港史文本 - HK In Texts: Daily Information Bulletin - 1980s - 1984 - MAY

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

CONTENTS

PAGE NO

GOVERNOR TO VISIT LONDON

APPROPRIATION BILL DUE FOR FINaL READING

MONTHLY SURVEY OF RETAIL SALES FOR JANUARY

INDIAN PRESIDENT

TO VISIT HK

IMMIGRATION AIMS

DUMPED VEHICLES

RAF HELPS REMOVE

NEW ROAD FOR TUEN MUN

CONTRACT AWARDED

SEMINAR FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS

BADMINTON UMPIRING COURSE OFFERED

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS aT COOMBE ROAD

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

AT BETTER SERVICE, PRODUCTIVITY

U.S. MAKES FIFTH TEXTILE 'CALL

TUESDAY, MaY 1, 1984

TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1994

GOVERNOR TO VISIT LONDON

IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YDUDE, WOULD MAKE A VISIT TO LONDON ON MAY 12 ON PRIVATE BUSINESS AND WOULD TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY WHILE THERE TO HAVE FURTHER DISCUSSIONS ON HONG KONG MATTERS AND TO TAKE A SHORT BREAK BETWEEN ROUNDS OF TALKS IN PEKING.

HE WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG TOWARDS THE END OF THE WEEK BEGINNING MAY 21.

APPROPRI AT I ON BILL DUE FOR FINAL READING

III

THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1984 IS DUE FOR ITS COMMITTEE STAGE AND FINAL READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW, CONCLUDING THREE EARLIER DAYS OF DEBATE ON THE BUDGET.

IT WILL BE AMONG 13 BILLS, ONE AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER’S BILL, TO BE DEALT WITH AT THE MEETING, TOGETHER WITH NINE QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS.

SIX BILLS ARE DUE FOR THEIR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS!

ft DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, CORRECTING CERTAIN INACCURACIES IN THE TEXT OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE)

X MONEY-LENDERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, STRENGTHENING CONTROL OVER LOAN SHARKS)

X IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, TO FACILITATE THE WORK OF THE IMMIGRATION TRIBUNAL)

X SMOKING (PUBLIC HEALTH) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, MAKING CERTAIN CHANGES TO THE ORDINANCE IN RELATION TO CIGARETTE ADVERTISING)

X APPRENTICESHIP (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, PROVIDING THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR WITH THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING, WITH POW^R TO MAKE EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGULATIONS) AND

X PUBLIC OMNIBUS SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, TO IMPROVE CONTROL OVER THE OPERATION AND PLANNING OF FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES.

/dub job .......

FINAL READING AREi

- o - -

THIS IS THE FIFTH EXPORT AUTHORISATION CATEGORY CALLU THE UNITED STATES SO FAR THIS YEAR.

PROCEDURES

DEALT WITH

ft EMPLOYMENs

SICK LEAVE

OF POLITICAL AWARENESS AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE

U.S

MAKES FIFTH TEXTILE 'CALL'

ft ft ft ft ft

[Typographical errors in

the original document]

TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1984

DUE FOR COMMITTEE STAGE AND

APPROPRIATION BILL 1984;

ft EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, PROVFDI NG IN EXPLICIT TERMS FOR PAYMENT OF AND REDEMPTION IN

RELATION TO CERTIFICATES OF INDEBTEDNESS TO BE IN FOREIGN EXCHANGE;

ft ARBITRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, TO PROMOTE HONG

KONG AS AN ARBITRATION CENTRE;

ft MAGISTRATES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984

PROVID NG NEW

TO IMPROVE THE WAY MINOR OFFENCES ARE

BY THE COURTS;

(AMENDMENT) BILL 1964 PROVIDING INCREASED

FOR WORKERS; AND

ft ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, CHANGING THE TITLE

OF THE ^HIGHWAY CODE* TO *ROAD USERS' CODE*

ALSO DUE FOR COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING IS AN

UNOFFICIAL MEMBER’S BILL

(AMENDMENT) BILL 1984

THE MATILDA AND WAR MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED BY UNOFFICIALS DEAL WITH SUCH MATTERS

THE NUM

AS DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT

BER OF SCHOOL

CHILDREN IN TRANSIT CENTRES, COLLECTION OF REFUSE NEAR MAC NE I, PROPERTY DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE MTR CONSTRUCTION AND THE PROMOTION

THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE UNITED STATES MADE AN EXPORT AUTHORISATION CALL ON CATEGORY <91 (MAN-MADE FIBRE PYJAMAS AND OTHER NIGHTWEAR) AT 10.19 AM JWhAV

PENDING CONSULTATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT THE DEPARTMENT HAS SUSPENDED THE ISSUE OF FURTHER EXPORT

AUTHORISATIONS FOR THIS CATEGORY AS FROM 10.15 AM TODAY

THE DEPARTMENT WILL HOWEVER CONTINUE TO APPROVE AND

ISSUE iXMBT LICENCES FOR THIS CATEGORY AGAINST VALIB SNR«Hk-» ■* — -

AUTHORISATIONS APPROVED PRIOR TO THE SUSPENSION

TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1984

- 3 -

MONTHLY SURVEY OF RETAIL SALES FOR JANUARY

* * M X

THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES FOR THE RETAIL TRADE SECTOR IN JANUARY 1984 WAS ESTIMATED TO BE $5 895 MILLION, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

AT 174, THE OVERALL RETAIL SALES VALUE INDEX INCREASED BY 13 POINTS OR 8 PER CENT OVER DECEMBER ,1983, AND BY 37 POINTS OR 27 PER CENT OVER JANUARY 1983.

THE OVERALL RETAIL SALES VOLUME INDEX, AT 123, WAS 9 POINTS CR 8 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN DECEMBER 1983. AND 13 POINTS OR 12 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN JANUARY 1983.

COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1983, RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY 25 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS AND 23 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS, AND THOSE OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS BY 20 PER CENT AND 22 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES ROSE BY 8 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS. THOSE OF FUELS AND OTHER CONSUMER GOODS. HOWEVER, DROPPED BY 2 PER.CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.

COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1983, RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS ROSE BY 34 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS, OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS BY 30 PER CENT, OF OTHER CONSUMER GOODS BY 25 PER CENT, OF CONSUMER DURABLES BY 23 PER CENT AND OF FUELS BY 17 PER CENT.

CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS RECORDED THE LARGEST INCREASE IN SALES VOLUME (18 PER CENT), FOLLOWED BY FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (15 PER CENT). OTHER CONSUMER GOODS (12 PER CENT) AND CONSUMER DURABLES (8 PER CENT).

ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, RETAIL SALES OF DEPARTMENT STORES AND MOTOR VEHICLES INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS OVER DECEMBER 1983.

SUPERMARKETS ALSO SHOWED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN RETAIL SALES.

CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES, HOWEVER, RECORDED ONLY SLIGHT INCREASES.

WHEN COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1983, RETAIL SALES OF SUPERMARKETS AND DEPARTMENT STORES ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.

/THOSE OF ......

TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1984

- 4 .

THOSE OF CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES ALSO ROSE SIGNIFICANTLY IN VALUE TERMS, BUT TO A LESSER EXTENT IN VOLUME TERMS.

MOTOR VEHICLES SHOWED AN INCREASE IN SALES VALUE, BUT NO CHANGE IN SALES VOLUME.

TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE FINAL FIGURE FOR DECEMBER 1983 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR JANUARY 1984.

TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND SELECTED TRADES (WHICH FORM PART OF THE RELEVANT MAJOR TRADE GROUPS), WITH AVERAGE MONTHLY RETAIL SALES IN 1980 TAKEN AS 100. COMPARISONS OF JANUARY 1984 RESULTS WITH THOSE OF DECEMBER 1983 AND JANUARY 1983 ARE ALSO GIVEN.

THE FINAL TOTAL RETAIL SALES ESTIMATES FOR JANUARY TO DECEMBER 1983 AND THE RESPECTIVE RETAIL SALES VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND SELECTED TRADES ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3, WHICH IS BEING TRANSMITTED BY FACSIMILE AND BOXED FOR COLLECTION.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE'STAT I ST ICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, TEL 3-7216024.

TABLE 1 1 TOTAL RETAIL SALES

TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR JANUARY 1984 (PROVISIONAL FIGURE) - HKI5 895 MILLION

FOR DECEMBER 1983 (FINAL FIGURE) - HK$5 454 MILLION

TABLE 2 1 VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR DECEMBER 1983 AND JANUARY 1984

(MONTHLY AVERAGE OF 1980 - 100)

ITEM INDEX OF RETAIL SALES DEC 1983 JAN 1984 JAN 1984 COMPARED WITH DEC 1983 JAN 1984 COMPARED WITH JAN 1983

(FINAL FIGURES) (PROVISIONAL FIGURES) POINTS % POINTS %

(A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES VALUE VOLUME 161 114 174 123 13 8 9 8 37 27 13 12

(B) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS

FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC

B tijrsday, MAY 1, 1984

- 5 -

FOODSTUFFS,

ALCOHOLIC VALUE 162 202 40 25 51 34

1 DRINKS AND VOLUME 108 133 25 23 17 15

TOBACCO

FUELS VALUE 193 190 - 3 - 2 28 17

I VOLUME 124 122 -2-243

CLOTHING, 192 230 38 20 53 30

1 FOOTWEAR VALUE

1 AND ALLIED VOLUME 134 163 29 22 25 18

PRODUCTS

CONSUMER VALUE 132 142 10 8 27 23

I DURABLES VOLUME 100 108 8 8 8 8

OTHER CONSUMER VALUE 164 162 - 2 - 1 32 25

I GOODS VOLUME 119 118 - 1 - 1 13 12

TRADES

SUPERMARKETS VALUE 258 292 34 13 99 51

VOLUME 162 182 20 12 36 25

MOTOR VALUE 60 73 13 22 9 14

VEHICLES VOLUME 38 46 8 21 SAME SAME

CONSUMER

DURABLES VALUE 180 189 9 5 40 27

OTHER THAN VOLUME 143 1 50 7 5 13 9

MOTOR VEHICLES

DEPARTMENT VALUE 190 238 48 25 76 47

STORES VOLUME 138 173 35 25 42 32

NOTESi 1. +FOODSTUFFS. ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO* INCLUDES

• + in UJ sc oc £ oc LU CL o in ♦ > i । i

2. ^CONSUMER DURABLES* INCLUDES +MOTOR VEHICLES*.

3. +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS* INCLUDES ^DEPARTMENT STORES*.

• 0----

/6 1

TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1984

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NOTE TO EDITORSi

INDIAN PRESIDENT TO VISIT HK * * * *

INDIAN PRESIDENT GIANA AZA IL SINGH IS DUE TO ARRIVE IN HONG KONG FROM HONOLULU ON A PRIVATE VISIT ON THURSDAY (MAY 3) AT 7.15 PM

THE PRESIDENT IS SCHEDULED TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG OVERNIGHT.

A PRESS POSITION WILL BE ARRANGED FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS ON THE APRON IN THE LONG-PARKING AREA. ADDITIONAL FLOOD LIGHTING WILL ALSO BE ARRANGED.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE PRESIDENT’S ARRIVAL SHOULD REPORT TO THE PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM IN THE ARRIVAL LOUNGE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT AT 6 PM ON THURSDAY. THEY SHOULD BRING WITH THEM THEIR ID CARDS OR PASSPORTS.

IT MIGHT ALSO BE ADVISABLE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS TO CONSIDER BRINGING TELEPHOTO LENSES WITH THEM ALTHOUGH EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO PLACE THE PRESS POSITION NO MORE THAN ONE WING LENGTH AWAY FROM THE DOOR OF THE AIRCRAFT.

_ _ 0 - -• •

IMMIGRATION AIMS AT BETTER SERVICE, PRODUCTIVITY M * * M

A TWO-AND-A-HALF DAY WORKSHOP ON ♦IMPROVEMENT OF PRODUCTIVITY IN THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT* WAS OPENED TODAY BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION (ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING), MR M.Y. LEUNG.

RUN JOINTLY BY THE STAFF MANAGEMENT AND DISCIPLINE DIVISION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH AND THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, THE WORKSHOP IS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUING EFFORT TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY AND THE QUALITY OF SERVICE, PARTICULARLY AT THE POINT OF DELIVERY TO THE PUBLIC, AN IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID. IT IS BEING HELD IN THE TRAINING SECTION OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, KOWLOON.

♦SENIOR OFFICERS HOLDING RESPONSIBLE POSTS HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO ATTEND. THEY INCLUDE FIVE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AND 12 CHIEF IMMIGRATION OFFICERS FROM VARIOUS DIVISIONS IN THE DEPARTMENT.

/+THESE OFFICERS .......

TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1984

- 7 -

♦THESE OFFICERS ARE HEADS OF VARIOUS PUBLIC-ORIENTED SECTIONS WHO WILL BE IN THE BEST POSITION TO JUDGE, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE STAFF, HOW TO REDEPLOY EXISTING RESOURCES AND WHAT STEPS TO TAKE TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECT OF IMPROVING EFFICIENCY AND PRODUCTIVITY,* HE SAID.

TODAY AND TOMORROW MORNING, THE OFFICERS ATTENDING THE WORKSHOP WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE EXPERIENCE GAINED FROM THE PILOT PROJECTS CONDUCTED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH ON PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT.

THEY WILL THEN BE GIVEN AN INTERVAL OF EIGHT WEEKS TO DO RESEARCH WORK AND SURVEYS WITH A VIEW TO COMPLETING INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENTS ON INCREASING AND IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY AND SERVICES RENDERED TO THE PUBLIC.

A FINAL SESSION ON ♦PROJECT PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION+ WILL THEN BE HELD ON JULY 2, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

- 0 - - - -

RAF HELPS.REMOVE DUMPED VEHICLES M * M *

THE ROYAL AIR FORCE IS HELPING TO REMOVE VEHICLES DUMPED IN INACCESSIBLE AREAS, AS EFFORTS ARE BRING STEPPED UP BY THE GOVERNMENT TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF ABANDONED VEHICLES.

THE RAF BEGAN ITS FIRST MISSION TODAY (TUESDAY) REMOVING SEVERAL BATTERED AND RUSTED CARS FROM LUNG HA WAN IN SAI KUNG FOR SCRAPPING.

SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH ABANDONED CARS ARE FOUND IN FEI NGO SHAN AND MA ON SHAN, AND PLANS HAVE BEEN MADE TO DEAL WITH THEM ALSO.

♦MEANWHILE THE PROBLEM OF ABANDONED VEHICLES ON STREET IS BEING CONTAINED,* A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.

IN 1983, THE POLICE REMOVED 6 351 VEHICLES FROM ROADS, BUT HAD TO DEAL ONLY WITH 589 IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, HE SAID.

WHILE THE PROBLEM OF ABANDONED VEHICLES HAD NOT BEEN FULLY SOLVED, THE SITUATION WAS STEADILY IMPROVING DUE TO THE JOINT EFFORTS OF SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS, HE SAID.

.THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO EXPAND ITS EXISTING CAR SURRENDER FACILITIES AND OPEN UP MORE CENTRES FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO GIVE UP THEIR CARS, HE ADDED.

PLANS ARE IN HAND TO OPEN UP A NUMBER OF POLICE VEHICLE POUNDS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG AS TEMPORARY SURRENDER CENTRES AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE SURRENDER METHODS ARE BEING CONSIDERED.

/the thanspobt .......

TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1984

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT OPERATES WHICH CAN TAKE UP TO 150 VEHICLES AT A KTRE SITE. ABOUT 1 000 VEHICLES HAVE

A CENTRE IN KOWLOON BAY TIME IN ITS 2 OQO SQUARE BEEN SURRENDERED AT THE

CENTRE’S INCE IT OPENED IN MAY 1983, OR JUST UNDER 10 PER CENT OF VEHICLES HANDLED BY THE GOVERNMENT’S CRUSHING CONTRACTOR.

PEOPLE WISHING TO SURRENDER THEIR CARS FOR SCRAPPING MAY OBTAIN A LEAFLET ENTITLED +HOW TO SURRENDER YOUR UNWANTED VEHICLE* FROM ANY OF THE FOUR LICENSING OFFICES OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT OR CALL THE ENQUIRY SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT AT 5-8933111.

AND THOSE WHO COME ACROSS ABANDONED VEHICLES MAY CALL THE URBAN COUNCIL LITTER HOT-LINE 5-95555 OR REPORT IT TO THE LOCAL POLICE STATION.

- - 0 - -

NEW ROAD FOR TUEN MUN * * *

A DUAL SINGLE-LANE ROAD IS TO BE BUILT NEAR TSENG TAU TSUEN

HA TSUEN IN THE NORTHERN PART OF TUEN MUN ACCESS TO THE EXTENSION TO TUEN MUN WATER

NEW TOWN TO PROVIDE TREATMENT WORKS.

A $6.4—MILLION CONTRACT FOR BUILDING

THE ROAB HAS BEEN

AWARDED TO RANKINE ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED BY THE TUEN MUN F£W TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

WORK WILL START EARLY NEXT MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT 14 MONTHS.

THE 600-METRE-LONG ROAD WILL ALSO SERVE A PRIMARY SCHOOL IN THE AREA AND OTHER RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS.

CONTRACT AWARDED * * *

HYGIENE IN WAN CHAI DISTRICT WILL BE FURTHER IMPROVED WHEN A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AT MOON STREET IS COMPLETED AT THE END OF NOVEMBER.

THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $597 000 CONTRACT TO YAN KUEN KEE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED TO BUILD IT.

OCCUPYING A 150-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF MOON SUN AND STAR STREETS, IT WILL BE A PERMANENT OFF-STREET REFUSE COLLECTION POINT.

FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A REFUSE COLLECTION AREA, A LOADING BAY, A ROLL-CALL ROOM, AN OFFICE AND STOREROOM.

- - 0 - -

TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1984

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SEMINAR FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS K # # K

A SEMINAR AND AN EXHIBITION FOR KINDERGARTEN HEAD-TEACHERS ON A TRY-OUT SCHEME INVOLVING A NEW TEACHING APPROACH WILL BE HELD BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON SATURDAY (MAY 5).

THE NEW +THEMATIC APPROACH* HAD BEEN ADOPTED IN 12 MONITORED KINDERGARTENS BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND DECEMBER LAST YEAR.

SEMINAR PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO BENEFIT FROM THE WORK AND EXPERIENCE OF THE 12 KINDERGARTEN HEADS WHO HAD TAKEN PART IN THE TRY-OUT SCHEME.

HEAD-TEACHERS WISHING TO ATTEND SHOULD FIRST CONTACT THE SENIOR INSPECTOR OF THE KINDERGARTEN SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ON 5-8392486/2487/2489.

THE EXHIBITION IS OPEN TO ALL KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS AND WILL BE HELD FROM 10 AM TO 4.30 PM. BOTH THE SEMINAR AND THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT THE TACK CHING MIDDLE SCHOOL AT 101 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, SHAM SHU I PO, KOWLOON.

- 0 --------

BADMINTON UMPIRING COURSE OFFERED * * * *

A COURSE ON THE UMPIRING OF BADMINTON GAMES WILL BE HELD FROM MAY 18 AT THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT’S MEI WAN SPORTS CENTRE IN TSUEN WAN.

JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH THE HONG KONG BADMINTON ASSOCIATION, THE SIX-SESSION COURSE WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS BETWEEN 7.30 PM AND 9.30 PM, AND IS FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE A THOROUGH KNOWLEDGE OF BADMINTON, AND WHO MUST BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE HONG KONG BADMINTON ASSOCIATION IN QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM AND AT THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE OFFICE ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF WING ON CENTRE, CENTRAL.

FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES TELEPHONE 5-458511.

--------o

/10 .......

TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1984

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT COOMBE ROAD

* * * *

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING IMPLEMENTED AT COOMBE ROAD, FOLLOWING A ROAD SUBSIDENCE ON SATURDAY (APRIL 28).

THE MEASURES, WHICH WILL REMAIN IN FORCE UNTIL 10 AM ON MAY 5, ARE AS FOLLOWS I

M A SMALL SECTION OF COOMBE ROAD OUTSIDE HOUSE NO. 7 HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR REPAIRS!

* ACCESS TO HOUSE NOS. 1 TO 7 WILL BE VIA THE MAGAZINE GAP APPROACH; AND

* ACCESS TO HOUSE NOS. 9 - 34 WILL BE VIA THE WAN CHAI GAP APPROACH.

FROM 10 AM ON MAY 5, ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MODIFIED TO FACILITATE REPAIR WORK.

UNDER THESE ARRANGEMENTS, WHICH WILL LAST FOR ABOUT A MONTH, ACCESS TO HOUSE NOS 1 - 3 WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED VIA THE MAGAZINE GAP APPROACH, AND TO HOUSE NOS 5 - 34 VIA THE WAN CHAI GAP APPROACH.

MEANWHILE, BETWEEN 0.30 AM AND 6 AM DAILY FROM MAY 3 TO MAY 20, HARBOUR VIEW STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR THE ERECTION OF BEAMS ACROSS THE STREET.

DURING THE CLOSURE, THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS TERMINUS OUTSIDE THE HYF VEHICULAR FERRY PIER WILL BE CLOSED.

IN ADDITION, NO PUBLIC LIGHT BUS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE PLB TERMINUS NEAR EXCHANGE SQUARE, BUT EXIT WILL BE PERMITTED.

QUEEN VICTORIA STREET NORTH OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL LEADING TO THE CENTRAL BUS STATION WILL BE RESTRICTED TO FRANCHISED BUSES.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1984

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING;

MORE THOUGHT GIVEN TO REPRESENTATION IN COUNCILS.............. 1

NEY PUBLIC AFFAIRS CURRICULUM BEING CONSIDERED................ 3

INCREASED SEVERANCE PAY BILL APPROVED......................... 4

BILL TO STRENGTHEN SUPERVISION OF BUSES ...................... 7

BLASTING SITES SUBJECT TO STRICT CONDITIONS................... 9

AMENDMENTS MADE TO MAGISTRATES BILL.......................... 10

OPERATION OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE AGED EXPLAINED ........... 11

MORE CONTROL SOUGHT ON CIGARETTE ADS *......*............... 12

ALL ARE IN SCHOOL ........................................... 13

ELEVEN PER CENT PENSION INCREASE APPROVED ................... 13

STEPS TAKEN AGAINST +LOAN SHARKSt- .......................... 14

BILL TO FACILITATE IMMIGRATION TRIBUNAL WORK ................ 14

HK SENDING 75 TO OLYMPICS ................................... 15

TUNNEL RADIO RECEPTION PLAN SHELVED.......................... 16

MTR LOAN GUARANTEE APPROVED ................................. 16

99 700 OBJECTIONS RECEIVED ................................ 16

BILL'S PROPOSALS +ENTIRELY TECHNICAL^ ....................... 17

REFUSE COLLECTION ........................................... 17

SEVEN BILLS PASSED .......................................... 17

DB MEMBERS SHOWING GREATER INITIATIVE........................... 18

TACKLING PROBLEMS FACED BY ELDERLY PEOPLE ...................... 19

FERRY TERMINAL AIR-CONDITIONING WORK STARTS .................... 20

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL ...................... 21

YUEN LONG SITE TENANCY OFFERED ................................. 21

VARIETY SHOW FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS.................... 22

TWO DISTRICT BOARDS TO DISCUSS HOUSING REVIEW................... 23

KWON TCNG BOARD TO MEET PRESS .................................. 24

NEW CLINIC FOR TO KWA WAN ...................................... 24

RECEPTION TALK.................................................. 25

NOT FOR LEARNER DRIVERS......................................... 25

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1934

1 -

MORE THOUGHT GIVEN TO REPRESENTATION IN COUNCILS * * * *

CONSIDERATION WAS ALREADY BEING GIVEN TO FORMULATING PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE REPRESENTATIVE STATUS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS DURING THE COMING YEARS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

♦MEMBERS MAY BE ASSURED THAT THE AIM OF THESE PROPOSALS WILL BE TO ESTABLISH ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ARE PROGRESSIVE, PROPERLY TIMED AND TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG,* SIR PHILIP SAID.

HE WAS NOT YET ABLE TO ELABORATE ON WHAT PROPOSALS THE GOVERNMENT HAD IN MIND FOR THE TWO MAIN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS, SIR PHILIP SAID, BUT HE COULD ASSURE MEMBERS THAT, BEFORE THEY WERE PUBLISHED FOR PUBLIC CONSIDERATION AND COMMENT, A STATEMENT WOULD BE MADE IN THE COUNCIL.

♦AND THERE WILL BE, OF COURSE, AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PROPOSALS TO BE SUBSEQUENTLY DEBATED,+ SIR PHILIP SAID.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI FOR AN ELABORATION OF GOVERNMENT’S PLANS +TO DEVELOP ON INCREASINGLY REPRESENTATIVE LINES DURING THE YEARS IMMEDIATELY AHEAD+.

SIR PHILIP SAID DR HO MUST HAVE HAD IN MIND WHAT THE SECRETARY CF STATE, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, SAID IN HIS STATEMENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE IN THE CHAMBER ON FRIDAY, APRIL 20.

HE QUOTED SIR GEOFFREY AS SAYINGi +DURING THE YEARS IMMEDIATELY AHEAD, THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG WILL BE DEVELOPED ON INCREASINGLY REPRESENTATIVE LINES.*

SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, IN RESPONDING TO A SUBSEQUENT QUESTION, HAD ALSO SAID THAT STEPS HAD RECENTLY BEEN TAKEN IN THAT DIRECTION, THAT FURTHER PROGRESS WAS CLEARLY IN MIND AND THAT SUCH PROGRESS MIGHT TAKE DIFFERENT FORMS, SIR PHILIP SAID.

SIR PHILIP EXPLAINED THAT THE STEPS THAT HAD RECENTLY BEEN TAKEN HAD BEEN OUTLINED IN A STATEMENT HE MADE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 15, WHEN HE DESCRIBED CERTAIN PROPOSALS FOR THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF +OUR SYSTEM OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATION*.

♦THE MOST SIGNIFICANT OF THESE PROPOSALS WERE THAT THE REPRESENTATIVE STATUS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS WOULD BE STRENGTHENED IN MARCH 1985 BY INCREASING THE NUMBER AND HENCE THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF ELECTED MEMBERS? AND THAT ANOTHER REGIONAL-LEVEL COUNCIL, WHICH WOULD INCLUDE ELECTED AS WELL AS APPOINTED MEMBERS, SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED IN 1986 TO COVER THOSE AREAS NOT UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL,* SIR PHILIP SAID.

/HE SAID.........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1984

2 -

HE SAID THAT THERE HAD BEEN EXTENSIVE PUBLIC DISCUSSION AND COMMENT ON THE PROPOSALS. ALL VIEWS EXPRESSED HAD BEEN CAREFULLY RECORDED AND STUDIED AND SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD BE PUT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR ADVICE IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

♦THEREAFTER, I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO MAKE A FURTHER, DEFINITIVE, STATEMENT TO THIS COUNCIL ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S ACTUAL INTENTIONS FOR THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF OUR SYSTEM OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATION AT DISTRICT AND ’REGIONAL’ LEVEL,+ SIR PHILIP SAID.

AS A SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION, DR HO ASKEDs

♦SIR, WITH REGARD TO THE PROPOSALS ABOUT THE REPRESENTATIVE STATUS OF OUR TWO MAIN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS, MAY I KNOW WHEN THESE PROPOSED PLANS WILL BE MADE KNOWN TO THE PUBLIC, AND HOW THE GOVERNMENT WILL EDUCATE AND PREPARE THE PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN AN INCREASINGLY REPRESENTATIVE TYPE OF GOVERNMENT?*

REPLYING, SIR PHILIP SAID:

♦WELL SIR, TAKING THE FIRST PART OF DR HO’S QUESTION, I CANNOT GIVE A COMMITMENT ON TIMING AT THIS STAGE, BUT I EXPECT WE SHALL BE READY TO MAKE THE STATEMENT I ENVISAGE DURING THE SUMMER.

♦ AS REGARDS THE SECOND PART OF HIS QUESTION, I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT IT WOULD HAVE'BEEN REASONABLE TO ASSUME THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO'ENSURE THAT THOSE ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER AS VOTERS DURING THE NEXT REGISTRATION SEASON IN AUGUST-SEPTEMBER WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO REGISTER.*

MR STEPHEN CHEONG THEN ASKED:

♦ SIR, WE MUST BE GRATEFUL FOR THE CHIEF SECRETARY’S ASSURANCE THAT THE AIM OF THESE PROPOSALS WITH REGARD TO THE TWO MAIN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS WILL BE TO ESTABLISH ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ARE PROGRESSIVE, PROPERLY TIMED AND TAKE ACCOUNT OF PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG.

+MAY WE BE FURTHER ASSURED THAT THE AIM OF THESE PROPOSALS WILL NOT NECESSARILY LOSE SIGHT OF THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG?*

THE CHIEF SECRETARY REPLIED:

♦ YES, SIR.*

MRS RITA FAN THEN ASKED:

+MAY I ASK THE CHIEF SECRETARY, WILL THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT BE CONSULTED ON THESE PROPOSALS WHICH HAVE LONG-RANGING EFFECT ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG?*

SIR PH IL I P i

♦ SIR, I AM SURE THAT HON MEMBERS ARE WELL AWARE THAT THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, ACTING UNDER THE CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY OF HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.*

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

/3......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1984 3 -

NEW PUBLIC AFFAIRS CURRICULUM BEING CONSIDERED * * *

A NEW SUBJECT, KNOWN AS +GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS*, MIGHT REPLACE THE EXISTING SUBJECT OF ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS IN VIEW OF THE RECENT DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMICS AS A SEPARATE SUBJECT IN THE SENIOR SECONDARY CURRICULUM. THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON COLVYN HAYE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

MR HAYE SAID THAT THE NEW SUBJECT WAS UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AND THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY.

PROPOSALS FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF +GPA+ SYLLABUSES AT BOTH HIGHER AND ADVANCED LEVELS WERE ALSO BEING CONSIDERED BY THE EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY, HE ADDED.

MR HAYE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS RITA FAN ON WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT HAD ANY PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE AND STRENGTHEN POLITICAL AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE GOING THROUGH THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

+MY DEPARTMENT RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPING PUPILS’ UNDERSTANDING OF THE SOCIETY IN WHICH THEY LIVE AND OF FOSTERING A CAPACITY FOR MAKING INFORMED JUDGEMENTS ON ISSUES OF CONTEMPORARY INTEREST AND IMPORTANCE.

+THIS ACCORDS WITH THAT ASPECT OF ESTABLISHED EDUCATIONAL POLICY WHICH SEEKS TO ENABLE SCHOOLS TO REALISE THEIR PRIME FUNCTIONS,* MR HAYE SAID.

THESE FUNCTIONS, MR HAYE CONTINUED, INCLUDED HELPING CHILDREN TO ACQUIRE A LIVELY INTEREST IN THE WORLD AROUND THEM AND AN ABILITY TO THINK FOR THEMSELVES AND MAKE DECISIONS, A SENSE OF MORAL AND SOCIAL VALUES, AN APPRECIATION OF THE WORLD’S CULTURAL HERITAGE, AND A REALISATION OF HONG KONG’S PLACE IN THE WORLD AND ITS INTER-DEPENDENCE ON OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD.

♦CURRENT SYLLABUSES FOR FORMS I - III WHICH TOUCH ON THESE ASPECTS EXAMINE THE SALIENT FEATURES OF OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM AND STRUCTURE AND DEVELOP AN AWARENESS OF THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES WHICH ARE IMPLICIT IN GOOD CITIZENSHIP.

+IN FORMS IV AND V, THE SCOPE OF THE EXISTING EPA SYLLABUS IS BROADER, COVERING THE BASIC CONCEPTS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AS EXEMPLIFIED BY THE WORKINGS OF OTHER POLITICAL SYSTEMS, AND THE APPLICATION OF THESE CONCEPTS TO THE STUDY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC POLICY ISSUES IN HONG KONG,* HE SAID.

MR HAYE SAID THAT APART FROM FORMAL CURRICULUM THERE WERE INCREASING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO SHARPEN THEIR POLITICAL AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE THROUGH EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS DEBATES, AND COMMUNITY-BUILDING ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB SCHEME.

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/4.........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1984

- 4 -

INCREASED SEVERANCE PAY BILL APPROVED * * * * *

SETTING UP A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND IS THE BEST WAY TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY PROTECTION TO THE WORKING CLASS, DR THE HON HARRY FANG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

IT IS ALSO A BETTER SOLUTION THAN TRYING TO FIND A COMPROMISE BETWEEN EMPLOYERS’ AND EMPLOYEES’ WISHES EACH AND EVERY TIME, DR FANG SAID.

THIS VIEW WAS SHARED BY ANOTHER UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI.

THEY WERE SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984 WHICH PROVIDES FOR INCREASED SEVERANCE PAY.

DR FANG IS THE CONVENER OF THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP ON THE BILL WHICH COMPRISES DR THE HON FRANCIS TIEN, REV THE HON PATRICK MCGOVERN, DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI, THE HON ANDREW SO, THE HON F.K. HU, THE HON K.C. CHAN, THE HON MARIA TAM, THE HON CHAN YING-LUN, THE HON RITA FAN AND THE HON PAULINE NG.

DR FANG TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT IN THEIR REPRESENTATIONS TO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, EMPLOYERS HAD EXPRESSED WORRY THAT THE INCREASED SEVERANCE PAY BENEFITS PROPQSED WOULD MEAN ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL LIABILITY FOR THEM AND THAT SUCCESSIVE DOSES OF LABOUR LEGISLATION MIGHT RESULT IN A FINANCIAL BURDEN TOO GREAT FOR MANY EMPLOYERS TO SHOULDER.

+THE ADMINISTRATION WAS ABLE TO ASSURE US, HOWEVER, THAT THE INCREASE IN COST TO BE BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE BILL WOULD ONLY BE 0.0077 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL OPERATING COST OF AN EMPLOYER,* DR FANG SAID.

THE UNOFFICIALS WERE ALSO INFORMED THAT THE MAIN EMPHASIS OF CURRENT LABOUR LEGISLATION WOULD BE ON PREVENTION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT, HE ADDED.

AS FOR THE EMPLOYERS’ SUGGESTION THAT THE PROCESS OF CONSULTATION IN THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD NEEDED IMPROVEMENT, DR FANG SAID THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD ASSURED THE UNOFFICIALS THAT GREAT EFFORTS HAD BEEN PUT INTO THAT ASPECT AND THAT MORE WOULD BE DONE.

+THE ABOVE ANSWERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO EASE THE WORRIES OF EMPLOYERS,* HE SAID.

DR HO SAID WHILE HE HAD NO SQUABBLE WITH THE OBJECT OF THE BILL, HE BELIEVED THAT A CENTRALLY ADMINISTERED PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME TO BE FINANCED BY CONTRIBUTIONS FROM BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES MIGHT BE A MORE SATISFACTORY LONG-TERM METHOD IN ASSURING GREATER SECURITY TO WORKERS WHO ENCOUNTERED A LOSS OF EARNINGS.

/+WHILE AGSEEING .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1984

- 5 ’

♦WHILE AGREEING WITH THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE WHEN HE SPOKE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL ON APRIL 25 THAT THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME IS A CENTRAL PILLAR OF OUR SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM, I MUST POINT OUT THAT WORKERS ARE STILL LEFT UNPROTECTED FOR MANY CONT INGENCIES,+ HE SAID.

HE SAID THAT AS THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME WAS MEAN-TESTED, THE MAJORITY OF WORKERS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BENEFIT FROM IT UNLESS THEY WERE DESTITUTE.

POINTING OUT THAT BOTH WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS HAD EXPRESSED INTEREST IN SETTING UP A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, DR HO ADDED, ♦THE GOVERNMENT IS IN A GOOD POSITION TO CONFIRM THE NEED IF IT GOES OUT AND ASK.+

EARLIER DR HO QUERIED WHETHER IT WAS THE MOST ECONOMICAL AND REALISTIC APPROACH FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE RECOURSE TO LABOUR LEGISLATION WHENEVER PROVISION OF SECURITY WAS NECESSARY FOR WORKERS WHO WERE EXPOSED TO SUCH CONTINGENCIES AS CHILD BIRTH, SICKNESS, INJURY AND DISMISSAL.

♦MANUFACTURING AND EXPORT ARE THE LIFEBLOOD OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY. THE COLLECTIVE AND CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF VARIOUS STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS MIGHT BRING FINANCIAL BURDEN TO EMPLOYERS AND INFLATE COST OF PRODUCTION. *

♦PRESSURE FROM THE EMPLOYEES’ ORGANISATIONS TO FURTHER IMPROVE LABOUR WELFARE AND THE INCREASING TENDENCY TO RESORT TO LEGAL PROCEEDINGS TO SETTLE LABOUR DISPUTE WILL BRING RESISTENCE FROM EMPLOYERS AND HAMPER LABOUR RELATION,* DR HO SAID.

HE WARNED THAT BOTH SITUATION WOULD DO HONG KONG’S ECONOMY MORE HARM THAN GOOD.

THE HON ANDREW SO ALSO EXPRESSED THE VIEW THAT UNRESTRAINED WELFARE FOR THE WORK FORCE WOULD IMPEDE THE INITIATIVE OF SOCIETY.

♦IT IS OUR AIM TO GO STEP BY STEP WITHIN OUR CAPABILITY AND TRY OUR BEST TO IMPROVE THE WELFARE OF THE WORKERS ON THE BASIS OF SOCIAL JUSTICE, FOR HONG KONG WILL NOT BENEFIT FROM ANY DRASTIC REFORM,♦ MR SO SAID.

♦WHILE WE SYMPATHISE WITH THE REDUNDANT WORKERS FOR THEIR BITTER HARDSHIP, LET US NOT FORGET THE DIFFICULTIES FACING THE EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE TO MAKE THEIR WORKERS REDUNDANT.

♦SINCERE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES IS AN ESSENTIAL FACTOR IN BRINGING PROSPERITY AND PROGRESS TO OUR SOCIETY,* hE SAID.

+THE HISTORY OF THIS BILL SERVES AS AN ILLUSTRATION OF HOW DIFFICULT IT IS TO MAKE PROGRESS IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE HAVE-NOTS OF HONG KONG WHERE REAL WAGES HAVE REMAINED STAGNANT IN MANUFACTORY INDUSTRY FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS, AND THAT FOR THE SECOND TIME IN A DECADE,* REV THE HON PATRICK MCGOVERN SAID.

/he pointed........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1984

HE POINTED OUT THAT TWO ORIGINAL PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD BY THE ADMINISTRATION, NAMELY TO REDUCE THE LENGTH OF QUALIFYING SERVICE FROM 24 MONTHS TO 12 MONTHS AND TO ADD A REQUIREMENT FOR EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE WORK FOR 40 WORKING DAYS IN 10 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS, HAD BEEN DEFERRED WITH THE RESULT THAT HALF A BILL WAS LEFT.

+1 SUPPORT THE HALF BILL AS BEING BETTER THAN NO BILL. BUT I DO STRONGLY EXPRESS THE HOPE THAT THE DEFERMENT WILL NOT BE ANOTHER THREE YEARS OR SEVEN YEARS BEFORE THE NEXT SMALL STEP FORWARD IS PROPOSED.

+AND DURING THE PREPARATION FOR THE NEXT STEP I HOPE THE ADMINISTRATION WILL RECONSIDER NOT ONLY THE TWO SECTIONS REMOVED FROM THIS BILL BUT ALSO THE VARIOUS OTHER PROPOSALS WHICH WERE PUT FORWARD OVER THE YEARS BY WORKERS’ REPRESENTATIVES,* HE SAID.

HE CITED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS EXAMPLES:

* RAISING THE AMOUNT OF SEVERANCE PAY TO ONE FULL MONTH;

M REMOVING THE LIMIT OF BACK-DATING TO 1966 WHICH IS NOW MEANINGLESS BECAUSE 1966 IS NOW 18 YEARS AGO AND THE MAXIMUM SEVERANCE PAY WHICH CAN BE EARNED UNDER THIS PRESENT BILL IS FOR 18 YEARS’ SERVICE; AND

M REPLACING THE LIMIT OF A MAXIMUM OF ONE YEAR’S WAGES WITH THE AMOUNT FOR ACTUAL YEARS OF SERVICE.

HE NOTED THAT THESE LIMITATIONS WERE INITIALLY INTRODUCED IN 1974 SO THAT SMALL COMPANIES COULD HAVE TIME TO GET USED TO THE THEN NEW IDEA OF SEVERANCE PAY AND TO PREPARE THE NECESSARY FUNDING FOR PAYING A MORE REALISTIC RATE IN THE FUTURE.

♦IT IS NOW THE FUTURE, AND TEN YEARS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ENOUGH TIME FOR SUCH PSYCHOLOGICAL AND FINANCIAL PREPARATION.

+IF IT HAS NOT BEEN ENOUGH, THEN PERHAPS IT IS TIME TO CONSIDER IMPOSING THE MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE GUARANTEE OF COMPULSORY INSURANCE,* HE SAID.

WITH THESE VARIOUS REMARKS, THE UNOFFICIALS SUPPORTED THE BILL.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON RON BRIDGE, IN HIS REPLY TO POINTS RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, SAID THE BILL, WHICH WAS PASSED INTO LAW TODAY, WOULD MAKE A WORTHWHILE IMPROVEMENT TO THE ALREADY SUBSTANTIAL BODY OF LABOUR LEGISLATION IN HQNG KONG.

MR BRIDGE THANKED THE MEMBERS FOR THEIR CAREFUL STUDY OF THE BILL AND THEIR UNANIMOUS SUPPORT FOR THE MEASURES PROPOSED TO IMPROVE PROVISIONS FOR SEVERANCE PAY.

/HE SHARED .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1984

- 7 -

HE SHARED FATHER MCGOVERN’S DESIRE TO SEE FURTHER IMPROVEMENT TO THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.

WHILE HOPING TO PUT FORWARD, PROPOSALS ON THE GENERAL LINES SUGGESTED BY FATHER MCGOVERN, MR BRIDGE SAID HE COULD NOT YET MAKE ANY FIRM COMMITMENT ON THE TIMING.

+AS MR ANDREW SO SAYS, IMPROVEMENT TO WORKERS’ WELFARE MUST BE INTRODUCED STEP BY STEP.

+IN TIMING THEIR INTRODUCTION WE MUST TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE STATE OF OUR ECONOMY SO AS NOT TO LAY TOO GREAT A BURDEN ON THE MANUFACTURERS ON WHOM OUR PROSPERITY, AND OUR CAPACITY TO INTRODUCE FURTHER WELFARE MEASURES, SO MUCH DEPENDS,* MR BRIDGE SAID.

--------0

BILL TO STRENGTHEN SUPERVISION OF BUSES * * * *

A BILL WHOSE MAIN OBJECTIVE IS TO STRENGTHEN THE EXISTING PROVISIONS FOR SUPERVISING THE OPERATION OF PUBLIC OMNIBUSES, PARTICULARLY THE FORWARD PLANNING OF THE FRANCHISED BUSES, WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PUBLIC OMNIBUS SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON JUSTIN YUE, SAID THAT THE BILL MAKES IT CLEAR THAT THE FRANCHISES ARE SUBJECT TO THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE AS IT MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME.

IT SEEKS TO EXEMPT THREE TYPES OF BUS SERVICES FROM THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE ORDINANCE OTHERWISE APPLICABLE TO FRANCHISED SERVICES.

THESE ARE:

* A +RESIDENTS’ SERVICE* WHICH IS NORMALLY A ROUTE TO SERVE A PARTICULAR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT,

* AN +INTERNATIONAL PASSENGER SERVICE* COVERING AIRPORT AND HOTEL SERVICES, CROSS-HARBOUR SERVICES AND SERVICES TO MAJOR RAILWAY STATIONS AND FERRY TERMINALS, AND

# A +MULTIPLE TRANSPORT SERVICE* WHERE A SINGLE FARE WOULD BE PAYABLE FOR A JOURNEY ON MORE THAN ONE MODE OF transport.

THESE SERVICES, MR YUE EXPLAINED, WERE INTENDED TO COMPLEMENT RATHER THAN TO COMPETE WITH THOSE PROVIDED BY THE FRANCHISED BUSES.

/he added........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1984

- 8 -

HE ADDED THAI EXEMPTION WOULD ONLY BE GRANTED SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC CONDITIONS BEING MET, SUCH AS THE TYPE OF PASSENGERS TO BE CARRIED, THE LOCATIONS TO BE SERVED OR THE SYSTEM OF CHARGING TO BE ADOPTED.

IT WOULD ALSO HAVE REGARD TO THE RIGHTS AND INTERESTS OF A GRANTEE OVER ANY PART OF THE PROPOSED SERVICE.

THE ORDINANCE IN ITS PRESENT FORM LIMITS THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO EXTEND A FRANCHISE WHERE THE GRANTEE HAS MAINTAINED A PROPER AND EFFICIENT SERVICE SINCE DAY ONE OF THE FRANCHISE.

♦ IT IS CONSIDERED MORE APPROPRIATE THAT AN EXTENSION OF A FRANCHISE SHOULD BE ASSESSED ON THE GRANTEE’S CURRENT PERFORMANCE AND FUTURE CAPABILITY,+ MR YUE SAID.

THE BILL THUS PROPOSES TO PROVIDE THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL WITH AUTHORITY TO APPROVE THE EXTENSION OF A FRANCHISE WHERE THE GRANTEE IS CONSIDERED TO BE CAPABLE OF MAINTAINING A PROPER AND EFFICIENT SERVICE.

THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO STRENGTHEN THE DEFINITION OF +PROPER AND EFFICIENT SERVICE* BY REQUIRING A GRANTEE TO MAINTAIN ITS SERVICES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF ANY FORWARD PLANNING PROGRAMME AGREED BETWEEN HIM AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.

ONE CLAUSE OF THE BILL ENABLES A GRANTEE TO APPLY TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO OPERATE A TEMPORARY NEW ROUTE OR TO INTRODUCE TEMPORARY CHANGES TO AN EXISTING ONE.

AMONG OTHER CLAUSES IS ONE REQUIRING A GRANTEE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER RECORD OF BUS ORDERS AND THE EXPECTED DATES WHEN THE BUSES WILL BE AVAILABLE.

MR YUE EXPLAINED THAT THIS CLAUSE IS TO ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO ASSESS THE GRANTEE’S ON-GOING ABILITY TO MEET ALL HIS COMMITMENTS.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TO MAY 16.

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/9 .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1984

- 9 -

BLASTING SITES SUBJECT TO STRICT CONDITIONS * * * *

ALL BLASTING SITES ARE SUBJECT TO STRICT CONDITIONS TO PROTECT NEIGHBOURING PEOPLE AND PROPERTY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR AND COMMISSIONER FOR MINES, THE HON RON BRIDGE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE CONDITIONS COVER SUCH POINTS AS THE TYPE, AMOUNT AND TIMING OF EXPLOSIVES, THE POSITION AND ANGLE OF BLASTING HOLES AND THE TYPE AND AMOUNT OF SCREENING REQUIRED.

HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON S.L. CHEN ON THE STEPS BEING TAKEN TO PREVENT SIMILAR ACCIDENTS IN FUTURE, IN VIEW OF THE CONSIDERABLE DISTURBANCE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE RECENT BLASTING OPERATIONS AT THE MTR CONSTRUCTION SITE AT QUARRY BAY.

MR BRIDGE SAID ALL SHOTFIRERS HAVE TO BE EXAMINED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF MINES AND TO SATISFY HIM THAT THEY ARE COMPETENT THEY ARE RE-EXAMINED EVERY THREE YEARS OR MORE FREQUENTLY IF NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT THEIR SKILLS ARE UP-TO-DATE.

+ALL SITES, PARTICULARLY THOSE NEAR BUILT-UP AREAS, ARE INSPECTED REGULARLY AND FREQUENTLY BY. EXPLOSIVES OFFICERS AND ANY IRREGULARITIES LEAD TO IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF THE BLASTING PERMIT UNTIL THINGS HAVE BEEN PUT RIGHT,+ HE SAID.

♦IF APPROPRIATE, THE SHOTFIRER’S CERTIFICATE IS SUSPENDED AND THOSE RESPONSIBLE ARE PROSECUTED.+

MR BRIDGE SAID THE LEGAL PENALTIES FOR INFRINGING BLASTING SITE CONDITIONS WERE BEING REVIEWED AND, SUBJECT TO THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, PROPOSALS FOR INCREASED PENALTIES WOULD BE PUT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

IN THE CASE OF THE KORNHILL ACCIDENT, MR BRIDGE SAID THE BLASTING PERMIT FOR THAT PART OF THE SITE WHERE THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED HAD BEEN SUSPENDED AND THE RELEVANT SHOTFIRERS HAD HAD THEIR CERTIFICATES SUSPENDED.

♦AN EXPLOSIVES OFFICER HAS REPORTED ON THE CAUSES OF THE ACCIDENT AND THE POLICE ARE CONSIDERING PROSECUTION,* HE SAID.

+THE BLASTING PERMIT WILL NOT BE RE-INSTATED UNTIL THE SUPERINTENDENT OF MINES IS SATISFIED THAT NO SIMILAR ACCIDENT WILL RECUR. THE SHOTFIRERS WILL NOT HAVE THEIR CERTIFICATES REVALIDATED UNTIL THEY HAVE BEEN RE-EXAMINED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF MINES AND SATISFIED HIM THAT THEY ARE COMPETENT,* MR BRIDGE ADDED.

- C

/1O .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1984

10 -

AMENDMENTS MADE TO MAGISTRATES BILL * * *

THE HON PETER C WONG, AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, TODAY MOVED AN AMENDMENT TO THE MAGISTRATES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984.

THE AMENDMENT WAS TO THE EFFECT THAT A STATEMENT OF THE DEFENDANT’S PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS WOULD NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE NOTICE OF PROSECUTION.

THE BILL PROVIDED FOR THE INCLUSION OF SUCH A STATEMENT AND THE INTENTION WAS THAT IN IMPOSING A PENALTY, THE MAGISTRATE MIGHT WISH TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE DEFENDANT’S RECORD, HE OBSERVED.

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE, HE SAID, +HOWEVER, IT IS FELT THAT IF THE DEFENDANT CHOOSES TO PLEAD NOT GUILTY AND REQUIRES A HEARING, THE INCLUSION OF HIS PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS IN THE NOTICE OF PROSECUTION MAY PREJUDICE HIS CASE,* HE SAID.

♦NORMALLY, THE COURT IS NOT INFORMED OF THE DEFENDANT’S RECORD UNTIL HE IS FOUND GUILTY. THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT THE COURT’S DECISION IS NOT INFLUENCED BY .THE DEFENDANT’S PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS,* HE ADDED.

MR WONG ALSO MOVED AN AMENDMENT TO GIVE THE DEFENDANT 35 DAYS, SEVEN MORE DAYS THAN THE 28 DAYS STATED IN THE BILL, TO FILE A WRITTEN NOTICE REQUIRING A HEARING.

♦THIS WILL GIVE THE DEFENDANT AMPLE TIME TO CONSULT HIS LEGAL ADVISERS IF HE SO WISHES, AND TO MAKE UP HIS MIND WHETHER OR NOT TO REQUIRE A HEARING,* HE EXPLAINED.

ON THE BILL AS A WHOLE, MR WONG SAID THAT THE PROPOSALS WERE MEASURES DESIGNED TO MINIMISE TIME AND EFFORT WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE RIGHTS OF THE DEFENDANT IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE RELATING TO MINOR OFFENCES IN THE MAGISTRATE’S COURTS.

+THE NEW MEASURES WILL BENEFIT OFFENDERS TO WHOM THE BILL APPLIES AS THE SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE WILL NOT REQUIRE APPEARANCE IN COURT.

+IN A BUSY CITY LIKE HONG KONG, WHERE TIME IS A SCARCE COMMODITY, ANY TIME-SAVING DEVICE MUST BE GENERALLY WELCOME,* HE SAID.

,+HOWEVER, THE RIGHT TO HAVE A COURT HEARING IS NOT TAKEN AWAY BY THE BILL. IF THE DEFENDANT SO CHOOSES, HE MAY APPLY FOR A HEARING,* HE ADDED.

MR WONG SAID IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT THREE QUARTERS OF A MILLION CASES EACH YEAR WOULD NOT RESULT IN APPEARANCE IN COURT IF THE NEW MEASURES WERE ADOPTED.

/THANKING THE........

W3DKESDAY, IZaY 2, 1984

THANKING THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS C'OR THEIR WELCOME TO THE BILL, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS SAID, +IN ADDITION I WISH TO MOVE AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 8A SUBSECTION (5) OF THE MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE BY ADDING A NE* CLAUS-SA TO THIS BILL,+ HE SAID.

THE OBJECT OF THIS wAS TO INCREASE THE COSTS WHICH MAGISTRATES MIGHT ORDER FROM A RANGE OF 520 - 5400 TO A RANGE OF i>80 - 51 533-

THIS APPLIES TO SITUATIONS WHERE DEPARTMENTAL SUMMONSES kELaTINo TO A NUMBER OF OFFENCES, SUCH AS THOSE AGAINST PART I I I OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE, HAVE BEEN SERVED BUT THE DEFENDANT HAS FAILED TO APPEAR AND HAS HAD TO BE ARRESTED.

♦ IF SO HE NOW FACES THE POSSIBILITY OF BEING ORDERED TO PAY HIGHER COSTS IN KEEPING WITH INFLATION. THIS BRINGS THE MAGISTRATES* POWERS INTO LINE wITH THOSE APPLICABLE TO OTHER KINDS OF STATUTORY OFFENCES,+ MR THOMAS SAID.

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

OPERATION OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE AGED EXPLAINED * * X *

PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE'AGED PROVIDING A SIGNIFICANT LEVEL OF NURSING CARE ARE REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE HOSPITAL, NURSING HOMES AND MATERNITY HOMES REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON HENRY CHING, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

IN ORDER TO BE REGISTERED, AND TO REMAIN ON THE REGISTER, CERTAIN STANDARDS MUST BE MAINTAINED TO ENSURE THAT THE RESIDENTS OF SUCH HOMES RECEIVE ADEQUATE NURSING CARE, MR CHING ADDED.

HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP ON THE SUBJECT.

♦PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE AGED PROVIDING A MORE BASIC LEVEL OF CARE, WHICH MIGHT MORE APPROPRIATELY BE DESCRIBED AS PERSON^ CARE, ARE NOT SUBJECT TO LEGISLATIVE CONTROLS.

♦ THE GOVERNMENT IS, HOWEVER, FULLY CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE CARE PROVIDED IN THESE HOMES IS ADEQUATE, AND THAT STAFFING AND OTHER FACILITIES ARE PROVIDED AT A REASONABLE LEVEL,+ MR CHING SAID.

THERE IS A TOTAL OF 23 SUCH HOMES KNOWN TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THEY ARE REGULARLY VISITED AND CLOSELY wATCHEt.

♦ THE OVERALL CONDITIONS IN THESE HOMES DO NOT GIVE CAUSE FOR IMMEDIATE CONCERN, AND IT IS NOT CONSIDERED NECESSARY AT THIS TIME TO INTRODUCE CONTROLS OR TO SPECIFY MINIMUM STAFFING AND OPERATING STANDARDS,* HE SAID.

BUT THE SITUATION WOULD CONTINUE TO BE CAREFULLY MONITORED, AND NECESSARY, PROPOSALS FOR THE CONTROL OF THESE HOMES aOULL BE MADE, MR CHING ADDED.

--.-0---------

/12 .....

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1934

MORE CONTROL SOUGHT ON CIGARETTE ADS *****

A LOCAL NEWSPAPER WITH 20 PER CENT OR LESS OF ITS TOTAL CIRCULATION IN HONG KONG WILL BE EXEMPTED FROM CARRYING A HEALTH WARNING FOR ITS CIGARETTE ADVERTISING ONLY IF THE LOCAL CIRCULATION DOES NOT EXCEED A CERTAIN LIMIT.

THIS IS ONE OF THE AMENDMENTS CONTAINED IN THE SMOKING (PUBLIC HEALTH) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984 INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON HENRY CHING.

MR CHING TOLD THE COUNCIL IT WAS INTENDED THAT THE LIMIT WOULD BE SET INITIALLY AT 10 000 COPIES, EFFECTIVE THREE MONTHS AFTER THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL.

CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENTS IN A LOCALLY PRINTED NEWSPAPER ARE AT PRESENT EXEMPTED FROM CARRYING A HEALTH WARNING IF 80 PER CENT OR MORE OF ITS CIRCULATION IS OUTSIDE HONG KONG.

+THIS EXEMPTION COULD UNFAIRLY FAVOUR PUBLICATIONS WITH A LARGE CIRCULATION. THE 20 PER CENT, OR LESS, OF THE TOTAL CIRCULATION WHICH REMAINS IN HONG KONG MAY WELL EXCEED THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COPIES OF A LOCAL PUBLICATION WHOSE CIRCULATION IS ENTIRELY IN HONG KONG AND WHOSE CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENTS DO NOT THEREFORE QUALIFY FOR THE EXEMPT I ON,+ .MR CHING SAID IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL.

TO REMOVE THIS ANOMALY THE BILL PROVIDES FOR AN ABSOLUTE NUMERICAL LIMIT TO BE SET BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.

CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENTS ON THE COMMERCIAL VEHICLES OF A MANUFACTURER, DISTRIBUTOR OR WHOLESALE DEALER IN CIGARETTES OR CIGARETTE TOBACCO ARE CURRENTLY ENTIRELY EXEMPTED FROM CARRYING A HEALTH WARNING.

♦ THIS IS NOW THOUGHT TO BE UNJUSTIFIED, ON THE PRINCIPLE THAT ANY CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENT DISPLAYED TO THE PUBLIC SHOULD CARRY A HEALTH WARNING,+ HE SAID.

THE BILL THUS SEEKS TO ABOLISH THIS EXEMPTION, EFFECTIVE SIX MONTHS AFTER THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL TO GIVE TIME FOR VEHICLES TO BE REPAINTED.

THE BILL’ ALSO SEEKS TO REMOVE FROM THE ORDINANCE THE EXEMPTIONS WHICH AT PRESENT PERMIT ADVERTISEMENTS ON SMALL PORTABLE OBJECTS, CLOTHING AND UMBRELLAS, AND ON PREMISES OF A MANUFACTURER OR DEALER IN TOBACCO PRODUCTS.

MR CHING EXPLAINED THAT THESE EXEMPTIONS WOULD BE RE-INTRODUCED AS REGULATIONS TO FACILITATE FUTURE AMENDMENTS WHERE NECESSARY.

♦ BUT WHILE THE EXEMPTION IN RESPECT OF ADVERTISEMENTS ON SMALL PORTABLE OBJECTS, CLOTHING AND UMBRELLAS WILL BE RE-ENACTED IN REGULATIONS WITHOUT CHANGE, THE EXEMPTION IN RESPECT OF ADVERTISEMENTS ON THE PREMISES OF MANUFACTURERS OR DEALERS *ILL BE RE-ENACTED WITH MOD IFI CAT IONS,+ HE SAID.

/HE added .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 19&4

- 13 -

HE ADDED THAT THE EXEMPTION IN FUTURE WOULD NOT APPLY TO RETAILERS’ PREMISES, AND IT WOULD NOT APPLY TO MANUFACTURERS’ OR WHOLESALE DEALERS' PREMISES IF THE ADVERTISEMENTS ARE VISIBLE FROM OUTSIDE THOSE PREMISES.

MR CHING SAID THAT THESE MODIFICATIONS WOULD TAKE EFFECT 12 MONTHS AFTER THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL AS SIGNS MIGHT HAVE TO BE CHANGED WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN EXPECTED TO REMAIN IN USE FOR SEVERAL YEARS.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TO MAY 16.

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

ALL ARE IN SCHOOL * X *

THERE ARE 122 CHILDREN OF COMPULSORY SCHOOL AGE IN THE NINE TRANSIT CENTRES IN HONG KONG AND THEY HAVE ALL FOUND SCHOOL PLACEo. THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, SAID TODAY (WEDNtou V .

THIS WAS REVEALED FROM AN UP-TO-DATE SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, HE SAID.

MR HAYE *AS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

- - - - 0 ----

ELEVEN PER CENT PENSION INCREASE APPROVED X X X X

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED TWO MOTIONS TO INCREASE BY 11 PER CENT PENSIONS IN PAYMENT ON APRIL 1, THIS YEAh.

THE INCREASE IS ESTIMATED TO COST $56.14 MILLION FOR A FULL YEAR.

MOVING THE MOTIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON MARTIN ROWLANDS, SAID IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S DECLARED POLICY TO MAINTAIN THE ORIGINAL PURCHASING POWER OF CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS, INCLUDING PENSIONS PAYABLE UNDER THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION SCHEME AND UNDER THE WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS SCHEME.

HE SAID THIS WAS ACHIEVED BY PERIODIC ADJUSTMENTS TO REFLECT CHANGES IN THE COST OF LIVING.

DURING THE LATEST REVIEW PERIOD FROM APRIL 1, 1983 TO MA*CH 31, 1984, HE SAID, THE MOVING ANNUAL AVERAGE OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) ROSE BY 14.0 POINTS OR 10.52 PER CENT.

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1934

14 -

STEPS TAKEN AGAINST + LOAN SHARKS* * * *

A BILL EXTENDING THE TIME LIMIT FOR ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN CASES OF EXCESSIVE INTEREST CHARGED BY MONEY LENDERS, WAS READ A SECOND TIME IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE MONEY LENDERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1934, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE UNDER SECTION 24 OF THE MONEY LENDERS ORDINANCE, FOR ANYONE TO LEND MONEY AT AN EFFECTIVE RATE OF INTEREST EXCEEDING 60 PER CENT A YEAR.

BECAUSE NO TIME LIMIT FOR PROSECUTION IS PRESCRIBED IN THE ORDINANCE, THE MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE APPLIES, AND THIS LIMITS PROSECUTION TO SIX MONTHS FROM THE TIME OF THE OFFENCE, HE SAID.

♦UNFORTUNATELY, MANY OFFENCES UNDER SECTION 24 COME TO LIGHT AFTER THE TIME LIMIT OF SIX MONTHS HAS EXPIRED, AND THIS IS NOTWITHSTANDING THE VIGILANCE OF THOSE ENTRUSTED WITH ENFORCEMENT OF THE ORDINANCE,* MR JACOBS SAID.

MORE THAN HALF OF THE OFFENDERS PROSECUTED WITHIN THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD WERE, HE SAID, DETECTED ONLY BECAUSE THEY HAD BEEN CHARGED WITH OTHER OFFENCES, SUCH AS BLACKMAIL AND ASSAULT.

A TWO-YEAR LIMITATION PERIOD WAS CONSIDERED MORE APPROPRIATE IN VIEW OF THE NATURE OF THE OFFENCE AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH IT WAS OFTEN COMMITTED, HE SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TO MAY 16.

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

BILL TO FACILITATE IMMIGRATION TRIBUNAL WORK * * * *

THE OBJECT OF THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1934 WAS TO FACILITATE THE WORK OF THE IMMIGRATION TRIBUNAL BY PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A DEPUTY CHIEF ADJUDICATOR AND FOR THE PAYMENT OF ALLOWANCES TO WITNESSES APPEARING BEFORE THE TRIBUNAL, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON SAID TODAY.

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, HE SAID THAT THE IMMIGRATION TRIBUNAL WAS ESTABLISHED IN OCTOBER 1983 AT THE SAME TIME AS THE 'REACHED BASE’ POLICY ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAME TO AN END.

THE FUNCTION OF THE TRIBUNAL, HE EXPLAINED, IS TO CONSIDER APPEALS FROM ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO HAVE CHALLENGED THE VALIDITY OF REMOVAl ORDERS SERVED UPON THEM ON THE GROUNDS THAT -

/(a) THEY HAVE ..........

ViSD&^AY, MAY 2, 1964

- 15 -

(A) THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO LAND IN HONG KONG (UNDER SECTION 8(1) OF THE ORDINANCE), OR

(B) THAT THEY HAVE THE PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG.

MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE TRIBUNAL COMPRISED A CHIEF ADJUDICATOR AND 37 ADJUDICATORS.

♦ THEY ARE DISTINGUISHED UNOFFICIALS WHO EXERCISE THEIR POWERS QUITE INDEPENDENTLY FROM THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF THE GOVERNMENT. IT IS A MEASURE OF THEIR PUBLIC SERVICE THAT TO DATE THEY HAVc DETERMINED SOME 2 500 APPEALS.

+THE APPOINTMENT OF ONE OF THEIR NUMBER AS DEPUTY CHIEF ADJUDICATOR WILL ASSIST THE CHIEF ADJUDICATOR GENERALLY AND wILL PROVIDE FOR. A RELIEF IN HIS ABSENCE.

FROM TIME TO TIME THE TRIBUNAL HAD TO CALL WITNESSES BEFORE

IT, BUT IT HAD NO POWER TO GRANT A WITNESS ALLOWANCE.

CLAUSE 4 OF THE BILL SEEKS TO REMEDY THIS LACK.

+IT PROVIDES FOR THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF AN ALLOWANCE TO WITNESSES BEFORE THE TRIBUNAL AT THE SAME RATES AS THOSE' PAYABLE (UNDER RULES MADE UNDER SECiK 9B OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS ORDINANCE (CAP 221)) TO WITNESSES IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS BEFORE ANY COURT,+ HE SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TO MAY 16.

- 0 ---------

HK SENDING 75 TO OLYMPICS * * *

ABOUT 75 ATHLETES WOULD BE SELECTED TO COMPETE IN NINE S- 'RTS IN THE OLYMPIC GAMES * ATHLETICS, RIFLE SHOOTING, FENCING, CYCLING, ARCHERY, CANOEING, SWIMMING, JUDO AND WINDSURFING, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON DENIS BRAY SAID TODAY.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON W.C.L. BROWN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THE HONG KONG TEAM WOULD BE SELECTEE BY THE AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION AND OLYMPIC COMMITTEE FOLLOWING PRELIMINARY SELECTION BY THE PARTICIPATING SPORTS BODIES.

SELECTION WOULD BE COMPLETED BY MID-MAY.

♦THE GOVERNMENT, ACTING ON THE ADVICE OF THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, HAS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE ASSOCIATIONS jO’-E $500 000 FOR INTENSIVE TRAINING OF THE POTENTIAL COMPETITORS. $900 000 HAS BEEN EARMARKED TO GO TOWARD THE COST OF SENDING THE TEAM TO LOS ANGELES. THE GRANT IS INTENDED TO COVER PER CENT OF THE COST OF THE HONG KONG PRESENCE,+ HE SAID.

/16 .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 198'4

TUNNEL RADIO RECEPTION PLAN * * * *

SHELVED

IN PROV IDE TUNNELS

THE

FOR

HAD

LIGHT OF BUDGETARY CONSTRAINTS

THE PROPOSAL TO

WHO

THE

HON

RADIO RECEPTION IN THE ABERDEEN, LION ROCK AND AIRPORT BEEN SHELVED, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES,

PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

JACOBS WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON ANDREW SO

REFERRED TO THE PROPOSAL MADE TO THE COUNCIL ON JUNE 30, 1982.

IT WAS PROPOSED AT THE TIME THAT DEVICES WOULD BE INSTALLED IN TUNNELS PROVIDED THE COST wAS REASONABLE AND THE NECESSARY FUNDS

WERE MADE AVAILABLE.

A STUDY COMPLETED TOWARDS THE END OF 1982 ESTIMATED THE COST ABOUT $4.5 MILLION, MR JACOBS SAID.

+IN THE LIGHT OF BUDGETARY CONSTRAINTS, IT WAS DECIDED EARLY 1983 THAT THE PROPOSAL SHOULD BE SHELVED,+ HE SAID.

MTR LOAN GUARANTEE APPROVED * * * '

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED A GOVERNMENT GUARANTEE COVER THE REPAYMENT OF A US$10 MILLION LOAN TO THE MASS

TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.

THE SUM BORROWED UNDER THIS GUARANTEE WILL BE USED TO FINANCE THE ISLAND LINE CONTRACT FOR THE SUPPLY OF ADDITIONAL ROLLING STOCK.

THIS BRINGS THE GOVERNMENT’S TOTAL GUARANTEE COMMITMENT IN RESPECT OF OUTSTANDING LOANS AVAILABLE TO THE MTR CORPORATION TO HK$8 175 MILLION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID.

99 700 OBJECTIONS RECEIVED * * *

THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED ABOUT 99 700 PROPOSALS OBJECTING TO THE NEW RATEABLE VALUES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID TODAY.

+THIS REPRESENTS ABOUT 13.5 PER CENT OF THE TENEMENTS IN THE VALUATION LIST. THE MAIN GROUNDS FOR OBJECTION ARE, NOT UNEXPECTEDLY, THAT THE NEW RATEABLE VALUES ARE TOO HIGH, HE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PAULINE NG.

HE ALSO SAID THAT THE DEPARTMENT WILL REVIEw THESE CASES AND NOTIFY THE RATEPAYERS OF THE RESULT OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.

0 - -

- - 0 - -

0 - -

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1984

- 17 -

BILL’S PROPOSALS +ENTIRELY TECHNICAL* ft ft ft

THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984 SOUGHT TO SET RIGHT A SMALL NUMBER OF INACCURACIES DISCOVERED IN THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

THESE INACCURACIES FOLLOWED FROM THE SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENTS MADE TO THE ORDINANCE AT THE END -OF LAST YEAR, SIR JOHN SAID, MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE"BILL.

THE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED WERE ENTIRELY TECHNICAL AND DID NOT INVOLVE ANY SHIFT IN POLICY, HE SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TO MAY 16.

' REFUSE COLLECTION ft * ft *

THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WAS GENERALLY CONCERNED WITH THE PROBLEM OF FLOATING REFUSE IN HONG KONG WATERS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON HENRY CHING SAID TODAY.

+BUT THE DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBLE FOR COLLECTING FLOATING REFUSE WITHIN THE GAZETTED BOUNDARIES OF A PUBLIC PLEASURE GROUND WHICH IS A BEACH IS THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT,♦ HE SAID, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON F.K. HU, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

SEVEN BILLS PASSED ft ft ft

SEVEN BILLS - INCLUDING AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER’S BILL - *ERt PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THEY ARE THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1984, THE EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, THE ARBITRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 198*, THE MAGISTRATES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDE BILL 1984, THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984 AS wELl Ao THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER’S BILL, THE MATILDA AND *AR MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984.

.SIX BILLS WERE INTRODUCED AND READ A SECOND TIME, AMD DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED TO MAY 16.

THEY ARE THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) . THE MONEY LENDERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, THE IMMIGRATION s-BILL 1984, THE SMOKING (PUBLIC HEALTH) (AMENDMENT) THE APPRENTICESHIP (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984 AND Thl -UELIC SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984.

,/ic ....

WEDNESDAY, MAY

- 18 -

DB MEMBERS SHOWING GREATER INITIATIVE > K K

DISTRICT BOARDS ARE BEGINNING TO DEVELOP A wATCH DOG ROLE, MONITORING NOT ONEY PROGRESS ON PARTICULAR PROJECTS BUT ALSO THE PERFORMANCE OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

DESCRIBING THIS AS A NEW DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG, HE ADDED: +ALTHOUGH NOT ALL DEPARTMENTS HAVE YET ADJUSTED TO IT, IT IS A NATURAL AND HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT.*

+l AM SURE WE WILL SEE EVEN.GREATER INTEREST IN THIS ROLE ON THE PART OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF DISTRICT BOARDS, PARTICULARLY NEXT YEAR WITH THE INCREASE IN ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES, AND WHEN BOARDS CHOOSE THEIR OWN CHAIRMAN.

+THIS, AS I SEE IT, IS AN ESSENTIAL ASPECT OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, AND WILL ENSURE THAT A GOVERNMENT WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY PERHAPS OVER-CENTRALISED AND OVER BUREAUCRATIC, BECOMES MORE RESPONSIVE AND MORE FLEXIBLE.*

MR WIGGHAM WAS SPEAKING ON +THE EVOLVING ROLE OF DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE CONSULTATIVE PROCESS* AT A .LUNCHEON GATHERING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON-WEST.

’ < ■ . • .

HE SAID THAT MOST IMPRESSIVE IN THE PROCESS OF CONSULTATION WAS THE ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE BY DI STR I CT,BOARDS AND THE SERIOUSNESS WITH WHICH MEMBERS VIEWED THEIR ROLE AS AN ORGANISATION FOR REFLECTING PUBLIC OPINION AND ART ICULAT I NG- ADV ICE AND CRITICISM.

+THEY NOW TAKE THE INITIATIVE IN SEEKING TO DISCUSS MAJOR POLICY ISSUES, RATHER THAN MERELY RESPONDING TO GOVERNMENT REQUESTS FOR VIEWS,* HE SAID.

+AND THIS I WOULD REGARD AS A REFLECTION OF GROWING CONFIDENCE IN THEMSELVES.*

SUCH MAJOR POLICY ISSUES AS THE REVIEW OF PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION POLICIES AND THE 1983 TA&I REVIEW WERE BEING PUT TO THE BOARDS FOR ADVICE AND COMMENT.

+NOR WILL IT HAVE ESCAPED YOUR ATTENTION THAT THE SUBJECT UPPERMOST IN THE MINDS OF MOST PEOPLE RECENTLY, THE FUTURE, IS BEING OPENLY DISCUSSED BY DISTRICT BOARDS, WITH THEIR VIEWS BEING PASSED ON IN FULL,* MR WIGGHAM SAID.

+1 AM SURE THEY WILL WANT TO SPEAK' UP AGAIN WHEN MORE DETAIL OF AN AGREEMENT IS KNOWN.*

• MR WIGGHAM NOTED -THAT THE DISTRICT BOARDS HAD ALSO TAKEN A WIDER REACH INTO THE COMMUNITY BY ASSOCIATING THEMSELVES a IT-! ESTABLISHED LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS THE AREA COMMITTEES.

/+ACC01DDJGLY DISTRICT .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 19E4

- 19 -

♦ACCORDINGLY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS HAVE BECOME MEMBERS OR ADVISERS OF AREA COMMITTEES, AND WE SHALL BE STRENGTHENING AND FORMULATING THIS LINK EVEN FURTHER IN THE FUTURE, AND INCLUDING OUR GROWING NUMBER OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES ALSO,+ HE SAID.

MR WIGGHAM ADDED THAT THE DISTRICT BOARDS HAD PROVED THEIR VALUE MANY TIMES OVER IN TWO SHORT YEARS.

AND THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATION WERE A RECOGNITION OF THIS, PARTICULARLY IN TWO ASPECTS.

FIRSTLY HE SAID, THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MANAGEMENT ROLE FOR THE BOARDS WAS A RESPONSE TO THE INTEREST, DEDICATION AND EXPERTISE SHOWN BY THE BOARDS.

+IT WILL ENABLE DISTRICT BOARDS TO INFLUENCE, IF NOT DIRECT, THE ACTIVITIES OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO AN EVEN GREATER EXTENT THAN AT PRESENT.

♦ IT WILL PROVIDE A FURTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO HAVE A SAY IN MAKING THE BEST USE OF LOCAL RESOURCES, AND DEVELOPING PROGRAMMES BEST SUITED TO DISTRICT NEEDS.+

SECONDLY, HE SAID, THE PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE RATIO OF ELECTED TO APPOINTED MEMBERS TO 2s1 WOULD FURTHER EMPAHSISE THE REPRESENTATIVE NATURE OF THE BOARDS AND FIRMLY ESTABLISH THEM AS AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF OUR EVOLVING SYSTEM OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATION.

♦ DISTRICT BOARDS ARE NOW VERY MUCH AN ESTABLISHED PART OF OUR SYSTEM OF ADM INISTRATI ON,+ MR WIGGHAM SAID.

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

TACKLING PROBLEMS FACED BY ELDERLY PEOPLE * * * *

THE GENERATION GAP, FINANCE AND HOUSING PROBLEMS WHICH CONFRONT MANY ELDERLY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ARE ISSUES WHICH THE GOVERNMENT AIMS TO TACKLE IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT +A PARTY FOR A THOUSAND AGED+ ORGANISED BY THE SHUN TAK FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION AT THE CITY HALL THIS AFTERNOON, CHAMBERS SAID SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE 1980’S FOCUSED ON THREE MAIN AREAS - COMMUNITY CARE, RESIDENTIAL CARE AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES, HE SAID, WERE PROVIDED TO ENABLE THE ELDERLY TO REMAIN IN THE COMMUNITY FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. THESE INCLUDE HOME HELP, DAY CARE CENTRES, MULT I-SERVICE CENTRES, VISITS AND ESCORTS.

/RESIDENTIAL CARE....

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1984 .

- 20 -

RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES INCLUDE COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING, THE GOVERNMENT’S HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY SCHEME, HOSTELS, OLD AGE HOMES, CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES AND TRANSIT ACCOMMODATION.

NEEDY AND ELIGIBLE OLD PEOPLE ARE OFFERED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND OLD AGE AND DISABILITY ALLOWANCES.

+MOST OF THESE SERVICES ARE LAUNCHED THROUGH THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND SUPPORTED BY PUBLIC-SPIRITED ORGANISATIONS AND I ND I V I DUALS,+ MR CHAMBERS SAID.

+AS SOCIETY DEVELOPS AND HEALTH SERVICES IMPROVE, PEOPLE ARE GENERALLY LEADING HEALTHIER AND LONGER LIVES,+ HE SAID.

ACCORDING TO THE 1981 CENSUS, THE NUMBER OF ELDERLY PEOPLE MAY INCREASE TO 680 000 BY 1987.

MR CHAMBERS PRAISED THE SHUN TAK FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION FOR ORGANISING THE PARTY AND FOR THE WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES IT OFFERED TO ELDERLY PEOPLE.

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

FERRY TERMINAL AIR-CONDITIONING WORK STARTS K K K K

WORK HAS STARTED ON INSTALLING AIR-CONDITIONERS AT THE TEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL FERRY TERMINAL NOW BEING BUILT AT SHA TIN.

FIFTEEN SPLIT-TYPE ROOM AIR-CONDITIONERS AND NINE EXHAUST FANS WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE SINGLE-STOREY TERMINAL BUILDING, BY LEUNG'S AIR-CONDITION ENGINEERING COMPANY, WHICH HAS BEEN AWARDED THE $185 000 CONTRACT BY THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

THE WORK WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.

THE $4.2 MILLION TERMINAL IS DUE TO BE READY BY THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR.

FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE HOLIDAY RESORTS OF DAI MEI SHA AND XIAO MEI SHA, SHENZHEN, WILL BE OPERATED FROM THE TERMINAL.

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

/21 ........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1984

- 21 -

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL M M M

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 10 AM ON MAY 4 (FRIDAY) TO JUNE 2 (SATURDAY) TO FACILITATE THE THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL IN SAI KUNG TOWN.

M Yl CHUN STREET BETWEEN ITS TWO JUNCTIONS WITH MAN NIN STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND VEHICLES OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

M MAN NIN STREET BETWEEN ITS TWO JUNCTIONS WITH Yl CHUN STREET WILL BE ROUTED TWO-WAY.

M THE CAR PARK ADJACENT TO THE BRANCH OFFICE OF SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE AT MAN NIN STREET WILL BE CONVERTED INTO A TERMINUS FOR NEW TERRITORIES MAXICAB ROUTES 2, 3 AND 4.

M SOME OF THE PARKING SPACES AT THE CAR PARK ADJACENT TO THE ELECTRIC SUB-STATION ON MAN NIN STREET WILL BE CONVERTED INTO A TAXI STAND.

M THE PARKING SPACES-AT THE SECTION OF MAN NIN STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH Yl CHUN STREET AND THE POINT OPPOSITE THE BRANCH OFFICE OF SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE SUSPENDED.

M THE CAR PARK IN FRONT OF TIN HAU TEMPLE WILL BE SUSPENDED.

M THE PLB AND TAXI STANDS ON Yl CHUN STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED.

o------

YUEN LONG SITE TENANCY OFFERED M M M

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF A SITE AT TUNG TAU INDUSTRIAL AREA, YUEN LONG.

THE 440-SQUARE-METRE SITE IS FOR STORING AND REPAIRING GOODS.

IT CAN ALSO BE USED FOR THE REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND PAINT SPRAYING OF CARS.

/THE INITIAL .......

WE3SESDAX, nlAi 4, 1bo4

22 -

THE INITIAL TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE AT QUARTERLY INTERVALS.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS IS MAY 18.

TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG- DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE OF YUEN LONG.

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

VARIETY SHOW FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS

* * * *

RESIDENTS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL BE TREATED TO A TWO-HOUR VARIETY SHOW BY STUDENTS OF 12 LOCAL SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS ON SATURDAY (MAY 5).

THE SHOW, WHICH WILL START AT 3 PM IN THE SCHOOL HALL OF HOk SANG PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WAH FU ESTATE, WILL FEATURE ORCHESTRA AND WIND INSTRUMENT PERFORMANCES, FOLK DANCES, AND FOLK SONG SINGING.

THE WAN CHAI CHILDREN'S CHOIR WILL BE THE GUESS PERFORMER AT THE SHOW WHICH IS SPONSORED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD AND ORGAN I BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION.

A DISTRICT BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID THE SHOW WAS THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF DISTRICT BOARD-SPONSORED ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE ASSOCIATION IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.

+A SUM OF $100 000 DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS HAS BEEN SET ASIDE TH Io YEAR TO SUBSIDISE THE ASSOCIATION IN PROMOTING ARTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT,+ HE ADDED.

FREE TICKETS FOR THE SHOW ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF MEI FUNG COURT IN ABERDEEN CENTRE, AND ITS SUB-OFFICES IN WAH FU ESTATE AND STANLEY.

----0----

A ....

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1984

- 23 -

TWO DISTRICT BOARDS TO DISCUSS HOUSING REVIEW * * * * *

THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED REVIEW OF PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION POLICIES WILL BE DISCUSSED BY SAI KUNG AND SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AT THEIR MEETINGS ON FRIDAY (MAY 4).

SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO COMMENT ON THE 1983 TAXI REVIEW AT THEIR MEETING IN THE MORNING.

MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE WATER TREATMENT AND TRANSFER WORKS AT PAK KONG, WHICH INVOLVES THE TREATING AND PUMPING OF WATER FROM THE PLOVER COVE AND HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR SYSTEMS TO A SERVICE RESERVOIR AT JUNK BAY.

THE WORKS WILL PROVIDE WATER SUPPLIES TO JUNK BAY NEW TOWN, EAST KOWLOON, HONG KONG ISLAND (EAST), SAI KUNG AND JUNK BAY HINTERLAND.

CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN RECLAMATION AREAS WITHIN SAI KUNG TOWN, WORK ON THE PRINCIPAL ACCESS TO JUNK BAY AND THE OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR NORTH HEBE HAVEN WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.

IN THE AFTERNOON, SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE LAYOUT PLAN FOR A PROPOSED COOKED FOOD CENTRE AND A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AT NAM LOblG SHAN.

THEY WILL ALSO STUDY PROPOSALS BY A WORKING GROUP TO DEAL WITH PROBLEMS RELATED TO WATER SPORTS ACTIVITIES AT STANLEY EAST BEACH.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO COVER:

(I) THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 4) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE BOARD’S SECRETARIAT ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF AMOY PLAZA, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD-AND

(II) THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF MEI FUNG COURT IN ABERDEEN CENTRE.

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/24 .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1984 •

- 24 -

NOTE TO EDITORS!

KWUN TONG BOARD TO MEET PRESS * * * * *

KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE WORK PLANS OF THE BOARD AND ITS SIX COMMITTEES FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MR KEVIN MAK, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SIX COMMITTEES WILL BE PRESENT.

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET.

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NOTE TO EDITORS!

NEW CLINIC FOR TO KWA WAN * * * *

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN THE SHUN TAK FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION LEUNG KAU KUI CLINIC IN TO KWA WAN ON FRIDAY (MAY 4) AT 3 PM.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE MR LEUNG KAU KUI, HONORARY PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION, WHO HAS DONATED MORE than million for the project.

DR K.L. THONG, DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, wILL ADDRESS THE GATHERING.

THE CLINIC IS LOCATED ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE TO KWA WAN MARKET AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 165 MA TAU WAI ROAD, KOWLOON.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

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/25 .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1984

- 25 -

NOTE TO EDITORS:

RECEPTION TALK

* * *

THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN YAXLEY, WILL ADDRESS A RECEPTION TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 5 PM BY KRAS ASIA LTD. TO MARK THE EXPANSION OF THE COMPANY’S PREMISES AT FIRST FLOOR, 79 HUNG TO ROAD, KWUN TONG, KOWLOON.

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NOT FOR LEARNER DRIVERS * * *

FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 4), KWAI YIP STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED A PROHIBITION ZONE TO LEARNER DRIVERS BETWEEN 6 AM AND 7.30 PM, EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1984

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CHIEF SECRETARY SEES RHKAAE AT j'ORK......................... 1

PEOPLE URGED TO HAVE FAITH IN THEIR ABILITY.................. 2

FEBRUARY EXPORT PRICES, VOLUME RISE.......................... 3

MANUFACTURERS URGED TO CONTINUE INVESTING.................... 7

PRESS CONFERENCE ON NEW BILL ................................ 8

SOCIAL CENTRES GROW IN NUMBERS .............................. 8

SHUN LEE ESTATE TO GET FIRE STATION ......................... 9

TWO MORE WOMEN'S GROUPS FORMED .............................. 10

COURSES OFFERED ON REMEDIAL CHINESE TEACHING................. 10

CALLING ALL YOUNG MUSICIANS ................................. 11

PUMPING STATION CONTRACT AWARDED ............................ 11

BOOKLET TELLS ABOUT SHA TIN BOARD WORK....................... 12

TWELVE SEEK SINGING PRIZE.................................... 13

FLYOVER SURFACE WORK ........................................ 13

PROHIBITED ZONES ............................................ 14

NT WATER MAINS WORK ......................................... 14

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1984

CHIEF SECRETARY SEES RHKAAF AT WORK * * *

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE WENT ON A FLYING VISIT THIS AFTERNOON TO SEE THE WORK OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE.

ARRIVING AT FORCE HEADQUARTERS, KAI TAK, BY AN RHKAAF DAUPHIN HELICOPTER, SIR PHILIP WAS MET BY THE COMMANDING OFFICER, WING COMMANDER ALISTAIR ASPREY.

SIR PHILIP FIRST TOURED THE HANGAR HOUSING THE RHKAAF FLEET, WHICH CONSISTS OF FOUR FIXED WING AIRCRAFT AND THREE DAUPHIN HEL ICOPTERS.

SIR PHILIP WAS TOLD BY WING CMDR. ASPREY THAT THE RHKAAF, ESTABLISHED IN 1949, EVOLVED FROM A CONVENTIONAL AUXILIARY AIR FORCE ADMINISTERED BY THE ROYAL AIR FORCE TO A FULLY INDEPENDENT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT WITH DIVERSE ROLES.

A COMBINATION OF 83 FULL-TIME STAFF AND 80 PART-TIME VOLUNTEERS ENABLES THE FORCE TO PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF FLYING SERVICES COVERING SEARCH AND RESCUE, CASUALTY EVACUATION, AIRBORNE FIRE-FIGHTING AS WELL AS REGULAR ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING AERIAL SURVEYS AND ROUT I NE. COMMUNI CAT I ON FLIGHTS.

LAST YEAR, THE RHKAAF FLEW 481 EMERGENCY MISSIONS, FIFTY PER CENT MORE THAN IN 1982.

APART FROM FLYING COMMITMENTS, THE FORCE HAS in RECENT YEARS BEEN PROVIDING FLYING AND OTHER SPECIALISED TRAINING FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICERS OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT.

SIR PHILIP LATER INSPECTED THE OPERATIONS ROOM AND ALSO THE TRAINING CENTRE, WHERE HE WAS GIVEN A REVIEW OF THE WORK OF THE FORCE.

BEFORE LEAVING, ALSO BY HELICOPTER, SIR PHILIP HAD AN INFORMAL MEETING AND DISCUSSION WITH THE STAFF.

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/2........

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1984 •

2 -

PEOPLE URGED TO HAVE FAITH IN THEIR ABILITY * * * *

HONG KONG PEOPLE MUST HAVE FAITH IN THEIR ABILITY TO ADJUST TO NEW SITUATIONS AND TURN THEM TO THEIR ADVANTAGE, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG SOUTH, HE SAID THEIR PAST PERFORMANCE HAD DEMONSTRATED THE GREAT LATENT STRENGTH IN THE COMMUNITY.

+WE ARE UNDOUBTEDLY CONFRONTING A PERIOD OF CHANGE, BUT IT IS ALSO A PERIOD OF CHALLENGE,+ HE SAID.

+WE MUST CONCENTRATE OUR MINDS ON THE VITAL QUESTIONS AFFECTING THE WELFARE AND WELL BEING OF THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF PEOPLE WHO WILL CONTINUE TO LIVE AND WORK IN HONG KONG, AND WE MUST NOT BE DISTRACTED BY TALES OF DEPARTURE.+

MR AKERS-JONES POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE MANY FACTORS WHICH GAVE CAUSE FOR CONFIDENCE.

ON THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL ASPECTS, HE SAID IMPORTANT STEPS HAD BEEN TAKEN, AND NEW MEASURES WERE BEING PROPOSED, TO STRENGTHEN THE FOUNDATIONS OF PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT AMONG THE PEOPLE AT A DISTRICT AND REGIONAL LEVEL.

+WE ARE THEREFORE DEVELOPING A MUCH MORE RESPONSIVE, RESPONSIBLE AND SENSITIVE MACHINERY OF GOVERNMENT.+

ALSO, HE SAID HONG KONG’S ECONOMY WAS PERFORMING EXTREMELY WELL IN RESPONSE TO WORLD ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND INDUSTRIALISTS ORDER BOOKS WERE LONGER THAN THEY HAD BEEN FOR SOMETIME.

AND ACCORDING TO THIS YEAR’S PROPERTY REVIEW, THERE WERE ENCOURAGING SIGNS OF RECOVERY IN EVERY SECTOR OF THE PROPERTY MARKET, EXCEPT MOST EXPENSIVE ACCOMMODATION.

REFERRING TO A REMARK THAT HONG KONG HAD NO OTHER RESOURCES EXCEPT ITS PEOPLE, MR AKERS-JONES NOTED THAT THESE HUMAN RESOURCES HAD NOT DECREASED, AND ADDED THAT THERE WERE 11 OOO STUDENTS AT THE TWO UNIVERSITIES AND 59 000 AT THE POLYTECHNIC AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.

+OUR COMMUNITY IS BECOMING MORE HIGHLY EDUCATED AND COMPETENT TECHNICALLY THAN EVER BEFORE,+ HE SAID.

+IN THE PAST WE HAVE POWERED INDUSTRIAL AND ECONOMIC EXPANSION AND GENERATED RESOURCES TO IMPROVE ALMOST EVERY SPHERE OF LIFE AND ACTIVITY IN HONG KONG.

+ THIS WE CAN CONTINUE TO DO: WE MUST CONTINUE TO D0.+

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/3........

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1984

• 3 -

FEBRUARY EXPORT PRICES, VOLUME RISE

* * * *

FEBRUARY PRICES OF TOTAL EXPORTS, DOMESTIC EXPORTS, REEXPORTS AND IMPORTS ALL ROSE, ON AVERAGE, BY 16 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1983 PRICES, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF THE TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO THE IMPORT PRICE INDEX) REMAINED AT THE FEBRUARY 1983 LEVEL.

THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY SIX PER CENT AND 28 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, SO THAT THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT, MEANWHILE, THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 25 PER CENT.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT SINCE THE FEBRUARY FIGURES WERE AFFECTED BY THE TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEw YEAR HOLIDAYS, IT WAS MORE USEFUL TO CONSIDER THE JANUARY AND FEBRUARY FIGURES TOGETHER. A COMPARISON OF THE FIGURES FOR THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1984 WITH THOSE FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR SHOWS THAT DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 27 PER CENT AND 34 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VOLUME TERMS, AFTER ALLOWING FOR THE EFFECT OF PRICE INCREASES OF 15 PER CENT EACH. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, IMPORTS RECORDED A 21 PER CENT GROWTH IN VOLUME TERMS, WITH A PRICE INCREASE OF 16 PER CENT.

AN EXTENSION OF THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY THIS YEAR WITH THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1983, SHOWS THAT THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, RE-EXPORTS AND IMPORTS ROSE, ON AVERAGE, BY 11 PER CENT, 12 PER CENT AND 14 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 17 PER CENT AND 20 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, THUS GIVING AN 18 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. MEANWHILE, THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 13 PER CENT.

PRICES ARE BASED ON UNIT VALUES WHICH DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OR QUALITY OF GOODS TRADED. CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE ARE DERIVED FROM CHANGES IN TRADE VALUES, AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.

AS SEEN FROM TABLE 1, THE EXPORT PRICES OF ALL COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED, FROM SEVEN PER CENT FOR WATCHES AND CLOCKS TO 25 PER CENT FOR METAL ORES AND SCRAP.

/THE DOMESTIC .......

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1984

4 -

THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF MANY OF THE COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY, THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+90 PER CENT), TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+42 PER CENT), DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+15 PER CENT) AND TEXTILE FABRICS (+13 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR METAL MANUFACTURES (-1 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-3 PER CENT). CLOTHING (-5 PER CENT), RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-7 PER CENT), TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-10 PER CENT) AS WELL AS METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-66 PER CENT).

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.

AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORT PRICES OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED, FROM SEVEN PER CENT FOR FUELS TO 18 PER CENT FOR RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES.

MORE THAN HALF OF THE MAJOR IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS DECLINED IN VOLUME TERMS, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING FRUIT, CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS OTHER THAN RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR, SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD AS WELL AS SUGAR. HOWEVER, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR, LIVE POULTRY AS WELL AS FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY.

IN THE CONSUMER GOODS CATEGORY, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING, RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES. HOWEVER, SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR TOBACCO MANUFACTURES AND FOOTWEAR.

THE IMPORT VOLUME OF NEARLY ALL RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES ROSE, AMONG WHICH WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK, YARN AND FABRICS OF MAN-MADE FIBRES, COTTON YARN AND THREAD, WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR, IRON AND STEEL, PAPER AND PAPERBOARD, SILK FABRIC, LEATHER AND DRESSED FUR SKINS AS WELL AS THERMIONIC CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, DIODES, TRANSISTORS AND ELECTRICAL MICROCIRCUITS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY. HOWEVER, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CLAY AND REFRACTORY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, BUILDING MATERIALS, ETC., EXCEPT GLASS DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY.

IMPORTS OF FUELS DROPPED BY 18 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.

IN THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF NEARLY ALL COMMODITIES INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY, THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING OFFICE MACHINES, SCIENTIFIC, MEDICAL, OPTICAL, MEASURING AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS, AND INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY. HOWEVER, A SLIGHT DECREASE IN IMPORT VOLUME WAS RECORDED FOR TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.

/as shown ........

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 19^4

- 5 -

AS SHOWN IN TABLE 3, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS, RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES, AND CAPITAL GOODS INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT, 52 PER CENT AND 53 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY WHILE THOSE OF FOODSTUFFS AND FUELS DROPPED BY 10 PER CENT AND 43 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE FEBRUARY 1984 ISSUE OF THE + HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS*, AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE SOON AT HK$2 PER COPY.

TABLE 1 * CHANGES COMPARING FEBRUARY 1984 WITH FEBRUARY 1983 OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY-GROUP

EXPORT COMMODITY GROUP VALUE CLOTHING * 15% TEXTILE FABRICS + 34% TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD + 68% TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES + 14% RADIOS OF ALL KINDS + 10% ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS +106% FOOTWEAR + 29% ICTAL MANUFACTURES + 9% ICTAL ORES AND SCRAP - 58% WATCHES AND CLOCKS + 4% TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES + 4% DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES + 36% ALL COMMODITIES + 22% EXPORT EXPORT UNIT VALUE VOLUME +21% - 5% ♦19% +13% +18% +42% +13% + 1% +19% - 7% + 8% +90% +24% + 5% +11% - 1% +25% -66% ♦ 7% - 3% + 16% -10% +18% +15% +16% + 6% /TABLE 2 :

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1984

- 6 -

TABLE 2 s CHANGES COMPARING FEBRUARY 1984 WITH FEBRUARY 1983 OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY

END-USE CATEGORY IMPORT VALUE IMPORT UNIT VALUE IMPORT VOLUME

FOODSTUFFS + 10% + 17% - 6%

CONSUMER GOODS +37% + 17% +17%

RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES +75% +18% +48%

FUELS -13% + 7% -18%

CAPITAL GOODS +47% +12% +31%

ALL COMMODITIES +45% +16% +25%

TABLE 3 s CHANGES COMPARING FEBRUARY 1984 WITH OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FEBRUARY 1983

RE-EXPORT* END-USE CATEGORY VALUE FOODSTUFFS + 7% CONSUMER GOODS +27% RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES +81% FUELS -33% CAPITAL GOODS +69% ALL COMMODITIES +48% - - - - 0 - RE-EXPORT RE-EXPORT UNIT VALUE VOLUME ♦19% -13% +14% +11% +19% +52% +18% -43% +11% +53% +16% +28% /7

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1984

7 -

MANUFACTURERS URGED TO CONTINUE INVESTING

******

MANUFACTURERS SHOULD KEEP INVESTING IN NEW MACHINERY, RESEARCH, DESIGN AND WORKFORCE, TO STAY AHEAD IN BUSINESS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN YAXLEY SAID TODAY.

HE WAS ADDRESSING A RECEPTION MARKING KRAS ASIA’S COMPLETION OF TEN YEARS OF SUCCESSFUL OPERATION IN HONG KONG AND THE LATEST PHASE OF EXPANSION OF THE COMPANY’S PREMISES IN KWUN TONG.

KRAS ASIA, OWNED BY AMERICAN INTERESTS, IS ONE OF THE COMPANIES WHICH USED THE SERVICES OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION UNIT WHEN ITS HONG KONG OPERATION WAS BEING SET UP IN 1973.

THE COMPANY HAS STEADILY EXPANDED AND HAS BECOME A LEADING SUPPLIER OF QUALITY PRECISION TOOLING EQUIPMENT IN THE ASIAN PACIFIC REGION.

+THE COMPANY IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF HOW FOREIGN INVESTMENT HERE HAS BROUGHT MUTUAL BENEFIT TO THE INVESTOR THROUGH THE HIGH PROFITABILITY OF HIS LOCAL FACTORY ON THE ONE HAND AND, ON THE OTHER, TO THE ECONOMY THRQUGH THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW TECHNIQUES AND THE AVAILABILITY LOCALLY OF BETTER QUALITY PRODUCTS AND MORE SOPHISTICATED EXPERTISE,+ MR YAXLEY SAID.

HE SAID THE PRECISION TOOLING INDUSTRY PLAYED AN IMPORTANT SUPPORTING ROLE IN THE CONTINUING GROWTH OF THE ELECTRONICS AND OTHEWR INDUSTRIES.

THE CONSTANT UPGRADING AND MODERNISATION OF KRAS ASIA’S PRODUCTION FACILITIES REFLECTED THE GROWING DEMAND FOR HONG KONG’S TOOLING INDUSTRY IN TERMS OF QUANTITY AND QUALITY.

♦THIS TREND MUST CONTINUE AS MANUFACTURERS SEARCH FOR MORE EFFICIENT AND COST-EFFECTIVE PRODUCTION METHODS TO KEEP THEMSELVES AHEAD OF OVERSEAS COMPETITORS. THERE IS, WITHOUT DOUBT, A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR FIRMS SUCH AS KRAS WHICH HAVE THE TECHNICAL RESOURCES AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACUMEN TO STAY IN THE FOREFRONT OF THIS LINE OF BUSINESS,* MR YAXLEY SAID.

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/8........

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1984

8 -

NOTE TO EDITORS:

PRESS CONFERENCE ON NEW BILL * * * *

A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO EXPLAIN THE PROVISIONS OF A LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984 TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE.

THE CONFERENCE, TO BE HELD AT 11 AM IN THE GIS THEATRE, WILL BE GIVEN BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR DONALD LIAO, THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, MR RAYMOND FRY, AND ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, MR KENNETH PANG TSAN-WING.

COPIES OF A PRESS RELEASE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ADVANCE READING FROM 10.30 AM. YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

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SOCIAL CENTRES GROW IN NUMBERS * * * *

SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY HAVE SEEN THE MOST RAPID DEVELOPMENT AMONG COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE AND THE NUMBER OF SUCH CENTRES HAS RISEN FROM 13 TO 85 OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY). "

SHE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CERMONY OF THE SALVATION ARMY’S NAM TAI SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY AT NAM SHAN ESTATE bfnk/l Anu 9

♦THESE CENTRES AIM TO PROVIDE THE ELDERLY WITH A NEARBY PLACE FOR SOCIAL, RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES ENABLING THEM TO MAKE FRIENDS AND TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY LIVING,+ SHE SAID.

STATISTICS FOR 1982-83 SHOWED THAT THESE CENTRES HAD MORE THAN 16 000 REGISTERED MEMBERS, 83 PER CENT OF THEM WOMEN.

♦IT IS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT THE NUMBER OF THOSE AGED 70 AND OVER REPRESENTED HALF OF THE TOTAL MEMBERSHIP,* MRS CHAN SAID.

MOST OF THESE ELDERLY PEOPLE WERE RECEIVING CARE AND SUPPORT FROM THEIR FAMILIES.

/MRS CHAN........

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1984

- 9 -

MRS CHAN SUGGESTED THAT THESE CENTRES SHOULD PLAY A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN ACHIEVING THE OBJECTIVE OF +CARE IN THE COMMUNITY*.

+ONE WAY WOULD BE TO TRAIN ELDERLY PEOPLE AS VOLUNTEERS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY,* SHE SAID.

ANOTHER SUGGESTION WOULD BE TO USE THESE CENTRES FOR THE PROMOTION OF HEALTH EDUCATION AND FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION FOR THEIR MEMBERS TO ENSURE THAT THEY LEAD A MORE HEALTHY AND MEANINGFUL LIFE.

FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE NEW CENTRE, LOCATED AT UNITS 17-22 NAM TAI HOUSE, GROUND FLOOR, INCLUDE A READING ROOM, A COMMON ROOM, A GROUP ACTIVITIES AND CONFERENCE ROOM AND A HALL.

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SHUN LEE ESTATE TO GET FIRE STATION * * * *

A U.S-MILLION CONTRACT HAS BEEN AWARDED FOR CONSTRUCTING A SUB-DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION AT SHUN LEE ESTATE IN NORTH-EASTERN KOWLOON.

THE FOUR-STOREY BUILDING WILL OCCUPY A 2 000 SQUARE METRES SITE IN LEE ON ROAD AND CONSIST OF AN APPLIANCE ROOM FOR FOUR FIRE ENGINES, OFFICES, A COMMUNICATIONS ROOM, AN EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT STORE, WORKSHOP, BARRACKS, AN EXERCISE ROOM AND OTHER FACILITIES.

A DRILL YARD AND DRILL TOWER WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE NEW STATION WHICH WILL PROVIDE COVER FOR THE CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, PIK UK AND JORDAN VALLEY AREA.

WHEN CONSTRUCTION IS COMPLETED IN 12 MONTHS, KOWLOON WILL HAVE A TOTAL OF 17 FIRE STATIONS.

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED THE CONTRACT TO LOUVRE ENGINEERING LIMITED.

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/10 .......

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1984

- 10 -

TWO MORE WOMEN’S GROUPS FORMED

* *

WIFE OF THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MRS JANE AKERS-JONES, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE JOINT INAUGURATION CEREMONY CF THE MING WAH DAI HA AND LAI TAK TSUEN YIN NGA I SOCIETIES ON SATURDAY (MAY 5).

THE TWO YIN NGAI SOCIETIES, THE FIRST IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT, WERE FORMED TO ENCOURAGE HOUSEWIVES TO ORGANISE AND PARTICIPATE IN LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES.

THE TWO SOCIETIES HAVE ABOUT 200 MEMBERS.

BEFORE THE CEREMONY, A PHOTO EXHIBITION ON ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE TWO SOCIETIES AND A DISPLAY OF HANDICRAFT BY MEMBERS WILL BE HELD.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE JOINT INAUGURATION OF THE MING WAH DAI HA AND LAI TAK TSUEN YIN NGAI. SOCIETIES AT 2.15 PM ON SATURDAY (MAY 5) AT THE SHAU KEI WAN KAIFONG WELFARE ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION, 351 SHAU KEI WAN ROAD.

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

COURSES OFFERED ON REMEDIAL CHINESE TEACHING * * * *

SIX COURSES ON REMEDIAL TEACHING OF CHINESE LANGUAGE WILL. BE HELD BETWEEN MAY 29 AND JUNE 14 FOR GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.

EACH COURSE WILL INCLUDE A TALK. A WORKSHOP AND A DISCUSSION SESSION, AND PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO LEARN ABOUT THE USE OF THE LOOP SYSTEM ON REMEDIAL CHINESE TEACHING.

AS EACH CLASS IS LIMITED TO 30 TEACHERS, ONLY ONE TEACHER SHOULD BE RECOMMENDED FROM EACH SCHOOL, AND PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE WHO ARE ENGAGED IN REMEDIAL TEACHING OF THE SUBJECT.

HEADS OF SCHOOLS WISHING TO RECOMMEND THEIR TEACHERS SHOULD SEND THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, 7/F., TO KWA WAN MARKET AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 165 MA TAU WAI ROAD, KOWLOON, ON OR BEFORE MAY 12, 1984.

THE COURSES ARE RUN BY THE CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AT THE TEACHING CENTRE’S HONG KONG AND KOWLOON UNITS. ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE COURSES MAY BE MADE TO THE CENTRE ON 3-7128476 OR 5-488230.

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/11 ....

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1934

- 11 -

CALLING ALL YOUNG MUSICIANS * * * *

YOUNG MUSICIANS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT TO APPLY TO JOIN ITS YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND, YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA, YOUTH CHOIR AND CHINESE FOLK SINGING CHILDREN’S ENSEMBLE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE SAID APPLICANTS FOR THE YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, YOUTH SYMPHONIC BANDS AND YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA SHOULD BE UNDER 23 YEARS OF AGE AND SHOULD HAVE ATTAINED AT LEAST GRADE V OR ABOVE IN THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC EXAMINATION, OR EQUIVALENT, IN AT LEAST ONE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC INSTRUMENT.

♦THOSE WHO WISH TO JOIN THE CHINESE ORCHESTRAS, SHOULD HAVE GOOD PERFORMANCE SKILL IN ONE OR MORE CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. THOSE WITH PREVIOUS ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE WILL BE FAVOURABLY CONSIDERED,+ HE SAID.

AS FOR THE YOUTH CHOIR, APPLICANTS SHOULD BE BETWEEN 17 AND 26 YEARS OF AGE, GOOD AT SIGHT-STNG I NG AND INTERESTED IN STANDARD CHOIR REPERTOIRE.

CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF EIGHT AND 12 INTERESTED IN CHINESE FOLK SONGS ARE WELCOME TO APPLY FOR THE CHINESE FOLK SINGING CHILDREN’S ENSEMBLE.

AN AUDITION WILL BE ARRANGED FOR QUALIFIED APPLICANTS AT A LATER DATE.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE YAU MA TEI MUSIC CENTRE, GOLDEN GATE COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 138 AUSTIN ROAD, THIRD FLOOR, BY MAY 14.

ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE AT TEL1 3-7226240.

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

PUMPING STATION CONTRACT AWARDED

* * * *

A CONTRACT TO BUILD THE NEW ELLIOT FRESH WATER AND SALT WATER PUMPING STATION AT POK FU LAM ROAD HAS BEEN AWARDED BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CHUNG SHING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED.

THE TWO-STOREY PUMPING STATION WILL BE BUILT BEHIND THE PREVIOUS ONE WHICH WAS DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR THE WIDENING CF POK FU LAM ROAD AND RE-DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY.

IT WILL ACCOMMODATE FOUR ELECTRICALLY-DRIVEN FRESH WATER PUMPS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 26 600 CUBIC METRES A DAY, AND TWO SALT WATER PUMPS.

WORK ON THE STATION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER 1985.

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

/12 .....

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1984

- 12 -

BOOKLET TELLS ABOUT SHA TIN BOARD WORK * * * * *

A 16-PAGE BOOKLET OUTLINING THE MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS HAS JUST BEEN PUBLISHED.

PRINTED IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, THE BOOKLET HAS BEEN PRODUCED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AT A COST OF $50 000, DRAWN FROM THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD FUND.

IT GIVES A SUMMARY OF THE WORKS OF THE BOARD AND ITS NINE COMMITTEES BETWEEN APRIL 1982 AND DECEMBER 1983.

THE NINE COMMITTEES ARE INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE, CULTURAL AFFAIRS, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, FINANCE, RECREATION AND SPORTS, DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING, HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE, SOCIAL SERVICES, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID THE BOOKLET WOULD BE A VERY USEFUL VEHICLE IN ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE COMING REGISTRATION OF VOTERS AS WELL AS NEXT YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

♦RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS ACHIEVEMENTS WITHIN A SHORT SPAN OF TWO YEARS,+ HE SAID.

A TOTAL OF 75 000 COPIES OF THE BOOKLET HAVE BEEN PRINTED AND ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE.

COPIES OF THE BOOKLET, TOGETHER WITH A COLOURFUL POSTER FEATURING A CARTOON HORSE, WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, VILLAGE OFFICES AND SCHOOLS.

+A HORSE, WHICH SYMBOLISES VITALITY AND NOBILITY, IS BEING USED IN OUR LOCAL REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN,+ MR TSANG ADDED.

-----0-----

/13........

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1984

- 13 -

NOTE TO EDITORS:

TWELVE SEEK SINGING PRIZE

* * *

Twelve persons have been chosen by audition to compete in the

SAI KUNG DISTRICT AMATEUR SINGING CONTEST ON SATURDAY (MAY 5).

THE CONTEST, WHICH WILL START AT 7 PM IN THE SCHOOL HALL OF SUNG TSUN MIDDLE SCHOOL IN SAI KUNG TOWN, IS BEING ORGANISED TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS’ PARTICIPATION IN THE COMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

SAI KUNG IS THE SIXTH DISTRICT TO HOLD THE TERRITORY-WIDE SINGING COMPETITION WHICH BEGAN IN LATE MARCH.

ADJUDICATORS FOR THE CONTEST ON SATURDAY WILL BE A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR CHAN KWAI-SANG, A DISC JOCKEY FROM RADIO ■TELEVISION HONG KONG AND A REPRESENTATIVE FROM POLYGRAM RECORDS COMPANY.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHAN SUI-JEUNG, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS.

THE TERRITORY-WIDE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE 18 DISTRICT OFFICES, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND SING TAO NEWSPAPERS LIMITED.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SINGING CONTEST.

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

FLYOVER SURFACE WORK * * *

FROM 2 PM ON SATURDAY (MAY 5) TO 9 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, ThE FLYOVER LEADING FROM MAGAZINE GAP ROAD TO GARDEN ROAD WILL bt CLOSED FOR THE LAYING OF SKID-RESISTANT SURFACE.

DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE ROAD NEXT TO THE FLYOVER.

----o---.

/u.....

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1984

- 14 -

PROHIBITED ZONES * * * *

FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 5), CHUK YUEN ESTATE BUS TERMINUS WILL BE DESIGNATED A PROHIBITED ZONE.

ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED PUBLIC BUSES AND THOSE AUTHORISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE TERMINUS.

FROM THE SAME DAY, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE FOLLOWING ROADS IN WONG TAI SIN AREA UNLESS AUTHORISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT!

* ROAD Al BETWEEN MA CHAI HANG ROAD AND ROAD A|

* ROAD A BETWEEN SHATIN PASS ROAD AND ROAD All

* THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM FUNG MO INTERCHANGE TO ROAD Al.

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

NT WATER MAINS WORK * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON SUNDAY (MAY 6) FOR MAINS WORK.

THE AFFECTED AREAS ARE ALL PREMISES AND VILLAGES IN SHAM TSENG AND TSI NG LUNG TAU.

- - 0 - - - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

PAGE NO

CONTENTS

PLAN TO UPDATE LANDLORD AND TPNANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE

MONETARY STATISTICS FOR MARCH

PROPOSED NEW ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE SUPPORTED

TRANSPORT COMMISSIONER MEETS TAXI OPERATORS

MORE LOCAL LEADERS BEING SOUGHT FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

ADDITIONAL FLOOR FOR QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL

HOW THE YOUNG SEE HONG KONG

BIG CROWDS EXPECTED AT BUN FESTIVAL

BOARDS TO MW

NEW LIFE FOR FALLOW VILLAGE LAND

YOUNG MARTINS BATTING FOR TROPHY

NEW CLINIC OPENS IN TO KWA WAN

MA ON SHAN PROJECT TO START

CANTON ROAD SECTION TO BE WIDENED

TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD CLOSURE

ROAD CLOSURE

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

FRIDAY, MAY 4> 1984

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1^84

PLAN TO UPDATE LANDLORD AND *

TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE

* *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED

AND UPDATE THE LANDLORD AND TENANT

NUMBER OF MEASURES TO REF I Nt (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE UNDER WHICH THE MAJORITY OF DOMESTIC TENANTS ENJOY THE PROTECTION OF SECURITY OF TENURE AND CONTROL AGAINST LARGE RENT INCREASES.

IN ANNOUNCING THESE MEASURES TODAY THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR DONALD LIAO, EXPLAINED THAT THEY WERE DRAWN UP FOLLOWING A REVIEW OF THE WORKING OF THE ORDINANCE AND OF THE RENTAL MARKET SITUATION IN 1983 AND HAVING REGARD TO THE INTERESTS OF BOTH LANDLORDS AND TENANTS. THEY WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S PREVIOUSLY STATED INTENTION THAT AS SOON AS CIRCUMSTANCES PERMIT, EVERY EFFORT CONSISTENT WITH THE NEED TO AVOID ADVERSE SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES SHOULD BE MADE TO ACCELERATE THE PHASING OUT OF RENT CONTROL.

IT WAS STRESSED HOWEVER THAT THE MAJORITY OF PROTECTED TENANTS WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED BY THESE CHANGES AND THEY wOULD CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE PROTECTION OF SECURITY OF TENURE AND THE CONTROL ON RENT INCREASES.

THE PROPOSED MEASURES, CONTAINED IN THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, ALSO INCLUDE IMPROVEMENTS TO SIMPLIFY AND CLARIFY SOME OF THE EXISTING ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE.

THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON

MAY NOT

16 WHILE THE RESUMED SECOND TAKE PLACE UNTIL JUNE 13.

READING AND THE THIRD READING WILL

PUBLIC VIEWS WILL BE TAKEN BE MADE TO UMELCO, AT SWIRE

MAY

INTO ACCOUNT AND REPRESENTATIONS HOUSE, 12TH FLOOR, CHATER ROAD, JR

TO THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.

MR LIAO RECALLED THAT EXCLUSION OF LUXURY PREMISES FROM RENT CONTROL WAS INTRODUCED IN PHASES BEGINNING IN DECEMBER, 1981 EXCLUDING PREMISES WHICH HAD A RATEABLE VALUE OF OR ABOVE $83 000.

THIS POINT WAS LOWERED TO $60 000 IN YEAR.

1982 AND TO $50 □□□ LAST

TO CONTINUE THIS PROCESS, IT IS DECEMBER 19 THIS YEAR, PREMISES WITH $35 000 OR ABOVE AS AT JUNE 13, 1983 VALUE BEFORE THE RECENT REVALUATION)

NOW PROPOSED THAT FROM A RATEABLE VALUE OF ( I .E. THE OLD RATEABLE SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM

PART II OF THE ORDINANCE, WHICH PROVIDES SECURITY OF TENURE AND RENT CONTROL, TO PART IV, WHICH PROVIDES SECURITY OF TENURE AT THE PREVAILING MARKET RENT. IT IS INTENDED TO CONTINUE TO USE THE OLD RATEABLE VALUES FOR THIS PURPOSE BECAUSE THE NEW RATEABLE VALUES WHICH TOOK EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1984 HAVE YET TO BE ESTABLISHED.

/+ABCUT 2 000

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 19&4

+ABOUT 2 000 TENANCIES WILL BE AFFECTED, OF WHICH ABOUT 73 PER CENT ARE HELD IN THE NAME OF CORPORATIONS. IT IS NOT EXPECTED THAT THEY WILL SUFFER ANY UNDUE HARDSHIP BECAUSE RENTS FOR THIS SECTOR HAVE BEEN DECLINING AND THEIR AVERAGE LEVEL OF CONTROLLED RENT IS ALREADY CLOSE TO THE PREVAILING MARKET LEVEL. FURTHERMORE, NO HARDENING OF RENTS SEEMS LIKELY FOR THIS SECTOR IN THE COMING YEAR, AND THERE ARE MANY VACANT LARGE FLATS AND A GOOD SUPPLY FORECAST FOR BOTH THIS AND NEXT YEAR,* MR LIAO SAID.

+A NEW PROVISION IN THE BILL IS THE PROPOSAL TO REMOVE FRESH LETTINGS OF FULLY FURNISHED PREMISES FROM BOTH TENANCY AND RENT CONTROLS. IT IS THOUGHT THAT THIS WOULD BE AN INCENTIVE TO THOSE LANDLORDS WHO WISH TO PROVIDE SUCH ACCOMMODATION, ON A SHORT-TERM BASIS, TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF ORGANISATIONS BRINGING IN OVERSEAS STAFF FOR SPECIFIC PROJECTS. SUCH TENANCIES WOULD BE FOR NOT MORE THAN ONE YEAR AT A TIME AND, IN ORDER TO AVOID ABUSE, THE AGREEMENTS WOULD REQUIRE ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION. HE MUST BE SATISFIED THAT THE TENANT UNDERSTANDS THE EFFECT OF THE EXCLUSION, THE PREMISES ARE FULLY FURNISHED AND THAT THE LANDLORD ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAINTAINING AND REPAIRING THE PREMISES, FURNISHINGS AND FITTINGS,* W LIAO SAID.

ON THE PROPOSALS TO REVISE THE MECHANISM FOR PERMITTING RENT INCREASES, MR LIAO EXPLAINED THAT; AT PRESNET, WHEN A LANDLORD APPLIES FOR A RENT INCREASE, THE AMOUNT OF INCREASE IS THE LESSER OF EITHER THE DIFFERENCE, DIVIDED BY THE FACTOR 2, BETWEEN THE PREVAILING MARKET RENT AND THE CURRENT CONTROLLED RENT OR 30 PER CENT OF THE CURRENT RENT. HOWEVER, IF THE CONTROLLED RENT IS EXCEPTIONALLY LOW, ANOTHER PROVISION, INTRODUCED IN 1983, IS TO ALLOW THE PERMITTED INCREASE TO BE AN AMOUNT NECESSARY TO BRING THE CURRENT RENT TO AT LEAST 30 PER CENT OF THE PREVAILING MARKET RENT.

ONE OF THE PROPOSALS IS TO REMOVE THE DIVIDING FACTOR. THIS IS DESIGNED TO SIMPLIFY THE MECHANISM AND TO REMOVE THE EFFECT OF THE FACTOR FOREVER REPRESSING CONTROLLED RENTS BELOW MARKET LEVELS WHICH HINDERS THE RESTORATION OF A FREE DOMESTIC MARKET. AS THE PROCESS OF DECONTROL IS WELL ADVANCED, THE AVERAGE OF CONTROLLED RENTS BEING 64 PER CENT OF PREVAILING MARKET RENT, IT IS OPPORTUNE TO ABOLISH THE DIVIDING FACTOR SO THAT DECONTROL IS NOT IMPEDED.

+REMOVING THE DIVIDING FACTOR WILL AFFECT ABOUT 23 500 TENANCIES (17 PER CENT OF TOTAL CONTROLLED TENANCIES) WHOSE CONTROLLED RENTS ARE ALREADY RELATIVELY CLOSE TO THE PREVAILING MARKET LEVEL. IN SUCH CASES, THE INCREASE IN RENT, WHILE BRINGING RENTS UP TO THE PREVAILING MARKET LEVEL, WILL STILL BE LESS THAN 30 PER CENT OF THE CURRENT RENT,* MR LIAO SAID.

/ANOTHER PROPOSAL

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 19^4

- 3 -

ANOTHER PROPOSAL IS TO RAISE THE MINIMUM PERCENTAGE COMPONENT CF THE RENT CONTROL MECHANISM FROM 30 PER CENT TO 45 PER CENT OF PREVAILING MARKET RENTS AND THIS WILL MEAN THAT ABOUT 22 000 TENANCIES (16 PER CENT OF CONTROLLED TENANCIES) WITH LOW CONTROLLED RENTS WILL HAVE INCREASES, MANY ONLY MARGINALLY, EXCEEDING 30 PER CENT OF THEIR CURRENT RENTS. HOWEVER, SUCH INCREASES BEING BASED ON VERY LOW CONTROLLED RENTS, WOULD NOT BE EXCESSIVE COMPARED * I TH THE GENERAL LEVEL OF INCREASES PERMITTED UNDER THIS LEGISLATION.

MEASURES IN REGARD TO PRE-WAR PREMISES ENACTED IN 1979 HAVE ALSO BEEN RE-EXAMINED IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGED CIRCUMSTANCES.

PRE-WAR BUSINESS PREMISES ARE ALREADY SCHEDULED FOR EXCLUSION FROM CONTROL FROM JULY 1, 1984 AND WILL BECOME SUBJECT TO PART V WHICH REQUIRES, GENERALLY, SIX MONTHS NOTICE TO TERMINATE A TENANCY. LANDLORDS AND TENANTS OF THESE PREMISES - WHICH NUMBER ONLY ABOUT 1 700 - WOULD BE IN THE SAME POSITION AS THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN POST-WAR BUSINESS PREMISES AND FREE TO NEGOTIATE RENTS ACCORDING TO PREVAILING MARKET CONDITIONS. THE BILL PROPOSES TO EXTEND THIS EXCLUSION TO BUSINESS SUB-TENANCIES IN ALL PRE-WAR DOMESTIC PREMISES. ONLY A VERY SMALL NUMBER OF SUB-TENANTS WILL BE AFFECTED BY THIS PROPOSAL.

FOLLOWING THE POLICY ESTABLISHED IN 1978 OF ALLOWING ANNUAL INCREASES TO THE PERMITTED RENT OF PRE.-WAR DOMESTIC PREMISES, THE FACTOR TO BE APPLIED TO THE STANDARD RENT (RENT AS AT DECEMEER 25, 1941) TO ARRIVE AT THE PERMITTED RENT WILL BE RAISED FROM 16 TO 21.

+FOR AN AVERAGE UPPER FLOOR TENEMENT, THE PROPOSED CHANGE WILL RESULT IN AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 31 PER CENT OR $200 PER MONTH ON ITS CURRENT RENT AND WILL BRING UP ITS LEVEL TO ABOUT 45 PER CENT OF THE PREVAILING MARKET RENT. ONLY ABOUT 2 700 UNITS WHICH ARE EFFECTIVELY UNDER CONTROL WILL BE AFFECTED,+ MR LIAO SAID.

IT IS ALSO PROPOSED TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO TRANSFER TENANCIES FROM PART II TO PART IV UNDER THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES:

(A) UPON THE JOINT APPLICATION OF A LANDLORD AND A TENANT,

(B) UPON THE APPLICATION OF A LANDLORD OR A TENANT WHOSE RENT HAS REACHED AT LEAST 77 PER CENT OF THE PREVAILING MARKET RENT (AT WHICH LEVEL A 30 PER CENT INCREASE WOULD BRING THE RENT UP TO THE PREVAILING MARKET RENT).

BY CHANGING THE STATUS OF THE TENANCY TO PART IV, TENANTS CAN BE ASSURED THAT THEY NEED IN FUTURE PAY NO MORE THAN THE PREVAILING MARKET RENT IN RETURN FOR SECURITY OF TENURE; THUS, THESE PROPOSALS SHOULD BE WELCOMED BY THOSE TENANTS CURRENTLY PAYING RENT ABOVE THE PREVAILING MARKET LEVEL WHERE, FOR EXAMPLE, THE TENANCY AGREEMENT WAS SETTLED BEFORE MARKET RENTS DECLINED. LANDLORDS TOO MAY WELCOME THE OPPORTUNITY OF ENTERING INTO A NEw FIXED TERM LEASE UNDER PART IV RATHER THAN RELYING ON A MONTHLY TENANCY STATUTORILY CONTINUED UNDER PART II.

/THE EXISTING........

FRIDAY, MAY 4. 1984

THE EXISTING LEGISLATION PROVIDES FOR MINIMUM COMPENSATION, WHICH EQUALS ONE TO TWO TIMES THE RATEABLE VALUE (AS AT JUNE 10, 1983) DEPENDING ON THE LENGTH OF RESIDENCE, TO BE ORDERED BY THE LANDS TRIBUNAL TO TENANTS DISPOSSESSED BY BUILDING REDEVELOPMcNT.

