DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DEADLINE FOR VIEWS - NOVEMBER 15 ................................ 1
GOVERNOR ATTENDS NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION ......................... 1
VOTER REGISTRATION 'SATISFACTORY' ............................... 2
CONVERSION OF OLD SUPREME COURT BUILDING ........................ 5
FINAL BYPASS BRIDGE DECK LAUNCHED ............................... 4
HK DESIGNS FOR FASHION WORLD .................................... 5
TECHNICAL TRAINING BENEFITS STRESSED ............................ 5
FESTIVAL CLINIC SERVICES ........................................ 6
DISTRICT BOARD TO DISCUSS PLAYGROUND ............................ 6
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY ........................................ 7
SHARE DISCLOSURES ............................................... 8
REGISTRATION SUSPENDED .......................................... 9
AMS DINNER ...................................................... 9
MP'S TO MEET PRESS .............................................. 9
WATER STORAGE .................................................. 10
SALT WATER CUT ................................................. 10
MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1934
DEADLINE FOR VIEWS * * * *
- NOVEMBER 15 *
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE DATE FOR THE FINAL SUBMISSION OF VIEWS TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE ON THE WHITE PAPER WOULD BE NOVEMBER 15. IN SELECTING THIS DATE THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN ACCOUNT OF THE TIME REQUIRED TO CONSIDER THE WHITE PAPER, THE TIME REQUIRED FOR THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE TO COMPLETE ITS REPORT AND THE UK PARLIAMENTARY TIMETABLE. THE RER£RT 0R {HE ASSESSMENT OFFICE MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE BY THE END OF NOVEMBER.
THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE SHOULD EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE AGREEMENT AS A WHOLE ALTHOUGH OF COURSE THEY ARE FREE TO COMMENT ON ANY PARTICULAR ASPECT OF IT. WHILE THERE IS NO REALISTIC POSSIBILITY OF AMENDING THE TEXT AND THE AGREEMENT MUST BE TAKEN AS A WHOLE, THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD BE ON RECORD. THEY COULD THEN BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN PARLI AMENT COMES TO WHITE PAPER. THEY WOULD ALSO BE A USEFUL SOURCE OF IN FUTURE CONSULTATIONS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
DEBATE THE REFERENCE AGREEMENT.
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GOVERNOR ATTENDS NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION
K * * *
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AT THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION HELD AT WORLD TRADE CENTRE THIS EVENING:
+THANK YOU MR XU.
+1 SHOULD LIKE FIRST TO OFFER YOU MY WARM CONGRATULATIONS ON THE OCCASION OF THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: AND TO WISH THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC CONTINUED SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE.
+ 1 SHOULD ALSO LIKE TO ENDORSE YOUR REMARKS ON THE SI NOBRITISH JOINT DECLARATION INITIALLED IN PEKING LAST WEEK. AS THE PREAMBLE INDICATES IT WILL BE CONDUCIVE TO THE MAINTENANCE OF THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG AND TO STRENGTHENING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA ON A NEW BASIS.
+1 SHOULD NOW LIKE TO PROPOSE A TOAST
TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA;
TO YOUR HEALTH, MR DIRECTOR, THE HEALTH OF MRS XU AND ALL YOUR COLLEAGUES.*
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1984
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VOTER REGISTRATION ’SATISFACTORY’ * * * *
MORE THAN 637 OOO VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED DURING THE SIX-WEEK REGISTRATION DRIVE WHICH ENDED TODAY (MONDAY).
DESCRIBING THE RESULTS AS SATISFACTORY, A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, v: C.M. LEUNG, SAID THAT THE FIGURE WAS NOT THE FINAL ONE.
+MORE FORMS ARE EXPECTED TO REACH THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION OF THE COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION BRANCH THROUGH THE MAIL IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS.
♦OTHER COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS COLLECTED BY THE VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES WILL ALSO BE FORWARDED TO THE DIVISION IN A DAY OR TWO FOR PROCESSING,* HE SAID.
+ALSO, THERE MAY BE CASES OF DOUBLE REGISTRATION, AND THE COMPUTER WILL BE ABLE TO SPOT THEM DURING PROCESSING,* HE ADDED.
MR LEUNG SAID A PROVISIONAL REGISTER WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION FROM NOVEMBER 9 TO 20 WHEN PEOPLE CAN MAKE CLAIMS AND OBJECTIONS.
DURING THIS PERIOD, PEOPLE WHO HAVE MISSED OUT IN THE JUST-CONCLUDED REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN CAN STILL SIGN UP AS VOTERS IN PERSON AT THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION.
THE FINAL REGISTER WILL BE PUBLISHED ON JANUARY 4 NEXT YEAR.
MR LEUNG HOPED THAT ALL REGISTERED VOTERS WOULD GO TO THE POLLS FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7.
NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR THE 236 SEATS ON THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BEGIN ON JANUARY 4 AND CLOSE ON JANUARY 31.
MR LEUNG ALSO REMINDED REGISTERED VOTERS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE CF REPORTING ANY CHANGE OF RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION.
+UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION WILL ENABLE A PERSON TO CAST HIS VOTE AT A POLLING STATION CLOSEST TO HIS HOME*, HE EXPLAINED.
+CHANGE OF ADDRESS CAN BE REPORTED ANY TIME OF THE YEAR SIMPLY BY WRITING TO THE DIVISION OR FILLING IN A SPECIAL FORM AVAILABLE AT ANY DISTRICT OFFICE*, HE SAID.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1984
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CONVERSION OF OLD SUPREME COURT BUILDING * * * *
.•/OR- WILL START THIS WEEK ON THE CONVERSION OF THE OLD JQREME COURT BUILDING FOR USE AS THE NEW LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
THE BUILDING WILL ALSO HOUSE THE OFFICES OF THE UNOFFICAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS AND OF THE COUNCILS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
A $37.5 MILLION CONTRACT WAS AWARDED RECENTLY BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO YAU LEE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD. IT WAS SIGNED BY THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT, MR JOSE LEI, AND MR YEUNG wAI OF THE COMPANY.
AFTER CONVERSION, THE FIRST FLOOR WILL BE USED AS THE LE. I SLAT IVE COUNCIL CHAMBER AND COUNCIL OFFICES, AND THE GROUND AND SECOND FLOORS OF THE THREE-STOREY COURT BUILDING WILL BE OCCUPIED BY UMELCO.
THE CHAMBER WILL HAVE SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION FACILITIES AS WELL AS IMPROVED TELEVISION AND RADIO BROADCASTING SYSTEMS ON THE FIRST FLOOR.
ON THE SAME FLOOR WILL BE A FINANCE COMMITTEE ROOM, TwO CONFERENCE ROOMS FOR UMELCO, AND A PRESS ROOM.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED ON THE GROUND FLOOR ARE COMPLAINTS OFFICE ROOMS, THREE INTERVIEW ROOMS, ONE COMPLAINTS WAITING ROOM, ONE COMPLAINTS MEETING ROOM AND A GENERAL OFFICE WITH PR INTING FACILITIES.
THE TOP FLOOR WILL CONTAIN OFFICES FOR UMELCO, A LIBRARY AND A SOCIAL AND DINING AREA FOR OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE BUILDING WAS STRUCTURALLY SOUND AND THE CONVERSION WOULD ADAPT IT EFFECTIVELY TO ITS NEW ROLE WHILE RETAINING ITS UNIQUE ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER.
THE TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA OF THE BUILDING IS 5 500 SQUARE METRES. THE SITE WILL BE LANDSCAPED.
CONVERSION WORK WILL TAKE 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1984
k
FINAL BYPASS BRIDGE DECK LAUNCHED * * * *
A MAJOR SECTION OF THE TAI PO BYPASS, WHICH FORMS PART OF HE TRUNK ROAD LINKING THE LION ROCK TUNNEL AND SHEUNG SHU I, WAS COMPLETED TODAY WITH THE LAUNCHING OF THE FINAL BRIDGE DECK.
MR EDDIE SHORT, WHO WILL BE RETIRING AS HEAD OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, PRESSED A BUTTON TO MOVE THE 158-METRE LONG CONCRETE BRIDGE INTO ITS FINAL POSITION, WITHOUT THE USE OF CRANES AND WINCHES.
THE LINK WAS COMPLETED WITHIN MINUTES THROUGH A NEW METHOD PIONEERED IN WEST GERMANY, THE + INCREMENTAL LAUNCHING TECHNIQUE*.
THIS TECHNIQUE WAS INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG IN 1982, FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF THE $200 MILLION TAI PO BYPASS CONTRACT TO KUMAGAI GUM I (HK) LTD. THE 2.9 KILOMETRES BYPASS STRETCHES FROM ISLAND HOUSE IN THE EAST TO NORTH TAI PO.
FOUR OF THE FIVE BRIDGES IN THE BYPASS PROJECT ADOPTED THIS TECHNIQUE, IN WHICH 10-METRE LONG PRESTRESSED CONCRETE SEGMENTS ARE LAUNCHED IN SUCCESSIVE STAGES ACROSS ROWS OF COLUMNS.
DURING LAUNCHING, THE SEGMENTS OF THE DECK ARE SUPPORTED AT THE COLUMNS ON TEMPORARY BEARINGS OF STAINLESS STEEL AND TEFLON SURFACES THAT ENABLE THE STRUCTURES TO MOVE FORWARD SMOOTHLY.
THE MAIN ADVANTAGE OF USING SUCH A TECHNIQUE, FIRST USED IN VENEZUELA 20 YEARS AGO, IS THAT IT ELIMINATES THE NEED FOR TEMPORARY SCAFFOLDING AND THEREBY MINIMISES ENVIRONMENTAL DISTURBANCE.
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER, MR HAROLD BEATON, IN A SPEECH AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY, SAID THAT THE LAUNCHING MARKS AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE N.T. TRUNK ROAD SYSTEM.
MR BEATON SAID WORK ON THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD WAS PROGRESSING WELL WITH THE ROUTE ONE SECTION EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED AND OPENED TO TRAFFIC IN STAGES FROM NEXT MONTH TO THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
+APART FROM COPING WITH TRAFFIC DEMAND FOR THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENTS, COMPLETION OF THE TRUNK ROAD FROM SHA TIN TO SHEUNG SHU I, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES FOR ACCESS TO MAN KAM TO AND LOK MA CHAU, ALLOW FOR FUTURE TRAFFIC GROWTH BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA,* HE SAID.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1984
5
HK DESIGNS FOR FASHION WORLD * * * *
HONG KONG DESIGNERS’ COLLECTIONS WILL' ADD A NEW DIMENSION TO HE FASHION WORLD, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN AXLEY, SAID TODAY.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG WOMEN’S SPORTSWEAR SHOW ORGANISED BY THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (TDC).
+HONG KONG LEADS THE WORLD IN QUALITY GARMENT PRODUCTION, BUT WHILE OUR REPUTATION FOR EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY IS WELL ESTABLISHED, WE HAVE IN THE PAST CONCENTRATED MAINLY ON MAKING GARMENTS TO OVERSEAS DESIGNS. THIS YEAR LOCAL DESIGNERS’ COLLECTIONS WILL BE FEATURED, AND I AM DELIGHTED TO WELCOME THIS ON-GOING DEVELOPMENT,* YAXLEY SAID.
+1 WELCOME ALSO THE INNOVATION OF A SPECIALISED SHOW OF THIS KIND AIMED EXCLUSIVELY AT WOMEN’S SPORTSWEAR, SUCH INITIATIVES ARE ESSENTIAL IF OUR CLOTHING INDUSTRY IS TO STAY AHEAD OF ITS COMPETITORS, AND I CONGRATULATE THE TDC, THE EXHIBITORS WHO ARE STAGING THEIR OWN HOUSE SHOWS AND OUR MANUFACTURERS WHO HAVE PRODUCED THE COLLECTIONS YOU ARE ABOUT TO SEE.
♦ TO THE OVERSEAS BUYERS I EXTEND A SPECIAL WELCOME ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SINCE THEY REPRESENT THE EXPORT MARKETS WHICH ARE THE LIFE BLOOD OF THIS DYNAMIC COMMUNITY,* MR YAXLEY SAID.
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TECHNICAL TRAINING BENEFITS STRESSED * * * *
MR MORRIS MORGAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL VISITED TRAINEES OF THE MACHINE SHOP AND METAL WORKING INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE AT ITS TEMPORARY WORKSHOP IN THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE TODAY.
ABOUT 350 YOUNG PEOPLE ARE UNDERGOING A ONE-YEAR, FULL-TIME TRAINING COURSE THEY BEGAN LAST MONTH IN FOUR INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTERS, UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE VTC.
IN ADDITION TO THE MACHINE SHOP AND METAL WORKING INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRE, THE OTHER CENTRES FOR THE ELECTRONICS, PLASTICS AND PRINTING INDUSTRIES HAVE ALSO STARTED TRAINING COURSES AT TECHNICIAN AND CRAFT LEVELS IN BORROWED PREMISES, AT THE KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AND KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
+WHEN CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION WORK FOR THE’ , KOWLOON BAY TRAINING CENTRE COMPLEX ARE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THE YEAR, THESE FOUR TRAINING CENTRES, AS WELL AS THE HOTEL INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE, WILL MOVE INTO THE SPECIALLY DESIGNED BUILDING,* W MORGAN SAID.
THE HOTEL INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE WILL THEN ALSO START OFFERING SHORT TRAINING COURSES.
/♦TRAINING CENTRES ...
MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1984
e
♦TRAINING CENTRES WILL NOT ONLY PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN ENSURING HONG KONG INDUSTRIES HAVE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF SKILLED MANROWER TO SUSTAIN ITS DEVELOPMENT, BUT WILL ALSO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO ACQUIRE A REWARDING CAREER IN INDUSTRY,* MR MORGAN SAID.
WHEN FULLY OPERATIONAL, THE FIVE TRAINING CENTRES OF THE KOWLOON BAY COMPLEX WILL PROVIDE 20 FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME TRA^N%G COURSES AT TECHNOLOGIST, TECHNICIAN, CRAFT AND OPERATIVE LEVELS FOR SOME 4 200 TRAINEES ANNUALLY.
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FESTIVAL CLINIC SERVICES * * * K
EIGHT GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 3), DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL.
THE EIGHT CLINICS ARE i VIOLET PEEL POLYCLINIC AND SHAU
KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND ; KWUN TONG JOCKEY
CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE AND YAU MA TEI
JOCKEY CLUB POLYCLINIC IN KOWLOON} LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, YUEN
LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE AND SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ALL OTHER OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED THAT DAY.
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DISTRICT BOARD TO DISCUSS PLAYGROUND
* * * *
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE TEMPORARY USE OF THE MA CHAI HANG PLAYGROUND SITE, WHICH HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR A HUGE DISTRICT PARK PROJECT, AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL DEVELOP A DISTRICT PARK, SERVING RESIDENTS IN THE MA CHAI HANG AND CHUK YUEN AREAS.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE TEMPORARY USE OF THE SITE INCLUDE PROVIDING A CAR PARK, A PARKING COMPOUND FOR LORRIES, BUILDING A SITTING OUT AREA AND OTHER MINOR PUBLIC PROJECTS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE INFORMED OF THE PROGRESS OF THE CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE URBAN COUNCIL NGAU CHI WAN COMPLEX AND THE FACILITIES PROVIDED.
THEY WILL ALSO HEAR REPORTS ON THE STREET LIGHTING PROGRAMME IN SQUATTER AREAS AND VARIOUS CLEARANCE OPERATIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT IN THREE AREAS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S RENT POLICY, FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES IN FACTORY BUILDINGS AND A SURVEY ON LIBRARY FACILITIES IN WONG TAI SIN.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1984
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GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY
* * * *
A RANDOM SAMPLE OF SOME 15 OOO HOUSEHOLDS HAVE BEEN SELECTED THROUGHOUT ALL DISTRICTS IN HONG KONG FOR PARTICIPATION IN A GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY IN THE QUARTER OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 1984.
ABOUT HALF OF THE HOUSEHOLDS WERE INTERVIEWED IN THE QUARTER JULY TO SEPTEMBER 1984 AND HAVE BEEN SELECTED AGAIN TO MEASURE MORE ACCURATELY THE CHANGES THAT HAVE OCCURRED SINCE THEN.
SINCE AUGUST 1981, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN CONDUCTING A GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY. IT IS CARRIED OUT ON A MONTH-TO-MONTH BASIS BY THE PERMANENT FIELD STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT TO COLLECT UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION.
QUESTIONS ASKED IN THE SURVEY INCLUDE THOSE ON THE PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION (SUCH AS AGE, SEX AND EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT) AS WELL AS ON THE LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS (SUCH AS ACTIVITY STATUS, HOURS OF WORK, INDUSTRY AND OCCUPATION).
IN ADDITION, THERE ARE SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONS ON VARIOUS SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF THE POPULATION.
FOR THE MONTHS OF OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 1984, QUESTIONS
ON DEMAND FOR, AND USE OF, MEDICAL SERVICES; CAR USE;
ILLITERACY; AND HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE ON RENT AND OTHER ITEMS WILL BE INCLUDED.
AN OFFICIAL LETTER, IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH, WILL BE SENT TO THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS PRIOR TO THE SURVEY TO EXPLAIN ITS PURPOSE AND TO SEEK THEIR COOPERATION.
ASSISTANT CENSUS AND SURVEY OFFICERS, EACH IDENTIFYING HIMSELF WITH AN IDENTITY CARD ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT, WILL VISIT THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS TO COLLECT THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.
ALL INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND WILL NOT BE REVEALED TO ANY PERSON OR ORGANISATION OUTSIDE THE DEPARTMENT.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1984
8
SHARE DISCLOSURES * * *
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS UNDER RULE 29 OF THE HONG KONG CODE ON TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT, IN CONNECTION WITH THE CURRENT OFFER BY PROMET CONTRACTORS LIMITED TO ACQUIRE THE ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL OF SAMBOR LIMITED, THE FOLLOWING DISCLOSURES RELATING TO THE SALES OF SHARES IN SAMBOR LIMITED HAD BEEN MADE TO HIM: -
* ON SEPTEMBER 25, 1984
FIRST PACIFIC HOLDINGS LIMITED SOLD 7 000 000 SHARES AT $0.40 PER SHAREj
MR ROBERT L. MEYER SOLD 618 434 SHARES AT $0.42 PER SHARE ;
ASEAN ENTERPRISES LIMITED SOLD 193 016 SHARES AT $0.42 PER SHARE ; AND
ASEAN ASSOCIATES LIMITED SOLD 124 111 SHARES AT $0.42 PER SHARE.
K ON SEPTEMBER 27, 1984
ASEAN ENTERPRISES LIMITED SOLD 30 000 SHARES AT $0.56 PER SHARE}
ASEAN ASSOCIATES LIMITED SOLD 80 000 SHARES AT $0.56 PER SHARE} AND
MR ROBERT L. MEYER SOLD 50 000 SHARES AT $0.56 PER SHARE.
* ON SEPTEMBER 28, 1984, ASEAN ENTERPRISES LIMITED SOLD 50 000 SHARES AT $0.59 PER SHARE.
THE CHAIRMAN HAS ALSO BEEN INFORMED THAT THE NUMBER OF SHARES SOLD BY FIRST PACIFIC HOLDINGS LIMITED ON SEPTEMBER 24, 1984 SHOULD BE 40 000 000 INSTEAD OF 40 000 AS ANNOUNCED ON SEPTEMBER 27, 1984.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1984
9
REGISTRATION SUSPENDED
K * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ANNOUNCED THAT HE HAS TODAY SUSPENDED THE REGISTRATION OF OVERSEAS EXPRESS INANCE CORPORATION LIMITED AND HOCK FINANCE HOLDINGS LIMITED AS DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, ON THE GROUND THAT THE PAID-UP SHARE CAPITAL OF THE COMPANIES IS LESS THAN THAT SPECIFIED IN THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
AMS DINNER * * *
THE GOVERNOR WILL BE THE GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE ANNUAL A.M.S. OFFICERS’ MESS DINNER TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) EVENING AT THE FURAMA HOTEL.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
OUTSIDE THE CHATER MET BY GIS STAFF.
PRESS MEMBERS SHOULD ASSEMBLE BY 7.30 PM ROAD ENTRANCE OF THE HOTEL, WHERE THEY WILL BE
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MP’S TO MEET PRESS
* * X
FIVE CONSERVATIVE MP’S WILL MEET THE PRESS IN TWO GROUPS TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, 5TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
SIR ANTHONY KERSHAW, CHAIRMAN OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS, AND SIR PAUL BRYAN, FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE ALL PARTY HONG KONG GROUP, WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 10.45 Ah
TOMORROW.
THE OTHER GROUP, COMPRISING MR PETER LLOYD, MR MARK LENNOX-BOYD AND MR JIM LESTER, WILL MEET THE PRESS AT 2.45 PM.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1984
10
WATER STORAGE * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 85.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY, OR 502.276 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 570.207 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 97.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
SALT WATER CUT * * X *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO KWAI CHUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 8 AM TO 7 PM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 4) FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY LEI MUK SHUE ESTATE, SHEK YAM ESTATE, SHEK LEI ESTATE AND PREMISES ALONG WO Yl HOP ROAD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUBSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR TO REVIEW HONG KONG AFFAIRS ........................... 1
GOVERNOR SEES CONTINUING NEED FOR VOLUNTARY WORK ............... 1
HK GROUP RETURNING TOMORROW .................................... 2
TWO MP'S COMING ................................................ 3
S76-MILLION MORE ON NEW TOWN WORKS ............................. 3
GREATER DIVERSITY IN COMPUTER INDUSTRY URGED ................... 4
DISTRICT BOARDS' VITAL ROLE STRESSED ........................... 5
CRIME FIGHTERS VISIT PRISON .................................... 6
IOC PRESIDENT STOPS IN HONG KONG ............................... 6
PILOT SCH3IE TO CONTROL HAWKING PROVES EFFECTIVE ............... 7
BANK'S NAME TO BE CHANGED....................................... 8
CARE IN USE OF FIRES URGED...................................... 9
LEARN-TO-SWIM COURSES OFFERED .................................. 9
EFFORT TO TEACH METRIC GOES ON ................................ 10
MAINS WORK IN KOWLOON CITY .................................... 11
CARRIAGEWAY CLOSURE ........................................... 11
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1934
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GOVERNOR TO REVIEW HONG KONG AFFAIRS * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL REVIEW THE AFFAIRS F HONG KONG AT THE OPENING SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 4).
THE PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM, AND WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RADIO.
RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WILL BROADCAST THE MEETING ON RADIO ONE (CHINESE SERVICE) AND RADIO THREE (ENGLISH SERVICE).
COMMERCIAL RADIO WILL ALSO BROADCAST IT LIVE ON CHINESE CHANNEL ONE AND THE ENGLISH CHANNEL.
AFTER THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, THE COUNCIL WILL ADJOURN UNTIL OCTOBER 10 FOR THE FIRST REGULAR MEETING.
THE COUNCIL WILL RESUME ON OCTOBER 24, WHEN THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILP HADDON-CAVE, WILL MOVE A MOTION OF THANKS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS.
A NUMBER OF UNOFFICIALS WILL SPEAK ON THE MOTION THAT DAY, AND ON THE FOLLOWING DAY IF NECESSARY.
OFFICIAL MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO REPLY TO THE POINTS RAISED BY THEIR COLLEAGUES ON NOVEMBER 7 AND ON THE FOLLOWING DAY
IF NECESSARY.
SPEECHES BY THE UNOFFICIALS AND OFFICIALS WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RTHK RADIO ONE CHINESE SERVICE AND RADIO THREE ENGLISH SERV ICE.
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GOVERNOR SEES CONTINUING NEED FOR VOLUNTARY WORK * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TONIGHT THAT HE SAW A CONTINUING NEED FOR THE KIND OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE OFFERED BY THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES OVER THE YEARS AHEAD.
LIKE OTHER AUXILIARY SERVICES, THE GOVERNOR SAID, THE AMS PLAYED A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN TIMES OF EMERGENCIES AND NATURAL DISASTERS.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL AMS OFFICERS MESS DINNER HELD AT THE FURAMA HOTEL, SIR EDWARD SAID HE WAS SURE THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG APPRECIATED GREATLY THE DEDICATED SERVICES GIVEN FREELY AT ALL TIMES BY MEMBERS OF THE AMS.
/+0S BSSALF........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1984
2
+ON BEHALF OF THE COMMUNITY, I SHOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
FOR 34 YEARS, OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE AMS, THE GOVERNOR SAID HAD CONTINUED TO AUGMENT THE REGULAR SERVICES IN VARIOUS WAYS’AND IN A MOST EFFICIENT MANNER.
+ INDEED, WHEREVER AND WHENEVER HELP AND ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED TO SUPPORT THE REGULAR MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, AMS PERSONNEL ARE TO BE FOUND — IN HOSPITALS AND CLINICS, ONREGULAR AMBULANCES, IN COUNTRY PARKS ON PUBLIC BEACHES DURING THE SWIMMING SEASONS, AND REGULARLY IN ALL METHADONE TREATMENT CLINICS,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
THE COMMISSIONER OF AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, IN HIS WELCOMING ADDRESS PRAISED THE GOVERNOR FOR HIS PART IN BRINGING ABOUT A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION TO THE SINO-BRITISH DRAFT AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
DR THONG SAID SIR EDWARD’S PRESENCE WAS PARTICULARLY APPRECIATED AS HE HAD MADE SUCH A MAGNIFICENT EFFORT TO BE WI TH THEM IN SPITE OF THE HEAVY RESPONSIBILITIES AND BUSY SCHEDULES PLACED ON HIM.
+ON BEHALF OF THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE AMS, I SHOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO CONGRATULATE HIS EXCELLENCY ON A MOST DIFFICULT TASK CONCLUDED WITH GREAT SKILL AND DISTINCTION,* HE SAID.
SPEAKING OF THE AMS, DR THONG SAID THAT SINCE ITS INCEPTION 34 YEARS AGO, THE SERVICES HAD GREATLY EXPANDED IN MEMBERSHIP AND SERVICES.
+TODAY, WE CAN BOAST OF A TOTAL MEMBERSHIP OF SOME 6 OOO WHO ARE ALL VOLUNTEERS DEDICATED IN PROVIDING A VALUABLE SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY,* DR THONG SAID.
SOME 200 MEMBERS AND GUESTS ATTENDED THE DINNER.
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
HK GROUP RETURNING TOMORROW * * *
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION LED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, WILL RETURN FROM PEKING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AFTER TAKING PART IN THE CELEBRATIONS OF THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CH INA.
THE GROUP WILL BE TRAVELLING ON FLIGHT CA 105, ETA 12.25 PM.
PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN COVERING THE GROUP’S ARRIVAL SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING BY 11.35 AM TOMORROW.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1984
- 3 -
TWO MP’S COMING * * *
TWO CONSERVATIVE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, SIR NICHOLAS BONSOR AND MR PETER TEMPLE-MORRIS WILL ARRIVE TOMORROW (OCTOBER 3) FOR A NINE-DAY VISIT AT THE INVITATION OF THE GOVERNMENT.
THEY WILL VISIT CHI MA WAN VIETNAMESE REFUGEES CLOSED CENTRE, KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER PORT, A HOUSING ESTATE, A SQUATTER AREA, AS WELL AS EASTERN DISTRICT WHERE THEY WILL MEET MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THEY WILL ALSO MEET UMELCO MEMBERS, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, URBAN COUNCIL MEMBERS AND A GROUP OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN.
THEY WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON OCTOBER 10 BEFORE DEPARTING THE FOLLOWING DAY.
-----0------
S76-MILLI0N MORE ON NEW TOWN WORKS * * * *
A &76-MILLI0N CONTRACT HAS BEEN AWARDED FOR A SERIES OF GOVERNMENT CONSTRUCTION WORKS IN FANLING NEW TOWN.
THE WORKS, COMMISSIONED BY THE TAI PO AND FANLING DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, WILL INCLUDE REALIGNING A 2.7-KILOMETRE STRETCH OF THE MA WAT RIVER BETWEEN WO HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE AND THE RIVER INDUS, TOGETHER WITH THE 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 ALSO BE BUILT.
THE CONTRACT ALSO COVERS THE CONSTRUCTION OF 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 10 HECTARES OF RECREATIONAL LAND ALONG THE REALIGNED RIVER BANKS WILL BE LANDSCAPED.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT WEEK AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN THREE YEARS.
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/4........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1934
GREATER DIVERSITY IN COMPUTER INDUSTRY URGED
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR JOHN YAXLEY, TODAY (TUESDAY) CALLED ON HONG KONG INDUSTRIALISTS TO EXPAND MORE QUICKLY INTO AFFERENT AREAS OF THE COMPUTER INDUSTRY.
+ THIS IS AN INDUSTRY WHOSE EVER DEVELOPING TECHNOLOGY HAS VIRTUALLY UNLIMITED APPLICATIONS,* SAID MR YAXLEY, WHEN HE OPENED THE HONG KONG ELECTRONICS FAIR 1984 BEING HELD AT THE HONG KONG EXHIBITION CENTRE.
+COMSUMER PRODUCTS SUCH AS WATCHES AND CLOCKS, TOYS AND DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES STILL ACCOUNT FOR A SUBSTANTIAL PROPORTION OF THE BUSINESS. BUT PARTS AND COMPONENTS FOR COMPUTERS, PRINTED CIRCUITS, INTEGRATED CIRCUITS AND THE LIKE ARE ASSUMING A GREATER SHARE OF THE MARKET, AND I HOPE TO SEE THIS SECTOR EXPAND AS THE INDUSTRY BECOMES MORE SOPHISTICATED AND, AS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED PROCESSES BECOME A MORE COMMON FEATURE IN THE PRODUCTION LINES OF OTHER TYPES OF ENTERPRISE.
+THE SPEED WITH WHICH NEW MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMPUTER PERIPHERALS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN GRASPED REFLECTS OUR MANUFACTURERS’ WELL-KNOWN FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY AND I AM SURE THAT AS CONFIDENCE IN LOCAL INVESTMENT CONTINUES ITb PRESENT EXPANSIONIST PHASE, THE TREND TOWARDS FURTHER ___
DIVERSIFICATION WILL INCREASE. THIS WILL OF COURSE ALSO BE HELPtu BY THE CONTINUING STRONG INTEREST OF OVERSEAS INVESTORS IN HONG KONG - AN INTEREST WHICH THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT IS WORKING HARD, BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS, TO ENCOURAGE,* MR YAXLEY SAID.
SPEAKING ON MANPOWER TRAINING FOR THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, MR YAXLEY POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THERE WERE ALREADY COURSES OFFERED BY THE TWO UNIVERSITIES AND THE POLYTECHNICS, HOWEVER, THERE REMAINED A PRESSING NEED FOR LOCAL GRADUATES TO GAIN PRACTICAL EXPER IENCE.
+1 SHOULD LIKE TO MAKE A SPECIAL PLEA HERE TO EMPLOYERS TO TAKE PART IN THE EMG INEER ING GRADUATE TRAINING SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, TO ENABLE GRADUATES TO QUALIFY FOR MEMBERSHIP OF THEIR PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTE AND TO PROVIDE A POOL OF HIGHLY QUALIFIED ENGINEERS WITH PRACTICAL ENGINEERING EXPER IENCE.
+FINANCI AL ASSISTANCE IS GIVEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TOWRADS THE SALARIES OF THESE TRAINEES AND I SUGGEST THAT EMPLOYERS HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE AND EVERYTHING TO GAIN BY TAKING PART IN THIS SCHEME,* MR YAXLEY SAID.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1984
- 5 -
DISTRICT BOARDS’ VITAL ROLE STRESSED * * * *
THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME SHOULD PROVIDE HONG KONG WITH A GOOD PLATFORM ON WHICH TO BUILD THE FUTURE, BOTH SOCIALLY AND POLITICALLY, YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG., SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE SAID DISTRICT BOARDS PLAYED A VERY ACTIVE ROLE IN FEEDING BACK TO THE GOVERNMENT VIEWS OF RESIDENTS FROM DIFFERENT DISTRICTS ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
+THE BOARDS WOULD EXPECT THEMSELVES TO BE MORE AND MORE INVOLVED AS PART OF THE CONSULTATION MACHINERY ON CENTRAL GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND ACTIONS IN FUTURE,+ MR LEUNG SAID.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON EAST, MR LEUNG OUTLINED THE WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD SINCE ITS INCEPTION ABOUT TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO.
HE SAID THE BOARD HAD CONTRIBUTED MUCH TO ENVIRONMENTAL, TRAFFIC, AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS, AS WELL AS PROMOTING VARIOUS RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
THESE INCLUDED CLEARING REAR LANES AND REMOVING OBSTRUCTION FROM STREETS, IDENTIFYING AND SOLVING VARIOUS TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT PROBLEMS, SUPPORTING GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS, LAUNCHING CAMPAIGNS TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY, CLEANLINESS AND THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME, AND CARRYING OUT OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
MR LEUNG ALSO SUGGESTED A NUMBER OF WAYS TO IMPROVE FURTHER PUBLICITY ON THE PROCEEDINGS OF BOARD MEETINGS.
♦THE AGENDA OF THE MEETINGS COULD BE PUBLISHED PRIOR TO EACH MEETING SO THAT RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICT INTERESTED IN PARTICULAR SUBJECTS COULD ATTEND THE MEETINGS,* HE SAID.
+IN ADDITION, DECISIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS OF THE BOARD COULD BE SUMMARISED FOR PUBLICATION.*
MR LEUNG ALSO URGED ALL REGISTERED VOTERS TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7 NEXT YEAR BY EITHER GOING TO POLLS OR STANDING AS CANDIDATES.
*1 WOULD EXPECT THE DISTRICT BOARD TO BE MORE ACTIVE AND REPRESENTATIVE OF THE VIEWS OF THE RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT AT ITS NEXT TERM OF OFFICE WHEN THE NUMBER OF ELECTED MEMBERS ON THE BOARD WILL BE DOUBLED,* HE ADDED.
0 --------
/6........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1984
- 6 -
CRIME FIGHTERS VISIT PRISON
* * *
TWELVE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE VISITED THE MAXIMUM SECURITY STANLEY PRISON TODAY.
LED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN, THE GROUP WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE SUPERINTENDENT IN CHARGE, MR NG WAI-MAN.
THEY THEN TOURED THE VARIOUS FACILITIES IN THE INSTITUTION AND WERE BRIEFED ON THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S PROGRAMMES FOR PRISONERS.
THEY ALSO SAW PRISONERS WORKING ON TRAFFIC SIGNS, GARMENTS, ENVOLOPES AND SHOW MAKING, AND SOME OTHERS RECEIVING TRAINING IN TELEVISION AND RADIO REPAIR.
THE PRISON HAS A POPULATION OF 1 400.
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IOC PRESIDENT STOPS IN HONG KONG * * *
THE PRESIDENT OF INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE, MR JUAN ANTONIO SAMARANCH. SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) HE WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THE DRAFT AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE ALLOWS THE TERRITORY /FTER 1997 TO CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS, INCLUDING SPORTING EVENTS, IN THE NAME OF HONG KONG, CHINA.
MR SAMARANCH MADE THE BRIEF STOP IN HONG KONG EN ROUTE TO BANGKOK FROM CHINA TODAY.
MR SAMARANCH WAS MET AT THE AIRPORT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION AND OLYMPIC COMMITTEE OF HONG KONG, MR A DE 0. SALES? THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, PATRICK WILLIAMSON; THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, MR DICKEN YUNG; THE ASF AND OC’S SECRETARY GENERAL, MR RAMON YOUNG; AND THE SPANISH CONSUL GENERAL, MR LUIS ENRIQUE VALERA, THE MARQUES DE AUNON.
ACCOMPANIED BY IOC’S VICE PRESIDENT, MR ASHWINI KUMAR- THE PRESIDENT OF OLYMPIC COUNCIL OF ASIA, SHEIK FAHAD AL-AHMAD AL-SABAH, AND THEIR STAFF, MR SAMARANCH AND HIS WIFE ARRIVED AT ABOUT 12.40 PM.
MR SAMARANCH AND HIS PARTY LATER ATTENDED A LUNCH HOSTED BY MR SALES. THE PARTY LEFT HONG KONG SHORTLY BEFORE 4 PM WHILE NFS SAMARANCH STAYED BEHIND FOR A BRIEF VISIT.
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/7 ........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1984
pilot scheme to control hawking proves effective
*****
THE PILOT SCHEME TO BETTER CONTROL HAWKING IN WAN CHAI AND YAU MA TEI HAS SHOWN SIGNS OF SUCCESS SINCE ITS INTRODUCTION THREE MONTHS AGO.
COMMENTING ON THE PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE SCHEME, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL SAID NOT ONLY WERE THERE FEWER ILLEGAL HAWKERS IN THE TWO DISTRICTS, BUT THE HAWKER BLACKSPOTS THERE HAD BEEN REDUCED IN NUMBER AND SIZE.
HE SAID IMPROVEMENTS WERE ALSO SEEN IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF HAWKER PERMITTED PLACES AND VARIOUS PITCH SITES.
THE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN JUNE THIS YEAR FOR A TRIAL PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS WITH THE AIM OF IMPROVING THE COST EFFECTIVENESS AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF HAWKER CONTROL.
+UNDER THE SCHEME, EACH GENERAL DUTIES TEAM (GDT) IS PROVIDED WITH A LARGER NUMBER OF FOREMEN EMPOWERED TO MAKE ARRESTS.
+THE PROVISION OF RADIO COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT AND THE ADOPTION OF REVISED OPERATIONAL TACTICS HAVE ALSO GREATLY ENHANCED MOBILISATION CAPABILITY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
GENERAL DUTIES TEAMS CAN BE DEPLOYED MORE FLEXIBLY TO COVER A WIDER SCOPE OF OPERATION.
EXPLAINING THE STRATEGY AND TACTICS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID EACH OF THE TWO DISTRICTS WAS DIVIDED INTO OPERATIONAL ZONES FOR RAIDING OPERATIONS AND SECTIONAL PATROLS.
+FOR HAWKER CONCENTRATION AREAS, RAIDING OPERATIONS WERE SUPPLEMENTED BY SECTIONAL PATROLS AND SURPRISE RAIDS,* HE SAID.
+IN THE CASE OF HAWKER PERMITTED PLACES AND HAWKING SITES IN THE VICINITY OF THEATRES, SCHOOLS AND MARKETS, THE TACTICS WAS TO DETER HAWKERS FROM TAKING ROOT BY THE POSTING OF GDT PERSONNEL ON SITE BEFORE AND DURING NORMAL TRADING HOURS.
+IN ADDITION, SPECIAL OPERATIONS WERE MOUNTED TO
SEIZE HAWKER HANDCARTS DURING NON-HAWKER BUSINESS HOURS AND TO CLAMP DOWN ON ILLEGAL FOOD FACTORIES WHICH SUPPLIED COOKED FOOD TO ILLEGAL HAWKERS.*
FOLLOWING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PILOT SCHEME, THE AVERAGE MONTHLY NUMBERS OF ARRESTS OF HAWKERS IN WAN CH*£ AND YAU MA TEI BETWEEN JUNE AND AUGUST WERE 1 134 AND 1 694 RESPECTIVELY, COMPARED WITH 784 AND 884 IN MAY.
/also, THB.........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1984
8
ALSO, THE NUMBER OF UNLICENSED HAWKERS TRADING IN WAN CHAI HAD DROPPED FROM 377 IN JUNE TO 197 IN AUGUST, AND THAT IN YAU MA TEI, FROM 900 TO 867.
+ WE ARE VERY ENCOURAGED BY THE ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR. HOWEVER, THERE IS NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY IN FACE OF CONTINUED RESISTANCE, PARTICULARLY FROM ILLEGAL HAWKERS.
+THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SCHEME CLOSELY AND A FULL ASSESSMENT WILL BE MADE BY THE END OF THE TRIAL PERIOD,+ HE SAID.
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BANK’S NAME TO BE CHANGED
* X * *
VARIOUS ORDINANCES WHICH CONTAIN REFERENCES TO THE CHARTERED BANK, WILL BE AMENDED TO REFLECT ITS NEW NAME OF STANDARD CHARTERED BANK.
THE AMENDMENTS ARE PROPOSED UNDER A CHARTERED BANK (CHANGE OF NAME) BILL 1984, TO BE PUBLISHED ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 5).
THEY ARE NECESSARY BECAUSE THE CHARTERED BANK, WHICH BELONGS TO THE STANDARD CHARTERED BANK GROUP, WILL BE CALLED THE STANDARD CHARTERED BANK FROM NEXT YEAR.
THEBILL WILL ALSO ALLOW THE BANK TO CONTINUE TO ISSUE ITS STOCK OF BANK NOTES BEARING ITS OLD NAME FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS.
IT WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 13, AND IS EXPECTED TO RECEIVE ITS THIRD READING ON NOVEMBER 21.
COMMENTS ON ITS PROVISIONS MAY BE SENT IN WRITING TO UMELCO AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12TH FLOOR, CHATER ROAD, OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, AT ADMIRALTY CENTRE, TOWER I 1, 18 HARCOURT ROAD, HONG KONG.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1984
- 9 -
CARE IN USE OF FIRES URGED * * * *
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY SOUGHT PUBLIC HELP IN PREVENTING THE OUTBREAK OF FIRES.
URGING CAUTION, PARTICULARLY DURING THE DRY SEASON, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT ALSO REMINDED PEOPLE GOING TO THE CEMETERIES TO WORSHIP TO BE CAREFUL WITH THE USE OF JOSS STICKS AND OTHER OFFERINGS FOR BURNING.
HE GAVE THE FOLLOWING ADVICE TO WORSHIPPERS:
* REMOVE ALL GRASS NEAR THE GRAVESIDE BEFORE LIGHTING ANY ITEM.
* BURN JOSS STICKS AND CANDLES ONLY IN METAL CONTAINERS.
* MAKE SURE ALL FIRES ARE EXTINGUISHED BEFORE LEAVING.
* SOUND THE ALARM AT FIRST SIGN OF AN OUTBRACK OF FIRE.
AS FOR PICNICKERS, HE URGED THEM TO BARBECUE ONLY AT DESIGNATE J AREAS.
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LEARN-TO-SWIM COURSES OFFERED
*****
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL’S FINAL SERIES OF THE +LEARN-TO-SWIM+ COURSES DUE TO TAKE PLACE BETWEEN OCTOBER 22 AND NOVEMBER 24 THIS YEAR.
THE COURSES WILL CONSIST OF 15 ONE-HOUR SESSIONS AT BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED LEVELS.
THE BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR ENROLMENT AT THE BEGINNER LEVEL IS THAT PARTICIPANTS MUST BE 10 YEARS OF AGE OR ABOVE. AS FOR THE OTHER TWO CLASSES, PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE ABLE TO bwIM 51 METRES FOR THE INTERMEDIATE LEVEL AND 400 METRES FOR THE ADVANCED
LEVEL WITHOUT AID.
AS THE SWIMMING SEASON IS NEARING AN END, THE COURSES WILL. OFFER A WELCOME CHANCE FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO LEARN TO SWIM OR TO PERFECT THEIR SKILLS IN THE SPORT, SAID A COUNCIL SPOKtSMAN.
THE BEGINNER CLASSES WILL BE HELD AT MORRISON HILL SWIMMING POOL, WHILE THE INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED CLASSES wILL TAKt PLACE AT TAI WAN SHAN, LAI CHI KOK, CHAI WAN AND MORRISON HILL SwIMMlNu POOL COMPLEXES.
/AT THE .......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1984
- 10 -
AT THE END OF THE INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED CLASSES, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE TESTED EITHER FOR THE HONG KONG SWIMMERS’ AWARDS OR THE SWIMMING TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION SURVIVAL AWARDS.
DETAILS AND ENROLMENT FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE COUNCIL’S SWIMMING POOLS MENTIONED ABOVE BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM DAILY UNTIL OCTOBER 22.
ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
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EFFORT TO TEACH METRIC GOES ON * * * *
THE METRIC SCALE COUNTER IS BEING SENT ROUND THE MARKET PLACE AGAIN, AS PART OF THE CONTINUING EFFORT TO PROMOTE THE USE OF METRIC UNITS AT THE GRASS-ROOTS LEVEL.
STARTING FROM TODAY AT THE WAN CHAI MARKET, UNTIL THE END OF JANUARY, THE COUNTER WILL BE SET UP IN EIGHT POPULAR MARKETS IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, ON A ROTATION BASIS. IT WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 12 NOON THREE TIMES A WEEK, FOR A PERIOD OF TWO WEEKS IN EACH MARKET.
STALL-KEEPERS AND MARKET-GOERS WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO TRY OUT THE DUAL CALIBRATION WEIGHING SCALES AT THE COUNTER, AND INSTRUCTIONAL AND PUBLICITY MATERIALS, SUCH AS STICKERS, CONVERSION CARDS AND METRIC DIALS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED.
THE COUNTER IS MANNED BY ADDITIONAL VOLUNTARY STAFF PROVIDED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE SCHEME.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE METRICATION COMMITTEE SAID THAT WHEN THE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, IT GENERATED A BIG AMOUNT OF INTEREST FROM SHOPPERS AND STALL-HOLDERS IN MORE THAN 20 DIFFERENT MARKETS.
SINCE THEN, THESE HAD BEEN A GROWING AWARENESS OF METRIC SCALES, HE SAID.
THE COUNTER WILL REMAIN AT THE WAN CHAI MARKET UNTIL OCTOBER 13.
FROM OCTOBER 15 ONWARDS, IT WILL MOVE TO SHAU KEI WAN MARKET, WANG TAU HOM ESTATE FU MOU MARKET, TO KWA WAN MARKET, NORTH KWAI CHUNG MARKET, WONG TAI SIN MARKET, TUEN MUN YAN 01 MARKET, KWUN CHUNG MARKET.
STALL-HOLDERS AT THESE MARKETS WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO SUPPORT THE SCHEME BY SELLING THEIR PRODUCTS IN METRIC UNITS.
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/II ........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1984
MAINS WORK IN KOWLOON CITY III
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO KOWLOON CITY WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 AM TO 11 PM ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 5) FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY NGA TSIN WAI ROAD, TAK KU LING ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST AND NGA TSIN LONG ROAD.
CARR IAGEWAY CLOSURE * * *
THE NORTH-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD BETWEEN HUNG MUI KUK ROAD AND TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC 1 AM TO 5 AM BETWEEN OCTOBER 4 (THURSDAY) AND 8, TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK.
DURING THE ROAD CLOSURE, TRAFFIC HEADING FOR SHA TIN wILL BE REROUTED VIA HUNG MUI KUK ROAD AND CHE KUNG MIU ROAD.
_ 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
HK GROUP RETURNS FROM PEKING.................................... 1
MORE PEOPLE DONATE TO CHARITIES ................................ 3
DISTRICT BOARDS TO DISCUSS 'SHITE PAPER......................... 4
VOTER REGISTRATION TARGET IN KWUN TONG SURPASSED................ 5
CARE IN USE OF ELECTRICAL TOOLS URGED .......................... 6
SITE OFFERED FOR PARKING........................................ 6
REFRESHMENT KIOSKS IN SAI KUNG ................................. 7
TRAFFIC MEASURES IN MID-LEVELS ................................. 7
NO RIGHT TURNS FROM FINNIE STREET .............................. 8
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1984
- 1 -
HK GROUP RETURNS FROM PEKING * * * *
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION TO THE CELEBRATIONS OF THE 3* TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA RETURNED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FROM PEKING.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF A STATEMENT GIVEN BY THE LEADER OF THE DELEGATION, CHIEF SECRETARY SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, AT THE AIRPORTi
♦AS YOU KNOW, WE JUST SPENT FOUR DAYS IN PEKING AS GUESTS OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU OFFICE OF THE STATE COUNCIL. A VERY FULL PROGRAMME HAD BEEN ARRANGED FOR US, AND WE WERE WARMLY AND GENEROUSLY RECEIVED AT ALL TIMES.
♦THE PARADE ON MONDAY MORNING WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE AND THE FIREWORKS IN THE EVENING MOST SPECTACULAR. WE ALSO ATTENDED THE STATE BANQUET IN THE GREAT HALL OF THE PEOPLE ON SUNDAY EVENING. WE LISTENED ATTENTIVELY AND WITH GREAT INTEREST TO PREMIER ZHAO’S SPEECH AT THE BANQUET ON SUNDAY EVENING AND TO CHAIRMAN DENG’S SPEECH AT THE PARADE ON MONDAY MORNING. AS WITH US, I AM SURE YOU WILL HAVE NOTED HOW BOTH SAW THE OUTCOME OF THE S INO-BRITISH NEGOTIATIONS AS A SIGNIFICANT EXAMPLE TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY OF HOW DISPUTES BETWEEN NATIONS CAN BE SETTLED AND AGREED PEACEFULLY.
+THE HIGH POINT OF OUR VISIT, OF COURSE, WAS OUR MEETING WITH PREMIER ZHAO LAST EVENING WHICH LASTED, INCIDENTALLY, ONE HOUR AND FORTY MINUTES. AS REGARDS HONG KONG, PREMIER ZHAO TOOK UP THE THEME HE TOUCHED UPON IN HIS SPEECH AT THE BANQUET. INDEED, HE DESCRIBED THE CONCLUSION OF THE DRAFT AGREEMENT, THAT IS TO SAY, THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE ANNEXES, AS A SIGNIFICANT EVENT IN MODERN WORLD HISTORY.
♦I SHAN’T ATTEMPT TO RELAY OUR ENTIRE CONVERSATION TO YOU THIS MORNING OR EVEN SUMMARISE IT. BUT I THINK TWO POINTS STAND OUT IN MY MIND.
+TO BEGIN WITH, PREMIER ZHAO WENT TO GREAT LENGTHS TO EMPHASISE THAT AFTER INVESTING TWO YEARS OF TIME AND EFFORT IN THE NEGOTIATIONS IN ORDER TO BRING THEM TO A MUTUALLY AGREED CONCLUSION, THERE COULD BE NO DOUBT THAT THE SPIRIT AND THE LETTER OF THE AGREEMENT WOULD BE FAITHFULLY IMPLEMENTED. THERE IS NO POINT, HE SAID, IN BARGAINING SO HARD AND FOR SO LONG IF THERE WAS NO INTENTION TO OBSERVE THE TERMS OF THE OUTCOME, THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT. IN ANY CASE, HE WENT ON, CHINA’S NATIONAL INTERESTS WOULD BE BEST SERVED BY THE CONTINUING STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG. THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT WILL BE FAITHFULLY IMPLEMENTED AND NO CHANGES WILL BE PROPOSED. TO THIS THEME, PREMIER ZHAO KEPT RETURNING TIME AND TIME AGAIN. INDEED HE SPOKE OF HONG KONG’S FUTURE AS AN AUTONOMOUS SAR WITH GREAT CONVICTION AND ! BELIEVE WITH GREAT SINCERITY. HE DECLARED, IN FACT, THAT THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP BELIEVED THAT THE AGREEMENT WOULD STAND THE TEST OF TIME AND HISTORY.
/+THE SECOND........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1984
2
+THE SECOND POINT WHICH STANDS OUT IN MY MIND AFTER OUR
-TING WITH PREMIER ZHAO LAST EVENING IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT. IT IS -IS. WHEN AT ONE STAGE DURING THE MEETING I REAFFIRMED THE JXlTISH GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO ENSURE THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ADMINISTERED HONG KONG EFFECTIVELY UP TO 1997, REMIER ZHAO TOOK CAREFUL NOTE OF WHAT I SAID AND COUNTERED BY DRAWING MY ATTENTION TO THE SPECIFIC REFERENCE IN THE JOINT DECLARATION TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE GOOD GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG UP TO 1997. I ASSURED HIM THAT THROUGH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, THAT RESPONSIBILITY, THAT BRITISH RESPONSIBILITY, WOULD BE DISCHARGED AS CONSCIENTIOUSLY AND AS SINGLE-MINDEDLY IN THE NEXT 12 TO 13 YEARS AS IN PAST YEARS.
+| THINK THERE ARE ONLY TWO OTHER POINTS I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE BEFORE GOING HOME TO LUNCH. ONE IS THAT I EXPLAINED TO PREMIER ZHAO THAT EXCO HAD ENDORSED HMG’S DECISION TO INITIAL THE DRAFT AGREEMENT. I EXPLAINED THAT LEGCO WOULD HAVE A CHANCE TO DEBATE THE AGREEMENT IN PUBLIC IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS MONTH, THE DEBATE BE I NG ON A MOTION COMMENDING THE AGREEMENT TO HONG KONG PEOPLE. I EXPLAINED THAT THE GOVERNOR, OF COURSE, HAD ALREADY COMMENDED THE AGREEMENT TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG IN HIS SPEECH LAST WEEK. I SAID THAT I EXPECTED MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ULTIMATELY TO ACCEPT THAT COMMENDATION. BUT MEANWHILE, I SAID, THEY NEEDED TIME TO REFLECT AND TO DIGEST THE CONTENTS OF THESE VERY COMPLEX DOCUMENTS.
+ AND LASTLY I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MR XU JIATUN AND MR LI CHUWEN AND THEIR COLLEAGUES IN THE NCNA FOR ARRANGING THIS VISIT FOR US. THEY WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PLANNING OF THE VISIT IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, AND WE ARE MOST GRATEFUL TO THEM. THANK YOU.+
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION INCLUDE THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG, THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ROGER LOBO, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, MR MICHAEL SANDBERG, AND UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, NF FRANCIS TIEN YUAN-HO, MR WONG LAM, DR HO KAM-FAI, MR ALLEN LEE PENG-FEI, MR HU FA-KUANG, MR WONG PO-YAN AND MR KEITH LAM HON-KEUNG.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE DELEGATION ARE MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR E.P. HO, SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR DONALD LIAO, SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MISS CHEUNG MAN-YEE, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, NR RICHARD MARGOLIS, DEPUTY POLITICAL ADVISER AND MISS VIVIEN FONG, INTERPRETER.
THE GROUP WAS MET AT THE AIRPORT BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DENIS BRAY, THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MR PETER TSAO, THE VICE DIRECTOR OF THE XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (HONG KONG BRANCH), MR LI CHUWEN, AND THE VICE CHIEF EDITOR OF THE XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (HONG KONG BRANCH), MR YEUNG SING.
-----0------
/3........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1984
- 3 -
MORE PEOPLE DONATE TO CHARITIES
******
SOME 1 260 CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS AND TRUSTS ARE NOW ENJOYING VARIOUS TAX AND OTHER PAYMENT EXEMPTIONS, UP FROM 670 ORGANISATIONS ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO.
+AND WE RECEIVE 10 TO 20 FRESH APPLICATIONS FOR RECOGNITION EVERY MONTH,+ SAID MRS P.K. LEE, ASSESSOR OF THE CHARITABLE DONATIONS AND RETIREMENT SCHEMES SECTION OF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT.
COMMENTING ON THIS STEADY GROWTH, SHE SAID THAT AS SOCIETY BECAME MORE AFFLUENT, MORE PEOPLE WERE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE TO CHARITIES.
THESE ORGANISATIONS INCLUDE RELIGIOUS BODIES, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, NURSERIES, HOSPITALS, CLINICS, ASSOCIATIONS FOR THE AGED AND HANDICAPPED, KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS, SOCIAL CENTRES, CHARITABLE FOUNDATIONS AND TRUSTS.
ONCE AN INSTITUTION IS RECOGNISED AS A CHARITY, IT IS EXEMPT FROM INTEREST, PROPERTY AND PROFITS TAXES — SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS -- AS WELL AS BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEES, MRS LEE SAID.
+HOWEVER, THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT WILL REVIEW ITS ACTIVITIES FROM TIME TO TIME TO ENSURE THAT THE INSTITUTION HAS CARRIED OUT ITS CHARITABLE OBJECTS,+ SHE STRESSED.
MRS LEE SAID THAT NON-PROFIT-MAKING ORGANISATIONS ARE NOT THE SAME AS CHARITABLE BODIES.
+RECOGNITION IS GRANTED ONLY IF THE OBJECTS FOR WHICH AN ORGANISATION IS FORMED ARE WITHIN THE LEGAL MEANING OF CHARITY.
+THIS MEANING COVERS ADVANCEMENT OF RELIGION, ADVANCEMENT OF EDUCATION, RELIEF OF POVERTY AND OTHER PURPOSES OF A CHARITABLE NATURE BENEFICIAL TO THE COMMUNITY. ALSO, THEIR ACTIVITIES MUST BE DIRECTED TO THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY OR AN ’APPRECIABLE SECTION’ OF THE COMMUNITY,* SHE EXPLAINED.
■•■THUS AN INSTITUTION WORKING FOR THE BENEFIT OF A SMALL GROUP (F PEOPLE WILL NOT COUNT AS A CHARITY,* SHE SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT INDIVIDUAL CHARITY, SUCH AS A CHARITABLE FUNDS-RAIS ING DRIVE BY A TELEVISION STATION, MAY ALSO GAIN RECOGNITION.
HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF THEIR TEMPORARY NATURE, THE DEPARTMENT MUST BE SATISFIED THAT THE FUNDS RAISED WOULD BE USED FOR THE STATED PURPOSES, SHE SAID.
/+ONC£ AN........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1984
♦ONCE AN INSTITUTION IS GRANTED TAX EXEMPTION, A CERTIFICATE
ILL BE ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, AND ITS THE LIST OF APPROVED CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS PUBLISHED ANNUALLY IN THE GOVERNMENT
JAME WILL BE PLACED IN AND TRUSTS OF A PUBLIC GAZETTE,* SHE SAID.
CHARACTER
MRS LEE EXPLAINED
THAT THIS
PUBLIC WHO MIGHT WISH TO KNOW IF IS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE.
IS FOR THE A DONATION
INFORMATION OF THE MADE TO AN INSTITUTION
APPROVED CHARITABLE
+AN INDIVIDUAL WHO DONATES MONEY TO AN INSTITUTION, OR DIRECTLY TO ANY OF ITS CHARITABLE PROJECTS is GRANTED RELIEF FROM SALARIES TAX, PROFITS TAX OR PErJonJi ' *S ASSESSMENT UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE,+ SHE^XPLA I NED.
THE AGGREGATE DONATION MUST BE MORE THAN $100 AND THE e Restricted to io per cent of the assessable income OR profits for a particular year of assessment.
+T0 CLAIM DEDUCTION, ORIGINAL RECEIPTS OR LETTERS FROM THE CHARITIES MUST BE ATTACHED WHEN FILING RETURNS FOR THE RELEVANT
YEAR OF ASSESSMENT,+ SHE SAID.
- - - - 0 ---------
DISTRICT BOARDS TO DISCUSS WHITE PAPER M M M
MEMBERS OF THREE DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE DISCUSSING THE WHITE PAPER ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AT SEPARATE MEETINGS TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
CENTRAL AND WESTERN IS THE FIRST DISTRICT BOARD TO TABLE THE WHITE PAPER FOR DISCUSSION AT ITS REGULAR MEETING, WHILE THE KWUN TONG AND TAI PO DISTRICT BOARDS HAVE CALLED SPECIAL MEETINGS TO DISCUSS THE DOCUMENT.
MEANWHILE, THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALSO CALLED FOR A SPECIAL MEETING ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 8) TO DISCUSS THE WHITE PAPER.
NOTE TO EDITORS;
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER ALL FOUR DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS.
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 3RD FLOOR OF WILLIE BUILDING, 222-x224 DES VOEUX ROAD, CENTRAL.
/THE KJTON...........
WEDNESDAY, OCTQBEB 3, 1984
- 5 -
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 3RD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET.
THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 3RD FLOOR OF TAI PO CENTRE IN KWONG FUK ROAD.
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE SAME ADDRESS ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 8) AT 9.30 AM.
-----o------
VOTER REGISTRATION TARGET IN KWUN TONG SURPASSED
******
MORE THAN 68 000 RESIDENTS IN KWUN TONG HAVE SIGNED UP AS VOTERS IN THE RECENT REGISTRATION EXERCISE.
TOGETHER WITH THE 120 000 ALREADY ON THE REGISTER, KWUN TONG NOW HAS 188 000 VOTERS, REPRESENTING ABOUT 56 PER CENT OF THE RESIDENTS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE IN THE DISTRICT.
+THE RESULT IS NOT ONLY VERY ENCOURAGING, BUT ALSO QUITE UNEXPECTED AS OUR ORIGINAL TARGET WAS SET AT 46 000,+ THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE CONSIDERED THE GOOD RESPONSE AS AN INDICATION OF LOCAL RESIDENTS’ INCREASED INTEREST AND PARTICIPATION IN THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.
+BUT OF COURSE, WE SHOULD REMEMBER THAT ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS HAVE PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROMOTING VOTER REGISTRATION THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT,+ HE SAID.
LETTERS OF APPRECIATION HAVE BEEN SENT TO THESE ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS.
+THOSE WHO HAVE MISSED OUT THE REGISTRATION PERIOD MAY SIGN UP AT THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE FROM NOVEMBER 9 TO 20,+ HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1934 .
- 6 -
CARE IN USE OF ELECTRICAL TOOLS URGED
*****
EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS WERE REMINDED TODAY BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ABOUT THE NEED FOR CARE IN THE SUPPLY AND USE OF ELECTRICAL APPARATUS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT ANY PORTABLE ELECTRICAL TOOL MAY PROVE AN INSTANT KILLER IF SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ARE DISREGARDED.
HE WAS REFERRING TO A RECENT CASE IN WHICH A WOMAN WORKER IN A CORDUROY FABRIC MAKING FACTORY WAS KILLED WHEN CURRENT LEAKED FROM THE HAND-HELD DUST BLOWER THAT WAS NOT PROPERLY EARTHED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (ELECTRICITY) REGULATIONS, ALL APPARATUS MUST BE PROPERLY MAINTAINED TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL HAZARDS.
THE REGULATIONS ALSO REQUIRE THAT WHERE ANY PART OF A PORTABLE APPARATUS IS MADE OF METAL AND MAY BECOME ALIVE IN THE EVENT OF A CURRENT LEAKAGE AS TO CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL HAZARD, THE PORTABLE APPARATUS MUST BE EFFECTIVELY EARTHED.
+THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED HAD THE ELECTRICAL TOOL BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND EFFECTIVELY EARTHED,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THAT FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH EITHER PROVISION WOULD RENDER THE PROPRIETOR LIABLE TO A FINE OF $30 000.
FACTORY PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS WHO HAVE ANY ENQUIRY ARE URGED TO CONTACT THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR ADVICE.
-----o------
SITE OFFERED FOR PARKING
* * * *
A 38—SQUARE METRE SITE AT TING KAU, TSUEN WAN, IS BEING OFFERED BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT FOR PARKING OF PRIVATE MOTOR VEHICLES.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
TENDERS MUST BE PLACED IN THE PUBLIC WORKS TENDER BOX, ENTRANCE HALL, GROUND FLOOR OF MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG BY NOON ON OCTOBER 19.
- - - - 0 ----------
/7.........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1984
- 7 -
REFRESHMENT KIOSKS IN SA I KUNG
*****
THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS TO OPERATE A LIGHT REFRESHMENT KIOSK AT SAI KUNG TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND.
TENDERS ARE ALSO INVITED TO RUN A LIGHT REFRESHMENT KIOSK WITH TENTS HIRING SERVICES AT SILVERSTRAND BEACH IN SAI KUNG.
EACH CONTRACT WILL BE FOR THREE YEARS, EFFECTIVE FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR FOR THE KIOSK AT THE SPORTS GROUND AND FROM DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR FOR THE OTHER KIOSK.
TENDER FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SAI KUNG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 69 MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS, THIRD FLOOR, SWIRE *^D MACLAINE HOUSE (AUSTIN AUSTIN AVENUE, KOWLOON BEFORE 9 AM ON NOVEMBER 2
CENTRE), 19-23 (FR IDAY).
ENQUIRIES AT 3-2813635.
CAN BE MADE WITH THE SAI KUNG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE
TRAFFIC MEASURES IN MID-LEVELS * * * *
FROM 1 AM TO 6 AM ON LEADING FROM MAGAZINE GAP
FRIDAY (OCTOBER 5), THE SLIP ROAD ROAD TO ROBINSON ROAD WILL BE CLOSED
TO TRAFFIC FOR ROAD RESURFACING.
DURING THE CLOSURE, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED!
* VEHICLES ON MAGAZINE GAP ROAD HEADING FOR ROBINSON ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA GARDEN ROAD, UPPER ALBERT ROAD AND ALBANY ROAD.
* VEHICLES LEAVING ESTORIL COURT WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE UPHILL LANE OF MAGAZINE GAP ROAD.
*
VEHICLES COMING UP FROM GARDEN ROAD WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN BACK TO GARDEN ROAD FROM THE ROUNDABOUT AT THE JUNCTION OF MAGAZINE GAP ROAD AND ROBINSON ROAD.
THE SAME MEASURE WILL BE REPEATED FROM 1 AM TO 6 AM ON OCTOBER 6 AND OCTOBER 8.
/MUraiLS, SOKE......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBEH 3, 1984 '
8
MEANWHILE, URBAN CLEARWAYS (OCTOBER 5).
SOME ROAD SECTIONS IN THE MID-LEVELS WILL BE MADE 24 HOURS DAILY, STARTING FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY
THEY ARE s
K THE NORTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF GARDEN ROAD BETWEEN MACDONNELL ROAD AND LOWER ALBERT ROAD.
K THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM GARDEN ROAD TO UPPER ALBERT
ROAD.
H THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM UPPER ALBERT ROAD TO GARDEN
ROAD.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES, NO MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
---0------
NO RIGHT TURNS FROM FINN IE STREET * * * K
FROM 1 AM TO 5.30 AM ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 5) AND SATURDAY (OCTOBER 6), VEHICLES FROM FINNIE STREET IN QUARRY BAY WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING RIGHT INTO KING’S ROAD WESTBOUND.
THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION WORK.
DURING THE PERIOD, VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND AND SHIPYARD LANE.
- 0 ---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
CONTENTS PAGB NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
HK CAN MOVE AHEAD AGAIN -- SIR EDWARD .................... 1
+A MILESTONE IN HONG KONG HISTORY+ ....................... 2
SYSTEMS MUST GROW FROM OWN SOCIETY - GOVERNOR............. 3
REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT DEVELOPING STEADILY............. 5
BIG PUBLIC SPENDING ON FUTURE............................. 7
QUARRY BAY-CHa KWO LING TUNNEL PLANNED ................... 10
BROAD PLANS TO HELP THE DISABLED ......................... 12
HOUSING AUTHORITY EXCEEDING BUILDING TARGET .............. 14
MEDICAL SERVICES EXPANDING................................ 16
GANG CRIME CAUSES CONCERN ................................ 16
HK MAY HAVE OY/N BODY FOR DEGREE VALIDATION .............. 18
NO AMJESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ........................ 19
COMMUNITY SERVICE......................................... 20
PUBLIC SERVICE PRAISED FOR WORK ..........................
TRIBUTES TO COUNCIL MEMBERS .............................. 21
HK KEEPING UP FIGHT AGAINST U.S. ORIGIN RULES................ 23
SCHEME TO DO AWAY WITH LICENSING ............................ 25
FIGHT AGAINST SLUMS STEPPED UP .............................. 25
PUBLIC WORKS SPENDING UP .................................... 27
TAX RESERVE INTEREST CUT .................................... 26
MP'S TOUR EASTERN DISTRICT .................................. 30
TAI PO MARKET TRAFFIC CHANGES................................ 30
CRIME PREVENTION EXPERT VISITS .............................. 32
TWO-PERSON FAMILIES ELIGIBLE FOR HOS FLATS .................. 32
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
1
HK CAN MOVE AHEAD AGAIN — SIR EDWARD *****
WITH MUCH OF THE UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THE FUTURE ALREADY REMOVED, HONG KONG COULD NOW MOVE AHEAD AGAIN, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+HONOURABLE MEMBERS, WHEN I SPOKE TO YOU LAST YEAR THE OUTLOOix WAS AN UNCERTAIN ONE. THAT PICTURE HAS NOW CHANGED,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
+THE DRIVE, VITALITY AND ENTERPRISE OF THIS COMMUNITY HAD BEEN HELD IN CHECK BY THAT UNCERTAINTY. NOW WE CAN MOVE AHEAD AGAIN,* HE STATED.
SPEAKING IN THE CONCLUSION TO HIS ANNUAL ADDRESS TO THE COUNCIL, HE SAID HE HAD NO DOUBT THAT IN THE YEAR AHEAD, HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO SHOW THE SAME QUALITIES OF RESOLUTION AND GOOD SENSE WHICH HAD +CARRIED IT THROUGH THE PAST TWO MOMENTOUS YEARS.*
+BUT WE SHALL NEED MORE THAN THAT. WE SHALL NEED THOSE OTHER TRADITIONAL HONG KONG ATTRIBUTES, A DETERMINATION TO RESPOND JO THE CHALLENGES WITH WHICH WE ARE FACED AND THE COURAGE TO MAKE aND SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES,* HE SAID.
HONG KONG, HE SAID, COULD NOT EXPECT TO BE IMMUNE FROM THE PROBLEMS WHICH MUST FACE ANY ECONOMY EQUALLY EXPOSED TO THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC CLIMATE.
BUT HE ADDED THAT HONG KONG’S ECONOMY WAS STRONG AND ITS EXCHANGE RATE STABLE.
SIR EDWARD SAID THAT HIS REVIEW WOULD ILLUSTRATE THE GOVERNMENT’S RESOLVE TO CARRY FORWARD ITS PROGRAMMES WITH +VIGOUR AND CONTINUITY OF PURPOSE* IN ORDER TO DEVELOP THE TERRITORY’S INFRASTRUCTURE, IMPROVE THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING CF THE YOUNG PEOPLE, STIMULATE ECONOMIC PROGRESS AND GENERALLY MAKE HONG KONG A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN.
+BUT BUILDING A FUTURE IS NOT A TASK FOR THE GOVERNMENT ALONE. THE WHOLE COMMUNITY MUST BECOME INVOLVED.
+IT IS NOW FOR EVERYONE IN HONG KONG TO THINK WHAT CONTRIBUTION HE OR SHE, CAN MAKE, AND HOW HE OR SHE CAN PARTICIPATE IN BUILDING THAT FUTURE.
+WITH A COMMUNITY AND A GOVERNMENT DEDICATED TO THAT TASK, THEN WE CAN BE CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG WILL REMAIN THE VIBRANT, DYNAMIC AND PROGRESSIVE CITY OF WHICH ITS CITIZENS ARE SO JUSTLY PROUD,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
- - 0 - -
irlUrtSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1934 •
2
+A MILESTONE IN HONG KONG HISTORY+ X * * * *
HONG KONG HAD REACHED A MILESTONE IN ITS HISTORY, AS THIS WOULD BE THE LAST SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN WHICH ALL ITS AMBERS WERE APPOINTED, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE SAID, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE PAID TRIBUTE TO ALL THOSE WHO WERE SERVING AND HAD SERVED IN AN APPOINTED CAPACITY.
+THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE NOT BEEN ELECTED HAS IN NO WAY REDUCED YOUR DETERMINATION TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY,* HE SAID.
+THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG OVER THE LAST TWO DECADES OWES MUCH TO THE DEVOTION TO DUTY AND TO THE WELL-BEING OF THE COMMUNITY, OF MEMBERS IN THIS COUNCIL.*
+HONG KONG HAS BEEN WELL SERVED BY THE APPOINTMENT SYSTEM, BUT NOW HISTORY MOVES ON,* THE GOVERNOR SAID.
THE COMPOSITION OF THIS SESSION’S MEMBERSHIP ALREADY REFLECTED A MOVEMENT TOWARDS THE LIKELY COMPOSITION OF THE COUNCIL NEXT YEAR, WITH TWO FEWER OFFICIALS AND THREE MORE UNOFFICIALS.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (POWERS AND PRIVILEGES) WOULD BE INTRODUCED DURING THE SESSION TOs
* CONFIRM THE PRIVILEGE OF MEMBERS’ STATEMENT IN DEBATE,
* PROVIDE ASSURANCES THAT MEMBERS COULD PERFORM THEIR DUTIES ACCORDING TO THEIR CONSCIENCE, AND,
* INTRODUCE POWERS TO HEAR EVIDENCE ON MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST.
REFERRING TO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SITTINGS, HE SAID THIS WOULD BE THE LAST SESSION TO BE HELD IN THIS CHAMBER.
+WHEN I DELIVER MY ADDRESS TO YOU NEXT YEAR, I SHALL BE DOING SO IN WHAT WE STILL CALL FOR THE PRESENT THE OLD SUPREME COURT BUILDING,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
+THE MOVE WILL ASSIST THE LEGISLATURE TO ACHIEVE IN THE PUBLIC EYE A NEW AND DISTINCT IDENTITY, QUITE SEPARATE FROM THE EXECUTIVE AS REPRESENTED BY THE GOVERNOR, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THE CIVIL SERVICE,* HE SAID.
SIR EDWARD ALSO MENTIONED ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT IN WHICH THE DECISION WAS MADE BY THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE TO HOLD ITS HEARINGS OF EVIDENCE IN PUBLIC.
/THE PUBLIC..........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER U, 1984
3
THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS •' MMITTEE, DESPITE ITS RELATIVELY SHORT HISTORY, HAD RAPIDLY BECOME ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT BODIES IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG, WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF SATISFYING ITSELF ON BOTH THE VALIDITY OF THE OBSERVATIONS MADE IN THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT, AND THE ADEQUACY OF THE EFFORTS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE TO CORRECT ANY FAILINGS DISCLOSED IN IT.
+THIS IS A HEAVY RESPONSIBILITY IN AN AREA OF KEEN PUBLIC INTEREST, AND I AM WELL AWARE OF THE BURDEN OF WORK WHICH THE MEMBERS CF THE COMMITTEE TAKE UPON THEMSELVES IN THEIR DETERMINATION TO DISCHARGE THIS RESPONSIBILITY THOROUGHLY,+ HE SAID.
+IT WAS GREATLY TO THEIR CREDIT THAT THEY HAD DECIDED THAT THE INTERESTS OF OPEN GOVERNMENT REQUIRED THAT THEY HOLD OPEN HEAR INGS.
+IN THIS WAY THE PUBLIC CAN KNOW THE CONTENTS OF THESE EXAMINATIONS, AND BE SATISFIED THAT THEIR INTERESTS AS TAXPAYERS ARE PROPERLY PROTECTED,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
-------o---------
SYSTEMS MUST GROW FROM OWN SOCIETY - GOVERNOR * * * *
HONG KONG’S SYSTEMS OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT MUST GROW FROM ITS OWN SOCIETY AND TAKE ACCOUNT OF ITS CIRCUMSTANCES, SAID THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TODAY.
OPENING HIS ANNUAL ADDRESS, SIR EDWARD REFERRED TO THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION AND TO THE GREEN PAPER ON THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
ON THE DECLARATION HE SAID: + l HAVE BEEN ENCOURAGED BY THE RECEPTION WHICH THE AGREEMENT HAS BEEN GIVEN NOT ONLY IN HONG KONG ITSELF, BUT MORE WIDELY BY GOVERNMENTS ABROAD AND IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS.*
SIR EDWARD URGED EVERYONE IN HONG KONG TO COME FORWARD WITH THEIR VIEWS ON THE AGREEMENT BEFORE THE DEADLINE OF NOVEMBER 15, IN ORDER THAT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT WOULD HAVE THE FULLEST POSSIBLE PICTURE OF THE ACCEPTABILITY.
THE UNITED KINGDOM, UNDER THE AGREEMENT, WILL CONTINUE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG UNTIL JULY 1, 1997 AND, IN THE LIGHT OF THAT UNDERTAKING, HE REVIEWED THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR THE COMING YEAR.
ON CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT, SIR EDWARD SAID THAT VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE GREEN PAPER WOULD BE CONSIDERED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL LATER THIS MONTH.
/+THE GENERAL........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
♦THE GENERAL REACTION OF THE COMMUNITY TO THE PROPOSALS HAS BEEN FAVOURABLE,+ HE SAID.
♦THERE IS AGREEMENT WITH THE GRADUAL AND PROGRESSIVE APPROACH WHICH WE PROPOSED. THERE HAS ALSO BEEN GENERAL SUPPORT FOR THE VIEW THAT, WHILE CHANGES SHOULD BE MADE TO OUR SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT, THEY SHOULD NOT BE INTRODUCED TOO HASTILY OR IN-A MANNER WHICH MIGHT ENDANGER HONG KONG’S STABILITY AT THIS CRUCIAL TIME,+ HE SAID.
ON ELECTIONS, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT THE TIME FOR DIRECT ELECTIONS MAY COME.
♦BUT THERE HAS BEEN LITTLE SUPPORT IN PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE GREEN PAPER IN HONG KONG FOR ANY MOVE IN THIS DIRECTION IN 1985.
♦SOME HAVE SUGGESTED, HOWEVER, THAT WE SHOULD MOVE TO DIRECT ELECTIONS BY 1988. OTHERS HAVE TAKEN THE VIEW THAT, HAVING INTRODUCED DIRECT ELECTIONS ON A VERY BROADLY BASED FRANCHISE AT THE DISTRICT AND REGIONAL LEVELS ONLY WITHIN THE PAST TWO YEARS IT WOULD BE UNWISE TO DO THE SAME AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT LEVEL UNTIL WE HAVE ALL GAINED MORE EXPERIENCE AT THE LOWER LEVELS.+
THE GREEN PAPER PROPOSED A REVIEW SHOULD TAKE PLACE IN 1989, SAID SIR EDWARD, AFTER THE SECOND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN 1988.
♦MANY PEOPLE HAVE SUGGESTED THAT THE REVIEW SHOULD TAKE PLACE EARLIER, PERHAPS IN 1987. THIS IS A SUGGESTION WHICH WE WILL CONSIDER VERY CAREFULLY,+ HE SAID.
THE POSSIBILITY OF A SINGLE LIST OF CANDIDATES FOR THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE HAD BEEN PUT FORWARD, HE SAID, AND ANOTHER SUGGESTION HAD BEEN PUT FORWARD THAT ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ENSURE A REASONABLE GEOGRAPHICAL BALANCE OF MEMBERS ELECTED BY THE COLLEGE.
THESE IDEAS WOULD BE GIVEN CAREFUL CONSIDERATION IN FORMULATING THE WHITE PAPER WHICH WILL FOLLOW ON FROM THE GREEN PAPER.
ON FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, SIR EDWARD SAID: +SOME HAVE CRITICISED THE IDEA AS BEING DIVISIVE AND UNWORKABLE. OTHERS, WHILE SUPPORTING THE IDEA IN PRINCIPLE, HAVE ASKED FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT HOW THE PROPOSAL WOULD BE PUT INTO PRACTICE. CERTAINLY THE PROPOSAL IS AN UNUSUAL ONE. IT HAS FEW PRECEDENTS ELSEWHERE. BUT IT IS DESIGNED TO MEET A NEED WHICH IS WIDELY RECOGNISED IN HONG KONG, NAMELY, TO ENSURE THAT THOSE MAJOR SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY WHICH HAVE COMMON SOCIAL, ECONOMIC OR OCCUPATIONAL INTERESTS AND WHICH ARE IMPORTANT COMPONENTS OF OUR SOCIETY, ARE ADEQUATELY REPRESENTED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
/+AT THIS .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
- 5 -
+AT THIS STAGE IN OUR HISTORY THIS CANNOT BE LEFT TO CHANCE. THIS MUCH HAS BEEN RECOGNISED BY THOSE WHO DISAGREE WITH THE METHOD OF MEETING IT. WE SHALL ELABORATE OUR PROPOSALS FURTHER IN THE FORTHCOMING WHITE PAPER.+
SIR EDWARD SAID THAT THE POSITION OF THE GOVERNOR AND THE POSSIBILITY OF INTRODUCING A MINISTERIAL SYSTEM HAD BEEN WIDELY DISCUSSED.
+THE POSITION OF THE GOVERNOR RAISES IMPORTANT CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES AND THE MINISTERIAL SYSTEM IS NOT THE ONLY WAY OF PROCEEDING,* HE SAID.
SUMMING UP HE SAID: + IN ALL THESE MATTERS, TO DRAW UP SCHEMES AND PREDICT THEIR SUCCESS ON THE BASIS OF EXPERIENCE ELSEWHERE IS NOT ENOUGH. OUR SYSTEMS MUST GROW FROM OUR SOCIETY AND TAKE ACCOUNT OF OUR CIRCUMSTANCES. THEY WILL NOT SURVIVE WITHOUT FIRM ROOTS SET IN THE SOCIETY FROM WHICH THEY SPRING.
+WHEN CONSIDERING CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT, WE SHALL ALSO NEED TO KEEP IN MIND THE PROVISIONS OF THE DRAFT AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG. AS I EXPLAINED IN MY STATEMENT LAST WEEK THE PROVISIONS OF THAT AGREEMENT ALLOW SCOPE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S GOVERNMENTAL SYSTEM AS THE YEARS PROGRESS. WE CAN THEREFORE MOVE FORWARD BUT WE SHALL DO SO WITH CIRCUMSPECTION.*
AFTER THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD CONSIDERED ALL VIEWS PUT FORWARD A WHITE PAPER WOULD BE PREPARED WHICH WOULD SET OUT DEFINITIVE PLANS AND WHICH WOULD BE PUBLISHED FOR DEBATE.
+THESE PLANS WILL REPRESENT ONLY ONE FURTHER STAGE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG. THEY DO NOT PRECLUDE SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT. IT IS ESSENTIAL TO HONG KONG’S CONTINUED GROWTH AND PROSPERITY THAT ITS SYSTEMS SHOULD CONTINUE TO EVOLVE TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF THE TIMES AND THE ASPIRATIONS OF THOSE TO WHOM IT OWES ITS MANDATE,* SAID SIR EDWARD.
-----o------
REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT DEVELOPING STEADILY
******
THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT AT REGIONAL AND DISTRICT LEVEL WAS PROGRESSING STEADILY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE SAID THE DISTRICT BOARDS HAD A FINE RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT l?« THEIR FIRST THREE YEARS, AND HAD BECOME AN IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL PART OF THE POLITICAL LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY.
/SIR EDWARD
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
6
SIR EDWARD POINTED OUT THAT IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS LAST YEAR, HE HAD SAID THAT ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCAL ADMINISTRATION SHOULD BE EXAMINED TO ENSURE THAT THEY REMAINED SUITED TO HONG KONG’S CHANGING NEEDS AND CIRCUMSTANCES.
HE SAID THAT AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF ALL THE VIEltfS EXPRESSED, IT WAS DECIDED THAT:
* THE REPRESENTATIVE STATUS OF THE BOARDS SHOULD BE FURTHER STRENGTHENED BY INCREASING THE NUMBER OF ELECTED MEMBERS,
* SEPARATE DISTRICT BOARDS SHOULD BE CREATED FOR TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG-TSING Yl,
* THE URBAN MANAGEMENT ROLE OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS SHOULD BE EXPANDED, AND
* A NEW REGIONAL COUNCIL SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED TO COVER THOSE AREAS OUTSIDE THE AEGIS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL.
SIR EDWARD NOTED THAT WHILE THE PROPOSED REGIONAL COUNCIL HAD AROUSED SOME CONTROVERSY, IT BECAME EVIDENT THAT THE PEOPLE IN THE AREAS CONCERNED PREFERRED TO HAVE THEIR OWN COUNCIL AND TO PARTICIPATE DIRECTLY IN THE RUNNING OF THE SERVICES AND FACILITIES THAT, IN THE URBAN AREAS, ARE OPERATED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL.
+YOUR GOVERNMENT SUPPORTED THIS VIEW, AND NEXT YEAR A PROVISIONAL COUNCIL WILL BE APPOINTED TO PREPARE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ELECTED COUNCIL IN 1986,+ HE SAID.
NEXT YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WOULD OPEN A NEW CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATION, HE SAID.
+GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES WILL CEASE TO BE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD BUT WILL CONTINUE TO ATTEND MEETINGS TO ANSWER QUESTIONS AND RECEIVE ADVICE; THE NUMBER OF ELECTED MEMBERS WILL BE INCREASED FROM 132 TO 236 AND WILL CONSTITUTE THE MAJORITY ON THE BOARDS; THE CHAIRMAN OF EACH BOARD WILL BE AN ELECTED UNOFFICIAL; THE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT BOARDS WILL ELECT THEIR REPRESENTATIVE3 TO JOIN THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL TO BE ESTABLISHED IN EARLY 1985,+ HE SAID.
ALSO, IF THE PROPOSALS IN THE GREEN PAPER ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WERE SUPPORTED, MEMBERS OF THE BOARDS TOGETHER WITH THOSE OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WOULD IN DUE COURSE ELECT MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR EDWARD ADDED.
+THERE ARE NOW OVER 1.4 MILLION VOTERS ON THE ELECTORAL ROLL THEY WILL HAVE AN INCREASING AND MORE DIRECT VOICE IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE TERRITORY AT THE DISTRICT, REGIONAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT LEVEL,+ HE SAID.
ON THE CIVIL SERVICE, SIR EDWARD SAID THE EFFORT HAD BEEN SUSTAINED IN RESTRAINING GROWTH AND IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM TO STABILISE THE SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN 1985-86.
-----o------
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
- 7 -
BIG PUBLIC SPENDING ON FUTURE
* * *
A VERY LARGE PART OF PUBLIC-SECTOR EXPENDITURE IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR WAS GOING INTO INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE CF HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE SAID TODAY.
GIVING HIS ANNUAL ADDRESS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR EDWARD SAID THIS MONEY WAS BEING SPENT ON THE PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE OF NEW TOWNS, ON TRANSPORTATION, ON HOUSING AND ON OTHER FACILITIES, SUCH AS SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS AND CLINICS, ON WHICH SOCIAL PROGRESS DEPENDED.
+TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON CAPITAL WORKS LAST YEAR AMOUNTED TO $12 BILLION AND A SIMILAR INVESTMENT IS FORECAST FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR. OF THIS $4.1 BILLION IS EXPECTED TO BE SPENT ON PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING AND THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME,+ HE POINTED OUT.
BUT PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE WAS RUNNING BELOW THE LEVEL ESTIMATED, MAINLY BECAUSE OF CONTINUING TIGHT CONTROL AND THE COMPETITIVE TENDER PRICES BID FOR SOME CAPITAL PROJECTS.
+ALTHOUGH IT IS STILL TOO EARLY TO PROVIDE A RELIABLE ESTIMATE OF THE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE OUTTURN FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, IT IS EXPECTED THAT THERE WILL BE AN APPRECIABLY SMALLER DEFICIT ON GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT THAN THE BUDGETED FIGURE OF $2.1 BILLION.
+THIS, IN ANY CASE, REPRESENTS LESS THAN ONE PER CENT OF OUR GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT,+ SIR EDWARD SAID.
THIS DEFICIT, HE ADDED, WOULD BE FINANCED IN PART BY THE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL ISSUE OF GOVERNMENT BONDS TO THE VALUE OF $1 BILLION REPAYABLE WITHIN FIVE YEARS.
THIS FISCAL YEAR’S PUBLIC SECTOR SPENDING WAS THUS LIKELY TO CONSTITUTE SLIGHTLY LESS THAN 17.5 PER CENT OF THE REVISED GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FORECAST, AS COMPARED WITH THE ORIGINAL BUDGET ESTIMATE OF 18.3 PER CENT.
ON THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, SIR EDWARD SAID LEGISLATION WOULD SHORTLY BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL TO PERMIT THE OPERATION OF A NEW MARKET IN STOCK INDEX FUTURES AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS.
A FURTHER BILL, AIMED AT IMPROVING THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK CF THE COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCE, WAS BEING PREPARED.
SIR EDWARD REPORTED THAT THE REVIEW OF THE HONG KONG COMMODITY EXCHANGE HAD BEEN COMPLETED AND THE EXCHANGE WAS TO EE REORGANISED AND WOULD BECOME THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE.
A FURTHER STEP IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FINANCIAL SECTOR WOULD BE THE UNIFICATION OF THE FOUR STOCK EXCHANGES, PLANNED FOR THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
/+AS PART .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER k, 1984
8
+AS PART OF THIS DEVELOPMENT, LEGISLATION WILL BE INTRODUCED THIS SESSION REGARDING MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA FOR THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE. LISTING AND COMPENSATION FUND RULES ARE ALSO BEING PREPARED,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED TO RECENT EVENTS UNDERLINING THE NEED TO GUARD HONG KONG’S REPUTATION AS THE LEADING FINANCIAL CENTRE IN THE FAR EAST.
THIS, HE ADDED, WAS BEING DONE THROUGH A PROCESS OF CAREFUL REGULATION.
THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE, ENACTED IN JANUARY, HAD COME INTO FORCE AT THE END OF AUGUST AND A STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED TO ENSURE THAT LEGISLATION KEPT PACE WITH DEVELOPMENTS.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE SECURITIES COMMISSION, IT WOULD ALSO ADVISE ON THE REFORM OF THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE AND THE PROTECTION OF INVESTORS ORDINANCE.
DURING THE YEAR, THE PROVISIONS OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE HAD COME FULLY INTO EFFECT, AND THE INSURANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAD BEEN SET UP TO ASSIST IN IMPLEMENTATION AND TO KEEP THE LAW UNDER REVIEW.
ONE OF THIS COMMITTEE’S MAJOR TASKS WOULD BE CONSIDERATION OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION’S REPORT ON INSURANCE WHICH COULD BE PUBLISHED NEXT YEAR.
ON THE ECONOMY IN GENERAL, SIR EDWARD ESTIMATED THAT DOMESTIC EXPORTS WOULD GROW BY 18 PER CENT SO THAT HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT WAS EXPECTED TO GROW BY EIGHT PER CENT THIS YEAR.
HE SAID THAT THE RESILIENCE OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY AND THE EXTERNAL COMPETITIVENESS OF ITS PRODUCTS HAD ENABLED THE TERRITORY TO BENEFIT FROM A REVIVAL IN DEMAND IN ITS MAJOR EXPORT MARKETS, PARTICULARLY THE UNITED STATES.
+DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA HAVE ALSO INCREASED RAPIDLY, SO THAT CHINA HAS BECOME HONG KONG’S THIRD LARGEST MARKET. THIS IS VERY MUCH TO OUR MUTUAL BENEFIT BOTH ECONOMICALLY AND IN THE WIDER SENSE,* HE SAID.
THIS EXPORT PERFORMANCE HAD LED TO A MAJOR IMPROVEMENT IN THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION SO THAT IN THE THREE MONTHS TO JULY, THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 3.4 PER CENT AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT WAS 0.9 PER CENT, INDICATING THAT THE LABOUR FORCE WAS NOW FULLY EMPLOYED, SIR EDWARD POINTED OUT.
THE RATE OF INFLATION HAD SLOWED DOWN SO FAR THIS YEAR TO ABOUT NINE PER CENT, AND THERE SEEMED TO BE GOOD PROSPECTS THAT IT WOULD EASE FURTHER IN THE COMING MONTHS.
/+THIS IS........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER A, 198A
+THIS IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMBINATION OF RELATIVELY MODERATE INCREASES IN WORLD COMMODITY PRICES AND THE STABILITY CF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR UNDER THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM. LET ME MAKE CLEAR THAT WE HAVE NO PLANS TO CHANGE THAT SYSTEM,* HE SAID.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 1985, SIR EDWARD FELT THAT HONG KONG SHOULD CONTINUE TO BENEFIT FROM THE EXPECTED GROWTH IN THE WORLD ECONOMY.
+HOWEVER, HONG KONG REMAINS AS ALWAYS VULNERABLE TO EXTERNAL EVENTS, AND WE MUST BE ALIVE TO THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE WORLD ECONOMY MAY GROW LESS RAPIDLY THAN NOW FORESEEN,* HE STATED.
BUT HE SAID, +WHATEVER HAPPENS, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE WITH PRUDENT AND CONSISTENT POLICIES INVOLVING MINIMUM INTERVENTION, WHICH, IN THE PAST, HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN FOSTERING SUSTAINED ECONOMIC GROWTH.*
POINTING TO CONTINUING PROTECTIONIST PRESSURES, HE SAID, *WE HAVE BEEN PARTICULARLY CONCERNED WITH MEASURES TAKEN IN THE UNITED STATES, OUR LARGEST MARKET.*
A U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENT IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR HAD LED TO THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF RESTRAINT LIMITS ON A NUMBER CF ITEMS, WHICH WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN LIBERALISED UNDER THE 1982-1987 U.S.-HONG KONG TEXTILES AGREEMENT.
MORE RECENTLY, NEW CUSTOMS REGULATIONS HAD BEEN INTRODUCED WHICH, APART FROM BEING DISRUPTIVE TO TRADE, WERE INCONSISTENT WITH THE BASIC PRINCIPLES ON WHICH HONG KONG’S BILATERAL AGREEMENT HAD BEEN CONCLUDED.
LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE U.S. SCHEME UNDER THE GENERALISED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES, WHICH WOULD EXPIRE IN JANUARY 1985, THREATENED TO AFFECT HONG KONG.
+THE GOVERNMENT VIEWS ALL OF THESE DEVELOPMENTS WITH GREAT CONCERN. WE HAVE ALREADY MADE KNOWN OUR VIEWS TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND, IN RESPECT OF THE TEXTILES ISSUE, WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO RESTORE THE POSITION BOTH THROUGH BILATERAL CONSULTATIONS AND IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER PARTICIPANTS IN THE GATT AND MFA,+ SIR EDWARD SAID.
HE ALSO REPORTED THAT IT WAS GENERALLY AGREED THAT A MODERN EXHIBITION CENTRE WOULD BE OF VALUE TO THE EXPANSION OF HONG KONG’S TRADE.
+THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL HAS RECENTLY INVITED DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR THE VALUABLE SITE ON THE wAN CHAI WATERFRONT TO HOUSE SUCH AN EXHIBITION CENTRE. THIS WILL FULFIL A LONG FELT NEED,* HE SAID.
/STRESSING THE .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
10
STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, SIR EDWARD POINTED OUT THAT DESPITE THE EXPANSION OF THE TERTIARY SECTOR IN RECENT YEARS, 35 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S LABOUR FORCE WAS EMPLOYED IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AND THAT THEIR OUTPUT ACCOUNTED FOR 22 PER CENT OF THE GDP.
HE ALSO EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE OF INVESTMENT BY LOCAL INDUSTRY WHICH HAD NOT MATCHED THE GROWTH IN HONG KONG’S EXPORTS OVER RECENT YEARS.
OVERSEAS INVESTORS, ON THE OTHER HAND, HAD CONTINUED TO SHO* CONSIDERABLE INTEREST IN HONG KONG, BRINGING WITH THEM New TECHNOLOGY AND NEW IDEAS.
+BUT WE CONTINUE TO NEED LOCAL INVESTMENT. HONG KONG HAS BUILT UP AND MAINTAINED ITS INDUSTRIAL LEAD IN THE REGION THROUGH A CONTINUAL PROCESS OF CAPITAL RE-INVESTMENT IN NEW PLANT AND EQUIPMENT.
+IN A COMPETITIVE WORLD, WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LET THAT LEAD SLIP. I TRUST THAT THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DRAFT AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE WILL NOW GIVE RENEWED CONFIDENCE AND LEAD TO A REVIVAL OF DOMESTIC INVESTMENT,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
-----o------
QUARRY BAY-CHA KWO LING TUNNEL PLANNED * * * * *
DEVELOPERS WOULD SHORTLY BE INVITED TO MAKE PROPOSALS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION AND FINANCING OF A FOUR-LANE CROSSHARBOUR TUNNEL LINKING QUARRY BAY AND CHA KWO LING, THE GOVERNOR TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SPEAKING ON THE SUBJECT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, SIR EDWARD SAID THAT THOUGH CONGESTION AROUND THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL HAD BEEN TEMPORARILY EASED BY THE PASSAGE TAX, AN ADDITIONAL CROSSING WAS NEEDED, IN THE LONGER TERM.
+OUR CONCLUSIONS ARE THAT AT LEAST A FOUR-LANE ROAD CONNECT IOi IS REQUIRED, AND THAT THIS WOULD BE BEST PROVIDED BY A SUBMERGED TUBE TUNNEL LINKING QUARRY BAY AND CHA KWO LING,+ HE SAID.
STILL ON THE SUBJECT OF ROAD NETWORKS, HE SAID IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE DUAL-CARRIAGEWAY SECTION OF ROUTE ONE BETWEEN SHA TIN AND FANLING WOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR.
+WORK HAS ALSO BEGUN ON WIDENING ROUTE TWO, WHICH CONNECTS FANLING, YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN, MAKING IT A DUAL-CARRIAGEwAY ROAD WITH SEPARATE SERVICE ROADS,* HE SAID.
/REFERRING TO .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
REFERRING TO THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, SIR EDWARD SAID THAT TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN THE AREA HAD BEEN IMPROVED, AND THAT THE SECOND STAGE WOULD OPEN IN MID-1985.
HE SAID THAT THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENT IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT NEXT YEAR WOULD BE THE OPENING OF THE FIRST PART OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY’S ISLAND LINE FROM CHAI WAN TO ADMIRALTY, FOLLOWED A YEAR LATER BY THE SECOND STAGE FROM ADMIRALTY TO SHEUNG WAN.
THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM TO BE BUILT AND OPERATED BY THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION, WOULD INITIALLY SERVE TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG, LATER EXTENDING TO TIN SHU I WAI.
THERE WAS THE POSSIBILITY OF A FURTHER EXTENSION TO TSUEN WAN WHEN THE TRAFFIC GROWTH FORECASTS JUSTIFY IT.
TWO NEW BRIDGES, HE SAID, AT SHA TAU KOK AND MAN KAM TO, WERE CLOSE TO COMPLETION, AND WOULD IMPROVE ROAD LINKS WITH CHINA.
SIR EDWARD DESCRIBED THE GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMME ON NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT AS +CHALLENG ING+, INVOLVING THE PROVISION OF INFRASTRUCTURE, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES WITH AN ANNUAL EXPENDITURE EXCEEDING $5 BILLION.
THE BUILDING OF THE SIX NEW TOWNS, HE SAID. WAS ALREADY WELL ADVANCED, AND BY THE EARLY 199O’S THEY WILL HOUSE NEARLY THREE MILLION PEOPLE.
+IN HUMAN TERMS, THIS MEANS ABOUT 200 000 PEOPLE WILL MOVE TO NEW HOMES EACH YEAR,* HE SAID.
APART FROM WORK ON THE NEW TOWNS, +OUR EFFORTS IN THE EARLY 199O’S ARE LIKELY TO BE APPLIED INITIALLY TO RECLAMATION AND OTHER WORKS AROUND THE HARBOUR,* HE SAID.
+THIS WILL ASSIST THE GROWTH AND DIVERSIFICATION OF OUR ECONOMY BY ENHANCING PORT, BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL FACILITIES, WILL ENABLE ROAD AND RAIL SYSTEMS TO BE EXTENDED AND IMPROVED, AND WILL HELP RELIEVE SOME OF THE PRESSURES OF POPULATION GROWTH.*
HE SAID THAT A PORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY STUDY, WHICH WOULD ASSESS REQUIREMENTS UP TO THE YEAR 2001, AND DETERMINE HOW ANY SHORTFALL IN FACILITIES COULD BEST BE MET, WAS UNDERWAY, AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.
TO EXPAND THE EXISTING CONTAINER TERMINALS, 15 ADDITIONAL HECTARES OF LAND WOULD BE PROVIDED FOR BY RECLAIMING THE KWAI CHUNG CREEK BY MID-1987.
SIR EDWARD WAS PLEASED BY THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON LAND SUPPLY’S FORECAST THAT THE SUPPLY OF LAND OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WOULD BE MORE THAN ADEQUATE TO MEET MOST PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
SECTOR NEEDS.
/THE DRAFT .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
12 -
THE DRAFT AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, HE SAID, CONTAINED VERY SATISFACTORY PROVISIONS ON LAND.
+THESE PROVISIONS CONFIRM RIGHTS IN EXISTING LEASES AND REMOVE THE 1997 BARRIER TO THE EXTENSION OF SUCH LEASES.
♦THE PROVISION OF LAND GRANTS WILL ALSO PERMIT OUR NORMAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES TO CONT I NUE,+ HE SAID.
REGARDING THE PLANNED DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER STATION, SIR EDWARD SAID DETAILED CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF ELECTRICITY TO HONG KONG WERE BEING WORKED OUT.
+WHEN THESE ARE COMPLETE, PROPOSALS WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR FORMAL APPROVAL,* HE ADDED.
-----o------
BROAD PLANS TO * *
HELP THE DISABLED * * * *
EFFORTS TO IMPROVE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROBLEMS OF THE HANDICAPPED, IN PARTICULAR THE MENTALLY ILL, WILL BE STEPPED UP, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+OUR PLANS FOR 1985 INCLUDE PREPARATION OF A TRANSPORT POLICY FOR THE DISABLED, TO ENSURE THAT AS FAR AS POSSIBLE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DISABLED ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN GENERAL TRANSPORT PLANNINGS ENACTMENT OF NEW LEGISLATION ON ACCESS TO BUILDINGS ; AND THE DRAFTING OF LEGISLATION ON GUARDIANSHIP FOR THE ADULT MENTALLY ILL OR HANDICAPPED,* HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT FOLLOWING A REVIEW OF THE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME, PLANS HAD BEEN REVISED TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PLACES IN SCHOOLS FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED AND HALF-WAY HOUSES FOR THE MENTALLY ILL.
AMONG OTHER SHORTFALLS IDENTIFIED, THE MOST SERIOUS IS OF SPEECH THERAPISTS.
SIR EDWARD SAID THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE WAS EXAMINING THE POSSIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A SUITABLE SPEECH THERAPY COURSE LOCALLY.
SIR EDWARD SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ACCEPTED THE REPORT SUBMITTED BY THE WORKING PARTY ON PRE-SCHOOL CARE, EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF DISABLED CHILDREN.
