT AIR CONDITIONERS MAY ALSO BE INSTALLED.
♦AND OWNERS OF OLDER PLBS CAN NOW HAVE A WIDER SELECTION TO RENEW THEIR VEHICLES,* HE ADDED.
AT THE SAME TIME, HE ANNOUNCED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD NOW CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR THE APPROVAL OF NEW TYPES OF 14-SEATER BUSES OF UP TO 4 OOO KILOGRAMMES IN GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT.
THE FOLLOWING MAXIMUM DIMENSIONS WILL ALSO APPLY:
* MAXIMUM OVERALL LENGTH - 7 METRES
« MAXIMUM OVERALL WIDTH - 2.3 METRES
X MAXIMUM OVERALL HEIGHT - 3 METRES
ONCE PLANS ARE APPROVED, IT WILL BE NECESSARY FOR ONE VEHICLE TO BE SUBMITTED FOR INSPECTION.
♦THIS INSPECTION WILL INCLUDE A STABILITY CHECK BASED ON A STATIC TILT TEST TO 35 DEGREES FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE MUST BE FULLY LOADED,+ HE SAID. _ ..
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1982
8
BIG SHOWS FOR HOLIDAY MAKERS
* * * *
THOUSANDS OF HOLIDAY MAKERS WILL FLOCK TO TWO LARGE SCALE VARIETY SHOWS IN WONG TAI SIN AND TSIM SHA TSUI EAST TOMORROW EVENING TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS EVE.
THE TWO EVENTS WILL BE THE MAJOR ATTRACTION IN A SERIES OF FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY DISTRICT BOARDS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE URBAN AREA DURING THE FESTIVAL.
IN WONG TAI SIN, A THREE-HOUR +D.J. VARIETY SHOW* WILL BEGIN AT 8.30 PM AT THE MORSE PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE, FEATURING ENTERTAINMENT PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR RADIO D.J.’S AND SINGERS.
THE SHOW AT PIAZZA IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST WILL START AT 9.30 PM, ALSO FEATURING TOP SHOW-BUSINESS NAMES IN A THREE-HOUR PRESENTATION.
SOME ROADS IN THE AREA WILL BE RESTRICTED TO PEDESTRIANS ONLY, IN ANTICIPATION OF LARGE CROWDS. IN ADDITION, ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO EXTEND PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES TO COPE WITH THE EXPECTED DEMAND.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE MAJOR EVENT WILL BE A TELEVISION VARIETY SHOW WHICH WILL BE OPENED BY THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND IN TSUEN WAN AT 9 PM.
OTHER ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES ORGANISED FOR CHRISTMAS EVE
WILL INCLUDE:
+ A SOCIAL DANCE AT THE EAST KAI TAK INDOOR GAMES HALL, SAN PO KONG, BEGINNING AT 8.30 PM.
♦ A VARIETY SHOW AT THE KWONG FAI CIRCUIT PLAYGROUND, KWAI CHUNG, AT 8 PM.
♦ A CHRISTMAS FAMILY PARTY ORGANISED BY THE TAI HING YIN NGAI SOCIETY AT THE TAI HING COMMUNITY HALL, TUEN MUN, AT 7.30 PM.
+ CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND MUSIC, ORGANISED BY CHURCHES IN CHAI WAN, AT THE WAN TSUI COMMERCIAL COMPLEX AT 7.30 PM.
+ A CHRISTMAS CAROL NIGHT ORGANISED BY THE POKFULAM GARDENS OWNERS’ COMMITTEE AT THE PODIUM OF THE ESTATE AT 8 PM.
+ A CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR CHILDREN AT THE YWCA KWUN LUNG LAU SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRE IN KENNEDY TOWN AT 2.30 PM.
♦ A CHRISTMAS EVE CARNIVAL ORGANISED BY THE TAI 0 GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH AT THE TAI 0 CENTRE ON LANTAU AT 7.30 PM.
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/9........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1982
9
REMINDER ON STATUTORY HOLIDAY * * * *
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (THURSDAY) REMI EMPLOYERS THAT NEW YEAR DAY (JANUARY 1) IS ONE OF THE 11 HOLIDAYS APPOINTED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
NDED STATUTORY
UNDER THE ORDINANCE ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING DOMESTIC SERVANTS EMPLOYED LOCALLY OR FROM OVERSEAS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS, AND ALL NON—MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $7 500 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THEY MUST ALSO BE PAID FOR THE DAY-OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO THE EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS, OTHER THAN OVERTIME PAY, ON A NORMAL WORKING DAY. WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE OF THE DAILY EARNINGS DURING A PERIOD OF 28 DAYS PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY. PAYMENT SHOULD BE MADE ON THE NORMAL PAY DAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE SPOKESMAN CONTINUED, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY-OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY.
IF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO BE GRANTED BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYER MUST NOTIFY THE EMPLOYEE 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY. IN THE CASE WHERE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO BE GIVEN AFTER THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE NOTIFIED OF THE ARRANGEMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE THE HOLIDAY.
IF BOTH EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE AGREE, ANY DAY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY OR ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY MAY BE TAKEN BY THE EMPLOYEE AS A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE. THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE I FOR KOWLOON EAST 3-205638; KOWLOON WEST 3-201652; KOWLOON SOUTH 3-319454; KWUN TONG 3-898520 ; TSUEN WAN 0-422096 ; TAI PO 0-6577111 EXT. 114; TUEN MUN 0-818443 ; HONG KONG ISLAND (WEST) 5-268671 AND HONG KONG ISLAND (EAST) 5-282213.
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/-o........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1982
10
TENDERS INVITED FOR LANTAU TAXI LICENCES * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE INVITING TENDERS FOR 20 LANTAU TAXI LICENCES.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TENDER FORMS FOR THE LICENCES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION TOMORROW (FRIDAY) FROM EITHER THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE ON THE MEZZANINE FLOOR OF THE MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK, CENTRAL, OR THE KOWLOON LICENSING OFFICE IN DUNDAS STREET, MONG KOK.
DUE TO THE ROAD CONDITIONS IN PART OF LANTAU, CLOSED ROAD PERMITS ISSUED TO LANTAU TAXIS WILL INITIALLY RESTRICT THEIR OPERATION TO SOUTH LANTAU, THAT IS, ALL ROADS ON LANTAU EXCEPT THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING FROM SHAM WAT ROAD TO PO LIN MONASTERY IN NGONG PING.
LOCATION MAPS OF THE RESTRICTED ROADS ON LANTAU WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE ABOVE OFFICES.
TENDERERS MUST DEPOSIT $15 000 WITH THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES FOR EACH LANTAU TAXI LICENCE.
IF A TENDER IS SUBMITTED FOR MORE THAN ONE LANTAU TAXI LICENCE, ONLY ONE FIXED UNIT PREMIUM SHOULD BE OFFERED.
A PUBLIC BALLOT MAY BE HELD TO DETERMINE THE ACCEPTANCE CF TENDERERS WHO OFFER THE SAME UNIT PREMIUM.
COMPLETED TENDER FORMS, TOGETHER WITH ORIGINAL DEPOSIT RECEIPTS, MUST BE SUBMITTED IN DUPLICATE IN SEALED ENVELOPES, ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX LABELLED ^GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX+ IN THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE 12 NOON ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 1983.
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ED UNIT CLOSES ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
X X X
THE MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SITUATED AT 182 CANTON ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON, WILL CLOSE FROM THIS SATURDAY (DECEMBER 25) TO NEXT MONDAY (DECEMBER 27) AND ON JANUARY 1, 1983 (SATURDAY).
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE UNIT CAN BE MADE AT 3-660881 OR 5-8392359.
/11 .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1982
11
HK STUDENTS WIN INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
HONG KONG PRIMARY STUDENTS HAVE WON A GOLD MEDAL AND A NUMBER OF AWARDS AT THE 24TH WORLD SCHOOL CHILDREN’S ART EXHIBITION HELD RECENTLY IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA.
THE GOLD MEDAL WAS PRESENTED TO CHEUNG CHI-WAH, A 13-YEAR-OLD BOY FROM THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION SHAUKIWAN PRIMARY A.M. SCHOOL. HIS PAINTING, ENTITLED +TIN HAU TEMPLE*, DEPICTS AN OLD TEMPLE IN YAU MA TEI AND WAS COMPLETED DURING AN OUTDOOR ACTIVITY UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF HIS ART TEACHER.
THE OTHER AWARDS PRESENTED TO HONG KONG STUDENTS INCLUDE TWO SILVER MEDALS, FIVE BRONZE MEDALS, SIX CERTIFICATES FOR GOOD WORK AND NINE CERTIFICATES FOR SELECTED WORK.
THE SILVER MEDALS WENT TO 11-YEAR-OLD VIRGINIA TAM OF SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN SCHOOL (PRIMARY SECTION) AND LAM MO-CHI, A NINE-YEAR-OLD BOY FROM SHEK PAI WAN ST. PETER’S P.M. SCHOOL. VIRGINIA’S WINNING ENTRY WAS NAMED +INSECT+ WHILE MO-CHI’S WAS ENTITLED ♦FLYING KITES*.
THE EXHIBITION ORGANISERS HAD RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 6 701 ENTRIES FROM 61 COUNTRIES, INCLUDING BRITAIN AND U.S.A., AND SELECTED 287 FOR DISPLAY.
THESE PAINTINGS HAD BEEN DISPLAYED AT THE KOREAN CHILDREN’S CENTRE IN SEOUL SINCE SEPTEMBER AND WILL BE SHOWN IN OTHER MAJOR CITIES IN SOUTH KOREA UNTIL JUNE NEXT YEAR.
ACCORDING TO THE ORGANISERS, THE EXHIBITION WAS AIMED AT PROMOTING MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AMONG CHILDREN OF THE WORLD AND AT AROUSING GREATER INTEREST IN ART EDUCATION.
IN RESPONSE TO THE INVITATION FROM THE EXHIBITION ORGANISERS EARLY THIS YEAR, 78 LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS SUBMITTED PAINTINGS TO THE ART SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCAT ON DEPARTMENT FOR PRELIMINARY SELECTION AND 85 ENTRIES WERE LATER SENT TO SEOUL.
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CAS CADETS ANNUAL CAMP * * *
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES CADET CORPS WILL BE HOLDING ITS ANNUAL CAMP AT THE YMCA WU KAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE FROM DECEMBER 27 TO 30.
MORE THAN 670 CADETS FROM 21 UNITS, WILL TAKE PART IN THE CAMP WHICH AIMS TO DEVELOP THEIR LEADERSHIP, SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY, ORGANISING ABILITY, CO-OPERATION AND GOOD COMRADESHIP.
/ONE OF
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1982
12
ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE CAMP WILL BE AN OPEN YOUTH FORUM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 28) MORNING.
OVER 110 REPRESENTATIVES FROM 11 DIFFERENT UNIFORMED YOUTH GROUPS REPRESENTING 50 000 YOUNG PEOPLE WILL ATTEND.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, MR R.H. LOBO, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CAMP’S OPENING CEREMONY ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 28). MR LOBO TOGETHER WITH MRS CHAN WONG SHU I, GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUB ASSOCIATION, WILL LATER ADDRESS THE FORUM.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CAS CADET CORPS ANNUAL CAMP AT 9.30 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 28) AT THE YMCA WU KAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE.
TRANSPORTATION WILL BE PROVIDED. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE EVENT SHOULD CONTACT MR LIU CHI-KEUNG, CAS TRAINING OFFICER, AT 7.30 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 28) AT THE CAS HEADQUARTERS, 100 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, HONG KONG; OR MR IP MAN-KWONG, CAS CADET OFFICER AT 8 AM AT THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE, 204 ARGYLE STREET, KOWLOON.
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DISABLED GUIDES AND BROWNIES HELP WITH CLEAN UP
* * * *
A TOTAL OF 64 DISABLED GUIDES AND BROWNIES PLEDGED THEIR SUPPORT TO THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN BY CLEANING THE ABERDEEN COUNTRY PARK RECENTLY.
THE GROUP WHO ASSISTED IN REMOVING LITTER FROM THE PARK AS A COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT WERE PROVIDED WITH POLYTHENE BAGS BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
A TOTAL OF 25 BAGS OF LITTER WERE COLLECTED.
AFTER THE CLEAN-UP, THE GROUP PAID VISITS TO THE ABERDEEN COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE AND THE ABERDEEN RESERVOIR.
♦ORGANISED GROUPS OF VOLUNTEERS AND HIKERS HAVE CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE CLEAN-UP OF COUNTRY PARKS,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID.
♦THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY YOUTHS, ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN SUCH CIVIC-MINDED ACTIVITIES. THESE CLEAN-UP PROGRAMMES HELP TO KEEP THE COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN,♦ HE ADDED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM SDA..................................... 1
UK-CHINA AND UK-SWISS AIR SERVICES REVIEW...................... 3
UNUSUALLY WET NOVEMBER........................................ 3
CLOSURE OF SAN PO KONG REGISTRATION OFFICE..................... 6
NEW ROAD PROJECT PROPOSED...................................... 6
DIVERSIONARY ROAD FOR KAI TAK.................................. 7
DSCSIffiSR 24, 1?82
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM SDA
* * *
CHRISTMAS IS A SEASON OF JOY AND PEACE, OF WELL-EARNED REST AND LIGHT-HEARTED RELAXATION.
THIS WAS THE YULETIDE MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WHEN HE OPENED A THREE-HOUR TELEVISION VARIETY SHOW AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND IN TSUEN WAN THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
AND HAPPY FACES AND SMILES, JOY AND LAUGHTER, EXCITEMENT AND FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE AMONG THE PACKED AUDIENCE CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED THIS SEASONAL SPIRIT.
MR AKERS-JONES SAID THAT THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED IN INDIVIDUAL DISTRICTS WOULD +BRING MORE ENJOYMENT TO MORE PEOPLE AND REINFORCE THE SENSE OF IDENTITY AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL*.
♦CLEARLY THE TIME HAD COME WHEN ALL FESTIVAL ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES SHOULD NOT TAKE PLACE IN CENTRAL.
♦THIS YEAR A START HAS BEEN MADE TO DECENTRALISE AND CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES ARE BEING ORGANISED IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES,♦ HE ADDED.
AT THE VARIETY SHOW, THREE LUCKY RESIDENTS WON A HONG KONG-LONDON RETURN AIR TICKET, A SHARK’S FIN DINNER FOR 12 PERSONS, AND A CASHMERE JUMPER RESPECTIVELY WHILE OTHERS ALSO RECEIVED GIFT PACKETS OF TOYS AND CONFECTIONERIES DONATED BY LOCAL FIRMS.
AS IN OTHER DISTRICTS, THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE HAS THIS YEAR ORGANISED A COMPREHENSIVE CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME FOR THE LOCAL PEOPLE AND THE VARIETY SHOW WAS ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS.
APART FROM THE 28 FESTIVE ACTIVITIES BEING HELD UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH, SOME TWO-KILOMETRE-LONG CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, GARLANDS AND BALLOONS HAVE BEEN PUT ON MAJOR ROADS AND WALKWAYS IN THE DISTRICT DURING THE FESTIVE PERIOD.
MEANWHILE, A SERIES OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED IN DIFFERENT DISTRICTS FOR THE THREE-DAY HOLIDAY PERIOD.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY, A CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD AT TAI HING ESTATE IN TUEN MUN STARTING AT 7.30 PM.
SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE LOCAL YIN NGA I SOCIETY AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS THE CARNIVAL WILL FEATURE FLORAL FLOATS, GROUP SINGING, DANCING, BAND PERFORMANCE, LION DANCES AND SINGING BY POPULAR SINGERS.
/THS main .......
?HIDAY, DECBlffiHR 44, 1982
2
THE MAIN ROAD AT THE ESTATE WILL BE DECORATED WITH FESTIVE LIGHTING.
AT AP LEI CHAU ESTATE, ANOTHER CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL WILL BE HEuD AT LEI CHEK HOUSE BEGINNING AT 2 PM TOMORROW.
ON BOXING DAY, HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FESTIVE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE 1
* A CARNIVAL AT THE SKATING RINK OF CH I FU FA YUEN FROM 1 PM TO 5 PM.
M A CHRISTMAS CHILDREN GAMES DAY BEGINNING AT 2 PM AT THE KWAI SHING CHRISTIAN SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRE.
* A CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL AT THE ISLAMIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, YAU 01 ESTATE, TUEN MUN, AT 2 PM.
* A CHILDREN CARNIVAL AT THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL, TAI YUK ROAD, AT 2.30 PM.
* A CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR ABOUT 700 OLD PEOPLE IN THE NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL AT 2.30 PM.
ft A VARIETY SHOW FOR THE ELDERLY IN WONG TAI SIN AND SAI KUNG AT THE HO LAP SECONDARY SCHOOL AT 2.30 PM.
* A CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT THE PO LEUNG KUK NO. 1 COLLEGE IN WONG TAI SIN AT 8 PM.
ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 27), MORE THAN 1 000 PEOPLE AGED OVER 70 IN SAI KUNG WILL BE TREATED TO A PARTY AND LUNCH AT THE CHENG CHEK CHEE SECONDARY SCHOOL.
AT 2 PM, A SHAU KEI WAN CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS FUN FAIR WILL BE HELD AT THE FACTORY STREET PLAYGROUND.
IN THE EVENING, A VARIETY SHOW WILL BE HELD AT THE SHA KOK ESTATE, SHA TIN, AT 7.30 PM.
- 0
FRIDAY, DECEM ER 24,
3
UK-CHINA AND UK-SWISS AIR SERVICES REVIEW ♦ * 4 * *
THE UK AND CHINA AERON JTICAL AUTHORITIES WILL HOLD ANOTHER ROUND OF TALKS IN PEKING bEF E TnE END OF MARCH, 1933 TO REVIEW THE BILATERAL AIR SERVICES mRRANGEMENTS.
THIS WILL BE A CONTINUATION OF THE TALKS FELD BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES IN LONDON EARLIE. THIS MONTH DURING WHICh’sERVICES ON BOTH THE LONDON-PEKING AND REGIONAL ROUTES TOUCHING HONG KONG WERE REVIEWED.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR SERVICES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND PEKING AS WELL AS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI FOR NEXT SUMMER WERE ALSO DISCUSSED.
AT ANOTHER ROUND OF AIR SERVICES TALKS HELD RECENTLY IN BERNE, AGREEMENT WAS REACHED BETWEEN THE UK AND SWISS AERONAUTICAL AUTHORITIES FOR CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS TO OPERATE UP TO THREE SERVICES A WEEK WITH WIDE-BODIED AIRCRAFT TO A POINT IN SWITZERLAND AND FOR SWISSAIR TO SWITCH FROM FIVE DC1O SERVICES A WEEK TO A MIX OF DC1O AND B747 AIRCRAFT.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS REPRESENTED AT BOTH ROUNDS OF TALKS BY MR NORMAN LATHAM, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION.
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UNUSUALLY WET NOVEMBER * * *
NOVEMBER WITH A TOTAL RAINFALL OF 95.8 MM WAS 176 PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL AND WAS ALSO THE FOURTH CONSECUTIVE MONTH WITH ABOVE-AVERAGE RAINFALL, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST MONTHLY WEATHER REPORT RELEASED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY.
THE ACCUMULATED RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY THIS YEAR WAS 3 247.5 MM, OR 4.7 PER CENT ABOVE THE ANNUAL RECORD OF 3 100.4 MM ESTABLISHED IN 1973.
A MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 77 PER CENT AND A MEAN DEW POINT OF 17.9 DEGREES CELSIUS WERE REGISTERED LAST MONTH, WHICH WERE THE THIRD AND THE SECOND HIGHEST RESPECTIVELY ON RECORD FOR NOVEMBER.
THE WEATHER WAS FINE DURING THE FIRST DAY OF THE MONTH BUT BECAME CLOUDY WITH SOME LIGHT SHOWERS IN THE EVENING AS WINDS FRESHENED FROM THE EAST AND BECAME STRONG OFF-SHORE DURING THE NIGHT.
WINDS MODERATED THE FOLLOWING DAY BUT THE WEATHER REMAINED CLOUDY WITH LIGHT RAIN AT NIGHT FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS.
/rainfall .as .......
*’aI2AY, D3JSBER 24, 1982
4 -
’AINFALL WAS RECORDED DAILY FROM NOVEMBER 5 TO 9, WITH SOME SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS ON NOVEMBER 5 AND A FEW ISOLATED THUNDERY SHOWERS ON NOVEMBER 6.