THE BILL PROPOSES CHANGES TO THE BASIS FOR CALCULATING COMPENSATION BY REFERENCE TO THE SUM OF :

(A) A FIXED AMOUNT EQUAL TO TWICE THE RATEABLE VALUE AS AT JUNE 10, 1983, REGARDLESS OF THE LENGTH OF OCCUPATION BY THE TENANT; AND

(B) AN AMOUNT TO COVER RELOCATION COSTS, INCLUDING ANY LOSS ON THE TENANT’S FITTINGS, TO BE DETERMINED BY THE LANDS TRIBUNAL IN THE EVENT OF A DISPUTE.

THIS PROVIDES A CLEAR GUIDELINE WHICH, IT IS HOPED, WOULD FACILITATE AND ENCOURAGE EARLY SETTLEMENT BETWEEN LANDLORDS AND TENANTS IN REGARD TO COMPENSATION.

THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES SOME TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO FACILITATE ADMINISTRATION OF THE ORDINANCE. THESE INCLUDE: SIMPLIFIED REQUIREMENTS AND EXTENDED TIME LIMITS FOR SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS TO THE COMMISSIONER; THE IMPOSITION OF A FINE FOR FALSE STATEMENTS AND AN ADMINISTRATION FEE EOR ENDORSEMENT OF LATE NOTICES; AND, STRENGTHENING THE COMMISSIONER’S POWERS OF ENTRY TO INSPECT PREMISES FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCHARGING HIS FUNCTIONS UNDER THE ORDINANCE.

IN EXPLAINING THE PROPOSALS EMBODIED IN THE BILL, MR LIAO REITERATED THAT THEY WERE PART OF AN ONGOING EXERCISE WITH THE AGREED OBJECTIVE OF GRADUALLY PHASING OUT RENT CONTROL. HE EMPHASISED THAT, DESPITE THE CHANGES PROPOSED, THE MAJORITY OF CONTROLLED TENANCIES WOULD CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE PROTECTION OF THE RENT CONTROL MECHANISM WHEREBY RENT INCREASES ARE NORMALLY LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM OF 30 PER CENT OF CURRENT (CONTROLLED) RENT OVER TWO YEARS, THE EXCEPTION TO THIS RULE BEING TENANCIES HAVING VERY LOW CONTROLLED RENT WHERE THE PERMITTED INCREASE WILL BE AN AMOUNT NECESSARY TO BRING THE CURRENT RENT UP TO 45 PER CENT OF THE PREVAILING MARKET RENT.

♦GIVEN THE GENERAL SOFTENING OF THE RENTAL MARKET, NOW IS THE MOST OPPORTUNE MOMENT TO CONTINUE THE PROCESS WHEN RENT CONTROL PROTECTION IS LEAST NEEDED. FURTHERMORE, THE IMPROVING ECONOMY SHOULD STIMULATE PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCE MORE HOUSING FOR THE FUTURE,+ HE SAID.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THESE PROPOSALS CAN SEEK HELP FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT.

THE WORKING OF THE LANDS TRIBUNAL HAS ALSO BEEN REVIEWED AND MINOR AMENDMENTS ARE PROPOSED TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984 AND THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, ALL PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.

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

/5 .....

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1984

- 5 -

MONETARY STATISTICS FOR MARCH * * * *

HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH THE MONETARY SECTOR FELL MARGINALLY IN MARCH, FOLLOWING SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH IN THE PREVIOUS FIVE MONTHS, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY.

BY CONTRAST, FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY.

THE SWITCH WAS PROBABLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE SUBSIDING OF THE SPECULATIVE EXPECTATION OF AN IMMINENT ALTERATION OF THE PRESENT LINKED EXCHANGED RATE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR WITH THE US DOLLAR.

REFLECTING THIS CHANGE, HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY FELL (ON THE BROADER DEFINITIONS, HK$M2 AND HK$M3) BUT THE TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY ROSE.

LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG PICKED UP SOMEWHAT DURING THE MONTH BUT OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG CONTINUED TO RECORD ONLY MARGINAL INCREASES.

TABLE 1 SETS OUT SUMMARY FIGURES FOR MARCH 1984 AND COMPARISONS WITH EARLIER MONTHS. TABLE 2 SETS OUT SOME FIGURES FROM THE QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR.

DEPOSITS

HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS FELL SLIGHTLY, BY 0.7 PER CENT, AFTER A CUMULATIVE INCREASE IN THE PREVIOUS FIVE MONTHS OF 138.1 BILLION OR 28.5 PER CENT. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO MARCH, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 11.1 PER CENT AND OVER THE 12 MONTHS THE INCREASE WAS 27.7 PER CENT.

FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS ROSE SHARPLY BY 5.0 PER CENT AFTER A DECLINE OF 1.2 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO MARCH, THE INCREASE WAS 4.7 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS THE INCREASE WAS 32.8 PER CENT.

HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY

THE NARROWEST DEFINITION OF MONEY SUPPLY, HK$M1, GREW BY 4.6 PER CENT IN MARCH, AFTER A FALL OF 8.2 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY.

ON THE BROADER DEFINITIONS, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 DECLINED BY 0.5 PER CENT AND 0.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THEIR CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN FEBRUARY WERE 5.6 PER CENT AND 4.3 PER CENT.

IN THE THREE MONTHS TO MARCH, HK$M1 AND HK$M2 BOTH INCREASED BY 13.1 PER CENT WHILE HK$M3 INCREASED BY 10.6 PER CENT. OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS, THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES WERE 18.6 PER CENT, 28.5 PER CENT AND 24.8 PER CENT.

/TOTaL ldney .......

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 19&4

TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY

TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS GREW.

TOTAL Ml ROSE BY 3.9 PER CENT, IN CONTRAST WITH A DECLINE CF 8.1 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY. TOTAL M2 ROSE BY 2.4 PER CENT AND TOTAL M3 BY 1.7 PER CENT, FOLLOWING INCREASES IN FEBRUARY OF 1.5 PER CENT AND 2.0 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

IN THE THREE MONTHS TO MARCH, TOTAL Ml ROSE BY 11.2 PER CENT, TOTAL M2 BY 8.5 PER CENT AND TOTAL M3 BY 7.9 PER CENT. DURING THE 12 MONTHS TO MARCH, THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES WERE 20.1 PER CENT, 27.7 PER CENT AND 28.1 PER CENT.

LOANS AND ADVANCES

TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY 1.2 PER CENT FOLLOWING A RISE OF 0.4 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO MARCH THE INCREASE WAS 1.9 PER CENT AND OVER THE 12 MONTHS 15.4 PER CENT.

LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG ROSE BY A MORE RAPID 2.6 PER CENT WHILE OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG RECORDED A MODEST GROWTH OF 0.5 PER CENT.

THE GROWTH RATES OF THESE LOANS IN THE THREE MONTHS TO MARCH WERE 1.8 PER CENT AND 1.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE 12 MONTHS THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES WERE 15.1 PER CENT AND 8.1 PER CENT.

QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR

IN THE FIRST QUARTER, LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED TO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ROSE BY 4.0 PER CENT FOLLOWING A CONTRACTION OF 0.2 PER CENT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1983.

LOANS TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE SECTOR FELL BY 2.0 PER CENT AFTER A STRONG GROWTH OF 7.8 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.

LOANS TO THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR CONTINUED TO FALL, BY 0.6 PER CENT, BUT THE FALL WAS SUBSTANTIALLY SMALLER THAN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER’S 8.6 PER CENT.

BORROWING BY INDIVIDUALS TO PURCHASE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY OTHER THAN FLATS IN THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME RECORDED A FASTER GROWTH OF 4.8 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER'S 2.6 PER CENT.

/FOREIGN CURRENCY .......

FHIDAY, LUY 4. 1984

* 7 -

FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF THE MONETARY SECTOR CONTINUED TO INCREASE IN MARCH.

HOWEVER, SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY LIABILITIES OF THE SECTOR GREW FASTER THAN SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS.

AS A RESULT, THE NET SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY LIABILITIES OF THE MONETARY SECTOR ROSE TO $4.9 BILLION AT THE END OF MARCH FROM $4.1 BILLION AT THE END OF FEBRUARY.

BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES HAD NET SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY LIABILITIES OF $2.2 BILLION AND $2.7 BILLION RESPECTIVELY

STATISTICS COLLECTED (ON THE BASIS OF SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS) BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES SHOWED AN INCREASE IN NET SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY LIABILITIES OF $2.8 BILLION TO $6.3 BILLION IN MARCH. THE SECTOR’S FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY POSITION SHOWS NET ASSETS OF $33.4 BILLION.

LIQUIDITY RATIOS

THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 18 OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE) FOR ALL BANKS ROSE TO 49.3 PER CENT FROM 48.6 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY.

THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 24 OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCES) FOR ALL DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL TO 52.5 PER CENT FROM 54.5 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY

NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS

THE NUMBER OF INSTITUTIONS REPORTING MONETARY STATISTICS REMAINED UNCHANGED IN MARCH WITH 134 LICENSED BANKS, 30 LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AND 317 REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.

- 8 -

TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - March 1984

Earlier months (Z change to March 1984)

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1?84

(HK$nn)

Mar 1984

Feb 1984

Dec 1983

Mar 1983

Money Supply

Ml - HK$

foreign Total cui itsiicy

Foreign Total currency

M3 - HK$

Foreign Total currency

Deposits

Demand deposits

Saving i deposits

Time deposits with banks

Time deposits with dtcs

All HK$ deposits

All foreign currency deposits Total

Loans and advances

To finance Hong Kong's visible trade

To finance mercnandlsing trade

Other loans

Kong

Other loans

for use In Hong Kong for use outside Hong

where the place of use

is not known

All loans in HK$

All loans in foreign currencies Total

31,984

2,370

34,354 157,042 122,454 279,497 185,838 150,016 335,855

30,583

2,487

33,071

157,779

115,223

273,002

187,095

143,065

330,160

(- 4.7Z)

(- 0.51)

(+ 2.4Z)

(- 0.7Z)

28,277 (+13.1Z)

2,619 (- 9.51)

30,896 (+11.2Z)

138,818 (+13.1Z)

118,867

257,685 168,020 143,125 311,146

(+10.61)

26,963 1,647

28,610 122,220

96,735 218,955 148,869 113,320 262,189

(+18.6Z) (+43.9Z) (+20.11) (+28.5Z) (+26.6Z) (+27.7Z) (+24.8Z) (+32.4Z) (+28.1Z)

21,057 80,792 159,441 54,569 170,480 145,379 ' 315,859 19,817 (+ 6.3Z) 82,647 (- 2.2Z) 18,182 (+15.8Z) 71,156 (+13.5Z) 150,535 (+ 5.9Z) 52,377 (+ 4.2Z) 153,401 (+11.1Z) 138,849 (+ 4.7Z) 292,250 (+ 8.1Z) 15,706 67,899 117,262 42,052 133,457 109,463 242,920

152,336 55,373 171,762 138,411 310,173 (+ 4.7Z) (- 1.5Z) (- 0.7Z) (+ 5.0Z) (+ 1.8Z)

30,023 29,273 (+ 2.6Z) 29,482 (+ 1.8Z) 26,085

3,337 2,848 (+17.2Z) 2,887 (+15.6Z) 2,585

211,448 134,435 210,368 131,854 (+ 0.5Z) (+ 2.0Z) 208,931 (+ 1.2Z) 131,497 (+ 2.2Z) 195,617 105,808

19,415 19,502 (- 0.4Z) 18,555 (+ 4.6Z) 15,357

201,569 197,088 398,657 199,206 194,638 393,844 (+ 1.2Z) (+ 1.3Z) (+ 1.2Z) 197,175 (+ 2.2Z) 194,177 (+ 1.5Z) 391,352 (+ 1.9Z) 187,731 157,722 345,452

/table

2 I

(+34.1Z) (+19.0Z) (+36. OZ) (+29.8Z) (+27.7Z) (+32.8Z) (+30. CZ)

(+15.1Z)

(+29.1Z)

’+ 8.1Z +27.1Z

(+26.4Z)

(+ 7.4Z) (+25. OZ) (+15.4Z)

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1984

TABLE 2 ; QUAETEKLY ANALYSIS OF LCWC FOR USE IN HONG KCNG BY SECTOR - MARCH 1984

Earlier quarters (Z change to Mar 1984)

Manufacturing

Transport and transport equipment

Building, construction and property development

Wholesale and retail trade

Financial concerns*

Individuals

to purchase flats in Ownership Scheme and Sector Participation

the Home Private Scheme

to purchase other residential property

other purposes

Others

Total

Ending Mar 1984

Ending Dec 1983

Ending Sep 1983

Ending Mar 1983

19,422 18,667 (44.0) 18,698 (+ 3.9) 18,016 (+ 7.8)

21,086 20,778 (+1.5) 20,408 (+ 3.3) 16,607 (+27.0)

46,821 47,120 (-0.6) 51,536 (- 9.1) 50,307 (- 6.9)

25,727 26,264 (-2.0) 24,364 (+ 5.6) 21,980 (+17.0)

15,975 17,217 (-7.2) 14,151 (+12.9) 13,665 (+16.9)

3,501 3,211 (49.0) 3,038 (+15.2) 2,762 (+26.8)

a 22,945 21,884 (44.8) 21,331 (+ 7.6) 18,682 (+22.8)

20,485 21,054 (-2.7) 25,524 (-19.7) 23,138 (-11.5)

35,486 32,737 (48.4) 33,752 (+ 5.1) 30,460 (+16.5)

211,448 208,931 (+1.2) 212,802 (- 0.6) 195,617 (+ 8.1)

* This excludes funds advanced to banks

and deposit-taking companies

- - 0

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1984

- 10 -

PROPOSED NEW ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE SUPPORTED * * * * *

THERE HAS BEEN OVERWHELMINGLY STRONG AND POSITIVE SUPPORT FOR THE NEW ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING, THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR GRAHAM OSBORNE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

MR OSBORNE, WHO WAS SPEAKING AT THE 39TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER CF THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON ELECTRIC TRADE ASSOCIATION, SAID FORMAL CONSULTATIONS ABOUT THE ORDINANCE WITH THE SUPPLY COMPANIES AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES HAD GOT OFF TO A SMOOTH START LAST DECEMBER.

IN ADDITION TO THE TWO SUPPLY COMPANIES, SUMMARIES OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS HAD ALSO BEEN FORWARDED TO SOME 12 TRADE, INDUSTRY OR CONTRACTING ASSOCIATIONS, WORKERS’ UNIONS OR OTHER INTERESTED BODIES.

+1 AM PLEASED TO TELL YOU THAT, ON THE BASIS OF THE REPLIES I HAVE RECEIVED AND DISCUSSIONS HELD, THE SUPPORT HAS BEEN OVERWHELMINGLY STRONG AND POSITIVE,* HE SAID.

HOWEVER, THERE WERE STILL A FEW OUTSTANDING RESPONSES AWAITED, MAINLY BECAUSE SOME GROUPS HAD SET UP SPECIAL WORKING PARTIES TO STUDY AND EXAMINE THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS. HE WOULD APPRECIATE HAVING THOSE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS THE GOVERNMENT WAS WORKING TO A FAIRLY TIGHT SCHEDULE TO PREPARE THE MAIN BILL AND THE MORE IMPORTANT REGULATIONS.

AFTER CONSOLIDATING THE INITIAL COMMENTS FROM ALL INTERESTED PARTIES, THE NEXT STEP WOULD BE TO CIRCULATE DETAILED DISCUSSION PAPERS FOR FURTHER CONSULTATION, BEFORE THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT BEGAN LAW DRAFTING ACTION, HE SAID.

MR OSBORNE SAID THE PROPOSED NEW ELECTRICITY BILL WOULD INCLUDE SEVERAL MAIN ISSUES, SOME OF WHICH WOULD BE EMBODIED IN THE MAIN BILL, WHILE OTHERS, BECAUSE OF THEIR COMPLEXITY, WOULD BE INCLUDED IN SEPARATE REGULATIONS, ANNEXED TO THE BILL.

NOT ALL THE REGULATIONS WOULD BE ENACTED WITH THE NEW BILL" A FEW WOULD BE ON AN +AS AND WHEN REQUIRED* BASIS.

THIS ARRANGEMENT WOULD ALLOW THE GOVERNMENT MORE TIME TO DISCUSS EACH REGULATION WITH INTERESTED PARTIES BEFORE IT WAS FINALISED AND ENACTED.

HE SAID THE REGISTRATION OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS AND CONTRACTORS WAS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO THOSE IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING BUSINESS.

'BASICALLY, WHEN THE NEW BILL WAS ENACTED, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD REGISTER ALL SKILLED AND EXPERIENCED WORKERS AND ALSO ALL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING COMPANIES.

/at the .......

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1984

11 -

AT THE SAME TIME, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD DRAW UP A CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE CONTRACTING INDUSTRY TO USE AS BASIC STANDARDS FOR ALL ELECTRICAL WIRING INSTALLATION WORK, AND IT WOULD ALSO ENCOURAGE SUITABLE TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR APPRENTICES OR UNSKILLED WORKERS WHO MAY WISH TO BE REGISTERED.

ON THE PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH STANDARDS FOR BOTH LOCALLY MANUFACTURED AND IMPORTED ELECTRICAL FITTINGS, APPLIANCES AND DEVICES IN THE INTERESTS OF SAFETY, MR OSBORNE SAID ABOUT HALF THE 54 ELECTROCUTIONS RECORDED BY HIS DEPARTMENT OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS HAD BEEN DUE TO UNSAFE ELECTRICAL WIRING, APPARATUS OR APPLIANCES.

STATISTICS FROM THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT ALSO SHOWED THAT ROUGHLY 2 000 FIRES A YEAR WERE OF ELECTRICAL ORIGIN.

♦ A HIGH PROPORTION OF THESE FIRES ARE ALMOST CERTAINLY DUE TO SUBSTANDARD ELECTRICAL FITTINGS, APPLIANCES AND DEVICES,* MR OSBORNE SAID.

♦ THOUGH HUMAN ERROR WILL ALWAYS PLAY A PART IN ELECTRICAL MISHAPS, A GREAT DEAL CAN BE DONE TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM THE HAZARDS INHERENT IN SUBSTANDARD ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.+

HE SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE PROPOSALS WOULD TAKE SOME TIME AND, INITIALLY, WOULD INVOLVE A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF THE VARIOUS IMPLICATIONS FOR LOCAL INDUSTRY, THE AVAILABILITY OF TESTING FACILITIES, THE ASSESSMENT OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND THE SELECTION OF STANDARDS.

♦ I AM CERTAIN THAT YOUR ASSOCIATION WILL, IN DUE COURSE, PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN THE INTRODUCTION OF THESE STANDARDS,♦ MR OSBORNE SAID.

♦ HOWEVER, IN THE INTERIM PERIOD, BEFORE THE ENACTMENT OF NEW REGULATIONS, I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE SUPPORT OF YOUR MEMBERS, PARTICULARLY THOSE INVOLVED IN IMPORTING ELECTRICAL GOODS- WHERE PRACTICABLE, EQUIPMENT AND APPLIANCES OF AN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED STANDARD ONLY SHOULD BE IMPORTED.+

IT WAS EQUALLY IMPORTANT FOR ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS TO USE IN ALL BUILDINGS WIRING INSTALLATIONS, CABLES, WIRING ACCESSORIES OR OTHER APPARATUS WHICH WAS CAPABLE OF MEETING ACCEPTABLE INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.

♦ YOUR CONTRACTING MEMBERS SHOULD FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH RELEVANT STANDARDS AND TEST CERTIFICATE PROCEDURES AND SHOULD DEMAND PROOF FROM THE SUPPLIERS WHEN NECESSARY,♦ HE SAID.

SELF-REGULATION IN AVOIDING THE IMPORTING, SELLING AND INSTALLING OF SUBSTANDARD ELECTRICAL FITTINGS, APPLIANCES AND DEVICES WOULD GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS RESOLVING THE PROBLEM.

IT HAD ALREADY PROVED MOST SUCCESSFUL IN THE TOWN GAS AND LPG INDUSTRY, SO HE SAW NO REASON WHY IT SHOULD NOT BE EQUALLY SUCCESSFUL IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING INDUSTRY, MR OSBORNE SAID.

/12 .......

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1984

- 12 -

TRANSPORT COMMISSIONER MEETS TAXI OPERATORS X * * *

THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR JAMES SO, TODAY HELD A MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF SEVERAL NEW TERRITORIES TAXI ASSOCIATIONS TO HEAR THEIR VIEWS ON THE 1983 TAXI REVIEW REPORT.

THE MEETING WAS CALLED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO EXPLAIN THE POLICY ISSUES RAISED IN THE REVIEW AND TO GIVE TAXI OPERATORS AN OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT AND AIR THEIR VIEWS.

THEIR VIEWS TOGETHER WITH THOSE OF VARIOUS DISTRICT BOARDS AND INTERESTED PARTIES WILL BE PROCESSED AND SUBMITTED TO THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION.

MR SO WILL ALSO MEET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON TAXI ASSOCIATIONS ON MAY 9.

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

MORE LOCAL LEADERS BEING SOUGHT FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION * * X *

THE GOVERNMENT WAS +CLEARLY SEEKING OUT MORE LOCAL LEADERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF DISTRICT ADM INISTRATI ON,+ THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN AND WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, SAID TODAY.

ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD WOULD NOT ONLY GROW IN TERMS OF NUMBERS BUT ALSO IN TERMS OF THEIR INFLUENCE IN THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG, HE SAID.

MR LAM REFERRED TO THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN FEBRUARY THAT THE RATIO OF ELECTED TO APPOINTED UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS WOULD BE INCREASED FROM 1 - 1 TO 2 - 1 WHEN THE ELECTIONS TAKE PLACE IN MARCH 1985.

+IN EFFECT, THIS MEANS A DOUBLING OF THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF ELECTED UNOFFICIALS IN MANY DISTRICTS,+ HE SAID.

REFERRING TO NEXT YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, MR LAM SAID IT WOULD BE ANOTHER MILESTONE +IN THE EVOLUTION OF A FRAMEWORK WHEREBY HONG KONG PEOPLE WILL BE ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN MAINTAINING THE ORDER AND PROSPERITY OF THE TERRITORY+.

VOTING IN THE ELECTIONS, HE SAID, WAS ALSO AN INDICATION OF RESIDENTS’ SUPPORT FOR SYSTEM WHICH HAD WORKED, AND WOULD WORK TO THE BEST OF THEIR INTEREST.

SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG EAST, MR LAM SAID THAT MUCH PROGRESS BEING MADE IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND REPRESENTATION OF PUBLIC OPINION THROUGH DISTRICT BOARDS.

/+THE PROVISION .......

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1984

♦THE PROVISION FOR ELECTIONS TO DISTRICT BOARDS, WHICH WAS FIRST PUT INTO PRACTICE IN THE 1982 ELECTIONS, WAS AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE ON THE ROAD TO REPRESENTATIVE FORM OF GOVERNMENT,+ HE SAID.

THE DISTRICT BOARDS, HE SAID, HAD MATURED IN THE LAST TWO YEARS WITH EXPERIENCE.

CITING THE +STUDY ON THE TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS FOR

THE MID-LEVELS AND THE CENTRAL DISTRICT+ AS AN EXAMPLE, HE POINTED OUT THAT UNOFFICIAL BOARD MEMBERS WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN CONSULTING LOCAL OPINION, AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT FELT MORE RE-ASSURED OF THE CHANNELS WHEREBY PUBLIC OPINION COULD BE TAPPED.

♦APART FROM ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS, YOU ARE NO DOUBT AWARE THAT DISTRICT BOARDS ARE ALSO MAKING SINCERE EFFORTS IN REACHING THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF THE LOCAL POPULATION,* HE SAID.

♦THE LIVELY DISCUSSION ON MANY BOARDS WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN PURSUIT OF THE FAMOUS +LOBO MOTION* LEND THE BEST TESTIMONY.

♦THEY DO NOT ONLY WAIT THERE TO BE CONSULTED! THEY NOW TAKE THE INITIATIVE IN SEEKING TO DISCUSS MAJOR POLICY ISSUES RATHER THAN RESPONDING THE GOVERNMENT’S REQUESTS FOR VIEWS.*

MR LAM ADDED THAT THE feOARDS WERE BEGINNING TO ACT AS WATCHDOG^ OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND DESCRIBED THIS AS A HEALTHY TREND FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF INCREASINGLY REPRESENTATIVE ADMINISTRATION IN HONG KONG.

AS TO THE BOARD MEMBERS THEMSELVES

HE SAID, THEY WERE UNIFIED

BY THEIR CONCERN FOR THE INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY, AND BY THEIR WILLINGNESS TO EXPRESS THEIR OPINIONS AND BELIEFS AS THEY GAINED INSIGHT OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION.

MR LAM APPEALED TO THE COMMUNITY LEADERS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS, TO INFLUENCE THEIR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES TO FOLLOW THEIR EXAMPLE, AND TO STEP FORWARD TO STAND FOR NEXT YEAR’S ELECTIONS.

- - 0 - -

ADDITIONAL FLOOR FOR QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL

*****

AN ADDITIONAL FLOOR IS TO BE BUILT ABOVE THE TWO-STOREY

CLINICAL BUILDING AT QUEEN MARY AND LECTURE FACILITIES.

HOSPITAL TO PROVIDE OFFICE SPACE

QUEEN MARY IS THE REGIONAL AND A TEACHING HOSPITAL FOR THE UNIVERSITY.

HOSPITAL FOR HONG KONG ISLAND MEDICAL FACULTY OF HONG KONG

IT PROVIDES CLINICAL TEACHING FACILITIES FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS, INCLUDING LECTURE THEATRES, SEMINAR ROOMS, LABORATORIES AND OFFICES WHICH ARE LOCATED IN THE PROFESSORIAL BLOCK AND THE CLINICAL BUILDING WITHIN THE HOSPITAL COMPOUND.

/AS A

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1984

AS A RESULT OF STAFF INCREASES, BOTH BUILDINGS HAVE BECOME

overcrowded.

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW floor which will provide an additional 720 square metres of floor space.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND TAKE 12 MONTHS TO

complete.

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE IS ALSO INVITING TENDERS FOR BUILDING LIFT SHAFTS AND INSTALLING LIFTS IN BLOCK B OF THE SEVEN-STOREY MAIN BUILDING OF THE HOSPITAL.

TENDERS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY MAY 25 TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX SITUATED IN THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD.

TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 13TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

ONLY CONTRACTORS ON THE APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR PUBLIC CIVIL ENGINEERING AND WATER WORKS LIST I IN FOR BUILDING WORKS WILL BE PERMITTED TO TENDER

WORKS: BUILDING GROUPS A, B AND

- - 0 - -

NOTE TO EDITORS

HOW THE YOUNG * *

SEE HONG KONG * * *

♦HONG KONG

WILL BE THE THEMES

BETWEEN FOUR AND 13 ON SUNDAY (MAY 6)

I SEE IT+ AND +THE FUTURE WORLD AS I SEE I OF A DRAWING COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN AGED

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE HARBOUR JAYCEES, THE INTERNATIONAL

CHILDREN DRAWING CONTEST WILL BEGIN AT PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT IN CENTRAL.

9 AM AT THE CHATER ROAD

WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE DISPLAYED IN MID-JULY AND WILL THEN BE EXHIBITED

IN HONG KONG FOR A WEEK OVERSEAS.

.AMONG THE OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL

BE THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT

OFFICER, MR FRANK YUE? THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW YIN-SUM; THE PRESIDENT OF HARBOUR JAYCEES, MR ALFRED LEUNG; AND THE CONTEST CHAIRMAN, MR ANTHONY LUK.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

- 0 - -

FRIDAY, MAY V, 1984

BIG CROWDS EXPECTED AT BUN FESTIVAL * * * *

THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO FLOCK TO CHEUNG CHAU TO SEE THE TRADITIONAL MAIN PROCESSION OF THE ISLAND’S ANNUAL BUN FESTIVAL ON MONDAY (MAY 7).

THE 9O-MINUTE PROCESSION WHICH BEGINS AT 2 PM, WILL FEATURE A PARADE OF ALL THE SHRINES FROM THE ISLAND’S TEMPLES, THE TREASURE SWORD OF PAK TAI, FLOATS, UNICORN AND LION DANCES, GOnG AND DRUM PERFORMANCES, AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MUSIC AND DANCES.

MORE THAN 1 600 PEOPLE FROM 24 ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS AND SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS WILL TAKE PART IN THE PARADE WHICH IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE FESTIVAL.

THE PROCESSION WILL SET OFF FROM THE PAK TAI TEMPLE, PASSING THROUGH PRAYA STREET TO THE GUEST STAND IN TAI SUN PRAYA FRONT BEFORE RETURNING TO THE TEMPLE VIA OTHER MAIN STREETS ON THE ISLAND.

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

THIS YEAR, THE GUEST STAND WILL BE LOCATED ON A RECLAIMED SITE. THE BIGGER STAND WILL ACCOMMODATE MORE GUESTS AND PROVIDE A BETTER VIEW.

THE PARADE WILL BE REPEATED THE NEXT DAY, BUT TAKE A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT ROUTE.

AS IN PAST YEARS THERE WILL BE NO SCRAMBLE OF BUNS WHICH, ACCORDING TO LEGEND, WILL BRING LUCK TO THE RECIPIENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

INSTEAD, THE BUNS ON THREE 12-METRE-TALL BUN TOWERS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO PEOPLE ON TUESDAY AT 9 AM. THE GOVERNMENT HAS PAID FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE TOWERS.

SPONSORED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD AT A COST OF $20 000, THE WEEK-LONG FESTIVAL WILL END ON THURSDAY (MAY 10). IT IS FELD EVERY YEAR TO PLACATE THE SPIRITS OF PEOPLE KILLED BY PIRATES IN PAST CENTURIES.

DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD, ISLANDERS WILL ABSTAIN FROM EATING FISH AND MEAT AS A TOKEN OF SINCERITY AND SOLEMNITY. THERE WILL ALSO BE NO SLAUGHTERING OF ANIMALS FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE DAYS, FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

OTHER ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE CANTONESE OPERA PERFORMANCES EVERY NIGHT DURING THE PERIOD.

TAOIST PRIESTS WILL CHANT PRAYERS AT THE PAK TAI TEMPLE AT 12 NOON ON SUNDAY (MAY 6) WHILE THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAP, WILL OFFICIATE AT A LION AND UNICORN EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY AT THE TEMPLE AT 3 PM ON THE SAME DAY.

/THE FESTIVAL .......

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1984

16 -

THE FESTIVAL IS CO-ORDINATED BY AN ORGANISING COMMITTEE COMPRISING CHEUNG CHAU RESIDENTS AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION IS ALSO SPONSORING PART OF THE COST FOR THE BUN FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL GRAND PROCESSION ON MONDAY (MAY 7).

A HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY, THE MAN LAI WILL TAKE THE PRESS AND INVITED GUESTS TO CHEUNG CHAU. IT WILL LEAVE QUEEN’S PIER AT 12.30 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 7) AND WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG AT 4 PM ON THE SAME DAY.

PRESS BADGES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO PRESS MEMBERS BY CNTA INFORMATION OFFICERS ON BOARD THE FERRY.

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

NOTE TO EDITORS:

BOARDS TO MEET * * * *

THE YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARDS WILL DISCUSS THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED REVIEWS ON TAXI AND PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION POLICIES AT A SPECIAL JOINT MEETING ON MONDAY (MAY 7) AT 3 PM.

REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TRANSPORT AND HOUSING DEPARTMENTS WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE'REVIEW.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING, IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE 1ST FLOOR OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.

- - - - 0 - -

/17........

FRIDAY, MAY 4, IS 84

- 17 -

NEW LIFE FOR FALLOW VILLAGE LAND * * *

THROUGH HELP FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, ABOUT 20 HECTARES OF FALLOW LAND IN YUEN LONG IS BEING CULTIVATED AGA IN.

THE LAND. AT MONG TSENG, A VILLAGE AT THE NORTHWEST OF YUEN LONG, HAD BEEN LYING IDLE FOR A LONG TIME DUE TO LACK OF WATER FOR IRRIGATION.

ON LEARNING ABOUT THIS FROM VILLAGERS, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY BEGAN PROJECT TO IMPROVE IRRIGATION IN THE AREA, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY

THE WORK INCLUDED THE SINKING OF A WELL AND CONSTRUCTION OF A WATER TANK AND A METER ROOM, AND THE LAYING OF 800 METRES OF PIPES, AS WELL AS INSTALLATION OF TWO SETS OF SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS — AT A COST OF $260 000.

THE PROJECT WAS OFFICIALLY HANDED OVER TO VILLAGERS EARLIER THIS WEEK.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOUNG MARTINS BATTING FOR TROPHY * * * *

THE FINALS OF THE ALL HONG KONG BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP, POSTPONED LAST SUNDAY BECAUSE OF THE HEAVY DOWNPOUR, WILL NOW BE STAGED ON SUNDAY (MAY 6) AFTERNOON AT THE KGV SPORTSGROUND.

THE SHA TIN MARTINS, A YOUNG BASEBALL TEAM FORMED LAST SEPTEMBER BY THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION UNDER THE AUSPICES CF THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD, WILL BE COMPETING FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP.

THROUGH IN ITS FIRST SEASON, THE TEAM HAS DONE WELL AND HAS MADE ITS WAY INTO THE FINAL, AND WILL BE PLAYING AGAINST THE +BUFFALOES+ - A JAPANESE TEAM.

THE SHA TIN MARTINS IS MADE UP OF 30 YOUNG PLAYERS AGED BETWEEN SEVEN AND 11.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE GAME WHICH WILL START AT 1 PM AT THE KGV SPORTSGROUND IN TIN KWONG ROAD, KOWLOON.

- - 0 --------

/18 ........

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1984

- 18 -

NEW CLINIC OPENS IN TO KWA WAN

X X X

THE SHUN TAK FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION LEUNG KAU KUI CLINIC WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED THIS AFTERNOON BY THE HONORARY PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION, MR LEUNG KAU KUI.

MR LEUNG HAD MADE A DONATION OF MORE THAN Si MILLION TO COVER ABOUT 50 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT COSTS cfMe*cl IN IC.

SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, DR K.L. THONG, DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, THANKED MR LEUNG FOR MAKING THE DONATION TOWARDS THE CLINIC, WHICH WILL IMPROVE THE MEDICAL SERVICES FOR THE PEOPLE IN TO KWA WAN DISTRICT.

LOCATED ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE TO KWA WAN MARKET AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 165, MA TAU WAI ROAD, THE NEW CLINIC PROVIDES GENERAL OUT-PATIENT SERVICES.

IT HAS SIX CONSULTATION ROOMS, AND IS OPEN FROM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS BETWEEN 9 AM AND 1 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM AND ON SATURDAYS FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM. IT IS CLOSED ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOL IDAYS.

.. -----o--------

MA ON SHAN PROJECT TO START

XXX

ROADS AND OTHER MAJOR FACILITIES WILL BE READY IN GOOD TIME FOR THE RESIDENTS WHO WILL MOVE INTO MA ON SHAN’S FIRST HOUSING ESTATE IN LATE 1986.

THEY ARE PART OF A PROJECT FOR WHICH THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS.

THE WORK WILL INCLUDE BUILDING A 3.8-KILOMETRE LONG TWO-LANE SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY PLUS FOOTPATHS AND CYCLETRACKS.

THE ROAD WILL FORM PART OF THE FIRST PERMANENT ACCESS TO THE MA ON SHAN DEVELOPMENT AREAS.

ABOUT 16 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE RECLAIMED UNDER THE CONTRACT AND FORMED TO PROVIDE SITES FOR THE MAJOR FACILITIES, INCLUDING A FIRE STATION AND AN AMBULANCE DEPOT.

A 180-METRE LONG SEAWALL WILL ALSO BE BUILT, IN ADDITION TO” STORM WATER DRAINS AND SEWERS, AND EXTENSIVE LANDSCAPING.

WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START IN AUGUST AND TAKE TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.

------0 - - - -

/19 .......

FR IDAY, MAY 4, 1984

CANTON ROAD SECTION TO BE WIDENED

* * *

A SECTION OF CANTON ROAD BETWEEN JORDAN ROAD AND KOWLOON PARK DRIVE WILL BE WIDENED TO FORM PART OF A DUAL CARRIAGEWAY LINKING TSIM SHA TSUI WITH LAI CHI KOK.

THE WORK WILL INCLUDE CONSTRUCTING A DUAL THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY ABOUT 600 METRES IN LENGTH, WITH ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE AND ROAD LIGHTING WORKS.

THE TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALS AT THE JUNCTIONS OF CANTON ROAD-KOWLOON PARK DRIVE AND CANTON ROAD-AUSTIN ROAD WILL BE MODIFIED TO INCORPORATE CONTROLLED CROSSING FACILITIES FOR PEDESTRIANS.

LANDSCAPING WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT WHICH WILL START IN JULY AND BE COMPLETED IN 15 MONTHS.

THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.

THE TENDERS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX IN THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, BEFORE 12 NOON ON MAY 25.

TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE CHIEF ENGINEER, HIGHWAYS (KOWLOON) DIVISION, ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 11 FARM ROAD, 5TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.

.---0----

TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD CLOSURE

* * *

THE SECTION OF WAN W*.H STREET BETWEEN WAI WAH STREET AND YUK WAH STREET HAS BEEN CLOSED TO TRAFFIC TO FACILITATE WATERMAINS REPAIR WORK. THE ROAD CLOSURE IS EXPECTED TO LAST FOR ABOUT 10 DAYS.

THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED i-

* THE SECTION OF WAN WAH STREET BETWEEN SHEUNG FUNG STREET AND WAI WAH STREET HAS BEEN RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.

* MOTORISTS TRAVELLING TO AND FROM TSZ WAN SHAN ARE ADVISED TO USE TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD AND PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD.

-.--0----

Ao ....

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 1984

ROAD CLOSURE * * *

THE SECTION OF ROAD L2 BETWEEN ROAD D5 AND THE FANLING ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR RESURFACING WORK BETWEEN 12.30 AM AND 4.30 AM TOMORROW AND ON SUNDAY.

DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES TRAVELLING BETWEEN FANLING KCR STATION AND LUEN WO HUI SHOULD GO VIA ROAD D5 AND ROAD DI.

- - 0 -

ABERDEEN TAPS OFF K K «

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN THE ABERDEEN AREA WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 7) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD, OLD MAIN STREET ABERDEEN, TSUNG MAN STREET, CHENG TU ROAD, WU NAM STREET, WU PAK STREET, SAI ON STREET, LOK YEUNG STREET AND TUNG SING ROAD.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1984 CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR TO OPEN NEW SCHOOL ................................. 1

TEACHER TRAINING CRUCIAL TO LANGUAGE LEARNING ............... 1

SOCIAL RECREATION IMPORTANT TO ELDERLY PEOPLE ............... 2

PROGRAMME TO PUBLICISE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION .............. J

SUPPORT FOR ACCOUNTANCY TRAINEESHIP SCHEME SOUGHT ........... 4

FOOD ESTABLISHMENT OPERATORS URGED TO OBSERVE HYGIENE ....... 5

TWO MORE YIN NGaI SOCIETIES SET UP .......................... 5

DB TO DISCUSS TAXI REVIEW.................................... 6

BIDS INVITED FOR MARKET STALLS .............................. 7

CHORUS OFFICE-BEARERS TO BE SWORN IN ........................ 7

FUK YUEN STREET TO BE CLOSED ................................ 8

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1984

NOTE TO EDITORS:

GOVERNOR TO OPEN NEW SCHOOL * * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KUK TAI PO DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL AT TAI YUEN ESTATE AT 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 7).

BEFORE THE CEREMONY, SIR EDWARD WILL ALSO VISIT CHOI YUEN ESTATE IN FANLING.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TWO EVENTS.

GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE FOR FANLING AT 7.30 AM SHARP FROM THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER IN TSIM SHA TSUI.

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

TEACHER TRAINING CRUCIAL TO LANGUAGE LEARNING * * * *

TEACHER TRAINING WAS THE MOST CRUCIAL FACTOR DETERMINING IN THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LANGUAGE LEARNING IN FORMAL EDUCATION, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SEMINAR ON ♦INNOVATIONS IN LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION+ ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF APPLIED LINGUISTICS.

A MAJOR EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVE IN HONG KONG, MR HAYE SAID, WAS TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CHILDREN THE OPPORTUNITY TO ACHIEVE THE MAXIMUM DEGREE OF COMPETENCE IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH.

TO ACHIEVE THIS OBJECTIVE, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD STARTED A LANGUAGE PACKAGE, HE SAID.

THIS IS A SET OF INTERRELATED MEASURES, WITH CHANGES IN THE CURRICULUM AND THE SYLLABUS SUPPORTED BY PROVISION FOR MORE TEACHERS AND TEACHER TRAINING STAFF, THE INTRODUCTION OF UP-TO-DATE TECHNOLOGY, NEW TEACHING MATERIALS AND TESTS AS WELL AS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION (ILE).

THIS INSTITUTE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RE-TRAINING OF TEACHERS OF CANTONESE, PUTONGHUA AND ENGLISH.

FOR CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING, MR HAYE SAID THE PRIMARY SCHOOL SYLLABUS WAS BEING REVISED TO UNDERLINE THE IMPORTANCE OF PUPIL-CENTRED TEACHING AND ACTIVITY APPROACHES.

♦NEW SOFTWARE IS BEING PREPARED FOR USE WITH THE WIRELESS LOOP SYSTEM.

♦IN THE TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR PRE-SERVICE AND IN-SERVICE TEACHERS OF CHINESE RUN BY THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE ILE, THERE HAS BEEN PIONEERING WORK IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND ORGANISATION CF SPECIAL COURSES IN REMEDIAL LANGUAGE TEACHING,* HE SAID.

/ON ........

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1984

- 2 -

ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING, MR HAYE SAID A NEW ENGLISH SYLLABUS WHICH EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPING THE COMMUNICATIVE SKILLS OF THE PUPILS WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED BY STAGES LATER THIS YEAR.

♦MORE EMPHASIS IS BEING PLACED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUPIL’S LISTENING COMPREHENSION SKILLS THROUGH USE OF THE WIRELESS LOOP INDUCTION SYSTEM. WORKSHOPS FOR TEACHERS ARE ARRANGED ON A REGULAR BASIS BY OUR ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE TO HELP TEACHERS TO DEVELOP EXPERTISE IN THE USE OF THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY.

♦THE SYLLABUSES OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION HAVE BEEN REVISED SO THAT THE TEACHERS ENROLLED IN THEIR PRE-SERVICE AND IN-SERVICE RE-TRAINING COURSES ARE INTRODUCED TO THE COMMUNICATIVE APPROACH AND TO THE SYLLABUS, METHODOLOGY, MATERIALS AND EVALUATION PROCEDURES THAT RELATE TO IT,+ MR HAYE SAID.

ON THE WORK OF THE ILE, MR HAYE SAID THE INSTITUTE WOULD HAVE RE-TRAINED 900 EXPERIENCED TEACHERS OF ENGLISH AND CHINESE BY MARCH NEXT YEAR.

IN ADDITION, FROM SEPTEMBER 1986 ONWARD, IT WOULD ORGANISE COURSES FOR 1 000 PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS A YEAR AND WOULD HAVE EXPANDED ITS PROGRAMME TO INCLUDE SECONDARY TEACHERS, HE SAID.

HE CONGRATULATED THE ASSOCIATION FOR BRINGING TOGETHER A LIVELY GROUP OF LANGUAGE TEACHING PROFESSIONALS AND EDUCATIONALISTS

HE SAID THE SEMINAR WAS PARTICULARLY USEFUL AND INTERESTING BECAUSE THE PARTICIPANTS WOULD BE DISCUSSING NEW IDEAS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION AND APPRAISING THEM FOR THEIR PRACTICALITY.

SOCIAL RECREATION IMPORTANT TO ELDERLY PEOPLE

* * * *

SOCIAL RECREATION WAS IMPORTANT TO ELDERLY PEOPLE AS IT COULD GIVE THEM A BALANCED PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEVELOPMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

MR CHAMBERS WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE PAK TIN SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, RUN BY THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ADVICEACTION COUNCIL.

THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, HE SAID, HAD PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE ELDERLY.

♦HONG KONG’S WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, UNDER THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, HAVE CONTINUED TO EXPAND,+ HE SAID.

THE HOUSING SCHEMES FOR THE ELDERLY IN SHA TIN AND WAN CHAI, WHICH PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL PLACES FOR 575 ELDERLY PERSONS, ARE RECENT ATTEMPTS BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE MORE SERVICES FOR THE SENIOR CITIZENS.

/THESE CITIZJNS ...

•SATURDAY, MAY 5, 198U

- 3 -

THESE CITIZENS WITH FINANCIAL PROBLEMS MAY RECEIVE HELP FROM THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME.

MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT RECREATIONAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY WERE AIMED AT IMPROVING THEIR LIFE.

HE SUGGESTED THAT AN ELDERLY VOLUNTEER SERVICE BE PROMOTED AS MOST ELDERLY PEOPLE WOULD WISH TO BE SEEN AS +GIVERS+ RATHER THAN +RECE IVERS*.

♦EDUCATION ON PRE-RETIREMENT PREPARATION IS ALSO NECESSARY FOR RELIEVING THE ELDERLY OF THE FEELING OF DISENGAGEMENT,* HE SAID.

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ADVICE-ACTION COUNCIL, WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1967, PROVIDES VARIOUS SERVICES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS, FROM ADVICE ON COMMUNITY INFORMATION, GRASS-ROOT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.

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

PROGRAMME TO PUBLICISE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION * * *

A $78 OOO-PUBLICITY PROGRAMME IS BEING LAUNCHED IN SAI KUNG TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN NEXT YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHAN SUI-JEUNG, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.

THE PROGRAMME FEATURES AN OPINION SURVEY ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION? VISITS, SEMINARS AND BRIEFINGS FOR VILLAGERS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE MEMBERS? AND THE PRODUCTION OF A BOOKLET, A SLIDE SHOW AND EXHIBITIONS ON THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.

SPEAKING AT THE DISTRICT’S PRELIMINARY SINGING CONTEST, WHICH FORMS PART OF THE PUBLICITY PROGRAMME, MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT BECAUSE OF SAI KUNG’S SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND A SPARSELY DISTRIBUTED POPULATION, THE SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION CF LOCAL RESIDENTS IN PROMOTING DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WAS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE.

-♦LIKE THIS SINGING CONTEST, THE SUCCESS OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION RELIES ON THE SUPPORT OF EACH INDIVIDUAL,* HE SAID.

HE SAID THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD BEEN WORKING QUIETLY FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS TOWARDS IMPROVING COMMUNITY BUILDING WORK AND THE LIVELIHOOD OF THE RESIDENTS.

MR CHAN URGED PEOPLE TO SUPPORT THE DISTRICT BOARD BY REGISTERING AS VOTERS AND VOTING FOR THE CANDIDATES OF THEIR CHOICE IN NEXT YEAR’S ELECTIONS.

TONIGHT’S CONTEST, THE SIXTH OF 18 DISTRICTS’ PRELIMINARIES BEING HELD UNTIL LATE JULY, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND SING TAO NEWSPAPERS LIMITED.

- - 0 - - - /A.......

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1984

- 4 -

SUPPORT FOR ACCOUNTANCY TRAINEESHIP SCHEME SOUGHT * * * * *

THE ACCOUNTANCY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC) IS INVITING EMPLOYERS TO JOIN THE ACCOUNTANCY TRAINEESHIP SCHEME NOW BEING IMPLEMENTED.

+EMPLOYERS ARE REQUESTED TO HELP TRAIN YOUNGSTERS WITH FORM FIVE EDUCATION BACKGROUND TO BECOME MID-LEVEL ACCOUNTING PERSONNEL BY OFFERING THEM A THREE-YEAR ON-THE-JOB TRAINING PROGRAMME,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID.

♦IT IS ESSENTIAL TO INTRODUCE ORGANISED TRAINING INTO THE ACCOUNTING SECTOR BECAUSE AT PRESENT MANY SECONDARY SCHOOL LEAVERS HAVE NEVER TAKEN ANY ACCOUNTANCY COURSES BEFORE JOINING THE PROFESSION,* HE SAID.

THE TRAINEESHIP SCHEME WILL PROVIDE INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE WITH WELL-TRAINED ACCOUNTING STAFF, HE ADDED.

UNDER THE SCHEME, EMPLOYERS WITHOUT EXPERIENCE IN STAFF DEVELOPMENT WILL GET HELP FROM VTC STAFF TO SET UP A WELL-DEVISED TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR THEIR TRAINEES.

APART FROM PRACTICAL TRAINING, TRAINEES WILL ALSO BE SENT TO ATTEND RELATED COURSES ON A PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE BASIS FOR TWO YEARS AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.

+COURSES OFFERED AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES ARE GEARED TO THE EXAMINATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF ACCOUNTING TECHNICIANS (AAT) AND ALL TRAINEES COMPLETING THE SCHEMES ARE GRANTED EXEMPTION FROM THE LEVEL I EXAMINATION OF AAT,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

+TO JOIN THE SCHEME, EMPLOYERS AND TRAINEES ARE REQUIRED TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT AND HAVE IT REGISTERED WITH THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING TO ENSURE ORGANISED TRAINING IS CARRIED OUT, THE RIGHTS OF BOTH PARTIES ARE PROTECTED AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES FULFILLED,* HE SAID.

THE ACCOUNTANCY TRAINEESHIP SCHEME IS THE SECOND SCHEME LAUNCHED BY THE VTC AFTER THE INSURANCE TRAINING BOARD INTRODUCED THE SAME FORM OF TRAINING FOR THE INSURANCE SECTOR THIS JANUARY.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON THE SCHEME CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE ACCOUNTANCY TRAINING BOARD ON 5-8932341, EXT. 260 DUR ING OFFICE HOURS.

- 0 -

/5........

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1984

- 5 -

FOOD ESTABLISHMENT OPERATORS URGED TO OBSERVE HYGIENE

* * * *

THIRTY FOOD ESTABLISHMENT OPERATORS IN SHA TIN WHO HAD JUST COMPLETED A FOOD HYGIENE COURSE WERE URGED TODAY TO FOLLOW HYGIENE RULES AND KEEP THEIR PREMISES CLEAN.

THE CALL WAS MADE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE COMMITTEE OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHEUNG CH I-YUEN, WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE CLASS HELD AT THE SHA TIN HEALTH EDUCATION CENTRE.

PRESENTING CERTIFICATES TO THE ATTENDANTS, MR CHEUNG URGED THEM TO GET THE MESSAGE OF FOOD HYGIENE ACROSS TO THEIR COLLEAGUES.

THE FOUR-SESSION COURSE, ORGANISED BY THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WAS AIMED AT MAKING THE PUBLIC AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF FOOD HYGIENE, PARTICULARLY THOSE IN THE FOOD CATERING BUSINESS.

THE COURSE COVERED SUCH TOPICS AS MICROBIOLOGY, FOOD HANDLING PRACTICES, PREVENTION OF FOOD POISONING, CLEANLINESS OF UTENSILS AND FOOD BUSINESS LAWS.

DURING THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, SIMILAR COURSES WILL BE HELD AT OTHER DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, AN NTSD SPOKESMAN SAID.

- 0 -

TWO MORE YIN NGA I SOCIETIES SET UP

* * * *

THE WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY VARIOUS YIN NGAI SOCIETIES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG REFLECT THE DYNAMIC NATURE OF EACH SOCIETY AND THE WAY IT RESPONDS TO THE NEEDS OF ITS MEMBERS AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.

MRS JANE AKERS-JONES, WIFE OF THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, SAID THIS TODAY (SATURDAY) AT THE JOINT INAUGURATION CEREMONY FOR THE FIRST-TERM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES OF THE MING WAH DAI HA AND LAI TAK TSUEN YIN NGAI SOCIETIES.

♦ EACH YIN NGAI SOCIETY HAS DEVELOPED ITS OWN CHARACTERISTICS. SOME PLACE MORE EMPHASIS ON LEISURE AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, OTHERS ON SOCIAL PROJECTS, EDUCATIONAL AND COMMUNITY I NVOLVEMENT,+ SHE SAID.

WITH TODAY’S INAUGURATION OF THE TWO SOCIETIES WHICH HAVE A TOTAL OF 2OQ MEMBERS, THERE ARE NOW 19 YIN NGAI SOCIETIES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

MRS AKERS-JONES SAID THAT PERHAPS THE TIME HAD COME WHEN MEMBERS SHOULD MEET TOGETHER TO DISCUSS THE FUTURE DIRECTION OF THE YIN NGAI MOVEMENT.

♦YOU ARE ALL MAKING THE IDEAL OF YIN NGAI COME TRUE,+ SHE SAID

/SHE POINTED.....

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1984

SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE AIM OF YIN NGAI SOCIETIES IS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR WOMEN LIVING IN THE SAME NEIGHBOURHOOD, TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS, TO ORGANISE SO THAT THEY CAN INITIATE POSITIVE ACTION TO HELP EACH OTHER IN TIMES OF DIFFICULTIES, AND TO ENRICH THEIR LIVES.

+THROUGH INVOLVEMENT IN THE SOCIETY THEY MAY DISCOVER NEW STRENGTHS IN THEMSELVES ? SELF-ESTEEM AND CONFIDENCE WILL GROW.

+DIRECTLY AND INDIRECTLY, THROUGH COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, ACTIVITIES AND SOCIAL SERVICE, YIN NGA I MEMBERS ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE,+ SHE SAID.

THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY A PHOTOGRAPHIC

EXHIBITION ON THE WORK AND ACTIVITIES OF THE TWO SOCIETIES THE PAST YEAR.

DURING

• ALSO ON DISPLAY WERE SOME OF THE MEMBERS.

THE HANDICRAFTS PRODUCED

- 0

NOTE TO EDITORS

DB TO DISCUSS * *

TAXI REVIEW *

THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD DISCUSS THE +1983 TAXI REVIEW+ AT MONDAY (MAY 7).

WILL BE THE FIRST URBAN

DB TO

ITS FULL BOARD MEETING ON

PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR RAFAEL HUI,

AND ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR PRESENT.

AT THE MEETING, BOARD MEMBERS WILL GIVE DRAFT PROGRAMME OF SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT AND 1985-86.

K.S. LI, WILL BE

THEIR VIEWS ON A PROJECTS FOR 1984-85

THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS A REPORT ON +OPERATION FAR FLING+, A MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD ON MONDAY (MAY 7) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET.

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1984

7 -

BIDS INVITED FOR MARKET STALLS

* * * *

FORTY-FOUR MARKET STALLS IN SHA TIN WILL BE PUT UP FOR PUBLIC BIDDING ON TUESDAY (MAY 8).

THE BIDDING WILL START AT 10 AM AT THE LEK YUEN COMMUNITY HALL OF LEK YUEN ESTATE IN SHA TIN, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.

THREE OF THE STALLS ARE LOCATED AT FO TAN EAST COOKED FOOD MARKET, 11 AT FO TAN WEST COOKED FOOD MARKET AND THE REMAINING 30 AT TAI WAI TEMPORARY MARKET.

♦THERE WILL BE NO FIXED UPSET RENTS BUT THE DEPARTMENT WILL ACCEPT BIDS THAT REACH THE RESERVED FIGURES,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

. SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MAY START BUSINESS ON JUNE 1, ON A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT FOR THE STALLS AT FO TAN EAST AND FO TAN WEST MARKETS, AND ON A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT FOR THOSE AT TAI WAI MARKET.

THEY MUST PAY THE RENTAL FOR JUNE PLUS ONE-MONTH DEPOSIT IMMEDIATELY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

BIDDERS SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND FIVE PHOTOGRAPHS.

FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE SHA TIN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE OF NTSD ON TELEPHONE 0-6065745.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

CHORUS OFFICE-BEARERS TO BE SWORN IN

* * * *

MR KEVIN MAK, THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, AND MR WONG LAM, A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY OF THE SIXTH-TERM OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE KWUN TONG CHILDREN’S CHORUS TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.

AFTER THE CEREMONY, THE 150-STR0NG CHILDREN’S CHORUS WILL STAGE A CONCERT AND A MEMBER, WHO WAS A WINNER IN THE RECENT SCHOOL MUSIC FESTIVAL, WILL GIVE AN INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY WHICH WILL START AT 4 PM AT KEI CHI MIDDLE SCHOOL, 20 SHU I NING STREET, KWUN TONG TOWN CENTRE.

-.--0--------

/8........

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 1984

- 8 -

FUK YUEN STREET TO BE CLOSED * * * *

FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 7), FUK YUEN STREET WILL BE PERMANENTLY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC TO MAKE WAY FOR A NEW PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE.

FROM THAT DAY, VEHICLES ON KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR QUARRY BAY SHOULD TRAVEL VIA SHELL STREET, MERLIN STREET, ELECTRIC ROAD AND JAVA ROAD.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1984

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

IMPROVED SERVICES FOR EX-MENTAL PATIENTS...................... 1

IMPORTANCE OF RESIDENTS' INVOLVEMENT IN DISTRICT WORK STRESSED ..................................................... 4

SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS TO RECEIVE HONORARY DOCTORATE 5

CONTRACTS FOR BORDER PROJECTS ................................ 6

SLOPES TO BE STABILISED ...................................... 6

VTC DELEGATION VISITS SINGAPORE............................... 7

GEOTECHNICAL INFORMATION UNIT FOR THE PUBLIC OPENED........... 8

SHA TIN TO HOLD TREE PLANTING DAY............................. 9

LIFE GUARDS NEEDED FOR BEACHES AND POOLS ..................... 10

MURE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR HO MAN TIN .................. 10

SOLAR SYSTEM FOR TENNIS AND SQJJASH COURTS ................... 11

FREE HORTICULTURAL CLASS IN TSUEN WAN ........................ 11

TENDERS INVITED FOR FITTING OUT WORKSHOP ..................... 12

NIGHT CLOSURE OF CANTO! ROAD ................................. 12

MAIN STREET EAST CLOSED FOR FESTIVAL.......................... 12

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1984

IMPROVED SERVICES FOR EX-MENTAL PATIENTS * * * *

IMPROVED HOSPITAL PROCEDURES AND AFTER-CARE SERVICES, TOGETHER *I TH A MORE HEALTHY PUBLIC ATTITUDE TOWARDS MENTAL ILLNESS, ARE NOW HELPING THE GOVERNMENT TO COME TO GRIPS WITH THE PROBLEM OF EX-MENTAL PATIENTS WHO ARE ASSESSED TO BE DISPOSED TO VIOLENCE.

THIS IS THE RESULT OF CONSCIENTIOUS EFFORTS BY THE GOVERNMENT TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM FOLLOWING THE TRAGIC INCIDENT AT UN CHAU ESTATE ON JUNE 3, 1982 WHEN AN EX-MENTAL PATIENT FATALLY WOUNDED SEVERAL PEOPLE, INCLUDING SOME KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN.

THE WORKING GROUP SET UP IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE INCIDENT MADE A NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS LAST JUNE WHICH WERE GENERALLY SUPPORTED BY THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, AS WELL AS THE PUBLIC.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT SEVERAL OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS HAD ALREADY BEEN TRANSLATED INTO PRACTICE AND PROGRESS WAS BEING MADE IN THOSE AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT WHICH REQUIRED A LONGER LEAD TIME TO IMPLEMENT.

ONE OF THE FOREMOST RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING GROUP WAS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CONFIDENTIAL CENTRAL REGISTER WHICH WOULD HAVE RECORDS OF ALL EX-MENTAL PATIENTS WHO HAVE A HISTORY OF CRIMINAL VIOLENCE OR ARE ASSESSED TO BE DISPOSED TO VIOLENCE.

THE REGISTER WAS SET UP IN OCTOBER 1982 AND NOW CONTAINS ABOUT 600 RECORDS OF PATIENTS IN THIS TARGET GROUP.

♦ACCESS TO THE REGISTER IS POSSIBLE 24 HOURS A DAY, BUT FOR REASONS OF CONFIDENTIALITY IS RESTRICTED TO ESSENTIAL PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS OR FOR OPERATIONAL USE BY CONCERNED PARTIES, SUCH AS THE POLICE. THE RECORDS HAVE BEEN USEFUL FOR MONITORING AFTER-CARE TREATMENT AND PROVIDING PROMPT INFORMATION IN EMERGENCIES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDED THAT PATIENTS ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL SHOULD BE CAREFULLY ASSESSED TO IDENTIFY THOSE WITH A DISPOSITION TO VIOLENCE, AND THAT BEFORE DECIDING TO DISCHARGE A PATIENT IN THE TARGET GROUP, REPRESENTATIVES OF ALL THE DISCIPLINES IN CONTACT WITH HIM SHOULD MEET IN CONFERENCE TO DISCUSS THEIR ASSESSMENTS OF THE PATIENTS’ PROGRESS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS.

THESE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CASE CONFERENCES ARE BEING HELD AT KWAI CHUNG HOSPITAL AND ARE BEING INTRODUCED AT CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL, ALTHOUGH SHORTAGES OF STAFF THERE HAVE IN SOME INSTANCE^ DELAYED THE PREPARATION OF CASE REPORTS AND MADE FULL CONFERENCE^ IMPRACTICABLE.

FOLLOWING THEIR DISCHARGE, PATIENTS CONTINUE TO RECEIVE AFTER-CARE SERVICES AND THESE HAVE BEEN OR ARE BEING STRENGTHENED IN A NUMBER OF WAYS.

/one important .......

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1984

- 2 -

ONE IMPORTANT ASPECT IS THE GREATER USE OF HALF-WAY HOUSES WHICH WOULD PREPARE DISCHARGED PATIENTS FOR FULL RETURN TO THE COMMUNITY.

AT PRESENT THERE ARE 250 PLACES IN HALF-WAY HOUSES, OF WHICH 3D PLACES ARE SPECIFICALLY FOR DISCHARGED PRISONERS WITH A HISTORY OF MENTAL ILLNESS.

HOWEVER NONE OF THESE FACILITIES IS DESIGNED OR STAFFED TO THE STANDARDS CONSIDERED NECESSARY BY THE WORKING GROUP FOR THE AFTER-CARE OF CONDITIONALLY DISCHARGED PATIENTS.

STAFF STANDARDS ARE NOW BEING DEVELOPED FOR SPECIAL HALF-WAY HOUSES AS WELL AS FOR THE EXISTING TYPE OF HALF-WAY HOUSES TO ENABLE MORE WIDESPREAD INTEGRATION OF TARGET GROUP PATIENTS IN THEM.

♦PLANS HAVE BEEN PREPARED, IN CONSULTATION WITH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, FOR 19 NEW PROJECTS THAT WILL PROVIDE A TOTAL OF 1 200 ADDITIONAL PLACES OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, INCLUDING 160 PLACES SUITABLE FOR CONDITIONALLY DISCHARGED PATIENTS. THE FIRST OF THESE SPECIAL PROJECTS WILL BE READY SHORTLY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

FURTHERMORE, ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN TO EXPAND THE COMMUNITY PSYCHIATRIC NURSING SERVICE ON A REGIONAL BASIS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WORKING GROUP’S RECOMMENDATION.

THE FIRST STEP HAS BEEN TO DEVELOP LOCAL TRAINING FACILITIES FOR COMMUNITY PSYCHIATRIC NURSES.

THE FIRST SUCH COURSE, ON AN IN-SERVICE AND DAY-RELEASE BASIS, STARTED LAST MONTH IN KWAI CHUNG HOSPITAL.

A LIMITED REGIONAL SERVICE IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN ABOUT A YEAR’S TIME.

COMMUNITY PSYCHIATRIC NURSES FROM KWAI CHUNG HOSPITAL, WHICH SET UP ITS COMMUNITY NURSING UNIT IN APRIL 1982, HAVE MAINTAINED CONTACT WITH DISCHARGED PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

THEY HAVE PROVIDED HELP IN ASSESSING THE MENTAL STATES OF PATIENTS AND ADMINISTERED TREATMENT UNDER THE DIRECTION OF PSYCH I ATR I STS.

IN ADDITION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, HELP IS AVAILABLE TO DISCHARGED PATIENTS WHO MAY HAVE HOUSING OR EMPLOYMENT PROBLEMS.

A COMMUNITY WORK AND AFTER-CARE UNIT HAS BEEN IN EXISTENCE AT CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL SINCE 1978 AND SIMILAR UNITS HAVE BEEN SET UP AT KWAI CHUNG, KOWLOON, AND LAI CHI KOK HOSPITALS.

STAFF FROM THESE UNITS ALSO VISIT DISCHARGED PATIENTS AND MONITOR THEIR RECOVERY.

IN THEIR REPORT, THE WORKING GROUP RECOGNISED THE KEY ROLE PLAYED BY MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS AND RECOMMENDED A REDUCTION IN THEIR CASELOAD IF THEY WERE TO SUPERVISE TARGET GROUP PATIENTS.

/the social .......

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1984

- 3 -

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS UNDERTAKEN A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW TO DEVELOP A MORE REALISTIC MANNING RATIO, AND PRIORITY I ;> BEING GIVEN TO PROVIDING MORE MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS IN THE PSYCHIATRIC SERVICE.

THE WORKING GROUP ALSO RECOMMENDED A 24-HOUR HOTLINE SERVICE TO OFFER ADVICE TO MENTAL PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS, AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY SQUAD THAT WOULD OFFER ON-THE-SPOT ASSISTANCE IN EMERGENCIES.

THE HOTLINE SERVICE HAS NOW COME INTO OPERATION FOR A TRIAL PERIOD OF ONE YEAR AND INFORMATION ON THE OPERATION OF EMERGENCY SQUADS IN BRITAIN HAS BEEN OBTAINED AND IS BEING STUDIED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

IN CONJUNCTION WITH THESE MEASURES, THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDERTAKING A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE MENTAL HEALTH ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE IMPROVED ADMISSION PROCEDURES, GREATER POWERS TO ADMIT AND RECALL PATIENTS TO HOSPITAL, AND NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPEAL AS A SAFEGUARD AGAINST THESE GREATER POWERS.

THE DRAFT AMENDMENT BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE READY LATER THIS YEAR FOR SUBMISSION TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS’BY THE WORKING GROUP HAVE ALSO RECEIVED ATTENTION.

EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO PERSUADE PATIENTS WHO ARE DISCHARGED ABSOLUTELY, AND THEIR FAMILIES, TO AGREE IN ADVANCE TO RECEIVE FOLLOW-UP TREATMENT.

A PAMPHLET DESIGNED TO ASSIST FAMILIES IN THE CARE AND UNDERSTANDING OF FORMER PATIENTS HAS BEEN EXTENSIVELY REVISED AND COPIES ARE NOW BEING GIVEN TO THE RELATIVES OF MENTAL PATIENTS AND ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION.

THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT PUBLIC ATTITUDES TOWARDS DISCHARGED PATIENTS PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN THEIR REHABILITATION.

FOR THIS REASON, THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC EDUCATION IN REHABILITATION (COMPERE) HAS ORGANISED A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING A SEMINAR ON MENTAL HEALTH FOR TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAMMES ON TELEVISION, TO PROMOTE PUBLIC EDUCATION ON MENTAL HEALTH.

+THE THEME OF COMPERE THIS YEAR IS ’EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED’. ACTIVITIES WILL PLACE SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE MENTALLY ILL AND THE MENTALLY-RETARDED,* HE SAID.

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

/4........

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1984

- 4 -

IMPORTANCE OF RESIDENTS’ INVOLVEMENT IN DISTRICT WORK STRESSED * * * *

THE PROMOTION OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WORK IS A TWO-WAY PROCESS WITH THE GOVERNMENT EDUCATING THE PUBLIC AND THE LATTER TAKING THE INITIATIVE TO PARTICIPATE, THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

+1 AGREE GOVERNMENT SHOULD STRENGTHEN ITS PUBLICITY TO EDUCATE RESIDENTS ON THE SPIRIT AND FUNCTIONING OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS. BUT RESIDENTS SHOULD ALSO, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, GET THEMSELVES INVOLVED IN DISTRICT WORK*, HE SAID.

MR MAK WAS SPEAKING AT THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY OF THE SIXTH-TERM OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE KWUN TONG CHILDREN’S CHORUS.

HE SAID RESIDENTS SHOULD REGISTER THEMSELVES AS VOTERS WHEN THE REGISTRATION EXERCISE BEGINS IN MID-AUGUST AND VOTE IN NEXT YEAR’S BOARD ELECTIONS.

MR MAK ALSO DESCRIBED THE DISTRICT BOARD AS +A BODY THAT BELONGS TO THE PUBLIC+.

+THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY THE LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE ALSO THE PROBLEMS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD+, HE SAID.

FOR INSTANCE, HE SAID, THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD, JUST LIKE MOST PARENTS IN THE DISTRICT, HAD SHOWN GREAT CONCERN TOWARDS THE INADEQUATE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN KWUN TONG.

+A WORKING GROUP WAS THEREFORE SET UP IN APRIL LAST YEAR TO STUDY THE ISSUE AND A REPORT WILL SOON BE SUBMITTED TO THE DISTRICT BOARD*, HE SAID.

ON THE PROBLEM OF YOUTHS, MR MAK SAID IT WAS EVERY LOCAL RESIDENT’S CONCERN.

HE ADDED THAT A WORKING GROUP HAD BEEN SET UP UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD TO CONDUCT A STUDY AND RECOMMEND MEASURES TO SOLVE IT

HE ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE ORGANISERS OF THE KWUN TONG CHILDREN’S CHORUS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO BUILDING A BALANCED AND HARMONIOUS COMMUNITY IN KWUN TONG.

+THE THEME OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM IS PRECISELY TO PROMOTE THIS SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT*, HE SAID.

- 0 -

/5 .......

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1984

- 5 -

SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS TO RECEIVE HONORARY DOCTORATE * M * *

THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR NICKY CHAN, WILL GO BACK TO HIS OLD UNIVERSITY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM IN JULY TO RECEIVE AN HONORARY DOCTORATE.

MR CHAN HAS ACCEPTED AN INVITATION FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AT LOUGHBOROUGH, WHERE HE STUDIED CIVIL ENGINEERING FROM 1948 TO 1952, TO RECEIVE THE HONORARY DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF TECHNOLOGY.

THE INVITATION WAS ISSUED IN MARCH ON BEHALF OF THE UNIVERSITY’S COUNCIL AND SENATE BY THE VICE-CHANCELLOR, SIR CLIFFORD BUTLER.

ACCEPTING THE INVITATION, MR CHAN SAID HE CONSIDERED IT AN HONOUR AND A PRIVILEGE.

THE DEGREE WILL BE CONFERRED ON JULY 12.

MR CHAN JOINED THE THEN PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AS A PUPIL ENGINEER IMMEDIATELY AFTER GRADUATING FROM LOUGHBOROUGH.

HE SPENT A YEAR AT YALE FROM I960 TO 1961, STUDYING TRAFFIC ENGINEERING.

HE BECAME A CHIEF ENGINEER IN 1969 AND GOVERNMENT ENGINEER IN 1973.

FOR FIVE YEARS, FROM 1973 TO 1978, MR CHAN WAS THE PROJECT MANAGER TUEN MUN, AFTER WHICH HE WAS APPOINTED TO HEAD THE HIGHWAY^ OFFICE.

IN MAY, 1980, HE WAS APPOINTED HEAD OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE AND IN OCTOBER OF THE SAME YEAR BECAME THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, OVERSEEING THE WORK OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE AND THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT.

IN APRIL, 1981, MR CHAN WAS MADE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS. HE BECAME THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS IN 1982 WHEN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT REORGANISED.

IN JULY LAST YEAR HE WAS APPOINTED SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS.

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

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1984

CONTRACTS FOR BORDER PROJECTS * * *

TWO CONTRACTS, VALUED AT Si.85 MILLION, HAVE BEEN AWARDED FOR THE INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL AND FIRE SERVICES EQUIPMENT AT THE BORDER CONTROL POINT NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT SHA TAU KOK.

THE CONTRACT FOR INSTALLING AN ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WAS AWARDED TO TUNG YUEN HONG ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD.

THE ONE FOR INSTALLING FIRE HYDRANTS AND A FIRE HOSE REEL WENT TO RYODEN FIRE ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED.

BOTH WERE AWARDED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

WORK ON THEM STARTED EARLIER THIS WEEK AND WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR TO COINCIDE WITH COMPLETION OF THE BORDER CONTROL POINT.

THE CONTROL POINT WILL OCCUPY A 12 5OO-SQUARE-METRE SITE BETWEEN LIN MA HANG ROAD AND SHA TAU KOK ROAD.

IT WILL CONSIST OF A ONE-STOREY MAIN TERMINAL THE POLICE AND IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS OFFICERS.

THERE WILL ALSO BE AN ARRIVAL AND A DEPARTURE EXAMINATION PLATFORM, A VEHICLE INSPECTION PIT AND ROOM.

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

BUILDING FOR

HALL, A CARGO A TRANSFORMER

SLOPES TO BE STABILISED

* * *

WORK WILL START IN JULY ON RECONSTRUCTING SEVEN SLOPES ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON.

IT IS PART OF A CONTINUOUS PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE TO IMPROVE SLOPES TO ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS.

IN THE PAST FEW YEARS THE OFFICE HAS SPENT OVER $503 MILLION ON THIS WORK AND IS ALSO SPENDING $30 MILLION EACH YEAR ON SLOPE MAINTENANCE.

THE SEVEN SLOPES TO BE IMPROVED UNDER THE PRESENT PHASE OF THE PROGRAMME ARE AT WATFORD ROAD, TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD AND HOSPITAL ROAD ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND AT WATERLOO ROAD AND CHING CHEUNG ROAD IN KOWLOON.

THE WORK WILL TAKE SIX TO 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

TENDERS TO CARRY IT OUT SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY MAY 25.

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

/7 .....

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1934

- 7 -

VTC DELEGATION VISITS SINGAPORE * * * *

A DELEGATION OF THE MACHINE SHOP AND METAL WORKING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL LEFT HONG KONG TODAY (SUNDAY) TO START A SIX-DAY STUDY TOUR ON VOCATIONAL TRAINING IN SINGAPORE.

HEADED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRAINING BOARD, DR HENRY T. YU, THE THREE-MEMBER DELEGATION WILL VISIT THE VOCATIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING BOARD (VITB) OF SINGAPORE, A VOCATIONAL INSTITUTE, T*O GOVERNMENT TRAINING CENTRES, A MACHINE TOOL MANUFACTURING PLANT AND A SHIPBUILDING YARD.

+THE PURPOSE OF THE VISIT IS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES WITH THE SINGAPORE AUTHORITIES ON MANPOWER TRAINING IN THE KEY ENGINEERING TRADES,+ DR YU SAID.

^INDUSTRIAL SET-UP AND MANPOWER SITUATION IN SINGAPORE ARE SIMILAR TO HONG KONG IN MANY RESPECTS. THEIR EXPERIENCES MAY SERVE AS USEFUL REFERENCES OR GUIDELINES IN ESTABLISHING OUR TRAINING CENTRE AT THE KOWLOON BAY TRAINING CENTRE COMPLEX,+ HE ADDED.

THE MACHINE SHOP AND METAL WORKING INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE WILL OFFER FULL-TIME BASIC TRAINING IN MECHANICS, FITTING, SHEET-METAL WORKING, AND TOOL AND DIE MAKING, STARTING IN SEPTEMBER.

AT THE KOWLOON BAY TRAINING CENTRE COMPLEX, FOUR OTHER TRAINING CENTRES -- COVERING ELECTRONICS, HOTEL, PLASTICS AND PRINTING INDUSTRIES — WILL OFFER VARIOUS LEVELS OF FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME TRAINING TO FORM FIVE AND FORM THREE SCHOOL LEAVERS FROM AUTUMN THIS YEAR.

THE VISIT IS ARRANGED BY THE VITB OF SINGAPORE

0 - -

/8........

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1984

- 8 -

GEOTECHNICAL INFORMATION UNIT FOR THE PUBLIC OPENED *****

THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE HAS OPENED AN INFORMATION UNIT FOR USE BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS WANTING INFORMATION ON GEOTECHNICAL MATTERS.

THERE ARE ABOUT 12 OOO SEPARATE VOLUMES OF INFORMATION AVAILABLE, INCLUDING GEOTECHNICAL AND GEOLOGICAL TEXT BOOKS, JOURNALS AND BIBLIOGRAPHIES! SITE INVESTIGATION AND LABORATORY TEST REPORTS! A CATALOGUE OF CUT SLOPES, RETAINING WALLS AND FILL SLOPES IN HONG KONG; OLD MAPS AND PLANS; LANDSLIDE RECORDS AND RAINFALL AND WATER LEVEL DATA.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE SAID FOR THE FIRST TIME ALL THE VOLUMES HAD BEEN GATHERED TOGETHER wITHIN A SINGLE UNIT WHICH WOULD BE MUCH MORE CONVENIENT FOR THE PUBLIC.

PUBLICATIONS ARE MAINLY CLASSIFIED UNDER A GENERAL REFERENCING SYSTEM AND A SITE SPECIFIC INFORMATION REFERENCING SYSTEM.

THE GENERAL REFERENCING SYSTEM IS USED FOR TEXT BOOKS, JOURNALS AND CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS WHICH ARE OF A GENERAL NATURE AND DO NOT REFER TO SPECIFIC SITES WITHIN HONG KONG.

THE SITE SPECIFIC INFORMATION REFERENCING SYSTEM IS USED TO REFERENCE ALL SITE INVESTIGATIONS AND LABORATORY TEST REPORTS.

THERE IS A READING AREA WHERE USERS CAN CONSULT REPORTS AND BOOKS. NONE CAN BE BORROWED, BUT A PHOTOCOPIER CAN BE USED AT A REASONABLE CHARGE.

THE GEOTECHNICAL INFORMATION UNIT IS AT EMPIRE CENTRE, 6Tn FLOOR, MODY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, KOWLOON.

IT IS OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 12.30 PM AND 1.30 PM TO 4 PM, MONDAY TO FRIDAY (EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS).

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 3-7225009. 4

VIDEO VIEWING FACILITIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE THROUGH A 24-HOUR ADVANCED BOOKING ARRANGEMENT.

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

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1984

- 9 -

SHA TIN TO HOLD TREE PLANTING DAY * * * * *

COMMUNITY LEADERS AND SCHOOL CHILDREN IN SHA TIN WILL JOINTLY HOLD A DISTRICT-WIDE TREE PLANTING DAY ON FRIDAY (MAY 11) TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR SUPPORT FOR THIS YEAR’S NEW TOWN BEAUTIFICATION PROGRAMME.

THE SHA TIN TREE PLANTING DAY IS ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CURRENT MEI FA (BEAUTIFICATION) PHASE OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG DRIVE.

IT WAS AIMED AT ENLISTING THE COMMUNITY TO HELP BEAUTIFY THE ENVIRONMENT, AN NTSD SPOKESMAN SAID.

TO MARK THE OCCASION, A TREE PLANTING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE SHA TIN CYCLE PARK IN TIN SUM TSUEN ON FRIDAY (MAY 11) AT 2.30 PM.

WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF 150 STUDENTS, SOME 40 EVERGREENS WILL BE PLANTED AT THE CYCLE PARK.

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (OPERATIONS) OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR DAVID WEEKS, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF SHA TIN, ffl DONALD TSANG, WILL JOINTLY OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY AND PLANT A SEEDLING.

ALSO TAKING PART IN THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE, W WAI HON-LEUNGj THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE, MR NG CHAN-LAMl THE CHAIRMAN OF ITS HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG CHI-YUEN; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR LAU HON-KIT.

NOTE TO EDITORS s

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN TREE PLANTING DAY TO BE HELD AT THE SHA TIN CYCLE PARK IN TIN SUM TSUEN ON FRIDAY (MAY 11) AT 2.30 PM.

0----------

/10 .......

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1984

LIFE GUARDS NEEDED FOR EEACHES AND POOLS

*****

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS RECRUITING LIFE GUARDS FOR THE CITY SERVICES AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE LIFE GUARDS, WHO MUST BE AGED 35 OR UNDER, WILL BE REQUIRED FOR DUTY AT GAZETTED BEACHES AND SWIMMING POOLS.

APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST PRIMARY 6 EDUCATION AND HOLD A BRONZE MEDALLION CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE ROYAL LIFE GUARD SOCIETY AND A VALID FIRST AID CERTIFICATE.

THE STARTING SALARY FOR THE POST IS $109 PER DAY OR $2 755 A MONTH.

THOSE INTERESTED IN THE POST MAY APPROACH ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TELEPHONE 3-666615, 3-265123, 5-270276 OR 0-429154.

- - 0 - -

NOTE TO EDITORSi

MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR HO MAN TIN *****

THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD HAS SPENT $150 000 ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CYCLING TRACK AND A SITTING-OUT AREA IN HO MAN TIN WHICH WILL OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM TUESDAY (MAY 8).

SITUATED AT SHEPHERD STREET, SQUARE METRES.

THE CYCLING

THE JUNCTION OF FAT KWONG STREET AND GOOD

THE TWO PROJECTS OCCUPY AN AREA OF 5 000

TRACK IS 160 METRES LONG AND THREE METRES WIDE.

THIS IS A TEMPORARY DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, PROVIDING ANOTHER RECREATIONAL GROUND FOR CHILDREN IN THE AREA.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GORDON JONES, AND THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR TANG TAI-CHUEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 11 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 8).

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1984

- 11 -

SOLAR SYSTEM FOR TENNIS AND SQUASH COURTS * * * *

A SOLAR HOT WATER HEATING SYSTEM IS TO BE INSTALLED AT THE TENNIS AND SQUASH COURTS AT MORSE PARK, WONG TAI SIN.

THE WORK WILL INCLUDE SUPPLYING AND INSTALLING THE SOLAR COLLECTOR PANELS, A HOT WATER STORAGE TANK, PIPEWORK, CIRCULATING WATER PUMPS, VALVES, CONTROL EQUIPMENT AND OTHER ACCESSORIES.

THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.

ONLY CONTRACTORS WITH PERMANENT OFFICE AND WORKSHOP ACCOMMODATION AND TRAINED STAFF AND PERSONNEL WITH EXPERIENCE ON SIMILAR INSTALLATIONS WILL BE PERMITTED TO TENDER.

THEY SHOULD SUBMIT DETAILS OF THEIR EXPERIENCE IN THIS TYPE OF WORK IN RESPECT OF PROJECTS PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED FOR THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR.

TENDERS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, PUBLIC WORKS TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE PUBLIC WORKS TENDER BOX IN THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, BEFORE 12 NOON ON FR IDAY, MAY 25.

TENDER FORMS AND SPECIFICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 13TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

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

FREE HORTICULTURAL CLASS IN TSUEN WAN

* * * *

ANOTHER FREE HORTICULTURAL CLASS WILL BE HELD IN TSUEN WAN FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF SIMILAR CLASSES LAST YEAR.

THE CLASS, ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE, WILL BE HELD AT THE TSUEN WAN SPORTS GROUND ON SEVEN CONSECUTIVE SATURDAY MORNINGS BETWEEN 9.15 AM AND 11.15 AM, STARTING ON MAY 26, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE CLASS WILL FOCUS ON COMPOST MIXING, DETECTION AND CONTROL OF PLANT PEST AND DISEASE, FERTILIZING, PROPAGATION AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE OF PLANT.

A FIELD VISIT TO AN NTSD NURSERY WILL ALSO BE ARRANGED DURING THE COURSE.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TSUEN WAN SPORTS GROUND THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND AND THE TSUEN WAN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF FAR EAST BANK BUILDING, 135-143 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.

APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

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

/12......

SUNDAY, MAY b, 1984

TENDERS INVITED FOR FITTING OUT WORKSHOP

* * * *

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR FITTING OUT A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SHELTERED WORKSHOP AT BUTTERFLY ESTATE, TUEN MUN.

WORK ON THE CONTRACT INCLUDES BUILDING THREE WORK AREAS, A DINING ROOM, A COMMON ROOM, A KITCHEN, A STOREROOM AND OFFICES.

THE SHELTERED WORKSHOP, COVERING AN AREA OF 1 300 SQUARE METRES, IS SITUATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF TIP YEE HOUSE, BUTTERFLY ESTATE, AND PROVIDES JOBS FOR ABOUT 140 MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY DISABLED PEOPLE.

TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MAY 25 SO THAT WORK CAN COMMENCE IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN SIX MONTHS.

TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 13TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD.

----0----

NIGHT CLOSURE OF CANTON ROAD

* * * *

THE SECTION OF CANTON ROAD BETWEEN HAIPHONG ROAD AND PEKING ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 6 AM FROM MAY 7 TO 11 (MONDAY TO FRIDAY) AND FROM MAY 14 TO 18, TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE.

DURING THE CLOSURE, THE SECTION OF PEKING ROAD BETWEEN CANTON ROAD AND KOWLOON PARK DRIVE WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY EASTBOUND TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.

MOTORISTS ON CANTON ROAD SOUTHBOUND, WHO WISH TO PROCEED TO THE SOUTHERN END OF CANTON ROAD, SHOULD USE HAIPHONG ROAD, LOCK ROAD, PEKING ROAD AND CANTON ROAD. '

TRAFFIC ON KOWLOON PARK DRIVE NORTHBOUND, HEADING FOR THE SOUTHERN END OF CANTON ROAD, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PEKING ROAD AND CANTON ROAD.

LIMITED ACCESS TO MARCO POLO HOTEL, HARBOUR CITY, OCEAN CENTRE AND OCEAN TERMINAL WILL BE PERMITTED VIA PEKING ROAD.

-..-0----

MAIN STREET EAST CLOSED FOR FESTIVAL

* * *

SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST BETWEEN KAM WAH STREET AND A KUNG NGAM ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 8) TO ALLOW FOR CELEBRATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE TAM KUNG FESTIVAL.

------0----

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

MONDAY, MAY 1, 1984

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

NO ’LAME-DUCK’ ADMINISTRATION FOR HK — GOVERNOR................. 1

GOVERNMENT DETERMINED TO KEEP UP DEVELOPMENT OF HK.............. 3

TOP MANAGEMENT COURSES FOR SENIOR STAFF ........................ 4

GOVERNOR TO LEAVE FOR PEKING TOMORROW .......................... 6

QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HOLIDAYS THIS YEAR CHANGED .................... 6

BUSINESS OF INSURANCE COMPANY SATISFACTORILY DISPOSED OF .... 7

DISTRICT BOARDS TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETINOS ....................... 8

PLAYGROUND FOR KOWLOON CITY..................................... 8

VOLLEYBALL COACH COURSE......................................... 9

LITTERBUGS IN COUNTRY PARKS FINED .............................. 9

NEW TOILET FOR CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND .......................... 10

LEAKAGE TESTS IN TO KWA WAN ................................... 10

WATER CUT IN MID-LEVELS........................................ 10

WATER FIGURE................................................... 10

MONDAY, MAY 7, 198* - 1 -

NO ’LAME-DUCK’ ADMINISTRATION FOR UK — GOVERNOR * * *

HONG KONG'S LONG-TERM PLANS FOR EDUCATION, FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF GOVERNMENT ON MORE REPRESENTATIVE LINES AND IN MANY OTHER FIELDS ARE ALL EVIDENCE OF THE DETERMINATION TO ENSURE THE CONTINUING GOOD GOVERNMENT OF THE TERRITORY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID THIS (MONDAY) MORNING.

♦ THERE WILL BE NO 'LAME-DUCK' ADMINISTRATION HERE.+ HE STRESSED.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KUK TAI PO DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL AT TAI YUEN ESTATE, THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT THERE HAD BEEN MUCH COMMENT OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS ON THE PRESS CONFERENCE GIVEN BY SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, ON APRIL 20.

♦ IN THAT CONFERENCE, HE SPOKE OF THE PROSPECT THAT BRITISH ADMINISTRATION COULD NOT CONTINUE AFTER 1997,+ HE SAID.

♦ BUT THAT IS NOT ALL HE SAID.

♦ HE EMPHASISED THAT IT REMAINED THE OBJECTIVE OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO WORK OUT A FRAMEWORK OF.ARRANGEMENTS THAT WOULD PROVIDE FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF HONG KONG AS A FLOURISHING AND DYNAMIC SOCIETY AND TO REACH AN AGREEMENT IN WHICH THOSE ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE FORMALLY RECORDED.

♦ HE SPOKE OF THE NEED FOR FIRM ASSURANCES THAT ARRANGEMENTS FOR HONG KONG’S CONTINUING PROSPERITY AND STABILITY, BASED ON EFFECTIVE AUTONOMY, WILL CONTINUE AND OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG’S NEED TO KNOW THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT AND OF HAVING TIME TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS BEFORE THAT AGREEMENT IS COMMENDED TO PARLIAMENT.

♦ HE SPOKE, TOO, OF THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG BEING DEVELOPED ON INCREASINGLY REPRESENTATIVE LINES IN THE YEARS IMMEDIATELY AHEAD,♦ HE SAID.

SIR EDWARD POINTED OUT THAT CHANGE MUST COME IN HONG KONG AND IT WAS UNDERSTANDABLE THAT THIS SHOULD CAUSE CONCERN AND ANXIETY.

♦ THIS CHANGE WILL BE A CHALLENGE, BUT NO CHALLENGE WAS EVER OVERCOME BY NEGATIVE ATTITUDES,+ HE SAID.

♦ IN THE LIGHT OF WHAT THE SECRETARY OF STATE HAS SAID, IT IS TIME FOR REALISM, CONTINUING COMMITMENT TO THE WELL-BEING OF THIS COMMUNITY AND CONSTRUCTIVE THINKING.

♦ THIS WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE APPROACH OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.

♦ WE MAY FACE A CHALLENGE: BUT IT IS A CHALLENGE WHICH I BELIEVE THAT THIS COMMUNITY, WHICH HAS WEATHERED SO MUCH IN THE PAST, CAN FACE SUCCESSFULLY IN THE FUTURE,♦ HE SAID.

/TUHNING to .......

MONDAY, MAY 7, 1984 •

. 2 -

TURNING TO THE HEUNG YEE KUK TAI PO DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL, SIR EDWARD RECALLED THAT THE KUK PROPOSED IN 1963 THAT IT SHOULD SPONSOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, ONE IN EACH OF THE ELECTORAL DISTRICTS OF THE KUK SO AS TO AVOID THE INCONVENIENCE TO STUDENTS WHO MIGHT OTHERWISE HAVE TO TRAVEL lONG DISTANCES TO SCHOOL.

+THE FIRST OF THESE SCHOOLS WAS OPENED IN YUEN LONG IN 1969, AND THE SECOND WAS OPENED AT MUI WO IN THE ISLANDS TWO YEARS AGO,+ HE SAID.

♦THE OPENING OF THE TAI PO SCHOOL TODAY MARKS THE COMPLETION OF THIS FAR-SIGHTED PROPOSAL PUT FORWARD BY THE KUK ABOUT 20 YEARS AGO,+ HE SAID.

HOWEVER, SIR EDWARD NOTED THAT THE KUK'S PLANS WERE CONCEIVED BEFORE THE MAIN THRUST OF EXPANSION AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT HAD REACHED THE NEW TERRITORIES.

+NOW A RING OF NEW MODERN TOWNS SURROUNDS THE OLDER URBAN AREAS OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, LINKED BY TRANSPORT SYSTEMS TO SERVE THE GROWING NEEDS OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE AND A POPULATION WHICH HAS DOUBLED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS AND WHICH WILL REACH NEARLY THREE MILLION BY 1991,+ HE SAID.

+IN THIS SAME PERIOD BEFORE 1991, DECISIONS HAVE ALREADY BEEN TAKEN TO BUILD A FURTHER 36 SECONDARY SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.

+NOW WE NEED TO EXAMINE THE NEXT PHASE OF URBAN EXPANSION AND TO SET OUT THE STRATEGY FOR THE NEEDS OF AN EXPANDING ECONOMY AND POPULATION IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

+THIS STRATEGIC PLAN IS NOW BEING ASSEMBLED AND DECISIONS AS TO THE NEXT BROAD AREAS TO DEVELOP ARE EXPECTED TO BE MADE IN the middle of this year,+ he said.

earlier, the governor and lady youde were met on arrival at THE SCHOOL BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU WONG-rAT, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, AND THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR THOMAS CHAN.

AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY, THEY TOURED THE SCHOOL AND WERE SHOWN VARIOUS FACILITIES INCLUDING THE HOME MANAGEMENT, WOODWORK AND METALWORK ROOMS.

BEFORE OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY, THE GOVERNOR AND LADY YOUDE ALSO VISITED CHOI YUEN ESTATE IN FANLING NEW TOWN.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES), MR IAN MACPHERSON, THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR IAN WOTHERSPOON, AND THE HOUSING MANAGER OF THE ESTATE, MR WAN YEUNG-KWAN, THEY HAD A LOOK AT MAJOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THE ESTATE.

THE PARTY THEN PROCEEDED TO CHOI PING HOUSE, WHERE ThEY viSlTED THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE OFFICE AND MET THE MAC OFFICE BEARERS, AND LATER VISITED A FAMILY.

BEFORE LEAVING THE ESTATE FOR TAI PO, THEY d£RE BRIEFED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF FANLING NEW TQWm BY THE PROJECT MANAGER OF TAI AND FANLING, MR R.B. HANNA, ON THE ROOF TOP OF CHOI °ING ^lSE.

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

/3......

MONDAY, MAY 7, 198*

- 3 -

government determined to keep up development of HK

******

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TODAY (MONDAY) STRESSED THE determination of the government to continue to develop the territory.

♦it is very important to realise how much is going on in hong KONG all the T|ME,+ HE SAID.

+1 HAVE SPOKEN OF IT MANY TIMES, AND I SHALL BE SPEAKING OF IT AGAIN.

+THERE IS A GREAT DEAL TO DO : WE SHALL BE GETTING ON WITH DOING IT, AND WE EXPECT TO HAVE THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY IN OUR TASK,+ HE SAID.

SIR EDWARD WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KUK TAI PC DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL.

ASKED WHAT HE MEANT BY +LAME-DUCK+ — A PHRASE WHICH HE USED EARLIER IN HIS SPEECH WHEN HE SAID THERE WOULD BE NO +LAME-DUCK ADMINISTRATION* IN HONG KONG — THE GOVERNOR SAID IT MEANT SOMETHING WHICH WAS INEFFECTIVE.

+WHAT I WAS TRYING TO SAY THIS MORNING, IN FACT WHAT I HAVE BEEN DOING THIS MORNING IS GOING ROUND TO LOOK AT SOME OF THE things which are happening decause it is very important to realise HOW MUCH IS HAPPENING IN HONG KONG ALL THE T|ME,+ HE SAID.

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ON WHAT SORT OF CHANGES WOULD BE MADE TO MAKE THE GOVERNMENT MORE REPRESENTATIVE, SIR EDWARD SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN WORKING ON THE PROPOSALS FOR SOME TIME.

+WE HAVE SAID QUITE CLEARLY THAT IT WILL HAVE TO BE PROGRESSIVE, AND I THINK YOU WILL HAVE NOTICED THE QUESTION WHICH MR STEPHEN CHEONG ASKED THE OTHER DAY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHEN HE SAID WILL IT TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE NEED FOR STABILITY AND PROSPERITY.

+YOU MAY BE QUITE SURE THAT THE PROPOSALS, WHEN WE DO PUT THEM FORWARD, WILL TAKE THAT INTO ACCOUNT AS WELL,+ HE SAID.

ASKED HOW LONG THESE PROPOSALS WILL TAKE, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS NOT GOING TO SET DOWN TIME SCALES.

+BUT IT WILL BE PROGRESSIVE AND WE HAVE SPOKEN OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE COMING YEARS. SO I WILL LEAVE YOU TO GUESS THE TIME SCALE,+ HE SAID.

0-------

/4 .......

MONDAY, MAY 7, 1984

TOP MANAGEMENT COURSES FOR SENIOR STAFF * * * * *

A TOP-LEVEL CENTRE TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR SENIOR GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVES IN MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION IS NOW BEING SET UP.

THE ’SENIOR STAFF COURSE’ WILL OFFER TRAINING IN A FORMAT EQUAL TO, AND AS DEMANDING AS, THAT OF TOP MANAGEMENT TRAINING CENTRES IN BRITAIN OR THE UNITED STATES.

THE COURSE IS PITCHED AT A HIGH LEVEL OF CIVIL SERVANT AND IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT ITS CONCEPT AND CONTENT WILL EQUIP THOSE WHO COMPLETE IT WITH THE MANAGEMENT SKILLS AND TOOLS FOR AN INCREASINGLY-COMPLEX FUTURE. EXECUTIVES FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR WILL ALSO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE COURSES.

+ONE OF OUR AIMS IS TO GIVE PEOPLE A BROAD GOVERNMENT PERSPECTIVE,* SAID THE DIRECTOR OF STUDIES OF THE OFFICE OF THE SENIOR STAFF COURSE, MR LEN SNEDDON.

♦WE WANT PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF THE MACHINE OF WHICH THEY ARE A PART.*

TO THE OBVIOUS QUESTION: WHY DO SENIOR GOVERNMENT SERVANTS WHO, BY DEFINITION, ARE SUCCESSFUL NEED SUCH A TRAINING?

MR SNEDDON REPLIES: +THERE ARE MANY SPECIALISATIONS THROUGH WHICH PEOPLE TRAVEL UP AND BECOME SENIOR PROFESSIONALS. THEY THEN REACH A LEVEL WHERE THEY BECOME MUCH MORE MANAGERIAL THAN PROFESSIONAL, AT LEAST IN CONCEPT.

+1 THINK IT IS PERFECTLY REASONABLE TO ASSUME THAT PEOPLE CAN BECOME SENIOR WITHIN THIS HUGE GOVERNMENT MACHINE WITHOUT NECESSARILY HAVING HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET THIS BROAD PERSPECTIVE.*

MR SNEDDON IS A FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE SUNRIDGE PARK MANAGEMENT CENTRE, ONE OF BRITAIN’S LEADING MANAGEMENT TRAINING RESIDENTIAL CENTRES. THE OTHER STAFF MEMBERS OF THE COURSE SHOW EQUALLY IMPRESSIVE TRACK RECORDS AND THEY HAVE BEEN SPECIALLY RECRUITED TO RUN THE NEW PROGRAMME.

GIVEN HONG KONG’S OBSESSION WITH PAPER QUALIFICATIONS IT MAY SEEM SURPRISING THAT THE QUESTION OF THE ISSUING OF A CERTIFICATE OR DIPLOMA TO THOSE WHO COMPLETE THE COURSE HAS NOT REALLY BEEN SETTLED YET. THAT IS BECAUSE IT IS NOT THAT KIND OF COURSE.

MR IAN DEANE, STAFF TUTOR AND MOST RECENTLY DIRECTOR OF TRAINING FOR A SPECIAL PROGRAMMES UNIT OF THE CONFEDERATION OF BRITISH INDUSTRY, EXPLAINED: +THERE IS A DIFFERENCE IN WHAT WE ARE DOING FROM THE STANDARD UNIVERSITY, OR QUALIFICATION-BASED COURSE. THIS IS AN EXPERIENCE IN ITSELF. IT IS NOT JUST SITTING AT A DESK AND ABSORBING INFORMATION FROM A TALK OR FROM A TEACHER. THE EXERCISE WILL BE SUCCESSFUL IN DIRECT PROPORTION TO THE EFFORT THAT PEOPLE PUT INTO IT.

/♦THEY ARE........

MONDAY, MAY 7, 1984

- 5 -

♦THEY ARE ’LEARNING TO LEARN’. HERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE ALREADY SUCCESSFUL. THEY HAVE BRAINS, EXPERIENCE, THEY HAVE DONE ^LL. THEY ALREADY KNOW WHAT MANAGEMENT IS ABOUT BECAUSE THEY HAVE SUCCEEDED IN DOING IT. WHAT WE ARE CONCERNED WITH IS A BROADENING OF THEIR PERSPECTIVE AND GETTING THEM TO GO ON LEARNING FROM THEIR OWN EXPERIENCE.

♦ THE WORLD IS GETTING MORE COMPLICATED, MORE UNCERTAIN. IT IS VERY MUCH THE CASE THAT WE ARE DOING SOMETHING THAT HAS NOT BEEN DONE BEFORE, SO WE HAVE TO ESTABLISH SOMETHING ON NEW GROUND.

♦ IN THE SAME WAY, SENIOR OFFICERS OF GOVERNMENT ARE GOING TO BE ALREADY DEALING WITH UNCERTAINTY. THE WAY YOU DEAL WITH IT IS TO PREPARE OPTIONS, TAKE ACTION. REVIEW ACTION. IF YOU ARE RIGHT YOU BUILD UP EXPERIENCE - AND THAT IS HOW YOU LEARN AND SURVIVE.+

FULL-TIME COURSES WILL START FROM SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AND THE .OFFICIALS SELECTED TO ATTEND WILL BE AT THE TOP END OF THE GOVERNMENT’S MASTER PAY SCALE, EARNING $20 000 A MONTH OR MORE, UP TO THE FIRST TWO POINTS OF THE DIRECTORATE PAY SCALE.

THEY WILL BE BETWEEN 30 AND 45 YEARS OF AGE AND THERE ARE NO FORMAL ACADEMIC ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS. SEVERAL MEMBERS OF EACH COURSE WILL COME FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND EQUIVALENT EXPERIENCE, SENIORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES WILL BE REQUIRED.

THE COURSE WILL SEE PARTICIPANTS REMOVED FROM THEIR NORMAL DUTIES FOR ITS THREE MONTHS DURATION. INCLUDED WILL BE SESSIONS IN THE NEW CENTRE TO BE SITUATED IN THE SUN HUNG KAI CENTRE, ONE-WEEK RESIDENTIAL PERIODS AT THE BEGINNING AND END AND AN OVERSEAS VISIT.

CORE STUDIES, INCLUDING TOPICS SUCH AS HISTORY, LAW, GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE, ACTIVE SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP PROJECTS AND READING PROGRAMMES WILL ENSURE THAT THE PRESSURE TO LEARN ON THE 40 PARTICIPANTS IS MAINTAINED.

THE FOUR MAIN COURSE OBJECTIVES ARE DEFINED AS DEVELOPING: THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT PERSPECTIVE, INCREASED COMPETENCE IN KEY AREAS OF MANAGEMENT SPECIALISATION, SKILLS IN HANDLING INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS, AND A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE ENVIRONMENT WITHIN WHICH GOVERNMENT OPERATES AND THE ROLE OF A SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR.

ALL THESE AIM AT DEVELOPING A BETTER BUREAUCRACY IN HONG KONG. BUT BUREAUCRACY HAD HAD AN EXTREMELY BAD PRESS OVER THE YEARS SO WHY DEVELOP IT?

LEN SNEDDON: ♦ONE OF THE REASONS IT EXISTS IS THAT IT WAS DISCOVERED BY HUMAN BEINGS TO WORK. THE PHARAOHS HAD THE EARLIEST KNOWN EXAMPLE OF BUREAUCRACY.+

♦ BUT OF COURSE IT IS A COMPROMISE AND, LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE, PEOPLE CRITICISE THE BAD THINGS AND FORGET THE GOOD. BUREAUCRACY SEEMS TO BE NECESSARY GIVEN THE EXISTENCE OF LARGE ORGANISATIONS.

Abut the......

MONDAY, MAY 7, 1984 '

+BUT THE DANGER IS THAT, BECAUSE ORGANISATIONS BECOME BIG AND BECAUSE THEY ARE STRUCTURED IN THE WAY THEY ARE, THE PEOPLE AT THE BOTTOM ARE DIVORCED FROM THE OUTCOME. THEY BEGIN TO FORGET THEY ARE THERE TO SERVE PEOPLE AND BEGIN TO BEHAVE IN INHUMAN WAYS. THEY TREAT PEOPLE AS JUST PIECES OR STATISTICS.

+FOR EXAMPLE, THE RULE BOOK MAY BE USED TO DECIDE IN WHICH OF A NUMBER OF WAYS A SITUATION SHOULD BE TREATED AND NO REFERENCE IS MADE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY TO THE SITUATION A PERSON IS IN.+

IAN DEANE: ♦ IT IS LIKE STOCK CONTROL IN A COMPANY. THERE ARE A, B AND C ITEMS IN BIG ORGANISATIONS. INDIVIDUALS CAN BE TREATED LIKE CLASE C ITEMS. HOWEVER, WHAT AN INDIVIDUAL SEES AS A PROBLEM HE SEES AS CLASS A. IF THE ORGANISATION PERSISTS IN TREATING IT AS CLASS C THE PERSON LOSES OUT.+

HONG KONG CIVIL SERVANTS COMPLETING THE SENIOR STAFF COURSE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO FORGET THAT THE JOB OF GOVERNMENT, THEIR GOVERNMENT, IS ABOUT PEOPLE.

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

GOVERNOR TO LEAVE FOR PEKING TOMORROW M M M M

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL LEAVE HONG KONG FOR PEKING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO CONTINUE TO TAKE PART IN THE SINO-BRITISH TALKS ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.

SIR EDWARD WILL BE TRAVELLING ON FLIGHT CA 106, ETD 1.50 PM.

A FACILITY HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN TO COVER SIR EDWARD’S DEPARTURE. THOSE ASSIGNED TO COVER THE EVENT SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN THE AIRPORT PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM NOT LATER THAN 12.30 PM.

THE GOVERNOR WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG FROM PEKING ON FLIGHT BA 20, ON THURSDAY (MAY 10), ETA 7.45 PM. HE WILL DEPART FOR LONDON ON LEAVE WITH LADY YOUDE ON SATURDAY (MAY 12).

- - - - 0 ----

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HOLIDAYS THIS YEAR CHANGED

* * # *

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED THE PUBLIC TODAY THAT THE DATES OF THIS YEAR’S QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAYS HAD BEEN CHANGED.

THE CHANGE TO HONG KONG’S LIST OF GENERAL HOLIDAYS HAD BEEN MADE NECESSARY BY THE DECISION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM THAT THIS YEAR’S QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY WILL FALL ON THE THIRD SATURDAY IN JUNE INSTEAD OF, AS NORMALLY, THE SECOND SATURDAY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE ACTUAL SATURDAY BIRTHDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY WILL THEREFORE FALL ON JUNE 16 AND THE FOLLOWING MONDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY ON JUNE 16 - RATHER THAN ON JUNE 9 AND JUNE 11 RESPECTIVELY.

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/7 .....

MONDAY, MAY 7, 1984

- 7 -

BUSINESS OF INSURANCE COMPANY SATISFACTORILY DISPOSED OF ft ft ft ft ft

THE INSURANCE BUSINESS OF THE BANGKOK BRANCH OF CHINA UNDERWRITERS LIFE AND GENERAL COMPANY LIMITED HAD NOW BEEN SATISFACTORILY DISPOSED OF, MR NOEL M. GLEESON, REGISTRAR GENERAL, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

HE ADDED THAT A WINDING-UP ORDER IN RESPECT OF THE COMPANY AND ITS WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY, KEI CHEONG HOME SERVICE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED, HAD BEEN MADE IN THE HIGH COURT.

MR GLEESON EXPLAINED THAT THIS WOULD ENABLE HIM TO FINALISE SOME MATTERS OF A MINOR NATURE, WHICH WERE STILL OUTSTANDING IN SINGAPORE, AND ALSO TO PROCEED WITH THE LIQUIDATION OF THE COMPANY AND ITS SUBSIDIARY IN HONG KONG.

• THE LICENCE OF THE AGENCY BUSINESS IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA HAD BEEN CANCELLED, AND THE ACCOUNT OF THE BALANCE DUE TO CHINA UNDERWRITERS WAS BEING NEGOTIATED WITH THE OTHER INSURANCE COMPANIES CONCERNED, HE SAID.

MR GLEESON ANNOUNCED THAT AN ORDER FOR THE WINDING-UP OF BEDFORD INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED HAD ALSO BEEN MADE IN THE HIGH COURT TODAY ON HIS OWN PETITION AS INSURANCE AUTHORITY, AND HE WOULD NOW PROCEED WITH THE LIQUIDATION OF THIS COMPANY IN HIS CAPACITY AS OFFICIAL RECEIVER.

HE SAID HE SHARED THE CONCERN OF THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID AND OTHERS THAT SEVERAL SUBSTANTIAL PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS AGAINST SOME OF THE POLICY HOLDERS OF BEDFORD WOULD PROBABLY NOT BE PAID IN FULL.

MR GLEESON POINTED OUT THAT APPROACHES HAD ALREADY BEEN MADE TO THE MOTOR INSURERS' BUREAU TO SEE IF THE NIB SCHEME COULD BE EXTENDED TO COVER INSOLVENT INSURANCE COMPANIES.

FURTHER DISCUSSIONS ON THIS SUBJECT WITH THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY WOULD BE CONTINUED THROUGH THE INSURANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, HE ADDED.

/8 .......

MONDAY, MAY 7, 1984

- 8 -

NOTE TO EDITORS i

DISTRICT BOARDS TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETINGS * * *

FIVE DISTRICT BOARDS WILL HOLD SPECIAL MEETINGS THIS WEEK TO DISCUSS THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED TAXI REVIEW AS WELL AS PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION POLICIES.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE MEETINGS OF 1

(A) THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 16TH FLOOR OF SINCERE BUILDING, 173 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL;

(B) THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD AT 4 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR OF TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG;

(C) THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AT 9.30 AM AND AGAIN AT 2.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 9) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DI STR 4CT OFFICE’S FANLING SUB-OFFICE IN JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING!

(D) THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD AT 9.30 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 11) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE BOARD’S SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE IN KWONG FUK ROAD; AND

(E) THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD AT 9.30 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 11) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF WYLLIE BUILDING, 222-224 DES VOEUX ROAD

CENTRAL.

- - - - 0 ----

PLAYGROUND FOR KOWLOON CITY

XXX

A PLAYGROUND IS TO BE BUILT AT THE JUNCTION OF CARPENTER ROAD AND SHEK KU LUNG ROAD IN KOWLOON CITY.

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY AWARDED A $2.78 MILLION CONTRACT TO K. WONG CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.

THE PLAYGROUND WILL HAVE FOUR TENNIS COURTS, TWO

VOLLEY BALL-CUM-BADMINTON COURTS AND TWO MINI-SOCCER PITCHES.

IT WILL INCLUDE A TWO-STOREY SERVICE BUILDING WITH CHANGING ROOMS, TOILETS AND A REFRESHMENT KIOSK.

THE WHOLE SITE AREA, COVERING 1.35 HECTARES, WILL BE LANDSCAPED.

WORK STARTED LAST WEEK AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN NINE

MONTHS. _________________________- - - - 0----- .

MONDAY, MAY 7, 1984

VOLLEYBALL COACH COURSE * * *

A COURSE TO TRAIN PEOPLE TO BE VOLLEYBALL COACHES START FROM MAY 27 AT THE LAI CHI KOK PARK INDOOR GAMES

WILL HALL

THE 10—SESSION COURSE, TO BE HELD AT WEEKENDS, IS BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE OF THE RECREATION

ORGANISED AND

CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON VOLLEYBALL ASSOC I AT I ON.

ONLY 40 PLACES ARE AVAILABLE AND THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS IMMEDIATELY.

ENTRY FEE IS $20 PER PERSON AND APPLICANTS MUST BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE HEAD OFFICE IN WING ON CENTRE, CENTRAL.

FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY DIALLING 5-458511.

- - 0 - -

LITTERBUGS IN COUNTRY PARKS FINED M M M M M

LITTERBUGS AGAIN CONSTITUTED THE LARGEST GROUP OF PEOPLE FINED FOR OFFENCES IN THE COUNTRY PARKS LAST MONTH.

IN APRIL. 180 PEOPLE WERE FINED FOR LITTERING IN THE COUNTRY PARKS, INCLUDING POLLUTING WATER AND 31 WERE PROSECUTED FOR VARIOUS OTHER OFFENCES. INCLUDING ILLEGAL ENTRY BY VEHICLE AND USING FIRE IN NON-DESIGNATED BARBECUE AREAS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING THE COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN AND GREEN COULD NOT BE OVER-EMPHASISED.

HE URGED ALL VISITORS TO THE COUNTRY PARKS TO EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE.

- 0 - -

MONDAY, MAY 7, 1984

10 -

NEW TOILET FOR CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND

X X X

A SINGLE-STOREY PUBLIC TOILET IS TO BE BUILT AT ALBANY ROAD CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND UNDERNEATH GLENEALY FLYOVER.

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY AWARDED A $130 000 CONTRACT TO UNITED CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.

THE TOILET, TO BE BUILT ON A 65-SQUARE-METRE SITE, WILL BE FOR USE BY VISITORS TO THE HONG KONG ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS.

TWO FEMALE AND TWO MALE TOILETS WILL BE PROVIDED.

WORK COMMENCED EARLIER THIS MONTH AND WILL TAKE FOUR MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

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

LEAKAGE TESTS IN TO KWA WAN XIX

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN TO KWA WAN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (MAY 10) TO 5 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY SAN SHAN ROAD BETWEEN MA TAU WAI ROAD AND KOWLOON CITY ROAD, AND KOWLOON CITY ROAD BETWEEN MA HANG CHUNG ROAD AND MA TAU KOK ROAD, INCLUDING 30-54 TAM KUNG ROAD, 47-63 PAK TAI STREET, 3-7 AND 47-53 MA TAU KOK ROAD.

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WATER CUT IN MID-LEVELS

XXX

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN THE MID-LEVELS WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY IQ) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY MAGAZINE GAP ROAD, MAY ROAD, CLOVELLY PATH, BREW IN PATH AND TREGUNTER PATH.

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

WATER FIGURE M M M

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 68.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 400.985 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 435.858 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 74.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1984

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

LONG-TERM STRATEGY TO MAINTAIN HK'S PRE-EMINENCE................ 1

GATT TEXTILE BODY ACTS ON IWO U.S. ’CALLS’ ..................... 2

HK’S ETV ONE OF BEST IN WORLD .................................. 3

GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR PEKING...................................... 4

SENIOR DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED....................... 5

S2.8M SCHEME CLEARS ADDY ROAD TRAFFIC JAMS...................... 8

DISTRICT BOARD TO DISCUSS PARK PROJECT.......................... 8

WAN CHAI BOARD PUTS OUT ANNUAL REPORT .......................... 9

CYCLING TRACK FOR HO MAN TIN CHILDREN ......................... 10

FREE TRACK CYCLING CLASSES OFFERED ............................ 11

LIGHT PLANE CRASH INVESTIGATED ................................ 11

PRIVATE STREETS TO BE RESUMED FOR REPAIR ...................... 12

THREE FIRE OFFICERS PROMOTED .................................. 12

FENCING INSTRUCTORS' COURSE.................................... 13

TEACHING TEACHERS ABOUT POLLUTION ............................. 13

SHAM SHUT PO ROAD CLOSURE...................................... 14

WATER LEAKAGE TESTS ........................................... 14

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1984 1 -

LONG-TERM STRATEGY TO MAINTAIN HK’S PRE-EMINENCE ft ft ft

GROWTH TRENDS OVER RECENT YEARS INDICATE THAT SEA CARGO TRAFFIC THROUGH THE PORT OF HONG KONG COULD DOUBLE BY THE END OF THE CENTURY, KEEPING IT IN THE FOREFRONT OF WORLD-CLASS PORTS.

THIS WOULD MEAN THAT BY THE YEAR 2000, HONG KONG COULD BE HANDLING BETWEEN 3.5 AND FOUR MILLION TEU'S (20-F00T EQUIVALENT UNITS) OF CONTAINER CARGO AND 25 MILLION TONNES OF CONVENTIONAL CARGO, ABOUT TWICE THEIR PRESENT ANNUAL VOLUME, MR BERNARD TANG, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE SAID.

MR TANG IS NOW HEADING A TEAM OF GOVERNMENT SPECIALISTS TO LOOK INTO THE NEED FOR MORE PORT FACILITIES AND THEIR SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE FROM NOW TO THE YEAR 2001.

THE +PORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY STUDY*, AS THE PROJECT IS CALLED, IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE EVER UNDERTAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT. IN THE PAST, INDIVIDUAL STUDIES WERE MADE ONLY FOR SPECIFIC PORT FACILITIES.

♦THERE HAS BEEN SOME MISCONCEPTION RECENTLY THAT THE STUDY WOULD DELAY OR HINDER THE EXPANSION OF THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINALS ALREADY AGREED BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

♦THE TWO ARE ENTIRELY SEPARATE ISSUESi THE PHASED EXPANSION PROGRAMME STRETCHING TO 1989 TO MEET MEDIUM-TERM REQUIREMENTS IS BEING IMPLEMENTED ACCORDING TO THE SCHEDULE ALREADY AGREED WITH ■THE INDUSTRY, WHEREAS THE STUDY WILL LOOK AT THE OTHER LONG-TERM NEEDS OF THE PORT, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION EXISTING AND CURRENTLY PROJECTED FACILITIES,♦ MR TANG POINTED OUT.

HE CONCEDED THAT THE SHEER MAGNITUDE OF THE PORT ACTIVITIES AND THE LARGE NUMBER OF FACTORS INVOLVED MAKE THE STUDY A FORMIDABLE TASK.

THE STUDY, SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN 14 MONTHS, WILL EXAMINE GROWTH POTENTIALS OF HONG KONG'S MAJOR EXPORT AND IMPORT COMMODITIES, THE OPTIMUM SITES FOR ADDITIONAL CONTAINER TERMINALS, AS WELL AS THE NEEDS FOR MORE CARGO HANDLING AREAS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF TYPHOON SHELTERS FOR THE MYRIAD LIGHTERS AND CARGO VESSELS.

♦ THE LIST DOES NOT END THERE. WE MUST ALSO ANALYSE OUR MARKET DIVERSIFICATION TRENDS.

♦ FOR INSTANCE, THERE MAY BE A NEED FOR MORE CONVENTIONAL CARGO HANDLING FACILITIES IF DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW MARKETS FOR OUR TRADE SO DICTATES,♦ HE SAID.

♦ THE STUDY IS TIMED TO COINCIDE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY,♦ MR TANG ADDED.

/IN CARRYING .......

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1984

IN CARRYING OUT THE STUDY, THE TEAM WILL CONSULT THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

HE SAID THAT THE STUDY IS ALSO URGENTLY NEEDED NOW THAT HONG KONG’S PORT DEVELOPMENTS HAVE REACHED A WATERSHED.

TRACING THE HISTORY OF MAJOR PORTS AROUND THE WORLD. HE SAID THAT FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY, LITTLE IMPROVEMENT HAD BEEN NEEDED.

♦IN HONG KONG, FOR INSTANCE, THERE WAS HARDLY ANY CHANGE FROM 1842 TO 1960, AS CARGOES WERE WORKED IN THE STREAM. BUT WITH THE ADVENT OF Th£ CONTAINER ERA IN THE LATE 196O’S, THE WHOLE CONCEPT CF PORT OPERATION WAS REVOLUTIONISED,* MR TANG SAID.

WHAT IS MORE, THOUGH A PIGMY IN SIZE, HONG KONG IS NOW A GIANT IN TRADE, AS A SERIES OF EXPORT BOOMS HAS TURNED IT INTO THE WORLD'S 14TH LARGEST EXPORTING TERRITORY. AND HONG KONG’S PORT AND ITS TRAFFIC HAVE ALWAYS BEEN INTERTWINED WITH ITS TRADE

♦TO MAINTAIN THIS PRE-EMINENCE, A LONG-TERM STUDY TO IDENTIFY SHORTFALLS AND FUTURE NEEDS IS VITAL, AS PORT DEVELOPMENTS REQUIRE A LENGTHY LEAD TIME.

♦THE STUDY WILL ASSIST BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE “ ESSENTIAL IN THE GROWING

SECTOR IN THEIR FORWARD PLANNING WHICH IS COMPLEXITY OF TODAY’S BUSINESS WORLD,* HE

SAID

- - 0 - -

GATT TEXTILE BODY ACTS ON TWO M * * *

U.S. 'CALLS'

THE TEXTILES SURVEILLANCE BODY OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE IN GENEVA HAS MADE RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING UNITED STATES RESTRAINTS ON HONG KONG EXPORTS IN CATEGORIES 637 (MAN-MADE FIBRE PLAYSUITS, SUNSUITS, ETC.) AND 652 (MAN-MADE FIBRE UNDERWEAR).

THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, ON HIS RETURN FROM PRESENTING THE HONG KONG CASE TO THE TSB, DESCRIBED THE RECOMMENDATIONS AS +MOST ENCOURAGING*.

HOWEVER, HE EXPLAINED THAT THE DETAILS OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS

COULD NOT BE ANNOUNCED YET PENDING THEIR OFFICIAL RELEASE BY THE GATT

CONFIRMATION BY THE TSB AND SECRETARIAT.

DURING CONSULTATIONS ON THESE WASHINGTON, HONG KONG REJECTED THE

TWO CATEGORIES HELD IN

U.S. CASE FOR RESTRAINTS IN

BOTH CATEGORIES, AND SUBSEQUENTLY REFERRED THE MATTER TO THE TSB FOR CONSIDERATION. THESE WERE THE FIRST TWO CATEGORIES *CALLED* BY THE U.S. IN 1984.

SINCE THEN A FURTHER THREE *CALLS* (REQUESTS FOR CONSULTATIONS WITH A VIEW TO INTRODUCING RESTRAINT LIMITS) HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE U.S., AND CONSULTATIONS ON THESE ARE LIKELY TO TAKE PLACE TOWARDS THE END OF MAY.

- 0 - -

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1984

- 3 -

HK’S ETV ONE OF BEST IN WORLD * M * *

HONS KONG’S EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION SERVICE IS THE BEST IN ASIA AND ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD, SAID MR COLVYN HAYE, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, TODAY.

MR HAYE ALSO TOLD THE MONTHLY LUNCHEON MEETING OF PO LEUNG KUK DIRECTORS THAT THERE ARE PLANS TO EXPAND THE SERVICE TO COVER MORE LEVELS AND INCLUDE MORE SUBJECTS. THESE PLANS, MADE BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, HAD BEEN DRAWN UP AS TEACHERS HAD SHOWN AN OVERWHELMING APPRECIATION OF THE PRESENT SERVICE.

DETAILED PROPOSALS WILL BE MADE TO THE BROADCASTING REVIEW BOARD WHICH WAS RECENTLY ESTABLISHED UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF W JUSTICE NOEL POWER.

* 1 SHALL BE SITTING ON THE REVIEW BOARD AND WILL BE ABLE TO PLEAD THE CASE PERSONALLY, AND IT IS A GREAT COMFORT TO KNOW THAT THE GOVERNOR HIMSELF IS A BELIEVER,♦ MR HAYE SAID.

REMINISCING ABOUT THE EARLY DAYS OF PLANNING EDUCATIONAL BROADCASTING, MR HAYE SAID THAT THE FIRST PLANS FOR A SCHOOLS SERVICE WERE SHELVED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ADMINISTRATION RESUMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR GOVERNMENT WITH THE EVACUATION OF THE JAPANESE, BECAUSE OF THE URGENT NEED FOR REHABILITATION OF THE SCHOOL SYSTEM.

TEN YEARS LATER, WHEN HE MOVED FROM SCHOOL TEACHING TO ADMINISTRATION, HE FOUND AN OLD FILE WITH THE PLANS AND DECIDED TO REVIVE THE ISSUE. ADDRESSING MR DOUGLAS CROZIER, THE THEN DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR HAYE REMINDED HIM THAT HE HAD FIRST MOOTED THE IDEA FOR SCHOOLS BROADCASTING. MUCH AMUSED, * CROZIER TOLD HIM TO PLAN A SERVICE, MR HAYE SAID.

♦ I FOUND A READY ALLY IN DONALD BROOKS, DIRECTOR OF RADIO HONG KONG,* MR HAYE REMARKED.

♦ AND DONALD AND I RAPIDLY PUT TOGETHER A WORKING PARTY WHICH PROVED TO ALMOST EVERYBODY’S SATISFACTION THAT NOT ONLY WAS A SCHOOLS SERVICE DESIRABLE, IT WAS BOTH FEASIBLE AND ECONOMICAL.♦

ALTHOUGH THE SCHEME HAD TO GIVE WAY TO OTHER URGENT EDUCATIONAL PRIORITIES, MR HAYE DID NOT LOSE HOPE.

IN 1964, UNESCO OFFERED A FELLOWSHIP FOR AN EDUCATOR TO LOOK AT EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AROUND THE WORLD, AND MR HAYE WAS ASKED TO TAKE THE ASSIGNMENT. FOR SIX MONTHS HE STUDIED EDUCATIONAL BROADCASTING SYSTEMS IN 10 COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD, AND FOUND TIME ALSO FOR A CRASH TV PRODUCTION COURSE IN LONDON AT THE CENTRE FOR EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION OVERSEAS. THE RESULT WAS A BLUE-PRINT FOR AN ETV SERVICE WHICH AGAIN WAS SHELVED BECAUSE OF OTHER PRIORITIES.

♦ BUREAUCRACY ALSO PLAYED ITS PART IN DELAYING THE PROJECT,♦ ffi HAYE SAID.

/♦BUT THE .......

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1984

- 4 -

♦BUT THE WHEELS OF PROGRESS WERE ROLLING SLOWLY WITH THE SETTING UP OF A HIGH-POWERED COMMITTEE TO LOOK AT THE FUTURE OF BROADCASTING.* WHEN THIS COMMITTEE WONDERED WHY HONG KONG DID NOT HAVE AN EDUCATIONAL BROADCASTING SERVICE, MR HAYE FINALLY GOT THE GREEN LIGHT. HE TABLED HIS BLUE-PRINT AND AT LAST, IN 1968, WAS AUTHORISED TO ESTABLISH AND LAUNCH ETV IN HONG KONG.

IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS HE RECRUITED STAFF, SENT MANY OVERSEAS FOR TRAINING, BUILT THE ETV PRODUCTION CENTRE STUDIOS IN BROADCAST DRIVE, AND FINALLY HAD THE PLEASURE OF SEEING SIR DAVID TRENCH, THEN GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, LAUNCH THE SERVICE WITH A LIVE BROADCAST IN CANTONESE TO THE FIRST AUDIENCE OF 100 000 PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS, HE SAID.

SKETCHING IN DEVELOPMENTS OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS, MR HAYE SAID THAT ETV RAPIDLY ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS THE BEST SERVICE OF ITS KIND IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD AND ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD.

♦THE UNIQUE FEATURE ABOUT ETV IN HONG KONG WAS AND IS THAT IT'IS A SERVICE PRODUCED BY TEACHERS, FOR TEACHERS, IN LOCAL CLASSROOMS, AND NOT A HALF-BAKED IMPORT FROM ELSEWHERE,* MR HAYE SAID.

NOW ETV BROADCASTS EIGHT HOURS A DAY FOR A 30-WEEK SCHOOL BROADCASTING YEAR AND REACHES NEARLY 750 000 CHILDREN IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

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

GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR PEKING * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, LEFT FOR PEKING THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON TO TAKE PART IN THE 14TH ROUND OF SINO-BRITISH TALKS ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.

HE WAS SEEN OFF AT THE AIRPORT BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG, THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ROGER LOBO AND THE VICE-CHIEF EDITOR OF THE XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (HONG KONG BRANCH) TAN GAN.

ACCOMPANYING THE GOVERNOR WERE THE POLITICAL ADVISER, Mt ROBIN MCLAREN, AND THE GOVERNMENT CHIEF INTERPRETER, Mt Y.P. CHENG.

-------o

/5 .......

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1984

- 5 -

SENIOR DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED * * * * ft

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY A SERIES OF SENIOR DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS WHICH HAVE RECENTLY TAKEN PLACE OR WILL TAKE PLACE OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. THEY ARE AS FOLLOWSi-

DR NIP KAM-FAN TO BE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT.

HE HAS BEEN A PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ENGINEER SINCE FEBRUARY 1981 AND WILL SUCCEED MR F.E. SHORT WHO IS RETIRING FROM THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN OCTOBER 1984.

MR LEE NAM-SANG TO BE GOVERNMENT CHEMIST. HE HAS BEEN A CHIEF CHEMIST SINCE AUGUST 1978 AND WILL SUCCEED DR A.J. NUTTEN WHO IS RETIRING FROM THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN NOVEMBER.

MR N. LATHAM SUCCEEDED MR J.T. THORPE AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION ON THE LATTER’S PROMOTION TO DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION IN JANUARY 1984. HE HAS BEEN AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION SINCE JANUARY 1978.

MR J.H. MARCH SUCCEEDED MR R. HOLMES AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES ON THE LATTER’S PROMOTION TO DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES IN APRIL 1984. HE HAS BEEN A CHIEF FIRE OFFICER SINCE MARCH 1981.

MR CHRISTOPHER WONG SUCCEEDED MRS SHIRLEY MACE AS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT ON THE LATTER’S RETIREMENT IN MARCH. MR WONG WAS FORMERLY DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE.

MRS ANSON CHAN TO BE SECRETARY DESIGNATE, UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, IN JUNE. MRS CHAN WILL LATER TAKE OVER AS SECRETARY FROM MR MIKE BRADLEY, WHO WILL BE RETIRING FROM THE PUBLIC SERVICE.

MR MIKE PAGLIARI HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO THE POST OF DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER. HE WAS FORMERLY DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE.

MR CLIVE OXLEY SUCCEEDED MR CHRISTOPHER WONG AS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE IN MARCH. HE HAS BEEN AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE SINCE NOVEMBER 1981.

/MISS CHUIJG .........

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1984

- 6 -

MISS ELAINE CHUNG SUCCEEDED MR DAVID LAN AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING ON THE LATTER’S TRANSFER (ALREADY ANNOUNCED) IN APRIL.

NOTE TO EDITORS*

BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON THE OFFICERS INVOLVED IN THESE APPOINTMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWSt

DR NIP KAM-FAN, J.P.

AGED 51. GRADUATE OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY. JOINED GOVERNMENT IN AUGUST 1956. PROMOTED TO PRESENT RANK OF PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ENGINEER IN FEBRUARY 1981. HE HAS SERVED IN VARIOUS SENIOR POSTS IN THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH, ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. FELLOW OF THE INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS, FELLOW OF THE INSTITUTION OF HIGHWAY ENGINEERS, MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS AND MEMBER OF THE INSTITUTE OF TRAFFIC ENGINEERS.

MR LEE NAM-SANG

AGED 42. GRADUATE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ASTON. JOINED GOVERNMENT IN NOVEMBER 1962. PROMOTED TO PRESENT RANK OF CHIEF CHEMIST IN AUGUST 1978. MEMBER OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CHEMISTRY.

MR NORMAN LATHAM, J.P.

AGED 51. JOINED GOVERNMENT IN APRIL 1962. PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION IN JANUARY 1978. HE HAS ACTED AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS.

MR JOHN HOWARD MARCH, Q.F.S.M., C.P.M.

AGED 48. JOINED GOVERNMENT IN MAY 1962. PROMOTED TO CHIEF FIRE OFFICER IN MARCH 1981. HE HAS SERVED IN VARIOUS OPERATIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE POSTS IN THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

/MR CHHISTOrm^R........

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1984

- 7 -

MR CHRISTOPHER WONG KIM-KAM, J.P.

AGED 42. GRADUATE OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY. JOINED GOVERNMENT IN JULY 1963. HE HAS SERVED IN A VARIETY OF ADMINISTRATIVE POSTS, PRINCIPALLY IN THE FORMER NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH. MOST RECENTLY HE WAS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE. HE WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B IN APRIL 1970.

MRS ANSON CHAN, J.P.

AGED 44. GRADUATE OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY. JOINED GOVERNMENT IN SEPTEMBER 1962 AND HAS SERVED IN A WIDE VARIETY OF ADMINISTRATIVE POSTS, INCLUDING FINANCE BRANCH AND THE (FORMER) SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH. SINCE FEBRUARY 1979 SHE HAS BEEN DEPUTY DIRECTOR, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. SHE WAS PROMOTED TO HER PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B IN APRIL 1978.

MR MIKE PA6LIARI, J.P.

AGED 43. HOLDS A MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE FROM GLASGOW UNIVERSITY. JOINED GOVERNMENT IN JANUARY 1967. HIS CAREER HAS BEEN SPENT MAINLY IN THE FIELDS OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS. HE WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B IN JULY 1983 AND HAS HELD DEPUTY SECRETARY POSTS IN THE (FORMER) ENVIRONMENT BRANCH, HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH AND, MOST RECENTLY, HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, SINCE MARCH 1981.

MR CLIVE OXLEY

AGED 47. HOLDS A MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE FROM CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY. HE HAS WORKED MAINLY IN THE FORMER NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, AND SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH. SINCE NOVEMBER 1981 HE HAS BEEN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, CHARGED WITH ADMINISTRATION OF THE MUSIC OFFICE. HE HAS PREVIOUSLY ACTED AS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR SHORT PERIODS.

MISS ELAINE CHUNG

AGED 38. GRADUATE OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY. SHE HAS SERVED IN A WIDE VARIETY OF ADMINISTRATIVE POSTS, INCLUDING PERIODS OF WORK IN BOTH HOUSING BRANCH AND HOUSING DEPARTMENT SOME TIME AGO. SHE HAS BEEN DISTRICT OFFICER, TSUEN WAN SINCE JULY 1982.

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

/e.........

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1984

- 8 -

$2.8M SCHEME CLEARS MODY ROAD TRAFFIC JAMS * * *

A $2.8-MILLI0N TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME INTRODUCED LAST DECEMBER BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN EAST TSIM SHA TSUI.

MR PANG HO-CHE, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE TRAFFIC JAMS CAUSED PREVIOUSLY BY LOADING AND UNLOADING ACTIVITIES ALONG MODY ROAD HAD NOW VIRTUALLY DISAPPEARED

UNDER THE SCHEME, LAY-BYS WERE PROVIDED AND NO-STOPPING RESTRICTIONS FOR PASSENGERS AND GOODS WERE INTRODUCED ALONG MODY ROAD AS PART OF THE MEASURES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN THE AREA.

THE SCHEME ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SIGNAL-CONTROLLED PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS ON MODY ROAD.

♦WITH THE OPERATION OF THE PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS SOME TIME THIS MONTH, IT IS EXPECTED THAT TRAFFIC FLOW WILL BE FURTHER IMPROVED AND PEDESTRIANS WILL BE ABLE TO CROSS THE ROAD IN A MORE ORDERLY AND SAFE MANNER,♦ MR PANG SAID.

THE SCHEME WAS SUPPORTED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD AND THE TSIM SHA TSUI EAST PROPERTY DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION.

MODY ROAD WAS ORGINALLY DESIGNED FOR LOCAL AND SERVICE TRAFFIC ONLY AND WAS BUILT WITHOUT SERVICE AREAS.

HOWEVER, THE GRADUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA HAS LED TO INCREASED LOADING AND UNLOADING ACTIVITIES, THUS RESULTING IN SERIOUS TRAFFIC CONGESTION.

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

DISTRICT BOARD TO DISCUSS PARK PROJECT

* * M *

CONSTRUCTION OF THE SECOND PHASE OF CARPENTER ROAD PARK WILL BE DISCUSSED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AT THEIR MEETING ON THURSDAY (MAY 10) AFTERNOON.

THIS PHASE IS ESTIMATED TO COST $22 MILLION AND WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN EARLY 1986.

IT WILL INCLUDE A CYCLING PATH, A FUN CYCLING AREA, A JOGGING TRACK, A FITNESS STATION, A ROCK GARDEN, A BICYCLE HIRE AREA AND A BICYCLES KIOSK.

THE FIRST PHASE OF THE SIX-HECTARE PARK NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION INCLUDES A REST GARDEN, A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, A MINI-SOCCER PITCH AND FOUR BASKETBALL COURTS.

AT THE MEETING, BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO ENDORSE THE ALLOCATION OF $120 000 FOR JOINT DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCE OPERATIONS IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.

/so FAR .......

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1984

- 9 -

SO FAR 550 ILLEGAL BACKLANE STRUCTURES IN 15 AREAS IN THE DISTRICT HAVE BEEN DEMOLISHED AND 600 MORE WILL BE CLEARED WITHIN THE NEXT 18 MONTHS.

TWO RECENTLY PUBLISHED REVIEWS — ONE ON THE TAXI ISSUE AND THE OTHER ON PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION POLICIES — WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED BY THE MEMBERS, WITH BRIEFINGS TO BE GIVEN BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR JUSTIN YUE, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (SQUATTER CONTROL IMPROVEMENT) OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, MR TONY BENNETT.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE THE DISPLAY OF A DISTRICT BOARD LOGO UNDER THE PRINCE EDWARD ROAD FLYOVER, THE URBAN COUNCIL S CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME AND THE ICAC’S MEI TUNG OFFICE LIAISON WORK PLAN.

TEN SEATS WILL BE RESERVED FOR THE PUBLIC AND THOSE WISHING TO ATTEND MAY CONTACT THE SECRETARY, MR KWAN WAI-HAY, AT TELEPHONE NUMBER 3-7110171 FOR RESERVATION.

MEANWHILE, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE TAXI REVIEW ON FRIDAY (MAY 11), AND THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO SUBMIT THEIR VIEWS TO THE BOARD.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 2.15 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 10) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141-143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD.

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

WAN CHAI BOARD PUTS OUT ANNUAL REPORT

* * * *

THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD HAS JUST PUT OUT ITS FIRST ANNUAL REPORT.

PRODUCED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AT A COST OF $20 000, THE 16 PAGE ANNUAL REPORT IS PRINTED SEPARATELY IN ENGLISH AND IN CHINESE.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, SAID THE REPORT RECORDED THE PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD IN 1982-83, AND PROVIDED A BASIS FOR BOTH REVIEW AND COMMENT BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AS WELL AS MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THIS REPORT ARE WELCOME AND CAN BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD, HE SAID.

A TOTAL OF 5 000 CHINESE AND 500 ENGLISH COPIES HAVE BEEN PRINTED AND ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE.

- - 0 --------

/io ........

lUESDAY, MAY 8, 1984

CYCLING TRACK FOR HO MAN TIN CHILDREN

* * * * *

A CYCLING TRACK AND A SITTING-OUT AREA, BUILT ON A 5 000-SQUARE-METRE VACANT SITE, WILL BE OPEN TO CHILDREN IN HO MAN TIN BETWEEN 9 AM AND 6 PM ON WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FROM SATURDAY (MAY 12).

THE 160-METRE-LONG TRACK IN GOOD SHEPHERD STREET IS FUNDED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD AT $150 000, AND IS ONE OF VARIOUS PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN BY THE BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE.

SPEAKING AT AN OPENING CEREMONY THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING, THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR TANG TAI-CHUEN, SAID BOTH THE TRACK AND THE SITTING-OUT AREA WERE BUILT TO MEET LOCAL NEEDS.

HE SAID MANY CHILDREN IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WERE RIDING BICYCLES WITHIN THE ESTATES, CAUSING INCONVENIENCE AND DANGER TO OTHERS AND THEMSELVES.

♦PROVISION OF A CYCLING AREA IN HO MAN TIN WILL HELP SOLVE THIS PROBLEM,♦ HE SAID.

MR TANG, HOWEVER, ALSO SPOKE OF THE NEED FOR PROPER MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE CYCLING TRACK, AND EXPRESSED APPRECIATION TO THE LOK TAO SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR AGREEING TO TAKE CARE OF THE OPENING AND CLOSING, AND GENERAL UPKEEP OF THE TRACK.

THE SITE HAD BEEN PROVISIONALLY EARMARKED FOR AN INDOOR GAMES HALL AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES OF THE HOUSING AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.

BUT PENDING A FINAL DECISION TO GO AHEAD WITH THE WORK, THE DISTRICT OFFICE WAS ABLE, THROUGH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT AND URBAN AREA DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION, TO ACQUIRE IT FOR TEMPORARY USE, MR TANG SAID.

HE ADDED THAT ASIDE FROM THE CYCLING TRACK, A MULTI-PURPOSE PLAYGROUND IN CAMEL VILLAGE STREET, ALSO FINANCED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD, WOULD BE COMPLETED LATER THIS YEAR.

ALSO PRESENTS TODAY’S CEREMONY WAS THE DISTRICT OFFICER, M? GORDON JONES.

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

/11 .......

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1984

- 11 -

FREE TRACK CYCLING CLASSES OFFERED M M M

TWO COURSES ON TRACK CYCLING IN A VELODROME ARE BEING JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG CYCLING ASSOCIATION.

THE COURSES WILL BE HELD ON THREE CONSECUTIVE SATURDAYS STARTING FROM JUNE 9 AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE IN SHA TIN.

ONLY 25 PLACES ARE AVAILABLE IN EACH OF THE TWO COURSES, AND PEOPLE INTERESTED, WHO MUST BE AT LEAST 12 YEARS OF AGE, SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS IMMEDIATELY.

APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE COLLECTED FROM THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE HEAD OFFICE IN WING ON CENTRE, CENTRAL. ENTRY IS FREE.

ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO TELEPHONE 5-458511.

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

LIGHT PLANE CRASH INVESTIGATED

XXX

AN INSPECTOR'S INVESTIGATION IS BEING CONDUCTED INTO THE CRASH OF THE PITTS SPECIAL LIGHT AIRCRAFT IN PORT SHELTER ON MAY 5, A CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.

HEADING THE INVESTIGATION IS MR K.T. HO, AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICER 1 OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT. HE WILL BE ASSISTED BY STAFF OF THE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION SECTION.

MEANWHILE. THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT IS APPEALING TO EYE-WITNESSES OF THE ACCIDENT TO REPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT BY TELEPHONE OR IN WRITING.

SEVERAL SUCH REPORTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED SINCE THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED, HE SAID.

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

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1984

12 -

PRIVATE STREETS TO BE RESUMED FOR REPAIR

*****

TWO PRIVATE STREETS IN NORTH POINT WILL BE RESUMED BY THE END OF THIS MONTH AND REPAIRED, AS PART OF A PILOT SCHEME TO SOLVE PROBLEMS ARISING IN STREETS WHICH ARE ON PRIVATE LAND.

THE LACK OF PROPER MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF THESE STREETS HAS GIVEN RISE TO SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS AND POSED SAFETY HAZARDS.

THE STREETS, COMFORT TERRACE AND YUET YUEN STREET, ARE NOW UNDER MULTIPLE SUB-DIVIDED OWNERSHIP AND ARE NOT BEING PROPERLY MAINTAINED.

THE GOVERNMENT WILL REPAIR BOTH STREETS AT A TOTAL COST OF $320 000, AND ENSURE THAT THEY ARE PROPERLY MAINTAINED IN FUTURE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC.

NOTICES OF THE RESUMPTIONS HAVE APPEARED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE AND HAVE BEEN POSTED ON SITE.

ANYONE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION UNDER THE ROADS (WORKS, USE AND COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE SHOULD SUBMIT A CLAIM IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS.

RELEVANT PLANS CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONSi

* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;

* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG NORTH, 12TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG; AND

* EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 884-886, KING'S ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG.

o -

THREE FIRE OFFICERS PROMOTED

* * *

THREE FIRE OFFICERS HAVE RECENTLY BEEN PROMOTED TO SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICERS.

THEY ARE MR WONG MAN-CHIU, THE COMMANDANT OF THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL; MR TANG SIU, HEAD OF THE PLANNING SECTION AT THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT'S HEADQUARTERS; AND MR YIP LUN-CHEONG OF THE AIRPORT FIRE CONTINGENT.

THEY ALL JOINED THE DEPARTMENT AS ASSISTANT STATION OFFICERS 20 YEARS AGO AND WERE SUBSEQUENTLY PROMOTED TO DIVISIONAL OFFICERS.

THEY HAVE SERVED IN DIFFERENT DIVISIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT, GAINING EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN FIRE FIGHTING AND PREVENTION.

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

/13 .....

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1984

FENCING INSTRUCTORS N M *

COURSE

INSTRUCTORS, WHO MUST

A COURSE IN ELEMENTARY FENCING FOR INSTRUCTORS, WHO MUST BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OLD, WILL START FROM JUNE 6 AT THE LAI CHI KOK PARK INDOOR GAMES HALL.

THE EIGHT-SESSION COURSE - TO BE HELD ON MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS BETWEEN 7.30 AND 9.30 PM - IS ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE OF THE ^CREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG AMATEUR FENCING ASSOCIATION.

ONLY 30 PLACES ARE AVAILABLE AND THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS IMMEDIATELY.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE RECREATION HEAD OFFICE IN WING ON CENTRE, CENTRAL.

AND

SPORTS SERVICE

THE ENTRY

FEE IS $20 A PERSON

ENQUIRIES

MAY BE DIRECTED TO TELEPHONE 5-458511

TEACHING TEACHERS ABOUT POLLUTION * * *

TEN IDENTICAL WORKSHOPS ON AIR AND WATER POLLUTION FOR CHEMISTRY TEACHERS BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT NEXT

WILL BE HELD MONTH.

THE AIM OF THE WORKSHOPS IS TO INTRODUCE TO CHEMISTRY TEACHERS CHEMICAL PRINCIPLES INVOLVED IN MONITORING THE EXTENT OF AIR AND WATER POLLUTION IN THE ENVIRONMENT.

THE WORKSHOPS WILL BE HELD BETWEEN SCIENCE TEACHING CENTRE OF THE ADVISORY ROAD, NORTH POINT. HONG KONG.

JUNE 14 AND X) AT THE INSPECTORATE, 4 PAK FUK

ALL CHEMISTRY TEACHERS ARE WELCOME LIMITED SPACE AND FACILITIES EACH SCHOOL ONE TEACHER.

TO ATTEND, BUT DUE TO SHOULD ONLY NOMINATE

APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE MADE BY HEADS OF SCHOOLS TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (CHEMISTRY), THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, ON OR BEFORE MAY 18. ACCEPTANCE WILL BE ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS

- - 0 - -

- - o

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1984

SHAM SHU I PO ROAD CLOSURE * * *

SHAM 5 AM

THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SHU I PO FROM THURSDAY (MAY 10) TO MAY 16 BETWEEN 1 AM AND TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGEi

THE SECTION OF BERWICK STREET BETWEEN NAM CHEONG STREET AND PAK TIN STREET, AND THE SECTION OF PE I HO STREET BETWEEN TAI PO ROAD AND BERWICK STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.

DURING THE CLOSURE, GENERAL TRAFFIC ON TAI PO ROAD HEADING FOR NAM CHEONG STREET SHOULD USE PAK TIN STREET AND WAI CHI STREET

WATER LEAKAGE TESTS * M M *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN WONG TAI SIN AND TUNG TAU TSUEN AREAS WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 10) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AFFECTED AREAS ARE BOUNDED BY CHOI HUNG ROAD, TUNG LUNG ROAD, TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD AND CHING TAK STREET, INCLUDING TUNG TAI LANE, TUNG FAT ROAD, KAI MING HOUSE, TAK MING HOUSE, WONG TAI SIN HOUSING STAFF QUARTERS, BLOCKS 16, 17, 26, 27 LOWER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE, BLOCKS 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 TUNG TAU ESTATE AND YUE TUNG HOUSE.

- - Q - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1984

.CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HK LEADS IN N0ff TRAINING SYSTEM FOR DISABLED ................... 1

SHORTEST DURATION OF SUNSHINE FOR APRIL ......................... 3

CONTRACTS AWARDED FOR TWO POLICE PROJECTS ....................... 6

GOVERNOR RETURNING FROM PEKING TOMORROW.......................... 7

YUEN LONG BOARD MEETS FRIDAY..................................... 7

TWO SITES FOR RENT .............................................. 8

TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS AT POK FU LAM AND PEAK ..................... 8

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1984

HK LEADS IN NEW TRAINING SYSTEM FOR DISABLED M M M

HONG KONG IS THE FIRST IN THE WORLD TO APPLY THE ’MODULES OF EMPLOYABLE SKILLS’ (MES) SYSTEM TO THE TRAINING OF DISABLED PERSONS, THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR OF THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT, MR GEORGE RIBEIRO, SAID TODAY.

THE MES SYSTEM, USED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR THE DISABLED SECTION SINCE 1983, WAS DEVELOPED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION.

THROUGH THE SYSTEM, DISABLED PEOPLE ARE HELPED TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL AND TO ACQUIRE TECHNICAL SKILLS.

AT PRESENT, 266 TRAINEES ARE RECEIVING MES TRAINING IN THE KWUN TONG AND ABERDEEN SKILLS CENTRES.

THE PROGRAMMES INCLUDE INDUSTRIAL SEWING, ELECTRONIC AND OFFICE MACHINE PRACTICE AND OTHER ACTIVITIES.

THESE COURSES HAVE BEEN CHOSEN ON THE BASIS OF MANPOWER SURVEY REPORTS PUBLISHED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.

UNDER THE MES SYSTEM, EACH JOB IS DIVIDED INTO SEVERAL LOGICAL AND ACCEPTABLE DIVISIONS OF WORK, KNOWN AS MODULAR UNITS.

EACH MODULAR UNIT IS TECHNICALLY SELF-CONTAINED AND FORMS A PART OF THE JOB SPECIFICATION OF A FULLY QUALIFIED CRAFTSMAN

THE TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR INDUSTRIAL SEWING, FOR INSTANCE, IS MADE UP OF MODULES, INCLUDING THE SKILLS OF OPERATING LOCKSTITCH SEWING MACHINE, OVERLOOKING MACHINE AND HEMMING MACHINE.

THE TRAINEES, MAKING USE OF SHORT, CONCISE AND ILLUSTRATIVE LEARNING MATERIALS, CAN LEARN AND PERFORM TASKS ON THEIR OWN, SEEKING EXPLANATION AND DEMONSTRATION FROM INSTRUCTORS WHEN DIFFICULTIES ARE ENCOUNTERED, MR RIBEIRO EXPLAINED.

ONE OF THE ADVANTAGES IS THAT INSTRUCTORS CAN PAY MORE ATTENTION TO EACH INDIVIDUAL AND EACH TRAINEE CAN PROGRESS AT HIS OWN PACE, MR RIBEIRO SAID.

THE DEPARTMENT ALSO PROVIDES A VOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT SERVICE AND TECHNICAL AIDS FOR DISABLED PERSONS.

THE SERVICE IS RUN BY A WORKING TEAM COMPOSED OF AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, A SOCIAL WORKER, A SELECTIVE PLACEMENT OFFICER, A DOCTOR, AN INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGIST AND FIVE WORK EVALUATORS.

IN ITS ASSESSMENT OF THE DISABLED PERSON’S CAPACITY AND LIMITATIONS, THE TEAM TAKES INTO ACCOUNT HIS PHYSICAL STRENGTH, PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS AND VOCATIONAL ABILITY.

/TiiE ASSBSSLil.T

■.YEDN3SDAT, XAY 9» 1984

THE ASSESSMENT SERVICE, AVAILABLE AT THE KWUN TONG SKILLS CENTRE, IS OPEN TO ALL DISABLED PERSONS OVER 15 YEARS OF AGE. SINCE IT WAS STARTED IN NOVEMBER 1982, 349 PERSONS HAVE MADE USE OF IT.

THE TEAM ALSO ASSESSES THE NEED OF DISABLED PEOPLE FOR SPECIAL AIDS OR ADAPTATION OF WORKING CONDITIONS. ALL THOSE REQUIRING SUCH AIDS CAN APPROACH THE TECHNICAL AIDS AND RESOURCE CENTRE LOCATED IN THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN KOWLOON TONG.

THE CENTRE HAS COMPLETED 65 PROJECTS TO MEET THESE NEEDS SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN JULY 1982.

BY WAY OF EXAMPLE, MR RIBEIRO CITED A JEWELLERY WORKER WHO HAD LOST THE NORMAL FUNCTION OF HIS LOWER LIMBS BECAUSE OF POLIOMYELITIS.

THE TRADITIONAL BELLOWS CONTROLLING THE AIR SUPPLY TO THE FLAME OF A JEWELLER’S BLOWPIPE IS CONTROLLED BY LEG MOVEMENT.

THE CENTRE ADAPTED THE DEVICE FOR THE DISABLED WORKER SO THAT IT COULD BE CONTROLLED BY PNEUMATIC MEANS.

WITH A DONATION FROM THE JOCKEY CLUB, A STUDIO WITH MODERN AUDIO AND VIDEO EQUIPMENT WAS SET UP RECENTLY AT THE CENTRE FOR FILM SHOOTING, EDITING AND SOUND RECORDING.

'WE PLAN TO PUT ALL THE MES LEARNING MATERIAL ON VIDEO TAPES SO THAT A TRAINEE WHO ENCOUNTERS DIFFICULTY IN ANY ASPECT OF HIS WORK CAN STUDY THE CORRESPONDING PART ILLUSTRATED ON THE TAPE. THIS ILLUSTRATION WILL ALSO BENEFIT TRAINEES WITH LOW READING ABILITY,* MR RIBEIRO SAID.

THE DEPARTMENT WILL EXTEND THE MES SYSTEM TO THE FOUR SUBVERTED TRAINING CENTRES WITHIN THREE YEARS.

IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE MORE TRAINING COURSES AND MAKE ALL MES LEARNING MATERIALS AVAILABLE ON VIDEO AND AUDIO TAPES.

- - o -

/3........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1984

- 3 -

SHORTEST DURATION OF SUNSHINE FOR APRIL ft ft ft ft

LAST MONTH HAD THE SHORTEST DURATION OF SUNSHINE — 38.6 HOURS — EVER RECORDED FOR APRIL, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST MONTHLY WEATHER REPORT RELEASED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY.

THE MONTH’S MEAN CLOUD AMOUNT OF 94 PER CENT WAS ALSO THE CLOUDIEST FOR APRIL, EQUALLING THE RECORD FOR APRIL ESTABLISHED IN 1934.

RAIN WAS RECORDED ON 20 DAYS OF THE MONTH, THE SAME AS THE NUMBER FOR APRIL 1926 AND THE SECOND HIGHEST FOR THE MONTH AFTER THE 21 DAYS OF RAIN RECORDED FOR APRIL 1906.

THE RAINFALL FOR THE MONTH TOTALLED 2.15 MM, 54 PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL. BUT THE ACCUMULATED LEVEL OF 234.8 MM SINCE JANUARY WAS 11 PER CENT BELOW AVERAGE.

THE MONTH WAS ALSO MILDER AND MORE HUMID THAN USUAL.

FOG WAS WIDESPREAD THROUGHOUT THE DAY ON APRIL 1, DISRUPTING FERRY SERVICES AND CAUSING A 10 000-TON PANAMANIAN-REGISTERED CARGO VESSEL TO RUN AGROUND AT LEI YUE MUN.

A WEAK COLD FRONT PASSED THROUGH HONG KONG EARLY ON APRIL 2, DISPERSING THE FOG. WINDS FRESHENED FROM THE EAST AND TRACES OF RAIN WERE RECORDED.

FOG RETURNED ON APRIL 3, BUT DISSIPATED THE FOLLOWING MORNING AS WINDS TURNED SOUTHWESTERLY.

ON APRIL 4 THE WEATHER WAS CLOUDY AND WARM, WITH THE TEMPERATURE RISING TO 26.7 DEGREES CELSIUS IN THE AFTERNOON, THE HIGHEST OF THE MONTH.

THE WEATHER DETERIORATED ON APRIL 5, WITH PERIODS OF LIGHT RAIN, MIST AND COASTAL FOG. DUE TO REDUCED VISIBILITY, FERRY SERVICES WERE DISRUPTED AND A PANAMANIAN CONTAINER SHIP SANK AFTER COLLIDING WITH A KOREAN VESSEL ABOUT FIVE KILOMETRES SOUTHEAST OF WAGLAN ISLAND.

ALL 28 CREW MEMBERS FROM THE PANAMANIAN VESSEL WERE RESCUED WHILE A SAILOR ON THE KOREAN VESSEL WAS INJURED AND HOSPITALISED.

ANOTHER COLD FRONT ARRIVED IN THE MORNING OF APRIL 6, DISSIPATING THE FOG.

THE WEATHER FROM APRIL 6 TO 8 BECAME SLIGHTLY COOLER BUT REMAINED CLOUDY WITH PATCHES OF LIGHT RAIN AND DRIZZLE.

MIST AND FOG RETURNED ON APRIL 9 AND BECAME WIDESPREAD THE FOLLOWING DAY, SERIOUSLY DISRUPTING BOTH SEA AND AIR TRAFFIC. THE FOG EVENTUALLY DISPERSED IN THE MORNING OF APRIL 11.

/licet rad; .......

WEDNESDAY, IdAY 9, 19&4

- 4 -

LIGHT RAIN FROM APRIL 11 TO 13 TURNED HEAVIER AND MORE FREQUENT ON APRIL 14.

AFTER SOME IMPROVEMENT IN THE WEATHER ON APRIL 15, ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS WERE REPORTED THE FOLLOWING AFTERNOON AND DETERIORATED RAPIDLY INTO WIDESPREAD HEAVY SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ON APRIL 17.

AT THE PEAK OF THE DOWNPOUR, 54.4 MM OF RAIN WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY BETWEEN NOON AND 2 PM.

THE RAINSTORM CAUSED MINOR FLOODING IN VARIOUS PARTS OF HONG KONG AND RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF TWO PERSONS. ONE OF THEM WAS A 27-YEAR-OLD WOMAN, CARRIED AWAY BY TORRENTS IN TUEN MUN, AND THE OTHER A 59-YEAR-OLD MAN, FOUND BURIED IN A MUDSLIP AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE IN TAI PO.

THE WEATHER REMAINED UNSTABLE ON APRIL 18 WITH MORE THUNDERY SHOWERS DURING THE NIGHT.

THERE WERE MIST PATCHES AND PERIODS OF LIGHT RAIN ON APRIL 19 AND 20, FOLLOWED BY MORE THUNDERY SHOWERS ON APRIL 21, RESULTING IN FLOODING IN VARIOUS PLACES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE WEATHER IMPROVED ON APRIL 22, WITH ONLY ISOLATED SHOWERS DURING THE NIGHT, AND LED TO FINE AND SUNNY DAY ON APRIL 23.

HOWEVER, CLOUDY CONDITIONS RETURNED ON APRIL 24 AND WINDS FRESHENED FROM THE EAST AND TURNED STRONG OFF-SHORE IN THE MORNING.

LIGHT RAIN AND MIST PATCHES WERE RECORDED ON APRIL 25 AND 26.

A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE OVER SOUTH CHINA BROUGHT OCCASIONAL HEAVY RAIN TO HONG KONG ON APRIL 27 AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS AT NIGHT, RESULTING IN MINOR FLOODING IN VARIOUS PARTS OF HONG KONG.

THE REST OF THE MONTH WAS CHARACTERISED BY CLOUDY WEATHER WITH PERIODS OF RAIN.

THERE WERE NO TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DURING THE MONTH.

A TOTAL OF SIX AIRCRAFTS WAS DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER.

THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON APRIL 17, 18, 21, 27 AND 28 WHILE FLOODING WARNINGS WERE IN EFFECT ON APRIL 17, 21, 27 AND 28.

THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS RAISED ON APRIL 4 AND THE YELLOW WARNING ON APRIL 7 AND 8.

/signals HOISTEj .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1984

THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS i

HOISTED DURING

SIGNALS

LEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE AND TIME OF HOISTING DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING

WINTER STRONG APRIL 19 APRIL 20

MONSOON MONSOON 11.45 PM 4.45 AM

WINTER STRONG APRIL 23 APRIL 24

MONSOON MONSOON 11.05 PM 8.30 AM

WINTER STRONG APRIL 29 APRIL 30

MONSOON MONSOON 10.05 PM 5.00 AM

THE MONTH'S FIGURES

SUNSHINE

RAINFALL

CLOUDINESS

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

MEAN

AND

DEPARTURES

38.6 HOURS

215.0 MM

94%

87%

FROM NORMAL WEREi

81.6 HOURS BELOW NORMAL

75.6 MM ABOVE NORAL

18% MORE THAN NORMAL

4% HIGHER THAN NORMAL

MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE

TEMPERATURE

MINIMUM TEMPERATURE

DEW POINT

TOTAL EVAPORATION

MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE

MINIMUM TEMPERATURE

23.5 DEGREES C

21.4 DEGREES C

19.7 DEGREES C

19.0 DEGREES C

57.0 MM

OF 26.7 DEGREES

OF 17.0 DEGREES

- 0 - -

1.5

□ .7

0.3

0.1

DEGREE C BELOW •.nfiMAL.-

DEGREE C BELOW NORMAL

DEGREE C ABOVE NORMAL

60.6 MM BELOW NORMAL

C WAS RECORDED ON APRIL 4

C WAS RECORDED ON APRIL 7

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1984

6 -

CONTRACTS AWARDED FOR TWO POLICE PROJECTS * * * *

WORK HAS STARTED ON BUILDING A SPORTS CENTRE FOR THE POLICE AT BOUNDARY STREET, KOWLOON, FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF A I34-MILLI0N CONTRACT BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE TO SHUN SHING CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED.

THE FOUR-STOREY CENTRE WILL CONSIST OF TWO WINGS LINKED BY A CENTRAL HALL.

MOST OF THE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WILL BE LOCATED IN THE NORTH WING. INCLUDED WILL BE A RESTAURANT AND FUNCTION ROOM, A SPORTSMAN’S BAR AND LOUNGE, A GAMES ROOM, TELEVISION AND READING ROOMS, A DARK ROOM AND PHOTOGRAPHIC LABORATORY, AND OTHER ANCILLARY FACILITIES SUCH AS OFFICES AND STAFF QUARTERS.

THE SOUTH WING WILL HOUSE THE INDOOR SPORTING FACILITIES, INCLUDING A MULTI-PURPOSE SPORTS HALL, SIX SQUASH COURTS, A GYMNASIUM AND FITNESS ROOMS, A JUDO ROOM, TABLE TENNIS ROOMS AND TENNIS COURTS.

THERE WILL ALSO BE CHILDREN’S PLAYROOMS, A STORE ROOM, CHANGING ROOMS AND A SAUNA.

AN INDOOR REVOLVER RANGE, BOWLING ALLEY, SNACK BAR AND GAMES ROOM WILL BE BUILT IN THE BASEMENT.

THE CENTRE WILL BE READY BY AUGUST NEXT YEAR.

MEANWHILE, THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE HAS ALSO AWARDED A 14.5-MILLION CONTRACT FOR PILING WORK FOR A POLICE MARRIED QUARTERS BLOCK AT YUEN LONG.

A TOTAL OF 144 FLATS WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE 24-STOREY BUILDING AT KAU YUK ROAD, YUEN LONG.

THEY WILL VARY IN SIZE FROM 47 TO 60 SQUARE METRES AND BE OF STANDARD DESIGN, WITH TWO BEDROOMS.

WORK ON THE SUPERSTRUCTURE WILL START TOWARDS THE END OF THIS YEAR WHEN THE PILING CONTRACT HAS BEEN COMPLETED.

--------o

/?........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1984 - 7 -NOTE TO EDITORS!

GOVERNOR RETURNING FROM PEKING TOMORROW MX

A FACILITY HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN TO COVER THE ARRIVAL OF THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, FROM PEKING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

SIR EDWARD WILL RETURN ON FLIGHT BA 20, ETA 7.45 PM.

PLEASE ADVISE THOSE ASSIGNED TO COVER THE ARRIVAL TO ASSEMBLE IN THE PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING NOT LATER THAN 6.45 PM TOMORROW. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

--------o -

YUEN LONG BOARD MEETS FRIDAY M M *

YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE DEVELOPMENT LAYOUT PLANS OF FUNG KAT HEUNG AND SHEK WU TONG AT THEIR MEETING ON FRIDAY (MAY 11) MORNING.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO COMMENT ON THE NORTH-WEST NEW TERRITORIES OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.

THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED REVIEWS OF PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION POLICY AND TAXI OPERATION WILL BE DISCUSSED.

A PAPER ON *1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR*, TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS TO ORGANISE YOUTH SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES, WILL ALSO BE TABLED AT THE MEETING.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 9.30 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 11) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, 296 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG.

A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE, AM 5797, WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 8.20 AM FOR YUEN LONG.

0 - -

/8........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1984

- 8 -

TWO SITES FOR RENT * * *

TWO SITES ARE BEING OFFERED ON SHORT-TERM TENANCIES BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT.

ONE IS LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF FEI FUNG STREET AND MING FUNG STREET, FUNG WONG VILLAGE, KOWLOON.

IT MEASURES 1 280 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR USE AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK.

THE OTHER SITE OF 1 770 SQUARE METRES IS LOCATED NEAR TAI WAI IN SHA TIN, AND CAN BE USED AS A PLANT NURSERY OR COMMERCIAL GARDEN.

THE INITIAL TENANCY IS ONE YEAR FOR THE KOWLOON SITE AND IB MONTHS FOR THE SHA TIN SITE, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.

TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT »

ft LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;

ft DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON I AND

ft DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SHA TIN, FOR THE SHA TIN SITE.

THE LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS MAY 25. ----------------------------o-------

TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS AT POK FU LAM AND PEAK ft ft ft

FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 11), URBAN CLEARWAY HOURS WILL BE CHANGED AT POK FU LAM ROAD WESTBOUND BETWEEN POKFIELD ROAD BUS TERMINUS AND LADY HO TUNG HALL.

THE NEW RESTRICTION HOURS WILL BE FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY, DURING WHICH NO MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE ROAD SECTION.

ALSO FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 11), VEHICLES ON PLANTATION ROAD WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING GOUGH HILL ROAD, EXCEPT FOR LOCAL ACCESS.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1984

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

BRITAIN AWARE OF HONG KONG CONCERNS: GOVERNOR................. 1

SIR PHILIP VISITS BRITISH COUNCIL ............................

FIRST QUARTER EXPORTS RISE 50 PER CINT........................ 3

GENERAL TO INSPECT VOLUNTEERS ................................ 10

PUBLIC URGED TO HELP MAKE PLACE GREENER....................... 10

LAND EXECUTIVE WHO’S A STANDOUT .............................. 11

SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT FOR KWUN TONG.......................... 12

MUSIC OFFICE TELLS ABOUT WORK................................. 12

CLEARANCE OK PING CHAU BIGINS................................. 13

YOUTH AWARD SCHEME............................................ 14

CHOSEN 12 TO SING FOR PRIZE................................... 14

INDOOR GAMES HALL RE-OPINS SUNDAY............................. 15

PROHIBITED ZONE............................................... 15

EARLY MORNING ROAD CLOSURE.................................... 15

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1984

- 1 -

BRITAIN AWARE OF HONG KONG CONCERNS^ GOVERNOR * * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING HE IS CONFIDENT THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WILL SHOW THEMSELVES TO BE FULLY ALIVE TO THE CONCERNS OF THE PEOPLE IN HONG KONG DURING THE DEBATE IN PARLIAMENT NEXT WEEK ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN FROM PEKING, SIR EDWARD SAID ALTHOUGH HE WILL NOT BE PRESENT AT THE DEBATE, HE IS EXPECTING TO RECEIVE AN EARLY HANSARD WHICH WILL ENABLE HIM TO STUDY IT CAREFULLY.

HE SAID HE HAD BEEN ASKED BY JOURNALISTS IN PEKING ABOUT THE STATEMENT MADE BY UMELCO MEMBERS.

♦ I HAVE EMPHASISED THAT THAT WAS A UMELCO STATEMENT, AND IT IS.OF COURSE FOR UMELCO MEMBERS RATHER THAN FOR ME TO COMMENT ON IT,* HE SAID.

♦ AS I READ IT, IT WAS INTENDED TO VOICE ANXIETIES WHICH HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED TO THEM IN HONG KONG, BUT WAS IN NO WAY INTENDED TO CAST ANY DOUBT ON THE NEED FOR AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS ON. THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.+

THE GOVERNOR SAID THERE WAS NOTHING VERY SURPRISING IN THE FACT THAT HE HAD COME BACK TO HONG KONG A LITTLE EARLY THIS TIME.

♦ IT IS SIMPLY THAT I HAVE TO GO OFF TO LONDON ON SATURDAY MORNING. THE FLIGHT TOMORROW DOESN’T ARRIVE TILL THE AFTERNOON, AND THAT WOULDN’T HAVE GIVEN ME THE WORKING DAY I NEEDED TO PREPARE FOR MY DEPARTURE FOR LONDON,+ HE SAID.

♦ I SHALL BE AWAY FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS, AND WHILE I AM IN LONDON, I SHALL BE CALLING ON THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE.

♦ BUT I SHAN’T BE SPENDING ALL MY TIME THERE. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO A SHORT BREAK.

♦ BUT I WILL BE BACK IN TIME FOR THE 15TH ROUND WHICH, AS YOU KNOW, IS ON THE 30TH AND 31ST.

♦ AND I AM EXPECTING THOSE DISCUSSIONS TO BE OUR USUAL BUSINESS-LIKE DISCUSSIONS,♦ HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR WAS MET AT THE AIRPORT BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE.

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

/2........

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1984 ’

- 2

SIR PHILIP VISITS BRITISH COUNCIL # # K K

THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, VISITED THE BRITISH COUNCIL IN WAN CHAI THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.

HE WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BRITISH COUNCIL, HONG KONG, MR OLIVER SIDDLE.

FOLLOWING A BRIEFING BY MR SIDDLE, SIR PHILIP MET THE COUNCIL’S ENGLISH LANGUAGE OFFICER, MR PETER FALVEY. THE DIRECTOR CF ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID LEE, AND THE DIRECTOR OF STUDIES, MR ANTHONY BEHAN.

THE BRITISH COUNCIL, SET UP IN HONG KONG IN 1948, AIMS TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION OF BRITAIN THROUGH CULTURAL, EDUCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL CO-OPERATION.

IN 1976, THE COUNCIL OPENED A SMALL ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE. WHICH HAS EXPANDED RAPIDLY, WITH ENROLMENT REACHING 8 600 LAST YEAR.

AMONG OTHER ACTIVITIES, IT HAS SPONSORED THE VISITS TO HONG KONG BY THE ROYAL BALLET AND LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND THE BRITISH FILM WEEK.

SIR PHILIP ALSO LEARNT THAT THE COUNCIL PROVIDED REFRESHER LANGUAGE COURSES FOR TEACHERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AS WELL AS TRAINING COURSES FOR OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS.

DURING HIS VISIT HE MET A GROUP OF ABOUT 20 PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WHO WERE TAKING A LANGUAGE TRAINING COURSE.

HE ALSO TOURED THE LIBRARY, WHICH HAS PROVED TO BE INCREASINGLY POPULAR, THE COMPUTER-ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING CLASSROOM, THE RESOURCES SECTION AND THE AUDIOVISUAL PRODUCTION UNIT.

SIR PHILIP WAS TOLD THAT THE BRITISH COUNCIL IS CELEBRATING ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR AND A SERIES OF COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS WILL BE HELD IN BRITAIN FROM MAY. AMONG THEM IS A VISIT TO ITS OFFICES IN LONDON BY THE QUEEN, WHO IS THE COUNCIL’S PATRON.

COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS TO BE ORGANISED BY THE COUNCIL IN HONG KONG INCLUDE A SPONSORED HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA CONCERT IN JUNE.

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/3 ..

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 1984

- 3 -

FIRST QUARTER EXPORTS RISE 50 PER CENT * * * *

TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FOR JANUARY - MARCH THIS YEAR, VALUED AT $94 621 MILLION, INCREASED BY 48 PER CENT COMPARED WITH TRADE FOR THE SIMILAR PERIOD IN 1983, ACCORDING TO SUMMARY TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 51 PER CENT TO $28 115 MILLION, IMPORTS BY 43 PER CENT TO $48 784 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS BY 59 PER CENT TO $17 722 MILLION. DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER INCREASED BY 54 PER CENT.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES, ROSE BY 69 PER CENT IN VALUE.

SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $1 882 MILLION OR 71 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $629 MILLION OR 113 PER CENT) AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES. AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $591 MILLION OR 72 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TRANSISTORS AND DIODES (BY $33 MILLION OR 66 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $23 MILLION OR FOUR PER CENT).

MOST COMMODITIES EXPORTED TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY INCREASED IN VALUE, INCLUDING CLOTHING (BY $444 MILLION OR 48 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $51 MILLION OR 148 PER CENT) AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $32 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT).

INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $251 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $235 MILLION OR 1 266 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $56 MILLION OR 83 PER CENT) AND TEXTILES (BY $36 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT).

SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA OF TEXTILES (BY $181 MILLION OR 61 PER CENT) AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $142 MILLION OR 114 PER CENT); AND IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN OF CLOTHING (BY $127 MILLION OR 74 PER CENT).

/IMPORTS .......

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1984

- 4 -

IMPORTS

DEMAND FOR IMPORTED GOODS FROM CHINA REMAINED STRONG. INCREASES WERE RECORDED MAINLY IN TEXTILES (BY $1 836 MILLION OR 131 PER CENT), CLOTHING (BY $774 MILLION OR 70 PER CENT), TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY 1307 MILLION OR 267 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $145 MILLION CR 160 PER CENT) AND VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $119 MILLION OR 31 PER CENT).

AS FOR IMPORTS FROM JAPAN, INCREASES WERE NOTED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $737 MILLION OR 80 PER CENT), AND TEXTILES (BY $626 MILLION CR 61 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $11 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT), AND FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATION THEREOF (BY $5 MILLION OR SIX PER CENT).

INCREASES IN IMPORTS FROM THE U.S. WERE MOSTLY OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $524 MILLION OR 100 PER CENT), TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY $196 MILLION OR 352 PER CENT) AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $169 MILLION OR 40 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN IMPORTS OF CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS (BY $19 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT) AND GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS (BY $10 MILLION OR EIGHT PER CENT).

DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN OF OFFICE AND STATIONERY SUPPLIES (BY $13 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT) AND IN IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $36 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT). HOWEVER, IMPORTS OF TEXTILES FROM TAIWAN INCREASED (BY $473 MILLION OR 61 PER CENT)? AND IMPORTS OF PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS FROM SINGAPORE ALSO INCREASED (BY $340 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT).

RE-EXPORTS

INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA (BY $2 934 MILLION OR 163 PER CENT), U.S. (BY $1 128 MILLION OR 77 PER CENT), TAIWAN (BY $573 MILLION OR 96 PER CENT), JAPAN (BY $520 MILLION OR 92 PER CENT), REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) (BY $298 MILLION OR 60 PER CENT), AUSTRALIA (BY $147 MILLION OR 81 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (BY $141 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT) AND MACAU (BY $138 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECLINES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS TO NIGERIA (BY $216 MILLION OR 80 PER CENT) AND INDONESIA (BY $177 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT).

/MOST COMMODITIES .......

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1984

- 5 -

MOST COMMODITIES RE-EXPORTED THROUGH HONG KONG EXHIBITED STRONG GROWTH, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING TEXTILES (BY SI 245 MILLION OR 86 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $931 MILLION OR 113 PER CENT), CLOTHING (BY $598 MILLION OR 69 PER CENT) AND TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (NOT MANUFACTURED INTO YARN OF FABRIC)(BY S297 MILLION OR 176 PER CENT). DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN THE RE-EXPORTS OF OIL SEEDS AND OLEAGINOUS FRUIT (BY $65 MILLION OR 55 PER CENT), bETALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY S9 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT) AND EXPLOSIVES AND PYROTECHNIC PRODUCTS (BY $7 MILLION OR EIGHT PER CENT).

THE MARCH 1984 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS -SUMMARY* WILL BE ON SALE LATER THIS MONTH AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $5 A COPY.

A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE*, WITH A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN MARCH 1964 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY JUNE AT $12 A COPY.

ENQUIRIES CONCERNING SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION-SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, HONG KONG (TEL. NO.1 5-214375). ENQUIRIES CONCERNING TRADE STATISTICS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO.1 5-444436).

NOTE TO EDITORSi

FOUR PAGES CONTAINING SIX STATISTICAL TABLES ARE ATTACHED

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1984

HK'S EXTERNAL TRADE TABLES FOR JANUARY - MARCH . 1984

Table 1 : Domestic exports by ten major markets

Major market Jan.-Mar. 1984 (5 Mn) Jan.-Mar. 1983 (3 Mn) Increase/ (S Mn) Percentage change (J

U.S.A. 12,068 7,133 +4,935 +69

F.R. of Germany 2,223 1,554 + 669 +43

U.K. 2,089 1,476 + 613 +42

China 1,984 1,063 + 922 +87

Japan 996 714 + 281 +39

Canada 910 626 + 284 +45

Australia 842 525 + 316 +60

Singapore 621 444 + 177 +40

Netherlands 537 4l 1 + 127 +31

Switzerland 446 328 + 118 +36

Commodity divi sion

Table 2

Domestic

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories Miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly plastic toys and dollm, jewellery, goldsmiths' and silversmiths' wares, and artificial flowers)

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances (mainly transistors and diodes and household type appliances)

Telecommunications and sound

recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment

exports by major commodity divisions

Jan.-Mar 1984 (S Mn)

Jan.-Mar 1983 (3 Mn)

Increase/

(S Mn)

Percentage change (..)

9,459

6,164

♦3,295

+53

3,893

2,750

+1,14?

2,441

1,533

+ 908

2,207

1,322

+ 886

+67

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 19^4

- 7 -

Jan.-Mar. Jan.-Mar. Increase/ Percentage

Commodity 1984 1983 change

divisions (3 Mn) (5 Mn) (3 Mn) (~i)

Photographic apparatus, equipment,

supplies and optical goods, watches and clocks 2,114 1,891 +223 *12

Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up

articles and related

products 2,055 1,343 +713 +53

Table 3 s Imports from ten major sources %

Jan.-Mar. Jan.-Mar. Increase/ Percentage 1984 1983 change

Major sourcea (S Mn) ($ Mn) Mn)

China 12,524 8,070 +4,454 +55

Japan 11,146 7,728 +3.M8 +44

U.S.A. 5,015 5,670 +1,346 +37

Taiwan 3,541 2,325 +1,216 +52

Singapore 2,833 2,124 + 709 +53

U.K. ’ 2,131 1,632 + 498 +31

Republic of Korea

(South Korea) 1,487 951 + 536 +56

F.R. of Germany 1,123 911* + 209 +23

Switzerland 817 642 + 175 +27

Australia 734 496 + 238 +48

/Table 4 J .......

1 Table h THURSDAY, MA.Y 10, - 8 - ' : Imports by commodity sections 1984

I Commodity Jan.-Mar. 1984 Jan.-Mar. ' 1983 Increase/ Percentage , change

1 sections (8 Mn) ($ Mn) w

1 Manufactured goods 1 classified chiefly 1 by material (mainly 1 textile products, 1 diamonds, iron and 1 steel, and paper) 14,486 8,903 +5,583 +63 I

1 Machinery and 1 transport 1 equipment t 11,572 7,754 +3,818 +49

1 Miscellaneous manu- factored articles 1 (mainly watches and clocks, articles of 1 apparel) 8,132 6,054 +2,078 +34

1 Food and live animals 1 chiefly for food I > 4,788 i 4,005 + 783 + 20 I

1 Chemicals and ' related products 1 n.e.s. 3,504 2,462 +1,041 +42 i

Minerals fuels, 1 lubricants and related materials 2,807 2,681 + 126 + 5 1

/Table 5 « •••<

1 • - 9 THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1984 I

Table 5 : Re-exports by ten major markets

Jan.-Mar. 1984 Increase, / Percentage 1

Major Jan.-Mar. 198} Decrease change 1

| markets (1 Mn) (1 Mn) (1 Mn)

China 4.738 i,8o4 +2,934 ♦163 I

U.S.A. 2,592 1,464 +1,128 ♦ 77

Taiwan 1.167 594 + 573 ♦ 96 I

Singapore 1.131 990 ♦ 141 ♦ 14 I

Japan 1,085 565 + 520 ♦ 92

Indonesia 1,022 1.199 - 177 ' 15

^public of Korea

(South Korea) 792 4g4 ♦ 298 + 60

Macau 532 395 + 1J8 ♦ 35

Australia 328 181 ♦ 147 + 81

Thailand 320 232 + 88 ♦ 38

1 a Table 6 : Re-exports by ■ajor cooaodity divisions

Increase,, / Percentage

Coemodity Jan.-Mar. 1984 Jan.-Mar. 1983 change

djinrioiw (1 Mn) (S Mn) (1 Mn) (%)

Textile yarn, fabrics

made-up articles I and related products 2,695 1.451 ♦1.245 + 86

Electrical aachinery

apparatus and 1 appliances 1.751 821 ♦ 931 ♦ 113 l

Articles of apparel

and clothing

accessories 1,460 862 ♦ 598 ♦ 69

1 Photographic apparatus,

1 equipment, supplies, and optical goods, watches and clocks 1.103 873 * 2>0 ♦ 26

1 Miscellaneous aanu-

1 factored articles 913 616 ♦ >0?

1 Non-setallic mineral

I manufactures 748 474 * 2?4 * 58

o /10 |

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1984

- 10 -

NOTE TO EDITORS:

GENERAL TO INSPECT VOLUNTEERS * X *

THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR GENERAL DEREK BOORMAN, WILL INSPECT A PASSING OUT PARADE OF NEW RECRUITS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) AT 9.30 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 13), AT THE REGIMENT’S HEADQUARTERS, SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY.

HE WILL ALSO PRESENT EFFICIENCY DECORATIONS AND MEDALS TO VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE SERVED IN THE REGIMENT FOR AT LEAST 12 YEARS.

A TOTAL OF 31 WOMEN VOLUNTEERS - MAKING UP THE FIRST GROUP OF WOMEN RECRUITS IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT SINCE THE WOMEN’S CORPS WAS DISBANDED IN 1967 - AND 51 MEN, WILL TAKE PART IN THE PARADE.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

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PUBLIC URGED TO HELP MAKE PLACE GREENER * M * *

PROSPECTS OF A +GREENER PROFILE* FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES’ NEW TOWNS DEPENDED VERY MUCH ON PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT, DR TANG SIU-TONG, AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE CF THE CLEAN HONG KONG EXERCISE SAID TODAY.

SPEAKING DURING A TOUR OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT, DR TANG CALLED ON PEOPLE TO PLANT MORE EVERGREEN AND FLOWERING PLANTS IN THE CURRENT PLANTING SEASON, AS PART OF THE MEI FA SCHEME TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN.

DR TANG NOTED THE DAMAGE CAUSED TO PLANTS THROUGH VANDALISM AND FLOWER PICKING, AND URGED PEOPLE TO LEAVE THE PLANTS AND FLOWERS FOR OTHERS TO ENJOY.

HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, M? JOHN HEYWOOD AND THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF YUEN LONG, W CHAN TING-POR.

DURING HIS TWO-HOUR TOUR, DR TANG HEARD THAT SOME 17 000 TREES, SHRUBS, CREEPERS, GROUND COVER PLANTS AND SEASONAL FLOWERS HAD BEEN PLANTED IN YUEN LONG LAST YEAR TO TURN SOME OF THE BARE, hEWLY-DEVELOPED LAND INTO GREEN SPOTS FOR THE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING TOWN AREA.

/in the .......

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1984

- 11 -

IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, SOME 20 000 MORE PLANTS WILL ALSO BE PLANTED AT VARIOUS PLAYGROUNDS, PARKS, AMENITY PLOTS AND ROADSIDES IN THE DISTRICT.

DR TANG ALSO SAW CLEAN-UP WORK ON STREAMS AT YAU TAM MEI TSUEN AND WAI TSAI TSUEN.

THIS ON-GOING WORK ON A FEW SELECTED STREAMS AND RIVERS IS AIMED AT CLEARING AWAY REFUSE AND HELPING TO PREVENT RIVER FLOODING OF VARIOUS AREAS IN THE DISTRICT.

DR TANG ALSO VISITED FAN TIN TSUEN VILLAGE IN SAN TIN, AND OBSERVED THAT THE NTSD AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE HAD RECENTLY MOUNTED A JOINT CLEAN-UP DRIVE OF THE AREA WITH THE HELP OF THE VILLAGERS.

--------o

LAND EXECUTIVE WHO’S A STANDOUT ft ft ft ft

THE FIRST WOMAN LAND EXECUTIVE TO WORK IN THE LANDS DEPARTMENT HAS PASSED THE LAND ADMINISTRATION COURSE.

MRS WONG WU SIU-YING, WHO JOINED THE LAND EXECUTIVE GRADE IN 1981, WAS ONE OF 26 LAND EXECUTIVES PRESENTED WITH THEIR CERTIFICATES TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS, MR JOHN TODD.

THE LAND ADMINISTRATION COURSE IS A TWO-YEAR PART-TIME DAY RELEASE COURSE RUN JOINTLY BY HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND THE LANDS DEPARTMENT.

SUBJECTS COVERED INCLUDE LAND SURVEYING AND MAP INTERPRETATION, VALUATION OF LAND AND BUILDINGS, LAW RELATING TO LAND ADMINISTRATION, BUILDING CONSTRUCTION, LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT, ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT, A'ND ECONOMICS.

PRESENTING THE CERTIFICATES, MR TODD COMMENDED THE GRADUATES FOR HAVING WORKED HARD FOR THEIR EXAMINATION WHILE AT THE SAME TIME CONTINUING WITH THEIR NORMAL DAY-TO-DAY JOBS.

HE SAID THE ACADEMIC BOARD OF HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC HAD UPGRADED THE COURSE TO HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN LAND ADMINISTRATION IN RECOGNITION OF THE HIGH STANDARD OF THE COURSE.

SINCE THE COURSE STARTED IN 1974, A TOTAL OF 180 SERVING LAND EXECUTIVES, INCLUDING THE PRESENT 26, HAVE COMPLETED IT SUCCESSFULLY.

ANOTHER 40 ARE STILL ATTENDING THE COURSE.

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/12 .......

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 198*

- 12 -

SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT FOR KWUN TONG

*****

A SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT IS BEING BUILT ON A 9 780-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF WAI YIP AND WING YIP STREETS, KWUN TONG, TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF WATER IN EASTERN VICTORIA HARBOUR.

A CIVIL ENGINEERING CONTRACT VALUED AT $26.5 MILLION HAS BEEN AWARDED TO MITSUI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED BY THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

WORK ON THE PROJECT STARTED EARLY THIS MONTH AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED TOWARDS THE END OF 1986.

THE PLANT IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE TREATMENT FACILITIES FOR A POPULATION OF 9*0 000 AND 122 HECTARES OF INDUSTRIAL LAND IN NGAU TAU KOK, SAU MAU PING, LAM TIN AND KWUN TONG.

WHEN THE PLANT IS COMPLETED, EFFLUENT FROM DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA WILL BE TREATED BY SCREENING, GRIT REMOVAL AND SEDIMENTATION PROCESSES BEFORE BEING DISCHARGED INTO THE SEA THROUGH A SUBMARINE OUTFALL CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

THE OUTFALL, WHICH CONSISTS OF TWIN PIPELINES OF 2 100 MM IN DIAMETER, IS BEING LAID ON THE SEABED OFF WAI YIP STREET FOR A DISTANCE OF 1 400 METRES OUT INTO VICTORIA HARBOUR.

THE TREATED SEWAGE WILL THEN BE DILUTED AND DISPERSED IN DEEP WATER, REDUCING POLLUTION OF THE HARBOUR.

THIS PART OF THE PROJECT, COSTING ABOUT $35.5 MILLION, WILL BE COMPLETED IN OCTOBER.

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MUSIC OFFICE TELLS ABOUT WORK

* * * *

THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT WILL BE SPENDING A WEEK FROM MONDAY (MAY 14) MAKING KNOWN ITS WORK.

IT WILL BE STAGING AN EXHIBITION AT THE KWUNG TONG MUSIC CENTRE WHICH WILL INCLUDE VIDEO-TAPE DEMONSTRATIONS AND DISPLAYS OF PHOTOGRAPHS AND CHARTS ABOUT ITS VARIOUS TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND TERRITORY-WIDE MUSIC ACTIVITIES.

THE MUSIC OFFICE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1977 TO PROMOTE INTEREST IN MUSIC, ESPECIALLY AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.

THE KWUN TONG MUSIC CENTRE IS LOCATED ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF YAN HAU MANSION, 100 TING FU STREET, NGAU TAU KOK.

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY BETWEEN 9 AM AND 7 PM, AND ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM.

GUIDED TOURS CAN BE ARRANGED BY APPOINTMENT FOR SCHOOLS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS. ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO 3-7561328.

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/13......

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1984

- 13 -

CLEARANCE ON PENG CHAU BEGINS * * X X

ILLEGAL CANOPIES, DEBRIS, REFUSE AND UNWANTED ARTICLES WERE REMOVED TODAY (THURSDAY) FROM STREETS ON PENG CHAU DURING AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT DRIVE.

TODAY’S OPERATION IS THE START OF THE SECOND PHASE OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT’S LARGE-SCALE STREET OBSTRUCTION CLEARANCE EXERCISE JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE POLICE, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.

♦FOR OPERATIONAL PURPOSE, THE AREA NORTH OF THE OLD PENG CHAU FERRY PIER HAS BEEN DIVIDED INTO FOUR SECTIONS SO THAT STREET OBSTRUCTIONS IN EACH SECTION CAN BE CLEARED WITHIN ONE DAY.

♦THERE WILL BE ONE OPERATION DAY EVERY FORTNIGHT AND THE WHOLE CLEARANCE OPERATION FOR PENG CHAU FIRST PRIORITY ZONE WILL BE COMPLETED IN EIGHT WEEKS’ TIME,+ MR RAYMOND WONG, ASSISTANT ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, SAID.

THE CLEARANCE EXERCISE, INITIATED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT STREET MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND ENDORSED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, IS AIMED AT IDENTIFYING AREAS OF STREET OBSTRUCTION IN THE WHOLE DISTRICT AND CLEARING THEM STEP BY STEP.

FOR THE EXERCISE, THE FOUR ISLANDS OF CHEUNG CHAU, PENG CHAU, LANTAU AND LAMMA ARE DIVIDED INTO 17 ZONES.

♦CLEARANCES ARE BEING CONDUCTED IN PRIORITY OF HAZARDS AND OFFENSIVENESS, PROXIMITY AND THE EXTENT OF THE AREA,* PR WONG SAID.

THE FIRST PHASE WAS CARRIED OUT ON THE FIRST PRIORITY ZONE OF CHEUNG CHAU BETWEEN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER LAST YEAR.

♦WHEN THE FIRST ROUND OF THE OPERATION FOR THE FIRST PRIORITY ZONES OF THE FOUR ISLANDS IS COMPLETED, THE DRIVE WILL MOVE ONTO THE SECOND PRIORITY ZONES ON THE FOUR ISLANDS,♦ HE SAID.

MR WONG ALSO URGED SHOP OWNERS AND THE PARTIES CONCERNED TO CO-OPERATE BY REMOVING THEIR ARTICLES AND GOODS THAT CAUSE OBSTRUCTION, AS WELL AS ILLEGAL CANOPIES.

♦STRICT ENFORCEMENT WILL BE OBSERVED AND THE OBSTRUCTIONS IN QUESTION WILL BE REMOVED AGAIN IF THEY REAPPEAR,+ HE ADDED.

/14........

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1984

- 14 -

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOUTH AWARD SCHEME ft ft ft

A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCHING OF A YOUTH AWARD SCHEME TO PROMOTE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED, WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (MAY 12) AT 3 PM AT KELLETT ROOM, EXCELSIOR HOTEL, THIRD FLOOR, CAUSEWAY BAY.

THE SCHEME, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE PENINSULA JAYCEES AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, AND SPONSORED BY THE SHELL COMPANY, IS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S SERIES OF PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES ON REHABILITATION THIS YEAR.

AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE MR CHAN HOI-WAN AND MISS CONNIE CHIU OF THE PENINSULA JAYCEES, MRS MABLE HARVEY AND MR LAW KWOK-KEUNG OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND W PETER NG OF THE SHELL COMPANY.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

- o ---------

CHOSEN 12 TO SING FOR PRIZE ft ft ft ft

THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT AMATEUR SINGING CONTEST WILL BE HELD AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE ON SATURDAY (MAY 12) EVENING.

TWELVE CONTESTANTS, AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 32, HAVE BEEN CHOSEN FROM AMONG 300 ENTRANTS LIVING, WORKING OR STUDYING IN THE DISTRICT FOR THE CONTEST.

A LOCAL SINGER, MR TERRENCE CHOI, AND STUDENTS FROM THE BISHOP HALL JUBILEE SCHOOL WILL BE GUEST PERFORMERS AT THE CONTEST.

ADJUDICATORS FOR THE CONTEST WILL BE A LYRICIST, MR CHENG KWOK-KWONG. A DISC JOCKEY FROM RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, hR CHEUNG MAN-SUN, AND A REPRESENTATIVE FROM ASIA TELEVISION LIMITED, MR KWAN SING-YAU.

THE CHAMPION OF THE NIGHT WILL REPRESENT KOWLOON CITY TO COMPETE WITH WINNERS OF OTHER 17 DISTRICTS IN A SEMI-FINAL ON AUGUST 11.

THE 18-DISTRICT AMATEUR SINGING CONTEST IS BEING HELD SINCE LATE MARCH TO ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND TO PUBLICISE THE COMING REGISTRATION OF VOTERS AND DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

/OBGANISEBS FOH .......

THURSDAY, MA.Y 10, 1984

ORGANISERS ADMINISTRATION, LIMITED.

FOR THE CONTEST ARE THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND SING TAO NEWSPAPERS

NOTE TO EDITORS

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE I NV I TED TO ^°VER THE KOWLOON C CONTEST AT 8 PM ON SATURDAY (MAY 12)

DISTRICT AMATEUR SINGING IN THE KO SHAN THEATRE.

INDOOR

GAMES HALL RE-OPENS SUNDAY

*****

THE OSMAN RAMJU SADICK MEMORIAL GAMES HALL IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE RE-OPENED TO THE PUBLIC ON SUNDAY (MAY 13), ON COMPLETION OF MAINTENANCE WORK.

THE OPENING HOURS WILL BE FROM 7 AM TO 11 PM DAILY, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

ON-THE-SPOT BOOKINGS FOR INDIVIDUAL USE OF THE FACILITIES OF THE GAMES HALL FOR PLAYING BASKET-BALL, VOLLEY-BALL, BADMINTON TABLE TENNIS AND GYMNASTICS CAN BE ACCEPTED SEVEN DAYS IN ADVANCE

ALLOCATION OF THE VENUE WILL BE MADE ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

PROHIBITED ZONE * * * *

THE TAI HANG TUNG ESTATE BUS TERMINUS WILL BE DESIGNATED A PROHIBITED ZONE, FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 12).

ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND THOSE AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE BUS TERMINUS.

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EARLY MORNING ROAD CLOSURE XXX

NOS

THE SECTION OF ROAD 4B BETWEEN THE BUS STOP FOR KMB ROUTES

NOS. 50M. 53, 61 AND 67M AND ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH ROAD D9 WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 12.30 AM AND

5.45 AM FROM FRIDAY TO SUNDAY (MAY 11 TO 13) FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK.

DURING THE HOURS OF CLOSURE, NO THROUGH TRAFFIC WILL BE ALLOWED ON ROAD 4B, AND DRIVERS ARE ADVISED TO OPERATE ALONG ROAD D9 TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD.

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- - 0 - -

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 198U

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

BILL TO IMPROVE IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES ...................... 1

PLAN TO REMOVE UNINTENDED STAMP DUTY ........................ 2

HK TO ADOPT CONVENTION ON SEAFARERS.......................... 2

GOVERNOR LEAVING FOR LONDON ................................. 3

KWAI CHUNG DRAFT PLAN AMENDED ............................... 4-

HOLIDAY PROVISION FOR WORKERS ............................... 5

VALUE OF STUDJUT ACTIVITIES STRESSED ........................ 5

VISITING PROFESSOR IMPRESSED BY PRISON FACILITIES ........... 6

LABOUR LAW OFFENDERS FINED .................................. 6

NEW LOUNGE BAR FOR CUSTOMS OFFICERS ......................... 7

STUDENTS HELP PLANT TREES IN SHA TIN ........................ 8

ORAL ENGLISH COURSE FDR JOURNALISTS ......................... 8

SEARCH FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC TALENT .............................. 9

TENDERS SOUGHT FOR NEW TOWN WORKS............................ 10

TAI PO CYCLING PARK OPENS SUNDAY............................. 10

AIDED-PLACES OFFERED IN OUTWARD BOUND COURSES ............... 11

SHA TIN CYCLE PARK OPENS SUNDAY.............................. 11

CENTRAL WATER LEAKAGE TESTS ................................. 12

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1984

BILL TO IMPROVE IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES * * * * *

A BILL PROPOSING TO IMPROVE A NUMBER OF IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

KNOWN AS THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1984, |T PROPOSES TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE BY ALLOWING CERTAIN INVESTIGATORY DUTIES, NOW PERFORMED BY OFFICERS, TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE RANK AND FILE OF THE SERVICE.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE PROPOSAL, SENIOR IMMIGRATION ASSISTANTS AND IMMIGRATION ASSISTANTS WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO DETAIN DOCUMENTS PRODUCED IN THE COURSE OF IMMIGRATION EXAMINATION, TO ARREST AND DETAIN SUSPECTS AND TO CONDUCT SEARCHES IF IT IS SUSPECTED THAT AN IMMIGRATION OFFENCE HAS BEEN COMMITTED.

♦SIMILAR DUTIES IN THE CASE OF THE POLICE ARE ALREADY BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE POLICE RANK AND FILE AND IT IS EXPECTED THAT THIS FLEXIBILITY IN DEPLOYMENT OF IMMIGRATION STAFF WOULD RESULT IN SOME SAVINGS IN GOVERNMENT EXPEND I TURE,♦ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

ANOTHER IMPROVEMENT PROPOSED BY THE BILL WILL ENABLE THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE TO CALL UPON THE ASSISTANCE OF CUSTOMS OFFICERS BY ALLOWING THEM TO EXERCISE CERTAIN POWERS UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE. THE ORDINANCE ALREADY PROVIDES FOR POLICE OFFICERS TO BE AUTHORISED TO EXERCISE THESE POWERS.

IT FURTHER CLARIFIES THAT WHEN TEMPORARY RESIDENTS OR VISITORS LEAVE HONG KONG, THEIR PERMISSION TO LAND OR TO REMAIN MERE LAPSES AUTOMATICALLY AND THAT ON THEIR RETURN THEY MAY NOT LAND WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF AN IMMIGRATION OFFICER OR IMMIGRATION ASSISTANT.

OTHER PROPOSALS UNDER THE BILL WILL PUT BEYOND DOUBT THE POWER OF THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION TO ISSUE A REMOVAL ORDER AGAINST SOMEONE WHO OBTAINED PERMISSION TO ENTER HONG KONG BY MEANS OF FALSE STATEMENTS OR FORGED DOCUMENTS.

THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ALLOWED TO RECOVER AS A CIVIL DEBT EXPENSES IT INCURRED FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND REMOVAL OF PERSONS WHO ARE TO BE REMOVED OR DEPORTED.

IN ADDITION, REPORTS OF THE DEPORTATION TRIBUNAL WOULD BE RECEIVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY RATHER THAN BY THE GOVERNOR, BUT DEPORTATION ORDERS WOULD STILL HAVE TO BE MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL.

THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 16 AND IS EXPECTED TO RECEIVE ITS THIRD READING ON MAY 30.

ANYONE WHO WISHES TO COMMENT ON ITS PROVISIONS MAY WRITE TO UMELCO AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12TH FLOOR, CHATER ROAD, OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.

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/2........

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FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1984

- 3 -

IN PREPARATION FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONVENTION, THE GOVERNMENT TODAY PUBLISHED A MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984 WHICH WILL ENABLE THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE NUMBERS OF RATINGS EMPLOYED ON BOARD SHIP, THEIR QUALIFICATIONS AND THE FUNCTIONS THEY PERFORM. THE EXISTING ORDINANCE ALREADY COVERS THE MAKING OF REGULATIONS FOR THE MANNING OF SHIPS BY OFFICERS AND THEIR QUALIFICATIONS.

IF THIS BILL IS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, FOUR SETS OF REGULATIONS WILL BE MADE AND THE CONVENTION WILL BE EXTENDED TO HONG KONG THREE MONTHS AFTERWARDS.

THE REGULATIONS WILL NOT APPLY TO FISHING VESSELS AND PLEASURE CRAFT, AND THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE WILL BE EMPOWERED TO EXEMPT SHIPS OR CLASSES OF SHIPS FROM THE PROVISIONS.

THE BILL IS SCHEDULED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 16 FOR FIRST READING AND TO GO THROUGH THE REMAINING LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURES ON MAY 30.

ANYONE WHO WISHES TO COMMENT ON THE BILL MAY WRITE TO UMELCO AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12TH FLOOR, CHATER ROAD, OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.

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NOTE TO EDITORS!

GOVERNOR LEAVING FOR LONDON * * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND LADY YOUDE WILL LEAVE FOR LONDON TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING.

THEY ARE TO LEAVE ON FLIGHT CX 251, ETD 10 AM.

A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR COVERAGE OF THEIR DEPARTURE.

PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN ASSIGNED TO COVER THE EVENT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM IN THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING BY 8.45 AM TOMORROW.

6 IS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

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/4........

[This page is blank in the original document]

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1984

- 5 -

HOLIDAY PROVISION FOR WORKERS * * * *

THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1984 WHICH SEEKS TO AMEND SECTION 39 OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE DEALING WITH HOLIDAYS WITH PAY, FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS TO THE HOLIDAYS ORDINANCE, IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE BILL PROPOSES TO DELETE THE WORDS +SECOND SATURDAY IN JUNE* AND SUBSTITUTE IN EACH CASE THE WORDS +BIRTHDAY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN*.

THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND READING ON MAY 16 AND IS EXPECTED TO RECEIVE ITS THIRD READING ON MAY 30.

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VALUE OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES STRESSED

X X * * *

WELL-ORGANISED EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES HELP TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR A FULL AND REWARDING LIFE, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE SAID TODAY..

SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE HONG KONG PRIVATE SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION, MR HAYE URGED PRIVATE SCHOOLS TO DEVELOP MORE SUCH EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FOR THEIR STUDENTS.

♦ IT IS NOT WHAT YOU KNOW THAT MATTERS. IT IS HOW YOU KNOW IT,+ HE SAID.

WELL-ORGANISED EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES WERE IMPORTANT BECAUSE THEY HELPED PUPILS TO DEVELOP ADAPTABILITY, THE ABILITY TO THINK FOR THEMSELVES, TO MAKE INFORMED JUDGEMENTS AND TO COOPERATE WITH OTHERS.

♦ THROUGH PROPERLY SUPERVISED EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO INTERACT WITH THE COMMUNITY AND WITH ONE ANOTHER, AND TO LEARN TO BE RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS.

♦ EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES WILL ALSO GIVE STUDENTS PROPER VALUES. AND TEACH THEM TO APPLY WHAT THEY HAVE LEARNED FROM BOOKS,+ W HAYE SAID.

HE NOTED THAT THE PUBLIC USUALLY JUDGED A SCHOOL BY ITS PUBLIC EXAMINATION RESULTS, WHICH, IN FACT, WAS MISLEADING. THE FUNCTION CF A SCHOOL SHOULD NOT BE SIMPLY TO GET PUPILS THROUGH EXAMINATIONS.

♦ WHILE IMPARTING KNOWLEDGE, SCHOOLS SHOULD BE SHAPING VERSATILE ADULTS ABLE TO COPE WITH THE CHALLENGING WORLD, AND THIS COULD BE DONE THROUGH EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES,♦ HE SAID.

THE DIRECTOR COMMENDED THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE MANY ACTIVITIES IT ORGANISED DURING THE YEAR, INCLUDING SEMINARS, INTER-SCHOOL RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, AND A MANAGEMENT COURSE ORGANISED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION.

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1994 6 -

VISITING PROFESSOR IMPRESSED BY PRISON FACILITIES * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF CRIMINOLOGY, PROFESSOR RICHARD HARDING, TODAY VISITED THE PIK UK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION AND THE PIK UK PRISON, WHICH ARE ADMINISTERED BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

AT PIK UK PRISON, PROF HARDING SAW VARIOUS FACILITIES FOR ADULT MALE PRISONERS, INCLUDING THE DORMITORIES, KITCHEN, DINING HALL, HOSPITAL, TAILORING WORKSHOP AND THE MULTI-STOREY LAUNDRY.

HE SHOWED GREAT INTEREST IN THE LAUNDRY WHICH IS MANNED BY PRISONERS, AND WHICH CAN HANDLE 50 000 PIECES OF LINEN A DAY FOR GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND CLINICS.

PROF HARDING SAID THE LAUNDRY WAS A +SUPERB FACILITY, AND A MODEL OF HOW PRISON INDUSTRIES SHOULD BE RUN.+

AT THE ADJACENT PIK UK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, HE WAS BRIEFED ON ITS FUNCTIONS AS A RECEPTION CENTRE, A TRAINING CENTRE AND A PRISON FOR YOUNG MALE OFFENDERS.

HE SAW YOUTHS STUDYING IN CLASSROOMS, AND RECEIVING VOCATIONAL TRAINING IN VARIOUS WORKSHOPS AND ALSO EXERCISING IN THE GYMNASIUM.

PROF HARDING SAID HE WAS MUCH IMPRESSED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES PROVIDED, AND THE SUCCESS OF THE CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMMES. ____

EARLIER PROF HARDING HAD HELD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER.

TOMORROW, HE WILL VISIT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE, STANLEY PRISON, TUNG TAU CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION AND TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION.

- 0

LABOUR LAW OFFENDERS FINED

*****

A TOTAL OF 824 PROSECUTIONS FOR BREACHES OF LABOUR LAWS TAKEN OUT BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT RESULTED IN CONVICTION BY THE COURTS LAST MONTH, WITH FINES IMPOSED AMOUNTING TO $813 650.

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

/THERE WERE ....

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1984

THERE WERE 258 CASES CONCERNING VIOLATIONS OF SAFETY REGULATIONS, WITH $402 750 IN FINES. THESE INCLUDED 123 CASES (WITH S198 600 IN FINES) FOR BREACH OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATION AND 48 CASES (WITH $95 850 IN FINES) FOR BREACH OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS.

THERE WERE 452 CASES RELATING TO BREACHES OF THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS, WITH $318 750 IN FINES.

OF THE OTHER PROSECUTIONS, 8 CASES WERE RELATED TO FAILURE TO KEEP RECORD OF EMPLOYEES, LEADING TO $4 850 IN FINES.

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NEW LOUNGE BAR FOR CUSTOMS OFFICERS *****

A RECONSTRUCTED SENIOR OFFICERS’ MESS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE, INCLUDING AN ENTIRELY NEW LOUNGE BAR - THE DOUGLAS JORDAN LOUNGE - WAS TODAY (FRIDAY) PRESENTED TO THE SERVICE BY SIR SHIU-KIN TANG.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE DOUGLAS

JORDAN LOUNGE, SIR SHIU-KIN, SAID THAT HE WAS DELIGHTED TO GIVE THIS NEW LOUNGE TO THE MESS, IN APPRECIATION OF THE HARD WORK AND DEVOTION TO DUTY OF ALL MEMBERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE.

♦THEIR EFFORTS ARE OF BENEFIT TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHETHER IN RELATION TO HEALTH, WELFARE, SECURITY OR THE DAY TO DAY BUSINESS OF THE TERRITORY.

+1 HAVE ASKED THAT THE LOUNGE BE NAMED ’THE DOUGLAS JORDAN LOUNGE’ TO REMIND US ALL OF THE HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL SEVEN YEARS, DURING WHICH MR JORDAN HAS BEEN THE COMMISSIONER. HE WILL SHORTLY RETIRE FROM HIS POST BUT I KNOW HIS NAME WILL BE REMEMBERED BY ALL HIS COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS FOR MANY YEARS TO COME,+ SIR SHIU-KIN SAID.

MR JORDAN THANKED SIR SHIU-KIN FOR HIS GENEROSITY AND SAID THE RECONSTRUCTION CARRIED OUT MADE THE SENIOR OFFICERS’ MESS THE FINEST IN HONG KONG.

♦THIS YEAR IS THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR SERVICE- WE COULD NOT HAVE RECEIVED A MORE SPLENDID BIRTHDAY PRESENT THAN THIS -ONE WHICH WILL GIVE PLEASURE NOT ONLY NOW BUT IN THE FUTURE.

♦SIR SHIU-KIN HAS A SAYING HE USES FREQUENTLY - HONG KONG HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME, I WANT TO BE GOOD TO HONG KONG’. HE HAS CERTAINLY BEEN GOOD AND GENEROUS TO THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE,* MR JORDAN SAID.

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/8.......

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1984

STUDENTS HELP PLANT TREES IN SHA TIN

*****

FORTY YOUNG EVERGREEN TREES WERE PLANTED TODAY BY 150 CIVIC-MINDED STUDENTS AT THE SHA TIN CYCLE PARK AT TIN SUM TSUEN, TO MARK THE LAUNCHING OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT TREE PLANTING DAY.

THE DISTRICT-WIDE TREE PLANTING DAY WAS ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE CLEAN HONG KONG EFFORT.

OFFICIATING AT THE TREE PLANTING CEREMONY, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (OPERATIONS) OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR DAVID WEEKS, SAID THAT SHA TIN WAS A MAGNIFICENT NEW CITY WHICH WAS RIGHTLY HELD UP AS AN EXAMPLE OF THE BEST IN NEW TOWN PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT.

MR WEEKS SAID IT WAS VITAL THAT THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT SHOULD NOT BE ECLIPSED BY THE CONCRETE AND STEEL WHICH FORMED THE FABRIC OF THE BUILDINGS IN WHICH PEOPLE LIVED AND WORKED.

+IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT THE NTSD PLANTED SOME 1 300 NEW TREES AND 65 000 SHRUBS IN SHA TIN DISTRICT LAST YEAR IN ADDITION TO THE GREAT NUMBERS INCORPORATED BY THE BUILDERS OF THE NEW TOWN IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS^* MR WEEKS SAID.

♦BUT THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT AND PROTECTION OF A FLOURISHING NATURAL ENVIRONMENT MUST BE A JOINT EFFORT BETWEEN VARIOUS GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND THE COMMUNITY WHICH IT IS OUR DUTY TO SERVE, + HE ADDED.

♦THE PRESENCE AND PARTICIPATION HERE TODAY OF SO MANY LEADERS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMUNITY AT ALL LEVELS EXEMPLIFIES THE JOINT COMMITMENT THAT DOES EXIST, AND THAT WE ARE SURE WILL GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH,+ MR WEEKS SAID.

MR WEEKS THEN PLANTED A YOUNG TREE TO HIGHLIGHT THE EVENT. « WAS JOINED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF SHA TIN, MR DONALD TSANG AND THE CHAIRMAN OF DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE OF SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, MR WAI HON-LEUNG.

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ORAL ENGLISH COURSE FOR JOURNALISTS

* * * *

WORKING JOURNALISTS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR A COURSE IN ENGLISH ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS TO BE OFFERED BY THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC FROM JUNE 1 TO 27.

THE COURSE IS AMONG OTHER TRAINING COURSES PLANNED BY THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC) TO UPGRADE THE STANDARD OF JOURNALISTS IN HONG KONG.

/IT AIMS

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1984

IT AIMS TO TRAIN JOURNALISTS TO BE MORE EFFECTIVE IN ENGLISH COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN JOB-RELATED SITUATIONS.

CONTENTS OF THE COURSE INCLUDE TECHNIQUES OF QUESTIONING AND INTERVIEWING, USE OF THE TELEPHONE, LISTENING COMPREHENSION SKILLS AND ORAL PRESENTATION.

LECTURES ON DIFFERENCES IN ACCENTS AMONG ENGLISH-SPEAKING NATIONS AND ON CONVERSATIONAL SKILLS WILL BE GIVEN, IN ADDITION TO LANGUAGE LABORATORY WORK.

PARTICIPANTS OF THE COURSE WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THREE THREE-HOUR SESSIONS IN THE MORNING EVERY WEEK. ENROLMENT IS LIMITED TO 21 AND THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD APPLY EARLY.

THE COURSE FEE IS $875, BUT SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS NEED PAY ONLY $100, WITH THE BALANCE BEING BORNE BY THE VTC.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AND ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MR FRANK NG, SECRETARY OF THE BOARD DURING OFFICE HOURS AT 5-8932341 EXT. 283. CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATION IS MAY 26.

- - - - o ----

NOTE TO EDITORS:

SEARCH FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC TALENT

* * * *

MORE THAN 170 PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING THE SPECIAL FEATURES OF YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE ON DISPLAY FOR EIGHT DAYS AT THE HENRY G. LEONG COMMUNITY CENTRE IN PUBLIC SQUARE STREET FROM SUNDAY (MAY 13).

THE EXHIBITS ARE WINNING ENTRIES OF A PHOTO COMPETITION HELD LAST SEPTEMBER TO LOOK FOR TALENT IN PHOTOGRAPHY AND TO CULTIVATE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

THE EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION, WILL BE OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM DAILY.

THE YAU MA TEI ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS SUSANNA TSOI, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION, MR YANG TZE-KIANG, WILL OFFICIATE AT AN OPENING CEREMONY AT 11 AM ON SUNDAY.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY.

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/■»0.....

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1984

- 10 -

TENDERS SOUGHT FOR NEW TOWN WORKS * * *

A SERIES OF ENGINEERING WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN FANLING SOON IN CONNECTION WITH THE NEW TOWN’S DEVELOPMENT.

THE WORKS INCLUDE REALIGNING A 2.7-KILOMETRE STRETCH OF THE MA WAT RIVER BETWEEN WO HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE AND THE RIVER INDUS, TOGETHER WITH CONSTRUCTION OF SEVEN BOX CULVERTS.

A 7.3-METRE WIDE BRIDGE WITH A 2.3-METRE WIDE FOOTPATH ON EACH SIDE AND A 3.5-METRE WIDE CYCLETRACK ON ONE SIDE WILL BE BUILT AS PART OF THE PROJECT, TOGETHER WITH SIX FOOT-BRIDGES, INCLUDING ONE FOR BOTH PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS, 10 KILOMETRES OF FOOTPATHS AND CYCLETRACKS AND FOUR CAR AND LORRY PARKS.

ABOUT 10 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE FORMED FOR INDUSTRIAL, GOVERNMENT , INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY USES, AND ANOTHER ID HECTARES OF RECREATIONAL LAND ALONG THE REALIGNED RIVER BANKS WILL BE LANDSCAPED.

THESE WORKS WILL PROVIDE FLOOD RELIEF TO THE ON LOK TSUEN AND WO HOP SHEK AREAS AS WELL AS LAND FOR VEHICLE PARKING, FEW INDUSTRY AND COMMUNITY AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND TAKE ABOUT THREE YEARS TO COMPLETE.

THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT BY JUNE 22.

TAI PO CYCLING PARK OPENS SUNDAY

M X X

A NEWLY-COMPLETED TEMPORARY CYCLING PARK AT TAI PO FOR BOTH CONVENTIONAL AND BMX BICYCLES, WILL BE OPENED ON SUNDAY (MAY 13).

THE PARK IS LOCATED AT PLOVER COVE ROAD AND CAN BE EASILY REACHED BY CYCLISTS, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

THE 2 800 SQUARE-METRE PARK CAN ACCOMMODATE HUNDREDS OF CYCLISTS AT ONE TIME AND WILL BE OPEN BETWEEN 8 AM AND 8 PM.

BUILT BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND NOW MANAGED BY THE NTSD, THE PARK IS DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS -FOR CONVENTIONAL BICYCLES AND FOR BMX BICYCLES.

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/11 .....

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1984

AIDED-PLACES OFFERED

IN OUTWARD BOUND COURSES

GOVERNMENT HELP OF MORE THAN $167 OOO WILL BE AWARDED TO DESERVING YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN LEADERSHIP COURSES HELD AT THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL.

THE SUM WILL BE USED TO PURCHASE PLACES IN A NUMBER OF COURSES JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE SCHOOL.

A TOTAL OF 272 AIDED-PLACES WILL BE OFFERED FOR COURSES TAKING PLACE BETWEEN JULY AND SEPTEMBER.

COURSE FEES RANGE FROM $800 TO $4 250, BUT A SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT NEED PAY ONLY HALF OF THE FULL AMOUNT.

PEOPLE WISHING TO APPLY FOR THE THE HANDICAPPED, SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE OFFICES OF THE RECREATION AND SPORTS

ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO

AIDED-PLACES, INCLUDING APPLICATIONS EARLY.

FROM ALL THE 19 DISTRICT SERVICE.

TELEPHONE 5-458511.

- 0 - -

SHA TIN CYCLE PARK OPENS SUNDAY

X X *

THE SHA TIN CYCLE PARK, RUN BY THE LOCAL SPORTS ASSOCIATION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM SUNDAY (MAY 13).

SITUATED AT TIN SUM VALLEY, THE 2 200-SQUARE-METRE CYCLE PARK IS ONLY FIVE MINUTES' WALk'fROM THE TAI WAI TEMPORARY RAILWAY STATION.

IT WILL BE A TRAINING GROUND FOR CYCLISTS AND WILL PROVIDE DIRECT ACCESS TO THE 13-KILOMETRE CYCLE TRACK NETWORK IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DONALD TSANG, AND ™E CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR LAU HON-KIT, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

/after the

FHLDA.Y, MAY 11, 1984

AFTER THE CEREMONY, MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG CYCLING ASSOCIATION WILL STAGE A BMY BICYCLE SHOW.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SHA TIN CYCLE PARK AT 10 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 13).

A GOVERNMENT VAN AM2412 WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 9.15 AM FOR THE PARK.

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CENTRAL

FRESH WATER SUPPLY BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

TO ON

WATER LEAKAGE TESTS M * M *

SOME PREMISES IN CENTRAL DISTRICT WILL ‘ AM THE FOLLOWING

MONDAY (MAY 14) TO 6

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY CAINE ROAD, PO HING FONG, KUI IN FONG, TAI PING SHAN STREET, AND ABERDEEN STREET, INCLUDING U LAM TERRACE AND POLICE QUARTERS.

_ _ o - -

LADDER STREET, BRIDGES STREET HOLLYWOOD ROAD

SATURDAY, MAY CONTENTS

GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR LONDON ..................................

fewer OOMPLATNTS ABOUT TRANSPORT REPORTED ...................

YOUTH CENTRES MUST CREATE ATTRACTIVE ENVIRONMENT ...........

WORK-WITH-DISABLED SCHEME LAUNCHED .........................

RESIDENTS' SUPPORT VITAL TO DISTRICT BOARDS ................

BOARD STRIVES FOR MORE YOUTH EFFORT .........................

PUBLIC WARNED OF MALARIA RISKS .............................

CHURCH ROLE IN COMMUNITY STRESSED ...........................

TUEN MUN BOARD TO DISCUSS REVIEWS ...........................

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS IN WELDING URGED .........................

PART-TIME LIFEGUARDS NEEDED ................................

FREQUENT RAIDS STAGED TO CATCH ILLEGAL SLAUGHTERERS .........

WATCHES AND CLOCKS ..........

CAREERS MASTERS HEAR ABOUT INDUSTRIAL TRAINING ..............

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NORTH POINT ...............

12, 1984

PAGE NO.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1984

GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR LONDON i * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND LADY YOUDE LEFT FOR LONDON THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.

THEY WERE SEEN OFF AT THE AIRPORT BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE.

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FEWER COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRANSPORT REPORTED

M M M

THERE WERE FEWER TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER CF THE YEAR, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

DURING THE PERIOD, 1 084 COMPLAINTS WERE MADE TO THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT, A 25 PER CENT DROP OVER THE PREVIOUS QUARTER’S 1 443.

THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT (TCU) WAS SET UP UNDER THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO RECEIVE AND MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS ON TRANSPORT MATTERS.

THE PUBLIC MAY COMPLAIN TO TCU BY DIALLING 5-776866, THE UNIT’S HOTLINE, ON A 24-HOUR BASIS.

IN THE LATEST QUARTERLY REPORT RELEASED TODAY, THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF TCU, MR STEPHEN PANG, ATTRIBUTED THE DOWNWARD TREND TO FEWER COMPLAINTS ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES AND TRAFFIC ENGINEERING MATTERS.

NEVERTHELESS, PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES WERE STILL THE MAIN SUBJECT OF COMPLAINTS, HE ADDED.

A TOTAL OF 509 CASES FELL INTO THIS CATEGORY, REPRESENTING 47 PER CENT OF ALL COMPLAINTS RECEIVED IN THE QUARTER.

♦SERVICES BY THE TWO FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES WERE SUBJECT 70 FEWER COMPLAINTS,* MR PANG SAID.

THERE WERE 116 COMPLAINTS CONCERNING CMB, COMPARED WITH 148 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, AND 34 COMPLAINTS AGAINST CMB STAFF, DOWN FROM 62.

MR PANG SAID THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST KMB ALSO FELL FROM 260 TO 191, DUE MAINLY TO FEWER COMPLAINTS ABOUT INADEQUATE BUS SERVICE.

BUT COMPLAINTS IN THIS CATEGORY STILL ACCOUNTED FOR 82 CASES (42 PER CENT OF 191), WITH ONE-HALF OF THE CASELOAD BEING COMPLAINTS FROM RESIDENTS OF SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN.

♦ COMPLAINTS AGAINST KMB STAFF REMAINED LOW (23 CASES) AS IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER (26 CASES),♦ HE SAID.

/A TOTAL ....

SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1984

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A TOTAL OF 63 COMPLAINTS ABOUT MAX I CABS WERE RECEIVED IN THE QUARTER.

ALTHOUGH THE FIGURE REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF ONLY ONE CASE OVER THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, IT WAS DOUBLE THE TOTAL OF 29 CASES RECORDED IN THE SAME PERIOD OF LAST YEAR.

♦ THE MAIN AREAS CONTRIBUTING TO THE INCREASE IN COMPLAINTS ABOUT MAXICABS OVER THE YEAR WERE INADEQUATE SERVICE, NON-ADHERENCE TO APPROVED ROUTING AND THE CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOUR OF DRIVERS,* bfi PANG SAID.

COMPLAINTS ABOUT TAXI DRIVERS* MALPRACTICES CONTINUED TO BE LOW — 30 CASES AS AGAINST 31 RECEIVED IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.

♦ NO COMPLAINT CONCERNING TAXI SERVICE WAS RECORDED. SINCE APRIL 1982, TCU HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY COMPLAINT IN THIS CATEGORY,* HE SAID.

THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ON TRAFFIC ENGINEERING MATTERS SHOWED A DECLINE.

OF THE 278 COMPLAINTS REGISTERED IN THE QUARTER, 139 CASES (50 PER CENT) WERE ABOUT ROAD CONGESTION, A FEW OF WHICH WERE RECEIVED AS A RESULT OF THE TRAFFIC CHAOS CAUSED BY THE TAXI STRIKE IN JANUARY.

THE OTHER 50 PER CENT WERE MAINLY COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRAFFIC AIDS, PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES AND PARKING FACILITIES.

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YOUTH CENTRES MUST CREATE ATTRACTIVE ENVIRONMENT

* * M

YOUTH CENTRES MUST CREATE AN ATTRACTIVE ENVIRONMENT AND A FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE WHERE YOUNG PEOPLE WILL FEEL AT HOME AND WILL WANT TO SPEND THEIR LEISURE TIME, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

MR CHAMBERS WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS’ JAT MIN YOUTH CENTRE AT JAT MIN CHUEN, SHA TIN.

+WE ARE ALL CONSCIOUS OF THE MANY ALTERNATIVE ATTRACTIONS WHICH EXIST NOWADAYS FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY WITH THE INCREASING SOPHISTICATION OF THE LEISURE INDUSTRY,* HE SAID.

MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT YOUTH CENTRES +MUST NOT ONLY ATTRACT CLIENTS TO COME IN THE FIRST PLACE, BUT ALSO ENSURE THEY CONTINUE TO ATTEND REGULARLY*.

/ME SAID .......

SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1984

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HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM WAS TO PROVIDE ONE CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE FOR EVERY 20 000 POPULATION.

+OUR CURRENT PROVISION,* HE SAID, +FALLS SOME WAY SHORT OF THIS TARGET, DUE MAINLY TO DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING SUITABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR SETTING UP THESE CENTRES.*

HE THANKED THE HOUSING SOCIETY FOR PROVIDING SPACIOUS AND WELL DESIGNED PREMISES TO SET UP THE JAT MIN YOUTH CENTRE.

+SINCE MANY OF THE SOCIETY’S HOUSING PROJECTS ARE LOCATED IN THE OLDER URBAN AREAS, WHERE THE SHORTFALL IN CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES IS PARTICULARLY ACUTE, I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS THE HOPE THAT THE SOCIETY WILL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE MORE PREMISES SUCH AS THESE IN THE YEARS TO COME,* HE SAID.

MR CHAMBERS PAID TRIBUTE TO THE FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS FOR +A LONG AND DISTINGUISHED HISTORY OF SERVICE TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG*.

THE OPENING OF THE JAT MIN YOUTH CENTRE ONCE AGAIN BORE WITNESS TO *THE FEDERATION’S CONTINUED ENTHUSIASM AND DEDICATION TO THE TASK OF HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP THEIR CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL*, HE SAID.

WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NEW CENTRE, THE FEDERATION IS NOW OPERATING 26 YOUTH CENTRES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.

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WORK-WITH-DISABLED SCHEME LAUNCHED

M * * *

A YOUTH AWARD SCHEME TO PROMOTE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED WAS LAUNCHED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY.

THE SCHEME, WHICH FORMS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S SERIES OF PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES ON REHABILITATION THIS YEAR, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE PENINSULA JAYCEES AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, AND SPONSORED BY THE SHELL COMPANY.

THE AIM OF THE SCHEME IS TO ENCOURAGE BOTH ABLED AND DISABLED PEOPLE TO WORK TOGETHER IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY, THE ORGANISERS EXPLAINED.

ANY YOUTH GROUP WITH SEVEN OR MORE MEMBERS, INCLUDING ABLED AND DISABLED PEOPLE BELOW THE AGE OF 40, ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE SCHEME.

A GRANT OF UP TO $4 000 WILL BE GIVEN TO ANY APPROVED PROJECT, WHICH SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30 THIS YEAR.

PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE THREE BEST PROJECTS.

/APPLICATION FORMS .......

SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1984

4 .

APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PENINSULA JAYCEES AND VARIOUS YOUTH AND COMMUNITY OFFICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. THE DEADLINE IS JULY 16.

A CENTRAL COMMITTEE TO CO-ORDINATE PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES ON REHABILITATION (COMPERE) WAS SET UP IN 1982 BY THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ORGANISED A NUMBER OF PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES LAST YEAR, INCLUDING OPEN DAYS AT REHABILITATION INSTITUTIONS, A SEMINAR AND A PROJECTS AWARD SCHEME. THE RESPONSE WAS FAVOURABLE.

RESIDENTS’ SUPPORT VITAL TO DISTRICT BOARDS

* K * * M

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF DISTRICT BOARDS DEPENDS GREATLY ON THE CONTINUED SUPPORT, TRUST AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE RESIDENTS, THE KOWLOON CITY ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROGER GARCIA, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.

+EVERY RESIDENT SHOULD PERFORM HIS CIVIC DUTY AND ELECT PEMBERS TO THE BOARD WHICH WILL WORK FOR THE WELFARE OF THE COMMUNITY,+ HE SAID.

MR GARCIA WAS SPEAKING AT THE DISTRICT’S AMATEUR SINGING CONTEST HELD AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE.

TO PUBLICISE THE COMING REGISTRATION OF VOTERS AND NEXT YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE WILL SPEND $155 □□□ ON AN ELECTION FAIR, THREE EXHIBITIONS, A PRESS CONFERENCE FOR THE CANDIDATES AND PUBLICITY LEAFLETS.

IN ADDITION, ABOUT 1OO TEMPORARY COMMUNITY ORGANISERS AND VOLUNTEERS, TOGETHER WITH THE DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF, WILL PAY DOOR-TO-DOOR VISITS DURING THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTION PERIODS.

MR GARCIA SAID THAT SINCE ITS FORMATION IN DECEMBER 1981, THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD MADE CONSIDERABLE CONTRIBUTION, PARTICULAR IN IMPROVING THE WELFARE, PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES, AS WELL AS THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE DISTRICT.

A PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY WAS ALSO HELD AT TONIGHT’S CONTEST FOR WINNERS OF A RECENT QUIZ ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.

THE SINGING CONTEST WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND SING TAO NEWSPAPERS LIMITED.

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/5.......

SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1984

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BOARD STRIVES FOR MORE YOUTH EFFORT * * * *

THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD IS WORKING HARD TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY WORK, THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDWARD YAU, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

HE SAID THAT THE BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WAS CONDUCTING A STUDY TO FIND OUT THE LEISURE ACTIVITIES OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT.

THE RESULTS OF THIS STUDY WOULD HELP GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO UNDERSTAND BETTER THE WISHES OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND THEIR RECREATIONAL NEEDS, HE SAID.

MR YAU WAS SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF A PROJECT +YOUTH - RESOURCES OF HONG KONG’S FUTURE DEVELOPMENT* ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG JAYCEETTES.

ASIDE FROM ORGANISING ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, MR YAU SAID, THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD WOULD CONTINUE TO STUDY PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE WELL-BEING OF RESIDENTS, AND TO POOL RESOURCES TO SOLVE SUCH PROBLEMS.

DISCUSSING TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MATTERS, HE SAID FIVE NEW BUS ROUTES WOULD BE INTRODUCED AND THE FREQUENCIES OF SIX OTHER BUS ROUTES WOULD BE INCREASED IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.

IN ADDITION, A SIX-LANE COASTAL BY-PASS, RUNNING FROM THE ABERDEEN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET TO AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE WOULD BE PARTIALLY OPEN AT THE END OF THE YEAR TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.

MR YAU SAID THE BOARD WAS ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE 28 000 RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT’S 40-MORE SQUATTER AREAS.

ABOUT $480 000 HAD BEEN SPENT LAST YEAR ON 48 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS RELATING TO ACCESS, WATER SUPPLY, REFUSE COLLECTION, SANITARY FACILITIES, POSTAL SERVICE AND AMENITY FACILITIES. AND $560 000 HAD BEEN EARMARKED FOR SIMILAR PROJECTS THIS YEAR, HE SAID.

MR YAU SAID THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT HAD A DIVERSIFIED COMMUNITY CF PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT SOCIO-ECONOMIC BACKGROUNDS.

+SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT, THE BOARD HAS TAKEN MEASURES, SUCH AS THE ’MEET-THE-PUBLIC’ SCHEME, MONTHLY SEMINARS WITH DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY AND AN OPINION-GATHERING POSTGRAMME, TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE BOARD AND THE RESIDENTS.

+IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH THESE STEPS, BETTER MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING COULD BE FOSTERED AND BETTER FACILITIES AND SERVICES WOULD BE PROVIDED, THUS LEADING TO A STRONGER COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND DISTRICT IDENTITY,* MR YAU SAID.

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SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1984

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PUBLIC WARNED OF MALARIA RISKS * * * * *

WITH THE APPROACH OF THE HOT AND HUMID SEASON, RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY THOSE LIVING IN THE SAI KUNG AND BORDER AREAS, ARE BEING ASKED TO TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS AGAINST THE RISK OF MALARIA INFECTION.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT CAMPERS AND PICNICKERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE PLANNING TO STAY OVERNIGHT, SHOULD WEAR LONG TROUSERS AND LONG-SLEEVED CLOTHES.

IN ADDITION, THEY SHOULD USE INSECT REPELLENTS AND MOSQUITO t£TS OR SCREENS.

HE EXPLAINED THAT THESE MEASURES TO PREVENT MOSQUITO BITES ARE IMPORTANT AS MALARIA IS TRANSMITTED BY ANOPHELINE MOSQUITOES.

+ BUT THE BEST PREVENTION IS TO STOP MOSQUITOES FROM BREED I NG,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

AS MALARIA VECTORS BREED IN CLEAR WATER STREAMS AND STAGNANT WATER, THEY ARE MOSTLY FOUND IN IRRIGATION DITCHES, HILL STREAMS, EXCAVATION SITES AND ABANDONED PADDY FIELDS.

LAST YEAR 125 CASES OF MALARIA WERE REPORTED IN HONG KONG, 30 OF THEM OF LOCAL ORIGIN AND THE REST IMPORTED. NINETEEN OF THE LOCAL CASES OCCURRED IN SAI KUNG.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED TO THE FOLLOWING FACTORS FOR THE INCREASED RISK OF IMPORTED MALARIA INFECTION :

* THE LARGE NUMBERS OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS TRAVELLING TO CHINA AND OF PEOPLE COMING FROM ACROSS THE BORDER IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.

* THE GENERAL INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF TOURISTS FROM COUNTRIES WHERE MALARIA IS ENDEMIC.

* REFUGEES FROM VIETNAM.

AN EFFICIENT SYSTEM OF SURVEILLANCE, CASE DETECTION, TREATMENT, INVESTIGATION AND REMEDIAL ACTION IS THE ONLY EFFECTIVE AND PRACTICAL WAY FOR HONG KONG TO PROTECT ITSELF AGAINST THE IMPORTATION OF MALARIA, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS ESTABLISHED A NETWORK OF HOSPITALS AND CLINICS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY FOR CASE DETECTION.

/BLOOD SAMPLES .......

SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1984

BLOOD SAMPLES ARE TAKEN FROM PATIENTS WITH CLINICAL SYMPTOMS OF MALARIA, AND ALL CASES ARE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT, WITH FOLLOW-UP ACTION FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HEALTH EDUCATION IS ALSO ESSENTIAL TO THE DEPARTMENT’S ANTI-MALARIA DRIVE.

♦THIS IS USUALLY IN THE FORM OF HEALTH TALKS TO VILLAGES AND SCHOOLS, DISTRIBUTION OF POSTERS AND LEAFLETS AND SOMETIMES HOUSE-TO-HOUSE VISITS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

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CHURCH ROLE IN COMMUNITY STRESSED * * *

THE CHURCH COMMUNITY CAN TAKE AN INTEREST IN AND INFLUENCE VARIOUS GOVERNMENT PROGRAMMES THROUGH ITS WORK IN EDUCATION, SOCIAL SERVICES AND MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE, THE YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILFRED WONG, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.

MR WONG SAID THAT CHRISTIAN CHURCHES OPERATED MORE THAN 800 SCHOOLS FROM KINDERGARTENS TO POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES AND SPECIAL EDUCATION, 11 MAJOR HOSPITALS, AND MANY CLINICS, SOCIAL CENTRES, HOSTELS, AND HOMES FOR THE AGED AND FOR THE BLIND.

ABOUT HALF A MILLION PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WERE CHRISTIANS, b£ SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CHURCHES SOCIAL CONCERN SEMINAR, MR WONG SAID THAT CHRISTIAN CHURCHES HAD BEEN AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY AND STRONG SUPPORTERS OF IMPORTANT GOVERNMENT PROGRAMMES IN EDUCATION, SOCIAL SERVICES AND MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.

♦THERE ARE INDEED A LOT OF THINGS THE CHURCHES CAN DO TO SHOW CONCERN AND TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS,♦ HE SAID.

HE SAID SOCIAL CONCERN AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION COULD BE THE THEMES OF SUNDAY MESSAGES, SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES, YOUTH FELLOWSHIPS, RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS, AND INTER-CHURCH CONFERENCES.

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES COULD ORGANISE SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN ADDITION TO SPIRITUAL-ORIENTED PROGRAMMES.

THEY COULD JOIN AND TAKE PART IN MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS, YIN NGA I SOCIETIES FOR WOMEN, KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS, CLANSMEN AND COUNTRYMEN ASSOCIATIONS, AREA COMMITTEES AND DISTRICT BOARDS, HE SAID.

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SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1984

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NOTE TO EDITORS:

TUEN MUN BOARD TO DISCUSS REVIEWS * * *

THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED REVIEWS ON TAXI OPERATIONS AND PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION POLICIES AT A SPECIAL MEETING ON MONDAY (MAY 14).

THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR CHRISTOPHER WONG, AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR HAIDER BARMA, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE TWO REVIEWS.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE SPECIAL MEETING AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE BOARD’S SECRETARIAT ON THE NINTH FLOOR OF FOO YICK COMMERCIAL BUILDING AT SAN ON CIRCUIT.

A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE, AM 5797, WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 1.30 PM FOR TUEN MUN.

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HEALTH PRECAUTIONS IN WELDING URGED

* * * *

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED BOTH EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS TO TAKE ADEQUATE PRECAUTIONS IN WELDING WORK, PARTICULARLY WHEN IT INVOLVES STAINLESS STEEL.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT WELDING FUMES MAY CONTAIN SUCH PARTICLES OF METAL AS NICKEL AND CHROMIUM WHICH, WHEN INHALED, ARE DANGEROUS TO HEALTH.

+A WORKROOM WHERE WELDING IS CONDUCTED SHOULD BE ADEQUATELY VENTILATED AND WHERE APPROPRIATE, LOCAL EXHAUST VENTILATION SHOULD BE PROVIDED, + HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT WELDERS SHOULD USE PROPER WELDING SHIELDS AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.

FACTORY PROPRIETORS AND WELDING WORKERS MAY CONSULT THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE OF THE DEPARTMENT IF THEY HAVE ANY QUERIES.

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SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1984

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PART-TIME LIFEGUARDS NEEDED

* * *

THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING STUDENTS TO TAKE UP POSTS OF PART-TIME LIFEGUARDS DURING THEIR SUMMER VACATION.

ABOUT 1OO PART-TIME LIFEGUARDS WILL BE NEEDED TO STRENGTHEN LIFE SAVING SERVICES AT PUBLIC BEACHES AND SWIMMING POOLS DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS.

THEY WILL BE EMPLOYED EITHER ON SHORT-CONTRACT WITH A MONTHLY SALARY OF $2 755 OR ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS WITH A DAILY SALARY OF $109.

APPLICANTS SHOULD BE HOLDERS OF A BRONZE MEDALLION AWARDED BY THE ROYAL LIFE-SAVING SOCIETY. IN ADDITION, THEY SHOULD BE UNDER 35 YEARS OF AGE AND OF STRONG PHYSIQUE AND GOOD EYESIGHT WITHOUT SPECTACLES.

PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE WHO POSSESS HIGHER QUALIFICATIONS AND GOOD EXPERIENCE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

APPLICATION FORMS GF340 ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE PERSONNEL SECTION OF GOVERNMENTAL DEPARTMENTS IN BOTH THE URBAN AREA AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE (AUSTIN CENTRE) AT 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI, BEFORE MAY 21 (MONDAY).

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FREQUENT RAIDS STAGED TO CATCH ILLEGAL SLAUGHTERERS *****

YUEN LONG AND NORTH DISTRICT RESIDENTS WERE ADVISED TODAY NOT TO BUY MEAT FROM UNLICENSED HAWKERS.

MEAT SUPPLIED BY THESE HAWKERS ARE UNHYGIENI CALLY PREPARED AND COULD POSE A HEALTH HAZARD, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN WARNED THAT UNLICENSED SLAUGHTER AND POSSESSION OF PROHIBITED FOOD FOR SALE ARE AN OFFENCE.

NTSD STAFF AND THE POLICE CONDUCT PRE-DAWN RAIDS FREQUENTLY IN NORTH DISTRICT AND YUEN LONG TO CURB ILLEGAL SLAUGHTERING IN THE TWO AREAS.

THREE OFFENDERS WERE CAUGHT FOR OPERATING UNLICENSED SLAUGHTERHOUSES AND BROUGHT BEFORE THE FANLING MAGISTRACY LAST WEEK.

TWO OF THE OFFENDERS WERE FINED A TOTAL OF $5 750 AND THE THIRD WAS FINED $2 250. THREE SLAUGHTERED PIGS SEIZED DURING THE RAIDS WERE CONFISCATED.

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/IO......

NOTE TO EDITORS

SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1984

WATCHES AND CLOCKS * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE THIRD HONG KONG WATCH AND CLOCK FAIR ON MONDAY (MAY 14) AT 10.30 AM, ROOM PACIFICA, 4TH FLOOR, FURAMA HOTEL.

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CAREERS MASTERS HEAR ABOUT INDUSTRIAL TRAINING *****

SOME STUDENTS FIND LEARNING WHILE WORKING IN INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRES MORE STIMULATING AND SATISFYING THAN STUDYING IN SCHOOLS, MR MORRIS MORGAN. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC) SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING TO SOME 16Q SECONDARY SCHOOL CAREERS MASTERS AT A SEMINAR ON INDUSTRIAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES, MR MORGAN SAID THAT THE VTC TRAINING CENTRES WILL PROVIDE REAL-LIFE TRAINING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WANT TO JOIN INDUSTRY.

VTC TWO AND

HE SAID THAT EIGHT TRAINING BOARDS UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE WERE SETTING UP TRAINING CENTRES FOR THEIR INDUSTRIES IN INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRE COMPLEXES, ONE IN KOWLOON BAY ONE IN KWAI CHUNG.

FIVE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRES TO BE HOUSED IN THE $110 MILLION KOWLOON BAY COMPLEX WILL SOON START TO TRAIN VARIOUS LEVELS OF TECHNICAL MANPOWER REQUIRED BY THE ELECTRONICS, HOTEL hETAL WORKING, PLASTICS AND PRINTING INDUSTRIES.

+THESE CENTRES WILL BE FULLY OPERATIONAL IN JANUARY 1985, BUT MOST OF THEM WILL START ADMITTING TRAINEES IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AND SEND THEM TO TECHNICAL INSTITUTES FOR THEORETICAL TRAINING,* MR MORGAN SAID.

THE COURSES OFFERED IN THE CENTRES WILL BE FREE, AND

TRAINEES WILL BE GIVEN ALLOWANCES OF

$100 A WEEK

A TOTAL OF 18 FULL-TIME AND TWO FROM 30 HOURS TO ONE YEAR IN LENGTH, CENTRES.

PART-TIME COURSES, RANGING WILL BE OFFERED IN THE FIVE

+THERE WILL ALSO BE CAREER ADVISORY AND PLACEMENT SERVICES FOR GRADUATING TRAINEES TO ENABLE THEM TO FIND EMPLOYMENT AS PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS IN INDUSTRY.

*THE SYSTEM WHICH HAS BEEN DEVISED FOR THE TRAINING CENTRES MAKES NOT ONLY ECONOMIC SENSE BY PROVIDING TRAINED MANPOWER FOR INDUSTRY, BUT ALSO MAKES GOOD SENSE SOCIALLY IN THAT THESE TRAINED WORKERS ARE PUT INTO DIRECT CONTACT WITH POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS,* HE REMARKED.

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SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1984

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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NORTH POINT

* * * *

NEW MEASURES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC WILL BE IN FORCE IN NORTH POINT FROM 5 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 14).

THE MEASURES ARE THAT s

* HEALTHY STREET WEST WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND,

* HEALTHY STREET CENTRAL WILL BE REROUTED ONEWAY NORTHBOUND,

* PAK FUK ROAD BETWEEN HEALTHY STREET WEST AND HEALTHY STREET CENTRAL WILL BECOME ONE-WAY EASTBOUND, AND

* THE EXISTING TERMINUS FOR CMB ROUTE 1OB AT HEALTHY STREET WEST WILL BE RESITED TO HEALTHY STREET CENTRAL.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1984

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

VOLUNTEERS CONTINUE TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE................... 1

LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS FOR JANUARY - MARCH..................... 2

GRANTS OFFERED FOR YOUTH PROJECTS .............................. 3

INTELPOST TO BE EXTENDED TO AUSTRALIA .......................... 4

RACE TO BE STAGED ON ISLAND CORRIDOR............................ 5

MANPOWER SURVEY CN AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY TO START................. 6

MORE LAND FOR TSING Yl DEVELOPMENT ............................. 6

FIGHT AGAINST MOSQUITOES INTENSIFIED ........................... 7

CLEARANCE WORK IN EULL SWING.................................... 8

ELECTRICITY SUB-STATION FOR KAI TAK............................. 8

BOAT SLIPWAY TO BE BUILT AT TAP SHEK KOK ....................... 9

PHONE SYSTEM FOR N.T. TRUNK ROAD .............................. 10

TENDERS CALLED FOR RUNNING RESTAURANT.......................... 10

PLB RESTRICTED ZONES........................................... 11

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1984

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VOLUNTEERS CONTINUE TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE * * * *

THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR-GENERAL DEREK BOORMAN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) HAD SET A GOOD EXAMPLE IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND IT WOULD CONTINUE TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN MAINTAINING STAB IL ITY.

HE TOLD THE VOLUNTEERS AFTER INSPECTING A PASSING-OUT PARADE IN THE REGIMENT’S HEADQUARTERS IN HAPPY VALLEY THAT THE REGIMENT’S ROLE + IS IMPORTANT AND WILL STAY THAT WAY* IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

♦IT IS MOST ESSENTIAL TO US TO HAVE YOU ALONGSIDE THE BRITISH GARRISON, GIVING WONDERFUL SUPPORT THAT YOU DO,* SAID MAJOR-GENERAL BOORMAN.

HE PRAISED THE VOLUNTEERS FOR GIVING UP THEIR OWN TIME

♦TO SERVE EACH OTHER, TO SERVE THE REGIMENT, AND TO SERVE HONG KONG.+

♦THIS IS THE BEST EXAMPLE THAT YOU CAN POSSIBLY OFFER EVERYONE ELSE IN THIS COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.

♦YOU HAVE A FUTURE,♦ SAID THE MAJOR-GENERAL, +AND I BELIEVE YOU WOULD DISCHARGE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY IN A MOST MARVELLOUS FASH I ON.♦

A TOTAL OF 82 RECRUITS TOOK PART IN THE PARADE. THIRTY-ONE OF THEM ARE WOMEN VOLUNTEERS WHO MAKE UP THE FIRST GROUP OF FEMALE RECRUITS IN THE REGIMENT SINCE THE WOMEN’S CORPS WAS DISBANDED IN 1967.

SELECTED FROM ABOUT 1 500 APPLICANTS, THEY JOINED THE REGIMENT IN NOVEMBER 1983 AND RECEIVED TRAINING OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS ON WEAPON HANDLING, SHOOTING, MAP READING, BATTLE CRAFT, RADIO OPERATION, FIRST AID AND DRILL.

THE 1 OOO-STRONG REGIMENT IS ESSENTIALLY A PART-TIME VOLUNTEER FORCE. OVER THE YEARS, IT HAS GEARED ITSELF PRINCIPALLY FOR INTERNAL SECURITY AND RECONNAISSANCE — A ROLE FOR WHICH ITS BILINGUAL MEMBERS ARE WELL SUITED, WITH THEIR SPECIAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE ENVIRONMENT, LOCAL CONDITIONS AND CUSTOMS.

FOUNDED MORE THAN A CENTURY AGO, THE VOLUNTEERS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AVAILABLE FOR INTERNAL DUTIES. UNITS OF THE REGIMENT WERE DEPLOYED DURING THE 1966 RIOTS AND IT WAS AGAIN CALLED OUT IN 1979 TO ASSIST THE CIVIL POWERS OVER THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA.

THE VOLUNTEERS HAVE ALSO BEEN DEPLOYED TO RELIEVE THE REGULAR ARMY ON THE BORDER. THEY WILL DO SO AGAIN THIS AUTUMN.

/AT TODAY’S .......

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1984

AT TODAY’S CEREMONY, THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES ALSO PRESENTED EFFICIENCY AWARDS TO SEVEN VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE SERVED IN THE REGIMENT FOR MORE THAN 12 YEARS.

EFFICIENCY DECORATION WAS GIVEN TO MAJOR FRANK DRAKE, AND THE FIRST CLASP TO EFFICIENCY MEDAL WAS AWARDED TO TROOPER CHAN SHU-SUM. WARRANT OFFICER I TONG TSUN-YUK, STAFF SERGEANT SHUM CHEE-WANG. CORPORAL TANG SIN-LEUNG, LANCE CORPORAL HUI YAU-HOI AND TROOPER YIP CHI—MING RECEIVED EFFICIENCY MEDALS.

THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT WILL LAUNCH A NEW RECRUITMENT FEMALE AND 80 MALE VOLUNTEERS. APPLICATION

DRIVE NEXT MONTH FOR 20 FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE

AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.

LABOUR FORCE

STATISTICS FOR JANUARY - MARCH * # # *

THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION REMAINED LARGELY STABLE, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT MARCH 1984 WAS FOUR PER CENT, THE SAME AS QUARTER ENDING IN FEBRUARY 1984.

RATE FOR JANUARY -THAT RECORDED FOR THE

THE

THAT FOR

RATE FOR OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1983 THE QUARTER ENDING IN MARCH 1983

WAS 4.1 PER CENT AND WAS 5.1 PER CENT.

THE

DECREASE OF 1.1 PERCENTAGE POINTS OVER THE YEAR WAS

STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT

0 - -

THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN THE QUARTER ENDING IN MARCH 1984 WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 102 000, COMPARED WITH 105 500 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING IN DECEMBER 1983, AND 127 300 FOR THE SAME QUARTER OF LAST YEAR.

THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR

TO BE 1.5 PER 1.4 PER CENT.

CENT WHILE THAT FOR THE DIFFERENCE WAS

JANUARY - MARCH 1984 WAS ESTIMATED

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1983 WAS NOT STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.

THE RATE

FOR JANUARY * MARCH

1983 WAS 2.5 PER CENT.

THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS WAS 37 800

FOR THE QUARTER ENDING IN MARCH 1984, COMPARED WITH 36 800 FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER ENDING IN DECEMBER 1983.

CONSISTENT WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION, PERSONS WHO WORKED LESS THAN 35 HOURS A WEEK WERE REGARDED AS UNDEREMPLOYED ONLY IF THEY WERE SEEKINb MORE WORK OR WERE NOT SEEKING MORE WORK BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED MORE WORK WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

/COMMENTING UPON

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1984

3 -

COMMENTING UPON THESE FIGURES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS SAID THAT BECAUSE THE PROPORTION OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS (E.G. PEOPLE WHO HAVE JUST LEFT SCHOOL) VARIES FROM MONTH TO MONTH, THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATES WHICH HAD BEEN SEASONALLY ADJUSTED FOR THE VARIATION IN FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS SHOULD BE USED IN MAKING COMPARISONS OVER TIME.

THE UNADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE QUARTER ENDING IN MARCH 1984 WAS ALSO FOUR PER CENT.

THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THIS SURVEY COVERS A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 15 OOO HOUSEHOLDS OR 55 000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LANDBASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG. PERSONAL AND LABOUR FORCE DATA WERE OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED.

DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR.

THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING IN MARCH 1984 WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE*GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AROUND JUNE 20, 1984.

- - - - 0 ----

GRANTS OFFERED FOR YOUTH PROJECTS

* * * X

YOUNG PEOPLE WISHING TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND TO BROADEN THEIR KNOWLEDGE MAY GET FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.