/THJ MAIN .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
13
TH? MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT INCLUDE THE ESTABLISHMENT V EARLY EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTRES FOR DISABLED CHILDREN UNDER YwO YEARS OF AGE AND IMPROVED STAFFING STANDARDS FOR SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRES.
+THESE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED AS RESOURCES PERMIT. EARLIER IN THE YEAR A NEW CODE OF AID FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS WAS INTRODUCED,* HE SAID.
ON THE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, THE GOVERNMENT WAS SEEKING TO MEET THEIR SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION NEEDS THROUGH THE PURCHASE OF FLATS, WITH FUNDS FROM THE SPECIAL COIN SUSPENSE ACCOUNT, AND THROUGH THE PROVISION OF MORE SELF-CARE AND CARE-AND-ATTENTI ON HOMES AND MORE INFIRMARY BEDS, HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT BOTH THE SUBVENTED SECTOR AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAD IMPORTANT ROLES IN EXPANDING GROUP ACCOMMODATION FOR THE ELDERLY.
-••NEVERTHELESS IT IS IMPORTANT TO VIEW THE HOUSING NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY IN THE CONTEXT OF THEIR WELFARE AS A WHOLE,* HE ADDED.
SIR EDWARD SAID THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, WHO WILL PREPARE A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR MEETING SHORTFALLS IN ALL TYPES OF GROUP ACCOMMODATION FOR THE ELDERLY, HAD BEEN MADE RESPONSIBLE FOR PLANNING THE VARIOUS TYPES OF GROUP ACCOMMODATION FOR THEM, AND FOR ENSURING THAT A PROPER INTEGRATION OF FACILITIES IS ACH IEVED.
ON INFIRMARY BEDS, A FIRM DECISION HAD BEEN MADE TO FUND THE SHA TIN INFIRMARY WHICH SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY 1990, AT AN ESTIMTATED COST OF ABOUT $200 MILLION FROM THE SPECIAL COIN SUSPENSE ACCOUNT, SIR EDWARD SAID.
REGARDING THE NON-CONTRIBUTORY PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME, WHICH IS THE BASIS OF HONG KONG’S SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM, A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW WAS REQUIRED, HE SAID.
+THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE IS NOW EXAMINING THE SCHEME AND, IN PARTICULAR, WHETHER THERE IS SCOPE FOR CONSOLIDATING THE VARIOUS PAYMENTS AVAILABLE, AND FOR INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF DISREGARDED INCOME FOR THOSE ABLE TO SUPPLEMENT THEIR ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS WITH MINOR EARNINGS,* HE SAID.
HE ALSO REPORTED THAT SOME IMPORTANT LABOUR LEGISLATION WOULD Bu INTRODUCED IN THE COMING YEAR.
+PRIORITY IS BEING GIVEN TO LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING THE FUND FOR THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY,* HE SAID.
ALSO BEING PREPARED ARE AMENDMENTS TO THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE TO ENSURE THAT THE ASSETS OF A PROVIDENT FUND ARE PROTECTED AND AVAILABLE FOR THEIR PROPER PURPOSE, PARTICULARLY IN THE CASE OF THREATENED INSOLVENCY.
/♦OTHER MATTERS .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
- 14 - \
♦OTHER MATTERS BEING CONSIDERED INCLUDE TWO SETS OF REGULATIONS NDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE, ONE CONTROLLING THE USE OF ASBESTOS IN THE WORKPLACE, AND THE OTHER PROVIDING FOR THE COMPULSORY EMPLOYMENT OF SAFETY OFFICERS AND SUPERVISORS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY,+ HE ADDED.
ON THE ENVIRONMENT ASPECT, SIR EDWARD SAID, +WATER POLLUTION IS ARGUABLY THE MOST SERIOUS BLIGHT ON OUR ENVIRONMENT.*
HE SAID THAT REGULATIONS TO CONTROL DISCHARGES IN TOLO HARBOUR WHICH WAS DECLARED THE FIRST WATER CONTROL ZONE, UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE, WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNC IL TH IS YEAR.
MEANWHILE, LEGISLATION FOR THE PROPER STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL WASTE WAS IN DRAFT, HE SAID.
EACH DAY, 2 000 TONNES OF UNTREATED ANIMAL WASTE ARE DUMPED INTO HONG KONG’S WATERCOURSES.
A CENTRAL STEERING GROUP HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED UNDER THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE TO OVERSEE AND COORDINATE WATERCOURSE MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT, WHILE DISTRICT LEVEL PLANS WERE IN HAND TO TACKLE LOCAL SOURCES OF POLLUTION, SIR EDWARD SAID.
HE ADDED THAT LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROLS ON NOISE NUISANCES SHOULD ALSO BE INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS SESSION.
-----0------
HOUSING AUTHORITY EXCEEDING BUILDING TARGET
*****
—HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL EXCEED ITS ANNUAL CONSTRUCTION TARGET OF 35 000 FLATS THIS YEAR, FOR THE FIFTH YEAR IN SUCCESSION THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
TODAY.
NOTING THAT OVER 2.4 MILLION PEOPLE, OR ABOUT 45 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION, LIVE IN PERMANENT PUBLIC HOUSING, SIR EDWARD SAID NOWHERE IS THE GOVERNMENT’S INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE MORE VISIBLE THAN IN THE FIELD OF HOUSING.
♦NEXT YEAR, THE ADDITION OF 5 000 FLATS FOR SALE UNDER THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME WILL ALLOW US TO BOOST PUBLIC SECTOR PRODUCTION, INCLUDING THAT OF THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY, TO OVER 40 000 FLATS ANNUALLY,+ HE SAID.
SIR EDWARD SAID HIGHER PRODUCTION FIGURES HAD PERMITTED THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO REVIEW ITS ALLOCATION POLICIES.
/+THIS INVOLVED........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
+THIS INVOLVED WIDESPREAD PUBLIC CONSULTATION, INCLUDING DISCUSSIONS WITH ALL DISTRICT BOARDS AND MANY INTEREST GROUPS.
+THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS NOW APPROVED MANY OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
♦THESE INCLUDE ALLOWING SINGLE PERSONS TO APPLY FOR SPECIALLY DESIGNED UNITS IN RENTAL HOUSING, WITH PRIORITY GIVEN TO OCCUPANTS CF TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS ; ALLOWING TWO-PERSON FAMILIES TO APPLY FOR BOTH RENTAL AND HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS; AND THE PROVISION CF ADDITIONAL NON-FINANCI AL INCENTIVES AIMED AT ENCOURAGING EXISTING HOUSING AUTHORITY TENANTS TO APPLY FOR HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS.
+l FEEL SURE THAT THESE NEW INITIATIVES WILL BE WELCOMED BY ALL,* HE SAID.
SIR EDWARD SAID HIGHER LEVELS OF HOUSING PRODUCTION HAD ALSO ENABLED THE GOVERNMENT TO RETHINK ITS SQUATTER CLEARANCE PLANS.
IT IS NOW POSSIBLE TO SEE THE WAY AHEAD TO THE REHOUSING OF ALL SQUATTERS IN URBAN AREAS, INCLUDING BOAT SQUATTERS AND OTHERS ON LAND NOT EARMARKED FOR DEVELOPMENT.
+ | AM CONSCIOUS OF THE PERILS INHERENT IN SUCH PREDICTIONS, BUT, PROVIDED WE CAN MAINTAIN PRODUCTION AND PROVIDED IMMIGRATION REMAINS LOW, THE MAIN URBAN SQUATTER SITES SHOULD BE CLEARED BY THE EARLY 1990’S,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT AS HE HAD PROMISED, THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE OLD MARK I AND I I RESETTLEMENT BLOCKS HAD BEEN ACCELERATED.
♦ BY THE EARLY 199O’S, THE KOWLOON CENTRAL ESTATES, WHICH PRESENTLY HOUSE NO LESS THAN 105 □□□ PEOPLE, WILL BE IMPROVED TO STANDARDS MORE IN KEEPING WITH THE PRESENT TIMES,* HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE RECENT DEPRESSION IN THE PROPERTY MARKET HAD LED TO A DISAPPOINTING PERFORMANCE BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WITH ONLY 20 000 COMPLETIONS EXPECTED THIS CALENDAR YEAR.
+THERE ARE, HOWEVER, SOME PROMISING SIGNS, PARTICULARLY IN THE MARKET FOR SMALL RESIDENTIAL FLATS, AND PRODUCTION IS EXPECTED TO RISE TO ABOUT 27 000 UNITS IN 1985,+ HE SAID.
AT PRESENT, SOME 2.5 MILLION PEOPLE LIVE IN PRIVATE SECTOR ACCOMMODATION.
HALF OF THEM ARE OWNER-OCCUPIERS, REFLECTING THE +GROWING AND VERY ENCOURAGING* TREND IN HOME OWNERSHIP, SIR EDWARD SAID.
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/16........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
- 16 -
MEDICAL SERVICES EXPANDING * * *
THE SHORTFALL IN THE NUMBER OF HOSPITAL BEDS AND DOCTORS WAS BEING PROGRESSIVELY MET, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY.
THE OPENING OF NEW HOSPITALS AND EXTENSION OF EXISTING ONES WOULD PROVIDE 3 OOO MORE BEDS EVENTUALLY, HE SAID.
AND THE SHORTFALL IN THE NUMBER OF DOCTORS HAD ALSO BEEN REDUCED, AS THERE WERE SOME 4 100 DOCTORS IN PRACTICE AGAINST 3 200 IN 1980. FURTHER SUPPLY WAS EXPECTED IN 1986, FROM THE FIRST MEDICAL GRADUATES OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY.
SPEAKING OF PLANS TO HELP CERTAIN EX-MENTAL PATIENTS, SIR EDWARD SAID THAT THERE WOULD BE NEW LEGISLATION PROVIDING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, SIMPLER AND MORE EFFECTIVE PROCEDURES FOR ADMISSION, DISCHARGE AND, WHERE NECESSARY, RECALL OF MENTAL PATIENTS TO MENTAL HOSPITALS.
ANOTHER BILL WOULD BRING OPTOMETRISTS WITHIN THE AMBIT OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS ORDINANCE SO AS TO RAISE THE STANDARD WITHIN THE PROFESSION.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO SAID THAT CONSULTANTS WOULD BE APPOINTED TO REVIEW MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDED IN GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS TO ENABLE PATIENTS TO HAVE READY ACCESS TO THE BEST POSSIBLE STANDARD OF CARE AND TO CONSIDER WHAT CHANGES WERE NEEDED IN ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE, STAFFING, AND INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION FOR THE EXPANSION IN YEARS AHEAD.
+WE ARE RIGHTLY PROUD OF THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS OF THOSE WHO PRACTISE IN OUR HOSPITALS; AT THE SAME TIME WE MUST ENSURE THAT OUR HOSPITAL SERVICE IS ORGANISED TO GIVE PATIENTS READY ACCESS TO THE BEST POSSIBLE STANDARD OF CARE,+ SIR EDWARD SAID.
0 - -
GANG CRIME CAUSES CONCERN * * * *
THE HIGH INCIDENCE OF TRIAD AND GANG CRIMES, AND SERIOUS AND VIOLENT CRIMES COMMITTED BY YOUNG MEN, WAS CONTINUING TO CAUSE CONCERN, SAID THE GOVERNOR.
THIS CAME AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF A SMALL DECREASE IN RECORDED CRIME THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH LAST, HE SAID.
TO COMBAT THE PROBLEM, THE POLICE HAD REVISED THEIR STRATEGIES TO COUNTER GANG AND TRIAD ACTIVITY AND THESE WERE ALREADY PROVING EFFECTIVE.
/+IN PARTICULAR, .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
- 17 -
+ IN PARTICULAR, THE DECREASE EXPECTED IN THE OVERALL LEVEL OF "fOLENT CRIME IS LARGELY DUE TO A DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF ARMED -OBBERIES, WHICH IN TURN IS ATTRIBUTED TO THE SEIZURE BY THE POLICE vF SOME 58 GENUINE AND CONVERTED FIREARMS IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THE YEAR,+ SAID SIR EDWARD.
HE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE ADVICE OFFERED BY THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WHICH HAS FOCUSED GOVERNMENT ATTENTION ON AREAS OF PUBLIC CONCERN. A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS, SOME OF WHICH WOULD BE PUT TO THE COUNCIL LATER THIS SESSION, HAD SPRUNG FROM ITS RECOMMENDATIONS.
ON NARCOTICS, HE SAID, THE INCREASING INVOLVEMENT OF YOUNG NEN AND WOMEN IN DRUGS, EVIDENT OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS HAD BEEN REVERSED.
♦OVERALL, THE NUMBER OF NEWLY REPORTED PERSONS UNDER 21 YEARS INVOLVED WITH DRUGS HAS DECREASED BY OVER 28 PER CENT, WITH ONLY 425 REPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1984,+ HE SAID.
SEVERAL FACTORS MIGHT ACCOUNT FOR THIS SUCCESS.
ONE WAS THAT POLICE AND CUSTOMS OFFICERS HAD SEIZED RECORD AMOUNTS OF NARCOTICS AND THE PRICE HAD AT TIMES RISEN BEYOND THE REACH OF ADDICTS WHO HAD THEN SOUGHT TREATMENT. AT THE SAME TIME, THE ADVICE OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS HAD GOT THE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE ACROSS TO THE YOUNG.
THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION WAS A RELENTLESS ONE, SAID SIR EDWARD, IN REFERRING TO THE ICAC. FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF THE POLICE CORRUPTION PREVENTION GROUP, IN AUGUST 1981, A FURTHER 20 GROUPS HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED THIS YEAR IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
+REPORTS OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS SUGGEST LITTLE VARIATION IN THE OVERALL LEVEL OF CORRUPT ACTIVITY,+ HE SAID.
+BUT THE TOTAL FIGURE CONCEALS ONE WORRYING TREND, THAT IS AN INCREASE IN MAJOR FRAUDS FACILITATED BY CORRUPTION.+
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WAS CONTINUING TO IMPROVE ITS REHABILITATION FACILITIES AND DEVELOP CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMMES, HE SAID.
SPECIAL EMPHASIS HAD BEEN PLACED ON ADDITIONAL FACILITIES FOR THE BETTER PSYCHIATRIC CARE OF THE CRIMINALLY INSANE AND MENTALLY DISTURBED PRISONERS. DESIGN WORK ON THE EXPANSION OF THE SIU LAM PSYCHIATRIC CENTRE WAS NEARLY FINISHED AND BUILDING WORK SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN 1987.
TO HELP PRISONERS STAY AWAY FROM CRIME THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES INDUSTRIES HAD BEEN EXPANDED AND DIVERSIFIED TO IMPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS OF PRISONERS ON THEIR RETURN TO SOCIETY AND QUALIFICATIONS WERE BEING PROVIDED.
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/18
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
18
HK MAY HAVE OWN BODY FOR DEGREE VALIDATION *****
A PROPOSAL FOR HONG KONG TO HAVE ITS OWN BODY FOR VALIDATION OF DEGREE COURSES, RATHER THAN RELY ON BRITAIN, WAS BEING EXAMINED BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE SAID TODAY.
THE RECOMMENDATION HAD BEEN MADE BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, WHICH FELT THAT HONG KONG SHOULD NO LONGER RELY ON THE UK COUNCIL FOR NATIONAL ACADEMIC AWARDS FOR THIS WORK, SIR EDWARD SAID IN HIS REVIEW OF EDUCATION.
SUCH A BODY OF ITS OWN TO MAINTAIN INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED STANDARDS, IF ESTABLISHED, WOULD CONSIST OF BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MEMBERS AND WAS LIKELY TO BE BOTH MORE RESPONSIVE TO LOCAL NEEDS AND MORE ECONOMICAL TO OPERATE THAN THE PRESENT SYSTEM, HE SAID.
IN HIS REVIEW OF HIGHER EDUCATION, SIR EDWARD SAID ALSO THAT THE EXISTING TWO UNIVERSITIES CONTINUED TO EXPAND AND A NUMBER OF SITES FOR A POSSIBLE THIRD UNIVERSITY HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED.
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WOULD BE CONSULTED NEXT YEAR ON WHETHER PLANNING FOR THIS UNIVERSITY SHOULD PROCEED, HE SAID.
SPEAKING OF THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVEL, HE SAID ANOTHER MATTER BEING STUDIED BY GOVERNMENT WAS A RECOMMENDATION BY A WORKING PARTY CHAIRED BY THE HON ALEX WU CONCERNING THE PRODUCTION CF TEXTBOOKS WRITTEN IN CHINESE.
+THESE WILL FILL A LONG FELT NEED,+ HE SAID.
THE YEAR HAD BEEN AN EVENTFUL ONE FOR EDUCATION, WITH THE SETTING UP OF AN EDUCATION COMMISSION AND THE FOUNDING OF TWO TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS - THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS.
THE EDUCATION COMMISSION SET UP TO CONSIDER THE REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL PANEL WOULD SUBMIT ITS REPORT BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH, HE SAID.
THE REPORT WOULD MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING THE FUTURE CF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT, LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, IMPROVEMENTS IN TEACHER PREPARATION AND THE TEACHING SERVICE, OPEN EDUCATION, AND EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH.
THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG WHICH WILL OPEN ON OCTOBER 8, CATERS FOR 480 FULL-TIME AND 680 PART-TIME STUDENTS.
THE GOVERNOR EXPRESSED THANKS TO THE PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY THE HON SIR S.Y. CHUNG AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC FOR THE ASSISTANCE GIVEN TO THE COMMITTEE.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB WAS ALSO THANKED FOR MAKING POSSIBLE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PERMANENT PREMISES IN WAN CHAI FOR THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS.
/AND, THE ........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
19
AND, THE SEAMEN’S TRAINING CENTRE, OPENED IN FEBRUARY, ENABLED HONG KONG TRAINED SEAMEN TO MEET INTERNATIONAL REQUIREMENTS, HE SAID.
A VARIETY OF OTHER TRADES INCLUDING AUTOMOBILE REPAIR AND SERVICING, ELECTRICAL REPAIR AND ELECTRONICS WOULD BENEFIT WHEN THE TWO INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRES, ONE AT KOWLOON BAY AND THE OTHER AT KWAI CHUNG BECOME OPERATIONAL EARLY NEXT YEAR, HE SAID.
LOOKING AHEAD, SIR EDWARD SAID 18 400 ADDITIONAL PLACES FOR TECHNICIANS, CRAFTSMEN AND APPRENTICES WILL BE AVAILABLE WHEN THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES IN SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN ARE COMPLETED IN 1986, AND THE THIRD IN CHAI WAN IN 1987.
THE FUTURE SHA TIN AND CHAI WAN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WILL HAVE LARGE COMPUTER STUDIES DEPARTMENTS.
+COMPUTERS ARE ALREADY A FACT OF LIFE IN HONG KONG AND IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE ARE MADE FAMILIAR WITH THEIR USE AND OPERATION AT AN EARLY AGE.
+WE MUST ENSURE THAT THE COMING GENERATION IS TRAINED FOR TOMORROW’S WORLD,+ THE GOVERNOR SAID.
-----o------
NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS *****
THE GOVERNOR STRESSED THAT THERE AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
WAS NO QUESTION OF ANY
+ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS DETECTED IN HONG KONG WILL BE REPATRIATED,* HE SAID.
♦THERE CAN BE NO QUESTION OF ANY KIND OF AMNESTY.*
HAD
THE
ON VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, HE SAID THAT OVERSEAS RESETTLEMENT RESULTED IN A SLIGHT DECLINE IN THE NUMBER IN HONG KONG BUT RATE OF RESETTLEMENTS WAS STILL DISCOURAGINGLY SLOW.
THE CLOSED CENTRE POLICY MUST REMAIN IN FORCE TO DISCOURAGE THE ARRIVAL OF OTHERS, SAID SIR EDWARD.
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/20
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1934
20
COMMUNITY SERVICE * * * *
A COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS BILL WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN THIS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ACCEPTED THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATION THAT THE COURTS BE ALLOWED TO IMPOSE COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS ON CERTAIN OFFENDERS AND A BILL WOULD BE INTRODUCED EARLY IN THE SESSION.
A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ISSUED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ON THE TRIAL OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES, WHICH ENVISAGED THE tNTRODUCING OF A SYSTEM OF EXPERIENCED ADJUDICATORS SITTING WITH A JUDGE TO TRY MORE COMPLEX CASES, WAS BEING DISCUSSED BY THE COMMUNITY, HE SAID.
SIR EDWARD SAID THAT THIS YEAR HAD SEEN THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY LEGAL AID SCHEME, DESIGNED TO ASSIST THOSE WHO WOULD NOT NORMALLY QUALIFY, YET WHO COULD NOT AFFORD TO PURSUE LITIGATION WITHOUT CONSIDERABLE SACRIFICE.
-----o------
PUBLIC SERVICE PRAISED FOR WORK
*****
THE PUBLIC SERVICE HAD NOT ALLOWED UNCERTAINTIES ABOUT THE FUTURE TO AFFECT THEIR PERFORMANCE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE SAID TODAY.
EFFICIENCY HAD BEEN MAINTAINED AT A HIGH LEVEL, SIR EDWARD TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
+1 AM CONFIDENT THAT THE SERVICE WILL PLAY A FULL PART IN MAINTAINING A STABLE AND PROSPEROUS HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
SPEAKING ALSO OF THE SUCCESSFUL EFFORT IN RESTRAINING PUBLIC SERVICE GROWTH LAST YEAR, SIR EDWARD SAID THAT THIS EFFORT HAD BEEN SUSTAINED THIS YEAR.
THE AIM WAS NOW TO STABILISE THE SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN 1985-86.
WHERE IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO PROVIDE STAFF FOR NEW FACILITIES, COMPENSATORY SAVINGS IN STAFF WOULD NEED BE FOUND ELSEWHERE, HE SAID.
HE WOULD EXPECT, THE GOVERNOR SAID, TO SEE THE EXAMPLE SET BY THE CIVIL SERVICE FOLLOWED BY ALL AUTHORITIES AND ORGANISATIONS IN RECEIPT OF PUBLIC MONEY, SIR EDWARD SAID.
-----o------
/21 ........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1934
21
TRIBUTES TO COUNCIL MEMBERS * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TODAY PAID TRIBUTE TO FATHER MCGOVERN, AN UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR WHO DIED OVER THE WEEKEND.
BEFORE DELIVERING HIS ANNUAL ADDRESS IN THE COUNCIL, SIR EDWARD SAID FATHER MCGOVERN’S DEATH HAD BROUGHT GREAT SADNESS NOT JUST TO THE COUNCIL BUT ALSO TO THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.
+FATHER MCGOVERN HAD A DISTINGUISHED RECORD OF PUBLIC SERVICE ON THIS COUNCIL AND ON THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
+IN PARTICULAR, HE WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION IN THE FIELDS OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND EDUCATION DURING HIS EIGHT YEARS AS AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER.
+HIS PASSING TAKES FROM US A MAN WELL KNOWN FOR HIS COMPASSION AND FOR HIS MORAL COURAGE,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
HE ALSO THANKED MR CHARLES YEUNG, WHO HAS LEFT THE COUNCIL AFTEK SEVEN YEARS’ SERVICE.
+HE HAS BEEN A WISE AND THOUGHTFUL ADVOCATE OF THE INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES THROUGHOUT THESE YEARS.
+HE HAS GIVEN DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ON THE IMPORTANT PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS IN BOTH THE LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS, THE HON ROGER LOBO SAID THEY WISHED TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE WARM TRIBUTE WHICH THE GOVERNOR HAD PAID TO FR MCGOVERN.
+SINCE FR MCGOVERN JOINED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1976, HE HAD BEEN A MOST ACTIVE MEMBER OF BOTH THIS COUNCIL AND UMELCO. A MAN OF GREAT COMPASSION AND UNFLINCHING INTEGRITY, HE HAD CRUSADED TIRELESSLY TO DEFEND AND ADVANCE THE INTERESTS OF THE LITTLE MAN,* MR LOBO SAID.
+FR MCGOVERN’S COMMITMENT*, HE SAID, WAS AN EXAMPLE TO ALL.
HE SHOWED A GREAT INSIGHT INTO THE WORRIES, FEARS AND FEELINGS OF ORDINARY PEOPLE AND NEVER HESITATED TO POINT OUT WHAT HE SA« AS THE INJUSTICES OF ANY SITUATION.
/+HIS DEDICATION .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
+HIS DEDICATION WAS NOT TO ANY CLASS OR CATEGORY OF PEOPLE BUT TO SOCIAL JUSTICE AND TO HUMANITY. WE SHALL MISS HIM AS A GOOD FRIENDj WE SHALL MISS HIS HONESTY, WE SHALL MISS HIS COURAGE AND UNFAILING GOOD HUMOUR WHICH WON HIM HIS HIGHEST RESPECT OF HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES.
+HE WAS A MAN FOR ALL THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WHOM HE SERVED TIRELESSLY UNTIL THE VERY LAST DAY,+ MR LOBO SAID.
MR LOBO SAID THAT MR YEUNG MADE MANY VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS DURING THE SEVEN YEARS HE HAD SERVED THE COUNCIL.
+WE HAVE BENEFITED MUCH FROM HIS WIDE EXPERIENCE AND LEGAL MIND.
+WE WILL MISS HIM AND WISH HIM, HIS WIFE AND FAMILY EVERY SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE,* HE SAID.
-----0-----
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
- 23 -
HK KEEPING UP FIGHT AGAINST U.S. ORIGIN RULES ******
HONG KONG COULD SPARE NO EFFORT IN FIGHTING THE UNITED STATES’ COUNTRY OF ORIGIN REGULATIONS, WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT ON SEPTEMBER 7, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE FIGHT WOULD BE KEPT UP UNTIL +OUR PROBLEMS ARE SATISFACTORILY RESOLVED+, MR TSANG TOLD A LUNCH MEETING OF THE TSIM SHA TSUI KAIFONG ASSOCIATION.
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD WORK CLOSELY WITH THE TRADE AND OTHER EXPORTING COUNTRIES + IN ESCALATING OPPOSITION IN BOTH THE BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL FORUMS+.
WITHIN HONG KONG, ALL GROUPS WERE WORKING TOGETHER TO HAVE THE REGULATIONS RESCINDED, HE SAID.
THE MEDIA AS WELL AS THE LOCAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY GROUPS HAD ALSO BEEN MOST ACTIVE HERE AND OVERSEAS AND FULLY SUPPORTIVE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ACTION.
♦LET'S HOPE THAT REASON WILL EVENTUALLY PREVAIL AND A FAVOURABLE CHANGE WILL TAKE PLACE BEFORE LONG.+ HE SAID.
BUT MR TSANG ADDED THAT AS THE US REGULATIONS HAD APPARENTLY BEEN MOTIVATED BY POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS CONNECTED WITH THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS, IT WOULD NOT BE REALISTIC TO EXPECT A SUDDEN REVERSAL OF THE POSITION BEFORE THE ELECTIONS ON NOVEMBER 6.
HE DESCRIBED THE PROMULGATION OF THE REGULATIONS AS +A LETHAL ELOW+. IT FOLLOWED A SERIES OF +PUNITIVE MEASURES DIRECTED AT HONG KONG AND OTHER TEXTILE EXPORTING COUNTRIES SINCE DECEMBER LAST YEAR IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE U.S. DOMESTIC TEXTILE AND GARMENT INDUSTRIES,* HE SAID.
THE REGULATIONS WOULD AFFECT $2.2 BILLION WORTH OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS TO THE U.S., $1.9 BILLION OF WHICH REPRESENTED SWEATERS EXPORTS.
OVER 95 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S WOOLLEN SWEATER EXPORTS TO THE U.S. WOULD BE AFFECTED, WITH CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OF EARNINGS FOR AS MANY AS 50 000 WORKERS IN HONG KONG AND 100 000 IN CHINA, MOSTLY IN GUANGDONG PROVINCE.
♦THE SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE WOOLLEN SWEATERS QUOTAS /.ri I CH HONG KONG HAS PAINFULLY EARNED OVER THE YEARS IS LIKELY TO BECOME USELESS BECAUSE THE SWEATERS, CONTAINING PANELS KNITTED IN CHINA, ARE NOW REGARDED AS ORIGINATED IN CH INA,+ MR TSANG SAID.
NEWS AGENCIES REPORTED THAT THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (EEC) HAD PROTESTED AGAINST THE U.S. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN REGULATIONS DURING THE MEETING OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) COUNCIL IN GENEVA ON OCTOBER 2.
/OH THESE ....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
24 -
ON THESE REPORTS, MR TSANG SAID HE WAS VERY PLEASED AND ENCOURAGED WITH THE EEC’S SUPPORT.
HE SAID THAT HONG KONG’S COUNSELLOR IN GENEVA, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, TOLD THE GATT COUNCIL THAT HE SUPPORTED THE EEC’S CALL FOR THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE REGULATIONS.
MR CARTLAND DREW THE GATT COUNCIL'S ATTENTION TO ARTICLE VIII OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT WHICH RECOGNISED THE NEED +FOR DECREASING AND SIMPLIFYING IMPORT AND EXPORT DOCUMENTATION REQU IREMENTS*.
THE ARTICLE ALSO ENVISAGES THAT +THE PRODUCTION OF CERTIFICATES CF ORIGIN SHOULD ONLY BE REQUIRED TO THE EXTENT THAT IS STRICTLY INDISPENSABLE*.
STATING THAT THE SAME IDEAS WERE ENSHRINED IN ARTICLE IX, MR CARTLAND SAID THAT THE UNILATERAL INTRODUCTION BY THE U.S. OF NEW ORIGIN RULES FOR TEXTILES HAD RESULTED IN +CUMBERSOME DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS* DEMANDED OF EXPORTERS TO THE U.S.
+THE NEW RULES ALSO REQUIRE THE DISCLOSURE OF COMMERCIALLY SENSITIVE OR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION WHICH TRADERS ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE. THIS IS NO MINOR TECHNICAL MATTER. IT AMOUNTS TO A SIGNIFICANT BARRIER TO TRADE AND RUNS CONTRARY TO THE LETTER AND SPIRIT OF ARTICLES VIII AND IX.+ MR CARTLAND SAID.
MOREOVER, MR CARTLAND EMPHASISED, +IN THE TEXTILES SECTOR WHERE TRADE IS GOVERNED BY THE FRAMEWORK OF THE GATT, THE MFA AND THE BILATERAL AGREEMENTS, IT SEEMS CLEAR THAT UNILATERAL RULES CF ORIGIN CANNOT AND SHOULD NOT BE USED OUTSIDE THAT FRAMEWORK AND IN A MANNER THAT CONFLICTS WITH IT, THUS FRUSTRATING LEGITIMATE TRADE.
+MORE SPECIFICALLY,* HE ADDED, +THE USE OF ORIGIN RULES BY ANY CONTRACTING PARTY AS A PROTECTIVE MEASURE, RESULTING IN SUBSTANTIAL TRADE LOSS ON THE PART OF OTHER CONTRACTING PARTIES, CANNOT BE JUSTIFIED IN TERMS OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT.*
IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, AFFECTED PARTIES WOULD BE WITHIN THEIR RIGHTS TO RAISE THE QUESTION OF NULLIFICATION OR IMPAIRMENT.
+MR CHAIRMAN, THE QUESTION OF IMPAIRMENT ARISING FROM THE NEW U.S. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN REGULATIONS IS BEING EXAMINED IN HONG KONG. THE PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT IS THAT CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE HAS ALREADY BEEN SUSTAINED IN TERMS OF CANCELLATION OF CONTRACTS TO THE VALUE OF MANY MILLIONS OF U.S. DOLLARS.
+IN CONCLUSION, MR CHAIRMAN, I SUGGEST THE CALL BY THE DISTINGUISHED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EEC FOR THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN REGULATIONS.
+l ALSO SUGGEST THE PROPOSAL IN THE STATEMENT OF MR BAJwA (OF PAKISTAN WHO SPOKE ON BEHALF OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES) AND RESERVE HONG KONG’S RIGHTS UNDER THE GENERAL AGREEMENT IN TH Io MATTER,* MR CARTLAND SAID.
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/25......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
- 25 -
SCHEME TO DO AWAY WITH LICENSING * * *
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ADVISED
SHIPPING AND
AIRL INt'cOMPANIES AS WELL AS THEIR APPOINTED AGENTS TO APPLY FOR REGISTRATION UNDER A TRANSHIPMENT CARGO EXEMPTION SCHEME TO
EE INTRODUCED ON NOVEMBER 15.
SIX TYPES OF TRANSHIPMENT CARGO WILL BE EXEMPT FROM LICENSING REQUIREMENTS PROVIDED THEY ARE TRANSHIPPED THROUGH HONG KONG BY THESE COMPANIES, OR THEIR APPOINTED AGENTS REGISTERED WITH THE TRADE DEPARTMENT UNDER THE SCHEME.
THE SIX TYPES OF CARGO ARE : TEXTILES, PROCESSED AND MANUFACTURED FOODSTUFFS, ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS POWERED BY MAINS SUPPLY, PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND MEDICINES, RESERVED COMMODITIES, AND AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES.
WITH AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES, THEY MUST BE TRANSHIPPED WITHIN THE PREMISES OF THE HONG KONG AIR CARGO TERMINALS LIMITED.
THE EXISTING THREE-MONTH TRANSHIPMENT LICENSING SYSTEM COVERING CERTAIN TRANSHIPMENT CARGO WILL BE TERMINATED UPON THE START OF THE NEW SCHEME.
DETAILS OF THE SCHEME, INCLUDING REGISTRATION PROCEDURES, ARE SET OUT IN A CIRCULAR ISSUED TODAY.
COPIES OF THE CIRCULAR ARE BEING SENT TO SHIPPING COMPANIES, AIRLINES AND FREIGHT FORWARDERS.
ANY PERSON WISHING TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE CIRCULAR MAY CONTACT THE TRADE LICENSING (NON-TEXTILES) SECTION OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT IN ROOM 1322, 13/F, OCEAN CENTRE, KOWLOON, OR AT TELEPHONE NO. 3-7222261.
-----o-----
FIGHT AGAINST SLUMS STEPPED UP
******
OF MEASURES TO IMPROVE PREVENT FURTHER URBAN AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO INTRODUCE A SERIES THE MANAGEMENT OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS AND DECAY, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG WIGGHAM SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
+WE ARE FACED TODAY WITH A SITUATION WHERE AN ESTIMATED 13 PcR CENT OF THE BUILDINGS IN HONG KONG MAY BE CONSIDERED SLUMS,+ HE SA D.
+AND MANY BUILDINGS NOT PRESENTLY CLASSED AS SLUMS WILL BECOME SLUMS IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE IF NOTHING IS DONE TO STO t ROT,+ HE ADDED.
/SPEAKING AT ....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
26
SPEAKING AT A MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON, MR WIGGHAM SAID THE ABSENCE OF PROPER BUILDING MANAGEMENT OVER THE YEARS RESULTED IN THE DETERIORATION OF BUILDINGS, THUS CREATING SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH PROBLEMS FOR TENANTS.
THE GOVERNMENT’S PACKAGE OF PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION INCLUDE AMENDING VARIOUS ORDINANCES, FORMULATING A CODE OF PRACTICE AND SETTING UP CO-ORDINATING TEAMS TO ADVISE TENANTS.
+BUT ITS SUCCESS WOULD DEPEND ON THE MOTIVATION OF BUILDING OWNERS THEMSELVES,+ MR WIGGHAM SAID. +TOUGHER MEASURES MAY HAVE TO BE ADOPTED IF BUILDING OWNERS DO NOT RESPOND TO THE GOVERNMENT’S INITIATIVES.*
THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS INCORPORATION) ORDINANCE IS TO BE AMENDED TO MAKE THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION THE AUTHORITY TO WHOM THE OWNERS OF NOT LESS THAN 20 PER CENT OF THE UNDIVIDED SHARES OF A BUILDING CAN APPLY IF THEY WANT TO FORM AN OWNERS’ CORPORATION. THE AMENDMENT WILL DO AWAY WITH THE PRESENT PRACTICE OF SUCH OWNERS APPLYING TO THE COURTS FOR PERMISSION TO MEET TO APPOINT A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IS TO BE AMENDED TO MAKE IT A LEGAL REQUIREMENT FOR FLAT OWNERS TO EMPLOY SOMEONE TO CERTIFY ANNUALLY THAT HE HAS REGULARLY INSPECTED THE BUILDING AND THAT NO ILLEGAL STRUCTURES HAVE BEEN ERECTED OR ANY ILLEGAL ALTERATIONS MADE. THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE WILL TAKE ACTION AGAINST OWNERS WHO FAIL TO PRODUCE SUCH A CERTIFICATE.
A LEGALLY ENFORCABLE CODE OF PRACTICE WILL BE FORMULATED TO DEAL WITH ABUSE OF POWERS AND CORRUPTION AMONG MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES OR OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS. THE CODE STIPULATES THE RESPONSIBILITIES CF OWNERS’ CORPORATION OFFICE-BEARERS; THE DUTIES OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES; TENDERING AND PURCHASING PROCEDURES; AND DETAILED PROCEDURES FOR THE CONDUCT OF MEETINGS.
THE DEED OF MUTUAL COVENANT WILL, IN FUTURE, CONTAIN CLAUSES THAT WILL ENSURE THAT OWNERS CAN APPOINT A MANAGEMENT COMPANY OF THEIR OWN CHOICE AND IF A REASONABLE PROPORTION OF THEM WANT TO CHANGE THE TERMS OF THE DEED OF MUTUAL COVENANT THEY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO DO SO. SOME EXISTING DMCS MAKE NO PROVISION FOR THE FORMATION OF OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS; SOME APPOINT MANAGEMENT COMPANIES VIRTUALLY IN PERPETUITY; AND SOME FIX UNACCEPTABLY HIGH FEES AND ALLOW THE OWNERS LITTLE OR NO SAY AT ALL IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR BUILDING.
CO-ORDINATING TEAMS, LED BY HOUSING MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS, ARE TO BE SET UP IN SELECTED DISTRICTS TO PROVIDE HELP, ADVICE AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO RESIDENTS WHO WANT TO SET UP BUILDING MANAGEMENT BODIES.
+S0 FAR, WE HAVE AVOIDED ANY STEPS TO MAKE MANAGEMENT OF BUILDINGS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT, AS WE BELIEVE THERE IS SOMETHING FUNDAMENTALLY CONTRADICTORY ABOUT REQUIRING PEOPLE TO IMPROVE THEIR ENVIRONMENT FOR THEIR OWN GOOD, AND THREATENING TO PUNISH THEM IF THEY CHOOSE NOT TO DO S0,+ MR WIGGHAM SAID.
♦BUT IF OWNERS CANNOT RESPOND TO THE INITIATIVE BEING TAKEN, WE MAY YET HAVE TO TAKE THE RELUCTANT STEP OF LEGISLATING FOR COMPULSORY BUILDING MANAGEMENT,* HE ADDED.
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/27......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
- 27 -
PUBLIC WORKS SPENDING UP * * *
THE INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE ON NEW PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS REFLECTED THE GROWTH OF CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY IN HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, DR N.K. CHAN, TOLD AMERICAN AUDIENCES TODAY.
ADDRESSING FIRST THE ASIAN-AMERICAN ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS AND THEN THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS IN LOS ANGELES, DR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THIS SPENDING HAD EXPANDED FROM SI 368 MILLION IN 1977-78 TO $6 013 MILLION IN 1983-84.
THE TOTAL VALUE OF ALL CONSTRUCTION WORK IN 1983 WAS ABOUT $24 290 MILLION, DESPITE SOME DECREASE IN THE LEVEL OF PRIVATE SECTOR WORK, HE SAID.
+THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON PUBLIC WORKS FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, EXCLUDING PUBLIC HOUSING, LAND ACQUISITION AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE UNDER THE DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT, IS EXPECTED TO BE IN THE REGION OF $6 800 MILLION.
+IN THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR THE GOVERNMENT HAS INJECTED $3 600 MILLION WORTH OF NEW WORK IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, AND I HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT THIS LEVEL OF NEW COMMITMENTS WILL BE MAINTAINED, IF NOT INCREASED, IN 1985-86,+ DR CHAN SAID.
THE INJECTION OF FUNDS WOULD ALLOW WORK TO START ON 120 NEW ITEMS, HE ADDED.
DR CHAN, WHO IS ON A THREE-WEEK VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES, SAID THAT FutuRE PROJECTS INCLUDED POSSIBLE FURTHER CROSSINGS OF THE HARBOUR BETWEEN HONG KONG AND KOWLOON BY TUNNEL AND BRIDGE STRUCTURES.
BESIDES NEW WORKS, THERE WERE MANY MAJOR ON-GOING PROJECTS, WITH SPENDING TOTALLING ABOUT $8 760 MILLION.
THIS FIGURE DID NOT INCLUDE EXPENDITURE OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.
ON THE BUILDING SIDE, DR CHAN SAID, THESE WOULD COVER SCHOOLS, FIRE STATIONS, MARKETS, BEACH BUILDINGS, GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDINGS AND POLICE STATIONS.
IN THE ENGINEERING FIELD, WORKS WOULD INCLUDE HIGHWAYS, FLYOVERS, SUBWAYS, FOOTBRIDGES, BUS TERMINI, RIVER TRAINING WORKS, LARGE-SCALE RECLAMATIONS, NEW RAILWAY STATIONS, SERVICE RESERVOIRS, WATER TREATMENT WORKS, PUMPING STATIONS, WATER DISTRIBUTION MAINS, SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS, LARGE-SCALE SITE FORMATIONS, DRAINS, SEWERS AND INCINERATORS.
/DR CHAN .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
- 28 -
DR CHAN SAID VERY LARGE PRIVATE BUILDING PROJECTS DUE TO START INCLUDED THE KORNHILL AND REDH ILL RESIDENTIAL HOUSING PROJECTS AND THE NEW BANK OF CHINA BUILDING.
SOME OF THOSE UNDER CONSTRUCTION WERE THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, EXCHANGE SQUARE AND THE NEW HEADQUARTERS FOR THE HONG KONG BANK, HE SAID.
DR CHAN RETURNS TO HONG KONG ON OCTOBER 7.
-------0---------
TAX RESERVE INTEREST CUT * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED A DECREASE IN THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES. AS FROM OCTOBER 5, 1984, THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST WILL BE 8.52 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 9.6 PER CENT (TAX FREE).
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.71 PER MONTH PER $100. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETED MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX.
DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE OF FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5.
INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID BY A CHEQUE.
THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 5, 1984.
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE OCTOBER 5, 1984 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWSs-
10.8% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 4, 1982 AND BEFORE AUGUST 27, 1982 ;
9% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 27, 1982 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 3, 1982;
7.8% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 3, 1982 AND BEFORE MAY 27, 1983;
10.2% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 27, 1983 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 28, 1983;
/12% PER
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
29
12* PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 28, 1983 AND BEFORE NOVEMBER 7, 1983;
9.6% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 7, 1983 AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 10, 1984,
7.8% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 10, 1984 AND BEFORE MARCH 23, 1984 ;
5.16% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MARCH 23, 1984 AND BEFORE MAY 18, 1984 •
8.4% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 18, 1984 AND BEFORE JULY 6, 1984;
10.08% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 6, 1984 AND BEFORE JULY 13, 1984;
12.84% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 13, 1984 AND BEFORE AUGUST 10, 1984 ;
10.8% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 10, 1984 AND BEFORE AUGUST 31, 1984; AND
9.6% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 31, 1984 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 5, 1984
BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETED MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
EXAMPLEi SI 000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON OCTOBER 8, 1984, NOVEMBER 8, 1984 AND DECEMBER 8, 1984 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON JANUARY 8, 1985 WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS
ON SI 000, OCTOBER 8, 1984 TO JANUARY 8, 1985 THREE COMPLETE MONTHS AT S7.10
PER MONTH ’ $21.30
ON SI 000, NOVEMBER 8, 1984 TO JANUARY 8, 1985 TWO COMPLETE MONTHS AT S7.10
PER MONTH “ $14.20
ON SI 000, DECEMBER 8, 1984 TO JANUARY 8, 1985 ONE COMPLETE MONTH AT S7.10
PER MONTH “ $ 7-10
$42.60
- - o - -
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
50
MP’S TOUR EASTERN DISTRICT
-K X *
TWO VISITING MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, SIR NICHOLAS BONSOR AND M< PETER TEMPLE-MORRIS, TODAY (THURSDAY) TOURED EASTERN DISTRICT.
ACCOMPANIED BY AN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, DR SIMON VICKERS THEY HAD A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF THE ALDRICH BAY TYPHOON SHELTERFROM A NEARBY BUILDING AND SAW THE EXTENSIVE RECLAMATION TAKING PLACE IN SHAU KEI WAN FROM QUARRY BAY TO ALDRICH BAY.
AT LEI YUE MUN FORT, THEY WERE BRIEFED ON LARGE-SCALE INDUSTRIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNED FOR SIU CHAI WAN AND PAK CHAI WAN, THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT HOSPITAL AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF TWO MAJOR TRANSPORT SYSTEMS -THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY ISLAND LINE AND THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR.
THEIR LAST STOP WAS AT A VANTAGE POINT IN 0 PUI LOONG VILLAGE WHERE THEY WERE ABLE TO SEE 12 HILLSIDE SQUATTER VILLAGES IN SHAU KEI WAN, AS WELL AS CONSTRUCTION WORK AT KORNHILL IN QUARRY BAY.
SIR NICHOLAS AND MR TEMPLE-MORRIS WERE TOLD THAT THE POPULATION IN EASTERN DISTRICT REPRESENTS A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY, FROM PEOPLE LIVING IN SQUATTER AREAS, TO TENANTS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, TO RESIDENTS OF UPPER AND
MIDDLE CLASS
THE TWO AND MET WITH VIEWS ON THE
PRIVATE FLATS.
MP’S ALSO TRAVELLED ON THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD TO HEAR THEIR SINO-BRITISH DRAFT AGREEMENT.
-----o------
TAI PO MARKET TRAFFIC CHANGES «-
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN TAI PO MARKET FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 5), A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
ONE WAY TRAFFIC WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON THE FOLLOWING ROADS:
* WAN TAU STREET SOUTHBOUND FROM KWONG FUK ROAD TO HEUNG SZE WUI STREET.
* HEUNG SZE WUI STREET WESTBOUND FROM WAN TAU STREET TO PO HEUNG STREET.
PO HEUNG .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
31
* PO HEUNG STREET NORTHBOUND FROM HEUNG SZE WUI STREET TO NAM SHING STREET.
* WAI Yl STREET WESTBOUND FROM PO HEUNG STREET TO SHUN TAK STREET.
* SHUN TAK STREET SOUTHBOUND FROM WAI YI STREET TO YAN HING STREET.
# YAN HING STREET WESTBOUND FROM SHUNG TAK STREET TO PAK SHING STREET.
* SUI ON STREET EASTBOUND FROM PAK SHING STREET TO HE I YUEN STREET.
* HEI YUEN STREET NORTHBOUND FROM SUI ON STREET TO YAN HING STREET.
* ON FU ROAD SOUTHBOUND FROM NAM SHING STREET TO SHUNG TAK STREET.
* ON FU ROAD NORTHBOUND FROM NAM SHING STREET TO KWONG FUK ROAD.
* KWONG FUK ROAD EASTBOUND FROM TSI NG YUEN STREET TO WAN TAU STREET.
KMB ROUTES NO. 72K, 74K, AND 75K ON SOUTHBOUND JOURNEYS WILL BE DIVERTED AT THE JUNCTION OF PO HEUNG STREET AND NAM SHING STREET VIA NAM SHING STREET AND ON FU ROAD.
THE EXISTING BUS TERMINUS ON PO HEUNG STREET FOR KMB ROUTE NO 72 WILL BE RESITED TO WAI YAN STREET.
ADDITIONAL BUS STOPS WILL BE DESIGNATED ON NAM SHING STREET FOR KMB ROUTES NO. 64K, 65K, 72K, 74K AND 75K.
ADDITIONAL STOPS WILL BE DESIGNATED AT WAI Yl STREET, WAI YAN STREET AND ON FU ROAD FOR MAX I CAB ROUTES NO. 2OK, 21K, 22K, 23K, AND 25K.
THE EXISTING PLB STAND IN WAI YAN STREET WILL BE RESITED TO TSING YUEN STREET.
-----o------
/32........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1934
- 32 -
CRIME PREVENTION EXPERT VISITS X * * *
A DIRECTOR OF THE ASIA CRIME PREVENTION FOUNDATION, MR NAOMI IKEZAKI, IS IN HONG KONG TO SEE THE WORK OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
TODAY, HE MET THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, W THOMAS GARNER, FOR A BRIEFING ON THE PROGRAMMES ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
ON WEDNESDAY, HE VISITED THE PIK UK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS, PHOENIX HOUSE - A HALF-WAY HOUSE, AND THE PIK UK PRISON LAUNDRY WHICH IS CAPABLE OF HANDLING SOME 50 000 PIECES OF LINEN EACH DAY.
MR IKEZAKI WILL TRAVEL NEXT TO SINGAPORE.
THE ASIA CRIME PREVENTION FOUNDATION HAS MADE A GREAT CONTRIBUTION TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE FIELD IN ASIA BY SPONSORING PARTICIPANTS AT THE UNITED NATIONS ASIA AND FAR EAST INSTITUTE FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRIME AND TREATMENT OF OFFENDERS (UNAFEI) IN JAPAN AND OTHER RESEARCH PROJECTS.
-----0-----
TWO-PERSON FAMILIES
X
ELIGIBLE FOR HOS FLATS X X X X
TWO-PERSON FAMILIES CAN NOW APPLY FOR A NUMBER OF RETURNED AND NEW HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS WHICH WILL BE PUT ON SALE FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
* ?SoL'cCLOsfLCENRTELATA^R?^kB: ™E EX£CUTI VE
A DEPENDENT RELATI VEHAVE BEEN MADE^M ^YONE LIVING
AN HOS VFLAT.+ SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSI N ^AUTHORITY TODAY.
HE SAID PRIVATE SECTOR APPLICANTS WOULD STILL HAVE TO SATISFY OTHER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, INCLUDING THE CURRENT $7 500 MONTHLY INCOME LIMIT.
♦LOCATED AT 18 HOS ESTATES IN VARIOUS PARTS OF URBAN AREAS AND THE NEW TOWNS, THE RETURNED FLATS WILL BE OFFERED TO APPLICANTS FROM BOTH THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND TENANTS OF HOUSING AUTHORITY AND
HOUSING SOCIETY ESTATES.*
HE ADDED THAT THE RETURNED HOS FLATS WOULD BE SOLD AT PRICES RANGING FROM Si 19 900 TO S363 900, WITH GROSS AREAS BETWEEN 45 AND 65.1 SQUARE METRES. SOME OF THEM ARE LAND-VALUE-FREE.
/ALSO ON
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1984
- 33 -
ALSO ON SALE FROM TOMORROW INCOME HOUSING MELODY GARDEN IN 62.9 AND 98.2 SQUARE METRES AND TO $322 300.
ARE 14 RETURNED FLATS AT THE MIDDLE TUEN MUN, WITH GROSS AREAS BETWEEN PRICES RANGING FROM $214 200
♦THERE WILL BE NO RESTRICTIONS ON INCOME LIMIT, FAMILY SIZE, LENGTH OF RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG AND PROPERTY OWNERSHIP OF THOSE WHO APPLY FOR MELODY GARDEN FLATS, THOUGH THEY HAVE TO ARRANGE FOR THEIR OWN MORTGAGE FACILITIES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TOGETHER WITH THE RETURNED HOS FLATS, SOME NEW FLATS AT TAI PO PLAZA IN TAI PO, SIU HONG COURT IN TUEN MUN AND CHOI PO COURT IN SHEUNG SHUI WILL ALSO BE PUT ON SALE FROM TOMORROW ON A FlRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
♦THEY ARE PRICED FROM $102 900 TO $233 000 EACH AND HAVE GROSS AREAS BETWEEN 41.5 AND 54.2 SQUARE METRES.
+AT TAI PO PLAZA, SHOW FLATS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING BY PROSPECTIVE BUYERS UNTIL OCTOBER 9. THE OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 11.30 AM TO 12.30 PM AND FROM 3 PM TO 4 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND SATURDAY, AND FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM ON SUNDAY.
+IN ADDITION, SAMPLE FLATS AT SIU HONG COURT AND CHOI PO COURT ARE NOW ALSO OPEN FOR PUBLIC VIEWING DAILY FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM UNTIL OCTOBER 14.+
THE SPOKESMAN SAID FULL DETAILS OF THE FLATS ON SALE, TOGETHER WITH APPLICATION FORMS AND COPIES OF AN HOS GUIDE, WERE NOW OBTAINABLE DURING OFFICE HOURS AT THE HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN.
♦COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN PERSON FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO THE CENTRE WHEN ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS WILL BE INVITED TO SELECT THEIR FLATS AND COMPLETE THE NECESSARY FORMALI Tl ES.
♦TO ESTABLISH ELIGIBILITY, APPLICANTS SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS, COPIES OF FAMILY MEMBERS’ IDENTITY CARDS, HOUSEHOLD INCOME PROOF AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS.
♦APPLICANTS FROM PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WILL HAVE TO PRODUCE THEIR TENANCY CARDS AS WELL.+
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HARBOUR TUNNEL PROPOSALS SOUGHT ........................... 1
CIVIC WORK PLAN FOR OFFENDERS ............................. 2
BILL TO UPDATE WORDING OF BUILDING LAW..................... 4
NEW TOWN ON HK ISLAND ..................................... 4
PAVING WAY FOR DENTAL GRADUATES ........................... 5
LORD KENNET ARRIVING....................................... 6
NEW APPOINTMENT ........................................... 6
SEMINAR ON WHITE PAPER..................................... 6
MP TO MEET PRESS TOMORROW ................................. 7
PROMOTION FOR 39 OFFICERS ................................. 7
SCHOOLS ANTI-DRUG ROLE STRESSED ........................... 7
FIRE FIGHTER RETIRES ...................................... 9
TWO RESIDENTS COMIENDSD FOR CIVIC WORK .................... 9
SEMINAR ON SCHOOL DISCIPLINE, MORAL EDUCATION ............ 10
NEW FIRE STATION IN VICTORIA BARRACKS .................... 11
STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS ................................... 11
SHA TIN SITE FOR SALE..................................... 12
PROPERTY FOR LEASE........................................ 12
TAPS OFF IN CHAI WAN ..................................... 12
FR IDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1984
1
HARBOUR TUNNEL PROPOSALS SOUGHT * * * *
PRIVATE DEVELOPERS ARE BEING INVITED TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, FINANCING AND OPERATION OF A SECOND CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TO BE KNOWN AS THE +EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING+.
DETAILS OF THE INVITATION ARE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, FOLLOWING THE GOVERNOR’S ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL YESTERDAY.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT THE SECOND CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL WOULD HAVE AT LEAST TWO LANES IN EACH DIRECTION, AND WOULD LINK QUARRY BAY ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND CHA KWO LING ON THE KOWLOON SIDE, TO EASE THE EXISTING CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL 1RAFF IC.
+THE FRANCHISE FOR CONSTRUCTING, FINANCING AND OPERATING THE SECOND TUNNEL WILL BE AWARDED TO A PRIVATE DEVELOPER ON TERMS SIMILAR TO THOSE FOR THE EXISTING CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY. BUT THE PRECISE TERMS WILL BE SUBJECT TO NEGOTIATIONS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+PROPOSALS FROM COMPANIES AND CONSORTIA INTERESTED IN THE PROJECT ARE INVITED BY THE GOVERNMENT WITHIN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS. THEY WILL BE EVALUATED BY A GOVERNMENT WORKING GROUP UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT. THE WORKING GROUP WILL THEN DECIDE WHICH IS THE MOST ATTRACTIVE PACKAGE TO BE RECOMMENDED TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL FOR FINAL DECISION BEFORE END 1985+.
ENQUIRIES AND PROPOSALS ARE TO BE MADE TO THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER IN THE FIRST INSTANCE.
+THIS IS TO FACILITATE ENQUIRIES FOR INFORMATION AND CLARIFICATION FROM THOSE CONSORTIA WHO MAY BE INTERESTED AND ENABLE THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION ON THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT. ALL PROPOSALS WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE, AND NO COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE PROPOSALS WILL BE MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT WORKING GROUP UNTIL ALL THE PROPOSALS ARE IN,+ THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED.
- 0 --------
/2 .......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1984
2
CIVIC WORK PLAN FOR OFFENDERS
X * *
A TWO-YEAR PILOT PROJECT WILL BE INTRODUCED TO ASSESS THE SUITABILITY OF A COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER SCHEME FOR OFFENDERS IN HONG KONG.
A BILL PROVIDING THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE OPERATION OF SUCH A COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER SCHEME HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY AND WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: +THE PILOT SCHEME WILL ALLOW US TO ASSESS THE EFFECT OF COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS ON OFFENDERS, IN PARTICULAR THE EXTENT TO WHICH OFFENDERS WHO HAVE SERVED SUCH A SENTENCE SUBSEQUENTLY RETURN TO CRIME.*
HE SAID THAT THE PILOT PROJECT WOULD ALSO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO IDENTIFY ANY PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES THAT MAY ARISE IN RUNNING SUCH A SCHEME.
FOR
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, IMPLEMENTING THE TRIAL SCHEME,
WHICH WILL BE RESPONSIBLE WILL NEED AT LEAST 12 MONTHS
TO PREPARE IT.
A STANDING COMMITTEE WILL BE SET UP TO MONITOR THE RUNNING CF THE PILOT SCHEME AND THEN TO PREPARE A REPORT ON ITS SUITABILITY.
SUCH A SCHEME WAS PROPOSED IN JUNE LAST YEAR IN A LAW REFORM COMMISSION REPORT.
SUCH A SCHEME PROVIDES THE COURTS WITH THE FACILITY TO ORDER OFFENDERS OVER THE AGE OF 14 WHO ARE CONVICTED OF OFFENCES PUNISHABLE WITH IMPRISONMENT TO PERFORM UNPAID WORK OF BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY EITHER IN THE PLACE OF, OR IN ADDITION TO, ANY OTHER SENTENCE.
+PEOPLE WHO HAVE COMMITTED MINOR IMPRISONABLE OFFENCES, PARTICULARLY THOSE INVOLVING SOME ELEMENT OF ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR SUCH AS CRIMINAL DAMAGE AND MIMOR ASSAULTS, ARE THE MOST LIKELY CANDIDATES FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+A COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER WILL ONLY BE MADE IN THE LIGHT OF A PROBATION OFFICER’S ASSESSMENT, AND PROPER COUNSELLING wILL SUBSEQUENTLY BE PROVIDED TO KEEP OFFENDERS AWAY FROM CRIME,* HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT PEOPLE CONVICTED OF SERIOUS OFFENCES WOULD NOT LIKELY TO BE SENTENCED TO COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS.
/THE lUXH.......
FfiUU’.', OCTOBER 5, 1984
THE MAIN ADVANTAGES OF A COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER SCHEME, A5 HIGHLIGHTED BY THE REPORT OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION, AKE:
* IT PROVIDES A VERY REAL POSSIBILITY OF REHABILITATING THE OFFENDER AND THUS LOWERING THE RECIDIVIST RATE,
* IT BROADENS THE RANGE OF OPTIONS OF SENTENCES, AND
* IT MAY BE LESS COSTLY THAN MOST OTHER FORMS OF SENTENCE INVOLVING IMPRISONMENT OR OTHER TYPES OF SUPERV IS ION.
THE BILL PUBLISHED TODAY PROVIDES THAT COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS MAY ONLY BE MADE BY A COURT WHICH HAS BEEN NOTIFIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE THAT FACILITIES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF SUCH ORDERS ARE AVAILABLE.
+THIS WILL ENSURE THAT THE NUMBER OF COURTS THAT MAY MAKE SUCH ORDERS IS REGULATED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES AND FACILITIES,* HE SAID.
A COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER MAY BE MADE FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF UP TO 240 HOURS OF UNPAID WORK, IN ADDITION TO OR INSTEAD OF ANY OTHER SENTENCE.
UNDER THE BILL, A COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER CAN REMAIN IN FORCE AGAINST AN OFFENDER FOR UP TO ONE YEAR, UNLESS IT IS EXTENDED BY THE COURT. HOWEVER, IT WILL ORDINARILY BE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN A SHORTER PERIOD.
THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION PRESCRIBES A FINE NOT EXCEEDING M 000 FOR BREACH OF THE CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS APPLYING TO A COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER. ALTERNATIVELY, THE OFFENDER MAY BE DEALT WITH FOR THE ORIGINAL OFFENCE l-N ANY WAY THAT HE COULD HAVE BEEN DEALT WITH IF THE COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER HAD NOT BEEN MADE.
ANY OFFENDER COMMITS ANOTHER OFFENCE, DURING THE PERIOD OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER, WILL BE LIABLE TO ANY PUNISHMENT THAT COULD HAVE BEEN IMPOSED FOR THE ORIGINAL OFFENCF, IN ADDITION TO PUNISHMENT FOR THE SUBSEQUENT OFFENCE.
- - - 0 --------
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1984
4
BILL TO UPDATE WORDING OF BUILDING LAW * * *
; BILL AIMED AT AMENDING THE DEMOLISHED BUILDINGS (REDEVELOPMENT > SITES) ORDINANCE wILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Ca WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 10).
KNOwN AS THE DEMOLISHED BUILDINGS (REDEVELOPMENT OF SITES) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, IT SEEKS TO UPDATE THE WORDING OF SECTION 4 (I) OF THE ORDINANCE AND BRING IT INTO LINE WITH CURRENT LEGISLATION AND °F ACT ICE BY REPLACING +VOLUME+ WITH +GROSS FLOOR AREA+.
THE PROPOSAL IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (OCTOBER 5).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE WORD +VOLUME+ IN THE ORDINANCE DERIVED FROM THE BUILDING (PLANNING) REGULATIONS OF 1956 IN WHICH THE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF SITES WAS CONTROLLED BY +VOLUME+.
THE CURRENT BUILDING (PLANNING) REGULATIONS, HOWEVER, CONTROL DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL BY +GROSS FLOOR AREA+.
+OLD BUILDINGS NORMALLY HAVE FAIRLY HIGH FLOOR-TO-CEILING HEIGHT, AND HENCE A LARGE VOLUME, WHILE MODERN BUILDINGS WITH LOWER CEILING HEIGHTS HAVE LESS VOLUME FOR AN EQUIVALENT GROSS FLOOR AREA.
+THIS HAS RESULTED IN RECENT REDEVELOPMENT CASES WHERE THE VOLUME REQUIREMENT CANNOT BE FULFILLED EXCEPT BY UNNECESSARILY RAISING THE FLOOR-TO-CEILING HEIGHT BEYOND THAT REQUIRED IN THE BUILDING (PLANNING) REGULATIONS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
- - 0 - -
NEW TOWN ON HK ISLAND * * * *
SIU CHAI WAN IN THE EASTERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE DEVELOPED INTO A TOWNSHIP WITH A PLANNED POPULATION OF 34 000 PEOPLE IN ABOUT EIGHT YEARS.
GOVERNMENT PLANNERS HAVE DRAWN UP A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME FOR DEVELOPING THE AREA WHERE A NUMBER OF PUBLIC HOUSING AND PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL-COMMERCIAL PROJECTS WILL BE BUILT.
BY 1992, A PUBLIC RENTAL ESTATE, A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME COURT AND A PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME ESTATE WILL RISE FROM THE AREA, PROVIDING 5 796 GOVERNMENT SUBSIDISED FLATS.
INITIAL FEASIBILITY STUDIES AND SITE INVESTIGATION ARE UNDER WAY FOR THE FIRST PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN THE AREA.
THE ESTATE, TO BE DEVELOPED IN TWO PHASES, WILL PROVIDE 3 176 MODERN FLATS FOR ABOUT 17 000 PEOPLE UPON COMPLETION BY 1993.
/the housing
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1984
5 -
■IE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS INVITING PREQUALIFICATION APPLICATIONS APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR SITE FORMATION.
+THE CONTRACT WILL INCLUDE THE FORMATION OF PLATFORMS AND ; 3OCIATED GEOTECHNICAL WORK, ROADS AND DRAINAGE WITHIN A SITE Oi-iSOUT 11 HECTARES,+ AN AUTHORITY SPOKESMAN SAID.
+PREQUAL IF ICATION FOR THIS CONTRACT IS CONFINED TO CONTRACTORS ON THF LIST OF APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR PUBLIC WORKS, AND appi irAT IANS SHOULD BE MADE BY REGISTERED POST ON OR BEFORE NEXT
WTOBeS 12) TO THE COMMITTEES’ SECRETARY OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
♦ONLY THOSE WHO CAN SAT ISFACTOR ILY DEMONSTRATE THE NECESSARY EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITY WILL BE ALLOWED TO TENDER.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID SITE FORMATION WORK WOULD START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND BE .COMPLETED BY MID-1987.
-------O - - - -
PAVING WAY FOR DENTAL GRADUATES * * * *
A BILL GIVING DUE RECOGNITION TO THE ROLE OF THE NEW FACULTY OF DENTISTRY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG HAS BEEN GAZETTED TODAY.
THE DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, IF PASSED INTO LAW, WILL ENABLE HOLDERS OF A HONG KONG UNIVERSITY DEGREE IN DENTISTRY TO BE REGISTERED TO PRACTISE IN HONG KONG. THE FIRST GROUP OF DENTAL GRADUATES IS EXPECTED IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE FACULTY OF DENTISTRY TO BE REPRESENTED ON THE DENTAL COUNCIL AND FOR THE FACULTY AND ITS GRADUATES TO ENJOY CERTAIN PRIVILEGES UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
UNDER THE DENTISTS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, ANY PERSON WHO HOLDS A DEGREE IN DENTISTRY RECOGNISED BY THE GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, IS QUALIFIED TO BE REGISTERED IN HONG KONG. THE BILL MAINTAINS THIS POSITION IN RESPECT OF DENTISTS HOLDING QUALIFICATIONS AWARDED BY EXAMINING BODIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, COMMONWEALTH OR REPUBLIC OF IRELAND. HOWEVER, THE BILL PROVIDES THAT THE RECOGNITION OF DENTAL DEGREES FROM OTHER OVERSEAS COUNTRIES, WHICH WOULD QUALIFY THE HOLDERS FOR REGISTRATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, WILL BE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE HONG KONG DENTAL COUNCIL.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON ..EDNESDAY (OCTOBER IQ) FOR THIRD READING ON NOVEMBER 21.
COMMENTS ON THE BILL MAY BE SENT IN WRITING TO UMELCO AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12TH FLOOR, CHATER ROAD, HONG KONG, OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD.
/6
PR IDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1984
- 6 -
LORD KENNET ARR IV ING * * *
h SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY PEER, THE LORD KENNET IS DUE TO AF^- VE THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING FOR A NINE-DAY VISIT.
HE WILL MEET UMELCO, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, URBAN COUNCILLORS AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
LORD KENNET WILL ALSO VISIT SHA TIN DISTRICT, FACILITIES MANAGED BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING ITS STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE, A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, home ownership scheme flats, a factory and the chi ma wan VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CLOSED CENTRE.
HE WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE ON OCTOBER 12, AND LEAVE THE FOLLOWING DAY.
NEW APPOINTMENT
* *
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THE APPOINTMENT OF MR BARRY WOODROFFE AS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, IN SUCCESSION TO MR HUI MAN-SHING WHO WILL RETIRE THIS MONTH.
MR HUI, JP, IS 49 YEARS OF AGE. HE JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN NOVEMBER 1956 AS A VALUATION ASSISTANT. HE WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK IN MARCH 1984. MR HUI IS A FELLOW OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTION OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS.
MR WOODROFFE, AGED 43, JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE AS A RATING AND VALUATION SURVEYOR IN JANUARY 1966. HE WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION IN JANUARY 1979. MR WOODROFFE IS A FELLOW OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTION OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS.
-------0 - - - -
SEMINAR ON WHITE PAPER IXI
WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS HAVE ORGANISED A SEMINAR ON THE WHITE PAPER ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICES.
MORE THAN 600 INVITATIONS HAVE BEEN SENT TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, AREA COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS. BOARD MEMBERS AND SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL SPEAK AT THE SEMINAR.
-----o-----
n....
FR I DAY, OCTOBER 5, 1^84
7
MP TO MEET PRESS TOMORROW * * *
A LIBERAL MP, MR RUSSELL JOHNSTON, tai ILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 11 AM AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, 5TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
MR JOHNSTON WILL LEAVE HONG KONG ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 8) AFTER A NINE-DAY VISIT.
- - 0 -
PROMOTION FOR 39 OFFICERS * * *
THIRTY-NINE ASSISTANT OFFICERS WERE TODAY PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF OFFICER.
THEY RECEIVED THEIR LETTERS OF APPOINTMENT FROM THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR BARRY HIGGINBOTTOM, AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, MR HIGG INBOTTOM TOLD THEM THAT, HAVING PASSED THE FIRST AND BIGGEST HURDLE, THEY COULD NOW PROGRESS TO THE HIGHEST RANKS IN THE SERVICE.
THE NEWLY PROMOTED OFFICERS HAVE BEEN SERVING FOR AN AVERAGE OF EIGHT-AND-A-HALF YEARS.
THEY HAD SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A YEAR-LONG OFFICER CADET DEVELOPMENT TRAINING COURSE.
- - 0 -
SCHOOLS ANTI-DRUG ROLE STRESSED * * * * *
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS WERE TOLD AT A SEMINAR TODAY THAT THE NARCOTICS DIVISION WOULD CONTINUE ITS EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY EFFORTS TO PREVENT YOUNG PEOPLE FROM GETTING INVOLVED IN DRUGS.
THE ADMINISTRATORS WERE ALSO URGED TO ENCOURAGE THEIR STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN A YOUTH SCHEME AGAINST DRUGS.
THE CALL WAS MADE BY THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, hfi ISAAC CHOW, AT THE SEMINAR ENTITLED +THE DRUG PROBLEM AND PREVENTIVE EDUCATION+.
/the seminab
PRTT1AY, OCTOBEE 5, 1984
8
SEMINAR *>AS ORGANISED BY THE NARCOTICS DIVISION TO GIVE The oCHOOl ADMINISTRATORS A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DRUG PROBLEM .l\- HONG KONG AND TO ENABLE THEM TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON PREVENTIVE EDUCATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.
PRESENT WERE ABOUT 70 ADMINISTRATORS FROM SECONDARY SCHOOLS I, SHAM SHUI PO AND WONG TAI SIN DISTRICTS, WHERE DRUG EDUCATION TALKS HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED BY THE +SCHOOL TALKS TEAM+ OF THE NARCOTICS DIVISION SINCE FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.
THE +YOUTH AGAINST DRUGS SCHEME* RUN BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) IS OPEN TO ALL YOUTHS WHO ARE 15 AND ABO V E.
IT ENCOURAGES YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN ANTI-NARCOTICS ACTIV(TIES.
UNDER THE SCHEME, THE YOUTHS LEARN ABOUT THE EVILS OF DRUG ABUSE AND TRAFFICKING, THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN PLANNING, ORGANISING AND IMPLEMENTING ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO SPREAD
THE
ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGE, HE SAID.
THE YOUNG PEOPLE, WORKING IN GROUPS, CAN PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS TO THE NARCOTICS DIVISION FOR CONSIDERATION.
THEY MUST ALL BE RECOMMENDED BY THEIR SCHOOLS, YOUTH CENTRES, COMMUNITY CENTRES OR EMPLOYERS. THOSE GROUPS WHOSE PROPOSALS ARE ACCEPTED, ARE GIVEN A FUND OF UP TO $3 000 EACH TO CARRY OUT THEIR WORK.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR S.L. CHAN, EXPLAINED TO THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE, AND SUPERINTENDENT C.K. KWOK OF NARCOTICS BUREAU OF ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, ADVISED THEM ON HOW TO DEAL WITH PROBLEMS AMONG THEIR STUDENTS.
THE PARTICIPANTS ALSO SAW A PREVIEW OF A FILM ENTITLED +TAKE CARE OF YOUR CHILDREN*, RECENTLY PRODUCED FOR THE ACAN’S 1984-85 PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMME.
THE FILM FEATURES THE EXPERIENCE OF TWO YOUNG ADDICTS.
0 --------
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5
i?54
- 9 -
FIRE FIGHTER RETIRES * * *
THE FIRST CHINESE TO REACH THE RANK OF CHIEF FIRE OFFICER YklLL BE RETIRING SHORTLY AFTER 30 YEARS OF SERVICE.
HE IS CHIEF FIRE OFFICER LAM LOK-BUN, AT PRESENT HEAD OF THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU.
BORN IN 1931 MR LAM JOINED THE FIRE SERVICES AS A SUB-OFFICER IN 1954 AND ROSE TO STATION OFFICER IN 1960.
THREE YEARS LATER, HE BECAME ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICER, AND IN 1970, DIVISIONAL OFFICER.
MR LAM ROSE TO THE RANK OF SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER IN 1973 AND DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER THE FOLLOWING YEAR. HE REACHED HIS PRESENT RANK IN 1982.
IN 1976, MR LAM WAS AWARDED THE COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE, AND IN 1983, THE QUEEN’S FIRE SERVICES MEDAL.
DURING HIS SERVICE, MR LAM WAS COMMENDED FOR HIS wORK ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS. ON ONE OCCASION, IN 1971, HE WAS COMMENDED BY BOTH THE GOVERNOR, AND THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE FOR COURAGE AND LEADERSHIP DURING THE DISASTROUS JUMBO RESTAURANT FIRE IN ABERDEEN.
TO MARK MR LAM’S RETIREMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES MR ROBERT HOLMES, RECENTLY PRESENTED A SOUVENIR TO HIM ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT AND HIS COLLEAGUES, AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS AT JAVA ROAD, NORTH POINT.
TWO RESIDENTS COMMENDED FOR CIVIC WORK * * *
TWO RECIPIENTS OF THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE WERE TODAY (FRIDAY) PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DENIS BRAY, FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING AND VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY.
MR WONG HON-SUM, A USD FOREMAN, WAS COMMENDED FOR HIS DEVOTION AND UNTIRING EFFORTS IN IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT OF SHAU KEI WAN SQUATTER AREAS SINCE AUGUST LAST YEAR.
HE HAS SHOWN SPECIAL EFFORTS IN INVOLVING SQUATTER VILLAGERS IN CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGNS, AND HAS DEVOTED MUCH OF HIS SPARE TIME IN ORGANISING FAMILY VISITS AND TALKS AND SEMINARS TO PROMOTE HEALTH EDUCATION.
/ms who........
FBIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1984
- 10 -
MR WONG JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1973 AS A PARK KEEPER CF THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND WAS APPOINTED FOREMAN OF THE DEPARTMENT IN 1981. HE WORKS ON A NUMBER OF COMMITTEES, INCLUDING THE YUE ON HOUSE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE, TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY WELFARE.
THE OTHER RECIPIENT, MISS LAU YUET-HO, HEADMISTRESS OF AP LEI CHAU KAIFONG PRIMARY SCHOOL, WAS COMMENDED FOR HER STAUNCH SUPPORT OF COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS, AND FOR HER CONTRIBUTION IN THE TRAINING OF YOUNG VOLUNTEERS TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES.
MISS LAU SERVES AS A MEMBER OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT STUDENTS SERVICE COMMITTEE. SHE HAS TAKEN PART IN ORGANISING CAREER SEMINARS AND CAREER GUIDANCE PROJECTS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL LEAVERS, AND HOMEWORK GUIDANCE PROJECTS FOR CHILDREN CF BOAT SQUATTERS AND TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS.
--------o----------
SEMINAR ON SCHOOL DISCIPLINE, MORAL EDUCATION * * * *
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN A SEMINAR ON +SCHOOL DISCIPLINE AND MORAL EDUCATION* TO BE HELD NEXT MONTH.
THE SEMINAR IS ORGANISED BY THE RELIGIOUS-ETHICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
TWO IDENTICAL HALF-DAY SEMINARS WILL BE HELD IN THE HALL OF ST. JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WOOD ROAD, WAN CHAI, ONE IN THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 15 AND THE OTHER IN THE AFTERNOON OF NOVEMBER 16.
SPECIALISTS WILL TALK ON WAYS OF HANDLING PROBLEM CHILDREN AND ON THE ROLE OF DISCIPLINE MASTERS IN MORAL EDUCATION. TEACHERS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND IDEAS IN A DISCUSSION SESSION.
APPLICATION FORMS, WHICH MUST BE SIGNED BY THE HEADS OF SCHOOLS, SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, RELIGIOUS-ETHICAL EDUCATION SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG BY OCTOBER 26, 1984.
OWING TO THE LIMITED CAPACITY, ACCEPTANCE WILL BE ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS AND SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS a ILL BE. INFORMED BY LETTER.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE MADE TO THE RELIGIOUS-ETHICAL EDUCAT lei. SECTION AT 5-8392483.
------0-------
/11 ........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1^84
- 11
NEW FIRE STATION IN VICTORIA BARRACKS
X X X
A NEW SUB-DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED IK VICTORIA BARRACKS TO REPLACE THE TEMPORARY FIRE STATION IN GARDEN ROAD WHICH IS REQUIRED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW BANK OF CHINA BUILDING AND A CIRCULATORY ROAD SYSTEM.
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED THE $8.6 MILLION CONTRACT TO HUNG LEE LAM KEE BUILDING CONTRACTOR LTD FOR THE PROJECT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE OFFICE SAID THAT THE NEW FIRE STATION WOULD BE BUILT ON A 2 22O-SQUARE-METRE SITE AND EFFORTS WOULD BE MADE TO BLEND IT WITH THE BARRACKS ENVIRONMENT.
A STANDARD FIRE STATION BUILDING IS FIVE STOREYS HIGH. BUT THE NEW STATION WILL HAVE ONLY FOUR STOREYS SO AS TO PRESERVE THE VIEW FROM FLAGSTAFF HOUSE, FORMER HOME OF THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, AND NOW THE MUSEUM OF TEA WARE.
A MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TREES WOULD BE PRESERVED, HE SAID.
THE NEW STATION WILL CONSIST OF A FOUR-BAY APPLIANCE ROOM, OFFICES, QUARTERS, A CANTEEN, A RECREATION AREA AND A DRILL YARD.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER NEXT YEAR.
-----o-----
STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS * * *
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, RR KARL STUMPF WILL ANNOUNCE THE DETAILS OF THE +STUDENTS • AGAINST DRUGS MOVEMENT*, WHICH IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THIS YEAR S ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 8), AT 2.30 PM AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, 5TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR ISAAC CHOw WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
----o-------
/12 .......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1934
12
SHA TIN SITE FOR SALE
III
A PIECE OF CROWN LAND AT MA ON SHAN, SHA TIN, IS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE SITE COVERS ABOUT 7.292 HECTARES, AND IS FOR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME (NON-INDUSTRI AL EXCLUDING GODOWN AND CINEMA) PURPOSES.
THE DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON DECEMBER 14.
-----o------
PROPERTY FOR LEASE III
THE
SQUARE-METRE
LANDS DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING AN 85 ---- - T
PROPERTY ON THE GROUND FLOOR AND COCKLOFT OF 38 TUNG
PIECE OF ....
KUN STREET, KOWLOON, FOR LEASE BY TENDER.
IT IS FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES.
THE DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 26.
-----0-----
TAPS OFF IN CHAI WAN
* * X
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CHAI WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 8) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY WAN TSUI ROAD, LIN SHING ROAD, INCLUDING WAN TSUI ESTATE AND YAN TSUI COURT.
-----o-----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1984
CONTHITS PAGE NO,
U.S. WITHDRAWS EXPORT CALL..................................... 1
DB'S TO DISCUSS WHITE PAPER ON HK.............................. 1
OPEN FORUM FOR CENTRAL-WESTERN RESIDENTS ...................... 1
BAY RECLAMATION PLANNED ....................................... 2
KEEN RESPONSE TO VOTER DRIVE................................... 3
TRADE STAFF NEED TRAINING...................................... 3
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS COMPLETE TRAINING .............. 4
YUEN LONG FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED ....................... 5
ANTI-MOSQUITO OPERATION IN SAI KUNG............................ 5
AQUATIC COMPETITIONS FOR YOUTHS ............................... 6
LAMIA ISLAND BEACH BUILDING ................................... 7
SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CLOSING TOMORROW ....................... 7
SHA TIN SWIMMING GALA TOMORROW ................................ 8
LOCAL OPEN SPACE FOR YUEN LONG ................................ 8
LEARNER-DRIVER PROHIBITION ..................................
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN CAUSEWAY BAY .............................
FIRING PRACTICE
9
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1984
1
U.S. WITHDRAWS EXPORT CALL III
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE UNITtJ STATES GOVERNMENT HAD WITHDRAWN ITS EXPORT AUTHORISATION CALL ON MAN-MADE FIBRE PULLOVER JACKETS (PART OF CATEGORY 659) FOLLOWING CONSULTATIONS IN WASHINGTON WHICH ENDED YESTERDAY.
WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, THE DEPARTMENT WILL RESUME THE ISSUE OF EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS FOR THIS ITEM.
THIS WAS THE THIRD ROUND OF CONSULTATIONS HONG KONG HELD WITH THE UNITED STATES ON THIS CATEGORY AFTER IT WAS CALLED IN JUNE.
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WAS LED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR ROBERT FOOTMAN. HE WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG EARLY NEXT WEEK.
-----o------
DB’S TO DISCUSS WHITE PAPER ON HK
* * * *
MEMBERS OF THREE DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE HOLDING SEPARATE REETINGS NEXT WEEK TO DISCUSS THE WHITE PAPER ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
THEY AREt THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD.
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 8), THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 9), AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 12).
OPEN FORUM FOR CENTRAL-WESTERN RESIDENTS
* * *
cpc।npmtc IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN WILL BE ABLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WORK OF THEIR DISTRICT BOARD AND EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON VARIOUS DISTRICT MATTERS AT AN OPEN FORUM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
tuc forum jointly organised by the district office and RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, WILL START AT 3 PM IN CHATER GARDEN, CENTRAL.
/TOPICS FOB .......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1984
- 2 -
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION WILL INCLUDE RECLAMATION WORK IN WESTERN TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MATTERS, THE PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, AND SOCIAL SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.
THE FORUM WILL BE RECORDED AND BROADCAST ON RTHK’S RADIO 1 BETWEEN 8 AM AND 9.30 AM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 13) WHEN THERE WILL EE A PHONE-IN SESSION FOR LISTENERS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON LOCAL MATTERS AND DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
PANELISTS INCLUDE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG; LECTURERS AT HONG KONG UNIVERSITY, MR ENOCH YOUNG AND NR LEE SHUN-WAI; THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN CO-ORDINATOR OF THE YMCA, MISS CHAN LAI-WAN; AND THREE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, NR VINCENT KO, MR CHOW WAI-KEUNG AND MR LEUNG SIK-WAH.
-------o----------
BAY RECLAMATION PLANNED
* * *
GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CONSTRUCT A 480-METRE SEAWALL AND TO RECLAIM ABOUT 7.3 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED AT TSUEN WAN BAY.
THE AREA WILL BE USED FOR ROADS, COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND OPEN SPACE.
THE WORK IS TO PROCEED TOGETHER WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE ADJACENT HINTERLAND, SITE OF AN OIL DEPOT AT THE EASTERN END OF TSUEN WAN BAY.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL AND-OR CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION SHOULD REACH THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS BY DECEMBER 5, 1984.
THE NOTICE AND RELATED PLAN ARE POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY DIVISION, FIFTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (WHERE COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED ON ORDER) AND AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, FOU WAH CENTRE, 210 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
- - - - 0----------
SATURDAY, OCTOBtR 6, 1^34
- 3 -
KEEN RESPONSE TO VOTER DRIVE
X < X
MORE THAN 80 PER CENT OF POTENTIAL VOTERS IN THE ISLAND DISTR ICT HAD SIGNED UP FOR VOTING AT NEXT YEAR’S ELECTIONS, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAP, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
CVPR 7 700 PEOPLE HAD REGISTERED DURING THE SIX-WEEK REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN, RAISING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE DISTRICT TO ABOUT 22 000.
*THE KEEN RESPONSE SHOWS THAT MORE PEOPLE ARE CONCERNED „|TH THE WELL-BEING OF THEIR DISTRICT, AND INDICATES GROWING INTEREST IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION,* HE SAID.
MR YAP PRAISED RURAL LEADERS AND VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES FOR THEIR TIME AND EFFORT IN HELPING TO PROMOTE THE CAMPAIGN.
HE ALSO COMMENDED LIAISON OFFICERS AND TEMPORARY COMMUNITY ORGANISERS FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN HELPING ISLANDERS REGISTER AS VOTERS.
MR YAP SAID THAT THOSE WHO HAVE MISSED OUT ON THE CAMPAIGN CAN STILL SIGN UP AT THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE BETwEEN NOVEMBER 9 AND 20.
-----0-----
TRADE STAFF NEED TRAINING
******
ABOUT 10 000 PERSONNEL IN HONG KONG’S WHOLESALE-RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES SECTOR NEED TRAINING ANNUALLY OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS TO KEEP PACE WITH ITS EXPANSION AND THE GROWING SOPHISTICATION IN CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR.
THIS IS AMONG THE FINDINGS LISTED IN THE +1983 MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL, IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES+ JUST PUBLISHED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
TWENTY-FIVE PER CENT OF THESE PERSONNEL WILL BE AT MANAGERIAL AND SUPERVISORY LEVEL, WITH THE REST BEING AT CLERICAL LEVEL, ACCORDING TO THE REPORT PREPARED BY THE COUNCIL’S WHOLESALE-RETAIL, IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES TRAINING BOARD.
+THE TRAINING NEED IN THESE TRADES WILL BE HIGH BECAUSE OF THE DOMINANCE OF SMALL FIRMS, WHICH ARE NOT LIKELY TO HAVE ADEQUATE RESOURCES FOR IN-HOUSE STAFF TRAINING,* THE REPORT POINTS OUT.
/IT SAYS .......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1984
4
IT SAYS THAT IN DECEMBER 1982, THE TIME OF THE SURVEY, 92 PER CENT OF THESE TRADES ESTABLISHMENTS WERE EMPLOYING LESS THAN 13 Persons.
THE TRAINING BOARD HAS THUS PROPOSED TO UTILISE EXISTING EXTERNAL TRAINING FACILITIES AND TO PROVIDE SUBSIDIES FOR EMPLOYEES AND NEW ENTRANTS IN THE TRADES TO ATTEND TRAINING COURSES PROMOTED BY THE COUNCIL.
♦ SUCH A SCHEME IS ALREADY IN OPERATION, AND THE BOARD HAS AGREED TO PROMOTE IN 1984-85 BASIC COURSES ON IMPORT-EXPORT AND SHIPPING PROCEDURES, MERCHANDISING, RETAILING AND SALESMANSHIP — SUBJECT AREAS THAT THE BOARD CONSIDERED MOST USEFUL,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SURVEY SHOWED THAT IN DECEMBER 1982 THE TRADES HAD 78 680 OWNERS-SOLE PROPRIETORS, 335 218 FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES AND 5 365 TRAINEES, IN ADDITION TO 38 385 PART-TIME EMPLOYEES AND UNPAID FAMILY MEMBERS.
ALTOGETHER, THEY ACCOUNTED FOR 17 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL LABOUR FORCE.
AMONG THE TRADES, IMPORT-EXPORT WAS THE LARGEST EMPLOYER, WITH 177 967 STAFF, FOLLOWED BY RETAIL, WITH 148 031 AND WHOLESALE, WITH 57 909.
THE REPORT, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, IS AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT HKS24.00 A COPY.
-------o - - - -
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS COMPLETE TRAINING *****
FOURTEEN OFFICERS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHO HAVE JUST COMPLETED A PHYSICAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSE WERE AWARDED CERTIFICATES TODAY (SATURDAY).
MAJOR T.F. HAMMOND FROM THE ARMY PHYSICAL TRAINING CORPS PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO THEM AT A PASSING-OUT CEREMONY HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE.
ACTING AS EXAMINER IN THE TRAINING COURSE, MAJOR HAMMOND SAID THAT AFTER THE 12 WEEKS OF FULL-TIME TRAINING, THE OFFICERS WERE NO.. READY TO SERVE AS PHYSICAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTORS IN VARIOUS PENAL ESTABLISHMENTS AS WELL AS IN THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE.
THE COURSE COVERS TRAINING IN GYMNASTICS, BALL GAMES, WATER SPORTS, ATHLETICS, LEADERSHIP TRAINING, RECREATION TRAINING AND TEACHING THEORIES AS WELL AS PRACTICE.
SO FAR OVER 160 CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS HAVE COMPLETED SIMILAR TRAINING AND ARE NOW QUALIFIED PHYSICAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTORS.
--------0----------
/5........
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1984
5
YUEN LONG FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
*****
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE TONIGHT (SATURDAY) LAUNCHED A FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN IN THE DISTRICT WITH A POP CONCERT.
THE THEME OF THE CONCERT WAS: +POLICE AND THE PEOPLE FIGHT CRIME TOGETHER*.
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CONCERT, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NWITTEE, MR TAI KUEN, SAID THAT WHILE FIGHTING CRIME IS MAINLY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE POLICE, THE PUBLIC SHOULD HELP IN CRIME PREVENTION.
HE URGED THE PUBLIC TO USE A PUBLICITY KIT CONTAINING INFORMATION ON CRIME PREVENTION. THE KITS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE.
OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, THE COMMITTEE WILL STAGE A SERIES OF EVENTS TO MAKE THE PUBLIC AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CRIME PREVENTION.
THESE EVENTS INCLUDE A COMPETITION TO FIND THE BEST WATCHMAN IN THE DISTRICT, WORD-PUZZLE CONTESTS, SEMINARS AND SLOGAN COMPETITIONS.
ALSO ATTENDING THE CEREMONY WERE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, fR JAMES WILSON: THE POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR MICHAEL WATSON; AND THE CHAIRMEN OF FOUR RURAL COMMITTEES.
- - - - 0 ---------
ANTI-MOSQUITO OPERATION IN SAI KUNG
* * *
THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING AN EXTENSIVE ANTI-MOSQUITO OPERATION IN SAI KUNG.
PEST CONTROL OFFICERS ARE VISITING DIFFERENT LOCATIONS IN THE DISTRICT TO TEACH RESIDENTS ON HOW TO ELIMINATE MOSQUITO BREED ING GROUNDS.
THEY ARE SPRAYING INSECTICIDE ON STREAM SOURCES AND REMOVING ROCKS AND VEGETATION FROM RIVERS TO KEEP THEM FLOWING.
AT ABANDONED FARMS, THEY OFTEN HAVE OLD DIKES TO DRAIN AWAY STAGNANT WATER.
/AH HTSD ......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1984
6
AN NTSD SPOKESMAN SAID THAT SIMILAR ANTI-MALARIA OPERATIONS WOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN OTHER DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES. _
THE CURRENT EXERCISE WAS BEING LAUNCHED FOLLOWING A NUMBER OF REPORTED MALARIA CASES OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
/
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ENCOUNTERING MOSQUITO NUISANCES MAY CONTACT THEIR URBAN SERVICES OFFICE FOR ASSISTANCE.
-----0-----
AQUATIC COMPETITIONS FOR YOUTHS * * * * / '
' ,f a SERIES OF AQUATIC COMPETITIONS ARE BEING ORGANISED FOR THIS .
t ' MONTH TO PROVIDE THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE 1984 SUMMER AQUATIC PROGRAMME AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISPLAY THEIR SKILLS.
THE PROGRAMME, OFFERING THE YOUTHS TRAINING ON VARIOUS AQUATIC ACTIVITIES, HAS BEEN A MAJOR ANNUAL EVENT JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
+THESE COMPETITIONS AIM AT SHARPENING THE PARTICIPANTS’ SKILLS, AND THEY ENCOURAGE THOSE who display potential to undergo further TRAINING,+ A spokesman for the organisers said.
A SNORKELLING COMPETITION WILL BE HELD AT THE PAO YUE KONG SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX IN ABERDEEN AT 7 PM TODAY (SATURDAY).
AN ELEMENTARY AND INTERMEDIATE DIVING COMPETITION WILL BE STAGED AT THE VICTORIA PARK SWIMMING POOL AT 7 PM ON OCTOBER 13 (SATURDAY) AND TWO SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING COMPETITIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE SAME VENUE ON OCTOBER 17 (WEDNESDAY) AND 20 (SATURDAY).
A TOTAL OF 1 500 YOUNG PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THESE COMPETITIONS.
\ WINNERS WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT .VICTORIA PARK SWIMMING POOL AT 7 PM ON OCTOBER 26 (FRIDAY).
.MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE EVENTS AND ADMISSION IS FRE'E.
--------0----------
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1934
LAMMA ISLAND BEACH BUILDING * * * *
A TWO-STOREY BUILDING IS TO BE BUILT FOR THE USE OF SWIMMERS AT LO SO SHING BEACH ON LAMMA ISLAND.
THE BEACH BUILDING WILL HAVE CHANGING, SHOWER AND TOILET FACILITIES, AN OFFICE, A FIRST-AID ROOM, A CATAMARAN STORE, A SMALL STAFF REST ROOM AND A REFRESHMENT KIOSK WITH OPEN DECK FOR SITTING-OUT PURPOSE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
IT WILL BE BUILT ON A 200-SQUARE-METRE SITE. WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER AND BE COMPLETED IN JULY NEXT YEAR.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON OCTOBER 26.
- - 0 - -
SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CLOSING TOMORROW * * * *
A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES WILL MARK THE CLOSING OF THE 1984 MONG KOK DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THEY WILL INCLUDE OPERA, A PAINTING COMPETITION, DRAMA, FOLK SINGING AND BALLET PERFORMANCES.
FIVE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE DISTRICT — THE JAI KOK TSU I YOUTH CENTRE THE TAI KOK TSUI CHILDREN CENTRE, THE CHAN HING SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRE, THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II YOUTH CENTRE AND THE MONG KOK OUTREACH I NG SOCIAL WORK TEAM — WILL PROVIDE VARIOUS FORMS OF ENTERTAINMENT.
MORE THAN 350 CHILDREN WILL JOIN THE PAINTING COMPETITION FEATURING THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME’S THEME 'HEALTH, HELP AND HAPPINESS’.
OFFICIATING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BE A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ICAC, MR ANTONIO CHUj A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MISS MAK SUK-HAN> AND CARTOONIST MR TAO SUM.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1984
8
SHA TIN SWIMMING GALA TOMORROW III
ABOUT 300 SWIMMERS WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE SHA TIN DISTRICT SWIMMING GALA AT THE JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL TOMORROW (SUNDAY) MORNING.
THE GALA, WITH MORE THAN 60 RACES DIVIDED INTO VARIOUS SECTIONS FOR MEN AND WOMEN, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM WOON-KWONGj SENIOR RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICER, MR MARCUS LEE J THREE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MR NG CHAN-LAM, MR WAI HON-LEUNG AND MR WONG PO-MINGj URBAN SERVICES OFFICER, MR NG YING-NEEN? AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR LI KWONG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
- - 0 --------
LOCAL OPEN SPACE FOR YUEN LONG * * * *
AN OPEN SPACE IS TO BE BUILT NEAR CHUNG SING PRIMARY SCHOOL AT YUEN LONG.
OCCUPYING 2 300 SQUARE METRES, THE OPEN SPACE WILL INCLUDE TWO BASKETBALL-VOLLEYBALL COURTS, A SITTING-OUT AREA, BENCHES, A STOREROOM AND PLANTS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN DECEMBER AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN 18 MONTHS.
TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
--------o----------
LEARNER-DRIVER PROHIBITION
* X X *
FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 8), THE SOUTHERN SECTION OF 01 KWAN ROAD BETWEEN WING CHEUNG STREET AND SUNG TAK STREET IN WAN CHAI WILL BE PROHIBITED TO LEARNER-DRIVERS BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 9 PM DAILY OTHER THAN SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1984
- 9 -
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN CAUSEWAY BAY * * * *
FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 8), TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE MADE URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY FOR ;.BOUT THREE WEEKS.
THESE SECTIONS ARE;
H THE SOUTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF KAI CHIU ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH LEE GARDEN ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES EAST OF THE JUNCTION.
* THE EASTERN CARRIAGEWAY OF LEE GARDEN ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH KAI CHIU ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES SOUTH OF THE JUNCTION.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES, FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED
NO MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS
DURING THE RESTRICTION HOURS.
FIRING PRACTICE
* * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY (OCTOBER 8 TO 13) BETWEEN 8 AM AND 5 PM.
THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
RETAIL SALES UP ................................. *......... 1
QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY SEP FOR OCTOBER.................... 4
PARENTS REMINDED TO RETURN APPLICATION FORMS ..............a. 5
SPECIAL COUNTER TO COLLECT VIEWS ON WHITE PAPER ............. 7
MOBILE TEAMS TO HANDLE NEW I.D. CARDS .......................
85 OOO ENTER CAREERS QUIZ ...................................
HOTLINE FOR REPORTING FIRES .................................
THEN MUN TO HAVE SECOND AMBULANCE DEPOT .....................
RECREATION FOR POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS ...................... 1°
NEW BLOCKS FOR LEI CHENG UK .................................
MARK CT STALLS IN SAI KUNG FOR RENT ......................... 11
OPEN SPACE AT STANLEY BEACH ROAD............................. 11
PUBLIC TOILET IN NORTH POINT ................................
RESTRICTED ZONE INTRODUCED................................... 12
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1984
- 1 -
RETAIL SALES UP * * * *
THE ESTIMATED VALUE OF SALES FOR THE RETAIL TRADE SECTOR IN JULY 1984 WAS $5 693 MILLION, ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AT 168, THE OVERALL RETAIL SALES VALUE INDEX INCREASED BY IQ POINTS OR SIX PER CENT OVER JUNE 1984, AND BY 29 POINTS OR 21 PER CENT OVER JULY 1983.
THE OVERALL RETAIL SALES VOLUME INDEX, AT 116, WAS UP SEVEN POINTS OR SEVEN PER CENT OVER JUNE 1984, AND UP 10 POINTS OR 13 PER CENT OVER JULY 1983.
COMPARED WITH JUNE 1984, RETAIL SALES OF OTHER CONSUMER GOODS IN JULY INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS, THOSE OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS BY SIX PER CENT, CONSUMER DURABLES BY THREE PER CENT, AND FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO BY TWO PER CENT. IN VOLUME TERMS, THEIR CORRESPONDING INCREASES WERE 12 PER CENT, EIGHT PER CENT, TWO PER CENT AND THREE PER CENT.
ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAIL SALES OF FUELS REMAINED UNCHANGED IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.
COMPARED WITH JULY 1983, RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY 23 PER CENT IN VALUE OR 10 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
THOSE OF OTHER CONSUMER GOODS ROSE BY 22 PER CENT IN VALUE OR 12 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
BOTH CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS AND FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 21 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE.
IN TERMS OF SALES VOLUME, CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY NINE PER CENT AND FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO BY EIGHT PER CENT.
FUELS RECORDED THE LOWEST INCREASE IN RETAIL SALES — SIX PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS AND ONE PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS OVER JUNE 1984.
RETAIL SALES OF SUPERMARKET GOODS, CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND DEPARTMENT STORE GOODS, HOWEVER, ONLY RECORDED SLIGHT INCREASES.
COMPARED WITH JULY 1983, RETAIL SALES OF SUPERMARKET GOODS AND MOTOR VEHICLES ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS, WHILE THOSE OF CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND DEPARTMENT STORE GOODS RECORDED RELATIVELY MODERATE INCREASES IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.
/TABLE 1
SUHDAI, OCIOBgH 7» 1984
2 -
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL SALES FIGURE FOR JUNE 1984 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR JULY 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 JULY 1984 RESULTS WITH THOSE OF JUNE 1984 AND JULY 1983 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
GRAPHS 1 AND 2 (WHICH ARE BEING SENT BY FACSIMILE) DEPICT THE INDEX MOVEMENTS OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES FROM JANUARY 1981 TO JUNE 1984 (WITH AVERAGE MONTHLY RETAIL SALES IN 1980 = 100).
AS SHOWN IN GRAPH 1, OVER THE PAST THREE AND A HALF YEARS, THE VALUE INDEX OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE MONTHS OF DECEMBER AND JANUARY BUT DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY.
THESE MOVEMENTS WERE LARGELY DUE TO THE FESTIVE SPENDING AT CHRISTMAS AND CHINESE NEW YEAR.
HOWEVER, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED SALES VALUE INDEX AND THE TREND HAVE GENERALLY FOLLOWED A STEADY UPWARD COURSE OVER THE YEARS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF 1982.
THE VOLUME INDEX OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES, AS DEPICTED IN GRAPH 2, SHOWS A SIMILAR PATTERN OF FLUCTUATING MOVEMENTS TO THE VALUE INDEX.
HOWEVER, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED SALES VOLUME INDEX AND THE TREND ARE MUCH MORE STABLE SINCE THE BEGINNING OF 1983 AS COMPARED WITH THE GRADUAL UPTREND IN SALES VALUE.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE JULY 1984 SURVEY RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT $1.00 PER COPY.
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).