TEMPERATURES DROPPED TO BELOW 20 DEGREES CELSIUS FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS WINTER AFTER A COLD FRONT PASSED THROUGH HONG KONG IN THE AFTERNOON OF NOVEMBER 9 WITH WINDS FROM THE NORTH EECOMING STRONG OFF-SHORE DURING THE NIGHT.
THE WEATHER IMPROVED AND REMAINED MAINLY FINE FOR THE NEXT FIVE DAYS APART FROM SOME LIGHT RAIN PATCHES IN THE EARLY MORNING AND DURING THE NIGHT ON NOVEMBER 13 AND 14.
A WEAK COLD FRONT ARRIVED ON NOVEMBER 15 AND THE WEATHER BECAME CLOUDY WITH LIGHT RAIN PATCHES FOR TWO DAYS.
THE WEATHER WAS GENERALLY FINE ON NOVEMBER 17 BUT FRESHENING EASTERLY WINDS BROUGHT SOME RAIN IN THE EVENING. THE WINDS BECAME STRONG OFF-SHORE FOR SEVERAL HOURS EARLY ON NOVEMBER 18 AND LONG PERIODS OF RAIN WERE RECORDED THAT DAY.
THE WEATHER IMPROVED ON NOVEMBER 19 AND REMAINED FINE FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS.
ANOTHER WEAK COLD FRONT PASSED THROUGH HONG KONG EARLY ON NOVEMBER 23.
THERE WERE SUNNY PERIODS ON NOVEMBER 23 AND 24, FOLLOWED BY LIGHT RAIN AT NIGHT.
THE WEATHER BECAME CLOUDY WITH SOME LIGHT RAIN ON NOVEMBER 25 AND WITH WINDS FROM THE EAST BECOMING STRONG OFF-SHORE AROUND MIDNIGHT. THEY SOON MODERATED AND BECAME NORTHERLY THE NEXT DAY.
THERE WERE PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN ON NOVEMBER 26 AND A MUDSLIP OCCURRED IN LAM TIN IN THE EVENING, WITH FOUR HUTS AFFECTED AND MORE THAN 20 PEOPLE EVACUATED.
THERE WERE PERIODS OF RAIN ON NOVEMBER 27 AND 28 AND A COLD FRONT PASSED THROUGH HONG KONG IN THE AFTERNOON OF NOVEMBER 28. WINDS FRESHENED FROM THE NORTH AND REMAINED STRONG IN EXPOSED PLACES UNTIL THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 30.
THE WEATHER IMPROVED EARLY ON NOVEMBER 29 AND REMAINED FINE THE FOLLOWING DAY. HOWEVER, TEMPERATURES DROPPED APPRECIABLY ON NOVEMBER 30 TO 12.9 DEGREES CELSIUS, THE LOWEST OF THE MONTH.
DURING THE MONTH, TYPHOON PAMELA WAS THE ONLY TROPICAL CYCLONE IN THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC. IT FORMED ABOUT 1 860 NAUTICAL MILES EAST-SOUTHEAST OF GUAM ON NOVEMBER 24 AND WAS ABOUT 450 NAUTICAL MILES EAST-SOUTHEAST OF THE ISLAND BY THE END OF THE MONTH.
THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON NOVEMBER 5, 6, AND 7
FRIDAY, D33SMBE3 24, 19&2
- 5 -
THE FED F!"Z LANGER WARNING WAT ' EFFECT ON NOVEMBER 10, 11, 12 AID 30 WHILE THE YELLO FIRE DANGER .-.NING WAS IN EFFECT CN NOVEMBER 7, 14, 20 AND 21.
THE GAS WATER HEATER S-’ETY ALERT WAS ISSUED ON NOVEMBER 29.
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AD DEPARTURES FROM FORMAL WERE:
SUNSHINE
RAINFALL
CLOUDINESS
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN TEMPERATURE
MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE ON NOVEMBER 1.
135.4 HOURS
95.8 MM
67 PER CENT
77 PER CENT
24.3 DEGREES CELSIUS
22.3 DEGREES
CELSIUS
20.3 DEGREES CELSIUS
17.9 DEGREES CELSIUS
97.7 MM
: 56.1 HOURS BELOW NORMAL
: 61.1 MM ABOVE NORMAL
i 15 PER CENT MORE THAN NORMAL
I 8 PER CENT HIGHER THAN NORMAL
i 0.1 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
i 1.0 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
: 1.4 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
i 3.0 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
I 44.8 MM BELOW NORMAL
OF 29.0 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED
MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 12.9 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON NOVEMBER 30.
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r. /o
MBER 24
o
CLOSURE OF S'M
PO KONG REGISTRATION OFFICE * * *
THE SAN PO KONG REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE AT SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL EE CLOSED FROM TUESDAY (DECEMBER 28).
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF RESIDENTS IN EAST KO-LOON AREA wHO WISH TO APPLY FOR REGISTRATION OF IDENTITY CARDS, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT KWUN TONG OFFICE AT .••.OY PL ZA, 2Kj FLOOR, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD WILL, AS FRO' TUESD-.Y, EXP, D ITS SERVICE TO INCLUDE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS FACILITIES.
♦APPLICANTS WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION OF IDENTITY CARDS IN SAN PO KONG OFFICE SHOULD APPROACH THE KWUN TONG OFFICE TO COLLECT THEIR IDENTITY CARDS ON THE COLLECTION DATES SHOWN ON THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
♦THIS OFFICE WILL PROVIDE ALMOST ALL KINDS OF REGISTRATION OF PERSONS FACILITIES, SUCH AS REGISTRATION OF JUVENILE OR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS, REGISTRATION OF NEW ARRIVALS WITH PASSPORTS (EXCEPT ENTRANTS FROM CHINA), REPLACEMENT OF LOST OR DAMAGED CARDS AND AMENDMENT OF REGISTERED PART ICULARS,+ HE ADDED.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES MAY TELEPHONE 3-7333111.
NEW ROAD PROJECT PROPOSED * * *
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO COMPLETE THE CONSTRUCTION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE REMAINING SECTION OF KO SHAN ROAD FROM PAK KUNG STREET TO KIANG HSI STREET.
THE PROJECT COMPRISES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY OF ABOUT 80 METRES LONG FROM SHANSI STREET TO A POINT NEAR THE JUNCTION OF KO SHAN ROAD AND KIANG HS I STREET, WITH A FOOTPATH ON BOTH SIDES.
IT ALSO INCLUDES THE WIDENING AND THE RECONSTRUCTION OF A SECTION OF KO SHAN ROAD BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 18 AND SHANSI STREET, WITH A NEW FOOTPATH ON ONE SIDE.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAV (FRIDAY).
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED PROJECT CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE} THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (KOWLOON WEST), KOWLOON CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, TENTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROADi AND THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, KOWLOON.
ANY OBJECTION'S TO THE PROPOSAL MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS - I TH IN 60 DAYS.
.-'.'-.-.Y, DECEMBER 2, 1982
- 7 -
diversionary road fc; kai tak
x X k X
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PLANS TO DIVERT TRAFFIC FROM A SECilCN OF EASTERN ROAD IN KAI TAK AIRPORT TO FACILITATE THE EXTENSION OF THE CARGO PARKING APRON INTO THE FORMER RAF KAI TAK AREA, IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A AFFECT
DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AS THE EXTENSION WOULD THE SECTION OF THE ROAD, IT WAS NECESSARY TO CLOSE IT.
A DIVERSIONARY ROAD WILL EE CONSTRUCTED BEFORE THE CLOSURE OF THE SECTION SO THAT THROUGH TRAFFIC IS MAINTAINED.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
A SCHEME PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON EAST, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, TENTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD; AND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET, THIRD AND FOURTH FLOORS, KOWLOON.
ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS WITHIN 60 DAYS.
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DIRECTORS
EDITORS AND
ALL THE STAFF OF
GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
SERVICES EXTEND TO ALL READERS
OF THE DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THE WARMEST GREETINGS OF THE SEASON
AND EVERY GOOD WISH FOR THE COMING YEAR
»WM*******i**»++*f*»+***+44**«4<»4^1*4*«****W«i
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GGG GGG 1 1 1 SS SSS
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2$, 1982
CONTESTS PAGE NO.
MASSIVE INCREASE IN SOCIAL WELFARE EXPENDITURE ................. 1
MUSIC TRAINING FOR MORE PEOPLE.................................. 2
SOCIAL SERVICES AWARD SCHEME FOR STUDENTS ...................... 4
NEW SALT WATER MAINS FOR NORTH POINT AND QUARRY BAY ............ 4
SITTING-OUT AREA FOR ABERDEEN .................................. 5
YUEN LONG SITE FOR SHORT-TERM TENANCY .......................... 5
WATER MAINS WORE:
6
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1982
1
MASSIVE INCREASE IN SOCIAL WELFARE EXPENDITURE * * * *
EXPENDITURE ON SOCIAL WELFARE DURING FISCAL 1981-82 INCREASED BY 30 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR TO TOP $1.14 BILLION, ACCORDING TO THE 1982 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THE FIGURE INCLUDED RECURRENT SUBVENTIONS TO VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES, WHICH GREW BY NEARLY 30 PER CENT TO $190 MILLION.
SOCIAL SECURITY IS PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT THROUGH THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME, THE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE SCHEME, THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION SCHEME, THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME AND EMERGENCY RELIEF.
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR TOTALLED $291.29 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF $68.29 MILLION, COVERING 45 752 CASES, MADE UP MOSTLY OF ELDERLY, SICK OR DISABLED PEOPLE OR WIDOWS WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN.
A TOTAL OF $436.73 MILLION WAS PAID OUT UNDER THE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE SCHEME WHICH PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE SEVERELY DISABLED AND ELDERLY PERSONS AGED 70 AND ABOVE.
UNDER THIS SCHEME, 32 407 NEW APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED DURING THE YEAR AND THE NUMBER OF ACTIVE CASES AT THE END OF LAST MARCH WAS 203 517.
THE DEPARTMENT RECEIVED 997 APPLICATIONS FOR CASH ASSISTANCE, OR 10 PER CENT MORE THAN IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR, UNDER THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION SCHEME, WHICH PROVIDES CASH ASSISTANCE TO INNOCENT VICTIMS (OR THEIR DEPENDENTS) WHO ARE INJURED OR KILLED IN VIOLENT CRIMES OR BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS IN THE EXECUTION OF THEIR DUTIES.
COMPENSATIONS PAID OUT TOTALLED $2.2 MILLION, A 45 PER CENT INCREASE OVER FISCAL 1980-81.
THROUGH THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME, 5 187 CASES WERE PAID $24 MILLION, UP BY 32 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THIS SCHEME PROVIDES SPEEDY CASH ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDENTS WITHOUT REGARD TO THE MEANS OF THE PERSONS OR TO THE ELEMENT OF FAULT IN THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO PROVIDED EMERGENCY RELIEF SERVICES TO A TOTAL 11 032 FAMILIES INVOLVING 34 147 PEOPLE IN 149 INCIDENTS.
DURING THE YEAR, IT CONDUCTED 15 RESEARCH STUDIES ON A BROAD RANGE OF SOCIAL TOPICS.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1982
2
MUSIC TRAINING FOR MORE PEOPLE
*****
WITH MULT I-MILL ION-DOLLAR GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES AND EXPANDING FACILITIES, MORE YOUTHS IN HONG KONG CAN NOW RECEIVE PROFESSIONAL HJSIC TRAINING.
THROUGH ITS FIVE MUSIC CENTRES SET UP IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF HONG KONG, THE MUSIC OFFICE CURRENTLY PROVIDES INSTRUMENTAL TRAINING CLASSES FOR SOME 2 600 STUDENTS RANGING FROM AGES 6 TO 23, AT A NOMINAL MONTHLY FEE OF $10 EACH. TWO MORE CENTRES WILL BE READY SHORTLY FOR YUEN LONG AND HONG KONG EAST.
♦WITH STEADY EXPANSION OF OUR FACILITIES AND PROFESSIONAL STAFF, WE HOPE TO DOUBLE OUR TRAINING CAPACITY WITHIN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, AND HAVE MORE MUSIC CENTRES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG,* MR THOMAS WANG, THE ASSISTANT MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR (PROFESSIONAL), SAID.
ESTABLISHED IN 1977, THE MUSIC OFFICE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR TEACHING YOUNG PEOPLE TO PLAY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND PROMOTING PUBLIC INTEREST IN MUSIC. IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR THE GOVERNMENT SPENT OVER $13 MILLION TO FINANCE THE OFFICE’S BROAD RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMES. AND FOR 1982-83 A SUM OF $17 MILLION HAS BEEN PROVIDED.
AT THE MOMENT, THE MUSIC OFFICE ADMINISTERS AND TRAINS OVER 20 CHOIRS, ORCHESTRAS AND BANDS, INCLUDING HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA A AND B, HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA AND HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND.
♦STUDENTS UNDERTAKE INTENSIVE AURAL TRAINING AND TAKE COURSES ON MUSIC APPRECIATION AND THEORIES. THEY LEARN TO PLAY WIND, STRING AND CHINESE ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTS,* MR WANG SAID.
FOR PARTICULARLY TALENTED STUDENTS, THE OFFICE CONDUCTS INDIVIDUAL LESSONS TO TAP THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. IT ALSO PROVIDES SPECIAL CLASSES FOR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, AS WELL AS FOR ADULTS WITH SPECIAL MUSIC INTERESTS.
AS PART OF ITS COMPREHENSIVE, ON-GOING TRAINING PROGRAMMES, IT ALSO ORGANISES YOUTH MUSIC CAMPS, INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES AND MASTER CLASSES AND SEMINARS GIVEN BY VISITING LEADING MUSICIANS.
MR WANG POINTED OUT THAT MUSIC WAS GAINING INCREASING RECOGNITION IN HONG KONG.
♦THIS HAS MUCH TO DO WITH THE PARENTS AND TEACHERS’ UNDERSTANDING THAT MUSIC CAN REFINE AND MODIFY PEOPLE’S CHARACTER. THEY ARE WILLING TO LET THEIR CHILDREN TAKE UP INSTRUMENTAL TRAINING AS PASTIMES TO KEEP THEM OFF THE STREETS,♦ HE ADDED.
/he expressed .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1982
P- PRESSED CONFIDENCE “-AT THE INCREASING NUMBER OF STUDENTS
<ADuATINC -ROM THE MUSIC CE'S TRAINING PROGRAMMES WOULD GIVE
DR IMPETUS TO ’HE uOCA.. MJi!C SCENE.
ACCORDING TO MR WAMC, 7r*ERE ARE NOW MORE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR MUSICIANS IN HONG KONG. .’HEY MAY JOIN LOCAL ORCHESTRAS AND IDS OR TAKE UP TEACHING POSTS. ALSO, THE MUSIC OFFICE REQUIRES LARGE NUMBERS OF HIGH-STANDARD MUSICIANS TO TRAIN STUDENTS AND ORGANISE ACTIVITIES.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MUSIC DEPARTMENT AT BOTH THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, AS WELL AS THE HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC WERE ALSO GREAT STRIDES FORWARD, HE POINTED OUT.
♦WITH ALL THESE DEVELOPMENTS, THE DAY WON’T BE FAR OFF WHEN HONG KONG WILL BE PRODUCING ITS OWN MUSICIANS OF INTERNATIONAL STAND I NG,♦ MR WANG PREDICTED.
FOSTERING A +CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT^ IN WHICH TALENTS CAN BLOSSOM IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT, MR WANG EXPLAINED.
TO THIS END, THE MUSIC OFFICE IS ACTIVELY PROMOTING PUBLIC INTEREST IN MUSIC.
SO FAR THIS YEAR, IT HAS PRESENTED SOME 200 ♦MUSIC FOR THE MILLION* CONCERTS TO ABOUT 120 000 PEOPLE IN SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY HALLS, PARKS AND OTHER PUBLIC VENUES.
AS PART OF THE TRAINING, THE OFFICE HAS REGULARLY BEEN ORGANISING CONCERTS FOR YOUTH BANDS AND ORCHESTRAS FORMED BY ITS OWN STUDENTS DURING THE YEAR.
THE NEXT MAJOR EVENT IS THE ANNUAL GALA CONCERT TO BE HELD ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 27) IN THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL. ABOUT 350 YOUNG TRAINEES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL PARTICIPATE IN THIS CONCERT WITH A PROGRAMME OF 19 ITEMS.
TEN-YEAR-OLD MAN KEI, ONE OF THE PARTICIPANTS, PERHAPS REFLECTED THE FEELING OF MANY STUDENTS WHEN SHE SAID, +1 LIKE TO PERFORM TO AN AUDIENCE. THE ATTENTION AND THE APPLAUSE MAKE ME SO PROUD.+
SHE HAS BEEN LEARNING TO PLAY THE VIOLA WITH THE MUSIC OFFICE FOR TWO YEARS AND WILL KEEP ON TRAINING UNTIL SHE BECOMES ♦ A GREAT VIOLA PLAYER+, MAN KEI SAID, HER EYES SPARKLING WITH HOPE AND EXCITEMENT.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1982
4
SOCIAL SERVICES AWARD SCHEME FOR STUDENTS *****
A STUDENT SOCIAL SERVICES AWARD SCHEME WILL BE LAUNCHED EARLY f£XT YEAR IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT TO ENCOURAGE MORE YOUNGSTERS TO PARTICIPATE IN VOLUNTARY WORK.
ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE SCHEME AIMS AT GIVING RECOGNITION TO LOCAL STUDENTS WHO HAVE RENDERED VOLUNTARY SOCIAL SERVICES WITH COMMENDABLE RECORDS.
ABOUT 800 NOMINATION FORMS HAVE BEEN SENT OUT TO SCHOOLS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT INVITING NOMINATIONS. THE FORMS SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH.
NOMINATIONS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO SECONDARY SCHOOL AND PRIMARY SCHOOL SECTIONS. TO QUALIFY, CANDIDATES MUST HAVE PARTICIPATED IN SUCH SOCIAL WELFARE WORK AS SERVICES TO OLD PEOPLE, DISABLED, CHILDREN AND YOUTHS, AND ASSISTANCE TO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, KAIFONG OR VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATIONS.
ALL CANDIDATES WILL BE INTERVIEWED BY AN ADJUDICATING PANEL EARLY NEXT YEAR. THE DECIDING FACTORS WILL BE THE CANDIDATES’ KNOWLEDGE OF AND ENTHUSIASM TOWARDS VOLUNTARY SOCIAL WORK, THEIR SCOPE OF SERVICE, RATE OF PARTICIPATION AND CONTRIBUTION.
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO WINNERS IN EACH SECTION AND ALL NOMINATED CANDIDATES WILL BE PRESENTED WITH SOUVENIRS.
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS CONTRIBUTED $8 000 TOWARDS THE SCHEME WHICH, IF PROVED SUCCESSFUL, WILL BE ORGANISED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS.
FURTHER ENQUIRY ON THE SCHEME MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MISS LILY SHIU OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AT 5-540271.
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NEW SALT WATER MAINS FOR NORTH POINT AND QUARRY BAY
* * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE LAYING OF ABOUT 3 500 METRES OF MILD STEEL DUCTILE IRON AND ASBESTOS SALT WATER MAINS IN NORTH POINT AND QUARRY BAY.
THESE WATER MAINS, RANGING FROM 150 MM TO 600 MM IN DIAMETER. FORM PART OF THE SCHEME TO IMPROVE THE SUPPLY OF SALT WATER TO NORTH POINT AND TO EXTEND IT TO QUARRY BAY FOR FLUSHING PURPOSES.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1982
- 5 -
SITTING-OUT AREA FOR ABERDEEN ft ft ft ft
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SITTING-OUT AREA AT THE JUNCTION OF SHEK PAI WAN ROAD AND ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD.
THE CONTRACT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF CHAIN-LINK FENCING, PAVINGS, FLOWER BEDS AND HEXAGONAL FLOWER PLOTS, TIMBER ARBOURS AND CONCRETE LITTER BINS ON A TRIANGULAR PIECE OF LAND OF ABOUT A80 SQUARE METRES.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN FEBURARY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT FOUR MONTHS.
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YUEN LONG SITE FOR SHORT-TERM TENANCY ft ft ft ft
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF A SITE AT SAI CHING STREET, YUEN LONG.
THE SITE, COVERING ABOUT 1 788 SQUARE METRES, IS TO BE USED FOR A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, AND MONTHLY THEREAFTER.
THE DEADLINE FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON JANUARY 7.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES, AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (KOWLOON WEST), KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON; AND DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (YUEN LONG), YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG.
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/6........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1982
- 6 -
WATER MAINS WORK ft ft ft
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 28) FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY SUTHERLAND STREET, QUEEN'S ROAD WEST, MORRISON STREET, BONHAM STRAND, WING LOK STREET AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST TO SUTHERLAND STREET JUNCTION.
