港史文本 - HK In Texts: Daily Information Bulletin - 1980s - 1982 - MAR

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED SY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

MONDAY, MARCH 1, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR OPENS TOTO HALT. AND LAYS FOUNDATION STONES FOR TWO MORE IN NT ..................................................... 1

UNOFFICIALS' ROLE IN LOCAL AFFAIRS ............................. 6

PRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ................ 7

HONG KONG/CANADA TEXTILE ARRANGEMENTS .......................... 8

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COUNCIL SYMPOSIUM IN HONG KONG ............. 8

RETRAINING COURSES FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS ....................... 9

HENNESSY ROAD TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT .............................. 9

WORK SAFETY SHOW ATTRACTS MANY ................................ 10

REROUTING OF TRAFFIC .......................................... 10

VERDEHR TRIO TO PERFORM AT TSUEN WAN .......................... 11

WATER FIGURES

MONDAY, MARCH 1, 1982

GOVERNOR OPENS TOWN HALL AND LAYS FOUNDATION STONES FOR TWO MORE IN NT * M * *

TODAY (MONDAY) WAS A BIG DAY FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHEN THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, OPENED A TOWN HALL AND COMMUNITY CENTRE AT SHEUNG SHU I AND LAID THE FOUNDATION STONES FOR TWO OTHERS AT TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN.

SIR MURRAY SAID THE PROGRAMME, COSTING ALMOST $272 MILLION, FURTHERED GOVERNMENT’S POLICY THAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR CULTURE, AMUSEMENT AND RECREATION, AS WELL AS MEETING PLACES FOR COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, SHOULD BE MORE EVENLY SPREAD BETWEEN THE URBAN AREAS AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE TOWN HALL AT SHEUNG SHU I IS BEING UPGRADED SO THAT IT CAN BE USED AS A PLACE OF PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT: THE TOWN HALLS AT TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN WILL BE DESIGNED ON THE SAME LINES AS THE TOWN HALL AT TSUEN WAN, OPENED TWO YEARS AGO, EXCEPT THAT BOTH WILL HAVE LARGER STAGES. THEY WILL BE READY BY 1985.

♦ IT HAS GIVEN ME VERY MUCH PLEASURE TO VISIT THE NEW TERRITORIES TODAY TO OFFICIATE AT THESE THREE EVENTS,* SIR MURRAY SAID.

IN A SPEECH AT SHEUNG SHU I, HE SAID OPENING THE CENTRE MARKED A NEW STAGE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT.

THE FIRST RESIDENTS WOULD BE ARRIVING IN THE NEARBY CHOI YUEN ESTATE IN A MONTH’S TIME.

WITHIN A YEAR THERE WOULD BE ALMOST 30 000 PEOPLE LIVING THERE.

+ASSIMILATING THE NEWCOMERS INTO THE COMMUNITY WILL BE A CHALLENGE. I AM SURE IT WILL BE MET WITH THE SAME VIGOUR AND GENEROSITY WITH WHICH YOUR LEADERS HAVE COME TOGETHER WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO BUILD THIS FINE HALL,+ HE SAID.

THE OPENING WAS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES.

TSUEN WAN AND YUEN LONG ALREADY HAD TOWN HALLS.

+EARLIER TODAY I LAID THE FOUNDATION STONE FOR A TOWN HALL IN TUEN MUN,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.

♦ THIS AFTERNOON I WILL DO THE SAME IN SHA TIN.*

LATER THIS YEAR CONSTRUCTION OF HALLS WOULD START IN TAI PO AND SAI KUNG.

♦ SO THERE WILL BE A RING OF SEVEN HALLS, EACH A FOCUS FOR DISTRICT COMMUNITY LIFE UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF ITS DISTRICT BOARD.+

THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WAS A HAPPY COINCIDENCE THAT THE OPENING OF THE CENTRE, AND LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONES FOR TWO TOWN HALLS, SHOULD ALL TAKE PLACE ONLY THREE DAYS BEFORE THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

/♦PROPER OPPORTUNITIES .......

MONDAY, 1UHCH 1, 1982

♦PROPER OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITY INTERESTS THROUGH DISTRICT BOARDS, PROPER BUILDINGS FOR COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, AND PROPER GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR BOTH, ARE THE LEGS ON WHICH THESE NEW COMMUNITIES ARE BEING BUILT,+ HE SAID.

♦THEY CAN ONLY SUCCEED THROUGH THE SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION OF ALL RESIDENTS, THE SINCERITY AND RESPONSIVENESS OF THE GOVERNMENT, AND THE WORKING PARTNERSHIP SO FORMED.*

HE SAID THE BUILDING OF THE COMMUNITY CENTRE AND TOWN HALL WAS AN IMPRESSIVE EXAMPLE OF COOPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE RESIDENTS OF SHEUNG SHU I.

♦ I AM CONFIDENT THIS SAME SPIRIT WILL ENSURE A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS FUTURE FOR THE DISTRICT,* HE SAID.

SIR MURRAY WENT FIRST TO TUEN MUN BY SCHEDULED HOVERFERRY SERVICE FROM HONG KONG ISLAND. HE WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE JOURNEY BY THE SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES- THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR BRIAN WILSON- THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR DAVID MCDONALD-THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON-AND THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT, MR JOHN DON.

MEETING HIM ON ARRIVAL AT TUEN MUN FERRY PIER WERE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BILLY LAM, AND THE PROJECT MANAGER, MR S.K. KWEI. AT THE TOWN HALL SITE HE WAS MET BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU WONG-FAT- FORMER KUK CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN YAT-SUN- AND UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD.

MR WILSON SAID WHEN THE CITY HALL IN HONG KONG WAS FIRST OPENED IN 1962 THERE WAS SOME DOUBT WHETHER THERE WOULD BE ENOUGH PUBLIC INTEREST IN CULTURAL MATTERS TO FILL ITS CONCERT HALL AND THEATRE REGULARLY. HAPPILY THIS HAD BEEN PROVED WRONG.

+THERE ARE NOW ROUGHLY TWICE AS MANY APPLICATIONS FOR USE OF THE CITY HALL FACILITIES AS THERE ARE SPACE AND TIME AVAILABLE,* HE SAID.

THE SAME SORT OF DOUBTS WERE EXPRESSED BEFORE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL WAS OPENED IN 1980, BUT WERE LIKEWISE PROVED WRONG, HE SAID.

+ 1 AM DELIGHTED TO SAY THAT IN THE CASE OF THIS NEW TUEN MUN TOWN HALL NO SUCH DOUBTS HAVE BEEN RAISED.*

PEOPLE SEEMED TO HAVE AT LAST REALISED THAT IN BOTH THE URBAN AREAS AND THE NEW TERRITORIES THERE WAS INCREASING INTEREST IN THE PERFORMING ARTS, MR WILSON SAID.

THIS DID NOT MEAN THAT THE PUBLIC’S ONLY INTEREST WAS TO ATTEND PLAYS, CONCERTS, DANCE AND CHINESE OPERA PUT ON BY OUTSIDE PROFESSIONAL COMPANIES.

THERE WAS AN EQUAL DEMAND FOR SUITABLE VENUES FOR LOCAL AMATEUR ^^RALGROUPS T0 PRACTISE AND PERFORM, OFTEN TO PROFESSIONAL

qI ANDAnDo■

/he said .......

MONDAY, MARCH 1, 19«2

HE SAID THE $125 MILLION TUEN MUN TOWN HALL- SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN EARLY 1985, WOULD PROVIDE AN AUDITORIUM SEATING 1 450 PERSONS, BUILT SPECIFICALLY FOR LARGE-SCALE ORCHESTRAL, OPERATIC, DANCE AND THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES.

IT WOULD BE A FIRST-CLASS VENUE THAT OFFERED GOOD SEATING, ACOUSTICS, LIGHTING, SOUND AMPLIFICATION, STORAGE SPACE AND OF COURSE AIR-CONDITIONING.

IN ADDITION TO THE MAIN AUDITORIUM, THERE WOULD BE MEDIUM-SIZED, MULTI-FUNCTIONAL ROOMS WHICH WOULD BE USED FOR REHEARSALS, PRACTICE, EXHIBITIONS AND SMALL-SCALE PERFORMANCES.

MR WILSON SAID A CONFERENCE ROOM SEATING UP TO 50 PERSONS WITH A SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SYSTEM WOULD ALSO BE PROVIDED AT THE REQUEST OF TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD.

llrt_ HE SAID PROVISIONS OF TOWN HALLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAD J£T,BEEN AN EASY TASK IN COMPETITION WITH THE MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OF HOUSING AND INDUSTRY.

* 'T HAS ,N FACT BEEN LARGELY YOUR EXCELLENCY’S SUPPORT THAT HAS RESULTED IN THESE TOWN HALLS, INCLUDING THE ONE AT SHA TIN.

+WITHOUT THAT SUPPORT AND THE PATRONAGE THAT YOUR EXCELLENCY HAS BESTOWED ON CULTURAL FUNCTIONS IN THE NT, THESE TOWN HALLS MIGHT HAVE LANGUISHED AS A DISTANT HOPE,+ HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR THEN LAID THE FOUNDATION STONE AND SAW A MODEL OF THE FINISHED COMPLEX, THE DETAILS OF WHICH WERE EXPLAINED BY THE PROJECT ARCHITECT, MR DAVID BOOTH.

THE TOWN HALL WILL BE IN THE TOWN CENTRE ON A 40 000 SQUARE METRE SITE CLOSE TO THE PARK.

FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE CHINESE AND EUROPEAN RESTAURANTS, A MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK FOR 850 VEHICLES, A LIBRARY, A POST OFFICE, A MARRIAGE REGISTRY AND A BUS STATION WHICH WILL BE COVERED TO ENSURE SOUND ISOLATION FOR THE AUDITORIUM.

THESE ARE DUE TO BE COMPLETED IN PHASE II OF THE PROJECT.

PILING WORK ON THE AUDITORIUM BLOCK STARTED LAST NOVEMBER.

TUEN MUN, WHICH ORIGINALLY HAD A POPULATION OF 40 000, NOW HAS APPROXIMATELY 140 000 RESIDENTS, MOSTLY IN PUBLIC HOUSING. THE POPULATION WILL INCREASE TO 200 000 THIS YEAR AND TO NEARLY 600 000 WHEN THE NEW TOWN IS COMPLETED BY EARLY 1990S.

THE GOVERNOR NEXT WENT TO SHEUNG SHU I TO OFFICIALLY OPEN THE TOWN HALL THERE.

, , YHE PR0GRAMME OF UPGRADING INCLUDES IMPROVEMENTS TO THE *nn^T SYSTEMS and THE plRE SERVICES INSTALLATIONS

ADDITIONAL STAGE EQUIPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF A DANCE STUDIO.

/SIR MURRAY .......

UOIWAY, MARCH 1, 1982

- 4 -

SIR MURRAY WAS MET BY A WELCOMING PARTY HEADED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG.

MR CHEUNG SAID THE OPENING FULFILLED THE DREAMS AND HOPES OF MANY YEARS OF RESIDENTS OF NORTH DISTRICT.

+WE HAVE LONG BEEN HAMPERED BY THE LACK OF A SUITABLE VENUE FOR PERFORMANCES AT ALL LEVELS,* HE SAID.

+ NOW WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO A WELCOME AND MUCH-NEEDED EXPANSION IN ARTISTIC, CULTURAL AND RELATED ACTIVITIES.*

ONE OF THE SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE PROJECT HAD BEEN THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, MR CHEUNG SAID.

DONATIONS OF OVER $2.5 MILLION TOWARDS THE $8.8 MILLION COST OF THE CENTRE HAD BEEN MADE BY LOCAL PEOPLE AND OTHER PROMINENT NEW TERRITORIES CITIZENS, UNDERLINING THEIR CONTINUING INTEREST IN THIS PROJECT.

MR CHEUNG SAID THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND SUB-COMMITTEES, WHICH WERE COMPOSED ALMOST ENTIRELY OF LOCAL RESIDENTS, WOULD ADVISE AND ASSIST IN RUNNING THE HALL AND COMMUNITY CENTRE WHICH CONTAINED AN AUDITORIUM, A DANCE STUDIO, LIBRARY, CONFERENCE ROOM AND OTHER FACILITIES.

MEMBERS OF NORTH DISTRICT ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION ENTERTAINED GUESTS WITH FOLK DANCES, CANTONESE OPERA AND A CHINESE ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE BEFORE SIR MURRAY UNVEILED THE MEMORIAL PLAQUE TO OFFICIALLY OPEN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE AND 9OO-SEAT TOWN HALL WHICH IS IN LUNG SUN AVENUE NEAR SHEUNG SHU I RAILWAY STATION.

HE ALSO TOURED THE LIBRARY AND PREVIEWED A LOCAL HISTORICAL EXHIBITION WHICH WILL OPEN TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AND CONTINUE UNTIL MARCH 8.

ON DISPLAY ARE PHOTOGRAPHS, RELICS, ANCIENT TOOLS AND A REPRODUCTION OF A VILLAGE HOUSE.

THE POPULATION OF NORTH DISTRICT IS 130 000 AT PRESENT, BUT WILL GROW TO ALMOST 400 000 BY 1991.

AFTER LUNCH AT FANLING LODGE, ATTENDED BY THE CHAIRMAN AND SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, AS WELL AS BY MR AKER-JONES AND THE OTHER SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICERS, THE GOVERNOR WENT TO SHA TIN.

HE WAS MET AT THE TOWN HALL SITE BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, DR PATRICK HASE- THE PROJECT MANAGER, MR KENNETH KWOK- THE DIRECTOR OF CULTURAL SERVICES, MR DARWIN CHEN- AND MR WAI HON-LEUNG, CHAIRMAN OF SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE.

MR WILSON SAID WHEN THE FIRST TOWN HALL WAS OPENED IN TSUEN WAN IN FEBRUARY, 1980, ITS FACILITIES WERE ALREADY IN HEAVY DEMAND, WITH AN AVERAGE ATTENDANCE RATE OF 72 PER CENT FOR PERFORMANCES, AND THERE WAS NO REASON TO DOUBT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL WOULD BE ANY LESS POPULAR.

/FACILITIES, LIKE .......

MONDAY, MABCH 1, 1982

- 5 -

FACILITIES, LIKE TUEN MUN, WOULD INCLUDE A MAIN AUDITORIUM AND MEDIUM-SIZED, MULTI-FUNCTIONAL ROOMS.

THE S138-MILLI0N TOWN HALL, LOCATED ON A 20 000 SQUARE METRE SITE IN THE TOWN CENTRE BETWEEN THE RAILWAY STATION AND THE SHING MUN RIVER, WOULD ALSO BE EQUIPPED WITH A CONFERENCE ROOM WITH SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION FACILITIES, AGAIN AT THE REQUEST OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.

IT WOULD BE DESIGNED FOR HIGHLY-PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCES AS WELL AS A WIDE RANGE OF DISTRICT CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.

IT WOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH A CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL, LARGE PRACTICE AND REHEARSAL ROOMS AND TWO LECTURE ROOMS EACH ACCOMMODATING 145 PERSONS. SEATING WOULD BE MOVABLE AND ALL WOULD HAVE ACOUSTIC TREATMENT, SOUND AND LIGHTING EQUIPMENT.

MR WILSON SAID BOTH TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN TOWN HALLS WOULD BE MANAGED BY THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT UNDER THE GENERAL GUIDANCE OF LOCAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES WHICH WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT THE TOWN HALLS MET LOCAL REQUIREMENTS.

HOWEVER, HE SAID, THESE THREE TOWN HALLS WOULD NOT BE THE ONLY VENUES FOR THE ARTS IN THE NT.

THERE WOULD ALSO BE SMALLER, PURPOSE-BUILT CULTURAL FACILITIES IN SMALLER TOWNS AND COMMUNITIES.

FOR INSTANCE, WITH A SEATING CAPACITY OF 880, THE AIR-CONDITIONED HALL OF THE CHIU LUT SAU SECONDARY SCHOOL IN YUEN LONG WAS REGULARLY USED FOR PERFORMANCES AND FUNCTIONS UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF A LOCAL COMMITTEE AND THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

AFTER THE GOVERNOR LAID THE FOUNDATION STONE, MR LAU WONG-FAT THANKED HIM FOR ADMINISTERING THE CEREMONIES IN THREE DISTRICTS CF THE NT, THEREBY SHOWING HIS CONCERN FOR THE WELFARE AND QUALITY CF LIVING OF THE PEOPLE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

HE SAID YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN AND NORTH DISTRICT NOW HAD TOWN HALLS, AND SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN WERE SOON TO HAVE THEIR OWN.

+THIS IS REALLY GOOD NEWS FOR THE WHOLE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

+THESE DEVELOPMENTS WILL HELP CONSIDERABLY TO INSTIL A SENSE CF CIVIC PRIDE AND BELONGING IN OUR COMMUNITY AND SHOW THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS MEETING THE NEEDS OF NE* TERRITORIES RESIDENTS IN RESPECT OF CULTURAL AND CIVIC FACILITIES,+ MR LAU SAID.

AFTER THE CEREMONY, THE GOVERNOR SAW A MODEL OF THE FINISHED COMPLEX.

THE TOWN HALL, ON WHICH PILING WORK ALSO STARTED LAST NOVEMBER, WILL EVENTUALLY SERVE A POPULATION OF AT LEAST 750 000 WHEN IT IS COMPLETED IN THREE YEARS.

------o-------

/6 .....

MONDAY, MARCH 1, 1982

UNOFFICIALS’ ROLE IN LOCAL AFFAIRS * * * *

DR THE HON SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG, SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE TREND CF INCREASING UNOFFICIAL PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS IS NOT AN ACCIDENT, BUT THE RESULT OF A DELIBERATE AND CONTINUING POLICY.

SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL HALL, SIR SZE-YUEN SAID IT WAS AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND THAT WE SHOULD LOOK AT +THE CONCEPTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME+.

QUOTING THE WORDS OF THE GOVERNOR IN HIS ANNUAL ADDRESS IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR, SIR SZE-YUEN SAID THAT THIS +REFORM FOLLOWS AN EVOLUTION THAT HAS BEEN TAKING PLACE OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS.*

THE EXTENT OF UNOFFICIAL PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN MUCH BROADENED WITH THE GROWTH IN NUMBERS OF CONSULTATIVE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES.

SPEAKING OF HIS PERSONAL EXPERIENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE, SIR SZE-YUEN RECALLED THAT DURING THE TH IRTEEN-YEAR PERIOD FROM 1965-1978, THERE WERE MANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE NUMBER OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ON THE COUNCIL ALMOST DOUBLED FROM 13 TO 24- SPEECHES MADE BY MEMBERS INCREASED SIX-FOLD AND QUESTIONS ASKED INCREASED BY TEN TIMES.

LAST YEAR, UNOFFICIALS MADE UP THE GREATER NUMBER OF PERSONS IN OVER 320 GOVERNMENT BOARDS AND COMMITTEES.

WITH UNOFFICIAL REPRESENTATION COMING FROM A WIDE AND DIVERSIFIED CROSS-SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WOULD BE ABLE TO FOCUS MORE SHARPLY ON THE PROBLEMS AND NEEDS OF THE DISTRICT, HE SAID.

WHILE THE PRESENT BOARD WAS MADE UP OF APPOINTED MEMBERS, IT WAS ONLY AN INTERIM ARRANGEMENT, AS THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WOULD BE HAVING ELECTIONS IN SIX MONTHS TIME.

MONDAY, MARCH 1, 1982

- 7 -

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

PRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS * * * *

IN CONNECTION WITH THURSDAY’S NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, THE FOLLOWING ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING MADE FOR THE PRESS BY THE INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA/IPRU):

1. AT 0845 HRS, A COACH WILL LEAVE HANKOW ROAD, BEHIND THE YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION BUILDING AT TSIM SHA TSUI, TO TAKE THE PRESS TO POLLING STATIONS IN SHA TIN, TAI PO (WHERE THEY WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE PICTURES FROM OUTSIDE THE POLLING BOOTH OF THE SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND MRS AKERS-JONES, CASTING THEIR VOTES AT 10.30 AM), YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN AND TSUEN WAN. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THIS FACILITY WILL END AT APPROXIMATELY 1.30 PM. STAFF OF THE CNTA/IPRU WILL BE ON THE COACH TO HELP THE MEDIA.

2. DURING ELECTION DAY, ROUGH FIGURES OF VOTER TURNOUT WILL BE TELEPHONED TO STAFF OF THE CNTA/IPRU AT REGULAR INTERVALS THROUGHOUT THE DAY- THESE WILL BE COLLATED AND PROVIDED TO GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES FOR ISSUE ON THE TELEPRINTER.

3. VOTING TAKES PLACE BETWEEN 7 AM AND 10 PM ON THURSDAY. COUNTING OF VOTES WILL COMMENCE SHORTLY AFTER 10 PM AND THE RESULTS WILL BE PASSED TO CNTA/IPRU STAFF WHO WILL MAN THE UNIT’S OFFICE ON THE 4TH FLOOR OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING UNTIL THE FINAL RESULT IS IN. THE PRESS ARE *ELCOME TO COME TO THIS OFFICE AT ANY TIME DURING THE NIGHT, OR CONTACT US FOR INFORMATION ON THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS: 3-71502466, 3-71502465, 3-71502485, 3-71502484, AND 3-71502459.

HOWEVER, THE RESULTS WILL BE PASSED TO GIS FOR ISSUE ON THE TELEPRINTER.

4. AT 10 PM ON ELECTION DAY, A FACILITY WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE PRESS TO ATTEND A VOTE COUNTING CENTRE IN TSUEN WAN TO TAKE PICTURES. TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE HANKOW ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, AT 9 PM AND PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE RETURNED TO HANKOW ROAD AFTERWARDS.

5. THERE IS, OF COURSE, NO REASON WHY PRESS REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD NOT MAKE THEIR OWN ARRANGEMENTS TO ATTEND POLLING BOOTHS- BUT IT IS STRESSED THAT IT IS ILLEGAL TO TAKE PICTURES WITHIN THE BOUNDARY OF A POLLING STATION OR TO ENTER IT UNLESS YOU ARE-A REGISTERED VOTER OR ELECTION OFFICIAL.

6. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ON THE ABOVE, OR HAVE ANY SPECIAL REQUESTS, YOU ARE MOST WELCOME TO CONTACT OFFICERS OF THE CNTA/IPRU ON ANY OF THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS GIVEN ABOVE.

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/8 .....

MONDAY, MARCH 1, 1932

HONG KONG/CANADA TEXTILE ARRANGEMENTS

* * * *

FOLLOWING A WEEK OF NEGOTIATION, A NE* AD REFERENDUM TEXTILE AGREEMENT BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA WAS INITIALLED IN HONG KONG YESTERDAY (SATURDAY).

THIS IS TO COVER THE EXPORT OF CERTAIN TEXTILES AND GARMENTS FROM HONG KONG TO CANADA FOR THE PERIOD 1982 TO 1986 AND WILL SUPERSEDE THE EXISTING ONE-YEAR INTERIM ARRANGEMENT CURRENTLY IN

PLACE FOR 1982 ONLY.

THE AGREEMENT WAS CONCLUDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENTS.

THE CANADIAN DELEGATION WAS LED BY THE CANADIAN CHIEF TEXTILES NEGOTIATOR, MR DOUG ARTHUR, AND THE HONG KONG DELEGATION BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF TRADE, MR JUSTIN YUE.

DETAILS OF THE NEW AGREEMENT, WHICH IS STILL SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE RESPECTIVE GOVERNMENTS, WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.

- - 0 -----------

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COUNCIL SYMPOSIUM IN HONG KONG

*****

MORE THAN 50 OVERSEAS DELEGATES REPRESENTING MAJOR INTERNATIONAL ARTS CENTRES, FESTIVALS, BROADCASTING AUTHORITIES, THE MEDIA, AND HJSIC AND ARTS INSTITUTIONS HAVE ARRIVED HERE TO ATTEND A FOUR-DAY SYMPOSIUM ON EAST WEST EXCHANGE IN MUSIC AND THE PERFORMING ARTS.

THE SYMPOSIUM IS ORGANISED BY THE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COUNCIL OF UNESCO, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE 10TH HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL.

THE OPENING CEREMONY WAS HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE THIS (MONDAY) MORNING.

IT WAS ATTENDED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DENIS BRAY- MR M.G.R. SANDBERG- THE URBAN COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN- THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM- IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT OF IMC, PROFESSOR SIR FRANK CALLAWAY- AND THE SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF UNESCO, MR JACK BORNOFF.

IN HIS WELCOMING ADDRESS, THE SYMPOSIUM PRESIDENT, MR ALEX WU TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO INTRODUCE THE MODEL OF THE PROPOSED ACADEMY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS WHICH WAS ON DISPLAY AT THE ARTS CENTRE THIS MORNING.

HE SAID THE ACADEMY WOULD DO MUCH MORE THAN PROVIDE REHEARSAL AND TRAINING PREMISES - IT WOULD BECOME A FOCUS FOR MANY OF OUR ASPIRATIONS TOWARDS THE HIGHEST STANDARDS.

MONDAY, MARCH 1, 1982

RETRAINING COURSES FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS

X * * *

HEADS OF GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO NOMINATE THEIR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH AND CHINESE TO ATTEND FOUR REFRESHER COURSES TO BE CONDUCTED BY THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION (ILE) IN THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR.

+THE GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSES WILL BE TO FAMILIARISE TEACHERS WITH RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN APPROACHES TO THE TEACHING OF LANGUAGE, AND TO ENABLE THEM TO EXTEND THEIR RANGE OF LINGUISTIC AND PEDAGOGICAL SKILLS AS WELL AS TO IMPROVE THEIR GENERAL ABILITY IN LANGUAGE TEACHING,* AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE ADDED THAT ONE OF THE MAIN AIMS OF THE ILE IS TO RAISE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS IN THE TRAINING OF NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS OF CHINESE AND ENGLISH.

EACH OF THE FOUR COURSES WILL BE OF 16 WEEKS DURATION, AND WILL BE OPERATED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1982 AND JUNE 1983.

THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS FOR EACH COURSE IS 50, AND THERE WILL BE NO CHARGES.

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE RELEASED FROM NORMAL SCHOOL DUTIES TO ATTEND THE RETRAINING COURSES ON A FULL-TIME BASIS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE SCHOOLS CONCERNED WILL BE ALLOWED TO EMPLOY A FULL-TIME REPLACEMENT TEACHER FOR THE WHOLE OF THE 1982-83 ACADEMIC YEAR, RELEASING TWO TEACHERS TO ATTEND CONSECUTIVE COURSES AT THE ILE, HE SAID.

NOMINATIONS SHOULD BE RETURNED ON OR BEFORE MARCH 19 TO THE SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (SCHOOLS), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, THIRD FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.

RESULTS OF THE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN EARLY APRIL.

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HENNESSY ROAD TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT * * * *

THE CENTRAL CARRIAGEWAY IN wESTaOUND HENNESSY ROAD BETWEEN LEE GARDEN ROAD AND PERCIVAL STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS FROM 6 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 3) FOR WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT ON THE MTR ISLAND LINE.

TRAFFIC AT THE JUNCTION OF HENNESSY ROAD AND PERCIVAL STREET WILL NOT BE AFFECTED.

MONDAY, MARCH 1, 1982

WORK SAFETY SHOW ATTRACTS MANY * * *

+SAFETY EXTRAVAGANZA*, AN AUDIO-VISUAL PRESENTATION ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND COSPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, CAME TO A SUCCESSFUL END AT 6 PM TODAY (MONDAY), ATTRACTING 30 000 VISITORS OVER THE PAST 11 DAYS.

THE VISITORS CAME FROM A CROSS-SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY, MAINLY WORKERS AND YOUNG PEOPLE, AND WERE IMPRESSED WITH THE SHOW’S SOUND AND LIGHTING EFFECTS AND THE SIMPLE AND CONCISE MESSAGE IT CONVEYED.

THE RESPONSE WAS SO ENCOURAGING THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT PLANS TO RE-STAGE THE 12-MINUTE SHOW IN AREAS WITH LARGE CONCENTRATIONS OF WORKERS, SUCH AS WONG CHUK HANG, KWUN TONG, TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN, IN THE HOPE THAT AS MANY WORKERS AS POSSIBLE WOULD BE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF WORK SAFETY.

VISITORS TO +SAFETY EXTRAVAGANZA* NOW HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY OF WINNING A THREE-IN-ONE MUSIC CENTRE, A REFRIGERATOR AND MANY OTHER PRIZES IN AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY QUIZ ORGANISED IN CONNECTION WITH THE SHOW.

SINCE ADMISSION WAS BY TICKET, THE VISITORS WERE REQUIRED TO TICK THE CORRECT ANSWER TO A QUESTION ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ON THE STUB OF THEIR TICKET.

THE CORRECT ANSWER COULD BE OBTAINED FROM TWO +QUESTION AND ANSWER* MACHINES WHICH FORMED PART OF A STATIC DISPLAY OF PHOTOGRAPHS AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT.

AT THE END OF TODAY’S LAST SHOW, ALL THE TICKET STUBS COLLECTED OVER THE PAST 11 DAYS WERE PUT INTO A BOX AND 60 WINNING NUMBERS WERE DRAWN BY MR CHAN SIU-LAP, CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR.

THE RESULTS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE LOCAL PRESS ON MARCH 10, 1982.

-----0------

REROUTING OF TRAFFIC

* A *

TRAFFIC USING THE CIRCULAR CARRIAGEWAY AT THE EASTERN END CF THE SHEK 0 HEADLAND ACCESS ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY CLOCKWISE FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 3).

- 0 -

/11 ........

MONDAY, MARCH 1, 1982

VERDEHR TRIO TO PERFORM AT TSUEN WAN * * *

THE VERDEHR TRIO FROM THE UNITED STATES WILL BE GIVING A CONCERT AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL ON MARCH 25 AT 7.30 PM.

THE TRIO GOT TOGETHER IN 1972 TO SPECIALISE IN MUSIC FOR VIOLIN, CLARINET AND PIANO. APART FROM GIVING PERFORMANCES IN THE UNITED STATES, THEY HAVE ALSO MADE SEVERAL EUROPEAN TOURS, PERFORMING IN AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, CZECHOSLOVAKIA, ENGLAND, FRANCE, ITALY, THE NETHERLANDS, PORTUGAL, SPAIN, WEST GERMANY AS WELL AS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CLARINET CONGRESS.

THEY HAVE NOW BEGUN A SERIES OF RECORDINGS OF NEWLY-COMMISSIONED WORKS AND TRANSCRIPTIONS OF WORKS FOR TRIO, AIMED AT ENLARGING THE LITERATURE FOR VIOLIN, CLARINET AND PIANO.

THE MEMBERS OF THE TRIO ARE VIOLINIST WALTER VERDEHR, AND HIS WIFE CLARINETIST ELSA LUDEWIG-VERDEHR, AND PIANIST GARY KIRKPATRICK.

WALTER VERDEHR RECEIVED HIS FIRST VIOLIN INSTRUCTIONS AT THE CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC IN GRAZ, AUSTRIA, AND OBTAINED HIS BACHELOR’S AND MASTER’S DEGREES FROM JU ILL I ARD SCHOOL. HE WENT TO STUDY AT VIENNA ACADEMY OF MUSIC UPON GRADUATION AND RETURNED TO THE JUILLIARD TO BECOME THE FIRST VIOLINIST TO RECEIVE A DOCTORATE FROM THE SCHOOL.

HIS WIFE ELSA HOLDS TWO BACHELOR’S DEGREES IN MUSIC AND MUSIC EDUCATION, ONE MASTER’S DEGREE IN MUSIC AND ONE DOCTOR’S DEGREE IN MUSICAL ARTS. SHE IS NOW A PROFESSOR AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY.

GARY KIRKPATRICK ACQUIRED HIS MUSICAL TRAINING IN THE UNITED STATES AND AUSTRIA. HE IS THE WINNER OF THE STEPANOR PIANO COMPETITION IN VIENNA AND THE INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION IN JAEN, SPAIN. HE IS AT PRESENT ON THE MUSIC FACULTY OF THE WILLIAM PATERSON COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY IN THE UNITED STATES.

THE CONCERT WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES PRESENTATIONS OFFICE OF THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

TICKETS AS $7 AND $13 ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL BOX OFFICE AND THE NEW TERRITORIES MOBILE LIBRARY.

--------0-----------

WATER FIGURES * * *

AM TODAY (MONDAY)

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 STOOD AT ti.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 241.796 MILLION CUBIC METRES, WHICH IS EQUIVALENT TO 212 DAYS’ CONSUMPTION.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR, THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 262.652 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, MAKING UP 45.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 1^82

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

NEW RAILWAY OPENS OK MAY 6 ................................... 1

NEW TSUEN WAN MANAGER MEETS DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ............. 3

DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES RETIRES ............................. 4

YAU MA TEI DB INAUGURAL MEETING ................................ 5

KCR FEEDER BUS SERVICES TO BE INTRODUCED IN MAY ................ 6

LEGAL AID SERVICES FOR THE NEEDY ............................... 8

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON HK ISLAND ............................. 11

PLEA FOR PRACTICAL TRAINING FOR ENGINEERING GRADUATES........ 12

SURVEY RESULTS ON OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT ............... 13

NT VOTERS REMINDED OF DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION DAY .............. 14

SPECIAL STAM? ISSUES ........................................... 14

SCHOOLS INVITED TO JOIN JSEA SYSTEM IN 1983 .................... 15

FIRE BAN LIFTED ................................................ 15

COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB DONATES TO THE 'CHEST'

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 1982

NEW RAILWAY OPENS ON MAY 6 * * * *

THE FIRST STAGE OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY ELECTRIFIED SERVICE WILL BE OPENED ON MAY 6.

ANNOUNCING THE COMMENCEMENT DATE TODAY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE COMMISSIONING OF THE ELECTRIFIED SERVICE BETWEEN KOWLOON AND SHA TIN MARKED THE BEGINNING OF AN ENTIRELY NEW RAILWAY FOR HONG KONG, ON WHICH SOME S3.5 BILLION WOULD HAVE BEEN SPENT ON COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT FRESH LEGISLATION WAS PROPOSED FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATION OF THE NEW RAILWAY AND GAVE DETAILS OF THE NEW FARE STRUCTURE WHICH WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN MAY.

A BILL SEEKING TO REPEAL AND REPLACE THE EXISTING KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY ORDINANCE WILL BE INTRODUCED !NTO THE milNCIL AT ITS NEXT MEETING ON MARCH 10. IT WILL BE IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON FRIDAY (MARCH 5).

LEGISLATIVE PUBLISHED

If? iiSs’S'wis'“s

.WHILE THE FULL ELECTRIFIED SYSTEM WILL PROV IDE A MUCH^ IMPROVED SERVICE INCLUDING Af|'G"AtALL PASSENGERS WILL REAP THE AND REDUCTION IN JOURNEY TIMES., NOT ALL rA ACC0UNT WHEN up% tKhe spokesman sa.d.

WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF ELECTRIC TRAINS ON THE INNER SUBURBAN ROUTE THE FREQUENCY OF SERVICE WILL BE INCREASED TO SEVEN TRAINS AN HOUR EACH WAY, AND EIGHT TRAINS AT PEAK PERIODS, AT 10-MINUTE INTERVALS. THE EXISTING SERVICE IS TWO TRAINS AN HOUR RUNNING AT 30-MINUTE INTERVALS.

THE EXISTING DIESEL TRAINS WILL BE RETAINED FOR THE OUTER SUBURBAN SERVICE BEYOND SHA TIN PENDING THE EXTENSION OF THE NEW ELECTRIFIED RAILWAY TO TAI PO MARKET IN EARLY 1983 AND TO LO WU IN MID-1983. BY THIS TIME A TOTAL OF 16 TRAINS AN HOUR EACH WAY WILL BE OPERATED AT PEAK PERIODS BETWEEN KOWLOON AND SHA TIN WHILE THE FREQUENCY OF SERVICE AT OTHER TIMES ALONG THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE LINE WILL BE DICTATED BY DEMAND.

THE NEW ORDINARY CLASS FARES FROM KOWLOON WILL BE $1 TO MONG KOK AND KOWLOON TONG AND $l.f>0 TO SHA TIN. THE FARES FOR THE EXISTING DIESEL SERVICE ARE 50 CENTS (TO MONG KOK ONLY AS KOWLOON TONG WILL BE A NEW STATION) AND 90 CENTS RESPECTIVELY. THE DIFFERENCE FOR THE MAJORITY OF PASSENGERS USING THE' INNER SUBURBAN SERVICE WILL BE ABOUT 67 PER CENT.

/MOST OF THE .......

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 19&2

- 2 -

MOST OF THE ORDINARY CLASS FARES FOR THE OUTER SUBURBAN SERVICE WILL BE .10 CENTS OR 20 CENTS HIGHER THAN AT PRESENT. ONE FARE WILL BE 50 CENTS HIGHER WHILE THE FARES FOR FOUR SECTIONS WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED. THE AVERAGE INCREASE WILL BE ABOUT 14 PER CENT.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW FARE STRUCTURE REFLECTED HIGHER OPERATING COSTS DUE TO INFLATION AND ARISING FROM THE IMPROVED SERVICE ITSELF.

THE COST OF DIESEL FUEL ALONE HAS RISEN BY MORE THAN 100 PER CENT SINCE THE LAST REVISION OF FARES IN APRIL 1980, AND ADDITIONAL STAFF HAVE TO BE RECRUITED AND TRAINED TO OPERATE THE NEW AND MORE FREQUENT SERVICE. OTHER FACTORS INCLUDE A HEAVY INCREASE IN THE CONSUMPTION OF ELECTRICITY AND THE MORE SOPHISTICATED MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE IMPROVED SYSTEM.

+EVEN WITH THE FARE REVISION, THE THIRD IN 35 YEARS, THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL STILL HAVE A SMALL DEFICIT ON DIRECT OPERATING COSTS, NOT INCLUDING DEPRECIATION,* HE ADDED.

PROVIDING MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE NEW ELECTRIFIED SERVICE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE MODERN ROLLING STOCK AND HIGH TECHNOLOGY INVOLVED WERE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A PUNCTUAL AND RELIABLE SERVICE.

TRAVELLING TIMES FROM KOWLOON WILL BE FOUR MINUTES TO MONG KOK, 12 MINUTES TO SHA TIN, 26 MINUTES TO TAI PO MARKET AND 39 MINUTES TO LO WU, OR ABOUT TWICE AS FAST AS AT PRESENT.

STATION STOPPING TIMES WILL BE VERY SHORT, AND FOR THIS REASON THE FLOOR HEIGHT OF THE NEW TRAINS AND STATIONS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO MAXIMISE THE SPEED OF PASSENGER MOVEMENT IN AND OUT OF THE TRAINS. THE NEW -STATION AT KOWLOON TONG WILL PROVIDE A QUICK AND EASY MEANS OF TRANSFERRING FROM THE KCR TO THE MTR.

THE ELECTRIC TRAINS, WHICH WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH 3 WIDE POWER-OPERATED SLIDING DOORS ON EACH SIDE OF EACH COACH, WILL BE FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED.

EACH SET OF TRAINS CONSISTS OF 3 VEHICLES AND CAN BE MULTIPLIED INTO A TOTAL OF 12 VEHICLES. EACH SET WILL HAVE A CAPACITY FOR 256 SEATED PASSENGERS AND ABOUT 590 STANDING PASSENGERS.

THE INNER SUBURBAN TRAINS WILL BE ORDINARY CLASS ONLY WHILE THE OUTER SUBURBAN TRAINS WILL HAVE BOTH FIRST AND ORDINARY CLASS ACCOMMODATION TOGETHER WITH TOILETS AND BAGGAGE COMPARTMENTS.

-----o------

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 1982

- 3 -

NEW TSUEN WAN MANAGER MEETS DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ft ft ft ft ft

TSUEN WAN’S NEW TOWN MANAGER, MR ASHISH MACLEOD, HELD HIS FIRST hEETING WITH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TODAY ^TUESDAY).

IT WAS ALSO THE BOARD’S LAST MEETING itl ITS PRESENT FORM BEFORE 10 ELECTED MEMBERS JOIN AT THE START OF NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR.

MR MACLEOD SAID AS A NEWCOMER TO THE TOWN HE WAS SURPRISED AT THE FAST RATE OF DEVELOPMENT, NOTING THAT THE POPULATION WOULD RISE BY 300 000 TO 900 000 OVER THE NEXT EIGHT YEARS.

♦ THIS IS AN EXCITING TIME FOR ME TO COME TO TSUEN WAN,* HE SAID.

* 1 AM ANXIOUS THAT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TSUEN WAN SHOULD HAVE A TOWN CENTRE WORTHY OF ITS SIZE AND IMPORTANCE,* HE ADDED.

THIS WOULD BE MADE POSSIBLE WITH THE OPENING OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY EXTENSION AND THE WATERFRONT RECLAMATION WEST OF THE EXISTING TSUEN WAN FERRY PIER.

UPON COMPLETION, THESE DEVELOPMENTS WOULD PROVIDE HIGH CLASS SHOPPING AREAS AND OFFICES AND MUCH NEEDED FACILITIES SUCH AS A LIBRARY, CAR-PARK SPACES, AN AUDITORIUM AND A LARGE AREA OF OPEN SPACES.

MR MACLEOD SAID HE ALSO LOOKED FORWARD TO THE NEW INSIGHT WHICH THE ELECTED MEMBERS WOULD BRING TO THE BOARD.

♦ I TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO URGE ALL THOSE ON THE ELECTORAL ROLL TO VOTE THIS THURSDAY IN THE DB ELECTIONS,* HE SAID.

♦ TSUEN WAN PEOPLE CAN ONLY BENEFIT FROM THEIR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WHETHER OFFICIAL OR UNOFFICIAL, ELECTED OR APPOINTED, IF THEY SPEAK UP AND IDENTIFY PROBLEM AREAS AND MAKE PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM,* HE SAID.

AT PRESENT TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD HAS 29 MEMBERS.

WITH THE ADDITION OF ELECTED MEMBERS THE NUMBER WILL RISE TO 37, COMPRISING 11 OFFICIALS AND 26 UNOFFICIALS, EACH OF WHOM WILL SERVE FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM.

-----0------

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 1982

- 4 -

DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES RETIRES ft ft ft

THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR WILLIAM TUCKER, IS RETIRING AFTER NEARLY 30 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

TO MARK THE OCCASION, MR DAVID MCDONALD, SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, TODAY PRESENTED HIM WITH A SOUVENIR ON BEHALF OF HIS FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE PWD HEADQUARTERS IN MURRAY BUILDING.

MR MCDONALD RECALLED THAT MR TUCKER JOINED THE GOVERNMENT IN SEPTEMBER 1952 AS A PUPIL ENGINEER AND WAS POSTED TO THE WATERWORKS OFFICE.

HE WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR ENGINEER IN 1963 AND CHIEF ENGINEER IN 1965. HE BECAME ASSISTANT GOVERNMENT WATER ENGINEER IN 1969, PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT WATER ENGINEER IN 1972 AND DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES IN 1976. IN MID 1981, HE ACTED AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.

MR MCDONALD SAID, ♦DURING THIS PERIOD, MR TUCKER WAS INVOLVED IN MANY OF THE LARGE WATERWORKS PROJECTS, SUCH AS PLOVER COVE AND HIGH ISLAND AND IN THE PROVISION OF EXTRA WATER FROM CHINA. IN CONNECTION WITH WHICH HE HAS MADE SEVERAL VISITS TO GUANGZHOU AS A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG NEGOTIATING TEAM.

♦IN THE NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST OF 1981, MR TUCKER’S ACHIEVEMENTS WERE JUSTIFIABLY RECOGNISED WHEN HE WAS AWARDED THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE.♦

MR TUCKER HAS ALSO BEEN VERY MUCH INVOLVED WITH COMPUTING IN PWD AND ESPECIALLY IN HIS OWN DEPARTMENT.

♦THIS HAS NOT ALWAYS BEEN ENTIRELY SUCCESSFUL, ESPECIALLY IN THE FIRST ATTEMPTS, SOME YEARS AGO, TO COMPUTERIZE WATERWORKS CONSUMERS' ACCOUNTS,♦ MR MCDONALD SAID.

♦HAPPILY. THOSE DAYS ARE NOW OVER AND THE NEW COMPUTERIZED ACCOUNTING SYSTEM IS WORKING WELL. THIS IS DUE IN NO SMALL MEASURE TO MR TUCKER'S ENTHUSIASM AND DRIVE.

♦BEING DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES IS NOT, OF COURSE, WITHOUT ITS ATTENDANT DANGERS,♦ HE ADDED. +MR TUCKER HAS BEEN THE TARGET OF POPULAR INDIGNATION ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, THE LATEST BEING THE RECENT IMPOSITION OF WATER RESTRICTIONS WHICH LIMIT SUPPLY TO TEN HOURS PER DAY.+

♦THEY ARE NOWHERE NEAR AS RESTRICTIVE AS, FOR EXAMPLE, WE HAD IN 1967, WHEN SUPPLY WAS AVAILABLE ONLY FOR FOUR HOURS EVERY FOURTH DAY.+

MR MCDONALD THEN WISHED MR AND MRS TUCKER A VERY LONG AND HAPPY RETIREMENT.

------o-------

/5.......

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 1982

YAU MA TEI DB INAUGURAL MEETING * * * *

THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD, THE THE URBAN AREA, WILL HOLD ITS INAUGURAL (MARCH 4) AT 3 PM AT THE LUTHERAN MIDDLE

NINTH TO BE SET UP IN MEETING ON THURSDAY SCHOOL.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, WILL ADDRESS THE MEETING. ’

ALSO PRESENT AT THE MEETING WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR GRAHAM BARNES.

CHAIRED BY THE CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER OF YAU MA TEI.

MR WILFRED WONG, THE BOARD COMPRISES SIX OFFICIAL MEMBERS, 13 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, TWO URBAN COUNCILLORS (ONE APPOINTED AND ONE ELECTED) AND A SECRETARY.

AT THE INAUGURAL MEETING, MEMBERS WILL BE INFORMED OF THE WORK OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (DMC) SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN AUGUST 1981. THIS WILL BE SUPPLEMENTED BY A SLIDE SHOW.

THE YAU MA TEI DMC WAS SET UP TO IMPROVE COOPERATION AND COORDINATION AMONG GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE BETTER PUBLIC SERVICES AND DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT.

BETWEEN AUGUST 1981 AND FEBRUARY 1982, THE DMC, THROUGH ITS IWO SUB-COMMITTEES — THE ENVIRONMENT SUB-COMMITTEE AND THE g^MUNITY EUILDING SUB-COMMITTEE — HAVE CLEARED CERTAIN BACK LANES OCCUPIED BY ILLEGAL STRUCTURES- ORGANISED RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR BOAT DWELLERS IN YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER AND CONDUCTED A ROAD SAFETY PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN. IT HAS ALSO PUBLISHED * ?’STR'5I.NE*SPAPER F0R B0TH YAU MA TEI AND M0NG KO* DISTRICTS WITH A VIEW TO FOSTERING DISTRICT IDENTITY.

DMC HAS’ ME*NWHILE, MADE A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS TO THE GOVERNMENT, INCLUDING PROPOSALS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN SITES IN THE DISTRICT AND ON TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT AT THE SECTION OF AUSTIN ROAD BETWEEN CHATHAM ROAD AND NATHAN ROAD. ENDORSEMENT ON THE TRAFFIC MEASURES WILL BE SOUGHT AT htETING.

MEMBERS’ THURSDAY’S

AMONG OTHER WORKS OF THE DMC WERE THE SETTING UP OF TWO

I NG GROUPS TO EXAMINE SPECIFIC PROBLEMS. ONE OF THE GROUPS WORiG TO FIND SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS ARISING FROM THE OPERATION OF THE SHEK LUNG STREET FRUIT MARKET. THE OTHER WORKS TO SCRUTINISE PROBLEMS IN SEVERAL MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.

WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD, THE DMC WILL CONTINUE TO FUNCTION, BUT THE TWO DMC SUB-COMMITTEES WILL BE EXPANDED AND TRANSFORMED INTO DB COMMITTEES WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF UNOFFICIAL REPRESENTATION TO AVOID UNNECESSARY DUPLICATION OF WORK.

/AT THE DB .......

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 1982

- 6

AT THE DB INAUGURAL MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE FORMATION OF MORE SUB-COMMITTEES AND THE ARRANGEMENT OF A DISTRICT TOUR OF YAU MA TEI' TO ENABLE MEMBERS TO SEE THE COMMON PROBLEMS CONFRONTING THE DISTRICT.

BOARD ARE 1

LORAN MAO-

THE SIX OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE AND SPORT OFFICER, KOWLOON WEST, MRS WELFARE OFFICER, WEST KOWLOON, MRS R. GOODSTADT- SENIOR HOUSING MANAGER, CLEARANCE, MR TANG WA-YING- SENIOR TRANSPORT OFFICER, PLANNING WEST, MISS MARY WONG- CHIEF LANDS AND WORKS OFFICER, PENINSULA, MR EDWIN LI AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, KOWLOON, OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR T.K. CHOY.

REGIONAL RECREATION REGIONAL SOCIAL

THE 13 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ARE: MR CHAN YUM-TONG, MR CHIU YU-HEI, MR HO SAI-PAK, MR KAM KWOK-CHUE, MR LAI SZE-NUEN, MR MAK YAT-LAM, MR NG TOR-TAI, MDM PO WAI-CHING, MR CHEK KING-MAN, MR DENNIS SIN CHUCK-FAN, MR WONG SIU-KANG, MR YIP WAH AND MR YU LOOK-YAU.

THE TWO URBAN COUNCILLORS ARE DR DENNY HUANG AND DR PHILIP KWOK. THEY WILL SERVE FROM MARCH 4 TO SEPTEMBER 30.

------0-------

KCR FEEDER BUS

SERVICES TO BE INTRODUCED * * * *

NEW KCR FEEDER BUS SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED STAGE OF ELECTRIFIED SERVICES BETWEEN KOWLOON AND BECOMES OPERATIONAL IN EARLY MAY, CHIEF TRANSPORT M? ERNEST LEE SAID TODAY.

IN MAY

WHEN THE FIRST SHA TIN STATION OFFICER/RAILWAY,

THESE FEEDER SERVICES, WHICH CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY THE SUFFIX *»K+ AFTER THEIR ROUTE NUMBERS, FOLLOW EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH KMB, KCR, AND THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SUB-COMMITTEES OF THE AFFECTED NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS.

SINCE KCR STATIONS IN THE URBAN AREAS ARE ALREADY SERVED BY A COMPREHENSIVE NETWORK OF FRANCHISED BUSES, MANY EXISTING FEEDER SERVICES WILL BE AUGMENTED IN THE FORM OF FREQUENCY OR CARRYING CAPACITY IMPROVEMENTS.

NEW FEEDER ROUTES WILL BE INTRODUCED WHERE NEW DEMANDS CALL FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICES, MR LEE SAID.

AT THE KCR KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM, A NEW SERVICE 26K WLL BE INTRODUCED IN MAY LINKING SHUN TIN AND LAI KOK ESTATES TO PROVIDE CONVENIENT BUS/RAIL INTERCHANGE FOR PEOPLE COMING FROM THESE AREAS. EXISTING SERVICES TO KWUN TONG FERRY, TSZ WAN SHAN AND LOK FU WILL BE FURTHER IMPROVED.

/IN THE........

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 1982

IN THE MEANT IHE

IN THE MEANTIME, PLANS ARE ALSO IN HAND TO IMPROVE THE 4!i^?Mst:ysFi£ALli;:^Trcisi/0WLO0H st‘tioh cohcou"8e fob

ANOTHER FEEDER ROUTE. 27K, WILL OPERATE ON A CIRCULAR ROUTING FROM SHUN TIN TO MONG KOK KCR STATION, STOPPING AT SAI YEE STREET AND ARGYLE STREET FOR PASSENGERS. A MAXICAB SERVICE WILL ALSO OPERATE BETWEEN THE STATION AND PAK TIN SUN CHUEN.

PERMANENT TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE FOR FRANCHISED BUSES, PRIVATE *HE" THE M0W ■"* ST‘T,°* ,s

nr ,NTER,M R£RIOD, TEMPORARY TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE WILL

BE PROVIDED.

M AT ™E KOWLOON TONG INTERCHANGE WITH MTR, THERE WILL BE FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES FROM SUI WO COURT (ROUTE 7OM) ‘ WAI (18M) IN ADDITION TO A NEW MAXICAB SERVICE TO AND WIDE GARDENS.

AND SUN TIN FROM WORLD

SHA T,N RAILWAY STATION, A NEW ROUTE BAK WILL BETWEEN SUI WO COURT AND SIU LEK YUEN, CALLING AT THE BUS TERMINUS AT SHA TIN STATION EN-ROUTE.

OPERATE TEMPORARY

ality ?EW,SERVICE' 88K W,LL OPERATE between hin tin

AND HO TUNG LAU AND WILL ALSO STOP AT SHA TIN STATION EN-ROUTE.

MORE FEEDER ROUTES WILL BE INTRODUCED WHEN THE PERMANENT BUS TERMINUS ABOVE THIS STATION IS COMPLETED IN JULY THIS YEAR.

, * PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE ACROSS TAI PO ROAD WILL BE CONSTRUCTED

*THIS STATION WITH SHA TIN MARKET BUS TERMINUS TO PROVIDE ^t^LC0NVENIENT ACCESS ROUTE BETWEEN SHA TIN CENTRE AND THE

viAilON•

FEASIBILITY STUDIES ARE BEING CONDUCTED TO ESTABLISH ,N K0WL00N TONG AND SHA TIN STATION vW A ItHrOKART BAolSe

„ -rurP!^ANENT multi-storey car parks will be built near most OF THE RAILWAY STATIONS IN THE LONG TERM*, MR LEE SAID.

- - 0 - -

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 1982

- 8 -

LEGAL AID SERVICES FOR THE NEEDY *****

TWO LEGAL AID PROGRAMMES — ONE ADMINISTERED BY THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT AND THE OTHER BY THE LAW SOCIETY — HAVE BEEN PROVIDING FREE OR LOW-COST LEGAL SERVICES TO NEEDY APPLICANTS. LAST YEAR THE DEPARTMENT GRANTED LEGAL AID TO 6 600 APPLICANTS IN RESPECT OF CIVIL CASES AND TO 1 800 APPLICANTS FOR CRIMINAL CASES.

THE LEGAL AID SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN 1967. INITIALLY IT WAS CONFINED TO PROVIDING AID FOR CIVIL CASES ONLY, BUT SOME THREE YEARS LATER IT WAS EXTENDED TO CRIMINAL CASES.

IN THE FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION THERE WERE 972 APPLICATIONS FOR LEGAL AID. AT THAT TIME THE SCHEME WAS ADMINISTERED BY A STAFF OF SEVEN, ONLY ONE OF WHOM, THE DIRECTOR, WAS A QUALIFIED LAWYER. THE BUDGET FOR 1967 FOR PAYMENT OF LEGAL FEES FOR CIVIL CASES WAS JUST $135 000.

DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF LEGAL AID, ALL CASES WERE ASSIGNED TO SOLICITORS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE WHO REPRESENTED THE SUCCESSFUL LEGAL AID APPLICANTS. THEIR COSTS, AS WELL AS THE FEES OF ANY BARRISTERS ENGAGED FOR THEIR CLIENTS WERE, AND CONTINUE TO BE, PAID FROM LEGAL AID FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT. BY 1973, THE NUMBER OF LEGAL AID CASES HAD RISEN DRAMATICALLY AND TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT SOLICITORS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE COULD NO LONGER COPE WITH THIS FLOOD OF EXTRA WORK AS WELL AS THE INCREASE IN PRIVATE COMMERCIAL LEGAL WORK STEMMING FROM THE BUSINESS AND PROPERTY BOOMS IN HONG KONG.

TO OVERCOME THIS PROBLEM THE DEPARTMENT ENGAGED LAWYERS (MAINLY FROM OVERSEAS, BUT WHENEVER POSSIBLE LOCALLY) TO WORK IN THE DEPARTMENT’S NEW LITIGATION UNIT. THIS WAS SET UP IN 1974 IN ORDER TO ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE LEGAL REPRESENTATION BY ITS OWN LAWYERS IN URGENT MATTERS OR CASES FOR WHICH IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ARRANGE REPRESENTATION BY SOLICITORS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE.

TODAY THE DEPARTMENT HAS A STAFF OF AROUND 260, OF WHOM 44 ARE QUALIFIED LAWYERS. TWO-THIRDS OF THESE ARE WORKING IN THE DEPARTMENT’S TWO LITIGATION DIVISIONS DOING THE SOLICITOR’S SIDE OF THE WORK IN AROUND 25 PER CENT OF CIVIL AND 40 PER CENT OF THE CRIMINAL LEGAL AID CASES. THE REMAINDER OF THE STAFF ARE INVOLVED IN DETERMINING LEGAL AID APPLICATIONS AND IN THE GENERAL ADMINISTRATION OF THE SCHEME. LAST YEAR THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR CIVIL AND CRIMINAL CASES ROSE TO 18 400.

IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR (1981-82) THE DEPARTMENT WILL SPEND MORE THAN $10 MILLION ON CIVIL CASES AND $9.4 MILLION ON CRIMINAL TRIALS AND APPEALS.

/These figures

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 198?

THESE FIGURES REFLECT BOTH THE IMPORTANCE AND EFFECTIVENESS CF THE LEGAL AID’SCHEME AND AN INCREASING AWARENESS BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC OF THE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO THEM. THEY ARE ALSO TESTIMONY OF THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE LEGAL AID FREE OR, DEPENDING ON THE FINANCIAL SITUATION OF THE CLIENT, AT LIMITED COST TO THE AIDED RECIPIENT, SAID MR BRIAN CLANCY WHO TOOK OVER AS DIRECTOR OF THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT LAST MARCH.

APPLICANTS FOR LEGAL AID IN CIVIL CASES ARE INTERVIEWED BY A DEPARTMENT LAWYER WHO EXAMINES THE MERITS OF ANY APPLICATION TO SEE WHETHER AID SHOULD BE GRANTED. ADDITIONALLY, APPLICANTS MUST COME WITHIN THE FINANCIAL LIMITS OF A MAXIMUM DISPOSABLE INCOME OF $1 000 PER MONTH (AFTER DEDUCTION OF CERTAIN ALLOWANCES FOR THE APPLICANT AND HIS DEPENDANTS, AND RENT) AND A DISPOSABLE CAPITAL OF NOT MORE THAN 810 000 (EXCLUDING CERTAIN ALLOWANCES). IN CRIMINAL CASES, THE FINANCIAL LIMIT IN RESPECT OF DISPOSABLE INCOME IS $1 500 PER MONTH.

THE CURRENT LIMITS HAVE BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE 1977 +BUT THEY AND THE ALLOWANCES MADE FOR CALCULATING THE DISPOSABLE INCOMES AND CAPITAL RESOURCES OF APPLICANTS ARE REVIEWED FROM TIME TO TIME, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT INFLATION AND COMPARABLE SALARY INCREASES, AS THESE FACTORS COULD QUITE SUDDENLY DISQUALIFY AN APPLICANT FOR AID,* MR CLANCY SAID.

+THE SIZE OF THE ANNUAL RISE IN APPLICATIONS TENDS TO DECREASE AS INCREASES IN INCOME THROUGH INFLATION MAKE LESS APPLICANTS ELIGIBLE UNDER THE MEANS TEST. WHEN THESE LIMITS ARE RAISED, THERE IS ALWAYS A SHARP INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF APPLICANTS AND, OF COURSE, IN THE NUMBER OF CASES WHERE LEGAL AID IS GRANTED WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN REFUSED UNDER THE OLD LIMITS.* NR CLANCY ADDED.

IN SPITE OF PERIODICAL ADJUSTMENTS OF THE MEANS TEST, HE SAID, THERE WOULD ALWAYS BE SOME PEOPLE WHO, THOUGH EARNING ABOVE THE FINANCIAL LIMITS FOR LEGAL AID APPLICANTS, ARE EQUALLY DESERVING CF ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THEY STILL WOULD NOT HAVE ENOUGH FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO UNDERTAKE A COSTLY BUT NECESSARY HIGH COURT ACTION.

+IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT I HAVE MADE IT ONE OF MY LONGTERM GOALS TO SET UP A 'CONTINGENCY LEGAL AID FUND’. UNDER

IS AD0PTED> PEOPLE EARNING ABOVE THE FINANCIAL ^M-Ur>nAY 0BTAIN, LEGAL AID ON A PROMISE TO DONATE A PERCENTAGE CF THEIR DAMAGES/COMPENSATION RECOVERED IN A SUCCESSFUL ACTION THE SAMEUS?tJSt?ONU«D COy“ ™E C°STS °F °THERS IN

HIMSELF,* HE SAID.

THIS IDEA IS NOW NR CLANCY, COMPRISING LEGAL DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIETY.

BEING STUDIED BY A COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY MEMBERS FROM THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT, THE JUDICIARY, THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND THE LAW

AN INDICATION OF

, - THE SUCCESS OF THE SCHEME AS A WHOLE IS

THAT IN 1981 A TOTAL OF $30.4 MILLION WAS RECOVERED BY BOTH THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR ON BEHALF OF LEGALLY

/APPLICATIONS FOR .......

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 1982

10 -

APPLICATIONS FOR AID FROM THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT CAN BE

MADE THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS AT SINCERE BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, 173 DES VOEUX ROAD, CENTRAL (TELERHONE 5-457036),

AND THE DEPARTMENT’S BRANCH OFFICE IN KOWLOON. AT RITZ BUILDING EIGHTH FLOOR, 625 NATHAN ROAD (TELEPHONE 3-302241).

IN ADDITION, A MOBILE OFFICE IN THE FORM OF A VAN SPENDS A DAY A WEEK IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS IN THE NEW TERR I TOR IES. AND ENQUIRIES ABOUT THIS MAY BE MADE THROUGH 'THE StPARTMENT’^ TWO OFFICES.

THE LAW SOCIETY ALSO OPERATES A LEGAL ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE SCHEME. THOUGH FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, IT IS STAFFED ENTIRELY BY VOLUNTEER LAWYERS FROM THE SOCIETY, THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND GOVERNMENT SERVICE. STARTING WITH TWO EVENING BUREAUX IN EASTERN AND MONGKOK DISTRICT OFFICES IN 1978, THE LAW SOCIETY’S FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME HAS SINCE EXPANDED ITS SERVICES TO FOUR OTHER DISTRICTS — IN WONG TAI SIN, WAN CHAI, TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN. ITS 169 LAWYERS GAVE ADVICE ON 3 500 CASES IN THE 12-MONTH PERIOD ENDING OCTOBER 31, 1981.

WHILE THE WHOLE PURPOSE OF THE LAW SOCIETY’S FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME IS TO HELP +THE LESS ADVANTAGED* MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, EXPLAINED MR JOHN MILLER. ADMINISTRATOR OF THE SCHEME.. ♦there are times when people welC able to hire their own lawyers TRY TO OBTAIN THE SERVICE. IN SUCH CASES, WE FIND IT NECESSARY TO TELL THESE PEOPLE VERY COURTEOUSLY TO TAKE THEIR PROBLEMS TO A PRIVATE SOL IC I TOR.+

ANOTHER LEGAL AID PLAN OPERATED BY THE LAW SOCIETY IS THE DUTY LAWYERS SCHEME. IT HAS 151 LAWYERS, PAID THROUGH A GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION, PROVIDING LIMITED LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN MAGISTRACIES COVERING SCHEDULED OFFENCES : IN CONNECTION WITH UNLAWFUL SOCIETIES LOITERING, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION, GOING EQUIPPED FOR STEALING, OBSTRUCTING OR ASSAULTING A POLICE OFFICER AND RESISTING ARREST, AND POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS, OFFENSIVE WEAPONS, DANGEROUS DRUGS FOR TRAFFICKING AND EQUIPMENT FIT FOR CONSUMPTION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS.

IN THE 12-MONTH PERIOD ENDING OCTOBER 31, 1981, DUTY LAWYERS ASSISTED 7 400 DEFENDANTS WHO FACED A TOTAL OF 9 700 CHARGES. CLOSE TO 30 PER CENT OF THESE DEFENDANTS PLEADED GUILTY WHILE OF THE 70 PER CENT WHO PLEADED NOT GUILTY, 1 100 WERE CONVICTED AND NEARLY 2 000 ACQUITTED.

LIMITED LEGAL REPRESENTATION UNDER THE DUTY LAWYER SCHEME IS NOW AVAILABLE IN FIVE MAGISTRACIES -- CAUSEWAY BAY, NORTH KOWLOON, SAN PO KONG, SOUTH KOWLOON, TSUEN WAN -- AND PREPARATIONS ARE UNDERWAY TO EXTEND THE SCHEME TO WESTERN MAGISTRACY LATER THIS YEAR, MR MILLER SAID.

THE NUMBER OF DUTY LAWYERS INCREASED FROM 115 TO 150 IN 1981 AND THE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEER LAWYERS SERVING IN THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME FROM 150 TO 169.

/MR MILLER SAID .......

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 1982

MR MILLER SAID THE SUCCESS OF THE LAW SOCIETY’S SCHEMES WAS DUE LARGELY TO ITS INDEPENDENCE, DESPITE RECEIVING A SUBVENTION FROM THE GOVERNMENT.

+THE SUBVENTION UNDERLINES THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO THIS WORK, WHICH IS UNDERTAKEN BY A WILLING PARTNERSHIP — THE LEGAL PROFESSION AND THE GOVERNMENT.

THE MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE LAW SOCIETY’S SCHEMES AND THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT ARE THAT APPLICANTS FOR THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME AND DUTY LAWYER SCHEME SERVICES NEED NOT MEET A MEANS TEST AND LEGAL REPRESENTATION IS GIVEN ONLY IN MAGISTRACIES DEALING WITH CRIMINAL LAW.

BUT DEPARTMENT LAWYERS OR SOLICITORS ASSIGNED BY IT PROVIDE LEGAL REPRESENTATION TO AIDED CLIENTS UNDER BOTH CIVIL LAW AND CRIMINAL LAW IN THE HIGH COURTS AND DISTRICT COURTS.

MR MILLER SAID THERE WERE STILL COMMON LEGAL PROBLEMS WHICH ARE USUALLY BEYOND THE SCOPE OF THE LAW SOCIETY’S SCHEMES AND THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT. +AN EXAMPLE IS THE GRANT OF PROBATE, WITHOUT WHICH MONEY IN BANK ACCOUNTS AND ASSETS IN SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES CANNOT BE OBTAINED BY THE DECEASED’S DEPENDENTS. WE HAVE THIS TYPICAL SCENARIOi A FAMILY DEATH, A SMALL ESTATE, NO WILL.+

THE PROBATE REGISTRY CAN RARELY ASSIST SUCH CASES WHILE LAWYERS FEES ARE OUT OF PROPORTION TO THE VALUE OF THE ESTATE INVOLVED, HE SAID +THE RESULT IS THAT MONEY REMAINS UNDISTRIBUTED IN THE BANK AND THE FAMILY SUFFER. ONE SOLUTION WOULD BE TO ENCOURAGE MAIN FAMILY BREADWINNERS TO MAKE PROPER WILLS. ANOTHER IS THE INTRODUCTION OF STANDARDIZED FORMS FOR WILLS TO MAKE THE PROCESS SIMPLE AND INEXPENS IVE.+

REFERRALS TO THE FREE LEGAL AID SCHEME AND THE DUTY LAWYER SCHEME RUN BY THE LAW SOCIETY ARE MADE FROM OVER 100 AGENCIES, INCLUDING ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, ALL BRANCHES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, SALVATION ARMY, NEIGHBOURHOOD ADVICE-ACTION COUNCIL, HONG KONG FAMILY WELFARE SOCIETY, CARITAS FAMILY SERVICE, AND OVER A DOZEN OTHER VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, IN ADDITION TO THE SCHEME’S HEADQUARTERS AT SWIRE HOUSE, FIFTH FLOOR, ROOM 1506 (TELEPHONE 5-224436).

-----o-----

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON MK ISLAND

L.«HTLi!!sFW^,;oXe‘V»c5Al1X1^ SWSFEMS 5)T'C *LL PUBL": L,,MT WS6S *,LL "°T BE

SHEK Ot THE ACCESS ROAD TO TAI LONG WAN VILLAGE WILL BE PERMANENTLY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ALSO FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 5)

-----o------

IUtS>UAT, MARCH 2, 19»Z

- 12 -

PLEA FOR PRACTICAL TRAINING FOR ENGINEERING GRADUATES M * * * * *

EMPLOYERS OF ENGINEERS HAVE BEEN URGED TO PROVIDE ENGINEERING GRADUATES WITH MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR POST-GRADUATE PRACTICAL TRAINING.

THE PLEA WAS MADE BY ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR (INDUSTRIAL TRAINING). MR HORACE KNIGHT, IN A TALK ON THE TRAINING OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF PENINSULA TODAY (TUESDAY).

IN PARTICULAR, HE CALLED ON THE EMPLOYERS TO PARTICIPATE IN A PRACTICAL TRAINING SCHEME FOR ENGINEERING GRADUATES, WHICH WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE NEWLY-ESTABLISHED VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.

MR KNIGHT POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG HAD BEEN FACING A CRITICAL PROBLEM OF INSUFFICIENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRACTICAL TRAINING FOR AN INCREASING NUMBER OF ENGINEERING GRADUATES.

HE SAID THAT THE PROBLEM HAD BROUGHT ABOUT A SHORTAGE OF TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED ENGINEERS, PROMPTING BOTH THE PRIVATE SECTION AND GOVERNMENT TO LOOK OUTSIDE HONG KONG FOR ENGINEERS.

IN THE PAST 10 YEARS, MR KNIGHT CONTINUED, HONG KONG’S ENGINEERING EDUCATION HAD UNDERGONE RAPID EXPANSION. BUT THIS HAD NOT BEEN MATCHED BY A SIMILAR INCREASE IN THE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE.

AND PRACTICAL TRAINING WAS NOT ONLY ONE OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR RECOGNITION FOR CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP STATUS OF A PROFESSIONAL BODY, BUT WAS NECESSARY FOR TURNING GRADUATES INTO FULLY TRAINED ENGINEERS.

♦SO CONTRARY TO WHAT MANY PEOPLE THINK, INCREASING THE OUTPUT OF GRADUATES HAS NOT AND WILL NOT SOLVE THE APPARENT SHORTAGE OF TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED ENGINEERS,* HE NOTED.

MR KNIGHT BELIEVED THAT THE SCHEME TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WOULD PROVIDE THE NECESSARY INCENTIVES THAT WOULD MOTIVATE THE EMPLOYERS CONCERNED TO PROVIDE MORE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGINEERING GRADUATES.

IN CONCLUSION, MR KNIGHT PLEADEDl ♦IF THE PROBLEM WAS CONSIDERED URGENT IN THE 6O’S, IT IS CRUCIAL IN THE 8O’S. IT CAN AND MUST BE SOLVED BUT THERE WILL BE NO SOLUTION UNLESS EMPLOYERS OF ENGINEERS ARE WILLING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHEME AND CO-OPERATE WITH THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL BY TAKING ON GRADUATES FOR TRAINING.

♦FOR THE SAKE OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY AND YOUNG PEOPLE, I HOPE THAT WILLINGNESS AND CO-OPERATION WILL BE FORTHCOMING.♦

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/15........

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 1982

SURVEY RESULTS ON OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT

* M M N

THE DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY ON OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT, CONDUCTED IN THE SUMMER OF 1981.

♦ONE OF THE OBJECTS OF THE EXERCISE WAS TO UP-DATE THE DEPARTMENT’S RECORD OF FACTORIES WITH OVERSEAS INVESTMENT. IN THE PAST FEW YEARS OUR STATISTICS HAVE BEEN COMPILED ON THE BASIS OF DATA COLLECTED IN A SIMILAR SURVEY CARRIED OUT IN 1977, UP-DATED PERIODICALLY WITH INFORMATION THAT BECOME AVAILABLE TO THE DEPARTMENT,* SAID A TICD SPOKESMAN.

THE SURVEY REVEALS THAT IN 1981. THERE WERE 426 MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS EITHER WHOLLY OR PARTLY OWNED BY OVERSEAS INTERESTS, COMPARED WITH 484 ESTABLISHMENTS ON THE OLD RECORD. A NUMBER OF THOSE ON THE DEPARTMENT’S OLD RECORDS WERE FOUND IN THE LATEST SURVEY TO HAVE CLOSED OR BEEN COMPLETELY TAKEN OVER BY LOCAL INTERESTS.

OF THE COMPANIES SURVEYED, 391 PROVIDED FULL DETAILS TO QUESTIONS REFERRING TO THEIR CAPITAL INVESTMENT. THESE RETURNS SHOWED A TOTAL INVESTMENT FIGURE OF JUST OVER $7 OQO MILLION - SOME 1.7 TIMES MORE THAN THE OLD FIGURE.

THE USA. JAPAN AND THE UK CONTINUE TO LEAD AS THE MAJOR SOURCES OF OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT, ACCOUNTING FOR 43.7 PER CENT. 31.6 PER CENT AND 6.9 PER CENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENT RESPECTIVELY. THEY ARE FOLLOWED BY SWITZERLAND (2.8 PER CENT), THE NETHERLANDS (2.7 PER CENT), DENMARK (2.3 PER CENT), AND AUSTRALIA (2.2 PER CENT).

THE TICD SPOKESMAN SAID I *A COMPARISON OF THE SURVEY RESULTS WITH STATISTICS PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SHOWS THAT OVERSEAS INVESTMENT PLAYS A VERY SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN SOME OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL SECTORS. THESE SECTORS EMPLOY 90 059 WORKERS, OR ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF THE WORKFORCE IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.*

OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IS CONCENTRATED IN THE ELECTRONICS. TEXTILES AND GARMENTS AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS SECTORS, WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 38.1 PER CENT, 12.4 PER CENT AND 7.5 PER CENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENT RESPECTIVELY. OTHER SIGNIFICANT SECTORS INCLUDE CHEMICAL PRODUCTS (7.2 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (5.7 PER CENT), AND FOOD AND BEVERAGES (5.5 PER CENT).

♦THEIR TOTAL SALES ADDED UP TO SLIGHTLY OVER $17 000 MILLION FOR 1980, OF WHICH 67 PER CENT WERE FOR EXPORT - EQUIVALENT TO 16.4 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS,* HE SAID.

-----o------

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 1982

NT VOTERS REMINDED OF DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION DAY ft ft * ft ft *

POPULAR MUN FOR MORE MUN DISTRICT

SINGER LI LUNG-KAY, WHO HAS THAN 20 YEARS, IS A STAUNCH BOARD.

BEEN LIVING IN TUEN

SUPPORTER OF THE TUEN

HE FEELS THE BOARD PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROVIDING MORE HEALTHY ACTIVITIES FOR THE GROWING POPULATION OF TUEN MUN.

♦ IT IS GRATIFYING TO SEE THAT THE BOARD HAS ORGANISED SO MANY PROGRAMMES FOR USf* MR LI SAID DURING A BREAK IN A RECORDING SESSION TODAY (TUESDAY).

♦ I MYSELF HAVE TAKEN PART IN SEVERAL OF THEM# WHICH WAS THE TUEN MUN FESTIVAL, AND I AM BY ITS POPULARITY AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS,♦ MR LI SAID.

♦ THE FESTIVAL NOT ONLY PROVIDED THEM WITH ENTERTAINMENT, BUT ALSO HELPED THEM TO KNOW THEIR DISTRICT BETTER,* HE ADDED.

THIS. IN FACT, IS WHAT EVERY DISTRICT BOARD IS TRYING TO DO FOR IT& RESIDENT'S, MR LI POINTED OUT.

HE REMINDED REGISTERED NEW TERRITORIES VOTERS THAT THE NT DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION DAY IS ON THURSDAY (MARCH 4) WHEN THEY WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHOOSE THOSE THEY WISH TO REPRESENT THEM ON THE BOARDS.

♦ I WILL CERTAINLY CAST MY VOTE ON THAT DAY, AND I HOPE OTHER VOTERS WILL DO THE SAME,* MR LI SAID.

-----o------

SPECIAL STAMP ISSUES ft ft ft

♦ HONG KONG FAUNA* WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF TftE NEXT SET OF FOUR POSTAGE STAMPS WHICH WILL GO ON SALE ON MAY 4, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR A.C. HEATHCOTE SAID.

MR HEATHCOTE ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT THE CURRENT DEFINITIVE POSTAGE STAMPS WHICH WERE FIRST PLACED ON SALE IN 1973 WILL BE REPLACED BY A NEW ISSUE IN AUGUST. THE NEW DEFINITIVE STAMPS WILL FOLLOW THE TRADITION OF DEPICTING THE HEAD OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN BUT THE SUPPORTING DESIGN WILL GIVE IT MORE OF A HONG KONG FLAVOUR THAN THE PRESENT DESIGN.

THE 1982 PROGRAMME OF STAMP ISSUES WILL BE COMPLETED IN OCTOBER WHEN SPECIAL STAMPS WILL BE ISSUED TO COMMEMORATE THE +FAR EAST AND SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES FOR THE DISABLED*, WHICH WILL BE HELD FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HONG KONG.

--------o --------

/15........

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 1982

- 15 -

SCHOOLS INVITED TO JOIN JSEA SYSTEM IN 1983 * * #

SCHOOLS WISHING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 1983 JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT (JSEA) SYSTEM SHOULD APPLY TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON OR BEFORE MARCH 29 THIS YEAR, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

♦THOSE PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS NOT IN THE BOUGHT PLACE SCHEME WHICH CHOOSE NOT TO PARTICIPATE ARE REMINDED THAT THEY MUST NOTIFY PARENTS THAT THEIR CHILDREN WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR ALLOCATION TO SUBSIDIZED FORM 4 PLACES,* HE SAID.

ALL GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS, AIDED SCHOOLS, NON-PROFIT-MAKING PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND INDEPENDENT PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN THE BOUGHT PLACE SCHEME WILL BE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE NEXT YEAR.

SCHOOLS WHICH PARTICIPATED THIS YEAR ARE REQUESTED TO RE-AFFIRM WITH THE DEPARTMENT THAT THEY WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO IN 1983.

SINCE THE IDENTITY CARD NUMBER OF EACH PARTICIPATING STUDENT WILL BE PRINTED ON HIS CERTIFICATE, STUDENTS SHOULD ENSURE THEY HAVE THEIR PERSONAL IDENTITY CARD BEFORE THEY ENTER FOR THE SCALING TEST, THAT IS, BEFORE SEPTEMBER OF THE YEAR THEY ENTER FORM 3.

SUCH IDENTITY CARDS SHOULD BE THE NEW TYPE WHICH BEARS THE PHOTOGRAPH OF THE HOLDER, AND CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE.

- - o -

FIRE BAN LIFTED M * *

THE BAN ON THE USE OF FIRES IN THE TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK AND THE TAI PO KAU NATURE RESERVE HAS BEEN LIFTED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.

HOWEVER, PICNICKERS TO THESE TWO AREAS AND TO THE COUNTRYSIDE IN GENERAL aAe ADVISED TO USE ONLY APPROVED BARBECUE PITS AND CONTINUE TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS IN PREVENTING THE OUTBREAK CF FIRES.

THE BAN ON FIRES IN THE TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK AND THE TAI PO KAU NATURE RESERVE WAS IMPOSED ON DECEMBER 20 LAST YEAR WHEN WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE EXTREMELY DRY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY SAID THE BAN WAS LIFTED IN VIEW OF THE RECENT CHANGE IN WEATHER.

- - 0 -

Z16

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 1982

COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB DONATES TO THE ’CHEST’

******

MTo THE C0WUN,T¥ CHE8T ‘T ‘

.JHE M0MEY WAS RAISED THROUGH THE JOINT EFFORT OF SOME 1 700

£hs“JJ«R»a[k<T*st decE°S&*H0 TOOK part THE Mu F0R M,LLI0HS

LE WcMXf SH6WoM *

MIDDLE SCHOOL AND WONG KWONG-HING o£ MING YIN COLLEGE.

THE CHEQUES WERE RECEIVED BY MR DAVID CHU, THE CHEST’S DIRECTOR.

DOFS JnTYSTnp°!S«?AN SA,D* *0UR SUPP0RT F0R THE COMMUNITY CHEST aajco nui OlUr ntnte

♦WE WILL ORGANISE ANOTHER TEAM TO TAKE PART IN THE KOWLOON

StM RE‘RE™"

0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, MARCH J, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

TOMORROW IS ELECTION DAY IN NT ........................... 1

LABOUR LAW OFFENCES ...................................... 2

GOVERNOR’S DEPARTURE ARRANGEMENTS ...................... 3

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN TREGUNTER PATH .................... 5

POWER COMPANIES TO MAINTAIN CUR CENT RESERVE OIL LEVEL.. 4

GOVT PROPOSES COMPREHENSIVE CONTROL OF VIDEO GAMES ....... 5

WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD TO CONSIDER BEST USE FOR SPACE UNDER TAI HANG ROAD FLYOVER .................................... 6

PLB PROHIBITION IN SAI WAN HO STREET ..................... 6

LORD MAYOR OF MANCHESTER VISITS SHA TIN .................. 7

EASTERN DISTRICT CARNIVAL TO FEATURE LION DaNCE .......... 7

PUBLIC WELCOME TO TECHNICAL INSTITUTE’S OPEN DAY ......... 8

AWARDS FOR CAS CADETS .................................... 9

AMS ANNUAL DINNER ....................................... 9

MORE CLOSED ROAD PERMITS FOR GOODS VEHICLES ON LANTAU ... 10

BUS OTTLY LANE ITT SHAU KEI WAN ROAD.................... 10

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 1982

TOMORROW IS ELECTION DAY IN NT ft ft ft ft

♦TOMORROW’S ELECTIONS WILL COMPLETE THE PROCESS OF PEOPLE SELECTING THEIR REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE DISTRICT BOARDS,♦ THE SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE SAID HE THOUGHT IT WAS THE WAY PEOPLE HAD PRESENTED THEMSELVES OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS WITH THE PRESS AND ON THE RADIO WHICH WOULD INFLUENCE VOTERS.

♦PEOPLE WILL VOTE FOR PEOPLE THEY KNOW AND SOME OF THE PEOPLE STANDING FOR ELECTION ARE VERY WELL-KNOWN IN THEIR DISTRICT,* FE SAID.

MOST CANDIDATES HAD FOCUSED ON THE PROBLEMS WHICH WERE AFFECTING PEOPLE AND THEIR OWN LIVES, SUCH AS TRANSPORT AND SCHOOLS

MR AKERS-JONES POINTED OUT THAT ELECTORS WHO HAD NOT RECEIVED POLL CARDS SHOULD NOT BE DETERRED FROM VOTING. THEY SHOULD PRODUCE THEIR IDENTITY CARDS OR DRIVING LICENCES INSTEAD, HE SAID.

MR AKERS-JONES SAID HE ♦WOULD BE VERY HAPPY INDEED* IF 30 PER CENT OF REGISTERED VOTERS WENT TO THE POLLS IN TOMORROW’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

MR AKERS-JONES, WHO WAS SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, SAID IT WAS, HOWEVER, DIFFICULT TO MAKE ANY ESTIMATE OF VOTER TURNOUT.

HE SAID IN DISTRICTS SUCH AS NORTH AND YUEN LONG IN PARTICULAR THE TURNOUT WOULD BE HEAVY AND THE ELECTIONS VERY KEENLY CONTESTED.

♦BUT PERHAPS IN MORE DENSELY POPULATED AREAS LIKE KWAI CHUNG, WHERE PEOPLE HAVE TO GO TO WORK, THE TURNOUT COULD BE LESS THAN IN THE COUNTRY DISTR ICTS,+ HE SAID.

♦I COULD NOT PREDICT THE OVERALL PERCENTAGE, BUT IF WE GET SOMETHING LIKE 30 PER CENT OF REGISTERED VOTERS, WHICH WOULD BE ffl 000 PEOPLE, I WOULD BE VERY HAPPY INDEED. ANYTHING OVER 30 PER CENT WOULD BE VERY SATISFACTORY.*

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON, SAID AN OPINION SURVEY WAS INDICATING A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE SAYING THEY WOULD VOTE AND ONE RECENT SURVEY HAD GIVEN A FIGURE OF 48 PER CENT.

♦THIS WOULD BE A VERY, VERY ENCOURAGING RESULT,♦ MR MACPHERSON SAID.

MR AKERS-JONES SAID INTEREST IN THE ELECTION WAS HIGHEST IN NORTH DISTRICT AND YUEN LONG, ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF VOTERS IN THESE CONSTITUENCIES MIGHT NOT BE SO MANY AS IN KWAI CHUNG.

THE DEPUTY TO MR AKERS-JONES IN CHARGE OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR ALBERT LAM, SAID ABOUT TWO THIRDS OF THE CANDIDATES WERE INDIGENOUS NEW TERRITORIES PEOPLE.'

/MR AKERS-JONES .......

WEDNESDAY, M1BCH 3, 1982

MR AKERS-JONES SAID CANDIDATES RANGED IN AGE FROM 24 TO OVER 70 AND CAME FROM A VERY WIDE VARIETY OF OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS.

♦ IT DOESN’T MATTER WHETHER YOU ARE FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES -IT IS THE SPREAD OF PEOPLE WHICH IS VERY ENCOURAGING,* HE SAID.

HE SAID ACCOUNTS OF CANDIDATES’ EXPENSES MUST BE SUBMITTED.

♦ WE MUST RELY ON PEOPLE BEING SENSIBLE ABOUT THIS MATTER,* HE SAID.

♦ I AM QUITE SURE IF THERE ARE CANDIDATES WHO HAVE BEEN LAVISH WE WILL HEAR ABOUT IT, BUT I DON’T THINK IT WILL HAPPEN.+

MR AKERS-JONES WAS ASKED IF HE HAD FIGURES TO SHOW HOW MANY CANDIDATES HAD THE SUPPORT OF VARIOUS ASSOCIATIONS. HE SAID HE HAD NOT, BUT CLEARLY SOME CANDIDATES WERE BEING SUPPORTED BY ASSOCIATIONS.

HE EMPHASISED THAT VOTERS HAD TO CAST THEIR VOTE IN THE CONSTITUENCY IN WHICH THEY LIVED. *l LIVE IN TAI PO AND WILL CAST MY VOTE THERE,♦ HE SAID.

MR AKERS-JONES SAID RURAL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS HAD TAKEN PLACE IN THOSE PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WHERE THEY WERE DUE.

THE CHAIRMEN OF THE RURAL COMMITTEES WERE OF COURSE MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS.

------o-------

LABOUR LAW OFFENCES * N * *

OF THE 632 PROSECUTIONS TAKEN OUT BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN JANUARY FOR BREACHES OF LABOUR LEGISLATION, 624 RESULTED IN CONVICTIONS AND FINES TOTALLING $448 000.

MOST OF THE CASES CONCERNED BREACHES OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND ITS VARIOUS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS, THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS.

CASES RELATED TO VIOLATIONS OF SAFETY REGULATIONS TOTALLED 189, RESULTING IN FINES OF $198 500. THESE INCLUDED 117 CASES (WlfH $119 400 IN FINES) FOR BREACH OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS AND 36 CASES (WITH $51 250 IN FINES) FOR BREACH OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS.

CASES CONCERNING BREACHES OF THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS ACCOUNTED FOR 370 WITH $210 525 IN FINES.

OF THE OTHER PROSECUTIONS, 12 CASES RELATED TO FAILURE TO KEEP RECORDS OF EMPLOYEES, LEADING TO $7 400 IN FINES.

* ------o-------

/3........

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 1982

GOVERNOR’S DEPARTURE ARRANGEMENTS O *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE AND LADY MACLEHOSE WILL BE LEAVING HONG KONG ON THE EVENING OF THURSDAY, APRIL 29.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNOR DID NOT WISH A FAREWELL WHICH CAUSED PEOPLE TROUBLE OR EXPENSE. ARRANGEMENTS WOULD CONSIST OF i-

M A FAREWELL TO THE STAFF AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE-

* A DRIVE FROM GOVERNMENT HOUSE TO EDINBURGH PLACE"

M AN INSPECTION OF CONTINGENTS FROM THE THREE ARMED SERVICES AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE"

* A FAREWELL TO COMMUNITY LEADERS AT QUEEN’S PIER-

* CROSSING THE HARBOUR, ESCORTED BY THE ROYAL NAVY AND THE MARINE POLICE AND A HELICOPTER FLY-PAST FROM THE ROYAL AIR FORCES AND THE ARMY-

* A DRIVE FROM KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER TO THE AIRPORT.

THE GOVERNOR DOES NOT WISH ANY SPECIAL DECORATIONS.

AT THE AIRPORT THE GOVERNOR WILL BE SEEN OFF BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE CHIEF JUSTICE, THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DURING HIS GOVERNORSHIP AND THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

SIR EDWARD YOUDE AND LADY YOUDE WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG ON MAY 20. THEY WILL BE MET AT THE AIRPORT BY THE ACTING GOVERNOR AND THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES AND WILL BE DRIVEN TO KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER WHERE THEY WILL BOARD THE LADY MAUR I NE TO CROSS THE HARBOUR TO QUEEN’S PIER. THERE WILL BE A WELCOMING CEREMONY AT EDINBURGH PLACE.

SIR EDWARD YOUDE WILL THEN PROCEED TO THE CITY HALL FOR THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY CONDUCTED BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE.

- - 0 - -

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN TREGUNTER PATH * * *

A SECTION OF TREGUNTER PATH ON THE PEAK AREA NEAR TREGUNTER MANSION WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 5).

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 1982

POWER COMPANIES TO MAINTAIN CURRENT RESERVE OIL LEVEL ft ft ft ft ft

ON THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BOTH THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC COMPANY AND THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY HAVE AGREED TO AIM TO MAINTAIN THEIR RESERVES OF FUEL OIL FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY AT THE CURRENT LEVEL OF ABOUT 60 DAYS’ SUPPLY DURING 1982.

THE PURPOSE OF THE RESERVES IS TO GUARD AGAINST A DISRUPTION IN SUPPLY.

FOLLOWING THE DECISION IN I960 TO INCREASE THE RESERVES, A TOTAL OF 198 000 TONNES OF FUEL OIL WAS PURCHASED AND STORED ON THE TANKERS STRAITS DAHLIA AND SEABREEZE PENDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW STORAGE TANKS ON LAMMA ISLAND AND AT CASTLE PEAK.

THE 198 000 TONNES OF FUEL OIL HAVE NOW BEEN PURCHASED BY THE POWER COMPANIES AT A PRICE OF $1 263 A TONNE WHICH, BECAUSE OF THE DECLINE IN THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE FLOATING RESERVES IN 1980, IS IN FACT SLIGHTLY LOWER THAN THE COST OF SIMILAR OIL BOUGHT ON THE SPOT MARKET AT THE END OF LAST YEAR (WHEN THE FLOATING RESERVES WERE BROUGHT ASHORE).

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE CARGOES WERE DISCHARGED AS SOON AS THE NEW LAND STORAGE FACILITIES OF THE POWER COMPANIES taERE COMPLETED, IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE COST TO CONSUMERS OF CHARTERING THE TANKERS. BOTH TANKERS WERE HANDED BACK TO THEIR OWNERS IN DECEMBER 1981.

AS ANNOUNCED IN 1980, THE STORAGE COSTS OF THE FLOATING RESERVES SCHEME HAVE BEEN MET THROUGH THE FUEL VARIATION CLAUSE OPERATED BY THE TWO POWER COMPANIES. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE STORAGE COSTS INVOLVED AMOUNT TO APPROXIMATELY $442 PER TONNE, AN ADDITION OF ROUGHLY 35 PER CENT TO THE BASIC COST OF THE FUEL OIL.

+T0 HAVE CONTINUED TANKER STORAGE IN 1982 WOULD HAVE COST AT LEAST AS MUCH, WHILE THE EFFECT OF MAINTAINING AN EXTRA 30 DAYS SUPPLY OF FUEL OIL ON LAND IN 1982 WILL BE MUCH LESS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY AND THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC COMPANY ESTIMATED THAT THE COST OF THE LAND STORED RESERVES WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY 0.25 CENTS PER UNIT OF ELECTRICITY, OR ABOUT ONE-FIFTH THE COST OF MAINTAINING FLOATING RESERVES AND 0.5 PER CENT OF THE AVERAGE ELECTRICITY CHARGE PER UNIT AT PRESENT.

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/5 ........

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 1982

- 5 -

GOVT PROPOSES COMPREHENSIVE CONTROL OF VIDEO GAMES * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO INTRODUCE A BILL TO PROVIDE FOR BETTER CONTROL OF VIDEO-GAME ESTABLISHMENTS AND FOR STRONGER PENALTIES AGAINST THOSE CONVICTED OF RUNNING ESTABLISHMENTS ILLEGALLY.

THE MISCELLANEOUS LICENCES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1982 WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON FRIDAY (MARCH 5) AND WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT WEDNESDAY (MARCH 10).

THE BILL DISPENSES WITH THE PREVIOUS DEFINITIONS OF ’AUTOMATIC MACHINE’ AND ’AUTOMATIC MACHINE CENTRE’ AND INTRODUCES A NEW AND ALL-EMBRACING DEFINITION OF ’AMUSEMENT GAME CENTRE’. THIS DEFINITION MAKES LICENSABLE ANY PREMISES WHICH USE ALL IMAGINABLE TYPES OF AUTOMATIC OR VIDEO GAME MACHINES.

AS A FURTHER PRECAUTION, TWO SCHEDULES TO THE BILL ARE LINKED TO THE DEFINITION. ONE SCHEDULE ALLOWS A SPEEDY AND FLEXIBLE WAY OF MAKING A LISTED INCLUSION INTO THE LAW OF NEW OR OMITTED MACHINES, BY ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL. THE OTHER SCHEDULE ALLOWS EXEMPTIONS UNDER SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES SUCH AS THE USE OF MACHINES FOR CHARITABLE PURPOSES.

THE BILL GIVES THE COURTS MANDATORY POWERS ON CONVICTION TO ORDER THE CONFISCATION OF THOSE MACHINES WHICH HAVE BEEN SEIZED FROM ILLEGAL OPERATORS, UNLESS THE OWNER CAN SHOW SPECIAL AND EXCEPTIONAL REASONS WHY THIS SHOULD NOT BE DONE.

THE PROPOSALS ALSO ALLOW FOR AN INCREASE IN THE MAXIMUM FINE FROM SI 000 FOR BREACH OF REGULATIONS AND LICENSING CONDITIONS TO A MORE REALISTIC $10 000 AND TO S50 000 FOR OPERATING AN UNLICENSED ESTABLISHMENT.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WAS A HARD-CORE OF OPERATORS WHO SEEMED DETERMINED TO FIND WAYS OF OPERATING OUTSIDE LICENSING CONTROL. THE LATEST OF THESE DEVICES HAD BEEN TO USE MACHINES WHICH HAD BEEN ALTERED SO AS NOT TO SHOW A SCORE.

♦WE DECIDED THAT THE ONLY EFFECTIVE WAY TO DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM WAS TO RADICALLY AMEND THE LAW SO AS TO PUT VIDEO GAME ESTABLISHMENTS FIRMLY AND CLEARLY WITHIN THE ORDINANCE,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦WITH THESE PROPOSALS, INCLUDING THE PROVISION TO QUICKLY BRING ANY NEW OR OVERLOOKED MACHINES INTO LICENSING CONTROL, IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE LEGISLATION WILL COVER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES,+ HE STRESSED.

HE SAID THAT A LETTER IS BEING SENT TO THE HK AMUSEMENT MACHINE ASSOCIATION TO INFORM THEM OF THE PROPOSED CHANGES IN THE ORDINANCE. THERE IS NOW NO EXCUSE FOR OPERATORS TO TRY AND RUN THEIR BUSINESSES OUTSIDE LICENSING CONTROL.

AS OF MARCH 1, A TOTAL OF 1 422 APPLICATIONS FOR LICENCES HAD BEEN REVIEWED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING. OF THESE, 490 HAD BEEN APPROVED, 227 REJECTED AND 455 WITHDRAWN. THE REMAINING 250 ARE BEING PROCESSED.AND ALL THESE WOULD BE DONE WITHIN EIGHT WEEKS OF APPLICATION. THIS MARKEDLY INCREASED THROUGHPUT OF APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN MADE IN SPITE OF A 30 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE LEVEL OF APPLICATIONS OVER THE LAST TWO MONTHS.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 1982

WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD TO CONSIDER BEST USE FOR SPACE UNDER TAI HANG ROAD FLYOVER ft ft ft

MEMBERS OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED THE TAI HANG ROAD FLYOVER SITE AT MORETON TERRACE WITH A VIEW TO CONSIDER HOW BEST THE SITE UNDER THE FLYOVER COULD BE USED TO MEET DISTfeICJ.NEEDS.

THEY INCLUDED THE CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, WAN CHAI, MR TONY CLARK- THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER. WAN CHAI, MR TONY COOPER- REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION. AND THE PUBLIC WORKS, URBAN/ S^RVICES, RECREATION AND CULTURE AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS.

THE FLYOVER, NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION, WILL SERVE AS A LINK BETWEEN TAI HANG ROAD AND GLOUCESTER ROAD WHEN IT IS COMPLETED IN OCTOBER NEXT YEAR.

THE WAN CHAI CDO, MR COOPER, POINTED OUT THAT, AS THE SHORTAGE OF OPEN SPACE FOR COMMUNITY USE IN WAN CHAI WAS ACUTE, IT WAS NECESSARY TO CONSIDER USING THE SPACE UNDER FLYOVERS FOR COMMUNITY USE WHEREVER POSSIBLE.

HE SAID THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD LEARNED IN ITS FIRST MEETING OF THE PRELIMINARY PROPOSAL BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO USE THE SPACE UNDER THE FLYOVER AT MORETON TERRACE FOR A SITTING-OUT AREA WITH RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.

♦HOWEVER, THERE MIGHT BE VIEWS THAT THE SPACE WHICH COVERS AN AREA OF 2 700 SQUARE METRES AND IS ADJACENT TO RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AND A PROPOSED BUS TERMINUS MIGHT BE BETTER UTILISED FOR COMMUNITY PURPOSES,♦ HE SAID. '

♦STRUCTURES SIMILAR TO THE PREFABRICATED TWO-STOREY OFFICE CF THE HONG KONG AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION UNDER THE MARSH ROAD FLYOVER SHOULD BE CONSTRUCTED IN THIS AREA FOR USE BY QUALIFIED VOLUNTARY AGENCIES BASED IN WAN CHAI SO THAT THEY CAN EXPAND THEIR PROGRAMMES AND BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY BY SUCH USE.

♦TODAY’S VISIT WILL HELP MEMBERS WITH THEIR FURTHER DISCUSSION ON THE SUBJECT AT THE BOARD’S SECOND MEETING ON MARCH 17 BEFORE A FORMAL RECOMMENDATION TO THE RELEVANT AUTHORITY,+ MR COOPER ADDED.

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PLB PROHIBITION IN SAI WAN HO STREET ft ft ft ft

A SECTION OF SAI WAN HO STREET BETWEEN TAI LOK STREET AND TAI FOO STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS PROHIBITED ZONE FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 5).

UNDER THIS ARRANGEMENT, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THIS ROAD SECTION.

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/7 .......

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 1982

LORD MAYOR OF MANCHESTER VISITS SHA TIN X * * *

THE LORD MAYOR OF MANCHESTER, COUNCILLOR HUGH LEE, WHO IS J!L"°!!G K0!?G F0R A WEEK’S VISIT» TOURED SHA TIN NEW TOWN TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

.ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES rnpnAM4VAoPwc2r0T’ eND THE D,STRICT OFFICER, DR PATRICK HASE, THE V?EW OFYTHEWNEW TOWNU W° C°URT L00K0IJT P0INT F0R A BIRD’S EYE

BRIEFED ON MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS BEING PLANNED FOR THE ci crTo^lciNnLi?ING PRIVATE AND PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS, THE I^VFRR A TS^AlA^AY>^YTucMArTHE T0WN PARK AL0NG THE SH,NG MUN MEinCAL^AcfLiTtES N ™£ CENTRAL AREA AND S0C1AL WELFARE AND

HE WAS ALSO TOLD ABOUT THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM AND THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TO BE HELD TOMORROW.

LATER, THE PARTY DROVE THROUGH FO TAN. THE NEW TOWN’S FIRST INDUSTRIAL AREA, AND PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING PROJECTS.

COUNCILLOR LEE ARRIVED IN HONG KONG ON MONDAY TO ACQUAINT SoHGEK5«GllHDHSoRTl2!!eSTNeNGLAHD!ENeTHE" BUS'"ESS T'ES BETWEEN AND V?^|N|ACH^!ETSAY.NH^^EH^A“I^H5NiOCOHNE|AT|NT^“,|o^?’ESENT‘TIVES

- 0 - -

EASTERN DISTRICT CARNIVAL TO FEATURE LION DANCE *****

A DRAGON DANCE ALONG THE MAIN THOROUGHFARE IN CHAI WAN ON SATURDAY NIGHT (MARCH 6) WILL BE A FEATURE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT CARNIVAL, MARKING THE CLOSE OF A MASSIVE TWO-MONTH LONG COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECT ENTITLED +NEW YEAR EASTERN 82+, ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, MR C. GATELY WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT CARNIVAL, AT CHAI WAN PARK AT 7 PM ON SATURDAY BEFORE AN EXPECTED GATHERING OF 5 900 PEOPLE.

THE +NEW YEAR EASTERN 82* PROJECT BEGAN IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.

APART FROM A SPECTACULAR DRAGON AND LION DANCE PERFORMANCE, THE CARNIVAL WILL FEATURE A VARIETY SHOW AND STALL GAMES BY 20 KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS, COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES THROUGHOUT EASTERN DISTRICT.

/ OBJSCT ..........

WEDNESDAY, MUCH 3, 1982

THE OBJECT OF THE CARNIVAL IS TO ENHANCE A GREATER SENSE OF DISTRICT IDENTITY AMONG PEOPLE LIVING IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT AND PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS IN THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.

PRIZES TO WINNERS OF THE VARIOUS COMPETITIONS LAUNCHED UNDER THE EASTERN DISTRICT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN AND FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE CARNIVAL.

MORE THAN 5 OOO PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE CARNIVAL AND MANY MORE WILL SEE THE DRAGON AND LION PARADE ALONG CHAI WAN ROAD.

NOTE TO EDITORS i

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CARNIVAL WHICH WILL BEGIN AT CHAI WAN PARK AT 7 PM AND END AT 11 PM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 6).

---.0----

PUBLIC WELCOME TO TECHNICAL INSTITUTE’S OPEN DAY * * * * * *

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO SEE COMMERCIAL AND TECHNICAL COURSE STUDENTS AT WORK THIS FRIDAY (MARCH 5) WHEN MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE HOLDS ITS OPEN DAY? ’

. JHI..’!?ST,TUTE HAS AN ENROLMENT OF OVER 8 700 IN SOME 240 CLASSES IN ITS FIVE TEACHING DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCIAL STUDIES, CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND GENERAL STUDIES.

COURSES OFFERED INCLUDE A VARIETY OF ENGINEERING COURSES AT BOTH CRAFT AND TECHNICIAN LEVELS, AND COMMERCIAL COURSES AT POST-FORM THREE AND POST-SECONDARY LEVELS.

ESTABLISHED IN 1969, THE INSTITUTE IS THE FIRST OF THE EXISTING FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES TO BE SET UP BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

AS A SPECIAL FEATURE OF THE DAY THERE WILL BE A COMPETITION OF SKILLS IN ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION SELECTED STUDENTS FROM THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.

THE OPENING HOURS ON FRIDAY WILL BE FROM 1.30 WHEN MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO TOUR THE LABORATORIES ------------ ----

THE FINALS OF WORK AMONG

PM TO 6 PM

6 01 KWAN ROAD

WORKSHOPS AND SPECIAL TEACHING ROOMS OF THE INSTITUTE AT , WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

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/9 ........

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 1982

AWARDS FOR CAS CADETS

* * *

ONE HUNDRED AND THREE CADETS OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES CADET CORPS WILL RECEIVE SILVER AND BRONZE AWARDS OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARDS SCHEME AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY ON FRIDAY (MARCH 5) AT 8 PM AT THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE.

TWENTY-SIX OF THEM WILL RECEIVE SILVER AND THE REST WILL RECEIVE BRONZE AWARDS.

URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR HOWARD YOUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY AND LATER ADDRESS THE GATHERING. OTHERS AT THE CEREMONY WILL INCLUDE THE CAS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, MR LAM SUI-FAN THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DEA OPERATIONS SUB-COMMITTEE, MR J.P. LEE, AND THE DEPUTY CADET COMMANDANT, MR YU PUI-LAM.

MUSIC WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE CAS BAND.

NOTE TO ED I TORSt

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 9 PM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 5) AT THE CIVIL AID SERVICES KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE, 204 ARGYLE STREET.

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NOTE TO EDITORS!

AMS ANNUAL DINNER M M M

THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE WILL HOLD ITS 91ST ANNUAL onNsaturdayH(marchN6).RESTAURANT’ 0CEAN term,nal at 7-3° PM

« K.i™ET5irGr.JiLOLTH1R‘STETNE:?|DOF7,CTEH^"'S ~*'***.

THIRTY-SIX OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE SERVICE WILL RECEIVE C*XiL ?EFENCE LONG SERVICE MEDAL AND THE FIRST CLASP ON THAT OCCASION.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

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/1C .......

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 1982

MORE CLOSED ROAD PERMITS FOR GOODS VEHICLES ON LANTAU * * * *

AN ADDITIONAL 15 CLOSED ROAD PERMITS FOR GOODS VEHICLES ARE TO BE ISSUED TO COPE WITH THE RECENT DEVELOPMENT ON LANTAU ISLAND, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MARCH 3$. THIS WILL BRING THE TOTAL LIMITED NUMBER OF THESE PERMITS FROM 35 TO 50.

APPLICANTS FOR THESE PERMITS SHOULD BE RESIDENTS OR PROPERTY-OWNERS ON LANTAU ISLAND AND WHO ARE NOT CURRENTLY HOLDING A GOODS VEHICLE PERMIT. EACH APPLICANT CAN ONLY SUBMIT ONE APPLICATION.

APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IEADQUARTERS AT GUARDIAN HOUSE, SIXTH FLOOR, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI- THE DEPARTMENT’S KOWLOON REGIONAL OFFICE, 24TH FLOOR, PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 56 DUNDAS STREET, MONG KOK- OR THE SUB-OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT OFF ICE/ISLANDS, AT INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, FOURTH FLOOR, 141 DES VOEUX ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON OR BEFORE MARCH 26, 1982.

IF THERE ARE MORE THAN 15 APPLICANTS, A BALLOT WILL BE HELD TO DETERMINE THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE APPLICATIONS.

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BUS ONLY LANE IN SHAU KEI WAN ROAD

* * ft

THE EXISTING BUS ONLY LANE ON THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF SHAU KEI WAN ROAD WILL BE EXTENDED TO THE EAST OF TAI CHEONG STREET FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 5).

THE BUS ONLY LANE WILL BE IN OPERATION FROM 7 AM TO 9 AM AND FROM 5 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE BUS ONLY LANE IN ANOTHER SECTION OF THE SAME CARRIAGEWAY OF SHAU KEI WAN ROAD NEAR HOUSE NO. 49 WILL BE RESCINDED.

TRAFFIC SIGNS AND CARRIAGEWAY MARKINGS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS' PUBLIC ROLE STRESSED ................... 1

NO CHANGE IN ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION POLICY ........................ 2

GERIATRIC MEDICAL SERVICES BEING EXPANDED ...................... 3

MAXICAB NO. 16 TO BE-RE-ROUTED................................. 3

NEW YEARBOOK SPOTLIGHTS KEY TO HK'S SUCCESS ................... 4

NEW RUNWAY FRICTION-TESTER IN USE .............................. 5

84 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN JANUARY .......................... 6

SHORT-TERM TENANCY AVAILABLE ................................... 6

AZALEAS ON SHOW TO PUBLIC ...................................... 7

FANNING FLOWER SHOW ............................................ 7

SYDNEY CONSERVATORIUM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO GIVE TWO CONCERTS 8

PRINCE EDWARD ROaD FLYOVER TO BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY............. 8

MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS CONCERT AT TELFORD GARDENS............... 9

BALLET SCHOLARSHIP ............................................. 9

SATURDAY'S NIGHT TRAIN FOR LO WU CANCELLED .................... 10

TEMPORARY CURTAILMENT OF TRAM SERVICES ...................... 10

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 1982

DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS’ PUBLIC ROLE STRESSED ft ft ft ft

MEMBERS OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD, WHO COME FROM DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE, WERE WELL-PLACED TO KEEP THE GOVERNMENT INFORMED OF PUBLIC OPINION, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, Nfl HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, TOLD THEM TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE BOARD, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID THE BOARD MEMBERS’ IMPRESSIVE COMMUNITY RECORD LEFT NO DOUBT THAT THEY WERE CONCERNED ABOUT THE WELL-BEING OF THEIR FELLOW

K K" ,4LU4BLE T,ME T0 SPE4K

m cHeoO!^hNTs*irK °P THE B04RD W0ULD N0T BE E4S¥'

+FOR YAU MA TEI IS A GEOGRAPHICALLY COMPACT, BUILT-UP DISTRICT WITH OVER 170 000 RESIDENTS AND WHERE UNDEVELOPED LAND, A FAVOURABLE FACTOR WHICH WILL HELP TO SOLVE A LOT OF DISTRICT PROBLEMS, IS SCARCE,+ HE SAID.

SOUND ADVICE FROM THE BOARD WOULD HELP TOWARDS OPTIMUM USE OF WHAT WAS AND WOULD BE AVAILABLE, AND THE NEEDS OF THE VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY WOULD HAVE TO BE WEIGHED ONE AGAINST THE OTHER, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID.

♦IN THIS PROCESS, BOARD MEMBERS WILL NEED TO ADOPT A SYMPATHETIC AND YET RATIONAL APPROACH IN ORDER TO DO JUSTICE TO EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY.

♦I AM SURE THAT WITH THEIR DEDICATION, ENTHUSIASM AND PROVEN ABILITY, MEMBERS OF THIS BOARD WILL HAVE NO DIFFICULTY IN MEETING THE CHALLENGE,* HE SAID.

MR CHEONG-LEEN POINTED OUT THAT YAU MA TEI WAS ONE OF THE EARLIEST DEVELOPED AREAS IN THE KOWLOON PENINSULA AND THE LAUNCHING OF THE BOARD MARKED AN IMPORTANT STEP IN THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.

SPEAKING OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AS A MAJOR LAND USER, W CHEONG-LEEN SAID IT HAD FIVE MAJOR PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE, COSTING OVER $300 MILLION IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

THESE INCLUDED THE TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURAL COMPLEX WHICH WOULD BE HONG KONG’S PRINCIPAL VENUE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, ONE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, AN INDOOR STADIUM, AND TWO MARKET COMPLEXES WITH CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.

HE SAID THE BOARD WOULD HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN ADVISING HOW THE FACILITIES COULD BE BEST USED FOR THE DISTRICT’S RESIDENTS.

/a CLOSE ......

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 1962

A CLOSE WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE URBAN COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARDS WOULD BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE, AND REPRESENTATION OF THE COUNCIL ON THE BOARD WAS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO THE SMOOTH WORKING OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME IN CHANGING THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG.

MR CHEONG-LEEN’S SPEECH FOLLOWED AN OPENING SPEECH OF WELCOME BY THE BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILFRED WONG.

(LATER BOARD MEMBERS WERE INFORMED OF THE WORK CARRIED OUT IN SIX PRECEDING MONTHS BY THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, ED OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO PUT DISTRICT PROBLEMS IN BETTER PERSPECTIVE, AND WHICH PRECEDED THE SETTING UP OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.

THE COMMITTEE PROVIDES A FORUM FOR INTER-DEPARTMENTAL CONSULTATION ON DISTRICT PROBLEMS, AND WILL CONTINUE TO FUNCTION, SHARING THE WORKLOAD OF THE BOARD.

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NO CHANGE IN ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION POLICY * ft * *

THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE IN THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TOWARDS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA.

REFERRING TO YESTERDAY’S ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT THE ARRIVAL OF SIR EDWARD YOUDE TO REPLACE SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE AS GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY. MR LEWIS DAVIES, SAID THAT PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN APPREHENDED RECENTLY AS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HAVE SAID THAT RUMOURS ABOUT CHANGES WERE CIRCULATING IN COMMUNES IN CHINA.

♦ONCE AGAIN WE HAVE SNAKEHEADS SPREADING RUMOURS ABOUT CHANGES OF POLICY BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF ENTICING PEOPLE TO PAY MONEY IN ORDER TO BE SMUGGLED INTO HONG KONG BY ILLEGAL MEANS.

♦THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE IN THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TOWARDS ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, WHICH THREATENS AND PUTS IN JEOPARDY THE WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,+ MR DAVIES SAID.

MR DAVIES WENT ON TO SAY THAT AMONG OTHER RUMOURS BEING SPREAD IS ONE WHICH SUGGESTS THERE WILL BE A CHANGE OF POLICY WHEN NEW IDENTITY CARDS ARE INTRODUCED IN THE FUTURE.

♦THIS IS ALSO NONSENSE AND QUITE UNTRUE,♦ MR DAVIES ADDED.

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 1982

GERIATRIC MEDICAL SERVICES BEING EXPANDED

*****

THE GOVERNMENT IS STEPPING UP MEASURES TO IMPROVE MEDICAL SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, DR K.L. THONG, DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, SAID TODAY.

SOME 800 OR MORE GERIATRIC BEDS WILL BE PROVIDED IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS WITHIN THE DECADE, HE SAID AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE GERIATRIC WARD OF KWONG WAH HOSPITAL THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.

AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 309 GERIATRIC BEDS IN BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS, PROVIDING ACUTE AND CONTINUING CARE FOR OLD PEOPLE.

THE DIRECTOR SPOKE OF THE NEED FOR EXPANSION OF GERIATRIC SERVICES DUE TO POPULATION GROWTH IN ACCORDANCE WITH A DEVELOPMENT PLAN AS LAID DOWN IN THE 1977 GREEN PAPER ON THE +SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY*.

OTHER MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE MEDICAL FACILITIES FOR THIS SECTOR OF POPULATION INCLUDE HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICE, COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE, GERIATRIC OUT-PATIENT SERVICE AND ADDITION OF GERIATRIC DAY-HOSPITAL PLACES, HE SAID.

DR THONG SAID THE NEW GERIATRIC UNIT OF KWONG WAH HOSPITAL, WITH 56 BEDS, WOULD STRENGTHEN THE SERVICES, ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE RESIDING IN THE WEST KOWLOON REGION.

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GERIATRIC WARD WAS ANOTHER ACHIEVEMENT OF THE PRESENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS IN THEIR CONTINUING EFFORTS TO HELP IMPROVE COMMUNITY SERVICES, HE SAID.

THE NEW PROJECT WAS BROUGHT TO FRUITION WITH CONTRIBUTIONS CF $480 000 FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE GROUP AND $100 000 FROM THE LEE FOUNDATION, HE SAID.

- - 0 - -

MAXICAB NO, 16 TO BE RE-ROUTED * * * *

HONG KONG MAXICAB SERVICE NO. 16, BETWEEN CHAI WAN AND STANLEY VILLAGE, WILL BE RE-ROUTED VIA THE CHAI WAN FERRY PIER ON BOTH INWARD AND OUTWARD JOURNEYS AS FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 1982

NEW YEARBOOK SPOTLIGHTS KEY TO HK’S SUCCESS ft ft ft ft

POSITIVE NON-INTERVENTION FITS THE-SKY-IS-THE-LIMIT OUTLOOK CF HONG KONG’S PEOPLE, A PROMINENT LOCAL JOURNALIST SAYS IN THE NEW GOVERNMENT YEARBOOK WHICH GOES ON SALE TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

AND AS A RESULT OF THIS NON-INTERVENTION THERE HAS BEEN AN ON-GOING PROLIFERATION OF SMALL BUSINESSES, MAXIMISING CANTONESE ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS WHERE SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL AND YET PROVIDING ALSO THE RIGHT CLIMATE FOR THE SHANGHAINESE WITH GREATER ORGANISATIONAL ABILITY WHO SEE BIGGER AS DESIRABLE.

MR GRAHAM JENKINS EXPRESSES HIS PERSONAL VIEWS ON HONG KONG'S GREATEST ASSET — ITS PEOPLE — IN THE YEARBOOK’S REVIEW CHAPTER WHICH TAKES STOCK OF THE RESULTS OF THE 1981 CENSUS.

♦HONG KONG IS ESSENTIALLY AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT THE INDIVIDUAL WILL DO WHEN DRIVEN BY THE DESIRE FOR DIGNITY THROUGH SELF BETTERMENT. GIVEN FREEDOM OF ACTION IN AN INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED COMPETITIVE SOCIETY,+ HE SAYS.

HE DESCRIBES THE TERRITORY AS AN IMMENSE OPEN MARKET FOR ALL THE WORLD’S PRODUCERS BECAUSE IT MUST IMPORT EVERYTHING IT USES TO FEED ITS EXPORT-LED INDUSTRIES, EXCEPT FOR THE ENERGY, DILIGENCE, ENTERPRISE AND SKILLS OF ITS OWN LABOUR.

♦ALREADY 16TH IN WORLD TRADE AND THIRD FINANCIAL CENTRE OF THE WORLD, HONG KONG IS NOT A MODERN MIRACLE WHICH ONLY THE MUMBO-JUMBO OF SOME MYSTIC MIGHT EXPLAIN.

♦THE SECRET OF ITS REMARKABLE SUCCESS, INCLUDING ITS UPS AND DOWNS, LIES IN ITS OWN PECULIAR SOCIAL CHEMISTRY — IMPORTED TRADITIONS, IDEALS AND KNOW-HOW FROM EAST AND WEST AND THE ASPIRATIONS, HUMAN VALUES AND CHARACTER TRAITS OF ITS PEOPLE.♦

MR JENKINS SAYS THAT ADMINISTRATIVE RESTRAINT IN ECONOMIC INTERVENTION, EXCEPT TO SMOOTH THE ROUGH SOCIAL EDGES, HAS RAISED THE PROSPECT, DESPITE CURRENT INFLATION, OF A MEDIAN FAMILY DISPOSABLE INCOME WITHIN THE NEXT DECADE COMPARABLE WITH SOME DEVELOPED NATIONS, INCLUDING BRITAIN.

HONG KONG HAS A REPUTATION, AMONG THOSE WHO KNOW IT AND ARE FASCINATED BY ITS DAILY VISIBLE GROWTH, AS ONE OF THE MOST EFFICIENT, HARDWORKING AND FORWARD-LOOKING PLACES ON EARTH, AND THE 1981 CENSUS CONFIRMS THE BASE FOR THIS ASSERTION, HE SAYS.

POINTING OUT THAT THE PROPORTION OF THE WORKING AGE POPULATION, FROM 15 TO 64, HAS INCREASED FROM 59.7 PER CENT TO 68.6 PER CENT OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS, HE COMMENTSi +THIS MAKES FOR A MORE PRODUCTIVE COMMUNITY AND BETTER ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE WITH MORE GRAVY FOR EVERYBODY.♦

WITH MORE THAN 100 COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS, SOME 254 PAGES OF TEXT PLUS DETAILED APPENDICES AND A COMPREHENSIVE INDEX, THE YEARBOOK IS AVAILABLE IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH EDITIONS AT $24 A COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, G.P.O. BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.

/IT WILL ......

-nuaSBAY, MUCH 4, 1982

- 5 -

IT WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE SOON AT CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES AND LEADING BOOKSTORES.

THE 22 CHAPTERS IN THE YEARBOOK PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OF HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENTS DURING THE YEAR. SUBJECTS SUCH AS TRADE, THE FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC SITUATION, EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION, HOUSING, SOCIAL WELFARE, LAW AND ORDER AND A HOST OF OTHER TOPICS ARE INCLUDED.

COLOUR SECTIONS INCLUDE MAJOR EVENTS DURING THE YEAR, THE SPACE MUSEUM, FOOD, THE TOY INDUSTRY, THE DEVELOPMENT OF TAI PO, THE SEA, HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, KEEPING FIT AND HIGHWAYS. A NEW END-COVER MAP BREAKS DOWN THE POPULATION DENSITIES IN HONG KONG.

♦THE YEARBOOK, AN ESTABLISHED BEST-SELLER FOR SOME YEARS, IS AN IDEAL REFERENCE TOOL FOR ANYONE WANTING ANY INFORMATION ABOUT HONG KONG,+ SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES TODAY.

♦IT IS USED BY BUSINESS HOUSES, IN LIBRARIES AND SCHOOLS, AS A RECORD FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AND BY TOURISTS.

♦COPIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE IN BRITAIN FOR POLITICIANS AND OTHERS WHO HAVE AN INTEREST IN HONG KONG.+ HE SAID.

DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND, SOME 50 000 COPIES OF THE BOOK — 36 000 IN ENGLISH AND 14 000 IN CHINESE — HAVE BEEN PRINTED BY USING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG, THE LASER-COMP, RECENTLY INSTALLED AT THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING DEPARTMENT.

THE BOOK WAS PRODUCED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND TRANSLATED BY THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION OF THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH.

------o-------

NEW RUNWAY FRICTION-TESTER IN USE * * * M

A NEW RUNWAY FRICTION TESTING VEHICLE, FRICTION-TESTER. HAS RECENTLY BEEN BROUGHT iniu uat ai hums INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO ACHIEVE MAXIMUM SAFETY OF AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS DURING TAKE-OFF AND LANDING.

KNOWN AS THE SAAB

INTO USE AT HONG KONG

THE VEHICLE IS SPECIALLY EQUIPPED WITH A FIFTH WHEEL WHICH IS LOWERED FROM THE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT OF THE CAR WHEN MEASUREMENTS THFTV4I nccWALS!uAuEEnFRICTI0N CHARACTERISTICS ARE TO BE TAKEN. THE VALUES ARE SHOWN ON A VISIBLE DISPLAY AT THE INSTRUMENT Panfi iurvT°TAATPR •NT-OUT COPY PRODUCED BY A PROCESSOR-CONTROLLED PRINTER NEXT TO THE DRIVER, AS THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ALONG THE RUNWAY.

INFORMATION OBTAINED BY THE TESTER IS OF GREAT HELP TO IS WET iS C?SN2lTSEi!T?S!SAT""S TECHNIQUES “HEN THE

ANOTHER USE OF THE FRICTION-TESTER IS FOR A<5SF<S<5INC tuc RUNWAY SURFACE TEXTURE, WEAR AND RESTORATION REQUIREMENTS.

------o-------

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 1982

84 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN JANUARY

* * *

EIGHTY-FOUR NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH 79 IN JANUARY LAST YEAR.

OF THESE NEW PLANS, 29 WERE FOR NEW BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 12 FOR KOWLOON AND 43 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THEY INCLUDE A MEDICAL REHABILITATION CENTRE AT SANDY BAY, A COMMUNITY CENTRE AT CHUNG HAU STREET, TWO SCHOOLS AT TAI SHANG WAI, YUEN LONG AND OFF HIU KWONG STREET, KWUN TONG, A PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE IN TUEN MUN AND AN ASSEMBLY HALL EXTENSION AT THE JUNCTION OF PO ON ROAD AND CHEUNG FAT STREET.

THE DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS $499.2 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $430.6 MILLION IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.

THEIR TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA AMOUNTED TO 119 341.1 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 95 550.7 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC AND 23 790.4 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR SPACE.

THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 52 PROJECTS, INCLUDING A SCHOOL AT NAM FUNG ROAD, TWO SWIMMING POOLS AT TAI SHANG WAI, YUEN LONG AND SHA TIN, A SQUASH COURT AT HONG LOK YUEN, TAI PO AND A HOME FOR THE AGED AT SHUEN WAN, TAI PO.

ALTOGETHER, 38 NEWLY-COMPLETED STRUCTURES WERE APPROVED IN JANUARY, INCLUDING SIX OIL TANKS AT AP LEI CHAU SHELL DEPOT AND A FOOTBRIDGE AT CHING HAY STREET.

THE OFFICE ALSO AGREED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 68 BUILDINGS.

-----o-----

SHORT-TERM TENANCY AVAILABLE

MMX

.TENDERS ARE BEING SOUGHT BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE

MTo£E«r *'P,ECE * CR0“N L‘ND" "

CF TENANT’S GOODS

___THE LOT OF ABOUT 2 290 SQUARE METRES IS FOR THE STORAGE

TnclGBTJjI’X ^AYyNGH’600DSC?EHT?LTpARK!QU,PMENT MATER,ALS>

TENDERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON MARCH 19.

TENDER FORMS AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD HONG KONG AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON ’ GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.

TENDER PLANS MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE LOCATIONS. -----------------------o--------

/7 ........