TABLE 1 : TOTAL RETAIL SALES
TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR JULY 1984 (PROVISIONAL FIGURE)
- HKS5 693 MILLION
FOR JUNE 1984 (REVISED FIGURE)
- HK$5 363 MILLION
/WLB .......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1984
TABLE 2
VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR JUNE AND JULY 1984
(MONTHLY AVERAGE OF 1980 - 100)
JUNE 1984 JULY 1984 JULY 1984 COMPARED WITH JUNE 1984 JULY 1934 COMPARED WITH JULY 1983
ITEM INDEX OF
RETA IL
SALES
(A) FOR ALL RETA IL TRADES VALUE (REVISED FIGURES) 158 (PROVISIONAL F IGURES) 168 POINTS % + 10 + 6 POINTS 5® +29 +21
VOLUME 109 116 + 7 + 7 + 10 + 1J
(B) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOL IC DR INKS AND TOBACCO VALUE 176 180 + 4 + 2 +31 +21
VOLUME 112 115 + 3 * 3 + 9 + o
FUELS VALUE 191 191 * * +11 + 6
VOLUME 122 122 X X + 1 + 1
CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS VALUE 161 171 + 10 + 6 +30 +21
VOLUME 106 114 + 9 + 8 + 9 + 1
CONSUMER DURABLES VALUE 158 162 + 4 + 3 +31 +23
VOLUME 118 121 + 3 ♦ 2 +11 + 1 J
OTHER CONSUMER GOODS VALUE 144 160 + 16 +11 +28 + Lt
VOLUME 102 114 + 12 + 12 + 12 + 12
(C) BY SELECTED
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1984
4
(c) BY SELECTED TRADES
SUPERMARKETS VALUE VOLUME 326 200 336 206 + 10 + 6 + 3 + 3 + 107 + 47 +47 +33
MOTOR VEH ICLES VALUE VOLUME 68 41 76 46 + 9 + 5 + 13 + 12 +21 + 9 +37 +23
CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES VALUE VOLUME 220 170 221 172 ♦ 2 + 1 + 1 * 1 +37 +12 +2J + J
DEPARTMENT STORES VALUE VOLUME 135 96 136 97 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 17 + 5 + 15 + 5
NOTES : (1) +FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS +SUPERMARKETS+. AND TOBACCO+ INCLUDES
(2) +CONSUMER DURABLES* INCLUDES +MOTOR VEHICLES*.
(3) +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS+ INCLUDES +DEPARTMENT STORES*.
(4) FIGURES DENOTING CHANGES ARE DERIVED FROM THE UNROUNDED INDEX FIGURES.
(5) * DENOTES NO CHANGE.
..--0-----
QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY SET FOR OCTOBER X X * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING THIS MONTH A SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY.
QUESTIONNAIRES WERE MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENTS IN LATE SEPTEMBER.
REMINDERS ARE NOW BEING SENT TO THOSE WHICH HAVE NOT RESPONDED TO THE INITIAL QUESTIONNAIRES.
/IB ACCORDANCE.......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7» 1984
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982 (LEGAL NOTICE NO. 69 OF 1982, GAZETTED ON MARCH 5, 1982), ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 82 QOO ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ARE DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS INCLUDING THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADE SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, RESTAURANT AND HOTELS) AND THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION? FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES? COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES), WITH FULL ENUMERATION OF ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING? MANUFACTURING? ELECTRICITY AND GAS).
INFORMATION IS BEING SOUGHT FROM EACH ESTABLISHMENT ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND VACANCIES EXISTING ON SEPTEMBER 28, 1984.
SOME 10 000 ESTABLISHMENTS HAVE BEEN SELECTED FROM THE SAMPLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF JULY - SEPTEMBER 1984.
ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR ARE ALSO ASKED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE MAJOR KIND OF BUSINESS ACTIVITIES DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS.
THOSE WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY IN COMPLETING THE FORMS MAY CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE AT 5-436551, 5-444301, 5-455661 OR 5-455668.
- - - - 0 ---------
PARENTS REMINDED TO RETURN APPLICATION FORMS
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED PARENTS WISHING TO APPLY FOR A PRIMARY 1 PLACE FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER 1985 THAT THEY MUST RETURN THEIR APPLICATION FORMS BETWEEN TOMORROW (MONDAY) AND FRIDAY (OCTOBER 12).
PARENTS WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE IN A PARTICULAR GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL SHOULD RETURN THEIR COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS TO THAT SCHOOL DIRECT DURING SCHOOL HOURS.
/THOSE WHO........
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1984
6
THOSE WHO HAVE NO PARTICULAR SCHOOL IN MIND SHOULD RETURN THE COMPETED FORMS DURING OFFICE HOURS TO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING COLLECTION CENTRES FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT:
# LUI KEE EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE, 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, 2/F, HONG KONG.
* EDUCATION DEPARTMENT KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 6/F, KOWLOON.
* EDUCATION DEPARTMENT KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICE, TO KWA wAN MARKET AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 8/F, 165 MA TAU WAI ROAD, TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON.
K SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, 6/F, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, N.T.
* TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO, N.T.
* TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FOU WAH CENTRE, 2/F, 210 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, N.T.
* TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, 1/F, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN, N.T.
* YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, N.T.
* NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE FANLING SUB-OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING, N.T.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY REMINDED PARENTS THAT THEY MAY ONLY SUBMIT ONE APPLICATION FORM.
+IF PARENTS ARE FOUND TO HAVE APPLIED FOR MORE THAN ONE GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SCHOOL, THEIR CHILD’S ELIGIBILITY FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE WILL BE FORFEITED,+ HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
/7
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1984
7
SPECIAL COUNTER TO COLLECT VIEWS ON WHITE PAPER
* * * *
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL SET UP A TEMPORARY COUNTER TO COLLECT VIEWS FROM RESIDENTS ON THE WHITE PAPER ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY), MEMBERS WILL TAKE TURNS OVER THE NEXT TWO WEEKS TO MEET RESIDENTS AND COLLECT THEIR VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS ON THE WHITE PAPER.
THE COUNTER WILL BE OPEN ONLY ON WEEKDAYS (MONDAY TO FRIDAY) FROM ^.30 PM TO 7.30 PM AT THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD.
RESIDENTS WISHING TO MEET THE MEMBERS SHOULD MAKE AN APPOINTMENT wITH THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTER ON 5-8933292 OR 5-752477.
WRITTEN COMMENTS CAN BE HANDED IN OR MAILED TO THE DISTRICT CFF ICE.
ALL VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS COLLECTED WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE.
0
MOBILE TEAMS TO HANDLE NEW I.L. CARDS * * * *
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED WOMEN BORN IN 1955 AND 1956 THAT A MOBILE TEAM, DEALING WITH APPLICATION^ FOR NEW ID. CARDS, WILL OPERATE IN MUI WO FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) (SATURDAY).
TO OCTOBER 13
THE TEAM BRANCH OFFICE TO 4 PM.
WILL BE STATIONED AT THE MUI WO IN SOUTH LANTAU ROAD FROM 10 AM
WOMEN IN THESE AGE GROUPS WHO ARE EITHER ON LANTAU ARE WELCOME TO USE THE SERVICE.
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS TO 1 PM AND FROM 2 Pil
WORKING OR RESIDING
THOSE BORN BETWEEN 1957 AND 1965 WHO MISSED THEIR TURNS TO OBTAIN A NEW I.D. CARD MAY STILL APPLY NOW.
THEIR NEW I.D. CARDS CAN BE COLLECTED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 26 AND 30 FROM THE SAME OFFICE OR MOBILE TEAM HANDLING THEIR APPL ICATIONS.
RESIDENTS WHO WISH TO HAVE THEIR OLD CARDS REPLACED BECAUSE OF LOSS, DAMAGE OR ADMENDMENTS, OR TO APPLY FOR JUVENILE OR ADULT CARDS FOR THE FIRST TIME, MUST GO TO THE REGULAR REGISTRATION OF
PERSONS OFFICES.
/THERE will .......
SOTDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1984
THERE w ILL BE THREE OTHER MOBILE TEAMS OPERATING AT THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULES AND PLACES:
* OCTOBER 15 - 20: NORTH LAMMA RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE, YUNG SHU WAN MAIN STREET, NORTH LAMMA.
# OCTOBER 8 - 20: CHEUNG CHAU FIELD OFFICE, KWAN YAM WAN ROAD, CHEUNG CHAU.
K OCTOBER 8 - 20: SAI KUNG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICE, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG.
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE MOBILE SERVICE CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICES CONCERNED.
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85 000 ENTER CAREERS QUIZ * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S THIRD ANNUAL CAREERS QUIZ, ORGANISED BY ITS YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE, HAS ATTRACTED 85 000 STUDENTS FROM 175 SCHOOLS THIS YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID 75 000 STUDENTS FROM 150 SCHOOLS TOOK PART LAST YEAR.
THE QUIZ AIMS TO MAKE STUDENTS AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CAREER PLANNING AND IT ENCOURAGES THEM TO INVESTIGATE CAREERS AND FURTHER STUDIES.
THIS YEAR’S QUIZ IS BEING SPONSORED BY ATARI HOME COMPUTER SYSTEM. PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS WITH GOOD RESULTS WILL BE AWARDED HOME COMPUTERS, SOUVENIRS AND TROPH IES.
THE QUIZ COMPRISES TWO ROUNDS, AND IN THE FIRST ROUND, STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ANSWER 30 QUESTIONS WITHIN 15 MINUTES IN RELATION TO CAREERS INFORMATION, INDUSTRIAL TRAINING, INFORMATION ABOUT FURTHER STUDIES AND GENERAL KNOWLEDGE ABOUT EMPLOYMENT LAWS.
THE STUDENT WHO SCORES THE HIGHEST MARKS IN HIS CLASS WILL BE AWARDED A SOUVENIR, AND THE THREE SCHOOLS WITH THE HIGHEST TOTAL AVERAGE MARKS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH TROPHIES.
IN THE SECOND ROUND, SCHEDULED TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH, STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO RETURN ANSWER SHEETS AT A CAREERS EXHIBITION TO BE HELD BY THE DEPARTMENT IN THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL FROM NOVEMBER 10 TO 19.
THE THREE STUDENTS WHO SCORE THE HIGHEST MARKS IN THIS ROUND WILL EACH BE AWARDED A HOME COMPUTER, AND THE NEXT IDO STUDENTS WITH HIGH MARKS WILL BE PRESENTED wITH SOUVENIRS.
_ _ o - -
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1^84
- 9 -HOTLINE FOR REPORTING FIRES * * *
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED THE PUBLIC THERE IS A HOTLINE — NO. 5-281224 — FOR REPORTING FIRE HAZARDS.
+THE PUBLIC SHOULD REPORT SUSPECTED FIRE HAZARDS IMMEDIATELY,* A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THEY MAY DO SO THROUGH THE HOTLINE OR TO THEIR NEARBY FIRE STATIONS.
TUEN MUN TO HAVE SECOND AMBULANCE DEPOT
* * * *
THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS TO BUILD THE SECOND AMBULANCE DEPOT AT TUEN MUN.
THE PROJECT INVOLVES CONSTRUCTING A FOUR-STOREY STANDARD AMBULANCE DEPOT WITH FOUR APPLIANCES BAYS, BARRACK ACCOMMODATION, CFFICES, A RECREATIONAL AREA AND A DRILL YARD.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN NOVEMBER AND BE COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR, "w
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID COMPLETION OF THIS DEPOT WOULD EXPAND THE MUCH NEEDED AMBULANCE SERVICE IN THE DISTRICT.
TENDERS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX IN THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST *ING, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 13TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
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/1O .......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1984
10
RECREATION FOR POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS
* * * *
A FUN-FILLED LAND AND WATER SPORTS RECREATION CAMP DESIGNED FOR POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS WILL BE HELD IN SAI KUNG IN EARLY NOVEMBER.
THE CAMP, ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE CF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT’S CHONG HING WATER SPORTS CENTRE ON NOVEMBER 3 AND 4.
IT OFFERS PARTICIPANTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRY THEIR HANDS AT VARIOUS LAND AND WATER SPORTS INCLUDING WINDSURFING. CANOEING, BOAT AND SAMPAN ROWING, ARCHERY, CYCLING AND KITE-FLYING.
ENROLMENT IS LIMITED TO 40 PERSONS AND ALL THE APPLICANTS HAVE TO ATTEND A SWIMMING TEST. THE CAMP FEE IS $20.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE RSS HEAD OFFICE ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF WING ON CENTRE IN CENTRAL. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-458511.
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NEW BLOCKS FOR LEI CHENG UK
IXI
THREE NEW BLOCKS HAVE RISEN FROM THE AGING LEI CHENG UK ESTATE, MARKING A SIGNIFICANT STAGE OF THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE RESETTLEMENT ESTATE.
INTERIOR FITTINGS ARE BEING INSTALLED IN THE NEW HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS WHICH WILL BE READY FOR OCCUPATION IN DECEMBER.
DWARFING THE ADJACENT OLD STYLE HOUSING, THE THREE BLOCKS -ONE A 26-28-STOREY DOUBLE-H AND TWO 19-STOREY SLAB BLOCKS - WILL PROVIDE A TOTAL OF 2 254 FLATS FOR ABOUT 9 000 PEOPLE.
+THE MODERN FLATS IN THESE BLOCKS WILL BE ALLOCATED TO TENANTS AFFECTED IN THE COMING PHASE OF REDEVELOPMENT, THUS ENABLING FURTHER REDEVELOPMENT WORKS ON THE ESTATE TO PROCEED,+ SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TODAY.
HE SAID REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS WERE UNDERWAY FOR TENANTS LIVING IN BLOCKS 4, 5, 6, 7 AND 8 WHICH WERE SCHEDULED FOR DEMOLITION NEXT YEAR.
APART FROM THE NEW BUILDINGS, A SHOPPING CENTRE AND A RESTAURANT STRUCTURE HAVE ALSO BEEN BUILT UNDER THE FIRST PHASE OF THE ESTATE’S REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME TO RELIEVE OVERCROWDING AND IMPROVE THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT FOR TENANTS.
/m LINE........
SUNDAY, OCTOBEB 7. 1584
- 11 -
IN LINE WITH THE AUTHORITY’S DETERMINATION TO HAVE ALL THE 12 MARK I/I I ESTATES COMPLETELY REDEVELOPED BY EARLY 1990’3, THE SPOKESMAN SAID REDEVELOPMENT WORKS WERE BEING SPED UP IN THIS ESTATE.
+UNDER A NEW PROGRAMME, THE REMAINING OLDER BLOCKS ON THE ESTATE WILL BE DEMOLISHED WITHIN A SHORTER TIME SPAN OF FIVE YEARS, TO BE REPLACED BY NEW ONES.+ HE SAID.
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MARKET STALLS IN SAI KUNG FOR RENT
*****
NINE VACANT STALLS AT TUI MIN HOI MARKET IN SAI KUNG WILL BE PUT UP FOR BIDDING ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 12).
THE BIDDING WILL START AT 10 AM AT THE OFFICE OF SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE, GROUND FLOOR, 1 PO TUNG ROAD, SAI KUNG, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE UPSET MONTHLY RENTS RANGE FROM $250 TO $550.
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MAY START BUSINESS ON NOVEMBER 1 ON A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT AND MUST PAY THE RENT QUARTERLY.
BIDDERS SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND FIVE PHOTOGRAPHS.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MAQE WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S SAI KUNG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON 3-2813707.
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OPEN SPACE AT STANLEY BEACH ROAD
XXX
THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF OPEN SPACE AT STANLEY BEACH ROAD.
THE CONTRACT, INVOLVING WORK AT EACH END OF THE CAR PARK AT THE ROAD, WAS ANNOUNCED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE AREA AT ONE END IS ABOUT 440 SQUARE METRES AND FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED INCLUDE A SITTING-OUT AREA, BENCHES AND WOOD ARBOURo.
THE OTHER SITE IS ABOUT 530 SQUARE METRES AND FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED INCLUDE A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND WITH EQUIPMENT, A SITTING-OUT AREA AND A STOREROOM.
/WOHK ON ......
SUNDAY, OCTOBKH 7, 1984
WORK ON THE TWO SITES IS EXPECTED TO START IN NOVEMBER AND COMPLETED IN AUGUST 1985.
TENDERS MUST BE ADDRESSED 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 CFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 13TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
PUBLIC TOILET IN NORTH POINT * * * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUBLIC TOILET AT THE NORTH POINT PASSENGER FERRY CONCOURSE.
THE TWO-STOREY LAVATORY, WHICH WILL INCLUDE A CUBICLE FOR THE DISABLED, WILL BE BUILT ON A 43-SQUARE-METRE SITE.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN JULY NEXT YEAR.
TENDERS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, PUBLIC WORKS TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE PUBLIC WORKS TENDER BOX SITUATED IN THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26. i
TENDER FORMS' AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED^ FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 13TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG. i
RESTRICTED ZONE INTRODUCED
* * *
FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 9), THE SECTION OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD BETWEEN NATHAN ROAD AND PORTLAND STREET WILL EEI MADE A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY. i
WITHIN THE ZONE, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND THOSE AUTHORISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT wILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS} OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS. ||
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1984
CONTENTS RAGE NO.
PRICES AND VOLUMES FOR JULY TRADE.......................... 1
ANTI-DRUG FIGHT SHOWS RESULTS ............................. 4
WORK PLAN TO CLEAR ODOUR NUISANCE.......................... 6
LORD KENNET SEES CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES .................. 7
THREE MP'S ARRIVING TODAY ................................. 7
SEVEN MP'S TO MEET PRESS THIS WEEK......................... 8
CONTEST FOR YOUNG ARTISTS.................................. 8
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING OFFERED ....................
SITTING-OUT AREA FOR SHAU KEI WAN ........................ 10
URBAN COUNCIL PROVIDES ANOTHER LIBRARY ................... 10
BOARD MFMRUIRS TO MEET •••••••••••■•••••••••«•••......... 11
MORE FACILITIES FOR WAN CHAI RESIDENTS ................... 11
WATER STORAGE............................................. 11
FRESH, SALT WATER WORKS .................................. 12
SALT WATER MAINS WORK..................................... 12
ROAD SECTION CLOSURE...................................... 13
SHEUNG SHUT MARKET STALLS FOR RETT ....................... 13
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1934
1
PR ICES AND VOLUMES FOR JULY TRADE
MX*
JULY 1984 PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, RE-EXPORTS AND TOTAL EXPORTS ALL ROSE, ON AVERAGE, BY 15 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH JULY 1983 FIGURES, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT REPORTS.
IMPORT PRICES ROSE BY 14 PER CENT.
AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO CF THE TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO THE IMPORT PRICE INDEX) ROSE BY ONE PER CENT.
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 15 PER CENT AND 29 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, SO THAT THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 20 PER CENT. MEANWHILE, THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT.
A COMPARISON OF THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS’ FIGURES WITH THOSE FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, SHOWS DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 24 PER CENT AND 33 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VOLUME TERMS, WHILE IMPORTS GREW BY 18 PER CENT. OVER THE PERIOD, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, RE-EXPORTS AND IMPORTS ALL ROSE BY 16 PER CENT.
A COMPARISON OF FIGURES FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING JULY THIS YEAR WITH THOSE FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING JULY 1983, SHOWS THAT THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS BOTH ROSE, ON AVERAGE, BY 15 PER CENT, AND THOSE OF IMPORTS BY 17 PER CENT. THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 22 PER CENT AND 29 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, THUS GIVING A 24 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. MEANWHILE, THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 17 PER CENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT 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 CHANGE^.
AS SEEN FROM TABLE 1, THE EXPORT PRICES OF NEARLY ALL COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED, FROM ONE PER CENT FOR WATCHES AND CLOCKS TO 26 PER CENT FOR TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES. HOWEVER, A DECREASE OF EIGHT PER CENT IN EXPORT PRICES WAS REGISTERED FOR METAL ORES AND SCRAP.
THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST OF THE COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY, THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+41%), DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+31%), FOOTWEAR (+29%), METAL MANUFACTURES (+25%), RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+25%), TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+22%) AND CLOTHING (+13%). HOWEVER, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-27%), TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-15%), TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-5%) AS WELL AS WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-2%).
/AS PBBSaiTED.......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1984
- 2
AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORT PRICES OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JULY 1984, RANGING FROM 10 PER CENT FOR BOTH FUELS AND CAPIT^GOODS TO 18 PER CENT FOR RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES^
MANY OF THE MAJOR IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS DECLINED IN VOLUME TERMS, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD, CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS OTHER THAN RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR, ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES AS WELL AS MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS. HOWEVER, INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR SUGAR, MILK, BUTTER, CHEESE AND EGGS AND RICE.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOME MAJOR CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY, THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING CLOTHING, HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS, CAMERAS, FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY AND PASSENGER MOTOR CARS. HOWEVER, SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR TOBACCO MANUFACTURES, MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ARTICLES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND FOOTWEAR.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MOST OF THE RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES ROSE, AMONG WHICH MAN-MADE FIBRES, YARN OF MAN-MADE FIBRES, SPECIAL TEXTILE FABRICS FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSE, THERMIONIC CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, DIODES, TRANSISTORS AND ELECTRICAL MICROCIRCUITS, PAPER AND PAPERBOARD, PLASTIC MOULDING MATERIALS, IRON AND STEEL, WOVEN COTTON FABRICS, WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR AS WELL AS LEATHER AND DRESSED FUR SKINS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY. HOWEVER, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF YARN OF WOOL AND MIXTURES, COTTON YARN AND THREAD, RAW COTTON AS WELL AS CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY.
IMPORTS OF FUELS ROSE BY 69 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
IN THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF NEARLY ALL COMMODITIES INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, THE MORE REMARKABLE ONES BEING OFFICE MACHINES, ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND TEXTILE MACHINERY. HOWEVER, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY, OTHER THAN TEXTILE AND ELECTRICAL TYPES DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY.
AS SHOWN IN TABLE 3, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF NEARLY ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN THE 12-MONTH PERIOD ENDING JULY 1984, RANGING FROM 15 PER CENT FOR CONSUMER GOODS TO 185 PER CENT FOR FUELS. HOWEVER, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS DROPPED BY 13 PER CENT.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE JULY 1984 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS*, WHICH WILL BE ON SALE LATER THIS MONTH AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT HK$2 PER COPY.
/TABLE 1 : ......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 15*54
- 3 -
TABLE 1 : COMPARISON OF JULY 1984 WITH JULY 1983 CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP
COMMODITY GROUP EXPORT VALUE EXPORT UNIT VALUE EXPORT VOLUME
CLOTH ING +39% +22% + 13%
TEXTILE FABRICS +27% +23% + 3%
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD + 1% + 18% . -15%
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES +49% +22% +22%
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS +42% + 14% +25%
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS +47% + 4% +41%
FOOTWEAR +42% + 10% +29%
METAL MANUFACTURES +46% + 16% +25%
METAL ORES AND SCRAP -33% - 8% -27%
WATCHES AND CLOCKS TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR - 1% + 1% - 2%
ARTICLES +20% +26% - 5%
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES +44% + 10% +31%
ALL COMMODITIES ♦33% +15% +15%
TABLE 2 I COMPARISON OF JULY 1984 WITH JULY IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY 1983 CHANGES
IMPORT IMPORT IMPORT
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE UNIT VALUE VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS ♦ 7% + 14% - 6%
CONSUMER GOODS +21% + 12% ♦ 7%
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES +31% + 18% *11%
FUELS +86% + 10% *69%
CAPITAL GOODS +48% + 10% +35%
ALL COMMODITIES +31% + 14% +14%
/TABLE 3 .........
MOTDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1984
TABLE 3 • COMPARISON OF JULY 1984 WITH JULY 1983 CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
END-USE CATEGORY RE-EXPORT VALUE RE-EXPORT UNIT VALUE
FOODSTUFFS + 1% + 16%
CONSUMER GOODS + 31% +14%
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES + 67% + 17%
FUELS +214% + 10%
CAPITAL GOODS + 71% +16%
ALL COMMODITIES + 49% +15%
0-
RE-EXPORT
VOLUME
- 13%
+ 15%
+ 43% +185% + 47% + 29%
ANTI-DRUG FIGHT SHOWS RESULTS
*****
HONG KONG’S EFFORTS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST NARCOTICS ARE SHOWING POSITIVE RESULTS, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR NARCO MR ISAAC CHOW SAID TODAY.
ICS,
THE NUMBER OF PERSONS UNDER 21 YEARS WHO WERE NEWLY REPORTED FOR INVOLVEMENT IN DRUGS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1984 HAD DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY, HE SAID, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE.
DURING THIS PERIOD, 425 YOUNG PERSONS WERE NEWLY REPORTED, A DECREASE OF 28.8 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE 597 IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1983.
+THESE ARE ENCOURAGING SIGNS THAT OUR PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY STRATEGY IS ON THE RIGHT TRACK+, SAID MR CHOW.
EFFORTS WOULD CONTINUE TO BE MADE TO REACH OUT TO YOUNG PEOPLE, WHO ARE MOST EXPOSED TO THE RISK OF DRUG ABUSE, HE SAID.
THE ACTING COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) IS ORGANISING A SERIES OF ANTI-NARCOTICS EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND DISTRICT CAMPAIGNS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
HE SAID THAT THE +SCHOOL TALKS TEAM+ OF THE NARCOTICS DIVISION HAD CONDUCTED 78 DRUG EDUCATION TALKS AT 58 SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO OVER 24 500 STUDENTS SINCE THE LAUNCHING OF THE SCHOOL TALKS PROGRAMME IN FEBRUARY.
/THE AIM, .......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1984
THE AIM, HE SAID, IS TO REACH ALL JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITHIN A THREE-YEAR CYCLE.
ACAN HAS ALSO JOINED HANDS WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND COMMERCIAL RADIO TO LAUNCH A LARGE SCALE ANTI-NARCOTICS ACTIVITY NAMED +STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS MOVEMENT* AS ITS MAJOR PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY EVENT FOR 1984-85.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED AT TODAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE OF ACAN, MR KARL STUMPF.
+THE STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS MOVEMENT IS NOW OPEN TO ALL SECONDARY DAY SCHOOL STUDENTS,* SAID MR STUMPF.
H URGED SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS TO ENCOURAGE THEIR STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE MOVEMENT.
THE MOVEMENT IS AIMED AT GETTING SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN A SERIES OF SPECIALLY DESIGNED ANTI-NARCOTICS COMPETITIONS WITH THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES:
K TO ENHANCE STUDENTS’ AWARENESS OF DRUG ABUSE AND TO GET THEM TO PARTICPATE IN ANTI-DRUG EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES?
H TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY VIGILANCE, AGAINST DRUG ABUSE;
* TO SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR 1985, WHICH HAS THE THEME +PART IC IPAT ION, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE*.
THE COMPETITIONS, WILL INCLUDE A QUIZ, POSTER AND SLOGAN DESIGN, ESSAY WRITING, LYRIC WRITING, SINGING, A TELEMATCH GAME AND AN EXHIBITION STALL DESIGN.
THERE WILL BE A JUNIOR DIVISION COMPRISING TEAMS FROM FORM 1 TO FORM 3, AND A SENIOR DIVISION COMPRISING TEAMS FROM FORM 4 TO FORM UPPER 6.
THE TOP PRIZE WILL BE A PERSONAL COMPUTER WORTH ABOUT $6 OOO FOR EACH OF THE SIX MEMBERS OF THE CHAMPION TEAMS IN BOTH DIVISIONS.
EACH COMPUTER SET WILL CONSIST OF A LASER 3 000 COMPUTER, A DISK-DRIVE, A DISK-CONTROLLER, A GREEN MONITOR AND A FREE COMPUTER TRAINING COURSE.
THE PRIZES FOR THE RUNNERS-UP WILL BE CAMERAS AND SPORTSWEAR.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE MOVEMENT WILL BE A PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY AND CONCERT TO BE HELD AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL ON MARCH 10, 1985. THE CONCERT WILL BE PRODUCED AND BROADCAST LIVE BY COMMERCIAL RADIO ONE.
/PARTICIPANTS SHOULD
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1984
6
APPL ICATION FORMS, TOGETHER POSTER AND SLOGAN DESIGNS, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG,
PARTICIPANTS SHOULD FORWARD THEIR WITH THE ANSWERS OF THE QUIZ AND THEIR TO THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB SECTION OF 4TH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, BY OCTOBER 20.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL SECONDARY DAY SCHOOLS. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE BY TELEPHONE TO THE NARCOTICS DIVISION (5-29514Q) OR THE CYC SECTION OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT (5-8392380).
ALSO PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY WERE THE DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR (CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMEN', MR JOHN DUNN, AND THE ASSISTANT PROGRAMME DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL RADIO ONE, MR ALEX TONG.
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WORK PLAN TO CLEAR ODOUR NUISANCE
* * * *
ORGANIC SEDIMENT FROM KAI TAK NULLAH AND KOWLOON BAY TYPHOON SHELTER WILL BE REMOVED AS PART OF A SCHEME TO TACKLE THE POLLUTION AND ODOUR NUISANCE THERE.
DREDGING WORK, EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER AND TAKE 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE, WILL BE CARRIED OUT ALONG THE CHANNEL ADJACENT TO THE AIRPORT RUNWAY.
THE DREDGING WORK WILL BE THE FIRST MAJOR PHASE IN STAGE II OF THE IMPROVEMENT OF WATER QUALITY SCHEME.
IT WOULD RESULT IN THE REMOVAL OF OBNOXIOUS DEPOSITS OF WASTES, A LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK ARE BEING INVITED BY THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE WASTES ARE THE MAJOR SOURCE OF HYDROGEN SULPHIDE GAS FORMATION, WHICH IS THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF ODOUR NUISANCE IN THE VICINITY.
n....
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1984
7
LORD KENNET SEES CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES
XXX
THE VISITING SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY PEER, LORD KENNET, AND HIS WIFE, TOURED THE MAXIMUM SECURITY STANLEY PRISON AND THE MEDIUM SECURITY TUNG TAU CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION IN STANLEY TODAY (MONDAY).
ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, M? THOMAS GARNER, THEY WERE BRIEFED ON THE CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMMES PROVIDED FOR PRISONERS.
AFTER SEEING VARIOUS FACILITIES, THEY PROCEEDED TO THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE WHERE THEY SAW OFFICERS IN TRAINING.
THEY ALSO HELD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE COUNCIL OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION WHICH CONSISTS OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS GRADES.
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THREE MP’S ARRIVING TODAY
* * K
THREE LABOUR MP’S, MR IAN MIKARDO, MISS JO RICHARDSON AND M3 BARRY SHEERMAN, ARE ARRIVING THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON FOR A VISIT.
THEIR PROGRAMME IN HONG KONG INCLUDES MEETINGS WITH A CROSSSECTION OF THE COMMUNITY AND VISITS TO YUEN LONG DISTRICT, HOUSING ESTATES, A FACTORY AND THE CHI MA WAN CLOSED CENTRE FOR REFUGEES.
THEY WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 13). MR MIKARDO AND MISS RICHARDSON WILL LEAVE HONG KONG THE SAME EVENING, AND MR SHEERMAN WILL LEAVE ON OCTOBER 16.
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/8........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1984
8
NOTE TO EDITORS:
SEVEN MP’S TO MEET PRESS THIS WEEK
lit
SEVEN MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT FROM DIFFERENT POLITICAL PARTIES WILL BE MEETING THE PRESS SOMETIME DURING THIS WEEK, IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, 5TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
TOMORROW (TUESDAY) LABOUR MP, MR ANDREW FAULDS, WILL BE HOLDING A PRESS CONFERENCE, AT 2.45 PM.
ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 10) TWO CONSERVATIVE MP’S, SIR NICHOLAS BONSOR AND MR PETER TEMPLE-MORRIS, WILL BE MEETING THE PRESS, AT 2.45 PM.
AND ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 12), ALSO AT 2.45 PM, SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PEER, LORD KENNET, WILL MEET THE MEDIA.
THE FOLLOWING DAY, SATURDAY (OCTOBER 13) THREE LABOUR MP’S, MR IAN MIKARDO, MR BARRY SHEERMAN AND MISS JO RICHARDSON, WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE, STARTING AT 11 AM.
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CONTEST FOR YOUNG ARTISTS
* X * X
CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 16 ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN AN ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL DRAWING COMPETITION WITH THE FINAL JUDGING EEING HELD IN INDIA.
PUPILS WISHING 'TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SHANKAR’S INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S COMPETITION 1985 SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR DRAWINGS OR PAINTINGS THROUGH THEIR SCHOOL TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR PRELIMINARY SELECTION BEFORE DECEMBER 1.
THE COMMISSION FOR INDIA WILL BE REPRESENTED IN THE LOCAL SELECTION, WHILE THE FINAL SELECTION WILL BE MADE IN INDIA.
EACH STUDENT CAN SUBMIT SIX PAINTINGS OR DRAWINGS, WHICH CAN BE PRESENTED IN ANY MEDIUM EXCEPT BLACK LEAD PENCIL AS SPECIFIED BY THE ORGANISERS, AND WHICH MUST NOT BE MOUNTED. GROUP WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED BY THE ORGANISERS.
THE MINIMUM SIZE OF EACH DRAWING OR PAINTING IS 300 MM X 400 AND ENTRANTS SHOULD STATE ON THE BACK OF EACH ENTRY THEIR NAME, SEX, AGE AND DATE OF BIRTH, NATIONALITY, NAME AND ADDRESS OF SCHOOL, TITLE OF ENTRY AND THEIR ART TEACHER’S SIGNATURE TO CERTIFY THAT THE SUBMISSION IS THE ORIGINAL AND UNAIDED WORK OF THE ENTRANT DUR ING 1984.
ENTRIES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE INSPECTOR (ART), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, 4/F, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE COMPETITION CAN BE MADE AT 5-621967.
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/9......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1984
9
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC M * *
TRAINING OFFERED * * *
STUDENTS WISHING TO RECEIVE BEING OFFERED THE OPPORTUNITY BY
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING ARE THE GOVERNMENT.
THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR ITS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME.
THE SCHEME, COVERING WESTERN AND CHINESE ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTS, IS OPEN TO STUDENTS BETWEEN SIX AND 22 YEARS OF AGE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE SAID TODAY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID FOLLOWING A RECENT TV INTERVIEW GIVEN BY THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MRS DORIS HO, TO PROMOTE A RECRUITMENT DRIVE, THE MUSIC OFFICE HAD RECEIVED HUNDREDS OF TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES.
AT PRESENT. THERE ARE MORE THAN 720 TRAINING CLASSES WITH A TOTAL OF ABOUT 3 500 TRAINEES.
HOUR-LONG CLASSES ARE HELD WEEKLY AT VARIOUS MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE. THE MONTHLY TUITION FEE IS $10 FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS AND $20 FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS.
THE CLASSES ALSO COVER AURAL TRAINING, THEORY AND MUSIC APPRECIATION.
TRAINEES WHO HAVE REACHED THE REQUIRED STANDARD WILL HAVE THE CHANCE OF JOINING THE YOUTH ORCHESTRAS AND BANDS OF THE MUSIC
OFF ICE.
UNDER THE EXISTING HIRE-PURCHASE SCHEME, THE MUSIC OFFICE PROVIDES A TRAINEE WITH AN INSTRUMENT FOR PRACTICE AT HOME AT A MONTHLY FEE OF $10. THE INSTRUMENT WILL BECOME THE PROPERTY OF THE TRAINEE ONCE THE FEES PAID MEET ITS COST.
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM ANY MUSIC CENTRE OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE ENDORSED BY THEIR SCHOOL AUTHORITIES.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE MUSIC OFFICE AT HARBOUR CENTRE, 11TH FLOOR, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, BY OCTOBER 28.
APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND AN ADMISSION TEST IN NOVEMBER OR DECEMBER TO DETERMINE THEIR SUITABILITY.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE AT TELEPHONE 5-741622.
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/1O
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1984
10
SITTING-OUT AREA FOR * * X *
SHAU KEI WAN
IS TO DEVELOP A SITE NEAR FU TAU WAT VILLAGE SITTING-OUT AREA TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR in this denseuy—populated .iea.
THE URBAN COUNCIL I'a SHAU KEI WAN INTO A RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
THE SITE MEASURING 1 380 SQUARE METRES, FORMS PART OF THE LAND ORIGINALLY RESERVED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A UC MARKET. HOWEVER, SINCE THIS PART OF SHAU KEI WAN IS AT PRESENT WELL SERVED BY THE SHAU KEI WAN MARKET AND THE NEWLY OPENED SAI WAN HO MARKET, THERE IS NO IMMEDIATE NEED TO BUILD ANOTHER ONE THERE.
IN FACT A PORTION Or THE LAND HAS ALREADY BEEN DEVELOPED INTO A TEMPORARY PLAYGROUND AND HAS BEEN WELL RECEIVCD BY LOCAL RESIDENTS.
THE SITTING-OUT AREA, ESTIMATED TO COST MORE THAN Si.5 MILLION TO BUILD, WILL INCLUDE THE STANDARD FACILITIES SUCH AS BENCHES, ARBOURS, ’ PL ANTI NG AND TURFING AREAS.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS DUE TO START IN EARLY 1985 AND SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
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URBAN COUNCIL PROVIDES ANOTHER LIBRARY
2 2 1
WITH THE OPENING OF THE LAM TIN PUBLIC LIBRARY, THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT WILL BE SERVED BY TWO LARGE AND THREE SMALL LIBRARIES, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL’S LIBRARIES SELECT COMMITTEE MRS ELSIE ELLIOTT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE LAM TIN PUBLIC LIBRARY, MRS ELLIOTT SAID AN ADDITIONAL SMALL STATIC LIBRARY WILL BE OPENED IN THE SAU MAU PING ESTATE IN 198^. IN THE LONGER TERM, THE COUNCIL HAS PLANS TO REPROVISION THE LARGE LIBRARIES IN SUITABLE URBAN COUNCIL BUILDINGS.
THE LAM TIN PUBLIC LIBRARY IS THE TENTH SMALL STATIC LIBRARY OPERATED BY THE COUNCIL. COVERING AN AREA OF 170 SQUARE METRES AT UNITS NO. 3-6, G/F., BLOCK 20, LAM TIN ESTATE, IT PROVIDES A LENDING SERVICE FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN. THE LIBRARY HAS AN INITIAL STOCK OF 18 000 BOOKS AND NEW TITLES WILL BE ADDED TO PROVIDE A GREATER VARIETY OF READING MATERIAL.
IN ADDITION, A WIDE VARIETY OF LIBRARY EXTENSION AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES WILL BE ORGANISED REGULARLY FOR READERS IN DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS.
THE OPENING HOURS OF THE LIBRARY APE FROM 10 AM TO NOON AND 1 PM TO 6 PM ON WEEKDAYS. IT IS OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND CLOSED ON THURSDAYS.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1984
- 11 -
BOARD MEMBERS TO MEET * * * *
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS VARIOUS ASPECTS OF COMPENSATION FOR LAND RESUMPTION ON LAMMA ISLAND AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR LUK TEI TONG AND TAI TEI TONG IN MUI WO, AND COMMENT ON THE POPULATION AND PLACE NAMES IN THE DISTRICT.
THEY WILL ALSO ENDORSE THE SPENDING OF $24 630 FOR RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACT I VITES.
MORE FACILITIES FOR WAN CHAI RESIDENTS
II X
AN OPEN SPACE COMPRISING A WALLED GARDEN WITH ENTRANCE GATES AND 'PAI LAU’ GUARDED BY TWO PAIRS OF STONE LIONS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ON A 3 700-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THE GARDEN WILL ALSO BE SURROUNDED BY PEBBLE FOOTPATHS, AND WILL HAVE A WATER POOL WITH A CH INESE-STYLE PAVILION ON TOP OF IT, ARTIFICIAL CASCADES, A COVERED DISPLAY AREA, LANDSCAPED SITTING-OUT AREAS AND ARBOURS, A LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH SPOKESMAN SAID.
OTHER FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A REFRESHMENT KIOSK, TOILETS AND A STOREROOM.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
WORK WILL START AT THE END OF THE YEAR AND TAKE 14 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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WATER STORAGE
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 85.0 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 498.018 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 571.789 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 97.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1934
- 12 -
FRESH, SALT WATER WORKS XXX
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CAUSEWAY BAY AND SAN PO KONG WILL Be Turned off from 11 pm on Thursday (October 11) to 6 pm the FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
IN CAUSEWAY BAY, THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY PERCIVAL STREET, LEIGHTON ROAD, LEE GARDEN ROAD, KAI CH IU ROAD AND HENNESSY ROAD INCLUDING NO.482 HENNESSY ROAD AND NO. 1 - 3 JARDINE S CRESCENT.
IN SAN PO KONG, THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY CHOI HUNG ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KING TAI STREET, KING FUK STREET, TSUEK LUK STREET, TAI YAU STREET AND SHEUNG HEI STREET.
MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO TUEN MUN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 13 AM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 11) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
AFFECTED ARE PREMISES IN THE WHOLE TUEN MUN AREA FROM FU TEI TO SAM SHING ESTATE, INCLUDING SIU HONG COURT, SIU ON COURT TAI HING ESTATE, SAN FAT ESTATE, ON TING ESTATE, YAU 01 ESTATE, SHAN KING ESTATE, BUTTERFLY ESTATE, WU KING ESTATE, MELODY GARDEN, SIU SHAN COURT, CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL, TUEN MUN CLINIC, YAN 01 POLYCLINIC, YAN 01 TONG CIRCUIT, AREA 4B, 9, 10, 12 ,19 26, 36 37A AND 37B, PAK KOK AND WU KING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, CHI
LOK
GARDEN AND WALDORF GARDEN.
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SALT WATER MAINS WORK * * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE TURNED CFF FROM 9.30 AM TO 5 PM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 11) FOR MAINS WORK.
AFFECTED AREAS ARE ALL PREMISES AT TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND CHAI WAN KOK, EXCLUDING LAI KING ESTATE, LAI YIU ESTATE AND CHO YIU ESTATE.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1984
- 13 -
ROAD SECTION CLOSURE * * *
THE SECTION OF TUEN MUN ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN ROAD D9 AND PUI TO ROAD, AND THE SECTION OF RUI TO ROAD BETWEEN TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD, WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 12.30 AM AND 5.30 AM FROM OCTOBER 9 (TUESDAY) TO OCTOBER 15 (MONDAY) TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK.
DURING THE ROAD CLOSURE, TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO ROAD D9.
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SHEUNG SHU I MARKET STALLS FOR RENT
X X X
TwENTY-SEVEN VACANT STALLS AT TWO SHEK WU HUI TEMPORARY MARKETS IN SHEUNG SHU I WILL BE PUT UP FOR BIDDING ON OCTOBER 16 (TUESDAY).
THE BIDDING WILL BE HELD AT THE HAWKERS AND MARKETS SECTION OF THE NORTH URBAN SERVICES OFFICE AT FU HING STREET, STARTING 10 AM , A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.
FIFTEEN OF THE STALLS ARE LOCATED AT SHEK WU HUI TEMPORARY MARKET I, AND THE OTHER 12 AT SHEK WU HUI TEMPORARY MARKET II, WITH THEIR UPSET MONTHLY RENTS RANGING FROM $450 TO $1 000.
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MAY START BUSINESS ON NOVEMBER 1 ON A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT AND MUST PAY THE RENT QUARTERLY.
BIDDERS ARE REQUESTED TO BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND FIVE PHOTOGRAPHS.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE HAWKERS AND MARKETS SECTION OF THE NORTH URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON 0-6577016.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE N0A
'CLEARANCE DEFINITELY GOING AHEAD' .............................. 1
9 LEGCO MEETS TOMORROW..........................................
FUNCTIONS OF HALF-WAY HOUSES EXPLAINED .......................... 3
JUNE EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES, PAYROLL STATISTICS RELEASED).....
EMPLOYERS OF DISABLED TO BE THANKED GRANTS OFFERED FOR YOUTH PROJECTS .. SITTING-OUT AREA FOR CHEUNG CHAU .. SLOPE WORK CONTRACT AWARDED .......
TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT 'TELA' WORK
15
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1984
’CLEARANCE DEFINITELY GOING AHEAD’
*****
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JAMES WILSON, TODAY URGED AGERS INVOLVED IN THE SECOND PHASE OF THE TIN SHU I WAI tARANCE TO TAKE UP REHOUSING AND EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE OFFERS WHICH HAVE ALL BEEN ARRANGED.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE CLEARANCE WOULD DEFINITELY GO AHEAD AT THE END OF THE MONTH, ON OCTOBER 31, AND NOT IN DECEMBER AS REPORTED IN SOME NEWSPAPERS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE HAD AGREED TO MAKE SITES AVAILABLE AT SHA CHAU LEI FOR THE INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS INVOLVED IN THE CLEARANCE TO BUILD THEIR ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME SMALL HOUSES GRANTED UNDER THE NEW TERRITORIES SMALL HOUSE POLICY.
THE INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS HAD BEEN ASKED TO PROVIDE THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE THEIR IDEAL LAYOUT FOR THE HOUSES FOR CONSTRUCTION, PUT THE OFFICE HAD SO FAR RECEIVED NO RESPONSE.
THE OFFICE ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THEY NEITHER RECEIVED ANY ORMAL APPLICATION FOR THESE GRANTS ALTHOUGH APPLICATION FORMS ERE PASSED TO THE TIN SHU I WAI VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES FOR DISTRIBUTION ON SEPTEMBER 12.
+SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS FOR SMALL HOUSES WILL ALSO BE ELIGIBLE OR A RENTAL ALLOWANCE TO HELP THEM WITH TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION.
EACH FAMILY WILL BE OFFERED UP TO SI 400 PER MONTH FOR A PERIOD OF NOT LONGER THAN 18 MONTHS,+ MR WILSON SAID.
ALSO, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE HAD ALLOCATED A SITE ON CROWN LAND FOR OTHER AFFECTED VILLAGERS TO BUILD NEW HOMES UNDER AN ANNUAL LICENCE. HOWEVER, NO WORK HAD YET STARTED ON CONSTRUCTION OF THESE HOUSES. THE DISTRICT OFFICER URGED THE AFFECTED VILLAGERS TO COLLEC i THEIR LICENCES AND START WORK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
+FOR THE ANNUAL LICENSEES, EACH WILL GET A ONCE-FOR-ALL REHABILITATION ALLOWANCE OF $11 300.
+THE EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES ARE ALL READY FOR COLLECTION AT 1HE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE VILLAGERS ARE ADVISED TO PICK UP THE CHEQUES NOW.+
ONE OF THE AREAS OF DISAGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND VILLAGERS IS THE QUESTION OF TREES AND WELLS PLANTED OR DUG AROUND FEBRUARY OF THIS YEAR, WELL AFTER THE CLEARANCE WAS ANNOUNCED AND THUS THESE ITEMS DID NOT QUALIFY FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES.
MR WILSON ADDED THAT CONSTRUCTION OF MASSIVE DRA I ANGE CULVERT AND WORK ON THE DIVERSION OF THE TAI RIVER WOULD START IN THE FIRST WEEK OF NEXT MONTH.
THIS IS THE FIRST MAIN CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR WORK IN THE TIN SHU I WAI DEVELOPMENT ZONE.
♦ON COMPLETION OF THE WORK, MUCH OF THE LONG-EXISTING PROBLEM OF LOODING IN PING SHAN AND HA TSUEN WILL BE SOLVED. THIS WILL ALSO MAKE WAY FOR THE MAIN FORMATION OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TIN SHU I WAI DEVELOPMENT,+ HE SAID.
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/2......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1984
2 -
LEGCO MEETS TOMORROW
* * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL BE DEALING WITH NINE BILLS, At 3 EIGHT QUESTIONS RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, DURING ITS FIRST REGULAR MEETING OF THE NEW SESSION TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), FOLLOWING THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS LAST WEEK.
IT WILL ALSO BE DEALING WITH A STATEMENT BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY CONCERNING CHANGES TO THE ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE APPROVED DURING THE FINAL QUARTER ENDING MARCH 31, AND TWO MOTIONS BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, SEEKING APPROVAL OF THE CRIMINAL APPEAL (AMENDMENT) RULES 1984 AND THE MAGISTRATE (FORMS) (AMENDMENT) RULES 1984, MADE BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE IN AUGUST.
THE NINE BILLS DUE FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS ARE;
* SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (1983-84) BILL 1984, TO PROVIDE FOR AN ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR;
* CHARTERED BANK (CHANGE OF NAME) BILL 1984, TO AMEND REFERENCES TO THE BANK IN VARIOUS ORDINANCES CONSEQUENT TO A CHANGE OF NAME;
CIVIL LIABILITY (CONTRIBUTION) BILL 1984, TO WIDEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH A PERSON WHO SHARES LIABILITY WITH ANOTHER PERSON IS OBLIGED TO CONTRIBUTE A SHARE
OF THE DAMAGES;
* COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS BILL 1984, TO INTRODUCE A PILOT PROJECT TO ASSESS THE SUITABILITY OF A COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER SCHEME FOR OFFENDERS.;
* PRIVATE BILLS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, TO AMEND THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE, WITH REGARD TO FEES PAYABLE TO GOVERNMENT;
* PUBLIC BUS SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1984, TO REPEAL A SECTION OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE, DEALING WITH THE MANUFACTURING ORIGIN OF BUSES;
* DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, TO AMEND THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE TO GIVE DUE RECOGNITION TO THE ROLE OF THE NEW FACULTY OF DENTISTRY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG;
* SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE BOARD INCORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, TO AMEND THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE, WITH REGARD TO APPOINTMENTS, AND THE
* DEMOLISHED BUILDINGS (RE-DEVELOPMENT OF SITES) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, TO UPDATE THE WORDING OF THE PRINCIPAL ORD INANCE.
/as usomc:uL.....
TUBSBAT, OCTOBER 9. 1984
3
AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER’S BILL, STANDARD CHARTERED ASIA LIMITED 1984, WILL ALSO BE MOVED AND READ A SECOND TIME AT TOMORROW’S ET ING.
THE EIGHT QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS DEAL rtITH SUCH MATTERS AS REPRESENTATIONS TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE, THE POLICY REGARDING THE RIGHT OF ABODE, AND THE USE OF ROADS BY HEAVY LORRIES AND OVER-SIZED VEHICLES.
FUNCTIONS OF HALF-WAY HOUSES EXPLAINED X * * *
HALF-WAY HOUSES WERE FOR EX-MENTAL PATIENTS +THE FIRST STEPPING-STONE OR BRIDGE BACK TO FULL INTEGRATION INTO A NORMAL WORKING AND SOCIAL LIFE+, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TONIGHT (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A DINNER MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF KOWLOON CENTRAL, HE SAID: +INCREASINGLY HALF-WAY HOUSES ARE REFERRED TO AS ’THERAPEUTIC’ COMMUNITIES AND I THINK THAT THIS TERM IS MOST HELPFUL TO AN UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR FUNCTION.+
ALTHOUGH EX-MENTAL PATIENTS WERE NO LONGER ILL, HE SAID, THEY STILL NEEDED THERAPY TO HELP THEM TO RE-ESTABLISH THEIR SELFCONFIDENCE, INDEPENDENCE AND ENTHUSIASM FOR LIFE.
THIS THERAPY WAS PROVIDED IN A NUMBER OF WAYS: THROUGH INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP COUNSELLING BY STAFF IN THE HALF-WAY HOUSE, BY HELPING THE EX-PATIENT TO FIND AND SETTLE INTO A SUITABLE JOB, AND BY HELPING HIM TO BECOME AT EASE IN THE NORMAL TASKS OF DAILY LIVING.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT AT THE CRITICAL STAGE WHEN AN EXMENTAL PATIENT RETURNED HOME FROM HOSPITAL AND NEEDED TO REGA N SELF-CONFIDENCE, IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT HE SHOULD RECEIVE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO FACE LIFE SQUARELY ONCE AGAIN.
+IDEALLY, DISCHARGED MENTAL PATIENTS SHOULD RECEIVE THIS SUPPORT FROM THOSE NEAREST AND DEAREST TO THEM.
+UNFORTUNATELY, THIS IS NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE; EITHER BECAUSE A RETURN TO THEIR OWN HOMES COULD WELL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE EXPOSURE TO THE STRESS AND UNHAPPINESS WHICH CAUSED THE MENTAL BREAKDOWN IN THE FIRST PLACE; OR BECAUSE THERE ARE NO FAMILY MEMBERS WHO ARE ABLE OR WILLING TO HELP,+ HE SAID.
THIS WAS WHERE THE HALF-WAY HOUSE PLAYED SUCH AN IMPORTANT ROLE, HE ADDED.
IT PROVIDED SHELTER, REGULAR MEALS AND THE SECURITY OF AN ORDERED LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
/n ALSO ........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1984
IT ALSO CREATED A COMMUNITY IN WHICH THE EX-MENTAL PATIENT : !lD SLOWLY FIND HIS FEET AND WAS SURROUNDED BY UNDERSTANDING A’ SYMPATHETIC PEOPLE.
MR CHAMBERS SAID IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT JUST OVER 1 OOO .-iAlF-wAY HOUSE PLACES WERE NEEDED IN HONG KONG.
BUT HE ADDED THAT AS WITH SO MANY ESTIMATES OF DEMAND FOR REHABILITATION SERVICES, THIS FIGURE HAD TO BE KEPT UNDER REGULAR REVIEW.
HE SAID IT WAS THE JOB OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, TO TRY TO INCREASE THE PRESENT CAPACITY OF 250 HALFWAY HOUSE PLACES TO THE TARGET OF 1 040 PLACES BEFORE THE END OF THE DECADE.
+IN ORDER TO DO THIS, WE HAVE MADE A GREAT EFFORT TO FIND SUITABLE ACCOMMODATION TO ESTABLISH HALF-WAY HOUSES,+ HE SAID.
+AS WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF MOST SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, WE RELY HEAVILY ON THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME TO PRODUCE GOOD QUALITY, EASILY ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATION WHICH CAN BE CONVERTED FOR WELFARE USE QUICKLY OR ECONOMICALLY.
+IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR US TO DO THIS, BECAUSE MORE THAN 49 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION OF HONG KONG LIVE IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES,* HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT, HOWEVER, THAT NOT ALL HALF-WAY HOUSES WOULD BE LOCATED IN PUBLIC HOUSING. SOME WOULD BE IN LEASED PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION AND ABOUT HALF OF THE PLANNED PLACES WOULD BE IN PURPOSE-DESIGNED BUILDINGS.
+NEVERTHELESS,* MR CHAMBERS SAID, +1 CANNOT STRESS TOO STRONGLY THAT WE SHALL NOT BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE THE PLANNED EXPANSION OF THIS SERVICE WITHOUT SITING QUITE A NUMBER OF HALFWAY HOUSES IN HOUSING ESTATES.*
REFERRING TO INCREASING OPPOSITION IN RECENT MONTHS TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF HALF-WAY HOUSES IN SOME PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, HE SAID ONE COULD UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE LIVING IN THESE ESTATES WERE UNEASY ABOUT HAVING FORMER MENTAL PATIENTS IN THEIR MIDST.
+SOMETIMES THEY DO APPEAR TO BEHAVE RATHER STRANGELY AND THERE HAVE OF COURSE BEEN TRAGIC INCIDENTS INVOLVING SUCH PEOPLE -ALTHOUGH I WOULD POINT OUT THAT THE GREAT MAJORITY OF VIOLENT CRIMES ARE COMMITTED BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO HISTORY OF MENTAL illness,* he said.
THE FIRST HALF-WAY HOUSE WAS OPENED BY THE NEW LIFE PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION IN 1^64 AND EIGHT OTHERS HAD SINCE BEEN SET UP.
/+S0 FAS.........
5
+S0 FAR, TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE,+ HE SAID, +THERE HAS LCEN NO INCIDENT IN WHICH THE RESIDENTS IN THESE HALF-WAY HOUSES HAVE HARMED THEIR NEIGHBOURS IN ANY WAY.*
♦ IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES,* HE ADDED, + IT IS NEVER POSSIBLE TOi GIVE AN ABSOLUTE GUARANTEE THAT NOTHING UNTOWARD WILL EVER HAPPEN, BUT THE FACT THAT NOTHING HAS H-.PPENED IN TWENTY YEARS IS VERY REASSURING.+
MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT SOMETIMES IT SEEMED AS THOUGH PEOPLE WERE SAYING +YES, THE GOVERNMENT MUST DO SOMETHING MORE TO HELP THE MENTALLY ILL - AS LONG AS THEY DON’T DO IT CLOSE TO WHERE WE LIVE.*
■ •■THIS MAY BE UNDERSTANDABLE,* HE SAID, +BUT TO PURSUE THIS ATTITUDE TO ITS LOGICAL CONCLUSION WOULD MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO PROVIDE THE REHABILITATION SERVICE THAT DISCHARGED MENTAL PATIENTS NEED.*
* FURTHERMORE, MENTAL ILLNESS IS NOT ALWAYS SOMETHING WHICH HAPPENS TO SOMEONE ELSE I WE CAN NEVER BE SURE THAT OUR OWN FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY NOT NEED THIS SERVICE AT SOME TIME.
+SO MENTAL ILLNESS IS NOT JUST SOMEONE ELSE’S PROBLEMS' IN A CARING COMMUNITY IT SHOULD BE EVERYONE’S PROBLEM,* HE SAID.
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JUNE EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES, PAYROLL STATISTICS RELEASED ******
THERE WERE 922 400 PEOPLE EMPLOYED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN JUNE THIS YEAR UP 2.1 PER CENT OVER THE SAME MONTH OF 1983, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS
DEPARTMENT.
600 PEOPLE,
AT THE SAME TIME, THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR EMPLOYED 548 600 PEOPLE, A 5.4 PER CENT INCREASE OVER JUNE 1983.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, AT 167 300, WAS UP 2.5 PER CENT.
BUT EMPLOYMENT IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES DECLINED BY 9.9 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH THE JUNE 1983 FIGURE.
/A DEPAEWEiT
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1984
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE STATISTICS FOR MAJOR SECTORS-y THE ECONOMY IN JUNE 1984 WERE DERIVED FROM THE SURVEY OF ’,-iOYMENT VACANCIES AND PAYROLL CONDUCTED EVERY QUARTER BY THE DEPARTMENT^ COVERING THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, lHE WHOLE AND RE_ Import and export trades, and restaurants and hotels sector, and THE FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR.
A SEPARATE EMPLOYMENT SURVEY COVERS BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITPS THE OVERALL FIGURES BY MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS, TOGETHER WITH A COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR JUNE 1983 AND
AS FOLLOWS:
MARCH 1984, ARE
PERSONS ENGAGED (EMPLOYMENT) IN PERCENTAGE CHANGE *
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY JUNE 83 MAR. 84 JUNE 84 JUNE 84 ON JUNE 83 JUNE 84 ON MAR. 84
MANUFACTURING 903 400 869 300 922 400 +2.1 +6.1
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION (MANUAL WORKERS ON SITES ONLY) 74 400 71 600 67 000 -9.9 -6.4
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 520 400 533 100 548 600 ♦5.4 +2.9
FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 163 300 165 □00 167 300 +2.5 +1.4
* BASED ON UNROUNDED EMPLOYMENT FIGURES.
PER CENT
RELATIVE TO MARCH 1984, EMPLOYMENT INCREASED BY 6.1
FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, BY 2.9 CENT FOR THE J!fjOLE|ALE AND RETAIL IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AND BY*1.4 PER CENT FOR THE FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUS INESS*SERV ICES SECTOR. HOWEVER, EMPLOYMENT IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES DECREASED BY 6.4 PER CENT.
THE SURVEY ALSO PROVIDED VACANCY STATISTICS FOR THESE MAJOR SECTORS OTHER THAN FOR BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION. THE OVERALL FlGURES’BY MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS, TOGETHER *’JH A COMPARISON W TH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR JUNE 198j> AND MARCH 1984, ARE As
FOLLOWS:
/SDUECTED MAJOR
TUESLaY, OCTOBER 9, 1984
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY JUNE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES IN 84 PERCENTAGE CHANGE X
83 MAR. 84 JUNE JUNE 84 ON JUNc 83 JUNE 84 ON MAR. 84
MANUFACTUR ING 32 940 49 060 39 420 + 19.7 -19.6
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 4 010 6 580 5 540 +38.1 -15.9
FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 1 X BASED ( 940 2 500 2 )N UNROUNDED VACANCY 140 +10.2 FIGURES. -14.5
COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING MONTH IN 1983, INCREASES OF 19 7 PER CENT 38.1 PER CENT AND 10.2 PER CENT IN THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES WERE RECORDED IN JUNE 1984 FOR THE M£NUFACTURING SECTOR, THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND GRADES, AND
RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR AND THE FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR RESPECTIVELY.
RELATIVE TO MARCH 1984, DECREASES OF 19.6 PER CENT, 15.9 PER CENT AND 14.5 PER CENT IN THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES WERE REGISTERED FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR AND ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR
THE FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL RESPECTIVELY.
ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE OUTLAYS IN THE MANUFACTURING
SURVEY ARE STATISTICS ON MONTHLY PAYROLL SECTOR, THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, Import and export trades, and resJAurants and hotels sector, and THE FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS oERVCES SECTOR. QUARTERLY TOTALS FOR EACH OF THESE SECTORS ARE SHurN IN THE
FOLLOWING TABLE:-
/SELECTED MAJOR
TUESMY, OCTOBER 9, 1984
- 8 -
TOTAL QUARTERLY PAYROLL IN % CHANGE *
SELECTED major SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY 2ND QTR. 1983-HKS MN 2ND QTR. 1984 HKJ MN 2ND 2ND QTR. 1934 ON QTR. 1933
MANUFACTURING 5 613 6 752 +20.3
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 3 542 4 186 + 18.2
FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 1 905 2 240 +17.6
* BASED ON UNROUNDED PAYROLL F IGURES.
RELATIVE TO THE SAME QUARTER A YEAR AGO, PAYROLL OUTLAYS IN THE ABOVE THREE SECTORS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1934 INCREASED BY 2D.3 PER CENT, 18.2 PER CENT AND 17.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
AFTER ADJUSTMENT FOR VARIATIONS IN TOTAL PAYROLL OUTLAYS ARISING FROM CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT, A NOMINAL INDEX CF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IS OBTAINED. TO ALLOW FOR THE EFFECTS CF PRICE CHANGES, THE NOMINAL INDEX IS DEFLATED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) TO GIVE THE REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED. VALUES OF THESE TWO INDICES ARE GIVEN IN THE TABLES BELO*:-
NOMINAL INDEX OF
PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED (JUNE 1980 - 100) % CHANGE
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY JUNE 83 JUNE 84 JUNE 84 ON JUNE 83
MANUFACTUR ING 150.4 175.8 + 16.9
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS
FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES
152.5
155.1
168.9 +10.8
179.1 +15.5
/hbal index............
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1984
9
REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED (JUNE 1980 - 100) % CHANGE
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY JUNE 83 JUNE 84 JUNE 84 ON JUNE 83
MANUFACTUR ING 107.4 114.5 +6.6
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AMD EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 108.9 110.0 + 1.0
FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 110.8 116.7 +5.3
COMPARED WITH JUNE 1983, INCREASES OF 16.9 PER CENT, 10.8 PER CENT AND 15.5 PER CENT WERE REGISTERED IN THE NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE WHOLESALt AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR AND THE FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED SHOWED INCREASES OF 6.6 PER CENT, 1.0 PER CENT AND 5.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE ABOVE SECTORS.
EMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR SELECTED INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES WITHIN THE FOUR SECTORS ARE GIVEN IN THE FOLLOWING TABLESs-
I. MANUFACTURING SECTOR
INDUSTRY GROUP
EMPLOYMENT IN X
MAR. 84 JUNE 84
PERCENTAGE CHANGE X
JUNE 84 ON
MAR. 84
WEARING APPAREL (EXCLUDING KNITWEAR FROM YARN) 257 600 262 400 + 1.9
TEXTILES ( INCLUDING KN IT?' . AR FROM YARN) 112 000 115 700 + 3.3
/blbctbicai MACHIEEBY,
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1984
- 10 -
El ECTR ICAL MACHINERY, ALLIANCES AND S'QPLIES, INCLUDING electronic products 129 900 147 800 +13.8
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 88 300 101 000 + 14.4
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 67 800 70 900 + 4.6
X CONCURRENT WITH THE SEPTEMBER 1982 ROUND OF THE SURVEY,
A' INDUSTRY UPDATING EXERCISE WAS PERFORMED. RESULTS OF THIS EXERCISE HAVE BEEN USED TO UPDATE INFORMATION ON BUSINESS ACTIVITIES OF EACH AND EVERY ESTABLISHMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR (I.E.
IS IC MAJOR DIVISION 3) AS FROM THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1983. STATISTIC^ SINCE THIS QUARTER ANALYSED BY INDUSTRY ARE, THEREFORE, NOT STRICTLY COMPARABLE WITH THOSE IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTERS. IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT THE FIGURES FOR JUNE 1983 ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE TABLE.
H BASED ON UNROUNDED FIGURES.
II. CONTRACTING PARTY BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR
(MANUAL WORKERS ON SITES ONLY)
EMPLOYMENT IN PERCENTAGE CHANGE *
JUNE 83 MAR. 84 JUNE 84 JUNE 84 ON JUNE 83 JUNE 34 ON MAR. 34
HOUSING DEPARTMENT 16 500 13 200 11 600 -29.7 -12.0
OTHER GOVERNMENT
DEPARTMENT X 17 800 18 500 16 600 - 6.5 -10.4
RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION XX 6 000 6 000 5 100 -15.8 -15.9
PRIVATE SECTOR XXX 34 100 33 800 33 700 - 1.0 - 0.3
X ALL SITES UNDER THE CHARGE OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT; ALSO INCLUDING KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION SITES NOT REGISTERED WITH THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE, FOR WHICH CONSTRUCTION WORK WAS COMMITTED, CONTRACTED OR STARTED BEFORE FEBRUARY 1, 1983.
/St CONSiraUCTICK SITES...........
TOESBAT, OCTOBER 9, 1984
XX CONSTRUCTION SITES CONTRACTED OUT BY MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION AND KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION THAT ARE NOT REGISTERED WITH BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE. IN THE CASE OF KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION SITES, ONLY THOSE CONTRACTED OUT AFTER FEBRUARY 1, 1983 ARE INCLUDED. THOSE CONTRACTED OUT BEFORE FEBRUARY 1, 1983 ARE INCLUDED UNDER OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT.
XXX INCLUDING THOSE SUPER-STRUCTURES ON SITES ABOVE THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATIONS OR THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY STATIONS WHICH WERE REGISTERED WITH THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE, E.G. THOSE REAL-ESTATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS DEVELOPED JOINTLY WITH PRIVATE DEVELOPERS.
* based on ^rounded f igures.
III. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR
INDUSTRY GROUP JUNE EMPLOYMENT IN PERCENTAGE CHANGE *
• 83 MAR. 84 JUNE 84 JUNE 84 ON JUNE 83 JUNE 84 ON MAR. 84
WHOLESALE TRADE 58 000 60 400 62 200 *7.2 *3.0
RETAIL TRADE 163 □00 163 500 165 300 + 1.4 +1.1
IMPORT/EXPORT
BUSINESS 136 000 142 900 148 600 *9.2 *J.9
RESTAURANTS,
CAFES AND BARS 141 coo 143 900 150 000 *6.4 *4.Z
HOTELS AND
BOARDING HOUSES * BASED 22 300 ON UNROUNDED 22 400 F IGURES. 22 600 *1.2 *0.9
/IV. TXHAHCE, IBSPBAKCE,
TU8SMY, OCTOBEE 9, 1984
- 12 -
IV. FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR
INDUSTRY GROUP EMPLOYMENT IN PERCENTAGE CHANGE M
JUNE 84 ON JUNE 83 JUNE 84 ON MAR. 84
JUNE 83 MAR. 84 J IUNE 84
MONETARY INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING BANKS 51 100 52 100 50 900 -0.4 -2.2
REAL ESTATE COMPAN IES 27 500 27 500 28 300 +3.1 +2.8
OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS 23 900 23 800 24 100 +1.1 +1.5
ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING FIRMS 6 600 6 600 7 300 +9.5 +9.5
ENGINEER ING, ARCHITECTURAL AND TECHNICAL SERVICES * BASED ON 10 200 UNROUNDED 9 700 9 400 -7.7 EMPLOYMENT FIGURES. -2.7
FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE FOLLOWING OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS STATISTICS SECTIONS NR NG KUNG-TAK (5-434185), MR LO WING-LEUNG (5-434185), MR CHOI FUN-TAI (5-455668), OR MR CHIU FOOK-CHING (5-446720).
/13
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1984
EMPLOYERS OF DISABLED TO BE THANKED * * * *
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR RON BRIDGE, WILL PRESENT uJUVENIRS ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 12) TO 10 LOCAL EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE EMPLOYED MOST DISABLED PEOPLE THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT’S SELECT IV PLACEMENT SERVICE.
THE CEREMONY WILL BE HELD IN THE BANQUET ROOM, 27TH FLOOR, HOTEL PLAZA, CAUSEWAY BAY, AT 4 PM.
THE EMPLOYERS ARE AUDIOTRON ICS LTD., HONG KONG SECURITY 'TD.. DURABLE ELECTRICAL METAL FTY. LTD., WILSON PARKING (H.K.) PTY. LTD., HUNG NIEN ELECTRONICS LTD., URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMEN EASTERN TIME LTD., MILLIE’S HANDBAGS AND SHOES FTY. LTD., SECURITY ALLIANCE LTD., AND NATIONAL ELECTRONICS AND WATCH CO. LTD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
_ _ 0 - -
GRANTS OFFERED FOR YOUTH PROJECTS * * * *
YOUTH GROUPS PLANNING ANY INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS MAY APPLY FOR GRANTS FOR THEIR WORK FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT UNDER ITS +OPPORTUNIT IES FOR YOUTH SCHEME*.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS AND DETAILS OF PROJECTS SHOULD REACH THE DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH AND COMMUNITY OFFICES BY MONDAY (OCTOBER 15).
EACH PARTICIPATING GROUP SHOULD AT LEAST COMPRISE SEVEN MEMBERS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 15 AND 25 AND SHOULD BE SPONSORED BY EITHER A SCHOOL, A YOUTH AGENCY OR A BUSINESS ORGANISATION, HE SAID.
GROUPS WITHOUT SPONSORS MAY STILL APPLY IF THEY ARE APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
AN APPROVED PROJECT MAY BE GIVEN A SUBSIDY OF UP TO 34 000.
APPLICATION FORMS AND EXPLANATORY LEAFLETS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE YOUTH AND COMMUNITY OFFICES.
OVER $215 0'00 HAS BEEN GRANTED TO 86 PROJECTS, IN WHICH NEARLY 2 500 YOUNG PEOPLE TOOK PART THIS YEAR.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1984
u
SITTING-OUT AREA FOR CHEUNG CHAU
* * * *
AN 850-SQUARE-METRE LOCAL OPEN SPACE WHICH WILL BE USED AS A SITTING-OUT AREA IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN FRONT OF PAK TAI TEMPLE ON CHEUNG CHAU.
THE AREA ALREADY HAS A MINI-SOCCER PITCH, AND THE LOCAL OPEN SPACE WILL BE BUILT NEXT TO IT.
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED THE $890 000 CONTRACT TO TAI DOU BUILDING CONTRACTOR FOR THE PROJECT, WHICH INCLUDES LANDSCAPING THE SITTING-OUT AREA AND BUILDING A PAVILION, A CHILDREN S PLAY AREA
AND AN ELECTRICITY METER ROOM.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE WORK, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO TAKE FIVE MONTHS, IS THE PROVISION OF LIGHTING AND COURT-MARKINGS FOR THE MINI-SOCCER PITCH.
_ _ _ _ 0 -------
SLOPE WORK CONTRACT AWARDED * * * *
SLOPE REMEDIAL WORKS COSTING $26.7 MILLION WILL SOON BE CARRIED OUT AT LAI YIU ESTATE.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO TAKE 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
IT WILL INCLUDE IMPROVEMENTS TO DRAINAGE, AND IS INTENDED
TO BRING THE SLOPES UP TO CURRENT GEOTECHNICAL STANDARDS.
LANDSCAPING WORK WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT TO ENHANCE
THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT WITHIN THE ESTATE AREA.
SIMILAR WORK WILL BE UNDERTAKEN IN THE NEARBY LAI KING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.
A CONTRACT FOR THE WORK HAS BEEN AWARDED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO ENPACK (HONG KONG) LIMITED.
-----0-----
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1984
- 15 -
TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT ’TELA’ WORK ******
MEMBERS OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WENT TODAY (TUESDAY) TO SEE HOW THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY (TELA) CARRIES OUT ITS WORK.
DURING THE TWO-HOUR VISIT, THEY WERE BRIEFED BY TELA STAFF ABOUT THE AIM, CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES OF FILM AND TELEVISION CENSORSHIP. THEY ALSO LEARNED HOW OBJECTIONABLE SCENES ARE CUT FROM FILMS, AND HOW TV PROGRAMMES AND ADVERTISEMENTS ARE EXAMINED.
DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS CARRIE CHENG SAID THE VISIT WAS DESIGNED TO ENABLE MEMBERS TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORK OF VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR TERMS OF REFERENCE DEALING WITH A PARTICULAR SUBJECT.
IN
+THROUGH SUCH VISITS, MEMBERS WILL BE IN A BETTER POSITION TO MAP OUT THEIR PLANS PROPERLY IN THE FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN AT THE LOCAL LEVEL,* SHE SAID.
THE COMMITTEE HAS BEEN HOLDING REGULAR MEETINGS WITH VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, LIKE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEMS OF DEALING WITH SERIOUS CRIME, SUCH AS ROBBERIES AND BURGLARIES.
A SEMINAR ENTITLED ^COMMUNITY AGAINST CR IME+ WILL BE HELD NEXT MONTH TO ENCOURAGE MASS COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN BEATING CRIME IN THE DISTRICT.
+EVENTS DESIGNED FOR YOUTH PARTICIPATION HAVE ALSO BEEN ORGANISED AS YOUTH CRIME CONTINUES TO BE A MAJOR CONCERN AMONG COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND SCHOOL PRINCIPALS,* MISS CHENG SAID.
THESE INCLUDE A +FIGHT YOUTH CRIME CAMP* AND A +FIGHT CRIME BOOKMARK COMPETITION*, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE DISTRICT’S CAMPAIGN IS A FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL TO BE HELD AT THE TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND IN JANUARY.
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD AND THE CITY AND N.T. ADMINISTRATION HAVE SPENT ABOUT $52 OOO ON THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN.
-----0-----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
CONTROLS ON SPENDING WORKING WELL, FS SAYS ............... 1
1983-84 DEFICIT 5100 MILLION BELOW ESTIMATE .............. 1
NAMES WILL NOT BE DISCLOSED............................... 2
NO LOSS OF 'RIGHT TO LAND' IN HK.......................... 3
CASE NOT HANDLED IN SATISFACTORY MANNER — AG.............. 3
NEW FORM OF PUNISHMENT PROPOSED .......................... 5
ACTION TAKEN OVER FIRE THREAT ............................ 6
CLEARING WAY FOR DENTAL GRADUATES ........................ 7
JOB PROSPECTS ............................................ 8
CIVIL LIABILITY BILL INTRODUCED .......................... 9
SAFETY CONTROLS ON LARGE LORRIES EXPLAINED .............. 10
TV PROGRAMMES GETTING BETTER............................. 11
+FLOOR AREA+ IN PLAGE OF +VOLUME! PROPOSED............... 13
BILL TO REMOVE LEGAL RELIC .............................. 14
REVISED FEE FOR PRIVATE BILLS PROPOSED .................. 14
WIDER ELECTION CHOICE SOUGHT ............................ 15
BILL ON NEW NAME OF BANK................................. 15
'NO GENERAL EXPLANATION NEEDED ON COMPANIES LAWS' ...... 16
DEMAND FOR TECHNICAL TRAINING CONTINUES ................. 17
■RTT.T. TO MERGE TWO DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ........... 18
HOUSING AUTHORITY BREAKS RECORDS, SETS NW TARGETS ....... 19
'MODERN STJNOGRAPHY METHODS' FOR COURTS ................ 21
MP'S TOUR YUEN LONG DISTRICT ............................... 22
RESIDENTS TO SPEAK UP ON 'WHITE PAPER....................... 22
COMMUNITY SUPPORT NEED FTP FOR CAREERS EDUCATION ........... 23
MAINS WORK IN TUEN MUN ..................................... 24
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1984
1
CONTROLS ON SPENDING WORKING WELL, FS SAYS * * * *
CONTROLS ON PUBLIC EXPENDITURE WERE WORKING WELL, THE FINANCIAL ,r ETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE MADE THE COMMENT WHEN TABLING THE SCHEDULE OF SUPPLEMENTARY DIVISION FOR THE FINAL QUARTER OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1983-84, COVERING A TOTAL OF $12.8 MILLION.
SIR JOHN EXPLAINED THAT OF THE AMOUNT, $10.5 MILLION WAS FOR VARIOUS SALARY ADJUSTMENTS ARISING MAINLY FROM THE 1983 PAY INCREASE FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, AND $1.5 MILLION WAS FOR A LOAN TO THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE.
THERE WAS NO NET INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE RESULTING FROM THE SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION COVERED BY THE SCHEDULE, HE SAID.
+IT WAS OFFSET EITHER BY SAVINGS UNDER THE SAME HEAD OF EXPENDITURE OR BY THE DELETION OF FUNDS UNDER THE ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS VOTES.
♦THE CONTROLS ARE WORKING WELL.+ SIR JOHN SAID.
ALL EXCEPT ONE OF THE ITEMS INCLUDED IN THE SCHEDULE HAD BEEN APPROVED UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY AND RESULTING CHANGES TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE HAD BEEN REPORTED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. THE REMAINDER HAD BEEN APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, HE SAID.
-------0 - - - -
1983-84 DEFICIT $100 MILLION BELOW ESTIMATE * X * *
THE FINAL DEFICIT FOR FISCAL 1983-84 WAS MORE THAN $100 MILLION BELOW HIS APRIL ESTIMATE. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
ACTUAL REVENUE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR WAS $30 400 MILLION AND THE FINAL DEFICIT WAS $2 993 MILLION, COMPARED WITH AN ESTIMATED DEFICIT OF $3 100 MILLION, SIR JOHN SAID, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (1983-84) BILL 1984.
THE BILL SEEKS TO GIVE FINAL LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY FOR THE AMOUNT OF SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION APPROVED IN RESPECT OF PARTICULAR HEADS OF EXPENDITURE BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OR UNDER POWERS DELEGATED BY IT.
HE TOTAL NET SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION REQUIRED WAS $537.7 MILLION UNDER 31 HEADS.
/SIB josh .......
WN3SDA.T, OCTOBER 10, 1984
2 -
SIR JOHN SAID THE EXCESS WAS LARGELY ACCOUNTED FOR BY THE '583 SALARIES REVISION FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE ($186 MILLION) AND ■ v'FRNMENT SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS ($193 MILLION) AND FOR THE rMENT OF PENSIONS, RETIRING ALLOWANCES AND GRATUITIES TO CONTRACT OFFICERS ($55 MILLION).
OTHER MAJOR CONTRIBUTING FACTORS INCLUDED THE APPROVED INCREASES IN RATES AND INCREASED CASELOADS IN RESPECT OF CHILD CARE CENTRES FEE ASSISTANCE, PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE AND THE GRANT TO THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL TO MEET CASH FLOW REQUIREMENTS WHICH COULD NOT BE REALISTICALLY ASSESSED AT THE TIME OF PREPARING THE ESTIMATES, HE SAID.
HE REPORTED THAT THE ACTUAL EXPENDITURE ON GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT FOR THE WHOLE OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR WAS $2 082 MILLION LESS THAN THE TOTAL APPROVED ESTIMATE OF $35 475 MILLION IN THE APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE 1983.
THE EXPENDITURE CHARGED TO THE 31 HEADS, HOWEVER, EXCEEDED THE SUM APPROPRIATED FOR THOSE HEADS BY THE ORDINANCE, AS SUFFICIENT OFFSETTING SAVINGS COULD NOT BE FOUND WITHIN THE HEADS CONCERNED.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE, THIS EXCESS HAD BEEN INCLUDED IN THE PRESENT BILL.
♦SAVINGS MADE IN OTHER SUBHEADS ARE DUE TO CONTINUED TIGHT CONTROL OVER PUBLIC EXPENDITURE,+ SIR JOHN SAID, +1 WOULD AGAIN LIKE TO THANK THE MANY CIVIL SERVANTS WHO HAVE SO SIGNALLY CONTRIBUTED TO RESTRAINT.+
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-------- 0 - - - -
NAMES WILL NOT BE DISCLOSED * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON DENIS BRAY, SAID TODAY THAT HE HAD BEEN INFORMED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE THAT THE NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF INDIVIDUALS WHO WROTE TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE WOULD NOT BE PUBLISHED OR DISCLOSED, ALTHOUGH THE CONTENTS OF SUCH LETTERS WOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE ASSESSMENT.
IT WAS THE COMMISSIONER’S INTENTION TO PUBLISH THE TEXT OF SUBMISSIONS FROM MAIN ORGANISATIONS AS ANNEXES TO THE ASSESSMENT REPORT UNLESS THEY SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED OTHERWISE, HE SAID, REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON K.C. CHAN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE ASSESSMENT REPORT TOGETHER WITH ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WOULD BE SUBMITTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
THE COMMISSIONER OF THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE HAD CONFIRMED THAT NO RECORDS WOULD BE KEPT IN THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE, MR BRAY SAID.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1384
NO LOSS OF 'RIGHT TO LAND’ IN HK H * *
PERSONS WHO HAD THE +R IGHT TO LAND* IN HONG KONG WOULD LOSE THAT RIGHT AFTER THEY HAD ACQUIRED A FOREIGN NATIONALITY, 'ECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE
EG ISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
♦-RIGHT TO LAND*, UNDER THE HONG KONG IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE, rtAS A ROUGH EQUIVALENT TO THE EXPRESSION +RIGHT OF ABODE* IN THE UK IMMIGRATION ACT, HE SAID.
+A PERSON WHO HAS THE ’RIGHT TO LAND’ IS FREE FROM IMMIGRATION CONTROL AND MAY REMAIN IN HONG KONG FREE OF ANY LIMIT OR CONDITION OF STAY,* HE SAID, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHAN YING-LUN.
MR CHAN HAD WANTED TO KNOW THE POLICY REGARDING THE +RIGHT OF ABODE* OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS WHO RETURNED TO HONG KONG FROM A FOREIGN COUNTRY AFTER HAVING ACQUIRED THE NATIONALITY OF THAT COUNTRY.
MR JEAFFRESON EXPLAINED ALSO THAT PERSONS WHO HAD THE +RIGHT TO LAND* UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE INCLUDED BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES (HONG KONG) CITIZENS, AND CHINESE RESIDENTS, (I.E. PERSONS WHOLLY OR PARTLY OF CHINESE RACE WHO HAVE AT ANV TIME BEEN ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS).
IN PRACTICE, HE SAID, PERSONS COULD OBTAIN A +RIGHT TO LAND* ENDORSEMENT IN THEIR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ENABLING THEM TO RE-ENTER HONG KONG FREELY.
CASE NOT HANDLED IN SATISFACTORY MANNER -- AG
XXX
INVESTIGATIONS BY HIS CHAMBERS SHOWED THAT PROCEEDINGS AGAINST A MAN CHARGED IN APRIL LAST YEAR WITH POSSESSING DANGEROUS DRUGS HAD NOT BEEN HANDLED IN A SATISFACTORY MANNER, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE CHARGE, AND AS A RESULT OF +A SERIES OF MISHAPS*, THE MAN HAD SPENT ANOTHER 24 DAYS IN CUSTODY AND HAD LOST THE CHANCE OF RETAINING HIS JOB AS A STONEMASON, MR THOMAS SAID. +IT WAS AN ERROR THAT COULD, AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN SORTED OUT BY THE PROSECUTION,* MR THOMAS TOLD THE COUNCIL.
HE WAS SATISFIED THAT THIS WAS +A WHOLLY EXCEPTIONAL CASE wHERE A SERIES OF ERRORS AS UNFORTUNATE AS THEY WERE UNINTENDED, RESULTED IN INJUSTICE AND ECONOMIC LOSS*, MR THOMAS SAID.
/the ajmcqiispeatiok ........
IEDHBSDAY, OCTOBSH 10, 1984
- 4 -
THE ADMINISTRATION HAD, THEREFORE, ACKNOWLEDGED THESE .-iORTCOMINGS AND WAS PAYING AN EX GRATIA SUM OF $12 000 TO CHOI YUK-FAI, CALCULATED ON THE BASIS OF HIS LOSSES.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JOHN SWA INE CONCERNING THE CASE, IN WHICH THE MAN WAS ACQUITTED ON MAY 30 LAST YEAR ON A CHARGE OF POSSESSING DANGEROUS DRUGi>, AFTER SPENDING 55 DAYS IN CUSTODY.
THE MAN, MR SWA INE SAID, HAD NOT BEEN ALLOWED BAIL BECAUSE OF CERTAIN IRREGULARITIES IN THE WAY HE HAD BEEN CHARGED.
THE CASE, MR SWA I NE SAID, HAD BEEN REPORTED TO THE ADMINISTRATION BY INTERESTED PERSONS INCLUDING THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE LAW SOCIETY SCHEME AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BAR ASSOCIATION FOR ENQUIRY AND POSSIBLE COMPENSATION, AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAD PROMISED TO INVESTIGATE AND REPORT ON IT.
MR SWA I NE HAD ASKED THAT THE COUNCIL BE INFORMED OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S INVESTIGATIONS.
MR THOMAS SAID THAT CHOI, WHO HAD A CRIMINAL RECORD AND WAS AN ADDICT, WAS ARRESTED ON APRIL 6 LAST YEAR, ALLEGEDLY AS THE BUYER AND INTENDED USER OF A SMALL QUANTITY OF HEROIN.
BY THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF MISHAPS, MR THOMAS SAID, THE MAN WAS CHARGED BEFORE TSUEN WAN MAGISTRATES’ COURT WITH AN INAPPROPRIATE CHARGE, THAT OF TRAFFICKING IN DANGEROUS DRUGS RATHER THAN POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS.
ON APRIL 13, AFTER THE CHARGES HAD BEEN PROPERLY AMENDED, A SECOND MISHAP OCCURRED IN THAT THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES WERE MISINFORMED BY THE CLERK AT THE MAGISTRACY THAT CHOI WAS REMANDED ON BOTH TRAFFICKING AND THE POSSESSION CHARGE, ALTHOUGH BY THEN THE PROSECUTION HAD DROPPED THE TRAFFICKING CHARGE AGAINST HIM.
♦THIS RESULTED IN A SERIES OF INJUSTICES BECAUSE ON MAY 6, 1983, ON A REVIEW OF WHETHER BAIL SHOULD BE GRANTED, THE MAGISTRATE WAS QUITE WRONGLY INFORMED THAT CHOI FACED ANOTHER CHARGE OF UNLAWFUL TRAFFICKING IN DRUGS, FOR WHICH HE WOULD HAVE TO BE REMANDED IN CUSTODY IN ANY EVENT.
+THE TRUTH WAS, OF COURSE, THAT THIS REFERRED TO THE CHARGE THAT HAD ALREADY BEEN DROPPED,* HE SAID.
THIS STATEMENT REMOVED ALL PROSPECT OF GETTING BAIL.
+ IF THE APPLICATION FOR BAIL HAD BEEN DEALT WITH, AS IT OUGHT TO HAVE BEEN, WITH REFERENCE TO THE POSSESSION CHARGE ALONE, THEN I BELIEVE THE MAGISTRATE WOULD HAVE GRANTED BAIL,* HE SAID.
THIS INCIDENT WAS NOT THE FAULT OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES IN ANY WAY, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID.
/HEFSHBJHC TO........
WKDSBSDAT, OCTOBER 10, 1984
- 5 -
REFERRING TO THE INVESTIGATIONS BY HIS CHAMBERS, MR THOMAS SAID THAT THEY HAD ALSO RESULTED IN RECOMMENDATIONS BEING MADE FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE SYSTEM.
♦ THESE ARE BEING PURSUED WITH THE POLICE, THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT AND OTHER RELEVANT PEOPLE AND BOD IES,+ HE SAID.
HE WAS GRATEFUL, MR THOMAS SAID, TO MR JOHN MILLER, THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE LAW SOCIETY’S SCHEME, MR HENRY LITTON, OF THE BAR, AND PROFESSOR PETER WILLOUGHBY FOR HAVING RAISED THE MATTER.
♦ I HOPE THAT THE MISHAPS OF CHOI YUK-FAI WILL REMAIN UNIQUE AND EXCEPTIONAL, AND THAT HIS CASE HAS SERVED TO REMIND ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN THE PROSECUTION PROCESS AND IN THE COURTS OF THE IMPORTANCE AND VALUE OF PERSONAL LIBERTY,♦ MR THOMAS SAID.
NEW FORM OF PUNISHMENT PROPOSED * ft * ft ft *
THE OBJECT OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS BILL 1984 WAS TO INTRODUCE INTO HONG KONG A NEW FORM OF PUNISHMENT OF OFFENDERS, FILLING A VACUUM BETWEEN A JAIL SENTENCE AND A PROBATION ORDER, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
♦ IT WILL GIVE THE COURT THE OPPORTUNITY TO ALLOW THE OFFENDER HIS FREEDOM IF HE IS PREPARED INSTEAD DURING HIS LEISURE TIME TO DO UNPAID WORK THAT IS USEFUL TO THE COMMUNITY.
♦ IN THAT WAY, BY DISCIPLINED EFFORT UNDER SUPERVISION, HE WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO REHABILITATE HIMSELF AND ACKNOWLEDGE HIS WRONGDOING IN A CONSTRUCTIVE WAY,+ MR THOMAS SAID, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL.
THIS ADDITIONAL SENTENCING OPTION HAD BEEN SUCCESSFULLY INTRODUCED IN SUCH COUNTRIES AS BRITAIN, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.
FOR THIS REASON, THE POSSIBILITY OF INTRODUCING IT INTO HONG KONG WAS REFERRED TO THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION IN NOVEMBER 1931.
MR THOMAS SAID THE BILL INCORPORATED RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY A SUB-COMMITTEE AND ACCEPTED BY THE COMMISSION.
HE MENTIONED, IN PARTICULAR, THE RECOMMENDATION THAT COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS SHOULD BE INTRODUCED AS A PILOT SCHEME.
HE SAID THESE ORDERS WOULD ONLY BE MADE:
ft FOR OFFENCES PUNISHABLE BY IMPRISONMENT WHERE THE OFFENDER IS OVER 14 YEARS OF AGE.
/♦ WHSRB H3.......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1984
6
* WHERE HE AGREES TO COOPERATE,
* IF HE IS RECOMMENDED BY A PROBATION OFFICER TO BE A SUITABLE PERSON TO UNDERTAKE COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND
* IF SUITABLE WORK IS AVAILABLE NEAR THE OFFENDER’S HOME AND FAMILY.
MR THOMAS POINTED OUT THAT VIOLENT OFFENDERS, PSYCHOPATHS AND THE LIKE WOULD NOT IN GENERAL BE RECOMMENDED.
+THERE WILL BE POWER TO ENABLE COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS TO BE MADE ONLY BY THOSE COURTS WHICH HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE THAT FACILITIES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION CF SUCH ORDERS EXIST IN THEIR AREA. THIS WILL ENABLE THE SCHEME TO BE INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG GRADUALLY,* HE SAJD.
IT WAS INTENDED THAT THE PILOT SCHEME, LIMITED TO CERTAIN MAGISTRATES’ COURTS, WOULD RUN FOR TWO YEARS AND WOULD BE MONITORED BY A STANDING COMMITTEE TO BE SET UP FOR THE PURPOSE, HE EXPLAINED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-----0-----
ACTION TAKEN OVER FIRE THREAT * * * *
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD SERVED A TOTAL OF 30 FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES ON PROPRIETORS OF VARIOUS FACTORIES IN THE BLUE BOX INDUSTRIAL BUILDING OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
WHEN THE PROPRIETORS DID NOT REMOVE THE HAZARDS, OR WHEN THEY PUT THEM BACK AGAIN, THE DEPARTMENT PROSECUTED THE OFFENDERS, HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LYDIA DUNN AS TO WHETHER IT WAS TRUE THAT THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN ALERTED ABOUT FIRE HAZARDS AT THE BUILDING BY THE FIRE INSURANCE ASSOCIATION ONE YEAR BEFORE THE FIRE IN THAT BUILDING LAST MONTH, AND IF SO, WHAT PREVENTIVE MEASURES HAD BEEN TAKEN.
HE CONFIRMED THAT IN 1983 THE DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED A COMPLAINT FROM THE ASSOCIATION ABOUT A FIRE HAZARD IN THE BUILDING.
IT WAS A SPECIFIC COMPLAINT ABOUT AN OBSTRUCTION IN THE 13TH FLOOR LIFT LOBBY.
+THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT DEALT WITH THE COMPLAINT PROMPTLY AND THE PROPRIETOR CLEARED THE OBSTRUCTION. NO LEGAL ACTION WAS REQUIRED,* MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
THIS COMPLAINT, HE SAID, WAS ONLY ONE OF MANY GOING BACK SOME YEARS.
------o-------
/7 .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1984
1
CLEARING WAY FOR DENTAL GRADUATES
******
THE DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, DESIGNED TO GIVE DUE RECOGNITION TO THE FACULTY OF DENTISTRY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, WAS GIVEN A SECOND READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+FIRST, IT PROVIDES FOR THE DENTAL DEGREE FROM THE UNIVERSITY TO BE ACCEPTABLE AS A QUALIFICATION FOR REGISTRATION TO PRACTISE DENTISTRY. THIS IS TIMELY AS THE UNIVERSITY WILL PRODUCE ITS FIRST DENTAL GRADUATES IN JANUARY 1985.
+SECOND, IT PROVIDES FOR A MEMBER OF THE FACULTY OF DENTISTRY TO SIT ON THE DENTAL COUNCIL, AND IT EXTENDS TO DENTISTS ON THE FULL-TIME TEACHING STAFF OF THE FACULTY CERTAIN PRIVILEGES AND EXEMPTIONS ENJOYED BY OTHER DENTISTS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE,* THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON HENRY CHING, EXPLAINED.
THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO LIMIT THE RECOGNITION GIVEN IN HONG KONG TO DENTISTS REGISTERED WITH THE GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL OF THt UNITED KINGDOM.
+AT PRESENT, ANY PERSON WHO IS REGISTERED WITH THE GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM IS QUALIFIED TO BE REGISTERED TO PRACTISE IN HONG KONG.
+AS THE GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL IS NOW OBLIGED TO REGISTER AS DENTISTS NATIONALS OF EUROPEAN COMMUNITY COUNTRIES, THESE DENTISTS ARE AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFIED TO BE REGISTERED TO PRACTISE HERE,* NR CHING SAID.
THE BILL SOUGHT TO REMOVE THIS LOOPHOLE, WHILE MAINTAINING THE POSITION IN RESPECT OF DENTISTS WHO HOLD QUALIFICATIONS AWARDED BY EXAMINING BODIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE COMMONWEALTH OR THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, AND GIVING THE HONG KONG DENTAL COUNCIL DISCRETIONARY POWERS TO RECOGNISE OTHER OVERSEAS DENTAL DEGREES, HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-----0-----
/8........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1984-
3
JuB PROSPECTS
* * *
THERE WOULD BE ABOUT 50 VACANCIES FOR DENTISTS IN THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE FROM NOW UP TO EARLY 1986, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR THE HON K.L. THONG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MAR J A TAM ABOUT THE JOB PROSPECTS FOR GRADUATES OF THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL SCHEME.
DR THONG SAID THAT, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE EXISTING AND ANTICIPATED STAFF POSITIONS AND POSTS ARISING FROM PLANNED PROJECTS, THERE WOULD BE ABOUT 50 POSTS AVAILABLE FOR OPEN RECRUITMENT FROM NOW TO EARLY 1986.
THERE WOULD BE 69 GRADUATES FROM THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL NEXT YEAR, AND 71 IN 1986.
THERE WERE PLANS TO ABSORB SOME OF THESE GRADUATES INTO THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH NORMAL RECRUITMENT PROCEDURES.
THOSE GRADUATES FOUND SUITABLE AND RECRUITED WOULD BE POSTED TO VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DENTAL CLINICS, HOSPITALS AND THE SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE, HE SAID.
HOWEVER, THERE WERE NO PLANS TO EMPLOY THESE NEW GRADUATES IN GOVERNMENT-SUBVENTED ESTABLISHMENTS, AS THERE WERE NO VACANCIES IN THESE HOSPITALS AT PRESENT.
DR THONG SAID THAT A MAJOR OBJECTIVE OF ESTABLISHING THE DENTAL FACULTY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, WAS TO PRODUCE DENTISTS WHO WOULD BE EXPECTED TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY BY PRACTISING IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
+THIS IS STILL THE CASE WITH THE NEW DENTAL GRADUATES OF THE UNIVERSITY,+ HE SAID.
THE ACTUAL PLACEMENT OF THE NEW GRADUATES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR WOULD LARGELY DEPEND ON CIRCUMSTANCES AND MARKET FORCES WHICH COULD ONLY BE APPARENT AFTER THEY HAD GRADUATED.
HE TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT THE SITUATION WOULD BE MONITORED ALTHOUGH IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO PREDICT WITH ANY DEGREE OF ACCURACY THE EXTENT OF THE ACTUAL PLACEMENT AT THIS STAGE.
- - 0 - -
/9
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1984
w 'O * v
CIVIL LIABILITY BILL INTRODUCED * * *
THE CIVIL LIABILITY (CONTRIBUTION) BILL 1984, INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, SEEKS TO CHANGE THE LAW DEALING WITH THE WAY IN WHICH WRONGDOERS CAN BE MADE TO -CONTRIBUTE TO AN AWARD OF DAMAGES BY THE COURT.
♦THIS ARISES WHEN A PLAINTIFF HAS SUSTAINED LOSS OR DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF THE ACT OR OMISSION OF TWO OR MORE OTHER PERSONS IN CIRCUMSTANCES THAT ARE SO CONNECTED THAT BOTH OR ALL THE WRONGDOERS CAN BE SAID TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE PLA I NT IFF*S LOSSES,+ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, EXPLAINED.
THE LAW ON THIS TOPIC IS CURRENTLY CONTAINED IN SECTION 19 CF THE LAW AMENDMENT AND REFORM (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE WHICH IS BASED ON AN ENGLISH STATUTE OF 1935. THE LAW OF ENGLAND WAS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE AND WAS AMENDED THERE BY STATUTE IN 1978.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR THOMAS SAID IT CONTAINED RECOMMENDATIONS ENDORSED BY THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION.
♦I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT IT WILL SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVE THE LAW IN HONG KONG AND GIVE THE COURT GREATER POWER TO DO JUSTICE BETWEEN THOSE WHO ARE FOUND LIABLE IN RESPECT OF THE SAME DAMAGE,+ MR THOMAS TOLD THE COUNCIL.
BY WAY OF EXAMPLE, HE SAID, +SUPPOSE A PURCHASER BUYS A TELEVISION SET FROM A SHOP AND IT BLOWS UP THE FIRST TIME IT IS USED. THE PURCHASER MAY SUE THE SHOP FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT. AND WOULD PROBABLY SUCCEED BECAUSE THERE IS AN IMPLIED CONDITION IN SUCH CONTRACTS OF SALE THAT THE TELEVISION IS FIT FOR ITS PURPOSE.
♦ALTHOUGH THE PURCHASER COULD ALSO SUE THE MANUFACTURER OF THE TELEVISION SET, HE WOULD HAVE TO PROVE NEGLIGENCE WHICH MIGHT BE MORE DIFFICULT. SO HE MIGHT ONLY SUE THE SHOP.+
MR THOMAS EXPLAINED THAT IF THE PURCHASER WON, UNDER. THE PRESENT LAW, THE SHOP PROPRIETOR COULD NOT THEN CLAIM A CONTRIBUTION FROM THE MANUFACTURER TOWARDS THE DAMAGES HE HAD TO PAY THE PURCHASER.
THE BILL WOULD NOW ENABLE THE PROPRIETOR TO DO THIS, HE SAID.
AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE BILL PROVIDES THAT EVEN WHERE A DEFENDANT IN GOOD FAITH SETTLES A CLAIM BY PAYING UP ON IT WITHOUT WAITING FOR A COURT JUDGEMENT, HE CAN STILL RECOVER A CONTRIBUTION TO THE DAMAGES FROM ANOTHER WRONGDOER WHO WOULD BE LIABLE IN RESPECT OF THE SAME LOSS.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-----0-----
/10........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 19&4
10
SAFETY CONTROLS ON LARGE LORRIES EXPLAINED * * * *
GOVERNMENT POLICY RECOGNISED THAT THE USE OF HEAVIER AND LARGER LORRIES HAD TO BE CAREFULLY CONTROLLED IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY OF OTHER ROAD USERS, INCLUDING PEDESTRIANS, THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+ IN PRACTICE, THIS MEANS THAT NEW ROADS ARE DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED TO ACCOMMODATE SUCH VEHICLES; RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF CERTAIN ROADS ARE SET ACCORDING TO THE TYPES AND CLASSES CF HEAVY AND LARGE VEHICLES; AND THE SIZE, WEIGHT AND POSITIONING CF LOADS ARE REGULATED FOR ALL GOODS VEHICLES,* MR SCOTT EXPLAINED.
• +IN ADDITION, THERE ARE SPECIAL CONTROLS ON THE TIMING, ROUTE AND MANNER FOR THE CARRIAGE OF CERTAIN SPECIAL OR OVER-SIZE LOADS,* HE SAID.
MR SCOTT WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION ON THE SUBJECT FROM DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI.
HE SAID THAT THE ROAD TRAFFIC LEGISLATION PRESCRIBED CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS, INCLUDING MINIMUM BRAKING EFFICIENCY.
+PROPER MAINTENANCE OF ALL LORRIES IS ENCOURAGED AND ENFORCED BY THE VEHICLE EXAMINATION WHICH ALL GOODS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEFORE 1976 MUST TAKE BEFORE THEY CAN BE RELICENSED AT FOUR MONTHLY OR ANNUAL INTERVALS,* MR SCOTT SAID.
THE POLICE ALSO PLAYED AN IMPORTANT PART IN ENFORCING THE TRAFFIC LEGISLATION, MR SCOTT SAID.