THE DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS FROM YOUTH GROUPS PLANNING ANY INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS IN THE NEXT ROUND OF THE +OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME*.

APPLICATION FORMS AND EXPLANATORY LEAFLETS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S SOCIAL WORK OFFICERS (YOUTH AND COMMUNITY).

DETAILED PROJECT PROPOSALS SHOULD REACH THEM BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.

A PARTICIPATING GROUP SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST SEVEN MEMBERS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 15 AND 25, AND SHOULD BE SPONSORED BY A SCHOOL, A YOUTH AGENCY OR A BUSINESS ORGANISATION.

GROUPS WITHOUT ANY SPONSORS MAY ALSO APPLY IF THEY ARE APPROVED BY THE SWD OFFICERS.

/EACH SUBMITTED........

SUNDAY, MA.Y 13, 1984

- 4 -

EACH SUBMITTED PROJECT WILL BE ASSESSED FOR ITS YOUTH INVOLVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNITY BENEFITS, FEASIBILITY, OPTIMUM USE OF RESOURCES AND INNOVATION.

AN APPROVED PROJECT MAY BE GIVEN A SUBSIDY OF UP TO $4 OOO

MORE THAN $85 000 WAS GRANTED TO 34 APPROVED PROJECTS IN THE PREVIOUS ROUND LAST YEAR, IN WHICH MORE THAN 1 200 YOUNG PEOPLE.TOOK PART.

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

INTELPOST TO BE EXTENDED TO AUSTRALIA *****

THE INTELPOST (INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONIC POST) SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO AUSTRALIA FROM MAY 21 (MONDAY), A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY), r

FROM THAT DAY, INTELPOST ITEMS POSTED IN HONG KONG BEFORE 1 PM WILL BE DELIVERED THE SAME DAY IN ANY MAJOR AUSTRALIAN CITY.

ITEMS FOR OTHER AREAS WILL BE DELIVERED ON THE NEXT WORKING DAY.

+THIS SERVICE IS IDEAL FOR SENDING URGENTLY NEEDED LETTERS, REPORTS, CHARTS OR CONTRACTS.

♦THE DOCUMENTS, WHICH ARE HANDLED WITH CARE AND CONFIDENTIALITY ARE SCANNED, CONVERTED INTO HIGH SPEED ELECTRONIC IMPULSES AND TRANSMITTED DIRECT TO THE RECEIVING STATION,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

IN AUSTRALIA THE COPY IS PLACED IN AN ENVELOPE AND DELIVERED TO THE ADDRESSEE BY POST OFFICE MESSENGER. ALTERNATIVELY ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE FOR COLLECTION FROM A POST OFFICE.

THE CHARGE FOR THE SERVICE TO AUSTRALIA WILL BE x

FOR THE FIRST SIDE OF AN A4 SHEET OF PAPER $55

FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT A4 SIDE TO THE SAME $25

ADDRESSEE AT THE SAME TIME

AT PRESENT, INTELPOST COVERS THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE UNITED STATES, FRANCE, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, THE NETHERLANDS AND SWEDEN.

THOSE WISHING TO USE THE SERVICE MAY POST THEIR DOCUMENTS AT EITHER THE GENERAL POST OFFICE OR THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AT 10 MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.

IF THEY HAVE FACSIMILE MACHINES, ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO TRANSMIT THEIR ITEMS DIRECT TO THE POST OFFICE INTELPOST TERMINAL IN THE GENERAL POST OFFICE.

FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE INTELPOST REPRESENTATIVE ON TELEPHONE 5-2671148.

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

/5 .....

* SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1984

- 5 -

RACE TO BE STAGED ON ISLAND CORRIDOR ******

A RACE AND A WALK WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 3 (SUNDAY) ALONG THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR’S CAUSEWAY BAY TO TAI KOO SHING SECTION WHICH WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FIVE DAYS LATER.

PEOPLE WHO ARE LIVING, WORKING OR STUDYING IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE TWO-HOUR EVENT, STARTING AT 2 PM.

THE TWO COMPETITIONS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SECTIONS OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS. IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE A SECTION FOR 20-MEMBER TEAMS.

THERE WILL BE A MAXIMUM OF 1 OOO PARTICIPANTS IN EACH COMPETITION, AND APPLICANTS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

PARTICIPANTS FOR THE THREE-KILOMETRE WALK WILL START FROM THE HING FAT STREET SECTION TO NORTH POINT ROAD SECTION AND BACK TO THE STARTING POINT.

RUNNERS FOR THE FIVE-KILOMETRE RACE WILL REACH THE HEALTHY STREET SECTION BEFORE RETURNING TO THE STARTING POINT AT HING FAT STREET.

A PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 4 PM IN THE VICTORIA PARK.

THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD, EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION, THE POLICE, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICE, AND THE AMATEUR ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION.

APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE RACE AND THE WALK CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE’S MAIN OFFICE IN KING’S ROAD, OR ITS THREE SUB-OFFICES IN CAUSEWAY BAY, SHAU KEI WAN AND CHAI WAN; THE EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION AT 664 KING’S ROAD; AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICE.

FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY DIALLING 5-637161 OR 5-641543.

0 --------

/’...........

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1984

MANPOWER SURVEY ON AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY TO START * * *

A SURVEY OF THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY’S LATEST MANPOWER SITUATION WILL BE HELD FROM MAY 23 TO JUNE 6 BY THE AUTOMOBILE REPAIRS AND SERVICING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC).

THE SURVEY WILL COVER ABOUT 800 EMPLOYERS, SELECTED BY RANDOM SAMPLING OUT OF SOME 2 000 GARAGES AND ESTABLISHMENTS.

♦EMPLOYERS ARE REQUESTED TO SUPPLY ACCURATE INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF WORKERS EMPLOYED, THE NUMBER OF WORKERS UNDER TRAINING, EXISTING VACANCIES AND A FORECAST OF MANPOWER NEEDED FOR NEXT YEAR,+ A VTC SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦MANPOWER INFORMATION IS VITAL FOR THE TRAINING BOARD IN FORMULATING TRAINING PLANS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE INDUSTRY,* HE ADDED.

QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY NOTES HAVE BEEN SENT OUT TO EMPLOYERS OVER THE PAST WEEK.

OFFICERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT THEM AND HELP THEM COMPLETE THE FORMS.

THE DATA COLLECTED WILL BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WILL BE RELEASED IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS.

THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT DATA PROCESSING AGENCY WILL ALSO ASSIST IN THE SURVEY.

- - 0 - -

MORE LAND FOR TSI NG Yl DEVELOPMENT * * *

A FURTHER 30 HECTARES OF LAND ARE TO BE FORMED AT TSI NG Yl ISLAND FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.

THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WHICH INVOLVES EXCAVATION AND FORMATION OF PLATFORMS WEST OF FUNG SHUE WO TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.

THESE WILL PROVIDE SITES FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR 12 000 PEOPLE AND A DISTRICT HOSPITAL.

SITES WILL ALSO BE FORMED TO THE EAST OF FUNG SHUE WO TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA FOR PHASE II OF TSI NG Yl ESTATE AND FOR A HOUSING SOCIETY ESTATE TO ACCOMMODATE 17 800 PEOPLE.

/THE EXCAVATED

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1984

- 7 -

THE EXCAVATED MATERIAL WILL BE USED TO RECLAIM LAND IN TSING Yl BAY ON WHICH TSING Yl TOWN CENTRE, A SPORTS GROUND AND A DISTRICT OPEN SPACE WILL BE BUILT.

IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE FILL FOR RECLAMATION WORKS IN MOON TSAI TONG TYPHOON SHELTER WHERE PHASES I I AND I I I OF CHEUNG ON ESTATE WILL BE CONSTRUCTED.

PHASE II OF CHEUNG ON ESTATE WILL TAKE IN ITS FIRST RESIDENTS IN DECEMBER, 1988, WHILE PHASE III WILL BE COMPLETED IN MAY, 1989.

THESE ESTATES WILL PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR A TOTAL OF 3D OOO PEOPLE.

WORK WILL COMMENCE IN AUGUST AND TAKE 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

0-------

FIGHT AGAINST MOSQUITOES INTENSIFIED * * *

THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO HELP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST MOSQUITOES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY URGED PEOPLE WHO COME ACROSS MOSQUITO NUISANCE OF ANY KIND, TO REPORT THIS TO THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICE.

HE ESPECIALLY ASKED OWNERS OF FARM LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO CO-OPERATE WITH NTSD PEST CONTROL OFFICERS ENGAGED IN ANTI-MALARIA OPERATIONS.

IN SOME CASES, HE EXPLAINED, IT MIGHT BE NECESSARY FOR OFFICERS TO DIG DITCHES AT IRRIGATION SYSTEMS AND AT THE BANKS OF UNUSED FARM LAND TO FACILITATE THE FREE FLOW OF WATER.

HE SAID THE ANT I-MALAR IA WORK IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAD BEEN INTENSIFIED SINCE LAST MONTH, AND SPECIAL ATTENTION WAS BEING GIVEN TO SAI KUNG WHERE A NUMBER OF MALARIA CASES HAD BEEN REPORTED IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS.

SAI KUNG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ANTI-MALARIA TEAMS WERE MAKING DAILY VISITS TO VARIOUS LOCATIONS AT TUN CHEUNG, PAK KONG, KAP PIN LONG, NAM SHAN, AND LUNG MEI, HE SAID.

THE TEAMS CONSTANTLY MOVE INTO REMOTE AREAS AND HILLS TO CARRY OUT THEIR DUTIES, HE SAID.

IN ADDITION TO SPRAYING EQU IPMENT, THE TEAMS USE GRASS CUTTING AND ROCK REMOVAL IMPLEMENTS TO REMOVE VEGETATION, TRIM STREAM COURSES AND REMOVE ROCKS THAT BLOCK WATER FLOW.

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

/8........

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1984

- 8 -

CLEARANCE WORK IN FULL SWING

* * *

FORTY-SEVEN ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE CLEARED IN A TWO-DAY OPERATION STARTING ON TUESDAY (MAY 15).

MOST OF THE STRUCTURES, WHICH ARE SITUATED ON THE REAR LANES AND PAVEMENT OF TING ON STREET IN TING HONG AREA, HAVE BEEN USED FOR COMMERCIAL OR STORAGE PURPOSES.

THE CLEARANCE IS PART OF A MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME - NAMED ’OPERATION FAR FLING’ - INITIATED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE LAST DECEMBER WITH FULL SUPPORT FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.

SO FAR, 118 ILLEGAL BACK-LANE STRUCTURES HAVE BEEN CLEARED IN KWUN TONG TOWN CENTRE AND TING HONG AREA, AND ANOTHER 160 STRUCTURES ARE TO BE CLEARED BETWEEN JUNE AND DECEMBER THIS YEAR.

ALTOGETHER 1 100 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN KWUN TONG ARE EXPECTED TO BE CLEARED WITHIN THREE YEARS.

THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD IS SPENDING $200 000 EACH YEAR ON THE ’FAR FLING* ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME.

CO-ORDINATED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT OFFICE, THE TWO-DAY OPERATION WILL BE JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE POLICE, HIGHWAYS OFFICE, HOUSING, LANDS, FIRE SERVICES, CITY SERVICES, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE CLEARANCE OPERATION SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT 9.30 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 15) OUTSIDE THE NGAU TAU KOK CLINIC OPPOSITE TO NOS. 25-67 TING ON STREET, TING HONG AREA IN KWUN TONG.

--------0 -

ELECTRICITY SUB-STATION FOR KAI TAK * * *

A NEW ELECTRICITY SUB-STATION IS TO BE BUILT AT KAI TAK AS PART OF THE AIRPORT’S EXPANSION PROGRAMME.

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

THE SUB-STATION WILL REPLACE TWO EXISTING SUB-STATIONS WHICH ARE DUE TO BE DEMOLISHED NEXT YEAR.

/it will ......

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1984

- 9 -

IT WILL CONTAIN A TRANSFORMER ROOM, A SWITCH ROOM, A CONTROL ROOM, TWO CARBON DIOXIDE ROOMS, CABLE DUCTS AND A GENERATOR ROOM FOR HOLDING TWO GAS TURBINE GENERATORS.

THE GENERATORS ARE TO SUPPLY STANDBY POWER TO THE AIRPORT.

CONSTRUCTION OF AN UNDERGROUND AVIATION FUEL TANK WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE CONTRACT.

THE PROJECT, WHICH WILL START IN JUNE AND BE COMPLETED IN FIVE MONTHS, IS PART OF THE AIRPORT’S STAGE V DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

IT IS ESTIMATED THAT EXISTING HANDLING CAPACITY OF THE PASSENGER TERMINAL WILL INCREASE BY MORE THAN 50 PER CENT WHEN THE EXPANSION PROGRAMME IS FINISHED BY 1987.

AN $8.3 MILLION CONTRACT FOR INSTALLING THE TWO GAS TURBINE GENERATORS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT IN THE SUB-STATION WAS AWARDED BY THE GOVERNMENT LAST MONTH.

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

BOAT SLIPWAY TO BE BUILT AT TAP SHEK KOK * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO LEASE BY PRIVATE TREATY GRANT A 376-SQUARE-METRE AREA OF SEA BED AT TAP SHEK KOK, TUEN MUN, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BOAT SLIPWAY.

IT WILL BE USED BY CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LTD IN CONNECTION WITH ITS POLLUTION CONTROL ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA.

THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE WILL HAVE RIGHT OF ACCESS TO THE SLIPWAY IF THERE IS A POLLUTION EMERGENCY.

THE EXTENT OF THE AFFECTED AREA IS DESCRIBED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

THE NOTICE CAN BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG- AND AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TUEN MUN.

THE NOTICE, TOGETHER WITH A PLAN, HAS ALSO BEEN POSTED ON BOARDS NEAR THE SITE.

OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL OR CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION SHOULD BE MADE IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.

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

/10 .......

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1984

- 10 -

PHONE SYSTEM FOR N.T. TRUNK ROAD XXX

AN EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTEM IS TO BE INSTALLED ALONG THE SHA TIN TO NORTH TAI PO SECTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES TRUNK ROAD.

FIFTY TELEPHONE SETS WILL BE INSTALLED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HIGHWAY, ALL DIRECTLY CONNECTED TO SHEUNG SHU I POLICE STATION - TO PROVIDE DRIVERS WITH A QUICK MEANS TO CALL FOR POLICE HELP.

THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO START TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR.

THE SHA TIN TO NORTH TAI PO SECTION IS OF DUAL THREE-LANE STANDARD AND IS BEING BUILT ON A RECLAIMED EMBANKMENT ALONGSIDE THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY TRACKS.

IT IS CONNECTED TO EXISTING ROADS AT EACH END BY GRADESEPARATED INTERCHANGES.

IT IS DUE TO OPEN IN TWO STAGES IN APRIL AND JUNE NEXT YEAR.

---0------

TENDERS CALLED FOR RUNNING RESTAURANT * * * * * *

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE OPERATION OF A GENERAL RESTAURANT AT THE NORTH KWAI CHUNG JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL, WHICH WILL SOON BE READY.

THE SWIMMING POOL IS LOCATED IN A MODERN SPORTING AND RECREATIONAL CENTRE NEXT TO THE EXISTING WO Yl HOP ROAD SPORTS GROUND. A NEW INDOOR GAMES HALL IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION NEARBY.

THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER MAY START BUSINESS ON AUGUST 1 ON A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.

TENDER FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE KWAI CHUNG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON THE NINTH FLOOR OF KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG.

COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE PLACED INTO THE TENDER BOX SITUATED AT THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE (AUSTIN CENTRE), 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI, BEFORE 9 AM ON JUNE 1 (FRIDAY).

FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE KWAI CHUNG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON TELEPHONE 0-209204.

----0------

/11 .....

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 1984

- 11 -

PLB RESTRICTED ZONES * * *

FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 15), THE FOLLOWING ROADS WILL BE DESIGNATED PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY:

* THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD BETWEEN TAI NAN WEST STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 200 METRES TO THE EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI NAN WEST STREET.

* CHEUNG LAI STREET BETWEEN CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AND CHEUNG SHUN STREET.

WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

WEAK

HIGH

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

MONDAY, MAY

CONTENTS

GROUNDS FOR RESTRAINTS ON HK WATCHES ....................

PASS RATE IN LICENTIATE EXAM ............................

PEOPLE REHOUSED .........................................

HAWKER STALLS GET ELECTRICITY SUPPLY .........................

NEW NUMBER FOR HOT-LINE SERVICE ..............................

REPORT ON ENERGY STATISTICS OUT ..............................

DB TO DISCUSS TAXI REVIEW ....................................

86-MILLION FIRE STATION FOR KOWLOON BAY ......................

NEW BOOKLET ON CLEANSING SERVICES IN NT ......................

SEMINARS FOR BIOLOGY PANEL CHAIRMEN ..........................

SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE DEAF .............................

NEW REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AT NORTH POINT ...................

TRAFFIC MEASURES TO FACILITATE MaINS WORKS ...................

WATER FIGURE .................................................

LEAKAGE TEST IN TAI HANG .....................................

14, 1984

PAGE NO.

Monday, may 14, 1984

- 1

WEAK GROUNDS FOR RESTRAINTS ON HK WATCHES * * * *

HONG KONG IS NOT HAPPY WITH THE CONTINUED IMPORT RESTRAINTS IMPOSED BY FRANCE ON HONG KONG QUARTZ WATCHES.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, W HAMISH MACLEOD, WHEN HE OPENED THE THIRD HONG KONG WATCH AND CLOCK FAIR.

MR MACLEOD SAID THAT THE RECENT DECISION BY THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY COMMISSION TO AUTHORISE FRANCE TO INTRODUCE A TEMPORARY QUOTA ON IMPORTS OF DIGITAL QUARTZ WATCHES ^REPRESENTS AN IMPROVEMENT ON THE PREVIOUS IMPROPER AND DISCRIMINATORY RESTRICTIONS MAINTAINED BY FRANCE AGAINST HONG KONG SINCE 1981.+

IT SOUGHT TO BRING THE FRENCH MEASURE IN LINE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE.

♦HOWEVER, WE CANNOT BE EXPECTED TO BE HAPPY ABOUT THE CONTINUATION OF RESTRAINTS FOR WHICH THERE ARE SUCH WEAK LOGICAL GROUNDS,♦ HE SAID.

DESPITE SUCH PROBLEMS, MR MACLEOD EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT HONG KONG’S WATCH AND CLOCK INDUSTRY, WITH ITS ENTERPRISE, SKILL AND HARD WORK, WOULD BE ABLE TO CONTINUE WITH ITS HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT.

♦HAVING ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS ONE OF THE MOST FORMIDABLE SUPPLIERS OF WATCHES IN THE WORLD, BOTH IN QUANTITY AND VALUE TERMS, I AM CERTAIN THAT WE CAN MAINTAIN AND CONSOLIDATE THAT POSITION, WITH THE INJECTION OF MORE INVESTMENTS IN EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY,♦ HE ADDED.

IN QUANTITY, HONG KONG HAS BEEN THE WORLD’S LARGEST EXPORTER OF WATCHES SINCE 1978. IN 1982, HONG KONG OVERTOOK JAPAN AS THE WORLD’S SECOND LARGEST EXPORTER OF WATCHES BY VALUE AFTER SWITZERLAND.

0 -

MONDAY, MAY 14, 1984

HIGH PASS RATE IN LICENTIATE EXAM

* X * *

THE LICENTIATE COMMITTEE OF THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT 112 CANDIDATES HAD PASSED THE PART II (ENGLISH FOR PROFESSIONAL USE PAPER) OF THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION FOR UNREG I STRABLE DOCTORS.

THE 1984 PART II EXAMINATION WAS HELD TWICE, IN MARCH AND MAY, GIVING CANDIDATES A CHOICE OF EXAMINATION DATES. IT ALSO GAVE A SECOND CHANCE FOR THOSE FAILING IN THE FIRST EXAMINATION TO TAKE THIS PART OF THE EXAMINATION IN THE SAME YEAR.

EIGHTY-TWO OUT OF 108 CANDIDATES PASSED THE EXAMINATION IN MARCH, AND 30 OUT OF 47 CANDIDATES (INCLUDING 25 WHO FAILED IN MARCH) PASSED IT IN MAY, GIVING A PASS RATE OF 86 PER CENT.

ALL THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED THE PART II EXAMINATION THIS YEAR ARE ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE PART III EXAMINATION SCHEDULED FOR JULY THIS YEAR.

THE PART III LICENTIATE EXAMINATION IS AN ORAL EXAMINATION ON CANDIDATES’ ABILITY TO APPLY PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE TO CLINICAL PROBLEMS. EACH CANDIDATE WILL BE GIVEN A 30-MINUTE EXAMINATION IN EACH OF THE THREE DISCIPLINES OF MEDICINE, SURGERY AND OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY.

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

MORE PEOPLE REHOUSED X * * X

MORE THAN 64 200 PEOPLE DISPLACED BY NATURAL DISASTERS AND DEVELOPMENT CLEARANCES WERE REHOUSED IN 1983-84.

+0F THEM, 36 500 PEOPLE WERE ALLOCATED ESTATE FLATS AND THE REST, TEMPORARY HOUSING,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT SAID’TODAY (MONDAY).

HE SAID THIS REFLECTED THE DEPARTMENT’S CONTINUOUS HEAVY COMMITMENT TO REHOUSE THOSE RENDERED HOMELESS.

♦MOST OF THE PEOPLE, TOTALLING 52 263, REHOUSED LAST YEAR WERE FROM DEVELOPMENT CLEARANCES.

+ALTOGETHER 179 CLEARANCES WERE CARRIED OUT TO MAKE WAY FOR PERMANENT DEVELOPMENT, MAINLY FOP PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS.*

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEVELOPMENT CLEARANCE PROGRAMME PROVIDED SITES FOR NEW PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS TO MAINTAIN A HIGH LEVEL OF PRODUCTION WHICH HAD NOW EXCEEDED AN ANNUAL TARGET OF 35 000 FLATS FOR THE FOURTH SUCCESSIVE YEAR.

♦OF The REMAINING 12 000 PEOPLE REHOUSED DURING ThE YEAR, 11 000 WERE FROM EMERGENCY EVENTS OF SQUATTER FIRES AND LANDSLIPS, AS WELL AS FROM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS.+

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

/3.......

MONDAY, MAY 14, 1984

HAWKER STALLS GET ELECTRICITY SUPPLY * * * *

THE 205 LICENSED STALLS IN THE FIRST SECTION OF TUNG CHOI STREET HAWKER PERMITTED PLACE WILL HAVE PROPER ELECTRICITY SUPPLY FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

THE HAWKER PERMITTED PLACE, STRETCHING FROM ARGYLE STREET IN THE NORTH TO DUNDAS STREET IN THE SOUTH, IS DIVIDED INTO FOUR SECTIONS WITH A TOTAL OF 738 HAWKER STALLS.

WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, HAWKERS IN THE FIRST TWO SECTIONS HAVE FORMED THEMSELVES INTO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND JOINED THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY SCHEME PROPOSED BY THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LIMITED.

♦HAWKER STALLS IN THE SECOND SECTION WILL BE SUPPLIED WITH PROPER ELECTRICITY LATER THIS YEAR,+ A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1981, THE HAWKER PERMITTED PLACE HAD BEEN A SUBJECT OF FREQUENT COMPLAINT FROM THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY SHOP OPERATORS AND RESIDENTS IN THE AREA.

THE COMPLAINTS WERE MAINLY ABOUT OBSTRUCTION ON THE PAVEMENT AND THE CARRIAGEWAY, THE HEIGHT OF THE STALLS, ILLEGAL TAPPING OF ELECTRICITY, LITTERING AND NOISE POLLUTION.

♦THESE HAVE BEEN BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE LOCAL DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT,+ HE SAID.

TOMORROW, A SWITCH-ON CEREMONY WILL BE PERFORMED BY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MR CLEMENT TAO, MR CHAN CHAI-KEUNG AND MR CHOw CHUN-FAI.

UNDER THE HAWKER PERMITTED PLACE SCHEME, EACH HAWKER WAS ISSUED WITH A FIXED-PITCH LICENCE AND ALLOCATED A STALL OF 1.1 SQUARE PETRES.

THE OPERATING HOURS ARE BETWEEN 12 NOON AND 11 PM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY OF THE FIRST SECTION OF THE TUNG CHOI STREET HAWKER PERMITTED PLACE AT 3 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) ON THE CARRIAGEWAY AT THE JUNCTION OF TUNG CHOI STREET AND NELSON STREET.

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

MAY 14, 1984

- 4 -

NEW NUMBER FOR HOT-LINE SERVICE * * * *

A DIRECT TELEPHONE LINE HAS BEEN INSTALLED AT CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL TO HANDLE THE HOT-LINE SERVICE FOR MENTAL PATIENTS.

FROM MAY 16, THE NEW NUMBER TO CALL IS 0-867350 WHICH WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING TELEPHONE NUMBER 3-7541111, PAGING NUMBER 8537.

THE 24-HOUR HOTLINE SERVICE WAS INTRODUCED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ON APRIL 24 TO OFFER ADVICE TO PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS OR THEIR FAMILIES ON PSYCHIATRIC PROBLEMS.

A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE CHANGE FROM THE PAGING SYSTEM TO A DIRECT TELEPHONE LINE IS DESIGNED FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THOSE USING THE SERVICE.

THE SERVICE, TO RUN FOR ONE YEAR ON A TRIAL BASIS, IS ONLY ADVISORY IN NATURE AND IS NOT EQUIVALENT TO PROPER PSYCHIATRIC CONSULTATIONS.

THE HOT LINE IS MANNED 24 HOURS A DAY BY PSYCHIATRIC STAFF OF THE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE.

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

REPORT ON ENERGY STATISTICS OUT * * * X

A STATISTICAL REPORT ENTITLED +HONG KONG ENERGY STATISTICS, 1973-1983+ HAS BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE REPORT PROVIDES AN OVERALL VIEW OF THE GROWTH OF ENERGY REQUIREMENTS OVER THE PERIOD OF 1973 TO 1983.

IT CONTAINS 18 TABLES WITH EXTENSIVE INFORMATION ON THE IMPORTS, PRICES, SALES AND STORAGE OF OIL PRODUCTS? THE CONSUMPTION, PRODUCTION AND TARIFF CHARGES FOR ELECTRICITY AND GAS; AS WELL AS STATISTICS ON THE IMPORTS OF COAL AND CHARCOAL.

ENERGY STATISTICS PUBLISHED ELSEWHERE, SUCH AS FUEL IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS, AND THE CONSUMPTION OF ELECTRICITY AND GAS FROM THE MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS, ARE ALSO PRESENTED IN THE REPORT.

THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT $7 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE.

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

/5 .......

MONDAY, MAY 14, 1984

- 5 -

NOTE TO EDITORS :

DB TO DISCUSS TAXI REVIEW

* X * * X

THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE SOUTHERN DI STR IC BOARD WILL HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 16) TO DISCUSS THE 1983 TAXI REVIEW.

THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF MEI FUNG COURT, IN ABERDEEN CENTRE.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE MEETING.

S6-MILLI0N FIRE STATION FOR KOWLOON BAY

X X * X

A FIRE STATION COSTING $6 MILLION WILL BE BUILT ON A 3 000-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT KOWLOON BAY.

A CONTRACT HAS RECENTLY BEEN AWARDED TO YIU WING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD. BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

THE FIRE STATION WILL HAVE AN APPLIANCE ROOM FOR 10 ENGINES, DUTY AND SERVICE ROOMS, A COMMUNICATIONS ROOM, OFFICES, LECTURE ROOMS, A CANTEEN, A RECREATION ROOM AND BARRACKS.

A 1 500-SQUARE-METRE DRILL YARD AND DRILL TOWER WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.

THE THREE-STOREY STATION WILL COVER EAST KOWLOON, PARTICULARLY KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION.

WORK WILL START TOWARDS THE END OF THIS MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN 10 MONTHS.

-----0

/6........

MONDAY, MAY 14, 1984 ’

NEW BOOKLET ON CLEANSING SERVICES IN NT

*****

A BOOKLET OUTL I N^N^SlE CLEANSING SERVICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AS WELL AS THE ANTI-LITTER LAWS HAS JUST BEEN PUBLISHED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC.

PRINTED IN THE ENGLISH AND CHINESE EDITIONS, THE EIGHT-PAGE BOOKLET IS A JOINT PROJECT OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG NEW TERRITORIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

THE BOOKLET TELLS OF HOW CLEANSING SERVICES ARE CARRIED OUT FOR MORE THAN 1.5 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THESE SERVICES INCLUDE REFUSE COLLECTION, STREET CLEANING, NIGHTSOIL COLLECTION AND DESLUDGING OF SEPTIC TANKS.

THERE ARE MORE THAN 10 000 LITTER CONTAINERS AND 2 000 REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS PROVIDED THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE BOOKLET ALSO LISTS 23 LITTER OFFENCES AND THEIR MAXIMUM FINES UNDER THE PUBLIC CLEANSING AND PREVENTION OF NUISANCES (NEW TERRITORIES) REGULATIONS OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE.

THE LITTER COMPLAINT HOTLINE, 0-445555, AND THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF ALL URBAN SERVICES OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE LISTED FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC.

FREE COPIES OF THE BOOKLET ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND URBAN SERVICES OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

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

SEMINARS FOR BIOLOGY PANEL CHAIRMEN

* * * *

FOUR SEMINARS ON +THE ROLE OF A BIOLOGY PANEL CHAIRMAN+ WILL BE HELD BETWEEN JULY AND SEPTEMBER BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED AT THE SEMINARS WILL INCLUDE ACQUISITION OF BIOLOGY EQUIPMENT AND RESOURCE MATERIALS, LABORATORY SAFETY AND MANAGEMENT, AND THE TECHNIQUE AND ROLE OF ASSESSMENT IN THE CLASSROOM.

THE SEMINARS WILL BE HELD ON JULY 11 AND 12 AND SEPTEMBER 20 AND 21, AT THE DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE TEACHING CENTRES AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG.

AS THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS FOR EACH SEMINAR WILL BE LIMITED TO 30, APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

HEADS OF SCHOOLS WHO WISH TO NOMINATE THEIR BIOLOGY TEACHERS TO ATTEND SHOULD SEND THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (BIOLOGY), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG, BY MAY 26.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE WITH THE BIOLOGY SECTION AT 5-8392464 OR 5-8392462.

MONDAY, MAY 14, 1984

- 7 -

SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE DEAF * * *

A SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE DEAF WILL BE HELD NEXT MONTH.

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORES SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG SPORTS ASSOCIATION FOR THE DEAF, THE MATCHES WILL BE STAGED AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE IN SHA TIN. ।

EIGHT TEAMS ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN KNOCK-OUT ROUNDS, STARTING ON JUNE 6, WITH FURTHER MATCHES TO BE PLAYED ON JUNE 17 AND 24.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE SAID THE CHAMPIONSHIP IS THE FIRST BEING CO-ORGANISED WITH THE HONG KONG SPORTS ASSOCIATION FOR THE DEAF.

+THE AIM IS TO TRY OUT THE DEAF PLAYERS AND PICK THOSE WITH POTENTIAL FOR FURTHER TRAINING.

+IN DECEMBER AN INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT WILL BE HELD AND THOSE SELECTED FOR TRAINING WILL REPRESENT HONG KONG,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID. ’

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

NEW REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AT NORTH POINT * * *

A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT WILL BE BUILT ON A 165“SQUARE-METRt SITE AT MANSION STREET, NORTH POINT.

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY AWARDED A $500 000 CONTRACT TO TAI KONG CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD.

THE PROJECT INVOLVES DEMOLITION OF AN EXISTING OFF-STREET REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AND CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE-STOREY REINFORCED CONCRETE ONE IN ITS PLACE.

FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A REFUSE COLLECTION AREA, LOADING BAYS, TOILETS, AN OFFICE AND A STOREROOM.

WORK WILL START TOWARDS THE END OF THIS MONTH AND TAKE SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

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

{ /«...........................................................

MONDAY, MAY 14, 1?84

8 -

TRAFFIC MEASURES TO FACILITATE MAINS WORKS K K # K

FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 16), EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON AUSTIN ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY PROHIBITED FROM TURNING RIGHT INTO PINE TREE HILL ROAD SOUTHBOUND TO FACILITATE THE LAYING OF WATER MAINS.

THE ARRANGEMENT WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS.

TRAFFIC ON AUSTIN ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR PINE TREE HILL ROAD AND HILLWOOD ROAD AREAS WILL BE DIVERTED VIA AUSTIN ROAD, CHEONG WAN ROAD, HONG TAI PATH, HONG WING PATH, HONG TAT PATH, CHEONG WAN ROAD AND AUSTIN ROAD.

- - - - 0 -

WATER FIGURE

* *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 67.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 397.348 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 441.938 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 75.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

0------

LEAKAGE TEST IN TAI HANG * * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TAI HANG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 17) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY TAI HANG DRIVE, HOUSE NOS. 13-111 ALONG TAI HANG ROAD, FUK KWAN AVENUE AND LAI TAK TSUEN.

- - - - 0------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, MAY

CONTENTS

LEGCO TO HEAP ABOUT GOVERNMENT INTENTIONS ON LOCAL ADMINISTRATION ...............................................

PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS GET HIGH RECOGNITION: TSAO ...............

PARLIAMENT DEBATE ON HK TO BE BROADCAST LIVE .................

BOARD TO DISCUSS DISTRICT FACILITIES ........................

WIDE-RANGING ACTIVITIES TO CELEBRATE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY ........

U.S. WITHDRAWS ’CALL’ ON 'CATEGORY 637' ......................

NEED FOR CARE IN STACKING GOODS STRESSED .....................

HEALTH PROMOTION FORTNIGHT IN MONG KOK .......................

PRICE INDEXES PUBLISHED ......................................

CONTRACT AWARDED FOR TUEN MUN DEVELOPMENT ....................

KOWLOON PARK TO GET MORE FACILITIES ..........................

NEW TRAFFIC PLAN FOR SAI WAN HO ..............................

15, 1984

PAGE NO.

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1984

LEGCO TO HEAR ABOUT GOVERNMENT INTENTIONS ON LOCAL ADMINISTRATION

* * * *

THE GOVERNMENT'S INTENTIONS ON THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S SYSTEM OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATION, AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT PUBLIC COMMENTS, WILL BE MADE KNOWN IN A STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DENIS BRAY, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW.

THE PROPOSALS HAD BEEN ANNOUNCED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, IN A STATEMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING ON FEBRUARY 15.

SIR PHILIP HAD SAID AT THAT TIME THAT THE STATEMENT HAD BEEN MADE +IN ORDER TO EXPLAIN THE STATE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S THINKING AS REGARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR SYSTEM OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATION.*

+THE OBJECTIVE OF THE PROPOSALS WILL BE, I HOPE, SELF-EVIDENT: IT IS TO CREATE MORE EVEN AND SYMMETRICAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WHOLE OF HONG KONG AND TO BRING ABOUT A GREATER DEGREE OF DIRECT PARTICIPATION IN THE RUNNING OF OUR INCREASINGLY COMPLEX SOCIETY.

♦I AM SURE THERE WILL BE A POSITIVE RESPONSE TO THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT THIS WILL PRESENT FOR THOSE ANXIOUS TO TAKE PART IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT DISTRICT AND REGIONAL LEVEL,+ SIR PHILIP HAD SAID.

IN MAKING HIS STATEMENT, SIR PHILIP HAD ALSO EMPHASISED THAT PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSALS WOULD BE WELCOMED AND THE FURTHER ADVICE OF DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE ADVICE OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, WOULD BE SOUGHT, AS WOULD THE VIEWS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL.

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ALSO BE DEALING TOMORROW WITH 16 BILLS, AS WELL AS NINE QUESTIONS.

THE QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED BY UNOFFICIALS WILL DEAL WITH SUCH MATTERS AS THE SUPERVISION OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, ADVERTISEMENTS OFFERING ADVICE ON EMIGRATION MATTERS, THE SAFETY IN OCEAN PARK’S +WATER WORLD*, SPEED LIMITS, GAMBLING POLICY, THE PREVENTION OF HEPATITIS B, AND EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND MEDICAL TREATMENT OF INFANTS.

THE NINE BILLS DUE FOR THEIR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS ARE:

X LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, MAKING FURTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE AS PART OF THE PROCESS OF CONTINUOUS REVIEW;

* LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, GIVING THE TRIBUNAL THE POWER TO RECEIVE AND HEAR EVIDENCE ON REVIEW;

/* JUDICIAL SERVICE........

ruESDAY, 24AY b, 1964

JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, TO CORRECT CERTAIN INACCURACIES IN THE TEXT OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE;

STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, TO ENABLE THE DISTRICT COURT TO CALL UPON THE EXPERTISE OF THE LANDS TRIBUNAL IN DECIDING IN STAMP DUTY APPEALS;

STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE CONSEQUENT UPON THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE

1984, TO AMEND THE THE ENACTMENT OF 1984;

MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, TO ENABLE THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS RELATING TO RATINGS EMPLOYED ON BOARD SHIP;

IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1984, TO EXTEND THE POWERS OF IMMIGRATION ASSISTANTS AND CUSTOMS OFFICERS AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE MAKING OF A REMOVAL ORDER;

BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, TO ENABLE THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ^OR REFUSE STORAGE CHAMBERS IN BUILDINGS IN ADDITION TO REFUSE CHUTES;

NO. 2) BILL 1984, TO AMEND THE CONSEQUENCE OF AMENDMENTS TO

EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) ( PR INC IPAL ORDINANCE AS A THE HOL IDAYS ORDINANCE.

DUE FOR COMMITTEE STAGE AND

FINAL READING ARE:

DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES

(AMENDMENT) BILL 1984;

MONEY-LENDERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984;

IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984;

MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984;

SMOKING (PUBLIC HEALTH) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984;

APPRENTICESHIP (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984; AND

CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL (PASSAGE TAX) BILL 1984.

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1984

- 3 -

PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS GET HIGH RECOGNITION! TSAO X * *

RESEARCH SHOWS THAT GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGNS ON ISSUES OF PUBLIC INTEREST ENJOY HIGH RATES OF PUBLIC RECOGNITION, WITH NO ONE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE EXTENT OF THE PUBLICITY, THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MR PETER TSAO, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

MR TSAO SAID THAT THE EXCEPTION WAS THE OCCASIONAL TELEVISION CRITIC OR THE ODD ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE WHO ENVIED THE GOVERNMENT’S EXPOSURE BUT THOUGHT HE SHOULD BE EMPLOYED TO CARRY OUT THE WORK.

♦IT DOESN’T WORRY ME THAT THE PUBLICITY DIVISION (OF THE GIS) SELDOM MERITS A MENTION IN THE NEWS COLUMNS. IT WOULD WORRY ME IF THE PUBLIC WERE SIMPLY OBLIVIOUS OF, OR INDIFFERENT TO, THE WORK WE PRODUCE,* MR TSAO SAID IN AN ADDRESS AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE CITY LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG.

THE DIVISION IS RUNNING EIGHT MAJOR CAMPAIGNS THIS YEAR, COVERING CRIME PREVENTION, ROAD SAFETY, FIRE PREVENTION, GAS SAFETY, NARCOTICS PREVENTION, DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, NEW ROAD TRAFFIC LEGISLATION AND THE ISSUE OF NEW IDENTITY CARDS.

♦NOTICE THE RECURRENCE OF THE WORDS ’PREVENTION’ AND ’SAFETY’, WHICH RELATE TO FIVE OUT OF THE EIGHT. THEY INDICATE GOVERNMENT’S PRIMARY CONCERN FOR THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF OUR CITIZEN — AND WHY THE PUBLIC READILY ACCEPTS AND WILLINGLY RESPONDS TO THE BASIC THEMES WE ARE TRYING TO PUT ACROSS.

♦THE FACT THAT WE ARE RUNNING NO MORE THAN EIGHT MAJOR CAMPAIGNS IS DUE NOT SO MUCH TO LACK OF FUNDS OR MANPOWER — ALTHOUGH THERE ARE OBVIOUS LIMITATIONS IN THESE REGARDS — AS TO THE FACT THAT WE ARE ANXIOUS TO AVOID OVERLOADING THE h£DIA,+ HE SAID.

MR TSAO SAID THAT SOME OF THE FREE AIR TIME PLACED AT THE GOVERNMENT’S DISPOSAL BY THE TELEVISION STATIONS AT NO COST — UNDER THE LICENSING CONDITIONS - WAS TAKEN UP BY THE GIS FOR 3O-SECOND COMMERCIALS.

THESE COMMERCIALS ARE KNOWN AS APIS, AN ACRONYM FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST.

MR JUSTICE POWER, WHO CHAIRS THE BROADCASTING REVIEW BOARD, RECENTLY OPINED THAT APIS STAND FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, RATHER THAN OF PUBLIC INTEREST, HE SAID.

♦AND I HEARTILY AGREE THAT IS A MORE ACCURATE DESCRIPTION. BUT THE KEY WORD IS INTEREST, FOR THIS IS PRECISELY THE RESPONSE THAT WE ARE ENDEAVOURING TO ENGAGE.

♦WHETHER THEY ARE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, OR MERELY OF PUBLIC INTEREST, IS ENTIRELY IRRELEVANT IF, IN THE END, THE ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE NOT TO THEMSELVES SUFFICIENTLY INTERESTING,* MR TSAO STATED.

/he pointed........

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1984

4 -

HE POINTED OUT THAT ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING THINGS IN THE VOLATILE AND DYNAMIC SOCIETY OF HONG KONG WAS THAT PEOPLE HAD TO COMPETE.

M HAVE LONG BELIEVED THAT THERE IS NO HEALTHIER INDICATOR FOR THE PULSE OF THIS SOCIETY THAN THE STANDARDS OF OUR COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING. THEY ARE REALLY EXCELLENT; ON A PAR WITH THE BEST YOU WILL SEE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.

+THEY CAPTURE, IN THEIR CRISPNESS, THEIR VISUAL IMPACT AND THE SPEED OF THEIR DELIVERY, THE ESSENCE OF THIS FAST-MOVING SOCIETY, WHICH HAS NO TIME TO WASTE ON THE INDIFFERENT AND THE MEDIOCRE.

+SO WE IN GIS, WITH THE MUCH SMALLER BUDGETS AT OUR DISPOSAL THAN THOSE COMMANDED BY COMMERCIAL ADVERTISERS, HAVE A TOUGH TIME TO COMMUNICATE IN THE ALL-IMPORTANT TELEVISION MEDIA,+ MR TSAO SAID

HE ADDED THAT WHILE GOVERNMENT COMMERCIALS LACKED THE GLAMOUR AND SOPHISTICATION OF THOSE EXPENSIVELY PRODUCED ADVERTISEMENTS OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THERE WERE THREE POINTS IN THE GOVERNMENT’S FAVOUR:

* THE GOVERNMENT IS DEALING IN REALITY, RATHER THAN ILLUSION,

* IT IS SELLING IDEA'S RATHER THAN PRODUCTS, AND

* IT TOUCHES ON MATTERS OF LOGIC AND COMMON SENSE, APPEALING TO THE CONSCIENCE OF THE VIEWER RATHER THAN HIS RAW CONSUMER INSTINCT.

+OUR APIS MAY BE PLAIN, BUT THEY ARE DIFFERENT. THEY ACHIEVE A HIGH DEGREE OF VIEWER RECALL BECAUSE THEY SEEK SOMETHING OTHER THAN THE GRATIFICATION OF THE SENSES,+ MR TSAO POINTED OUT.

NOTING THAT ONE DANGER WITH CAMPAIGNS WAS THE POSSIBILITY OF THEIR BEING BORING, HE STRESSED, +AND THAT, I AM DETERMINED, IS A FATE THAT OUR GOVERNMENT PUBLICITY MUST ENDEAVOUR TO AVOID AT ALL COSTS.+

FOR THIS REASON, MR TSAO SAID HE WAS DOING HIS BEST TO ENSURE AGAINST OVER-EXPLOITATION OF THE OPPORTUNITIES OPEN TO THE GOVERNMENT, NOT ONLY IN REGARD TO TELEVISION BUT TO ALL OF THE MEDIA EMPLOYED, INCLUDING POSTERS, RADIO, PRINTED LITERATURE AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROGRAMMES AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL.

0 -

/5........

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1984

- 5 -

PARLIAMENT DEBATE ON HK TO BE BROADCAST LIVE * a * * * *

RTHK RADIO 3 WILL CARRY LIVE FROM THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, THE DEBATE ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG FROM 2 AM ON THURSDAY (MAY 17).

PARLIAMENT HAS RESERVED FIVE HOURS FOR THE DEBATE.

FOR THOSE UNABLE TO LISTEN TO THE DIRECT RELAY THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT, RADIO 3 WILL DEVOTE ITS MORNING PROGRAMMING TO A RE-BROADCAST OF THE PROCEEDINGS.

THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A DISCUSSION PROGRAMME WITH MEMBERS OF THE UMELCO DELEGATION WHICH WILL BE RECORDED IN LONDON SHORTLY AFTER THE ACTUAL DEBATE HAS CONCLUDED.

FOR CHINESE LISTENERS, RADIOS 1 AND 2 WILL BE BROADCASTING HALF HOURLY NEWS SUMMARIES FROM 2 AM TO 7 AM ON THURSDAY MORNING.

ALSO FROM 7 AM, RADIO 1 WILL BE BROADCASTING HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DEBATE, WHICH WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A DISCUSSION RECORDED IN LONDON WITH A PANEL DRAWN FROM MEMBERS OF THE UMELCO DELEGATION

- - 0

BOARD TO DISCUSS DISTRICT FACILITIES * * * * *

A DEVELOPMENT REPORT EXAMINING THE EXISTING BASIC FACILITIES IN EASTERN DISTRICT AND IDENTIFYING AREAS OF IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON THURSDAY (MAY 17).

THE REPORT WAS BASED ON THE HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES TO MEASURE THE EXTENT OF ADEQUACY OF DISTRICT FACILITIES IN THE AREAS OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, RECREATION AND SPORTS, OPEN SPACES, MARKETING AND SHOPPING FACILITIES AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES.

AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO COMMENT ON THE REVIEWS OF TAXI OPERATION AND PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION POLICIES.

MEMBERS WILL ENDORSE THE ALLOCATION OF S69 952 FOR A SERIES OF JOINT RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS PROJECTS WITH THE EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE BOARD'S COMMITTEES, AND THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S LITTER HOTLINE.

BEFORE THE MEETING, THE BOARD’S CHAIRMAN, MR H.T. LUI, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS OF AN OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECT AWARD.

/THE AWARD, ........

TUESDAY, Ka? 15, 1984

THE AWARD, INITIATED BY THE BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE IS DIVIDED INTO FIVE CATEGORIES - COMMUNITY SERV CE, RECREATION AND SPORTS, EDUCATION, FESTIVE CELEBRATION, AND A SPECIAL PR I ZE.

PRICES ARC BEING AWARDED TO LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS FOR ORGANISING THE BEST COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES FUNDED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD DURING 1983-84.

NOTE TO EDITORS

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AND AN AWARD-PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 17) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD.

WIDE-RANGING ACTIVITIES TO CELEBRATE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY * * M *

RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD THROUGHOUT HONG KONG ON JUNE 16 TO CELEBRATE THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY.

MORE THAN 100 ACTIVITIES ARE BEING PLANNED BY ALL THE 19 DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE (RSS), A DIVISION OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.

BOTH YOUNG AND OLD PEOPLE WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN VARIOUS LAND AND WATER SPORTS IN FIVE DIFFERENT REGIONS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THOSE WHO WISH TO TAKE PART SHOULD APPLY NOW.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

ALL THE 19 DISTRICT OFFICES

ON HONG KONG ISLAND THE MAIN VENUE WHERE 25 ACTIVITIES -- ORGANISED BY THE

WILL BE VICTORIA PARK SOUTHERN, WAN CHAI,

CENTRAL AND WESTERN, AND EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE RSS — WILL BE STAGED.

THEY INCLUDE BALL-GAME COMPETITIONS, FAMILY GAMES AND SWIMMING SESSIONS FOR BABIES.

IN KOWLOON EAST, MORSE PARK WILL BE THE MAIN VENUE WHERE 19 ACTIVITIES ARE EXPECTED TO BE HELD.

IN THIS REGION, THE KWUN TONG, WONG TAI SIN AND KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE RSS ARE ORGANISING SEVERAL QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CUP COMPETITIONS FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THEIR DISTRICTS. AMONG THE HIGHLIGHTS WILL BE A WATER SPORTS GALA FOR FACTORY AND OFF ICE WORKERS.

/IN KOWLOON

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1984

7 -

IN KOWLOON WEST, THE YAU MA TEI, MONG KOK AND SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE RSS WILL PROVIDE 15 EVENTS, MOST OF WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN PLAYGROUND. THEY INCLUDE TENNIS FUN DAY, A BASKETBALL COMPETITION FOR THE DEAF, GAMES FOR THE ELDERLY AND CHILDREN.

IN NEW TERRITORIES EAST, WHICH ENCOMPASSES NORTH, TAI PO, SHA TIN, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS, SOME 30 EVENTS ARE PLANNED FOR ABOUT 10 VENUES, INCLUDING THE SHA TIN SPORTS GROUND AND THE SHING MUN RIVER.

AT THE TAI MEI TUK WATER SPORTS CENTRE IN TAI PO, THERE WILL BE BOATING AND WIND SURFING FUN DAYS.

IN NEW TERRITORIES WEST, ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD MAINLY AT KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND.

THERE WILL ALSO BE PARACHUTE JUMP DISPLAYS BY THE BRITISH FORCES AT ALL THE FIVE REGIONS.

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

U.S. WITHDRAWS 'CALL* ON ’CATEGORY 637’ # # # *

THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED NOTIFICATION THIS AFTERNOON (TUESDAY) THAT THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT HAS WITHDRAWN THE EXPORT AUTHORISATION CALL ON CATEGORY'637 (MAN-MADE FIBRE PLAYSUITS, SUNSUITS, ETC.) WHICH IS ONE OF THE TWO CALLED ITEMS EXAMINED BY THE TEXTILES SURVEILLANCE BODY (TSB) EARLIER THIS MONTH AT THE REQUEST OF HONG KONG.

ANNOUNCING THIS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT HAD RESCINDED ITS REQUEST FOR CONSULTATIONS ON CATEGORY 637 FOLLOWING FURTHER EXAMINATION OF THE FACTORS PRESENT IN THE CASE OF THIS CATEGORY. THE WITHDRAWAL REFLECTS THE CONCENSUS IN THE TSB ALTHOUGH THE DETAILED CONCLUSIONS HAVE NOT YET BEEN RELEASED.

THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAS RESUMED THE ISSUE OF EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS FOR THIS CATEGORY WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.

AS REGARDS THE OTHER CALLED ITEM REFERRED TO THE TSB -CATEGORY 652, MAN-MADE FIBRE UNDERWEAR - THE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT HONG KONG EXPECTS TO HOLD FURTHER CONSULTATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES LATER THIS YEAR, BUT THAT MEANWHILE NO FURTHER EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS COULD BE ISSUED.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT THE UNITED STATES HAS MADE EXPORT AUTHORISATION CALLS ON CATEGORY 649 (MAN-MADE FIBRE BRASSIER IES, ETC.) AND CATEGORY 337 (COTTON PLAYSUITS, SUNSUITS, WASHSUITS, CREEPERS, ROMPERS, ETC.), BRINGING THE TOTAL CALLS BY THE UNITED STATES ON HONG KONG IN 1984 TO SEVEN.

PENDING CONSULTATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, THE DEPARTMENT HAS SUSPENDED THE ISSUE OF FURTHER EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS FOR THESE TWO CATEGORIES AS FROM 2.30 PM TODAY.

THE DEPARTMENT WILL HOWEVER, AS USUAL, CONTINUE TO APPROVE AND ISSUE EXPORT LICENCES FOR THESE CATEGORIES AGAINST VALID EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS APPROVED PRIOR TO THE SUSPENSION.

------o------- /8 .....

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1'984

8 - fl

NEED FOR CARE IN STACKING GOODS STRESSED

X * * *

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) WARNED THAT ADEQUATE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN IN STACKING OR UNSTACKING GOODS.

UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE, .ALL GOODS AND MATERIALS IN A REGISTRABLE WORKPLACE SHOULD BE

• STORED, STACKED OR OTHERWISE ARRANGED IN SUCH A MANNER THAT NO DANGER IS CAUSED TO ANY PERSON, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

HE SAID THAT A WORKER WAS RECENTLY CRUSHED TO DEATH WHEN A PILE OF HARDWOOD DOORS WHICH HAD BEEN LEANING AGAINST A WALL FELL ON HIM. THE WORKER HAD BEEN TRYING TO REMOVE A DOOR FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE PILE.

+ACCIDENTS OF THIS KIND COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF ADEQUATE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS HAD BEEN TAKEN,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE ADDED THAT EVERY SINGLE LEAF OF DOOR COULD BE REMOVED OR INSERTED CONVENIENTLY AND SAFELY WITHOUT THE NEED TO MOVE ANY OTHER DOORS, IF SHELF TYPE STORAGE RACKS OF ADEQUATE STRENGTH WITH INDIVIDUAL COMPARTMENTS ARE PROVIDED.

THE SPOKESMAN URGED EMPLOYERS TO SEEK ADVICE FROM THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE OF THE DEPARTMENT IF THEY HAVE ANY DOUBTS.

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

HEALTH PROMOTION FORTNIGHT IN MONG KOK * * * *

A HEALTH PROMOTION FORTNIGHT, FEATURING TALKS, SLIDE SHOWS, FIRST-AID DEMONSTRATIONS AND EXH IB ITIONS, WILL BE HELD IN MONG KOK FROM THURSDAY (MAY 17).

THE TWO-WEEK PROGRAMME IS FUNDED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD TO TIE IN WITH THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION’S PUBLIC MEDICAL EDUCATION CAMPAIGN.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FORTNIGHT’S WORKING GROUP, DR RONALD LEUNG, SAID THE EVENT WAS TO AROUSE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD HEALTH.

+THE ACTIVITIES ARE DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF DIFFERENT TARGET GROUPS AND PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO DISCUSS THEIR HEALTH PROBLEMS WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION,* HE SAID.

TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE FORTNIGHT, A TALK ON +THE CARE CF HYPERTENSION* FOR ELDERLY WILL BE HELD AT THE CHAN HING SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRE AT 2 PM ON THURSDAY.

/TWO MORE .......

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1984

TWO MORE TALKS HEART DISEASE* AND

FOR FOR

THE OLD PEOPLE YOUNG PEOPLE.

ENTITLING 'PREVENTION OF THE CORONARY PREVENTION OF CANCER’, WILL BE ORGANISED WHILE THERE WILL ALSO BE SEMINARS AND TALKS

DAY MAY

THE HIGHLIGHT OF TO BE HELD AT THE

THE TWO-WEEK PROGRAMME IS A HEALTH EDUCATION HONG KONG AND CHIU CHOW SCHOOL AT 2.30 PM ON

27.

ADMISSION TO ALL

THE ACTIVITIES IS FREE

- - 0 -

PRICE INDEXES PUBLISHED * * * *

HAS

A STATISTICAL REPORT ON +IMPORT/EXPORT PRICE INDEXES 1983+, BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE INDEXES ARE CONSTRUCTED TO SUPPLEMENT THE PRESENT UNIT

VALUE INDEXES AS A MORE PRECISE AND RELIABLE MOVEMENTS IN EXTERNAL TRADE, A SPOKESMAN FOR

MEASURE OF PRICE THE DEPARTMENT SAID

THE REPORT CONTAINS 1983 MONTHLY PRICE EXPORTS OF FUR CLOTHING, WAJCHES AND CLOCKS

INDEXES FOR DOMESTIC ELECTRONIC GAMES

AND COMPONENTS, AND FOR IMPORTS OF PRECIOUS STONES, ROAD VEHICLES, OFFICE MACHINES AND VARIOUS MACHINERY.

THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT $3 A COPY.

. - 0 -

CONTRACT AWARDED

FOR TUEN MUN DEVELOPMENT * * * * *

A $28 MILLION CONTRACT FOR CULVERT AT LEUNG TIN, TUEN MUN, THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT

BUILDING A 51O-METRE-LONG BOX WAS AWARDED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY DEPARTMENT.

THE WORK WILL COMPLETE A MAJOR DRAINAGE FOR THE AREA IMMEDIATELY NORTH OF TAI HING ESTATE AND CONNECT IT TO TUEN MUN NULLAH.

THE CONTRACT, AWARDED TO KWAN ON BUILDING CONTRACTORS LTD

ALSO INCLUDES FORMING PLATFORMS FOR AT TSENG TAU WAI, AS WELL AS ACCESS TO CARRY SURFACE WATER AND SEWAGE.

VILLAGE RESITE HOUSING AREAS ROADS AND CAR PARKING AREAS

IN ADDITION, PLATFORMS WILL

WORK CARRIED OUT IN THE WESTERN PART OF THE NEW

VICINITY TOWN.

FORMED AND SLOPE TREATMENT PILLAR POINT IN THE SOUTH-

THESE WILL PROVIDE IN THE AREA.

LAND FOR

FUTURE PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS

WORK WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE

- - 0 - -

/1O

TUESDAY. MAY 15, 1984

KOWLOON PARK TO GET MORE FACILITIES * * *

ADDITIONAL FACILITIES ARE TO BE PROVIDED AT THE WESTERN PORTION OF KOWLOON PARK.

THE SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 4 OOO SQUARE METRES, IS BOUNDED BY CANTON ROAD, HAIPHONG ROAD AND KOWLOON PARK DRIVE.

A $1.26 MILLION CONTRACT HAS BEEN AWARDED TO LOUVRE ENGINEERING LIMITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE A SITTING-OUT AREA, A PAVILION ARBOURS AND PLAY EQUIPMENT FOR CHILDREN.

THE AREA WILL BE LANDSCAPED

WORK WILL START

NEW

NEW MEASURES TO SAI WAN HO FROM 6 AM

THEY ARE

LATER THIS WEEK AND BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER

0 - -

TRAFFIC PLAN FOR SAI WAN HO * * *

IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW WILL BE IN FORCE IN ON THURSDAY (MAY 17).

TAI CHEONG STREET BETWEEN HONG CHEUNG STREET AND SHAU KEI WAN ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.

TAI HONG STREET BETWEEN HONG CHEUNG STREET AND SHAU KEI WAN ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.

HONG CHEUNG STREET

TAI ON

STREET WILL

TAI ON

STREET WILL

BETWEEN TAI HONG STREET AND BE REROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND

BECOME ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND

MOTORISTS

ON SHAU KEI

WAN ROAD HEADING FOR SAI WAN HO

FERRY CONCOURSE SHOULD PROCEED VIA TAI HONG STREET, WHILE THOSE FROM SAI WAN HO FERRY CONCOURSE HEADING FOR SHAU KEI WAN ROAD SHOULD USE HONG CHEUNG STREET AND TAI ON STREET.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

WEDNESDAY, HaY 16, 198<+

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:

GOVERNMENT DECIDES ON REGIONAL COUNCIL .................. 1

CHECK FIRST ON 'BIRDS OF PaSSAGE', AG WaRNS PEOPLE..... 4

MOST TENANTS STILL GET SECURITY OF TENURE - LIAO.......... 5

RELIEF MEASURES ON INCREASED RATEABLE VaLUES ............ 6

HEED INSTRUCTIONS, WATER WORLD USERS TOLD ................ 7

DISABLED DRIVERS EXEMPTED FROM TUNNEL TAX ............... 8

EXEMPTION FOR DISABLED SUPPORTED ......................... 9

TWO UNOFFICIALS SPEAK AGAINST TUNNEL TaX BILL............ 10

- - - •

BATTLE AGAINST HEPATITIS B OUTLINED ..................... 12

GPA COURSE MAY START IN 1987 ............................ 1?

SCREENING PROGRAMME FOR BABIES .......................... 14

50KM/H GENERAL SPEED LIMIT FROM AUGUST .................. 14

GAMBLING POLICY EXPLAINED ............................... 15

GOVERNMENT WANTS INSOLVENT INSURANCE FIRMS COVERED ...... 15

MEDICAL REGISTRATION BILL PaSSED WITH AMENDMENTS ........ 16

ISLAND LINE ON SCHEDULE.................................. 18

BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL EXPLAINED .................... 18

/BILL TO ......

BILL TO IMPROVE IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES ..................... 19

KCRC STAFF FULLY CAPABLE - SIR JOHN ........................ 20

SUPPORT SOUGHT FOR SEAFARERS' CONVENTION ................... 20

BILL SEEKS TO CORRECT .iNOM^LIES .......................... 21

BILL PROVIDES USE OF EXPERTISE ............................. 22

REVIEW POWER SOUGHT ........................................ 22

HOLIDAY FOR WORKERS ....................................... 22

BANKING PROPOSALS BEING EXAMINED ........................... 23

FURTHER STEPS TAKEN AGAINST +LOAN SHaRKS+ ................. 23

BILL SEEKS TO AMEND DEFINITION OF 'STOCK* ................ 24

SEVEN BILLS ^PROVED ........................................ 24

CANADIANS URGED TO INVEST IN HK ............................... 25

FOUR COMMENDED FOR CRIME FIGHTING ............................. 26

SEMINAR ON HYPERTENSION ....................................... 26

WORKSHOPS ON ADOLESCENCE FOR TEACHERS ......................... 27

VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR PROBATIONERS SCHEME ..................... 27

TSUEN WAN AND CENTRAL TRAFFIC CLEARWAY CHANGES ................ 28

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1984

- 1 -

GOVERNMENT DECIDES ON REGIONAL COUNCIL * * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED IN FAVOUR OF A NEW REGIONAL COUNCIL, WITH APRIL 1986 AS THE DATE FOR ITS FORMAL ESTABLISHMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON DENIS BRAY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MR BRAY EXPLAINED THAT THE DECISION WAS BASED ON THE ♦OVERWHELMING DESIRE+ BY THE PEOPLE OF THE AREAS WHICH SUCH A COUNCIL WOULD SERVE.

HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTIONS WERE THAT THE NEW REGIONAL COUNCIL WOULD BE COMPOSED OF FOUR TYPES OF MEMBERSi

* TWELVE DIRECTLY ELECTED, CONSTITUENCY-BASED MEMBERS;

* NINE REPRESENTATIVES ELECTED FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT BOARDS FROM AMONG THEMSELVES;

* THREE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS FROM THE HEUNG YEE KUK WHO WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN AND THE TWO VICE-CHAIRMEN; AND

* TWELVE APPOINTED MEMBERS, THREE OF WHOM WILL INITI ALLY BE MEMBERS OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, ESPECIALLY CHOSEN TO REPRESENT ITS THREE CONSTITUENCIES.

♦ IN ORDER TO ALLOW SOME WORKING EXPERIENCE TO BE GAINED BEFORE THE FULL COUNCIL COMES INTO BEING IN APRIL 1986, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO ESTABLISH A PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL OF APPOINTED MEMBERS EARLY IN 1985, ALTHOUGH THE PRECISE DATE IS NOT SETTLED, + MR BRAY SAID.

HE REPORTED THAT ELECTION FOR THE 12 DIRECTLY ELECTED NEMBERS WOULD BE CONDUCTED AT THE SAME TIME AS THOSE FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL IN MARCH 1986 AND THEY WOULD HOLD OFFICE FROM APRIL 1, 1986 WHEN THE NEW COUNCIL WOULD BE FORMALLY ESTABLISHED.

MR BRAY SAID THAT THE PRESENT BOUNDARIES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL’S JURISDICTION WOULD BE RETAINED.

ON THIS ISSUE, HE EXPLAINED THAT THE VIEWS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS WERE UNEQUIVOCAL WHILE THE URBAN COUNCIL ITSELF DID NOT PRESS FOR ADJUSTMENT.

TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY EXECUTIVE SUPPORT FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE NEW COUNCIL, THE PRESENT URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE FORMED INTO TWO NEW DEPARTMENTS, EACH HEADED BY A CHIEF EXECUTIVE, ONE SERVING THE URBAN COUNCIL AND ONE THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR BRAY SAID.

HE SAID THERE WOULD ALSO BE A NEW SECRETARY WITH THE POLICY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE MATTERS, AND CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES.

/the secretary........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1984

THE SECRETARY WOULD ALSO EXERCISE A COORDINATING FUNCTION TO ENCOURAGE COOPERATION, CONSISTENCY AND THE BEST USE OF RESOURCES BETWEEN THE TWO DEPARTMENTS AND THE TWO COUNCILS.

THERE WOULD ALSO BE SOME CONSEQUENTIAL ADJUSTMENTS TO THE SCHEDULES OF RESPONSIBILITIES OF SOME OTHER SECRETARIES.

MR BRAY SAID THE DETAILED FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPLICATIONS WERE NOW BEING WORKED OUT AND WOULD BE PUT TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

♦LEGISLATION WILL BE REQUIRED TO ESTABLISH, FIRST THE PROVISIONAL COUNCIL AND THEN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, AND WILL BE INTRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR DEBATE IN THIS COUNCIL IN THE USUAL WAY,+ HE EXPLAINED.

TURNING TO OTHER ADMINISTRATION ISSUES, MR BRAY POINTED OUT THAT THE PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF ELECTED MEMBERS ON DISTRICT BOARDS HAD BEEN WELCOMED WHILE THERE HAD BEEN NO DEMAND FOR A REDUCTION IN NUMBERS OR ELIMINATION OF THE APPOINTED MEMBERS.

♦QUITE THE REVERSE. IT IS RECOGNISED THAT THE APPOINTED MEMBERS HAVE CONSIDERABLE EXPERIENCE AND MAKE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WORK OF THE BOARDS. THESE VIEWS ARE SHARED BY ELECTED MEMBERS, THE PUBLIC AND INDEED THE GOVERNMENT AL IKE,+ HE POINTED OUT.

THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM WAS THAT, AFTER THE MARCH 1985 ELECTIONS, THE BALANCE BETWEEN ELECTED AND APPOINTED MEMBERS WOULD BE 2 TO 1, WITH THIS RATIO TO BE APPLIED WITH FLEXIBILITY TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF SOME OF THE DISTRICTS, HE SAID.

THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES WOULD BE USED IN DETERMINING THE NUMBER OF ELECTED MEMBERS ON DISTRICT BOARDS:

* IN THE URBAN DISTRICTS, THERE WILL BE ONE ELECTED SEAT FOR A POPULATION OF 25 OOO TO 30 000 PEOPLE;

* IN THE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS, BECAUSE OF THE UNEVEN DISTRIBUTION AND CONTINUING GROWTH OF THEIR POPULATION, THE FORMULA OF ONE ELECTED SEAT FOR 25 000 TO

30 000 PEOPLE WILL BE APPLIED WITH FLEXIBILITY, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION DIFFERING GEOGRAPHICAL, SOCIAL AND POLITICAL CHARACTERISTICS;

* WHERE THE DOUBLING OF ELECTED MEMBERS WOULD RESULT IN A DISTRICT BOARD BECOMING TOO LARGE AND UNWIELDY, THE SIZE OF THE BOARD WILL BE TRIMMED BY REDUCING SLIGHTLY THE OVERALL NUMBER OF MEMBERS WHILE RETAINING THE 2 TO 1 RATIO.

/♦THE APPLICATION .......

WEDNESDAY, LUY 16, 19&4

- 3 -

+THE APPLICATION OF THESE GUIDELINES WILL MEAN THAT IN MARCH 1985, THERE WILL BE 235 DISTRICT BOARD SEATS UP FOR ELECTION, COMPARED TO THE PRESENT 132. THERE WILL BE A VERY SLIGHT REDUCTION IN TH- NUMBER OF APPOINTED MEMBERS FROM 135 TO 132. THERE WILL THEN BE A TOTAL OF 367 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS,+ MR BRAY SAID.

ON THE QUESTION OF WHETHER SOME LARGER DISTRICTS SHOULD BE SPLIT UP, HE REPORTED THAT NONE OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS WANTED TO SPLIT.

WHILE THE CASE FOR A SPLIT ON POPULATION GROUNDS SEEMED GOOD, THESE DISTRICTS HAD BEEN IN EXISTENCE SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER SCHEME IN 1968 AND HAD A COHERENCE OF THEIR OWN.

HE TOLD THE COUNCIL THERE WAS THUS NO CHANGE PROPOSED TO THE EXISTING 10 URBAN DISTRICTS.

TURNING TO THE NEW TERRITORIES, HE SAID THE CASE WAS DIFFERENT FOR TSUEN WAN WHERE THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD AGREED THAT THERE SHOULD IN FUTURE BE TWO BOARDS — ONE FOR TSUEN WAN TOWN AND THE OTHER COVERING KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl.

HE REPORTED THAT NO OTHER CHANGE WAS PROPOSED IN THE NT DISTRICTS. ,

ON THE PROPOSAL THAT THERE SHOULD BE INCREASED DISTRICT BOARD INVOLVEMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATION, MR BRAY SAID, +THIS OBVIOUSLY MAKES SENSE IN THE CASE OF NEW TOWNS SEPARATED FROM EACH OTHER BY MILES, BUT THERE ARE LOCAL VARIATIONS IN THE OLD URBAN AREAS TOO.

♦THIS IDEA HAS BEEN WELCOMED AND SUGGESTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE AS TO HOW TO GO ABOUT IT. NO SWEEPING CHANGES ARE PROPOSED — RATHER DETAILED CONSIDERATION OF PRACTICAL METHODS OF FITTING IN THE SERVICES OF BOARD MEMBERS IN VARIOUS FIELDS. THIS WILL BE TAKEN FURTHER IN THE COMING MONTHS IN CONSULTATION WITH ALL CONCERNED.

♦NOW THAT WE CAN SEE THE WAY THROUGH TO COMPLETING THESE REFORMS AT THE REGIONAL AND DISTRICT LEVELS, WE ARE IN A POSITION TO CARRY FURTHER THE WORK OF INTRODUCING A MORE REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT.+

- 0

/4........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1984

- 4 -

CHECK FIRST ON ’BIRDS OF PASSAGE’, AG WARNS PEOPLE * K H *

T--E ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT HE DID NOT PROPOSE IMPOSING SPECIAL CONTROLS ON VISITING LAWYERS AND OTHER CONSULTANTS COMING HERE TO OFFER ADVICE ON EMIGRATION MATTERS AND INVESTMENT PROCEDURES IN OVERSEAS COUNTRIES.

BUT HE TOLD PEOPLE WHO SEEK ADVICE ON EMIGRATION MATTERS TO EXAMINE THE CREDENTIALS OF ALL VISITING CONSULTANTS AND TO SATISFY THEMSELVES BEFORE PROCEEDING THAT THE SCALE OF CHARGES IS REASONABLE.

THE PEOPLE SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER USING THE SERVICES OF THOSE FOREIGN LAWYERS WHO HAVE PERMANENT OFFICES IN HONG KONG, MR THOMAS SAID.

MR THOMAS WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY THE HON PAULINE NG CONCERNING +THE INCREASING NUMBER OF VISITING LAWYERS AND OTHER CONSULTANTS+ COMING HERE TO OFFER ADVICE TO RESIDENTS, AND GOVERNMENT ACTION IN THE MATTER.

THE ADMINISTRATION WAS WELL AWARE OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THESE +BIRDS OF PASSAGE*, WHOSE +PLUMAGE HAS MANY SHADES* AND WHOSE +NESTING HABITS ARE VARIABLE* -- BUT IN A FREE SOCIETY PEOPLE HAD THE RIGHT TO CONSULT WHOM THEY CHOSE ABOUT THEIR PRIVATE AFFAIRS, HE SAID.

+IT WOULD THEREFORE BE WRONG IN PRINCIPLE TO ATTEMPT TO CONTROL THE SUPPLY OF ADVICE OR THE ADVERTISING OF THE SERVICES CF ADVISERS,* MR THOMAS SAID.

IN THE CASE OF SHORT TERM VISITING LAWYERS, THERE WAS ONE CAUSE OF FRICTION BECAUSE LAWYERS FROM SUCH COUNTRIES AS THE UNITED STATES, CANADA AND AUSTRALIA, WHO HAD ESTABLISHED A PERMANENT OFFICE IN HONG KONG, HAD VOLUNTARILY UNDERTAKEN TO THE LAW SOCIETY NOT TO ADVERTISE THEIR SERVICES.

+DESPITE THIS, MY INCLINATION IS NOT TO PROPOSE SPECIAL CONTROLS SOLELY APPLICABLE TO VISITING LEGAL EAGLES BECAUSE IT IS NOT REALLY FEASIBLE TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THEM AND THE REST OF THE FLOCK OF CONSULTANTS GIVING ADVICE ON EMIGRATION AND FOREIGN INVESTMENT,* HE SAID.

MANY OF THE VISITING CONSULTANTS, MR THOMAS POINTED OUT, HAD ACQUIRED GOOD REPUTATIONS.

+1 SUSPECT THEY ADVERTISE LESS AND RELY ON RECOMMENDATIONS. NO DOUBT THERE ARE OTHERS WHOSE ADVERTISEMENTS ARE EYE-CATCHING AND CHARGE LARGE SUMS FOR INDIFFERENT SERVICES.

+BUT IT SEEMS THAT COMPLAINTS FROM DISSATISFIED CUSTOMERS ARE RARE,* HE SAID.

/5 .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1984

• 5 -

MOST TENANTS STILL GET SECURITY OF TENURE - LIAO * * *

■E SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR DONALD LIAO EMPHASISED TODAY THAT THE PROPOSALS UNDER THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984 WERE INTENDED SIMPLY TO CARRY THROUGH THE DISMANTLING OF RENT CONTROL,+AT A REGULATED PACE WITHIN A REASONABLE SPAN OF TIME, BUT WITH THE LEAST POSSIBLE ADVERSE SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES.+

+1 SHOULD ALSO REITERATE THAT THE MAJORITY OF PROTECTED TENANTS WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE DUAL SAFEGUARDS OF SECURITY OF TENURE, AND CONTROL ON RENT INCREASES LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM OF 30 PER CENT OF CURRENT RENT OVER TWO YEARS,+ HE SAID, WHILE MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL.

MR LIAO SAID THAT FOR A TENANT OF CONTROLLED PREMISES, NO STEP TOWARDS DECONTROL WAS TOO SMALL, WHEREAS MOST, IF NOT ALL, LANDLORDS OF SUCH PREMISES WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE ABOLITION OF THE LEGISLATION ALTOGETHER, SOONER, RATHER THAN LATER.

+1 AM AFRAID THAT THE CONFLICT OF VIEWS AS BETWEEN LANDLORD AND TENANT WILL REMAIN EVER PRESENT. IN THE PRESENT SITUATION, HOWEVER, I BELIEVE THAT THE PROPOSALS ARE ABOUT RIGHT, HAVING REGARD TO THE INTERESTS OF. BOTH LANDLORDS AND TENANTS,+ HE SAID.

HE RECALLED THAT WHEN BLANKET RENT CONTROL MEASURES WERE APPLIED IN 1979, IT WAS ANNOUNCED THAT THERE WOULD BE A REVIEW OF THE OVERALL PROVISIONS OF RENT CONTROL LEGISLATION AND THEIR EFFECTS ON THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND OF HOUSING.

THE PRINCIPAL CONCLUSION OF THE COMMITTEE OF REVIEW, WHICH WAS ANNOUNCED AND ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN EARLY 1981, WAS THAT RENT CONTROL SHOULD GRADUALLY BE PHASED OUT AS CIRCUMSTANCES PERMITTED.

+THIS BILL, THEREFORE, IS YET ANOTHER STEP IN THAT DIRECTION,+ MR LIAO SAID.

HE EXPLAINED THAT THE GENERAL SOFTENING OF THE RENTAL MARKET, PARTICULARLY IN 1983, AND THE IMPROVED SUPPLY AND DEMAND SITUATION FOR HOUSING BOTH SHOWED THAT RENT CONTROL WAS NOW LESS NEEDED.

+IT WOULD BE OPPORTUNE THEREFORE TO CONTINUE THE PROCESS OF GRADUAL DECONTROL AND PUT RIGHT THE ANOMALY OF EXTREMELY LOW CONTROLLED RENTS IN ONE SECTOR, WHILE MAINTAINING THE EXISTING DEGREE OF PROTECTION TO THE MAJORITY OF TENANTS. AT THE SAME TIME, IT IS HOPED THAT THE IMPROVING ECONOMY WILL STIMULATE PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCE MORE HOUSING FOR THE FUTURE,+ HE SAID.

/THE MAIN ......

WEDNESDAY, i£AY 1b, 1984

- 6

THE MAIN PROPOSALS OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1^84 WERE EXPLAINED BY MR LIAO AND THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION IN A PRESS CONFERENCE EARLY THIS MONTH.

PUBLIC COMMENTS MAY BE MADE TO UMELCO, AT SWIRE HOUSE, CHATER ROAD, OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

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

RELIEF MEASURES ON INCREASED RATEABLE VALUES

*****

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TODAY MOVED A RESOLUTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, PROVIDING FOR RELIEF MEASURES DESIGNED TO SOFTEN THE IMPACT OF THE INCREASED RATEABLE VALUES IN 1984-85.

THESE RELIEF MEASURES COMPRISE: *

* REDUCTIONS IN THE GENERAL RATE AND URBAN COUNCIL RATE PERCENTAGES,

* A 20 PER CENT LIMIT ON THE INCREASE IN RATE PAYMENT OVER THAT PAYABLE IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR,

* AN INCREASE IN THE MINIMUM RATEABLE VALUE TO $1 000, AND

* A 7.5 PER CENT OR 15 PER CENT REDUCTION IN THE RATES PAYABLE ON TENEMENTS WITHOUT FILTERED WATER SUPPLY OR WITHOUT FRESH WATER SUPPLY RESPECTIVELY.

THE RELIEF MEASURES CAME INTO EFFECT ON FEBRUARY 29 AS A RESULT OF A PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDER, SIR JOHN SAID.

DEMAND NOTES NOTIFYING RATEPAYERS OF THEIR NEW RATEABLE VALUES AND THE AMOUNT OF RATES PAYABLE FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1984 WERE ISSUED THAT DAY TO MEET THE REQUIREMENT UNDER THE RATING ORDINANCE, HE ADDED.

♦ THE GENERAL RATES YIELD FOR 1984-85, WITH THE RELIEF PROVISIONS, IS ESTIMATED AT Si.35 BILLION.

+THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF $175 MILLION OVER WHAT MAY BE COLLECTED IN 1984-85 WITHOUT THE GENERAL REVALUATION CF RATEABLE VALUES,* HE SAID.

/7........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1984

- 7 -

HEED INSTRUCTIONS, WATER WORLD USERS TOLD * * *

THE OCEAN PARK WAS AN EXCITING PLACE, BUT USERS OF ITS FACILITIES SHOULD HEED THE SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS OF MANAGEMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON DENIS BRAY, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON WONG LAM ON THE AMENITIES AND EQUIPMENT AT THE WATER WORLD OF THE OCEAN PARK, MR BRAY SAID THAT THE WATER WORLD WAS BASICALLY A SET OF SWIMMING POOLS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

ITS FACILITIES WERE NEW TO MOST PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, AND SPECIFIC MEASURES HAD BEEN TAKEN BY THE MANAGEMENT TO EDUCATE VISITORS IN USING THE FACILITIES AND TO REDUCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACCIDENTS, MR BRAY SAID.

MEASURES TAKEN INCLUDED THE POSTING OF LIFEGUARDS AT THE TOP OF WATER SLIDES TO REGULATE THE FREQUENCY OF USE, THE CORDONING OFF OF THE SHALLOW END OF THE WAVE POOL TO PREVENT VISITORS FROM JUMPING OR DIVING, AND THE POSTING OF NOTICES TO ADVISE HOW FACILITIES SHOULD BE USED, HE EXPLAINED.

♦THERE IS A LIMIT TO WHAT THE MANAGEMENT CAN DO. AS A GOVERNMENT DIRECTOR OF THE BOARD OF OCEAN PARK, I CAN SAY THAT WE WANTED TO CREATE A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE COULD HAVE FUN IN SAFETY.

♦IT IS AN EXCITING PLACE BUT USERS DO NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS OF MANAGEMENT,* MR BRAY SAID.

MR BRAY SAID THAT WATER WORLD OPERATED UNDER A SWIMMING POOL LICENCE ISSUED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL.

LICENCE CONDITIONS WERE MAINLY CONCERNED WITH HYGIENE STANDARDS, BUT DEALT ALSO WITH SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS SLIPPERY FLOORS, EMPLOYMENT OF LIFE GUARDS, AND THE SAFETY OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.

MONTHLY INSPECTIONS WERE MADE TO ENSURE THE LICENSING CONDITIONS WERE COMPLIED WITH, HE SAID.

AS REGARDS THE STRUCTURAL SAFETY ASPECTS OF THE FACILITIES, Ml BRAY SAID, THE GOVERNMENT WAS FULLY SATISFIED THAT THEY l*ET THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.

- - 0 --------

/8 .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1984 8 -

DISABLED DRIVERS EXEMPTED FROM TUNNEL TAX * * * *

DF THE HON HARRY FANG TODAY MOVED AN AMENDMENT TO THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL (PASSAGE TAX) BILL 1984 IN THE COMMITTEE STAGE TO EXEMPT DISABLED DRIVERS FROM PAYMENT OF THE PASSAGE TAX.

DR FANG EXPLAINED THAT THIS AMENDMENT WILL ALLOW A DISABLED DRIVER TO APPLY TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT FOR THE EXEMPTION.

SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE HIGHLIGHTED +ONCE AGAIN THE NEEDS OF THE DISABLED MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY FOR WHOM THE BENEFITS OF OUR SOCIETY ARE NOT ALWAYS AS READILY ACCESSIBLE AS THEY ARE TO THE ABLE-BODIED.*

+1 AM GRATEFUL THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS CONTINUED TO PURSUE AN ENLIGHTENED POLICY IN TRYING TO ENSURE THAT THESE PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO HAVE THEIR FAIR SHARE OF LIFE’S OPPORTUNITIES,* HE SAID.

DR FANG SAID THAT UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS HAD RECEIVED REPRESENTATIONS FROM CONCERNED INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS ON WHAT THEY CONSIDERED AS UNFAIR DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE DISABLED WHO WERE UNABLE TO TAKE THE OPTION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT.

+THE ADMINISTRATION HAS AGREED WITH US AND IN ADDITION TO AGREEING TO THE AMENDMENT FOR DISABLED DRIVERS HAS ALSO PROVIDED AN ASSURANCE THAT THE REHABUS SERVICE WILL BE SAFEGUARDED FROM INCREASED COSTS OF OPERATION THROUGH ADDITIONAL SUBVENTIONS.

♦THIS IS MOST WELCOME AS IT WILL ENSURE THAT THOSE WITHOUT THE OPPORTUNITY OF OWNING THEIR OWN CARS WILL NOT HAVE TO PAY INCREASED FARES ON THE REHABUS TO TRAVEL TO WORK OR TO HOSPITALS AND CLINICS FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT,* DR FANG SAID.

IN HIS SPEECH THE HON S.L. CHEN SAID HE BELIEVED THAT IT WOULD BE MORE SUCCESSFUL IF THE TAX WERE ONLY APPLIED DURING PEAK HOURS.

HE SAID SUCH A FLEXIBLE SCHEME WOULD SPREAD THE LOAD ON THE TUNNEL, ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO TRAVEL OUTSIDE PEAK HOURS, RATHER THAN PRICING THEM OUT OF THE TUNNEL COMPLETELY.

+THIS WOULD ALSO OBVIATE THE NEED FOR ANY REFUND TO THE TUNNEL COMPANY AND WOULD GENERALLY HELP TO EVEN OUT THE PEAKS AND TROUGH OF ROAD USAGE WHICH ARE A CONSTANT FEATURE OF OUR TRAFFIC PATTERN,* HE ADDED.

REFERRING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT’S EARLIER STATEMENT ON THE INADEQUACY OF THE TUNNEL COMPANY’S COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR THE PEAK HOUR SCHEME, MR CHEN SAID, +IN A PLACE LIKE HONG KONG WHERE THE MOST SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGICAL SYSTEMS ARE AVAILABLE, SUCH INADEQUACY SEEMS SINGULARLY OUT OF PLACE.*

/HE ALSO .......

whujesday, may 16, 1984

- 9 -

HE ALSO WELCOMED THE ASSURANCE THAT THE $143 MILLION wHICH WERE EXPECTED TO BE COLLECTED IN TUNNEL TAXES WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR TRANSPORT PURPOSES.

+1 HOPE THAT THIS WILL MEAN A COMMITMENT TO THE PROVISION OF A SECOND FIXED HARBOUR CROSSING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

+TO KNOW THAT THE PROCEEDS OF THIS TAX WILL BE GOING TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SECOND CROSSING RATHER THAN BEING LOST IN THE AMORPHOUS BODY KNOWN AS GENERAL REVENUE MAY SWEETEN THE PILL SOMEWHAT FOR ALL OF US WHO ARE GOING TO PAY,* MR CHEN ADDED.

--------0 -

EXEMPTION FOR DISABLED SUPPORTED

*****

THE ABOLITION OF THE TOLLS AND TOLL BOOTHS CALLED FOR BY REV THE HON PATRICK MCGOVERN WOULD INDUCE AN EVEN GREATER NUMBER OF VEHICLES, INCLUDING THOSE USING THE VEHICULAR FERRIES, TO BE DIVERTED TO USING THE TUNNEL, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON JUSTIN YUE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MORE CONGESTION WOULD BE THE INEVITABLE RESULT, MR YUE SAID.

IN MOVING THE FINAL READING OF THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL (PASSAGE TAX) BILL 1984, MR YUE THANKED UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS FOR THEIR COMMENTS ON THE BILL.

+MORE SPECIFICALLY, I WISH TO ENDORSE WHAT DR HARRY FANG, S.L. CHEN AND MR WONG LAM HAVE SAID ABOUT ASSISTING THE DISABLED TO PLAY THEIR FULL PART IN THE WORK AND SOCIAL LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.

THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED UNRESERVEDLY THE AMENDMENT TO THE BILL MOVED BY DR FANG TO EXEMPT DISABLED DRIVERS FROM PAYMENT OF THE PASSAGE TAX, HE ADDED.

+BUT, OF COURSE, NOT ALL THE DISABLED DRIVE. SOME RELY ON THE REHABUSES FOR THEIR TRANSPORT. THE ABSENCE OF ANY SPECIFIC PROVISION IN THE BILL FOR THESE BUSES DOES NOT MEAN THEY HAVE BccN OVERLOOKED,* MR YUE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF THE GOVERNMENT ASKING THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR REHABILITATION TO PASS ON THE COST OF THE TAX TO THE USERS OF THE REHABUS SERVICE.

HE ASSURED THE COUNCIL THAT THE PASSAGE TAX wAS REGARDED AS A RECOGNISED COST FOR WHICH ADDITIONAL SUBVENTIONS WOULD BE MADE.

/HE ALSO .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1984

- 10 -

HE ALSO REFERRED TO SOME UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS’ CONCERN ABOUT THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY’S COMPUTER SYSTEM AND ITS INABILITY TO HANDLE DIFFERENT TAX RATES FOR DIFFERENT PERIODS OF THE DAY, OR DIFFERENT TAX RATES FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES.

+HOWEVER, THE SYSTEM WAS DESIGNED TO CATER FOR THE COMPANY’S TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM FOR WHICH IT REMAINS ADEQUATE.

+IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN APPROPRIATE TO ASK THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY TO AMEND THE SYSTEM SOLELY FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S PURPOSE,+ MR YUE EXPLAINED.

HE ADDED THAT NONETHELESS, IF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS TO BE REPLACED OR UPDATED FOR OTHER REASONS, HE WOULD DISCUSS WITH THE COMPANY HOW THE REVISED SYSTEM COULD TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S NEEDS.

ON THE NEED FOR A SECOND FIXED HARBOUR CROSSING MENTIONED BY MR WONG LAM, MR YUE POINTED OUT THAT HE HAD EXPLAINED EARLIER THAT THE STEERING GROUP WOULD SUBMIT A FINAL REPORT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BY SEPTEMBER.

------0

TWO UNOFFICIALS SPEAK AGAINST TUNNEL TAX BILL

* * *

TWO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, REV THE HON PATRICK MCGOVERN AND THE HON WONG LAM, SPOKE AGAINST THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL (PASSAGE TAX) BILL 1984 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

FR MCGOVERN SAID THERE WAS A SIGN OF A POLICY U TURN ON THE SELF-MADE RULE ADOPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR DECADES THAT VEHICLE AND OTHER TRANSPORT-RELATED TAXES SHOULD GO INTO GENERAL REVENUE, AND NOT BE EARMARKED FOR ROADS AND OTHER TRANSPOR RELATED EXPENDITURE.

HE SAID, +THIS GENERATION OF MOTORISTS HAS ALREADY PAID FOR THE EXISTING CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL. IT CONTINUES TO PAY GENEROUSLY INTO THE POCKETS OF THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY’S SHAREHOLDERS, WHO HAVE LONG SINCE GOT BACK THEIR ORIGINAL INVESTMENT, WITH A HANDSOME PROFIT.

+WHAT THIS BILL PROPOSES IS THAT THIS SAME GENERATION OF MOTORISTS SHOULD NOW START PAYING FOR THE NEXT HARBOUR CROSSING.

+THEY WILL THUS BE PAYING FOR BOTH AT THE SAME TIME, ONE OF WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN PAID FOR, AND THE OTHER OF WHICH DOES NOT YET EXIST, AND INDEED MAY NEVER COME INTO EXISTENCE IF THE PRESENT CONFIDENCE CRISIS CONTINUES.*

FR MCGOVERN STATED THAT ONE OF THE WORST ASPECTS OF THE BILL WAS THE UNCONVINCING ATTEMPT TO INTRODUCE IT UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT.

/on twfic ....

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1984

11 -

ON TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND REDUCING CONGESTION, HIS SUGGESTION WAS s +TAKE AWAY THE STOP-GO TOLL GATES AND RETURN THIS STRETCH OF ROAD TO THE PUBLIC, AND MAINTAIN IT OUT OF PUBLIC REVENUE LIKE ANY OTHER STRETCH OF ROAD.+

HE QUESTIONED THE ASSUMPTION BY THE GOVERNMENT THAT ANY CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF PRIVATE MOTORISTS MADE UNNECESSARY JOURNEYS ACROSS THE HARBOUR AT 10 DOLLARS PER TWO-WAY TRIP.

♦OFF HAND, THE ONLY ONES I CAN THINK OF ARE THOSE WHO DRIVE TO THE SHA TIN RACECOURSE - HARDLY A TRIP OF NATIONAL NECESSITY,+ HE SAID.

+OTHER UNSATISFACTORY ELEMENTS INVOLVED IN THE BILL HAVE BEEN TEMPERATELY AND LOGICALLY DEALT WITH IN THE PETITION ADDRESSED TO MEMBERS BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION, WHOSE VIEWS ON THIS SUBJECT I HEARTILY ENDORSED,+ ADDED.

MR WONG LAM, WHO ABSTAINED FROM VOTING ON THE BILL, EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE PASSAGE TAX AS A SOLUTION TO THE CONGESTION PROBLEM WOULD BE SHORT-LIVED AND WOULD NOT HAVE A GREAT EFFECT.

ALTHOUGH SOME MOTORISTS MIGHT USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT FOR CROSSING THE HARBOUR, THEY MIGHT RETURN TO THEIR OLD HABIT, ONCE THEY BECAME ACCUSTOMED TO THE TAX.

♦ANOTHER POSSIBILITY IS THE SHIFT OF CONGESTION FROM THE TUNNEL TO THE VICINITY OF VEHICULAR FERRY PIERS,♦ HE SAID.

HE SUGGESTED THE CONSTRUCTION OF ANOTHER LINK BETWEEN HONG KONG ISLAND AND KOWLOON AS A SOLUTION TO THE CONGESTION PROBLEM.

THE WAY OF IMPOSING THE TAX WAS CONTRARY TO THE SPIRIT OF FAIR TAXATION, MR WONG SAID.

AS THE MAIN OBJECTIVE WAS AGAINST MOTORISTS WHO CAUSE CONGESTION, THOSE USING THE TUNNEL IN NON-PEAK HOURS SHOULD BEAR NO RESPONSIBILITY OF PAYING THE TAX, HE ADDED.

SINCE THE COMPUTER OF THE TUNNEL COMPANY WAS NOT CAPABLE OF DISTINGUISHING PEAK HOURS FROM NON-PEAK HOURS, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD FIRST SETTLE THE COMPUTER PROBLEM WITH THE COMPANY BEFORE STARTING TO IMPOSE THE TAX, HE SAID.

0 --------

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1984

- 12 -

BATTLE AGAINST HEPATITIS B OUTLINED

* * *

A SPECIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE WAS SET UP EARLY LAST YEAR TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON AN OVERALL STRATEGY TO IMMUNISE CERTAIN HIGH RISK GROUPS IN THE COMMUNITY AGAINST HEPATITIS B.

THE COMMITTEE IS MADE UP OF EXPERTS FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.

IN REPLY TO A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS RAISED BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP ON THE USE OF VACCINE IN THE PREVENTION OF HEPATITIS B, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR THE HON K.L. THONG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT TWO HIGH-RISK PRIORITY GROUPS HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED BY THE COMMITTEE FOR A PILOT VACCINATION PROGRAMME.

THE FIRST GROUP CONSISTS OF BABIES BORN TO MOTHERS WHO ARE CARRIERS OF THE DISEASE.

THESE BABIES ARE AT HIGH RISK OF BEING CHRONIC CARRIERS WHO ARE THE PRIME SOURCE OF INFECTION TO THE REST OF THE POPULATION LATER ON IN CHILDHOOD AND IN ADULT LIFE.

THE SECOND GROUP ARE HEALTH CARE WORKERS WHO ARE IN FREQUENT CONTACTS WITH BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS AND TISSUE FLUIDS IN THE COURSE OF THEIR WORK.

THE PILOT VACCINATION PROJECT WAS STARTED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN APRIL 1983 TO GATHER LOCAL EXPERIENCE IN THE USE OF VACCINE AND TO DEVISE A COST-EFFECTIVE SCHEDULE.

DR THONG EXPLAINED THAT THE PROJECT WAS DESIGNED: TO SCREEN ABOUT 10 000 PREGNANT WOMEN IN THE KOWLOON HEALTH REGION AND TO VACCINATE BABIES BORN TO CARRIER MOTHERS AMONG THIS GROUP, AND ALSO TO OFFER VACCINATION TO ALL HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN THE GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND CLINICS WHO ARE AT RISK.

HE SAID THAT THE RESULTS OF THE PROGRAMME WERE EXPECTED TO BE READY FOR EVALUATION BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.

DR THONG ALSO POINTED OUT THAT A UNIVERSAL VACCINATION PROGRAMME AGAINST HEPATITIS B FOR THE WHOLE POPULATION WOULD INVOLVE ASTRONOMICAL SUMS WHICH WOULD RENDER THE WHOLE CONCEPT IMPRACTICABLE.

+THUS, THE PREFERRED AND REALISTIC STRATEGY FOR VACCINATION AS ADVOCATED BY WHO (WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION) IS TO ENSURE SELECTIVE IMMUNISATION FOR RISK GROUPS,+ HE SAID.

DR THONG ENVISAGED THAT IN THE LONGER TERM, THE VACCINATION PROGRAMME WOULD BE EXTENDED TO ALL NEWLY BORN CHILDREN OF CARRIER MOTHERS IN THE GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS AND ALSO TO SIMILAR HIGH RISK GROUPS IN THE SUBVENTED HOSPITALS.

/HBSARDING THE........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 19&4

- 13 -

REGARDING THE COST OF THE HEPATITIS B VACCINE, HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD SPENT $573 OOO IN EACH OF THE PAST TWO FINANCIAL YEARS FROM 1982-84 FOR THE PURCHASE OF VACCINE.

A COURSE OF VACCINATION FOR AN ADULT COST $515, AND FOR A NEW BORN CHILD $536, INCLUDING HEPATITIS B IMMUNE GLOBULIN.

SO FAR 1 312 PEOPLE HAD COMPLETED THE COURSE OF VACCINATIONS.

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

GPA COURSE MAY START IN 1987 * * *

THE SUBJECT OF GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS (GPA) MAY REPLACE ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS (EPA) IN FORMS IV AND V FROM SEPTEMBER 1987, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN, MR HAYE SAID THE NEW SUBJECT MIGHT POSSIBLY BE OFFERED AS AN ALTERNATIVE OR IN PARALLEL TO EPA, JUST AS ECONOMICS AND EPA WERE.

+IF THE NEW SUBJECT IS INTRODUCED, IT WILL BE A TWO-YEAR COURSE WITH THE FIRST CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION IN 1989.

+1 SAY ’IF’ BECAUSE A NUMBER OF STEPS HAVE YET TO BE TAKEN BEFORE ANY PROPOSED TEACHING AND EXAMINATION SYLLABUS, INCORPORATING THE VERY IMPORTANT VIEWS OF SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS, RECEIVES THE FORMAL BLESSING OF THE DEPARTMENT, THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AND THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY,* HE ADDED.

MR HAYE SAID THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW SUBJECT DID NOT NECESSARILY REPLACE A KINDRED STUDY, AND PUPILS AND TEACHERS SHOULD WELCOME AN ADDITIONAL AND MANAGEABLE OPTION.

REPLYING TO A QUERY REGARDING TEACHERS OF GPA, MR HAYE SAID, ♦I HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE IN THE ABILITY OF OUR TEACHERS TO HANDLE THE NEW SUBJECT.*

+THE TIMING I HAVE DESCRIBED WILL PERMIT THE DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLICATION OF TEXTBOOKS AND OTHER TEACHING MATERIALS FOR THE COURSE, AND IN-SERVICE TRAINING AND SEMINARS TO HELP TEACHERS TO ADJUST TO THE NEW SYLLABUS.

+THE TRANSITION WILL BE HELPED BY THE SIMILARITIES OF THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTIONS OF EPA AND GPA SO THAT CURRENT EPA TEACHERS SHOULD HAVE LITTLE DIFFICULTY IN SWITCHING TO GPA WITH THE SUPPORT OF FRESH MATERIAL,* HE SAID.

MR HAYE ASSURED SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS THAT THEY WOULD BE PLAYING A SIGNIFICANT PART IN SHAPING THE TEACHING AND EXAMINATION SYLLABUSES FOR GPA.

+THEY WILL HAVE PLENTY OF NOTICE AND ADEQUATE PREPARATION FOR THE NEW SUBJECT,* HE ADDED.

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1984

SCREENING PROGRAMME FOR BABIES * * M *

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAD EARLY THIS YEAR STARTED A NEO-NATAL SCREENING PROGRAMME FOR CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM TO FACILITATE EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND MEDICAL TREATMENT OF INFANTS WHO MAY OTHERWISE SUFFER MENTAL RETARDATION.

THIS WAS DISCLOSED TODAY BY DR THE HON K.L. THONG, DIRECTOR CF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THIS PHASE OF THE PROGRAMME, INITIALLY DESIGNED TO COVER ALL NEW-BORNS IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND MATERNITY HOMES, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY JULY THIS YEAR.

THE NEXT PHASE OF THE PROGRAMME WOULD START SHORTLY AFTERWARDS AND THE DEPARTMENT INTENDED TO INVITE SUBVENTED AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS AND MATERNITY HOMES TO PARTICIPATE IN IT, HE SAID.

WITH THIS CO-OPERATION, THE PROGRAMME TO COVER THE ENTIRE NEWBORN POPULATION, HE

SHOULD THEN BE ABLE SAID.

- - u -

5OKM/H GENERAL SPEED LIMIT

FROM AUGUST

FROM AUGUST THIS YEAR THERE WILL BE A GENERAL SPEED LIMIT OF 50KM AN HOUR ON ALL ROADS EXCEPT WHERE'SPEC IF ICALLY VARIED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT AND SIGN-POSTED, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS TOLD TODAY.

“ THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON JUSTIN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER WONG, SAID THAT WITH EXISTING SPEED LIMITS OF 3OMPH WILL CONVERT TO THE CF 5OKM AN HOUR AND THOSE WITH 40 MPH WILL CONVERT TO 70KM

YUE, ROADS EQUIVALENT

AN HOUR

+THE MAIN POINT IS THAT THE NEW SYSTEM WILL BE CLEARER AND MORE CONVENIENT FOR MOTORISTS THAN THE PRESENT ONE WHICH IN SOME INSTANCES RELIES ON THE DISTANCE BETWEEN LIGHTING COLUMNS ON THE ROADS TO INDICATE SPEED LIMITS,* MR YUE SAID.

MR YUE SAID ALSO THAT, GENERALLY, WAS RELATED TO THE DESIGN SPEED OF THE THE ACCIDENT RECORD.

THE SPEED ROAD, THE

LIMIT ON A ROAD ALIGNMENT AND

+FOR MOST ROADS IN THE URBAN AREA OR 5OKM/H IN FUTURE.

THE SPEED

LIMIT IS 3OMPH

AND

+THE HIGHER STANDARD MULTI-LANE ROADS PROHIBITED TO PEDESTRIANS CYCLISTS WILL INITIALLY HAVE SPEED LIMITS OF 7OKM/H.

BUT

THE

+THE LATTER IS SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN THE EXISTING 40MPH LIMIT ANY FURTHER CHANGE WILL HAVE TO BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED IN LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE,+ HE SAID.

- - 0 - -

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1984

- 15 -

GAMBLING POLICY EXPLAINED

THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON GAMBLING HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO RESTRICT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GAMBLING BUT TO ALLOW CONTROLLED OUTLET^ FOR SUCH GAMBLING ACTIVITIES AS EXIST, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME THE HON DENIS BRAY, SAID TODAY.

AFFAIRS

LAWS AND FIRM

♦ IN PRACTICAL TERMS, THIS MEANS STRICT----- n™,.™

ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL GAMBLING ACTIVITIES, SUPPORTED BY THE PROVISION OF CONTROLLED ALTERNATIVES WHERE A COGENT NEED FOR SUCH ALTERNATIVES HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED.

♦THIS POLICY, IN EXISTENCE FOR MANY YEARS, WAS LAST REVIEWED AND REAFFIRMED IN 1979,+ HE SAID.

MR BRAY WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ANDREW SO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

- - 0 - -

GOVERNMENT WANTS INSOLVENT INSURANCE FIRMS COVERED * X * X

THE GOVERNMENT WAS EXAMINING THE POSSIBILITY OF REQUESTING THE MOTOR INSURERS' BUREAU TO EXTEND ITS AGREEMENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT SO AS TO COVER INSOLVENT INSURANCE COMPANIES, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI, HE SAID ALSO THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE DISCUSSING THE MATTER FURTHER WITH THE INSURANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

HE SAID, VICTIMS OF ALL TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WERE AT PRESENT ENTITLED UNDER THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME TO CLAIM COMPENSATION TO THE PRESCRIBED EXTENT WHETHER OR NOT AN INSOLVENT INSURANCE COMPANY WAS INVOLVED.

+IF AN INSURANCE COMPANY IS LIABLE, THEN THE ASSETS OF THAT INSURANCE COMPANY WILL BE AVAILABLE TO MEET CLAIMS IN THE EVENT OF THE COMPANY’S LIQUIDATION.

♦UNHAPPILY, VICTIMS ARE UNLIKELY TO RECOVER THE FULL AMOUNT CF COMPENSATION DUE IF THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS INSOLVENT,+ HE SAID.

- - 0 -

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1984

- 16 -

MEDICAL REGISTRATION BILL PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS * * * *

A BILL MAKING IT EASIER FOR PERSONS HOLDING OVERSEAS MEDICAL QUALIFICATIONS TO BE REGISTERED AS MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS IN HONG KONG WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WITH THREE AMENDMENTS MADE BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS.

ONE CLAUSE OF THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984 IN ITS ORIGINAL WORDING WOULD GIVE THE MEDICAL COUNCIL THE POWER TO GRANT FULL EXEMPTION FROM ALL PARTS OF THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION TO CANDIDATES IT THOUGHT FIT.

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, DR THE HON HARRY FANG SAID, +WHILE WE TRUST THE MEDICAL COUNCIL WILL ACT IN A RESPONSIBLE MANNER AND BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL IN GRANTING EXEMPTIONS, WE FEEL IT NECESSARY TO PROVIDE SOME PERIMETERS FOR DECISIONS ON EXEMPTION CASE, AS PRACTISED IN OTHER PROFESSIONAL BOD IES.

♦ THIS VIEW WAS SHARED BY THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION WHEN THEY PRESENTED THEIR VIEWS ON THE BILL TO US.+

DR FANG THUS MOVED AN AMENDMENT IN THE COMMITTEE STAGE TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT NO EXEMPTION FROM ANY EXAMINATION IN RESPECT CF MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE SHOULD BE GRANTED UNLESS THE CANDIDATE CAN SATISFY THE MEDICAL COUNCIL THAT HE HAS SUBSTANTIAL EXPERIENCE IN MEDICAL PRACTICE.

DR FANG REPORTED THAT ANOTHER AREX ON WHICH UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS HAD SOUGHT CLARIFICATION CONCERNED APPEAL PROCEDURES RELATING TO EXEMPTION MATTERS.

TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT APPEALS ON THESE MATTERS COULD GO UP TO THE MEDICAL COUNCIL, DR FANG MOVED ANOTHER AMENDMENT TO THE BILL.

JOINING THE DEBATE, DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI POINTED TO A PROJECTED SHORTFALL OF 920 DOCTORS BY 1993 IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR.

♦UNLESS PLANS ARE MADE TO OVERCOME THIS SHORTFALL SOON, PLANNED MEDICAL SERVICES AND PROJECTS, LIKE NEW CLINICS, POLYCLINICS, HOSPITALS AND CHILD ASSESSMENT CENTRES WILL EITHER BE DELAYED OR CANCELLED ALTOGETHER, RESULTING IN A CRITICAL SHORTAGE OF PROVISION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE PUBLIC,+ DR HO SAID.

THE AMENDMENTS IN THE BILL, HE POINTED OUT, AIMED TO FACILITATE THE REGISTRATION OF MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS HOLDING OVERSEAS QUALIFICATIONS BY REMOVING THE RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENT FOR LICENTIATE EXAMINATIONS AND BY EMPOWERING THE MEDICAL COUNCIL TO GRANT EXEMPTIONS TO THE TEST OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY AND EXTERNSHIP.

/+THESE WILL .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 19&4

- 17 -

+THESE WILL EFFECTIVELY SPEED UP THE LICENTIATE PROCESS, POSSIBLY TO ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF THE TIME REQUIRED UNDER THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS.

+ IT IS HOPED THAT THESE AMENDMENTS WILL BRING ABOUT AN INCREASED SUPPLY OF DOCTORS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR WITH MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE,+ HE SAID.

DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP IN HER COMMENT STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF +A CERTAIN STANDARD, A FAIR STANDARD AND THE LOCAL CHANGING DEMAND*.

♦SUCH PURPOSES APPEAR SIMPLE AND THE BILL STRAIGHTFORWARD, BUT THE TASK OF THE MEDICAL COUNCIL TO EXECUTE SUCH IS BY FAR MORE DIFFICULT THAN IT MAY FIRST APPEAR.

+THE TASK IS MADE MORE DIFFICULT WHEN, FOR THE SAKE OF COMPLETENESS AND HIGH FLEXIBILITY, THE BILL ENCOMPASSES EXEMPTION CLAUSES WITHOUT ADEQUATELY SPELLING OUT CONCRETE GUIDELINES UNDER WHICH SUCH EXEMPTIONS ARE TO BE GRANTED. THIS OPENS THE BILL TO VARYING INTERPRETATIONS AND SUBSEQUENTLY TO CONTROVERSY,* DR IP SAID.

WHILE EXPRESSING RESERVATIONS, SHE SAID THAT NEVERTHELESS, SHE SUPPORTED THE BILL FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:

M THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS GIVEN THE ASSURANCE THAT FULL EXEMPTION WILL BE GRANTED ONLY ON RARE OCCASIONS.

* INTERNAL GUIDELINES FOR EXEMPTIONS WILL BE WORKED OUT BY THE MEDICAL COUNCIL.

* SHE HAS CONFIDENCE IN THE EXPERTISE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE MEDICAL COUNCIL IN NOT LIGHTLY EXECUTING FULL EXEMPTIONS.

* THE +NO RESIDENTIAL QUALIFICATION* AMENDMENT MUST BE REVIEWED IN LIGHT OF THE LOCAL CHANGING DEMAND OF DOCTORS, PARTICULARLY ON THE ANTICIPATED GRADUATION FROM THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL IN A FEW YEARS’ TIME.

DR IP ALSO MOVED AN AMENDMENT TO THE BILL WHICH, SHE SAID, WAS TO ENSURE THAT A COMBINATION OF SURGICAL AND MEDICAL QUALIFICATIONS MUST COEXIST TO MAKE A GRADUATE FULLY QUALIFIED.

THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON HENRY CHING, THANKED MEMBERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE BILL.

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

/18 .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1984

ISLAND LINE ON SCHEDULE

XXX

WHEN THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY ISLAND LINE OPENS IN JULY, 1985, IT WILL PROVIDE MUCH NEEDED RELIEF TO THE CORRIDOR ALONG THE NORTH SHORE OF HONG KONG ISLAND, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID TODAY.

TABLING THE MTR CORPORATION’S ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR 1983 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR JOHN SAID THE NEW LINE WOULD BE COMPLETED ON SCHEDULE AND WITHIN THE BUDGETED FIGURE OF JUST UNDER $11 BILLION.

HE SAID THE MTRC LAST YEAR CARRIED 412 MILLION PEOPLE ON ITS TWO LINES, 17 PER CENT OVER THE 1982 FIGURE.

TOTAL FARE AND OTHER RECURRENT REVENUES ROSE BY 26 PER CENT TO $1 035 MILLION WITH OPERATING PROFITS INCREASING TO $253 MILLION, A 41 PER CENT IMPROVEMENT ON 1982, HE ADDED.

HOWEVER, THE MTRC STILL SUFFERED ON OVERALL LOSS OF $535 MILLION DUE TO THE NEED TO SERVICE THE CORPORATION’S DEBTS OF $14 BILLION.

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

BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL EXPLAINED X X *

THE PURPOSE OF THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984 IS TO ENABLE THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS, REQUIRING THE PROVISION OF REFUSE STORAGE CHAMBERS IN BUILDINGS AND SETTING OUT DESIGN CRITERIA FOR SUCH CHAMBERS.

THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON HENRY CHING, SAID THIS WHILE MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

+IT IS INTENDED THAT THE REGULATIONS WILL MAKE IT MANDATORY FOR ALL NEW BUILDING DEVELOPMENTS EXCEEDING A CERTAIN SIZE, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, CARPARKS AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, TO HAVE PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED REFUSE STORAGE CHAMBERS,+ HE TOLD THE COUNCIL.

THESE CHAMBERS WILL BE FOR THE TEMPORARY STORAGE OF REFUSE BEFORE ITS REMOVAL TO THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS. +FOR VERY LARGE BUILDING DEVELOPMENTS, THE PROVISION OF VEHICULAR ACCESS WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED, SO THAT REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLES MAY GAIN ACCESS AND PROVIDE A DIRECT COLLECTION SERVICE,+ MR CHING SAID.

/THERE IS .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1£84

THERE IS AT PRESENT NO REQUIREMENT FOR THE PROVISION OF REFUSE STORAGE CHAMBERS IN BUILDINGS, AND BASKETS OF REFUSE ARE OFTEN LEFT IN ODD CORNERS AND PASSAGES BEFORE BEING MOVED TO REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS.

THIS PRACTICE IS ENVIRONMENTALLY OFFENSIVE, UNHYGIENIC, AND COULD EE DETRIMENTAL TO PUBLIC HEALTH, HE SAID.

+ IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THE REGULATIONS WILL BE MADE AND PUBLISHED IN JUNE 1984 AND THAT THEY WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON JANUARY 1, 1985,+ MR CHING SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

- 0 -

BILL TO IMPROVE IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES * * * *

THE MAIN OBJECT OF THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1984 WAS TO AMEND THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE TO ENABLE THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TO OPERATE IN MORE COST EFFECTIVE MANNER, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID TODAY,

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR JEAFFRESON SAID hEW ARRANGEMENTS NOW FULLY INTRODUCED MEANT THAT ANNUAL SAVINGS OF ABOUT $7 MILLION WERE BEING MADE IN RECURRENT EXPENDITURE OF THE DEPARTMENT.

FURTHER SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS COULD BE MADE BY REALLOCATING CERTAIN INVESTIGATIVE DUTIES NOW PERFORMED BY IMMIGRATION OFFICERS TO IMMIGRATION ASSISTANTS.

TO ACHIEVE THIS, THE BILL PROPOSED THAT CERTAIN STATUTORY POWERS HELD BY IMMIGRATION OFFICERS BE EXTENDED TO IMMIGRATION ASS ISTANTS.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

/2O

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1984

20 -

KCRC STAFF FULLY CAPABLE - SIR JOHN * * * *

THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION HAD BUILT UP A NEW MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE FULLY CAPABLE OF OPERATING THE MODERN RAILWAY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID TODAY.

TABLING THE KCRC’S ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR 1983 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THAT THE TRANSFER OF 1 460 EX-KCR DEPARTMENTAL STAFF TO THE CORPORATION TOOK PLACE SMOOTHLY ON MAY 1 LAST YEAR.

THE CORPORATION’S PROGRAMME FOR ELECTRIFICATION AND MODERNISATION WAS NOW LARGELY COMPLETED, HE SAID.

+DAILY PATRONAGE GREW FROM 40 000 TO 100 000 AFTER ELECTRIFICATION TO TAI PO; TO 140 000 AFTER FULL ELECTRIFICATION; AND REMARKABLY STOOD AT 190 000 AT THE END OF THE YEAR, WHICH IS 30 PER CENT HIGHER THAN FORECAST,* SIR JOHN SAID.

+THE MID-1980’S TARGET OF 250 000 IS WITHIN REACH,* HE SAID.

+IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES A LOSS OF $154 MILLION CAN BE REGARDED AS BUT A FIRST STEP TOWARDS' A PROFITABLE RAILWAY.*

ON THE TUEN MUN LRT SYSTEM, HE SAID THAT THE CORPORATION WAS INVITED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN NOVEMBER 1983 TO BECOME THE OWNER-OPERATOR OF THE SYSTEM.

ITS DECISION WAS AWAITED WITH INTEREST, SIR JOHN SAID.

- - - - 0 - -

SUPPORT SOUGHT FOR SEAFARERS’ CONVENTION * X *

HONG KONG HAS ALWAYS FOLLOWED INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ON THE SAFETY OF LIFE AND PROPERTY AT SEA, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

IT WAS THEREFORE CONSISTENT WITH HONG KONG’S PRACTICE TO COMPLY WITH THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS, WHICH CAME INTO FORCE INTERNATIONALLY ON APRIL 28, MR JACOBS SAID.

THE CONVENTION PRESCRIBES RECOGNISED STANDARDS FOR THE TRAINING AND CERT IFICATION -OF SEAFARERS, INCLUDING OFFICERS AND RATINGS, WHO ARE INVOLVED IN WATCHKEEPING DUTIES, HE SAID, MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984.

/'IF THE............

#£DNESDAY, MY 16, 1984

- 21

IF THE BILL IS PASSED, THE CONVENTION WILL BE EXTENDED TO HONG KONG THREE MONTHS AFTER THE NECESSARY REGULATIONS HAD BEEN MADE.

♦FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE OUR STANDARDS MIGHT WELL EXPOSE HONG KONG TO THE RISKS OF SANCTIONS BEING TAKEN AGAINST OUR SHIPS INTERNATIONALLY,* MR JACOBS SAID.

THE BILL, ACCORDINGLY, ENABLES THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS IN RESPECT OF THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OF OFFICERS AND RATINGS, THE MANNING OF SHIPS, THE TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AS LAID DOWN IN THE CONVENTION, HE SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

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

BILL SEEKS TO CORRECT ANOMALIES

*****

THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984 WAS TO REMOVE FROM THE PURVIEW OF THE COMMISSION PARTTIME MEMBERS OF THE LANDS TRIBUNAL, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID TODAY.

+THESE MEMBERS ARE NOT LAWYERS AND SERVE ONLY WHEN THEIR EXPERTISE IS REQUIRED. THERE IS NO NEED TO INVOLVE THE COMMISSION IN THEIR APPOINTMENT OR CONDITIONS OF SERVICE,* MR LIAO TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

HE SAID THE OPPORTUNITY WAS TAKEN TO CORRECT TWO ANOMALIES IN THE SCHEDULES -

(A) TO CORRECT AN OMISSION OF THE OFFICE OF JUSTICE OF APPEAL FROM THE LIST OF JUDICIAL OFFICE HOLDERS; AND

(B) TO DELETE THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT OF THE TENANCY TRIBUNAL WHICH NO LONGER EXISTS.

DEBATE ON THIS BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

---0------

>2.2.............

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 19o^

BILL PROVIDES USE OF EXPERTISE X X X X

THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984 WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON DONALD LIAO', POINTED OUT THAT APPEALS UNDER THE STAMP DUTY ORDINANCE SOMETIMES INVOLVE TECHNICAL PROBLEMS REGARDING THE VALUE OF LAND.

+SOME MEMBERS OF THE LANDS TRIBUNAL HAVE THE EXPERTISE wHICH wOULD ASSIST IN RESOLVING THOSE PROBLEMS.

♦THIS BILL ENABLES THE DISTRICT COURT TO CALL UPON THAT EXPERTISE IN DECIDING IN THOSE APPEALS,+ MR LIAO SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

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

REVIEW POWER SOUGHT X * X

THE LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, WHICH AIMS AT ENABLING THE TRIBUNAL TO RECEIVE AND HEAR EVIDENCE ON REVIEW, WAS PEAD A SECOND TIME IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MOVING THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON DONALD LIAO SAID THE BILL WOULD MAKE THE POWERS OF THE LANDS TRIBUNAL IN THIS REGARD CONSISTENT WITH THOSE OF THE DISTRICT COURT.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

-------0

HOLIDAY FOR WORKERS XXX

THE PURPOSE OF THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1?Q4 I-TO BRING THE RELEVANT SECTIONS OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE INTO LINE WITH THE HOLIDAYS ORDINANCE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON RON BRIDGE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR BRIDGE SAID THE HOLIDAYS ORDINANCE WAS AMENDED LAST YEAR TO ENABLE THE MONDAY FOLLOWING THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY TO BE CELEBRATED AS A PUBLIC HOL IDAY.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

-.-.0-----

A3....

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1984

23 -

BANKING PROPOSALS BEING EXAMINED

X £ £

THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW EXAMINING COMPREHENSIVE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY A BANK OF ENGLAND TEAM ON THE LOCAL BANKING SITUATION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

SIR JOHN SAID THIS IN REPLY TO THE HON LYDIA DUNN WHO ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WAS SATISFIED WITH HONG KONG’S CURRENT SYSTEM OF PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION ON DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.

SIR JOHN POINTED OUT THAT IN HIS LAST BUDGET SPEECH, HE STATED THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE PRESENT POSITION.

+HOW CAN WE BE IN THE LIGHT OF RECENT EVENTS — NOT LEAST THE NEED TO TAKE OVER THE HANG LUNG BANK?

+THUS I SAID THAT, THE BANKING ORDINANCE HAVING BEEN INTRODUCED IN 1964, IT SEEMED SENSIBLE TO TAKE A LOOK AT WHERE WE STAND. A TEAM FROM THE BANK OF ENGLAND WAS INVITED HERE TO CONDUCT A REVIEW,* HE SAID.

HE TOLD THE COUNCIL THERE WAS COMPLETE AWARENESS OF THE NEED TO IMPROVE SUPERVISORY ARRANGEMENTS.

+1 SHALL BE SURPRISED IF FURTHER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGISLATIVE CHANGES ARE NOT IN DUE COURSE CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE,* HE SAID.

BUT HE ADDED THAT CONSIDERABLE PRIOR CONSULTATION WOULD BE NECESSARY.

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

FURTHER STEPS TAKEN AGAINST +LOAN SHARKS*

*****

THE MONEY LENDERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, WHICH WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, WOULD DO AWAY WITH MORE LOAN SHARKS, THE HON SO KWOK-WING SAID AT THE COUNCIL MEETING.

THE MONEY LENDERS ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT ANY PERSON WHO LENDS OR OFFERS TO LEND MONEY AT AN EFFECTIVE RATE OF INTEREST EXCEEDING 60 PER CENT A YEAR COMMITS AN OFFENCE, MR SO POINTED OUT.

HE SAID THAT SINCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ORDINANCE, MORE THAN 70 MONEY LENDERS HAD BEEN PROSECUTED.

TO RECOVER THE LOANS FROM DEBTORS WHO FAILED TO MAKE REPAYMENT, LOAN SHARKS HAD RESORTED TO INTIMIDATION, VIOLENCE AND OTHER CRIMINAL ACTIONS, MR SO SAID.

UNDER THE UNAMENDED ORDINANCE, MONEY LENDERS WHO CONTRAVENED ITS PROVISIONS WOULD GO UNPUNISHED IF THEY WERE NOT PROSECUTED WITHIN SIX MONTHS AFTER THE CONTRAVENTION.

WITH THE PASSAGE OF THE BILL, THIS LIMIT HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO TWO YEARS.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1984

- 24 -

BILL SEEKS TO AMEND DEFINITION OF ’STOCK’ * * * *

THE PROPOSED STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1984 SEEKS TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF +STOCK+ IN THE ORDINANCE, TO REMOVE THE INHIBIT IVE EFFECT OF THE UNINTENDED STAMP DUTY CHARGE ON FOREIGN CURRENCY AND BOND ISSUES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY.

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, SIR JOHN SAID THE OBJECT WAS TO AMEND THE STAMP DUTY ORDINANCE CONSEQUENT UPON THE ENACTMENT OF THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1984.

+THE LATTER, WHICH WILL TAKE EFFECT SHORTLY, REQUIRES COMPANIES TO KEEP A REGISTER OF DEBENTURE HOLDERS IN HONG KONG. THIS REQUIREMENT IS DESIGNED FOR THEIR PROTECTION.

+HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF THIS NEW REQUIREMENT, THE TRANSFER OF BONDS AND NOTES ISSUED BY A HONG KONG COMPANY WILL BECOME, QUITE FORTUITOUSLY, LIABLE TO STAMP DUTY.

+REPRESENTATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE GOVERNMENT THAT THE STAMP DUTY IMPLICATIONS WOULD CREATE A SERIOUS MARKET SETBACK FOR THIS TYPE OF INTERNATIONAL FINANCING WHICH, FOLLOWING EFFORTS BY THE BANKING INDUSTRY ENCOURAGED BY THE GOVERNMENT, HAS BEEN GROWING RECENTLY IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.

THE RELIEF PROPOSED WOULD HAVE NO ADVERSE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS BECAUSE NO DUTY WAS AT PRESENT GENERATED FROM THE TRANSFERS OF BONDS AND NOTES, HE SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

-----0 - -

SEVEN BILLS APPROVED * * *

SEVEN BILLS: THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, THE MONEY LENDERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, THE SMOKING (PUBLIC HEALTH) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, THE APPRENTICESHIP (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984 AND THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL (PASSAGE TAX) BILL 1984, WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

NINE OTHER BILLS WERE INTRODUCED AND READ A SECOND TIME, AND DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED.

THEY ARE: THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, THE LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO 2) BILL 1984, THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO 2) BILL 1984, THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984 AND THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO 2) BILL 1984.

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

/25......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1984

- 25 -

CANADIANS URGED TO INVEST IN HK * * *

THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) URGED CANADIAN COMPANIES PARTICIPATING IN THE CANADA EXPO *84 AT HONG KONG EXHIBITION CENTRE TO INVEST IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.

SPEAKING AT THE EXHIBITION’S OPENING CEREMONY, SIR PHILIP SAID HONG KONG HAD A DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY, WITH AN AGGRESSIVE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, A SOLID CORE OF SERVICE INDUSTRIES WITH LINKS THROUGHOUT THE REGION AND THE WORLD, A RAPIDLY DEVELOPING INFRASTRUCTURE, AND INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS WHICH WERE AMONG THE WORLD’S BEST.

PUBLIC POLICIES WERE BASED ON THE TWIN CONCEPTS OF THE MARKET DISCIPLINED ECONOMY AND THE FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM, HE ADDED

OVERSEAS PARTICIPATION IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR WAS ALREADY SUBSTANTIAL, SIR PHILIP SAID. SOME 550 FACTORIES WHOLLY OR PARTIALLY OWNED BY OVERSEAS INTERESTS EMPLOYED ABOUT 11 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL WORKFORCE, AND PRODUCED ABOUT 17 PER CENT OF ITS EXPORTS.

ALTHOUGH THERE WERE ONLY EIGHT FACTORIES IN HONG KONG INVOLVING CANADIAN INTERESTS, THERE HAD BEEN A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN INTEREST RECENTLY. SEVERAL CANADIAN COMPANIES WERE CONSIDERING INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG TO PRODUCE MICROCOMPUTERS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT, AND SEVERAL OF THE COMPANIES ALREADY HERE WERE CURRENTLY EXPANDING THEIR OPERATIONS.