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 1982

AZALEAS ON SHOW TO PUBLIC ft ft ft

THE GARDENS OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON SUNDAY (MARCH 7) FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM, TO ENABLE PEOPLE TO SEE THE AZALEAS IN BLOOM.

THIS IS THE TIME OF THE YEAR WHEN THE FLOWERS ARE AT THEIR COLOURFUL BEST.

THE GARDENS OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE HAVE BEEN OPENED TO THE PUBLIC EACH YEAR SINCE 1968.

SOME 65 000 PEOPLE VISITED THE GARDENS LAST YEAR- MORE ARE EXPECTED THIS YEAR.

VISITORS SHOULD ENTER BY THE MAIN GATE AND LEAVE BY THE SIDE GATES SO THAT ALL CAN ENJOY THE FLOWERS WITHOUT CAUSING INCONVENIENCE TO OTHERS.

THEY ARE ALSO REMINDED THAT ONLY THE GARDENS WILL BE OPEN, AND THEY SHOULD NOT ENTER THE HOUSE ITSELF.

SCOUTS AND POLICEMEN WILL BE PRESENT AND VISITORS ARE ASKED TO CO-OPERATE WITH THEM TO AVOID OVERCROWDING.

0 - - - -

NOTE TO ED ITORSj

FANLING FLOWER SHOW ft ft ft

.... , A FOUR-DAY FLOWER SHOW IN NORTH DISTRICT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES

WILL OPEN ON SATURDAY (MARCH 6) AT FANLING PLAYGROUND. ‘ES

o?^l$IATING AT THE OPENING at noon will BE LADY MACLEHOSE-

THE SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMIN I STRAT low

lc *2 AKERS-JONES- THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES

£ MACPHERSON- THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK TERRITORIES,

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY.

io.3oGam£onMthatTdaySPORT WILL LEAVE K0WL00N PUBL,C pier at

--------o ---------

/8 .......

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 1982

SYDNEY CONSERVATOR I UM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO GIVE TWO CONCERTS * * * *

FIFTY-FOUR MEMBERS OF THE SYDNEY CONSERVATOR I UM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ARRIVED IN HONG KONG TODAY (THURSDAY) FOLLOWING A PERFORMANCE TOUR AT GUANGZHOU.

THE YOUNG MUSICIANS, AGED BETWEEN 17 AND 23, ARE STUDENTS OF THE NEW SOUTH WALES CONSERVATOR I UM OF MUSIC, AND ARE AMONG THE FINEST YOUNG MUSICAL TALENTS IN AUSTRALIA.

THE ORCHESTRA WILL BE GIVING A SCHOOL CONCERT AT LA SALLE COLLEGE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) MORNING AND ANOTHER PERFORMANCE AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL AT 8 PM ON SATURDAY AT THE INVITATION OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.

ONE OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS ORCHESTRAS IN AUSTRALIA, ITS PERFORMANCE OF WALTON’S +BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST* IN 1978 WAS LISTED AS ONE OF THE TOP CONCERTS IN THE COUNTRY THAT YEAR.

CONDUCTING THE ORCHESTRA WILL BE DR RONALD SMART, HEAD OF THE SCHOOL OF PRACTICAL STUDIES AT THE CONSERVATOR I UM.

THE VIOLIN SOLOIST, MR CHRISTOPHER KIMBER IS CHAIRMAN OF THE STRING DEPARTMENT AT THE CONSERVATOR I UM. MR KIMBER PERFORMS FREQUENTLY IN AUSTRALIA AND OVERSEAS.

THE PROGRAMME FOR THE CONCERT ON SATURDAY INCLUDES MENDELSSOHN’S VIOLIN CONCERTO IN E MINOR, 0P64 AND JEAN SIBELIUS’ SYMPHONY NO. 2 IN D, 0P43.

THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WILL PERFORM FRANZ LISZT’S LES PRELUDES - SYMPHONIC POEM WITH THE VISITING GROUP.

TICKETS AT $5, $10 AND $15 ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE MUSIC OFFICE HEAD OFFICE (HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, 9/F) AND THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL BOX OFFICE.

ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE AT 5-283257.

------0-------

PRINCE EDWARD ROAD FLYOVER TO BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY

IX X 2

THE WESTBOUND TRAFFIC LANE OF THE PRINCE EDWARD ROAD FLYOVER NEAR NGA TSIN LONG ROAD ONTO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON MARCH 6 AND 7 BETWEEN 9 PM AND 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.

THIS ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS.

WESTBOUND TRAFFIC WILL NOT BE AFFECTED AS MOTORISTS CAN USE THE GROUND LEVEL ROADS UNDER THE FLYOVER TO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST.

---o----

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 1982

MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS CONCERT AT TELFORD GARDENS

* * * *

A +MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS* CONCERT WILL BE PERFORMED BY TWO YOUTH BANDS AT TELFORD GARDENS FOR THE FIRST TIME ON SATURDAY (MARCH 6) STARTING AT 3 PM.

THE CONCERT IS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND WELLINGTON COLLEGE (TELFORD GARDENS), 33 WAI YIP STREET, TELFORD GARDENS, KOWLOON BAY.

IT WILL BRING TOGETHER THE EAST KOWLOON YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND AND THE WEST KOWLOON YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, TO PRESENT AN EXCITING PROGRAMME OF BAND MUSIC.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE FOLK SONGS AND DANCE PERFORMANCES BY STUDENTS OF WELLINGTON COLLEGE.

RESIDENTS IN THE AREA ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE CONCERT. ADMISSION IS FREE. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 3-7561328.

- - - - 0 -----------

BALLET SCHOLARSHIP

* * *

FOUR PROMISING BALLET STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN ATTENDING CLASSES ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS BY A BALLET SCHOOL IN HONG KONG.

THEY ARE A BOY AND THREE GIRLS - ALL ARE ATTENDING INTRODUCTORY BALLET CLASSES AT VARIOUS CENTRES RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT’S RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (RSS).

THEY WILL BE PROVIDED WITH FREE BALLET TRAINING BY JEAN WONG BALLET SCHOOL FOR ONE YEAR. HOWEVER, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE SCHOLARSHIP IS RENEWABLE DEPENDING ON PROGRESS MADE BY THE STUDENT CONCERNED.

THE FOUR WERE SELECTED FROM ABOUT 300 BEGINNERS FOLLOWING A NUMBER OF AUDITIONS AND TESTS.

THE SELECTION WAS MADE BY A PANEL OF JUDGES FROM THE RSS, JEAN WONG AND MISS FLORA CHEONG-LEEN.

THE RSS STARTED ELEMENTARY BALLET CLASSES IN THE SUMMER OF 1980 WITH ABOUT 120 PUPILS.

CURRENTLY, THE SERVICE RUNS 28 INTRODUCTORY BALLET CLASSES AT VARIOUS CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY ATTENDED BY ABOUT 800 STUDENTS.

THE FEE FOR EACH COURSE IS $3 PER PERSON.

-----o-----

/1O ........

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 1982

SATURDAY’S NIGHT TRAIN FOR LO WU CANCELLED * * * *

THE LAST TRAIN LEAVING KOWLOON STATION FOR LO WU AT 11 PM WILL BE CANCELLED ON SATURDAY (MARCH 6) TO FACILITATE ENGINEERING WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT AT THE NEW TAI PO MARKET STATION.

HOWEVER, A SPECIAL PASSENGER TRAIN WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION AT 10 PM ON THAT DAY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY SAID TODAY NORMAL TRAIN SERVICES MIGHT ALSO BE SLIGHTLY DELAYED FROM MONDAY (MARCH 8) TO THURSDAY (MARCH 11) DUE TO WORK ON THE NEW SIGNALLING SYSTEM AT THE CONTROL CENTRE, KOWLOON STATION.

SEVERAL GOODS TRAINS WILL ALSO BE CANCELLED BETWEEN MARCH 8 AND 11, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

- - 0 -

TEMPORARY CURTAILMENT OF TRAM SERVICES KM*

TRAM SERVICES TO HAPPY VALLEY WILL BE CURTAILED ON SATURDAY NIGHT (MARCH 6) FOR ROAD WORKS IN TIN LOK LANE.

THE LAST DEPARTURE FROM SHAU KEI WAN WILL BE AT 9.10 PM AND FROM KENNEDY TOWN AT 9.05 PM.

- - 0

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

Friday, mrch 5, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

NEW NCR LEGISLATION PROPOSED ................................... 1

MOVE TO PLUG LOOPHOLES IN VIDEO GAMES LAW ...................... 2

INVESTiWJT-S WELCOME, VISITING US BUSINESSMEN TOLD.............. 2

INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION OFFICE OPENED IN TOKYO .................... 3

NO CAUSE FOR DESPAIR SEEN AT NT TRANSPORT PROBLEM............... 4

TWO HIGHWAYS CONTRACTS AWARDED ................................. 6

FIRST TSUEN WAN CAREERS EXHIBITION OPENS TOMORROW............... 7

TEN-YEAR DIGEST OF STATISTICS ON SALE........................... 7

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR KOWLOON WALK FOR MILLION ... 8

ANTI-SMOKING EXHIBITION AT SHA TIN

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 1982

1 -

NEW KCR LEGISLATION PROPOSED * * * *

A BILL SEEKING TO REPLACE THE EXISTING KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY ORDINANCE WITH NEW LEGISLATION DEALING ALSO WITH THE NEW ELECTRIFIED 'PRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT THE NEXT q! I I I rib UN MARCn 1U.

__ PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, IS

ES EA^T"UWIraTHa’ M0RE L0SICAL ITS P"ESENT‘T|O'‘

.PH^£.0F THE ELECTRIFIED SERVICE BETWEEN KOWLOON eu? IIS «'LL BEG,N 0N MAY 6» AND THE SECOND PHASE, BETWEEN

SHA TIN AND LO WU, WILL BEGIN IN MID 1983, A KCR SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SUBSTANCE OF THE BILL IS SIMILAR TO THAT CONTAINED IN THE EXISTING ORDINANCE.

o ♦BASICALLY IT INVOLVES THE TIDYING UP OF THE PRESENT ORDINANCE I2rT^L Iun°nLL0G,CAL ,N presentation and the addition of new SECTIONS AND REGULATIONS TO COPE WITH THE INTRODUCTION OE THE ELECTRIFIED SERVICE,+ HE SAID. vuwuhun ue rnt

HE SAID THE FRESH LEGISLATION WAS PROPOSED FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATION OF A NEW RAILWAY, WHICH WAS NOT ONLY A NEW CONCEPT OF SERVICE IN EVERY SENSE BUT ALSO AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT AND NEW PRODUCT.

SECTIONS OF THE EXISTING ORDINANCE WHICH DEAL WITH GFERATI0N THE RAIL*AY HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE AND INCORPORATED INTO THE REVISED REGULATIONS.

SNF, SSSoThFIS, Ml ,JMt M? Kt WttAT I OHS THEU^A5E^%IHpUBU?trTSEDsJ$KESMASASAlD?LARLY ™°SE AFFECT,NS

SIGNIFICANT AMENDMENTS RELATING TO THE MODERNISED AND ^CTR’FIED SERVICE INCLUDE THE INTRODUCTION OF AN AUTOMATIC REVENUE COLLECTION SYSTEM AND THE ENHANCED SAFETY OF THE RAILWAY.

Tiun ALS0 PROY’DES FOR HIGHER PENALTIES FOR ANYONE CAUGHT

Jt?uE?u?8e^I^o^NT 0F ™E EQUIPMENT OR INSTALLATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELECTRIFICATION OF THE RAILWAY.

_ TueLI!^S 0F K,TES» BALLOONS OR MODEL AIRCRAFT IN THE VICINITY

OF THE RAILWAY IS ALSO PROHIBITED BECAUSE THIS COULD INTERFERE WITH, OR CAUSE DAMAGE TO, THE OVERHEAD WIRES AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.

- - 0 - -

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 1982 - 2 -

MOVE TO PLUG LOOPHOLES IN VIDEO GAMES LAW * * *

IN RESPONSE TO REQUESTS FROM UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, IT HAS BEEN AGREED THAT ALL THREE READINGS CF THE MISCELLANEOUS LICENCES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL WILL BE TAKEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 10).

IF PASSED, THE BILL WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON FRIDAY (MARCH 12) A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID, *THE BILL DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY NEW POLICY AND IS MERELY PLUGGING LOOPHOLES, HENCE THE INTENTION TO ENACT IT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.*

--------o - - - -

INVESTMENTS WELCOME, VISITING US BUSINESSMEN TOLD * * *

OVERSEAS INVESTMENT, PARTICULARLY FROM THE UNITED STATES, WAS MOST WELCOME, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TOLD MEMBERS OF THE ASIA PACIFIC COUNCIL OF AMERICAN CHAMBERS CF COMMERCE THIS MORNING AT THE HILTON HOTEL.

THE COUNCIL IS HOLDING ITS SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING IN HONG KONG.

AMONG THE FACTORS MAKING HONG KONG ATTRACTIVE TO AMERICAN AND OTHER INVESTORS WERE THE EXCELLENT RELATIONS WITH CHINA, A STABLE ECONOMIC POLICY WITH MINIMUM BUREAUCRATIC INTERFERENCE, AND NON-DISCRIMINATION AGAINST OVERSEAS COMPANIES, HE SAID.

OTHER FACTORS OF ENCOURAGEMENT WERE THE LOW STANDARD RATES OF TAXATION, A FREE MONEY MARKET AND SOPHISTICATED BACK-UP SERVICES IN THE FIELDS OF FINANCE, TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS.

MR BREMRIDGE SAID THERE WERE REAL OPPORTUN(TIES FOR ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL COOPERATION WITH CHINA — +FOR OUR MUTUAL BENEFIT*

THESE OPPORTUNITIES WOULD BECOME INCREASINGLY THE FOCUS OF MUCH OF THE BUSINESS ACTIVITY IN HONG KONG.

HONG KONG HAD CONSOLIDATED ITS POSITION AS A MANUFACTURING CENTRE, HAD BEEN RAPIDLY EXPANDING ITS ENTREPOT TRADE AND, WITH ITS GROWING COMMERCIAL SERVICES, INCLUDING BANKING, FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE, AND CONSULTING, HAD RAPIDLY BECOME A LEADING FINANCIAL CENTRE, HE SAID.

♦NOT JUST IN THE REGION, BUT ALSO ON‘A WORLD SCALE WHERE IT IS ONLY SURPASSED TO ANY SIGNIFICANT EXTENT BY NEW YORK AND LONDON,* HE SAID.

THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG HAD EVERY INTENTION OF ENSURING THAT THESE FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS WOULD CONTINUE TO APPLY, Ml BREMRIDGE SAID.

------o - - - -

/3........

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 1982

INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION OFFICE OPENED IN TOKYO *****

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS EMBARKING ON A MORE CONSISTENT AND SYSTEMATIC BASIS TO ATTRACT SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED JAPANESE 0R EN6AGE ,N J0!NT VENTURES IN HONG KONG, In tokyo toda? (fridaylDUSTRY AND CUST0MS' w b,ll dorward, said

„ K0N6's F,RST industrial promotion office,

W DORWARD SA IDs

+WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS WE SHALL OPEN MORE, IN EUROPE AND THE UNITED STATES. BUT THE FACT THAT THE FIRST ONE IS IN TOKYO TI?E IMPORTANCE we place on industrial co-operation with OUR FRIENDS IN JAPAN.+

AS THE SAME ELEMENTS WERE GENERALLY PRESENT WHEREVER JAPANESE TECHNOLOGY WAS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE, HONG KONG PROBABLY HAD NOTHING UNIQUE TO OFFER THAT OTHER COUNTRIES COMPETING FOR SUCH '^VESTMSNT D,D N0T‘ BUT» MR DORWARD SAID, WHAT MATTERED WAS THE MIXTURE OF THOSE ELEMENTS.

♦ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY NEEDS A RECEPTIVE ATMOSPHERE, SUPPORT f^lhlT^heA.HEALTHY COMMERCIAL CLIMATE AND A GOOD AND RELIABLE b£°£U2*eE ,F ,T IS T0 SUCCEED. I BELIEVE THIS IS WHAT HONG KONG NOW OFFERS JAPAN. THE CURRENT MODERNISATION POLICY OF OUR GREAT J^’GHBOUR, £H,NAi HAS ADDED A new AND DYNAMIC ELEMENT TO THE WHOLE PICTURE,♦ HE STRESSED.

MR DORWARD, WHO WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL EXECUTIVE COUNCILLOR, SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG, SAID THERE WERE ALREADY MORE THAN 100 MANUFACTURING COMPANIES In'hoNG KONG WITH SOME DEGREE OF JAPANESE PARTICIPATION. MR DORWARD KIKUCHI WHO HAD BEEN APPOINTED TO HEAD

THEN INTRODUCED MR MICHAEL THE TOKYO OFFICE.

MR KIKUCHI HAD SERVED AS DIRECTOR CENTRE IN HONG KONG FROM 1974 TO 1977,

GENERAL OF THE JAPAN TRADE HE SAID.

MIN,STER at the BRITISH embassy, tokyo DESCRIBED THE DECISION TO OPEN THE TOKYO OFFICE AS FAR SIGHTED.

THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION

OfVm«REL OF S«e7F'C6 WAS SyMf,0LIC‘LLY CELEBRATED

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 1982

NO CAUSE FOR DESPAIR SEEN AT NT TRANSPORT PROBLEM * * * * *

THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR RICHARD BUTLER, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) HE SAW NO CAUSE FOR DESPAIR AT THE NEW TERRITORIES TRANSPORT PROBLEM.

DR BUTLER, WHO SPENT MANY YEARS WITH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, WAS SPEAKING AT A LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG CENTRAL LUNCH MEETING.

+THE WORST PROBLEM, IT SEEMS TO ME, IS THE ROAD CONGESTION CENTERING ON THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND STRETCHING BACK TO LION ROCK TUNNEL, THE LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND WEST KOWLOON,* HE SAID.

*1 DON’T MYSELF SEE ANY WAY TO EXPAND CAPACITY ON A SIGNIFICANT SCALE IN THIS CORRIDOR.*

THE 1979 WHITE PAPER ON TRANSPORT POLICY INDICATED A REAL NEED FOR GENERAL RESTRAINTS ON ROAD USE, WITH A VIEW TO KEEPING THE LESS NECESSARY MOTOR VEHICLES OFF OUR MORE CONGESTED ROADS AT CONGESTION-PRONE TIMES.

♦CLEARLY, THAT WOULD HELP IN REDUCING CONGESTION ON THIS PARTICULAR ARTERIAL CONNEXION,* DR BUTLER SAID.

+IT IS ALSO RELEVANT THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING A HARD LOOK AT THE POSSIBILITY OF A LEI YUE MUN BRIDGE WHICH, TIED IN WITH THE PRESENTLY-CONSTRUCTED ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR ROAD AND NEW ROAD LINKS ON THE KOWLOON SIDE, COULD DO A GREAT DEAL OF GOOD BY THE LATER 1980’S.

♦REALLY, OF COURSE, WE NEED A WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, BUT THAT WOULD BE SO EXPENSIVE THAT IT DOES NOT SEEM TO ME TO BE VERY LIKELY TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN THE PRESENT DECADE. FOR IMMEDIATE RELIEF, I THINK THAT WE HAVE TO LOOK TO THE MTR AND KCR.*

ON WHAT HE CALLED +THE RAILWAY SITUATION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES* DR BUTLER SAID BEFORE MID-YEAR WE SHOULD SEE THE OPENING OF THE TSUEN WAN EXTENSION OF THE MTR AND THE ELECTRIFICATION OF THE KCR TO SHA TIN.

BOTH THESE EVENTS SHOULD HAVE A TREMENDOUSLY BENEFICIAL IMPACT ON LIFE IN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN- AND THE TWO RAILWAYS, IN COMBINATION, SHOULD HELP EASE THE STRAIN ON THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL PINCH-POINT BY INDUCING PEOPLE TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT WHICH IS UNCLOGGED BY ROAD CONGESTION.

CRITICAL TO THE SUCCESS OF BOTH KCR ELECTRIFICATION, WHICH WOULD BE EXTENDED TO LO WU DURING 1983, AND THE ENLARGED MTR WOULD BE THE CAPACITY OF THE KCR/MTR INTERCHANGE AT KOWLOON TONG, THE HUNG HOM INTERCHANGE BETWEEN KCR, FERRIES AND BUSES AND THE ARGYLE STREET CROSS-PLATFORM INTERCHANGE FOR PASSENGERS ON THE KWUN TONG LINE OF THE MTR.

♦THESE SENSITIVE POINTS WILL, I BELIEVE, BE PLACED UNDER CLOSE EXAMINATION DURING 1982 AND SUBSEQUENT YEARS TO SEE JUST WHAT CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS THEY IMPOSE ON THE JOINT RAILWAY SYSTEM AND WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THEM.

/♦WE WILL........

raiDAY, MARCH 5, 1982

+WE WILL ALSO BE WATCHING THE MTR’S NATHAN ROAD AND CROSS HARBOUR SECTION TO SEE HOW THAT BEARS UP WHEN THE ISLAND LINE OPENS IN 1986.♦

FINALLY, ON RAILWAY MATTERS, DURING THE PRESENT CALENDAR YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD REACH A DECISION ON WHETHER TO EXTEND THE MTR TO JUNK BAY. WITH A VIEW TO DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW TOWN OF 300 000 PEOPLE THERE.

SPEAKING ABOUT TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, DR BUTLER SAID IT WAS RELATIVELY ISOLATED, BUT THE HOVERFERRY SERVICE INTRODUCED LAST YEAR HAD NEATLY LINKED THE TOWN, BY A 30-MINUTE AIR-CONDITIONED JOURNEY, WITH KOWLOON AND HONG KONG ISLAND.

MOREOVER, THE BUS SERVICE THERE WAS PRETTY REASONABLE FROM READING OF THE FIGURES AND FROM THE REACTIONS FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD AND LETTERS TO THE PRESS.

♦ONCE THE TSUEN WAN EXTENSION OPENS LATER THIS YEAR, THE PEOPLE OF TUEN MUN SHOULD HAVE A PARTICULARLY GOOD TRANSPORT SERVICE LINKING THEM BY BUS AND RAIL WITH KOWLOON/HONG KONG ISLAND,* DR BUTLER SAID.

♦ LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE, I HOPE THAT THE TUEN MUN TRAMWAY NEGOTIATIONS REACH A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION - BUT IF THEY DO NOT, THERE CAN BE NO QUESTION IN MY MIND BUT THAT TUEN MUN MUST STILL HAVE ITS TRAMWAY, WHOSOEVER OPERATES IT.+

AN OBVIOUS GAP IN OUR PRESENT RAILWAY PLANNING WAS FOR A RAIL LINK BETWEEN TUEN MUN AND TSUEN WAN - AND THIS POSSIBILITY WOULD SOON, HE HOPED, BE INVESTIGATED.

♦ I HAVE SPOKEN OF THREE OF OUR NEW TOWNS - SHA TIN, TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN,+ DR BUTLER SAID.

AS REGARDS THE OTHERS, TAI PO, FANLING/SHEK WU HUI AND YUEN LONG, APART FROM THE FIRST TWO BEING SERVED BY THE ELECTRIFIED KCR IN 1983, WE WERE WELL UNDERWAY WITH THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD AND THE SHA TIN/TAI PO COASTAL ROAD.

THESE AND THE CASTLE PEAK ROAD WOULD ALL BE ESSENTIALLY DUAL CARRIAGEWAY EACH OF THREE LANES BY THE MID-1980’S.

♦ SO THINGS LOOK QUITE BRIGHT ON THAT FRONTI PROVIDED ALWAYS THAT WE GENERALLY RESTRAIN THE EXPANDING DEMAND FOR ROAD USE IN LINE WITH THE EXPANDING SUPPLY OF ROAD SPACE,* HE SAID.

♦ FINALLY*, DR BUTLER SAID, +LET ME SAY A WORD ABOUT THE PHILOSOPHY GUIDING US ON BALANCED DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TOWNS.

♦ WHILST IT IS OBVIOUSLY SENSIBLE TO ESTABLISH JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN LINE WITH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY PROVIDING FLATS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, IT IS EQUALLY OBVIOUS THAT THERE IS ALWAYS BOUND TO BE A MIS-MATCH IN AS SMALL A PLACE AS THE TERRITORY OF HONG KONG.+

BECAUSE DISTANCES WERE SO SHORT HERE YOUNGER MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY WOULD OFTEN CONTINUE WITH THEIR JOBS IN THE OLDER URBAN AREA AFTER PARENTS HAD MOVED TO A NEW HOME IN SHA TIN OR TUEN MUN.

/similarly, job........

FBIDAY, MARCH 5» 1982

SIMILARLY, JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN SHA TIN PULLED IN WORKERS FROM AS FAR AWAY AS WAH FU - IF GOOD TRANSPORT EXISTED.

♦ IN FACT, THE NO. 170 BUS ROUTE BETWEEN WAH FU AND SHA TIN, ON WHICH I OFTEN TRAVEL MYSELF, HELPS TO DO JUST THAT - CARRYING PEOPLE LIVING AT WAH FU TO WORK AT SHA TIN,+ DR BUTLER SAID.

♦ SO I THINK THAT OUR PHILOSOPHY IN THE NEW TOWNS MUST BE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE EMPLOYMENT IN EACH OF THEM FOR THE WORKERS RESIDENT THERE, BUT ALSO TO ACCEPT THE FACTS AND PLAN TO PROVIDE INTERURBAN TRANSPORT FACILITIES FOR A DEGREE OF COMMUTING.

♦ ALL IN ALL, THEN, I SEE NO CAUSE FOR DESPAIR ON THE NEW TERRITORIES TRANSPORT PROBLEM, BUT LIKE MY COLLEAGUES I BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT THAT DISTRICT BOARDS CONTINUE TO KEEP US ALL ON OUR TOES IN THIS REGARD, INFORMING AND STIMULATING US TO TAKE THE ACTIONS NECESSARY TO KEEP HONG KONG MOVING,♦ HE SAID.

------0-------

TWO HIGHWAYS CONTRACTS AWARDED

X * *

THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TODAY LET TWO CONTRACTS, WORTH ABOUT $6 MILLION, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY IN KWUN TONG AND A TEMPORARY BUS TERMINUS IN WAN CHAI.

THE FIRST CONTRACT, WORTH ABOUT $4.8 MILLION, IS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY ACROSS KWUN TONG ROAD AT HOW MING LANE.

IT WAS AWARDED TO CHUN WO CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED.

THE NEW SUBWAY WILL PROVIDE A SAFE CROSSING AT THE LOCATION FOR PEDESTRIANS BY SEPARATING THEM FROM THE ROAD TRAFFIC AND WILL ALSO HELP IMPROVE THE FLOW OF VEHICLES.

TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC IN EACH DIRECTION ALONG KWUN TONG ROAD WILL BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES DURING CONSTRUCTION.

WORK ON THIS CONTRACT WILL START LATER THIS MONTH AND TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE SECOND CONTRACT, VALUED AT $1.2 MILLION, IS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TEMPORARY BUS TERMINUS AT WAN CHAI RECLAMATION.

IT WAS AWARDED TO STABILITY CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING CO. LTD.

ON COMPLETION, THE NEW BUS TERMINUS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ONE FRONTING THE FERRY PIER, WHICH WILL BE DEMOLISHED LATER THIS YEAR FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SECOND STAGE OF THE WAN CHAI RECREATION CENTRE.

WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL TAKE ABOUT FOUR MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

------o - - - -

/7 ......

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 1982

FIRST TSUEN WAN CAREERS EXHIBITION OPENS TOMORROW * * *

THE FIRST CAREERS EXHIBITION EVER HELD IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED AT TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AT 10 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

THE FIVE-DAY EXHIBITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

OFFICIATING AT THE RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES. MR TANG HSIANG-CHIEN; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD INDUSTRIAL SUB-COMMITTEE, MR LAM KIN-MING; THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, DR JAMES HAY^S; AND THE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER MR HAMISH MACLEOD.

Wlk^BE 15 EXHIBITORS FROM THE MANUFACTURING AND SERVICE INDUSTRIES, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.

ru, „ Je™?DITI0N’ VAR,0US STUDENT PROJECTS, PROVIDING INFORMATION ON CAREERS AND FURTHER TRAINING WILL BE ON DISPLAY IN THE TOWN HALL’S CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL, AND CAREERS TALKS WILL BE GIVEN.

-----0------

TEN-YEAR DIGEST OF STATISTICS ON SALE

*****

THE HONG KONG ANNUAL DIGEST OF STATISTICS 1981 EDITION. WHICH PROVIDES A WIDE RANGE OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC STATISTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT HONG KONG IS NOW ON SALE.

THE 220-PAGE EDITION IS PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AND COVERS THE PERIOD FROM 1971 TO 1980.

IT ALSO INCLUDES A NEW SECTION ON +DI STRIBUTIVE TRADES AND SERVICES*, NOT AVAILABLE IN ITS FIRST EDITION PUBLISHED IN 1978.

A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PUBLICATION WILL BE PARTICULARLY FOR L0NG-TERM PLANNING AND RESEARCH AND WILL NOW BE PUT OUT ANNUALLY.

,rDin'T'S PR|CED AT S60 A COPY AND IS AVAILABLE FROM TODAY £R £AY) AT The GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG

0 - -

/8 ........

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 1982

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR KOWLOON WALK FOR MILLION ***** ft

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN KWUN TONG, LAM TIN AND MA YAU TONG BETWEEN 7 AM AND 3 PM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 7) FOR A KOWLOON *WALK FOR A MILLION* EVENT.

THEY AREi

ft THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF JUNK BAY ROAD BETWEEN LEI YUE MUN ROAD AND KAI TIN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM

7 AM TO 11.30 AM.

THE SECTION OF KAI TIN ROAD BETWEEN PING TIN STREET AND EE1 YUE MUN R0AD W’LL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC (EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND MAXICABS) BETWEEN 7 AM AND 11.30 AM. TRAFFIC TO

JIS MAY USE SAU MAU P,NG R0AD AND KAI TIN ROAD, AND KMB ROUTES 15C, 15M AND 16 ON JOURNEYS TO LAM TIN EBTATE W,LL BE DIVERTED VIA LEI YUE MUN ROAD AND KAI TIN ROAD.

PO LAM ROAD, THE ACCESS ROAD FROM SAU MAU PING ROAD TO ARBERB?N R0AD AND THE SECTION OF ANDERSON ROAD NEAR PO LAM R°AB ’fILL BE CL2SED TO TRAFF IC JEXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES) BETWEEN 9 AM AND 3 PM. AT THE SAME TIME, KMB ROUTE 90 WILL RUN LIMITED SERVICE.

ft ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING RIGHT FROM LEI YUE MUN ROAD INTO TSUI PING ROAD BETWEEN 7 AM AND 11.30 AM.

THE SECTION OF KO CHIU ROAD

NEAR LEI YUE MUN ROAD WILL BE

CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 8 AM ,w „w„, „„„

ON JOURNEY TO KO CHIU ROAD BUS TERMINUS WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LEI YUE MUN ROAD AND KO LONG ROAD.

TO 12 NOON

AND KMB ROUTE NO

14A

ALL PARKING SPACES IN KAI LIM 7 AM AND 3 PM.

ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN

POLICE OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

/?........

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 1982

ANTI-SMOKING EXHIBITION AT X * X X

SHA TIN

AN EXHIBITION

on THE health hazards cr W1UU o MOUNTED AT THE SHA TIN HEALTH EDUCATION CENTRE AT LEK YUEN HEALTH CENTRE FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY (MARCH 8-12).

OF SMOKING WILL BE

BY TM^CeStSa?^. J5 cnLi7r^,N££AMPA,GN F0R Y0UTHS ORGANISED SpI5tmcmtTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH Xr An I nt Pl I ,

h£/^?2£E?!?AN F0R TRE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT UPETHSJANTI-SOC^ALGHABIT° D,SC0URAGE Y0UNG PEOPLE FROM PICKING

THE BASI !XOPJ"‘TOFTHs5«Je?SEIh“SU!hSJDt“t"ho!tS!aB ITUAL d!fficuut*to mt'hd,ofTtheFha!it?I,OLESCE"ce ‘nd the" f'"d it

JHE EXHIBITION, WHICH IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DAILY FROM in am TO 4 PM, WILL CARRY THE MESSAGE +DON’T SAY YES TO SMOK1NG+ PLOUGH VISUAL MEANS SUCH AS DISPLAY, SLIDES AND FILM SHOWS AND DEMONSTRATIONS OF THE HARM CAUSED BY SMOKING. *

YUEN LONGLTOWNXHALLs!°NS W‘LL UTER BE ST*SED AT TSUEN WAN AND . A GER IES OF EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS ARRANGED FOR CHILDREN IN "ill ‘lso be held in different districts of t!I be! ICnn I | Un I to .

EACH WORKSHOP WILL INCLUDE FILM AND SLIDE SHOWS A GUIDED TOUR OF INFORMATIVE EXHIBITS AND A DISCUSSION SESSION.

- 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

LADY MACLEHOSE OPENS NORTH DISTRICT FLOWER SHOW ......... 1

TENDERS FOR SALE OF LIGHT RSSYTIiJSHMENTS AT SIX NT BEACHES .... 1

36 AMS MEMBERS DECORATED................................. 2

advice on careers to young people........................ 3

SEMINAR ON PANEL CHAIRMANSHIP FOR MATHS TEACHERS ........ 4

KEEP THE COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN .............................. 5

TEMPORARY MARKET AT SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND.................. 5

PWD CONTRACTS AWARDED IN JANUARY......................... 6

TENANCY AVAILABLE AT CHAI WAN ........................... 6

FIRING PRACTICE.......................................... 7

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TONG SHUT ROAD ..................... 7

SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 1982

LADY MACLEHOSE OPENS NORTH DISTRICT FLOWER SHOW * * * *

A FOUR-DAY FLOWER SHOW IN NORTH DISTRICT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS OPENED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY LADY MACLEHOSE AT FANLING PLAYGROUND.

ON DISPLAY ARE OVER 2 OOO EXHIBITS PROVIDED BY 18 ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE KADOORIE EXPERIMENTAL AND EXTENSION FARM, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, CHING CHUNG KOON TAOIST MONASTERY, CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY AND LOCAL FLOWER FARMS.

OF THESE, 500 ARE ENTRIES FOR A FLOWER COMPETITION. THEY ARE DIVIDED INTO SIX CATEGORIES INCLUDING CUT FLOWERS, SCENTED CUT FLOWERS, POT PLANTS, MINIATURE POT PLANTS, ORCHIDS AND BONSAI TYPE PLANTS.

TROPHIES WERE PRESENTED TO WINNERS IN EACH SECTION AND THE BEST EXHIBIT OF THE SHOW BY LADY MACLEHOSE AT TODAY’S CEREMONY.

JOINING LADY MACLEHOSE AT THE RIBBON CUTTING WERE THE SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES; THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU WONG-FAT AND THE CHAIRMAN CF THE SHOW COMMITTEE, MR LIU YUN-SUM.

THE SHOW IS OPEN DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM.

TALKS ON BONSAI, ORCHID AND POT PLANT CULTIVATION WILL BE GIVEN IN THE AFTERNOONS.

THE SHOW IS THE SIXTH HELD IN THE DISTRICT. THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS PROVIDED $50 000 TOWARDS THE TOTAL COST, THE BALANCE CF $90 000 IS BEING MET THROUGH LOCAL DONATION.

-------- S - - _ _

TENDERS FOR SALE OF LIGHT REFRESHMENTS AT SIX NT BEACHES *****

11JE^DERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE SALE OF LIGHT REFRESHMENTS lew £2ooI!Itao'!'1cM,NG SEAS0N at SIX gazetted PUBLIC BEACHES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ON OUTLYING ISLANDS.

JHE S,x BEACHES ARE ANGLER’S BEACH AND APPROACH BEACH AT ^SIbe.mAAL?0AD’ CAMPER’S BEACH AT SAI KUNG, TUNG WAN BEACH 9HAU» tIUNS SHING YEH BEACH ON LAMMA ISLAND AND CHEUNG SHA BEACH (LOWER) ON LANTAU ISLAND.

THE TENDERS FOR THE SALE OF LIGHT REFRESHMENTS AT APPROACH BEACH, CAMPER’S BEACH, HUNG SHING YEH BEACH AND CHEUNG SHA BEACH (LOWER) WOULD INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF CHANGING FACILITIES AT THESE BEACHES.

/the tenders .......

SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 1982

- 2 -

THE TENDERS CALLED FOR AT HUNG SHING YEH BEACH AND CHEUNG SHA BEACH (LOWER) WOULD INCLUDE THE ERECTION OF TENTS FOR HIRE TO THE PUBLIC AT THESE TWO BEACHES.

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS FOR ALL THE ABOVE TENDERS CAN START BUSINESS ON MAY 1, 1982 FOR A PERIOD UP TO NOVEMBER 30, 1984.

TENDER FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF AUSTIN CENTRE, 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI.

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS BEFORE FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 1982.

ENQUIRIES FOR FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE RECREATION AND AMENITIES SECTION OF THE NTSD ON TELEPHONE 3-678715.

-------o - - - -

36 AMS MEMBERS DECORATED

* * *

A TOTAL OF 36 OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE WERE AWARDED LONG SERVICE MEDALS DURING THE 31ST ANNUAL DINNER THIS EVENING WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY OVER 1 000 MEMBERS AND GUESTS.

AMONG THE RECIPIENTS WERE 21 AMS MEMBERS WHO WERE AWARDED THE CIVIL DEFENCE LONG SERVICE MEDAL IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR 15 YEARS OF EFFICIENT SERVICE, AND 15 OTHERS WHO RECEIVED THE FIRST CLASP FOR THEIR 27 YEARS OF SERVICE.

THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, PRESENTED THE MEDALS TO THE RECIPIENTS. OTHER DISTINGUISHED GUESTS INCLUDED SIR SHIU-KIN TANG AND LADY TANG; MR AND MRS RIDDELL-SWAN, DR AND MRS LI FOOK KUEN, AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.

THE AMS HAS OVER THE YEARS MADE STEADY PROGRESS IN RENDERING FIRST AID SERVICES AT MAJOR FUNCTIONS, MANNING MEDICAL POSTS IN REFUGEE CAMPS, AND STAFFING METHADONE CENTRES.

SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 1982

ADVICE ON CAREERS TO * * *

YOUNG PEOPLE *

. T THE PEpUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, DR JAMES HAYES, THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING ADVISED YOUNG PEOPLE TO THINK AND PLAN CAREFULLY BEFORE CHOOSING THEIR CAREERS.

HE ALSO COMMENDED TO THEM WHICH OPENED AT TSUEN WAN TOWN

THE TSUEN WAN CAREERS HALL THIS MORNING.

EXHIBITION

HE SAID THE EXHIBITION — THE FIRST OF ITS KIND TO BE HELD IN TSUEN WAN — WAS A MILESTONE IN BRINGING CAREERS INFORMATION TO YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING IN THE AREA.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FIVE-DAY EXHIBITION JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, DR HAYES SAID YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD HAVE TO DECIDE WHICH CAREER TO TAKE UP AFTER COMPLETING THEIR STUDIES.

HE ADDED: +YOU WILL HAVE TO THINK AND PLAN CAREFULLY BEFORE MAKING UP YOUR MIND. THIS EXHIBITION IS A GOOD PLACE TO START WITH. MOST OF THE EXHIBITORS WILL BE FAMILIAR TO YOU BY NAME AND REPUTATION FOR THEY ARE SITUATED IN TSUEN WAN. TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THEM, ASK FOR THE RELEVANT DATA AND, IF NECESSARY DIG UP FURTHER DETAILS FOR YOURSELVES.+

DR HAYES ALSO RECOMMENDED YOUNG PEOPLE TO VISIT LOCAL SCHOOLS’ PROJECTS DISPLAYING INFORMATION ON CAREERS AND FURTHER TRAINING BEING STAGED IN THE TOWN HALL IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXHIBITION.

HE FURTHER ADVISED THOSE NEEDING FURTHER INFORMATION OR ADVICE ON CAREERS TO VISIT THE DEPARTMENT’S TSUEN WAN CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRE AT 135 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN EARLY MAY. STAFF THERE WOULD BE VERY PLEASED TO ASSIST YOUNG CALLERS WITH THEIR ENQUIRIES.

IN HIS OPENING SPEECH, THE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID THERE WERE ABOUT 250 000 STUDENTS ATTENDING SCHOOLS IN TSUEN WAN AND THE EXHIBITION WAS AIMED AT PROVIDING A BROAD RANGE OF INFORMATION ON JOB AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES, PARTICULARLY THOSE AVAILABLE IN TSUEN WAN.

♦THIS EXHIBITION INCLUDES EXHIBITORS FROM MANUFACTURING AND SERVICE INDUSTRIES, THE CIVIL SERVICE AND TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTES.

+THROUGH THIS EXHIBITION WE HOPE THAT ADEQUATE CAREERS INFORMATION WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO NEED IT. TO CATER FOR THE NEED OF STUDENTS, SPECIAL CAREER TALKS, TO BE GIVEN BY PERSONNEL EXPERIENCED IN THE RELEVANT FIELDS, HAVE BEEN ARRANGED IN THE AUDITORIUM TODAY AND TOMORROW,+ HE ADDED.

FOLLOWING THE SPEECHES, MR TANG HSIANG-CHIEN, CHAIRMAN OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES AND MR LAM KIN-MING, CHAIRMAN CF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD INDUSTRIAL SUB-COMMITTEE JOINED DR HAYES AND MR MACLEOD IN PERFORMING THE RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY.

-----o------

M ...

SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 1982

- 4 -

SEMINAR ON PANEL CHAIRMANSHIP FOR MATHS TEACHERS ******

A SERIES OF HALF-DAY SEMINARS ON ’THE ROLE OF A MATHEMATICS PANEL CHAIRMAN’ WILL BE HELD IN MARCH, APRIL AND MAY FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS TEACHERS.

+THE OBJECTIVE OF THE SEMINARS IS TO ACQUAINT TEACHERS, ESPECIALLY NEWLY-APPOINTED OR POTENTIAL PANEL CHAIRMEN, WITH CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, TEXT/REFERENCE BOOKS AND THEIR ANCILLARY MATERIAL, TEACHING AIDS AND MATHEMATICS ACTIVITIES AND PANEL MEETINGS,* AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

INSPECTORS OF THE MATHEMATICS TEACHING CENTRE AND EXPERIENCED PANEL CHAIRMEN WILL GIVE SHORT TALKS AND SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH THE PARTICIPANTS.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A GROUP DISCUSSION PERIOD IN WHICH TEACHERS CAN EXCHANGE THEIR VIEWS.

THE SEMINARS WILL BE HELD ON EIGHT CONSECUTIVE TUESDAY AFTERNOONS FROM MARCH 16 TO MAY 4 AT THE MATHEMATICS TEACHING CENTRE, ROOMS 45 AND 46, 4TH FLOOR, LI CHENG UK GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, TONKIN STREET, KOWLOON.

THE SEMINARS WILL BE FREE OF CHARGE AND CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE.

OWING TO LIMITED FACILITIES, ATTENDANCE IN EACH SEMINAR WILL BE LIMITED TO 30. APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

♦SIMILAR SEMINARS WERE HELD LAST YEAR AND THEY WERE HEAVILY OVER-SUBSCRI BED,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦THEREFORE, WHERE POSSIBLE, PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE APPLICANTS WHO WERE NOT SELECTED TO ATTEND LAST YEAR’S SEMINARS DUE TO OVER-SUBSCRIPTION,* HE ADDED.

PRINCIPALS ARE INVITED TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE SEMINARS. ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SENT BEFORE MARCH 10 TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (MATHEMATICS), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE BY CONTACTING THE MATHEMATICS TEACHING CENTRE ON TELEPHONE 5-774001 EXT. 47.

-----0------

SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 1982

KEEP THE COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN * * * *

HOLIDAY-MAKERS TO THE COUNTRYSIDE ARE TODAY URGED NOT TO SPOIL THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE RURAL AREA IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BY LITTERING.

RUBBISH OF ANY KIND INCLUDING EMPTY BEVERAGE CANS AND BOXES, FRUIT PEELINGS, SWEET WRAPPERS AND PEANUT SHELLS HAS BEEN FOUND IN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC OPEN SPACES OR VILLAGE FOOTPATHS THROUGHOUT THE POPULAR SPOTS DURING THE WEEKENDS.

AS A RESULT, NO LASTING EFFECT CAN BE ACHIEVED IN IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENTAL SURROUNDINGS OF THE VILLAGES AND MAINTAINING THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE COUNTRYSIDE, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

COMMUNITY-MINDED VILLAGERS ARE ANNOYED WITH THE MALPRACTICE AND ARE NOW GIVING THEIR FULL SUPPORT AND HELP IN CARRYING OUT A GENERAL CLEAN-UP IN THE RURAL AREA.

THE EXERCISE IS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE THIRD PHASE OF THE CURRENT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN WHICH WILL LAST UP TO THE MIDDLE OF NEXT MONTH (APRIL).

PICNICKERS ARE ADVISED TO MAKE FULL USE OF LITTER BINS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRYSIDE AND VILLAGES.

THE SPOKESMAN WARNED THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE TO DISCARD LITTER AND EMPTY CANS AND BOXES INDISCRIMINATELY IN THE RURAL AREA AND OFFENDERS MAY FACE A POSSIBLE FINE OF $5 OOO.

--------o ----------

TEMPORARY MARKET AT SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND M * * K

A TEMPORARY MARKET WILL SHORTLY BE BUILT AT THE EASTERN PART OF SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND, WAN CHAI, TO ACCOMMODATE STALL HOLDERS BEFORE THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE EXISTING LOCKHART ROAD MARKET INTO A NEW URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX IS COMPLETED.

\SPOKESMAN FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE NEW COMPLEX, WHEN COMPLETED,

IS® tn? St™NAL FACILITIES ,NCLUD,NE

TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND TEMPORARY MARKET ARE BEING INVITED. ruATbKUurw

... v W0RKS ARE EXPECTED TO COMMF ICE IN APRIL AND BE COMPLETED IN kAJL y.

- - 0 - -

SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 1982

PWD CONTRACTS AWARDED IN JANUARY * * K

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AWARDED 62 CONTRACTS WORTH MORE THAN $213 MILLION IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.

ONE OF THE MAJOR CONTRACTS, WORTH ABOUT $79 MILLION WAS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ANOTHER SECTION OF TRUNK ROAD FROM YUEN CHAU KOK TO THE NORTHEAST OF WO CHE ESTATE IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN.

THE SECTION WILL CONNECT WITH THE SHA TIN-TAI PO COASTAL ROAD AND FORM PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROUTE WHICH PROVIDES A MAIN ROAD LINK BETWEEN KOWLOON AND THE EASTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

WORK ON THE CONTRACT INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CROSSING OVER THE SHING MUN RIVER, ONE KILOMETRE OF DUAL CARRIAGEWAY SOUTH OF THE RIVER CROSSING, TWO SUBWAYS. A FOOTPATH-CYCLETRACK SYSTEM ALONGSIDE THE TRUNK ROAD. AND DRAINAGE WORKS.

MAJOR THREE-LANE

ASSOCIATED

OF THE CONTRACTS AWARDED DURING THE MONTH, 31 WERE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND THE OTHERS WERE RECOMMENDED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TENDER BOARD?

-----0------

TENANCY AVAILABLE AT CHAI WAN

* * *

THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A SITE AT KUT SHING STREET, CHAI WAN.

THE LOT MEASURES ABOUT 740 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR STORAGE CF TENANT’S GOODS, VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS, EXCLUDING CONCRETE/ASPHALT BATCHING.

THE TENANCY WILL BE INITIALLY FOR ONE YEAR, AND THEREAFTER ON A MONTHLY BASIS. THE CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON, APRIL 12, 1982.

TENDER FORMS AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON. TENDER PLANS MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE LOCATIONS.

-----0------

/7 .......

SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 1982

- 7 -

FIRING PRACTICE * * *

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN/CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS AND TIMESt

DAY TIME

MARCH 10 (WEDNESDAY) 9 AM - 11 PM

MARCH 11 (THURSDAY) 8 AM - 4 PM

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAG IS FLYING.

------0-------

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TONG SHU I ROAD

*****

win 0F T0NG SHUI R0AD NEAR wharf Road IN WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON (MARCH 8) FOR WORK ON THE HONG KONG ISLAND EASTERN

NORTH POINT MONDAY CORRIDOR.

SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SUNDAY, MaRCH 7, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

QUEEN’S COMMONWEALTH DAY MESSAGE ............................ 1

EIGHTH REPORT OF THE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD .............. 1

MAJOR EFFORT UNDERWAY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ........... 3

SAI KUNG BOAT PEOPLE URGED TO KEEP HARBOUR CLEAN............. 6

CIVIL SERVANTS REFINANCING SCHEME WINDS UP................... 7

VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL FIRST MEETING ................... 7

CHANCE FOR TEACHERS TO ATTEND REFRESHER COURSES ............. 8

DESTRUCTION OF 1981 POPULATION CENSUS QUESTIONNAIRES......... 9

TENDERS FOR THE SALE OF LIGHT REFRESHMENT IN YUEN LONG....... 9

NT PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS MORE POPULAR....................... 10

MACLEHOSE TRAIL DIVERSION

SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 1982

QUEEN’S COMMONWEALTH DAY MESSAGE * * * *

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OK THE QUEEN’S COMMONWEALTH DAY MESSAGE I

♦FOR THE COMMONWEALTH, AS FOR THE REST OF THE WORLD, THE YEAR THAT HAS PASSED SINCE MY LAST COMMONWEALTH DAY MESSAGE HAS BEEN A DIFFICULT ONE. ALL COUNTRIES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY ECONOMIC TROUBLES AND MANY PEOPLES HAVE SUFFERED HARDSHIP AND STRIFE. ON THE CREDIT SIDE, MODERN COMMUNICATIONS HAVE GIVEN US UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEEDS AND SUFFERINGS OF OUR FELLOW MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN, AND WITH MORE KNOWLEDGE, SHOULD COME GREATER UNDERSTANDING AND A GROWING DETERMINATION TO SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS TOGETHER.

♦ONE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION WHICH EMBODIES THAT DETERMINATION IS THE COMMONWEALTH, OF WHICH I HAVE BEEN HEAD FOR 3D YEARS. I HAVE SEEN IT GROW AND CHANGE ENORMOUSLY IN THAT TIME. I HAVE MET AND TALKED NOT ONLY WITH THE LEADERS OF ALMOST ALL THE 46 MEMBER COUNTRIES, BUT WITH MANY OF THEIR PEOPLE AS WELL. I AM A PROFOUND BELIEVER IN ITS INFLUENCE FOR GOOD AND IN THE WAYS IN WHICH IT WORKS.

♦NO OTHER ORGANISATION IN THE WORLD REGULARLY BRINGS TOGETHER SO MANY POLITICAL LEADERS, PUBLIC SERVANTS AND PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE IN SUCH AN INFORMAL AND BUSINESSLIKE ATMOSPHERE. ITS FIRST CONCERN, MOST RECENTLY SPELT OUT IN THE MELBOURNE DECLARATION OF 1981, IS TO FURTHER IN PRACTICAL WAYS THE DESIRE WHICH ALL OUR DIFFERENT PEOPLES SHARE FOR FULL AND SATISFYING LIVES, FREE FROM POVERTY.

♦I BELIEVE THAT ALL OF US WHO SHARE IN OUR UNIQUE COMMONWEALTH PARTNERSHIP, PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO ARE STILL YOUNG AND THOSE WHO INFLUENCE THE YOUNG, OUGHT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE UNDERSTAND WHAT IT MEANS TO BELONG - WHO AND WHERE OUR 1 OOO MILLION FELLOW MEMBERS ARE, WHAT ARE THEIR PROBLEMS AND WHAT ARE THEIR HOPES. EVERY ONE OF US SHOULD DO OUR BEST TO HELP MAKE THOSE HOPES A REALITY.

------o-------

STH REPORT OF THE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD * * *

DIRECT CONTACT BETWEEN THE TELEVISION AUTHORITY AND THE VIEWING PUBLIC WILL BE FURTHER STRENGTHENED THIS YEAR WITH THE CREATION OF A NUMBER OF PUBLIC VIEWING PANELS.

THIS IS OUTLINED IN THE 8TH REPORT OF THE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD WHICH WILL BE TABLED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 10).

THE REPORT, WHICH COVERS THE PERIOD JANUARY 1980 TO JUNE 1981, NOTES THAT TELEVISION VIEWING IS HONG KONG’S MOST POPULAR LEISURE ACTIVITY AND RECOGNISES THE POWERFUL INFLUENCE EXERTED BY TELEVISION ON THE COMMUNITY, PARTICULARLY THE YOUNG.

/THERE IS .......

SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 1982

- 2 -

THERE IS THEREFORE A HEAVY ONUS ON THE STATIONS TO MAINTAIN THE HIGHEST STANDARDS WHICH THAT RESPONSIBILITY PLACES ON THEM, IT SAYS.

THE BOARD’S GENERAL VIEW IS THAT PROGRAMME STANDARDS ARE IMPROVING. BUT IT EMPHASISES THAT BOTH THE BOARD AND THE TELEVISION AUTHORITY CONTINUE TO PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION TO THE THEMES OF THE TELEVISION DRAMAS WHICH HAVE NOW PROVED SO POPULAR.

THE REPORT NOTES THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CONTINUE TO EXPRESS CONCERN FROM TIME TO TIME ABOUT TELEVISION STANDARDS AND IN PARTICULAR THE POTENTIAL LINK BETWEEN PROGRAMME CONTENT AND JUVENILE CRIME.

IT SAYS THAT IN A SURVEY OF CHINESE VIEWERS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS TELEVISION, COMMISSIONED BY THE AUTHORITY IN JANUARY 1980, THOSE SURVEYED FOUND THE QUALITY OF LOCALLY PRODUCED PROGRAMMES OF HIGH CALIBRE.

THE SURVEY ALSO SHOWED THAT MOST VIEWERS WERE SATISFIED WITH THE CURRENT CONTROL BOTH OF PROGRAMME CONTENT AND TELEVISION ADVERTISING STANDARDS.

REFERRING TO STEPS TAKEN TO ENCOURAGE THE LICENCEES TO EXERT MORE CONTROL OVER THEIR OWN PROGRAMMES AND TO IMPROVE THEIR PROGRAMME SCHEDULING POLICY, THE REPORT NOTES THAT THE REQUIREMENTS LAID UPON THE STATIONS IN THESE TWO AREAS HAD BEEN LARGELY MET.

BOTH STATIONS, IT SAYS, HAVE INTRODUCED INTERNAL MONITORING PREVIEW SYSTEMS TO PREVENT CONTRAVENTIONS OF THE CODES OF PRACTICE.

IN ADDITION, GUIDELINES HAD BEEN DISTRIBUTED BY EACH STATION TO THEIR PRODUCTION STAFF RESTATING THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PUBLIC WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE TERMS OF THEIR LICENCES AND THE CODES OF PRACTICE.

ALTHOUGH THE AUTHORITY WAS ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS REQUIRED TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF THE STATIONS TO BREACHES OF PROGRAMME STANDARDS DURING THE PERIOD, IN GENERAL THEIR OVERALL PERFORMANCE WAS CONSIDERED TO BE SATISFACTORY.

IN PARTICULAR THE LICENCEES OBSERVED THE FAMILY VIEWING REQUIREMENTS WHICH PROHIBIT THE SHOWING OF PROGRAMMES POSITIVELY UNSUITABLE FOR CHILDREN BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 4 PM AND 8.30 PM.

MOREOVER, BOTH STATIONS MET THE NEW PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS IN A SATISFACTORY MANNER, BROADCASTING MORE EDUCATIONAL AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMES, AS WELL AS A GREATER NUMBER OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAMMES WHICH THEY PRODUCED.

THE BOARD EXPRESSES UNEASE, HOWEVER, ABOUT THE SCHEDULING OF MOST GOVERNMENT PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAMMES AT WEEKENDS, RESULTING LARGELY FROM THE STATIONS’ PRACTICE OF BROADCASTING SERIAL

DRAMAS BETWEEN 7.30 PM AND 9.30 PM.

/the board........

sokdki, MARCH 7, 1982

THE BOARD ALSO REFERS TO THE AMENDMENT IN THE GUIDELINE UNDER WHICH THE STATIONS CAN BE EXEMPTED FROM TRANSMITTING TO SMALLER AREAS OF SCATTERED POPULATION. THE PREVIOUS CRITERIA BY WHICH THE AUTHORITY MIGHT EXEMPT FROM SUCH TRANSMISSION FACILITIES POCKETS OF POPULATION OF LESS THAN 12 000 PEOPLE WITHIN A RADIUS OF THREE KILOMETRES FROM A GIVEN POINT, HAS BEEN REDUCED BY HALF IN ORDER TO IMPROVE COVERAGE IN SOME OF THE SMALL SCATTERED AREAS STILL NOT BEING ADEQUATELY SERVED BY TELEVISION.

DURING THE REVIEW PERIOD, THE LICENCES OF BOTH HONG KONG TELEVISION BROADCASTS LTD (HK-TVB) AND REDIFFUSION TELEVISION LTD (RTV) WERE RENEWED FOR A FURTHER EIGHT YEARS FROM DECEMBER 1, 1980 UNDER REVISED TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

THE REPORT MAKES REFERENCE TO THE APPROVAL GIVEN BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR THREE AUSTRALIAN COMPANIES TO EACH PURCHASE 20.4 PER CENT OF THE EQUITY OF RTV. THE REPORT ALSO REFERS TO THE OVERALL FINANCIAL SITUATION OF THE INDUSTRY, SAYING THAT IN VIEW OF THE PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES IT REMAINS INAPPROPRIATE TO CONSIDER THE LICENSING OF ANY FURTHER TELEVISION STATIONS FOR THE TIME BEING.

-----0------

MAJOR EFFORT UNDERWAY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ft ft ft ft

HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME DEALS WITH VERY MUCH MORE THAN JUST CATCHING LITTERBUGS, KEEPING THE HARBOUR FREE OF FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, AND COLLECTING HUGE AMOUNTS OF DAILY HOUSEHOLD AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE.

UNDER THE OVERALL SUPERVISION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, FORMED IN NOVEMBER 1980, THE GOVERNMENT IS ENGAGED IN A LONG-TERM AND SYSTEMATIC PROGRAMME TO FIGHT POLLUTION OF THE HONG KONG ENVIRONMENT.

WORKING ALONGSIDE THE EPA ARE FOUR SPECIAL CONTROL UNITS, EACH LOCATED WITHIN A DIFFERENT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT, WHICH ARE DIRECTLY CONCERNED WITH CERTAIN ASPECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

THE UNITS AREs

ft THE POLLUTION CONTROL (LIQUID AND SOLID WASTES) DIVISION IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ;

ft THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT;

ft THE AGRICULTURE WASTES UNIT OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT;

AND

ft THE NOISE AND VIBRATION CONTROL UNIT SOON TO BE FORMED UNDER THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

/THE MOST .......

SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 1982

THE MOST APPARENT WORK OF KEEPING THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN IS THE DAILY COLLECTION OF SOME 6 500 TONS OF SOLID HOUSEHOLD AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE, MUCH OF WHICH IS REMOVED BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT. MUCH MORE WOULD HAVE TO BE DEALT WITH IF IT WERE NOT FOR THE SMALL ARMY OF PEOPLE WHO IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER RECOVER WASTE-PAPER, CANS, BOTTLES AND OTHER MATERIAL WHICH IS EVENTUALLY EXPORTED FOR RECYCLING.

STATISTICS SHOW THAT IN 1980, THE AMOUNT OF WASTES EXPORTED FOR RECYCLING CAME TO A STAGGERING $157 MILLION.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT IN TEN YEARS’ TIME, HONG KONG’S HOUSEHOLD AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE WILL REACH A FIGURE OF MORE THAN 10 000 TONS A DAY. HEAPED-UP, THIS WOULD MAKE A PILE THE SIZE OF THE HOPEWELL CENTRE.

TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS HUGE AMOUNT OF WASTE AND ANY TOXIC OR DANGEROUS WASTES ARE DEALT WITH HYGIENICALLY AND SAFELY AND AT LEAST COST TO THE TAXPAYER, THE GOVERNMENT IS REQUIRED, UNDER THE RECENTLY-INTRODUCED WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE, TO PREPARE A STATUTORY WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN. WORK ON THIS PLAN IS UNDERWAY WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE MANY DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED AND FROM THE CONSULTANTS RECENTLY COMMISSIONED TO DEVELOP A COMPUTER-BASED WASTE DISPOSAL MODEL, BEING GUIDED BY THE EPA.

AGRICULTURAL WASTES, ESPECIALLY PIG WASTE, ARE ANOTHER BIG PROBLEM, AND HAVE FOR MANY YEARS CAUSED WIDESPREAD POLLUTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

+MUCH OF THE PROBLEM LIES WITH THE PRACTICE OF HOSING OUT WASTES INTO WATER COURSES IN WHICH THERE IS LITTLE RUNNING WATER FOR MOST OF THE YEAR,* EXPLAINED DR STUART REED, COMMISSIONER FOR THE EPA.

TO CHECK THIS PROBLEM, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS ALREADY INTRODUCED PILOT COLLECTION SCHEMES IN COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL FARMERS IN THE LAM TSUEN AND KAU LUNG HANG VALLEYS. THESE EFFORTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE BACKED-UP SOON BY NEW REGULATIONS INTRODUCED UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE WHICH WILL REQUIRE LIVESTOCK FARMERS TO ADOPT CERTAIN PRACTICES AIMED AT FACILITATING COLLECTION OF THE WASTES.

TO DEAL WITH ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION, AN AIR POLLUTION CONTROL BILL SHOULD SOON BE SUBMITTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, REPLACING THE 1959 CLEAN AIR ORDINANCE.

DR REED POINTS OUT THAT WHILE INITIAL PUBLIC CONCERN USUALLY CENTRES ON THE IMMEDIATELY NOTICEABLE EFFECTS OF POLLUTION, SUCH AS THE VISIBLE EMISSIONS OF SMOKE, DUST AND GRIT COVERED IN THE PRESENT ORDINANCE, EXPERIENCE ELSEWHERE HAS SHOWN THAT WIDESPREAD PROBLEMS CAN DEVELOP QUICKLY AS A RESULT OF LARGELY INVISIBLE EMISSIONS FROM THE INCREASING NUMBER OF VEHICLES ON THE ROADS AND FROM CERTAIN TYPES OF INDUSTRIALISATION. SO THERE IS NEED FOR STRICTER CONTROLS THAN THOSE PROVIDED BY THE CLEAN AIR ORDINANCE IN ORDER TO COVER ALL AIR POLLUTION, AND NOT JUST SMOKE, DUST AND GRIT.

/+CEMINT AND........

SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 1982

♦CEMENT AND CHEMICAL FACTORIES AS WELL AS POWER STATIONS ARE ALL POTENTIAL SOURCES OF LARGE QUANTITIES OF MORE HARMFUL GASEOUS POLLUTANTS AND THESE MUST BE TIGHTLY CONTROLLED,+ DR REED SAID.

♦WITH THE RECENT SPATE OF SUCH INSTALLATIONS IN HONG KONG, WE HAVE HAD TO ACT BEFORE THE NEW LEGISLATION IS IN FORCE USING SPECIAL LEASE CONDITIONS AS A STOP-GAP MEANS OF ENSURING CONTROL AND PRE-EMPTING THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS OF THE FUTURE,♦ HE ADDED.

♦ IN THIS WAY, SATISFACTORY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR THE TWO NEW COAL-FIRED POWER STATIONS, FOR SEVERAL NEW CEMENT AND CHEMICAL PLANTS AND FOR ALL THE NEW FACTORIES ON THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE; AND THE CONTROLS COVER ALL TYPES OF POLLUTION, NOT JUST GASEOUS EMISSIONS.*

IN ANOTHER EFFORT TO CLEAR THE ATMOSPHERE, SPOT CHECKS OF MOTOR VEHICLES ARE FREQUENTLY UNDERTAKEN. IN 1980-81, SUCH CHECKS RESULTED IN 14 500 PROSECUTIONS. BUT, DR REED ADMITS, THIS HAS NOT CURED THE PROBLEM AND TOUGHER ACTION IS NEEDED.

WATER POLLUTION IN THE OLD DAYS DID NOT POSE SUCH A PROBLEM, AS MOST PEOPLE LIVED AROUND THE HARBOUR AREA, WHERE THE RAPID FLOW OF WATER HELPED DISPERSE THE POLLUTION.

THE SITUATION HAS NOW CHANGED, WITH THE RAPID INCREASES IN THE POPULATION AROUND TOLO HARBOUR AND, IN THE FUTURE, AROUND DEEP BAY AND JUNK BAY WHERE THE CIRCULATION AND DISPERSION OF ANY POLLUTANTS FED INTO THESE BODIES OF WATER IS POOR.

IN MANY CASES, THE WATER IN THESE AREAS IS ALREADY SATURATED WITH AGRICULTURAL AND ANIMAL WASTES.

PROGRESS IS BEING MADE IN FIGHTING THIS DANGER, WITH THE CONSTRUCTION BY THE GOVERNMENT OF MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS AND WITH THE STEPS THAT ARE BEING TAKEN TO IMPLEMENT THE 1980 WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE. TOLO HARBOUR IS THE PRIORITY AREA FOR CONTROLS UNDER THIS ORDINANCE AND IT IS HOPED THAT TOLO WILL BE DECLARED THE FIRST WATER CONTROL ZONE IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

♦ IT IS ESSENTIAL IN ALL THIS THAT WE DO NOT UNCRITICALLY INTRODUCE FROM OTHER COUNTRIES POLLUTION CONTROLS THAT MAY NOT BE AT ALL RELEVANT TO THE POLLUTION PROBLEMS IN HONG KONG,+ DR REED SAID.

♦ TO AVOID THIS AND TO CHECK ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NEWLY-INTRODUCED CONTROLS IN MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REQUIREMENTS, THE EPA HAS BUILT UP CENTRALISED FACILITIES FOR MONITORING AND FIELD SURVEY WORK TO ESTABLISH PRESENT LEVELS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF POLLUTION AND TO CHECK ON TRENDS.

♦MODERN ELECTRO-CHEMICAL, ELECTRO-OPTICAL AND ELECTRONIC AUTOMATIC SENSORS, TOGETHER WITH ON-SITE MAGNETIC TAPE DATA LOGGERS AND A HIGH SPEED COMPUTER, ARE USED BY THE EPA’S SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING SURVEY TEAMS. ALSO SOURCE EMISSION MEASUREMENTS WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN THE FIELD BY INSPECTORS OF THE VARIOUS POLLUTION CONTROL UNITS IN ORDER TO CHECK COMPLIANCE WITH THE NEW LEG ISLATION.+

AO DEAL WITH.........

SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 1982 •

- 6 -

TO DEAL WITH NOISE IN THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL AND CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY, A COMPREHENSIVE NOISE CONTROL UNIT IS BEING PREPARED WITH A VIEW TO ENACTMENT IN 1983.

THIS NOISE CONTROL BILL WILL PROVIDE FOR CONTROL OF NOISE FROM CONSTRUCTION SITES, INDUSTRY, AIR-CONDITIONING PLANTS AND NEIGHBOURHOOD NOISE.

DR REED POINTS OUT THAT THE NATURE OF THE TOPOGRAPHY IN MANY PARTS OF THE TERRITORY CAN CAUSE TRAPPING OF POLLUTANTS RELEASED INTO THE AQUATIC OR AERIAL ENVIRONMENT AND THIS, TOGETHER WITH THE VERY HIGH CONCENTRATION OF PEOPLE HERE, MEANS THAT WE NEED TO TAKE MORE, RATHER THAN LESS, CARE IN HONG KONG ABOUT CONTROLLING POLLUTION THAN IS NECESSARY IN MOST OTHER PLACES.

*WE NEGLECT THE ENVIRONMENT AT OUR PERIL,* HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENT CHIEF SAID.

+EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT IT IS FAR BETTER TO TAKE PREVENTIVE MEASURES AT AN EARLY STAGE RATHER THAN BEING FORCED INTO HURRIED, AND USUALLY MUCH MORE COSTLY, ACTION BY PRESSING CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS BECOME SO SEVERE THAT THEY CANNOT BE IGNORED.*

-----o------

SAI KUNG BOAT PEOPLE URGED TO KEEP HARBOUR CLEAN

* X * *

MORE THAN 390 PLASTIC BUCKETS HAVE BEEN PRESENTED TO THE BOAT PEOPLE IN SAI KUNG HOI TO FACILITATE PROPER REFUSE DISPOSAL ON BOARD THEIR DWELLING JUNKS.

THE BUCKETS, CONTRIBUTED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT COMMITTEE GF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN, WERE HANDED OVER TO THE BOAT DWELLERS BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MR WILLIAM WAN DURING A VISIT ON A SAMPAN- LAST WEEK.

MR WAN URGED THE BOAT PEOPLE TO KEEP THE HARBOUR CLEAN TO IMPROVE SANITATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT.

HE REQUESTED THEM TO KEEP THEIR DOMESTIC REFUSE IN THE BUCKETS ON BOARD THEIR JUNKS AND BRING THEM TO THE REFUSE COLLECTION POINT SPECIALLY SET UP NEAR THE JETTIES AT SAI KUNG TOWN FOR DISPOSAL.

INDISCRIMINATE DUMPING OF GARBAGE INTO THE HARBOUR WOULD CAUSE NOT ONLY POLLUTION BUT ALSO HEALTH HAZARDS, HE ADDED.

ALSO TAKING PART IN THE VISIT WERE THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF SAI KUNG, MR LAM CHUNG-HUEN- THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF SAI KUNG, MRS LAU NG WAI-LAN- AND THE DEPUTY URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF SAI KUNG, MR CHOI YEUNG-HUNG.

-----o------

SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 1982

- 7 -

CIVIL SERVANTS REFINANCING SCHEME WINDS UP

* * * *

CIVIL SERVANTS WILL HAVE UNTIL 5 PM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 11) TO APPLY FOR GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE TO GET THEMSELVES OUT OF DEBT.

THIS IS WHEN THE REFINANCING SCHEME FOR CIVIL SERVANTS WILL BE WOUND UP AFTER BEING IN OPERATION FOR ONE YEAR.

UNDER THE SCHEME, CIVIL SERVANTS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SETTLE THEIR DEBTS IN ONE LUMP SUM WITH BANK LOANS. THE LOANS ARE REPAID IN INSTALMENTS DEDUCTED EACH MONTH FROM THE PARTICIPANTS’ SALARY.

RUNNING CONCURRENTLY WITH THE SCHEME IS A GRACE PERIOD DURING WHICH TIME CERTAIN CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED. THESE RELATE TO PECUNIARY EMBARRASSMENT, INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY, BORROWING MONEY AT INTEREST FROM AN UNAPPROVED SOURCE, ACTING ON BEHALF OF MONEY LENDERS AND USING SUBORDINATES AS GUARANTORS IN ANY LOAN AGREEMENT.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE GRACE PERIOD WOULD END ALSO ON MARCH 11 AND CIVIL SERVANTS WHO WERE FOUND TO BE STILL IN BREACH OF THESE REGULATIONS AFTER THAT DATE MAY RENDER THEMSELVES LIABLE TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

THE SPOKESMAN DISCLOSED THAT UP TO LAST THURSDAY (MARCH 4), A TOTAL OF 3 741 APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED.

SOME 2 696 HAD BEEN REFINANCED WHILE THREE WERE REFERRED FOR BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS. A TOTAL OF 47 MILLION HAD BEEN LOANED.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CIVIL SERVANTS FINANCE ADVISORY OFFICE WOULD REMAIN IN ITS PRESENT ADDRESSES UNTIL ALL OUTSTANDING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE WERE PROCESSED.

-----0-----

NOTE TO EDITORS i

VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL FIRST MEETING * * *

1Te N£WLY ANOINTED VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WILL HOLD ™mao1^ST/MEET,N^ IN THE eXECUTIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY)•

AC INVITED TO SEND a PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE OPENING

OF THE MEETING. PHOTOGRAPHERS SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE RECEPTION AREA ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AT 2.15 PM.

SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 1982

- 8 -

CHANCE FOR TEACHERS TO ATTEND REFRESHER COURSES

*****

FOUR RETRAINING COURSES WILL BE CONDUCTED AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION FOR GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN THE 1982-83 ACADEMIC YEAR.

HEADS OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO NOMINATE THEIR TEACHERS TO ATTEND THESE COURSES, EACH OF WHICH WILL LAST FOR EIGHT WEEKS.

♦THE AIM OF THESE COURSES IS TO ACQUAINT SERVING TEACHERS WITH MODERN METHODS AND APPROACHES IN TEACHING IN PRIMARY SCHOOL, TO PROMOTE FURTHER UNDERSTANDING IN THE USE OF RESOURCES AND A KNOWLEDGE OF NEW CONCEPTS IN CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT.

♦EMPHASIS WILL BE ON PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF TEACHING, HELPING TEACHERS TO DEVELOP MODERN METHODS IN PROGRAMMED LEARNING, TEAM TEACHING AND THE ACTIVITY APPROACH,+ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE MAJOR PART OF THE PROGRAMME WILL CONSIST OF WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS AND TUTORIALS.

THERE WILL ALSO BE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE DISCUSSION OF PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN CLASSROOM SITUATIONS, THE CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN OF TEACHING AIDS, AND VISITS TO VARIOUS TEACHING CENTRES AND SCHOOLS USING THE ACTIVITY APPROACH.

TEACHERS NOMINATED FOR THE COURSE MUST HAVE AT LEAST FIVE YEARS’ TEACHING EXPERIENCE AFTER THEIR INITIAL TRAINING, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

A REPLACEMENT TEACHER MAY BE EMPLOYED BY THE SCHOOL TO STAND IN FOR TEACHERS ON RETRAINING COURSES.

THERE WILL BE NO CHARGE FOR THE COURSE. ATTENDANCE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE ANY QUALIFICATION BUT CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCE WILL BE ISSUED TO PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE FOLLOWED THE COURSE WITH SATISFACTORY ATTENDANCE.

NOMINATIONS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (FURTHER), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, THIRD FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE MARCH 19.

SCHOOLS WILL BE INFORMED IN EARLY APRIL WHETHER THEIR TEACHERS HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED FOR THE COURSES.

ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE COURSES MAY BE MADE TO GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON ON 3-885061 EXT. 231, AND ENQUIRIES REGARDING REPLACEMENT TEACHERS TO THE DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICER CONCERNED.

/9........

SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 1982

DESTRUCTION OF 1981 POPULATION CENSUS QUESTIONNAIRES

* * * *

CENSUS QUESTIONNAIRES CONTAINING PERSONAL PARTICULARS OF SOME 5 MILLION PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WERE BURNT TO ASHES THIS MORNING AT THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE STAFF OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THESE QUESTIONNAIRES WERE USED IN THE 1981 POPULATION CENSUS CONDUCTED IN MARCH LAST YEAR TO COLLECT DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE, ALL PERSONAL INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM THE CENSUS MUST BE TREATED AS STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND ALL QUESTIONNAIRES CONTAINING SUCH INFORMATION MUST BE DESTROYED WITHIN ONE YEAR AFTER THE CENSUS.

HE STRESSED THAT THROUGHOUT THE CENSUS OPERATION, STEPS WERE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY OF THE DATA WAS MAINTAINED.

♦NO PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS OR OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CAN HAVE ACCESS TO THE PERSONAL DATA. ALL CENSUS OFFICERS ARE UNDER AN OATH OF SECRECY NOT TO DISCLOSE SUCH INFORMATION.

♦QUESTIONNAIRES FROM THE CENSUS WERE BURNT IN ORDER TO REASSURE THE PUBLIC AND TO DISPEL ANY ANXIETY THEY MAY HAVE OVER THEIR USE.+ HE SAID.

THE DATA COLLECTED FROM THE 1981 CENSUS WERE PROCESSED BY COMPUTER. NO PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION SUCH AS NAME AND ADDRESS IS KEPT BY THE DEPARTMENT. CENSUS RESULTS ARE PUBLISHED IN AGGREGATED FORM AND NO PERSONAL PARTICULARS ARE DISPLAYED.

-----o------

TENDERS FOR THE SALE OF LIGHT REFRESHMENT IN YUEN LONG

TENDERS ARE NOW BEING REFRESHMENTS AT YUEN LONG NEW TERRITORIES.

INVITED FOR THE SALE OF LIGHT RECREATION AND SPORTS GROUND IN THE

-rur jy£CESSFUL BIDDERS CAN START BUSINESS ON APRIL 16 AND THE CONTRACT WILL EXPIRE ON MARCH 31, 1984 SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT. SPOKESMAN

TENDER FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE NTSD HFAnniMOTFoc ™ THEWHD FLOOR OF AUSTIN CENTRE? aSstTn’a^JJ^^S^S!!

COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX ON thf THIRD FLOOR OF NTSD HEADQUARTERS BEFORE FRIDAY, MARCH 19.

ENQUIRIES FOR FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE DIRECTED Tn tmf TELEPH0NENO^7fi7l|NIT,ES SECT,0N 0F NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON luLcrnuiit U““O/o (•

-----0 ------

/10........

SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 1982

NT PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS MORE POPULAR * * *

MORE AND MORE NEW TERRITORIES PEOPLE ARE USING THE VARIOUS SERVICES PROVIDED AT THE 21 PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS WHICH ARE LOCATED IN THE EIGHT NT DISTRICTS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY THAT IN 1981, A TOTAL OF 783 031 CASES WERE HANDLED, AN AVERAGE OF 3 107 CASES A MONTH AT EACH COUNTER.

THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 25 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR WHEN 625 925 PEOPLE MADE USE OF THE ENQUIRY COUNTERS WHICH ARE SET UP IN DENSELY POPULATED AREAS SUCH AS A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE OR IN THE CENTRE OF A TOWN, HE SAID.

FACILITIES PROVIDED AT THESE COUNTERS INCLUDE I STATUTORY DECLARATION SERVICE, FOLLOW-UP ACTION ON COMPLAINTS, GENERAL ENQUIRIES, REFERRALS FOR FREE LEGAL AID SERVICE, MEDIATING IN FAMILY OR PERSONAL DISPUTES, AND DISTRIBUTION OF GOVERNMENT PAMPHLETS AND FORMS.

MOST COUNTERS ARE OPEN DURING OFFICE HOURS, WHILE SEVERAL REMAIN OPEN EVEN AT LUNCH TIME AND SOME OTHERS EXTEND THE SERVICE TO LATE EVENING HOURS DEPENDING ON THE DEMAND FOR THE FACILITIES.

THE FIRST COUNTER WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1968 IN THE LOBBY OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND OVER THE YEARS MORE AND MORE WERE SET UP IN OTHER AREAS TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR THIS POPULAR SERVICE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

------o-------

MACLEHOSE TRAIL DIVERSION X * * *

SEASONED HIKERS ON THE WELL-TRODDEN MACLEHOSE TRAIL WILL SOON FIND THEMSELVES COVERING A LITTLE MORE DISTANCE IN ONE CF THE TEN STAGES OF THE TRAIL.

THE EXTRA DISTANCE TO BE FOUND IN STAGE 10 OF THE 100-KILOMETRE TRAIL -- HONG KONG’S FIRST LONG-DISTANCE HIKING TRAIL — COMES INTO BEING OUT OF NECESSITY RATHER THAN BY DESIGN.

A SECTION IN THIS STAGE OF THE TRAIL, NEAR THE TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK MANAGEMENT CENTRE, WILL BE CLOSED FROM WEDNESDAY (MARCH 10) TO FACILITATE WORKS CONNECTED WITH WATER SUPPLIES.

IN ITS PLACE, A NEW ROUTE OF ABOUT 920 METRES WILL BE BUILT AS AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE.

THE DIVERSION IS EXPECTED TO BE IN FORCE UNTIL THE WORKS ARE COMPLETED IN ABOUT THREE YEARS.

THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY WILL PUT UP SIGNPOSTS AND WAYMARKS TO DIRECT HIKERS.

NEW MAPS WILL ALSO BE FOUND AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE NEW ROUTE.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

IMPORTANT DECISIONS ON NEV TOWS EXPECTED .................. 1

TERRITORY-WIDE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY UNDEC PREPARATION... 3

VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL HOLDS FIRST MRWPTNG ........... 4

RUSH TO GET ABERDEEN TUNNEL READY ......................... 5

WARNING AGAINST COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT .................... 6

FREE SATURDAY FOLK CONCERT ................................ 7

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGE?®1 .,1 IN JAVA ROAD...........

COURSE TO HELP TEACHERS BRUSH UP TEACHING SKILLS........... 8

8 OOO ATTUID JOINT-SCHOOL CAREERS EXHIBITION .............. 9

RESUMPTION OF AIR PARCEL SERVICE TO FRANCE................. 9

WATER FIGURES ............................................ 10

PRINTING INDUSTRY MANPOWER SURVEY......................... 10

BANK BRANCH WANTED FOR SHA TIN RAILWAY STATION ........... 11

CEREMONY TO MARK RESTORATION OF SHEUNG YIU ............... 11

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1982

IMPORTANT DECISIONS ON NEW TOWNS EXPECTED * * * *

SOME IMPORTANT DECISIONS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWNS ARE LIKELY TO BE MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR OR SO.

THESE INCLUDE! THE BEST DISTRIBUTION OF THE TERRITORY’S PREDICTED 6.2 MILLION POPULATION AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY, THE LOCATION OF THE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT, WHETHER TO EXTEND THE MTR TO JUNK BAY, AND WHETHER TO HAVE A RAIL LINK TO MA ON SHAN.

THIS WAS DISCLOSED TODAY BY THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, DR RICHARD BUTLER, IN A SPEECH ON +CURRENT DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS* TO THE BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE LUNCHEON OF THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

+THE POSSIBLE COMBINATIONS OF POPULATION DISTRIBUTIONS ARE NUMEROUS AND THE GOVERNMENT’S GUIDE-LINES IN CHOOSING THE BEST OPTIONS MUST, OF COURSE, BE ECONOMIC IN NATURE,* HE SAID.

+THE GOVERNMENT IS LOOKING FOR THE ’BEST BUY’. IT HAS TO DISCOVER WHAT QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ITS CITIZENS IT CAN ACHIEVE, AT WHAT PRICE, UNDER EACH OF THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE.

+’PRICE’ HERE, IN PRACTICE, AMOUNTS TO THE COMPARATIVE COST OF THE LAND AND THE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALTERNATIVES WHICH WE FACE,*

THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT YET CALCULATED THE MOST ECONOMIC DISTRIBUTION OF THE NEW TOWNS POPULATIONS, DR BUTLER CONTINUED.

IT WAS STILL AT THE STAGE OF THE CONSULTANCY STUDIES WHICH INVESTIGATED POTENTIAL LOCATIONS AND POPULATIONS FOR ALL POSSIBLE NEW TOWNS.

WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR OR SO, THESE NUMEROUS STUDIES WOULD HAVE ALL TO BE BROUGHT TOGETHER AND A GOVERNMENT VIEW FORMULATED ON THE BEST POPULATION DISTRIBUTION.

HE POINTED OUT THERE WERE SIX EXISTING NEW TOWNS AT SHA TIN, TAI PO, FANLING/SHEK WU HUI, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN AND TSUEN WAN, and There was a prospect of new towns at junk bay. ma on shan/ THREE FATHOMS COVE, TIN SHU I WAI AND NORTH LANTAU! '

DR BUTLER ALSO OUTLINED THE PRESENT THINKING ABOUT THE SCOPE FOR THE 10 NEW TOWNS«

SHA TIN - THE PRESENT POPULATION IS ABOUT 150 000. IT COULD HAVE A POPULATION OF 600 000, SERVED BY AN ELECTRIFIED KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WITH POSSIBLE DIRECT ROAD LINKS WEST TO TSUEN WAN AND LAI CHI KOK.

TAI PO AND FANLING/SHEK WU HUI - THEIR PRESENT POPULATION IS 100 000 BETWEEN THEM. THEY COULD HAVE A TOTAL POPULATION OF 530 000 AND BE SERVED BY THE ELECTRIFIED KCR AND NEW HIGHWAYS (DUAL CARRIAGEWAYS, NORMALLY EACH OF THREE LANES).

YUEN LONG - THE PRESENT POPULATION IS 53 000. IT COULD HAVE A POPULATION OF POSSIBLY 300 000 AND BE LINKED TO TUEN MUN BY A LIGHT RAILWAY.

/TUiN MUN - .......

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1982

TUEN MUN - THE PRESENT POPULATION IS 100 000. IT COULD HAVE AN ULTIMATE POPULATION OF 550 000. IT WILL BE LINKED TO TSUEN WAN BY A ROAD WITH DUAL CARRIAGEWAYS, EACH OF THREE LANES, PLUS POSSIBLY A RAIL LINK.

TSUEN WAN - THIS IS AN ESTABLISHED INDUSTRIAL TOWN WITH A PRESENT POPULATION OF 620 000. IT COULD GROW TO 900 000. IT WILL BE LINKED TO KOWLOON/HONG KONG ISLAND BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY THIS YEAR AND WILL POSSIBLY BE LINKED DIRECTLY TO SHA TIN BY ROAD AND POSSIBLY TO KOWLOON BY A NEW WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY.

JUNK BAY - THE PRESENT POPULATION IS ABOUT 12 000. IT COULD BECOME A NEW TOWN OF 300 000, SERVED BY AN EXTENSION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY FROM KWUN TONG, A NEW ROAD LINKING THE TOWN TO EAST KOWLOON AND A POSSIBLE LEI YUE MUN BRIDGE. THE MTRC IS PRESENTLY INVESTIGATING THE ECONOMICS OF THE PROPOSED EXTENSION. IF THE TOWN DEVELOPED ONLY TO 120 000 THE EXTENSION WOULD NOT BE NEEDED.

MA ON SHAN/THREE FATHOMS COVE - THE PRESENT POPULATION IS UNDER 2 000. THE TWO LOCATIONS COULD BE DEVELOPED INTO TWO NEW ADJUNCTS TO SHA TIN NEW TOWN OF POSSIBLY 300 000 POPULATION IN TOTAL, LINKED TO SHA TIN BY RAILWAY AND TO EAST KOWLOON BY A NEW ROAD.

TIN SHU I WAI - THE PRESENT POPULATION IS 12 000. A PROPOSAL HAS BEEN MADE BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO DEVELOP A NEW TOWN OF AT LEAST 100 000 RISING TO 500 000 POPULATION WITHIN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NORTH WEST GENERALLY AND TO LINK IT TO YUEN LONG BY LIGHT RAIL.

NORTH LANTAU - THE PRESENT POPULATION IS 2 500. IT COULD BECOME A NEW TOWN WITH A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT AND A POPULATION OF 440 000. IF THAT HAPPENED, LANTAU WOULD HAVE TO BE LINKED TO THE MAINLAND BY BRIDGES.

+THIS RUN-DOWN INDICATES THE SCOPE OF SOME OF THE CHOICES FACING THE GOVERNMENT. SOME CHOICES WILL HAVE TO BE MADE FAIRLY SOON - WITHIN ONE YEAR OR S0,+ DR BUTLER SAID.

♦THE SHAPE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL THEN EMERGE. SOME OF THE SHAPE WILL CRYSTALLISE THIS YEAR, WITH THE OPENING OF THE TSUEN WAN EXTENSION OF THE MTR AND THE ELECTRIFICATION OF KCR TO SHA TIN.

♦NEXT YEAR, THE KCR WILL BE ELECTRIFIED TO LO WU AND, BY 1984, THE BASIC TRUNK ROADS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL ALL HAVE BEEN BUILT TO STANDARDS INCORPORATING DUAL CARRIAGEWAYS WITH THREE LANES PER CARRIAGEWAY.+

THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE TRYING TO REACH A DECISION NEXT YEAR ON THE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT LOCATION, THE POSSIBLE EXTENSION OF THE MTR TO JUNK BAY, AND A POSSIBLE RAIL LINK TO MA ON SHAN.

♦MOREOVER, THE GOVERNMENT IS STARTING THE PROCESS OF DRAWING UP PLANS FOR LINKING TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN DIRECTLY BY ROAD AND FOR PROVIDING A HARBOUR CROSSING AT LEI YUE MUN.

♦WHILE A LOT WAS STILL IN THE MELTING POT, IT WOULD NOT BE LONG BEFORE THERE WOULD BE CLEAR INDICATIONS OF THE SHAPE OF THE HONG KONG IN WHICH THE NEXT GENERATION WOULD LIVE,+ DR BUTLER SAID.

------o-------

/3......

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1982

TERRITORY-WIDE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY UNDER PREPARATION *****

THE GOVERNMNET IS PREPARING A DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR THE TERRITORY.

IN ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY. THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNER, MR CHAU CHAM-SON OF THE LANDS, SURVEY AND TOWN PLANNING DEPARTMENT, SAID THIS WOULD FORM PART OF AN EFFORT TO CO-ORDINATE OVERALL PLANNING FOR A SATISFACTORY ENVIRONMENT AND TO MEET THE HOUSING, TRANSPORT, EMPLOYMENT AND OTHER RELATED NEEDS OF AN EXPANDING POPULATION.

MR CHAU SAID THAT PRIOR TO THE FORMATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, CO-ORDINATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, SEVERAL SUB-REGIONAL STUDIES HAD TO BE UNDERTAKEN.

AN AGREEMENT FOR ONE OF SUCH STUDIES, CALLED +HARBOUR RECLAMATIONS AND URBAN GROWTH STUDY+ WAS SIGNED TODAY BETWEEN MR CHAU AND MR R.J. OSBORN, OF SCOTT WILSON KIRKPATRICK AND PARTNERS.

THE STUDY COVERS VICTORIA HARBOUR, HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON, NEW KOWLOON AND OTHER RELATED AREAS.

MR CHAU SAID: +THE PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY IS TO ASSESS THE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF THE STUDY AREA, INCLUDING POSSIBILITIES OF FURTHER RECLAMATIONS AND THE SCOPE FOR ADDITIONAL URBAN GROWTH THROUGH REDEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING PROPERTIES AND DEVELOPMENT ON NEW SITES.*

THE STUDY WILL:

* INVESTIGATE THE COSTS, BENEFITS AND OTHER LIKELY IMPLICATIONS OF THESE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES;

* EXAMINE OTHER SPECIFIC ISSUES SUCH AS THE FUTURE USE OF ITS EXISTING SITE IF THE AIRPORT IS RELOCATED ELSEWHERE; AND

* IDENTIFY THE BEST CHOICE AS TO THE LONG-TERM OPTIONS FOR THE LOCATION OF ADDITIONAL CONTAINER BERTHS AND ASSOCIATED PORT FACILITIES.

THE FINAL REPORT OF THE STUDY WILL CONTAIN RECOMMENDATIONS ON ALTERNATIVE PLANNING STRATEGIES TO DETERMINE THE MOST APPROPRIATE SCALE OF DEVELOPMENT FOR THE STUDY AREA. ITS FINDINGS WILL PROVIDE AN INPUT TO AN OVERALL PLANNING REVIEW OF THE TERRITORY AS A WHOLE, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE POTENTIAL, CONSTRAINTS AND NEEDS OF EACH OF ITS SUB-REGIONS.

MR CHAU SAID, +THIS IS A COMPLEX STUDY WHICH WILL INVOLVE A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH. THE STUDY TEAM IS THEREFORE TO INCLUDE EXPERTS IN SUCH DISCIPLINES AS TOWN PLANNING, ENGINEERING, TRANSPORT PLANNING, ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL ANALYSES AND PORT OPERATION.*

/THE 524 EILLION .......

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1982

THE $24 MILLION STUDY WILL BEGIN NEXT WEEK AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE PLANNING ELEMENT OF THE STUDY TEAM WILL BE PROVIDED BY ROBERT MATTHEW JOHNSON-MARSHALL AND PARTNERS, WHOSE PLANNING PARTNERS, MR R.H. STEWART, WILL BE THE PROJECT DIRECTOR. THE ENGINEERING AND TRANSPORTATION ELEMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED BY SCOTT WILSON KIRKPATRICK AND PARTNERS, THE URBAN AND PORT ECONOMIC ELEMENTS BY COOPERS AND LYBRAND ASSOCIATES LTD. AND VALUATION EXPERTISE BY COLLIER PETTY, CHARTERED SURVEYORS.

OTHER SPECIALISED INPUTS WILL INCLUDE PORT OPERATIONS, LANDSCAPE AND PREVENTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION. MATHEMATICAL MODEL STUDIES TO ASSESS THE EFFECTS OF FURTHER RECLAMATIONS AND URBAN GROWTH IN THE HARBOUR AREA AND ITS POSSIBLE DISADVANTAGES WITH REGARD TO POLLUTION AND TIDAL CURRENTS WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY THE HYDRAULIC RESEARCH STATION, WALLINGFORD AND THE WATER RESEARCH CENTRE, STEVENAGE, UNITED KINGDOM.

------0-------

VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL HOLDS FIRST MEETING

X X X X X

THE FIRST MEETING OF THE NEWLY-APPOINTED VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WAS HELD TODAY.

THE COUNCIL’S CHAIRMAN, MR FRANCIS TIEN, SAID THE MEETING WAS A MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING IN HONG KONG.

THE NEW BODY HAS BEEN CHARGED, NOT 0NL7 WITH THE ADVISORY DUTIES WHICH THE OLD HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL HAD PREVIOUSLY, BUT ALSO WITH THE TASK OF ACTUALLY OPERATING AND MANAGING TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRES.

+CENTRES TO ENSURE THAT FUTURE CRAFTSMEN AND TECHNICIANS NEEDED BY HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE ARE PROPERLY TRAINED ARE OF VITAL IMPORTANCE AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SUCH CENTRES WILL BE A PRIORITY OF THE NEW COUNCIL.

+ BUT IT IS JUST AS VITAL THAT THESE YOUNG PERSONS RECEIVE EDUCATION IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES TO COMPLEMENT THE TRAINING AND TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL FULLY.

+HONG KONG MUST HAVE A WELL-EDUCATED, TRAINED WORKFORCE IF IT IS TO CONTINUE TO PROSPER AND IMPROVE ITS STANDARDS FOR THE GENERAL BENEFIT,* HE SAID.

-----o ---------

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1982

- 5 -

RUSH TO GET ABERDEEN TUNNEL READY * * * X CONTRACTORS ARE WORKING AGAINST TIME IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL READY FOR THE PARTIAL OPENING ON FRIDAY (MARCH 12).

THEY CONTINUED TO WORK OVER THE WEEKEND, PUTTING FINISHING TOUCHES TO THE TUNNEL WHICH PROVIDES AN IMPORTANT LINK BETWEEN THE SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN PARTS OF HONG KONG ISLAND.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE SAID THAT LIGHTING HAD BEEN SATISFACTORILY INSTALLED AND TESTED.

THE RUNNING-IN OF THE VENTILATION SYSTEM IS BEING CARRIED OUT WHILE THE TESTING OF THE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM HAS YET TO BE COMPLETED.

+THE TUNNEL WILL ONLY BE OPENED WHEN THE REQUIRED SAFETY STANDARDS ARE MET,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

+AS THE SITUATION STANDS, THERE IS A PRETTY GOOD CHANCE THAT ONE TUBE CAN BE OPENED ON FRIDAY AS WE ORIGINALLY AIMED. HOWEVER A FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE MADE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.+ NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS, PARTICULARLY IN THE HAPPY VALLEY AREA, WILL BE PUT INTO EFFECT WITH THE PARTIAL OPENING OF THE TUNNEL.

IT WILL TAKE SOME TIME FOR THE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS TO SETTLE, AND DURING THE FIRST FEW DAYS AFTER THE OPENING EXTRA POLICE OFFICERS WILL BE ON DUTY.

THE TWIN-TUBE ABERDEEN TUNNEL IS EXPECTED TO BE FULLY IN USE IN MAY OR JUNE.

UNDER THE PROVISIONAL ARRANGEMENT, SIX BUS SERVICES, INCLUDING THREE NEW ROUTES, AND TWO MAXICAB SERVICES, WILL BE USING THE TUNNEL.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL LATER BE GIVEN ON ALL THE DETAILED TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AND REVISED PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

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MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1982

WARNING AGAINST COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT

* * * *

THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND CONTROLS, MR DOUGLAS JORDAN TODAY (MONDAY) STRESSED THAT TOUGH ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN AGAINST INFRINGEMENT OF ANY COPYRIGHT - REGARDLESS OF ITS NATURE.

HE WAS SPEAKING DURING A CEREMONY AT WHICH A TRADING COMPANY DONATED $10 000 TO THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE WELFARE FUND IN APPRECIATION OF THE SERVICE’S EFFORTS IN TRACKING DOWN OFFENDERS PIRATING THE COMPANY’S CHILDREN’S BOOKS.

RECEIVING THE DONATION FROM MISS C.H. KOH, CHAIRMAN AND GENERAL MANAGER OF HONG KONG KING YOKO LTD, MR JORDAN SAIDi + IT IS A SAD THOUGHT THAT THOSE WHO WOULD ENGAGE IN STEALING COPYRIGHT WOULD EVEN STOOP TO INFRINGING COPYRIGHT OF CHILDREN’S PICTORIAL BOOKS. NOTHING IS BEYOND THE REACH OF THESE GRASPING PIRATES, NOT EVEN THINGS INTENDED FOR CHILDREN’S ENJOYMENT.*

HONG KONG KING YOKO LTD COMPLAINED TO THE COPYRIGHT DIVISION IN MAY 1981, ALLEGING THAT ITS CHILDREN’S PUBLICATIONS HAD BEEN PIRATED. AS THE PUBLICATIONS ORIGINATED IN JAPAN, INVOLVING VARIOUS SERIES AND TITLES, IT TOOK THE INVESTIGATING OFFICERS SOME TIME TO VERIFY THEIR COPYRIGHT. HOWEVER, THE NEXT MONTH THE MASTERMIND BEHIND THE RACKET WAS ARRESTED AND SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED.

+IN THE PRESENT CASE THE OFFICERS’ TASK WAS NOT AN EASY ONE, GIVEN THE VARIOUS PROCESSES CONCERNED IN MAKING PIRATED COPIES OF THE BOOKS IN SEVERAL STAGES AND AT DIFFERENT PLACES,* SAID MR JORDAN.

+BUT THE OFFICERS’ ENERGETIC EFFORTS WERE REWARDED NOT ONLY WITH THE ARREST OF THE PRINCIPAL CULPRIT BUT THE ARREST OF ANOTHER SUSPECT; THE SEIZURE OF OVER 50 000 PIRATED COPIES - SOME ON THE POINT OF DELIVERY TO THE NEWSPAPER HAWKERS IN THE EARLY HOURS OF THE MORNING - AND THE DETENTION OF MANY FILMS AND OTHER MATERIALS.

*THE HIGHLY-PROFESSIONAL AND THOROUGH WAY THIS CASE WAS DEALT WITH BY OFFICERS OF THE COPYRIGHT UNIT WAS TYPICAL OF HONG KONG’S APPROACH TO ANY INFRINGEMENT OF COPYRIGHT OR COUNTERFEITING OF MERCHANDISE MARKS.

+THE NUMBERS OF THOSE WHO WOULD ENGAGE IN SUCH MALPRACTICES -WHICH ARE THEFT AND DECEPTION WHICHEVER WAY ONE LOOKS AT IT - ARE HAPPILY VERY SMALL AMONG THE VAST MAJORITY OF DECENT HONEST TRADERS IN HONG KONG,*

THE WELFARE FUND WAS ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING CERTAIN BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE. IT IS FUNDED BY SUCH SUMS AS THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DEEMS APPROPRIATE, AND FROM TIME TO TIME MAY RECEIVE DONATIONS.

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1982

FREE SATURDAY FOLK CONCERT

* * * *

THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS AND THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD WILL JOINTLY PRESENT A FREE TWO-HOUR FOLK CONCERT ON SATURDAY (MARCH 13) AT 8 PM IN THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL, WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON.

THE CONCERT IS AIMED AT PUBLICISING THE ANT I-NARCOTICS MESSAGES AND PROMOTING THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME, AND IS PRODUCED BY THE HONG KONG MODERN FOLK SONG ASSOCIATION, WITH THE SPONSORSHIP OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.

PERFORMING AT THE CONCERT WILL BE 11 FOLK SINGERS. BACKED UP BY A 2O-MEMBER ORCHESTRA, THEY WILL SING A WIDE SELECTION OF SONGS IN CANTONESE, MANDARIN AND ENGLISH.

THE CONCERT WILL INCLUDE A FILM SLIDE SHOW ABOUT HONG KONG’S DRUG PROBLEM AND HOW IT IS BEING TACKLED.

THE TOM LEE PIANO CO. AND THE' SOUNDS UNLIMITED ENGINEERING CO. WILL PROVIDE THE AUDIO AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENT AND THE LIGHTING EQUIPMENT FOR THE CONCERT.

EMPHASIS WILL BE PLACED ON PREVENTING YOUNG PEOPLE FROM BECOMING DRUG COURIERS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION SAID.

THE CONCERT WILL BE RECORDED AND BROADCAST LATER ON RADIO HONG KONG 2.

FREE ADMISSION TICKETS TO THE CONCERT-ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (KOWLOON CITY) AND ITS BRANCH OFFICES, AS WELL AS THE TOM LEE PIANO CO. (TSIM SHA TSUI BRANCH).

-------o ---------

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN JAVA ROAD

* * * *

A SECTION OF JAVA ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH HEALTHY STREET WEST WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 11) TO 6 AM ON FRIDAY FOR WORK ON THE HONG KONG ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR.

DURING THE CLOSURE, WESTBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HEALTHY STREET EAST AND KING'S ROAD, BUT EASTBOUND TRAFFIC MAY USE TIN CHIU STREET AND KING’S ROAD.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE RIGHT-TURN PROHIBITION FROM EASTBOUND JAVA ROAD TO SOUTHBOUND TIN CHIU STREET WILL BE RESCINDED.

o --------

/8........

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1982

- 8 -

COURSE TO HELP TEACHERS BRUSH UP TEACHING SKILLS * * * *

TECHNICAL TEACHERS IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND A ONE-YEAR FULL-TIME SUPPLEMENTARY COURSE IN DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR.

THE COURSE IS BEING OFFERED BY THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE FOR NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED TWO YEARS FULL-TIME TRAINING IN TEACHING TECHNICAL SUBJECTS

♦PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE WHO HAVE TWO YEARS’ FULLTIME POST-TRAINING TEACHING EXPERIENCE AND HAVE RECEIVED SOME TRAINING IN TEACHING DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY,+ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE COURSE WILL HAVE A CORE OF STUDIES IN EDUCATION, EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY, LANGUAGE SKILLS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES PROGRAMMES WHICH ALL STUDENTS MUST FOLLOW, HE SAID.

IN ADDITION, EACH STUDENT WILL STUDY, IN DEPTH, SUBJECT AREAS RELATED TO TEACHING DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY IN FORMS 1 TO 3.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL CONTINUE TO RECEIVE THEIR SALARY AND INCREMENT IN THE NORMAL WAY AND THE COURSE WILL COUNT AS SERVICE OR EXPERIENCE.

IN THE CASE OF AN AIDED SCHOOL TEACHER BEING ACCEPTED TO THE COURSE, THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE PREPARED TO PAY THE SALARY OF A TEMPORARY SUBSTITUTE TEACHER FOR THE DURATION OF THE COURSE.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE ASKED TO-ACKNOWLEDGE IM WRITING THEIR WILLINGNESS TO ATTEND THE COURSE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

AIDED SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL ALSO HAVE TO SIGN AN UNDERTAKING TO TEACH FULL-TIME IN HONG KONG SCHOOLS FOR A PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN THREE YEARS ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE VIA HEADS OF SCHOOLS FROM THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE AT 373 QUEEN’S ROAD FAST, WAN CHAI; AND THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION DIVISION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT LEE GARDENS, FIFTH FLOOR, HONG KONG.

HEADS OF SCHOOLS ARE REQUESTED TO RETURN COMPLETED FORMS, UNDER CONFIDENTIAL COVER, TO THE SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (TECHNICAL 2) OF THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION DIVISION ON OR BEFORE MARCH 27.

ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE ON 5-745311.

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/9........

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1982

8 000 ATTEND JOINT-SCHOOL CAREERS EXHIBITION

A JOINT-SCHOOL CAREERS EXHIBITION, WHICH CONCLUDED IN THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL YESTERDAY (SUNDAY), ATTRACTED MORE THAN 8 000 VISITORS IN TWO DAYS.

A TOTAL OF 14 SECONDARY SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THE TWO-DAY EXHIBITION WHICH FORMED PART OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE FOURTH OF A SERIES OF SIX REGIONAL CAREERS CONVENTIONS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS.

THREE SCHOOLS — TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS MRS WU YORK YU MEMORIAL SCHOOL, POPE PAUL VI COLLEGE AND DMHC SIU MING CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL, WON PRIZES FOR THE BEST EXHIBITION STANDS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT DISPLAYS AT THE EXHIBITION WERE VERY WELL PRESENTED AND WERE RICH IN CAREERS CONTENTS, REFLECTING BOTH THE INITIATIVE AND RESOURCEFULNESS OF THE STUDENTS WHO PREPARED THEM.

+THIS IS THE SECOND YEAR THAT REGIONAL CAREERS CONVENTIONS HAVE BEEN HELD,* HE ADDED.

♦PARTICIPATION OF STUDENTS HAS BEEN EXTREMELY ENCOURAGING, AND IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SCHOOLS JOINING US IN THE SERIES OF CAREERS CONVENTIONS WILL EXCEED 100.

♦THIS SHOWS THAT STUDENTS ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF A CAREER CHOICE AND DEVELOPMENT.

♦THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, AS THE OVERALL CO-ORDINATING BODY OF CAREERS SERVICES, WILL CERTAINLY CONTINUE TO PROVIDE OUR STUDENTS WITH A QUALITY SERVICE,* HE ADDED.

THE SPOKESMAN WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE TSUEN WAN CAREERS EXHIBITION BEING HELD IN THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ATTRACTED SOME 9 000 VISITORS OVER THE WEEKEND. OPENING DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM, IT WILL CLOSE ON WEDNESDAY EVENING.

MEANWHILE, A JOINT-SCHOOL CAREERS EXHIBITION FOR THE HONG KONG EAST REGION OPENED TODAY AT THE DEPARTMENT’S CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRE ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF HENNESSY CENTRE, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, AND WILL REMAIN OPEN DURING OFFICE HOURS UNTIL THE END OF THIS MONTH.

-----o --------

RESUMPTION OF AIR PARCEL SERVICE TO FRANCE

* * X #

THE AIR PARCEL SERVICE FROM HONG KONG TO FRANCE WHICH HAS ?MAoruUfniNDTDrSlNCE FEBRUARY 25, 1982, WILL RESUME ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 10), THE POSTMASTER GENERAL ANNOUNCED TODAY.

/10........

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1982

10 -

WATER FIGURES * * *

WATER STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 41.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY, OR 238.556 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS AMOUNTS TO 203 DAYS’ CONSUMPTION.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 257.505 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 44.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

-----0------

PRINTING INDUSTRY MANPOWER SURVEY

* * M

A MANPOWER SURVEY OF THE PRINTING INDUSTRY, TO COLLECT UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON TRAINING REQUIREMENTS OF THE INDUSTRY, STARTS TODAY (MONDAY).

THE SURVEY, BEING CONDUCTED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, WILL BE COMPLETED ON MARCH 27.

BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY, THE COUNCIL WILL MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON MANPOWER TRAINING FOR THE PRINTING INDUSTRY.

QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS' WERE SENT OUT A FORTNIGHT AGO TO ALL ESTABLISHMENTS TO BE COVERED IN THE SURVEY. EMPLOYERS WERE REQUESTED TO SUPPLY THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION ON EACH OF THE PRINCIPAL JOBS IN THE INDUSTRYj

(1) THE NUMBER OF WORKERS AT PRESENT EMPLOYED,

(2) THE NUMBER OF WORKERS AT PRESENT UNDER TRAINING;

(3) THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANCIES; AND

(4) A FORECAST OF THE ADDITIONAL NUMBER OF WORKERS IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.

DURING THE SURVEY OFFICERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CALL AT THE ESTABLISHMENTS TO COLLECT THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES AND TO ASSIST THE EMPLOYER IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES.

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/11........

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1982

BANK BRANCH WANTED FOR SHA TIN RAILWAY STATION ft ft ft ft

A FIVE-YEAR CONTRACT FOR THE OPERATION OF A BANK BRANCH IN THE SHA TIN RAILWAY STATION IS BEING OFFERED BY THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY.

TENDERS FOR THE CONTRACT ARE NOW BEING INVITED, AND MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE AT NOON ON MARCH 19, A KCR SPOKESMAN SAID.

TENDERS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD AND PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX, GROUND FLOOR, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (MAIN WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD.

PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE GENERAL OFFICE OF THE TRAFFIC DIVISION OF THE KCR ON THE MEZZANINE FLOOR OF THE KOWLOON STATION AT HUNG HOM.

------o-------

NOTE TO EDITORSi

CEREMONY TO MARK RESTORATION OF SHEUNG YIU ft ft ft

MR LUI CHE-WOO, CHAIRMAN OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, WILL UNVEIL A PLAQUE TO MARK THE COMPLETION OF THE FIRST STAGE OF RESTORATION OF SHEUNG YIU VILLAGE ON MARCH 10 (WEDNESDAY) AT 3.30 PM AT SHEUNG YIU VILLAGE, SAI KUNG.

DECLARED A MONUMENT LAST YEAR, SHEUNG YIU VILLAGE WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS A FOLK MUSEUM WHEN THE VARIOUS STAGES OF RESTORATION ARE COMPLETED.

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE CEREMONY.

AN URBAN COUNCIL VEHICLE WILL LEAVE QUEEN’S PIER FOR THE VILLAGE AT 1.50 PM SHARP.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO TAKE THIS VEHICLE ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE PIER BY 1.45 PM.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

TUESDAY, ivIARCH 9, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR PARTIAL OPENING OF ABERDEEN TUNNEL 1

$220-MELLI0N AQUEDUCT FOR WATER FROM CHINA................... 2

NEW HEART CENTRE AT GRANTHAM HOSPITAL........................ 4

WONG TAI SIN CDO TO FOSTER VOLUNTEER PROJECT................. 5

PEOPLE IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE URGED TO APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS ........................................... 6

ANALYSIS OF HONG KONG’S 1981 RE-EXPORT TRADE................. 8

URBAN CLEARWAYS IN ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD ....................... 10

TAILORS AND PIECEGOODS MERCHANTS GOING METRIC ............... 11

BOARD MEMBERS TO STUDY YAU IvIA TSI PROBLEMS ................ 12

AIR SERVICE TALKS............................................ 12

EMPLOYEES RECORD - A LEGAL REQUIREMENT....................... 13

TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1982

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR PARTIAL OPENING OF ABERDEEN TUNNEL * M * * *

TO COINCIDE WITH THE EXPECTED OPENING OF ONE TUBE OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY (MARCH 12) IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO INTRODUCE NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS, PARTICULARLY IN THE WAN CHAI AND HAPPY VALLEY AREAS, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.

FOLLOWING THE OPENING AT 10 AM, THE TUNNEL WILL, THEREAFTER, BE OPEN FROM 6.30 AM TO 10.30 PM DAILY. IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO CLOSE THE TUNNEL AT NIGHT TO ALLOW CONTRACTORS TO CONTINUE WORK ON TUNNEL INSTALLATIONS.

A TOLL OF |2 WILL BE CHARGED FOR ALL VEHICLES.

WITH ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC FROM ABERDEEN TO WAN CHAI, CENTRAL, CAUSEWAY BAY, NORTH POINT AND THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO REDUCE CONGESTION CAUSED BY WEAVING MOVEMENTS AT THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

IN PARTICULAR, VEHICLES (OTHER THAN BUSES) GOING UP THE CANAL ROAD WEST RAMP TO JOIN THE FLYOVER WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO CROSS OVER TO JOIN THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL LANE. KOWLOON BOUND TRAFFIC IN THE HAPPY VALLEY AREA WILL HAVE TO USE THE UP-RAMP ADJACENT TO THE JUNCTION OF QUEEN'S ROAD EAST AND WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD- DRIVERS IN THE SPORTS ROAD, TIN LOK LANE AND MORRISON HILL ROAD AREA WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL AROUND THE RACE COURSE TO REACH THE UP-RAMP NEAR THE JUNCTION OF QUEEN'S ROAD EAST AND WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD.

DRIVERS HEADING TOWARDS THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL SHOULD SELECT THE RIGHT LANE EARLY TO AVOID FINDING THEMSELVES BEING OBLIGED TO FOLLOW CENTRAL OR NORTH POINT BOUND TRAFFIC.

TRAFFIC GOING TO ABERDEEN VIA THE TUNNEL FROM CENTRAL, KOWLOON OR FROM NORTH POINT, WILL TRAVEL VIA THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER MOTORISTS IN WAN CHAI CAN USE THE UP-RAMP ON WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD IN FRONT OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.

RESIDENTS BETWEEN REPULSE BAY AND STANLEY ARE REMINDED THAT WHILE ROAD WORKS CONTINUE ON ISLAND ROAD THEY SHOULD USE THE WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROUTE FOR SOUTHBOUND JOURNEYS.

LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL. IN ADDITION, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, EXCEPT SOME DESIGNATED MAXICAB SERVICES, WILL ALSO BE PROHIBITED FROM USING THE TUNNEL.

THE PLB PROHIBITION WILL EXTEND TO THE FOLLOWING APPROACH ROADS TO THE TUNNEL i

* CANAL ROAD FLYOVER SOUTHBOUND NEAR THE SLIP ROAD DOWN TO MORRISON HILL ROAD.

/» the slip

TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1982

* THE SLIP ROAD AT A POINT APPROXIMATELY 130 METRES SOUTH OF THE JUNCTION OF WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD WITH SPORTS ROAD LEADING TO THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER SOUTHBOUND.

* THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL FROM WONG CHUK HANG ROAD WESTBOUND NEAR ITS WESTERN JUNCTION WITH SHOUSON HILL ROAD.

ft THE UNDERPASS LEADING TO THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL FROM WONG CHUK HANG ROAD EASTBOUND A POINT APPROXIMATELY 170 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH NAM FUNG ROAD.

IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE OPENING OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL, URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS WILL BE IMPOSED ON A SECTION OF ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD BETWEEN OLD MAIN STREET ABERDEEN AND ITS JUNCTION WITH CHENGTU ROAD BETWEEN 7 AM AND 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY.

SIX BUS SERVICES AND TWO MAX ICAB ROUTES WILL BE USING THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL AND DETAILS OF THESE SERVICES WILL BE ISSUED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

MEANWHILE, CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER/TUNNELS, MR FRED MAY REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT UNTIL THE TUNNEL INSTALLATIONS ARE IN FULL OPERATION THEY SHOULD DRIVE WITH CAUTION AND IN PARTICULAR KEEP TO THE SPEED LIMIT OF 30 MPH AND OBSERVE LANE DISCIPLINE AT ALL TIME.

-------o - - - -

S22O-MILLION AQUEDUCT FOR WATER FROM CHINA ft ft ft

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY AWARDED A S220-MILLI0N CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN AQUEDUCT SYSTEM FROM

MUK WU TO TAI LAM CHUNG AS PART OF THE FACILITIES FOR THE RECEPTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES OF WATER FROM CHINA. . .

THE CONTRACT WA8 FORMALLY SIGNED BETWEEN MR TOM TOMLINSON, ACTING DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES AND MR GU TIANXUN, DIRECTOR OF THE CHINA CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CORPORATION AND MR YE HAO DIRECTOR AND GENERAL MANAGER OF GUANGDONG WATER CONSERVANCY AND HYDRO-POWER ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD.

IT IS THE BIGGEST OF NINE CONTRACTS SIGNED SO FAR UNDER STAGE ONE OF THE Si 300-MILLION SCHEME TO PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR

RECEIVING ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES OF WATER FROM CHINA.

MR TOMLINSON SAID, +THE CONTRACT WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF 13.8 KILOMETRES OF TUNNEL MEASURING 3.4 METRES IN DIAMETER

AND THE LAYING OF 6.8 KILOMETRES OF PIPELINE WITH A DIAMETER OF

2.2 METRES.

/+WHEN COMPLETED .......

TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1982

♦WHEN COMPLETED AT THE END OF 1904. THE NEW AQUEDUCT SYSTEM, TOGETHER WITH A PUMPING STATION TO BE CONSTRUCTED AT AU TAU, WILL BOOST WATER SUPPLY TO THE WHOLE OF WEST NEW TERRITORIES BY 910 000 CUBIC METRES DAILY.*

TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PUMPING STATION WILL BE INVITED IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR.

MR TOMLINSON SAID THAT WORK ON THE ONE, THE LAYING OF ABOUT 1.8 KILOMETRES FROM FU TEI AU TO SHEUNG SHU I, HAD BEEN SEVEN OTHER CONTRACTS WAS WELL IN HAND.

FIRST CONTRACT FOR STAGE OF MILD STEEL PIPELINE COMPLETED WHILE WORK ON

_, *0?* ON STAGE ONE, COSTING ABOUT S700 MILLION, WILL BE COMPLETED IN VARIOUS PHASES BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND fHE END 0 1964.

*work on 8TA8E ™ W,LL BE8,n 198*

AND BE COMPLETED IN 1988.*

COSTING S450 MILLION, WORK ON STAGE TWO WILL INVOLVE I

* THE LAYING OF PIPELINES BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I AND TAU PASS,

* THE INSTALLATION OF ADDITIONAL PUMPING PLANTS AT THE NEW MUK WU PUMPING STATION, AU TAU PUMPING STATION AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW PUMPING STATIONS AT HARBOUR ISLAND AND TAI MEI TUK, PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR,

* THE CONSTRUCTION OF AQUEDUCT BETWEEN PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR AND PAK KONG. SAI KUNG, INCLUDING THE LAYING OF A SUBMARINE PIPELINE ACROSS TOLO CHANNEL, AND

* THE CONSTRUCTION OF AQUEDUCT FROM TAI PO TAU TO NGAU TAM MEI.

WORK ON STAGE THREE WILL INVOLVE THE INSTALLATION OF ADDITIONAL PUMPING PLANTS AT THE NEW MUK AU, AU TAU, TAI MEI TUK AND HARBOUR ISLAND PUMPING STATIONS AND EXTENSION OF SUPPLY TO LANTAU ISLAND.

MR TOMLINSON POINTED OUT, HOWEVER, THAT THE EXTENT OF WORK REQUIRED BEYOND STAGE ONE WOULD BE REVIEWED BEFORE IMPLEMENTATION TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF CHANGES IN THE PATTERN OF DEVELOPMENT.

REFERRING TO WATER FROM CHINA, MR TOMLINSON SAID, +UNDER THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT SIGNED IN NOVEMBER 1978, HONG KONG IS GETTING 182 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER fAoM CHINA THIS YEAR.

l*tEST WATER AGREEMENT SIGNED IN MAY 1980 WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES TO HONG KONG WITH AN AVERAGE INCREASE IN SUPPLY CF ABOUT 35 MILLION CUBIC METRES PER YEAR STARTING FROM 1983 TO REACH A MAXIMUM OF 620 MILLION CUBIC METRES PER YEAR IN 1995.♦

TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1982

NEW HEART CENTRE AT GRANTHAM HOSPITAL * * ft ft ft

HONG KONG’S MEDICAL SERVICES WILL REACH ANOTHER MILESTONE IN THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF HEART DISEASES WITH THE SETTING IP OF A S45-MILLI0N CARD IO-THORAC IC CENTRE AT THE GRANTHAM HOSPITAL, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT DISCLOSED TODAY (TUESDAY).

J?M0SPITAL{ WITH A RECORD OF 25 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE TREATMENT TO TB PATIENTS, WILL BECOME A MAJOR CENTRE FOR PERFORMING HEART OPERATIONS.

^uelJRE CENTRE, OCCUPYING AN AREA OF OVER 1 500 SQUARE METRES, CONSISTS AN E QHT-STOREY MEDICAL BLOCK ANO 16-STOREY-HI6H QUARTERS FOR SENIOR HOSPITAL STAFF.

CENTRE IS NAMED AFTER MR KWOK TAK-SENG IN RECOGNITION 0F H,S DONATION OF $10 MILLION TOWARDS THE CAPITAL COST OF THE PROJECT.

THI H0N& K0N6 TUBERCULOSIS, chest and heart diseases

12 MILLION TO THE COST, WITH THE BALANCE OF COST BEING MET BY THE GOVERNMENT.

. nloI^N!^f!!^T.CE5TRE W,LL COMPRISE TWO OPERATING THEATRES, A CARDIAC CATHETERISATION LABORATORY WITH BOTH ADULT AND PA6DI INVESTIGATION FACILITIES, A MEDICAL LABORATORY AND A PULMONARY PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY.

___ ALL THESE SOPHISTICATED FACILITIES ARE DESIGNED TO «ET THE GROWING DEMAND FOR OPEN-HEART AND CLOSED-HEART SURGERY AS WELL AS CARDIAC INVESTIGATORY SERVICES.

IN LINE WITH THE MUCH IMPROVED SURGICAL FACILITIES, OUTPATIENT SERVICES WILL ALSO BE EXPANDED AT THE HOSPITAL.

»IHL225"BED eRANTHAM HOSPITAL, ONE OF A CHAIN OF HOSPITALS 52M4Y»Tt!LASSOCIAT,ON’ WAS OPENED IN 1957 SOLELY FOR THE CARE OF DEATHS ENTS WHEN ™AT DISEASE WAS THE M0ST COMMON CAUSE

THE YEARS 1 "TENSIVE EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE ASSOCIATION AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, AND SusesNof de at* control’ eo,NG D0WN To E,SHTH •" the io leading

AJ JU! 2AME T,ME’ CANCER HAS BECOME THE NO. 1, AND HEART DISEASE THE NO. 2 KILLER DISEASE IN RECENT YEARS.

/ON THE .......

TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1982

ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF TWO PROMINENT CHEST PHYSICIANS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM IN 1976, THE GOVERNMENT BEGAN DEVELOPING the grant-ham hospital from a principally tb hospital to a .cardio-thoracic centre*

NOTE TO EDITORSi

THE KWOK TAK SENG HEART CENTRE AT THE GRANTHAM HOSPITAL AT WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, WILL BE OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR, AT 3 PM, ON THURSDAY (MARCH 11).

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

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WONG TAI SIN CDO TO FOSTER VOLUNTEER PROJECT

* * I *

A LARGE-SCALE ’VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROJECT’ IS BEING ORGANISED IN WONG TAI SIN TO FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG YOUTHS IN THE DISTRICT AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO OFFER THEIR SERVICES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE AREA.

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD, THE WONG TAI SIN CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, THE WONG TAI SIN SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE OF THE YWCA AND VARIOUS AREA COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT, THE PROJECT WILL START AS A TRAINING CAMP FOR 90 PARTICIPANTS.

THE CAMP WILL LAST FOR THREE DAYS AND TWO NIGHTS AND WILL BE HELD AT SAI KUNG FROM APRIL 3 TO 5.

THROUGHOUT THE CAMP, A SERIES OF WELL-PLANNED PROGRAMMES WILL BE CONDUCTED TO EXPLAIN THE SIGNIFICANCE OF VOLUNTEERING.

THE PARTICIPANTS WILL BE BRIEFED ABOUT WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT AND VARIOUS MEANS WILL BE ADOPTED TO IMPART TO THEM THE SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEER WORK.

AFTER THE TRAINING CAMP THEY WILL BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO PUT THEIR KNOWLEDGE INTO PRACTICE THROUGH A LARGE-SCALE COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECT FOR THE SOUTH SUB-DISTRICT OF WONG TAI SIN IN NOVEMBER, A CITY DISTRICT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE FINAL GOAL IS TO FORM THEM INTO A TRAINED, WELL-ORGANISED AND ESTABLISHED VOLUNTEER GROUP UNDER THE WONG TAI SIN CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, HE SAID.

ANY YOUTH AGED 15 OR ABOVE LIVING IN WONG TAI SIN CAN APPLY TO JOIN THE PROJECT, AND CAN APPROACH THE YWCA OFFICE ON THE ROOFTOP OF BLOCK 14, LOWER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE BEFORE MARCH 20.

DETAILED INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE ENQUIRY COUNTERS OF THE WONG TAI SIN CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE YWCA OR BY TELEPHONING 3-283115 AND 3-222261.

------0-------

/6......

TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1982

PEOPLE IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE URGED TO APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS * * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE, TODAY (TUESDAY) URGED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO NEED SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE TO COME FORWARD AND APPLY FOR IT.

HE TOLD A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE KIWAN IS CLUB THAT DESPITE THE LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE BENEFITING FROM SOCIAL SECURITY PROVISIONS, +THERE MUST BE SOME WHO ARE ELIGIBLE AND YET HAVE NOT COME FORWARD, EITHER BECAUSE OF IGNORANCE OR BECAUSE OF A FALSE SENSE OF STIGMA.+

♦NINETY PER CENT OF THOSE WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE ARE ALREADY IN OUR BOOKS, AND I HOPE THAT NO ONE WHO NEEDS ASSISTANCE IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER WILL REFRAIN FROM APPLYING,♦ HE SAID.