HE REPORTED THERE WERE 4 072 PROSECUTIONS FOR OVERLOADING IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH 6 714 FOR THE WHOLE OF 1983.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARIA TAM ABOUT SHORT AND LONG TERM MEASURES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC SAFETY IN THE EASTERN STREET AREA IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT, MR SCOTT SAID THAT WORK HAD STARTED ON LAYING SKID RESISTANT MATERIAL AND WIDENING THE FOOTPATHS ON THIS STREET BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD WEST AND SECOND STREET.
*OTHER SHORT TERM MEASURES INCLUDE ERECTING SIGNS WITH THE WARNING ’STEEP HILL/KEEP IN LOW GEAR’ ON EASTERN STREET BETWEEN HIGH STREET AND SECOND STREET, AND ’GIVE WAY’ SIGNS AND MARKINGS WHICH HAVE BEEN PLACED AT THE JUNCTION OF EASTERN STREET, SECOND STREET AND HOSPITAL ROAD,* HE SAID.
/skid resistance .......
WKMESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 19^4
SKID RESISTANCE TESTS WERE BEING CARRIED OUT ON THE REMAINING SECTION OF EASTERN STREET, AND ON CENTRE AND WESTERN STREETS, TO ESTABLISH WHETHER FURTHER SAFETY MEASURES WERE NECESSARY.
NEVERTHELESS, MR SCOTT NOTED THAT THE SCOPE FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS WAS LIMITED IN THESE NARROW, STEEP STREETS WI TH RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WHICH HAD TO BE SERVED BY GOODS VEHICLES.
+LONGER TERM IMPROVEMENT DEPENDS UPON THE LARGE SCALE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA,+ HE SAID.
-----o-----
TV PROGRAMMES GETTING BETTER M M M
THE QUALITY AND RANGE OF TELEVISION PROGRAMMES ON THE TWO TELEVISION STATIONS HAVE CONTINUED TO IMPROVE AND EXPAND IN A COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT.
THIS IS STATED IN THE TENTH REPORT OF THE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD TABLED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (WEDNESDAY).
ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW — FROM JANUARY 1983 TO JUNE 1984 — WAS ONE OF SATISFACTORY EXPANSION AND INNOVATION. ALSO, THE REGULATORY PROBLEMS NOTED IN THE PREVIOUS REPORT WERE REDUCED.
LOCALLY-PRODUCED PROGRAMMES CONTINUED TO MAINTAIN HIGH STANDARDS AND SIX LOCAL PRODUCTIONS HAD WON INTERNATIONAL AWARDS.
THE BOARD FINDS THAT BOTH TELEVISION STATIONS HAVE CONTINUED TO IMPROVE THEIR INTERNAL MONITORING SYSTEMS AND THE NUMBER OF BREACHES OF PROGRAMME STANDARDS REMAINS AT A LOW LEVEL.
THERE HAVE BEEN ISOLATED CASES OF EXCESSIVE VIOLENCE, UNDESIRABLE LANGUAGE, POLEMIC DRAMA THEMES, UNNATURAL COMMERCIAL BREAKS, PROGRAMME UNDER-RUNS OR OVER-RUNS AND INDIRECT ADVERTISING. THE STATIONS HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO TAKE REMEDIAL ACTIONS, THE REPORT SAYS.
THE PORTRAYAL OF VIOLENCE HAS GENERALLY BEEN WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF ACCEPTABILITY, THE DEPICTION OF SEX DISCREET, THE USE OF TRIAD TERMS UNDER CONTROL AND CONTROVERSIAL DRAMA THEMES GENERALLY PRESENTED IN A BALANCED MANNER, THE REPORT POINTS OUT.
IT SAYS THAT BOTH STATIONS HAVE EXPERIMENTED WITH NEW PROGRAMME IDEAS TO ATTRACT AND HOLD THE INTEREST OF VIEWERS. AMONG THESE WERE TRAVELOGUES ON THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE CHINESE PEOPLE. MUSICALS AND CONTEMPORARY YOUTH SERIES.
/besides evidint........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1964
- 12 -
BESIDES EVIDENT IMPROVEMENT IN THE QUALITY OF CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMES, VIEWING TIME FOR THESE PROGRAMMES HAS INCREASED.
NEVERTHELESS, THE BOARD FINDS THERE IS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT.
A HONG KONG BROADCASTING POLICY REVIEW BOARD WAS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR TO CONDUCT AN OVERALL REVIEW OF TELEVISION AND RADIO BROADCASTING IN HONG KONG AFTER 1988, WHEN THE LICENCES OF THE TWO STATIONS ARE DUE TO EXPIRE.
THE REVIEW BOARD WILL DEAL WITH A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS, INCLUDING THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG, THE ROLE OF RTHK, RESOURCES OF COMMERCIAL TELEVISION AND RADIO, ADVERTISING CONTROL, THE HANDLING OF COMPLAINTS, CENSORSHIP AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS, TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENTS SUCH AS CABLE TELEVISION, DIRECT BROADCASTING BY SATELLITE, MULTIPLEX SOUNDCASTING AND TELETEXT SERVICES, AND TENDER PROCEDURES FOR BROADCASTING LICENCES.
THE BOARD IS EXPECTED TO SUBMIT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL BY MID-1985, THE REPORT SAYS.
THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE TELEVISION HOME VIEWING GROUPS HAS RECENTLY BEEN EXPANDED TO 500. THEY PROVIDE AN ON-GOING FLOW OF PUBLIC OPINION ON TELEVISION PROGRAMMING AND HELP THE BOARD TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH PUBLIC ATTITUDES TOWARDS PROGRAMME AND ADVERTISING STANDARDS.
MAIN CONCERNS VOICED BY MEMBERS OF THESE GROUPS RELATED TO UNDERSIRABLE TELEVISION STORY THEMES, VIOLENCE AND LANGUAGE, THE REPORT SAYS.
THEIR VIEWS WERE ASSESSED VERY CAREFULLY AND VALID POINTS FOLLOWED UP. IT WAS NOTED THAT THE TWO STATIONS HAD RESPONDED POSITIVELY TO FEEDBACK FROM THESE GROUPS.
THE THIRD FULL-SCALE TELEVISION AUDIENCE ATTITUDE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED BY THE TELEVISION AUTHORITY IN JULY 1983.
ALTHOUGH RESPONDENTS WERE IN THE MAIN SATISFIED WITH THE FREQUENCY OF MOST TYPES OF PROGRAMMES, THERE WAS A SIZABLE DEMAND FOR MORE DOCUMENTARIES AND MUSICAL PROGRAMMES.
THE SURVEY SHOWED THAT MOST RESPONDENTS, HOWEVER, WERE SCEPTICAL ABOUT THE VARIOUS SUPERLATIVE AND COMPARATIVE CLAIMS IN ADVERTISEMENTS.
TO FULLY GUIDE THE ADVERTISER AND PROTECT CONSUMER INTERESTS, THE BOARD, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE ADVERTISING INDUSTRY, FORMULATED A NOTE OF GUIDANCE ON 'NO. 1 SALES, BEST SELLING AND SPECIAL CLAIMS’ WHICH WAS SUBSEQUENTLY ADOPTED BY THE TELEVISION AUTHORITY IN 1983.
RESPONDENTS FOUND TELEVISION ADVERTISEMENTS FOR CIGARETTES, LIQUOR AND PERSONAL PRODUCTS TO BE GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE, BUT MOST OF THEM CONSIDERED THAT TIME RESTRICTIONS WERE NECESSARY.
/IN ADDITION.........
WDNESDAT, OCTOBER 10,
- 13 -
IN ADDITION, MORE THAN HALF OF THE RESPONDENTS BELIEVED THAT MANDATORY HEALTH WARNING IN CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENTS WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1983 WAS EFFECTIVE.
THE REPORT SAID THAT TELEVISION CONTINUES TO BE THE MAJOR LEISURE ACTIVITY FOR MOST PEOPLE IN HONG KONG. AT THE END OF JUNE 1984, IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT 95 PER CENT OF ALL HOMES POSSESSED ONE OR MORE TELEVISION SETS.
THE BOARD FINDS THAT THE OVERALL FINANCIAL SITUATION OF THE INDUSTRY IS BETTER SINCE THE PREVIOUS REPORT.
ALTHOUGH ONE OF THE STATIONS CONTINUED TO INCREASE ITS PROFITS, THE OTHER SUCCEEDED IN REDUCING ITS LOSSES AND ACHIEVING A SMALL PROFIT.
THE BOARD, HOWEVER, BELIEVES THAT GIVEN THE PRESENT STATE OF THE INDUSTRY, THE LICENSING OF FURTHER TELEVISION STATIONS SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED UNTIL A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF FUTURE BROADCASTING POLICY HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT.
♦FLOOR AREA+ IN PLACE OF +VOLUME+ PROPOSED *****
A BILL SEEKING TO ENABLE REPLACEMENT BUILDINGS TO BE MEASURED IN *GROSS FLOOR AREA,* RATHER THAN IN THE SAME +GROSS VOLUME* AS THE BUILDINGS DEMOLISHED, WAS READ A SECOND TIME IN THE legislative council today.
MOVING THE DEMOLISHED BUILDINGS (RE-DEVELOPMENT OF SITES) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, DR THE HON CHAN NAI-KEONG, EXPLAINED THAT OLD BUILDINGS NORMALLY HAD FAIRLY HIGH FLOOR-TO-CEILING HEIGHTS, AND HENCE LARGE VOLUME, WHILE MODERN BUILDINGS WITH LOWER CEILING HEIGHTS HAD LESS VOLUME FOR AN EQUIVALENT GROSS FLOOR AREA.
THIS HAD RESULTED IN RECENT RE-DEVELOPMENT CASES WHERE THE VOLUME REQUIREMENT COULD NOT BE FULFILLED EXCEPT BY UNNECESSARILY RAISING THE FLOOR-TO-CEILING HEIGHT BEYOND THAT REQUIRED IN THE BUILDING (PLANNING) REGULATIONS.
FOR THESE REASONS, IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR +GROSS FLOOR AREA,* INSTEAD OF *VOLUME,+ TO BE REFERRED TO IN RE-DEVELOPMENT ORDERS, THUS BRINGING THE ORDINANCE INTO LINE WITH CURRENT BUILDING LEGISLATION AND PRACTICE, DR CHAN SAID.
THE BILL WAS INTENDED TO MAKE THE APPROPRIATE AMENDMENT TO SECTION 4(1) OF THE DEMOLISHED BUILDINGS (RE-DEVELOPMENT OF SITES) ORDINANCE, HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
/14 •••••••
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1934.
- 14 -
BILL TO REMOVE LEGAL RELIC * * * *
tuc piiw ir RUS SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1984, SEEKING TO REPEAL A PROVISION THAT PUBLIC BUSES USED BY FRANCHISED COMPANY MUST~BE OF COMMONWEALTH MANUFACTURE, WAS INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE B! LL, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE and INDUSTRY THE HON E.P. HO, SAID THE PROVISION WAS A RELIC OF THE COMMONWEALTH PREFERENCE SCHEME WHICH WAS DISMANTLED IN 1975.
UNDER SECTION 17 OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE, UNLESS THE GOVERNOR PERMITS OTHERWISE, BUSES USED BY A FRANCHISED COMPANY FOR PROVIDING A PUBLIC BUS’sERVICE MUST BE OF COMMONWEALTH MANUFACTURE.
+ALTHOUGH NO APPLICATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF A BUS MADE OUTSIDE THE COMMONWEALTH HAS EVER BEEN REFUSED, THIS SECTION NEVERTHELESS REPRESENTS A NON-TARIFF BARRIER ™ TRADE WHICH iS INCONSISTENT WITH HONG KONG’S POLICY OF FREE TRADE AND FULL COMPLIANCE WITH THE GATT,+ MR HO SAID.
+AS OUR STANDING IN GATT IS WHOLLY DEPENDENT ON THE CONSISTENCY OF OUR POL ICY, AND THE EXAMPLE WE SET, THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE DELETION OF THIS OFFENDING CLAUSE IS ESSENTIAL,+ HE ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
REVISED FEE FOR PRIVATE BILLS PROPOSED
& 4 X
THE MAIN AMENDMENT IN THE PRIVATE BILLS (AMENDMENT) BILL WAS TO INCREASE THE FEE PAYABLE BY THE PROMOTERS OF A PRIVATE BILL, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS SAID TODAY.
THE PRESENT FEE OF $500 HAD BEEN FIXED AS LONG AGO AS 1915, WHEN THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WAS FIRST ENACTED, HE SAID.
' +WITH THE PASSAGE OF TIME, IT HAS BECOME A DERISORY SUM IN VIEW OF THE RESOURCES THAT ARE INCURRED AT PUBLIC EXPENSE BY THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION IN PROCESSING A PRIVATE BILL,+ MR THOMAS SAID, MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE PROPOSED FIGURE OF $25 000 WAS NOT COST-RELATED AS THE AMOUNT OF LEGAL DEPARTMENT WORK REQUIRED IN EACH CASE VARIED CONSIDERABLY. BUT IT SEEMED A REASONABLE SCALE FEE FOR THE TIME AND EFFORT INVOLVED IN THIS IMPORTANT WORK, HE SAID.
+IN FACT, THE MAJORITY OF THE PRIVATE BILLS ARE FOR A CHARITABLE PURPOSE AND IN SUCH CASES THE CHIEF SECRETARY IS EMPOWERED TO WAIVE PAYMENT OF THE WHOLE OR ANY PART OF THE FEE.+ RR THOMAS SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
------o-------
/15......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1934
- 15 -
WIDER ELECTION CHOICE SOUGHT
*****
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE BOARD • CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984 WAS TO DELETE FROM THE ORDINANCE THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE V ICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD BE APPOINTED FROM AMONG UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL, ■THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON HENRY CHING, TOLD
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
BUT IT WOULD STILL SHOULD THIS BE DESIRED,
BE POSSIBLE TO MAKE SUCH AN APPOINTMENT HE SAID.
WHILE THE EXISTING IT COULD POSE PRACTICAL
REQUIREMENT PROBLEMS BY
GAVE AN ASSURANCE OF QUALITY, RESTRICTING THE CHOICE OF
F I ELD
VICE-CHAIRMAN TO A RELATIVELY SMALL WAS CLEAR ADVANTAGE IN A LESS RESTRICTIVE
OF BUSY PEOPLE. THERE ARRANGEMENT, MR CHING
SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- - - - 0 ----------
BILL ON NEW NAME OF BANK * * * *
A BILL AMENDING CERTAIN LAWS TO REFLECT A CHANGE OF NAME OF THE CHARTERED BANK TO THE STANDARD CHARTERED BANK WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE CHARTERED BANK (CHANGE OF NAME) BILL 1984, THE FINANCIAL SECRElARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGc, SAID, +THERE WILL BE BANK NOTES IN CIRCULATION BEAR ING THE NAME CF THE CHARTERED BANK WHEN THE CHANGE OF NAME COMES INTO EFFECT (ON JANUARY 1, 1985), AND IN ADDITION THERE WILL BE UNISSUED STOCKS OF SUCH NOTES ON HAND, THE COST OF WHICH FALLS ON GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE EXCHANGE FUND.
♦ACCORDINGLY, CLAUSE 5 OF THE BILL MAKES PROVISION FOR THE CHARTERED BANK TO CONTINUE TO ISSUE BANK NOTES BEARING ITS PRESENT NAME, NOTWITHSTANDING THE CHANGE OF NAME, FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS FROM JANUARY 1, 1985 OR TO SUCH LATER DATE AS MAY BE FIXED BY THIS COUNCIL.+
HE SAID THAT THIS WOULD ENABLE THE BANK TO USE UP EXISTING STOCKS OF PARTICULAR DENOMINATIONS.
♦ALL OLD STYLE NOTES, WHICH WILL REMAIN LEGAL TENDER, WILL NATURALLY BE WITHDRAWN FROM CIRCULATION WHEN THEY ARE UNFIT FOR FURTHER CIRCULATION,* SIR JOHN SAID.
HE ALSO TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT A NEW SERIES OF NOTES WOULD BE INTRODUCED SHORTLY BY BOTH NOTE ISSUING BANKS.
/THE NEW ......
'fWiESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1984
16
THE NEW NOTES WILL BE SMALLER THAN THOSE NOW IN CIRCULATION, PROVIDING A SAVING IN PAPER COSTS.
a-ncrAiiqp TUP NOTES WILL BE PRODUCED BY THE SAME PRINTER, .PY Incorporate features which will be standard for the <TES ISSUED BY BOTH NOTE ISSUING BANKS,* HE SAID.
camf nF THE NEW NOTES WOULD BE PROCESSED AT DE LA RUE’S
-EW FACTOSY ll TAI RO WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN OPERATION IN NOVEMBER.
+SCON AFTER OPENING, IT WILL BE USED TO PRODUCE ALL HONG KONG’S BANK NOTE REQUIREMENTS,* SIR JOHN SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- - 0 - -
•NO GENERAL EXPLANATION NEEDED ON COMPANIES LAWS'
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT TAKING MEASURES TO PROVIDE ANY GENERAL EXPLANATION OF THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1984, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IT WOULD ALSO BE IMPRACTICAL TO PRODUCE A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE, PR JACOBS SAID, IN REPLY TO THE HON PETER POON WHO WANTED TO KNOW WHAT MEASURES WERE BEING TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO EXPLAIN THE COMPLEX PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE TO THE PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS.
+THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES DOES, HOWEVER, ISSUE CIRCULARS TO PROFESSIONAL BODIES ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, AND NOTES ON CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO DOCUMENTS WHICH HAVE TO BE FILED IN THE COMPANIES REGISTRY ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST,* MR JACOBS SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THESE NOTES WERE BEING UPDATED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ANY AMENDMENTS TO THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE.
MR JACOBS EXPLAINED THAT COMPANIES LEGISLATION WAS OF INTEREST PRIMARILY TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, AND THE AMENDMENTS INTRODUCED BY THE ORDINANCE HAD BEEN THE RESULT OF MANY YEARS OF CONSULTATION WITH PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND MEMBERS OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY.
THE BILL HAD BEEN FIRST PUBLISHED FOR INFORMATION IN JULY 1983 AND AD BEEN DISCUSSED AT SEMINARS ORGANISED BY VARIOUS BODIES, HE SAID.
0 - -
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1984
- 17 -
DEMAND FOR TECHNICAL TRAINING CONTINUES * * * *
ENROLMENT AND JOB PLACEMENT AT THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE WERE SATISFACTORY DESPITE THE ECONOMIC RECESSION LAST YEAR.
THE TWO CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRES ALSO EXPERIENCED NO DIFFICULTY IN RECRUITING TRAINEES AND PLACING THEM 7n THE INDUSTRY UPON COMPLETION OF THEIR TRAINING LAST YEAR.
THESE FACTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE 1983 ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE CLOTHING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES TRAINING AUTHORITIES, TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY BY DR THE HON
FRANCIS Y.H. TIEN.
LAST YEAR. ABOUT 4 700 TRAINEES COMPLETED THE COURSES OFFERED BY THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE AT LAI KING. THE TOTAL TRAINING CAPACITY WAS ESTIMATED TO HAVE INCREASED TO MORE THAN 6 000 WHEN THE SECOND TRAINING CENTRE AT KOWLOON BAY BEGAN OPERATION^ IN JULY THIS YEAR, SAID DR TIEN, CHAIRMAN OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY.
+IT WAS NOT DIFFICULT FOR THE TRAINEES TO FIND JOBS OR FOR THE TRAINING CENTRES TO RECRUIT TRAINEES AT A TIME WHEN THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY QUICKLY RESPONDED TO AN UPSWING IN EXPORTS, PARTICULARLY TO THE UNITED STATES,* DR TIEN SAID.
THE TOTAL VALUE OF CLOTHING EXPORTS FROM HONG KONG INCREASED BY 18.6 PER CENT TO ABOUT HKS35 180 MILLION IN 1983.
ACCORDING TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY 1983 ANNUAL REPORT, THERE WERE SOME 1 400 TRAINEES ENROLLED IN THE EXISTING TWO CONSTRUCTION TRAINING CENTRES. THIS NUMBER EXCEEDED THE TOTAL CAPACITY OF THE TWO CENTRES BY 6.4 PER CENT.
BY THE END OF 1983, 85 PER CENT OF THESE TRAINEES HAD BEEN PLACED IN THE INDUSTRY AND BY MID-1984, VIRTUALLY ALL HAD BEEN EMPLOYED.
♦ THIS IS AN ENCOURAGING RESULT IN VIEW OF THE SLUGGISHNESS CF THE OVERALL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN 1983, PARTICULARLY IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR,* THE REPORT SAYS.
THE AUTHORITY HAD ALSO LAUNCHED A CONSTRUCTION SAFETY CFFICER COURSE IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMcNT AND THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION.
THE BUILDING OF THE THIRD CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE WAS UNDER WAY FOLLOWING THE GRANT OF A PIECE OF LAND ON HONG KONG ISLAND BY THE GOVERNMENT LAST YEAR, THE REPORT STATno.
/18........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1934
18
BILL TO MERGE TWO DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES
*****
AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER’S BILL TO MERGE TWO LOCAL DEPOSIT-TAKING ,MPANIES WAS GIVEN ITS SECOND READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE HON JOHN SWA INE SAID THE BILL PROVIDED FOR THE VESTING IN STANDARD CHARTERED ASIA LIMITED OF THE UNDERTAKING OF MAIBL BERMUDA (FAR EAST) LIMITED.
BOTH COMPANIES WERE REGISTERED AS DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES IN HONG KONG ENGAGED IN THE WHOLESALE LENDING BUSINESS, AND BOTH WERE SUBSIDIARIES OF THE STANDARD CHARTERED BANK GROUP.
+THEIR PROPOSED MERGER IS WITH A VIEW TO GROUP RATIONALISATION,* MR SWA I NE SAID.
HE SAID UNDER NORMAL COMMERCIAL PRACTICE THE PROPOSED MERGER WOULD HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED BY AN EXCHANGE OF SHARES.
BUT THIS METHOD WAS NOT AVAILABLE BECAUSE OF THE RESTRICTION CONTAINED IN THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES’ ORDINANCE WHICH PREVENTS A EPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY FROM INVESTING MORE THAN 25 PER CENT OF ITS CAPITAL AND RESERVES IN THE SHARES OF ANOTHER COMPANY.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSED MERGER BY MEANS OF A PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL HAD THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, AND THE BILL ITSELF HAD BEEN CLEARED WITH THE LAW DRAFTSMAN’S OFFICE, MR SWA INE SAID.
HE SAID UNDER THE TERMS OF THE BILL, MAIBL BERMUDA (FAR EAST) LIMITED WOULD CEASE TO BE A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY, ALTHOUGH IT WOULD RETAIN ITS LEGAL EXISTENCE WITH A SMALL NOMINAL CAPITAL AND BECOME A SUBSIDIARY OF STANDARD CHARTERED ASIA LIMITED.
- - 0 - -
/19
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1984
- 19 -
HOUSING AUTHORITY BREAKS RECORDS, SETS NEW TARGETS ******
WITH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S BUILDING PROGRAMME MOVING FULL STEAM AHEAD, THERE ARE AT PRESENT OVER 120 000 FLATS UNDER VARIOUS STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION, THUS ENSURING THE CONTINUED HIGH LEVEL OF PRODUCTION FOR AT LEAST THE NEXT THREE YEARS.
THIS IS STATED BY THE AUTHORITY’S CHAIRMAN, MR DONALD LIAO, IN THE AUTHORITY’S 1983/84 ANNUAL REPORT PUBLISHED TODAY, AND TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THERE ARE FIRM SITE RESERVATIONS FOR ABOUT EIGHT YEARS OF HOUSING REQUIREMENTS WITH STUDIES UNDERWAY TO OBTAIN A FULL 10 YEARS SUPPLY, HE ADDS.
IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW, MR LIAO CONTINUES, THE AUTHORITY BROKE OLD RECORDS AND SET NEW TARGETS.
DURING THE YEAR, A TOTAL OF 36 441 RENTAL AND HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS WERE COMPLETED - THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF PRODUCTION EVER RECORDED BY THE AUTHORITY. IT ALSO REPRESENTED THE FOURTH YEAR THAT THE AUTHORITY HAD SUCCEEDED IN EXCEEDING THE ANNUAL PRODUCTION TARGET OF 35 000 FLATS A YEAR.
WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME NOW IN FULL SWING, ANNUAL PRODUCTION OF FLATS FOR RENTAL AND SALE WILL BE INCREASED TO MORE THAN 40 000 IN 1985/86, HE ADDS.
MR LIAO’S REVIEW OF THE AUTHORITY’S WORK DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW ALSO TOUCHES UPON, AMONG OTHERS, CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, REDEVELOPMENT OF OLD ESTATES, ALLOCATION OF PUBLIC HOUSING, THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, TEMPORARY HOUSING AND REHOUSING OF SQUATTERS.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ON RENTAL HOUSING FOR 1983/84 TOTALLED S2 350 MILLION. THE ECONOMIES OF SCALE IN DESIGN AND PRODUCTION, TOGETHER WITH LOWER TENDER PRICES, ENABLED THE AUTHORITY TO BUILD MORE AND BETTER QUALITY FLATS AT A REDUCED LEVEL OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
The year also saw the completion of the redevelopment scheme FOR SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE, THE FIRST PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE BUILT IN HONG KONG. SIMILAR SCHEMES ARE BEING IMPLEMENTED WITH VIGOUR AND IMAGINATION IN ALL THE 12 MARK 1 AND 11 ESTATES, AND IT IS ENVISAGED THAT ALL THESE BLOCKS WILL BE COMPLETELY REDEVELOPED OR SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED BY 1990.
CONCERNING TEMPORARY HOUSING, MR LIAO STATES THE ABSENCE OF MAJOR NATURAL DISASTERS AND FIRES DURING THE YEAR GAVE THE AUTHORITY A WELCOME OPPORTUNITY TO CLEAR ITS COMMITMENTS IN REHOUSING THE LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE STAYING IN TRANSIT CENTRES AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR AND TO ORGANISE THE PROVISION OF EMERGENCY HOUSING.
/AT THE .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1984
- 20 -
AT THE END OF THE YEAR, THERE WERE ONLY 1 700 PEOPLE STAYING IN TRANSIT CENTRES AS COMPARED WITH 4 000 IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
CONSTRUCTION WAS STEPPED UP ON TEMPORARY HOUSING UNITS AND THIS RESULTED IN AN ADDITIONAL 25 000 PERSON SPACES BEING MADE AVAILABLE DURING THE YEAR. THE AUTHORITY HAD ENDORSED HIGHER SPACE ALLOCATION STANDARDS TO PROVIDE BETTER LIVING CONDITIONS IN TEMPORARY HOUSING UNITS.
DURING THE SAME YEAR, MR LIAO CONTINUES, A TOTAL OF 64 000 SQUATTERS WERE REHOUSED MAINLY AS A RESULT OF DEVELOPMENT CLEARANCES
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THERE WERE STILL SOME 500 000 SQUATTERS IN THE TERRITORY ALTHOUGH ONLY 160 000 ARE ESTIMATED TO BE LIVING IN THE URBAN AREA. VARIOUS MEASURES TO HELP SPEED UP THE PROCESS OF REHOUSING SQUATTERS WERE UNDER ACTIVE CONSIDERATION TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR. THE AUTHORITY HOPES TO REDUCE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SQUATTERS BY HALF WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
MEANWHILE, THE SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENTS DIVISION CONTINUED TO PROVIDE FIREBREAKS AND OTHER BASIC AMENITIES TO SQUATTER SETTLEMENTS WHICH ARE NOT SCHEDULED FOR CLEARANCE IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE. MORE SITES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN A’PROGRAMME THAT WILL ULTIMATELY BENEFIT 100 000 SQUATTERS.
IN REFERRING TO THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, MR LIAO STATES THAT ITS POPULARITY REMAINED HIGH AND A RECORD NUMBER OF 19 000 FLATS WERE SOLD DURING THE YEAR.
SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE SCHEME IN 1978 AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME IN 1979, OVER 12 000 PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS HAD PURCHASED HOS AND PSPS FLATS, INDICATING THE IMPORTANT ROLE THE SCHEMES PLAYED IN ATTRACTING BETTER-OFF TENANTS TO MOVE OUT OF RENTAL HOUSING FOR BENEFIT OF THOSE ON THE PUBLIC HOUSING WAITING LIST.
TO ENSURE ADEQUATE SUPPLY, A FURTHER STOCK OF OVER 25 000 HOS FLATS ARE NOW AT VARIOUS STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION AND TOGETHER WITH ANOTHER 15 000 FLATS IN THE PLANNING STAGES, WILL GUARANTEE AN ANNUAL PRODUCTION OF AT LEAST 5 000 FLATS FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, MR LIAO ADDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S 1983/84 ANNUAL REPORT, IS NOW ON SALE.
THE 128-PAGE REPORT IS AVAILABLE FOR $15 FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING IN CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
------0 - - - -
/21 .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1984
21
’MODERN STENOGRAPHY METHODS’ FOR COURTS
*****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED RULES WHICH KEEP THE LAW IN STEP WITH CURRENT PRACTICE CONCERNING THE KEEPING OF NOTES CF EVERY TRIAL ON INDICTMENT.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, EXPLAINED THAT THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINANCE AND CRIMINAL APPEAL RULES REQUIRE THAT A NOTE SHOULD BE KEPT OF SUCH A TRIAL, RECORDING THE COURSE OF THE PROCEEDINGS.
THIS NOTE IS USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF PREPARING A TRANSCRIPT IN THE EVENT OF AN APPEAL.
+THE REQUIREMENT IN THE LEGISLATION IS A REQUIREMENT TO KEEP A SHORTHAND NOTE, A TERM THAT DOES NOT TAKE FULL ACCOUNT OF MODERN DEVELOPMENTS IN MECHANICAL AND ELECTRONIC METHODS OF STENOGRAPHY AND TRANSCRIPTION.
+T0 KEEP THE LAW IN STEP WITH CURRENT PRACTICE IN THIS FIELD, THE CHIEF JUSTICE HAS MADE THE CRIMINAL APPEAL (AMENDMENT) RULES 1984 INTRODUCING DEFINITIONS OF THE TERMS ’SHORTHAND NOTE’ AND ’SHORTHAND WRITER’ WHICH EMBRACE THE MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND ENABLE THAT TECHNOLOGY TO BE PROPERLY USED IN THE COURTS,* MR THOMAS EXPLAINED.
THE COUNCIL ALSO PASSED RULES IN CONNECTION WITH THE MAGISTRATES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1984 ENACTED LAST MAY.
THIS ORDINANCE INTRODUCED A NEW PROCEDURE TO DEAL WITH OFFENCEo ATTRACTING A PENALTY NOT EXCEEDING A FINE OF $10 000 AND IMPRISONMENT OF SIX MONTHS.
UNDER THE NEW PROCEDURE, PRESCRIBED FORMS HAD TO BE USED BY THE PROSECUTION, MR THOMAS EXPLAINED.
♦THE CHIEF JUSTICE HAS PRESCRIBED THE NECESSARY FORMS IN THE MAGISTRATES (FORMS) (AMENDMENT) RULES 1984,+ HE SAID.
THESE FORMS INCLUDED A NOTICE OF PROSECUTION FOR A MINOR OFFENCE, A NOTICE OF NON-PAYMENT OF PENALTY, A NOTICE OF HEARING OF A REVIEW AND A SUMMONS TO A DEFENDANT.
- 0
/22
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1934
22
MP’S TOUR YUEN LONG DISTRICT
* * *
THREE LABOUR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT VISITED YUEN LONG THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON TO LISTEN TO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS’ VIEWS ON THE WHITE PAPER ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE, AND TO SEE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
AFTER DISCUSSIONS WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, THE MP’S, MR IAN MIKARDO, MR BARRY SHEERMAN AND MS JO RICHARDSON, TOURED THE WORK SITES OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM AND THE TIN SHU I WAI DEVELOPMENT PROJECT.
DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JAMES WILSON, BRIEFED THE VISITORS ON THESE PROJECTS.
♦WORK ON THE LRT, WHICH WILL SERVE YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN, IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MID-1985, WHILE PREPARATORY WORK ON ITS CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AND THE TENDERING PROCEDURES HAVE STARTED,* MR WILSON SAID.
+THE TIN SHU I WAI AREA WILL BE DEVELOPED INTO A NEW TOWN TO HOUSE 135 OOO PEOPLE,* HE ADDED.
THE MP’S ALSO VISITED LOK MA CHAU TO SEE THE SITE FOR THE SECOND BORDER ROAD LINK WITH CHINA AND WERE BRIEFED ON ITS CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME.
AT THE LOK MA CHAU POLICE STATION, THE MP’S WERE BRIEFED ON FRONTIER ACTIVITIES AND THE MAINTENANCE OF LAW AND ORDER IN THE AREA.
THE VISITORS WERE TAKEN TO AN OLD-STYLE PAWNSHOP IN GAU HUI, ONCE A BUSTLING MARKET VILLAGE IN YUEN LONG, WHERE THEY WERE TOLD OF HOW THE CHINESE BANKING PROFESSION OPERATED IN THE OLD DAYS.
- - - - 0 ----------
RESIDENTS TO SPEAK UP ON WHITE PAPER
* * *
RESIDENTS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE WHITE PAPER ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AT A SEMINAR TOMORROW.
MEMBERS OF AREA AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS, AS WELL AS HEADMASTERS AND TEACHERS, HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR.
DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN SAID FORMAL DISCUSSIONS ON THE WHITE PAPER HAD TAKEN PLACE AT REGULAR MEETINGS OF AREA COMMITTEES HELD OVER THE PAST TEN DAYS.
/+ALL THE .......
WSHHESDAT, OCTOBER 10, 1984
- 23 -
♦ALL THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS COLLECTED AT THESE MEETINGS .ILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE,* HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, SIMILAR SEMINARS WILL BE HELD IN ABERDEEN AND WAH FU ON OCTOBER 16.
+THE WHITE PAPER WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED AT THE DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON OCTOBER 19,+ MR CHAN SAID.
-----o------
COMMUNITY SUPPORT NEEDED FOR CAREERS EDUCATION
******
THE SUCCESS OF CAREERS EDUCATION DEPENDED ON THE CO-OPERATION AND SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY, A LABOUR OFFICER OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE, MR CHOW CHEUNG-FAT, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHOW, WHO HAS JUST RETURNED FROM A VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE COURSE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF READING, TOLD A LUNCHEON MEETING OF HONG KONG ISLAND EAST ROTARY CLUB THAT CAREERS WORK REQUIRED THE DETERMINED AND CONCERTED EFFORTS OF ALL QUARTERS — THE GOVERNMENT, SCHOOLS, PARENTS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, YOUTH BODIES AND ABOVE ALL, EMPLOYERS.
HE SAID EMPLOYERS COULD HELP BY PROVIDING ACCURATE INFORMATION ON JOBS AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE, ARRANGING FOR SPEAKERS TO TAKE PART IN CAREERS CONVENTIONS, OFFERING OBSERVATION VISITS FOR GROUPS OF STUDENTS, AND JOINING OR SPONSORING CAREERS
PROJECTS.
MR CHOW ALSO SAID IT WAS THE ENSURE THAT CAREERS EDUCATION WAS AND CONTINUED FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AS ADULTHOOD.
GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO INITIATED IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS THEY GREW FROM ADOLESCENCE TO
HE SAID THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE (YEAS) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROMOTING CAREERS EDUCATION IN HONG KONG, HAD BEEN ENGAGED IN A PLANNED PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES SINCE ITS START IN 1968.
THE ACTIVITIES INCLUDED THE PROVISION OF GROUP GUIDANCE TO SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, RUNNING A NETWORK OF CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRES, KEEPING UP-TO-DATE CAREERS INFORMATION MATERIALS AND REFERENCE, WORK ORIENTATION PROGRAMMES AND PROVISION OF IN-SERVICE TRAINING FOR CAREERS TEACHERS.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBEB 10, 1984
- 24 -
uc cAin AQ PART nr THE DEPARTMENT’S PLAN TO EXPAND'AND HUB & ^^1“?a^ESEi^»Aa^oS°ceAW“ ??* BE SET UP IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
THE NEW CENTRES WOULD BE IN CENTRALLY LOCATED AREAS IN HONG KOW. KOwSh AND ™E NEW TERRITORIES, MR CHOW SAID.
_ _ o --------
MAINS WORK IN TUEN MUN X * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TURNED OFF FROM NOON ON DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE SATURDAY (OCTOBER 13) TO 8 AM THE FOLLOWING
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES ALONG LUNG MUN ROAD FROM TUEN MUN KAU HUI TO TAP SHEK KOK. THEY INCLUDE CASTLE PEAK BOY’S HOME, PAK KOK TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, BUTTERFLY ESTATE, WU KING ESTATE MELODY GARDEN, SIU SHAN COURT, AREA 44, WU KING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, TAP SHEK KOK POWER STATION, CHINA CEMENT COMPANY AND ALL THE CONSTRUCTION SITES ALONG LUNG MUN ROAD AND AREA 44.
0 -------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PRINTING DEPARTMENT STAFF PRAISED FOR EFFICIENCY ............. 1
INJURED SEAMEN RETURNING TOMORROW ............................ 2
SPECIAL CHANNELS SET UP FOR VIEWS ON WHITE PAPER.............. 2
TUEN MUN DB TO DISCUSS WHITE PAPER............................ 3
H.K. STILL IN U.S. GSP ....................................... 4
HK TO HAVE INSTRUMENTS FOR MEASURING FINE DUST................ 5
MISSION TO ENCOURAGE MORE INVESTMENT IN HK.................... 6
TUEN MUN DB MEMBERS TO VISIT UK .............................. 7
INDUSTRIAL LIAISON GROUP FORMED .............................. 7
♦LEADING LIGHT+ RETIRES aFTER 30 YEARS’ SERVICE .............. 7
TWO MORE MP’S COMING ......................................... 8
MAKING COUNTRY PARKS BETTER KNOWN ............................ 9
EASTERN ARTS COUNCIL LOOKS FOR MEMBERS........................ 10
LAW COURTS BEING BUILT FOR SHA TIN ........................... 10
150 YOUTHS IN SWIM GALA ...................................... 11
PLAN TO CUT TALL GRASS ....................................... 12
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1984
1
PRINTING DEPARTMENT STAFF PRAISED FOR EFFICIENCY * * * *
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, VISITING THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY), PAID TRIBUTE TO STAFF FOR THEIR HARD WORK IN MEETING PUBLIC DEMAND FOR THE WHITE PAPER ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
HE SAID HE WAS VERY IMPRESSED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S HIGH EFFICIENCY IN PRODUCING MORE THAN 2.7 MILLION COPIES OF THE WHITE PAPER IN SUCH A SHORT TIME.
SIR PHILIP WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER, MR HARRIS MYERS AND THE CHIEF PRINTING SUPERINTENDENT, MR DAVID PEARCE.
THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT WAS ESTABLISHED IN THE EARLY 195OS AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ALL PRINTING AND CONVERTED PAPER STATIONERY REQUIRED BY GOVERNMENT INCLUDING FORMS, FILES, FOLDERS, BOOKLETS, TICKETS, POSTERS, BOOKS AND ENVELOPES.
MOST OF THESE ITEMS ARE PRODUCED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN ITS 5 779-SQUARE-METRE PREMISES IN NORTH POINT. SOME ITEMS OF A SPECIAL NATURE ARE PURCHASED FROM LOCAL COMPANIES.
MR MYERS TOLD SIR PHILIP THAT THE DEPARTMENT HANDLED 3 886 TONNES OF PAPER AND BOARD IN THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, ALMOST 14 PER CENT UP OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR. PRINTING EXPENDITURE TOTALLED $67 MILLION.
SIR PHILIP LATER TOURED VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT INCLUDING THE IDENTITY CARD UNIT AND THE SECURITY SECTION WHERE A LARGE VOLUME OF SECURITY DOCUMENTS IS HANDLED.
MR MYERS SAID OVER TWO MILLION NEW IDENTITY CARDS HAVE BEEN PRODUCED SO FAR.
DURING THE TOUR, SIR PHILIP SAW A WIDE RANGE OF NEW MACHINERY AND WAS BRIEFED ON THEIR DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS. HE WAS ALSO SHOWN THE LATEST PRINTING PROCESSES AND TECHNIQUES INCLUDING COMPUTERISED ENGLISH LANGUAGE TYPESETTING.
EXPENDITURE FOR THE COMPUTERISATION OF THE CHINESE TYPESETTING SYSTEM HAS ALSO BEEN APPROVED, MR MYERS SAID.
TO ENSURE THAT CRAFTSMEN AND TECHNICIANS ARE FULLY COMPETENT, SUPPLEMENTARY IN-HOUSE TRAINING IS PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND APPRENTICES ARE ALSO SENT TO THE KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE FOR DAY-RELEASE TRAINING, HE SAID.
SIR PHILIP WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON PLANS TO RE-HOUSE THE DEPARTMENT IN MORE SUITABLE PREMISES IN MAY, 1985 SO AS TO ACCOMMODATE ALL STORAGE AND TO PROVIDE A MORE EFFICIENT SERVICE.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1934
- 2 -
INJURED SEAMEN RETURNING TOMORROW
* * *
SIX CREW MEMBERS O’7 THE WORLD KNIGHT, INJURED WHEN THE TANKER wAS ATTACKED IN THE PERSIAN GULF ON MONDAY, WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THEY WILL BE ARRIVING ON A SPECIAL FLIGHT AT 11.45 AM AND WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY.
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SPECIAL CHANNELS SET UP FOR VIEWS ON WHITE PAPER * * *
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL PROVIDE VARIOUS CHANNELS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE WHITE PAPER ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
THESE CHANNELS INCLUDE A TELEPHONE HOTLINE, SPECIAL VIEW-COLLECTION COUNTERS AND AREA SEMINARS.
+A TELEPHONE HOTLINE (3-421443) WILL BE OPERATIONAL TOMORROW (FRIDAY) DURING OFFICE HOURS TO RECORD RESIDENTS’ VIEWS AND OPINIONS,+ DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
+AT THE SAME TIME, SPECIAL COUNTERS MANNED BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF WILL BE SET UP IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS FIVE SUB-OFFICES TO COLLECT RESIDENTS’ VIEWS ON THE WHITE PAPER.+
THE BOARD ALSO PLANS TO HOLD VARIOUS AREA SEMINARS IN THE DISTRICT OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
♦BOARD MEMBERS HAVE ALREADY BEGUN VISITING LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO COLLECT OPINIONS AND VIEWS,+ MR MAK SAID.
LOCAL RESIDENTS CAN ALSO SEND WRITTEN COMMENTS TO THE +KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT* ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET, OR TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE DIRECT.
THE TELEPHONE HOTLINE AND THE SPECIAL COUNTERS WILL BE IN OPERATION UNTIL NOVEMBER 15, AND ALL THE VIEWS COLLECTED WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE.
/+WE HOPE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1984
- 3 -
+WE HOPE THAT LOCAL RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY THE SO-CALLED ’SILENT MAJORITY’, WILL MAKE GOOD USE OF THESE CHANNELS AS EAGERLY AS THEY COLLECTED COPIES OF THE WHITE PAPER,+ MR MAK SAID.
MORE THAN 130 000 COPIES OF THE WHITE PAPER HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE SINCE SEPTEMBER 26.
FOLLOWING A SPECIAL MEETING CALLED LAST WEEK TO DISCUSS THE WHITE PAPER, THE DISTRICT BOARD DECIDED TO PROVIDE SPECIAL CHANNELS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS TO AIR THEIR VIEWS ON THE DRAFT AGREEMENT.
OFFICIAL LETTERS WILL SOON BE SENT TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND POSTERS WILL BE PUT UP TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO USE THE CHANNELS PROV IDED.
0 -------
TUEN MUN DB TO DISCUSS WHITE PAPER
*****
TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE WHITE PAPER ON THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
SIR PATRICK NAIRNE, A MEMBER OF THE MON I TOR TEAM OF THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO LISTEN TO VIEWS 0 BOARD MEMBERS.
BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS AND COMMENT ON THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR ALAN SCOTT’S BRIEFING TO THEM AT A PREVIOUS MEETING ON THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE AREA 10 OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, REMEDIAL TUEN MUN ROAD, AND PROGRESS REPORTS ON START IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE REVISED LAYOUT PLAN FOR WORK BEING CARRIED OUT ON MAJOR PROJECTS SCHEDULED TO
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1984
- 4 -
H.K. STILL IN U.S. GSP * * * *
+HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO BE ACCORDED TARIFF PREFERENCE UNDER THE NEXT GENERATION OF U.S. GENERALISED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES (USGSP) WHICH WAS APPROVED BY THE U.S. CONGRESS ON OCTOBER 9, 1984,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE NEW GSP, WHICH WILL EXTEND THE CURRENT GSP PROGRAMME, WILL RUN FOR EIGHT AND A HALF YEARS FROM JANUARY 4, 1985. IT WILL EXPIRE ON JULY 4, 1993.
THE GSP'S CURRENT PROVISIONS RELATING TO COUNTRY ELIGIBILITY WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED BASICALLY. THERE IS HOWEVER, AN ADDITIONAL PROVISION TO BE ESTABLISHED WITH RESPECT TO +INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED WORKER RIGHTS* IN THE BENEFICIARY COUNTRY.
ON PRODUCT ELIGIBILITY, THE GSP’S CURRENT PROVISIONS FOR EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN PRODUCTS FROM ELIGIBILITY WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED WITH ONE EXCEPTION. THAT IS, ANY NEW PRODUCTS IN LEATHER-RELATED PRODUCT SECTOR WILL BE DEEMED IMPORT-SENSITIVE
THE AND
CANNOT BE INCLUDED IN THE GSP
+THE IMPACT ON HONG KONG IS UNKNOWN SINCE PRODUCT DETAILS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE BUT CERTAIN LEATHER GOODS FROM HONG KONG ARE CURRENTLY EXCLUDED FROM GSP TREATMENT UNDER THE TERMS OF THE EXISTING SCHEME,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ON GRADUATION (l.E. DENIAL OF PRODUCTS FROM GSP TREATMENT), THE NEW LEGISLATION REQUIRES THE PRESIDENT TO COMPLETE WITHIN TWO YEARS A GENERAL REVIEW ON WHICH PRODUCTS FROM WHICH COUNTRIES ARE +SUFFIClENTLY COMPETITIVE*.
IN THOSE INSTANCES WHERE THE DETERMINATION IS AFFIRMATIVE, LOWER LIMITS SET AT 25 PER CENT AND US$25 MILLION WILL BE APPLIED. OTHERWISE, THE CURRENT LIMITS (50 PER CENT AND US$57.7 MILLION) WILL CONTINUE TO APPLY.
THE SPOKESMAN WELCOMED THE CONTINUED INCLUSION OF HONG KONG UNDER THE GSP.
+WE ARE PLEASED THAT THE U.S. CONGRESS HAS DELETED THE MORE OBJECTIONABLE ELEMENTS PROPOSED EARLIER WHICH WOULD AFFECT ADVERSELY HONG KONG’S TRADE UNDER GSP,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+WE ARE ENCOURAGED BY THIS DEMONSTRATION OF RESISTANCE AGAINST PROTECTIONIST TRADE ATTITUDES IN THE U.S.*
FULL DETAILS OF THE LEGISLATION ARE STILL AWAITED. ON RECEIPT, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WILL EXAMINE THE IMPACT OF THE GSP ON HONG KONG’S TRADE.
IN 1983, TOTAL U.S. GSP IMPORTS. FROM HONG KONG AMOUNTED TO US$3 036 MILLION, OF WHICH US$1 125 MILLION (37 PER CENT) WORTH OF GOODS WERE IMPORTED DUTY FREE.
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/5.......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1984
- 5 -
HK TO HAVE INSTRUMENTS FOR MEASURING FINE DUST * * * *
SOPHISTICATED EQUIPMENT WILL SOON BE INSTALLED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY TO MEASURE THE AMOUNT OF FINE DUST PARTICLES IN THE ATMOSPHERE, ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR MICHAEL CHAN.
THE EXISTING DUST MONITORING EQUIPMENT MEASURES DUST PARTICLES BELOW 100 MICRONS IN DIAMETER — 1 MICRON BEING 1MILLI0NTH OF A ,metre — WHILE THE NEW EQUIPMENT, KNOWN AS INHALABLE PARTICULATE SAMPLER, MEASURES FINE PARTICLES LESS THAN 10 MICRONS IN DIAMETER.
+FINE PARTICLES ARE OF PARTICULAR CONCERN TO US BECAUSE THEY CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO OUR RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. PARTICLES LESS THAN ID MICRONS IN DIAMETER CAN PENETRATE TO THE LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT. STILL FINER PARTICLES, BELOW 2 MICRONS, CAN DESCEND FURTHER TO THE DEEPEST PART OF THE LUNGS, THE ALVEOLI,+ MR CHAN SAID.
TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES COME FROM BOTH NATURAL AND ANTHROPOGENIC SOURCES.
NATURAL SOURCES INCLUDE SOIL BLOW-OFF, VOLCANIC ACTIVITY, SALT AEROSOL FROM SEA SPRAY AS WELL AS SPORES, POLLEN AND ORGANIC MATERIAL.
ANTHROPHOGENIC SOURCES INCLUDE FUEL BURNING IN CERTAIN INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES, DIESEL EXHAUST, EARTH MOVING, LAND RECLAMATION AND CONSTRUCTION.
♦FINDINGS TO DATE INDICATE THAT TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATE LEVELS IN HONG KONG ARE HIGH BY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND THAT SOURCES OF PARTICULATE MATTER ARE NUMEROUS AND WIDESPREAD. HOWEVER IT HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED HOW MUCH OF THE TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES ARE LESS THAN 10 MICRONS,+ MR CHAN SAID.
THE NEW EQUIPMENT WILL BE INSTALLED IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS AT THE EPA’S SIX MONITORING STATIONS IN KWUN TONG, TSIM SHA TSUI, SHAM SHU I PO, CAUSEWAY BAY, CENTRAL-WESTERN AND JUNK BAY.
♦SAMPLES WILL BE COLLECTED ONCE EVERY THREE DAYS, PARTICULATES WILL BE COLLECTED OVER A 24-HOUR PERIOD ON A FILTER PAPER.
♦THE FILTER PAPER WILL BE WEIGHED BEFORE AND AFTER SAMPLING TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF DUST SUSPENDED IN THE ATMOSPHERE.
♦THESE SAMPLES WILL THEN BE ANALYSED FOR CHEMICAL AND ELEMENTAL CONTENTS BY THE GOVERNMENT CHEMIST. RESULTS WILL BE USED TO ASSESS THE SERIOUSNESS OF DUST POLLUTION, IDENTIFY POSSIBLE SOURCES OF PARTICULATES AND DEVELOP CONTROL MEASURES,+ HE EXPLAINED.
MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT SOME MITIGATING MEASURES WERE ALREADY BEING TAKEN TO TACKLE THE DUST PROBLEM.
/♦SINCE CONSTRUCTION .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1984
6
♦SINCE CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY IS A FAIRLY EASILY IDENTIFIABLE SOURCE OF PARTICULATES, THE EPA IS DEVELOPING A CODE OF PRACTICE, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE BUILDING CONSTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION, TO MINIMISE THE LEVEL OF DUST FROM CONSTRUCTION SITES.
+THE KENNEDY TOWN AND LAI CHI KOK INCINERATORS ARE MAJOR SOURCES OF PARTICULATES. THE INCINERATOR L INES FEED ING ONE OF THE CHIMNEYS AT KENNEDY TOWN HAVE BEEN FITTED WITH ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATORS SINCE JULY 1983 TO REMOVE PARTICULATES FROM THE FLUE GAS. THE RESULT HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING.
♦WORK IS NOW PROGRESSING TO FIT THE REMAINING INCINERATOR LINES AT KENNEDY TOWN WHILE PLANS ARE IN HAND TO CONTROL PARTICULATE EMISSIONS FROM THE LAI CHI KOK INCINERATOR,* HE SAID.
---0------
MISSION TO ENCOURAGE MORE INVESTMENT IN HK
*****
THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WILL BE SENDING A MISSION TO AUSTRALIA TO ENCOURAGE GREATER AUSTRALIAN PARTICIPATION IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
THE MISSION WILL VISIT SYDNEY, MELBOURNE, ADELAIDE AND PERTH BETWEEN OCTOBER 15 AND NOVEMBER 2.
IT WILL BE LED BY MR JOHN LO, A MEMBER OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD. THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE MISSION ARE MR PAUL WONG, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY? MR DAVID CHEUNG, PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT, AND MR RAYMOND CHAN, CONSULTANT.
WHILE IN SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE, THE MISSION, TOGETHER WITH THE METAL TRADES INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA, WILL ORGANISE TWO SEMINARS AT WHICH MR LO AND MR WONG WILL DISCUSS HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR AUSTRALIAN BUSINESSMEN.
THE MISSION WILL PAY FOLLOW-UP VISITS TO COMPANIES WHICH HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN ESTABLISHING MANUFACTURING FACILITIES IN HONG KONG, EITHER AS WHOLLY-OWNED OPERATIONS OR AS JOINT VENTURES WITH HONG KONG INDUSTRIALISTS.
THE MISSION WILL ALSO VISIT PRE-SELECTED COMPANIES TO DISCUSS THE ADVANTAGES OF HONG KONG AS AN OFFSHORE MANUFACTURING BASE.
AUSTRALIA RANKS EIGHTH AMONG OVERSEAS COUNTRIES WITH INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENTS IN HONG KONG.
OF THE 28 FACTORIES ESTABLISHED HERE WITH AUSTRALIAN INTEREST, 13 ARE WHOLLY-OWNED OPERATIONS AND 15, JOINT VENTURES, WITH INVESTMENTS TOTALLING 3161 MILLION.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1984
7
TUEN MUN DB MEMBERS TO VISIT UK * * * *
EIGHT TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL LEAVE FOR A ONE-WEEK STUDY TOUR OF THE UNITED KINGDOM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 13).
ACCOMPANIED BY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RICKY FUNG, THE GROUP WILL CALL ON THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT IN LONDON.
THEY WILL LOOK AT HOUSING, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS, WHICH THEY HOPE WILL BE HELPFUL TO THEM IN PLANNING FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
THE PARTY WILL ALSO MEET SOME MEMBERS OF THE PARLIAMENT, LOCAL CHINESE COMMUNITIES AND CHINESE STUDENTS DURING THEIR VISIT.
INDUSTRIAL LIAISON GROUP FORMED * * * *
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE SHAM SHU I PO INDUSTRIAL LIAISON COMMITTEE TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WAS FORMED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL INDUSTRIES, THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE, AND THE LABOUR AND THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENTS.
IT WILL SERVE AS A LINK BETWEEN MANUFACTURERS, MANAGERS AND WORKERS IN THE DISTRICT WITH THE AIM OF PROMOTING STRONGER PARTICIPATION OF THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO LOOK INTO PROBLEMS RELATING TO FACTORY BUILDING MANAGEMENT, LOADING AND UNLOADING FACILITIES AND TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR INDUSTRIAL AREAS IN SHAM SHU I PO.
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+LEADING LIGHT+ RETIRES AFTER 30 YEARS’ SERVICE
* * *
THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, MR EDDIE SHORT, IS RETIRING AFTER 30 YEARS’ SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
SPEAKING AT A GATHERING HELD TODAY (THURSDAY) TO MARK THE OCCASION, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, DR N.K. CHAN, DESCRIBED MR SHORT AS +A LEADING LIGHT IN BOTH HIS PROFESSION AND HIS HOBBY+.
/DB CHAN
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1984
8
DR
THAT HE SETS OF AND THE
CHAN SAID MR SHORT WAS AN EXPERT AT STAGE LIGHTING, AND AND HIS WIFE TOGETHER, FORMED A TEAM WHICH HAD LIT THE MANY WELL-ACCLAIMED AMATEUR PRODUCTIONS IN THE CITY HALL ARTS CENTRE.
IN
IN HIS THREE DECADES WITH THE GOVERNMENT, HE HAD HELD POSTS IN PORT WORKS, THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, DRAINAGE OFFICE, ROADS OFFICE AND THEN THE COMBINED ROADS AND DRAINAGE OFFICE.
PROJECTS WITH WHICH HE WAS INVOLVED DURING THIS PERIOD INCLUDED THE BUILDING OF THE NEW KOWLOON STAR FERRY PIER, THE PLANNING, DESIGNING AND EXECUTING SITE FORMATION AND RECLAMATION FOR THE THEN KWUN TONG NEW TOWN AREA, AND THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION.
FOR EIGHT YEARS SINCE 1973, HE WAS PROJECT MANAGER (TSUEN WAN) DEALING WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LARGEST NEW TOWN IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING SUCH VERY COMPLEX MATTERS AS THE EXTENSION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY TO TSUEN WAN.
HE BECAME DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT IN 1981 AND WAS AWARDED THE OBE IN 1983.
ON BEHALF OF COLLEAGUES IN THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH AND GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS, DR CHAN PRESENTED A SET OF CAMERA EQUIPMENT TO MR SHORT AS A RETIREMENT GIFT.
0
TWO MORE MP’S COMING * * X
TWO MPS, MR MICHAEL MARSHALL (CONSERVATIVE) AND MR CHARLES KENNEDY (SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC), WILL BE COMING TO HONG KONG FOR A WEEK-LONG VISIT.
MR MARSHALL WILL ARRIVE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) MORNING WHILE bR KENNEDY IS SCHEDULED TO FLY IN ON OCTOBER 14 (SUNDAY).
AS PART OF THEIR TOUR, THE TWO MPS WILL MEET COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS. THEY WILL ALSO VISIT SOUTHERN DISTRICT, A SQUATTER AREA, A HOUSING ESTATE AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, AND ATTEND A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING ON OCTOBER 16.
MR MARSHALL AND MR KENNEDY WILL HOLD PRESS CONFERENCES ON OCTOBER 18 AND OCTOBER 20 RESPECTIVELY. MR MARSHALL WILL DEPART ON OCTOBER 19 AND MR KENNEDY WILL LEAVE ON OCTOBER 21.
- - 0
/9
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1984
- 9 -
MAKING COUNTRY PARKS BETTER KNOWN ******
THE FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT VISITOR CENTRE AT PAK TAM CHUNG WILL BE READY EARLY NEXT YEAR.
IT WILL PROVIDE VISITORS TO THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARKS WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE FACILITIES AND INTERESTING FEATURES IN COUNTRY PARKS IN SAI KUNG PENINSULA.
THERE WILL ALSO BE DISPLAYS ON THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE SAI KUNG PENINSULA.
THE SUPERSTRUCTURE OF THE $2.5 MILLION CENTRE HAS BEEN COMPLETED, AND A $600 000 CONTRACT FOR THE DESIGN AND SUPPLY OF EXHIBITION MATERIALS AND AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT WAS SIGNED TODAY BETWEEN MR ROY CH ILVERS, ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND MR PHILIP LAU OF BEST ARTISTIC ADVERTISING AND DECORATION CO LTD.
THE WORK ON THE CONTRACT WILL BEGIN NEXT WEEK AND TAKE ABOUT THREE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
♦THE CENTRE, WITH A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF 400 SQUARE METRES, IS FLEXIBLE IN THE LAYOUT DESIGN AND CAN BE SUB-DIVIDED INTO A RECEPTION HALL, A MAIN EXHIBITION HALL AND A ROOM FOR SEASONAL DISPLAYS AND AUDIO-VISUAL PRESENTATIONS,* MR M.K. CHEUNG, ACTING SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER OF AFD, SAID.
+THE EXHIBITION WILL INCLUDE DISPLAYS ON LOCAL PLANTS AND ANIMALS, RURAL HISTORY, HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME AS WELL AS OTHER COUNTRYSIDE EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS.*
IT IS HOPED THAT PEOPLE WHO VISIT THE CENTRE WILL APPRECIATE THE NEED TO KEEP THE COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND^GREEN.
THERE ARE NOW TWO OTHER COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRES, ONE I ABERDEEN AND THE OTHER TAI MEI TUK.
THEY ARE SMALL AND HAVE BEEN ADAPTED FROM OFFICE BUILDINGS.
MR CHEUNG SAID, +MORE VISITOR CENTRES ARE PLANNED FOR OTHER COUNTRY PARKS IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, INCLUDING THOSE AT SHING MUN COUNTRY PARK AND ON LANTAU ISLAND.*
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/10........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1984
- 10 -
EASTERN ARTS COUNCIL LOOKS FOR MEMBERS
* * * *
PEOPLE LIVING IN EASTERN DISTRICT WHO WANT TO GET INVOLVED IN HELPING TO IMPROVE THE DEVELOPMENT OF ARTS AND CULTURE HAVE EEtN URGED TO BECOME MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL.
THE COUNCIL, FORMED LAST MONTH WITH THE HELP OF THE DI STRICT •CFFICE, IS LOOKING FOR MEMBERS TO HELP PROMOTE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE’DISTRICT.
+STUDENTS, RESIDENTS, MEMBERS OF CULTURAL OR LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, AND ANYONE WORKING IN THE DISTRICT ARE WELCOME TO JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COUNCIL,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
+THE AIM OF THE COUNCIL IS TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF ARTS AND CULTURE In THE DISTRICT AND TO STRENGTHEN TIES BETWEEN LOCAL ARTS AND CULTURE ORGANISATIONS AND THE GOVERNMENT,* HE SAID.
THERE IS NO LIMITATION ON THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS, AND MEMBERSHIP IS OPENED TO GROUPS OR INDIVIDUALS. THERE ARE FIVc CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP: LIFE GROUP MEMBER, LIFE ORDINARY MEMBER, GROUP MEMBER, ORDINARY MEMBER AND STUDENT MEMBER.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT 884-886 KING’S ROAD; THE CAUSEWAY BAY SUB-OFF ICE AT 9-11 *1^ HING STREET; THE SHAU KEI WAN SUB-OFFICE AT 243 SHAU KEI WAN ROA. AND THE CHAI WAN SUB-OFFICE AT BLOCK 2, HING WAH ESTATE.
THE FIRST GENERAL MEETING OF THE ARTS COUNCIL WILL BE HE.Ld ON OCTOBER 26 AT 5.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISThlCi OFFICE ON THE FIRST FLOOR, 884-886 KING’S ROAD, AND ALL MEf-.Ethu WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND.
FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT THE ARTS COUNCIL AND THE FORTHCOMING GENERAL MEETING CAN BE OBTAINED FROM MISS YVONNE YIP AT 5-57^' •
- - 0 - -
LAW COURTS BEING BUILT FOR SHA TIN X * * *
A $35.6 MILLION CONTRACT HAS BEEN AWARDED BY THE ARCHITECTURE-OFFICE OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHA TIN LAW COURTS.
THE EIGHT-STOREY BUILDING WILL OCCUPY A 3 510-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT PAK HOK TING STREET NEAR CENTRAL PARK AND THE CULTURAL COMPLEX, BOTH CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
/THERE WILL.....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1984
- 11 -
THERE WILL BE TWO DISTRICT COURTS, FOUR MAGISTRATES’ COURTS, A JUVENILE COURT AND A SMALL CLAIMS COURT.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A PRESS ROOM, TWO LIBRARIES, JUDGES’ AND MAGISTRATES’ CHAMBERS, A LEGAL AID REGISTRY, A SOLICITORS’ ROOM, A TEMPORARY CUSTODIAL AREA AND A CANTEEN.
THE TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF THE COURTS BUILDING WILL BE 12 550 SQUARE METRES.
WORK ON THE PROJECT, AWARDED TO KWAN LEE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1986.
-----0------
150 YOUTHS IN SWIM GALA * * * *
MORE THAN 150 YOUNG TAKING PART IN AN ANNUAL FANLING SWIMMING POOL ON
PEOPLE FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT WILL EE SWIMMING COMPETITION TO BE HELD AT THE SATURDAY (OCTOBER 13) AFTERNOON.
o. i SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SA*0 TODAY THAT APART FROM PROMOTING INTEREST IN SWIMMING, THE GALA IS ALSO AIMED AT SELECTING SWIMMERS FOR FURTHER TRAINING
AND DISTRICT-WIDE TOURNAMENTS.
THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE PREPARATORY COMMITTED CF NORTH DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE NTSD, HE SAID.
THERE WILL BE 12 EVENTS, LASTING FROM 2*PM TO 5 PM.
THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF NORTH, MR MA IU-KI, WILL PRESENT THE PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS.
ALSO TAKING PART IN THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE OF NORTH DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR CHONG KAM-NING, A MEMBER OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, MR TO MAN-KONG, AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER OF NORTH, MR CHENG CHEUK-PING.
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/12
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1^84 .
- 12 -
PLAN TO CUT TALL GRASS * * * *
tup pastprn DISTRICT OFFICE WILL LAUNCH A MAJOR GRASS-CUTTING EXERCISE THIS SATURDAY (OCTOBER 13) AFTERNOON IN MA SHAN SlJ^GE iS sJl? Kll WAN, * ITH THE HELP OF VOLUNTARY WORKERS FROM THE YMCA WONG CHUEN KIN CENTRE.
tup nPFR AT ION HAS BEEN IN IT IATED BY DI STR I CT BOARD MEMBERS, WHO FEARED THAT THE TALL GRASS COULD PROVIDE A HIDING PLACE FOR CRIMINAL ELEMENTS.
LED BY AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, NR CHAN YING-LUN AND UNOFFICIAL DB MEMBER, MR LAM TAK HONG, Se?e!m WILL CUT THE TWO-METRE TALL GRASS ALONG THE STAIRWAY LEADING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL TO THE MA SHAN VILLAGE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE OFFICE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GLAD OVER SURVIVORS’ RETURN — SIR PHILIP .................... 1
SPECIAL MEDICAL TEAM TREATING SEAMEN ........................ 1
SWD OFFERS HELP TO SEAMEN’S FAMILIES .................... 2
PRINCE PHILIP ON WAY TO TOKYO................................ 2
YOUNG PEOPLE’S ROLE STRESSED ................................ 3
GRADUATES NEED NOT FEAR FUTURE — HAYE ....................... 4
HK TO PRESS +ORIGIN+ ISSUE................................... 5
QUARTERLY JOBLESS RATE DECLINES ............................. 5
MORE JOBS SOUGHT FOR DISABLED................................ 7
350 000 SQUATTERS TO BE REHOUSED IN FIVE YEARS............... 8
EMERGENCY RELIEF WORK OUTLINED .............................. 9
INDUSTRIALISTS URGED TO INVEST MORE ........................ 10
APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCED ...................................... 11
SEPTEMBER DRIER THAN USUAL ................................. 11
PIPED GAS POLICY WINS SUPPORT .............................. 14
EASTERN VOTER DRIVE ’A SUCCESS’ ............................ 15
SUNDAY FORUM AT SAI KUNG ................................... 16
FISHING FUN FOR DISABLED ................................... 16
UPHILL RUN SET FOR NEXT MONTH............................... 17
BRIDGE PLANNED ACROSS LIU TO VALLEY......................... 17
ROAD AND FOOTBRIDGES TO BE BUILT ........................... 18
CENTRAL TAPS OFF ........................................... 18
EARLY MORNING ROAD WORK .................................... 19
TSING YI BRIDGE WORKS ...................................... 19
TENDERS INVITED FOR SEWAGE PUMPING STATION ................. 19
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1984
GLAD OVER SURVIVORS' RETURN -- SIR PHILIP
******
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID THIS EVENING HE WAS SURE THAT EVERYONE IN HONG KONG WOULD BE GLAD TO KNOW THAT THE SURVIVORS OF THE BOMBING OF THE HONG KONG OWNED VESSEL, THE WORLD KNIGHT, HAD NOW RETURNED SAFELY HOME. AS WELL AS EXPRESSING HIS SYMPATHY FOR THE RELATIVES OF THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES, HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT those who had sustained injuries would soon recover ^rom THEM. HE ADDED THAT UNPROVOKED ATTACKS ON MERCHANT HIPS IN THE SEA-LANES OF THE WORLD WERE TO BE UTTERLY DEPLORED.
AT THE SAME TIME HE SAID
HOW SHOCKED HE HAD BEEN TO LEARN
OF THE EXPLOSION AT THE GRAND HOTEL IN BRIGHTON WHERE THE
. ------- WAS BE)NG helD. HE SAID that
CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONFERENCE
ALTHOUGH FEW DETAILS WERE AS YET AVAILABLE, HE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE NUMBER OF CASUALTIES WAS RELATIVELY SMALL HAVING SIZE OF THE EXPLOSION.
REGARD TO THE APPARENT
-----o------
SPECIAL MEDICAL TEAM TREATING SEAMEN * * * *
A SPECIAL TEAM OF MEDICAL STAFF HAS BEEN DEPLOYED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO TREAT THE FIVE INJURED SEAMEN WHO WERE FLOWN BACK TO HONG KONG FROM THE PERSIAN GULF TODAY.
THE SPECIAL TEAM, HEADED BY A CONSULTANT AND 12 DOCTORS, IS BACKED UP BY OTHER NURSING AND PARA MEDICAL STAFF OF THE SURGICAL UNIT OF THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THEIR ARRIVAL AT KAI TAK AIRPORT, THE INJURED SEAMEN WERE TRANSFERRED BY AMBULANCES TO THE HOSPITAL.
THEY WERE ADMITTED TO THE PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE UNIT, WHICH IS AIR-CONDITIONED AND EQUIPPED TO TREAT PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM BURNS.
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE ALSO BEING MADE BY THE HOSPITAL FOR THE FAMILY OF THE INJURED SEAMEN TO VISIT THEM AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN EXAMINED BY THE DOCTORS.
HOWEVER, TO AVOID INFECTION AND DISTURBANCE TO THE PATIENTS, ONLY TWO MEMBERS FROM EACH FAMILY WILL BE ALLOWED INTO THE WARD TO LOOK AT THE PATIENTS THROUGH A GLASS PARTITION, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/2......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1984
2
SWD OFFERS HELP TO SEAMEN’S FAMILIES * * *
OFFICERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAVE CONTACTED THE FAMILIES AND RELATIVES OF FIVE HONG KONG SEAMEN FROM THE TANKER +WORLD KNIGHT+ WHO DIED IN AN INCIDENT IN THE PERSIAN GULF.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: +FIELD STAFF HAVE FOLLOWED UP PRESS REPORTS AND REACHED OUT TO THESE FAMILIES TO OFFER HELP.+
THE FAMILY OF A SIXTH SEAMAN WHO DIED IN THE INCIDENT HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET DESPITE REPEATED EFFORTS.
OF THE FIVE FAMILIES VISITED, ONE HAS REQUESTED COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING AND THIS IS BEING CONSIDERED.
THE OTHER FAMILIES HAVE NOT INDICATED ANY IMMEDIATE NEED FOR SERVICES.
MEANWHILE, MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS hospital have seen the families of two WHO WERE FLOWN BACK TO HONG KONG TODAY
AT PRINCESS MARGARET
OF THE FIVE INJURED SEAMEN
♦THE OTHER FAMILIES WHO NEED HELP CAN APPROACH OUR MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS IN THE HOSPITAL,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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PRINCE PHILIP ON WAY TO TOKYO
* * *
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH, WILL PASS THROUGH HONG KONG ON HIS WAY TO TOKYO TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING.
HE IS SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE ON FLIGHT CX 200, ETA 9 AM AND LEAVE ON FLIGHT CX 504, ETD 10.30 AM.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL BE MET BY THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, AND WILL NOT LEAVE THE AIRPORT DURING HIS TRANSIT VISIT.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1984
YOUNG PEOPLE’S ROLE STRESSED
*****
THE S INO-BRITISH DRAFT AGREEMENT PROVIDES A FIRM FOUNDATION FOR HONG KONG’S YOUNG PEOPLE TO BUILD THE FUTURE, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
IN A SPEECH TO THE 19TH NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE HONG KONG JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, HE SAID : +HONG KONG HAS NO RESOURCES BUT ITS PEOPLE, AND THERE ARE THREE MILLION YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE TERRITORY.+
DETAILED PROVISIONS IN THE DRAFT AGREEMENT PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH HONG KONG’S SOCIAL SYSTEM CAN DEVELOP IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
+WE ARE A YOUNG COMMUNITY, BUT WE ARE ALSO A STRONG COMMUNITY AND ARE STRENGTHENING THE BONDS WHICH UNITE US,+ MR AKERS-JONES SAID.
HONG KONG, HE SAID, IS AN ARTICULATE COMMUNITY WHICH IS DEVELOPING AVENUES OF EXPRESSION THROUGH THE REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM WITH AN EDUCATED POPULATION MAKING IMMENSE EFFORTS TO BECOME MORE HIGHLY TRAINED AND EXPERT.
MR AKERS-JONES DESCRIBED HONG KONG AS +AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOREVER STRETCHING OUR COMMUNICATIONS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD AND WELCOMING EXTRA MILLIONS OF VISITORS TO OUR SHORES.*
+WE ARE ALSO A CULTURAL CROSS ROADS AND THE GROWING ARTISTIC LIFE OF HONG KONG HAS BEEN ONE OF THE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES OF RECENT YEARS.
+WE HAVE A LIVELY AND RESPONSIVE ECONOMY WHICH HAS DEMONSTRATED ITS RESILIENCE AND ADAPTABILITY AT A TESTING TIME FOR ECONOMIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. ’
+WITH RESOLUTION AND POSITIVE COMMITMENT TO THE PRINCIPLES WHICH HAVE CREATED THIS DYNAMIC SOCIETY, THE WORK OF BUILDING THIS REMARKABLE PLACE WILL CONTINUE,* MR AKERS-JONES SAID.
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A....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1934
4
GRADUATES NEED NOT FEAR FUTURE -- HAYE * * * * *
GRADUATES OF THE HANG SENG SCHOOL OF COMMERCE NEED HAVE NO FEAR FOR THE FUTURE, AS THEIR TRAINING WOULD CONTINUE TO BE RECOGNISED AND HONOURED FOR WHAT IT WAS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, NR COLVYN HAYE, SAID TODAY.
THESE ASSURANCES WERE CONTAINED IN THE DRAFT AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG WHICH HAD ALSO BEEN WELCOMED BY MOST PEOPLE IN EDUCATIONAL CIRCLES, HE TOLD THE THIRD GRADUATION CLASS OF THE HANG SENG SCHOOL THIS AFTERNOON.
MAKING THE POINT THAT IT SEEMED +A PARTICULARLY APPOSITE MOMENT TO ALLAY SOME PROFESSIONAL CONCERN ABOUT THE FUTURE+, MR HAYE SAID THE ASSURANCES HAD +PROMISED US THE FREEDOMS TO WHICH WE HAVE BECOME ACCUSTOMED AND NOTABLY THE FREEDOM OF HONG KONG TO DECIDE ITS OWN POLICIES REGARDING THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM AND ADMINISTRATION*.
♦SIGNIFICANTLY, AMONG THE MAJOR ITEMS MENTIONED ARE THE SYSTEM CF ACADEMIC AWARDS AND THE RECOGNITION OF EDUCATIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL QUALIFICATIONS,* HE SAID.
HE READ THIS TO MEAN, HE SAID, THAT PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OBTAINED AT THE HANG SENG SCHOOL AND AT OTHER RECOGNISED EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS WOULD CONTINUE TO CARRY THEIR PROFESSIONAL WEIGHT AND BE RECOGNISED BOTH HERE AND ABROAD.
NOTING THAT THE SCHOOL WAS ENTERING ITS FIFTH YEAR, HE SAID THAT IT HAD BUILT +CONSCIOUSLY AND CONSCIENTIOUSLY, A PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES EMBRACING BOTH ACADEMIC WORK AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR PURSUITS*.
ITS CURRICULUM WAS NOT AN IMPORT DESIGNED FROM OTHER TIMES AND PLACES, BUT REFLECTED IN DELIBERATE FASHION HONG KONG’S CONDITIONS, AND WAS CONSTRUCTED SO THAT IT COULD BE MODIFIED IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHANGES IN THOSE CONDITIONS.
+TIMETABLES HAVE BEEN PLANNED SO THAT STUDENTS ENJOY ADEQUATE FREE TIME IN WHICH TO PLAN AND PURSUE THEIR OWN WORK AT THEIR OWN PACE, WHILE, AT THE SAME TIME, THE DEMANDS OF THE SYLLABUS AND THE OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE SCHOOL ARE TRANSLATED INTO PRECISE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES,* HE SAID.
THE HANG SENG SCHOOL, HE SAID, HAD FASHIONED AN ADMIRABLE EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURE, WHICH HE FELT, WOULD BE REFINED AND ENLARGED WHEN CIRCUMSTANCES ALLOWED.
--------o -
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1934
5
HK TO PRESS +ORIGIN+ ISSUE X * * *
HONG KONG WILL PRESS ITS REQUEST THAT THE UNITED STATES RESCIND THE COUNTRY-OF-ORIGIN REGULATIONS AT THE GATT TEXTILES COMMITTEE MEETINGS IN GENEVA ON OCTOBER 17 AND 22, THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, HAMISH MACLEOD SAID TODAY.
MR MACLEOD AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR DONALD TSANG, ARE DUE TO LEAVE FOR GENEVA LATER TODAY.
THEY WILL BE JOINED AT THE TALKS BY HONG KONG’S COUNSELLOR IN GENEVA, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND.
♦WE SHALL TAKE A VIEW ON WHEN TO RESUME BILATERAL CONSULTATIONS WITH THE USA IN THE LIGHT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN GENEVA - BOTH IN THE TEXTILES COMMITTEE ITSELF AND IN A NUMBER OF INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS WE SHALL BE HAVING,* MR MACLEOD SAID.
♦THE OUTCOME OF THE CONSULTATIONS WILL THEN IN TURN DETERMINE WHICH OTHER OPTIONS, SUCH AS GOING TO THE TEXTILES SURVEILLANCE BODY, ARE PURSUED, AND WHEN. THE RIGHT TIMING IS IMPORTANT.*
IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT THE UNITED STATES DELEGATION WILL COMPRISE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT, THE TREASURY, THE U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE, AND THE COMMERCE AND LABOUR DEPARTMENTS.
MR MACLEOD SAID THAT HIS DELEGATION WOULD BE COORDINATING EFFORTS WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM OTHER COUNTRIES - BOTH DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING - TO PRESS FOR THE U.S. RULES OF ORIGIN TO BE RESCINDED.
HE SAID THAT THIS ISSUE WAS ONE OF A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT ITEMS ON THE AGENDA. OTHER KEY ITEMS ARE A MAJOR REVIEW OF THE MULTIFIBRE ARRANGEMENT BY THE TEXTILES SURVEILLANCE BODY AND A REVIEW OF PROGRESS BY THE GATT WORKING PARTY ON TEXTILES. HONG KONG HAD A KEEN INTEREST IN BOTH THESE OTHER AGENDA ITEMS AND WOULD ALSO BE INVOLVED IN DISCUSSIONS ON THEM.
- - 0 - -
QUARTERLY JOBLESS RATE DECLINES
X X X XX
THE UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION IMPROVED FURTHER WHILE THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION STABILISED, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JUNE-AUGUST 1984 WAS 3.4 PER CENT, WHICH COMPARES WITH 3.8 PER CENT FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER MARCH-MAY 1984. THE DECREASE OF 0.4 PERCENTAGE POINT WAS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT, THAT IS, IT WAS GREATER THAN MIGHT BE EXPECTED TO ARISE FROM SAMPLING ERROR. THt RATE FOR JUNE-AUGUST 1983 WAS 3.7 PER CENT.
/THE NUMBER
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1984
6
THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN THE QUARTER ENDING AUGUST 1984 WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 90 800, AS COMPARED WITH 98 300 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING MAY 1984 AND 95 200 FOR THE SAME QUARTER OF LAST YEAR.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JUNE-AUGUST 1984 WAS 0.9 PER CENT WHICH WAS THE SAME AS THAT FOR MARCH-MAY 1984. THE RATE FOR THE SAME QUARTER OF 1983 WAS 1.5 PER CENT. THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS WAS 24 500 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING AUGUST 1984, AS COMPARED WITH 24 300 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING MAY 1984 AND 39 200 FOR THE SAME QUARTER OF LAST YEAR.
THE DECREASES IN THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE AND IN THE NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF LAST YEAR WERE STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
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 SEEKING MORE WORK OR WERE NOT SEEKING MORE WORK BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED MORE WORK WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
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) VARIED 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.
HE ALSO SAID THAT BASED ON A SYSTEM OF MANUAL EXTRACTION OF INFORMATION FROM SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES FOR THE LATEST MONTH, PROVISIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES COVERING THE LATEST MOVING THREE-MONTH PERIOD COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE SURVEY. THE PROVISIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE (NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED) FOR JULY-SEPTEMBER 1984 WAS 3.9 PER CENT, AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.0 PER CENT. HOWEVER, IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE WILL BE LOWER AFTER SEASONAL ADJUSTMENT. THE UNADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JUNE-AUGUST 1984 WAS 3.8 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 15 000 HOUSEHOLDS OR 55 000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG. PERSONAL AND LABOUR FORCE DATA WERE OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER IN THE HOUSEHOLD 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 SEPTEMBER 1984 SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN DECEMBER, HE SAID.
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/?......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 19d4
7 -
MORE JOBS SOUGHT FOR DISABLED
******
meAtJcn nen2^r-5EPARTMENT’S PLACEMENT SERVICE FOR THE MENTALLY
ABL£D DEPENDED VERY MUCH ON THE CLOSE COOPERATION OF EMPLOYERS FOR ITS SUCCESS, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR RON BRIDGE,
SAID TODAY.
MR BRIDGE WAS SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY ORGANISED BY THE
'¥E PEACEMENT SERVICE (SPS) FOR THE PRESENTATION CF SOUVENIRS TO THE TOP TEN EMPLOYERS OF DISABLED PERSONS.
PLACEMENT OFFICERS DEALING WITH BOTH THE MENTALLY RETARDED AND THE EX-MENTALLY ILL HAD ALL BEEN SPECIALLY TRAINED, AND WERE SUPPORTED BY MEDICAL SPECIALISTS IN HOSPITALS AND CLINICS, HE
SAID.
HE SAID THE SPS HAD, SINCE JULY, TAKEN OVER THE TASK OF PROVIDING FREE EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE TO MENTALLY DISABLED PERSONS.
THIS WORK HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN DONE BY THE FORMER JOB PLACEMENT UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
MR BRIDGE SAID THE NEW SERVICE, WHICH IS NOW BEING PROVIDED FROM A NEW OFFICE IN TSUEN WAN AND AN EXISTING OFFICE IN WAN CHAI, WAS A DIFFICULT ONE.
+THE DIFFICULTY DOES NOT ARISE FROM A LACK OF WORKING ABILITY ON THE PART OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED BUT RATHER FROM A LACK OF UNDERSTANDING BY MANY PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS OF THE NATURE OF THE DISABILITY AND FROM AN ENTRENCHED PREJUDICE AGAINST THESE JOB SEEKERS,* HE SAID.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THP intci i ccthji
+MENTALLY RETARDED PEOPLE ARE WELL ABLE TO FILL JOBS FOR QUALlilF^CAnONLEVEL 'NTELLIGENCE IS NOT AN IMPORTANT
SIMILARLY, PEOPLE WHO HAD MENTAL ILLNESS COULD BE TREATED AND COULD RECOVER TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT THE EFFECT OF THEIR ILLNESS UPON THEIR EMPLOYMENT WOULD LIKELY TO BE SLIGHT OR NON-EXISTENT, MR BRIDGE SAID.
ANY EX-MENTALLY ILL PATIENT THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE TRIED TO PLACE WOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN TREATED BY A MEDICAL SPECIALIST AND HIS CONDITION WOULD HAVE BEEN STABILISED.
THE TOP TEN EMPLOYERS WERE AUDIOTRON ICS LTD, HONG KONG SECURITY LTD, DURABLE ELECTRICAL METAL FTY. LTD, WILSON PARKING (H.K.) PTY. LTD, HUNG NIEN ELECTRONICS LTD, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, EASTERN TIME LTD, MILLIE’S HANDBAGS AND SHOES FTY. LTD, SECURITY ALLIANCE LTD, AND NATIONAL ELECTRONICS AND WATCH CO LTD. ---------------------------------0-------
/8......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1984
8
350 000 SQUATTERS TO BE REHOUSED IN FIVE YEARS
******
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY PLANS TO REHOUSE 350 000 SQUATTERS OVER FIVE YEARS WITH A VIEW TO ELIMINATING ALL SQUATTER ENCLAVES IN THE URBAN AREAS.
FROM NEXT YEAR, SQUATTERS WILL BE RESETTLED AT AN INCREASED RATE OF 70 000 PEOPLE A YEAR WITH PRIORITY GIVEN TO THOSE LIVING ON MORE VULNERABLE SLOPES AND SQUATTER BOATS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S OPERATIONS COMMITTEE, DR DENNY HUANG, REVEALED TODAY THE AUTHORITY’S STEPPED-UP EFFORT IN RESOLVING THIS long-standing PROBLEM.
ADDRESSING THE LIONS CLUBS OF HONG KONG SOUTH AND QUEENSWAY, DR HUANG SAID A 10-YEAR CLEARANCE PROGRAMME WAS BEING DRAWN UP TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL.
DR HUANG SAID: +A FEASIBILITY STUDY WHICH IS CURRENTLY UNDERTAKEN INDICATES THAT IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PERMANENT REHOUSING FOR ALL ELIGIBLE SQUATTERS UNDER SUCH A LONG-TERM PROGRAMME.+
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S REHOUSING COMMITMENT TO SQUATTERS HAD BEEN ENORMOUS.
♦DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS, AN AVERAGE OF 60 000 SQUATTERS WERE CLEARED EACH YEAR WHILE SOME S25 MILLION PER ANNUM HAD BEEN, AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE SPENT IN CARRYING OUT IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO MAJOR HUT-PRONE AREAS.
♦LAST YEAR ALONE, NEARLY 300 CLEARANCES WERE CARRIED OUT, INVOLVING THE REHOUSING OF 52 684 PEOPLE AND EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE TOTALLING J45.9 MILLION WERE PAID TO NON-DOMESTIC SQUATTER OPERATORS.+
PREVKJSLY, DR HUANG SAID, SQUATTERS WERE REHOUSED ONLY WHEN THEIR HUTS -JERE CLEARED FOR DEVELOPMENT OR HAD BEEN DESTROYED BY NATURAL DISASTERS.
+THE RECENTLY APPROVED NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION POLICIES, HOWEVER, WILL GIVE THEM A CHANCE OF EARLY REHOUSING AND PRIORITY IN APPLYING FOR HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS WITH GREEN FORMS.
+FOR SQUATTERS AFFECTED BY CLEARANCES AND NATURAL DISASTERS, THEY CAN NOW OPT FOR APPLYING HOS FLATS IN LIEU OF REHOUSING, PROVIDED THAT THEY MEET SUCH CRITERIA AS LIVING IN A SURVEYED STRUCTURE, FULFILLING THE SEVEN-YEAR RESIDENCE RULE AND HAVING AT LEAST TWO HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS.
/+TH3 SEVEN-YEaR .....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1984
+THE seven-year residence rule will be the best concession to squatters, many of whom, according to records, have relatively SHORT length OF RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG.
♦FIGURES SHOWED THAT OF THE 52 684 PEOPLE CLEARED AND REHOUSED LAST YEAR, MORE THAN ONE-THIRD OF THEM WERE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ESTATE FLATS FOR WHICH TEN YEARS LOCAL RESIDENCE IS REQUIRED.*
HE ADVISED ELIGIBLE SQUATTERS TO MAKE GOOD USE OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVING CONDITIONS.
♦FOLLOWING THE RELAXATION OF PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION POLICIES WHICH OFFER MANY MORE CATEGORIES OF APPLICANTS THE GREEN FORM STATUS FOR HOS APPLICATIONS, AND WITH LOCAL ECONOMY FAST RECOVERING, IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMAND FOR HOS FLATS WILL BE KEENER THAN EVER,* DR HUANG SAID.
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EMERGENCY RELIEF WORK OUTLINED * * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT PLAYED AN IMPORTANT PART IN EMERGENCY RELIEF WORK DURING NATURAL DISASTERS AND OTHER SERIOUS INCIDENTS, THE DEPARTMENT’S REGIONAL OFFICER (WEST KOWLOON), M? ALEXANDER FUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCH MEETING OF THE HE SAID THAT EMERGENCY RELIEF, WHICH IS SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM, WAS DESIGNED TO RAINSTORMS, FIRES, LANDSLIDES AND HOUSE
BRAEMAR HILL PART OF HONG HELP VICTIMS COLLAPSES.
LIONS CLUB, KONG’S OF TYPHOONS,
♦WHEN A REPORT OF SUCH AN INCIDENT IS RECEIVED, ONE OF OUR DUTY TEAMS, WHICH ARE OPERATED ON A REGIONAL BASIS, WILL QUICKLY SWING INTO ACTION,+ HE SAID.
TEAM MEMBERS WOULD REGISTER THE VICTIMS AND ARRANGE WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S KOWLOON KITCHEN FOR THE SUPPLY OF COOKED MEALS, BLANKETS, MILK POWDER AND OTHER DAILY NECESSITIES.
♦IF NECESSARY, WE WILL OPEN OUR COMMUNITY CENTRES AS TEMPORARY SHELTERS,+ MR FUNG SAID.
CASH ASSISTANCE AND COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING MIGHT ALSO BE ARRANGED FOR THOSE WITH A GENUINE NEED.
♦TO ENSURE THAT THE VICTIMS RECEIVE PROPER CARE, STAFF OF OUR FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE AND SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT IN THE DISTRICT WILL HELP THOSE IN NEED OF OTHER WELFARE SERVICES.*
BETWEEN APRIL AND AUGUST THIS YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT S EMERGENCY DUTY TEAMS WERE CALLED OUT ON 62 OCCASIONS. IN THE 1983-84 FINANCIAL YEAR, THE TEAMS WERE CALLED OUT 186 TIMES.
REFERRING TO THE KOWLOON KITCHEN, MR FUNG SAID ITS WORKLOAD HAD BEEN INCREASING IN RECENT YEARS.
/+WITH THE ....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1984
10
+WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ADDITIONAL WING AND IMPROVED FACILITIES, THE KITCHEN IS NOW ABLE TO PRODUCE 40 000 MEALS IN AN EIGHT-HOUR PERIOD,* HE SAID.
+THE KITCHEN HAD A RECORD OF PRODUCING 40 000 MEALS A DAY FOR 26 DAYS RUNNING IN JULY 1979 DURING THE INFLUX OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES.*
MR FUNG ALSO OUTLINED OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING SOCIAL SECURITY, FAMILY SERVICES, YOUTH AND COMMUNITY WORK, REHABILITATION, SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND OFFENDERS, AND MEDICAL SOCIAL SERVICE.
------o-------
INDUSTRIALISTS URGED TO INVEST MORE * * * * *
INDUSTRIALISTS WERE URGED TODAY TO INCREASE THEIR INVESTMENT IN PREPARATION FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
IN MAKING THE CALL, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID, +HONG KONG’S PROSPECT HAD BECOME CLEAR AND BRIGHT*, AS A RESULT OF THE DRAFT AGREEMENT ON ITS FUTURE.
HE ALSO TOLD THEM TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE DRAFT AGREEMENT.
MR WIGGHAM WAS SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE SHAM SHU I PO INDUSTRIAL LIAISON COMMITTEE.
HE SAID THAT THERE WERE NOW MORE THAN 7 000 FACTORIES IN SHAM SHU I PO, WITH A WORKFORCE OF ABOUT 100 000.
A DISTINCTIVE FEATURE OF THE SHAM SHU I PO INDUSTRIAL AREA WAS THAT MOST OF THE FACTORIES WERE OF MEDIUM OR SMALL SCALE.
THESE FACTORIES PLAYED A SUPPORTING ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT CF LARGE-SCALE FACTORIES IN AND OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT.
+T0 COPE WITH THE DEMANDS OF THE PRESENT DAY INDUSTRIES, IT WAS NECESSARY TO SET UP THE SHAM SHU I PO INDUSTRIAL LIAISON COMMITTEE TO STRENGTHEN TIES WITHIN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR AND TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN TACKLING PROBLEMS ARISING FROM THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES,* HE SAID.
THE COMMITTEE WAS FORMED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE DISTRICT . OFFICE AND MADE UP OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
ITS MAIN AIM IS TO INVOLVE THE LOCAL INDUSTRIAL SECTOR IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, AND TO LOOK INTO ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1984
11
APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCED * * * *
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY THE APPOINTMENT OF NR ROBERT KWOK CHIN-KUNG AS A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.
MR KWOK WILL TAKE UP THE APPOINTMENT IN NOVEMBER 1984.
MR KWOK IS AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF JARDINE MATHESON HOLDINGS, LTD., DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, LTD., DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG LAND CO., LTD., DIRECTOR OF ZUNG FU CO., LTD., AND DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG COMMERCIAL BROADCASTING CO., LTD. HE IS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF REVIEW (INLAND REVENUE) AND PANEL OF ASSESSORS.
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SEPTEMBER DRIER THAN USUAL * * * *
SEPTEMBER WAS DRIER THAN USUAL,THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY REPORTS.
THE MONTH’S 211.3 MM OF RAINFALL WAS ABOUT 34 PER CENT „ BELOW NORMAL. AND THE MONTHLY MEAN ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE OF 1 010.o MILLIBARS WAS THE THIRD HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR ANY SEPTEMBER.
THE WEATHER WAS CLOUDY WITH HEAVY THUNDERY SHOWERS ON SEPTEMBER 1, DUE TO A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE CLOSE TO THE SOUTH CHINA COAST. SCATTERED SHOWERS CONTINUED ON SEPTEMBER 2. THESE TWO DAYS’ RAINFALL, 107.5 MM, ACCOUNTED FOR OVER HALF OF THE MONTH’S RAINFALL.
IT WAS FINE APART FROM SOME ISOLATED SHOWERS ON SEPTEMBER 3 AND 4.
WINDS BECAME STRONG OFF SHORE ON SEPTEMBER 5, DUE TO THE APPROACH OF TYPHOON IKE. THEY MODERATED THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE WEATHER WAS CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS ON THESE TWO DAYS.
IT WAS FINE AND SUNNY FROM SEPTEMBER 7 TO 11. THE WEATHER BECAME VERY HOT ON SEPTEMBER 11 AND THE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE ROSE TO 32.0 DEGREES CELSIUS WHICH WAS THE HIGHEST OF THE MONTH.
EARLY ON SEPTEMBER 12, IT BECAME CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS AS A COLD FRONT PASSED SOUTH ACROSS HONG KONG. IT REMAINED CLOUDY FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS. ISOLATED SHOWERS OCCURRED ON SEPTEMBER 14 AND 15, WITH THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE DROPPING TO 23.4 DEGREES CELSIUS, THE MONTH’S LOWEST, ON SEPTEMBER 14.
/THESE WERE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1984
12
THERE WERE SCATTERED THUNDERY SHOWERS FROM SEPTEMBER 16 TO 18 ONE GURKHA SOLDIER WAS KILLED AND THREE OTHERS WERE INJURED BY LIGHTNING STROKES WHILE THEY WERE ON AN EXERCISE NEAR PAT SIN RANGE ON SEPTEMBER 18.
IT WAS FINE ON SEPTEMBER 19, BUT THUNDERY SHOWERS OCCURRED ON SEPTEMBER 20 AS THE WINDS FRESHENED FROM THE EAST.
FROM SEPTEMBER 21 TO 24, THE WEATHER WAS FINE AND SUNNY, APART FROM SOME ISOLATED SHOWERS ON SEPTEMBER 23. IT BECAME CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS ON SEPTEMBER 25.
WINDS STRENGTHENED FURTHER ON SEPTEMBER 26 AS THE WINTER MONSOON WAS ENHANCED BY TROPICAL DEPRESSION LYNN IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. THERE WERE ALSO SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.
WINDS REMAINED STRONG OFF SHORE THE NEXT DAY. THE WEATHER WAS CLOUDY WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS. FINE AND SUNNY WEATHER PREVAILED FROM SEPTEMBER 28 TO 30.
FOUR TROPICAL CYCLONES DEVELOPED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DURING THE MONTH.
TYPHOON IKE FORMED NEAR GUAM IN LATE AUGUST AND CROSSED MINDANAO ON SEPTEMBER 2. IT DISSIPATED NEAR NANNING IN GUANGXI ON SEPTEMBER 7.
TROPICAL DEPRESSION LYNN DEVELOPED ABOUT 240 NAUTICAL MILES EAST NORTHEAST OF XISHA ON SEPTEMBER 24. IT MOVED WESTWARDS AND DISSIPATED ABOUT 140 NAUTICAL MILES NORTH NORTHEAST OF XISHA ON SEPTEMBER 26.
TROPICAL STORM NINA FORMED ABOUT 150 NAUTICAL MILES SOUTH SOUTHWEST OF IWO JIMA ON SEPTEMBER 27. IT RECURVED NORTHEASTWARDS TO ABOUT 420 NAUTICAL MILES SOUTHEAST OF TOKYO AT THE END OF THE MONTH.
AND ON SEPTEMBER 28, TROPICAL STORM MAURY FORMED ABOUT 590 NAUTICAL MILES EAST OF IWO JIMA, AND WAS MOVING NORTHWARDS TO ABOUT 510 NAUTICAL MILES EAST OF TOKYO AT THE END OF THE MONTH.
DURING THE MONTH ONE AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER.
THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON SEPTEMBER 12, 13, 16 TO 18, 20 AND 22. FLOOD WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON SEPTEMBER 1, 16 AND 18. THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON SEPTEMBER 30.
/SIGNALS HOISTED
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1984
- 13 -
WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS:
SIGNAL DATE AND TIME OF HOISTING DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING
TYPHOON IKE WINTER iONSOON 1 3 STRONG MONSOON THE MONTH SEPTEMBER 4 SEPTEMBER 5 4.10 PM 11.10 AM SEPTEMBER 5 SEPTEMBER 5 11.10 AM 11 PM SEPTEMBER 27 SEPTEMBER 27 6.10 AM 3.45 PM •S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
SUNSHINE
RAINFALL
CLOUDINESS
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN TEMPERATURE
MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
173.8 HOURS ; 14.7 HOURS BELOW NORMAL
211.3 MM ; 109.1 MM BELOW NORMAL
66 % ; 4 % MORE THAN NORMAL
81 % ; 2 % HIGHER THAN NORMAL
29.5 DEGREES C ; 1.0 DEGREE C BELOw NORI* A
27.3 DEGREES C ; 0.2 DEGREE C BELOW NORMAL
25.6 DEGREES C ; 0.4 DEGREE C ABOVE NORMAL
23.7 DEGREES C ; 0.5 DEGREE C ABOVE NORMAL
118.9 MM 5 41.6 MM BELOW NORMAL
MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 32.0 DEGREES C WAS RECORDED ON SEPTEMBER 11
MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 23.4 DEGREES C WAS RECORDED ON SEPTEMBER 14
0--------
/14........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1984
14
PIPED GAS POLICY WINS SUPPORT * * * *
GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO FOLLOW A PIPED GAS POLICY FOR ALL NEw BUILDINGS HAD GAINED THE SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION OF THE INDUSTRY, AND HAD LED TO A DRAMATIC INCREASE IN THE SALE OF PIPED GAS, THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, NR GRAHAM OSBORNE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
BULK SUPPLIES OF LPG WERE UP MORE THAN 10 PER CENT ON
PREVIOUS YEARS AND PIPED TOWN GAS SUPPLIES WERE UP NEARLY 20 PER CENT.
MR OSBORNE, WHO WAS SPEAKING AT THE NINTH ANNUAL DINNER OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERS, SAID THE PIPED GAS POLICY WAS ONE OF THE MEASURES ADOPTED TO ENHANCE GAS SAFETY IN HONG KONG FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF SIX PEOPLE OVER A TWO-WEEK PERIOD IN 1981 AS A RESULT OF BATHROOM GAS WATER HEATER FACILITIES.
GOVERNMENT-APPOINTED CONSULTANTS WERE ASKFn Tn fvamiuc just gas water heater safety seoui rements bu? also gas"1eet) over the WHOLE SPECTRUM OF THE INDUSTRY, COVERING THE MANUFACTURE SUPPLY, STORAGE AND USE OF BOTH TOWN GAS AND LPG. ’
THE PROBLEM WAS TACKLED IN THREE WAYS, BY MOUNTING A MASSIVE ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN, ENCOURAGING CUSTOMERS TO INSTALL REPLACEMENT GAS WATER HEATERS AND ENSURING, THROUGH THE BUILDING (PLANNING) REGULATIONS, THAT ALL NEW BUILDINGS WERE PROVIDED WITH A CORRECTLY SIZED AND CORRECTLY POSITIONED WALL APERTURE TO ACCEPT THE SAFE ROOM-SEALED GAS WATER HEATERS.
+CONSULTANTS EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE WIDESPREAD USE OF PORTABLE LPG CYLINDERS IN CROWDED URBAN
DWELLINGS OF HONG KONG. FROM CIRCULATION AS
THEY PROPOSED THESE SHOULD BE WITHDRAWN QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE,* MR OSBORNE SAID.
+THE RECOMMENDATION FAILED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE PRACTICAL PROBLEM THAT ABOUT 800 000 GAS CUSTOMERS IN HONG KONG (ABOUT 60 PER CENT OF ALL THE GAS CUSTOMERS) ARE SUPPLIED THIS WAY.*
INSTEAD, GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO FOLLOW THE PIPED GAS POLICY FOR ALL NEW BUILDINGS AND THIS CONCEPT WAS BEING FOLLOWED WITH CO-OPERATION OF THE INDUSTRY.
THE PIPED SUPPLY TO NEW BUILDINGS COULD BE EITHER TOWN GAS OR LPG, PROVIDING THAT IT WAS SUPPLIED FROM A CENTRALISED BULK INSTALLATION WHOSE DESIGN AND LOCATION WAS APPROVED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
ON OTHER AREAS OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WORK, MR OSBORNE SAID THAT WHEN THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB DECIDED IN 1975 TO INCLUDE AN AERIAL ROPEWAY IN ITS OCEAN PARK PROJECT, IT GENERATED CONSIDERABLE ACTIVITY WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT AS THERE WAS NO COVERING LEGISLATION.