SIR PHILIP SAID CANADA ALREADY FIGURED PROMINENTLY IN HONG KONG’S TRADE STATISTICS. IN 1983, CANADA WAS HONG KONG’S TENTH LARGEST TRADING PARTNER, AND THE TOTAL TWO-WAY TRADE AMOUNTED TO $5.6 BILLION.

HE SAID HONG KONG SOUGHT FURTHER EXPANSION OF TRADE WITH CANADA.

HONG KONG MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES NEEDED CANADIAN RAW MATERIALS AND THE PEOPLE + HAD A REMARKABLE DEMAND* FOR THE KIND OF CONSUMER GOODS PRODUCED BY THE COUNTRY.

♦MOREOVER, OUR POSITION AS A MAJOR SHIPPING, FINANCIAL AND COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE ALSO OFFERS AN EXCELLENT MARKET OPPORTUNITY FOR CANADIAN EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES, MANY EXAMPLES OF WHICH ARE ON DISPLAY AT THIS EXPOSITION,* SIR PHILIP SAID.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1984

- 26 -

FOUR COMMENDED FOR CRIME FIGHTING

X I X

FOUR MEN WHO HAD HELPED IN THE ARREST OF CULPRITS IN TWO ROBBERIES IN WAN CHAI WERE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) COMMENDED BY THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.

THEY WERE MR CHU YUNG-FAT, A DRIVER- MR LEUNG CHUN-NAM AND KWAN MAN-YUEN, STAFF MEMBERS OF A LOCAL BANK- AND MR LAM KIN-MAN, A BROKER.

THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON THE MORNING OF JANUARY 22 WHEN MR CHU SPOTTED A PERSON SNEAKING OUT OF HIS EMPLOYER’S PREMISES IN BLACK’S LINK.

HE REPORTED THE CASE TO A POLICE OFFICER PATROLLING THE AREA. THE SUSPECT WAS SUBSEQUENTLY ARRESTED AND THE STOLEN PROPERTY RECOVERED.

THE SECOND INCIDENT INVOLVED A ROBBERY AT A BANK IN HENNESSY ROAD ON JANUARY 25. MR LEUNG AND MR KWAN, AS WELL AS MR LAM WHO WAS PASSING BY, CAUGHT THE SUSPECT AFTER A BRIEF CHASE.

AT THE COMMENDATION CEREMONY, THE DISTRICT OFFICER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, PRAISED THE FOUR MEN FOR THEIR BRAVERY AND CIVIC-MINDEDNESS.

ALSO AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT COMMANDER, M? KEVIN YEUNG- THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR FRANCIS HO-AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.

LAST YEAR, 13 CITIZENS RECEIVED COMMENDATIONS FROM THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.

0 --------

NOTE TO EDITORS:

SEMINAR ON HYPERTENSION

* * *

A SEMINAR, ENTITLED +THE CARE OF HYPERTENSION*, FOR OLD PEOPLE IN MONG KOK, WILL BE HELD AT THE CHAN HING SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRE IN FUK TSUN STREET AT 2 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

THE SEMINAR WILL START OFF A HEALTH PROMOTION FORTNIGHT BEING ORGANISED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD AND THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION TO AROUSE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE CF GOOD HEALTH.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR.

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

/2?........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 1984 - 27 -

WORKSHOPS ON ADOLESCENCE FOR TEACHERS * * * * *

FOUR WORKSHOPS ON THE TEACHING OF HEALTH EDUCATION WILL BE RUN FOR PRIMARY FIVE AND SIX TEACHERS NEXT MONTH.

THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE WORKSHOPS IS TO ACQUAINT TEACHERS WITH THE NEWLY REVISED HEALTH EDUCATION SYLLABUS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS, PARTICULARLY IN THE AREAS RELATED TO PHYSICAL, SOCIAL AND MENTAL GROWTH OF THE YOUNG ADOLESCENT.

THE HALF-DAY WORKSHOPS WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 5 AND 6, AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 4TH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.

HEADS OF SCHOOLS WISHING TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO ATTEND SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE INSPECTOR, SOCIAL STUDIES AND HEALTH EDUCATION SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG, ON OR BEFORE MAY 24.

APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS. ANY ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE TO THE SECTION ON 5-8392496-7.

---o------

VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR PROBATIONERS SCHEME * * * *

VOLUNTEERS ARE BEING SOUGHT BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO HELP WITH REHABILITATION WORK UNDER ITS VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS.

THEY SHOULD BE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OVER AND POSSESS SECONDARY EDUCATION, WITH INTEREST IN HELPING OTHERS, PARTICULARLY YOUNG OFFENDERS.

APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM ALL PROBATION OFFICES AND THE OFFICE OF THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME ON THE 7TH FLOOR OF CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY BUILDING.

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE OFFICE OF THE SCHEME BEFORE THE END OF THE MONTH.

THOSE SELECTED WILL BE THOROUGHLY BRIEFED BEFORE THEY START WORK.

♦VOLUNTEERS PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN WIDENING PROBATIONERS’ CONTACTS AND IN HELPING RE-INTEGRATE THEM INTO THE COMMUNITY,+ THE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE SCHEME, MR LIU KOON-KEUNG, SAID.

/♦THE RESPONSE .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1o, 1984

- 28 -

*THE RESPONSE IN PREVIOUS RECRUITMENT EXERCISES WAS ENCOURAGING AND I APPEAL FOR MORE PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN THIS IMPORTANT WORK,+ HE SAID.

SOME OF THE 140 PARTICIPANTS IN THE SCHEME, WHO COME FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, HAVE SERVED MORE THAN TWICE.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME SHOULD BE MADE TO MR LIU ON TELEPHONE 5-7955612.

- - - - 0 - -

TSUEN WAN AND CENTRAL TRAFFIC CLEARWAY CHANGES *****

FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 18), CLEARWAY HOURS WILL BE CHANGED AT TAI HO ROAD IN TSUEN WAN BETWEEN CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND SHA TSUI ROAD.

THE NEW RESTRICTION HOURS WILL BE 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY, DURING WHICH ONLY FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE ROAD SECTION.

ALSO FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 18), THE SECTION OF PEEL STREET IN CENTRAL FROM CAINE ROAD TO 30 METRES NORTH OF MOSQUE STREET WILL BE PROHIBITED TO VEHICLES OVER 5 TONNES GROSS.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1984

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

DECISION ON LOCAL ADMINISTRATION *WELL TIMED* ........... 1

INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES INCREASED .......... 2

OUTDOOR ECOLOGY COURSES FOR MATRIC STUDENTS ............. 4

PRESS CONFERENCE ON PHARMACY REPORT ..................... 4

WATERSLIDE SITE FOR LEASE................................ 5

MEASURES TO EASE CONGESTION ............................. 6

BRIDGE + TOPP ING- 0UT+ ................................. 6

SQUASH AND TENNIS COURTS FOR MORSE PARK.................. 7

STAGE FACILITIES FOR CENTRE.............................. 7

LANDROVER GIVEN TO AMS .................................. 8

SHA TIN BOARD MEMBERS TO VISIT TDC ...................... 8

BOARD TO DISCUSS RENT INCREASES ......................... 9

TWELVE TO SING FOR TOP PRIZE............................. 9

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1984

DECISION ON LOCAL ADMINISTRATION ’WELL TIMED’

* * * *

Trie SETTING UP OF A WELL BALANCED LOCAL ADMINISTRATION STRUCTURE AT THE DISTRICT AND REGIONAL LEVEL IS A PERFECTLY LOGICAL AND PROGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR IAN MACPHERSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

HE DESCRIBED AS +WELL TIMED* THE MOVES TO HAVE DISTRICT BOARDS AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL, AND THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE NEW REGIONAL COUNCIL AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL BECAUSE +THE DISTRICT BOARDS HAVE NOW BEEN FUNCTIONING FOR A REASONABLE TIME AND HAVE SETTLED DOWN AND PROVED THEIR WORTH.*

SPEAKING IN A LUNCHEON TALK TO THE ZONTA CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MACPHERSON ELABORATED ON GOVERNMENT’S DECISION, ANNOUNCED IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL YESTERDAY, TO FURTHER DEVELOP LOCAL ADMINISTRATION.

HE SAID THE WAY WAS CLEAR FOR THE NEXT STEP TO BE TAKEN.

+ONE OF THE IMPORTANT THINGS WE SHALL BE DOING IS TO GET MORE PEOPLE TO REGISTER AS VOTERS,* HE SAID.

+EXTENSIVE PUBLICITY WILL BE GIVEN TO VOTER REGISTRATION BETWEEN NOW AND AUGUST WHEN THE REGISTRATION PERIOD BEGINS IN THE HOPE THAT MANY MORE PEOPLE WILL REGISTER IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO VOTE IN THE MARCH 1985 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

+1 HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE INTEREST GENERATED IN PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL ADMINISTRATION WILL IN ITSELF LEAD TO A VERY SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE ONE MILLION PEOPLE NOW ON THE REGISTER.

+ANOTHER THING TO BE DONE IN GOOD TIME IS TO ESTABLISH THE NEW DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCIES IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FOR THE GREATER NUMBER OF ELECTED MEMBERS.

+IN MOST CASES THIS WILL INVOLVE TWO MEMBER CONSTITUENCIES BUT IN SOME, WHERE POPULATION DISTRIBUTION CHANGES HAVE TAKEN PLACE, NEW CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES HAVE TO BE DRAWN. THESE HAVE ALREADY BEEN THE SUBJECT OF LOCAL CONSULTATION.*

THE THIRD THING, HE SAID, WAS TO ESTABLISH THE LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK SETTING UP THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL EARLY NEXT YEAR AND THE FULL COUNCIL BY MARCH OR APRIL IN 1986.

THE NECESSARY ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT MUST ALSO BE IN PLACE IN TIME, HE ADDED.

A FOURTH TASK WOULD BE TO REFINE AND DEFINE THE PRECISE RELATIONSHIP OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL AND +MAKE SURE THAT THE MOST EFFECTIVE SYSTEM IS ESTABLISHED WHICH IS ABLE, WITHIN THE OVERALL POLICY FRAMEWORK, TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE PARTICULAR REQUIREMENTS OF EACH DISTRICT,* HE SAID.

/MH MACPHERSON .......

THURSDAY, 17. 198'4

- 2 -

MR MACPHERSON STRESSED THAT THESE WERE JUST SOME OF THE IMMEDIATE TASKS.

+l HAVE NO DOUBT THEY WILL EE DEALT WITH IN GOOD TIME. BUT IT CAN ONLY BE WITH THE SUPPORT OF INDIVIDUAL CITIZENS THAT THESE M,VES TOWARD A MORE REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATION CAN SUCCEED.+

HE ADDED THAT ALTHOUGH THE DISTRICT BOARDS WOULD REMAIN PRIMARILY ADVISORY, THEY WOULD IN FUTURE BE UNDERTAKING A MUCH MORE DIRECT ROLE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DISTRICT FACILITIES AND, AS FAR AS THE NEW TERRITORIES IS CONCERNED, THERE WOULD BE A DIRECT LINK BETWEEN THEM AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.

THE DISTRICT BOARDS HAD AN INFLUENCE ON VIRTUALLY EVERY ASPECT OF DISTRICT LIFE AND, WITH MORE ELECTED MEMBERS, AN UNOFFICIAL CHAIRMAN, A GREATER MANAGEMENT ROLE AND THE LINK WITH THE REGIONAL LEVEL OF ADMINISTRATION, THEIR INFLUENCE WOULD CERTAINLY INCREASE.

THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, WITH ITS HEADQUARTERS IN SHA TIN, WOULD BY 1986 BE A FINANCIALLY AUTONOMOUS LOCAL AUTHORITY, DETERMINING POLICY AND PROVIDING THE SERVICES NOW PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN THE AREA IN VERY MUCH THE SAME WAY AS THE URBAN COUNCIL WAS DOING FOR THE URBAN AREA. *

+1 DO NOT THINK WE SHOULD EXPECT ANY DRASTIC CHANGE IN THE SERVICES NOW SO EFFICIENTLY PROVIDED BUT AT LEAST THE PRIORITIES WILL BE DETERMINED, NOT BY CIVIL SERVANTS BUT BY A COUNCIL MADE UP OF APPOINTED AND ELECTED UNOFFICIALS, WITH AN ELECTED MAJORITY,* HE SAID.

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

INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES INCREASED * * *

FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY), THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES WILL BE 8.4 PER CENT (TAX FREE), AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 5.16 PER CENT (TAX FREE).

NOTICE OF THIS WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW.

INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE 70 CENTS PER MONTH PER $100.

INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETED MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED TODAY.

’iNTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTF.FICATE IS REPAID BY A CHEQUE.

THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR tfTER MAY 18, 1984.

/certificates which ...

THURSDAY, NaY 17» 1984

- 3 -

CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED EEFORE MAY 18, 1984 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS t-

13.2 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 31, 1981 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 16, 1981;

14.4 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 16, 1981 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 4, 1981;

12 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 4, 1981 AND BEFORE JUNE 4, 1982;

10.8 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 4, 1982 AND BEFORE AUGUST 27, 1982;

9 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 27, 1982 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 3, 1982;

7.8 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 3, 1982 AND BEFORE MAY 27, 1983;

10.2 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 27, 1983 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 28, 1983 J

12 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 28, 1983 AND BEFORE NOVEMBER 7, 1983;

9.6 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 1, 1983 AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 10, 1984;

7.8 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER FEBRU/ARY 10, 1984 AND BEFORE MARCH 23, 1984; AND

5.16 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MARCH 23, 1984 AND BEFORE MAY 18, 1934.

BUT THEY ARE ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRU'E AFTER 36 COMPLETED MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOW PAYMENT OF TAX.

EXAMPLE ;

SI 000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON MAY 21, 1984, JUNE 21, 1984 AND JULY 21, 1984 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDERED IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON AUGUST 21, 1984, WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS

ON SI OOO, MAY 21, 1984 TO AUGUST 21, 1984,

THREf- COMPLETE MONTHS AT $7.00 PER MONTH - $21.00

ON $1 000, JUNE 21, 1984 TO AUGUST 21, 1984,

TWO COMPLETE MONTHS AT $7.00 PER MONTH - $14.00

ON $1 000, JULY 21, 1984 TO AUGUST 21, 1984,

ONE COMPLETE MONTH AT $7.00 PER MONTH - $ 7.00

$42.00

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

/4......

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1984

- 4 -

OUTDOOR ECOLOGY COURSES FOR MATRIC STUDENTS

*****

SEVERAL OUTDOOR ECOLOGY COURSES WILL BE HELD FOR MATRICULATION STUDENTS AT THE FIELD STUDIES CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT SAI KUNG BETWEEN THIS SEPTEMBER AND JUNE 1985.

THE COURSES, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AND THE SPORT SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, AIM AT ENABLING THE STUDENTS TO STUDY IN A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT WHILE ENJOYING THEMSELVES AT THE SAME TIME.

THE CONTENT OF THE COURSES WILL BE BASED ON THE HIGHER LEVEL AND ADVANCED LEVEL BIOLOGY SYLLABUSES. STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO CONDUCT BOTH FIELD AND LABORATORY STUDIES ON A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS SUCH AS MANGROVE, FRESHWATER STREAM, NATURE TRAIL AND HILLSIDE GRASSLAND.

THERE WILL BE TWO THREE-DAY COURSES FOR MIDDLE SIX STUDENTS AND 13 FOUR-DAY COURSES FOR LOWER AND UPPER SIX STUDENTS. COURSE TUITION IS FREE, BUT EACH STUDENT WILL BE CHARGED $60 FOR THE THREE-DAY COURSE AND $90 FOR THE FOUR-DAY COURSE TO COVER ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS.

THE MAXIMUM ENROLLMENT FOR EACH COURSE IS 40. AT LEAST ONE TEACHER FROM EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL WILL BE EXPECTED TO STAY IN THE CAMP WITH THE STUDENTS AND TO ASSIST IN CONDUCTING THE COURSES.

HEADS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS WHO WISH TO SEND THEIR STUDENTS TO THE COURSE SHOULD APPLY TO THE INSPECTOR, FIELD STUDIES CENTRE, SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, PAK KONG, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES, BY JUNE 8.

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

NOTE TO EDITORS s

PRESS CONFERENCE ON PHARMACY REPORT

* * * *

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE THE PUBLICATION OF THE REPORT OF THE WORKING PARTY ON THE PRACTICE OF PHARMACY AND ANCILLARY MATTERS.

THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE GIS THEATRE AT BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 5TH FLOrw.

/THE CONFEHl'UCE........

THURSDAY, J.AY 17, 19^4

- 5 -

THE CONFERENCE WILL BE CHAIRED BY DR S.H. LEE, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES (HEALTH SERVICES AND PLANNING). OTHER PANELISTS WILL INCLUDE MR N.C.L. SHIPMAN, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (MEDICAL AND HEALTH) AND MR K.Y. LI, CHIEF PHARMACIST, MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

COPIES OF THE REPORT TOGETHER WITH A COMMENTARY IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH WILL BE DISTRIBUTED BEFORE THE PRESS CONFERENCE AT 2.15 PM IN THE THEATRE.

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

WATERSLIDE SITE FOR LEASE

* * * *

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO LEASE A 4 7OO-SQUARE METRE SITE NEAR NGAM HA TONG, CLEAR WATER BAY FOR DEVELOPMENT AS A RECREATIONAL WATERSLIDE.

TENDERS FOR THE FIVE-YEAR TENANCY ARE BEING INVITED BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT.

THE WATERSLIDE, WILL COMPRISE WATER CHANNELS AND ANCILLARY STRUCTURES, AND WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ACCORDING TO MASTER PLANS APPROVED BY THE GOVERNMENT.

OTHER FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A PUMPHOUSE, CHANGING ROOMS, SPLASH POOL, TICKET BOOTH AND TOILETS.

THE TENANT WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT LANDSCAPING WORK AND PROVIDE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS JUNE 1.

TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS ARE AVAILABLE ATs

* THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;

* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND

# DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SAI KUNG.

THE TENDER PLAN CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE LOCATIONS.

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

/6........

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1984

- 6 -

MEASURES TO EASE CONGESTION * * *

TO EASE CONGESTION AT ITS OFFICE, THE CITY HALL MARRIAGE REGISTRY WILL STOP ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF ABSENCE OF MARRIAGE RECORD FROM MONDAY (MAY 21).

THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY SUBMITTED THEIR APPLICATIONS AT THIS REGISTRY MAY COLLECT THEIR CERTIFICATES THERE.

NEW APPLICATIONS MAY BE SUBMITTED IN PERSON OR BY POST TO THE MARRIAGE RECORDS OFFICE AT 92-97 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, SECOND FLOOR, LI PO CHUN CHAMBERS FROM MONDAY.

THE SAME SERVICE WILL CONTINUE TO BE PROVIDED AT ALL OTHER MARRIAGE REGISTRIES.

THOSE WITH ENQUIRIES MAY DIAL 3-7333111.

--------0

NOTE TO EDITORS:

■ BRIDGE +TOPPING-OUT+

■ * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT, MR BRYAN O’RORKE, AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GAMMON (HONG KONG) LIMITED, MR D.A. MORRIS, WILL JOINTLY OFFICIATE AT THE +TOPPING-OUT+ CEREMONY CF A BRIDGE ACROSS THE SHING MUN RIVER TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

THE BRIDGE, BUILT NEAR SHA TIN CITY ONE AND THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, FORMS PART OF A TRUNK ROAD IN SHA TIN WHICH IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY FORM PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TOPPING-OUT CEREMONY, WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM.

- - 0

/7 ........

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1934

- 7 ••

SQUASH AND TENNIS COURTS FOR MORSE PARK * X M *

WORK WILL START NEXT WEEK ON CONSTRUCTING THREE SQUASH AND SIX TENNIS COURTS AT MORSE PARK, WONG TAI SIN.

THE SQUASH COURTS WILL BE AIR-CONDITIONED AND THERE WILL BE STANDS FOR 120 SPECTATORS.

THE TENNIS COURTS WILL BE FLOODLIT.

A $3.8 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE WORK HAS BEEN AWARDED BY THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO K. WONG CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.

THE CONTRACT ALSO INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF A SERVICE BUILDING WITH SOLAR-HEATED CHANGING ROOMS, TOILETS AND A STOREROOM.

WORK WILL BE COMPLETED IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.

•------------------------o -

STAGE FACILITIES FOR CENTRE

* * *

ADDITIONAL STAGE LIGHTING AND CURTAIN EQUIPMENT WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE CHEUNG SHA WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE HALL AT FAT TSEUNG STREET, BETWEEN SO UK AND LEI CHENG UK ESTATES.

A CONTRACT VALUED AT ALMOST $114 000 HAS BEEN AWARDED TO LEE BIU KEE COMPANY BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

WORK WILL START IN JUNE AND BE COMPLETED IN THREE MONTHS.

THE 500-SEAT HALL HAS A STAGE FOR CONCERTS, PLAYS AND OPERAS. THERE ARE ALSO DRESSING ROOMS AND A STORAGE AREA, AS WELL AS CHANGING ROOMS AND A COVERED PLAYGROUND.

THE CENTRE IS HOUSED IN A SIX-STOREY MAIN BLOCK, AND PROVIDES SUCH FACILITIES AS A LIBRARY, COFFEE BAR, MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, GROUP ACTIVITY AND STUDY ROOMS, ADMINISTRATION OFFICES, A NURSERY WITH ROOF PLAY-AREA AND A BASKETBALL COURT.

IT WAS OPENED LAST DECEMBER.

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

/e .......

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1984

8 -

NOTE TO EDITORS:

LANDROVER GIVEN TO AMS * * *

A LOCAL BUSINESSMAN, MR YUEN KIT, HAS DONATED A LANDROVER AMBULANCE TO THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES. THE AMS COMMISSIONER, DR K.L. THONG, WILL RECEIVE THE KEY TO THE AMBULANCE FROM MR YUEN AT 10 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT KOWLOON HOSPITAL.

AFTER THE HANDING-OVER CEREMONY, MEMBERS OF THE AMS WILL USE THE VEHICLE TO STAGE A DEMONSTRATION OF CASUALTY CONVEYANCE.

THE VEHICLE, WITH ITS FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE MECHANISM, WILL BE USED IN THE MORE REMOTE AND HILLY AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE OCCASION.

- 0

NOTE TO EDITORS:

SHA TIN BOARD MEMBERS TO VISIT TDC

* * * *

SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL VISIT THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL’S HEAD OFFICE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE VISIT IS TO FAMILIARISE MEMBERS WITH THE ORGANISATION AND SERVICES OF THE COUNCIL AND EXCHANGE VIEWS ON HOW THE COUNCIL COULD HELP IN THE SERVICING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITY IN SHA TIN.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE VISIT SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE COUNCIL’S HEAD OFFICE ON THE 31ST FLOOR OF GREAT EAGLE CENTRE, 23 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI AT 2.30 PM.

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1984

- 9 -

NOTE TO EDITORS*

BOARD TO DISCUSS RENT INCREASES

* * * *

SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE RENT INCREASES OF SHOPS AT BLOCKS NINE AND 13 OF SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW AFTERNOON.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE 1983 TAXI REVIEW AND THE REVIEW ON PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION POL CIES.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, 39 TONKIN STREET.

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

NOTE TO EDITORS:

TWELVE TO SING FOR TOP PRIZE * * *

TWELVE YOUNG PEOPLE IN TSUEN WAN HAVE BEEN CHOSEN FROM AMONG 5DO CONTESTANTS TO COMPETE IN THE DISTRICT’S AMATEUR SINGING CONTEST THIS SATURDAY (MAY 19).

TSUEN WAN IS THE EIGHTH DISTRICT TO HOLD THE 18-DISTRICT AMATEUR SINGING CONTEST TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS’ PARTICIPATION IN NEXT YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

THE CONTEST IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND SING TAO NEWSPAPERS LIMITED AND WILL START AT 7.30 PM AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR FUNG KWOK-KEUNG, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SINGING CONTEST.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

18, 1984

PAGE NO

CONTENTS

TECHNICAL EDUCATION TO MEET ECONOMIC GOALS

BRIDGE OVER SHING MJN RIVER

QUOTA FEE REVISED TO COVER COST

PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY BILL PUBLISHED

SPARED TO BE RECLAIMED FOR HOUSING ESTATE

FOOTBRIDGE FOR CONN AUGHT ROAD CENTRAL

MJSIC CAMP ORGANISED FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

AIR TRIPS FOR WRITING CONTEST WINNERS

FOUR AIRPORT SHOP SPACES FOR RENT

COMMENDATION FOR AMBULANCEMAN

SWD FIELD UNIT MOVES OFFICE

CAUSEWAY BAY MAINS TESTS

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

.CATTLE, PIG INSPEC TICK FEES RAISED

FRIDAY, MAY

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1984

- 1 -

TECHNICAL EDUCATION TO MEET ECONOMIC GOALS K * *

THE NUMBER OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING PLACES WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE PRESENT 67 OOO TO OVER 110 000 ON COMPLETION OF MORE FACILITIES BY THE END OF THE DECADE.

THESE ADDITIONAL FACILITIES ARE TWO VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRE COMPLEXES, THREE NEW TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND THE CITY POLYTECHNIC.

♦IN THE CASE OF THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, IT WILL MEAN ALMOST DOUBLING THEIR PRESENT STUDENT ENROLMENT OF 40 000,+ W GRAHAM CHENG, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON TECHNICAL EDUCATION OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE SPEECH DAY OF THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, MR CHENG SAID THAT HONG KONG NEEDED A LARGE NUMBER OF TECHNICALLY QUALIFIED YOUNG PEOPLE TO HELP FURTHER DIVERSIFY PRODUCTS AT COMPETITIVE PRICES.

HE SAID THAT WHILE CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN INDUSTRY WAS IMPORTANT, INVESTMENT IN PEOPLE WAS EVEN MORE SO.

+THIS IS PARTICULARLY TRUE IN HONG KONG WHERE THERE IS ALMOST A COMPLETE LACK OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND WHERE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY DEPENDS ENTIRELY ON THE INGENUITY, KNOWLEDGE AND THE INTELLECTUAL CAPABILITIES OF ITS PEOPLE,+ MR CHENG SAID.

THE ROLE OF THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES IN HONG KONG WAS TO TRAIN SKILLED MANPOWER AT BASIC LEVELS.

TO IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, POSITIVE STEPS HAD BEEN TAKEN BY THE VTC, SUCH AS THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW ACADEMIC AND MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE BRINGING INDUSTRIALISTS AND EDUCATORS FROM INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS CLOSER TOGETHER TO ASSIST IN PLANNING AND CO-ORDINATING THE OPERATION OF THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, MR CHENG SAID.

THE VTC HAD ALSO INVITED OVERSEAS EDUCATORS AND SUBJECT SPECIALISTS TO ADVISE ON THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF ITS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES, HE SAID.

MR CHENG ALSO SAID THAT THE INSTITUTES MUST BE ABLE TO REACT TO CHANGES THROUGH ADEQUATE CONTINGENCY PLANNING PROVIDED THAT THEIR SHORT-TERM EXPEDIENCY SHOULD NOT OVERRIDE LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES.

+COURSES AND STUDY PROGRAMMES MUST BE FLEXIBLE ENOUGH TO PERMIT INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL TRANSFERABILITY AND TO ENABLE WORKERS ALREADY IN EMPLOYMENT TO UPGRADE THEIR SKILLS AND TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE FOR JOB ADVANCEMENT,* HE SAID.

-----0 - -

/2 .......

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 198A

- 2 -

BRIDGE OVER SHING MUN RIVER * * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT, MR BRYAN O’RORKE, AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF GAMMON (HONG KONG) LIMITED, MR D.A. MORRIS, TODAY (FRIDAY) JOINTLY OFFICIATED AT THE TOPPING OUT CEREMONY OF A BRIDGE OVER THE SHING MUN RIVER, SHA TIN.

THE 500 METRES LONG BRIDGE IS A PRESTRESSED CONCRETE STRUCTURE CARRYING A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY.

IT HAS ONE MAIN SPAN OF 90 METRES, TWO OF 50 METRES AND 10 SHORTER SPANS.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE BRIDGE, BUILT ACROSS THE SHING MUN RIVER NEAR SHA TIN CITY ONE AND THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, STARTED IN FEBRUARY, 1982, AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN JULY.

IT WILL FORM PART OF A TRUNK ROAD JOINING LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD WITH TAI PO ROAD NEAR THE RACE COURSE.

THE TRUNK ROAD, WHICH IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION, WILL EVENTUALLY CONNECT WITH THE SHA TIN - TA I PO COASTAL TRUNK ROAD, FORMING PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD.

IT WILL ALSO BE A SECTION OF THE PRINCIPAL ROAD LINK BETWEEN KOWLOON AND THE EASTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WHICH WILL PROVIDE A BYPASS OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN CENTRE FOR THROUGH TRAFFIC.

THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD LINKING THE NEW TOWNS IS BEING BUILT AT A COST OF $1,112 BILLION.

IT WILL BE 68.5 KILOMETRES LONG.

MR O’RORKE PAID TRIBUTE TO GAMMON (HONG KONG) LIMITED, THE CONTRACTOR FOR THE BRIDGE, AND MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA, THE CONSULTING ENGINEERS, WHO DESIGNED IT.

HE SAID THEIR CO-OPERATION WITH THE STAFF OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WAS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE TEAM WORK NEEDED GENERALLY IN THE EXECUTION OF MAJOR CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECTS, PARTICULARLY IN THE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF SHA TIN AND THE OTHER NEW TOWNS, IN HONG KONG.

♦AS I AM SURE YOU WILL REMEMBER, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, VISITED SHA TIN WHEN HE WAS IN HONG KONG RECENTLY AND IN THE OPENING REMARKS OF HIS SPEECH IN THE HOUSE CF COMMONS ON WEDNESDAY HE REFERRED TO THE NEW TOWNS AS HAVING A POWERFUL SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND VITALITY,+ MR O’RORKE SAID.

HE SAID SHA TIN WAS CONTINUING TO EXPAND WITH THE RECENTLY-STARTED FURTHER FORMATION WORK AT MA ON SHAN ALONG THE SHORE FROM THE NEW BRIDGE.

THE TRUNK ROAD WOULD SEPARATE TRAFFIC THROUGH SHA TIN FROM LOCAL TRAFFIC AND WOULD BE PART OF THE SYSTEM OF TRUNK ROADS BEING BUILT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. THESE MAJOR WORKS WERE PART OF GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUING EFFORTS TO PROVIDE THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR HONG KONG’S FURTHER DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE MASSIVE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, HE SAID.

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

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1984

- 3 -

QUOTA FEE REVISED TO COVER COST * * * *

THE APPLICATION FEE FOR TEXTILE QUOTA TRANSFERS WILL BE INCREASED FROM $30 AN APPLICATION TO $100 FROM JUNE 1 UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (FEES)(AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1984 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD RECENTLY ASSESSED THE COST OF PROCESSING QUOTA TRANSFER APPLICATIONS (PERMANENT TRANSFER, TEMPORARY TRANSFER AND SWING TRANSFER) AND HAS ASCERTAINED THAT THE REVISED FEE IS REQUIRED TO COVER THE PRESENT COST.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE QUOTA TRANSFER FEE IS ONE OF SEVERAL TEXTILE-RELATED FEES ADMINISTERED BY THE TRADE DEPARTMENT, THE OTHER FEES COVER EXPORT LICENCES, FREE QUOTA EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS, SWING APPLICATIONS AND TEXTILE CONTROL REGISTRATION. THE PRESENT SCALE OF FEES HAS REMAINED UNCHANGED SINCE LAST REVISED IN AUGUST 1982.

♦ALTHOUGH ESTABLISHED POLICY WAS -- AND STILL IS — THAT FEES SHOULD RECOVER THE FULL COSTS OF PROCESSING TEXTILE-RELATED DOCUMENTS, IT WAS FELT AT THAT TIME THAT TO MOVE IMMEDIATELY TO FULL COST-RECOVERY MIGHT PLACE AN EXCESSIVE BURDEN ON THE TEXTILES TRADE.

♦THE FEES SET IN 1982 ACCORDINGLY ENABLED ABOUT 60 PER CENT OF THE COST ESTIMATED IN 1981-82 OF OPERATING THE TEXTILES EXPORT CONTROL SYSTEM TO BE RECOVERED. IT WAS INTENDED THAT THIS SCALE SHOULD BE RE-EXAMINED FOLLOWING THE 1983 REVIEW OF THE TEXTILES EXPORT CONTROL SYSTEM,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE TRADE DEPARTMENT IS NOW CONDUCTING A COMPREHENSIVE COSTING OF THE TEXTILES EXPORT CONTROL SYSTEM, TO SERVE AS THE BASIS FOR RE-EXAMINING ALL THE EXISTING FEES. THIS EXERCISE WILL BE COMPLETED LATER THIS YEAR. MEANTIME, AN INCREASE IN THE QUOTA TRANSFER FEE IS BEING INTRODUCED AS A STEP TOWARDS RECOVERING FULL COSTS.

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

PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY BILL PUBLISHED

M M * M

PROPOSED NEW LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS AS A LEGAL ENTITY IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE LEGISLATION WILL ALLOW THE ACADEMY TO FUNCTION IN THE SAME WAY AS OTHER TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

/ths executive........

FRIDAY, HAY 1&, 1?84

THE EXECUTIVE BODY OF THE ACADEMY WILL BE A COUNCIL TO BE SET UP UNDER THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS BILL, WITH, AT MOST, 17 MEMBERS DRAWN FROM PEOPLE WITH A WIDE'KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE ARTS SCENE IN HONG KONG.

THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ACADEMIC BOARD, WHICH WILL REGULATE ALL MATTERS RELATING TO EDUCATION IN THE ACADEMY. IT WILL REVIEW AND DEVELOP ACADEMIC SUPERVISE TEACHING, RESEARCH, ADMISSION AND

PROGRAMMES AND EXAMINATIONS.

THE BILL

DRAWN UP IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PROVISIONAL

COUNCIL OF THE ACADEMY, STATES THAT THE OBJECT OF THE ACADEMY WILL BE TO PROVIDE FOR TRAINING, EDUCATION AND RESEARCH IN

THE PERFORMING ARTS AND RELATED TECHNICAL ARTS.

THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 30 AND IS EXPECTED TO PASS ITS THIRD READING ON JUNE 13.

ANYONE WHO WISHES TO COMMENT ON THE BILL CAN WRITE TO UMELCO, AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12TH FLOOR, CHATER ROAD, OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1ST FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.

- - 0 - -

CATTLE, PIG INSPECTION FEES RAISED

*****

FEES FOR THE INSPECTION OF MEAT AT THREE LICENSED PRIVATE SLAUGHTERHOUSES IN KWAI CHUNG, TAI PO AND YUEN LONG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAVE BEEN INCREASED FROM TODAY.

THE NEW INSPECTION FEE CHARGED FOR EACH CATTLE HAVE BEEN INCREASED FROM $3.50 TO $6, AND FOR EACH PIG OR GOAT FROM $2.30 TO $4.

THE INSPECTIONS ARE CARRIED OUT BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS HYGIENICALLY PREPARED.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD SAID THAT CHANGED SINCE JULY 1981.

HEALTH INSPECTORS OF TO ENSURE THE MEAT

THE FEES HAD NOT BEEN

THE INCREASE WOULD HAVE LITTLE EFF T ON THE RETAIL PRICE OF FRESH MEAT AS i .2 INSPECTION FEES ARE ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE OPERATION COSTS OF MEAT MERCHANTS.

THE 450 600 PIGS AND 40 100 CATTLE SLAUGHTERED IN THE THREE LICENSED PRIVATE SLAUGHTERHOUSES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES LAST YEAR, HAD ALL BEEN INSPECTED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

0 -

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1984

SEABED TO BE RECLAIMED FOR HOUSING ESTATE

* * *

ABOUT 14 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED NEAR AP TSAI PENINSULA AT THE NORTHWESTERN TIP OF JUNK BAY ARE TO BE RECLAIMED FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE.

THE WORK INCLUDES LAYING A SUBMARINE SEWER WITHIN 3.3 HECTARES OF SEABED AND RECLAIMING 1.7 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT THE MOUTH OF HANG HAU BAY ON THE OTHER SIDE OF JUNK BAY.

THE SUBMARINE SEWER FORMS PART OF GOVERNMENT’S INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS TO SERVE THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS FOR JUNK BAY NEW TOWN.

THE PROPOSED RECLAMATION AT HANG HAU BAY WILL ENABLE ENGINEERS TO CONNECT THE SUBMARINE SEWER TO A SEWER TUNNEL WHICH WILL CONVEY SEWAGE TO A TREATMENT PLANT TO BE CONSTRUCTED NEAR SIU CH IK SHA.

NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED WORK HAS BEEN GAZETTED AND IS EXPECTED TO START TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN 33 MONTHS.

NORMAL SEA ACCESS TO HANG HAU TOWN AND THE INDUSTRIAL AREAS NEAR TSEUNG KWAN 0 OPPOSITE TO AP TSAI PENINSULA AND TO THE INDUSTRIAL AREAS NEAR YAU YUE WAN VILLAGE WILL BE MAINTAINED DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD.

A PLAN SHOWING THE AFFECTED AREA CAN BE SEEN ATs

X NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE;

X LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY DIVISION, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND

X SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 1ST FLOOR, 692 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON.

ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED WORK OR CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION SHOULD REACH THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.

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

FOOTBRIDGE FOR CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL

* X * X

THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO BUILD A COVERED FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AT RUMSEY STREET.

THE FOOTBRIDGE IS TO BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1986, TO COPE WITH INCREASED PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC EXPECTED WHEN THE NEW MACAU FERRY TERMINAL OPENS IN 1985 AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY SHEUNG WAN STATION OPENS IN MID-1986.

IT WILL BE 50 METRES LONG AND WILL LINK IN WITH VARIOUS SYSTEMS RECOMMENDED IN THE RECENTLY-COMPLETED MID-LEVELS AND CENTRAL DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION STUDY.

/A NOTICE.......

FRIDAY, IdaY 18, 1984

A NOTICE CONCERNING THE FOOTBRIDGE IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE UNDER THE ROADS (WORKS, USE AND COMPENSATION) CRDINm JCE TODAY (FR IDAY).

A PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT:

* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;

* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG NORTH, 12TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG; AND

* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 222-224, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG.

ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD BE MADE IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BEFORE JULY 17.

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

MUSIC CAMP ORGANISED FOR YOUNG PEOPLE > X * * * X

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN TO YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 24 WHO WISH TO JOIN THE 1984 HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP.

THE MUSIC CAMP IS ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND WILL BE HELD THIS YEAR AT THE PO LEUNG KUK PAK TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP, SAI KUNG FROM JULY 21 TO AUGUST 5.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE SAID THE ANNUAL CAMP IS AIMED AT DEVELOPING AND ENHANCING THE MUSICAL CAPABILITIES OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND AT FOSTERING INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE THROUGH INTENSIVE MUSIC TRAINING IN A SUMMER CAMP ATMOSPHERE.

NOTED MUSICIANS WILL BE INVITED TO CONDUCT MASTER CLASSES, WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS, AND THERE WILL BE DEMONSTRATION CONCERTS, FILM SHOWS AND MUSIC APPRECIATION SESSIONS, HE SAID.

A FINALE CONCERT WILL THEN BE JOINTLY PRESENTED WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL, MARKING THE CLOSE OF THE MUSIC CAMP.

THE CAMP WILL NOT BE ALL WORK, AS A WIDE RANGE OF RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES WILL ALSO BE HELD, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

APPLICANTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO PLAY AT LEAST ONE CHINESE OR WESTERN ORCHESTRAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.

QUALIFIED APPLICANTS MAY BE INVITED TO ATTEND AN AUDITION TO BE HELD AT A LATER DATE.

/‘ji'HE CAMP................

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1984

- 7 -

THE CAMP FEE WILL BE $300.

APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM ALL MUSIC CENTRES AND RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE SUB-OFFICES OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS ALL DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.

COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE MUSIC OFFICE HEADQUARTERS AT 11TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE MAY 31, 1984.

ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO TEL: 5-741622 OR 3-7149225.

--------o

AIR TRIPS FOR WRITING CONTEST WINNERS * * *

EIGHT WINNERS OF THE SCIENCE FICTION WRITING COMPETITION HELD AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES ON MONDAY (MAY 21).

THE COMPETITION WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATIC^ EDUCATION, AND SPONSORED BY THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LIMITED.

THE AIM WAS TO PROMOTE CREATIVE WRITING IN RELATION TO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, AND THE IDEA THAT SCIENCE IS AN INTRINSIC PART OF CULTURE.

SIXTY CHILDREN BETWEEN 15 AND 20 YEARS OF AGE, FROM 32 SECONDARY SCHOOLS, TOOK PART IN THE COMPETITION. THE FIRST THREE PRIZES ARE TRIPS TO SINGAPORE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SINGAPORE YOUTH SCIENCE FORTNIGHT 1984, AND BOOK COUPONS.

THERE ARE, IN ADDITION, FIVE CONSOLATION PRIZES OF $200 BOOK COUPONS.

MR JOHN WINFIELD, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION WILL OFFICIAT AT THE CEREMONY.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SCIENCE FICTION WRITING COMPETITION PRIZE-PRESENTATION AT 5.30 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 21) IN THE SHELL CLUB, 10TH FLOOR, SHELL HOUSE, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.

/8 ........

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 1984

FOUR AIRPORT SHOP SPACES FOR RENT *****

FOUR SHOP SPACES ARE BEING OFFERED FOR RENT IN THE WEST DEPARTURES HALL OF THE PASSENGER TERMINAL, HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

THE SHOPS ARE FOR THE SALE OF NEWSPAPERS AND PUBLICATIONS-PHARMACEUTI CALS, TOILETRIES AND PERFUMES- TOYS- AND CLOCKS AND WATCHES.

THE TENANCIES WILL BE FOR THREE YEARS FROM JUNE.

TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE TREASURY ACCOUNTANT OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, 1OTH FLOOR, UNITED CENTRE, 95 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG OR FROM THE AIRPORT COMMERCIAL MANAGER AT HONG KONG AIRPORT.

COMPLETED TENDER FORMS MUST BE PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE 12 NOON ON FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 1984.

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

NOTE TO ED I TORSt

COMMENDATION FOR AMBULANCEMAN

*****

THE CHIEF AMBULANCE OFFICER OF FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, l*R H. KENYON, WILL PRESENT HIS COMMENDATION TO AN AMBULANCEMAN FOR HIS PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE AND ACTION IN ASSISTING THE VICTIM CF A ROBBERY AND ATTEMPTED MURDER CASE DURING WHICH SHE SUSTAINED SERIOUS CHOPPED WOUNDS.

THE AMBULANCEMAN WAS OFF-DUTY AT THE TIME.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 10.30 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 21) AT CHEUNG SHA WAN AMBULANCE DEPOT AT 7 FAT CHEUNG STREET, KOWLOON.

FIRE SERVICES INFORMATION OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

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

/9........

FR IDAY, MAY 18, 1984

- 9 -

SWD FIELD UNIT MOVES OFFICE

M * *

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S NGAU TAU KOK SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT WILL OPERATE FROM A NEW OFFICE TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

IT WILL BE LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR, UNIT Gl-3, KAI CHEUNG HOUSE, KAI YIP ESTATE, KOWLOON. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER WILL BE THE SAME: 3-7502659.

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

CAUSEWAY BAY MAINS TESTS

* * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES AT CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 21) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE PREMISES AFFECTED ARE BOUNDED BY PERCIVAL STREET, LEIGHTON ROAD, LEE GARDEN ROAD, KAI CHIU ROAD AND HENNESSY ROAD, INCLUDING 482 HENNESSY ROAD AND 1 - 3 JARDINE’S CRESCENT.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1984

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

baroness Phillips to visit hk ................................... 1

NEW COURSES TO STRENGTHEN KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION ................ 1

WOMEN AGED 19 TO 21 REMINDED TO APPLY FOR NEW I.D. CARDS .... J

DB TO FURTHER IMPROVE COMMUNITY WORK ............................ 5

COMMUNITY URGED TO PLANT MORE TREES ............................. 4

FREE TRIP TO U.S. FOR +SAFETY AT WORK+ WINNERS................... 5

TRAFFIC MEASURES FOR ISLAND AND YUEN LONG ....................... 5

DISTRICTS TO COMPETE IN BADMINTON LEAGUE ........................ 7

PLB RESTRICTED ZONE ............................................. 7

MAINS WORK IN HAPPY VALLEY....................................... 8

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1984

BARONESS PHILLIPS TO * * * *

VISIT HK

BARONESS PHILLIPS, LORD LIEUTENANT

OF GREATER LONDON, AND

HER DAUGHTER, THE HONOURABLE MRS GWYNETH DUNWOODY, LABOUR MP, WILL BE ARRIVING IN HONG KONG TOMORROW (SUNDAY) FOR A TEN-DAY VISIT AT THE JOINT INVITATION OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL SECURITY ASSOCIATION (HONG KONG BRANCH).

AND THE AND

DURING THEIR STAY, THEY WILL MEET SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, VISIT THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, HOUSING DEPARTMENT, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE MEDICAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

THEY WILL ALSO CALL ON THE UMELCO, THE ICAC, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE BRITISH TRADE COMMISSION, AND TOUR GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND CLINICS, FACILITIES FOR THE REHABILITATION CF THE DISABLED AND THE CHI MA WAN VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CLOSED CENTRE.

BARONESS PHILLIPS, WHO IS PRESIDENT OF THE IPSA, WILL BE THE LEADING SPEAKER AT THE CRIME PREVENTION 1984 SEMINAR AND CONFERENCE TO BE OPENED NEXT WEEK.

THEY ARE EXPECTED TO GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON JUNE 1 (FRIDAY) BEFORE THEIR DEPARTURE.

- - 0 - -

NEW

TWO NEW KINDERGARTEN THE STANDARD OF EDUCATION

COURSES TO STRENGTHEN KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION * X * *

IN-SERVICE COURSES WILL BE HELD SHORTLY FOR SUPERVISORS AND HEAD-TEACHERS IN A BID TO IMPROVE OF KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION IN HONG KONG, THE DIRECTOR MR COLVYN HAYE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

MR HAYE WAS SPEAKING AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE DEPARTMENT’S FIRST TWO 12-WEEK PART-TIME IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS.

HE SAID THE NEW ADMINISTRATION COURSES, THE FIRST OF WHICH WOULD START THIS SEPTEMBER, WOULD CATER FOR SUPERVISORS AND HEAD-TEACHERS. THEY COULD BE FULLY TRAINED, OR WERE UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE GRADUATES, BUT HAD NOT RECEIVED SPECIALISED TRAINING IN KINDERGARTEN TEACHING.

MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO CONDUCT 12-wEEK COURSES FOR MORE KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS IN THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR IN LINE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE 1981 WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES, MR HAYE SAID.

/HE ADDED

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1984

HE ADDED THAT IN PRACTICE, THESE COURSES LASTED MUCH LONGER AS PARTICIPANTS WERE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO A SIX-MONTH POST-COURSE PERIOD OF SUPERVISED TEACHING PRACTICE, DURING WHICH THEIR TEACHING WAS CLOSELY MONITORED AND ASSESSED.

THE TRAINING PROGRAMMES, HE SAID, HAD BEEN CAREFULLY STRUCTURED TO GIVE COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OF BASIC ASPECTS OF KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION.

THESE BASIC ASPECTS INCLUDE THE MAJOR PRINCIPLES OF KINDERGARTEN PRACTICE, THE TECHNIQUES OF ORGANISING ACTIVITIES AND PLAY ACCORDING TO THE CHILD’S ABILITY AND INTERESTS, AND, IN PARTICULAR, THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A CURRICULUM BASED ON THE THEMATIC APPROACH.

THIS APPROACH IS RECOMMENDED BY THE KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION COMMITTEE IN ITS +GUIDE TO THE KINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM+ TO BE PUBLISHED SHORTLY.

EDUCATION WAS A LIFELONG PROCESS, AND EACH STAGE OF EDUCATION HAD ITS OWN OBJECTIVES, MR HAYE SAID.

♦CHILDREN SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO PROGRESS SMOOTHLY FROM ONE STAGE OF EDUCATION TO ANOTHER WITH CONFIDENCE AND FULFILMENT, AND NOT WITH A SENSE OF CONFUSION AND FRUSTRATION.+

THE ACTIVITY APPROACH PROVIDED THE MOST EFFECTIVE BRIDGE BETWEEN KINDERGARTEN AND PRIMARY EDUCATION BY ENSURING A SMOOTH AND ANXIETY-FREE PROGRESSION FROM ONE STAGE TO THE OTHER, HE SAID.

♦CHILDREN NEED TO BE GUIDED INTO THE PRIMARY CURRICULUM THROUGH A LEARNING SITUATION WHICH IS COMPLEMENTARY TO, AND COMPATIBLE WITH, THAT OF THE KINDERGARTEN, RATHER THAN HAVING TO FACE AN ABRUPT CHANGE IN ATTITUDE AND REQUIREMENTS AFTER A SHORT BREAK IN SUMMER.

♦THIS IS PARTICULARLY SO WITH YOUNG CHILDREN, AN INCREASING NUMBER OF WHOM HAVE GONE THROUGH THEIR FIRST STEPS IN EDUCATION IN THE FORMAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT THAT WE ADVOCATE IN OUR TRAINING PROGRAMMES,+ MR HAYE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM, PRESSURE RESULTING FROM COMPETITIVE ADMISSION INTO PRIMARY ONE HAD BEEN CONSIDERABLY REDUCED.

♦THIS LEAVES MORE ROOM FOR YOU, AS KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS, TO PURSUE A CURRICULUM AND TEACHING METHODS WHICH ARE GEARED MORE CLOSELY TO CHILDREN’S NEEDS,+ HE TOLD THE GRADUATES.

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

/5........

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1984 - 5 -

wOMEN AGED 19 TO 21 REMINDED TO APPLY FOR NEW I.D. CARDS * * *

WOMEN BORN IN 1963, 1964 AND 1965 ARE BEING REMINDED TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS BEFORE THE 11TH PHASE OF THE NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE SCHEME CLOSES ON JUNE 2 (SATURDAY).

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE DAILY TURN-UP RATE DURING THE FIRST THREE WEEKS OF THE PHASE HAD BEEN SLIGHTLY BELOW AVERAGE.

+THIS MIGHT HAVE BEEN DUE TO THE FACT THAT SOME PEOPLE IN THE AGE GROUPS HAD TO SIT FOR PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS DURING THIS PERIOD. WE EXPECT TO SEE AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF APPLICANTS IN THE COMING WEEKS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THOSE WHO HAVE TIME TO APPLY NOW ARE ADVISED TO DO SO IMMEDIATELY TO AVOID THE LAST-MINUTE RUSH.

THEY SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR OLD I.D. CARDS WHEN THEY VISIT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT ISSUE OFFICES WHICH ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM, MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS.

THE PROCESS WILL TAKE ABOUT 30 MINUTES. APPLICANTS WILL BE ASKED TO COLLECT THEIR NEW CARDS 18 WORKING DAYS LATER.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED MEN BORN IN 1965 AND BETWEEN 1948 AND 1959, INCLUDING GREEN-SEAL CARD HOLDERS, TO APPLY FOR NEW I.D. CARDS AT ONCE, IF THEY HAVE NOT YET DONE SO. THEIR OLD CARDS WILL SOON BE DECLARED INVALID.

0------

DB TO FURTHER IMPROVE COMMUNITY WORK

* * * * *

THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL FURTHER IMPROVE THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY BUILDING WORK OF THE NEW TOWN IN THE COMING YEAR, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR FUNG KWOK-KEUNG, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.

SPEAKING AT THE DISTRICT’S AMATEUR SINGING CONTEST, HE SAID OF THE $5.54 MILLION ALLOCATED TO THE DISTRICT BOARD THIS YEAR, ABOUT $1.78 MILLION WOULD BE SPENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.

HE POINTED OUT IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD DONE MUCH WORK IN THE AREA OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF SITTING-OUT AREAS, PAVILIONS AND FOOTPATHS, AND THE IMPROVEMENT OF VILLAGE STREET LIGHTING.

THE BOARD HAD ALSO MADE GREAT EFFORTS IN PROMOTING CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, NOTABLY THE ANNUAL ARTS AND SPORTS FESTIVALS.

/MR FUNG ....

SATURDAY, MAY 19, ig84

4 -

MR FUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BOARD WOULD DEPEND GREATLY ON THE CONTINUED SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION OF THE RESIDENTS.

HE URGED ALL THOSE WHO CARE FOR THEIR COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT THE BOARD AND REGISTER AS VOTERS.

TONIGHT’S SINGING CONTEST WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND SING TAO NEWSPAPERS LIMITED.

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

COMMUNITY URGED TO PLANT MORE TREES

* * *

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL IF MORE GREENERY IS TO BE ADDED TO THE NEWLY DEVELOPING AREAS IN THE NORTH DISTRICT, NR LIU CHING-LEUNG, AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG NEW TERRITORIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

MR LIU URGED THE PUBLIC TO TAKE PART IN TREE PLANTING IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD WHEN HE MADE A TWO-HOUR TOUR OF FANLING.

HE WAS ACCOMPANIED DURING THE VISIT BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (HEADQUARTERS) OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR LI TIN-MING, AND THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF NORTH DISTRICT, MA IU-KI.

AT A NEW AMENITY PLOT IN KAM TSIN VILLAGE, MR LIU WAS IMPRESSED THAT THE ONCE RUBBISH-RIDDEN SITE HAD TURNED INTO A BEAUTIFUL PATCH OF GREEN.

HE WAS TOLD THAT ABOUT 20 000 TREES AND SHRUBS HAD BEEN PLANTED IN THE NORTH DISTRICT LAST YEAR BY NTSD AND ANOTHER 30 000 WILL BE PLANTED THIS YEAR.

TO AROUSE PUBLIC INTEREST IN TREE PLANTING, A DISTRICT TREE PLANTING DAY WILL BE HELD IN FANLING ON MAY 28 (MONDAY).

THE PARTY THEN TOURED LUEN WO HUI WHERE THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, THE LANDS DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD STAGED A JOINT OPERATION TO CLEAR ALL ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CAUSING OBSTRUCTION TO STREETS AND LANES.

MR LIU WAS IMPRESSED BY THE MARKED IMPROVEMENT TO THE GENERAL ENVIRONMENT AFTER THE OPERATION.

THEY NEXT VISITED A NEWLY COMPLETED PERMANENT REFUSE COLLECTION POINT ADJACENT TO THE FANLING PUMPING STATION, THE FIRST SUCH PERMANENT FACILITY IN FANLING CAPABLE OF HANDLING SEVEN TONNES OF REFUSE A DAY.

AT HO TUNG BRIDGE, MR LIU WAS BRIEFED ON AN OPERATION BY NTSD TO CLEAN UP RIVER INDUS AND RIVER BEAS TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT AND TO PREVENT FLOODING.

-----_0-------

/5......

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1934

- 5 -

FREE TRIP TO U.S. FOR +SAFETY AT WORK* WINNERS * * *

AN 11—DAY, ALL-EXPENSES PAID TRIP TO THE WEST COAST OF THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER VALUABLE PRIZES WORTH MORE THAN $100 000 WILL BE AWARDED TO THE FIVE MEMBERS OF THE WINNING TEAM OF THE ANNUAL +SAFETY AT WORK* TV PROGRAMME.

THE 13-EPISODE PROGRAMME, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES FOR THE FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, HAS BEEN DEVELOPED FOR WORKERS IN THE MANUFACTURING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES TO MAKE THEM AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.

THE MAIN PRIZES, WORTH A TOTAL OF $60 000, ARE BEING SPONSORED BY MR LAM KIN-MING OF LAI SUN GARMENT COMPANY LTD, A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, AND A KEEN SUPPORTER OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN HONG KONG. THEY INCLUDE THE FIRST PRIZE — A TRIP TO THE U.S.

OVER $300 000 IN PRIZES, WILL BE AWARDED TO MEMBERS OF THE PARTICIPATING TEAMS AND HOME VIEWERS DURING THE PRELIMINARIES, SEMI-FINALS AND THE GRAND FINAL.

THESE PRIZES INCLUDE PACKAGE TOURS TO BANGKOK AND PEKING, VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDERS, WASHING MACHINES, KITCHEN MACHINES, RADIO CASSETTE RECORDERS, ELECTRONIC TV GAMES, COLOUR TV SETS, ELECTRIC OVENS AND WRIST WATCHES.

THE HALF-HOUR SERIES WILL BE SCREENED ON TVB-JADE BETWEEN 3.30 PM AND 4 PM ON 12 CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS, STARTING ON JUNE 3.

THE ONE-HOUR GRAND FINAL WILL BE SHOWN ON TVB-JADE ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, FROM 9.30 PM TO 10.30 PM.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT RESPONSE TO THE TV PROGRAMME IN PREVIOUS YEARS HAD BEEN FAVOURABLE. HE ADDED THAT FEEDBACK INFORMATION INDICATED THAT THE PROGRAMME WAS NOT ONLY ENTERTAINING BUT ALSO EFFECTIVE IN RAISING SAFETY CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG THE PARTICIPANTS AND HOME VIEWERS.

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

TRAFFIC MEASURES FOR ISLAND AND YUEN LONG X X X * X *

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IN FORCE ON HONG KONG

ISLAND AND IN YUEN LONG FROM MONDAY (MAY 21).

AT WING HING STREET IN NORTH POINT, THE FOLLOWING MEASURES

WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 10 AM TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC s

* WING HING STREET BETWEEN ELECTRIC ROAD AND KING’S ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND.

/• EASTBOUND VEHICLES ...

SATURDAY, MAI 19, 1984

6 -

* EASTBOUND VEHICLES ON WING HING STREET WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT INTO KING’S ROAD WESTBOUND.

* LEFT TURNS FROM WING HING STREET EASTBOUND INTO KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE PROHIBITED, EXCEPT FOR BUSES, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND VEHICLES REQUIRING LOCAL ACCESS.

M THE BAN ON ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT BUSES

AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AT WING HING STREET EASTBOUND BETWEEN ELECTRIC ROAD AND KING’S ROAD WILL BE LIFTED.

* THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WING HING STREET BETWEEN ELECTRIC ROAD AND KING’S ROAD WILL BE MADE AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY, DURING WHICH NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.

FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 22), VEHICLES ON ELECTRIC ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT INTO WING HING STREET EASTBOUND.

IN TAI HANG, TAI HANG ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH PERKINS ROAD AND A POINT 20 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE RESTRICTED TO ONE LANE FOR TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FROM MONDAY (MAY 21) TO THURSDAY (MAY 24). THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE THE LAYING CF WATER MAINS.

MEANWHILE, ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN YUEN LONG FOR WORK ON A FOOTBRIDGE.

LONG YIP STREET BETWEEN THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO NAM PIN WAI AND THE NEW CROSS-NULLAH BRIDGE NEAR THE YUEN LONG EAST ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR FIVE HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT ON MONDAY (MAY 21) TO 5 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE CLOSURE WILL BE REPEATED ON TUESDAY (MAY 22) NIGHT.

DURING THE CLOSURE, THE NEW CROSS-NULLAH BRIDGE WILL BE OPEN TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC, WHILE EASTBOUND TRAFFIC FROM PO YIP STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ON LOK ROAD.

YUEN LONG ON LOK ROAD BETWEEN TAI CHEUNG STREET AND THE NEW CROSS-NULLAH BRIDGE NEAR THE YUEN LONG EAST ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR FIVE HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 23) TO 5 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE CLOSURE WILL BE REPEATED ON THURSDAY (MAY 24) NIGHT.

DURING THE CLOSURE, EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON YUEN LONG ON LOK ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TAI CHEUNG STREET AND KUK TING STREET, WHILE WESTBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE NEW CROSS-NULLAH BRIDGE, LONG YIP STREET AND THE BRIDGE AT THE JUNCTION OF LONG YIP STREET AND PO YIP STREET.

- - - - 0 ----

/7........

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1984

DISTRICTS TO COMPETE IN BADMINTON LEAGUE X * *

MORE THAN 120 BADMINTON PLAYERS FROM SIX DISTRICTS WILL COMPETE FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIPS OF THE THIRD NEW TERRITORIES INTER-DISTRICT BADMINTON LEAGUE STARTING AT 10.30 AM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

TEAMS FROM YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN, TAI PO, ISLANDS AND SAI KUNG HAVE BEEN PLAYING IN BOTH THE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SECTIONS ON THREE CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS SINCE MAY 5. THOSE WHO HAVE ACCUMULATED THE HIGHEST POINTS WILL BE THE WINNERS.

THIS YEAR’S LEAGUE IS SPONSORED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD AND ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES INTER-DISTRICT SPORTS CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE.

THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR PETER NG, WILL PRESENT TROPHIES TO WINNING TEAMS AT A CEREMONY AT 3 PM.

ALSO ATTENDING THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, JAMES WILSON; THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR DICKEN YUNG ; THE CHAIRMAN OF YUEN LONG DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR CHIU YUK-CHUEN ; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMPETITION’S CO-ORD I NAT I NG'COMMITTEE, MR DAVID MAK.

THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED $23 000 FOR THE EVENT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE THIRD NT INTER-DISTRICT BADMINTON LEAGUE STARTING AT 10.30 AM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE YAN 01 TONG INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE IN TUEN MUN, AND THE PRIZEPRESENTATION CEREMONY AT 3 PM AT THE LUT SAU HALL IN YUEN LONG.

- - 0 -

PLB RESTRICTED ZONE * * * *

FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 21), THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY CF YIM PO FONG STREET BETWEEN WATERLOO ROAD AND KWONG WA STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.

WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, ALL PU?L'S L-IGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS.

0 - -

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1984

MAINS WORK IN HAPPY VALLEY

* * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN HAPPY VALLEY WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 22) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE ALONG BROADWOOD ROAD, HOLLY ROAD, GREEN LANE, BROOM ROAD, BRIAR AVENUE, BLUE POOL ROAD BETWEEN CHEONG MING STREET AND TAI HANG ROAD, AND 148-150 TAI HANG ROAD, AS WELL AS THOSE AT HAPPY VIEW TERRACE.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1984

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

NEW REGULATIONS ON VEHICLE CONSTRUCT!®? AND MAINTENANCE....... 1

SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR MARCH .. 3

SBr.RwPART rr« TRADE AND INDUSTRY TO ADDRESS CONFERENCE....... 6

SURVEY ON OVERSEAS INVESTMENT TO START SOON ..................... 7

RATEPAYERS REMINDED TEAT AUTOPAY IS AVAILABLE.................... 7

CUSTOMS COMMISSIONER TO ATTEND INTERNATIONAL MEETING.......... 8

FIRST CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL IN SAI KUNG ........................ 9

DRAG®? BOATS READY FOR RACE..................................... 10

YOUNG DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARD COMPETITION ................... 10

YOUTHS GET A GLIMPSE OF THE WORKING WORLD ...................... 11

GROUP STUDYING KWUN TONG YOUTH PROBLEMS......................... 13

DENTAL CLINIC TO BE EXPANDED ................................... 14

KWAI CHUNG TO HOLD TREE PLANTING DAY ........................... 14

SPORTS GROUND KIOSK OFFERED .................................... 15

SLOPES TO BE STABILISED ........................................ 15

BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP DRIVE................................... 16

FOOTBRIDGE TO EASE WAN CHAI TRAFFIC ............................ 16

PLB RESTRICTED ZONES............................................ 17

SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1984

NEW REGULATIONS ON VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE * * * *

EXTENSIVE CHANGES IN THE REGULATIONS CONCERNING CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES WILL COME INTO EFFECT IN LATt AUGUST THIS YEAR, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).

THE CHANGES ARE INCORPORATED IN THE NEW ROAD TRAFFIC , , ki. (CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS, PROVIDING A MORE ENFORCEABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR ROADWORTHY AND LESS POLLUTING VEHICLES, HE EXPLAINED.

THE NEW REGULATIONS, BASED ON THE LATEST UK LEGISLATION ADAPTED TO SUIT HONG KONG CONDITIONS, WILL REPLfACE THE EXISTING OUTDATED CONSTRUCTION AND USE REGULATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN IN FORCt SINCE 1956, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE NEW REGULATIONS REQUIRE, AMONG OTHER THINGS:

* PROPER INFLATION OF TYRES AND A MINIMUM TREAD

DEPTH OF 1 MILLIMETRE IN A CONTINUOUS BAND OVER AT LEAST THREE-QUARTERS OF THE TYRE’S WIDTH AND AROUND THE COMPLETE CIRCUMFERENCE

* A BAN ON THE MIXING OF RADIAL AND CROSS-PLY TYRES ON THE SAME AXLE

* THAT RADIAL TYRES MUST NOT BE FITTED TO THE FRONT AXLE WHEN THE REAR AXLE IS FITTED WITH CROSS-PLY TYRES

* THAT WINDSCREEN WIPERS MUST HAVE WASHERS

* THE INSTALLATION OF AT LEAST TWO REAR-VIEW MIRRORS, ONE OF WHICH MUST BE A RIGHT WING MIRROR, IN EVERY PRIVATE CAR, TAXI, LIGHT BUS, BUS, GOODS VEHICLE AND SPECIAL-PURPOSE VEHICLE.

AS ALL MEASUREMENTS ARE IN METRIC TERMS, ONE OF THE MOST NOTICEABLE CHANGES IS SPEED MEASUREMENT.

OWNERS OF VEHICLES WITH SPEEDOMETERS IN IMPERIAL UNITS ONLY ARE ADVISED TO HAVE THESE METERS CLEARLY MARKED WITH AN IDENTIFIABLE METRIC INDICATOR.

THIS MEANS THAT SPEEDOMETERS SHOULD SHOW 50 KM/H, INSTEAD OF 33 MPH, AND 70 KM/H, INSTEAD OF 40 MPH, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE NEW MAXIMUM WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS OF VEHICLES ARE GENERALLY GREATER THAN THOSE PERMITTED UNDER THE OLD REGULATIONS.

AS AN EXAMPLE, HE SAID THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT FOR MEDIUM AND HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES IS 4.6 METRES, OR THE HEIGHT OF A DOUBLE-DECKER BUS.

/shopkeepers aRE........

SUNDAY, iuAY 20, 19&4

- 2 -

SHOPKEEPERS ARE BEING URGED TO TAKE NOTE OF THIS WHEN INSTALLING OR REPLACING OVERHANGING SIGNS.

UNDER THE NEW REGULATIONS, THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED GROSS WEIGHT MAY BE INCREASED TO 30 TONNES FOR GOODS VEHICLES (RIGID) AND TO 38 TONNES FOR ARTICULATED VEHICLES.

GOODS VEHICLES WILL BE REQUIRED TO DISPLAY, ON BOTH SIDES, THE OWNER’S NAME AND ADDRESS, THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED AXLE WEIGHT AND THE PERMITTED GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT INSTEAD OF THE UNLADEN * WE IGHT.

SPECIAL-PURPOSE VEHICLES, SUCH AS ROAD SWEEPERS, AND TRAILERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE SIMILARLY MARKED.

THE NEW REGULATIONS ON VEHICLE SMOKE CONTROL RETAIN THE SAME STRINGENT STANDARDS AS UNDER THE EXISTING LEGISLATION BUT CONTAIN MORE DETAILS.

SPECIFICATIONS ARE SPELT OUT IN THE NEW REGULATIONS WHICH REQUIRE GOODS VEHICLES OVER 5.5 TONNES TO BE FITTED WITH SUITABLE REFLECTIVE REAR MARKINGS.

REGULATIONS FOR BUSES AND LIGHT BUSES INCLUDE NEW PROVISIONS CONCERNING GANGWAY WIDTHS, ENTRANCES AND EXITS, THE FUEL TANK POSITION AND EMERGENCY SHUT-OFF VALVES, DRIVERS’ SEATS AND THEIR ACCOMMODATION AS WELL AS THE NUMBER AND POSITION OF EMERGENCY EXITS.

TO GIVE ENOUGH TIME FOR PEOPLE TO ADJUST THEIR VEHICLES TO THE NEW LEGISLATION, THE LAW PROVIDES A TRANSITIONAL PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS FOR SOME REGULATIONS TO BE APPLIED TO VEHICLES ALREADY LICENSED.

ANY PERSON BREACHING THE REGULATIONS WILL BE LIABLE TO A $10 000 FINE AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.

COPIES OF THE NEW CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES REGULATIONS ARE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.

ALSO ON SALE AT THE CENTRE ARE COPIES OF THE:

M ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS,

* ROAD TRAFFIC (PARKING) REGULATIONS,

* ROAD TRAFFIC (PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES) REGULATIONS,

* ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS,

* ROAD TRAFFIC (SAFETY EQUIPMENT) REGULATIONS, AND

M ROAD TRAFFIC (TRAFFIC CONTROL) REGULATIONS

EXPLANATORY LEAFLETS ON EACH ARE BEING PREPARED.

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

/3........

SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1984

- 3 -

SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR MARCH * * * *

THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED IN MARCH 1984, ACCORDING TO A MONTHLY SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE SURVEY COVERS EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR MARCH 1984.

MOST INDUSTRIES, ESPECIALLY THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS SECTOR, REPORTED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN ORDERS. THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY REPORTED NO CHANGE IN ITS ORDER POSITION.

THE LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT REMAINED STABLE FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AS A WHOLE, DESPITE SLIGHT DECREASES IN THE WEARING APPAREL, TEXTILES AND THE +OTHERS+ CATEGORY OF INDUSTRIES.

ON THE OTHER HAND, A SLIGHT INCREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.

EMPLOYMENT IN THE SERVICES SECTOR SHOWED NO CHANGE FROM THE PREVIOUS MONTH, APART FROM A SMALL INCREASE RECORDED IN HOTELS.

IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES DECREASED SLIGHTLY AS A FEW FIRMS COMPLETED SOME CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.

INCREASES IN BOTH PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE RECORDED BY MOST MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY.

THE INCREASES WERE MAINLY DUE TO PAYMENTS FOR OVERTIME WORK AND SALARY ADJUSTMENTS.

PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR ALSO INCREASED FOR THE SAME REASON.

ON THE OTHER HAND, THE BANKING SECTOR RECORDED A SLIGHT DECLINE IN BOTH PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS, REPORTEDLY DUE TO STAFF MOVEMENT AT THE SENIOR LEVEL IN A FEW BANKS COVERED BY THE SURVEY.

THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS ARE SHOWN IN THE ACCOMPANYING TABLES.

WHEN RELEASING THE SURVEY RESULTS, THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES AND THE 50 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SELECTED SERVICES SECTORS CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT IN MARCH 1983.

/AS THE .......

SUNDAY, KAY 20, 1984

AS THE SAMPLE WAS NOT DRAWN ON A RANDOM BASIS, THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT RESULTS ON MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE MIGHT NOT REFLECT THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE, ALTHOUGH THEY SHOULD GIVE A USEFUL INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.

THE SURVEY REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT

CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, AT $1.5

ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT (AT 3-7212832).

ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING

INDUSTRY

WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR

TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL

PLASTIC PRODUCTS

FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS

OTHERS

ALL ABOVE INDUSTRIES

EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS

PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED

(% CHANGE

OVER

PER

MAY

THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS COPY.

BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL •

CENSUS AND STATISTICS

(% CHANGE OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH)

JAN.

1984

FEB.

1984

MAR.

1984

ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) FOR MARCH 1984

-1

5.12

INDUSTRY/ SERVICE

MANUFAC-TUR ING

JAN.

1984

FEB.

1984

-1

2.61

-X

PER

THE

MAR.

1984

4.06

3.52

CAPITA

EARNINGS

PRECEDING MONTH)

JAN.

1984

FEB.

1984

MAR.

1984

-29

/FOOD

5.73

4.36

PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR MARCH 1984 HK$

2 636

AND

SUNDAY, LAY 20, 19c4

FOOD AND DR INKS

WEAR ING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR

TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL

PLASTIC

PRODUCTS

FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS

ELECTR I CAL

-1

-2

AND

ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS

OTHERS

CONSTRUCTION MM

SERVICES

BANKS

HOTELS

PUBL IC UTIL ITIES

OTHERS

-1

M CHANGES WITHIN

-2

-1

223

-3

-28

-1 22 -27 7 2 292

-1 43 -40 14 2 743

1 47 -34 12 2 472

* 47 -33 5 2 201

* 43 -29 3 2 474

-1 ' 40 -26 1 3 635

-1 21 -26 9 4 059

M 26 -34 2 4 711

* -6 -35 -1 4 099

1 38 -37 1 3 202

* 45 -35 2 4 635

M 33 -30 4 6 368

+0.5%

ONLY;

PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS NOT

SITE WORKERS INCLUDED.

- - 0 - -

SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1934

SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY TO ADDRESS CONFERENCE * * * * *

THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN YAXLEY, LEFT HONG KONG THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON FOR VANCOUVER TO ATTEND THE 17TH INTERNATIONAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE PACIFIC BASIN ECONOMIC COUNCIL (PBEC).

THE MEETING WILL BE FROM MAY 21 TO 24.

MR YAXLEY WILL ADDRESS THE FINAL PLENARY SESSION OF THE MEETING ON MAY 24 AT WHICH SOME 400 SENIOR BUSINESS EXECUTIVES FROM MORE THAN 20 COUNTRIES ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND.

THE THEME OF HIS SPEECH WILL BE +HONG KONG: BUSINESS AS USUAL*.

MR YAXLEY AND THE GOVERNMENT PRINCIPAL INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION CONSULTANT IN NORTH AMERICA WILL ALSO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE CONTACT WITH LEADING INDUSTRIALISTS AT THE CONFERENCE AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO INVEST IN HONG KONG.

BESIDES MR YAXLEY, OTHER HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVES ARE NR J.D. MCGREGOR, DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE- MR S.H. SUNG, CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF UNION METAL WORKS LIMITED, AND MR LOUIS E. SAUBOLLE, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF THE BANK OF CREDIT AND COMMERCE HONG KONG LTD.

THE THEME OF THE VANCOUVER MEETING IS +EXPANSION OF PACIFIC TRADE AND INVESTMENT*.

THE LAST THREE PBEC GENERAL MEETINGS WERE HELD IN HONG KONG, NAGOYA (JAPAN) AND SANTIAGO (CHILE). NEXT YEAR’S MEETING WILL BE IN AUCKLAND (NEW ZEALAND).

PBEC WAS CREATED IN 1967 AND ITS BASIC PURPOSE IS TO FOSTER MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND SOCIAL PROGRESS THROUGHOUT THE PACIFIC REGION.

AMONG OTHER THINGS, PBEC STRIVES TO IMPROVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTS AND INCREASE TRADE AND INVESTMENT WITHIN THE PACIFIC BASIN.

PBEC HAS A HONG KONG GROUP, THE CHAIRMAN OF WHICH IS M.G.R. SANDBERG, WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION.

AFTER ATTENDING THE PBEC MEETING, MR YAXLEY WILL VISIT HIS DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION OFFICE IN SAN FRANCISCO FOR TALKS WITH THE PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT, MR R.A. ASHWORTH.

MR YAXLEY WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON MAY 26.

- 0 - -

/7........

SUNDAY, MAY 20, 19&4

7 -

SURVEY ON OVERSEAS INVESTMENT TO START SOON

* > * *

THE PROMOTION CONSULTANCY DIVISION OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WILL SOON CONDUCT A SURVEY ON OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE SURVEY IS A PERIODICAL EXERCISE TO UPDATE THE DEPARTMENT’S RECORD ON INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS WITH OVERSEAS INTERESTS IN TERMS OF CAPITAL INVESTMENT AND EMPLOYMENT.

OVERSEAS INVESTORS ARE ALSO INVITED TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON A NUMBER OF MATTERS RELATING TO LOCAL INDUSTRY.

+THE INFORMATION GATHERED IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO THE DEPARTMENT IN ITS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE FURTHER INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE PROMOTION CONSULTANCY DIVISION WILL SHORTLY SEND OUT QUESTIONNAIRES TO MANUFACTURING COMPANIES BELIEVED TO INVOLVE OVERSEAS INTERESTS.

THEY ARE REQUESTED TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE DEPARTMENT BY THE END OF JUNE.

STAFF OF THE INDUSTRY AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WILL MAKE FOLLOW-UP VISITS TO THOSE FACTORIES WHICH HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES OR HAVE NOT RETURNED THEM BY THE END OF JUNE.

+ALL THE RETURNS WILL BE TREATED AS CONFIDENTIAL AND WILL BE DESTROYED AS SOON AS THE INFORMATION HAS BEEN EXTRACTED,+ THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.

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

RATEPAYERS REMINDED THAT AUTOPAY IS AVAILABLE

X X X

RATEPAYERS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY CAN MAKE USE OF THE AUTOPAY SERVICE TO SETTLE THEIR QUARTERLY RATES.

THE SERVICE IS AVAILABLE TO ANY RATEPAYER WHO HAS A CURRENT OR SAVINGS ACCOUNT WITH ANY LICENSED BANK IN HONG KONG.

+BY MAKING USE OF THE SERVICE, RATEPAYERS DO NOT HAVE TC QUEUE UP TO MAKE PAYMENT, WORRY WHETHER THEIR CHEQUES HAVE BEEN RECEIVED ON TIME, OR PAY A FIVE PER CENT SURCHARGE BECAUSE OF LATE PAYMENT. THE RATES PAYABLE WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY DEBITED TO THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS ON THE DUE DATE,+ A TREASURY SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

/OVER 48 000 .......

SUNDAY, N'AY 20, 1984

8 -

OVER 48 030 RATEPAYERS ARE NOW USING THIS SERVICE.

THOSE WHO WISH TO USE THE AUTOPAY SERVICE CAN OBTAIN A DIRECT DEBIT AUTHORISATION FORM FROM ANY MAJOR BANK, DISTRICT OFFICE OR TREASURY COLLECTION OFFICE.

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE TREASURY, G.P.O. BOX 8 □□□, HONG KONG.

+ANY RATEPAYER WHO WISHES TO SETTLE HIS RATES OF THE THIRD QUARTER (JULY - SEPTEMBER) BY AUTOPAY SHOULD APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE IT TAKES ABOUT SIX WEEKS TO PROCESS AN APPLICATION,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

+UNTIL A RATEPAYER RECEIVES A RATES DEMAND SHOWING THE WORDS : PAYMENT BY AUTOPAY AS AUTHORISED IN THE LOWER LEFT HAND CORNER, HE SHOULD CONTINUE TO PAY HIS RATES IN THE USUAL WAY,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

THOSE WHO HAVE ENQUIRIES MAY CALL 5-951051.

0 -

CUSTOMS COMMISSIONER TO ATTEND INTERNATIONAL MEETING ******

THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR DOUGLAS JORDAN, LEFT HONG KONG TODAY (SUNDAY) TO ATTEND THE 63RD AND 64TH SESSIONS OF THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL TO BE HELD IN SEOUL FROM MAY 21 TO 25.

ABOUT 80 COUNTRIES ARE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.

THE ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING IS HELD ALTERNATELY AT THE COUNCIL’S HEADQUARTERS IN BRUSSELS AND IN A MEMBER COUNTRY.

+THE ACCEPTANCE BY THE COUNCIL OF THE INVITATION OF THE CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH KOREA TO HOLD THIS YEAR’S MEETING IN SEOUL INDICATES THE IMPORTANCE AND INTEREST OF CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATIONS IN THE SOUTH-EAST ASIA REGION,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT SAID.

DISCUSSIONS WILL CENTRE ON TECHNICAL MATTERS CONCERNING CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION, LAW ENFORCEMENT, MUTUAL ASSISTANCE AND COLLABORATION BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.

MR JORDAN WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON MAY 25.

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

/9 .......

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 1984

- 9 -

FIRST CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL IN SAI KUNG * * *

ABOUT 200 STUDENTS OF EIGHT RURAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN SAI KUNG WILL BE ABLE TO RECEIVE PROPER SCHOOLING IN A BETTER-EQUIPPED BUILDING THIS SEPTEMBER.

THE SAI KUNG CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL - THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG - IS IN HO CHUNG NEAR THE HIRAM’S HIGHWAY.

IT IS A GOVERNMENT-SUBSIDISED UNI-SESSIONAL SCHOOL WITH ABOUT 500 PLACES FOR BOTH STUDENTS OF THE EIGHT RURAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND CHILDREN IN THE DISTRICT.

THE SCHOOL WITH AN AREA OF 3 900 SQUARE METRES HAS 12 STANDARD CLASSROOMS, A TEACHERS’ ROOM, A MUSIC ROOM, AN ARTS AND CRAFTS ROOM, A BASKETBALL COURT, A LIBRARY, A PLAYGROUND AND A SCHOOL HALL.

THE IDEA OF COMBINING SUB-STANDARD RURAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS INTO A CENTRAL ONE WAS RECOMMENDED IN THE EDUCATION WHITE PAPER PUBLISHED A FEW YEARS AGO. IT AIMED AT IMPROVING THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT OF VILLAGE CHILDREN AND RAISING THEIR EDUCATIONAL STANDARD.

CONSTRUCTION COST OF THIS PRIMARY SCHOOL IS WHOLLY FINANCED BY THE GOVERNMENT.

WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LOCAL DISTRICT OFFICE, A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE HAS BEEN FORMED TO RUN THE CENTRAL SCHOOL.

THE COMMITTEE COMPRISES THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMEN OF THE SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE AND SUPERVISORS OF THE EIGHT RURAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

PARENTS WHO WISH TO HAVE THEIR CHILDREN ENROLLED CAN OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM THE SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE AT 1, PO TUNG ROAD IN SAI KUNG.

THE EIGHT RURAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE CHIK SIN SCHOOL IN HO CHUNG, KAU SAI SCHOOL IN PAK SHA WAN, LIM CHUEN SCHOOL IN KAI HAM, LOK YUK SCHOOL IN WO MEI, MAN SENG SCHOOL IN PAK KONG, NAM CHEUNG SCHOOL IN NAM WAI, SZE WO SCHOOL IN CHI KING TUK AND HONG YING SCHOOL IN TA I NAM wOO.

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

/10 .......

SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1984

- 10 -

DRAGON BOATS READY FOR RACE * * * *

ELEVEN NEW DRAGON BOATS, TO BE USED IN SHA TIN’S FIRST DRAGON BOAT RACE EARLY NEXT MONTH, WERE LAUNCHED ON THE SHING MUN RIVER THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE TRADITIONAL CEREMONY BEGAN WITH A LION DANCE, FOLLOWED BY THE OFFERING OF ROASTED PIGS AND THE BURNING OF JOSS-STICKS BY COMMUNITY LEADERS TO SHOW THEIR RESPECT TO THE GODS.

A VILLAGE ELDER THEN READ OUT THE PRAYERS BEFORE THE EYE-DOTTING OF THE DRAGON BOATS, PERFORMED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DONALD TSANG.

THE CEREMONY WAS ROUNDED OFF WITH THE PLAYING OF DRUMS AND GONGS.

THE DRAGON BOATS, MADE OF FIBRE-GLASS, WERE DONATED TO THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION BY THE SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES COMPANY LIMITED.

THE RACE WILL BE HELD IN THE MORNING OF JUNE 3, THE DAY BEFORE THE FESTIVAL.

EIGHTEEN TEAMS WILL TAKE PART IN THE 1 OOO-METRE RACE FROM THE MOUTH OF THE SHING MUN RIVER TO ITS EASTERN COURSE NEAR THE SHA TIN FLOATING RESTAURANT.

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR IAN MACPHERSON, WILL BE THE OFFICIATING GUEST.

- - - - 0 ----

YOUNG DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARD COMPETITION

* X * X

FORM FIVE STUDENTS WHO ARE TAKING TECHNICAL SUBJECTS ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S HONG KONG YOUNG DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARD COMPETITION.

ORGANISED FOR THE THIRD YEAR BY THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL DESIGN COUNCIL AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE COMPETITION IS AIMED AT PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL DESIGN AND AT IDENTIFYING OUTSTANDING DESIGNERS.

THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS WHO ARE SITTING FOR ONE OR MORE TECHNICAL SUBJECTS INCLUDING DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY, ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICITY, METALWORK, WOODWORK AND PRACTICAL ELECTRICITY IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION THIS YEAR.

/IN ADDITION .......

SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1984

- 11 -

IN ADDITION TO THE HONG KONG YOUNG DESIGNER AWARD OF THE YEAR, PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO OUTSTANDING DESIGNERS IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES : METAL, WOOD, ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICITY, AND MULTI-MEDIA (INCLUDING PLASTICS).

ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED IN THE FORM OF REAL SIZE WORKING MODELS AND BE SUPPORTED BY DRAWINGS AND ANY OTHER DATA WHICH CONVEY THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INVOLVED.

ENTRY FORMS, OBTAINABLE FROM ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITH TECHNICAL SUBJECTS, MUST BE SIGNED AND COMPLETED IN DUPLICATE FOR EACH DESIGN SUBMITTED.

ONE COPY SHOULD BE PLACED IN A SEALED ENVELOPE AND AFFIXED FIRMLY TO THE MODEL, AND THE OTHER SUBMITTED UNDER SEPARATE COVER WHEN THE PROJECT IS DELIVERED TO THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AT RENFREW ROAD, KOWLOON TONG, KOWLOON.

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED ON JUNE 29 (FRIDAY) BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND NOON AND 2 PM AND 4 PM.

- - - - 0 -----

YOUTHS GET A GLIMPSE OF THE WORKING WORLD ’ * * * *

THE WORLD OF WORK WILL NO LONGER BE A MYSTERY TO MANY SECONDARY STUDENTS AFTER THIS MONTH.

A PIONEERING WORK ORIENTATION PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE (YEAS) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL GIVE SOME 400 SECONDARY STUDENTS IN TUEN MUN AN OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT VARIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS INCLUDING AIRLINE COMPANIES, BANKS, HOTELS, TELEVISION STATIONS, THE GOVERNMENT DATA PROCESSING AGENCY AND THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL.

DURING THESE VISITS, STUDENTS CAN SEE AND FEEL THE REAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT, OBSERVE PEOPLE AT WORK, AND OBTAIN FIRSTHAND INFORMATION ON ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND PROMOTION PROSPECTS OF A WIDE RANGE OF JOBS.

THE ESTABLISHMENTS TO BE VISITED WILL ALSO PROVIDE BRIEFINGS OR SLIDE PRESENTATIONS TO SHOW STUDENTS THEIR ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT.

’THIS IS A STEP FORWARD FROM EXHIBITIONS AND TALKS IN ENRICHING STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE OF THE REAL SITUATION OF THE WORKING WORLD,’ SAID MRS CATHERINE HO, A LABOUR OFFICER OF THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE. ’AND THE YEAS PLANS TO EXTEND THE PROGRAMME TO OTHER PARTS OF THE TERRITORY,’ MRS HO ADDED.

SET UP IN 1968, THE YEAS HAS BEEN ADOPTING A DEVELOPMENTAL APPROACH IN CAREERS EDUCATION WHICH AIMS AT INITIATING STUDENTS’ CAREERS AWARENESS IN THE FIRST PLACE, THEN HELPING THEM IN CAREERS EXPLORATION AND FINALLY PREPARING THEM FOR TAKING UP A JOB.

/‘AT THE ....

SUNDAY, kAY 20, 19&4

- 12 -

'AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH ACADEMIC YEAR, A CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS AND YOUTH CENTRES. ACCORDING TO THEIR REQUIREMENTS SHOWN IN THE RETURN SLIPS, WE WILL ARRANGE CAREERS TALKS, GROUP VISITS TO OUR CENTRES, AS WELL AS OTHER CAREERS-ORIENTED PROGRAMMES,’ SAID MRS HO.

THE TALKS COVER A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS FROM SUBJECT SELECTION, SELF UNDERSTANDING, EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES TO TECHNIQUES IN APPLYING FOR A JOB. THE CAREERS PROGRAMMES ARE VERY OFTEN SUPPLEMENTED BY CAREERS FILMS OR SLIDES AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS.

IN THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR THE YEAS ORGANISED 537 CAREERS TALKS AND PROGRAMMES FOR SCHOOLS AND 45 OTHER ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH CENTRES AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES. TOTAL PARTICIPANTS AMOUNTED TO 106 282.

’THOSE IN NEED OF INFORMATION AND ADVICE ARE WELCOME TO USE OUR CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRES IN TO KWA WAN, CAUSEWAY BAY AND TSUEN WAN,’ SAID MRS HO.

’THEY CAN REFER TO OUR VIDEO TAPES AND UP-TO-DATE WRITTEN REFERENCE MATERIALS CONTAINING JOB OPPORTUNITIES, ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND PROMOTION PROSPECTS OFFERED IN VARIOUS FIELDS. THERE ARE NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENTS ON JOB VACANCIES AND INFORMATION ON FURTHER STUDIES.

’WE ARE ALSO INVESTIGATING THE POSSIBILITY OF HAVING JOB INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON COMPUTER,’ MRS HO SAID.

IN 1983-84, 23 461 PERSONS MADE ON-THE-SPOT ENQUIRIES AT THE CENTRES AND 25 697 ENQUIRED IN WRITING OR BY PHONE.

THE ANNUAL CAREERS EXHIBITION IS ANOTHER GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTHS TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ON VARIOUS JOBS OFFERED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, PUBLIC UTILITIES AND THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS.

IN THE CAREERS ’84 EXHIBITION HELD JOINTLY WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL LAST NOVEMBER, THERE WERE 23 EXHIBITORS AND 104 000 VIS I TORS.

’WE ALSO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO PLAY AN ACTIVE PART IN COLLECTING CAREERS INFORMATION. IN THE REGIONAL CAREERS CONVENTIONS WE HOLD EACH YEAR, STUDENTS ARE USUALLY REQUIRED TO COLLECT CAREERS INFORMATION TO STAGE THE MINI-EXH IBITIONS,’ WS HO SAID.

AT SUCH CONVENTIONS, THERE ARE NORMALLY ALSO FILM-SHOWS, SLIDE PRESENTATIONS AND TALKS.

SEVEN REGIONAL CONVENTIONS WERE HELD BETWEEN JANUARY AND MARCH THIS YEAR AND 27 800 STUDENTS TOOK PART IN THEM.

/the yeas .......

SUNDAY, i£AY 20, 1984

THE YEAS IS ALSO ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN THE TRAINING OF CAREERS TEACHERS. THE FIRST PART-TIME CERTIFICATE TRAINING COURSE FOR THEM WAS HELD JOINTLY WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FROM AUGUST 1983 TO APRIL 1984 AND THE SECOND ONE WILL START IN AUGUST.

CAREERS TEACHERS CAN ALSO EXCHANGE THEIR EXPERIENCE AND TECHNIQUES AT THE SIXTH RESIDENTIAL SEMINAR ON CAREERS EDUCATION TO BE HELD IN JULY.

LOOKING FORWARD, MRS HO SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAS PLANS TO OPEN FIVE MORE CENTRES IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE, MAKING CAREERS SERVICE EASILY AVAILABLE TO THOSE LIVING IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE URBAN AREA AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.

- - 0 - -

GROUP STUDYING KWUN TONG YOUTH PROBLEMS M * * * *

A WORKING GROUP HAS DRAWN UP A THREE-PHASED PLAN TO STUDY YOUTH PROBLEMS IN KWUN TONG WITH A VIEW TO FINDING POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THEM, ITS CHAIRMAN, MR EDDIE LAMB, SAID TODAY.

THE WORK WILL INCLUDE HOLDING TALKS WITH YOUNG WORKERS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN THEIR EXPERIENCE, VISITING SPOTS PLACES WHERE PROBLEM YOUTHS GATHER, AND CONDUCTING A SURVEY.

THE WORKING GROUP WAS SET UP UNDER THE KWUN BOARD IN MARCH THIS YEAR.

MR LAMB SAID THAT IN THE FIRST PHASE PEOPLE

TONG DISTRICT

WORKING ON VALUABLE

TO PASS ON +THEIR

THE 'FRONT LINE’ WILL BE ASKED EXPERIENCES* TO THE GROUP.

THESE PEOPLE WILL INCLUDE TEAMS AND YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WORKERS, AND THE POLICE.

REPRESENTATIVES FROM OUTREACH CENTRES, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS JUVENILE PROBATION OFFICERS

*WE WILL THEN CALL ON LOCAL BODIES, SUCH AS AREA COMMITTEES AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, TO SEEK THEIR VIEWS, MR LAMB SAID.

AT THIS STAGE, GROUP MEMBERS WILL ALSO VISIT SOME OF THE TEENAGE NIGHT HAUNTS, HE SAID.

IN THE THIRD STAGE, QUESTIONNAIRES WILL BE SENT OUT TO LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AND YOUTH BODIES TO OBTAIN MORE SPECIFIC INFORMATION.

+ALTHOUGH OUR WORK SCHEDULE IS QUITE TIGHT, WE HOPE A REPORT WILL BE READY BY THE END OF THIS YEAR,* MR LAMB ADDED.

THE WORKING GROUP COMPRISES FIVE UNOFFICIAL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LOCAL SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE, POLICE, SOCIAL WELFARE, RECREATION AND CULTURE, AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS.

- - 0 - -

SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1984

- U -

DENTAL CLINIC TO BE EXPANDED

* * * *

THREE EXTRA FLOORS ARE TO BE ADDED TO THE SCHOOL CHILDREN’S DENTAL CLINIC IN ARGYLE STREET, KOWLOON, AT A COST OF $6.6 MILLION

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A CONTRACT TO CHEUNG KEE FUNG CHEUNG CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD.

THE FLOORS WILL BE BUILT ABOVE THE EXISTING TWO-STOREY CLINIC AND PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 3 303 SQUARE METRES OF SPACE.

THE EXTENSION WILL BE USED TO DOUBLE THE NUMBER OF TREATMENT SPACES TO 60, AND ACCOMMODATE TWO MORE DENTAL SUITES AND AN X-RAY SECTION.

THERE WILL ALSO BE AN ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT WITH A LECTURE ROOM, AN EXHIBITION HALL, A DEMONSTRATION ROOM AND AN ORAL HEALTH CLINIC.

THE CLINIC WILL REMAIN FULLY OPEN THROUGHOUT THE NEXT 14 MONTHS OF THE EXTENSION WORK.

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

KWAI CHUNG TO HOLD TREE PLANTING DAY *****

COMMUNITY LEADERS AND SCHOOL CHILDREN IN KWAI CHUNG WILL LAUNCH A DISTRICT-WIDE TREE-PLANTING DAY ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 23).

THE EVENT, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, FORMS PART OF THE l€l FA (BEAUTIFICATION) PHASE OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG DRIVE.

IT IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING THE COMMUNITY TO PLANT MORE TREES TO IMPROVE THE GENERAL ENVIRONMENT, AN NTSD SPOKESMAN SAID.

TO MARK THE OCCASION, A TREE-PLANTING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE ROADSIDE OF CHING HONG ROAD ON TSI NG Yl ISLAND ON WEDNESDAY, AND ABOUT 100 SEEDLINGS WILL BE PLANTED THERE BY MORE THAN 100 STUDENTS FROM TWO LOCAL SCHOOLS.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR CHOW SUM; THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF KWAI CHUNG, MR LEE SHEUNG-YEE; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TSI NG Yl RURAL COMMITTEE, MR CHAN TIN-SUNG, WILL JOINTLY PLANT A YOUNG TREE TO HIGHLIGHT THE EVENT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWAI CHUNG TREE PLANTING DAY TO BE HELD AT THE ROADSIDE OF CHING HONG ROAD, TSI NG Yl ISLAND, ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 23) AT 11 AM.

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

/15 .....

SUNDAY, HAY 20, 1984

- 15 -

SPORTS GROUND KIOSK OFFERED * * *

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE OPERATION OF A REFRESHMENT KIOSK AT THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THIS RECREATION GROUND IS ONE OF THE POPULAR RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS CENTRES FOR THE RESIDENTS OF NORTH DISTRICT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.

FACILITIES AT THE RECREATION GROUND INCLUDE A TURFED SOCCER PITCH, TWO 100-METRE RUNNING TRACKS, SAND PITS FOR TRACK-AND-FIELD EVENTS, A ROLLER-SKATING RINK, TWO BASKETBALL COURTS, A VOLLEYBALL COURT AND A LANDSCAPED REST GARDEN.

THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER MAY START BUSINESS ON AUGUST 1 ON A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT.

TENDER FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE NORTH DISTRICT URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF GARAGE NO. 1 AT TAI YUEN ESTATE IN TAI PO.

COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE (AUSTIN CENTRE) AT 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI, BEFORE 9 AM ON JUNE 29 (FRIDAY). .

ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE WITH THE NORTH DISTRICT URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON TELEPHONE 0-6570588 DURING OFFICE HOURS.

--------o - -

SLOPES TO BE STABILISED

* * *

STABILISATION WORK ON TWO SLOPES AT KWAI SHING ESTATE, KWAI CHUNG, WILL START EARLY NEXT MONTH.

A S6-MILLI0N CONTRACT FOR THE WORK HAS BEEN AWARDED TO GAMMON (HONG KONG) LIMITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

THE WORK WILL INCLUDE IMPROVEMENT TO DRAINAGE, AND BRING THE SLOPES UP TO CURRENT SAFETY STANDARDS.

THE 200 METRE LONG SLOPES ARE AT THE REAR OF LOK SIN TONG KU CHIU MAN SECONDARY SCHOOL AND SHUN TAK FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION LEE SHAU KEE COLLEGE, SITUATED BETWEEN KWAI SHING CIRCUIT AND KWAI LUEN ROAD.

WORK WILL TAKE SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

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

/16 .......

SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1984

BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP DRIVE

*****

THE URBAN COUNCIL IS NOW CARRYING OUT A BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP IN WONG TAI SIN, KWUN TONG AND EASTERN DISTRICTS.

EARLIER THIS YEAR THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT CONCENTRATED ITS CLEANSING EFFORTS ON THE SQUATTER AREAS OF THESE THREE DISTR ICTS.

THE DISTRICTS HAVE BEEN DIVIDED INTO 72 SECTIONS - 25 IN WONG TAI SIN, 25 IN KWUN TONG AND 22 IN EASTERN.

A FULL-DAY CLEANSING DRIVE IS BEING CONDUCTED IN EACH SECTION AND TEMPORARY JUNK AND REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC DURING THE OPERATION.

RESIDENTS OF THE THREE DISTRICTS MAY CALL THE LITTER HOT LINE — 5-95555 — OR THEIR LOCAL URBAN SERVICES OFFICE TO FIND OUT THE OPENING HOURS OF THE COLLECTION POINTS IN THEIR NE IGHBOURHOODS.

THE CLEAN-UP DRIVE WILL END ON JUNE 8.

- - 0 - -

FOOTBRIDGE TO EASE WAN CHAI TRAFFIC * * *

GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO BUILD A FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS HENNESSY ROAD AT PERCIVAL STREET, WAN CHAI.

THIS IS TO EASE THE SERIOUS PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT THE JUNCTION, WHICH WOULD BECOME WORSE WHEN THE ISLAND LINE OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY BECOMES OPERATIONAL IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR.

THE PLAN IS TO BUILD A COVERED FOOTBRIDGE FOUR METRES WIDE AND 35 METRES LONG, TOGETHER WITH ASSOCIATED ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS.

THE NORTHERN END OF THE FOOTBRIDGE WILL BE CONNECTED TO THE SUPERSTRUCTURE OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION AT CAUSEWAY BAY, BUT UNTIL THEN A TEMPORARY STAIRCASE WILL BE PROVIDED.

A NOTICE ABOUT THE PROJECT HAS APPEARED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

/a flan

SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1984

- 17 -

A PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUBOFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE. LOBBY, HONG KONG;

* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG NORTH, 12TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG; AND

M WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG.

OBJECTIONS TO THE FOOTBRIDGE MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BEFORE JULY 17.

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

PLB RESTRICTED ZONES

* * * *

FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 22), TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN KOwLOON WILL BE MADE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 7 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY.

THE SECTIONS ARE:

M SHANGHAI STREET BETWEEN NING PO STREET AND NANKING STREET, AND

* NANKING STREET BETWEEN SHANGHAI STREET AND BATTERY STREET.

WITHIN THESE ZONES, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, EXCEPT THOSE AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

MONDAY, MAY 21, 1?84

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

FOOTBRIDGE TO LINK RAILWAY STATIONS.................... 1

TUNNEL TICKETS FOR DISABLED DRIVERS ................... 1

YOUNG SCIENCE FICTION CONTEST WINNERS PRAISED ......... 2

FIGHT CRIME GROUP SEES PRISONS WORK.................... 3

DB TO DISCUSS WORKS PROGRAMME ......................... 3

S2.4M SPENT ON IMPROVING ESTATES ENVIRONMENT .......... 4

NEW MARKET FOR KWU TUNG................................ 4

USE OF TYRES EXPLAINED ................................ 5

STREET SECTION TO BE RESUMED FOR REPAIRS............... 5

SALT WATER TAPS OFF IN THREE AREAS .................... 6

WATER FIGURES.........................................

MONDAY, MAY 21, 1984

- 1 -

FOOTBRIDGE TO LINK RAILWAY STATIONS

* * * X

A DOUBLE-DECK FOOTBRIDGE IS BEING BUILT ACROSS THE SHAM CHUN RIVER TO LINK SHAM CHUN AND LO WU RAILWAY STATIONS, AS A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN THE HONG KONG AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS.

THIRTY-FIVE METRES OF THE 61-METRE LONG BRIDGE WILL BE BUILT BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT. THE REMAINING PART, INCLUDING THE CENTRAL COLUMNS, IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION BY THE CHINESE AUTHOR IT IES.

A S24.7-MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE HONG KONG SECTION HAS BEEN AWARDED TO GAMMON (HONG KONG) LIMITED BY THE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

WORK STARTED LAST WEEK AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN 10 MONTHS.

THE CONTRACT INCLUDES PROVIDING THE FOUNDATIONS AND STRUCTURAL STEEL FRAME FOR THE NEW RAILWAY STATION TO BE BUILT AT LO WU.

THIS IS BEING DESIGNED AND WILL BE ABLE TO HANDLE 5 000 PASSENGERS AN HOUR.

IT WILL INCLUDE A COMPLEX PROVIDING OFFICE ACCOMMODATION FOR THE POLICE AND THE IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENTS, AN ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE HALL, A CANTEEN AND VEHICLE HOLDING AREAS.

WORK ON BUILDING THE SUPERSTRUCTURE OF THE STATION IS SCHEDULED TO START NEXT YEAR AND IT IS DUE TO OPEN IN 1987.

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

TUNNEL TICKETS FOR DISABLED DRIVERS * * * *

DISABLED DRIVERS WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN EXEMPTED FROM VEHICLE LICENCE FEES SHOULD OBTAIN PRE-PAID TICKETS FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IN ORDER TO BE EXEMPTED FROM CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL TAX WHICH COMES INTO FORCE ON JUNE 1.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (LICENSING) OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, MR COLIN PRISTON SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT EXEMPTION WOULD ONLY BE GIVEN IN THE FORM OF BOOKS OF 10 TICKETS WHICH WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICE AT 2 MURRAY ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG AT $50 PER BOOK.

MR PRISTON EMPHASISED THAT EXEMPTION WOULD ONLY BE BY TICKET AND DRIVERS PRESENTING CASH AT THE TOLL-BOOTHS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY THE FULL AMOUNT.

/SUPPLIES OF........

MDNDAY, KAY 21, 1984

2 -

SUPPLIES OF TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE AFTERNOON OF MAY 30.

THE DISABLED DRIVERS OR THEIR AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVE SHOULD PRESENT TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT EXEMPTION LETTER AND I.D. CARD IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE TICKETS, WHICH WILL BE OVERSTAMPED WITH THE REGISTRATION NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE INVOLVED.

- 0

YOUNG SCIENCE FICTION CONTEST WINNERS PRAISED * * * *

WINNERS OF A RECENT SECONDARY SCHOOL SCIENCE FICTION WRITING COMPETITION WERE TODAY PRAISED FOR THE LEVEL OF CREATIVITY AND QUALITY OF THEIR WORK.

♦SHORT STORY WRITING IS A PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT ART,+ THE SCHOOL CHILDREN, RANGING IN AGE FROM 15 TO 20, WERE TOLD BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR JOHN WINFIELD.

MR WINFIELD, WHO IS ALSO CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, WAS OFFICIATING THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE +SCIENCE FICTION WRITING COMPETITION 1984+, ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION, UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LIMITED.

MR WINFIELD SAID THE INTEGRATION OF SCIENCE AND FICTION WAS NOT EASY - ♦FOR THERE IS ALWAYS THE HIGH PROBABILITY THAT THE ONE WILL BE IMPOSED UPON THE OTHER SO THAT THE END PRODUCT IS NEITHER SCIENCE NOR FICTION.+

THE WINNING ENTRIES, HE SAID, SHOWED THAT +THEIR AUTHORS WERE WELL AWARE, PERHAPS INSTINCTIVELY, OF SUCH DIFF I CULT IES.+

SPEAKING OF SHORT STORY WRITING, MR WINFIELD SA IDs +IT REQUIRES A GREAT DEAL OF CREATIVE DISCIPLINE, EXPRESSING ITSELF IN SUCH QUALITIES AS AN ABILITY TO ESTABLISH A DISTINCTIVE THEME AND MOOD IN A FEW PAGES, AN ECONOMY OF THOUGHT AND OF WORDS, AN EAR FOR THE INNER RHYTHMS OF THE LANGUAGE, AND A SHARP SENSE OF TIMING AND APPROPRIATE PACING.+

MR WINFIELD SAID PEOPLE WHO HAD READ THE WINNING ENTRIES MUST HAVE BEEN IMPRESSED BY THE LEVEL OF CREATIVITY AND QUALITY OF THE WRITING.

HE ALSO SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO KNOW THAT THE WINNING ENTRIES WERE TO BE PRINTED IN BOOKLET FORM, AND THAT FREE COPIES WOULD BE DISTRIBUTED SHORTLY TO SCHOOLS.

SIXTY CHILDREN FROM 32 SECONDARY SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THE COMPETITION.

MR WINFIELD CONGRATULATED THE EIGHT WINNERS, ESPECIALLY WINNERS OF THE FIRST THREE PRIZES WHO WOULD BE LEAVING FOR SINGAPORE TO TAKE PART IN THE SINGAPORE YOUTH SCIENCE FORTNIGHT 1984.

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

/3......

MONDAY, MAY 21, 1984

I - 3 -

FIGHT CRIME GROUP SEES PRISONS WORK * * *

THIRTY MEMBERS OF THE NORTH DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE VISITED THREE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT INSTITUTIONS IN STANLEY TODAY (MONDAY) TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT.

THE PARTY TOGETHER WITH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR IAN WOTHERSPOON, FIRST WENT TO THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE AND SAW VARIOUS MODERN TRAINING FACILITIES.

THEY THEN WENT TO THE NEARBY MAXIMUM SECURITY STANLEY PRISON, WHERE THEY TOURED THE CELLS, AND HOSPITAL AND SAW PRISONERS AT WORK IN THE PRINTING, ENVELOPE MAKING, SHOE MAKING, CARPENTRY, GARMENT MAKING, RADIO AND TELEVISION REPAIRING, AND SILK-SCREENING WORKSHOPS.

THE GROUP LATER VISITED THE ADJACENT TUNG TAU CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, AND LOOKED OVER ITS DORMITORIES, CHAPEL, LIBRARY, KITCHEN, DINING HALL AND WORKSHOPS.

AFTER THE VISITS, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG KUEN, PRESENTED A PENNANT TO THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER, IN APPRECIATION OF THE GOOD WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT.

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

DB TO DISCUSS WORKS PROGRAMME

* * *

THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE 1983 DISTRICT WORKS PROGRAMME WHICH SETS OUT VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS FOR THE DISTRICT IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO COMMENT ON THE URBAN COUNCIL’S FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME FOR THE DISTRICT.

A SUMMARY OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS’ VIEWS ON THE 1983 TAXI REVIEW AND THE PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION POLICY WILL BE TABLED AT THE MEETING FOR FURTHER COMMENT.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON REPROVISIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR STREET TRADERS INVOLVED IN THE WANG TAU HOM CENTRAL ROAD CLEARANCE.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE THE CLEARANCE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN FU MEI STREET WEST, CONVERSION OF CROwN LAND LICENCES TO SHORT-TERM TENANCIES AND LIAISON WORK PLAN OF THE ICAC MEI TUNG OFFICE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM IN THE FUNG MING HALL, WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE TOMORROW (TUESDAY). MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE MEETING.

MONDAY, MAY 21, 1984

- 4 -

1&2.4M SPENT ON IMPROVING ESTATES ENVIRONMENT * * *

WORKS TOTALLING S2.4 MILLION ARE NEARING COMPLETION TO GIVE FOUR PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES A GREENER LOOK AND TO PROVIDE MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.

ADDITIONAL OPEN SPACE IS BEING LANDSCAPED INTO LARGE REST GARDENS OR SITTING-OUT AREAS AT LOK FU, LOWER NGAU TAU KOK (I) AND (II), AND VALLEY ROAD ESTATES.

+THESE PROJECTS ARE PART OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S ON-GOING PROGRAMME TO UPGRADE LIVING ENVIRONMENT FOR ESTATE TENANTS,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY.

HE SAID WORKS INCLUDED THE PROVISION OF TRELLIS, FLOWER BEDS, FLOWER AND PLANTS, AS WELL AS BENCHES.

+IN ADDITION, NEW PLAY EQUIPMENT ITEMS ARE BEING INSTALLED AS EXTRA RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN AMONG THE TENANTS.

+ALL THESE SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.*

AT VALLEY ROAD ESTATE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROJECT FEATURED THE USE OF BASSER BLOCKS FOR THE GROUND TO CREATE PLEASANT-LOOK I NG PATTERNS.'

+IT IS ONE OF THE FIRST ESTATES TO TRY OUT THE NEW DESIGN WHICH WILL BE EXTENDED TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR OTHER ESTATES IF IT PROVES WELCOMED BY TENANTS.*

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

NEW MARKET FOR KWU TUNG * * *

WORK ON BUILDING A TWO-STOREY MARKET AT KWU TUNG, NEAR SHEUNG SHUI, STARTED LAST WEEK.

THE MARKET WILL ACCOMMODATE LOCAL SHOP OPERATORS WHOSE PREMISES ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE WAY FOR IMPROVEMENT WORK TO THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD BETWEEN AU TAU AND FAN KAM.

IT IS BEING BUILT ON A 5 OOO-SQUARE-METRE SITE NEAR 01 WAH SCHOOL, AND WILL HAVE 14 SHOPS, 12 COOKED FOOD STALLS AND 71 STALLS FOR RETAILING MEAT, FISH, POULTRY, VEGETABLES, FRUITS AND DRY GOODS.

AN ICE STORE, OFFICES, GOODS LIFTS, GOODS LOADING AND UNLOADING AREAS AND PUBLIC TOILETS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.

ALSO INCLUDED IN THE CONTRACT IS CONSTRUCTION OF A ONE-STOREY SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT, A TRANSFORMER ROOM AND ANCILLARY WORKS.

WORK WILL BE COMPLETED IN ONE YEAR.

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

/5......

MONDAY, MAY 21, 1934

- 5 -

USE OF TYRES EXPLAINED X X * X

IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE MIXED USE OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF TYRES, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED TODAY THAT UNDER THE NEW ROAD TRAFFIC (CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS COMING INTO FORCE IN LATE AUGUST THIS YEAR, RADIAL TYRES MUST NOT BE FITTED IN THE FRONT AXLE WHEN CROSS-PLY TYRES ARE USED IN THE REAR AXLE.

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

STREET SECTION TO BE RESUMED FOR REPAIRS X X X *

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME A 50-METRE LONG SECTION OF SAM PAN STREET, WAN CHAI, BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT MONTH.

A NOTICE OF THE RESUMPTION HAS APPEARED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE AND HAS BEEN POSTED AT THE SITE.

ANYONE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION UNDER THE ROADS (WORKS, USE AND COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE SHOULD SUBMIT A CLAIM IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS.

A PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUBOFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;

* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG NORTH, 12TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG; AND

* WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG.

THE RESUMPTION IS PART OF A PILOT SCHEME TO REPAIR STREETS IN PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AREAS. SEVEN STREETS NOW UNDER MULTIPLE SUB-DIVIDED OWNERSHIP ARE INVOLVED.

THE LACK OF PROPER MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF THESE STREETS HAS GIVEN RISE TO ENVIRONMENTAL, TRAFFIC AND SAFETY PROBLEMS.

EARLIER THIS MONTH, THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED THAT IT WOULD BE RESUMING COMFORT TERRACE AND YUET YUEN STREET IN NORTH POINT AND WOULD SPEND $320 090 ON REPAIRING THEM.

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

/6........

MONDAY, MAY 21, 1984

- 6 -

SALT WATER TAPS OFF IN THREE AREAS

K A K

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME AREAS IN TSUEN WAN, NORTH POINT AND CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.

IN TSUEN WAN, THE SUSPENSION OF SALT WATER WILL BE FROM 9 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 23) TO 10 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY TAI HO ROAD, SHA TSUI ROAD, TSO KUNG STREET, TAI CHUNG ROAD, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, ROUTE TWISK AND STRETCHING WESTWARD ALONG THE CATCHWATER TO PUN SHAN TSUEN AND SOUTHWARD ACROSS TUEN MUN ROAD TO FAT YIP LANE.

THE SUPPLY TO NORTH POINT AND CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 24).

AFFECTED WILL BE THE WHOLE AREA OF NORTH POINT AND PREMISES EAST OF VICTORIA PARK IN CAUSEWAY BAY.

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

WATER FIGURES

K £ X

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 68.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 403.125 MILLION CUBIC re tres.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 451.347 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 77.0 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1984

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PROPOSAL FOR STOCK INDEX FUTURES MARKET INDORSED................. 1

FURTHER LEGAL AID SCHEME BEING DRAWN UP ......................... 2

APRIL CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES .................................... 3

1982 MANUFACTURING VALUE ADDED TOPS $36 BILLION ................. 5

PLAN TO WOO MORE VOTERS ......................................... 7

'SWING SCHTME* FOR U.S. MARKET .................................. 7

TEXTILE EXPORTS TO SWEDEN ....................................... 8

PRIZES FOR STUDENT COMMERCE-PROJECT WINNERS...................... 8

RETAINING WALLS TO BE STABILISED ................................ 9

BOX CULVERT TO RIPLACE DAMAGED DRAINS............................ 9

WINNER TO VIE FOR MAIN SINGING PRIZE............................ 10

DEAF OFFERED ANGLING HINTS...................................... 11

TOP PIANIST HOLDING MASTER CLASS ............................... 11

STORMWATER DRAINS FOR QjJARRY BAY RECLAMATION .................. 12

LOOP ROAD REOPENS TO TRAFFIC ................................... 12

MONG KOK WATER MAINS WORK ...................................... 12

fUESDAY, MAY 22, 1984

- 1 -

PROPOSAL FOR STOCK INDEX FUTURES MARKET ENDORSED * * * *

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TODAY ENDORSED THE SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES TRADING COMMISSIONS’ RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REORGANISING THE HONG KONG COMMODITY EXCHANGE LTD. TOGETHER WITH THE PROPOSALS TO INTRODUCE A STOCK INDEX FUTURES MARKET IN THE REORGANISED EXCHANGE.

IT ALSO DIRECTED THAT ANOTHER REVIEW OF THE OPERATION OF THE EXCHANGE SHOULD BE CONDUCTED IN THREE YEARS’ TIME TO ENSURE THAT THE REORGANISED EXCHANGE IS STILL FUNCTIONING EFFECTIVELY.

COMMENTING ON THE DECISION TODAY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, EXPLAINED THAT THE RE-ORGANISATION OF THE HONG KONG COMMODITY EXCHANGE LIMITED WAS ONE OF THE CONDITIONS LAID DOWN FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE COMMODITY EXCHANGE’S LICENCE.

ON REORGANISATION, THE COMMODITY EXCHANGE WILL CHANGE ITS NAME TO THE +HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE*. IT WILL HAVE A NEW MANAGEMENT BOARD, AND TIGHTER RULES ON MEMBERSHIP, SURVEILLANCE AND DISCIPLINE WILL BE INTRODUCED. ITS MEMBERSHIP WILL ALSO BE WIDENED TO PERMIT BANKS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES TO TRADE ON THE EXCHANGE.

REFERRING TO THE DECISION ON THE STOCK INDEX FUTURES MARKET, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID: +THE DECISION REFLECTS OUR BASIC BELIEF IN FREE ENTERPRISE AND COMMITMENT TO THE INFRASTRUCTURE ESSENTIAL FOR HONG KONG'S DEVELOPMENT AS A MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRE. ADEQUATE SAFEGUARDS WILL CERTAINLY BE INCORPORATED TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE INVESTING PUBLIC.*

STOCK INDEX CONTRACTS HAVE CONSIDERABLE APPEAL AND USE ELSEWHERE. THREE U.S. FUTURES EXCHANGES, SYDNEY AND TORONTO NOW TRADE THESE CONTRACTS. LONDON BEGAN TRADING IN SUCH CONTRACTS THIS MONTH.

POTENTIAL MARKET USERS EXPECT THE STOCK INDEX FUTURES CONTRACTS TO BE A SUCCESS LOCALLY. THEY FEEL THAT SUCH CONTRACTS SHOULD REDUCE VOLATILITY IN THE STOCK MARKET ITSELF AND LEAD TO MORE INTEREST IN INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG SHARES. MOREOVER, INVESTMENT MANAGERS AND PRIVATE INVESTORS WILL BE ABLE TO USE THE CONTRACTS TO HEDGE THEIR PORTFOLIOS AGAINST ADVERSE MOVEMENTS IN THE MARKET. THEY EXPECT THE STOCK INDEX FUTURES MARKET TO LEAD THE WAY FOR OTHER FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS IN HONG KONG.

THE DECISION TO INTRODUCE A STOCK INDEX FUTURES MARKET IN HONG KONG IS, HOWEVER, CONTINGENT UPON THE HONG KONG COMMODITY EXCHANGE LTD BEING PROPERLY RE-ORGANISED. CONTRACTS WILL NOT BE TRADED UNTIL SATISFACTORY RULES TO GOVERN THE MARKET AND TO PROTECT INVESTORS TOGETHER WITH THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED. THE SECURITIES COMMISSION AND THE COMMODITIES TRADING COMMISSION HAVE BEEN ASKED TO SUPERVISE THIS WORK.

PXNAL ••«•••«

TUESDAY, HAY 22, 1984

+THE FINAL GO AHEAD TO ALLOW THE CONTRACT TO BE TRADED WILL NOT BE GIVEN BY THE GOVERNMENT UNTIL THE TWO COMMISSIONS HAVE INDICATED THEIR SATISFACTION WITH THE WORK OF THE EXCHANGE IN THIS REGARD,+ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.

WORK ON REORGANISING THE COMMODITY EXCHANGE AND PREPARATION FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF A STOCK INDEX FUTURES CONTRACT WILL SHORTLY BEGIN AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. BANKS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES HAVE BEEN INVITED TO WORK TOGETHER WITH THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES TRADING, MR ROBERT FELL, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EXCHANGE, DR KIM CHAM, ON THE REORGANISATION ARRANGEMENTS AND THE PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW STOCK INDEX FUTURES TRADING.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD BY DR KIM CHAM, CHAIRMAN OF THE HK COMMODITY EXCHANGE LTD, WITH THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES .TRAD I NG, MR ROBERT FELL IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EXCHANGE’S PREMISES AT HUTCHISON HOUSE, 2ND FLOOR, HARCOURT ROAD, AT 3.15 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

- - 0 -

FURTHER LEGAL AID SCHEME BEING DRAWN UP *****

LEGISLATION IS BEING DRAWN UP FOR A SUPPLEMENTARY LEGAL AID SCHEME FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE EXISTING SCHEME.

APPROVAL HAS BEEN GIVEN BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR SUCH A SCHEME, TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT.

THE SCHEME WILL ENABLE PEOPLE WHO ARE FINANCIALLY INELIGIBLE FOR LEGAL AID AND UNABLE TO AFFORD THE SERVICE OF PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS TO BRING PROCEEDINGS TO THE HIGH COURT FOR DAMAGES FOR PERSONAL INJURIES OR DEATH, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED TODAY.

AT THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF A CASE, A PERCENTAGE OF THE DAMAGES THAT THE APPLICANT HAS RECEIVED WILL BE PAID BACK INTO THE SUPPLEMENTARY LEGAL AID SCHEME FUND, SO AS TO ENABLE OTHER PEOPLE TO PURSUE THEIR CLAIMS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION TO PUT THE SCHEME INTO EFFECT WAS BEING PREPARED, AND THE BILL WOULD Be INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE CURRENT LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

/HE SAIB

TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1984

- 3 -

HE SAID HE COULD NOT OFFER FURTHER DETAILS AT THIS STAGE BUT THAT A FULL EXPLANATION OF THE SCHEME WOULD BE GIVEN WHEN THE LEGISLATION WAS INTRODUCED.

AT PRESENT LEGAL AID IS AVAILABLE TO ANYONE WITH LIMITED MEANS WHO CAN SHOW THAT HE HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS TO COMMENCE, DEFEND OR CONTINUE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IN THE DISTRICT COURTS OR THE HIGH COURT, AND COMMITTAL PROCEEDINGS IN THE MAGISTRACIES.

IT COVERS AN INCREASING VARIETY OF CASES, RANGING FROM TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES AT WORK TO NON-PAYMENT OF WAGES AND TENANCY AND CONTRACT DISPUTES.

AN APPLICANT FOR LEGAL AID MUST PROVE THAT AFTER DEDUCTION OF ALLOWANCES, HIS INCOME DOES NOT EXCEED $1 500 A MONTH AND HIS CAPITAL $15 000.

THE ALLOWANCES INCLUDE RENTS AND RATES PAID AND A CAPITAL VALUE OF NOT MORE THAN $300 000 FOR AN OWNER-OCCUPIED RESIDENCE.

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

APRIL CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES * * *

THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR APRIL WERE BOTH 154, ACCORDING TO FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, CP 1(A) INCREASED BY ONE POINT OR 0.7 PER CENT AND THE CPI(B), BY TWO POINTS OR 0.7 PER CENT.

WHEN COMPARED WITH APRIL 1983, CP 1(A) ROSE BY 12 POINTS OR 8.6 PER CENT AND CPI(B), BY 14 POINTS OR 9.3 PER CENT. (ALL PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE DERIVED FROM THE UNROUNDED CPI FIGURES.)

THE AVERAGE CP I (A) AND AVERAGE CP 1(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED APRIL 1984, AT 148.1 AND 147.3 RESPECTIVELY, WERE 10.3 PER CENT AND 9 9 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGES FOR THE 12 MONTHj ENDED APRIL 1983. DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED APRIL 1984, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CP 1(A) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.3 PER CENT EACH MONTH AND THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CP 1(B), AT 0.4 PER CENT.

DURING APRIL, FOOD PRICES, RENTALS OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DWELLINGS, AND PRICES OF CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR WERE HIGHER.

THE CP 1(A) AND CPI(B) ARE BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF 93 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY, OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE DERIVED FROM THE 1979/80 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY. THE CP I (A) REFERRED TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $1 000 AND $3 499 A MONTH, AND THE CPl(B) TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $3 500 AND $6 499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME.

/THE INDEXES........

TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1984

THE INDEXES FOR APRIL 1984 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/

SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER BELOW, TOGETHER WITH THOSE FOR MARCH

PRICE INDEXES ARE GIVEN 1984 AND APRIL 1983.

SECTION

FOODSTUFFS

HOUS ING

FUEL AND LIGHT

ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION)

CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR

DURABLE GOODS

MISCELLANEOUS

GOODS

TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES

SERVICES

ALL ITEMS

(OCTOBER 1979 TO SEPTEMBER 1980 AVERAGE - 100)

APR.83 CPI(A) CPI(B)

MAR.84 APR.84

MAR.84 APR.84 APR.83

146 154 155 146 155 155

135 142 144 134 143 144

140 149 149 141 148 149

188 208 208 181 200 201

138 150 155 138 151 156

109 124 125 ill 127 129

130 149 149 129 147 147

149 168 169 152 170 170

147 165 166 145 163 164

142 153 154 140 152 154

COMPARED WITH ONE POINT IN CP 1(A)

MARCH

1984, THE

INDEX

FOR

FOODSTUFFS

THE AVERAGE RETAIL

PRICE OF FRESH

ROSE AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES OF APPLES AND BANANAS.

INCREASED BY FRUITS

THE AVERAGE

RETAIL PRICES OF EGGS AND FROZEN MEAT AND POULTRY ALSO WENT UP, DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF PRESERVED EGGS AND FROZEN CHICKEN. THE EFFECT CF MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS INSIGNIFICANT.

THE INDEX FOR HOUSING INCREASED BY TWO POINTS IN CP I(A) AND ONE POINT IN CP 1(B) DUE TO INCREASED RENTS FOR PRIVATE DWELLINGS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1984 AND FOR SOME HOUSING AUTHORITY GROUP A AND HOUSING SOCIETY ESTATES AS WELL AS HIGHER WATER CHARGES IN APRIL. THE RISE IN WATER CHARGES BEGAN AFFECTING SOME HOUSEHOLDS DURING THE MONTH AND WILL BE EXTENDED TO ALL HOUSEHOLDS BY AUGUST 1984.