THE FUNCTION OF THE NETWORK OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE GROUPS IN THE COMMUNITY, MR ALLEYNE SAID, WAS TO ENSURE THAT +NO ONE IS SEEN TO SUFFER FROM HARDSHIP AND THAT EVERY PERSON IS ABLE TO LEAD A LIFE AT A REASONABLE STANDARD.♦

♦WE ARE ALSO WATCHING THE LEVELS OF BENEFITS CLOSELY SO AS TO MAINTAIN THEIR REAL VALUE AS WELL AS TO KEEP PACE WITH THE GENERAL IMPROVEMENT OF THE STANDARD OF LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY,♦ HE ADDED.

THE ESTIMATED TOTAL EXPENDITURE FOR THE VARIOUS SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES FOR 1982-83 IS ABOUT *780 MILLION, WITH AN ADDITIONAL *35 MILLION FOR THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME PROVIDED BY A SEPARATE FUND, MAKING AN ESTIMATED TOTAL PAYMENT OF ABOUT *815 MILLION.

♦AS PAYMENT RATES ARE DUE FOR A REVISION SOON, THE ACTUAL EXPENDITURE IS LIKELY TO BE HIGHER,♦ MR ALLEYNE SAID.

HE PUT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE BENEFITING FROM THESE SCHEMES AT ABOUT 250 000.

EARLIER IN HIS SPEECH, THE DIRECTOR OUTLINED THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE SAFETY NET PROVIDED BY THE BROAD RANGE OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS.

THESE BENEFITS COULD BE GROUPED INTO THREE MAJOR AREAS » THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME, THE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE SCHEME AND ACCIDENT COMPENSATION.

♦THESE BENEFITS ARE INTENDED TO MEET THE MOST URGENT NEEDS AND TO HELP THOSE LEAST ABLE TO HELP THEMSELVES,♦ MR ALLEYNE SAID.

/AN AVERAGE .......

TUESDAY, MAfiCH 9, 1982

AVERAeE FOUR-MEMBER HOUSEHOLD WITHOUT INCOME OR RESOURCES C*?, OET A MONTHLY ASSISTANCE OF ABOUT $1 660, COMPRISING A BASIC SCALE ALLOWANCE OF $965, A MAXIMUM RENT ALLOWANCE OF $479 AND OTHER DISCRETIONARY GRANTS AND SUPPLEMENTS.

»^8,*’LARLY4 A SINGLE PERSON ON HIS OWN CAN GET ABOUT $590 A BA8IC 8CALE ALLOWANCE OF $350, A MAXIMUM RENT

ALLOWANCE OF $144 AND OTHER SUPPLEMENTARY GRANTS^

. J* ^bEINE N0TED THAT ™E BAS,C SCALE rate FOR A SINGLE PERSON ™ THEN THERE HAD BEEN s,x revisions according

TO THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE INDEX OF PRICES, SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED FOR THIS PURPOSE, AND ANOTHER REVISION IN JULY LAST YEAR TO PROVIDE A SIGNIFICANT REAL IMPROVEMENT OF 25 PER CENT.

THE TOTAL INCREASE FROM 1972 TO 1981 WAS 318 PER CENT. HE SAID, WHEREAS THE RISE IN PRICES DURING THE SAME PERIOD ACCORDING TO THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) WAS ABOUT 260 PER CENT.

♦APART FROM THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS AND DISCRETIONARY GRANTS, THIS IS A CLEAR INDICATION OF THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE STANDARD OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE OVER TIME,* MR ALLEYNE SAID.

REFERRING TO THE BASIC PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RATE, THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT ALTHOUGH IT WAS REVISED UPWARDS BY 25 PER CENT LAST JJLY, THERE WAS A NEED FOR ANOTHER REVISION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE INDEX SOON IN THE LIGHT OF THE CONTINUING INFLATION TREND.

TURNING TO THE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES, MR ALLEYNE SAID THAT THEY WERE INTENDED TO PROVIDE SOME HELP TO THE FAMILY TO MEET THE SPECIAL NEEDS ARISING FROM DISABILITY OR OLD AGE, AND WERE NOT INTENDED FOR BASIC LIVING EXPENSES.

WITH REGARD TO THE ASSERTION THAT THE PROVISION OF $175 FOR OLD AGE WAS NOT ADEQUATE TO MEET LIVING EXPENSES, HE SAID AN OLD PERSON IN NEED AND HAD NO RESOURCES WAS ENTITLED TO BOTH PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND OLD AGE ALLOWANCE AND CAN GET $350 BASIC RATE, $144 MAXIMUM RENT, $175 OLD AGE ALLOWANCE, A LONG-TERM SUPPLEMENT PLUS OTHER DISCRETIONARY GRANTS THAT MAY BE REQUIRED.

♦THESE CAN AMOUNT TO MORE THAN $705, WHICH IS THE USUAL AMOUNT AN OLD PERSON GETS,* MR ALLEYNE SAID.

FOR A BLIND PERSON WITHOUT RESOURCES, HE CAN GET ABOUT $880 A MONTH.

- - 0 - -

TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1982

ANALYSIS OF HONG KONG'S * * *

1981 RE-EXPORT TRADE *

THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORT TRADE REACHED A RECORD OF |41 739 MILLION IN 1981, AN INCREASE OF 39 PER CENT OVER THE 1980 FIGURE, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT REPORTED TODAY (TUESDAY) IN PROVIDING A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF RE-EXPORTS BY MARKET AND BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN FOR THE YEAR.

RE-EXPORTS BY MARKET

THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS THE CHANGES RE-EXPORTS TO THE FIVE MAJOR MARKETS i-

IN HONG KONG’S

1981 (HKS MN.) 1980 (HKS MN.) INCREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

CHINA 8 044 4 642 ♦3 402 +73%

U.S.A. 4 785 3 085 ♦1 700 ♦55%

INDONESIA 4 272 2 761 ♦1 511 ♦55%

SINGAPORE 3 243 2 510 ♦ 733 ♦29%

JAPAN 2 792 2 201 + 591 ♦27%

SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA (BY $3 402 MILLION OR 73 PER CENT), THE LARGEST MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS. THE COMMODITIES WITH SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE TEXTILE YARN (BY $789 MILLION OR 115 PER CENT), WOVEN FABRICS OF MAN-MADE FIBRES (BY $579 MILLION OR 142 PER CENT), TELEVISION RECEIVERS (BY $434 MILLION OR 136 PER CENT), KNITTED OR CROCHETED FABRICS (BY $259 MILLION OR 211 PER CENT), AND TEXTILE AND LEATHER MACHINERY AND PARTS THEREOF (BY $109 MILLION OR 83 PER CENT).

INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.S. WERE REGISTERED IN THERMIONIC, COLD CATHODE AND PHOTO-CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES. PHOTOCELLS AND TRANSISTORS (BY $264 MILLION OR 119 PER CENT), WOMEN’S, GIRLS’ AND INFANTS’ OUTER GARMENTS OF TEXTILE FABRICS (OTHER THAN KNITTED OR CROCHETED GOODS)(BY $202 MILLION OR 108 PER CENT), MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, MAINLY BASKET-WORK, WICKER-WORK AND ARTICLES OF PLAITING MATERIALS (BY $156 MILLION OR 66 PER CENT), OIL SEEDS AND OLEAGINOUS FRUIT FOR EXTRACTION OF VEGETABLE OILS (BY $153 MILLION OR 1 114 PER CENT) AS WELL AS VEGETABLES, ROOTS AND TUBERS (BY $129 MILLION OR 436 PER CENT).

RE-EXPORTS TO INDONESIA SHOWED INCREASES FOR MOTORCYCLES, MOTOR SCOOTERS AND OTHER CYCLES (BY $467 MILLION OR 82 PER CENT), TEXTILE AND LEATHER MACHINERY AND PARTS THEREOF (BY $32 MILLION CR 30 PER CENT), PASSENGER MOTOR CARS (BY $52 MILLION OR 63 PER CENT), AND ALUMINIUM (BY $43 MILLION OR 212 PER CENT).

/SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES

TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1982

SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE OF THERMIONIC, COLD CATHODE AND PHOTO-CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, PHOTOCELLS AND TRANSISTORS (BY $272 MILLION OR 207 PER CENT), TEXTILE MADE-UP ARTICLES (BY $45 MILLION OR 107 PER CENT) AND PEARLS, PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES (BY $36 MILLION OR 16 PER CENT).

IN CONTRAST, RE-EXPORTS TO SWITZERLAND DECLINED (BY $185 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT).

NOTABLE DECREASES WERE RECORDED MAINLY IN SILVER, PLATINUM AND OTHER METALS OF THE PLATINUM GROUP (BY $36 MILLION OR 94 PER CENT), SCRAP AND SWEEPINGS OF PRECIOUS METALS (OTHER THAN OF GOLD) (BY $5e MILLION OR 90 PER CENT), AND COINS NOT CURRENTLY IN USE (BY $75 MILLION OR 99 PER CENT).

RE-EXPORTS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

RE-EXPORTS BROKEN DOWN BY SHOWN BELOW i

1981 (HK$ MN.)

CHINA 12 834

JAPAN 8 394

U.S.A. 4 041

TAIWAN 3 379

REP. OF KOREA 1 954

MAJOR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN ARE

I960 (HK$ MN.) INCREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

8 394 ♦4 440 ♦53%

5 884 ♦2 510 ♦43%

3 157 ♦ 884 ♦28%

2 134 ♦1 245 ♦58%

877 ♦1 077 ♦123%

RE-EXPORTS.

HONG KONG’S

SOURCE OF

CHINA REMAINED THE LARGEST

INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN WERE NOTED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, MAINLY BASKET-WORK, WICKERWORK AND ARTICLES OF PLAITING MATERIALS (BY $290 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT). WOVEN COTTON FABRICS (BY $286 MILLION OR 78 PER CENT), women’s , GIRLS’ AND INFANTS’ OUTER GARMENTS OF TEXTILE FABRICS (BY $248 MILLION OR 92 PER CENT). VEGETABLES. ROOTS AND JUBERS (BY $237 MILLION OR 218 PER CENT), AS WELL AS OIL ?fEDS_AND OLEAGINOUS FRUIT FOR EXTRACTION OF VEGETABLE OILS (BY $226 MILLION

OR 320 PER CENT).

MOST RE-EXPORT COMMODITIES OF JAPAN ORIGIN SHOWED STRONG GROWTH, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING GOODS VEHICLES AND SPECIAL PURPOSE MOTOR VEHICLES (BY $515 MILLION OR 249 PER CENT), MOTORCYCLES, MOTOR SCOOTERS AND OTHER CYCLES (BY $472 MILLION OR 85 PER CENT}, TELEVISION RECEIVERS (BY $175 MILLION OR 116 PER CENT), AND THERMIONIC, COLD CATHODE AND PHOTO-CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, PHOTOCELLS AND TRANSISTORS IBY $114..MILL ION OR 53 PER CENT)

/OVERSEAS PURCHASES .......

TUESDAY, MABCH 9 > 1982

OVERSEAS PURCHASES OF U.S. PRODUCTS THROUGH HONG KONG REMAINED ACTIVE IN 1981. INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS OF THERMIONIC, COLD CATHODE AND PHOTO-CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, PHOTOCELLS AND TRANSISTORS (BY 1195 MILLION OR 39 PER CENT), PARTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR OFFICE AND DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $74 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT), AND TEXTILE YARN (BY $49 MILLION OR 385 PER INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS OF TAIWAN ORIGIN WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILE YARN (BY $353 MILLION OR 95 PER CENT), WOVEN FABRICS CF MAN-MADE FIBRES (BY $234 MILLION OR 66 PER CENT), AND KNITTED OR CROCHETED FABRICS (BY $198 MILLION OR 168 PER CENT).

RE-EXPORTS OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) ORIGIN ALSO SHOWED SIGNIFICANT GROWTH, PARTICULARLY FOR WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $296 MILLION OR 163 PER CENT).

RE-EXPORTS BY ORIGIN AND DESTINATION

WHEN ANALYSED BY ORIGIN AND THEN BY DESTINATION, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO THE U.S. (BY $1 124 MILLION OR 66 PER CENT), JAPAN (BY $458 MILLION OR 93 PER CENT), INDONESIA (BY $278 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT), AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (BY $247 MILLION OR 147 PER CENT). INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS OF JAPAN ORIGIN WERE MAINLY TO INDONESIA (BY $1 155 MILLION OR 83 PER CENT), CHINA (BY $566 MILLION OR 63 PER CENT) AND MACAU (BY $116 MILLION OR 54 PER CENT). SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE ALSO NOTED IN RE-EXPORTS OF U.S. ORIGIN TO SINGAPORE (BY $313 MILLION OR 99 PER CENT) AND CHINA (BY $230 MILLION OR 68 PER CENT).

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URBAN CLEARWAYS

IN ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD NKR

BOTH THE NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAYS IN A SECTION OF ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH OLD MAIN STREET, ABERDEEN, WILL BE DESIGNATED AS URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 12).

ALL VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE CLEARWAYS FROM 7 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY.

TRAFFIC SIGNS AND CARRIAGEWAY MARKINGS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1982

TAILORS AND PIECEGOODS MERCHANTS GOING METRIC

I K I M

TAILORS AND PIECEGOODS MERCHANTS WOULD BE MEASURING IN METRES AND CENTIMETRES AS FROM AUTUMN THIS YEAR, MR JIM MCGUINN IETY, SENIOR METRICATION OFFICER OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTHWEST, MR MCGUINN IETY SAID THAT THE CHANGE-OVER WOULD BE ATTEMPTED FROM SEPTEMBER AND WAS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY MARCH 1983.

FOR YEARS, PIECEGOODS MERCHANTS HAVE BEEN MEASURING WITH THE YARD-STICK AND TAILORS HAVE BEEN USING THE 24-INCH RULER.

A NEW METRE-STICK WAS NOW BEING PRODUCED, AND THERE WERE PLANS TO MANUFACTURE A NEW HALF-METRE TAILORING RULER, MR MCGUINN IETY DISCLOSED.

THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE PRODUCING A POCKET-SIZED MEASUREMENT CONVERSION CHART AND TWO POSTERS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE SHOPS.

THIS WAS ONLY ONE EXAMPLE OF THE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN THE METRICATION PROGRAMME, MR MCGUINNIETY POINTED OUT.

♦IN FACT, 45 SECTOR COMMITTEES AND SECTOR PANELS, COVERING ALMOST THE ENTIRE PRIVATE SECTOR, ARE PREPARING AND PLANNING THEIR OWN METRICATION PROGRAMMES, AND PROGRESS IS QUITE SATISFACTORY,* HE SAID.

PLANS WERE ALSO IN HAND TO PROMOTE THE SALE OF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, SUCH AS REFRIGERATORS, TELEVISION SETS AND FANS, IN METRIC UNITS. *

METRICATION PROGRAMMES WERE ALSO BEING INITIATED FOR THE PACKAGING, TEXTILE AND PAPER AND PRINTING INDUSTRIES, HE SAID.

PRESS SUPPORT FOR THE METRICATION EFFORT WAS +MOST ENCOURAGING* HE SAID.

AS FAR AS GOVERNMENT PUBLICITY EFFORTS WERE CONCERNED, A METRIC GAMES DAY FOR STUDENTS WOULD BE HELD AT PERTH STREET SPORTSGROUND ON SATURDAY (MARCH 13) AND A METRIC EXHIBITION WOULD BE ORGANISED AT THE CITY HALL IN JANUARY 1983 AS PART OF A METRIC 10-DAY PROGRAMME AIMED AT CONSUMERS.

♦ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE NOW EFFECTIVELY METRIC,♦ MR MCGUINNIETY SAID.

THE ONLY MAJOR LEGISLATION WHICH HAD NOT YET BEEN METRICATED BUT WOULD BE IN THE FUTURE WERE THE ROAD TRANSPORT ORDINANCE AND THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCNE, HE SAID.

MR MCGUINNIETY SAID THAT GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES WOULD BE TAKING PART IN A METRICATION SEMINAR IN GUANGZHOU NEXT MONTH WHICH WOULD ALSO BE ATTENDED BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM SINGAPORE.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1982

BOARD MEMBERS TO STUDY YAU MA TEI PROBLEMS

M N M N

MEMBERS OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD WILL TOUR YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI ON THURSDAY (MARCH 11) TO STUDY PROBLEMS CONFRONTING THEIR DISTRICT.

THEY WILL ALSO OBSERVE THE EFFORTS MADE BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS IN SOLVING SOME OF THE PROBLEMS.

THEY WILL VISIT THE FERRY POINT COMPLEX. THE CANTON ROAD JADE MARKET. THE SHEK LUNG STREET FRUIT MARKET AND CERTAIN PAVEMENTS AND BACK LANES OCCUPIED BY ILLEGAL STRUCTURES.

THEY WILL ALSO LOOK OVER DEVELOPMENTS IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST AND EXAMINE THE PARKING PROBLEM IN THE AREA.

THE MEMBERS WILL THEN TRAVEL ALONG AUSTIN ROAD TO LOOK AT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS A TOPIC WHICH THEY DISCUSSED AT THE BOARD’S RECENT INAUGURAL MEETING.

THE TOUR WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM AND IS EXPECTED TO LAST FOR MORE THAN THREE HOURS.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE TOUR OF YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI BY MEMBERS OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD ON THURSDAY (MARCH 11). TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO USE THE TRANSPORT SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING AT 393 CANTON ROAD BY 9.30 AM.

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AIR SERVICE TALKS * * *

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, MR N. LATHAM, IS REPRESENTING THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AT THE ThREE-DAY AIR SERVICE TALKS BEING HELD IN BONN BETWEEN THE UNITED KONGDOM AND FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CAD SAID TODAY.

I HOPED THAT, AS A RESULT OF THE DISCUSSIONS. CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS WILL BE ABLE TO OPERATE B747 FREIGHT SERVICES FROM HONG KONG TO FRANKFURT FROM APRIL THIS YEAR AND B747 PASSENGER SERVICES FROM SPRING IN 1983.

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/13

TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1982

EMPLOYEES RECORD - A LEGAL REQUIREMENT *****

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEY HAVE TO KEEP RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES AS. REQUIRED LY THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE.

♦ANY EMPLOYER WHO FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THIS REQUIREMENT IS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10 000 ON CONVICTION,♦ SAID THE SPOKESMAN.

THE SPOKESMAN ISSUED THE REMINDER

_________________________ _ _ __FOLLOWING TWO RECENT PROSECUTIONS FOR BREACHES OF THE REQUIREMENT. IN ONE CASE, THE PROPRIETOR OF A KNITTING FACTORY WAS FINED $3 000 FOR FAILING TO KEEP AN EMPLOYEE RECORD.

co THE 0TH!R CASE1 THE PROPR«ETOR OF ANOTHER KNITTING FACTORY WAS ALSO FINED $3 000 FOR FAILING TO KEEP AN EMPLOYEE RECORD IN THE FORM OF A LIST.

THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT AN EMPLOYEE RECORD SHOULD CONTAIN THE EMPLOYEE’S FULL NAME AS SHOWN ON HIS IDENTITY CARD OR ANY OTHER APPROVED IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS AND THE TYPE AND NUMBER OF THE DOCUMENT IN QUESTION.

IF MORE THAN 10 EMPLOYEES ARE EMPLOYED, THE RECORD SHOULD BE IN THE FORM OF A LIST. IN THE CASE OF 10 OR LESS EMPLOYEES, THE RECORD CAN BE KEPT ON SEPARATE SHEETS.

THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT EMPLOYEE RECORDS MUST BE KEPT AT ALL PLACES OF EMPLOYMENTS, REGARDLESS OF THEIR SIZE OR LOCATION.

AN EMPLOYER WHO HAS A BRANCH OFFICE SHOULD ALSO KEEP A SEPARATE RECORD AT THAT OFFICE FOR THE EMPLOYEES THERE.

- - o - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1982

CONTENTS RAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:

LAW PASSED FOR BETTER CONTROL OF VIDEO-GAMES PLACES...... 1

NEED FOR + STRONG SANCTION St- STRESSED .................... 2

NT DB ELECTION RESULTS +HIGHLY SATISFACTORY-!- ............. 3

REPORT ON FIRST J SEA OUT NEXT MONTH ....................... 4

TWO JDNTHS FOR PUBLIC TO CONSIDER ROADS BILL ............... 4

CHANGES TO MEDICAL PRACTICE LAW PLANNED..................... 5

QEH CUSTOMER RELATIONS SCHEME A SUCCESS .................... 6

EFFECTS OF APPRENTICESHIP (AMENDMENT) BILL ON EMPLOYERS .. 7

'DE-FEDERALISATION* SET FOR APRIL 1 ........................ 9

GOVERNMENT CO-ORDINaTING ROLE IN ARBITRATION URGED....... 10

MID—LEVELS BUILDING BAN EXTENDED 11

INCREASED FINES PROPOSED .................................. 11

'INADVERTENT SIDE-EFFECT1 CORRECTED ....................... 12

+STEP IN RIGHT DIRECTION-!- ............................... 13

PHASING IN OF NT GENERAL RATE.............................. 13

EIGHT BILLS PASSED ........................................ 14

INCREASE IN UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF HOUSING AUTHORITY...... 15

GUARANTEE FOR MTR LOAN .................................... 15

SU ECONOMIC SURVEYS APPROVED .............................. 16

NEW SITE FOR EXHIBITION CENTRE STUDY.......................... 17

UMELCO VISIT TO SHENZHEN ..................................... 17

IMPORTED CASE OF CHOLERA...................................... 18

ABERDEEN TUNNEL — BUS AND MAXICAB SERVICES ................... 19

VISIT TO ABERDEEN TUNNEL ..................................... 20

APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR CI'S .............................. 20

LITTER FROM COUNTRY PARKS TOPPED 3 000 TONNES ................ 21

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES TO HOLD CEREMONIAL PARADE IN STANLEY .. 22

HK-US TEXTILE TALKS RESUME.................................... 22

PRESERVING A VILLAGE LINK WITH THE PAST ...................... 23

PROHIBITED ZONE IN CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AREA ................. 23

CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS .................... 24

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, lye

LAW PASSED FOR BETTER CONTROL OF VIDEO-GAMES PLACES M M * *

THE MISCELLANEOUS LICENCES (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY IN ONE SITTING *T0 PROVIDE FOR BETTER CONTROL OF VIDEO-GAME ESTABLISHMENTS AND FOR STRONGER PENALTIES AGAINST THOSE CONVICTED OF RUNNING ESTABLISHMENTS ILLEGALLY*.

THE BILL DISPENSES WITH THE PREVIOUS DEFINITIONS OF +AUTOMAT IC MACHINE* AND +AUTOMAT IC MACHINE CENTRE* AND INTRODUCES A NEW AND ALL-EMBRACING DEFINITION OF +AMUSEMENT GAME CENTRE*. THIS DEFINITION MAKES LICENSABLE ANY PREMISES WHICH USE ALL IMAGINABLE TYPES OF AUTOMATIC OR VIDEO-GAME MACHINES.

IT ALSO GIVES THE COURTS MANDATORY POWERS ON CONVICTION TO ORDER THE CONFISCATION OF THOSE MACHINES WHICH HAVE BEEN SEIZED FROM ILLEGAL OPERATORS, UNLESS THE OWNER CAN SHOW SPECIAL AND EXCEPTIONAL REASONS WHY THIS SHOULD NOT BE DONE.

THREE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL.

MR ALLEN LEE SAID HE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE EXISTING ILLEGAL VIDEO-GAME ESTABLISHMENTS WERE HIGHLY PROFITABLE.

THE EXTENT OF SUCH PROFIT WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE WILLINGNESS OF UNSCRUPULOUS OPERATORS TO COMPROMISE THE SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY THE VERY YOUNG, HE SAID.

♦WE MUST STOP THESE ILLEGAL OPERATIONS AS SOON AS WE CAN,* MR LEE SAID.

MR ANDREW SO COMMENDED THE GOVERNMENT FOR ITS RESOLUTION AND EFFORTS TO UPHOLD THE SPIRIT AND DIGNITY OF LAW ENACTMENT AND ENFORCEMENT.

HE FELT THAT THE BILL AIMED ONLY AT THOSE UNSCRUPULOUS OR ILLEGAL OPERATORS AND WOULD HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO ILL EFFECTS ON LAW-ABIDING BUSINESSMEN OR APPLICANTS.

BUT HE REITERATED THE PLEAS MADE EARLIER BY SOME UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS IN THE COUNCIL THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROCESS THE APPLICATIONS FOR VIDEO-GAME LICENCES AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

MR K.C. CHAN SAID RECENT EVENTS INDICATED THAT SOME UNSCRUPULOUS VIDEO-GAME OPERATORS DID NOT ACCEPT THE SPIRIT OF THE LEGISLATION BUT CHOSE TO PLAY AROUND WITH WORDS AND THOUGHT THAT THEY COULD OUTWIT THE LAW.

♦THIS LEADS TO A MUCH MORE SERIOUS AND FUNDAMENTAL ISSUE, I.E. THE UNDERMINING OF OUR LEGAL SYSTEM AND OPEN DEFIANCE TO GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY,* SAID MR CHAN.

♦THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF OUR COMMUNITY REST ON THE SOLID FOUNDATION OF LAW AND ORDER AND WE CANNOT AND MUST NOT ALLOW ANY UNSCRUPULOUS OPERATORS TO ROCK IT.+

HE BELIEVED THE BILL, WHICH PROVIDES FOR A MORE FLEXIBLE DEFINITION OF +AMUSEMENT GAME CENTRES* AND FOR STIFFER PENALTIES, WOULD DETER THOSE WHO THOUGHT EVASION WOULD PAY.

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/2......

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1982

NEED FOR +STRONG SANCTIONS* STRESSED

KOK

RECENT EXPERIENCE WITH UNLICENSED OPERATORS OF VIDEO-GAME CENTRES, WITH THEIR CAVALIER ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE LAW, CALLED FOR STRONG SANCTIONS THAT WOULD FORCE THEM EITHER TO CLOSE OR TO OPERATE IN ACCEPTABLE REGULATED CIRCUMSTANCES.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON DENIS BRAY WHEN HE MOVED THE SECOND READING OF THE MISCELLANEOUS LICENCES (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1982 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE BILL, WHICH WAS PASSED INTO LAW TODAY, PROVIDES FOR THE FINE FOR OPERATING UNLICENSED ESTABLISHMENTS TO BE INCREASED FROM |1 000 TO $50 000 AND FOR THE MANDATORY FORFEITURE OF MACHINES FOUND IN UNLICENSED CENTRES.

IT ALSO INTRODUCES A DEFINITION OF ESTABLISHMENTS REQUIRING LICENSING WHICH WOULD COVER SCORELESS MACHINES. THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE NOW CALLED +AMUSEMENT GAME CENTRES*.

A SCHEDULE IS INCLUDED IN THE DEFINITION OF +AMUSEMENT GAME CENTRES* TO ALLOW FOR THE INCLUSION OF ANY NEW MACHINES BY ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL, HE SAID.

MR BRAY SAID THE EMERGENCE OF SCORELESS MACHINES HAD NOT BEEN FORESEEN DURING DRAFTING OF THE LAST AMENDMENT BILL BECAUSE A GREAT PART OF THE ENJOYMENT OF THE SKILLED PLAYERS WAS ACHIEVING A VERY HIGH SCORE.

+AS ABOUT 100 ESTABLISHMENTS HAVE SPRUNG UP WITH THESE MACHINES THERE CLEARLY IS SUFFICIENT CONSUMER INTEREST FOR THEM TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY,* HE SAID.

MR BRAY SAID HE HAD RECEIVED ADVICE FROM THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT THAT SOME OF THESE MACHINES, WHICH STILL HAD REFERENCE TO A SCORE ON THEIR COMPUTER PROGRAMMES, ALTHOUGH NOT ACTUALLY DISPLAYING THE SCORE, WERE ARGUABLY COVERED BY THE PRESENT ORDINANCE.

+HOWEVER, IT IS VERY EASY TO RE-PROGRAMME THE CIRCUITS TO CIRCUMVENT THIS AND IN SOME MACHINES THIS MAY HAVE BEEN DONE ALREADY.*

MR BRAY SAID VIDEO OR AMUSEMENT GAMES WERE FOUND IN AN AREA OF RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT. THE NEW BILL, HE ADDED, PROVIDES FOR LEGISLATIVE FLEXIBILITY IN DEALING WITH FUTURE INNOVATIONS AND, SHOULD MORE LOOPHOLES BE FOUND, THEY CAN BE STOPPED VERY QUICKLY.

HOWEVER, THE BILL ALSO INCLUDES ANOTHER SCHEDULE WHICH ALLOWS FOR EXEMPTION OF MACHINES OR PREMISES FROM LICENCE REQUIREMENT. THESE INCLUDE, FOR INSTANCE, STRENGTH-TESTING MACHINES COMMONLY SEEN IN FUN FAIRS, OR A FUND-RAISING PARTY USING VIDEO-GAME MACHINES FOR CHARITABLE PURPOSES.

/ON THE ........

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1982

ON THE PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS FOR LICENCES, MR BRAY SAID THE TIME TAKEN BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING HAD NOW BEEN REDUCED CONSIDERABLY AND THERE WAS NO EXCUSE FOR INTENDING OPERATORS NOT TO APPLY FOR A PROPER LICENCE.

IN FACT, HE SAID, THE COMMISSIONER HAD DEALT WITH ALL 1 372 LICENCE APPLICATIONS RECEIVED UP TO FEBRUARY 9. THIS WAS LESS THAN HALF OF THE TWO MONTHS HE HAD PROMISED IN JANUARY WHEN HE SPOKE BEFORE THE COUNCIL, MR BRAY ADDED.

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NT DB ELECTION RESULTS *HIGHLY SATISFACTORY* M X M X

THE RESPONSE TO LAST WEEK’S NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WAS HIGHLY SATISFACTORY AND WAS A CLEAR DEMONSTRATION OF THE KEEN PUBLIC INTEREST IN PARTICIPATING IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT.

THE SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THIS IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ANDREW SO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MR AKERS-JONES SAID ABOUT 97 000 PEOPLE VOTED IN THE ELECTIONS, REPRESENTING OVER 51 PER CENT OF THE REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

HE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT A SEPARATE REPORT NEEDED BE MADE TO THE COUNCIL AS TO HOW THE EXPERIENCE GAINED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WOULD BE APPLIED DURING THE URBAN AREA ELECTIONS SINCE, AFTER ALL, THE FIRST STAGE OF PREPARING FOR THESE ELECTIONS WOULD BEGIN NEXT WEEK WITH THE REGISTRATION OF VOTERS FROM MARCH 19 TO APRIL 30.

+ IN GENERAL ALL THE FORMAL PROCEDURES WORKED REMARKABLY WELL AND THE RESULTS INDICATED THAT BY AND LARGE THE OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL EFFORT IN ENSURING THAT THE ELECTIONS WERE SUCCESSFUL WAS CORRECTLY PITCHED,* HE SAID.

♦INDEED, I SHOULD LIKE TO PLACE ON RECORD MY THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO HELPED ACHIEVE THIS.

♦WITH REGARD TO DETAIL, I WILL OF COURSE LOOK AT OUR PROCEDURES TO SEE IF ANY CHANGES ARE NECESSARY AND WILL ARRANGE TO BRIEF THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL SEPARATELY IF SO WISHED.*

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1982 *

_ 4 -

REPORT ON FIRST JSEA OUT NEXT MONTH * * * *

AN ASSESSMENT HAD BEEN MADE OF THE FIRST JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT (JSEA) HELD IN 1980-81 AND A FULL REPORT WOULD BE ISSUED TO ALL PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS NEXT MONTH, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, ACTING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON ANDREW SO AS TO WHETHER GOVERNMENT HAD MADE ANY ASSESSMENT OF THE JSEA.

THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF JSEA WAS TO SELECT A PROPORTION OF THE FORM III PUPILS IN THE FAIREST POSSIBLE WAY AND TO ALLOCATE THEM TO THE AVAILABLE AIDED FORM IV PLACES WITH THE LEAST DISRUPTION AND INCONVENIENCE POSSIBLE, HE SAID.

♦THE FINDINGS OF THIS FIRST ASSESSMENT INDICATE THAT THIS MAIN OBJECTIVE HAS BEEN ACHIEVED,* MR LEUNG ADDED.

OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF 92 980 ENTRIES RECEIVED FROM FORM III PUPILS LAST YEAR, 52 521 WERE ALLOCATED AIDED FORM IV PLACES, WHILE 1 052 WERE GIVEN PLACES IN FULL-TIME CRAFT COURSES IN THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.

THE FORMER GROUP REPRESENTED 58.6 PER CENT OF THE NET ENTRIES AFTER WITHDRAWALS AND THE SUCCESSFUL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE APPLICANTS WERE EXCLUDED, THE DIRECTOR SAID.

♦OF THE PUPILS ALLOCATED FORM IV PLACES, 80 PER CENT WERE ALLOCATED PLACES WITHIN THEIR OWN SCHOOLS,+ HE SAID.

-----o------

TWO MONTHS FOR PUBLIC TO CONSIDER ROADS BILL * * * *

THE PUBLIC WILL BE GIVEN FULL OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS ON THE ROADS (WORKS, USE AND COMPENSATION) BILL 1982, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JOHN GRIFFITHS SAID TODAY.

IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR GRIFFITHS SAID DEBATE ON THE BILL WOULD BE ADJOURNED FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO ALLOW FULL OPPORTUNITY FOR REPRESENTATIONS AND TO PERMIT A DETAILED EXAMINATION OF THE BILL BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL TO TAKE PLACE.

MR GRIFFITHS SAID THE OBJECT OF THE BILL WAS TO CURE THE DEFECTS OF THE EXISTING STREETS (ALTERATION) ORDINANCE, PASSED IN MAY 1970, AND TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE CODE, SELF-CONTAINED WITHIN ONE ORDINANCE, DEALING WITH ALL MATTERS IN CONNECTION WITH NEW ROADWORKS OF ALL KINDS, INCLUDING TUNNELS, AS WELL AS WITH THE ALTERATION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF EXISTING STREETWORKS.

/IT ALSO .......

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 19fc2

IT ALSO SOUGHT TO CLARIFY THE PRESENT UNCERTAINTY RELATING TO COMPENSATION, AND TO STRIKE A REASONABLE AND FAIR BALANCE BETWEEN THE EXPECTATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL TO BE COMPENSATED FOR DAMAGE OR LOSS CAUSED TO HIM BY STREETWORKS AND THE LEGITIMATE INTERESTS OF SOCIETY AS A WHOLE IN HAVING STREETWORKS BUILT AT NOT TOO EXTRAVAGANT COST, HE SAID.

MR GRIFFITHS SAID THAT IN THE 12 YEARS SINCE THE ENACTMENT CF THE STREETS (ALTERATION) ORDINANCE, THE COMPLEXITY, SOPHISTICATION AND SIZE Oc CIV'L ENGINEERING PROJECTS DESIGNED AND BUILT TO ASSIST IN SOLVING HONG KONG’S TRAFFIC PROBLEMS HAD INCREASED, AS HAD THE NEED FOR ROADS WITHIN AND LEADING TO THE NEW URBAN AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

♦THE EFFECTS OF THESE CHANGES, AND EXPERIENCE IN ITS OPERATION, HAVE MADE PLAIN THAT THE PRESENT ORDINANCE IS SERIOUSLY DEFECTIVE IN A NUMBER OF WAYS AND NOT CAPABLE OF ADAPTATION BY AMENDMENT TO MEET THE PRESENT-DAY NEEDS OF HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.

- - o -

CHANGES TO MEDICAL PRACTICE LAW PLANNED

A * * *

PROPOSALS WERE BEING PREPARED FOR AMENDING THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION ORDINANCE WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE MEDICAL COUNCIL DIRECTLY TO ASSESS QUALIFIED FOREIGN DIPLOMA HOLDERS FOR PRACTICE HERE, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WERE IN AN ADVANCED STAGE OF PREPARATION AND WERE LIKELY TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR-INCOUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION SHORTLY, HE SAID.

DR TH^NG WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY MR T.S. LO, WHO ASKED WHY DOCTOR QUALIFIED TO PRACTISE IN HIGHLY-DEVELOPED COUNTRIES LIKE THE U.S.A. WERE PROHIBITED BY LAW FROM PRACTISING IN HONG KONG AND WHAT «=RE THE EFFECTS OF THIS PROHIBITION, MEDICALLY AND ECONOMICALLY.

DR THONG EXPLAINED THAT AT PRESENT, THREE CATEGORIES OF MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS ARE ALLOWED TO BE PLACED ON THE REGISTER, NAMELY t

A) ANY PERSON WHO HOLDS A COLONY DIPLOMA, I.E., THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF MEDICINE AND BACHELOR OF SURGERY (M.B.B.S.) OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG;

B) ANY PERSON WHO HOLDS A QUALIFICATION OR DEGREE RECOGNISED BY THE GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL (G.M.C.) OF THE UNITED KINGDOM; AND

C) ANY LICENTIATE OF THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG.

DR THONG SAID THAT ANY PERSON, BESIDES HONG KONG UNIVERSITY GRADUATES COULD ALSO BE PLACED ON THE REGISTER LOCALLY ON SATISFYING THE UK GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL OR THE LICENTIATE COMMITTEE CF THE HONG KONG MEDICAL COUNCIL.

/DOCTORS QUALIFIED

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 19t>2

DOCTORS QUALIFIED IN OTHER COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE U.S. AND OTHER DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, WERE THEREFORE NOT PROHIBITED FROM PRACTISING LOCALLY PROVIDED THEY WERE ALSO QUALIFIED, WILLING AND ABLE TO GO THROUGH THE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM, HE SAID.

HE SAID 174 HOLDERS OF U.S. AND CANADIAN QUALIFICATIONS HAD BEEN PLACED ON THE LOCAL MEDICAL REGISTER BY VIRTUE OF THEIR GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL REGISTRATIONS IN THE PAST 40 YEARS.

DR THONG SAID THAT THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG AT PRESENT HAD NO DISCRETION TO PLACE ON THE REGISTER, STRAIGHTAWAY, HOLDERS OF 'FOREIGN DIPLOMAS’.

HE SAID ALSO THAT SINCE DIPLOMA HOLDERS FROM THE U.S.A. AND OTHER DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, WERE NOT PROHIBITED AS SUCH FROM PRACTISING HERE, IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO ASSESS ACCURATELY THE MEDICAL AND ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF THE PRESENT LEGISLATION.

-----0------

QEH CUSTOMER RELATIONS SCHEME A SUCCESS

» K M » K »

THE CUSTOMER RELATIONS OFFICE SET UP AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL IN JUNE LAST YEAR AS A PILOT SCHEME, HAS PROVED BENEFICIAL TO PATIENTS, THEIR RELATIVES AND HOSPITAL STAFF.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR THE HON K.L. THONG, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY.

DR THONG SAID THE PROJECT WAS STARTED WITH THE PRIMARY AIM OF HELPING PATIENTS AND THEIR RELATIVES TO OBTAIN PROMPT HOSPITAL SERVICE AND TO EXPLAIN HOSPITAL PROCEDURES AND OTHER ACTIVITIES TO THEM.

IT WAS ALSO DESIGNED TO RELIEVE PROFESSIONAL HOSPITAL STAFF FROM NON-PROFESS IONAL MATTERS.

♦THE BASIC OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT HAD, BY AND LARGE, BEEN ATTAINED,♦ DR THONG SAID.

♦THE PATIENTS AND THEIR RELATIVES, IN PARTICULAR, HAVE BENEFITED MUCH FROM THE DIRECT CONTACT WITH SOMEONE WHO COULD GIVE CLEAR EXPLANATIONS ABOUT HOSPITAL PROCEDURES AND SERVICES ON THE SPOT WHICH AT TIMES APPEAR TO THEM TO BE CUMBERSOME AND COMPLICATED AND HAVE ALSO SAVED UNNECESSARY CONCERN ABOUT THE CONDITIONS OF PATIENTS AND THEIR TREATMENT,♦ SAID DR THONG.

♦IN REGARD TO THE BENEFIT TO THE STAFF, THE SCHEME HAS REDUCED SUBSTANTIALLY THE TIME FORMERLY SPENT BY PROFESSIONAL STAFF ON PATIENT RELATION MATTERS, THUS ALLOWING THEM TO CONCENTRATE ON PATIENT CARE.+

DR THONG SAID THE UNIT HAD DEALT WITH ABOUT 80 COMPLAINTS AND MORE THAN 3 000 ENQUIRIES.

THE PROJECT AND ITS STRUCTURE WERE BEING APPRAISED IN DETAIL, HE SAID, TO DETERMINE ITS FUTURE.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1982

EFFECTS OF APPRENTICESHIP (AMENDMENT) BILL ON EMPLOYERS

*****

AN UNOFFICIAL, MR S.L. CHEN, EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE PRACTICAL EFFECTS THAT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS IN THE APPRENTICESHIP (AMENDMENT) BILL WOULD HAVE ON EMPLOYERS OF APPRENTICES IN DESIGNATED TRADES.

THE BILL, WHICH WAS PASSED TODAY, IS AIMED AT TRANSFERRING CERTAIN RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE TO THE NEW VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING.

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, MR CHEN SAID THAT UP UNTIL NOW, EMPLOYERS HAD ONLY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO DEAL WITH.

♦BUT WITH PROPOSED TRANSFER OF AUTHORITY FROM THE COMMISSIONER TO THE DIRECTOR FOR SOME OF THE PROVISIONS AND THE RETENTION OF THE COMMISSIONER AS THE AUTHORITY FOR THE OTHERS, NOTABLY REGULATIONS 8, 9, 10 AND 11, WILL IT MEAN THAT IN FUTURE EMPLOYERS HAVE TO DEAL WITH MORE THAN ONE AUTHORITY AND POSSIBLY BE VISITED BY INSPECTORS OF BOTH DEPARTMENTS IN RESPECT OF EVERY REGISTERED APPRENTICE?* HE ASKED.

♦ IF THIS IS THE CASE, I AM AFRAID THAT THE ADDITIONAL RED TAPE WOULD, I HAVE NO DOUBT, DETER EMPLOYERS FROM TAKING ON YOUNG PEOPLE FOR TRAINING.

♦ I WOULD THEREFORE LIKE TO HAVE AN ASSURANCE FROM GOVERNMENT THAT THIS IS NOT ITS INTENTION AND THAT SUCH A SITUATION WILL NOT ARISE IN FUTURE.+

MR CHEN ALSO CRITICISED CLAUSE 10 WHICH EMPOWERS THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING TO MAKE REGULATIONS ONLY +WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE COMMISSIONER*.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE IS ALREADY A PROVISION IN THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WHEREBY ALL REGULATIONS HAVE TO BE APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

♦ I HAVE GRAVE DOUBTS IN THE WISDOM OF USING THE PHRASE ’WITH THE APPROVAL OF* AS IT MAY UNNECESSARILY TIE THE HANDS, AS IT WERE, OF THE DIRECTOR.

♦ I SUGGEST THEREFORE THAT IT WOULD BE MORE APPROPRIATE TO REPLACE THE WORDS ’WITH THE APPROVAL OF’ BY ’IN CONSULTATION WITH’ IN CLAUSE 10,♦ MR CHEN SAID.

/IN REPLY TO .......

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1982

- 8

IN REPLY TO MR CHEN’S POINTS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION, THE HON K.W.J. TOPLEY GAVE ASSURANCE THAT THE RETENTION OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR AS THE AUTHORITY FOR REGULATIONS 8, 9, 10 AND 11 WOULD NOT MEAN ADDITIONAL WORK FOR EMPLOYERS.

♦NOR WILL EMPLOYERS, IN THE ORDINARY COURSE OF EVENTS BE VISITED BY INSPECTORS OF TWO DEPARTMENTS IN RESPECT OF REGISTERED APPRENTICES,+ HE ADDED.

MR TOPLEY SAID THE COMMISSIONER HAD INDICATED HE WOULD DELEGATE HIS POWERS UNDER REGULATIONS 8, 9, 10 AND 11 TO INSPECTORS AS DEFINED IN SECTION 33 OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE AND OTHER PUBLIC OFFICERS OF THE NEW DEPARTMENT AS APPROPRIATE.

THE COMMISSIONER HOWEVER REMAINED THE AUTHORITY FOR THESE REGULATIONS AND WOULD MONITOR EVENTS THROUGH REGULAR REPORT FROM THE NEW DEPARTMENT.

REFERRING TO CLAUSES 10 AND 11 OF THE BILL, HE SAID IT WAS CORRECT THAT CLAUSE 10 WOULD AMEND SECTION 47 OF THE MAIN ORDINANCE SO THAT REGULATIONS IN FUTURE WOULD BE MADE BY THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING WITH THE APPROVAL CF THE COMMISSIONER OF LABOUR.

♦ SOME OF THE REGULATIONS DEAL WITH MATTERS WHICH SHOULD REMAIN WITHIN THE GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMISSIONER CF LABOUR, E.G. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT SUCH AS HOURS OF WORK, THE PAYMENT OF WAGES ETC.

♦ IN ORDER TO AVOID DUPLICATION OF POWERS WITHIN THE SECTION, ESPECIALLY IN VIEW OF THE WIDERANGING POWERS IN SECTION 47(1)( I), I THINK IT IS CORRECT THAT ALL THE REGULATIONS SHOULD BE MADE BY THE DIRECTOR WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE COMMISSIONER.

♦ THIS APPEARS TO TIE THE HANDS OF THE DIRECTOR BUT THIS IS BETTER THAN NOT TYING HIS HANDS AT ALL IN THE SORT OF CASES TO WHICH I HAVE REFERRED,+ HE SAID.

MR CHEN’S SUGGESTION THAT +WITH THE APPROVAL 0F+ SHOULD BE REPLACED BY +IN CONSULTATION WITH+ WOULD NOT REQUIRE THE DIRECTOR TO FOLLOW THE COMMISSIONER’S ADVICE OVER THESE MATTERS AND HE BELIEVED THIS WOULD BE WRONG, MR TOPLEY SAID.

♦ I FEEL THAT THE WORDING OF THIS CLAUSE IS BEST LEFT AS SHOWN IN THE BILL,* HE SAID.

--------o---------

/9........

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1982

’DE-FEDERALISATION* SET FOR APRIL 1

* * *

THE DE-FEDERALISATION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WOULD BE COMPLETED BY APRIL 1, 1982, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

FROM THAT DATE, FIVE SEPARATE DEPARTMENTS WOULD BE FORMED -BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT, WATER SUPPLIES AND LANDS.

LATER ON THIS YEAR, SIR PHILIP SAID, A NEW ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WOULD BE FORMED BY HIVING OFF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE FROM THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

ULTIMATELY, AN URBAN AREA DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION WOULD ALSO BE HIVED OFF AND CONVERTED INTO ANOTHER SEPARATED DEPARTMENT ANALOGOUS TO THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

SIR PHILIP SAID THE URBAN AREA DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION IS AT PRESENT LOCATED, AS A MATTER OF ADMINISTRATIVE CONVENIENCE, WITHIN THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.

AS REGARDS THE WORKING RELATIONSHIPS ENVISAGED BETWEEN THE SEVERAL SEPARATE DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE LANDS AND WORKS GROUP, HE SAID THESE WOULD BE SIMILAR TO THOSE DEVELOPMENT OVER THE YEARS BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENTS OF THE FEDERAL ISED PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

+HOWEVER, IN FUTURE, THE CO-ORDINATING AGENCY WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, WORKING THROUGH THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, RATHER THAN THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, WORKING THROUGH PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS.

♦THE EXISTING NETWORK OF INTER-DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEES WILL HAVE TO BE SOMEWHAT RESTRUCTURED TO REFLECT THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS AND THIS WILL BE COMPLETED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,* SIR PHILIP SAID.

HE ADDED THAT ALTHOUGH THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH WOULD FUNCTION AS AN ORDINARY POLICY BRANCH WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, IT WOULD ALSO HAVE TO PERFORM CERTAIN RESIDUAL FUNCTIONS PREVIOUSLY UNDERTAKEN BY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS.

THESE FUNCTIONS INCLUDE THE FORMULATION AND REVIEW OF TECHNICAL STANDARDS, PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL TRAINING, THE ASSESSMENT AND GRADING OF CONTRACTORS, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND THE MONITORING OF PROGRESS ON THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME AS A WHOLE, HE ADDED.

MEANWHILE, THE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED A MOTION BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY GIVING EFFECT TO THE DECISIONS TO SPLIT UP THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTO FOUR SEPARATE DEPARTMENTS AND TO CREATE A LANDS DEPARTMENT FROM APRIL 1.

-------o----------

/10........

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1982

10 -

GOVERNMENT CO-ORDINATING ROLE IN ARBITRATION URGED * * * *

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED THE ARBITRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH SEEKS TO PROVIDE A SATISFACTORY AND VIABLE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR LOCAL AS WELL AS INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATIONS.

TWO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL DURING ITS SECOND-READING, CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO PLAY A CO-ORDINATING ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AS A CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION.

MR PETER C. WONG POINTED OUT THAT EVEN THOUGH THE BILL WAS PASSED INTO LAW, MUCH REMAINED TO BE DONE.

+RULES FOR THE CONDUCT OF ARBITRATION IN HONG KONG WILL HAVE TO BE DRAFTED, AND THIS WILL REQUIRE THE SAME DEGREE OF CARE, EXPERTISE AND CONSULTATION AS THE DRAFTING OF THE BILL ITSELF,+ HE SAID.

♦AT A TIME WHEN THINGS ARE MOVING VERY QUICKLY, IT WOULD BE WISE TO PROCEED AS SWIFTLY AS IS PRACTICABLE WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE NECESSARY SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION.+

THERE WAS ALSO THE NEED TO PROVIDE SUITABLE ARBITRATION FACILITIES, MR WONG NOTED, ADDING THAT THIS WAS AN AREA WHERE PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS CONCERNED WITH ARBITRATION WOULD NO DOUBT WISH TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE.

♦SIMILARLY, THE SHORTAGE OF ARBITRATORS IN HONG KONG WILL BE ANOTHER AREA WHERE THESE INSTITUTIONS WOULD WISH TO CONSIDER AND SEEK WAYS AND MEANS TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION,+ HE SAID.

MR F.K. HU FELT THAT THE AVAILABILITY OF INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION SERVICES WOULD FURTHER ENHANCE THE POSITION OF HONG KONG AS A LEADING FINANCE AND COMMERCIAL CENTRE.

HOWEVER, HE SUGGESTED THAT AFTER THE BILL WAS ENACTED, SERIOUS DISCUSSIONS WITH VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS, SUCH AS THE SHIP OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE INSTITUTE OF ARBITRATORS, SHOULD BE HELD ON THE WAYS AND MEANS OF MAKING HONG KONG AN ARBITRATION CENTRE.

HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO HELP ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVE BY PROVIDING THE NECESSARY ARBITRATION FACILITIES.

♦THE GOVERNMENT CAN FURTHER ASSIST IN PUBLICISING AND PROMOTING ARBITRATION IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.

♦IT CAN ALSO HELP GREATLY IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION AND TRAIN ING.+

-----o----------

/11 ........

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 19bc

MID-LEVELS BUILDING BAN EXTENDED

* M * *

THE STATUTORY BAN ON BUILDING DEVELOPMENT IN MID-LEVELS IS TO BE EXTENDED FOR FOUR MORE MONTHS.

THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON DAVID MCDONALD. MOVED A RESOLUTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY TO EXTEND T STATUTORY RESTRICTION UNTIL JULY 31.

THE TEMPORARY RESTRICTION OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT (MID-LEVELS) ORDINANCE, ENACTED IN MAY 1979, ENABLES A DETAILED GEOTECHNICAL SURVEY OF THE HILLSIDE SLOPES IN THE AREA TO BE COMPLETED.

IT WAS ORIGINALLY DUE TO EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31, 1981 BUT WAS EXTENDED FOR THREE MONTHS UNTIL MARCH 31 TO ENABLE AMENDMENTS TO THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS TO BE INTRODUCED SO THAT THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE WOULD BE ABLE TO EXERCISE APPROPRIATE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL ON NEW BUILDING WORKS IN MID-LEVELS.

AT THAT TIME, IT WAS HOPED THAT IT INTRODUCE THE AMENDING BILL IN TIME FOR TO COME INTO FORCE BY THE END OF MARCH.

WOULD PROVE POSSIBLE TO

IT AND AMENDING REGULATIONS

MR MCDONALD SAID, +IT IS NOW CLEAR THAT MORE TIME IS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING PROCESS AND TO ENABLE THE DRAFT LEGISLATION TO BE ADEQUATELY CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT BEFORE BEING INTRODUCED TO THE COUNCIL.+

THEREFORE, HE ADDED, A FURTHER FOUR MONTHS EXTENSION OF THE STATUTORY RESTRICTION ON NEW BUILDING IN MID-LEVELS WAS NECESSARY.

------o-------

INCREASED FINES PROPOSED * * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED INCREASING THE PENALTIES PRESCRIBED IN THE BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS ORDINANCE.

AN AMENDMENT BILL PROVIDING FOR FINES RANGING FROM >5 000 TO <50 000 WAS TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON J.N. HENDERSON, POINTED OUT THAT THE FINES PRESCRIBED IN THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WERE FIXED IN 1963 AND WERE INSUFFICIENT TO ACT AS A DETERRENT.

♦IN RECOMMENDING THE LEVELS OF THE REVISED PENALTIES, I HAVE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE OFFENCES AND WHETHER THE OFFENCE WAS COMMITTED BY PERSONS OTHER THAN THE OWNER IN A SIMILAR WAY TO FINE LEVELS RECENTLY REVISED FOR ALL SAFETY REGULATIONS UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ordinance.

/♦THE SAME ......

rirtXtvn IKJ, I

♦the SAME CRITERIA WILL BE FOLLOWED WHEN I MAKE CONSEQUENTIAL PROPOSALS TO REVISE PENALTIES UNDER THE BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS REGULATIONS,+ HE ADDED.

THE BILL ALSO AMENDS THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE CREATION OF CERTAIN PUBLIC SERVICE POSTS.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

------o-------

‘INADVERTENT SIDE-EFFECT’ CORRECTED

* * *

A NEW CLAUSE WAS ADDED TO THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982 DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY TO CORRECT AN INADVERTENT SIDE-EFFECT OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE ORDINANCE SO THAT NORMAL INTERNATIONAL MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS WOULD BE ABLE TO CONTINUE UNHINDERED.

THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HENRY CHING, IN MOVING THE ADDITION, SAID IT HAD BEEN SUGGESTED BY THE HONG KONG DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ASSOCIATION THAT THE AMENDMENT, IN CLAUSE 17, TAKEN TOGETHER WITH SECTION 8(2) (A) OF THE ORDINANCE, COULD PREVENT A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY FROM OBTAINING A SMALL OVERDRAFT OR OTHER ADVANCE FROM A BANK OUTSIDE HONG KONG IN A CURRENCY OTHER THAN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.

THE NEW CLAUSE 2A, HE SAID, AMENDS SECTION 8(2) (A) OF THE ORDINANCE, WITH CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO OTHER SECTIONS.

♦THE RESULT WILL BE THAT A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY CAN TAKE A DEPOSIT (WHICH BY DEFINITION INCLUDES AN OVERDRAFT) OF ANY SIZE, IN ANY CURRENCY, AND OF ANY MATURITY, FROM A BANK, WHETHER OR NOT THAT BANK IS LICENSED UNDER THE BANKING ORDINANCE,+ HE SAID.

ALSO AT COMMITTEE STAGE, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY

AN AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 2(A) OF THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982 TO CORRECT AN ANOMALY IN THE PROPOSED DEFINITION OF A ♦LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE+.

MR CHING SAID THE PROPOSED DEFINITION, AS PRESENTLY DRAFTED, WOULD INCLUDE THE BRANCHES IN HONG KONG OF CERTAIN BANKS INCORPORATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG WHICH ARE REGISTERED OR LICENSED UNDER THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE.

♦THIS IS AN UNUSUAL SITUATION WHICH EXISTS ONLY BECAUSE THESE INSTITUTIONS DO NOT HAVE THE WORD BANK IN THEIR TITLE, THOUGH THEY ARE RECOGNISED AND SUPERVISED AS BANKS IN THEIR COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN.

♦IT IS CLEARLY APPROPRIATE THAT THEIR ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG, WHICH INCLUDE THE BUSINESS OF TAKING DEPOSITS, SHOULD BE REGULATED AND SUPERVISED UNDER THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE, RATHER THAN UNDER THE NEW SECTIONS OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE COVERING REPRESENTATIVE OFF ICES.+

MR CHING SAID THE AMENDMENT WOULD PREVENT ANY ARGUMENT AS TO WHICH OF THE TWO ORDINANCES APPLIED TO THESE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.

------o-------

/V).......

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1982

+STEP IN RIGHT DIRECTION*

* * *

A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO STREAMLINE THE DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES AND AWARDS OF THE POLICE FORCE WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE POLICE FORCE (AMENDMENT) BILL DURING ITS SECOND READING DEBATE, MR T.S. LO SAID THE INTRODUCTION OF THE BILL WAS CERTAINLY A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

MR LO, WHO IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE UMELCO POLICE GROUP, SAIDt + IN MAY 1980 THE UMELCO POLICE GROUP RECOMMENDED TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AMONGST OTHER THINGS THAT A MEANS SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR ENFORCING THE RETIREMENT OF OFFICERS ADJUDGED MANIFESTLY UNFIT TO SERVE IN THE POLICE.

♦ IF. AFTER THE PASSAGE OF THIS BILL, THE NECESSARY AMENDMENTS ARE MADE TO THE DISCIPLINE REGULATION, IT WOULD BE TRUE TO SAY THAT FROM A PRACTICAL VIEWPOINT MEANS HAVE BEEN FOUND TO ENFORCE THE RETIREMENT OF INSPECTORS AND JUNIOR RANKS ADJUDGED MANIFESTLY UNFIT.

+THIS STILL LEAVES THE POSITION OF GAZETTED OFFICERS UNCHANGED AND UNSATISFACTORY,* MR LO ADDED.

IN REPLY, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON LEWIS DAVIES, POINTED OUT THAT GAZETTED OFFICERS ARE SUBJECT TO COLONIAL REGULATIONS.

♦THESE REGULATIONS ALREADY PROVIDE BOTH FOR THE COMPULSORY RETIREMENT OF A GAZETTED OFFICER FOLLOWING SPECIFIC ACTS OF MISCONDUCT AND, WHERE THE PUBLIC INTEREST SO REQUIRES, FOR THE RETIREMENT OF A GAZETTED OFFICER WITHOUT THE NECESSITY FOR A FORMAL DISCIPLINARY HEARING,* HE SAID.

------0--------

PHASING IN OF NT GENERAL RATE ; x x x

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED A MOTION TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE GENERAL RATE PERCENTAGE CHARGES FOR THE RATING AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

MOVING THE MOTION, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HENRY CHING SAID, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ESTABLISHED POLICY, THE FULL GENERAL RATE CHARGE FOR EACH RATING AREA IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS 11 PER CENT AND PHASED IN OVER A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS.

IN THE FIRST YEAR OF ASSESSMENT THE ACTUAL CHARGE APPLIED WAS 50 PER CENT OF THE FULL CHARGE, IN THE SECOND 60 PER CENT, IN THE THIRD 70 PER CENT, AND SO ON UNTIL THE FULL CHARGE WAS APPLIED IN THE SIXTH YEAR, HE SAID.

/THE JTJLL, ..............

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1982

THE FULL CHARGE ALREADY APPLIED TO 35 OUT OF THE 44 RATING AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

♦OF THE BALANCE OF NINE RATING AREAS, FIVE WILL BE IN THEIR SIXTH YEAR OF ASSESSMENT IN 1982-83, AND THE FULL CHARGE OF 11 PER CENT SHOULD BE APPLIED TO THEM.

♦THE REMAINING FOUR AREAS WILL BE IN THEIR THIRD YEAR OF ASSESSMENT, AND THE CHARGE FOR THEM SHOULD BE 70 PER CENT OF THE FULL CHARGE, OR 8 PER CENT,* HE SAID.

SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION, MR CHARLES YEUNG CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO ALLOCATE A PORTION OF THE RATES GENERATED FROM THE DISTRICTS FOR THE USE OF DISTRICT BOARDS.

HE NOTED THAT A PROPORTION OF THE RATES IN THE URBAN AREA HAD BEEN ALLOCATED TO THE URBAN COUNCIL SINCE APRIL 1973 TO MEET ITS LOCAL EXPENDITURE AND GROWTH WITHOUT RECOURSE TO AN ANNUAL GRANT FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE.

THIS FINANCIAL AUTONOMY HAD ENABLED THE URBAN COUNCIL TO INITIATE AND PROVIDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES.

IN ADDITION, MR YEUNG SAID, FUNDS HAD ALSO BEEN ALLOCATED FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE TO THE EIGHT ADVISORY BOARDS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES SINCE THEIR FORMATION FOR LOCAL USE TO AUGMENT CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND TO IMPROVE THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT.

♦WITH THE PLANNED PROGRAMME FOR THE FORMATION OF DISTRICT BOARDS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, IT IS HIGH TIME THAT GOVERNMENT GAVE SERIOUS THOUGHT TO THE ALLOCATION OF A PORTION OF THE RATES GENERATED FROM THE DISTRICTS, FOR THE USE OF DISTRICT BOARDS, IN LINE WITH THE PROCEDURE FOR URBAN COUNCIL

♦THE SUCCESS ACHIEVED OF ITS RATES WILL PROVIDE A USING DISTRICT BOARD RATES, NAME.+ SAID MR YEUNG.

BY THE URBAN COUNCIL IN THE DISBURSEMENT GOOD EXAMPLE FOR THE DISTRICT BOARDS IN IF I MAY BE ALLOWED TO PROPOSE THE

-------0 - -

EIGHT BILLS PASSED X X X

EIGHT BILLS WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THEY ARE j THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982, THE DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982, THE ARBITRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982, THE MISCELLANEOUS LICENCES (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1982, THE POLICE FORCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982, THE APPRENTICESHIP (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982, LEGAL AID (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982 AND THE HOUSING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982.

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/15........

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1982

INCREASE IN UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF HOUSING AUTHORITY * * * *

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL APPROVED THE HOUSING (AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH SEEKS TO PROVIDE FOR AN INCREASED NUMBER OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.

SPEAKING ON THE BILL, MR CHARLES YEUNG NOTED THAT THE SHIFT IN THE EMPHASIS OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME TO THE NEW TERRITORIES, PARTICULARLY TO THE NEW TOWNS, SWEEPS ALONG WITH IT THE CONCOMITANT SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PROBLEMS OF LAND RESUMPTION, CLEARANCE, COMPENSATION AND RESETTLEMENT.

♦IT IS THEREFORE APPROPRIATE AND FELICITOUS TO ENLIST THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE PROFOUND KNOWLEDGE AND CONNECTIONS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO SERVE ON THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.

♦THE PROPOSAL IN THE BILL TO REMOVE THE RESTRICTION BOTH IN NUMBER AND SOURCE OF MEMBERSHIP ON THE APPOINTMENT OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS TIMELY AND OPPORTUNE, ALBEIT THE URBAN COUNCILLORS WHO HAVE SERVED OR ARE SERVING ON THE AUTHORITY HAVE MADE AN OUTSTANDING AND VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION IN PROVIDING QUALITY HOUSING FOR SO MANY IN SO SHORT A TIME, PARTICULARLY AGAINST A SCARCITY OF LAND RESOURCE AND A NUMBER OF OTHER CONSTRAINTS,* HE SAID.

THE BILL ALSO GIVES LEGAL EFFECT TO THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME’S NEW SALES FORMULA, WHICH EXCLUDES THE VALUE OF THE LAND BUT INTRODUCES FAR TIGHTER RESTRICTIONS ON RE-SALE.

MR YEUNG CONSIDERED THIS A NECESSARY MEANS TO ENSURE THAT FLATS GO TO THE GENUINE HOME-SEEKERS.

*FOR THE SAKE OF FAIRNESS TO THOSE WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE, NO EFFORT SHOULD BE SPARED IN FUTURE IN DETECTING ANY BREACH OF CONDITIONS AND IN ENFORCING THE SANCTIONS CREATED BY LAW WITH A VIGILANT EYE ON ABUSE AND CIRCUMVENTION,* HE URGED.

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GUARANTEE FOR MTR LOAN * * *

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED A GOVERNMENT GUARANTEE TO THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION TO COVER THE REPAYMENT OF A S68-MILLI0N LOAN.

__lklAk ™E SUM BORROWED UNDER THIS GUARANTEE WILL BE USED TO FINANCE THE ISLAND LINE CONTRACT FOR TUNNELS BETWEEN TAI KOO SHING AND SAI WAN HO, INCLUDING THE TAI KOO SHING STATION.

IKI THE GOVERNMENT’S TOTAL GUARANTEE COMMITMENT

°52TSI‘lNUo2.LOANS ‘VA"-‘BLE T° THE BTR

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/16........

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1982 - 16 -

SIX ECONOMIC SURVEYS APPROVED * * *

SIX CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDERS ENABLING THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TO COLLECT FULL STATISTICAL INFORMATION FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES THIS YEAR WERE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE

COUNCIL TODAY.

THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HENRY CHING, SAID THE ORDERS FORMED PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S LONG-TERM PROGRAMME OF ECONOMIC SURVEYS OF THE MAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY.

THE SIX ORDERS INCLUDE I

* A BENCHMARK SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES?

* A FOURTH ANNUAL SURVEY OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OF SERVICES;

M A SURVEY OF BANKS, DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AND REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES OF FOREIGN BANKS;

M A PERMANENT SURVEY OF THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS;

M A PERMANENT QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT; AND

M A PERMANENT QUARTERLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1982

NEW SITE FOR EXHIBITION CENTRE STUDY

* * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS SELECTED A NEW SITE FOR THE STAGE II CONSULTANCY FOR THE EXHIBITION CENTRE.

THE SITE OF 20 000 SQUARE METRES IS AT THE EASTERN END OF THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION NEAR THE WAN CHAI FERRY PIER.

THE CONSULTANCY WILL BE OVERSEEN BY A NON-STATUTORY BOARD CHAIRED BY EXECUTIVE COUNCILLOR MR MICHAEL SANDBERG.

THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE CONSULTANCY INCLUDE DRAWING UP A DETAILED BRIEF AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR A MULTI-STOREY DEVELOPMENT TO INCLUDE AN EXHIBITION CENTRE OF ABOUT 20 000 SQUARE METRES GROSS AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES AND MAXIMUM APPROPRIATE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT ON THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION.

THE SITE WAS CHOSEN AFTER THE BOARD, BASED ON PROPOSALS FROM A NUMBER OF CONSULTANTS, TURNED DOWN ANOTHER POTENTIAL SITE IDENTIFIED IN THE FIRST STAGE OF THE CONSULTANCY. THE BOARD CONCLUDED THAT THE LATTER 15 000 SQUARE-METRE SITE IN TSIM SHA TSUI WAS NOT SUITABLE FOR AN EXHIBITION CENTRE WHICH COULD MEET HONG KONG’S FUTURE REQUIREMENTS.

BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF THE CONSULTANCY, THE BOARD WILL CONFIRM WHETHER AN EXHIBITION CENTRE SHOULD BE BUILT IN HONG KONG AND, IF SO, WILL RECOMMEND HOW THIS SHOULD BE ACHIEVED AND WHAT FORM THE MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD TAKE.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT A NUMBER OF CONSULTANTS WILL BE INVITED TO HONG KONG SHORTLY TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS TO THE NON-STATUTORY BOARD.

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UMELCO VISIT TO SHENZHEN

* * *

A DELEGATION OF ELEVEN UMELCO MEMBERS LED BY SIR S.Y. CHUNG, SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, WILL VISIT THE SHENZHEN SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE FOR ONE DAY TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

THEY WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY TWO MEMBERS OF THE UMELCO SECRETAR I AT.

THE DELEGATION WILL VISIT A VARIETY OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE AND WILL MEET SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE SHENZHEN ADMINISTRATION.

FURTHER VISITS TO SHENZHEN BY UMELCO MEMBERS ARE PLANNED.

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/18........

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1982

- 18 -

IMPORTED CASE OF CHOLERA * * * *

A 31-YEAP-OLD MAN HAS BECOME THIS YEAR’S FIRST IMPORTED CASE OF CHOLERA AFTER RETURNING TO HONG KONG FROM A VISIT TO THE PHILIOOINES LAST WEEK.

LABORATORY TESTS TODAY CONFIRMED THAT HE HAS CONTRACTED CHOLERA OF THE EL TOR STRAIN, A DISEASE WHICH IS ENDEMIC IN SOUTHEAST ASIAN REGION.

MR MA PO LING, WHO LIVES ALONE IN A KOWLOON TONG APARTMENT, RETURNED TO HONG KONG ON THE EVENING OF MARCH 3 AFTER VISITING THE PHILIPPINES FOR 20 DAYS.

HE STARTED HAVING DIARRHOEA ON HIS LAST DAY IN MANILA AND AFTER RETURNING TO HONG KONG HE AGAIN HAD DIARRHOEA ON MARCH 5. THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS PERSISTED WITH DIARRHOEA THREE OR FOUR TIMES A DAY.

HE WAS ADMITTED TO PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL YESTERDAY FOR TREATMENT AND INVESTIGATION AND IS REPORTED TO BE IN A SATISFACTORY CONDITION.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ADVISED THE PUBLIC THAT ALTHOUGH THIS IS AN IMPORTED CASE, THE PUBLIC MUST BE ON THE ALERT AT ALL TIMES TO GUARD THEMSELVES AGAINST THE DISEASE, WHICH IS PARTICULARLY PREVALENT IN THE SUMMER MONTHS.

+WE MUST KEEP UP OUR VIGILANCE BOTH AT HOME AND ABROAD,* HE STRESSED.

THE SPOKESMAN URGED THE PUBLIC TO OBSERVE PERSONAL, FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE, WHICH IS RECOMMENDED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION AS THE MOST EFFECTIVE METHOD OF PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF CHOLERA.

+CHOLERA, LIKE OTHER GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASE, IS TRANSMITTED THROUGH CONTAMINATED FOOD AND WATER. THE MOST DANGEROUS ITEMS CF FOOD ARE THOSE STORED AT ROOM TEMPERATURE WITHOUT COVER AND EATEN WITHOUT FURTHER COOKING, CUT FRUITS AND FOODS SOLD BY MOBILE HAWKERS,* HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT SIMPLE RULES SUCH AS WASHING OF HANDS BEFORE EATING AND AFTER VISITING TOILET SHOULD BE STRICTLY OBSERVED.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT ANTI-CHOLERA VACCINE BY ITSELF IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE EFFICACIOUS IN PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE AS IT ONLY GIVES PARTIAL AND SHORT-LIVED PROTECTION TO THE INDIVIDUAL.

THREE IMPORTED CASES OF CHOLERA WERE REPORTED IN HONG KONG LAST YEAR.

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/19.......

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1982

ABERDEEN TUNNEL ~ BUS AND MAXICAB SERVICES * * * * *

SIX BUS SERVICES AND TWO MAXICAB ROUTES WILL BE CHANNELLED TO USE THE NEW LINK TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL AND MORE CONVENIENT SERVICES FOR THOSE COMMUTING FROM ABERDEEN TO WAN CHAI, CENTRAL, CAUSEWAY BAY, NORTH POINT AND TO KOWLOON.

THESE SERVICES WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON MONDAY (MARCH 15) FOLLOWING THE PARTIAL OPENING OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL ON FRIDAY.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER, MRS DOROTHY CHAN SAID THE SINGLE TUBE WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 6.30 AM AND 10.30 PM.

THE TWO NEW BUS ROUTES - NO. 70 AND NO. 75 FROM ABERDEEN TO CENTRAL BUS STATION AND WONG CHUK HANG TO CENTRAL - WILL ONLY OPERATE DURING THE OPERATIONAL PERIOD OF THE TUNNEL AT A FARE CF $1.40 FOR A SINGLE JOURNEY.

THREE OTHER ROUTES, NO. 72 FROM ABERDEEN TO CAUSEWAY BAYROUTE 90M FROM AP LEI CHAU TO ADMIRALTY AND ROUTE 38 FROM CHI FU FA YUEN TO NORTH POINT WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE AFTER THE TUNNEL’S CLOSURE AT 10.30 PM BUT WILL USE DEEP WATER BAY ROAD AND STUBBS ROAD. THE OPERATION HOURS OF ROUTE 170 FROM WAH FU TO SHA TIN, WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED. FARES FOR THESE FOUR ROUTES WILL BE BETWEEN $1.40 AND $4.

ANOTHER NEW ROUTE - BUT ONE WHICH WILL NOT BE USING THE TUNNEL - WILL BE INTRODUCED DURING THE MORNING PEAK BETWEEN 6 AM AND 8 AM FROM TIN WAN TO CHATER MTR STATION. ROUTE 79M WILL OPERATE EVERY TEN MINUTES AND ONLY FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY AT A FARE OF $1.30.

IN ADDITION, WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF ROUTE 70, THE EXISTING NO. 70M SERVICE BETWEEN SHEK PAI WAN AND CHATER STATION WILL BE CANCELLED AND ROUTE 7 FROM ABERDEEN TO CENTRAL BUS STATION WILL BE EXTENDED TO SHEK PAI WAN.

AT WILL BE

THS SAME TIME, ROUTE 95 FROM AP LEI CHAU TO SHEK PAI WAN CONVERTED INTO A CIRCULAR ROUTE.

AS OPERATE

TO THE TWO MAXICAB SERVICES, MRS CHAN SAID THEY WILL /Ort ,Tr. - F?0M ABERDEEN TO CAUSEWAY BAY (ROUTE 4) AND TO WAN CHAI (ROUTE 35).

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/20........

.'.’sSNSSDAY, MARCH 10, 1982

NOTE TO EDITORS:

VISIT TO ABERDEEN TUNNEL

* * *

MR HAROLD BEATON, PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER, WILL TOMORROW (THURSDAY) VISIT THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL PRIOR TO ITS PARTIAL OPENING ON FRIDAY.

ALSO PRESENT WILL BE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE VISIT WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM FROM THE TOLL BOOTHS ON THE SOUTH PORTAL ON THE ABERDEEN SIDE.

OFFICIAL TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. THOSE WISHING TO USE THE FACILITY ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE OPEN CARPARK OUTSIDE THE RECEPTION OFFICE OF MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AT 2.30 PM.

OFFICERS FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORT DEPARTMENTS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.

-------o -

APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR CI’S

* * * *

FROM MONDAY (MARCH 15), APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY OR RE-ENTRY PERMITS FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 16 SHOULD BE MADE BY THE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT THIS WAS TO BRING PROCEDURES FOR SUCH APPLICATIONS IN LINE WITH THOSE FOR BRITISH PASSPORTS.

+IF THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN IS NOT IN HONG KONG, THE APPLICATION MAY BE MADE BY A RELATIVE OR A REPRESENTATIVE. IN SUCH CASES, PARENTAL OR THE GUARDIAN’S WRITTEN CONSENT IS REQUIRED,+ HE ADDED.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES MAY TELEPHONE 5-434711.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1982

LITTER FROM COUNTRY PARKS TOPPED 3 000 TONNES *****

THE AMOUNT OF RUBBISH COLLECTED FROM COUNTRY PARKS LAST YEAR WAS ENOUGH TO FILL 31 STOREYS OF CONNAUGHT CENTRE, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS) OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR JOHN WHOLEY SAID TODAY.

HE TOLD ROTARIANS OF HONG KONG ISLAND EAST THAT SOME 3 000 TONNES OF LITTER WERE COLLECTED FROM 5 000 LITTER BINS PROVIDED IN THE COUNTRY PARKS.

♦AT 10 KILOGRAMS PER CUBIC METRE, 300 000 CUBIC METRES REPRESENTS A PILE OF LITTER 50 METRES BY 50 METRES AND 120 METRES HIGH. IT IS A DAUNTING TASK TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS VOLUME OF LITTER EACH SUCCESSIVE YEAR,* HE SAID.

MR WHOLEY SAID THAT TO HELP OVERCOME THIS PROBLEM THE DEPARTMENT WAS ORGANISING VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE SCHEMES WHERE INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC COULD ASSIST IN COUNTRY PARKS MANAGEMENT WORKS.

♦HIKING GROUPS HAVE BEEN VERY GOOD IN THIS WORK AND HAVE COLLECTED 2 000 BAGS OF LITTER FROM THE MOST REMOTE COUNTRYSIDE THE COMMUNITY CHEST ’CLEAN FOR CHARITY’ SCHEME HAS ^SUITED IN THE COLLECTION OF 700 BAGS OF LITTER WHILST OUR OWN 'CARE FOR THE COUNTRY PARKS’ SCHEME HAS RESULTED IN A NUMBER OF WORK PROJECTS INVOLVING THE COLLECTION OF 600 BAGS OF LITTER. TENDING 3 000 TREES AND ASSISTANCE WITH OTHER SIMPLE ’ESTATE’ WORK,+ HE SAID.

t^..JrET^PARTMENT W0ULD L,KE T0 CONTINUE THE ACTIVITY, HE SAID, rcoe™LT*!Uy$UNGSTERS ENJ0YED AND IT WAS CERTAIN THAT A ^R^r^S.^HITUDE T0 LOWING LITTER INTO A STREAM WOULD CHANGE

ENCED THE UNP1-EASANT JOB OF RETRIEVING SOMEONE ELSE’S LITTER FROM A SIMILAR SITUATION.

LC ZHE PRINCIPAL PROBLEM IN ORGANISING THE ACTIVITY,

™E ^ACK °F FUNDS F0R THE PROVISION OF TRANSPORT PACKED LUNCHES WHICH FORM A GREAT INCENTIVE

0F VOLUNTEERS- AND OF SUPERVISORS WHO WERE WILLING CHARGE OF SUCH GROUPS.

FOR

TO TAKE

♦WHAT 1 WOULD LIKE TO SEE,+ SAID MR WHOLEY, + IS MORE SPONSORSHIP OF THIS TYPE FROM SERVICE CLUBS.

♦IDEALLY, WE WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO PUT A GROUP OF IN TOUCH WITH A SPONSORING ORGANISATION AND THEN TO PROVIDE THEM

A *°RK PR0JECT WHEN THEY ARRIVE AT A PREDETERMINED DESTINATION. THE ASSISTANCE OF A SPONSOR IN PROVIDING A COACH AND LUNCHES IS FAR MORE VALUABLE THAN THE GIFT OF MONEY WHICH, FOR THIS TYPE OF PROJECT, IS VERY DIFFICULT FOR US TO ADMINISTER,+ HE SAID.

VOLUNTEERS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1982

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES TO HOLD CEREMONIAL PARADE IN STANLEY *****

THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A CEREMONIAL PARADE ON FRIDAY (MARCH 12) AT ITS STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY.

DURING THE PARADE, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, M? THOMAS GARNER, «ILL PRESENT CLASPS TO THE COLONIAL PRISON SERVICE MEDAL TO 20 OFFICERS FOR THEIR EXEMPLARY SERVICE.

THE RECIPIENTS HAVE TOGETHER SERVED SOME 526 YEARS WITH THE DEPARTMENT.

ON PARADE WILL BE 205 CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS IN SEVEN CONTINGENTS FROM VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT COMMANDED BY THE PRINCIPAL OF THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE, MR JOHN ASHWORTH.

Oc THEM, 57 ARE NEW RECRUITS WHO HAVE JUST COMPLETED THEIR SIX MONTHS’ BASIC TRAINING.

NOTE TO EDITORS i

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CEREMONIAL PARADE AND PRESENTATION OF CLASPS TO THE COLONIAL PRISON SERVICE MEDAL BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, M? THOMAS GARNER, AT 4.15 PM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 12) AT THE PARADE GROUND OF THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN TUNG TAU WAN ROAD, STANLEY. MR GARNER WILL ALSO ADDRESS THE CEREMONY.

PRESS TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI AT 3.30 PM SHARP.

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HK-US TEXTILE TALKS RESUME * * * *

NEGOTIATIONS FOR A NEW HK-US TEXTILE AGREEMENT, WHICH ^w-NJ^WASHINGT0N 0N FEBRUARY 8, AND WERE RECESSED AFTER FIVE DAYS, WILL BE RESUMED TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN HONG KONG.

THE THE HONG TEXTILES

COMMISSIONER OF TRADE, MR LAWRENCE MILLS, WILL LEAD KONG DELEGATION. LEADING THE US SIDE WILL BE CHIEF NEGOTIATOR, MR PETER MURPHY.

THE

ru.c CUf?RENT rIVE-YEAR AGREEMENT EXPIRES AT THE END OF YEAR, AND HAS TO EE REPLACED WITH NEW ARRANGEMENTS hEGOTlATED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE RECENTLY-EXTENDED MFA

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1962

- 23 -

PRESERVING A VILLAGE LINK WITH THE PAST * * * *

IT WAS IMPORTANT TO PRESERVE LINKS WITH THE PAST AND MAKE THEM AVAILABLE TO THE PRESENT GENERATION, THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR B.D. WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE WAS SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY AT SHEUNG YIU VILLAGE IN WHICH NR LUI CHE-WOO, CHAIRMAN OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, UNVEILED A PLAQUE TO MARK THE COMPLETION OF THE FIRST STAGE OF RESTORATION OF THE VILLAGE.

MR WILSON THANKED THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS FOR DONATING $200 000 FOR RESTORING THE GATEHOUSE LEADING INTO THE VILLAGE, WHICH IS THE FIRST PHASE OF RESTORATION.

♦WE’D LIKE THE TUNG WAH TO KNOW HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE THEIR ACTION IN HELPING TO RESTORE AN HISTORICAL VILLAGE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND OF FUTURE GENERATIONS WHO MIGHT OTHERWISE BE UNAWARE OF HOW NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGERS LIVED IN FORMER DAYS,* MR WILSON SAID.

SITUATED ON THE EASTERN SHORE OF PAK TAM CHUNG ESTUARY IN NORTH SAI KUNG, SHEUNG YIU VILLAGE HAS BEEN DESERTED FOR ALMOST 20 YEARS.

ABOUT 150 YEARS AGO, SOME HAKKAS WITH THE FAMILY NAME OF WONG SETTLED IN THE VILLAGE AND STARTED A KILN INDUSTRY.

YEARS LATER, WHEN THE INDUSTRY DECLINED, THE HAKKA PEOPLE LEFT THE VILLAGE.

LAST YEAR THE DESERTED VILLAGE WAS REVERTED TO THE CROWN AND IN NOVEMBER, WAS DECLARED A MONUMENT.

THE FIRST PHASE OF RESTORATION BEGAN IN JANUARY THIS YEAR AND WAS COMPLETED IN EARLY MARCH. WORK ON THE SECOND PHASE IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SOON.

WHEN THE RESTORATION IS COMPLETED, THE VILLAGE WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS A FOLK MUSEUM.

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PROHIBITED ZONE IN CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AREA *****

THE CENTRAL CARRIAGEWAY IN A SECTION OF THE SOUTHBOUND ROAD LEADING TO THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL INTERCHANGE IN WAN CHAI NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH THE NORTH POINT-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE DESIGNATED A PROHIBITED ZONE FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 12).

NO VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THIS ROAD SECTION.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1982

CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED CROSS-HARBOUR

TUNNEL USERS THAT WITH EFFECT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 12), THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE THE CANAL ROAD WEST RAMP TO GET TO THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL.

A DOUBLE WHITE LINE WILL BE PAINTED ON THE FLYOVER AND VEHICLES FROM THE CANAL ROAD WEST RAMP CANNOT CROSS OVER TO JOIN THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL LANE.

MOTORISTS FROM LEIGHTON ROAD WISHING TO GO TO THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL SHOULD TURN LEFT TO WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD AND ENTER THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER AT THE JUNCTION OF QUEEN’S ROAD EAST AND WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD OR ALTERNATIVELY THE WATERFRONT ROAD.

MOTORISTS FROM MORRISON HILL ROAD COULD EITHER USE LEIGHTON ROAD, WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD, AND JOIN THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER AT THE JUNCTION OF QUEEN’S ROAD EAST AND WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD OR THEY CAN USE THE MARSH ROAD FLYOVER TO JOIN THE WATERFRONT ROAD TO THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE MO.

GREATER EFFORT NEEDED TO DEAL WITH HEART DISEASE, GOVERNOR SAYS ...................................................... 1

MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS: JANUARY 1982 ....... 2

VALUE OF DISTRICT BOARDS STRESSED ......................... 4

PARTIAL OPENING OF ABERDEEN TUNNEL ........................ 6

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABERDEEN TUNNEL OPENING ...... 7

ADVANCED COURSE IN EDUCATION FOR NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS ..... 8

NEW YOUTH CENTRE AND VILLAGE OFFICE FOR SKEUNG SHUI ....... 9

HKPC'S ROLE IN TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PRAISED ............... 10

BOARD MEMBERS TO LOOK OVER MONG KOK AREA ................. 11

AIR SERVICE TALKS WITH CHINA ............................. 11

+SHUTTERBUGS+ OUTINGS TO COUNTRY PARKS ................... 12

NEW STANDING COMMISSION MEMBER ........................... 12

FIGHT CRIME DRAMA COMPETITION FINAL ...................... 1J

STUDENTS TAUGHT METRIC UNITS THROUGH GAMES ............... 14

TICKETS FOR LUT SAU HALL CONCERTS ........................ 14

YAU MA TEI BOARD MEMBERS CHECK ON PROBLEM AREAS .......... 15

TENANCY AVAILABLE AT KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION ............. 15

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1982

GREATER EFFORT NEEDED TO DEAL WITH HEART DISEASE, GOVERNOR SAYS

* * *

THE HIGH INCIDENCE OF CANCER AND HEART DISEASES CALLED FOR A REDEPLOYMENT OF HONG KONG’S MEDICAL EFFORT, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY.

IN OPENING THE KWOK TAK-SENG HEART CENTRE AT GRANTHAM HOSPITAL THIS AFTERNOON, SIR MURRAY POINTED OUT THAT HEART DISEASE ACCOUNTED FOR A QUARTER OF ALL DISEASES LEADING TO DEATHS. HE CONGRATULATED THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG HEART FOUNDATION ON ACTING TO MEET THE NEW CHALLENGE BY OPENING THE CARD 10-THORACIC CENTRE, WHICH MARKED A NEW CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY CF GRANTHAM HOSPITAL.

♦IT WILL PROVIDE ONE OF THE BEST EQUIPPED CENTRES FOR THE TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES IN ASIA, SOMETHING WHICH HONG KONG NEEDS AND CAN BE PROUD OF, AND I CONGRATULATE ALL WHO HAVE PLAYED A PART IN ITS CREATION,* THE GOVERNOR SAID.

SIR MURRAY THANKED MR KWOK FOR HIS +EXTRAORDINARILY GENEROUS DONATION OF $12 MILLION TOWARDS THE COST OF THE NEW CENTRE* FOR THE TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES.

THE GOVERNOR THEN PAID SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE LATE SUSAN YUEN WHO WAS FOR MANY YEARS CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE OF THE HOSPITAL.

♦ SHE WAS ONE OF THE STERLING CHARACTERS OF HONG KONG, AND WITHOUT HER THE HOSPITAL WOULD NOT EXIST IN ITS PRESENT FORM,* THE GOVERNOR SAID.

FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF SIR MURRAY’S SPEECHi

♦CHAIRMAN, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

* 1 HAVE MUCH PLEASURE IN OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW CARD I O-THORAC IC CENTRE AT THE GRANTHAM HOSPITAL.

♦ WHEN THIS HOSPITAL WAS OPENED IN 1957, TUBERCULOSIS WAS OUR NUMBER ONE KILLER. SUCCESS IN COMBATING THIS DISEASE IS ILLUSTRATED BY THE STATISTICS. BETWEEN THE YEARS 1957 AND 1980 THE NOTIFICATION RATE DROPPED FROM 499 TO 160 AND THE MORTALITY RATE FROM 97.8 TO 10.9 PER 100 000 POPULATION. THIS HAS BEEN A TRIUMPH FOR THE MEDICAL AND l£ALTH SERVICES.

+THE MAJOR CAUSES OF DEATH NOW ARE CANCER AND HEART DISEASES AND THE LATTER ACCOUNTS FOR A QUARTER OF ALL DISEASES LEADING TO DEATHS, AND CALLS FOR A REDEPLOYMENT OF MEDICAL EFFORT.

/♦I THEREFORE.......

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1982

♦I THEREFORE CONGRATULATE THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG HEART FOUNDATION ON ACTING TO MEET THIS NEW CHALLENGE, AND CONGRATULATE MR KWOK FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARILY GENEROUS DONATION OF $12 MILLION TOWARDS THE COST OF THIS NEW CENTRE FOR THE TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES.

+THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR HAS ALWAYS PLAYED A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL AND WELFARE SERVICES IN HONG KONG- AND THIS PROJECT, AS MR WOO HAS POINTED OUT, IS A JOINT INITIATIVE OF THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG HEART FOUNDATION. IT IS A MOST HAPPY EVENT THAT THE TWO ORGANISATIONS SHOULD HAVE POOLED THEIR RESOURCES AND EXPERTISE TO MEET THIS NEW MEDICAL PROBLEM.

+THE OPENING OF THIS CARD I O-THORAC IC CENTRE WILL MARK A NEW CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF THE GRANTHAM HOSPITAL. IT WILL PROVIDE ONE OF THE BEST EQUIPPED CENTRES FOR THE TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES IN ASIA, SOMETHING WHICH HONG KONG NEEDS AND CAN BE PROUD OF, AND I CONGRATULATE ALL WHO HAVE PLAYED A PART IN ITS CREATION.

♦I AM SURE THAT ALL PRESENT WILL UNDERSTAND IF ON THIS OCCASION I RESERVE A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE LATE SUSAN YUEN, FOR SO MANY YEARS CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE OF THIS HOSPITAL. SHE WAS ONE OF THE STERLING CHARACTERS OF HONG KONG, AND WITHOUT HER THE HOSPITAL WOULD NOT EXIST IN ITS PRESENT FORM TO-DAY.

+1 HAVE MUCH PLEASURE IN DECLARING THE KWOK TAK SENG HEART CENTRE OPEN.*

- - - - 0 ----

MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICSi JANUARY 1982 * * * *

THE MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS FOR JANUARY 1982 ARE PUBLISHED TODAY. THE MONETARY AGGREGATES ARE AS USUAL HEAVILY AFFECTED BY THE SEASONAL INFLUENCES OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR AND OF TAX PAYMENTS MADE DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE YEAR.

A FURTHER RISE IN THE MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS IN JANUARY REFLECTED A (PARTLY SEASONAL) GROWTH IN TOTAL LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG. BUT IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS THE GROWTH RATES OF THE MONEY SUPPLY (M3) AND OF LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG, AFTER ALLOWING FOR SEASONAL FACTORS, WERE LITTLE CHANGED FROM THE GROWTH RATES IN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS.

THE TABLE (BOXED

FOR COLLECTION) SETS OUT

THE

DETAILED FIGURES

FOR JANUARY 1982, AND FOR EARLIER MONTHS, FROM THE NEW SERIES OF STATISTICS NOW BEING COLLECTED UNDER THE MONETARY STATISTICS ORDINANCE 1980. THIS SERIES HAS NOW REPLACED THE ORIGINAL SERIES CF STATISTICS PREPARED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING, WHICH WILL NO LONGER BE PUBLISHED.

NEW SERIES OF

/MONEY SUPPLY........

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1982

MONEY SUPPLY

THE MONEY SUPPLY ON THE NARROWEST DEFINITION, MI-TOTAL, ROSE IN JANUARY BY 8.9 PER CENT AND HK$M1 BY 8.6 PER C$NT, AFTE« MAYING RISEN BY, RESPECTIVELY, 4.3 PER CENT AND 3.7 PER CENT IN DECEMBER.

THE PRINCIPAL FACTOR HERE WAS A RISE OF 22.2 PER CENT IN NOTES AND COINS HELD BY THE PUBLIC BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL.

THE MONEY SUPPLY ON THE BROADER DEFINITIONS, HOWEVER, INCREASED IN JANUARY BY LESS THAN IN DECEMBER, WITH M2-T0TAL UP BY 3.1 PER CENT AND M3-TOTAL BY 2.3 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH THE INCREASES OF 5.2 PER CENT AND 2.8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN DECEMBER.

IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS THE GROWTH RATES OF MI-TOTAL AND M2-TOTAL AT, RESPECTIVELY, 15.9 PER CENT AND 11.2 PER CENT, WERE >£LL UP FROM THEIR INCREASES OF 0.3 PER CENT AND 3.2 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS. IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS M3 GREW BY 6.0 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH A 5.8 PER CENT RISE IN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS.

LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG

LOANS BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FOR USE IN HONG KONG ROSE IN JANUARY BY 2.5 PER CENT, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 4.1 PER CENT IN DECEMBER. IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS, TOTAL LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG GREW BY 9.7 PER CENT, AGAINST AN INCREASE OF 9.2 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS.

LOANS BY BANKS FOR USE IN HONG KONG ROSE IN JANUARY BY 2.5 PER CENT, AFTER RISING BY 4.0 PER CENT IN DECEMBER, AND SIMILAR LOANS BY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY 2.6 PER CENT, FOLLOWING A RISE CF 4.2 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH. IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS, THE GROWTH RATE OF LOANS BY BANKS FOR USE IN HONG KONG, AT 9.9 PER CENT, WAS UP FROM THAT OF 7.0 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS, BUT THE GROWTH OF LOANS BY DTCS FOR USE IN HONG KONG, AT 9.4 PER CENT, WAS DOWN FROM THAT OF 15.3 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS.

FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS

THE NET FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS OF ALL BANKS FELL IN JANUARY BY S85MN. AND THOSE OF DTCS BY S452MN., INDICATING A NET OUTFLOW CF FUNDS FROM THE HONG KONG MONETARY SECTOR OF S537MN., COMPARED WITH A NET INFLOW OF S653MN. IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH. IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS THE NET OUTFLOW OF FUNDS FROM HONG KONG AMOUNTED TO $2 370MN., AFTER A NET INFLOW OF S2 741MN. IN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS.

/BAL.LNCS ......

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1982

BALANCE SHEET RATIOS

THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 18 OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE) FOR ALL BANKS IN HONG KONG FELL IN JANUARY TO 54.2 PER CENT FROM 55.5 PER CENT IN DECEMBER. THE RATIO OF THEIR LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG TO THEIR DEPOSITS ROSE TO 100.0 PER CENT AT THE END OF JANUARY FROM 99.0 PER CENT AT THE END OF DECEMBER.

THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 24A OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE) FOR ALL DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE TO 46.5 PER CENT IN JANUARY FROM 46.0 PER CENT IN DECEMBER. THE RATIO OF THEIR LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG TO THEIR DEPOSITS ROSE TO 69.0 PER CENT AT THE END OF JANUARY FROM 67.7 PER CENT AT THE END OF DECEMBER.

NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS

THE NUMBER OF REPORTING BANKS IN JANUARY REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 121. THE NUMBER OF REPORTING DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES INCREASED BY 1 TO 351.

-----o--------

VALUE OF DISTRICT BOARDS STRESSED * * * *

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DISTRICT BOARDS DEPENDED VERY MUCH ON THE ABILITY OF THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO RAISE USEFUL AND CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS AND THE DETERMINATION OF THE VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO RESPOND TO THEM, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RICKY FUNG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) IN A LUNCHEON SPEECH TO THE LIONS CLUB OF BRAEMAR HILL.

HE SAID IT WAS EVIDENT THAT THE DISTRICT BOARD WAS A GOOD FORUM FOR AIRING OF THE RESIDENTS’ ASPIRATIONS AND NEEDS AND FOR IMPROVEMENTS AND REMEDIES TO BE MADE PROMPTLY.

NOW THAT ELECTED MEMBERS WERE ADDED TO THE DISTRICT BOARDS, REPRESENTATION WAS STRENGTHENED AND A GREATER DEGREE OF EFFECTIVENESS WAS EXPECTED.

HE DESCRIBED LAST WEEK’S NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AS +MOST ENCOURAGING*, AS THE TURNOUT OF VOTERS IN ALL DISTRICTS EXCEEDED THE PRE-ELECTION EXPECTATION OF 30 PER CENT.

MR FUNG OUTLINED THE STRUCTURE OF THE NEW ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD, INCLUDING THE SIX MEMBERS ELECTED LAST WEEK, WHICH WILL BEGIN FUNCTIONING NEXT MONTH, AND REVIEWED ITS PERFORMANCE IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.

DURING THE YEAR, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD SOLICITED THE VIEWS OF THE BOARD ON A NUMBER OF PROPOSED POLICIES AND MEASURES, AMENDMENTS TO EXISTING LEGISLATION, PROVISION AND IMPROVEMENT OF VARIOUS FACILITIES AND SERVICES IK THE DISTRICT, AND NAMING OF STREETS.

/♦THE USCFFICIAL .......

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1?82

♦THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS HAVE ALSO TAKEN THE INITIATIVE TO MAKE SUGGESTIONS ON SEVERAL GENERAL ISSUES, SUCH AS THE PROVISION OF A SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR EACH ISLAND, THE EMPLOYMENT OF FULL-TIME STAFF FOR COMMUNITY CENTRES IN THE DISTRICT AND THE IMPROVEMENT CF THE WELFARE OF THE TEACHERS IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT TO SOLVE THE RETENTION PROBLEM.♦

HE NOTED THAT THE BOARD’S AREA SUB-COMMITTEES HAD PROVIDED VERY GOOD AVENUES FOR THE UNOFFICIALS TO BRING TO THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS’ ATTENTION THE NEEDS AND PROBLEMS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE ISLAND COMMUNITIES AND FOR THE OFFICIALS TO EXPLAIN VARIOUS POLICIES AND MEASURES.

♦THIS TWO-WAY TRAFFIC IS IMPORTANT FOR COMMUNITY BUILDING. SOME OF THE MATTERS DEALT WITH BY THE AREA SUB-COMMITTEES MAY APPEAR TO BE TRIVIAL, SUCH AS THE RESITING OF REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS, THE REMOVAL OF ON-STREET OBSTRUCTIONS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OR IMPROVEMENT OF TOILET FACILITIES, BUT THE SATISFACTORY HANDLING OF THESE MINOR PROBLEMS DOES HELP IN IMPROVING THE LIVING STANDARD OF THE RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT,+ HE SAID.

MR FUNG SAID FLEXIBILITY WAS MAINTAINED IN THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND CULTURAL, RECREATION AND SPORTS PROJECTS.

MORE THAN S6OO OOO HAD BEEN SPENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS APPROVED IN THE YEAR, INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF RAIN SHELTERS, IMPROVEMENT TO PLAYGROUNDS AND SITTING-OUT AREAS, REPAIRS TO COMMUNITY CENTRES, TREE PLANTING AND CONSTRUCTION OF PAVILIONS AND BENCHES.

IN ADDITION, THE BOARD HAD SCRUTINISED OVER 100 APPLICATIONS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR CULTURAL, RECREATION AND SPORTS PROJECTS, AND ALLOCATED FUNDS TOTALLING MORE THAN $215 000 FOR 80 OF THEM.

A FURTHER $120 000 HAD BEEN ALLOCATED TO 107 JOINT DISTRICT BOARD/RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE PROJECTS WHICH WERE WELL BALANCED AS FAR AS TARGET PARTICIPANTS WERE CONCERNED, HE SAID.

MR FUNG POINTED OUT THAT TRANSPORT WAS THE MOST POPULAR SUBJECT AT DISTRICT BOARD AND AREA SUB-COMMITTEE MEETINGS, AND A TRANSPORT SUB-COMMITTEE wAS THEREFORE FORMED TO DEAL WITH THIS SPECIFIC AREA OF WORK.

♦THE RANGE 0“ TOPICS RAISED IS BROAD, ALTHOUGH THE EMPHASIS IS, NOT SURPRISINGLY, ON THE FERRY SERVICE FOR OUTLYING ISLANDS,+ HE SAID.

A SPECIAL MEETING HELD T*0 MONTHS AGO WAS ATTENDED BY THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE HONG KONG AND YAU MA TEI FERRY COMPANY, AND HE WAS RECEPTIVE TO THE VIEwS EXPRESSED, HE SAID.

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1982

PARTIAL OPENING OF ABERDEEN TUNNEL * * * *

THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL WILL BE PARTIALLY OPENED TOMORROW (FRIDAY), WITH TWO-WAY TRAFFIC OCCUPYING ONE TUBE OF THE TUNNEL.

FOR THE FIRST DAY, THE TUNNEL WILL BE OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 10.30 PM. FROM SATURDAY, IT WILL BE OPEN FROM 6.30 AM TO 10.30 PM DAILY.

A S2-T0LL WILL BE CHARGED FOR ALL TYPES OF VEHICLES. TOLLS WILL BE COLLECTED AT BOOTHS LOCATED AT THE ABERDEEN END OF THE TUNNEL.

MR HAROLD BEATON, PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER, SAID THAT THE TUNNEL TRAFFIC CONTROL AND SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT WAS NOT YET FULLY OPERATIONAL.

HOWEVER, HE SAID, THE TUNNEL WOULD BE ADEQUATELY LIT AND VENTILATED AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO DEAL WITH BREAKDOWNS OR OTHER EMERGENCIES.

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL OPERATE THE TUNNEL. PATROL VEHICLES WILL BE BASED AT EACH END OF THE TUNNEL TO DEAL WITH ANY INCIDENTS IN THE TUNNEL AND ON THE APPROACHES.

PATROL STAFF WILL BE ABLE TO CONTACT THE CONTROL ROOM BY RADIO TO ENSURE SPEEDY RESPONSE TO ANY EVENT REQUIRING ATTENTION.

MOTORISTS NEEDING ASSISTANCE IN THE TUNNEL WILL FIND EMERGENCY NICHES, LIT BY AN ILLUMINATED SYMBOL, AT 100-METRE INTERVALS. EACH NICHE CONTAINS A TELEPHONE CONNECTED TO THE CONTROL ROOM, FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND A FIRE ALARM PUSH BUTTON.

IN THE INITIAL OPENING PERIOD, CERTAIN LANE SIGNALS AND ADVISORY SIGNS WILL NOT BE IN FULL OPERATION. FINAL WORK ON THIS EQUIPMENT LINKED TO THE COMPUTER CONTROLLED SYSTEM WILL BE CONTINUED.

UNFORTUNATELY IT IS NOT YET POSSIBLE AT THIS STAGE TO PREDICT THE COMPLETION OF THE FULL COMPUTER CONTROLLED SYSTEM, BUT IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THE LINKING AND TESTING OF THE EQUIPMENT WILL TAKE SEVERAL MONTHS.

THE SPEED LIMIT FOR THE TWO-WAY, SINGLE TUBE OPERATION WILL BE 30 M.P.H. NO LANE CHANGING OR OVERTAKING WILL BE PERMITTED ACROSS THE DOUBLE WHITE LINE.

VEHICLES OVER FIVE METRES IN HEIGHT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO USE THE TUNNEL. CERTAIN OTHER TYPES OF VEHICLES WILL ALSO BE PROHIBITED, IN LINE WITH THE LEGISLATION APPLYING TO OTHER TUNNElS IN HONG KONG.

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1982

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABERDEEN TUNNEL OPENING * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 10 AM TOMORROW IN THE WAN CHAI, HAPPY VALLEY AND ABERDEEN AREAS TO COINCIDE WITH THE PARTIAL OPENING OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL.

FROM SATURDAY, THE SINGLE TUBE WILL OPERATE FROM 6.30 AM TO 10.30 PM. ALL VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, PROCEEDING TO EITHER CENTRAL OR NORTH POINT CAN USE THE CANAL ROAD WEST RAMP. A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THESE VEHICLES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM CROSSING OVER TO JOIN THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL LANE.

KOWLOON-BOUND MOTORISTS IN THE WAN CHAI AND HAPPY VALLEY AREAS WILL HAVE EITHER TO USE LEIGHTON ROAD, WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD AND JOIN THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER UP-RAMP ADJACENT TO THE JUNCTION OF QUEEN’S ROAD EAST AND WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD OR TO USE THE MARSH ROAD FLYOVER TO JOIN THE GLOUCESTER ROAD TO THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL.

TRAFFIC GOING TO ABERDEEN VIA THE TUNNEL FROM CENTRAL, NORTH POINT AND KOWLOON WILL TRAVEL VIA THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER. MOTORISTS IN WAN CHAI CAN USE THE FLYOVER UP-RAMP ON WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD IN FRONT OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.

IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE TUNNEL OPENING, URBAN CLEARWAYS WILL BE IMPOSED ON PARTS OF THE ABERDEEN AREA AND THE PROHIBITION OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED TO THE TUNNEL APPROACH ROADS IN WONG CHUK HANG, WAN CHAI AND HAPPY VALLEY.

FROM MONDAY (MARCH 15), SIX BUS SERVICES AND TWO MAXICAB ROUTES WILL BE CHANNELLED TO USE THE NEW LINK TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL AND MORE CONVENIENT SERVICES FOR THOSE COMMUTING FROM ABERDEEN TO WAN CHAI, CENTRAL, CAUSEWAY BAY, NORTH POINT AND TO KOWLOON.

THE BUS ROUTES ARE NOS. 38, 70, 72, 75, 90M AND 170. FARES WILL RANGE FROM $1.40 TO $4 FOR A SINGLE TRIP.

THE MAXICAB SERVICES ARE NOS. 4 (FROM SHEK PAI WAN TO CAUSEWAY BAY) AND 35 (FROM ABERDEEN TO WAN CHAI).

MEANWHILE, CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER/TUNNEL, MR FRED MAY REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT UNTIL THE TUNNEL INSTALLATIONS ARE IN FULL OPERATION, THEY SHOULD DRIVE WITH CAUTION AND IN PARTICULAR KEEP TO The SqEED LIMIT OF 30 M.P.H. AND OBSERVE LANE DISCIPLINE AT ALL TIMES.

A TOLL OF S2 WILL BE CHARGED FOR ALL VEHICLES.

-----o------

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1982

ADVANCED COURSE IN EDUCATION FOR NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS *****

NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECONDARY OR PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR THE ADVANCED COURSE OF TEACHER EDUCATION OFFERED BY THE THREE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN 1982-83.

TEACHERS AT PRESENT ON ATTACHMENT OR SECONDMENT TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS MAY ALSO APPLY FOR THE COURSE.

♦TEACHERS IN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS, HOWEVER, SHOULD NOTE THAT THEY WILL ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF A SPONSORING BODY IS ABLE TO GUARANTEE TRANSFER TO A TEACHING POST IN A SECONDARY SCHOOL ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE,♦ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

EACH SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT FROM AIDED SCHOOLS WILL BE REQUIRED TO GIVE A FORMAL UNDERTAKING TO TEACH FULL-TIME FOR A PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN THREE YEARS IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, HE SAID.

THE COURSE WILL HAVE A CORE OF STUDIES IN EDUCATION, EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY, LANGUAGE SKILLS AND COMPLEMENTARY PROGRAMMES.

IN ADDITION, EACH STUDENT WILL STUDY IN DEPTH, ON AN ELECTIVE BASIS, ONE AREA OF SUBJECT SPECIALISATION.

APPLICANTS SHOULD BE TWO-YEAR TRAINED TEACHERS WHO HAVE STUDIED THE SUBJECT APPLIED FOR THROUGHOUT THE TWO YEARS OF THEIR COLLEGE OF EDUCATION COURSE. THEY SHOULD ALSO HAVE TWO YEARS’ FULL-TIME POST-TRAINING TEACHING EXPERIENCE.

THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO DEMONSTRATE A PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH WHICH WILL ENABLE THEM TO PURSUE THE ADVANCED COURSE, AND WILL HAVE EITHER TO SIT FOR A TEST OR ATTEND AN INTERVIEW, DEPENDING ON THE SUBJECT APPLIED FOR.

GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IS OFFERING COURSES IN ART AND DESIGN, AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION; NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IS OFFERING HOME ECONOMICS (HOME MANAGEMENT) AND MATHEMATICS; WHILE SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IS OFFERING HOME ECONOMICS (DRESS AND DESIGN) AND MUSIC.

OTHER AREAS OF SUBJECT SPECIALISATION OFFERED INCLUDE t CHINESE, CHINESE HISTORY, ENGLISH, SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES. SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE COLLEGE LOCATION FOR THESE SUBJECTS AT A LATER STAGE.

♦THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE PREPARED TO PAY THE SALARY OF A TEMPORARY TEACHER OF THE APPROPRIATE OR A LOWER GRADE, TO SUBSTITUTE FOR AN AIDED-SCHOOL TEACHER ACCEPTED FOR A COURSE,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

/♦ICaiNG TIE........

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1982

♦DURING THE COURSE, ALL SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL CONTINUE TO RECEIVE THEIR SALARY AND INCREMENT IN THE NORMAL WAY AND THE COURSE WILL COUNT AS SERVICE OR EXPERIENCE,* HE SAID.

APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE VIA HEADS OF SCHOOLS OR SECTIONS WHO MAY OBTAIN THE FORMS FROM THE THREE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION OR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN LEE GARDENS, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.

NO FEES WHATSOEVER ARE PAYABLE IN CONNECTION WITH THE APPLICATIONS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

IN THE CASE OF TEACHERS IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS OR ON SECONDMENT AND ATTACHMENT, COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED BY 5 PM ON MARCH 31 TO THE SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (SERVICING UNIT), SCHOOLS DIVISION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HONG KONG.

FOR AIDED SCHOOL TEACHERS, COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED BY THE SAME TIME TO THE CHAIRMAN, JOINT SELECTION BOARD, C/O SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, 6 CALDECOTT ROAD, PIPER’S HILL, KOWLOON.

SELECTION OF APPLICANTS WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION JOINT SELECTION BOARD.

------0-------

NEW YOUTH CENTRE AND VILLAGE OFFICE FOR SHEUNG SHU I *****

RESIDENTS LIVING IN AND NEAR KAM TSIN VILLAGE, SHEUNG SHU I, ARE URGED TO MAKE GOOD USE OF A NEWLY COMPLETED VILLAGE OFFICE AND YOUTH CENTRE.

THE APPEAL CAME FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICER. NORTH, •*. ^JER JOHNSON, TODAY (THURSDAY) WHEN HE THE KAM JSILLAGEOFF^GE

AND YOUTH CENTRE. HE POINTED OUT THAT LOCAL PEOPLE HAD «PER IENCED GREAT INCONVENIENCE IN FINDING VENUES FOR GATHERING BEFORE THE

CENTRE WAS BUILT.

THE CENTRE WOULD GREATLY HELP PROMOTE VILLAGE AFFAIRS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, HE SAID.

THE PROJECT WAS PLANNED BY A COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY THE KAM TSIN VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE, MR HAU YIU-CHUEN.

THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD HAD CONTRIBUTED $10 000 FROM ITS LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS VOTE FOR THE $198 000 PROJECT.

THE UPPER FLOOR OF THE TWO-STOREY BUILDING WILL BE USED AS OFFICE AND CONFERENCE ROOM, WHILE THE GROUND FLOOR WILL BE THE RECREATION CENTRE.

FACILITIES INCLUDE TABLE-TENNIS, CHINESE BILLIARD AND CAMPING EQUIPMENT FOR 50 PEOPLE.

THE VILLAGE OFFICE AND YOUTH CENTRE WILL SERVE ABOUT 8 000 PEOPLE LIVING IN KAM TSIN VILLAGE AND IN THE VICINITY.

--------0----------

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1982

HKPC’S ROLE IN TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PRAISED *****

TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY COULD HELP HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR TO STRENGTHEN ITS SUPPORTING INDUSTRIES, THE COMMISSIONER CF INDUSTRY, MR PETER TSAO SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE MACHINE TOOLS EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE, MR TSAO SAID THAT THOUGH HONG KONG INDUSTRIES FACED DIFFICULTIES SUCH AS TRADE RESTRICTIONS ON TEXTILES AND GARMENTS, A LOT COULD BE DONE BY INDUSTRY, INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS AND THE GOVERNMENT TO ASSIST IN THE TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY.

♦IN A SMALL PLACE LIKE HONG KONG, RESOURCES ARE INSUFFICIENT TO SUPPORT A LARGE SCALE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR NEW TECHNOLOGIES, FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICE IS, GENERALLY SPEAKING, A VERY TIME-CONSUMING AND EXPENSIVE BUSINESS. FURTHERMORE, THE RESULTS ARE NOT ALWAYS GUARANTEED.

♦WHAT HONG KONG COULD USEFULLY DO WITH REGARD TO ♦PRODUCT!VITY+ - AND I USE THE TERM +PRODUCTIVITY+ DELIBERATELY BECAUSE THIS IS WHAT THE HKPC IS ALL ABOUT - IS TO LEARN FROM THE SUCCESSES AND FAILURES OF OTHERS WHO ARE AHEAD OF US- AND THAT IS WHERE IMPORTED TECHNOLOGY PLAYS AN IMPORTANT PART IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR INDUSTRY,♦ SAID MR TSAO.

THE OBJECTIVE WAS TO BRING IN IMPROVED AND NEW PROCESSES, SKILLS AND KNOW-HOW AND IN THE PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING MACHINERY OR THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW ONES.

TODAY NEW TECHNOLOGIES GROW AT A RAPID PACE, AND MANY ARE CF SUCH A HIGH LEVEL THAT FEW COULD BE USED IN HONG KONG, WHILE OTHERS HAVE TO BE RESEARCHED, EXPERIMENTED AND ADAPTED BEFORE THEY CAN BE APPLIED LOCALLY.

♦ IT IS IN THESE CONTEXTS THAT HKPC, ACTING IN THE CAPACITY OF A TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AGENCY, ASSISTS HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY,* W TSAO SAID.

PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE HKPC FOR ORGANISING THE EXHIBITION, WHERE EQIUPMENT, CONTROLS AND ACCESSORIES REQUIRED FOR METALCUTTING AND FORMING ARE DISPLAYED, MR TSAO SAIDi *THE HKPC ITSELF RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE OF THE METAL INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG. IT HAS ESTABLISHED A METAL INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION TO CARRY OUT RESEARCH ON METAL PROCESSING TECHNIQUES, SO AS TO PROVIDE A TECHNICAL BASIS UPON WHICH THE METALS AND RELATED LIGHT ENGINEERING INDUSTRY CAN FURTHER DEVELOP AND DIVERSIFY.

♦ WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE GOVERNMENT, THE DIVISION IS NOW CARRYING OUT A TECHNO-ECONOMIC STUDY OF THE METALS AND LIGHT ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG.

♦ WE AWAIT WITH INTEREST THE FINDINGS OF THE STUDY. I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL EXAMINE IT CAREFULLY AND ACT ON IT WHERE APPROPR I ATE,+ HE CONCLUDED.

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1982

BOARD MEMBERS TO LOOK OVER MONG KOK AREA

* * * *

MEMBERS OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE MAKING A TOUR OF MONG KOK AND TAI KOK TSUI TOMORROW (FRIDAY) MORNING TO GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE DISTRICT AND ITS VARIOUS PROBLEMS.

THE TOUR WILL BE LED BY THE MONG KOK CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, MR WILFRED WONG AND WILL START AT 9.30 AM.

AMONG THE PLACES TO BE VISITED ARE A SITE FOR USE AS AN OPEN SPACE AREA OR AS A MARKET AND OPEN SPACE AT THE BOUNDARY OF TAI KOK TSUI ROAD, IVY STREET AND FUK TSUN STREET- A TEMPORARY LORRY-PARK AT THE JUNCTION OF ANCHOR STREET AND BEECH STREET, AND A REFUSE-COLLECTION POINT BETWEEN KAM LAM STREET AND SOY STREET.

BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO LOOK INTO THE ILLEGAL OCCUPATION OF REAR LANES, AND GENERAL TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN THE DISTRICT AND WILL VISIT TWO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD TOUR TOMORROW (FRIDAY) FROM 9.30 TO 11.30 AM. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE TAI KOK TSUI SUB-OFFICE OF MONG KOK CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AT 87 IVY STREET BY 9.30 AM WHERE THEY WILL BE l*ET BY STAFF FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE.

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AIR SERVICE TALKS WITH CHINA * * * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, MR B.D. KEEP, WILL REPRESENT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AT TALKS ON AIR SERVICES TO BE HELD IN PEKING FROM MARCH 12 TO 17 BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA.

THE TALKS HAVE BEEN ARRANGED TO REVIEW THE AIR SERVICES AGREEMENTS ON THE TRUNK ROUTE BETWEEN LONDON AND PEKING AND THE REGIONAL ROUTES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND POINTS IN CHINA UNDER WHICH SERVICES ARE OPERATED BY CAAC, CPA AND BRITISH AIRWAYS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CAD SAID TODAY.

0 --------

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1982

+SHUTTERBUGS+ OUTINGS TO COUNTRY PARKS * * * *

TO HELP ENTHUSIASTIC ♦SHUTTERBUGS+ DISCOVER SOME OF THE LESSER KNOWN ASPECTS OF THE COUNTRY PARKS, THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY IS SUPPORTING A SERIES OF PHOTOGRAPHIC OUTINGS ORGANISED BY THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF HONG KONG IN CONJUNCTION WITH A COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPH PROCESSING FIRM, THE ELEGANT COLOUR PHOTO CENTRE.

THE FIRST OUTING WILL BE ON SUNDAY (MARCH 14) WHEN GROUPS OF CAMERA BUFFS WILL VISIT THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK. ANOTHER SEVEN OUTINGS TO OTHER COUNTRY PARKS ARE PLANNED UNTIL OCTOBER.

THESE OUTINGS WILL CULMINATE IN A PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION FOR THE BEST PICTURES WHICH WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE END OF THE YEAR.

THE SITES WHERE THE VISITS WILL BE MADE ARE CHOSEN BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE ORGANISERS AND SPONSORS.

THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT PLANS TO USE THE PHOTOGRAPHS FOR CALENDARS AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID i +WHILE ARDENT PHOTOGRAPHERS HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECORD THEIR ENVIRONS ON FILM THE WAY THEY SEE IT, EXHIBITION WOULD ALSO GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS

THE COUNTRY PARKS AND THE SUBSEQUENT PROMOTING THE LESSER

KNOWN ASPECTS OF THE PARKS.

♦FROM A MANAGEMENT POINT OF VIEW, THIS COULD ALSO HELP TO PREVENT THE OVER-USE OF SOME OF THE PARKS,♦ HE SAID.

THE LAST AND ALSO THE EIGHTH OUTING IS SCHEDULED FOR EARLY OCTOBER AND THE EXHIBITION WILL FOLLOW IN DECEMBER.

PRIZES WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE ORGANISERS AND SPONSORS FOR THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHS FROM EACH OUTING AND FOR THE OVERALL COMPETITION AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE OUTINGS.

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NEW STANDING COMMISSION MEMBER

* * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF MRS ALICE LAM AS A NEW MEMBER OF THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE. HER APPOINTMENT WILL RUN FOR TWO YEARS, WITH EFFECT FROM MARCH 10, 1982.

MRS LAM IS MANAGER OF THE LOANS DEPARTMENT OF THE HANG SENG BANK LTD.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1982

FIGHT CRIME DRAMA COMPETITION FINAL *****

MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, CHAIRMAN OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, WILL OPEN THE FIGHT YOUTH CRIME DRAMA COMPETITION GRAND FINAL AT THE C'TY WALL THEATRE THIS SATURDAY (MARCH 13) EVENING.

COMPETING FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP WILL BE THREE SCHOOL TEAMS, SELECTED FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING STAGE PERFORMANCES AT THE SEMIFINALS.

THE TEAMS ARE FROM BUDDHIST SIN TAK COLLEGE, HO LAP COLLEGE AND MU KUANG ENGLISH SCHOOL. ,

THE DRAMA COMPETITION IS ONE OF THE MAJOR FUNCTIONS ORGANISED FOR YOUTH BY THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AS PART OF THE FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN 1981/82.

FIFTY-TWO SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAD SUBMITTED PLAY SCRIPTS ON THE THEME OF COMBATING YOUTH CRIME. FIFTEEN MADE IT TO THE SEMI-FINALS IN FEBRUARY.

THE FIRST THREE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE CASH PRIZES OF $3 OOO, $2 000 AND $1 000 RESPECTIVELY FROM MR J.F. MAASSEN OF THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LTD, SPONSOR OF THE PROJECT.

THE THIRD AND FOURTH RUNNERS-UP WILL EACH RECEIVE A CONSOLATION PRIZE OF $500.

ADJUDICATORS FOR THE GRAND FINAL WILL BE MR JAMES MARK, S FUNG MOK YAN LAN, MR CHEN YAU HOW, MR CHEUNG KING, MR HARDY CHOI, MR CHU SHU I TONG, MR FUNG LUK TAK, MISS MOK FUNG YEE AND MR YUEN LAP FUN.

OVER 400 REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE 52 PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO THE GRAND FINAL WHERE THEY WILL ALSO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WATCH THE PERFORMANCE BY WINNERS OF THE FIGHT YOUTH CRIME SONG CONTEST HELD IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE FIGHT YOUTH CRIME DRAMA COMPETITION GRAND FINAL TO BE HELD THIS SATURDAY (MARCH 13) FROM 8 PM TO 10.30 PM AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE NOT LATER THAN 7.45 PM WHERE THEY WILL BE MET BY A GIS OFFICER.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1982

STUDENTS TAUGHT METRIC UNITS THROUGH GAMES XXX

A METRIC GAMES DAY JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE METRICATION COMMITTEE, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY (MARCH 13) AFTERNOON AT THE PERTH STREET SPORTS GROUND.

THE PURPOSE OF THE EVENT IS TO GIVE THE PARTICIPANTS A CHANCE TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE METRIC CONCEPT, AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO USE THE METRIC UNITS IN THEIR EVERYDAY LIFE.

ABOUT 750 STUDENTS WILL TAKE PART IN A TOTAL OF FIVE GAMES, ALL OF WHICH WILL FEATURE THE COMMONLY USED METRIC UNITS FOR LENGTH, MASS AND VOLUME. EVEN THE PROPS USED IN THE GAMES ARE DESIGNED IN METRIC MEASUREMENTS.

THE PROGRAMME WILL START AT 2 PM WITH AN OPENING CEREMONY TO BE OFFICIATED BY PROFESSOR S.Y. KING, CHAIRMAN OF THE METRICAT COMMITTEE- MR DAVID CHIU, PRINCIPAL RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER AND MRS LOUISE MOK, DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS.

NOTE TO EDITORS t

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE METRIC GAMES DAY TO BE HELD AT THE PERTH STREET SPORTS GROUND THIS SATURDAY (MARCH 13) AT 2 PM.

- - 0 -

TICKETS FOR LUT SAU HALL CONCERTS

* * * *

THE BOX OFFICE OF THE LUT SAU HALL, YUEN LONG WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 3.30 PM TO 8 PM TO SELL TICKETS FOR THE PERFORMANCES OF +MODERN SONGS+ ON MARCH 20 AND +CANTONESE OPERATIC SONGS PERFORMANCE+ ON MARCH 21.

THE OPENING HOURS OF THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL WILL BE FROM 12.30 PM TO 9.30 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 11.30 AM TO 9.30 PM ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS.

TICKETS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE NEW TERRITORIES MOBILE LIBRARY, THE OPENING HOURS OF WHICH ARE FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM, MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS. THE MOBILE LIBRARY STOPS AT SHA TIN, KWAI CHUNG, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, FANLING, SAI KUNG AND TSING Yl.

THE PROGRAMMES ARE PRESENTED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS OFFICE OF THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT. TICKETS AT $5 ARE ONLY AVAILABLE AT THE ABOVE VENUES.

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1982

- 15 -

YAU MA TEI BOARD MEMBERS CHECK ON PROBLEM AREAS *****

ILLEGAL OCCUPATION OF PAVEMENTS BY HAWKERS, STREET-SLEEPERS AND GENERAL STREET CONDITIONS WERE SOME OF THE MATTERS EXAMINED BY MEMBERS OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD DURING THEIR TOUR OF THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI AREAS TODAY (THURSDAY).

IN THEIR THREE-HOUR TOUR, ORGANISED TO ENABLE THEM TO GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT CONDITIONS IN THE AREAS, THE BOARD MEMBERS FIRST WENT TO THE FERRY POINT COMPLEX IN YAU MA TEI, TO EXAMINE A SITE NEAR JORDAN ROAD VEHICULAR FERRY PIER, NOW BEING OCCUPIED BY STREET-SLEEPERS. HERE THEY DISCUSSED THE POSSIBILITY OF TURNING THE SITE INTO A TEMPORARY SITTING-OUT PLACE.