/+T0 Make
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1984
+T0 MAKE MATTERS WORSE, CONSULTANTS TO THE JOCKEY CLUB WERE PROPOSING A SYSTEM WHICH WOULD OPERATE AT A HIGHER SPEED AND WITH MORE PASSENGERS PER CABIN THAN ANY OTHER MONOCABLE PASSENGER ROPEWAY APPROVED BY ANY NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL ROPEWAY AUTHORITY IN THE WORLD,+ MR OSBORNE SAID.
TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY, AN ORDER-IN-COUNCIL WAS ISSUED IN 1976 NAMING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS AS THE HONG KONG SAFETY AUTHORITY. THIS ENSURED SOME DEGREE OF CONTROL DURING THE CONSTRUCTION AND COMMISSIONING STAGES OF THE PROJECT, PENDING THE INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION COVERING ALL ASPECTS OF ITS OPERATION.
APART FROM A FEW MINOR HICCUPS, THE CONSTRUCTION PROCEEDED IN A NORMAL MANNER, WITH UNIT TESTING BEING UNDERTAKEN ON ALL PARTS AS THEY WERE COMPLETED.
+THE ROPEWAY AT OCEAN PARK HAS ALSO PLAYED ITS PART IN THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF ROPEWAY TECHNOLOGY. HAVING PROVED BEYOND ALL DOUBT THAT ROPEWAYS COULD BE OPERATED AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND WITH GREATER LOADING THAN PREVIOUSLY HAS LED TO THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF ROPEWAYS THAT NOW EXCEED THE ’STATE OF THE ART’ THAT WAS ESTABLISHED AT OCEAN PARK,* HE SAID.
-----o------
EASTERN VOTER DRIVE ’A SUCCESS’ * * *
MORE THAN 52 000 PEOPLE IN EASTERN DISTRICT REGISTERED AS VOTERS DURINS THE SIX-WEEK CAMPAIGN, BOOSTING THE TOTAL NUMbER CF REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE DISTRICT TO ABOUT 150 000.
+THIS REPRESENTS NEARLY 60 PER CENT OF THE POTENTIAL ELECTORATE IN THE DISTRICT*, SAID THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LUI HAU-TUEN.
♦ THE RESULTS ARE MORE THAN SATISFACTORY AND COULD NOT HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED WITHOUT THE CO-OPERATION AND EFFORTS OF EVERYONE CONCERNED*, HE SAID.
MR LUI PRAISED THe(eFFORTS OF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS/D I STR ICT OFFICE STAFF AND VARIOUS OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN HELPING TO MAKE THE CAMPAIGN A SUCCESS.
+THE ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE FROM RESIDENTS IN THE CAMPAIGN SHOWS THAT PEOPLE ARE BECOMING MORE KEEN TO PARTICIPATE IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION*, MR LUI SAID.
MR LUI ALSO SAID HE IS CONFIDENT THAT THERE wILL BE
A HIGH TURNOUT IN EASTERN DISTRICT DURING NEXT YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TO BE HELD IN MARCH.
/16........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, IT •*
16
SUNDAY FORUM AT SAI KUNG
* * *
HOUSING, TRANSPORT, AIR POLLUTION, AND WELFARE FOR THE ELDERLY WILL BE AMONG SUBJECTS TO BE DISCUSSED ON SUNDAY AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FORUM, ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND RADIC TELEVISION HONG KONG.
THE ROLE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.
SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS CARRIE CHENG; DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MR CHAN KWAI-SANG, MR WILLIAM WAN, MR CHAN MUK-SANG AND MR WAN YUET-KAU; A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL; A SOCIAL WORKER; AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE JUNK BAY MEDICAL RELIEF COUNCIL.
-----0------
FISH ING FUN FOR DISABLED * * *
AN ANGLING COMPETITION FOR DISABLED PERSONS WILL BE HELD AT H.M.S. TAMAR FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 14).
JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE (RSS) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG AMATEUR FISHING SOCIETY AND THE BRITISH FORCES ANGLING CLUB, THE EVENT IS TO STIMULATE THE DISABLED’S INTEREST IN ANGLIC AND RECREATIONAL PURSUITS IN GENERAL.
MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, AS WELL AS BLIND AND DEAF PERSONS WILL BE COMPETING TO SEE WHO CAN BRING IN THE HEAVIEST LOAD OF F ISH.
SPECIAL FACILITIES HAVE BEEN SET UP TO HELP THE CONTESTANT^.
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE WINNERS BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (RECREATION AND SPORTS), MR DAVID CHIU, AND THE CAPTAIN-IN-CHARGE OF THE ROYAL NAVY IN HONG KONG, CAPTAIN TONY COLLINS AT 3.45 PM.
- - 0 -
/17
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1984
17
UPHILL RUN SET FOR NEXT MONTH
* * * *
THE ANNUAL LION ROCK RACE ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL, WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 18 (SUNDAY).
SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE RACE IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN MORE SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
IT IS OPEN TO ANYONE OVER THE AGE OF 16.
THE RACE IS RUN UPHILL OVER 2.8 KILOMETRES, FROM TZE WAN SHAN ROAD PLAYGROUND TO KOON YUM CHUEN.
ENTRY FORMS, ROUTE MAPS AND INFORMATION SHEETS ABOUT THE RACE ARE AVAILABLE AT THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS HO MAN TIN AND HUNG HOM SUB-OFFICES, AND THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE KOWLOON CITY OFFICE.
COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THESE OFFICES BY 5 PM ON NOVEMBER 9 (FR IDAY).
BRIDGE PLANNED ACROSS LIU TO VALLEY * * * *
OF THE NEW
THF T^UFN toAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFF ICE TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PLANS TO CONSTRUCT A BRIDGE ACROSS THE LIU TO VALLEY ON TSI NG Yl.
THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE WIDENING A SECTION OF ROAD TY5 BETWEEN CHING HONG ROAD EXTENSION AND THE BRIDGE.
THESE WORKS TOGETHER WITH THE ROADWORKS AT EITHER END OF
SCSI'S scheme and
THE TSI NG Yl NORTH BRIDGE.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION^:
*
*
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFF ICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 1OTH FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN •
/• TSUEN WAN .........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1984
18
* TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, FOU WAH CENTRE, 210 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN; AND
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, TSING Yl SUB-OFFICE, 113 CHING WAI HOUSE, CHEUNG CHING ESTATE, TSING Yl.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MAY WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BEFORE DECEMBER 11.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED WORKS IS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
------o-------
ROAD AND FOOTBRIDGES TO BE BUILT * * *
THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PLANS TO CONSTRUCT A DUAL CARRIAGEWAY AT GROUND LEVEL OVER CHUNG HANG NULLAH BETWEEN THE NEW RECLAMATION IN TSUEN WAN BAY AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
THE PROPOSED ROAD WILL BE ABOUT 500 METRES LONG AND WILL FORM AN ESSENTIAL LINK WITH TSUEN WAN BYPASS STAGE II. IT WILL BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE ROAD NETWORK SERVING THE NEW TOWN AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS ON THE RECLAMATION.
A SYSTEM OF FOOTBRIDGES WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED TO FACILITATE MOVEMENTS OF PEDESTRIANS ACROSS THE NEW ROAD AND ITS JUNCTIONS WITH SHA TSUI ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED WORKS WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
THE NOTICE CAN BE SEEN ON THE SITE OR THE PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED AT CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, OR AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, OR AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE., SECOND FLOOR, FOU WAH CENTRE, 210 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
ANY OBJECTION TO THE WORKS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY DECEMBER 11.
------0-------
CENTRAL TAPS OFF * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN CENTRAL WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 15) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY rOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY ICE HOUSE STREET, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, JACKSON ROAD AND QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
------0-------
/19......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1934
19
EARLY MORNING ROAD WORK
* * *
THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM THE JUNCTION OF TONG SHU I ROAD wITH KING’S ROAD TO THE HONG KONG ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR FIVE HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 13).
THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CORRIDOR.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ARE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING RIGHT FROM KING’S ROAD WESTBOUND INTO TONG SHU I ROAD.
-----o-----
TSI NG Yl BRIDGE WORKS * * *
FOR THREE ONE-HOUR PERIODS ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 14), TSING Yl BRIDGE WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC AT INTERVALS OF FIVE MINUTES ONLY, TO ALLOW MAINTENANCE WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT.
THESE ONE-HOUR PERIODS WILL START FROM 12.30 AM, 6.30 AM AND 3 PM.
------o-------
TENDERS INVITED FOR SEWAGE PUMPING STATION * * *
THE TSUEN WAN OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A MAJOR SEWAGE PUMPING STATION ON TSING Yl ISLAND.
BESIDES THE PUMPING STATION, THE CONTRACT INCLUDES CONSTRUCT I Ort OF AN ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION, THE ASSOC IATED BUILDING SERVICES AND ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL WORKS TOGETHER WITH AN ACCESS ROAD.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID NEARBY AREAS WOULD BE LANDSCAPED TO PROVIDE AN ATTRACTIVE APPEARANCE WHICH WOULD HARMONISE WITH THE EXISTING GREEN HILLSIDES.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
-------0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DUKE OF KENT TO VISIT HK.................................. 1
+A FRAMEWORK FOR FUTURE PLANNING*- ....................... 1
FOUR MORE TRADES UNDER APPRENTICE PLAN ................... 2
LEGCO TO CONSIDER MOTION ON DRAFT ACCORD.................. 3
LABOUR MP ARRIVING TODAY.................................. 3
HOME-SEEKERS SHOW KEEN INTEREST IN RICHLAND GARDENS....... 4
SPORTS TREAT FOR YUEN LONG FOLK........................... 4
NORTH DISTRICT HOLDS SWIMkHNG GALA........................ 5
CHILDREN'S CHOIR LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS ................. 6
THREE-WEEK SPORTS FESTIVAL ENDING TOMORROW..............
SPORTS FACILITIES TO BE IMPROVED ......................... 7
TAI HANG TUNG ROAD ’WORKS PLANNED ........................ 7
MARKET STALLS FOR LEASE ................................
AIRPORT TUNNEL CLOSURE.................................... 9
LEAKAGE TESTS IN WONG TAI SIN ..........................
PARKING CHARGES REVISED ................................
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1934
1
DUKE OF KENT TO VISIT HK
K * * * #
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF KENT WILL VISIT HONG KONG FROM OCTOBER 17 TO 20 IN HIS ROLE AS VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BRITISH OVERSEAS TRADE BOARD.
WHILE IN HONG KONG, THE DUKE WILL LAUNCH A SERIES OF IN-HOUSE BRITISH PROMOTIONS AT LEADING DEPARTMENT STORES.
HE WILL OPEN THE BIRMINGHAM AND WEST MIDLANDS FESTIVAL AND THE ♦BRITAIN TODAY* EXHIBITION.
HE WILL ALSO VISIT AN EXHIBITION OF BRITISH TRANSPORT AND SOME OF THE BRITISH STANDS AT THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL TRADE FAIR.
♦A FRAMEWORK FOR FUTURE PLANNING*
* M * M
™™ETHpLS;%TG‘afiTHEEMIENCTRe0?ARH?Nr0B0LNL^°r'“£2 ' FRAMEWORK FOR SAID TONIGHT (SATURDAY). F°R LANDS AND W0RKS» DR NICKY CHAN
*T LA,D DOWN DETAILED PROPOSALS FOR LAND LEASES SFriiRFn RREGGRHStSUN?PERT§X^S0TZ7N® liEEASSEA^.AND ALL0WED F0R «TENs’lONESCAURNiD
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURAL DINNER OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS, DR CHAN SAID THE ORGANISATION WAS +IDEALLY POISED TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THIS SITUATION AND PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN OUR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT*.
+AS YOU ARE AWARE GOVERNMENT HAS CONTINUED TO PRESS AHEAD WITH ITS AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME OF PUBLIC WORKS AND ITS STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PLANS WHICH ALREADY EXTEND WELL BEYOND 1997.
POPULAR "sUPPORT^OR^THe “
sector.
+TH,S REVITALISED BUILDING ACTIVITY, THE PUBLIC WORKS ^°tSfMwfapAchtuoc Ce2nER L,NI<S W1TH CH,NA WHICH * ,l-L BE FORGED ™E NEAR FUTURE, SHOULD RESULT IN EVEN GREATER JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR MEMBERS,* HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE QUESTION OF RECOGNITION OF THE INSTITUTE, DR CHAN SAID THIS WAS UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW BY GOVERNMENT.
/HK SAIB .......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1984
2
HE SAID GOVERNMENT MUST BE SATISFIED BEFORE BESTOWING RECOGNITION ON A PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTE, THAT THE INSTITUTE COULD DEMONSTRATE AND ENSURE THAT ITS TRAINING AND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS MET THE HIGH STANDARDS REQUIRED OF RECOGNISED PROFESSIONAL BODIES, AND THAT IT HAD THE STRENGTH, THE WILL, AND THE RESOURCES TO EXERCISE DISCIPLINE AND MAINTAIN THESE STANDARDS.
IN WELCOMING THE FORMATION OF THE INSTITUTE, HE SAID: ♦HOWEVER, SUCH MATTERS TAKE TIME, AND I MUST ASK YOU TO BE PATIENT AND ALLOW THE RECOGNITION PROCESS TO FOLLOW ITS NATURAL DEVELOPMENT.+
ON THE FUTURE OF PROFESSIONALS IN HONG KONG, DR CHAN SAID THAT IN TIME THE VIEWS OF PROFESSIONALS WOULD BE INCREASINGLY SOUGHT, AND THEIR PRESTIGE AND FUNCTION WITH SOCIETY WOULD BE FURTHER ENHANCED IN THE EFFORT TO BUILD AN EVEN BETTER HONG KONG.
♦NO SOCIETY CAN SUCCEED WITHOUT A SOLID CORE OF PROFESSIONAL MEN AND WOMEN. THEY ARE THE BACKBONE ON WHICH SUCCESSFUL SOCIETIES ARE BRED.
♦YOUR INSTITUTE WILL BECOME AN INTRINSIC PART OF THIS DEVELOPMENT PROCESS AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO OUR NEW ERA CF GROWTH WILL BE GOVERNED ONLY BY THE LIMITATIONS OF ITS MEMBERS,+ HE SAID.
------0-------
FOUR MORE TRADES UNDER APPRENTICE PLAN X X X *
FOUR MORE TRADES -- THOSE OF GAS UTILISATION, GOLDSMITH (K-GOLD), GOLDSMITH (FINE-GOLD) AND PRECIOUS STONE SETTER — WILL BE INCLUDED FROM NOVEMBER 1 IN THE LIST OF DESIGNATED TRADES UNDER THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE.
NOTICE OF THIS APPEARS IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THESE NEW DESIGNATIONS MEAN THAT ORGANISED TRAINING FOR APPRENTICES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE JEWELLERY AND GAS TRADES, THEREBY UPGRADING THE QUALITY OF TECHNICAL MANPOWER, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL DEPARTMENT, WHICH ENFORCES THE ORDINANCE, SAID TODAY.
ABOUT 1 300 ESTABLISHMENTS AND EMPLOYERS WOULD BE COVERED BY THE NEW DESIGNATIONS, HE SAID.
/UNDER the ......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1984
UNDER THE APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME, HE SAID, IT WAS MANDATORY FOR AN APPRENTICE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 14 AND 18 IN A DESIGNATED TRADE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH HIS EMPLOYER AND TO HAVE IT REGISTERED WITH THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRA IN ING.
A REGISTERED CONTRACT ENSURES THE APPRENTICE BE GIVEN PROPER SUPERVISION, TRAINING AND COMPLEMENTARY EDUCATION IN A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, HE SAID.
♦THE GOVERNMENT IS CONCERNED NOT ONLY WITH PROMOTING ORGANISED INDUSTRIAL TRAINING IN TRADES VITAL TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC GROWTH, BUT ALSO WITH ENSURING EMPLOYERS IN THESE TRADES A STEADY SUPPLY OF SKILLED MANPOWER,* HE SAID.
EMPLOYERS AND TEENAGE WORKERS IN THE NEWLY DESIGNATED TRADES MAY OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE AND APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME BY CALLING THE DEPARTMENT AT 5-8932341.
------0-------
LEGCO TO CONSIDER MOTION ON DRAFT ACCORD * * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL MEET FOR TWO DAYS, ON MONDAY AND TiiF^DAY (OCTOBER 15 AND 16), TO CONSIDER AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TUESDAY (OCTOBER 15.A^A^^G^EMENT 0N THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG
MOTION ENDORSING THE AND COMMENDING IT TO
THE MOTION WILL UNOFFICIAL MEMBER.
THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
BE MOVED BY THE HON ROGER LOBO, SENIOR
----0----
LABOUR MP ARRIVING TODAY
III
A LABOUR MP, MR GORDON BAGIER, IS DUE TO ARRIVE TODAY (SATURDAY) FOR A FIVE-DAY VISIT.
THE PROGRAMME ARRANGED FOR HIM INCLUDES VISITS TO CHI MA WAN CLOSED CENTRE FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, KWUN TONG DISTRICT AND HOUSING ESTATES.
MR BAGIER WILL ALSO MEET COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, AND ATTEND A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.
HE WILL MEET THE PRESS ON OCTOBER 17, BEFORE DEPARTING THE SAME DAY.
- - 0 - -
/4
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1984
4
HOME-SEEKERS SHC'J KEEN INTEREST IN RICHLAND GARDENS
lit
THOUSANDS OF ASPIRING HOME-OWNERS TODAY FLOCKED TO RICHLAND GARDENS IN KOWLOON BAY TO SEE THE LARGEST HOUSING PROJECT EVER DEVELOPED UNDER THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME.
+ SO FAR, OVER 10 000 PEOPLE HAVE VISITED THE SAMPLE FLATS AT THE ESTATE OVER THE LAST THREE OPEN DAYS,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TODAY.
HOWEVER HE URGED HOME-SEEKERS NOT TO RUSH TO VISIT THE SAMPLE FLATS, WHICH WILL BE OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 30, TO AVOID UNNECESSARY OVERCROWDING.
+THE OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 1 AND FRIDAYS AND FROM 10 AM TO 6.30
PM TO 6.30 PM BETWEEN MONDAYS PM ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS.*
THE SPOKESMAN SAID VISITORS WERE ALL DEEPLY IMPRESSED BY THE LAYOUT AND DESIGN OF THE FLATS AS WELL AS THEIR HIGH STANDARD OF FINI SHING.
ONE OF THE VISITORS, MR LAU WAI-KUEN SAID: +THE STANDARD OF FINISHING OF RICHLAND GARDENS CAN COMPARE FAVOURABLY WITH ALL OTHER PRIVATE FLATS I HAVE SEEN BEFORE, AND YET THE PURCHASE PRICES ARE SO MUCH LOWER.*
PRICES OF THE 2 638 FLATS ON ITS FIRST TEN BLOCKS, FOR WHICH APPLICATIONS WILL BE INVITED FROM NEXT TUESDAY (OCTOBER 16), RANGE FROM $183 300 TO $337 000 WITH GROSS AREAS BETWEEN 43.7 AND 57.9 SQUARE METRES EACH.
APPLICATION FORMS AND OTHER SALES LITERATURE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED FROM TUESDAY (OCTOBER 16) AT THE HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN, APPLICATIONS SECTION OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AT MA TAU KOK ROAD, SALES OFFICE OF RICHLAND GARDENS, ALL HOUSING AUTHORITY AND HOUSING SOCIETY ESTATE OFFICES AND ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
-----0------
SPORTS TREAT FOR YUEN LONG FOLK
* * * *
A WIDE RANGE OF SPORTS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR THE FIRST YUEN LONG SPORTS FORTNIGHT WHICH STARTS ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 18).
THE SPORTS FORTNIGHT WILL BE +KICKED OFF* ON THAT EVENING, WITH A DEMONSTRATION SOCCER MATCH BETWEEN TWO FIRST DIVISION FOOTBALL CLUBS, SOUTH CHINA AND SEIKO.
FREE TICKETS MAY BE OBTAINED ON A FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVED BASIS, AT THE YUEN LONG OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
/ON OCTOBER........
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1984
- 5 -
ON OCTOBER 21, A CARNIVAL WILL ALSO BE HELD AT THE SHEK KONG AIRFIELD, OFFERING PONY AND CAMEL RIDES AS THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS. COUPONS FOR THE RIDES MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE YUEN LONG OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED AT SHEK KONG ON THAT DAY.
OTHER ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR THE SPORTS FORTNIGHT INCLUDE A SWIMMING GALA, BALL-GAME COMPETITIONS, A BMX CYCLING DEMONSTRATION, ARCHERY, DANCES AND EXCURSIONS.
APPLICATION FORMS AND OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE YUEN LONG OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID THE YUEN LONG SPORTS FORTNIGHT WAS A PILOT PROJECT WHICH, IF SUCCESSFUL, WILL BE ORGANISED EACH YEAR.
THE SPORTS FORTNIGHT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE YUEN LONG SECTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
-----0------
NORTH DISTRICT HOLDS SWIMMING GALA
*****
MORE THAN 150 SWIMMERS TOOK PART IN THE FOURTH NORTH DISTRICT SWIMMING GALA AT THE FANLING SWIMMING POOL TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE EVENT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
MR TO MAN-KONG, A MEMBER OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, SAID THAT BESIDES PROMOTING SWIMMING IN THE DISTRICT, THE GALA ENABLED YOUNGSTERS TO DEVELOP MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND CO-OPERATION.
OFFICIATING AT THE RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY FOR THE GALA, NR TO SAID THE THREE ORGANISING PARTIES WOULD PRESENT MORE RECREATION AND SPORT ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
JOINING MR TO AT THE RIBBON-CUTTING WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION, NR CHONG KAM-NING, THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER.OF NORTH, MR MA IU-KI, AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER OF NORTH, MR CHENG CHEUK-PING.
- - 0 - -
/6
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1984
6
CHILDREN’S CHOIR LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS * * * *
THE EASTERN DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR IS LOOKING FOR NEW NEMBERS FOR ITS JUNIOR SECTION.
CHILDREN BETWEEN EIGHT AND 11 YEARS OF AGE, WHO ARE LIVING OR STUDYING IN THE DISTRICT, MAY APPLY. THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS NOVEMBER 9.
MEMBERS WILL RECEIVE PROPER TRAINING IN GROUP SINGING, AND WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM IN PUBLIC.
THE CHOIR, DIVIDED INTO JUNIOR AND SENIOR SECTIONS ALSO ORGANISES RECREATIONAL AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR ITS MEMBERS.
TRAINING IS PROVIDED EVERY SATURDAY FROM 2 PM TO 3.30 PM FOR JUNIOR MEMBERS AND FROM 3.30 PM TO 5 PM FOR SENIOR MEMBERS, ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE NORTH POINT KAIFONG WELFARE ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 884-886 KING’S ROAD, AND ITS THREE SUB-OFFICES IN CAUSEWAY BAY, SHAU KEI WAN AND CHAI WAN.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR FORMED IN MAY LAST YEAR UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD, HAS WON MUCH ACCLAIM FOR ITS PUBLIC PERFORMANCES.
FURTHER DETAILS ON THE CHOIR CAN BE OBTAINED FROM MR LEE KAN-LOONG AT 5-630181 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
_ _ 0 - -
THREE-WEEK SPORTS FESTIVAL ENDING TOMORROW * * * *
A SPORTS CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT BLAKE GARDEN TO MARK THE CLOSING OF THE SECOND CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SPORTS FESTIVAL.
THE CARNIVAL, WHICH WILL START AT 10 AM, WILL FEATURE GAMES TO TEST PARTICIPANTS’ FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL SKILLS, TELE-MATCHES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTHS, A SHOOTING COMPETITION AND GAME STALLS.
DURING THE THREE-WEEK SPORTS FESTIVAL, MORE THAN 18 EVENTS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
/THE FESTIVAL
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1984
THE FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, AND THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
OFFICIATING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KIM SALKELD; THE SENIOR RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICER, MR TAM PAK-HANG; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR LEUNG SIK-WAH; THE ASSOCIATION’S VICE-CHAIRMEN, MR CHANNING SHU I AND MR LEUNG CHUNG-YIU; AND A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR MA CHING-YUK.
- - 0 - -
SPORTS FACILITIES TO BE IMPROVED
******
THE SPORTING FACILITIES OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S PAT HEUNG TRAINING SCHOOL WILL BE IMPROVED.
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE WORK ON THE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, WHICH INCLUDE PROVIDING MACADAM SURFACE FOR A REALIGNED 250-METRE RUNNING TRACK AND FOR THE BADMINTON AND VOLLEYBALL COURTS.
THEY ALSO COVER THE TURFING AND MARKING OUT OF A MINI-SOCCER PITCH AND THE PROVISION OF PARALLEL AND CHINNING BARS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER AND TAKE THREE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- - 0 - -
TAI HANG TUNG ROAD WORKS PLANNED * * *
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT A SECTION OF TAI HANG TUNG ROAD BETWEEN THE SALVATION ARMY BUILDUP AND THE MARYKNOLL FATHERS’ SCHOOL AND WIDEN A SECTION OF TO YUEN STREET BETWEEN THE SCHOOL AND THE PLAYGROUND.
THE PROJECT COMPRISES CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 280 METRES OF CARRIAGEWAY WITH FOOTPATHS ON BOTH SIDES AND ANCILLARY DRAINAGc WORKS.
/these road
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1984
8
THESE ROAD SECTIONS WILL FORM PART OF THE NETWORK TO SERVE THE FUTURE CITY POLYTECHNIC AND DEVELOPMENT TO ITS EAST.
WORK WILL START IN DECEMBER AND BE COMPLETED BY JULY NEXT
YEAR.
A PLAN ON THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON;
AND
* SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT OFFICE, 37-39 TONKIN STREET, SHAM SHU I PO, KOWLOON.
A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED WORKS IS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MAY WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BEFORE DECEMBER 11.
-----0-----
MARKET STALLS FOR LEASE
******
THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS PUTTING UP 11 MARKET STALLS IN KWAI CHUNG FOR LEASE BY AUCTION ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 18).
THE STALLS ARE LOCATED AT TAI YUEN STREET COOKED FOOD MARKET. WITH NINE OF THEM FOR SELLING COOKED FOOD AND THE REST FOR SELLING. FRUIT.
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT THE KWAI FONG COMMUNITY HALL, LAI FONG STREET, KWAI CHUNG, STARTING AT 10 AM.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL ACCEPT THE BID THAT REACHES OR EXCEEDS THE RESERVED RENT, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE STALLS ARE OFFERED ON A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT, EFFECTIVE FROM NOVEMBER 1. RENTS ARE PAYABLE QUARTERLY.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE WITH THE HAwKERS AND MARKETS SECTION CF THE KWAI CHUNG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON 0-253624.
-----o------
/9........
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 193A-
AIRPORT TUNNEL CLOSURE
III
THE AIRPORT TUNNEL WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 9 PM AND 6 AM FROM MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 15 TO 17) FOR MAINTENANCE WORK.
MOTORISTS FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND HUNG HOM HEADING FOR NGAU TAU KOK AND KWUN TONG ARE ADVISED TO PROCEED VIA EAST KOWLOON WAY, KOWLOON CITY ROAD, SUNG WONG TOI ROAD, MA TAU CHUNG ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST AND KWUN TONG ROAD.
MOTORISTS FROM WAI YIP STREET HEADING FOR HUNG HOM ARE ADVISED TO PROCEED VIA KWUN TONG ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST.
- - 0 - -
LEAKAGE TESTS IN WONG TAI SIN XXX
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN WONG TAI SIN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 16) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD, TUNG LUNG ROAD, TUNG WOR ROAD AND TUNG TSING ROAD.
THE SUSPENSION WILL ALSO AFFECT POK 01 TSUEN, PUI MAN TSUEN, MEI TUNG ESTATE, BLOCK 5 OF TUNG TAU ESTATE AND PREMISES ALONG PUI MAN STREET.
- - 0 - -
PARK ING CHARGES REVISED * * * * *
PARKING CHARGES AT 52 PARKING METERS AT KENNEDY ROAD, MANSION STREET AND TSAT TZE MUI ROAD CAR PARK ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE REVISED FROM MONDAY (OCTOBER 15).
THE NEW CHARGE WILL BE $1 FOR EVERY HALF AN HOUR.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1984
COTTENTS PAGE NO.
SUBMISSIONS TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE ......................... "I
HONG KONG'S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY - AUGUST 1984 ......... 1
JUNE NOMINAL WAGE INDEXES RELEASED ........................... 8
SAFETY MEASURES FOR HYDROFOILS ............................... 12
MORE BUILDING PLANS APPROVED ................................. 14
LABOUR RELATIONS COURSES OVERSUBSCRIBED ...................... 15
LANDS AND WORKS GROUP HOLDS SWIMMING GALA .................... 15
STALLS AT NEW MARKET FOR LEASE ............................... 16
MORE OPEN SPACES TO BE BUILT ................................. 16
HEALTH THROUGH SONG .......................................... 1?
ROADWORKS AT WAN CHAI RECLAMATION ............................ 17
TAPS OFF IN WESTERN .......................................... 18
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1984
1
SUBMISSIONS TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE
IN VIEW OF THE ANXIETIES THAT HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED IT HAS BEEN DECIDED THAT SUBMISSIONS TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE OTHER THAN SUBMISSIONS FROM MAIN ORGANISATIONS ACTUALLY ANNEXED TO THE REPORT, WILL NOT BE SENT WITH THE REPORT TO THE SECRETARY CF STATE AS ORIGINALLY INTENDED BUT WILL BE RETAINED IN HONG KONG.
THE SUBMISSIONS NOT ANNEXED TO THE REPORT WILL BE KEPT UNDER SEAL IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICE IN HONG KONG UNTIL RATIFICATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION WHICH WILL BE BEFORE 3OTH JUNE 1985; AND SUBSEQUENTLY THEY WILL BE DESTROYED.
NO SUBMISSION WILL BE ANNEXED TO THE REPORT AND PUBLISHED IF THE ORGANISATION CONCERNED SO REQUESTS.
---0-------
HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY - AUGUST 1984 * * * * *
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FOR JANUARY - AUGUST 1984, VALUED AT 8285 399 MILLION, INCREASED BY 41 PER CENT OVER TRADE FOR THE SAME PERIOD IN 1983, ACCORDING TO SUMMARY TRADE STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY
42 PER CENT TO 889 475 MILLION, IMPORTS BY 36 PER CENT TO 8144 485
MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS BY 53 PER CENT TO $51 439 MILLION. DOMESTIC
EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER INCREASED BY 46 PER CENT.
A COMPARISON OF FIGURES FOR THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1984 WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, SHOWED DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A. ROSE BY 54 PER CENT IN VALUE.
SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY 85 578 MILLION OR 57 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY 81 512 MILLION OR 56 PER CENT) AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $1 480 MILLION OR 75 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TRANSISTORS AND DIODES (BY 830 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT) AND METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $7 MILLION OR 64 PER CENT).
/INCREASES Di .......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1984
2
INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $710 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $406 MILLION OR 289 PER CENT), AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $144 MILLION OR 63 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $373 MILLION OR 63 PER CENT) AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND PARTS AND ACCESSORIES THEREOF (BY $5 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT).
MOST COMMODITIES EXPORTED TO CHINA INCREASED IN VAlUE, INCLUDING TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $630 MILLION OR 150 PER CENT), TEXTILES (BY $420 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT) AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $231 MILLION OR 141 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR FEEDING STUFF FOR ANIMALS (BY $79 MILLION OR 59 PER CENT), AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $6 MILLION OR 3 PER CENT).
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY OF CLOTHING (BY $907 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT) AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $222 MILLION OR 170 PER CENT)= AND IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN OF CLOTHING (BY $534 MILLION OR 75 PER CENT).
DEMAND FOR IMPORTED GOODS FROM CHINA REMAINED STRONG. INCREASES WERE RECORDED MAINLY IN TEXTILES (BY $3 977 MILLION OR 81 PER CENT), CLOTHING (BY $2 102 MILLION OR 55 PER CENT), TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY $919 MILLION OR 201 PER CENT), telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus AND EQUIPMENT (BY $506 MILLION OR 136 PER CENT) AND TRAVEL GOODS. HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS (BY $406 MILLION OR 114 PER CENT).
AS FOR IMPORTS FROM JAPAN, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1 825 MILLION OR 55 PER CENT), AND TEXTILES (BY $1 235 MILLION OR 34 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $20 MILLION OR 6 PER CENT) AND FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $4 MILLION OR 1 PER CENT).
INCREASES IN IMPORTS FROM THE U.S.A. WERE MOSTLY OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1 046 MILLION OR 53 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $638 MILLION OR 57 PER CENT), AND TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY $382 MILLION OR 231 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN IMPORTS OF PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $353 MILLION OR 56 PER CENT), AND MANUFACTURES OF METAL (BY $63 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT).
/DECREASES WERE .......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1984
DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN OF OFFICE, AND STATIONERY SUPPLIES (BY $20 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT) AND IN IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $143 MILLION OR -» PER CENT). HOWEVER, IMPORTS OF TEXTILES FROM TAIWAN INCREASED (3Y $1 244 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT), AS DID IMPORTS OF PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS FROM SINGAPORE (BY $906 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT).
INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA (BY $8 425 MILLION OR 129 PER CENT), U.S.A. (BY $2 987 MILLION OR 63 PER CENT), TAIWAN (BY $1 192 MILLION OR 58 PER CENT), JAPAN (BY $1 116 MILLION OR 61 PER CENT), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) (BY $794 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT), AUSTRALIA (BY $433 •ILLION OR 85 PER CENT), MACAU (BY $356 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT) AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY $305 MILLION OR 74 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECLINES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS TO NIGERIA (BY $274 MILLION OR 72 PER CENT) AND PHILIPPINES (BY $109 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT).
MOST COMMODITIES RE-EXPORTED THROUGH HONG KONG EXHIBITED STRONG GROWTH, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING TEXTILES (BY $7 302 MILLION OR 72 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $2 471 MILLION OR 88 PER CENT), CLOTHING (BY $1 395 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT) AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $1 250 MILLION OR 69 PER CENT). DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS OF OIL SEEDS AND OLEAGINOUS FRUIT (BY $96 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT), TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD AND AIR-CUSHION VEHICLES (BY $42 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT), AND METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $30 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT).
THE AUGUST 1934 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS -SUMMARY+ WILL BE ON SALE LATER THIS MONTH AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $5 PER COPY.
A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE+, WITH A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN AUGUST 1984 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY NOVEMBER, AT HKS12 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS HAY BE DIRECTED TO THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AT BASKERVILLc HOUSE, HONG KONG (TEL. NO.: 5-214375).
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING TRADE STATISTICS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO.: 5-444436).
/Table 1
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1984.
TABLE 1 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKETS JAN.-AUG. 1984 (S MN) JAN.-AUG. 1983 (S MN) INCREASE ($ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
U.S.A. 40 248 26 057 + 14 191 + 54
U.K. 6 521 5 213 + 1 309 +25
CHINA 6 481 3 574 + 2 907 +81
F.R. OF GERMANY 6 367 4 912 + 1 456 + 30
JAPAN 3 331 2 298 + 1 033 +45
CANADA 2 998 2 282 + 716 + 31
AUSTRALIA 2 473 1 620 + 852 + 53
SINGAPORE 1 767 1 367 + 400 + 29
NETHERLANDS 1 584 1 227 4- 357 + 29
SWITZERLAND 1 296 1 029 + 267 + 26
TABLE 2 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISIONS JAN.-AUG. 1984 ($ MN) JAN.-AUG. 1983 ($ MN) INCREASE (S MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING
ACCESSORIES 30 461 21 031 + 9 430 +45
MISCELLANEOUS
MANUFACTURED
ARTICLES (MAINLY
PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS, JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND ARTIFICIAL
FLOWERS) 14 189 10 199 + 3 990 +39
/ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, .......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1984
- 5 -
ELECTRICAL 5ACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (MAINLY TRAN SI STORS AND DIODES AND
HOUSEHOLD TYPE APPL I ANCES) 7 684 4 964 + 2 719 + 55
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 6 964 4 812 4 2 153 +45
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND clocks 6 553 5 692 4 861 + 15
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 5 853 4 235 4- 1 618 + 38
TABLE 3
IMPORTS FROM TEN MAJOR SOURCES
MAJOR SOURCES JAN.-AUG. 984 JAN.-AUG. 1983 ($ MN) INCREASE (« mn) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
(S MN)
CHINA 36 601 25 214 +11 387 445
JAPAN 33 438 24 320 + 9 117 + 37
U.S.A. 15 637 12 117 + 3 521 4 29
TAIWAN 11 073 7 647 + 3 426 +45
SINGAPORE 7 645 6 057 + 1 588 + 26
U.K. 5 827 4 727 + 1 099 + 23
REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) 4 690 3 021 + 1 670 + 55
/F.R. OF
SUIwkY, OCTOBER 14, 1984
6
F.R. OF GERMANY 498 2 868 + 629 + 22
AUSTRALIA 2 266 1 661 + 605 + 36
SWITZERLAND 2 219 1 982 + 237 + 12
TABLE 4 : IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY SECTIONS
COMMODITY SECTIONS JAN.-AUG. 1984 (IMN) JAN.-AUG. 1983 ($ MN) INCREASE (S MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY TEXTILE PRODUCTS, DIAMONDS, IRON AND STEEL, AND PAPER) 42 618 29 734 +12 885 +43
MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 35 662 24 024 +11 638 +48
MlSCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES AND CLOCKS, ARTICLES OF APPAREL) 25 030 19 129 + 5 902 + 31
FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD 13 145 11 626 + 1 519 + 13
1 chemicals AND RELATED PRODUCTS 10 234 7 937 + 2 296 + 29
MINERALS FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED MATERIALS 8 247 7 023 + 1 225 + 17
/Tab> i?< 5 •
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1984
TABLE 5 : RE-EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKETS JAN.-AUG. 1984 ($ MN) JAN.-AUG. 1983 ($ MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE (S MN) percentage CHANGE
CHINA 14 953 6 529 + 8 425 + 129
U.S.A. 7 756 4 769 + 2 987 + 63
TA I WAN 3 242 2 050 ♦ 1 192 + 58
SINGAPORE 3 084 2 791 + 293 + 11
JAPAN 2 946 1 830 + 1 116 + 61
INDONESIA 2 516 2 606 90 - 3
REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) 2 334 1 540 + 794 + 52
MACAU 1 552 1 195 + 356 + 30
SAUDI ARABIA 945 910 + 35 + 4
AUSTRALIA 944 511 + 433 + 85
TABLE 6 : RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISIONS JAN.-AUG. 1984 (S MN) JAN.-AUG. 1983 ($ MN) INCREASE (S MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 7 903 4 602 + 3 302 + 72
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES 5 275 2 804 + 2 471 +88
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND clothing ACCESSORIES 4 186 2 791 + 1 395 + 50
/PHOTOGRAPHIC .......
STWDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1984
- 8
OHOTOGR aphic apparatus, EQUIPMENT, supplies and optical goods,
BATCHES AND clocks 3 205 2 557 + 648 + 25
Ml SCElLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES 3 060 1 810 <• 1 250 + 69
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 2 136 1 266 + 870 +69
JUNE NOMINAL WAGE * * o INDEXES * * * RELEASED
THE OVERALL JUNE 1984 NOMINAL WAGE INDEX, AT 118.8, SHOWS INCREASES OF 1.7 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1984 AND OF 8.5 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE JUNE 1983 INDEXES, ACCORDING TO RESULTS PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
A COMPARISON OF THE JUNE 1984 AND MARCH 1984 INDEXES SHOWS THAT THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEXES FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 1.9 PER CENT, FOR THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL, IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR BY 0.2 PER CENT, FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 3.5 PER CENT, FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 3.3 PER CENT AND FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 2.4 PER CENT.
A COMPARISON OF THE JUNE 1984 AND JUNE 1983 INDEXES SHOWS THa, THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEXES FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 8.6 PER CENT, FOR THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL, IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR BY 6.6 PER CENT, FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 10.2 PER CENT, FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 10.4 PER CENT, AND FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 9.4 PER CENT.
THE OVERALL REAL WAGE INDEX, AT 96.7 IN JUNE 1984, SHOWS NO CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH THE MARCH 1984 FIGURE, BUT A DECREASE OF 1.1 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1983.
A COMPARISON OF THE JUNE 1984 FIGURE WITH THE MARCH 1984 FIGURE SHOWS THAT THE REAL WAGE INDEXES FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 0.2 PER CENT, FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 1.7 PER CENT, FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 1.6 PER CENT AND FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 0.6 PER CENT, WHILE THAT FOR THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL, IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR DECREASED BY 1.5 PER CENT.
/A COMPARISON .......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1984
A COMPARISON OF JUNE 1984 WITH JUNE 1983 INDEXES SHOWS THAT THE REAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR INCREASED BY 0.5 PER CENT AND FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 0.6 PER CENT.
HOWEVER, THOSE FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE WHOLESALERETAIL, IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR AND THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR DECLINED BY 0.9 PER CENT, 2.8 PER CENT AND 0.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THESE WAGE INDEXES ARE DERIVED FROM THE SURVEY OF WAGES, SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONDUCTED EVERY QUARTER BY THE DEPARTMENT COVERING BOTH MANUAL AND NON-MANUAL WORKERS (EXCLUDING WORKERS AT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL LEVELS) IN SELECTED INDUSTRIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL, IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR, THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR AND THE PERSONSAL SERVICES SECTOR.
SUCH INDEXES MEASURE CHANGES IN WAGE RATES BY HOLDING THE STRUCTURAL PATTERN OF THE LABOUR FORCE WITH RESPECT TO INDUSTRY, OCCUPATION, SEX AND MODE OF PAYMENT THE SAME AS THAT OF MARCH 1982, WHICH IS THE BASE PERIOD OF THE WAGE INDEXES.
WHILE THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX MEASURES CHANGES IN WAGE RATES IN MONEY TERMS, THE REAL WAGE INDEX, WHICH IS OBTAINED BY DEFLATING THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A), MEASURES CHANGES IN THE PURCHASING POWER OF WAGES (ALTHOUGH THE SAME DEFLATOR IS USED FOR EACH INDUSTRY TO DERIVE THE REAL WAGE INDEX FROM ITS NOMINAL COUNTERPART, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MOVEMENTS OF THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX AND THE REAL WAGE INDEX BETWEEN ANY TWO TIME PERIODS MAY VARY SSLIGHTLY FROM INDUSTRY TO INDUSTRY DUE TO ROUNDING).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT DREW ATTENTION TO THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE WAGE INDEXES AND THE INDEXES OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED WHICH ARE ALSO PUBLISHED AT QUARTERLY INTERVALS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT WHILE WAGE RATES PROVIDE A MEASURE OF THE UNIT PRICE OF LABOUR, PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IS A MEASURE OF PER CAPITA EARNINGS.
WAGE RATES REPRESENT THE AMOUNT OF REMUNERATION FOR NORMAL HOURS OF WORK, AND ARE DEFINED TO INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AND SALARIES, COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE, MEAL BENEFITS, COMMISSIONS AND TIPS, GOOD ATTENDANCE BONUS AND NIGHT SHIFT ALLOWANCE.
/IN ADDITION,........
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1984
- 10 -
IN ADDITION, YEAR-END BONUS AND OTHER GUARANTEED AND REGULAR BONUSES AND ALLOWANCES THAT ARE PAID LESS FREQUENTLY THAN MONTHLY, ARE CONVERTED TO AN EQUIVALENT MONTHLY RATE WHEN COMPILING THE wAGE RATE INDEXES.
TOTAL PAYROLL, ON THE OTHER HAND, IS THE AMOUNT OF DIRECT CASH PAYMENTS THAT EMPLOYEES RECEIVE FROM EMPLOYERS. APART FROM THE ABOVE MENTIONED CASH RECEIPTS, IT ALSO INCLUDES OVERTIME PAY AND OTHER NON-GUARANTEED AND IRREGULAR BONUSES AND ALLOWANCES.
HENCE, STATISTICS ON PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED TEND TO BE SENSITIVE TO CHANGES IN THE NUMBER OF HOURS ACTUALLY WORKED, THE TIMING OF THE PAYMENT OF BONUSES AND BACK-PAY, AND THE COMPOSITION OF THE LABOUR FORCE.
AS A RESULT, MOVEMENTS IN WAGE RATES DO NOT NECESSARILY CONFORM WITH THOSE IN PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED.
THE SURVEY FINDINGS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE REPORT OF WAGES, SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS STATISTICS VOL. I, JUNE 1984 WHICH WILL BE ON SALE SHORTLY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.
THE VOL. II ISSUE OF THE REPORT CONTAINING DETAILED OCCUPATIONAL STATISTICS, SUCH AS WAGE RATES, NUMBER OF NORMAL HOURS OF WORK AND NUMBER OF STANDARD WORKING DAYS IS EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN EARLY NOVEMBER 1984.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE WAGE INDEXES, PLEASE CONTACT THE WAGES AND LABOUR COSTS STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT TELEPHONE NOS. 5-455774 OR 5-416062.
TABLE 1 s NOMINAL WAGE INDEXES BY SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS
*
SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS JUNE 1983 INDEXES (MARCH 1982 = 100)
SEPT 1983 DEC 1983 MAR 1984 1 1 1 X) cz I 1 -Tm
MANUFACTURING 109.5 110.5 111.6 116.7 118. 9
WHOLESALE-RETAIL, IMPORTEXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 106.8 108.1 109.7 113.6 113.8
TRANSPORT SERVICES 117.7 118.9 119.8 125.3 129.7
/BUSINESS SERVICES
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1984
- 11 -
BUS INESS PERSONAL SERVICES SERVICES 109.0 106.1 110.4 110.7 110.6 110.5 116.5 113.4 123.3 116.1
ALL SECTORS ABOVE 109.5 110.8 111.9 116.8 118.3
TABLE 2 : NOMINAL WAGE INDEXES FOR MAJOR INDUSTRIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR
INDUSTRY JUNE 1983 * INDEXES (MARCH 1982 - 100)
SEPT 1983 DEC 1983 MAR 1984 JU.4c 1934
GARMENTS 107.5 108.7 109.5 113.0 114. 7
GLOVES 106.8 107.3 109.6 117.6 124.7
HANDBAGS 106.0 106.7 107.4 112.9 114.6
COTTON SP 1 NN 1NG/WEAV1 NG 111.2 111.1 111.3 118.9 123. 3
KNITTING 112.1 112.5 114.5 120.1 123.4
BLEACHING AND DYEING 109.1 110.8 111.7 117.1 119.8
PR INTING 112.8 113.2 112.3 115.7 122.0
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 109.8 111.1 111.9 118.5 121.3
METAL PRODUCTS 110.3 113.0 113.4 118.9 120.1
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES 109.3 112.6 115.2 126.1 127.3
ELECTRONICS 110.2 111.5 113.2 119.9 123.9
WATCHES AND CLOCKS 112.3 113.0 113.2 121.2 123. 5
MANUFACTURING 109.5 110.5 111.6 116.7 118. »
/Table 3 :
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1984
12
TABLE 3 : REAL WAGE INDEXES BY SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS
*
SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS JUNE 1983 INDEXES (MARCH 1982 - 100)
SEPT 1983 DEC 1983 MAR 1984 JUNE 1984
MANUFACTURING 97.7 95.5 94.4 96.6 96.8
WHOLESALE-RETAIL, IMPORT- EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 95.3 93.4 92.8 94.0 92.6
TRANSPORT SERVICES 105.1 102.8 101.4 103.8 105.6
BUSINESS SERVICES 97.4 95.4 93.6 96.5 93.3
PERSONAL SERVICES 94.7 95.7 93.5 93.9 94. 5
ALL SECTORS ABOVE 97.8 95.8 94.7 96.7 96.7
M STARTING FROM THIS ISSUE, WAGE INDEXES ARE PUBLISHED TO 1 DECIMAL PLACE.
-----0------
SAFETY MEASURES FOR HYDROFOILS
* * * *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IS IMPLEMENTING MEASURES TO RAISE
THE SAFETY STANDARDS OF HYDROFOILS AND OTHER COMMERCIAL HIGH-SPEED VESSELS WHOSE TRAFFIC NOW TOPS 10 MILLION PASSENGERS A YEAR.
KNOWN AS +DYNAMICALLY SUPPORTED CRAFT+, THESE VESSELS INCLUDE JETFOILS, JETCATS, SIDEWALL HOVERCRAFT OR HOVERFERRIES AND CATAMARAN VESSELS, IN ADDITION TO HYDROFOILS.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS SHOULD BE IN FORCE BY NEXT JANUARY WHEN THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATIONS’ CODE OF SAFETY FOR DYNAMICALLY SUPPORTED CRAFT IS INTRODUCED INTO HONG KONG.
THIS CODE HAS BEEN DEVELOPED ON THE PRINCIPLE THAT THESE HIGH-SPEED CRAFT MUST HAVE A SAFETY LEVEL EQUIVALENT TO THAT OF SHIPS COMPLYING WITH THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA.
/+UNDER THE .......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1984
- 13 -
+UNDER THE CODE, ALL ASPECTS OF THE CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND SUPERVISION ARE SPECIFIED. ALSO, RESTRICTIONS ARE PLACED ON THE LENGTH OF THEIR VOYAGE AND THE STATE OF THE SEA IN w/HICH THESE CRAFT MAY OPERATE, + THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
ATTENTION IS BEING FOCUSSED ON THE CRAFT PLYING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND MACAU, BY FAR THE LONGEST ESTABLISHED AND BUSIEST ROUTE FOR THESE VESSELS. •
+EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT ACCIDENTS INVOLVING DYNAMICALLY SUPPORTED CRAFT ARE MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR ON THIS ROUTE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SINCE THE FIRST HYDROFOIL WAS REGISTERED IN HONG KONG IN MARCH 1964, THE HIGH-SPEED CRAFT FLEET SERVING HONG KONG HAS GROWN TO 62 VESSELS, 56 OF THEM REGISTERED OR LICENSED HERE AND THE REMAINING SIX FLYING THE CHINESE FLAG.
TRAFFIC BETWEEN HONG KONG AND MACAU HAD EXPANDED RAPIDLY OVER THE YEARS, FROM 3.1 MILLION PASSENGERS IN 1976 TO 6.8 MILLION LAST YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN ADDITION, ABOUT 3.1 MILLION PASSENGERS TRAVELLED wITHIN HONG KONG WATERS LAST YEAR, AND ANOTHER 603 300 PASSENGERS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE RIVER PORTS OF HUANGPU AND ZHUHA I.
+DYNAMICALLY SUPPORTED CRAFT THUS CARRIED A TOTAL OF 10.5 MILLION PASSENGERS LAST YEAR. THIS TRAFFIC IS EXPECTED TO GRO* FURTHER STILL. FOR INSTANCE, IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, THEY CARRIED 3.6 MILLION PASSENGERS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND MACAU ALONE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ALREADY, THE DEPARTMENT HAS INTRODUCED FURTHER +TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEMES* TO DEFINE ROUTES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND MACAU TO ENSURE THAT THE POSSIBILITY OF COLLISION IS REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.
AMONG THE MORE IMPORTANT MEASURES BEING IMPLEMENTED ARE:
* THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MEDICAL STANDARDS FOR ALL CREW MEMBERS.
K THE SETTING UP OF AN INDEPENDENT RADIO NETWORK TO COMMUNICATE WITH ALL DYNAMICALLY SUPPORTED CRAFT OVER THE ENTIRE ROUTE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND MACAU. THIS WILL BE USED TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF CRAFT DUR ING THE IR VOYAGE.
* THE EXTENSION OF STRICTER BRIDGE ROUTINES AND PROCEDURES, NOW IN FORCE FOR NIGHT CREWS, TO DAY-TIME CREWS.
* STRICT CONTROL OVER WORK HOURS FOR OFFICERS.
-----0------
/14........
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1984
14
MORE BUILDING PLANS APPROVED *****
THE NUMBER OF BUILDING PLANS APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN AUGUST INCREASED SLIGHTLY OVER THE NUMBER FOR THE TWO PREVIOUS MONTHS.
IN AUGUST, 32 PLANS WERE APPROVED, COMPARED WITH 30 IN JULY AND 28 IN JUNE.
THEY INCLUDED NINE 27-STOREY APARTMENT-COMMERCIAL BLOCKS AT TAI KOO SHING, EIGHT APARTMENT BLOCKS RANGING FROM 22 TO 33 STOREYS FOR THE KORNHILL DEVELOPMENT, TWO ELECTRICITY SUBSTATIONS FOR THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LIMITED, A RAMP AND TRANSFORMER ROOM FOR THE MATILDA HOSPITAL AND TWO FACTORYGODOWN BLOCKS IN SHA TIN.
NINE OF THE PLANS WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, FIVE IN KOWLOON AND 18 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
DURING THE MONTH, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 27 PROJECTS. ELEVEN OF THEM WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, FIVE IN KOWLOON AND THE REST IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INCLUDED A SOCIAL WELFARE CENTRE IN WAN CHAI, TRAINING CENTRE IN TAI PO, A MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK IN KWAI CHUNG AND A TELEPHONE EXCHANGE BUILDING ON HEI LING CHAU.
THE TOTAL FLOOR AREA FOR THESE 27 PROJECTS WAS 95 581 SQUARE METRES, OF WHICH 60 852 SQUARE METRES WERE FOR NON-DOMESTIC AND THE REMAINDER FOR DOMESTIC USE.
THIRTY-EIGHT OCCUPATION PERMITS WERE ISSUED FOR NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS DURING THE MONTH.
THEY INCLUDED AN APARTMENT AT BROADWOOD ROAD, A COMMERCIAL-CFFICE BUILDING AT NATHAN ROAD, A HOTEL AT WOOSUNG STREET, A SCHOOL IN TUEN MUN AND A WORKSHOP IN KWAI CHUNG.
THE FLOOR AREA FOR ALL NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN AUGUST TOTALLED 131 565 SQUARE METRES, OF WHICH 73 844 SQUARE METRES WERE FOR NON-DOMESTIC AND THE REST FOR DOMESTIC USE.
THE COST OF THESE BUILDINGS WAS ABOUT S52O.3 MILLION.
IN THE SAME MONTH, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ISSUED 11 DEMOLITION ORDERS IN RESPECT OF 18 BUILDINGS.
-----o------
/15........
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1984
15
LABOUR RELATIONS COURSES OVERSUBSCRIBED *****
THE CERTIFICATE COURSES ON LABOUR RELATIONS ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN HEAVILY OVERSUBSCRIBED, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE COURSES, WHICH WILL START TOMORROW (MONDAY), ARE DESIGNED FOR EMPLOYERS, MANAGEMENT STAFF, TRADE UNION OFFICIALS AND INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEES.
EACH OF THE COURSES WILL COMPRISE EIGHT SESSIONS AND WILL COVER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS, EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN REGULATIONS, INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL AND MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AN ADDITIONAL CLASS HAD TO BE OPENED BECAUSE OF THE FAVOURABLE RESPONSE.
+ALTHOUGH WE HAVE TAKEN IN A LOT MORE PEOPLE THAN WE EXPECTED, THERE ARE STILL QUITE A NUMBER WHO HAVE BEEN LEFT OUT,+ HE ADDED.
CERTIFICATES WILL BE AWARDED ONLY TO PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED ALL SESSIONS.
FURTHER DETAILS AND ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE TO THE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT ON 5-291709.
-----0------
LANDS AND WORKS GROUP HOLDS SWIMMING GALA
*****
THE LANDS AND WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS HELD ITS SECOND SWIMMING GALA AT THE ABERDEEN SWIMMING POOL TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE GALA ATTRACTED ABOUT 800 ENTRIES IN 45 EVENTS.
EIGHT OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ALSO PARTICIPATED IN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL RELAY EVENTS.
SPEAKING AT THE GATHERING, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, DR NICKY CHAN, SAID IT NEEDED CLOSE COOPERATION AMONG THE GROUP’S DEPARTMENTS.
HE ADDED THAT INFORMAL GATHERINGS OF THIS NATURE WOULD PROVIDe OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENTS TO KNOW EACH OTHER AND WOULD HELP RAISE THEIR EFFICIENCY.
AT THE END OF THE GALA, PRIZES WERE PRESENTED TO WINNERS BY DR CHAN, MRS CHAN, AND DIRECTORS OF THE DEPARTMENTS.
------0-------
/16.....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1^84
- 16 -
STALLS AT NEW MARKET FOR LEASE * * *
TWO COOKED FOOD STALLS AND TWO FRUIT STALLS AT THE NEW WO Yl HOP ROAD MARKET WILL BE PUT UP FOR LEASE BY AUCTION ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 19).
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT THE KWAI FONG COMMUNITY HALL, LAI FONG STREET, KWAI CHUNG. STARTING AT 10 AM, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEw TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE UPSET MONTHLY RENT IS $6 000 EACH FOR THE COOKED FOOD STALLS AND $1 800 EACH FOR THE FRUIT STALLS.
THE LEASES ARE FOR THREE YEARS, EFFECTIVE FROM NOVEMBER 1, AND THE RENT IS PAYABLE QUARTERLY.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE HAWKERS AND MARKETS SECTION OF THE KWAI CHUNG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON 0-253624.
------0-------
MORE OPEN SPACES TO BE BUILT
* X * X
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO OPEN SPACES, ONE ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE OTHER IN SHA TIN.
THE SPACE ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL OCCUPY 320 SQUARE METRES IN HOLLYWOOD ROAD OPPOSITE MAN MO TEMPLE.
IT WILL HAVE A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, INCLUDING A SWING, A SPIRAL SLIDE, SPRING TWIN-RIDERS AND SAFETY MATTING.
THERE WILL ALSO BE BENCHES BELOW AN ARBOUR, FLOWERBEDS, A SMALL STOREROOM AND TOILETS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER AND BE COMPLETED BY APR IL NEXT YEAR.
THE OTHER WILL BE CONSTRUCTED NEAR SIU LEK YUEN ROAD IN SHA TIN AND WILL SERVE RESIDENTS OF NEARBY HOUSING ESTATES AND THE YUEN CHAU KOK TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA AS WELL AS THOSE WORKING IN A NEARBY INDUSTRIAL AREA.
FACILITIES TO BE F’ROVIDED ON THE 9 OOO-SQUARE-METRE SITE INCLUDE A MINI-SOCCER PITCH, TWO BASKETBALL COURTS, A FULLY-EQUIPPED CHILDREN’S PLA.YGROUND, A SITTING-OUT AREA AND A STOREROOM.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS PLEDGED A ',2 MILLION DONATION TOWARDS THE COST OF THIS PROJECT, *ORK ON aHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER AND TAKE EIGHT MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
------o-------
/17......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1984
17
HEALTH THROUGH SONG
*** HA.V
■ -JA JJU
RESIDENTS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 15 AND 35 WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO SHOW OFF THEIR TALENT AT THE KWUN TONG YOUTH SINGING CONTEST NEXT MONTH.
THE AIM OF THE CONTEST IS TO PROMOTE A HEALTHY ATTITUDE , , TOWARDS LIFE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD SAID.
THE CONTEST WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS, FOR SOLOISTS AND GROUPS. PARTICIPANTS MAY SELECT SONGS FROM A LIST PROVIDED BY THE ORGANISERS, OR MAY USE THEIR OWN MATERIAL, WHICH MUST FOLLOW THE THEME OF THE COMPETITION.
THERE WILL ALSO BE AN INVITATIONAL SINGING CONTEST FOR PARTICIPANTS FROM THE 13 AREA COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT.
THE PRELIMINARIES WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 17 AND 18 AND THE GRAND FINAL ON NOVEMBER 24, IN THE KEI CHI SECONDARY SCHOOL.
ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND ALL ITS SUB-OFFICES, THE KWUN TONG MUSIC CENTRE OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, AND THE ICAC FOO YUE OFFICE.
FORMS MUST BE RETURNED BY NOVEMBER 2. ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE CONTEST CAN BE MADE BY CALLING 3-423431.
THE KWUN TONG YOUTH SINGING CONTEST IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE CULTURE AND RECREATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION, THE ICAC FOO YUE OFFICE AND THE MUSIC OFFICE.
-----0------
ROADWORKS AT WAN CHAI RECLAMATION
* * * *
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CARRY pUT A SERIES OF ROADWORKS AT THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION.
THE WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE FLYOVERS, A NEW GROUND-LEVEL ROAD ALONG THE SEAFRONT AND AN EXTENSION OF HUNG-,,. HING ROAD. !T 09
THE FLYOVERS WILL PROVIDE GRADE-SEPARATED ACCESS BETwEEN... FENWICK PIER STREET AND HARCOURT ROAD, BETWEEN GLOUCESTER ROAD" AND TONNOCHY ROAD, AND BETWEEN HUNG HING ROAD AND GLOUCESTER ROAD.
U • - - -
/FIVE NEW ....
SUNDAY, OCTOBEH 14, 1984
18
FIVE NEV/ FOOTBRIDGES - AT FENWICK PIER STREET, TONNOCHY ROAD, WAN SHING STREET, WAN CHAI FERRY PIER AND THE NEW SEAFRONT ROAD -WILL ALSO BE BUILT.
THE FLEMING ROAD FLYOVER AND THE EXISTING GROUND-LEVEL ROADS BELOW IT WILL BE MOD IFIED.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS IS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROJECTS CAN BE SEEN AT:
* THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
* THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG NORTH, 12TH CLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG ; AND
X THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSALS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS IN WRITING NOT LATER THAN DECEMBER 11.
-----0------
TAPS OFF IN WESTERN
* * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO WESTERN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 PM ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 17) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT'360-506 QUEEN’S ROAD WEST 3-67 ™ o^L^.^AD’ 12°-142 AND 125-149 SECOND STREET, 129-179 AND 132-222 THIRD STREET, AND 1-21 AND 4-10 WATER STREET.
IT WILL ALSO AFFECT PREMISES ON HILL ROAD, YU ON TERRACE, WOO HOP STREET, SOUTH LANE, CHUNG SHING STREET, CLARENCE TERRACE, PO TUCK STREET, YUK MING STREET, YAU YEE LANE, KU I YAN LANE, KWONG FUNG LANE, KWONG FUNG TERRACE, YUK SAU LANE, ROSE LANE, SAM TO LANE AND TAM LANE.
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING;
ACCEPT ACCORD OR HAVE NONE, LOBO SAYS .............*.;. 1
TIME NOW FOR ECONOMIC ACTION, TUN URGES ................. 3
BASIC LAW MUST HAVE LOCAL PARTICIPATION - ALEX WU...... 4
ROLE IN DRAFTING BASIC LAW VITAL - S.L. CHEN ............ 5
SU REASONS WHY AGREEMENT WILL STICK — LYDIA DUNN ........ 6
CONCERNS TO BE EXPECTED — PETER WONG..................... 9
HOW PEOPLE SHOULD HANDLE THE FUTURE — WONG LAM.......... 11
PEOPLE'S CONCERN OVER CONSCRIPTION RAISED BY K.F. HO... 13
BE POSITIVE, ALLEN LEE URGES HK PEOPLE.................. 15
REMAIN COOL AND FIRM, SAYS ANDRE-/ SO .................. 17
F.K. HU URGES SINCERITY THROUGH PERFORMANCE............. 18
ENTREPRENEURS SHOULD ACT NOW - WONG PO-YAN ............. 20
TIME FOR WISE JUDGEMENT, BILL BROWN SAYS ............... 21
'BEST OF A BAD DEAL' - JOHN SWAINE SAYS ................ 23
JOB SECURITY GUARANTEE STRESSED ........................... 25
pollution advisory committee meets ........................ 25
KWUN TONG LAW COURTS OPENED................................ 2?
AGEING TEA'S TO BE REDEVELOPED ............................ 28
HIGHWAY CHIEF OFF TO RIO CONFERENCE........................ 30
BUILDING FOR BEACH GOERS .................................. 30
WATER MAINS WORKS IN FOUR AREAS ........................... 31
WATER STORAGE FIGURES ..................................... 32
TRAFFIC CHANGES ........................................... 32
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1984
1 -
ACCEPT ACCORD OR HAVE NONE, LOBO SAYS ******
+WE SHOULD NOT FORGET THAT OUR CHOICE IS TO ACCEPT THIS AGREEMENT OR FACE THE FUTURE WITHOUT ONE,* THE HON R.H. LOBO SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (MONDAY).
MF LOBO WAS MOVING A MOTION STANDING IN HIS NAME +THAT THIS COUNCIL ENDORSES THE DRAFT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENTS CF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND AND THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND COMMENDS IT TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.*
HE SAID THAT FOR THE PATIENT AND HARD WORKING PEOPLE OF HONG KONG THE PAST 24 MONTHS HAD BEEN A DIFFICULT PERIOD WHEN THEIR COURAGE AND CONFIDENCE HAD BEEN TESTED TO THE FULL. IT HAD BEEN NECESSARY TO ACCEPT SO MUCH ON TRUST AND HONG KONG HAD BEEN NO PLACE FOR FAINT HEARTS.
+THROUGHOUT THESE TWO LONG YEARS OF UNCERTAINTY AND BEWILDERMENT WE HAVE PRAYED THAT THE AGREEMENT UNDER NEGOTIATION WOULD MIRROR AND ALLEVIATE OUR WORRIES, FEARS AND FEELINGS FOR THE FUTURE,* HE SAID.
+THE LONG-AWAITED AGREEMENT, THE MOST IMPORTANT DOCUMENT IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY, IS NOW BEFORE US.+
HE SAID IN THE COURSE OF THESE TWO DAYS OF DEBATE, HIS COLLEAGUES WOULD EXPRESS THEIR OWN VIEWS AND ELABORATE ON VIEWS REPRESENTED TO THEM, SOME WOULD EXPRESS RESERVATIONS.
+ INEVITABLY, THERE ARE UNCERTAINTIES AND DOUBTS, AND IT IS OUR DUTY TO EXPRESS THESE FREELY,* MR LOBO SAID.
+l WOULD ALSO URGE THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE TO MAKE KNOWN THEIR VIEWS, FAVOURABLE OR OTHERWISE, TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE.
WE ARE NOW ASSURED THESE VIEWS WILL BE KEPT UNDER SEAL PENDING RATIFICATION OF THE AGREEMENT AND DESTROYED SOON THEREAFTER.
+BUT WE SHOULD NOT FORGET THE OBJECTIVE OF THE AGREEMENT, ENTERED INTO FREELY BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS, NOR THE BACKGROUND TO THIS ACCORD,* HE SAID.
+NOR SHOULD WE FORGET THAT OUR CHOICE IS TO ACCEPT THIS AGREEMENT OR FACE THE FUTURE WITHOUT ONE.*
HE SAID THE NEGOTIATIONS STARTED OUT WITH THE COMMON AIM CF SECURING A MEANS OF MAINTAINING THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY CF HONG KONG. THROUGHOUT THE CONFIDENTIAL TALKS WE WERE TROUBLED BY MANY WORRYING RUMOURS AND STORIES.
/it was .......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15. 1984
2
IT WAS WITHIN CHINA’S POWER TO BREAK OFF THE NEGOTIATIONS OR TO ANNOUNCE HER PLANS FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE UNILATERALLY. BUT THIS DID NOT HAPPEN. THE TWO SIDES PERSEVERED TO PRODUCE THE DETAILED DRAFT AGREEMENT BEFORE US.
♦MANY WILL RECALL OUR CONTROVERSIAL VISIT TO LONDON AND IT IS GRATIFYING TO SEE THAT IT ALSO SETS OUT THE MANY CONSTITUENT FREEDOMS AND FACTORS WHICH WE STRESSED IN OUR MISSION TO LONDON AS ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAINING THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG,* MR LOBO CONTINUED.
+THE FACT THAT THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA HAVE COMMITTED THEMSELVES INTERNATIONALLY TO AN AGREEMENT IN SUCH DETAIL, THAT THE PRC SHOULD EVOLVE AND COMMIT ITSELF TO THE MAINTENANCE OF TWO SYSTEMS WITHIN ONE STATE, AND THAT BOTH GOVERNMENTS SHOULD SEE THE AGREEMENT AS A BLUEPRINT FOR MAINTAINING THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG -- ALL THESE FACTORS PERSUADE ME THAT THE NEGOTIATORS HAVE DONE THEIR BEST TO SECURE HONG KONG’S FUTURE,* HE SAID.
IT REMAINED — AND WAS NO LESS IMPORTANT -- TO DETERMINE THE BASIC LAW IN THE SAME SPIRIT.
BUT THERE WAS A VITAL FACTOR THAT NO WRITTEN AGREEMENT OR NEGOTIATIONS COULD PROVIDE. IF WE WERE SATISFIED THAT THE TWO GOVERNMENTS HAD REACHED THIS AGREEMENT IN GOOD FAITH — AND HOW COULD WE SEE SUCH A DETAILED INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENT IN ANY OTHER WAY? — WHAT REMAINED WAS THE NEED FOR PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE.
+WE HAVE A GOOD AGREEMENT AND IT IS NOW UP TO THE PEOPLE CF HONG KONG AND INDEED THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO MAKE IT WORK,* MR LOBO SAID.
+THE END RESULT MUST BE A STABLE AND PROSPEROUS HONG KONG. ANYTHING LESS WILL ERODE THE BASIS FOR THE AGREEMENT AND THE CASE FOR PRESERVING HONG KONG AS A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION.
+IN ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES — NOT LEAST BEING THE CHOICE OF ACCEPTING THE AGREEMENT OR FACING THE FUTURE WITHOUT ONE — THE DRAFT AGREEMENT BEFORE US IS A GOOD AGREEMENT AND ONE WHICH CAN BE COMMENDED TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
-----o------
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1984
3
TIME NOW FOR ECONOMIC ACTION, TIEN URGES ******
WITH THE NEGOTIATIONS ON THE DRAFT AGREEMENT COMPLETE WE SHOULD TURN OUR ATTENTION TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, THE HON FRANCIS TIEN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (MONDAY).
MR TIEN, SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE HON ROGER LOBO’S MOTION ENDORSING THE DRAFT AGREEMENT, SAID NOW THAT THE ACTUAL NEGOTIATIONS WERE OVER, AND WHILE WAITING FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE FINAL FORMALITIES, IT WAS NECESSARY FOR CERTAIN ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN SO THAT THE AGREEMENT BECAME A SPRING-BOARD FOR OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
*F IRST, STEPS MUST BE TAKEN URGENTLY TO ENSURE THE HEALTH OF THE PROPERTY MARKET IN THE INTEREST OF STABILITY,* HE SAID.
+SECOND, STEPS MUST BE TAKEN TO ATTRACT MORE CHINESE AND FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG.+
ATTEMPTS WERE BEING MADE TO INDUCE HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN TO INVEST IN CHINA, AND THIS WAS MORE LIKELY TO HAPPEN IF CHINA IN TURN INVESTED IN HONG KONG, THUS STIMULATING CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL FUTURE.
THE FUTURE WOULD NO DOUBT BE 'EVER BRIGHT’.
+THIRD, ON A RELATED POINT, I SHOULD LIKE TO SEE THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL PLAYING A BIGGER ROLE IN ENCOURAGING FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN OUR INDUSTRY,* MR TIEN SAID.
+THE TDC IS WELL PLACED TO INCREASE ITS EFFORTS IN THIS FIELD AND MUST BE CALLED UPON TO DO SO.
+F INALLY, ACTION MUST BE TAKEN TO MAINTAIN THE IMPETUS GIVEN TO VOCATIONAL TRAINING TO SUSTAIN THE GROWTH OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY. MANPOWER TRAINING IS ESSENTIAL FOR OUR CONTINUED PROSPERITY AND OUR EFFORTS IN THIS FIELD MUST BE MAINTAINED. WITH SUCH TRAINING, HONG KONG CAN STILL WALK TALL,* HE SAID.
ON THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP WHICH IS TO BE SET UP, TIEN SAID HE WAS IN SUPPORT OF THE PROPOSAL, BUT NOTED THAT THE EXACT ROLE WHICH HONG KONG PEOPLE MIGHT PLAY IN THE GROUP WAS NOT MENTIONED.
+1 BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ONCE THE PRINCIPAL BASE OF THE GROUP MOVES TO HONG KONG IN 1988 IT SHOULD INCLUDE MEMBERS DRAWN FROM THE LOCAL COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.
+IT WOULD BE PREFERABLE TO INCLUDE SOME HONG KONG PEOPLE RIGHT FROM ITS ESTABLISHMENT NEXT YEAR.
+IN ADDITION, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A STRONG REPRESENTATION OF HONG KONG PEOPLE ON THE COMMITTEE WHICH IS TO DRAFT THE BASIC LAW,* MR TIEN SAID.
-----o------
/4........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1934
- 4 -
BASIC LAW MUST HAVE LOCAL PARTICIPATION - ALEX WU
* * * *
THE BASIC LAW SHOULD HAVE THE PARTICIPATION OF HONG KONG PEOPLE AND BE DRAFTED AT AN EARLY DATE, THE HON ALEX WU SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IF THESE TWO POINTS COULD BE CLARIFIED, THEN IT WOULD HELP GREATLY IN PUTTING PEOPLE’S MINDS AT EASE, MR WU SAID, NOTING THAT NO DATE FOR THE BASIC LAW HAD BEEN GIVEN IN THE DRAFT AGREEMENT.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION ENDORSING THE DRAFT AGREEMENT, HE MADE SEVERAL SUGGESTIONS REGARDING THE BASIC LAW.
♦WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF HONG KONG PEOPLE IN THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW, IT CAN BE SAID THAT WE ARE ON THE FIRST STEPS TOWARDS 'HONG KONG PEOPLE RULING HONG KONG’,+ HE SAID.
HE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SHOULD EXTEND, THROUGH THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO CHINA, OPEN INVITATIONS TO CHINESE LEADERS, INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS WHO WERE LESS FAMILIAR WITH HONG KONG, TO COME HERE FOR VISITS, SO THAT THEY MIGHT SEE THE ACTUAL CIRCUMSTANCES HERE AND GET AN INSIGHT INTO HONG KONG’S POLITICAL SYSTEM, LIFE STYLE AS WELL AS THE BASIC LAW THAT THE PEOPLE HERE EXPECTED.
HE APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW AS FAR AS POSSIBLE SO THAT THE DRAFTING COMMITTEE COULD HAVE SOMETHING TO BASE ON.
+WE SHOULD VOICE OUR VIEWS WITHOUT ANY RESERVATION WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD,* HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE COMMENDED FOR HAVING RESPONDED SWIFTLY TO THE QUESTION OF HOW TO KEEP THE VIEWS CONVEYED CONFIDENTIAL.
HE BELIEVED IT WAS MOST IMPORTANT THAT THE DRAFT AGREEMENT STRESSED THAT THE LIFE STYLE OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE WOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED.
HE SAID THE IMAGINATIVE CONCEPT OF + ONE COUNTRY TwO SYSTEMS* HAD PROVIDED A BREAKTHROUGH FOR THE TALKS AND HE HAD HIGH HOPES IN ITS IMPLEMENTATION.
+1 SINCERELY HOPE THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE CAN TRULY GOVERN HONG KONG SO THAT EVEN AFTER 2047, WE CAN STILL ENJOY LIFE UNDER THIS UNIQUE SYSTEM,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE DRAFT AGREEMENT BROUGHT AN UNPRECEDENTED OPPORTUNITY TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
HE SAID THAT THEY MUST CHANGE THEIR PAST ATTITUDE OF BE I No A +PASSENGER+ AND LEARN TO BECOME A GOOD +NAVIGATOR+ RIGHT NOW.
+1 HOPE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL FACE SQUARELY THE INEVITABLE REALITY AND DEAL WITH THE AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG IN A POSITIVE AND OPTIMISTIC MANNER,* HE SAID.
/5 ........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1984
- 5 -
ROLE IN DRAFTING BASIC LAW VITAL - S.L. CHEN
M * *
IT IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE FOR HONG KONG THAT THE PEOPLE FERE SHOULD HAVE A PLACE IN DRAFTING THE BASIC LAW, THE HON S.L. CHEN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE HON ROGER LOBO’S MOTION, ENDORSING THE AGREEMENT, MR CHEN SAID THIS WAS NECESSARY SO AS TO ENSURE THAT DETAILS NOT INCLUDED IN THE DRAFT AGREEMENT SHOULD BE ADEQUATELY REFLECTED IN THE BASIC LAW.
♦ TO THIS END, I URGE THE PUBLIC TO COME FORWARD AND BE POSITIVE IN AIRING THEIR VIEWS ON WHAT THE BASIC LAW SHOULD CONTAIN AND WHO SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN ITS DRAFTING,+ HE SAID.
MR CHEN SAID SOME MAY SAY THAT ALTHOUGH THE DRAFT AGREEMENT HAD PROVIDED ON PAPER ALL THE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR THE CONTINUITY OF OUR EXISTING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS AND LIFE-STYLE, THE PROOF OF THE PUDDING STILL REMAINED IN THE EATING.
♦ TO SUCH PEOPLE I WOULD SAY THAT IT IS POINTLESS TO TALK ABOUT PROOF UNLESS WE HAVE THE PUDDING FIRST.
♦ I BELIEVE WE NOW HAVE ALL THE NECESSARY INGREDIENTS FOR THE PUDDING.
♦ THE ONLY THING WHICH REMAINS IS WHO SHOULD DO THE COOK ING?
♦ TO THIS END, I BELIEVE BOTH THE PEOPLE AND THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG SHOULD HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY.+
MR CHEN SAID A GOOD AGREEMENT ALONE WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN OUR PROSPERITY AND STABILITY.
GIVEN THE NECESSARY SUPPORT WHICH THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG COULD RIGHTFULLY EXPECT FROM BOTH THE CHINESE AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS, THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MAINTAINING HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY RESTED SQUARELY ON THE SHOULDERS OF THE PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG.
♦ NOW THAT THE LONG SHADOW OVER OUR LIVES HAS BEEN REMOVED, WE MUST MOVE AHEAD AGAIN AND GET BACK TO DOING WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING SO WELL RIGHT UP TO 1982, WHICH IS TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG AS A STRONG AND HEALTHY ECONOMIC COMMUNITY,+ HE SAID.
♦ A STRONG AND HEALTHY ECONOMY IS THE SUREST GUARANTEE FOR OUR FUTURE SURVIVAL.*
- - - - 0 ----------
/6........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1934
- 6 -
SIX REASONS WHY AGREEMENT WILL STICK -- LYDIA DUNN ******
THERE WERE AT LEAST SIX REASONS WHY THE TERMS OF THE SINO-BRITISH DRAFT AGREEMENT WOULD BE FAITHFULLY IMPLEMENTED, THE HON LYDIA DUNN TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (MONDAY).
MISS DUNN, SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION ENDORSING THE DRAFT AGREEMENT, SAID THE ARRANGEMENTS PROPOSED FOR HONG KONG AS AN SAR UNDER CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY PROVIDED GOOD GROUNDS FOR BELIEVING THAT THERE WOULD BE A CONTINUITY OF ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS AND A PRESERVATION OF HONG KONG’S FAMILIAR LIFE-STYLE.
THEY SHOULD SECURE SOCIAL STABILITY AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.
BUT SHE SAID THE QUESTION REMAINED WHETHER THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE LETTER AND THE SPIRIT.
+AFTER ALL, THE POLITICAL PHILOSOPHIES UNDERLYING CAPITALISM AND SOCIALISM ARE ESSENTIALLY INCOMPATIBLE- AND, IN SAYING THAT, I AM NOT MAKING ANY VALUE JUDGEMENT AS TO THE RELATIVE MERITS OF EITHER PHILOSOPHY,+ MISS DUNN SAID.
AS IMAGINATIVE AS THE +ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS* CONCEPT MIGHT BE, IT WAS A UNIQUE AND UNTRIED CONCEPT DEVELOPED BY THE PRESENT LEADERSHIP IN CHINA.
GIVEN THE MANY DISCONTINUITIES WHICH HAD CHARACTERISED THE POLICIES PURSUED BY SUCCESSIVE LEADERSHIPS SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT CF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC, WHAT GUARANTEE WAS THERE THAT A FUTURE LEADERSHIP WOULD HONOUR THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT? SHE ASKED.
+SO THIS RESIDUAL QUESTION, BASED AS IT IS ON LEGITIMATE DOUBTS, IS A FAIR QUESTION AND DESERVES TO BE ANSWERED,* MISS DUNN SAID.
+BUT I BELIEVE,* SHE WENT ON, +THERE ARE AT LEAST SIX REASONS WHY THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT WILL BE FAITHFULLY IMPLEMENTED.
+FIRSTs IT IS A FORMAL AND LEGALLY BINDING INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT FREELY NEGOTIATED, AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF FRIENDSHIP, BETWEEN TWO SOVEREIGN STATES.
+IT MAY NOT BE LEGALLY ENFORCEABLE BUT, WHEN THE JOINT DECLARATION IS SIGNED, BOTH GOVERNMENTS WILL HAVE FORMALLY AGREED TO IMPLEMENT THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION ITSELF AND ITS ANNEXES.
♦ THE HONOUR AND REPUTATION OF BOTH GOVERNMENTS WILL THEN BE COMMITTED INTERNATIONALLY.
/+THE WOHLD .......
MONDAY, OCTOBEB 15, 1984
♦ THE WORLD AT LARGE WILL BE WATCHING WITH INTEREST AND THAT PROVIDES A REAL ASSURANCE THAT THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED.
♦ THE WORLD AT LARGE WILL ALSO BE WATCHING DURING THE NEXT 12 YEARS OR SO FOR ANY SIGNS THAT THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT WILL BE DISREGARDED,* SHE SAID.
+SECONDI THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP WOULD SURELY NOT HAVE COMMITTED SO MUCH NEGOTIATING EFFORT INTO REACHING AN AGREEMENT WITH HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT AND WHY SHOULD THEY HAVE AGREED TO SET OUT THEIR INTENDED POLICIES FOR THE HONG KONG SAR AFTER 1997 IN SUCH DETAIL IF THEY HAVE NO INTENTION OF ADHERING TO THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT?
* THIRDt THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP HAVE STATED WITH CONVICTION, AND WITH APPARENT SINCERITY, AND CERTAINLY IN EXPLICIT TERMS, THAT THE AGREEMENT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED.
+THEY HAVE THEREBY PUBLICLY STAKED THEIR PERSONAL PRESTIGE AND REPUTATION IN THE EYES OF THE WORLD.
+FOURTH: THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS HAVE STATED THAT IT IS IN CHINA’S NATIONAL INTEREST TO IMPLEMENT THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT.
+WHY?
+BECAUSE HONG KONG’S CONTINUED STABILITY AND PROSPERITY IS IMPORTANT TO THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HISTORIC TASK CF CHINA’S REUNIFICATION AND THE FOUR MODERNISATIONS PROGRAMME.
+TO REPEAT, IF CHINA HAS NO INTENTION OF IMPLEMENTING THIS AGREEMENT, WHY SHOULD THEY HAVE SPENT TWO YEARS NEGOTIATING IT?
+AFTER ALL, 92 PER CENT OF HONG KONG REVERTS TO CHINA ON JULY 1, 1997, WITH OR WITHOUT AN AGREEMENT.
+ INDEED, I SUBMIT THAT THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP NEGOTIATED LONG AND HARD IN THE LAST TWO YEARS SO THAT THE TERMS AGREED WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE TO THEM AND WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE TO SUCCEEDING GENERATIONS AND SO THAT THOSE TERMS CAN REALISTICALLY BE IMPLEMENTED.
+IN SO DOING THEY HAVE IN EFFECT SAID THAT THOSE ARE THE TERMS OF A SETTLEMENT WHICH WE PERCEIVE TO BE IN THE NATIONAL INTEREST.
+THIS BRINGS ME TO A FIFTH REASON WHY I BELIEVE THE CHINESE SIDE WILL FAITHFULLY IMPLEMENT THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT: HAVING TASTED THE FRUITS OF POST-CULTURAL REVOLUTION POLICIES, THE CHINESE PEOPLE THEMSELVES WILL NOT EASILY ACCEPT ANY MOVE WHICH IS LIKELY TO DIMINISH THE BENEFICIAL IMPACT OF THOSE POLICIES, INCLUDING A FAILURE OF THE HONG KONG SAR TO FULFIL ITS DESTINY, THAT IS TO SAY, TO HELP IN THE RECONSTRUCTION OF CHINA.
/♦FINALLY: THE .......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1984
8
+FINALLY: THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP, PREOCCUPIED AS THEY ARE AS A MATTER OF NATIONAL POLICY WITH THE REUNIFICATION OF CHINA, CANNOT AFFORD TO PREJUDICE THE ULTIMATE ACHIEVEMENT OF THAT OBJECTIVE BY FAILING TO OBSERVE THE TERMS OF THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG WITH ALL THE DAMAGING CONSEQUENCES FOR CHINA’S REPUTATION ABROAD OF A DECLINE IN HONG KONG’S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY.*
MISS DUNN SAID APART FROM THE INTENTIONS OF THE PRESENT LEADERSHIP, THERE WAS STILL THE QUESTION OF THE LIKELY ATTITUDE CF FUTURE GENERATIONS OF THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP.
WOULD THEY IMPLEMENT THE AGREEMENT, HOWEVER LEGALLY BINDING IT MIGHT BE AND WHATEVER THE INTENTIONS OF THE PRESENT LEADERSHIP?
NO COUNTRY -- NOT EVEN THE GREATEST DEMOCRACIES — COULD GUARANTEE THE POLITICAL PERSUASIONS OF FUTURE GOVERNMENTS.
INDEED, THE HISTORIAN AND POLITICAL SCIENTIST MIGHT ARGUE THAT THE RISKS HONG KONG FACED WERE LESS THAN MOST OTHER COUNTRIES, SHE SAID.
HONG KONG HAD NEVER HAD ANY GUARANTEE FOR ITS CONTINUING EXISTENCE, GIVEN THAT NO CHINESE GOVERNMENT SINCE THE OVERTHROW CF THE CHING DYNASTY HAD RECOGNISED THE TREATIES THAT PROVIDED FOR HONG KONG’S PRESENT STATUS.
YET NOT ONLY HAD HONG KONG SURVIVED AND PROSPERED, ITS TERRITORIAL AND POLITICAL INTEGRITY WAS NOT BREACHED DURING EVEN THE WORST EXCESSES OF CHINA’S POLITICAL UPHEAVALS.
+THERE ARE NO ABSOLUTE GUARANTEES IN LIFE,* MISS DUNN CONTINUED.
+THERE ARE ONLY WEAK OR STRONG INDICATIONS OF WHAT LIFE’S EXPECTATIONS MAY BE.
+IN THIS CASE THE INDICATIONS CLEARLY ARE GOOD: CHINA’S MODERNISATIONS POLICIES ARE WORKING; REAL INCOMES IN CHINA ARE RISING- PURELY IDEOLOGICAL PRECEPTS ARE BEING TEMPERED BY PRAGMATIC CONSIDERATIONS.*
THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP, COLLECTIVELY, HAD EMBARKED ON A PATH WHICH WAS DESIGNED TO RAISE THE RISING STANDARD OF LIVING OF THE NATION ONCE AND FOR ALL.
TO STRAY FROM THIS PATH WOULD BE FRAUGHT WITH DANGERS FOR THE PRESENT LEADERSHIP AND SUCCEEDING GENERATIONS.
IT FOLLOWED THAT THEY WERE MOST UNLIKELY TO OVERLOOK THE CONTRIBUTION TO NATIONAL PROSPERITY OF A STABLE HONG KONG.
+AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE ACCEPTANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT IS AN ACT OF FAITH, BUT IT IS ONE WHICH HAS A SOUND BASIS,* MISS DUNN SAID.
/+THE BEST........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1984
- 9 -
♦THE BEST WAY TO MINIMISE THE RISKS OF CHANGE IS FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO PLAY THEIR PART IN MAINTAINING THE DYNAMISM OF HONG KONG.
♦SOME CHANGES THERE WILL BE WITHIN THE LIMITS DEFINED IN THE AGREEMENT AND, OF COURSE, THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM TO CHINA IS A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN ITSELF INASMUCH AS THE COURSE OF HONG KONG’S HISTORY IN THE FUTURE WILL TEND TO REFLECT CHINA’S, THE SAR STATUS OF HONG KONG NOTWITHSTANDING.
♦WHAT WE MUST NOW DO, AS A MATTER OF URGENCY, IS TO ERECT A SUITABLE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT WELL BEFORE 1997 WHICH WILL STAND THE TEST OF TIME AFTER 1997.
♦ IT MUST BE AT LEAST AS EFFECTIVE AS THE PRESENT STRUCTURE, ALBEIT WITH DIFFERENT ROOTS.
♦ IT MUST BE FOUNDED IN THE HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE, ENERGY, TALENTS, INDUSTRIOUSNESS AND NATURAL CONFIDENCE OF THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE HERE.
♦ THERE MUST BE NO OPTING OUT, FOR ANY REDUCTION IN HONG KONG’S USEFULNESS TO CHINA WILL PUT AUTONOMY AT RISK.
♦ LET IT NOT BE SAID THAT, BY THEIR HESITATION AND INEPTITUDE AND LACK OF VISION, HONG KONG PEOPLE BROUGHT ABOUT THE VERY SITUATION THEY FEARED AS A MERE POSSIBILITY,* MISS DUNN SAID.
-----o------
CONCERNS TO BE EXPECTED — PETER WONG * * * *
CONCERNS AND RESERVATIONS WHICH HAD BEEN EXPRESSED ABOUT THE DRAFT AGREEMENT WERE TO BE EXPECTED, THE HON PETER C. WONG SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DEBATE ON THE MOTION ENDORSING THE DRAFT AGREEMENT, MR WONG SAID, HOWEVER, IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THE AGREEMENT SHOULD BE JUDGED AS A WHOLE AND VIEWED IN THE LIGHT OF HISTORICAL, GEOGRAPHICAL AND POLITICAL REAL ITIES.
♦ ADMITTEDLY, THE AGREEMENT IS NOT PERFECT- NOR DOES IT ANSWER EVERY QUESTION OR SOLVE EVERY PROBLEM RELATING TO HONG KONG’S FUTURE,+ HE SAID.
♦ REGRETTABLY, THERE IS NO REALISTIC POSSIBILITY OF AMENDING THE TEXT.
♦ IT MUST BE TAKEN AS A WHOLE.
/♦REJECTING IT........
KBDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1984
- 10 -
+REJECTING IT WOULD MEAN THAT CHINA WILL MAKE ITS OWN UNILATERAL DECLARATION WHICH WOULD NOT NECESSARILY INCLUDE ALL THE ELEMENTS OF THE AGREEMENT, NOR WOULD IT HAVE THE SAME STATUS AS A LEGALLY BINDING AGREEMENT.
+IN MY VIEW THE AGREEMENT IS A GOOD ONE AND I STRONGLY RECOMMEND IT TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,* MR WONG SAID.
IT PROVIDED A WORKABLE FRAMEWORK IN WHICH HONG KONG WOULD BE ABLE TO PRESERVE ITS UNIQUE ECONOMIC SYSTEM AND WAY OF LIFE.
IT MARKED THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA FOR HONG KONG.
+IT IS NOW UP TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THIS FREELY NEGOTIATED ACCORD AND BUILD FOR THEMSELVES A PROSPEROUS AND DEMOCRATIC REGION IN WHICH THEY WILL BE PROUD AND HAPPY TO LIVE AND WORK AND ALSO A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE.*
MR WONG SAID SOME CONCERN HAD BEEN EXPRESSED AS TO WHETHER THE AGREEMENT WAS IN FACT LEGALLY BINDING, BUT LEGAL EXPERTS ON INTERNATIONAL LAW WERE OF THE OPINION THAT IT WAS.
THERE WAS NO REASON TO THINK OTHERWISE.
THE EXCHANGE OF MEMORANDA DEALT WITH THE SINGLE ISSUE OF PASSPORTS AND SINCE IT WAS A FORMAL EXCHANGE AND ASSOCIATED *ITH THE AGREEMENT THERE WAS NOTHING TO SUGGEST THAT THE CONTENTS WOULD NOT BE HONOURED, HE SAID.
ON NATIONALITY, HE SAID REACTION TO THIS ISSUE + IS LESS THAN FAVOURABLE*, AND ONE WOULD HAVE HOPED THAT A BETTER SOLUTION COULD BE FOUND.
HE SAID THE BASIC LAW, YET TO BE DRAFTED, WOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.
CHINA’S BASIC POLICIES AS SET OUT IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND ELABORATED IN ANNEX I WOULD ALL BE STIPULATED IN THE BASIC LAW.
IN THIS RESPECT, THERE WAS ROOM FOR FLEXIBILITY WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF THE STATED POLICIES.
THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAD STATED THAT IT WOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
+T0 THAT EXTENT, IT WOULD BE HIGHLY DESIRABLE TO STATE POSITIVELY OUR PREFERENCES IN THE HOPE THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER THEM SYMPATHETICALLY,* HE SAID.
+IT IS A MATTER OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG SHOULD SPARE NO EFFORT IN ESTABLISHING A GOOD AND FRIENDLY RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA. MUCH WILL DEPEND ON ITS GOODWILL AND ASSISTANCE.
/+C0-0PKHATICK, MJTOAL........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1984
- 11
♦CO-OPERATION, MUTUAL TRUST AND RESPECT ARE THE KEY FACTORS TO A SUCCESSFUL HONG KONG, CH INA,+ MR WONG SAID.
IN CONCLUSION, MR WONG SAID IN THE DAYS AHEAD, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF INTERESTED PARTIES WOULD HAVE TO TRANSLATE THE AGREEMENT INTO REALITY.
♦WHATEVER THE ODDS, WE HAVE NO ALTERNATIVE BUT TO MAKE IT WORK,+ HE SAID.
MR WONG SUPPORTED THE MOTION.
-----o-----
HOW PEOPLE SHOULD HANDLE THE FUTURE -- WONG LAM
******
THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG SHOULD HANDLE THE QUESTION OF THE FUTURE BY MAKING PROPOSALS TO FOUR PARTIES, THE HON WONG LAM SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (MONDAY).
♦THE FIRST IS TO BOTH UK AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS JOINTLY} THE SECOND IS TO THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT} THE THIRD IS TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT} AND THE FOURTH IS TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG THEMSELVES,* HE SAID WHEN SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION ENDORSING THE DRAFT AGREEMENT.
MR WONG SUGGESTED THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG SHOULD ASK BOTH THE UK AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSAL THAT, AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME, THE ORIGINAL AGREEMENT COULD BE SUPPLEMENTED BY MEANS OF AN EXCHANGE OF MEMORANDUM WITH CERTAIN POINTS WHICH MIGHT EMERGE AS A RESULT OF POLITICAL CHANGES OR NEW DEVELOPMENTS SO LONG AS THEY WERE NOT CONTRARY TO THE SPIRIT AND PRILE CF THE AGREEMENT.
♦TO THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG SHOULD ASK THAT. IN THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW, IT SHOULD HAVE AN OPEN MIND AND TRY AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO ACCEPT THE OPINION OF HONG KOnb PEOPLE,+ HE SAID.
HE ALSO HOPED THAT IN DRAFTING THE BASIC LAW, THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT COULD INVITE LEGAL EXPERTS FROM HONG KONG TO TAKE PART SO THAT THEY MIGHT MAKE THEIR CONTRIBUTION WITH THEIR RICH EXPER IENCE.
HE ADDED THAT, GIVEN THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NONINTERVENTION POLICY, THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER INSTITUTIONALISING IT IF POSSIBLE.
/TO THE .......
i - r;
,1 'Ik- ' -*7 •' *•••
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1984
- 12 -
TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, HE SAID, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG SHOULD ASK FOR EARLY ESTABLISHMENT OF A POLITICAL STRUCTURE TO USHER THE ERA OF +HONG KONG PEOPLE RULING HONG KONG+.
+TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, THE SAYING ’GOD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES’ IS RELEVANT AND THEY SHOULD SET STRICT DEMANDS ON THEMSELVES.
♦FIRST, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG SHOULD FACE REALITY WITH A COURAGEOUS AND POSITIVE ATTITUDE.
BEING OVER OPTIMISTIC OR PESSIMISTIC WAS NOT THE RIGHT ATTITUDE TO TAKE IN RESOLVING THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG’S FUTURE, HE SAID.
HE BELIEVED THE POSITIVE ATTITUDE OF HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE LIMITED TO THE HANDLING OF ECONOMIC MATTERS, BUT SHOULD EE EXTENDED ALSO TO POLITICAL AFFAIRS.
HE SAID THE ABLE AND TALENTED LEADERS SHOULD TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO PARTICIPATE IN POLITICS ON THE ONE HAND, AND THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG SHOULD STRENGTHEN THEIR POLITICAL AWARENESS ON THE OTHER.
ON THE AGREEMENT ITSELF, HE FELT THAT THE APPOINTMENT OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE SHOULD BE CLARIFIED.
+l PERSONALLY CONSIDER THAT THE AGREEMENT (OR THE ANNEXES) SHOULD GIVE MORE DETAIL TO THE ENTIRE PROCESS OF APPOINTING A CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND CLEARLY DEFINE UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES WILL THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE BE SELECTED BY CONSULTATION, UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES WILL HE BE ELECTED, WHETHER THE CENTRAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO VETO SUCH APPOINTMENTS AND IF SO UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES,* HE SAID.
HE ALSO BELIEVED IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT THE AGREEMENT MUST CLEARLY DEFINE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE AND THE LEGISLATURE AND HOW THE LATTER CAN PERFORM THE FUNCTION OF MONITORING THE FORMER.
HE SAID THE AGREEMENT SHOULD CLARIFY THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LAWS ALREADY IN FORCE IN HONG KONG, THE BASIC LAW AND THE CHINESE CONSTITUTION.
HE DID NOT SUPPORT THE VIEW THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAD THE CHOICE OF ACCEPTING THE AGREEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY OR NOT ACCEPTING IT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT DURING THE 13 YEARS BEFORE THE MAIN PARTS OF THE AGREEMENT WERE IMPLEMENTED, NEW DEVELOPMENTS OR NEW FACTORS MIGHT EMERGE; SOME MIGHT EVEN BE ENilRELY UNEXPECTED BY BOTH PARTIES AT THE TIME OF THE NEGOTIATIONS.
+THIS CALLS FOR NECESSARY ADDITIONS TO THE ORIGINAL TEXT OF THE AGREEMENT PROVIDED THESE ARE IN LINE WITH THE SPIRIT IN WHICH IT WAS REACHED.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1984
- 13 -
♦FURTHERMORE, I BELIEVE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG MAY NOT ASK FOR AMENDMENTS TO THE ORIGINAL TEXT OF THE AGREEMENT, BUT SEEK TO STRIKE A COMPROMISE, SAY, BY WAY OF EXCHANGE OF MEMORANDUM ACCEPTABLE TO BOTH SIDES IN ORDER TO SUPPLEMENT ON CERTAIN IMPORTANT ISSUES.
♦TO ALLOW THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG THE ALTERNATIVE OF NO CHOICE CAN EASILY ROUSE THEM TO ADOPT A HELPLESS AND INDIFFERENT ATTITUDE,+ HE SAID.
MR WONG CONSIDERED SETTING UP THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE +A WASTE OF HONG KONG TAXPAYERS’ MONEY+ AS THERE WERE ALREADY MANY CHANNELS WHEREBY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC OR ORGANISATIONS COULD MAKE THEIR VIEWS KNOWN, SUCH AS THROUGH THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE UMELCO OFFICE.
HE BELIEVED THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD NOT FEEL WORRIED AND SCARED.
♦ I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT ON THE BASIS OF THE SI NO-BRITISH AGREEMENT UNDER THE TERMS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE AND INTRICATE BASIC LAW, WITH THE SINCERITY OF THE UK AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS WORKING TOGETHER TO PRESERVE HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY, WITH CHINA ACTIVELY PURSUING THE NON-INTERVENTION POLICY, WITH MANY OTHER COUNTRIES LENDING SUPPORT TO THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT AND CONTINUING TO MAINTAIN AND EXTEND THE AGREEMENTS SIGNED WITH HONG KONG, WITH THE HONG KONG PEOPLE TAKING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TO FACE THE FUTURE, THERE IS REALLY NO NEED FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE TO FEEL WORRIED AND SCARED,+ HE SAID.
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PEOPLE’S CONCERN OVER CONSCRIPTION RAISED BY K.F. HO * * * * *
PROVISIONS SHOULD BE MADE FOR OVERSEAS CHINESE OF INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION TO SERVE ON THE BASIC LAW DRAFTING COMMITTEE AND FOR PEOPLE FROM VARIOUS SECTORS OF OUR COMMUNITY TO BE REPRESENTED ON ITS SPECIALIST SUB-GROUPS, DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION ENDORSING THE AGREEMENT, HE SAID IT WAS INADEQUATE TO RELY ON MERE CONSULTATION WITH HONG KONu PEOPLE IN THE PROCESS OF FORMULATING THE BASIC LAW.
HE ALSO BELIEVED THAT CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (SAP) AND THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT NEEDED TO BE DEFINED IN MORE UNEQUIVOCAL TERi’.S, HE SAID.
/HE SAID .......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1984
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HE SAID PEOPLE WERE ANXIOUS TO KNOW WHETHER CONSCRIPTION IN THE HONG KONG SAR WOULD BE ADMINISTERED AT ALL.
HE APPEALED FOR THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF PROVIDING SOCIAL WELFARE -?SVICFS INCLUDING The FUNDING OF SERVICES, THE ROLE PLAYED BY GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES AND ITS RELA1IONSHI3 Sth OTHER SOCIAL SYSTEMS TO BE ENSHRINED IN THE BASIC LAW.