ALSO ON TUESDAY, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES AND VILLAGES IN CASTLE PEAK WILL BE CUT OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 10 AM, TO FACILITATE MAINS CONNECTION WORK.
THE AFFECTED AREA INCLUDES ALL PREMISES AND VILLAGES ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD, FROM SAM SHING ESTATE, GORDON CAMP, SIU SO TSUEN, SIU LAM, TAI LAM CHUNG TSUEN TO TAI LAM CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1982
CONTENTS ' PAGE NO.
SIR ROBERT HO TUNG CHARITABLE FUND 1982 ALLOCATION ............ 1
BUSY BUSINESS YEAR FOR HK ..................................... 3
LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IN VILLAGE CLEANSING ........................ 4
MP TO VISIT HONG KONG.........*..................*..............5
NEW RESERVOIR IN SHEUNG SHU I ................................. 5
SWIMMERS PRAISED FOR KEEPING FIT .............................. 6
BISHOP VISITS RECEPTION CENTRE ................................ 6
OPEN-AIR CONCERT FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS .............. 7
TENDERS INVITED FOR TEMPORARY MARKET PROJECT .................. 7
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF WAI YIP STREET FLYOVER................... 8
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1982
1
SIR ROBERT HO TUNG CHARITABLE FUND 1982 ALLOCATION * * * * *
GRANTS TOTALLING $9.2 MILLION FROM THE SIR ROBERT HO TUNG CHARITABLE FUND HAVE BEEN MADE RECENTLY TO 72 CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG. THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 99.5 PER CENT OVER THE AVERAGE AMOUNT OF GRANTS MADE DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED BY MR GEOFFREY BARNES, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, WHO IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ALLOCATION COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE FOR ADVISING THE GOVERNOR ON THE ALLOCATION OF THE FUNDS AVAILABLE.
THE SIR ROBERT HO TUNG CHARITABLE FUND IS ONE OF THE LARGEST CHARITABLE TRUSTS IN HONG KONG. IT WAS ESTABLISHED BY A BEQUEST OF $500 000 BY THE LATE SIR ROBERT HO TUNG ON HIS DEATH IN 1956. THE FUND IS ADMINISTERED BY THE HONGKONG BANK TRUSTEE LTD.
MR BARNES SAID THAT MAJOR GRANTS THIS YEAR INCLUDED $1 449 000 TO THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, THE BULK OF WHICH IS FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT AT WONG TAI SIN INFIRMARY.
THE WEST CHINA EVANGELISTIC BAND OLD PEOPLE’S HOME INC. WAS GRANTED $1 100 000 TO MEET PART OF THE CAPITAL COSTS FOR SETTING UP A NEW CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR 40 OLD PEOPLE WHO ARE PHYSICALLY INFIRM.
AN ALLOCATION OF $703 100 WAS MADE TO OUR LADY OF MARYKNOLL HOSPITAL TO PURCHASE AN ULTRASONIC SCANNER AND OTHER ITEMS OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT.
A SUM OF $571 300 WAS GIVEN TO THE PO LEUNG KUK, MAINLY TO RENOVATE AND TO EQUIP ITS NURSERY.
A SUM OF $414 100 WAS GIVEN TO PROVIDE MILK FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN IN 43 SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND TO ALLOW THEM TO GO ON OUTINGS AND EDUCATIONAL VISITS.
ANOTHER $391 600 WAS GIVEN TO THE EVANGEL HOSPITAL FOR THE INSTALLATION OF OXYGEN, COMPRESSED AIR AND VACUUM OUTLETS AND THE INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT FOR ITS MILK KITCHEN.
THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL RECEIVED A GRANT OF $371 500 TO PURCHASE VARIOUS ITEMS OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, THE LARGER ONES BEING TWO UNITS OF RESPIRATORS AND CARDIAC MONITORS. IN ADDITION, $337 200 WAS DONATED TO THE CARITAS MEDICAL CENTRE FOR THE REPAIR AND REPROVISIONING OF TWO LIFTS AND THE ACQUISITION OF A BIOLOGICAL SAFETY CABINET FOR ITS CLINICAL PATHOLOGICAL LABORATORY.
,'THE 33,1 .........
SUNDAY
□sOaraER ;C, 1982
2
THE GRANTHAM HOSPITAL WAS GIVEN A SUM OF $299 900 TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF RESPIRATORY DISEASES.
A DONATION OF $294 000 WAS GIVEN TO THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY TO ACQUIRE A 14-SEATER LIGHT BUS AND TO INSTALL A ’MONOTRACK’ CUBICLE TRACK SYSTEM TO PROVIDE MAXIMUM SPACE AND PRIVACY FOR PATIENTS UNDER EXAMINATION AND TREATMENT.
THE SPASTICS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG RECEIVED A GRANT OF $227 300 OF WHICH $90 000 WILL BE USED FOR THE PRODUCTION OF SIX SETS OF HALF-HOUR VIDEO TAPES ILLUSTRATING DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF TRAINING WHICH PARENTS CAN PROVIDE TO THEIR DISABLED CHILDREN. THE REMAINDER IS FOR PURCHASING VARIOUS ITEMS OF EQUIPMENT FOR DISABLED CHILDREN.
THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION WAS DONATED $221 300, OF WHICH $145 000 WILL BE USED TO ACQUIRE A BICHROMATIC CHEMISTRY ANALYSER.
ANOTHER $217 600 WAS GIVEN TO THE CARITAS — HONG KONG TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT FOR ITS NURSERIES, SOCIAL CENTRES, DENTAL CLINIC AND CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY.
THE SALVATION ARMY WAS GIVEN $215 400 TO ORGANISE SERVICE PROJECTS, AND TO PURCHASE TOYS AND EQUIPMENT FOR ITS NURSERIES/ YOUTH CENTRES, HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY AND HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, ETC. IN ADDITION, A SUBSIDY OF $205 100 WAS GRANTED TO THE HONG KONG RED CROSS TO PROMOTE ITS DONOR RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN AND TO BUY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT FOR ITS SCHOOLS.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1982
5
BUSY BUSINESS YEAR FOR HK
* * *
A TOTAL OF 14 850 NEW COMPANIES WERE INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 1982, 312 LESS THAN THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S RECORD OF 15 162, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THEIR AGGREGATE NOMINAL CAPITAL WAS ABOUT $4.67 BILLION. COMPARED WITH ABOUT $5.09 BILLION FOR THE COMPANIES WITH SHARE CAPITAL INCORPORATED IN FISCAL 1980-81.
MOST OF THEM, TOTALLING 6 607, HAD NOMINAL CAPITAL FROM $10 000 TO $50 000 WHILE 74 OF THEM HAD NOMINAL CAPITAL OF $10 MILLION AND ABOVE.
IN THE PRECEDING YEAR, THERE WERE 6 738 AND 80 COMPANIES IN THESE TWO CAPITAL RANGES.
BUT THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT MANY COMPANIES WERE INCORPORATED WITH LOW CAPITAL PENDING FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS.
DURING THE YEAR 840 COMPANIES WERE DISSOLVED, LEAVING 99 149 COMPANIES ON THE GOVERNMENT REGISTER.
THE NUMBER OF FOREIGN-INCORPORATED COMPANIES WITH BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS IN HONG KONG ROSE BY 141 TO 1 574, COVERING 56 COUNTRIES.
THE UNITED STATES LED WITH 365 COMPANIES, FOLLOWED BY BRITAIN WITH 219, JAPAN WITH 171, AUSTRALIA WITH 111 AND SINGAPORE WITH 95.
THE ACTIVITIES OF THE FOREIGN COMPANIES RANGED FROM MANUFACTURING, BANKING AND INSURANCE TO HOTEL OPERATIONS, IMPORT AND EXPORT, PUBLISHING AND SHIPPING.
DURING THE YEAR, A RECORD NUMBER OF 6 166 APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE MARKS, 469 MORE THAN THE PREVIOUS RECORD TOTAL OF 5 697 IN 1980-81.
HONG KONG LED WITH 701 APPLICATIONS, FOLLOWED BY THE UNITED STATES WITH 677, JAPAN WITH 300 AND BRITAIN WITH 289.
IN ALL 2 920 TRADE MARKS WERE REGISTERED AND 2 473 RENEWED, BRINGING THE TOTAL ON THE REGISTER TO 37 843.
FEES COLLECTED BY THE TRADE MARKS REGISTRY EXCEEDED $4 MILLION DURING THE YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/4........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1982
4 -
LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IN VILLAGE CLEANSING
* * * *
THE PRESENT PILOT SCHEME FOR CONTRACTING OUT CLEANSING SERVICES TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AT FOUR VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES LAUNCHED IN MAY HAS INITIALLY PROVED SUCCESSFUL.
FOR THIS REASON, THE SCHEME WILL BE EXTENDED FOR 14 MORE MONTHS TO ESTABLISH WHETHER IT SHOULD BE CONTINUED ON A LONGER TERM.
TO BROADEN THE BASE OF THE EXPERIMENT WHICH AIMS AT ENCOURAGING LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO PROVIDE CLEANSING SERVICES AT THEIR OWN PLACES OF RESIDENCE, THE ARRANGEMENT WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED TO TWO OR FOUR MORE VILLAGES STARTING FROM APRIL NEXT YEAR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
AT PRESENT THE NTSD HAS ENTERED INTO AGREEMENTS, TOTALLING $475 OOO, WITH LOCAL BODIES AT WANG TOI SHAN IN YUEN LONG, LUNG KWU TAN IN TUEN MUN AND TAI PO TSAI AND HANG HAU IN SAI KUNG. THE EXISTING CONTRACTS WILL EXPIRE TOWARDS THE END OF JANUARY.
UNDER THE AGREEMENTS, THE RURAL ORGANISATIONS WILL CARRY OUT THE NORMAL CLEANSING DUTIES OF THE NTSD STAFF.
THESE INCLUDE DAILY SWEEPING OF ROADS, PATHS AND PUBLIC AREAS, EMPTYING LITTER CONTAINERS, CLEANSING PUBLIC TOILETS, CLEARING RUBBISH COLLECTION POINTS AND BIN SITES.
THE RURAL BODIES ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING BEACHES, OPEN DITCHES, SURFACE CHANNELS, NULLAHS, STREAMS AND RIVERS FREE OF RUBBISH.
TO ENSURE THAT THE STANDARDS OF CLEANLINESS ARE MAINTAINED, THE VILLAGES ARE BEING INSPECTED REGULARLY BY NTSD STAFF.
AN INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT TEAM IS ALSO MONITORING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CONTRACTORS BY INSPECTING THE VILLAGES MONTHLY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE TEAM CONSISTS OF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS CONCERNED AND OFFICERS OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE NTSD.
THE NTSD IS NOW NEGOTIATING WITH LOCAL BODIES TO EXTEND THE EXISTING AGREEMENTS ON VILLAGE CLEANSING FOR ANOTHER TWO MONTHS STARTING IN FEBRUARY.
NEW CONTRACTS FOR THE EXISTING FOUR VILLAGES AND OTHER VILLAGES TO BE SELECTED FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1983-84 WILL BE AWARDED TO LOCAL BODIES AT A LATER DATE.
THE NEW PACKAGE OF CONTRACTING OUT VILLAGE CLEANSING WILL COST ABOUT $1.1 MILLION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/5........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1982
MP TO VISIT HONG KONG * * *
MR PETER BOTTOMLEY, CONSERVATIVE MP FOR WOOLWICH WEST, WILL VISIT HONG KONG FROM DECEMBER 29 TO JANUARY 6 AT THE INVITATION OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
DURING HIS STAY HERE, MR BOTTOMLEY WILL MEET THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, AS WELL AS MEMBERS OF UMELCO, URBAN COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARDS.
HE WILL TOUR THE NEW TERRITORIES TO SEE THE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEW TOWNS, INCLUDING PUBLIC HOUSING AND MEET WITH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
MR BOTTOMLEY MADE A PRIVATE VISIT TO HONG KONG IN 1981.
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NEW RESERVOIR IN SHEUNG SHU I * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 28 OOO-CUBIC-METRE SERVICE RESERVOIR AT TABLE HILL, SHEUNG SHUI, AND THE LAYING OF ABOUT 750 METRES OF 800-MM DIAMETER PUMPING MAINS, IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AT PRESENT WATER SUPPLY TO THE NORTHEASTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS FROM THE TREATMENT WORKS AT TAI PO TAU.
HE SAID THAT, HOWEVER, WITH THE INCREASING DEMAND FROM CURRENT AND PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA, IT WAS NECESSARY TO CONSTRUCT THE NEW SCHEME AT SHEUNG SHUI.
THE SCHEME, WHICH WILL AUGMENT THE EXISTING SUPPLY SYSTEM, WILL COMPRISE A TREATMENT PLANT AND PUMPING STATION AT ORB HILL, A SERVICE RESERVOIR AT TABLE HILL AND ASSOCIATED PIPE LINES.
THE RESERVOIR WILL BE COVERED AND BE OF REINFORCED CONCRETE. THE ROOF WILL BE TOPPED OFF WITH SOIL AND GRASS AND THE RESERVOIR SITE WILL BE LANDSCAPED.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT 20 MONTHS.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1982
6
SWIMMERS PRAISED FOR KEEPING FIT
* * * *
SWIMMING IS AN IDEAL WAY FOR EVERYONE TO KEEP FIT AND HEALTHY IRRESPECTIVE OF AGE, THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JOHN HEYWOOD SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF THE 9TH HONG KONG WINTER LONG DISTANCE SWIM AT APPROACH BAY, TSUEN WAN, MR HEYWOOD SAID IT WAS A PLEASURE FOR HIM TO SEE A GROUP OF ENTHUSIASTS MAKING THE BEST OF THE NATURAL RECREATION FACILITIES BY SWIMMING.
THE LONG DISTANCE SWIM ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION IS HELD ANNUALLY IN DECEMBER.
MORE THAN 400 SWIMMERS TOOK PART IN TODAY’S SWIMMING COURSE WHICH COVERED ABOUT 1 000 METRES FROM THE TING KAU BEACH TO APPROACH BEACH.
+1 CAN SEE FROM THE VIGOROUS AND ENTHUSIASTIC WAY YOU HAVE ALL TACKLED THIS SWIM THAT YOU WOULD NOT HAVE ANY DIFFICULTY IF YOU HAD BEEN ASKED TO TURN AROUND AND SWIM ANOTHER 1 000 METRES BACK TO TING KAU,+ MR HEYWOOD SAID.
+IT BECOMES QUITE AN EFFORT FOR URBAN DWELLERS TO ESCAPE FROM OUR HIGH RISE ENVIRONMENT AND GET OUT INTO THE FRESH AIR OF THE COUNTRYSIDE, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE WEATHER IS AN ADDED EXCUSE FOR STAYING INDOORS.
+1 HOPE, THEREFORE, THAT MANY YOUNGSTERS IN HONG KONG WILL HEAR OF YOUR ACTIVITIES, WILL LEARN FROM YOUR EXCELLENT EXAMPLE, AND JOIN YOU AND YOUR CLUB IN WINTER SWIMMING,* NR HEYWOOD ADDED.
HE CONGRATULATED THE WINNERS AND EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE OTHERS WOULD KEEP SWIMMING AND RETURN AGAIN NEXT YEAR FOR ANOTHER TRY.
------0-------
BISHOP VISITS RECEPTION CENTRE A X X
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF HONG KONG, THE RIGHT REV JOHN BAPTIST WU, TODAY (SUNDAY) VISITED THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S LAI CHI KOK RECEPTION CENTRE TO WISH THE INMATES A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE PRISONS CHAPLAINS FATHER STEPHEN EDMONDS AND FATHER SEAN P. BURKE.
BISHOP WU TOURED THE CENTRE AND WAS BRIEFED BY THE SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT IN CHARGE, MR CHOW SAI-WING ON THE PROGRAMMES AND FACILITIES PROVIDED THERE. HE ALSO TALKED TO SOME OF THE INMATES.
THE BISHOP VISITS ONE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S INSTITUTIONS AT CHRISTMAS EVERY YEAR.
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/7......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1982
7
OPEN-AIR CONCERT FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS * * * *
ABOUT 5 OOO LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE FIRST SOUTHERN DISTRICT OPEN-AIR YOUTH CONCERT ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 30) EVENING AT THE SOCCER PITCH BEHIND THE ABERDEEN INDOOR GAMES HALL, WONG CHUK HANG.
THE EVENT WILL FEATURE JAZZ ENSEMBLE, GUITAR ENSEMBLE, BRASS QUINTET, AND MODERN AND FOLK DANCE PERFORMANCES BY TEAMS AND INDIVIDUALS FROM LOCAL SCHOOLS AND ORGANISATIONS.
THE TWO-AND-A-HALF-HOUR PROGRAMME, STARTING AT 7.30 PM, WILL ALSO INCLUDE PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR PROFESSIONAL SINGERS.
SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE CONCERT IS BEING JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, URBAN COUNCIL AND MUSIC OFFICE TO PROMOTE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL YOUTHS AND STUDENTS.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW OBTAINABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, AND THE MUSIC OFFICE ON THE 9TH FLOOR, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, WAN CHAI.
NOTE TO EDITORS?
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE EVENT.
- - o - -
TENDERS INVITED FOR TEMPORARY MARKET PROJECT
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE RENOVATION AND EXTENSION OF THE TEMPORARY MARKET AT THE JUNCTION OF TAK WAH STREET AND YAN CHAI STREET IN TSUEN WAN.
THE PROJECT WILL ALSO INCLUDE THE FORMATION OF AN ACCESS ROAD, CONSTRUCTION OF A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AND PROVISION FOR 24 COOKED FOOD STALLS.
THE TEMPORARY MARKET //ILL PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR HAWKERS CURRENTLY TRADING IN THE YEUNG UK ROAD MARKET AREA WHO WILL BE DISPLACED DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PERMANENT YEUNG UK ROAD MARKET.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- 0 -
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1982
8
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF WAI YIP STREET FLYOVER
*****
THE SOUTHBOUND LANE OF WAI YIP STREET FLYOVER NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH KWUN TONG ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5.30 AM ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY (DECEMBER 29 AND 30).
THE CLOSURE IS TO ALLOW FOR ROAD WORKS, DURING WHICH TRAFFIC FROM KOWLOON CITY AND SAN PO KONG HEADING FOR TELFORD GARDENS WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KWUN TONG ROAD AND LAI YIP STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
MONDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW RUNWAY VISUAL RANGE SYSTEM FOR AIRPORT .................... 1
IMPORTANCE OF RETRAINING TEACHERS STRESSED .................... J
INSURANCE MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT PUBLISHED .................... 3
SPORTS GROUNDS SOON READY FOR USE AGAIN ....................... 4
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF WAN TSUI ROAD............................. 4
WATER TAPS OFF IN TSUEN WAN
5
NEW RUNWAY VISUAL RANGE SYSTEM FOR AIRPORT * * * *
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HAS BEEN GIVEN THE GO-AHEAD BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TO EQUIP THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT * i TH A NEW RUNWAY VISUAL RANGE (RVR) SYSTEM WHICH INCORPORATES THE LATEST TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE FIELD.
THE NEW SYSTEM, COSTING ABOUT $2 MILLION, IS EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL BEFORE THE END OF 1984, REPLACING THE PRESENT SYSTEM WHICH HAS BEEN IN SERVICE SINCE 1974.
MR H.K. LAM, SENIOR SCIENTIFIC OFFICER AT THE OPERATIONS AND l*ETEOROLOG ICAL SERVICES BRANCH OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, SAID RVR INFORMATION, TOGETHER WITH DATA ON THE HEIGHT OF THE CLOUD BASE, THE HORIZONTAL VISIBILITY AND OTHER WEATHER CHARACTERISTICS, ASSISTS THE PILOT IN DECIDING ON WHAT PROCEDURES TO USE IN HIS TAKE-OFF OR LANDING OPERATION.
RUNWAY VISUAL RANGE, HE SAID, IS DEFINED AS THE MAXIMUM DISTANCE IN THE DIRECTION OF TAKE-OFF OR LANDING AT WHICH THE RUNWAY LIGHTS OR MARKERS DELINEATING THE RUNWAY CAN BE SEEN BY THE PILOT AT A HEIGHT CORRESPONDING TO THE AVERAGE EYE-LEVEL OF THE PILOT AT TOUCHDOWN.
ACCORDING TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION (ICAO), RVR INFORMATION SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN ROUTINE METEOROLOGICAL REPORTS AND DISSEMINATED TO AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AND PILOTS OF APPROACHING AND DEPARTING AIRCRAFT.