AT THEIR NEXT POINTS OF CALL AT CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON PARK DRIVE AND TUNG KUN STREET, THEY SAW SOME REAR LANES AND PAVEMENTS BEING OCCUPIED BY ILLEGAL STRUCTURES, ILLEGAL PARKING AND JADE HAWKERS.

AT TUNG KUN STREET, BOARD MEMBERS LEARNED THAT MORE THAN 100 LETTERS OF COMPLAINT HAD BEEN SENT TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BY RESIDENTS COMPLAINING ABOUT THE HAZARDS TO PEDESTRIAN AND SCHOOL CHILDREN AS A RESULT OF ILLEGAL PARKING. THEY WERE TOLD THAT THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE HAD TRIED TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM BY ERECTING GUARD-RAILINGS ON SOME OF THE PAVEMENTS TO KEEP THEM FREE FROM OBSTRUCTION.

THE BOARD LATER CHECKED ON TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES, THE PARKING PROBLEM, AND SOME OTHER DEVELOPMENTS, IN THEIR TOUR WHICH STARTED AT 9.30 AM AND ENDED AT ABOUT 12.30 PM.

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TENANCY AVAILABLE AT KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION * * * *

THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A TENANCY OF A PIECE OF CROWN LAND IN KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION.

THE SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 4 625 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR STORAGE OF TENANT’S GOODS, VEHICLES, CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS, BUT EXCLUDING CONCRETE/BATCHI NG.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE TENANCY WOULD BE FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF TWO YEARS AND, THEREAFTER, QUARTERLY.

THE DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON MARCH 26.

TENDER FORMS, WITH NOTICES AND CONDITIONS, MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR GARDEN ROAD OR KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD

TENDER PLANS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THESE OFFICES.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG.TEL: 5-233191

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

REGISTRATION OF VOTERS FOR URBAN DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS .. 1

DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982 GAZETTED .............. 1

EMPLOYMENT OF YOUNG GIRLS ................................... 3

FS RETURNS ON SUNDAY ........................................ 3

SIXTY SITES TO BE SOLD IN NEXT SIX MONTHS ................... 4

GOVERNMENT KEEN TO SUPPORT SPORTS ........................... 5

HARBOUR LITTERBUGS WARNED ................................... 5

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN RECREATION AND CULTURE.............. 6

NEW NAMES MORE APPROPRIATE, SAYS COMi-ilSSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES .................................................... 8

LOSS OF VEGETABLE LAND TO DEVELOPMENT ....................... 10

CLOSURE OF BLACK'S LINK ..................................... 11

HONG KONG PORT MORE ACTIVE................................... 12

SEMINAR ON TEACHING ENGLISH AS SECOND LANGUAGE .............. 12

CAS TAI PO UNIT PARADE ON SUNDAY ............................ 13

WAN CHAI DB MEMBERS AMONG FIRST THROUGH ABERDEEN TUNNEL .... 14

ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE AT TSUEN WAN’ TOWN HALL .............. 1^

MONG KOK BOARD MEMBERS STUDY DISTRICT PROBLEMS .............. 15

NORTH DISTRICT CLEAN-UP DRIVE A SUCCESS ..................... 15

REMINDER ON EMPLOYING VIETNAMESE REFUGEES ................... 16

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1982

REGISTRATION OF VOTERS FOR URBAN DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS * * * *

REGISTRATION OF VOTERS FOR THE FIRST DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN THE URBAN AREAS THIS SEPTEMBER WILL BEGIN ON MARCH 19.

THIS IS ONE OF THE ARRANGEMENTS MADE UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS (URBAN AREAS)(SPEC I AL PROVISIONS) ORDER 1982 PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE ORDER WAS MADE SPECIALLY FOR THE COMING ELECTIONS AND EXCEPTIONALLY ALTERED THE STATUTORY TIMETABLE FOR REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS.

THIS IS NECESSARY BECAUSE THE ORDINARY TIMETABLE, SET OUT UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION, IS GEARED TO HAVING THE DISTRICT BOARD OR URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION HELD IN MARCH IN THE ELECTION YEAR, HE EXPLAINED.

THE ORDER SPECIFIES THAT APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION CAN BE MADE BY POST FROM MARCH 19 TO APRIL 30, 1982. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL HAVE TO BE MADE IN PERSON FROM JUNE 18 TO 28, 1982. A FINAL REGISTER OF ELECTORS WILL THEN BE COMPILED AND PUBLISHED BEFORE AUGUST 6, 1982, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

EXISTING URBAN COUNCIL ELECTORS WHO ARE RESIDENTS IN THE URBAN AREAS WILL BE REGARDED AS HAVING APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION AND WILL HAVE THEIR NAMES AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFERRED TO THE REGISTER, HE ADDED.

THE ORDER ALSO BRINGS FORWARD THE DATE BY WHICH PEOPLE APPLYING FOR REGISTRATION MUST HAVE REACHED 21 YEARS OF AGE FROM NOVEMBER 30, 1982 TO AUGUST 31, 1982. THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT VOTERS WILL MEET THE FRANCHISE REQUIREMENT WHEN THEY CAST THEIR VOTES IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.

DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982 GAZETTED *****

A NUMBER OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO TIGHTEN UP EXISTING LEGISLATION DEALING WITH NARCOTIC DRUG OFFENCES ARE CONTAINED IN THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982 PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE MAIN PURPOSES OF THE BILL AREt

* TO ALLOW PROSECUTION ACTION TO BE TAKEN AGAINST THOSE PERSONS ENGAGED IN ’DILUTING’ OR ’CUTTING’ DANGEROUS DRUGS, BY REDEFINING ’MANUFACTURE’ OF DANGEROUS DRUGS UNDER THE ORDINANCE?

* TO ENSURE THAT ANY QUANTITIES OF DANGEROUS DRUGS, HOWEVER SMALL, ARE REGARDED AS DANGEROUS DRUGS FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE ORDINANCE j AND

/• TO PERMIT .......

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1982

* TO PERMIT A SEARCH OF BODY CAVITIES OF A SUSPECTED DRUG COURIER WITH OR WITHOUT CONSENT AND TO EXTEND THE LEGAL PROTECTION TO A DOCTOR IN CONDUCTING SUCH A SEARCH.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION EXPLAINED TODAY THAT ’MANUFACTURE’ OF DANGEROUS DRUGS, AS DEFINED UNDER THE EXISTING ORDINANCE, DOES NOT APPLY TO CASES WHERE THERE HAS NOT BEEN A PROCESS OF CHEMICAL MODIFICATION OF ANOTHER SUBSTANCE OR SUBSTANCES INTO A DANGEROUS DRUG AS IN THE CASE OF ’DILUTING’ OR ’CUTTING' HEROIN BASE OR ITS SALTS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT IN RECENT YEARS DRUG TRAFFICKERS HAD BEEN IMPORTING INCREASING AMOUNTS OF HEROIN BASE INTO HONG KONG BECAUSE OF ITS HIGHER VALUE BUT LOWER BULK THAN OPIUM OR MORPHINE.

+A FURTHER IMPORTANT FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE PREVALENCE OF TRAFFICKING IN HEROIN BASE IS THAT THE PREPARATION OF THE MOST COMMONLY USED SALT OF HEROIN FROM HEROIN BASE IS A QUICKER, SIMPLER AND CLEANER PROCESS THAN THE CUMBERSOME, SMELLY AND OFTEN DANGEROUS METHOD OF MANUFACTURING HEROIN FROM MORPHINE USING ACETYLATING SUBSTANCES, WHICH HAS BEEN USED IN LOCAL CLANDESTINE LABORATORIES IN THE PAST,* HE ADDED.

UNDER THE BILL, THE DEFINITION OF ’MANUFACTURE’ OF DANGEROUS DRUGS WILL BE BROADENED TO INCLUDE MAKING, ADULTERATING, PURIFYING, MIXING, SEPARATING OR OTHERWISE TREATING A DANGEROUS DRUG.

♦THIS WILL ALLOW A CHARGE OF MANUFACTURE TO BE LAID IN CASES INVOLVING EQUIPMENT AND PARAPHERNALIA REFERABLE ONLY TO THE ’DILUTING’ OR ’CUTTING’ OF DRUGS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE BILL ALSO MAKES IT CLEAR THAT PROSECUTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ORDINANCE CAN BE INSTITUTED IN A CASE INVOLVING A MINUTE QUANTITY OF DANGEROUS DRUG WHETHER OR NOT MEASURABLE OR USABLE.

+WHETHER PROSECUTION ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN WHERE ONLY TRACES OF DRUGS ARE FOUND WILL OF COURSE STILL DEPEND ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF INDIVIDUAL CASES,* THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO GIVE LEGAL PROTECTION TO A DOCTOR ENGAGED BY THE POLICE OR CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE TO CONDUCT SEARCHES OF BODY CAVITIES OF A SUSPECTED DRUG COURIER.

THE BILL, IF ENACTED, WILL ENABLE A DOCTOR WHO IS A PUBLIC OFFICER, AT THE REQUEST OF A POLICE OFFICER OR A MEMBER OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE, TO CONDUCT A BODY CAVITY SEARCH, WITH OR WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE SUSPECT AND TO PROTECT THE DOCTOR FROM CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LIABILITIES. HOWEVER, IF A FEMALE SUSPECT IS SEARCHED BY A DOCTOR, IT MUST BE CONDUCTED IN THE PRESENCE OF A FEMALE OFFICER.

IN ADDITION, PROVISION WILL ALSO BE MADE FOR THE DETENTION OF SUSPECTED PERSONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUCH SEARCHES.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THERE IS A GROWING TREND IN DRUG SMUGGLING WHEREBY CONSIDERABLE QUANTITIES OF DRUGS ARE CONCEALED IN BODY CAVITIES OF COURIERS.

SINCE JANUARY 1980, 31 PERSONS HAVE BEEN ARRESTED AT KAI TAK AIRPORT WITH DRUGS CONCEALED INSIDE THEIR BODIES.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1982

- 3 -

EMPLOYMENT OF YOUNG GIRLS * * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS AMENDED EXISTING REGULATIONS TO PROHIBIT THE EMPLOYMENT OF YOUNG GIRLS IN ESTABLISHMENTS HOLDING LIQUOR LICENCES.

UNDER THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (LIQUOR) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1982 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), GIRLS AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 18 WILL NO LONGER BE ALLOWED TO WORK IN LIQUOR-LICENSED PREMISES, EVEN BETWEEN 6 AM AND 8 PM AS WAS PERMITTED IN THE PAST.

THERE ARE HOWEVER OCCASIONS WHEN FOR EXAMPLE RESTAURANTS OR HOTELS WOULD WANT TO EMPLOY GIRLS OF THIS AGE DURING THE DAY TIME AND THE REGULATIONS ALLOW FOR THIS BY GIVING THE LICENSING AUTHORITIES DISCRETIONARY POWER TO GRANT EXEMPTIONS.

IF APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION IS TURNED DOWN, THE CHANNEL OF APPEAL IS BY WAY OF PETITION TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL.

ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ARE ALREADY EMPLOYING GIRLS UNDER 18 HAVE A GRACE PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS FROM TODAY TO APPLY FOR EXEMPTION.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE AMENDMENT TO THE REGULATIONS WAS ESSENTIAL BECAUSE IT WOULD GIVE THE AUTHORITIES BETTER CONTROL OVER THE EMPLOYMENT OF YOUNG GIRLS IN LIQUOR-LICENSED PREMISES.

+SUCH CONTROL WILL HELP TO PREVENT THE EXPLOITATION OF YOUNG GIRLS WORKING IN THE LESS REPUTABLE TYPE OF LIQUOR-LICENSED PREMISES,+ HE SAID.

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NOTE TO EDITORS!

FS RETURNS ON SUNDAY x x x

A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY WILL BE ARRANGED AT THE AIRPORT ON SUNDAY FOR PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN TO COVER THE RETURN OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR JOHN BREMRIDGE, AFTER A NINE-DAY VISIT TO CHINA.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ASSIGNED TO COVER HIS RETURN SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN THE PRESS ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING NOT LATER THAN 10 AM. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE PRESENT TO ASSIST.

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A....

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1982

SIXTY SITES TO BE SOLD IN NEXT SIX MONTHS

XXX*

THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO SELL 60 SITES IN THE URBAN AREA AND NEW TERRITORIES IN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS FROM APRIL TO SEPTEMBER.

THE ACTING PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR D.M. SCOTT-WILL, TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE PROVISIONAL SALES FORECAST AND NOTED THAT THE TOTAL AREA OF LAND TO BE OFFERED FOR SALE AMOUNTED TO ABOUT 782 800 SQUARE METRES.

IN THE URBAN AREA, ONE SITE OF PARTICULAR INTEREST IS LOCATED IN VICTORIA BARRACKS, FRONTING QUEENSWAY, WHERE DEVELOPMENT WILL COMPRISE THREE TOWER BLOCKS OVER A PODIUM, WITH AN OPTION TO DEVELOP THE LARGEST OF THE THREE TOWERS AS AN HOTEL.

A SECOND LARGE SITE IS AT 39 AND 40 GLOUCESTER ROAD, TO THE EAST OF THE CHINA FLEET CLUB, WHICH CAN BE DEVELOPED FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES FOLLOWING DEMOLITION OF THE POLICE STATION AND NURSES HOSTEL WHICH AT PRESENT OCCUPY THE SITE.

A TOTAL OF FIVE SITES FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE, ALL OF WHICH ARE LOCATED IN THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION.

IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, TENDERS WILL BE INVITED FOR A SITE OF ABOUT 40 HECTARES AT SO KWUN WAT, TUEN MUN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MARINA. OF THE TOTAL SITE AREA OF 40 HECTARES, ABOUT 21 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE FORMED AFTER RECLAMATION, AND THE BALANCE' OF THE AREA WILL BE FOR MOORINGS.

IN SHA TIN, TWO IMPORTANT TOWN CENTRE SITES ARE TO BE OFFERED FOR SALE, ONE FOR HOTEL DEVELOPMENT AND THE OTHER FOR OFFICES.

THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO BE INVITING TENDERS FOR SIX SITES FOR MIDDLE INCOME HOUSING DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME. TWO OF THESE SITES ARE LOCATED IN CHAI WAN, ONE IN KOWLOON BAY NEXT TO THE KAI YIP ESTATE, ONE IN HAMMER HILL ROAD, KOWLOON, AND ONE EACH IN TAI PO AND YUEN LONG.

MR SCOTT-WILL SAID THAT THE SALES PROGRAMME WAS PROVISIONAL, AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE. SALE DATES WOULD BE ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE AND NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENTS IN THE NORMAL WAY.

COPIES OF THE LAND SALES FORECAST MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, 18TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE KOWLOON BRANCH OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.

PLANS SHOWING THE LOCATION OF LOTS CAN BE SEEN AT THE ABOVE ADDRESSES.

- 0 -----------

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1982

- 5 -

GOVERNMENT KEEN TO SUPPORT SPORTS M M M

THE GOVERNMENT IS ANXIOUS TO SUPPORT SPORTING ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AT ALL LEVELS AND TO ENCOURAGE WIDER PARTICIPATION AND HIGHER STANDARDS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID TODAY.

SPORT IS IMPORTANT IN OUR SOCIETY, BOTH AS A FORM OF RELAXATION AND AS A MEDIUM OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, HE SAID.

SIR PHILIP WAS SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION OF THE ANNUAL INTER-SCHOOL ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION DIVISION I AT WAN CHAI SPORTS GROUND, WHERE HE PRESENTED TROPHIES TO WINNERS IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITIONS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION THIS SEASON.

SOME 11 500 STUDENTS FROM OVER 145 SECONDARY SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THE COMPETITIONS.

SIR PHILIP SAID THE GOVERNMENT PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT PART IN BOTH THE PLANNING AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF SPORTING FACILITIES.

IT WAS INVOLVED IN THE ORGANISATION OF TRAINING CLASSES FOR THE UNINITIATED, THUS GIVING MORE PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY DIFFERENT FORMS OF SPORTING ACTIVITY, AND RECENTLY HAD BECOME HEAVILY INVOLVED IN THE TRAINING OF THE TALENTED.

HE CITED AS AN EXAMPLE THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE IN SHA TIN WHICH WAS BUILT WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE JOCKEY CLUB AND THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S LUNAR NEW YEAR GOLD COINS.

♦THIS TRAINING COMPLEX, EQUIPPED WITH SOME OF THE BEST FACILITIES TO BE FOUND IN THE WORLD AND STAFFED WITH A NUMBER CF HIGHLY QUALIFIED COACHING STAFF, WILL PROVIDE ALL OUR BUDDING SPORTSMEN WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO REACH THEIR FULLEST ATHLETIC POTENT I AL,♦ HE SAID.

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HARBOUR LITTERBUGS WARNED

MM*

FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY), STAFF OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL JOIN HONG KONG YAUMATEI FERRY STAFF ON BOARD HYF FERRIES TO CATCH PEOPLE WHO DISCARD RUBBISH INTO THE HARBOUR.

A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN WARNED TODAY THAT PEOPLE CAUGHT DISCARDING RUBBISH WOULD BE PROSECUTED UNDER THE RECENTLY-INTRODUCED AMENDMENT TO THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE, WHICH SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITS LITTERING THE WATERS OF HONG KONG.

THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR THE OFFENCE IS A FINE OF |5 000 AND SIX-MONTH IMPRISONMENT.

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/6........

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1982

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN RECREATION AND CULTURE ft ft ft ft

THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT HAS EMBARKED ON AN AMBITIOUS AND COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN A WIDE VARIETY OF RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL PURSUITS, THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

HE SAID THE TASK IS AN EXCITING AND REWARDING ONE FOR THERE IS INTEREST AND TALENT WHICH, ONCE AWAKENED AND DEVELOPED, CAN PROVIDE ENJOYMENT AND PLEASURE BOTH TO THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.

SPEAKING AT A JOINT LUNCHEON OF THE LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG (HOST) AND THE KOWLOON LIONS’ CLUB, MR WIGGHAM ALSO EXPLAINED THE AIMS AND ROLES OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT (RCD) WHICH WAS CREATED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR AFTER +SEVERAL YEARS OF GESTATION.*

♦NEW DEPARTMENTS ARE NOT OFTEN CREATED. THEY ARE CERTAINLY NOT CREATED TO DUPLICATE THE WORK ALREADY BEING DONE ADEQUATELY ELSEWHERE.+ MR WIGGHAM SAID. +THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT IS HERE TO MEET A NEED. IT HAS WORK TO DO.+

MR WIGGHAM SAID THAT FOLLOWING THE BIRTH OF THE NEW DEPARTMENT, MANY PEOPLE WRONGLY THOUGHT HE WORKED FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL.

HE SAID THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS A STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITY TO ♦MANAGE* RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL FACILITIES FOR PUBLIC USE - MOST OF THEM BUILT BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THEN HANDED OVER TO BE RUN BY THE COUNCIL - THROUGH ITS EXECUTIVE ARM, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

IN ADDITION, HE CONTINUED, THE COUNCIL IS EMPOWERED TO PROVIDE +SPECTATOR ACTIVITIES* SUCH AS CULTURAL PERFORMANCES IN THE CITY HALL OR SPORTS COMPETITIONS AND DISPLAYS IN THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM.

♦ IN OTHER WORDS THE URBAN COUNCIL IS FACILITY-ORIENTED AND IS CONCERNED WITH PROVIDING AND MANAGING FACILITIES; PRESENTING PERFORMANCES IN THEM, AND ENCOURAGING THE PUBLIC TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE FAC IL IT IES,♦ HE ELABORATED.

THE PRIME CONCERN OF THE RCD, HE SAID, IS THE PEOPLE WHO USE FACILITIES RUN BY THE UC.

♦ WE ARE MORE PEOPLE-ORIENTED. WHAT WE ARE INVOLVED IN, THROUGH THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (RSS), A DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT, IS ORGANISING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO PARTICIPATE,♦ HE EMPHASISED.

THE RSS PROMOTES PHYSICAL RECREATION AND SPORTS IN THE COMMUNITY, THROUGH A NETWORK OF 19 DISTRICT OFFICES, WHERE PROFESSIONAL STAFF RUN COURSES OF INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING TO INTRODUCE PEOPLE TO A PARTICULAR SPORTING ACTIVITY.

/IF AN .......

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 19$2

IF AN INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPS AN INTEREST OR IS TALENTED, HE CAN BE CHANNELLED TO ONE OF THE SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS OR THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE FOR FURTHER TRAINING.

MR WIGGHAM SAID PASTIMES SUCH AS ARCHERY. ICE-SKATING, EXCURSION. DANCE, TAI-CHI, FITNESS CLASSES AND FUN DAYS FOR BOTH YOUNGSTERS AND ELDERLIES ATTRACTED 530 000 PEOPLE LAST YEAR. THESE PEOPLE ATTENDED MORE THAN 1.5 MILLION SESSIONS, SOME OF WHICH WERE HELD IN A NUMBER OF SMALL-SIZED FACILITIES RUN BY THE RSS.

ONE OF THE FACILITIES, A GYMNASIUM IN SPORTS ROAD FITTED OUT WITH FUNDS DONATED BY THE CITY LIONS’ CLUB, IS EXTREMELY POPULAR, BEING PATRONISED BY MORE THAN 200 PEOPLE DAILY.

♦ WE NEED MORE FACILITIES LIKE THESE - PLACES WHERE THE RSS CAN CARRY OUT ITS TRAINING ACTIVITIES AND ITS FUN DAYS, WHERE YOUNG AND OLD TRY THEIR HAND AT NEW SPORTS,* MR WIGGHAM SAID.

♦ WE ARE NOT COMPETING WITH LARGE DISTRICT FACILITIES,* HE ADDED, *BUT SMALL NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRES FOR OUR TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND ORGANISED COURSES HELP TO RELIEVE PRESSURE ON OTHER HEAVILY USED FACILITIES, AND MAY ENABLE US TO TRAIN UP A GENERATION OF SPORTSMEN OF TOMORROW.*

TURNING TO THE +CULTURAL* SIDE OF HIS TITLE, MR WIGGHAM SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAS TWO OTHER DIVISIONS WHICH HANDLE MATTERS PERTAINING TO CULTURE I THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE PERFORMING ARTS DIVISION.

THE MO’S AIMS ARE TO RUN A FULL SCALE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING PROGRAMME; TO PROMOTE INTEREST AND STANDARD OF MUSIC, ESPECIALLY AMONG THE YOUNGER GENERATION AND TO ASSIST THE ORGANISING OF MUSIC ACTIVITIES IN ALL DISTRICTS.

♦IN FURTHERANCE OF THESE AIMS, THE OFFICE RUNS OVER 500 INSTRUMENTAL TRAINING CLASSES. IN BOTH WESTERN AND CHINESE INSTRUMENTS, FOR OVER 2 500 STUDENTS,* THE COMMISSIONER SAID.

♦COURSES FOR AURAL TRAINING, THEORY AND MUSIC APPRECIATION ARE ALSO RUN AT OUR FOUR MUSIC CENTRES, AND MORE NEW CLASSES WILL BE OPENED DURING 1982 TO GIVE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNGSTERS TO BEGIN THEIR MUSICAL TRAINING.

♦THREE MORE CENTRES WILL BE OPENED BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR. EVEN AT THIS STAGE OF OUR GROWTH, WE MANAGE AND TRAIN 23 ORCHESTRAS, BANDS, INSTRUMENTAL GROUPS AND YOUTH CHOIRS,♦ HE SAID.

ON THE OTHER SIDE, THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO INVOLVED IN ORGANISING CONCERTS AT FACTORIES, SCHOOLS, PUBLIC PARKS, COMMUNITY HALLS AND HOSPITALS, HE SAID.

MR WIGGHAM STRESSED THAT IN BOTH RECREATION AND CULTURE THE DEPARTMENT’S ACTIVITIES ARE COMPLEMENTARY TO THOSE PROVIDED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

/IN THE PURSUIT .......

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1982

IN THE PURSUIT OF +EDUCATION+ AND ♦TRAINING* AS OPPOSED TO THE UC’S ROLE OF PRESENTING PERFORMANCES, THE DEPARTMENT HAS ESTABLISHED THE PERFORMING ARTS DIVISION WHOSE TASK IS TO OFFER SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE (MAINLY FINANCIAL) TO OTHER, NON-GOVERMMENT GROUPS.

CURRENTLY RECEIVING ASSISTANCE FROM THIS DIVISION ARE THE PHILHARMONIC AND THE ARTS FESTIVAL.

♦WE HAVE RECENTLY AGREED TO ASSIST SUCH GROUPS AS THE BALLET ACADEMY AND THE CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC AND THE CHUNG YING THEATRE, EACH CONCERNED IN ITS OWN FIELD WITH THE TRAINING OF YOUNG TALENT AND ALSO THE ’EDUCATION’ OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE,+ MR WIGGHAM SAID.

♦A DEVELOPMENT OF THAT INTEREST — A VERY AMBITIOUS AND LARGE SCALE DEVELOPMENT — IS THE GOVERNMENT’S AGREEMENT TO COLLABORATE WITH THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB ON THE POSSIBLE ESTABLISHMENT CF AN ACADEMY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, THE ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT FOR WHICH WAS UNVEILED ONLY LAST WEEK.

♦FINAL DECISIONS HAVE YET TO BE TAKEN. BUT ALL BEING WELL WE COULD HAVE IN HONG KONG BY THE LATE 80’S A CENTRE FOR TRAINING IN THE PERFORMING ARTS WHICH WILL ESTABLISH HONG KONG AS A NATURAL WORLD FOCAL-POINT OF CULTURAL CROSS-FERTILISATION — A LINK BETWEEN THE CULTURES OF EAST AND WEST WITH GRADUATES FROM OUR ACADEMY NOT ONLY FILLING POSITIONS IN OUR PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING GROUPS, BUT ALSO APPEARING IN CONCERT HALLS AND THEATRES AROUND THE WORLD,♦ MR WIGGHAM ADDED.

THE COMMISSIONER SAID THE ROLE OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. WHICH HAS HAD ITS FIRST MEETING RECENTLY, IS, LIKE ITS COUNTERPART THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, TO ADVISE AND DIRECT THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.

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n NEW NAMES more appropriate, SAYS COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES MOM

THERE HAS BEEN A SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE NUMBER THEACHANGENOF NAMFPnrTTME 1 £0R*ECT 10NAL SERVICE FOLLOWING

™E change ?F NAME 0F THE department, the commissioner of

aIdc**™ ?EcV/lCES’ MR TH0MAS GARNER SAID AT THE PRESENTATION OF CLASPS TO THE COLONIAL PRISON SERVICE MEDAL HELD TODAY (FRIDAY} AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY. (FRIDAY)

POlNTJnDSH?S|MATTTuC°nci*o^e^,oARADE AT THE CEREMONY, MR GARNER pC<NTED ^T.™AT THE DEPARTMENT’S NEW NAME IS MORE RELEVANT IN RESPECT OF ITS NATURE OF WORK. +IT DESCRIBES MORE FULLY THE H?LpoIrL2MceRTMENT PLAYS N0T ONLY IN CARE AND CUSTODY BUT ALSO IN PROGRAMMES AIMED AT CORRECTING OFFENDER BEHAVIOUR,+ HE SAID

/ON YOUNG .......

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1982

-ru.T offeNDERS AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 21, MR GARNER REVEALED

HAD B£EN AN incre*SE IN THE DAILY AVERAGE NUMBER OF

YOUNG PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONS IN 1981, BEING 22 PER CENT MORE |98O. HE SAID, HOWEVER, IT IS HEARTENING TO NOTE THAT THE HANDLING OF THIS CATEGORY OF OFFENDERS IS PROVING SUCCESSFUL.

♦THE SUCCESS OF THE DETENTION PROGRAMME IS ALL TOO WELL-KNOWN AND AS A RESULT OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TRAINING CENTRE PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG MALE OFFENDERS, WE HAVE SUCCEEDED IN INCREASING THE SUCCESS RATE FROM 53 PER CENT TO 62 PER CENT WHICH IS DETERMINED AT THE END OF THE THREE-YEAR AFTERCARE SUPERVISION PERIOD.+

HE ALSO MENTIONED THE INCREASING ROLE THAT WOMEN ARE PLAYING IN THE SERVICE.

♦TODAY, DESPITE THE FACT THAT FEMALE PRISONERS ONLY ACCOUNT FOR 3.5 PER CENT OF THE PENAL POPULATION, THE PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN IN THE SERVICE IS NOW SOME 13.5 PER CENT,+ HE SAID.

♦THEY DO MUCH VALUABLE WORK IN VISIT ROOMS ASSISTING WIVES AND CHILDREN OF PRISONERS DURING VISITS, IN AFTERCARE UNITS, IN CONTROL CENTRES AND IN ADMINISTRATION.+

TURNING TO PRISON INDUSTRIES, MR GARNER SAID THAT IT WAS MOST ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THE IMPROVEMENTS BEING MADE IN THE GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT OF PRISON LABOUR WHICH NOW SERVES THE COMMUNITY IN A VARIETY OF WAYS. PRISON INDUSTRIES PROVIDED GOODS AND SERVICES AMOUNTING TO SOME $47.5 MILLION IN 1981, HE ADDED.

THIS INCLUDES THE MANUFACTURING OF TRAFFIC SIGNS, MAKING CONCRETE KERBSTONES, MAINTENANCE OF THE BORDER FENCES, THE MANUFACTURING OF SHOES, UNIFORMS AND LAUNDERING, PARTICULARLY FOR HOSPITALS.

♦THE DEPARTMENT NOW UNDERTAKES WORK FOR MOST GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS,+ HE ADDED.

IN TODAY’S CEREMONY, MR GARNER PRESENTED FIRST AND SECOND CLASPS TO THE COLONIAL PRISON SERVICE MEDAL TO 20 OFFICERS FOR THEIR EXEMPLARY SERVICE.

THE RECIPIENTS, INCLUDING THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, HAVE TOGETHER SERVED 526 YEARS WITH THE DEPARTMENT.

ON PARADE WERE 205 CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS IN SEVEN CONTINGENTS FROM VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT COMMANDED BY THE PRINCIPAL OF THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE, MR JOHN ASHWORTH.

OF THEM, 57 WERE NEW RECRUITS WHO HAVE JUST COMPLETED THEIR SIX MONTHS’ BASIC TRAINING.

THE GIRL PIPERS AND MARCHING TEAM OF THE TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION GAVE PERFORMANCES AT THE CEREMONY WHILE THE BAND OF CAPE COLLINSON CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION PROVIDED MUSIC THROUGHOUT THE EVENT.

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/10........

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1982

- 10

LOSS OF VEGETABLE LAND TO DEVELOPMENT ft ft ft

LAND UNDER VEGETABLE CULTIVATION IS BEING LOST TO DEVELOPMENT AT AN ALARMING RATE. THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, Ml JOHN RIDDELL-SWAN, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.

HE SAID THAT DURING THE PAST 10 YEARS MORE THAN 1 000 HECTARES OF VEGETABLE LAND WERE LOST.

AND LAST YEAR ALONE, 260 HECTARES OR NINE PER CENT OF ALL THE LAND UNDER VEGETABLE CULTIVATION WERE LOST.

RIDDELL-SWAN WAS SPEAKING AT AN INAUGURATION DINNER OF THE 30TH TERM COMMITTEE OF THE FEDERATION OF VEGETABLE MARKETING CO-OPERATIVES SOCIETIES.

ONE OF THE GREATEST PROBLEMS FACING THE INDUSTRY WAS THE INCREASING ALIENATION OF LAND SUITABLE FOR VEGETABLE PRODUCTION,

♦UNDER HONG KONG CONDITIONS, SUCH LOSS OF LAND IS INEVITABLE, BUT EVERY EFFORT MUST BE MADE TO COUNTERACT THE EFFECT OF THIS LOSS BY ENSURING THAT WHEREVER POSSIBLE PRIME AGRICULTURAL LAND IS NOT ALIENATED UNLESS THERE IS NO POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE.^ HE SAID.

HE SAID THAT OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS, THE NEW TERRITORIES HAD CHANGED FROM A QUIET RURAL HINTERLAND FOR A CITY OF SOME 2 000 000 PEOPLE TO A BUSY, BUSTLING SUBURBAN AREA WITH MODERN NEW TOWNS OFFERING NEW HOMES TO AN EVER-EXPANDING MASSIVE URBAN POPULATION OF 5 250 000.

♦THE EFFECT OF THIS CHANGE ON THE RURAL SCENE HAS BEEN IMMENSE AND HAS BEEN MOST MARKED IN THE REPLACEMENT OF EXTENSIVE RICE CULTIVATION WITH VEGETABLE PRODUCTION OF EVER-INCREASING INTENSITY,♦ MR RIDDELL-SWAN SAID.

IN 1952 THE NEW TERRITORIES PRODUCED NEARLY 30 000 METRIC TONS OF RICE WHEREAS LAST YEAR ONLY 30 METRIC TONS WERE PRODUCED.

DURING THIS PERIOD, VEGETABLE PRODUCTION ROSE FROM 46 000 METRIC TONS TO 180 000 METRIC TONS, OR ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL FRESH VEGETABLE NEEDS.

MR RIDDELL-SWAN CALLED FOR A CONCENTRATED EFFORT TO BRING BACK INTO CULTIVATION ALL LAND SUITABLE FOR AGRICULTURE WHICH IS NOW LYING FALLOW.

HE ASKED THE FARMERS TO STRIVE FOR EVER-INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY FROM THE LAND AVAILABLE THROUGH THE USE OF THE MOST MODERN TECHNIQUES WITH UP-TO-DATE EQUIPMENT AND BY ADOPTING THE MOST EFFICIENT AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES.

/THE AGRICULTURE

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1982

sa in T?nuT?5ilenLlARL^?J,SHER,ES DEPARTMENT, MR RIDDELL-SWAN ?H!2tJ2oPS9X1DE EARNERS WITH TECHNICAL ADVICE AND

FUNDST*TCADM?NfsTERSW ™ L°ANS AND DEVEL0PMENT GRANTS FROM THE

FRrtM TMFEc«no?I Sr Ju! y!9!TABLE ,NDUSTRY OVER THE YEARS BENEFITED DEPARTMENTFFHETADDED™E FEDERATI0N working CLOSELY WITH THE

-----0------

CLOSURE OF BLACK'S LINK

* * *

BLACK’S LINK WILL BE CLOSED TO WESTBOUND TRAFFIC FROM 7 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 15), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT AS THE ESSENTIAL CABLE LAYING WORKS IN UPPER BLACK’S LINK HAS EXTENDED DOWN TO THE DEEP WATER BAY ROAD JUNCTION, IT IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE THE ROAD AGAIN AT SHORT NOTICE AS EARLIER STATED.

FOR THE SAME REASON, HE SAID, THE SECTION OF DEEP WATER BAY ROAD BETWEEN NAM FUNG ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO HOUSE NO. 8 WOULD BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 17).

FOLLOWING THE TEMPORARY ONE-WAY TRAFFIC SYSTEM, SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES ON WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD HEADING TOWARDS THE WONG CHUK HANG AREA WILL BE DIVERTED VIA REPULSE BAY ROAD AND ISLAND ROAD.

a^9I?ER SECT,0N OP DEEP WATER BAY ROAD BETWEEN WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROUNDABOUT AND THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO HOUSE NO. 5 WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT THOSE REQUIRING ACCESS.

THESE ARRANGEMENTS ARE EXPECTED TO LAST FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS.

MEANWHILE, AS ROAD WORKS ARE BEING CARRIED OUT AT THE SECTION OF ISLAND ROAD BETWEEN DEEP WATER BAY ROAD AND SHOUSON HILL ROAD, DRIVERS OF ARTICULATED VEHICLES WISHING TO GO TO WONG CHUK HANG AND ABERDEEN ARE ADVISED TO USE POK FU LAM ROAD OR THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL.

o---------

/12........

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1982

12 -

HONG KONG PORT MORE ACTIVE * * *

HONG KONG’S PORT FIGURES ONCE AGAIN SHOW AN INCREASE IN REAL TERMS IN ALL SPHERES OF THE PORT’S ACTIVITIES IN 1981 WHEN COMPARED WITH THOSE OF 1980.

A TOTAL OF 10 667 OCEAN-GOING VESSELS ENTERED THE PORT DURING 1981 AND THEY DISCHARGED AND LOADED A TOTAL OF 31.9 MILLION TONNES OF CARGO WHICH IS A 4.2 PER CENT INCREASE ON 1980. OF THIS 6.97 MILLION TONNES CONSISTED OF FUEL OIL AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS.

KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL THROUGHPUT WAS 1.560 MILLION T.E.U.S; AN INCREASE OF 6.5 PER CENT ON THE 1980 THROUGHPUT OF 1.465 MILLION T.E.U.Si WITH SOME 52.4 PER CENT OF ALL GENERAL CARGO HANDLED IN TERMS OF WEIGHT BEING CONTAINERISED. TRANSHIPMENT T.E.U.S ACCOUNTED FOR 31.5 PER CENT OR 0.492 MILLION T.E.U.S OF THE TOTAL THROUGHPUT WHICH IS AN INCREASE OF 2.9 PER CENT ON 1980.

THERE WAS AGAIN A MARKED INCREASE IN THE RIVER TRADE DURING 1981 WITH 103 525 VESSELS HAVING ENTERED AND CLEARED, A 14.8 PER CENT INCREASE ON 1980. THESE VESSELS DISCHARGED AND LOADED 3.65 MILLION TONNES OF CARGO, A 22.7 PER CENT INCREASE ON 1980, AND A TOTAL OF 7.71 MILLION PASSENGERS TRAVELLED TO AND FROM MACAU, COMPARED WITH 7 MILLION IN 19805 AN INCREASE OF 10.26 PER CENT.

------0-------

SEMINAR ON TEACHING ENGLISH AS SECOND LANGUAGE

* * * *

A SEMINAR ON THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH AS A SECOND/FOREIGN LANGUAGE WILL BE HELD BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON MARCH 25 FOR ALL TEACHERS OF ENGLISH.

PROFESSOR J. SINCLAIR, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM, HAS BEEN INVITED TO TALK ON +AN ANALYSIS OF TEACHER/STUDENT RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN THE CLASSROOM — WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM IT?+

THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD IN THE AFTERNOON ON MARCH 25 AT THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, 9A, BONHAM ROAD, HONG KONG.

ALL NOMINATIONS FROM HEADS OF SCHOOLS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, 9A BONHAM ROAD, HONG KONG AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE BY CONTACTING THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE ON 5-482537.

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/15........

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1982

CAS TAI PO UNIT PARADE ON SUNDAY KO

SIXTY CIVIL AID SERVICES RECRUITS AND CADETS FROM THE TAI PO UNIT WILL TAKE PART IN A PASSING-OUT PARADE ON SUNDAY (MARCH 14) AT THE TAI PO PLAYGROUND, HEUNG SZE WUI STREET, TAI PO AT

11 AM.

IT WILL BE THE FIRST TIME SUCH A CEREMONY IS HELD IN THE DISTRICT FOR CIVIL AID SERVICES RECRUITS AND CADETS AND WILL BE PART OF THE 3OTH-YEAR CELEBRATIONS OF THE CAS.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE, MR WONG YUEN-CHEUNG, WILL INSPECT AND ADDRESS THE PARADE, AND PRESENT CERTIFICATES TO THE BEST RECRUITS.

THE RECRUITS HAVE RECENTLY COMPLETED A 56-HOUR BASIC TRAINING COURSE WHICH INCLUDED FOOT DRILL, FIRST AID, COUNTRYSIDE MANAGEMENT, FIRE PREVENTION AND FIRE FIGHTING, LIGHT RESCUE, AND TYPHOON AND EMERGENCY DUTIES.

THE CAS TAI PO UNIT IS ONE OF THE FIRST UNITS ESTABLISHED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND HAS AN EXCELLENT RECORD OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY OVER THE PAST 21 YEARS.

A CAS SPOKESMAN SAID THE TAI PO UNIT HAS SHOWN HIGH MORALE IN OVERCOMING ANY DISASTER OR EMERGENCY IN THE DISTRICT. IT ALSO HAS A GOOD RECORD OF SPORTSMANSHIP AND HAS DONE WELL IN SWIMMING, ATHLETICS, AND DRAGON BOAT RACES HELD BY THE CAS.

THE SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO LOCAL YOUTHS BETWEEN 12 AND 15 YEARS OF AGE TO JOIN THE CAS CADET CORPS TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF THEIR LEISURE TIME BY PARTICIPATING IN AND ENJOYING VARIOUS ACTIVITIES AND TRAINING PROVIDED BY THE CAS, AND BY PERFORMING NON-HAZARDOUS OPERATIONAL DUTIES.

♦THE CORPS IS AIMED AT PRODUCING HEALTHY AND CIVIC-MINDED YOUTHS MOTIVATED TO BE OF USE TO THE COMMUNITY,+ HE SAID.

THE CAS TAI PO UNIT IS SITUATED AT THE NEW TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES. IT IS NOW TRAINING VOLUNTEERS LIVING IN FANLING AND SHEUNG SHU I WHO WILL BE ABLE TO OFFER HELP WHEN A NEW UNIT OPENS THERE LATER IN THE YEAR.

AT THE PARADE ON SUNDAY, THE CAS CADET BICYCLE TEAM AND CAS MOTORCYCLE DESPATCH RIDING TEAM WILL PUT ON DEMONSTRATIONS AND THE THE CAS BAND WILL PERFORM DURING AND AFTER THE PARADE.

NOTE TO EDITORS i

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PARADE OF CAS RECRUITS AND CADETS WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 11 AM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 14) AT THE TAI PO PLAYGROUND, HEUNG SZE WUI STREET, TAI PO.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1982

WAN CHAI DB MEMBERS AMONG FIRST THROUGH ABERDEEN TUNNEL *****

MEMBERS OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WERE AMONG THE FIRST USERS OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL WHICH PARTIALLY OPENED TO TRAFFIC THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING. THEY TRAVELLED THROUGH THE TUNNEL MINUTES AFTER IT OPENED AT 10 AM. LATER THEY VISITED THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING OF THE TUNNEL AND WERE BRIEFED BY MR F.W. MAY, CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER (ROAD TUNNELS) ON HOW THE TUNNEL SYSTEM OPERATES

MR CLARK, CHAIRMAN OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD. COMMENTED THAT THE OPENING OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL WOULD HAVE SIGNIFICANT IMPLICATION ON TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN WAN CHAI.

♦THE TUNNEL GREATLY FACILITATES THE JOURNEY BETWEEN ABERDEEN AND WAN CHAI AND NO DOUBT, WILL RELIEVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN BOTH DISTRICTS. IT WILL INEVITABLY BRING ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC TO PARTS OF WAN CHAI AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CAN BE EXPECTED TO CLOSELY MONITOR THE SITUATION,♦ HE SAID.

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ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE AT TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL *****

MARCH WILL BE A MONTH OF WESTERN INSTRUMENTALS AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.

THE LIM KEK-HAN CONCERT ORCHESTRA, FEATURING THE WELL KNOWN CELLIST LIM KEK-BENG, WILL GIVE A CONCERT ON MARCH 21 AT THE TOWN HALL AUDITORIUM AT 7.30 PM.

BORN IN INDONESIA, LIM KEK-BENG BEGAN HIS MUSIC STUDY AT THE AMSTERDAM CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC WHERE HE WORKED UNDER SUCH FAMOUS DUTCH CELLISTS AS PIET LENTZ, KAREL VON LEEUWEN-BOOMKAMP AND TIBOR DE MACHULA.

HE REFINED HIS ART AT THE FRENCH NATIONAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC IN PARIS UNDER ANDRE NAVARRA AND PERFORMED IN A CONCERT FOR QUEEN ELIZABETH OF BELGIUM AND RECEIVED HIGH ACCLAIM. HE HAD ALSO GIVEN CONCERTS IN CHINA AND CONDUCTED CELLO COURSES AT THE CENTRAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC IN PEKING.

PROGRAMMES INCLUDE CARMEN FINALE BY G. BIZET, DANCE OF THE YAO PEOPLE BY MAO JEUN, VIOLIN CONCERTO FOR VIOLIN AND ORCHESTRA BY MAX BRUCH, CONCERTO FOR CELLO AND ORCHESTRA BY J. HAYDN, SUITE NO. 2 OF G. BIZET.

THE CONCERT WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS OFFICE OF THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

TICKETS AT S3, S10, $15 ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL BOX OFFICE AND THE NT MOBILE LIBRARY.

/15........

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1982

- 15 -

MONG KOK BOARD MEMBERS STUDY DISTRICT PROBLEMS ft * * ft

TWENTY MEMBERS OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING TOURED MONG KOK AND TAI KOK TSUI TO GET A FIRST-HAND IMPRESSION OF THE COMMON PROBLEMS OF THE DISTRICT AND THE WORK DONE BY ITS DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER. MR WILFRED WONG, THE MEMBERS WENT UP THE ROOF-TOP OF A BUILDING TO HAVE A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF A SITE LOCATED AT THE CENTRE OF TAI KOK TSUI.

DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ARE INTERESTED IN TURNING THIS SITE, WHICH MEASURES ABOUT 6 900 SQUARE METRES, INTO EITHER AN OPEN SPACE OR A MARKET-AND-OPEN SPACE TO MAKE UP FOR THE LACK OF SUCH FACILITIES IN THIS AREA.

THE PARTY THEN PROCEEDED TO THE AREA AROUND BEECH STREET WHERE THEY LOOKED AT TWO MORE SITES, ONE FOR A TEMPORARY LORRY PARKING AREA AND THE OTHER DESIGNATED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SPORTS AND RECREATION CENTRE BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT SPORTS, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ASSOCIATION.

MEMBERS ALSO VISITED AN ON-STREET REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AT THE JUNCTION OF KAM LAM STREET AND SOY STREET AND WENT TO REAR LANES WHERE CLEARANCES HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT TO REMOVE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES. THEY ALSO VISITED TWO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.

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NORTH DISTRICT CLEAN-UP DRIVE A SUCCESS X X X X

VILLAGERS (FRIDAY) URGED ENVIRONMENTAL TO LIVE IN.

AND TOWN FOLKS OF NORTH DISTRICT, NT, WERE TODAY TO KEEP UP THEIR EFFORT IN MAINTAINING GOOD HYGIENE TO MAKE THEIR SURROUNDINGS A PLEASANT PLACE

THE ADVICE CAME FROM MR CHEUNG KUEN, CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING SUB-COMMITTEE FOR THE COMPETlflONS OF THE NORTH DISTRICT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE.

MR CHEUNG WAS SPEAKING AT A PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY AT SHEK WU HUI PLAYGROUND TO MARK THE SUCCESS OF THE NORTH DISTRICT CLEAN BUILDING AND CLEAN VILLAGE COMPETITIONS.

PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE COMPETITIONS WAS VERY ENCOURAGING, W CHEUNG SAID,ADDING THAT RESIDENTS SHOULD CONTINUE TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE TO MAKE THE CAMPAIGN A SUCCESS.

AS A GESTURE OF APPRECIAT ION, MR CHEUNG PRESENTED SOUVENIR BANNERS TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE WINNING TEAMS OF THE 11 MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS AND SEVEN VILLAGES WHICH TOOK PART IN THE COMPETITIONS.

ALSO PRESENT TODAY WERE THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF NORTH, MR DAVID WILMSHURST, AND THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF NORTH, MR LAW WAI-MING.

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/16........

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1982

REMINDER ON EMPLOYING VIETNAMESE REFUGEES * * * * *

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS NOT TO EMPLOY VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WHO HAVE BEEN PROHIBITED FROM TAKING EMPLOYMENT BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.

HE ALSO ADVISED THOSE ALREADY EMPLOYING VIETNAMESE REFUGEES TO CHECK THEIR REFUGEE CARDS WHENEVER WAGES ARE PAID TO ENSURE THAT THEY REMAIN LAWFULLY EMPLOYABLE.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT A FACTORY PROPRIETOR WAS FINED $5 OOO AT KWUN TONG COURT RECENTLY FOR EMPLOYING A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROHIBITED FROM TAKING EMPLOYMENT BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.

NOTING THAT THE OFFENCE WAS A SERIOUS ONE, THE MAGISTRATE SAID THE MAXIMUM PENALTY WAS $50 000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT AND WARNED THAT THE DEFENDANT COULD BE SENT TO JAIL IF HE COMMIT THE SAME OFFENCE AGAIN.

ACCORDING TO THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1981, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE IS LAWFULLY EMPLOYABLE ONLY IF HIS OR HER REFUGEE CARD DOES NOT PROHIBIT HIM OR HER FROM TAKING EMPLOYMENT.

THE ORDINANCE ALSO REQUIRES AN EMPLOYER TO CHECK THE REFUGEE CARDS OF HIS VIETNAMESE EMPLOYEES WHENEVER WAGES ARE PAID TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY REMAIN LAWFULLY EMPLOYABLE.

THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER REMINDED EMPLOYERS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CARD AND A CARD ISSUED BY A VIETNAMESE REFUGEES TRANSIT CENTRE.

♦THE FORMER IS A CARD OF IDENTITY ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION TO A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE WHILE THE LATTER IS NOT. EMPLOYERS SHOULD NOT EMPLOY VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WHOSE REFUGEE CARDS HAVE BEEN ENDORSED WITH THE WORDS 'EMPLOYMENT NOT PERMITTED’,+ HE ADDED.

THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED EMPLOYERS TO CONSULT THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT IF THEY HAVE ANY DOUBT.

- - 0

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SATURDAY, MARCH 1J, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR TO VISIT MACAU .................................... 1

CLOSURE OF BLACK'S LINK .................................... 1

GOVERNMENT'S DaY NURSERY HELP PLAN EXPLAINED ............... 2

PUBLIC URGED TO HELP YOUTH FIGHT CRIME ..................... 4

MORE TEACHERS FOR FISHERMEN'S CHILDREN ..................... 5

PENG CHAU TO HEI LING CHAU FERRY SERVICE FARES ............. 5

STUDENTS LEARN METRIC UNITS THROUGH GAMES .................. 6

FIRING PRACTICE ............................................ 6

THE WEATHER IN FEBURARY .................................... 7

SALT WATER CUT ............................................. 8

ROLLER SKATERS TO COMPETE IN FANLING ....................... 9

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF WAI YIP STREET

SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 1982

NOTE TO ED I TORS«

GOVERNOR TO VISIT MACAU * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE AND LADY MACLEHOSE WILL VISIT MACAU ON MONDAY (MARCH 15) AT THE INVITATION OF THE GOVERNOR OF MACAU. THEY WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY SIR S.Y. CHUNG, SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL j MR ROBIN MCLAREN, THE POLITICAL ADVISER, AND THE AIDE-DE-CAMP, MR S.P. CORRICK.

A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY WILL BE ARRANGED OUTSIDE THE MACAU FERRY PIER FOR PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN TO COVER THE DEPARTURE AND RETURN OF THE PARTY.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ASSIGNED TO COVER THE DEPARTURE SHOULD MEET GIS OFFICERS OUTSIDE THE FERRY PIER AT 8.45 AM AND THOSE COVERING THE PARTY’S RETURN SHOULD BE THERE AT 6.15 PM ON MONDAY.

-----o------

CLOSURE OF BLACK'S LINK

XXX

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED MOTORISTS TODAY THAT BLACK’S LINK WILL BE CLOSED TO WESTBOUND TRAFFIC FROM 7 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 15).

THE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID THAT AS ROAD WORKS ARE BEING CARRIED OUT AT THE SECTION OF ISLAND ROAD BETWEEN DEEP WATER BAY ROAD AND SHOUSON HILL ROAD, DRIVERS OF ARTICULATED VEHICLES WISHING TO GO TO WONG CHUK HANG AND ABERDEEN SHOULD USE POK FU LAM ROAD OR THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL.

-----0------

/2 .......

SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 1982

GOVERNMENT’S DAY NURSERY HELP PLAN EXPLAINED

* * * *

THE FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME FOR PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES TO BE INTRODUCED IN SEPTEMBER IS INTENDED TO EXPRESS CLEARLY THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUING COMMITMENT TO MAKING DAY NURSERY PLACES AVAILABLE TO THOSE FAMILIES WHICH NEED THE SERVICE, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICE’S SHEK KIP MEI DAY CARE CENTRE, HE SAID THAT UNDER THE NEW SYSTEM, THE TAXPAYER WOULD NOT BE EXPECTED TO MEET THE BILL FOR +THOSE WHO CAN AND SHOULD BE EXPECTED TO PAY THE FULL COST* OF A DAY NURSERY PLACE.

FEES IN DAY NURSERIES WOULD THEREFORE APPEAR TO RISE VERY SHARPLY IN SEPTEMBER BECAUSE THEY WOULD NO LONGER BE SUBSIDISED, IN A GENERAL WAY, BY THE TAXPAYER.

♦HOWEVER,* MR ALLEYNE SAID, +IN MOST CASES THE ACTUAL FEE PAID BY PARENTS WILL NOT BE HIGHER THAN THEY WOULD HAVE EXPECTED TO PAY UNDER THE PRESENT SUBVENTION SYSTEM.

♦ON THE CONTRARY, VERY LOW-INCOME FAMILIES MAY EXPECT TO PAY RELATIVELY LESS THAN UNDER THE PRESENT SYSTEM.*

THIS IS BECAUSE OF THE INTRODUCTION OF A SLIDING SCALE OF ASSISTANCE TO PARENTS TO MEET THE FEES WHICH DAY NURSERIES WILL HAVE TO CHARGE, HE SAID.

HE SAID THE SCHEME WOULD ALSO BE OPEN TO PARENTS SENDING THEIR CHILDREN TO KINDERGARTENS, BUT THEY WOULD HAVE TO ESTABLISH A SOCIAL NEED TO PLACE THEIR CHILDREN IN FULL DAY CARE AS WELL AS FALL WITHIN THE OVERALL INCOME ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.

HE NOTED THAT SOME SOCIAL WORKERS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES FEARED THAT THE PROCEDURES INVOLVED IN APPLYING FOR FEE ASSISTANCE MIGHT DISCOURAGE LESS RESPONSIBLE PARENTS FROM APPLYING FOR HELP AND INSTEAD FALLING BACK ON LESS SATISFACTORY f€ANS OF PROVIDING DAY CARE FOR THEIR CHILDREN.

MR ALLEYNE EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT +THE NEW SCHEME, ONCE IT IS UNDERSTOOD BY THE PARENTS, WILL BE WELL ACCEPTED BY THEM.*

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, WHICH WOULD ADMINISTER THE SCHEME, WAS ♦DETERMINED TO ENSURE THAT APPLICATION PROCEDURES ARE KEPT AS SIMPLE AND NON-IRKSOME AS POSSIBLE.*

FAMILIES WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR FEE ASSISTANCE WOULD BE ABLE TO DO SO AT ANY OF THE SWD’S SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

/APPLICANTS WILL

SATURDAY, MARCH 1J, 1982

APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO MAKE A DECLARATION OF TOTAL FAMILY INCOME, IF POSSIBLE SUPPORTED BY AN EMPLOYER’S CERTIFICATE, TOGETHER WITH INFORMATION ON THE ACTUAL RENT BEING PAID.

THE APPLICATIONS WOULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME VIGOROUS INVESTIGATION AS FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS.

THE PARENTS NEED ONLY EXPECT TO MAKE ONE VISIT TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD OFFICE AND WILL THEN BE NOTIFIED BY POST OF THE OUTCOME OF THE APPLICATION AND OF THE AMOUNT OF CONTRIBUTION TO BE MADE BY THE FAMILY TOWARDS THE FEE CHARGED IN THE NURSERY OR KINDERGARTEN.

MR ALLEYNE SAID THE MOST IMPORTANT TASK OF THE SWD IN THE COMING MONTHS WOULD BE TO PUBLICISE AS WIDELY AS POSSIBLE THE NEW PROCEDURES FOR APPLYING FOR FEE ASSISTANCE.

A PAMPHLET EXPLAINING THE NEW SCHEME TO PARENTS WILL SOON BE ISSUED AND WILL BE WIDELY DISTRIBUTED THROUGH FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES, SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD OFFICES, CITY DISTRICT AND NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES AND NURSERIES AND KINDERGARTENS.

MR ALLEYNE AGAIN REASSURED AGENCIES OPERATING NURSERIES THAT THE NEW SCHEME WOULD NOT RESULT IN +A DRAMATIC CHANGE TO THEIR PRESENT MODE OF OPERATION OR IN THEIR CENTRES RUNNING INTO DEBT.*

FROM SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, NURSERIES WOULD BE EXPECTED TO FINANCE THEIR OPERATION FROM INCOME DERIVED FROM FEES.

♦HOWEVER,♦ MR ALLEYNE SAID, +NURSERIES WHICH OPERATE ON A NON-PROFIT-MAKING BASIS WILL BE ABLE TO APPLY TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR A SUBVENTION EQUIVALENT TO FIVE PER CENT OF THE TOTAL INCOME THEY COULD EXPECT TO RECEIVE IF ALL THEIR PLACES ARE FILLED AT ALL TIMES.

♦THEY WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO APPLY FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OF THEIR EXPENDITURE ON RENT AND RATES AND FOR CAPITAL GRANTS FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND.*

THE SHEK KIP MEI DAY CARE CENTRE, THE FOURTH TO BE RUN BY THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICE, WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 200 PLACES FOR CHILDREN IN THE DENSELY POPULATED AREA. IT HAS BEEN FITTED OUT AND FURNISHED WITH A GRANT OF $693 000 FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND.

SATURDAY, MARCH 1J, 1982

PUBLIC URGED TO HELP YOUTH FIGHT CRIME

* * * *

MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION TODAY (SATURDAY) URGED THE PUBLIC TO CONTINUE TO HELP THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO FIGHT CRIME AND TO BECOME RESPONSIBLE, HONEST CITIZENS OF THE FUTURE.

SPEAKING IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AT THE GRAND FINAL OF THE FIGHT YOUTH CRIME DRAMA COMPETITION IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE, MR AKERS-JONES EMPHASISED THE NEED TO MEET THE CHALLENGE OF EVERY CHANGE IN SOCIETY WITH +A FIRM NEW RESPONSE*.

+ YESTERDAY’S WORLD WAS DIFFERENT FROM TODAY'. TOMORROW TOO, WILL BE DIFFERENT. TODAY’S TEMPTATIONS AND PROBLEMS FOR THE YOUNG ARE DIFFERENT FROM YESTERDAY AND THEY WILL BE DIFFERENT TOMORROW,* HE SAID.

MR AKERS-JONES POINTED OUT THAT ACTIVITIES ORGANISED THIS YEAR IN SUPPORT OF THE FIGHT YOUTH CRIME HAD BEEN WELL SUPPORTED.

+OVER 1 000 YOUNG PEOPLE ENTERED THE SONG CONTEST; THE +STARS AGAINST CRIME* PROJECT HAS BROUGHT NEW ENTHUSIASM AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO THOUSANDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE; AND TONIGHT, THE THREE SCHOOLS TAKING PART IN THE DRAMA COMPETITION FINAL ARE SELECTED FROM 52 PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS.

*THESE COMPETITIONS AND ACTIVITIES, JUNIOR POLICE CALL AND OTHER EFFORTS, INCREASE YOUNG PEOPLE’S AWARENESS OF THE DESTRUCTIVE FORCES OF CRIME IN OUR COMMUNITY, AND UNITE THEM IN A COMMON RESOLVE TO REPLACE THE FORCES OF DESTRUCTION WITH THOSE OF CREATION,* HE SAID.

HE ENDED WITH A MESSAGE OF THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO HAD HELPED TO PLAN AND ORGANISE THESE EVENTS, AND THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LTD., IN PARTICULAR, FOR ITS GENEROUS SPONSORSHIP OF THE DRAMA COMPETITION.

THE COMPETITION WAS ORGANISED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AS ONE OF THE MAJOR YOUTH PROJECTS FOR THE 1981/82 FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN.

COMPETING FOR CHAMPIONSHIP TONIGHT WERE THREE TEAMS FROM BUDDHIST SIN TAK COLLEGE, HO LAP COLLEGE AND MU KUANG ENGLISH SCHOOL RESPECTIVELY.

THE FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION RECEIVED CASH PRIZES OF $3 000, $2 000 AND SI 000 RESPECTIVELY FROM MR J.F. MAASSEN OF THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LTD.

THE THIRD AND FOURTH RUNNERS-UP EACH RECEIVED A CONSOLATION PRIZE OF S500.

TO ADD COLOUR TO THE PROGRAMME, THERE WAS A PERFORMANCE BY WINNERS OF THE FIGHT YOUTH CRIME SONG CONTEST HELD EARLIER THIS YEAR.

THIS EVENING’S EVENT AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE ATTRACTED A FULL HOUSE.

-----0------

/5........

SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 1982

MORE TEACHERS FOR FISHERMEN’S CHILDREN

* * X *

MORE THAN 20 ADDITIONAL TEACHING POSTS WILL BE CREATED FROM SEPTEMBER AT THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION SCHOOLS WHICH CATER SPECIALLY TO FISHERMEN’S CHILDREN, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR JOHN RIDDELL-SWAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

THE NEW POSTS WILL INCLUDE 15 AT THE ASSISTANT MASTER OR ASSISTANT MISTRESS LEVEL, AND SIX AT THE CERTIFICATE MASTER OR CERTIFICATE MISTRESS LEVEL, MR RIDDELL-SWAN ADDED.

AND ALSO FROM SEPTEMBER, A NEW MANNING SCALE FOR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL BE INTRODUCED UNDER WHICH THE TEACHER-TO-CLASS RATIO WILL BE INCREASED FROM 1.1 i 1 TO 1.2 t 1, HE ADDED.

+THIS MEANS THAT THE PROMOTION PROSPECTS WILL BE IMPROVED,* M? RIDDELL-SWAN SAID AT THE ANNUAL LUNCHEON OF THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION SCHOOLS.

DURING THE YEAR, PUPILS AT THE 13 PRIMARY AND ONE SECONDARY SCHOOLS DID WELL IN BOTH SPORTS AND ARTS, MR RIDDELL-SWAN SAID.

HE RECALLED THAT PUPILS AT THE SAI KUNG SCHOOL WON A GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE MEDAL IN THE FIFTH INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S PAINTING COMPETITION IN FINLAND, AND THAT THE SAME SCHOOL ALSO DID WELL IN THE FIFTH WORLD CHILDREN’S PAINTING COMPETITION.

♦TWO ADDITIONAL CLASSROOMS AT TSI NG Yl SCHOOL WERE BROUGHT INTO OPERATION LAST MONTH, BRINGING THE NUMBER OF CLASSROOMS TO SIX AND THE TWO EXTRA CLASSROOMS AT SAI KUNG SCHOOL ARE EXPECTED TO BE READY FOR USE IN SEPTEMBER. THIS WILL ENABLE US TO INCREASE OUR ENROLMENT,* MR RIDDELL-SWAN SAID.

TURNING TO THE TEACHERS, HE SAIDi *YOU HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN EDUCATING THE YOUNGER GENERATION, AND AS ALWAYS, I AM SURE YOU WILL MORE THAN FULFIL YOUR HEAVY RESPONSIBILITIES.*

-----0-----

PENG CHAU TO HEI LING CHAU FERRY SERVICE FARES

ft X X

FERRY FARES BETWEEN PENG CHAU AND HEI LING CHAU WILL BE INCREASED FROM TUESDAY (MARCH 16), DUE TO RISE IN OPERATIONAL COSTS.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE FARE FOR A RETURN JOURNEY WILL BE INCREASED FROM $5.00 TO $6.00.

-----o-----

/6........

SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 19*L

STUDENTS LEARN METRIC UNITS THROUGH GAMES * * *

A SPECIAL METRIC GAMES DAY WAS HELD AT THE PERTH STREET SPORTS GROUND TODAY (SATURDAY) TO INTRODUCE THE METRIC SYSTEM TO THE PARTICIPANTS AND SPECTATORS THROUGH GAMES.

750 STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN THE GAMES, WHICH WERE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE METRICATION COMMITTEE, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, PROFESSOR S.Y. KING, CHAIRMAN OF THE METRICATION COMMITTEE SAID THAT IN THE VARIOUS GAMES STUDENTS WOULD COME ACROSS SEVERAL COMMON EVERYDAY METRIC UNITS SUCH AS METRE AND CENTIMETRE FOR LENGTH) KILOGRAM AND GRAM FOR WEIGHT AND LITRE FOR CAPACITY OR VOLUME.

IN ALL OF METRIC UNITS.

THE GAMES, THE AIDS AND EQUIPMENT USED WERE IN

PROFESSOR

up. D .._ ... TA KING ADDED, +THESE GAMES AND EQUIPMENT WILL T0 TRY T0 THINK METRIC AND WILL GIVE US SOME IDEAS

TO RELATE TO OTHER DISTANCES AND WEIGHTS.*

OFFICIATING GUESTS WERE MR DAVID CHIU, PRINCIPAL ^SPECTORN0FN?r^niRI 0FFICER AND MRS LOUISE MOK, DEPUTY CHIEF '•’Qr CLIun Ur OUrlUULo®

THE PARTICIPATING STUDENTS WERE FROM 15 SCHOOLS IN TO*THENAREAS THfy«WSCHOOLs'*RE InT° D'STR'CT TE‘HS ACCMI>INa and crocodile garments limited, for their generous SPONSORSHIP OF THE PRIZES FOR THE VARIOUS EVENTS. THERE WAS ONE ^HE WINNER OF EACH INDIVIDUAL GAME AND AN OVERALL accumulatedPscore^°R ™E district team with tRe highest

.N AD?.,T,0N T0 ™E PARTICIPANTS, SOME 500 SPECTATORS hufI-mauS* ELUDED IN THE FUN BY FILLING IN A SIMPLE mu|Sn oao?N.^EIR1IC^UNITS- TH0SE W,TH THE CORRECT ANSWERS COULD TAKE PART IN A LUCKY DRAW AT THE END OF THE GAMES.

- o —

FIRING PRACTICE * * * *

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON THURSDAY (MARCH 18) FROM 9 AM TO 4.30 PM.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAG IS FLYING.

-----0------

SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 1982

- 7 -

THE WEATHER IN FEBRUARY

HMM

FEBRUARY WAS CLOUDIER AND MORE HUMID THAN USUAL AND HAD A TOTAL OF 64.1 HOURS OF SUNSHINE -- 44.6 HOURS BELOW NORMAL, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY SAID IN ITS MONTHLY WEATHER SUMMARY TODAY (SATURDAY).

THE MONTH’S TOTAL RAINFALL OF 23.1 MM WAS 18.8 MM BELOW NORMAL WHICH BROUGHT THE ACCUMULATED RAINFALL FOR THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THIS YEAR TO 39.1 MM, 29.7 MM BELOW AVERAGE.

DURING THE FIRST TWO DAYS OF THE MONTH, IT WAS MAINLY FINE BUT ON FEBRUARY 2, EASTERLY WINDS FRESHENED AND THE WEATHER TURNED CLOUDY WITH TRACES OF RAIN ON THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE WEATHER BECAME FINE AGAIN ON FEBRUARY 4.

COASTAL FOG OCCURRED EARLY ON FEBRUARY 5 BUT THIS WAS CLEARED BY THE PASSAGE OF A COLD FRONT WHICH BROUGHT IN FRESH EASTERLY WINDS. AS A RESULT, A CLOUDY SPELL ENSUED, LASTING UNTIL FEBRUARY 16 AND RAIN WAS RECORDED EVERY DAY THROUGHOUT THIS PERIOD, EXCEPT FEBRUARY 6 AND 11.

THE WEATHER WAS RATHER COLD BETWEEN FEBRUARY 11 AND 16 AS WINDS TURNED NORTHERLY ON FEBRUARY 9 AND FRESHENED ON FEBRUARY 11. TEMPERATURES EACH DAY FELL TO BELOW 12 DEGREES CELSIUS.

THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY OF 10.2 DEGREES CELSIUS, THE LOWEST OF THE MONTH,WAS RECORDED ON FEBRUARY 15. ON THE SAME MORNING, A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 2.5 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED AT TAI MO SHAN.

FOLLOWING A SUNNY DAY ON FEBRUARY 17, THE WEATHER TURNED CLOUDY. SOME FOG LATER DEVELOPED IN THE EVENING OF FEBRUARY 19 AND THE VISIBILITY AT THE AIRPORT WAS REDUCED TO 200 METRES AROUND 11 PM. FERRY AND HOVERCRAFT SERVICES WERE DISRUPTED AS COASTAL FOG PERSISTED ON FEBRUARY 20 AND 21.

THE VISIBILITY AT TAI 0 DROPPED TO 50 METRES IN THE MORNING OF FEBRUARY 20. NEVERTHELESS, THE WEATHER WAS FINE AND WARM AND TEMPERATURES ROSE TO A MAXIMUM OF 24 DEGREES CELSIUS ON FEBRUARY 20 AND 21, THE HIGHEST OF THE MONTH.

ON FEBRUARY 22, EASTERLY WINDS STRENGTHENED OFFSHORE AND DISPERSED THE FOG. THERE WAS ALSO SOME RAIN.

HOWEVER, ON FEBRUARY 23, WINDS TURNED SOUTHEASTERLY AND MORE COASTAL FOG DEVELOPED. A FISHING JUNK SANK AFTER COLLISION WITH A CONTAINER SHIP IN THICK FOG SOUTH OF PO TOI ISLAND. ALL FOUR PERSONS ON BOARD WERE SAVED.

EARLY ON FEBRUARY 24, ANOTHER COLD FRONT WITH NORTHERLY WINDS CLEARED THE FOG. WINDS TURNED EASTERLY AND STRENGTHENED ON FEBRUARY 25 WHEN ANOTHER FISHING JUNK FROM TAIWAN SANK IN ROUGH SEAS IN TATHONG CHANNEL. THE CREW OF FIVE WERE SAVED. THE WEATHER REMAINED CLOUDY AND COOL ON FEBRUARY 26.

/THERE was rain .......

satubday, march 13, 1982

THERE WAS RAIN AND SOME COASTAL FOG DURING THE DAY ON FEBRUARY 27 BUT THUNDERSTORMS OCCURRED IN THE EVENING AND THE FOLLOWING MORNING.

WINDS TURNED NORTHERLY IN THE AFTERNOON OF FEBRUARY 28 AND THE WEATHER REMAINED CLOUDY WITH PATCHES OF RAIN.

DURING THE MONTH THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE' ISSUED ON FEBRUARY 27 AND 28 AND THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS ISSUED ON FEBRUARY 1, 18, 21, 22, 24 AND 25.

THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS THE ONLY SIGNAL HOISTED DURING THE MONTH.

THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE 1

SUNSHINE

RAINFALL

CLOUDINESS

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE

MEAN TEMPERATURE

MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE

MEAN DEW POINT

TOTAL EVAPORATION

64.1 HOURS- 44.6 HOURS BELOW NORMAL

23.1 MM- 18.8 MM BELOW NORMAL

83 PER CENT- 12 PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL

80 PER CENT- 2 PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL

18 DEGREES CELSIUS- 0.8 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL

15.9 DEGREES CELSIUS- NORMAL

14.3 DEGREES CELSIUS- 0.6 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL

12.5 DEGREES CELSIUS- 0.8 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL

66.2 MM- 21.1 MM BELOW NORMAL

THE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 24 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON FEBRUARY 20 AND 21, AND THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 10.2 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON FEBRUARY 15.

------0-------

SALT WATER CUT

* * *

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN AREAS IN KOWLOON WILL BE CUT OFF FOR SIX HOURS FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 16) TO FACILITATE REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT AT KWUN TONG SALT WATER PUMPING STATION.

THE AFFECTED AREAS WILL BE LAM TIN, KWUN TONG, SAU MAU PING, NGAU TAU KOK, JORDAN VALLEY AND NGAU CHI WAN.

------0-------

/9......

SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 1982

ROLLER SKATERS TO COMPETE IN FANLING * * * ft

EIGHTY-EIGHT SKATERS WILL COMPETE IN THE 1982 HONG KONG ROLLER-SKATING OPEN COMPETITION AT FANLING RECREATION GROUND TOMORROW AFTERNOON (SUNDAY), STARTING AT 1 PM.

THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS - ONE FOR YOUTHS AGED FROM 10 TO 16 AND ONE FOR PEOPLE AGED 17 AND ABOVE.

THE 59 MEN AND 29 WOMEN COMPETITORS WILL TAKE PART IN FIVE EVENTSt MEN’S SINGLES RACE, WOMEN’S SINGLES RACE, MEN’S FREE STYLE, WOMEN’S FREE STYLE AND MIXED DOUBLES FREE STYLE.

THE 'QUEEN OF ROLLER SKATING’, MISS WONG PING, AND TWO LEADING COACHES, MR NG HOK-CHUEN AND MR NG WAI-KEUNG WILL JUDGE THE EVENTS.

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (NORTH REGION) OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR BOWEN LEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE EVENT AND PRESENT PRIZES AND SOUVENIR BANNERS TO THE WINNERS.

THE NTSD HAS BEEN HOLDING COACHING SESSIONS EVERY SUNDAY SINCE DECEMBER FOR PEOPLE WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THE CONTEST.

THE RESPONSE HAS BEEN VERY ENCOURAGING, WITH MORE THAN 300 PEOPLE ATTENDING THE COURSE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

-----o------

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF WAI YIP STREET ft ft ft

A SECTION OF WAI YIP STREET BETWEEN SHUN YIP STREET AND KWUN TONG ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 0N TUESDAY (MARCH 16> F0R THF CONSTRUCTION OF

A FOOTBRIDGE.

I!?E CL0SURE» EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON WAI YIP STREET IfbeSSP SARDENS AND NGAU TAU KOK POLICE STATION WILL NOT BE AFFECTED.

- 0------------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SUNDAY, LURCH 14, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MORE SOCIAL CENTRES FOR AGED ................................... 1

MEI KING STREET ONE-WAY TRAFFIC ................................ 1

CLASSES TO IMPROVE TEACHERS1 FLUENCY IN ENGLISH................. 2

FREE BOOKLET TELLS ABOUT NT SPORTS PLACES ...................... 3

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR REGISTERED CONTRACTORS

SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 1982

MORE SOCIAL CENTRES FOR AGED * * *

MORE SOCIAL CENTRES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE ELDERLY TO MEET THE NEEDS OF SENIOR CITIZENS, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE FOURTH ’PARTY FOR A THOUSAND AGED’ ORGANISED BY THE SHUN TAK FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION AT THE CITY HALL, NR ALLEYNE SAID THAT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE AGED 60 AND OVER WAS ESTIMATED TO INCREASE FROM 487 000 TO 610 000 IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

LIFE FOR OUR SENIOR

♦TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF COMMUNITY LIFE FOR OUR SENIOR CITIZENS, SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY ARE CURRENTLY BEING PROVIDED AT THE RATE OF ONE CENTRE TO EVERY 30 000 POPULATION.

il. uamIH^LARE AT PRESENT OVER 50 SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY

•N pONG KONG, AND THESE WILL BE INCREASED TO 68 IN THE NEXT TWO

11 An

♦IT WAS HOPED THAT THE ELDERLY PROGRAMMES OFFERED IN THESE CENTRES.

WOULD BENEFIT FROM THE

♦APART FROM ENJOYING AN ACTIVE SOCIAL LIFE. THEY CAN ALSO StresUIEheOsaid commun,ty AND RENDER USEFUL service IN THESE

VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, ARE PRIDING DIFFERENT TYPES OF SERVICES TO MEET THE FOR THE ELDERLY?EELDERLYC----H?ME"--P SERV,CE' S0CIAL CENTR£S AND ATTENTION HOMES.

HOSTELS, HOMES FOR THE AGED AND CARE

--------o----------

MEI KING STREET ONE-WAY TRAFFIC

* * *

A SECTION OF MEI KING STREET IN TO KWA WAN BETWEEN MEI KWONG STREET AND LOK SHAN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY WESTBOUND FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 16) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC C I RC U LA TI ON •

SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 1982

CLASSES TO IMPROVE TEACHERS’ FLUENCY IN ENGLISH

* X M *

TWO REFRESHER COURSES WILL BE HELD FROM NEXT MONTH FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED THE BRITISH COUNCIL TO RUN THE TWO COURSES TO HELP TEACHERS IMPROVE THEIR FLUENCY AND CONFIDENCE IN USING SPOKEN ENGLISH.

THE COURSES ALSO AIM TO MAKE THE TEACHERS A MORE ACCURATE MODEL OF ENGLISH FOR THEIR PUPILS AND TO INTRODUCE TEACHERS TO A RANGE OF COMMUNICATIVE TEACHING TECHNIQUES.

AS A FOLLOW-UP TO FURTHER IMPROVE PARTICI PANTS’ ORAL PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH, ARRANGEMENTS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE FOR TEACHERS WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE REFRESHER COURSE TO ENROL FOR A TERM OF ABOUT THREE MONTHS IN THE ENGLISH CLASSES AT THE BRITISH COUNCIL.

EACH OF THE TWO COURSES WILL BE OF 90 HOURS DURATION AND WILL BE HELD FROM APRIL 19 TO JULY 8.

PARTICIPANTS WILL ATTEND CLASSES ON MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS AND MAY CHOOSE TO ATTEND EITHER THE MORNING SESSION FROM 9 AM TO 11.30 AM, OR THE AFTERNOON SESSION FROM 2 PM TO 4.30 PM.

THERE WILL BE PLACES FOR 25 TEACHERS IN EACH COURSE AND APPLICATIONS WILL BE TREATED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS. PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO TEACHERS WHO ARE ALSO IN CHARGE OF THE ENGLISH SUBJECTS IN THEIR SCHOOLS.

ALL CLASSES WILL BE HELD AT THE BRITISH COUNCIL, 253-261 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

SIMILAR COURSES WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.

HEADS OF SCHOOLS ARE REQUESTED TO NOMINATE THEIR TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE REFRESHER COURSES.

NOMINATIONS SHOULD BE RETURNED NOT LATER THAN MARCH 23 TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (ENGLISH), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, FIFTH FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE ENGLISH SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE ON 5-774001 EXT. 30.

SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 1982

- 3 -

FREE BOOKLET TELLS ABOUT NT SPORTS PLACES

* * *

PEOPLE WISHING TO BOOK A TENNIS OR SQUASH COURT OR A GRASS FOOTBALL PITCH IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL FIND ALL THE NECESSARY INFORMATION IN A BOOKLET RECENTLY PUBLISHED.

THE COMPREHENSIVE, FULL-COLOUR INFORMATION BOOKLET ON ALL RECREATION AND SPORTS FACILITIES UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS OFFERED FREE TO THE PUBLIC.

IT IS JOINTLY PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT AND THE NTSD, AND IS AVAILABLE SEPARATELY IN ENGLISH AND IN CHINESE.

IT GIVES DETAILS ABOUT INDIVIDUAL BOOKING PROCEDURES AND THE OPENING HOURS OF ABOUT 100 PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL COMPLEXES, TENNIS AND SQUASH COURTS, INDOOR GAMES HALLS, SPORTS GROUNDS AND PLAYGROUNDS, AND ONE STADIUM.

INCLUDED ALSO IS INFORMATION ON SOME FACILITIES FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, WHO ARE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE USE OF THEM.

THE BOOKLET MAY BE OBTAINED WITHOUT CHARGE AT ALL URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES AND OFFICES OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES.

-----o------

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR REGISTERED CONTRACTORS * * * *

APPLICATIONS ARE BEING INVITED FROM CONTRACTORS WHO WISH TO BE INCLUDED ON A REGISTERED LIST IN ORDER TO ENABLE THEM TO TENDER FOR LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY THAT CONTRACTORS WITH VALID BUSINESS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING BUILDING WORK COULD APPLY.

„,tTHE PR0JECTS ARE MAINLY FOR CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE VlF*v^L?HILDING W0RKS> INCLUDING ROAD WORKS, BRIDGE, DRAINAGE, P'ER. PLAYGROUND, VILLAGE TYPE SCHOOL BUILDING AND CLEANSING FACILITIES,* HE SAID.

Al I Art-!-enT2LC2RRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, ABOUT $20 MILLION HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED FOR THESt PROJECTS, EACH CONTRACT NOT EXCEEDING $200 000.

has i?“KEeT7Ml!eSTLisr'CT 0FFICES THE NEW TESRireBI“

^INTERESTED CONTRACTORS SHOULD APPLY IN ANY OF THE DISTRICT

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NOo

HONG KONG’S TIES WITH MACAU STRESSED BY SIR MURRAY.......... 1

FOR BETTER SERVICE ......................................... 2

SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENT RATES TO GO UP FROM JUNE............ 5

TRANSPORT DOCUMENTATION COMPUTERISED ....................... 5

COMMUNITY’b SUPPORT FOR EDUCATION PRaISED .................. 6

NEW STOCK EXCHANGE WILL BE WORLD LANDMARK, BREMRIDGE SAYS .. 7

JANUARY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND ... 8

TANNERY OPERATORS GIVEN LICENCES TO OPERATE AT NEW SITE .... 10

TSUEN WAN HEALTH WEEK BEGINS ............................... 11

WATER FIGURES .............................................. 11

WORKSHOPS ON LISTENING COMPREHLNSION ....................... 12

DEEP WaTER BAY ROAD TRAFFIC

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 1982

HONG KONG’S TIES WITH MACAU STRESSED BY SIR MURRAY *****

MACAU AND HONG KONG HAD MUCH IN COMMON AND WERE ESSENTIALLY CHINESE CITIES AND DEPENDED ON CHINA IN MANY SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL WAYS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID IN MACAU TODAY (MONDAY).

SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON HOSTED BY THE GOVERNOR OF MACAU, REAR-ADMIRAL VASCO DE ALMEIDA E COSTA, SIR MURRAY SAID THE TWO TERRITORIES ALSO DEPENDED FOR THEIR PROSPERITY ON INDUSTRIAL EXPORTS, OR PROVISION OF SERVICES OF ALL SORTS, WHICH WERE OVERSEAS-ORIENTED AND WORLD-WIDE IN THEIR SCOPE.

♦IN PLANNING OUR FUTURE ACCOUNT MUST BE TAKEN OF BOTH THESE IWO ELEMENTS ON WHICH OUR PROSPERITY AND OUR VERY EXISTENCE DEPEND,* HE SAID.

SIR MURRAY ALSO SPOKE ABOUT THE CLOSE RELATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND MACAU AND SAID THIS REFLECTED THE STRONG AFFECTION AND AFFILIATION HONG KONG FELT FOR MACAU.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF SIR MURRAY’S SPEECH:

+YOUR EXCELLENCY, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

+MY WIFE AND I WERE DELIGHTED TO ACCEPT YOUR EXCELLENCY’S VERY KIND INVITATION TO MAKE THIS FAREWELL VISIT TO MACAU.

I AM PARTICULARLY GLAD THAT IT HAS BEEN POSSIBLE FOR SIR S Y CHUNG, THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AND MR ROGER LOBO, THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, TO ACCOMPANY ME. THEIR PRESENCE EMPHASISES THE GOOD RELATIONS THAT CONTINUE BETWEEN MACAU AND HONG KONG.

+RELATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO TERRITORIES ARE INDEED CLOSE. QUITE RIGHTLY THERE HAS BEEN REGULAR PERSONAL CONTACT BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNORS AND THESE HAVE BEEN OF PARTICULAR VALUE AND PLEASURE TO ME. THIS SITUATION REFLECTS THE STRONG AFFECTION AND AFFILIATION HONG KONG PEOPLE FEEL FOR MACAU, FORGED OVER A CENTURY AND A HALF, AND WHICH HAS DEVELOPED AS THE TWO ECONOMIES HAVE GROWN AND PROSPERED.

♦MACAU, LIKE HONG KONG, HAS KNOWN RAPID ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE LAST 13 YEARS. I BELIEVE YOUR REVENUE HAS INCREASED 7-FOLD AND YOUR TRADE BETWEEN 8- AND 9-FOLD. I HAVE NOTED THE GOOD USE TO WHICH THIS PROSPERITY HAS BEEN PUT AND CONGRATULATE YOU ON THE FAR SIGHTED POLICIES THAT HAVE BEEN USED TO ATTACK THE BASIC ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS OF MACAU - WHICH ARE SO SIMILAR TO THOSE OF HONG KONG.

/+UACAL A..D ........

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 1982

♦MACAU AND HONG KONG HAVE MUCH IN COMMON: THEY ARE ESSENTIALLY CHINESE CITIES. THEY DEPEND ON CHINA IN MANY SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL WAYS. BUT ON THE OTHER HAND THEY ALSO DEPEND FOR THEIR PROSPERITY ON INDUSTRIAL EXPORTS, OR PROVISION OF SERVICES OF ALL SORTS, WHICH ARE OVERSEAS-ORIENTED AND ARE WORLD-WIDE IN THEIR SCOPE. IN PLANNING OUR FUTURE ACCOUNT KIST BE TAKEN OF BOTH THESE TWO ELEMENTS ON WHICH OUR PROSPERITY AND OUR VERY EXISTENCE DEPEND.

♦SINCE THE REVOLUTION M CHINA HONG KONG HAS TENDED TO LOOK TO TRADING PARTNERS IN AMERICA, WESTERN EUROPE AND THE PACIFIC RIM, BUT WITH THE MODERNISATION PROGRAMMES IN CHINA AND PARTICULARLY WITH THE CREATION OF THE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE AT SHENZHEN, HONG KONG MUST ALSO INCREASINGLY LOOK NORTH TO GUANGDONG AND BEYOND.

♦I AM PLEASED WITH THE PROGRESS OF MUTUAL COOPERATION THAT HAS DEVELOPED OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS BETWEEN THE AGENCIES OF • THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT AND OUR BUSINESSMEN. THERE HAS BEEN KCH INVESTMENT BY THESE AGENCIES IN HONG KONG AND MUCH HONG KONG INVESTMENT NOT ONLY IN SHENZHEN, BUT IN OTHER MAJOR CITIES.

♦I AM SURE THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO CONSOLIDATE THE SUCCESS OF THE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES AND DEEPEN ECONOMIC COOPERATION WITH CHINA.

♦YOUR EXCELLENCY, I AM SORRY TO BID FAREWELL TO YOU AND MACAU. I THANK YOU FOR THE COOPERATION OF MACAU EXTENDED OVER MY PERIOD AS GOVERNOR, AND I THANK YOU FOR YOUR OWN KIND HOSPITALITY TODAY AND WISH YOU EVERY SUCCESS IN YOUR HIGH OFFICE. I WOULD NOW LIKE TO PROPOSE A TOAST TO YOUR HEALTH AND THE FUTURE OF MACAU.+

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FOR BETTER SERVICE

X * X

THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT HAS REVISED ITS WORKING HOURS AND HAS ALSO INTRODUCED STAGGERED LUNCH BREAKS SO THAT ITS SERVICES REMAIN OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL TIMES DURING OFFICE HOURS.

THE NEW WORKING HOURS ARE FROM 8.45 AM TO 5.15 PM BETWEEN MONDAY AND FRIDAY, AND 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAY.

THE CHANGE OF OFFICE HOJRS BEGAN FROM MARCH 1 AND WILL BE CARRIED ON FOR AN EXPERIMENTAL PERIOD OF TWO MONTHS.

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 1982

SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENT RATES TO GO UP FROM JUNE * * * *

PAYMENT RATES FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEED ALLOWANCES WILL BE RAISED BY ABOUT 29 PER CENT FROM JUNE 1 THIS YEAR. THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).

AT THE SAME TIME, THE .IMIT OF DISREGARDED EARNINGS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS WHO ARE NOT REQUIRED TO REGISTER WORK AS A CONDITION OF RECEIVING ASSISTANCE WILL BE INCREASED ABOUT 70 PER CENT.

IN LINE WITH THESE IMPROVEMENTS, THE SAVINGS LIMIT UNDER PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME WILL GO UP BY ABOUT 29 PER CENT TO RECOGNISE THE INCREASE IN PRICES SINCE THE LAST REVISION IN SEPTEMBER, 1980.

FOR BY

THE

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE BASIC SCALE RATES OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE WERE KEPT UNDER REGULAR REVIEW AND THAT THE PRESENT REVISION WAS DESIGNED TO RESTORE THE PURCHASING POWER OF THE BASIC SCALE.

♦THIS WILL BE THE EIGHTH INCREASE IN PAYMENT RATES SINCE THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG IN 1971,+ HE SAID. +THE LAST INCREASE WAS MADE IN JULY LAST YEAR WHEN THE BASIC SCALE RATES WERE IMPROVED BY 25 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS.+

FOR A FULL YEAR, THE INCREASE IS EXPECTED TO COST AN ADDITIONAL $78 MILLION FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, $39.7 MILLION FOR DISABILITY ALLOWANCE AND $103.4 MILLION FOR OLD AGE ALLOWANCE.

THE NEW PAYMENT RATES PER MONTH ARE AS FOLLOWS i

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE

NEW RATE EXISTING RATE

FOR A SINGLE PERSON OF HIS OWN $450 ($350)

FOR A FAMILY j

FIRST TO THIRD ELIGIBLE MEMBER $325 ($250)

FOURTH TO SIXTH ELIGIBLE MEMBER $280 ($215)

SEVENTH AND ADDITIONAL ELIGIBLE MEMBER THEREAFTER $215 ($165)

OLD AGE SUPPLEMENT (FOR ANY PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENT AGED 60 AND ABOVE) $225 ($175)

/DISABILITY SUPPLEMENT .......

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 1982

- 4 -

DISABILITY SUPPLEMENT (FOR ANY PARTIALLY DISABLED PUBLIC

ASSISTANCE RECIPIENT) $225

LONG-TERM SUPPLEMENT PER YEAR (FOR THOSE RECEIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FOR 12 MONTHS OR

MORE)

(A) SINGLETON $570

(B) FAMILY SI 140

SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE

OLD AGE ALLOWANCE $225

DISABILITY ALLOWANCE $450

($175)

($440)

($880)

($175)

($350)

REFERRING TO DISREGARDED EARNINGS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT FROM APRIL 1978, TO PROVIDE AN INCENTIVE TO WORK, PART OF THE EARNINGS OF THOSE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS WHO WERE NOT REQUIRED TO REGISTER WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AS A CONDITION OF RECEIVING ASSISTANCE WAS DISREGARDED.

AT PRESENT, THE FIRST $50 AND 50 PER CENT OF THE NEXT $200 OF EARNINGS ARE DISREGARDED, THUS ALLOWING A MAXIMUM DISREGARDED INCOME OF $150 PER MONTH.

+NEARLY FOUR YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE THE INCENTIVE WAS FIRST INTRODUCED AND IT IS NOW CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE TO REVISE THE LIMIT,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE LIMIT IS TO BE RAISED BY 70 PER CENT. THIS MEANS THAT THE FIRST $85 AND 50 PER CENT OF THE NEXT $340 WILL BE DISREGARDED, THUS ALLOWING MAXIMUM DISREGARDED EARNINGS OF $255 AS AGAINST THE PRESENT MAXIMUM OF $150 PER MONTH.

TURNING TO THE SAVINGS LIMIT UNDER THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IT WOULD BE INCREASED FROM THE PRESENT $4 500 TO $5 700 FOR A SINGLE PERSON, AND FROM $3 300 TO S3 800 FOR A PERSON IN A FAMILY.

CITING AN EXAMPLE OF HCW NEEDY PEOPLE WERE ASSISTED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE EXISTING RATES, AN ELIGIBLE FAMILY OF FOUR WOULD RECEIVE $965 A MONTH. WITH THE INTRODUCTION CF THE NE* RATES, IT WOULD RECEIVE $1 255 A MONTH. INCLUDING RENT, SUPPLEMENTS AND OTHER ESSENTIAL EXPENSES WHICH ARE PROVIDED SEPARATELY, A FOUR-MEMBER HOUSEHOLD ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CAN RECEIVE AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 31 670 PER MONTH.

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT NOW HANDLES ABOUT 46 000 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES, 172 000 OLD AGE ALLOWANCE CASES AND 31 000 DISABILITY ALLOWANCE CASES.

-----0----------

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 1982

TRANSPORT DOCUMENTATION COMPUTERISED * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S VEHICLE DOCUMENTATION AND LICENSING OPERATIONS BECAME FULLY COMPUTERISED THIS (MONDAY) MORNING WITH THE INAUGURATION OF THE FINAL STAGE OF THE VEHICLE AND LICENSING INTEGRATED DATA (VALID) SYSTEM.

WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE SYSTEM, ALL VEHICLE REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS AND OTHER LICENCES WILL BE PRODUCED BY COMPUTER INCLUDING HIRE CAR PERMITS AND TEMPORARY DRIVING LICENCES*

SWITCHING ON THE LAST PHASE OF VALID IN THE MURRAY ROAD LICENSING OFFICE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR ALAN ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT SAID THE DEPARTMENT’S THREE LICENSING OFFICES WOULD SHARE A SINGLE COMPUTER MASTER FILE CONTAINING FULL INFORMATION CONCERNING DRIVERS AND THEIR VEHICLES, THUS ELIMINATING THE NEED OF CROSS CHECKING.

SINCE THE VALID II SYSTEM WAS INTRODUCED IN JUNE 1980 THERE HAD BEEN A 30 PER CENT INCREASE IN TRANSACTIONS CONCERNING VEHICLE AND DRIVING LICENCES AND A NUMBER OF ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS ADDED, TO PROVIDE A BETTER SERVICE. THIS HAD BEEN DONE WITH MINIMAL INCREASE IN STAFF RESOURCES, BECAUSE OF THE USE OF THE COMPUTER.

MEANWHILE THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE LICENSING OFFICE AT MURRAY ROAD, MR SIMON SIT, SAID VALID WOULD ALSO MINIMISE HUMAN ERRORS IN TRANSCRIPTION AND DETER FORGERIES AND OTHER UNAUTHORIZED ALTERATION OF VEHICLE PARTICULARS.

ONE OF THE MAJOR INNOVATIONS IS THE +RANDOMISED+ ALLOCATION OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS BY THE COMPUTER INSTEAD OF MANUALLY AS AT PRESENT. LUCKY NUMBERS, HOWEVER, WOULD STILL BE AUCTIONED AS AT PRESENT.

AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 57 COMPUTER TERMINALS INSTALLED AT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S THREE LICENSING OFFICES - 31 ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 22 IN KOWLOON AND FOUR IN KWUN TONG.

OTHER FACILITIES THE COMPUTER SYSTEM CAN PROVIDE ARE:

* A BASIC ON-LINE REALTIME SYSTEM TO HANDLE VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING FUNCTIONS?

* AUTOMATIC CHECKS ON OUTSTANDING COURT ORDERS DUE TO MOVING OR PARKING OFFENCES DURING VEHICLE RELiCENSING OR TRANSFER;

N AN ENQUIRY AND UPDATE. SYSTEM ON WANTED AND MISSING/STOLEN VEHICLES FOR THE POLICE; AND

* ON-LINE RETRIEVAL OF INFORMATION ON ALL VEHICLES CURRENTLY AND PREVIOUSLY OWNED BY ANY PERSON.

0---------

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 1982

COMMUNITY’S SUPPORT FOR EDUCATION PRAISED

* * M

HONG KONG STUDENTS OWED A GREAT DEAL TO THE COMMUNITY FOR ITS GENEROUS SUPPORT OF EDUCATION, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, NR DENIS BRAY, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

ON ITS PART, THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONTINUALLY EXAMINING NEW WAYS OF IMPROVING EDUCATION, WHICH WAS ONE OF ITS LARGEST FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS, MR BRAY TOLD THE GATHERING AT THE 13TH GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE JU CHING CHU ENGLISH COLLEGE, AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL THIS AFTERNOON.

MR BRAY SAID THE GOVERNMENT ALSO GAVE ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS WISHING TO PURSUE THEIR STUDIES ABROAD AND HAD STARTED A LOAN SCHEME TO ASSIST UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN BRITAIN.

HE NOTED THAT THE COLLEGE HAD EXPANDED RAPIDLY IN THE 16 YEARS OF ITS EXISTENCE WITH THE OPENING OF THREE ADDITIONAL SCHOOLS CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING SOME 6 OOO STUDENTS IN VARIOUS NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS, AND SAID HONG KONG'S ECONOMIC GROWTH COULD NOT BE SUSTAINED WITHOUT AN INFLOW OF TECHNOLOGY WHICH COULD ONLY BE EXPLOITED BY TRAINED AND EDUCATED MEN AND WOMEN.

+1 HOPE THAT YOU, THE STUDENTS, WHO WERE BORN AND EDUCATED HERE WILL DEVELOP A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE PLACE THAT BROUGHT YOU UP AND WILL USE YOUR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS AND SKILLS TO PROMOTE THE PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG.+ MR BRAY SAID.

HE WAS GLAD TO LEARN, HE ADDED, THAT THE SCHOOL AIMED TO INCULCATE THE SAME OBJECTIVES IN STUDENTS IN THEIR DAILY SCHOOL LIFE.

HE SAID ALSO THAT IT WAS UP TO THE STUDENTS TO DO MORE TO MAKE HONG KONG A CITY TO BE PROUD OF.

MR BRAY NOTED ALSO THAT THE COLLEGE WAS FOUNDED 16 YEARS AGO BY A BOARD OF DIRECTORS, HEADED BY MR DEACON CHIU, WHO WAS WELL KNOWN FOR HIS KEEN INTEREST IN THE PROMOTION OF EDUCATION, AND CONGRATULATED THE GRADUATES RECEIVING THEIR CERTIFICATES, AND THE STAFF FOR THEIR HARD WORK.

--------o

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 1982

- 7 -

NEW STOCK EXCHANGE WILL BE WORLD LANDMARK, BREMRIDGE SAYS *******

HONG KONG’S NEW STOCK EXCHANGE WILL BE A WORLD LANDMARK — A FITTING PHYSICAL CENTRE FOR OUR INVISIBLE EARNINGS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE ELEVENTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE KAM NGAN STOCK EXCHANGE AT THE FURAMA HOTEL THIS EVENING, MR BREMRIDGE SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW STOCK EXCHANGE WAS ON SCHEDULE AND THE DEVELOPERS WERE GOING WELL BEYOND THE SPECIFICATIONS LAID DOWN BY THE GOVERNMENT -- AS WAS CHARACTERISTIC.

♦THEIR MASTER PLAN HAS BEEN SUBMITTED. THEIR MODEL OF THE WAY THE SITE WILL BE DEVELOPED SHOWS THAT THE IMAGINATION OF THEIR ARCHITECTS IS IN TUNE WITH HONG KONG’S NEED AND OPPORTUNITY,* MR BREMRIDGE SAID.

MR BREMRIDGE URGED THAT THE PACE OF DEVELOPMENT BE MAINTAINED.

+THERE IS MUCH TO BE DONE IN THE TECHNICAL BACKGROUND OF DEVELOPING THIS NEW EXCHANGE.

+WE HAVE A CHANCE SELDOM GIVEN TO MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRES TO DEVELOP AFRESH IN THIS WAY,* HE SAID.

WORK THIS YEAR ON THE EXCHANGE WOULD BE CRUCIAL IF THE TIMETABLE WAS TO BE MET AND THE CENTRE WAS TO BE WORTHY OF THE OPPORTUNITY GIVEN.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO SAID HE HOPED THAT THE STOCK MARKET AND THE WIDER BASE OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS WOULD ACCEPT THAT THE MEASURES HE INTRODUCED IN THE BUDGET WERE DESIGNED TO MAINTAIN GROWTH AND GENERAL PROSPERITY.

+THE MEASURES PROPOSED SHOULD WORK THROUGH THE ECONOMY IN THE COURSE OF THE YEAR TO GIVE THE RIGHT SORT OF STIMULUS IN THE RIGHT SORT OF PLACES TO ACHIEVE AIMS WHICH I AM SURE ARE HELD IN COMMON BY THE GOVERNMENT, BY COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, AND BY YOUR EXCHANGE,+ HE SAID.

MR BREMRIDGE STRESSED THAT THE MAIN STRATEGIC AIM WAS TO PROMOTE HONG KONG + AS AN ACCEPTED INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.*

-----o-----

/e ........

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 1982

- 8 -

JANUARY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND * * * *

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) RELEASED STATISTICS FROM THE MONTHLY SURVEY FOR JANUARY 1982. CONDUCTED ON A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES (CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZE IN SEPTEMBER 1979) AS WELL AS OF THE 43 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SELECTED SERVICES SECTORS.

AS THE SAMPLE WAS NOT DRAWN ON A RANDOM BASIS, THE RESULTS ON MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE MIGHT NOT REFLECT THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE, BUT SHOULD GIVE USEFUL INDICATIONS OF THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT RUN, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

EMPLOYMENT DROPPED SLIGHTLY IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED ON ACCOUNT OF LABOUR TURNOVER AFTER THE CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS. PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN MANUFACTURING ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF BONUSES AND DOUBLE PAY IN A NUMBER OF FACTORIES AT THE END OF THE CHINESE CALENDAR YEAR.

PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ALSO INCREASED IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICES SECTORS BECAUSE OF THESE YEAR-END AWARDS.

THE OVERALL VOLUME OF ORDERS HELD BY THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED REMAINED STABLE IN JANUARY 1982 AS COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH. THE FEWER ORDERS HELD BY THE WEARING APPAREL AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES WERE OFFSET BY MORE ORDERS HELD BY THE TEXTILES, PLASTICS, 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 REPORT FOR JANUARY 1982 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, AT $1 PER COPY. ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (AT 3-7221914).

A. EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS

PERSONS ENGAGED BY PER CAPITA PER CAPITA THE COMPANIES SURVEYED EARNINGS EARNINGS ----------------------- ----------- for

INDUSTRY/SERV1CE NOV 1981 (% CHANGE OVER THE PRECEDING

MONTH) JAN 1982 JAN 1982 (HK$)

DEC JAN 1981 1982 NOV 1981 DEC 1981

MANUFACTURING -1 i 71 1 1 1 1 U ! 1 14 35 2 934

FOOD AND DR INKS -3 X -1 8 40 3 843

ING APPAREL

• • MONDAY, MARCH 15, 1982

WEARING APPAREL, 14

EXCEPT FOOTWEAR -1**1 19 2 332

TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL * * -1 -4 15 46 3 112

PLASTIC PRODUCTS -1 -4 -1 -5 26 22 2 583

FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS -1 -1 -1 * 9 42 2 639 I

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -1 -1 -2 -1 9 55 2 953

OTHERS -1 * -2 -2 15 26 3 813 r

CONSTRUCTION 1 * -1 4 4 36 4 211

———— ——— — — —— — — ———

SERVICES 1 * * -2 25 34 5 553

————— — — — — —— —— ———— :

BANKS 1 1 * * 57 8 5 070 j

HOTELS * * -2 * 65 43 4 715 (

PUBLIC UTILITIES 1 * * -5 9 49 5 405

OTHERS * * * -2 10 44 7 534

B. ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING (% CHANGE OVER INDUSTRY THE PRECEDING MONTH) ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF

NOV DEC JAN 1981 1981 1982 WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR -2 -2 -2 TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL -4*5 PLASTIC PRODUCTS *36 FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 3 -3 -3 ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -2*2 OTHERS -3 * * ALL ABOVE INDUSTRIES * -2 * * CHANGE OF LESS THAN 0.5% - - - - 0 - MONTHS) FOR JAN 1982 4.6 2.3 3.5 3.1 4.8 3.6 4.0 j /ip |

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 1982

TANNERY OPERATORS GIVEN LICENCES TO OPERATE AT NEW SITE * * * *

TWENTY-ONE TANNERIES WHICH FORMERLY OPERATED FROM TIN SHEDS IN SHEUNG SHUI WERE TODAY GIVEN LICENCES TO CARRY ON THEIR BUSINESS IN TWO INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS AT KWAI CHUNG.

THE OPERATORS HAVE NOW ERECTED THEIR OWN WASTE TREATMENT PLANTS IN THE WING LOI AND WING SHING INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS AT GIN DRINKER’S BAY.

UNDER THE OFFENSIVE TRADE REGULATIONS, CERTAIN HEALTH REQUIREMENTS ARE IMPOSED ON TANNERY OPERATORS TO MINIMISE THE NUISANCES AND OFFENSIVENESS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRADE.

WITH THE PROPER WASTE WATER TREATMENT DEVICES INSTALLED THE OPERATORS ARE NOW ABLE TO CARRY ON THEIR BUSINESS WITHOUT DISCHARGING LARGE QUANTITIES OF TRADE EFFLUENTS INTO THEIR SURROUNDING AREAS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD SAID.

HE SAID TO DATE, 28 APPLICATIONS FOR OFFENSIVE TRADES HAVE BEEN RECEIVED AND OF THEM, FIVE HAVE WITHDRAWN AS A RESULT OF WINDING UP OF BUSINESS OR CHANGING TO OTHER TRADES.

LICENCE WILL BE GRANTED TO ONE OF THE REMAINING APPLICANTS AS SOON AS HE COMPLIES WITH THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE WARNED THAT ANYONE WHO WISHED TO RUN A TANNERY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES MUST GET A LICENCE FOR OFFENCE TRADES BEFORE PUTTING HIS PLANT INTO OPERATION OR HE WOULD END UP IN COURT.

THE PURPOSE OF LICENSING OFFENSIVE TRADES IS AIMED AT BRINGING THE FACTORIES UNDER PROPER CONTROL AS IT IS NOT UNCOMMON THAT THE TRADE WOULD LEAD TO ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

THIS INCLUDES DUST AND FLY NUISANCE, FOUL SMELL AND POLLUTION OF SEWERS STREAM AND COASTAL WATER.

APPLICATION FORMS OR INFORMATION ON THE TRADE CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE LICENSING OFFICE OF NTSD AT GOLDEN GATE COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 136-138 AUSTIN ROAD, 7TH FLOOR. KOWLOON.

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 1982

TSUEN WAN HEALTH WEEK BEGINS * * * *

TEN NURSES FROM YAN CHAI HOSPITAL TODAY (MONDAY) BEGAN A wEEK-LONG VISIT TO FIVE FACTORIES AND FOUR SCHOOLS IN TSUEN WAN TO CARRY OUT HEALTH TESTS ON WORKERS AND STUDENTS.

THE PROGRAMME OF VISITS IS THE MAIN FEATURE OF A TSUEN WAN HEALTH WEEK TO AROUSE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD HEALTH.

THE NURSES WILL CARRY OUT BLOOD AND URINE TESTS, AND CHECK BLOOD PRESSURE.

EACH TEST TAKES ONLY A FEW MINUTES.

FACTORY WORKERS OR STUDENTS FOUND IN NEED OF FURTHER TESTS WILL BE REFERRED TO THE HOSPITAL.

A SPECIAL TESTING CENTRE WILL ALSO BE SET UP AT PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE ON FRIDAY (MARCH 19) SO THAT RESIDENTS CF THE DISTRICT CAN MAKE USE OF THE FREE SERVICE.

THE HEALTH WEEK IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, YAN CHAI HOSPITAL AND THE TSUEN WAN CULTURAL INTEREST PROMOTION COMMITTEE, WITH THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD CONTRIBUTING $10 000 TO SPONSOR THE EVENT.

THE PROGRAMME ALSO INCLUDES HEALTH TALKS TO BE GIVEN BY STAFF OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AT CHAN NAM CHEONG IIMORI AL SCHOOL IN KWAI CHUNG ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 17) AND THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ON FRIDAY (MARCH 19).

IN ADDITION, TWO ESSAY COMPETITIONS ARE BEING HELD FOR THE DISTRICT’S SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, ON THE THEMES *HOW A HEALTHY MAN GAINS HIS SUCCESS IN BUSINESS* AND +HOW SMOKING IS BAD FOR HEALTH.*

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WATER FIGURES * * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 40.0 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 231.158 MILLION CUBIC METRES, EQUIVALENT TO 194 DAYS’ CONSUMPTION.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 251.738 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 43.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

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MONDAY, MARCH 15, 1982

WORKSHOPS ON LISTENING COMPREHENSION * * * *

TWO WORKSHOPS ON THE TEACHING OF LISTENING COMPREHENSION WILL BE HELD FROM APRIL 20 TO MAY 1 FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

CONTENTS OF THE WORKSHOPS WILL INCLUDE SHORT TALKS AND DEMONSTRATION OF VARIOUS LISTENING COMPREHENSION EXERCISES. PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO BE GIVEN A CHANCE TO DESIGN A LISTENING COMPREHENSION EXERCISE SUITABLE FOR USE IN THEIR OWN CLASSES.

THE WORKSHOPS WILL BE HELD AT THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AND WILL EACH CONSIST OF THREE MEETINGS.

A CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE WILL BE AWARDED TO TEACHERS WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE A WORKSHOP.

HEADS OF SCHOOLS ARE REQUESTED TO SEND IN A LIST OF TEACHERS WHO WISH TO ATTEND THE WORKSHOPS BEFORE APRIL 2 TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, 9A BONHAM ROAD, HONG KONG.

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DEEP WATER BAY ROAD TRAFFIC

* * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT TRAFFIC USING THE SECTION OF DEEP WATER BAY ROAD BETWEEN NAM FUNG ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO HOUSE NO. 8 WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 17).

ANOTHER SECTION OF DEEP WATER BAY ROAD BETWEEN WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROUNDABOUT AND THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO HOUSE NO. 5 WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT THOSE REQUIRING ACCESS TO PREMISES IN THE AREA.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CONCRETE QUALITY CONTROL TO BE IMPROVED ....................... 1

GOVERNOR TO ADDRESS DISTRICT BOARD ............................ 2

NEED FOR CONTINUOUS LEARNING STRESSED ......................... 3

MORE SOCIAL CENTRES FOR AGED TO OPIN ......................... 4

MAKING WONG TAI SIN A BETTER PLACE ........................... 4

PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE IN TAI PO ..................... 5

NT MOBILE LIBRARY CHANGE OF STOP .............................. 6

PARKING SPACES FOR THE DISABLED ............................... 6

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT FOR HAPPY VALLEY RACE MEETING ... 7

RE-ROUTING OF MAXICABS

TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 1982

CONCRETE QUALITY CONTROL TO BE IMPROVED ft ft ft ft ft

MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS WILL SOON BE MADE IN THE STANDARD OF QUALITY CONTROL OF CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION IN HONG KONG’S PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, W N.K. CHAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

MR CHAN. OPENING AN INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON *NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY*. SAID THAT CONCRETE HAD BEEN THE MAIN BUILDING MATERIAL USED DURING A PERIOD OF SUSTAINED GROWTH FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.

HE SAID THAT TOTAL VALUE OF ALL CONSTRUCTION IN HONG fcONG IN 1981 WAS ABOUT $17 OOO MILLION.

♦A MEASURE OF THIS REMARKABLE GROWTH CAN BE GAUGED BY COMPARING IT WITH AN EXPENDITURE IN 1970 OF $1 311 MILLION, WHICH — EVEN WHEN CORRECTED TO CONSTANT PRICES USING 1973 AS A BASE — SHOWS THAT THE VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK IN THE LAST 11 YEARS HAS INCREASED BY APPROXIMATELY 340 PER CENT,* MR CHAN SAID.

HE CONGRATULATED THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FOR THE ADAPTABILITY AND RESOURCEFULNESS IT HAD SHOWN IN COPING WITH SUCH A HIGH LEVEL OF ACTIVITY.

MR CHAN SAID THAT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAD RESPONDED ACTIVELY TO THE GROWING AWARENESS OF THE NEED FOR BETTER CONCRETE QUALITY CONTROL IN HONG KONG.

HE ADDED THAT THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE, WHICH REGULATED THE WORK OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR, HAD SET UP A WORKING PARTY IN 1980 TO REVIEW THE BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS.

A SUB-COMMITTEE. INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS, THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION, THE CONCRETE SOCIETY (HK) LTD., AND COMMERCIAL TESTING LABORATORIES, IS REVIEWING QUALITY CONTROL PROCEDURES IN PRIVATE BUILDING WORKS.

♦WHEN THEY HAVE COMPLETED THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS, THESE WILL BE TRANSLATED INTO REGULATIONS. AFTER THEY ARE ENACTED, WE SHOULD SEE A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN CONCRETE QUALITY CONTROL PROCEDURES IN PRIVATE BUILDING WORKS,* MR CHAN SAID.

WITH RESPECT TO PWD PROJECTS, A WORKING PARTY WAS SET UP IN 1980 TO REVIEW THE PROCEDURES FOR THE QUALITY CONTROL TESTING CF CONCRETE AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE THEM.

AS A RESULT, MR CHAN SAID, THREE MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS WERE MADE. THEY WEREi

THE FIRST INVOLVED THE ELIMINATION OF UNSATISFACTORY PRACTICES IN THE METHOD OF COMPLIANCE TESTING ON SITE. PWD SITE STAFF WERE NOW MORE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN COMPLIANCE TESTING.

/SB30ND, A ........

TUESDAY, MAUCH 16, 1?8

2 -

SECOND, A UNIFIED CONCRETE SPECIFICATION WAS PREPARED FOR ALL PWD OFFICES. THIS SPECIFICATION, SOON TO COME INTO EFFECT, WOULD REDUCE THE NUMBER OF DIFFERENT CONCRETE MIXES NOW BEING USED, AND INCORPORATE THE LATEST CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY, MR CHAN SAID. THIS WOULD HELP ENGINEERS, CONTRACTORS AND READY-MIXED CONCRETE SUPPLIERS.

THIRD, AN EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMME HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR PROFESSIONAL STAFF, SUPERVISORY AND TECHNICAL GRADES AND WORKS SUPERVISOR TRAINEES. THE THREE CATEGORIES OF STAFF WOULD ATTEND SEMINARS AND SHORT COURSES TO KEEP THEM UP TO DATE WITH CHANGES IN CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY. TRAINEES WOULD HAVE A NEW SYLLABUS WHICH WOULD GIVE A BETTER BALANCE BETWEEN THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL TRAINING.

MR CHAN SAID THAT THERE WAS A NEED TO DEAL WITH WIDER PROBLEMS OF CONSTRUCTION.

♦TO ACHIEVE THIS AIM, THE PWD AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAVE ESTABLISHED A PERMANENT STANDING COMMITTEE ON CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE GEOTECHNICAL AND MATERIALS ADVISER, W? STANLEY RODIN,♦ HE SAID.

THE COMMITTEE WOULD REVIEW CONCRETE QUALITY CONTROL STANDARDS, SPECIFICATIONS, TRAINING, READY-MIXED CONCRETE AND THE SUPPLY OF MATERIALS AND OTHER TECHNICAL MATTERS.

IN ADDITION TO REPRESENTATIVES FROM HONG KONG, DELEGATES FROM AUSTRALIA, INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE AND THAILAND ARE ATTENDING THE SEMINAR.

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GOVERNOR TO ADDRESS DISTRICT BOARD

K * * K

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL ADDRESS THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD ON THURSDAY (MARCH 18) AT 3 PM AT LOKE YEW HALL, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.

THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD IS THE LAST OF THE 10 DISTRICT BOARDS FORMED IN THE URBAN DISTRICTS.

IT COMPRISES 23 MEMBERS — SEVEN EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS, 14 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS AND TWO URBAN COUNCILLORS, AND ITS CHAIRMAN WILL BE THE CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, CENTRAL AND WESTERN, MR TONY CLARK.

BEFORE ITS ESTABLISHMENT, A CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WAS FORMED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR, TO PROVIDE A FORUM FOR INTER-DEPARTMENTAL CONSULTATION ON DISTRICT PROBLEMS.

THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE HAS HELD FOUR MEETINGS SINCE THEN AND HAS SET UP THREE SUB-COMMITTEES TO DEAL WITH VARIOUS MATTERS INCLUDING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT PROBLEMS, AND COMMUNITY-BUILDING PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES.

/TH3 C3IT3AL.....

TU3SDAY, MAiiCH 1o, 1982

- 3 -

THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD COVERS SECTIONS OF THE NORTHERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND, AS WELL AS THE MID-LEVELS AND PEAK RESIDENTIAL AREAS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD AT LOKE YEW HALL, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, POK FU LAM ROAD, HONG KONG AT 3 PM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 18). UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW AFTER THE MEETING.

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NEED FOR CONTINUOUS LEARNING STRESSED

* K K

A PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKER REQUIRES CONTINUOUS LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT TO COPE WITH THE CHANGING COMPLEX PROBLEMS OF INDIVIDUALS AND THE ENVIRONMENT.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE, AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC’S PART-TIME DAY RELEASE COURSE IN DIPLOMA IN SOCIAL WORK AND CERTIFICATE IN CHILD CARE TODAY (TUESDAY).

HE DESCRIBED THE WORK OF PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS AS A +LIFE-LONG COMMITMENT*.

HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE GRADUATES WOULD USE THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS CONSTRUCTIVELY FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE LIFE OF FELLOW CITIZENS.

ACQUIRING A DIPLOMA, HE SAID, SHOULD MEAN +THAT ONE IS COMPETENT TO HELP OTHERS WHO NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE TO SOLVE THEIR PERSONAL OR OTHER PROBLEMS, AND IS ABLE TO COMMAND THE TRUST AND RESPECT OF YOUR CLIENTS BY VIRTUE OF YOUR ABILITIES AND ATTITUDES.*

HE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE POLYTECHNIC’S SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK WAS PLANNING TO INCREASE ITS DIPLOMA IN SOCIAL WORK INTAKE FROM 80 TO 100 IN THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR, IN THE LIGHT OF THE CURRENT AND PROJECTED SHORTAGE OF TRAINED MANPOWER.

THE WORKING PARTY ON SOCIAL WELFARE MANPOWER ESTIMATED THAT THE ACCUMULATED SHORTFALL OF NON-GRADUATE SOCIAL WORKERS AT THE PRESENT RATE OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND WOULD INCREASE FROM 265 BY 1982-83 TO 750 BY 1986-87.

+EVEN WITH THE VARIOUS REMEDIES RECOMMENDED, THE SHORTFALL BY 1986-87 WOULD STILL BE 225,* MR ALLEYNE SAID.

+THE DEMAND FOR NON-GRADUATE SOCIAL WORKERS IN THE LONG TERM IS EVEN GREATER THAN THAT FOR GRADUATE SOCIAL WORKERS,* HE SAID, +AND WE LOOK TO THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK TO MEET THESE EXPECTATIONS.*

□

TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 1982

MORE SOCIAL CENTRES FOR AGED TO OPEN * * * *

FIFTEEN NEW SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY ARE EXPECTED TO BE OPENED IN THE NEW FINANCIAL YEAR, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

THERE ARE NOW 45 SUBVENTED SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE AGED, HE SAID AT THE OPENING OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS’ WONG SHIU CHING SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY AT WAH FU ESTATE.

THESE CENTRES ARE INTENDED TO PROVIDE FACILITIES +TO ENABLE PEOPLE OVER THE AGE OF 60 TO ENJOY RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES TAILORED TO THEIR NEEDS, FOSTER SOCIAL CONTACT AMONG PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR NEEDS AND INTERESTS AND FORESTALL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS.*

THE PLANNING RATIO FOR SOCIAL CENTRES IS ONE FOR EVERY 30 000 POPULATION AND THE SPACE ALLOCATED IS ABOUT 169 SQ. METRES.

+0N THIS BASIS, WE ARE STILL SHORT OF SOCIAL CENTRES,* MR ALLEYNE SAID.

THE CENTRES HAD BEEN CLASSIFIED AS CATEGORY II SERVICE UNDER THE NEW SUBVENTION SYSTEM AND WERE +ONE OF THE SERVICES FOR WHICH WE WISH TO ATTRACT COMMUNITY SUPPORT.*

HE SAID THAT PENDING THE DETERMINATION OF STANDARD COSTS FOR SOCIAL CENTRES AND THE APPROPRIATE PERCENTAGE OF THE STANDARD COST TO BE SUPPORTED, THE SUBVENTION FOR 1982 FOR SOCIAL CENTRES WOULD BE BASED ON 70 PER CENT OF THE RECOGNISED EXPENDITURE OF INDIVIDUAL CENTRES.

+THIS PERCENTAGE IS BASED BROADLY ON THE PAST LEVEL OF SUPPORT AND WILL ON THE AVERAGE, IN MONEY TERMS, AMOUNT TO AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 21 PER CENT OVER LAST YEAR’S SUBVENTION.*

THE NEW SOCIAL CENTRE OPENED TODAY WILL CATER FOR SOME 150 PEOPLE. IT WAS ESTABLISHED wITH THE ASSISTANCE OF A GRANT FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND AND OTHER BENEFACTORS.

MAKING WONG TAI SIN A BETTER PLACE * * *

EFFORTS IN FIGHTING CORRUPTION AND THE PROMOTION OF INTEGRITY AND A FULLER LIFE FOR RESIDENTS WERE THE MAIN POINTS OF A TALK BY THE ICAC COMMISSIONER, MR P.B. WILLIAMS AT THE SIXTH MEETING OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD HELD THIS AFTERNOON (TUESDAY) IN FUNG MING HALL, WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE.

AT THE MEETING THE BOARD ENDORSED A DISTRICT STRATEGY, WHICH PRESENTS COMPREHENSIVE PLANS FOR THE DISTRICT DURING THE 1980’S ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF LIFE, INCLUDING CULTURE AND ART, RECREATION AND SPORTS, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS, URBAN COUNCIL FACILITIES, AND SOCIAL SERVICES.

TUESDAY, MAHCH 16, 1982

- 5 -

A COMPREHENSIVE DISTRICT REPORT WAS PRESENTED TO THE MEETING FOR MEMBERS’ REFERENCE.

IN THEIR DISCUSSIONS, MEMBERS EXPRESSED CONCERN AT THE SHORTFALL IN COMMUNITY CENTRES IN THE DISTRICT. THEY WERE INFORMED, HOWEVER, THAT ADVICE WOULD BE RECEIVED FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ABOUT PLANS FOR MEETING THE SHORTFALLS.

MEMBERS ALSO EXPRESSED THE WISH THAT THE OFFICE HOURS OF SOME GOVERNMENT SERVICES BE EXTENDED INTO THE EVENING.

NIGHT CLINIC SERVICES IN GOVERNMENT CLINICS SHOULD BE EXTENDED AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND CITY DISTRICT OFFICE SHOULD EXTEND THEIR SERVICES TO 9 PM ON WEEK DAYS, SO THAT THE RESIDENTS COULD VISIT THEM AFTER WORK WITHOUT LOSS OF WAGES. MEMBERS ALSO URGED THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO TAKE MORE ACTION AFTER 5 PM AGAINST ON-STREET ILLEGAL HAWKERS.

OTHER MATTERS DISCUSSED CONCERNED THE ESTATE ROADS IN CHOI HUNG, WHICH WOULD BE TAKEN OVER BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT FOR BETTER MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE ESTATE, AND THE PROPOSED REPAIRS OF AN UNGAZETTED ROAD IN CHUNG SHAN VILLAGE SQUATTER AREA.

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PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE IN TAI PO *****

AN OPEN CROSSWORD PUZZLE AND SLOGAN COMPETITION IS BEING HELD IN TAI PO TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE IN THE DISTRICT, AS PART OF THE EFFORTS TO SPREAD THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN MESSAGE.

BESIDES PROVIDING THE SOLUTION TO THE CROSSWORD PUZZLE, ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST SUBMIT A SLOGAN OF NOT MORE THAN 10 WORDS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING TAI PO CLEAN.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE. ALL ENTRIES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BEFORE MONDAY, MARCH 22.

THE FIRST THREE WINNERS OF THE CROSSWORD PUZZLE WILL RECEIVE PRIZES OF 3400, $300 AND $200 RESPECTIVELY, AND THE WINNER OF THE BEST SLOGAN WILL BE AWARDED $300.

JUDGES WILL INCLUDE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP, ONE OF THE FOUR WORKING GROUPS SERVING THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS AND WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE, WHICH IS ORGANISING THE COMPETITION.

MEANWHILE, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL CHILDREN AT TAI PO ARE RESPONDING ENTHUSIASTICALLY TO A CLEAN-UP OPERATION AT LOCAL VILLAGES, BEACHES, AND COUNTRY PARKS.

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AND NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE CAMPAIGN WILL BEGIN NEXT MONDAY WHEN STUDENT VOLUNTEERS WILL TURN OUT IN FORCE TO HELP KEEP TAI PO A CLEAN NEW TOWN.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 1982

NT MOBILE LIBRARY CHANGE OF STOP * * *

THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT NT MOBILE LIBRARY’S STOP AT HO PONG ROAD, TUEN MUN WILL BE CANCELLED AND REPLACED BY A NEW STOP AT MOON YU HOUSE, SAM SHING ESTATE, WITH EFFECT FROM THURSDAY (MARCH 18).

THE MOBILE LIBRARY * ILL HENCEFORTH MAKE ITS STOP AT MOON YU HOUSE EVERY ALTERNATE THURSDAY FROM 2.30 PM TO 6 PM, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE LIBRARY WILL CONTINUE TO STOP AT CHI LOK FA YUEN AND YAU 01 ESTATE.

AT CHI LOK FA YUEN, THE LIBRARY SERVICE HOURS WILL BE BETWEEN 11 AM AND 1 PM EVERY ALTERNATE THURSDAY FROM MARCH 18.