HIGHER CHARGES FOR TOWNGAS CAUSED THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT TO RISE BY ONE POINT IN CPl(B).

/the one

TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1964

THE ONE POINT INCREASE IN THE INDEX TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) IN CP 1(B) PR ICES OF FOREIGN WINES.

FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO HIGHER

THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR

ROSE BY FIVE POINTS IN BOTH

CP I (A) AND CP 1(B) FOLLOWING HIGHER PRICES OF SUMMER OUTERCLOTHING WHICH CAME ONTO THE MARKET DURING THE MONTH.

THE INDEX FOR DURABLE GOODS WENT UP BY ONE POINT IN CP I (A) AND TWO POINTS IN CP 1(B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF ELECTRICAL CONSUMER GOODS.

HIGHER TRAIN FARES PUSHED UP THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES BY ONE POINT IN CPI(A).

THE INDEX FOR SERVICES INCREASED BY ONE POINT IN BOTH CPI(A) AND CP 1(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT AND PACKAGE TOURS.

PRICE MOVEMENTS IN THE MISCELLANEOUS INSIGNIFICANT.

GOODS SECTION WERE

DETAILS OF THESE PRICE MOVEMENTS ARE PRICE INDEX REPORT+ FOR APRIL 1984, WHICH

GIVEN IN THE +CONSUMER IS AVAILABLE AT $3 A

COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG, OR FROM THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.

(FIGURES PRESENTED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REFER TO CPI SERIES NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED)

- - 0 - -

1982 MANUFACTURING VALUE ADDED TOPS $36 BILLION

******

AS A CONTRIBUTION TO NATIONAL ACCOUNTS VALUE ADDED, HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR GENERATED $36 390 MILLION IN 1982 UP 0.9 PER CENT OVER 1981, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE MORE IMPORTANT INDUSTRY GROUPS, RANKED ACCORDING TO THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO VALUE ADDED, WERE; WEARING APPAREL ($9 600 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL FOR THE .MANUFACTURING SECTOR), METAL PRODUCTS, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT ($6 485 MILL I ON OR 18 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS ($5 869 MILLION OR 16 PER CENT, TEXTILES ($4 537 MILLION OR 12 PER CENT), AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS ($2 919 MILLION OR 8 PER CENT).

(FURTHER DETAILS ON THE SUBJECT ARE CONTAINED IN TABLE A, WHICH WILL BE TRANSMITTED BY FACSIMILE AND BOXED FOR COLLECTION, ALONG WITH TABLES B, C AND D.)

TABLE A ALSO SHOWS THAT ABOUT $132 316 MILLION WORTH OF GROSS OUTPUT WAS PRODUCED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN 1982, DOWN 3 PER CENT FROM 1981.

/WITH OUTLAYS

TUESDAY, HAY 22, 1984

6 -

\ I TH OUTLAYS OF $87 412 MILLION ON MATERIALS, SUPPLIES AND INDUSTRIAL SERVICES CONSUMED IN THE PROCESS OF PRODUCTION, S24 336 MILLION AS COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES, AND $12 069 MILLION ON MISCELLANEOUS OPERATING EXPENSES, THE SECTOR’S GROSS SURPLUS TOTALLED $8 499 MILLION.

THE STATISTICAL REPORT SHOWS THAT NEW KOWLOON WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT MANUFACTURING ZONE, FOLLOWED BY THE TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT.

INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS IN THESE LOCATIONS TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 63 PER CENT OF BOTH THE TOTAL GROSS OUTPUT AND THE TOTAL VALUE ADDED OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.

(FURTHER DETAILS ON THE SECTOR’S GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE B.)

AS SHOWN IN TABLE C, A LARGE PROPORTION OF THE GROSS OUTPUT AND VALUE ADDED PRODUCED WITHIN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR WAS GENERATED BY LIMITED COMPANIES. THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS WERE 75 PER CENT TO TOTAL GROSS OUTPUT AND 72 PER CENT TO VALUE ADDED.

SOLE PROPRIETORSHIPS CONTRIBUTED ANOTHER 16 PER CENT OF TOTAL GROSS OUTPUT AND 18 PER CENT OF TOTAL VALUE ADDED, WITH THE REST PRODUCED BY PARTNERSHIP UNDERTAKINGS. *

A LARGE NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS, 29 □□□ OR SOME 65 PER CENT, ENGAGED LESS THAN 10 PERSONS. HOWEVER, THEY ACCOUNTED FOR ONLY 8 PER CENT OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR’S TOTAL GROSS OUTPUT AND 9 PER CENT OF ITS VALUE ADDED.

ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGING 100 OR MORE PERSONS NUMBERED ONLY 1 543 OR ABOUT 3 PER CENT, BUT THEY ACCOUNTED FOR OVER HALF OF THE SECTOR’S TOTAL GROSS OUTPUT AND VALUE ADDED.

(MORE DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS BY EMPLOYMENT SIZE IS GIVEN IN TABLE D.)

THE STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE DEPARTMENT WERE TAKEN FROM THE SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR THE REFERENCE YEAR 1982, WITH FIELD WORK UNDERTAKEN BETWEEN MAY 1983 AND FEBRUARY 1984, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE SURVEY COVERED ESSENTIALLY THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, BUT IT ALSO INCLUDED ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN MINING AND QUARRYING, AND IN THE SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY, GAS AND WATER.

THE 1982 SURVEY WAS ONE IN A SERIES OF ANNUAL INDUSTRIAL SURVEYS CONDUCTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASCERTAINING THE STRUCTURAL AND OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VARIOUS ECONOMIC SECTORS AND UPDATING THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID SUMMARY STATISTICS FROM THE 1982 SURVEY WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE MAY 1984 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS. A MORE DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS WILL BE GIVEN IN A REPORT TO BE PUBLISHED IN JUNE.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION AT 3-7213578

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

/7 .....

TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1934

- 7 -

PLAN TO WOO MORE VOTERS

K K K

A PROPOSED PROGRAMME TO ENCOURAGE THE REGISTRATION OF DISTRICT BOARD ELECTORS IN SHA TIN WILL BE DISCUSSED BY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.

ALL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE INVITED TO BRIEF +L I A ISON TARGETS* SUCH AS MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS INCORPORATIONS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND SCHOOLS, ON THE IMPORTANCE OF REGISTRATION.

IF THE PROPOSAL IS ENDORSED, THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL PREPARE A DETAILED VISIT PROGRAMME AND BRIEF ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND THE COMING ELECTIONS FOR MEMBERS’ USE.

AT TOMORROW’S MEETING, OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE DISCUSSION OF THE 1983 TAXI REVIEW AND THE COMMUNITY LIAISON WORK PLAN OF ICAC SHA TIN OFFICE.

NOTE TO EDITORS :

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 9 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.

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ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

’SWING SCHEME’ FOR U.S. MARKET * * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE HAS ISSUED A NOTICE TO EXPORTERS SERIES 1 (USA) NO. 30/84 REGARDING THE PHASE I I I OF THE 1984 SWING SCHEME IN RESPECT OF THE UNITED STATES’ MARKET.

TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AND COMPANIES ON THE DEPARTMENT’S MAILING LIST FOR NOTICE TO EXPORTERS IN THE SERIES WILL RECEIVE COPIES OF THE ABOVE SHORTLY.

COPIES OF THE NOTICE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE ENQUIRIES COUNTER OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT, 15/F, CURVED BLOCK, OCEAN CENTRE, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.

FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM: MR W.C. TANG - TEL. NO. 3-7222387, AND MISS S.S.L. HO - TEL. NO. 3-7222360.

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/8 .....

TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1984

- 8 -

VTENTIO^ ^EWS EDITORS:

TEXTILE EXPORTS TO SwEDEN

* * *

THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE HAS ANNOUNCED THE OPERATION OF t-

(I) THE 1983/84 FREE QUOTA EXPORT AUTHORISATION SCHEME

(II) THE 1983/84 ANTICIPATION SCHEME

DETAILS ARE PUBLISHED IN NOTICES TO EXPORTERS, SERIES 3, NO. 34/84 AND 35/84 OF MAY 22 (TUESDAY).

COPIES OF THE NOTICES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE RECEPTION COUNTER CF TRADE DEPARTMENT, GROUND FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.

FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MR H.K. KAN AT TEL. NO. 3-7222330.

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PRIZES FOR STUDENT COMMERCE-PROJECT WINNERS

* * *

WINNERS OF 40 AWARDS OF THE COMMERCE PROJECT COMPETITION 1934 WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES AT A CEREMONY TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

THE COMPETITION WAS HELD AMONG SECONDARY STUDENTS TAKING COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS, TO PROMOTE THEIR INTEREST IN BUSINESS ACTIVITIES.

IT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE CHINESE GOLD AND SILVER EXCHANGE SOCIETY.

ABOUT 1 000 FORM FOUR TO FORM SEVEN STUDENTS WHO ARE STUDYING COMMERCE, ACCOUNTS, SHORTHAND, TYPEWRITING OR BUSINESS TOOK PART IN THE COMPETITION.

OVER 120 ENTRIES WERE SUBMITTED, COVERING A LARGE NUMBER OF SUBJECTS SUCH AS THE HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF ACCOUNTANCY IN HONG KONG, MONEY AND BANKING AND ADVERTISING IN HONG KONG. ENTRIES WERE IN THE FORM OF ESSAYS, SLIDES, PHOTOGRAPHS.

FORTY OF THE ENTRIES WERE SELECTED FOR AWARDS. THE FIRST TH-Ec PRIZES ARE CASH AWARDS OF $1 000, $500 AND $300 AND THE REST ARE l€R IT AWARDS OF $200 EACH.

MR JOHN WINFIELD, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.

/THS .•mC'.DiG ...........

TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1984

- 9 “

THE WINNING ENTRIES, TOGETHER WITH A NUMBER OF COMMENDED ENTRIES, WILL BE PUT ON DISPLAY IN THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE ANNEX AT 25-27 WOOD ROAD, 2ND FLOOR, WAN CHAI, FROM JULY 2 TO 4.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION OF THE COMMERCE PROJECT COMPETITION 1984 TO BE HELD AT 4 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE PEARL ROOM, 3RD FLOOR, FURAMA HOTEL, CENTRAL.

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RETAINING WALLS TO BE STABILISED

* * *

SIX RETAINING WALLS ON HONG KONG ISLAND ARE TO BE STABILISED BY THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE.

THREE OF THE WALLS ARE AT PO HING FONG IN WESTERN AND THE OTHERS ARE AT KUI IN FONG, ALSO IN WESTERN, WING LEE STREET IN CENTRAL AND PEEL STREET IN. M ID-LEVELS.

WORK ON THE PROJECTS WILL START IN JULY AND BE COMPLETED IN 12 MONTHS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE SAID THE CONTRACT WAS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND TO BE AWARDED FOR STABILISING RETAINING WALLS.

IT WILL FORM PART OF AN EXTENSIVE PROGRAMME OF IMPROVING SLOPES ALL OVER THE TERRITORY.

TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT MUST REACH THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD BEFORE JUNE 8.

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BOX CULVERT TO REPLACE DAMAGED DRAINS

* * * * *

TWO DAMAGED DRAINS UNDER CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR TAI LAM CHUNG ARE TO BE REPLACED BY A THREE-CELL BOX CULVERT.

THE FUNCTION OF THE BOX CULVERT WILL BE TO DIVERT WATER FROM A NEARBY STREAM TO THE SEA.

ALSO INCLUDED IN THE CONTRACT WILL BE THE WIDENING OF ABOUT 400 METRES OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI LAM CHUNG ROAD TO BROTHERS POINT AND THE PROVISION OF TWO-METRE WIDE FOOTWAYS ON BOTH SIDES.

/NOHilAL IWO-JAY..........

TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1984

NORMAL TWO-WAY TRAFFIC WILL BE MAINTAINED DURING CONSTRUCTION AND THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED AT THE END OF NEXT YEAR.

A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSAL HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE UNDER THE ROADS (WORKS, USE AND COMPENSATION) CRD INANCE.

A PLAN SHOWING THE EXTENT OF WORK CAN BE SEEN AT:

* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;

* TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, 1ST FLOOR, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING, 201 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN; AND

* TUEN MUN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 2ND FLOOR, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING, 201 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN.

ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS IN WRITING BEFORE JULY 17.

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WINNER TO VIE FOR MAIN SINGING PRIZE > * * *

TWELVE SINGERS, SELECTED FROM 277 CANDIDATES, WILL COMPETE AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN AMATEUR SINGING CONTEST ON SATURDAY (MAY 26) EVENING AT THE CARITAS CENTRE COMMUNITY HALL ON CAINE ROAD.

THE WINNER WILL REPRESENT CENTRAL AND WESTERN AT THE SEMI-FINAL ON AUGUST 11 AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL.

THE GRAND FINAL WILL BE HELD IN SEPTEMBER, WHEN NINE SINGERS WILL CONTEST FOR THE 18-DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP.

CONTEST JUDGES WILL BE: RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG MUSIC PRODUCER, MR LEE JOI-TONG; SING TAO PANSONIC PRODUCTION MANAGER, MR WAN LONG-YIN; THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT YOUTH CHOIR, MR YUEN BUN-KEUNG; AND A LOCAL COMPOSER, MR CHOW KAI-SANG.

AMONG THE OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR FRANK YUE, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF SING TAO NEWSPAPERS AND POLYGRAM RECORD COMPANY.

A LIMITED NUMBER OF FREE ADMISSION TICKETS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFF ICES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT AMATEUR SINGING CONTEST ON SATURDAY (MAY 26), STARTING AT 7.30 PM AT THE CARITAS CENTRE COMMUNITY HALL ON CAINE ROAD.

TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1984

11 -

DEAF OFFERED ANGLING HINTS

* * *

A SEMINAR ABOUT ANGLING WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 10 SPECIALLY FOR DEAF PEOPLE AND OTHERS WITH HEARING PROBLEMS.

THIS SEMINAR WILL BE THE FIRST OF ITS KIND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG RECREATION CLUB OF THE DEAF AND THE HONG KONG AMATEUR FISHING SOCIETY.

THOSE WISHING TO ATTEND THE TWO-AND-A-HALF HOUR SEMINAR SHOULD FIRST OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM ANY OF THE 19 RSS DISTRICT OFFICES AND RETURN THEIR APPLICATIONS IMMEDIATELY.

ANGLING EXPERTS, HELPED BY A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER, WILL SPEAK ABOUT LOCATIONS FOR ANGLING, THE USE OF EQUIPMENT AND ABOUT TIDES AND CURRENTS.

THEY WILL ALSO GIVE PRACTICAL LESSONS ON THE USE OF FISHING RODS.

THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD ON THE 16TH FLOOR OF 18-24 JORDAN ROAD, BLOCK D, KOWLOON.

FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES'DI AL 5-458511 OR 3-272497.

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TOP PIANIST HOLDING MASTER CLASS

IKK

A PIANO MASTER CLASS WILL BE HELD BY THE CANADIAN PIANIST ROBERT SILVERMAN ON SATURDAY (MAY 26) AT 5 PM AT THE YAU MA TEI MUS IC CENTRE (2/F., 138 AUSTIN ROAD, KOWLOON).

ROBERT SILVERMAN’S PLACE IN THE TOP ECHELON OF CANADIAN PIANISTS IS WELL ESTABLISHED, AND HIS REPUTATION HAS SPREAD RAPIDLY BEYOND HIS COUNTRY.

HE HAS TOURED EUROPE, NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA, AUSTRALIA AND THE FAR EAST, AND HAS APPEARED WITH THE CHICAGO SYMPHONY, THE BBC (LONDON) ORCHESTRA, THE SYDNEY SYMPHONY, AND THE BOSTON POPS.

FREE ADMISSION COUPONS FOR THE MASTER CLASS, WHICH IS BEING PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, WILL BE DISTRIBUTED ON A F IRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS

ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO TEL: 3-7561328 OR 3-7149255.

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/12 .......

TUESDAY, MAY 22, 1984

12 -

STORMWATER DRAINS FOR QUARRY BAY RECLAMATION * * * *

THE STORMWATER DRAINS AT QUARRY BAY ARE TO BE EXTENDED AS A RESULT OF RECLAMATION.

THEY WILL RUN FROM THE OLD SEAWALL TO THE NEW ONE CREATED BY THE RECLAMATION.

THE WORK WILL START IN JULY AND BE COMPLETED LATER NEXT YEAR.

THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF LAYING 105 METRES OF BOX CULVERT AND 370 METRES OF PRECAST CONCRETE PIPES.

TENDERS FOR THE WORK ARE BEING SOUGHT BY THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

WHEN THE NEW STORMWATER DRAINS ARE READY THE EXISTING TEMPORARY CHANNELS WILL BE COVERED TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT.

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

LOOP ROAD REOPENS TO TRAFFIC

XXX*

THE UNNAMED LOOP ROAD, WITH BOTH ENDS JOINING WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD AT ABOUT 400 METRES SOUTH-EAST OF THE STUBBS ROAD ROUNDABOUT, WILL BE REOPENED TO ONE-WAY TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (MAY 24), FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF ROAD WORKS.

VEHICLES LEAVING THE LOOP ROAD AT ITS EASTERN END WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT INTO WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD EASTBOUND OR TO TURN RIGHT INTO WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD WESTBOUND.

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

MONG KOK WATER MAINS WORK

XXX

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN MONG KOK WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SIX HOURS FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 25) FOR WATER MAINS WORK.

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY YIN CHONG STREET, FA YUEN STREET, SOY STREET AND KWONG WAH STREET.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2J, 198*+

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MANUFACTURERS SEE ’STRONG UPTREND' IN SECOND QUARTER ........ 1

CAREERS EDUCATION SECTION PROVIDES WIDE-RANGING SERVICES .... 3

MORE SCHOOL CHILDREN TAKING COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS ............. 5

FIRST MALARIA LAB TECHNIQUE COURSE STARTS ................... 6

AP LEI CHAU PROJECT TO HOUSE 37 OOO.......................... 7

KOREAN HOUSING CHIEF SEES HK WORKS .......................... 7

DB TO DISCUSS PUBLIC HOUSING ................................ 8

KWU TUNG TO HAVE NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL.......................... 8

AUTO INDUSTRY MANPOWER SURVEY BEGINS ........................ 8

MORE EFFORT URGED FOR PLANTING SCHEME ....................... 9

EXHIBITION ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN TSUEN WAN .......... 10

COURSE FOR HANDBALL COACHES ................................. 10

SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS FOR AUCTION ............................. 11

THREE LIFTS FOR POLICE QUARTERS ............................. 12

URBAN CLEARWAY .............................................. 12

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1984

MANUFACTURERS SEE ’STRONG UPTREND’ IN SECOND QUARTER *****

HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING CONCERNS EXPECT A +STRONG UPTREND* IN BUSINESS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, ACCORDING TO A QUARTERLY SURVEY CONDUCTED IN APRIL BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

AND FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1982, CONSTRUCTION FIRMS LOOK TOWARDS ACHIEVING +A MILD IMPROVEMENT* IN BUSINESS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1984. THIS FOLLOWS A LEVELLING OFF IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR OF THE SHARP DECLINE THAT HAD BEEN OCCURRING IN THE CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS SINCE THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1982, ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY FINDINGS.

THE SURVEY RESULTS INDICATE THAT IN GENERAL, THE BUSINESS EXPERIENCE OF FIRMS ACROSS ALL SECTORS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR TURNED OUT TO BE BETTER THAN EXPECTED IN THE PREVIOUS SURVEY.

IN THE SURVEY, ABOUT 800 FIRMS FROM VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND BUSINESSES, FORMING A CROSS SECTION OF THE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY WERE ASKED ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS EXPERIENCES IN THE FIRST QUARTER, 1984, AND THEIR EXPECTATIONS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER.

RESPONDENTS IN BOTH THE ’MANUFACTURING’ AND ’WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS’ SECTORS EXPERIENCED MILD IMPROVEMENTS IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1984 OVER THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1983.

ALTHOUGH FIRMS IN THE ’CONSTRUCTION’ SECTOR EXPERIENCED SOME DECLINE IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER, THE EXTENT OF DECLINE WAS MUCH LESS THAN EXPECTED IN THE LAST ROUND OF SURVEY. AS FOR THE ’OTHER SERVICES’ SECTOR, A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS WAS EXPERIENCED BY REPORTING FIRMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER.

RESPONDENTS IN THE ’WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS’ SECTOR EXPECT THEIR BUSINESSES IN THE SECOND QUARTER TO REMAIN LARGELY STABLE, BUT RESPONDENTS’ VIEWS ACROSS DIFFERENT TRADES WERE QUITE VARIED.

FIRMS IN THE ’OTHER SERVICES’ SECTOR ALSO ANTICIPATE *A FAVOURABLE BUSINESS SITUATION TO CONTINUE INTO THE SECOND QUARTER.

MANUFACTURING FIRMS HAD VARYING BUSINESS EXPERIENCES IN THE FIRST QUARTER.

REPORTING FIRMS IN THE ’PLASTICS’, ’FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS’ AND ’ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES’ INDUSTRIES EXPERIENCED IMPROVEMENTS IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND ARE VERY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THEIR IMMEDIATE BUSINESS PROSPECTS.

/SOME DETERIORATION ...

2 -

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25,

SOME DETERIORATION IN BUSINESS WAS REPORTED BY RESPONDENTS IN THE ’TEXTILES’, ’PRINTING’ AND 'WATCHES AND CLOCKS’ INDUSTRIES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER. HOWEVER, THEY FORESEE AN UPTURN IN THE SECOND QUARTER. •

’FOOD, BEVERAGE AND TOBACCO’, ’WEARING APPAREL’ AND ’ELECTRONICS’ FIRMS REPORTED +STABLE BUSINESS* AND EXPECT +A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT* IN THE FOLLOWING QUARTER.

’TRANSPORTATION’ FIRMS EXPERIENCED FAIRLY STRONG RECOVERY IN THE FIRST QUARTER, CONTRARY TO THEIR EARLIER EXPECTATION OF AN UNCHANGED BUSINESS SITUATION.

FOR THE ’MANUFACTURING’ SECTOR, THE PROBLEM OF HIGH MATERIALS PRICES EASED IN THE FIRST QUARTER. HOWEVER, AN INCREASING PROPORTION OF FIRMS IN THE SECTOR REPORTED HIGH LABOUR TURNOVER AND SHORTAGE OF LABOUR GENERALLY AS PROBLEMS FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND QUARTERS.

INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS CONTRACTS AND PRICE COMPETITION FROM FIRMS IN HONG KONG WERE STILL THE MAIN PROBLEMS SEEN BY CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER, WITH LITTLE PROSPECT OF IMPROVEMENT IN THE FOLLOWING QUARTER. FIRMS IN THE ’WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE’, ’RESTAURANTS’ AND ’HOTELS’ BUSINESSES INDICATED THE PROBLEM OF PRICE COMPETITION AS THEIR MAJOR PROBLEM FOR THE FIRST TWO QUARTERS.

HOWEVER, IN ADDITION TO THE PROBLEM OF PRICE COMPETITION, RESTAURANT BUSINESSES ALSO REPORTED THAT INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS AND HIGH STAFF TURNOVER HAD EMERGED AS MAJOR PROBLEMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER. THEY EXPECTED THESE PROBLEMS TO CONTINUE INTO THE SECOND QUARTER.

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE SURVEY RESULTS, OBTAINED WITH A MINIMUM TIME LAG, WERE BASICALLY INTENDED TO PROVIDE ONE SOURCE OF REFERENCE FOR +A QUICK ASSESSMENT* OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION OF HONG KONG.

FIRMS WERE ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER THEY FELT THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND LEVEL OF CAPACITY UTILISATION HAD ’IMPROVED’, ’REMAINED THE SAME’ OR ’DETERIORATED’ IN THE PAST QUARTER AS COMPARED WITH THE QUARTER BEFORE.

THEY WERE ALSO ASKED TO INDICATE, FOR THE FORTHCOMING QUARTER, WHETHER THE SITUATION WOULD ’IMPROVE’, ’REMAIN THE SAME’ OR ’DETERIORATE*.

THE BALANCE OF OPINIONS OF RESPONDENTS WERE TABULATED AND ANALYSED.

/TH£ bURVEY........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1984

- 3 -

THE SURVEY REPORT ALSO CONTAINS A SECTION ON BUSINESS PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED AND EXPECTED BY FIRMS IN DIFFERENT ECONOMIC SECTORS AND A BREAKDOWN OF VIEWS OF FIRMS BY SIZE GROUPS.

THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT FOR A SURVEY OF THIS NATURE, THE RESULTS SHOULD BE INTERPRETED WITH CARE AS IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH PRECISELY THE EXTENT TO WHICH RESPONDENTS* PERCEPTION OF THE PAST AND THE FUTURE ACCORDS WITH THE UNDERLYING TRENDS.

COPIES OF THE REPORT, CONTAINING AN ANALYSIS OF THE SURVEY FINDINGS AND STATISTICAL TABLES, HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO FIRMS TAKING PART IN THE SURVEY AND TO OTHER BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY OBTAIN COPIES FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AT S3 PER COPY.

FURTHER DETAILS ON THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE NATIONAL INCOME BRANCH OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 5-423401.

- 0-------

CAREERS EDUCATION SECTION PROVIDES WIDE-RANGING SERVICES * * *

SECONDARY SCHOOL LEAVERS WHO NEED INFORMATION TO APPLY FOR MATRICULATION PLACES WILL BENEFIT FROM A COMPUTER JUST INSTALLED IN THE CAREERS EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

♦WITH THE COMPUTER, WE CAN PROVIDE THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON MATRICULATION COURSES OFFERED BY SECONDARY SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG,+ SAID THE SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE CAREERS EDUCATION SECTION, MR LEUNG HOO-WING.

THIS COMPUTER SERVICE, A VAST IMPROVEMENT ON A MATRICULATION COURSE BOOKLET FIRST PUBLISHED LAST YEAR, IS AMONG VARIOUS SERVICES OFFERED BY THE SECTION.

♦OUR MAIN OBJECTIVE IS IN FACT TO PROVIDE A CAREERS SERVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH CAREERS EDUCATION, MR LEUNG SAID, + AND WE WORK CLOSELY WITH THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS.♦

THE OFFICER HEADING THE SECTION ACTS AS AN EX OFFICIO SECRETARY OF THE ASSOCIATION, WHICH HAS ALL GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS AND MORE THAN 90 PER CENT OF AIDED SCHOOLS AS ITS MEMBERS.

THIS RELATIONSHIP KEEPS CAREERS MASTERS ABREAST OF THE ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE SECTION, AND THUS HELPS TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF CAREERS EDUCATION.

/THE SERVICES .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 19&4

4 -

THE SERVICES INCLUDE SEMINARS AND EXPERIENCE-SHARING SESSIONS AS WELL AS ARRANGEMENT OF VISITS TO FIRMS, TERTIARY INSTITUTES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

LAST YEAR THE FIRST IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSE FOR CAREERS TEACHERS WAS HELD JOINTLY WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

+THE COURSE GAVE UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE ON CAREERS EDUCATION AND COUNSELLING METHODOLOGY THROUGH LECTURES AND WORKSHOPS. BECAUSE OF ITS SUCCESS, A SIMILAR COURSE WILL BE HELD THIS YEAR,* MR LEUNG SAID.

LAST APRIL, A CAREERS EDUCATION CENTRE WAS ESTABLISHED IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS. IT HAS A LIBRARY WITH INFORMATION ON VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND FURTHER STUDY OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS SET UP AN ENQUIRY SERVICE IN THE CENTRE, WITH VOLUNTARY TEACHERS-COUNSELLORS ON DUTY FROM 4 PM TO 6 PM ON WEDNESDAYS AND FROM 10 AM TILL NOON ON SATURDAYS.

STUDENTS AND PARENTS CAN SEEK PERSONAL ADVICE AND CONSULTATION ON CAREERS MATTERS FROM THESE COUNSELLORS.

SO FAR, ABOUT 7 000 PEOPLE HAVE VISITED THE CENTRE AND OVER 5 500 TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.

♦FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THOSE LIVING IN KOWLOON, ANOTHER ENQUIRY CENTRE HAS JUST BEEN SET UP IN LOK SIN TONG WONG CHUNG MING SECONDARY SCHOOL IN SAN PO KONG. IT IS OPEN ON TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS FROM 4 TO 6 PM,+ MR LEUNG SAID.

THE ASSOCIATION ALSO GIVES STUDENTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO WORK IN THEIR INTENDED FIELDS THROUGH A SUMMER WORK SCHEME.

SINCE 1976, THE ASSOCIATION HAS BEEN ENLISTING THE SUPPORT OF PRIVATE FIRMS AND VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING HOSPITALS AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, WHERE STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO WORK IN CLERICAL FIELDS, PERFORM LIBRARY DUTIES OR HELP WITH WORK IN A MEDICAL WARD.

MORE THAN 120 STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM THIS SCHEME EVERY YEAR.

BESIDES INFORMATION PAMPHLETS, THE ASSOCIATION ALSO SEEKS TO PROVIDE TAILOR-MADE INFORMATION FOR CAREERS MASTERS AND STUDENTS.

A SET OF INFORMATION SLIDES AND TAPES ON INDIVIDUAL JOBS, SELECTED ACCORDING TO THE STUDENTS’ INTEREST, IS BEING PRODUCED.

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

/5......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1984

5 -

MORE SCHOOL CHILDREN TAKING COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS * * * *

ABOUT 1 OOO STUDENTS TOOK PART IN THIS YEAR’S COMMERCE PROJECT COMPETITION AND THIS WAS +VERY ENCOURAGING*, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), W JOHN WINFIELD SAID TODAY.

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION OF PRIZES FOR THE COMPETITION, WHICH WAS HELD AMONG FORMS FOUR TO SEVEN STUDENTS STUDYING COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS.

THE COMPETITION WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE CHINESE GOLD AND SILVER EXCHANGE SOCIETY.

COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS, MR WINFIELD SAID, HAD MUCH TO OFFER IN PREPARING STUDENTS TO MEET CHANGES IN HONG KONG’S PROGRESSIVE SOCIETY.

♦ YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE 1980’S ARE GROWING UP IN A WORLD IN WHICH MODERN TECHNOLOGY IS CONSTANTLY IMPINGING UPON THEIR LIVES

♦ IF ONE LOOKS AT THE INCREASING IMPORTANCE OF KEYBOARD SKILLS, FOR EXAMPLE, BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF MICRO-ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY, THEN IT SEEMS CLEAR THAT THESE WILL PLAY AN EVER-INCREASING ROLE IN FURTHER STUDY, IN THE HOME AND AT WORK.

♦ HENCE, A BASIC TRAINING IN TYPEWRITING IS AN OBVIOUSLY VALUABLE SKILL FOR ANY STUDENT,♦ HE SAID.

THE STUDY OF ACCOUNTING AND COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES SHOWED HOW INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE OPERATED, AND HELPED THE STUDENTS TO APPRECIATE HOW AND WHY CERTAIN FINANCIAL DECISIONS WERE MADE, HE SAID.

MR WINFIELD SAID HE WAS PLEASED, TO NOTE THAT MORE SCHOOLS WERE OFFERING COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS IN SENIOR FORMS.

THE NUMBER OF CANDIDATES ENTERING FOR THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION IN PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS ROSE FROM ABOUT 10 400 IN 1982 TO ALMOST 14 000 IN 1983, AN INCREASE OF 34 PER CENT IN ONE YEAR, HE ADDED.

THIS WAS VERY ENCOURAGING AND HE WAS SURE THAT COMPETITIONS OF THE KIND ORGANISED BY THE CHINESE GOLD AND SILVER EXCHANGE SOCIETY WOULD HELP TO BOOST INTEREST FURTHER, HE SAID.

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

/6........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1984

6 -

FIRST MALARIA LAB TECHNIQUE COURSE STARTS

*****

HONG KONG’S FIRST MALARIA LABORATORY TECHNIQUE TRAINING COURSE WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED THIS MORNING AT THE KWONG WAH HOSPITAL BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES (HEALTH SERVICES AND PLANNING), DR S.H. LEE.

DR LEE SAID THAT MALARIA CONTROL IN HONG KONG DEPENDS ON EFFICIENT EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE THROUGH A NETWORK OF HOSPITALS AND CLINICS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

TO BE EFFECTIVE, THIS CLINICAL SURVEILLANCE MUST BE BACKED UP BY GOOD AND EFFICIENT LABORATORY FACILITIES, DR LEE ADDED.

HE SAID THE FIRST TRAINING COURSE FOCUSES ON LABORATORY TECHNIQUES, INCLUDING THE TECHNIQUE OF BLOOD COLLECTION, STAINING AND MICROSCOPIC DIAGNOSIS.

THE 21 PARTICIPANTS OF THIS COURSE COME FROM LABORATORIES IN GOVERNMENT, SUBVENTED AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS AS WELL AS THE BRITISH MILITARY HOSPITAL.

♦THE FACILITIES IN THESE HOSPITALS WILL FORM A STRONG NETWORK OF LABORATORIES FOR. THE SURVEILLANCE OF THE DISEASE,* HE SAID.

THIS WEEK-LONG COURSE HAS BEEN FULLY SUBSCRIBED AND ANOTHER ONE HAS BEEN ORGANISED FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK.

DR LEE SAID IT WAS INTENDED THAT COURSES ON EPIDEMIOLOGY AND VECTOR CONTROL WOULD ALSO BE ORGANISED IN THE NEAR FUTURE, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO).

MR JOHN STOREY, A PARASITOLOGIST ATTACHED TO THE WHO REGIONAL MALARIA ADVISORY TEAM BASED IN KUALA LUMPUR, HAS BEEN INVITED TO HONG KONG TO GIVE LECTURES AND DEMONSTRATIONS TO PARTICIPANTS IN THE CURRENT COURSE.

♦WITH MR STOREY’S EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE IN THIS FIELD, I AM SURE THAT THE PARTICIPANTS WILL BENEFIT CONSIDERABLY FROM THIS COURSE,+ DR LEE SAID.

- 0

/7........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1984

- 7

AP LEI CHAU PROJECT TO HOUSE 37 OOO

* * * *

A SECOND PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECT IN AP LEI CHAU OFF ABERDEEN HAS TAKEN A SIGNIFICANT STRIDE FORWARD WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE FIRST PHASE OF ITS S23O-MILLI0N SITE FORMATION WORK.

THE OCCASION WAS MARKED TODAY WITH A THANKSGIVING CEREMONY AT WHICH THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING (CONSTRUCTION), MR FRED PANG, OFFICIATED.

the large project, lei tung estate, will provide homes for

37 000 MORE PEOPLE ON COMPLETION BY 1988.

THE FIRST PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ON THE ISLET, AP LEI CHAU ESTATE, ALREADY HOUSES 19 000 PEOPLE.

LEI TUNG ESTATE IS BEING DEVELOPED IN THREE PHASES ON A 16—HECTARE SITE NEAR THE AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE.

ALTOGETHER EIGHT RENTAL AND SEVEN HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME BLOCKS WILL BE BUILT, PLUS COMMUNITY, COMMERCIAL AND OTHER FACILITIES.

THE REST OF THE SITE FORMATION WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED LATER THIS YEAR.

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

KOREAN HOUSING CHIEF SEES HK WORKS

* * *

THE VISITING PRESIDENT OF KOREA NATIONAL HOUSING CORPORATION, MR YOUNG SU PARK, TODAY LOOKED AT HONG KONG'S PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT DURING A TOUR OF OLD AND NEW ESTATES.

ACCOMPANIED BY DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING (ADMINISTRATION), MISS ELAINE CHUNG, HE VISITED SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE IN SHAM SHUI PO, AND LUNG HANG ESTATE, HOME OWNERSHIP KING TIN COURT AND CHUN SHEK ESTATE IN SHA TIN.

AT SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE, HE TOURED BLOCKS WHICH HAD BEEN REDEVELOPED UNDER A PROGRAMME TO UPGRADE LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND RELIEVE OVERCROWDING FOR TENANTS.

IN THE SHA TIN ESTATES, HE LOOKED AT NEWLY-COMPLETED BLOCKS AND INSPECTED THE COMMERCIAL AND OTHER FACILITIES PROVIDED.

BEFORE THE TOUR, THE VISITOR CALLED AT THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND HAD A DISCUSSION MEETING WITH THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR DAVID FORD.

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

/8........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1984

- 8

NOTE TO EDITORS:

DB TO DISCUSS PUBLIC HOUSING

* * *

THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED REVIEW OF PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION POLICIES AT A SPECIAL MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF MEI FUNG COURT IN ABERDEEN CENTRE.

-----o-----

KWU TUNG TO HAVE NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL

« « *

A PRIMARY SCHOOL AT KWU TUNG IS BEING REBUILT AT ANOTHER LOCATION TO MAKE WAY FOR IMPROVEMENT WORK TO THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD BETWEEN AU TAU AND FAN KAM ROAD.

THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $4.7 MILLION CONTRACT TO LOUVRE ENGINEERING LIMITED FOR CONSTRUCTION CF A REPLACEMENT FOR THE EXISTING 01 WAH SCHOOL.

THE NEW SCHOOL WILL BE A NINE-CLASSROOM BUILDING WITH AN ASSEMBLY HALL AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES, AND WILL BE BUILT ON A 3 500-SQUARE-METRE SITE NEAR DILLS CORNER GARDEN.

THE WORK WILL TAKE ONE YEAR TO COMPLETE.

-----0-----

AUTO INDUSTRY MANPOWER SURVEY BEGINS

* * * *

FIELD WORK BEGAN TODAY ON A MANPOWER SURVEY OF THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY.

THE SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC) WILL BE VITAL IN FORMULATING MANPOWER TRAINING PLANS FOR THE INDUSTRY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID.

EIGHT HUNDRED GARAGES AND ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED AT RANDOM WILL BE ASKED TO SUPPLY INFORMATION ON, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE NUMBER OF WORKERS EMPLOYED, OR UNDER TRAINING, AND EXISTING VACANCIES.

/CENSUS AND........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1984

- 9

CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT STAFF WILL VISIT THEM AND HELP COMPLETE THE FORMS DURING THE 15-DAY SURVEY.

DATA COLLECTED WILL BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND PUBLISHED ONLY IN STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT DATA PROCESSING AGENCY ARE HELPING WITH THE SURVEY.

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

MORE EFFORT URGED FOR PLANTING SCHEME

* * * *

KWAI CHUNG RESIDENTS WERE URGED TODAY TO GIVE MORE SUPPORT TO THE CURRENT MEI FA SCHEME TO BEAUTIFY THE ENVIRONMENT.

THE CALL WAS MADE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHOW SUM, WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE LAUNCHING OF THE KWAI CHUNG TREE PLANTING DAY AT THE ROADSIDE ON CHING HONG ROAD, TSING Yl ISLAND.

TODAY’S DISTRICT-WIDE TREE PLANTING DAY WAS THE FIFTH ANNUAL EVENT JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

MR CHOW ALSO EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE TREE PLANTING SCHEME WOULD ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO JOIN IN THE CONTINUING EFFORTS TO MAKE THE BEAUTIFICATION SCHEME SUCCESSFUL.

ABOUT 100 CHILDREN FROM TWO LOCAL SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN TODAY’S EFFORT, PLANTING YOUNG EVERGREEN MELVLEUCA LEUCADENDRON PLANTS AT THE BARREN SPOT, TO ADD COLOUR TO THE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING NEW TOWN.

THANKING THE CHILDREN, MR CHOW ALSO URGED THEM TO SPREAD THE I FA MESSAGE.

MR CHOW HIMSELF LATER PLANTED A YOUNG TREE, HELPED BY THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF KWAI CHUNG, MR LEE SHEUNG-YEE, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF TSING Yl RURAL COMMITTEE, MR CHAN TIN-SUNG.

0 - -

/IO........

WEDNESDAY, MAY ZJ, 1V04

10 -

NOTE TO EDITORS:

EXHIBITION ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN TSUEN WAN

* * * X

A THREE-DAY PHOTO EXHIBITION ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) MORNING OUTSIDE THE KWAI HING MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION.

THE EXHIBITION WILL FORM PART OF THE DISTRICT'S REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN FOR NEXT YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION WILL BE THE DISTRICT OFFICER FOR KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl, M? TAM WING-PONG, AND A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR CHENG WING-CHUN

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 11 AM AT THE OPEN GROUND OUTSIDE THE KWAI HING MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION.

- 0 - -

COURSE FOR HANDBALL COACHES * * * *

A COURSE FOR COACHES OF CHILDREN IN HANDBALL WILL BE HELD FROM JUNE 30 TO JULY 1.

THE TWO-DAY COURSE, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE (RSS) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG AMATEUR HANDBALL ASSOCIATION, WILL BE HELD AT THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE.

APPLICANTS MUST BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE AND THE ENTRY FEE IS $20 PER PERSON.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE RSS HEAD OFFICE ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF WING ON CENTRE IN CENTRAL, AND AT ALL THE 12 DISTRICT OFFICES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISERS SAID THE AIM OF THE COURSE WAS TO PROMOTE HANDBALL AMONG CHILDREN.

FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY DIALLING 5-458511.

0 -------

/11 .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1984

- 11

SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS FOR AUCTION

* * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (MAY 26) AT 10 AM IN THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.

A TOTAL OF 17 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE. THEY ARE

DB75OO CG 1

AS2244 9882

CX 21 340

AN7487 HK1997

CL 5 XX 123

AA1188 AA 190

CX 50 BW 18

AG 813 338

846

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WILL 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 AUCTION WILL BE THE 91ST ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.

/V.....

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1984

- 12 -

THREE LIFTS FOR POLICE QUARTERS * * *

THREE PASSENGER LIFTS ARE TO BE INSTALLED AT THE POLICE RANK AND FILE MARRIED QUARTERS NOW BEING BUILT AT OLD BAILEY STREET, CENTRAL.

THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $1,174-MILLION CONTRACT TO GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY OF HONG KONG LIMITED FOR THE PROJECT.

WORK ON BUILDING THE 24-STOREY SUPERSTRUCTURE STARTED IN JANUARY THIS YEAR AND IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED BY AUGUST NEXT YEAR.

IT WILL PROVIDE 144 UNITS OF STANDARD DESIGN TWO-BEDROOM QUARTERS FOR POLICE OFFICERS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

- - o - - - -

URBAN CLEARWAY

X * *

FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 25), A SHORT SECTION OF QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL NEAR POTTINGER STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AS AN URBAN CLEARWAY.

NO MOTOR VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS AND GOODS WITHIN THE ROAD SECTION BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DAILY.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1984

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS STAY ON UPSWING................................ 1

SIR PHILIP SEES FAMILY HEALTH WORK.............................. 4

FINANCIAL SECRETARY LOOKS OVER AIRPORT ......................... 4

$99 800 TO $174 700 PROPOSED FOR FLATS.......................... 5

REHABILITATION COMMISSIONER NAMED .............................. 6

LATEST TAXI TENDER RESULTS ANNOUNCED ........................... 7

HK FOR UK DRIVING LICENCES ..................................... 7

YAN CHAI HOSPITAL OUTLINES NEW PROJECTS ........................ 8

PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE FORMS BEING MAILED ................... 8

MARINE DEPARTMENT BUILDING IN TSUEN WAN ........................ 9

MORE VIGOUR SEEN IN SEPARATE BOARDS ........................... 10

DB MEMBERS TO LEARN FROM SOUTH KOREA........................... 11

TALK ON HONGKONG'S SUCCESS .................................... 11

CUSTOMS MEN TO PARADE.......................................... 12

PRIZE-GIVING .................................................. 12

U.S. MAKES EXPORT AUTHORISATION 'CALLS' ....................... 13

ILLEGAL SLAUGHTER HOUSE OPERATORS WARNED ...................... 13

NEW REFUSE COLLECTION POINT FOR MONG KOK....................... 14

THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1984

DOMESTIC EXPORTS STAY ON UPSWING * * *

HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS CONTINUED TO EXPAND RAPIDLY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, ACCORDING TO A GOVERNMENT REPORT PUBLISHED TODAY.

THE FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1984 SHOWS THAT THESE EXPORTS INCREASED BY 51 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS OR 30 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF LAST YEAR.

GIVEN THE STRONG ORDER-BOOK POSITIONS OF MANY INDUSTRIES AND THE SUBSTANTIAL REAL-TERM INCREASE IN RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAw MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES IN THE FIRST QUARTER, THE SHORT-TERM PROSPECTS FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS REMAIN ENCOURAGING, THE REPORT SAYS.

DOMESTIC DEMAND IN THE SAME PERIOD ALSO IMPROVED MODERATELY OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983, WITH RETAINED IMPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS GROWING BY ABOUT 14 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS, AND OF CONSUMER GOODS BY ABOUT 11 PER CENT.

ON THE LABOUR FORCE FRONT, THE REPORT POINTS OUT THAT UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT AS A WHOLE IMPROVED SUBSTANTIALLY OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983, BUT REMAINED LARGELY STABLE, COMPARED WITH THE FOURTH QUARTER OF LAST YEAR.

THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN THE FIRST QUARTER CF 1984 WAS 4.0 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 5.1 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND 4.1 PER CENT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1983.

THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WAS 1.5 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 2.5 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND 1.4 PER CENT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF LAST YEAR.

THE RATE OF INFLATION (AS MEASURED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A)) SLOWED DOWN DURING THE FIRST QUARTER, FROM A YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF INCREASE OF 12.6 PER CENT IN JANUARY TO 9.3 PER CENT IN MARCH.

THE REPORT COMMENTS THAT THE ADVERSE INFLUENCE ON IMPORT PRICES OF THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR UP TO SEPTEMBER 24, 1983 MAY HAVE LARGELY FED THROUGH TO THE RETAIL LEVEL.

THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) WAS ON AVERAGE 11.1 PER CENT HIGHER IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1984 THAN IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983j THE EQUIVALENT RATE FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1983 WAS 11.9 PER CENT.

THE REPORT ASSESSES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1984 USING SUCH STATISTICS AS ARE AVAILABLE.

IT ALSO UPDATES THE ANALYSIS OF THE ECONOMY IN THE 1983 ECONOMIC BACKGROUND PUBLISHED ON BUDGET DAY.

/APART FROM .......

THURSDAY, MAY 2^, 1984

- 2 -

APART FROM GIVING AN OVERALL VIEW, THE REPORT ALSO CONTAINS INDIVIDUAL CHAPTERS ON THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE LABOUR SECTOR, ACTIVITY IN SELECTED SECTORS AND PRICES.

ON THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE REPORT SAYS THAT DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S MAIN MARKETS — THE UNITED STATES, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE UNITED KINGDOM, CHINA AND JAPAN — CONTINUED TO GROW RAPIDLY IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1984 OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF 1983.

WHILE THIS WAS CONSISTENT WITH THE IMPROVED ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN HONG KONG’S MAJOR MARKETS, THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AGAINST THE CURRENCIES OF THESE MARKETS DURING THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING MARCH 1984 ALSO HELPED BY ENHANCING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THESE MARKETS.

IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ALSO INCREASED RAPIDLY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1984 OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983. IMPORTS GREW BY ABOUT 23 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS AND RE-EXPORTS BY ALMOST 37 PER CENT.

COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1984 WITH THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983, THE REPORT POINTS,OUT THAT GROWTH RATE OF THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS), AT 54 PER CENT, WAS FASTER THAN THAT OF IMPORTS, AT 43 PER CENT. THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP THUS NARROWED SIGNIFICANTLY TO 6 PER CENT, FROM 13 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983.

ON THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE REPORT NOTES THAT:

* FIRST, THE HONG KONG DOLLAR HELD STEADY AGAINST THE US DOLLAR THROUGHOUT THE FIRST QUARTER, REFLECTING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM,

* SECOND, WITH THE RETURN OF CONFIDENCE IN THE LOCAL CURRENCY, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW RAPIDLY, RESULTING IN A RAPID EXPANSION IN THE MONEY SUPPLY, AND

* THIRD, THERE WAS EXCESS LIQUIDITY IN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY MARKET DURING MOST PART OF THE QUARTER, WHICH EXERTED DOWNWARD PRESSURE ON LOCAL INTEREST RATES AND CREATED A DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN HONG KOND DOLLAR INTEREST RATES AND THOSE FOR US DOLLARS. THIS SITUATION WAS, HOWEVER, TEMPORARY AND TOWARDS THE END OF THE FIRST QUARTER, LOCAL INTEREST RATES ROSE AGAIN.

ON THE LABOUR SECTOR, THE REPORT OBSERVES THAT EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR PICKED UP AS DOMESTIC EXPORTS RECOVERED. EMPLOYMENT IN THE TERTIARY SERVICES SECTOR ALSO SHOWED SOME INCREASE, BUT EMPLOYMENT ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES FELL FURTHER.

/THE REPORT ....

THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1984

THE REPORT SAYS THAT, REFLECTING THE STRONG RECOVERY OF THE EXPORT SECTOR, EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED IN BOTH MONEY AND REAL TERMS DURING 1983. EARNINGS IN THE TERTIARY SERVICES SECTORS ALSO INCREASED.

CONSTRUCTION WAGE RATES, ON THE OTHER HAND, CONTINUED TO FALL IN REAL TERMS, ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A SMALL INCREASE IN MONEY TERMS.

THE REPORT OBSERVES THAT ON THE BASIS OF THE FIGURES ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS, RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES, AND THE QUANTITY OF ELECTRICITY CONSUMED BY THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR, THERE IS CLEAR EVIDENCE OF A CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT IN MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.

ON THE PROPERTY SECTOR, THE REPORT POINTS TO THE FOLLOWING TRENDS:

* FIRST, ALTHOUGH THE VACANCY POSITION IN THE EXISTING STOCK REMAINED HIGH AT THE END OF 1983, VACANCIES IN MOST SECTORS DECLINED, COMPARED WITH THE YEAR-EARLIER POSITION,

* SECOND, THERE WERE REPORTS OF GOOD RESPONSE TO THE MARKETING OF SMALL DOMESTIC UNITS IN WELL-LOCATED AND BETTER-PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS, PRESUMABLY BECAUSE REASONABLE PRICING HAD MADE THE PURCHASE OF SUCH FLATS MORE AFFORDABLE TO INTENDING OWNER-OCCUPIERS,

* THIRD, THE DEMAND FOR BETTER-MANAGED ARCADE SHOPS AND OFFICES IN PRIME LOCATIONS APPEARED STRONG, STIMULATED BY A MORE OPTIMISTIC ECONOMIC OUTLOOK AND THE OFFER OF MORE REALISTIC RENTALS, AND

* FOURTH, THE TAKE-UP FOR INDUSTRIAL PREMISES ALSO IMPROVED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1984, COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD OF 1983, FOLLOWING THE SUSTAINED EXPORT RECOVERY.

ON PRICES, THE REPORT COMMENTS THAT THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE, HELPED BY THE RELATIVE BALANCE BETWEEN THE AGGREGATE SUPPLY AND THE AGGREGATE DEMAND FOR DOMESTIC RESOURCES AND THE RELATIVELY MODEST RATE OF INFLATION IN HONG KONG’S MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS, SHOULD FAVOUR A FURTHER SLOWING DOWN IN THE RATE OF INFLATION IN DUE COURSE.

THE FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1984 IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION CENTRE AT $8 A COPY.

/4........

THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1984

SIR PHILIP SEES FAMILY HEALTH WORK * * *

THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED A HEALTH CENTRE IN NORTH KWAI CHUNG TO SEE VARIOUS MED ICAL SERVICES PROVIDED FOR RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

SIR PHILIP WAS MET ON ARRIVAL AT THE MRS WU YORK YU HEALTH CENTRE AT LEI MUK SHU BY THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG AND SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICERS.

SIR PHILIP TOURED THE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT, THE FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE CENTRE AND THE MATERNITY WARD IN THE HEALTH CENTRE.

HE SHOWED PARTICULAR INTEREST IN THE FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE, WHICH INCLUDES MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH, ANTE-NATAL AND POST-NATAL CARE, IMMUNISATION, INFANT WELFARE, HEALTH EDUCATION AND FAMILY PLANN ING.

IN THE AREA OF HEALTH CARE OFFERED TO MOTHERS AND CHILDREN, SIR PHILIP HEARD THAT FOR THE MOTHERS, THERE ARE BOTH ANTE-NATAL AND POST-NATAL HEALTH CONSULTATION SESSIONS AND ALSO COUNSELLING ON HOW TO CARE FOR THEIR CHILDREN. AS FOR CHILDREN, A FULL IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME IS OFFERED AGAINST TUBERCULOSIS, DIPHTHERIA, NEASLES, POLIOMYELITIS AND'OTHER COMMON CHILDHOOD INFECTIOUS DISEASES.

THERE IS ALSO A COMPREHENSIVE OBSERVATION SCHEME FOR CHILDREN FROM BIRTH UP TO THE AGE OF FIVE.

SIR PHILIP SAW THE DIFFERENT ASSESSMENTS CARRIED OUT BY THE bEDICAL STAFF ON THE AUDIO, VISUAL AND SPEECH ABILITIES OF YOUNG CHILDREN.

HE WAS TOLD THAT THIS OBSERVATION SCHEME WAS USEFUL IN DETECTING AND ASSESSING DEVELOPMENTAL ABNORMALITIES, THUS ENABLING EARLY TREATMENT.

- 0 - -

FINANCIAL SECRETARY LOOKS OVER AIRPORT * * *

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SPENT THIS MORNING LOOKING OVER GOVERNMENT AND COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

ACCOMPANIED BY MR PIERS JACOBS, SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, AND MR W.C. HUTCHINGS, ACTING AIRPORT GENERAL MANAGER, SIR JOHN SAW AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL IN ACTION AT THE CONTROL CENTRE AND TOWER.

FOLLOWING THIS, HE VISITED THE AIRPORT METEOROLOGICAL OFFICE TO SEE THE DISSEMINATION OF WEATHER FORECASTING INFORMATION.

/AT THE

THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1984

- 5 -

AT THE AEROFIXED CENTRE, SIR JOHN SAW THE MESSAGE RECEPTION AND DISTRIBUTION PROCESS OF THE AUTOMATIC MESSAGE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM.

HE ALSO INSPECTED THE AIRPORT FIRE CONTINGENT AND SAW FIRE EQUIPMENT IN USE.

BEFORE WINDING UP HIS AIRPORT TOUR, SIR JOHN VISITED OTHER SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING THE HONG KONG AIR TERMINAL SERVICES LTD., THE HONG KONG AIRCRAFT ENGINEERING CO., CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS AND THE SWIRE AIR CATERERS ESTABLISHMENT.

0 *-----

199 800 TO $17* 700 PROPOSED FOR FLATS

* * M *

PRICES RANGING FROM $99 300 TO $17* 700 EACH FOR TRIDENT II FLATS AT THE HOME OWNERSHIP MAY SHING COURT IN SHA TIN WILL BE SHORTLY RECOMMENDED TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR APPROVAL.

THESE PRICES WERE PROPOSED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY'S HOME OWNERSHIP COMMITTEE AT A MEETING TODAY.

IT WAS DECIDED THAT THE 1 632 FLATS WOULD FIRST BE SOLD TO PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS IN ‘THE COMING PHASE VIA HOS SALES, AND THAT THE MONTHLY MANAGEMENT FEE BE $150.

♦ TOGETHER WITH A NUMBER OF OTHER HOS-PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME PROJECTS, TWO TRIDENT II BLOCKS AT MAY SHING COURT WILL BE PUT ON SALE FROM LATE JUNE,+ SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.

HE SAID THE TRIDENT II FLATS WERE BEING CONVERTED FROM RENTAL UNITS UNDER A PILOT SCHEME.

♦ THEIR OPEN-PLAN DESIGN INCORPORATES AN ELEMENT OF FLEXIBILITY IN THAT IT ALLOWS THE OWNERS TO PARTITION THEIR FLATS INTO TWO BEDROOMS OR THREE BEDROOMS TO SUIT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS.

♦ WITH GROSS AREAS BETWEEN 50 AND 64.3 SQUARE METRES, EACH FLAT WILL HAVE ITS OWN BATHROOM AND KITCHEN WITH GLAZED-TILE WALLS AND MOSAIC-TILE FLOORS AS WELL AS A SERVICE BALCONY.

♦ WALLS IN THE LIVING AREA WILL HAVE EMULSION PAINT FINISH WHILE THE FLOORS WILL BE SURFACED WITH DURABLE VINYL TILES.+

~~ THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AS THE FLATS WERE ON THREE WINGS RADIATING FROM A CENTRAL CORE WHERE THE COMMON FACILITIES WERE LOCATED, EACH COULD ENJOY A BETTER VIEW OF THE SURROUNDINGS AND NATURAL LIGHTING.

♦STAIRCASES ARE PROVIDED IN THE MIDDLE OF EACH WING TO MINIMISE THE DISADVANTAGES OF LONG CENTRAL CORRIDORS AND ALLOW MAXIMUM PENETRATION OF NATURAL LIGHTING AND VENTILATION INTO THE ENCLOSED AREAS.♦

THE TRIDENT II FLATS AT MAY SHING COURT ARE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

----- 0 ------ /6...................

THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1984

- 6 -

REHABILITATION COMMISSIONER NAMED

*****

MR MARTIN LEWIS HAS FROM TODAY TAKEN UP THE NEW POST OF COMMISSIONER FOR REHABILITATION.

AT A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING LAST MONTH, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR NEIL HENDERSON, SAID THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (EDUCATION AND MANPOWER) POST WOULD BE RETITLED COMMISSIONER FOR REHABILITATION. HE EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS TO PROVIDE A CLEARER CENTRAL COORDINATING IDENTITY FOR REHABILITATION OF THE DISABLED.

THE NEW COMMISSIONER IS RESPONSIBLE TO THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER FOR FORMULATING REHABILITATION POLICY AND FOR COORDINATING THE PLANNING AND EXECUTIVE ACTION OF ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ENGAGED IN THE REHABILITATION CF THE DISABLED.

HE IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR SERVICING THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AND FOR ENSURING THAT THE COMMITTEE IS FULLY CONSULTED ON ALL POLICY PROPOSALS AND THAT ITS ADVICE IS GIVEN DUE CONSIDERATION IN REACHING DECISIONS.

IN ADDITION, HE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING THE IMPLEMENTATION CF APPROVED POLICIES AND PLANS AND FOR ENSURING THAT THESE ARE IMPLEMENTED IN THE MOST EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE MANNER.

ONE OF THE COMMISSIONER'S FIRST TASKS WILL BE TO ATTEND THE WORLD CONGRESS OF REHABILITATION INTERNATIONAL, TO BE HELD IN LISBON FROM 4 TO 8 JUNE.

HE WILL BE CHAIRING A DISCUSSION GROUP RELATED TO THE CONGRESS’ THEME OF INFORMATION, AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING FOR INTEGRATION OF DISABLED PERSONS AND SOCIETY.

MR LEWIS LISTS THE FOLLOWING MAJOR CHALLENGES CURRENTLY FACING REHABILITATION IN HONG KONGs-

* THE ENACTMENT OF LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE FOR ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED TO BUILDINGS.

* STEPPING UP THE PROVISION OF SPEECH THERAPISTS.

* REDUCING THE SHORTFALL IN SCHOOL PLACES FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.

* THE INTRODUCTION OF A TRANSPORT POLICY FOR THE DISABLED.

* INCREASING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED.

HIS CURRENT POSITION IS THE THIRD NEW PROGRAMME COORDINATION POST MR LEWIS HAS ASSUMED. PREVIOUSLY, HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REVITALISED CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN AND FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT CF THE COUNTRY PARKS PROGRAMME.

- - — o-------

n.......

THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1984

- 7 -

LATEST TAXI TENDER RESULTS ANNOUNCED « < »

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS COMPLETED PROCESSING THE LATEST TENDERS FOR 300 URBAN, 181 NEW TERRITORIES AND 10 LANTAU TAXI LICENCES.

A TOTAL OF 659 TENDERS FOR URBAN TAXI LICENCES WERE RECEIVED WHEN THE OFFER CLOSED ON APRIL 13.

THE HIGHEST TENDER ACCEPTED WAS $161 050, AND THE LOWEST $151 889.

THE AVERAGE PREMIUM OF $157 182 WAS AN INCREASE OF 12 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS TENDERS.

A TOTAL OF 24$' TENDERS WERE LODGED FOR NEW TERRITORIES TAXI LICENCES. ’ *

SUCCESSFUL B1 DERANGED FROM $18 100 TO $4 506, GIVING AN AVERAGE PREM I UM.'0F ‘$7 535, A DECREASE OF 62.2 PER CENT ON THE PREVIOUS TENDERS.

TWELVE TENDERS WERE -RECEIVED FOR LANTAU TAXI LICENCES, WITH ACCEPTED BIDS RANGING FROM $31 050 TO $20 190.

THE AVERAGE PREMIUM OF $2Zf*84.7 REPRESENTED AN 11.8 PER CENT INCREASE ON THE PREVIOUS FIGURE.

DETAILS OF SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS AND THE AMOUNTS OFFERED WILL BE PUBLISHED IN TOMORROW’S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

HK FOR UK DRIVING LICENCES * * *

HOLDERS OF CURRENT HONG KONG DRIVING LICENCES WHO TAKE UP RESIDENCE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL BE ABLE TO APPLY TO EXCHANGE THEM FOR ORDINARY BRITISH DRIVING LICENCES AS FROM JUNE 1

ANNOUNCING THE NEW ARRANGEMENT TODAY (THURSDAY), MR COLIN PRISTON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (LICENSING) OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, STRESSED THAT THE APPLICATION MUST BE MADE WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF RESIDENCE.

♦APPLICATION FORM (DI) WILL BE AVAILABLE AT POST OFFICES IN THE U.K. AND LICENCES WILL BE ISSUED THROUGH THE DRIVER AND VEHICLE LICENSING CENTRE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT IN SWANSEA FOR A FEE OF 10 POUNDS,♦ HE SAID.

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/8........

THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1984

YAN CHAI HOSPITAL OUTLINES NEW PROJECTS

******

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, HAD A DISCUSSION THIS AFTERNOON WITH VISITING MEMBERS OF THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL'S NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS ABOUT WELFARE SERVICES UNDERTAKEN BY THE HOSPITAL.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MR NG JING-YEE, THANKED THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR ITS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE ON PREVIOUS PROJECTS.

HE OUTLINED THE BOARD’S NEW PROJECTS FOR THE YEAR, WHICH INCLUDED A NEW NURSERY AND A SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY IN TUEN MUN, A HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY IN SHA TIN AND A CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOME IN TSUEN WAN.

REPLYING, MR CHAMBERS SAID THERE WAS NO DOUBT THAT THE VARIOUS WELFARE PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN BY THE HOSPITAL WOULD MEET THE NEEDS OF THE RESIDENTS OF THE NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

HE ASSURED BOARD MEMBERS THAT STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT WOULD DO ALL THEY COULD TO FACILITATE THE COMPLETION OF THESE PROJECTS.

- - 0 - -

PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE FORMS BEING MAILED

*****

APPLICATION FORMS FOR PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCES REQUIRED UNDER THE NEW ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATIONS ARE BEING MAILED TO ALL REGISTERED PUBLIC LIGHT BUS OPERATORS AND THE GRANTEES OF MAX I CAB SERVICES IN PHASES, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.

♦ALL OPERATORS ARE REQUIRED TO RETURN THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS TO THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION AT ROOMS 906-909, HUTCHISON HOUSE, 10 HARCOURT ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG BEFORE THE DEADLINE SPECIFIED IN THE LETTER+, THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.

♦OTHERWISE IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE FOR THE APPLICANT TO BE ISSUED WITH A PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE AND CERTIFICATE BEFORE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW LEGISLATION IN LATE AUGUST.+

UNDER THE NEW REGULATIONS, A VALID PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE IS REQUIRED FOR THE OPERATION OF PLB AND MAXICAB SERVICES.

IN ADDITION, A CERTIFICATE AND A PLATE WITH RED BACKGROUND SHOWING THE OPERATOR’S PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE NUMBER MUST BE DISPLAYED AT THE WINDSCREEN AND THE REAR RESPECTIVELY OF THE PLB WHICH PROVIDES NON-SCHEDULED SERVICES, WHILE A MAXICAB PROVIDING SCHEDULED SERVICES MUST DISPLAY A CERTIFICATE AND A PLATE WITH GR«N BACKGROUND ON THE VEHICLE.

/THE SPOKESMAN

THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1984

- 9

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ANY OPERATOR WHO HAS NOT RECEIVED THE APPLICATION FORM BY MAY 31, SHOULD CHECK WITH THE PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION ON 5-254958.

♦REGISTERED OWNERS WHO HAVE CHANGED THEIR ADDRESSES MUST NOTIFY THE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY IF THEY HAVE NOT YET DONE SO,+ HE SAID.

+NO PAYMENT SHOULD ACCOMPANY COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS RETURNED TO THE DEPARTMENT. WHEN NOTIFIED OF THE APPROVAL TO OBTAIN A PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE, OPERATORS WILL ALSO BE ADVISED AS TO WHEN AND HOW THE FEES SHOULD BE PAID,+

- 0 -

MARINE DEPARTMENT BUILDING IN TSUEN WAN * * *

A TWO-STOREY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AT THE CARGO WORKING AREA LOCATED ON RECLAIMED LAND IN TSUEN WAN BAY.

THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A 15.47 MILLION CONTRACT TO LOUVRE ENGINEERING LTD TO CONSTRUCT THE BUILDING WHICH WILL PROVIDE ABOUT 330 SQUARE METRES OF OFFICE SPACE AS WELL AS A CANTEEN.

THE PROJECT, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO TAKE 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE, WILL ALSO INCLUDE A PERIMETER WALL AND PAVING WORK WITHIN THE CARGO WORKING AREA.

COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, THE 1.8-HECTARE CARGOHANDLING AREA OCCUPIES THE CHAI WAN KOK END OF THE BAY AND IS PART OF STAGE I I OF THE TSUEN WAN BYPASS PROJECT.

THE BYPASS, WHICH IS PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROUTE, WILL PROVIDE A MUCH-NEEDED THROUGH ROUTE FOR TRAFFIC TO TUEN MUN AND OTHER PARTS OF THE NORTHWESTERN NEW TERRITORIES WHEN COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR.

SO FAR, A NEW FERRY PIER HAS BEEN CONSTRUCTED ON THE 35-HECTARE RECLAMATION SITE AND A TRANSPORT COMPLEX IS NEARING COMPLETION.

/IO ■......

THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1984

10 -

MORE VIGOUR SEEN IN SEPARATE BOARDS * * * *

RESIDENTS OF KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl WILL FIND IT MUCH EASIER TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON COMMUNITY BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT WITH THE SETTING UP OF A SEPARATE DISTRICT BOARD NEXT YEAR, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TAM WINGPONG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl NOW HAVE A POPULATION OF ABOUT 430 000.

MR TAM SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED TO SPLIT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, WITH A SEPARATE BOARD FOR KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl TO COPE WITH NEW DEVELOPMENTS THERE.

♦BY THEN, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WILL BE EVEN MORE VIGOROUS AND RESIDENTS CAN EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS MORE EASILY,* HE SAID.

MR TAM WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A THREE-DAY PHOTO EXHIBITION ON THE WORK AND STRUCTURE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD IN THE PAST TWO YEARS.

THE EXHIBITION BEING HELD AT THE OPEN GROUND OUTSIDE THE KWAI HING MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION, WILL LATER MOVE TO OTHER AREAS IN KWAI CHUNG.

+ IT IS HOPED THAT, THROUGH THE EXHIBITION, RESIDENTS WILL KNOW MORE ABOUT THE DISTRICT BOARD'S STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION AND THEY WILL, IN TURN, CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY AND TAKE MORE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION,* MR TAM SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS, THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD CONTRIBUTED TO COMMUNITY BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE DISTRICT.

THEY HAD ALSO INVOLVED THEMSELVES IN THE FORMULATING OF POLICIES ON TERRITORY-WIDE ISSUES, HE ADDED.

THE SECOND DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD NEXT MARCH AND THE SIX-WEEK REGISTRATION OF VOTERS WILL BEGIN ON AUGUST 15.

MR TAM APPEALED TO THOSE QUALIFIED RESIDENTS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS AND VOTE IN NEXT YEAR’S ELECTIONS.

+DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE MORE REPRESENTATIVE WITH RESIDENTS’ PARTICIPATION AND SUPPORT,* HE SAID.

THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1984

DB MEMBERS TO LEARN * *

FROM SOUTH KOREA *

TWELVE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD SOUTH KOREA TOMORROW (FRIDAY) ON A

MEMBERS WILL LEAVE FOR STUDY TOUR.

MEMBERS WILL SPEND SIX DAYS IN THE COUNTRY TO SEE HOW NEW TOWNS AND RURAL VILLAGES DEVELOP AND, IN PARTICULAR, TO LEARN ABOUT A COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECT +SAEMAUL MOVEMENT*.

THEIR ITINERARY WILL INCLUDE VISITS TO THE SONGNAM TRAINING INSTITUTE OF SAEMAUL MOVEMENT HEADQUARTERS, THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS, THE NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL COOPERATION FEDERATION, SEVERAL VILLAGES AND A DISTRICT OFFICE.

THEY WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, ffi DONALD TSANG, THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PAUL TANG, AND THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER, MR NG YING-NEEN.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

YOU ARE INVITED TO MEET THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AT 10 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE PRESS ROOM OF KAI TAK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BEFORE THEIR DEPARTURE FOR SOUTH KOREA.

- - 0 - -

NOTE TO EDITORS!

TALK ON HONGKONG’S SUCCESS MM*

THE n I RECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, ADDRESS THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE. ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON NOR™ TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT HONG KONG HOTEL, 6TH FLOOR, FUNG SHU I ROOM, TSIM SHA TSUI.

MR MACLEOD’S SPEECH ENTITLED +HONG KONG’S SUCCESS+ WILL BE DELIVERED AT ABOUT 1.30 PM.

---Q-----

THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1984

NOTE TO EDITORS:

CUSTOMS MEN TO PARADE * * *

THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A SERVICE REVIEW TO MARK ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY ON SATURDAY (MAY 26) AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TRAINING SCHOOL AT TAI LAM CHUNG AT 10.30 AM.

THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR GENERAL DEREK BOORMAN WILL TAKE THE SALUTE.

A GOVERNMENT COACH AM 2075 WILL BE WAITING AT HUNG HOM FERRY PIER BETWEEN 8.45 AM AND 9 AM ON SATURDAY TO TAKE GUESTS AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE TRAINING SCHOOL AND LATER RETURN THE PARTY TO KOWLOON.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. GUESTS AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO BE SEATED BY 10.15 AM.

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NOTE TO EDITORS:

PRIZE-GIVING * * * *

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE ANNUAL PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF THE NINTH HONG KONG YOUTH CULTURAL AND ARTS COMPETITIONS ON SATURDAY (MAY 26).

MORE THAN 500 WINNERS WILL RECEIVE PRIZES THEY WON AT THE NINE COMPETITIONS HELD LAST YEAR, INCLUDING ESSAY WRITING, CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY, DEBATE, PAINTING AND TRANSLATION.

THE COMPETITIONS WERE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND SPONSORED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM IN THE CONCERT HALL OF CITY HALL.

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/U.....

THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1984

- 13 -

U.S. MAKES EXPORT AUTHORISATION ’CALLS’ *****

THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE UNITED STATES MADE EXPORT AUTHORISATION CALLS AT 2.30 PM TODAY (THURSDAY) ON CATEGORY 650 (MAN-MADE FIBRE DRESSING GOWNS, INCLUDING BATHROBES AND BEACH ROBES) AND PART OF CATEGORY 359 (COTTON COVERALLS/JUMP SUITS/ HUNTING SUITS AND COTTON OVERALLS).

THIS BRINGS THE NUMBER OF CALLS BY THE UNITED STATES ON HONG KONG TO NINE SO FAR THIS YEAR.

PENDING CONSULTATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, THE DEPARTMENT HAS SUSPENDED THE ISSUE OF FURTHER EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS FOR THESE TWO CATEGORIES AS FROM THE TIME OF CALLS.

HOWEVER, THE DEPARTMENT WILL, AS USUAL, CONTINUE TO APPROVE AND ISSUE EXPORT LICENCES FOR THESE CATEGORIES AGAINST VALID EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS APPROVED BEFORE THE SUSPENSION.

ILLEGAL SLAUGHTER HOUSE OPERATORS WARNED * * * *

THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS AGAIN WARNED UNLICENSED SLAUGHTER HOUSE OPERATORS IN YUEN LONG AGAINST CARRYING ON THEIR ILLEGAL BUSINESSES.

THE WARNING WAS GIVEN TODAY AFTER A VILLAGER WAS FINED A TOTAL OF $1 950 AT FANLING MAGISTRACY FOR SLAUGHTERING WITHOUT A VALID LICENCE.

THE VILLAGER HAD BEEN. CAUGHT IN A RAID BY THE NTSD AND POLICE ON MAY 16.

MEANWHILE AN NTSD SPOKESMAN URGED PEOPLE, IN THEIR OWN INTERESTS, NOT TO BUY PORK FORM UNLICENSED HAWKERS.

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/U.....

THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1984

14 -

NEW REFUSE COLLECTION POINT FOR MONG KOK

* * *

AN OFF-STREET REFUSE COLLECTION POINT IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED AT NULLAH ROAD, MONG KOK, TO REPLACE AN EXISTING ON-STREET ONE AT FA YUEN STREET.

THE SINGLE-STOREY BUILDING WILL OCCUPY 170 SQUARE METRES AND BE CONSTRUCTED ON A NULLAH DECK.

FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED INCLUDE A STANDARD REFUSE COLLECTION AREA, A LOADING BAY, A ROLL-CALL ROOM, AN OFFICE, HANDCART-WASHING SPACE AND A STOREROOM.

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE WORK, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND TAKE FIVE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

MONG KOK WILL THEN HAVE A TOTAL OF EIGHT REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 198^

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SJ.6 BILLION PUT INTO NEW PUBLIC WORKS .......................... 1

EARLY TRAINING FOR DISABLED TOTS PLANNED ........................ 3

INVESTMENT INTEREST IN HK AT HIGH LEVEL.......................... 4

CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TAX STARTS JUNE 1 .......................... 5

BILL SEEKS TO PUT TAX PROPOSALS INTO EFFECT ..................... 6

RECORDS EVIDENCE LAW TO BE REVISED........................... 8

BILL PROVIDES FOR LIQUOR DUTY CALCULATION ....................... 9

PROPOSAL TO UPDATE COURT COSTS ................................. 10

GOVERNOR RETURNING TOMORROW ................................... H

SERVICE SECTOR VALUE ON RISE ................................

SIR PHILIP ATTENDS VOLUNTEERS' 13OTH FOUNDATION DAY DINNER .. 12

LUNAR FESTIVAL BRINGS DOWN RETAIL SALES ........................ 13

MORE JOBS URGED FOR EX-DRUG ADDICTS ............................ 16

NEW I.D. CARD FOR WOMEN AGED 22 AND 23.......................... 16

STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER ..................................... 17

WORKSHOPS ON REMEDIAL ENGLISH TEACHING ......................... 18

STORAGE SAFETY STANDARDS MAINTAINED ............................ 18

CHEUNG SHA WAN PLAN NOTES REVISED .............................. 19

KOWLOON, SAI KUNG SPEED LIMITS SET ............................. 19

PASSING-OUT PARADE ............................................. 20

SECURITY SERVICE SOUGHT FOR AIRPORT HALL ....................... 20

FINAL WORK STARTING SOON ON CHA KWO LING ROAD .................. 21

LIONS MONEY FOR PSYCHIATRIC WORK ............................... 21

$100 000 SUNDAY STROLL PLANNED ................................. 22

VILLAGE TAPS OFF ............................................

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1984

$3.6 BILLION PUT INTO NEW PUBLIC WORKS * * * K

THE GOVERNMENT HAS INJECTED $3.6 BILLION WORTH OF NEW WORK INTO THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR NICKY CHAN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

MR CHAN SAID THIS SUM EXCLUDED THE COST OF LAND.

HE HAD EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT THIS LEVEL OF NEW COMMITMENTS WOULD BE MAINTAINED, IF NOT INCREASED, IN 1985-86.

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE 12TH ANNUAL DINNER OF THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF BUILDING.

MR CHAN SAID, BEARING IN MIND THE PROJECTED FINANCIAL DEF IC I. CF $2.1 BILLION IN THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR 1984-85, THE INJECTION OF $3.6 BILLION WORTH OF NEW WORK INTO THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME WAS A COMMENDABLE EFFORT ON THE PART CF GOVERNMENT AND A FIRM INDICATION OF ITS COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.

HE SAID THE INJECTION OF PUBLIC FUNDS WOULD ALLOW A START TO BE MADE ON 120 NEW ITEMS OF WORKS.

INCLUDED AMONG THESE WOULD BE A NUMBER OF BUILDING PROJECTS, INCLUDING A MAGISTRACY BUILDING AT TUEN MUN, THE MUSEUM OF ART, AND A HOSPITAL AT SHAU KEI WAN.

IN ADDITION TO THE NEW WORKS THERE WERE ALSO A LARGE NUMBER OF MAJOR ON-GOING BUILDING PROJECTS, FOR EXAMPLE, A NEW FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS AND TSIM SHA TSUI EAST SUB-DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, HARBOUR BUILDING, CONNAUGHT ROAD, 168 TYPE II NON-DEPARTMENTAL QUARTERS, DISTRICT COURT-MAGISTRACY AND GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING ON THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION, QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL EXTENSIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS, CULTURAL CENTRE AT TSIM SHA TSUI - AUDITOR IA COMPLEX, TUEN MUN HOSPITAL AND QUARTERS AND A FIFTH NURSES’ TRAINING SCHOOL, TUEN MUN CIVIC AND CULTURAL COMPLEX, AND SHA TIN CULTURAL COMPLEX AND LIBRARY.

TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON THESE 10 PROJECTS ALONE WOULD AMOUNT TO +A STAGGERING $3.8 BILLION+, MR CHAN SAID.

+1 HAVE SO FAR ONLY MENTIONED PUBLIC WORKS, BUT THERE ARE ALSO SOME VERY LARGE PRIVATE BUILDING PROJECTS DUE TO START PRESENTLY SUCH AS KORNHILL, COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AT THE WHAMPOA SITE IN HUNG HOM AND THE NEW BANK OF CHINA BUILD ING, + HE SAID.

AIN ADDITION ........

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1984

- 2

+ IN ADDITION THERE ARE, AS YOU KNOW, SOME VERY LARGE PRIVATE BUILDING PROJECTS AT PRESENT UNDER CONSTRUCTION, SUCH AS THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE, EXCHANGE SQUARE AND LAST, BUT NOT LEAST, THAT MOST PUBLICISED BUILDING IN THE WORLD ON QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.

♦ AS HONG KO 4G AT PRESENT ABOUNDS IN PEOPLE PROFESSING TO HAVE PROPHETICAL POWERS I HOPE YOU WILL FORGIVE ME IF I REFRAIN FROM CRYSTAL BALL GAS ING AND MAKING SPECIFIC PRONOUNCEMENTS ABOUT THE FUTURE. •

+l WOULD, HOWEVER, LIKE TO MAKE THE GENERAL COMMENT THAT YOUR INSTITUTE WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE A LONG AND CONTINUING ROLE TO PLAY IN THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.+

AS EVIDENCE OF BRIGHTER PROSPECTS AROUND THE CORNER THE NUMBER OF BUILDING SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN MARCH THIS YEAR HAD SHOWN A MARKED INCREASE OVER THE FIGURE FOR FEBRUARY, WHEN IT STOOD AT ITS LOWEST LEVEL SINCE 1975, MR CHAN SAID.

CONSIDER ALSO THE 1984 PROPERTY REVIEW COMPILED BY THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT WHICH STATED THAT, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FLATTED FACTORIES, THE TAKE-UP OF RESIDENTIAL, OFFICE AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTY WAS RUNNING AT A HIGH LEVEL.

THIS WAS PARTICULARLY SO IN THE CASE OF SMALL RESIDENTIAL DOMESTIC UNITS WHERE TAKE-UP WAS AT RECORD LEVELS.

♦ SUCH WAS THE OPTIMISM OF THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION THAT HE WAS PROMPTED TO STATE IN HIS LATEST REVIEW THAT PROPERTY YIELDS NOW LOOK FAIRLY ATTRACTIVE BY COMPARISON WITH OTHER FORMS OF INVESTMENT,+ MR CHAN SAID.

HE SAID HE APPRECIATED THAT IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT AT THE PRESENT TIME TO REMAIN AN OPTIMIST WHEN ONE WAS SUBJECTED TO AN ALMOST CONTINUOUS BARRAGE OF GLOOMY PREDICTIONS FOR THE FUTURE.

+PERSONALLY, I AM CONFIDENT THAT PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE ARE VERY GOOD FOR HONG KONG,+ MR.CHAN SAID.

♦ GOING ABOUT IN MY DAILY ROUTINE, I AM CONSTANTLY REMINDED OF THE INCOMPARABLE ASSETS WE POSSESS - OUR STRATEGIC GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD, OUR MAGNIFICENT HARBOUR, THE EFFICIENT PORT AND AIRPORT, OUR FULL RANGE OF PHYSICAL, ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND, ABOVE ALL, AN INTELLIGENT, INDUSTRIOUS AND RESILIENT POPULATION.

+WITH THESE FEW WORDS I WILL CONCLUDE BY SUGGESTING THAT •WE SHOULD ALL IGNORE THE PROPHETS OF GLOOM AND CONCENTRATE INSTEAD ON THE JOB IN HAND, THAT WE EACH DO OUR OWN PART IN THE BUILDING OF AN EVEN BETTER HONG KONG FOR THE FUTURE.+

- 0 -

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 19 4

- 3 -

EARLY TRAINING FOR DISABLED TOTS PLANNED * * # *

DISTRICT-BASED +EARLY EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTRES'- Wll.l BE INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR DISABLED CHILDREN UNDER TWO YEARS OF AGE AND THEIR FAMILIES.

THE NEED FOR THESE CENTRES IS AMONG 24 RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY A WORKING PARTY ON PRE-SCHOOL CARE, AND ACCEPTED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER ON THE ADVICE OF THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT COORDINATING COMMITTEE, AND ENDORSED BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION.

THE RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE SOCIAL WELFAR , MEDICAL AND HEALTH, AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS, AS WELL AS VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AS PART OF THE +REHABIL I TAT ION PROGRAMME PLAN* AND AS RESOURCES BECOME AVAILABLE.

THE +WORKING PARTY ON PRE-SCHOOL CARE, EDUCATION AND TRAINING CF DISABLED CHILDREN* WAS SET UP BY THE GOVERNMENT TO STUDY WHETHER THE CURRENT PROVISION OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING WERE SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE NEEDS OF DISABLED CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF SIX. IT CONCLUDED THAT IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT TRAINING FOR DISABLED CHILDREN SHOULD START AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE, SINCE EARLY INTERVENTION IN THE REHABILITATION PROCESS IS VITAL.

THIS PROGRAMME IS GEARED TO PROVIDING TRAINING, GUIDANCE, COUNSELLING AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT TO PARENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE MANAGEMENT, TREATMENT AND TRAINING OF THEIR D-ISABLED CHILDREN, TO HELP THEM TO UNDERSTAND THEIR CHILDREN’S CONDITIONS SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS OF THE CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT.

THE WORKING PARTY HAS ALSO ADVISED ON THE STAFFING STANDARDS FOR THESE CENTRES.

THE WORKING PARTY WAS CHAIRED BY MR MARTIN LEWIS, THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH), WHO HAS NOW BEEN RETITLED COMMISSIONER FOR REHABILITATION, AND COMPRISED MEMBERS OF THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

AT PRESENT, EARLY TRAINING AND EDUCATION FOR DISABLED PRESCHOOLERS ARE PROVIDED IN SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRES, SPECIAL INTEGRATED PROGRAMMES IN ORDINARY DAY NURSERIES, AND PREPARATORY CLASSES IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS. THESE CHILDREN NORMALLY START TRAINING AT THE AGE OF TWO.

TO SPEED UP THE PROVISION OF PRE-SCHOOL TRAINING, THE WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDED THAT AN INTEGRATED PROGRAMME SHOULD BE INTRODUCED IN KINDERGARTENS AS AN EXTENSION OF THE CONCEPT CURRENTLY PRACTISED IN NURSERIES, AND AN EXPERIMENTAL PROJECT COVERING 10 NON-PROFIT-MAKING-KINDERGARTENS HAS BEEN PLANNED FOR 1985/86.

CONCURRENTLY, THE WORKING PARTY ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT PROVISION FOR PLACES IN SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRE SHOULD BE INCREASED FROM THE PRESENT 420 PLACES BY AN AVERAGE OF 180 PLACES A YEAR AND THE INTEGRATED NURSERY PROGRAMME FRO'-' THE PRESENT 426 PLACES BY 120 PLACES PER ANNUM.

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1984

IN RECOGNISING THAT SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRES HAVE A MOST IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF DISABLED PRE-SCHOOLERS, THE WORKING PARTY ALSO RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS TO THEIR STAFFING STANDARDS, PARTICULARLY IN THE AREAS OF STAFFING RATIOS, SPECIALIST SUPPORT, AND SCHEDULES OF ACCOMMODATION.

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS DEAL WITH IMPROVEMENTS TO CURRENT SERVICES, INCLUDING A FULL-TIME PRE-SERVICE COURSE OF TRAINING LASTING TWO YEARS TO TRAIN PERSONNEL FOR SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRES AND SIMILAR PROGRAMMES, AND AN IN-SERVICE COURSE LASTING SIX MONTHS AS AN INTERIM ARRANGEMENT AND IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE PROFESSIONAL ABILITIES OF THOSE WHO ARE ALREADY IN THE SERVICE.

A COPY OF THE REPORT MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE REHABILITATION DIVISION, EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH BY CALLING 5-95697.

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

INVESTMENT INTEREST IN HK AT HIGH LEVEL * * *

OVERSEAS INTEREST IN INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG REMAINS HIGH, W JOHN YAXLEY, DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, TOLD THE FINAL PLENARY SESSION OF THE PACIFIC BASIN ECONOMIC COUNCIL MEETING IN VANCOUVER YESTERDAY (THURSDAY).

THE MAIN INTEREST, HE SAID, CAME FROM THE TRADITIONAL MAIN SOURCES OF SUCH INTEREST - NORTH AMERICA AND JAPAN. MR YAXLEY WAS HOPEFUL THAT THIS WOULD CONTINUE.

+SET AS IT IS IN THE CENTRE OF THE FASTEST GROWING REGION ON EARTH, AND UNIQUELY SITUATED AS IT IS TO OFFER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE CONTEXT OF BOTH THE REGION AND MAINLAND CHINA, HONG KONG REMAINS, AND IS LIKELY TO REMAIN FOR THE MATERIAL FUTURE, A PLACE OF GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR NEW ENTERPRISE AND INITIATIVE,* NR YAXLEY SAID.

ADDRESSING SOME 400 SENIOR BUSINESS EXECUTIVES FROM 20 OR MORE COUNTRIES, MR YAXLEY SAID THAT HONG KONG WELCOMED COMPANIES OF ALL TYPES AND SIZES.

DESPITE PRESENT UNCERTAINTIES, MR YAXLEY REITERATED THAT IT WAS VERY MUCH BUSINESS AS USUAL IN HONG KONG.

CITING TRADE FIGURES, MR YAXLEY SAID DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, HONG KONG'S TOTAL TRADE WAS 48 PER CENT UP ON THE CORRESPONDING QUARTER LAST YEAR, AT HK&94.6 BILLION.

+OUR IMPORTS ROSE BY 43 PER CENT, AND OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY SOME 51 PER CENT. RE-EXPORTS WERE UP BY 59 PER CENT.

+1 THINK YOU WILL AGREE THAT THESE ARE NOT THE SYMPTOMS CF AN ECONOMY IN DECLINE,* HE SAID.

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

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1984

CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TAX STARTS JUNE 1 * * * *

THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL (PASSAGE TAX) ORDINANCE WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON JUNE 1.

AN ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE GAZETTE TODAY SAYS THAT IMMEDIATELY

AFTER MIDNIGHT ON MAY 31 (THURSDAY), THE FOLLOWING NEW BE CHARGED FOR USING THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNELx-

VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION

TOLL

PASSAGE TAX

RATES WILL

TOTAL CHARGE

PRIVATE CAR, TAXI

MOTORCYCLE

PRIVATE AND

DECKER BUS

PRIVATE AND DECKER BUS

$10

MOTOR TRICYCLE

PUBLIC

PUBL IC

PUBLIC

$ 4

LIGHT BUS

S INGLE-

DOUBLE-

GOODS VEHICLE NOT EXCEEDING 40 CWT

GOODS VEHICLE OVER 40 CWT BUT NOT EXCEEDING 100 CWT

GOODS VEHICLE OVER 100 CWT

EACH AXLE

GOVERNMENT

HAVE BEEN MADE BY

IN EXCESS OF TWO

SPOKESMAN SAID THAT

TICKETS HELD BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

510

$10

$15

$10

$15

$20

$ 5

NIL

515

NIL

515

$20

$25

$ 5

TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

THE TUNNEL COMPANY TO ACCEPT PRE-TAX

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, MOTORISTS MAY USE MULTIPLES PREPAID TICKETS MAKING UP THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE TOLL TAX.

THEY MAY ALSO PAY THE TOTAL CHARGE PARTLY IN CASH BY THESE TICKETS.

PREPAID

OF OLD TYPE AND PASSAGE

AND PARTLY

FULL PAYMENT IN CASH WILL ALSO BE ACCEPTED, BUT THE COMPANY WILL NOT GIVE CHANGE FOR MULTIPLES OF TICKETS THE VALUE OF WHICH EXCEEDS THE TOTAL CHARGE.

NEW PREPAID TICKETS INCORPORATING THE PASSAGE TAX WILL BE OH SALE FROM MAY 30, ACCORDING TO THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO EXPLAINED THE ARRANGEMENTS AT THE TIME OF CHANGEOVER TO THE NEW RATES.

FRIDAY, HAY 25, 1984

+AT 24.00 HOURS ON MAY 31, VEHICLES TRAVELLING NORTH WILL BE HALTED AT THE HONG KONG ENTRANCE AND THOSE TRAVELLING SOUTH WILL BE STOPPED AT A POINT OPPOSITE THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY STATION. AFTER CLEARING ALL VEHICLES WITHIN THESE BOUNDARIES, THE TUNNEL WILL BE REOPENED AND THE NEW RATES WILL APPLY,+ HE SAID.

DISABLED DRIVERS WILL BE EXEMPTED FROM THE TAX BY BUYING SPECIAL TICKETS IN ADVANCE. THOSE DISABLED DRIVERS OF PRIVATE CARS WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN EXEMPTED FROM VEHICLE LICENCE FEES WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO BUY THESE SPECIAL TICKETS WHICH ARE IN BOOKS CF 10 TICKETS AT $50 EACH.

THESE TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE AFTERNOON OF MAY 30 AT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT LICENSING OFFICE AT 2 MURRAY ROAD, G/F , HONG KONG.

DISABLED DRIVERS OR THEIR AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVES MUST PRESENT THEIR TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT EXEMPTION LETTER AND IDENTITY CARD IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE TICKETS WHICH WILL BE OVERSTAMPED WITH THE REGISTRATION OF THEIR VEHICLE.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT DISABLED DRIVERS MUST USE THESE TICKETS WHEN CROSSING THE TUNNEL, OR THEY WILL NOT BE EXEMPTED FROM THE PASSAGE TAX. IF THEY PRESENT CASH AT THE TOLL-BOOTHS, THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY THE FULL AMOUNT.

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

BILL SEEKS TO PUT TAX PROPOSALS INTO EFFECT * * *

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY PUBLISHED AN AMENDMENT BILL WHICH SEEKS TO IMPLEMENT THREE TAX PROPOSALS MADE BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH IN FEBRUARY.

THE PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984 ARE:

* TO INCREASE THE STANDARD RATE OF TAX FROM 15% TO 17% AND THE RATE OF TAX APPLICABLE TO CORPORATIONS FROM 16-1/2% TO 18-1/2%;

% TO INTRODUCE NEW ANT I-AVO I DANCE MEASURES FOR THE PROTECTION OF PROFITS TAX YIELDS FROM AVOIDANCE DEVICES; AND

% TO BRING INTO CHARGE TO PROFITS TAX, WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1984, ALL INTEREST INCOME ACCRUING TO BUSINESS ENTERPRISES CARRIED ON IN HONG KONG.

/A GOVERNMENT........

FRIDAY, KAY 2?, 1984

7 -

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE STANDARD RATE HAS REMAINED UNCHANGED FOR 18 YEARS SINCE 1966-67 AND THE CORPORATE SURCHARGE HAS BEEN AT LOW LEVELS FOR EIGHT YEARS. THE PROPOSED INCREASES IN THE RATES OF TAX ARE ESTIMATED TO PRODUCE AN ADDITIONAL $903 MILLION FROM EARNINGS AND PROFITS TAX IN 1984/85.

IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE NEW STANDARD RATE WILL AFFECT ONLY SOME 30 000 SALARIES TAXPAYERS EARNING RELATIVELY HIGH INCOMES. FOR EXAMPLE, A SINGLE PERSON WILL NOT ENTER INTO THE NEW 17% THRESHOLD AND A MARRIED COUPLE WITH TWO CHILDREN WILL NOT BECOME LIABLE AT THE NEW RATE OF 17% UNTIL THEIR MONTHLY SALARIES EXCEED $12 499 AND $23 306 RESPECTIVELY, HE SAID.

EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND TO THE NEW ANT I-AVOIDANCE MEASURES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE REMOVAL OF INTEREST TAX ON DEPOSITS WITH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS HAS PROVIDED CONSIDERABLE SCOPE FOR AVOIDANCE OF THE PROFITS TAX CHARGE. THE PROPOSED MEASURES ARE FOR THE PROTECTION OF PUBLIC REVENUE WITH THE OBJECT OF DISCOURAGING BUSINESS PROPRIETORS AND COMPANIES FROM STRUCTURING THEIR BUSINESSES WITH MINIMUM EQUITY AND HIGH LOAN INDEBTEDNESS SECURED AGAINST DEPOSITS WITH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.

THE MEASURES, HOWEVER, DO NOT APPLY TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND WILL THEREFORE HAVE NO PRACTICAL EFFECT ON BORROWINGS BY SUCH ORGANISATIONS. THERE IS ALSO RELIEF FOR GENUINE ARMS-LENGTH BUSINESS ARRANGEMENTS WHICH INVOLVE THE PURCHASE OF GOODS OR CAPITAL EQUIPMENT ON CREDIT TERMS, WHEREUNDER THE SUPPLIER ARRANGES CREDIT SUBJECT TO THE PAYMENT OF INTEREST CHARGES. SUCH INTEREST CHARGES WILL CONTINUE TO QUALIFY FOR DEDUCTION AND WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED NEW MEASURES TO BE INTRODUCED.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ALL INTEREST RECEIVED BY BUSINESSES CARRIED ON IN HONG KONG WILL BE CHARGEABLE TO PROFITS TAX FROM APRIL 1, 1984. THE PLACE WHERE THE MONEY LOANED IS MADE AVAILABLE OR THE CURRENCY IN WHICH THE TRANSACTION IS DENOMINATED WILL NO LONGER BE RELEVANT IN DETERMINING THE SOURCE OF BUSINESS INTEREST INCOME.

THE NEW STATUTORY TEST, AS NOW PROPOSED, IS THE CARRYING ON CF BUSINESS IN HONG KONG -- A FACTUAL TEST OF HONG KONG SOURCED INCOME, HE SAID.

THE BILL, IF ENACTED, WILL HAVE EFFECT IN RESPECT OF PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX, SALARIES TAX AND PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENTS AND FINAL PROFITS, SALARIES, PROPERTY, INTEREST AND PERSONAL ASSESSMENTS FOR 1984/85 AND SUBSEQUENT YEARS.

THE BILL IS SCHEDULED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 30 FOR FIRST READING AND IS EXPECTED TO GO THROUGH THE REMAINING LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURES ON JUNE 13.

- - - - 0 ----

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1984

8 -

RECORDS EVIDENCE LAW TO BE REVISED * * * *

THE LAW ON ADMISSIBILITY OF RECORDS AS EVIDENCE IN COURT IS TO BE REVISED UNDER PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE WIDESPREAD USE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY IN THE KEEPING AND RETRIEVAL OF INFORMATION.

AT THE SAME TIME A NEW PROCEDURE IS PROPOSED, UNDER THE EVIDENCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984 PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), FOR OBTAINING EVIDENCE FROM OVERSEAS FOR USE IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS IN HONG KONG.

THESE PROPOSALS ARE EXPECTED TO ASSIST IN REMOVING THE RESTRICTIONS AND TECHNICALITIES WHICH, UNDER THE EXISTING LAW, OFTEN HAMPER OR EVEN PREVENT A FAIR PRESENTATION OF RELEVANT AND RELIABLE EVIDENCE IN COURT.

MOST OF THE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE BILL, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED, ARE RELATED TO CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS. HOWEVER, IN THE CASE OF RECORDS KEPT BY BANKS, IT IS PROPOSED TO UPDATE THE LAW BOTH FOR CRIMINAL AND CIVIL PROCEEDINGS.

AN IMPORTANT CHANGE IS THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TERM +BANKER’S BOOK* IN THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WITH +BANKERS’ RECORD* AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW DEFINITION WHICH TAKES ACCOUNT OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY. -

THE BILL ALSO INTRODUCES A NEW PROCEDURE IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS FOR PROVING CERTAIN DOCUMENTS OF FOREIGN ORIGIN, SUCH AS CERTIFIED COPIES OF OR EXTRACTS FROM RECORDS OF A PUBLIC NATURE MAINTAINED IN ANOTHER COUNTRY, AND CERTAIN CLASSES OF DOCUMENTS FILED IN OR ISSUED OUT OF AN OFFICE IN ANOTHER COUNTRY.

IN ADDITION, IT EXTENDS THE CASES WHERE DOCUMENTARY HEARSAY EVIDENCE MAY NOW BE ADMITTED IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS TO COVER ALL KINDS OF RECORDED EVIDENCE, INCLUDING COMPUTERISED RECORDS, SO LONG AS THE RECORDS HAVE BEEN COMPILED BY A PERSON ACTING UNDER A DUTY IN DOING SO.

IN RESPECT OF EVIDENCE LOCATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG, THE BILL PROVIDES A STATUTORY PROCEDURE WHEREBY THE HIGH COURT MAY FORMALLY REQUEST OVERSEAS COURTS OR TRIBUNALS TO ASSIST IN OBTAINING THE EVIDENCE AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADMISSIBILITY OF SUCH EVIDENCE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 30, FOR SCHEDULED FINAL READING ON JUNE 13.

COMMENTS ON THE BILL MAY BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE UMELCO AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12TH FLOOR, CHATERED ROAD, OR THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.

O--------

/9........

FRIDAY, May 25, 1984 - 9 -

BILL PROVIDES FOR LIQUOR DUTY CALCULATION * * *

AMENDMENT LEGISLATION TO IMPLEMENT THE AD VALOREM DUTY ON CERTAIN EUROPEAN-TYPE LIQUOR ANNOUNCED IN THE BUDGET IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY, UNDER THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984.

A RESOLUTION UNDER SECTION 4 OF THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE Im ILL ALSO BE MOVED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

DETAILS OF THE BILL AND THE RESOLUTION WERE PUBLISHED UNDER PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDERS ON FEBRUARY 29.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN RECALLED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD SAID IN HIS 1984 BUDGET SPEECH. THAT THERE SEEMED TO BE NO REASON WHY PURCHASERS OF CHEAPER BRANDS IN A CLASS OF DRINKS SHOULD PAY THE SAME DUTY PER BOTTLE AS THAT IMPOSED ON A MORE EXPENSIVE BRAND. SIR JOHN PROPOSED MODIFYING THE EXISTING DUTY SYSTEM BY APPLYING A UNIFORM REDUCTION OF ABOUT 10 PER CENT TO THE CURRENT SPECIFIC DUTY RATES, COUPLED WITH THE IMPOSITION OF A UNIFORM AD VALOREM DUTY RATE OF 20 PER CENT.

THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL SPELLS OUT HOw LIQUOR SHOULD BE VALUED FOR- DUTY PURPOSES.

IT ALLOWS THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE TO REQUIRE THE PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE VALUE OF DUTIABLE GOODS.

UNDER THE BILL, THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE HAS THE AUTHORITY UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES TO FIX A VALUE FOR DUTY PURPOSES AND THERE IS PROVISION FOR AN APPEAL AGAINST HIS DECISION TO THE GOVERNOR.

ANOTHER BILL PUBLISHED TODAY, THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL, REDUCES THE MINIMUM REQUIRED STRENGTH CF WHISKY AND RUM FROM 43 PER CENT TO 42 PER CENT OF ETHYL ALCOHOL BY VOLUME. THIS IS TO CORRECT A TECHNICAL ERROR FOLLOWING THE METRICATION OF THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE.

THE AMENDMENT LEGISLATION WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 30 AND THE THIRD READING HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 13.

0 -------

/10 .......

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1984

- 10 -

PROPOSAL TO UPDATE COURT COSTS * * *

A BILL SEEKING TO AMEND THE REFERENCES IN THE FIXED PENALTY 'T&AFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) ORDINANCE TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC LEGISLATION AND TO UPDATE THE RELATED COURT COSTS HAS BEEN GAZETTED TODAY.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE AMENDMENTS ARE REQUIRED BECAUSE THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) ORDINANCE WILL BE BASED ON THE NEW SET OF ROAD TRAFFIC LEGISLATION IN AUGUST THIS YEAR.

+THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL IS TO AMEND THE CROSS REFERENCING BETWEEN THE TWO PIECES OF LEGISLATION TO ENSURE A SMOOTH CHANGEOVER,+ HE SAID.

THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1984 ALSO UPDATES TWO TYPES OF COURT COSTS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN REVISED FOR 13 YEARS.

THE FIRST TYPE IS THE COST OF ISSUING A SUMMONS IN THE CASE CF A DEFENDANT WHO DOES NOT PAY THE PENALTY IN TIME BUT EVENTUALLY PAYS THE FINE WITHOUT A COURT HEARING. THIS COST HAS SINCE 1971 BEEN $15, HALF THE AMOUNT OF THE FIXED PENALTY AT THAT TIME. THE BILL PROPOSES THAT THIS BE REVISED TO $70.

THE SECOND TYPE IS THE COST OF COURT PROCEEDINGS WHICH A DEFENDANT OR COMPLAINANT IS ORDERED BY A MAG I STR ATE"TO PAY, DEPENDING ON WHETHER THE CASE IS DISMISSED OR A PAYMENT ORDER IS MADE. THE COST HAS BEEN $20 AND $400 SINCE 1971 AND IT IS NOW PROPOSED THAT THE COST BE BETWEEN $80 AND $1 500.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE COURT COSTS ARE REGULATORY FEES. THEY ARE NOT BASED ON THE COST OF PROVIDING A SERVICE BUT ON THE NEED TO ENFORCE PROMPT PAYMENT OF FIXED PENALTIES. HE STRESSED THAT THE REVISION OF THESE COSTS SHOULD NOT AFFECT LAW-ABIDING MOTORISTS.

THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 30 AND IS EXPECTED TO COMPLETE ITS LEGISLATIVE STAGES ON JUNE 13.

ANYONE WHO WISHES TO COMMENT ON THE BILL CAN WRITE TO UMELCO AT 12TH FLOOR, SWIRE HOUSE, CENTRAL, OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AT 7TH FLOOR, ST JOHN’S BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

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

/11 ........

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1984

- 11 -

NOTE TO EDITORS:

GOVERNOR RETURNING TOMORROW

* * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND LADY YOUDE WILL RETURN FROM LONDON TOMORROW (SATURDAY) ON FLIGHT BR 382, ETA 6.20 PM.

A FACILITY HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN TO COVER THEIR ARRIVAL.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN THE PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING BY 5.20 PM TOMORROW. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

SERVICE SECTOR VALUE ON RISE * * * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT HONG KONG, WHILE ENJOYING DRAMATIC INCREASES IN EXPORTS, IS UNDERGOING CONSIDERABLE CHANGES WITHIN ITS ECONOMY.

+FIRST, THERE IS AN INCREASING EMPHASIS ON THE SERVICE SECTOR, AND PARTICULARLY THE FINANCE SECTOR, AND A RELATIVEDECREASE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR, WHOSE CONTRIBUTION TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT DECLINED IN THE 10 YEARS TO 1980 FROM 39 PER CENT TO 34 PER CENT,* SAID MR MACLEOD WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON NORTH.

+SECONDLY, THE DRAMATIC RISE IN IMPORTANCE WITHIN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR OF ELECTRONICS AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS IS ILLUSTRATED BY THEIR SHARE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS. FOR THE 10 YEARS TO 1983, ELECTRONICS INCREASED ITS SHARE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FROM 13 PER CENT TO 23 PER CENT, AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS WENT FROM 2 PER CENT TO 8 PER CENT.

+1 THINK THIS ALSO ILLUSTRATES THE FLEXIBILITY OF OUR INDUSTRY. NEVERTHELESS, HONG KONG STILL RELIES ON A RELATIVELY NARROW RANGE OF BASICALLY LIGHT CONSUMER PRODUCTS - TEXTILES AND CLOTHING, ELECTRONICS, TOYS AND DOLLS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS BETWEEN THEM ACCOUNT FOR ABOUT 80 PER CENT OF OUR EXPORTS. HENCE THE IMPORTANCE OF RESISTING ANY NEW PROTECTIONIST MEASURES AIMED AT THESE PRODUCTS IN PARTICULAR,* HE STRESSED.

THE THIRD SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE IS THE DRAMATIC GROWTH OF TRADE WITH CHINA. IN 1981, CHINA TOOK OVER FROM JAPAN AS HONG KONG’j SECOND LARGEST TRADING PARTNER AFTER THE UNITED STATES. BETWEEN 1978 AND 1983, HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA INCREASED FROM ONLY 0.2 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL TO 6 PER CENT, WHILE IMPORTS FROM CHINA ROSE FROM 17 PER CENT TO 24 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL.

/+IT IS .......

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1984

+IT IS ALSO WORTH REMEMBERING THAT WE IMPORT AS MUCH AS WE EXPORT. FOR EXAMPLE, ALTHOUGH WE EXPORTED OVER HK$7 000 MILLION WORTH OF TEXTILES LAST YEAR, WE ACTUALLY IMPORTED OVER THREE TIMES AS MUCH, OVER HK&24 000 MILLION. OF COURSE, NUCH OF THIS WAS THEN CONVERTED INTO GARMENTS AND THEN EXPORTED

+IT IS THIS FACT, THAT WE HAVE TO IMPORT TO EXPORT, WHICH IS ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS WHY OUR FREE TRADE POLICY IS SO MUCH TO OUR BENEFITS THE IMPOSITION OF TARIFFS OR QUOTAS OR OF BUREAUCRATIC RULES AND DELAYS ON IMPORTS WOULD INEVITABLY MAKE OUR EXPORTS MUCH LESS COMPETITIVE. AND THIS APPLIES NOT ONLY TO PRICE BUT TO SPEED OF RESPONSE AND OVERALL EFFICIENCY. HENCE OUR DETERMINATION TO PRESERVE OUR SUCCESS BY (AMONG OTHER THINGS) PRESERVING OUR FREE TRADE PHILOSOPHY,* MR MACLEOD STRESSED.

- - 0 - -

SIR PHILIP ATTENDS VOLUNTEERS’ 13OTH FOUNDATION DAY DINNER * * *

THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE AND THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR GENERAL DEREK BOORMAN, ATTENDED A DINNER RECEPTION IN CELEBRATION OF THE 130TH FOUNDATION DAY OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING

SIR PHILIP WAS GREETED ON ARRIVAL BY THE HONORARY COLONEL OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT, JOHN HEYWOOD, AND THE HONORARY AIR COMMODORE OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE ROSS PENLINGTON.

MAJOR GENERAL BOORMAN WAS WELCOMED BY THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT, LIEUTENANT COLONEL T.C. VILLIERS AND THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, WING COMMANDER A.P. ASPREY.

THEY ALSO MET SENIOR OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE

THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT WAS FORMED IN MAY 1854 WHEN 99 LOCAL RESIDENTS WERE RECRUITED AS VOLUNTEERS TO HELP DEFENDING THE CHINA COAST AGAINST PIRATES WHO FREQUENTLY RAIDED THE AREA.

OVER THE YEARS, THE VOLUNTEERS UNDERWENT STRUCTURAL CHANGES NOW IT CONSISTS OF FOUR SQUADRONS AND THE NUMBER OF THE VOLUNTEERS HAS GROWN TO 1 OOO, INCLUDING 31 FEMALE MEMBERS. THEY CONTINUE TO PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN MAINTAINING THE STABILITY OF HONG KONG.

- - 0 - -

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1984

- 13 -

LUNAR FESTIVAL BRINGS DOWN RETAIL SALES * * * *

RETAIL TRADE SALES IN FEBRUARY 1984 WERE ESTIMATED TO BE $4 604 MILLION, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

AT 136, THE OVERALL RETAIL SALES VALUE INDEX DECREASED BY 39 POINTS OR 22 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1984 SALES, BUT INCREASED BY 11 POINTS OR 9 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1983.

THE OVERALL RETAIL SALES VOLUME INDEX, AT 95, WAS 29 POINTS OR 23 PER CENT LOWER THAN THAT FOR JANUARY 1984, AND 3 POINTS OR 3 PER CENT LOWER THAN THAT FOR FEBRUARY 1983.

THE SIGNIFICANT DROP IN BOTH THE VALUE AND THE VOLUME OF RETAIL SALES IN FEBRUARY 1984 AS COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH WAS LARGELY DUE TO THE EFFECT OF THE CHINESE NEW YEAR.

COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1984 SALES, THE RETAIL SALES VALUE CF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS DECREASED BY 29 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS OR 30 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS WHILE THOSE OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO DROPPED BY 23 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS OR 25 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.

OTHER CONSUMER GOODS DECREASED BY 23 PER CENT IN BOTH THE VALUE AND VOLUME OF SALES. RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER -DURABLES WENT DOWN BY 21 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS OR 22 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS AND FUELS BY 13 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.

COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1983 SALES, FUELS RECORDED THE LARGEST INCREASE IN SALES VALUE, AT 14 PER CENT, BUT ONLY A SLIGHT RISE OF 2 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES ROSE BY 11 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS BUT DROPPED BY 4 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS. BOTH CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS AND OTHER CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 9 PER CENT EACH IN SALES VALUE, BUT THEY DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN SALES VOLUME. FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY 3 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS BUT DROPPED BY 9 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.

ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, RETAIL SALES OF DEPARTMENT STORES DECREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1984 SALES. RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES ALSO SHOWED SIGNIFICANT DECREASES. MOTOR VEHICLES AND SUPERMARKETS RECORDED DECREASES BUT TO A LESSER EXTENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND SALES VOLUME. WHEN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1983 FIGURES, RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES SHOWED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME •TERMS. BOTH SUPERMARKETS AND CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES RECORDED INCREASES IN SALES VALUE BUT DECREASES IN SALES VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF DEPARTMENT STORES, HOWEVER, DECLINED IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.

/THE REVISED........

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1984

THE REVISED FIGURE FOR JANUARY 1984 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR FEBRUARY 1984 OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES ARE SHOWN BELOW, AND THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND SELECTED TRADES (WHICH FORM PART OF THE RELEVANT MAJOR TRADE GROUPS), WITH AVERAGE MONTHLY RETAIL SALES IN 1980 TAKEN AS 100, ARE ALSO TABULATED.

COMPARISONS OF FEBRUARY 1984 RESULTS WITH THOSE OF JANUARY 1984 AND FEBRUARY 1983 ARE ALSO GIVEN.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, TEL. NO. 3-7216024.

TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR FEBRUARY 1984 (PROVISIONAL FIGURE) - HK$4 604 MILLION

TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR JANUARY 1984 (REVISED FIGURE) - HK$5 938 MILLION

VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1984

(MONTHLY AVERAGE OF 1980 - 100)

ITEM

INDEX OF RETAIL SALES

JAN 1984

FEB 1984

(REVISED (PROVISIONAL

FIGURES) FIGURES)

FIGURES)

FEB 1984 COMPARED

WITH

JAN 1984

POINTS %

FEB 1984 COMPARED

WITH

FEB 1933

POINTS

(A) FOR ALL

RETA IL TRADES

VALUE

VOLUME

136

-39 -22

-29 -23

-3 -3

(B) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS

FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS

AND VALUE 203 157 -46 -23 5 3

TOBACCO VOLUME 134 101 -33 -25 -10 - 9

/FUELS

• - 15 FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1984

FUELS VALUE 190 166 -24 -13 21 14

CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR VOLUME 122 106 -16 -13 2 2

AND VALUE 232 164 -68 -29 14 9

ALLIED PRODUCTS VOLUME 165 116 -49 -30 - 4 - 3

CONSUMER VALUE 144 114 -30 -21 11 11

DURABLES OTHER VOLUME 110 86 -24 -22 - 4 - 4

CONSUMER VALUE 163 126 -37 -23 10 9

GOODS (C) BY SELECTED TRADES VOLUME 118 91 -27 -23 - 1 - 1

SUPER- VALUE 292 262 -30 -10 6 2

MARKETS VOLUME 182 162 -20 -11 -30 -16

MOTOR VALUE 73 61 -12 -16 10 23

VEHICLES CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN VOLUME . 46 38 - 8 -17 3 9

MOTOR VALUE 193 150 -43 -22 11 3 |

VEHICLES VOLUME 153 118 -35 -23 - 9 - 7

DEPARTMENT VALUE 238 130 -108 -45 -14 -13

STORES VOLUME 173 94 -79 -46 NOTES: 1. +FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO* INCLUDES +SUPERMARKETS+. 2. +CONSUMER DURABLES* INCLUDES +MOTOR VEHICLES*. 3. +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS* INCLUDES +DEPARTMENT STORES*. - o 1 * /16 .... -20 -18

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1984

- 16 -

MORE JOBS URGED FOR EX-DRUG ADDICTS

*****

EMPLOYERS WERE URGED TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, YR JOHN CHAMBERS, TO CONTINUE GIVING JOBS TO VOLUNTARILY REHABILITATED DRUG ADDICTS.

SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE EMPLOYMENT GUIDANCE COMMITTEE FOR VOLUNTARILY REHABILITATED DRUG ABUSERS, HE STRESSED THAT EX-DRUG ADDICTS NEEDED JOBS FOR THEIR LIVELIHOOD AND + TO RESTORE THEIR CONFIDENCE AND SELF-RESPECT*.

+ THIS WILL HELP THEM KEEP AWAY FROM DRUGS AND RE-INTEGRATE INTO THE COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.

MR CHAMBERS THANKED THOSE EMPLOYERS WHO HAD +HELPED SO MUCH WITH JOB PLACEMENTS FOR THESE PEOPLE*.

LAST YEAR SAW THE EMPLOYMENT GUIDANCE COMMITTEE ACHIEVE FURTHER SUCCESS WITH ITS INTEREST-FREE SMALL LOAN SCHEME, CASH ASSISTANCE AND COMMUNITY WORK TO HELP EX-DRUG ADDICTS.

MR CHAMBERS PRAISED THE LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY, KOWLOON, FOR DONATING $30 000 AS A MEANS OF SHOWING ITS CONTINUED SUPPORT TO THE COMMITTEE. ‘

LOK SIN TONG ALSO DONATED $50 000 TO THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ABUSERS (SARDA) FOR -THE PURCHASE OF A MICRO-COMPUTER. THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GORDON MORTIMER, WHO WAS ALSO ATTENDING THE FUNCTION, RECEIVED THE CHEQUE ON BEHALF OF SARDA.

TEN VOLUNTARILY REHABILITATED DRUG ADDICTS WERE PRESENTED WITH AWARDS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES DURING THE PAST YEAR.

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

NEW I.D. CARD FOR WOMEN AGED 22 AND 23 * * * *

WOMEN BORN IN 1961 AND 1962 WILL BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR NEw HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS BETWEEN JUNE 5 AND JULY 14, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT 738 000 OLD IDENTITY CARDo WILL BE DECLARED INVALID ON JUNE 3.

THESE CARDS BELONG TO MEN BORN BETWEEN 1948 AND 1959 AND IN 1965 WHO SHOULD HAVE OBTAINED NEW I.D. CARDS.

+ANYONE WHO MISSED HIS TURN HAS A LAST CHANCE TO APPLY NOw, BUT APPLICATION MUST BE MADE BEFORE THE INVALIDATION DATE,* AN IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

+THE APPLICANT SHOULD CALL AT ANY OF THE ISSUE OFFICES WITHIN THE NEXT-EIGHT DAYS, BRINGING ALONG HIS OLD CARD.*

THESE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM, MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY.

/THS SPOKESMAN.....

THE SPOKESMAN WARNED THAT FAILURE TO APPLY FOR A NEW IDENTITY CARD WITHIN THE PERIOD SPECIFIED IN A GOVERNOR’S ORDER IS AN OFFENCE PUNISHABLE BY LAW. DEFAULTERS ARE LIABLE TO BE PROSECUTED AND FINED TO A MAXIMUM OF S3 OOO.

♦BESIDES,* HE SAID, +ONCE AN OLD CARD IS DECLARED INVALID, IT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY PURPOSE, AND THE HOLDER WILL INEVITABLY SUFFER A LOT OF INCONVEN IENCE.+

♦FOR INSTANCE, A MAN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUPS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET A TRAVEL DOCUMENT BY USING HIS OLD I.D. CARD AFTER JUNE 3.*

THIS WILL BE THE SECOND BATCH OF OLD I.D. CARDS TO BE INVALIDATED. THE FIRST BATCH BELONGING TO MEN BORN BETWEEN I960 AND 1964 WAS DECLARED INVALID LAST OCTOBER.

THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

♦ONCE DETECTED, THEY WILL BE PROSECUTED AND REPATRIATED,+ HE SAID.

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

STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER * * * *

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, THE DRAGON BOAT (TUEN NG) FESTIVAL ON JUNE 4 IS A STATUTORY HOLIDAY FOR ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES AND FOR THOSE NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $8 500 A MONTH.

A SPOKESMAN SAID EMPLOYEES MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAY-OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.

HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A NORMAL WORKING DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS, SUCH AS l*EALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.

WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING THE PERIOD OF 28 DAYS PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY. PAYMENT SHOULD BE MADE ON THE NORMAL PAY DAY.

IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, « MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY-OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.

THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE: FOR KOWLOON EAST 3-205638;

KOWLOON WEST 3-201652; KOWLOON SOUTH 3-319454; AND KWUN TONG 3-898520; KWAI CHUNG 0-234496; TSUEN WAN 0-422096; TAI PO 0-6577111 EXT. 114; TUEN MUN 0-818443; HONG KONG ISLAND (WEST) 5-268671 AND HONG KONG ISLAND (EAST) 5-282523.

------0 ‘----- /18......................

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1984

WORKSHOPS ON REMEDIAL ENGLISH TEACHING * * *

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT MONTH FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

WILL RUN SEVERAL WORKSHOPS FROM NEXT TEACHING REMEDIAL CLASSES IN PRIMARY

DISCUSSIONS WILL BE HELD

ON THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF MATERIALS

FOR TEACHING READING AND WRITING TO REMEDIAL GROUPS, AND ON THE TEACHING OF LISTENING AND ORAL SKILLS.

THERE WILL BE TWO WORKSHOPS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS - TO BE HELD ON JUNE 19 AND 21 AT THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR OF THE TO KWA WAN MARKET AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 165 MA TAU WEI ROAD, TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON.

FOUR WORKSHOPS WILL BE CONDUCTED FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF JUNIOR FORMS BETWEEN JUNE 15 AND JULY 18 AT EITHER THE CENTRE IN TO KWA WAN OR THE CENTRE’S HONG KONG OFFICE AT 9A BONHAM ROAD.

PARTICIPANTS WILL BE LIMITED TO 24 IN EACH WORKSHOP

HEADS OF SCHOOLS WHO WISH TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO ATTEND SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, 9A BONHAM ROAD, HONG KONG, ON OR BEFORE JUNE 1 FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND JUNE 6 FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

ENQUIRIES ON THE WORKSHOPS MAY BE MADE TO THE CENTRE AT 5-482537.

- - 0 - -

STORAGE SAFETY STANDARDS MAINTAINED * * * *

TWO AMENDMENT REGULATIONS UNDER THE DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE MADE WITH A VIEW TO RELAXING THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION OF POTABLE SPIRITS WHILE MAINTAINING A REASONABLE STANDARD OF SAFETY, HAVE BEEN GAZETTED TODAY.

THE REGULATIONS ARE THE DANGEROUS GOODS (CLASSIFICATION) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1984, AND THE DANGEROUS GOODS (GENERAL) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1984. BOTH COME INTO OPERATION ON JUNE 1, 1985.

♦DESPITE THIS RELAXATION, THE STANDARD OF SAFETY FOR THE STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION OF SUCH SPIRITS ARE ST ILL MA INTAI NED, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

- - o -

/19

CHEUNG SHA WAN PLAN NOTES REVISED

* * *

THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) AN AMENDMENT TO THE DRAFT CHEUNG SHA WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.

IT INVOLVES REPLACING THE NOTES ATTACHED TO THE PLAN BY AN UPDATED SET. THERE IS NO CHANGE TO THE LAND USE ZONING, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE AMENDED PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED AT :

* THE DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG.

* DISTRICT OFFICE (SHAM SHUI PO), 37-39 TONKIN STREET, KOWLOON; AND

* TOWN PLANNING DIVISION, LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 4TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT CAN SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 4TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE JUNE 14.

COPIES OF THE DRAFT AMENDMENT PLAN ARE ON SALE AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROADr HONG KONG, AND KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, AT $10 PER UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 PER COLOURED COPY.

--------0 -

KOWLOON, SAI KUNG SPEED LIMITS SET * * *

SPEED RESTRICTIONS WILL BE IN FORCE IN KOWLOON AND SAI KUNG FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (MAY 26).

CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD FROM ITS EASTERN JUNCTION WITH NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD TO FEI NGO SHAN ROAD WILL BE SUBJECT TO A SPEED LIMIT OF 30 MPH.

IN ADDITION. SPEED LIMITS OF 40 MPH WILL BE IMPOSED ON THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS:

* CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD BETWEEN ITS EASTERN JUNCTION WITH NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 150 METRES SOUTHEAST OF THE JUNCTION WITH HIRAM’S HIGHWAY.

* NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD FROM ITS EASTERN JUNCTION WITH CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 25 METRES NORTHWEST OF THE JUNCTION WITH LEE ON ROAD.

# THE SOUTHERN TIP OF HIRAM’S HIGHWAY, FOR A DISTANCE OF ABOUT 1.2 KILOMETRE.

/20........

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1984

PASSING-OUT PARADE * * *

THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF ANOTHER GROUP OF ITS RECRUITS AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

MP CHAN KAM-CHUEN, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, wILL TAKE THE SALUTE AND PRESENT SILVER WHISTLES TO THE BEST RECRUITS.

ON PARADE WILL BE 84 OFFICERS WHO RECENTLY COMPLETED THEIR BASIC TRAINING.

NOTE TO EDITORS

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PASSING-OUT PARADE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN TUNG TAU WAN ROAD, STANLEY, AT 10.00 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED AND WILL LEAVE THE

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WANCHAI AT 9.10 AM SHARP (SATURDAY).

GUARDIAN

TOMORROW

0 - -

SECURITY SERVICE SOUGHT FOR AIRPORT

*****

HALL

A SECURITY GUARD SERVICE IS REQUIRED FOR CF HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

SECURITY SERVICE OPERATORS INTERESTED IN FIRST APPLY FOR INCLUSION IN AN APPROVED LIST A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT

THE BUFFER HALL

THE JOB SHOULD OF TENDERERS, SAID TODAY.

A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT, STARTING FROM AUGUST 15, IS BEING OFFERED FOR THE JOB, HE SAID.

APPLICATION FORMS AND FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE TREASURY ACCOUNTANT OF THE CIVIL AVIATION ^P^TMENT, 10TH FLOOR, UNITED CENTRE, 95 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG, OR FROM THE AIRPORT PROPERTY MANAGER AT HONG KONG AIRPORT.

- - 0 - -

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1984 - 21

FINAL WORK STARTING SOON ON CHA KWO LING ROAD ft * *

WORK ON CONSTRUCTING THE REMAINING SECTION OF CHA KWO LING ROAD, STRETCHING 1 100 METRES FROM THE SHELL OIL DEPOT TO CHA KWO LING QUARRY, IS EXPECTED TO START SOON.

THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WHICH INVOLVES BUILDING A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY WITH PROPER SURFACE AND DRAINAGE, TOGETHER WITH FOOTPATHS AND BUS BAYS ON BOTH SIDES.

WHEN THE WORK IS COMPLETED THE ROAD WILL SERVE AS AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE BETWEEN THE KWUN TONG AND YAU TONG AREAS, THE ONLY LINK AT PRESENT BEING LEI YUE MUN ROAD.