THE ICAO ALSO STATES THAT SUCH REPORTS SHOULD BE TRANSMITTED WITHIN 15 SECONDS OF THE OBSERVATION WHICH GAVE RISE TO THE REPORTS.
MR LAM SAID GENERALLY, RUNWAY VISUAL RANGE COULD BE OBTAINED BY A HUMAN OBSERVER MEASURING THE DISTANCE TO THE FURTHEST LIGHT THAT HE COULD SEE FROM ONE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY. THIS METHOD, BASED ON THAT DEVELOPED BY THE BOARD OF TRADE IN THE U.K., WAS INTRODUCED AT THE HONG KONG AIRPORT ON JANUARY 1, 1970.
HOWEVER, MR LAM EXPLAINED THAT IT IS DIFFICULT TO COUNT LIGHTS AT LONG DISTANCES, SAY BEYOND 1 000 METRES, AND SOMETIMES IT IS NOT FEASIBLE TO SEND OBSERVERS TO THE RUNWAY POSITION AT SHORT NOTICE UNDER ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS.
THERE IS ALSO THE ADDED DIFFICULTY THAT THE HUMAN OBSERVER METHOD PROVIDES NO CONTINUOUS RECORD AND THE OBSERVATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO PERSONAL DISCREPANCIES SO THAT IT IS NOT EASY TO MEET THE REQUIREMENT OF ICAO FOR REPORTING ALL CHANGES IN RVR WITHIN 15 SECONDS.
FOR THESE REASONS, THE HONG KONG AIRPORT OPERATIONS COMMITTEE DECIDED THAT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY SHOULD INVESTIGATE AND PROVIDE RVR MEASURING EQUIPMENT AT THE HONG KONG AIRPORT.
THE PRESENT RVR SYSTEM, INSTALLED IN 1974 AFTER MUCH CAREFUL TECHNICAL RESEARCH AND INVESTIGATION, CONSISTS OF THREE SETS OF TRANSMISSOMETERS — EACH COMPRISING A RECEIVER AND A PROJECTER — LOCATED AT THE THRESHOLDS AND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RUNWAY.
MONDAY, DECIXBSa 27, 1982
2
THE THREE SUB-SYSTEMS ARE CONNECTED BY CABLE TO A CENTRAL PROCESSING AND CONTROL UNIT AT THE AIRPORT METEOROLOGICAL OFFICE (AMO). DISPLAYS OF RUNWAY VISUAL RANGE AT EACH LOCATION ARE AVAILABLE AT THE AMO AS WELL AS AT THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER.
MR LAM EXPLAINED THAT IN MORE TECHNICAL TERMS, THE OPERATION CF THE TRANSMISSOMETER IS AS FOLLOWSt
THE PROJECTOR EMITS LIGHT PULSES OF HIGH ENERGY AND SHORT DURATION WITH CONSTANT PEAK INTENSITY AT A FREQUENCY OF ABOUT 90 FLASHES PER MINUTE. THE RECEIVER, WHICH IS ALIGNED WITH THE PROJECTOR AT A DISTANCE OF 150 METRES, RECEIVES THESE SHORT PULSES CF LIGHT AND CONVERT THEM INTO ELECTRICAL SIGNALS BY MEANS OF A PHOTO-DIODE.
THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL, AFTER BEING AMPLIFIED, IS FED, THROUGH A TRANSMISSOMETER CONTROL UNIT, TO A VISIBILITY PEN RECORDER AND ALSO TO THE RVR COMPUTER LOCATED IN THE AMO. INPUT TO THE COMPUTER ALSO INCLUDES THE GENERAL BACKGROUND LUMINANCE OF THE AERODROME MEASURED BY A SENSOR LOCATED AT THE BALCONY OF THE AMO, AND THE LEVEL TO WHICH THE HIGH INTENSITY RUNWAY LIGHTS ARE SWITCHED BY THE AERODROME CONTROL.
THE OUTPUT FROM THE COMPUTER IS THE DIGITISED RVR VALUE WHICH IS SENT TO THE MASTER DISPLAY UNIT. THE DIGITISED SIGNALS ARE IN TURN SENT TO +SLAVE+ DISPLAYS AT THE AERODROME CONTROL, THE APPROACH CONTROL, THE PAR (PRECISION APPROACH RADAR) POSITION, AND THE PILOT BRIEFING COUNTER IN THE AMO.
THE DISPLAY UNITS SHOW THE CURRENT RVR IN FOUR DIGITS, PRECEDED BY ONE OF THE SIGNS +, -, AND -, INDICATING THAT A REPORTED RVR HAS INCREASED, REMAINED UNCHANGED OR DECREASED SINCE THE LAST READING.
MR LAM SAID THE PRESENT SYSTEM HAS BEEN SERVING WELL. HOWEVER, TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN RECENT YEARS HAVE RESULTED IN EXTENSIVE MODIFICATIONS IN THE ELECTRONICS AND THE OPTICAL SYSTEM IN THE LATEST MODELS.
ALSO, BECAUSE SPARE PARTS FOR THE PRESENT SYSTEM ARE NO LONGER MANUFACTURED, IT IS LIKELY TO BECOME UNSERVICEABLE BY THE END OF 1984, HE SAID.
THE NEW SYSTEM WILL INCORPORATE THE LATEST TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY OBSERVATIONS OF THE VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE RUNWAY.
IT HAS THE SAME NUMBER OF TRANSMISSOMETERS BUT EACH TRANSMISSOMETER SYSTEM WILL INCLUDE A TRANSCEIVER UNIT AND A NUMBER OF REFLECTOR UNITS. ADDITIONAL REFLECTORS CAN BE FITTED TO THE TRANSMISSOMETERS WHICH CAN MEASURE METEOROLOGICAL VISIBILITY OVER TWO KILOMETRES.
MR LAM SAID THE NORMAL SERVICEABLE LIFE OF THE RVR SYSTEM IS ABOUT TEN YEARS. IF NECESSARY, THE SYSTEM CAN BE DISMANTLED AND REINSTALLED AT A NEW LOCATION AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $50 000 AT CURRENT PRICES.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1982
3
IMPORTANCE OF RETRAINING TEACHERS STRESSED
*****
♦THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE OF RETRAINING BACHERS, AND NEARLY HALF OF THOSE ON TRAINING COURSES IN THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION ARE IN-SERVICE, PART-TIME STUDENTS,* THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION, MR KEN TOPLEY SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FOURTH SYMPOSIUM CF THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF ASSOCIATIONS OF SCIENCE EDUCATION TODAY, MR TOPLEY SAID THAT IT WAS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO RETRAIN SCIENCE TEACHERS, BECAUSE DEVELOPMENTS WERE BEING MADE AND NEW CONCEPTS INTRODUCED AT AN EVER INCREASING RATE.
+IN ORDER TO KEEP ABREAST OF DEVELOPMENTS, IT IS NECESSARY TO DISCUSS RIGOROUSLY THE ISSUES AND PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN THE TEACHING OF SCIENCE.* SUCH DISCUSSION WOULD BENEFIT SCIENCE TEACHERS AND PUPILS, MR TOPLEY SAID.
HE WELCOMED OVERSEAS DELEGATES, FROM MORE THAN 15 COUNTRIES, AND PRAISED THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION FOR ORGANISING THE FIRST SYMPOSIUM OF ITS KIND TO BE HELD IN HONG KONG.
0 - -
INSURANCE MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT PUBLISHED
*****
THE REPORT ON A MANPOWER SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE INSURANCE TRAINING BOARD OF THE FORMER HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL IN JUNE 1981 HAS BEEN PUBLISHED.
THE REPORT SETS OUT TO GIVE, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, THE OVERALL SITUATION OF THE HONG KONG INSURANCE INDUSTRY’S CURRENT MANPOWER AS WELL AS THE TRAINING AND THE POSSIBLE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF ITS WORK FORCE.
COMMENTING ON THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY, MR ANTHONY KAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE INSURANCE TRAINING BOARD, SAID, + AS REFLECTED BY THE SURVEY FINDINGS, THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY IS IN NEED OF WELL-TRAINED AND QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
♦MEETING SUCH A NEED SHOULD BE TREATED AS A MATTER OF URGENCY IF THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY IS TO OPTIMIZE ITS ROLE IN HELPING ESTABLISH HONG KONG AS A LEADING FINANCIAL CENTRE IN THE ASIAN PACIFIC AREA.*
MR KAN ADDED THAT AVAILABILITY OF SUFFICIENT PLANNED AND ORGANISED TRAINING FACILITIES IS THE PREREQUISITE TO IMPROVING THE SERVICE QUALITY OF THE INDUSTRY TO MATCH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
IN HIS VIEW, THE REPORT CONTAINS APPROPRIATE RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE THE MANPOWER SITUATION OF THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.
THE REPORT IS ON SALE AT $25 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1982' .
4 -
SPORTS GROUNDS SOON READY FOR USE AGAIN
* * *
FINISHING TOUCHES ARE BEING PUT TO THE IMPROVEMENTS TO BOTH THE YUEN LONG STADIUM AND YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND AT TSUEN WAN, AND THE FACILITIES WILL SOON BE RE-OPENED TO THE PUBLIC FOR FIRST DIVISION FOOTBALL MATCHES AND ATHLETIC MEETS.
IN YUEN LONG STADIUM, A COVERED PERMANENT STAND WITH SEATS FOR ABOUT 2 OOO SPECTATORS HAS BEEN BUILT TO REPLACE THE WOODEN STAND, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.
REFURNISHMENT OF THE EXISTING UNCOVERED PERMANENT STAND, ACCOMMODATING ANOTHER 3 000 PEOPLE, HAS ALSO BEEN COMPLETED.
TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE YOUNGER POPULATION IN YUEN LONG, THE PREVIOUS SIX-LANE RUNNING TRACK OF THE STADIUM HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO AN EIGHT-LANE, ALL-WEATHER TRACK.
WORK ON THE RUNNING TRACK, SHOT PUT CIRCLE, DISCUS-THROWING CAGE AND SAND PIT ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
NEW CHANGING ROOMS, TOILETS, A REFRESHMENT KIOSK, STORAGE ROOMS AND COMMITTEE ROOMS ARE ALSO PROVIDED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID ADDING THAT THE COST OF THE WHOLE PROJECT WAS ABOUT S12 MILLION.
AT YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND, FIRST DIVISION FOOTBALL wlLL SOON BE PLAYED AT THE STANDARD TURFED SOCCER PITCH.
IT CAN HOLD AS MANY AS 4 000 SPECTATORS WHEN FIRST DIVISION FOOTBALL MATCHES ARRANGED BY THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION IS HELD AT THE SPORTS GROUND.
ERECTION OF NEW FENCING AND CROWD CONTROL FACILITIES WHICH COST ABOUT 81.25 MILLION ARE NEARLY COMPLETE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
-------o----------
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF WAN TSUI ROAD * * * *
WAN TSUI ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH LIN SHING ROAD AND A POINT 40 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WAN TSUI LANE IN CHAI WAN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY (DECEMBER 29 AND 30) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION CF A FOOTER IDGE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, CMB ROUTE 82 (BETWEEN CHAI WAN EAST AND NORTH POINT FERRY) WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHAI WAN ROAD.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1982
5
WATER TAPS OFF IN TSUEN WAN * * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR 10 HOURS FROM 9 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 3( 1
FACILITATE WATER MAINS WORK.
TMF AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY TAI HO ROAD, TEXACO ROAD, CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND YEUNG UK ROAD, 1NCLUOES PREM ISES IN
MA TAU PA ROAD, FUI YIU KOK STREET, WANG LUNG STREEI, LUNG STREET AND MA KOK STREET.
ALSO AFFECTED WILL BE WALDORF BUILDING, TSUEN WAN POLICE STATION AND SHEK WAI KOK ESTATE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
+VALID*- COMPUTER SYSTEM PUTS END TO CAR CHEATS................. 1
TAI PO PRIME SITE SOLD.......................................... 3
SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL.................... 3
LABOUR LAW OFFENCES ............................................ 4
CAS HOLDING CHARITY SPORTS DAY ................................. 5
IMPROVEMENTS TO TAI PO COUNTRY WALK NEARING COMPLETION........ 5
SALT WATER MAINS WORK .......................................... 6
WATER FIGURES
6
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1982
1
+VALID* COMPUTER SYSTEM PUTS END TO CAR CHEATS
*****
CAR CHEATS AND OTHERS TRYING TO CIRCUMVENT THE LAW ARE WARNED NOT TO TRY THEIR OLD TRICKS ANYMORE, FOR THEY NOW HAVE TO RECKON WITH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S RECENTLY COMPLETED ’VALID’ COMPUTER SYSTEM.
SOME OF THE TRICKS USED BY THE UNSCRUPULOUS IN THE PAST WERE POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE TIME LAG THAT EXISTED BEFORE A THOROUGH CHECK COULD BE MADE ON SUCH THINGS AS OWNERSHIP DETAILS AND TRAFF’C OFFENCES.
BUT THE INSTANT RECALL OF INFORMATION AVAILABLE FROM THE ’VALID’ COMPUTER SYSTEM WILL PUT AN END TO SUCH DECEPTION, MR SIMON SIT, SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING DIVISION, EXPLAINED.
FOR INSTANCE, HE SAID, PEOPLE HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO HAVE OBTAINED DOUBLE LOANS FROM FINANCE COMPANIES BY DEPOSITING THEIR ORIGINAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS WITH ONE COMPANY AND THEN REPORTING THE LOSS OF SUCH DOCUMENTS IN ORDER TO GET A NEW SET OF DOCUMENTS FROM THE DEPARTMENT FOR DEPOSITING WITH ANOTHER COMPANY TO OBTAIN ANOTHER LOAN.
IN THE OLD SYSTEM, MR SIT SAID, IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO MAKE IMMEDIATE AND INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION OF PARTICULARS CONTAINED IN THE APPLICATIONS FOR NEW DOCUMENTS OR TO DETECT ANY UNAUTHORISED ALTERATIONS TO OR FORGERIES OF DOCUMENTS PRESENTED.
+THIS SORT OF TRICKERY IS NO LONGER POSSIBLE, NOW THAT THE VALID SYSTEM CAN INSTANTLY PROVIDE CURRENT INFORMATION ON VEHICLES,* HE SAID.
IN ADDITION TO THE +INSTANT DETECTION* BENEFITS, THE VALID SYSTEM HAS MEANT A FAR GREATER EFFICIENCY AND SAVINGS IN MANPOWER. FOR INSTANCE, IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR, THE DIVISION’S THREE LICENSING OFFICES MADE CLOSE TO 1 950 000 LICENSING AND REGISTRATION TRANSACTIONS OVER THE COUNTER, AN INCREASE OF 33 PER CENT OVER THE WORK DONE IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
+THESE TRANSACTIONS WERE PROCESSED BY 60 COMPUTER TERMINALS MANNED BY A COUNTER AND COMPUTER STAFF OF ONLY 90 ,* MR SIT SAID.
HE RECKONED THAT IT WOULD HAVE REQUIRED AN ADDITIONAL STAFF OF AT LEAST 100 JUST TO MAINTAIN RECORDS IF THE VALID SYSTEM HAD NOT BEEN INTRODUCED.
♦EVEN WITH THE ADDITIONAL STAFF, THE QUALITY AND PROMPTNESS OF SERVICE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN ANYWHERE AS GOOD,* HE SAID.
MORE IMPORTANT, THE SYSTEM NOW GREATLY CUTS DOWN OPPORTUNITIES FOR FORGERY, UNAUTHORISED ALTERATIONS OF PARTICULARS AND OTHER MALPRACTICES IN CONNECTION WITH VEHICLE AND DRIVER LICENSING AND VEHICLE REGISTRATION, MR SIT POINTED OUT.
/THE VALID .......
TUESDAY, DiDEMBEH 28. 1982
- 2 -
THE VALID SYSTEM WAS INTRODUCED IN TWO PARTS: THE FIRST IN 1976 FOR DEALING WITH DRIVER LICENSING AND THE SECOND IN SIX STAGES FROM 1980 FOR DEALING WITH VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING WORK. THE VEHICLE SYSTEM WAS FULLY INSTALLED IN MARCH THIS YEAR, IN THE DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICES.
DERIVED FROM THE FULL NAME +VEHICLE AND DRIVER LICENSING INTEGRATED DATA SYSTEM*, VALID NOW HANDLES DRIVER LICENSING, VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING, FIXED PENALTIES FOR TRAFFIC OFFENCES AND MANY OTHER FUNCTIONS.
IT HAS FOUR MAJOR FEATURES:
(1) THE ONLINE, REAL-TIME +TRANSPORT LICENSING SYSTEM*, TO HANDLE VEHICLE REGISTRATION, VEHICLE AND DRIVER LICENSING FUNCTION.
(2) THE +BATCH ACCOUNTING SYSTEM*, PROVIDING ACCOUNTING AND STATISTICAL REPORTS ON DAILY TRANSACTIONS PROCESSED BY THE TRANSPORT LICENSING OFFICES.
(3) THE ONLINE, REAL-TIME +POLICE INFORMATION SYSTEM*, WITH TERMINALS INSTALLED IN THE TRAFFIC HEADQUARTERS PROVIDING ENQUIRY AND UPDATED INFORMATION ON WANTED, MISSING AND STOLEN VEHILCES FOR THE POLICE.
(4) THE +FIXED PENALTY RELATED SYSTEM*, PROVIDING AUTOMATIC CHECKS ON OUTSTANDING COURT ORDERS DUE TO MOVING OR PARKING OFFENCES.
THE HUGE GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES AND THE AMOUNT OF WORK INVOLVED SINCE 1976 HAS MADE THE FULL +VALID+ SYSTEM MOST ESSENTIAL.
FOR INSTANCE, THE THREE LICENSING OFFICES PROCESS AN AVERAGE CF 7 500 TRANSACTIONS EACH WORKING DAY, INVOLVING THE RENEWAL, ISSUE OF DUPLICATE AND REPLACEMENT OF VEHICLE AND DRIVING LICENCES, THE UPDATING AND THE MAINTENANCE OF DRIVER AND VEHICLE RECORDS.
ALL LICENCES AND RELATED DOCUMENTS ARE NOW PRODUCED BY PASSBOOK PRINTERS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TRANSACTIONS ARE VALIDATED AND PROCESSED BY THE VALID SYSTEM. PREVIOUSLY, IT TOOK A MUCH LONGER TIME FOR THESE TO BE ISSUED, SOMETIMES TAKING AS LONG AS SEVERAL DAYS.
MOREOVER THE SYSTEM CAN IMMEDIATELY DETECT UNAUTHORISED ALTERATIONS AND FORGERIES OF LICENCES WHICH MAY HAVE ESCAPED MANUAL EXAMINATION.
ANOTHER ADVANTAGE IS DERIVED FROM THE POLICE INFORMATION SYSTEM WHICH CAN READILY PROVIDE THE TRAFFIC POLICEMAN ON PATROL WITH INSTANT PARTICULARS OF STOLEN VEHICLES OR WANTED PERSONS WHEN HE CALLS IN BY RADIO, MR SIT SAID.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1982
- 3 -
TAI PO PRIME SITE SOLD * * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A SITE IN TAI PO NEW TOWN UNDER THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME TO ASCOLI ENTERPRISES LTD. FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH-RISE COMMERCIAL-RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX, IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE COMPANY, A SUBSIDIARY OF SHUI ON (HOLDINGS) LTD., PUT UP A PREMIUM OF $42.28 MILLION FOR THE 1.346 HECTARES SITE, LOCATED IN A PRIME POSITION WITHIN THE TOWN CENTRE.
THE TAI PO DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER, MR VICTOR LEUNG, SAID THAT OF THE FIVE TENDER APPLICATIONS RECEIVED, THE PROPOSALS SUBMITTED BY ASCOLI ENTERPRISES LTD. WERE CONSIDERED THE MOST ACCEPTABLE AND THE PREMIUM TENDERED REALISTIC AND REASONABLE.
HE SAID THAT UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF SALE, THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER IS REQUIRED TO BUILD A COMMERCIAL PODIUM WITH ONE DOUBLE AND THREE SINGLE CRUCIFORM RESIDENTIAL TOWER BLOCKS ON TOP OF IT.
♦THE PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD BY THE DEVELOPER SHOW THAT THERE WILL BE 1 408 DOMESTIC FLATS RANGING IN SIZES FROM 35.75 SQUARE METRES TO 47 SQUARE METRES,+ HE SAID.
COMMERCIAL FACILITIES THAT WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED INCLUDE CINEMAS, A RESTAURANT, A BOWLING ALLEY, KINDERGARTENS AND RETAIL SHOPS, MR LEUNG ADDED.