FROM MARCH 25, THE LIBRARY WILL STOP AT 01 FAI HOUSE, YAU 01 ESTATE EVERY ALTERNATE THURSDAY, FROM 11 AM TO 1 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 6 PM.

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PARKING SPACES FOR THE DISABLED * * *

TWO PARKING SPACES WILL BE EXCLUSIVELY RESERVED FOR VEHICLES USED BY DISABLED DRIVERS FROM FRIDAY (MARCH 19).

THEY AREi

* PARKING SPACE NO. 24 ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF CITY HALL MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK IN CENTRAL.

* PARKING SPACE NO. Cl ON THE 4TH FLOOR OF MIDDLE ROAD MULTISTOREY CAR PARK IN TSIM SHA TSUI.

TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 1982

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT FOR HAPPY VALLEY RACE MEETING * * * * ft

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN HAPPY VALLEY TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) BECAUSE OF NIGHT RACING, A SPOKESMAN FOR TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

TWO HOURS PRIOR TO THE START OF THE RACES, MAJOR ROAD DIVERSIONS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN MORRISON HILL ROAD, LEIGHTON ROAD, BROADWOOD ROAD, SHAN KWONG ROAD, VILLAGE ROAD, WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD, SPORTS ROAD, AND 01 KWAN ROAD.

MOST OTHER SECTIONS IN THE AREA, INCLUDING THE CANAL ROAD EXTENSION, WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED AND MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO AVOID THE AREA IF POSSIBLE.

NOTICES OF THE SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN BOTH THE ENGLISH AND CHINESE PRESS TOMORROW.

RE-ROUTING OF MAX I CABS

X X K

FOLLOWING THE NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN DEEP WATER BAY ROAD, HONG KONG ISLAND PLB MAXICAB ROUTES NO. 4 AND 5 WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

ROUTE NO. 5 WILL USE WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD, REPULSE BAY ROAD, ISLAND ROAD, DEEP WATER BAY ROAD, SHOUSON HILL ROAD EAST AND SHOUSON HILL ROAD ON THEIR SOUTHBOUND JOURNEYS.

FOLLOWING THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL’S CLOSURE AT 10.30 PM, ROUTE NO. 4 DEPARTING AFTER 10 PM WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD, REPULSE BAY ROAD, ISLAND ROAD AND WONG CHUK HANG ROAD ON THEIR SOUTHBOUND JOURNEYS.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PROPERTY REVIEW 1982 ........................................ 1

CONTRACT SIGNED FOR NT TRUNK ROAD SECTION ................... 5

NEED FOR NURSERIES IN NEW TOWNS STRESSED..................... 6

HANDING OVER OF MEDICAL LAUNCH .............................. 6

NT RESIDENTS PRAISED FOR COMMUNITY WORK ..................... 7

HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY ON SALE ........................ 7

NEW OFFICES FOR MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ............... 8

talks on the teaching of moral education .................... 9

NEW OFFICES FOR NARCOTICS DIVISION .......................... 9

URBAN CLEARWAYS IN POK FU LaM ROAD .......................... 10

KCR SEEKS MORE STAFF

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 1982

- 1 -

PROPERTY REVIEW 1982 * * * *

THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT’S 1982 PROPERTY REVIEW, WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED FOR SALE IN MID-APRIL, CONFIRMS THE DOWNTURN OF THE PROPERTY MARKET WITH INCREASED VACANCIES IN ALL SECTORS AND A GENERAL SOFTENING OF VALUES.

COMMENTING ON THIS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS AFTERNOON (WEDNESDAY), THE COMMISSIONER FOR RATING AND VALUATION, MR RAYMOND FRY, NOTED THAT THE EASING OF THE MARKET WAS GOOD NEWS FOR THOSE SEEKING ACCOMMODATION.

HE REFERRED TO THE FACT THAT DEVELOPERS AND LANDLORDS HAD HAD A VERY GOOD FOUR TO FIVE YEARS AND THAT THE BALANCE HAD NOW SWUNG IN FAVOUR OF CONSUMERS.

THIS HAD LARGELY BEEN THE EFFECT OF MARKET FORCES PROVIDING THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM, HE SAID.

MR FRY POINTED OUT THAT THE PROCESS OF DOWNTURN HAD BEEN FAIRLY SLOW, EMPHASIZING THE UNDERLYING STRENGTH AND STABILITY OF THE MARKET DESPITE THE ADVERSE EFFECT OF CONTINUING HIGH INTEREST RATES. HE BELIEVED, IN THE FACE OF THE PRESENT HIGH VACANCY FIGURES AND THE GOOD SUPPLY OF NEW ACCOMMODATION COMING ON-STREAM OVER THE NEXT TWO TO THREE YEARS. THAT THERE WOULD BE SOME FURTHER EASING OF VALUES BEFORE THE MARKET CONSOLIDATED.

HE NOTED THAT BOTH SALE PRICES AND RENTS HAD, DUE TO EXCESSIVE SPECULATION, BEEN PUSHED TO LEVELS WHICH WERE NOT SUSTAINABLE IN THE MORE BALANCED MARKET NOW OBTAINING. WITH A MUCH WIDER CHOICE AVAILABLE TO THOSE SEEKING ACCOMMODATION, LANDLORDS WOULD DO WELL TO APPRECIATE THE VALUE OF A GOOD TENANT. AS HE PUT IT, A GOOD TENANT MAY BE AN ASSET WORTH NOURISHING.

DOMESTICi

IN REGARD TO THE DOMESTIC SECTOR, MR FRY SAID THAT SUPPLY AT NEARLY 35 □□□ UNITS WAS SOME 1.5 TIMES THE AVERAGE FOR THE DECADE AND WAS THE HIGHEST EVER ACHIEVED IN THE POST-WAR PERIOD. SOME 55 □□□ UNITS ARE FORECAST TO BE COMPLETED OVER THE TWO YEARS, 1982 AND 1983, AND A FURTHER 25 000 UNITS ARE EXPECTED IN 1984.

TOTAL DOMESTIC VACANCIES AT DECEMBER 1981 WERE CLOSE ON 30 000 UNITS, COMPARED WITH 17 000 UNITS VACANT A YEAR EARLIER. WHILE THIS REPRESENTS SOME 5.8 PER CENT OF THE YEAR-END STOCK SUCH A LEVEL WAS NOT ALTOGETHER UNEXPECTED GIVEN RECORD COMPLETIONS AND HIGH INTEREST RATES. THE POSITION ALSO REFLECTS THE LARGE SPECULATIVE ELEMENT INVOLVED IN DOMESTIC PROPERTY SALES OVER THE YEARS, 1979-1980, WHEN A LARGE PROPORTION OF PURCHASES WERE MADE NOT WITH A VIEW TO ESTABLISHING A HOME BUT FOR ON-SELLING AT A PROFIT.

/THE SOFTENING........

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 1962

THE SOFTENING OF THE MARKET HAS, FOR MANY SPECULATORS, ELIMINATED THE PROSPECT OF REALISING A PREMIUM AND RENTS OBTAINABLE ARE NOT, IN MANY INSTANCES, SUFFICIENT TO COVER FINANCING COSTS AT CURRENT RATES OF INTEREST.

DESPITE THE CHANGED SITUATION, RENTALS CONTINUED TO INCREASE FOR ALL CLASSES OF ACCOMMODATION DURING 1981, WITH AVERAGE INCREASES RANGING FROM 29 PER CENT TO 37 PER CENT OVER 1980 FIGURES. THERE WAS, HOWEVER, A SIGNIFICANT LEVELLING-OFF TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR. A BALANCED SUPPLY OF UNITS IN ALL CLASSES IN 1982, TOGETHER WITH THE AVAILABILITY FOR LETTING OF A PROPORTION OF CURRENTLY VACANT STOCK, SEEMS LIKELY TO HAVE A DAMPENING EFFECT ON RENTS AT LEAST FOR THE EARLY PART OF 1982. WHILE THE SALES MARKET WAS DULL, PARTICULARLY DURING THE LATTER HALF OF THE YEAR, RECORDED SALES ALSO SHOWED AN UPWARD MOVEMENT IN 1981 OVER 1980.

MR FRY POINTED OUT THAT, NOTWITHSTANDING THE GOVERNMENT’S VERY LARGE HOUSING PROGRAMME, THERE WOULD CONTINUE TO BE A SHORTFALL FOR SOME YEARS TO COME, A SHORTFALL THE PRIVATE SECTOR MUST HELP TO FILL. THE OBJECT MUST BE TO BRING THE COST OF HOUSING WITHIN THE AFFORDABLE LEVEL OF THOSE SEEKING HOMES.

HE MENTIONED THAT AN INCREASED DEMAND FOR HOUSING WAS LIKELY TO BE GENERATED BY CHINA’S NEEDS, BOTH IN TRADING AND THE PROVISION OF SERVICES, GOVERNMENT’S HOME PURCHASE SCHEME FOR CIVIL SERVANTS AND GOVERNMENT’S HOUSING REQUIREMENTS FOR STAFF SO ENTITLED.

COMMERCIAL!

WAS 314 000

IN THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR, SUPPLY FOR THE YEAR SQUARE METRES, AN INCREASE OF 15 PER CENT OVER THE

QMUnnt ou.nuw „ . ... ___ _______- 1980 SUPPLY.

FURTHER LARGE*INCREASES ARE EXPECTED IN 1982 AND 1983, AT 383 000 SQUARE METRES AND 410 000 SQUARE METRES, RESPECTIVELY.

THE VACANCY POSITION HAS INCREASED TO 423 000 SQUARE METRES, AN INCREASE OF 27 PER CENT, DESPITE A LARGER TAKE-UP OF SPACE IN 1981.

MR FRY EXPLAINED THAT MUCH OF THE SPACE PROVIDED LAST YEAR, WAS IN ARCADED SHOPPING CENTRES WHERE OCCUPANCY HAS BEEN LOW BECAUSE OF POOR PLANNING AND INADEQUATE MANAGEMENT. WHILE PRIME SHOPPING SPACE WILL CONTINUE TO ATTRACT OCCUPIERS IT SEEMS LIKELY THAT VALUES GENERALLY FOR THS CATEGORY WILL SOFTEN FURTHER IN 1982.

MUCH OF THE SUPPLY IN 1982 AND 1983 WILL ALSO BE IN ARCADED SHOPPING CENTRES, THE SUCCESS OF WHICH WILL DEPEND VERY MUCH ON LOCATION AND MANAGEMENT.

RENTS SHOWED SOME SOFTENING TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR AND TRADING IN SHOP UNITS WAS DULL.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 1962

- 3 -

CFFICESi

THE SUPPLY OF OFFICE SPACE AT 320 000 SQUARE METRES WAS SOMEWHAT DISAPPOINTING, BEING SOME 100 000 SQUARE METRES BELOW THE FORECAST, ALTHOUGH IT WAS STILL AN INCREASE OVER 1980. MUCH OF THE SHORTFALL SEEMS LIKELY TO BE MADE UP THIS YEAR WITH AN EXPECTED SUPPLY OF 485 000 SQUARE METRES. SUPPLY IN 1983 IS PUT AT 576 000 SQUARE METRES WHILE A FURTHER 500 000 SQUARE METRES COULD BE BUILT IN 1984, THAT IS AN ADDITION OF SOME 1.5 MILLION SQUARE METRES IN THE THREE YEARS 1982-1984, AN INCREASE CF 57 PER CENT ON STOCK AT THE END OF 1981.

TAKE-UP IMPROVED IN 1981 AT JUST OVER 200 000 SQUARE METRES. NEVERTHELESS, IN THE FACE OF AN INCREASED SUPPLY THE VACANCY POSITION ALSO INCREASED TO 302 000 SQUARE METRES, THAT IS AN INCREASE OF NEARLY 49 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR.

WHILE RENTS CONTINUED TO INCREASE IN 1981, MR FRY POINTED TO THE LEVELLING-OUT OBSERVED IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR AND THE REPORTED DOWNTURN IN ASKING RENTS TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR. HE EXPRESSED THE VIEW THAT VALUES WILL LIKELY SOFTEN FURTHER IN 1982 FOR POORER-QUALITY SPACE IN PERIPHERAL AREAS AND SUGGESTED THAT DEVELOPERS OF SOME OF THESE SMALLER BUILDINGS SHOULD, PERHAPS, RE-ASSESS THEIR VIABILITY IN THE FACE OF THE VERY LARGE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN THIS CATEGORY. THE DEMAND FOR CENTRALLY-LOCATED, GOOD QUALITY SPACE IN WELL-MANAGED BUILDINGS SEEMED LIKELY TO BE SUSTAINED.

FLATTED FACTORIES!

THE SUPPLY OF 1 120 000 SQUARE METRES OF FLATTED FACTORY SPACE IN 1981 WAS FAIRLY CLOSE TO THE FORECAST. ANTICIPATED COMPLETIONS IN 1982 AT 970 000 SQUARE METRES REPRESENTS A SHORTFALL OF 780 000 SQUARE METRES ON THE PREVIOUS FORECAST WHICH SUGGESTS A REPHASING OF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES. MUCH OF THIS SHORTFALL WILL, HOWEVER, BE MADE GOOD IN 1983 WHEN A SUPPLY OF OVER 1.76 MILLION SQUARE METRES IS EXPECTED, WITH A RECORD 2.2 MILLION SQUARE METRES PLANNED FOR COMPLETION IN 1984.

A CONTINUING GOOD SUPPLY, COUPLED WITH A LOWER TAKE-UP OF SPACE, HAS RESULTED IN AN INCREASED VACANCY POSITION. NEARLY 800 000 SQUARE METRES WAS VACANT IN DECEMBER 1981, A 67 PER CENT INCREASE ON THE POSITION A YEAR EARLIER.

THE COMMISSIONER NOTED THAT RENTS HAD CONTINUED UPWARDS OVER THE YEAR BUT THAT, AS WITH THE OTHER SECTORS, A SOFTENING WAS APPARENT AS THE YEAR CLOSED, PARTICULARLY IN THOSE DISTRICTS WHERE SUPPLY HAD TEMPORARILY OUTSTRIPPED EFFECTIVE DEMAND.

GIVEN THE REDUCED FORECAST FOR 1982 IT SEEMED UNLIKELY THAT THERE WOULD BE ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGE THIS YEAR, BUT VALUES COULD SOFTEN FURTHER IN 1983. A MORE STABLE MARKET IN THE INDUSTRIAL CATEGORY COULD HELP TO CONTAIN COSTS IN WHAT IS A MOST IMPORTANT SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY.

/CONCLUSIONS: .......

,'WEDNESDAY, MaRGH 17, 1982

- 4 -

CONCLUSIONSj

MR FRY CAUTIONED THAT THE GREATLY INCREASED SUPPLY POSTULATED BY THE YEAR’S FORECASTS MAY NOT BE ACHIEVED IF THERE IS ANY SLOWING DOWN OF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ON THE PART OF DEVELOPERS, INSTANCES OF WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN NOTED.

” " ” ”

NOTE TO EDITORS*

FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY 0-IN 1980 AND 1981 AND FORECAST THE SUPPLY AND VACANCY POSITIONS FIGURES FOR 1982 AND 1983* FORECAST

PRIVATE DOMESTIC 1980 1981 1982 1983

SUPPLY IN YEAR TOTAL AMOUNT VACANT AT DECEMBER OF YEAR COMMERCIAL PREMISES UNITS 9 9 24 995 *17 000 34 475 *29 700 27 310 27 405

SUPPLY IN YEAR TOTAL AMOUNT VACANT AT DECEMBER OF YEAR SQ. M. 9 9 272 300 333 000 314 500 423 300 382 800 410 600

OFFICES

SUPPLY IN YEAR TOTAL AMOUNT VACANT AT DECEMBER OF YEAR SQ. M. 9 9 296 700 202 900 319 300 301 900 485 100 575 700

FLATTED FACTORIES

SUPPLY IN YEAR TOTAL AMOUNT VACANT AT DECEMBER OF YEAR SQ. M. 9 9 976 700 476 100 1 121 500 795 000 968 300 1 765 600

STORAGE

SUPPLY IN YEAR TOTAL AMOUNT VACANT SQ. M. 9 9 43 000 24 800 167 300 44 800 119 200 173 400

AT DECEMBER OF YEAR

* BASED ON SAMPLE SURVEYS

0---------

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 1982

CONTRACT SIGNED FOR NT TRUNK ROAD SECTION *****

THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AWARDED A $2O2-MILLION CONTRACT TO KUMAGAI GUM I (HK) LTD. FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SECTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES TRUNK ROAD FROM ISLAND HOUSE TO NORTH TAI PO.

THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER, MR HAROLD BEATON, SIGNED THE CONTRACT WITH MR C.P. YU AND MR T. NAKAYAMA OF KUMAGAI GUM I.

THE NEW ROAD IS PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES TRUNK ROAD SYSTEM WHICH, ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, WILL RUN FROM SHA TIN ALONG THE COAST OF TAI PO HOI (TOLO HARBOUR), CROSS THE RAILWAY LINE AT ISLAND HOUSE INTERCHANGE AND BY-PASS TAI PO TO THE NORTH.

THE SECTION FROM SHA TIN TO ISLAND HOUSE IS ALREADY UNDER CONSTRUCTION. TODAY’S CONTRACT INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MAIN BY-PASS, WHICH WILL BE A DUAL THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY OF ABOUT THREE KILOMETRES IN LENGTH.

MR BEATON SAIDi +THE ROUTE PASSES THROUGH VERY STEEP HILLY TERRAIN AND WILL REQUIRE THE CONSTRUCTION OF FOUR MAJOR VIADUCTS SPANNING ACROSS STEEP VALLEYS WITH PIERS UP TO 30 METRES IN HEIGHT.*

♦ONE OF THE VIADUCTS WILL BE 230 METRES LONG AND THE LENGTH OF THE FOUR VIADUCTS TOTALS ABOUT 750 METRES.

♦OTHER WORK INCLUDES A DUAL TWO-LANE LINK ROAD ABOUT 700 METRES LONG TO SERVE NORTH TAI PO, WITH ONE MAJOR BRIDGE SPANNING ACROSS THE RETRAINED LAM TSUEN RIVER.+

THE WORK FORMS PART OF A PROGRAMME TO UPGRADE THE NEW TERRITORIES TRUNK ROAD SYSTEM. THE PROGRAMME IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1984 AT A TOTAL COST OF ABOUT $2 500 MILLION.

BEYOND THE JUNCTION WITH LAM KAM ROAD, THE TRUNK ROAD WILL FOLLOW THE LINE OF THE EXISTING TAI PO ROAD TO WO HOP SHEK. THE WO HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE, NOW BEING BUILT, WILL CONNECT TAI PO ROAD WITH FANLING BY-PASS.

BETWEEN FANLING AND AU TAU, THE TRUNK ROAD WILL CLOSELY FOLLOW THE EXISTING CASTLE PEAK ROAD. INTERCHANGES WILL BE PROVIDED AT MAJOR DEVELOPMENT AREAS.

THE NEW TERRITORIES TRUNK ROAD HAS BEEN DESIGNED AS A LIMITED ACCESS DUAL CARRIAGEWAY TO LINK THE NEW TOWNS NOW BEING DEVELOPED. IT WILL HAVE SERVICE ROADS AND CYCLE TRACKS WHERE THESE ARE NECESSARY.

THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED BY THE HIGHWAYS (NEW TERRITORIES) DIVISION AND THE STRUCTURAL DESIGN DIVISION OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE AND THE WORK WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS (NEW TERRITORIES) DIVISION.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 1982

NEED FOR NURSERIES IN NEW TOWNS STRESSED * * *

THE TIMELY PROVISION OF SUCH ESSENTIAL FACILITIES AS SCHOOLS AND NURSERIES IS IMPORTANT IN HELPING PEOPLE TO SETTLE DOWN HAPPILY IN NEW TOWNS, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, M? IAN MACPHERSON, STRESSED TODAY.

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE PO LEUNG KUK NURSERY AT YAU 01 ESTATE WHICH IS THE KUK’S 17TH DAY CARE CENTRE.

MR MACPHERSON ALSO APPEALED TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO PROVIDE THIS MUCH-NEEDED SERVICES IN OTHER PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN TUEN MUN - BUTTERFLY, WU KING, SHAN KING AND SIU HONG COURT - WHICH ARE BEING COMPLETED WITHIN THIS AND THE COMING YEAR.

HE SAID +T0 ENABLE RESIDENTS IN OUR FAST-EXPANDING NEW TOWNS TO SETTLE DOWN HAPPILY AS PART OF A CONTENTED AND HARMONIOUS COMMUNITY, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES, SUCH AS SCHOOLS, KINDERGARTENS AND NURSERIES, ARE PROVIDED IN GOOD TIME TO MATCH THE POPULATION COMPOSITION AND BUILD-UP.

♦THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IN THE CASE OF TUEN MUN WHERE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING IS BEING COMPLETED IN RECORD TIME AND THE POPULATION, INCREASING AT THE RATE OF 200 TO 300 PER DAY, IS PREDOMINANTLY YOUNG AND WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE IN THEIR NEW HOMES.

♦TO THIS END, THE DISTRICT BOARD, RECENTLY STRENGTHENED BY ELECTED UNOFFICIALS ENTHUSIASTICALLY SUPPORTED BY LOCAL VOTERS, TOGETHER WITH THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WILL HAVE TO CONTINUE TO PLAY A CRUCIAL AND EVER-INCREASING ROLE IN CO-ORDINATING THE TIMELY PROVISION OF FACILITIES AND SERVICES TO MEET THE ASPIRATIONS AND NEEDS OF THE RESIDENTS OF THIS RAPIDLY EXPANDING TOWNSHIP.♦

- - 0 - -

NOTE TO EDITORSi

HANDING OVER OF MEDICAL LAUNCH X k

The GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE HANDING OVER CEREMONY ON FRIDAY (MARCH 19) OF THE MEDICAL LAUNCH ♦ROTARY* DONATED TO THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON WEST.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 4.45 PM AT QUEEN’S PIER.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 1982

NT RESIDENTS PRAISED FOR COMMUNITY WORK * * *

THE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING ATTENDED A BUFFET-STYLE SPRING DINNER PARTY GIVEN BY MEMBERS OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND PROPERTY OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS IN TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl.

ADDRESSING THE GATHERING OF MORE THAN 750 PEOPLE, HE PRAISED THE MEMBERS FOR THEIR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AND FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE RECENTLY-HELD DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

MR MACLEOD SAID THE DINNER PARTY HELD IN BUFFET-STYLE TO ENCOURAGE MINGLING AMONG THE PEOPLE - PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS FROM THE THREE AREAS TO MEET AND TO GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER BETTER.

TSUEN WAN HAD ALREADY WITNESSED THE EFFECT OF MAC’S AND OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS IN THE PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG THE LOCAL POPULATION, HE SAID.

- 0 -

HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY ON SALE * * * *

A NEW PUBLICATION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ENTITLED +REPORT OF THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY, 1979-80 AND THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SYSTEM* IS ON SALE TODAY.

THIS PUBLICATION GIVES AN ACCOUNT OF THE METHODOLOGY, PLANNING AND CONDUCT OF THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY CARRIED OUT FROM OCTOBER 1979 TO SEPTEMBER 1980, AND PRESENTS THE SURVEY RESULTS.

IT ALSO DESCRIBES THE METHODS ADOPTED FOR THE COMPUTATION OF THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES (A) AND (B) AND THE HANG SENG CONSUMER PRICE INDEX BASED ON ITS RESULTS.

THE NEW INDEXES HAVE BEEN RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC MONTHLY SINCE APRIL 1981.

THE REPORT IS NOW AVAILABLE AT 330 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 1982

NEW OFFICES FOR MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT *****

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE INTO ITS NEW HEADQUARTERS AT SUNNING PLAZA ON SATURDAY (MARCH 20).

THE DEPARTMENT WILL OCCUPY 10 FLOORS (COVERING 6 300 SQUARE METRES) OF THE 29-STOREY GLASS TOWER, SITUATED JUST ACROSS THE ROAD FROM THE PRESENT HEADQUARTERS AT LEE GARDENS, IN HYSAN AVENUE.

THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE, OTHER DEPARTMENTAL UNITS AND THE OFFICES OF VARIOUS COMMITTEES, BOARDS AND COUNCILS NOW LOCATED AT CENTRE POINT BUILDING, WILL MOVE INTO THE NEW PREMISES IN THE FOLLOWING WEEK.

THE MOVE WAS FIRST PLANNED TWO YEARS AGO WHEN IT BECAME APPARENT THAT THE NEEDS OF THE DEPARTMENT HAD OUT-GROWN ITS ACCOMMODATION AT LEE GARDENS BECAUSE OF STEADY EXPANSION OF ITS VARIOUS SERVICES.

USING THE +OPEN PLAN+ OFFICE SYSTEM, THE DEPARTMENT HAS INSTALLED A SOPHISTICATED PABX TELEPHONE SYSTEM, WHICH SHOULD BE A GREAT IMPROVEMENT IN COMMUNICATIONS.

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS HAS BEEN IN THE CAUSEWAY BAY DISTRICT FOR OVER 26 YEARS, HAVING MOVED FROM THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANK BUILDING IN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL IN 1956.

THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN LOCATED ON THE SAME ROAD — HYSAN AVENUE — SINCE ITS MOVE FROM CENTRAL.

THE FIRST MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN CAUSEWAY BAY WAS IN TOWER COURT. IN 1966, THE DEPARTMENT MOVED ACROSS THE ROAD TO LEE GARDENS.

THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES AT SUNNING PLAZA IS 5-7900790.

MOVING INTO THE NEW PREMISES ON SATURDAY WILL BE THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DIRECTORATE STAFF, GENERAL ADMINISTRATION, NURSING SECTION, STATISTICAL UNIT, SERVICE DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING UNIT, MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING UNIT, PRIVATE DENTAL TREATMENT REIMBURSEMENT SCHEME, INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT, MANAGEMENT SERVICE UNIT, PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL (COMMISSIONING UNIT), RADIATION HEALTH UNIT, THE REGIONAL OFFICES SECTION, AND THE STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND RELATIONS UNIT.

IN THE FOLLOWING WEEK, THE BRANCH OFFICES WILL BE MOVING IN. THEY COMPRISE THE BOARDS AND COUNCILS SECTION AND THE LICENTIATE OFFICE.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 1982

TALKS ON THE TEACHING OF MORAL EDUCATION * * *

ONE HUNDRED SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF ETHICAL EDUCATION WILL BE ATTENDING A SEMINAR ON THE TEACHING OF MORAL EDUCATION TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY (MARCH 20).

♦THE AIM OF THE SEMINAR IS TO ACQUAINT TEACHERS WITH SOME SUGGESTED APPROACHES TO MORAL EDUCATION AND THE USE OF RELATED AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS,* AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE TEACHING OF MORAL AND ETHICAL EDUCATION WITH THE SPEAKERS AND WITH OTHER PART ICIPATI NG TEACHERS, HE SAID.

PLACES AT THE SEMINAR WERE OVER-SUBSCRIBED BY MORE THAN THREE TIMES, AND THE SPOKESMAN SAID TEACHERS WHO WERE NOT SELECTED TO ATTEND THIS SATURDAY’S SEMINAR WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO ATTEND SIMILAR SEMINARS TO BE HELD LATER.

THE SEMINAR WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE FROM 9 AM TO 12 NOON AT THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE TEACHING CENTRES, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, FIFTH FLOOR, ROOMS 29-30, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG.

AN INTRODUCTORY TALK WILL BE DELIVERED BY MRS LOUISE MOK, DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS.

SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE REV. P. BRADY, S.J. WHO WILL TALK ON AN APPROACH TO MORAL EDUCATION; MR LUKE YIP, PRINCIPAL OF ST. STEPHEN’S COLLEGE WHO WILL SPEAK ON MORAL EDUCATION THROUGH EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES; AND MR YUNG YUK-YU, SUPERVISOR OF THE DIOCESAN AUDIO-VISUAL CENTRE WILL TALK ABOUT AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS FOR MORAL EDUCATION..

PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO TAKE PART IN DISCUSSIONS FOLLOWING THE TALKS.

-------- 0 --------

NEW OFFICES FOR NARCOTICS DIVISION

ii * X

THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT WILL BE MOVING ITS OFFICES ON FRIDAY (MARCH 19) FROM THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO THE UNITED CENTRE, 31ST FLOOR, 95 QUEENSWAY.

THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE DIVISION WILL BE AS FOLLOWS t

GENERAL OFFICE -- 5-295248

PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SECTION -- 5-295145;

5-295148; 5-295146; 5-295240.

WEDNESDAY, MARC* 17, 1982

URBAN CLEARWAYS IN POK FU LAM ROAD KK X

THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY IN A SECTION OF POK FU LAM ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND A POINT 90 METRES NORTH OF ITS JJNCTION WITH POKFIELD ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 19).

AT THE SAME TIME, THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY ALONG THE SAME ROAD SECTION WILL ALSO BE DESIGNATED AS AN URBAN CLEARWAY, FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.

WITHIN THE CLEARWAYS, ALr VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS DURING THE RESTRICTED PERIODS.

THE EXTENT OF THE URBAN CLEARWAYS WILL BE INDICATED BY TRAFFIC SIGNS.

- - - - 0 ---------

KCR

SEEKS MORE * * *

STAFF

THE KOWLOON-CANTON

RAILWAY IS

WOMEN RAILWAY OFFICERS I I I TO DEAL

RECRUITING SOME 240 MEN AND

_ WITH THE INCREASED AMOUNT OF WORK ARISING FROM THE FIRST PHASE OF ELECTRIFICATION AND MODERNISATION OF THE RAILWAY IN MAY.

FORM FIVE GRADUATES AND ABOVE WHO ARE BEING SOUGHT BY THE RAILWAY WILL FIND THE WORK INTERESTING, A KCR SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

VACANCIES EXIST IN INDOOR AND OUTDOOR JOBS FOR PLATFORM INSPECTORS, BOOKING CLERKS, BARRIER ATTENDANTS FOR THE AUTOMATIC REVENUE COLLECTION SYSTEM, GOODS CLERKS, YARD MASTERS, TICKET COLLECTORS AND INSPECTORS, TRAIN GUARDS AND ANNOUNCERS.

SALARIES START AT $1 755 OR $2 130, DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE, RISING TO A MAXIMUM OF $4 240 A MONTH.

FREE MEDICAL AND DENTAL TREATMENT ARE PROVIDED AND, DEPENDING ON OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS, QUARTERS MAY ALSO BE PROVIDED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF A RAILWAY OFFICER III ARE FIVE PASSES, INCLUDING ENGLISH (SYLLABUS B), CHINESE AND MATHEMATICS, IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION. GOOD EYESIGHT IS ALSO REQUIRED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CITY AND NT DISTRICT OFFICES, AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE DEPARTMENTAL SECRETARY, KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, 12TH FLOOR, EMPIRE COURT, 68 MODY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

- 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

GOVERNOR INAUGURATES CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD...... 1

PEOPLE URGED TO REGISTER AS URBAN VOTERS ....................... 2

ENGINEERS INSPECT ACCIDENT SITE................................. 4

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CHING MING FESTIVAL .... 5

NW MAXICAB ROUTE................................................ 5

THREE NT SITES SOLD ............................................ 6

CUSTOMS PASSING-OUT PARADE ..................................... 6

MASTER WANTED FOR FISHERIES RESEARCH VESSEL .................... 7

talk to engineers .............................................. 7

DISPLAY ABOUT VOTER REGISTRATION ............................... 8

BOARD MEMBERS TO TOUR ABERDEEN AND AP LEI CHAU ................. 9

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 1982

GOVERNOR INAUGURATES CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD * * * * *

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IS MEANT FOR LOCAL PEOPLE TO HAVE THEIR SAY ABOUT WHAT THEY WANT AND BE LISTENED TO, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD, SIR MURRAY SAID THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME WAS BASED ON DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS, AND HE ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE WORK OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES WHOSE LEVEL OF OFFICERS WAS DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT RESPONSE TO CONSTRUCTIVE PROPOSALS FROM THE DISTRICT BOARDS MAY BE QUICK AND EFFECTIVE.

♦BUT WHAT THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE CAN DO FOR ITS DISTRICT WILL TO SOME EXTENT DEPEND ON THE DISTRICT BOARD'S INPUT.

♦ IF IT IS AUTHORITATIVE, REALISTIC, LIVELY AND REPRESENTATIVE, THE TWO BODIES CAN TOGETHER ACTION MUCH,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.

SIR MURRAY ALSO SPOKE OF CHANGES THAT WERE NEEDED IN THE OUT-OF-DATE SERVICES IN THE 'VIBRANT' CENTRAL AND WESTERN PART OF TOWN, INCLUDING ROADS AND MARKETS.

+THE STRAINS ARE THERE FOR ANYONE TO SEE. CHANGE IS NECESSARY,* THE GOVERNOR SAID.

THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED DISTRICT BOARD IS CHAIRED BY THE CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, CENTRAL AND WESTERN, MR TONY CLARK AND COMPRISES 23 MEMBERS — SEVEN EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS, 14 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS AND TWO URBAN COUNCILLORS.

THE 14 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ARE -- MR DAVID SIU, MR ALBERT H.C. LAM, MR MA CHING-YUK, MR LIU LIT-FOR, MR CHOW YIN-SUM, DR LAM KUI-CHUN, MR VINCENT KO, MR LEE YUI-CHEE, MR CHEUNG YIU-KAY, MR CHANNING SHUI, MR CHAN LING-FUNG, MR JOSEPH KWOK, MR TO LOONG AND MR LEUNG SIK-WAH, WHILE THE TWO URBAN COUNCILLORS ARE MR H.M.G. FORSGATE AND MR PETER C.K. CHAN.

THEIR TERMS OF OFFICE WILL BE FROM MARCH 18 TO SEPTEMBER 30.

NOTES TO EDITORSi

COPIES OF THE BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES OF THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE BOXED LATER TODAY.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECHt

♦ CHAIRMAN, MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

♦ IT GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE INAUGURATION OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD TO-DAY.

/+THE WHITE ....

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 1982

♦THE WHITE PAPER ON ’DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN HONG KONG’ ENVISAGES SETTING UP DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN THREE STAGES. WITH THE INAUGURATION OF THIS DISTRICT BOARD TO-DAY, THE FIRST TWO STAGES OF THE SCHEME HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED AND EVERY DISTRICT NOW HAS ITS DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. THE NEXT AND LAST STEP IS THE INTRODUCTION OF AN ELECTED ELEMENT IN SEPTEMBER.

+CENTRAL AND WESTERN HAS A REMARKABLE BLEND OF OLD AND NEW HONG KONG. ITS AREA INCLUDES THE SITE OF THE EARLIEST BRITISH SETTLEMENT IN THE TERRITORY: IT WAS THE FIRST DISTRICT TO BE URBANISED ? IT WAS AND STILL IS THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT AND THE BUSINESS CENTRE. BUT IT STILL RETAINS SOME OF THE COLOUR OF OLD HONG KONG WITH NARROW LANES AND STEPS AND OLD MERCHANT HOUSES AND GO-DOWNS, AS WELL AS MODERN SKY-SCRAPERS.

♦IT IS A VIBRANT PART OF TOWN - A PART WHICH HAS CONTRIBUTED SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG. BUT ONE HAS TO ADMIT THAT ITS SERVICES, INCLUDING ROADS AND MARKETS ARE OUT-OF-DATE, AND THE STRAINS ARE THERE FOR ANYONE TO SEE. CHANGE IS NECESSARY.

♦TO ENSURE THAT THIS MEETS LOCAL WISHES PEOPLE OF THE DISTRICT MUST HAVE THEIR SAY AND BE LISTENED TO. THIS IS WHAT THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME IS ALL ABOUT.

♦IT IS BASED ON DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS. I ATTACH GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE WORK OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES, AND THE LEVEL OF OFFICERS APPOINTED IS DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT RESPONSE TO CONSTRUCTIVE PROPOSALS FROM THE DISTRICT BOARDS MAY BE QUICK AND EFFECTIVE.

♦BUT WHAT THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE CAN DO FOR ITS DISTRICT WILL TO SOME EXTENT DEPEND ON THE DISTRICT BOARD’S INPUT. IF IT IS AUTHORITATIVE, REALISTIC, LIVELY AND REPRESENTATIVE, THE TWO BODIES CAN TOGETHER ACTION MUCH.

♦I AM SURE THEY WILL DO THIS IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN, AND I WISH THIS NEW BOARD EVERY SUCCESS.*

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PEOPLE URGED TO REGISTER AS URBAN VOTERS

* * *

DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS FOR THE URBAN AREAS WILL COME A STAGE CLOSER TOMORROW WHEN REGISTRATION OF VOTERS OFFICIALLY BEGINS.

MR GRAHAM BARNES, REGIONAL SECRETARY (HK AND KOWLOON)

TODAY CALLED ON ALL ELIGIBLE PERSONS TO COME FORWARD TO REGISTER AND PARTICIPATE IN THE IMPROVEMENT CF THEIR OWN NEIGHBOURHOODS.

♦THE DISTRICT BOARDS PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE FORUM FOR GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES TO COME TOGETHER TO DISCUSS AND RESOLVE THE NEEDS AND PROBLEMS OF ALL THOSE WHO LIVE, WORK AND SPEND THEIR LEISURE IN THEIR DISTRICTS.

/♦WHETHER IT .......

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 1982

♦WHETHER IT IS A QUESTION OF ADEQUATE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES OR THE CLEANLINESS OF A SIDE STREET, DISTRICT BOARDS WILL REPRESENT THE WISHES OF THE RESIDENTS ON THESE ISSUES AND MONITOR THE RESPONSE OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO THEIR REQUESTS.

♦BY REGISTERING FOR A VOTE, THEY WILL BE ABLE TO HAVE A SAY IN THE CHOICE OF THE PERSON WHO WILL REPRESENT THEM ON THEIR DISTRICT BOARD.

♦SINCE, ONLY REGISTERED ELECTORS MAY BE NOMINATED AS CANDIDATES, THOSE WHO INTEND TO STAIID FOR ELECTION IN SEPTEMBER SHOULD REGISTER N0W,+ HE SAID.

GENERALLY, ANYONE WHO WOULD HAVE REACHED THE AGE OF 21 BY AUGUST 31 THIS YEAR WILL BE ABLE TO REGISTER IF HE HAS LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR AT LEAST SEVEN YEARS.

THE OCCUPATION OR EDUCATION ST/NDARD OF A PERSON HAS NO RELEVANCE AND EVERY MEMBER OF A HOUSEHOLD CAN SEPARATELY REGISTER TO BE A VOTER.

IF, FOR EXAMPLE, THE FATHER OF THE FAMILY HAS APPLIED, IT' DOES NOT MEAN HIS GROWN-UP CHILDREN OR THE MOTHER CANNOT REGISTER TOO AND CAST THEIR INDIVIDUAL VOTE #T THE ELECTIONS.

FORMS FOR REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM TOMORROW AT ALL CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES, POST OFFICES, MTR STATIONS AND OVER 400 OFFICES OF THE HONG KONG BANK, CHARTERED BANK, AND HANG SENG BANK.

THE FORM ONLY REQUIRES THE NAME, RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS AND IDENTITY CARD NUMBER OF THE INTENDING VOTER AND CAN BE COMPLETED IN ENGLISH OR CHINESE.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE RESIDENTIAL AND NOT THE OFFICE OR FACTORY ADDRESS IS GIVEN BECAUSE VOTES WILL BE CAST IN THE CONSTITUENCIES WHERE THE ELECTORS LIVE, NOT WORK.

COMPLETED FORMS CAN BE DROPPED IN ANY MAIL BOX, POSTAGE FREE, AND RESIDENTS WILL HAVE SIX WEEKS, UNTIL THE END OF APRIL TO SEND THEM BACK.

THEIR REGISTRATION WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED IN WRITING BEFORE JUNE IF ELIGIBILITY IS CONFIRMED AND THEY WILL BE INFORMED OF THE CONSTITUENCY AND THE POLLING STATION WHERE THEY WERE REGISTERED TO VOTE.

EXISTING URBAN COUNCIL ELECTORS WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO VOTE AT THE COMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AND THEIR NAMES WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFERRED TO THE NEW REGISTER OF VOTERS.

AS DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ARE HELD ONCE EVERY THREE YEARS, ANYONE WHO MISSES OUT THIS TIME WILL HAVE TO WAIT TILL 1985 BEFORE THERE IS ANOTHER CHANCE TO REGISTER.

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 1982

- 4 -

ENGINEERS INSPECT ACCIDENT SITE * * K

THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER, MR HAROLD BEATON, TODAY INSPECTED THE TUEN MUN ROAD STAGE TWO WORK SITE WHERE THE SCAFFOLDING SUPPORTING FORMWORKS FOR ONE OF THE COLUMN HEADS COLLAPSED ON TUESDAY WHILE THE LATTER WAS BEING CONCRETED.

ACCOMPANYING HIM WERE MR T.S. KG, GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER (CONSULTANT MANAGEMENT); MR ANDREW MANSLOWICZ AND NR RON RAKUSEN, BOTH FROM THE CONSULTANT ENGINEERING FIRM, SCOTT WILSON KIRKPATRICK AND PARTNERS; SENIOR RESIDENT ENGINEER, NR MIKE SMITH AND SENIOR ENGINEER OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, MR STEPHEN WAN.

MR BEATON SAID i +THE COLLAPSE OCCURRED WHEN WET CONCRETE WAS BEING POURED INTO THE TEMPORARY MOULDS WHICH WERE SUPPORTED ON SCAFFOLDING AT A HEIGHT OF 30 METRES.

*THE POUR WAS ALMOST COMPLETE VHEN THE TEMPORARY SUPPORTS BENEATH THE MOULDS FAILED ALLOWING THE WET CONCRETE TO FALL TO THE GROUND.+

MR BEATON STRESSED THAT THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO QUESTION OF ANY PERMANENT PART OF THE BRIDGE STRUCTURE HAVING FAILED AS SOME REPORTS HAD SUGGESTED.

HE SAID THAT INVESTIGATIONS IN"0 THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT WERE CONTINUING AND WOULD BE INTENS Fl ED ONCE THE OVERHANGING REINFORCEMENT AND CONCRETE AT THE TOP OF THE COLUMN HAD BEEN REMOVED, MAKING IT SAFE FOR INVESTIGATORS TO APPROACH THE BASE OF THE COLUMN.

+THIS IS A DIFFICULT JOB AND CAN ONLY BE DONE WITH THE WEST-BOUND LANE OF TUEN MUN ROAD CLOSED TO TRAFFIC,* MR BEATON ADDED.

+THIS IS EXPECTED TO BE FINISHED BY EARLY NEXT WEEK. IT WILL THEN TAKE SEVERAL DAYS TO SIFT CAREFULLY THROUGH THE TANGLED WRECKAGE OF THE SCAFFOLDING IN AN ATTEMPT TO ESTABLISH WHERE AND WHY THE FAILURE OCCURRED.*

MR BEATON SAID THAT PROGRESS ON THIS CONTRACT HAD BEEN GOOD AND WORK WAS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.

IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT DESPITE THE SETBACK, THIS SECTION OF THE HIGHWAY WILL STILL BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE TARGET DATE OF JANUARY NEXT YEAR.

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/5........

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 1982

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CHING MING FESTIVAL ft ft ft ft ft

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FROM SUNDAY (MARCH 21) FOR THE CHING MING FESTIVAL.

THEY ARE I

ft ROAD CLOSURES ON MARCH 21, 28 AND APRIL 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 18 »

- WO HOP SHEK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT HEARSES FROM 4 AM TO 8 PM.

- FANLING PLAYGROUND ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC (EXCEPT FOR THOSE REQUIRING ACCESS TO PREMISES IN THE AREA) FROM 6 AM TO 8 PM.

ft THE ACCESS ROAD TO THE TSUEN WAN CEMETERY WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT HEARSES ON APRIL 4, 5 AND 12.

ft GOODS VEHICLES OVER 45 CWT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING TAI PO ROAD BETWEEN SHA TIN RACECOURSE AND FANLING ROUNDABOUT ON MARCH 28, APRIL 4, 5, 11 AND 12.

ft A SPECIAL KMB ROUTE 73R WILL BE OPERATED BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI AND MAN KAM TO (SAN UK LING) EVERY 15 MINUTES AT A FARE OF 70 CENTS ON APRIL 4 AND 5.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ADVISED MOTORISTS HEADING FOR THE NORTHERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES TO USE ROUTE TWISK AND FAN KAM ROAD OR CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND TUEN MUN HIGHWAY AS SEVERE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IS EXPECTED ON TAI PO ROAD DURING THE CHING MING HOLIDAYS.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO ADVISED COMMUTERS TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES AS PARKING SPACES IN MOST OF THE CEMETERY AREAS ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED.

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NEW MAX I CAB ROUTE ft ft ft

A NEW KOWLOON PLB MAXICAB ROUTE - NO.l - WILL RUN A CIRCULAR OPERATION BETWEEN TSIM SHA TSUI MTR STATION AND TSIM SHA TSUI EAST FROM SUNDAY (MARCH 21).

WITH ITS TERMINUS AT THE LAY-BY ON THE NORTHERN SIDE OF HAIPHONG ROAD, THE MAXICAB WILL OPERATE VIA HAIPHONG ROAD, HUMPHREYS AVENUE, CARNAVON ROAD, CORNWALL AVENUE, MODY ROAD, MODY LANE, SALISBURY ROAD, NEW WORLD CENTRE, STAR FERRY BUS TERMINUS AND HANKOW ROAD.

THE ROUTE WILL SERVE AT 6-MINUTE FREQUENCIES, FROM 7 AM TO ID PM ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 8 AM TO 10 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AT A FLAT FARE OF 70 CENTS.

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/6......

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 1982

- 6 -THREE NT SITES SOLD

* * *

THREE SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE SOLD FOR A TOTAL OF $12.7 MILLION AT A GOVERNMENT AUCTION TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE HIGHEST PRICE PAID WAS $7.1 MILLION FOR A 2 698-SQUARE-METRE SITE IN YUEN LONG FOR INDUSTRIAL/GODOWN PURPOSES. BIDDING OPENED AT $5 MILLION AND THE PURCHASER, FRANKSVILLE COMPANY LIMITED, IS REQUIRED TO MEET A $12.95-MILL ION BUILDING COVENANT WITHIN FOUR YEARS. THE PLOT RATIO IS FIVE.

A PRICE OF $3.5 MILLION WAS PAID FOR ANOTHER SITE IN YUEN LONG, ALSO FOR INDUSTRIAL/GODOWN USE. OPENING AT $2.5 MILLION, THE 1 217-SQUARE-METRE SITE WAS EVENTUALLY SOLD TO BASILDON DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED. IT HAS A FOUR-YEAR BUILDING COVENANT OF $5.84 MILLION AND A PLOT RATIO OF FIVE.

A 1 360-SQUARE-METRE SITE IN SAI KUNG FOR LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WAS BOUGHT BY HUNLICAR ENTERPRISES LIMITED FOR $2.1 MILLION. THE BUILDING COVENANT IS $1.3 MILLION TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN FOUR YEARS AND THE PLOT RATIO IS 0.4. BIDDING BEGAN AT $1.5 MILLION.

FOUR OTHER SITES OFFERED FOR SALE AT THE AUCTION WERE WITHDRAWN WHEN THERE WAS NO BID.

ONE IS LOCATED IN SAI KUNG FOR RESIDENTIAL USE, WHILE TWO OTHERS IN TUEN MUN AND ONE ON TSI NG Yl ISLAND ARE FOR INDUSTRIAL/ GODOWN PURPOSES.

-------o

NOTE TO EDITORS!

CUSTOMS PASSING-OUT PARADE * * *

A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF 136 CUSTOMS OFFICERS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TRAINING SCHOOL AT TAI LAM CHUNG AT 10.30 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 20). TAKING THE SALUTE WILL BE THE SERVICE’S REGIONAL COMMANDER OF HONG KONG ISLAND REGION, MR W.K. KONG.

ON THAT DAY A GOVERNMENT COACH, AM 5606, WILL BE AVAILABLE AT HUNG HOM FERRY PIER BETWEEN 8.15 AM AND 8.30 AM TO TAKE GUESTS AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE TRAINING SCHOOL AND RETURN THE PARTY TO KOWLOON LATER.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE EVENT. GUESTS AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO BE SEATED AT THE TRAINING SCHOOL BY 10.15 AM.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 1982

MASTER WANTED FOR FISHERIES RESEARCH VESSEL * * * *

WANTED* A MASTER FOR THE FISHERIES RESEARCH VESSEL, TAI SHUN.

THAT IS THE CALL FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WHICH IS SEEKING A MASTER TO HEAD THE BRIDGE OF THE IIO-MILLION OCEAN-GOING VESSEL, WHOSE FORMER MASTER RETIRED LAST YEAR.

APARTMENT IS LOOKING FOR MUST HAVE, AMONG OTHER J^ oer’u^-r^RT FICATE 0F COMPETENCY AS DECK OFFICER CLASS II (P’PSJ,MATE), AN ELECTRONIC NAVIGATIONAL AIDS (OPERATIONS) ™ e £AI£’ A RADAR SIMULATOR CERTIFICATE AND A RADAR OBSERVER o2nATE- A KN0WLEDGE OF WRITTEN AND SPOKEN ENGLISH IS ALSO

HL QU I RED•

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE — WHO WILL RECEIVE A MONTHLY SALARY OF BETWEEN $7 210 AND $9 065, DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE — WILL CAPTAIN THE TAI SHUN, WHICH REPLACED FRV CAPE ST. MARY. THE VESSEL IS USED FOR RESEARCHING INSHORE FISHING GROUNDS ALONG THE SOUTH CHINA COAST. INFORMATION DERIVED FROM THE RESEARCH PROGRAMME IS RELAYED TO HONG KONG’S FISHING FLEET VIA THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.

.o ™ back-up the master, the department is also seeking a mate AS SECOND-IN-COMMAND OF THE TAI SHUN. SALARY FOR THE POST IS FROM $5 445 TO $6 865 A MONTH.

BOTH POSTS HAVE BEEN ADVERTISED AND APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON MONDAY (MARCH 22).

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NOTE TO EDITORS:

TALK TO ENGINEERS * * *

W.LL STpLjEA?ET„“YSE?ENT5NA“,<N,“L X® £

DEL!VE™LDrTNE.B0S!L10Sp"RT " 8’3° PM A"D ™E SPEECH "ILL BE

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/8........

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 1982

DISPLAY ABOUT VOTER REGISTRATION

* * *

A FIVE-DAY EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WILL BE HELD AT THE ADMIRALTY STATION, MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON (MARCH 20).

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE COMMERCIAL AREA COMMITTEE, THE EXHIBITION DEALS WITH THE REGISTRATION OF VOTERS FOR THE FIRST DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN THE URBAN AREAS WHICH WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

COLOUR CHARTS, GRAPHICS AND CARTOONS WILL BE DISPLAYED TO ILLUSTRATE THE FUNCTIONS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES AND THEIR RELATIONS WITH THE PUBL C THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD VOTERS OR CANDIDATES.

AND

THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN CITY DISTRICT OFFICER MR EDDY CHAN 0F COMMERCIAL AREA COMMITTEE, MR DAVID SlJ SlLL RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY AT 2 PM ON SATURDAY.

THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO SEE THE EXHIBITION.

TO SEE THE EXHIBITION.

NOTE TO EDITORS :

YOU ARE INVITED TO DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY ON

COVER THE RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION AT THE ADMIRALTY STATION, SATURDAY (MARCH 20) AT 2 PM.

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 1982

BOARD MEMBERS TO TOUR ABERDEEN AND AP LEI CHAU * * * *

SOUTHERN disTr’CT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE SPENDING SATURDAY MORNING (MARCH 20) TOURING ABERDEEN AND AP LEI CHAU TO LOOK OVER DEVELOPMENT AND RECLAMATION PROJECTS GOING ON IN THE AREAS.

_ ACCOMPANIED BY THE CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT, MR K.C. KWONG, AND THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER MISS LOLLY CHIU, fHE MEMBERS WILL GATHER AT 9 AM AT ABERDEEN ’ POLICE STATION BEFORE SETTING OFF FOR AP LEI CHAU ESTATE OFFICE FOR A BRIEFING ON LOCAL HOUSING PROJECTS ------

AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN ABERDEEN.

AND VARIOUS RECLAMATION

FROM THERE THEY WILL PROCEED-TO THE ROOF-TOP OF LEI NING HOUSE, FOR A VIEW OF THE ABERDEEN ACTIVITY.

AFTERWARDS, THEY WILL VISIT THE COMMUNITY HALL IN AP LEI CHAU ESTATE PHASE 2A, FOR A FURTHER BRIEFING, AND THEN PROCEED TO THE GOVERNMENT PIER AT TIN WAN.

MEMBERS WILL THEN BOARD A GOVERNMENT LAUNCH AT ABOUT 10.45 AM FOR A 45-MINUTE CRUISE OF THE ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER TO SEE THE VARIOUS ON-GOING PROJECTS.

THE TOUR WILL END AT ABOUT NOON.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

MEMBERS OF THE PRESS WHO WISH TO COVER THE FIRST 90-MINUTE PART OF THE TOUR OF ABERDEEN AND AP LEI CHAU SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE AP LEI CHAU ESTATE OFFICE BY 9 AM, WHERE THEY WILL BE MET BY CITY DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF. HOWEVER, NO TRANSPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES. DUE TO THE LIMITED SPACE, IT WILL ALSO NOT BE POSSIBLE TO ACCOMMODATE PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ON THE LAUNCH TOUR OF THE TYPHOON SHELTER, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE LATTER PART OF THE MORNING.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HKIE GAINS GOVERNMENT RECOGNITION ......................... 1

DIVERSIFICATION - A PROGRESS REPORT ....................... 3

UK-CHINA AIR SERVICES TADICS .............................. 5

ROTARY THANKED FOR DONATION OF VESSEL ..................... 6

HONG KONG'S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY .................... 7

FIRE SAFETY PLAN FOR FOOD PREMISES ....................... 11

BUSY YEAR FOR LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.................... 12

ANCESTRAL HALL RESURRECTED IN NEW VILLAGE ................ 13

HIGH CLASS TAI PO RESIDENTIAL SITE FOR TENDER ............ 13

BUILDINGS TO BE RESUMED FOR MTR WORK ..................... 14

NT BUS ROUTE CHANGES ..................................... 14

NEW COMPENSATION RATES FOR RESUMED NT LAND ............... 15

TWO INDUSTRIAL LOTS SOLD ................................. 15

NEW SHEUNG WAN TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ...................... 16

EARLY-MORNING ROAD CLOSURE................................ 16

CHINESE MUSIC WEEK PROMOTION ............................. 17

FRIDAY, MARCH, 19, 1982

HKIE GAINS GOVERNMENT RECOGNITION ft ft ft ft

THE GOVERNMENT HAS OFFICIALLY RECOGNISED THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR DAVID MCDONALD, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).

ADDRESSING THE INSTITUTION'S SEVENTH ANNUAL DINNER, HE SAID THAT MEANT THE INSTITUTION WOULD NOW ENJOY EQUAL STATUS WITH OTHER RECOGNISED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING INSTITUTIONS.

MR MCDONALD RECALLED THAT THE HKIE HAD PURSUED ITS REQUEST FOR RECOGNITION FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.

HOWEVER, HE SAIDi *THE GOVERNMENT NEEDED TO BE SATISFIED THAT THE INSTITUTION COULD DEMONSTRATE AND ENSURE THAT, ON ALL COUNTS, ITS TRAINING AND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS MET THE HIGH STANDARDS REQUIRED OF RECOGNISED PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND THAT THE INSTITUTION HAD THE STRENGTH, THE WILL AND THE RESOURCES TO EXERCISE DISCIPLINE AND MAINTAIN THOSE STANDARDS.*

HE SAID THAT THE RESPONSIBILITY A PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTION BORE ON GAINING GOVERNMENT RECOGNITION WAS GREAT AND RECOGNITION WAS NOT GIVEN LIGHTLY.

♦HOWEVER, I NOW FEEL ASSURED THAT THIS PROFESSIONAL BODY CAN MEET THE PRESENT AND FUTURE NEEDS OF ITS YOUNG ASPIRING ENGINEERS AND THOSE OF THE PROFESSION AS A WHOLE,♦ MR MCDONALD SAID.

ON THE DEMAND FOR TECHNICIAN AND PROFESSIONAL MANPOWER IN HONG KONG, MR MCDONALD SAID IT HAD OVER THE YEARS CONSISTENTLY EXCEEDED THE LOCALLY AVAILABLE SUPPLY.

♦THIS SITUATION HAS BEEN LARGELY BROUGHT ABOUT BY A CONTINUING EXPANSION OF THE ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, IN BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS, WHICH IN TURN HAS REQUIRED MORE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS TO MEET OUR NEEDS THAN ARE PRODUCED LOCALLY,♦ MR MCDONALD SAID.

HE SAID THE INCREASED SPENDING ON PUBLIC WORKS IN RECENT YEARS WAS AN INDICATION OF THE INCREASING VOLUME AND COMPLEXITY OF WORK.

♦IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1978-79 THE EXPENDITURE ON PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMMES (EXCLUDING HOUSING AND LAND PURCHASES) WAS $2 064 MILLION. FOR 1979-80 THE FIGURE WAS $2 944 MILLION AND FOR 1980-81, 13 156 MILLION. THE ESTIMATE FOR THIS YEAR IS $5 090 MILLION AND FOR 1982-83 IT IS $6 700 MILL ION,+ MR MCDONALD SAID.

♦THE GREATER PART OF THIS MONEY IS SPENT ON ROADS AND OTHER CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECTS, WATER SUPPLIES, THE KCR MODERNISATION PROGRAMME, THE AIRPORT AND HARBOUR DEVELOPMENT.

♦THIS INCREASING COMMITMENT OVER THE YEARS HAS RESULTED IN A CORRESPONDING GROWTH IN THE PWD PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING ESTABLISHMENT. UNFORTUNATELY, IT HAS PROVED IMPOSSIBLE TO FILL ALL THE RESULTING VACANCIES BY LOCAL RECRUITMENT.+

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 1982

HE SAID THAT IN THE 11 MONTHS FROM APRIL 1981 TO FEBRUARY 1982, THE PWD WAS ONLY ABLE TO RECRUIT A TOTAL OF 70 LOCAL PROFESSIONAL AND ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS. IN THE SAME PERIOD, THE PWD HAD TO RECRUIT 127 PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS FROM OVERSEAS TO FILL THE BALANCE OF VACANCIES WHICH HAD RISEN.

♦IN SPITE OF REPEATED LOCAL AND OVERSEAS RECRUITMENT DRIVES, OUT OF A TOTAL ENGINEERING ESTABLISHMENT OF 903 POSTS AT MARCH 1 THIS YEAR, 206 POSTS REMAINED UNFILLED, REPRESENTING AN ENGINEERING MANPOWER SHORTFALL OF NEARLY 23 PER CENT OVERALL,♦ MR MCDONALD SAID.

HE NOTED THAT THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE MAJOR UTILITY COMPANIES COMPETED WITH AN ACTIVE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS FROM THE RELATIVELY SMALL LOCAL COMMON POOL TO MEET THEIR INCREASING COMMITMENTS.

MR MCDONALD SAID THAT TRAINING PROVIDED THE WAY TO HELP REDRESS THE CHRONIC SHORTAGE OF ENGINEERS.

♦MORE LOCAL TRAINING PLACES MUST BE PROVIDED IN SUFFICIENT NUMBERS BY BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS TO ACCOMMODATE THE INCREASING NUMBER OF ENGINEERING GRADUATES QUALIFYING FROM OUR LOCAL UNIVERSITIES AND THE POLYTECHNIC, AND THE LARGE NUMBERS WHO RETURN TO HONG KONG ON COMPLETION OF STUDIES OVERSEAS. IN THIS WAY WE MAY BEGIN TO MEET THE LOCAL DEMAND,♦ HE SAID.

THE TRAINING GIVEN, HE ADDED, MUST BE OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY, PROPERLY STRUCTURED AND ADEQUATELY SUPERVISED. PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS WOULD SET THE STANDARDS, TEST THEM AND ENSURE THAT THEY WERE MAINTAINED.

MR MCDONALD SAID THAT OVERSEAS EXPERIENCE, INCLUDING SEVERAL DETAILED REPORTS ON ENGINEERING TRAINING, CONTAINED VALUABLE LESSONS FOR THE ENGINEERING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.

♦PUT SIMPLY, THE MESSAGE IS THAT WE SHOULD GUARD AGAINST THE NARROW CONCEPT OF ENGINEERING BEING MERELY A BRANCH OF APPLIED SCIENCE,♦ HE SAID.

♦INSTEAD WE SHOULD ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF WIDER SKILLS AND OUTLOOK WHICH WILL ENSURE THAT OUR ENGINEERS ARE PROPERLY EQUIPPED TO TAKE ON, AT A LATER STAGE IN THEIR CAREERS. BROADER MANAGERIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES RATHER THAN BEING EMPLOYED SIMPLY AS PROVIDERS OF TECHNICAL SERVICES.♦

ON THE RE-ORGANISATION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, W MCDONALD SAID THAT AS FROM APRIL 1, THE DEPARTMENT WOULD DISAPPEAR, AND BE REPLACED BY FIVE AUTONOMOUS DEPARTMENTSi ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, WATER SUPPLIES, NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT, BUILDING DEVELOPMENT AND LANDS.

THE NEW GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT BRANCH, LANDS AND WORKS, WOULD CO-ORDINATE POLICY FOR THE FIVE DEPARTMENTS.

AS SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR MCDONALD SAID, HE WOULD RETAIN A STRONG INTEREST IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE PROFESSIONS INVOLVED IN THE BUILDING AND ENGINEERING FIELDS.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 1982

DIVERSIFICATION - A PROGRESS REPORT * ft ft ft

GIVING A PROGRESS REPORT ON SOME OF THE 47 RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION (ACD) IN OCTOBER, 1979, THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS MR BILL DORWARD SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT IT WAS TIMELY TO EXAMINE HOW THE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE BEING CARRIED OUT.

♦ONE OF THE MAIN DIFFICULTIES ABOUT GOVERNMENT SUPPORT TO INDUSTRY, WHETHER IN LARGELY NON-INTERVENTION 1ST HONG KONG OR A CENTRALLY PLANNED ECONOMY, IS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DIALOGUE SO THAT BOTH SIDES UNDERSTAND WHAT IS NEEDED AND WHAT CAN REALISTICALLY BE PROVIDED,♦ HE TOLD A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HK ISLAND WEST.

♦AN EARLY CONSEQUENCE OF THE COMMITTEE’S REPORT, THEREFORE, WAS THE APPOINTMENT OF A GOVERNMENT SCIENCE ADVISER WHO WAS CHARGED TO ADVISE ON POLICY AND CO-ORDINATE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT- AND ON THE ORGANISATION OF RESOURCES IN SCIENCE AND TECHMOLOGY SO AS TO MAXIMISE THEIR IMPACT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.*

THIS ENDEAVOUR WAS SET BACK BY THE UNTIMELY DEATH OF MR GORDON BELL A FEW MONTHS LATER AFTER HIS APPOINTMENT. HIS SUCCESSOR, DR JOHN WRIGHT, TOOK UP HIS POST AT THE END OF 1981.

♦AMONG HIS FIRST ACTS WAS THE ORGANISATION OF AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH, OF WHICH HE IS CHAIRMAN AND ON WHICH ARE REPRESENTATIVES OF TRADE, INDUSTRIAL AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS, ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS AND GOVERNMENT. THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE O' THIS BODY IS AVAILABLE, THROUGH THE SCIENCE ADVISER, TO A HIGH LEYEL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD (IDB), CHAIRED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND SERVICED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY,+ SAID MR DORWARD.

THE EMPHASIS OF THE IDB - APPOINTED IN AUGUST 1980 TO PLAN, MONITOR AND TO ADVISE ON VARIOUS PROGRAMMES IN THE FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT - WAS ON SUPPORT FACILITIES AND TECHNICAL BACK UP SERVICES. IT HAS BEEN AND CONTINUES TO BE INVOLVED IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NEW STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY, WHICH IS AT AN ADVANCED PLANNING STAGE.

♦THIS IS A PROGRESSIVE COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT AND WHILE IT WILL FOCUS INITIALLY ON ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION, THE IDB WILL BE CALLED UPON TO CONSIDER WHERE WE SHOULD GO FROM THERE.♦ SAID MR DORWARD.

♦THE POSSIBILITIES INCLUDE MECHANICAL MEASUREMENTS, ILLUMINATION, OPTICAL AND ACCOUSTIC NOISE MEASUREMENTS, THERMOMETRY AND IONISING RAD MT IONS.♦

ANOTHER KEY RECOMMENDATION OF THE ACD CONCERNED TESTING AND CERTIFICATION SERVICES - ESSENTIAL FOR HONG KONG EXPORTS. A SURVEY CF THE PRIVATE SECTOR LABORATORIES IN THIS FIELD WAS CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY TO ESTABLISH THE RANGE OF TESTING AND CERTIFICATION SERVICES NOW AVAILABLE, THE EXTENT TO WHICH THEY ARE BEING USED, WHETHER THEY ARE ADEQUATE TO SATISFY INDUSTRIES NEEDS AND, IF NOT, WHAT NEW OR ADDT'IONAL SERVICES SHOULD BE DEVELOPED.

Vindications ake.......

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 1982

- 4 -

♦ I ND ICAT IONS ARE THAT IMPROVED AND ADDITIONAL SERVICES ARE REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, FOOD, GARMENT ACCESSORIES AND PACKAGING,♦ ANNOUNCED MR DORWARD.

♦THE IDB HAS DECIDED THA" CONSULTANTS ARE NECESSARY TO ASSIST THE DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY IN CARRYING THIS IMPORTANT SUBJECT FORWARD. IN PARTICULAR THE CONSULTANTS WILL BE ASKED TO ADVISE ON HOW A SYSTEM OF ACCREDITATION OF TESTING LABORATORIES MIGHT BE ESTABLISHED IN HONG KONG TO GUARANTEE THE COMPETENCE OF THESE FACILITIES, AND ENSURE THAT THEIR TEST CERTIFICATES WILL RECEIVE WIDE INTERNATIONAL ACCEPTANCE.

♦AS A PRELIMINARY TO THIS CONSULTANCY, A SENIOR OFFICIAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TESTING AUTHORITIES WILL BE ARRIVING IN HONG KONG AT THE END OF THIS WEEK FOR AN INITIAL REVIEW,♦ HE SAID.

BASED ON THE ACD’S ADVICE THAT A GOOD DEAL OF THE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PROVISION OF INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT FACILITIES SHOULD BE BASED ON THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE, THE IDB HAD ENDORSED CERTAIN PROPOSALS WHICH WERE GOING AHEAD.

♦THESE INCLUDE A TECHNO-ECONOMIC STUDY ON THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY WHICH WILL INVOLVE A STATE-OF-THE-ART REVIEW? AN ASSESSMENT OF FUTURE DIRECTION? AN ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENT NEEDS AND BACKUP FACILITIES; AND A REVIEW OF THE ORGANISATION AND COORDINATION (F RESOURCES OF THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY.

♦FUNDS ARE ALSO BEING PROVIDED FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT BY THE PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE OF A MICRO-PROCESSOR DEVELOPMENT LABORATORY. THIS WILL PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MICRO-PROCESSOR BASED CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES TO THE INDUSTRY.*

MR DORWARD SAID THE IDB WAS CONSIDERING A WIDE RANGE OF PROJECTS, INCLUDING THE FAC IL TAT I ON OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, THE DISSEMINATION OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION, A TECHNO-ECONOMIC STUDY BY THE PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE OF THE METAL AND LIGHT ENGINEERING INDUSTRY AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DIE CASTING UNIT, THE POSSIBLE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PRODUCT INNOVATION AND DESIGN UNIT, AND A PROGRAMME OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INTO MATTERS AFFECTING HONG KONG INDUSTRIES.

THE ACD HAD RECOMMENDED "HAT THE TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE GIVEN OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR COORDINATING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGY IN INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION.

♦THE HUB OF OUR INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION ACTIVITIES IS THE SO-CALLED ’ONE STOP UNIT’ OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY. THIS UNIT IS STAFFED BY SPECIALIST OFFICERS WITH INDUSTRIAL BACKGROUNDS. THEIR DETAILED KNOWLEDGE OF HONG KONG INDUSTRY AND ITS RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE MEAN THAT THEY CAN OFFER LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MANUFACTURERS A FULL SERVICE TO ENABLE THEM TO MAKE FEASIBILITY STUDIES OF INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUHIT IES,♦ HE SAID.

THE UNIT ALSO PROVIDES THE BACKUP FOR THE OVERSEAS OFFICES -ONE OPEN IN TOKYO AND, OVER THE NEXT THREE MONTHS, OTHERS OPENING IN THE UK, GERMANY AND THE UNITED STATES.

/♦I HAVE.......

KtlDAY, MAxtCH 19, 1982

- 5 -

♦I HAVE FROM TIME TO TIME BEEN ASKED IF THIS IS NOT A DUPLICATION OF THE WELL-ESTABLISHED EFFORTS OF THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, WHICH ALREADY HAS SOME 20 OVERSEAS OFFICES. THE ANSWER IS THAT THE PROMOTION EFFORTS ARE AIMED AT DIFFERENT TARGETS AND REQUIRE DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES AND EXPERTISE.

* INDUSTRI AL PROMOTION INVOLVES ATTRACTING TECHNOLOGY AND INTERESTING INDUSTRIALISTS IN THE OPPORTUNITIES HONG KONG HAS TO OFFER THEM AS A BASE. TRADE PROMOTION, ON THE OTHER HAND, IS PRODUCT-ORIENTED AND AIMED AT THE BUSINESSMEN, THE IMPORTERS, WHOLESALERS AND RETAILERS. EACH ACTIVITY REQUIRES ITS OWN SPECIAL KIND OF BACKUP RESOURCES,* MR DORWARD SAID.

HAS BEEN MADE ON A BROAD FRONT, AND A

♦SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS _______.........

SOLID FOUNDATION IS GRADUALLYBEInG LAID UPON WHICH WILL BE BUILT MANY MORE SPECIFIC ORGANISATIONS AND ACTIVITIES WHICH WILL FACILITATE AND ACCELERATE THE PROCESS OF INDUSTRIAL DIVERSIFICATION

DORWARD SAID.

UK-CHINA AIR SERVICES TALKS OH

AGREEMENT WAS REACHED BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINESE AERONAUTICAL AUTHORITIES AT THE AIR SERVICES TALKS HELD IN BEIJING RECENTLY TO ADD CAPACITY TO THE HONG KONG-SHANGHAI ROUTE, UP TO 5D PER CENT MORE IF TRAFFIC DEMAND WARRANTS.

THE TALKS WERE HELD TO REVIEW GENERALLY THE AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT REACHED BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS IN 1979.

MR BRIAN KEEP, DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, ATTENDED THE TALKS ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.

DISCUSSIONS COVERED THE TRUNK ROUTE SERVICES BETWEEN LONDON AND BEIJING AND THE REGIONAL ROUTES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND POINTS IN CHINA AT PRESENT OPERATED BY CAAC, CPA AND BRITISH AIRWAYS.

BOTH PARTIES WERE SATISFIED THAT CAPACITY ON THE TRUNK ROUTE WAS ADEQUATE AND WOULD BE SO FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.

PROPOSALS FOR CERTAIN POSSIBLE CHANGES WERE MADE TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES AT THE TALKS, INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR BA TO CARRY INTERNATIONAL STOP-OVER TRAFFIC FROM HONG KONG TO BEIJING AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF MORE BALANCED AIR SERVICES RELATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA. HOWEVER, THE DELEGATIONS WERE NOT ABLE TO REACH ANY AGREEMENT.

A FURTHER ROUND OF DISCUSSIONS IS EXPECTED TO BE HELD IN A FEW MONTHS’ TIME.

--------o

/6.......

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 1982

ROTARY THANKED FOR DONATION OF VESSEL * * * *

MEMBERS OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON WEST WERE PRAISED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, THIS AFTERNOON, FOR THEIR ♦SPIRIT OF SERVICE ABOVE SELF,* TO THE COMMUNITY FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS.

THE OCCASION WAS THE OFFICIAL HANDING-OVER BY THE CLUB OF A MEDICAL LAUNCH, THE 'ROTARY', WHICH SIR MURRAY SAID +WILL GREATLY IMPROVE MEDICAL SERVICES FOR THE OUTLYING ISLANDS AND LESS ACCESSIBLE COASTAL VILLAGES.*

♦THIS MOST GENEROUS DONATION IS THE LATEST IN A LONG LINE CF VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON WEST,* SIR MURRAY SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID THE CLUB HAD, OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS, DONATED MEDICAL FACILITIES AND GRANTED ASSISTANCE TO MANY MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS, HAD SUPPORTED SERVICES TO THE DISABLED AND ELDERLY AND HAD ENCOURAGED CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.

♦ALL THESE PROJECTS HAVE MET SPECIAL AND CAREFULLY IDENTIFIED NEEDS,♦ HE SAID.

SIR MURRAY SAID HONG KONG WAS ♦FORTUNATE TO HAVE SO MANY OF ITS CITIZENS WHO ARE ALWAYS SO GENEROUS WITH THEIR TIME AND MONEY IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY.

♦THIS IS IN KEEPING WITH THE ROTARIAN SPIRIT OF 'SERVICE ABOVE SELF.’ IT IS A PROUD MOTTO. LET IT NEVER FAIL,* HE SAID.

HE CONGRATULATED THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON WEST FOR REALISING YET ANOTHER AND MOST WORTHWHILE PROJECT AND WISHED ITS MEMBERS SUCCESS. *1 WOULD THANK YOU AGAIN MOST SINCERELY FOR THE SPLENDID VESSEL,* SIR MURRAY TOLD THEM.

THE 14-METRE LONG VESSEL WAS BUILT BY THE HIP HING CHEUNG SHIPYARD, AND COMPLETED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR. IT HAS SINCE THEN BEEN OUTFITTED WITH MEDICAL FACILITIES BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

IT WILL BE ADDED TO THE OTHER TWO MEDICAL LAUNCHES IN SERVICE TO THE OUTLYING ISLANDS AND DISTRICTS, PROVIDING MORE CLINICAL SESSIONS FOR THE PEOPLE IN THOSE AREAS, AND HELPING RELIEVE THE TIGHT SCHEDULE NOW COVERED BY THE OTHER TWO VESSELS.

THE 'ROTARY' WILL MAKE ITS FIRST CALL TO THE OUTLYING DISTRICTS ON MA WAN AND TUNG CHUNG ON MONDAY MORNING.

/7 ........

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 1982

HONG KONG'S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY HO

TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FOR JANUARY 1982, VALUED AT $19 581 MILLION, DECREASED BY 4 PER CENT COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1981, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT REPORTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECLINED BY 2 PER CENT TO $6 239 MILLION, IMPORTS DECLINED BY 6 PER CENT TO $10 023 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS DECLINED MARGINALLY TO $3 319 MILLION. DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER SHOWED A DECREASE OF 1 PER CENT.

HOWEVER, IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE TWO PERIODS ARE NOT STRICTLY COMPARABLE. THIS YEAR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FELL IN JANUARY, WHEREAS LAST YEAR THEY FELL IN FEBRUARY, THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT.

THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS WERE AS FOLLOWS i-

JAN.1982 (HK$ MN.) JAN. 1981 (HK$ MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

USA 2 206 2 222 - 16 - 1

UK 566 555 ♦ 11 ♦ 2

FR OF GERMANY 545 668 -123 -18

CHINA 293 202 ♦ 91 ♦45

AUSTRALIA 284 213 ♦ 71 ♦33

JAPAN 229 198 ♦ 31 +16

CANADA 166 163 + 3 ♦ 2

SINGAPORE 142 147 - 5 - 3

NETHERLANDS 140 150 - 10 - 7

SWITZERLAND 118 116 ♦ 2 ♦ 2

DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO USA DROPPED SLIGHTLY BY 1 PER CENT. DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MAJOR COMMODITIES SUCH AS ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND PARTS FOR COMPUTERS (BY $61 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT) AND CLOTHING (BY $106 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS (BY $86 MILLION OR 83 PER CENT).

/INCREASES WERE........

u'itLDAY, luaiiCH 19$ 19&2

INCREASES WERE RECORDED N DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM OF PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS (BY $31 MILLION OR 183 PER CENT) AND TEXTILES (BY $4 MILLION Of: 17 PER CENT). DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT, AS WELL AS WATCHES AND CLOCKS, DECLINED BY $8 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT, AND $10 MILLION OR 34 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY.

MOST COMMODITIES EXPORTED TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY DECLINED IN VALUE, INCLUDING WATCHES AND CLOCKS (DECLINED BY $10 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT) ADD CLOTHING (DECLINED BY $99 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT). DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES INCRF:ASED STEADILY (BY $5 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT).

SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WEfE REGISTERED IN THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUHD RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT TO CHINA (BY $49 MILLION OR 146 PER CENT) AND IN THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING TO AUSTRALIA (BY $15 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT, AND $13 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY).

AN ANALYSIS OF CHANGES I Fl DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION IS PRESENTED BELOW i-

INCREASE/ JAN. 1982 JAN. 1981 DECREASE PERCENTAGE (HK$ MN.) (HK$ MN.) (HK$ MN.) CHANGE

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 2 279 2 457 -178 - 7

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS) 1 059 890 ♦169 ♦19

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 537 561 -24 - 4

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (MAINLY TRANSISTORS AND DIODES AND HOUSEHOLD TYPE APPLIANCES) 460 420 ♦40 ♦ 10

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 433 422 ♦ 11 ♦ 3

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 391 399 —q - 2

/THE CHANGES .......

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 1982

THE CHANGES IN AS FOLLOWS I IMPORTS FROM THE TEN MAJOR SOURCES ARE SUMMARISED

JAN. 1982 (HK$ MN.) JAN. 1981 (HK$ MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

CHINA 2 371 2 227 ♦144 + 6

JAPAN 1 913 2 254 -341 -15

USA 1 127 1 120 ♦ 7 ♦ 1

TAIWAN 775 914 -139 -15

SINGAPORE 768 973 -205 -21

UK 492 470 + 22 ♦ 5

REPUBLIC OF KOREA

(SOUTH KOREA) 379 432 - 53 -12

FR OF GERMANY 242 299 - 57 -19

SWITZERLAND 171 180 - 9 - 5

AUSTRALIA 152 160 - 8 - 5

CHINA OVERTOOK JAPAN AND BECAME HONG KONG'S LARGEST SUPPLIER.

INCREASES WERE RECORDED MAINLY IN CLOTHING (BY $24 MILLION OR ID PER CENT), FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND THEIR PREPARATIONS (BY $16 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT), LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD

(BY $15 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT) AND MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS

(BY $15 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT).

LOCAL DEMAND FOR JAPANESE GOODS DECLINED. DECREASES WERE

REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $60 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT), IRON AND STEEL (BY $88 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $109 MILLION OR 43 PER CENT). HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE NOTED FOR WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $31 MILLION OR 16 PER CENT), AND MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $23 MILLION OR 39 PER CENT).

INCREASES IN IMPORTS FROM THE US WERE LARGELY OF TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $46 MILLION OR 104 PER CENT), AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $34 MILLION OR 39 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN THE IMPORTS OF OFFICE MACHINERY AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $26 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT) AND ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS (BY $51 MILLION OR 55 PER CENT).

CONSIDERABLE DECREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN THE IMPORTS OF TEXTILES FROM TAIWAN (BY $90 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT), AND OF PETROLEUM AND RELATED PRODUCTS FROM SINGAPORE (BY $195 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT).

/THE following .......

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 19S2

10 -

THE FOLLOWING TABLE ILLUSTRATES IN IMPORTS BY COMMODITY SECTION i-

THE MORE IMPORTANT CHANGES

JAN. 1982 (HK$ MN.)

INCREASE/ JAN. 1981 DECREASE (HK$ MN.) (HK$ MN.)

PERCENTAGE CHANGE

MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY TEXTILE PRODUCTS, DIAMONDS, IRON

AND STEEL, AND PAPER) 2 720 3 223 -503 -16

MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 2 134 2 254 -120 - 5

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES AND CLOCKS, ARTICLES OF APPAREL) 1 572 1 545 ♦ 27 ♦ 2

FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD 1 253 1 186 ♦ 67 ♦ 6

MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED MATERIALS 970 990 -20 - 2

CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS 661 775 -114 -15

SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN RE-EXPORTS TO USA (BY $49 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT), INDONESIA (BY $19 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT) JAPAN (BY $19 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT), PHILIPPINES (BY $19 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT), SAUDI ARABIA (BY $14 MILLION OR 48 PER CENT), AND KUWAIT (BY $14 MILLION OR 221 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECLINES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA (BY $19 MILLION CR 3 PER CENT), NIGERIA (BY $20 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT), FRANCE (BY $26 MILLION OR 59 PiR CENT) AND UK (BY $115 MILLION OR 74 PER CENT).

SOME COMMODITIES RE-EXPORTED THROUGH HONG KONG EXHIBITED STRONG GROWTH, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $59 MILLION OR 51 Pi-R CENT), VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $36 MILLION OR 67 PER CENT) AND MANUFACTURES OF METAL (BY $32 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT). DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN THE RE-EXPORTS OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $49 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT), AND METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $14« MILLION OR 95 PER CENT).

THE JANUARY 1982 ISSUE OF THE ♦HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS -SUMMARY*, BEING A SUMMARY REPORT ON HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN JANUARY 1982, WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT HK$5 PER COPY.

/a mdhe.....

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 1982

11 -

w.TM A nr^ .F™PREHENSIVE REPORT, +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE*, orcvoAorl*’^.0. *R*LYSIS THE MONTH’S IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND

BE published in early april and will also be

AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT HKS1O PER COPY.

nlD EJJQUIR ,es CONCERNING SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE RIm!£TED 1° THE ^FORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, HONG KONG (TEL. NO.i 5-214375).

- - - - 0 --------

FIRE SAFETY PLAN FOR FOOD PREMISES N ft ft ft

THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO LEGISLATE AGAINST OPERATORS WHO OPEN FOOD PREMISES FOR BUSINESS WITHOUT HAVING MET ALL FIRE SAFETY CONDITIONS.

THE PROPOSAL IS FOR OPERATORS TO OBTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT FIRST BEFORE THEY CAN BE GRANTED A FOOD BUSINESS LICENCE BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT AT PRESENT THE USD WOULD PROCEED WITH THE PROCESSING OF AN APPLICATION FOR A FOOD BUSINESS LICENCE IF THERE WAS NO OBJECTION IN PRINCIPLE BY OTHER DEPARTMENTS.

DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BY THE DEPARTMENTS WERE SORTED OUT SEPARATELY BETWEEN THEM AND THE APPLICANT.

THIS COULD LEAD TO SITUATIONS WHERE FOOD BUSINESS OPERATORS WERE GIVEN A LICENCE BY THE USD BEFORE THEY HAD REMOVED ALL FIRE HAZARDS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ALTHOUGH FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES AND SUMMONSES CAN BE ISSUED AGAINST OFFENDERS, THERE CAN BE A PERIOD OF TIME BEFORE THE DEFICIENCIES ARE MADE GOOD AND THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC IS SAFEGUARDED, HE SAID.

UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZATTE TODAY, THE AUTHORITIES WILL BE EMPOWERED TO MAKE REGULATIONS TO REQUIRE PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN AGAINST FIRE IN FOOD BUSINESS PREMISES.

IF THE BILL IS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, REGULATIONS AND BY-LAWS WILL BE INTRODUCED TO REQUIRE APPLICANTS FOR FOOD BUSINESS LICENCES TO PROVE THAT THEY HAVE SATISFIED THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES BEFORE THEY ARE GRANTED A FOOD BUSINESS LICENCE.

-----o------

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 1982

BUSY YEAR FOR LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE It * * * *

A TOTAL OF 173 MILLION WAS PAID TO 20 058 WORKERS LAST YEAR BY EMPLOYERS IN SETTLEMENT OF LABOUR-MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE (LRS) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

OF THE TOTAL $21 786 992„ OR ABOUT 29.5 PER CENT, WAS FOR SEVERANCE PAYMENTS TO 4 317 EMPLOYEES RENDERED REDUNDANT BY OPERATIONAL OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY I.

THE REMAINING SUM OF 152 037 021 WAS PAID AS ARREARS OF WAGES, OR WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE, STATUTORY HOLIDAY PAY, BONUSES AND OTHER PAYMENTS DUE TO 20 058 EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING THE 4 317 WHO RECEIVED SEVERANCE PAYMENTS.

IN THE SAME YEAR THE LRS HANDLED 184 TRADE DISPUTES, OF WHICH 149, OR MORE THAN 80.9 PER CENT, WERE SETTLED WITH THE HELP OF THE SERVICE.

THE LRS ALSO PROVIDED CONCILIATION FOR 15 088 CLAIMS IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE OR THE TERMS OF CONTRACTS OF EMPLOYMENT, SETTLED 8 344 OR SOME 55.3 PER CENT OF THEM, AND REFERRED MOST OF THE REMAINDER TO THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL FOR DECISION.

THE LRS INVESTIGATED 322 MAJOR COMPLAINTS ABOUT ALLEGED BREACHES OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, SUCH AS FAILURE TO PROVIDE REST DAYS, HOLIDAYS WITH PAY, ANNUAL LEAVE WITH PAY AND IMPROPER DEDUCTIONS OF WORKERS’ WAGES.

DURING 1981, THERE WERE 49 WORK STOPPAGES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, RESULTING IN 15 319 WORKING DAYS LOST, WITH AN AVERAGE CF 7.18 DAYS LOST PER THOUSAND EMPLOYEES.

♦THE AVERAGE FIGURE WAS CONSIDERED LOW BY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND WAS A POSITIVE INDICATOR OF GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE LRS ALSO HANDLED 226 290 ENQUIRIES AND CONSULTATIONS, COMPARED WITH 157 348 IN 1980, MOST OF THEM CONCERNED WITH PROVISIONS IN THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, AND PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.

THIS INCREASE SHOWED THAT BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES ATTACHED MORE IMPORTANCE TO LABOUR RELATIONS AND EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

o --------

bRIDAY, MARCH 19, 1982

ANCESTRAL HALL RESURRECTED IN NEW VILLAGE

*****

TODAY IS A BIG DAY FOR THE MORE THAN 100 VILLAGERS OF THE LI CLAN IN TSOK POK HANG VILLAGE, AS A NEW ANCESTRAL HALL HAS BEEN OPENED IN IT. THE CEREMONY WAS PERFORMED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, DR PATRICK HASE.

TSOK POK HANG WAS CLEARED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO UNDER THE VILLAGE REMOVAL SCHEME TO MAKE WAY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN, AND REBUILT BY THE GOVERNMENT ON A NEARBY SITE.

THE NEW VILLAGE, HANDED OVER TO THE ORIGINAL RESIDENTS TWO MONTHS AGO, INCLUDES 29 SMALL HOUSES WHICH COST ABOUT 111 MILLION.

IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE TRADITIONAL VILLAGE LIFE IS NOT DISRUPTED, THE GOVERNMENT ALSO RESURRECTED AND BUILT THE LI ANCESTRAL HALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NEW VILLAGE.

TODAY’S OPENING OF THE ANCESTRAL HALL MARKED THE COMPLETION CF THE VILLAGE’S REMOVAL SCHEME.

TSOK POK HANG IS THE FIFTH SHA TIN VILLAGE RESITED. THE OTHERS ARE KWAI TEI, PAT TSZ WO, KAK TIN TSUEN, KUNG MIU AND FUI YIU HA.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE, MH WAI HON-LEUNG, THE VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE, MR LI SHEK-YUNG, AND LOCAL LEADER, MR NG CHAN-LAM.

_ _ . _ 0 ---

HIGH CLASS TAI PO RESIDENTIAL SITE FOR TENDER * * * *

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR A SITE IN TAI PO TO BE DEVELOPED INTO A HIGH CLASS RESIDENTIAL AREA.

THE SITE, MEASURING 6.48 HECTARES. IS LOCATED NEAR TAI PO KAU COMMANDING A GOOD VIEW OF THE TOLO HARBOUR.

BUILDINGS TO BE ERECTED OH THE SITE SHOULD NOT BE MORE THAN TWO STOREYS, AND THE PLOT RATIO IS 0.3.

THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WILL BE REQUIRED TO MEET A BUILDING COVENANT OF $49 MILLION WITHIN FOUR YEARS.

APART FROM RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, SOME COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WILL BE PERMITTED SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY GOVERNMENT.

APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE ENTRANCE HALL ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (MAIN WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, BEFORE NOON ON MAY 21.

PARTICULARS AND TENDER FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS AND THE EIGHT DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

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/14 .....

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, $82 - 14 - ?

BUILDINGS TO BE RESUMED FOR MTR WORK s H * * * *

THREE FOUR-STOREY BUILDINGS IN NORTH POINT WILL BE RESUMED IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MTR ISLAND LINE.

THE PROPERTIES, BUILT IN EARLY POST-WAR PERIOD, ARE . LOCATED AT 458-478A KING’S ROAD AND 10-16 SHU KUK STREET r WHICH WILL BE REQUIRED FOR BUILDING THE NORTH POINT STATION CONCOURSE.

OWNERS OF PROPERTIES AT THIS SITE HAD BEEN GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENTER INTO JOINT REDEVELOPMENT WITH THE MTRC, AND ALL BUT TWO OWNERS AT 464 KING’S ROAD AND 12 SHU KUK STREET ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE IN A POSITION TO DO SO. THEY WERE'MADE FULLY AWARE, HOWEVER, THAT THEIR PROPERTIES WOULD BE RESUMED.

A RESUMPTION ORDER TO THIS EFFECT, MADE UNDER THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND RESUMPTION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE, WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE REMAINING TWO OWNERS HAVE AGREED TO MAKE THEIR SITE AVAILABLE FOR REDEVELOPMENT AND RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION WITHIN THE MTRC’S TIME SCALE.

ABOUT 600 PEOPLE FROM 215 FAMILIES IN THE PROPERTIES TO BE RESUMED WILL BE AFFECTED. THEY WILL BE OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S POLICY. STATUTORY COMPENSATION WILL BE PAID TO THOSE WHO ARE ELIGIBLE.

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NT BUS ROUTE CHANGES N N N

KOWLOON MOTOR BUS ROUTE NO. 65, FROM KADOORIE FARM TO TAI PO MARKET, WILL BEGIN OPERATION FROM MONDAY (MARCH 22).

THE ROUTE WILL RUN AT 25-MINUTE FREQUENCIES DURING PEAK PERIODS ON WEEKDAYS AT A FLAT FARE OF 70 CENTS.

HOWEVER, KMB ROUTE NO. 293, BETWEEN KOWLOON CITY FERRY AND TAI MONG TSAI, WILL SUSPEND ITS SERVICE FROM SUNDAY (MARCH 21) BECAUSE A SIMILAR SERVICE IS PROVIDED BY KMB ROUTE NO. 93R, WHICH OPERATES BETWEEN CHOI HUNG AND PAK TAM CHUNG.

KMB ROUTE NO. 250, BETWEEN TSIM SHA TSUI AND YUEN LONG EAST, WILL ALSO SUSPEND OPERATION FROM SUNDAY (MARCH 21) BECAUSE OF LOW PASSENGER PATRONAGE.

/15 .......

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 1982

NEW COMPENSATION RATES FOR RESUMED NT LAND * * *

THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE REVISED COMPENSATION RATES FOR LAND RESUMED IN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

FROM APRIL 1, OWNERS OF AGRICULTURAL LAND RESUMED WILL BE COMPENSATED AT THE FULL RATE OF *71 PER SQ. FT., AND FOR BUILDING LAND AT THE FULL RATE OF $145 PER SQ. FT.

THE NEW RATES, EFFECTIVE UP TO SEPTEMBER 30 WHEN A FURTHER REVIEW WILL BE CARRIED OUT, WILL ALSO FORM THE BASIS OF THE PERCENTAGE DEDUCTION FOR COMPENSATION FOR LAND RESUMED OUTSIDE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT AREAS.

THE COMPENSATION RATES WERE FIXED AT *27 PER SQ. FT. FOR AGRICULTURAL LAND AND *55 PER SQ. FT. FOR BUILDING LAND IN JULY 1978, AS RECOMMENDED IN A REPORT BY THE WORKING GROUP ON NEW TERRITORIES URBAN LAND ACQUISITIONS HEADED BY SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN.

SINCE THEN, THE RATES HAD BEEN INCREASED, THROUGH HALF-YEARLY REVIEWS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE WORKING GROUP, TO THE PREVAILING RATES OF *103 PER SQ. FT. FOR AGRICULTURAL LAND AND *220 PER SQ. FT. FOR BUILDING LAND, WHICH HAVE REMAINED UNCHANGED FOR THE PAST 12 MONTHS.

THE RATES ARE BEING TIED TO LAND VALUES, AND THE DROP IN THE COMPENSATION FOR THE CURRENT REVIEW REFLECTS THE DECREASE IN LAND VALUES OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS.

THE COMPENSATION RATE FOR OLD SCHEDULE AGRICULTURAL LOTS IN NEW KOWLOON AND HONG KONG ISLAND IS EQUIVALENT TO THE N.T. RATE PLUS 10 PER CENT AND THUS WILL ALSO BE REVISED TO *78.1 PER SQ. FT. FROM APRIL 1.

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TWO INDUSTRIAL LOTS SOLD K X K

TWO INDUSTRIAL LOTS IN KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION WERE SOLD AT AN AUCTION CONDUCTED BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE IN THE SHOUSON THEATRE, ARTS CENTRE TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE LARGER LOT, MEASURING ABOUT 3 509 SQUARE METRES, WAS SOLD TO WOKING INVESTMENT LIMITED FOR *18 MILLION OR *5 129.67 PER SQUARE METRE.

THE OTHER SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 1 696 SQUARE METRES, WAS SOLD TO SHU LIN INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED FOR *10.4 MILLION OR *6 132.08 PER SQUARE METRE.

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/16

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 1982

NEW SHEUNG WAN TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ft ft ft ft ft

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN A NUMBER OF ROAD SECTIONS IN SHEUNG WAN FROM MONDAY (MARCH 22) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MTR ISLAND LINE.

THEY ARE AS FOLLOWS I

A SECTION OF WESTBOUND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL BETWEEN MORRISON STREET AND RUMSEY STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A PROHIBITED ZONE.

A SECTION OF EASTBOUND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL BETWEEN HILLIER STREET AND RUMSEY STREET AND A SECTION OF HILLIER STREET BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND WING LOK STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AS 24-HOUR PUBLIC LIGHT BUS CLEARWAYS.

A SECTION OF RUMSEY STREET BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY.

THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS PROHIBITED ZONE IN HILLIER STREET BETWEEN DES VOEJX ROAD CENTRAL AND WING LOK STREET WILL BE RESCINDED.

EARLY-MORNING ROAD CLOSURE ft ft ft

THE SLIP ROAD FROM QUEENSWAY TO COTTON TREE DRIVE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 21) FOR CABLE RENEWAL WORKS.

DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ALONG WESTBOUND QUEENSWAY FADING FOR MID-LEVELS WILL BE DIVERTED VIA QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, PEDDER STREET, CHATER ROAD, MURRAY ROAD AND COTTON TREE DRIVE.

_ - - 0 -----------

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 1982

CHINESE MUSIC WEEK PROMOTION * * * *

FOR THE PAST FEW DAYS, THE ACTIVITIES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE HAVE BEEN CONCENTRATED ON THE PROMOTION OF CHINESE MUSIC THROUGH A SERIES OF LECTURES ON ASPECTS OF MANAGEMENT, CONDUCTING AND HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY CHINESE MUSIC.

THESE ACTIVITIES CONNECTED WITH THE HIGHLY-SUCCESSFUL ’CHINESE MUSIC WEEK’, SPONSORED BY THE YUET WAH MUSIC COMPANY, WILL CULMINATE IN TWO INTERESTING EVENTS TO BE HELD AT THE WEEKEND.

TOMORROW (SATURDAY), A SYMPOSIUM ON ’THE FUTURE OF CHINESE MUSIC COMPOSITION IN HONG KONG’ WILL BE ORGANISED IN THE COMMITTEE ROOM OF THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM AT 7.30 PM.

CHAIRING THE SYMPOSIUM WILL BE MR TONG LEUNG-TAK, TRAINING OFFICER OF THE CHINESE MUSIC DISCIPLINE OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, WITH MR LAW WEI-LUN, MR GOK KWONG-YIU AND MR TAM CHI-BUN AS GUEST SPEAKERS.

DISCUSSION TOPICS WILL INCLUDE THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHINESE MUSIC IN HONG KONG, AND THE PROMOTION OF CHINESE MUSIC COMPOSITION. ™E D’scuss*ONS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND SHOULD PROVE OF INTEREST TO MUSIC STUDENTS AND TEACHERS ALIKE.

THE ’CHINESE MUSIC WEEK’ WILL BE A GALA AT 8 PM AT KOWLOON CARITAS CENTRE. THE ,NCLUDE PERFORMANCES BY NINE AMATEUR CHINESE ORCHESTRA AND WILL FEATURE A GUEST PERFORMANCE BY CHINESE »^c«a»T.A‘Tu,oSIRUCT0RS THE MUS,C °PF ICE, WITH THE COMPOSER, PROFESSOR LIN SHENG-SHIH OFFICIATING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY.

evehts is free- for

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191

SATURDAY, MARCH 2C, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LAND RECLAIMED FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT ........ 1

LOYALTY AND DEDICATION PATHWAY TO A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN CUSTOMS SERVICE ......................................... 2

UNITED KINGDOM - MALAYSIA AIR SERVICES TALKS ............ 2

FAMILY IS SCHOOL FOR PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT ............ 3

SALT WATER CUT HI KWUN TONG ............................. 3

LABOUR LAW OFFENCES .................................... **

FACELIFT' FOR TWO LANTAU BEACHES ....................... 't

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KENNEDY TOWN .................... 5

URBAN CLEARWAY IN SMITHFIELD ROAD ....................... 5

RESTRICTED ROADS IN CHOI HUNG ESTATE .................... 6

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN TAI PO ROAD

SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 1982

LAND RECLAIMED FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT ft * * *

TO COPE WITH THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT AND RISING DEMAND FOR LAND IN ABERDEEN AND AP LEI CHAU, THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN CARRYING OUT AN AMBITIOUS RECLAMATION PROJECT FOR 18.4 HECTARES OF LAND AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF 1116.5 MILLION.

THIS WAS REVEALED BY THE CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT, MR K.C. KWONG, WHEN HE AND THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS LOLLY CHIU, LED THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS IN A TOUR OF AP LEI CHAU AND ABERDEEN THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.

THE RECLAMATION PROJECT, WHICH STARTED IN THE 1960’S IN THREE PHASES, IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED BY 1987.

THE RECLAIMED LAND IS TO PROVIDE FOR AN IMPROVED ROAD SYSTEM BY BUILDING NEW ROADS AND A BUS TERMINUS, AND FOR A CIVIC CENTRE, A MAGISTRACY, AND PUBLIC PIERS.

IN ADDITION, A NEW MARKET COMPLEX IS BEING BUILT AT THE CORNER OF ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD AND CHENGTU ROAD, WHICH WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR. APART FROM MARKET STALLS, IT WILL ACCOMMODATE A PUBLIC LIBRARY, A COOKED FOOD CENTRE, A RESTAURANT, AN INDOOR GAMES HALL, AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES.

IN TODAY’S VISIT, THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS FIRST WENT TO THE AP LEI CHAU ESTATE OFFICE FOR A BRIEFING ON LOCAL HOUSING PROJECTS BY THE ESTATE’S HOUSING MANAGER, MR K.W. NG. THEY WERE TOLD THAT THERE WOULD BE TWO HOUSING ESTATES IN AP LEI CHAU BY 1986, ACCOMMODATING SOME 71 600 PEOPLE.

THE 5.27-HECTARE AP LEI CHAU ESTATE WILL HAVE SIX BLOCKS OF 4 479 SELF-CONTAINED FLATS DESIGNED TO HOUSE 20 000 PEOPLE BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.

THE SECOND ESTATE, LEI TUNG ESTATE, NEAR PAK SHA WAN, WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1986 FOR 51 600 RESIDENTS, INCLUDING 42 700 LIVING IN RENTAL HOUSING AND 8 900 IN HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS.

THE GROUP THEN PROCEEDED TO THE ROOF-TOP OF LEI NING HOUSE FOR AN OVERALL VIEW OF ABERDEEN BEFORE VISITING THE COMMUNITY HALL IN AP LEI CHAU ESTATE PHASE 2A WHERE THEY WERE BRIEFED BY A COMMUNITY. AND YOUTH OFFICER, MISS LESLIE LAM ON FACILITIES PROVIDED THERE.

BEFORE CONCLUDING THEIR VISIT, THE MEMBERS LEFT AP LEI CHAU FOR TIN WAN TO BOARD A GOVERNMENT LAUNCH FOR A CRUISE OF THE ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER AND FOR A CLOSER LOOK AT THE VARIOUS ON-GOING PROJECTS.

SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 1982

2 -

LOYALTY AND DEDICATION PATHWAY TO A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN CUSTOMS SERVICE

* * *

THE REGIONAL COMMANDER OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE (HONG KONG ISLAND REGION), MR W.K. KONG TODAY (SATURDAY) STRESSED TO THE NEW RECRUITS THAT THEY MUST UPHOLD THE HIGH STANDARDS OF THE SERVICE AND BE LOYAL AND DEDICATED TO THEIR WORK.

ADDRESSING THE PASSING OUT PARADE OF 136 CUSTOMS OFFICERS AT THE SERVICE’S TRAINING SCHOOL IN TAI LAM CHUNG, MR KONG TOLD THE PROBATIONARY OFFICERS THAT THEY HAD JOINED THE SERVICE AT THE RIGHT TIME - A TIME WHEN THE SERVICE IS BEING EXPANDED IN ALL ITS FIELDS, WITH THE CREATION OF CONSIDERABLE NEW SENIOR POSTS TO BE FILLED BY OFFICERS OF THE RIGHT CALIBRE.

♦HOWEVER,* SAID MR KONG, +YOU CANNOT JUST SIT BACK IN THE HOPE OF GETTING THEM SINCE THERE IS SO MUCH COMPETITION. UNLESS ONE IS PREPARED TO PUT EVERY OUNCE OF HIS ENERGY INTO HIS WORK, HE WILL CERTAINLY BE UNABLE TO CLIMB UP THE LADDER OF PROMOTION.+

HE REMINDED OFFICERS THAT THE EFFICIENCY OF THE SERVICE DEPENDED PRIMARILY ON MORALE. +AS OUR COMMISSIONER ALWAYS SAYS THAT WE ARE ALL IN ONE BIG FAMILY, SO WE MUST SHARE IN THE COMMON BOUQUETS AND EQUALLY SHARE AMONG OURSELVES ANY BRICKBATS ADDRESSED TO THE SERVICE. WE MUST WORK AS A TEAM, AND CREDIT IS DUE NOT TO INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS BUT TO THE TEAM AS A WHOLE.*

HE SAID PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVING FACILITIES AT THE CUSTOMS TRAINING SCHOOL WERE BEING CONSIDERED.

♦THE RECOMMENDATIONS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, INCORPORATE THE INSTALLATION OF A STANDARD SWIMMING POOL, THE ERECTION OF AN ADMINISTRATION BLOCK - MAKING MORE CLASSROOMS AS WELL AS VISUAL-AID ROOMS FOR LARGER INTAKES OF TRAINEES - BETTER MESS AND CANTEEN FACILITIES, TOGETHER WITH AN ELEVEN A-SIDE SOCCER FIELD,♦ HE SAID.

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UNITED KINGDOM - MALAYSIA AIR SERVICES TALKS K * ft *

AIR SERVICES NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE MALAYSIAN AERONAUTICAL AUTHORITIES WILL BE HELD IN LONDON FROM MONDAY. THE TALKS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR THREE OR FOUR DAYS.

REPRESENTING THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AT THE TALKS IS MR N. LATHAM, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION (AIR SERVICES).

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/}.......

SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 1982

FAMILY IS SCHOOL FOR PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT * * * *

THE FAMILY IS A KIND OF SCHOOL IN WHICH WE DEVELOP OUR HUMAN PERSONALITIES. THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING WHEN HE OPENED THE CARITAS FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMME.

THE PROCESS COULD ACHIEVE ITS BEST RESULTS ONLY THROUGH THE MUTUAL AFFECTION OF HUSBAND AND WIFE AND THEIR DEDICATED CO-OPERATION IN BRINGING UP THEIR CHILDREN TO RESPOND EFFECTIVELY TO LIFE AND ITS CHALLENGES, HE SAID.

MR ALLEYNE BELIEVED IT WAS IN THE FAMILY THAT INDIVIDUALS COULD HELP EACH OTHER TO DEVELOP A DEEPER HUMANITY, TO GROW IN MUTUAL LOVE AND RESPECT.

♦HERE, THEY HELP EACH NEW GENERATION TO GROW UP WISELY AND WELL, AND THEY LEARN HOW TO BRING INTO BALANCE THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE INDIVIDUAL WITHIN THE FAMILY GROUP AND, ULTIMATELY, IN SOCIETY AS A WHOLE,* HE SAID.

♦THUS EVERYONE OF US IN GOVERNMENT AS WELL AS IN THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, HAS A PUBLIC DUTY TO WORK'EFFECTIVELY FOR THE WELFARE OF MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY, AND TO RECOGNISE, AND ACTIVELY PROTECT, THE VALUES OF MARRIAGE AND THE PROSPERITY OF FAMILY LIFE.*

ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, MR ALLEYNE SAID IT WAS PROMOTED TO ADVANCE POSITIVELY THAT MOST PRECIOUS UNIT, WHERE MAN AND WOMAN, YOUNG AND OLD, JOINED IN A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP, COULD GROW IN HARMONY OF MIND AND MUTUAL AFFECTION AS A FIRM FOUNDATION FOR A PEACEFUL COMMUNITY.

HE DESCRIBED FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION AS +ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT BRANCHES OF SOCIAL WORK AS WELL AS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT+.

MR ALLEYNE SAIDt +WE ALL HAVE AN ACTIVE ROLE TO PLAY AND SHOULD TRY TO ENLIGHTEN EACH OTHER BY HONEST DISCUSSIONS, JOINT EFFORTS AND MUTUAL CO-OPERATION, TO CARE FOR THE FAMILIES IN THE COMMUNITY.*

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SALT WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG M M K

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF AREAS IN KWUN TONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 22) TO 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 23) FOR WATER MAIN REPAIRS.

THE AREAS AFFECTED ARE LAI YIP STREET, KWUN TONG FACTORY BUILDING BLOCKS 1 AND 2, TAI YIP STREET, SIU YIP STREET, AND KOWLOON BAY INDUSTRIAL AREA.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 1982

LABOUR LAW OFFENCES XXX

OF THE 823 PROSECUTIONS TAKEN OUT BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT LAST MONTH (FEBRUARY) FOR BREACHES OF LABOUR LEGISLATION, 796 RESULTED IN CONVICTION AND THE FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS TOTALLED MORE THAN $748 000.

CASES CONCERNING VIOLATIONS OF SAFETY REGULATIONS TOTALLED 253, WITH 1426 000 IN FINES. THESE INCLUDED 135 CASES (WITH $193 350 IN FINES) FOR BREACH OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS AND 55 CASES (WITH $158 150 IN FINES) FOR BREACH OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS.

CASES RELATING TO BREACHES OF THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS ACCOUNTED FOR 458 WITH $250 725 IN FINES.

OF THE OTHER PROSECUTIONS, 22 CASES WERE RELATED TO FAILURE TO KEEP RECORDS OF EMPLOYEES, LEADING TO $15 550 IN FINES.

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FACELIFT FOR TWO LANTAU BEACHES * * *

MORE THAN 30 COMMUNITY-MINDED YOUNGSTERS TODAY (SATURDAY) SPENT THEIR HOLIDAY GIVING A FACELIFT TO TWO LITTER-RIDDEN BEACHES IN THE SOUTH-WESTERN PART OF LANTAU ISLAND.

THE YOUTHS ARE STUDENTS OF TAI 0 PUBLIC SCHOOL. WING CHOR SCHOOL AND FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION TAI 0 PRIMAR^ SCHOOL.

,^ED.BYJHEIR TEACHERS, THE CHILDREN STARTED THE CLEAN-UP £ E*N LAU SAI WAN BEACH BEF0R:E PROCEEDING TO FAN LAU TUNG WAN BEACH.

THEY SPENT THE DAY CLEARING UP A LARGE QUANTITY OF REFUSE AND EMPTIED CANS LEFT BEHIND BY PICNICKERS AND CAMPERS^

1U tuIH!..££!£!! UP WAS PART 0F THE STUDENTS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE CURRENT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAGIN.

EXERCISE/ CLEANSING STAFF OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT PROVIDED BACK-UP SERVICE IN REMOVING THE DEBRIS.

/cniALG0 TAKING PART ,N THE OPERATION WERE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (SOUTH REGION) OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JAMES WILSON, THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF ISLANDS, MR YUNG CH ING-FONG ; THE CHAIRMAN OF TAI 0 RURAL COMMITTEE, MR YUE YUEN-HEI, AND SENIOR COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER, MR IU KAU-CHOI. ’

- 0 - -

SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 1982

• 5 -TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KENNEDY TOWN * * *

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS KILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN KENNEDY TOWN FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 22) TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY.

THEY AREi

* EASTBOUND VEHICLES ON VICTORIA ROAD AND BELCHER'S STREET WILL BE PROHIBITED FRON TURNING RIGHT INTO CADOGAN STREET, DAVIS STREET, SMITHFIELD ROAD AND SANDS STREET.

* VEHICLES ON THE SECTIOU OF CADOGAN STREET SOUTH OF BELCHER'S STREET WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING LEFT INTO VICTORIA ROAD.

* VEHICLES ON THE SECTION OF DAVIS STREET SOUTH OF BELCHER'S STREET WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING RIGHT INTO BELCHER'S STREET.

» VEHICLES ON THE SECTION OF DAVIS STREET NORTH OF BELCHER'S STREET WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING LEFT INTO BELCHER'S STREET.

* VEHICLES ON THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGE OF BELCHER'S STREET WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING LEFT INTO SMITHFIELD ROAD.

* THE SECTION OF NORTH STREET BETWEEN CATCHICK STREET AND BELCHER'S STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY NORTHBOUND.

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URBAN CLEARWAY IN SMITHFIELD ROAD M * *

THE KERBSIDE LANE OF THE WESTERN CARRIAGEWAY IN SMITHFIELD ROAD IN KENNEDY TOWN BETWEEN CATCHICK STREET AND BELCHER’S STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AS AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 22).

ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS WITHIN THE CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.

THE EXTENT OF THE URBAN CLEARWAY WILL BE INDICATED BY TRAFFIC SIGNS AND CARRIAGEWAY MARKINGS.

-------o - - - -

SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 1982

RESTRICTED ROADS IN CHOI HUNG ESTATE

* * M

ACCE?S INTO CHOI HUNG ESTATE WILL BE RESTRICTED FROM

TODAYA(SATURDAY)3 ’ * TRANSP0RT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED

UNDER THIS ARRANGEMENT, ENTRANCES TO THE ESTATE WILL BE JJJLeuZeP MANAGEMENT, AND ONLY AUTHORISED VEHICLES, TAXIS WITH PASSENGERS AND MAXilCABS WILL BE PERMITTED TO ENTER. THE SPOKESMAN'mED?SES "'LL "°T “ “•L0WEI> T° ENTER THE EST,TE-

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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN TAI PO ROAD * * *

Akin I™ P° R°AD BETWEEN THE FANLING SWIMMING POOL

Ab£°-1J!L,AB0UT 300 METRES WEST OF THE FANLING LEVEL CROSSING

WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 22) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FANLING BYPASS.

acui Ek?!URE PERIOD, TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE

NEWLY COMPLETED BRIDGE-CROSSING SOUTH OF TAI PO ROAD.

- - 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

COUNTRY AND COMMODITY BREAKDOWN FIGURES FOR AIRBORNE MERCHANDISE TRADE IN 1981 ..................................... 1

MICROWAVE MODEL STUDY ON LEI YUE MUN BRIDGE.................... 3

1982 HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP ............................... 4

NT GRAVES DUE FOR EXHUMATION ................................

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING FOR IN-SERVICE KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS .. 6

HANDBOOK TO KEEP TUEN MUN PEOPLE BETTER INFORMED .............. 7

RE-ROUTING OF MAXICABS ......................................

SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 1982

COUNTRY AND COMMODITY BREAKDOWN FIGURES FOR AIRBORNE MERCHANDISE TRADE IN 1981 * * * *

AIRBORNE MERCHANDISE TRADE IN 1981 WAS VALUED AT 157 OOI MILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 23 PER CENT OVER 1980.

AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE VALUED AT $21 344 MILLION (UP 25 PER CENT), AIRBORNE IMPORTS AT $25 665 MILLION (UP 23 PER CENT), AND AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS AT $9 991 MILLION (UP 21 PER CENT).

IN 1981, 27 PER CENT BY VALUE OF TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 19 PER CENT OF TOTAL IMPORTS AND 24 PER CENT OF TOTAL RE-EXPORTS WERE DESPATCHED BY AIR.

SUMMARY TRADE STATISTICS ON AIRBORNE MERCHANDISE TRADE IN 1981 WERE RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY.

THE FOLLOWING TABLE ILLUSTRATES THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF THE SIX MAJOR MARKETS FOR HONG KONG’S AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTSi-

1981 (HK$ MN.) 1980 (HK$ MN.) INCREASE/DECREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

USA 9 659 6 703 ♦2 956 +44

FR OF GERMANY 2 003 1 972 ♦ 31 + 2

UK 1 394 1 516 - 122 - 8

JAPAN 1 367 920 ♦ 447 ♦49

CANADA 666 469 ♦ 197 ♦42

SWITZERLAND 564 541 + 23 ♦ 4

BY COMMODITY, INCREASES IN AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED MAINLY IN CLOTHING (BY $1 898 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT), PARTS AND ACCESSORIES OF OFFICE MACHINES AND DATA PROCESSING MACHINES. INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (BY $607 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $490 MILLION OR NINE PER CENT).

HOWEVER, DECLINES WERE RECORDED FOR SCRAP AND SWEEPINGS OF PRECIOUS METALS (OTHER THAN OF GOLD) (BY $179 MILLION OR 53 PER CENT) AS WELL AS THERMIONIC, COLD CATHODE AND PHOTO-CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, PHOTOCELLS AND TRANSISTORS (BY $197 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT).

FURTHER ANALYSIS OF COMMODITY BY COUNTRY REVEALED SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING TO THE USA (BY $1 180 MILLION OR 56 PER CENT), JAPAN (BY $384 MILLION OR 98 PER CENT) AND CANADA (BY $88 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT)* IN AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS TO THE USA (BY $251 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT) AND SAUDI ARABIA (BY 82.VJ5 MILLION OR 119 PER CENT); AND IN AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF PARTS AND ACCESSORIES OF OFFICE MACHINES AND DATA PROCESSING MACHINES, INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS, TO THE USA (BY $638 MILLION OR 54 PER CENT).

/airborne imports ...

SUNDAY, MA2CH 21, 1982

2 -

AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM THE SIX MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SHOWN

BELOW i - 1981 (HK$ MN.) 1980 (HK$ MN.) INCREASE/DECREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

JAPAN 6 012 4 661 +1 351 +29

USA 5 089 4 722 ♦ 367 + 8

SWITZERLAND 2 139 2 186 - 47 - 2

UK 1 507 1 012 ♦ 495 +49

TA IWAN 1 457 982 ♦ 475 +48

REP. OF KOREA 1 295 894 ♦ 401 +45

INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY SI 360 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT), THERMIONIC, COLD CATHODE AND PHOTO-CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, PHOTOCELLS AND TRANSISTORS (BY S798 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT), AS WELL AS PEARLS, PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES (BY S672 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT). IN CONTRAST, DECREASES WERE NOTED IN THE SUPPLY, BY AIR, OF PARTS AND ACCESSORIES OF OFFICE MACHINES AND DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY 1100 MILLION OR SIX PER CENT), AS WELL AS AIRCRAFT AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT (BY $414 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT).

INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS FROM JAPAN (BY $843 MILLION OR 40 PER CENT) AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (BY $316 MILLION OR 96 PER CENT). AMONG THE SIX MAJOR SUPPLIERS, THE USA WAS THE LARGEST SUPPLIER, BY AIR, OF PEARLS, PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES, SHOWING AN INCREASE OF $218 MILLION OR 115 PER CENT. GROWTH WAS ALSO RECORDED IN AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF THERMIONIC, COLD CATHODE AND PHOTO-CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, PHOTOCELLS AND TRANSISTORS FROM TAIWAN (BY $168 MILLION OR 85 PER CENT), AND THE USA (BY $165 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT).

AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO GROW IN 1981. MAJOR RE-EXPORT ITEMS WITH SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE THERMIONIC, COLD CATHODE AND PHOTO-CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, PHOTOCELLS AND IRANSISTORS (BY $652 MILLION OR 65 PER CENT), PEARLS. PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES (BY $509 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT), AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $279 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS OF SILVER, PLATINUM AND OTHER METALS OF THE PLATINUM GROUP DECLINED SUBSTANTIALLY (BY $190 MILLION OR 73 PER CENT).

THE USA WAS THE LARGEST MARKET FOR HONG KONG'S AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS, WITH A VALUE OF $1 578 MILLION (AN INCREASE OF $507 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT). INCREASES WERE ALSO REGISTERED IN AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN (BY $288 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (BY $254 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT), ISRAEL (BY $203 MILLION OR 115 PER CENT), PHILIPPINES (BY $101 MILLION OR 65 PER CENT) AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (BY $94 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT). AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO SWITZERLAND CONTINUED TO DECLINE (BY $158 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT).

------0-------

/3......

SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 1982

MICROWAVE MODEL STUDY ON LEI YUE MUN BRIDGE ******

THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION HAS SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITH s i5ENSs^8F:;?6^iNira^i.u‘miNs sys™ ™

THE INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM IS A RADIO NAVIGATIONAL AID '^AIRCRAFT IN LOW CLOUD-BASE AND POOR VISIBILITY £2r?iJJ.0NS ’ THE SLIDEPATH IS AN ELEMENT OF THE SYSTEM WHICH TOP KrJA?T°nLrLncDEGREES FR0M THE HORIZONTAL ALONG WHICH THE AIRCRAFT DESCENDS.

r^«.ItlS.ACCURACY 0F THE GLIDiiPATH SIGNAL IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DEGRADATION BY REFLECTIONS AND RE-RADIATIONS FROM OBSTRUCTIONS SUCH AS A BRIDGE AT LEI YUE MUN, WHICH IF BUILT, WOULD BE A MASSIVE STRUCTURE WITHIN THE RADIATION COVERAGE OF THE GLIDEPATH AER I AL •

♦THE OBJECTIVE OF THE MICROWAVE MODEL STUDY IS TO ENSURE THAT THERE WILL BE NO OUT-OF-TOLERANCE ABERRATIONS ON THE GLIDEPATH AND TO MINIMISE THE EFFECT OF THE BRIDGE ON GLIDEPATH ACCURACY BY CHOOSING AN APPROPRIATE BRIDGE DESIGN,♦ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SAID.

♦THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY HAS BEEN ASKED TO PRODUCE MODELS AT ABOUT 1/9OTH SCALE OF THE GLIDEPATH ANTENNA, THE NEIGHBOURING TERRAIN, BUILDINGS AND THE PROPOSED LEI YUE MUN BRIDGE WITH THE FREQUENCY OF THE GLIDEPATH RAIIATION PROPORTIONATELY INCREASED TO SIMULATE THE ELECTROMAGNETIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REAL SYSTEM,+ « ADDED. ’

MEASUREMENT OF THE GLIDEPATH PERFORMANCE WITH THE PRESENCE OF THE SCALED BRIDGE WILL THEN BE CARRIED OUT ON THE MODELS.

♦SEVERAL BRIDGE DESIGNS AND CONSTRUCTION METHODS WILL BE SIMULATED TO DETERMINE WHICH WILL HAVE THE LEAST EFFECT ON THE GLIDEPATH ACCURACY,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE STUDY IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT TEN MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY, WHICH HAS BEEN COMMISSIONED AS A CONSULTANT TO UNDERTAKE THE STUDY, HAS HAD MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD OF MICROWAVE MODEL STUDY AND HAS A TEST RANGE AVAILABLE FOR USE.

--------o -

SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 1982

1982 HONG KO1G YOUTH MUSIC CAMP

* * * *

THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE THE 1982 HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP FROM JULY 24 TO AUGUST 8 AT ST STEPHEN’S COLLEGE, STANLEY.

THIS FOLLOWS THE SUCCESS OF LAST YEAR’S MUSIC CAMP HELD AT THE YMCA WU KWAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE.

APART FROM INVITING LOCAL YOUNG MUSICIANS TO JOIN THE CAMP, INVITATIONS WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED TO OVERSEAS YOUNG INSTRUMENTALISTS. IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH THIS INTENSIVE MUSIC TRAINING IN BOTH WESTERN AND CHINESE INSTRUMENTS IN A SUMMER CAMP ATMOSPHERE, THE MUSICAL CAPABILITIES OF YOUNG PEOPLE WILL BE DEVELOPED AND INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE BE FOSTERED.

MUSIC TRAINING IN THE FORM OF WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS, MASTER CLASSES, HI-FI MUSIC APPRECIATION, SECTIONAL AND ORCHESTRAL REHEARSALS WILL BE CONDUCTED BY RENOWNED LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MUSICIANS. ASIDE FROM MUSICAL ACTIVITIES, THE YOUNGSTERS WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO ENJOY A FULL RANGE OF CAMP SPORTS ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SWIMMING, TRAMPOLIN ING, CANOEING, TENNIS, EXCURSIONS, ARCHERY, FOLK DANCE AND BALL GAMES DUR I KG THEIR STAY.

A SPECIAL FINALE CONCERT WILL BE HELD ON AUGUST 7, TO WHICH FAMILIES OF THE YOUNG MUSICIANS WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND.

APPLICATIONS TO JOIN THE 1982 HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP ARE NOW OPEN TO ALL YOUNG MUSIC LOVERS. CANDIDATES SHOULDi

(A) BE UNDER THE AGE OF 24 BY JULY 24, 1982-

(B) (1) HAVE ATTAINED AT LEAST GRADE V OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC EXAMINATIONS OR EQUIVALENT IN WESTERN ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENT- OR

(2) HAVE REACHED AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE IN CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS (ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE WOULD BE AN ADVANTAGE), BUT MAY BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND AN AUDITION TO 3E HELD BEFORE THE END OF APRIL 1982.

CAMP FEE WILL BE $140 EACH, INCLUSIVE OF TUITION FEES, MEALS AND ACCOMMODATION.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE AT I

(A) MUSIC OFFICE

(1) HEAD OFFICE, 9/F., HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, 2 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

(2) EAST KOWLOON MUSIC CENTRE, 100 TING FU STREET, 2/F., YAU HAU MANSION, NGAU TAU KOK, KOWLOON.

(3) NEW TERRITORIES MUSIC CENTRE, 167 - 173 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, CHEUNG YIU BUILDING, 1/F., TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.

/(B) HEADQUARTERS.........

SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 1982

- 5 -

(B) HEADQUARTERS, RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, li/F., WING 0N CENTRE, 111 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG AND ITS 19 DISTRICT OFFICES.

COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD REACH THE MUSIC OFFICE, 9/F., HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, 2 HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 1982.

ENQUIRY TELEPHONE NUMBERS AREt 5-283257} 3-7561328j AND 0-428127.

------0-------

NT GRAVES DUE FOR EXHUMATION

I* **

THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY ADVISED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT ALL HUMAN REMAINS BURIED IN GRAVES IN NEW TERRITORIES PUBLIC CEMETERIES IN 1975 ARE NOW DUE FOR EXHUMATION.

A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO REMOVE AND DISPOSE OF HUMAN REMAINS FROM CHEUNG CHAU CEMETERY, SANDY RIDGE CEMETERY, SANDY RIDGE URN CEMETERY AND WO HOP SHEK CEMETERY WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON FRIDAY (APRIL 2).

THE ANNUAL RE-CYCLE EXERCISE OF RECOVERY OF GRAVE SPACES FROM ALL 1975 COFFIN SECTIONS IN ALL PUBLIC CEMETERIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR RE-USE PURPOSES IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISION OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD SAID.

A TOTAL OF 9 200 GRAVES — INCLUDING 7 559 IN WO HOP SHEK CEMETERY AND THE OTHERS IN SANDY RIDGE CEMETERY, SANDY RIDGE URN CEMETERY AND CHEUNG CHAU CEMETERY — ARE DUE FOR EXHUMATION.