♦IN ADDITION I WOULD LIKE TO SEEK SOME CLARIFICATION ABOUT THE EXTENT OF LEGAL BINDING EFFECTS ON THE TWO GOVERNMENTS IN Aspect of the nationality issue, which was contained in the EXCHANGE OF MEMORANDA,* HE SAID.
DR HO ANALYSED THE DRAFT AGREEMENT FROM THREE ASPECTS CONTENT, IMPLICATION OF ACCEPTANCE AND ENFORCEABILITY.
+TO ME + DR HO SAID, +THE DRAFT AGREEMENT IS ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONTINUATION OF PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONb .NELL INTO THE 21ST CENTURY AND FOR THE PRESERVATION OF OUR LIFESTYLE.
+IT IS IN OUR INTEREST TO MAKE THE DRAFT AGREEMENT WORK AnD IT IS UP TO US TO TAKE OPTIMUM ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES TO BE CREATED BY THIS HISTORIC DOCUMENT,* HE ADDED.
HE STRESSED IT WAS VITAL THAT PEOPLE AIR THEIR VIEWS AS THE DRAFT AGREEMENT WOULD AFFECT EVERYONE IN hONG KONo FoR •A.,Y . cAR~ TO COME.
+OUR SUGGESTIONS ABOUT DEFICIENCIES OR OMISSIONS WILL BE MONITORED BY THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE AND WILL SERVE AS SOURCES OF REFERENCE FOR THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND i He BASIC LAW DRAFTING COMMITTEE.
+ THESE VIEWS WILL EVENTUALLY BE RELAYED TO THE CH I RESELL BRITISH GOVERNMENTS, WHICH I AM SURE WILL CONSIDER 1 t’E MV SAME SPIRIT OF MUTUAL COOPERATION AND MUTUAL ACCOMMODATION,* HE SAID.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1934
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BE POSITIVE, ALLEN LEE URGES HK PEOPLE ******
WE MUST CONTINUALLY REMIND OURSELVES OF CHINA’S COMMITMENT^ TOWARDS +ONE COUNTRY TWO SYSTEMS*, SAID THE HON ALLEN LEE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DEBATE ON THE DRAFT AGREEMENT TODAY (MONDAY).
HE SAID HE WAS CONVINCED THAT WE SHOULD BE POSITIVE AND DETERMINED TO STRIVE FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE.
+V.E SHOULD VOICE OUR OPINIONS CLEARLY AND CONSTRUCTIVELY AND ESTABLISH MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND TRUST,* HE ADDED.
MR LEE SAID HE WOULD BE DISHONEST IF HE WERE TO SAY THAT ALL HIS CONCERNS ABOUT THIS CONCEPT HAD BEEN ALLEVIATED BY THE DRAFT AGREEMENT AND HE BELIEVED THAT MANY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG SHARED THE SAME VIEW.
HOWEVER, HAVING LISTENED TO AND OBSERVED WHAT CHINESE LEADERS HAD BEEN SAYING ON THIS SUBJECT AND WHAT PREMIER ZHAO ZI YANG TOLD THE DELEGATION LED BY SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, OF WHICH HE (MR LEE) WAS A MEMBER, HE BELIEVED THAT THE HONG KONG PEOPLE MUST VIEW IT POSITIVELY AND CONTRIBUTE OUR PART TO ASSURE THAT HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO GROW IN THE FUTURE.
ON THE ISSUE OF MAINTAINING HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY ANDM STABILITY, MR LEE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S PAST SUCCESS WAS DUE FIRST TO THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT AND ITS POLICIES, SECOND, TO AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY THAT GUARANTEED THE INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLEj AND, THIRD, TO INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG WHICH WOULD LEAD TO THEIR CONTINUED INVESTMtNT AND IN TURN PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PEOPLE.
HE STRESSED THAT THE FUTURE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG MUST HAVE CREDIBILITY IN THE EYES OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE AND MUST BE ACCOUNTABLE TO THEM.
+EQUALLY IMPORTANT IS THAT THE COMPOSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT MUST BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE BEIJING GOVERNMENT.
+IN MY OPINION, IT IS NOT EASY TO ACHIEVE A CREDIBLE GOVERNMENT UNLESS WE CONSCIENTIOUSLY AND GRADUALLY EVOLVE INK A GOVERNMENTAL SYSTEM THAT IS TRULY SERVING THE PEOPLE IN The _ FUTURE,* HE SAID, ADDING THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO INVEoTIGATt FUkTh-. THE OPINIONS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
AS FOR THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997, HE SAID A FRIEND OF HIS IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION BELIEVED THAT THE utbAL PROFESSION WOULD ACCEPT THIS DRAFT AGREEMENT.
/ON THE ........
MONDAY, OCTOBEH 15, 1984
- 16
ON THE QUESTION OF CONFIDENCE, HE CONCEDED THAT HE COULD NOT CLAIM THAT CONFIDENCE OF LOCAL INVESTORS WOULD RETURN IMMEDIATELY aND BELIEVED THAT WE SHOULD HAVE TO OBSERVE FOR THREE TO SIX •ONTHS BEFORE WE COULD SEE ANY SIGNS OF RECOVERY IN INVESTMENT.
♦ ON THE OTHER HAND, I BELIEVE THOSE WHO ARE NOT WILLING TO INVEST FURTHER IN HONG KONG WOULD NOT INVEST ANYWAY.
+BUT THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THE AGREEMENT PRIOR TO MAKING A DECISION OF INVESTING IN HONG KONG SHOULD FIND THIS DRAFT AGREEMENT ENCOURAGING,* HE SAID.
HE THEN LISTED THE RELEVANT PARAGRAPHS IN THE DRAFT AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE ECONOMIC SYSTEM AND SAID: +ALL IN ALL, I BELIEVE THE COMMON OBJECTIVE OF THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMtNTS OF MAINTAINING HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY CAN BE ACHIEVED PROVIDED THAT THE FUTURE GOVERNMENT IS A CREDIBLE GOVERNMENT WHICH CAN EE RELIED UPON TO CARRY OUT THESE POLICIES.*
TURNING TO THE ACCEPTABILITY OF THE DRAFT AGREEMENT, MR LEE_ MENTIONED THE FOUR BASIC REQUIREMENTS WHICH WERE CONSIDERED TO EE ESSENTIAL TO THE ACCEPTABILITY OF THE AGREEMENT SET OUT IN THE UMELCO STATEMENT OF MAY THIS YEAR.
HE SAID HE PERSONALLY CONSIDERED THE FOUR REQUIREMENTS HAD BEEN MET, THOUGH SOME PEOPLE MIGHT WISH TO SEE MORE DETAILS IN CERTAIN AREAS.
+THERE ARE SUFFICIENT DETAILS IN THIS DRAFT AGREEMENT ON WHICH THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG CAN PLAN AND BUILD THEIR FUTURE,* HE SAID.
MR LEE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, PARTICULARLY SIR S.Y. CHUNG, THE GOVERNOR, TO THE MANY LOCAL DELEGATIONS WHICH HAD GONE TO BEIJING TO PRESENT THEIR VIEWS AND TO THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP FOR THEIR PATIENCE IN HEARING REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
+THIS DRAFT AGREEMENT IS ONLY THE BEGINNING OF A NEW HONG KONG.
+IT IS UP TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO MAKE FURTHER CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS OUR FUTURE.
+ l SUPPORT THE DRAFT AGREEMENT a I TH CLEAR CONSCIENCE AND I SUPPORT THE MOTION BEFORE THIS COUNCIL TODAY,* HE CONCLUDE^.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1934
17
REMAIN COOL AND FIRM, SAYS ANDREW SO * * * *
THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ™ challenge of the future, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SHOULD REMAIN COOL AND FIRM TO MEET THE HON ANDREW SO SAID IN THE
HE WAS SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION ENDORSING THE DRAFT AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG.
♦ WE MUST DEVOTE OUR EFFORTS TO MANAGING OUR AFFAIRS IN THE USUAL MANNER.
♦ I SINCERELY HOPE THAT THE LEADERS IN CHINA AND BRITAIN WILL BE CAUTIOUS IN DEALING WITH AFFAIRS RELATING TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE WILL DO THEIR BEST TO STRIVE FOR THE CONTINUAL PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG.+ HE SAID.
MR SO BORROWED A STORY TOLD BY DR SUN YAT-SEN ABOUT A COOLIE WHO BOUGHT A LOTTERY TICKET TO DRAW AN ANALOGY ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
IN THE STORY, THE COOLIE BECAME SO OVERJOYED WHEN HE DISCOVERED HE HAD WON THE FIRST PRIZE THAT HE THREW AWAY THE BAMBOO POLE AND ROPES IN WHICH HE HAD HIDDEN THE TICKET.
MR SO SAIDi +THE AGREEMENT IS LIKE THE LOTTERY TICKET. THE NUMBER IS 1997. LIKE A LOTTERY TICKET, THE AGREEMENT MAY BECOME THE KEY TO PROSPERITY.
♦SIMILARLY, THE BAMBOO POLE AND ROPES ARE LIKE THE EXISTING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS AND THE WAY OF LIFE IN HONG KONG. THEY ARE OUR MEANS OF MAKING A LIVING.
♦ ALTHOUGH TO BE OPTIMISTIC IS A NORMAL AND HEALTHY ATTITUDE, WE MUST NOT BE IMPULSIVE OR BE BLINDED BY GREED.
♦ IT MUST BE NOTED THAT STABILITY AND PROSPERITY ARE THE RESULTS OF INCESSANT HARD WORK,+ HE SAID.
/18........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1984
- 18 -
F.K. HU URGES SINCERITY THROUGH PERFORMANCE * * * *
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROVE ITS SINCERITY BY ACTUAL PERFORMANCE IN THE NEXT 13 YEARS IN ORDER TO REINFORCE HONG KONG PEOPLE’S CONFIDENCE IN THE AGREEMENT ON THE TERRITORY’S FUTURE.
THIS WAS SAID BY THE HON F.K. HU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY IN THE DEBATE ON THE MOTION ENDORSING THE DRAFT AGREEMENT.
HE SAID THERE WERE SOME DOUBTS IN THE MIND OF CERTAIN PEOPLE AS TO WHETHER CHINA WOULD IMPLEMENT THE AGREEMENT TO THE FULL AND IN GOOD SPIR IT.
HE SAID HE HAD FULL CONFIDENCE THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT WOULD FULFIL THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT BECAUSE POLITICALLY IT WOULD ENABLE CHINA TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVE OF UNIFICATION AND UPHOLD ITS INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION OF HONOURING AGREEMENTS; AND ECONOMICALLY IT WOULD ASSIST ITS FOUR MODERNISATIONS PROGRAMME THROUGH THE CONTINUED PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG.
ON THE DRAFT AGREEMENT ITSELF, HE SAID THAT CERTAIN POINTS NEEDED CLARIFICATION.
HE SUGGESTED THAT CHINESE MILITARY FORCES SHOULD ONLY BE STATIONED IN THE REMOTE BORDER AREAS AWAY FROM CONCENTRATIONS OF POPULATION TO ENSURE MINIMUM POSSIBLE DISTURBANCES OR CLASH WITH HONG KONG RESIDENTS.
+IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION SHOULD HAVE THE FULL AUTHORITY TO COMMAND THE FORCES AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CO-ORDINATION WITH THE POLICE IN NECESSARY ACTIONS REQUIRED TO MEET THE SITUATIONS,* HE ADDED.
MR HU SAID THAT DURING THEIR STAY IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, MILITARY PERSONNEL SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO HONG KONG LAWS ON CIVIL AND CRIMINAL MATTERS AND THAT HONG KONG SHOULD RETAIN ITS OWN VOLUNTEER REGIMENT WHICH WOULD HELP TO MAINTAIN ORDER TOGETHER WITH THE POLICE WHENEVER NECESSARY.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT SHOULD MAKE IT CLEA* THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE WOULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO CONSCRIPTION, BUT THEY COULD VOLUNTEER TO SERVE IN THE HONG KONG REGIMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAINTAINING PUBLIC ORDER IN HONG KONG.
ON THE POINT THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND LEGISLATURE OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WOULD BE COMPOSED Or LOCAL INHABITANTS, HE SAID: +1 WOULD SUGGEST THAT LOCAL INHABITANT^ SHOULD BE DEFINED AS THOSE WHO WERE BORN IN HONG KONG OR HAVE BEEN LIVING CONTINUOUSLY HERE FOR A PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN 20 YEARS.*
/ON THE........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15» 1984
- 19 -
ON THE ARRANGEMENTS ABOUT LAND LEASES, HE MADE THE FOLLOWING SUGGEST IONS:
* LAND LEASES NOT HAVING THE RIGHT OF RENEWAL AND EXPIRING AFTER JUNE 30, 1997, SHOULD ALSO BE EXTENDED FOR A PERIOD EXPIRING NOT LATER THAN JUNE 30, 2047. WITHOUT ADDITIONAL PREMIUM, BUT AT AN ANNUAL RENT EQUIVALENT TO THREE PER CENT OF THE CURRENT RATEABLE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY FROM THE DATE OF EXTENSION,
* THE PRACTICE THAT LEASES WHERE THE LAND IS ZONED FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTIONAL, COMMUNITY USE OR AS OPEN SPACE ON TOWN PLANS ARE NOT REGRANTED SHOULD CONTINUE, BUT INSTEAD OF GOVERNMENT TAKING SUCH PROPERTIES INTO MANAGEMENT ON EXPIRATION OF THE LEASES, EXTENSIONS SHOULD BE GRANTED WHICH WOULD TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE NEED OF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES AND THAT SIMILAR ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD ALSO BE ADOPTED AFTER 1997?
* THERE SHOULD BE A COMMITMENT FOR ’LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES’ TO BE FURTHER EXTENDED UPON EXPIRY EVEN BEYOND 1997 IN ORDER TO GIVE THE LEASE HOLDERS CONCERNED AN ASSURANCE OF CONTINUITY SO THAT THEY MAY CARRY OUT FURTHER DEVELOPMENT BEFORE 1997 IF NECESSARY, PROVIDED THEY CONTINUE TO SERVE THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH THE LEASES WERE ORIGINALLY GRANTED; AND
K THE LIMIT OF NEW LAND TO BE GRANTED EACH YEAR SHOULD BE APPLIED WITH REASONABLE FLEX IB IL ITY.
MR HU CALLED ON THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO HAVE FAITH IN THEIR FUTURE BECAUSE THE FUTURE PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG WAS IN THEIR HANDS.
+AT THE SAME TIME, WE MUST BE PREPARED TO ACCEPT NEW CHALLENGE IN OUR POLITICAL STRUCTURE WHICH WILL GRADUALLY EVOLVE TOWARDS REPRESENTATIVE LINES.
+HOWEVER, WE MUST BEAR IN MIND THAT IN ANY EVENT, PROSPERITY AND STABILITY CANNOT BE SACRIFICED FOR ACHIEVING DEMOCRACY IN A HURRY AS IT MIGHT DAMAGE A GOOD INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT.
♦ HONG KONG WILL ONLY BE OF USE TO CHINA IF IT REMAINS PROSPEROUS AND STABLE,+ HE SAID.
- 0
/20 .......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1984
20
ENTREPRENEURS SHOULD ACT NOW - WONG PO-YAN
*****
STEPS MUST BE TAKEN BEFORE 1997 TO SEEK AGREEMENT AND MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE TERRITORIES AND COUNTRIES WHICH ARE OR wILL BE ASSOCIATED WITH HONG KONG RtGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF ECONOMIC AND TRADE POLICIES LISTED IN THE DRAFT AGREEMENT.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY BY THE HON WONG PO-YAN WHEN SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION ENDORSING THE DRAFT AGREEMENT, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
+UNDOUBTEDLY THIS IS NOT ONLY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PRESENT HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE SI NO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP WHICH IS SHORTLY TO BE FORMED, BUT IS ALSO THE OBJECTIVE WHICH EVERY LOCAL INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL CRGANISATION, AND INDUSTRIAL AND TRADE BODY SHOULD STRIVE FOR,* HE SAID.
+1 APPEAL TO THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL SECTORS OF HONG KONG, BESIDES CONCENTRATING ON THE OPERATION OF THEIR ENTERPRISES, ALSO TO STUDY CAREFULLY THE CORRESPONDING CHANGES RESULTING FROM IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS POLICY DURING THE INTERIM PERIOD AND IN THE FUTURE, SO THAT THEY CAN PROCEED WITH THEIR WORK SMOOTHLY AND ENABLE THEIR TRADE COUNTERPARTS TO HAVE A THOROUGH UNDERSTANDING OF THE SITUATION,* HE SAID.
IN THE DAYS TO COME, MR WONG SAID, WE MUST MAINTAIN THE NORMAL FUNCTIONING OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES AND KEEP ON MAKING FURTHER PROGRESS IN ORDER TO PRESERVE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY.
HE SAID THERE WAS AN URGENT NEED TO INJECT NEW INVESTMENTS FOR THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT, TO MAKE UP FOR THE DEFICIENCY IN THE PAST TWO YEARS.
+FOR THEIR OWN BENEFIT, AND TO KEEP THEIR STATUS IN THE COMPETING MARKET, LOCAL MANUFACTURERS MUST GIVE UP THE. WAIT-AND-SEE ATTITUDE AND PURSUE ACTIVELY THE BOOSTING OF THEIR COMPETITIVE STATUS,* HE SAID.
HE SAID HE CONSIDERED THE COMING YEAR AND THE ONE FOLLOWING TO BE A CRITICAL PERIOD. OUR ENTREPRENEURS SHOULD POSITIVELY KEEP UP THEIR ENERGIES AND THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE CORRESPONDING MEASURES TO SUPPORT THEIR EFFORTS.
HE ADDED THAT LOCAL AND FOREIGN ENTREPRENEURS IN HONG KONG WOULD HAVE +A NEW AND WIDE SPHERE* FOR THEIR ACTIVITIES SINCE CHINA WAS PURSUING A +FOUR MODERNISATIONS* POLICY.
HE BELIEVED THAT AS A RESULT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CHINA WOULD REQUIRE RESOURCES TO REFORM TRADE AND ENTERPRISE, AS WELL AS THE IMPORT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, BEYOND WHAT HONG KONG HAD.
/+IN THIS........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1984
- 21 -
♦IN THIS RESPECT, HONG KONG MAY, APART FROM UTILISING ITS OWN RESOURCES, ACT AS A GUIDE AND BRIDGE USING THE CONNECTIONS WHICH IT HAS ESTABLISHED WITH THE WORLD OVER THE LAST 20 TO 33 YEARS,+ HE SUGGESTED.
+THROUGH THIS PROCESS, THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND SUCCESSES
MADE BY LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS WILL SURELY BE BIGGER THAN THEIR OWN RESOURCES CAN POSSIBLY PRODUCE.*
COMMENTING ON THE FEAR THAT +THIS ESSENTIALLY SOUND AGREEMENT* MIGHT NOT BE FULLY REALISED AND FAITHFULLY IMPLEMENTED, M? WONG SA IDs +IN MY OPINION, JUDGING FROM THE COURSE OF HISTORY AND FROM CHINA’S POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CHANGES SINCE 1979, I BELIEVE THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT WILL BE FAITHFULLY IMPLEMENTED BY BOTH GOVERNMENTS, AND THERE IS NO NEED FOR OVER-ANXIETY.
+AFTER MORE THAN TWO YEARS OF ANXIETY AND INSTABILITY, IT IS NOW TIME FOR US TO CLEAR OUR MINDS AND TO SEEK A BETTER FUTURE BY MAINTAINING, SENSIBLY AND CALMLY, THE PERSEVERANCE ALWAYS SHOWN BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
+WE DO NOT NEED SENSATIONAL SLOGANS, BUT WE MUST HAVE STEADFAST DETERMINATION AND EVERYONE MUST TRY HIS BEST IN ALL SPHERES TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S STABILITY AND ENHANCE ITS PROSPERITY,* HE SAID.
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TIME FOR WISE JUDGEMENT, BILL BROWN SAYS
* M * *
THE MOST DIFFICULT QUESTION TO ANSWER ON THE DRAFT SINO—BRITISH AGREEMENT HAS BEEN WHETHER WE ARE COMMENDING IT TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG BECAUSE WE REALLY BELIEVE IT TO BE ACCEPTABLE OR WHETHER WE ARE COMMENDING IT BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THERE IS NO OPTION TO DO OTHERWISE, THE HON W.C.L. BROWN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
MR BROWN WAS SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE MOTION ENDORSING THE DRAFT AGREEMENT, WHICH HE SUPPORTED.
+THIS HISTORIC DOCUMENT - AND WHATEVER ONE’S VIEWS OF ITS CONTENTS THE WORD HISTORIC IS SURELY AM°SJDESERVEB DESCRIPT ON -THIS HISTORIC DOCUMENT IS REMARKABLE BOTH FOR ITS DETAIL AND ITS HONESTY,* MR BROWN SAID.
+IN THIS LATTER CONTEXT I REFER TO THE QUITE EXPLICIT REFERENCE TO THE FACT THAT THERE IS NO REALISTIC POSSIBILITY OF AMENDING ITS TEXT, AND THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ARE IN FACT FACED WITH A HOBSON’S CHOICE OF EITHER ACCEPTING IT OR REJECTING IT.
/+IB REALITY........
MONDAT, OCTOBER 15, 1984
22
+ IN REALITY THIS IS NO CHOICE AT ALL, SO IT IS PERHAPS NOT SURPRISING THAT MOST COMMENT HAS ENDORSED THE PROPOSALS.+
HE SAID NOTWITHSTANDING THIS, HOWEVER, AND BEARING IN MIND OSCAR WILDE’S OBSERVATION THAT WHEN MOST PEOPLE AGREED WITH HIM HE FELT HE MUST BE WRONG, HE DID FIND HIS OWN VIEWS COINCIDING WITH THOSE OF MANY WHO HAD INDICATED SUPPORT FOR THE AGREEMENT BECAUSE OF A GENERAL FEELING IT WAS REASONABLE AND SENSIBLE, AND A PARTICULAR BELIEF THAT IT ADDRESSED ALL OF THE ISSUES RAISED IN THIS COUNCIL, AND ELSEWHERE, WHILE THE NEGOTIATIONS WERE IN PROGRESS.
♦IT IS A TRUISM THAT ONLOOKERS OFTEN SEE MORE OF THE GAME THAN THE PLAYERS, AND IT HAS BEEN BOTH INTERESTING AND ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT THE AGREEMENT HAS MET WITH ALMOST UNIVERSAL APPLAUSE FROM PARTIES OVERSEAS WHO HAVE PLAYED NO PART IN THE NEGOTIATIONS, BUT WHO, NONETHELESS, ARE KNOWLEDGEABLE AS TO OUR CIRCUMSTANCES AND THE ISSUES INVOLVED,+ MR BROWN SAID.
+IT IS OF COURSE ALWAYS EASIER TO SAY A THING THAN TO DO IT, AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE AGREEMENT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED WILL BE DETERMINED BY HISTORY MUCH MORE ACCURATELY THAN THE WISEST PROPHET CAN FORECAST IN 1984,+ HE SAID.
+ARE WE WISE, THEREFORE, TO COMMEND THIS AGREEMENT TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TODAY?*
IT WAS THEODORE ROOSEVELT WHO SAID THAT NINE-TENTHS OF WISDOM IS TO BE WISE IN TIME.
+FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG THIS IS THE TIME FOR WISE JUDGEMENT, AND FOR THE MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL IT IS CRUCIAL THAT WE OURSELVES READ ARIGHT THE PRESENT.
+MY OWN READING OF THE PRESENT IS THAT THE AGREEMENT MARKS THE POINT IN OUR HISTORY WHEN WE CAN LEAVE ASIDE THE UNCERTAINTIES AND THE WORRIES OF THE RECENT PAST, AND GET BACK TO WHAT WE ALL REALLY WANT TO DO.
+THAT IS TO CONTINUE BUILDING A STABLE AND PROSPEROUS SOCIETY THAT WE CAN BE PROUD TO HAND TO THE NEXT GENERATION.
+THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG DESERVE A GOOD AGREEMENT.
+THEY HAVE NOT GOT A PERFECT AGREEMENT, AS I THINK IS OBVIOUS FROM THE VARIOUS RESERVATIONS EXPRESSED BY MY COLLEAGUES THIS AFTERNOON, WHICH I ENDORSE, BUT NOTHING IN LIFE IS PERFECT AND I BELIEVE THE AGREEMENT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAVE GOT IS THE BEST POSSIBLE IN ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
+IN SUPPORTING THE MOTION I COMMEND IT TO THEM,+ MR BROWN STATED.
-----0-----
/23........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1934
23
’BEST OF A BAD DEAL’ - JOHN SWA I NE SAYS ******
DOUBTS ABOUT HOW HARD BRITAIN NEGOTIATED ON BEHALF OF HONG KONG’S 5.5 MILLION PEOPLE DURING THE SINO-BRITISH TALKS WERE EXPRESSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (MONDAY).
THE HON JOHN SWA I NE, WHO ABSTAINED FROM VOTING ON THE MOTION ENDORSING THE DRAFT AGREEMENT, SAID THE PEOPLE HERE LOOKED TO BRITAIN TO NEGOTIATE FOR THEM, BUT HOW HARD DID BRITAIN TRY ON THEIR BEHALF, HE ASKED?
+1 AM NOT PERSUADED THAT SHE DID ALL IN HER POWER FOR HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
+1 THINK SHE WENT TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE WITH ONE ARM TIED BEHIND HER BACK.*
SHE DISABLED HERSELF A LONG TIME AGO WHEN SHE CLOSED THE DOOR TO HONG KONG.
SHE DID THIS BY A SERIES OF IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY ACTS WHICH TURNED THE HONG KONG PASSPORT HOLDER INTO A SECOND-CLASS CITIZEN.
+IF YOU DON’T WANT THEM, HOW HARD WILL YOU NEGOTIATE ON THEIR BEHALF?
+JUST AS IMPORTANT, WHAT IS THE CHINESE PERCEPTION OF YOUR NEGOTIATING STANCE?*
WITHIN THESE LIMITS, HE BELIEVED BRITAIN OBTAINED THE BEST DEAL POSSIBLE IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, BUT IT WAS THE BEST OF A
BAD DEAL.
+1 CANNOT SEE THE OCCASION AS ONE FOR REJOICING,* HE SAID.
THE THING NOW WAS TO MAKE THE AGREEMENT WORK.
WE MUST ENSURE THAT WHEN THE TIME CAME THE HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY PROMISED WAS NOT AN EMPTY PHRASE, MR SWA INE SAID.
HE WELCOMED THE ASSURANCE OF AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY, FOR THEY MUST BE THE WATCHDOGS OF THE PERSONAL FREEDOMS THAT HAD BEEN PROMISED.
HE ALSO WELCOMED THE PROVISION WHICH WOULD PERMIT JUDGES FROM OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS TO BE RECRUITED, AND INVITED TO SIT IN THE HONG KONG COURT OF APPEAL.
+WHEN THE TIME COMES, WILL THEY BE SO RECRUITED OR INVITED?* HE ASKED.
/power started .......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1984
24
HELD THAT
WERE
POWER STARTED AT THE TOP, HE SAID, AND THE JOINT DFH apatidw THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO BE APPOINTED BY THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT ON THE BASIS OF ELECTIONS OR CONSULTATIONS LOCALLY. THESE TERMS WERE NOT DEFINED AND WE HAD NO ASSllRaurP THE CHINESE PERCEPTION OF THEM WAS THE SAME AS OURS? ASSURANCE
THE LEGISLATURE WOULD BE CONSTITUTED BY ELECTIONS, BUT WHERE THE SAFEGUARDS THAT ELECTIONS WOULD BE FREE AND GENUINE?
+ I NFILTRATION OF THE SYSTEM AND SUPPRESSION OF DISSENT BY PRESSURE OR FEAR IS OUR GREATEST DANGER,* HE SAID.
+DESPITE THE DETAIL CONTAINED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ARE STILL BEING ASKED TO TAKE A LOT ON TRUST.
♦I DON’T BELIEVE ANYONE IS PACKING HIS BAGS BECAUSE OF THE AGREEMENT: HE WILL CONTINUE TO WAIT AND SEE, BUT THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE THE LUXURY OF CHOICE.
+ l CANNOT ENDORSE THE AGREEMENT OR COMMEND IT TO THEM IN THE FACE OF THESE RESERVATIONS. I WILL THEREFORE ABSTAIN FROM VOTING ON THE MOTION,* MR SWA INE DECLARED.
- - 0 - -
/25 .......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1934
25
JOB SECURITY GUARANTEE STRESSED * * K *
THE JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG PROVIDED A SOLID GUARANTEE THAT JOB SECURITY, EMPLOYMENT TERMS AND THE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WOULD BE PRESERVED, AND THAT THE PUBLIC SERVICE WOULD CONTINUE INDEFINITELY.
THIS WAS SAID BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DENIS BRAY AT THE OPENING OF A CIVIL SERVICE CAREER EXHIBITION AT THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE TODAY (MONDAY).
A SPECIAL ARTICLE IN ANNEX I TO THE JOINT DECLARATION SPECIFIED THAT SERVING OFFICERS WOULD BE ABLE TO CONTINUE IN EMPLOYMENT WITH THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT, MR BRAY SAID.
THEIR EMPLOYMENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS, INCLUDING PAY AND PENSIONS. WOULD BE NO LESS FAVOURABLE THAN BEFORE JULY 1, 1997, AND THE SPECIAL COMMISSIONS DEALING WITH PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE WOULD BE RETAINED, HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS WOULD BE MADE ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF A PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION AND ON THE BASIS OF QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITY.
+AN IMPARTIAL, STABLE AND EFFECTIVE PUBLIC SERVICE SUCH AS WE HAVE TODAY IS AN ESSENTIAL FACTOR IN ENSURING HONG KONG’S FUTURE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY,* HE SAID.
THE CAREER EXHIBITION IS THE TENTH JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE APPOINTMENT SERVICE OF THE BAPTIST COLLEGE AND THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, PROVIDING A PREVIEW OF THE WORK OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES TO GRADUATES OF THE COLLEGE.
------0-------
POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETS K X )€ X
MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY CONSIDERED A PAPER ON THE GOVERNMENT’S INTERNAL ORGANISATION FOR POLLUTION CONTROL. THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH HAS REAPPRAISED THE EXISTING ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE AND CONCLUDED THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY SHOULD PLAY A BIGGER AND MORE CENTRAL ROLE AND ASSUME MORE RESPONSIBILITIES, INCLUDING THE ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF POLLUTION CONTROL LEGISLATION.
THE COMMITTEE SUPPORTED THESE CONCLUSIONS AND NOTED THAT RESERVATIONS HAD BEEN EXPRESSED ABOUT THE LIKELY DISRUPTION WHICH WOULD BE CAUSED BY REORGANISATION. MEMBERS THOUGHT THAT THE DISADVANTAGES WOULD BE OUTWEIGHED IF MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL OVER HONG KONG’S GROWING POLLUTION PROBLEMS COULD BE ACHIEVED.
/at THE .......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1984
- 26
AT THE SAME MEETING A CODE OF PRACTICE ON THE SAFE HANDLING AND DISPOSAL OF ASBESTOS WASTES WAS SUBMITTED TO MEMBERS FOR THEIR VIEWS.
THE CODE WILL BE ISSUED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE AND ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT LEGALLY BINDING IN ITSELF, FAILURE TO FOLLOW ITS RECOMMENDATIONS MAY PUT A DEFENDANT AT DISADVANTAGE IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
THE CODE WILL IDENTIFY THREE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ASBESTOS WASTES, ACCORDING TO THE DEGREE OF HAZARD, AND LAYS DOWN DIFFERENT PROCEDURES FOR THEIR SAFE HANDLING. THESE PROCEDURES WILL ENSURE THAT ASBESTOS WASTES AND ANY OTHER WASTE MATERIAL CONTAINING ASBESTOS ARE PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, SECURED AND TRANSPORTED TO DISPOSAL SITES.
A SEPARATE CODE, ENTITLED CONTROL OF ASBESTOS AT WORKS PUBLISHED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, GIVES GUIDANCE ON HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTECTION MEASURES FOR WORKERS WHO HANDLE ASBESTOS OR PRODUCE ASBESTOS WASTES.
MEMBERS HAVE BEEN BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS OF A COLLABORATIVE PROGRAMME SET UP BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AUTHORITIES IN HONG KONG AND GUANGDONG, TO MONITOR THE AIR AND WATER QUALITIES IN THE DEEP BAY AREA.
THEY ALSO RECEIVED A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE PREPARATIONS FOR A REGIONAL CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN DECEMBER NEXT YEAR IN HONG KONG ON THE SUBJECT OF POLLUTION IN THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT. THE CONFERENCE IS JOINTLY SPONSORED BY EPCOM AND THE HK INSTITUTION CF ENGINEERS.
PROFESSOR BRIAN MORTON OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG CRITICISED THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO DISPOSE OF THE FISHERIES RESEARCH VESSEL +TAI SHUN+. MEMBERS NOTED PROFESSOR MORTON’S VIEWS AND SUGGESTED THAT THEY BE PASSED ON TO THE APPROPRIATE AUTHOR IT IES.
ANOTHER MEMBER, MR S.L. WAN, RAISED THE QUESTION OF EXTREME LEVELS OF NOISE NUISANCE BEING EXPERIENCED AT LUK YEUNG SUN CHUEN IN TSUEN WAN IN ORDER TO ILLUSTRATE A GENERAL PROBLEM OF NOISE POLLUTION AND DIFFICULTIES OF CONTROL AS WELL AS THE PROBLEMS FACED BY THE PUBLIC IN OBTAINING SATISFACTION WHEN MAKING COMPLAINTS.
MEMBERS AGREED THAT THE REMEDY IN THE CASE IN QUESTION WAS NOT A MATTER WHICH CALLED FOR THEIR ADVICE BUT THEY URGED MOST STRONGLY THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD EXAMINE PLANNING PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THAT GUIDELINES EXISTED TO PREVENT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT. WHICH WHOULD BE SUBJECT TO HIGH NOISE LEVELS.
-----0------
/27........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1984
- 27 -
KWUN "ONG LAW COURTS OPENED * * *
the judiciary was implementing an extensive programme of CONSTRUCTION OF NEW MAGISTRACIES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG TO MEET CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS, THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KWUN TONG LAW COURTS AT LEI YUE MUN ROAD, SIR DENYS SAID THE COMPLETION OF THE NEW COURT HOUSE MARKED the FIRST STEP IN THE programme.
HE SAID, +THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUMMARY MATTERS DEALT WITH BY MAGISTRATES IN 1961 WAS 124 920 AND 40 994 CHARGE SHEETS WERE ISSUED. BY 1983, THE EQUIVALENT FIGURES WERE 986 839 AND 163 436. THUS SUMMARY MATTERS HAVE INCREASED ALMOST EIGHT TIMES AND CHARGE SHEETS BY FOUR TIMES.*
MAGISTRACIES SUCH AS SAN PO KONG, FANLING, TSUEN WAN AND NORTH KOWLOON, HAD BEEN PATCHED, SUB-DIVIDED AND ALTERED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT COURTS TO DEAL WITH THE HEAVY INCREASES IN POPULATION AND CASELOAD.
+HOWEVER.+ HE SAID, +IT HAS BEEN APPARENT FOR SOME YEARS THAT WE WERE CLOSE TO THE LIMITS WHICH COULD BE ACHIEVED IN THIS MANNER AND THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO BUILD NEW MAGISTRACIES TO MEET CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS, SINCE WE MUST EXPECT THAT BOTH THE WORK OF MAGISTRATES WILL CONTINUE to grow.
♦THE NEW KWUN TONG LAW COURTS WILL CONTAIN EIGHT COURTS, ONE OF WHICH WILL BE USED AS A JUVENILE COURT, ONE AS A SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL AND FOUR AS MAGISTRATES COURTS. TWO WILL BE AVAILABLE AS DISTRICT COURTS, IF IT IS DECIDED TO STATION DISTRICT JUDGES IN KWUN TONG.*
ON OTHER NEW COURT-HOUSES, HE SAID THE ONE IN WAN CHAI WAS EXPECTED TO BE READY IN JUNE 1986, ACCOMMODATING 20 DISTRICT COURTS, 11 MAGISTRATES COURTS, FOUR LABOUR TRIBUNALS AND FOUR SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNALS.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, NEW MAGISTRACIES CONTAINING EIGHT COURTS EACH WOULD BE BUILT IN SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN, TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THESE AREAS WITH THEIR FAST-GROWING POPULATION. THEY WOULD BE READY BY THE END OF 1986.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE PRESENT CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY IS TO BE PULLED DOWN WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, AS PART OF THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THAT AREA.
SIR DENYS SAID, + WHEN THIS OCCURS, WE HOPE THAT RATHER THAN REOCCUPY A COURT-HOUSE ON THE SAME SITE, WE WILL MOVE TO A NEW BUILDING IN THE SHAU KEI WAN AREA, DESIGNED TO SERVE "HE NORTH EASTERN AREA OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
/+WB BBLIEVS .......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15. 1984
+WE BELIEVE THAT THIS PROGRAMME WILL MEET MOST OF OUR REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW MAGISTRACIES I NTHE TERR I decade, though the replacement of the out-of-date building in SOUTH KOWLOON IS HIGHLY DESIRABLE.
♦IN ADDITION TO THE COURT-ROOMS, EACH OF OUR NEW BUILDINGS WILL CONTAIN COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR MAGISTRATES, STAFF, COUNSEL AND SOLICITORS, AND FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO USE THEM,+ HE ADDED.
AFTER THE SPEECH, SIR DENYS UNVEILED A PLAQUE TO COMMEMORATE THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW COURT BUILDING.
THE CEREMONY WAS ATTENDED BY ABOUT 100 PEOPLE INCLUDING
“ THE LEGAL PROFESSION AND DIGNITAR leo
MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY AND IN THE DISTRICT.
- - - - 0 --------
AGEING THA’S to BE REDEVELOPED
* * * *
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WILL REDEVELOP ALL AGEING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS IN ITS LATEST EFFORT TO IMPROVE LIVING CONDITIONS FOR TENANTS.
A REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IS NOW ON HAND FOR EXISTING THA’S, SOME OF WHICH WILL BE CLEARED FOR PERMANENT DEVELOPMENT.
THIS WAS REVEALED TODAY BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING (OPERATIONS), MR H.H.T. BARMA, WHO OUTLINED THE WORK OF THE OPERATIONS BRANCH AT A MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF NEW TERRITORIES.
♦THE STANDARD OF THA’S IN FUTURE WILL BE MUCH BETTER WITH SELF-CONTAINED UNITS IN FULLY CLADDED STRUCTURES,+ MR BARMA SAID.
IN FACT, MR BARMA POINTED OUT, THE STANDARDS AND PROVSIONS IN THA’S HAD BEEN ALL ALONG IMPROVING IN RECENT YEARS.
♦ FOR EXAMPLE, SPACE ALLOCATIONS HAVE RECENTLY BEEN REVISED' FAMILY UNITS NOW HAVE THEIR OWN SHOWERS AND COOKING FACILITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.
♦ ALSO, INSTALLATION OF AIR-CONDITIONERS IN THA’S IS NOw
FORMALLY PERMITTED WHILE FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT HAVE BEEN UPGRADE!.
♦ SHOPPING FACILITIES ARE PROVIDED ON THA’S, MOST Of WHICH ARE WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT.+
/MR .............
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1984
- 29 -
MR BARMA SAID TEMPORARY HOUSING WAS A STEPPING STONE TOWARDS PERMANENT HOUSING FOR PEOPLE MADE HOMELESS BY CLEARANCES OR NATURAL DISASTERS WHO WERE NOT INSTANTLY QUALIFIED FOR REHOUSING TO ESTATES.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 47 THA’S ACCOMMODATING OVER 40 000 FAMILIES OR 133 000 PERSONS.
AS THE QUALITY OF PERMANENT HOUSING WAS ALWAYS IMPROVING, MR BARMA SAID THE BENEFIT OF THA TENANTS HAD NOT BEEN NEGLECTED.
+FROM TIME TO TIME,THA RESIDENTS CAN APPLY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING THROUGH ’TRAWLING’ EXERCISES WHICH ARE HELD WHEN ESTATE FLATS ARE AVAILABLE.
+IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS, NEARLY 50 000 THA RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED PUBLIC HOUSING AND IT IS EXPECTED ANOTHER 13 003 WILL BE PERMANENTLY REHOUSED THIS YEAR.+
HE SAID THE RECENTLY APPROVED NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCAT! v POLICIES PAID SPECIAL CARE TO THA RESIDENTS.
♦ UNDER THE NEW ALLOCATION POLICIES, THE 16 000 SINGLETONS AND 9 000 TWO-PERSON FAMILIES IN THA’S WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY IL REHOUSING TO PUBLIC HOUSING.
♦ IN ADDITION, THA TENANTS, WHO HAVE SEVEN YEARS RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG, ARE NOW ELIGIBLE FOR GREEN FORM STATUS FOR APPL HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS.+
ON SQUATTING ACTIVITIES, MR BARMA SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD .. TOTALLY EFFECTIVE SQUATTER CONTROL WHEREBY ALL NEW ILLEGAL ST^\.’ WERE DEMOLISHED FORTHWITH UPON DETECTION.
♦ THIS IS ACHIEVED UNDER AN OPERATIONAL SYSTEM WHICH DIVIDE. THE WHOLE TERRITORY INTO 329 AREAS TO WHICH DIFFERENT DEGREE OF EXTENSIVE PATROLS ARE CARRIED OUT.+
AS REGARDS THE IMPACT AND VOLUME OF WORK OF THE CLEARANCE DIVISION, HE SAID IT COULD BE ILLUSTRATED BY SOME BAS IC STAT I ST IC.
♦ IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, WE HAVE CLEARED AND REHOUSED AN AVERAGE OF 60 000 PERSONS ANNUALLY WHILST A TOTAL OF <111 MILLION IN EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION PER ANNUM HAS BEEN PAID OUT.
+ALL THIS REQUIRES A LOT OF FIELD WORK WHICH IS TIMECONSUMING but thorough,* mr barma said.
-----0------
MONDAY, OCTOL.-. 15,
HIGHWAY CHIEF OFF TO RIO CONFERENCE X * * K
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER, MR HAROLD BEATON, LEAVES FOR LONDON TONIGHT (MONDAY) ON HIS WAY TO ATTEND THE INTERNATIONAL ROAD FEDERATION CONFERENCE BEING HELD IN RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, FROM OCTOBER 20.
MR BEATON WILL BE PRESENTING A PAPER ON +BALANCING COST AGAINST THE ENVIRONMENT IN ROAD PLANNING FOR HONG KONG+.
HE WILL DESCRIBE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS THAT AROSE IN PLANNING AN IMPROVED ROAD FACILITY TO SERVE RESIDENTIAL AND RECREATIONAL AREAS ON THE SCENIC AND MOUNTAINOUS SOUTH SIDE OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
DELEGATES TO THE WEEK-LONG CONFERENCE WILL ALSO BE TOLD OF HONG KONG’S SECOND HARBOUR CROSSING AND THE EXPERIMENTAL ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING SCHEME.
WHILE IN LONDON, MR BEATON WILL MEET DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT OFFICIALS TO DISCUSS DETAILS OF AN AXLE WEIGHT SURVEY TO BE CARRIED OUT IN HONG KONG NEXT YEAR. HE WILL ALSO BE INSPECTING A NUMBER OF ROAD TUNNEL PROJECTS ON THE M25 HIGHWAY.
MR BEATON WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 2.
-----o-----
BUILDING FOR BEACH GOERS * * X *
A BEACH BUILDING OCCUPIES A SITE OF 230 SQUARE METRES, aILL. BUILT AT KIU TSUI BEACH, SAI KUNG.
IT WILL HAVE CHANGING, SHOWER AND TOILET FACILITIES, AN OF-' A FIRST-AID ROOM, A STOREROOM, A REFRESHMENT KIOSK AND A KlTCv .
WORK ON THIS SINGLE STOREY CONCRETE BUILDING WILL START I.-. NOVEMBER AND BE COMPLETED IN JULY NEXT YEAR.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK ARE BEING INVITED BY THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THEY MUST BE SENT IN BEFORE NOON ON NOVEMBER 2.
--------o----------
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1=» 9
- 31 -
WATER AINS WORKS IN FOUR AREAS * * * *
FRESH AND SALT WATER SUPPLY TO VARIOUS AREAS IN HONG KONG AND KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVERAL HOURS FROM THURSDAY (OCTOBER 18) FOR WATER MAINS WORKS.
IN WAN CHAI, THE FRESH WATER SUPPLY WILL BE CUT FROM 11 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY FENWICK STREET, JOHNSTON ROAD, FLEMING ROAD AND LOCKHART ROAD, INCLUDING 1-31 AND 93-149 THOMSON ROAD AND 25-61 AND 183-211 JOHNSTON ROAD.
IN ABERDEEN, THE FRESH WATER TAPS WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM ID PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT 40-100 AND 45-103 SHEK PAI WAN ROAD, 234-244 AND 223-227 ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD, ABERDEEN FISHERIES AND MARINE OFFICES AND ABERDEEN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET.
ALSO AFFECTED IS THE AREA BOUNDED BY TIN WAN HILL ROAD, HING WO STREET, TIN WAN CLOSE, KA WO STREET, TIN WAN STREET, TANG FUNG STREET, YUE WOK STREET, YUE LEI STREET AND YUE KO STREET.
MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO KWUN TONG AND VARIOUS AREAS IN KOWLOON WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVERAL HOURS, ALSO ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 18) FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
IN KWUN TONG, THE SALT WATER SUPPLY WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT LAM TIN, SAU MAU PING, CHOI WAN ESTATE, SHUN LEE ESTATE, SHUN TIN ESTATE, SHUN ON ESTATE AND PART OF KWUN TONG, INCLUDING HONG LEE ROAD, HONG NING ROAD AND KUNG LOK ROAD.
IN KOWLOON, SALT WATER SUPPLY WILL BE CUT IN VARIOUS AREAS FROM 10 AM TO 10 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE AREAS ARE HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON CITY, LOK FU, FUNG WONG SUN CHUEN, TSZ WAN SHAN, KAI TAK, KOWLOON TONG, HAMMER HILL, DIAMOND HILL, WANG TAU HOM, TUNG TAU ESTATE, WONG TAI SIN, SAN PO KONG AND NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE BLOCKS 8-14.
-----o-----
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1934
32
WATER STORAGE FIGURES * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 84.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 493.897 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 581.052 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 99.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0 - -
TRAFFIC CHANGES * * * *
FROM NOON TOMORROW (TUESDAY), THE SECTION OF STREET J BETWEEN CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND TUEN MUN POLYCLINIC WILL BE REROUTED INTO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK.
VEHICLES ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD WISHING TO ENTER STREET J CAN TRAVEL VIA STREET H AND STREET F.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE PROHIBITED RIGHT-TURNING MOVEMENT FROM AUSTIN ROAD EASTBOUND INTO NATHAN ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE RESCINDS.
_ _ 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
CONTEiTS PAGE MO,
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MSBTEiG; RESERVATIONS EXPRESSED BY CHAN KAM-CHUJK .................... 1
PEOPLES' FEARS RAISED BY STEPHEI CHEONG................... 3
BASIC LAW DRAFTERS URGED TO LEARN ABOUT HONG KONG......... 5
HK PEOPLE'S ROLE VITAL - SELINA CHOW ..................... 7
SPECIAL LEGAL PROCEEDINGS SHOULD BE PRESERVED - MARIA TaM 9 MORE AUTONOMY OFFERED IN DRAFT ACCORD - DR IP ............ 10
JOINT EFFORT NEEDED TO PUT ‘JORDS INTO PRACTICE — CHAN
YING-LUN ............................................... 11
PEOPLE SHOULD SET THEIR HEARTS AT EASE - PAULINE NG....... 13
PETER POON WARNS AGAINST EUPHORIA......................... 15
GOOD DEMOCRATIC FOUNDATION PROVIDED — P.K. YEUNG.......... 17
KIM CHAM URGES JOINT STATEMENT TO CLARIFY PROVISIONS...... 18
LET TIME AND FACTS TELL — KEITH LAM....................... 20
CLARIFICATION NEEDED ON NCN-CHEJESE BDTC'S - CARL TONG ... 21
EIGHT SUSPECTED H'S HELD IN RAIDS ........................... 23
COLLECTING PUBLIC VIEWS ON WHITE PAPER....................... 23
AREA GROUPS TO DISCUSS WHITE PAPER........................... 25
RICHLAND GA3DIKS OFFER DRAWS THOUSANDS ...................... 25
MP LOOKS OVER ETON TONG HOUSING.............................. 26
THREE IP'S TO MEET PRESS DURING WEEK......................... 21
FIVE NT SITES OFFERED FOR LETTERS A/B........................ 27
MUSIC OFFER FOR YOUNG PEOPLE................................. 28
SPREADING THE ROAD-SAFETY MESSAGE ........................... 29
MORE ROADS FOR YUEN LONG .................................... 2?
STAGE LIGHTING FOR NS? SCHOOL ............................... 30
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
RESERVATIONS EXPRESSED BY CHAN KAM-CHUEN
******
THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN SAID TODAY THAT HE COULD NOT *COMMEND THE DRAFT AGREEMENT AND FORESEE ITS FULL IMPLEMENTATION WITHOUT RESERVATIONS.+
ABSTAINING FROM VOTING TODAY (TUESDAY) ON THE MOTION ENDORSING THE JOINT DECLARATION AND COMMENDING IT TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, HE SAID THAT DURING THE TWO YEARS OF THE NEGOTIATIONS, THE COMMUNITY HONG KONG WERE BROADLY DIVIDED INTO FOUR CATEGORIES: THE +HAVES, THE +HAVE-NOTS+, THE +BELIEVERS+ AND THE +BELIEVE-NOTS+.
THE +HAVES+ WERE THOSE WITH LARGE INTERNATIONAL OR CHINESE BUSINESS LINKS, WITH SEVEN-FIGURE BANK ACCOUNTS, WITH EXPERTISE, WITH FOREIGN PASSPORTS, WITH EXPERIENCE OF LIVING ABROAD, AND THOSE WHO HAD SUITABLE RELATIVES IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THOSE WHO HAD BABIES BORN BY DESIGN IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES.
+RECENTLY, I SPOTTED SOME FIGURES ON APPLICATIONS FOR -^CERTIFICATE OF NO CRIMINAL CONVICTION* IN A LOCAL NEWSPAPER, AND AFTER CONFIRMING THAT THESE FIGURES WERE CORRECT I MADE SOME DEDUCTIONS AND ARRIVED AT BROAD BRUSH FIGURES ON THE INCREASt IN THE NUMBER OF EMIGRANTS IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS,* MR CHAN SAID.
THE FIGURES WERE 12 408 IN 1979 AND 20 477 IN 1983.
A SMALL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS WERE REJECTED FOR SUCH MINOR OFFENCES AS A $15 FINE FOR BEING FOUND IN A GAMBLING HOUSE BUT WERE NOT DEDUCTED FROM THE ABOVE FIGURES AS THE APPLICANTS COULD STILL EMIGRATE.
EMIGRANTS AND STUDENTS WHO REQUIRED NO SUCH CERTIFICATE, SUCH AS THOSE GOING TO THE UK, TAIWAN, ETC, WERE NOT INCLUDED.
MR CHAN SAID MANY OPINIONS HAD BEEN EXPRESSED ABOUT BRAIN-DRAIN AND FINANCIAL-DRAIN, BUT THERE WAS ANOTHER DRAIN WHICH MAY CAUSE THE COMPETITIVE EDGE OF OUR INDUSTRIES TO BE WORN OFF, AND THAT WAS THE DRAINING OF ENTREPRENEURS IN SMALL MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS EMPLOYING UNDER 50 WORKERS.
MANY OF THEM WERE PROVIDING SUPPORTIVE GOODS AND SERVICES TO THE LARGER MANUFACTURERS AND OTHER SECTORS, SUCH AS BUTTONS TO THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY AND SCREWS FOR ALMOST ALL INDUSTRIE^.
+0F COURSE, ONE CAN GET SUPPLIES FROM ABROAD, BUT CERTAINLY NOT WITH SUCH COMPETITIVE PRICES AND QUICK DELIVERY.
+IF THESE SMALL MANUFACTURERS MOVE OUT IN LARGE NUMBERS, OUR INDUSTRY WILL CRUMBLE FROM INSIDE,* MR CHAN SAID.
/this was .......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
- 2 -
THIS wAS WHERE THE +HAVE-NOTS+ WHO REMAINED IN HONG KONG
COME IN.
IF THEY ALREADY HAD EXPERIENCE WORKING FOR THESE SMALL FACTORIES AND HAD A SMALL CAPITAL, THEY MAY TAKE UP THIS GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR A PROFITABLE BUSINESS AND HELP STABILISE THE COMMUNITY.
THE +BELIEVERS+ WERE THOSE WHO HAD EXPRESSED THEIR CONFIDENCE AND WOULD TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE EVEN BEFORE THE PUBLICATION OF THE DRAFT AGREEMENT.
THOSE WHO WERE SINCERE WOULD STICK THROUGH +THICK AND TH INLAND +TILL DEATH DO THEY PART+, HE SAID.
THE COMMUNITY WAS ONLY WORRIED ABOUT THE SINCERITY OF THOSE vHO LOUDLY SAID + l HAVE CONFIDENCE+ IN FRONT OF THE TV CAMERAS, BUT WHO HAD ALREADY SENT IN THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR EMIGRATION, nt SAID.
♦LASTLY, I TURN TO THE +BELIEVE-NOTS+,+ MR CHAN CONTINUED.
♦AFTER EXPRESSING THEIR WORRIES, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG GOT A LETTER OF COMFORT WITH A CHEQUE FOR AN AMOUNT BIGGER THAN THEY HAD EXPECTED.
♦WHY ARE THEY STILL WORRYING ABOUT CASHING IT AFTER JULY 1, 1997? +
TO UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM ONE HAD TO LOOK AT THE COMPOSITION CF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE.
ABOUT 150 000 WERE NON-CHINESE AND THE REST WERE OF CHINESE OR IG IN.
OF THE 5.3 MILLION PEOPLE, ABOUT 2.6 MILLION WERE HONG KONG BORN.
THE REMAINING 2.7 MILLION, MOSTLY CAME TO HONG KONG FROM MAINLAND CHINA DURING THE VARIOUS POLITICAL MOVEMENTS.
FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVED IN A SOCIETY GOVERNED BY THE RULE OF LAW IT WAS DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND THE TURMOIL WHICH THESE PEOPLE UNDERWENT.
SOME WERE SUDDENLY DEPRIVED OF ALL THEIR EARTHLY POSSESS lONo AND FOUND THAT THEIR OWN CHILDREN TURNED INTO THEIR PROSECUTORS ON CHARGES WHICH WERE NON-EXISTENT.
NEIGHBOURS AND RELATIVES TURNED INTO WITNESSES AND THE MOB WAS THE JUDGE.
THE EARTH SEEMED TO HAVE OPENED UNDER THEIR FEET AND HEAVEN CAME DOWN LIKE A COLLAPSED CEILING.
/IF THEY .......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1o, 1984
I- THEY SURVIVED, THEIR VALUE OF LIFE WOULD CHANGE AND THEY WERE WILLING TO SWIM ACROSS SHARK-INFESTED WATERS TO COME TO HONG KONG FOR FREEDOM.
♦HENCE, ONE DOES NOT SEE DANCING AND CELEBRATIONS IN THE STREETS OF HONG KONG WHEN THE SETTLEMENT OF THEIR FUTURE IS ANNOUNCED,+ MR CHAN SAID.
HOwEVER, THESE +BELIEVE-NOTS+ SHOULD NOT DESPAIR, FOR there were many who came to hong kong in rags and became rich wI TH IN 13 YEARS.
THESE +BELIEVE-NOTS+ STILL HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO DO SO BY LEARNING SOME SKILL OR EXPERTISE, BY LEARNING ENGLISH, WORKING AND SAVING HARD AND RUNNING A SMALL BUSINESS, VERY SOON THEY wOULD FIND THAT THEY HAD AN OPTION TO STAY OR EMIGRATE BEFORE 1907.
♦HELP TO KEEP THE COMMUNITY STABLE AND PROSPEROUS NOW AND SEE WHETHER CHINA’S MODERNISATION PROGRAMME COULD SUCCEED BEFORE MAKING THE FINAL DECISION,+ HE SAID.
IN CONCLUSION, MR CHAN SAID HE COULD ONLY COMMEND THE DRAFT AGREEMENT TO THE +EELIEVERS+ AND HE COULD PERSUADE THE ♦EEL IEVE-NOTS + THAT IT wAS THE BEST WHICH COULD BE OBTAINED UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
-----0-----
PEOPLES’ FEARS RAISED BY STEPHEN CHEONG *****
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE JOINT DECLARATION HAVE BEEN MOSTLY FAVOURABLE SO FAR, YET IT IS AN EQUALLY HONEST OBSERVATION THAT QUI’E A NUMBER OF PEOPLE - DEEP IN THEIR MINDS - STILL CANNOT DIS ARD THEIR FEAR THAT CHINA MIGHT RENEGE ON THE JOINT DEr ARATlOb VI/ THE BASIC LAW.
THE HON STEPHEN CHE )NG SAID THIS TODAY (TUESDAY) DURING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DEBATE ON THE MOTION ENDORSING THE DRAFT AGREEMENT.
HE SAID THEY SEEMED TO BE ASKING WHAT SAFEGUARDS WERE THERE AGAINST THE BASIC LAW BEING CHANGED FOLLOWING A CHANGE IN THE POLITICAL LEADERSHIP IN CHINA, WHAT SAFEGUARDS WERE THERE THAT_ CHINA WOULD NOT UNDULY INTERFERE wITH THE POLICIES OF THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT, AND HOW COULD WE BE SURE THAT THE ’ONE COUNTRY, SYSTEMS’ CONCEPT WOULD WORK?
TWO
♦GIVEN CHINA’S TURBULENT PAST THESE FEARS ARE PERHAPS NATURAL AND UNDERSTANDABLE,* MR CHEONG SAID, +BUT IN MY VIEw, CUTURE CERTAINLY WILL NOT LIE IN OUR PEOPLE CONSTANTLY HAVING FEARS aND DOUBTS.
/+W3 SOJC3OW........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
+WE SOMEHOW NEED TO SURMOUNT THIS OBSTACLE.
+AS A START SHOULD WE NOT RECOGNISE THAT PAST EXPERIENCES AND HISTORY SHOULD ONLY SERVE AS A GUIDE TO ANY PROCESS OF EVALUATION?
♦ THEY SHOULD NOT INHIBIT US FROM MAKING A MORE OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE.
+SHOULD WE NOT THEN ATTEMPT TO EXAMINE ALL THE FACTS AND FACTORS, INCLUSIVE OF THE JOINT DECLARATION PLUS ITS EQUALLY BINDING ANNEXES, THAT MAY HAVE A BEARING ON OUR FUTURE WITHOUT UNDUE INFLUENCE FROM OUR DOUBTS OR FEARS?
+l HAVE GONE THROUGH SUCH A PROCESS AND MY CONCLUSION IS THAT THERE ARE GROUNDS FOR OPTIMISM IN OUR FUTURE.
+HENCE, I ENDORSE THE JOINT DECLARATION AND COMMEND IT TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
IN THE FIRST PLACE, MR CHEONG CONTINUED, THE NEGOTIATORS ON BOTH SIDES HAD SUCCEEDED IN PUTTING TOGETHER, IN REASONABLY CLEAR AND CONCISE LANGUAGE, A COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE OF ARRANGEMENTS FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE AND, IN SO DOING, SUCCEEDED IN PRESERVING THE INSTITUTIONS, RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS WHICH PLAYED A CRUCIAL PART IN THE MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC CONFIDENCE.
IN THE SECOND PLACE, IT WAS A FACT THAT LEADERS OF CHINA HAD REPEATEDLY PUBLICISED THEIR FIRM COMMITMENT TO THE POLICY THAT HONG KONG’S PREVIOUS CAPITALIST SYSTEM WOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED FOR 50 YEARS AFTER 1997, AND THAT HONG KONG wOULD BECOME AN SAR OF CHINA WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY.
IN THE THIRD PLACE, GIVEN THE THRUST OF CHINA’S MODERNISATI * PROGRAMME AND THE OPENING UP OF SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES, AND THE EFFECTIVE ROLE HONG KONG MIGHT PLAY IN BOTH, IT WAS AS MUCH IN CHINA’S INTEREST AS OURS THAT HONG KONG SHOULD CONTINUE TO FEEL CONFIDENT ABOUT THE FUTURE, WITHOUT WHICH INGREDIENT WE COULD NEITHER PROSPER NOR BE STABLE.
+AS HONG KONG PROGRESSES TOWARDS A HIGHER DEGREE OF AUTONOMY, WE SHOULD CONTINUOUSLY BEAR AT THE BACK OF OUR MINDS THAT THE FUTURE IS WHAT WE WILL MAKE OF IT,+ MR CHEONG SAIL.
+MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE AUTONOMY THAT HAS BEEN PROMISED MUST NOT ONLY BE EARNED BUT SHOULD ALSO BE SEEN TO BE WELL-DESERVED.
+THEREIN LIES OUR BEST GUARANTEE FOR THE FUTURE AGAINST POSSIBLE UNDUE INTERFERENCE FROM CH I NA.+
MR CHEONG SAID POLITICALLY WE HAD BEEN SEPARATED FROM CHINA FOR MANY YEARS, AND IN HIS VIEW, AND IF THERE wAS ONE SINGLE GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS IN HONG KONG WHO COULD EXPLAIN THE INGREDIENTS OF THE STABLE ENVIRONMENT UNDER WHICH HONG KONG HAD PROSPERED, IT WAS THE SENIOR ECHELONS OF THE CIVIL SERV ICE.
/♦THUS I .......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
- 5 -
+THUS I SEE, AS AN IMPORTANT STEP FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE, THE NEED FOR ENCOURAGING A CLOSER DIALOGUE BETWEEN CIVIL SERVANTS AND THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN CH I NA, 'PARTICULARLY THOSE AT THE POLICY-MAKING LEVELS, FOR THEY HAVE A POSITIVE ROLE TO PLAY IN SECURING THE UNDERSTANDING, PATIENCE AND SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT IN CHINA BEFORE 1997, WHEN THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW HAS TO BE COMPLETED, AND THEREAFTER WHEN THEY WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN ENSURING THAT THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE SAR RUNS SMOOTHLY,* HE SAID.
CONCLUDING, MR CHEONG SAID IRRESPECTIVE OF ONE’S PERSONAL FEELING ON THE ROLES SUCCESSIVE BRITISH GOVERNMENTS MIGHT HAVE PLAYED ON THIS ISSUE OF OUR FUTURE, ONE COULD AT LEAST BE SATISFIED THAT FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS THE HEART OF OFFICIALS AND UNOFFICIALS ALIKE IN HONG KONG WERE AND STILL WERE IN THE RIGHT PLACE.
+AMID TREMENDOUS PRESSURE FROM ALL SIDES, THEY WORKED HARD FOR THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
-----0-----
BASIC LAW DRAFTERS URGED TO * * * * *
LEARN ABOUT HONG KONG *
THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR DRAFTING
THE BASIC LAW WERE URGED TODAY
(TUESDAY) TO DETAIL ABOUT KONG WISH TO THEY WISH.
DO SO AT THEIR OWN PACE, TO TAKE THE TIME TO LEARN IN HONG KONG, AND TO UNDERSTAND WHY THE PEOPLE OF HONG STAY THE WAY THEY ARE AND HOW THEY ARE TO STAY THE aAY
CHEUNG YAN-LUNG WAS SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCI MOTION ENDORSING THE SINO-BRITISH DRAFT AGREEMENT.
THE HON DEBATE ON THE
MR CHEUNG, WHO SUPPORTED THE MOTION, SAID DRAFTING THE BASIC LAW WAS A CRUCIAL NEXT STEP TOWARDS 1997.
HE SAID HE SINCERELY HOPED THAT THE DRAFTERS OF THE BASIC LA. WOULD DEVOTE THEIR MINDS AND THEIR HEARTS TO THE COMPLEX TASK pI HAND AND TO CONSULT EXTENSIVELY AND SINCERELY PUBLIC VIEWS AT EVERY LEVEL OF AND IN EVERY SECTOR OF SOCIETY.
IN THIS THEY MIGHT DO WELL TO CONSULT OUR DISTRICT BOARDS FOR THE IR VIEWS AND ADV ICE.
+WE ALREADY HAVE A GOOD DRAFT AGREEMENT,* MR CHEUNG SAID.
+WE MUST ENSURE THAT THERE WILL ALSO BE A GOOD BASIC LAW.*
/HE SAID .......
TUESDAY, OCTOBEH 16, 1984
6
HE SAID THE BASIC LAW WOULD SET THE TONE FOR THE FUTURE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG AND, CONSEQUENTLY, IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT THAT DUE CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO THE BEST SELECTION PROCESS FOP OUR FUTURE TOP EXECUTIVES WHETHER BY ELECTIONS OR CONSULTATIONS, GIVEN THE NEED TO MAINTAIN AND ENCHANCE THE INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENTS THAT HAD MADE HONG KONG WHAT IT WAS TODAY, AND WITHOUT WHICH HONG KONG WOULD VERY QUICKLY BECOME WHAT IT WAS BEFORE.
MR CHEUNG ASKED, WITH THE PROSPECT OF PLA TROOPS BEING STATIONED IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997, WOULD OUR THEN CHIEF EXECUTIVE BE EMPOWERED TO ISSUE MILITARY DIRECTIVES IF SO REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN PUBLIC ORDER?
HE ALSO ASKED WOULD OUR YOUNG MEN AS CHINESE CITIZENS BE REQUIRED TO SERVE WITH THE CHINESE MILITARY FORCES, OR WOULD THEIR SAR RESIDENCE PRECLUDE SUCH MILITARY SERVICE?
ON FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT, MR CHEUNG ASKED WOULD CHINESE CITIZENS CF HONG KONG BE SUBJECT TO STATE DIRECTION REGARDING THEIR MOVEMENTS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF CHINA?
••■FREEDOM OF TRAVEL AFTER 1997 WOULD NOT BE OF MUCH GOOD TO HONG KONG PEOPLE WITHOUT THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS TO DO SO, AND SUCH TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WOULD BE OF LITTLE USE IF THEY ARE NOT DULY RECOGNISED BY OTHER COUNTRIES,-*- HE SAID. HE QUESTIONED WHETHER USE OF SEPARATE MEMORANDA TO CONTAIN THE VARIOUS PLEDGES ON NATIONALITY SUGGESTED THAT NEITHER BRITAIN NOR CHINA WAS WILLING TO MAKE A FIRM COMMITMENT?
+NO AGREEMENT IS BETTER THAN A BAD AGREEMENT, AND THIS AGREEMENT IS BETTER THAN NO AGREEMENT,-*- MR CHEUNG SAID.
+IN GREAT SERIOUSNESS, WE ARE DETERMINING THE FATE OF OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN, ON A CHART BASED ON PROMISES OF GOOD FAITH.
+IT REMINDED ME OF HAMLET’S SOLILOQUY, A TRIP FROM WHICH NO ONE HAS YET RETURNED.
+THE RISK IS THERE.
♦ BUT IT IS ALSO A CHALLENGE FOR A BOLD DECISION TO BE MADE.
+BECAUSE THE PROMISES ARE MADE IN GOOD FAITH, I COMMEND IT TO THOSE WHO WILL BE RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG AFTER 1997.+
-----o-----
/7........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
- 7 -
HK PEOPLE’S ROLE VITAL - SELINA CHOW
*****
THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE AGREEMENT WILL BE FAITHFULLY IMPLEMENTED WAS TO BE FOUND NOT ONLY WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT BUT ALSO WITH THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, THE HON MRS SELINA CHOW SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (TUESDAY).
SHE WAS SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION ENDORSING THE DRAFT AGREEMENT.
♦ CHINA HAS, IN MY VIEW, SHOWN ITS SINCERITY OF INTENTION BY TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ALL THE VIEWS THAT WE, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, HAVE EXPRESSED REGARDING THE AGREEMENT, IN ORDER THAT WE MAY HAVE CONFIDENCE IN ACCEPTING AND IMPLEMENTING IT.
+ONLY TIME WILL TELL WHETHER CHINA CAN MAINTAIN ITS PRESENT STABILITY AND CARRY ON ITS PRESENT ECONOMIC POLICIES.
♦ ONLY TIME WILL TELL WHETHER THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP CAN SUCCESSFULLY EXERCISE RESTRAINT OVER THEIR OWN OFFICIALS FROM INTERFERING WITH HONG KONG, AND LET ME SAY THAT IT IS A FACT THAT MANY HERE DO NOT BELIEVE CHINA COULD REFRAIN FROM INTERFERING, AND HENCE THEY DO NOT BELIEVE THE HONG KONG SAR WILL BE TRULY AUTONOMOUS,+ SHE SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THERE WERE ALSO GRAVE DOUBTS AS TO HOW MUCH CHINA REALLY UNDERSTOOD THE SPIRIT OF FREE ENTERPRISE AS WE HAD IT IN HONG KONG.
♦ CONFIDENCE CAN BE GAINED IF CHINA IS TO PRACTISE, AND IS SEEN TO PRACTISE, POSITIVE NON-INTERVENTION IN HONG KONG,* SHE SAID.
THIS COULD ONLY BE POSSIBLE, SHE SAID, IF AN UNDERSTANDING, TRUST AND MUTUAL RESPECT WERE CULTIVATED ON BOTH SIDES.
♦ BUT THE CRUX OF THE MATTER IS, WITHOUT THE WILL AND EFFORT OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, WE ARE DOOMED FROM THE START.
♦ IF WE DO NOT DO OUR SHARE IN MAINTAINING OUR OWN STABILITY AND PROSPERITY WHICH WE HAVE WORKED SO HARD TO ESTABLISH, WE WOULD LOSE OUR ENTIRE VALUE OF EXISTENCE, TO OURSELVES AND TO CHINA,* SHE SAID.
♦ CONVERSELY, IF WE CONTINUE TO PERFORM, IT WOULD NOT BE IK THE INTEREST OF ANYONE TO DISTURB OR DISRUPT OUR STATUS QUO.
♦ SO THE ANSWER TO THE PROBLEM IS TO BE FOUND HERE, AND WE SHOULD STOP LOOKING TO OTHERS FOR A KEY TO THE SOLUTION THAT WE FIRMLY HOLD IN OUR HANDS,+ SHE ADDED.
/she believed .......
TUESDAY, OCTOBEH 16, 1?C>4
8
SHE BELIEVED THAT AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF +ONE COUNTRY, TwO SYSTEMS* LINKED BY A CONSISTENT NATIONAL POLICY OF ECONOMIC GROWTH, IT WOULD NOT BE DIFFICULT FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO PERSUADE THEMSELVES TO COME TO TERMS WITH THE AGREEMENT AS AN ACCEPTED AND WORKABLE FRAMEWORK ON WHICH TO BUILD OUR FUTURE.
SHE STRESSED THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG MUST VOICE THEIR OPINIONS ON THE AGREEMENT, DRAWING ATTENTION TO THE INADEQUACIES AND RAISING QUESTIONS WHERE THEY OUGHT TO BE RAISED.
THIS WAS BECAUSE, SHE SAID, THE AGREEMENT SIGNIFIED NOT SO MUCH THE END OF THE NEGOTIATIONS BUT THE BEGINNING OF A MAJOR CHANGE IN OUR HISTORY, AND IF WE ABDICATED OUR RIGHTS AND OUR RESPONSIBILITIES NOW TOWARDS OUR FUTURE, WHAT SHOULD BE THE BEGINNING OF A NEW PHASE COULD ONLY BECOME THE BEGINNING OF THE END FOR HONG KONG.
MRS CHOW MADE COMMENTS ON FOUR MAJOR AREAS CONCERNING THE AGREEMENT.
FIRSTLY, SHE ASKED WHO WOULD HAVE THE POWER TO DISSOLVE THE LEGISLATURE GIVEN THAT WE WOULD HAVE AN ELECTED LEGISLATURE TO WHICH THE EXECUTIVE AUTHORITIES WERE ACCOUNTABLE?
+1 WOULD LIKE TO THINK THAT THE POWER IS VESTED IN THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AND NOT IN THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SO THAT THE BALANCE OF POWER BETWEEN THE LEGISLATURE AND THE EXECUTIVE CAN BE GUARANTEED,* SHE SAID.
SECONDLY, SHE SAID IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT THERE SHOULD BE A HONG KONG INPUT IN DRAFTING THE BASIC LAW, A FREE HAND FOR HONG KONG IN ITS IMPLEMENTATION AND INDEPENDENCE IN ITS INTERPRETATION.
SHE ALSO SAID THAT THE SUGGESTION THAT A BASIC LAW ADVISORY AND MONITORING COMMITTEE CONSISTING OF CHINESE PEOPLE OF INTERNATIONAL STANDING AND REPUTATION BE FORMED TO ADVISE ON THE DRAFTING, IMPLEMENTATION AND SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENT TO THE BASIC LAW SHOULD BE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED.
THIRDLY, SHE STRESSED THAT CHINA MUST GIVE DUE CONSIDERATION TO THE FEAR WITH WHICH THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG REGARDED THE STATIONING OF THE PLA HERE AND THE FURTHER FEAR OF POSSIBLE ABUSE IN THE NAME OF NATIONAL SECURITY.
FOURTHLY, SHE SUGGESTED THAT THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP SHOULD INCLUDE HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVES.
THIS WOULD HELP THE GROUP TO GAIN THE TRUST AND CO-OPERATION CF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE AND WOULD ALSO BE SEEN AS A SINCERE EFFOFT TO PREPARE HONG KONG PEOPLE FOR TRUE AUTONOMY, SHE SAID.
--------0----------
/9........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
- 9 -
SPECIAL LEGAL PROCEEDINGS SHOULD BE PRESERVED - MARIA TAM ********
SPECIAL LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND CONCEPTS WHICH PROTECT THE PERSONAL FREEDOM OF CITIZENS SHOULD BE PRESERVED IN THE LAWS OF THE HONG KONG SAR, THE HON MARIA TAM SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (TUESDAY).
SHE WAS SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION ENDORSING THE DRAFT AGREEMENT.
SHE CITED AS EXAMPLES THE INSTITUTION OF HABEAS CORPUS AND THE PRACTICE THAT GOVERNMENT HAD TO MAKE REASONABLE COMPENSATION TO A CITIZEN WHO WAS WRONGFULLY DETAINED.
ON THE OTHER HAND, SHE SAID, BRITISH MILITARY FORCES AND OTHER PERSONNEL AT PRESENT STATIONED IN HONG KONG WERE SUBJECT TO THE LAWS OF HONG KONG, AND SO CHINESE MILITARY FORCES AND OTHER PERSONNEL STATIONED HERE IN FUTURE SHOULD OBSERVE AND ABIDE BY THE LAWS OF THE HONG KONG SAR.
+ALTHOUGH I UNDERSTAND THE ANNEX OF THE DRAFT AGREEMENT HAS STATED THAT THE LAWS PREVIOUSLY IN FORCE IN HONG KONG SHALL BE MAINTAINED, YET THE BASIC LAW HAS NOT YET BEEN DRAFTED,+ SHE SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAD NOT YET THOROUGHLY UNDERSTOOD THE CONSTITUTION AND MILITARY LAWS OF CHINA, AND POSSIBLY CHINA ALSO DID NOT YET HAVE A SOUND KNOWLEDGE CF THE LAWS CURRENTLY PRACTISED IN HONG KONG.
+THE LAWS OF CHINA AND THOSE OF HONG KONG HAVE DIFFERENT ORIGINS- THEY ALSO DIFFER IN LANGUAGE AS WELL AS IN CONCEPT.
+FOR THIS REASON, I SPECIFICALLY POINT OUT THE IMPORTANCE CF THESE TWO POINTS SO THAT THE FUTURE BASIC LAW WILL NOT CONTRADICT CHINA’S LAWS RELATING TO SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS,* SHE SAID.
MISS TAM SAID ON THE ONE HAND, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ACCEPTED RIGHTLY THAT THE DRAFT AGREEMENT COULD MAINTAIN THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS OF HONG KONG BUT ON THE OTHER, THEY ALSO RAISED A SERIES OF QUESTIONS.
THE FIRST KIND OF QUESTION CONCERNED REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION OF THE CONTENTS OF THE DRAFT AGREEMENT AND MISS TAM SAID IF THE GOVERNMENT COULD GIVE A REPLY TO THE QUESTIONS WHICH WERE OF PARTICULAR CONCERN TO VARIOUS SECTORS IN CONNECTION WITH THE CLARIFICATION OF THE TEXT OF THE DRAFT AGREEMENT, THEN PSYCHOLOGICALLY IT WOULD BE OF ASSISTANCE TO THOSE WHO WERE AFFECTED.
/THE SECOND .......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
10 -
THE SECOND KIND OF QUESTION WAS ABOUT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DRAFT AGREEMENT AND THE THIRD KIND WERE THOSE WHICH ONLY HISTORY AND TIME COULD ANSWER.
MISS TAM SAID SHE BELIEVED THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA HAD GOOD FAITH TO FULFIL THE DRAFT AGREEMENT AND THE COMMITMENTS SET OUT IN THE EXCHANGE OF MEMORANDA.
+1 DEEPLY BELIEVE THAT HONG KONG CAN ONLY AFFORD TO SUCCEEI BUT NOT TO FAIL IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ’ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS’,+ SHE STRESSED.
-----o------
MORE AUTONOMY OFFERED IN DRAFT ACCORD - DR IP *****
THE DRAFT AGREEMENT HAS GIVEN US MORE AUTONOMY THAN WE EVER HAD BEFORE, DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (TUESDAY) IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION ENDORSING THE AGREEMENT.
♦ THE FUTURE CHIEF EXECUTIVE WILL BE ONE OF US, THE FINAL COURT OF APPEAL WILL BE IN HONG KONG AND FURTHERMORE, AS A BONUS, WE WILL RECEIVE THE PROTECTION OF A SOVEREIGN STATE AT ABSOLUTELY NO EXPENSE ON OUR PART,+ SHE SAID.
THE AGREEMENT WAS A GOOD ONE, BETTER THAN ANYONE HAD HOPED, SHE SAID.
IT WAS ALSO AN EXCELLENT COMPROMISE FOR ALL THREE PARTIES CONCERNED.
AT THIS POINT, DR IP PAID TRIBUTE TO SIR S.Y. CHUNG’S LEADERSHIP OF THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL +IN PRESSING FOR MORE AND MORE UNTIL THE LAST DROP OF ADVANTAGE HAD BEEN SQUEEZED OUT.+ THE NEXT THREE GENERATIONS OR MORE HAD SO MUCH TO THANK HIM FOR A JOB WELL DONE, SHE SAID.
DR IP SAID THE FREEDOM GIVEN ACCORDING TO THE DRAFT AGREEMENT WAS MORE THAN MANY PEOPLE IN THE WORLD COULD ENJOY.
+WE WILL HAVE FREEDOM TO TRAVEL, TO LEAVE HONG KONG, TO OWN PROPERTY, TO TAKE MONEY OUT OF HONG KONG WITHOUT EXCHANGE CONTROL, TO MARRY WHOM WE LOVED AND BRING UP A FAMILY, TO CHOOSE THE TYPE CF EDUCATION WE WANTED FOR OUR CHILDREN, AND TO HAVE OUR OWN RELIGIOUS BELIEF,+ SHE SAID.
OF COURSE WE WOULD NOT BE COMPLACENT; WE WOULD CONTINUE TO AIM AT IMPROVING THE AGREEMENT AND TO TRY TO SECURE FOR THE PEOPLE THOSE POINTS NOT MENTIONED IN THE DRAFT, DR IP SAID. WE WOULD DO OUR BEST IN REFLECTING THEIR OPINION ON THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW, THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP ETC.
/♦BUT Di .......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
- 11 -
+ BUT IN THE MEANTIME YOU MUST GET YOUR CONFIDENCE BACK -IN YOURSELF, IN HONG KONG AND IN OUR FUTURE,+ SHE SAID.
DR IP SAID SHE COMMENDED THE DRAFT AGREEMENT TO THE PEOPLE CF HONG KONG.
SHE SINCERELY HOPED THAT THEY WOULD CEASE TO WASTE ANY MORE TIME AND ENERGY ON THE UNCERTAINTIES AND PUT ALL THEIR ENERGY BACK INTO BL ILD ING UP HONG KONG.
+HONG KONG NEEDS EVERY ONE OF YOU,* DR IP SAID. +HELP YOURSELVES AND HELP CHINA IN ITS MODERNISATION PROGRAMME SO THAT, IN 13 YEARS PLUS 50, THE GAP BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG CAN BE NARROWED.+
-----o------
JOINT EFFORT NEEDED TO PUT WORDS INTO PRACTICE — CHAN YING-LUN
******
IF THE DRAFT AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG COULD BE FULLY IMPLEMENTED THE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF THE TERRITORY WOULD BE MAINTAINED AND THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE PEOPLE REALISED, THE HON CHAN YING-uUN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION ENDORSING THE DRAFT -------------------------------- EFFORT AND DETERMINATION
AGREEMENT. MR CHAN SAID THE CONCERTED
CF CHINA, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND HONG KONG WERE NEEDED TO TRANSLaTc THE WRITTEN WORDS INTO PRACTICE.
+THE UNITED KINGDOM HAS PROMISED THAT HONG KONG WILL HAVE A HIGHLY EFFICIENT AND COMPETENT GOVERNMENT IN THE COMING 13-YEAR TRANSITION PERIOD.
+IT IS BEYOND DOUBT THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, WITH ITS FINE TRACK RECORD, CAN FULFIL THE ABOVE PROMISE.
+WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S CONVENTIONAL BASIC PRINCIPLE CF SEEKING PROGRESS WITH CAUTION, AND THE PRACTICAL AND REALISTIC ATTITUDE OF THE LOCAL PEOPLE, WE BELIEVE THAT HONG KONG, THOUGH FACED WITH A CHANGE OF POLITICAL SYSTEM, CAN HAVE A MORE OPEN AND EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT,* HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID MANY PEOPLE HERE WERE STILL DOUBTFUL AS TO WHETHER THE DRAFT AGREEMENT WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED.
+THUS WE THINK THAT 'THE QUESTION OF CONFIDENCE’ STILL EXISTS.
♦NEVERTHELESS, THE MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE SHOULD FEEL AT EASE AFTER READING THROUGH THE DRAFT AGREEMENT,* HE SAID.
/THE QUESTION ..
TUESDAY, OCTOBEH 16, 1984
- 12 -
THE QUESTION OF CONFIDENCE WAS NOW DIRECTED TOWARDS THE FUTUR DEVELOPMENTS OF HONG KONG, PARTICULARLY DEVELOPMENTS BEYOND OUR CONTROL.
+THIS IS THE ONE ASPECT THE PEOPLE ARE QUITE WORRIED ABOUT.
♦HOWEVER, IF WE THINK CAREFULLY, WE SHALL ARRIVE AT A CONCLUSION.
♦WHY WORRY ABOUT SOMETHING THAT IS NOT WITHIN OUR CONTROL AND THUS BEYOND OUR CAPABILITY TO INTERFERE?
♦WHY NOT USE OUR ENERGY TO DO SOMETHING WHICH CAN REALLY BE DONE, ACTIVELY ENGAGING OURSELVES FOR THE BETTERMENT OF HONG KONG SO THAT THE 63 YEARS AHEAD CAN BE BUILT ON A FIRM FOUNDATION?
♦THIS IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
♦FOR OURSELVES, FOR THE NEXT GENERATION, WE SHOULD ALL DO BETTER TO MAKE POSITIVE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG.
+AS WE ALL UNDERSTAND, A STABLE AND PROSPEROUS HONG KONG IS THE BEST GUARANTEE FOR THE REALISATION OF OUR EXPECTATION,* f*R CHAN SAID.
HE FELT THAT IF, IN THE NEXT THREE TO FIVE YEARS, THE PREVAILING CHINESE POLICIES WERE MAINTAINED AND THE LIVING STANDARD IN CHINA WAS BEING RAISED CONTINUOUSLY, THE FAITH OF HONG KONG IN CHINA WOULD DEFINITELY INCREASE WITH TIME.
THIS RESTS ON THE DETERMINATION OF THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP AND THE EFFORTS OF ITS PEOPLE.
ON THE SINO—BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP, MR CHAN SAID THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WAS TO DEFINE CLEARLY THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE GROUP, SPECIFYING PRECISELY THAT IT HAD NO EXECUTIVE AND SUPERVISORY POWER, AND WAS SET UP MERELY TO ASSIST HONG KONG IN THE SMOOTH TRANSFER OF GOVERNMENT IN ORDER THAT THE AGREEMENT COULD BE EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENTED.
+IT MUST BE NOTED THAT ANY MOVE OR ACTION WHICH MAY BE PERCEIVED BY HONG KONG PEOPLE THAT HONG KONG’S ADMINISTRATION IS BEING INTERFERED WITH MAY THROW SUSPICION ON THE WORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, THEREBY UNDERMINING THE CONFIDENCE OF HONG KONG PEOPLE TOWARDS IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT,* MR CHAN SAID.
+BESIDES HAVING SERIOUS REPERCUSSIONS, SUCH ACTION OR MOVE WILL ALSO LEAD TO DOUBTS OVER THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE FUTURE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT IN MANAGING ITS OWN AFFA IRS.
/+SO I........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
- 13 -
♦SO I AM OF THE VIEW THAT THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP MUST NOT IN ANY WAY INTERVENE IN THE DAY-TO-DAY ADMINISTRATION OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THAT THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE GROUP MUST BE CLEARLY DEFINED, SO THAT ITS ACTIVITIES ARE STRICTLY CONFINED TO THE FRAME AS LAID DOWN IN THE AGREEMENT, AND THAT IT MUST NOT TO GO BEYOND ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE,* HE SAID.
HE SAID ESTABLISHMENT OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CHINA TO DEMONSTRATE ITS ASSURANCE OF NON-INTERFERENCE IN THE INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG.
AT THE SAME TIME, IT ALSO PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE TO SEE CHINA’S BASIC POLICIES AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS HONG KONG.
♦ AS THERE ARE DIFFERENCES IN THE SOCIETY AND SYSTEMS BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG, WHETHER THE 'ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS’ CONCEPT IS FEASIBLE OR NOT RESTS MAINLY ON CHINA’S PART TO BACK UP HER POLICIES WITH FACTS, WHICH WILL SERVE TO STRENGTHEN HONG KONG PEOPLE’S CONFIDENCE.
+IN VIEW OF THIS, THE WORK AND ACTIONS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP CAN ALSO SERVE AS A TOUCHSTONE TO TEST CHINA’S SINCERITY TOWARDS THE AGREEMENT,* MR CHAN SAID.
HE FELT THAT WHAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG NOW HOPED FOR WAS A SMOOTH TRANSITION IN THE NEXT 13 YEARS DURING WHICH THEY COULD LAY THE FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
+1 AM PLEASED TO SEE SUCH A DETAILED AGREEMENT AND I HOPE THAT IT WOULD BE FAITHFULLY IMPLEMENTED,* HE SAID.
-----o------
PEOPLE SHOULD SET THEIR HEARTS AT EASE - PAULINE NG * X X X X
A WIDE RANGE OF FREEDOMS HAVE BEEN GUARANTEED IN THE SINO-BRITISH DRAFT AGREEMENT AND THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG SHOULD SET THEIR HEARTS AT EASE, THE HON PAULINE NG SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION ENDORSING THE DRAFT AGREEMENT, SHE SAID:
+FOR ONE THING, THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT IS LEGALLY BINDING IN ITSELF TO ENSURE THAT ALL THE PROVISIONS WILL BE CARR I ED OUT.
/♦BESIDES, IT........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
- 14 -
+BESIDES, IT IS HOF D THAT, THROUGH HER LINK WITH THE UNITED NATIONS, CHINA WILL TAKE PART IN THE MONITORING OF THE IMPLEMENTATION IN ORDER THAT THE NOBLE AIM OF PROMOTING RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN EVERY COUNTRY MAY BE ACHIEVED,+ SHE SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT SECTION XIII OF ANNEX I TO THE DRAFT AGREEMENT STIPULATED THAT THE RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS AS PROVIDED FOR BY THE LAWS PREVIOUSLY IN FORCE IN HONG KONG WOULD BE MAINTAINED BY THE HONG KONG SAR GOVERNMENT.
IT WAS FURTHER STIPULATED THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS AND THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS AS APPLIED TO HONG KONG WOULD REMAIN IN FORCE, SHE SAID.
+IT IS WORTH MENTIONING THAT WHEN SIGNING AND RATIFYING THESE TWO CONVENANTS, BRITAIN MADE DECLARATIONS RELEVANT TO HONG KONG THAT SHE WOULD RESERVE THE RIGHT NOT TO APPLY CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN HONG KONG.
+THESE RESERVATIONS SOMEHOW SEEM TO BE OUT OF DATE NOW,+ MRS NG SAID.
INSTEAD, A MORE LIBERAL ATTITUDE SHOULD BE ADOPTED TO INTRODUCE MORE OF THE REASONABLE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THE COVENANTS SO AS TO TIE IN WITH THE CHANGES OF THIS HISTORICAL MOMENT, SHE SAID.
SHE SAID SHE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE FROM SECTION X IN ANNEX I TO THE DRAFT AGREEMENT THAT HONG KONG WOULD ENJOY THE RIGHT OF MAKING ITS OWN POLICIES IN THE FIELDS OF CULTURE, EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AFTER 1997, THUS ENABLING INSTITUTIONS OF ALL KINDS TO RETAIN THEIR AUTONOMY.
WHILE NOTING THAT THE HONG KONG SAR GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE ITS OWN RIGHT TO DECIDE THE POLICIES REGARDING THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM AND ITS ADMINISTRATION, MRS NG HOPED THAT IT WOULD ADOPT A MORE DEMOCRATIC APPROACH IN FORMULATING SUCH POLICIES AND IMPROVE THE EXISTING CONSULTATIVE SYSTEM IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION.
SHE ALSO HOPED THAT HONG KONG WOULD TAKE THE RECOMMENDATIONS CF THE REPORT OF A PANEL OF VISITORS DURING THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD WITH A VIEW TO ACHIEVING A HIGHLY DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM IN THE MAKING OF OUR EDUCATION POLICIES.
MRS NG CONSIDERED THAT FREEDOM OF THE PRESS AND OF SPEECH WERE ESSENTIAL IN MAINTAINING THE FUTURE STATUS OF HONG KONG.
+AS LONG AS THE CONTENTS OF EXPRESSION ARE NOT LIBELLOUS, I HOPE THAT CHINA WILL ALLOW THE EXPRESSION OF DIFFERENT OPINIONS AND CRITICISMS,* SHE SAID.
/+! ALSO.......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
- 15 -
+l ALSO HOPE THAT THE SUBSTANTIAL CONTENTS AND THE LIMITS CF THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS AND SPEECH WILL BE SPECIFICALLY DEFINED IN THE FUTURE BASIC LAW, SO AS TO PRESERVE THE HONG KONG SAR TO BE ONE OF THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN PLACES WHERE PEOPLE HAVE THE GREATEST FREEDOM IN THE PRESS AND SPEECH,+ SHE SAID.
MRS NG SAID SHE HOPED THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WOULD NOT ONLY INCORPORATE THE VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT IN THE BASIC LAW, BUT ALSO INCLUDE SUPPLEMENTS AND DETAILED EXPLANATIONS FOR THOSE PROVISIONS, AND WOULD WIDELY CANVASS THE OPINIONS OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE AND CARRY OUT IN-DEPTH CONSULTATIONS BEFORE THE BASIC LAW WAS PASSED.
+l ALSO HOPE THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL ENTHUSIASTICALLY EXPRESS THEIR OPINIONS AND FORWARD THEIR COMMENTS TO THE BASIC LAW DRAFTING COMMITTEE FOR CONSIDERATION.+
SHE SAID, DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM NOW TO 1997, THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP SHOULD STUDY AND CONDUCT CONSULTATIONS ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE SMOOTH TRANSFER OF GOVERNMENT.
♦ AT THE SAME TIME, THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG SHOULD GRADUALLY INTRODUCE NEW MEASURES AND POLICIES DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD IN LINE WITH THE ARRANGEMENTS AFTER 1997.+
SHE BELIEVED THAT THE ARRANGEMENTS AFTER CHINA RECOVERS HONG KONG WOULD NOT ONLY ENHANCE THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY CF HONG KONG, BUT WOULD ALSO GIVE AN IMPETUS TO THE MODERNISATION CF CHINA.
+FOR THIS REASON, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY AT THIS TURNING POINT IN HISTORY.
+WE SHOULD DO OUR BEST FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG WITH CONFIDENCE AND ZEAL,+ SHE SAID.
- - - - 0----------
PETER POON WARNS AGAINST EUPHORIA
* * *
THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG MUST NOT BE TAKEN BY EUPHORIA, THE HON PETER POON SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+RESTORATION OF THE CONFIDENCE OF THE LOCAL PEOPLE AND INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS WILL TAKE TIME AND REQUIRE CONCERTED EFFORTS FROM ALL PARTIES CONCERNED,* HE SAID.
NEVERTHELESS, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WERE ADAPTABLE TO CHANGES AND THEY SHOULD CONSOLIDATE THEIR POSITION AND FACE THEIR DESTINY WITH COURAGE AND DETERMINATION, HE SAID.
/iffi POON ...............
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
- 16 -
MR POON WAS SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION ENDORSING THE DRAFT AGREEMENT.
+IT IS NOW UP TO THE HONG KONG PEOPLE TO MAKE THE AGREEMENT WORK. TO DEMONSTRATE TO CHINA AND THE WORLD THAT WE WILL TRY OUR BEST TO MAKE THE CONCEPT ’HONG KONG PEOPLE RULING HONG KONG’ A SUCCESS,+ HE SAID.
+WE SIMPLY CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE,+ HE STRESSED.
HE CONSIDERED THAT THERE WERE FIVE POINTS IN THE AGREEMENT WHICH WERE CRUCIAL TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
HE SAID THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE WAS BASIC RIGHTS AND FREEDOM CF THE INDIVIDUAL.
+ IF THESE ARE FAITHFULLY OBSERVED, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG CAN LIVE AND WORK IN PEACE AND NOT WORRY ABOUT PERSECUTION, ARBITRARY ARREST OR DIFFICULTY OF TRAVELLING TO AND FROM THE TERRITORY,* HE SAID.
THE SECOND POINT, HE SAID, RELATED TO HONG KONG’S VIABILITY AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE AND A STRONG ECONOMIC ENTITY.
HE FELT THERE WAS AMPLE REASON TO BELIEVE THAT HONG KONG’S TRADE. INDUSTRY AND ECONOMY WOULD CONTINUE TO FLOURISH PROVIDED THAT THE ADVANTAGES THAT CURRENTLY EXISTED WERE TO BE RETAINED.
ON THE THIRD POINT - THE STABILITY OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION - MR POON SAID THAT THERE WERE PROVISIONS IN THE DRAFT AGREEMENT ABOUT PUBLIC SERVANTS TO ALLEVIATE THEIR CONCERNS AND ANXIETIES AS REGARDS TERMS OF SERVICE AND PENSION RIGHTS AND THAT INTERNAL SECURITY WOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE FUTURE HONG KONG SAR GOVERNMENT.
ALSO, IN CONNECTION WITH THIS POINT, HE FOUND THE ANNEX ON LAND LEASES GENERALLY SATISFACTORY.
♦MY RESERVATION IS WHETHER THE REPLACEMENT OF THE PREMIUM FOR RENEWAL OF LAND LEASES BY THE ANNUAL RENT OF ONLY THREE PER CENT OF THE RATEABLE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY, THE LIMIT ON LAND SALES TO 50 HECTARES PER YEAR, AND THE SHARING OF PREMIUM INCOME FROM LAND TRANSACTIONS WITH THE FUTURE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT WILL BEGIN TO AFFECT GOVERNMENT’S FINANCES BEFORE 1997 TO AN EXTENT THAT TAXES WILL HAVE TO BE SUBSTANTIALLY RAISED TO COMPENSATE FOR THE LOSS OF REVENUE FROM SUCH SOURCES,* HE SAID.
THE FOURTH POINT WAS THE FREEDOM OF HOLDERS OF VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENTS TO LEAVE THE HONG KONG SAR WITHOUT SPECIAL AUTHORISATION, UNLESS RESTRAINED BY LAW, MR POON SAID, DESCRIBING THIS AS +A BIG PSYCHOLOGICAL BOOST TO LOCAL PEOPLE’S CONFIDENCE+.
/♦HOWEVER, TO........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
- 17 -
♦HOWEVER, TO ENSURE GENUINE FREEDOM OF TRAVEL, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE MEANING OF 'RESTRAINED BY LAW’ BE CONFINED TO THAT ALREADY PRACTISED IN HONG KONG, FOR EXAMPLE, RESTRAINT ONLY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE COMMITTED SERIOUS CRIMINAL OFFENCES OR FAILED TO PAY TAXES DUE,+ HE SAID.
FINALLY, HE SAID, THE POLITICAL STRUCTURE IN FUTURE, THOUGH UNDERSTANDABLY FLEXIBLE IN CERTAIN ASPECTS, WOULD SUPPORT THE CONCEPT OF +HONG KONG PEOPLE RULING HONG KONG+, AS THE SAR GOVERNMENT WOULD BE ELECTED AND HAVE A MANDATE FROM THE PUBLIC.
♦IT IS HOWEVER IMPORTANT THAT OUR FUTURE SYSTEM MUST BE FORMULATED IN A WAY SUITABLE FOR THE UNIQUE POSITION OF HONG KONG AND WE SHOULD GUARD AGAINST MAKING ANY RADICAL CHANGES PREMATURELY AND HASTILY,* HE SAID.
-----o------
GOOD DEMOCRATIC FOUNDATION PROVIDED — P.K. YEUNG * * * * *
A DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT MUST BE BUILT ON A GOOD FOUNDATION, AND THE CONTENT OF THE DRAFT AGREEMENT HAD ALREADY PROVIDED ONE, THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF AGREEMENT.
THE MOTION ENDORSING THE DRAFT
GOVERNMENT WOULD BE PASSING
HE SAID THAT THE HONG KONG ___________
GRADUALLY THE ADMINISTRATION TO THE PEOPLE DURING THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD TOWARDS THE TARGET OF +HONG KONG PEOPLE RUNNING HONG KONG*, THROUGH THE INTRODUCTION OF A REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
+THIS REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM MUST NOT FAIL,* HE STRESSED.
*ITS SUCCESS DEPENDS ON PUBLIC SUPPORT - THE STRENGTH OF SUPPORT COMES FROM PEOPLE'S WHOLE-HEARTEDNESS IN ELECTING CAPABLE MEN TO SERVE THE GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY,* HE SAID.
HE BELIEVED THAT CHOOSING THE RIGHT MEN WOULD HAVE A DIRECT BEARING ON POLICIES AND ATTITUDES TO BE ADOPTED AND SAID THAT REGISTERED VOTERS MUST MAKE USE OF THEIR RIGHT TO ELECT CAPABLE
PEOPLE AS THEIR REPRESENTATIVES.
HE ALSO SAID THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG SHOULD NOT OVERLOOK THE WISHES OF CHINA, AS THE POLITICAL REFORM IN THESE 13 YEARS HAD A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP TO THE FOLLOWING 50 YEARS.
/♦HONG KONG........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1o, 1984
18
+HONG KONG WOULD BECOME PART OF CHINA AFTER 1997, AND CHINA WOULD LIKE TO SEE THAT A GOVERNMENT LED BY HONG KONG PEOPLE CAN MAKE THE TERRITORY PROSPEROUS AND STABLE,+ HE SAID.
IN STRIVING FOR A BASIC LAW CONFORMING TO THE SPIRIT OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, MR YEUNG SAID THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG MUST UTILISE THE AVAILABLE CHANNELS TO VOICE THEIR OPIN ONS, AND TO DEMONSTRATE THE FEASIBILITY OF +HONG KONG PEOPLE RUNNING HONG KONG+ BY FACTS.
HE ALSO FELT IT WAS NECESSARY FOR THE BASIC LAW TO BE FORMULATED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO PUT THE HEART OF THE PEOPLE AT EASE.
ITS FORMULATION MUST BE PARTICIPATED BY WELL—PLACED
ITS FORMULA I iUN huoi gqod UNDERSTAND|NG qf the BACKGROUND
BE REFLECTED
HONG KONG PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO THE AGREEMENT, SO THAT HONESTLY,+ HE SUGGESTED.
HE FURTHER SUGGESTED
PUBL IC OPINION CAN
THAT THE HONG KONG
NOW DOUBLE ITS EFFORTS IN (INCLUDING CIVIL SERVANTS), TO FIT INTO FUTURE POLITICAL OPERATIONS.
GOVERNMENT SHOULD VARIOUS SECTORS
TRAINING PEOPLE IN
, PARTICULARLY IN THE USE OF CHINESE,
_ _ 0 - -
KIM CHAM URGES JOINT STATEMENT TO CLARIFY PROVISIONS *****
CHINA AND BRITAIN SHOULD ISSUE A JOINT STATEMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF CLARIFYING SPECIFIC PROVISIONS IN THE AGREEMENT, THE HON KIM CHAM SUGGESTED TODAY.
HE WAS SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION ENDORSING THE DRAFT AGREEMENT.
+THIS WILL SERVE TO REMOVE ANY UNCERTAINTIES ARISING FROM THE INTERPRETATION OF THE DOCUMENT CARRYING WITH IT A COMMITMENT FROM BOTH GOVERNMENTS.*
HE SAID THE LATITUDE OF SAFEGUARDS PROVIDED BY THIS DIPLOMATIC INSTRUMENT WAS DESIGNED TO ANCHOR THE CONTINUOUS POSITION OF HONG KONG AS AN OPEN ECONOMY OF FREE ENTERPRISE AFTER 1997.