THE DEVELOPMENT, EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY MID-1985, WILL BE LINKED TO ADJACENT TOWN CENTRE SITES BY ELEVATED WALKWAYS FOR PEDESTRIANS AND THE PODIUM WILL BE LANDSCAPED TO PROVIDE RECREATIONAL
FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS.
MR LEUNG SAID THAT HE WAS PLEASED WITH THE KEEN RESPONSE SHOWN BY DEVELOPERS FOR THIS SITE AS IT CLEARLY INDICATED THAT THERE WAS CONFIDENCE IN THE PROPERTY MARKET IN TAI PO.
SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL
* * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL NEXT MONTH BE CONDUCTING A SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY.
SUCH SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL IN PROVIDING SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AS WELL AS INFORMATION ON STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET IN HONG KONG, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED TODAY.
THE SURVEY WILL COVER ABOUT 40 000 ESTABLISHMENTS DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS, INCLUDING THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR, THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANT AND HOTEL SECTOR AND SERVICE SECTOR.
/DTFOHMATICN WILL........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1982
- 4 -
INFORMATION WILL BE SOUGHT ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES IN EACH ESTABLISHMENT.
SOME 10 000 ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE SELECTED FROM THE SAMPLE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO BE OBTAINED ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF OCTOBER TO DECEMBER.
QUESTIONNAIRES WILL BE MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS EARLY NEXT MONTH.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982 (LEGAL NOTICE NO. 69 OF 1982, GAZETTED ON MARCH 5, 1982), ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
RETURN ENVELOPES ARE PROVIDED TO ASSIST ESTABLISHMENTS IN MAILING BACK THEIR COMPLETED RETURNS.
RESPONDENTS WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY IN COMPLETING THE FORMS MAY CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE AT THE FOLLOWING TELEPHONE NUMBERS 5-436551, 5-444301, 5-455661, 5-455668.
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LABOUR LAW OFFENCES * * *
A TOTAL OF 660 PROSECUTIONS FOR BREACHES OF LABOUR LAWS TAKEN OUT BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN NOVEMBER RESULTED IN FINES AMOUNTING TO MORE THAN $560 000, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
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 225 CASES CONCERNING VIOLATIONS OF SAFETY REGULATIONS, WITH $338 400 IN FINES. THESE INCLUDED 84 CASES (WITH $131 200 IN FINES) FOR BREACH OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS AND 64 CASES (WITH $134 000 IN FINES) FOR BREACH OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS.
AND THERE WERE 380 CASES RELATING TO BREACHES OF THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS WITH $195 100 IN FINES.
OF THE OTHER PROSECUTIONS, 20 CASES CONCERNED FAILURE TO KEEP RECORDS OF EMPLOYEES, LEADING TO $11 000 IN FINES.
0------
5
CAS HOLDING CHARITY SPORTS DAY * * *
A CHARITY SPORTS DAY WILL BE HELD BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES AS ONE OF THE MAJOR EVENTS TO MARK ITS 3OTH ANNIVERSARY, ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 1) AT THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE, FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM.
THE EVENT WILL BE HELD IN TWO PARTS — A ROAD RUN FOR CAS ADULT MEMBERS AND A ’TELEMATCH’ MINI-SPORTS GAMES FOR THE CADETS.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE SPONSORED BY RELATIVES AND FRIENDS AS WELL AS TEAM MEMBERS AND ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THE CHESHIRE HOMES IN CHUNG HOM KOK, A PHILANTHROPIC ORGANISATION FOR THE AGED.
ABOUT 200 ADULT MEMBERS WILL TAKE PART IN THE ROAD RUN, WHICH WILL BE IN THE FORM OF A RELAY. THE RUN WILL START FROM THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE, AND MOVE ALONG ARGYLE STREET, TIN KWONG ROAD, FARM ROAD, MA TAU WAI ROAD, MA TAU CHUNG ROAD, MA TAU WAI ESTATE AND END AT THE REAR GATE OF THE TRAINING CENTRE.
THE ’TELEMATCH’ SPORTS GAMES WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE COMPOUND CF THE CENTRE, WITH ABOUT 200 CADETS PARTICIPATING.
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IMPROVEMENTS TO TAI PO COUNTRY WALK NEARING COMPLETION * * * * *
MORE AND MORE PEOPLE WILL BE ATTRACTED TO THE COUNTRY SIDE IN TAI PO AS THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD IS CONTINUING IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO THE TAI PO COUNTRY WALK SYSTEM.
THE NETWORK, MODELLED ON THE MACLEHOSE TRAIL, PROVIDES IDEAL ROUTES FOR BOTH LEISURE WALKERS AND HIKERS.
THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED SOME $150 000 FROM ITS MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT VOTE FOR PHASE I OF IMPROVEMENT WORKS NOW BEING CARRIED OUT ALONG THE TRAIL WHICH IS A CIRCULAR ROUTE FROM TAI PO KAU TO WONG Yl AU, LAI CHI SHAN, PUN CHUN YUEN, LEAD MINE PASS AND BACK TO TAI PO KAU.
THE IMPROVEMENT WORKS, NOW NEARING COMPLETION, INCLUDE CUTTING TALL GRASSES, PAVING FOOTPATHS AND THE PROVISION OF STEPS WHERE NECESSARY.
INFORMATION BOARDS HAVE ALSO BEEN INSTALLED AT ALL ENTRANCES INCLUDING PUN CHUNG, TAI PO KAU, THE NEW KCR INTERCHANGE AND HA WONG Yl AU. IN ADDITION, THERE ARE VARIOUS SIGNS AND BENCHES ALONG THE TRAIL.
PAMPHLETS WITH MAPS AND DESCRIPTIONS OF FACILITIES WILL SOON BE DISTRIBUTED TO ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS AND HOUSING ESTATES.
PHASE II OF THE IMPROVEMENT WORKS COVERING CLOUDY HILL AND FUNG YUEN AREA WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1982
SALT WATER MAINS WORK K K K
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SAU MAU PING WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 9 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 31) TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS WORK.
AREAS AFFECTED WILL BE SAU MAU PING ESTATE, LAM TIN ESTATE, HONG LEE ROAD, HONG NING ROAD, KUNG LOK ROAD, CHOI WAN ESTATE, SHUN LEE ESTATE, SHUN ON ESTATE, AND SHUN TIN ESTATE.
- - 0 -
WATER FIGURES * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (TUESDAY) STOOD AT 75.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 437.090 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 261.296 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 45.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HOSPITAL ACTIVITY HITS RECORD LEVEL ............................ 1
CHAIRMAN, MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION .................... 2
WRITTEN TESTS FOR LANTAU TAXI LICENCES ......................... 3
CARNIVAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD ..................................... 3
WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING OPEN TO PUBLIC ................. 4
44 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN NOVEMBER ......................... 3
ROAD CLOSURE IN TSZ WAN SHAN ................................... 6
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1982
1
HOSPITAL ACTIVITY HITS RECORD LEVEL
* XX *
ATTENDANCES AT THE CASUALTY DEPARTMENTS OF MAJOR GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND AT VARIOUS GENERAL AND SPECIALIST OUT-PATIENT CLINICS - AND ADMISSIONS TO HOSPITAL WARDS - REACHED THE HIGHEST RECORDS LAST YEAR.
THE 1981-82 ANNUAL REPORT PUBLISHED RECENTLY BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, SHOWS THAT MORE THAN 13.4 MILLION OUT-PATIENTS WERE TREATED AT VARIOUS GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS.
♦HOWEVER, THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES SHOWED NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN BUT, IN FACT, PROGRESSED SATISFACTORILY IN KEEPING PACE WITH THE NEED OF THE GROWING POPULATION,+ THE REPORT STATES.
THE TOTAL COMPRISED 4.46 MILLION AT GENERAL CLINICS, 761 OOO AT CASUALTY DEPARTMENTS AND 8.19 MILLION AT SPECIALIST CLINICS.
THE NUMBER OF OUT-PATIENTS AT GOVERNMENT-ASSISTED INSTITUTIONS TOPPED 1.94 MILLION DURING THE YEAR.
IN-PATIENTS AT GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS TOTALLED 384 246 AND AT GOVERNMENT-ASSISTED INSTITUTIONS 195 232.
FOR THE 1981-82 FISCAL YEAR, EXPENDITURE FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT REACHED $1 204.3 MILLION, SUBVENTIONS FOR NON-GOVERNMENT MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS 3629.4 MILLION AND CAPITAL OUTLAYS ON HOSPITALS AND OTHER BUILDINGS $286 MILLION. THESE FIGURES REPRESENT INCREASES OF 31.8 PER CENT, 32 PER CENT AND 13.5 PER CENT OVER THE PRECEDING YEAR.
THE REPORT POINTS OUT THAT THE GENERAL LEVEL OF HEALTH OF HONG KONG’S POPULATION REMAINED GOOD, DUE LARGELY TO THE ANTI-EPIDEMIC AND SURVEILLANCE MEASURES, DEVELOPMENTS IN PREVENTIVE AND PERSONAL HEALTH SERVICES AND GENERAL IMPROVEMENT IN SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS.
THE CRUDE DEATH RATE OF 4.8 PER THOUSAND POPULATION IN 1981 CONTINUED ITS STEADY DECLINE OVER THE LAST TWO DECADES, COMPARED WITH THE RATE OF 5 FOR EVERY THOUSAND PEOPLE IN 1971 AND 5.9 IN 1961.
THE FIVE LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH IN 1981 WERE CANCER, HEART DISEASES, CEREBRAL VASCULAR DISEASES, PNEUMONIA AND VARIOUS INJURIES AND POISONING.
CANCER ACCOUNTED FOR 127.8 DEATHS FOR EVERY 100 000 PEOPLE, UP FROM 104.7 IN 1971 AND 72 IN 1961 WHILE HEART DISEASES KILLED 74.3 OUT OF 100 000 PEOPLE, COMPARED WITH 74 IN 1971 AND 58.9 IN 1961.
BUT TUBERCULOSIS MORTALITY DROPPED FROM 60.2 PER 100 000 POPULATION TO 30.9 IN 1971 AND TO 9.5 LAST YEAR.
THE FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE OPERATES 40 CENTRES, PROVIDING A COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH PROGRAMME FOR WOMEN OF CHILD BEARING AGE AND CHILDREN UP TO FIVE YEARS OF AGE.
/LAST YEAR,
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, "’982
2
LAST YEAR, ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF THE NEWLY BORN BABIES ATTENDED THE FAMILY HEALTH CENTRES.
THE INFANT MORTALITY RATE FOR THE YEAR WAS 9.7 PER THOUSAND LIVE BIRTHS, DOWN FROM 11.8 IN I960.
THE REPORT POINTS OUT, HOWEVER, THAT THE MATERNITY MORTALITY RATE WAS 0.08 PER THOUSAND TOTAL BIRTHS, AS COMPARED WITH 0.05 IN 1980. THE MAJOR CAUSE OF MATERNAL DEATHS WERE POSTPARTUM HAEMORRHAGE AND OBSTETRICAL PULMONARY EMBOLISM.
THE DECLINING INCIDENCE OF LEPROSY FOR THE PAST TWO AND A HALF DECADES CONTINUED THROUGH 1981 DURING WHICH ONLY 55 NEW CASES WERE TREATED, REPRESENTING AN INCIDENCE RATE OF 1.1 PER 100 000 POPULATION.
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT RUNS A METHADONE MAINTENANCE AS WELL AS DETOXIFICATION SCHEME FOR DRUG ADDICTS, HANDLING A DAILY AVERAGE OF 6 000 TO 7 000 CASES. f
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PSYCHIATRIC BEDS AT THE END OF 1981 WAS 3 184, AND IN LINE WITH THE UNIVERSAL TREND OF OPERATING SMALL PSYCHIATRIC UNITS IN GENERAL HOSPITALS, IT WAS INTENDED THAT AN ADDITIONAL 2 200 BEDS WOULD BE INCORPORATED INTO THE VARIOUS FUTURE MEDICAL PROJECTS, THE REPORT SAID.
IN 1981, THERE WERE 6 359 ADMISSIONS TO THE MENTAL HOSPITALS, 546 TO THE VARIOUS DAY HOSPITALS AND 169 018 ATTENDANCES AT THE OUT-PATIENT PSYCHIATRIC CENTRES.
THE NUMBER OF HOSPITAL BEDS AT THE GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS AT THE END OF 1981 STOOD AT 10 281 AND AT THE GOVERNMENT-ASSISTED INSTITUTIONS AT 8 755.
-------o ---------
CHAIRMAN, MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION *****
TODAY THAT THE GOVERNOR HAS APPROVED THE NEWTON TO SUCCEED MR N.S. THOMPSON, C.B.E MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.
IT WAS ANNOUNCED APPOINTMENT OF MR C.W. AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE
MR NEWTON, WHO IS 54 YEARS OF AGE, IS AT PRESENT THE GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR OF TURNER AND NEWALL PLC, IN THE UNITED KINGDOM HAVING JOINED THEM IN 1968 AS FINANCE DIRECTOR. HE FORMERLY HELD SENIOR POSITIONS WITH MOBIL OIL IN AFRICA AND JAPAN.
MR NEWTON IS MARRIED WITH FOUR CHILDREN. HE IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE IN HONG KONG ON 1ST MAY 1983 TO TAKE UP HIS NEW APPOINTMENT.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1982
WRITTEN TESTS FOR LANTAU TAXI LICENCES
* X * *
SPECIAL WRITTEN TESTS FOR LANTAU TAXI LICENCES WILL BE ARRANGED IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH PRIOR TO THE INTRODUCTION OF TAXIS ON LANTAU ISLAND.
ONLY RESIDENTS ON THE ISLAND WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE ARRANGEMENT IS TO ENABLE THE ISLAND’S RESIDENTS TO OBTAIN TAXI DRIVING LICENCES WITH A VIEW TO DRIVING LANTAU TAXIS WHICH WILL COME INTO OPERATION SOON.
LANTAU RESIDENTS WHO HAVE EARLIER REGISTERED FOR AN NT OR URBAN TAXI WRITTEN TEST MAY ALSO APPLY FOR THESE SPEC I AL TESTS.
THE TEST WILL CONSIST OF QUESTIONS ON THE HIGHWAY CODES, TAXI REGULATIONS AND LOCATIONS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON, THE NEW TERRITORIES AND LANTAU ISLAND.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT MUI WO COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BRANCH OFFICE, AND THE FOUR RURAL COMMITTEES AT MUI WO, SOUTH LANTAU, TUNG CHUNG AND TAI 0.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN PERSON TO MUI WO COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BRANCH OFFICE AT GRANDVIEW MANSION, SOUTH LANTAU ROAD FROM JANUARY 5 TO 8.
LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
----o-----
CARNIVAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD
* * * *
MORE THAN 2 500 RESIDENTS OF EAST KOWLOON ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN A SPORTS CARNIVAL TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 2). FROM 9.30 AM TO 1 PM, AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND AND MA TAU WAI PLAYGROUND.
THERE WILL BE A VARIETY OF GAMES RANGING FROM DANCE-IN SESSIONS, DARTS COMPETITIONS TO THREE-A-SIDE BASKETBALL MATCHES, AS WELL AS TELEMATCHES FOR CHILDREN AND ELDERLY PEOPLE.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A MARCHING BAND DISPLAY AND DANCE DEMONSTRATION.
THE EAST KOWLOON SPORTS CARNIVAL IS CO-ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
ITS AIM IS TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO DISCOVER THE JOY OF SPORT AND RECREATION PURSUIT THROUGH PART IC I PAT I ON.
/THE CaHNIVAL .......
WEDNESDAY, DECxXBER 29,• 19&
THE CARNIVAL IS OPEN TO ALL FREE OF CHARGE. PARTICIPANTS MUST FIRST REGISTER FOR THE EVENTS AND MAY OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM THE FOLLOWING RSS DISTRICT OFFICES ; KOWLOON CITY (3-7128500), WONG TAI SIN (3-377103) AND KWUN TONG (3-436123).
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EAST KOWLOON SPORTS CARNIVAL AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND AND THE MA TAU WAI PLAYGROUND ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 2) FROM 9.30 AM TO 1 PM.
- 0 -
WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING OPEN TO PUBLIC ******
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AT WORK AT THE SECOND DB MEETING TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 4).
A LIMITED NUMBER OF SEATS WILL BE RESERVED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS. THOSE INTERESTED ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARY AT 5-8921239.
TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED AT THE COMING MEETING WILL INCLUDE THE PROPOSED CANCELLATION OF THE SOUTH CONCOURSE AT MTR CAUSEWAY BAY STATION, THE RESTRICTING OF O’BRIEN ROAD FOR PEDESTRIAN USE, THE EFFECT OF THE NEW SUBVENTION SYSTEM ON SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, AND THE INTRODUCTION OF THE +MEET THE PUBLIC* SCHEME.
THE DB MEMBERS WILL ALSO SELECT A LOGO FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD FROM ENTRIES TO A RECENT OPEN COMPETITION.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SECOND MEETING OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 4) AT 4 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AT TUNG WAH MANSION, 8TH FLOOR, 201 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG.
0 -
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1982
5
44 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN NOVEMBER X * * *
FORTY-FOUR NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH 63 IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.
OF THE NEW PLANS, 20 WERE FOR NEW BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 10 FOR KOWLOON AND 14 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
INCLUDED WERE PLANS FOR A SCHOOL IN BRAEMAR HILL ROAD, A FOOTBRIDGE IN SHA TIN, AN L/P GAS FILLING STATION IN TAI SHANG WAI, YUEN LONG AND A PETROL FILLING STATION IN FAIRVIEW PARK, YUEN LONG.
THE DECLARED COST OF ALL THE NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS $1 047 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $452.2 MILLION FOR NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.
THEIR USABLE FLOOR AREA TOTALLED 241 334.9 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 168 507.9 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC AND 72 827 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 THE SALVATION ARMY HEADQUARTERS AT WING SING LANE, TWO SCHOOL EXTENSIONS AT SYCAMORE STREET AND YUK WAH STREET AND A CLUB HOUSE AT BEAS RIVER, SHEUNG SHU I.
AND, 42 OCCUPATION PERMITS WERE ISSUED FOR NEWLY-COMPLETED BUILDINGS, INCLUDING A SWIMMING POOL IN WONG MA KOK ROAD, STANLEY, TWO POWER STATIONS IN AP LEI CHAU AND A PASSENGER JETTY IN PO LO TSUI, LAMMA ISLAND.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO GAVE PERMISSION FOR 35 BUILDINGS TO BE DEMOLISHED.
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/6........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29,.1982
6 -
ROAD CLOSURE IN TSZ WAN SHAN * * * *
AS A RESULT CF THE BURST OF WATER MAINS AT WAN WAH STREET, TSZ WAN SHAN, THE SECTION BETWEEN WAI WAH STREET AND SHEUNG FUNG STREET WILL REMAIN CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ANOTHER THREE WEEKS FOR ROAD WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC ON THE OTHER SECTION BETWEEN WAI WAH STREET AND TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY NORTHBOUND.
KMB ROUTES 3A, 3B AND 15A HEADING FOR TSZ WAN SHAN WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD AND TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD. ON THEIR WAY TO WONG TAI SIN, THEY WILL TRAVEL ALONG TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD AND YUK WAH STREET BEFORE TURNING INTO WAN WAH STREET.
MAX ICAB ROUTE NO. 19 HEADING FOR SAN PO KONG WILL USE TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD, PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD AND HAMMER HILL ROAD.
ON JOURNEYS TO TSZ WAN SHAN, MAXICAB ROUTE NO. 20 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SHEUNG FUNG STREET, WAN WAH STREET, YUK WAH STREET, HONG WAH STREET AND WAI WAH STREET. RETURN TRIPS WILL BE VIA TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD AND YUK WAH STREET, BEFORE REJOINING WAN WAH STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, DECEMBER JO, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
'NOT POSSIBLE TO FREEZE ELECTRICITY TARIFF INCREASES' ......... 1
BUILDING DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE ........................ 2
NEW STANDING COMMISSION MEMBER ................................ 4-
BELONGER STATUS OF NEW BORN CHILDREN ........................... 4
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER ....................... 5
SURVEY OF OCTOBER RETAIL SALES ................................. 8
MORE PEOPLE LODGE TRAFFIC COMPLAINTS .......................... 11
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO EXTEND SERVICES DURING NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS 12
OPENING OF BUS-ONLY LANES IN MID-LEVELS ....................... 1J
NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST ......................................... 1J
IMMIGRATION MOBILE OFFICE SCHEDULE ............................ 14
TSIM SHA TSUI IMMIGRATION OFFICE TO CLOSE..................... 14
FESTIVE ACTIVITIES FOR NEW YEAR EVE.......................... 15
EASTERN DISTRICT ATHLETIC MEET ................................ 16
CNTA HOLDS FIRST SPORTS DAY ................................... 16
FISHERMEN WARNED NOT TO USE EXPLOSIVES........*.............. 17
REMINDER ON PAID ANNUAL LEAVE.................................. 17
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1982
1
'NOT POSSIBLE TO FREEZE ELECTRICITY TARIFF INCREASES' *******
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN STATED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO FREEZE THE INCREASES IN ELECTRICITY TARIFFS DUE TO TAKE EFFECT ON JANUARY 1.