THE EXHUMED REMAINS COULD BE RE-BURIED IN THE URN SECTION OF PUBLIC CEMETERIES OR AFTER CREMATION THE ASHES DEPOSITED IN A NICHE IN A GOVERNMENT OR PRIVATE COLUMBARIUM OR KEPT AT HOME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

APPLICATION FOR A PERMISSION TO EXHUME ANY HUMAN REMAINS, WHICH COSTS $50, SHOULD BE MADE TO THE CEMETERIES AND CREMATORIA OFFICE OF THE NTSD AT 6 CHEONG HANG ROAD, HUNG HOM, BEFORE APRIL 30.

IF THE REMAINS ARE NOT REMOVED OR DISPOSED OF AFTER EXPIRY OF THE ORDER, THEY WILL BE CREMATED AT A GOVERNMENT CREMATORIUM AND THE ASHES RE-BURIED AT THE SANDY RIDGE URN CEMETERY OR OTHER URN CEMETERY.

--------o----------

SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 1982

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING FOR IN-SERVICE KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS * * *

PRACTISING KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS WHO ARE NOT PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED CAN NOW APPLY TO ATTEND TWO 12-WEEK COURSES TO BE CONDUCTED IN THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR WHICH WILL LEAD TO THE AWARD OF +QUALIFIED ASSISTANT KINDERGARTEN TEACHER+ STATUS.

THESE NEWLY-STRUCTURED COURSES ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS WITH THE BASIC TRAINING NECESSARY FOR IMPROVING THE STANDARD OF KINDERGARTEN TEACHING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICY SET OUT IN THE WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES ISSUED LAST JULY, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE FIRST COURSE WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, AND THE SECOND WILL COMMENCE IN MARCH, 1983, HE SAID.

COURSE CONTENTS WILL TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BOTH THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION, AS WELL AS A BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF FACTORS INFLUENCING THEIR LEARNING AND BEHAVIOUR WHICH ARE OF SIGNIFICANCE TO CLASSROOM PRACTICE.

EMPHASIS WILL BE PLACED ON THE CONTENT OF THE KINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION, INCLUDING THE GENERAL ORGANISATION OF TIME-TABLES AND ACTIVITIES.

VISITS TO KINDERGARTENS AND OTHER RELATED INSTITUTIONS WILL BE ARRANGED FOR THE TRAINEES.

APPLICANTS SHOULD BE PERMITTED OR REGISTERED KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS OR HEAD TEACHERS CURRENTLY TEACHING FULL-TIME WITH A MINIMUM OF TWO YEARS’ TEACHING EXPERIENCE IN A REGISTERED KINDERGARTEN, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

TRAINEES WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND TWO THREE-HOUR SESSIONS PER WEEK, EITHER FROM 9.30 AM TO 12.30 PM- OR FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM, HE SAID.

THE COURSES WILL BE HELD IN THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE TEACHING CENTRES, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, SECOND FLOOR, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG.

NO TUITION FEES WILL BE CHARGED AND CLASSES WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE.

APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GENERAL OFFICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AT LEE GARDENS, FIFTH FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, OR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SIXTH FLOOR, NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY PHOTOCOPIES OF EVERY TEACHING PERMIT ISSUED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN RESPECT OF THE APPLICANTS’ TEACHING EXPERIENCE.

/COMPLETED POEMS .......

SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 1982

- 7 -

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED NOT LATER THAN APRIL 7 TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, KINDERGARTEN SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG.

SELECTED APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW IN MAY AND THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED BEFORE THE END OF JULY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

-----0------

HANDBOOK TO KEEP TUEN MUN PEOPLE BETTER INFORMED * * * *

AN INFORMATION HANDBOOK HAS JUST BEEN PUBLISHED FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION TO +NEW COMERS* TO TUEN MUN NEW TOWN AS WELL AS OLD TIMERS.

JOINTLY COMPILED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND A YOUTH VOLUNTARY GROUP, THE PUBLICATION CONTAINS USEFUL INFORMATION ON VARIOUS SERVICES SUCH AS MEDICAL, SOCIAL WELFARE, CABLE AND POSTAL, LEGAL AID, RECREATION, EDUCATION, TRANSPORT AND LIBRARY FACILITIES PROVIDED IN THE DISTRICT.

A TOTAL OF 65 000 COPIES HAVE BEEN PRINTED WITH $60 000 CONTRIBUTED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD.

THE 28—PAGE HANDBOOK, IN CHINESE ONLY, ALSO CONTAINS A SPECIAL CHAPTER ON THE ORGANISATION OF THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD AND RURAL COMMITTEE.

THE HISTORY OF TUEN MUN, POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN THE DISTRICT AND NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PLANS ARE INCLUDED.

IN ADDITION, THERE IS A MAP SHOWING THE LOCATIONS OF MAJOR LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND A LIST OF IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS.

COPIES OF THE HANDBOOK ARE BEING DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID IT WAS HOPED THAT EVERY HOUSEHOLD IN TUEN MUN WOULD GET A COPY OF THE INFORMATION GUIDE WHICH IS AIMED AT KEEPING THE PEOPLE BETTER INFORMED AND UPDATED OF THE NEW TOWN THEY LIVED IN.

+BOTH LONG-TIME RESIDENTS AND PEOPLE WHO RECENTLY MOVED TO TUEN MUN FROM URBAN AREAS WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS INFORMATIVE HANDBOOK,* HE SAID.

-----o-----

/8........

SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 1982

RE-ROUTING OF MAX ICABS

XXX

cT0CCTS i™rS™L0F^.THE NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN BELCHER’S wTiRFEIa „2NS KONG ISLAND PLB MAXICAB ROUTE NO. 12 13 AND 23

WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 22)’

BE DI VERTED^ ?°™RUNNING CIRCULAR OPERATIONS, WILL

STREET SMITHFIELD ROW? "’ ST"EET' C‘TCHICK

MAXICAB NO. 23. ALSO A CIRCULAR ROUTE Will opfpatf via KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA INSTEAD OF SANDS STREET'AND BELCHER’S STREET.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

MONDAY, MARCH 22, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

22 UNOFFICIALS TO SPEAK ON BUDGET ............................. 1

training of COMMERCIAL MANPOWER ............................... 1

CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR FEBRUARY ........................... 2

CAS CADET CORPS SEEKS MORE YOUNG MEMBERS ...................... 4

SOUTH BAY ROAD SITE UP FOR SALE................................ 5

CHINESE VISITORS OFFICE MOVING ................................ 6

TEMPORARY CURTAILMENT OF PEAK TRAM SERVICE .................... 6

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR MATRICULATION STUDENTS ................... 7

WATER FIGURES ................................................. 7

TELE-MATCH COMPETITIONS TO PROMOTE FAMILY HARMONY ............. 8

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF THEN MUN ROAD ............................ 8

NEW TERRITORIES MOBILE LIBRARY ................................ 9

MONDAY, MARCH 22, 1982

22 UNOFFICIALS TO SPEAK ON BUDGET * * *

THE BUDGET DEBATE WILL RESUME IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 24) WHEN 11 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE BUDGET PROPOSALS. THE DEBATE WILL CONTINUE ON THURSDAY WITH 11 OTHER UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS SPEAKING.

WEDNESDAY’S SPEAKERS ARE THE HON ROGER LOBO, THE HON FRANCIS TIEN, REV THE HON JOYCE BENNETT, THE HON S.L. CHEN, THE HON LYDIA DUNN, REV THE HON PATRICK MCGOVERN, THE HON PETER C. WONG, THE HON WONG LAM, DR THE HON RAYSON HUANG, THE HON CHARLES YEUNG AND DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI.

THE OTHER 11 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WHO WILL SPEAK ON THURSDAY ARE DR THE HON HARRY FANG, THE HON ALLEN LEE, THE HON ANDREW SO, THE HON F.K. HU, THE HON WONG PO-YAN, THE HON WILLIAM BROWN, THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN, THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG, THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, THE HON SELINA CHOW AND THE HON MARIA TAM.

OFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL REPLY TO POINTS RAISED BY THE UNOFFICIALS ON APRIL 14 AND 15.

THE SITTINGS ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG ON RADIO 1 (CHINESE) AND RADIO 3 (ENGLISH) FROM 2.30 PM.

-----o------

TRAINING OF COMMERCIAL MANPOWER

H H *

EMPLOYERS AND TEACHING INSTITUTIONS SHOULD PROVIDE ADEQUATE FACILITIES TO TRAIN ANNUALLY ABOUT 1 000 MANAGERS, 1 000 SUPERVISORS AND 7 000 CLERKS REQUIRED BY THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL AND IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES.

THIS IS ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL AND IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES TRAINING BOARD OF THE FORMER HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL IN ITS REPORT ON THE FIRST MANPOWER SURVEY OF THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL AND IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES.

THE COUNCIL HAS NOW BEEN REPLACED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.

THE REPORT, PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH, IS NOW ON SALE AT $20 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE.

THE CHINESE VERSION OF THE REPORT WILL BE PUBLISHED LATER.

/A SPOKESMAN

MONDAY, MARCH 22, 1982

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE BOARD HAD STRESSED THAT ACADEMIC EDUCATIONS ALONE WOULD iSJ-RESULT IN THE C0MPLETE MANAGER, SUPERVISOR, OR CLERK. EMPLOYERS MUST PROVIDE THE NECESSARY TRAINING FOR THEIR STAFF, EITHER INTERNALLY WITHIN THEIR ESTABLISHMENTS OR BY SPONSORING THEM TO ATTEND EXTERNAL POST-EXPERIENCE COURSES.

THE BOARD FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT THERE SHOULD BE A CLOSER LINK BETWEEN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL AND IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND TEACHING INSTITUTIONS SO THAT EMPLOYERS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE DESIGN OF COURSE SYLLABUSES TO ENSURE THAT THEY WERE APPLICABLE TO THE REAL WORLD.

THIS WOULD ALSO BRING ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS TO GAIN PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE IN THE TRADES.

OTHER MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS,. INCLUDED THE NEED FOR EMPLOYERS TO SET UP GROUP-TRAINING SCHEMES IN TRAINING CENTRES FOR SALES AND CLERICAL STAFF AND TO TRAIN TRAINING STAFF IN INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES, AS WELL AS THE NEED FOR HAVING PROPER JOB ANALYSIS AND SPECIFICATIONS.

-----0------

CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR FEBRUARY * * *

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT REPORTED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR FEBRUARY 1982 WERE 127 AND 126 RESPECTIVELY.

COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, CPI (A) INCREASED BY TWO POINTS OR 1.6 PER CENT AND CPI (B) BY ONE POINT OR 0.8 PER CENT.

COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1981, CPI (A) INCREASED BY 15 POINTS OR 13.4 PER CENT AND CPI (B) BY 14 POINTS OR 12.5 PER CENT.

DURING FEBRUARY, INCREASES IN FOOD PRICES, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND MEALS BOUGHT IN RESTAURANTS, WERE OFFSET TO SOME EXTENT BY A REDUCTION IN HAIRDRESSING CHARGES AFTER THE LUNAR NEW YEAR AND BY LOWER CHARGES FOR PACKAGE TOURS.

THE CPI (A) AND CPI (B) ARE BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF 50 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY, OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE DERIVED FROM THE 1979/80 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY. AT THAT TIME, THE CPI (A) REFERRED TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $1 000 AND S3 499 A MONTH AND THE CPI (B) TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $3 500 AND $6 499 A MONTH.

THE INDEXES FOR FEBRUARY 1982 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/ SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ARE GIVEN BELOW, TOGETHER WITH THOSE FOR JANUARY 1982 AND FEBRUARY 1981.

/(OCTOBER 1979

MONDAY, MARCH 22, 1982

SECTION (OCTOBER FEB. 81 1979 TO SEPTEMBER 1980 AVERAGE - 100)

JAN. CPI (A) 82 FEB. 82 FEB.81 CPI (B)

JAN. 82 FEB. 82

FOODSTUFFS 114 127 131 114 127 131

HOUSING 109 121 121 109 121 121

FUEL AND LIGHT 130 136 136 130 136 137

ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 111 123 123 110 122 122

CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 109 123 122 109 123 122

DURABLE GOODS 104 108 108 104 109 110

MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 107 119 120 108 117 117

TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 117 137 137 117 134 134

SERVICES 115 131 129 114 131 129

ALL ITEMS 112 125 127 112 125 126

THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY FOUR POINTS IN BOTH CPI (A) AND CPI (B). RISES WERE RECORDED IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES, SALT-WATER FISH, FRESH FRUITS AND MEALS BOUGHT IN RESTAURANTS. THE EFFECT OF THE MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS INSIGNIFICANT.

THE ONE-POINT INCREASE IN THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS IN CPI (A) WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO HIGHER PRICES FOR MEDICINES, TOYS AND HOBBIES.

THE INDEX FOR SERVICES DECLINED BY TWO POINTS IN BOTH CPI (A) AND CPI (B) AS A RESULT OF REDUCED CHARGES FOR HAIRDRESSING AFTER THE LUNAR NEW YEAR AND LOWER CHARGES FOR PACKAGE TOURS.

PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.

DETAILS OF THESE PRICE MOVEMENTS ARE GIVEN IN THE +CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT* FOR FEBRUARY 1982, WHICH IS NOW AVAILABLE AT $3 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.

------o-------

MONDAY, MARCH 22, 1982

CAS CADET CORPS SEEKS MORE YOUNG MEMBERS

* * * *

THE CIVIL AID SERVICES IS LOWERING ITS ENROLMENT AGE FROM 14 TO 12 SO THAT MORE YOUNGSTERS CAN JOIN AND MAKE BETTER USE OF THEIR LEISURE HOURS.

FROM APRIL 1, ALL BOYS BETWEEN 12 AND 15 YEARS WHO HAVE THE WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THEIR PARENTS OR GUARDIANS WILL BE WELCOME TO JOIN THE CORPS.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (MONDAY) A CAS SPOKESMAN SAID THAT GOVERNMENT HAD GIVEN APPROVAL FOR THE ENROLMENT OF 125 MORE CADETS, WHICH WILL RAISE ITS STRENGTH FROM THE EXISTING 2 400 MEMBERS TO 2 525.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WAS A GENUINE NEED FOR MORE ORGANISED ACTIVITIES FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN RESETTLEMENT AND LOW-COST HOUSING ESTATES AND SQUATTER AND CONGESTED TENEMENT AREAS.

THERE WERE INDICATIONS THAT MORE YOUNGER PEOPLE WERE COMMITTING CRIMES AND THE CAS HOPED THAT BY REDUCING THE ENROLMENT AGE IT COULD GET MORE YOUTHS TO MAKE BETTER USE OF THEIR FREE TIME. BY DOING SOr THE CAS WOULD AT THE SAME TIME BE HELPING TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY, THE SPOKESMAN UlD

♦THE CAS CADET CORPS AIMS TO HELP BOYS DEVELOP, MAKE THEM AWARE OF THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ENABLE THEM TO COMPETE MORE FAVOURABLY WITH OTHER YOUNGSTERS WHEN APPLYING TO JOIN THE DISCIPLINED AND UNIFORMED SERVICES. IT AIMS ALSO TO PROVIDE THEM WITH A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES SO THAT THEY MAKE BETTER USE OF THEIR SPARE TIME,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THEY LEARN SUCH BASIC SKILLS AS CAMPING, ORIENTEERING, LIFE-SAVING, AND FIRST-AID, AND TAKE PART IN TREKKING, CANOEING, SKIN-DIVING, AND THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD SCHEME.

FOR THE BIGGER BOYS, MORE ADVANCED COURSES ARE HELD IN bECHANICAL ENGINEERING, CANOE-MAKING, PHOTOGRAPHY, CYCLING, AND MOUNTAINEERING TECHNIQUE.

THEY PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE, PERFORMING NON-HAZARDOUS DUTIES, INCLUDING CROWD CONTROL, FORESTRY PATROL, AND FIRE PREVENTION. IN ADDITION, THEY HELP IN CIVIC PROJECTS SUCH AS THE +CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN*, THE +ANTl-NARCOTICS DRIVE*, AND THE *WALK FOR A MILLION*.

CADETS ALSO ASSIST IN FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES FOR CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS, REGULARLY VISIT HOMES FOR THE AGED, AND ORGANISE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR THE HANDICAPPED.

+IN SHORT, A WIDE RANGE OF COURSES AND ACTIVITIES ARE ORGANISED FOR THE CADETS TO ENABLE THEM TO LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES AND BE OF ASSISTANCE TO OTHERS,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

/THE CAS WAS .......

MONDAY, MARCH 22, 1982

- 5 -

THE CAS WAS FIRST ESTABLISHED IN 1952 AS A DISCIPLINED, UNIFORMED, WELL-TRAINED AND MULTI-FUNCTIONAL VOLUNTARY BODY AND ITS CADET CORPS WAS FOUNDED IN 1968 WITH TWO UNITS OF 1OO BOYS EACH AT WONG TAI SIN AND SHAU KEI WAN.

THE CORPS NOW HAS 23 UNITS. APART FROM THE TWO CENTRAL TRAINING UNITS FOR NEW RECRUITS, THERE ARE FIVE UNITS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 10 IN KOWLOON AND SIX IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE CORPS’ 20-HECTARE YUEN TUN CAMP-SITE, LOCATED ON A PLATEAU SOME 200 METRES ABOVE TSI NG LUNG TAU IN THE NEW TERRITORIES OVERLOOKS THE SCENIC LANDSCAPE OF NORTH LANTAU, MA WAN AND TSI NG Yl ISLAND, AND IS A LONG-CHERISHED AREA FOR PHYSICAL AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT.

IT HAS A WATER SPORTS ACTIVITY CENTRE AT TAI TAN IN SAI KUNG WHICH HOLDS CANOEING, SAILING, LIFE-SAVING, AND SNORKELLING EXERCISES.

ENROLMENT FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES, THE CAS HEADQUARTERS AT 100 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, OR THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE AT 204 ARGYLE STREET.

INTERESTED PERSONS CAN TELEPHONE 5-763236 EXTENSION 37 OR 38 DURING OFFICE HOURS FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

-------0---------

SOUTH BAY ROAD SITE UP FOR SALE * * * *

A 10 380-SQUARE-METRE SITE OFF SOUTH BAY ROAD ON HONG KONG ISLAND IS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER.

THE SITE IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES AND SHOULD BE DEVELOPED BEFORE JUNE 30, 1986. THE BUILDING COVENANT IS $60 MILL ION.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS IS APRIL 30, 1982.

TENDER FORMS, WITH NOTICES AND CONDITIONS OF SALE, MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AND FROM THE 10TH FLOOR OF KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD.

-----0------

MONDAY, MARCH 22, 1982 .

CHINESE VISITORS OFFICE MOVING

* * * *

FROM MONDAY (MARCH 29), THE CHINESE VISITORS OFFICE OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT IN QUEENSWAY WILL BE LOCATED ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 393 CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI.

♦ENTRANTS FROM CHINA WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR EXTENSIONS OF STAY, RE-ENTRY VISAS OR DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY SHOULD GO TO THE CANTON ROAD OFFICE FROM THAT DAY,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

♦PROCEDURES WOULD BE SIMILAR TO THOSE IN QUEENSWAY. APPLICANTS SHOULD FIRST OBTAIN A NUMBER TAG INDICATING THE TIME TO HAND IN THEIR APPLICATIONS. THE TAGS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO APPLICANTS, STARTING FROM 7 AM, AT THE OPEN GROUND NEXT TO THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFF ICES,+ HE SAID.

THE NEW OFFICE WILL HAVE 40 PROCESSING AND 11 SHROFF COUNTERS, SUFFICIENT TO DEAL WITH AN AVERAGE DAILY FLOW OF UP TO 4 000 PEOPLE.

THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE, QUEENSWAY BRANCH, WILL REMAIN AT BLOCK ”HH” OF VICTORIA BARRACKS. THE OFFICE HANDLES APPLICATIONS FROM NEW LEGAL ARRIVALS FROM CHINA FOR REGISTRATION FOR IDENTITY CARDS AND APPLICATIONS FROM PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN GRANTED PERMANENT STAY BY THE CHINESE VISITORS OFFICE AND ARE REQUIRED TO CHANGE THE COLOUR OF THE OFFICIAL SEALS ON THEIR IDENTITY CARDS FROM GREEN TO BLACK.

PEOPLE WISHING TO MAKE ENQUIRIES CAN TELEPHONE 5-434711.

o -

TEMPORARY CURTAILMENT OF PEAK TRAM SERVICE

* X *

PEAK TRAM SERVICES WILL BE CURTAILED ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT (MARCH 24) FOR THE INSPECTION OF THE HAULAGE GEAR.

THE LAST DEPARTURES FROM BOTH TERMINI WILL BE AT 9 PM.

-------o----------

MONDAY, MARCH 22, 1982

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR MATRICULATION STUDENTS * * *

NEEDY STUDENTS NOW STUDYING IN FORM 5, AND MIDDLE 5 AND FORM 6 CAN SOON APPLY FOR GOVERNMENT MAINTENANCE GRANTS FOR FULL-TIME MATRICULATION STUDIES IN THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR.

THE GRANTS AIM TO HELP NEEDY STUDENTS WHO WISH TO CONTINUE WITH THEIR ADVANCED OR HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATIONS STUDIES, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

IN THE CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR, 1 255 FORM 6 AND MIDDLE 6 AND FORM 7 STUDENTS ARE RECEIVING GOVERNMENT MAINTENANCE GRANTS AMOUNTING TO $1 MILLION, HE SAID.

APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM JUNE 1 AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, ROOM 1522, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 15TH FLOOR, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.

FOR STUDENTS NOW STUDYING IN FORM 5 AND MIDDLE 5, THE FORMS MUST BE RETURNED THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOLS TO THE SECRETARY, MAINTENANCE GRANTS COMMITTEE, NOT LATER THAN 10 DAYS AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF THE CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION RESULTS.

STUDENTS IN FORM 6 AND PROMOTING TO FORM 7 MUST RETURN THE APPLICATION FORMS THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOLS TO THE SECRETARY NOT LATER THAN JULY 24.

♦GRANTS ARE AWARDED ON A YEARLY BASIS AND RENEWAL IS NOT AUTOMATIC. IF A RECIPIENT IN FORM 6 WISHES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR A GRANT ON PROMOTION TO FORM 7, HE MUST APPLY AGAIN.+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

STUDENTS IN FORM 6 WHO ARE NOT RECEIVING GRANTS IN THE CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR ARE ALSO ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR GRANTS TO ENABLE THEM TO COMPLETE THE ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION COURSE IN 1982/83, HE SAID.

GRANTS WILL BE PAID THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOLS AT THE END OF EACH MONTH IN ARREARS FOR 10 MONTHS IN THE YEAR, AND THERE WILL BE NO PAYMENT FOR JULY AND AUGUST. IN RECENT YEARS THE AMOUNT OF GRANT AWARDED HAD BEEN ABOUT $500 A YEAR A STUDENT.

-------o---------

WATER FIGURES * * * M

STORAGE

IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 38.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 223.353 MILLION CUBIC METRES, EQUIVALENT TO 183 DAYS’ CONSUMPTION.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 249.732 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 43.2 °ER CENT OF CAPACITY.

- 0 -

/8........

MONDAY, MARCH 22, 1982

TELE-NATCH COMPETITIONS TO PROMOTE FAMILY HARMONY * * * *

REGIONAL TELE-MATCH GAMES COMPETITIONS TO PROMOTE FAMILY HARMONY WILL BE HELD NEXT MONTH.

THE COMPETITIONS, WHICH FORM PART OF THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN, ARE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB AND CARITAS, A SWD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.

WONG TAI SIN WILL START CFF THE SERIES OF COMPETITIONS ON APRIL 4, KWUN TONG WILL FOLLOW ON APRIL 11, WEST KOWLOON REGION ON APRIL 17, NEW TERRITORIES REGION ON APRIL 20 AND HONG KONG REGION ON MAY 2.

FAMILIES ENTERING THE COMPETITIONS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS EARLY.

APPLICATION FORMS AND A BOOKLET CONTAINING PARTICULARS OF THE GAMES MAY BE OBTAINED FROM ALL SWD COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICES.

THERE WILL BE THREE SECTIONS IN EACH COMPETITION ACCORDING TO FAMILY SIZE. THE: REGIONAL COMPETITIONS WILL CULMINATE IN A LARGE-SCALE TEFRITORY-WIDE FINAL TO BE HELD IN MID-MAY.

THE SIX WINNING DESIGNS FROM AN EARLIER DESIGN COMPETITION WILL BE USED IN THE COMING EVENTS.

-------o - - - -

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ROAD * * *

A SECTION OF THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TUEN MUN ROAD BETWEEN SHAM TSENG AND SIU LAM WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS DURING OFF-PEAK PERIODS FROM TUESDAY (MARCH 23) FOR the removal of a damaged bridge structure.

0 - -

/9.........

MONDAY, MARCH 22, 1982

NEW TERRITORIES MOBILE LIBRARY * * * *

THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT NEW TERRITORIES MOBILE LIBRARY HAS OPENED A NEW SERVICE POINT AT TUEN MUN SINCE LAST WEEK IN PLACE OF THE OLD STOP AT HO PONG ROAD.

THE MOBILE LIBRARY VISITS THE NEW POINT AT SAM SHING ESTATE EVERY ALTERNATE THURSDAY FROM 2.30 PM TO 6 PM.

AT PRESENT, THE NEW TERRITORIES MOBILE LIBRARY HAS A POOL STOCK OF 15 000 VOLUMES, OF WHICH ABOUT 11 000 VOLUMES ARE IN CHINESE. AS THE LIBRARY CAN ONLY ACCOMMODATE SOME 4 000 VOLUMES AT ONE TIME, SUITABLE TITLES ARE SELECTED FROM THE BOOK POOL BEFORE IT SETS OFF TO A SERVICE POINT.

SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE SERVICE IN MID JULY LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 54 000 VOLUMES OF BOOKS WERE BORROWED AND 109 000 VOLUMES WERE READ IN THE LIBRARY.

A TOTAL OF 4 303 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED AS MEMBERS OF THE LIBRARY. WITH THE OPENING OF THE NEW STOP AT SAM SHING ESTATE, IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT MORE PEOPLE WILL MAKE USE OF THE SERVICE.

THE MOBILE LIBRARY ALSO SERVES AS A BOOKING OFFICE FOR PERFORMANCES TAKING PLACE AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AND THE YUEN LONG LUT SAU HALL.

THE MOBILE LIBRARY STOPS AT SHA KOK ESTATE WEEKLY EVERY MONDAY; SHEK LEI ESTATE WEEKLY EVERY TUESDAY; LEI MUK SHUE ESTATE AND KWAI SHING EAST ESTATE ALTERNATELY EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY; YAU 01 ESTATE FORTNIGHTLY EVERY THURSDAY, CHI LOK FA YUEN AND SAM SHING ESTATE FORTNIGHTLY EVERY OTHER THURSDAY; KAM TIN AND LUEN WOO MARKET ALTERNATELY EVERY OTHER FRIDAY; CHEUNG HONG ESTATE AND CHEUNG CHING ESTATE FORTNIGHTLY EVERY OTHER SATURDAY AS WELL AS MAN NIN ROAD FORTNIGHTLY EVERY OTHER SATURDAY.

THE MOBILE LIBRARY WILL 3E CLOSED DAILY FROM 1 PM TO 2 PM AND ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

IN ADDITION TO THE MOBILE LIBRARY, THE YUEN LONG LUT SAU HALL BOX OFFICE OPENS FROM 3.30 PM TO 8 PM DAILY TO SELL TICKETS FOR THE PROGRAMMES PRESENTED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES PRESENTATIONS OFFICE WHICH TAKE PLACE AT THIS HALL.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

TUESDAY, PARCH 23, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

TALKS HELD HERE WITH SHENZHEN GROUP ....................... 1

REGISTRATION OF DB ELECTORS ............................... 2

STUDY OF QUALITY CERTIFICATION SERVICES ................... 2

88 APPLY TO OPERATE SPECIAL RESIDENTIAL COACH SERVICE ..... 3

CHEUNG CHAU LAND RECLAMATION PROJECT ...................... 3

ROD'S NEiJ SOUTHERN OFFICE................................. 4

DRIVING TESTS TO BE RE-SCHEDULED .......................... 4

SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICES DURING CHING MING FESTIVAL......... 5

FRESH WATER TAPS OFF FOR PAINS WORK ....................... 5

SEMINAR ON UNDERSTANDING TEENAGERS ........................ 6

DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED................................... 7

GRAVESITE WORSHIPPERS WARNED OF SILLFIRE DANGER............ 7

MATHS TEACHERS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COMPUTERS .............. 8

SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS FOR AUCTION ........................... 9

ROAD-IMPROVEMENT WORKS .................................. 9

COUNTRY DANCES AT TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL....................

ANDERSON ROAD TO BE CLOSED TO PLB’S ....................

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1982

TALKS HELD HERE WITH SHENZHEN GROUP

*****

A SHENZHEN DELEGATION LED BY MR ZHEN XI PE I, SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE SHENZHEN MUNICIPALITY, AND A TEAM OF HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS LED BY THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR ROBIN MCLAREN, HAVE CONCLUDED TWO DAYS OF TALKS IN HONG KONG.

TWO SESSIONS OF TALKS WERE HELD IN THE MORNINGS OF MARCH 22 AND 23. YESTERDAY AFTERNOON THE SHENZHEN DELEGATION VISITED A NUMBER OF SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES RELEVANT TO THE DISCUSSIONS.

MR MCLAREN GAVE A DINNER IN THE DELEGATION’S HONOUR YESTERDAY.

THE PURPOSE OF THE TALKS WAS TO FOLLOW UP PROPOSALS MADE DURING THE VISIT TO SHENZHEN BY THE GOVERNOR IN DECEMBER 1981. VERY GOOD PROGRESS WAS MADE DURING THE TALKS.

IT WAS AGREED THAT A FURTHER MEETING SHOULD BE HELD IN SHENZHEN IN MID-APRIL IN ORDER TO SIGN A DOCUMENT RECORDING THE AGREEMENTS REACHED ON THE VARIOUS PROJECTS. IT WAS ALSO AGREED THAT, BEFORE THE MID-APRIL MEETING, JOINT WORKING GROUPS OF EXPERTS SHOULD MEET TO BEGIN DETAILED EXAMINATION OF THESE PROJECTS.

FOUR WORKING GROUPS WILL BE SET UP TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS i-

(1) CROSS BORDER ROAD LINKS, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL ROAD CROSSING POINTS AT LOK MA CHAU AND SHA TAU KOK, AND MORE EFFICIENT USE OF THE CROSSING POINT AT MAN KAM TO.

(2) REGULATION OF THE SHENZHEN RIVER, INCLUDING MEASURES TO DEAL WITH POLLUTION AND IMPROVE FLOOD CONTROL.

(3) MEASURES TO FACILITATE THE MOVEMENT OF TRAVELLERS ACROSS THE BORDER, ESPECIALLY AT LO WU.

(4) THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE TOURIST RESORTS WHICH THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES PLAN TO BUILD ON THE MIRS BAY COAST AT XIAO MEI SHA AND DA MEI SHA.

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1982

NOTE TO EDITORSi

REGISTRATION OF DB ELECTORS ft ft ft

THE SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, W DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS FOR THE COMING URBAN DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

THE CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 11.30 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 26) IN THE GIS THEATRE, 5TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.

ALSO PRESENT WILL BE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR GRAHAM BARNES, AND THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR ALBERT LAM.

PRESS MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONFERENCE.

-----o------

STUDY OF QUALITY CERTIFICATION SERVICES ft ft ft ft ft

A CONSULTANT FROM AUSTRALIA THIS WEEK STARTED ON A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE QUALITY CERTIFICATION SERVICES AND ACCREDITATION OF TESTING LABORATORIES IN HONG KONG.

MR JOHN GILMOUR, REGISTRAR OF THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TESTING AUTHORITIES (NATA), HAS BEEN INVITED BY THE TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT TO ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY OF A CONSULTANCY PROJECT; TO FINALISE THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE CONSULTANCY AND NATA’S EARLIER PROPOSALS; AND TO PLAN AND TO PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES NEEDED FOR THE CONSULTANCY STUDY.

DURING HIS STAY, MR GILMOUR WILL MEET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENT, THE MAJOR TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS, PRIVATE SECTOR TESTING LABORATORIES, THE POWER COMPANIES, THE HONG KONG AIRCRAFT ENGINEERING CO. LTD., AND THE TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND USERS OF TESTING SERVICES.

THE STUDY FOLLOWS A RECOMMENDATION OF THE REPORT OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION TO BUILD AN IMPROVED AND MORE CLEARLY INDEPENDENT RANGE OF QUALITY CERTIFICATION SERVICES IN HONG KONG.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1982

88 APPLY TO OPERATE SPECIAL RESIDENTIAL COACH SERVICE * * * *

EIGHTY-EIGHT APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT FOR THE OPERATION OF SPECIAL RESIDENTIAL COACH SERVICES, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE NEW TYPE OF RESIDENTIAL COACH SERVICE WILL SERVE THE OUTLYING RESIDENTIAL AREAS, ESPECIALLY PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS WITHOUT ADEQUATE BUS AND MAXICAB SERVICES.

AMONG THE CONDITIONS OFFERED FOR THE OPERATION OF THE SERVICE WERE THAT IT COULD BE RESTRICTED TO PEAK HOURS WHEN PUBLIC TRANSPORT “rviJes are i»»mou»te, Im> that fares charged would hot be fixed BUT WOULD BE NEGOTIABLE BETWEEN THE OPERATOR AND THE USER.

APPLICANTS WERE GIVEN SIX WEEKS FROM FEBRUARY 5 UNTIL. MARCH 19 TO SEND IN THEIR BIDS FOR A TWO-YEAR NON-EXCLUSIVE RESIDENTIAL COACH SERVICE LICENCE.

OF THE 88 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED, 67 ARE 'rWTHE

NEW TERRITORIES - MAINLY PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN THE NEW TOWNS OF SHA TIN, TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN.

OF THE REMAINDER, 16 ARE FOR SERVICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE OTHERS ARE FOR DIRECT CONNECTIONS BETWEEN RESIDENTIAL AREAS AND MTR STATIONS.

THE MAJORITY OF THE APPLICATIONS ARE FOR OPERATION DURING PEAK PERIODS ONLY AND THE FARES AGREED BETWEEN OPERATORS AND USERS RANGE FROM AROUND $5 FOR LONG-DISTANCE ROUTES TO UNDER $1 FOR SHORT-DISTANCE LINKS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID HE WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE RESPONSE, ADDING THAT IT WAS HOPED THAT THE FIRST LICENCES WOULD BE ISSUED BEFORE THE END OF NEXT MONTH. ----------------------------------------

CHEUNG CHAU LAND RECLAMATION PROJECT ft ft ft ft

ABOUT FOUR HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE RECLAIMED WAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHEUNG CHAU.

AT CHEUNG CHAU

THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT BRANCH OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS NOW INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.

ON COMPLETION, THE LAND WILL BE USED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF VILLAGE HOUSES FOR ABOUT 1 500 PEOPLE, A SECONDARY SCHOOL, MARKET AND COOKED FOOD STALLS AND OPEN SPACES.

THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO PUMPING STATIONS WHICH WILL BE CONNECTED TO A NEW SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT DUE TO BE COMPLETED IN MID-1984.

THE PROJECT WILL START IN JULY AND TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE, A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY

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TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1982

- 4 -

RCD’S NEW SOUTHERN OFFICE

* * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN DEVOTING MUCH ATTENTION TO THE LEISURE ACTIVITIES OF THE PUBLIC IN RECENT YEARS, THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

MR WIGGHAM, WHO WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (RSS), SAID THE NEW PREMISES WOULD BOOST CONSIDERABLY THE SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE PEOPLE OF THE AREA.

PRESENT AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW OFFICE SITUATED IN THE HEART OF ABERDEEN’S COMMERCIAL DISTRICT - ABERDEEN CENTRE -WERE KAIFONG LEADERS, OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.

THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE IS ONE OF THE 19 DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE RSS. ITS PREVIOUS OFFICE WAS SITUATED IN ABERDEEN

MAIN ROAD.

♦THIS NEW OFFICE WILL BE OF GREAT BENEFIT TO THE PEOPLE OF THE DISTRICT AS IT IS SITUATED IN A CENTRALISED AREA EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO THE DISTRICT’S POPULATION,♦ MR WIGGHAM SAID.

THE COMMISSIONER ALSO SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAS PLANS TO OPEN A MUSIC OFFICE IN THE DISTRICT.

+1 AM CERTAIN THAT GIVEN CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN MY DEPARTMENT AND OTHER GOVERNMENT BODIES, AS WELL AS VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WE WILL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE MORE MEANINGFUL RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE PEOPLE OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT,* HE SAID.

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DRIVING TESTS TO BE RE-SCHEDULED * * *

cn 1/J?RnyiNG TESTS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY (MARCH 27) AT THE P° EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD DRIVING TEST CENTRES ON

ANNOUNCED TODAY° W'LL BE P0STP0NED’ THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT

o-. A,SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THIS WAS BECAUSE THE ROADS LEADING TO THE TWO CENTRES WOULD BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR THE INTERNATIONAL RUGBY FOOTBALL MATCH TO BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT STADIUM ON THAT DAY.

AFFECTED CANDIDATES WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THEIR NEW TEST APPOINTMENTS BY REGISTERED POST.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1982

SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICES DURING CHING MING FESTIVAL ******

THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL OPERATE SPECIAL PASSENGER TRAINS BETWEEN KOWLOON AND WO HOP SHEK TO COPE WITH THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF COMMUTERS DURING THE CHING MING FESTIVAL.

A SPOKESMAN FOR KCR SAID TODAY THE SPECIAL TRAINS WILL RUN ON MARCH 28 (SUNDAY), APRIL 4 (SUNDAY) AND APRIL 5 (MONDAY).

DURING THE THREE-DAY PERIOD, SIX SPECIAL UP-TRAINS WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION FROM 6.21 AM WHILE SEVEN DOWN-TRAINS WILL DEPART FROM WO HOP SHEK FROM 8.01 AM DAILY AT APPROXIMATELY HOURLY INTERVALS.

THESE SPECIAL TRAINS, AS WELL AS SOME ORDINARY PASSENGER TRAINS TO LO WU, WILL NOT PICK UP PASSENGERS AT THE MONG KOK STATION. PASSENGERS NORMALLY BOARDING TRAINS AT MONG KOK ARE ADVISED TO GO TO KOWLOON STATION AT HUNG HOM DURING THIS PERIOD.

MEANWHILE, THREE ADDITIONAL PASSENGER TRAINS, BOTH SOUTHBOUND AND NORTHBOUND, WILL ALSO OPERATE DAILY BETWEEN KOWLOON AND LO WU DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS FROM APRIL 9 TO APRIL 12.

TIMETABLE FOR THE SPECIAL TRAINS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT ALL STATIONS FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF COMMUTERS.

FRESH WATER TAPS OFF FOR MAINS WORK

*****

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN AREAS IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE 10 HOURS FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 26) TO 7 AM FACILITATE WATER MAINS CONNECTION AT THE JUNCTION

TURNED OFF FOR ON SATURDAY TO OF CASTLE PEAK

ROAD AND ON YUK ROAD.

THE AREAS AFFECTED ARE BOUNDED BY:

* CASTLE PEAK ROAD, WEST SIDE OF TAI HO ROAD, YUEN TUN CIRCUIT AND TAI CHUNG ROAD,

* CASTLE PEAK ROAD, WEST SIDE OF TAI CHUNG ROAD AND CHAI WAN KOK STREET TO END OF TING KAU MILESTONE 11-1/2;

* TSUEN KING CIRCUIT, TSUEN WAN CENTRE, ON YUK ROAD AND HONG KONG ADVENTIST HOSPITAL.

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/6.........

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1982

SEMINAR ON UNDERSTANDING TEENAGERS * * *

WAN CHAI RESIDENTS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO LEARN TO UNDERSTAND TEENAGERS BETTER THROUGH A SEMINAR TO BE HELD AT THE AUDITORIUM OF THE DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING ON FRIDAY (MARCH 26), STARTING AT 8 PM.

ORGANISED BY THE RECENTLY-ESTABLISHED WAN CHAI DISTRICT WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION, THE SEMINAR IS AIMED AT AROUSING PARENTS’ AWARENESS OF THEIR TEENAGE CHILDREN’S PSYCHOLOGICAL STATE OF MIND AND PROBLEMS SO AS TO HELP BRIDGE THE GENERATION GAP AND REDUCE FAMILY CONFLICTS.

PRINCIPAL SPEAKERS AT THE SEMINAR WILL BE MISS MARIA TAM, LEGISLATIVE AND URBAN COUNCILLOR, AND HONORARY ADVISER TO THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION, AND MRS PAMELA CHAN, GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE HONG KONG BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION.

A YOUTH WORKER FROM WAN CHAI WILL SPEAK ON TEENAGERS' VIEWS.

THE WAN CHAI CITY DISTRICT OFFICER MR A.G. COOPER WILL OFFICIATE AT THE SEMINAR.

MRS GRACE WAN, CHAIRWOMAN OF THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION, SAIDi +THE SEMINAR IS ORGANISED IN RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF WOMEN IN WAN CHAI.

♦ACCORDING TO A RECENT SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION, THE MAJORITY OF THE RESPONDENTS EXPRESSED INTEREST IN PARTICIPATING IN EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS ON UNDERSTANDING CHILDREN AND YOUTH PSYCHOLOGY.+

ADMISSION TO THE SEMINAR IS FREE AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY WAN CHAI RESIDENTS, ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.

THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION WAS ESTABLISHED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE WAN CHAI CITY DISTRICT OFFICE* TO PROMOTE WOMEN’SPERSONAL INTEGRITY AND TO INCREASE THEIR AWARENESS OF THEIR OWN POTENTIAL, THEIR NEEDS, AND THEIR FAMILY AND SOCIAL DUTIES.♦

IT ALSO AIMS TO PROMOTE WOMEN’S WELFARE AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF BOTH FAMILY AND SOCIAL LIFE.

THE ASSOCIATION IS NOW RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS AND ANY ONE WHO WISHES TO JOIN CAN OBTAIN FULL DETAILS AND APPLICATION FORMS FROM THE WAN CHAI CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AT 201 HENNESSY ROAD.

NOTE TO EDITORS :

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM ON FRIDAY EVENING AT THE AUDITORIUM OF THE DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING, 15 HENNESSY ROAD, 2ND FLOOR.

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/7 ........

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1982

DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED

* * *

THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE, PASSED ON CHAN TING-SAN AND MA TAK-KEUNG ON MARCH 19, 1980 AND DECEMBER 16, 1980 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT.

CHAN WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF GAHLEB TEYFOUR IN A TSIM SHA TSUI HOTEL ON JUNE 27, 1979 AND MA WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF YEUNG PUl-CHUNG IN A HUT IN CHAI WAN ON JANUARY 25, 1980.

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GRAVESITE WORSHIPPERS WARNED OF HILLFIRE DANGER

* * *

WORSHIPPERS AT GRAVESITES DURING THE CHING MING FESTIVAL HAVE BEEN WARNED ABOUT THE GRAVE DANGER OF HILLFIRES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT URGED ALL GRAVESITE WORSHIPPERS TO TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS IN PREVENTING FIRES.

♦WE CANNOT TAKE CHANCES,+ HE SAID, +AS FIRE HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST SINGLE THREAT TO CONSERVATION OF THE COUNTRYSIDE.+

THE SPOKESMAN CALLED ON ALL WORSHIPPERS TO USE METAL CONTAINERS FOR BURNING THEIR JOSS STICKS AND TINSEL PAPERS WHILE PAYING TRIBUTE TO THEIR ANCESTORS.

♦THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY HAS PROVIDED HUNDREDS OF METAL CONTAINERS NEAR THE GRAVESITES, AND THEY ARE WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF THE WORSHIPPERS,♦ HE SAID.

WORSHIPPERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT ALL FIRES ARE PUT OUT BEFORE LEAVING.

THEY ARE ALSO ADVISED TO TAKE PRE-COOKED FOOD INSTEAD OF BARBECUING NEAR THE GRAVESITES.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NUMBER OF FIRES DURING LAST YEAR’S FIRE SEASON HAD RISEN TO ABOUT 300 FROM 238 IN 1980.

SOME 140 000 TREES WERE DESTROYED LAST YEAR, WHICH WAS ABOUT EIGHT TIMES MORE THAN THE TOTAL OF 15 000 FOR 1980.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID EXPERIENCE SHOWED THAT MOST OF THE FIRES DURING THE CHING MING FESTIVAL AND THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL IN AUTUMN WERE STARTED BY SMOULDERING JOSS STICKS LEFT UNATTENDED AT GRAVESITES.

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1982

MATHS TEACHERS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COMPUTERS *****

MATHEMATICS TEACHERS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO ATTEND A TRAINING COURSE AND A SEMINAR ON COMPUTER STUDIES ORGANISED BY THE MATHEMATICS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TOGETHER WITH INTERESTED BODIES.

THE SEMINAR ON COMPUTER STUDIES WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 27 (SATURDAY) AT QUEEN’S COLLEGE IN CAUSEWAY BAY, AND THERE WILL ALSO BE AN EXHIBITION ON MICRO-COMPUTERS.

IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MATHEMATICS SECTION AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR COMPUTER EDUCATION.

EXPERTS IN THE FIELD WILL BE CONDUCTING TALKS IN CHINESE ON COMPUTER AND EDUCATION! THE COMPUTER STUDIES PILOT SCHEME AND THE HARDWARE/SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMPUTER STUDIES SUBJECT; RECENT DEVELOPMENT IN THE SCHOOL CERTIFICATE COMPUTER STUDIES EXAMINATION; AND CHOICE OF COMPUTER FOR TEACHING THE SUBJECT.

♦PARTICIPATING TEACHERS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH THE SPEAKERS DURING THE PLENARY DISCUSSION, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

IN ADDITION, AN INTERMEDIATE COMPUTER COURSE IN BASIC WILL BE HELD FROM APRIL 13 TO 17 AT LOK SIN TONG KU CHIU MAN SECONDARY SCHOOL AT KWAI SHING CIRCUIT, KWAI CHUNG.

ORGANISED BY THE SCHOOL AND THE MATHEMATICS SECTION, THE COURSE AIMS TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR TEACHERS ON THE INTERACTIVE MODE OF PROCESSING THROUGH THE STUDY OF BASIC.

THERE WILL BE LECTURES AND TUTORIALS ON INTERMEDIATE PROGRAMMING WITH A SELECTION OF COMPUTER APPLICATIONS. ACCESS TO MICRO-COMPUTERS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE.

ENROLMENT IS LIMITED TO 40 AND NO FEES WILL BE CHARGED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ATTENDANCE TO THE COURSE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE ANY QUALIFICATION, HE ADDED.

APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE RETURNED BEFORE MARCH 31 TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (MATHEMATICS), MATHEMATICS SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, FIFTH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HONG KONG.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON THE COURSE AND THE SEMINAR SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE MATHEMATICS SECTION ON 5-774001 EXT. 36.

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/9 .......

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1982

SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS FOR AUCTION * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (MARCH 27) AT 10 AM IN THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.

THIRTY-FIVE SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE:

AL 270 AS 7680 CR 3231 BR 7680 CS 110

AA 8893 CR 8555 CS 230 AN 6828 2328

CS 609 CS 487 CR 3112 CS 504 CS 4848

CS 832 CS 6789 AA 1711 CT 8 CM 8888

CS 115 CP 18 AK 303 BB 87 CS 108

CS 812 AA 4200 CS 96 CR 7879 CS 119

CR 8689 CS 3680 CS 751 4376 CS 8223

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.

PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.

THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 73RD ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.

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ROAD-IMPROVEMENT WORKS

* * *

MINOR IMPROVEMENT TO SECTIONS OF KEUNG SHAN ROAD BETWEEN SHEK PIK AND KEUNG SHAN ON LANTAU ISLAND WILL BE CARRIED OUT SHORTLY.

THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE ABOVE WORK.

THE WORK WILL INVOLVE THE WIDENING OF SECTIONS OF THE EXISTING ROAD TO PROVIDE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC AT THESE LOCATIONS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BUS TERMINUS AT SHEK PIK.

WORK WILL START IN MAY AND TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE, A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.

/10 ........

TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1982

10 -

COUNTRY DANCES AT TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL M * *

A PERFORMANCE OF COUNTRY DANCES WILL BE GIVEN BY THE MONKSEATON MORRISMEN AND FOLK DANCE CLUB AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AUDITORIUM ON APRIL 17 (SATURDAY), AT 7.30 PM.

THE MONKSEATON MORRISMEN AND FOLK DANCE CLUB HAS LONG BEEN ESTABLISHED AS A LEADING FOLK DANCE GROUP IN ENGLAND, AND PARTICULARLY AS THE TOP EXPONENT OF THE SWORD AND COUNTRY DANCES (F NORTHUMBRIA.

THE CLUB HAS TAKEN NORTHUMBRIA FOLK CULTURE TO NORWAY, GERMANY, FRANCE, CZECHOSLOVAKIA, BRITTANY AND CENTRAL FRANCE.

IN 1970, IT MADE A 3 OOO-MILE TOUR OF THE AMERICAN MID-WEST, GIVING FULL SCALE THEATRE PERFORMANCES IN 16 TOWNS.

IN 1979, THE CLUB MADE A VERY SUCCESSFUL TOUR OF EUROPE, VISITING BAVARIA, YUGOSLAVIA, FRANCE AND HOLLAND.

THIS UNIQUE PERFORMANCE WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES PRESENTATIONS OFFICE OF THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

TICKETS AT $5, >10 AND *15 ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL BOX OFFICE AND THE NEW TERRITORIES MOBILE LIBRARY.

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ANDERSON ROAD TO BE CLOSED TO PLB’S XXX

ANDERSON ROAD IN SAU MAU PING WILL BE DESIGNATED A PLB PROHIBITED ZONE FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 27).

THIS MEANS THAT PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE ROAD.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1?82

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:

PEOPLE URGED TO WORK TOGETHER................................. 1

call for small factory buildings ............................. 2

INCH-ITIVE IN SOCIAL WORK SHOULD BE RECOGNISED ............... 3

COST-EFFECTIVENESS QUESTIONED ................................ 5

CONCERN ABOUT CIVIL SERVICE GROWTH ........................... 7

CHILD ALLOWANCE CRITICISED ................................... 10

THIRD UNIVERSITY NEEDED ...................................... 12

JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION REVIEW URGED ..................... 13

RESEARCH COUNCILS FOR INDUSTRY PROPOSED ..................... 15

CAUTION URGED ON PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE................... 17

CONCERN ABOUT CHILD ABUSE ................................... 18

MEDICAL AND HEALTH BUDGETING PROCEDURE UNDER REVIEW........ 21

PLB LIMITATION EXTENDED...................................... 21

CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT ................................... 22

SIR PHILIP TO VISIT CTKTRE...................................... 22

GOVERNMENT REPLIES TO HKAA PETITION ............................ 23

OPEN DAY AT KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE....................... 24

IMMIGRATION OFFICERS PASSING-OUT PARADE ........................ 24

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SEEUNG WAN ......................... 25

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1982

PEOPLE URGED TO WORK TOGETHER ******

THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG SHOULD WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE HONG KONG A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN.

THE CALL CAME FROM THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON ROGER LOBO, DURING THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE TODAY.

MR LOBO NOTED THAT HONG KONG HAD ALWAYS ENJOYED GOOD PARTNERSHIP AND SAID THIS SENSE OF PARTNERSHIP MUST NOT BE LOST.

HE SAIDt +WE SHOULD ALL BE ABLE TO WORK ACCORDING TO OUR OWN ABILITIES AND TOWARDS THE SAME OBJECTIVES — A BETTER HONG KONG WHICH MEANS A BETTER LIFE FOR ALL.

♦ WE MUST GET INTO THINKING MORE Or OURSELVES AS ONE COMMUNITY WITH TASKS BEFORE US AS JOBS WE HAVE TO DO TOGETHER.

♦ AS WE FORGE AHEAD INTO THE 80’S WITH FAITH AND CONFIDENCE IN OUR ABILITY TO MEET THE CHALLENGES THAT LIE AHEAD, WE OUGHT ALSO TO PROJECT OUR IMAGE NOT SOLELY AS THAT OF DILIGENCE AND EXPERTISE BUT ALSO THAT THIS IS A DYNAMIC PLACE WHICH OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES, INCENTIVES AND CONVENIENCE EQUAL TO NONE.+

ON THE PROPOSED TAX CONCESSIONS, MR LOBO SAID THEY WOULD CERTAINLY BE APPRECIATED BY THOSE +SQUEEZED BETWEEN THE RICH AND THE POOR+.

HOWEVER, TO THIS PARTICULAR CLASS OF PEOPLE THE WORD ♦CONCESSION+ IS IN ITSELF MISLEADING, HE SAID.

THIS IS BECAUSE THE PROPOSED MEASURES. IN RESPECT OF TAX THRESHOLDS AND PERSONAL ALLOWANCES ONLY GO SOME WAY TOWARDS ABATING THE EFFECTS OF INFLATION AND ONLY SOME WAY TOWARDS PASSING ON SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF THE BUOYANT ECONOMY WHICH THEY HAVE HELPED TO BUILD, HE EXPLAINED.

♦ I DO NOT MEAN TO SOUND UNGRACIOUS BUT WE MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT IT IS NOT GOVERNMENT'S MONEY THAT WE MAKE CONCESSIONS AND APPROPRIATIONS WITH.

♦ IT IS THE TAX-PAYERS’ MONEY — I AM SURE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL NOT OBJECT TO THIS OBSERVATION NOR WILL HE DISAGREE WITH ME WHEN I SAYi BECAUSE WE ARE A RICH SOCIETY WITH ENOUGH TO SPARE, WE SHOULD DIVERT OUR RESOURCES AND PLANNED PRIORITIES — OR GIVE IT ALL AWAY,+ SAID MR LOBO.

BUT HE WARNED THAT WE SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE EXTENT TO WHICH WE FULFILL PEOPLE’S EXPECTATION.

NOTING THAT HONG KONG CONTINUES TO OFFER REWARDS TO HARD WORK AND INGENUITY, HE SAID THE GREAT MAJORITY HERE HAVE HAPPY LIVES, FREE PRIMARY EDUCATION FOR THEIR CHILDREN, LIVE IN REASONABLE COMFORT AND ENJOY OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEISURE.

/+WHILE WE .......

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1982

♦WHILE WE CONTINUE TO ACHIEVE GREATER PROGRESS, WE KNOW WE CANNOT NOW OFFER THESE TO EVERYONE — IN FACT NO SOCIETY CAN — THIS MUST BE ACCEPTED AND UNDERSTOOD — HONG KONG IS NOT A WELFARE STATE.

♦NEVERTHELESS, WE MUST NOT FORGET THAT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE, THOSE BORN HERE, AND OTHERS WHO HAVE WORKED HERE ALL THEIR LIVES HAVE ASPIRATIONS AND LEGITIMATE EXPECTATIONS OF PARTICIPATION,+ MR LOBO SAID.

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CALL FOR SMALL FACTORY BUILDINGS

* * *

DR THE HON FRANCIS TIEN URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO SPONSOR THE BUILDING OF SMALL FACTORIES ON LINES SIMILAR TO THOSE ADOPTED FOR THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.

♦GIVEN THE UNFORTUNATE UNCERTAINTIES REGARDING TENURE IN ACCOMMODATION AS WELL AS THAT OF RENTS, MANY SMALL FACTORIES FACE CONSIDERABLE DIFFICULTIES,♦ HE SAID.

♦THEY HAVE MANY ANXIETIES. THEY MAY LACK A SENSE OF SECURITY, A SENSE OF BELONGING AND EVEN A SENSE OF OWNERSHIP.*

DR TIEN SAID HE WAS AWARE OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S BELIEF THAT DIRECT ASSISTANCE TO INDUSTRY IS UNDESIRABLE AND THEREFORE HE WAS NOT ASKING HIM TO ABANDON HIS +CHERISHED PRINCIPLES OF PRUDENT HOUSEKEEP ING+.

BUT HE THOUGHT THAT SOME HELP SHOULD BE GIVEN TO SMALL-SCALE INDUSTRIES BECAUSE ♦SMALL-SCALE DOES NOT MEAN SMALL IN IMPORTANCE*.

HE REFERRED IN PARTICULAR TO THE LINKAGE OR COMPONENT INDUSTRIES WITHOUT WHICH, HE POINTED OUT, HONG KONG WOULD BE IN CRITICAL DIFFICULTIES.

♦THESE INCLUDE BUTTON MANUFACTURERS, DIE-CASTERS AND PERHAPS ZIPPER-MAKERS FOR WHICH ALL OUR TROUSERED MEN, IF NOT WOMEN, ARE ETERNALLY THANKFUL.

♦THE HUMBLE BUTTON IS IN MANY WAYS THE SUPPORT OF PART OF OUR TEXTILE SYSTEM.

♦WITHOUT THESE SMALL-SCALE CONCERNS EVEN HIGHLY SOPHISTICATED INDUSTRIES SUCH AS THE COMPUTER INDUSTRY CANNOT THRIVE,+ HE SAID.

DR TIEN ALSO WARNED THAT WITHOUT SOME INDIRECT HELP, SUCH COMPONENT INDUSTRIES MIGHT WELL FALL BY THE WAYSIDE.

♦IN THAT EVENT HONG KONG WOULD BE THE LOSER, FOR INDUSTRY NEEDS THE SMALL MAN JUST AS MUCH AS THE WELL-ESTABLISHED LARGE COMPANY,♦ HE ADDED.

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/J........

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1982

INCENTIVE IN SOCIAL WORK SHOULD BE RECOGNISED H * * *

THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD RECOGNISE THE VALUE OF INCENTIVE IN RELATION TO THE PART PLAYED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE SOCIAL SERVICES FIELDS, THE REV THE HON JOYCE BENNETT TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

AND SHE SUGGESTED THAT THE IMPORTANCE OF INCENTIVE MUST NOT BE OVERLOOKED BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AS THEY ANALYSE THE PUBLIC EXPENDITURE TO SUBVENTED BODIES.

MISS BENNETT WAS COMMENTING ON THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S REMARKS ON +THE RIGHT SHARE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN THE ECONOMY. AND OF THE IMPERATIVE NEED TO CONTROL ITS UNIVERSALLY PROLIFIC AND WEED-LIKE GROWTH+.

+1 AM CONCERNED, HOWEVER, LEST HIS NEED TO CONTROL ITS ’WEED-LIKE GROWTH’ WILL LEAD TO CONSTRAINTS ON THE PROPER ,DEVEL°PMENT IN THE EDUCATIONAL, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, AND SOCIAL WELFARE FIELDS,+ SHE SAID.

SHE NOTED THAT THE SHARE OF THE SUBVENTED BODIES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN EDUCATION FOR 1982-83 AMOUNTS TO MORE THAN ON EDUCAnLI°N °R °VER 82 PER CENT °F ™E WH°LE EXPEND,TURE

WHILE SHE AGREED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO DEMAND SOME CONTROL OF THESE VAST AMOUNTS OF MONEY, SHE WONDERED HOW MUCH FURTHER CONTROL THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD EXERCISE OVER THESE SUBVENTED AGENCIES.

**AMY 0F THE FINANCE COMMITTEE PAPERS OF THIS COUNCIL REFER To THE DEGREE 0F CONTROL’ EXERCISED BY GOVERNMENT OVER JhdiSPONSOR!NG BODIES THAT PROVIDE THESE SOCIAL SERVICES TO THE Pu BL IC•

+IT IS TO THIS DEGREE OF CONTROL THAT I WANT US TO PAY THIS afterNOON, BECAUSE I SEE A GREAT DANGER EMERGING THAT GOVERNMENT IS TRYING TO EXTEND THIS CONTROL FROM ONE OF A DEGREE OF CONTROL TO THAT OF COMPLETE CONTROL,* SHE WARNED.

ILLUSTRATE THIS FROM THE EDUCATIONAL FIELD, MISS BENNETT REMARKED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD OVER MANY YEARS CONTROLLED THE GRANT, SUBSIDISED AND AIDED SCHOOLS THROUGH THE VARIOUS CODES OF AID.

THESE CODES OF AID, TOGETHER WITH THE CODES OF AID FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS, ARE CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW. BUT BEFORE THESE ARE FINALISED, SHE POINTED OUT, THERE ARE ALREADY NEW REGULATIONS IMPOSED ON THE SPONSORS WHO RUN THESE SCHOOLS.

+AND IT IS THESE NEW REGULATIONS AND CONTROLS THAT ARE BEGINNING TO ALARM THE SPONSORS, SO MUCH SO THAT ONE WELL-KNOWN SPONSORING BODY HAS ALREADY TOLD THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT THAT IT WOULD NOT RUN ONE OF THE NEW SCHOOLS AS REQUESTED AS THE CONDITIONS THAT GOVERNMENT WISHES TO IMPOSE WERE UNACCEPTABLE.*

/MISS BENNETT .......

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1982

MISS BENNETT AGREED THAT REASONABLE CONTROLS AND SUPERVISION, INCLUDING AUDITING OF ACCOUNTS, ON ALL AIDED SCHOOLS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR SOUND MANAGEMENT BUT FELT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT ALTER UNILATERALLY THE CODES OF AID AND REGULATIONS FOR THE RUNNING OF THE SCHOOLS.

CITING AN EXAMPLE, MISS BENNETT SAIDi +N0W IT SEEMS THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WISHES TO CONTROL MORE COMPLETELY THE APPOINTMENT OF PRINCIPALS.

+THE DEPARTMENT IS DEMANDING THE RIGHT TO DRAW UP A SHORTLIST OF CANDIDATES, TO WHICH THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MAY ONLY ADD NAMES AND FROM WHICH THE DEPARTMENT WILL CHOOSE THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS MOST SUITABLE.

+THE SPONSORING BODIES MUST HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE THEIR OWN PRINCIPALS AND STAFF, SUBJECT OF COURSE TO THE APPROVAL OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AS PREVIOUSLY.+

IF GOVERNMENT CANNOT TRUST THE AIDED BODIES, SHE ADDED, THEY MUST RUN ALL THE SCHOOLS, THE HOSPITALS AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE AGENCIES THEMSELVES.

+l AM QUITE SURE THE ADDED BURDEN OF ALL THE FRINGE BENEFITS AND THE SALARIES OF ALL THE STAFF WORKING IN ALL THE SUBVENTED BODIES WOULD BRING CONSIDERABLE ALARM TO OUR FINANCIAL SECRETARY.*

MISS BENNETT ALSO CRITICISED THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR FAILING TO GIVE ANY GUIDANCE TO SCHOOLS ON HOW THE TEACHERS ARE TO TACKLE TEACHING THE STUDENTS IN NEED OF REMEDIAL TUITION.

SHE SAID THIS IS WHERE IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO EXERCISE CONTROL SINCE +VAST SUMS OF PUBLIC MONEY ARE TO BE SPENT ON EXTRA STAFF AND CRITERIA FOR THEIR USE ARE LAID DOWN*.

MISS BENNETT SUGGESTED TWO CHANGES THAT HAVE A DIRECT CONNECTION WITH THE EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION.

FIRST, SHE REPEATED HER EARLIER CALLS FOR THE NEED TO UNIFY THE FOUR GOVERNMENT COLLEGES OF EDUCATION WHICH HAVE BEEN HAMPERED BY LACK OF LONG-TERM PLANNING.

+l BELIEVE THAT THESE FOUR COLLEGES SHOULD BE FULLY AMALGAMATED, SO THAT THE COSTS COULD BE STREAMLINED AND THEIR FINANCING BE MORE CLEARLY DEFINED.

+TEACHER TRAINING IS AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM AND IT DESERVES A UPGC-TYPE OF BUDGETTING SO THAT LONG TERM PLANS CAN BE MADE AND CARRIED OUT.+

SECONDLY, SHE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT ALLOW SCHOOLS TO PROMOTE THEIR OWN STUDENTS FROM FORM I I I TO FORM IV AND TO HAVE A CENTRAL ALLOCATION SYSTEM BY ONE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION FOR THOSE STUDENTS UNABLE TO GAIN A SEAT IN THEIR OWN SCHOOL.

/SHE CONSIDERED

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2*4, 1982

SHE CONSIDERED THIS TO BE A MUCH BETTER AND MORE ECONOMICAL METHOD THAN THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT SYSTEM.

THE GOVERNMENT HAD SPENT S3.84 MILLION IN 1981-82, AND A SIMILAR SUM HAS BEEN BUDGETED FOR 1982-83, ON THIS JSEA METHOD OF FILLING THE FORM IV PLACES, SHE NOTED.

YET STATISTICS SHOWED THAT THERE WERE 435 VACANT SEATS IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS IN FORM IV/MIDDLE IV IN SEPTEMBER 1981.

+THE PUBLIC HAS THE RIGHT TO INSIST THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND THE AIDED SCHOOLS FILL ALL THEIR SEATS.*

MISS BENNETT NOTED THAT EXPENDITURE IN THE SOCIAL SERVICES HAD BEEN LIMITED BY THE SHORTAGE OF TRAINED AND QUALIFIED PERSONNEL TO RUN ADDITIONAL SERVICES.

HOWEVER, WITH THE EXPANSION OF OUR UNIVERSITIES, MORE GRADUATES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS IN OUR SOCIAL SERVICES.

+IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT THAT THE SIZE OF OUR PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE SHOULD NOT BE INCAPABLE OF ADJUSTMENT TO CHANGED CIRCUMSTANCES,* SHE SAID.

------0 ------

COST-EFFECTIVENESS QUESTIONED * * * * *

THE HON S.L. CHEN, TODAY TOOK THE GOVERNMENT TO TASK OVER THE *SEEMINGLY UNRESTRAINED GROWTH* IN BOTH THE CIVIL SERVICE AND THE PUBLIC EXPENDITURE.

CITING STATISTICS, HE SAID PUBLIC EXPENDITURE IN PERSONAL EMOLUMENT HAD GROWN BY ALMOST SIX TIMES FROM $1 058 MILLION IN 1972/73 TO 16 000 MILLION IN 1981/82.

IN THE SAME PERIOD, THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EMPLOYED IN THE CIVIL SERVICE INCREASED FROM 98 459 TO 151 809 AND A FURTHER INCREASE OF 16 500 NEW POSTS WAS ENVISAGED FOR 1982/83.

+ONE CAN THEREFORE HARDLY BE BLAMED FOR QUESTIONING WHETHER THE CIVIL SERVICE IS COST-EFFECTIVE OR THAT THE TAXPAYERS ARE GETTING VALUE FOR MONEY, AND WHETHER CIVIL SERVICE STAFF RESOURCES ARE PROPERLY DEPLOYED OR USED IN AN EFFECTIVE MANNER,* HE SAID.

IN A CRITICAL LOOK AT THESE QUESTIONS, MR CHEN SAID HE HAD RESEARCHED INTO THE WORKINGS OF SOME OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTS SINCE PUBLIC WORKS +SHARE THE BIGGEST SLICE OF THE PUBLIC EXPENDITURE*.

ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF AN EXPENDITURE ANALYSIS IN RESPECT CF THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, THE EXPENDITURE IN PERSONAL EMOLUMENT IN 1977/78, FOR EXAMPLE, AMOUNTED TO 16.2 PER CENT OF THE EXPENDITURE ON WORK DONE, INCLUDING THOSE DONE BY CONSULTANTS, DURING THE YEAR.

/THE percentage .......

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1?82

THE PERCENTAGE FIGURES FOR THE FIVE-YEAR PERIOD BETWEEN 1977/78 AND 1981/82 DO COMPARE VERY UNFAVOURABLY WITH THAT FOR WORK DONE BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR, HE SAID.

BUT WHAT ONE HAS TO BEAR IN MIND WHEN MAKING THE COMPARISON IS THAT FROM THEIR FEES EARNED, OUTSIDE CONSULTANTS WOULD HAVE TO PAY NOT ONLY THE PERSONAL EMOLUMENT OF THEIR STAFF BUT ALSO STAFF FRINGE BENEFITS, ALL OFFICE OVERHEADS SUCH AS RENTS, RATES, ELECTRICITY, TELEPHONE CHARGES, ETC.

OVER AND ABOVE THESE, HE ADDED, THE CONSULTANTS WOULD ALSO HAVE TO MAKE A PROFIT IN ORDER TO SURVIVE IN THE BUSINESS.

♦THEN A QUESTION MAY WELL BE ASKED WHETHER THERE IS ANY POINT IN KEEPING WORK IN-HOUSE WHEN IT COULD BE DONE MORE ECONOMICALLY BY CONSULTANTS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THAT IS WHETHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS SHOULD REMAIN IN OPERATION UNLESS THEIR PRODUCTIVITY IS COMPARABLE TO THAT OF THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

♦HERE THE PRINCIPLE OF THE SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST, WHICH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ADVOCATES AND WHICH I WHOLE-HEARTEDLY SUPPORT, SHOULD APPLY JUST AS MUCH IN PUBLIC SERVICES AS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR,♦ MR CHEN SAID.

TURNING TO THE DEPLOYMENT OF GOVERNMENT STAFF RESOURCES, HE DREW ATTENTION TO THE EXISTING REQUIREMENT WHEREBY BUILDING PLANS PREPARED BY AN AUTHORISED PERSON WHO IS BY STATUTE RECOGNISED AS COMPETENT TO PROVIDE THE SERVICE ARE SUBJECT TO SCRUTINY AND APPROVAL OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE BY A FELLOW PROFESSIONAL ON THE GOVERNMENT STAFF WHO MORE OFTEN THEN NOT MAY BE LESS EXPERIENCED THAN HIMSELF.

HE CONSIDERED THIS AN UNNECESSARY DUPLICATION OF EFFORT WHICH HAD RESULTED IN MANY COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OVER DELAYS IN GRANTING APPROVAL OF BUILDING PLANS AND THE ISSUING OF OCCUPATION PERMITS.

♦THEREFORE I SUPPORT STRONGLY THE PROPOSAL PUT FORWARD BY THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW ORDINANCE UNDER WHICH ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, SURVEYORS AND ALL PROFESSIONALS PRACTISING IN THE BUILDING INDUSTRY SHALL BE REGISTERED AND WHICH WOULD IMPOSE UPON THEM A STATUTORY OBLIGATION TO CARRY THE TECHNICAL AND LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE PROFESSIONAL WORK IN THEIR RESPECTIVE FIELDS.

♦THE NEW ORDINANCE SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE A PROVISION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DISCIPLINARY BODY WHICH WOULD BE EMPOWERED TO REGULATE THE PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT OF MEMBERS OF THE RELEVANT PROFESSIONS AND ENSURE THAT THOSE WHO ABUSE THEIR PRIVILEGE WOULD BE APPROPRIATELY PENALISED WHICH MAY IN CERTAIN CASES INCLUDE DE-REGISTRAT ION,+ HE SAID.

HE REMARKED THAT IF THE PROFESSIONALS WERE GIVEN THEIR RIGHTFUL RESPONSIBILITIES AND WERE REQUIRED TO FULFIL THESE RESPONSIBILITIES BY LAW, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE COULD DISPENSE WITH ITS PLAN-APPROVAL FUNCTIONS AND ITS STAFF COULD THEN BE RE-DEPLOYED TO AREAS WHERE ADDITIONAL MANPOWER WAS NEEDED, SUCH AS SURVEILLANCE OPERATIONS AGAINST UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS.

/MR CHEN SAID: ...

WEDNESDAY, MAUCH 2U, 1982

MR CHEN SA IDs ♦WHAT WE NEED NOW IS AN IN-DEPTH REVIEW OF THE WHOLE MACHINERY TO SEE WHERE THE DEFECTS LIE AND WHETHER SOME GEARS AND WHEELS ARE REDUNDANT AND OTHERS OVER-BURDENED.

♦ IN VIEW OF THE PARTICULARLY RAPID GROWTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE IN THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS, SUCH A REVIEW MUST INCLUDE THE NEW PROCEDURE FOR CREATING POSTS INTRODUCED IN 1980.

♦ONLY THEN WILL WE BE IN A POSITION TO DECIDE WHAT CORRECTIVE ACTION OR CONTROL IS NEEDED, FOR IN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY'S OWN WORDS 'CONTROL THERE MUST BE’ IF WE ARE TO SEE AN EFFECTIVE CURBING OF THE UNRESTRAINED GROWTH IN BOTH THE CIVIL SERVICE AND PUBLIC EXPENDITURE.+

-----o------

CONCERN ABOUT CIVIL SERVICE GROWTH * * * *

HONG KONG IS IN DANGER OF BEING OVER-REGULATED AND OVER-GOVERNED BY A SPRAWLING BUREAUCRACY, WARNED THE HON LYDIA DUNN.

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE TODAY, MISS DUNN REFERRED TO THE +ALARMING+ GROWTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE IN RECENT YEARS.

♦UNLESS WE ARE AWARE OF THE NEED REGULARLY TO REVIEW PROCEDURES, TO TAKE A DYNAMIC VIEW OF MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES, TO DEVELOP RELEVANT SKILLS AND TO MODIFY OUTDATED ATTITUDES, I FEAR THE GROWTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE WILL CONTINUE UNABATED, ALL IN THE NAME OF CIVIC PROGRESS AND COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT,+ SHE SAID.

SHE EMPHASISED THAT HER CONCERN ABOUT THE PRESENT AND PROJECTED SIZE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE IS NOT JUST BECAUSE OF ITS COST.

♦AS I HAVE SAID BEFORE, I BELIEVED THAT WE HAVE A SERVICE WHICH CONSISTS OF HARD-WORKING AND DEDICATED MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR MUCH OF HONG KONG’S PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENTS.

♦BUT THE GROWTH OF THE SERVICE IS SUCH THAT WE NEED TO PAUSE, CONSOLIDATE AND TAKE STOCK OF THE SYSTEM.♦

MISS DUNN CALLED FOR A CRITICAL LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, ITS PRODUCTIVITY AND MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE.

SHE QUESTIONED WHETHER THE PRESENT STRUCTURE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF 138 000 IS STILL APPROPRIATE AND, IN PARTICULAR, WHETHER THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT CONCEPT REMAINS RELEVANT.

SHE RECALLED THAT IN REPLY TO A SIMILAR PLEA BY HER IN THE LAST BUDGET DEBATE, THE THEN CHIEF SECRETARY UNDERTOOK TO INSTRUCT THE ADMINISTRATION BRANCH TO HAVE A REAPPRAISAL AT THE OVERALL ORGANISATION OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT.

/♦ALTHOUGH I

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1982

♦ALTHOUGH I DOUBT WHETHER THE ADMINISTRATION BRANCH IS THE APPROPRIATE BODY TO CARRY OUT SUCH A MAJOR TASK, I WOULD, NEVERTHELESS, LIKE TO KNOW THE OUTCOME OF THEIR DELIBERATIONS,* SHE SAID.

MISS DUNN ALSO TOOK THE GOVERNMENT TO TASK FOR FAILING TO CONTAIN THE GROWTH RATE OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE.

SHE THOUGHT THE GROWTH RATE OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE IN RECENT YEARS WAS MOST WORRYING WHETHER ONE LOOKED AT IT IN MONEY TERMS OR REAL TERMS, IN RELATION TO THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT OR THE CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT.

IN A CRITICAL LOOK AT THE ISSUE, SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE ON CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIVE YEARS ENDING 1981-82 WAS 16.5 PER CENT WHILE THAT OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT WAS ONLY 10.7 PER CENT.

ALTHOUGH THE BUDGETARY INTENTION FOR 1981-82 WAS TO HOLD THE GROWTH RATE DOWN TO 12.8 PER CENT WITH THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF THE GDP BEING EIGHT PER CENT, SHE SAID THE REVISED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE ON CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT REFLECT A GROWTH RATE OF NEARLY 22 PER CENT, OR MORE THAN TWICE THE NOW ESTIMATED GROWTH RATE OF THE GDP OF TEN PER CENT.

♦ IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, I WOULD HAVE EXPECTED TO HEAR FROM THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT THE CENTRAL THEME OF BUDGETARY STRATEGY IN 1982-83 WAS THE CONTROL OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE.

♦ SPECIFICALLY, I WOULD HAVE EXPECTED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO SLOW DOWN THE GROWTH RATE OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE TO THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF THE GDP OR BELOW IT, AS WAS DONE IN 1979-80.

♦ INSTEAD, A GROWTH RATE OF NEARLY 11 PER CENT IS BUDGETTED FOR COMPARED WITH A FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF THE GDP OF EIGHT PER CENT ONLY,+ SHE SAID.

MISS DUNN POINTED OUT THAT SHE HAD DILATED ON THESE RELATIVE GROWTH RATES AT SOME LENGTH BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT MANAGED THE PUBLIC FINANCES ON THE BASIS OF FOUR PRINCIPLES, THE FIRST OF WHICH WAS THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE SHOULD HAVE REGARD TO THE GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY.

♦YET THERE APPEARS TO BE A DEARTH OF EVIDENCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS ANXIOUS TO PUT THIS PRINCIPLE INTO PRACTICE.

♦IN FACT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY EXPRESSED SOME DOUBT IN PARAGRAPH 28 AND FOOTNOTE 18 OF HIS SPEECH THAT HE WOULD BE ABLE TO HOLD EXPENDITURE ON GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT EVEN TO THE $33 BILLION SOUGHT,+ SHE NOTED.

BUT SHE WAS SCEPTICAL ABOUT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY FULFILLING HIS AIM AT ♦KEEPING THE GROWTH RATE IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE DOWN TO THE GROWTH RATE OF THE GDP* ON THE GROUNDS THAT,

/• INSTEAD OF .......

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1982

* INSTEAD OF AN INTENDED EASING BACK IN THE GROWTH RATE OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE IN REAL TERMS IN 1981-82, THERE WAS A SHARP INCREASE OVER THE YEAR’S APPROVED ESTIMATES, AND

* THE RELATIVE SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR IS NOW HALF AS LARGE AGAIN AS IT WAS FIVE YEARS AGO, AND YET IT IS DUE TO GO EVEN HIGHER IN 1982-83 SINCE THE GROWTH RATE OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE IS AGAIN FORECAST TO EXCEED THE GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY.

MISS DUNN SAID THAT IT WOULD NOT DO AT ALL FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO RESPOND BY ASKING UNOFFICIALS TO MAKE SPECIFIC SUGGESTIONS AS TO THE AREAS WHERE SAVINGS IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE COULD BE MADE.

♦ IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO MANAGE THE PUBLIC FINANCES AND SO IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO DETERMINE EXPENDITURE LIMITS AND PRIORITIES,* SHE STRESSED.

SHE ALSO THOUGHT IT WAS BOTH UNFAIR AND MISLEADING TO ARGUE, AS THE THEN CHIEF SECRETARY DID DURING THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS LAST NOVEMBER, THAT APPLICATIONS FOR SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION TO COVER EXPECTED EXCESSES IN EXPENDITURE WERE SUBMITTED TO AND APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

SHE SAIDi +THIS IS TRUE AND EACH APPLICATION MAY BE JUSTIFIED IN ITS OWN RIGHT, BUT NO ATTEMPT IS MADE TO ASSESS THE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ALL APPLICATIONS ON TOTAL EXPENDITURE OVER AND ABOVE THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OR OF THEIR ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS.

♦MEMBERS OF FINANCE COMMITTEE HAVE NO OPTION BUT TO ASSUME THAT THE GOVERNMENT, IN PUTTING FORWARD THESE APPLICATIONS, HAS ALREADY ASSESSED THEIR FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS- AND TO ASSUME, SHOULD THEY BE APPROVED, THAT THIS WILL NOT MEAN, AT THE END OF THE DAY, THAT THE PUBLIC UNDERTAKINGS AND ASSURANCES GIVEN TO THIS COUNCIL ABOUT THE MANAGEMENT OF THE PUBLIC FINANCES WILL BE BREACHED.+

MISS DUNN SUGGESTED THAT ALL FUTURE APPLICATIONS FOR SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION, UNLESS OFFSET BY EQUIVALENT SAVINGS ELSEWHERE, SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ASSESSMENT OF THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S BUDGETARY STRATEGY IN BOTH FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC TERMS, AND SHOULD ONLY BE APPROVED BY FINANCE COMMITTEE IF THAT ASSESSMENT IS FOUND TO BE ACCEPTABLE.

MISS DUNN ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE DECLINE IN THE PROPORTION OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE FINANCED BY RECURRENT REVENUE.

T0LD THE COUNCIL THAT THE FINANCING OF THE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS HAD BEEN MUCH LESS DEPENDENT ON RECURRENT REVENUE THAN IN THE PAST.

QUOTING STATISTICS, SHE POINTED OUT THAT CAPITAL REVENUE IN THE FIVE YEARS ENDING 1976-77 FINANCED, ON AVERAGE, ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE WHILE THE BALANCED BEING FINANCED BY RECURRENT REVENUE.

/IN THE THREE ......

WEDNESDAY, MAHCH 2U, 1982

10 -

IN THE THREE YEARS ENDING 1979-80, CAPITAL REVENUE FINANCED 65 PER CENT OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE- AND IN THE FOLLOWING TWO YEARS, CAPITAL EXPENDITURE WAS ENTIRELY FINANCED BY CAPITAL REVENUE.

THE BUDGET ENVISAGES THAT IT WILL BE SO IN 1982-83 AS WELL, SHE ADDED.

♦HOW LONG THIS STATE OF AFFAIRS WILL PERSIST IS DIFFICULT TO SAY,+ SAID MISS DUNN.

+BUT SHOULD LAND SALES FALTER, AND REMEMBER THAT REVENUE FROM LAND SALES NOW ACCOUNTS FOR OVER 95 PER CENT OF TOTAL CAPITAL REVENUE, AND SHOULD YIELDS FROM OUR SYSTEM OF TAXES AND CHARGES DECLINE AS A RESULT OF A POSSIBLY SLUGGISH WORLD ECONOMY, THEN I FORESEE REAL DIFFICULTIES AHEAD IN FINANCING OUR RECURRENT SERVICES AND OUR CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME.

♦THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MIGHT THEN HAVE NO OPTION BUT TO RAISE TAX RATES, AT A TIME WHEN THAT MIGHT BE MOST UNWISE, OR TO DRAW DOWN OUR RESERVES, PERHAPS SUBSTANTIALLY,* SHE SAID.

CHILD ALLOWANCE CRITICISED K X X X

THE GOVERNMENT WAS TODAY CRITICISED FOR NOT INCREASING THE ALLOWANCE FOR THE THIRD CHILD AND SUBSEQUENT CHILDREN.

SPEAKING AT THE BUDGET DEBATE, THE REV THE HON PATRICK MCGOVERN EXPRESSED MISGIVINGS THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD FIND IT +APPROPRIATE+ TO KEEP THE ALLOWANCE AT ITS PRESENT LEVEL.

HE NOTED THAT +APPROPRIATE+ IS A MUCH USED PIECE OF CIVIL SERVICE JARGON WHICH COULD MEAN ANYTHING, OR NOTHING.

IN THIS CASE, HE ARGUED, IT CANNOT MEAN ECONOMICALLY APPROPRIATE FOR PARENTS BECAUSE +A THIRD OR FOURTH CHILD, WHILE COSTING RELATIVELY LESS TO REAR THAN A FIRST OR SECOND CHILD STILL COSTS MONEY+. ’

THAN COST

GIVE

♦IN THIS INFLATIONARY AGE IT COSTS MORE MONEY THIS YEAR

YE^r-0R THE YEAR 3EF0RE- IT IS ALSO LIKELY THAT IT WILL STILL MORE NEXT YEAR AND THE YEAR AFTER.

♦SO, ECONOMICALLY IT WOULD OBVIOUSLY BE APPROPRIATE TO AN INCREASE IN THE ALLOWANCE BEYOND THE SECOND CHILD.+

THAT

IS WAS NOT BEING DONE, FATHER MCGOVERN SUGGESTED Tnr.,„+APPR0PR IATE+ MAY THEREFORE MEAN SOCIALLY OR PART OF A TREND THE GOVERNMENT TAKES TOWARDS PROMOTING A SMALL FAMILY POLICY BY THE USE OF DISINCENTIVES.

/THAT THERE .......

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2L, 1982

THAT THERE WOULD APPEAR TO BE SUCH A TREND IS INDICATED BY THE FACT THAT THE CHILD ALLOWANCE WAS ALSO RAISED LAST YEAR FOR THE FIRST TWO CHILDREN BUT NOT FOR SUBSEQUENT CHILDREN HE NOTED.

FURTHERMORE, THE GOVERNMENT, AFTER HAVING ADMITTED THAT THERE WAS NO OFFICIAL TWO CHILDREN POPULATION POLICY IN HONG KONG LAST YEAR CHANGED THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL WHICH LIMITED MATERNITY BENEFITS TO SURVIVING CHILDREN FROM TWO TO THREE.

FR. MCGOVERN ARGUED THAT HE WAS NOT STARTING A DEBATE ON WHETHER OR NOT A TWO-CHILD FAMILY IS A BETTER THING THAN A LARGER FAMILY IN THE OVERCROWDED LIVING CONDITIONS OF HONG KONG, OR WHETHER OR NOT THE USE TO WHICH PUBLIC MONEY SHOULD BE PUT SHOULD BE DICTATED BY GOVERNMENT OR BY THE TAXPAYERS WHO PROVIDE THE MONEY.

HE SAID HE MERELY TRIED TO STATE THAT THE CONSEQUENCES OF POPULATION CONTROL BY MEANS OF DISINCENTIVES HAVE BEEN PROVED TO BE SOCIALLY UNDESIRABLE, OR TO MAKE HIS MEANING CLEARER TO THE OFFICIALS, +INAPPROPRIATE+.

+THE PROVEN SOUND AND SANE METHOD WHICH DOES NOT DESTROY RESPECT FOR FAMILY LIFE, IS NOT DISINCENTIVES, BUT A POLICY OF PROMOTING FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION INCLUDING THE CONCEPT OF RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD.

♦I MUST ADD IN THIS PERMISSIVE AGE, THAT THIS CONCEPT MUST BE PROMOTED BEFORE AS WELL AS DURING MARRIED LIFE,* HE SAID.

FR. MCGOVERN ALSO CALLED FOR A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND OR CENTRAL PENSION SCHEME SUITABLE FOR THE PRESENT AND FUTURE NEEDS OF HONG KONG WORKERS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT SINCE AT LEAST THE 196O’S, THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF HOT AIR BUT NO CONCRETE ACTION ON THE EVER GROWING SOCIAL PROBLEM OF WORKERS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAVING NO PUBLIC SCHEME BY WHICH PROVISION IS MADE FOR THE OLD AGE OR PREMATURE UNEMPLOYMENT.

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, HE CONTENDED, IS A PITTANCE AND WAS NOT DESIGNED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR A WAGE OR A PENSION.

HE NOTED THE PROBLEM WAS URGENT IN THE 60’5, BUT IT IS MORE URGENT NOW SINCE +WE HAVE NOW AN INCREASING POPULATION OF OLD PEOPLE AND WILL HAVE A RELATIVELY DECREASING POPULATION WORKING TO SUPPORT THEM FROM TAXATION OR ANY OTHER MEANS*.

+WE NEED TO DO IT NOW, WITHOUT FURTHER DITHERING, AND I SUGGEST THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY BENDS HIS AGILE MIND TO THIS PROBLEM BEFORE HE AND I AND THE BULK OF THE POPULATION ARE DODDERING,* FR. MCGOVERN SAID.

- 0---------

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1982

12 -

THIRD UNIVERSITY NEEDED * * *

THE TIME IS RIPE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO SET IN MOTION THE PLANNING OF A THIRD UNIVERSITY FOR HONG KONG, THE HON PETER C. WONG SAID IN THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE TODAY.

SINCE IT WOULD TAKE NOT LESS THAN TEN YEARS TO ESTABLISH AN INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING, A PRELIMINARY PLANNING COMMITTEE SHOULD BE SET UP AS A MATTER OF URGENCY TO STUDY THIS PROPOSAL, HE SAID.

EXPLAINING THE NEED FOR A THIRD UNIVERSITY, MR WONG REMINDED MEMBERS THAT EDUCATIONAL AIMS AT UNIVERSITY LEVEL, INDEED AT ANY LEVEL, SHOULD BE EXPRESSED IN BOTH QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE TERMS.

♦QUALITATIVELY, UNIVERSITY EDUCATION SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TO INDIVIDUAL SATISFACTION BY DEVELOPING A STUDENT’S LATENT TALENTS AND ALSO PREPARE HIM, WHETHER MENTALLY, MORALLY OR VOCATIONALLY TO MEET THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS OF SOCIETY.

♦QUANTITATIVELY, IT SHOULD BE A BASIC RIGHT RATHER THAN THE PRIVILEGE OF THE ELITE CLASS,+ HE SAID.

♦STATED SIMPLY, EVERY STUDENT WHO HAS THE ABILITY SHOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION.+

HE POINTED OUT THAT IN 1981 THE PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION EDUCATED AT UNIVERSITY - AT 2.7 PER CENT - WAS FAR FROM SATISFACTORY AND WAS TRAILING FAR BEHIND MANY COUNTRIES, SUCH AS SINGAPORE.

THE NUMBER OF UNDERGRADUATES REGISTERED AT THE HONG KONG AND CHINESE UNIVERSITIES IN THE SAME YEAR WERE 4 785 AND 4 456 RESPECTIVELY.

IN ADDITION, HE SAID, OVER 10 000 STUDENTS LEAVE HONG KONG ANNUALLY TO SEEK EDUCATION ABROAD AND IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS STUDYING IN OVERSEA UNIVERSITIES IS ROUGHLY EQUAL TO THE NUMBER EDUCATED LOCALLY.

MR WONG CITED STATISTICS TO SHOW THE ACUTE SHORTAGE OF UNIVERSITY PLACES*

* OF THE 8 407 STUDENTS WHO MANAGED TO ATTAIN THE MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY IN 1981, 5 723 APPLIED FOR PLACES AT THE UNIVERSITY, BUT ONLY 1 483 OR LESS THAN 26 PER CENT, WERE SUCCESSFUL.

* OF THE 4 429 STUDENTS WHO FULFILLED THE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY IN 1981, ONLY 1 115 WERE ADMITTED.

* THEREFORE, OUT OF A TOTAL OF 12 836 STUDENTS WHO PASSED THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS OF THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, ONLY 2 598 WERE ADMITTED, LEAVING THE OVERALL SHORTAGE OF UNIVERSITY PLACES IN THE ORDER OF SOME 10 238.

'ALTHOUGH IT IS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1982

ALTHOUGH IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS THERE WILL BE A GROWTH RATE QF SOME FOUR PER CENT PER ANNUM IN RESPECT OF THE EXISTING UNIVERSITIES, AND THAT DEGREE COURSES WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE POLYTECHNIC AND THE BAPTIST COLLEGE, MR WONG SAID THEY WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATE TO CATER FOR THE LONG-TERM NEEDS OF HONG KONG, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE FACT THAT THERE IS A LIMIT TO WHICH THE EXISTING UNIVERSITIES MAY BE EXPANDED.

♦GOVERNMENT ITSELF IS IN THE PROCESS OF DE-CENTRALIZATION,+ HE NOTED. +TO BE CONSISTENT, THE POLICY FOR HIGHER EDUCATION SHOULD BE AGAINST FEDERAL IZATION.+

HE ARGUED THAT THERE IS A STRONG CASE FOR A THIRD UNIVERSITY TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR HIGHER EDUCATION.

♦SURELY, THE KEY TO OUR FUTURE SUCCESS RESTS HEAVILY ON THE ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF ABLE AND SUITABLY QUALIFIED GRADUATES.

♦ IT WOULD BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, AND INDEED IN GOVERNMENT’S OWN INTEREST, TO GIVE THIS MATTER THE HIGHEST PRIORITY,* HE SAID.

-----0------

JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION REVIEW URGED * * * *

THERE IS A PRESSING NEED FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE THREE-YEAR JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION - FORM I TO FORM III - IN HONG KONG, THE HON WONG LAM SAID.

AND IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONDUCT A DETAILED REVIEW ON THE SUBJECT AND MAKE IMPROVEMENTS ACCORDINGLY, HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

MR WONG NOTED THAT THE EXISTING SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SYSTEM HAS THROWN THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION INTO CONFUSION.

UNDER THE SYSTEM, STUDENTS OF VARYING STANDARDS ARE PUT IN THE SAME CLASS, THUS MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR TEACHERS TO TEACH ACCORDING TO THE STANDARD OF THE CLASS.

AS SUCH, THE QUALITY OF JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION IN MANY SCHOOLS IS NOT AT ALL SATISFACTORY.

♦ AT THE SAME TIME, WITH THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT LOOMING LARGE OVER THE HORIZON, JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION EASILY BECOMES EXAM I NAT ION-ORIENTED,+ HE SAID.

MR WONG SAID THAT JUDGING FROM THE PRESENT SITUATION, IT IS CLEAR THAT +THE MORE WE DRAG OUR FEET IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY CF EDUCATION, THE MORE DEEP-ROOTED WILL THE PROBLEMS BECOME+.

♦ THEREFORE,+ HE ADDED, +THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT OVERLOOK THE URGENCY OF THIS PROBLEM SIMPLY BECAUSE THE MALADIES HAVE NOT ^T SURFACED.

/+! DO NOT .......

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1982

♦I DO NOT INTEND TO ELABORATE ON THE METHODS OF IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION DURING THIS BUDGET DEBATE BUT I DO BELIEVE THAT THE GOVERNMENT OUGHT TO GIVE PRIORITY TO THIS MATTER AND INCREASE EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION.+

MR WONG ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE UNDUE EXPANSION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT, ESPECIALLY AT THE DIRECTORATE LEVEL.

QUOTING STATISTICS, HE SAID THE CIVIL SERVICE HAS INCREASED FROM 94 417 POSTS IN 1971-72 TO 166 030 IN 1982-83. THE INCREASE RATE FOR 1982-83 IS 9.4 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE ANNUAL INCREASE OF SIX PER CENT FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS.

THE EXPANSION OF THE DIRECTORATE IS EVEN MORE SHOCKING, HE POINTED OUT.

♦EXCEPT FOR THE MID AND LATE 7O’S WHEN ECONOMIC RECESSION RESULTED IN SMALLER INCREASES, THE EARLY YEARS OF BOTH THE 70’S AND SO’S WITNESSED TWO-DIGIT INCREASES, ESPECIALLY IN 1980-81 AND THE EARLY PART OF 1982 WHEN THE RATES WENT UP TO ABOUT 22 AND 19 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

♦IN OTHER WORDS, THE EXPANSION OF THE DIRECTORATE HAS BEEN FAR MORE RAPID.

♦ALTHOUGH AT PRESENT THE GOVERNMENT IS STILL ABLE TO AFFORD SO LARGE AN ESTABLISHMENT AND SUCH RAPID EXPANSION, IN THE LONG RUN, HOWEVER, PROBLEMS WILL SURELY AR ISE,+ HE WARNED.

MR WONG CONSIDERED THE ENTIRE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AND RANKS OF ALL POSTS WERE ♦OVER INFLATED+ AND THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT COMMITTEES IN VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING EFFECTIVELY.

HE CALLED ON GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO CONDUCT PERIODICAL SELF-REVIEWS OF THEIR PERFORMANCES SO AS TO IMPROVE THEIR EFFICIENCY.

THERE SHOULD ALSO BE BETTER CONNECTION AND CO-ORDINATION AMONG GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN ORDER TO SAVE UNNECESSARY EXPENSES, HE ADDED.

MR WONG ALSO NOTED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD MADE CANDID REMARKS IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH ABOUT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AND ITS SUBSTANTIAL EXPANSION IN RECENT YEARS.

BUT HE FAILED TO UNDERSTAND WHY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY STILL APPROVES AN INCREASE OF SOME 14 200 POSTS FOR 1982-83.

♦AS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY PUTS IT - MERELY THROWING MONEY AT PROBLEMS SOLVES NOTHING IN THE LONG RUN - I WOULD LIKE TO ADD THAT MERELY INCREASING STAFF RESOURCES SOLVES NOTHING IN THE LONG RUN EITHER,+ SAID MR WONG.

-----0------

/15........

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1982

RESEARCH COUNCILS FOR INDUSTRY PROPOSED X * * *

DR THE HON RAYSON HUANG TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CALLED FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RESEARCH COUNCILS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF INDUSTRY.

HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT ALTHOUGH THE SIZE OF OUR GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT HAD PUT HONG KONG IN THE LEAGUE OF DEVELOPED RATHER THAN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, SOME OF OUR EFFORTS SHOULD BE DIRECTED AT THE MAINTENANCE OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL EXPERTISE AND ADAPTABILITY NEEDED TO COPE WITH THE INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED MARKET THE FUTURE MIGHT BRING.

♦OBVIOUSLY SOME MEASURES HAVE ALREADY BEEN IMPLEMENTED IN AN AWARENESS OF THE SITUATION, NOTABLY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND THE EXPANSION OF THE PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE, AS WELL AS THE PROPOSED TAX CONCESSIONS TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT.

+BUT TOO LITTLE ENERGY AND FINANCE HAS YET BEEN DIRECTED TO THE SUPPORT OF INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES AND WE FALL BEHIND OTHER DEVELOPED, AND INDEED SOME DEVELOPING, COUNTRIES IN THE EXTENT TO WHICH WE ARE PREPARED, IN THIS MATTER OF RESEARCH, TO COMMIT A PART OF OUR PRESENT PROSPERITY TOWARDS FUTURE RETURNS,* HE SAID.

RESEARCH IS TOO OFTEN LOOKED UPON AS IDEALISTIC EXTRAVAGANCE RATHER THAN PRACTICAL INSURANCE.

BUT DR HUANG CONTENDED THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RESEARCH COUNCILS TO WHICH INDUSTRY COULD LOOK FOR GUIDANCE AND WHICH COULD SPONSOR RESEARCH INTO AREAS OF VITAL COMMUNITY AND INDUSTRIAL CONCERN WOULD BE +A MEANS OF ENSURING THAT RESOURCES INJECTED INTO THIS AREA ARE WELL SPENT*.

COMMENTING ON THE TAX CONCESSIONS PROPOSED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO IMPROVE THE LOT OF THE COMMON MAN, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE BANDS OF TAXABLE INCOME, AT PRESENT >10 000, SHOULD BE WIDENED IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE REAL PURPOSE OF THE CONCESSIONS.

HE NOTED THAT DESPITE INFLATION IT WAS SOME CONSIDERABLE TIME SINCE THE TAX BANDS THEMSELVES WERE WIDENED AND, AS A RESULT, MIDDLE TO LOWER-MIDDLE INCOME TAXPAYERS WERE BEING PUSHED INTO HIGHER TAX BRACKETS WHEN THERE HAD BEEN NO REAL INCREASE IN THE PURCHASING VALUE OF THEIR INCOME.

AS REGARDS SEPARATE TAXATION FOR MARRIED WOMEN, DR HUANG SAID IT WAS MORE LIKELY TO BENEFIT THE LOWER-INCOME GROUP AND WOULD BE IN LINE WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S EMPHASIS ON INCREASING THE LONG-TERM PRODUCTION CAPABILITY OF OUR ECONOMY BY ENCOURAGING THE LABOUR PARTICIPATION RATE OF MARRIED WOMEN.

/TURNING TO........

WEDNESDAY, MAUCH 24, 19&2

- 16 -

TURNING TO THE PUBLIC SECTOR, HE NOTED THAT ANOTHER 16 500 POSTS WOULD BE CREATED IN 1982-83 ON TOP OF THE 12 000 POSTS CREATED IN 1981-82.

WHILE HOPING THAT MOST OF THESE POSTS WOULD GO INTO AREAS OF REAL NEED WHERE THEY WOULD HAVE A DIRECT IMPACT, SUCH AS MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WORK, DR HUANG POINTED OUT THAT A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER IS LIKELY TO SEEP THROUGH INTO THOSE AREAS OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR WHICH HAVE LESS WELL JUSTIFIED THEIR EXISTENCE IN TERMS OF PRODUCTIVITY OR EFFECTIVENESS.

+FREEZING OF ANY EXPANSION IN THOSE AREAS WOULD RELEASE RESOURCES INTO AREAS WHICH WARRANT A HIGHER DEGREE OF PRIORITY.*

DR HUANG ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE ALLOCATION FOR SECONDARY AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION WAS ONLY 12.9 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS OR 3.9 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS MORE THAN THAT FOR LAST YEAR ON THE BASIS OF THE PREDICTED NINE PER CENT GDP DEFLATOR, PARTICULARLY SINCE THE POPULATION BULGE WAS NOW AT THE SECONDARY AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTE LEVEL. HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE QUALITY OF SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHING NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED.

+THIS OF COURSE MEANS MORE QUALIFIED TEACHERS AMONG OTHER THINGS, AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED TO COPE WITH THE CONSIDERABLE INDUSTRIAL DIVERSIFICATION WHICH HONG KONG NEEDS.

+THIS WOULD CERTAINLY NOT BE 'THROWING MONEY AT A PROBLEM’, BUT PROVIDING THE WHEREWITHAL FOR A PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED,* HE SAID.

ON SOCIAL WELFARE, DR HUANG FELT THAT THE MODEST INCREASE IN ALLOCATION FOR SOCIAL WELFARE MIGHT BE INADEQUATE IN VIEW OF THE INCREASE SINCE 1971 IN THE PERCENTAGE OF THOSE WHO ARE 65 AND OVER AND THE WIDENING INCOME INEQUALITY IN HONG KONG AS INDICATED BY THE 1981 CENSUS.

HE SAID THE DECLINING CASELOAD OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE COULD BE TAKEN TO REFLECT THE MEAGRE ALLOWANCES AVAILABLE RATHER THAN THE REAL NEED OF THOSE OF OUR NUMBER WHO COULD NOT FEND FOR THEMSELVES.

*IN THIS CONNECTION I AM GRATIFIED TO NOTE THE TIMELY AND WELL JJSTIFIED INCREASES IN OLD AGE AND DISABILITY ALLOWANCES ANNOUNCED ONLY LAST WEEK.

*THE LOOSENING OF FAMILY TIES WHICH HAS COME ABOUT IN RECENT TIMES AND WHICH MANY OF US DEPLORE IS YET ANOTHER FACTOR TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN MAKING FINANCIAL PROVISION FOR THE RETIREMENT YEARS OF OUR ELDERLY PEOPLE,* HE SAID.

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/17........

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2*. 1962

- 17 -

CAUTION URGED ON PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE * * * * *

THE GENEROUS TAX CONCESSIONS PROPOSED IN THE BUDGET WILL FURTHER STIMULATE INDUSTRIAL AND ECONOMIC GROWTH AND CONTRIBUTE to the attainment of public aspirations, the hon Charles yeung SAID TODAY.

BUT HE WARNED THAT ITS GOOD EFFECT MIGHT NOT BE SUSTAINED FOR LONG WITHOUT OUR EXERCISING CAUTION IN OUR PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE.

MR YEUNG SUGGESTED THAT HONG KONG SHOULD FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE UNITED KINGDOM WHERE THE RATE OF EXPANSION OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE WAS BEING REDUCED AS A MEANS OF CORRECTING INFLATIONARY AND RECESSIONARY TRENDS.

HE NOTED THAT ABOUT 80 PER CENT OF TOTAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON CAPITAL ACCOUNT WAS ON HOUSING, ROADS AND OTHER PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMMES WHICH WERE NECESSARY.

IN RECURRENT ACCOUNT, IT WOULD BE ILL-ADVISED TO CUT DOWN ON COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND OTHER ESSENTIAL SERVICES WHICH DIRECTLY AFFECT THE WELL-BEING AND WELFARE OF THE COMMUNITY, HE SAID.

+0N THE CONTRARY, THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUCH SERVICES MERITS HIGH PRIORITY,* HE STRESSED.

MR YEUNG NOTED WITH SOME ALARM THE RATE OF EXPANSION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, WHICH MADE UP THE LARGEST SINGLE COMPONENT IN RECURRENT EXPENDITURE - ABOUT 35 PER CENT THIS YEAR.

+WHILE ARGUMENTS MAY BE ADVANCED THAT THE EXPANSION IS IN LINE WITH THE HISTORICAL RATIO AND IS NECESSARY TO COPE WITH THE GREATER SOPHISTICATION OF OUR SOCIETY AND THE ECONOMY, MY VIEW IS THAT RAPID EXPANSION IS USUALLY ACCOMPANIED BY THE UNDER-UTILISATION OF RESOURCES.

+IT IS TO THIS FACTOR THAT WE SHOULD TURN OUR ATTENTION,* HE SAID.

REFERRING TO THE ANNUAL CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENTS, WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS A MAJOR FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE INCREASING COST OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR YEUNG CALLED FOR AN ANALYTICAL REVIEW OF THE PRINCIPLES AND METHODOLOGY EMPLOYED IN THE CALCULATION OF REMUNERATIONS.

ANOTHER FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE ESCALATION IN COSTS, HE SAID, WAS THE POLICY OF PROVIDING FRINGE BENEFITS TO SENIOR LOCAL OFFICERS AND ALL EXPATRIATE OFFICERS.

+WHILE I WHOLE-HEARTEDLY SUPPORT THE POLICY OF LOCALISATION AND BELIEVE THAT PREFERENCE AND INCREASED JOB OPPORTUNITIES SHOULD BE GIVEN TO LOCAL OFFICERS, I AM CONCERNED AT THE ENORMOUS COST WHICH RESULTS FROM THE PAYMENT CF SUCH BENEFITS ACROSS THE BOARD.

/+MY VIEW IS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH , 1982

♦MY VIEW IS THAT THE SALARY FOR INDIVIDUAL POSTS SHOULD BE COMPETITIVE IN ITSELF IN THE OPEN MARKET BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS SO THAT THE RIGHT CALIBRE OF APPLICANT IS ATTRACTED BUT I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THE PROVISION OF SUCH A PLETHORA OF FRINGE BENEFITS IS A SUITABLE WAY TO ENCOURAGE THE BEST BRAINS AND TALENTS BOTH HERE AND OVERSEAS TO ENTER OUR CIVIL SERVICE,* MR YEUNG SAID.

THE CONTINUED PAYMENT OF SUBSTANTIAL FRINGE BENEFITS, HE ADDED, MIGHT PROVE DIFFICULT FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO JUSTIFY ESPECIALLY AS THEY ARE FUNDED FROM THE PUBLIC PURSE.

WHILE IT WAS DIFFICULT TO REVERSE A TREND, HE FELT THAT A SENSIBLE AND MUTUALLY ACCEPTABLE FORMULA COULD BE FOUND IN THE CONTEXT OF A REVIEW OF THE FUNCTION, RECRUITMENT, PAY AND CONDITIONS CF SERVICE OF CIVIL SERVANTS.

------0-------

CONCERN ABOUT CHILD ABUSE *****

DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO APPOINT A SENIOR RANKING OFFICIAL TO CHAIR THE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL CHILD ABUSE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE ALL CASES OF CHILD ABUSE.

AS HE UNDERSTOOD IT, THE COMMITTEE IS CURRENTLY CHAIRED BY A REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.

SINCE CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES ARE OF NECESSITY COMPLEX IN NATURE AND WIDE-RANGING IN KIND, HE SAID, THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THIS VERY USEFUL COMMITTEE SHOULD BE HIGH RANKING ENOUGH TO COMMAND THE FULL CO-OPERATION OF ALL DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED, AND ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE CONSIDERABLY EXPANDED.

♦THE COMMITTEE SHOULD BE VESTED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF INITIATING AND REVIEWING POLICIES, CO-ORDINATING PLANNING, ESTIMATING FINANCIAL AND MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS, AND MONITORING PROGRAMME EFFECTIVENESS IN SAFEGUARDING THE WELFARE OF BATTERED CHILDREN.

♦THE EARLY ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL REGISTRY OF ALL CHILD ABUSE VICTIMS AND POTENTIAL CHILDREN AT RISK SHOULD BE GIVEN SER IOUS CONSIDERATION.

♦LEGISLATION MAY HAVE TO BE ENACTED TO MAKE STATUTORY REPORTING BY DOCTORS AND TEACHERS OF SUSPECTED CASES OF CHILD MALTREATMENT,+ HE SAID.

DR HO TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT ALTHOUGH THERE ARE NO STATISTICS TO SHOW THE MAGNITUDE OF THE PROBLEM, OBSERVATIONS FROM INFORMED SOURCES - SUCH AS MAGISTRATES, PAEDIATRICIANS, SOCIAL WORKERS AND THE POLICE -TEND TO INDICATE THAT CHILD MALTREATMENT IS MUCH MORE SERIOUS AND WIDESPREAD THAN GENERALLY PRESUMED.

/this has bssn .......

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1962

THIS HAS BEEN AMPLY BORNE OUT BY THE OCCASIONAL REPORTINGS BY THE NEWS MEDIA, HE ADDED.

IN ANALYSING THE VARIOUS FACTORS ATTRIBUTED TO CHILD ABUSE, DR HO FELT THAT CHILD PROTECTIVE MEASURES MUST BE TAILORED IN ACCORDANCE WITH EACH FAMILY’S INDIVIDUAL BACKGROUND AND CHARACTER 1ST ICS.

THE FOREMOST AIM OF THESE PROTECTIVE SERVICES IS NOT TO PUNISH THE ABUSING PARENTS NOR TO DIVIDE THE FAMILY.

+ INSTEAD, THEY SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO ENHANCE THE PARENTS’ ABILITY TO CARE FOR THEIR CHILDREN.*

DR HO ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT PROFESSIONALS IN ALLIED DISCIPLINES ARE STILL UNCERTAIN OF THE EXISTING PROCEDURES IN HANDLING SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE CASES AND IN APPLYING FOR A CARE AND PROTECTION ORDER.

HE CALLED FOR PERIODIC SEMINARS AND SHOWS TO PUBLICISE THESE PROCEDURES TO ALL PERSONNEL WORKING IN THE CHILD WELFARE FIELD.

♦THE MOST CRUCIAL THING IS TO DESIGNATE A FAMILY SERVICES SOCIAL WORKER IN EACH DISTRICT, TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CO-ORDINATING AND FOLLOWING UP ACTION UNTIL THE PARENTS CONCERNED ARE CONSIDERED FIT TO RESUME CARE OF THEIR, CHILD,* HE ADDED.

TURNING TO THE SHORTAGE OF TRAINED SOCIAL WORKERS, DR HO SUGGESTED A NUMBER OF MEASURES TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM.

FIRST, HE SAID, THE CONVENTIONAL METHOD OF FIELD TEACHING IN SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION SEVERELY RESTRICTS THE OUTPUT CAPACITY OF THE TRAINING PROBLEM.

THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD THEREFORE FOCUS ITS DELIBERATIONS ON MINIMISING THE EFFECTS OF THIS TRAINING BOTTLENECK WHEN MAKING ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO EXPAND STUDENT ENROLMENT.

SECONDLY, DR HO CALLED FOR A FINER RE-DEFINITION OF THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CERTAIN SOCIAL WORK POSTS SO AS TO REDEPLOY A NUMBER OF GRADUATE SOCIAL WORKERS TO OTHER POSTS WHICH GENUINELY REQUIRE THIS LEVEL OF ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION.

TO INDUCE GRADUATE SOCIAL WORKERS TO STAY ON TO PROVIDE DIRECT AND SPECIALIST SERVICES, HE SUGGESTED THAT A NEW RANK OF SOCIAL WORK PRACTITIONER BE CREATED.

THIRDLY, CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO LENGTHEN THE SALARY SCALE OF THE ASSISTANT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER RANK (ASWO), EXPAND ITS PROMOTION PROSPECTS AND IMPROVE THE FRINGE BENEFITS FOR PRACTITIONERS IN THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR TO PREVENT TRAINED PERSONNEL FROM DROPPING OUT OF THE PROFESSION.

/FOURTHLY, DR .......

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2^, 1982

FOURTHLY, DR HO THOUGHT THE FOLLOWING SAFEGUARDS SHOULD BE EXERCISED IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF SERVICE STANDARDS!

* SET A MAXIMUM NUMBER OF UNIVERSITY GRADUATES WITHOUT SOCIAL WORK TRAINING TO BE RECRUITED INTO THE ASWO RANK EACH YEAR SO THAT THE PROPORTION OF UNTRAINED SOCIAL WORKERS TO THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TRAINED ASWO’S IS SMALL ENOUGH TO MAKE CLOSE SUPERVISION PRACTICABLE;

* PROVIDE THEM WITH AN INDUCTION COURSE ON THE RUDIMENTARY SOCIAL WORK PRINCIPLES, PRACTICES, SKILLS AND CASE STUDIES PRIOR TO THEIR ACTUAL POSTING, FOLLOWED BY A PART-TIME, DAY-RELEASE COURSE LEADING TO PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION; AND

* ASSIGN THEM INITIALLY TO THOSE SOCIAL WORK POSTS WHICH DO NOT NORMALLY REQUIRE THE INCUMBENTS TO RENDER DIRECT, SPECIALIST SERVICES.

ON THE SUBJECT OF HOUSING, DR HO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO EXTEND THE CONCEPT OF HOME OWNERSHIP TO THE FULL RANGE OF THE SANDWICHED CLASS +WHICH IS EXCLUDED FROM OTHER FORMS OF SUBSIDISED PUBLIC SERVICES AND BENEFITS AND IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED AND TREATED WITH MUCH LESS SYMPATHY*.

HE ARGUED THAT A CONTENTED, SETTLED MIDDLE-INCOME CLASS WOULD CONSTITUTE A STABILISING INFLUENCE IN THE COMMUNITY, AND COUNTERACT THE DRAIN OF PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE.

ONE OF THE MEASURES TO THIS END, HE SAID, IS TO PROVIDE TAX RELIEF FOR HOME MORTGAGE PAYMENTS FOR THOSE PURCHASERS OF FLATS IN THE PRIVATE PROPERTY MARKET.

HOWEVER, TO RESTRICT THE BENEFITS OF THE PROPOSED TAX RELIEF TO THE BONA-FIDE MIDDLE-INCOME HOME BUYER, DR HO SAID THE BENEFICIARY’S HOUSEHOLD INCOME MUST BE BEYOND THE ELIGIBILITY LIMIT FOR HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND NOT EXCEED $13 000 A MONTH- HE MJST BE BUYING A NON-SUBSIDISED FLAT IN THE OPEN MARKET ON COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE FOR SELF-OCCUPATION- OWN NO OTHER PROPERTY- NEITHER THE BENEFICIARY NOR THE SPOUSE RECEIVES ANY FORMS OF HOUSING ASSISTANCE FROM THEIR EMPLOYERS- AND HE MUST BE A PERMANENT RESIDENT, OR HAVE LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR FIVE YEARS.

+DETAILED REGULATIONS CAN BE DRAWN UP LATER ONCE THE GOVERNMENT AGREES TO THE PROPOSAL IN PRINCIPLE.

♦IN THE MEANTIME, I EARNESTLY URGE THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER THIS PROPOSED TAX RELIEF SCHEME IN THE CONTEXT OF USING ’TAXATION AS A SUPPLEMENTARY MEANS OF ACHIEVING OTHER POLICY ENDS’,+ DR HO SAID.

/21 ........

WEEWESDAY, MAUCH 24, 1982

- 21 -

MEDICAL AND HEALTH BUDGETING PROCEDURE UNDER REVIEW ******

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S BUDGETING AND ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES IS BEING TAKEN BY A TEAM OF TREASURY ACCOUNTANTS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING ON THE GOVERNMENT MINUTE IN RESPONSE TO THE FOURTH REPORT OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE, SIR PHILIP SAID IT IS HOPED THAT BY APRIL 1, 1983 A COMPUTERISED ON-LINE FINANCIAL INFORMATION SYSTEM WILL BE IN OPERATION AND WILL PROVIDE THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES WITH DATA AND ANALYSES NEEDED TO EXERCISE EFFECTIVE CONTROL OVER EXPENDITURE.

SIR PHILIP WAS COMMENTING ON OBSERVATIONS MADE BY THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT AND THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE ON THE CONTROL OF EXPENDITURE IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

SIR PHILIP POINTED OUT THAT THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FINANCES OF THE DEPARTMENT DEMANDS FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND CONTROL SYSTEMS WHICH ENABLE THE CONTROLLING OFFICERS TO DEFINE AND ALLOCATE RESPONSIBILITIES APPROPRIATELY AND TO MEASURE PERFORMANCE ACCURATELY AND SPEEDILY.

HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A COMPLEX OF SERVICES SUBJECT TO MANY AND VARIED AND FREQUENTLY UNEXPECTED PRESSURES, ADMINISTERING A LARGE NUMBER OF SEPARATE INSTITUTIONS.

♦IT HAS BECOME APPARENT THAT THE SYSTEMS PRESENTLY OPERATED HAVE NOT KEPT PACE WITH THE RAPID GROWTH OF SERVICES IN RECENT YEARS, IN BOTH QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE TERMS.+

THE EXPENDITURE UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, FOR INSTANCE, HAS INCREASED BY MORE THAN SIX TIMES OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS, HE ADDED.

ON THE GOVERNMENT MINUTE, SIR PHILIP SAID ITS PURPOSE IS TO COMMENT AS APPROPRIATE ON THE CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE AND TO INDICATE WHAT ACTION THE ADMINISTRATION HAS TAKEN, OR PROPOSES TO TAKE, TO REMEDY IRREGULARITIES AND TO IMPROVE PROCEDURES AND, IF NECESSARY, TO EXPLAIN WHY IT INTENDS TO TAKE NO ACTION.

+THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHES IMPORTANCE TO THE PART PLAYED BY THIS SEQUENCE OF EVENTS IN THE PRUDENT AND EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE PUBLIC FINANCES- AND I TRUST THAT MEMBERS WILL AGREE WITH ME THAT THE GOVERNMENT MINUTE REPRESENTS A POSITIVE RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE’S REPORT,+ HE SAID.

------0-------

PLB LIMITATION EXTENDED * * *

YEARSTUNTl|EGJppi|T7n ILTI2D*Y (WEDNESDAY) EXTENDED FOR TWO YtARS UNTIL APRIL 10, 1984, THE PER OD DURING WHICH THE NUMBER ^VEHICLES WHICH MAY BE LICENSED AS ?UBLIC LI^T BuJeI, IS

L I I I tU • ’

MOVING THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE (CHAPTER the qtcdctadv FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT, SAID THE TOTAL PERmIsII Ilf WMBER OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WOULD REMAIN AT 4 350 E

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1982

- 22

CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT * * *

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED A 15 PER CENT ADJUSTMENT TO CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1. NEW SALARIES WILL BE IN THE APRIL PAY PACKET.

IN DECIDING ON THE PAY ADJUSTMENT THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT HAD REGARD TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY OF PAY TRENDS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 1981 TO JANUARY 1982.

DISCUSSIONS ON THE PAY ADJUSTMENT WERE HELD WITH THE STAFF SIDE OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL BEFORE A FINAL DECISION WAS MADE.

THE ESTIMATED TOTAL ADDITIONAL COST OF THE ADJUSTMENT FOR 1982-83 IS ABOUT $1 630 MILLION, MADE UP OF $1 091 MILLION FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE (INCLUDING STAFF SECONDED TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND URBAN COUNCIL) AND $539 MILLION TO PROVIDE FOR APPROPRIATE INCREASES IN GRANTS TO SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS.

STAFF ON MODEL SCALE 1 WILL RECEIVE REVISED SALARIES RANGING FROM $1 910 TO $3 160, COMPARED WITH THE PRESENT $1 660 TO $2 750.

THE NEW SALARIES OF CIVIL SERVANTS ON THE MASTER PAY SCALE RANGE FROM $1 605 AT POINT ONE TO $20 685 AT POINT 51, COMPARED WITH THE EXISTING RANGE OF $1 395 TO $17 990.

THE REVISED DIRECTORATE PAY SCALES RANGE FROM $22 200 TO $46 900 , COMPARED WITH THE EXISTING RANGE OF $19 350 TO $40 850.

-----o------

NOTE TO EDITORSt

SIR PHILIP TO VISIT CENTRE

I M *

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, WILL VISIT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON (MARCH 26) TO SEE HOW IT HELPS DISABLED PEOPLE IN SOCIAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING.

SIR PHILIP WILL ARRIVE AT THE CENTRE (IN WELFARE ROAD, WONG CHUK HANG) AT 2.40 PM, ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER SIR PHILIP’S VISIT.

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/23........

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1982

GOVERNMENT REPLIES TO HKAA PETITION * * * *

A REPLY HAS BEEN GIVEN TO THE HONG KONG AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION ON ITS PETITION WHICH MADE CERTAIN CLAIMS REGARDING THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL ORDINANCE UNDER WHICH THE PETITION WAS SUBMITTED, THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY WAS ENTITLED TO SUBMIT TO THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL ITS REPRESENTATIONS IN WRITING IN RESPONSE TO THE VARIOUS POINTS RAISED IN THE PETITION.

THE POINTS WERE ALSO INVESTIGATED THROUGH A FORMAL SITE VISIT BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MEETINGS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMPANY AND CONSULTATIONS WITH VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF ALL THE FACTS, THE GOVERNORIN-COUNCIL WAS NOT PERSUADED THAT THE COMPANY HAD FAILED OR WAS FAILING TO PROVIDE OR MAINTAIN ADEQUATE, EFFICIENT OR SAFE FACILITIES FOR THE PASSAGE OF MOTOR VEHICLES THROUGH THE TUNNEL.

ON THIS BASIS, THEREFORE, THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL DID NOT ACCEPT THE SUGGESTION IN THE PETITION THAT THE TUNNEL SHOULD BE TAKEN OVER AND RUN BY THE GOVERNMENT.

ONE OF THE CLAIMS IN THE PETITION WAS THAT NO ATTEMPT HAD BEEN MADE TO DEAL WITH CONGESTION CAUSED BY THE NORTH POINT EXIT ON HONG KONG ISLAND.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS WAS A MATTER FOR THE GOVERNMENT RATHER THAN THE COMPANY. HE COMMENTED THAT WORK ON AN ADDITIONAL SLIP ROAD, WHICH HAD BEEN PLANNED SOME TIME AGO, WOULD BEGIN SHORTLY AND THE PROJECT WOULD BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT SIX MONTHS.

♦THE NEW ROAD WILL CARRY TRAFFIC FOR NORTH POINT ONTO THE OFF SIDE LANE OF VICTORIA PARK ROAD, LEAVING THE EXISTING SLIP ROAD FOR TRAFFIC TO CAUSEWAY BAY. TRAFFIC MOVEMENT WILL BE SIMPLIFIED AND IT SHOULD INCREASE CAPACITY ON GLOUCESTER ROAD BY 20 PER CENT,* HE EXPLAINED.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAD REGULAR CONTACT WITH THE COMPANY ON WAYS TO IMPROVE THE OPERATION OF THE TUNNEL AND THERE WOULD BE NO LET-UP IN THE EFFORT TO ENSURE OPTIMUM UTILISATION IN THE DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES OF CONTINUING HIGH DEMAND.

-----o------

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1982

OPEN DAY AT KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

* * * *

THE KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON FRIDAY (MARCH 26).

THE PURPOSE OF THE OPEN DAY IS TO GIVE LOCAL RESIDENTS, INDUSTRIALISTS, PARENTS AND STUDENTS A CHANCE TO SEE THE RUNNING OF THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, WHERE YOUNG PEOPLE CAN GET A SOUND TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR THE MANY BRANCHES OF MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.

COURSES OFFERED BY THE INSTITUTE RANGE FROM BASIC CRAFT TO TECHNICIAN DIPLOMA LEVELS.

SUBJECTS OF STUDY INCLUDE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, TEXTILES, CLOTHING AND PRINTING. STUDENTS CAN SPECIALISE IN LIGHT VEHICLE ENGINEERING, MICROPROCESSOR TECHNOLOGY, KNITTING AND KNITWEAR MANUFACTURE, CLOTHING DESIGN AND PATTERN MAKING, AND LITHOGRAPHIC AND LETTERPRESS PRINTING.

ALL TEACHING DEPARTMENTS WILL HAVE THEIR MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT OPERATING ON THAT DAY AND STAFF AND STUDENTS WILL BE ON HAND TO DEMONSTRATE AND TO EXPLAIN.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE AFTERNOON WILL BE TWO FASHION SHOWS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE CLOTHING DEPARTMENT.

ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE OPEN DAY TO BE HELD FROM 12 NOON TO 5 PM AT THE INSTITUTE LOCATED AT 25 HIU MING STREET, KWUN TONG.

------o-------

IMMIGRATION OFFICERS PASSING-OUT PARADE * * * *

EIGHTEEN ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AND 147 IMMIGRATION ASSISTANTS WILL PASS OUT AT A PARADE TO BE HELD AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT PARADE GROUND IN SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY. ON FRIDAY (MARCH 26).

THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AT THE PASSING-OUT PARADE.