THE NEW ROAD WILL ALSO PROVIDE ACCESS TO CHA KWO LING VILLAGE AND A FUTURE CARGO HANDLING AREA ALONG THE WATERFRONT.

ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORK WILL IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE AREA, WHICH HAS BEEN PRONE TO FLOODING DURING HEAVY RAIN. ACCESS TO ADJACENT PREMISES ALONG THIS STRETCH OF ROAD OFTEN TURNS MUDDY AFTER RAIN BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF A PROPER ROAD SURFACE. THIS- HAS BEEN THE SOURCE OF FREQUENT PUBLIC COMPLAINTS.

WORK ON THE PROJECT, WHICH WILL HELP BRING RELIEF TO THE INCREASING VOLUME OF TRAFFIC USING LEI YUE MUN ROAD, IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND TAKE 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

LIONS MONEY FOR PSYCHIATRIC WORK ft ft ft

THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, MR ADOLF HSU, WILL RECEIVE A CHEQUE FOR $30 000 ON BEHALF OF THE NEW LIFE PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION AT A CEREMONY AT 11 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

THE MONEY HAS BEEN DONATED BY SEVEN CLUBS OF THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303 ZONE IV TO THE ASSOCIATION FOR PURCHASE OF SPECIAL EQUIPMENT FOR ITS KWAI SHING SHELTERED WORKSHOP.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY AT THE KWAI SHING SHELTERED WORKSHOP ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF BLOCK 10, KWAI SHING ESTATE.

- - - - 0 ----

/22......

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1984

- 22

$100 000 SUNDAY STROLL PLANNED * * * *

ABOUT 300 TUEN MUN RESIDENTS WILL TAKE PART IN A FUND-RAISING WALK ALONG THE TUEN MUN TRAIL ON SUNDAY (MAY 27) MORNING.

THE TWO-HOUR WALK WILL START AT 9 AM AT THE OPEN SPACE OUTSIDE THE DIAMOND JUBILEE MEMORIAL BUILDING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT SCOUT ASSOCIATION IN FU TEI, AND FINISH AT THE RURAL TRAINING COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOOL AT TSENG TAU SHEUNG TSUEN.

ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG SCOUT ASSOCIATION, TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE WALK AIMS AT RAISING $100 000 FOR THE EXPANSION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE ASSOCIATION’S DIAMOND JUBILEE MEMORIAL BUILDING AND ITS ACTIVITIES CENTRE.

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR IAN MACPHERSON, WILL START-OFF THE WALK.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE START-OFF CEREMONY OF THE TUEN MUN TRAIL LUCKY WALK AT 9 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 27) AT THE OPEN SPACE OUTSIDE THE DIAMOND JUBILEE MEMORIAL BUILDING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT SCOUT ASSOCIATION AT FU TEI, TUEN MUN.

VILLAGE TAPS OFF * X X

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES AND VILLAGES IN SHAM TSENG AND TSING LUNG TAU WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR NINE HOURS FROM 9 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 28) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

CONTENTS

PAGE NO

BOARD MEMBERS REFLECT

BARONESS SEES MEDICAL

facilities

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

PRAISED

SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS AUCTIONED

ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED

PEOPLE URGED TO PLANT FOR A BETTER LIFE

FURTHER DB DISCUSSION ON PUBLIC HOUSING

HEALTH EDUCATION

DAY IN MONG KOK

MAXICAB SERVICES

TO BE EXTENDED

IN NORTH POINT

TAPS OFF IN HAPPY VALLEY AND TAI HANG

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

UMELCO VISIT INSTRUCTIVE, GOVERNOR SAYS

RESIDENTS' VIEWS

1983 SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS ....................................................

SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1984

CUSTOMS TO WORK THROUGH YEARS AHEAD - CBF

SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1984

1 -

UMELCO VISIT INSTRUCTIVE, GOVERNOR SAYS * * *

IT WAS VERY INSTRUCTIVE FOR THE VERY WIDE RANGE OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT TO HEAR WHAT THE UMELCO DELEGATION TO LONDON HAD TO SAY, AND ALSO FOR MEMBERS OF UMELCO TO HEAR THE RESPONSES WHICH MINlSTERo AND MPS MADE TO THE POINTS WHICH THEY RAISED, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN FROM LONDON, SIR EDWARD SAID HE HAD FOLLOWED VERY CLOSELY THE VISIT OF THE UMELCO MEMBERS AND THE DEBATES IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS AND THE HOUSE OF LORDS.

+WHILE I WAS THERE I ALSO HAD A GOOD TALK WITH SIR GEOFFREY HOWE AND MR LUCE, AND WITH SENIOR OFFICIALS IN THE FOREIGN OFFICE ON THE MAIN ITEMS WHICH ARE STILL TO BE RESOLVED IN THE NEGOTIATIONS,* HE SAID.

+YOU WILL HAVE SEEN THAT SIR GEOFFREY SPOKE IN HIS SPEECH IN THE HOUSE ABOUT THIS COMPLEX AND CHALLENGING STAGE OF THE NEGOTIATIONS WHICH LIES AHEAD, AND OF THE DETERMINATION OF THE TWO GOVERNMENTS INVOLVED TO BRING THE NEGOTIATIONS TO A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION.

♦NEXT WEEK WE HAVE THE NEXT ROUND AND I SHALL’BE LEAVING YOU AGAIN ON TUESDAY TO GO TO PEKING TO TAKE PART IN THAT,* HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS ALSO QUITE A LOT TO BE DONE IN HONG KONG, AND THAT +WE SHALL BE BUSY ON THAT*.

+THERE IS THE PREPARATION OF THE GREEN PAPER ON THE REPRESENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF GOVERNMENT.

+AND OF COURSE WE HAVE TO MAINTAIN THE FULL MOMENTUM AND EFFICIENCY OF GOVERNMENT IN ORDER THAT HONG KONG CAN CONTINUE ITS SUCCESSFUL ECONOMIC, SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND ITS DEVELOPMENT IN OTHER FIELDS.

♦SO NOW I’D BETTER GO OFF AND SPEND THE REST OF THE WEEKEND CATCHING UP ON ALL THE PAPERS,* HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR AND LADY YOUDE WERE MET AT THE AIRPORT BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE.

- 0

/2........

SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1984 '

- 2 -

CUSTOMS TO WORK THROUGH YEARS AHEAD - CBF * * * *

THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR-GENERAL DEREK BOORMAN SAID TODAY THAT HE BELIEVED THE SERVICE OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WILL EXTEND RIGHT THROUGH THE YEARS AHEAD, WHATEVER THE POLITICAL CHANGE THAT MIGHT TAKE PLACE.

♦HONG KONG IS GOING TO NEED YOU, HONG KONG WILL NEED YOUR DEVOTION AND YOUR ATTENTION TO DUTIES,* SAID MAJOR-GENERAL BOORMAN WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY REVIEW AT THE SERVICES’ TAI LAM CHUNG TRAINING SCHOOL.

HE PRAISED OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO HONG KONG IN REVENUE PROTECTION AND SAFEGUARDING THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY OF THE TERRITORY.

♦ YOUR TRADITION OF DISCIPLINE, ORDER AND TURN OUT AS SHOWN BY YOUR VERY FINE DISPLAY TODAY IS SOMETHING THAT HONG KONG MUST BE PROUD OF.

+1 THEREFORE GIVE YOU VERY BEST WISHES FOR THE FUTURE AND I HAVE GREAT CONFIDENCE THAT YOU ARE GOING TO SERVE THE TERRITORY IN THE FUTURE AS WELL AS YOU HAD IN THE PAST,* HE ADDED.

THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE BEGAN AS A SMALL DIVISION OF WHAT WAS THEN THE IMPORT AND EXPORT DEPARTMENT IN 1909. IT COMPRISED ONLY 26 OFFICERS FOR THE PROTECTION OF REVENUE ACCRUING FROM A NEWLY INTRODUCED DUTY ON ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS.

WITH THE PASSAGE OF A CONSOLIDATED DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE IN 1931, REVENUE OFFICERS WERE APPOINTED FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAWS OF HONG KONG PERTAINING TO DUTIABLE COMMODITIES AND THE IMPORTATION AND EXPORTATION OF PROHIBITED AND CONTROLLED ARTICLES.

BY 1963, THE ESTABLISHMENT AND STRENGTH HAD GROWN TO NEARLY 600 AND THE SERVICE WAS ESTABLISHED BY STATUTE AS A DISCIPLINED FORCE KNOWN AS THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE UNDER THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.

THE FORCE WAS RE-NAMED AS THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE IN 1977, REFLECTING THE INCREASE IN FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES BOTH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY. IT WAS THEN ONE OF THE THREE CONSTITUENT DEPARTMENTS OF THE FEDERAL TRADE , INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT.

ON AUGUST 1, 1982, FOLLOWING THE DEFEDERALI SAT I ON OF THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT, THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE WAS MADE AN INDEPENDENT DEPARTMENT.

AT PRESENT THE SERVICE HAS OVER 2 500 PERSONNEL OF ALL RANKS.

AT TODAY’S CEREMONY, MAJOR-GENERAL BOORMAN PRESENTED THE COMMISSIONER’S SHIELD FOR THE BEST SQUAD TO HONG KONG ISLAND REG ION.

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

/3......

SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1984

BOARD MEMBERS REFLECT RESIDENTS’ VIEWS

* * * M

C'lTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO r--i cqt RESIDENTS’ VIEWS ON MANY LOCAL AS WELL AS TERRITORY-WIDE 1 SUPS, THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR FRANK YUE, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.

THE ISSUES RANGED FROM THE TRANSPORT REQUIREMENT OF THE CENTRAL AND MID-LEVELS STUDY, AND THE PROPOSED ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING SCHEME, TO THE REPORT ON HONG KONG’S EDUCATION SYSTEM AND THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED REVIEW ON PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION POLICIES.

THE THE

AND THE

+THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONTINUE THEIR EFFORT ON IMPROVING LIVELIHOOD OF THE RESIDENTS,* SAID MR YUE AT THE OPENING OF DISTRICT AMATEUR SINGING CONTEST.

HE NOTED THAT THE CONTEST WAS ORGANISED TO EXPLORE LOCAL TALENT TO FOSTER DISTRICT IDENTITY AND A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS.

+THROUGH ACTIVITIES SUCH AS THE SINGING CONTEST, WE HOPE TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, CONTRIBUTE IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS TO THE DISTRICT BOARD, AND SERVE THE COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.

MR YUE SAID THE SECOND DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WOULD TAKE PLACE NEXT MARCH, AND THE SIX-WEEK REGISTRATION OF VOTERS WOULD BEGIN IN MID-AUGUST.

HE APPEALED TO ELIGIBLE RESIDENTS TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AS VOTERS AND VOTE FOR THOSE CANDIDATES OF THEIR OWN CHOICE.

THE SINGING CONTEST IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND SING TAO NEWSPAPERS LIMITED.

- - 0 - -

BARONESS SEES *

MEDICAL FACILITIES * * *

BARONESS PHILLIPS AND HER DAUGHTER MRS GWYNNETH DUNWOODY A LABOUR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, VISITED THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY).

..._ MORNING, THEY CALLED ON THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL

^D™EALTH SERVIOES, DR K.L. THONG, AT THE DEPARTMENT Si?Q™iJERS WHERE THEY ^RE BRIEFED ON THE MEDICAL SERVICES IN . HUNG KONG.

... uaLME?’. ™EY WENT T0 THE TANG CHI NG0NG SPECIALIST CLINIC IN WAN CHAI TO LOOK AT THE VARIOUS SPECIALIST FACILITIES.

/THB SPECIALIST •

SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1984

- 4 -

THE SPECIALIST SERVICES PROVIDED IN THE CLINIC INCLUDE THOSE FOR THE EYE, SKIN, EAR, NOSE AND THROAT AS WELL AS SURGERY AND GYNAECOLOGY.

IN THE AFTERNOON, BARONESS PHILLIPS AND MRS DUNWOODY VISITED THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL IN POK FU LAM WHERE THEY WERE SHOWN THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, TWO GENERAL WARDS, THE SCANNER UNIT, THE PHYSIOTHERAPY UNIT AND THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT.

THEY WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS OF THE EXTENSION WORK BEING CARRIED OUT AT THE HOSPITAL.

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

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PRAISED

* * * *

THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES IS AMONG THE FINEST DISCIPLINARY FORCES OF HONG KONG, MR CHAN KAM-CHUEN, AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

MR CHAN SAID THAT THROUGH HIS VISITS AS A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR AND AN UNOFFICIAL JUSTICE OF PEACE, HE FOUND THAT PRISONS HERE WERE WELL MANAGED, CLEAN AND HEALTHY PLACES.

HE SAID THE RENAMING OF +PR ISONS DEPARTMENT* TO +CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT* COINCIDED WITH THE MODERN CONCEPT OF REFORM, TREATMENT, TRAINING AND REHABILITATION IN A HUMANE "WAY FOR THE INMATES.

MR CHAN WAS SPEAKING AT A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF 84 RECRUIT OFFICERS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHO RECENTLY COMPLETED SIX MONTHS OF BASIC TRAINING.

HE ALSO SAID IT WAS CLEAR THAT HONG KONG WOULD REVERT TO CHINA IN 1997.

PEOPLE IN HONG KONG MUST THEREFORE FACE THE FUTURE REALISTICALLY AND ADOPT A POSITIVE ATTITUDE, HE ADDED.

*AS THE MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE WILL HAVE TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG, THEY SHOULD VOICE THEIR DOUBTS AND WISHES THROUGH THE PROPER CHANNELS AND MAKE THE BEST OF THE NEGOTIATIONS,* HE SAID.

MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT FURTHER DEMOCRAT I SAT I ON IN THE COMING 13 YEARS WOULD MEAN THE RISE OF A GENERATION OF NEW LEADERS IN THE COMMUNITY.

HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THEY WOULD LEAD THE PEOPLE THROUGH . SMOOTH TRANSITION.

HE SAID THAT IN THE INTERIM, INTERNAL STABILITY SUPPORTED BY PUBLIC CONFIDENCE, AN EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT, SUFFICIENT EXPORT AND TRADE FOR FULL EMPLOYMENT AND THE CONTINUOUS MAINTENANCE OF LAW AND ORDER WERE OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE.

/HE TOLD........

SATURDAY, KAY 26, 19&4

HE TOLD THE RECRUITS THAT BY 1997, MANY OF THEM WOULD BE IN MUCH HIGHER POSITIONS WITH GREATER RESPONSIBILITIES AND THAT AS THEY WERE HOLDING CAREER JOBS WITH EXPERTISE, THEY WOULD NOT

CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT.

MUCH AFFECTED BY A

IT WAS THEREFORE IMPORTANT THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE CONFIDENCE THEIR FUTURE WHICH WOULD IN TURN CONTRIBUTE TO THE STABILITY HONG KONG, HE SAID.

♦WITH STABILITY AND HARD WORK, IT IS HOPED THAT HONG KONG COULD REMAIN PROSPEROUS AND GOOD LIVING STANDARDS TOGETHER WITH EXISTING FREEDOMS COULD BE MAINTAINED,* HE ADDED.

DURING THE CEREMONY, MR CHAN PRESENTED SILVER WHISTLES TO THE TWO BEST RECRUITS, MR FUNG KAM-FAI AND MR TANG TSZ-KIN.

- 0 -

SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS AUCTIONED * * * *

FOURTEEN SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD BY AUCTION THIS MORNING (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF $180 500 wHICH WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY.

THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, oAa REGISTRATION NUMBER AA1188 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $25 00'1.

ANOTHER NUMBER CL5 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF 524 000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1 000 FOR AN7487 AND DB75OO.

THE OTHER SPECIAL FOLLOWING PRICES:

REGISTRATION NUMBERS wERE SOLD AT THE

AS2244 - $ 3 000 9882 - $10 000

340 - $11 000 HK1997 - $21 000

XX 123 - $12 000 AA 190 - $18 500

CX 50 - $ 8 000 BW 18 - 523 000

AG 813 - $ 2 000 846 - $21 000

NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL EE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES

THE _______ _________ „

REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.

TODAY’S SALE, THE 91ST ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE' TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $30 316 832.

- o

. SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1984

- 6 -

ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED

******

A MONTH-LONG ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN FOR RESIDENTS, PARTICULARLY PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS, IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT WILL BE HELD NEXT MONTH.

THE CAMPAIGN WILL FEATURE A SLOGAN COMPETITION, SELECTION OF 30 MODEL PEDESTRAINS AT SIX TRAFFIC BLACKSPOTS IN THE DISTRICT, TALKS, AND A BMX CYCLING COMPETITION.

THERE WILL ALSO BE AN EDUCATIONAL FORTNIGHT FROM JUNE 5, WITH POLICE OFFICERS VISITING SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICTS TO GIVE TALKS AND PRESENT FILM AND SLIDE SHOWS ON ROAD SAFETY.

IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS OF THE CAMPAIGN, ACTION WILL BE STEPPED UP AGAINST PEOPLE WHO BREACH TRAFFIC RULES.

POSTERS AND BANNERS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT VANTAGE POINTS DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD TO REMIND THE PUBLIC OF THE IMPORTANCE CF ROAD SAFETY.

ABOUT $30 003 WILL BE SPENT ON THE CAMPAIGN, WITH $20 000 BEING PROVIDED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD.

ENTRY FORMS FOR THE SLOGAN COMPETITION, WHICH IS OPEN ONLY TO STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICTS, AND THE BMX CYCLING COMPETITION FOR A MAXIMUM OF 40 ENTRIES, CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.

COMPLETED FORMS FOR THE SLOGAN COMPETITION MUST REACH THESE OFFICES BY JUNE 9 (SATURDAY).

FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE AT 5-641547 OR 5-255281 (EXT 30).

AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 4.30 PM NEXT SUNDAY (JUNE 3) AT THE VICTORIA PARK. IT WILL HAVE GAMES STALLS, A ROAD SAFETY TOWN AND A BMX CYCLING COMPETITION.

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, MR F.E. SHORT, THE DISTRICT COMMANDER EASTERN, MR D.M. HOLDROYD, AND THE SENIOR STAFF OFFICER TRAFFIC HONG KONG ISLAND, MR E.J. LOCKEYEAR, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

THE CAMPAIGN IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, THE POLICE, EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORT ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.

NOTE TO EDITORS;

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN AT 4.30 PM ON SUNDAY (JUNE 3) AT THE VICTORIA PARK.

SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1984

7 -

1983 SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS *****

FOLLOWING THE 1982 ANNUAL SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS NOW CONDUCTING A FOLLOW-UP SURVEY TO COLLECT DATA FOR 1983.

THIS SURVEY COVERS WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT ESTABLISHMENTS, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS.

QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING SENT TO ABOUT 8 100 ESTABLISHMENTS OUT OF A TOTAL OF SOME 110 000 ESTABLISHMENTS FALLING UNDER THE PURVIEW OF THE SURVEY.

DATA TO BE COLLECTED IN THE SURVEY INCLUDE THE TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, FLOOR AREA, EMPLOYMENT, LABOUR COSTS, OPERATING EXPENSES, PURCHASES, OPENING AND CLOSING STOCKS, BUSINESS TURNOVER AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.

SUCH ECONOMIC DATA WILL PROVIDE THE BASIC INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADE AND SERVICE SECTOR AND IS NEEDED FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF THE SECTOR’S CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S“GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.

THE SURVEY RESULTS WILL ALSO BE USED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN THE FORMULATION OF DECISIONS A^D POLICIES.

RESPONSE TO THE SURVEY IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT. A CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER AUTHORISING THE CONDUCT OF THIS SURVEY WAS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL UNDER SECTION 11 OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 16 IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON JANUARY 13, 1984.

SELECTED ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES BY JULY 31, 1984.

OFFICERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, WHO CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD WHILE ON DUTY, WILL VISIT THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED TO ASSIST THEM IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES, IF REQUIRED.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS STRESSED THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND THAT ONLY AGGREGATE INFORMATION rfHICH DOES NOT REVEAL DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE RELEASED.

- 0

/8........

SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1984

- 8 -

THEY’RE KEEPING THE COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN AND GREEN * * * *

ONE OF THE 509 COUNTRY PARK ENTHUSIASTS WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE SECOND STAGE OF THE CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME WILL BE THE LUCKY WINNER OF A FREE CAMPING HOLIDAY IN AUSTRALIA.

THIS IS THE GRAND PRIZE IN THE SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO PROMOTE COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION.

OTHER PRIZES WILL INCLUDE A CAMERA AND SOME CAMPING AND HIKING EQUIPMENT.

THE 500 PARTICIPANTS HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO ENTER STAGE THREE OF THE SCHEME, WHICH WILL INVOLVE FIRE PREVENTION AND MAINTENANCE TASKS IN THE COUNTRY PARKS.

DURING STAGE TWO, PARTICIPANTS HAD TO SUBMIT THEIR +CLEAN AND GREEN* IDEAS EITHER IN THE FORM OF PHOTOGRAPHY, PAINTING, CALLIGRAPHY, POSTER OR SLOGAN DESIGN.

+THE ENTRIES RECEIVED WERE OF A VERY HIGH STANDARD, DEMONSTRATING THE PARTICIPANTS’ ORIGINALITY OF THOUGHTS AND INTEREST IN THE COUNTRYSIDE,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PANEL OF JUDGES SAID.

THE SCHEME, WHICH STARTED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR., COMPRISES FIVE STAGES, CULMINATING IN A GRAND FINALE TO BE HELD IN AUTUMN THIS YEAR WITH THE ONE LUCKY FIRST PRIZE WINNER GOING ON A CAMPING HOLIDAY TO AUSTRALIA.

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

PEOPLE URGED TO PLANT FOR A BETTER LIFE * * * *

BOTH THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT WOULD BENEFIT FROM THE PLANTING OF MORE TREES AND FLOWERS IN THE NEW TOWNS, CARLOS CHEUNG, AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF CLEAN HONG KONG NEW TERRITORIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE, SAID TODAY.

MR CHEUNG WAS SPEAKING DURING A TWO-HOUR VISIT TO TAI PO DISTRICT, IN CONNECTION WITH THE MEI FA PHASE OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG DR IVE.

AT TAI PO KAU PARK, MR CHEUNG LEARNED THAT 80 000 TREES, • SHRUBS, SEASONAL FLOWERS, PALMS, BAMBOOS, CREEPERS AND GROUND COVERS HAD BEEN PLANTED IN TAI PO LAST YEAR BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT ALONE.

/MB CHHIN G......

SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1984

- 9 -

MR CHEUNG NOTED ALSO THAT MORE PLANTS WOULD BE PLANTED IN THE BARE PITCHES IN THE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING NEW TOWN THIS SEASON. HE CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO DO THEIR SHARE IN ENSURING THAT THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT IS KEPT AS ATTRACTIVE AS POSSIBLE.

WITH MR CHEUNG ON THE TOUR WERE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (OPERATIONS) OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR DAVID WEEKS, AND THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF TAI PO, MR PONG KIN-HONG.

THE PARTY ALSO SAW LANDSCAPE WORK AT A CENTRAL DIVIDER AT TING KOK ROAD, AS WELL AS ROADSIDE AMENITY PLOTS NEAR THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND PLANTING WORK BEING CARRIED OUT AT HA HANG VILLAGE.

-----0-----

NOTE TO EDITORS:

FURTHER DB DISCUSSION ON PUBLIC HOUSING * * * *

KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL HAVE ANOTHER DISCUSSION ON THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED REVIEW OF PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION POLICIES AT A SPECIAL MEETING ON MONDAY (MAY 28) AFTERNOON.

EARLIER THIS MONTH, THEY WERE BRIEFED ON THE REVIEW BY THREE HOUSING DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS — THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR (ESTATE MANAGEMENT), MR FUNG TUNG; THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CLEARANCE), MR GREGORY CHAN; AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (ESTATE MANAGEMENT), MISS LOLLY CHIU.

THE THREE OFFICIALS WILL ALSO ATTEND MONDAY’S MEETING TOGETHER WITH THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR DAVID FORD.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET.

- - 0 - -

/lO .......

SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1984'

- 10 -

HEALTH EDUCATION DAY IN MONG KOK

X X X

A HEALTH EDUCATION DAY to ILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG AND KOwLOON CHIU CHOW SCHOOL TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

IT WILL FEATURE FIRST-AID DEMONSTRATIONS, FOOTDRILL, RESCUE OPERATIONS, A SLIDE SHOW AND A TALK.

THE EVENT IS PART OF THE HEALTH PROMOTION FORTNIGHT PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION AND THE ST. JOHN’S AMBULANCE TO PROMOTE GOOD HEALTH.

SINCE MAY 17, TALKS FOR DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS HAVE BEEN HELD AND TWO MORE TALKS WILL BE ORGANISED FOR THE ELDERLY.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HEALTH EDUCATION DAY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEALTH PROMOTION FORTNIGHT’S WORKING GROUP, DR RONALD LEUNG? ITS VICE-CHAIRMAN, MR CHENG MAN-WAI? AND MR STANLEY WONG, MONG KOK ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER.

ADMISSION TO THE EVENT IS FREE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE HEALTH EDUCATION DAY TO BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON CHIU CHOW SCHOOL AT 157, SAI YEE STREET TOMORROW (SUNDAY), STARTING AT 2 PM.

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

MAXICAB SERVICES TO BE EXTENDED XXX

SERVICES ON MAXICAB ROUTE 61M BETWEEN KOWLOON AND SHA TIN WILL BE EXTENDED UNTIL 5.45 AM FROM MONDAY (MAY 28) NIGHT.

THE EXTENSION IS TO PROVIDE A TRANSPORT LINK BETWEEN THE TWO DISTRICTS OUTSIDE THE OPERATION HOURS OF TRAINS AND FRANCHISED BUSES.

THE EXTENDED SERVICES BETWEEN KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION AND LEK YUEN WILL BE FROM MIDNIGHT TO 1.30 AM, WITH MAXICAB OPERATING VIA SUFFOLK ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD, LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, SHA KOK STREET, SHA TIN WAI ROAD AND SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE AT 15-MINUTE INTERVALS. THE FARE WILL BE $2.5.

BETWEEN ARGYLE MTR STATION AND LEK YUEN, MAXICABS WILL RUN VIA SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET, ARGYLE STREET, WATERLOO ROAD, LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, SHA KOK STREET, SHA TIN WAI ROAD AND SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE FROM 1.30 AM TO 5.45 AM.

THE SERVICE FREQUENCY WILL BE 15 MINUTES BETWEEN 1.30 AM AND 3.15 AM, AND 30 MINUTES BETWEEN 3.15 AM AND 5.45 AM, AND THE FARE WILL BE $3.

•'Turday may 26, 1984

TRAFFIC MEASURES IN NORTH POINT

* *

NEW MEASURES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW WILL BE IN FORCE IN NORTH POINT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 28).

THE MEASURES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

* JAVA ROAD BETWEEN HEALTHY STREET EAST AND KING’S ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND.

* HEALTHY STREET EAST BETWEEN JAVA ROAD AND KING’S ROAD WILL BE REROUTED TWO WAYS, WITH THE SOUTH-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY RESTRICTED TO VEHICLES AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.

* HEALTHY STREET EAST BETWEEN KING’S ROAD AND TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.

* RIGHT TURNS FROM JAVA ROAD EASTBOUND INTO HEALTHY STREET EAST SOUTHBOUND WILL BE BANNED.

* RIGHT TURNS FROM HEALTHY STREET EAST NORTHBOUND INTO KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE BANNED.

* THE BAN ON RIGHT TURNS FROM JAVA ROAD SOUTHBOUND INTO KING’S ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE LIFTED.

0--------

TAPS OFF IN HAPPY VALLEY AND TAI HANG

* * * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN HAPPY VALLEY WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 29) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT 15-34 STUBBS ROAD, TUNG SHAN TERRACE, SHIU FAI TERRACE AND FRENI MEMORIAL CONVALESCENT HOME.

MAINS WORK WILL ALSO CUT OFF FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN TAI HANG AREA FROM 10 PM THE SAME DAY (TUESDAY) TO 3 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE AT 4-70 AND 13-55 TAI HANG ROAD, WANG FUNG TERRACE, YIK KWAN AVENUE, LI KWAN AVENUE, FUK KWAN AVENUE, LAI TAK TSUEN, CHUN FAI TERRACE AND WESLY VILLAGE.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED 8Y GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1984

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

50 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN APRIL .............................. 1

WALKERS RAISE S100 000 FOR SCOUT BUILDING ........................ 2

LANE-CHANGING IS BIG LEARNER DRIVER PROBLEM ...................... 3

1985 SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES .................... 4

SIMPLE aIDS BRING BIG REWhRDS .................................... 5

LARGE NUMBER OF COUNTRY PARK FIRES REPORTED ...................... 6

CAREERS TEACHERS TO RECEIVE CERTIFICATE .......................... 7

NEED FOR REGIONAL CULTURAL CENTRE STUDIED ....................... 7

IMPORTANCE OF GOOD HEALTH STRESSED................................ 8

TWO DISTRICTS TO HOLD TREE PLANTING DAY .......................... 9

RECLAMATION AT SIU CHAI WAN ..................................... 10

IIiLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE DEMOLISHED............................. 10

FRESH WATER SUPPLY PLANNED FOR SOUTH LaNTAU ..................... 11

SOCCER MATCHES FOR SUMMER VACATION .............................. 11

NT SPORTS GROUNDS TO BE CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE .................. 12

COOKED FOOD CEJITRE AND OPEN SPACE AT MUI WO .................... 12

VICTORIA PARK ROAD 'WORKS ....................................... 1?

CENTRAL WATER LEAKAGE TESTS ..................................... 1J

SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1964

- 1

30 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN APRIL * * * *

A SOCIAL WELFARE CENTRE, A HOTEL AND A PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL WERE AMONG 30 PLANS APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN APn IL.

THE EIGHT-STOREY SOCIAL WELFARE CENTRE WILL BE BUILT AT STONE NULLAH LANE FOR ST. JAMES’ SETTLEMENT, WHILE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI HOTELS LTD WILL CONSTRUCT A 19-STOREY HOTEL AT MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.

THE PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL, TO BE OPERATED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN CHINA, WILL BE BUILT AT KWAI CHUNG.

ALSO APPROVED DURING THE MONTH WERE A WORKSHOP EXTENSION AT THE JUNCTION OF PAK TAI STREET AND SUNG WONG TOI ROAD; A BOAT STORAGE YARD OFF TAI TAM RESERVOIR ROAD FOR CONCORD LTD;

AN ELECTRICITY SWITCH STATION AND STAFF QUARTERS AT ELECTRIC ROAD FOR HONG KONG ELECTRIC COMPANY; AN OIL TANK AT CHA KWO LING ROAD FOR THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LTD; A FACTORY AT TUEN MUN FOR Y.K.K. COMPANY (HONG KONG) LTD; AND TWO SWIMMING POOLS AT KOWLOON BAY FOR TRIPROFIT ENTERPRISES LTD.

OF THE PLANS APPROVED, 17 WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, SIX IN KOWLOON AND SEVEN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO AGREED TO WORK STARTING ON 36 NEW BUILDING PROJECTS IN APRIL.

NINE WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, SIX IN KOWLOON AND 21 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THEY INCLUDED A KIOSK AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG SPORTS COMPLEX AT SANDY BAY; A CHILDREN’S ADVENTURE WORLD ANIMAL HOUSE AT OCEAN PARK ; A TELEPHONE EXCHANGE AND ENGINEERING CENTRE AT YUET LUN STREET, LAI CHI KOK! A MARINE BERTH AT HO CHUNG MARINA, SAI KUNG; A PLANT HOUSE ON LAMMA ISLAND; AN ELECTRICITY SUBSTATION AT YUEN LONG; AND A TEMPLE AND QUARTER AT LING YAN MONASTERY, LANTAU ISLAND.

THE FLOOR AREA OF THESE 36 PROJECTS TOTALLED 136 682 SQUARE METRES, OF WHICH 80 406.1 SQUARE METRES WERE FOR DOMESTIC USES AND THE REST FOR NON-DOMESTIC USES.

A TOTAL OF 37 OCCUPATION PERMITS WERE ISSUED FOR NEWLY-COMPLETED BUILDINGS IN APR IL.

THE COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN APRIL WAS $593 MILLION.

ALSO DURING THE MONTH, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ISSUED 14 DEMOLITION ORDERS FOR 25 BUILDINGS.

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

/2.......

SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1994

wALKERS RAISE 5133 330 FOR SCOUT BUILDING * * * *

ABOUT S100 300 WAS RAISED AT THIS MORNING’S WALK ALONG THE *X'\' MUN TRAIL BY MORE THAN ^30 MEMBERS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, VILLAGERS, STUDENTS AND FACTORY WORKERS.

THE MONEY IS FOR THE EXPANSION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE DIAMOND JUBILEE MEMORIAL BUILDING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT SCOUT ASSOCIATION.

SPEAKING AT THE START-OFF CEREMONY, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR IAN MACPHERSON, SAID THAT THE BUILDING, OPENED A YEAR AGO, HAD PROVIDED MUCH NEEDED FACILITIES FOR MORE THAN 700 MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION.

+IN KEEPING WITH RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN AND ITS EXPANDING SCOUT COPULATION, THE BUILDING HAS SINCE BEEN PUT TO A WIDE RANGE OF USES, PROVIDING PLENTIFUL OPPORTUNITIES FOR RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICE TO YOUNGSTER,* HE SAID.

IT IS NOW THE TRAINING BASE FOR MORE THAN A THOUSAND SCOUTS. .

+ALL THIS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE FOUNDER BENEFACTORS, WHO DONATED $350 000 TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION COST, AND THE VALUABLE TIME AND EFFORT THAT OUR SCOUT LEADERS HAVE OFFERED ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS.

+1 AM GLAD TO LEARN THAT YOU ARE NOW ACTIVELY PLANNING TO EXPAND THE EXISTING FACILITIES AS PART OF THE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION’S FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.*

STARTING OFF AT 9 AM, PARTICIPANTS WALKED ALONG THE ROUTE CF THE RECENTLY-OPENED TUEN MUN TRAIL, PASSING FU TEI SERVICE RESERVOIR, WONG FUNG LENG AND LIT TO HANG BEFORE THEY REACHED THE FINISHING POINT AT THE RURAL TRAINING COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOOL AT TSENG TAU SHEUNG TSUEN.

THE WALK TOOK ABOUT TWO HOURS.

THE TUEN MUN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GERALD CAVANAGH, THE PRESIDENT OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT SCOUT ASSOCIATION, LAU WONG-FAT, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION, MR TANG TUNG-CHIU, AND THE ASSOC I AT I ON’S DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, W LEE SAU-LING ALSO ATTENDED THE CEREMONY.

,3........

SUNDAY, MAY 27, 198*

LANE-CHANG 1 NG IS BIG ..EARNER DRIVER PROBLEM

* > * *

MOST CAND'DATES "AKI NG PRIVATE CAR DRIVING TESTS IN HONG KONG ' 'L TO OBSERVE THE TRAFFIC SITUATION BEFORE CHANGING LANES, DRIVING ihSTRUCTORS WERE TOlD DURING A RECENT SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.

THE DEPARTMENT’S STATISTICS oHOW THAT 64 PER CENT OF THE CANDIDATES COMMIT THE ERROR — THE MOST COMMON AMONG DRIVING TEST CANDIDATES IN HONG KONG.

THE INSTRUCTORS WERE TOLD OF THE NEED: +TO LOOK IN THE MIRROR, TO SIGNAL, AND THEN MAKE A ’SHOULDER’ CHECK, FOR ANY ON-COMING VEHICLES FROM THE REAR AND SIDES. THIS WAY THE DRIVER WILL BE ABLc TO SEE CLEARLY THE TRAFFIC SITUATION ON ALL SIDES.

OTHER COMMON MISTAKES IN DRIVING TESTS INCLUDE WRONG PLACEMENT OF TURNS AND FAILURE TO ADJUST SPEED TO THE TRAFFIC SITUATION.

THE SEMINAR WAS CONDUCTED BY TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT FOR PRIVATE CAR DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WITH THE aIM OF RAISING DRIVING STANDARDS IN HONG KONG.

SEVENTY SUCH SEMINARS‘HAVE BEEN HELD BETWEEN JULY 1983 TO APRIL THIS YEAR. ATTENDANCE TOTALLED 1 981, RtPRESENTING ALMOST ALL ACTIVE PRIVATE CAR DRIVING INSTRUCTORS.

MR TANG CHUEK-FAN OF TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S DRIVING TEST DIVISION SAID THE DEPARTMENT wAS HAPPY wITH THE TURNOUT RATE.

♦I AM SURE THE SEMINARS HAVE BEEN USEFUL TO DRIVING INSTRUCTORS BY LETTING THEM KNOW ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT’S REQUIREMENTS,* HE SAID.

♦WE WILL CONSIDER ORGANISING SIMILAR SEMINARS FOR INSTRUCTORS OF OTHER TYPES OF VEHICLES, SUCH AS COMMERCIAL VEHICLES, IF RESOURCES PERMIT.*

MR TANG POINTED OUT THAT THE CURRENT PASS RATE FOR FIRST-TIME PRIVATE CAR CANDIDATES TAKING COMBINED TESTS IS ABOUT 17 PER CENT.

SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1984

4 -

1983 SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES ******

FOLLOWING THE 1982 ANNUAL SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS NOW CONDUCTING A FOLLOW-UP SURVEY TO COLLECT DATA FOR 1983.

THIS SURVEY COVERS LAND, SEA AND AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES, SUCH AS PUBLIC BUSES, TRAMWAYS, TAXIS, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, TRUCKS, FERRIES, CONTAINER HAULAGE, SHIPPING COMPANIES, AIRLINES, AND SERVICES RELATED TO TRANSPORT, SUCH AS CAR PARKS, TRAVEL AGENTS AND CARGO FORWARDING AGENTS.

QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING SENT TO ABOUT 4 200 ESTABLISHMENTS OUT OF A TOTAL OF SOME 40 000.

DATA TO BE COLLECTED INCLUDE THE TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, FLOOR AREA, EMPLOYMENT, LABOUR COSTS, OPERATING EXPENSES, BUSINESS TURNOVER AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.

SUCH ECONOMIC DATA WILL PROVIDE THE BASIC INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF THE TRANSPORT SECTOR AND ARE NEEDED FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF THE SECTOR’S CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.

THE SURVEY RESULTS WILL ALSO BE USED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN THE FORMULATION OF DECISIONS AND POLICIES.

RESPONSE TO THE SURVEY IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT. A CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER AUTHORISING THE CONDUCT OF THIS SURVEY WAS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL UNDER SECTION 11 OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 11 IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON JANUARY 13, 1984.

SELECTED ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES BY JULY 31, 1984.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS STRESSED THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND THAT ONLY AGGREGATE INFORMATION WHICH DOES NOT REVEAL DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE RELEASED.

/5.......

SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1984 - 5 -

SIMPLE AIDS BRING BIG REWARDS * * *

+l THOUGHT TAKING AN ACCOUNTANCY COURSE WAS ONLY A DREAM -BUT WITH THE HELP OF THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT MY DREAM HAS BEEN REALISED,* MR LAU TUNG-PONG, A 27-YEAR-OLD DISABLED STUDENT, SAID RECENTLY.

THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR THE DISABLED SECTION FULFILLED THE DREAM BY CONVERTING THE STUDENT COMMON ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE INTO A LECTURE ROOM FOR THIS STUDENT WHO CAN NEITHER MOUNT THE STAIRS NOR USE A WHEELCHAIR.

RAMPS WERE ALSO CONSTRUCTED IN THE INSTITUTE TO FACILITATE HIS ENTRANCE AND EXIT.

THIS STUDENT, WHO ONCE THOUGHT HIS DISABILITY WOULD BAR HIM FROM A MEANINGFUL JOB AND LIFE, IS NOW LEARNING ACCOUNTANCY WITH GREAT ENTHUSIASM AND HOPES TO TAKE UP AN ADVANCED COURSE IN THE SUBJECT.

+WE HOPE MORE PEOPLE LIKE MR LAU WILL MAKE USE OF OUR SERVICE TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL,* THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR OF THE SECTION, W GEORGE RIBEIRO, SAID TODAY.

BESIDES OFFERING VOCATIONAL TRAINING TO DISABLED STUDENTS IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, THE SECTION ALSO WELCOMES REQUESTS FOR SPECIAL AIDS FROM INDIVIDUALS OR ASSOCIATIONS FOR THE DISABLED, HE SAID.

AT THE TECHNICAL AIDS AND RESOURCE CENTRE, SITUATED IN THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN KOWLOON TONG, SPECIAL AIDS ARE MADE TO HELP DISABLED PERSONS IMPROVE THEIR LEARNING OR WORK ING CONDITIONS.

MOST OF THE COMPLETED PROJECTS WERE REQUESTED BY THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SECTION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WHICH CAN IDENTIFY THE NEED OF DISABLED PERSONS WHEN THEY APPLY FOR JOBS, AND BY STUDENTS STUDYING IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.

INSPECTORS OF THE SECTION VISIT THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES REGULARLY TO DISCUSS THE PROGRESS OF DISABLED STUDENTS AND SUPPLY ANY NECESSARY ASSISTANCE OR SPECIAL AIDS.

AMONG THOSE WHO HAVE BENEFITED FROM THESE SPECIAL AIDS IS A MANUFACTURING WORKER WHO CAN NOW USE HIS ELBOW TO CONTROL THE SPEED OF HIS SEWING MACHINE.

A WORKER WHOSE RIGHT HAND AND FINGERS ARE BENT AFTER AN ACCIDENT, IS ABLE TO KEEP UP HIS WORK WITH THE HELP OF A FINGER EXTENSION DEVICE USING WRIST SUPPORT.

+GIVEN THE RIGHT OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL AND ABILITY, DISABLED PERSONS CAN MAKE THE SAME CONTRIBUTION AS THEIR NORMAL COUNTERPARTS,* SAID MR RIBEIRO, +AND THE PRIME OBJECTIVE CF OUR SECTION IS TO GIVE THEM SUCH HELP.*

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

/6......

SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1984

LARGE NUMBER OF COUNTRY PARK FIRES REPORTED

******

MORE THAN 430 FIRES BROKE OUT WITHIN OR NEAR COUNTRY PARKS DURING THE FIRE-HAZARD SEASON BETWEEN LAST SEPTEMBER AND APRIL THIS YEAR.

THIS FIGURE IS MORE THAN TwICE THE 204 FIRES RECORDED FOR THE PREVIOUS CORRESPONDING PERIOD.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE TOTAL AREA AFFECTED INCREASED FIVEFOLD, FROM ABOUT 1 000 HECTARES TO 5 250 HECTARES, MOSTLY OF GRASS AND LOw SCRUBS LAND.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT TYPHOON ELLEN IN SEPTEMBER UPROOTED A LARGE NUMBER OF TREES AND TORE OFF MANY BRANCHES, ADDING MORE COMBUSTIBLE FUEL IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.

ALTHOUGH THE WET WEATHER LAST OCTOBER REDUCED FIRE RISKS DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL, IT SHORTENED THE PERIOD OF TIME AVAILABLE FOR CONTROLLED BURNING AND OTHER FIRE-HAZARD REDUCTION WORK IN THE COUNTRYSIDE. *

THE WET OCTOBER WAS FOLLOWED BY A PROLONGED PERIOD OF EXTREMELY DRY AND WINDY WEATHER, WHICH RESULTED IN A LARGE NUMBER OF HIlL FIRES AT THE END OF NOVEMBER.

CONSEQUENTLY, FOUR COUNTRY PARKS AND A NATURE RESERVE WERE CLOSED FROM EARLY DECEMBER. THEY wERE THE SHING MUN, TAI MO SHAN, TAI LAM AND POK FU LAM COUNTRY PARKS AND THE TAI PO KAU NATURE RESERVE.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WITH THE CLOSURE, THE NUMBER OF FIRES IN COUNTRY PARKS WAS REDUCED BY HALF.

+THE CLOSURE WAS ACCEPTED BY THE PUBLIC WITH UNDERSTANDING, AND MADE USERS OF OTHER COUNTRY PARKS MORE FI RE-CONSC I OUS,+ HE SAID.

DURING THE PERIOD, A TOTAL OF 3 552 VEGETATION AND HILL FHto, INCLUDING THOSE WITHIN OR NEAR COUNTRY PARKS, WERE RECORDED.

THIS LARGE NUMBER OF FIRES SEVERELY STRETCHED THE RESOURCES OF THE FIRE SERVICES AND AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENTS, HE SAID.

HELICOPTERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE AND THE ROYAL AIR FORCE CARRIED OUT 184 wATER-BOMBING AND 14 AIR-LIFTINq OPERATIONS.

DURING THE SEASON UNDER REVIEW, 124 PEOPLE WERE CriAxbED wITH THE ILLEGAL USE OF FIRES IN COUNTRY PARKS.

SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1984

- 7 -

NOTE TO EDITORS:

CAREERS TEACHERS TO RECEIVE CERTIFICATE

*****

A CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR THE FIRST CAREERS TEACHERS TRAINING COURSE WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY (JUNE 1) AT THE EXTRA-MURAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ON THE 8TH FLOOR OF WING ON CENTRE, CENTRAL.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR RON BRIDGE, AND THE DIRECTOR CF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, WILL SPEAK AT THE CEREMONY WHICH WILL START AT 3.30 PM.

THE ONE-YEAR PART-TIME COURSE WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE MORE SOPHISTICATED TRAINING FOR CAREERS TEACHERS.

THIRTY-TWO CAREERS TEACHERS WHO ATTENDED THE COURSE FROM AUGUST 1983 TO APRIL 1984, WILL BE RECEIVING CERTIFICATES AT THE CEREMONY.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY.

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

NEED FOR REGIONAL CULTURAL CENTRE STUDIED * * * *

A SURVEY WILL BE CARRIED OUT NEXT MONTH TO ASCERTAIN THE DEMAND FOR A REGIONAL CULTURAL CENTRE IN KWUN TONG.

THE SURVEY HAS BEEN INITIATED BY A WORKING GROUP SET UP UNDER THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD LAST AUGUST.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP, MR STEPHEN LAU, SAID TEACHERS AND STUDENTS OF THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK OF HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC WOULD ASSIST IN CONDUCTING THE SURVEY AS PART OF THEIR COMMUNITY SERVICE.

+IN THE FIRST PHASE, TRAINED INTERVIEWERS WILL VISIT 300 ORGANISATIONS IN KWUN TONG TO IDENTIFY, WITH THE HELP OF QUESTIONNAIRES, THEIR LEVEL OF DEMAND FOR VENUES TO HOLD CULTURAL ACTIVITIES,* HE SAID.

+OPERATORS OF THESE ORGANISATIONS WILL ALSO BE ASKED WHERE THE REGIONAL CULTURAL CENTRE SHOULD BE BUILT AND WHICH KINDS OF FACILITIES IT SHOULD HAVE.

/+IN THE .......

SUNDAY, MAY 27, 198^

♦ IN THE SECOND PHASE, QUESTIONNAIRES WILL BE SENT TO 100 ORGANISATIONS OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT BUT WHICH MAY ALSO ORGANISE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR KWUN TONG RESIDENTS,+ MR LAU SAID.

FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY WOULD BE COMPILED IN A REPORT TO BE READY BY AUGUST, HE ADDED.

THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED $20 000 FOR THE SURVEY.

MR LAU SAID APART FROM THE SURVEY, MEMBERS OF THE WORKING GROUP WOULD ALSO SEEK THE VIEWS OF LOCAL AREA COMMITTEES, WHICH WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE REPORT.

THE WORKING GROUP COMPRISES TWO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, CHAIRMEN OF FIVE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMITTEES, CHAIRMAN OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT CULTURE AND RECREATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION, CHAIRMAN OF THE LOCAL CHILDREN’S CHORUS, AND REPRESENTATIVES CF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.

0 - -

IMPORTANCE OF GOOD HEALTH STRESSED * X * *

MONG KOK RESIDENTS WERE TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED, THROUGH A SERIES OF EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES, OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CARING FOR THEIR HEALTH AND OF PUBLIC HYGIENE.

FIRST-AID AND RESCUE OPERATION DEMONSTRATIONS, A SLIDE SHOW AND A TALK WERE STAGED IN A LOCAL SCHOOL TO AROUSE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF GOOD HEALTH AND TO WIDEN THEIR MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE.

THE ACTIVITIES ARE PART OF THE PROGRAMME OF THE HEALTH PROMOTION FORTNIGHT JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD, THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION AND ST JOHN’S AMBULANCE.

SPEAKING AT AN OPENING OF TODAY’S HEALTH EDUCATION DAY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FORTNIGHT’S WORKING GROUP, DR RONALD LEUNG, STRESSED THE NEED TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON LOOKING AFTER THEIR OWN HEALTH.

♦ THIS WOULD HELP MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS TO CARRY OUT THEIR JOBS MORE EFFECTIVELY AND, IN TURN, CUT DOWN EXPENDITURE ON hEDICAL SERVICES,+ HE SAID.

DR LEUNG SAID THAT APART FROM ORGANISING ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS, SUCH AS THE HEALTH EDUCATION DAY, THE DISTRICT BOARD ALSO REFLECTED PUBLIC’S VIEWS ON DISTRICT MATTERS.

♦ TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT TO THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, RESIDENTS SHOULD TAKE PART IN NEXT YEAR’S ELECTIONS AND REGISTER THEMSELVES AS VOTERS,+ HE SAID. .

- 0 - -

SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1984

TWO DISTRICTS TO HOLD TREE PLANTING DAY ******

NORTH DISTRICT WILL HOLD ITS TREE PLANTING DAY TOMORROW (MONDAY) AND TUEN MUN DISTRICT ON FRIDAY (JUNE 1) TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT.

THE TWO PLANTING DAYS ARE ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE MEI FA (BEAUTIFICATION) PHASE OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG DRIVE.

COMMUNITY LEADERS AND STUDENTS IN NORTH DISTRICT WILL PLANT EVERGREENS AT AN OPEN SPACE ADJACENT TO THE FANLING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA TO MARK THE OCCASION TOMORROW.

OFFICIATING AT THE EVENT WILL BE THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF NORTH, MR IAN WOTHERSPOON ; THE PROJECT MANAGER OF TAI PO AND FANLING DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR ROBERT HANNA; THE CHAIRMAN OF TA KWU LING RURAL COMMITTEE, MR CHAN YAU-CHOI; THE CHAIRMAN OF SHA TAU KOK RURAL COMMITTEE ; MR YIP SHING; AND THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF NORTH, MR MA IU-KI.

THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT TREE PLANTING DAY ON FRIDAY WILL BE FELD AT THE TSING WAH SOCCER PITCH WHERE SCHOOL CHILDREN AND LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS WILL PLANT 30 EVERGREENS. -

THE CHAIRMAN OF HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU WONG-FAT; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR TSO SIU-WAI ; THE DISTRICT OFFICER CF TUEN MUN, MR RICKY FUNG; AND THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF TUEN MUN, MR CHAN CHAI-CHI, WILL JOINTLY OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER BOTH EVENTS.

THE NORTH DISTRICT TREE PLANTING DAY WILL BE HELD AT AN OPEN SPACE ADJACENT TO FANLING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT 2.30 PM.

THE TUEN MUN TREE PLANTING DAY WILL TAKE PLACE AT TSING WAH SOCCER PITCH IN TUEN MUN ON FRIDAY (JUNE 1) AT 2.30 PM.

- - 0 - -

SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1984

10 -

RECLAMATION AT SIU CHAI WAN * * *

AN AREA OF 20 HECTARES IS TO BE RECLAIMED FOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES AT SIU CHAI WAN ON HONG KONG ISLAND.

IT WILL BE FILLED BY MATERIAL EXCAVATED FROM THE NEARBY SLOPES OF POTTINGER PEAK WHICH WILL BE DEVELOPED AS A HOUSING ESTATE.

A PORTION OF THE RECLAIMED LAND WILL BE USED FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES.

THE PROJECT WILL ALSO INCLUDE CONSTRUCTING AN 800-METRE-L0NG SEAWALL.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

ALL OBJECTIONS AND CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION SHOULD BE IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.

THE NOTICE, TOGETHER WITH RELATED PLAN, HAS BEEN POSTED ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITE.

IT CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE (EASTERN), 884-886 KING’S ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG.

------0

NOTE TO EDITORS:

ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE DEMOLISHED

SEVENTEEN ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE REAR LANE OF NOS. 1-27 WANG ON STREET IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE DEMOLISHED ON TUESDAY (MAY 29).

THESE STRUCTURES ARE BEING USED FOR COMMERCIAL AND STORAGE PURPOSES.

THE OPERATION, CO-ORDINATED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, IS PART OF A SIX-MONTH CLEARANCE PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE DISTRICT.

STAFF FROM THE HOUSING, LANDS AND CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENTS AND THE POLICE WILL TAKE PART IN THE OPERATION, STARTING AT 10 AM

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER- THE OPERATION.

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

/11 ........

SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1984

- 11

FRESH WATER SUPPLY PLANNED FOR SOUTH LANTAU * * *

RESIDENTS OF SOUTH LANTAU WILL BE PROVIDED WITH TREATED WATER BY EARLY 1986 WHEN AN OVERALL WATER SUPPLY SCHEME FOR THE AREA IS COMPLETED.

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR PART OF THE PROJECT WHICH INVOLVES LAYING 7 5OO METRES OF WATER MAINS.

THESE MAINS, WITH DIAMETRES RANGING FROM 200 TO 400 MILLIMETRES, WILL BE LAID ALONG SOUTH LANTAU ROAD.

THEY WILL PIPE FRESH WATER FROM A TREATMENT PLANT TO BE BUILT ABOVE CHEUNG SHA TO VILLAGES BETWEEN PUI 0 AND SHUI HAU.

A CONTRACT FOR SUPPLYING EQUIPMENT FOR THE PLANT WAS AWARDED TWO MONTHS AGO AND PLANNING IS IN HAND FOR BUILDING IT.

TENDERS FOR PILING AND SUPERSTRUCTURE WORK WILL BE INVITED LATER THIS YEAR.

WORK ON THE MAINS LAYING CONTRACT WILL START IN AUGUST AND TAKE ABOUT ONE YEAR TO-COMPLETE.

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

SOCCER MATCHES FOR SUMMER VACATION M X X

A SERIES OF MINI-SOCCER COMPETITIONS WILL BE STAGED FOR YOUNG PLAYERS FROM JULY.

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE (RSS) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG MINIATURE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION AND THE KOWLOON MINIATURE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION, THE MATCHES WILL BE HELD AT FIVE DIFFERENT VENUES.

THESE VENUES AREs SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND AND VICTORIA PARK ON HONG KONG ISLAND, AND MACPHERSON STADIUM AND ARGYLE AND CHEUNG SHA WAN PLAYGROUNDS IN KOWLOON.

THE MATCHES WILL BE PLAYED BETWEEN 6 PM AND 9 PM, TUESDAYS TO FRIDAYS, FROM JULY 15 TILL SEPTEMBER.

MORE THAN 90 TEAMS OF 10 PLAYERS EACH ARE EXPECTED TO COMPETE.

AN RSS SPOKESMAN SAID THE AIM OF THE COMPETITIONS WAS ■ TO PROMOTE FOOTBALL AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE AND TO ENCOURAGE HEALTHY PURSUITS DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS.

THE ENTRY FEE IS $20 PER TEAM AND PLAYERS MUST BE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 14 AND 19.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE RSS HEAD OFFICE ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF WING ON CENTRE IN CENTRAL.

THOSE WHO HAVE ENQUIRIES MAY CALL 5-458511.

SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1984

12 -

NT SPORTS GROUNDS TO BE CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE

* * *

SEVEN SPORTS GROUNDS AND ONE STADIUM IN THE NEW TERRITORIES «Ilu BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED DURING THE SUMMER VACATION TO FACILITATE ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AND RENOVATION WORK.

THEIR SOCCER PITCHES HAVE BEEN HEAVILY USED BY LOCAL SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS AND SCHOOLS, AND NEED RE-TURFING.

THE FACILITIES WILL BE CLOSED FOR FOUR TO TEN WEEKS, DEPENDING ON THE CONDITION OF INDIVIDUAL PITCHES.

THE CLOSURE PERIODS ARE:

* TSUEN WAN SPORTS GROUND — JUNE 1 TO AUGUST 19.

* SHA TIN SPORTS GROUND -- JUNE 17 TO AUGUST 18.

* KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND — JUNE 17 TO AUGUST 30.

* FANLING RECREATION GROUND — JULY 1 TO AUGUST 31.

K YUEN LONG STADIUM — JULY 16 TO AUGUST 31.

* WO Yl HOP ROAD SPORTS GROUND — JULY 16 TO SEPTEMBER 33.

M SAI KUNG TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND — AUGUST 1 TO AUGUST 31

K TUEN MUN TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND — AUGUST 1 TO SEPTEMBER 30.

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

COOKED FOOD CENTRE AND OPEN SPACE AT MUI WO * * *

A COOKED FOOD CENTRE WILL BE BUILT AT MUI WO FERRY CONCOURSc ON LANTAU ISLAND.

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.

THE CENTRE WILL HAVE 20 COOKED FOOD STALLS, FIVE FRUIT STALLo, FIVE MINI-STALLS, AN OFFICE, A STOREROOM AND A SITTING-OUT AREA.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN AUGUST AND BE COMPLETED IN JUNE NEXT YEAR.

MEANWHILE, THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE IS ALSO INVITING TENDERS TO CONSTRUCT OPEN SPACES AT FIVE SITES IN THE SAME LOCATION WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 1.1 HECTARES.

THEY WILL INCLUDE A REST GARDEN WHICH i* ILL CONTAIN TWO STONES OF THE SUNG DYNASTY FOUND AT MUI WO, AMENITY PLANTING AND A SITTING-OUT AREA.

WORK WILL START IN AUGUST AND FINISH IN FOUR MONTHS.

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

/13......

SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1984

- 13 -

VICTORIA PARK ROAD WORKS * * *

FROM TUESDAY (MAY 29) TO SATURDAY VICTORIA cdam rnnn STREET TO THE WORLD TRADE CEN 1 Ht w ill FOR ROAD RESURFACING WORK BETWEEN 0.30 AM AND 6

PARK ROAD WESTBOUND BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC AM.

OUTSIDE WORLD TRADE CENTRE.

- 0 - -

CENTRAL WATER LEAKAGE TESTS * * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREM'SES IN CENTRAL WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 30) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY SHING WONG STREET, HOLLYWOOD ROAD, LADDER STREET AND CIRCULAR PATHWAY.

0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

MONDAY, MAY 28, 1984

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

STRONG UPSURGE OF EXPORTS ...................................... 1

GOVERNOR LEAVING FOR PIKING .................................... 4

SHIPPING AND PORT STATISTICS FOR FOURTH QUARTER................. 4

STRAY DOG WAS RABID ............................................ 5

HOW TO APPLY TO UK UNIVERSITIES ................................ 6

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR RECREATION FUNDS ...................... 7

MORE NEW BLOCKS FOR TWO PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES ................. 7

SEMINAR FOR DB MEMBERS ......................................... 8

SALT WATER MAIN TO SERVE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL ..................... 9

NEK GPO INQUIRY NUMBERS......................................... 9

VEHICLE SERVICING FACILITIES FOR UC DEPOT ...................... 9

COOKED FOOD LkRKET CONTRACT AWARDED............................ 10

URBaN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS ................................... 10

KING’S ROAD RESURFACING WORK................................... 10

WATER FIGURES ................................................. 11

FIRING PRACTICE WARNING ....................................... 11

URBAN COUNCILLORS SPEAK V/ITH HA»/KERS......................... 12

MONDAY, MAY 28, 1984

1 -

STRONG UPSURGE OF EXPORTS

*****

THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR ROSE BY 50 PER CENT OR $20 814 MILLION OVER THE SIMILAR PERIOD LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE EXPANSION COMPRISED A 47 PER CENT INCREASE OR $12 324 MILLION FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND A 55 PER CENT INCREASE OR $8 490 MILLION FOR RE-EXPORTS.

THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, ON THE OTHER HAND, WAS 41 PER CENT OR $19 645 MILLION HIGHER, NARROWING THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1984 TO SEVEN PER CENT, FROM 13 PER CENT IN THE SAME PERIOD OF 1983.

COMPARING THE 12-MONTH PERIOD TO APRIL 1984 WITH THE 12 MONTHPERIOD TO APRIL 1983, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE INCREASES IN VALUE WERE 37 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND 43 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS, MAKING AN INCREASE OF 39 PER CENT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS.

IMPORTS FOR THE PERIOD WERE UP 35 PER CENT.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS LAST MONTH TOTALLED $10 449 MILLION, UP 37 PER CENT OR $2 837 MILLION OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST. YEAR, THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES SHOW.

RE-EXPORTS ALSO INCREASED, BY 46 PER CENT OR $1 919 MILLION, TO $6 090 MILLION.

THESE RAISED TOTAL EXPORTS TO $16 539 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 40 PER CENT OR $4 756 MILLION OVER THE YEAR-EARLIER LEVEL.

IMPORTS REACHED $18 529 MILLION LAST MONTH, UP 37 PER CENT OR 54 996 MILLION OVER APRIL 1983. GIVING A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $1 990 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $1 750 MILLION A YEAR EARLIER.

BUT THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED AT A FASTER RATE THAN THAT OF IMPORTS, THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP WAS 11 PER CENT IN APRIL 1984, DOWN FROM 13 PER CENT IN APR IL 1983.

THE FOLLOWING TABLE GIVES THE PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR APRIL 1984:

/TBADX FIGURES.......

MONDAY, MAY 28, 1984

2 -

TRADE FIGURES FOR APR IL, 1984

B THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT I i FOLLOWING PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE F HAS RELEASED THE IGURES FOR APRIL I-

B MERCHANDISE! DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE r $10 ! $ 6 i $16 ! $18 : $ 1 449 MILLION 090 MILLION 539 MILLION 529 MILLION 990 MILLION (IN DEF IC IT)

| COMPARATIVE FIGURES

r LATEST 3 MONTHS FEBRUARY-APRIL ■ 1984 FEBRUARY-APRIL INCREASE OR 1983 DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

B DOMESTIC EXPORTS 27 774 19 802 + 7 972 + 40.3

B RE-EXPORTS 17 836 11 604 + 6 232 + 53.7

B TOTAL EXPORTS ■ IMPORTS ■ IMPORTS 45 610 51 414 31 36 406 131 +14 204 + 45.2 +15 283 + 42.3

B TRADE BALANCE 5 804 - 4 725 - 1 079

B SAME MONTH ■ LAST YEAR APR IL 1984 APR IL 1983 INCREASE OR DECREASE

$ MN. S MN. $ MN. %

B DOMESTIC EXPORTS ■ (% OF TOTAL ■ EXPORTS) 10 449 (63.2%) 7 612 (64.6%) ♦ 2 837 + 37.3

B RE-EXPORTS 6 090 4 171 + 1 919 * 46.0

B TOTAL EXPORTS 16 539 11 783 + 4 756 +40.4

L 1 IMPORTS 18 529 13 533 + 4 996 + 36.9

B TRADE BALANCE - 1 990 - 1 750 240

/UST MONTH

1 - 3 - 1KNDAY MAY 28, 1964

APRIL MARCH INCREASE OR

LAST MONTH 1984 1984 DECREASE

$ MN. S MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC- 10 449 10 503 54-0.5

EXPORTS (63.2%) (61.2%)

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS)

RE-EXPORTS 6 090 6 653 563 - 8.5

TOTAL EXPORTS 16 539 17 156 617 - 3.6

IMPORTS 18 529 18 144 + 385 +2.1

TRADE BALANCE -1 990 988 1 002

JANUARY-APRIL JANUARY-APR IL INCREASE OR

CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE 1984 1983 DECREASE |

ft MN. 38 565 $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 26 241 + 12 324 + 47.0

(% OF TOTAL (61.8%) (63.1%)

EXPORTS) —

RE-EXPORTS 23 812 15 322 + 8 490 + 55.4

TOTAL EXPORTS 62 377 41 563 * 20 814 +50.1

IMPORTS 67 313 47 668 + 19 645 +41.2

TRADE BALANCE - 4 936 - 6 105 + 1 169

MAY 1983 MAY 1982 INCREASE OR

TO TO

LAST 12 MONTHS APRIL 1984 APRIL 1983 DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. % 1

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 116 729 85 232 ♦ 31 497 +37.0

RE-EXPORTS 64 784 45 461 + 19 323 +42.5

TOTAL EXPORTS 181 513 130 693 + 50 820 + 38.9

IMPORTS 195 087 144 850 + 50 237 + 34.7

TRADE BALANCE - 13 574 • - 14 157 + 583 1

o - - • * /4 I

MONDAY, MAY 28, 1984

- 4 -

NOTE TO EDITORS:

GOVERNOR LEAVING FOR PEKING * * * X

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE WILL LEAVE FOR PEKING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO TAKE PART IN ANOTHER ROUND OF SINO-BRITISH TALKS ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.

SIR EDWARD WILL BE TRAVELLING ON FLIGHT CA 106, ETD 1.50 PM.

A FACILITY HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S DEPARTURE. THOSE ASSIGNED TO COVER THE EVENT SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN THE AIRPORT PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM BY 12.30 PM.

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

SHIPPING AND PORT STATISTICS FOR FOURTH QUARTER * # * *

IN THE FOURTH QUARTER'OF 1983, 2 922 SHIPS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 17 534 THOUSAND NRT (NET REGISTERED TONNAGE) ARRIVED IN HONG KONG, ACCORDING TO FIGURES PREPARED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

OF THESE, 21 PER CENT SET OUT FROM CHINA, AND 32 PER CENT WERE OF PANAMANIAN FLAG AND 70 PER CENT WERE LINERS.

ABOUT HALF OF THE CARGO DISCHARGED IN HONG KONG WAS CARRIED BY SHIPS COMING FROM JAPAN, CHINA AND SINGAPORE. SOME 39 PER CENT OF THE CARGO WAS DISCHARGED FROM TRAMPS AND 26 PER CENT FROM CONFERENCE LINERS. DRY BULK CARRIERS CARRIED 27 PER CENT OF THE CARGO DISCHARGED IN HONG KONG, AND CONTAINER VESSELS CARRIED 25 PER CENT.

IN THE SAME PERIOD, 2 922 SHIPS DEPARTED WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 17 641 THOUSAND NRT. OF THESE, 20 PER CENT LEFT FOR CHINA AND 19 PER CENT LEFT FOR TAIWAN.

SOME 17 PER CENT OF THE CARGO LOADED IN HONG KONG WAS CARRIED BY SHIPS DEPARTING FOR TAI, AN, AND A SIMILAR PERCENTAGE FOR THE UNITED STATES.

AS REGARDS TYPE OF SHIPPING SERVICE, ABOUT 92 PER CENT OF THE CARGO LOADED IN HONG KONG WAS CARRIED BY LINERS, WHILE BY TYPE OF SHIP, 67 PER CENT WAS CARRIED BY CONTAINER SHIPS. ABOUT 54 PER CENT OF THE DEPARTING VESSELS HAD STAYED IN HONG KONG FOR LESS THAN 36 H0UP« '

/IN TEENS .......

MONDAY, MAY 28, 1984

5 -

IN TERMS OF GROSS WEIGHT, 91 PER CENT OF THE INWARD SEABORNE CARGO WAS SEABORNE IMPORTS, AND 9 PER CENT WAS FOR TRANSHIPMENT. FOR OUTWARD SHIPMENTS, THE PERCENTAGES WERE 65 PER CENT AND 35 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF LOADING FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS WERE JAPAN (23 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (18 PER CENT) AND CHINA (15 PER CENT), AND THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DISCHARGE FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS wERE U.S.A. (20 PER CENT), TAIWAN (14 PER CENT) AND CHINA (9 PER CENT). TRANSHIPMENT CARGOES WERE MAINLY LOADED FROM CHINA (36 PER CENT) AND THE U.S.A. (23 PER CENT), FOR TRANSHIPMENT TO THE U.S.A. (16 PER CENT), PHILIPPINES (8 PER CENT) AND OTHER ASIAN COUNTRIES.

THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG BY SEA WERE PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS (24 PER CENT IN TERMS OF GROSS WEIGHT), COAL, COKE AND BRIQUETTES (16 PER CENT), MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURES OF METAL AND NON-METALLIC MINERALS (INCLUDING CEMENT AND CEMENT CLINKER) (14 PER CENT).

SEABORNE EXPORTS OF HONG KONG WERE MORE DIVERSIFIED, THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES BEING CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS (15 PER CENT), METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (7 PER CENT) AS WELL AS PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS (7 PER CENT). «

THESE STATISTICS ARE COMPILED PRIMARILY FROM GENERAL DECLARATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE MARINE DEPARTMENT BY SHIP MASTERS OR AUTHORISED SHIPPING AGENTS, AND FROM CARGO MANIFESTS SuPPL Itu BY SHIPPING COMPANIES OR AGENTS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE SHIPPING STATISTICS COVER OCEAN-GOING VESSELS ENTERING AND LEAVING HONG KONG, EXCLUDING YACHTS AND PLEASURE CRAFT, ON A FULL ENUMERATION BASIS. HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF kESOURCc CONSTRAINTS, A 20 PER CENT SAMPLE OF ALL CONSIGNMENTS LISTED 11\ THE MANIFESTS WAS USED FOR COMPILING PORT AND CARGO STATISTIC^ IN 1983.

MORE DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE +HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS* QUARTERLY REPORT FOR OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 1983, ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $12 PER COPY.

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

STRAY DOG WAS RABID

* 4 *

A STRAY DOG WHICH WAS KILLED BY VILLAGERS AFTER A FIGHT WITH FOUR OTHER DOGS LAST WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN TONG FONG TSUEN HAU, NEAR THE BORDER FENCE AT TA KWU LING, HAS BEEN CONFIRMED TO BE RABID.

NO PERSON IS REPORTED TQ HAVE BEEN BITTEN BY THE RABID DOG.

THE FOUR OTHER DOGS WERE LATER SURRENDERED BY THEIR OWNERS TO THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT FOR OBSERVATION.

ALL OTHER DOGS IN THE AREA HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ANTI-RABIES VACCINATION RECORDS, AND GIVEN BOOSTER SHOTS WHERE NEEDED.

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

/6......

MONDAY, MAY 28, ’

HOW TO APPLY TO UK UNIVERSITIES

M M M M

APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO BRITISH UNIVERSITIES SHOULD BE MADE ONE YEAR IN ADVANCE THROUGH THE UNIVERSITY CENTRAL COUNCIL ON ADMISSION (UCCA), THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REMINDED STUDENTS TODAY (MONDAY).

BUT IN THE CASE OF OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE, APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE MADE ONE YEAR AND THREE MONTHS IN ADVANCE, AND STUDENTS MUST SUBMIT A PRELIMINARY APPLICATION DIRECT TO THE UNIVERSITY, IN ADDITION TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION THROUGH UCCA BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1 AND OCTOBER 15 FOR THE CURRENT YEAR.

UCCA APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT ROOM 1522, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, FROM MID-AUGUST EACH YEAR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS MUST REACH THE SECRETARY, UNIVERSITIES CENTRAL COUNCIL ON ADMISSION, P.O. BOX 28, CHELTENHAM GLOS., G.L. 50 1HY, U.K., BEFORE DECEMBER 15 FOR THE CURRENT YEAR.

A STUDENT MAY APPLY TO BOTH OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE ON THE UCCA FORM. THOSE WISHING TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO OXFORD SHOULD OBTAIN AN OXFORD ENTRANCE FORM FROM THE OXFORD COLLEGES ADMISSIONS OFFICE, UNIVERSITY OFFICES, WELLINGTON SQUARE, OXFORD 0X1 2JD.

STUDENTS SEEKING ENTRY TO THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE SHOULD OBTAIN A CAMBRIDGE PRELIMINARY APPLICATION FORM FROM THE ADMISSION SECRETARY OF ANY COLLEGES OF THE UNIVERSITY, OR FROM THE CAMBRIDGE INTER-COLLEGIATE APPLICATIONS OFFICE, AT KELLET LODGE, TENNIS COURT ROAD, CAMBRIDGE CB2 1QJ.

COMPLETED PRELIMINARY APPLICATION FORMS TO OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE UNIVERSITY CONCERNED BEFORE THE END OF AUGUST.

THE GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY TO A BRITISH UNIVERSITY ARE FIVE PASSES, INCLUDING TWO AT G.C.E. ’A’ LEVEL AND THREE AT G.C.E. ’0* LEVEL, OR THE EQUIVALENT, AND SHOULD NORMALLY INCLUDE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, AND IN CERTAIN CASES A SECOND LANGUAGE AND MATHEMATICS OR A SCIENCE.

+STUDENTS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THE GENERAL AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS MAY VARY FROM COURSE TO COURSE AND FROM UNIVERSITY TO UNIVERSITY.

+BEFORE COMPLETING THE UCCA FORM, IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR STUDENTS TO CONSULT THE CURRENT ISSUE OF THE COMPENDIUM OF UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS WHICH GIVES DETAILS OF THE GENERAL AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION CONCERNING EACH UNIVERSITY,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ON SCHOLARSHIPS, THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED STUDENTS TO REFER TO UNIVERSITY PROSPECTUSES, AND IF NECESSARY, TO WRITE TO INDIVIDUAL UNIVERSITIES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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

/7 .....

MONDAY, MAY 28, 1984

- 7 -

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR RECREATION FUNDS

XXX

FORTY-SEVEN CHARITABLE AND NON-PROFIT MAKING ORGANISATIONS HAVE SUCCESSFULLY APPLIED FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT.

THEY WILL RECEIVE A TOTAL OF MORE THAN $1 MILLION.

A SUM OF $2.5 MILLION HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR ALLOCATION IN 1984-85 FINANCIAL YEAR.

THE FUND, ADMINISTERED BY THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, IS FOR THE PURCHASE OF SPORTS OR RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT RANGING FROM CANOES AND CHINESE BILLIARD TABLES TO CAMPING GEAR.

A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN REMINDED ORGANISATIONS WHICH WISH TO APPLY TO THE FUND TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS EARLY.

HE SAID THAT PREFERENCE WOULD BE GIVEN TO NEW PROJECTS AND TO NEW AGENCIES WHICH HAVE DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING GOVERNMENT SUBVENTIONS OR ASSISTANCE FROM OTHER SOURCES.

APPLICATIONS FROM VILLAGE OFFICES, RURAL COMMITTEES, RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS INCORPORATIO\q AND ORGANISATIONS OF SIMILAR NATURE SHOULD BE SENT TO THEIR DISTRICT OFFICES.

ALL OTHER APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT AT 1OTH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, THE VARIOUS OFFICES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE AND THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT.

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

MORE NEW BLOCKS FOR TWO PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES

* * X X

REDEVELOPMENT OF TWO OLDER PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN CENTRAL KOWLOON IS TO ADVANCE FURTHER UNDER TWO NEWLY-APPROVED TENDERS TOTALLING $22.3 MILLION.

PILING AND CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL SOON BEGIN ON MORE NEW BLOCKS AND FACILITIES AT TUNG TAU AND TAI HANG TUNG ESTATES, TO IMPROVE The LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND RELIEVE OVERCROWDING.

THE FIRST TENDER, WORTH $18.9 MILLION, IS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ONE 26-STOREY SINGLE-H BLOCK AND A TEMPORARY MARKET AT TUNG TAU ESTATE.

WHEN COMPLETED IN EARLY 1986, THE BLOCK WILL PROVIDE 366 FLATS FOR 1 680 PEOPLE, AS WELL AS SOCIAL AND WELFARE FACILITIES ON THE GROUND AND FIRST FLOORS.

/ALEEJLDY two.....

MONDAY, MAY 28, 1984

ALREADY TWO NEW BLOCKS HAVE BEEN BUILT AND ANOTHER TWO ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN THE PREVIOUS PHASES OF REDEVELOPMENT FOR THE ESTATE.

AT TAI HANG TUNG ESTATE, PILING WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT UNDER A S3.4 MILLION TENDER FOR THREE RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS OF THE NEWLY-DESIGNED LINEAR TYPE, PLUS ASSOCIATED FOOTBRIDGES.

the three blocks will house some 2 100 people in 420 flats ON COMPLETION BY EARLY 1986.

IN TAI HANG TUNG ESTATE, ONE NEW BLOCK HAS ALREADY BEEN BUILT AND THREE OLD BLOCKS HAVE BEEN CONVERTED INTO LARGER LIVING UNITS WITH SELF-CONTAINED FACILITIES.

THE TENDERS WERE APPROVED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S BUILDING COMMITTEE AT ITS LAST MEETING.

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

SEMINAR FOR DB MEMBERS ' * * * *

A SEMINAR IS BEING ORGANISED TO GIVE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AN INSIGHT INTO THEIR ROLE" AS COMMUNITY LEADERS AS WELL AS INTO THE GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE AND PROCEDURES.

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING CENTRE, THE SEMINAR ON +GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY LEADER* WILL BE HELD IN THE AFTERNOONS ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 3D) AND THURSDAY (MAY 31) AT THE HILLTOP COUNTRY CLUB IN TSUEN WAN.

THE SEMINAR, TO BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE, ALSO AIMS AT SHOWING THE DB MEMBERS HOW TO MAKE BETTER USE OF VARIOUS COMMUNICATION CHANNELS.

IT WILL FEATURE A FILM SHOW ON HOW TO RUN A SUCCESSFUL MEETING, TALKS BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS.

THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, MR ADOLF HSU, WILL SPEAK AT THE OPENING CEREMONY ON WEDNESDAY, AND THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR IAN MACPHERSON, WILL SPEAK AT THE END OF THE SEMINAR ON THURSDAY.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER BOTH THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SEMINAR AT 2 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 30) AND THE CLOSING CEREMONY AT 5 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 31) AT THE HILLTOP COUNTRY CLUB, HILLTOP ROAD, LO WAI, TSUEN WAN.

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

/9 .....

MONDAY, MAY 28, 1984

SALT WATER MAIN TO SERVE TUEN MUN K X K

HOSPITAL

WORK ON LAYING A SALT WATER MAIN TUEN MUN HOSPITAL WILL START IN JULY.

BETWEEN

PUI TO ROAD AND

THE 600 MILLIMETRE DIAMETER MAIN

WILL BE

ABOUT ONE-AND-A-HALF

4.5 KILOMETRE LONG MAINS

KILOMETRES LONG. IT WILL COMPLETE THE

SYSTEM TAKING SEA WATER FROM THE PUMPING STATION ON THE FACE OF

THE NEW TYPHOON SHELTER BREAKWATER TO THE HOSPITAL, FOR AIR CONDITIONING PURPOSES.

THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WHICH WILL TAKE 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE 1 600-BED TUEN MUN HOSPITAL WILL BE SITUATED NEAR CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL.

WHEN COMPLETED

IT WILL BECOME A REGIONAL HOSPITAL, SERVING

THE GROWING POPULATION OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN NORTH-WESTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

AS WELL AS THE

- - 0 - -

NEW GPO ENQUIRY NUMBERS * * *

THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FROM FRIDAY THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR GENERAL ENQUJRJES ABOUT TELECOMMUNICATIONS

SERVICES WILL BE CHANGED TO

(JUNE 1), POSTAL AND

NEW NUMBERS FROM

JUNE 1

POSTAL (GENERAL)

5-231071-2

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

(GENERAL)

5-225021

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

(LICENSING)

5-236093

- - 0 - -

VEHICLE SERVICING FACILITIES FOR UC DEPOT * * *

THE URBAN COUNCIL DEPOT AT SAI YEE STREET, MONG KOK, IS TO Bl PROVIDED WITH ITS OWN VEHICLE SERVICING FACILITIES.

THIS WOULD INVOLVE CONSTRUCTING A SINGLE-STOREY EXTENSION TO THE COMPOUND OF THE EXISTING DEPOT BUILDING TO PROVIDE TWO REPAIR BAYS, THREE SERVICING PITS, BATTERY ROOM, TYRE REPAIR WORKSHOP AND OFFICE.

/THE DEPOT

hCKDAY, MAY 28, 1984

- 10 -

THE DEPOT WILL THEN BE CAPABLE OF MAINTAINING THE URBAN COUNCIL’S FLEET OF SERVICE VEHICLES OPERATING IN KOWLOON, THEREBY REDUCING THE TIME TAKEN ON MINOR SERVICING.

TENDERS FOR THE WORK, WHICH WILL START IN JULY AND TAKE ONE YEAR ™ COMPLETE, ARE BEING CALLED BY ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

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

COOKED FOOD MARKET CONTRACT AWARDED

*****

WORK WILL START SHORTLY ON BUILDING A PERMANENT COOKED FOOD MARKET AT KIN YIP STREET, YUEN LONG, WHICH WILL BE READY BY NEXT FEBRUARY.

A CONTRACT FOR THAT, VALUED AT JUST UNDER Si.72 MILLION, HAS BEEN AWARDED BY THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO SUI CHONG CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED.

FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE 12 COOKED FOOD STALLS, TWO FRUIT STALLS, AN OFFICE, TOILET AND STOREROOMS.

THE MARKET WILL ACCOMMODATE COOKED FOOD HAWKERS NOW TRADING AT THE SIDE OF HOP YICK PRIVATE MARKET IN YAU SAN STREET AND AT THE HONG CHONG TEMPORARY BAZAAR.

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

URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS ill

PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH FUNG TAK ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 100 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

WITHIN THE ROAD SECTION, NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DAILY.

FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 30), VEHICLES ON TIN CHIU STREET SOUTHBOUND WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING LEFT INTO KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND.

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

KING’S ROAD RESURFACING WORK

* * *

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES WILL BE IN FORCE IN NORTH POINT FROM WEDNESDAY (MAY 30) TO SATURDAY (JUNE 2) FOR ROAD RESURFACING WORK AT KING’S ROAD.

THE MEASURES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 10.30 PM UNTIL 6 AM EACH DAY AS FOLLOWS:

/* THE EASTBOUND.....

MONDAY, MAY 28, 1984

THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KING’S ROAD BETWEEN SHU KUK STREET AND TIN CHIU STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.

EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON KING’S ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SHU KUK STREET AND JAVA ROAD.

THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TIN CHIU STREET BETWEEN MARBLE ROAD AND KING’S ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.

- - 0 - -

WATER FIGURES * * * #

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 68.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 401.561 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 477.472 OF WATER, REPRESENTING 81.5 PER CENT

MILLION CUBIC METRES CF CAPACITY.

FIRING PRACTICE RANGE FOR SEVEN DAYS

- - 0 -

FIRING PRACTICE WARNING * * *

WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK NEXT MONTH (JUNE).

THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING.

THE

JUNE

DATES AND TIMES OF THE PRACTICE ARE:

DATE

TIME

(TUESDAY)

(THURSDAY)

(FR IDAY) (TUESDAY) (WEDNESDAY)

. (TUESDAY) (FRIDAY)

- 5

AM - 11 PM

- o - -

MONDAY, MAY 29, 1984*

- 12 -

URBAN COUNCILLORS SPEAK WITH HAWKERS * X X X

MEMBERS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL’S WORKING PARTY ON HAWKING TODAY SPOKE TO BOTH LICENSED AND UNLICENSED HAWKERS WHEN THEY C DUCTED THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF SITE VISITS TO MARKETS AND BAZAARS TO UPDATE THEMSELVES ON THE HAWKING SITUATION.

THE WORKING PARTY WAS RECENTLY SET UP TO LOOK INTO AND RECOMMEND CHANGES TO THE COUNCIL’S POLICY ON THE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF HAWKERS.

THE PARTY IS CHAIRED BY MRS ELSIE ELLIOTT, WHO LED TODAY’S INSPECTION. OTHER MEMBERS OF THE GROUP INCLUDED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MARKETS AND STREET TRADERS SELECT COMMITTEE, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG, AND COUNCILLORS MISS CECILIA YEUNG, MR STEPHEN LAU, MR TONG KAM-BIU AND MR WALTER SULKE. THEY WERE ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF CITY SERVICES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, AND OTHER SENIOR STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT.

THE PARTY FIRST WENT TO SHAM SHUI PO MARKET AND THE NEARBY HAWKER AREAS WHERE THEY TALKED WITH STALL LESSEES AND LICENSED AND UNLICENSED HAWKERS IN A BlD TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF THEIR OPERATIONS, THE DIFFICULTIES THEY ENCOUNTER AND THE PROBLEMS THEY CREATE CONCERNING ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND TRAFFIC FLOW. HAWKERS WERE ALSO ASKED HOW MUCH THEY MADE PER DAY. BUT MAINLY GAVE ONLY THEIR TURNOVER FIGURES, NOT THEIR PROFIT.

FROM THERE THE PARTY WENT TO TAI SHING STREET TEMPORARY MARKET AND THE WONG TAI SIN MARKET WHERE THEY WERE BRIEFED ON THE OVERALL SITUATION AND THE PARTICULAR PROBLEMS INVOLVED. AGAIN, MEMBERS SPOKE FREELY TO HAWKERS TO FIND OUT THEIR VIEWS.

LAST MONTH, THE WORKING PARTY HELD ITS FIRST MEETING AND DECIDED THAT URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS SHOULD BE CONSULTED ON THE HAWKER PROBLEM.

A PAPER OUTLINING THE CURRENT HAWKER POLICY HAS BEEN SENT TO ALL URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS FOR ANY COMMENTS AND OTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE WORKING PARTY.

THE WORKING PARTY WILL MAKE PERIODIC REPORTS ON ITS PROGRESS TO THE MARKETS AND STREET TRADERS SELECT COMMITTEE.

ffi

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1984

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CLARITY AND DETAIL ESSENTIAL TO CONFIDENCE — SIR JOHN ............ 1

•FUTURE OF HONG KONG’ TO BE RAISED IN LEGCO ...................... 2

MONETARY STATISTICS FOR APRIL 1984 ............................... 5

GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR PEKING ....................................... 6

PUBLICITY IMPORTANT TO LAW-ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS................... 6

U.S. RESCINDS +CALL+ ON CATEGORY 4J3 ............................. 7

SYMPATHY FOR BURNS VICTIM ........................................ 8

NEW WORKSHOP AND HOSPITAL EXTENSION AT STANLEY PRISON ............ 9

VARIETY SHOW TO HELP FIGHT CRIME................................. 10

FROM JUNK TO ART AND CRAFT ...................................... 10

COMMUNITY WORKERS GET AWARDS .................................... 11

PROTECTED MONKEYS SENT TO CHINA ................................. 12

FILTRATION PLANT FOR SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX ...................... 12

REST GARDEN FOR YAU TONG ........................................ 1?

NUISANCE BIKE-FOR-HIRE STALLS CLEARED............................ 1?

URBAN CLEARWAY AT PIER ROAD...................................... 13

TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1984

1 -

CLARITY AND DETAIL ESSENTIAL TO CONFIDENCE — SIR JOHN * * * *

THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE NEEDS CLARITY AND DETAIL TO GIVE CONFIDENCE LOCALLY AND ABROAD, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY), IN AN ADDRESS AT THE CABLE AND WIRELESS DINNER.

THE BEST METHOD OF ENSURING HONG KONG’S FUTURE SUCCESS, SIR JOHN SAID, IS THROUGH A BINDING INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT IN WHICH ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE TERRITORY’S CONTINUING PROSPERITY AND STABILITY, BASED ON A SUBSTANTIAL AUTONOMY, WOULD BE FORMALLY RECORDED.

♦ WE ARE LOOKING FOR THE CLARITY AND THE DETAIL WHICH IS ESSENTIAL TO GIVE CONFIDENCE TO ALL THOSE AFFECTED BY THE AGREEMENT, IN HONG KONG AND ELSEWHERE.

♦ IF SUCH AN AGREEMENT CAN BE ACHIEVED, THEN I AM SURE THAT THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG AS A WHOLE AND HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS WILL SHARE THE CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE AND DETERMINATION TO INVEST IN IT,+ SIR JOHN SAID.

HE FORECAST THAT IN 10 YEARS’ TIME, HONG KONG’S PER CAPITA GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT ♦COULD WITH A BIT OF LUCK BE OF THE SAME ORDER AS THAT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM+.

♦ THIS WOULD BE REMARKABLE, GIVEN THAT OUR FINE HARBOUR IS OUR ONLY NATURAL RESOURCE,+ SIR JOHN SAID.

HE DESCRIBED HONG KONG’S ECONOMY AS BEING ♦IN GREAT FORM+ AT PRESENT, WITH A REAL-TERM INCREASE OF 30 PER CENT IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS.

BUT HE POINTED TO TWO PROBLEM AREASi

* INVESTMENT IS NOT AS PRONOUNCED AS WOULD NORMALLY BE EXPECTED, THOUGH HE IS MORE OPTIMISTIC NOW AS THE RESULT OF RECENT SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT.

* HONG KONG’S INFLATION RATE IS STILL HIGH THOUGH IT IS NOW FALLING FAST SO THAT HE SEES HIS EARLIER FORECAST OF A SEVEN PER CENT LEVEL BY THE END OF THE YEAR AS BEING ACHIEVABLE.

SIR JOHN EMPHASISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO MAINTAIN ITS RELIANCE ON MARKET FORCES AND THE IMPERATIVES OF INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM AND ENTERPRISE.

/THE GOVERNMENT........

TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1984

THE GOVERNMENT ALSO INTENDS TO MAINTAIN ITS LOW TAXATION APPROACH, ITS +VERY CONSIDERABLE AND GROWING* HARD CURRENCY RESERVES AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF A STABLE CURRENCY, ITS FLEXIBILITY TO HANDLE UNFORESEEABLE SITUATIONS AS THEY ARISE, AND ITS SOCIAL PROGRAMMES AND CARE FOR THE DISADVANTAGED, SIR JOHN SA ID.

BEARING IN MIND THAT TRADE REPRESENTS 163 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S GDP, SIR JOHN STRESSED IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S FINANCIAL POLICIES SHOULD REMAIN CONSERVATIVE, NOT LEAST WITH REGARD TO BORROWING AND BUDGETARY DEFICITS.

♦HAVING ABSORBED THE DROP IN LAND SALES REVENUE, IT IS MY AIM TO RETURN TO BALANCED BUDGETS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE — BUT BY A PROCESS OF PLANNED ADJUSTMENT RATHER THAN SAVAGE SPENDING CUTS. WE ARE WELL ON THE WAY,+ HE SAID.

NOTING THAT CABLE AND WIRELESS HAD MADE MAJOR INVESTMENTS IN THIS REGION, SIR JOHN SAID, +NO ONE CAN FAIL TO SHUDDER AT THE PACE AT WHICH THE COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION INDUSTRY IS MOVING AT PRESENT.

♦WHAT YOU AND YOUR REVITALISED COMPANY HAVE SO FAR ACHIEVED IS REMARKABLE — AND THANK GOODNESS WITHOUT ASKING ME FOR MONEY.*

- - 0 - -

’FUTURE OF HONG KONG’ TO BE RAISED IN LEGCO

*****

AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON T.S. LO, WILL RAISE THE MATTER OF +THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG+, IN AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW.

HE WILL BE ONE OF THE THREE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS EXPECTED TO SPEAK ON THE SUBJECT. THE OTHERS ARE THE HON LYDIA DUNN AND THE HON PAULINE NG.

A REPLY WILL BE MADE BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS.

TOMORROW’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING WILL ALSO DEAL WITH 11 BILLS. FIVE OF THEM ARE DUE FOR COMMITTEE STAGE AND FINAL READINGS AFTER RESUMPTION OF DEBATE, AND THE REST ARE TO BE INTRODUCED AND READ A SECOND TIME.

THERE WILL ALSO BE 11 QUESTIONS BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ON A WIDE VARIETY OF MATTERS, INCLUDING THE PROMOTION AND STRENGTHENING * OF POLITICAL AWARENESS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN, THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FISHERIES INDUSTRY AND MARICULTURE, FILMING ON LOCATION IN THE STREETS OF HONG KONG, THE SUICIDE RATE AMONG ELDERLY PEOPLE, THE LOCAL STOCK OF OIL AND COAL + IN VIEW OF THE GULF CRISIS*, AND THE SIZE OF ON-STREET METERED PARKING SPACES.

/DUE FOR

DUE FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS ARE :

DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL THE VALUE OF DUTIABLE GOODS;

TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1984

1984, TO ASCERTAIN

DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) (NO.

2) BILL 1984,

REDUCING THE MINIMUM REQUIRED STRENGTH OF WHISKY AND RUM FROM 43 PER CENT TO 42 PER CENT OF ETHYL ALCOHOL BY VOLUME;

INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, TO INCREASE THE STANDARD RATE OF TAX FROM 15 PER CENT TO 17 PER CENT AND THE RATE OF PROFITS TAX PAYABLE BY CORPORATIONS

TO 18 1/2 PER CENT;

FROM 16 1/2 PER CENT

EVIDENCE (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE IN SEVERAL THE ADMISSIBILITY IN IN RECORDS;

BILL 1984, WHICH AMENDS THE EXISTING

ASPECTS, MAINLY WITH CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS

REGARD TO OF EVIDENCE

THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS WHICH IS TO ESTABLISH AND INCORPORATE THE

BILL 1984, ACADEMY; AND

FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1984, MAKING AMENDMENTS TO REFLECT THE NEW LEGISLATION TO BE IMPLEMENTED LATER THIS YEAR.

THE FOLLOWING BILLS ARE DUE FOR THEIR COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READINGS:

STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1984;

MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984;

IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1984;

BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984;

EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1984

- - 0 -

MONETARY STATISTICS FOR APRIL 1984 * * * *

HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH THE MONETARY SECTOR FELL IN APRIL 1984, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY.

BY CONTRAST, FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY. 'PART OF THIS SWITCH REFLECTED A REPORTED INCREASE IN POPULARITY OF FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS DURING THE MONTH, AS HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY MARKET INTEREST RATES, ON WHICH INTEREST PAID ON THESE SWAP DEPOSITS WAS BASED, FIRMED.

/THE MONTH

TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1984

THE MONTH ALSO COVERED A PERIOD OF SOME ANXIETY IN LOCAL FINANCIAL MARKETS WHICH, COUPLED WITH THE GLOBAL STRENGTH OF THE US DOLLAR, ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO THE SWITCH.

REFLECTING THIS CHANGE, HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS FELL. FOR THE TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY ONLY THE BROADEST DEFINITION, M3, SHOWED SOME INCREASE.

LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG CONTINUED TO RISE SHARPLY BUT OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG CONTRACTED SLIGHTLY IN APRIL.

(A STATISTICAL TABLE IS BEING ISSUED BY FACSIMILE AND BOXED FOR COLLECTION. THE TABLE SETS OUT SUMMARY FIGURES FOR APRIL 1984 AND COMPARISONS WITH EARLIER MONTHS.)

DEPOS ITS

HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS FELL BY 1.5 PER CENT FOLLOWING A DECREASE OF 0.7 PER CENT IN MARCH. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO APRIL, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 4.1 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS THE INCREASE WAS 26.7 PER CENT. FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS CONTINUED TO RISE SHARPLY BY 5.4 PER CENT AFTER A RISE OF 5.0 PER CENT IN MARCH. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO APRIL, THE INCREASE WAS 9.4 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS THE INCREASE WAS 37.7 PER CENT.

HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY

HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS FELL. THE NARROWEST DEFINITION, HK$M1, FELL BY 1.7 PER CENT AGAINST A RISE CF 4.6 PER CENT IN MARCH. THE BROADER DEFINITIONS, HK$M2 AND hK$M3, FELL BY 3.4 PER CENT AND 1.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THEIR CORRESPONDING DECREASES IN MARCH WERE 0.5 PER CENT AND 0.7 PER CENT

IN THE THREE MONTHS TO APRIL, HK$M1 FELL BY 5.6 PER CENT BUT H<tM2 AND HK$M3 ROSE BY 1.5 PER CENT AND 1.9 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS, THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES WERE 18.6 PER CENT, 25.6 PER CENT AND 24.4 PER CENT.

TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY

TOTAL Ml FELL BY 0.5 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH A GROWTH OF 3.9 PER CENT IN MARCH. TOTAL M2 WAS UNCHANGED AFTER RISING BY 2.4 PER CENT IN MARCH. TOTAL M3 GREW BY 1.4 PER CENT AFTER A RISE OF 1.7 PER CENT IN MARCH. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO APRIL, TOTAL Ml FELL BY 5.0 PER CENT BUT TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3 ROSE BY 4.0 PER CENT AND 5.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS, THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES WERE 20.7 PER CENT, 27.6 PER CENT AND 29.9 PER CENT.

/LOANS AND <......

TUESDAi, MAY 29, 19&*

- 5 -

LOANS AND ADVANCES

TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES GREW BY 0.5 PER CENT FOLLOWING A RISE OF 1.2 PER CENT IN MARCH. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO APRIL THE INCREASE WAS 2.1 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS 14.4 PER CENT. FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE MONTH, LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE GREW, BY A SHARP 4.0 PER CENT IN APRIL, REFLECTING THE STRONG GROWTH IN THE EXPORT SECTOR. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO APRIL THE INCREASE WAS 7.0 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS 15.3 PER CENT. OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG FELL BY 0.2 PER CENT AFTER AN INCREASE OF 0.5 PER CENT IN MARCH. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO APRIL THE INCREASE WAS 0.9 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS THE INCREASE WAS 7.9 PER CENT.

FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

REFLECTING THE SWITCH TO FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS DURING THE MONTH, THE NET SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY LIABILITIES OF THE MONETARY SECTOR ROSE TO $8.9 BILLION AT THE END OF APRIL FROM $4.9 BILLION AT THE END OF MARCH. BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES HAD NET SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY LIABILITIES OF $6.7 BILLION AND $2.2 BILLION RESPECTIVELY. STATISTICS COLLECTED (ON THE BASIS OF SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS) BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES SHOWED AN INCREASE IN NET SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY LIABILITIES OF $3.6 BILLION TO $9.9 BILLION IN APRIL. THE SECTOR’S FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY POSITION SHOWS NET ASSETS OF $31.9 BILLION.

LIQUIDITY RATIOS

THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 18 OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE) FOR ALL BANKS ROSE TO 51.9 PER CENT FROM A9.3 PER CENT IN MARCH. THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 24 OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCES) FOR ALL DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE TO 53.6 PER CENT FROM 52.5 PER CENT IN MARCH.

NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS

THE NUMBER OF INSTITUTIONS REPORTING MONETARY STATISTICS REMAINED UNCHANGED IN APRIL WITH 134 LICENSED BANKS, 30 LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AND 317 REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.

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

/6.....

TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1984

- 6 -

GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR PEKING * * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE LEFT FOR PEKING THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON TO CONTINUE TO TAKE PART IN THE SINO-BRITISH TALKS ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.

HE WAS SEEN OFF AT THE AIRPORT BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, MR T.S. LO, AND THE VICE-CHIEF EDITOR OF THE XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (HONG KONG BRANCH), MR TAN GAN.

ACCOMPANYING THE GOVERNOR WERE THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR ROBIN MCLAREN, AND THE GOVERNMENT CHIEF INTERPRETER, MR Y.P. CHENG.

-----0-----

PUBLICITY IMPORTANT TO LAW-ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS *****

PUBLICITY WAS IMPORTANT TO THE MORALE OF LAW-ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL, THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR DOUGLAS JORDAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

MR JORDAN WILL RETIRE AT THE END OF THIS MONTH AFTER A 45-YEAR CAREER IN THE BRITISH AND HONG KONG CUSTOMS SERVICES.

ADDRESSING THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS CLUB, MR JORDAN SAID MUCH OF THE LAW-ENFORCEMENT SUCCESS ACHIEVED WHEN HE WAS SERVING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IN HIS PAST SEVEN YEARS IN HONG KONG, HAD IN PART RESULTED FROM THE EXCELLENT ON-GOING COVERAGE GIVEN BY THE MEDIA.

I TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS PUBLICLY MY THANKS FOR ALL THE ASSISTANCE I AND MY OFFICERS HAVE RECEIVED IN THIS RESPECT,+ MR JORDAN SAID.

RECALLING THE DAYS WHEN HE WAS A YOUNG OFFICER IN THE BRITISH CUSTOMS SERVICE, HE SAID THAT CONTRARY TO THE ATTITUDE AND DOCTRINE OF SOME OF HIS MENTORS AND SUPERIORS, HE HAD SOUGHT, RATHER THAN AVOIDED, PUBLICITY FOR THE EFFORTS OF HIS MEN.

♦PUBLICITY IS A SPLENDID BOOST TO MORALE AND MORALE MUST BE HIGH IF LAW-ENFORCEMENT MEN ARE TO BE SUCCESSFUL,+ HE ADDED.

MR JORDAN SAID WHILE SERVING IN THE EAST END AND OTHER LESS SALUBRIOUS PART OF LONDON AS A YOUNG OFFICER, HE FIRST CAME TO KNOW SOME OF THE SLEAZIEST ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE COMPANY OF

‘ YOUNG CRIME REPORTERS WITH WHOM HE HAD DEVELOPED CLOSE FRIENDSHIPS BASED ON MUTUAL PROFESSIONAL INTEREST AND RESPECT.

/+IT WAS.........

TUESDAY, 14AY 2°, 1964

- 7 -

♦ IT WAS ON SUCH OCCASIONS AND OFTEN IN SUCH PLACES THAT I LEARNED AT AN EARLY STAGE IN MY CAREER THAT WHILE THE PRESS ARE LOOKING FOR HELP WITH THEIR STORIES, THEY EQUALLY HAVE MUCH TO OFFER TO HELP THE LAW-ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.

♦ A NAME, SOME PIECE OF INFORMATION DROPPED TO A GOOD TRUSTWORTHY REPORTER LEADS TO HIS GIVING YOU ANOTHER NAME, ANOTHER LEAD AND THERE IS A LITTLE MORE PROGRESS DOWN THE PATH TO MAKING A SUCCESSFUL CASE,+ MR JORDAN SAID.

ON SMUGGLING, HE SAID THAT OVER THE MANY YEARS THERE HAD BEEN NOTHING NEW IN METHODS USED.

♦ FASHIONS AND TRENDS CHANGE NOT INFREQUENTLY, SOMETIMES IN AN ENDEAVOUR TO CONFUSE LAW-ENFORCEMENT BUT ONE RARELY, IF EVER, SEES AN ENTIRELY NEW APPROACH, A NEW METHOD USED,+ HE ADDED.

HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE IS AN INCREASING TENDENCY TO BUILD CONTRABAND INTO EXPENSIVE EQUIPMENT, SUCH AS AIR COMPRESSORS, FOR WHICH THE SMUGGLERS WILL FIND NO USE ONCE IT HAS FULFILLED ITS PURPOSES AS A VEHICLE FOR SMUGGLING.

♦TECHNIQUES EMPLOYED BY CUSTOMS SERVICES, HOWEVER, HAVE VASTLY IMPROVED OVER THE YEARS. I AM QUITE SURE THAT AIDED BY THE MORE SOPHISTICATED EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE AND USED TODAY THE SO-CALLED •HIT RATE’ IS MUCH HIGHER -NOW THAN IT EVER WAS,+ HE SAID.

-----0-----

U.S. RESCINDS +CALL+ ON CATEGORY 433 *****

THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT HAS RESCINDED THE EXPORT AUTHORISATION CALL ON CATEGORY 433 - WOOL SUIT-TYPE COATS FOR NEN AND BOYS - FOLLOWING TWO DAYS OF CONSULTATIONS WITH TRADE DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS IN HONG KONG.

THE DEPARTMENT HAS THEREFORE RESUMED ISSUING EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS FOR THIS CATEGORY WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.

THE CONSULTATIONS, WHICH STARTED YESTERDAY, ALSO COVERED EXPORT AUTHORISATION CALLS ON CATEGORY 651 - MAN-MADE FIBRE PYJAMAS AND OTHER NIGHTWEAR - AND PART OF CATEGORY 369 - COTTON WIPING CLOTH. HOWEVER, NO AGREEMENT WAS REACHED ON THESE TWO CATEGORIES AND THE UNITED STATES REQUESTED THAT HONG KONG LIMITS ITS EXPORTS IN EACH CATEGORY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE UNITED STATES-HONG KONG BILATERAL TEXTILES AGREEMENT.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS FOR THESE TWO CATEGORIES HAD REACHED THE ' LEVEL PROVIDED UNDER THE AGREEMENT AND EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS WOULD THEREFORE REMAIN SUSPENDED. UNDER THESE ARRANGEMENTS, 1984 EXPORTS IN CATEGORY 651 ARE LIMITED TO 261 130 DOZEN WHILE 1984 EXPORTS IN THE RELEVANT PART OF CATEGORY 369 ARE LIMITED TO 1 167 659 LB.

/THE SPOKESMAN .......

TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1984'

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE CONSULTATIONS HAD ALSO INCLUDED THE UNITED STATES ACTION ON RECLASSIFICATION OF GARMENT PARTS. NO AGREEMENT HAD BEEN REACHED AT THIS STAGE ON THE ISSUE, BUT THE UNITED STATES HAD AGREED THAT MEANWHILE LICENCES ISSUED AGAINST (A) EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS APPLIED FOR ON OR BEFORE MARCH 20, 1984; AND (B) EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS APPLIED FOR AFTER MARCH 20 ON THE BASIS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS DATED MARCH 20 OR EARLIER WOULD BE HONOURED AND GOODS COVERED BY SUCH LICENCES WOULD BE PERMITTED TO ENTER THE UNITED STATES UNDER EXISTING CATEGORISATION ARRANGEMENTS EVEN AFTER JULY 1.

SPECIAL WAIVER ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE DEVISED TO ENABLE THIS TO BE IMPLEMENTED.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AGREEMENT HAD ALSO BEEN REACHED THAT CERTAIN +GENUINE+ PARTS, SUCH AS COLLARS, CUFFS, SLEEVES, WAIST BANDS AND BELT LOOPS FOR JEANS, WOULD BE EXEMPTED FROM THE NEW U.S. CLASSIFICATION ARRANGEMENTS. DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS WOULD HAVE TO BE DEVISED FOR THESE +GENUINE+ PARTS TO BE EXEMPTED FROM THE U.S. RECLASSIFICATION.

MEANWHILE, THE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED THAT THE UNITED STATES MADE AN EXPORT AUTHORISATION (EA) CALL ON PART OF CATEGORY 659 (MMF SWIMSUITS) AT 3 PM TODAY (TUESDAY).

THIS BRINGS THE TOTAL' CALLS BY THE UNITED STATES ON HONG KONG IN 1984 TO TEN.

PENDING CONSULTATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, THE DEPARTMENT HAS SUSPENDED THE ISSUE OF FURTHER EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS FOR THIS CATEGORY AS FROM 3 PM TODAY.

THE DEPARTMENT WILL HOWEVER, AS USUAL, CONTINUE TO APPROVE AND ISSUE EXPORT LICENCES FOR THIS CATEGORY AGAINST VALID EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS APPROVED PRIOR TO THE SUSPENSION.

0---------

SYMPATHY FOR BURNS VICTIM * * *

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY EXPRESSED THE FULLEST SYMPATHY OF THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TO A FOUR-YEAR-OLD BOY WHO WAS BADLY BURNT ON THE FACE IN AN INCIDENT LAST DECEMBER.

♦ A FULL DEPARTMENTAL INQUIRY HAS BEEN HELD INTO THIS TRAGIC ACCIDENT, ALL MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL DUTIES TEAM ON DUTY IN THE AREA INTERVIEWED AT LENGTH, AND LEGAL ADVICE TAKEN,+ HE SAID.

+ABOUT 5.25 PM ON DECEMBER 12, A LORRY CARRYING GDT MEMBERS PARKED ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND TEAM MEMBERS MOVED AROUND THE CORNER AND DOWN FAT TSEUNG STREET IN THE DIRECTION OF SHUN NING ROAD.

/+LN A.........

TUESDAY, KAY 29, 1964

* . A PERIOD OF ABOUT 15 MINUTES, WITH POLICE SUPPORT, THEY ARRESTED THREE ILLEGAL HAWKERS, SEIZED THEIR HAWKER BARROWS AND O’ --R PARAPHERNALIA, AND TOOK THE MEN AND THEIR EQUIPMENT BACK TO hE LORRY PREPARATORY TO THEIR BEING TAKEN TO THE POLICE STATION AND CHARGED.

♦ WHILE THIS WAS HAPPENING IT WAS NOTICED THAT AT THE FAR END OF FAT TSEUNG STREET, ON THE OTHER SIDE OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD, A CROWD HAD GATHERED AND A POLICEMAN WAS PRESENT.

♦ SOME MEMBERS OF THE TEAM WENT TO INVESTIGATE, AND |T WAS FOUND THAT A CHILD HAD BEEN BADLY BURNT WHEN AN ILLEGAL HAWKER SELLING FRIED BEAN CURD HAD OVERTURNED HIS BARROW.

♦THIS UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT HAPPENED ON THE OTHER SIDE OF BUSY CASTLE PEAK ROAD SOME DISTANCE FROM WHERE THE GDT MEMBERS HAD MADE THEIR ARRESTS.

♦AT NO STAGE DID MEMBERS OF THE TEAM NOTICE THIS BEAN-CURD HAWKER, OR MAKE ANY ATTEMPT TO APPROACH HIM. THE TEAM’S ACTIVITIES WERE CONFINED TO THE OTHER END OF THE STREET, ON THE OTHER SIDE OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD.+

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENTAL INQUIRY HAD BEEN COMPLETED SOME TIME AGO, BEFORE LAST WEEK’S COURT CASE IN WHICH THE HAWKER WAS SENTENCED TO FOUR MONTHS’ JAIL AFTER HAVING ADMITTED A CHARGE OF WOUNDING CAUSING GRIEVOUS BODILY HARM.

-----0-----

NOTE TO EDITORS:

NEW WORKSHOP AND HOSPITAL EXTENSION AT STANLEY PRISON *****

A NEWLY-BUILT WORKSHOP COMPLEX AND HOSPITAL EXTENSION INSIDE THE MAXIMUM SECURITY STANLEY PRISON WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER, ON FRIDAY (JUNE 1) AT 3 PM.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH MAY BE PHOTOGRAPHED.

FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY, A TOUR WILL BE CONDUCTED ROUND THE NEW WORKSHOP COMPLEX AND THE HOSPITAL EXTENSION.

NO PHOTOGRAPHING OF FACILITIES INSIDE THE PRISON WILL BE ALLOWED. PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE ISSUED BY CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

/ON THE ........

TUESDAY, MAY 2?, 1984 10

0M THE SAME DAY, THE COMMISSIONER WILL ALSO PRESENT CERTIFICATES TO SIX PRISONERS OF STANLEY PRISON, WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY PASSED THE CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNICIAN EXAMINATIONS WITH EXCELLENT MARKINGS. AGAIN, NO PHOTOGRAPHING WILL BE ALLOWED.

TRANSPORT TO TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO STANLEY PRISON WILL LEAVE THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 Ol KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI ON FRIDAY AT 1.45 PM SHARP.

MEDIA ORGANISATIONS WISHING TO COVER THE EVENT SHOULD TELEPHONE THE NAME AND IDENTITY CARD NUMBER OF THEIR REPRESENTATIVE TO THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT ON 5-757195, EXTENSION 24 OR 25, DURING OFFICE HOURS, BUT NOT LATER THAN 5 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 31).

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

VARIETY SHOW TO HELP FIGHT CRIME

* * * *

A VARIETY SHOW WILL BE STAGED IN NORTH DISTRICT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ON SUNDAY (JUNE 3) IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME AND NARCOTICS.

IT WILL FEATURE SONG AND DRAMA PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL ENTERTAINERS, AND WILL START AT 7.30 PM AT THE FANLING PLAYGROUND

ABOUT $200 000 WILL BE SPENT ON THE EVENT, WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR IAN WOTHERSPOON, THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR G.L. MORTIMER, AND THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MR SIMON LUN, WILL ATTEND THE FUNCTION.

FROM JUNK TO ART AND CRAFT

* * *

THE KINDERGARTEN SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE SIX WORKSHOPS ON THE USE OF JUNK MATERIALS FOR ART AND CRAFT ACTIVITIES IN KINDERGARTEN TEACHING NEXT MONTH.

THE WORKSHOPS WILL INCLUDE DISCUSSIONS AND DEMONSTRATIONS BY MEMBERS OF THE KINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT TEAM ON ■WAYS OF USING SOME COMMON JUNK MATERIALS AIMING AT THE DEVELOPMENT CF CHILDREN’S CREATIVITY AND ARTISTIC APPRECIATION. SOME CHILDREN’S WORK WILL ALSO BE ON DISPLAY.

/THE HALF-DAY .......

TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1984

THE HALF-DAY WORKSHOPS WILL BE HELD FROM JUNE 20 TO 22, IN THE YAUMATI CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL AT 41 TUNG KOON STREET, YAUMATI, KOWLOON.

FIVE OF THE WORKSHOPS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE AND ONE IN ENGLISH.

OWING TO LIMITED SPACE AND MATERIALS, ONLY 30 PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR EACH WORKSHOP.

ONE TEACHER MAY BE NOMINATED FROM EACH KINDERGARTEN AND APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

NOMINATIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR, KINDERGARTEN SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS 5/F, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG, ON OR BEFORE JUNE 4.

ENQUIRIES ON THE WORKSHOPS MAY BE MADE BY CALLING TEL: 5-8392485/87 OR 5-8392489.

- - 0 - -

COMMUNITY WORKERS GET AWARDS * * * *

TWELVE WORKERS, STUDENTS, HOUSEWIVES AND RETIRED RESIDENTS OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN RECOGNITION’OF THE VOLUNTARY SERVICES THEY HAVE RENDERED TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.

THEY ARE WINNERS OF THE 1983/84 SOUTHERN DISTRICT SOCI AI-SERVICES AWARD SCHEME, ORGANISED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE.

OVER 60 NOMINATIONS FOR THE AWARD WERE RECEIVED FROM SCHOOLS, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.

THE SCHEME WAS STARTED IN 1982/83 - FOR STUDENTS ONLY - AND WAS EXTENDED THIS YEAR TO INCLUDE PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE.

THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR K.C. KWONG, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS AT A CEREMONY AT 4 PM TOMORROW IN THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL.

- - 0 - -

/12

TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1984

- 12 -

PROTECTED MONKEYS SENT TO CHINA * * * *

TEN MONKEYS, PROTECTED UNDER THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES), LEFT BY TRAIN FOR CHINA TODAY.

THEY WILL BE KEPT IN THE GUANGZHOU ZOO.

BOTH HONG KONG AND CHINA ARE SIGNATORIES TO THE CITES UNDER WHICH THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONSERVATION OF ENDANGERED WILD BIRDS AND ANIMALS.

THE MONKEYS CAME INTO THE POSSESSION OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AS A RESULT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT WORK.

THE TRANSFER OF THE ANIMALS FOLLOWED NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE HONG KONG AND CHINESE AUTHORITIES.

THIS IS THE SECOND GROUP OF LIVE ANIMALS SENT TO CHINA.

THE FIRST ONE, CONSISTING OF A BROWN BEAR, SIX MONKEYS, THREE CAIMANS, ONE CRESTED SERPENT EAGLE, ONE PYTHON AND FOUR RADIATED TORTOISES, WAS SENT TO GUANGZHOU IN JANUARY.

A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN WARNED THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE TO IMPORT ANIMALS, ANIMAL PRODUCTS, OR PLANTS OF PROTECTED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES INTO HONG KONG WITHOUT AUTHORISATION.

HE SAID THAT 58 PEOPLE WERE PROSECUTED LAST YE"AR FOR THE OFFENCE.

FILTRATION plant FOR SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX * * *

A FILTRATION PLANT IS BEING INSTALLED AT THE TUEN MUN SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX WHICH IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

A $1.68 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE JOB HAS BEEN AWARDED BY THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO EASTMAN ENGINEERS AND TRADERS COMPANY LIMITED.

WORK ON INSTALLING THE PLANT HAS JUST STARTED AND WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE SUMMER OF 1986, WHEN THE COMPLEX IS READY.

FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE ONE MAIN POOL, TWO PADDLING POOLS, AN ADMINISTRATION BUILDING WITH SPECTATOR STAND, FOUR SQUASH COURTS, A TOILET BLOCK WITH PROVISION FOR THE HANDICAPPED AND A RESTAURANT.

THE COMPLEX IS BEING BUILT ON A 3.5-HECTARE SITE NEAR THE TEMPORARY HOVERFERRY PIER.

- - 0

/13........

TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1984

- 13 -

REST GARDEN FOR YAU TONG * * * *

A REST GARDEN IS TO BE BUILT AT YAU TONG ON A 2 5OO-SQUARE-bETRE SITE OPPOSITE THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL CLUB HOUSE AT KO CHIU ROAD.

A $534 672 CONTRACT HAS BEEN AWARDED TO TAI KONG CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE LANDSCAPED AREAS, A CHINESE PAVILION, ARBOURS, BENCHES, FLOWER BEDS, RETAINING WALLS AND STEPPED TERRACES, AS WELL AS A STOREROOM.

WORK WILL START LATER THIS MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN OCTOBER.

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

NUISANCE BlKE-FOR-HIRE STALLS CLEARED

*****

PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR TRAFFIC HAS BEEN BROUGHT BACK TO NORMAL ON CENTRE STREET IN SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE, FOLLOWING THE RECENT CLEARANCE OF BICYCLES-FOR-HI RE STALLS FROM THE AREA.

THE CLEARANCE WAS ALSO AIMED AT IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SHA TIN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

+ THE LARGE NUMBER OF SUCH STALLS AND BICYCLE RIDERS, WHO WERE MAINLY YOUNG PEOPLE, HAD BEEN A HAZARD AND NUISANCE TO RESIDENTS AND MOTORISTS FOR QUITE SOME T|ME,+ HE SAID.

SIMILAR ACTION WILL BE TAKEN ON ADJACENT STREETS TO PREVENT THE BICYCLES-FOR-HI RE STALLS FROM RE-APPEARING.

AUTHORISED BICYCLES-FOR-HIRE OPERATORS IN SHA TIN CYCLE PARK, WHICH IS RUN BY THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION IN TIN SUM VALLEY, ARE ALSO PLEASED WITH THE CLEARANCE, HE SAID.

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

URBAN CLEARWAY AT PIER ROAD * * *

FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 1), PIER ROAD WESTBOUND BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH GILMAN STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 120 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY.

NO MOTOR VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DAILY WITHIN THE ROAD SECTION.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1984

CONTENTS ........................ PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING;

UK DEBATES AIDED BY UMELCO VISIT - AG........................ 1

UMELCO ACHIEVED OVERALL AIM IN LONDON - LO .................. 3

PEOPLE CLAIMING OWN HUMAN RIGHTS - DUNN ..................... 5

PUBLIC STRONGLY SUPPORT UMELCO ................... •----- 7

OIL, COAL SUPPLIES 'ADEQUATE' ........................... 8

BILL TO MEET MODERN AGE.................................... 9

HONG KONG ACADEMY - 'BEDROCK FOR ARTS TO PROSPER' .......... 10

HK POLYTECHNIC PLANS THREE MORE DEGREE COURSIS ............. 11

INLAND REVENUE BILL EXPLAINED .............................. 12

WATER SUPPLY TO NT A CONTINUING TASK........................ 14

CHECK KEPT TO ENSURE FISHERIES SUPPLY....................... 15

DEMAND FOR SCHOOL PLACES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE MET ........... 1&

POLICE TO LOOK INTO PRIVATE LOCATION FILMING ............... 17

METERED PARKING SPACE ADEQUATE FOR CARS — YUE............... 18

TWO LIQUOR BILLS INTRODUCED................................. 18

REGULATION 98 PROVIDES SAFEGUARD - HAYE..................... 19

SAFE FOOD WRAPPING REQUIRED BY LAV?.......................

/NO DISCERNIBLE.......

NO DISCERNIBLE TREND IN SUICIDES AJ4GNG OLD................. 21

HK SEEN AS ’PLACE OF COMFORT AND PRIDE' .................... 22

COLISEUM USE CLOSE TO FORECAST ............................. 22

NEED TO ALIQJ ORDINANCE..................................... 23

FIVE BILLS PASSED .......................................... 23

HONG KONG KEEPS UP GOOD BUSINESS.........• ............... 24

MORE ELECTED MEMBERS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT ..................... 25

ENGLISH IN SIGHT FOR SAI KUNG RESIDENTS ....................... 2?

SONG CONTEST TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION .................... 27

GOVERNOR TO OPEN CLINIC ....................................... 28

BARONESS TO MEET PRESS ........................................ 28

CHINESE MJSIC CONCERT ......................................... 28

EYE-DOTTING FOR NEW DRAGON BOATS............................... 29

WATER CUT DI TUEN JOI ......................................... 29

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1984 - 1 -

UK DEBATES AIDED BY UMELCO VISIT - AG * * *

THE BRITISH PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES ON HONG KONG'S FUTURE WOULD HAVE BEEN LESS WELL-INFORMED AND LESS WELL-ATTENDED IF THE UNOFFICIALS HAD STAYED AT HOME, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

SPEAKING AT THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE, ON +THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG+, MR THOMAS SAID THE UMELCO DELEGATION'S ACTIVITIES IN LONDON BEFORE THE DEBATES BROUGHT ABOUT A +REMARKABLE AMOUNT* OF PUBLIC DISCUSSION, APART FROM THE NUMEROUS MEETINGS THEY HAD WITH MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT.

IN HIS VIEW, EVENTS OF THE PAST FEW WEEKS HAD BOOSTED UMELCO’S STANDING AS LEADERS OF THE COMMUNITY.

+AND THIS IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT COMES AT THE VERY TIME WHEN HONG KONG IS FACING A MOST DIFFICULT AND TESTING PERIOD OF IMPENDING CHANGE.

♦AS THE COMPLEX ISSUES COME INTO FOCUS WITH THE CONCLUSION CF THE NEGOTIATIONS, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL BE LOOKING FOR REALISM, CLEAR THINKING AND ABOVE ALL A POSITIVE LEAD FROM UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS AND ALL, PERSONS OF STANDING IN THE COMMUNITY,* MR THOMAS SAID.

HE EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT UMELCO WOULD PLAY THEIR PART IN PROVIDING SUCH LEADERSHIP, FORTIFIED BY THEIR RECENT EXPERIENCES.

MR THOMAS SAID THAT SIR S.Y. CHUNG, IN HIS REMARKS QUOTED BY THE HON T.S. LO, DREW ATTENTION +T0 THE GREAT DEAL OF WORK THAT LIES AHEAD.*

HE REFERRED TO MISS LYDIA DUNN’S REMARKS THAT THE INHABITANTS CF HONG KONG, THE PEOPLE MOST AFFECTED BY THE PROCESS OF NEGOTIATION CURRENTLY UNDER WAY, WERE NOT DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE TALKS.

IT WAS THEREFORE UNDERSTANDABLE THAT THERE SHOULD BE CONCERN AND ANXIETY HERE ABOUT THE OUTCOME OF THE TALKS, AND THAT UMELCO MEMBERS SHOULD WISH TO REFLECT THEM TO MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SECRETARY OF STATE HAD PAID TRIBUTE TO THE IMPORTANT ROLE PLAYED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF BOTH COUNCILS AS ADVISERS TO THE GOVERNOR AND AS A CHANNEL FOR THE EXPRESSION OF THE WISHES AND CONCERNS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE.

+IT WAS IN THIS LATTER CAPACITY THAT UMELCO MEMBERS TOOK THE DECISION TO GO TO LONDON, USING FUNDS ALLOCATED TO THEM TO AID THEM IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES.

/♦THE MITTSES........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1964

♦THE MATTERS THEY RAISED IN THE COURSE OF THAT VISIT WERE THOSE WHICH UMELCO MEMBERS PUT FORWARD. THEY WERE DOING NO MORE THAN EXERCISING THE FREEDOM ENJOYED BY ALL PEOPLE IN THIS TERRITORY TO SPEAK THEIR MINDS,+ MR THOMAS SAID.

HE NOTED THERE WERE THOSE IN LONDON WHO QUESTIONED THE UNOFFICIALS’ RIGHT TO REPRESENT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.

BUT AS MR T.S. LO AND MRS PAULINE NG HAD POINTED OUT, THE UNOFFICIALS HAD +NEVER CLAIMED THAT STATUS OR AUTHORITY.+

♦ALL THEY HAVE EVER DONE IS TO CLAIM THE RIGHT TO PRESENT OR REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.

♦THAT RIGHT CAN BE CLAIMED REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SPOKESMEN ARE ELECTED TO OFFICE, APPOINTED TO OFFICE OR HAVE OCCUPIED NO OFFICE AT ALL. THE SPOKESMEN NEED ONLY BE HONEST AND WELL INFORMED AND NO-ONE CAN DENY THAT UNOFFICIALS ARE BOTH,+ M? THOMAS SAID.

ON THE GOVERNMENT’S FORTHCOMING GREEN PAPER ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE ALONG REPRESENTATIVE LINES, MR THOMAS SAID THE PAPER +IS BUT ONE EXAMPLE OF THE MANY OPPORTUNITIES WHICH WILL EXIST AND WHICH WILL NEED TO BE GRASPED TO BUILD ON HONG KONG’S PAST SUCCESSES AND PRESENT STRENGTHS TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG ITSELF IS AS WELL PREPARED AS POSSIBLE TO FACE THE FUTURE.+

AT THE DEBATE, MISS DUNN HAD UNDERLINED THE IMPORTANCE OF AN AGREEMENT IN PROVIDING THE VRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH HONG KONG MIGHT DEVELOP AND FLOURISH AND WITHIN WHICH THE CONTINUITY OF ITS ESSENTIAL CHARACTER 1ST ICS COULD BE ASSURED, HE SAID.