+VIEWING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DRAFT AGREEMENT FROM THIS PERSPECTIVE, IT MAY BE SAID THAT THE WHITE PAPER FASHIONS A CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT SO AS TO MAKE THE FUTURE GOVERNMENT EFFECTIVE, FINANCIALLY VIABLE AND ACCOUNTABLE TO THE ELECTED LEGISLATURE.
/+IN PARALLEL, .......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
- 19 -
+ IN PARALLEL, THE VARIETY OF LEGAL, POLITICAL AND OTHER INSTITUTIONAL GUARANTEES, PRESCRIBED NOW OR LATER UNDER THE BASIC LAW, AIM TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG AS A FREE FINANCIAL AND TRADING CENTRE THAT SERVES THE CHINESE AND THE GLOBAL ECONOMY,* MR CHAW SAID.
HE SAID THAT A CENTRAL FEATURE OF OUR PRESENT MONETARY SYSTEM AND ITS STABILITY WAS THE VIABILITY AND STRENGTH OF OUR CURRENCY.
+WE SHOULD REALISE THAT A STABLE AND CREDITABLE MONETARY SYSTEM CONSTITUTES A POTENT TOOL THAT ENABLES US TO EXERCISE DISCIPLINE ON OUR ECONOMY.
+ITS EFFICACY AFFECTS STRATEGICALLY OUR ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE, SO THAT THE UNBIASED OPERATION OF THE FUTURE MONETARY SYSTEM, ESPECIALLY IN CONNECTION WITH THE REGULATION OF CURRENCY ISSUE, IS NECESSARY,* HE SAID.
FOR THIS REASON, MR CHAM SA ID, WE SHOULD TAKE NOTE OF TWO CONDITIONS NECESSARY FOR THE EFFECTIVE WORKING OF THE FUTURE MONETARY SYSTEM.
+FIRST, THE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF THE EXCHANGE FUND MUST BE PRUDENT IN MAINTAINING A MIXED PORTFOLIO OF CURRENCIES AND INSTRUMENTS FREELY DISPOSABLE IN LEADING FINANCIAL MARKETS OF THE WORLD.
+SECONDLY, THE FUTURE MONETARY SYSTEM SHOULD BE KEPT SEPARATE AND DISTINCT FROM THE OFFICIAL FISCAL SYSTEM, EVEN IF THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT IS CHARGED WITH THE MANAGEMENT CF BOTH SYSTEMS UNDER THE DRAFT AGREEMENT,* HE SAID.
HE CONCEDED THAT THE INSTITUTIONAL GUARANTEES ABOUT THE BASIC RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS FOR THE INDIVIDUAL LAID THE PILLARS FOR OUR FUTURE STABILITY, PROSPERITY AND HARMONY.
+HOWEVER, THESE MEASURES AND ARRANGEMENTS, EVEN IF REPRESENTED UNEQUIVOCALLY UNDER THE LETTERS OF THE LAW, ARE NO MORE THAN AN EMPTY-SHELL UNTIL AND UNLESS PEOPLE FEEL CONFIDENT THAT THE ECONOMY WILL CONTINUE TO FUNCTION AND THRIVE,* HE SAID.
+THE ESSENCE OF OUR ECONOMIC DYNAMICS WILL STILL BE OUR COMMITMENT TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG AS A FREE AND OPEN ECONOMY WHICH SERVE EFFICIENTLY THE CHINESE AND THE GLOBAL ECONOMIES.
+AND THE BATON OF SUCH A POLICY IS STILL THAT ABILITY FOR US TO WORK WITH A FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTIVE PRIVATE SECTOR, BACKED BY LOW TAXATION AND A NON-COERCIVE SYSTEM OF FISCAL AND MONETARY REGULATION.
+LET US STRIVE TOWARDS THIS FUNDAMENTAL OBJECTIVE OF ACCOMPLISHING AND UPKEEPING OUR ECONOMIC SELF-EXCELLENCE,* HE SAID.
- - - - 0 --------
/20........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1934
20
LET TIME AND FACTS TELL — KEITH LAM K * * K
IT IS NOT ECESSARY TO WORRY ABOUT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT NOW AND THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS SHOULD BE LEFT TO SHOW THEIR SINCERITY IN ADHERING TO THE COMMITMENT THROUGH THE PASSAGE OF TIME AND BY ACTUAL FACTS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE HON KEITH LAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY WHEN SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION ENDORSING THE DRAFT AGREEMENT.
HE SAID THAT AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION HE CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THE DRAFT AGREEMENT HAD SATISFIED THE LONG-TERM AND CURRENT INTERESTS OF BRITAIN AND CHINA.
+IT ALSO MEETS THE PRIMARY INTERESTS OF THE CHINESE AND BRITISH PEOPLE,* HE SAID.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED THAT THE DRAFT AGREEMENT WAS NOT A FLAWLESS DOCUMENT AND POINTED OUT THAT CLARIFICATION WAS hECESSARY ON THE FOLLOWING POINTS:
K WHETHER THERE ARE OTHER PROVISIONS IN THE CHINESE CONSTITUTION (OTHER THAN ARTICLE 31) THAT WOULD BE APPL.i .BLE TO HONG KONG OR RELEVANT TO THE ENACTMENT OF THE BASIC LAW OF HONG KONG;
WHETHER SPECIFIC ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE MADE FOR LAND HELD UNDER +FREE-HOLD LAND* LEASES;
* WHETHER CHINESE FORCES STATIONED IN HONG KONG WOULD NOT CONSCRIPT THEIR MEMBERS FROM HERE;
* WHETHER CHINESE TROOPS STATIONED IN HONG KONG SHOULD COME UNDER THE RULE OF LAW AS OTHER CITIZENS;
M WHETHER CHINA WOULD POST LOCAL PEOPLE OUT OF HONG KONG ON ANY EXCUSE; AND
# THE PROCEDURES BY WHICH THE BASIC LAW SHOULD BE DRAFTED.
MR LAM URGED THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO STUDY THE WHITE PAPER IN DETAIL AND TO GIVE THEIR OPINIONS.
+1 AM IN FULL CONFIDENCE THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE HAVE THE BOLDNESS OF VISION AND THE NECESSARY ABILITY TO MAKE THEIR CWN HISTORY SO LONG AS THEY KEEP THEIR CONFIDENCE, UNIFY THEIR EFFORTS AND REMAIN STEADFAST IN WHAT THEY ARE DOING.
+HONG KONG WILL HAVE A BRIGHT FUTURE,* HE SAID.
0 --------
/21 ........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
21
'CLARIFICATION NEEDED ON NON-CHINESE BDTC’S - CARL TONG * * * * *
THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, TOGETHER WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF CHINA, MUST RESOLVE TO CLARIFY THE STATUS OF ABOUT 10 000 NON-CHINESE ERITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORY CITIZENS (BDTC’S) IN HONG KONG.
THE HON CARL TONG SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY WHEN SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION ENDORSING THE DRAFT AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG.
HE SAID THAT THIS SHOULD BE DONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THROUGH A PUBLiC ANNOUNCEMENT.
HE SAID THAT IT WOULD NOT BE RIGHT FOR THESE PEOPLE, MOSTLY CITIZENS OF INDIAN, PAKISTANI AND PORTUGESE ORIGIN, TO BECOME STATELESS AFTER 1997.
MR TONG ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE BASIC LAW.
HE SAID HE BELIEVED THAT, WHILE IN PRACTICE THE DRAFT AGREEMENT COULD NOT BE CHANGED, THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT SHOULD, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND IN CONSIDERATION OF THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, INCLUDE THE NECESSARY REFINEMENT TO THE DRAFT AGREEMENT IN THE BASIC LAW.
MR TONG LIKENED HONG KONG TO A COMPANY AND DISCUSSED WHETHER INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP.
HE SAID INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE DEPENDED ON FIVE KEY FACTORS - THE GENERAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT,- THE MARKET FOR ITS PRODUCTS, THE MANAGEMENT, THE LABOUR FORCE AND THE ADEQUACY OF THE SYSTEM CF PROCEDURES AND ORGANISATION.
HE BELIEVED THAT THE GENERAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT WOULD ALWAYS BE SUBJECT TO EXTERNAL FORCES AND, +EVERYTHING REMAINING EQUAL, ’HONG KONG INCORPORATED’S’ MARKET POSITION SHOULD NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP.+
+THE WHITE PAPER HAS EXPLAINED THAT THE OBJECTIVE OF ITS PROVISIONS IS TO PRESERVE THE SYSTEM BEFORE THE CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP AND TO GIVE ’HONG KONG INCORPORATED’ A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY IN WHICH IT WILL BE ABLE TO ADMINISTER ITSELF AND CONTINUE TO DECIDE ON MOST OF ITS OWN POLICIES.
♦THIS APPEARS TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF PRESERVING ’HONG KONG INCORPORATED’S’ EXISTING SYSTEM IN GENERAL,+ HE ADDED.
ON MANAGEMENT, HE SAID IT WOULD BE UNREALISTIC TO EXPECT NO CHANGE IN SENIOR MANAGEMENT IN ANY TAKEOVER BID.
/however, he .......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
22
HOWEVER, HE SUGGESTED THAT PURELY POLITICAL CHANGES SHOULl BE KEPT TO THE MINIMUM IN 1997 AS THESE WOULD DISTURB INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE.
HE ALSO PREDICTED THAT AS HONG KONG MOVED CLOSER TO 1997, THE MANAGEMENT WOULD BECOME MORE UNCERTAIN ABOUT ITS OWN POSITION AND THIS UNCERTAINTY WOULD AFFECT ITS PERFORMANCE AND CONTINUAL LOYALTY.
+TO COUNTER THIS, MANAGEMENT SHOULD BE CONSULTED AND ADEQUATELY INFORMED THROUGHOUT THE 13 YEARS’ TRANSITIONAL PERIOD.
+1 BELIEVED THAT THIS CAN BE MOST EFFECTIVELY ACHIEVED BY INCLUDING ’HONG KONG INCORPORATED’S’ MANAGEMENT IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP,+ HE SAID.
+AS IN THE CASE OF MANAGEMENT, THE LABOUR FORCE SHOULD ALc. BE ADEQUATELY INFORMED THROUGHOUT THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD.
+AN UNSETTLED LABOUR FORCE COULD BE HIGHLY DISRUPTIVE TO PRODUCTIVITY AND IN TURN WILL AFFECT INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE IN ’HONG KONG INCORPORATED’,* HE ADDED.
MR TONG SAID IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, INVESTORS WERE MOST CONCERNED WITH THE RETURN ON THEIR INVESTMENT AND IF ’HONG KONG INCORPORATED’ CONTINUED TO BE A SUCCESS STORY, ITS MANAGEMENT AND LABOUR FORCE ALIKE SHOULD NOT BE UNDULY CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR POSITION.
+HOWEVER, IT WOULD BE WHOLLY UNREALISTIC TO EXPECT NO RETRENCHMENT IN A BUSINESS IF THE RESULTS ARE SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN DESIRABLE.
+OVERALL, I BELIEVE THAT THE INVESTORS SHOULD REMAIN CONFIDENT IN 'HONG KONG INCORPORATED’,* HE SAID.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1964
EIGHT SUSPECTED Il’S HELD IN RAIDS
*****
EIGHT SUSPECTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE ARRESTED ON TSING Yl ISLAND LAST (MONDAY) NIGHT IN A SPECIAL OPERATION CARRIED OUT BY OFFICERS OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.
THE EIGHT, ALL MEN AGED BETWEEN 20 AND 35, WERE FOUND WHEN IMMIGRATION OFFICERS RAIDED FIVE DIFFERENT PLACES ON THE ISLAND.
ONE OF THEM WAS FOUND IN POSSESSION OF A SUSPECTED FORGED CLD-TYPE IDENTITY CARD, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
A PARTY OF 32 IMMIGRATION OFFICERS, ACTING ON INFORMATION, HAS TAKEN PART IN LAST NIGHT’S RAIDS, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT LAST NIGHT’S OPERATION WAS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ON-GOING EFFORTS TO FERRET OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HIDING IN HONG KONG.
SIMILAR OPERATIONS WOULD CONTINUE AND THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, HE STRESSED.
THE ARRESTED PERSONS WERE BEING DETAINED FOR ENQUIRIES.
_ _ 0 - -
COLLECTING PUBLIC VIEWS ON WHITE PAPER
******
THE DISTRICT BOARDS OF YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK WILL HOLD DISCUSSIONS AND SEMINARS WITH COMMUNITY LEADERS, KAIFONGS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), TO COLLECT VIEWS ON THE WHITE PAPER ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD WILL ORGANISE A SEMINAR TOMORROW AT 8 PM IN THE HENRY G. LEONG COMMUNITY CENTRE. RESIDENTS, MEMBERS OF THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND AND EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS.
THE SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE OF YAU MA TEI WILL DISCUSS THE DOCUMENT AT THEIR MEETING ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 19) AT 3 PM IN THE FOUR SEASONS SUITE OF THE NEW WORLD HOTEL. THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG WILL SIT IN AT THE MEETING. COMMENTS FROM THE SCHOOL PRINCIPALS WILL THEN BE FORWARDED TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE.
/the boahd
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
- 24 -
THE BOARD WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE WHITE PAPER AT THEIR REGULAR MEETING ON OCTOBER 26 (FRIDAY), STARTING AT 3 PM.
IN MONG KOK, BOARD MEMBERS HAVE ARRANGED A JOINT MEETING WITH THE FIVE AREA COMMITTEES ON OCTOBER 29, AT THE CHAN HING SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRE TO COLLECT VIEWS FROM THEIR MEMBERS. THIS WILL START AT 8 PM.
PRIOR TO THE JOINT MEETING, THE FIVE AREA .COMMITTEES WILL ARRANGE SEPARATE SEMINARS ON THE FOLLOWING DATES AND VENUES:
NORTH (AC) ST. MARGARET GIRL’S COLLEGE,
LAI CHI KOK ROAD
SOUTH (AC) HONG KONG VERNACULAR NORMAL SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOOL,
SAI YEE STREET
EAST (AC) MONG KOK CHURCH,
BUTT STREET
WEST (AC) SHARON LUTHERAN CHURCH
PRIMARY SCHOOL,
CHERRY STREET
TAI KOK KEI CHUEN PRIMARY SCHOOL, TSUI
TAI KOK TSUI
OCTOBER 19, FRIDAY
8 PM
OCTOBER 21, SUNDAY
10 AM
OCTOBER 18, THURSDAY
8 PM
OCTOBER 24, WEDNESDAY
8 PM
OCTOBER 18, THURSDAY
8 PM
AFTER COLLECTING THE VIEWS, THE DB MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE WHITE PAPER AT A SPECIAL MEETING ON NOVEMBER 8 AT THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, AT 3 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE MEETINGS.
- - - -
/25 .......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
- 25 -
AREA GROUPS TO DISCUSS WHITE PAPER III
TEN AREA COMMITTEES IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT WILL HOLD JOINT FEET INGS, ON A SUB-DISTRICT BASIS, OVER THE NEXT TWO WEEKS TO DISCUSS THE WHITE PAPER ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LUI HAU-TUEN, WILL BE PRESENT AT THE THREE MEETINGS TO EXPLAIN VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE WHITE PAPER TO AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), THE AREA COMMITTEES OF CAUSEWAY BAY NORTH, CAUSEWAY BAY SOUTH, NORTH POINT WEST AND NORTH POINT EAST WILL MEET AT 8 PM IN THE HONG KONG VICTORIA KINDERGARTEN AT 32-36, HING FAT STREET, CAUSEWAY BAY.
ON OCTOBER 22 (MONDAY) THE AREA COMMITTEES OF QUARRY BAY, SHAU KEI WAN SOUTH, SHAU KEI WAN EAST, AND SHAU KEI WAN WEST WILL FEET AT 6 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE FIRST FLOOR, 880-886, KING’S ROAD.
THE CHAI WAN NORTH AND CHAI WAN SOUTH AREA COMMITTEES WILL BE MEETING ON NOVEMBER 2 AT 8 PM IN YUE WAN COMMUNITY HALL, YUE WAN ESTATE, CHAI WAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE JOINT MEETINGS OF THE AREA COMMITTEES.
- - - - 0----------
RICHLAND GARDENS OFFER DRAWS THOUSANDS X X X X X
THE HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN WAS TODAY SWARMED WITH THOUSANDS OF ASPIRING HOME-OWNERS WHO WENT THERE ON THE FIRST DAY OF APPLICATION TO COLLECT APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE PSPS RICHLAND GARDENS FLATS ON SALE UNDER PHASE VIB OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.
+UP TO 7 PM TODAY, MORE THAN 25 000 APPLICATION FORMS, OF WHICH ABOUT TWO-THIRDS ARE WHITE FORMS FOR PRIVATE SECTOR APPLICANTS, HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED ALONE AT THE CENTRE,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
HE SAID SEVERAL THOUSAND MORE FORMS WERE ALSO PICKED UP AT OTHER OUTLETS, INCLUDING THE APPLICATIONS SECTION OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, HOUSING AUTHORITY AND HOUSING SOCIETY ESTATE OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES AS WELL AS AT A NUMBER OF MINI EXHIBITIONS ON RICHLAND GARDENS BEING STAGED AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS.
/♦COPIES OF........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
26
+COPIES OF A SALES BROCHURE AND A GUIDE TO THE HOS PHASE VIB ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRE WHICH IS OPEN TILL 7 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM ON SUNDAYS.*
IN VIEW OF SOME 40 000 PEOPLE HAVING VISITED THE SAMPLE FLATS AT RICHLAND GARDENS OVER THE LAST SIX DAYS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THEIR OPENING HOURS BETWEEN MONDAYS AND FRIDAYS WOULD, FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), BE CHANGED TO 10 AM - 5.30 PM, INSTEAD OF 1 PM -
6.30 PM.
+THE OPENING HOURS FOR SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS WILL, HOWEVER, REMAIN UNCHANGED,* HE ADDED.
THE FIRST BATCH OF RICHLAND GARDENS FLATS ON SALE UNDER THE CURRENT EXERCISE INCLUDE 2 688 FLATS ON BLOCKS 1-10.
THEIR PRICES RANGE FROM $188 300 TO $337 000 EACH, WITH GROSS AREAS BETWEEN 43.7 AND 57.9 SQUARE METRES.
APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON OCTOBER 30 AND A PUBLIC BALLOT WILL BE HELD NEXT MONTH TO DECIDE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS.
MP LOOKS OVER KWUN TONG HOUSING * * *
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, MR GORDON BAGIER AND HIS WIFE THIS MORNING TOURED KWUN TONG TO SEE VARIOUS TYPES OF HOUSING IN THE DISTRICT.
THEY WERE ALSO BRIEFED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK, ON OTHER DEVELOPMENT IN KWUN TONG.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICERS, MISS SANDRA LEE AND MR CLAYMON LAI, THE PARTY VISITED AN OLD-TYPE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN SAU MAU PING, FROM WHERE MR AND MRS BAGIER HAD A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE DISTRICT. THEY ALSO VISITED THE RECENTLY BUILT KAI YIP ESTATE.
AT KAI YIP ESTATE, THEY VISITED A CENTRE AND HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY.
APART FROM PUBLIC HOUSING, MR AND MRS BAGIER ALSO VISITED A SQUATTER AREA IN ON LOK VILLAGE AND WERE SHOWN SOME IMPROVEMENT WORKS FUNDED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
IN KAM KUK VILLAGE, THEY VISITED A MORNING WALK TRAIL WHICH HAD BEEN RECENTLY COMPLETED FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
THIS MORNING’S VISIT WAS CONCLUDED BY A MEETING WITH THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD.
-----o-----
/27 .......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
- 27 -
THREE MP’S TO MEET PRESS DURING WEEK * * * *
THREE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT WILL BE MEETING THE NEWS MEDIA THIS WEEK, IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, 5TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) LABOUR MP, MR GORDON BAGIER, WILL BE GIVING A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 3 PM.
ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 18) CONSERVATIVE MP, MR MICHAEL MARSHALL, WILL MEET THE PRESS AT 4.30 PM.
AND ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 20) SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC MP, MR CHARLES KENNEDY, WILL BE HOLDING A PRESS CONFERENCE, STARTING AT 11 AM.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCES.
------o-------
FIVE NT SITES OFFERED FOR LETTERS A/B * * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM REGISTERED OWNERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS (LETTERS A AND B) FOR FIVE SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THREE OF THE SITES ARE IN YUEN LONG, AND THE OTHERS IN TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN.
THE YUEN LONG SITES ARE AT SAI CHING STREET (6 197 SQ.M.), KIN TAK STREET (429.9 SQ.M.), AND MA TIN ROAD (4 350 SQ.M.). THE FIRST TWO SITES ARE FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL USE, EXCLUDING GODOWN PURPOSES, WHILE THE THIRD IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL USE.
THE NEXT SITE, MEASURING 2 690 SQUARE METRES, PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN. IT IS FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL BUT HOTEL USES.
IS AT CASTLE GODOWN AND
THE LAST PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SITE IS AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN. IT COVERS 3 875 SQUARE METRES.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE AT NOON ON OCTOBER 19.
-------0 ---------
/28
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
28
MUSIC OFFER FOR YOUNG PEOPLE * * *
YOUNG HONG KONG MUSICIANS ARE BEING OFFERED AN OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN AN ORCHESTRA, BAND OR CHOIR.
THEY ARE BEING INVITED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT TO JOIN ITS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, SYMPHONIC BAND, CHINESE ORCHESTRA, REGIONAL STRING ORCHESTRA, DISTRICT CHINESE ORCHESTRA, DISTRICT SYMPHONIC BAND, YOUTH CHOIR OR CHINESE FOLK SINGING CHILDREN’S ENSEMBLE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE SAID TODAY THAT APPLICANTS FOR ORCHESTRA OR BAND 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 ORCHESTRA SHOULD HAVE GOOD PERFORMANCE SKILL IN ONE OR MORE CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. APPLICANTS 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-SINGING AND INTERESTED IN STANDARD CHOIR REPERTOIRE.
CHILDREN INTERESTED IN CHINESE FOLK SONGS AND BETWEEN THE AGES OF EIGHT AND 12 ARE WELCOME TO APPLY FOR THE CHINESE FOLK SINGING CHILDREN’S ENSEMBLE.
AN AUDITION WILL BE ARRANGED FOR QUALIFIED APPLICANTS AT A LATER DATE.
APPLICATIONS BY STUDENTS OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS MUST BE ENDORSED BY THEIR RESPECTIVE SCHOOL AUTHORITIES.
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, ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 31.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE BY CALLING TEL. NO. : 3-7226240.
--------0 - -------
/29........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
29
SPREADING THE ROAD-SAFETY MESSAGE
III
A PROMOTIONAL DOUBLE-DECKER BUS WILL TOUR KOWLOON CITY TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO PUT ACROSS THE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE TO RESIDENTS.
JINGLES AND TAPED MESSAGES WILL BE BROADCAST AS THE BUS MAKES ITS JOURNEY, STOPPING AT BUSY CROSSROADS OF HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, HO MAN TIN AND KOWLOON CITY TO DISTRIBUTE SOUVENIRS AND POSTERS TO PASSERS-BY.
A SEND-OFF CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 12 NOON TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN FRONT OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE IN KAU PUI LUNG ROAD.
CHAIRMAN OF THE KOWLOON CITY ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, MR WONG WING-BIU AND THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, NR CLEMENT CHEUNG WILL OFFICIATE.
-----o------
MORE ROADS FOR YUEN LONG * * *
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WILL BE CONSTRUCTING A 500-METRE LONG DUAL CARRIAGEWAY ROAD ALONG THE NORTH-WESTERN BOUNDARY OF LONG PING ESTATE, AND A 250-METRE LONG SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY ROAD ALONG ITS SOUTH-WESTERN BOUNDARY, IN YUEN LONG.
THE EXISTING 400-METRE LONG SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY ROAD LEADING TO YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WILL BE WIDENED TO DUAL CARRIAGEWAY.
CYCLE TRACKS AND FOOTPATHS WILL BE PROVIDED ON THE ROADS, WHICH. WHEN COMPLETED, WILL IMPROVE ACCESS TO YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, AND EVENTUALLY BE PART OF A LINK TO THE PLANNED TIN SHU I WAI DEVELOPMENT.
THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES CONSTRUCTING A SEWAGE PUMPING STATION AND LAYING A SEWAGE MAIN TO SERVE LONG PING ESTATE AND THE ADJACENT AREAS, AS WELL AS WORKS ON AN AMENITY AREA AT PAU CHEONG SQUARE.
THE PROJECT WILL COST ABOUT 520 MILLION AND TAKE ABOUT 17 MONTHo TO COMPLETE.
--------o----------
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1984
STAGE LIGHTING FOR NEW SCHOOL X * * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF STAGE LIGHT NG ru ------------------- _ . GQVERNMENT SEConDARY SCHOOL BEING
AND CURTAIN EQUIPMENT AT A BUILT AT TAI PO.
THE SCHOOL THE RECLAMATION
IS LOCATED ON A 9 261-SQUARE-METRE SITE ON OFF TAI PO OLD MARKET.
APART FROM THE NORMAL ENLARGED SCHOOL HALL WHICH AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR
TEACHING FACILITIES, THERE IS AN
CAN BE USED FOR BOTH SCHOOL FUNCTIONS THE PUBLIC IN THE DISTRICT.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE NOON ON NOVEMBER 9.
----0-----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL. 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 198U
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS, PURCHASES ...................... 1
FORUMS TO COLLECT VIEWS ON WHITE PAPER ........................ 3
BOARD TO DISCUSS CORRIDOR BUS FARES ..........................■ 5
NEW OFFICES BRING MORE RECREATION TO NT ....................... 5
REGIONAL COUNCIL TO BE DISCUSSED .............................. 6
MP'S TO VISIT HONG KONG ....................................... 7
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE CLOSED ............................... 7
CLEANSING SCHEME EXPANDING .................................... 8
GAMES TO PROMOTE DISTRICT SPIRIT .............................. 8
BOaRD TO CONSIDER RESITING MARKET STALLS ...................... 10
PROHIBITED ZONES .............................................. 1°
KENNEDY TOWN TRAFFIC PLAN ..................................... 11
YUEN LONG HOLDING SPORTS FORTNIGHT............................. 11
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1984
1
SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS, PURCHASES
******
THE VALUES OF TOTAL RECEIPTS AND TOTAL PURCHASES OF THE ENTIRE RESTAURANT SECTOR IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1984 WERE ESTIMATED TO BE $4 225 MILLION AND $1 905 MILLION RESPECTIVELY, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1983, TOTAL RECEIPTS INCREASED BY 17 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS OR BY 9 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS, WHILE TOTAL PURCHASES ROSE BY 24 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS.
COMPARED WITH THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1984, HOWEVER, TOTAL RECEIPTS AND TOTAL PURCHASES EACH DECLINED BY 5 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS. THE VOLUME OF TOTAL RECEIPTS DECLINED BY 6 PER CENT.
ANALYSED BY TYPE OF RESTAURANT, CHINESE RESTAURANTS SHOWED THE LARGEST INCREASE OF 20 PER CENT IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS, FOLLOWED BY FAST FOOD SHOPS (15 PER CENT), NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS (11 PER CENT), OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES (8 PER CENT) AND BARS (5 PER CENT) WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1983.
IN TERMS OF THE VOLUME OF RECEIPTS, CHINESE RESTAURANTS AGAIN RECORDED THE LARGEST INCREASE OF 12 PER CENT, FOLLOWED BY BARS (5 PER CENT), AND NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS AND FAST FOOD SHOPS (EACH OF 4 PER CENT). TOTAL RECEIPTS OF OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES, HOWEVER, DECLINED MARGINALLY BY 2 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER, OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES (COMPRISING HERB TEA SHOPS, CREAMERIES AND OUTLcTj SELLING BEAN CURD JELLY, ETC.) RECORDED THE LARGEST INCREASE IN TOTAL RECEIPTS OF 18 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS OR 15 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS. WHILE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF FAST FOOD SHOPS ROSE BY 15 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS OR BY 14 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS, THOSE OF NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. CHINESE RESTAURANTS AND BARS, ON THE OTHER HAND, RECORDED DECREASES OF 10 PER CENT AND 8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS. THEIR RESPECTIVE IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL RECEIPTS WERE THE SAME, EACH
DECREASES AT 10 PER
CENT.
THE FIGURES PRESENTED IN THE TABLE BELOW INCLUDE:
(A) THE REVISED FIGURES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1984 FOR TOTAL RECEIPTS AND TOTAL PURCHASES OF THt ENTIRt RESTAURANT SECTOR 5
/(B) IKS VALUE.........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1984
2 -
(B) THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR EACH TYPE OF RESTAURANT AND THE ENTIRE RESTAURANT SECTOR FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1984 (WITH THE QUARTERLY AVERAGE OF 1982 TAKEN AS 1OO)| AND
(C) THE COMPARISON OF THE SURVEY RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1984 AND THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1983.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS PREPARING A REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1984.
THE REPORT WILL BE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG AT $1 PER COPY. ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE/RETA IL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TEL. NO. : 3-7216024.
1ST QTR. 1984 2ND QTR. 1984 (REVISED FIGURES (PROVISIONAL FIGURES IN HK3 MILLION) IN HKS MILLION)
TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS 4 461 4 225
TOTAL RESTAURANT PURCHASES 2 015 1 905
VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS FOR 1ST QUARTER 1984 AND 2ND QUARTER 1984
(QUARTERLY AVERAGE OF 1982 = 100)
INDEX OF TOTAL 1ST QTR. 2ND QTR. 2ND QTR. 2ND QTR.
TYPE OF RESTAU- 1984 1984 1984 1984
RESTAU- RANT COMPARED COMPARED a 1 TH
RANT RECEIPTS 1ST QTR. 1984 1983
(REVISED (PROVI- POINTS % POINTS %
F IGURES) SIONAL F IGURES)
CHINESE RESTAU- VALUE 121 109 -12 -10 +18 +20
RANTS VOLUME 107 96 -11 -10 +11 +12
/NON-CHINESE RESTAURANT
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1984
- 3 -
NON- CHINESE VALUE 116 121 + 5 + 5 + 12 + 11
RESTAURANT VOLUME 102 105 + 4 + 3 + 4 + 4
FAST FOOD VALUE 114 131 +17 + 15 +17 + 15
SHOPS VOLUME 99 113 +14 + 14 + 4 + 4
BARS VALUE 132 93 - 8 - 8 + 4 + 5
VOLUME 90 81 - 9 -10 + 4 + 5
OTHER EATING VALUE 100 118 + 18 + 18 + 9 + 8
AND DR INK ING PLACES VOLUME 89 102 +13 + 15 - 2 - 2
ENTIRE RESTAU- VALUE 119 112 - 6 - 5 +17 +17
RANT SECTOR VOLUME 105 98 - 7 - 6 + 9 + 9
NOTE : F IGURES DENOTING CHANGES ARE DERIVED FROM UNROUNDED
F IGURES.
-------o---------
FORUMS TO COLLECT VIEWS ON WHITE PAPER
* X * *
A SERIES OF FORUMS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED IN KWUN TONG FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE WHITE PAPER ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
INITIATED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, THE FIRST OF THE SIXNORUMS WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 19).
MEMBERS OF AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO THE FORUMS, WHILE LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE ALSO WELCOME TO TAKE PART.
BOARD MEMBERS WILL ATTEND THE FORUMS TO COLLECT RESIDENTS’ VIEWS, WHICH THEY WILL REFLECT AT THE BOARD MEETING ON OCTOBER 2^.
/MEANWHILE, .......
WELNESDAY, OCTOBER',17, 1984
4 -
MEANWHILE, SPECIAL COUNTERS, SET UP IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS FIVE SUB-OFFICES TO COLLECT VIEWS ON THE WHITE PAPER, ARE STILL IN OPERATION.
ALL THE VIEWS COLLECTED WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE ASSESSMENT OFF ICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FOLLOWING SIX AREA FORUMS IN
KWUN TONG:
LAM TIN OCTOBER 19 (FRIDAY) 8.30 PM LAM TIN (EAST) COMMUNITY CENTRE, KAI TIN STREET, LAM TIN
SAU MAU PING OCTOBER 20 (SATURDAY) 8.30 PM SAU MAU PING (CENTRAL) COMMUNITY CENTRE, SAU MING ROAD, SAU MAU PING
SHUN LEE AND SHUN ON OCTOBER 24 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 PM SHUN LEE COMMUNITY CENTRE, 2 SHUN CHI STREET
YAU TONG AND SZE SHAN OCTOBER 25 (THURSDAY) 8.30 PM HO CHING PR IMARY SCHOOL, YAU WING STREET, YAU TONG ESTATE
INDUSTRIAL AREA, TOWN CENTRE, TING HONG, AND TSUI PING OCTOBER 26 (FR IDAY) 8 PM DELIA MEMORIAl SCHOOL, 19 YUET WAH STREET
NGAU TAU KOK OCTOBER 26 (FR IDAY) 8.30 PM TELFORD COMMUNITY CENTRE, TELFORD GARDENS, KOWLOON BAY
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/5
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1934
5
BOARD TO DISCUSS CORRIDOR BUS FARES « * » X »
THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONSIDER THE LATEST PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR BUS FARE STRUCTURE, AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18) AFTERNOON.
AT THE MEETING, THE BOARD WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO ENDORSE THE VIEWS OF THE +UNOFFICIALS 1997 WORKING GROUP+ ON THE WHITE PAPER ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT WORKS PROGRAMME, WHICH GIVES A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT OF THE POPULATION GROWTH, LAND AVAILABILITY, AND THE PROVISION OF MAJOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT WILL BE MADE KNOWN FOR MEMBERS’ INFORMATION.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE THE RESITING OF HAWKERS IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO FOOTBRIDGES ACROSS KING’S ROAD IN QUARRY BAY ; PLACE NAMES IN THE DISTRICT; AND LAND USE FOR THE RECLAIMED LAND BETWEEN TAIKOO SHING SEA FRONT TOWERS, ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR AND THE SAI WAN HO FERRY PIER.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 1ST FLOOR, 880-886, KING’S ROAD.
- - 0 - -
NEW OFFICES BRING MORE RECREATION TO NT * * *
TWO NEW OFFICES OF THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT WERE OPENED TODAY IN YUEN LONG AND NORTH DISTRICT BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, l*R PATR ICK WILL IAMSON.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE YUEN LONG OFFICE, MR WILLIAMSON SAID LOCAL RESIDENTS WOULD FIND IT MORE CONVENIENT TO VISIT THE PLACE AND COULD BECOME MORE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN ITS VARIOUS ACTIVITIES.
/AMONG THE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1984
6
AMONG THE OFFICIATING GUESTS WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE, MR TANG TAK-KAU THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT’S SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR CHIU YUK-CHUEN AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LOCAL ARTS COMMITTEE, MR TANG SIU-TONG.
ALSO PRESENT WERE ABOUT 2OO COMMUNITY LEADERS REPRESENTING THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD, VARIOUS RURAL COMMITTEES AND AREA COMMITTEES.
THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE WAS OPENED LATER IN THE AFTERNOON BY MR WILLIAMSON AND THE CHAIRMAN OF NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE, MR CHONG KAM-NING.
+OUR WORK IN PROMOTING RECREATION AND SPORT WILL CONTINUE TO COUNT ON THE SUPPORT OF COMMUNITY LEADERS,* MR WILLIAMSON SAID IN HIS WELCOMING ADDRESS.
THE YUEN LONG OFFICE IS LOCATED ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE AND THE NORTH OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR AT 170 JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, SHEUNG SHU I.
A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES, RANGING FROM FITNESS CLASSES, BADMINTON COURSES AND YOGA TO CHILDREN’S DANCE AND SPORTS SCHEMES ARE BEING ORGANISED BY THE TWO OFFICES FOR RESIDENTS CF THEIR DISTRICTS.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 0-784342 (YUEN LONG OFFICE) OR AT 0-925529 (NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE).
-----o------
REGIONAL COUNCIL TO BE DISCUSSED
* * * * *
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE REGIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
A PAPER LISTING THE PROPOSED CONSTITUTION, ORGANISATION AND FUNCTION OF THE NEW COUNCIL WILL BE TABLED FOR DISCUSSION.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS OF VARIOUS BOARD COMMITTEES AND THE BIMONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 9 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO. YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE MEETING.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1^84
7
MP’S TO VISIT HONG KONG * * *
TWO CONSERVATIVE MPS, MR NEVILLE TROTTER AND MR ROBERT HARVEY WILL ARRIVE IN THE NEXT F^W DAYS FOR A VISIT. MR TROTTER IS FLYING IN TOMORROW (THURSDAY) MORNING AND MR HARVEY ON SATURDAY.
DURING THEIR STAY, THEY WILL MEET A CROSS-SECTION OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT HONG KONG.
THEY WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON OCTOBER 27 AND DEPART THE FOLLOWING DAY.
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE CLOSED * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE ROOF OVER THE THIRD MAIDSTONE LANE, KOWLOON WOULD BE CLOSED.
DECLARED THAT THE FLOOR OF 5 AND 7
THE CLOSURE IS TO ENABLE DEMOLITION WORK ON THE STRUCTURES TO BE CARRIED OUT WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS OR THE PUBLIC.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS MORNING, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THE STRUCTURES ERECTED THERE WERE ILLEGAL AND REQUIRED TO BE DEMOLISHED UNDER ORDERS SERVED dY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY ON THE OWNERS.
+THESE ORDERS HAD NOT BEEN COMPLIED WITH AND IT WAS NOW NECESSARY FOR THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO CARRY OUT THE DEMOLITION
WORK
IN THE OWNER’S DEFAULT,+ HE SAID.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN HONG KONG VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM, NOVEMBER 14, 1984 WERE POSTED TODAY.
/8........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1984
- 8 -CLEANSING SCHEME EXPANDING * * * *
THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL EXTEND ITS CONTRACT SCHEME ON CLEANSING TO SHEK WU HU I IN NORTH DISTRICT.
THE CONTRACT IS FOR ONE YEAR, STARTING NOVEMBER 1, AND WILL BE SIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JOHN HEYWOOD, AT THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 19).
THE AREA HAD BEEN CHOSEN ON THE BASIS OF ITS SIZE, LOCATION AND RESOURCES, AN NTSD SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THE SCHEME AIMS TO PROVIDE MORE COST-EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT CLEANSING SERVICES,* HE SAID.
THE CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL CLEANSING DUTIES CURRENTLY UNDERTAKEN BY NTSD STAFF AT SHEK WU HUI.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE (AUSTIN CENTRE), 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI, ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 19) AT 2.30 PM.
INFORMATION OFFICERS OF THE NTSD WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
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GAMES TO PROMOTE DISTRICT SPIRIT X * * * * *
ONE OF THE MOST ELABORATE AND EXCITING EVENTS ORGANISED TH Id YEAR TO PROMOTE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATUKuvY (OCTOBER 20) WITH THE START OF THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF INTERDISTRICT TELEMATCH GAMES.
TEAMS FROM THE 18 DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY wILL BE COMPETING FOR TOP HONOURS IN THE SERIES OF WEEKLY TELEMATCHES DURING THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
THE TELEMATCH GAMES WILL HIGHLIGHT A TELEVISION DOCUMENTARY SERIES ENTITLED ’INTER-DISTRICT GAMES SHOw’, JOINTLY PRODUCcD BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE 18 DISTRICT OFFICES.
/A SPOKESMAN .........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 19&A
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY THAT THE AIM IS TO PROMOTE DISTRICT SPIRIT AND TO PUBLICISE THE ROLE OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS.
+THE TELEVISION PROGRAMME WILL BE SCREENED IN 13 EPISODES AT THE END OF THIS YEAR, TO TIE IN WITH THE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN FOR THE COMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.+ HE SAID.
TEAMS FROM WAN CHAI AND SOUTHERN DISTRICTS WILL BE THE FIRST TO COMPETE IN THE INTER-DISTRICT TELEMATCH GAMES THIS SATURDAY (OCTOBER 20) AT 2.30 PM IN THE WONG CHUK HANG SPORTS GROUND.
THE TWO TEAMS WILL COMPETE IN THREE TELEMATCH EVENTS IN THE GAME TWO OF WHICH ARE DESIGNED WITH THEMES RELATING TO LOCAL CHARACTERISTICS OF EACH PARTICIPATING DISTRICT. THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT WILL FEATURE THE +BIG BUDDHA MOUTH+ WHILE SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL ADOPT A THEME REPRESENTING THE LIVELIHOOD OF THE BOAT PEOPLE OF ABERDEEN.
ALL TEAMS WILL HAVE THEIR OWN CHEERLEADERS WHOSE PERFORMANCES WILL BE JUDGED AS PART OF THE COMPETITION.
+WE HOPE TO CREATE A DEEPER SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG PARTICIPANTS AND CONTESTANTS ALIKE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE GAMES, AND MAY OBTAIN TICKETS FOR THEM FROM THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT OFFICES THE WEEK PRECEDING EACH SHOW.
FOLLOWING IS THE SCHEDULE FOR COMPETITION:
DATE DISTR ICT VENUE
OCT 27 YAU MA TEI VS SHAM SHU 1 PO KOWLOON PARK
NOV 3 SHA TIN VS SAI KUNG KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GHOc
NOV 10 CENTRAL AND WESTERN VS VICTORIA PARK
EASTERN
NOV 17 KOWLOON CITY VS WONG TAI SIN KOWLOON PARK
DEC 1 MONG KOK VS KWUN TONG KOWLOON PARK
DEC 15 TAI PO VS YUEN LONG KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GRJJuJ
JAN 5 NORTH VS ISLANDS KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUNJ
JAN 12 TUEN MUN VS TSUEN WAN KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUNJ
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/10........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1984 '
10
BOARD TO CONSIDER RESITING MARKET STALLS 140*
A PROPOSAL TO RESITE MARKET STALLS IN THE EXISTING FA YUEN STREET MARKET AND HAWKER BAZAAR WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE RESITING EXERCISE WILL MAKE WAY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE URBAN COUNCIL FA YUEN STREET COMPLEX, AND WILL INCLUDE THE RE-ORDERING OF THE HAWKERS NOW OPERATING IN THE SECTION OF FA YUEN STREET, BETWEEN MONG KOK ROAD AND NULLAH STREET.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BRIEF BOARD MEMBERS ON THE HAWKER SITUATION IN MONG KOK.
MEMBERS’ AGREEMENT WILL ALSO BE SOUGHT TO ALLOCATE $130 000 TO IMPLEMENT AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AT THE JUNCTION OF NATHAN ROAD AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A REVIEW OF THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS, THE APPLICATION OF FUNDS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS, CHECKLISTS OF COMPLAINTS LODGED WITH THE BOARD AND PROGRESS REPORTS OF VARIOUS COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE 14TH MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD FETING TO BE HELD AT THE 1ST FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE AT 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 3 PM.
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PROHIBITED ZONES
THE NEW LINK ROAD LINKING SHEK PAI STREET AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE DESIGNATED A PROHIBITED ZONE TO ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 19).
FROM THE SAME DAY, THE NEW TSUEN WAN FERRY BUS TERMINUS WILL BE DESIGNATED A PROHIBITED ZONE. ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND THOSE WITH PERMITS, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE TERMINUS.
AND ALL LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING FROM GASCOIGNE ROAD TO METHODIST COLLEGE.
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/11........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1984
11
KENNEDY TOWN TRAFFIC PLAN * * *
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IN FORCE IN KENNEDY TOWN FOR ABOUT NINE WEEKS FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 19), TO FACILITATE TRAM TRACK WORK AT DES VOEUX ROAD WEST.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, ALL VEHICLES ^E^T FRANCHISED BUSES will RF BANNED FROM TURNING LEFT FROM DES VOEUX ROAD WebI> WESTBOUND INTOQUEEN'S ROAD WEST, EASTBOUND, OR TURNING RIGHT FROM BELCHER’S STREET WESTBOUND INTO COLLINSON STREET.
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YUEN LONG HOLDING SPORTS FORTNIGHT X * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR JONES, WILL OFF ICIATE SPORTS FORTNIGHT AT 4 STADIUM, KAU YUK ROAD.
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE YUEN LONG PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE YUEN LONG
FOLLOWING THE OPENING CEREMONY, FOOTBALL MATCH BETWEEN FIRST DIVISION
THERE WILL BE CLUBS SOUTH
A DEMONSTRATION CHINA AND SE IKO.
ABOUT 5 000 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE OPENING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AND THE FOOTBALL MATCH.
A GOVERNMENT VAN AM5797 WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 3 PM SHARP TO TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO YUEN LONG.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.’HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
SUFFICIENT DETAILS PROVIDED FOR HK'S SYSTEMS — SIR PHILIP 1
FIRM BASE FOR HK TO MOVE AHEAD - AG SAYS ................. 4
LAND ISSUES WILL NOT AFFECT FISCAL POLICY — SIR JOHN .... 7
CONFIDENCE EXPRESSED IN SAR PASSPORT ..................... 9
'SOUND BASIS FOR LAND POLICY DEVELOPMENT1 ................ 11
EEARS, WORRIES RESPONSIBLY REFLECTED, LOBO SAYS........... 12
MORE VIEWS ON WHITE PAPER.................................... 14
HK CONTINUES FIGHT AGAINST U.S. ORIGIN RULES ................ 14
300 NEW CAS RECRUITS TO PARADE............................... 15
YUEN LONG SPORTS FORTNIGHT STARTS ........................... 1$
STATISTICS ON ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL OUT .... 17
ROAD SAFETY DAY IN TAI PO ................................... 20
FOUR-STOREY SPORTS CENTRE FOR POLICE ........................
ENTRIES INVITED FOR SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL .................. 21
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1934
- 1 -
SUFFICIENT DETAILS PROVIDED FOR HK’S SYSTEMS -- SIR PHILIP
*****
THE SINO-BRITISH DRAFT AGREEMENT PROVIDED IN SUFFICIENT DETAIL AND IN FAMILIAR LANGUAGE FOR CONTINUITY OF HONG KONG’S SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, FINANCIAL, MONETARY, LEGAL, JUDICIAL AND OTHER SYSTEMS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION ON THE DRAFT AGREEMENT, SIR PHILIP SAID, +AND IT CONTAINS A BINDING COMMITMENT ON THE PART CF BOTH THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS TO IMPLEMENT ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT.+
THE GREAT MAJORITY OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS HAD SEEN THE AGREEMENT IN THIS LIGHT, HE SAID, ADDING THAT RESERVATIONS HAD BEEN EXPRESSED ABOUT PARTICULAR POINTS AND THIS WAS ENTIRELY NATURAL.
♦AS YOU, SIR, HAVE RECOGNISED, IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE AN AGREEMENT WHICH WAS REGARDED AS COMPLETELY SATISFACTORY BY ALL THOSE WHOM IT AFFECTS,+ HE SAID.
SIR PHILIP SAID HE RESPECTED THE HON JOHN SWA INE’S AND THE HON K.C. CHAN’S PROFOUND SINCERITY IN CONCLUDING THAT THEIR RESERVATIONS WERE SUCH THAT THEY COULD NOT COMMEND THE DRAFT AGREEMENT.
♦ BUT I CANNOT AGREE WITH MR SWAINE THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT DID NOT DO EVERYTHING IN THEIR POWER FOR HONG KONG DURING THE COURSE OF THE NEGOTIATIONS.
♦THOSE NEGOTIATIONS WERE PROTRACTED AND INTENSIVE. THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO THEM, AND TO THE TASK OF ACHIEVING THE BEST POSSIBLE SET OF ARRANGEMENTS FOR HONG KONG, IS AMPLY DEMONSTRATED BY THE CLOSE PERSONAL ATTENTION WHICH THE PRIME MINISTER, THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND OTHER MINISTERS DEVOTED TO THE TALKS AT EVERY STAGE DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS.
♦THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT’S EFFORTS ON HONG KONG’S BEHALF WERE FULLY RECOGNISED BY EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AS EVIDENCED BY THEIR ADVICE THAT THE DRAFT AGREEMENT SHOULD BE INITIALLED AND COMMENDED TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,+ SIR PHILIP SAID.
ON THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT’S CONCEPT OF +ONE COUNTRY, TwO SYSTEMS+, HE CONCEDED THIS WAS A +UNIQUE AND UNTRIED* CONCEPT.
♦BUT, AS MR PETER WONG ARGUED, THE UNTRIED IS NOT NECESSARILY UNRELIABLE AND, AS MR S.L. CHEN SAID, THE CONVICTION AND COMMITMENT CF THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP TO THIS CONCEPT IS, IN ITSELF, GROUNDS FOR CONFIDENCE.
+HONG KONG IS A UNIQUE PLACE WHOSE SOCIAL STRUCTURE AND GROWTH MOMENTUM ARE PRODUCTS OF A UNIQUE COMBINATION OF CIRCUMSTANCES.
/♦IT IS........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1984
2
+IT IS NO SURPRISE TO ME, THEREFORE, THAT THE TWO GOVERNMENTS SHOULD HAVE FOUND A UNIQUE WAY OF ENSURING HONG KONG’S CONTINUED SOCIAL STABILITY AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY,* SIR PHILIP STATED.
REFERRING TO QUESTIONS RAISED ON THE FUTURE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT BY THE HON WONG LAM, THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG AND THE HON SELINA CHOW, HE SAID.
♦I WOULD SAY ONLY THAT THE AGREEMENT LAYS DOWN THE ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE FUTURE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG. IT PROVIDES A FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH THAT STRUCTURE WILL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO DEVELOP AS THE YEARS PROGRESS.
+1 ENTIRELY AGREE WITH MISS (LYDIA) DUNN’S AND MR ALLEN LEE’S VIEW THAT WE WILL NEED TO ERECT A SUITABLE (I.E. A CREDIBLE AND vitw imai wc il. -------------- pRESENT STRgcTURE well BEFORE
REPLACE
ACCEPTABLE) STRUCTURE TO 1997.
+THAT NEW STRUCTURE MUST BE AT LEAST AS OPERATIONALLY EFFICIENT AS THE PRESENT STRUCTURE AND THE AIM SHOULD BE TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH TRANSITION THROUGH HONG KONG’S CHANGE OF STATUS IN 1997,+ SIR PH IL IP SAID.
ON PUBLIC SERVICE, THE DRAFT AGREEMENT PROVIDED IN CONSIDERABLE DETAIL FOR CONTINUITY IN THIS +VITAL AREA+.
SIR PHILIP POINTED OUT THAT IT CONTAINED THE PROVISION THAT +HONG KONG’S PREVIOUS SYSTEM OF RECRUITMENT, EMPLOYMENT, ASSESSMENT, DISCIPLINE, TRAINING AND MANAGEMENT FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE (INCLUDING SPECIAL BODIES FOR APPOINTMENT, PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE)
SHALL ..... BE MAINTAINED.*
IT ALSO CONTAINED THE PROVISION THAT +THE APPOINTMENT AND PROMOTION OF PUBLIC SERVANTS SHALL BE ON THE BASIS OF QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITY*.
ON THE HON PETER WONG’S REFERENCE TO THE CAREER PROSPECTS OF SOME EXPATRIATE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE, SIR PHILIP ASSURED THESE MEMBERS THAT THEIR SPECIAL CONCERNS WERE UNDERSTOOD AND WOULD BE RECOGNISED.
ON THE VOLUNTARY AND SUBVENTED SECTORS. PARTICULARLY IN THE FIELDS OF EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE, HE SAID, +WHILE IT IS TRUE THAT THESE AGENCIES, AND THOSE WHO WORK IN THEM, ARE NOT SPECIFICALLY MENTIONED IN THE DRAFT AGREEMENT, I THINK MEMBERS WILL RECOGNISE THAT THE AGREEMENT COULD NOT DEAL IN DETAIL WITH EVERY ASPECT OF OUR COMPLEX SOCIETY,
+BUT PROVISION IS MADE FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF PREVAILING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS AND ALSO, AS STATED IN SECTION V OF ANNEX 1, FOR THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION TO ’DEAL ON ITS OWN WITH FINANCIAL MATTERS, INCLUDING DISPOSING CF ITS FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND DRAWING UP ITS BUDGETS AND FINAL ACCOUNTS’.* HE POINTED OUT.
/SOME UNOFFICIAL .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1984
SOME UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, HE SAID, REFERRED TO THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP TO BE ESTABLISHED AFTER THE ENTRY INTO FORCE
CF THE AGREEMENT.
THE HON CHAN YING-LUN HAD STRESSED THE NEED FOR THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GROUP TO BE CLEARLY DEFINED WHILE THE HON DR HENRIETTA IP HAD MENTIONED THAT ANXIETIES WERE BEING EXPRESSED THAT THE GROUP MIGHT ACQUIRE EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS.
TO THESE CONCERNS, SIR PHILIP SAID, +l THINK A CLOSE STUDY CF THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AS SET OUT IN DETAIL IN ANNEX II WILL REASSURE THEM. THAT ANNEX STATES EXPLICITLY THAT ’THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP SHALL BE AN ORGAN FOR LIAISON AND NOT AN ORGAN OF POWER. IT SHALL PLAY NO PART IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG OR THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION. NOR SHALL IT HAVE ANY SUPERVISORY ROLE OVER THAT ADMINISTRATION’.
+IT IS IN THE CONTEXT OF THIS EXPLICIT DESCRIPTION OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP THAT I SEE IT PLAYING A USEFUL ROLE RIGHT UP TO THE YEAR 2000.+
ON THE SUGGESTION BY THE HON SELINA CHOW, THE HON FRANCIS TIEN AND THE HON CARL TONG THAT THE GROUP SHOULD INCLUDE HONG KONG MEMBERS, SIR PHILIP DREW MEMBERS’ ATTENTION TO THE PROVISION IN ANNEX II THAT EACH GOVERNMENT SHOULD DETERMINE THE COMPOSITION CF ITS DELEGATION TO PARTICULAR MEETINGS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP OR SUB-GROUPS.
ON THE QUESTIONS OF DEFENCE AND THE STATIONING OF CHINESE TROOPS IN THE HONG KONG SAR AFTER 1997, HE SAID THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE AT THIS STAGE FOR DETAILED ANSWERS TO BE PROVIDED TO ALL THE POINTS RAISED.
HE ADDED IT WAS +VERY HELPFUL* THAT MEMBERS’ CONCERN SHOULD BE CLEARLY ON THE RECORD AND THAT HE WAS SURE THEY WOULD BE NOTED.
BUT HE ALSO POINTED TO THE FOLLOWING TWO POINTSt THAT THE MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER OF THE SAR WOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ITS GOVERNMENT AND THAT MILITARY FORCES STATIONED HERE FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFENCE WOULD NOT INTERFERE IN ITS INTERNAL AFFAIRS.
+THESE ARE VERY CLEAR AND SPECIFIC STATEMENTS AND SHOULD KELP TO MEET THE CONCERNS WHICH HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED, BOTH IN THIS CHAMBER AND OUTSIDE IT,* HE SAID.
HAVING REGARD TO ALL THAT HAD BEEN SAID IN THE DEBATE EARLIER THIS WEEK AND BY OFFICIAL MEMBERS TODAY, SIR PHILIP SAID IT WAS HIS VIEW THAT THE DRAFT AGREEMENT +IS NOT ONLY THE BEST THAT COULD BE NEGOTIATED, BUT IT IS A GOOD AGREEMENT.*
+YET, IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, THE FACT THAT A GOOD AGREEMENT HAS BEEN NEGOTIATED NOTWITHSTANDING, THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY CF HONG KONG CANNOT BE ACHIEVED BY THE TWO GOVERNMENTS — OF BRITAIN AND CHINA — BY DECREE.
/+THE FUTURE ......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1984
♦THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, AS DR IP AND MR SO AMONG MANY OTHERS HAVE RECOGNISED, DEPENDS ON THE ATTITUDES AND EFFORTS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
+ IN APPROACHING THE AGREEMENT IN A POSITIVE SPIRIT AND WITH DETERMINATION TO MAKE IT WORK, I BELIEVE MEMBERS HAVE REFLECTED THE VIEWS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,* SIR PHILIP SAID.
ON THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE, HE BELIEVED THAT IT WAS ESSENTIAL THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG SHOULD HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE THEIR VIEWS ON THE DRAFT AGREEMENT KNOWN AND THAT THOSE VIEWS SHOULD BE CAREFULLY RECORDED AND ASSESSED.
IT IS A GENUINE EFFORT TO
+THIS IS NO COSMETIC EXERCISE.
,$JABLISH THE REACTION OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO THF aorfpmfmt AND MR WONG LAM RECOGNISED THAT PARLIAMENT DID NEED TO KNOW THE
THE
VIEWS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
♦IT ALSO IS VERY MUCH IN THE INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG THAT THEIR VIEWS ON THE AGREEMENT SHOULD BE SET OUT TO BE STUDIED AT LEISURE BY ALL THOSE CONCERNED WITH ITS IMPLEMENTATION,* SIR PHILIP SAID.
-----o-----
FIRM BASE FOR HK TO MOVE AHEAD - AG SAYS
******
WITH THE INITIALLING OF THE SINO-BRITISH DRAFT AGREEMENT, HONG KONG NOW HAD THE FIRMEST POSSIBLE BASE FROM WHICH TO MOVE FORWARD, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+DOUBTS ABOUT THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION ARE NOTHING COMPARED WITH THE FEARS THIS TERRITORY WOULD HAVE INCREASINGLY IF BRITAIN AND CHINA HAD FAILED TO REACH AGREEMENT,* MR THOMAS SAID, SPEAKING ON THE MOTION ON THE DRAFT AGREEMENT.
+THIS AGREEMENT IS EVEN BETTER THAN THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG EXPECTED. I AM SURE THAT THIS COUNCIL WOULD BE RIGHT TO COMMEND IT TO THE PEOPLE OF THIS TERRITORY,* HE SAID.
HE STATED THAT IF HONG KONG WAS TO CONTINUE TO BE PROSPEROUS AND STABLE, IT WAS ’OF PRIME IMPORTANCE’ THAT ITS LEGAL SYSTEM SHOULD BE MAINTAINED SO FAR AS PRACTICABLE IN THE FUTURE.
AND MR THOMAS SAID THAT PROVISIONS IN THE DRAFT AGREEMENT DEALING WITH THE LAW AND THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM PROVIDED ’IN A MOoT SIGNIFICANT WAY’ FOR THE CONTINUATION OF HONG KONG’S FAMILIAR SYSTEM OF JUSTICE.
/RR added
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1984
5
HE ADDED THAT THE PROVISIONS ILLUSTRATED THE ’THOROUGH UNDERSTANDING’ OF THE HONG KONG LEGAL SYSTEM THAT HAD BEEN ACHIEVED BY THE NEGOTIATORS ON BOTH SIDES PRIOR TO THE INITIALLING OF THE DOCUMENT AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TO THE MAINTENANCE OF THIS SYSTEM.
+ IT IS PARTICULARLY NOTICEABLE THAT THEY HAVE RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG SHARING IN THE ORGANIC DEVELOPMENT CF THE COMMON LAW SYSTEM, WHICH IS APPLIED IN MANY COURTS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD,* MR THOMAS POINTED OUT.
TO THE QUESTIONS RAISED BY THE HON WONG LAM AND THE HON KEITH LAM ABOUT THE FUTURE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LAWS OF HONG KONG, THE BASIC LAW AND THE CONSTITUTION OF CHINA, MR THOMAS SAID, +THIS IS, OF COURSE, AN IMPORTANT MATTER AND IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME WILL NEED TO BE WORKED OUT IN A WAY THAT FULFILS BOTH THE SPIRIT AND THE LETTER OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
+IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE AT THIS STAGE TO RESOLVE ALL THESE QUESTIONS IN DETAIL, 13 YEARS IN ADVANCE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, AND BEFORE THE BASIC LAW IS DRAFTED.*
BUT HE ADDED THAT THE DRAFT AGREEMENT DID PROVIDE FOR THE FUTURE CONSTITUTIONAL STATUS OF THE SAR, WHICH WOULD BE ESTABLISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 31 OF CHINA’S CONSTITUTION.
+THE BASIC LAW WILL STIPULATE THAT THE SOCIALIST SYSTEM AND SOCIALIST POLICIES WILL NOT BE PRACTISED IN THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION AND THAT HONG KONG’S CAPITALIST SYSTEM AND LIFESTYLE WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED FOR 50 YEARS.
+THE LAWS PREVIOUSLY IN FORCE IN HONG KONG WILL BE MAINTAINED EXCEPT FOR ANY THAT CONTRAVENE THE BASIC LAW, AND SUBJECT OF COURSE TO FUTURE AMENDMENT BY THE ELECTED LEGISLATURE OF THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION.
♦FINALLY, AND FUNDAMENTALLY, THE POLICIES SET OUT IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND ELABORATED IN ANNEX I MUST BE STIPULATED IN THE BASIC LAW.
♦ THE AGREEMENT THUS PROVIDES A CLEAR FRAMEWORK AND SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW,* MR THOMAS SAID.
THE MOST IMPORTANT ACHIEVEMENT OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, HE SAID, WAS THAT IT CONTAINED VERY EXPLICIT PROVISION ABOUT THE SUBJECT MATTER AND THE DURATION OF THE BASIC LAW UNDER WHICH HONG KONG WOULD ENJOY ITS FUTURE BEYOND 1997.
MR THOMAS SAID HE RECOGNISED THE HON JOHN SWA INE’S RESERVATIONS AROSE FROM OTHER ASPECTS OF THE AGREEMENT AND NOT ITS LEGAL PROVIS IONS.
BUT HE POINTED OUT THAT IN HIS SPEECH OF JUNE 27, MR SWA INE HAD IDENTIFIED THE PRINCIPLES WHICH, IN HIS O*cN WORKS, MUST BE TRANSLATED INTO PRACTICAL MEASURES FOR INCLUSION IN THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FUTURE.
/MH THOMAS .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1984
6
MR THOMAS THEN PROCEEDED TO TEST THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF ANNEX I AGAINST THOSE REQUIREMENTS:
(1) THE RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUALS AND RIGHTS OF PROPERTY MUST BE SAFEGUARDED.
SEE NOW SECTION XIII OF ANNEX I WITH ITS DETAILED PROVISIONS FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS, AND THE IMPORTANT PROVISION AT THE BEGINNING OF SECTION VI ABOUT PROPERTY RIGHTS.
(2) THE GOVERNMENT MUST BE SUBJECTED TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE ORDINARY COURTS AT THE INSTANCE OF THE ORDINARY CITIZEN.
THAT IS PROVIDED EXPRESSLY IN SECTION XIII. +EVERY PERSON SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHALLENGE THE ACTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE IN THE COURTS*.
(3) THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION SHOULD BE SAFEGUARDED.
SECTION III PROVIDES FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM, WITH DETAILED PROVISIONS TO SAFEGUARD THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY, AND FOR THE CONTINUED EXISTENCE OF THE LEGAL PROFESSIONS.
(4) AN INDEPENDENT, PROFESSIONAL PROSECUTING AUTHORITY SHOULD BE ENSURED.
SECTION III EXPRESSLY PROVIDES THAT A PROSECUTING AUTHORITY OF THE HONG KONG SAR WILL CONTROL CRIMINAL PROSECUTIONS FREE FROM ANY INTERFERENCE.
(5) AN INDEPENDENT BODY, SIMILAR TO THE JUDICIAL SERVICES COMMISSION, SHOULD EXIST TO ADVISE ON JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS. APPOINTMENTS TO THE JUDICIARY SHOULD BE ON THE BASIS OF MERIT, FREE OF EXTERNAL INFLUENCE AND NON-POLIT I CAL.
THESE IMPORTANT POINTS ARE SECURED IN SECTION III, WHICH PROVIDES FOR AN INDEPENDENT COMMISSION TO ADVISE ON APPOINTMENTS, WHICH ARE TO BE MADE ON THE BASIS OF ’JUDICAL’ QUALITIES.
(6) REMOVAL OF JUDGES SHOULD ONLY BE ON THE GROUNDS OF INABILITY OR MISBEHAVIOUR, AND ONLY ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF AN INDEPENDENT TRIBUNAL.
THIS IS SECURED IN SECTION III, WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TRIBUNAL OF LOCAL JUDGES TO DECIDE WHETHER THESE GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL EXIST.
/(7) MEMBERS OF ........
fifcxxSDAT, OCTOBER 18, 1984
7
(7) MEMBERS OF THE ENGLISH BENCH SHOULD BE INVITED TO SIT IN THE COURTS.
SECTION III PROVIDES THAT JUDGES MAY BE RECRUITED FROM OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS; AND THAT JUDGES FROM OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS MAY BE INVITED TO SIT ON THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL.
(8) OUR LAW MUST KEEP PACE WITH THAT OF OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS.
SECTION III PROVIDES THAT THE COURTS OF THE SAR MAY REFER TO PRECEDENTS IN OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS, JUDGES FROM OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS MAY BE RECRUITED. THERE IS ALSO PROVISION FOR FOREIGN LAWYERS TO PRACTISE IN THE SAR.
(9) THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE SHOULD BE ACCORDED LEGAL STATUS IN THE COURTS.
SECTION II PROVIDES THAT ENGLISH MAY BE USED IN THE COURTS.
(10) THE FINAL COURT OF APPEAL SHOULD BE IN HONG KONG AND NOT PEKING.
SECTION III PROVIDES FOR THAT, AND FOR IT TO INVITE JUDGES TO SIT ON IT FROM OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTlONo.
-----0------
LAND ISSUES WILL NOT AFFECT FISCAL POLICY — SIR JOHN * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY HE DID NOT BELIEVE FUTURE COMMITMENTS ABOUT LAND LEASES AND THE SHARING OF CAPITAL LAND REVENUE WITH THE FUTURE SAR WOULD SERIOUSLY AFFECT HONG KONG’S FISCAL OR BUDGETARY POLICY.
SPEAKING ON THE MOTION ON THE DRAFT AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG, SIR JOHN SAID, +THE PREMIUM INCOME TO BE DIVIDED IS NET OF THE AVERAGE COST OF PRODUCTION, WHILE THE 50 HECTARE LIMIT bPECIFKmLLf EXCLUDES GRANTS TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING.
+MOREOVER, THE LIMIT APPLIES TO LAND GRANTED UNDER LEASE, AND NOT TO LAND MADE AVAILABLE BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES, FOR INSTANCE ROADS, WITHOUT A LEASE.+
SIR JOHN BELIEVED THAT THE ACTUAL PREMIUM INCOME RESERVED FOR THE FUTURE SAR BY THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT BE LARGE IK PROPORTION TO TOTAL ANNUAL REVENUE.
♦ THE ACTUAL SUMS WILL SEEM BIG, BUT I DOUBT IF THEY WILL BE SIGNIFICANT IN TERMS OF OVERALL BUDGETARY POLICY.
/
/+MDaB0VSH, WHILB........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1?c4
8 -
+3REOVER, WHILE A RETURN TO THE BOOM CONDITIONS OF THE
LY 1Q8"S IS NEITHER EXPECTED NOR WANTED, THE LIKELY IMPhOVt-.exT i: LAND PRICES wILL HELP TO OFFSET THE EFFECT OF SHARING PREM I J. INCOME,* HE SAID.
nE POINTED OUT THERE wAS ALSO SPECIFIC PROVISION FOR Tr- LAND COMMISSION TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CHINESE _ijE AFTER EXAMINATION OF PROPOSALS FOR DRAWING ON THE SAR’S j--iRE OF PREMIUM INCOME, AND TO CONSIDER REQUESTS TO EXCEED Trie ANNUAL 5'3 HECTARE LIMIT.
SIR JOHN TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT ONE OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP’S FIRST TASKS 'wOULD BE TO CONSIDER ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS TO ENSURE THE MAINTENANCE OF <>NG KONG’S PARTICIPATION IN THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE, THE MULTI-FIBRE AGREEMENT AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS.
REFERRING TO THE HON FRANCIS TIEN’S, THE HON P.Y. WONG’S AND THE HON CHAN YING-LUN’S CONCERNS OVER THESE TRADE ISSUES, SIR JOHN SAID THE DRAFT AGREEMENT WAS QUITE SPECIFIC, ADDING, +THE SAR GOVERNMENT wILL BE IN A POSITION TO REPRESENT AND REFLECT THE ECONOMIC INTERESTS OF THE TERRITORY AFTER 1°97 ANTO DO SO ON ITS OWN.+
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT UNDER SECTION VI OF ANNEX I OF THE DOCUMENT, EXPORT QUOTAS, TARIFF PREFERENCES AND OTHER SIMILAR ARRANGEMENTS OBTAINED BY HONG KONG wOULD BE ENJOYeD EXCLUSIVELY BY THE SAR.
ON TriE ROLE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE EXCHANGE FUND, SJR JOHiv STRESSED THAT THE EXERCISE OF PRUDENCE AND WISDOM NAS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE.
+SAFE AND HIGHLY LIQUID INVESTMENTS, SENSIBLE MATURITIES, A PROPER SPREAD OF HARD CURRENCIES, ARE EVER PRESENT CONSIDERATI. OF THE FUND MANAGEMENT, CONDUCTED BOTH DIRECTLY AND THROUGH OVEhSl AGENTS,+ HE SAID.
REPLYING TO THE HON KIM CHAM’S COMMENTS ON THE SUBJECT, oIR JOHN POINTED OUT TriE EXCHANGE FUND’S OPERATIONS wEhE SEPAF.iTi AND DISTINCT FROM TriE FISCAL SYSTEM.
+ THE SIZE OF THE FUND AND THE REGULAR CRITICAL ASSESS! E'.TS OF ITS MANAGEMENT ARE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL, BUT I CAN AT LEAST ASSURE MR CHAM THAT OUR CURRENCY IS FAR MORE THAN FULLY kaCKE-BY HIGH QUALITY ASSETS. TriE DRAFT AGREEMENT PROVIDES FOR CONTINUITY IN OUR EXISTING SYSTEMS,+ HE SAID.
ON TRADE, SIR JOHN SAID A MAJOR FOCUS OF GOVERNMENT - DL I 0 ■ -AD LONG BEEN THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF EXPORTS.
+ wE ACCEPT ALSO AS A MAJOR COMMITMENT THE PROVIalOl-. O- * . , I J INFRASTRUCTURE, INCLUDING LOw TAXATION, wrilCH IS FRIENDLY - C SPORTIVE TO ENTREPRENEURS. THIS DOES NOT AND .ILL ., T l\>CLu-ANY ELEMENT OF SUBSIDY OR SPECIAL TREATMENT. ALL MUST .TAND 3\ THEIR OwN FEET.+ SIR JOHN SAID. \
------o -------
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1934
- 9 -
CONFIDENCE EXPRESSED IN SAR PASSPORT
*****
THERE WAS EVERY REASON TO BE CONFIDENT THAT INTERNATIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF SAR PASSPORTS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID TODAY.
AND AS FOR THE FUTURE OF BDTC’S, - BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS - THEY WOULD ALL, INCLUDING NON-CHINESE, ACQUIRE A NEw STATUS UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT, AS STIPULATED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM MEMORANDUM, MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
SPEAKING ON THE MOTION ON THE DRAFT AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE CF HONG KONG, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS HAD MADE A NUMBER OF POINTS ON NATIONALITY AND ON DEFENCE AND LAW AND ORDER, AND THAT MOST OF THE POINTS WOULD BE FIRMLY BORNE IN MIND IN THE COMING YEARS.
BUT HE WOULD BE COMMENTING, HE SAID, ON TWO ISSUES IN RESPECT OF NATIONALITY, NAMELY THE ACCEPTABILITY INTERNATIONALLY OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ISSUED BY THE SAR AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS, AND THE POSITION OF NON-CHINESE FORMER BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS WITH A HONG KONG CONNECTION - NON-CHINESE BDTC’S.
ON THE QUESTION OF SAR PASSPORTS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, HE SAID A FRAMEWORK EXISTED FOR ARRANGEMENTS TO BE MADE TO SECURE A HIGH DEGREE OF INTERNATIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF THEM AFTER 1997.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT THE UK AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS HAD ACHIEVED RECOGNITION BY ALMOST ALL COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD OF THt PRESENT PASSPORTS FOR BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES (HONG KONG) CITIZENS AND CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY FOR CHINESE RESIDENTS ORDINARILY RESIDENT FOR AT LEAST SEVEN YEARS WHO HAD NOT ACQUIRED BRITISH NATIONALITY.
+BOTH DOCUMENTS HAVE A HIGH REPUTATION AMONG IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES OVERSEAS,+ HE SAID.
+THEY SEE A TRAVEL DOCUMENT AS RELIABLE IF THE RETURNABILITY CF THE HOLDER OF THE DOCUMENT IS GUARANTEED BY THE AUTHORITY WHICH HAS ISSUED IT,+ HE SAID.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD OVER THE YEARS HELPED TO MAKE THESE DOCUMENTS WIDELY ACCEPTABLE BY MAKING THEM VALID FOR A LONG PERIOD -- OF TEN YEARS - AND, MORE IMPORTANT, BY GUARANTEEING THE RETURNABILITY OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS HOLDING THEM.
ANNEX I (SECTION XIV) TO THE JOINT DECLARATION PROVIDES FOR . THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FUTURE HONG KONG SAR TO ISSUE PASSPORTS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS OF THE SAR TO PERSONS LAWFULLY RESIDING IN THE SAR. THESE PASSPORTS AND DOCUMENTS WOULD BE VALID FOR ALL STATtS AND REGIONS.
+MOST IMPORTANT IN TERMS OF THEIR ACCEPTABILITY OVERSEAS THEY WILL RECORD THE HOLDER’S RIGHT OF RETURN TO THE SAR,+ HE SAID.
/it was .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1984
10 -
IT WAS ALSO MADE CLEAR IN THE EXCHANGE OF MEMORANDA ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND ITS ANNEXES THAT HONG KONG BDTC’S WHO HELD BRITISH PASSPORTS ISSUED BEFORE JULY 1, 1997 WOULD AFTER THAT DATE RETAIN AN APPROPRIATE STATUS WHICH WOULD ENTITLE THEM TO CONTINUE TO USE BRITISH PASSPORTS.
+THE BRITISH AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS WILL DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO SECURE FOR THE HOLDERS OF THESE BRITISH PASSPORTS THE SAME ACCESS TO OTHER COUNTRIES AS THEY ENJOY AT PRESENT,* HE
SAID.
REFERRING TO CONCERN EXPRESSED BY THE HON MARIA TAM AND THE HON CARL TONG OVER THE FUTURE OF NON-CHINESE BDTC’S, OF WHOM THERE WERE 10 OOQ AT PRESENT, HE SAID THAT UNDER THE TERMS OF ANNEX I TO THE JOINT DECLARATION, NON-CHINESE BDTC’S WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE HONG KONG SAR IF THEY HAD ORDINARILY RESIDED IN FK FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF SEVEN YEARS, OR MORE, AND HAD TAKEN HONG KONG AS THEIR PLACE OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE.
THE CHILDREN BORN IN THE SAR AFTER 1997 TO SUCH NON-CHINESE BDTC’S WOULD ALSO HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE WHILE THEY WERE UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE, AND WOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE THAT RIGHT AFTER THE AGE OF 21 IF THEY THEMSELVES HAD LIVED IN HK FOR SEVEN YEARS, AND HAD MADE HK THEIR PLACE OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE, HE SAID.
THE ONLY PROBLEM WHICH COULD ARISE IN RESPECT OF NON-CHINESE BDTC’S CONCERNED THE NATIONALITY OF THE CHILDREN BORN TO THEM AFTER 1997, MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
THE NEW STATUS UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT WOULD NOT BE TRANSMISSABLE BY DESCENT.
+THUS, A CHILD BORN AFTER 1997 TO A NON-CHINESE HOLDER OF THE NEW STATUS WOULD BE STATELESS — WOULD HAVE NO NATIONALITY — UNLESS EITHER PARENT HAD SOME OTHER NATIONALITY AND WAS ABLE UNDER THE LAW OF THE COUNTRY CONCERNED, TO TRANSMIT THAT NATIONALITY TO THE CHILD, OR UNLESS THE CHILD ACQUIRED AUTOMATICALLY THE NATIONALITY OF THE COUNTRY OF HIS BIRTH.
♦BEARING IN MIND HMG’S INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS TO REDUCE STATELESSNESS, IT IS THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S FIRM INTENTION TO MAKE PROVISION, IN THE RELEVANT LEGISLATION, FOR SUCH CHILDREN TO ACQUIRE BRITISH NATIONALITY AT BIRTH IF THEY WOULD OTHERWISE BE STATELESS,* MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
-----0------
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1984
’SOUND BASIS FOR LAND POLICY DEVELOPMENT’ * * X *
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR CHAN NAI-KEONG, TODAY COMMENDED ANNEX I I I TO THE DRAFT AGREEMENT AS +A SOUND BASIS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF LAND POLICIES AND PROCEDURES IN THE FUTURE*.
SPEAKING ON THE DRAFT AGREEMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THERE WOULD INEVITABLY BE MATTERS OF DETAIL OR INDIVIDUAL CONCERN WHICH WOULD REQUIRE FURTHER EXAMINATION AND EXPLANATION, BUT THESE WOULD BE DEALT WITH AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME.
+THE MOST IMPORTANT FEATURE OF ANNEX III IS THE EXTENT TO WHICH IT PROVIDES FOR CONTINUITY,+ HE SAID.
RIGHTS UNDER EXISTING LEASES GRANTED OUTSIDE THE NEW TERRITORIES AND NEW KOWLOON (MAINLY 75 YEARS RENEWABLE FOR 75 YEARS AND 999-YEAR LEASES) WERE RECOGNISED IN THE ANNEX AND WOULD BE PROTECTED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION.
+ALL LEASES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING NEW KOWLOON, WHICH EXPIRE IN JUNE 1997 WILL BE EXTENDED FOR 50 YEARS UP TO JUNE 2047. THIS WILL ALSO NORMALLY APPLY TO 75-YEAR NON-RENEWABLE LEASES ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON WHICH EXPIRE NO LATER THAN JUNE 30, 1997.
+NEW LEASES MAY ALSO BE ISSUED TO EXPIRE NOT LATER THAN 2047 AND THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF GRANTING MODIFICATIONS OF LEASE CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE,* HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID THE ANNEX ALSO PROVIDED CLARITY AND AS MUCH CERTAINTY AS POSSIBLE SO FAR IN ADVANCE AS TO THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR MOST LESSEES BEYOND 1997.
HE SAID THAT NO NEW OBLIGATIONS WERE IMPOSED IN THE CASE OF LEASES WHICH EXTENDED BEYOND JUNE 1997. RENEWABLE LEASES WOULD BE RENEWED AT A FIXED ANNUAL RENT OF THREE PER CENT OF THE RATEABLE VALUE AT THE DATE OF RENEWAL.
+NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING NEW KOWLOON, LEASES AND 75-YEAR NON-RENEWABLE LEASES EXPIRING NOT LATER THAN JUNE 30, 1997 WILL NORMALLY BE EXTENDED AT AN ANNUAL RENT OF THREE PER CENT OF CURRENT RATEABLE VALUE, THAT IS A RENT WHICH WILL CHANGE AS RATEABLE VALUES CHANGE,* HE SAID.
HU’S
REFERRING TO THE HON MR F.K.
QUESTION OF NON-RENEWABLE
LEASES WHICH EXPIRE AFTER JUNE 30, 1997, HE SAID WHILE ANNEX III PROVIDED FOR THE RECOGNITION AND PROTECTION OF RIGHTS GRANTEu BEFORE JUNE 30, 1997 BEYOND THAT DATE, IT DID NOT LAY DOWN ANY PROVISIONS FOR THE GRANTING OF NEW RIGHTS AFTER IT, AS THIS WOULD BE A MATTER FOR THE FUTURE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT, ADDING: +THE CONCERN EXPRESSED ON THIS MATTER IS UNDERSTOOD AND IT WILL NEED TO BE CONSIDERED IN DUE COURSE.*
/on sxtensiqn .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1984
12
ON EXTENSION OF NON-RENEWABLE LEASES FOR LAND ZONED FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY USE OR OPEN SPACE ON TOWN PLANS, HE SAID: +l BELIEVE THE MOVE TOWARDS ALLOWING FOR THE EXTENSION OF LEASES ON A RENTAL RATHER THAN A PREMIUM BASIS WILL PROVIDE FOR MORE FLEXIBILITY IN DEALING WITH LAND REQUIRED BY GOVERNMENT AT SOME FUTURE DATE.
+l AM THEREFORE SYMPATHETIC TOWARDS MR HU'S APPROACH AND WE WILL BE CONSIDERING CAREFULLY HOW BEST TO USE THIS FLEXIBILITY. HOWEVER, AS I HAVE ALREADY INDICATED, WE CAN ONLY BE CONCERNED AT THIS STAGE WITH LEASES EXPIRING NOT LATER THAN JUNE 30, 1997.+
AS REGARDS LEASES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES SUCH AS THOSE FOR RECREATION AND FOR PETROL FILLING STATIONS, MR CHAN SAID THEY REQUIRED A VARIETY OF SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF GRANT AND THAT THEY WERE NOW BEING GIVEN FURTHER CONSIDERATION WITHIN GOVERNMENT.
TURNING TO MR STEPHEN CHEONG’S QUESTION ON REDEMPTION OF OUTSTANDING LETTERS B, MR CHAN SAID IT WAS THE INTENTION TO CLtAR THIS COMMITMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND CERTAINLY BEFORE 1997.
AND TO MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG’S QUESTION ABOUT THE POSITION OF THOSE WHO HAD BOUGHT LAND HELD BY OR GRANTED TO INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS, HE SAID: +1 CAN CONFIRM THAT HIS CONCLUSION IS CORRECT, THAT IS RENT WILL ONLY REMAIN UNCHANGED WHERE A LOT CONTINUES TO BE HELD BY THE ORIGINAL INDIGENOUS OWNER OR HIS SUCCESSORS THROUGH THE MALE LINE.*
FEARS, WORRIES RESPONSIBLY REFLECTED, LOBO SAYS
*****
WINDING UP THE MOTION ON THE DRAFT AGREEMENT, THE HON ROGER LOBO SAID MANY OF HIS COLLEAGUES HAD SPOKEN OF THEIR UNCERTAIN ABOUT THE FUTURE AND HE WOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO SUMMARISE THE WIDE-RANGING AND DIVERSE VIEWS HEARD.
+0F COURSE, THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL HAVE NO COMMON POSITION NOR PLATFORM- WE PARTICIPATE IN THESE PROCEEDINGS AS INDIVIDUALS, DRAWN FROM A WIDE SPECTRUM OF SOCIETY, AND THE VIEWS WE EXPRESS ARE OUR OWN IN FURTHERANCE OF HOW WE, INDIVIDUALLY, PERCEIVE THE PUBLIC INTEREST,* MR LOBO SAID.
+1 BELIEVE THIS DEBATE HAS RESPONSIBLY REFLECTED THE RESERVATIONS, FEARS AND WORRIES WHICH TROUBLE MANY HONG KONG PEOPLE ABOUT THE FUTURE.
+N0 DOUBT THEY WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BOTH BY THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE HERE IN HONG KONG AND PARLIAMENT IN THE U.r. .*
/MR LOBO .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 19&4
- 13 -
MR LOBO SAID WE WOULD BE A STRANGE COMMUNITY IF WE WERE NOT APPREHENSIVE ABOUT OUR FUTURE.
WE WERE TO PARTICIPATE IN AN UNPRECEDENTED EXPERIMENT WHICH WOULD SEE THE ABSORPTION OF OUR FREE ENTERPRISE SOCIETY INTO A COMMUNIST STATE.
+NO AMOUNT OF PADDING CAN DISGUISE THIS HARD FACT, NOR THE UNCERTAINTY THAT ATTACHES TO THIS STEP INTO THE UNKNOWN,* HE SAID.
HE SAID HE WAS GRATEFUL TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND HIS OFFICIAL COLLEAGUES WHO HAD REVIEWED POINT BY POINT THE MAJOR ISSUES THE UNOFFICIALS HAD RAISED.
BUT IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS WE WERE BEING AFFORDED THE OPPORTUNITY OF APPROACHING THIS GREAT EXPERIMENT WITH A PLAN TO PRESERVE OUR STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OR WE COULD APPROACH THE GREAT EXPERIMENT WITHOUT SUCH A PLAN. \
MR LOBO RECALLED THE WORDS OF THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER ON SEPTEMBER 26.THAT THE DRAFT AGREEMENT TOOK ACCOUNT OF HONG KONG’S NEEDS AND THE REALITIES OF HISTORY. IT FORESAW THAT CHANGE MUST COME, BUT IN PROVIDING FOR THAT CHANGE IT PROVIDED ALSO FOR THE PRESERVATION CF THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS IN OUR SOCIETY. IN AS FAR AS IT WAS POSSIBLE FOR GOVERNMENTS TODAY TO PROVIDE FOR THE FUTURE, IT REMOVED THE UNCERTAINTY WHICH EXISTED BECAUSE OF THE 1997 DEADLINE. IT CONSTITUTED A BLUEPRINT FOR A NEW STAGE IN HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENT.
+ ALL BUT TWO UNOFFICIALS HAVE INDICATED THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE MOTION BEFORE THIS COUNCIL AND ONLY TIME AND HISTORY WILL TELL WHETHER OUR HIGH HOPES FOR THE AGREEMENT ARE JUSTIFIED AND WHETHER WE HAVE DISCHARGED OUR DUTIES ADEQUATELY,* MR LOBO CONCLUDED.
-----o------
14
THURSDAY, OCTOBER IP, <'A
MO* E VIEwS ON wri 1 Tt PARES
* * * *
SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE aHITE PARE■ ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE AT TOMORROWS (FRIDAY) MEETING.
ONE OF THE MONITORS OF THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE, MR JUSTICE ST ON LI W ILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO HEAR VIEaS FROM BOARD MEMBERS. THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY, HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR ALBERT LAM WILL ALSO BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING.
PROGRESS REPORTS ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SEMINARS RECENTL ORGANISED WITH THE COMMERCIAL aND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS OF THE DISTRICT WILL BE SUBMITTED AT THE MEETING.
ALSO TABLED FOR DISCUSSION a ILL BE THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS.
------o-------
HK CONTINUES FIGHT AGAINST U.S. ORIGIN RULES
X 4 4
HONG KONG’S DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, IN THE GATT’S TEXTILES COMMITTEE MEETING IN GENEVA ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 17) REFERRED TO THE WIDESPREAD AND GENUINE CONCERN ABOUT THE NEW AMERICAN RULES OF ORIGIN EXPRESSED IN THE SEPTEMBER MEETING CF THE COMMITTEE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT FOLLOWING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RULES, IT WAS BECOMING INCREASINGLY APPARENT THAT THEIR COMPLEXITY AND AMBIGUITY MADE THEM EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND FOR EXPORTERS, IMPORTERS, AND FOR U.S. OFFICIALS THEMSELVES.
♦PARTLY BECAUSE OF THIS UNCERTAINTY, ORDERS HAVE BEEN HELD UP OR CANCELLED’ THIS IS BUT ONE EXAMPLE OF THE WAY IN WHICH THE REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN A HARASSMENT OF LEGITIMATE TRADE,+ HE SAID.
IN THE TEXTILES SECTOR, WHERE TRADE WAS GOVERNED BY THE FRAMEWORK OF THE GATT, THE MFA AND THE BILATERAL AGREEMENT, +IT 15 CLEAR THAT THE RULES OF ORIGIN CANNOT BE UNILATERALLY CHANGED AS A PROTECTIVE MEASURE BY ONE PARTY, SO SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGING THE FRAMEWORK OF RULES GOVERNING THE TEXTILES TRADE, AND IN SOME CASES RESULTING IN SUBSTANTIAL TRADE LOSS BY OTHER PARTIES,* HE SAID.
♦ACCORDINGLY, IT IS MORE THAN EVER CLEAR THAT THE ONLV SATISFACTORY SOLUTION IS FOR THESE REGULATIONS TO BE RESCINDED,* HE SAID.
/♦I STILL .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 19&4
- 15 -
♦I STILL HOPE THAT THE UNITED STATES’ LONG COMMITMENT TO COMBATTING PROTECTIONISM WILL PREVAIL IN THIS CASE. I STILL HOPE THAT THERE WILL BE A RECOGNITION THAT THE PRINCIPLES INVOLVED HERE ARE IMPORTANT NOT JUST TO THOSE AFFECTED, BUT TO THE U.S. ITSELF: IN THE LONG RUN NONE OF US GAIN, IF FAITH IN THE SYSTEM OF MUTUAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UNDER MULTILATERAL AND BILATERAL AGREEMENTS IS WEAKENED.
♦I TRUST THAT EVENTS WILL NOT PROVE MY HOPE TO BE MISPLACED AND THAT THE REGULATIONS WILL BE WITHDRAWN,* MR MACLEOD SA ID.
MF MACLEOD EXPRESSED HONG KONG’S FULL AGREEMENT WITH THE STATEMENT MADE BY MR DELGADO OF MEXICO ON BEHALF OF DEVELOPING EXPORTERS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING.
THESE COUNTRIES CONTINUED TO BREAK WITH ONE VOICE, ATTACKING THE U.S. FOR ITS POSITION ON THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN RULES AND THE COUNTERVAILING DUTY PETITIONS.
fHE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY REMAINED CRITICAL OF THE U.S. POSITION AND SAID THAT ITS VIEWS REMAINED UNCHANGED FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING OF THE TEXTILES COMMITTEE. OTHER DEVELOPING COUNTRIES SOUGHT IMMEDIATE WITHDRAWAL OF THE NEW REGULATIONS.
SWEDEN SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE NORDICS AND MALAYSIA ON BEHALF OF THE ASEAN COUNTRIES.
OTHER DELEGATES WHO SPOKE WERE FROM CHINA, BRAZIL, INDIA, KOREA, POLAND, JAPAN, URUGUAY, TURKEY, CANADA, EGYPT, YUGOSLAVIA, HUNGARY, AUSTRIA, PAKISTAN, COLOMBIA, PERU, NORWAY, CZECHOSLOVAKIA AND THE UNITED STATES.
THE TEXTILES COMMITTEE MEETS AGAIN ON MONDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 22.
300 NEW CAS RECRUITS TO PARADE X X X X
OVER 300 MEN AND WOMEN CIVIL AID SERVICES ADULT RECRUITS
WILL TAKE PART IN A PASSING-OUT PARADE ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 20) AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE HEADQUARTERS, HARBOUR hOAD, HONG KONG AT 7.30 PM.
THE RECRUITS HAVE JUST COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING IN FOOT DRILL, DISCIPLINE, FIRST AID, LIGHT RESCUE, FOREST FIRE FIGHTI' , COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND TYPHOON DUTIES.
THEY WILL BE POSTED TO VARIOUS CAS UNITS IN HONG KONG, KO-.l J . AND THE NEW TERRITORIES TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
/the secretary .......
I
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1984
- 16 -
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, WILL INSPECi AND ADDRESS THE PARADE, AND PRESENT SPECIAL CERTIFICATES TO THRtr. OUTSTAND ING RECRU ITS.
MR JEAFFRESON WILL ALSO PRESENT CIVIL DEFENCE LONG SERVICE CLASPS TO 23 OTHER CAS MEMBERS.
MOREOVER, THE CAS COMMISSIONER, MR ROGER LOBO, w ILL PRESENT, FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE COMMISSIONER’S COMMENDATION CERTIFICATES TO SIX CAS VOLUNTEER OFFICERS FOR THEIR MERITORIOUS SERVICES.
-----0------
YUEN LONG SPORTS FORTNIGHT STARTS *****
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES TODAY OFFICIALLY OPENED THE YUEN LONG SPORTS FORTNIGHT WHICH FEATURES A WIDE RANGE OF SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
EVENTS IN THE TWO-WEEK PROGRAMME, THE FIRST MAJOR SPORTS FESTIVAL IN THE DISTRICT, INCLUDE COMPETITIVE SPORTS ACTIVITIES LIKE TRACK AND FIELD, CROSS COUNTRY RACES, FENCING, CYCLING AND ARCHERY. THERE WILL ALSO BE A CARNIVAL, BALL-GAME COMPETITIONS, WATER SPORTS AND DANCES.
+l HOPE THAT OVER THE NEXT TWO WEEKS MANY YOUNG PEOPLE WILL BE INTRODUCED TO NEW LEISURE PURSUITS, AND WILL BE ENCOURAGED BY THE PROGRAMME OF EVENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE SPORTS ACTIVITIES THAT HAVE BEEN ORGANISED,* MR AKERS-JONES SAID.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SPORTS FORTNIGHT ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR TANG TAK-KAU SAID THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD ALWAYS PROMOTED AND SPONSORED VARIOUS LOCAL SPORTS FUNCTIONS.
+THROUGH THE SPORTS FORTNIGHT, THE BOARD HOPES THAT MORE PEOPLE WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTIVITIES AND SHOW INTEREST IN SPORTS,+ MR TANG SAID.
+WE ALSO HOPE PEOPLE WILL BECOME MORE AWARE THAT THE BOARD’S AIM IS TO IMPROVE THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT AND TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION,* HE ADDED.
ABOUT 5 000 PEOPLE ATTENDED TODAY’S CEREMONY, WHICH WAS FOLLOWED BY A DEMONSTRATION FOOTBALL MATCH BETWEEN TWO FIRST DIVISION CLUBS, SOUTH CHINA AND SEIKO.
THE SPORTS FORTNIGHT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
0 -
/17
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1984
- 17 -
STATISTICS ON ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL OUT *****
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IN TERMS OF MONTHS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DECLINED SLIGHTLY IN AUGUST 1984, COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH, BUT IT REMAINED AT A RELATIVELY HIGH LEVEL, ACCORDING TO SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
WHILE SLIGHT DECREASES IN ORDERS WERE RECORDED FOR MOST MAJOR INDUSTRIES, LITTLE CHANGE WAS OBSERVED FOR THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY.
COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH, EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR FELL, ESPECIALLY IN THE PLASTIC AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, AS SUMMER WORKERS GRADUALLY LEFT EMPLOYMENT. ONLY THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY SHOWED AN INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT, AS SOME BAKERIES EMPLOYED MORE TEMPORARY WORKERS IN PREPARATION FOR THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR DROPPED AS SOME CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS WERE COMPLETED.
IN THE SERVICES SECTORS, THE EMPLOYMENT LEVEL WAS PRACITICALLY UNCHANGED.
DESPITE SOME DECREASE IN EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES GENERALLY ROSE.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS ALSO ROSE BECAUSE THE PEAK IN EMPLOYMENT OF SUMMER WORKERS WAS OVER. THE WAGE RATE FOR SUMMER WORKERS WAS NORMALLY LOWER.
DECREASES IN PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE RECORDED IN BOTH THE CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICES SECTORS, REPORTEDLY DUE TO PAYMENT OF MID-YEAR BONUSES IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS ARE SHOWN IN THE TABLES BELOW.
THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES AND THE 50 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SELECTED SERVICES SECTOR CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT IN MARCH 1983.
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 CF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR AUGUST 1984 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, AT $1.5 PER COPY.
/aiQPIBIES ABOUT........
THUESDAY, OCTGBKH 18, 1984
- 18 -
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION AT 3-7212768.
STATISTICAL DETAILS OF THE SURVEY ARE CONTAINED IN THE FOLLOWING TABLES:
A. ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
INDUSTRY (PERCENTAGE CHANGE OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH) JUNE JULY AUG. 1984 1984 1984 ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) FOR AUGUST 1984
WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR 1 -2 -2 4.95
TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEAR ING APPAREL -3 -3 -1 2.31
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 7 * * 4.39
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 1 * -1 3.57
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -1 -1 -2 5.50
OTHERS 1 1 * 4.47
ALL ABOVE INDUSTRIES M -1 -2 4.63
B. EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS
PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED PER CAPITA EARNINGS PER CAPITA FARMINGS
(PERCENTAGE CHANGE INDUSTRY/ JUNE JULY AUG. SERVICES 1984 1984 1984 OVER THE PRECEDING JUNE JULY 1984 1984 MONTH) FOR AUG. AUG. 1984 1984 HK3
MANUFACTURING 5 2 -3 -3 CXJ 1 1 1 1 5 2 732
FOOD AND DRINKS 1 2 2 3 -1 2 3 643
/WEABING AFPABEL.........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1984
- 19 -
wEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR 2 1 -1 * 1 -1 4 2 ■ 437
TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEAR ING APPAREL * * -1 -11 -4 2 2 825
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 15 12 -10 -8 -3 11 2 555
FABR ICATED METAL X 1 7 2 326
PRODUCTS 5 2 O
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC .L -1 4 2 516
PRODUCTS 6 2 -4 x
OTHERS 3 1 -4 -2 * 3 3 740
** CONSTRUCTION 2 -2 -4 -2 5 -3 4 008
« ■■ —— — — —
8 -2 5 013
SERV ICES * * ————
BANKS * * * * 5 -3 4 435
HOTELS * -1 * -1 1 3 169
PUBL IC 11 -4 5 354
UTIL IT IES * X X
OTHERS 1 1 * -2 4 2 6 462
* CHANGES WITHIN + 0.5 PER CENT
EMPLOYEES
PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY
EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS
ONLY} SITE WORKERS NOT INCLUDED.
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/20 .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1984
20
ROAD SAFETY DAY IN TAI PO * * *
AN EVENT-PACKED ROAD SAFETY DAY WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 20) MORNING AT THE TAI PO PLAYGROUND TO START OFF THIS YEAR'S TAI PO DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
THE ROAD SAFETY DAY IS PART OF A SIX-MONTH CAMPAIGN THAT FOCUSES ON TWO THEMES — PEDESTRIANS’ AND CYCLISTS’ SAFETY.
THERE WILL BE PARADES BY SCHOOL ROAD SAFETY PATROL TEAMS, GAMES STALLS, A MODEL OF A ’ROAD SAFETY CITY’, CYCLING DEMONSTRAT 10.4, EYESIGHT TESTS FOR PARTICIPANTS AND AN EXHIBITION.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO WINNERS OF A RECENTLY HELD QUIZ ON TRAFFIC REGULATIONS, WHICH ATTRACTED MORE THAN 8 000 PUPILS FROM 30 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTR ICT.
THE CAMPAIGN IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE POLICE.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR THOMAS CHAN J THE POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, W J.F. GREENE; THE SENIOR STAFF OFFICER, TRAFFIC, NT, MR D.G. ROBINSON; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, MR STEPHEN WONG; AND TWO BOARD MEMBERS, MR CHEUNG WAI-LAM AND MR LAM PAK-PING.
- - 0 - -
FOUR-STOREY SPORTS CENTRE FOR POLICE * * *
A FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED, FOUR-STOREY SPORTS CENTRE IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT BOUNDARY STREET, KOWLOON, FOR MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
THE SPORTS CENTRE WILL CONSIST OF TWO WINGS LINKED BY A CENTRAL HALL, WITH MOST OF THE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES 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.
/AB INDOOR
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1984
- 21 -
AN INDOOR REVOLVER RANGE, BOWLING ALLEY, SNACK BAR AND GAMES ROOM WILL BE BUILT IN THE BASEMENT.
WORK ON INSTALLING THE $5.5 MILLION AIR-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT STARTED EARLY THIS WEEK, AND WILL BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
- - - - 0 ---------
ENTRIES INVITED FOR SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL
******
SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE 21ST SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL TO BE HELD BETWEEN JANUARY 10 AND JANUARY 31 NEXT YEAR.
THE FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE WESTERN FOLK OR NATIONAL DANCE, WESTERN DANCE DRAMA, CHINESE DANCE, CHINESE DANCE DRAMA, ORIENTAL DANCE AND CREATIVE DANCE.
ENTRIES WILL BE DIVIDED INTO A LOWER PRIMARY SECTION FOR STUDENTS FROM PRIMARY 1 TO 3, AN UPPER PRIMARY SECTION FOR THOSE FROM PRIMARY 4 TO 6, A SECONDARY SECTION AND A SECTION FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE FESTIVAL WILL TAKE PLACE AT CLEMENTI MIDDLE SCHOOL IN FORTRESS HILL ROAD, NORTH POINT.
IN KOWLOON, IT WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG SZE YAP COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION WONG TAI SHAN MEMORIAL COLLEGE IN NAM CHEONG STREET, AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE VENUE IS TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL IN TAI HO ROAD.
THE FEE IS $30 FOR EACH SCHOOL WHICH MAY JOIN ONE OR MORE DANCE ITEMS.
PRIZES IN THE FORM OF HONOURS AWARDS, HIGHLY COMMENDED AWARDS AND COMMENDED AWARD CERTIFICATES WILL BE PRESENTED TO SCHOOLS ACCORDING TO THE MARKS GAINED IN THE PERFORMANCES.
OVERALL CHALLENGE AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED TO THREE SECONDARY AND THREE PRIMARY SCHOOLS WITH THE HIGHEST OVERALL SCORES, AND A CERTIFICATE WILL BE GIVEN TO EACH PERFORMING STUDENT OF A SCHOOL WHICH ACHIEVES A COMMENDED STANDARD OR ABOVE.
EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL WILL BE GIVEN A SOUVENIR PENNANT.
ENTRY FORMS AND FEES MUST BE FORWARDED TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICAL EDUCATION) (ATTNs MRS MAXIE WONG), PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 6/F, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON BEFORE NOVEMBER 20.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SEPTEMBER CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ............................... 1
JOB AGENCIES REMINDED ABOUT CONTROLS............................ 3
84 SHORT TECHNICAL COURSES OFFERED ............................. 4
FIGHTING CRIME THROUGH ART WORK ................................ 5
FORUM TO DISCUSS DISTRICT PROBLEMS ............................. 5
COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCE - NATIONAL COMMODITIES TRADERS LIMITED ........................................................ 6
FURTHER JURY LIST TO BE POSTED ................................. 7
SCHOOL HEADS TO ATTEND SEMINAR.................................. 7
CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS CONTESTS .................................. 8
ELEVATED WALKWAY SYSTEM TO BE EXTENDED ......................... 8
CLEANSING CONTRACT AWARDED ..................................... 9
MAJOR WORKS MOVE AHEAD ....................................... 10
TENDERS SOUGHT FOR FANLING PROJECTS ........................... 11
CARNIVAL AT YUEN LONG......................................... 11
WATER MAINS WORK ............................................. 12
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1984
- 1 -
SEPTEMBER CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES *****
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) ROSE BY 7.1 PER CENT AND THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) BY 7.5 PER CENT BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1983 AND SEPTEMBER 1984, ACCORDING TO FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THESE RATES OF INCREASE REPRESENTED A SIGNIFICANT slowdown in the rate of inflation since January this year, when THE CORRESPONDING RATES OF INCREASE WERE 12.4 PER CENT AND 12.0 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. ALTHOUGH, HE CAUTIONED, TOO MUCH SHOULD NOT BE READ INTO ONE MONTH’S FIGURES, THIS SLOWING DOWN WAS WELL IN LINE WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S BUDGET FORECAST FOR THE INFLATION RATE.