THERE HAS BEEN MUCH PRESSURE TO FREEZE OR DEFER THESE INCREASES AND THE SPOKESMAN SAID THESE REQUESTS HAD BEEN GIVEN THE MOST CAREFUL CONSIDERATION AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS.
HE SAID THE ANNOUNCED INCREASES HAD BEEN APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ONLY AFTER THE MOST CAREFUL EXAMINATION OF THE FULL FACTS AND FIGURES.
♦THE FINANCING PLANS ON WHICH THE INCREASES WERE BASED HAD BEEN EXAMINED AGAIN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL AND REMAINED VALID,* HE ADDED.
♦THE INCREASES WERE THUS BOTH NECESSARY AND JUSTIFIED IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN RELIABLE AND SUFFICIENT ELECTRICITY SUPPLY NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.+
IN EXPLAINING THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL AGAIN, THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THESE SCHEMES WERE LONG-TERM, LEGALLY ENFORCEABLE CONTRACTS NEGOTIATED BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMPANIES. THEY WERE ENTERED INTO AFTER THEIR TERMS HAD BEEN EXAMINED AND APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, WHICH TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE TOTAL INTERESTS OF ALL THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
♦THIS MEANS NOT ONLY THE IMMEDIATE NEEDS OF CONSUMERS BUT ALSO THEIR REQUIREMENTS FOR YEARS AHEAD,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
LONG-TERM SCHEMES OF CONTROL ARE NECESSARY BECAUSE THE POWER COMPANIES MUST ACCEPT LONG-TERM COMMITMENTS. ANY CHANGES TO THE SCHEMES WOULD THUS PUT THOSE PLANS IN JEOPARDY.
♦WE CANNOT LOOK ONLY AT PRESENT AND SHORT-TERM PROBLEMS,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN THE RECENT DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AN UNOFFICIAL NEMBER DREW ATTENTION TO THE FACT THAT THE POWER COMPANIES’ CHARGES COMPARED FAVOURABLY WITH THOSE IN NEIGHBOURING AREAS IN THE REGION. THE AVERAGE ELECTRICITY COST PER UNIT FOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CONSUMERS IS LOWER IN HONG KONG THAN IN SEVERAL OF THESE COUNTRIES. AND THE SUPPLY IS VERY DEPENDABLE.
IN HONG KONG THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MANAGING THE COMPANIES FALLS FAIRLY AND SQUARELY ON THE COMPANIES THEMSELVES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE COMPANIES HAD SERVED HONG KONG WELL. ♦WE HAVE ENJOYED A RELIABLE SERVICE AT A REASONABLE PRICE AT A TIME OF RAPIDLY RISING DEMAND.*
/THE GOVERNMENT......
THURSDAY, DECiXBEH JC, '982
2
THE GOVERNMENT’S INVOLVEMENT IS LIMITED TO ENSURING THAT THE CHARGES OF THE COMPANIES ARE REASONABLE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SCHEMES. TO ACHIEVE THIS BOTH THE SCHEMES AND THE_JARIFFS ARE APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN THE CONTEXT OF DEMAND FOR NEW PLANT AND EQUIPMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN CONCLUDED BY STATING THAT NOTHING HAD BEEN SAID TO SUGGEST THAT A STANDING COMMISSION, WHICH HAS BEEN REQUESTED BY SOME GROUPS, WOULD RESULT IN A BETTER SERVICE TO THE CONSUMER IN TERMS OF RELIABILITY AND PRICE.
HOWEVER THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WOULD SOON BE ASKED TO CONSIDER A SUGGESTION THAT CONSULTANTS BE APPOINTED TO ADVISE ON THE GOVERNMENT’S MONITORING SYSTEMS. THEY WOULD WORK ALONGS!DE THE TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS, WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN APPOINTED.
♦THIS COULD BE A VALUABLE OUTCOME OF THE PUBLIC INTEREST IN A DIFFICULT ISSUE,* HE SAID.
- - 0 -
BUILDING DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
*****
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPROVED THE SETTING UP OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND ITS FOUR SUB-COMMITTEES, IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY.
ALTOGETHER 32 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS HAVE BEEN ISSUED WITH FORMAL NOTIFICATION OF THEIR TWO-YEAR TERM OF APPOINTMENT TO SERVE THE COMMITTEE AND ITS SUB-COMMITTEES.
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR DAVID MCDONALD, WILL BE CHAIRING THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE NEXT TUESDAY (JANUARY 4).
THE FOUR SUB-COMMITTEES ARE THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT SUB-COMMITTEE, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE REVIEW SUB-COMMITTEE, THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS SUB-COMMITTEE AND THE AUTHORISED PERSONS AND REGISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS SUB-COMMITTEE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WOULD BE PROVIDING A FORUM FOR THE DISCUSSION OF ALL MATTERS AFFECTING CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT, AND EXAMINING AND KEEPING UNDER REVIEW ALL POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND PROCESSES NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND WOULD RECOMMEND TO GOVERNMENT AMENDMENTS WHERE THESE ARE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
THE OFFICIAL MEMBERS INCLUDE THE DEPUTY SECRETARY (WORKS) OF THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH, THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR AND LEGAL DEPARTMENT. THERE ARE ALSO 12 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS SERVING ON THE COMMITTEE.
/THE 3UILDD;G ....
THURSDAY, DECxKBBH ?C, T<8?
THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS SUB-COMMITTEE, TO BE CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY (WORKS), WILL COMPRISE EIGHT OFFICIAL MEMBERS AND SEVEN UNOFFICIALS.
THE OFFICIAL MEMBERS ARE THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR AND THE GOVERNMENT QUANTITY SURVEYOR.
THIS SUB-COMMITTEE WILL BE PROVIDING A FORUM FOR THE DISCUSSION OF ALL MATTERS AFFECTING BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION.
THE SECOND SUB-COMMITTEE, THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT SUB-COMMITTEE, WILL BE DISCUSSING ALL LAND ADMINISTRATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES INCLUDING THE EFFECTS OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON THESE MATTERS.
TO BE CHAIRED BY THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS, IT COMPRISES 12 OFFICIALS AND NINE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS.
THE OFFICIALS ARE THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, THREE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT LAND AGENTS (LANDS, DISPOSAL AND ACQUISITION), THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNER, THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (LANDS), A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE HOUSING BRANCH, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE AND THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE.
THE AUTHORISED PERSONS AND REGISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS SUB-COMMITTEE COMPRISES FOUR OFFICIALS AND SIX UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS.
WITH THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT AS CHAIRMAN, THE OTHER OFFICIALS ARE THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR, THE GOVERNMENT STRUCTURAL ENGINEER OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE AND THE GOVERNMENT GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER.
THE SUB-COMMITTEE WILL BE PROVIDING A FORUM FOR THE DISCUSSION OF ALL MATTERS RELATED TO THE DUTIES OF AUTHORISED PERSONS AND REGISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE REVIEW SUB-COMMITTEE, WHICH WILL ALSO BE CHAIRED BY THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDES THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR, THE GOVERNMENT STRUCTURAL ENGINEER OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE, THE GOVERNMENT GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER AND THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNER AS OFFICIAL MEMBERS TOGETHER WITH THREE UNOFFICIALS.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS SUB-COMMITTEE IS TO ACT AS A STEERING BODY FOR WORKING GROUPS EXAMINING VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE POSSIBLE AMENDMENT OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1982
NEW STANDING COMMISSION MEMBER
* * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF THE
REV G.L. SPEAK AS A NEW MEMBER OF THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE. THE APPOINTMENT WILL RUN FOR TWO YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1983.
THE REV G.L. SPEAK IS THE SECRETARY OF THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION.
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BELONGER STATUS OF NEW BORN CHILDREN “ # -
AS A RESULT OF THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981, FROM JANUARY 1, 1983, CHILDREN BORN IN HONG KONG WILL NOT BE HONG KONG BELONGERS BY BIRTH UNLESS AT LEAST ONE PARENT IS A HONG KONG BELONGER OR SETTLED IN HONG KONG.
♦’SETTLED’ MEANS ORDINARILY RESIDENT WITHOUT BEING SUBJECT TO ANY RESTRICTION ON THE PERIOD FOR WHICH A PERSON MAY REMAIN,* THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
♦ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO RECORD A CHILD’S HONG KONG BELONGER STATUS AT THE TIME THAT THE BIRTH IS REGISTERED. THIS WILL BE HELPFUL TO THE CHILD IN LATER YEARS WHEN APPLICATION IS MADE FOR A PASSPORT,* HE ADDED.
CONSEQUENTLY, DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE WILL HAVE TO BE PRODUCED TO ESTABLISH THE CHILD’S STATUS, SUCH AS THE PARENTS’ IDENTITY CARDS, TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES CAN TELEPHONE 3-7333111.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1982
5
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER
******
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR NOVEMBER WAS $11 088 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $7 148 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $3 940 MILLION. WITH IMPORTS AT $12 199 MILLION, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT FOR NOVEMBER WAS $1 111 MILLION.
THIS IS SHOWN IN PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR HONG KONG’S VISIBLE TRADE IN NOVEMBER 1982, PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1981, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY $104 MILLION OR ONE PER CENT, COMPRISING NO GROWTH FOR RE-EXPORTS AND AN INCREASE OF TWO PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS DECREASED BY $298 MILLION OR TWO PER CENT. AS A RESULT, THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP, THAT IS THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY THE VALUE CF TOTAL EXPORTS, IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR WAS, AT NINE PER CENT, SIGNIFICANTLY BELOW THAT IN NOVEMBER 1981, WHEN IT WAS 12 PER CENT.
COMMENTING ON THE NOVEMBER TRADE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT, AS THE GENERALLY UNFAVOURABLE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG’S MAIN MARKETS PERSISTED, THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AT ONLY TWO PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS, REMAINED LOW. GIVEN THAT BOTH CONSUMER DEMAND AND THE DEMAND FOR MANUFACTURING INPUTS IN HONG KONG REMAINED WEAK, THERE WAS A REDUCTION IN THE TOTAL IMPORT BILL IN NOVEMBER.
PUTTING THE NOVEMBER TRADE FIGURES INTO CONTEXT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ^COMPARING THE FIRST ELEVEN MONTHS OF 1982 WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1981, THE GROWTH RATE OF THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, AT FOUR PER CENT, WAS SLIGHTLY FASTER THAN THAT OF IMPORTS, AT THREE PER CENT. IN CONSEQUENCE, THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP HAD NARROWED TO 11 PER CENT, FROM 12 PER CENT IN THE SAME PERIOD OF 1981.*
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS RELEASED THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER t
MERCHANDISE i DOMESTIC EXPORTS : $ 7 148 MILLION
RE-EXPORTS : $ 3 940 MILLION
TOTAL EXPORTS : $11 088 MILLION
IMPORTS : $12 199 MILLION
TRADE BALANCE 1 $ 1 111 MILLION
( IN DEFICIT)
/COMPA3ATI7E .......
THURSDAY, DSCEME5? Jt, 1982
o
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
LATEST 3 MONTHS SEPT - NOV 1982 SEPT - NOV 1981 INCREASE OR DECREASE
5 MN $ MN S MN %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 21 414 22 203 - 789 -3.6
RE-EXPORTS 11 258 11 467 209 -1.8
TOTAL EXPORTS 32 672 33 670 - 998 -3.0
IMPORTS 36 230 36 207 + 23 *0.1
TRADE BALANCE - 3 558 - 2 537 - 1 021
NOVEMBER NOVEMBER INCREASE OR
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR 1982 1981 DECREASE
$ MN $ MN $ MN %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 7 148 (64.5%) 7 037 (64.1%) ♦ 111 *1.6
RE-EXPORTS 3 940 3 947 7 -0.2
TOTAL EXPORTS 11 088 10 984 ♦ 104 0.9
IMPORTS 12 199 12 497 298 -2.4
TRADE BALANCE - 1 111 - 1 513 ♦ 402
NOVEMBER OCTOBER INCREASE OR
LAST MONTH 1982 1982 DECREASE
$ MN 3 MN $ MN %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 7 148 7 087. ♦ 61 *0.9
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (64.5%) (66.2%)
RE-EXPORTS 3 940 3 615 * 325 *9.0
TOTAL EXPORTS 11 088 10 702 ♦ 386 *3.6
IMPORTS 12 199 12 218 19 -0.2
TRADE BALANCE - 1 111 - 1 516 + 405
/CkLS. i DAR TEAR •••••«.
.'HUHSJkY, DECEMBZH ?0« ^£2
JAN - NOV JAN - NOV INCREASE OR
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE 1982 1981 DECREASE
DOMESTIC EXPORTS $ MN 74 641 $ MN 72 641 4 S MN % 2 000 *2.8
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) RE-EXPORTS (65.2%) 39 857 (65.7%) 37 840 ♦ 2 017 *5.3
TOTAL EXPORTS 114 498 110 481 ♦ 4 017 *3.6
IMPORTS 128 849 125 377 ♦ 3 472 *2.8
TRADE BALANCE - 14 351 - 14 896 ♦ 545
LAST 12 MONTHS DECEMBER 1981 TO NOVEMBER 1982 DECEMBER 1980 TO NOVEMBER 1981 INCREASE OR DECREASE
DOMESTIC EXPORTS $ MN 82 423 $ MN 78 897 ♦ 3 MN % 3 526 *4.5
RE-EXPORTS 43 756 40 957 ♦ 2 799 *6.8
TOTAL EXPORTS 126 179 119 854 4- 6 325 *5.3
IMPORTS 141 846 136 652 4 5 194 +3.8
TRADE BALANCE - 15 667 - 16 798 4 1 131
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1982
8
- SURVEY OF OCTOBER RETAIL SALES
******
THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES FOR THE RETAIL TRADE SECTOR IN OCTOBER 1982 WAS ESTIMATED TO BE $4 ^42 MILLION, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL SURVEY RESULTS.
' AT 131, THE OVERALL RETAIL SALES VALUE INDEX FOR OCTOBER 1982 ROSE BY 5 POINTS OR 4 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1982 AND BY 3 POINTS OR 2 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 198'1. THE OVERALL RETAIL SALES VOLUME INDEX FOR OCTOBER 1982, AT 105, WAS 3 POINTS OR 3 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT FOR SEPTEMBER 1982, BUT IT WAS 7 POINTS OR 6 PER CENT LOWER THAN THAT FOR OCTOBER 1981.
COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1982, THE RETAIL SALES FOR MOST MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND SELECTED TRADES INCREASED IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS. RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS RECORDED THE HIGHEST GROWTH IN VALUE TERMS AT 26 PER CENT, FOLLOWED BY DEPARTMENT STORES AT 16 PER CENT, CONSUMER GOODS AT 5 PER CENT AND FUELS AT 5 PER CENT. THEIR CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN VOLUME TERMS WERE 24 PER CENT, 16 PER CENT, 5 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES DECREASED BY 14 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS AND 13 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS. THE VOLUME OF RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES AND FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ALSO DECREASED BY 4 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1981, SUPERMARKETS INCREASED BY 25 PER CENT, FUELS BY 13 PER CENT, CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS BY 9 PER CENT AND FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO BY 7 PER CENT IN TERMS OF THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES. IN VOLUME TERMS, SUPERMARKETS, FUELS AND FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO RECORDED INCREASES OF 20 PER CENT, 3 PER CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY WHILE CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS RECORDED A DECREASE OF 2 PER CENT. RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND CONSUMER DURABLES, ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY BY 47 PER CENT AND 17 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE TERMS. THEIR RESPECTIVE DECREASES IN VOLUME TERMS WERE 55 PER CENT AND 20 PER CENT.
TWO STATISTICAL TABLES (ATTACHED) PRESENT THE REVISED FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR OCTOBER 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 1980 ARE TAKEN AS 100. COMPARISONS OF THE OCTOBER 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, TELEPHONE NO. 3-7216024.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30,. 1982
o
Table 1 : Value indexes of retail sales for September and October 1982
(Monthly average of 1980 » 100)
Item — September 1982 October 1982 October 1982 compared with September 1982 October 1982 compared with October 1981
(Revised (Provisional Points % Points %
figures) figures)
Total retail sales 4 288 4 442
(HKS million)
Retail sales value indexes: /
(I) for all retail
trades 126 131 ♦5 *4 ♦3 *2
(II) by major trade
groups
Foodstuffs,
alcoholic drinks
and tobacco 133 132 -1 -1 ♦9 *7
Fuels 151 159 ♦8 +5 ♦18 +13
Clothing, footwear
and allied
products 119 150 ♦31 .26 ♦12 +9
Consumer goods 128 135 ♦7 *5 ♦6 ♦S
Consumer durables 112 106 -6 -5 -21 -17
(III) by selected trades
Motor vehicles 74 1 64 -10 -14 -56 -47
Department stores 106 123 1 ♦17 *16 ♦4 ♦*
Supermarkets 178 179 ♦ 1 ♦! ♦36 *25
THURSDAY, DECEMBER JC, 1982
10
Table 2 : Volume indexes of retail sales for September and October 1982
(Monthly average of 1980 « 100)
•I .•> • V * ’ T 4 , 4?’ Item September 1982 October 1982 T" October 1982 compared with September 1982 October 1982 compared with October 1981
J? • < • e (Revised figures) (Provisional figures) Points % Points %
Retail sales volume indexes :
(X) for all retail trades 102 105 ♦3 -7 -0
(II) by major trade groups
Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco 101 99 -2 -2 ♦1 ♦1
•> Fuels 117 119 ♦2 ♦2 ♦4 *
Clothing, footwear and allied products 94 117 ♦23 ♦24 -2 -2
Consumer goods 106 m ♦5 ♦5 -4
Consumer durables 96 92 -4 -4 -23 -20
(III) by selected trades
Motor vehicles 54 4? -7 -13 -58 -55
Department stores 88 102 ♦14 ♦16 -5 -D
Supermarxets 1 137 137 I same same ♦23 ♦20
- 0 -
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1982 fw 11 -MORE PEOPLE LODGE TRAFFIC COMPLAINTS
* * * * *
MORE PEOPLE ARE NOW MAKING USE OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE’S TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT TO HELP SOLVE THEIR TRANSPORT PROBLEMS.
THE TCU RECEIVED A?TOTAL OF 5 477 COMPLAINTS DURING THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1982 - A TWO-FOLD INCREASE OVER THE, PREVIOUS YEAR.
SLIGHTLY OVER HALF OF THESE COMPLAINTS ARE DIRECTED AGAINST PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES (2 979 CASES), THE REST ARE ABOUT TRAFFIC ENGINEERING (1 181 CASES), ROAD MAINTENANCE (359 CASES), ENFORCEMENT (795 CASES), ABANDONED VEHICLES (120 CASES) AND MISCELLANEOUS SUGGESTIONS (43 CASES).
IN JUNE THIS YEAR, THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE SET UP A SUB-COMMITTEE TO OVERSEE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT IN RECOGNITION OF ITS FUNCTIONS. THE TCU SUB-COMMITTEE COMPRISES THREE UNOFFICIAL TAC MEMBERS : THE HONOURABLE STEPHEN CHEONG KAM-CHUEN, (CHAIRMAN), MR STEPHEN W.Y. CHENG AND MISS ANNA WU.
THE MAIN FUNCTION OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE IS TO GIVE ADVICE AND GUIDANCE TO THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT IN OVERCOMING THE VARIOUS PROBLEMS THE UNIT FACES IN HANDLING COMPLAINTS. IT WILL ALSO ENSURE THAT DUE REGARD IS GIVEN TO ALL KINDS OF COMPLAINTS LODGED WITH THE UNIT AND THAT THE DEFICIENCIES THESE COMPLAINTS REFLECT ARE DRAWN TO THE ATTENTION OF THE CONCERNED AUTHORITIES AS WELL AS
TAC.
THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE UNIT, MR JAMES KWAN BELIEVES THAT WITH THE HELP OF THE TCU SUB-COMMITTEE, THE UNIT CAN BECOME A MORE EFFECTIVE BODY IN STIMULATING EXECUTIVE ACTION.
THE UNIT’S ANNUAL REPORT 1981/82 IS BEING PRINTED AND WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO DISTRICT BOARDS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT INSTITUTIONS FOR INFORMATION.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1982
12
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO EXTEND SERVICES DURING NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS ******
PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS WILL EXTEND THEIR SERVICES ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 31) UNTIL EARLY THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
CMB’S SEVEN MAJOR ROUTES - NOS. 2, 4, 7, 10, 23, 38 AND 72 WILL RUN ADDITIONAL SERVICES.
THE LAST DEPARTURES OF ROUTE NO. 2 FROM SHAU KEI WAN AND MACAU FERRY WILL BE AT 1.30 AM AND 2.15 AM RESPECTIVELY; NO. 4 FROM WAH FU AND CENTRAL WILL BE AT 12.30 AM AND 1 AM ; NO. 7 FROM SHEK PAI WAN AND CENTRAL AT 2.30 AM AND 3 AM; NO. 10 FROM NORTH POINT FERRY AND KENNEDY TOWN AT 1 AM AND 2 AM ; NO. 23 FROM NORTH POINT FERRY AND POKFIELD ROAD AT 12.30 AM AND 1.15 AM; NO. 38 FROM NORTH POINT AND CHI FU FA YUEN AT 12 MIDNIGHT AND 1 AM; AND NO. 72 FROM ABERDEEN AND CAUSEWAY BAY AT 12.50 AM AND 1.30 AM.
A SPECIAL BUS, NO. 8M, WILL BE INTRODUCED BETWEEN ADMIRALTY MTR STATION (EAST) AND CHAI WAN (SAN HA STREET) WITH THE FIRST DEPARTURES AT 12.05 AM AND 12.15 AM RESPECTIVELY AT 10-MINUTE INTERVALS. THE LAST DEPARTURE FROM ADMIRALTY WILL BE AT 3 AM AND THAT FROM CHAI WAN AT 2.10 AM. THE SINGLE JOURNEY FARE WILL BE $1.20.
THE LAST DEPARTURES OF KMB ROUTE NO. 5 (STAR FERRY - CHOI HUNG) AND NO. 6 (STAR FERRY - LA I CHI KOK BRIDGE) WILL BE AT 3 AM AND NO. 5C (STAR FERRY - TSZ WAN SHAN SOUTH), NO. 8 (STAR FERRY -01 MAN), NO. 13M (SAU MAU PING CENTRAL - KWUN TONG MTR STATION), NO. 15M (LAM TIN NORTH - KWUN TONG MTR STATION), NO. 36M (LEI MUK SHUE - KWAI FONG MTR STATION), NO. 37M (KWAI SHING CENTRAL - KWAI HING MTR STATION), NO. 70M (SHUI WO COURT - KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION) AND NO. 81M (SUN TIN WAI - KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION) WILL HAVE THEIR SERVICES EXTENDED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR.
THE ALL NIGHT CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTES NO. 121 (CHOI HUNG -CENTRAL) AND 122 (SO UK - NORTH POINT) WILL OPERATE AT MORE FREQUENT INTERVALS.
MTR SERVICES WILL BE EXTENDED ON NEW YEAR’S EVE TO 2.30 AM WHILE TRAM AND PEAK TRAM SERVICES WILL LAST UNTIL 3 AM.
STAR FERRY WILL MAINTAIN AN ALL NIGHT SERVICE BETWEEN TSIM SHA TSUI AND CENTRAL, AND HYF’S CENTRAL-JORDAN ROAD FERRY SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED UNTIL 2 AM.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1982
- 13 -
OPENING OF BUS-ONLY LANES IN MID-LEVELS
It it 4
TWO BUS-ONLY LANES IN THE MID-LEVELS WILL BE OPEN TO ALL VEHICLES ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE ARRANGEMENT WILL COME INTO EFFECT THIS SATURDAY (JANUARY 1), WHICH IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
THESE BUS-ONLY LANES ARE ON THE WESTBOUND SECTION OF
BONHAM ROAD FROM CAINE ROAD TO PARK ROAD AND CAINE ROAD WESTBOUND.
THE DECISION WAS REACHED AFTER A TRIAL OPENING LAST OCTOBER WHICH REVEALED THAT PUBLIC TRANSPORT WAS NOT DISRUPTED BY THE NEW NEASURES.
HOWEVER, THE BUS-ONLY LANE ON PARK ROAD WESTBOUND WILL CONTINUE TO BE ENFORCED EVEN ON GENERAL AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AS ITS OPENING WILL LENGTHEN BUS JOURNEY TIME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
----0------
NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST *****
COPIES OF A SUPPLEMENT TO TODAY’S DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN CONTAINING A LIST OF HONG KONG RECIPIENTS OF NEW YEAR HONOURS, INCLUDING THOSE IN THE BRITISH FORCES, WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE GIS PRESS BOXES THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.
THE CONTENTS MUST NOT BE PUBLISHED BEFORE 0001 HOURS LOCAL TIME FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, AND MUST NOT BE BROADCAST BEFORE 0001 HOURS GMT, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31.
ON NO ACCOUNT SHOULD ANY OF THE RECIPIENTS OF HONOURS BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEWS OR FOR INFORMATION RELATIVE TO THEIR CAREERS OR BE APPROACHED IN ANY WAY IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR AWARD BEFORE THESE HAVE BEEN PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED.
- - C----------
/1“........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1982'
IMMIGRATION MOBILE OFFICE SCHEDULE * * * *
FROM JANUARY 1, 1983, THE MOBILE OFFICE OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL CEASE TO STATION AT THE SAN FAT ESTATE DURING ITS SCHEDULED VISIT TO TUEN MUN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. BUT IT WILL STATION AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT THE ON TING ESTATE INSTEAD.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAIDi +THE MOBILE OFFICE WILL CONTINUE TO VISIT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT EVERY MONDAY OF THE MONTH.♦
MEANWHILE THE BIRTHS AND MARRIAGES REGISTRATION MOBILE OFFICE CF THE DEPARTMENT WILL FOLLOW THE REVISED VISITING SCHEDULE TO THE NEW TERRITORIES FROM JANUARY 3, 1983.
THE MOBILE OFFICE WILL VISIT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT EVERY TUESDAY MORNING AND THE SHA TIN DISTRICT EVERY WEDNESDAY. IN ADDITION, IT WILL VISIT CHEUNG CHAU DISTRICT EVERY FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY MORNING OF THE MONTH AND TAI 0 DISTRICT EVERY SECOND THURSDAY MORNING OF THE MONTH.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES CAN TELEPHONE 3-7333111.
- - 0 - -
TSIM SHA TSUI IMMIGRATION OFFICE TO CLOSE *****
FROM JANUARY 3, 1983, THE TSIM SHA TSUI OFFICE OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AT 67 KIMBERLEY ROAD, 1ST FLOOR, KOWLOON WILL BE CLOSED.
♦APPLICANTS WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY AND BRITISH PASSPORTS SHOULD APPROACH THE IMMIGRATION HEADQUARTERS AT 61 MODY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI TO COLLECT THEM ON THE DATE OF COLLECTION SHOWN ON THEIR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT CARDS,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES CAN TELEPHONE 3-7333111.
- - c -
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1982
15
FESTIVE ACTIVITIES FOR NEW YEAR EVE * * * *
GLITTERING SEASONAL LIGHTING, TOGETHER WITH A GREAT VARIETY CF FESTIVE CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES ORGANISED IN DIFFERENT DISTRICTS, WILL ENABLE THE PUBLIC TO ENJOY A HAPPY NEW YEAR EVE TOMORROW.
TO COINCIDE WITH THE VARIOUS FESTIVITIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY THAT SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS, SIMILAR TO THOSE FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS, HAD BEEN MADE TO ENSURE MAXIMUM CONVENIENCE FOR THE PUBLIC.
♦THIS WILL INCLUDE SPECIAL PEDESTRIAN SCHEMES AND ROAD CLOSURES IN CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, EXTENSION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, AND THE GRADUAL SWITCH-OFF OF THE LIGHTING DECORATIONS,* HE SAID.
♦THESE ARRANGEMENTS PROVED SUCCESSFUL DURING CHRISTMAS, AND WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT THEY WILL WORK WELL FOR THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.*
IN ADDITION, A SERIES OF ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES HAD BEEN ORGANISED BY DISTRICT BOARDS, RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND OTHER COMMUNITY GROUPS IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS SO THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE ABLE TO CELEBRATE THE FESTIVAL NEAR THEIR HOMES, HE SAID.
TOMORROW’S NEW YEAR EVE ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDEt
M A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING SINGING, ACROBATICS AND MAGIC PERFORMANCES AT THE PIAZZA AREA IN EAST TSIM SHA TSUI STARTING AT 9.30 PM;
M A DANCE PARTY AT THE BOUNDARY STREET INDOOR GAMES HALL IN MONG KOK AT 8 PM ;
X A DISCO NIGHT AT THE MORSE PARK INDOOR GAMES HALL IN WONG TAI SIN AT 8 PM ;
* A VARIETY SHOW AT THE MORSE PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE AT 8 PM
* A VARIETY SHOW AT THE TAI HANG TUNG FOOTBALL PLAYGROUND AT 8 PM;
A DANCE PARTY AT LUNG SHING RESTAURANT IN TUEN MUN STARTING AT 7.30 PM ; AND
* A NEW YEAR VARIETY SHOW BY SHA TIN JUNIOR POLICE CALL ON THE PODIUM OF LEK YUEN ESTATE BEGINNING AT 8 PM.
- - c
DECD-’.B3R 3C, ^982
EASTERN DISTRICT ATHLETIC MEET * * *
THE FIRST EASTERN DISTRICT ATHLETIC MEET WILL TAKE PLACE AT ;-£ WAN CHAI SPORTS GROUND FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 2).
ABOUT 800 ATHLETES FROM THE DISTRICT ARE EXPECTED TO COMPETE IN A FULL RANGE OF TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS ON THAT DAY.
COMPETITION, AIMED AT PROMOTING AN INTEREST IN ATHLET COMPETITION AMONG EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS, IS OPEN TO THOSE AGED 10 AND OVER.
IC
EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR H.T. LUI; SENIOR RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER (HONG KONG), MR JOHNNY WOO ; AND CHAIRMAN OF 2?E~E.A?TERN D,STRICT RECREATION AND SPORT ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION, MR CHOI WING-ON HAVE KINDLY CONSENTED TO OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE MEET WILL BE AN INTER-AREA COMMITTEE RELAY RACE FOLLOWING THE OPENING CEREMONY.
THE MEET IS ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT’S RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORT ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE WAN CHAI SPORTS GROUND FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 2).
-------------o------- CNTA HOLDS FIRST SPORTS DAY * * *
CHEERS AND APPLAUSE FOR CHAMPIONS IN BOTH FIELD AND TRACK EVENTS FILLED THE KWAI CHUNG SPORTSGROUND TODAY (THURSDAY) WHEN MORE THAN 400 STAFF MEMBERS OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION TOOK PART IN THE DEPARTMENT’S FIRST SPORTS DAY.
THE CONTESTANTS, INCLUDING THOSE FROM THE 18 DISTRICT OFFICES, SHOWED THEIR BEST IN SPORTSMANSHIP AND TEAMWORK IN THE 20-PLUS EVENTS.
THE IDEA OF THE SPORTS MEET IS TO OFFER STAFF MEMBERS AT HEADQUARTERS AND THE DISTRICTS A CHANCE TO GATHER IN A FRIENDLY AND COMPETITIVE ATMOSPHERE.
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, PRESENTED PRIZES TO WINNERS OF THE INTER-REGION AND INTER-DISTRICT TUG OF WAR COMPETITIONS.
WINNERS OF OTHER EVENTS WERE PRESENTED WITH MEDALS AND TROPHIES BY SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON, AND THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR ALBERT LAM.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1982
FISHERMEN WARNED NOT TO USE EXPLOSIVES * * *
FISHERMEN HAVE BEEN WARNED NOT TO USE EXPLOSIVES TO CATCH CISH. IN ISSUING THE WARNING, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHER IES DEPARTMENT SAID THAT SIX PEOPLE HAD BEEN PROSECUTED COR PISHING WITH EXPLOSIVES SINCE APRIL THIS YEAR, AND ONE OF THEM WAS SENT TO PRISON FOR ONE MONTH, WHILE THE OTHERS WERE rlNED A TOTAL OF $4 750.
FISHING WITH EXPLOSIVES IS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE FISHERIES PROTECTION ORDINANCE AND IS PUNISHABLE WITH A MAXIMUM FINE OF S2 000 AND THREE MONTHS IMPRISONMENT, HE EXPLAINED.
♦ IT IS ALSO HIGHLY DANGEROUS,* HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT PATROLS HAD BEEN STEPPED UP TO PREVENT SUCH ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES.
♦ FISHERIES INSPECTORS OF THE DEPARTMENT AND THE MARINE POLICE MAKE CONCERTED EFFORTS IN PATROLLING THE WATERS OF HONG KONG TO STAMP OUT SUCH ACTIVITIES.
♦ THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE ALSO ASSISTS BY KEEPING A WATCH FOR EXPLOSIONS AND BY REPORTING THE LICENCE NUMBERS OF VESSELS INVOLVED,* HE SAID.
- 0 -
REMINDER ON PAID ANNUAL LEAVE * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEIR EMPLOYEES ARE ENTITLED TO SEVEN DAYS OF ANNUAL LEAVE WITH PAY IF THEY HAVE WORKED FOR THEM FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS. THE LEAVE SHOULD BE TAKEN WITHIN THE FOLLOWING 12 MONTHS.
AN EMPLOYER SHOULD FIX THE DATE OF THE LEAVE AFTER CONSULTING HIS EMPLOYEES AND SHOULD CONFIRM THIS WITH A WRITTEN NOTICE AT LEAST 14 DAYS IN ADVANCE, UNLESS A SHORTER PERIOD HAS BEEN MUTUALLY AGREED.
ANNUAL LEAVE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, MAY BE GRANTED IN THE FORM OF SEVEN CONSECUTIVE DAYS OR, IF THE EMPLOYEE SO REQUESTS, IN AT LEAST FOUR CONSECUTIVE DAYS AT ONE TIME AND THE REMAINING DAYS EITHER CONSECUTIVELY OR SEPARATELY AT ANOTHER TIME.
ALTHOUGH ANY REST DAY OR STATUTORY HOLIDAY FALLING WITHIN THE PERIOD OF ANNUAL LEAVE WILL BE COUNTED AS ANNUAL LEAVE, HOWEVER ANOTHER REST DAY OR HOLIDAY MUST BE SUBSTITUTED.
THE SPOKESMAN WENT ON TO SAY THAT ANNUAL LEAVE PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO NORMAL WAGES, OTHER THAN OVERTIME PAY. WHERE AN EMPLOYEE IS EMPLOYED ON PIECE RATES OR WHERE THE WAGES VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, ANNUAL LEAVE PAY SHOULD BE CALCULATED BY REFERENCE TO THE AVERAGE DAILY WAGES DURING THE 28 DAYS PRECEDING ANNUAL LEAVE.
PR 33
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUPPLEMENT
Thursday, December 30, 1982
EMBARGOED NEWS ITEM:
NOTE TO EDITORS OF The following announcement
NEWSPAPERS, NEWS AGENCIES, on the Queen’s New Year Honours List
AND BROADCASTING STATIONS: is being made simultaneously in
London at 0001 hours GMT on Friday, December 31 -
Publication is not permitted in Hong Kong newspapers before 0001 hours local time Friday, December 31•
Radio and Television stations must not broadcast the contents before 0001 GMT, Friday, December 31•
On NO account should any of the recipients of Honours be contacted for interviews or for information relative to their careers or be approached in any way in connection with their awards before these have been publicly announced*
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
New Year Honours 1983
GCMG (Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George)
Sir Edward Youde, KCMG, MBE
Sir Edward Youde, Governor of Hong Kong since
May 1982 and formerly Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Peking and Chief Clerk in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
/1A.........
CBS (Commander of the Craer of tne British Empire)
Trie Honourable-Donald L1AQ-Boon-huax, QBL.r. .J.F
Mr Liao joined the Hong Kong Government as an Architect in 1960, becoming Director of Housing in 1973 and Secretary for Housing in 1980. He is an official member of the Legislative Council.
The Honourable Alex WU Shu-chihr OBEi-_JP-
Mr Wu was an appointed member of the Urban Council from 1973 to 1976, and became a member of the Legislative Council in 1975. His community service has included membership of many boards and committees, a noted music lover, he is a former Chairman of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Society and the current Chairman of the Provisional Council of the Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts.
Dr MA Lift, JI
Dr Ma joined the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1964, and has been a Reader, Professor of Biochemistry, and Dean of the Science Faculty from1973-75. He became Vice-Chancellor of the University in 1978.
OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Snip ire 7
Mr Samuel Victor GIT TINS-.—QC, LLP
Mr Gittins is a barrister who was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1967. He served on many boards and committees, notably as Chairman of the Inland Revenue Board of Review since 1968.
Mr John Col dwel 1 _GR IFF1THS.
Mr Griffiths recently retired as a magistrate. He served for 12 years in this role in Hong Kong. His Crown service dated from his appointment to the Indian Civi. Service in 1937.
/2.......
2
QBS (Cont'd)
The HQnQurable.-J.amgs. Neil HENDERSON., JP
Mr Henderson joined the Hong Kong Government in 1962 after previous service in Kenya. He has been Commissioner for Labour since 1978 and will shortly become Secretary for Education and Manpower.
The Honourable Ian Francis Cluny MACFHF2RSGN JP
Mr Macpherson joined the Hong Kong Government in 1962 after previous service in Tanganyika. He has been Commissioner for Transport, Director of Administration and Management Services and is now Regional Secretary for the New Territories.
Mr Oliver Richard SIPPLE
Mr Siddle joined the British Council in 1961, and has been the Council's Representative in Hong Kong for two years.
Mr Frederick Langtre.o J£
Mr Walker is Managing Director of the Hong Kong Telephone Company Limited. He first came to Hong Kong in 1974. He was a member of the Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service from 1979-82, and has been a member of several other boards and commissions.
Professor Leonard Kenneth YOUNG, JP
Professor Young joined Hong Kong University as Lecturer in History in 1960. He became Head of the History Department in 1968. He was Dean of the Faculty of Arts from 1973 to 1976, and was appointed Pro-Vice-Chancellor in 1977.
ISO (Companion of the Imperial Service Order)
M^P-ahrick Joseph CLANCY, PPM, CPM
Mr Clancy recently retired from the Royal Hong Kone Police Force. He has been Director of Criminal Investigation since 1979, with the rank of Senior Assistant Commissioner, having joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1952 as a Sub-Inspector.
/? .....
3
Mr. Alan John Stockman LACK^...JI>.
Mr Lack joined the Marine Department as a Marine Officer in 1953. His service has been mainly with the Pori Administration Division. He became Deputy Director of Marine in 1980. He is also a ^enior officer in the Royal Naval Reserve. *
Mr Alan Kenneth. MASON
After a long career in the Diplomatic Service, which included a secondment to the Hong Kong Government, Mr Mason joined the Hong Kong Government in 1978. His service has been in Security Branch, principally in connection with immigration and refugee matters.
Mr James Milton MURPHIE, JP
Mr Murphie joined the Hong Kong Government in 1959, and transferred to Immigration Department in 1965. He has been an Assistant Director of Immigration since 1977.
HBE (.Member of the Order of the British Empire)
Mr Donald CHAN Siu-tung
Mr Chan is the head of the Labour Relations Division of the Labour Department. He joined the department in 1958 as an Assistant Labour Officer, and was promoted to his present rank in 1979. He has been a Superintendent in the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force.
.Mr. CHIK. Mo-yan
Mr Chik recently retired from the Royal Hong Kong Police Force as a Chief Inspector. He joined as a Constable in 1952, and was promoted to the Inspectorate in 1959. He served in many posts, notably as Police Community Relations Officer in Kowloon City, making a major contribution to the Junior Police Call scheme.
4
MBE (Cont'd,
ng
Mr Henry KU is a Chief Executive Officer in the Hong Kong Government, and as a member of the Refugee Division of the Security Branch played a significant role
in dealing with the influx of boat refugees from Vietnam.
Mrs Teresa LAM WONG Shiu-shuk
Mrs Lam. is a distinguished member of a distinguished family. She has a record of community service with many social welfare organisations, most notably perhaps the Po Leung Kuk whose Board she joined in 1976, becoming Chairman in 1982. Mrs Lam’s chairmanship of the Kuk has seen impressive progress in the planning of new projects.