♦THE BEST ASSURANCE OF THIS LIES IN THE CONCLUSION OF A BINDING INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT IN WHICH ARRANGEMENTS FOR HONG KONG’S CONTINUING PROSPERITY AND STABILITY, BASED ON A SUBSTANTIAL DEGREE OF AUTONOMY, ARE FORMALLY RECORDED WITH CLARITY AND PRECISION.

♦AS MEMBERS WILL KNOW, THIS IS THE OBJECTIVE OF THE- BRITISH SIDE.

♦IN THAT RESPECT, UNOFFICIALS MAY FEEL WELL SATISFIED THAT ONE OF THEIR MAIN CONCERNS IS FULLY SHARED BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT,+ HE SAID.

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

/3.......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30,

UMELCO ACHIEVED OVERALL AIM IN LONDON - LO

* * * *

AS A WHOLE, THE AIM OF THE UMELCO DELEGATION’S RECENT VISIT TO LONDON HAD BEEN ACHIEVED, THE HON T.S. LO SAID AT THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

TH IS AIM WAS TO REFLECT THE VIEWS AND WISHES OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE TO THE BRITISH MINISTERS AND MPS BEFORE THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.

THE DELEGATION HAD ALSO AROUSED THE CONCERN OF THE BRITISH PUBLIC TOWARDS THE PROBLEMS RELATING TO HONG KONG’S FUTURE, LO SAID.

MR LO POINTED OUT THAT UMELCO DECIDED AT ITS MEETING LAST FRIDAY THAT IT WISHED TO PLACE ON FORMAL RECORD ITS POSITION PAPER AND TO REPORT ON THE TRIP OF ITS DELEGATION TO LONDON UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR S.Y. CHUNG.

HE THEN GAVE AN ACCOUNT OF THE PREPARATION OF THE POSITION PAPER AND THE ACTIVITIES OF THE DELEGATION IN LONDON FROM MAY 9 TO MAY 22.

HE SAID, +DURING OUR STAY, WE MET MANY MPS FAMILIAR WITH OR CONCERNED ABOUT HONG KONG AND WE EXPLAINED TO THEM THE VIEWS, WISHES, FEARS AND FEELINGS OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE.

♦ WE ALSO HAD MANY PRESS, RADIO AND TELE V IS I ON *1 NTER V IEWS AT WHICH WE CONVEYED TO THE UK PUBLIC THE PROBLEM OF HONG KONG’S FUTURE.

♦ TO KEEP THE PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ABREAST OF THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT, WE GAVE DAILY PRESS BRIEFINGS FOR THE HONG KONG REPORTERS ift LONDON, SOMETIMES AT 3 O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING.

♦ WE WERE ENCOURAGED AND GRATEFUL FOR THE RESPONSE OF THE PEOPLE AND FOR THE VERY MANY SUPPORTIVE TELEX MESSAGES THEY SENT,+ HE SAID.

HE APPLAUDED MEMBERS OF THE PRESS WHO WENT TO LONDON TO COVER THE VISIT FOR +THEIR SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG+.

ON THE TIMING OF THE VISIT, HE SAID, +0N APRIL 20, THE BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, MADE A STATEMENT IN HONG KONG AND FOR THE FIRST TIME BRITAIN REVEALED PART OF THE CONTENTS OF THE TALKS ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE.

♦ BEFORE THAT, THE TALKS WERE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG KNEW NOTHING ABOUT THEM. THE PEOPLE’S VIEWS AND WISHES CANNOT BE REFLECTED IN A VACUUM.♦

TO THE ARGUMENT THAT UMELCO SHOULD WAIT A LITTLE LONGER FOR A MORE DETAILED ANNOUNCEMENT BEFORE GOING TO LONDON, HE SAID, ♦IT WAS ONLY WHEN WE LEARNED THAT THE HOUSE OF COMMONS WOULD HOLD A DEBATE ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG WITHIN THE WEEK COMMENCING fWY 14 THAT WE DECIDED TO SEND A DELEGATION TO LONDON,♦

/HE EXPLAINED........

WBUNKSDAY, MAI », I>04

- 4 -

HE EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS BECAUSE IF THE DEBATE WAS TO BE hEANINGFUL AND EFFECTIVE, MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS SHOULD BE PRESENTED WITH PERTINENT ISSUES IN THE VIEW OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE.

MR LO ALSO REPLIED TO THE CRITICISM IN BRITAIN THAT AS THE UNOFFICIALS WERE NOT ELECTED, THEY DID NOT REPRESENT THE PEOPLE OF HONG kONG.

♦OUR CRITICS SEEMED TO HAVE FORGOTTEN THAT ALL ALONG WE HAVE BEEN EMPHASISING THAT OUR PURPOSE WAS MERELY TO REFLECT PUBLIC OP INION.

♦OUR POSITION PAPER IS A SYNOPSIS OF THE VIEWS WE HAVE GATHERED IN OUR CONTACTS WITH THE PEOPLE THROUGH ADVISORY AND CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS, THE URBAN COUNCIL, DISTRICT BOARDS, KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER CIVIC BODIES, AND THROUGH REPRESENTATIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS RECEIVED BY THE UMELCO OFF ICE,+ HE SAID.

♦ANY DISCERNING PERSON WOULD SEE THAT OUR CRITICS WERE NOT MOTIVATED BY THEIR WISHING TO HEAR MORE REPRESENTATIVE VIEWS BUT RERELY TO AVOID GIVING DIRECT ANSWERS TO THE POINTS WE RAISED,+ HE ADDED.

MR LO ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE DELEGATION HAD HELD MEETINGS WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF MPS, THE FOREIGN SECRETARY SIR GEOFFREY HOWE AND THE PRIME MINISTER MRS MARGARET THATCHER. IT ALSO ATTENDED THE DEBATES ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG IN THE HOUSE OF.COMMONS ON MAY 16 AND THE HOUSE OF LORDS ON MAY 21.

♦TWENTY-THREE MPS SPOKE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS DEBATE, AND THEY ALL AGREED THAT THE AGREEMENT SHOULD INCLUDE DETAILS OF ALL ARRANGEMENTS AFTER 1997. THIS IS TANTAMOUNT TO AGREEING WITH THE FIRST OF THE FOUR SUGGESTIONS MENTIONED IN THE POSITION PAPER.

♦HOWEVER, FOR THE REMAINING THREE SUGGESTIONS, THERE WAS NO CONSENSUS VIEW,+ HE SAID.

ON THE HOUSE OF LORDS DEBATE, HE SAID THAT 10 PEERS SPOKE AND ALMOST ALL APPRECIATED THE NEED TO PRESERVE THE RIGHTS OF BRITISH NATIONALS IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997.

THEY PROPOSED THAT THE AGREEMENT MIGHT BE SIGNED IN TWO STAGES, SO THAT BOTH THE CHINESE AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS COULD HAVE MORE TIME TO CONSIDER THE VIEWS AND WISHES OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE.

MR LO CONCLUDED HIS SPEECH BY QUOTING WHAT SIR S.Y. CHUNG HAD SAID ON MAY 23:

♦THERE IS NO TOPIC IN HONG KONG WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT . AND MORE URGENT THAN THE ISSUE OF OUR FUTURE. OUR VISIT WAS ONLY THE BEGINNING. UMELCO AND ALL OF US IN HONG KONG HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF WORK AHEAD IT WE ARE GOING TO SECURE A GOOD FUTURE NOT ONLY FOR THE PRESENT GENERATION BUT ALSO FOR OUR CH ILDREN.+

----.0--------

/5 ........

- 5 -

PEOPLE CLAIMING OWN HUMAN RIGHTS - DUNN * * *

THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG DO NOT DENY THE VALIDITY OF THE CHINESE CLAIM TO SOVEREIGNTY OVER THIS PART OF CHINA, THE HON LYDIA DUNN SAID AT THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE TODAY.

+BUT A FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH THEY ARE TO PURSUE THEIR LIVES IN THE FUTURE IS NOW BEING NEGOTIATED AND SO THEY FEEL THEY ARE JUSTIFIED IN LAYING CLAIM TO THEIR OWN HUMAN RIGHTS.+

+LIKEWISE, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG DO NOT CLAIM THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NEGOTIATIONS THEMSELVES,+ SHE SAID.

BUT, UNLESS THEIR APPREHENSIONS ARE FRANKLY RECOGNISED BY BOTH GOVERNMENTS AND TAKEN ACCOUNT OF IN THE PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT, THESE APPREHENSIONS WILL REMAIN, SHE SAID.

MISS DUNN POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD AND ACCEPTED THE REALITY THAT THE NEGOTIATIONS WERE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA.

♦BUT THE TWO GOVERNMENTS, FOR THEIR PART, HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO BEAR IN MIND ANOTHER REALITY, NAMELY THAT THE OUTCOME OF THE NEGOTIATIONS WILL DETERMINE THE FATE OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,+ SHE SAID.

SHE NOTED THAT THE DECLARED INTENTION OF BOTH GOVERNMENTS IS TO DEVISE ARRANGEMENTS, TO BE ENSHRINED IN A BILATERAL AGREEMENT, WHICH WOULD ENSURE THE CONTINUITY OF EXISTING SYSTEMS AND THE LIFESTYLE OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.

■•■THIS IS IN RECOGNITION OF THE HISTORICAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG: WHEREAS THIS TERRITORY IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE MAINLAND OF CHINA, THIS COMMUNITY HAS DEVELOPED A LIFESTYLE OF ITS OWN,+ SHE SAID.

+THIS IS NOT TO DENY THE ESSENTIALLY CHINESE QUALITY OF THIS COMMUNITY AND WE SHARE THAT SENSE OF PATRIOTISM WHICH BINDS ALL CHINESE TOGETHER, BUT IN UNITY NOT UNIFORMITY,+ SHE ADDED.

SHE SAID THAT AS SHE UNDERSTOOD IT, BOTH GOVERNMENTS ACCEPT THAT IT IS ONLY FAIR AND REASONABLE FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, AS WELL AS BEING IN THE INTEREST OF SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS, THAT CONTINUITY OF OUR FAMILIAR LIFESTYLE SHOULD BE SECURED.

THE TWO SYSTEMS - ONE COUNTRY CONCEPT, SHE SAID WAS AN +IMAGINATIVE CONCEPT+.

+BUT THERE IS A DIFFICULTY: THE CONCEPT IS WITHOUT PRECEDENT AND INVOLVES SUCH A SHARP BREAK, FROM A CONSTITUTIONAL POINT OF VIEW, WITH THE PAST.+

+IT IS NOT SURPRISING, THEREFORE, THAT THE PEOPLE ARE WORRIED AND ANXIOUS ABOUT THE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WILL COME INTO PLAY AFTER THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997,+ SHE SAID.

/CONCEDING THAT........

WEDNESDAY, UnY JO, 1?84

- 6 -

CONCEDING THAT HONG KONG HAS SURVIVED MANY CHANGES OF CIRCUMSTANCES IN THE PAST, SHE NOTED, +BUT THOSE AFFECTED, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, CANNOT BE CRITICISED FOR TAKING THE VIEW THAT THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY COULD HAVE SUCH PROFOUND IMPLICATIONS FOR THEIR FUTURE THAT IT IS SIMPLY NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO INVOKE PAST EXPERIENCE BY WAY OF REASSURANCE.*

SHE BELIEVED THAT IT WAS ENTIRELY UNDERSTANDABLE THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, IN ALL WALKS OF LIFE, SHOULD HAVE RECENTLY BECOME INTENSELY INTERESTED IN THE OUTCOME OF THE NEGOTIATIONS.

+THEY ARE BEING ASKED, AFTER ALL, TO BELIEVE THAT THE EXPECTED COURSE OF THEIR LIVES WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE, DESPITE THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY AND THE ESSENTIALLY DIFFERENT POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY WHICH PREVAILS IN CHINA,* SHE SAID.

SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE FEARS AND ANXIETIES OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WOULD NOT BE DISPELLED BY DECREE, LET ALONE BY EXHORTATIONS, EVEN FROM ON HIGH, THAT PEOPLE SHOULD SIMPLY HAVE FAITH AND BE CONFIDENT.

* INDEED, IT IS NOT EASY TO BE TOLERANT OF SUCH EXHORTATIONS WHEN THEY COME FROM THOSE, WHO, ON THE ONE HAND, ARE IN THE PRIVILEGED POSITION OF HAVING THE ULTIMATE SAY IN DETERMINING OUR FATE, AND, ON THE OTHER HAND, SHARE NONE OF THE RISKS,* SHE SAID. '

NO ONE, SHE SAID, COULD ARGUE THAT THESE APPREHENSIONS WERE GROUNDLESS. -

+ALTHOUGH THE CONCLUSION OF AN AGREEMENT MAY REMOVE UNCERTAINTY, AN AGREEMENT WILL NOT IN ITSELF ELIMINATE APPREHENSIONS AND, CERTAINLY, THE ARBITRARY IMPLEMENTATION OF AN AGREEMENT WILL NOT ELIMINATE THEM, UNLESS THAT AGREEMENT IS PERCEIVED TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE DECLARED OBJECTIVE OF THE TWO GOVERNMENTS.*

COMMENTING ON THE IDEA THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MORE REPRESENTATIVE FORM OF GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG WILL IN ITSELF SECURE OUR FUTURE, SHE SAID, *CLEARLY, IF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FUTURE SAR IS TO ENJOY A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY, AS PROMISED, THEN THAT GOVERNMENT MUST BE BUILT UPON REPRESENTATIVE INSTITUTIONS.*

*WE ALL LOOK FORWARD - AND LOOK FORWARD POSITIVELY - TO THE GOVERNMENT’S GREEN PAPER ON THIS SUBJECT. AND HOW TREMENDOUSLY IMPORTANT IT IS THAT THE DIVERSITY OF TALENT IN OUR COMMUNITY SHOULD BE TAPPED AND INVESTED IN THE HONG KONG OF TOMORROW,* SHE ADDED.

+BUT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MORE REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT WILL NOT IN ITSELF DISPEL CURRENT FEARS AND

• ANXIETIES,* SHE SAID.

+WHAT THE BILATERAL AGREEMENT NOW BEING NEGOTIATED MUST PROVIDE IS CREDIBILITY THAT SUCH A REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT, WHEN DEVISED, WILL BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE WITHOUT INTERFERENCE,* SHE SAID.

/SHE SAID ......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1984

- 7 -

SHE SAID THE TWO GOVERNMENTS SHOULD REMEMBER THAT THEY *ERE CONCERNED WITH +THE PROBLEM OF PEOPLE*.

+HOW TO COPE WITH +THE PROBLEM OF PEOPLE* HAS BEEN A CONSTANTLY RECURRING THEME IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY BUT NO PERIOD IN OUR HISTORY IS COMPARABLE WITH THE EVENTS UNFOLDING TODAY,* SHE SAID.

SHE SAID THAT IF THE AGREEMENT +PROVIDES SATISFACTORY ANSWERS TO THOSE QUESTIONS POSED IN THE UMELCO STATEMENT, THEN THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL FACE UP TO THE FUTURE WITH A SENSE OF PURPOSE AND WITH CONFIDENCE.*

+BUT IF THE AGREEMENT DOES NOT, THEN THE PRESENT DAY VERSION OF +THE PROBLEM OF PEOPLE* WILL NOT BE RESOLVED AS IN THE PAST,* SHE ADDED.

- 0

PUBLIC STRONGLY SUPPORT UMELCO * * *

THE GENERAL PUBLIC AGREED WITH THE OBJECTIVES OF THE UMELCO DELEGATION AND FULLY SUPPORTED ITS POSITION PAPER, THE HON ffiS PAULINE NG SAID AT THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE TODAY.

SHE EXPLAINED THAT THE PAPER WAS BASED ON INFORMATION GATHERED THROUGH VARIOUS CHANNELS - PUBLIC VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THE PRESS AND ON PUBLIC OCCASIONSj REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED BY THE UMELCO OFFICE; AMBERS’ CONTACT WITH THE PEOPLE THROUGH THE VARIOUS ADVISORY BOARDS AND CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE HEUNG YEE KUK, INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS AND OTHER CIVIC BODIES.

+UMELCO MEMBERS HAVE ALSO ATTENDED SPECIAL DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS HELD TO DISCUSS THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG IN ORDER TO OBTAIN AT FIRST HAND THE OPINION OF RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICTS,* SHE RECALLED.

+THE POSITION PAPER WAS BASED ON INFORMATION GATHERED THROUGH THESE CHANNELS, AND UMELCO THEREFORE AGREE UNANIMOUSLY THAT IT IS AN ACCURATE REFLECTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE PEOPLE CF HONG KONG ON THE FUTURE OF THE TERRITORY,* SHE SAID.

SHE NOTED THAT IN RESPONSE TO CRITICISM FROM SOME MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT THAT UMELCO COULD NOT REPRESENT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, THE PUBLIC SHOWED THEIR SUPPORT TO THE DELEGATION BY SENDING TO LONDON TELEX MESSAGES AND TELEGRAMS.

♦ALTOGETHER MORE THAN EIGHT THOUSAND INDIVIDUALS, 1 500 ORGANISATIONS, FIFTEEN DISTR.ICT BOARDS AND THE HEUNG YEE KUK EXPRESSED SUPPORT FOR THE UMELCO DELEGATION’S ACTION AND THE POSITION PAPER,* SHE SAID.

+THE DELEGATION AS WELL AS UMELCO MEMBERS IN HONG KONG WERE GREATLY ENCOURAGED BY THESE TELEGRAMS AND LETTERS,* SHE ADDED.

/some district .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1984

- 8 -

SOME DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS EVEN WENT TO THE AIRPORT ON MAY 23 TO WELCOME THE DELEGATION UPON ITS RETURN TO HONG KONG, SHE OBSERVED.

+l WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO THESE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, CIVIC ORGANISATIONS, D I STR I CT.BOARDS AND THE HEUNG YEE KUK FOR EVERYTHING THEY HAVE DONE TO SUPPORT UMELCO,+ SHE SAID.

SHE BELIEVED THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAD BEGUN TO REALISE THE IMPORTANCE OF GRASPING EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS THEIR WISHES, JUDGING FROM THE FACT THAT THEY HAD TAKEN THE INITIATIVE TO PLEDGE SUPPORT TO UMELCO.

HAILING THIS AS A GOOD SIGN, SHE SAID, + l HOPE THE PEOPLE CF HONG KONG WILL KEEP UP THEIR EFFORTS IN THIS DIRECTION.+

SHE HOPED THAT WHEN THE GREEN PAPER ON MORE REPRESENTATIVE LINES OF GOVERNMENT WAS PUBLISHED, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WOULD ADOPT THE SAME ATTITUDE AND FREELY EXPRESS THEIR OPINION.

MRS NG ALSO MENTIONED THAT SINCE UMELCO PUBLISHED ITS POSITION PAPER, THE MAJORITY OF LOCAL NEWSPAPERS HAD COMMENTED IN EDITORIALS THAT THE OBJECTIVES AND VIEWS OF THE UMELCO DELEGATION WERE CORRECT.

♦FURTHERMORE, THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY AN INDEPENDENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR A LOCAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER REVEALED THAT 80 PER CENT OF THOSE INTERVIEWED BY PHONE AGREED, SOME FULLY AND OTHERS PARTIALLY, TO THE VIEWS OF UMELCO AS EXPRESSED IN THEIR POSITION PAPER,+ SHE ADDED.

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

OIL, COAL SUPPLIES ’ADEQUATE’

* * * *

HONG KONG’S RESERVE STOCKS AND SUPPLIES OF OIL AND COAL ARE ADEQUATE AT PRESENT, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY.

MR JACOBS SAID THAT, AS FOR OIL, THE MAJOR OIL COMPANIES IN HONG KONG WERE MAINTAINING SUFFICIENT STOCKS AND SUPPLIES TO COVER BETWEEN TWO AND THREE MONTHS CONSUMPTION.

♦THIS WELL EXCEEDS THE LEVELS ESTABLISHED IN THE CODE OF PRACTICE WHICH CAME INTO FORCE IN MAY 1982 FOLLOWING CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN THE DIRECTOR OF OIL SUPPLIES AND THE OIL COMPANIES,+ HE SAID.

. AS FOR COAL, HE SAID, BOTH POWER COMPANIES OBTAIN THEIR SUPPLIES FROM DIVERSE SOURCES.

♦THE CRISIS IN THE GULF DOES NOT THEREFORE CONSTITUTE A THREAT TO THESE SUPPLIES, WHICH COME FROM VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD,+ HE SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION RAISED BY THE HON K.C. CHAN.

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

/9........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1934

- 9 -

BILL TO MEET MODERN AGE * * * *

HONG KONG IS AGAIN IN THE FOREFRONT OF LAW REFORM WITH PROPOSALS TO UPDATE THE LAWS OF EVIDENCE TO BRING THEM INTO LINE WITH THE MODERN WORLD AND ITS MODERN COMMUNICATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS L INKS.

THIS WAS SAID TODAY BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, WHEN HE INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THE EVIDENCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984.

MR THOMAS SAID THAT THE BILL CONTAINED A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS TO OVERCOME THE PROBLEMS RELATED TO TRANSACTIONS WITH AN INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION, INVOLVING THE MOVEMENT OF PERSONS AND FUNDS INTO AND OUT OF HONG KONG, AND THOSE CREATED BY THE USE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS.

+THE LAWS OF EVIDENCE HAVE NOT KEPT PACE WITH THE WAY BUSINESS IS DONE IN TODAY’S WORLD AND THE RESULT, NOT SURPRISINGLY, HAS BEEN TO THE BENEFIT OF NO-ONE OTHER THAN THE DISHONEST AND THE UNSCRUPULOUS,* HE SAID.

GREAT CARE HAD TO BE EXERCISED IN CHANGING THESE LAWS. THE BILL WAS IN THE MAIN CONCERNED WITH CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS - AND IN PARTICULAR WITH THE WAY IN'WHICH RECORDED TRANSACTIONS MAY BE PROVED.

+THE MANNER IN WHICH BUSINESS RECORDS ARE KEPT NOWADAYS HAS VERY LITTLE TO DO WITH LEDGERS OR BOOKS OR HANDWRITTEN ENTRIES. AND THE INTERNATIONAL CHARACTER OF BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS MEANS THAT QUITE OFTEN ESSENTIAL EVIDENCE IS LOCATED OVERSEAS, INVOLVING FINANCIAL AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS AS WELL AS INDIVIDUALS,* HE SAID.

A CHANGE IN WORDING FROM +BANKER’S BOOK* TO +BANKER’S RECORD* WOULD MAINTAIN THE PRESENT PRINCIPLE OF ADMISSIBILITY BUT WOULD EXTEND IT TO COVER RECORDS KEPT BY ELECTRONIC AND OTHER MEANS SUCH AS COMPUTERS, TAPES, MICROFILM AND SO FORTH.

THE INTRODUCTION WAS ALSO PROPOSED OF AN ARRANGEMENT FOR ADMITTING EVIDENCE IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS WHICH HAS BEEN OBTAINED FROM THE RECORDS OF FOREIGN BANKS. SECONDLY, FOREIGN RECORDS OF A PUBLIC NATURE ARE OFTEN INCAPABLE OF PROOF IN HONG KONG BUT THE ORIGINAL FOREIGN RECORDS ARE INHERENTLY RELIABLE SOURCES OF INFORMATION. FOR THE PURPOSE OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS, THEREFORE, THE BILL PROPOSES TO APPLY TO SUCH RECORDS MUCH THE SAME PRINCIPLE AS IN THE CASE OF BANKER’S RECORDS.

ANOTHER NEW PROCEDURE PROPOSED WOULD ALLOW THE HIGH COURT TO SEEK THE ASSISTANCE OF OVERSEAS COURTS IN OBTAINING DEPOSITIONS FROM WITNESSES AND, TO ENSURE A REASONABLY COOPERATIVE RESPONSE IN PROMOTING RECIPROCITY, THE PRESENT POWER OF THE HIGH COURT TO ASSIST OVERSEAS COURTS IS-TO BE EXTENDED TO APPLY TO CRIMINAL MATTERS WHERE A PROSECUTION OVERSEAS HAS NOT YET BEEN INSTITUTED.

/MR THOMAS .......

MR THOMAS EMPHASISED THAT NEW PROPOSALS.

+WE ARE SEEKING SOLUTIONS RESULT IN INJUSTICE,+ HE SAID.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1984

FAIRNESS WAS PRESERVED WITH THE

TO MODERN PROBLEMS THAT WILL NOT

+APPROPRIATE SAFEGUARDS ARE PROVIDED WITH RELATION TO HEARSAY EVIDENCE AND POWERS TO EXCLUDE CERTAIN EVIDENCE IS RESERVED.+

MANY INTERESTED BODIES IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN CONSULTED ON THE PROPOSED CHANGES, SAID MR THOMAS.

+A MEMBER OF THE LAW COMMISSION OF ENGLAND AND WALES WITH WHOM I HAVE EXCHANGED VIEWS SAID THAT HE ENViED THE PROPOSED UPDATING OF OUR LAWS AND HOPED IT WOULD NOT BE TOO LONG BEFORE W UNI?ED KINGDOM FOLLOWED SUIT. IT SEEMS THEREFORE THAT WE IN HONG KONG ARE AGAIN IN THE FOREFRONT OF LAW REFORM WITH TH IS BILL,* THOMAS SAID.

- - 0 - -

HONG KONG ACADEMY - ’BEDROCK FOR ARTS TO PROSPER’ . * * * *

THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS WILL PROVIDE THE BEDROCK ON WHICH THE ARTS WILL PROSPER, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON DENIS BRAY SAID TODAY.

DESCRIBING IT AS +ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS IN

THE FIELD OF THE PERFORMING ARTS IN HONG KONG,+ MR ACADEMY +WILL ENCOURAGE THE INTERACTION OF EASTERN APPROACHES TO THE PERFORMING ARTS.+

BRAY SAID THE AND WESTERN

THE ACADEMY WILL HOUSE FOUR SCHOOLS — DANCE

DRAMA, MUSIC

AND TECHNICAL ARTS -- AND THEIR CLOSE PROXIMITY WILL ALLOW FOR THE INTERACTION OF THE VARIOUS ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES, MR BRAY SAID.

IT WILL INSTITUTIONS

MR BRAY ENROLMENT OF

BE A MAJOR ADDITION TO THE TERTIARY EDUCATION OF HONG KONG.

SAID THAT THE ACADEMY WOULD SHORTLY ANNOUNCE STUDENTS THIS YEAR, WITH A GRADUAL BUILD-UP TO ITS

FULL COMPLEMENT OF 600

IT WILL OFFER A THREE-YEAR DIPLOMA COURSE IN EACH OF THE

FOUR SCHOOLS, AND THE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS ACHIEVEMENT OF THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF WITH GRADE E AND ABOVE IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE, ■THREE OTHER SUBJECTS, AND THE DEMONSTRATION CF ACHIEVEMENT OR POTENTIAL IN THE RELEVANT DISCIPL INE.

WOULD BE THE EDUCATION EXAMINATION CHINESE LANGUAGE AND OF THE NECESSARY DEGREE PERFORMING ARTS

/MR BRAY

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1984

11 -

MR BRAY WAS SPEAKING WHILE MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS BILL (1984) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

THE BILL, HE EXPLAINED, SEEKS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT CF THE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS AS A LEGAL ENTITY. BUILDING WORK ON THE ACADEMY WAS MAKING GOOD PROGRESS AND MOST OF THE STAFF HAD BEEN RECRUITED — AND IT WAS TIME TO GIVE THE ACADEMY STATUTORY EXISTENCE BEFORE ENROLLING ITS FIRST STUDENTS.

THE OBJECTS OF THE ACADEMY ARE +T0 FOSTER AND PROVIDE FOR THE TRAINING, EDUCATION AND RESEARCH IN THE PERFORMING ARTS AND RELATED TECHNICAL ARTS,+ MR BRAY SAID.

THE ACADEMY IS ESTABLISHED AS AN INCORPORATED BODY WITH THE GOVERNOR AS PRESIDENT AND IS TO BE GOVERNED BY A COUNCIL COMPRISING THE DIRECTOR, TWO MEMBERS ELECTED BY THE ELIGIBLE STAFF FROM THEIR NUMBER, AND NOT MORE THAN 15 OTHER MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, OF WHOM NOT MORE THAN SIX SHALL BE PUBLIC OFFICERS.

MR BRAY SAID ALSO THAT PERFORMING ARTS HAD TAKEN GREAT STRIDES IN HONG KONG AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE ACADEMY AND HIS STAFF WERE MOST ENCOURAGED BY THE TREMENDOUS ENTHUSIASM AND TALENT FOUND IN HONG KONG.

THE BUILDING, HE SAID,' +IS PROBABLY GOING TO BE ONE OF THE MOST ADVANCED OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD+.

+IN SPITE OF THE BUILDING’S COMPLEXITY IT STILL LOOKS AS THOUGH ITS COST WILL BE CONTAINED WITHIN THE ORIGINAL BUDGET AND THE BUILDING OPENED ON TIME,* MR BRAY SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

-----0 -

HK POLYTECHNIC PLANS THREE MORE DEGREE COURSES * * * *

THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC PLANS TO INTRODUCE THREE MORE DEGREE COURSES - IN CIVIL AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, AND DESIGN.

♦THESE COURSES HAVE BEEN VALIDATED BY THE COUNCIL OF NATIONAL ACADEMIC AWARDS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND HAVE BEEN APPROVED FOR INTRODUCTION IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR,+ THE HON S.L. CHEN TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

TABLING THE 11TH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE POLYTECHNIC, COVERING THE YEAR ENDED JULY 31, 1983, HE SAID IT WAS A YEAR OF MODEST EXPANSION IN STUDENT NUMBERS. •

/♦BUT IT .......

WBNBSDAY, MAY 30, 1984

- 12

+BUT IT WAS A YEAR OF INTENSIVE PREPARATION FOR A SIGNIFICANT MOVE UP-MARKET, THAT IS TO SAY TOWARDS THE INTRODUCTION OF THE POLYTECHNIC’S FIRST FIVE DEGREE COURSES IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR,* HE SAID.

THESE DEGREE COURSES IN COMPUTING STUDIES, ELECTRONIC AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SOCIAL WORK AND COMBINED STUDIES IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE HAD BEEN MANY TIMES OVER-SUBSCRIBED, W CHEN SAID.

MR CHEN SAID THAT 90 PER CENT OF LAST YEAR’S GRADUATES WERE EITHER IN FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT OR WERE PURSUING FURTHER STUDIES BY OCTOBER 1983.

+THE REMAINING 10 PER CENT HAD NOT FOUND SUITABLE EMPLOYMENT AT THAT TIME, AND THIS WAS THE HIGHEST SHORT-TERM UNEMPLOYMENT PERCENTAGE IN THE 11-YEAR HISTORY OF THE POLYTECHNIC,* HE SAID.

MR CHEN ALSO SAID THAT MOST OF THE PREPARATORY WORK FOR LAUNCHING THE NEW CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR HAD BEEN DONE IN THE PERIOD COVERED BY THE REPORT.

-----0 -

INLAND REVENUE BILL EXPLAINED *****

THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, SEEKS TO GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO SOME PROPOSALS MADE IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET SPEECH, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID.

THESE PROPOSALS ARE TO :

* INCREASE, FROM THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT 1984-85, THE STANDARD TAX RATE FROM 15 PER CENT TO 17 PER CENT AND THE CORPORATE PROFITS TAX RATE FROM 16.5 PER CENT TO 18.5 PER CENT.

* PROVIDE, FROM APRIL 1, 1984, MEASURES TO MINIMISE POTENTIAL LOSSES OF PROFITS TAX REVENUE (FOLLOWING THE REMOVAL OF THE INTEREST TAX CHARGE FROM INTEREST ON DEPOSITS WITH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS), BY STIPULATING THE CONDITIONS WHICH MUST BE COMPLIED WITH IN ORDER TO QUALIFY INTEREST PAYMENTS AS DEDUCTIBLE EXPENSES IN THE COMPUTATION OF ASSESSABLE BUSINESS PROFITS.

* EFFECTIVE FROM THE SAME DATE, BRING TO CHARGE TO PROFITS TAX SUMS RECEIVED BY OR ACCRUING BY WAY OF INTEREST TO BUSINESSES CARRIED ON IN HONG KONG. THESE SUMS HAD PREVIOUSLY ESCAPED THE TAX NET, EITHER BECAUSE THE DEPOSITS WERE DENOMINATED IN A FOREIGN CURRENCY, OR BECAUSE OF THE APPLICATION OF THE ARTIFICIAL +PROVISION OF CREDIT* TEST.

/Slfi JOHN ..........

WEDNESDAY, MAY JO, 1984

- 13 -

SIR JOHN SAID THAT THE BILL TABLED BEFORE THE COUNCIL TODAY REFLECTED CHANGES WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAD AGREED SHOULD BE MADE TO IT.

IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, HE SAID THE CHANGES HAD +EMANATED FROM MOST HELPFUL DISCUSSIONS WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE WITH A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP, WITH WHOM AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED ON THE ACCEPTABILITY OF VARIOUS REPRESENTATIONS, WHILE RETAINING THE OVERALL PHILOSOPHY OF MY PROPOSALS.+

+1 BELIEVE THAT THE CHANGES PROPOSED WILL MEET WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN PARTICULAR, AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC AT LARGE. THEY SEEM TO BE FAIR,* SIR JOHN SAID.

SPECIFICALLY, THE REFINEMENTS CONTAINED IN THE BILL :

* MAKE CLEAR THAT THE NEW PROVISIONS WILL APPLY ONLY TO INTEREST PAYABLE OR RECEIVABLE ON OR AFTER APRIL 1, 1984;

* PROVIDE THAT THE RELIEF PRESENTLY AVAILABLE TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN RESPECT OF FOREIGN TAXES SUFFERED ON INTEREST INCOME BROUGHT TO CHARGE TO TAX WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ALL OTHER CORPORATIONS MANAGED AND CONTROLLED HERE AND TO ALL OTHER PERSONS WHO CARRY ON BUSINESS HERE?

* ENSURE THAT THOSE WHO PURCHASE MACHINERY OR PLANT OR STOCK-IN-TRADE ON CREDIT TERMS WILL RECEIVE A FULL DEDUCTION FOR ANY RELATED INTEREST PAYMENTS, PROVIDED THAT THE TRANSACTIONS INVOLVED ARE +AT ARMS LENGTH WITH PERSONS WHO ARE NOT CLOSELY CONNECTED TO THE TAXPAYER*; AND

* REFINE THE DEFINITION OF AN ’OVERSEAS FINANCIAL INSTITUTION* TO PROVIDE THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE WITH POWERS TO REFUSE TO RECOGNISE ANY SUCH INSTITUTION IF HE IS OF THE OPINION THAT IT IS NOT ADEQUATELY SUPERVISED BY A SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY.

SIR JOHN SAID TWO FURTHER ISSUES HAD SURFACED.

+FIRST, THE POINT HAS BEEN MADE THAT INTEREST PAYMENTS IN RELATION TO PUBLICLY LISTED BONDS, ISSUED BEFORE APRIL 1, 1934, OUGHT NOT TO BE SUBJECT TO THE NEW CONDITIONS FOR DEDUCTIBILITY.

+SECOND, IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT INTEREST INCOME RECEIVED BY AUTHORISED UNIT TRUSTS SHOULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO THE EXTENDED CHARGE TO TAX ON SUCH INCOME ON THE GROUNDS THAT THIS WOULD INHIBIT THE GROWTH OF THE UNIT TRUST INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG, TO THE DETRIMENT OF HONG KONG’S POSITION AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.

♦I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS MAY COMMENT IN THESE TWO SPECIFIC AREAS. IT THUS SEEMS WISE FOR ME TO AwAIT THEIR VIEWS.

+COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENTS ARE STILL POSSIBLE. THE GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS RESPONSIVE TO CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM,* SIR JOHN SAID. .

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

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

/14.......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1984

WATER SUPPLY TO NT A CONTINUING TASK

* * *

PROVIDING MAINS WATER TO NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGES AND SQUATTER AREAS IS AN ON-GOING EXERCISE, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON NICKY CHAN, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HONOURABLE CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT SOUGHT PROGRESSIVELY TO EXTEND WATER SUPPLY TO VILLAGES BY THE LAYING OF MAINS AND INSTALLATION OF PUMPING EQUIPMENT.

WHERE MAJOR WORKS WERE INVOLVED, SEPARATE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME ITEMS WERE CREATED FOR SPECIFIC PROJECTS.

MINOR EXTENSIONS AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS WERE CARRIED OUT WITH FUNDS PROVIDED FROM RECURRENT VOTE UNDER DEPARTMENTAL ANNUAL EXPENSES.

MR CHAN SAID, APART FROM THOSE PROJECTS WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED, A NUMBER OF OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS WERE IN HAND AIMED AT PROVIDING MAINS WATER SUPPLIES TO NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGES AND SQUATTER AREAS.

CURRENTLY THERE WERE FOUR CATEGORY A ITEMS IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME FOR WORKS AND INSTALLATIONS WHICH WOULD ENABLE THE PROVISION OF WATER SUPPLY TO A TOTAL OF SOME 110 NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGES AND SQUATTER AREAS.

THEIR TOTAL ESTIMATED COST WAS $44.4 MILLION.

OTHER PROJECTS WERE IN VARIOUS STAGES OF PLANNING WHICH, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF FUNDS, WERE PROGRAMMED TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE NEXT THREE YEARS.

+WHEN THAT HAPPENS, PRACTICALLY ALL THE REMAINING VILLAGES WITHIN REASONABLE REACH OF THE MAINS SUPPLY SYSTEM WOULD HAVE BEEN CONNECTED,+ MR CHAN SAID.

AS REGARDS MA WAN SPECIFICALLY, HE SAID DIFFERENT METHODS OF PROVIDING A SUPPLY TO THE ISLAND HAD BEEN CONSIDERED, AND THE PREFERRED SOLUTION WAS TO LAY A SUBMARINE PIPE TO CONVEY WATER FROM SHAM TSENG.

A FEASIBILITY STUDY WAS IN AN ADVANCED STAGE AND FIRM PROPOSALS WERE EXPECTED IN THE LATTER PART OF THIS YEAR WITH A VIEW TO SEEKING PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE’S APPROVAL FOR COMMENCEMENT OF WORK IN 1985/86.

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

/15 .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1934

- 15 -

CHECK KEPT TO ENSURE FISHERIES SUPPLY * * * *

GOVERNMENT POLICY REQUIRED THE MAINTENANCE OF A RELIABLE SUPPLY TO THE COMMUNITY OF FRESH FISHERIES PRODUCTS, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY.

THIS WAS PART OF AN OVERALL POLICY ON THE SUPPLY OF FOOD, HE SAID.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ALEX WU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, ON THE POLICY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S FISHERIES INDUSTRY AND OF MARICULTURE, MR JACOBS SAID THE GOVERNMENT ASSISTED THE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE FISHERIES INDUSTRY IN A NUMBER OF WAYS.

IT PROVIDES AN ADVISORY SERVICE FOR FISHERMEN, GIVING GUIDANCE ON THE BUILDING OF NEW VESSELS, THE PURCHASE OF GEAR AND EQUIPMENT, THE USE OF MODERN NAVIGATIONAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, AND THE APPLICATION OF IMPROVED FISHING METHODS.

+ALSO, THE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND, ADMINISTERED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SPECIFICALLY FOR DEVELOPING THE FISHING FLEET, AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION LOAN FUND, ARE IMPORTANT SOURCES OF LOAN FINANCE FOR FISHERMEN,* HE SAID.

IN THE CONTEXT OF OVERALL POLICY, THE GOVERNMENT IMPOSED SOME CONTROL OVER THE DEVELOPMENT OF MARICULTURE WITH A VIEW TO INCREASING EFFICIENCY. BUT THE MARICULTURE INDUSTRY WAS SUBJECT TO CONSTRAINTS IMPOSED BY THE LIMITED AVAILABILITY OF SUITABLE AREAS OF COASTAL WATER.

THE MARINE FISH CULTURE ORDINANCE ENACTED IN 1980 WAS THEREFORE DESIGNED BOTH TO PREVENT THE UNDESIRABLE PROLIFERATION CF MARICULTURE OPERATIONS IN COASTAL WATERS AND TO PROVIDE THE CONTROL NECESSARY FOR THE INDUSTRY TO INCREASE ITS EFFICIENCY.

SO FAR 26 MARICULTURE ZONES HAVE BEEN GAZETTED.

ALTHOUGH FISH PRODUCED BY MARICULTURE REPRESENTED A SMALL PROPORTION OF TOTAL FISHERIES PRODUCTION, THE INDUSTRY’S CHIEF VALUE WAS ITS CONTRIBUTION TO MEETING THE DEMAND FOR LIVE FISH, WHICH THE CAPTURE FISH INDUSTRY COULD NOT MEET IN FULL, HE SAID.

- - - - □----------

/16........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1984

- 16 -

DEMAND FOR SCHOOL PLACES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE MET * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT WILL MEET THE DEMAND FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL AND SPECIAL SCHOOL PLACES IN TUEN MUN BY 1990 BY ALLOCATING PUPILS TO SCHOOLS IN NEIGHBOURING DISTRICTS, IF NECESSARY, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON COLVYN HAYE, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY MRS PAULINE NG ON THE PROJECTED NUMBER OF CHILDREN OF SECONDARY SCHOOL AGE IN TUEN MUN BY 1990, THE PROVISION OF PLACES BY THEN, AND ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO COPE WITH ANY SHORTAGE.

THE PROJECTED NUMBER OF CHILDREN OF SECONDARY SCHOOL AGE IN TUEN MUN BY 1990 WAS 61 098, AND THE CURRENT FIGURES FOR PROVISION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES BY THEN STOOD AT 25 760. BUT MR HAYE EXPECTED THIS NUMBER WOULD BE EXCEEDED.

HE POINTED OUT THAT NOT ALL CHILDREN OF SCHOOL AGE 12 TO 18 WOULD DEMAND PLACES, PARTICULARLY THOSE OVER 15 YEARS OF AGE WHEN SCHOOLING WAS NO LONGER COMPULSORY.

♦THE PLACES PLANNED FOR TUEN MUN BY 1990 WILL BE BASED ON SCHOOLS THAT ACTUALLY EXIST IN TUEN MUN AND WHICH WILL BE BUILT BETWEEN NOW AND 1990. ANY‘DEMAND IN EXCESS OF PLACES IN THESE SCHOOLS WILL BE MET BY ALLOCATION OF PUPILS TO NEIGHBOURING DISTR ICTS,+ THE DIRECTOR SAID.

REFERRING TO SPECIAL SCHOOL PLACES, MR HAYE SAID THE NUMBER CF SUCH PLACES PLANNED FOR TUEN MUN BY 1990 WAS 195 AND THE PROJECTED DEMAND IN THE DISTRICT BY THEN WAS 430.

THE SHORTFALL, HE SAID, WOULD BE SIMILARLY MET BY ALLOCATIONS TO SCHOOLS ELSEWHERE WITH VACANCIES FOR THE TYPE OF DISABILITY INVOLVED.

MR HAYE NOTED THAT THERE WERE SEVEN DIFFERENT TYPES OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND DISABLED CHILDREN WOULD BE PROVIDED WITH TRANSPORT AND WITH BOARDING CARE WHERE NECESSARY.

EXPLAINING THE TERRITORY-WIDE ALLOCATION SYSTEM FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES, HE SAID THAT +THERE IS A SYSTEM OF SCHOOL NETS WHICH ARE ADJUSTED ANNUALLY TO BALANCE DEMAND AND SUPPLY OF FORM I PLACES IN EACH DISTRICT BY TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE POSITION IN NE IGHBOURING D ISTRICTS.

♦SELECTION AND ALLOCATION INVARIABLY SEEKS THE GREATEST CONVENIENCE TO PUPILS IN THAT WE DO NOT ASK THEM TO TRAVEL MUCH FURTHER THAN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD UNLESS THEY PARTICULARLY WISH TO DO SO AND PLACES ARE AVAILABLE TO MATCH THEIR WISH, BEARING IN MIND THE AVAILABILITY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT.+

♦IT WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE TO MEET EVERY DISTRICT DEMAND WITH NEIGHBOURHOOD SCHOOLS UNTIL THE PRESENT POLICY OF TERRITORY-WIDE ALLOCATION IS ABANDONED,+ HE ADDED.

0 --------

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1984

- 17 -

POLICE TO LOOK INTO PRIVATE LOCATION FILMING * * * *

THE POLICE WILL SHORTLY EE LIAISING WITH FILM COMPANIES WITH A VIEW TO EXTENDING THE CODE OF PRACTICE ON LOCATION FILMING TO ALL PRIVATE PLACES TO WHICH THE PUBLIC HAS SIGNIFICANT ACCESS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

THIS DECISION FOLLOWS A RECENT INCIDENT AT DIAMOND HILL MTR STATION WHEN SOME PEOPLE THOUGHT THEY WERE EXPERIENCING A REAL-LIFE EMERGENCY DURING A FILMING SEQUENCE, MR JEAFFRESON SAID IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS FROM THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN.

MR JEAFFRESON EXPLAINED THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT FOR FILM, TELEVISION OR ADVERTISING COMPANIES TO OBTAIN APPROVAL FOR FILMING IN PUBLIC PLACES IN HONG KONG.

HOWEVER, WHERE COMPANIES NEED TO FILM ON PRIVATE PROPERTY, INCLUDING MTR STATIONS AND TRAINS, AND THE OCEAN PARK, THEY USUALLY MAKE ARRANGEMENTS DIRECT WITH THE OWNERS.

♦THE CODE OF PRACTICE DOES NOT INCLUDE A REQUIREMENT TO NOTIFY THE POLICE IN SUCH CASES, ALTHOUGH THE PROCEDURE HAS SOMETIMES BEEN FOLLOWED WHEN THE COMPANIES OR THE OWNERS HAVE CONSIDERED IT NECESSARY,+ MR JEAFFRESON SAID.

MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT OVER THE YEARS THE POLICE AND THE FILM COMPANIES HAD ESTABLISHED A WRITTEN CODE OF PRACTICE WHICH THESE COMPANIES, WITH FEW EXCEPTIONS, FOLLOWED.

THE PROCEDURES WORK AS FOLLOWS:

* THE COMPANIES GIVE THE POLICE AT LEAST FIVE DAYS’ NOTICE OF THEIR INTENTIONS.

* THE POLICE ADVISE ON LEGAL REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO SAFETY, PUBLIC ORDER, PRIVATE PROPERTY, INCONVENIENCE AND OBSTRUCTION TO THE PUBLIC? ON THE SUITABILITY OF THE LOCATION AND OTHER ASPECTS OF THE PROPOSAL* AND ON SUCH SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AS THE WEARING OF UNIFORMS, THE USE OF VEHICLES AND OF EXPLOSIVES AND FIREARMS. THE POLICE WILL SUGGEST CHANGES WHEN THEY CONSIDER ANY ASPECTS OF THE PROPOSALS TO BE AGAINST PUBLIC INTEREST.

MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT IN MOST CASES, THE POLICE ALSO TAKE MEASURES TO PREVENT PUBLIC PANIC WHEN STAGED GUN BATTLES OR CAR CHASES ARE BEING FILMED.

HE EXPLAINED THAT FILM COMPANIES ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM THE LAW AND IN CASES WHERE POLICE ADVICE IS NOT HEEDED AND OFFENCES RESULT, THE OFFENDERS ARE PROSECUTED.

THE POLICE RECEIVE ABOUT 600 REQUESTS INVOLVING FILMING A MONTH, AND SO FAR THIS YEAR, ONLY ONE PROSECUTION HAS BEEN NECESSARY.

MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT ANYONE SUFFERING FROM INJURIES AS A RESULT OF SUCH FILMING CAN TAKE CIVIL ACTION AGAINST THOSE WHO HAVE CAUSED THEM.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1984

- 18 -

METERED PARKING SPACE ADEQUATE FOR CARS — YUE * * * *

THE STANDARD 2.5 METRE BY 5 METRE ON-STREET METERED PARKING SPACE IS, WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS, SUFFICIENT FOR ALL MAKES OF PRIVATE CARS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON JUSTIN YUE, SAID TODAY.

REPLYING TO QUESTIONS BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, MR YUE SAID ALSO THAT THERE WERE NO SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS ON THE SIZE OF A VEHICLE PERMITTED TO USE A METERED PARKING SPACE.

♦HOWEVER, IT IS ILLEGAL FOR A PARKED VEHICLE TO PROJECT OVER ANY OF THE LINES MARKING A SPACE OR TO OCCUPY MORE THAN ONE SPACE, UNLESS THE VEHICLE IS LONGER THAN ONE SPACE.

♦A PERSON COMMITTING EITHER OFFENCE WILL BE ISSUED WITH A FIXED PENALTY TICKET,+ HE SAID.

WHERE MORE THAN ONE SPACE IS OCCUPIED, PAYMENT MUST BE MADE FOR EACH OF THE SPACES OCCUPIED OR PARTIALLY OCCUPIED.

ON THE QUESTION CONCERNING PROVISION OF PARKING PLACES, HE SAID PARKING FOR PRIVATE BUSES AND COACHES WAS CONSIDERED ADEQUATE.

PARKING FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WAS AVAILABLE AT PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STANDS DURING CERTAIN HOURS AND IN GOVERNMENT-OWNED MULTISTOREY CAR PARKS, AND IT WAS ON THE WHOLE NOT A PROBLEM.

PARKING FOR GOODS VEHICLES, HE SAID, WAS +GENERALLY INADEQUATE+.

RECENTLY, HOWEVER, MORE ON-STREET SPACES IN INDUSTRIAL AREAS HAD BEEN DESIGNATED FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF GOODS VEHICLES AND NEW TEMPORARY OPEN-AIR LORRY PARKS HAD BEEN PROVIDED.

THE PROBLEM OF GOODS VEHICLE PARKING WAS BEING EXAMINED BY CONSULTANTS AS PART OF THE COMPREHENSIVE STUDY INTO THE ECONOMIC AND TRANSPORT ASPECTS OF THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY, CARRIED OUT UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES.

THE CONSULTANTS WOULD BE PRESENTING THEIR FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS LATER THIS YEAR, MR YUE SAID.

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

TWO LIQUOR BILLS INTRODUCED

* * * *

THE MAIN OBJECT OF THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984 IS TO PROVIDE, WITH EFFECT FROM FEBRUARY 29, 1984, THE MEANS OF VALUING GOODS FOR DUTY ASSESSMENT PURPOSES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

♦THIS IS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT MY 1984 BUDGET SPEECH PROPOSAL FOR A MODIFIED AD VALOREM SYSTEM OF COLLECTING DUTY ON EUROPEAN-TYPE LIQUORS, OTHER THAN BEER, CIDER AND PERRY,+ SIR JOHN SAID, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL.

/the AMTgronarrs

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1984

THE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED IN CLAUSES 2 AND 3 SEEK TO EMPOWER

THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE TO REQUIRE THE PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE VALUE OF DUTIABLE GOODS, WHILE CLAUSE 4 .ADDS A NEW SECTION 26A WHICH PROVIDES CRITERIA FOR DUTY VALUATION PURPOSES.

♦UNDER THE BILL, THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE HAS THE AUTHORITY UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES TO FIX A VALUE FOR DUTY PURPOSES AND THERE IS A PROVISION UNDER SECTION 26A(7) FOR AN APPEAL TO THE GOVERNOR AGAINST HIS DECISION,* SIR JOHN SAID.

ALSO INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL TODAY IS DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1984, WHICH SEEKS TO AMEND THE MINIMUM REQUIRED STRENGTH FOR WHISKY AND RUM FROM 43 PER CENT TO 42 PER CEN CF ETHYL ALCOHOL BY VOLUME.

THIS IS TO CORRECT A TECHNICAL ERROR FOLLOWING THE METRICATION OF THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE, SIR JOHN EXPLAINED.

DEBATE ON BOTH BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.

REGULATION 98 PROVIDES SAFEGUARD - HAYE * * *

THERE WAS A DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE PROMOTION OF POLITICAL AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE AMONG PUPILS, AND THE USE OF POLITICAL PROPAGANDA TO INDOCTRINATE AND SUBVERT, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON COLVYN HAYE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS RITA FAN, CONCERNING ♦REGULATION 98 OF THE EDUCATION REGULATIONS+, MR HAYE SAID IT ♦PROHIBITS CURRICULAR AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, AND THE MANIFESTATIONS OF ACTIVITIES WHICH, IN THE OPINION OF THE DIRECTOR CF EDUCATION, ARE PREJUDICIAL TO THE PUBLIC INTEREST OR THE WELFARE OF PUPILS OR OF EDUCATION GENERALLY.+

♦IN OTHER WORDS, THE REGULATION IS A SAFEGUARD AGAINST THE POLITICAL INDOCTRINATION AND SUBVERSION OF PUPILS AND EDUCATION,* HE SAID.

THIS SAFEGUARD WAS ENTIRELY COMPATIBLE WITH THE PLANS AND PROGRAMMES HE HAD OUTLINED AT THE LAST TWO MEETINGS TO PROMOTE AND STRENGTHEN POLITICAL AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM, MR HAYE SAID.

_ _ 0 - -

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1984

20 -

SAFE FOOD WRAPPING REQUIRED BY LAW * * * *

LEGAL ACTION CAN BE TAKEN AGAINST ANYONE IN FOOD BUSINESS WHO FAILS TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO PROTECT THE FOOD FROM THE RISK CF CONTAMINATION, INCLUDING CONTAMINATION FROM THE MATERIALS USED FOR WRAPPING OPEN FOOD.

THIS WAS STATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON HENRY CHING, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON ANDREW SO.

THIS LEGAL ACTION IS PROVIDED UNDER THE FOOD BUSINESS (NEW TERRITORIES) REGULATIONS AND THE FOOD BUSINESS BY-LAWS, W CHING EXPLAINED.

COLOURED PLASTIC BAGS WERE SOMETIMES USED FOR WRAPPING SUCH FOOD AND SOME OF THEM HAD BEEN FOUND TO CONTAIN LEACHABLE METALS, HE SAID.

+THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT SUCH BAGS HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF ANY POISONING THROUGH THE CONSUMPTION OF ANY FOOD CONTAMINATED BY THEM.

+NONETHELESS, THE GOVERNMENT REPEATEDLY ADVISES THOSE ENGAGED IN THE FOOD TRADE OF THE POTENTIAL HEALTH RISK, REMINDS THEM OF THE PROVISIONS IN THE LAW UNDER WHICH THEY COULD BE PROSECUTED IF THEY WERE FOUND TO BE USING WRAPPING MATERIALS HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH, AND URGES THEM TO USE SAFER WRAPPING MATERIALS,* HE SA ID.

WHILE CONSIDERING EXISTING LEGISLATION ADEQUATE, MR CHING ADDED, +THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES, HOWEVER, TO SAMPLE AND ANALYSE WRAPPING MATERIALS AND THEIR EFFECT ON THE FOOD WRAPPED IN THEM.

+IF THE LEACHABLE METALLIC CONTENTS OF WRAPPING MATERIALS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY, WE WOULD NEED TO THINK AGAIN.*

0 --------

/21 ........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1984

21 -

NO DISCERNIBLE TREND IN SUICIDES AMONG OLD * * * * *

THE SUICIDE RATES PER 100 000 PERSONS AT THE AGE OF 70 AND OVER WERE 45.3 IN 1981, 24.1 IN 1982 AND 38.1 IN 1983, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON HENRY CHING, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

IN THE THREE YEARS, THE RATES FOR THOSE FROM THE AGES OF 65 TO 70 WERE 35.7, 25.2 AND 34.5, AND FOR THOSE FROM THE AGES CF 60 TO 65 WERE 29, 23 AND 30.8, MR CHING SAID, IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS FROM DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI.

+1 DO NOT THINK THERE IS ANY DISCERNIBLE TREND IN THESE FIGURES OF SUICIDE RATES AMONG ELDERLY PEOPLE OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS,+ HE SAID.

HOTLINE TELEPHONE SERVICES RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE SAMARITANS, AND COUNSELLING SERVICES PROVIDED AT CENTRES OPERATED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WERE AMONG THOSE AVAILABLE TO HELP ELDERLY PEOPLE UNDER EMOTIONAL STRESS, HE POINTED OUT.

+AND OF COURSE WE SHOULD NOT OVERLOOK THE HELP AND MORAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE FROM THE FAMILY, FRIENDS, NEIGHBOURS, CHURCHES AND COMMUNITY ASSOC I AT IONS,+ HE ADDED.

A GREAT DEAL COULD BE ACHIEVED BY A CARING COMMUNITY IN HELPING THE ELDERLY TO PRESERVE THEIR SELF-RESPECT AND TO REMAIN SOCIALLY INTEGRATED, THEREBY FORTIFYING THEM AGAINST EMOTIONAL STRESS, MR CHING SAID.

+THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM IS TO GIVE EVERY ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE ELDERLY TO REMAIN WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AS LONG AS POSSIBLE, RATHER THAN TO WITHDRAW INTO INSTITUTIONS, AND IN PARTICULAR TO REMAIN WITHIN A FAMILY OR FAMILIAR ENVIRONMENT.

♦SUCH SERVICES AS HOME HELP, DAY CARE CENTRES AND SOCIAL CENTRES ARE ESSENTIAL FOR THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THIS AIM,+ HE SAID.

BUT EMOTIONAL STRESS COULD NOT BE AVOIDED ALTOGETHER, GIVEN THAT OLD AGE MIGHT BRING WITH IT SUCH DIFFICULTIES AS ILL-HEALTH AND FINANCIAL OR HOUSING PROBLEMS, HE STATED.

+IT IS IN THESE AREAS PARTICULARLY THAT THE GOVERNMENT CAN MOST APPROPRIATELY HELP, AND THERE ARE ON-GOING PROGRAMMES DESIGNED TO MEET THESE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY AND SO TO ASSIST IN REDUCING SOME OF THE MORE IMPORTANT UNDERLYING CAUSES OF EMOTIONAL STRESS,+ MR CHING SAID.

---0------

/22 .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1984

HK SEEN AS ’PLACE OF COMFORT AND PRIDE’ * * *

WITHIN THIS DECADE. ONE COULD SEE THE TREMENDOUS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS TO HONG KONG’S BUILDING DESIGN AND FACILIT ES, FOR BOTn THE RICH AND THE POOR, THE HON CHARLES YEUNG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

♦THESE IMPROVEMENTS, COUPLED WITH THE COMMUNITY’S INCREASING AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF GENERAL CLEANLINESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL BEAUTIFICATION PROMOTED BY THE CLEAN H°NG KONG CAMPAIGN, HAVE MADE HONG KONG A PLACE OF COMFORT AND PRIDE IN WHICH TO LIVE,* MR YEUNG ADDED.

HE WAS SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, WHICH PASSED INTO LAWS TODAY, MAKING IT MANDATORY FOR REFUSE STORAGE CHAMBERS TO BE PROVIDED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW BUILDINGo.

NOTING THAT THIS PROVISION HAD BEEN MOOTED AND ENDORSED BY THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE TWO YEARS AGO, MR YEUNG SAID +AS A MEMBER INVOLVED, I AM PLEASED TO SEE THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMITTEE CRYSTALLISED INTO A SIMPLE BILL.*

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE PROPOSALS IN THE BILL, WHICH HAD BEEN DISCUSSED BY THE UMELCO ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS PANEL, HAD THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS.

- - 0 - -

COLISEUM USE CLOSE TO FORECAST * * *

SINCE THE OPENING OF THE COLISEUM IN APRIL 1983, IT HAS BEEN USED ON 208 DAYS, REPRESENTING A UTILISATION RATE OF 57 PER CENT.

THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON DENIS BRAY, GAVE THIS FIGURE TODAY IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON S.L. CHEN.

FORTY-FOUR WERE USED IN SPORTING EVENTS, REPRESENTING ABOUT 21 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL UTILISATION RATE IN THE FIRST YEAR.

THESE UTILISATION RATES WERE +REMARKABLY CLOSE* TO THE FORECAST MADE BY THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES BEFORE THE COLISEUM OPENED, MR BRAY SAID.

THIS FORECAST WAS THAT THE COLISEUM WOULD BE USED ON 200 DAYS IN ITS FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION, WITH 40 DAYS BEING USED FOR SPORTING EVENTS.

0 - -

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1984

- 23 -

NEED TO ALIGN ORDINANCE * * *

THE OBJECT OF THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1984 WAS TO BRING THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 237) IN LINE WITH THE NEW ROAD TRAFFIC LEGISLATION COMING INTO EFFECT IN AUGUST THIS YEAR, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON JUSTIN YUE SAID TODAY.

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, HE SAID :

♦ PRINCIPALLY, THE ORDINANCE HAS TO BE ALIGNED WITH THE ROAD TRAFFIC (PARKING) REGULATIONS 1983.

♦ IN PARTICULAR, THE NEW REGULATIONS HAVE A NEW DEFINITION FOR PARKING WHICH COMBINES AND SUPERCEDES THE DEFINITIONS FOR PARKING AND WAITING IN THE EXISTING REGULATIONS. HENCE ALL REFERENCES TO +WA1TING+ IN THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) ORDINANCE WILL NEED TO BE DELETED.

♦ OTHER AMENDMENTS IN THE BILL, HE SAID, SOUGHT TO ALIGN THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WITH CHANGES ALREADY MADE IN OTHER ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOUNED.

- - 0 -

FIVE BILLS PASSED * * *

FIVE BILLS WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

THEY WERE THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1984, THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1984, THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984 AND THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1984.

THE FOLLOWING SIX BILLS WERE INTRODUCED AND READ A SECOND TIME: THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1984, THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, THE EVIDENCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS BILL 1984 AND THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENT IONS)(AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1984.

DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED.

0 -

/24........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1984

- 24 -

HONG KONG KEEPS UP GOOD BUSINESS * * * *

BUSINESS IN HONG KONG CONTINUES TO DO WELL DESPITE ANXIETY ABOUT THE TERRITORY’S POLITICAL FUTURE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO, SAID IN VIENNA ON TUESDAY (MAY 29).

MR HO, WHO IS ON A THREE-DAY VISIT TO VIENNA AT THE INVITATION CF THE AUSTRIAN GOVERNMENT, WAS ADDRESSING AN AUDIENCE OF KEY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, DIPLOMATS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE AUSTRIAN CHAMBERS, BANKS AND THE AUSTRIAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY.

♦HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL SECTOR HAS RECENTLY ATTAINED AN IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL ROLE IN ADDITION TO CATERING FOR THE DEMAND OF OTHER SECTORS OF THE DOMESTIC ECONOMY, AND WE BELIEVE THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S NON-1NTERVENTION I ST POLICY HAS BEEN AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN THIS DEVELOPMENT.

♦ HONG KONG ALSO ENJOYS A FAVOURABLE GEOGRAPHIC POSITION AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN JAPAN AND EUROPE, IN THESE DAYS OF ROUND-THE-CLOCK FINANCIAL MARKETS.

♦AND WE FURTHER BENEFIT FROM BEING LOCATED IN THE SOUTH-EAST ASIAN REGION - WHICH HAS BEEN PERHAPS THE MOST BUOYANT AREA OF THE WORLD ECONOMY OVER THE PAST DECADE OR SO, AND SHOWS EVERY SIGN OF CONTINUING TO HAVE A RATE OF GROWTH GREATER THAN MOST OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD,+ MR HO SAID.

ACCORDING TO INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND STATISTICS, THE REGION’S SHARE OF TOTAL WORLD TRADE GREW IN THE FIVE-YEAR PERIOD 1978-82 FROM 14 PER CENT TO 17 PER CENT. THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 68 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS, CONSIDERABLY HIGHER THAN THE INCREASE OF 43 PER CENT FOR THE WORLD AS A WHOLE.

MR HO POINTED OUT THAT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION WAS NOT SUFFICIENT IN ITSELF TO ENSURE HONG KONG’S GROWTH AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.

THE TERRITORY’S EXCELLENT COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD, THE PROVISION OF WELL EDUCATED AND WELL QUALIFIED LOCAL STAFF, AND A PLEASANT STABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR EXPATRIATE STAFF, WERE FACTORS ATTRACTING A WIDE RANGE OF INTERNATIONAL FIRMS TO HONG KONG, HE SAID.

ON HONG KONG’S TRADING POSITION, MR HO POINTED OUT THAT THE LATEST UNITED NATIONS FIGURES SHOW THAT HONG KONG RANKS 2DTH IN THE WORLD AS AN EXPORTER, AND 18TH IN TOTAL TRADE.

IN VALUE TERMS IN 1982, HONG KONG WAS THE WORLD’S LARGEST EXPORTER OF CLOTHING, TOYS AND DOLLS, AND PLASTIC FLOWERS; AND THE SECOND LARGEST EXPORTER OF WATCHES (AFTER SWITZERLAND), RADIO (AFTER JAPAN), AND DOMESTIC FANS (AFTER TAIWAN).

/♦■FOLLOWING THE.........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30,

♦FOLLOWING THE OPENING UP OF CHINA’S MARKET, HONG KONG’S TRADITIONAL ROLE AS AN ENTREPOT HAS REVIVED STRONGLY. IN 1983, HONG KONG’S TOTAL RE-EXPORTS WERE VALUED AT HK$56 294 MILLION (US©7 740 MILLION), REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 181 PER CENT OVER A FIVE-YEAR PERIOD. CHINA WAS THE LARGEST RE-EXPORT MARKET, TAKING UP 22 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL RE-EXPORTS, WHILE THE FAR EAST AS A WHOLE (INCLUDING CHINA) TOOK 63 PER CENT,+ MR HO SAID.

HONG KONG’S TOTAL TRADE DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR AT HKS94.6 BILLION (US$12.1 BILLION), WAS 48 PER CENT UP ON LAST YEAR’S CORRESPONDING QUARTER. IMPORTS ROSE BY 4-3 PER CENT, DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY 51 PER CENT AND RE-EXPORTS BY 59 PER CENT.

ON THE MANUFACTURING FRONT, MR HO SAID THAT DESPITE PRESENT UNCERTAINTIES, IT WAS VERY MUCH BUSINESS AS USUAL IN HONG KONG.

THE ESTIMATED GDP IN 1983 INDICATES A GROWTH RATE OF 5.9 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS OVER 1982, COMPARED WITH 1.1 PER CENT IN 1982 OVER 1981. THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN 1983 wAS 26 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN 1982, AND THE INCREASE IN REAL TERMS wAS 14 PER CENT.

+HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS ARE CONTINUING TO INVEST, PARTLY TO MEET THE CURRENT UPSURGE IN ORDERS, THOUGH WITH PERHAPS A LITTLE MORE CAUTION THAN PREVIOUSLY.

^RETAINED IMPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS, WHICH HAD BEEN GENERALLY ON A, DECLINING TREND SINCE THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1981, INCREASED BY FIVE PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1983: LARGELY DUE TO AN INCREASE IN RETAINED IMPORTS OF TEXTILES AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY,+ MR HO SAID.

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

MORE ELECTED MEMBERS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT

M K * M

THE NUMBER OF ELECTED MEMBERS OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE INCREASED FROM SIX TO 11 AFTER NEXT YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR K.C. KWONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

+EACH CONSTITUENCY WILL HAVE TWO ELECTED MEMBERS, EXCEPT FOR STANLEY AND SHEK 0, WHICH WILL HAVE ONE,+ HE SAID.

THE INCREASE IN ELECTED SEATS IS IN LINE WITH THE RECENT DECISION MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT TO FURTHER DEVELOP LOCAL ADM IN ISTRAT ION.

+IT IS IMPORTANT TO STRENGTHEN THE REPRESENTATIVENESS OF THE BOARD SO THAT MORE PUBLIC OPINION WILL BE REFLECTED AND THAT COMMUNICATION BETWEEN RESIDENTS AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ENHANCED*, HE SAID.

/MR KWONG .......

WEDNESDAY, MAY JO, 1?84

MR KWONG WAS SPEAKING AT A PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE 1983/84 SOUTHERN DISTRICT SOCIAL SERVICES AWARD SCHEME, ORGANISED BY THE BOARD'S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE.

HE SAID THE DISTRICT OFFICE WAS ORGANISING A SERIES OF SCHOOL AND FACTORY VISITS, AND SEMINARS TO HELP RESIDENTS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.

♦THE DISTRICT OFFICE IN APRIL ANALYSED IN DETAIL THE NUMBER AND DISTRIBUTION OF ELIGIBLE VOTERS IN THE DISTRICT, AND A SCHEDULE FOR DOOR-TO-DOOR REGISTRATION VISITS, TO BE CARRIED OUT IN AUGUST, IS BEING DRAWN UP,+ MR KWONG SAID.

IN ADDITION, A QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY WILL BE CONDUCTED AMONG 1 OOO HOUSEHOLDS NEXT MONTH TO ASSESS THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.

♦ THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY WILL ENABLE US TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE NEEDS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS, AND MAKE FULL USE OF OUR RESOURCES TO MEET THEIR NEEDS,+ HE SAID.

MR KWONG DESCRIBED AS A ’ONE-SIDED VIEW’ THE THINKING THAT THE FUNCTIONS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS WERE LIMITED BY THEIR CONSULTATIVE NATURE AND LACK OF EXECUTIVE POWER.

HE SAID THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND THEIR COMMITTEES HAD BEEN PLAYING THEIR ’WATCH-DOG’ ROLE BY GIVING THEIR VIEWS ON, AND INQUIRING ABOUT THE WORK OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

+GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAVE TO CONSTANTLY REPORT PROGRESS CF THEIR WORK TO THE DISTRICT BOARDS,+ HE SAID.

MR KWONG POINTED OUT THAT WHILE THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES WERE PLAYING A CO-ORDINATING ROLE AMONG GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN ENFORCING POLICIES, THE FORMULATION OF POLICIES AND WORK PRIORITIES AS WELL AS THE USE OF LOCAL RESOURCES WERE ALL BASED ON THE ADVICE OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS.

+A DISTRICT BOARD IS LIKE A DRUMMER AND A HELMSMAN WHO STEER THE DRAGON BOAT, WHILE BOARD MEMBERS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS ARE THE ROWERS WHO JOINTLY KEEP THE BOAT MOV I NG,+ HE SA ID.

TODAY’S PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY A SEMINAR ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 3D SOCIAL WORKERS IN THE DISTRICT.

- - 0

/27 ........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1984

- 27 -

ENGLISH INSIGHT FOR SAI KUNG RESIDENTS * * * *

ENGLISH-SPEAKING RESIDENTS IN SAI KUNG WILL BE ABLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DISTRICT AT A SEMINAR ON FRIDAY (JUNE 1) EVENING.

THE SEMINAR IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD TO UPDATE ENGLISH-SPEAKING RESIDENTS ON LATEST DEVELOPMENT PLANS AND TO LET THEM LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT.

GUEST SPEAKERS AT THE SEMINAR WILL BE THE CHIEF TOWN PLANNER OF JUNK BAY NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR P.D. H I NE S A SENIOR TRANSPORT OFFICER, MISS GRACE FUNG J AND AN ENGINEER FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, MR D.A. WEBSTER.

THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS CARRIE CHENG, WILL TALK ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLICITY WORK FOR NEXT YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS. EACH SPEAKER WILL TALK FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES, TO BE FOLLOWED BY A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, MR ALEX BLUM, WILL CHAIR THE SEMINAR, TO BE HELD IN THE CHENG CHEK CHEE SECONDARY SCHOOL, STARTING AT 7.30 PM.

ALSO ATTENDING THE SEMINAR WILL BE THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER CF SAI KUNG, MR JOHN DILLEY.

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

SONG CONTEST TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION

* * *

TWELVE CONTESTANTS WILL COMPETE IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT AMATEUR SINGING CONTEST AT THE CARITAS ST. PAUL PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL ON PEAK ROAD, CHEUNG CHAU, ON SATURDAY (JUNE 2) EVENING.

THE ISLANDS DISTRICT IS THE TENTH TO HOLD A SONG CONTEST TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS FOR NEXT YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

TWO DISC JOCKEYS FROM RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, MR DERIC WAN AND MISS SUSANE HO, AND THE CHEUNG CHAU CHILDREN’S SINGING GROUP WILL BE GUEST PERFORMERS AT THE CONTEST. ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RAYMOND WONG, WILL OFFICIATE.

A LIMITED NUMBER OF FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FROM THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE IN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, AND ITS COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BRANCH OFFICE IN CHEUNG CHAU AND MUI WO.

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/28........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 33, 1934

28 -

GOVERNOR TO OPEN CLINIC * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE LI KA SHING SPECIALIST CLINIC ON FRIDAY (JUNE 1) AT 4 PM.

THE NEW CLINIC SITUATED AT THE SOUTHERN END OF THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL, HAS 49 CONSULTING ROOMS FOR ALL SPECIALTIES.

MR LI KA SHING, THE DONOR OF THE CLINIC AND DR K.L. THONG, DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY.

BARONESS TO MEET PRESS * * *

BARONESS PHILLIPS, LORD LIEUTENANT OF GREATER LONDON, AND H?S G.P. DUNWOODY, MP, LABOUR, WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE IN THE GIS THEATRE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, AT 11 AM, ON FRIDAY (JUNE 1)

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

CHINESE MUSIC CONCERT * * *

A CHINESE MUSIC CONCERT WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (JUNE 2) STARTING AT 8 PM AT THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL.

THE CONCERT IS PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE MUSIC SOCIETY OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.

THE EVENING PERFORMANCE WILL FEATURE VARIOUS CHINESE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SOLOS AND ENSEMBLES AS WELL AS CANTONESE OPERATIC MUSIC.

FREE TICKETS MAY BE OBTAINED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS BY CONTACTING THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, ABERDEEN (TELEPHONE NO. 5-551014) OR HONG kONG MUSIC CENTRE, MUSIC OFFICE, RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, 9TH FLOOR, ARTS CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. 5-283257).

- - 0

/29........

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1934

- 29 -

EYE-DOTTING FOR NEW DRAGON BOATS

* * *

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR IAN MACPHERSON, WILL VISIT TAI PO AND NORTH DISTRICT TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

AT 19 AM IN TAI WONG YEH TEMPLE AT YUEN CHAU TSAI, HE WILL OFFICIATE AT AN EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY FOR TWO NEW DRAGON BOATS WHICH WILL TAKE PART IN THE RACES AT TAI PO ON MONDAY (JUNE 4).

AFTERWARDS, HE WILL CALL ON THE TAI PO AND SAI KUNG NORTH RURAL COMMITTEES.

IN THE AFTERNOON, HE WILL OPEN A VILLAGE ROAD AT SIU HANG IN FANLING AT 3 PM.

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

WATER CUT IN TUEN MUN * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM NOON ON SATURDAY (JUNE 2) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.

THE AFFECTED AREAS ARE ALONG LUNG MUN ROAD FROM TSING WAN ROAD TO TAP SHEK KOK, INCLUDING BUTTERFLY ESTATE, WU KING ESTATE, SIU SHAN COURT, MELODY GARDEN, TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS 44 AND 45, BOYS’ HOME, CHINA CEMENT CO AND CHINA LIGHT POWER STATION.

- 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1984

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNMENT HAS WORKED WELL — BRAY................................ 1

GOVERNOR RETURNING TOMORROW ..................................... 3

BUSY DAY FOR DISTRICT CHIEF ..................................... 3

VALUERS TO LOOK INTO RATE OBJECTIONS ............................ 4

BOAT DWELLERS VISIT HOUSING DEPARTMENT........................... 5

CONTRACT AWARDED FOR TAI PO ROAD PROJECT ........................ 6

PARENTS TOLD TO APPLY EARLY FOR FEE HELP ........................ 7

ELECTRONICS LEAD IN EXPORT UPSWING............................... 8

BIG MANAGEMENT SURVEY STARTS.................................... 10

MORE SEMINARS FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS........................ 11

CENTRE HELPS DISABLED YOUTH ACQUIRE SKILLS ..................... 12

NEW TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE FOR CENTRAL ......................... 13

ALL ABOUT SAFETY AT WORK ....................................... 13

ATHLETES TO RACE AND WALK ON ISLAND CORRIDOR.................... 13

MP TOURS SQUATTER aREA AND ESTATES ............................. 14

S2M TO COOL TAI PO SCHOOL ...................................... 15

MODEL PEDESTRIANS TO BE CHOSEN ................................. 15

STAFF TO WORK AT NEW ADDRESS ................................... 16

REFUSE COLLECTION POINT FOR KWUN TCNG........................... 16

CROWN LAND FOR SALE BY TINDER................................... 17

STORAGE SITE TO LET............................................. 17

COWIENDATION FOR COOLBS ........................................ 18

TRANSPORT GUIDE................................................. 18

LANDSCAPING FOR CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD ........................... 19

WATER MAIN FOR SHEUNG SHUI ..................................... 19

PLAYGROUND-BENEATH-THE-ROAD .................................... 20

TAI KOO SHING ROAD TRAFFIC CHANGE............................... 20

PLB RESTRICTED ZONE............................................. 20

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1984

- 1 -

GOVERNMENT HAS WORKED WELL — BRAY

* * *

THERE IS MUCH OF VALUE IN THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT WHICH HAS WORKED WELL FOR A LONG TIME, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DENIS BRAY, SAID THIS EVENING.

HE POINTED OUT THAT IN MOVING FORWARD, IT SHOULD BE WISE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO BUILD ON THIS FOUNDATION TO CREATE GRADUALLY A SYSTEM WHICH RETAINS THE STRONG POINTS OF THE PRESENT BALANCE OF INTERESTS WHILE MOVING TO A SYSTEM WHICH CAN READILY BE SEEN AS MORE REPRESENTATIVE.

SPEAKING AT THE INSTALLATION CEREMONY OF KOWLOON ZONTA CLUB, MR BRAY CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE PROPOSALS IN THE GREEN PAPER TO BE PUBLISHED IN JUNE OR JULY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT ALONG MORE REPRESENTATIVE LINES.

+THIS DOCUMENT WILL DEAL WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS AND WILL RAISE VERY IMPORTANT ISSUES ON HOW WE ARE GOVERNED,♦ HE SAID.

TO ENHANCE THE PUBLIC’S UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM, MR BRAY OUTLINED THE CHANGES OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS.

HE SAID THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD 15 UNOFFICIALS 10 YEARS AGO AND THE NUMBERS HAVE ALMOST DOUBLED TO 29 NOW.

+THE INCREASE, WHICH INVOLVED PERIODIC AMENDMENT OF THE ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS, TOOK PLACE GRADUALLY. THE BIGGEST INCREASE WAS IN 1976 WHEN UNOFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP WAS INCREASED FROM 15 TO 22,* HE SAID.

MR BRAY STRESSED HOWEVER THAT THE COUNCIL HAS ALWAYS MAINTAINED A HIGH DEGREE OF CONTINUITY.

+IT IS BY HAVING A COUNCIL WHOSE MEMBERS CHANGE ONLY GRADUALLY OVER THE YEARS THAT A DEGREE OF CONSISTENCY CAN BE MAINTAINED,+ HE SAID.

IN HIS ANALYSIS OF THE COMPOSITION OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THE MORE READILY IDENTIFIABLE COMMUNITY GROUPS FROM WHICH APPOINTMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE WERE THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS.

FOR THE REMAINING MEMBERS, IT IS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TO RECOGNISE WHAT ONE MIGHT CALL ’CONSTITUENCIES’ FROM WHICH THEY COME, BUT IT IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE TO DO SO.

EXAMPLES HE CITED INCLUDED MISS JOYCE BENNETT, WHO COULD BE READILY IDENTIFIED WITH THE WORLD OF EDUCATION, DR HARRY FANG WHO IS A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER BUT IS ALSO A MAN SPEAKING FOR INTERESTS INVOLVED IN REHABILITATION.

/♦THE DOCTORS .......

THUBSDAY, MAY 31, 1984

2 -

♦THE DOCTORS ARE EASY ENOUGH TO IDENTIFY BECAUSE THEY ARE CallED DOCTORS AND WE SEE DR HENRIETTA IP, BUT DR HO KAM FAI IS AN ACADEMIC SOCIAL WORK EXPERT NOT A MEDICAL DOCTOR.

+LAWYERS TOO CAN READILY BE IDENTIFIED1 MR T.S. LO, W PETER C. WONG, MR CHARLES YEUNG, MR JOHN SWAINE, MISS MARIA TAM.+ MR BRAY WENT ON.

STRESSING THAT HIS ANALYSIS IS NOT THE ONLY INTERPRETATION OF THE CONSTITUENCIES OF MEMBERS, MR BRAY SAID HE THOUGHT IT SHOWED US SOMETHING ABOUT THE WAY GOVERNORS HAVE GONE ABOUT CREATING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL UNDER OUR PRESENT SYSTEM.

+IN 1974 THE 15 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS CAME FROM SOME 17 CONSTITUENCIES - AN AVERAGE OF 1.1 CONSTITUENCY PER MEMBER. TODAY’S 29 MEMBERS COME FROM SOME 39 CONSTITUENCIES AT AN AVERAGE OF 1.3 CONSTITUENCIES PER MEMBER.

♦THE BALANCE IN THE CONSTITUENCIES HAS CHANGED OVER THE YEARS TOO. IN 1974 THE COMMERCE, FINANCE AND INDUSTRY CONSTITUENCIES ACCOUNTED FOR HALF THE CONSTITUENCIES REPRESENTED. TODAY THEY ACCOUNT FOR ABOUT ONE THIRD.

♦THE ACADEMIC, SOCIAL WORK AND MEDICAL CONSTITUENCIES IN BOTH YEARS MAKE UP ABOUT ONE QUARTER. THE LAWYERS HAVE HELD THEIR OWN AT ONE TENTH OF THE CONSTITUENCIES. THE NEW ELEMENTS IN 1984 ARE THE NEW TERRITORIES AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, TRADE UNIONS, ACCOUNTANCY, ENGINEERING AND RELIGIOUS BOD IES,+ MR BRAY SAID.

HE ASKED THE PUBLIC NOT TO READ TOO MUCH INTO THE DETAILS OF HIS OWN ANALYSIS BECAUSE ONLY THE TWO GOVERNORS WOULD KNOW AND THEY WERE THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE MADE THE SELECTION WHICH INVOLVED PERSONAL ASSESSMENT OF THE CAPACITY OF VARIOUS FIGURES IN THE CONSTITUENCIES TO SPEAK FOR THEIR FELLOWS.

NEVERTHELESS, MR BRAY NOTED THAT OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS, ONE COULD SEE A STEADY DEVELOPMENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AS A BODY COMPOSED OF PEOPLE SELECTED TO BE SPOKESMEN OF MANY GROUPS IN OUR COMMUNITY.

IN A SMALL PLACE WHERE IT IS INTERESTS OR WORK OR PROFESSION THAT THROW PEOPLE TOGETHER RATHER THAN GEOGRAPHY ALONE THIS SYSTEM HAS WORKED WELL, HE SAID, ADDING THAT IT IS THE FOUNDATION ON WHICH A MORE REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM MUST BE BUILT.

- 0 -

/3.......

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1984

GOVERNOR RETURNING TOMORROW * * * *

TOMORROW TALKS ON

GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL RETURN FROM PEKING (FRIDAY) AFTER ATTENDING THE LATEST ROUND OF SINO-BRITISH THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.

SIR

EDWARD WILL BE TRAVELLING ON FLIGHT CA 103, ETA 1.25 PM

A FACILITY HAS BEEN ARRANGED TO COVER SIR EDWARD’S ARRIVAL. MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN ASSIGNED TO COVER THE EVENT SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN THE PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING BY 12.25 PM TOMORROW.

BUSY DAY FOR DISTRICT CHIEF * * * *

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR IAN MACPHERSON, SPENT A BUSY DAY IN TAI PO AND NORTH DISTRICT TODAY (THURSDAY) ATTENDING LOCAL COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.

IN THE MORNING, MR MACPHERSON WENT TO THE TAI WONG YEH TEMPLE IN YUEN CHAU TSAI TO PERFORM THE EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY FOR TWO NEW DRAGON BOATS. HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR THOMAS CHAN.

THE CEREMONY BEGAN WITH THE OFFERING CHICKENS AND OTHER DELICACIES TO TAI WONG GOD OF FISHERMEN.

OF ROASTED PIGS, YEH - THE PATRON

AFTER PRAYERS BY TWO VILLAGE ELDERS, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DOTTED THE EYES OF THE TWO DRAGON BOATS.

MR MACPHERSON AND

MR JOHN

RIDDELL-SWAN,

THE NEW BOATS WERE THEN USED IN AN LAST YEAR’S WINNERS.

EXHIBITION

RACE .BY

LATER, MR MACPHERSON CALLED ON THE NORTH RURAL COMMITTEES TO DISCUSS LOCAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS.

TAI PO AND

SAI KUNG

PROBLEMS WITH THE

- - 0 - -

HE ALSO TOURED THE TAI PO MARKET ACTIVITIES THERE.

IN THE AFTERNOON, MR MACPHERSON DISTRICT OFFICER, MR IAN WOTHERSPOON ' ROAD AT SIU HANG IN FANLING.

TO LOOK AT TRADING

ACCOMPANIED BY THE NORTH OPENED A NEW VILLAGE

ACCESS TO SIU HANG TSUEN.

THE 3 OOO-METRE ROAD IS THE ONLY PREVIOUSLY, VILLAGERS HAD ’TO PASS THROUGH THE GALLIPOLI LINES

BEFORE THEY COULD REACH THE VILLAGE.

FUNDED BY THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH AT $450 000, THE ROAD HAS BEEN BUILT BY THE WORKS SECTION OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE.

- - 0 - -

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1984

- 4 -

VALUERS TO LOOK INTO RATE OBJECTIONS * * * * *

LESS THAN TWO OUT OF EVERY 10 RATEPAYERS IN HONG KONG HAVE OBJECTED TO THE NEW RATE ASSESSMENTS, THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, MR R.A. FRY, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

OF THE NEARLY 100 000 OBJECTIONS, 40 PER CENT WERE FOR PREMISES ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 30 PER CENT IN KOWLOON, 16 PER CENT IN NEW KOWLOON AND 14 PER CENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR FRY SAID.

OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, PROFESSIONAL VALUERS WOULD BE LOOKING AT THESE OBJECTIONS AND, IN MANY CASES, WOULD BE INSPECTING THE PREMISES TO CHECK PARTICULARS AND MAKE FURTHER ENQUIRIES, FR FRY SAID, IN AN ADDRESS TO THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON.

EIGHTY PER CENT OF THE TOTAL OBJECTIONS CONCERNED DOMESTIC PREMISES AND THE REST NON-DOMESTIC PREMISES.

IT WOULD TAKE SOME TIME TO DEAL WITH THE LARGE NUMBER CF OBJECTIONS, AND NOT MANY NOTICES OF DECISION WERE LIKELY TO BE SENT OUT BEFORE JULY THIS YEAR, HE SAID.

+IF IT IS THOUGHT THAT THE RATEABLE VALUE IS TOO HIGH, THE VALUER WILL PREPARE A FRESH VALUATION FOR APPROVAL BY HIS DISTRICT VALUER,+ HE SAID.

FOLLOWING THE NOTICE OF DECISION, A RATEPAYER STILL HAS THE RIGHT OF APPEAL TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL, HE POINTED OUT.

BUT MR FRY ADDED THAT FROM PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS, THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT WAS +REASONABLY SATISFIED THAT MOST OF THE NEW RATEABLE VALUES HAVE BEEN FAIRLY ASSESSED AND DO NOT WARRANT ALTERNATION.+

MR FRY REPORTED THERE WERE ABOUT 100 CASES WHERE RATEPAYERS HAD ASKED THEIR ASSESSMENTS TO BE INCREASED.

NEARLY ALL OF THESE WERE DUE TO THE INCORRECT COMPLETION CF FORMS BUT AT LEAST ONE MIGHT HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED BY THE LANDLORD ON THE MISTAKEN ASSUMPTION THAT IT WOULD AFFECT THE POSITION OF HIS PREMISES WITH REGARD TO RENT CONTROL.

♦HOWEVER, AS HAS BEEN EXPLAINED ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS RECENTLY. THE RATEABLE VALUES EMPLOYED FOR THIS PURPOSE ARE THOSE IN THE OLD VALUATION LIST AS AT JUNE 10, 1983, SO THAT A CHANGE IN THE CURRENT RATEABLE VALUE WILL NOT AFFECT THE POSITION OF PROTECTED TENANTS,+ HE EXPLAINED.

♦INTERESTINGLY, THE REASON IN THE OTHER FEW GENUINE CASES WHERE OWNERS PROPOSED INCREASES APPEARS TO BE THE FEAR THAT THEIR TENANTS MIGHT TRY TO USE THE NEW RATEABLE VALUES AS A BASIS FOR OBTAINING REDUCTIONS IN RE-NT,+ HE SAID.

/MR FRY.......

THURSDAY, MAY 31. 1984

- 5 -

MR FRY STRESSED THAT IF THE RATING SYSTEM WAS TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A SOUND INDIRECT TAX BASE, IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT RATEABLE VALUES WERE UPDATED PERIODICALLY.

HE SAID THAT PLANNING WOULD NOW PROCEED ON THE BASIS OF A THREE-YEAR CYCLE THOUGH IT MIGHT NOT BE POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE THIS FOR THE NEXT REVALUATION EXERCISE.

♦THUS, I HOPE, RATEPAYERS WILL NOT IN FUTURE YEARS HAVE TO FACE THE VERY HIGH INCREASES IN RATEABLE VALUES EXPERIENCED ON THIS OCCASION,+ HE SAID.

-----o-----

BOAT DWELLERS VISIT HOUSING DEPARTMENT

*****

A GROUP OF BOAT DWELLERS FROM THE YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER TODAY VISITED THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TO EXPRESS ThEIR VIEWS ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT WHICH SETS OUT FOR PUBLIC DISCUSSION BROAD ASPECTS OF PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION POLICIES.

they were concerned that the document did not include the LONG-TERM REHOUSING of BOAT DWELLERS SUCH AS THEMSELVES.

A HOUSING SPOKESMAN SAID THAT DURING THE CONSULTATION PERIOD, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WAS KEEN TO RECEIVE PUBLIC OPINIONS ON ALL ASPECTS OF PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION.

♦ the BOAT DWELLERS’ views would be reflected to the housing AUTHORITY FOR CONSIDERATION.

♦ IN FACT, THE QUESTION OF REHOUSING OF BOAT PEOPLE HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN RAISED IN TWO DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS.♦

IN THE MEANTIME, The SPOKESMAN SAID The LONGER-TERM SOLUTION TO THE YAU MA TEI BOAT PEOPLE’S HOUSING ISSUE WAS FOR THEM TO APPLY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT’S WAITING LIST.

♦ THE SOONER THEY APPLY, THE QUICKER THEY WILL GET REHOUSED ON LAND.

♦ BOAT DWELLERS ARE ENTITLED TO REGISTER ON THE WAITING LIST AND MAKE THEIR WAY INTO PUBLIC HOUSING IN THE NORMAL WAY.+

IN FACT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID A ONCE-AND-FOR-ALL OFFER OF REHOUSING IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WAS MADE IN 1972 TO ALL BOAT FAMILIES LIVING IN YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER.

♦ THIS OFFER WAS MADE TO 968 FAMILIES, BUT ONLY 355 FAMILIES ACCEPTED WHILE 413 FAMILIES EITHER REFUSED INTERVIEWS OR TOTALLY DISREGARDED THE REHOUS I NG OFFER.

/♦ALL THESE........

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1984

- 6 -

♦ ALL THESE 413 REMAINING FAMILIES WERE THEN URGED TO AT LEAST REGISTER ON THE WAITING LIST FOR HOUSING, IN PREPARATION for their future rehousing ashore should they want it.

♦ HAD THEY DONE SO, ALL WOULD HAVE BEEN REHOUSED IN PROPER FLATS BEFORE NOW.+

IN THE EVENT OF BOATS BEING IN IMMINENT DANGER OF SINKING OR HAVING SUNK, THE SPOKESMAN SAID YAU MA TEI BOAT PEOPLE WERE AWARE OF THE PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED.

♦ after they have made a report, marine department staff WILL CARRY OUT INSPECTIONS. IF THE BOATS ARE FOUND TO BE SINKING OR ARE IN IMMINENT DANGER OF SINKING, THE OCCUPANTS ARE REFERRED TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WHICH WILL REHOUSE THEM ACCORDING TO THEIR ELIGIBILITY.+

---0------

CONTRACT AWARDED FOR TAI PO ROAD PROJECT

* * * *

A $30.4 MILLION CONTRACT HAS BEEN AWARDED TO MITSUI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AT TAI PO NEW TOWN.

THE WORK, WHICH WILL START SHORTLY, INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF 300 METRES OF DUAL CARRIAGEWAY AND A 250-METRE-L0NG SINGLE ROAD TO FU SHIN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, NOW BEING BUILT ON TAI PO RECLAMATION.

ALSO TO BE PROVIDED AT THE ESTATE, AS PART OF THE CONTRACT, ARE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS ROADS, A TEMPORARY BUS STATION, LANDSCAPING AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE AND SEWAGE SYSTEMS.

KWONG FUK ROAD BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED AND EVENTUALLY DEMOLISHED WHEN A NEW PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE BRIDGE ACROSS THE LAM TSUEN RIVER IS COMPLETED.

THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE THE REALIGNMENT OF THE LAM TSUEN RIVER. THERE WILL ALSO BE ALTERATIONS TO ROADS AT TAI PO MARKET AS PART OF THE TAI PO CENTRAL AREA TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME.

PLOVER COVE ROAD WILL BE EXTENDED AND TAI PO WHOLESALE FISH MARKET WILL MOVE TO A NEW SITE AT YIM TIN TSAI.

WORK WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1986.

THE CONTRACT WAS AWARDED BY THE TAI PO AND FANLING DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

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

/7 .......

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1934

- 7 -

PARENTS TOLD TO APPLY EARLY FOR FEE HELP M * * *

PARENTS NEEDING FEE ASSISTANCE FOR CHILDREN ATTENDING DAY NURSERIES OR KINDERGARTENS SHOULD APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY GAVE THIS ADVICE AND SAID THAT PARENTS ALREADY RECEIVING SUCH ASSISTANCE, AND WHO WISH TO CONTINUE TO DO SO AFTER SEPTEMBER 1, SHOULD ALSO APPLY EARLY.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS AND FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERR ITORY.

A SPOKESMAN SAID THAT APPLICATIONS SHOULD PREFERABLY BE SUBMITTED THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE DATE OF ADMISSION AND APPLICANTS SHOULD APPLY TO THE FIELD UNIT NEAREST THEIR HOMES.

HE SAID THE FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME FOR PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES, IN OPERATION SINCE 1982, WAS TO HELP PARENTS PAY THE FEES CHARGED IN DAY NURSERIES AND KINDERGARTENS.

FOR ASSESSMENT OF INCOME ELIGIBILITY, PARENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE SUCH INFORMATION AS THE TOTAL INCOME RECEIVED BY THE FAMILY, THE SIZE OF THE FAMILY AND THE RENT PAID.

THE RENT WILL BE DEDUCTED FROM THE TOTAL FAMILY INCOME, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASSESSMENT.

APPLICANTS FOR FEE ASSISTANCE FOR DAY NURSERIES OR FULL-DAY KINDERGARTENS HAVE TO DEMONSTRATE THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE CARE FOR THEIR CHILD IN THE HOME DURING THE DAY.

+IN THIS REGARD, ASSISTANCE WILL BE GIVEN TO FAMILIES WHERE BOTH PARENTS HAVE TO WORK AND EACH IS EMPLOYED FOR NOT LESS THAN 104 HOURS A MONTH,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

CITING AN EXAMPLE, HE SAID THAT A FOUR-MEMBER FAMILY WITH A NET INCOME OF $1 400 A MONTH MAY RECEIVE MAXIMUM FEE ASSISTANCE WHILE A FAMILY OF SIMILAR SIZE WITH A NET INCOME OF ABOUT $2 503 A MONTH MAY QUALIFY FOR ASSISTANCE RANGING FROM $110 TO $260.

APPLICANTS WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND A BRIEF INTERVIEW TO WHICH THEY SHOULD BRING THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:

* THE APPLICANT’S HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD AND THE ID CARD/ BIRTH CERTIFICATE NUMBERS OF OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS;

* TWO PHOTOGRAPHS OF EACH CHILD;

* THE BIRTH CERT IF ICATE(S) OF THE CH ILD/CHILDREN ;

* EMPLOYERS’ STATEMENTS CONFIRMING THE AMOUNT OF INCOME EARNED BY THE APPLICANT AND HIS FAMILY MEMBERS;

/* RJEEKT RSJTAL .......

THURSDAY, ilAY 31. 1984

* RECENT RENTAL RECEIPT;

SCHOOL FEE RECEIPTS/LETTERS OF ACCEPTANCE FROM DAY NURSERY ---------------------------------- IS ENROLLED OR PLACED

OR KINDERGARTEN IN WHICH THE CHILD ON THE WAITING LIST.

AS SOON AS POSSIBLE OF APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE (STANCE APPROVED.

APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER THE RESULT OF THE APPLICATION. SUCCESSFUL A CERTIFICATE SHOWING THE AMOUNT OF FEE ASS

THIS CERTIFICATE WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE SUPERVISOR OF THE CENTRE THE CHILD IS ATTENDING.

FEE ASSISTANCE WILL BE PAID DIRECTLY TO THE DAY NURSERY OR KINDERGARTEN CONCERNED AND NOT TO THE APPLICANT. REGULAR PAYMENTS WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE CENTRE CERTIFYING THE CONTINUED ATTENDANCE OF THE CHILD.

TO QUALIFY FOR FEE ASSISTANCE IN A DAY NURSERY, A CHILD MUST ............................... ~ *r"~.. TO QUALIFY

BE AT LEAST TWO YEARS AND LESS THAN SIX YEARS OF AGE.

------------1. A CHILD MUST BE

FOR FEE ASSISTANCE IN A KINDERGARTEN

A CHILD

AT LEAST

THREE YEARS OLD.

ALL APPLICATIONS FOR FEE ASSISTANCE MUST BE MADE BY THE PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN OF THE CHILD, WHO MUST ALSO BE PREPARED TO ATTEND THE BRIEF INTERVIEW PERSONALLY.

- - 0 - -

ELECTRONICS LEAD IN EXPORT UPSWING * * *

DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS NOTCHED UP THE LARGEST MONEY-TERM INCREASE IN THE FIRST QUARTER THIS YEAR OVER THE SIMILAR PERIOD IN 1983, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THEIR INCREASE AT $2 928 MILLION WAS FOLLOWED BY $2 233 MILLION FOR WEARING APPAREL, SI 887 MILLION FOR TEXTILES, 8813 MILLION FOR PLASTIC PRODUCTS, 8242 MILLION FOR PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT, AND 8215 MILLION FOR METAL PRODUCTS.

THESE SIX INDUSTRY GROUPS MADE UP 87 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS.

WITH THEIR DOMESTIC EXPORTS MORE THAN DOUBLED FOR THE PERIOD, MINING AND QUARRYING, ELECTRICITY AND NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS CHALKED UP THE LARGEST INCREASES IN PERCENTAGE ‘ TERMS.

/OH THZ

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1984

- 9 -

ON THE OTHER HAND, DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE DOWN 50 PER CENT OR S4 MILLION FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY; AND ONE PER CENT OR $200 000 FOR TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT.

A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THIS SERIES OF STATISTICS HAD BEEN DERIVED BY RE-GROUPING ALL SIX-DIGIT COMMODITY EXPORT ITEMS UNDER THE PRESENT EXTERNAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ACCORDING TO THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH THESE 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 INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION OF ALL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES (I.S.I.C.), AS DISTINCT FROM THE UNITED NATIONS STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (S.l.T.C.) WHICH IS ADOPTED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS. THE SYSTEM OF RE-CLASSIFICATION BETWEEN THE I.S.I.C. AND S.l.T.C. HAS BEEN UPDATED STARTING FROM THE FIRST QUARTER 1984 SO AS TO REFLECT CHANGES IN THE I.S.I.C. AND S.l.T.C. IN RECENT YEARS. IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN COMPARABILITY BETWEEN THE 1983 AND 1984 FIGURES, THE DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER 1983 HAVE ALSO BEEN RE-GROUPED ACCORDING TO TH£ NEW RE-CLASSIFICATION.

IN THE INTERPRETATION OF THE RE-CLASSIFIED FIGURES, THE OVERALL EXPORT VALUE OF AN EXPORTED COMMODITY REQUIRING SEVERAL INTERMEDIATE PROCESSING STAGES IS WHOLLY ALLOCATED TO THE INDUSTRY IN WHICH IT IS FINALLY PRODUCED, ALTHOUGH THE INDUSTRY IS NOT REALLY THE SOLE CONTRIBUTOR TO THE VALUE.

BESIDES, THE CLASSIFICATION OF AN EXPORTED COMMODITY TO A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE ENTIRE AMOUNT OF THE COMMODITY IS ACTUALLY PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS OF THAT INDUSTRY, SINCE SOME MAY BE SECONDARY PRODUCTS PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS CLASSIFIED UNDER OTHER INDUSTRIES.

FURTHER INFORMATION OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS STATISTICS FOR MERCHANDISE RE-CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTIC^ DEPARTMENT (AT TEL. NO. 3-7224504).

A TABLE WITH STATISTICAL DETAILS FOR SELECTED INDUSTRIES IS BEING ISSUED BY FACSIMILE AND BOXED FOR COLLECTION.

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

/10 ........

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1984

- 10 -

BIG MANAGEMENT SURVEY STARTS * * * *

A MAJOR SURVEY ON THE TRAINING NEEDS OF MANAGEMENT STARTS TOMORROW.

THE SURVEY, WHICH WILL LAST FOR A MONTH, WILL COVER ABOUT 2 100 ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED AT RANDOM FROM ALL SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY AND IT IS THE FIRST COMPREHENSIVE PROJECT UNDERTAKEN BY THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY TRAINING OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.

+THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT PROJECT IN VIEW OF THE SCARCITY OF INFORMATION ABOUT MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY TRAINING IN HONG KONG,+ SAID A COMMITTEE SPOKESMAN.

INTERVIEWERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT THE ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED TO HELP THEM COMPLETE A QUESTIONNAIRE. THIS WILL HELP ASSESS THE MANAGEMENT SITUATION AND WILL PROVIDE NAMES OF MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS.

ONCE THIS HAS BEEN DONE, SEVERAL MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS WILL BE SELECTED AT RANDOM AND WILL BE ASKED TO COMPLETE A FURTHER QUESTIONNAIRE INDICATING THEIR NEEDS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT AND THE TYPES OF MANAGEMENT COURSE THEY HAVE ATTENDED OR ARE INTERESTED IN.

ALL INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE KEPT IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND DATA WILL BE RELEASED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO FIRMS OR INDIVIDUALS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE SURVEY WILL COLLECT PARTICULARS OF MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS RELATING TO AGE, EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, WORKING EXPERIENCE AND SPECIALISED MANAGEMENT FIELDS. ABOUT 8 000 MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS WILL BE INTERVIEWED.

+EMPLOYERS AND MANAGERS ARE REQUESTED TO CO-OPERATE BECAUSE THE SURVEY IS VITAL TO THE COMMITTEE IN FORMULATING RECOMMENDATIONS AND TAKING ACTION TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY TRAINING,* SAID THE SPOKESMAN.

THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT DATA PROCESSING AGENCY WILL ASSIST WITH THE SURVEY.

- - o------

/11 ........

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1984

11 -

MORE SEMINARS FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS * * * *

SEMINARS ON GOVERNMENT MACHINERY ARE BEING ARRANGED FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS FROM A NUMBER OF DISTRICTS AND NOT JUST ONLY ON A DISTRICT BASIS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR IAN MACPHERSON, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.

HE BELIEVED THAT SUCH SEMINARS WERE A VALUABLE WAY OF IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE AND EFFECTIVENESS IN LOCAL ADMINISTRATION.

MR MACPHERSON WAS SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING OF A SEMINAR ON •♦GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY LEADERS* FOR TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.

THE SEMINAR, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND, WAS TO GIVE BOARD MEMBERS AN INSIGHT INTO THEIR ROLE AS COMMUNITY LEADERS AS WELL AS INTO GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE AND PROCEDURES.

+WE SHOULD HAVE SEMINARS OF THIS KIND NOT ONLY ON A DISTRICT BASIS, BUT ALSO WITH GROUPS OF BOARD MEMBERS FROM A NUMBER OF DISTRICTS PARTICIPATING TOGETHER,* MR MACPHERSON SAID.

♦I FEEL SURE YOU WILL AGREE THAT JOINT CONSIDERATION OF THE PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNMENT, THE WAY THE GOVERNMENT MACHINE WORKS, AND THE CASE STUDY APPROACH ARE OF USE NOT JUST TO NEWLY APPOINTED BOARD MEMBERS, BUT ALSO TO EXPERIENCED PEOPLE SUCH AS YOURSELVES.

*1 SOMETIMES THINK THAT WE EXPECT TOO MUCH OF OUR UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES AND THAT WE DO NOT DO ENOUGH TO BRIEF THEM ON THE WORK OF THE VARIOUS COMMITTEES THEY JOIN,* HE SAID.

MR MACPHERSON SAID THE SUCCESS OF A SEMINAR OF THIS TYPE DEPENDED NOT SO MUCH ON THE ORGANISERS AS ON THE ENTHUSIASM OF THE PARTICIPANTS.

HE NOTED THE BOARD MEMBERS HAD TAKEN AN ACTIVE PART IN THE PAST TWO AFTERNOONS, PARTICULARLY IN THE DISCUSSION SESSIONS, AND HAD PUT FORWARD SOME FRANK AND STIMULATING OPINIONS ON THE GOVERNMENT MACHINERY AND ON THEIR ROLE AS COMMUNITY LEADERS.

+IT IS VERY ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT OTHER DISTRICTS HAVE ALREADY SHOWN A KEEN INTEREST IN EMULATING TSUEN WAN’S GOOD EXAMPLE.

+THIS IS PERHAPS A TRUE MEASURE OF THE SEMINAR’S SUCCESS AND OF THE SPIRIT AND VIGOUR OF OUR COMMUNITY LEADERS,* HE SAID.

- - 0 - -

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 19S4

CENTRE HELPS DISABLED YOUTH ACQUIRE SKILLS * * * *

TWENTY-THREE-YEAR OLD, WHEELCHAIR-BOUND MR CHE POU-CHEN, HAS BECOME THE FIRST TRAINEE FROM THE KWUN TONG SKILLED CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED TO PASS THE PITMAN INTERMEDIATE TYPING EXAMINATION OF THE UN ITED K INGDOM.

HAVING OBTAINED HIS. 35-WORD A-MINUTE TYPING SKILL, HE NOW LOOKS FORWARD SHORTLY TO COMPLETING A ONE-YEAR, FULL-TIME OFFICE MACHINE PRACTICE COURSE HE BEGAN LAST SEPTEMBER.

MR CHE HAS BEEN STRIVING HARD FOR THESE SKILLS, SO AS TO BE ABLE TO GET A CHANCE TO WORK IN AN OFFICE.

MEANWHILE, HE IS WORKING IN THE GENERAL OFFICE OF THE KWUN TONG CENTRE IN THE HOPE OF IMPROVING HIS COMPETENCE.

WHILE A TYPING SPEED OF 35WPM IS NOT REMARKABLE FOR AN ABLE-BODIED PERSON, IT IS QUITE AN ACHIEVEMENT FOR SOMEONE SUFFERING FROM PARALYSIS OF THE LOWER LIMBS, AN AFFLICTION WHICH AFFECTED HIS NORMAL CHILDHOOD SCHOOLING, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENTRE EXPLAINED.

HIS SKILL WAS ACQUIRED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THROUGH HARD WORK AND A DETERMINATION TO SUCCEED AGAINST PHYSICAL ODDS. AND THROUGHOUT HIS PERIOD OF LEARNING AND TRAINING, MR CHE WAS HELPED AND CHEERED ALONG BY THE CENTRE STAFF.

+IT IS HOPED THAT MR CHE’S SUCCESS — AND DETERMINATION — WILL GIVE ENCOURAGEMENT TO OTHER DISABLED PERSONS TO ACQUIRE SKILLS THAT WILL ENABLE THEM ALSO TO LOOK FOR OFFICE WORK,+ HE SAID.

MR CHE HIMSELF SA IDs +A PITMAN CERTIFICATE MEANS A LOT TO rE — IT HAS GIVEN ME MORE CONFIDENCE, AND THE HOPE OF OBTAINING AN OFFICE JOB.+

MR CHE’S FURTHER TRAINING IN THE CENTRE HAS ENABLED HIM TO MANAGE MOST OF THE OFFICE DESK WORK, SUCH AS TYPING, FILING, LETTER WRITING, AND OPERATING THE PHOTOCOPYING MACHINE, AND CALCULATOR.

AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 243 FULL-TIME TRAINEES UNDERGOING VARIOUS LEVELS OF SKILLS TRAINING IN COMMERCIAL STUDIES, DRESSMAKING, ELECTRICAL WORK FABRICATIONS, AND OTHER COURSES AT THE CENTRE.

THE KWUN TONG SKILLED CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED, PREVIOUSLY • KNOWN AS THE WORLD REHABILITATION FUND DAY CENTRE, wAS ESTABLISHED IN 1968 AND HAS BEEN GROUPED UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT SINCE 1982.

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/13........

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1984

NEW TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE FOR CENTRAL ’ M * M

COMPUTERISED TRAFFIC LIGHTS ARE EXPECTED TO OPERATE IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICTS BY LATE 1986, A GROUP OF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WERE TOLD TODAY DURING A VISIT TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE IN NATHAN ROAD.

THE TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM, IN WHICH COMPUTERISED SIGNALS COPE AUTOMATICALLY WITH DAILY CHANGES IN THE TRAFFIC FLOW, NOW COVERS 220 JUNCTIONS THROUGHOUT THE KOWLOON PENINSULA AND 67 JUNCTIONS ON THE NORTH-EASTERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND.

MR R.G. SIMPSON, TRAFFIC CONTROL ENGINEER OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, SAID THAT A NEW CONTROL CENTRE WILL BE ESTABLISHED AT HARBOUR BUILDING IN CENTRAL TO FACILITATE THE SCHEME’S EXTENSION.

TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN ARE EXPECTED TO IMPROVE WHEN THE NEW FACILITIES BEGIN OPERATION, HE SAID.

THE VISITING GROUP COMPRISED SEVEN MEMBERS OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD, HEADED BY THE COMMITTEE’S CHAIRMAN, MR VINCENT KO.

- 0 - -

ALL ABOUT SAFETY AT WORK * * M

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH EXHIBITION AND THE SOUND-ON-SLIDE SHOW ♦SAFETY EXTRAVAGANZA*, WILL BE OPENED IN THE NEW WORLD PLAZA, NEW WORLD CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 3 PM.

PROFESSOR P.C. LEUNG, OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ORTHOPAEDIC AND TRAUMATIC SURGERY, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, AND DR J.W. HAYES, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.

- - 0 -

ATHLETES TO RACE AND WALK ON ISLAND CORRIDOR

III

ABOUT 3 000 ATHLETES WILL TAKE PART IN A RACE AND A WALKATHON ALONG A SECTION OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON.

THE EVENT WILL START AT 2 PM AND WILL MARK THE COMPLETION OF THE CORRIDOR’S CAUSEWAY BAY TO TAI KOO SHING SECTION.

/IT WILL

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1984

IT -ILL COMPRISE A THREE-KILOMETRE WALK FROM THE HING FAT t th NORTH PH I NT ROAD SECTION AND BACK TO THE ^''"6 POINT AND A FIVE-KILOMETRE RACE FROM THE SAME STARTING POINT TC THE HEALTHY STREET SECTION AND BACK.

Ti" TWO COMPETITIONS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SECTIONS FOR DIFFERENT AGE GROUP AS WELL AS A SECTION FOR TEAMS OF 20 MEMBERS.

MEMBERS OF THE 10 AREA COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT, THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND STAFF OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WILL COMPETE ON A TEAM BASIS.

ABOUT $35 OOO WILL BE SPENT ON THE EVENT, WITH $20 000 PROVIDED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD.

THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD, EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION, THE POLICE, URBAN COUNCIL, EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORT

ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION

OFFICE. AND THE AMATEUR

- - 0 - -

MP TOURS

SQUATTER AREA AND ESTATES * * *

A VISITING BRITISH

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT TODAY TOURED A

MAJOR SQUATTER AREA IN CENTRAL KOWLOON AND MODERN DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN.

PUBLIC HOUSING

ACCOMPANIED BY SENIOR HOUSING OFFICIALS, MRS WALKED THROUGH THE SQUATTER SETTLEMENT OF MA CHAI ITS LIVING ENVIRONMENT.

GWYNETH DUNWOODY HANG LOOKING AT

SHE THEN VISITED THE MODERN LUNG HANG ESTATE

AND HOME

OWNERSHIP SUI WO COURT IN SHA TIN WHERE SHE INSPECTED THE WIDE-RANGING FACILITIES FOR TENANTS AND VISITED A FAMILY.

EARLIER BEFORE THE TOUR, TOGETHER WITH BARONESS PHILLIPS, WHO IS A LABOUR MEMBER IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS, MRS DUNWOODY CALLED AT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS WHERE THEY HAD A DISCUSSION MEETING WITH THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR DAVID FORD, ON HONG KONG'S PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.

- 0

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1984

- 15 -

$2M TO COOL TAI PO SCHOOL X X X

A $2 MILLION CONTRACT HAS BEEN AWARDED BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR AIR-CONDITIONING AND VENTILATION EQUIPMENT IN A SECONDARY SCHOOL BEING BUILT AT TAI PO.

THE SCHOOL, BEING BUILT ON A 9 261 SQUARE METRE SITE ON RECLAIMED LAND NEAR TAI PO OLD MARKET, WILL CONSIST OF A MAIN TEACHING BLOCK WITH 24 CLASSROOMS.

IT WILL HAVE A 40 METRE BY 20 METRE ASSEMBLY HALL, WHICH WILL INCLUDE REHEARSAL AND CHANGING ROOMS AND A STAGE FOR USE BY THE SCHOOL AND THE PUBLIC FOR CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.

IT WILL ALSO HAVE A BASKETBALL COURT.

FACILITIES FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS WILL BE HOUSED IN A SEPARATE BLOCK.

A PAVILION WILL ALSO BE BUILT, AND PUBLIC AREAS AROUND THE SCHOOL WILL BE LANDSCAPED.

BUILDING WORK STARTED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR AND IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED IN THREE PHASES BY JUNE NEXT YEAR.

THE AIR-CONDITIONING AND VENTILATION EQUIPMENT CONTRACT WAS AWARDED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO HONG KONG L.P. GAS COMPANY LIMITED. INSTALLATION STARTED LAST WEEK AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN ONE YEAR.

- - 0 ------

MODEL PEDESTRIANS TO BE CHOSEN X * X

A TOTAL OF 30 MODEL PEDESTRIANS WILL BE SELECTED AT SIX TRAFFIC BLACKSPOTS IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

THE EVENT IS PART OF A MONTH-LONG EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE RESIDENTS, PARTICULARLY PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS, ON ROAD SAFETY.

CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT’S 10 AREA COMMITTEES, NINE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND FIVE POLICE OFFICERS WILL BE IN GROUPS AT THE SIX LOCATIONS TO MAKE THE SELECTIONS.

THE SIX LOCATIONS ARE:

* LAU SIN STREET BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 11.30 AM?

/* JUNCTIONS OF........

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1^4

- 16 -

* JUNCTIONS OF LEE CHJNG STREET, CHAI WAN ROAD AND WAN TSUI ROAD AT 12 NOON 5

H JUNCTION OF NORTH POINT ROAD AND NORTH VIEW STREET AT 2 PMI

* TIN CHIU STREET IN NORTH POINT AT 2.30 PMl

* HOI NING STREET IN SHAU KEI WAN AT 2.30 PMj AND

* JUNCTION OF YAU MAN STREET AND KING’S ROAD AT 4 PM.

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STAFF TO WORK AT NEW ADDRESS * * *

THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT TEAM AND CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS CF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE WILL OPERATE AT A NEW OFFICE FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

THE NEW OFFICE IS SITUATED ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF HIU KWONG COURT AT NOS. 26-38, HIU KWONG STREET IN SAU MAU PING.

THE WORKING HOURS WILL BE BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5.30 PM FROM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS, AND BETWEEN 9 AM AND 12 NOON ON SATURDAYS. THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE 3-406351, 3-406913 AND 3-406208.

THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS SUB-OFFICES IN LAM TIN, SAU MAU PING, NGAU TAU KOK, YAU TONG AND SHUN LEE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.

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

REFUSE COLLECTION POINT FOR KWUN TONG

I i I

A $530 000 CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY (THURSDAY) BETWEEN THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARWNT AND HOP SHING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED FOR A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AT YUET WAH STREET, KWUN TONG.

THE COLLECTION POINT WILL BE BUILT ON A 305-SQUARE-METRE SITE NEAR YUET WAH STREET PLAYGROUND AND WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING TEMPORARY REFUSE COLLECTION POINT IN THE VICINITY.

IT WILL BE A ONE-STOREY REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURE CONSISTING OF A REFUSE COLLECTION AREA, HANDCART WASHING SPACES, TOILETS, ROLL-CALL ROOMS, OFFICES AND STOREROOMS.

THE PROJECT WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

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THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1984

- 17 -

CROWN LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER * * *

THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING CROWN LAND AT SHAM SHU I PO FOR SALE BY TENDER.

THE SITE, BETWEEN KWONG CHEUNG STREET AND FUK WA STREET, IS ABOUT 3 121 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL PURPOSES, EXCLUDING RESIDENTIAL, HOTEL OR GODOWN USE, BUT INCLUDING A MULTI-STOREY CARPARK.

THE DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JUNE 29.

TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT:

* THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;

* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON} AND

M DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.

THE TENDER PLAN CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE ABOVE LOCATIONS.

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

STORAGE SITE TO LET * * *

A LANTAU ISLAND SITE IS TO BE OFFERED ON SHORT TERM TENANCY BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT.

IT MEASURES ABOUT 1 970 SQUARE METRES AND IS AT MUI WO FERRY PIER ROAD.

IT IS FOR OPEN STORAGE OF GOODS, VEHICLES, CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS, BUT NOT VEHICLE REPAIRING.

THE INITIAL TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS IS JUNE 15.

TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM:

* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, ISLANDS, INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, 4TH FLOOR, 141, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG;

* LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND

* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250, SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.

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/18 .....

THURSDAY, HAY 31, 19&4

- 18 -

COMMENDATION FOR COOMBS * * *

THE MAN BEST KNOWN TO THE PUBLIC AS THE VOICE ANSWERING QUERIES ABOUT THE RQYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE ON THE RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND COMMERCIAL RADIO MORNING TALK SHOWS RECEIVED THE HIGHEST POLICE RECOGNITION TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE IS MR TERRY COOMBS, THE ASSISTANT CHIEF POLICE INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS BRANCH.

HE RECEIVED THE COMMISSIONER’S COMMENDATION FOR HIS PROFESSIONALISM, ABILITY AND LOYALTY OF AN EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH ORDER DURING HIS 10 YEARS WITH PPRB.

THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR ROY HENRY, MADE THE PRESENTATION WHEN HE VISITED THE PPRB TODAY.

MR COOMBS IS WELL-KNOWN NOT ONLY AS A VOICE ON THE RADIO BUT ALSO TO HUNDREDS OF OFFICERS AS THE MAN WHO GIVES LECTURES TO PROBATIONARY INSPECTORS, OFFICERS UNDER TRAINING AT THE DETECTIVE TRAINING WING AND THOSE ATTENDING COMMAND COURSES ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF PUBLIC RELATIONS AND THE WORK OF THE PPRB.

HE JOINED THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES IN MAY 1974 AFTER HAVING WORKED AS AN -INFORMATION OFFICER WITH THE JOINT SERVICE PUBLIC RELATIONS STAFF.

”1 WAS IMMEDIATELY POSTED TO THE FORCE AND SO FAR HAVE SERVED ALL MY GIS CAREER WITH THE POLICE,” MR COOMBS SAID.

AS THE ASSISTANT CHIEF POLICE INFORMATION OFFICER, MR COOMBS IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAY-TO-DAY ADMINISTRATION OF THE INFORMATION BUREAU. HIS OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE PUBLICATIONS SUCH AS THE ANNUAL POLICE REVIEW AND THE FORCE NEWSPAPER, OFF BEAT, MONITORING THE ENGLISH NEWSPAPERS, RADIO TALK SHOWS AND DEALS wlTn LETTERS AND ENQUIRIES BOTH HERE AND FROM ABROAD.

THROUGH HIS PROFESSIONALISM, ABILITY AND LOYALTY HE HAS ESTABLISHED, NOT ONLY FOR HIMSELF BUT ALSO THE FORCE A REPUTATION FOR TRUST AND RELIABILITY.

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

TRANSPORT GUIDE * * M

SCHEDULES OF ALL PUBLIC TRANSPORT INCLUDING ’KAITO’ FERRY SERVICES WILL BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW IN A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE GAZETTE.

THE PUBLICATION WILL BE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $10.

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/19.........

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1984

LANDSCAPING FOR CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD iil

A SECTION OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD BETWEEN HIRAM’S HIGHWAY AND HANG HAU ROAD IS TO BE LANDSCAPED.

THE WORK INVOLVES PLANTING TREES AND SHRUBS ON BOTH SIDES CF THE ROAD.

THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AWARDED A $460 000 CONTRACT TODAY (THURSDAY) TO BLUET GARDEN TO CARRY OUT THE WORK WHICH WILL START NEXT MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN NOVEMBER.

THE TWO-AND-A-HALF KILOMETRES LONG SECTION OF THE ROAD IS BEING WIDENED TO THE STANDARD 7.3 METRES, WITH FOOT-PATHS BE ING ADDED ON EACH SIDE.

IT IS THE FINAL STAGE OF AN OVERALL SCHEME TO TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD BETWEEN ROAD AND HANG HAU ROAD.

IMPROVE ANDERSON

- - 0

WATER MAIN FOR * *

SHEUNG SHUI *

A FRESH WATER MAIN WILL BE

LAID ALONG MAN KAM

TO ROAD

AND JOCKEY CLUB ROAD IN SHEUNG SHU I

THE WORK INVOLVES LAYING ABOUT

ITS DIAMETERS RANGING FROM 150 TO 1

IT WILL BE CONNECTED TO SHEUNG TABLE HILL SERVICE RESERVOIR, WHICH AND LINK UP WITH EXISTING MAINS.

1 OOO METRES OF MAIN WITH 200 MILLIMETRES.

SHUI TREATMENT WORKS AND ARE NOW BEING BUILT,

WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN AUGUST AND TAKE NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS BY JUNE 22.

SHEUNG SHUI TREATMENT WORKS AND TABLE HILL SERVICE RESERVOIR

ARE PART OF A PROJECT TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM TO FANLING-SHEK WU HUI NEW SURROUNDING VILLAGES.

OF THE EXISTING TOWN AND

IT IS EXPECTED THAT THEY WILL BE READY BY

EARLY NEXT YEAR.

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1934

- 20 -

PLAYGROUND-BENEATH-THE-ROAD * * *

WORK ON BUILDING A SITTING-OUT AREA AND CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND UNDERNEATH THE NORTHERN APPROACH ROAD TO AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE, ABERDEEN, WILL START NEXT WEEK.

FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED WILL INCLUDE BENCHES, ARBOURS, PERGOLAS, PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AND PLANTED AREAS.

THE PROJECT WILL TAKE FOUR MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE S608 000 BUILDING CONTRACT HAS BEEN AWARDED TO WRENKY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

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

TAI KOO SHING ROAD TRAFFIC CHANGE * * *

FROM 8 PM ON SATURDAY (JUNE 2) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, TAI KOO SHING ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH KING’S ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 70 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE CLOSED TO SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC FOR ROAD RESURFACING WORK.

HOWEVER, IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER, WORK WILL BE POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

DURING THE PERIOD, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED!-

* VEHICLES LEAVING TAI KOO SHING FOR KING’S ROAD WESTBOUND SHOULD USE TAI KOO SHING ROAD AND WESTLANDS ROAD.

* ONLY FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM WESTLANDS ROAD INTO KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND.

* VEHICLES LEAVING TAI KOO SHING FOR SHAU KEI WAN ROAD EASTBOUND SHOULD PROCEED VIA TAI KOO SHING ROAD, WESTLANDS ROAD, KING’S ROAD WESTBOUND, TONG CHONG STREET, HOI KWONG STREET, F INNIE STREET AND KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND.

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

PLB RESTRICTED ZONE * * *

FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JUNE 2), THE SECTION OF KWEILIN STREET, BETWEEN HAI TAN STR'EET AND TUNG CHAU STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE.

WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES-WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS.

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Daily Information Bulletin - 1980s - 1984 - MAY - ENG