NOTE TO EDITORS i

YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PASSING-OUT PARADE AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT SPORTS GROUND IN HAPPY VALLEY ON FRIDAY (MARCH 26). THE PARADE WILL TAKE PLACE AT 9.35 AM. COPIES OF THE PARADE PROGRAMME AND THE INSPECTING OFFICER’S SPEECH WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION IN THE GIS PRESS BOXES LATER ON THAT DAY.

0 -------

/25........

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1982

- 25 -

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHEUNG WAN * * *

N£W TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN SHEUNG WAN FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 26) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THEMTR

ISLAND LINE.

THEY ARE :

* A SECTION OF WING LOK STREET BETWEEN RUMSEY STREET AND MORRISON STREET AND A SECTION OF RUMSEY STREET BETWEEN WING LOK STREET AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY EXCEPT FOR FRANCHISED BUSES, NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS ALONG THESE SECTIONS.

* THE 24-HOUR PROHIBITED ZONE IN WESTBOUND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL BETWEEN HILLIER STREET AND MORRISON STREET WILL BE LIFTED, EXCEPT FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WHICH WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THAT SECTION.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:

NEED FOR MANPOWER PLANNING STRESSED ......................... 1

SPEND MORE ON DEVELOPING MANPOWER RESOURCES ................. 3

CALL FOR ENCOURAGEMENT OF DISTRICT BOARD ACTIVITY ........... 4

CURB VEHICLE GROWTH CALL .................................... 6

JSEA +NERVE-WRECKING+ ....................................... 9

BENEFIT SCHEME FOR WORKERS PROPOSED......................... 11

CALL FOR BUILDING INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD .................. 12

HELP INDUSTRIALISTS AND WORKERS, GOVT TOLD ................. 14

SUPPORT SOUGHT FOR INDUSTRY ................................ 16

MORE TAX CUTS FOR HIGH TECHNOLOGY URGED .................... 18

RETHINK URGED ON RELIANCE ON LAND SALES REVENUE............. 19

ANALYSIS OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS STATISTICS FOR MERCHANDISE, RECLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR THE WHOLE YEAR OF 1981 21

MP STUNNED BY RAPID NEW TOWN GROWTH............................ 22

NEW DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR RTHK .................................. 23

+THE ART OF SINGING+ - FREE MASTER CLASSES .................... 23

CENTRAL REGISTRY FOR THE DISABLED TO BE SET UP ................ 24

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NGAU CHI WAN AND SO KON PO 25

MORE MEDICAL FACILITIES FOR TUEN MUN .......................... 26

TSUEN WAN — A PLACE TO BE PROUD OF ............................ 27

GOVERNOR TO OFFICIATE AT CEREMONY ............................. 28

PLB PROHIBITED ZONES IN SHA TIN................................ 29

OVERALL REVIEW OF EDUCATION ................................... 29

CAREER PROSPECTS AT ROD........................................ 30

NEW MAXICAB ROUTE.............................................. 31

SENIOR CITIZENS LOOK AT PRISON LIFE............................ 31

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

NEED FOR MANPOWER PLANNING STRESSED * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS IN LOCALISATION STAND IN DANGER OF BEING ERODED UNLESS THERE IS A MORE COHERENT AND BETTER CO-ORDINATED MANPOWER PLANNING AND TRAINING PROGRAMME, DR THE HON HARRY FANG WARNED TODAY.

HE SAID THE RAPID EXPANSION IN MANY FIELDS OF GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES IN RECENT YEARS HAD UNDOUBTEDLY EXACERBATED THE DEMAND FOR QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

BUT HE THOUGHT THAT THESE SHOULD HAVE BEEN ANTICIPATED, ADDING THAT THE LOCALISATION POLICY IS TOO IMPORTANT A MATTER TO BE LEFT TO A + HIT AND MISS+ CHANCE.

♦ I DO NOT NEED TO POINT TO THE OBVIOUS SOLUTION OF INCREASING TRAINING CAPACITIES, BOTH IN LOCAL TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, THROUGH DEPARTMENTAL IN-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND BY ENCOURAGING OVERSEAS TRAINING.

+BUT IT IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO ATTRACT QUALIFIED LOCAL PERSONNEL INTO THE CIVIL SERVICE,+ SAID DR FANG.

HE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER WHETHER INTERNAL RELATIVITIES MUST BE MAINTAINED AT ALL COSTS OR WHETHER IN SELECTED AREAS OF SERIOUS SHORTAGES, IT SHOULD CONSIDER GRANTING ADDITIONAL INCENTIVE ALLOWANCES IN ORDER TO ATTRACT QUALITY PERSONNEL.

IN ADDITION, HE WENT ON, THE BASIC RECRUITMENT QUALIFICATIONS MIGHT BE REVIEWED TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE REALISTIC, PRACTICABLE AND FLEXIBLE ENOUGH TO ATTRACT THE RIGHT PEOPLE.

♦ I REFER HERE BOTH TO ACADEMIC AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS,* DR FANG EXPLAINED. +FOR EXAMPLE, THE TEN YEARS’ EXPERIENCE REQUIRED CF MAGISTRATES MAKES IT PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE TO COMPETE WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR.*

AS REGARDS LONG-TERM MANPOWER PLANNING, DR FANG SAID STEPS MUST BE TAKEN TO MANAGE OUR EXISTING HUMAN RESOURCES BETTER AND TO REDUCE WASTAGE.

ONE OF THE WAYS OF GOING ABOUT THIS, HE SAID, IS TO PROVIDE BETTER OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS TO ACQUIRE THE NECESSARY MANAGERIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SKILLS TO MOVE FORWARD IN THEIR CAREERS.

HOWEVER, HE ADDED, PROVISION SHOULD BE MADE FOR SOME OFFICERS WHO PREFER TO WORK IN THEIR OWN SPECIALITIES RATHER THAN ASSUME ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES TO REMAIN IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL FIELDS WITHOUT SACRIFICING PROMOTION PROSPECTS.

♦ IN THIS WAY, BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY STAND TO REAP THE FULL BENEFITS FROM THE CONSIDERABLE INVESTMENTS THAT HAVE GONE INTO TRAINING THESE PERSONNEL,* HE SAID.

/DR FANG ALSO ........

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

DR FANG ALSO CALLED FOR SOME STREAMLINING OF RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE AREAS OF HOUSING AND TRANSPORT FOR THE DISABLED IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THEY OBTAIN THE REQUIRED SERVICES IN THE MOST SPEEDY AND EFFICIENT MANNER.

HE POINTED OUT THAT AT PRESENT WHEN A DISABLED PERSON HAS ACQUIRED A HOUSING UNIT, IT IS THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WHICH MAKES THE EXTERNAL MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE ACCESS WHILE ALL INTERIOR MODIFICATIONS TO THE DOORWAY AND UTILITY AREAS ARE ORGANISED AND FUNDED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.

THIS RESULTS IN UNNECESSARY DELAYS, HE SAID.

♦ I SEE NO REASON WHY HOUSING FOR THE DISABLED SHOULD NOT BE INTEGRATED WITH THE NORMAL HOUSING PROGRAMME AND BE MADE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND I SO RECOMMEND,* DR FANG SAID.

AS FOR TRANSPORT, HE SAID, REHABUS WHICH IS ALSO FUNDED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, IS THE ONLY MEANS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT FOR THE SEVERELY HANDICAPPED FROM THEIR HOMES TO THEIR PLACES OF WORK.

HE THOUGHT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SHOULD ASSUME THIS RESPONSIBILITY IN THE SAME WAY AS THEY HAVE TAKEN OVER ADMINISTRATION OF THE STUDENT SUBSIDY SCHEME.

COMMENTING ON THE AGING POPULATION IN HONG KONG, DR FANG NOTED THAT DUE TO GREATLY IMPROVED STANDARDS OF HEALTH AND LIVING, MEN NOW HAVE AN AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF ABOUT 70 WHILE WOMEN HAVE AN EVEN LONGER EXPECTANCY OF OVER 76.

HE AGREED THAT HONG KONG HAS MADE GREAT STRIDES IN DEVELOPING AND IMPROVING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY BUT FELT THAT THERE REMAIN LARGE SHORTFALLS, PARTICULARLY IN RESIDENTIAL SERVICES.

+WE MUST EMPHASISE AND RE-EMPHASISE THE CONCEPT OF KEEPING OUR SENIOR CITIZENS IN THE COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.

♦ THIS MEANS PROVIDING MORE SUPPORT FOR THE FAMILY TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO LOOK AFTER THEIR ELDERLY MEMBERS.♦

TO ACHIEVE THIS AIM, DR FANG SUGGESTED THAT IN ALLOCATING PUBLIC HOUSING, ADDITIONAL POINTS MIGHT BE AWARDED TO THOSE FAMILIES WHO ARE PREPARED TO LIVE WITH AND LOOK AFTER THEIR ELDERLY MEMBERS. ALTERNATIVELY THEY MIGHT BE ALLOWED TO CHOOSE FLATS IN MORE ACCESSIBLE LOCATIONS.

HE ALSO CONSIDERED THAT EXPANSION OF DAY CARE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY SHOULD BE GIVEN PRIORITY TO PROVIDE RELIEF FOR HARD PRESSED FAMILIES WHO WOULD OTHERWISE CHOOSE THE LESS DESIRABLE ALTERNATIVE OF CONSIGNING THEIR ELDERLY MEMBERS TO RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTIONS.

o --------

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

- 3 -

SPEND MORE ON DEVELOPING MANPOWER RESOURCES * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER USING FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO DEVELOP MANPOWER RESOURCES IN THE MUCH-NEEDED SOCIAL SERVICES FIELD.

THE SUGGESTION CAME FROM THE HON MARIA TAM TODAY WHEN SHE COMMENTED ON THE SHORTFALL OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN HONG KONG.

MISS TAM NOTED WITH CONCERN THAT THE PERCENTAGE OF EXPENDITURE ON SOCIAL SERVICES - EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, HOUSING, SOCIAL WELFARE, LABOUR AND REHABILITATION - HAD DROPPED FROM 41.6 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL BUDGET FOR 1981-82 TO 39.2 PER CENT FOR 1982-83 DESPITE THE INCREASE IN POPULATION IN THE LATE 197OS.

+1 APPRECIATE THAT AT TIMES THE REASON FOR REDUCTION OF SERVICES IS PROBABLY DUE TO THE FACT THAT ’THE TRUE SHORTAGE IS AT PRESENT OF RESOURCES INCLUDING PEOPLE - BUT NOT OF MONEY’.

+AND THIS IS BORNE OUT BY THE SHORTAGE OF BACHELOR DEGREE HOLDERS WITH SOCIAL WORK TRAINING TO FILL THE POSTS OF ASSISTANT SOCIAL WORK OFFICERS,+ SHE SAID.

SHE NOTED THAT THE SHORTFALL OF SOCIAL WORKERS IS FORECAST AT 930 GRADUATES AND 1 060 FOR NON-GRADUATES BY 1989-90.

THE WILLINGNESS OR OTHERWISE OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN TAKING UP SOCIAL WORK, IN PARTICULAR IN PERSUADING THEM TO JOIN VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES, SHE SAID, DEPENDS A LOT ON THE REWARD AND THE SECURITY THE JOB HAS TO OFFER.

SOCIAL WORKERS ENGAGED BY CATEGORY I SERVICE AGENCIES WHICH PROVIDE +FUNDAMENTAL SERVICES* OR +SERVICES WHICH ARE REQUIRED BY LAW+, APPARENTLY ENJOY PARITY WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS WORKING FOR THE GOVERNMENT, I.E. WHEN GOVERNMENT SOCIAL WORKERS ARE GIVEN A PAY RISE. CATEGORY I SERVICE VOLUNTARY AGENCY WORKERS ALSO GET A +BACK PAY*, SHE NOTED.

BUT THE SITUATION IN A CATEGORY II SERVICE AGENCY - BOY SCOUT, SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY AND DISABLED, AND CO-ORDINATING BODY - IS DIFFERENT.

INSTEAD OF GETTING A BACK PAY, SHE SAID, THE AGENCY APPLIES TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR A +TOPPED UP* DISCRETIONARY GRANT WHICH CAN BE USED FOR STAFF SALARY. BUT THE SIZE OF THE FINAL GRANT CANNOT BE PREDICTED WITH CERTAINTY.

*THE WORK OF CATEGORY II SERVICE AGENCIES IS MONITORED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND IT IS STILL POSSIBLE TO DEFINE WHICH POSTS ARE SUBVENTABLE AND WHICH ARE NOT.

*1 THINK THAT THERE SHOULD BE A PUBLICISED POLICY GUIDELINE THAT THE HOLDERS OF POSTS WHICH ARE FOUND TO BE SUBVENTABLE ARE TREATED THE SAME WAY AS THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN CATEGORY I SERVICE AGENCIES AND CAN BE SURE OF RECEIVING THE SAME LEVEL OF SALARY INCREASE.

♦IT SHOULD BE STATED THAT APPLICATIONS FROM AGENCIES FOR A ’TOPPED UP’ SLM BASED ON SUCH SALARY INCREASES WILL BE DEEMED TO BE AN APPLICATION WITH MERIT,* SHE SAID.

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

TURNING TO SEPARATE TAXATION FOR MARRIED WOMEN, MISS TAM SAID IT DESERVES SERIOUS CONSIDERATION SO AS TO HELP THE WORKING MEN AND WOMEN TO COPE WITH THE RISING COST OF LIVING.

SUPPORTING THE PROPOSAL, SHE SAID MANY MARRIED WOMEN ARE COMING OUT TO WORK BECAUSE OF THE NEED TO EARN A SECOND WAGE PACKET FOR THE FAMILY, RATHER THAN FOR MERE INTELLECTUAL SATISFACTION.

♦THE SAVINGS ON THE TAX EXEMPTION IN A CASE WHERE A WORKING WIFE OPTS FOR SEPERATE ASSESSMENT IS A PRIVILEGE EARNED FOR THE PRACTICAL BENEFIT OF THE FAMILY.

♦THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE ARISING OUT OF A BATTLE OF THE SEXES,♦ SHE ADDED.

MISS TAM ALSO SPOKE ON LAND AND HOUSING.

SHE SAID THE CONTINUED EXPANSION OF THE LAND SALES PROGRAMME FROM 63 HECTARES IN 1980-81 AND 86 HECTARES IN 1981-82 TO 91 HECTARES IN 1982-83 HELPS TO DISPEL THE MYTH OF THE HIGH LAND PRICE POLICY AND THE APPREHENSION OF THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS ON THE COSTS OF THEIR FUTURE STOCKS IN TRADE.

SHE CONSIDERED IT A MATTER OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE THAT EVERY FAMILY SHOULD HAVE A HOME TO CALL THEIR OWN.

♦FOR THIS SAME REASON, I REPEAT MY SUPPORT FOR THE EXCLUSION OF THE VALUE OF LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME,+ SAID MISS TAM.

-------o----------

CALL FOR ENCOURAGEMENT OF DISTRICT BOARD ACTIVITY *****

THE FUTURE SUCCESS OR FAILURE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SYSTEM DEPENDS AS MUCH ON THE SYMPATHETIC AND ACTIVE COOPERATION OF ALL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND DEPARTMENTS AS ON UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE BOARDS, THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG SAID TODAY.

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG SAID THE RECENT ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE OF NEW TERRITORIES RESIDENTS TO DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WAS A WELCOME SURPRISE TO MANY.

HOWEVER, SUCH ENTHUSIASM MUST BE ENCOURAGED AND REWARDED IF IT IS TO BE MAINTAINED, HE SAID.

♦WE MUST NOW STOP CONGRATULATING OURSELVES ON THE SUCCESS OF THE ELECTIONS, AND CONCENTRATE ON PRODUCING REAL RESULTS -AND THAT MEANS TRULY EFFECTIVE DISTRICT ADM INI STRAT ION,♦ HE SAID.

HE HOPED THAT EVERYONE CONCERNED WOULD ACTIVELY SEEK TO PREVENT +THE BUREAUCRACY AND RED TAPE+ THAT MIGHT FOUL UP THE BEST CONCEIVED PLANS.

/HE SAID THERE

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

- 5 -

HE SAID THERE MUST BE MUTUAL RESPECT AND CO-OPERATION AS WELL AS CONTINUOUS ALERT AGAINST APATHY OR DISILLUSIONMENT BECAUSE OF DELAYS OR BREAKDOWNS IN COMMUNICATION.

MR CHEUNG ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT FOR ITS ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PAST YEAR, AND ITS PLANS FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN HONG KONG.

FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, THE DEPARTMENT TAKES CARE OF 21 COUNTRY PARKS, COVERING 40 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL LAND AREA OF HONG KONG, WHICH WERE VISITED BY EIGHT MILLION PEOPLE IN THE PAST YEAR.

IN ADDITION TO THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES AND FRIENDS ENJOYING THE GREAT OUTDOORS DURING THE YEAR, THERE WERE ALSO 62 ORGANISED EVENTS, SUCH AS SPONSORED WALKS, CAMPING FESTIVALS AND MARATHON RUNNING. AND 232 000 TREES WERE PLANTED TO MAKE HONG KONG GREENER.

HE ALSO NOTED THAT ONE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PRINCIPAL DUTIES WAS THE ADMINISTRATION OF CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES.

THIS SYSTEM HAS BEEN OPERATING SINCE THE MID-1940’S, AND HAS BEEN A KEY FACTOR IN THE MAINTENANCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF FARMING AND FISHING.

♦HOWEVER, AFTER 40 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE FARMING AND FISHING COMMUNITY, PERHAPS THE TIME HAS COME FOR A REVIEW OF THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES SYSTEM.

♦IT IS LESS WELL-KNOWN THAT THE GOVERNMENT ALSO AIDS INDIVIDUAL FARMERS WITH LOANS AND ADVICE. THIS AID SHOULD BE INCREASED AND THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE WORKING FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES COMMUNITY AT LARGE,* HE SAID.

DEALING WITH RESUMPTION OF FARM LAND, MR CHEUNG EXPRESSED DOUBT WHETHER IT IS FAIR FOR TENANT FARMERS TO RECEIVE ♦CROP COMPENSATION* IN EXCHANGE FOR THE LAND WHICH WAS THEIR LIVELIHOOD.

+1 SUGGEST GOVERNMENT MIGHT ADOPT A MORE CONSTRUCTIVE APPROACH, FOR INSTANCE, TO GRANT EXCHANGE PERMITS TO THESE TENANT FARMERS FOR ALTERNATIVE CROWN LAND SITES WHERE THEY CAN CONTINUE TO FARM, AND WHICH ARE NOT EARMARKED FOR IMMEDIATE DEVELOPMENT,* HE SAID.

TURNING TO THE NEW LANDS DEPARTMENT, MR CHEUNG SAID HE HOPED THE LAND OFFICERS, IN EXECUTING THEIR DUTIES WILL, LIKE WHAT THE DISTRICT OFFICERS HAVE DONE IN THE PAST, GIVE HEED TO THE CULTURAL, SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND OTHER SENSITIVE CONSIDERATIONS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

♦I HOPE GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE THAT THE ’HANDING OVER’ PERIOD OF LAND AUTHORITY WILL NOT DELAY THE PROCESSING OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS RATHER THAN EXPEDITING THEM AS IS THE INTENTION OF SETTING UP THIS NEW DEPARTMENT,* HE ADDED.

------o-------

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

CURB VEHICLE GROWTH CALL

* * *

THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG TODAY URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTAIN THE GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES AND VEHICULAR TRAFFIC ON THE ROADS.

GREAT STRIDES HAD BEEN MADE TOWARDS ACHIEVING EFFICIENT AND RAPID MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE AND GOODS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG BY AN INTEGRATED NETWORK OF HIGHWAYS, RAILWAYS AND THE UNDERGROUND RAIL SYSTEM, HE NOTED, +BUT ARE WE AS SATISFIED AS WE SHOULD BE WITH THE PRESENT STATE OF SURFACE TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC?*

♦ARE WE SATISFIED THAT, AFTER SPENDING SOMETHING LIKE

S1O BILLION ON THE MTR MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM AND THE TSUEN WAN EXTENSION WITH A VIEW TO RELIEVING CONGESTION ON OUR URBAN ROAD SYSTEM, WE STILL NEED TO SPEND BETWEEN $1 BILLION AND $2 BILLION EVERY YEAR ON THE HIGHWAYS PROGRAMME?* HE ASKED.

MR CHEONG SAID HE REALISED THAT A GOOD PART OF THIS EXPENDITURE WAS TO PROVIDE ROADS TO OPEN UP NEW AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT. AND A GOOD PART OF THIS EXPENDITURE WAS ALSO ALLOCATED FOR WORKS THAT WOULD IMPROVE THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD SYSTEM AS IT EXISTS AND TO ENABLE IT TO ACCOMMODATE THE RAPIDLY INCREASING VOLUME OF TRAFFIC.

♦THE QUESTION IS WHETHER SIMPLY BY ALLOCATING AN INCREASING AMOUNT OF OUR RESOURCES ON SUCH ROAD IMPROVEMENTS WOULD PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO OUR CONGESTION PROBLEMS,+ HE SAID.

POINTING OUT THAT SPACE IS +RARE LUXURY+ IN HONG KONG, W CHEONG WARNED THAT IF THE CURRENT GROWTH OF VEHICLES AT MORE THAN 30 000 ANNUALLY IS NOT CONTAINED, CONGESTION ON OUR ROADS WILL SURELY WORSEN.

♦IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THERE MUST BE A LIMIT TO WHICH WE COULD AND SHOULD MAKE FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO CATER FOR A GROWING VOLUME OF VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, AND THAT OTHER PERHAPS MORE DRASTIC MEASURES SHOULD BE INTRODUCED.

♦IT MAY WELL BE THAT WE SHOULD SEEK TO CONTAIN, RATHER THAN TO ACCOMMODATE, THE GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES AND VEHICULAR TRAFFIC,+ HE SAID.

MR CHEONG ALSO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO FURTHER IMPROVE HONG KONG’S TRANSPORT LINKS WITH THE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE IN SHENZHEN.

HE FELT THAT THE RAPID GROWTH OF OUR TRADE WITH CHINA IN RECENT YEARS HAD ALREADY EXERTED CONSIDERABLE STRAIN ON OUR TRANSPORT LINKS WITH CHINA.

/THE INDUSTRIAL .......

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 198?

THE INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT OF THIS AREA, HE SAID, WILL ONE DAY BE SO VAST THAT IT WILL DEMAND MORE EFFICIENT WAYS OF GAINING ACCESS TO HONG KONG +FOR WE ARE SO FAR THE ONLY PRACTICABLE DEEP WATER PORT OF ANY SIZE IN THE REG I ON.+

THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD THEREFORE EXAMINE NOT ONLY IMPROVEMENTS IN RESPECT OF THE PASSENGER LINKS WITH CHINA BUT ALSO THE IMPLICATIONS THAT THE INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT OF THE AREA WILL HAVE FOR OUR OWN TRANSPORT SYSTEM, HE SAID.

MR CHEONG SPOKE AT LENGTH ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PROSPECTS.

HAVING READ THE +1982 ECONOMIC PROSPECTS+ SEVERAL TIMES, HE SAID HE WAS STILL NOT CONVINCED THAT THE ACTUAL GROWTH RATE IN 1982 WAS LIKELY TO BE CLOSE TO THE FORECAST RATE OF EIGHT PER CENT.

FIRST, UNDERLYING THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF 16 PER CENT FOR GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION IS AN ASSUMPTION THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF INVESTMENT IN PLANT, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT WILL BE 14 PER CENT IN 1982.

HOWEVER, HE DISAGREED WITH THIS ASSUMPTION BECAUSE HE FELT THE ADDITIONAL BENEFIT ACCRUING TO THE MANUFACTURER IN THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN THE DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCE IS NOT SIGNIFICANTLY BIG IN ABSOLUTE TERMS.

QUOTING AN EXAMPLE, HE SAID A MANUFACTURER WHO INVESTS SI MILLION IN NEW PLANT AND EQUIPMENT WILL, UNDER THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCE, ENJOY AN ACCUMULATED TAX EXEMPTION BENEFIT IN FOUR YEARS OF $147 173 - ABOUT $8 OOO MORE THAN UNDER THE EXISTING ALLOWANCE, OR ONLY 0.8 PER CENT MORE ON THE CAPITAL INVESTED.

SECONDLY, MR CHEONG EXPRESSED RESERVATIONS ABOUT THE PROSPECTS OF AN ECONOMIC RECOVERY IN THE UNITED STATES WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 36 PER CENT OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY VALUE IN 1981.

HE SAID THE FORECAST OF SEVEN PER CENT GROWTH RATE OF OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS WOULD BECOME MORE REALISTIC IF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ANNOUNCE THAT RECENT FIGURES ON RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS ARE FAVOURABLE TO SUPPORT THE VIEW THAT THE DECLINING TREND IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1981 HAS BEEN ARRESTED.

IT WOULD ALSO BE HELPFUL TO KNOW WHETHER THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN RESPECT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS HAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE EFFECT OF A POSSIBLE ATTACK ON OUR TEXTILE ACCESS RIGHTS IN RESPECT OF THE USA AND THE EEC.

+HOWEVER, SHOULD THE DEMAND FOR OUR EXPORTS IN OUR LARGEST OVERSEAS MARKET FAIL TO PICK UP UNTIL TOWARDS THE END OF 1982, IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO ACHIEVE THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF SEVEN PER CENT.

+GIVEN THE NATURE OF OUR ECONOMY IT MIGHT BE DIFFICULT FOR THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT TO ACHIEVE A GROWTH RATE OF EIGHT PER CENT.+

/HAVING REGARD ......

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

HAVING REGARD TO THESE UNCERTAIN PROSPECTS, HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO EXERCISE CAUTION AND RESTRAINT DURING THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.

HE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT, IF AT ANY TIME IT TRANSPIRES THAT THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE FOR THE GDP OF EIGHT PER CENT IS UNLIKELY TO BE ACHIEVED, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER SLOWING DOWN THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL PUBLIC SECTOR SPENDING TO A LEVEL THAT WOULD BE IN LINE WITH WHATEVER REVISED FORECAST OF GROWTH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MAY SETTLE UPON, WHEN HE REVIEWS THE STATE CF THE ECONOMY IN SEPTEMBER.

TURNING TO THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR CHEONG SAID PERSONNEL EMOLUMENTS ACCOUNTED FOR 35 PER CENT OF THE RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IN THE 1982-83 ESTIMATE.

HE WAS WORRIED BY THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE AUTHORITY DELEGATED TO HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS TO CREATE POSTS COULD HAVE BEEN EXERCISED WITHOUT DUE RESTRAINT.

♦SINCE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS ALREADY SAID THAT ’NONE CF US IS SATISFIED THAT THE MOST EFFECTIVE USE IS BEING MADE OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES’, WOULD IT NOT BE REASONABLE FOR THE CREATION OF SOME OF THE 16 500 POSTS FOR 1982-83 TO BE FROZEN, OR AT LEAST NOT FULLY FUNDED, UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE BULK OF THE CURRENT 15 000 VACANCIES HAVE BEEN FILLED?* HE ASKED.

MR CHEONG ALSO TOUCHED ON THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT OF 1982-83.

NOTING THAT CAPITAL ACCOUNT AT $12.6 BILLION REPRESENTS AN INCREASE IN MONEY TERMS OF 21 PER CENT OVER THE REVISED ESTIMATES OF 1981-82, HE DOUBTED WHETHER THE PROJECTED CAPITAL REVENUE OF $12.5 BILLION TO BE DERIVED FROM LAND TRANSACTION CAN ACTUALLY BE ACHIEVED.

UNDER SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, RECURRENT REVENUE ACCOUNT WILL HAVE TO BEAR AN INCREASING SHARE OF THE BURDEN IN FINANCING THE CAPITAL ACCOUNT DEFICITS IN 1982-83.

♦WE CAN OF COURSE AFFORD SUCH DISLOCATIONS IF THEY ARE ONLY CF A TEMPORARY NATURE.

♦WHAT WE MUST GUARD AGAINST IS THAT SUCH TEMPORARY PHENOMENA SHOULD NOT BECOME PERMANENT.

♦OTHERWISE, IN ORDER TO BALANCE OUR BOOKS IN FUTURE WE MAY HAVE TO RESORT TO SUCH IMPALATABLE ALTERNATIVES AS DEFICIT FINANCING, DIG DEEP INTO OUR RESERVES, OR RAISE REVENUES THROUGH TAXATION,* HE WARNED.

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/9........

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

JSEA +NERVE-WRECKI NG* * * *

IN THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE TODAY, THE HON MRS SELINA CHOW QUESTIONED THE NECESSITY OF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT SCALING TEST WHICH SHE DESCRIBED AS +A NERVE-WRECKING EXERCISE* FOR 15-YEAR-OLDS.

ALTHOUGH IT HAS ONLY TAKEN PLACE TWICE, SHE SAID, THE STRAIN IS SHOWING.

♦ALREADY THERE ARE SIGNS THAT STUDENTS ARE DRILLED FOR THE FORM III SCALING TEST.

♦FEW CAN SHARE THE OPTIMISM OF THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION THAT TEACHERS AND PARENTS CAN BE PERSUADED TO TREAT THE TEST LIGHTLY, AS THEY REGARD IT AS A CRITICAL STAGE IN DETERMINING THE FUTURE OF THEIR CHILDREN’S ACADEMIC CAREERS.*

MRS CHOW ALSO NOTED THE NEGATIVE EFFECT OF THE SCALING TEST ON THE SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION.

AS THE PROJECTED FIGURES SHOW THAT 62 PER CENT OF 15-YEAR-OLDS IN 1982, 68 PER CENT IN 1983 AND 71 PER CENT IN 1984 WILL BE PROVIDED WITH SUBSIDISED PLACES AT FORM IV LEVEL, SHE WONDERED WHY IT IS NECESSARY THEN TO SUBJECT ALL OF THEM TO SUCH A NERVE-WRECKING EXERCISE AS THE JSEA SCALING TEST JUST SO THAT THE MINORITY CAN BE ELIMINATED?

♦WHY CANNOT THE DISCRETION BE GIVEN TO THE SCHOOLS AND THE PARENTS?

♦WHY IS THE INTERNAL SCHOOL ASSESSMENT NOT ENOUGH?* SHE ASKED.

MRS CHOW ALSO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE UP A MORE POSITIVE AND ACTIVE ROLE IN CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT.

SHE REMARKED THAT +THIS IS AN ON-GOING CREATIVE COMMITMENT WHICH REQUIRES THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN CORRECTNESS, CONSISTENCY AND PRESENTATION+.

HOWEVER, SHE NOTED THAT THE ONLY PROVISION LISTED FOR CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT IN THIS YEAR’S ESTIMATES IS A SUM OF $57 OOO TO MEET THE EXPENSES OF AN OVERSEAS ADVISER FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHING.

♦DOES THIS REFLECT THE INSIGNIFICANCE GOVERNMENT ATTACHES TO CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AT PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LEVELS?

♦NONE OF US CAN BE SATISFIED WITH ANY HALF-HEARTED EFFORT IN THIS TASK, AND I HOPE THE PANEL OF ADVISERS WILL HAVE SPECIFIC THINGS TO SAY ON THIS SUBJECT,* SHE SAID.

ON THE SUBJECT OF HOUSING, MRS CHOW CALLED FOR A REVIEW OF THE EXISTING POLICY OF OFFERING TENANCY IN PERPETUITY.

/SHE PROPOSED ......

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

SHE PROPOSED THAT HOUSEHOLDS WHICH HAVE PROSPERED BEYOND THE CEILING OF ELIGIBILITY SHOULD HAVE THEIR TENANCY TERMINATED TO MAKE WAY FOR HOUSEHOLDS MORE IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE.

♦WITH THE BACKING OF APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES, WE MIGHT NOT ONLY EASE THE QUEUE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, BUT ALSO HELP FILL UP SOME OF THE 30 000 UNITS OF VACANT FLATS IN PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT, THEREBY ELIMINATING WASTAGE AS A WHOLE,+ SHE SAID.

THE SYSTEM OF MAINTAINING TWO SEPARATE APPLICATION LISTS — ONE FOR TENANTS OF PUBLIC HOUSING AND THE OTHER FOR ELIGIBLE PUBLIC — IN THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME ALSO DESERVES A SECOND LOOK, SHE ADDED.

ON THE CIVIL SERVICE, MRS CHOW DREW ATTENTION TO THE +UNFAIR+ JOB SECURITY THAT ALL CIVIL SERVANTS SEEM TO ENJOY.

SHE POINTED OUT THAT IT IS GENERALLY BELIEVED, AND HAS YET TO BE PROVEN OTHERWISE, THAT HARDLY EVER ARE CIVIL SERVANTS’ EMPLOYMENT TERMINATED ON GROUNDS OF INEFFICIENCY AND INCOMPETENCE.

TO THE CONTRARY, EVERY CIVIL SERVANT IS REWARDED WITH THE ANNUAL INCREMENT REGARDLESS OF PERFORMANCE, OR NON-PERFORMANCE, UNTIL HE REACHES THE TOP OF HIS PAY SCALE, NOT TO MENTION THE REVISION BASED ON RISING COST OF LIVING FROM TIME TO TIME.

♦GOVERNMENT’S RELUCTANCE TO RELATE THE EVALUATION OF ITS SERVICE TO A SYSTEM OF MERIT REMAINS TO BE JUSTIFIED.

♦OURS IS A WELL-PAID CIVIL SERVICE AND SO IT SHOULD BE. IT IS ONLY FAIR THAT THE SAME DEGREE OF EFFICIENCY BE EXPECTED FROM IT AS THAT OF AN EQUALLY WELL-PAID STAFF IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.+

TURNING TO THE ISSUE OF SEPARATE TAXATION FOR MARRIED WOMEN, MRS CHOW SAID SHE WELCOMED THE MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S DELIBERATION ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND LOOKED FORWARD WITH INTEREST TO THE RESULT OF HIS STUDY ON THE SUBJECT NEXT YEAR.

--------o

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

11 - i

BENEFIT SCHEME FOR WORKERS PROPOSED ft ft ft ft

THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SET UP A CENTRALLY-ADMINISTERED SEMI-VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTORY BENEFIT SCHEME TO PROTECT WORKERS NOT EMPLOYED BY THE GOVERNMENT OR WELL-ESTABLISHED INSTITUTIONS AGAINST PROLONGED SICKNESS, INJURY AT WORK AND RETIREMENT.

A NEW BOARD ON SOCIAL SECURITY SHOULD ALSO BE ESTABLISHED TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT IN A CONSTRUCTIVE WAY.

THESE SUGGESTIONS WERE MADE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY BY THE HON ANDREW SO, IN A STRONG PLEA FOR A BETTER DEAL FOR HONG KONG'S 2.4 MILLION WORKERS.

CITING STATISTICS TO SHOW THAT HONG KONG IS 'A WORKERS SOCIETY’, W SO SAID THE WIDENING GAP BETWEEN THE RICH AND THE POOR SHOWED THAT THE WORKERS, ON WHOM HONG KONG DEPENDED, WERE NOT GETTING A FAIR SHARE OF THE ECONOMIC CAKE.

WHILE AGREEING THAT STEADY IMPROVEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE TO SOCIAL SECURITY PROVISIONS IN HONG KONG IN RECENT YEARS, HE NEVERTHELESS FELT THEY WERE STILL FAR FROM ADEQUATE.

♦BY ’ADEQUATE’, I MEAN SUFFICIENT TO GUARANTEE A LIFE COMPATIBLE WITH HUMAN DIGNITY AND TO REDISTRIBUTE INCOME FROM THE HEALTHY TO THE SICK, FROM THE YOUNG TO THE OLD, FROM HIGH INCOME TO LOW INCOME EARNERS, FROM FAMILIES WITH FEW CHILDREN TO FAMILIES WITH MANY, AND FROM THE EMPLOYED TO THE UNEMPLOYED.

♦IN OTHER WORDS, WE STILL HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO IN OUR QUEST FOR PROTECTING OUR WORKERS, INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY, REDISTRIBUTING INCOME, PROMOTING SECURITY AND HUMAN DIGNITY,* UC. C A I Ti 7

MR SO POINTED OUT SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM HELPING PEOPLE TO HELP RELIEF ROLE.

THAT A CONTRIBUTORY SCHEME WOULD ENABLE THE IN HONG KONG TO MOVE TOWARDS ITS TARGET OF THEMSELVES INSTEAD OF PLAYING JUST A

AND WITH THE HELP

THE INCENTIVES SUCH AS ,„„ „Wvn m

ATTRACTIVE TO BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES

OF PROPER PUBLICITY AND EDUCATION AND GIVEN

TAX RELIEF

SUCH A SCHEME SHOULD PROVE

HE ADDED

+OUR GOVERNMENT IS ANXIOUS TO PROMOTE LONG-TERM PLANNING, LONGTERM COMMITMENTS, THE STABILITY OF HONG KONG, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENTS AND A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG THE PEOPLE.

♦A CONTRIBUTORY SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME WOULD, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ENHANCE SUCH ISSUES.

♦SO WHY SHOULDN’T WE GO AHEAD WITH THE SCHEME?* MR SO ASKED.

--------0

/12 .......

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

CALL FOR BUILDING INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD *****

THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SET UP A BUILDING INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD TO ADVISE IT ON MATTERS AFFECTING THE BUILDING INDUSTRY AND TO IRON OUT ANY PROBLEM WHICH MAY EXIST OR OCCUR FROM TIME TO TIME, THE HON F.K. HU SAID, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

AND HE SUGGESTED THAT THE BOARD SHOULD COMPRISE OFFICIALS FROM RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, REPRESENTATIVES OF REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS, BUILDING CONTRACTORS, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS, PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND OTHER UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS.

MR HU POINTED OUT THAT THIS WOULD ENABLE THE VARIOUS SECTORS TO KEEP THE GOVERNMENT DIRECTLY INFORMED OF THE IMPACT OF EXISTING POLICY OR CHANGE OF POLICY.

♦WITH BETTER COMMUNICATION AND UNDERSTANDING ESTABLISHED AND UNCERTAINTY REMOVED, I AM SURE THAT DEVELOPERS WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE GREATER CONTRIBUTIONS TO HONG KONG BY INTENSIFYING THEIR INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG INSTEAD OF DIVERSIFYING THEIR RESOURCES OUTSIDE THE COLONY AS ONE WILL HAVE NOTICED TO BE AN INCREASING TREND OF SUCH DEVELOPMENT LATELY.

♦CONTINUED OUTFLOW OF FUNDS AND REDUCED INTEREST IN PROPERTY INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG WILL LEAD TO A CHAIN REACTION WHICH MAY HAVE SERIOUS EFFECTS ON OUR POSITION SOCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY,* HE WARNED.

MR HU NOTED THAT THROUGH THE PRIVATE SECTOR’S INVESTMENT, HONG KONG HAS BEEN ABLE TO COPE WITH THE GROWING DEMAND FOR FACTORY BUILDINGS AND COMMERCIAL PREMISES, TO PROVIDE MORE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, AND TO HELP INTODUCE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY INTO OUR BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR WHICH NOW EMPLOYS MORE THAN 80 000 PEOPLE.

OBVIOUSLY EVERY EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPERS TO INVEST ENTHUSIASTICALLY IN HONG KONG WITH A REASONABLE RATE OF RETURN OVER THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT PERIOD.

BUT MR HU SAID THERE IS QUITE A STRONG IMPRESSION IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR THAT MANY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TEND TO TAKE A RATHER NEGATIVE ATTITUDE OR EVEN CREATE ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS AND OBSTACLES FOR DEVELOPERS, THUS DELAYING THE PROCESSING OR APPROVING OF APPLICATIONS AND PROJECTS.

QUOTING EXAMPLES, HE SAID THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE, WHICH PROVIDES STAFF AND SPECIALIST SUPPORT FOR THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN DEALING WITH SLOPES AND FOUNDATION PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE BUILDING PROGRAMMES, SEEMS TO BE LACKING IN CLEARLY DEFINED STANDARDS AND ITS APPROACH COULD BE OVER CAUTIOUS AND CONSEQUENTLY EXTRAVAGANTLY EXPENSIVE.

/Numerous frustrating

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

NUMEROUS FRUSTRATING CASES ALSO EXIST IN THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE AND THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHERE DEVELOPERS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT AMENDMENTS TO THEIR PLANS WHICH ARE ONLY TO BE FOLLOWED BY FURTHER AMENDMENTS.

WITH THE MODERN DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGY, MANY OF THE EXISTING RULES, REGULATIONS AND CODES OF PRACTICE BECOME OUTDATED AND CAN NO LONGER BE BASED UPON TO MAKE DECISIONS, MR HU REMARKED.

INCONSISTENCY IN THE INTERPRETATION OF REGULATIONS POSES ANOTHER PROBLEM AS A DIFFERENT OFFICER MAY INTERPRET THE SAME PIECE OF REGULATION IN A DIFFERENT WAY WHICH MAY NECESSITATE MAJOR RE-DESIGNING OR AMENDMENT WITH CONSEQUENTIAL DELAY OR INCREASE IN COST.

♦I WOULD SUGGEST THAT WHERE CHANGES IN POLICIES OR INTERPRETATIONS MAY CAUSE MAJOR MODIFICATIONS IN BUILDING PLANS, A GRACE PERIOD SHOULD BE ALLOWED.

+PLANS ALREADY APPROVED SHOULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO DISAPPROVAL ON THESE GROUNDS WHEN THEY ARE RESUBMITTED FOR MINOR AMENDMENTS,* HE ADDED.

MR HU ALSO COMMENTED ON THE GOVERNMENT’S LAND RESUMPTION POLICIES.

HE REITERATED HIS EARLIER SUGGESTION IN THE COUNCIL THAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME AND THE LETTER B EXCHANGE SCHEME SHOULD BE COMBINED IN ORDER TO INCREASE THE PUBLIC HOUSING STOCK AND TO SPEED UP THE DISCHARGE OF LETTER B COMMITMENTS.

+ l WOULD SUGGEST THAT THIS SCHEME BE PURSUED AGAIN,* SAID W HU. +BESIDES THE COMMERCIAL PREMISES, 30 TO 40 PER CENT OF THE RESIDENTIAL AREA AT ATTRACTIVE LOCATIONS SHOULD BE LEFT TO THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS TO DEVELOP AND SELL AT THEIR OWN PRICE, WHILE 60 TO 70 PER CENT OF THE RESIDENTIAL AREA SHOULD BE BUILT AND HANDED BACK TO THE GOVERNMENT AT AN AGREED PRICE FOR THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME OR EVEN FOR RENTAL PUBLIC HOUSING DEPENDING ON THE EXTENT OF DEMAND.

+ INTEGRATION OF ACCOMMODATION FOR DIFFERENT INCOME GROUPS IN A PRIME SITE OR ANY SITE IS SOCIALLY AN IDEA WE SHOULD ENCOURAGE,* HE SAID.

HE ALSO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER TYING UP THE LETTER B ENTITLEMENT EXCHANGE SCHEME WITH SEABED RECLAMATION AND LAND EXCAVATION PROJECTS ON ACCEPTABLE LOCATIONS AND TO EXTEND THE LETTER B EXCHANGE SCHEME TO THE URBAN AREA.

-----o------

/14 .......

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

HELP INDUSTRIALISTS AND WORKERS, GOVT TOLD

* * * *

THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE MORE POSITIVE MEASURES TO FOSTER A FAVOURABLE CLIMATE FOR THE MANUFACTURING AND TRADING SECTORS IN HONG KONG, THE HON WONG PO-YAN SAID TODAY.

IN A STRONG PLEA FOR ASSISTANCE FOR LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS AND WORKERS, MR WONG SAID HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS, APART FROM SUFFERING SPIRALLING COSTS OF RAW MATERIALS, HIGH INTEREST RATES AND INFLATION, ALSO FACED RISING PROTECTIONIST SENTIMENTS IN OUR MAJOR EXPORT MARKETS AND INCREASING COMPETITION FROM OTHER DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.

+THE PROPOSALS TO HELP INDUSTRIALISTS BY INCREASING ALLOWANCES FOR NEW CAPITAL EQUIPMENT, PLANT AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, THOUGH STEPS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, ARE BUT SMALL STEPS AND ARE CLEARLY NOT ENOUGH,+ HE SAID.

HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE EFFECTIVE USE OF INTEREST RATES WHICH HE SAID, IS AN EFFECTIVE MEANS TO STIMULATE AND REGULATE INVESTMENT.

STEPS SHOULD ALSO BE TAKEN TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES OF INCREASING THE EXPORT OF DOMESTIC PRODUCTS AND SERVICE.

+THE REALISATION OF THE LONG ADVOCATED AND LONG AWAITED EXHIBITION CENTRE, FOR EXAMPLE, WILL ADD CONSIDERABLY TO OUR EXPORT OF SERVICE, NOT TO MENTION THE CONTRIBUTION THAT THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIALISTS ANXIOUSLY EXPECT,+ MR WONG SAID.

IN ADDITION, HE CALLED FOR A CONSISTENT AND EFFECTIVE POLICY TO CURB INFLATION, BOTH IMPORTED AND DOMESTIC.

WHILE CONCEDING THAT THE INHERENT ABSENCE OF RAW MATERIALS TO SUPPORT LOCAL MANUFACTURING ACTIVITIES WILL NECESSARILY RENDER IMPORTED INFLATION DIFFICULT TO CONTROL, MR WONG ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO ADAPT STRINGENT STEPS TO RESTRAIN FORCES OF INFLATION DUE TO INTERNAL ELEMENTS.

+WE SHOULD, FOR EXAMPLE, TAKE MEASURES TO ENABLE INDUSTRY AND CONSUMERS TO HAVE THEIR BURDEN ON THE COST OF ENERGY, INCLUDING POWER, FUEL AND LIGHT, TO BE ADJUSTED DOWNWARD TO REFLECT THE RECENT EASING OF OIL PRICES IN THE WORLD.+

ON THE SUPPLY OF SKILLED WORKERS, MR WONG WAS HOPEFUL THAT THE RECENTLY-ESTABLISHED VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WOULD PROVIDE POTENTIAL WORKERS WITH THE REQUISITE TECHNICAL EDUCATION, AND WORKERS WITH APPROPRIATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OPTIMAL TRAINING TO UPGRADE THEIR WORK SKILLS AND EFFICIENCY.

THE WORK AND SUCCESS OF THE COUNCIL HE SAID, HAVE THEREFORE A DIRECT BEARING ON ENCOURAGING GROWTH IN OUTPUT PER HEAD WHICH WILL BE VITAL, FOR INDUSTRIALISTS AND WORKERS ALIKE, IN MEETING FUTURE CHALLENGES.

/MR WONG ALSO .......

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

MR WONG ALSO DREW MEMBERS’ ATTENTION TO THE HEALTHY AND GROWING ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA.

HE SAID TRADE STATISTICS FOR 1981 REVEALED THAT CHINA RANKED SECOND AS HONG KONG’S MAJOR SUPPLIER AND THE FIFTH BUYER, ADDING THAT THE POTENTIAL FOR FURTHER EXPANSION IS ENORMOUS.

AS THERE IS A DISTURBING ABSENCE OF AGGRESSIVE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN CHINA, MR WONG SAID A PLANNED AND SYSTEMATIC POLICY OF PROMOTING OUR PRODUCTS, OUR SERVICE AND OUR EXPERTISE IN CHINA IS URGENTLY NEEDED.

IN FORMULATING THIS POLICY, WE SHOULD CONCENTRATE OUR EFFORTS ON INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES.

+AS REGARDS TRADE AND COMMERCE, WE SHOULD REACH OUT TO THE DEVELOPING INDUSTRIAL CENTRES AND CITIES IN THE NORTHEAST, THE LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ZONES IN THE SOUTHWEST AND NORTHWEST, AND THE COASTAL PROVINCES,* HE ADDED.

TURNING TO HOUSING, MR WONG WAS CONCERNED THAT DESPITE A SERIES OF MEASURES IMPLEMENTED LAST YEAR TO ACCELERATE THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMMES, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S WAITING LIST HAS REMAINED DISAPPOINTINGLY STATIC.

HOWEVER, THE NUMBER OF PRIVATE DOMESTIC UNITS FOUND VACANT IN 1981 STOOD AT 29 700.

+THIS GIVES RISE TO THE HIGHLY UNSATISFACTORY SITUATION WHERE COMPLETED FLATS, INTO WHICH LABOUR, MATERIAL AND OTHER VALUABLE RESOURCES HAVE BEEN PUT TO USE, STAND VACANT WHILE THE PRESSURE ON HOUSING CONTINUES TO SURGE,* HE REMARKED.

TO RECTIFY THIS SITUATION, HE SUGGESTED THAT INTEREST PAYABLE ON THE PURCHASE OF SMALL DOMESTIC PREMISES BY THE SANDWICHED CLASS SHOULD BE EXEMPTED FROM TAXATION.

AND TO QUALIFY FOR SUCH DEDUCTION OR ALLOWANCE, A POTENTIAL PURCHASER MUST BE THE INTENDED OWNER-OCCUPIER OF HIS FIRST PURCHASED FLAT DIRECT FROM THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER.

THE SIZE OF THE FLAT SHOULD NOT EXCEED A CERTAIN LIMIT, SAY 90 SQUARE METRES, AND THE DEDUCTIBLE SUM COULD BE RESTRICTED TO A CERTAIN CEILING OF THE OWNER-OCCUPIER’S FAMILY INCOME IN ORDER TO LIMIT THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS AND COST, HE SAID.

+GRANTED THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS PROPOSAL WOULD ENTAIL AN INTENSIVE IRONING OUT OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROBLEMS, IT COULD SERVE TO SOLVE, WITHIN A RELATIVELY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, THE PRESSING TWIN PROBLEMS OF ENABLING THE SANDWICHED CLASS, WHO ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR GOVERNMENT HOUSING OR SUBSIDIES, TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN HOMES AND, AT THE SAME TIME, OF REDUCING THE ACCUMULATED STOCK OF SMALL FLATS IN A SLUGGISH PROPERTY MARKET TO ENCOURAGE NEW DEVELOPMENTS,* MR WONG SAID.

ON TRANSPORT, MR WONG URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO ACCORD TOP PRIORITY TO THE EXAMINATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF A SECOND VEHICULAR CROSS HARBOUR LINK, BE IT ANOTHER TUNNEL OR A BRIDGE.

/HE SAID THE .......

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

HE SAID THE APPROACH ROADS TO THE EXISTING CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL HAVE LONG BEEN RECOGNISED TO BE INADEQUATE AND ARE TOTALLY CONGESTED, PARTICULARLY DURING RUSH HOURS.

AS REGARDS PARKING FOR LORRIES AND HEAVY-DUTY INDUSTRIAL TRAILERS, HE SAID THE APPARENT LACK OF PLANNING AND DIRECTION IN THIS RESPECT HAS RESULTED IN SERIOUS TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN MANY INDUSTRIAL AREAS, NOTABLY TSUEN WAN AND KWUN TONG.

TOP PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN, HE SAID, TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF MULTI-STOREY LORRY CAR PARKS IN SELECTED INDUSTRIAL AND OTHER AREAS, WHERE THE LOADING AND UNLOADING OF CARGOES AND A HIGH CONCENTRATION OF GOODS VEHICLES ARE PLANNED OR ANTICIPATED.

-----0------

SUPPORT SOUGHT FOR INDUSTRY

* I *

THE INCREASING CALLS FROM INDUSTRIALISTS RECENTLY FOR GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE SHOULD NOT BE SUMMARILY DISMISSED AS SELF-INTERESTED CALLS FOR SPECIAL TREATMENT OR HANDOUTS, THE HON ALLEN LEE SAID TODAY.

HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THESE APPEALS FORM AN ACCURATE REFLECTION OF SEVERE STRAINS AS WELL AS A GENUINE EFFORT TO IDENTIFY POSSIBLE AREAS WHERE GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE MIGHT BE HELPFUL NOT ONLY TO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR BUT THE CONTINUED SOCIO-ECONOMIC WELL-BEING OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.

ALTHOUGH HE BELIEVED IN FREE TRADE AND COMPETITION, MR LEE SAID HE DID NOT FOR ONE MOMENT BELIEVE THAT THE LAW OF THE JUNGLE HAD BEEN THE SECRET OF THE SUCCESS OF LOCAL INDUSTRY OVER THE YEARS.

+GOVERNMENT MOST CERTAINLY PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THIS SUCCESS THROUGH SUPPORT FOR VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL AND TERTIARY EDUCATION- INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION, TRAINING SCHEMES, INDUSTRIAL DIVERSIFICATION AND MANY MORE.

♦WHAT IS BEING SOUGHT IS INCREASED SUPPORT IN AREAS SUPPLEMENTARY TO THESE AND WHAT IS STRONGLY FELT TO BE ESSENTIAL TO PRESERVING AS WELL AS IMPROVING AN ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF OUR MANUFACTURING SECTOR SO THAT THE GOVERNMENT COFFERS MAY BE ADEQUATELY REPLENISHED THROUGH TAX ON PROFITS TO ENABLE IT TO ACHIEVE AN IMPROVING STANDARD OF LIVING FOR OUR CITIZENS, AN AIM UPON WHICH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS SO RIGHTLY PLACED EMPHASIS.

♦THE LOW LEVEL OF TAXATION REINFORCES THE NEED TO CONSIDER WHETHER ITS SOURCES SHOULD BE CAREFULLY GUARDED AND NURTURED,* HE SAID.

MR LEE POINTED OUT THAT INDUSTRIALISTS WERE NOT CALLING FOR SUBSIDIES FOR BUSINESSES WHICH COULD NO LONGER SURVIVE IN A COMPETITIVE WORLD.

/GIVEH THE........

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

GIVEN THE INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURE OF HONG KONG, HE SAID, IT WAS A QUESTION OF WHETHER WE COULD AFFORD TO LOSE OUR ESSENTIAL INDUSTRIES, SUCH AS THE TEXTILE AND GARMENT INDUSTRIES THAT THE MOST ADVANCED COUNTRIES HAD SO FIERCELY DEFENDED AGAINST.

♦ AS INDUSTRIALISTS, WE SEE A DECLINE NOT ONLY IN THESE SECTORS BUT ALSO IN OTHERS.

♦CAN WE AFFORD NOT TO HAVE A GROWING MANUFACTURING SECTOR? IF NOT, SHOULD SOMETHING BE DONE TO STRENGTHEN THIS BACKBONE OF OUR ECONOMY? WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR OTHER SECTORS AND FOR EMPLOYMENT IF OUR MANUFACTURING SECTOR DECLINES?

♦THESE QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN ON THE MINDS OF INDUSTRIALISTS IN MAKING THEIR PROPOSALS, CERTAINLY NOT IN SELF-INTEREST BUT RATHER FOR THE PROSPERITY TOGETHER WITH EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY,+ hF LEE SAID.

HE SPELLED OUT THE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC AREAS WHERE INDUSTRIALISTS HAD MADE THEIR APPEALS KNOWN:

* LAND AND RENT: INCREASE THE PRODUCTION AND SALE OF LAND AND RELAX THE CRITERIA FOR QUALIFYING FOR THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES TO ALLOW FURTHER UTILISATION.

M INTEREST RATES: CALL FOR ASSISTANCE IN THE FORMATION OF A FINANCIAL BODY PROPOSED BY THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES WHICH WILL POOL LOANS SO THAT THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT WILL BE SUFFICIENT FOR IT TO BORROW FROM CHEAPER SOURCES WHICH DO EXIST OVERSEAS.

* ELECTRICITY: CALL FOR AN ASSURANCE THAT A FAIR PRICE

IS BEING PAID AND THAT AN EFFECTIVE MONITORING MACHINERY IS IN OPERATION.

X WATER CHARGES: CAUTION AGAINST INCREASES TO WATER CHARGES BECAUSE IT AFFECTS IN PARTICULAR THE BLEACHING, DYEING AND FINISHING INDUSTRY WHICH PROVIDES AN ESSENTIAL LINK IN THE TEXTILE AND GARMENT CHAIN.

ALL THESE RISING COSTS ARE ERODING PROFIT MARGIN, MR LEE SAID.

♦I BELIEVE MY VERBOSITY ON THIS SUBJECT IS VALID AND I FEEL IT NEEDS TO BE SAID THAT INDUSTRIALISTS ARE NOT SEEKING SPECIAL TREATMENT BUT ARE SINCERELY TRYING TO SEEK WAYS IN CO-OPERATION AND CO-ORDINATION WITH GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THE FUTURE WELL-BEING OF OUR ECONOMY,♦ HE SAID.

--------o ---------

/18........

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

- 18 -

MORE TAX CUTS FOR HIGH TECHNOLOGY URGED

XXX

THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN CALLED FOR FURTHER TAX CONCESSIONS TO BE MADE FOR HIGH-LEVEL TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES.

AND HE SUGGESTED THAT THE MINIMUM QUALIFYING CRITERIA FOR SUCH CONCESSIONS SHOULD BE SIMILAR TO THOSE SET BY THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION FOR OPERATIONS IN ITS ESTATES.

MR CHAN WELCOMED THE PROPOSED TAX CONCESSIONS FOR NEW PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.

♦HOWEVER, I FEEL THAT FURTHER CONCESSIONS SHOULD BE MADE FOR A FIXED PERIOD FOR NEW CAPITAL-INTENSIVE EQUIPMENT FOR NEW, RELATIVELY HIGH-LEVEL TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES WHICH HONG KONG REQUIRES FOR ITS DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAMME.+

THE TRANSFER OF NEW TECHNOLOGY, HE SAID, PROVIDES NOT ONLY PROFITS FOR THE INVESTORS, BUT ALSO MORE EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL WORKERS.

♦ THESE LONG-TERM BENEFITS ARE BY FAR MORE IMPORTANT TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG THAN THE SHORT TERM LOSS IN TAX REVENUE,* HE SAID.

ON SEPARATE TAXATION FOR MARRIED WOMEN, MR CHAN URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE THE SUBJECT THE MOST SYMPATHETIC CONSIDERATION AGAIN NEXT YEAR.

THE PRESENT COMBINED ASSESSMENT OF WORKING COUPLES HAS, TOGETHER WITH OTHER FACTORS, COMPELLED MANY TO CHOOSE CO-HABITATION INSTEAD OF FORMAL MARRIAGE, HE SAID.

♦ THERE IS IN FACT A VERY HIGH SOCIAL COST TO PAY,+HE SAID. ♦OTHER THAN SERIOUSLY UNDERMINING THE TRADITIONAL CHINESE VALUE OF THE FAMILY AS A UNIT, THERE WOULD BE UNWANTED CHILDREN AND OTHER ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS.♦

AS REGARDS EXEMPTION OF FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS FROM INTEREST TAX, HE SAID IT WOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO OUR MONEY MARKET IN THAT IT +REMOVES ONE OF THE MAJOR STUMBLING BLOCKS WHICH PREVENT HONG KONG FROM COMPETING WITH OTHER FINANCIAL CENTRES*.

THE REDUCTION OF INTEREST TAX ON HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS TO 10 PER CENT IS ANOTHER STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, HE ADDED.

♦ IT IS ONLY APPROPRIATE THAT CONCESSIONS IN SALARIES TAX SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY A LOWERING OF INTEREST TAX AS THIS WOULD ENCOURAGE MORE PRUDENT PEOPLE TO PUT THEIR MONEY INTO SAVINGS FOR FURTHER INVESTMENTS, RATHER THAN TO OVERSPEND TO FUEL IMPORTED INFLATION.*

TURNING TO THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR CHAN WARNED AGAINST THE EXCESSIVE OVERLAPPING OF DUTIES.

/CITING THE .......

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

CITING the issue of traffic offence tickets as an example, HE SAID THE CONSTABLE ON THE BEAT, THE TRAFFIC POLICEMAN AND THE TRAFFIC WARDEN ARE ALL DOING THE SAME JOB.

HE THOUGHT THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT JOB OF THE POLICE IS CRIME PREVENTION AND DETECTION AND THAT THEY SHOULD NOT BE OVERLOADED WITH THIS AND OTHER SUNDRY JOBS.

♦AS WE NOW HAVE A SEPARATE POLICY TRANSPORT BRANCH AND A CORRESPONDING OPERATIONS TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, I PROPOSE THAT ALL OPERATIONAL JOBS INVOLVING LAND TRAFFIC MATTERS AND THE GRADE CF TRAFFIC WARDEN BE TRANSFERRED TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT,* HE SAID.

MR CHAN ALSO COMMENTED ON THE COVERED ELEVATED WALKWAYS WITH ESCALATORS IN THE CENTRAL DISTRICT.

HE NOTED THAT THIS TYPE OF ELEVATED WALKWAY WHICH, PROVIDES AMONG OTHER THINGS, A SMOOTH PEDESTRIAN FLOW, IS VERY POPULAR AMONG THE PUBLIC.

+l THEREFORE URGE THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER EXTENDING THE PRESENT NETWORK OF COVERED ELEVATED WALKWAYS SERVICED BY ESCALATORS TO SUITABLY SELECTED AREAS OUTSIDE THE CENTRAL DISTRICT,* HE SAID.

-----o------

RETHINK URGED ON RELIANCE ON LAND SALES REVENUE ft ft ft ft

THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD GIVE SERIOUS CONSIDERATION AS TO THE EXTENT THAT IT IS NOW RELIANT ON LAND SALES TO PAY FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, THE HON WILLIAM BROWN SAID TODAY.

IN MAKING THIS COMMENT, MR BROWN SAID HE WAS CONSCIOUS OF VIEWS EASILY EXPRESSED BY THE GOVERNMENT WHICH WARNED AGAINST GETTING LOCKED INTO A LEVEL OF EXPENDITURE ON CAPITAL ACCOUNT WHICH WOULD NOT BE SUSTAINABLE AS AND WHEN THE LEVEL OF CAPITAL REVENUE SETTLED DOWN AND THE FINANCING OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AGAIN BECAME DEPENDENT ON THE SURPLUS ON RECURRENT ACCOUNT.

HE CITED STATISTICS TO SHOW THAT THE SURPLUS ON RECURRENT ACCOUNT, EXPRESSED AS A PROPORTION OF ACTUAL TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, IS PROJECTED TO FALL TO 44 PER CENT IN 1982-83 — A SHARP DROP FROM THE ESTIMATED 74 PER CENT IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, AND FROM THE AVERAGE OF 100 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS DECADE.

+THE 44 PER CENT MUST BE VIEWED AGAINST OUR TRADITIONAL GUIDELINE OF AT LEAST 60 PER CENT, ALTHOUGH IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED TENTATIVELY SINCE LAST YEAR THAT THIS LATTER RATIO COULD PERHAPS BE LOWERED TO AT LEAST 33 PER CENT,* HE POINTED OUT.

WHILE HE SHARED THE CONFIDENCE OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN THE LONG-TERM PROSPECTS OF LOCAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS, HE SAID THE STATISTICS HE HAD QUOTED ARE ^INDICATIVE OF A TREND WHICH SEEMS TO BE ACCELERATING*.

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

- 20 -

♦THE RATIOS ARE'THERE TO SERVE AS AN EARLY WARNING SYSTEM AND WE SHOULD NOT IGNORE THEIR SIGNALS, PARTICULARLY WHEN ONE BEARS IN MIND THAT QUITE APART FROM THE ON-GOING PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME WE ARE CONTEMPLATING A LARGE NUMBER OF MAJOR PROJECTS IN THE PERIOD AHEAD.

♦HERE I AM THINKING OF THE POSSIBLE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED CROSSINGS TO LANTAU, THE POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT OF A CROSSING AT LEI YUE MUN, MAJOR ROAD DEVELOPMENTS FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES AND HONG KONG TO NAME BUT JUST A FEW,+ HE REMARKED.

LAND SALES WERE INHERENTLY THE LEAST STABLE COMPONENT OF OUR PUBLIC ACCOUNTS, HE SAID, AND TO SOME EXTENT, TOO MUCH RELIANCE ON LAND SALES REVENUE MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO CONVINCE ITS CRITICS THAT IT HAS NO INTEREST IN THE OUTCOME OF LAND SALES OR THAT THE RESULTANT FINANCING DOES NOT HAVE SERIOUS INFLATIONARY CONSEQUENCES.

TURNING TO THE CONTINUED GROWTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, M? BROWN CALLED FOR MORE EFFICIENT CONTROL ON THE COSTS OF GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION.

HE SAIDi +ALTHOUGH CONTROLLING STAFF NUMBERS IS IMPORTANT IT IS EQUALLY NECESSARY TO GET PAY RATES RIGHT AND THAT INCLUDES TAKING DUE COGNIZANCE OF THE PROPER VALUE OF FRINGE BENEFITS WHEN REVIEWING SALARY SCALES.

♦PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL IS THE NEED TO MAXIMISE PRODUCTIVITY, AND I AM ENCOURAGED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SHARES THE VIEW THAT MORE EFFECTIVE USE COULD BE MADE OF THE AVAILABLE STAFF RESOURCES.♦

HOWEVER, MR BROWN WOULD HAVE BEEN HAPPIER HAD THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY BEEN A LITTLE MORE SPECIFIC AND UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THAT ADDITIONAL RESOURCES WOULD BE DIRECTED TO EXISTING PROGRAMMES DESIGNED TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY.

MR BROWN ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY FOR INTRODUCING MEASURES DESIGNED TO ADVANCE HONG KONG AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE.

THE REVENUE MEASURES AND CHANGES TO THE INTEREST WITHHOLDING TAX MAKE HONG KONG EVEN MORE ATTRACTIVE TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS AND USERS OF OUR FINANCIAL SERVICES, HE SAID.

♦I HAVE COMPLETE CONFIDENCE THAT OUR FREE MARKETS WILL FULLY VINDICATE THESE MEASURES AND THAT OUR GROWTH WILL BE RAP ID,+ HE SAID.

/21 ........

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

ANALYSIS OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS STATISTICS FOR MERCHANDISE, RECLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR THE WHOLE YEAR OF 1981 *****

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY RELEASED DOMESTIC EXPORTS STATISTICS ANALYSED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR THE WHOLE YEAR OF 1981.

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 AN EXPORTED COMMODITY REQUIRING SEVERAL INTERMEDIATE PROCESSING STAGES IS WHOLLY ALLOCATED TO THE INDUSTRY IN WHICH IT IS FINALLY PRODUCED, BUT THAT INDUSTRY WILL NOT NORMALLY BE THE SOLE CONTRIBUTOR TO ITS OVERALL EXPORT VALUE.

FURTHERMORE, THE CLASSIFICATION OF AN EXPORTED COMMODITY TO A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE ENTIRE LOT OF SUCH COMMODITY IS ACTUALLY PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS OF THAT INDUSTRY, SINCE SOME MAY BE SECONDARY PRODUCTS PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS CLASSIFIED ELSEWHERE.

IN TERMS OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, THE SIX MOST IMPORTANT INDUSTRY GROUPS WERE WEARING APPAREL, ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS, TEXTILES, PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT, PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND METAL PRODUCTS.

THEY TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 87 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF MERCHANDISE DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN 1981.

THE LARGEST INCREASES BY ABSOLUTE VALUE OVER 1980 OCCURRED IN WEARING APPAREL ($3 486 MILLION), ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS (S3 440 MILLION), TEXTILES ($2 425 MILLION), PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT ($980 MILLION), AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS ($591 MILLION).

IN PERCENTAGE TERMS. THE HIGHEST INCREASES WERE : BEVERAGES (164 PER CENT), TOBACCO (57 PER CENT), FOOTWEAR (55 PER CENT). RUBBER PRODUCTS (36 PER CENT), CHEMICAL PRODUCTS (32 PER CENT), FOOD (29 PER CENT), AND ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS (27 PER CENT).

/A DECREASE OF .......

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 19^2

A DECREASE OF $219 MILLION (-31 PER CENT FROM $711 MILLION) BETWEEN 1980 AND 1981 WAS OBSERVED IN THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MISCELLANEOUS MERCHANDISE ITEMS INCLUDING POSTAL PACKAGES, DEVELOPED FILM AND WORKS OF ART.

FURTHER DETAILS OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS STATISTICS FOR MERCHANDISE RECLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (AT 3-7221914).

-----o------

MP STUNNED BY RAPID NEW TOWN GROWTH * * *

A BRITISH MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, MR ARTHUR BOTTOMLEY, SAID TODAY THAT HE WAS STUNNED BY THE RAPID PACE OF DEVELOPMENTS IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN.

AFTER A TOUR OF THE WO CHE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AND A

VISIT TO A FAMILY LIVING THERE, MR BOTTOMLEY, WHO IS IN HONG KONG FOR THE SECOND TIME, ADDEDs +NEW ACCOMMODATION BEING PROVIDED IS OF A VERY GOOD STANDARD AND THE PEOPLE SEEM TO BE HAPPY AND CONTENT.+

MR BOTTOMLEY, TOGETHER WITH THREE OTHER MP’S --NR FREDERICK WILLEY, LORD ORAM AND LORD GISBOROUGH — SPENT THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING IN SHA TIN SEEING VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.

THEY ARE PART OF AN EIGHT-MAN INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION DELEGATION WHICH HAD JUST VISITED CHINA.

TODAY’S VISIT BEGAN WITH A BRIEFING BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON- DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT, MR JOHN DON- AND AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN PAK, AT THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS.

THE MP’S ALSO TOURED THE EXHIBITION HALL OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT BEFORE GOING TO A LOOKOUT POINT IN SHA TIN FOR A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF THE NEW TOWN.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, DR PATRICK HASE, AND THE PROJECT MANAGER, MR KENNETH KWOK, SHOWED THEM VARIOUS PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND BEING PLANNED FOR THE NEW TOWN, WHICH WILL BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE 750 000 PEOPLE BY THE END OF 1990’S.

THE VISIT ENDED AT ISLAND HOUSE WHERE THE MP’S WERE GUESTS CF A LUNCH GIVEN BY THE SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES, NR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND MRS AKERS-JONES.

-------c -

/23........

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

- 25 -

NEW DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR RTHK

* * *

MR HAROLD KWOK WAI-HONG HAS BEEN APPOINTED DEPUTY DIRECTOR AT RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WITH EFFECT FROM MAY 1.

HE SUCCEEDS MR STUART WILKINSON WHO BECOMES DIRECTOR CF BROADCASTING WHEN MR JOHN TISDALL’S SECONDMENT TO THIS POST FROM THE BBC ENDS NEXT MONTH.

MR KWOK HAS BEEN IN GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION SINCE 1966 AND HIS LAST POSTING WAS MANAGING THE SCHEME TO ASSIST INDEBTED CIVIL SERVANTS.

HE WILL TAKE OVER THE ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES AT RTHK PERFORMED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, WHO WILL TAKE UP A NEW POSTING ELSEWHERE IN GOVERNMENT AT THE END OF MAY.

------o-------

+THE ART OF SINGING-*- - FREE MASTER CLASSES X X X X

A SERIES OF THREE LECTURES ON VOICE PRODUCTION AND OPERATIC REPERTOIRE WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT OVER THE NEXT THREE DAYS STARTING FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 7 PM.

ALL THE LECTURES WILL BE GIVEN AT THE BAROQUE SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS, 292A AND B, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, SECOND FLOOR, KOWLOON.

THE FIRST OF THE LECTURES WILL BE GIVEN AS AN INTRODUCTION TO NATURAL SINGING WHILE THE SECOND TO BE GIVEN ON SATURDAY (MARCH 27) WILL BE ON +GERMAN LIEDER AND ITALIAN CHAMBER WORKS+. THE FINAL LECTURE WILL BE GIVEN ON SUNDAY (MARCH 28) ON THE TOPIC OF FRENCH, ITALIAN AND GERMAN OPERATIC ARIAS.

THE LECTURES WILL BE GIVEN BY THE WELL-KNOWN LOCAL TENOR, MAK CHEE-SING. MR MAK STUDIED AT THE WORLD FAMOUS SANTA CECILIA CONSERVATORY IN ROME FROM 1971 TO 1974, WITH FURTHER STUDIES AT THE ROYAL NORTHERN COLLEGE OF MUSIC IN 1976.

MR MAK LATER JOINED THE WEST-GERMAN BASED HAGEN CITY THEATRE WHERE HE PERFORMED FOR TWO YEARS. FOLLOWING HIS RETURN TO HONG KONG, MR MAK HAS GIVEN A SOLO RECITAL UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL.

ALL THE LECTURES, GIVEN IN CANTONESE, ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND FREE TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE EAST KOWLOON MUSIC CENTRE, AT 1QO TING FUNG STREET, SECOND FLOOR, NGAU TAU KOK, KOWLOON.

FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 3-7561328.

(

/24........

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

CENTRAL REGISTRY FOR THE DISABLED TO BE SET UP * * * *

WORK HAS BEGUN ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL REGISTRY FOR THE DISABLED IN THE SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.

THE MAIN PURPOSE OF SETTING UP A CENTRAL REGISTRY, WHICH WAS RECOMMENDED IN THE WHITE PAPER ON REHABILITATION, IS TO PROVIDE THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS WITH COMPREHENSIVE AND RELIABLE DATA ABOUT THE DISABLED POPULATION SO AS TO HELP THEM IN THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF REHABILITATION SERVICES IN HONG KONG.

ANOTHER IMPORTANT OBJECTIVE OF THE CENTRAL REGISTRY IS TO SPEED UP THE PROVISION OF SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO THEIR CLIENTS BY ENABLING THEM TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE PERSONAL PARTICULARS, MEDICAL HISTORY AND OTHER DETAILS OF A DISABLED PERSON.

SUCH INFORMATION WILL ALSO BE USEFUL FOR RESEARCH WORK SUCH AS INTO THE CAUSES OF DISABILITIES, SO THAT MORE EFFECTIVE PREVENTIVE AND REHABILITATIVE MEASURES COULD BE DEVISED.

ALL INFORMATION STORED IN THE CENTRAL REGISTRY WILL BE TREATED AS STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND WILL ONLY BE DIVULGED TO AUTHORISED PERSONNEL WORKING IN THE REHABILITATION FIELD WHETHER IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS OR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO FACILITATE THE PROVISION OF MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE SERVICES TO THE DISABLED, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN STRESSED.

INCLUDED IN THE CENTRAL REGISTRY WILL BE INFORMATION ABOUT PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF DISABILITIES:

* THE BLIND AND PARTIALLY-SIGHTED-

* THE DEAF AND PARTIALLY-HEARING-

* THE MENTALLY ILL-

* THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED-

* SLOW LEARNING AND MALADJUSTED CHILDREN-

* THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED.

THE CENTRAL REGISTRY WILL BE DEVELOPED IN THREE STAGES.

THE FIRST IS THE +CONVERSION STAGE+, WHICH INVOLVES THE TRANSFER OF RECORDS OF DISABLED PERSONS NOW STORED IN THE FILES CF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY. THE SECOND STAGE WILL INVOLVE THE MATCHING AND COLLATION OF DATA WHICH WILL BE DONE CENTRALLY. THE THIRD AND FINAL STAGE WILL BE THE CREATION OF PERMANENT RECORDS FOR THE CENTRAL REGISTRY.

/THE WHOLE .......

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 19*52

- 25 -

THE WHOLE PROCESS IS EXPECTED TO TAKE TWELVE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

PERMANENT RECORDS WILL ALSO BE CREATED FOR NEW CASES COMING TO THE NOTICE OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS OR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AFTER APRIL 1.

A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE COMPUTERISATION OF WZ °EGISTRY IS BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE GOVERNMENT’S DATA PROCESSING DIVISION, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

0 -

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NGAU CHI WAN AND SO KON PO * * *

A SECTION OF SHUN ON ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH LEE ON ROAD IN NGAU CHI WAN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND ON SATURDAY (MARCH 27) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE.

DURING THE CLOSURE, NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC ALONG SHUN LEE TSUEN ROAD HEADING FOR SHUN TIN ESTATE AND SHUN ON ESTATE WILL BE DIVERTED VIA NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AND LEE ON ROAD.

TRAFFIC FROM SHUN TIN ESTATE, SHUN ON ESTATE AND SHUN LEE ESTATE HEADING FOR KWUN TONG AREA MAY USE LEE ON ROAD, SAN LEE STREET, SHUN CHING STREET AND SHUN LEE TSUEN ROAD.

MEANWHILE, ON HONG KONG ISLAND, TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN A NUMBER OF ROADS LEADING TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT STADIUM IN SO KON PO FROM 8 AM TO 10 PM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 27) AND FROM 8 AM TO 7 PM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 28) FOR THE INTERNATIONAL RUGBY FOOTBALL MATCHES.

THEY ARE :

* A SECTION OF CAROLINE HILL ROAD FROM ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH LEIGHTON ROAD TO EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD WILL BE ROUTED ONE WAY SOUTHBOUND.

* A SECTION OF CAROLINE HILL ROAD FROM ITS NORTHERN JUNCTION WITH LEIGHTON ROAD TO EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT FOR THOSE REQUIRING ACCESS TO PREMISES IN THE AREA.

* EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD WILL BE ROUTED ONE WAY FROM CAROLINE HILL ROAD TO THE ENTRANCE OF ST. PAUL’S HOSPITAL.

* COTTON PATH WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT FOR THOSE REQUIRING ACCESS TO PREMISES IN THE AREA.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT PARKING SPACES IN THE AREA WILL BE EXTREMELY LIMITED DURING THE TWO DAYS.

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/26........

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

MORE MEDICAL FACILITIES FOR TUEN MUN

*****

TUEN MUN RESIDENTS WILL HAVE MORE AND BETTER MEDICAL FACILITIES WHEN THE OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT AND THE FAMILY HEALTH CENTRE CF THE NEW YAN 01 POLYCLINIC BEGIN TO OPERATE ON APRIL 1.

THE NEW POLYCLINIC, SITUATED NORTH OF CASTLE PEAK POLICE STATION IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD, WILL REINFORCE THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE EXISTING GOVERNMENT CLINIC IN TUEN MUN.

THE S20-MILLI0N PROJECT HAS BEEN BUILT WITH THE HELP OF A 54-MILLION DONATION FROM A NEW TERRITORIES CHARITY ORGANISATION, YAN 01 TONG.

THE BUILDING CONSISTS OF A SIX-STOREY BLOCK AND A TWO-STOREY LOW BLOCK, PROVIDING ACCOMMODATION FOR A CHEST CLINIC, A DENTAL CLINIC, A RADIODIAGNOSTIC DEPARTMENT AND A PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY WHICH WILL BE IN OPERATION AT A LATER DATE.

THESE SERVICES, TOGETHER WITH THE OUT-PATIENT CLINIC AND THE FAMILY HEALTH CENTRE, REPRESENT THE FIRST PHASE OF THE TUEN MUN POLYCLINIC PROJECT.

BY 1984, THE SECOND PHASE WILL BE COMPLETED WITH MODERN FACILITIES FOR VARIOUS SPECIALITIES, INCLUDING A RENAL DIALYSIS CENTRE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE PROJECT IS REQUIRED FOR THE GROWING NEW TOWN WITH A POPULATION ESTIMATED TO BE OVER 400 000 BY THE MID 1980’S.

AT PRESENT TUEN MUN IS SERVED BY A GENERAL CLINIC WHICH PROVIDES AN OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT, A FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE CENTRE, A MATERNITY HOME, A CHEST CLINIC AND A METHADONE CLINIC.

IN VIEW OF THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN POPULATION, A 1 300 BED DISTRICT HOSPITAL IS BEING BUILT AND WILL BE COMPLETED BY 1985 - 86 TO SERVE THE WESTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE YAN 01 POLYCLINIC WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE AT 2.30 PM ON MONDAY (MARCH 2°). ADDRESSING THE CEREMONY ALSO WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG AND THE CHAIRMAN OF YAN 01 TONG, MR LAU WONG-FAT.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

TRANSPORT WILL EE PROVIDED TO THE CLINIC. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO TAKE THE TRANSPORT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 1 PM SHARP ON MONDAY. MR PAUL WAI, SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER, WILL ASSIST THE PRESS.

-------o---------

/27........

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

TSUEN WAN — A PLACE TO BE PROUD OF * * * *

IN THREE YEARS OR SO TSUEN WAN WILL BECOME A NEW TOWN THAT PEOPLE CAN REALLY BE PROUD OF, ITS TOWN MANAGER, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL LUNCHEON GIVEN BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO LOCAL LEADERS AT THE HILLTOP COUNTRY CLUB.

MR MACLEOD SAID HE WAS THINKING MAINLY OF TWO DEVELOPMENTS WHICH WOULD TRANSFORM THE CENTRE OF TSUEN WAN, NAMELY THE HIGH-CLASS COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AROUND THE NEW MTR STATION AND THE CULTURAL AND SPORTING FACILITIES WHICH WOULD BE BUILT ON THE RECLAMATION IN FRONT OF THE EXISTING TOWN HALL.

♦ BUT I ALSO HAVE IN MIND THE FACILITIES SUCH AS SWIMMING POOLS AND GAMES HALLS, AND ABOVE ALL OPEN SPACE, BEING PROVIDED OUTSIDE THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF TSUEN WAN.

♦ WE ARE FORTUNATE IN HAVING TWO VERY LARGE AREAS SOON TO BE DEVELOPED AS PARKS: INDEED THEY — TSO KUNG TAM AND GIN DRINKER’S BAY -- WILL EACH BE LARGER THAN ANY OTHER EXISTING URBAN PARK IN HONG KONG.+

MR MACLEOD SAID CHANGES IN TSUEN WAN’S PHYSICAL SURROUNDINGS WERE ACCOMPANIED BY CHANGES IN ITS INSTITUTIONAL OR POLITICAL LIFE.

♦ THE TWO CHANGES WHICH ARE PROBABLY OF MOST INTEREST TO US HERE IN TSUEN WAN ARE THE EXPANSION OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE CREATION OF THE NEW LANDS DEPARTMENT, BOTH EFFECTIVE FROM NEXT MONTH.♦

TOUCHING ON THE RECENT DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, HE SAID: ♦WHAT MATTERS NOW IS TO ENSURE THAT THE ADDITION OF 10 ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE BOARD REALLY WILL HELP TO MAKE US EVEN MORE RESPONSIVE TO PUBLIC OPINION, AND TO DEEPEN THE DIALOGUE WITH THE PEOPLE OF TSUEN WAN WHICH ALREADY EXISTS THROUGH A VARIETY OF CHANNELS, MOST NOTABLY OF COURSE THE 13 APPOINTED MEMBERS ALREADY ON THE BOARD, WHO REPRESENT A VERY WIDE RANGE OF INTERESTS AND ASSOC I AT IONS.+

TURNING TO THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MR MACLEOD THOUGHT THAT THE HIVING OFF FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE OF ITS MAIN LAND RESPONSIBILITIES WOULD PROBABLY BE A HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT — +ALTHOUGH WE WILL OF COURSE RETAIN AN INTEREST AND ROLE IN LAND-RELATED MATTERS*.

+IT IS ALREADY FORCING US TO RE-EVALUATE THE OVERALL ROLE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND WE SHALL CLEARLY FIND OURSELVES ABLE TO CONCENTRATE MORE ON THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TYPE OF ACTIVITY,* HE SAID.

♦ TO SUM UP, THE CLICHE THAT HONG KONG IS DYNAMIC AND FAST CHANGING PLACE APPLIES WITH PARTICULAR FORCE TO TSUEN WAN AT THIS TIME.

/+TH5 PHYSICAL.......

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

- 28

+THE PHYSICAL CHANGES WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN TSUEN WAN OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS WILL BE LARGELY BENEFICIAL, BUT WE DO l€ED TO FACE THE FACT THAT WE CANNOT EXPECT TO GROW - AS WE SHALL - FROM OVER 600 000 NOW TO NEARLY A MILLION BY THE END OF THE DECADE WITHOUT SOME 'GROWING PAINS’.

+ALL OF US HERE ARE INVOLVED IN HELPING TO KEEP THESE ’GROWING PAINS’ AS MILD AS POSSIBLE, AND I AM MOST GRATEFUL TO YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP IN THIS DIFFICULT BUT VITAL TASK,* HE SAID.

-----o ---------

NOTE TO EDITORS:

GOVERNOR TO OFFICIATE AT CEREMONY # #

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF THE TSO KUNG TAM RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE CENTRE, TSUEN WAN, AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

THE PROJECT FORMS PART OF THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WHICH IS BEING IMPLEMENTED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

OFFICIAL TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. THOSE WISHING TO USE THE FACILITY SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE OPEN CAR PARK OUTSIDE THE RECEPTION OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, NOT LATER THAN 1.15 PM.

/29........

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

- 29 -

PLB PROHIBITED ZONES IN SHA TIN * * * *

BOTH HUNG MUI KUK ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROAD TO WORLDWIDE GARDENS IN SHA TIN WILL BE DESIGNATED AS PLB PROHIBITED ZONES FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 27).

UNDER THIS ARRANGEMENT, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THESE ROADS.

SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO MARK THE EXTENT OF THE PROHIBITED ZONES.

--------o--------

NOTE TO EDITORS:

OVERALL REVIEW OF EDUCATION

X * X

THE PANEL OF VISITORS CONDUCTING THE OVERALL REVIEW OF THE HONG KONG EDUCATION SYSTEM WILL HOLD TWO PLENARY SESSIONS NEXT WEEK TO DISCUSS THEIR INITIAL VIEWS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF LOCAL PARTICIPANTS.

THE PLENARY SESSIONS WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER ON MONDAY (MARCH 29) AT 2 PM AND ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 31) AT 9 AM.

MEMBERS OF THE PRESS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND BOTH SESSIONS.

THE NORMAL PRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEETINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL APPLY, THE ONLY EXCEPTION BEING THAT SOME SEATS IN THE PUBLIC GALLERY WILL BE RESERVED FOR THE PRESS.

PHOTOGRAPHS (WITHOUT FLASH) OF THE ASSEMBLY CAN BE TAKEN FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERY BEFORE EACH SESSION BEGINS.

GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

CAREER PROSPECTS AT RCD

* * *

PROMOTION PROSPECTS IN THE NEWLY-ESTABLISHED RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT +ARE EXPECTED TO BE GREAT+, THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR THE DEPARTMENT, MRS ELIZABETH WONG SAID TODAY.

SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF ISLAND NORTH, MRS WONG SAID YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN JOINING THE DEPARTMENT AT THE LOWEST PROFESSIONAL RANKS HAVE GOOD PROSPECTS OF REACHING VERY SENIOR POSITIONS.

WITH THE RECENT ESTABLISHMENT OF PROFESSIONAL GRADES, SHE CONTINUED, THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE STAFFED BY TWO STREAMS OF CIVIL SERVANTS : THE GENERAL GRADE STAFF WHICH INCLUDES ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, CLERICAL OFFICERS, AND PROFESSIONAL GRADES FOR THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND THE MUSIC OFFICE.

THE GENERAL GRADE STAFF ARE DRAWN FROM THE CENTRAL POOL WHILE THE PROFESSIONALS ARE DEPARTMENTAL GRADES RECENTLY CREATED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.

THE NEW GRADES ARE i RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER AND MUSIC OFFICER.

THE NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO START AT THE BASIC LEVEL IN THE RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER GRADE ARE DIPLOMAS FROM THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND/OR OTHER RECOGNISED POST SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS WITH PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND/OR RECREATION AS ONE OF THE ELECTIVE SUBJECTS.

THE ENTRY AT THE BASIC RANK QUALIFICATION FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE IS EITHER A RECOGNISED DIPLOMA IN MUSIC OR A DEGREE IN MUSIC EDUCATION FOR WESTERN MUSIC- OR RECOGNISED TRAINING IN AN ACCEPTABLE INSTITUTION OR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS RELEVANT PERFORMING OR TEACHING EXPERIENCE FOR CHINESE MUSIC.

♦AFTER JOINING THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND THE MUSIC OFFICE, ONE HAS THE OPPORTUNITY OF WORKING HIS OR HER WAY GRADUALLY UP THE CORPORATE LADDER IN VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE SERVICE,+ THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER SAID.

♦THERE EXIST NO PROMOTION BARS IN BETWEEN VARIOUS RANKS IN BOTH THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE RSS THROUGH-SCALE STRUCTURE.

♦THEREFORE A CAPABLE YOUNG OFFICER WHO JOINS THE SERVICE AT THE STARTING POINT OF 17 ON THE MASTER PAY SCALE HAS THE PROSPECT OF GOING UP THE RANKS AND PROMOTION PROSPECTS ARE GOOD DUE TO THE EXPANSION OF THE DEPARTMENT “0 MEET THE EVER-BURGEONING DEMAND,* SHE SAID.

♦PROMOTION PROSPECTS COMPARE FAVOURABLY WITH OTHER GRADES IN THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE AND PROMISING OFFICERS HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP A CARE - -OR THEIR O-N INTEREST AS WELL AS IN THE INTEREST OF THE SERVICE,* SHE SAID.

/31 ........

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1982

- 51 -

NEW MAX I CAB ROUTE

* X *

A NEW KOWLOON PLB MAXICAB ROUTE - NO. 4 - FROM TSIM SHA TSUI TO YAU YAT CHUEN, WILL COMMENCE OPERATION FROM SUNDAY (MARCH 28).

THIS IS TO REPLACE AN EXISTING SERVICE PROVIDED BY KOWLOON URBAN EXPRESS COACH ROUTE NO. 202, WHICH WILL SUSPEND OPERATION AFTER ITS LAST DEPARTURE ON SATURDAY (MARCH 27).

THE MAXICAB WILL OPERATE FROM HANKOW ROAD AND TRAVEL VIA PEKING ROAD, KOWLOON PARK DRIVE, CANTON ROAD, FERRY STREET, WATERLOO ROAD, PEACE AVENUE, ARGYLE STREET, SAI YEE STREET, BOUNDARY STREET, TAI HANG TUNG ROAD, TAT CHEE AVENUE, PEONY ROAD AND BEGONIA ROAD ON JOURNEYS TO YAU YAT CHUEN.

ON RETURN JOURNEYS, THEY WILL USE BEGONIA ROAD, TAT CHEE AVENUE, TAI HANG TUNG ROAD, BOUNDARY STREET, WATERLOO ROAD, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, PERTH STREET, GULLANE ROAD, ARGYLE STREET, FERRY STREET, CANTON ROAD, SALISBURY ROAD AND HANKOW ROAD.

THE PERIOD OF OPERATION WILL BE FROM 7 AM TO 11.50 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 7 AM TO 10.50 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, AT 15-MINUTE FREQUENCIES DURING PEAK PERIODS. FARES WILL RANGE FROM $1 TO SI.50.

-----0------

SENIOR CITIZENS LOOK AT PRISON LIFE

* M *

A GROUP OF 25 SENIOR CITIZENS, ALL OVER 60 YEARS OLD, FROM RENNIE’S MILL VILLAGE IN KOWLOON TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE MINIMUM SECURITY MA HANG PRISON AT STANLEY.

THEY ARE MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF OLD PEOPLE FROM THE CATHOLIC PARISH OF OUR LADY OF ASSUMPTION CHURCH IN RENNIE’S MILL.

THE GROUP, LED BY REV PATRICK MASSCHELEIN, WAS SHOWN ROUND THE INSTITUTION BY THE SUPERINTENDENT IN CHARGE, MR G.A. EBRAHIM AND SAW FOR THEMSELVES THE VARIOUS FACILITIES PROVIDED INCLUDING THE GERIATRIC UNIT.

THE VISIT WAS ARRANGED FOR THE GROUP OF SENIOR CITIZENS WHO HAD EXPRESSED AN INTEREST IN WIDENING THEIR HORIZON BY VISITING A PRISON AND SEEING HONG KONG’S PENAL SYSTEM.

-----0------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

'EXTENSIVE BUILDING' OF SPORTS FACILITIES FOR TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG .................................................. 1

200 000 REGISTER SO FAR AS URBAN VOTERS ..................... 3

DTIC OFF TO EUROPE FOR TALKS ................................ 4

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY 1982 ................. 5

TUBERCULOSIS ON THE RISE WORLDWIDE .......................... 8

KWUN TONG DB MEMBERS LEARN ABOUT TOWN PLANNING.............. 10

SIR PHILIP SEES REHABILITATION WORK ........................ 10

IMMIGRATION OFFICERS TOLD OF NEED TO BE HELPFUL ............ 11

OFFICERS COMPLETE COURSE ................................... 11

APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES .................. 12

NEW WATER WORKS PROJECTS INSPECTED ......................... 12

MTR ISLAND LINE PLAN AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION .............. 13

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MATRICULATION COURSE OVERSEAS ............. 14

APPOINTMENT OF URBAN COUNCILLORS ........................... 15

TIN HAU TEMPLE DECLARED A MONUMENT ......................... 16

LIONS CLUBS MEMBERS TO PLANT TREES ......................... 16

KOWLOON PORT HEAT,TH OFFICE MOVES TO NET/ WORLD CENTRE...... 17

IMMIGRATION OFFICE MOVES .................................. 17

NEW KOWLOON OFFICE FOR PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION ............. 18

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SLIP ROAD TO COTTON TREE DRIVE........ 18

NEW MAXICAB ROUTES ......................................... 19

TENDERS SOUGHT FOR RAILWAY CLEANSING SERVICES ............. 19

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1982

’EXTENSIVE BUILDING’ OF SPORTS FACILITIES FOR TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG

* * * *

EXTENSIVE NEW BUILDING OF SPORTING FACILITIES FOR TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG IS NOW IN PROGRESS OR BEING PLANNED FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.

SPEAKING AT THE FOUNDATION-STONE LAYING OF THE *53-MILLION TSO KUNG TAM OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE IN TSUEN WAN, SIR MURRAY SAID THOUGH TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG ARE SURROUNDED BY SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY PARKS IN HONG KONG, HE REALISED THE NEED FOR MORE INTENSIVE SPORTING FACILITIES, IF THE TOWN IS TO HAVE EQUAL TREATMENT WITH THE URBAN AREAS.

THE TSO KUNG TAM CENTRE HAD LONG BEEN PLANNED BUT HAD ENCOUNTERED MANY DIFFICULTIES, THE GOVERNOR SAID.

SINCE THIS TYPE OF CAMP HAD PROVED POPULAR, AND THE CENTRE WAS THE MOST ELABORATE SO FAR DESIGNED, HE WAS PARTICULARLY PLEASED TO SEE IT STARTED BEFORE HE LEAVES.

OF THE SPORTING FACILITIES BEING BUILT OR PLANNED, SIR MURRAY MENTIONED THE FOLLOWING IN PARTICULARi

M AN INDOOR GAMES HALL WILL BE COMPLETED AT KWAI CHUNG NORTH BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR"

* A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX IN KWAI CHUNG EARLY IN 1984-

M THE YEUNG UK ROAD MARKET AND INDOOR GAMES HALL WILL BE COMPLETED IN TSUEN WAN BY THE END OF 1984-

* THE CHAI WAN KOK SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX WILL BE COMPLETED IN TSUEN WAN BY MID-1985-

* AND AS A LONGER TERM PROJECT, THE YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS STADIUM IN TSUEN WAN IS PLANNED FOR COMPLETION IN 1988/89.

THE GOVERNOR SAID HE HOPED THAT THINGS WILL STEADILY IMPROVE FOR THE AREA.

♦MEANWHILE, THIS RECREATION CENTRE WILL BE SOMETHING OF WHICH TSUEN WAN AND INDEED HONG KONG CAN BE JUSTIFIABLY PROUD, AND I WISH THOSE WHO USE IT MANY HOURS OF ENJOYMENT.♦

TO MARK THE LAYING OF THE FOUNDATION STONE BY THE GOVERNOR, MR JOHN DON, DIRECTOR OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PRESENTED HIM WITH A MEMENTO BEARING THE CREST OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE PWD LOGO.

EARLIER, THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID SINCE THE FIRST GOVERNMENT CAMPING FACILITY AT THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE OPENED IN 1976, THE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN ON THE CONSTANT LOOKOUT FOR ADDITIONAL FACILITIES TO MEET INCREASING PUBLIC DEMAND.

/+THESE EFFORTS ...

FHIDAY, MARCH 26, 1982

♦THESE EFFORTS RESULTED IN THE OPENING OF THE LADY MACLEHOSE HOLIDAY VILLAGE IN JANUARY 1981 AND THE TAI MEI TUK WATER SPORTS CENTRE IN FEBRUARY 1982,+ MR WIGGHAM SAID.

SINCE EARLY 1977, HE ADDED, THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN LOOKING INTO THE FEASIBILITY OF PROVIDING A PURPOSE-BUILT RECREATION CENTRE IN WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES, AS BOTH EXISTING CENTRES ARE SITED IN SAI KUNG.

THE PRESENT SITE,WHICH WILL FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FUTURE TSO KUNG TAM PARK,WAS IDENTIFIED AS SUITABLE FOR THIS DEVELOPMENT.

♦DUE TO VARIOUS UNFORESEEN FACTORS SUCH AS SLOPE STABILITY PROBLEMS, THE PROJECT UNDERWENT A PERIOD OF REAPPRAISAL AND REDESIGN,* MR WIGGHAM SAID.

♦HOWEVER, I AM PLEASED TO BE ABLE TO SAY THAT, THROUGH THE GOOD WORK OF THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AND OTHERS INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING OF THIS PROJECT WE ARE NOW ABLE TO BRING THIS WORTHWHILE PROJECT TO FRUIT ION,+ HE ADDED.

THE TSO KUNG TAM OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE WILL CONSIST OF THREE MAIN BLOCKS, INCLUDING DINING AND ASSEMBLY HALLS. DORMITORIES, LECTURE HALLS, LIBRARY, INDOOR GAMES AREAS AND OFFICES.

THERE WILL BE TWO SWIMMING POOLS, A SMALL SERVICE BUILDING" AND GAMES AREAS FOR BASKETBALL. VOLLEYBALL, ROLLER SKATING, ATHLETICS, SOCCER, HANDBALL, ARCHERY, FITNESS TRAINING, AND MINI-GOLF.

THE CAMPING AREA WILL HAVE TOILETS AND SHOWERS AND THERE WILL ALSO BE 12 SITTING-OUT AREAS AND A CAR PARK.

CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN LATER THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY MID-1984.

THE CENTRE WILL CATER FOR A TOTAL OF 786 PEOPLE - WITH SLEEPING ACCOMMODATION FOR 336 PEOPLE, AND SPACE FOR 150 CAMPERS AND 300 NON-RESIDENT DAY VISITORS.

♦BECAUSE OF THE NIGH PUBLIC DEMAND FOR CAMPING AND RECREATION FACILITIES, THERE IS AN INCREASING NEED FOR CENTRES SUCH AS TSO KUNG TAM.

♦FOR EXAMPLE, IN 1979-80 THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE HAD TO TURN DOWN APPLICATIONS FROM 710 GROUPS, REPRESENTING MORE THAN 44 000 PARTICIPANTS - ABOUT TWO THIRDS OF THE CENTRE’S TOTAL ANNUAL INTAKE,♦ HE SAID.

MORE THAN 130 000 CAMPERS ARE EXPECTED TO USE THE TSO KUNG TAM CENTRE EACH YEAR, DOUBLE THE CAPACITY OF THE SAI KUNG FACILITY.

THE TSO KUNG TAM CENTRE IS ALSO EXPECTED TO HELP EASE THE SHORTAGE OF RECREATIONAL AND SPORTING FACILITIES AT TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN, WHICH NOW HAS A POPULATION OF ABOUT 600 000. IT WILL ALSO SERVE PEOPLE FROM OTHER PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1982

200 000 REGISTER SO FAR AS URBAN VOTERS M * *

ABOUT 200 000 PEOPLE HAVE SO FAR REGISTERED AS VOTERS FOR THE URBAN DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER, THE SECRETARY FOR CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY.

DESCRIBING THIS AS +SATISFACTORY+, HE POINTED OUT THAT SINCE THE CURRENT PHASE OF REGISTRATION BEGAN LAST FRIDAY (MARCH 19), COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS HAD BEEN COMING IN AT THE RATE OF ABOUT 13 000 A DAY, BRINGING THE TOTAL TO SOME 107 000.

IN ADDITION, MORE THAN 80 000 PEOPLE HAD ALREADY REGISTERED AS VOTERS FOR THE COMING ELECTIONS LAST SEPTEMBER, DURING THE REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN FOR THE NT ELECTIONS.

MORE FORMS WERE EXPECTED TO COME IN, AND MR AKERS-JONES HOPED THAT THESE FIGURES WOULD ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO COME FORWARD.

HE EXPECTED ABOUT 50 PER CENT OF THE REGISTERED ELECTORS TO CAST THEIR VOTES IN THE SEPTEMBER ELECTIONS.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WERE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR GRAHAM BARNES, AND HIS DEPUTY, MR ALBERT LAM.

MR BARNES SAID THAT THE 30 000 REGISTERED ELECTORS FOR THE LAST URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS, WHO WOULD BE TRANSFERRED AUTOMATICALLY TO THE REGISTER OF ELECTORS FOR THE COMING URBAN DB ELECTIONS, WOULD ALSO BE POTENTIAL VOTERS.

MR LAM ESTIMATED THAT THERE WERE ABOUT TWO MILLION ELIGIBLE VOTERS IN THE URBAN AREA.

WORKING ON A TARGET OF 25 PER CENT OF THE ELECTORATE, HE SAID, THERE SHOULD BE 500 000 PEOPLE COMING FORWARD FOR THE REGISTRATION, ALTHOUGH THE ACTUAL TURNOUT WAS LIKELY TO BE HIGHER THAN THIS TARGET WHICH WAS SET MONTHS AGO BEFORE THE NT ELECTIONS.

ELECtUa^I IWf dS.’™ ™ S°UTHE,iN D'ST"ICT WHERE THE

HOWEVER, THE DISTRICT HAD ALREADY EXCEEDED THE 25 PER CENT TARGET OF 30 000 AND IT WAS NOW HEADING FOR 40 000.

HOWEVER, MR BARNES ADDED THAT THERE MIGHT BE OTHER DISTRICTS HAVING THE SAME GOOD RESPONSE. MORE ACCURATE FIGURES WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN A WEEK OR SO TO REFLECT THE POSITION IN DIFFERENT DISTRICTS.

/the registration .......

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1982

- 4 -

THE REGISTRATION WILL END ON APRIL 30.

TOUCHING ON EXPERIENCE GAINED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, HE SAID PERSONAL CONTACT THROUGH HOUSE VISITS HAD PROVED TO BE GOOD PUBLICITY.

MR AKERS-JONES ADDED THAT MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES HAD BEEN OF ENORMOUS HELP IN THE URBAN AREA AND HOUSING ESTATES.

♦THEY ARE THROWING THEMSELVES WHOLE-HEARTEDLY INTO THE CAMPAIGN,* HE SAID.

REFERRING TO THE POSSIBILITY OF VOTERS GIVING WRONG ADDRESSES DURING THE REGISTRATION, MR BARNES SAID A PROVISIONAL LIST OF ELECTORS WOULD BE POSTED IN ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES FOR INSPECTION.

PEOPLE FOUND PROVIDING FALSE INFORMATION WOULD BE PUNISHED. THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR THIS OFFENCE IS A FINE OF 15 000 PLUS SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.

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DTIC OFF TO EUROPE FOR TALKS M M K M

THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR BILL DORWARD, LEAVES TONIGHT (FRIDAY) FOR A TWO-WEEK VISIT TO BRUSSELS, GENEVA AND LONDON.

IN BRUSSELS MR DORWARD WILL MEET VISCOUNT DAVIGNON AND MR WILHELM HAFERKAMP, VICE PRESIDENTS OF THE EEC COMMISSION AND SIR ROY DENMAN, THE DIRECTOR GENERAL RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EEC COMMISSION’S EXTERNAL RELATIONS.

THE VISIT TO GENEVA WILL INCLUDE MEETINGS WITH MR ARTHUR DUNKEL, THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE GATT, AND GENEVA-BASED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MAJOR TEXTILE EXPORTING COUNTRIES.

THE LONDON VISIT WILL INCLUDE MEETINGS AND DISCUSSIONS WITH THE MINISTER OF TRADE, MR PETER REES, AND OFFICIALS OF THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY, AS WELL AS WITH PARLIAMENTARY AND OTHER GROUPS HAVING AN INTEREST IN HONG KONG COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS.

THE VISIT WILL CONCLUDE IN LONDON WITH THE ANNUAL MEETING BETWEEN THE DIRECTOR AND THE HEADS OF THE TICD’S OVERSEAS OFFICES, DURING WHICH THEY WILL BE JOINED BY THE GOVERNOR-DESIGNATE, SIR EDWARD YOUDE.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1982

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY 1982 ******

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY PUBLISHED THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR HONG KONG’S VISIBLE TRADE IN FEBRUARY 1982.

THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR FEBRUARY WAS $8 290 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AT $4 694 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS AT $3 597 MILLION.

WITH IMPORTS AT 111 220 MILLION, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT FOR FEBRUARY WAS $2 930 MILLION.

WHEN COMPARED WITH THE FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY 1981, THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES SHOW THE FOLLOWING INCREASES BY VALUE I 1755 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, $718 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS, $1 473 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS AND $2 130 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS.

THE VISIBLE TRADE +GAP+, THAT IS THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, AT 26.1 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, WAS SOMEWHAT LARGER THAN IN FEBRUARY 1981 AT 25 PER CENT.

COMMENTING ON THE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THEY WERE AS USUAL HEAVILY INFLUENCED BY THE DATE OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYl THIS CAUSED WIDE SWINGS IN THE AMOUNT OF GOODS SHIPPED INTO AND OUT OF HONG KONG IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY, WHICH THEREFORE DISTORTED MONTH-BY-MONTH COMPARISONS FROM ONE YEAR TO THE NEXT.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT WHEN THE FIGURES FOR THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WERE TAKEN TOGETHER AND WERE COMPARED WITH FIGURES FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1981, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS SHOWED AN INCREASE OF ONLY 6 PER CENT.

THIS HE SAID WAS NOT UNEXPECTED, GIVEN THE SLOW GROWTH RATE OF IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURERS IN RECENT MONTHS.

USING THE SAME COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 12 PER CENT WHICH WAS ALSO SLOW IN TERMS OF RECENT EXPERIENCE. THUS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 8 PER CENT, WHICH WAS HIGHER THAN THE INCREASE IN IMPORTS OF 7 PER CENT.

THE VISIBLE TRADE +GAP+ IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WAS, AT 16 PER CENT, SLIGHTLY NARROWER THAN IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1981, AT 16.6 PER CENT.

/trade figures .......

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1982

TRADE FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY, 1982

MERCHANDISE!

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS RELEASED THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONAL

MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR FEBRUARYi

DOMESTIC EXPORTS i 1 4 694 MILLION

RE-EXPORTS i 1 3 597 MILLION

TOTAL EXPORTS t $ 8 290 MILLION

IMPORTS I til 220 MILLION

TRADE BALANCE i t 2 930 MILLION

(IN DEFICIT)

COMPARATIVE FIGURES

LATEST 3 MONTHS DECEMBER 1981 TO FEBRUARY 1982 DECEMBER 1980 TO FEBRUARY 1981 INCREASE OR DECREASE

I MN. t MN. t mn. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 18 715 16 540 + 2 176 + 13.2

RE-EXPORTS 10 815 9 317 ♦ 1 497 + 16.1

TOTAL EXPORTS 29 530 25 857 ♦ 3 673 + 14.2

IMPORTS 34 241 31 051 ♦ 3 190 + 10.3

TRADE BALANCE - 4 711 - 5 194 + 483

SAME MONTH LAST YEAR FEBRUARY 1982 FEBRUARY 1981 INCREASE OR DECREASE

t MN. t mn. t MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 4 694 3 938 + 755 + 19.2

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (56.6%) (57.8%)

RE-EXPORTS 3 597 2 878 + 718 + 24.9

TOTAL EXPORTS 8 290 6 817 + 1 473 + 21.6

IMPORTS 11 220 9 091 ♦ 2 130 * 23.4

TRADE BALANCE - 2 930 - 2 274 656

/last

MONTH

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1982

LAST MONTH FEBRUARY 1982 JANUARY 1982 $ MN. INCREASE OR DECREASE

$ MN. 1 MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 4 694 (56.6%) 6 239 (65.3%) - 1 546 - 24.8

RE-EXPORTS 3 597 3 319 ♦ 278 ♦ 8.4

TOTAL EXPORTS 8 290 9 558 - 1 268 - 13.3

IMPORTS 11 220 10 023 + 1 197 + 11.9

TRADE BALANCE - 2 930 - 465 - 2 465

CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JAN. - FEB. 1982 JAN. - FEB. 1981 INCREASE OR DECREASE

$ MN. S MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 10 933 (61.3%) 10 284 (62.4%) + 650 + 6.3

RE-EXPORTS 6 915 6 200 + 715 + 11.5

TOTAL EXPORTS 17 849 16 484 + 1 365 + 8.3

IMPORTS 21 243 19 775 + 1 468 + 7.4

TRADE BALANCE - 3 394 - 3 291 103

LAST 12 MONTHS MARCH 1981 TO FEB 1982 MARCH 1980 TO FEB 1981 INCREASE OR DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. S MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 81 073 69 326 +11 746 ♦16.9

RE-EXPORTS 42 454 32 437 +10 017 +30.9

TOTAL EXPORTS 123 527 101 764 +21 763 +21.4

IMPORTS 139 842 116 170 +23 673 +20.4

TRADE BALANCE - 16 315 - 14 406 - 1 909

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/8 ........

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1982

TUBERCULOSIS ON THE RISE WORLDWIDE

M * * * M

THE RUTTONJEE HOSPITAL, WHICH IS ONE OF THE MAJOR HOSPITALS FOR THE TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS AND CHEST DISEASES, IS TO BE REDEVELOPED INTO A DISTRICT HOSPITAL, SERVING THE EASTERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION WHICH RUNS THE HOSPITAL.

DR THONG SAID THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS ALREADY ENDORSED THE PROPOSAL THAT THE NEW HOSPITAL SHOULD CONTAIN 430 BEDS INITIALLY, WHICH WILL ULTIMATELY BE INCREASED TO 600.

IHE NEW H0SPITAI- Y’LL RETAIN ITS IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS AND CHEST DISEASES, IT WILL ALSO CONTAIN ™E DEVELOPMENT PROVISION FOR ACufE MEDICAL, SURGICAL AND GERIATRIC CASES.

*THUSI THE HOSPITAL WILL BE ENTERING A NEW EXPANDED ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN HONG KONG,* DR THONG SAID

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ASSOCIATION, HAVE MADE GREAT STRIDES IN THE COMBAT AGAINST TUBERCULOSIS WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF SHORT COURSE CHEMOTHERAPY.

THE ACHIEVEMENT WAS ALL THE MORE REMARKABLE IN THE WAKE A WORLDWIDE INCREASE IN TB INCIDENCE, HE CONTINUED.

DR THONG, WHO IS ALSO PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION, SAID THAT IT IS ESTIMATED THERE ARE SOME 10 MILLION CASES OF TUBERCULOSIS WORLDWIDE, WITH THREE MILLION DEATHS EACH YEAR.

+WHAT IS EVEN MORE HORRIFYING IS THE FACT THAT IF NOTHING IS DONE AND THE POPULATION OF THE WORLD INCREASES AS EXPECTED, AO TO 50 MILLION PEOPLE WILL DEVELOP THIS DISEASE IN THE NEXT TEN YEARS,* HE ADDED.

HONG KONG SUFFERED A SERIOUS SETBACK IN TUBERCULOSIS TWO YEARS AGO DUE TO THE INFLUX m2£kLA!!DJLLEGAL immigrants, but there has IMPROVEMENT TO THE SITUATION.

THE FIGHT AGAINST OF VIETNAMESE BOAT SINCE BEEN A MARKED

^Ql, THERE WERE 7 729 NOTIFICATIONS FOR TUBERCULOSIS ,THE PREVI0US YEAR, THE RATES BEING 150 AND ISoer’LnPS °°° P°PULATI0N RESPECTIVELY. DEATHS SHOWED AN APPRECIABLE DROP FROM 551 IN 1980 TO 489 IN 1981.

.u_ mu?«SRLC0URSE CHEMOTHERAPY, WHICH WAS INTRODUCED IN 1979 SREAT MAJORITY OF PATIENTS CAN BE CURED 0F TREATMENT, HAS BEEN ALMOST PERFECTED AND THE EMPHASIS IS NOW TURNING TO THE IMMUNOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE DISEASE,* DR THONG SAID.

SAID........

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1962

- 9 -

HE SAID CONSIDERABLE VOLUME OF EXCELLENT RESEARCH IS BEING UNDERTAKEN IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION AND THE MADRAS CHEMOTHERAPY CENTRE.

+NO LESS THAN FOUR IMPORTANT PAPERS ORIGINATING FROM HONG KONG ARE BEING PRESENTED AT THE FORTHCOMING INTERNATIONAL UNION AGAINST TUBERCULOSIS MEETING AT BUENOS AIRES IN APR IL,+ HE ADDED.

DR THONG SAID THE TUBERCULOSIS SITUATION IN MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD IS GETTING WORSE, BUT IN HONG KONG THERE IS SLOW BUT STEADY PROGRESS DESPITE AN ENORMOUS PROBLEM WITH POPULATION PRESSURES.

♦THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE OF TUBERCULOSIS AND HAS MADE LIBERAL FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR THE PURCHASE OF NEW ANTITUBERCULOSIS DRUGS,♦ HE SAID.

♦THESE NEW DRUGS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE BUT THEY ARE EXTREMELY EFFECT IV£,+ HE ADDED.

THE MAJOR EVENT OF THE YEAR WAS THE OPENING EARLIER THIS MONTH OF THE KWOK TAK SENG HEART CENTRE AT GRANTHAM HOSPITAL BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE.

HE SAID THIS CENTRE WILL PROVIDE ONE OF THE BEST EQUIPPED AND ADVANCED CENTRES FOR THE TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES IN ASIA.

TURNING TO THE SUBJECT OF TWO OTHER IMPORTANT CHEST DISEASES, DR THONG SAID DEATHS FROM BRONCHOGENIC CANCER CONTINUED TO RISE WITH 1 806 PEOPLE DYING FROM THE DISEASE IN 1980 COMPARED WITH 1 662 IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

♦IT REMAINS A VERY DIFFICULT DISEASE TO TREAT SUCCESSFULLY, BUT IT IS ESSENTIALLY A DISEASE WHICH CAN BE LARGELY PREVENTABLE IF PEOPLE WERE TO STOP SMOKING,^ HE SAID.

DR THONG SAID IT IS NOW PART OF GOVERNMENT POLICY TO • DISCOURAGE PEOPLE FROM SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES, AND +N0 SMOKING+ SIGNS ARE BEING PERMANENTLY DISPLAYED IN ALL CLINICS AND IN THE DESIGNATED NON-SMOKING AREAS OF HOSPITALS TO REMIND VISITORS, PATIENTS AND STAFF OF THE RESTRICTIONS.

♦HOWEVER, AS LONG AS AGGRESSIVE ADVERTISING BY THE TOBACCO COMPANIES IS PERMITTED, ESPECIALLY ON TELEVISION, SUCH MEASURES CAN ONLY HAVE A MARGINAL EFFECT,+ HE SAID.

TURNING TO SILICOSIS, A DUST DISEASE RELATIVELY COMMON AMONG QUARRY AND CONSTRUCTION SITE WORKERS, DR THONG SAID INCREASING ATTENTION MUST BE PLACED ON THE PREVENTIVE ASPECTS OF THE DISEASE.

THIS, HE SAID, MEANS IMPROVED DUST SUPPRESSION.

♦LIKE TUBERCULOSIS, IT IS PREVENTABLE, BUT UNLIKE TUBERCULOSIS IT IS NOT CURABLE,+ HE POINTED OUT.

DR THONG SAID AN EFFECTIVE COMPENSATION SCHEME FOR SUFFERERS FROM SILICOSIS HAS BEEN INTRODUCED AND SINCE ITS IMPLEMENTATION SOME 1 700 WORKERS HAVE RECEIVED COMPENSATION.

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/1O .....

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1982

KWUN TONG DB MEMBERS LEARN ABOUT TOWN PLANNING * * * *

MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD AND THEIR WORKS PROJECTS SUB-COMMITTEE SPENT THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON VISITING SHA TIN NEW TOWN TO LEARN ABOUT THE GENERAL CONCEPT OF NEW TOWN PLANNING AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT.

THE VISIT WHICH PROVIDED BOARD MEMBERS WITH A GENERAL UNDERSTANDING OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT MATTERS IN THE NEW TOWN IS AIMED AT HELPING MEMBERS IN THEIR FUTURE DISCUSSIONS ON CONNECTED ISSUES.

THE GROUP STARTED THEIR TOUR FROM THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE WHERE THEY WERE FIRST BRIEFED BY THE PROJECT MANAGER, MR KENNETH W.K. KWOK, ON HOW DEVELOPMENT IS PROGRAMMED BY USING THE PACKAGE CONCEPT.

LED BY MR KWOK AND THE CHIEF ENGINEER MR NG YEE-YUM, CHIEF TOWN PLANNER MRS KWAN CHOW PO-WAN, AND THE SENIOR TOWN PLANNER OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE MR LAU SIT-MI NG, THE GROUP LATER PROCEEDED TO WO CHE ESTATE AND SHU I WO COURT AND HAD A GENERAL VIEW OF THE EASTERN AND WESTERN PARTS OF THE TOWN.

THE GROUP THEN RETURNED TO THE KWUN TONG CITY DISTRICT OFFICE.

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SIR PHILIP SEES REHABILITATION WORK

* * * M

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE, ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE.

SIR PHILIP WAS BRIEFED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT, MRS JUDY MA, ON THE WORK OF THE CENTRE, WHICH OFFERS BOTH SOCIAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR SOME 200 DISABLED PEOPLE.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY SHOWED A KEEN INTEREST IN THE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME FOR THE LESS-PRIVILEGED PEOPLE, WHO ARE EITHER ORTHOPAEDICALLY DISABLED, MENTALLY RETARDED, BLIND, DEAF OR DISCHARGED MENTAL PATIENTS.

HE TOURED THE CLINIC, THE SHELTERED WORKSHOP AND CLASSROOMS.

IN ADDITION TO GIVING VOCATIONAL TRAINING TO DISABLED PEOPLE, THE CENTRE HELPS PLAN THEIR RETURN TO THE COMMUNITY AT THE END OF THE COURSES.

AFTER THE VISIT, SIR PHILIP WENT TO THE SWD’S HEADQUARTERS IN WORLD TRADE CENTRE, CAUSEWAY BAY, FOR A DISCUSSION WITH SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT.

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/11 ........

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1982

IMMIGRATION OFFICERS TOLD OF NEED TO BE HELPFUL ft ft ft

THE NEED FOR IMMIGRATION OFFICERS TO BE +HELPFUL, SYMPATHETIC AND PATIENT* IN THEIR WORK WITH THE PUBLIC WAS STRESSED THIS MORNING BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

SPEAKING AT A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF 18 ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AND 147 IMMIGRATION ASSISTANTS, MR CHEUNG TOLD THEM ALSO THAT IT WAS ESSENTIAL FOR THEM TO ARRIVE AT FAIR DECISIONS ♦QUICKLY, FIRMLY BUT COURTEOUSLY.*

♦THIS IS ALL THE MORE IMPORTANT BECAUSE YOU ARE USUALLY THE FIRST OFFICIALS VISITORS SEE WHEN THEY COME TO HONG KONG. IF YOU GIVE A GOOD IMPRESSION, THEY WILL HAVE A GOOD IMPRESSION OF HONG KONG,* HE SAID.

MR CHEUNG NOTED THAT THE RECRUITS HAD JUST COMPLETED THREE MONTHS INTENSIVE TRAINING, AND THAT 1 000 MORE STAFF WERE REQUIRED BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT THIS YEAR *T0 COPE WITH ITS INCREASING RESPONSIBILITIES.*

THEIR SMART TURN-OUT GAVE HIM CONFIDENCE THAT, IN SPITE OF THIS VERY RAPID EXPANSION, THEY WOULD CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN THE USUAL HIGH STANDARDS OF SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC AND UPHOLD THE DEPARTMENT’S GOOD REPUTATION.

- 0 ----------

OFFICERS COMPLETE COURSE ft ft ft

SEVENTY-FOUR RECRUIT OFFICERS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, COMPRISING 13 OFFICERS AND 61 ASSISTANT OFFICERS, WHO WERE TODAY (FRIDAY) AWARDED WITH CERTIFICATES ON COMPLETION OF A ONE-YEAR ORIENTATION TRAINING COURSE.

THE TRAINING COURSE, CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY, INCLUDED SIX MONTHS’ FIELD TRAINING IN VARIOUS CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

AT A CEREMONY HELD IN THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE TODAY, SUPERINTENDENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR FUNG KWAN-YUET PRESENTED THE TRAINING CERTIFICATES TO THE OFFICERS.

- 0

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1982

APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES

* X *

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS HAS APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF MR T.H. TOMLINSON, UP, AS DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES TO SUCCEED MR W.D.A. TUCKER, OBE, JP, WHO IS NOW ON LEAVE PRIOR TO RETIREMENT.

MR TOMLINSON IS 53 YEARS OLD.

HE FIRST JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN 1954 AS AN ENGINEER IN THE THEN WATERWORKS OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. HIS CAREER TO DATE HAS BEEN SPENT IN THIS FIELD AND HIS EXPERIENCE OF WATER SUPPLY ENGINEERING AND ADMINISTRATION IS EXTENSIVE.

HE WAS, BEFORE HIS PRESENT PROMOTION, PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT WATER ENGINEER AND HAD ACTED AS DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS SINCE 1977.

------0-------

NEW WATER WORKS PROJECTS INSPECTED

XXX

THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR TOM TOMLINSON, TODAY (FRIDAY) INSPECTED NEW WATERWORKS PROJECTS COSTING A TOTAL OF $150 MILLION FOR THE RECEPTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES OF WATER FROM CHINA.

THE NEW PROJECTS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A THIRD PUMPING STATION AND ASSOCIATED RECEPTION FACILITIES AT MUK WU NEAR THE BORDER, TO BOOST THE DAILY RECEPTION CAPACITY BY THREE TIMES TO 2 100 000 CUBIC METRES BY 1984.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHIEF ENGINEER (RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT) OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, MR ERIC BOWLER, MR TOMLINSON WENT TO MUK WU TO LOOK AT THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PUMPING STATION AND TWO LARGE PIPELINES BEING LAID ACROSS THE SHENZHEN RIVER TO JOIN UP WITH THE DELIVERY SYSTEM FROM CHINA.

MR TOMLINSON ALSO VISITED OTHER NEW PROJECTS FORMING PART CF THE MAJOR AQUEDUCT SYSTEM IN WEST NEW TERRITORIES.

THESE INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TUNNEL FROM TSI NG TAM TO YAU KOM TAU, MEASURING 5.2 KILOMETRES IN LENGTH AND 2.5 METRES IN DIAMETER, WHICH WILL BE CONNECTED TO AN EXISTING PIPELINE FROM SHEUNG SHU I, THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW FANLING PUMPING STATION AT FAN KAM ROAD AND SITE FORMATION WORK FOR THE YAU KOM TAU TREATMENT WORKS.

THE AQUEDUCT SYSTEM, TOGETHER WITH THE NEW YAU KOM TAU TREATMENT WORKS TO BE CONSTRUCTED, WILL PROVIDE A DAILY SUPPLY CF 250 000 CUBIC METRES OF WATER TO THE WESTERN TSUEN WAN AREAS BY 1985.

MR TOMLINSON TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS VARIOUS ASPECTS CF WORKS WITH RESIDENT STAFF ON THE WORK SITES AND WAS PLEASED WITH THE PROGRESS OF THE WORKS.

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1982

MTR ISLAND LINE PLAN AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION * * * *

LINE OF THE MASS

THE RAILWAY AREA PLAN FOR THE ISLAND

TRANSIT RAILWAY BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN AND CHAI WAN HAS BEEN DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS IN THE LAND 6fF?CE

OF THt REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND RESUMPTION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE. counriiuw anu

THE PLAN SHOWS THE AREAS IN EASEMENTS CREATED FOR THE PURPOSE RAILWAY, AND THE PROPERTIES WHICH INDICATED ON THE PLAN.

WHICH LAND MAY BE RESUMED OR OF BUILDING AND RUNNING THE MAY BE AFFECTED ARE ALSO

UNDER THE ORDINANCE, OWNERS OF LAND AND PROPERTIES ACTUALLY AFFECTED BY THE RAILWAY MAY CLAIM COMPENSATION. HOWEVER, IN THIS INSTANCE THE +RAILWAY AREA+ IS COMPRISED WHOLLY OF CROWN LAND WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE MING WAH DAI HA ESTATE, WHICH IS CWNED BY THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY AND UNDER WHICH THE RAILWAY WILL TRAVERSE.

THE RAILWAY WILL HOWEVER, IN THIS LOCALITY, BE CONSTRUCTED BY BORED TUNNELLING AND WILL BE FAR BENEATH THE SURFACE AND NO EFFECT ON THE BUILDINGS IS ANTICIPATED.

COPIES OF THE PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED FREE OF CHARGE DURING OFFICE HOURS AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG, AT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT OFFICES, MURRAY BUILDING (5TH FLOOR), GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, OR AT ANY CITY DISTRICT OFFICE.