Mr LUI Che-woo
Mr Lui is engaged in a wide range of businesses in the building and construction industry of Hong Kong, and has been responsible for a number of technological innovations in that industry. He became a member of the Tung Wah Hospitals Board of Directors in 1977, and was Chairman of the Board in 1981/82, during which time he made a great contribution to the Group’s development.
Profesnor Douglas Sutherland. PAXNEL__J£
Professor Payne has just retired from, his post as Head of the Chemistry Department in Hong Kong University. He was a member of the Hong Kong Examinations Authority from 1977 onwards.
Mr Kevin Maxwell .SINGLA.LE
Mr Sinclair has worked in Hong Kong as a journalist since 1967, first with the Star and subsequently with the Hong Kong Standard. He joined the South China Morning Post in 1972 as News Editor, and has since become Assistant Editor of the South China Morning Post.
MBE iCont’cij
Mr Howard YUNG Kung-kuen
Mr Yung is a Maintenance Surveyor in the Housing Department. He has a total of 22 years service in maintenance work in public housing estates, and has given notable service on the occasion of several natural disasters involving housing estates.
BEM (British Empire Medal?
Miss CHAN May-may
Miss Chan has worked for the Hong Kong Government as a Registered Nurse since 1952. She is a dedicated nurse who is highly respected in the Medical and Health Department.
Mr CHU Sam
Mr Chu has been in the service of the Correctional Services Department, and its predecessor the Prisons Department, since 1929. He has been the steward of the Officers' Club since 1937.
Mr CHU Sing-keung
Mr Chu is a Senior Clerical Officer in the Royal Hong Kong Police Force, which he has served since 1953. Since 1962 he has worked in the Marine Police at the Marine District Headquarters, and gave valuable service during the recent influx of illegal immigrants.
Mr HUNG Koon-fat
Mr Hung joined the Hong Kong Government as an Assistant Revenue Officer in 1958. Since 1980 he has been the Chief Customs Officer responsible for discipline among junior officers. His 22 years in the Customs and Excise Service have covered revenue protection, and anti-narcotic work as well as his present personnel work.
6
5.-24 iConVdL
Mr KO Yat
Mr Ko joined the Correcitonal Services Department as a Warder in 1949. He was promoted Assistant Officer I in 1973. He has worked in various institutions during his career, and his work has always been of a very high standard.
Mr KWOK Tat
Mr KWOK joined the Hong Kong Government in 1938 as a messenger, becoming an Office Assistant in 1953. On retirement in 1975 he was re-employed as a pensioner, and has subsequently served as a Workman II.
Miss Wanda LEE Wan-wah
Miss Lee has worked in the Tuberculosis Service of the Medical and Health Department since 1952, originally as a Tuberculosis Worker and now as a Health Auxiliary. She was responsible for establishing tuberculosis service in Kai Tak North and South Refugee Camps.
Mr LEUNG Sun
Mr Leung has served continuously as a steward in the Hong Kong Technical College and the Hong Kong Polytechnic for the last 35 years.
Mr LOUIE Yue-kwan
Mr Louie joined the Hong Kong Government in 1960 and is now a Senior Photographer. He has worked in the Photocraphic Laboratory of the Registration of Persons Office (now part of the Immigration Department) for many years.
Mr MA Shing
Mr Ma has served as Personal Chauffeur to successive Chief Justices for ever 22 years, all of whom have appreciate .. his courtesy and reliability.
/7 ........
7
BEM yCont'cL
Mr MAK Kai-yim
Mr Mak joined the Hong Kong Government in 1945, and transferred to the New Territories Administration in 1954 as a Demarcator. He became a Land Executive in 1976. Amongst other work he was involved in the resumption of land for the MTR extension to Tsuen Wan.
Mr MAK Mo .— ■ z
Mr Mak joined the Hong Kong Government in 1937, serving in the District Watch Force until it was disbanded in 1969. He has subsequently served as a Caretaker and an Office Assistant.
Mr Pedro do ROZARIO
Mr Rozario joined the Correctional Services Department as a Warder in 1946. He became an Officer in 1958, and was promoted to Principal Officer in 1972. He is the department's Master Locksmith.
Mr TSUI Chi-wai
Mr Tsui was first appointed to the Hong Kong Government as a labourer in 1945, and was promoted through the ranks to Senior Foreman in the New Territories Services Department.
Since 1968 he has been in charge of public cleansing in Sai Kung District.
BEM (British jtopire Lledal^ (Military}
Lance Corporal LAU Ying-tang
L/Cpl Lau has 24 years service with the Royal Hong Kong Regiment, during which time his attendance has been exemplary-.. For the past seven years he has been workinc in squadron stores, and during training in the field has been one of his squadron's principal cooks.
Sergeant LEUNG Kwok-hung
Sgt Leung has been a member of the Royal Hong Kong Regiment since 1964, ar has qualified for the annual bounty in every year of his service. Sgt Leung is the regimental Medical Sergeant, and has given a great deal of his own time to the Regiment’s needs.
/8.......
8
peen’s goxXce. itedajj.
Mr Peter John CLARKE, CPM
Mr Clarke joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1953 as a Sub-Inspector. He is currently an Assistant Commissioner. He has served in the Criminal Investigation Department, Special Branch and Uniform Branch, and since 1979 he has been the District Police Commander Marine District.
Mr Charles Derek MAYGER, CPM
Mr Mayger joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force as a Sub-Inspector in 1949. He is currently a Chief Superintendent. Since 1978 he has been Chief Staff Officer/Staff Relations, responsible for maintaining informed and harmonious relations between the Commissioner and all ranks of the Force.
^FSM IQueen's Fire Service Medal}
Mr Montague KINGDOM, CPM
Mr Kingdom joined the Hong Kong Fire Services in 1960 as a Station Officer after previous service in the United Kingdom. He has commanded operations at some of the most serious fires which have occurred in Hong Kong in recent years, and has also contributed to the training and development of the Fire Services Department.
Mr John Howard MARCH, CPM
Mr March joined the Hong Kong Fire Services in 1962 as a Station Officer after previous service in the United Kingdom. In addition to his operational roles he has contributed to the development of the department through his work on planning and notably during his service as Chief Fire Officer (Fire Protection Bureau).
/9.......
9
J PL . v Jo j. on i al Police Meaa^;
Mr Pa trick Edward BIRNEY
After service in the Royal Air Force Mr Birney was appointed to head the Police Cadet School when it was first formed in 1973. Since that time 1,180 cadets have graduated into the disciplined services. In addition to his work in the Cadet School Mr Birney is also noted for his voluntary public service.
Mr George David BROOKE
Mr Brooke joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1962. Since 1977 he has held the rank of Superintendent. He has served most of his career in the Criminal Investigation Department, latterly in charge of CID in West Kowloon. He has organised many police operations against triad societies.
Mr CHAN Kwok-yin
Mr Chan joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force as a Constable in 1950, and has been a Chief Inspector since 1971. He has served in the Uniform Branch and the Criminal Investigation Department. In recent years he has worked in Special Branch, where he has been responsible for training junior police officers in the Branch.
Mr Barrie Joseph DEEGAN
Mr Deegan joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force as a Probationary Inspector in March 1960. Since 1980, he has been a Senior Superintendent. He has served in the Uniform Branch, Special Branch and in Police Headquarters. Since June 1981 he has been Senior Staff Officer in Support Wing.
Mr Leonardo John HARTE AM
Mr Harteam joined the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force as a Constable in 1951. He has been a Chic: Inspector since 1980. He has been attached to Emergence. Unit,Kowloon East since 1962, giving prominent service during the 1967 disturbances. He has given much of his own free time to the service of the Auxiliary Police Force.
/10 .....
10
CPM (Cont'd;
Mr Douglas LAU Yuk-kuen
Mr Lau joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1965 as an Inspector, and was promoted to Superintendent in 1976. In recent years Mr Lau has served in the Frontier Division, and has been heavily involved in measures to counter illegal immigration.
Mr LEE Hoi-ching
Mr Lee joined the Royal Hong Kong- Police Force as a Constable in 1949. He reached his present rank of Station Sergeant in 1972. He has spent most of his service in the New Territories, and recently has been a Sub-unit Commander in Yuen Long, normally an officer’s post.
Mr LING Pui
Mr Ling joined the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force as a Constable in 1954, reaching his present rank of Sergeant in 1972. He has served mainly in the Shamshuipo and Wong Tai Sin Divisions. In recent years Mr Ling has devoted practically all his spare time to performing anticrime patrols in the Wong Tai Sin area.
Mr MA Kwong-yee
Mr Ma joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force as a Sub-Inspector in 1952, and was promoted to Chief Inspector in 1971. Mr Ma has worked in the Criminal Investigation Department since 1955, and in recent years has played a major role in the training of police officers for CID work.
Mr Benjamin William MUNFORD
Mr Munford joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1967. He was promoted^Ris present rank of Senior Superintendent in 1982. For three years he was in charge of the Triad Society Division of the Criminal Investigation Department, and in early 1982 he became Senior Staff Officer, Crime for Kowloon Region.
/11 ........
11
•--- iCont/Ol
Mr Peter Graham OAKEY
Mr Oakey joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force xn 1961, and has served in Special Branch since 1965. He was promoted Senior Superintendent in July 1980. His service has been marked by both efficiency and dedication.
Mr Robert Allan PORTER
Mr Porter joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1960 as a Sub-Inspector, and was promoted to Senior Superintendent in 1977. After service in both the Special Branch and the Uniform Branch he became a Senior Staff Officer in the Planning and Development Branch in 1979 where he was responsible for producing a plan for a revised command structure within the organisation of the Police Force.
Mr SO Ki-kwong
Mr So joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1956 as a Constable, and was promoted to Station Sergeant 'in 1972. He has served throughout in the Uniform Branch, and currently is the Officer-in-charge of the Allway Garden and Tsuen Wan Centre Neighbourhood Police Units. In addition he is a long serving divisional welfare representative and a member of the Junior Consultative Council.
Mr TANG Wing-sun
Mr Tang joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1950 as a Constable, and was promoted to Station Sergeant in 1972. His whole service has been in the Uniform Branch, recently in the Traffic Division of Kowloon District.
Mr WONG Siu-bun
Mr Wong joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force as a Sub-Inspector in 1960, and was promoted to his present rank of Chief Inspector in 1976. He has served in many different branches of the Police Force, and for the last five years he has been the Police Community Relations Officer in Eastern District Division. He is noted for his work in developing community support in Eastern District, particularly with regard to the Junior Police Call.
12
CPM (Control
Mr CHAN Fong
Mr Chan has spent almost all his 29 years m the Fire Services Department in operations, rising through the ranks to his present position as Assistant Divisional Officer. He is a very experienced, skilful and courageous fireman.
Mr CHOW Pui-shing
Mr Chow has been a member of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department for 28 years, and is currently a Divisional Officer. The majority of his service has been in operations , in the course of which he has helped to save many lives and much property,
Mr LEE Kwok-chiu
Mr Lee joined the Hong Kong Government in 1952 and the Hong Kong Fire Services Department in 1957. His initial service was in CoBraunications and Control and his subsequent 20 years have been spent in operations. He is currently a Divisional Officer. His skill and courage has helped to save many lives and much property.
Badges of Honour
Mr CHAN Bing-sing
Mr Chan is a respected educationalist in Southern District. He has been Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Secondary School Places Allocation Committee, and an appointed member of the Southern District Board since 1981.
Mr CHAN Kwai-sang
Mr Chan is Vice-Chairman of the Sai Kung Rural Committee and has been a member of his District Advisory Board/District Board since 1977. He is particularly interested in services for the elderly.
- 13 -
cf Honour (Cont'd;
v.r CHAN Tin-sung
Mr Chan has been Chairman of the Tsing Yi Rural Committee since 1980, and is a link between the Government and the indigenous villagers of Tsing Yi. He is a member of the Tsuen Wan District Board and active in the promotion of recreation and sports in Tsing Yi.
Mr. FAN Kam-ping
Mr Fan is Principal of the CMA Pre-Vocational School. His particular concerns are education and juvenile delinquency; he is noted for his efforts to fight triad influence in schools and other community work.
Mr FONG Loi
Mr Fong was Vice-Chairman of the North Lamma Rural Committee from 1968-72 and Chairman since 1976. He has been a member of the District Advisory Board/District Board since its formation.
Mr Peter HO Wing-ko
Mr Ho has worked with the Lions Club since 1966, becoming District Governor in 1979. He was a prime mover in establishing the Lions Kowloon Centre for the Deaf in Oi Man. He is Director of the Hong Kong Eye Bank, and also a founder member of the Hong Kong Youth Cultural and Arts Activities Scheme and Chairman of the Chinese Essay Writing Contest.
Mr IP Chi-hoi
Mr Ip has been actively involved in community work in Mong Kok and Sai Kung since 1978. He has given consistent support to youth and recreation activities, including financial support and the use of his coach fleet.
Mr Richard KO
Mr Ko is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Pok Oi Hospital, and has made major efforts in drawing up .n expansion programme for the hospital to meet the future needs of Yuen Long.
/14......
- 14 -Badges of-Honour (Gont'd;
Mr LAM Leung-ki
Mr Lair has a record of community service going back to 1974, when he became Vice-Chairman of his MAC. He is now an elected District Board member. His particular interests are the Fight Crime Committee, and youth and education matters. He was appointed to the Board of Education in 1979.
Mr LAM Ying-ho
Mr Lam is Principal of a long-established school and an appointed member of his District Board. He is a lay assessor (North Kowloon Magistracy) and a member of the HK Examinations Authority, the Board of Governors of United College (CUHK) and Baptist College, and Kowloon City District Fight Crime Committee.
Mr LEE Kon
From a background as Chairman of the Happy Valley and Canal Road Kaifong since 1974, Mr Lee has been a keen supporter of the new district administration structure. He was originally an appointed member of the Wanchai District Board, and was elected in September 1982 to the new board.
Mrs LEE LO Yuk-sim, JP
Mrs Lee has been a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee on Community Relations since 1975. She is also a member of the Housing Authority, the Consumer Council and the Wong Tai Sin District Board.
Mr NG Cheuk-tai
Mr Ng has been active in district affairs in Tuen Mun since becoming Centre Director of the Tuen Mun Marden Foundation Caritas Social Centre in 1978. In March 1982 he was the only outsider to stand for election to the Tuen Mun District Board and won the seat with the largest poll in the New Territories. He represents Tuer. Mun on the New Territories Advisory Committee for Clean Hong Kong Campaign.
15
Sauces g; Honour yCont’d)
Mr TAM Kuei.
Mr Tan has a long record of community service in Wong Tai Sin. He has been President of the Wong Tai Sin District Federation for the Welfare Services of the Aged since 1973. He is now an elected member of the District Board.
Mr Clement TAO Kwok-lau
Mr Tao is a HKU graduate who became involved in MAC work and then formed an Owners’ Incorporation of which he became Vice-Chairman and then Chairman. He is now a member of Mong Kok District Board.
Mr TUNG Hong-ying
Mr Tung is an active industrialist and businessman in Tsuen Wan; Vice-Chairman of Tsuen Wan Trades Association since 1972; founding Vice-President of the Federation of Industries in Tsuen Wan; and an active supporter of community work in Tsuen Wan.
Mr WAI Yu-bing
Mr Wai is a member of the former Eastern District Recreation and Sports Council, and founder member of the current Eastern District Recreation and Sports Advancement Association. He is Chairman of the Eastern District Youth and Recreation Co-ordinating Committee; a committee member of the North Point Kaifong Association; and an Area Committee Vice-Chairman in Causeway Bay.
Mr WONG Dai-hei
Mr Wong is a link between the Government and the fishermen of Tsuen Wan and Tsing Yi, and much involved in the promotion of recreation and sports in Tsing Yi. He has been an appointed member of the Tsuen Wan District Board
since 1980.
16
•igges of Hon our _ (C ont * d ?
Mr YANG Tze-kiang
Mr :ang is well known in his profession of advertising. His community involvement dates back to 1973. 3e is Vic< -Chairman of Yau Ma Tei and Tsim Sha Tsui Culture and Arts Association, and noted for his contribution of his professional skills to local community building work.
17
W YEAR HONOURS (British Forces)
OBE
Lieutenant Colonel C Newby RAOC
HQ British Forces Hong Kong
MBE
Major T J 0rDonnell 10 GR Captain (QM) G I Cooper SG
BEM
Staff Sergeant A H Chapman REME Staff Sergeant D J Coxal1 16/5L Sergeant Dilkishor Rai 2 GR Sergeant Dorjee Sherpa GR
Now in England 2/7 GR
Now in England
Now in England 1/2 GR 2/7 GR
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1982
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MORE OPEN SPACES IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST ........................ 1
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL AND NORTH POINT ... 1
TENDERS SOUGHT FOR ROAD WORK................................... 2
AIR-MAIL SERVICES TO LEBANON EXTENDED ......................... 2
SEVEN-HOUR WATER CUT .......................................... 2
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31,
1982
1 -
MORE OPEN SPACES IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST
* * * *
MORE OPEN SPACES WILL BE DEVELOPED IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST TO PROVIDE VISITORS AND OFFICE WORKERS WITH MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT ALTOGETHER TEN OPEN SPACES OF DIFFERENT DESIGNS WILL BE BUILT IN THE AREA.
TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE OF THESE OPEN SPACES ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ONE OF THE OPEN SPACES WILL BE LOCATED ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD WHILE THE OTHER TWO ARE ON THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE ROAD.
THE EASTERN-SIDE OPEN SPACE WILL HAVE TWO BASKETBALL COURTS, BENCHES AND ARBOURS.
THE REMAINING TWO WILL BE PROVIDED WITH PLANTINGS, BENCHES, AND A FOUNTAIN FORMING A CENTRAL PIAZZA.
♦THE MAIN FEATURE OF THESE OPEN SPACES IS THAT THEY WILL BE LINKED BY TREE-LINED PEDESTRIAN PRECINCTS,♦ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
WORK FOR THE PROJECT WILL START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN AUGUST.
-----o------
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL AND NORTH POINT
* * * M
EDINBURGH PLACE EAST IN CENTRAL BETWEEN HMS TAMAR AND QUEEN’S PIER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 2.30 PM TO 8 PM ON MONDAY (JANUARY 3) FOR THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE LEGAL YEAR 1983.
THE CITY HALL CAR PARK WILL ALSO BE CLOSED FROM 3 PM TO 8 PM ON THAT DAY FOR THE SAME REASON.
MEANWHILE, IN NORTH POINT, TRAFFIC ON HEALTHY STREET EAST SOUTHBOUND AT ITS JUNCTION WITH KING’S ROAD WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TSAT TSZ MUI R0AD FR0M 10 AM ON MONDAY (JANUARY 3). THIS IS TO ALLOW WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT REALIGNMENT OF THE TRAM TRACKS ALONG KING’S ROAD.
ON THE
ARRANGEMENT WILL LAST FOR TWO WEEKS, DURING MOTORISTS WISHING TO GAIN ACCESS TO TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD TO USE MODEL LANE.
WHICH WILL HAVE
-----0------
TENDERS SOUGHT FOR ROAD WORK
* * * *
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE REALIGNMENT AND WIDENING OF A SECTION OF LUNG MUN ROAD FROM PAK KOK TO BUTTERFLY BEACH.
THE PROJECT FORMS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, UNDERTAKEN BY THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE.
WORK ON THE CONTRACT INVOLVES THE WIDENING OF ABOUT 1.2 KILOMETRES OF LUNG MUN ROAD FROM PAK KOK TO BUTTERFLY BEACH INTO A DUAL CARRIAGEWAY.
UPON COMPLETION, THE NEW ROAD WILL PROVIDE BETTER ACCESS TO BUTTERFLY BEACH AND TO THE SOUTH-WESTERN PART OF THE NEW TOWN.
WORK WILL START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 20 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
-----0--------
AIR-MAIL SERVICES TO LEBANON EXTENDED
AIR-MAIL SERVICES TO LEBANON, UNTIL NOW RESTRICTED ONLY TO LETTERS AND CARDS, HAVE NOW BEEN EXTENDED TO INCLUDE SECOND-CLASS ITEMS NOT EXCEEDING TWO KG.
ALL OTHER SERVICES REMAIN SUSPENDED.
-------o----------
SEVEN-HOUR WATER CUT
* * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN EASTERN DISTRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (JANUARY 3) FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY WING HING STREET, KING’S ROAD, OIL STREET, KING WAH ROAD, FOOK YUM ROAD AND ELECTRIC ROAD INCLUDING THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT AND 200-290 ELECTRIC ROAD.
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