THE ISLAND LINE PROPOSAL, RUNNING INITIALLY FROM WESTERN MARKET TO CHAI WAN, HAS BEEN DEVELOPED BY GOVERNMENT AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION, AND 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 LIMITED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

OCCUPIERS OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES WHICH ARE REQUIRED FOR RAILWAY PURPOSES WILL, WHERE ELIGIBLE, BE OFFERED ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.

A NUMBER OF TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT STREET ALTERNATIONS MAY BE NECESSARY TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION OF THE RAILWAY, AND WHEN DETAILS OF THESE ARE FINALISED ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

BUSINESS OWNERS WILL BE ENTITLED TO SUBMIT CLAIMS FOR BUSINESS LOSS. AS WITH THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM AND THE TSUEN WAN EXTENSION, OPERATORS OF SMALL SHOPS AND BUSINESSES WHOSE TRADE IS AFFECTED BY THE WORKS CAN APPLY FOR MONTHLY PAYMENTS UNDER AN ADVANCE PAYMENT SCHEME.

/all claims .

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1$t2

- 14 -

ALL CLAIMS MUST BE MADE IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS. THE TIME LIMIT FOR THE SUBMISSION OF CLAIMS IS IN MOST CASES ONE YEAR, AS LAID DOWN IN THE ORDINANCE. GENERAL ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE PLAN SHOULD BE ADDRESSED IN THE FIRST INSTANCE TO CITY DISTRICT OFFICES.

THE GAZETTING OF THIS SECTION OF THE MTR ISLAND LINE IS THE FOURTH AND FINAL MAIN STAGE, THE PREVIOUS THREE STAGES BEING IN RESPECT OF WESTERN MARKET TO VICTORIA PARK, WHICH WAS GAZETTED ON MARCH 13, 1981, TAI KOO SHING STATION, WHICH WAS GAZETTED ON JUNE 26, 1981 AND VICTORIA PARK TO SHAU KEI WAN (EXCLUDING TAI KOO SHING STATION), WHICH WAS GAZETTED ON DECEMBER 11, 1981.

------o--------

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MATRICULATION COURSE OVERSEAS * * * *

HONG KONG STUDENTS WITH GOOD ACADEMIC RECORDS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR A NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS DONATED BY LEADING ORGANISATIONS FOR A TWO-YEAR MATRICULATION COURSE IN THE UNITED WORLD COLLEGES.

*THE COURSE WILL LEAD TO THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE, WHICH IS RECOGNISED FOR UNIVERSITY ENTRY PURPOSES IN HONG KONG AND IN MOST OTHER COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CANADA,* AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE TENABLE THIS SEPTEMBER AT ATLANTIC COLLEGE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, OR PEARSON COLLEGE IN CANADA.

THESE TWO CO-EDUCATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES ARE PART OF THE UNITED WORLD COLLEGES WHICH HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED TO PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING THROUGH EDUCATION. AN INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR DEVELOPING THE PROJECTS AND THE PLANNING AND CO-ORDINATION OF NEW COLLEGES.

ENTRY TO EACH COLLEGE IS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE AND IS BASED ON ACADEMIC ABILITY AND PERSONAL QUALITIES. STUDENTS USUALLY RETURN AFTER THE TWO-YEAR COURSE TO HIGHER EDUCATION IN THEIR OWN COUNTRIES.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ROOM 1522, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.

♦COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED IN PERSON TO THE SECTION ON OR BEFORE APRIL 16,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE ADDED THAT APPLICANTS FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP MUST BE OVER 16 AND UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1982, AND BE IN POSSESSION OF A HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION WITH AT LEAST FIVE SUBJECTS AT GRADE C OR ABOVE, INCLUDING GOOD RESULTS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.

/APPLICANTS WHO .......

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1982

15 -

APPLICANTS WHO WILL SIT THE 1982 HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION WILL ALSO BE CONSIDERED, AS WELL AS THOSE WHO HAVE OBTAINED EQUIVALENT QUALIFICATIONS.

SELECTION OF APPLICANTS WILL ALSO BE BASED ON PAST ACADEMIC RECORDS, EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, RECOMMENDATIONS OF SCHOOL HEADS, PERSONALITY AND PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE ADMITTED TO THE COLLEGES IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR. AND WILL TAKE THE FULL TWO-YEAR COURSE. THE ACADEMIC AND ACTIVITIES PROGRAMMES IN THE COLLEGES ARE INTERWOVEN AND FORM JOINTLY THE BASIS FOR STUDENTS’ DEVELOPMENT.

STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES WHICH ARE PHYSICAL, INTELLECTUAL AND AESTHETIC IN NATURE, AND DUE EMPHASIS WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO COMMUNITY SERVICES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE ADDED THAT THE SCHOLARSHIP WILL COVER PART OF THE TUITION AND BOARDING FEES DURING THE TWO YEARS. IT WILL, HOWEVER, NOT BE ADEQUATE TO COVER OTHER NECESSARY EXPENSES, AND INTENDING APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE SUFFICIENT ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO MEET THESE EXPENSES.

--------o----------

APPOINTMENT OF URBAN COUNCILLORS

* * * *

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD RE-APPOINTED FIVE SERVING MEMBERS TO THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS FROM APRIL 1.

THEY ARE:

MR H.M.G. FORSGATE,

MR KENNETH LO TAK-CHEUNG,

MR SHUM CHO I-SANG,

MR STEPHEN LAU MAN-LUNG,

MR HOWARD YOUNG HOW-WAH

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1962

TIN HAU TEMPLE DECLARED A MONUMENT *****

TIN HAU TEMPLE, ONE OF THE OLDEST AND BEST-KNOWN TEMPLES IN HONG KONG, HAS BEEN DECLARED A MONUMENT.

A NOTICE GIVING PROTECTION TO THE TEMPLE AND ITS FORECOURT UNDER THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS ORDINANCE, IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.

THE TEMPLE, WHICH IS LOCATED AT 10 TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD IN CAUSEWAY BAY, DATES BACK PROBABLY TO THE EARLY 18TH CENTURY.

IT WAS BUILT BY MEMBERS OF THE TAI FAMILY AND IS STILL RUN BY THE DESCENDANTS. THE DATE OF THE BUILDING IS UNCERTAIN, BUT THE TEMPLE CONTAINS A BELL CAST IN 1747, AND AN INSCRIPTION ON A STONE TABLET SHOWS THAT LOCAL MERCHANTS AND RESIDENTS MADE DONATIONS IN 1868 TO COVER THE COST OF REPAIRS TO THE TEMPLE.

THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDED THE DECLARATION CF THE TEMPLE AND ITS FORECOURT AS A MONUMENT BECAUSE OF THE TEMPLE’S HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE. IN ADDITION TO BEING AT LEAST 200 YEARS OLD, THE BUILDING IS A FINE EXAMPLE OF TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE OF THE PERIOD STILL LARGELY IN ITS ORIGINAL FORM DESPITE SUBSEQUENT RENOVATIONS.

THE RECOMMENDATION WAS SUPPORTED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS ON THE GROUNDS THAT TIN HAU TEMPLE IS INDISPUTABLY A BUILDING OF CONSIDERABLE ANTIQUITY AND WORTHY OF PRESERVATION. IT IS ONE OF HONG KONG’S MOST POPULAR TEMPLES AND OFFERS A SERVICE MUCH APPRECIATED BY SOME SEGMENTS OF THE COMMUNITY.

-----0------

LIONS CLUBS MEMBERS TO PLANT TREES

*****

MORE THAN 500 NEW TREES WILL IN TIME ADORN THE LIONS WOOD INSIDE THE QUARRY BAY COUNTRY PARK FOLLOWING A SPECIAL TREEPLANTING DAY ON SUNDAY (MARCH 28).

THE LIONS WOOD IS AN AREA +ADOPTED+ IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR BY THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL OF HONG KONG FOR TREE PLANTING.

ON SUNDAY-- THE LIONS TREE PLANTING DAY ■— 300 MEMBERS OF THE 34 CHAPTERS OF THE LIONS CLUBS IN HONG KONG AND VOLUNTARY PARTICIPANTS WILL GATHER IN THE COUNTRY PARK TO PLANT THE TREES.

THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE THE TREE SEEDLINGS, FERTILISERS AND TOOLS FOR THE PLANTING.

THE CEREMONY WILL START AT 10.15 AM ON SUNDAY.

/17 .......

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1982

KOWLOON PORT HEALTH OFFICE MOVES TO NEW WORLD CENTRE *****

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE KOWLOON VACCINATION CENTRE OF THE PORT HEALTH OFFICE WILL MOVE FROM STAR HOUSE TO ROOMS 1411-1412, NEW WORLD CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI ON MONDAY, MARCH 29.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE NEW PORT HEALTH OFFICE WILL ALSO ACCOMMODATE STAFF OF THE DEATH REGISTRY OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND THE CEMETERIES AND CREMATORIA OFFICE OF THE URBAN SERVICES. THIS MEANS THAT THE COLLECTION OF A DEATH CERTIFICATE. THE APPLICATION FOR A CREMATION PERMIT AND THE BOOKINGS FOR THE CREMATORIUM CAN ALL BE MADE UNDER ONE ROOF FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC.

THE NEW ARRANGEMENT, JOINTLY AGREED BY THE THREE RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS, THUS STREAMLINES THE PREVIOUS PROCEDURE WHEREBY APPLICANTS FOR A CREMATION PERMIT HAVE TO MAKE SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE OFFICES CONCERNED.

A SIMILAR JOINT OFFICE LOCATED ON HONG KONG ISLAND IS BEING PLANNED AND WILL BE IN OPERATION IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

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MOVING OFFICE * * *

THE IMMIGRATION OFFICE AT LAN FONG ROAD WILL MOVE TO THE GROUND FLOOR OF PARK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 6-10 SHELTER STREET, CAUSEWAY BAY, ON MONDAY (MARCH 29).

THE NEW OFFICE IS NEAR MORETON TERRACE AND JUST A FEW MINUTES WALK FROM VICTORIA PARK.

AMONG THE IMMIGRATION SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED IN THE NEW CAUSEWAY BAY OFFICE, ARE THE ISSUE AND RENEWAL OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, EXTENSION OF STAY AND VISAS FOR RE-ENTRY TO HONG KONG (EXCEPT ENTRANTS FROM CHINA), AND VISAS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND SOME COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES.

THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS WILL BE 5-8393241 (RE-ENTRY PERMITS) AND 5-8393242 (PASSPORTS AND OTHERS).

,16 ......

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1982

NEW KOWLOON OFFICE FOR PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION * * * *

THE PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION IN THE NEW KOWLOON REGIONAL OFFICE WILL COMMENCE OPERATIONS FROM MONDAY (MARCH 29).

FROM THAT DAY, APPLICATIONS FOR RENEWAL AND REPLACEMENT OF HIRE CAR PERMITS, AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS RELATING TO REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES WILL ALSO BE HANDLED IN THIS NEW OFFICE.

THE OFFICE IS AT 56 DUNDAS STREET, PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 9/F, MONG KOK, KOWLOON.

-----0------

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SLIP ROAD TO COTTON TREE DRIVE ft ft * * *

THE SLIP ROAD FROM QUEENSWAY TO COTTON TREE DRIVE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 7 AM AND 11 AM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 28) FOR EMERGENCY CABLE WORKS.

DURING THE CLOSURE, ALL WESTBOUND VEHICLES TRAVELLING ALONG QUEENSWAY ON THEIR WAY TO THE COTTON TREE DRIVE FLYOVER WILL BE DIVERTED VIA QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, PEDDER STREET AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.

AT THE SAME TIME, CMB ROUTE NOS. 23, 23B AND 40 ON THEIR JOURNEYS TO THE MID-LEVELS WILL BE DIVERTED VIA DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, JACKSON ROAD, CHATER ROAD, MURRAY ROAD AND THE COTTON TREE DRIVE FLYOVER.

HK ISLAND PLB ’MAXICAB’ ROUTE NO. 11 TRAVELLING TO TIN WAN WILL USE FENWICK STREET, HARCOURT ROAD, AND THE COTTON TREE DRIVE FLYOVER.

MEANWHILE, A SECTION OF CENTRE STREET IN SAI YING PUN BETWEEN FIRST STREET AND QUEEN’S ROAD WEST WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 28) FOR ROAD WORKS.

AND IN NORTH POINT, THE BUS ONLY LANE ALONG THE EASTBOUND SECTION OF KING’S ROAD BETWEEN TSI NG FUNG STREET AND JAVA ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR ABOUT FIVE WEEKS FROM 7 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 29) FOR ROAD WORKS.

--------o

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1982

NEW MAX I CAB ROUTES * * X

THRE£ MAXICAB routes will come INTO OPERATION FROM SUNDAY (MARCH 28) TO SERVE RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THEY ARE i

* ROUTE 60, FROM LEK YUEN AND WO CHE TO FO TAN COTTAGE AREA AT A FARE OF |1.

* ROUTE 61, FROM WORLDWIDE GARDENS TO KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION AT A FARE OF |1.

* ROUTE 10, FROM KWUN TONG TO RENNIE’S MILL, WITH FARES RANGING FROM $1 TO $2.

- - 0 -

TENDERS SOUGHT FOR RAILWAY CLEANSING SERVICES * * *

„ TENDERS ARE BE,NG ^VITED FOR THE SUPPLY OF LABOUR TO PROVIDE 3?NyoKYhrLOON T0Na aho sha t,n "A,LwAy

Dn*DnT*^E^.^F.B£,ADDRESSED To THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER ®°ARR AN.D PLACED ,N THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX, ®2cVF^NI?ECRETAR,AT’ CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES

<MAIN WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, BEFORE 12 NOON ON FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 1982, A KCR SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.

FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE TRAFFIC DIVISION OF THE KCR ON THE MEZZANINE FLOOR OF THE KOWLOON STATION AT HUNG HOM.

LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 1982

CONTENTS PaGE NO.

CHECKS ON Il'S STEPPED UP: AMNESTY HUMOURS FALSE, SAYS GOVERNMENT ............................................ 1

INDIVIDUAL'S ROLE IN ENVIROfMENTAL PROTECTION STRESSED ..... 2

35 SPECIAL CmR NUMBERS FETCH 536; 000 FOR CHARITY...... 3

CLEARANCE OF ILLEGAL GRAVES ............................

CREMATORIA TO BE BUILT IN NEW TOWNS ....................... 5

KCR INVITES TENDERS FOR BANK BRANCH OFFICE ................ 6

TRAM ONLY LANE IN QUEENSWAY ............................... 6

MORE FREQUENT MAXICAB SERVICES ......................... 6

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES ................................. 7

KMB COACH ROUTE 20H TO BE CANCELLED ..................... 7

KMB NO. 2D BUS TERMINUS RELOCATED ..................... 8

: •

TRANSLATION TRAINING FOR WORKING JOURNALISTS ............. 8

RECORD NUMBER OF CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS PROMOTED ........... 9

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ANNUAL SPORTS MEET ........ 9

HARMONICA RECITAL BY TSUI TAK-MING ...................... 10

SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 1982

CHECKS ON Il’S STEPPED UP*.

AMNESTY RUMOURS FALSE, SAYS GOVERNMENT * * * *

SIXTY-SIX PEOPLE SUSPECTED OF BEING HERE ILLEGALLY HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR INVESTIGATION, AS ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MEASURES CONTINUE.

IN ANOTHER JOINT OPERATION BY THE POLICE, LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS DURING THE PAST THREE DAYS. MORE THAN 90 000 PEOPLE WERE CHECKED FOR IDENTIFICATION AND 8 880 ESTABLISHMENTS VISITED.

THE OPERATION FORMED PART OF THE ONGOING TERRITORY-WIDE EFFORT AGAINST'ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.

+AND THERE WILL BE NO LET UP IN THIS EFFORT,♦ A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN WARNED.

+THE SECURITY FORCES AND THE POLICE CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN A HIGH VIGILANCE, AND CONTRARY TO RUMOURS THAT MIGHT BE CIRCULATING IN GUANGZHOU THERE IS NOT THE SLIGHTEST INTENTION WHATSOEVER OF ANY SORT OF AMNESTY BEING GRANTED,* HE STRESSED.

DURING THE OPERATION, POLICE INCREASED THEIR IDENTIFICATION SPOT CHECKS IN PUBLIC PLACES AND ALSO CARRIED OUT SPECIAL OPERATIONS IN SUSPECT AREAS AND LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

POLICE ARRESTED 10 SUSPECTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WITH FORGED IDENTITY CARDS. ANOTHER 398 PERSONS WERE SUMMONSED FOR FAILING TO PRODUCE PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY, AND A FURTHER 375 WERE WARNED IN RESPECT OF THIS OFFENCE, WHICH CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $1 000.

ON THE LABOUR FRONT, LABOUR INSPECTORS VISITED 8 880 ESTABLISHMENTS TO WEED OUT ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WHO MAY BE WORKING, AND TO CHECK THAT EMPLOYERS FULFILL THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION OF KEEPING PROPER RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.

LABOUR INSPECTORS FOUND 19 PEOPLE IN 16 ESTABLISHMENTS WITHOUT PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY. THEY HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION.

A TOTAL OF 114 ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND NOT TO BE KEEPING PROPER RECORDS OF EMPLOYEES.

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEY COULD BE FINED UP TO $50 000 AND BE JAILED FOR UP TO A YEAR IF THEY WERE FOUND TO BE EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. THEY ALSO RISKED A $10 000 FINE IF THEY FAILED TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE RECORDS OF EACH OF THEIR EMPLOYEES LISTING THE EMPLOYEE’S NAME, TYPE OF IDENTITY DOCUMENT AND THE NUMBER OF THE DOCUMENT.

- - 0 -

SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 1982

INDIVIDUAL’S ROLE IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION STRESSED * * M M

EACH INDIVIDUAL IN THE COMMUNITY CAN CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS ENSURING A MORE HEALTHY AND PLEASANT ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG, THE COMMISSIONER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

♦THERE ARE, OF COURSE, MANY ASPECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WHERE THE ONLY PRACTICABLE WAY TO ENSURE THAT SOME ACCESSARY MEASURE IS INTRODUCED IS FOR THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF TO DO THE JOB+, HE SAID.

♦SUCH THINGS AS LEGISLATION, ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND MOST MONITORING ACTIVITIES COME INTO THIS CATEGORY.+

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF LECTURES ON THE ENVIRONMENT ORGANISED BY THE CONSERVANCY ASSOCIATION AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.

♦BUT THERE ARE OTHER EQUALLY IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT+, HE CONTINUED, +WHERE EFFECTIVE ACTION IS LARGELY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL EITHER ACTING ON HIS OR HER OWN ACCOUNT OR BY PARTICIPATING IN THE WORK OF A BODY SUCH AS THE CONSERVANCY ASSOC I AT ION.♦

DR REED SUGGESTED THAT THE INDIVIDUAL’S CONTRIBUTION COULD BE SUMMED UP ON THE ONE HAND AS BEING CONSIDERATE TOWARDS ONE’S NEIGHBOUR IN RELATION TO SUCH THINGS AS SMOKING AND NOISY ACTIVITIES, AND ON THE OTHER HAND AS SHOWING CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY IN TERMS OF NOT LITTERING OR DAMAGING THE FLORA AND FAUNA IN THE COUNTRY PARKS.

HE PRAISED THE WORK OF THE CONSERVANCY ASSOCIATION IN THE FIELDS OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND THE ACTIVITIES OF THE SCHOOLS CONSERVANCY CLUBS LIAISON BOARD.

♦THE ASSOCIATION HAS BEEN AN EFFECTIVE LOBBY ON ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS IN HONG KONG FOR MANY YEARS, AND THIS WAS RECENTLY RECOGNISED WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF A CONSERVANCY ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EPCOM) AND TO EPCOM’S SPECIAL COMMITTEES,+ HE SAID.

TURNING TO THE WORK OF THE GOVERNMENT, DR REED EMPHASISED THE NEED FOR PLANNING AND PREVENTATIVE MEASURES IF THE ENVIRONMENT IS TO BE PROTECTED.

♦MUCH ATTENTION HAS BEEN FOCUSED RECENTLY ON LEGISLATION AND THE ASSOCIATED PUNITIVE PROVISIONS, BUT THIS IS ONLY PART OF THE STORY,♦ HE SAID. HE EXPLAINED THAT A LARGE PART CF THE EFFORT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S NEWLY-CREATED ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) IS BEING DEVOTED TO SAFEGUARDING HONG KONG’S FUTURE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS AND THROUGH THE AGENCY'S INVOLVEMENT IN CONSULTATIONS ON OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLANS AND REGIONAL STRATEGIC PLANNING STUDIES.

♦WITHOUT THIS WORK WE WOULD BE IN DANGER OF CREATING EACH DAY THE PROBLEMS OF THE FUTURE,* HE SAID.

/CITING THE........

SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 1982

CITING THE EXAMPLE OF THE NEW POWER STATIONS, HE SAID THAT EMISSIONS FROM THIS SOURCE COULD INCREASE THREE FOLD DURING THE NEXT TEN YEARS.

re J?LCAREFtJL PLANNING THAT HAS GONE INTO THE CONTROL

KftweSc aJ .’I OaJ!LC0ULD HAVE BEEN FACED WITH ENVIRONMENTAL ™2?bEMS 0F A DIFFERENT ORDER FROM THOSE WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH TODAY*

TO PROVIDE AN OBJECTIVE BASIS FOR THIS ASSESSMENT WORK AND 12 E«S,2RE THAT ANY NEW MEASURES ARE RELEVANT TO THE CONDITIONS K$NG, THE EPA HAS MOUNTED A PROGRAMME OF SURVEYS, INVESTIGATIONS AND MONITORING.

*™ls W0RK ,S CARRIED OUT BY A NEWLY-RECRUITED, MULTI-SCIPLINARy TEAM 0F SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS EQUIPPED WITH THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INSTRUMENTATION, DATA-CAPTURE AND DATA-HANDLING FACILITIES,* HE ADDED*

REED EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT HE HAD MANAGED TO CONVINCE AU?’ENCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH ITS PACKAGE OF LEGISLATION, PLANNING AND MONITORING WORK, WAS PLAYING ITS PART IN PROTECTING HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENT. HE URGED THOSE PRESENT TO RESPOND BY MAKING THE CONTRIBUTION THAT INDIVIDUAL COULD MAKE AND TO PERSUADE OTHERS TO DO

ONLY EACH LIKEWISE.

0 - -

35 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS FETCH $363 OOO FOR CHARITY ft ft ft ft ft

THIRTY-FIVE SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD BY AUCTION THIS MORNING (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF $363 100 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.

THE AUCTION HELD AT RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, 8TH FLOOR, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER CT 8 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $80 000.

ANOTHER NUMBER 2328 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $65 000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1 000 FOR CR8689, AS7680, CR8555, CS487, BR7680 AND CS504.

THE OTHER SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD AT THE FOLLOWING PR ICESi

AL270 1 AA8893 1 1 2 300 i 4 500 AA4200 CS3680 $ 2 OOO $ 2 OOO BB87 CR7879 I I 12 OOO 1 500

CS6O9 S i 2 400 CR3231 $ 1 200 4376 $ 7 OOO

CS832 1 ; 5 ooo CS23O $ 9 OOO CS110 « 1 700

CS115 1 i 4 OOO CR3112 $ 2 OOO CS4848 $ 5 500

CS812 S ;i2 ooo AA1711 $ 8 OOO CM8888 $ 52 OOO

CS6789 1 i 7 500 AK3O3 $13 OOO CS108 $ 8 OOO

CP18 1 >28 OOO CS96 $11 OOO CS119 I 3 500

CS751 1 > 1 500 AN6828 $ 4 OOO CS8223 $ 1 500

/SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS ......

SATURDAY, MARCH 2?, 1982

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.

THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.

TODAY'S SALE, THE 73RD ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $23 977 432.

-----0------

CLEARANCE OF ILLEGAL GRAVES ft ft ft ft

THIRTY ILLEGAL GRAVES IN KWONG SHAN AREA, WITHIN THE CASTLE PEAK FIRING RANGE, WILL BE CLEARED NEXT WEEK.

WHERE RELATIVES COULD BE TRACED BEFORE EXHUMATION THEY WERE APPROACHED AND GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO REMOVE THE GRAVES THEMSELVES.

EXHUMED REMAINS OF THESE BURIALS WILL BE RE-INTERRED IN SANDY RIDGE CEMETERY.

UNDER SECTION 118 OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE, BURIALS OUTSIDE AUTHORISED CEMETERIES ARE NOT PERMITTED AS THE PRACTICE IS CONTRARY TO THE PROPER DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRYSIDE AND COULD CONSTITUTE A HEALTH HAZARD.

THERE IS A FURTHER DANGER IN THAT PEOPLE VISITING ILLEGAL GRAVES IN KWONG SHAN RUN THE RISK OF ENDANGERING THEIR LIVES BY ENTERING THE CASTLE PEAK FIRING RANGE.

PEOPLE WHO CARRY OUT ILLEGAL BURIALS OUTSIDE AUTHORISED CEMETERIES WILL BE PROSECUTED, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WARNED TODAY.

-----0------

SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 1982

CREMATORIA TO BE BUILT IN NEW TOWNS ******

A NUMBER OF CREMATORIA WILL THE NEW TERRITORIES AND OUTLYING AND TO COMBAT ILLEGAL BURIAL.

BE BUILT IN VARIOUS NEW TOWNS IN ISLANDS TO ENCOURAGE CREMATION

THE FIRST OF THESE WILL BE BUILT IN SHA TIN WHILE THE OTHERS WILL BE IN TUEN MUN, WO HOP SHEK, SAI KUNG AND CHEUNG CHAU, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHA TIN CREMATORIUM WILL START SOON AND ORDERS FOR FOUR NEW CREMATORS HAVE BEEN RECENTLY PLACED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

TO BE LOCATED AT LOWER SHING MUN ROAD. THE SHA TIN CREMATORIUM IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED TOWARDS THE END OF NEXT YEAR.

THE WO HOP SHEK CREMATORIUM WILL BE BUILT NEXT TO THE EXISTING CREMATORIUM.

THE CREMATORIA AT SAI KUNG AND CHEUNG CHAU WILL BE LOCATED AT KEI PA IK SHAH CEMETERY AND CHEUNG CHAU PUBLIC CEMETERY RESPECTIVELY WHILE TUEN MUN CREMATORIUM WILL BE LOCATED IN THE NEWLY DEVELOPED AREA 46 OF TUEN MUN.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT 65 PER CENT OF THE DEAD IN HONG KONG WILL BE CREMATED IN 1985 ON THE COMPLETION OF MORE CREMATORIA COMPARED WITH 57 PER CENT CREMATED LAST YEAR.

MEANWHILE, THE NTSD IS ALSO PLANNING TO BUILD FUNERAL SERVICES CENTRES IN THE NEW TOWNS.

A FUNERAL SERVICES CENTRE WILL INCLUDE A FUNERAL PARLOUR, FUNERAL DEPOTS, PUBLIC MORTUARY AND FLOWER SHOPS.

OTHER SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS UNDERTAKERS’ ESTABLISHMENT WITH SHOWROOMS, WORKSHOPS, OFFICES AND RECEPTION CENTRES WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE CENTRE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

FUNERAL SERVICES CENTRE IN NEW TOWNS WILL BE SEPARATED FROM RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND WILL BE TOPOGRAPHICALLY OR PHYSICALLY DEVELOPED ON LAND TO BE USED FOR PUBLIC SERVICES, PUBLIC UTILITIES OR OPEN SPACE.

HOWEVER, FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC, THESE FUNERAL SERVICES CENTRES WILL BE LOCATED IN THE URBAN AREAS OF THE NEW TOWNS, CLOSE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND MAIN TRAFFIC ROUTES.

o--------

/6........

SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 1982

KCR INVITES TENDERS FOR * * *

BANK BRANCH OFFICE *

THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE OPERATION OF A BANK BRANCH OFFICE IN THE MONG KOK STATION FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A KCR SPOKESMAN SAID SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS WILL BE ALLOWED ONE MONTH FOR FITTING OUT THE PREMISES BEFORE THE TENANCY COMMENCES.

+A SUM WILL BE CHARGED IF THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER COMMENCES BUSINESS PRIOR TO EXPIRY OF THE ONE-MONTH RENT-FREE PERIOD,* HE SAID.

FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE TRAFFIC DIVISION OF THE KCR ON THE MEZZANINE FLOOR OF THE KOWLOON STATION AT HUNG HOM. LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

-----0------

TRAM ONLY LANE IN QUEENSWAY M * *

THE SECTION OF THE TRAFFIC LANE ON THE TRAM TRACK OF WESTBOUND QUEENSWAY IN WAN CHAI FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH ARSENAL STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 105 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A TRAM ONLY LANE FROM 7 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 29).

UNDER THIS ARRANGEMENT, ALL VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THIS PART OF THE ROAD.

- - o - -

MORE FREQUENT MAXICAB SERVICES

XXX

HONfi KONG ISLAND PLB MAXICABS ON ROUTE 29, FROM AP LEI CHAU TO WONG CHUK HANG WILL BE RUNNING AT MORE FREQUENT INTERVALS FROM MONDAY (MARCH 29).

AT PEAK PERIODS THE MAXICABS WILL RUN AT TWO-MINUTE INTERVALS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID.

o --------

SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 1982

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES

* A K

A SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD NORTH OF TUEN MUN SAN HUI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 29) AND TUESDAY (MARCH 30) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE.

DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED TO A NEARBY TEMPORARY ROAD, WITH TWO-WAY ONE-LANE TRAFFIC CONTROLLED BY SIGNALS.

MEANWHILE,A SECTION OF STAUNTON STREET IN CENTRAL DISTRICT BETWEEN ELGIN STREET AND ABERDEEN STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 9 PM ON MONDAY (MARCH 29) TO 6 AM THE NEXT MORNING FOR REPAIRS TO WATER MAINS.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING PROHIBITION ON VEHICLES EXCEEDING 2-1/2 TONS IN UNLADEN WEIGHT TO ENTER ELGIN STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY LIFTED.

--------0-----------

KMB COACH ROUTE 204 TO BE CANCELLED

X X X X

KMB COACH ROUTE NO. 204 BETWEEN LAI CHI KOK (BRIDGE) AND KWUN TONG (YUE MAN SQUARE) WILL BE CANCELLED FROM MONDAY (MARCH 29) BECAUSE TOO FEW PASSENGERS ARE USING THE SERVICE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THE DECISION FOLLOWED A RECOMMENDATION BY THE KMB ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME REVIEW SUB-GROUP.

♦IT IS ALSO ANTICIPATED THAT TRAFFIC DEMAND WILL BE FURTHER REDUCED WHEN THE TSUEN WAN MTR EXTENSION COMES INTO OPERATION IN MID-MAY,♦ HE ADDED.

PEOPLE WISHING TO TRAVEL BETWEEN LAI CHI KOK AND KWUN TONG CAN TAKE THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES — 6E AND 40.

- o

/8 ..

SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 1982

KMB NO. 2D BUS TERMINUS RELOCATED

XXX

KOWLOON MOTOR BUS NO. 2D WILL HAVE ITS TERMINUS RELOCATED FROM CHUK YUEN TO TUNG TAU ESTATE FROM MONDAY (MARCH 29).

THE ROUTE WILL THEN OPERATE VIA TAI SHING STREET, TAI TUNG STREET AND TUNG FAT ROAD ON JOURNEYS TO ITS NEW TERMINUS AT TUNG TAU ESTATE.

ON THEIR RETURN JOURNEYS TO PAK TIN TERMINUS, THE BUSES WILL USE TUNG FAT ROAD AND TUNG LUNG ROAD.

-----o------

TRANSLATION TRAINING FOR WORKING JOURNALISTS * * * *

THE COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT OF THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE WILL CONDUCT AN INTENSIVE NEWS TRANSLATION WORKSHOP FOR WORKING JOURNALISTS NEXT MONTH AT THE REQUEST OF THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD.

« *H’CH ls PART 0F * SERIES OF PRACTICAL TRAINING

PLANNED BY THE BOARD TO UPGRADE THE STANDARD OF JOURNALISM IN HONG KONG, WILL PLACE EMPHASIS ON A POST-MORTEM OF SOME 150 TRANSLATION ITEMS PUBLISHED OR BROADCAST BY THE LOCAL MEDIA. THE WORK OF ESTABLISHED TRANSLATORS WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED AT THE WORKSHOP.

THE WORKSHOP, TO BE CONDUCTED BY TEACHING STAFF OF THE COLLEGE AND TRANSLATION EXPERTS, IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD FROM APRIL 26 TO MAY 14 WITH FIVE THREE-HOUR SESSIONS PER WEEK.

THE COURSE FEE IS >500 AND ENROLMENT WILL BE LIMITED TO 35 PARTICIPANTS. THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD APPLY EARLY.

COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS TOGETHER WITH THE COURSE FEE PAYABLE BY CROSSED CHEQUES SHOULD BE SENT TO MR CHANG KUO-SIN, CO-ORDINATOR OF THE COURSE BEFORE APRIL 8.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE COURSE SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MR CHANG ON 3-374161 EXT. 252 OR MR FRANK NG OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON 5-284783 DURING OFFICE HOURS.

SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 1982

- 9 -

RECORD NUMBER OF CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS PROMOTED * * *

THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER, ANNOUNCED THE PROMOTION OF 265 CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS - THE LARGES' NUMBER PROMOTED AT ONE TIME - DURING THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ANNUAL STAFF DINNER HELD IN A TSIM SHA TSUI RESTAURANT LAST (FRIDAY) NIGHT.

THE OFFICERS HAVE BEEN PROMOTED FROM ASSISTANT OFFICERS II TO ASSISTANT OFFICERS I.

DURING THE DINNER, MR GARNER PRESENTED HIS OWN COMMENDATIONS TO 12 OFFICERS FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE OF DUTY. THEY AREi PRINCIPAL OFFICERS CHENG TAT-HUNG AND YIU CHIU-KIT, OFFICERS TIN HON-KWUN, LEUNG CHUNG-WAH AND PANG KEE-KEUNG, WOMAN OFFICER CADET LEUNG GAR-LING, OFFICER CADET TSANG FEI-YU, ASSISTANT OFFICERS LING SIU-MING, LAU TAT-MING, TSANG SIK-PING, CHAN KWOK-KEUNG AND NG SU I-MlNG.

TWO OF THE OFFICERS MR CHAN KWOK-KEUNG AND MR NG SUI-MING WERE COMMENDED FOR THEIR COURAGEOUS ACTION IN RESCUING AN ELDERLY WOMAN WHO HAD FALLEN INTO THE SEA OFF CHI MA WAN.

MR GARNER ALSO PRESENTED THE COMMISSIONER’S CUP FOR BEST PERFORMANCES AT THE DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL PARADE TO STANLEY PRISON AND THE PRESIDENT’S CUP TO THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE AS THE BEST CONTINGENT AT THE CEREMONIAL PARADE OF THE PRESENTATION OF CLASPS TO THE COLONIAL PRISON SERVICE MEDAL.

THE GET-TOGETHER WAS ATTENDED BY OVER 1 300 STAFF MEMBERS FROM VARIOUS CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

------o-------

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ANNUAL SPORTS MEET M * *

THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL SPORTS MEET WAS HELD TODAY (SATURDAY) AT THE STANLEY FOOTBALL FIELD WITH MORE THAN 200 STAFF COMPETING IN VARIOUS FIELD AND TRACK EVENTS.

SHARING IN THE FUN WERE A GROUP OF DISABLED PEOPLE FROM THE MARGARET TRENCH MEDICAL REHABILITATION CENTRE WHO PARTICIPATED IN TWO SPECIAL EVENTS, THE SHOTPUT AND PRECISION JAVELIN FOR THE WHEELCHAIR CLASS.

THE GIRL PIPERS AND PRECISION MARCHING TEAM OF THE TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION ALSO GAVE PERFORMANCES TO ENTERTAIN THE ATHLETES AND SPECTATORS.

MRS BEVERLEY GARNER, WIFE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, PRESENTED PRIZES TO THE WINNERS.

------o-------

/10 .......

SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 1982

HARMONICA RECITAL BY TSUI TAK-MING * * * *

THE NEW TERRITORIES CULTURAL CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HARMONICA RECITALS ON APRIL 10 AND TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL RESPECTIVELY.

PRESENTATIONS OFFICE OF THE PRESENT TSUI TAK-MING IN TWO 11 AT LUT SAU HALL AND THE

A GRADUATE OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC IN TSUI LATER EMIGRATED TO HAWAII. HE IS CURRENTLY ASSISTANT OF THE OVERSEAS CHINESE MUSIC AND ARTS

A I I •

LONDON. THE MUSIC CENTRE IN

PROGRAMMES FOR THE TWO EVENINGS INCLUDE +SONATA IN F+ BY VERACINI, +MEDITATION+ FROM THAIS BY MASSENET, +SERENATA+ BY MOSZKOWSKI, AND +CARMEN FANTASY* BY BIZET AND SOME CHINESE PIECES.

TSUI WILL BE ACCOMPANIED AT THE PIANO BY CHAN WU TSU-YING.

TICKETS AT $5 ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE BOX OFFICES OF TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AND LUT SAU HALL AND THE NEW TERRITORIES MOBILE LIBRARY.

---o------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SUNDAY, MAUCH 28, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

LANDS DEPARTMENT DUTIES ANNOUNCED.............................. 1

ICAO ADVANCED REGIONAL TRAINING COURSES ....................... 2

STUDY ROOMS OPEi DURING EXAMINATION PERTOD .................... 2

'AFTER HOURS' SERVICE OFFERED BY LABOUR DEPARTMENT............. 3

WARNING ABOUT UNSCRUPULOUS EXHUMATION SERVICES ................ 4

CONTESTS ON NEEDS OF DISABLED

SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 1982

LANDS DEPARTMENT DUTIES ANNOUNCED

* * * *

THE NEW LANDS DEPARTMENT WILL ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR LAND ADMINISTRATION THROUGHOUT HONG KONG FROM APRIL 1.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (SUNDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS, MR JOHN TODD, WOULD BECOME THE LAND AUTHORITY FOR BOTH THE URBAN AREA AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE DEPARTMENT WILL HAVE A HEADQUARTERS AND 12 DISTRICTS — FOUR IN THE URBAN AREA AND EIGHT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE HEADQUARTERS, BASED IN MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, WILL HAVE THREE MAIN FUNCTIONAL DIVISIONS: LANDS, SURVEY AND TOWN PLANNING, SUPPORTED BY AN ADMINISTRATION DIVISION.

THE DUTIES OF THESE DIVISIONS WILL BE:

LANDS: TO UNDERTAKE THE DISPOSAL, ACQUISITION AND MANAGEMENT CF LAND AND TO KEEP LAND ADMINISTRATION POLICY UNDER REVIEW.

SURVEY: TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LAND SURVEY, MAPPING AND DRAWING OFFICE SERVICES.

TOWN PLANNING: TO UNDERTAKE STRUCTURE PLANNING, STATUTORY PLANNING AND PLANNING STUDIES- TO PROVIDE PLANNING DATA AND TO CO-ORDINATE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF TOWN PLANNING.

ADMINISTRATION: TO PROVIDE PERSONNEL AND OFFICE MANAGEMENT SERVICES- FINANCE- SUPPLIES AND TECHNICAL AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION.

THE FOUR DISTRICTS IN THE URBAN AREA ARE HONG KONG ISLAND NORTH, HONG KONG ISLAND SOUTH, KOWLOON EAST AND KOWLOON WEST.

IN EACH DISTRICT, THE SURVEY DIVISION WILL CARRY OUT SURVEY WORK AND CONTROL DRAWING OFFICES. THE REGISTRAR GENERAL WILL PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES. THIS WILL BE DONE ON A DISTRICT BASIS, EXCEPT FOR LAND REGISTRATION, WHICH WILL BE HANDLED BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL THROUGH THE LAND OFFICE IN THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING).

IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE EIGHT DISTRICT OFFICES WILL BE: TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, NORTH, TAI PO, SHA TIN, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.

SURVEY AND LEGAL WORK WILL BE DONE ON A DISTRICT BASIS, AS IN THE URBAN AREA. EACH DISTRICT WILL HAVE ITS OWN LAND REGISTRY.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WOULD CARRY OUT THE DISTRICT ACTION PLANNING. IN THE URBAN AREA, THIS WOULD INITIALLY BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, BUT IN THE NEAR FUTURE THE URBAN AREA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE WOULD TAKE OVER THIS TASK.

ICAO ADVANCED REGIONAL TRAINING COURSES * * *

TWO SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE TECHNICAL AND PLANNING DIVISION OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT ARE NOW IN MANILA, ATTENDING ADVANCED TECHNICAL TRAINING COURSES SPONSORED BY THE ICAO (INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION) UNDER THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

THEY ARE MR THOMAS M.C.KWAN AND MR JOSEPH C.P. TANG, SENIOR PLANNING OFFICERS. THE COURSES ARE ON AVIATION SECURITY AND AIRSPACE PLANNING IN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL.

THE THREE-WEEK ADVANCED REGIONAL TRAINING COURSES, BEING CONDUCTED AT THE CIVIL AVIATION TRAINING CENTRE IN MANILA, ARE INTENDED TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL STAFF WITH SPECIALISED KNOWLEDGE IN VARIOUS ASPECTS OF CIVIL AVIATION PLANNING AND OPERATION.

MR TANG IS AT PRESENT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS RELATED TO DEVELOPMENT OF FACILITIES FOR AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS AND THE ORGANISATION OF AIRSPACE WITHIN THE FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION OF HONG KONG.

MR KWAN HAS THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPING TERMINAL FACILITIES AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

------0-------

STUDY ROOMS OPEN DURING EXAMINATION PERIOD HMM

TEMPORARY STUDY ROOMS WILL BE OPENED IN THE EVENING IN SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG FROM APRIL 1 TO JUNE 30 FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.

♦THESE STUDY ROOMS WILL BE OPEN DURING THE EXAMINATION PERIOD TO PROVIDE STUDENTS LIVING IN CROWDED AND NOISY ENVIRONMENT WITH ALTERNATIVE FACILITIES TO DO THEIR HOMEWORK AND PRIVATE STUDY,+ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.

A TOTAL OF 6 400 PLACES WILL BE PROVIDED IN 69 STUDY ROOM CENTRES.

STUDY ROOM FACILITIES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE OPEN FROM 6 PM TO 9 PM EACH EVENING, MONDAY TO FRIDAY, AND THESE WILL BE STRICTLY FOR THE USE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

FACILITIES IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL BE OPEN FROM 7 PM TO 9 PM, AND WILL CATER FOR BOTH SECONDARY AND PRIMARY STUDENTS.

STUDY ROOMS WILL BE CLOSED ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

POSTERS SHOWING THE DISTRIBUTION OF STUDY ROOM CENTRES AND STUDENT ADMISSION CARDS HAVE ALREADY BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS.

SUPERVISORS WILL BE APPOINTED TO MAINTAIN ORDER IN STUDY ROOMS, BUT THEY WILL NOT BE GIVING TUITION TO THE STUDENTS.

------o-------

/3 .....

SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 1982

'AFTER HOURS’

SERVICE OFFERED BY LABOUR DEPARTMENT * * * * ft

A SPECIAL +AFTER HOURS* SERVICE IS BEING OFFERED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR PEOPLE WHO REQUIRE URGENT ASSISTANCE IN DEALING WITH INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES OR ACCIDENTS, OR OTHER MATTERS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NEEDING SUCH SERVICES CAN MAKE USE OF SEVERAL SPECIAL TELEPHONES.

THOSE SEEKING CONSULTATIONS ON URGENT LABOUR RELATIONS MATTERS ON HONG KONG ISLAND CAN CONTACT THE CHIEF LABOUR OFFICER (LABOUR RELATIONS), MR DONALD CHAN, ON TELEPHONE 5-764720.

URGENT MATTERS IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES CAN BE REFERRED TO THE SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (LABOUR RELATIONS), MR JAMES YEUNG, ON TELEPHONE 5-221952.

REPORTS OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS CAN BE MADE ON A SPECIAL HOTLINE, 3-688756, WHICH IS MANNED BY STAFF DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS. REPORTS OR COMPLAINTS MADE OUTSIDE OFFICE HOURS THROUGH THIS HOTLINE ARE AUTOMATICALLY RECORDED.

SERIOUS ACCIDENTS OUTSIDE OFFICE HOURS ARE ATTENDED TO BY A DIVISIONAL FACTORY INSPECTOR ON CALL THROUGH A PAGING SYSTEM.

URGENT COMPLAINTS CONCERNING EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS CAN BE MADE ON ANOTHER HOTLINE, 3-684242, WHICH OPERATES IN A SIMILAR MANNER.

OUTSIDE OFFICE HOURS, URGENT ENQUIRIES RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS CAN BE MADE TO ASSISTANT LABOUR OFFICER, MR LAM YUK-KEUNG, ON 5-435553.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE RESIDENTIAL TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THOSE OFFICERS REQUIRED TO WORK OUTSIDE OFFICE HOURS IF NECESSARY ARE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT TELEPHONE DIRECTORY AND THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY’S ENGLISH AND CHINESE DIRECTORIES.

HOWEVER, HE EMPHASISED THAT THESE TELEPHONES SHOULD ONLY BE USED FOR URGENT MATTERS OUTSIDE NORMAL OFFICE HOURS. DURING OFFICE HOURS THE MATTERS SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE DIVISIONS CONCERNED.

SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 1982

WARNING ABOUT UNSCRUPULOUS EXHUMATION SERVICES Mil*

PEOPLE VISITING PUBLIC CEMETERIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES SHOULD BE CAREFUL OF UNSCRUPULOUS CONTRACTORS OFFERING EXHUMATION SERVICES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

THE ADVICE WAS GIVEN WITH THE APPROACH OF THE CHING MING FESTIVAL AND AFTER COMPLAINTS WERE RECENTLY RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT ABOUT EXORBITANT CHARGES LEVIED BY UNDERTAKERS.

AS BURIAL IN WO HOP SHEK, SANDY RIDGE AND CHEUNG CHAU PUBLIC CEMETERIES ARE NOT PERMANENT, ALL HUMAN REMAINS INTERRED IN 1975 ARE NOW DUE FOR REMOVAL.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE URGED TO MAKE THEIR OWN ARRANGEMENTS WITH A FUNERAL PARLOUR OR AN UNDERTAKER TO HAVE THE REMAINS EXHUMED BEFORE APRIL 30, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD SAID.

AFTER EXHUMATION, THE REMAINS CAN BE BURIED IN A PERMANENT URN GRAVE IN WO HOP SHEK AND CHEUNG CHAU PUBLIC CEMETERIES, WHILE THE CREMATED ASHES CAN BE KEPT IN A NICHE AT ANY COLUMBARIUM.

HOWEVER, NO CONTRACTOR HAS BEEN APPOINTED BY THE NTSD TO OPERATE A SERVICE FOR PRIVATE EXHUMATION IN PUBLIC CEMETERIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND OUTLYING ISLANDS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THERE IS AT PRESENT NO REGULATION GOVERNING THE SCALE OF FEES CHARGED BY ANY PRIVATE CONTRACTOR.

THE NTSD DOES NOT OPERATE ANY SERVICE FOR EXHUMATION OF HUMAN REMAINS AT PUBLIC CEMETERIES.

STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT ARE NOT ALLOWED TO OFFER ANY SUCH SERVICE, AND IT IS IN FACT A CRIMINAL OFFENCE FOR A CIVIL SERVANT TO SOLICIT OR ACCEPT ANY ADVANTAGE, THE NTSD SPOKESMAN STRESSED.

0 - -

SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 1982

CONTESTS ON NEEDS OF DISABLED * * *

A DESIGN COMPETITION AND AN ESSAY CONTEST ON HOW TO IMPROVE ACCESS MEANS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE ARE BEING ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, DR PATRICK HASE, SAID IT WAS HOPED TO PROMOTE THE GENERAL AWARENESS OF THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM AND STIMULATE INTERESTS IN BETTER DESIGNS OF BUILDINGS, PUBLIC AREAS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE NEEDS OF THE DISABLED.

THE CONTESTS WILL BE OPEN TO ALL PEOPLE WHO LIVE, WORK OR ATTEND SCHOOLS IN SHA TIN.

DR HASE HAS CIRCULATED A LETTER TO LOCAL BODIES, INCLUDING SCHOOLS, YOUTH CENTRES, COMMUNITY HALLS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, INVITING ENTRIES BEFORE THE DEADLINE ON APRIL 6.

WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT A LARGE-SCALE EXHIBITION NEXT MONTH ON THE PROBLEMS OF ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED.

THE FOUR-DAY EXHIBITION, BEGINNING ON APRIL 24, WILL FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHS, FILMS, +REHABUS+, SPECIALLY CONVERTED CARS FOR USE BY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE AND A MODEL ILLUSTRATING THE ACCESS PROBLEMS FACING HANDICAPPED PEOPLE.

THE HANDICAPPED ACCESS EXHIBITION IS BEING ORGANISED BY A SPECIAL SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AS A PRELUDE TO THE THIRD FAR EAST AND SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES TO BE HELD AT THE SHA TIN JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR.

MORE THAN 500 HANDICAPPED ATHLETES FROM 30 FAR EASTERN AND SOUTH PACIFIC COUNTRIES ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SPORTS MEETING.

0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

MONDAY, MARCH 29, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SIR PHILIP OPENS YAN 01 POLYCLINIC .......................... -1

EARLY WRITTEN TEST FOR TAXI LICENCES ........................ 2

PUBLIC TRANSPORT PRIORITY MEASURES IN QUEEN'S ROAD EAST ..... 3

TEACHERS JOIN DISCUSSION TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION ........... 4

NEW POST OFFICE FOR TSIM SHA TSUI EAST ...................... 5

WORKING PARTY ON ROADS BILL ................................. 5

6*4- BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN FEBRUARY .................... 6

HOLIDAY POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS ................................. g

ADVANCE PAYMENT FOR SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS .............. 7

SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL FOR FIRST QUARTER 7

PRESS CONFERENCE BY EDUCATION REVIEW PANEL .................. 8

WATER STORAGE

MONDAY, MARCH 29, 1982

SIR PHILIP OPENS YAN 01 POLYCLINIC * * *

THE GOVERNMENT AIMS TO PROVIDE A FULL SPECTRUM OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES — SOME IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PHILANTHROPIC BODIES AND SUBVENTED AGENCIES, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID TODAY.

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE $20 MILLION YAN 01 POLYCLINIC IN TUEN MUN, BUILT WITH THE HELP OF A $4 MILLION DONATION FROM A NEW TERRITORIES CHARITABLE ORGANISATION, YAN 01 TONG.

THE POLYCLINIC IS A SIX-STOREY BUILDING HOUSING A GENERAL OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT WITH SIX CONSULTATION ROOMS, A FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE CENTRE WITH MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICE AND FAMILY PLANNING, A DENTAL CLINIC, A CHEST SERVICE, A RADIODIAGNOSTIC CENTRE AND A PUBLIC LABORATORY.

♦THIS PROJECT EXEMPLIFIES ONCE AGAIN THAT TRADITION OF PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE GENERAL BODY OF TAXPAYERS, ON THE ONE HAND, AND PHILANTHROPIC GROUPS WITH SPECIAL INTERESTS, ON THE OTHER, WHICH CHARACTERISES SO MUCH OF LIFE IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.

SIR PHILIP ALSO SPOKE ON DISTRICT BOARDS AND GAVE A FIRM ASSURANCE THAT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, WORKING CLOSELY TOGETHER THROUGH THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, WITHIN THE GENERAL FRAMEWORK OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES, WILL LEND ALL THE SUPPORT THEY CAN TO DISTRICT BOARDS IN ALL THEIR ENDEAVOURS.

EARLIER, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, SAID THE OPENING OF THE YAN 01 POLYCLINIC REPRESENTED ANOTHER MAJOR MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT CONSIDERED IT A TOP PRIORITY TO PROVIDE EVERY COMMUNITY WITH PRIMARY HEALTH CARE FACILITIES..

♦PRIMARY HEALTH CARE,+ HE EXPLAINED, +CONSISTS OF HEALTH SERVICES THAT ARE ESSENTIAL FOR PROMOTING AND MAINTAINING BASIC HEALTH CARE OF EACH AND EVERY INDIVIDUAL IN A COMMUNITY.+

THE SYSTEM COVERS A WIDE RANGE OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES INCLUDING OUT-PATIENT SERVICES, FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES, HEALTH EDUCATION, DISEASE CONTROL AND OTHER PROMOTIVE AND PREVENTIVE HEALTH MEASURES.

♦EMBODIED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE YAN 01 POLYCLINIC THEREFORE ARE THE ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF SUCH PRIMARY HEALTH CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY,♦ HE SAID.

ADJACENT TO THE YAN 01 POLYCLINIC WILL BE THE SITE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SECOND STAGE OF THE POLYCLINIC, WHICH WILL ACCOMMODATE SPECIALIST FACILITIES INCLUDING EAR-NOSE-THROAT, OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, SURGERY, PAEDIATRICS, GERIATRICS, A PSYCHIATRIC OUT-PATIENT AND DAY CENTRE, A RENAL DIALYSIS CENTRE AND SOCIAL HYGIENE.

/IN ADDITION .......

MONDAY, MARCH 2?, 1982

IN ADDITION TO THIS POLYCLINIC, A HOSPITAL WITH 1 156 BEDS WILL BE COMPLETED IN MID-80’S TO RENDER EMERGENCY AND SPECIALIST SERVICES TO THE LOCAL POPULATION AND TO BOOST THE OVERALL PROVISION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN THE TUEN MUN TOWN.

THE CHAIRMAN OF YAN 01 TONG, MR LAU WONG-FAT, ALSO SPOKE AT THE CEREMONY.

HE SAID THAT APART FROM PROVIDING RESIDENTIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL PREMISES, THE PROVISION OF TRAFFIC, MEDICAL, RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES IS EQUALLY ESSENTIAL TO THE BUILDING UP OF A NEW TOWN.

IT WAS WITH THIS IN MIND THAT THE YAN 01 TONG RAISED A SUM CF MORE THAN $4 MILLION AND DONATED IT TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE POLYCLINIC WHICH WAS THE RESULT OF THE COMBINED EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE LOCAL PEOPLE IN PROVIDING WELFARE FACILITIES FOR THE DISTRICT.

- - 0 -----------

EARLY WRITTEN TEST FOR TAXI LICENCES NX * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT EARLY WRITTEN TEST FOR TAXI LICENCES WILL BE ARRANGED IN AUGUST IN ORDER TO REDUCE WAITING TIME.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THOSE CANDIDATES ALREADY SCHEDULED TO TAKE THE URBAN TAXI WRITTEN TEST BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 1982, AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1983 MAY APPLY FOR THE SPECIAL TEST.

CANDIDATES WISHING TO REGISTER FOR AN EARLY TEST ARE REQUESTED TO REPORT TO COUNTER NO. 35, WRITTEN TEST UNIT, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 9TH FLOOR, 56 DUNDAS STREET, MONG KOK, KOWLOON ON THE FOLLOWING DATESi

DATE OF REGISTRATION

TEST DATES ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR EARLY TEST

SEPTEMBER 1, 1982-FEBRUARY 28, 1983 APRIL 13, 1982-APRIL 20, 1982

MARCH 1, 1983 -SEPTEMBER 30, 1983 ARPIL 22, 1982-APRIL 29, 1982

ONCE A CANDIDATE HAS REGISTERED FOR THE EARLY TEST, HIS/HER ORIGINAL APPOINTMENT WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE CANCELLED, AND THEREAFTER NO ALTERNATIVE TEST DATE OR POSTPONEMENT CAN BE ENTERTAINED.

HOWEVER, ANY CANDIDATE WHO DOES NOT WISH TO APPLY FOR EARLY TEST MAY RETAIN HIS ORIGINAL APPOINTMENT.

FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING TELEPHONE

NO. 3-317723.

MONDAY, MARCH 29, 1982

PUBLIC TRANSPORT PRIORITY MEASURES IN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST ft ft ft ft ft

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST AND OTHER ROAD SECTIONS IN WAN CHAI FROM 7 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 31) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.

TWO SECTIONS OF QUEEN’S ROAD EAST WILL BE DESIGNATED AS BUS ONLY LANES. THEY AREi

ft THE WESTBOUND KERBSIDE LANE FROM A POINT 40 METRES WEST OF SHIP STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 25 METRES EAST OF ST. FRANCIS STREET.

ft THE WESTBOUND KERBSIDE LANE FROM A POINT ABOUT FIVE METRES WEST OF ST. FRANCIS STREET TO LANDALE STREET.

ALL VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE LANES BETWEEN 7 AM AND 10 AM AND BETWEEN 4 PM AND 7 PM FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY.

A NUMBER OF ROAD SECTIONS WILL ALSO BE DESIGNATED AS URBAN CLEARWAYS AS FROM WEDNESDAY. THEY AREj

ft WING FUNG STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN’S ROAD EAST TO A POINT ABOUT 14 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION-

ft ANTON STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN’S ROAD EAST TO A POINT ABOUT 18 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION-

* ST. FRANCIS STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN’S ROAD EAST TO A POINT ABOUT 18 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION-

ft LUN FAT STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN’S ROAD EAST TO A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION-

ft SPRING GARDEN LANE FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN’S ROAD EAST TO A POINT ABOUT 18 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION-

ft STONE NULLAH LANE FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN’S ROAD EAST TO A POINT ABOUT 18 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION-

ft WAN CHAI ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN’S ROAD EAST TO A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.

WITHIN THESE CLEARWAYS, ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.

IN ADDITION, ALL VEHICLES ON THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF QUEEN’S ROAD EAST WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING RIGHT INTO ANTON STREET.

TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

4.........

MONDAY, MARCH 29, 1982

TEACHERS JOIN DISCUSSION TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION * * * *

STAFF FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND MORE THAN 970 TEACHERS FROM AIDED PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL TAKE PART IN SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS TO BE HELD AT VARIOUS CENTRES TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO FURTHER IMPROVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE TWO PARTIES.

THE AIM OF THE DISCUSSIONS IS TO PROVIDE TEACHERS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CLOSE CONTACT WITH SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN AN INFORMAL SETTING, SO THAT THEY CAN EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS FREELY AND SPONTANEOUSLY, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE TOPICS FOR DISCUSSIONS HAD BEEN CHOSEN FROM SUGGESTIONS SENT IN BY PARTICIPATING TEACHERS, HE SAID.

TOPICS OF COMMON INTEREST TO BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE PROVIDENT FUND, EQUAL BENEFITS FOR AIDED SCHOOL TEACHERS AND GOVERNMENT SCHOOL TEACHERS, PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN TEACHING, MORAL EDUCATION, PROMOTION AND SALARY SCALE.

IN ADDITION, PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL BE DISCUSSING LEAVE FOR TEACHERS AND SUPPLY TEACHERS, EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ALLOWANCES, THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST BY SUBJECT TESTS, DIFFERENT VIEWS OF INSPECTORS FROM THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN TEACHERS AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSING FLOATING CLASSES, RE INTRODUCT I ON OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION, THE ABOLITION OF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT, AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN TEACHERS AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

THE GROUP DISCUSSIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE, AND EACH GROUP WILL BE CHAIRED BY A SENIOR OFFICER OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

THERE WILL BE 30 GROUPS, WITH DISCUSSION SESSIONS BOTH IN THE MORNING AND IN THE AFTERNOON.

MONDAY, MARCH 29, 1982

NEW POST OFFICE FOR TSIM SHA TSUI EAST XXX

A NEW POST OFFICE LOCATED IN THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE, 80 SALISBURY ROAD, WILL BE OPENED AT 9 AM ON THURSDAY, APRIL 1 TO SERVE THE TSIM SHA TSUI EAST AREA, THUS BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF POST OFFICES IN HONG KONG TO 83, INCLUDING TWO MOBILE POST OFFICES OPERATING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID THIS FACILITY WILL BE PARTICULARLY USEFUL FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO HAVE TO POST LARGE QUANTITIES OF LETTERS AND PARCELS AS THERE ARE A NUMBER OF METERED PARKING SPACES OUTSIDE THE NEW POST OFFICE.

THE NEW POST OFFICE WILL PROVIDE A FULL RANGE OF NORMAL POSTAL COUNTER SERVICES AS WELL AS ACCEPTANCE OF BULK LETTERS AND PARCEL POSTINGS, SPEEDPOST AND INSURED LETTERS AND BOXES.

BUSINESS HOURS FOR THE NEW OFFICE WILL BE AS FOLLOWS i-

MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS i 9.00 AM TO 5.00 PM.

SATURDAYS i 9.00 AM TO 1.00 PM.

--------o ----------

WORKING PARTY ON ROADS BILL

* * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS SET UP A WORKING PARTY TO CO-ORDINATE AND CONSIDER ALL REPRESENTATIONS SUBMITTED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON THE ROADS (WORKS, USE AND COMPENSATION) BILL 1982.

THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WAS INTENDED TO REPLACE THE EXISTING STREETS (ALTERATION) ORDINANCE AND WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MARCH 10.

ITS SECOND READING DEBATE WAS ADJOURNED TO ALLOW FULL OPPORTUNITY FOR REPRESENTATIONS TO BE MADE BY THE PUBLIC, AND TO PERMIT A DETAILED EXAMINATION OF THE BILL BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL TO TAKE PLACE.

THE WORKING GROUP, CHAIRED BY THE SOLICITOR GENERAL, WILL ALSO HAVE MEETINGS WITH UMELCO TO DISCUSS ANY MATTERS THAT THE UNOFFICIALS MAY WISH TO RAISE.

-----0------

/6 ......

MONDAY, MARCH 29, 1982

64 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN FEBRUARY * * * *

SIXTY-FOUR NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH 53 IN FEBRUARY LAST YEAR.

OF THESE NEW PLANS, 23 WERE FOR NEW BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 14 FOR KOWLOON AND 27 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THEY INCLUDE THREE SCHOOLS AT BRAEMAR HILL ROAD, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD AND TSENG TAU TSUEN SHEUNG TSUEN, TUEN MUN, A SWIMMING POOL AT WONG MA KOK ROAD, A PETROL-FILLING STATION AT JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, SHEUNG SHU I AND A CARGO SHIPPING TERMINAL AT KENNEDY TOWN.

THE DECLARED COST OF ALL NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS $728.7 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $523.1 MILLION IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.

THEIR TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA AMOUNTED TO 248 429.4 SQUARE l€TRES, COMPRISING 180 235.2 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC AND 68 194.2 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR SPACE.

THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 43 PROJECTS INCLUDING A CHURCH AT WANG TAK STREET, A HOME FOR THE AGED AT THE JUNCTION OF KUNG LOK ROAD AND HONG LEE ROAD, KWUN TONG, A PROMENADE AT DISCOVERY BAY, LANTAU, AND A HOSPITAL AT YAN CHAI STREET AND KWAN MUN HAU STREET, TSUEN WAN.

ALTOGETHER, 40 NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION IN FEBRUARY.

THE OFFICE ALSO AGREED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 68 BUILDINGS.

-----0------

HOLIDAY POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS * * * *

THAT THERE WILL BE

THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCES TODAY (MONDAY)

ONLY ONE DELIVERY OF MAIL ON CHING MING FESTIVAL NEXT MONDAY (APRIL 5) AND DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS ON APRIL 10 (SATURDAY) AND APRIL 12 (MONDAY).

ON THESE THREE DAYS, 35 POST OFFICES, INCLUDING THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, THE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE, THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AND THE TSUEN WAN AND TAI PO POST OFFICES WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS FROM 9 AM TO 12 NOON.

THERE WILL BE NO MAIL DELIVERY ON GOOD FRIDAY (APRIL 9) AND ON QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY (APRIL 21). ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON THESE TWO DAYS.

--------0 - - - -

MONDAY, MARCH 29, 1982

ADVANCE PAYMENT FOR SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS * * * *

RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES WITH PAYMENT DATES FALLING ON THE EASTER HOLIDAYS MAY GET THEIR PAYMENT EARLY.

A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THOSE WHO ARE TO RECEIVE PAYMENT ON APRIL 9, 10, 11 AND 12 CAN CASH THEIR COUPONS ON OR AFTER APRIL 3, 6, 7 AND 8 RESPECTIVELY.

ALLOWANCES ARE PAID THROUGH POST OFFICES, TREASURY SUB-OFFICES AND THE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES.

STAFF OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED TO INFORM THEIR CLIENTS OF THE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

------o-------

SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL FOR FIRST QUARTER * * * ft

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL BE CONDUCTING A SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY NEXT MONTH.

THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL IN PROVIDING SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AS WELL AS INFORMATION ON STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET IN HONG KONG.

A SAMPLE OF ABOUT 68 000 IS DRAWN FROM ESTABLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS SECTORS, INCLUDING INDUSTRIAL AND THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES (WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS), WHILE ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN THE PROVISION OF TRANSPORT, BUSINESS AND PERSONAL SERVICES WILL BE COVERED IN

INFORMATION WILL BE OBTAINED FROM EACH ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES AS ON MARCH 31, 1982. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL BE OBTAINED FROM SOME 10 000 ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED FROM THE SAMPLE ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF JANUARY -MARCH 1982.

QUESTIONNAIRES WILL BE MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS IN EARLY APRIL.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1981 M?AL N°T|CE N0' 25 0F 1981» GAZETTED ON 27 JANUARY 1981), ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.

-----o------

/8 .......

MONDAY, MARCH 29, ii»o2

NOTE TO EDITORS I

PRESS CONFERENCE BY EDUCATION REVIEW PANEL

* * *

A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN BY THE PANEL OF VISITORS CONDUCTING THE OVERALL REVIEW OF EDUCATION AND THE ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD) OFFICIALS WHO ARE IN HONG KONG FOR THE PLENARY SESSIONS TAKING PLACE THIS WEEK.

THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 31) AT 2.30 PM IN THE GIS THEATIE, 5TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.

YOU ARE ALSO REMINDED THAT THE FIRST OF THE TWO PLENARY SESSIONS WILL TAKE PLACE TO )AY (MONDAY) AT 2 PM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER. THE SECON) SESSION WILL TAKE PLACE ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 31) AT 9 AM.

PRESS REPRESENTATIVES \RE WELCOME TO ATTEND BOTH SESSIONS.

-----o------

WATER STORAGE * * *

GT°RAGE ,N H0NG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 37.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 215.366 MILLION CUBIC METRES, EQUIVALENT TO 174 DAYS’ CONSUMPTION.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 244.821 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 42.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 1982

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

TAC BACKS COMPULSORY GEARING OF SEAT BELTS ..................... 1

MISCONCEPTION ABOUT DB REGISTRATION CT,WARED.................... 2

CHING MING STATUTORY HOLIDAY ................................... 3

CENTRALISED OFFICE SEP UP FOR CREMATION ARRANGEMENTS ........... 4

TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO BE STRENGTHENED ........................ 6

THREE NEW MEMBERS FOR TAC ...................................... 7

TEACHERS LEARN ABOUT RE-DEMARCATION OF EDUCATION AREAR ......... 8

KMB NO. 10 TO BE RE-ROUTED ..................................... 8

SEMINAR FOR KOWLOON CITY INDUSTRIALISTS ........................ 9

FANLING SWIMMING POOL RE-OPENS ................................. 9

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR HAPPY VALLEY RACES ................... 10

QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION................................... 11

COURSE FOR HOCKEY COACHES ..................................... 12

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 1982

TAC BACKS COMPULSORY WEARING OF SEAT BELTS * * * *

THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS ENDORSED A PROPOSAL TO REQUIRE FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS IN PRIVATE CARS TO WEAR SEAT BELTS. IT FURTHER RECOMMENDED THAT THE REQUIREMENT, IF INTRODUCED, SHOULD BE EXTENDED IN DUE COURSE TO PLB’S AND TAXIS.

THROUGH THIS MEASURE, IF APPROVED, A REDUCTION CAN BE EXPECTED IN THE SEVERITY OF SOME 60 PER CENT OF ACCIDENTS INVOLVING FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS. IN OTHER WORDS, OVER 700 ACCIDENTS EACH YEAR COULD BE MADE LESS SERIOUS.

A REPORT PRESENTED TO THE TAC POINTED OUT THAT THE CASE FOR COMPULSORY WEARING OF SEAT BELTS WAS SUPPORTED BY EXPERIENCE IN MANY OVERSEAS COUNTRIES, INCLUDING FOR EXAMPLE CANADA AND AUSTRALIA. SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA ALSO HAVE SIMILAR LEGISLATION.

THESE COUNTRIES HAD FOUND THAT THE USAGE OF SEAT BELTS WAS HELPFUL IN REDUCING FATALITIES BUT IN THE ABSENCE OF LEGISLATION, PERSUASION THROUGH THE MEDIA HAD VERY LITTLE EFFECT IN ACHIEVING HIGH LEVELS OF SEAT BELT WEARING.

HONG KONG’S TRAFFIC SITUATION MIGHT BE THOUGHT TO BE DIFFERENT, IN THAT CARS GENERALLY TRAVEL LESS QUICKLY. HOWEVER, THERE CAN BE PERIODS WHEN THEY REACH HIGH SPEEDS SUCH AS WHEN ON The TUEN MUN HIGHWAY, AND EVEN AT LOW SPEEDS, A HEAD-ON COLLISION CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURIES, THE REPORT SAID.

A STUDY CARRIED OUT BY THE PWD ROAD SAFETY DIVISION SHOWED THAT IN PEAK PERIODS, ONLY ABOUT FOUR TO SEVEN PER CENT OF PRIVATE MOTORISTS IN HONG KONG WEAR SEAT BELTS WHILE DRIVING.

THIS IS DESPITE THE FACT THAT CARS MANUFACTURED AFTER JUNE 30, 1964 AND REGISTERED AFTER AUGUST 1, 1976 ARE ALREADY REQUIRED TO HAVE SEAT BELTS FITTED TO THEIR FRONT SEATS.

THE PROPOSAL TO REQUIRE COMPULSORY WEARING OF SEAT BELTS IN PRIVATE CARS HAS ALSO HAD THE STRONG SUPPORT OF THE STANDING CONFERENCE ON ROAD SAFETY, WHICH INCLUDES REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HONG KONG AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION AND THE INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS.

THE PROPOSALS DID NOT INCLUDE GOODS VEHICLES BECAUSE THERE IS EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT IN A COLLISION, IT MIGHT BE AS SAFE FOR THE DRIVER TO BE THROWN FORWARD AND THUS AWAY FROM ANY FREIGHT BEING THRUST THROUGH THE REAR OF HIS CAB.

IN THEIR MEETING TODAY, TAC MEMBERS ALSO AGREED TO AN INCREASE IN THE LIMIT ON HOTEL HIRE CAR PERMITS FROM 150 TO 300, AND TO ALLOW PERSONS APPOINTED BY TOURIST AGENCIES TO HOLD TOUR HIRE CAR PERMITS. THIS WILL ALLOW A GREATER NUMBER OF GENUINE OPERATORS TO PROVIDE TRANSPORT SERVICES TO HOTEL GUESTS AND TOURISTS. APPLICATIONS FOR THE PERMITS WILL CONTINUE TO BE CLOSELY EXAMINED.

-----o------

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 1982

MISCONCEPTION ABOUT DB REGISTRATION CLEARED

*****

EDUCATIONAL STANDARD AND OCCUPATION ARE IRRELEVANT IN THE REGISTRATION OF DISTRICT BOARD ELECTORS. THE CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, SHAM SHU I PO, MR STEPHEN IP, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

HE WAS SPEAKING AT A JOINT DINNER PARTY OF LIONS CLUBS OF MOUNT CAMERON, BRAEMAR HILL, LION ROCK, ISLAND SOUTH AND LIONESS CLUB OF FUNG WONG SHAN.

CLEARING SOME COMMON MISCONCEPTION ABOUT DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, MR IP SAID THE ELECTIONS WERE NOT FOR THE INTELLECTUALS ONLY AND THAT SEX AND AGE SHOULD NOT AFFECT ONE’S CONCERN FOR HIS COMMUNITY.

♦OLD PEOPLE AND HOUSEWIVES IN FACT KNOW MORE ABOUT THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND NEEDS BECAUSE THEY HAVE MORE TIME AT HOME AND HAVE A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR NEIGHBOURS.*

MR IP ALSO POINTED OUT THAT NOT ONLY THE HEAD OF A HOUSEHOLD BUT EVERY MEMBER OF THE FAMILY, WHO WOULD REACH 21 YEARS OF AGE BY AUGUST 31 AND HAD LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR AT LEAST SEVEN YEARS, SHOULD REGISTER AS ELECTORS.

+NOT KNOWING MUCH ABOUT THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AND CANDIDATES SHOULD NOT DETER ANYBODY FROM REGISTERING AS ELECTORS SINCE STAFF OF THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND VOLUNTEERS ARE, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, MAKING DOOR-TO-DOOR VISITS EXPLAINING TO PEOPLE DETAILS ABOUT THE SCHEME, AND PEOPLE CAN ELECT THEIR CANDIDATE ACCORDING TO THEIR PAST CONTRIBUTIONS AND VIEWS ON PROBLEMS IN THE DISTRICTS,* HE SAID.

SINCE REGISTRATION OF URBAN DISTRICT BOARD ELECTORS STARTED ON MARCH 19 AND UP TO 5 PM TODAY, A TOTAL OF 101 709 COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES.

REGISTRATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM ANY OF THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES, POST OFFICES, MTR STATIONS, OR ANY OF THE BRANCHES OF THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANK, CHARTERED BANK OR HANG SENG BANK.

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE POSTED BACK, FREE OF CHARGE, TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE.

MR IP REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT ONLY THEIR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS SHOULD BE PUT IN BECAUSE ELECTORS CAN VOTE ONLY IN THE CONSTITUENCY IN WHICH THEY LIVE.

+BREACH OF THIS REGULATION MAY LEAD TO A FINE OF $5 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS,* HE WARNED.

REGISTERED URBAN COUNCIL ELECTORS WILL NOT NEED TO REGISTER BECAUSE THEIR NAMES WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE TRANSFERRED TO THE REGISTER FOR URBAN DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

/MR IP SAID .......

TUESDAY, MARCH 50, 19&

MR IP SAID THE SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WAS THE DETERMINING FACTOR FOR THE SUCCESS OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.

IN ORDER TO HELP AND ENCOURAGE REGISTRATION, THE 10 CITY DISTRICT OFFICES HAVE, SINCE LAST YEAR, BEEN PUBLICISING THE EVENT ACTIVELY.

♦ IN SHAM SHU I PO, FOR EXAMPLE,♦ HE SAID, +WE HAVE PRODUCED AN INTRODUCTORY LEAFLET AND A DISTRICT NEWSPAPER, ORGANISED SEMINARS FOR PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, PRODUCED CASSETTE TAPES FOR BROADCAST IN FACTORIES, PREPARED SOUVENIRS WITH DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION MESSAGES, AND MOBILISED STAFF OF THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AND VOLUNTEERS TO MAKE HOME VISITS AND TO FACTORIES, SHOPS AND HAWKERS STALLS TO HELP PEOPLE REGISTER.+

MR IP SAID SINCE THE SETTING UP OF THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD IN OCTOBER AND THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE IN MARCH LAST YEAR, A LOT OF WORK HAD BEEN DONE TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO SQUATTER AREAS. ALSO, MANY RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL PROJECTS HAD BEEN ORGANISED, INCLUDING THE MONTH-LONG SHAM SHU I PO FESTIVAL.

HE SAID ALL THESE WERE JUST PART OF THE WORK DONE AND THERE WAS STILL A LOT TO BE DONE IN THE DAYS AHEAD. +THE INCLUSION OF ELECTED MEMBERS WHO CAN REPRESENT THE LOCAL PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL SURELY MAKE THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME MORE SATISFACTORY,+ MR IP SAID.

-----o------

CHING MING STATUTORY HOLIDAY ft ft ft ft

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THE CHING MING FESTIVAL WHICH FALLS ON MONDAY, APRIL 5, IS ONE OF THE 10 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS APPOINTED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.

JHE ORDINANCE ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING DOMESTIC IRRESPECTIVE of THEIR earnings, and all non-manual

EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $6 000 A MONTH, ARE TO THE HOLIDAY.

ENTITLED

THEY MUST ALSO BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING HOL(DAYS.

HAVE WORKED THE STATUTORY

ATUeBH™!EAL^y.S£0ULD BE EQUIVALENT TO THE EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS PAY4 0N A N0RMAL WORKING DAY. WHERE THE

DAY ™ DAY« HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE £.T^vBA,LL!APN'NSS DURING A PERIOD OF 28 DAYS PRECEDING THE HOLIDAYS. PAYMENT SHOULD BE MADE ON THE NORMAL PAY DAY.

_ AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY.

/IF THE .......

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 19fi?

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 A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE NOTIFIED OF THE ARRANGEMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.

IF BOTH EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE AGREE, ANY DAY WITHIN 30 DAYS CF 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 AREi FOR KOWLOON EAST 3-205638- KOWLOON WEST 3-201652-KOWLOON SOUTH 3-319454- KWUN TONG 3-698520- TSUEN WAN 0-422096-TUEN MUN 0-818443- HONG KONG ISLAND (WEST) 5-268671 AND HONG KONG ISLAND (EAST) 5-282523 EXT. 60.

------o-------

CENTRALISED OFFICE SET UP FOR CREMATION ARRANGEMENTS ft ft ft ft

A CENTRALISED OFFICE HAS NOW BEEN SET UP WHICH WILL SAVE TIME AND EFFORT INVOLVED IN ARRANGING FOR CREMATIONS.

PREVIOUSLY, AFTER THE FIRST ESSENTIAL DOCUMENT, WHICH IS A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE FOR CREMATION, WAS OBTAINED FROM A DOCTOR, IT REQUIRED THREE FURTHER TRIPS TO DIFFERENT OFFICES TO OBTAIN THE OTHER NECESSARY DOCUMENTS FOR CREMATION.

FIRST OF ALL, A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION OF DEATH HAD TO BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEATH REGISTRY OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT. THEN A CREMATION PERMIT, PRESCRIBING THE PARTICULAR PLACE WHERE THE CREMATION WILL TAKE PLACE, HAD TO BE OBTAINED FROM THE PORT HEALTH OFFICE OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT. AND, FINALLY, A TRIP HAD TO BE MADE TO THE CEMETERIES AND CREMATORIA OFFICE OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, TO BOOK A TIME AND DATE FOR CREMATION.

YESTERDAY, HOWEVER, A CENTRALISED SERVICE WAS SET UP SO THAT ALL THREE OF THESE DOCUMENTS MAY NOW BE OBTAINED FROM ONE OFFICE, IN ROOMS 1411-12 IN THE NEW WORLD CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON.

ANOTHER JOINT-OFFICE OFFERING A SIMILAR CENTRALISED DOCUMENTATION SERVICE WILL BE SET UP AROUND THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR AT CENTRE POINT, THIRD FLOOR, 181-185 GLOUCESTER ROAD, wAN CHAI.

SEPARATE DOCUMENTS ARE STILL ISSUED BY THEIR THREE RESPECTIVE AUTHORITIES, BUT BY HAVING ALL THE WORK DONE IN ONE OFFICE THERE WILL BE A CONSIDERABLE SAVING IN TERMS OF TIME AND EFFORT ON THE PART OF THE PUBLIC, AN OFFICER SAID.

THE IDEA OF PROVIDING A CENTRAL LOCATION FOR THE ISSUE OF THE THREE DOCUMENTS HAD BEEN CONSIDERED FOR SOME TIME BY THE VARIOUS GOVERNMENT OFFICES CONCERNED, BUT COULD NOT BE PUT INTO EFFECT BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF A SUITABLE VENUE.

/AS AN INTERIM ........

tuss^y, march 30. 1982

AS AN INTERIM TIME-SAVING MEASURE, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF WERE SENT FROM AUGUST LAST YEAR TO TWO PORT HEALTH OFFICES AT BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR ^OR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC.

GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED ARE HOPING TO ENCOURAGE MORE CREMATIONS THAN BURIALS, WHICH WILL RESULT IN SAVINGS IN TERMS OF COST, AS WELL AS BURIAL SPACES.

THE 1981 CREMATION-TO-EURI AL RATIO WAS 57143, BUT IT IS HO=>ED THAT THIS RATIO COULD BE BROUGHT TO AT LEAST 65i35 BY 1985.

IN TERMS OF COSTS, BURIAL IN A PUBLIC CEMETERY IS ABOUT S5 300, AGAINST ABOUT §4 300 FOR CREMATION, AN OFFICER OF THE USD STATED.

PRIVATE BURIALS COST VERY MUCH MORE. FOR INTERMENT IN THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES, COSTS RUN UP TO $150 003, AND AT CHINESE CHRISTIAN CEMETERIES, TO ABOUT $103 000. IN ADDITION, THE COFFINS COST AN AVERAGE OF $20 300.

IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE A CREMATION-BURIAL RATIO OF AT LEAST 65«35 BY 1985, EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO PROMOTE CREMATION, INCLUDING THE INCREASE OF CREMATION FACILITIES AND COLUMBARIUM SPACES, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR USD, WHICH MANAGES THE FACILITIES.

THE PRESENT THREE CREMATORIA AT CAPE COLLINSON, DIAMOND HILL AND KwAI CHUNG HAVE A TOTAL ANNUAL CAPACITY OF NEARLY 16 000 CREMATIONS. THREE MORE CREMATORIA, WHICH WILL ENABLE A FURTHER 12 000 CREMATIONS A YEAR, WILL BE BUILT IN THE NEXT SIX YEARS. THEY ARE THE SHA TIN CREMATORIUM, THE WO HOP SHEK CREMATORIUM AND THE TUEN MUN CREMATORIUM.

THERE ARE AT PRESENT ABOUT 33 800 COLUMBARIUM NICHES FOR CINERARY URNS AT THREE COLUMBARIA, BUT THEIR TOTAL CAPACITY WILL BE MORE THAN DOUBLED BY 1986.

PLANS CALL FOR 17 830 NICHES TO BE ADDED TO THE 22 730 AT THE CAPE COLLINSON COLUMBARIUM BY 1983, AND 18 000 MORE NICHES TO THE 4 600 AT THE DIAMOND HILL COLUMBARIUM. A NEW SHA TIN COLUMBARIUM WILL PROVIDE ANOTHER 18 000 SPACES WHILE THE 3 500-NICHE CAPACITY OF THE KWAI CHUNG COLUMBARIUM WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.

MR LAI CHU-KONG, STAFF OFFICER (CEMETERIES AND CREMATORIA) CF USD, SAID THERE WERE ONLY ABOUT 3 000 VACANT NICHES LEFT EARLIER THIS MONTH BUT ANOTHER 3 830 NICHES WILL BE AVAILABLE WITH THE FIRST STAGE EXTENSION TO THE CAPE COLLINSON COLUMBARIUM IN AUGUST.

THE URBAN COUNCIL ALSO MANAGES FIVE PUBLIC CEMETERIES IN THE URBAN AREAS WHILE THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES OPERATES ANOTHER FIVE PUBLIC CEMETERIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE PRIVATE CEMETERIES INCLUDE 17 LOCATED IN THE URBAN AREAS AND ANOTHER SEVEN IN THE NEw TERRITORIES, MOST OF THE FORMER HAVE REACHED THEIR CULL CAPACITY.

/6........

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 1982

- 6 -

TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO BE STRENGTHENED

X * *

FROM THURSDAY (APRIL 1) THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE STRENGTHENED BY A VERY SUBSTANTIAL EXPANSION OF ITS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT CAPABILITIES.

LATER IN THE YEAR THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE FURTHER REORGANISED WITH THREE REGIONAL OFFICES.

IN THE FIRST PHASE OF THESE ARRANGEMENTS, THE MAJOR PART OF THE PRESENT TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT BRANCH OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE WILL COME UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT. FOR THIS PURPOSE THE GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, TOGETHER WITH THE STAFF CF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DIVISIONS, THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SURVEY DIVISION, THE TRAFFIC CONTROL AND SURVEILLANCE DIVISION AND THE ROAD SAFETY DIVISION WILL BE SECONDED TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.

THE SECOND PHASE WILL SEE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THREE REGIONAL OFFICES COVERING HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.

IN ADDITION, THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SURVEY DIVISION AND THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S PLANNING DIVISIONS, WHICH HAVE RECENTLY BEEN ENLARGED, WILL BE BROUGHT TOGETHER UNDER A NEW TRANSPORT PLANNING AND RESEARCH BRANCH TO BE SET UP IN THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.

THE PWD HIGHWAYS OFFICE WILL CONTINUE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL ASPECTS OF HIGHWAY DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE.

COMMENTING ON THESE CHANGES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR ALAN ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT, SAID THAT THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS WILL BRING TOGETHER INTO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ALL ASPECTS OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT. THIS CLOSER CONTROL WILL HELP TO STREAMLINE PROCEDURES AND SHORTEN LINES OF COMMUNICATION.

ALSO, THE SETTING UP OF THE REGIONAL OFFICES LATER IN THE YEAR WILL ALLOW THE DEPARTMENT TO BE MORE RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.

MR ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT ADDED THAT EACH REGIONAL OFFICE WILL BE HEADED BY AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATIONS IN HIS REGION. THEY WILL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DEAL WITH DAY-TO-DAY PROBLEMS WITHOUT REFERENCE TO HEADQUARTERS, AND THE CURRENT NEED FOR INTER-DEPARTMENTAL CONSULTATION WILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED.

HE STRESSED THAT THE STRENGTHENING AND REORGANISATION OF THE DEPARTMENT WOULD MAKE IT A MORE EFFECTIVE INSTRUMENT IN CARRYING OUT GOVERNMENT’S POLICIES AND IN COPING WITH THE GROWTH IN TRAFFIC AND DEMANDS FOR TRANSPORT.

------c-------

n....

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 1982

THREE NEW MEMBERS FOR TAC ft ft *

THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED THREE NEW MEMBERS TO THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR TWO YEARS FROM APRIL 1, 1982.

THEY SUCCEED MRS ELSIE ELLIOTT, MISS ANNIE WU AND MR RAYMOND FUNG, WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE AT THE END OF MARCH.

THE NEW MEMBERS ARE MISS MARIA TAM WAI-CHU, MR STEPHEN CHENG WUI-YAU AND MISS ANNA WU HUNG-YUK.

MISS TAM, A PRACTISING BARRISTER, HAS BEEN AN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL SINCE APRIL 1979 AND A MEMBER LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SINCE SEPTEMBER 1981.

ELECTED MEMBER OF THE

AT UMELCO, SHE IS A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WORKING GROUP ON COMMUNITY SERVICES CONCERNED WITH TRANSPORT, COMMUNICATIONS, PUBLIC WORKS, AND RELATED MATTERS.

IS A SEN,0R LECTURER IN TRANSPORT IN THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC. « IS ONE OF THE PUBLIC MEMBERS ASSISTING IN THE REVIEW OF BUS OPERATIONS, SERVING ON THE DEPOT REQUIREMENTS SUB-GROUP.

MISS ANNA WU IS A LAWYER IN PRIVATE PRACTICE, AND KEENLY INTERESTED IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS. SHE IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG OBSERVERS.

OF THE THREE MEMBERS WHO LEFT THE TAC, MRS ELSIE ELLIOTT HAS THE LONGEST ASSOCIATION WITH THE COMMITTEE, HAVING BEEN WITH IT SINCE 1966. IN THE TAC MEETING TODAY, THE CHAIRMAN MR T.S. LO PAID TRIBUTE TO HER WORK. HER CONTRIBUTION HAS BEEN CONSIDERABLE FOR OVER 16 YEARS WHICH HAVE SEEN TREMENDOUS GROWTH IN THE DEMAND FOR AND PROVISION OF TRANSPORT SERVICES.

MISS ANNIE WU, WHO HAD SERVED THE COMMITTEE FOR TWO YEARS, WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE ALTERNATE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRANSPORT TRIBUNAL. MR FUNG HAS LEFT HONG KONG TO TAKE UP AN OVERSEAS POSTING.

/c.........

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 1982

TEACHERS LEARN ABOUT RE-DEMARCATION OF EDUCATION AREAS * * * *

TEACHERS FROM MORE THAN 900 AIDED SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS TODAY (TUESDAY) TOOK PART IN SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS AND EXCHANGED VIEWS WITH STAFF OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON TOPICS OF INTEREST.

APART FROM DISCUSSING TOPICS RAISED BY THE TEACHERS THEMSELVES, THE TEACHERS WERE ALSO INFORMED OF THE RECENT REDEMARCATION OF HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE NEW TERRITORIES INTO THREE AND FIVE EDUCATIONAL AREAS RESPECTIVELY WHICH IS AIMED AT IMPROVING SERVICES AND COMMUNICATION WITH SCHOOLS, PARENTS AND STUDENTS.

THE TEACHERS WERE TOLD THAT UNDER THE RE-DEMARCATION, EACH AREA WILL BE UNDER THE CHARGE OF A SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER. THIS WILL BE FURTHER DIVIDED INTO EDUCATIONAL DISTRICTS EACH UNDER THE CHARGE OF A DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICER.

KOWLOON HAD BEEN RE-DEMARCATED INTO SIX AREAS EARLY LAST YEAR AS A PILOT SCHEME, AND THE RE-DEMARCATION OF HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE NEW TERRITORIES FOLLOWED AFTER THIS SCHEME PROVED TO BE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL.

THE PURPOSE OF THE RE-DEMARCATION IS NOT ONLY TO ENABLE EACH EDUCATIONAL AREA TO COINCIDE WITH THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY DISTRICTS, BUT ALSO TO FACILITATE BETTER CO-ORDINATION AND PLANNING BETWEEN VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WITHIN EACH CITY DISTRICT.

SCHOOL HEADS AND TEACHERS WILL CONTINUE TO BE ENCOURAGED TO VISIT REGIONAL OFFICERS AT THEIR OFFICES FOR DISCUSSION OF ANY MATTERS, PROFESSIONAL OR PERSONAL, ABOUT WHICH THEY FEEL CONCERNED OR ANXIOUS.

THE REGIONAL OFFICERS WILL BE SETTING ASIDE SATURDAY MORNINGS FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSULTATION WITH SCHOOL STAFF.

HOWEVER, IT WAS EMPHASISED AT THE DISCUSSION THAT THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS WERE INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT AND NOT TO REPLACE THE NORMAL CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION WHICH IS THROUGH THE HEADS OF SCHOOLS.

------o ------

KMB NO. 10 TO BE RE-ROUTED

* X *

KOWLOON MOTOR BUS NO. 10 FROM CHOI WAN TO TAI KOK TSUI FERRY WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM THURSDAY (APRIL 1).

THEY WILL USE CHOI HUNG ROAD, SHAT IN PASS ROAD, TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD, JUNCTION ROAD, DUMBARTON ROAD, GRAMPIAN ROAD AND NGA TSIN WAI ROAD ON JOURNEYS TO TAI KOK TSUI FERRY.

MEANWHILE, TRAFFIC AT BREEZY PATH IN THE MID-LEVELS WILL BE TEMPORARILY RE-ROUTED ONE WAY UP-HILL FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 31) FOR REPAIRS TO SEWAGE PIPES, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).

------0-------

/9........

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 1982

SEMINAR FOR KOWLOON CITY INDUSTRIALISTS * * * *

THE KOWLOON CITY CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WILL JOINTLY ORGANISE A DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SEMINAR ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON (APRIL 1) AT THE WA YING COLLEGE SCHOOL HALL IN HO MAN TIN FOR MORE THAN 300 INDUSTRIALISTS AND MEMBERS OF AREA COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT.

THE SEMINAR, ORGANISED MAINLY FOR INDUSTRIALISTS IN THE DISTRICT TO APPEAL TO THEM TO TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN THE DISTRICT BOARD REGISTRATION EXERCISE AND AT THE SAME TIME PUBLICISE THE WORK OF THE TDC.

THE CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER OF KOWLOON CITY, MR LEE LAP-SUN, WILL MAKE THE OPENING REMARK AT THE SEMINAR WHILE THE FIELD MANAGER OF THE TDC, MR CHOW TIN-SHEK, WILL TALK ABOUT THE TDC’S SERVICES AND FACILITIES.

THE PROGRAMME FOR THE SEMINAR WILL ALSO INCLUDE A FILM SHOW ON THE TDC’S SERVICES, A SLIDE SHOW ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, OPEN FORUMS AND A SPEECH BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER OF KOWLOON CITY (EAST), MR A.L. LANG, ON THE FUNCTION OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR WHICH WILL LAST FROM 2.30 PM TO 5 PM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 1) AT THE SCHOOL HALL OF WA YING COLLEGE, 8 SHEUNG WO STREET, KOWLOON.

-----o-----

FANLING SWIMMING POOL RE-OPENS * ft *

M THE FANLING SWIMMING POOL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL qf"annual°maintenance workHURSDAY (apr,l w,th the C0MPLET,0N vr RHUVML nRINItNANUC WUKK•

lifeguard and first-aid services will be THE POOL THROUGHOUT THE DAY, SAID A SPOKESMAN TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

PROVIDED AT FOR THE NEW

THE OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 9 AM TO 11.45 AM-TO 2.30 PM- 3 PM TO 5.45 PM- AND 6.45 PM TO 9 PM.

12.15 PM

AS THE WEATHER BECOMES WARMER, THE SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL AND KWAI SHING SWIMMING POOL WILL OPEN ONE MORE SESSIONS IN THE EVENING.

THESE WILL BE FROM 7.45 PM TO 10 PM.

0---------

/10........

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 1982

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR HAPPY VALLEY RACES * * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR BOTH DAY AND NIGHT RACE MEETINGS AT HAPPY VALLEY THROUGHOUT THE RACE SEASON.

TWO HOURS PRIOR TO THE START OF THE RACES, THE FOLLOWING MAJOR DIVERSIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED!

* MORRISON HILL ROAD WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHEAST BOUND BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST AND LEIGHTON ROAD AND THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY BETWEEN WAN CHAI ROAD AND LEIGHTON ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES.

* LEIGHTON ROAD WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND FROM MORRISON HILL ROAD TO WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD.

* BROADWOOD ROAD WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND FROM WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD TO LINK ROAD.

* SHAN KWONG ROAD WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND FROM KING KWONG STREET TO VILLAGE ROAD.

* VILLAGE ROAD WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND FROM SHAN KWONG ROAD TO WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD.

* WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND FROM VILLAGE ROAD TO QUEEN’S ROAD EAST.

* SPORTS ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT THOSE REQUIRING ACCESS TO THE PREMISES IN THE AREA.

ft 01 KWAN ROAD, EXCEPT THE SECTION BETWEEN WING CHEUNG STREET AND THE TANG SHIU KIN HOSPITAL, WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY IN AN ANTl-CLOCKWISE DIRECTION.

AT THE SAME TIME, TRAFFIC IN CANAL ROAD EXTENSION WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.

IN ADDITION, PARKING ON THE SECTION OF HARBOUR ROAD BETWEEN FLEMING ROAD AND FENWICK STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 AM TO 7 PM FOR DAY RACES AND FROM 5 PM TO 12 MIDNIGHT FOR NIGHT RACES.

/11 .......

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 1982

QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

*****

THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT IS TO ORGANISE ABOUT 100 SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL EVENTS TO CELEBRATE THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY ON APRIL 21.

IN ADDITION, TWO CONCERTS PRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S MUSIC OFFICE WILL ALSO BE STAGED.

THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, YOUNG AND OLD AND OF ALL PHYSICAL ABILITIES. WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE PART IN A DAY OF FUN AND GAMES TO BE HELD IN PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

THOSE WHO WISH TO TAKE PART IN EVENTS SUCH AS BASKETBALL BADMINTON. MINI-SOCCER, LAWN BOWLS, TABLE-TENNIS, ETC SHOULD SUBMIT APPLICATIONS AS 800N AS POSSIBLE.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL THE 19 OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT’S RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE.

THE CELEBRATIONS WILL START AT 9 AM ON HONG KONG ISLAND’S VICTORIA PARK WHERE MOST OF THE ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR JOHN BREMRIDGE, ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

IN KOWLOON, TWO MAJOR VENUES FOR THE CELEBRATIONS WILL BE KOWLOON PARK AND THE KWUN TONG RECREATION GROUND.

ON THAT DAY, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR F.K. HU, WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT WILL OFFICIATE AT KOWLOON PARK AT 9.30 AM WHEN ABOUT 4 000 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN 20 EVENTS.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, WILL START THE CELEBRATIONS AT THE KWUN TONG RECREATION GROUND AT 2.30 PM.

IN N.T. EAST, A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, H? CHARLES YEUNG. WILL START OFF THE CELEBRATIONS AT FANLING RECREATION GROUND AT 10 AM. AMONG THE 23 EVENTS PLANNED FOR THE REGION ARE A CROSS-COUNTRY RACE, A PARACHUTE PERFORMANCE AND A CANOEING FUN DAY.

IN N.T. WEST, A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, MR HOWARD YOUNG, WILL PERFORM THE OPENING CEREMONY AT SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND AT 10 AM. SOME 25 EVENTS ARE PLANNED FOR THE DISTRICT WHICH INCLUDES YUEN LONG AREA.

/A BAND .......

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 198?

12 -

A BAND CONCERT WILL BE STAGED AT 3 PM AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM WHERE SEVERAL YOUTH BANDS, INCLUDING THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND, WILL GIVE A TWO-HOUR PERFORMANCE.

A CONCERT WILL BE GIVEN BY THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AT 7.30 PM.

TICKETS FOR THE TWO CONCERTS ARE NOW ON SALE AT THE MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.

-----0------

COURSE FOR HOCKEY COACHES

# * X

THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISING WITH THE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION A COURSE FOR HOCKEY COACHES NEXT MONTH.

THE DEADLINE FOR THE COURSE IS APRIL 6 AND APPLICANTS ARE URGED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

THE COURSE WILL BE HELD ON EIGHT CONSECUTIVE SATURDAYS STARTING FROM APRIL 24. EACH CLASS WILL START FROM 6.30 PM AND LAST UNTIL TO 9 PM.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE HEAD OFFICE ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF WING ON CENTRE AND FROM ITS 19 DISTRICT OFFICES.

COACHES WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE COURSE WILL BE ISSUED WITH AN ELEMENTARY COACH CERTIFICATE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE AIM OF THE COURSE IS TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF HOCKEY COACHES WHOSE SERVICES WOULD BE NEEDED WHEN THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE INTRODUCES HOCKEY COURSES FOR YOUTHS DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS.

- 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 1982

CONTaffS PAGE NO,

FAREWELL DINNER FOR SIR MURRAY.................................. 1

REGULAR CHECKS KEPT ON CHINESE MEDICINES ....................... 2

54 PASS PART ONE OF MEDICAL COUNCIL EXAMINATION ................ 3

BUSINESS REGISTRATION REMINDER ................................. 4

RECIPROCAL HEALTH CARE ARRANGEMENT WITH UK ..................... 5

CENTRAL AND WESTERN DB MEMBERS VISIT UC WARD OFFICE ............ 6

PROHIBITION OF LEARNER DRIVERS IN ABERDEEN TUNNEL AREA ......... 6

PLB CLEARWAYS IN ABERDEEN ...................................... 7

RECRUITMENT OF LIFE GUARDS ..................................... 7

ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD STUDENT WINS CLEAN HONG KONG CARTOON COMPETITION .................................................... g

BACH CHOIR TO VISIT HONG KONG .................................. 0

TAI PO SITE FOR TENDER

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 1982

FAREWELL DINNER FOR SIR MURRAY

* * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, ATTENDED A FAREWELL DINNER GIVEN IN HIS HONOUR THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING BY MR WANG KUANG, FIRST DIRECTOR OF THE XINHUA NEWS AGENCY.

AT THE DINNER, HELD IN THE XINHUA NEWS AGENCY BUILDING IN HAPPY VALLEY, SIR MURRAY SPOKE ABOUT THE EXCELLENT STATE OF RELATIONS BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA OVER HONG KONG.

FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECHi

DIRECTOR WANG, DIRECTOR LI, FRIENDS,

♦ I GREATLY APPRECIATE THIS FAREWELL DINNER. IT REFLECTS A PERSONAL AND WORKING RELATIONSHIP THAT I GREATLY VALUE AND WILL LONG REMEMBER.

+ 1 SHOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND WORDS. BUT THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PAST 10 YEARS ARE CORPORATE. MANY PEOPLE AND INSTITUTIONS HAVE PLAYED A PART, AND IN PARTICULAR THE GOVERNMENTS OF CHINA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM. BUT WITHIN THIS FRAMEWORK, AND ABOVE ALL, IT HAS BEEN THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WITH THEIR INDUSTRY, SKILL AND RESOURCE AND IN THE UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT OF HONG KONG, WHICH HAVE MADE THIS CITY INTO THE VIGOROUS AND PROSPEROUS COMMUNITY IT IS TO-DAY.

♦ IT IS A MATTER OF PARTICULAR SATISFACTION TO ME THAT COOPERATION AND INVESTMENT BETWEEN HONG KONG ON THE ONE HAND AND GUANGDONG AND OTHER REGIONS OF CHINA ON THE OTHER HAS DEVELOPED SO RAPIDLY AND SO SMOOTHLY AND IN BOTH DIRECTIONS IN THE LAST FEW YEARS. IT IS EVIDENT FOR ALL TO SEE THAT THIS PRINCIPLE OF COOPERATION, IN THE ECONOMIC AND MANY OTHER FIELDS IS VASTLY TO THE MUTUAL BENEFIT. YOU MAY COUNT ON US TO APPLY IT IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE OF SHENZHEN TO WHOSE SUCCESS WE ATTACH GREAT IMPORTANCE.

♦ALL THIS REFLECTS THE EXCELLENT STATE OF RELATIONS BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA OVER HONG KONG. BUT IT IS ALSO DUE IN NO SMALL f€ASURE TO THE EFFORTS OF OUR FRIENDS IN XINHUA. HERE LET ME NOTE THAT YOU, MR WANG, ARRIVED IN HONG KONG TO TAKE UP YOUR IMPORTANT POST IN SEPTEMBER 1978, AND SINCE THEN THE MOST VIGOROUS EXPANSION OF OUR COOPERATION HAS OCCURRED. I THANK YOU AND YOUR STAFF FOR WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED.

♦ IT HAS BEEN A GREAT PLEASURE FOR ME TO WORK WITH YOU AND YOUR COLLEAGUES SO CLOSELY OVER THE YEARS. I KNOW THAT MY SUCCESSOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, IS LOOKING FORWARD TO MAINTAINING AND DEVELOPING THESE PERSONAL CONTACTS.

/+HONG KONG IS .......

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 19t2

- 2 -

+HONG KONG IS STRONG AND PROSPEROUS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF ITS FUTURE IS UNDERSTOOD IN PEKING AND LONDON. I AM SURE THAT IN THE PRESENT SITUATION THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SHOULD WORK FOR TWO OBJECTIVES. FIRSTLY IT MUST CONTINUE TO EXPAND THE PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG, ITS FREE PORT, ITS WORLD-WIDE COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL CONNECTIONS AND THE VALUE OF ITS CURRENCY, AND IN THIS WAY THE WELLBEING OF ITS FIVE MILLION RESIDENTS. SECONDLY IT MUST DEVELOP EVER CLOSER COOPERATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND OTHER REGIONS OF CHINA. THESE OBJECTIVES ARE INTERCONNECTED BECAUSE EITHER WILL FAIL WITHOUT THE OTHER. I BELIEVE THAT IF WE FOLLOW FAITHFULLY THESE TWIN OBJECTIVES, THE PROBLEM OF OUR FUTURE WILL BE MORE EASILY SOLVED.

+IN CONCLUSION I SHOULD LIKE TO PROPOSE A TOAST TO THE HEALTH OF OUR HOSTS, TO CONTINUED COOPERATION BETWEEN US, AND TO THE PROSPERITY AND WELLBEING OF HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE.*

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REGULAR CHECKS KEPT ON CHINESE MEDICINES

*****

rcAcinlHeL*TC2oIc2uTBYTL!G,SLATION 0F CHINESE MEDICINES IS NOT FEA8 PRESENT, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL

S^TINUE TO SAMPLE CHINE8E MEDICINES AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION WHERE PUBLIC HEALTH IS CONSIDERED TO BE AT RISK.

QPovJceS/Mcni^I,ATEDT,^Y.T^E DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES (MEDICAL), DR S.F. LAM, AT A MEETING OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY THIS AFTERNOON.

* E SAID UP TILL THE END 0F FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, 60 CHINESE HERBAL PREPARATIONS ON THE MARKET HAD BEEN CHECKED AND TESTED BY THE FORENSIC PHARMACY DIVISION TO SEE IF THEY CONTAINED WESTERN MEDICINE AND TO MONITOR THE LEVEL OF TOXIC METALS.

euA1112R„kAM SA,D THE Question of whether Chinese herbal medicines SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO LEGISLATIVE CONTROL HAS CAUSED SOME CONCERN AMONG LOCAL MANUFACTURERS.

UNDER THE PRESENT LAW, ALL PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND £2'5 INES ARE SUBJECT TO CONTROL UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS SOLATIONS AND ARE REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED WITH THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD.

i icTcn0.^ L?2E8 N0T APPLY T0 TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINES bJnIEPJ^THE CHINESE HERBAL MATERIA MEDICA OR WHICH ARE MADE FROM HERBS CUSTOMARILY USED BY THE CHINESE.

DR LAM WARNED THAT IF CHINESE MEDICINES ARE FOUND TO BE ADULTERATED WITH WESTERN DRUGS THAT PROVE TO BE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS TO PUBLIC HEALTH, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT CAN, AND WILL TAKE ACTION.

_unilI nE JA12,.™AT. FR0M THE professional point of view, all drugs SHOULD BE CONTROLLED FOR MAXIMUM PROTECTION OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

*1 ,S FEASIBLE IN THE CASE OF WESTERN DRUGS

£™QUGHIT IS TAKING ABOUT FIVE YEARS TO COMPLETE REGISTRATION OF ALL PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET,* HE SAID.

/+THIS IS........

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 1962

+THIS IS POSSIBLE BECAUSE ALL THE REQUIRED STANDARDS SUCH AS IDENTITY, PURITY, TOXICITY, PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION, METHOD CF ANALYSIS ARE AVAILABLE FROM OFFICIAL PHARMACOPOEIAS, RESEARCH PAPERS AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS,* HE ADDED.

♦ NO SUCH SCIENTIFIC DATA EXISTS IN THE CASE OF CHINESE MEDICINES,* DR LAM SAID, POINTING OUT THAT EXISTING CHINESE PHARMACOPOEIAS ARE LIMITED TO SIMPLE INFORMATION, SUCH AS GENERAL DESCRIPTION, METHOD OF PROCESSING AND STORAGE.

♦ TO ESTABLISH THE REQUIRED STANDARDS IN ORDER TO ASSESS THE SAFETY, QUALITY AND EFFICACY OF CHINESE HERBS FOR THE PURPOSE CF CONTROL, WOULD BE A CONSIDERABLE UNDERTAKING,* HE SAID.

♦ WITH THOUSANDS OF CHINESE HERBS AVAILABLE, EACH CONTAINING TEN TO 20 INGREDIENTS, IT WOULD BE UNREALISTIC TO SUGGEST THAT THIS COULD BE ACCOMPLISHED. IT HAS BEEN ESTIMATED THAT EVEN THE SIMPLEST FORM OF CONTROL BY WAY OF AUTHENTICATION OF THE DRUGS WOULD REQUIRE APPROXIMATELY $15 MILLION,* HE SAID.

DR LAM SAID THAT FINDING THE MONEY WOULD BE THE EASIEST CF THE TASKS, BUT FINDING THE EXPERTISE REQUIRED FOR AUTHENTICATION WOULD BE DIFFICULT.

- - 0 -

54 PASS PART ONE OF MEDICAL COUNCIL EXAMINATION * * * *

THE LICENTIATE COMMITTEE OF THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT 54 CANDIDATES HAVE PASSED PART I OF THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION FOR UNREG ISTRABLE DOCTORS.

THE PART I EXAMINATION, A MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTION PAPER ON PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE, IN WHICH 464 CANDIDATES SAT , WAS HELD ON MARCH 11.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO SIT FOR THE SECOND PART OF THE EXAMINATION ON APRIL 27.

IN ADDITION TO THE 54 CANDIDATES, A FURTHER 12 CANDIDATES WHO FAILED THE PART II EXAMINATION IN PREVIOUS YEARS, WILL ALSO HAVE TO RE-SIT THIS PART.

THE SECOND PART OF THE EXAMINATION IS A WRITTEN ENGLISH PAPER TO TEST CANDIDATES’ COMPREHENSION OF THE LANGUAGE FOR CLINICAL USE.

CANDIDATES WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY PASSED THE FIRST TWO PARTS CF THE EXAMINATION ARE ELIGIBLE TO SIT FOR PART III WHICH IS AN ORAL TEST ON PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF MEDICINE.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES OF ALL THREE PARTS OF THE EXAMINATION WILL THEN HAVE TO COMPLETE AN EXTERNSHIP OF ABOUT 18 MONTHS BEFORE RECEIVING THE AWARD OF A LICENCE TO PRACTISE IN HONG KONG.

A TOTAL OF 264 MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS HAVE BECOME LICENTIATE DOCTORS AFTER PASSING THE THREE-PART EXAMINATIONS AND SATISFACTORILY COMPLETING AN EXTERNSHIP SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE TEST SINCE 1977. AT PRESENT ANOTHER 82 ARE UNDERGOING THE 18-MONTH PERIOD CF EXTERNSHIP IN GOVERNMENT-DESIGNATED HOSPITALS.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 1982 '

BUSINESS REGISTRATION REMINDER

* * * *

THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED BUSINESS OPERATORS THAT ALL BUSINESSES, EXCEPT THOSE SPECIFICALLY EXEMPTED, ARE REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT BUSINESS IS DEFINED AS ANY FORM OF TRADE, COMMERCE, CRAFTSMANSHIP, PROFESSION OR OTHER ACTIVITY CARRIED ON FOR THE PURPOSE OF GAIN. CLUBS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO REGISTER IF THEY PROVIDE SERVICES FOR THEIR MEMBERS AND HAVE CLUB PREMISES OF WHICH THEIR MEMBERS HAVE A RIGHT OF EXCLUSIVE USE.

THE BUSINESSES WHICH ARE EXEMPT FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE AREi THE ACTIVITIES OF CHARITIES- THE BUSINESS OF AGRICULTURE, MARKET GARDENING OR FISHING- THE BUSINESS OF BOOT-BLACK- AND BUSINESSES WHICH REQUIRE A HAWKER LICENCE UNDER THE HAWKERS’ BY-LAW.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE REQUIREMENT APPLIES TO COMPANIES INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG AS WELL AS OVERSEAS COMPANIES TO WHICH PART XI OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE APPLIES, WHETHER OR NOT THEY CARRY ON BUSINESS LOCALLY.

APPLICATION FORMS FOR REGISTRATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY POST OR IN PERSON FROM THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION OFFICES OF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT ATi

HONG KONG I WINDSOR HOUSE, 3RD FLOOR, 311 GLOUCESTER ROAD. KOWLOONi PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 12TH FLOOR,

56 DUNDAS STREET,MONG KOK.

TSUEN WANs FOU WAH CENTRE,210 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, GROUND FLOOR.

THE FORMS MAY BE COMPLETED IN CHINESE OR IN ENGLISH AND MAY BE RETURNED BY POST OR IN PERSON.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT A BUSINESS WITH TURNOVER OF LESS THAN $1 500 MONTHLY OR WHERE THE BUSINESS CONSISTS OF PROVIDING SERVICES WHICH HAD RECEIPTS OF LESS THAN *450 MONTHLY MAY APPLY FOR EXEMPTION OF THE REGISTRATION FEE OF *175.

ONCE A BUSINESS OR COMPANY IS REGISTERED, ANY CHANGE WHICH ALTERS THE REGISTERED PARTICULARS MUST BE NOTIFIED TO THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION OFFICE WITHIN ONE MONTH.

ANY ONE WHO FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISION OF THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF *2 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR, HE SAID.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 1982

RECIPROCAL HEALTH CARE * * *

ARRANGEMENT WITH UK * *

HONG KONG VISITORS TO BRITAIN, INCLUDING STUDENTS, WILL CONTINUE TO BE PROVIDED WITH ALL IMMEDIATE NECESSARY MEDICAL TREATMENT ON THE SAME TERMS AS LOCAL RESIDENTS UNDER THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE, UNDER A RECIPROCAL HEALTH CARE ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN THE HONG KONG AND UK GOVERNMENTS.

THE RECIPROCAL ARRANGEMENT WILL COME INTO EFFECT TOMORROW (APRIL 1, 1982), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.

THE UK GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY ANNOUNCED THAT REGULATIONS COVERING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CHARGES FOR NHS TREATMENT FOR OVERSEAS VISITORS WILL BE LAID BEFORE PARLIAMENT AROUND EASTER TO COME INTO EFFECT ON OCTOBER 1, 1982.

IN FUTURE, FREE TREATMENT FOR VISITORS WILL BE RESTRICTED TO OUTPATIENT TREATMENT IN *ACC IDENT AND EMERGENCY* AND *CASUALTY* DEPARTMENTS, THE TREATMENT OF COMMUNICABLE (INCLUDING SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED) DISEASE AND PSYCHIATRIC CARE FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE COMPULSORILY DETAINED.

SUBJECT TO CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS, CHARGES WILL BE LEVIED ON PERSONS NOT ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN THE UK FOR ALL OTHER NHS HOSPITAL TREATMENT.

AMONG THOSE EXEMPTED FROM THE NEW CHARGES ARE VISITORS, INCLUDING STUDENTS, WHO HAVE BEEN IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR ONE YEAR (INSTEAD OF A 3-YEAR QUALIFYING PERIOD EARLIER PROPOSED) AND PEOPLE FROM COUNTRIES OR TERRITORIES WITH WHOM THE UK HAS RECIPROCAL AGREEMENTS.

THE PRESENT RECIPROCAL ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE UK IS THE OUTCOME OF A VISIT TO LONDON LAST APRIL BY A HONG KONG TEAM COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND LED BY SIR JACK CATER, AND SUBSEQUENT CONSULTATION WITH THE UK DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY.

+HONG KONG VISITORS, IN ESTABLISHING THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR TREATMENT, WILL BE EXPECTED TO PRODUCE A VALID IDENTITY CARD, PASSPORT OR CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.

+THE RECIPROCAL ARRANGEMENT WILL NOT APPLY TO PERSONS WHO GO TO EACH OTHER’S TERRITORY FOR THE EXPRESS PURPOSE OF OBTAINING MEDICAL TREATMENT,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 1982

- 6

CENTRAL AND WESTERN DB MEMBERS VISIT UC WARD OFFICE

* * *

MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD VISITED THE URBAN COUNCIL WARD OFFICE IN CENTRAL MARKET THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.

THE VISIT WAS TO PROVIDE BOARD MEMBERS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THE WARD OFFICE SYSTEM WORKED AND HOW MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE ATTENDED TO.

MR PETER C.K. CHAN, URBAN COUNCILLOR AND A MEMBER OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD WAS ON DUTY AT THE TIME OF THE VISIT AND HE EXPLAINED BRIEFLY TO THE BOARD MEMBERS ON HOW TO DEAL WITH COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC.

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PROHIBITION OF LEARNER DRIVERS IN ABERDEEN TUNNEL AREA * * *

LEARNER DRIVER PROHIBITION WILL BE IMPOSED ON A NUMBER OF ROADS LEADING TO THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 2), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THEY AREi

M THE SOUTHBOUND CANAL ROAD FLYOVER NEAR THE SLIP ROAD DOWN TO MORRISON HILL ROAD IN WAN CHAI-

* THE SLIP ROAD AT A POINT APPROXIMATELY 130 METRES SOUTH OF THE JUNCTION OF WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD WITH SPORTS ROAD LEADING TO SOUTHBOUND CANAL ROAD FLYOVER IN WAN CHAI-

M THE SLIP ROAD FROM WESTBOUND WONG CHUK HANG ROAD TO THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL NEAR ITS WESTERN JUNCTION WITH SHOUSON HILL ROAD IN WONG CHUK HANG- AND

M THE UNDERPASS FROM EASTBOUND WONG CHUK HANG ROAD TO THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL AT A POINT APPROXIMATELY 170 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH NAM FUNG ROAD IN WONG CHUK HANG.

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/7........

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 1982

- 7 -

PLB CLEARWAYS IN ABERDEEN

* * * * *

A NUMBER OF ROAD SECTIONS IN ABERDEEN WILL BE DESIGNATED AS PUBLIC LIGHT BUS CLEARWAYS FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 2).

THEY AREi

* THE SECTION OF ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD BETWEEN ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD AND A POINT 80 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TSUNG MAN STREET"

ft THE SECTION OF TSUNG MAN STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD AND A POINT 10 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION- AND

ft THE SECTION OF THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO ABERDEEN OPEN-AIR CAR PARK BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD AND A POINT 25 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.

WITHIN THESE CLEARWAYS ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS FROM 7 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY.

TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO MARK THE EXTENT OF THE PLB CLEARWAY.

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RECRUITMENT OF LIFE GUARDS ft ft ft

THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS RECRUITINR «”ter“?ories ZVOHToSnYiIfDiSL*>iSs! AND SW,MHING P00LS IN THE the RECRs:?^;tNE^cisHiLs‘^R^:?R®i4S;;iyHT^TH^?L^iTS

°EE" I? B0TH ME" 4,,i W0MEN- 4ND applicants SHOULD HAVE !?USATI0N AND H0LD A BRONZE MEDALLION

THE R0YAL LIFE SUARD SOCIETY AND A VALID rlnol AID GERTIFIGATE•

THE STARTING SALARY FOR THE POST IS $2 350 A MONTH.

_ t ™.°*E ,NIERESTED ,N THE P0ST MAY APPROACH ANY BRANCH OFFICE ^nu^.b?C^LEMPL0YMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

ENQUIRIES CAN ALSO BE MADE ON TELEPHONES 3-666615, 3-695525 AND 5—270622.

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/8........

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 1982

ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD STUDENT WINS CLEAN HONG KONG CARTOON COMPETITION ******

IT WAS A PROUD MOMENT FOR 11-YEAR-OLD FONG PAK-KIN, A PRIMARY V STUDENT OF NORTH POINT METHODIST PRIMARY SCHOOL, WHEN HE LEARNED THAT HE HAD BEATEN 1 611 CONTESTANTS TO WIN THE JUNIOR DIVISION OF A RECENT CARTOON COMPETITION.

THE COMPETITION WAS ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, IN SUPPORT OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.

+1 AM HAPPY NOT ONLY BECAUSE I WON THE FIRST PRIZE BUT ALSO BECAUSE I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN AND TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS IT,+ PAK-KIN SAID.

+THE COMPETITION HAS MADE ME MORE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE (F CLEANLINESS IN EVERYDAY LIFE,* HE ADDED.

FONG PAK-KIN WAS AMONG 1 612 STUDENTS FROM 99 PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHO TOOK PART IN THE JUNIOR DIVISION OF THE COMPETITION.

THE ENTRIES WERE CAREFULLY SCREENED YESTERDAY (TUESDAY) BY A PANEL OF JUDGES COMPRISING MR HANDR ICK NG OF THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, AND MR MAN KWONG-HANG AND MR CHAN KA-TAI OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

PAK-KIN’S WORK, DEPICTING THE EXPULSION OF A LITTER-BUG BY ANGRY RESIDENTS, WAS CONSIDERED OUTSTANDING BOTH IN TERMS OF ORIGINALITY OF DESIGN AND EFFECTIVENESS IN CONVEYING THE MESSAGE OF CLEANLINESS. HE WILL RECEIVE A $200 BOOK-STATIONERY TOKEN AS HIS PRIZE.

THE FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP WERE CHAN PUl-SHAN OF THE PRIMARY SCHOOL OF HONG KONG SZETO CLAN’S ASSOCIATION (A.M.) AND LEUNG WAI-YEE OF KEI TSUN PRIMARY A.M. SCHOOL, WHO WILL RECEIVE BOOK/STATIONERY TOKENS OF $150 AND 1100 RESPECTIVELY.

WINNERS OF THE SENIOR DIVISION OF THE COMPETITION WERE ALSO CHOSEN, OUT OF 652 ENTRIES FROM 144 SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

THE FIRST PRIZE WENT TO KWAN BING-TIM OF LUNG KONG WORLD FEDERATION SCHOOL LTD. LAU WONG FAT SECONDARY SCHOOL WHILE THE SECOND AND THIRD PRIZES WENT TO LAW CH I-WAI OF LIDaily Information Bulletin - 1980s - 1982 - MAR - ENGTERARY COLLEGE AND WENDY WONG OF ST. PAUL’S SCHOOL, LAM TIN. THEY WILL RECEIVE THE SAME PRIZES AS THE WINNERS OF JUNIOR DIVISION.

MERIT PRIZES OF $50 TOKENS WILL BE AWARDED TO 15 OTHER STUDENTS IN EACH DIVISION.

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/9........

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 1982

- 9 -

BACH CHOIR TO VISIT HONG KONG

* * *

THE BACH CHOIR WILL VISIT HONG KONG NEXT WEEK WITH A NESSAGE FROM ITS PRESIDENT, HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES, TO SPREAD THE +GREAT TRADITION OF AMATEUR CHOIRS THAT PERFORM TO PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS*.

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY MEMBERS OF THE CHOIR, UNDER THE MUSICAL DIRECTORSHIP OF SIR DAVID WILLCOCKS, WILL BE COMING TO GIVE FIVE CONCERTS HERE.

THE FIRST CONTINGENT OF THE CHOIR LEAVES BRITAIN BY CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS ON APRIL 5 FOR A TOUR THAT WILL END ON APRIL 16.

THE CHOIR’S GRAND FINALE WILL BE A PERFORMANCE OF THE BERLIOZ GRANDE MESSE DES MORTS IN WHICH THEY WILL BE JOINED BY MORE THAN 300 MEMBERS OF LOCAL CHOIRS AND FIVE BRASS BANDS, INCLUDING THE BAND OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE AND THE BAND CF THE GURKHA REGIMENT.

DURING ALL THEIR CONCERTS, THE CHOIR WILL BE PERFORMING WITH THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA LED BY CARL PINI.

IN THIS MESSAGE PRINCE CHARLES SAID» +THE VISIT OF THE BACH CHOIR TO HONG KONG WILL BRING GREAT PLEASURE TO THOUSANDS AND ALSO ACT AS AN INSPIRATION TO LOCAL CHORAL SOCIETIES. THERE COULD BE NO BETTER AMBASSADOR FOR THE ENGLISH CHORAL TRADITION.

♦THE BACH CHOIR OF WHICH I AM PROUD TO BE PRESIDENT IS A LEADER AMONG SUCH CHOIRS AND I HAVE ENJOYED SINGING WITH THEM ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS UNDER THE DISTINGUISHED MUSICAL DIRECTOR, SIR DAVID WILLCOCKS.*

COMMENTING ON THE FORTHCOMING TOUR, SIR DAVID WILLCOCKS SAIDi +THE BACH CHOIR IS DELIGHTED TO BE PAYING ITS FIRST VISIT TO HONG KONG, AN EXCITING MUSICAL CENTRE WHERE TWO CULTURES MEET. THERE IS NO CHOIR AS LARGE AS THE LONDON BACH CHOIR, SO THE OPPORTUNITY IS BEING TAKEN TO PRESENT MAJOR WORKS SUCH AS BRITTEN’S WAR REQU IM AND BACH’S ST MATTHEW PASSION

THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, SIR JACK CATER, SAIDi +WE ARE DELIGHTED THAT THE CHOIR WAS CHOSEN TO VISIT HONG KONG AND ENRICH OUR GROWING CULTURAL REPUTATION.*

THE CHOIR’S TOUR OF HONG KONG IS BEING SPONSORED BY CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS, THE LONDON GOLD MARKET AND THE HONG KONG HOTELS ASSOCIATION.

THE TOUR IS BEING PROMOTED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL.

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/1O

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 1982

TAI PO SITE FOR TENDER

* * M

APPLICATIONS ARE BEING INVITED FOR A SHORT TERM TENANCY OF A SITE AT TAI PO FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AS A FEE PAYING PUBLIC CARPARK AND LORRY PARK.

THE SITE, MEASURING 8 420 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED NEAR TAI PO HUI.

THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WILL BE REQUIRED TO OPERATE THE CARPARK FOR A MINIMUM CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF 18 HOURS A DAY. THE TENANCY WILL BE THREE YEARS.

TENDER CONDITIONS SPECIFY THAT THE STORAGE OF UNLICENSED MOTOR VEHICLES AND DERELICT VEHICLES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED WITHOUT THE PRIOR CONSENT OF THE DISTRICT OFFICER.

TENDERS SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE RECEPTION LOBBY OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS BEFORE APRIL 16.

PARTICULARS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE EIGHT NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES.

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