THE CP I(A) AND CP 1(B) FOR SEPTEMBER 1984 WERE 156.9 AND 156.3 RESPECTIVELY, OR 10.4 POINTS AND 10.8 POINTS HIGHER THAN IN SEPTEMBER 1983. COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1984, THE CPI(A) INCREASED BY 1.2 POINTS OR 0.8 PER CENT AND THE CPl(B) BY 0.9 POINT OR 0.6 PER CENT.
THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CPI(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 1984, AT 153.4 AND 152.9 RESPECTIVELY, WERE 10.1 PER CENT AND 10.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGES FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 1983. DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 1984, BOTH THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.2 PER CENT EACH MONTH.
DURING SEPTEMBER, RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND RENTALS FOR SOME PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS WERE HIGHER.
THE CP I(A) AND CPl(B) ARE BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF 50 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY, OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE DERIVED FROM THE ^979/80 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY. THE CPI(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 FOR SEPTEMBER 1984 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMQui SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ARE GIVEN BELOW,-TOGETHER WITH THOSE FOR AUGUST 1984 AND SEPTEMBER 1983.
/(OCTOBER 1979 .......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1984
2
SECTION (OCTOBER 1979 TO SEPTEMBER 1980 AVERAGE » 100)
CPI(A) CPI(B)
SEP.83 AUG.84 SEP.84 SEP.83 i AUG.84 SEP.84
FOODSTUFFS 150.6 156.9 158.6 150.4 157.3 158.8
HOUSING 138.3 146.2 147.6 138.0 147.0 147.6
FUEL AND LIGHT 147.6 147.2 147.0 148.9 147.1 146.9
ALCOHOLIC 184.4 DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 208.6 208.5 177.9 201.2 201.0
clothing and FOOTWEAR 140.6 154.0 155.7 141.5 154.0 156.6
DURABLE GOODS 115.8 125.2 125.1 118.9 129.2 129.1
Ml SCELLANEOUS GOODS 134.6 150.2 150.6 134.1 146.8 147.1
transport AND vehicles 157.8 170.1 171.3 160.1 173.0 173-9
SERVICES ALL ITEMS 153.8 146.5 171.0 155.7 171.4 156.9 152.0 145.5 168.4 155-4 168.7 156.3
COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1984, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS ROSE BY 1.7 POINTS IN CPl(A) AND 1.5 POINTS IN CPl(B). THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND THE AVERAGE CHARGE FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS WENT UP. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF SALT-WATER FISH AND FRESH-WATER FISH DECREASED.
THE INDEX POINT IN CPI(B) GROUP A ESTATES FOR HOUSING ROSE BY 1.4 PO DUE TO HIGHER RENTALS FOR INTS IN CPI(A) AND 0.6 SOME HOUSING AUTHORITY
HIGHER PRICES OF MEN’S AND WOMEN’S OUTERCLOTHING PUSHED UP THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR BY 1.7 POINTS IN CPI(A) AND 2.6 POINTS IN CPI(B).
THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES WENT UP BY 1.2 POINTS IN CPI(A) AND 0.9 POINT IN CPl(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER SCHOOL BUS FARES.
/price movements
FHIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1984
- 3 -
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
(FIGURES PRESENTED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REFER TO CPI SERIES NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. ALL PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE DERIVED FROM CPI FIGURES TO TWO DECIMAL PLACES.)
DETAILS OF THESE PRICE MOVEMENTS ARE GIVEN IN THE +CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT* FOR SEPTEMBER 1984, AVAILABLE AT $3 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG, OR FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, ROOM 1904, 19TH FLOOR, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 317 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG- OR FROM THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS. FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES, PLEASE CONTACT THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT TELEPHONE NO. 3-7216512.
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JOB AGENCIES REMINDED ABOUT CONTROLS * * *
EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES ARE SUBJECT TO CONTROL BY THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY REGULATIONS, AND AN OPERATOR OF SUCH AN AGENCY MUST OBTAIN A LICENCE FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, HE SAID, AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY IS DEFINED AS AN ESTABLISHMENT WHICH AIMS AT OBTAINING EMPLOYMENT FOR ANOTHER PERSON OR SUPPLYING PERSONNEL TO AN EMPLOYER BOTH WITHIN OR OUTSIDE HONG KONG, WHETHER THE JOB IS PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME.
THE LICENCE FEE FOR SUCH AN AGENCY IS $300 A YEAR.
THE AMOUNTS OF FEE OR COMMISSION THAT CAN BE CHARGED BY AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY ARE PRESCRIBED BY THE REGULATIONS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE FEE TO BE PAID BY JOB-SEEKERS FOR FIRST REGISTRATION AND SUBSEQUENT RENEWAL AFTER THREE MONTHS IS LIMITED TO $3, AND THE COMMISSION FOR A SUCCESSFUL JOB PLACEMENT TO 10 PER CENT OF THE FIRST MONTH’S RECEIVED SALARY.
/AND THE .......
FfiUUY, OCTOBER 19, 1984
- 4 -
AND THE FEE THAT CAN BE CHARGED BY AN AGENCY TO AN EMPLOYER IS LIMITED TO $10 FOR EACH TYPE OF VACANCY REGISTERED ON FIRST REGISTRATION AND $5 FOR RENEWAL OF SUCH REGISTRATION. THE COMMISSION TO BE PAID BY AN EMPLOYER ON SUCCESSFULLY OBTAINING FOR HIM AN EMPLOYEE BY AN AGENCY IS A MATTER OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN BOTH PARTIES.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT AN OPERATOR MUST DISPLAY THE FEE SCHEDULE AND HIS LICENCE IN HIS PREMISES.
ANYONE WHO HAS ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE OPERATIONS OF EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES MAY CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT’S OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT SERVICE ON TEL. NO. 5-767420 AND 5-767311.
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84 SHORT TECHNICAL COURSES OFFERED
* * * *
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING INVITED FOR 84 SHORT COURSES BEING OFFERED BY THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES UNDER THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
THESE SHORT COURSES COVhR A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS IN THE AREAS OF COMMERCIAL STUDIES, CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, f-ECHANICAL ENGINEERING, GENERAL STUDIES, TEXTILE AND CLOTHING, MARINE AND FABRICATION AND MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINEERING, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE VTC SAID TODAY.
SHORT COURSES ARE OFFERED MAINLY FOR WORKING PEOPLE.
CLASSES ARE NORMALLY HELD FROM 7 PM TO 9 PM, BUT SOME MAY BE HELD IN THE DAY TIME.
DETAILS OF THE SHORT COURSES, INCLUDING ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, TUITION FEES, DURATION, WILL BE ADVERTISED IN TOMORROW’S NEWSPAPERS.
APPLICATION FORMS AND GUIDES MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES -- MORRISON HILL, K*AI CHUNG, KWUN TONG, HAK ING WONG AND LEE WAI LEE.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES BY NOVEMBER 3.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1934
5
FIGHTING CRIME THROUGH ART WORK * * *
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT HAS LAUNCHED A MONTH-LONG FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN.
SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT HAVE BEEN INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE CAMPAIGN, WHICH WILL FEATURE A COLOURING COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY ONE AND TWO PUPILS AND A PAINTING COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY THREE TO SIX PUPILS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A POSTER COMPETITION OPEN TO ALL SECONDARY AND POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS, AS WELL AS THE PUBLIC. THERE IS NO RESTRICTION TO THE SIZE OF THE POSTERS.
ALL THE WORKS MUST HAVE A FIGHT-CRIME THEME.
PEOPLE TAKING PART IN THE COMPETITIONS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR ENTRIES TO THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 16TH FLOOR, SINCERE BUILDING, 173 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL; OR ITS SUB-OFFICES IN CHEUNG CHAU AND MUI WO ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 15.
IN ADDITION, A FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL IN WHICH PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF THE COMPETITIONS, WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 9 AT THE PENG CHAU CHI YAN SCHOOL.
CO-ORDINATED BY
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN IS AN ORGANISING COMMITTEE COMPRISING VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE DISTRICT OFFICE, SCHOOL PRINCIPALS IN THE DISTRICT AND AREA
COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
FURTHER DETAILS ON THE COMPETITIONS AND THE CARNIVAL CAN BE OBTAINED FROM MR CHAU MING-KEUNG AT 5-419513 DURING OFFICE HOURo.
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FORUM TO DISCUSS DISTRICT PROBLEMS * * * *
RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG’S DISTRICT FORUM WILL BE HELD IN YAU MA TEI ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 21) AFTERNOON IN THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDENS IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
PANELISTS INCLUDE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MESSRS CHAN WAI-WANG, CHAN YUM-TONG, MISS ENA YUEN, THE PROPERTY MANAGER OF THE SINO REALTY AND ENTERPRISES LTD, MR PATRICK SIT, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WING SHEUNG BUILDING OWNERS CORPORATION, MR LAI WING-TAK, AREA COMMITTEE MEMBER, MR NG KIN-SUN AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG.
/THEY will .......
PRTTUY, OCTOBER 19, 19^4
- 6 -
THEY WILL DISCUSS PROBLEMS INVOLVING MUTLl-STOREY BUILDINGS, TRAFFIC IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, HAWKERS AND STREET SLEEPERS.
THE FORUM, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND RTHK.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FORUM IN THE UC CENTENARY GARDENS, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 21) AT 3.30 PM.
0 --------
COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCE -NATIONAL COMMODITIES TRADERS LIMITED * * * * *
THE COMMODITIES TRADING COMMISSION HAS AGREED THAT STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN TOWARDS REVIEWING THE COMPENSATION PROVISIONS OF THE COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCE AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY.
THIS HAS BECOME NECESSARY IN LIGHT OF THE CONSIDERABLE DIFFICULTIES IN ACHIEVING ANY RESOLUTION OF THE FIRST ACTUAL CLAIMS UPON THE COMPENSATION FUND ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH NATIONAL COMMODITIES TRADERS LIMITED, NOW IN LIQUIDATION.
THE HONG KONG COMMODITY EXCHANGE HAS ASSISTED THE COMMISSION BY PROVIDING VARIOUS LEGAL OPINIONS ON THE ORDINANCE WHICH CONFIRM THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT DEGREE OF UNCERTAINTY AS TO THE MEANING OF SOME PROVISIONS. IN PARTICULAR IT HAS BECOME APPARENT THAT THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE MAXIMUM SUM AVAILABLE TO CLAIMANTS AND ON REPLENISHMENT OF THE FUND MAY BE UNSATISFACTORY AND DO NOT APPEAR CAPABLE OF ACHIEVING ADEQUATE AND CONTINUING INVESTOR PROTECTION.
THE COMMISSION HAS BEEN AWARE OF THE GENERAL SHORTCOMINGS OF THE COMPENSATION PROVISIONS AND HAD INTENDED THAT THE MATTER BE INCLUDED IN THE GENERAL REVIEW OF THE COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCE PLANNED FOR 1985. HOWEVER, IN VIEW OF THE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES CAUSED BY THE NATIONAL COMMODITIES TRADERS CASE THE COMMISSION HAS DETERMINED THAT WORK ON SUCH A REVIEW SHOULD NOW BE COMMENCED.
THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR COMMODITIES TRADING AND THE HONG KONG COMMODITY EXCHANGE ARE LIAISING CLOSELY ON THESE MATTERS AND ON PROPOSALS FOR A NEW OR AMENDED COMPENSATION FUND.
SPECIFIC PROPOSALS ARE NOW BEING FORMULATED AND IT IS ANTICIPATED THESE WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE COMMODITIES TRADING COMMISSION SHORTLY.
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/7 .......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1984
- 7 -
FURTHER JURY LIST TO BE POSTED
XXX
A FURTHER LIST OF COMMON JURORS WILL BE POSTED ON THE NOTICE BOARD OF THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING AT NO. 38 QUEENSWAY HONG KONG ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 25), THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT, MR NICHOLAS JOHN BARNETT, ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THIS LIST WILL REMAIN POSTED FOR 14 DAYS DURING WHICH ANY PERSON MAY APPLY BY NOTICE IN WRITING TO THE REGISTRAR REQUIRING THAT HIS NAME OR THE NAME OF SOME OTHER PERSON BE POSTED OR REMOVED UPON CAUSE DULY ASSIGNED IN SUCH NOTICE.
THE REGISTRAR SHALL IN HIS DISCRETION, POST OR REMOVE SUCH NAME ACCORDINGLY AND SHALL IF NECESSARY ALTER THE LIST, HE SAID.
-----o-----
SCHOOL HEADS TO ATTEND SEMINAR * * * *
BE
SOME 250 SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS AND DEPUTY HEADS WILL ATTENDING A SEMINAR TOMORROW AND NEXT SATURDAY AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, AIMED AT PROMOTING COOPERATION IN THE PLACti-.. CF STUDENT-TEACHERS FOR TEACHING PRACTICE.
TOMORROW’S SEMINAR WILL BE OPENED BY THE DIRECTOROFEDUCA । MR COLVYN HAYE, AND THE ONE NEXT SATURDAY WILL BE OPENED BY TH-DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MR MICHAEL LEUNG.
THE OPENING WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A VIDEO-SLIDE PRESENTATION OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, AND A 45—MINUTt DISCUSSION SESSION ON THE PROBLEMS FACED BY THE SCHOOLS AND COLLEG-IN PLACING STUDENT-TEACHERS FOR TEACHING PRACTICE.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT SINCE 1980, INTAKE AT THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION HAD BEEN GRADUALLY INCREASED TO MEET GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS FOR ADDITIONAL TEACHERS FOR LANGUAGE TEACH I . REMEDIAL TEACHING, CAREERS AND COUNSELLING AND FOR IMPROVED TEACHER-CLASS RATIOS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
AS TEACHING PRACTICE IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE COLLEGE COURSE, COOPERATION FROM SCHOOLS WAS VITAL IN THE PLACEMENT OF STUDENT-TEACHERS, HE SAID.
-----o------
/8........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1984
8
CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS CONTESTS * * *
THE SEMI-FINALS OF THE CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS SELF-ATTAINMENT AWARD SCHEME WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 21) FROM 2 PM TO 10 PM AT MACPHERSON STADIUM IN MONG KOK.
THE ANNUAL SCHEME IS PRESENTED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, AND THE HONG KONG CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS ASSOCIATION.
ABOUT 300 MEN, WOMEN AND YOUTHS WILL BE DISPLAYING THEIR SKILLS BEFORE A PANEL OF MARTIAL ARTS EXPERTS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE GROUP DEMONSTRATIONS.
THE FINALS WILL BE HELD AT THE SAME VENUE FROM 6 PM TO 10 PM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 27). WHEN GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE MEDALS WILL BE AWARDED.
+THE SPIRIT OF THE SCHEME, AS ITS TITLE SUGGESTS, IS TO PURSUE EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMANCE,+ SAID AN RSS SPOKESMAN.
THE COMPETITIONS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENTS AT MACPHERSON STADIUM BETWEEN 6 PM TO 10 PM ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 21) AND THE FINALS AT THE SAME VENUE FROM 8.30 PM TO 9.30 PM ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27.
-------0---------
ELEVATED WALKWAY SYSTEM TO BE EXTENDED
K K * *
A COVERED SIX-METRE WIDE 180-METRE LONG ELEVATED WALKWAY WILL BE BUILT ALONG CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL BETWEEN GILMAN STREET AND RUMSEY STREET TO LINK UP WITH THE EXISTING ELEVATED WALKWAY SYSTEM IN CENTRAL.
IT WILL HAVE FOOTBRIDGES TO MTR SHEUNG WAN STATION, AND THE NEW MACAU FERRY TERMINAL.
FROM RUMSEY STREET, THE ELEVATED WALKWAY SYSTEM WILL EXTEND WESTWARD TO MORRISON STREET. THIS SECTION IS PART OF THE RE-DEVELOPMENT OF THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL WHICH IS BEING UNDERTAKEN BY A PRIVATE DEVELOPER.
/ON COMPLETION .......
PRTTHY, OCTOBER 19, 1984
- 9 -
ON COMPLETION OF WORK, THERE WILL BE A CONTINUOUS PEDESTRIAN PASSAGEWAY ALONG CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL FROM PEDDER STREET TO MORRISON STREET,WITH LINKS TO MTR STATIONS, BUS TERMINI, FERRY PIERS AND THE NEW MACAU FERRY TERMINAL.
A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED WORKS IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE, HONG KONG; THE DISTRICT LAND OFFICE, HONG KONG NORTH, 12TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG? AND AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 222-224 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG.
ANY OBJECTION TO THE PROPOSAL MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY DECEMBER 18.
-----0------
CLEANSING CONTRACT AWARDED * * * *
A $583 200 CONTRACT WAS AWARDED TODAY BY THE NEW TERRITORY SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR CLEANSING SERVICES AT SHEK WU HUI mT NORTH DISTRICT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE CONTRACT, WHICH WILL START FROM NEXT MONTH, IS A PILOT SCHEME. TO SEE IF THE CLEANSING WORK CAN BE CARRIED OUT AT THE SAME OR BETTER STANDARD, BUT AT A REDUCED COST TO THE TAXPAYER,
SAID A SPOKESMAN OF THE NTSD.
CLEANSING SERVICES, AT PRESENT BEING MAINTAINED BY THE NTSD, WILL BE PROVIDED AT SHEK WU HUI WITHIN THE BOUNDARY OF LUNG SUM ROAD, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND SAN FUNG AVENUE.
THE ONE-YEAR CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR OF NE* TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JOHN HEYWOOD, AND A REPRESENTATIVE 0-THE HUTCHISON ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LIMITED AT THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS.
- - 0 -
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1984
- 10 -
MAJOR WORKS MOVE AHEAD
*****
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR TWO MAJOR CONTROLLED TIPPING WORKS.
ONE IS FOR PHASE I I I OF THE PROJECT AT JUNK BAY AND THE OTHER IS FOR PHASE II AT PILLAR POINT VALLEY IN TUEN MUN.
DETAILS OF THE TWO CONTRACTS APPEAR IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
THE JUNK BAY WORKS, CONSISTING OF SITE PREPARATION AND CONTROLLED TIPPING, ARE EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER AND BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1986.
ON COMPLETION OF THE ENTIRE PROJECT IN MID-1987, ABOUT 56 HECTARES OF OPEN SPACE CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR RECREATION AND AMENITY USE.
WORKS AT THE TUEN MUN SITE ALSO INCLUDE FURTHER SITE PREPARATION AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF DRAINAGE SYSTEMS.
WHEN THE TIP IS FILLED, ABOUT 5.5 HECTARES OF OPEN SPACE CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR RECREATIONAL AND AMENITY USE.
PHASE I OF THE WORKS, WHICH INCLUDED THE CONSTRUCTION OF ACCESS ROADS, DRAINAGE SYSTEMS AND SLOPE PROTECTION, STARTED TWO YEARS AGO, AND WILL BE COMPLETED THIS YEAR.
WORK ON PHASE II WILL START IN DECEMBER, AND THE ENTIRE PROJECT WILL BE COMPLETED BY MID-1987.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9-
FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER, CONSTRUCTION (LIQUID AND SOLID WASTES) DIVISION, CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
/11 .......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1984
11
TENDERS SOUGHT FOR FANLING PROJECTS
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FOR SEVERAL PROJECTS FORMING PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FANLING NEW TOWN.
THE WORK INVOLVES THE FORMATION OF ABOUT 24 HECTARES OF LAND IN SHEK WU HU I, ONE AT THE SOUTH OF CHOI YUEN ESTATE
IN TWO AREAS AND THE OTHER
AT YUK PO COURT.
IT WILL COMPRISE SITE FORMATION, CONSTRUCTION OF A TRIPLE CELL AND A SINGLE CELL BOX CULVERTS AND THE ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE, AND EXCAVATION WORK IN CORPS RIDGE BORROW AREA.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE WORK IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, SCHOOLS, RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, GOVERNMENT INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND GREEN BELT.
THE WORK WILL START NEXT MONTH AND TAKE 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
7 ■ b
- - 0 - -
CARNIVAL AT YUEN LONG M * * *
A CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD AT SHEK KONG AIRFIELD FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 21) AS PART OF THE YUEN LONG SPORTS FORTNIGHT.
FOLLOWING IS THE SCHEDULE FOR THE VARIOUS CARNIVAL EVENTS:
EVENT
TIME
ARMS EXHIBITION 9 AM - 4 PM
CAMEL AND PONY RIDES 9 AM - 4 PM
GO-KART RACING 9 AM - 3.30 PM
TELE MATCH GAMES 1.30 PM - 3.30 PM
CYCLING DEMONSTRATION 1.30 PM - 3.30 PM
GURKHA BAND PARADE 3.45 PM - 4 PM
/PAHACHUTE PEHFOHMANCE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1984
PARACHUTE PERFORMANCE
MOTOR CYCLING DEMONSTRATION
TEAKWONDO PERFORMANCE
12 -
4.20 PM - 4.30 PM
4.30 PM - 4.45 PM
4.45 PM - 5 PM
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CARNIVAL. A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, TSIM SHA TSUI AT 2 PM SHARP TO TAKE THE PRESS TO SHEK KONG.
- - - - 0 ---------
WATER MAINS WORK
* * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO KENNEDY TOWN AND HUNG HOM WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVERAL HOURS FROM MONDAY (OCTOBER 22) FOR MAINS WORK.
IN KENNEDY TOWN, THE SUPPLY WILL BE CUT FROM 11 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY BELCHER’S STREET, SMITHFIELD, FORBES STREET, DAVIS STREET, KENNEDY TOWN NEW PRAYA AND KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA.
IN HUNG HOM, THE WATER WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 9 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, WUHU STREET, PO LOI STREET, HUNG HOM WAN STREET AND WINSLOW STREET.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRIBUNAL TO INQUIRE INTO ICH SHaRES DEALINGS ..................... 1
ID CARD REMINDER TO WOMEN BORN IN 1955, 1956 ..................... 1
INJURED SEAMAN RETURNING TOMORROW ................................ 2
SPECIAL SESSIONS TO COLLECT VIEWS ON WHITE PAPER ................. 2
SCHOOL HEADS URGED TO HELP TRAIN STUDENT TEACHERS ................ 2
PARENTS' CONSENT NEEDED FOR HELP ON FLAG DAYS .................... 5
TRANSPORT TERMINUS FOR aIRPOrT ................................... 3
RICHLAND GARDENS FLATS NOW ON SALE ............................... 4
NEW MAXICAB SERVICE .............................................. 5
SIR SHIU-KIN MADE PATRON OF CSD OFFICERS' CLUB ................... 5
RATING AND VALUATION OFFICER RETIRING ............................ 6
LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR YOUTHS ................................... 6
CULTURAL AND SPORTS FESTIVAL STARTING NEXT WEEK .................. 7
TELEMATCH GAMES GET GOOD START ................................... 8
BEACH CARNIVAL AT CLEAR WATER BAY ................................ 8
KOWLOON CITY ROAD SAFETY DAY ..................................... 9
TRAFFIC MEASURES IN SHAM SHUI PO ................................ 10
RESTRICTED ZONE IN TSIM SHA TSUI ................................ 10
MODERN REFUSE COLLECTION POINT IN KOWLOON TONG .................. 10
FIRING PRACTICE ................................................. 11
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1934
1
TRIBUNAL TO INQUIRE INTO ICH SHARES DEALINGS * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT, AFTER CONSIDERING A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE SECURITIES COMMISSION, HE HAD DECIDED TO REFER A POSSIBLE CASE OF INSIDER DEALINGS TO THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL.
HE ADDED THAT THE TRIBUNAL WILL SOON BE APPOINTED TO INQUIRE INTO DEALINGS IN THE SHARES OF INTERNATIONAL CITY HOLDINGS LTD. (+ICH+) OVER A SPECIFIED PERIOD.
THE PURPOSE OF THE INQUIRY WILL BE TO DETERMINE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE, WHETHER CULPABLE INSIDER DEALING IN ICH OCCURRED DURING THE SPECIFIED PERIOD, AND IF SO, THE IDENTITY OF THE PERSONS INVOLVED, AND THE EXTENT OF THEIR CULPABILITY.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THAT WOULD HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING SHORTLY.
HE EXPECTED THAT THE TRIBUNAL
AS PROVIDED BY THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE, THE TRIBUNAL’S HEARINGS WILL TAKE PLACE IN CAMERA AND ITS FINDINGS WILL BE SET OUT IN A REPORT WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED.
UNTIL THE INQUIRY IS COMPLETED AND THE REPORT IS PUBLISHED THE ISSUE IS PURELY CONJECTURAL. IT WOULD BE MOST UNFAIR FOR THERE TO BE ANY DEGREE OF PREJUDGMENT. THE PRESENT POSITION aAS SIMPLY THAT A FORMAL INQUIRY WOULD BE CONDUCTED.
--------o----------
ID CARD REMINDER TO WOMEN BORN IN 1955, 1956
*****
WOMEN BORN IN 1955 AND 1956 WERE TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED TO APPLY FOR NEW I.D. CARDS BEFORE THE 15TH PHASE OF THE NEw I.D. CARD ISSUE SCHEME CLOSES ON NOVEMBER 3 (SATURDAY).
♦SINCE THE START OF THIS PHASE, WE HAVE 72 000 APPLICATIONS AND WE EXPECT TO RECEIVE IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SA ID.
PROCESSED MORE THAN ABOUT 30 800 MORE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT
APPLICANTS WERE URGED TO CALL AT ANY OF THE EIGHT ISSUE OFFICES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID LAST MINUTE RUSH.
THE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM, MONDAY TO SATURDAY.
♦THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE TO WORK IN THE DAYTIME ARE ADVlScD TO MAKE THEIR VISITS DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS,* THE SPOKESMAN SA ID.
THEY SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR OLD I.D. CARDS AND BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE PERSONAL INFORMATION INCLUDING THEIR BUSINESS AND RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES.
------0--------
/2.......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1984
2
INJURED SEAMAN RETURNING TOMORROW * i *
THE SIXTH CREW MEMBER OF THE +WORLD KNIGHT+ INJURED WHEN THE TANKER WAS ATTACKED IN THE PERSIAN GULF ON OCTOBER 8 WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
HE WILL BE ARRIVING ON A SPECIAL FLIGHT AT 9.30 AM AND WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY.
------o-------
SPECIAL SESSIONS TO COLLECT VIEWS ON WHITE PAPER X * X *
SPECIAL SESSIONS OF THE MEET THE PUBLIC SCHEME HAVE BEEN ARRANGED FOR SAI KUNG RESIDENTS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THc. WHITE PAPER ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
ON FOUR CONSECUTIVE MONDAYS STARTING FROM OCTOBER 22. TwO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE SAI *UNG_D I STHICT OFFICE BRANCH OFFICE AT 63 MAN NIN STREET FROM 6.30 PH TO 8.;j TO COLLECT VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS ON THE WHITE PAPER.
RESIDENTS ARE BEING URGED TO MAKE USE OF THE SPECIAL SESSIO.se. WRITTEN COMMENTS ARE ALSO WELCOME.
ALL VIEWS COLLECTED WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE ASSESSMENT
OFF ICE.
-----0------
SCHOOL HEADS URGED TO HELP TRAIN STUDENT TEACHERS *****
SCHOOL PRINCIPALS WERE URGED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, TO PROVIDE STUDENT TEACHERS wITH VENUES FOR PRACTICAL TEACHING EXPERIENCE DURING THEIR TRAINING.
MR HAYE WAS SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ON +TOWARDS A BETTER UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE SCHOOLS AND THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION+ HELD AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IN KOWLOON.
ADDRESSING ABOUT 150 SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, HE SAID: +1 KNOW THAT I CAN COUNT ON YOU TO DO EVERYTHING HUMANLY POSSIBLE TO MAKE OUR TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAMMES SUCCESSFUL. AFTER AL<_ YOU w ILL BE HELPING US TO HELP YOU, BECAUSE THE STUDENTS YOU TAKE TODAY FOF TEACHING PRACTICE WILL BE KNOCKING ON YOUR DOORS TOMORROW. AND YOU WANT TO BE CERTAIN THAT THEY ARE PROPERLY TRAINED.*
/MR HAYE .......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1984
MR HAYE POINTED OUT THAT THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE JMBER OF TEACHERS IN TRAINING HAD GROWN WITH THE EXPANSION OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.
IN 1984-85 THE COLLEGES WILL SEEK TO PLACE 1 762 STUDENTS IN SCHOOLS FOR TEACHING PRACTICE, IN 1985-86 ANOTHER 2 118 STUDENTS AND IN 1986-87 A FURTHER 2 268 STUDENTS.
+MANY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS HAVE ASSISTED ACTIVELY IN THE PROCESb OVER THE YEARS, BUT NOW I MUST URGE YOU TO CONVINCE SOME OF YOUR COLLEAGUES WHO HAVE BEEN RELUCTANT TO HELP US TO COME FORWARD TO MAKE THEIR PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE TRAINING OF YOUNG TEACHERS IN THE MAKING,* MR HAYE SAID.
THE SPEECH WAS FOLLOWED BY A VIDEO-SLIDE PRESENTATION OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND A 45-MINUTE DISCUSSION SESSION ON THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY THE SCHOOLS AND THE COLLEGES IN THE PLACEMENT OF STUDENT-TEACHERS FOR TEACHING PRACTICE.
A SIMILAR SEMINAR WILL BE HELD NEXT SATURDAY AT THE SAME VENUE, WITH THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, OFFICIATING. OVER 100 PRINCIPALS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND.
------o-------
PARENTS’ CONSENT NEEDED FOR HELP ON FLAG DAYS * * * * *
SCHOOLS ARE REMINDED TO OBTAIN THE CONSENT OF PARENTS BEF HE S-NDING THEIR STUDENTS TO ASSIST IN SELLING FLAGS OR FLOWERS FOR CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS ON APPROVED FLAG AND FLOWER D\YS.
A GENERAL CIRCULAR TO SCHOOLS FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAIB, +HEADS OF SCHOOLS ARE REMINDED THAT STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN THESE ACTIVITIES MUST BE ENTIRELY VOLUNTARY AND THAT THE PRIOR CONSENT OF PARENTS SHOULD BE OBTAINED.*
THE CIRCULAR ALSO TOLD SCHOOL HEADS THAT ONLY STUDENTS AT THE AGE OF 14 OR ABOVE MAY JOIN THESE ACTIVITIES AND THAT INSURANCE COVER AGAINST ACCIDENTS AND ROBBERY SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR THE STUDENTS.
------0-------
TRANSPORT TERMINUS FOR AIRPORT XXX
THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FDR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TRANSPORT TERMINUS AT KAI TAK AIRPOR .
IT WILL BE BUILT ON A 2 500-SQUARE-METRE SITE NEXT TO THb AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING AND IS PART OF STAGE V OF i'hE A IRPOn I
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
/FACILITIES WILL .......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 19oA
4
FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE TAXI STANDS, HIRE CAR STANDS, AIRPORT BUS STOPS, SERVICING AREAS AND A KIOSK. THE ARtA ..ILL ALSO BE EXTENSIVELY LANDSCAPED.
wORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER AND BE COMPLETED IN APR IL NEXT YEAR.
TENDERS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER DARE AND PLACED IN THE SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX IN THE LIFT LOBBY'ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFF ICES, EAST WING, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON NOVEMBER 9.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 13TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
------0-------
RICHLAND GARDENS FLATS NOW ON SALE
XXX
THE 2 639 RICHLAND GARDENS FLATS NOW ON SALE UNDER PHASE VI 3 OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME WILL BE SOLD EQUALLY BETWEEN THE TWO CATEGORIES OF GREEN FORM AND WHITE FORM APPLICANTS.
+ THE QUOTA ALLOCATION OF FLATS BETWEEN PUBLIC HOUSING TENANT (GREEN FORM) APPLICANTS AND PRIVATE SECTOR (WHITE FORM) APPLICANTS WILL CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED AT A RATIO OF 50:50 AS IN THE PREVIOUS SALES,+ SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TODAY.
HE SAID TENANTS OF MARK I AND I I ESTATE BLOCKS WOULD, HQWEVE-BE GIVEN PRIORITY OVER OTHER GREEN FORM APPLICANTS IN CHOOSI-G THE FLATS.
♦THEREAFTER FLAT SELECTION WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON THE BASIS OF THREE GREEN FORM APPLICANTS ALTERNATING WITH ONE WHITE FOR APPLICANT UNTIL THE QUOTA ALLOCATION FOR GREEN FORM APPLICANTS IS FILLED.
♦THIS IS TO ENCOURAGE MORE BETTER-OFF PUBLIC HOUSING ESTA'S TENANTS TO MOVE OUT OF THEIR LOW-RENT FLATS AND MAKE WAY FOR FAMILIES IN GREATER NEED OF SUBSIDISED HOMES.+
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED PROSPECTIVE HOME-PU&CHASERS TH SAMPLE FLATS AT RICHLAND GARDENS IN KOWLOON BAY AND THE HOI E 0. lERSHIP CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN WOULD REMAIN OPEN TOMORROW (SUNDAY'.
♦THE OPENING HOURS OF THE SAMPLE FlATS WILL BE FROL ' - TO
'.30 PM WHILE THE CENTRE FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM.
/+MINI XHI: LTIONS
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1984
- 5 -
+YIN! EXHIBITIONS ON THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME oROJECT WILL ALSO BE STAGED TOMORROW AT THE TELFORD CENTRE IN _ ■U’WLOON BAY CHOI WAN COMMERCIAL CENTRE IN NGAU CHI WAN AND iHt '■TR STATIONS IN CENTRAL AND KWUN TONG TO OFFER HOME-SEEKERS MORE VENUES TO OBTAIN NECESSARY INFORMATION ON THE PROJECT.+
THE FIRST TEN BLOCKS AT RICHLAND GARDENS WITH 2 633 FLATS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE ARE PRICED FROM S133 300 TO fi337 000 EACH, WITH GROSS AREAS BETWEEN 43.7 AND 57.9 SQUARE METRES.
APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON OCTOBER 30.
-----0-------
NEW MAXICAB SERVICE
if***
NEW MAXICAB ROUTE 5M OPERATING BETWEEN 7 AM AND 11 PM, WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 22).
THE ROUTE, A CIRCULAR SERVICE LINKING WATERLOO HILL WITH ARGYLE MTR STATION, WILL RUN AT A FREQUENCY OF 10 MINUTES, AT A FARE OF 80 CENTS.
-----o-------
SIR SHIU-KIN MADE PATRON OF CSD OFFICERS’ CLUB * * * * *
™
CLUB, WHICH WAS FORMED 47 YEARS AGO.
THE APPOINTMENT WAS MADE IN APPRECIATION OF SIR SHIU-KIN S SUPPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT.
at a might HELD IN HIS HONOUR AT THE CLUB IN STANLEY LAST (FRIDAY) NIGHT, SIR SHIU-KIN WAS PRESENTED WITH AN APPOINTMENT CERTIFICATE BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVIC.S,
THOMAS GARNER.
MH
DURING THE DINNER, MR GARNER ALSO ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF ANOTHER KEEN SUPPORTER OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR STANLEY ri'., A LIFE MEMBER OF THE CLUB.
AS
THE EVENING WAS ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 160 CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS FROM VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS.
------o-------
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1984
6
RATING AND VALUATION OFFICER RETIRING
*****
MR M.S. HUI, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, VwILL BE PROCEEDING ON LEAVE LATER THIS MONTH, PRIOR TO RETIREMENT AFTER 28 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
MR HUI JOINED THE SERVICE AS A VALUATION ASSISTANT CLASS III IN NOVEMBER 1956. AFTER A SERIES OF PROMOTIONS, HE WAS APPOINTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK IN MARCH THIS YEAR.
WHEN HE WAS AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, MR HUI WAS CLOSELY INVOLVED IN RATING VALUATIONS, LEASING AND RENT CONTROL MATTERS.
HE REPRESENTED THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT AT A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT OVERSEAS MEETINGS AND WAS A MEMBER OF SEVERAL LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL WORKING GROUPS ON MATTERS RELATING TO RENT, LAND AND HOUSING.
FOR SOME YEARS HE SERVED ON THE COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTION OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS, DEVOTING MUCH TIME TO THE TRAINING OF VALUERS.
------0------
LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR YOUTHS * * *
A YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING SCHEME WILL BE LAUNCHED IN EASTERN DISTRICT NEXT MONTH TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE INTERESTED IN COMMUNITY SERVICES.
YOUTHS WHO WANT TO IMPROVE MORE ABOUT THEIR COMMUNITY, ARE
THEIR SERVICE SKILLS AND TO LEARN BEING URGED TO JOIN THE SCHEME.
ANYONE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 17 AND 25, WITH FORM 3 EDUCATION LEVEL OR ABOVE AND AT LEAST ONE YEAR’S EXPERIENCE IN VOLUNTARY WORK, COULD APPLY, THOUGH PRIORITY WOULD BE GIVEN TO THOSE WORKING OR STUDYING IN THE DISTRICT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
♦ALL TRAINED LEADERS ARE EXPECTED TO ORGANISE AT LEAST ONE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT WHEN THEY COMPLETE THEIR TRAINING COURSb,+ HE ADDED.
THE SCHEME IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT YOUTH ----------------------------- ----- -----. WELFARE DEPARTMENT
RECREATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, THE SOCIAL AND LOCAL VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, AND IS SPONSORED
BY THE DISTRICT
BOARD.
3 U/
THE FIRST PART OF THE SCHEME WILL INVOLVE A SERIES OF SEMINAR TO BE HELD FROM 7,30 PM TO 9.30 PM EVERY FRIDAY BETwlEN NOVEMBER i AND JANUARY 4. THE VENUE WILL BE THE KIANGSU AN CHEKIANG PRIMARY SCHOOL HALL, 30 CHING WAH STREET, NORTH POINT.
/THE SEMINARS .......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1984
- 7
THE SEMINARS WILL FOCUS ON TRAINING YOUTHS IN LEADERSHIP SKILL COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE, PLANNING PROCEDURE, TEAM WORK, THE ORGANISING OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES AND WELFARE.
THE SECOND PART OF THE SCHEME IS A WORK CAMP TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 8 AND 9 AT THE MING FAI CAMP ON CHEUNG CHAU.
THE COURSE IS LIMITED TO 130 PARTICIPANTS AND THE FEE IS $40 PER PERSON.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY NOVEMBER 5 (MONDAY), TO THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 880-886 KING’S ROAD, ANY OF ITS SUB-OFFICES IN CAUSEWAY BAY, SHAU KEI WAN AND CHAI WAN« OR ANY CF THE YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S CENTRES, COMMUNITY CENTRES AND HALLS IN THE DISTRICT.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO MISS ALICE CHAN AT 5-630181 DUR ING OFF ICE HOURS.
------0-------
CULTURAL AND SPORTS FESTIVAL STARTING NEXT WEEK * * * *
THE MONG KOK CULTURAL AND SPORTS FESTIVAL, FEATURING MORE THAN 30 EVENTS, WILL BE LAUNCHED ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 26) EVENING.
THE FESTIVAL, BLENDING CHINESE AND WESTERN CULTURES AND SPORTS, IS SPONSORED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD AND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL, RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE MONG KOK KAIFONG ASSOCIATION AND THE MONG KOK COUNTRYMEN AND CLANSMEN ASSOCIATION.
A VARIETY SHOW, ENTITLED ’MUSIC FROM THE COMMUNITY’, WILL BE HELD AT THE CHAN HING SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRE ON FR IDAY,START I NG AT 8 PM TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR BARRIE WIGGHAM; THE CHAIRMAN CF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL AND SPORTS FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LAM LIN-MING; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG; URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR EDMUND W.H. CHOW; ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, MR CHIU YIM-SHUM ; AND THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, MRS DORIS HO.
A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE MONTH-LONG FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 22) AT 4.30 PM AT THE LIM POR YEN CENTRE AT 110 BEECH STREET, TAI KOK TSUI.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LAM KIN-MING, WILL CHAIR THE CONFERENCE. ALSO PRESENT WILL BE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STANLEY WONG.
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/8......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1984
- 8 -
TELEMATCH GAMES GET GOOD START
* * *
THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF INTER-DISTRICT TELEMATCH GAMES ORGANISED TO PROMOTE DISTRICT SPIRIT AND TO PUBLICISE THE ROLE OF DISTRICT BOARDS GOT OFF TO A GOOD START TODAY (SATURDAY) AT THE WONG CHUK HANG SPORTS GROUND.
IN A CLOSE THREE-MATCH COMPETITION, THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT TEAM BEAT THEIR COUNTERPARTS FROM SOUTHERN DISTRICT AND WAS PROMOTED TO THE SEMI-FINALS.
THE INTER-DISTRICT TELEMATCH GAMES IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE J.8 DISTRICT OFFICES.
THE GAMES ATTRACTED HUNDREDS OF SPECTATORS WHO WERE TREATED TO VARIOUS ENTERTAINMENTS DURING THE INTERMISSIONS.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAMES CAME WHEN THE TEAMS COMPETED IN EVENTS WITH THEMES ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TWO PARTICIPATING DISTR ICTS.
WAN CHAI DISTRICT FEATURED THE +BIG MOUTH BUDDHA+ WHILE THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT USED A THEME REPRESENTING THE LIVELIHOOD OF ABERDEEN BOAT PEOPLE.
THE COMPETITORS WERE URGED ON BY CHEERING TEAMS HEADED BY THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT OFFICERS, MR EDDY CHAN OF SOUTHERN AND MR K.K. LAM OF WAN CHAI.
THE CHEERING TEAM SECTION OF THE COMPETITION WAS WON BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
ON THE ENTERTAINMENT SIDE, THE GAMES INCLUDED PERFORMANCES BY THE FOLK DANCE GROUP OF THE ABERDEEN KAIFONG ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY CENTRE AND THE DRAMA GROUP OF THE MATTEO RICCI COLLEGE.
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BEACH CARNIVAL AT CLEAR WATER BAY *****
MORE THAN 200 YOUNGSTERS WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR SKILL IN BUILDING SAND SCULPTURES AT A BEACH CARNIVAL TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO JOIN THE CARNIVAL WHICH WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 2 PM AND 5 PM AT THE SECOND BEACH IN CLEAR WATER BAY, SAI KUNG.
BESIDES THE SAND SCULPTURING COMPETITION, THERE WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL SINGERS.
/CAMERA ENTHUSIASTS .......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1984
9
CAMERA ENTHUSIASTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PICTURES OF THE CARNIVAL FOR A PHOTO CONTEST. WINNERS WILL BE GIVEN PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUSES.
THE CARNIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CHAMPION CLUB, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WHILE THE PICTURE CONTEST IS A JOINT VENTURE WITH THE UNITED ARTIST PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
THE SAND SCULPTURING COMPETITION WILL BE DIVIDED INTO FOUR SECTIONS TO CATER FOR THOSE OVER 18 YEARS OF AGE, THOSE FROM 13 TO 17, CHILDREN UNDER 12 AND THE KINDERGARTEN GROUP.
THEIR WORKS WILL BE JUDGED BY A PANEL OF SIX WELL-KNOWN SCULPTORS AND ARTISTS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION, CULTURE AND SPORTS COMMITTEE CF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHAN KWAI-SANG, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (OPERATIONS) OF NTSD, MR DAVID WEEKS, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNING TEAMS AFTER THE CONTEST.
ALSO ATTENDING THE CARNIVAL WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF CHAMPION CLUB, MR HO SAU-SHUN, AND THE HONORARY PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED ARTIST PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION, MR SZETO CHUNG, AND THE PROGRAMME SUPERVISOR OF RTHK, MR HO KAM-KONG.
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KOWLOON CITY ROAD SAFETY DAY X K *
A PROGRAMME OF ENTERTAINMENT, EDUCATIONAL DEMONSTRATIONS AND GAMES HAS BEEN ORGANISED FOR THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY DAY TO BE HELD AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THERE WILL BE A ROAD SAFETY PATROL PARADE, A PERFORMANCE BY A POLICE BAND, DEMONSTRATIONS OF THE USE OF SAFETY SEAT-BELTS AND FIRST AID TECHNIQUES, AN EXHIBITION AND A DISPLAY OF VEH ICLEo SEVERELY WRECKED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.
K SPECIAL ATTRACTION FOR THE CHILDREN WILL BE A VISIT BY RONALD MACDONALD, THE CLOWN CHARACTER OF A HAMBURGER STORE CnAlN. THERE WILL ALSO BE GAMES STALLS SET UP BY THE EIGHT AREA COMMITTEES OF KOWLOON CITY AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE DISTRICT OFF ICcK, NR GORDON JONES ; THE POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR R.C. LIDSTER; THE -ENIOR STAFF OFFICER, POLICE TRAFFIC WING, MR R.M.A. HARPER; AND MISS FRIENDSHIP 1984, MIMI LAU.
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/10
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1984
10
TRAFFIC MEASURES IN SHAM SHU I PO * * *
FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 22), THE SECTION STREET BETWEEN LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND THE LAI CHI KOK IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
OF YUET LUN INCINERATOR
FROM 10 AM ON THE SAME DAY, THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE MADE 24-HOUR RESTRICTED ZONES FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS;
*
THE SECTION OF YUET LUN STREET BETWEEN WITH PO LUN STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 68 OF THE JUNCTION.
ITS JUNCTION METRES EAST
*
THE SECTION OF PO LUN STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH YUET LUN STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 16 METRES NORTH OF THE JUNCTION.
withim THF RESTRICTED zones, all motor vehicles except FRANCHISED BUSES AND THOSE WITH PERM ITS IS^ED JHE COMMISS lONc. FOR TRANSPORT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS, OR LOADING AND UNLOADING GOODS.
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RESTRICTED ZONE IN TSIM SHA TSUI * « *
FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 22), THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF THE UNNAMED ROAD BETWEEN HOUSTON CENTRE AND AUTO PLAZA IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE MADE A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
WITHIN THE ZONE, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.
MODERN REFUSE COLLECTION POINT IN KOWLOON TONG
* * M *
A MODERN OFF-STREET REFUSE COLLECTION POINT WILL BE BUILT AT YAU YAT CHUEN IN KOWLOON TONG.
THE PROJECT, AT THE JUNCTION OF BEGONIA ROAD AND CASSIA ROAD, IS TO REPLACE THREE SUB-STANDARD ON-STREET REFUSE DUMPING FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
/A GOVERNMENT .......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1984
11 -
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW FACILITY WOULD BE A MODERN ROOFED BUILDING EQUIPPED WITH A MECHANICAL VENTILATION AND CARBON FILTRATION SYSTEM TO REDUCE SMELL GENERATED FROM REFUSE.
+THIS WILL GREATLY IMPROVE THE REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICE AND ENVIRONMENT IN THE AREA AS THE NEW REFUSE COLLECTION POINT WILL BE DESIGNED TO LOOK LIKE A RESIDENTIAL BUILDING, WITH AMENITY PLANTING ON THE ROOF-TOP, A LOW BOUNDARY WALL AND PLANTER BOXES AT THE ROAD FRONTAGE,+ HE SAID.
THE EXTERNAL WALLS OF THE BUILDING WILL BE COVERED WITH COLOURED TILES SIMILAR IN TONE TO THE ADJOINING RESIDENTIAL BLOCKo.
IT WILL HAVE SEPARATE ENTRY AND EXIT POINTS FOR REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLES, WITH ACCESS FROM BEGONIA ROAD AND EXIT AT CASSIA ROAD.
■•■REVERSING MOVEMENTS INTO OR OUT OF THE REFUSE COLLECTION POINT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.
+THE IMPACT OF THE REFUSE COLLECTION POINT ON TRAFFIC IN THE AREA WILL THEREFORE BE MINIMAL,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
0 -------
F IR ING PRACTICE * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON FIVE DAYS NEXT WEEK.
THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
THE PRACTICE WILL BE FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 22), THURSDAY (OCTOBER 25) AND FRIDAY (OCTOBER 26); AND FROM 8 AM TO 11 PM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 23) AND WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 24).
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HOTLINE ON WHITE PAPER EXTENDED TO 24-HOUR SERVICE......... 1
STEPS MONUMENT BEING RESTORED ............................. 1
SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE PROVES POPULAR ..................... 2
LIVING CONDITIONS IMPROVED FOR 43 000 FAMILIES ............ 3
NEW COLOUR CODINGS FOR PARKING METERS ..................... 4
ROAD SAFETY THROUGH EDUCATION ............................. 5
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED BY AUXILIARY AIR FORCE................... 5
LABOUR LAW OFFENDERS FINED ................................ 6
CARNIVAL DRAWS LARGE CROWD ................................ 7
GOOD. RESPONSE TO SOCCER TRAINING SCHEME................... 7
CARNIVAL OFF TO GOOD START .............................. 8
INTERCHANGE AT MTR CHAI WhN STATION ....................... 9
SEASIDE SITTING-OUT AREA .................................. 9
RESURFACING FOR TUiN MUN ROAD............................. 1°
MAINS WORK IN TSZ WAN SHAN ............................... 1°
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1984
- 1 -
HOTLINE ON WHITE PAPER EXTENDED TO 24-HOUR SERVICE * * * *
FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY), KWUN TONG RESIDENTS CAN CALL UP 3-421443 ANY TIME TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE WHITE PAPER ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
THE HOTLINE WAS STARTED ON OCTOBER 12 (FRIDAY) BY THE DISTRICT BOARD FOR OPERATION DURING OFFICE HOURS AS ONE OF THE CHANNELS TO COLLECT RESIDENTS’ VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT.
+THROUGH OUR CONTACTS WITH THE KAIFONGS, WE FOUND THAT IT MAY NOT BE CONVENIENT FOR PEOPLE TO CALL THE HOTLINE DURING OFFICE HOURS. THEREFORE WE DECIDED TO EXPAND IT TO A ROUND-THE-CLOCK SERVICE,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
+AS THE WHITE PAPER IS A VERY IMPORTANT DOCUMENT TO EVERY ONE IN THE TERRITORY, WE MUST LET OUR VIEWS BE KNOWN WHETHER WE ACCEPT IT OR NOT.
+1 REALLY HOPE LOCAL RESIDENTS WILL MAKE GOOD USE OF THE HOTLINE. ALL THEIR VIEWS WILL BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE HOTLINE WILL REMAIN IN OPERATION UNTIL NOVEMBER 15.
VIEWS COLLECTED THROUGH THE HOTLINE AND OTHER CHANNELS WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE.
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STEPS MONUMENT BEING RESTORED
X * X *
A MUCH TRODDEN MONUMENT IN CENTRAL - THE DUDDELL STREET STEPS -IS BEING RESTORED.
NOW IN THEIR CENTENARY YEAR OF SERVICE TO THE BUSTLING COMMERCIAL COMMUNITY NEARBY, THE STEPS HAVE BEEN DAMAGED OR LOOSENED THROUGH HEAVY USAGE.
ALSO, THE HANDRAILS AND THE TWO ROWS OF BALUSTRADE IN TUSCAN PATTERN ARE BEING REBUILT TO THEIR ORIGINAL SHAPE AND FINE CRAFTSMANSHIP.
AS PART OF THE RESTORATION WORK, THE TWO GAS LAMPS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STEPS WILL BE RETURNED TO THEIR PEDESTALS FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF A NEARBY BUILDING.
THE STEPS, MADE UP OF SOME 56 SLABS OF GRANITE, HAVE WITNESSED THE RAPID GROWTH OF BUSINESS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HONG KONG SUCCESS STORY OVER THE LAST 100 YEARS.
/TO RECOGKISE........
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1904
2
to recognise their historical importance, the steps together with the gas lamps at the top and bottom were declared a protected MONUMENT IN 1979.
BUT THE STEPS REMAIN A USEFUL PRESENT-DAY THOROUGHFARE, PROVIDING A PEDESTRIAN LINK BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND ICE HOUSE STREET.
THE RESTORATION PROJECT BEGAN IN LATE SEPTEMBER AND IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY EARLY DECEMBER THIS YEAR.
_ _ 0 - -
SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE PROVES POPULAR
*****
IN HONG KONG ONE IN EVERY THREE PUPILS IN PRIMARY ONE TO FORM THREE NOW PARTICIPATES IN THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE.
AND THE PARTICIPATION FEE IS A MERE $10 A YEAR.
ECONOMICAL MEDICAL TREATMENT IS PROVIDED BY PRIVATE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS, AND THE SCHEME IS HEAVILY SUBVENTED BY THE GOVERNMEN
+ENROLMENT IS VOLUNTARY. A PUPIL MAY ENROL THROUGH HIS SCHOOL ANY DAY OF THE YEAR OR, IF HIS SCHOOL DOES NOT PARTICIPATE, DIRECTLY WITH US,+ SAID SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES, CHAIRMAN OF THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE BOARD.
+PARTICIPATION ENTITLES THE PUPIL TO VISIT THE DOCTOR OF HIS SCHOOL’S CHOICE AS MANY TIMES A YEAR AS HE WISHES.*
+THE NUMBER OF PUPILS IN THE SCHEME IS STEADILY INCREASING. BY MARCH THIS YEAR 308 444 PUPILS FROM 783 SCHOOLS HAD ENROLLED, COMPARED TO THE LOW OF 37 181 IN MARCH 1972,+ HE SAID.
LAST YEAR 262 DOCTORS PROVIDED ALMOST 900 000 CONSULTATIONS AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS.
THE DOCTOR NOW RECEIVES $75 PER YEAR FOR EACH PUPIL ON HIS PANEL, OF WHICH THE GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTES $65 AND THE PUPIL $10. BEFORE OCTOBER 1, THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTRIBUTION WAS $50 AND THE PUPIL’S, $5.
DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR THE GOVERNMENT’S SUBVENTION TOTALLED ABOUT $15 MILLION WHICH INCLUDED ABOUT $677 000 FOR ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.
+COMPARABLE MEDICAL CARE WOULD BE HARD TO OBTAIN AS ECONOMICALLY HERE, OR FOR THAT MATTER, ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD,+ SIR ALBERT ADDED.
LAST YEAR PUPILS PAID ON AVERAGE THREE VISITS TO THEIR DOCTOR. AT THIS RATE THE DOCTOR WOULD RECEIVE ABOUT $25 PER CONSULTATION, WITH THE PUPIL PAYING JUST OVER $3 PER VISIT.
/BY GOMPAfilSCN
SUNDAY, OCTOBSE 21, 1984
- 3 -
BY COMPARISON IT COSTS THE GOVERNMENT ABOUT $40 FOR EVERY PATIENT ATTENDING AN OUT-PATIENT CLINIC, AND THE PATIENT WOULD BE PAYING $7 PER VISIT.
A STEADY RISE IN ENROLMENT OVER RECENT YEARS TESTIFIES TO THE GROWING DEMAND FOR THIS INSURANCE-TYPE SCHEME.
+SCHOOL HEADS ARE URGED TO MAKE THE SCHEME MORE WIDELY KNOWN AND TO ENCOURAGE THEIR PUPILS TO JOIN FOR THEIR OWN GOOD.
+WE ARE ALSO GRATEFUL TO PARTICIPATING DOCTORS WHOSE UNFAILING SUPPORT CONTRIBUTES A VALUABLE COMMUNITY SERVICE AT NOMINAL REWARD, HE SAID.
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LIVING CONDITIONS IMPROVED FOR 43 000 FAMILIES X * * X
AT thp END OF THE 1983-84 FINANCIAL YEAR, 43 030 FAMILIES LIVING AT MARK I AND II ESTATES HAD HAD THEIR LI VING CONDITI ONS IMPROVED SINCE THE LAUNCHING OF A REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THESE OLDER ESTATES IN THE EARLY 197OS.
OF THE 240 BLOCKS LOCATED IN THESE ESTATES, 37 HAD BEEN CONVERTED IN SITU TO PROVIDE MORE LIVING SPACE AND SE^-CONT Al NED FACILITIES, WHILE 55 HAD BEEN DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW BUILDINGS.
DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW, ACCORDING TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S 1983-84 ANNUAL REPORT, PLANS^EREoINcHANDoTOftACCELERATE THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, WITH THE A...
SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVING ALL REM Al N I N G MARK I
AIM OF
REDEVELOPING OR
AND I I BLOCKS WlTHIN
THE NEXT SEVEN YEARS.
FLATS WERE ALLOCATED
13 481
TO WA?mNGSL™T AP^L.CaJtS « TUENMUH^ TAI PO AND SHA TIN
JewTOWIS? « AT MARCH 311 THE HUMBER Of’llVE APPLICATIONS
STOOD AT 161 931.
REFERRING TO THE RENT POLICY, THE REPORT STATES THAT IT IS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S POLICY TO KEEP ^TS OF PUBLI C HOUSING ESTATES AT REASONABLE LEVELS, AND IT HAS BEEN POSSIBLE TO MAINTAIN RENTS AT A LOW LEVEL BECAUSE OF HEAVY GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY.
RENTS ARE REVIEWED ON A BIENNIAL BASIS AND ADJUSTED, HAVING REGARD TO TENANTS’ ABILITY TO PAY, ESTATE VALUE IN TERMS OF LOCATION, FACILITIES AND SERVICES PROVIDED} AND INCREASES IN MAINTENANCE, IMPROVEMENTS AND OTHER COSTS.
/THE HEPOBT
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1?84
- 4 -
THE REPORT SAYS THAT THE AUTHORITY CONTINUED TO PLACE EMPHASIS ON THE PROVISION OF ADEQUATE WELFARE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR TENANTS OF ALL AGE GROUPS. IN ALL NEW ESTATES, VARIOUS TYPES OF WELFARE PREMISES ARE PROVIDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PLANNING STANDARD AND NEEDS OF TENANTS, WHILE EFFORTS CONTINUE TO BE MADE TO PROVIDE AND UPGRADE SIMILAR SERVICES IN OLDER ESTATES.
ACCOMMODATION IS ALSO PROVIDED FOR THE SETTING UP OF HOSTELS FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE DISABLED IN NEW ESTATES SO THAT THEY CAN INTEGRATE WITH THE COMMUNITY. APART FROM THESE HOSTELS, A NUMBER OF SUPPORTING REHABILITATIVE SERVICES SUCH AS TRAINING CENTRES, WORK ACTIVITY CENTRES, SHELTERED WORKSHOPS AND SOCIAL RECREATION CLUBS ARE ALSO PROVIDED.
DURING THE YEAR, A TOTAL OF 64 TENANCIES FOR WELFARE PREMISES WERE GRANTED ON BOTH NEW AND EXISTING ESTATES, MAKING A TOTAL OF 526 TENANCIES COMPRISING 75 NURSERIES, 50 CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, 57 LiBRARIES-STUDY ROOMS, 90 CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES, 45 HOSTELS AND 219 CENTRES FOR OTHER WELFARE SERVICES.
A TRIAL SCHEME OF ALLOCATING MEDICAL CLINICS TO A GROUP OF DOCTORS TO CARRY OUT GROUP PRACTICE WAS INTRODUCED AT LUNG HANG ESTATE DURING THE YEAR.
- - 0 - -
NEW COLOUR CODINGS FOR PARKING METERS *****
THE COLOUR CODINGS FOR SOME 15 000 PARKING METERS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY ARE TO EE CHANGED IN PHASES, STARTING NEXT MONTH.
UNDER THE NEW SCHEME, THE POSTS OF HALF-HOUR METERS WILL BE PAINTED YELLOW ALL THROUGH, WHILE THOSE OF ONE-HOUR AND TWO-HOUR PETERS WILL BE PAINTED BROWN AND BLUE RESPECTIVELY WITHOUT THE ALTERNATE WHITE BANDS.
PARKING METERS WHICH ARE OPERATIONAL ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS WILL BE INDICATED BY A WHITE BAND AT THE UPPER END OF THEIR POSTS, INSTEAD OF THE PRESENT VIOLET BAND.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT A TWO-YEAR REPAINTING PROGRAMME HAD BEEN DRAWN UP.
THE FIRST DISTRICT TO HAVE PARKING METERS WITH THE NEW COLOUR CODING WILL BE LAI CHI KOK, TO BE FOLLOWED BY TSIM SHA TSUI EAST AND HUNG HOM IN KOWLOON.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID DURING THE TWO-YEAR CHANGEOVER PERIOD, THE OLD COLOUR CODINGS WILL REMAIN IN FORCE UNTIL THEY HAVE BEEN REPA INTED.
HE SAID THAT BESIDES MAKING THE PARKING METERS MORE EASILY IDENTIFIABLE, THE SIMPLE COLOUR CODINGS WOULD FACILITATE MAINTENANCE AND REDUCE COST AND MANPOWER.
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/5......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1984
5
ROAD SAFETY THROUGH EDUCATION X X X X
EFFORTS TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY THROUGH EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT ACTION WOULD BE STEPPED UP IN THE COMING YEAR, KOaLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GORDON JONES, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KOWLOON CITY ROAD SAFETY DAY, MR JONES SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE HIGH NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.
+IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1984, A TOTAL OF 3 838 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, INVOLVING 4 918 CASUALTIES, OCCURED IN THE KOWLOON REGION,* HE SAID.
+IN THE COMING YEAR, THE POLICE WILL INCREASE THEIR EFFORTS TO HELP REDUCE TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT AND THE REGION AS A WHOLE,* HE ADDED.
THE MAIN THEMES OF THIS YEAR’S ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN ARE PEDESTRIANS' AND CYCLISTS’ SAFETY WHICH, MR JONES POINTED OUT, IS OF PARTICULAR CONCERN IN DENSELY POPULATED DISTRICTS LIKE KOWLOON CITY.
MR JONES SAID ROAD SAFETY WOULD CONTINUE TO BE ONE OF THE MAIN SUBJECTS FOR DISCUSSIONS IN MEETINGS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE TOOK PART IN THE ROAD SAFETY DAY AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND.
THE PROGRAMME INCLUDED A ROAD SAFETY PATROL PARADE, A PERFORMANCE BY A POLICE BAND, DEMONSTRATIONS ON VARIOUS TRAFFIC SAFETY ASPECTS, EXHIBITIONS AND GAMES STALLS.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED BY AUXILIARY AIR FORCE
X X X X X X
THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE IS NOW RECRUITING YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN VOLUNTEERS TO BE TRAINED AS OPERATION CONTROLLERS.
THEIR MAIN DUTY WILL BE TO RUN THE OPERATIONS DESK AT THE RHKAAF HEADQUARTERS AT WEEKENDS AND TO LIAISE WITH AIRBORNE AIRCRAFT AND GROUND AGENCIES, AN RHKAAF SPOKESMAN SAID.
RECRUITS WILL RECEIVE TRAINING AT WEEKENDS. ONE IMPORTANT CRITERION IN THE SELECTION OF APPLICANTS WOULD BE THEIR INTEREST IN AVIATION AND THEIR WILLINGNESS TO PUT IN THE TIME AND EFFORT TO ATTAIN THE HIGH STANDARD OF PROFICIENCY REQUIRED FOR THE POST, HE ADDED.
/applicants kjst........
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1984
- 6 -
APPLICANTS MUST BE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18 AND 30, MEDICALLY FIT AND BE FLUENT IN BOTH SPOKEN AND WRITTEN ENGLISH.
THEY SHOULD HAVE FIVE SUBJECTS, INCLUDING ENGLISH LANGUAGE (SYLLABUS B) AT GRADE C IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION OR EQUIVALENT, AS WELL AS FOUR OTHER SUBJECTS AT GRADE E OR ABOVE.
APPLICATIONS WITH PERSONAL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE COMMANDING OFFICER, ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AIRPORT TUNNEL EAST EXIT, KOWLOON.
THOSE WHO HAD RESPONDED TO THE PREVIOUS RECRUITMENT EXERCISE FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS NEED NOT APPLY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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LABOUR LAW OFFENDERS FINED
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TOOK OUT 411 PROSECUTIONS FOR BREACHES CF LABOUR LAWS IN SEPTEMBER.
OF THESE, 378 CASES RESULTED IN CONVICTION, WITH FINES TOTALLING S56O 950.
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 186 CASES CONCERNING VIOLATIONS OF SAFETY REGULATIONS, WITH 5391 750 IN FINES. INCLUDED WERE 66 CASES (WITH $185 100 IN FINES) FOR BREAKING THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS AND 54 CASES (WITH $101 900 IN FINES) FOR BREAKING THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS.
THERE WERE 145 CASES RELATING TO BREACHES OF THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS, WHICH RESULTED IN $118 650 IN F INES.
OF THE OTHER PROSECUTIONS, SIX CASES CONCERNED FAILURE TO KEEP RECORD OF EMPLOYEES, LEADING TO $3 800 IN FINES.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1
CARNIVAL DRAWS LARGE CROWD * * * *
LARGE CROWDS OF PEOPLE FLOCKED TO THE SECOND BEACH IN CLEAR WATER BAY TODAY TO JOIN A BEACH CARNIVAL FEATURING A SAND SCULPTURING COMPETITION.
MANY OF THEM BROUGHT ALONG THEIR CAMERAS TO TAKE PICTURES FOR A PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST.
POPULAR DISC JOCKEYS AND SINGERS ENTERTAINED VISITORS wITH POP MUSIC.
THE CARNIVAL WITH ITS SCULPTURING COMPETITION WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CHAMPION CLUB, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT. THE PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST WAS SPONSORED BY THE UNITED ARTIST PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
SOME 200 YOUNG TALENTS INCLUDING KINDERGARTEN PUPILS CREATED MORE THAN 50 SAND SCULPTURES.
FOUR WINNING TEAMS WERE CHOSEN BY A PANEL OF SIX RENOWNED SCULPTORS AND ARTISTS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION, CULTURE AND SPORT COMMITTEE CF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHAN KWAI-SANG, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (OPERATIONS) OF NTSD, MR DAVID WEEKS, LATER PRESENTED PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS TO WINNING TEAMS.
ALSO TAKING PART IN THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CHAMPION CLUB, MR HO SAU-SHUN, THE HONORARY PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED ARTIST PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION, MR SZEiO CHUNG, AND THE PROGRAMME SUPERVISOR OF RTHK, MR HO KAM-KONG.
MEANWHILE, AN NTSD SPOKESMAN REMINDED THOSE WHO HAD TAKE. PICTURES AT THE CARNIVAL TO SUBMIT THEIR ENTRIES BEFORE NOVEMBER 3 (SATURDAY) TO ANY OF THE COLLECTION CENTRES LISTED IN THE ENTRY FORMS.
_ - o - -
GOOD RESPONSE TO SOCCER TRAINING SCHEME * * *
THE PUBLIC HAD RESPONDED POSITIVELY TO THE YOUTH FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME, SAID MR RAYMOND CHAN, CHIEF RECREATION ANL SPORTS OFFICER (SPORTS DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICE) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING.
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE LAUNCHING OF THIS YEAR’. SCHEME AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM, MR CHAN SAID THAT MORE THAN 5 01) YOUNG PEOPLE HAD BEEN TRAINED SINCE THE SCHEME STARTED IN 1^3 AND ANOTHER 2 000 YOUNGSTERS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 15 AND a'ULL BE TRAINED THIS YEAR.
/THE HCNG
SUNDAY, OCTOBEH 21, 19&4
- 8 -
THE HONG KONG NATIONAL YOUTH TEAM, COMPOSED MAINLY OF OUTSTANDING PLAYERS DISCOVERED THROUGH THE SCHEME, HAD WON THE PRAISE AND RESPECT FROM OTHER PARTICIPATING TEAMS IN MANY INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS, HE ADDED.
THE PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE A TWO-MONTH TRAINING IN BASIC SOCCER SKILLS AND WILL TAKE PART IN A SERIES OF YOUTH LEAGUE MATCHES TO SHARPEN THEIR SKILLS LATER. THOSE WHO ARE JUDGcD TO BE OUTSTANDING WILL RECEIVE NATIONAL SQUAD TRAINING AT THE JUBILEc. SPORTS CENTRE NEXT YEAR.
THE SCHEME IS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THt URBAN COUNCIL, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, WITH THE BOTTLER OF COCA COLA LIMITED AS THE SPONSOR.
A DEMONSTRATION MATCH BETWEEN THE HONG KONG TEAM AND THE HONG KONG YOUTH TEAM WAS HELD FOLLOWING A KICK-OFF BY THE PARTICIPATING GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANISATIONS’ REPRESENTATIVES, INCLUDING MR LAM KIN-MING OF THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION.
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CARNIVAL OFF TO GOOD START * * * *
THE USUALLY TRANQUIL SHEK KONG AIRFIELD BUSTLED WITH EXCITEMENT TODAY, AS THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE CONVERGED ON IT FOR THE YUEN LONG SPORTS FORTNIGHT CARNIVAL.
THE BIGGEST DRAW OF THE CARNIVAL, WHICH STARTED AT 9 AM, WAS THE CAMEL AND PONY RIDES. THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, MOST OF THEM CHILDREN, FORMED LONG QUEUES THROUGHOUT THE DAY FOR THEIR GO AT THE RIDES.
AMONG OTHER MAJOR ATTRACTIONS WAS THE ARMS EXHIBITION, WHICH INCLUDED TANKS, CANNONS AND HELICOPTERS.
RACING FANS SPENT THE DAY WATCHING GO-KART RACES.
THE AFTERNOON ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDED PARACHUTING PERFORMANCES AND A MOTOR CYCLING DEMONSTRATION BY THE GURKHA FIELD FORCE, SHEK KONG, AND A BAND PARADE BY THE GURKHA BAND.
OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDED A TELEMATCH GAME, CYCLING DEMONSTRATIONS AND TEAKWONDO PERFORMANCES.
THE YUEN LONG SPORTS FORTNIGHT CARNIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOC I AT ION.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1934
- 9 -
INTERCHANGE AT MTR CHAI WAN STATION *****
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE AT MTR CHAI wAK STATION.
THE INTERCHANGE, LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF NING FOO STREET AND LEE CHUNG STREET, WILL CONSIST OF A BUS TERMINUS WITH THREE BAYS, A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND, AND ASSOCIATED FOOTWAYS.
IT WILL PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR ADDITIONAL FEEDER SERVICES TO THE MASS TRANSIT ISLAND LINE AT THE CHAI WAN STATION.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JANUARY 1985 AND WILL TAKE ABOUT FOUR MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
TENDERS MUST BE ADDRESSED 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, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1984.
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SEASIDE SITTING-OUT AREA
*****
A SITTING-OUT AREA IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED ON A 235-SQUARE-ME7-.E SITE AT MAN CHEONG STREET, YAU MA TEI, ALONG THE SEAFRONT.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED INCLUDE BENCHES, ARBOURS, PLANTERS AND A STOREROOM.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN EIGHT MONTHS.
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOVEMBER 9.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1984.
“ 10 "
RESURFACING FOR TUEN MUN ROAD * * * *
ROAD RESURFACING WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT FROM MONDAY (OCTOBER 22) AT TUEN MUN ROAD BETWEEN SHAM TSENG INTERCHANGE AND SO KWUN WAT BRIDGE.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO LAST THREE MONTHS DURING WHICH ONLY ONE LANE WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC.
FROM MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 22-24), TUEN MUN ROAD BETWEEN PUI TO ROAD AND SIU LAM INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 10.30 PM AND 5 AM DAILY TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK. TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
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MAINS WORK IN TSZ WAN SHAN
£ £ K
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSZ WAN SHAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 8 AM TO 7 PM ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 24) FOR MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT 115-181 PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD AND 40-100 YUK WAH STREET. ALSO AFFECTED ARE YUK WAH CRESCENT, LOK WAH STREET, BLOCKS 61 TO 66 OF TSZ MAN ESTATE AND DIAMOND HILL CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FIRM BASIS FOR HK TO DEVELOP OWN EDUCATION SYSTEM........ 1
DRAFT AGREEMENT PROVIDES FOR CONTINUATION OF ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS ................................................ 2
KAIFONGS URGED TO JOIN PUBLIC AFFAIRS ................... 3
CIVIL SERVICE OFFERING CHALLENGE......................... 4
ANOTHER SCHOOL FOR TAI PO ............................... 5
POLICE STATION TO BE EXPANDED..........................
YUEN LONG DB MEETING TOMORROW............................ 6
MONG KOK FESTIVAL STARTING FRIDAY ....................... 7
SEMINAR ON ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION ........................ 8
$46-M POOL COMPLEX NEARING COMPLETION ................... 8
ROAD CLOSURE TO FACILITATE MTR '.YORK.................... 9
TRAFFIC DIVERSION IN SHA TIN ..........................
LEAKAGE TEST IN CENTRAL ...............................
WATER FIGURES
9
MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1984
1
FIRM BASIS FOR HK TO DEVELOP OWN EDUCATION SYSTEM
*****
THE SINO-BRITISH DRAFT AGREEMENT PROVIDED A SOUND AND FIRM BASIS FOR HONG KONG TO CONTINUE DEVELOPING AN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM TAILORED TO THE TERRITORY’S OWN NEEDS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC CF HONG KONG TODAY (MONDAY).
+IT WILL ENSURE THAT WE WILL HAVE THE EXPERTISE AND SKILL REQUIRED TO ENABLE HONG KONG TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE ITS POSITION IN THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC AND TRADING ENVIRONMENT WITHIN WHICH HONG KONG OPERATES,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
FOR THOSE WHO WERE CONCERNED ABOUT THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997, HE REITERATED THAT THE DRAFT AGREEMENT HAD SPELT OUT, IN NO UNCERTAIN TERM, THAT THE ESSENTIALS OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM WOULD CONTINUE.
+IT WILL OPERATE SEPARATELY AND DIFFERENTLY FROM THAT IN OTHER PARTS OF CHINA. CONTINUITY WILL BE MAINTAINED IN THE APPLICATION OF OUR PRESENT EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS, AND IN THE USE CF TEACHING MATERIALS FROM OVERSEAS. THE FREEDOM TO PURSUE EDUCATION OUTSIDE HONG KONG WILL BE PRESERVED,* HE EXPLAINED.
SIR EDWARD SAID THAT THE CREATIVITY, INTELLIGENCE AND ADAPTABILITY OF ITS PEOPLE CONSTITUTED HONG KONG’S GREATEST NATURAL ASSETS.
+THESE ATTRIBUTES NEED TO BE STIMULATED AND FOSTERED BY EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES WHICH BROADEN THE HORIZON OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE AND STRETCH THEIR IMAGINATION.
+IN CONSEQUENCE OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM, ITS QUALITY AND DIRECTION, ARE MATTERS OF THE HIGHEST IMPORTANCE TO OUR FUTURE.
+IF WE ARE TO MAINTAIN OUR POSITION IN THIS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE WORLD, WE MUST PRODUCE PROFESSIONALS, TECHNOLOGISTS, MANAGERS AND ADMINISTRATORS WHO ARE NOT ONLY ABLE BUT HIGHLY TRAINED,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
HE EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT THE CITY POLYTECHNIC WOULD MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THIS OBJECTIVE.
THE NEW PREMISES IN THE ARGYLE CENTRE WILL PROVIDE PLACES FOR 2 500 FULL-TIME STUDENTS AND A SIMILAR NUMBER OF PART-TIME STUDENTS OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
WHEN THE PERMANENT CAMPUS IN KOWLOON TONG IS READY FOR OCCUPATION IN OCTOBER 1988, IT WILL HAVE AN INITIAL CAPACITY OF 8 OOO FULL-TIME-EQUIVALENT STUDENTS WITH A POTENTIAL FOR EXPANSION TO ACCOMMODATE A FURTHER 5 500 FULL-TIME-EQUIVALENT STUDENTS.
/SIR aUXiAKD..........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1?84
2 -
SIR EDWARD SAID THAT ULTIMATELY, THE RANGE OF COURSES WOULD RF EXPANDED TO COVER A WIDER VARIETY OF ACADEMIC SUBJECTS AT DEGREE, PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA, HIGHER DIPLOMA AND HIGHER CERTIFICATE
LEVELS.
IN LINE WITH THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG’S SOCIETY, COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY AND THE GOVERNMENT, ALL THE COURSES WOULD HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL PRACTICAL CONTENT, HE ADDED.
HE ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE PLANNING COMMITTEE LED BY SIR S Y CHUNG AND THE DIRECTORATE OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC, UNDER THE FOUNDING DIRECTOR DR DAVID JOHNS, AND HIS SENIOR STAFF
FOR THEIR HARD WORK.
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DRAFT AGREEMENT PROVIDES
FOR CONTINUATION OF ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS
THE DRAFT AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE PROVIDED FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THOSE ELEMENTS WHICH THE COMMUNITY HERE REGARDED AS ESSENTIAL, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
+IN DOING SO IT HAS REMOVED THE UNCERTAINTY ABOUT 1997 WHICH, FOR A WHILE, HAD DETERRED CONFIDENCE AND PROGRESS,+ SIR PHILIP SAID.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE THIRD CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF COMMONWEALTH VALUATION DEPARTMENTS AT THE REGENT HOTtL.
SIR PHILIP TOLD DELEGATES FROM SOME 20 COUNTRIES THAT A_ SENSE OF UNCERTAINTY BEGAN TO EMERGE AS HONG KONG ENTERED THt 198Q’S. HE THEN BRIEFED THE DELEGATES THE PROBLEMS CONCERNING HONG KONG’S FUTURE AND THE EVENTS LEADING TO THE INITIALLING OF THE DRAFT AGREEMENT.
+NOW AFTER TWO WORRYING YEARS, HONG KONG CAN MOVE AHEAD ONCE MORE,* SIR PHILIP SAID.
+ 0F COURSE, INTENTIONS HAVE TO BE CONVERTED INTO REAL LIFE DECISIONS, BUT THERE ARE COMPELLING REASONS TO SUPPOSE THEY WILL BE.
+S0 I BELIEVE HONG KONG’S DESTINY REMAINS TO BE THE COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL CAPITAL CITY OF EAST AND SOUTHEAST ASIA AND, AMONG OTHER THINGS, WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY HOST TO, AND AN ACTIVE ROLE IN, INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGES SUCH AS THIS CONFERENCE,* HE SAID.
/HE SAID ........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1984
3 -
HE SAID THAT FOR MANY YEARS, HONG KONG HAD PROVIDED FERTILE GROUND FOR THE PRACTITIONER OR THE SERIOUS STUDENT OF PROFESSIONAL VALUATION.
+FURTHERMORE, THE COMPLEXITY AND VOLATILITY OF THE HONG KONG PROPERTY MARKET IN RECENT YEARS HAS PROVIDED A UNIQUE CASE STUDY FOR THE VALUER, PARTICULARLY AS REGARDS THE WAY IN WHICH BASE VALUES SHIFTED ABSOLUTELY AND RELATIVELY,+ HE SAID.
THE WEEK-LONG CONFERENCE IS HOSTED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND ORGANISED BY THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT.
IT AIMS TO PROVIDE A FORUM TO ENABLE LEADERS OF COMMONWEALTH VALUATION DEPARTMENTS TO DISCUSS AND EXCHANGE IDEAS AND TECHNIQUES IN AN AGE WHERE THE COST AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VALUATION SERVICE IS BEING CLOSELY EXAMINED.
THE FIRST CONFERENCE WAS HOSTED BY MALAYSIA IN KUALA LUMPUR IN 1977 AND THE SECOND BY CANADA IN OTTAWA IN 1980.
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KAIFONGS URGED TO JOIN PUBLIC AFFAIRS * * * * *
THE KAIFONGS WERE IN A POSITION TO ASSESS THE POLITICAL STRUCTURES AND LIFESTYLE DESIRED BY THE COMMUNITY AND TO CONVEY THE IR ASSESSMENTS TO THE GOVERNMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DENIS BRAY, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE 35TH ANNUAL KAIFONG DAY CELEBRATION THIS EVENING, MR BRAY SAID HONG KONG SOCIETY WAS UNDERGOING RAPID SOCIAL AND POLITICAL CHANGES.
HE URGED EVERY MEMBER OF KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS TO TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS.
♦THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSALS THAT WILL EMERGE N A WHITE PAPER ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WILL ONLY BE A FIRST STEP. THE KAIFONGS SHOULD OFFER GUIDANCE ON THE NEXT STEPS,+ HE SAID.
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF MR BRAY’S SPEECH«
+1 AM HONOURED TO BE INVITED TO OFFICIATE AT THE 35TH ANNUAL KAIFONG DAY CELEBRATION THIS EVENING.
+OVFR THF PAST 30 YEARS. THE KAIFONG MOVEMENT, WITH ITS FOUR MA ।OR PRINCIPLES HAS ACHIEVED OUTSTANDING RESULTS. THE ENTHUSIASM “d^UBLI^SPIRITEDNESS OF KAIFONG LEADERS WHO CHOOSE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY DILIGENTLY AND SELFLESSLY ARE HIGHLY AP.PECIATED.
/+! HAVE.......
MONDAY, OCTOBEH 22, 1984
♦I HAVE AN ADMIRATION FOR THE KAIFONG MOVEMENT, AND HAVE WITNESSED ITS GRADUAL EXPANSION OVER THE YEARS MAINLY THROUGH THE EFFORT, HARDWORK AND INITIATIVE OF OUR KAIFONG LEADERS. ITS MAJOR EFFORTS TODAY ARE NO LONGER CONFINED TO WELFARE ACTIVITIES. KAIFONGS ALSO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN REFLECTING PEOPLE’S OPINION ON PUBLIC ISSUES.
+HONG KONG SOCIETY IS NOW UNDERGOING RAPID SOCIAL AND POLITICAL CHANGES. EVERY MEMBER OF KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS SHOULD NOW TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS. THE KAIFONGS ARE IN A POSITION TO ASSESS THE POLITICAL STRUCTURES AND LIFESTYLE DESIRED BY THE COMMUNITY AND TO CONVEY THEIR ASSESSMENTS TO THE GOVERNMENT. THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSALS THAT WILL EMERGE IN A WHITE PAPER ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WILL ONLY BE A FIRST STEP. THE KAIFONGS SHOULD OFFER GUIDANCE ON THE NEXT STEPS. THIS IS WHAT I EXPECT FROM THE KAIFONG MOVEMENT AT THE PRESENT DAY.
+MAY I TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO WISH THE KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS EVERY SUCCESS AND TO WISH YOU ALL HAPPINESS AND GOOD HEALTH.
THANK YOU:*
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CIVIL SERVICE OFFERING CHALLENGE
******
YOUNG PEOPLE JOINING THE CIVIL SERVICE NOW WOULD FACE THE CHALLENGE AND EXCITEMENT OF TAKING PART IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A GOVERNMENT, FOR WHICH THERE WAS NO PRECEDENT ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
BUT HE SAID, +THIS WILL BE NO TIME FOR THE FAINT HEARTED, OR THE GRADUATE LOOKING FOR AN EASY RIDE.*
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 12TH CIVIL SERVICE CAREERS EXHIBITION AT LOKE YEW HALL, HE NOTED THERE HAD BEEN QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT KIND OF GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SERVICE HONG KONG WOULD HAVE IN THE FUTURE.
+WE NOW KNOW THAT NOT ONLY WILL THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS CF THOSE EMPLOYED IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE BEFORE 1997 BE PRESERVED S-TER 1997, BUT THAT THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF RECRUITMENT, EMPLOYMENT, ASSESSMENT, DISCIPLINE, TRAINING AND MANAGEMENT SHALL BE MAINTAINED,* HE SAID.
MR AKERS-JONES SAID REASSURANCES THAT THE ESSENTIAL QUALITY OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM WOULD BE RETAINED +PROVIDE US wITH CONFIDENCE TO GO ON PLANNING AND RECRUITING FOR THE FUTURE.*
/THOSE 'iHO.......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1984
THOSE WHO WERE AT THE START OF THEIR CAREERS COULD DEVOTE THEIR LIVES, WITH CONFIDENCE, TO THE SERVICE OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, HE ADDED.
THEY WOULD BE PARTICIPATING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A GOVERNMENT WHICH WOULD ENDURE AS ONE OF THE SYSTEM WITHIN THE CONCEPT OF ’ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS’, HE SAID.
♦AND THERE IS SATISFACTION IN TAKING PART IN THE DEVELOPMENT (F A STRUCTURE WHICH WILL BE RUN BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG THEMSELVES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF LEGISLATURE ’CONSTITUTED BY ELECTIONS’ FROM AMONG THE PEOPLE.
*TO INTRODUCE THESE CHANGES WITHOUT DISTURBING, INDEED, IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, WHILE INCREASING THE PACE OF SOCIAL CHANGE AND ECONOMIC EXPANSION WILL REQUIRE SENSITIVITY AND IMAGINATION, AND A HIGH DEGREE OF ADMINISTRATIVE SKILL,* MR AKERS-JONES SAID.
THESE CHANGES WOULD TAKE PLACE AS PART OF THE OVERALL GROWING DIMENSION OF HONG KONG’S DEVELOPING RELATIONS WITH CHINA, AND THE IMMENSE CHANGES TAKING PLACE WITHIN CHINA AS THE PROCESS OF MODERNISATION GATHERED MOMENTUM.
+FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO TAKE PART IN THIS GREAT ENDEAVOUR, TO EMBARK UPON A VOYAGE WHICH HAS NO PRECEDENT IN THE HISTORY CF POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT, A CAREER IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE OF HONG KONG WILL BE A REWARDING EXPERIENCE.
♦THIS YEAR’S EXHIBITION HAS, THEREFORE, A SPECIAL IMPORTANCE TO YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE ABOUT TO DECIDE ON THEIR CAREERS,* HE SAID.
- - - - 0 ----------
ANOTHER SCHOOL FOR TAI PO
* * *
ANOTHER PRIMARY SCHOOL IS TO BE BUILT IN TAI PO NEW TOWN, ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SCHOOL, WHICH WILL BRING THE NUMBER OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN TAI PO TO 28.
THE SIX-STOREY BUILDING, TO BE BUILT ON A 3 OOQ-SQUARE-NETRE SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF PLOVER COVE ROAD AND TUNG CHEONG STREET, WILL HAVE 24 CLASSROOMS AND AN ASSEMBLY HALL.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A PAVED PLAY AREA WHICH WILL BE PARTLY COVERED, A BASKETBALL-VOLLEYBALL COURT AND OTHER ANCILLARY ACCOMMODATION.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START AT THE END OF THE YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY DECEMBER 1985.
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/6........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1984
6 -
POLICE STATION TO BE EXPANDED X X X
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION FOR SHEK KIP MEI POLICE STATION.
THE CONTRACT INVOLVES THE BUILDING OF A THREE-STOREY ANNEX TO THE STATION.
THE ANNEX WILL PROVIDE A FLOOR AREA OF ABOUT 1 500 SQUARE METRES FOR DINING-RECREATION, LIVING QUARTERS AND CHANGING FACILITIES.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JANUARY 1985 AND BE COMPLETED IN APRIL 1986.
TENDERS MUST BE ADDRESSED 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, HONG KONG BEFORE NOON ON NOVEMBER 9 (FRIDAY).
- - o - -
YUEN LONG DB MEETING TOMORROW * * * *
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS HOUSING AND TRANSPORT PLANS FOR THE DISTRICT.
board MFMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON A PILOT PROJECT TO IMPROVE LIVING STANDARDS OF SOME 90 000 PEOPLE LIVING IN TEMPORARY STRUCTURES ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF YUEN LONG TOWN.
THEY WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON A RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING PLAN.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO EXPLAIN VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE NEW REGIONAL COUNCIL.
A REPORT ON THE 'MEET THE PUBLIC’ SCHEME IN YUEN LONG WILL BE PRESENTED TO MEMBERS FOR DISCUSSION.
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MONDAY, 0CT0BER*22, 1984
- 7 -
MONG KOK FESTIVAL STARTING FRIDAY * * *
A Vw IDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR THE MONTH-LONG MONG KOK CULTURE AND SPORTS FESTIVAL WHICH WILL BE LAUNCHED WITH A VARIETY SHOW ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 26).
THE VARIETY SHOW WILL BE HELD AT THE CHAN HING SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRE, BEECH STREET, STARTING AT 8 PM.
CULTURAL EVENTS FOR THE FESTIVAL INCLUDE ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCES, CHINESE OPERA, DRAMA, GUITAR MUSIC AND LECTURES ON POPULAR MUSIC.
ON THE SPORTS SIDE, THERE WILL BE COMPETITIONS IN TABLE TENNIS BASKETBALL AND SQUASH. PARTICIPANTS CAN ALSO ENJOY A DAY CF HORSE RIDING AT POK FU LAM AND EXECURSIONS TO COUNTRY PArtKs.
DETAILS OF THE FESTIVAL WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LAM KIN-MING.
AMONG THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE A PERFORMANCE BY THE GUANGXI GYMNASTIC TEAM, TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 6, STARTING AT 7.30 PM AT MCPHERSON STADIUM, YIM PO FONG STREET.
THE FESTIVAL, WHICH WILL COST OVER $100 000, IS ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE MONG KOK COUNTRYMEN AND CLANSMEN ASSOCIATION, THE MONG KOK KAIFONG ASSOCIATION. THE SPONSOR IS THE LOCAL DISTROCT BOARD.
FREE TICKETS FOR ALL EVENTS CAN BE OBTAINED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS AT THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, TUNG PING MANSION AND THE MONG KOK BRANCH OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, SHAN TUNG STREET, ROOM 705, CHUNG KIU BUILDING.
,------0----------
/8........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1934
- 8 -
SEMINAR ON ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION * * * *
TEACHERS OF ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL STUDIES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A SEMINAR ON ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION. '
THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 3 (SATURDAY), AT GRANTHA.-. COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IN KOWLOON.
A TEACHING KIT ON ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION, WHICH WAS JOINTLY PRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, THE POLICE, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, THE Rt)AD SAFETY ASSOCIATION AND THE EDUCATE DEPARTMENT, WILL BE INTRODUCED TO TEACHERS ATTENDING THE SEMINAR.
+THE KIT HAS BEEN DESIGNED FOR USE IN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND WILL BE PARTICULARLY USEFUL WHEN TEACHING ROAD SAFETY TOPICS COVERED BY THE ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL STUDIES SYLLABUSES,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT THE NAME OF TEACHERS WHO WISH TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR TO SENIOR INSPECTOR (ECONOMICS-EPA), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 5/F, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG, BEFORE OCTOBER 27.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 5-8392500.
- - 0 - -
$46-M POOL COMPLEX NEARING COMPLETION *****
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE S46-MILLI0N SHAM SHUI PO SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX IS NOW IN ITS FINAL STAGES.
THE COMPLEX IS EXPECTED TO BE READY WHEN THE SWIMMING SEASON STARTS IN JUNE NEXT YEAR.
THE PROJECT IS THE THIRD SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX PROVIDED BY The URBAN COUNCIL FOR KOWLOON WEST. THE OTHER TWO ARE IN LEI CHENG UK AND LAI CHI KOK.
LOCATED NEXT TO THE SHAM SHUI PO PARK, THE NEW COMPLEX HOUSES A MAIN POOL OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARD, A SECONDARY POOL, A TRAIN!'. . POOL, TWO TEACHING POOLS, A DIVING POOL, AND TWO PADDLING POOLS.
TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR WINTER SWIMMING FACILITIES, MOST OF THE POOLS IN THE NEW COMPLEX WILL BE HEATED I ; WINTER .-.ONThS
OTHER FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED INCLUDE A SUN-BATHING AREA, A SPECTATOR STAND, A RESTAURANT, A SODA FOUNTAIN, AND CHANGING AnD KlLET FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED.
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/9
-• -Ar*- v ' ■-
MONDAY, OCTOBER 22,
- 9 -
ROAD CLOSURE TO FACILITATE MTR WORK £ £ £
L-" CHUNG STREET BETWEEN CHAI WAN ROAD AND KUT SHING STREET dLL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM MIDNIGHT ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER t4) UNTIL 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR wORK ON THE MTR ISLAND LINE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC ON CHAI WAN ROAD HEADING FOR LEE CHUNG STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIa HONG MAN STREET.
VEHICLES IN HONG MAN STREET wESTBOUND WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT '-TO CHAI WAN ROAD EASTBOUND.
AT THE SAME TIME, CMB ROUTE 8 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHAI WAN rn "
THESE MEASURES WILL BE REPEATED ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 25) NIGHT.
------o-------
TRAFFIC DIVERSION IN SHA TIN
X £ £
TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED INTO ONE LANE ON THE SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD OUTSIDE SHA TIN RACECOURSE TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK.
THE DIVERSION WILL BE FROM 12 MIDNIGHT TO 5 AM ON OCTOBER 23 (TUESDAY), 25, 27 AND 30, AND ON NOVEMBER 1 AND 3.
-----0-----
LEAKAGE TEST IN CENTRAL
£ £ £
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN CENTRAL WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 25) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAV FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, ICE HOUSE STREET, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND POTTINGER STREET, INCLUDING 1-9 ON HING TERRACE, 24-38 ICE HOUSE STREET AND 18-28 WYNDHAM STREET.
----o------
WATER FIGURES
X X *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 83.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY, OR 488.1 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 577.999 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 98.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DEBATE ON MOTION OF THANKS ..................................... 1
GOOD HEALTH VITAL TO PROSPERITY - AKERS-JONES .................. 1
GATT GROUP KEEPS WATCH ON U.S. RULES ........................... 2
LADY YOUDE PRAISES 'DEDICATED WORKERS' ......................... 3
ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMP FOR FAMILIES ............................... 4
STUDENTS TO GIVE CONCERT ....................................... 5
A-LEVEL EXAM APPLICATIONS EXPLAINED ............................ 5
FUN WAY TO BETTER HEALTH........................................ 6
RETAILING COURSE FOR STAFF ..................................... 6
AIR CONDITIONING STARTS ON SPORTS COMPLEX....................... 7
FACE LIFT FOR YUEN LONG ........................................ 7
FRESH WATER V7ORKS ...........................................
MORE PARKING METERS FOR CHAI WAN .............................
RESTRICTED ZONE ..............................................
CARRIAGEWAY CLOSURE ..........................................
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1984
1
DEBATE ON MOTION OF THANKS * * * *
A TWO-DAY DEBATE ON THE MOTION OF THANKS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS WILL BEGIN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, WILL MOVE THE MOTION.
TWENTY-SIX UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL BE SPEAKING ON THE MOTION, TOMORROW AND ON THURSDAY.
STARTING OFF THE DEBATE TOMORROW WILL BE DR THE HON HARRY FANG.
HE WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE HON FRANCIS TIEN, THE HON ALEX WU, THE HON S.L. CHEN, THE HON LYDIA DUNN, THE HON PETER C. WONG, THE HON WONG LAM, DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI, THE HON ALLEN LEE, THE HON ANDREW SO, THE HON F.K. HU, THE HON WONG PO-YAN, THE HON W.C.L. BROWN, AND THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG.
ON THURSDAY, 12 OTHER UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL SPEAK ON THE MOTION.
THEY ARE THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, THE HON MARIA TAM, DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, THE HON CHAN YING-LUN, THE HON RITA FAN, THE HON PAULINE NG, THE HON PETER POON, THE HON P.K. YEUNG, THE HON K|M CHAM, THE HON KEITH LAM, THE HON CARL TONG AND THE HON ROGER LOBO.
THE PROCEEDINGS WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RTHK RADIO ONE CHINESE SERVICE AND RADIO THREE ENGLISH SERVICE.
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GOOD HEALTH VITAL TO PROSPERITY - AKERS-JONES * * * *
THE GOOD HEALTH OF PEOPLE IS INSTRUMENTAL TO THE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF A COMMUNITY, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW PREMISES OF THE SHAM SHU I PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION AT LAI KOK ESTATE, HE SAID THAT ONLY HEALTHY CITIZENS COULD FACE THE CHALLENGE OF TIME.
♦PARTICIPATION IN VARIOUS SPORT ACTIVITIES AND COMPETITIONS WILL HELP IMPROVE OUR PHYSICAL HEALTH AS WELL AS CONFIDENCE AND, AT THE SAME TIME, FOSTER A TEAM SPIRIT AND RECOGNISE THE IMPORTANT OF OBSERVING RULES,+ HE SAID.
/he said ........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1984
2
HE SAID THAT IN LINE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, A GROUP OF ENTHUSIASTS HAD ESTABLISHED THE PRESENT SHAM SHUI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION IN 1982, TO ASSIST THE GOVERNMENT IN ORGANISING SPORT AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND TO PROMOTE LOCAL INTEREST IN RECREATIONAL AFFAIRS.
THE ASSOCIATION SELECTED ATHLETES TO REPRESENT THE DISTRICT AND TAKE PART IN OPEN COMPETITIONS, THEREBY ENHANCING THE COHESION CF PEOPLE, HE SAID.
MR AKERS-JONES PRAISED THE ASSOCIATION FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION.
+NOW THAT THE ASSOCIATION HAS GOT A PERMANENT BASE, I LOOK FORWARD TO AN EVEN BETTER SERVICE IN THE COURSE OF COMMUNITY BUILDING,+ HE SAID.
THE NEW PREMISES, LOCATED AT S12-13 LAI FU HOUSE OF LAI KOK ESTATE, WILL PROVIDE TRAINING CLASSES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
OTHER GUESTS AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, M? SYLVESTER TSE, AND THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR DICKEN YUNG.
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GATT GROUP KEEPS WATCH ON U.S. RULES * * * *
THE GATT’S TEXTILES COMMITTEE CONCLUDED ITS MEETING IN GENEVA YESTERDAY (MONDAY), AFTER ADOPTING A REPORT CONTAINING AMONG OTHER THINGS, CRITICISMS OF THE NEW AMERICAN COUNTRY OF ORIGIN RULES.
THE REPORT NOTED THAT MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE HAD REITERATED THE POSITIONS TAKEN DURING THE MEETING OF THE TEXTILES COMMITTEE 0 SEPTEMBER 4 AND 5 AND THE OCTOBER 2 MEETING OF THE GATT COUNCIL. THESE POSITIONS INCLUDED APPEALS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM ALL SIDES DIRECTED TO THE AMERICAN DELEGATION WITH RESPECT TO THE OVERALL CHARACTER OF THE MEASURES TAKEN AND WITH RESPECT TO SOME OF THE Ifc SPECIFIC ASPECTS.
THE REPORT WILL NOW BE REFERRED TO WASHINGTON BY THE AMER I Cm , DELEGATION.
THE ORIGIN RULES ISSUE WILL CONTINUE TO BE REVIEWED BY THE TEXTILES COMMITTEE.
DURING THE MEETING, HONG KONG’S DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD POINTED TO THE UNCERTAINTY ARISING FROM THE REGULATIONS WHICH WERE COMPLEX AND AMBIGUOUS. AS A RESULT OF THIS UNCERTAINTY, ORDERS HAD BEEN HELD UP OR CANCELLED.
/ALTHOUGH THE .......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1984
ALTHOUGH THE REGULATIONS HAD BEEN EXPLAINED AS CLARIFYING OR COD IFYINGEXISTING ORIGIN RULES, SUBSEQUENT EXPLANATIONS HAD MADE IT CLEAR THAT THEY ALSO ACTUALLY CHANGED SOME OF THE RULES.
THIS HELPED TO UNDERLINE ONE OF THE FUNDAMENTAL TO OBJECTIONS TO THE REGULATIONS I.E. THAT GOODS WHICH HAD HITHERTO BEEN ACCEPTED AS ORIGINATING IN A COUNTRY AND HENCE ABLE TO ENTER THE UNITED STATES UNDER ITS QUOTA, WOULD NO LONGER BE ABLE TO DO SO, W MACLEOD SAID.
MOREOVER, THE DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS WERE TIME-CONSUMING, DIFFICULT TO COMPLY WITH, AND INVOLVED THE DISCLOSURE OF COMMERCIALLY SENSITIVE INFORMATION.
IN THE TEXTILES SECTOR, WHERE TRADE WAS GOVERNED BY THE FRAMEWORK OF THE GATT, THE MFA AND THE BILATERAL AGREEMENTS, IT WAS CLEAR THAT RULES OF ORIGIN COULD NOT BE UNILATERALLY CHANGED AS A PROTECTIVE MEASURE BY ONE PARTY, SO SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGING THE FRAMEWORK OF RULES GOVERNING THE TEXTILES TRADE, AND IN SOME CASES RESULTING IN SUBSTANTIAL TRADE LOSS BY OTHER PARTIES.
+ACCORDINGLY, IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE ONLY SATISFACTORY SOLUTION WAS FOR THESE REGULATIONS TO BE RESCINDED,* MR MACLEOD SAID.
IN A RELATED DEVELOPMENT, A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN IN HONG KONG ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT MR MACLEOD AND HIS DEPUTY, MR DONALD TSANG, WOULD GO TO WASHINGTON FROM GENEVA TO RESUME BILATERAL NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES ON OCTOBER 29 AND 30.
THIS WAS ANOTHER STEP BY HONG KONG TO PRESS FOR THE RULES TO BE WITHDRAWN, HE SAID.
AFTER THE TALKS IN WASHINGTON, MR MACLEOD AND MR TSANG WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG.
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LADY YOUDE PRAISES ’DEDICATED WORKERS’
* * * *
PEOPLE WHOSE WORK IS CARING FOR THE ELDERLY AND INFIRM WERE PRAISED TODAY BY LADY YOUDE, WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR, FOR THEIR PATIENCE AND DEDICATION.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE AGED’S BRADBURY AND QUAN CHUEN HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, LADY oAlD,
+LOOKING AFTER THE ELDERLY AND INFIRM IS NOT ALWAYS AN EAoY TAS*.+
THE NEW BUILDINGS OF THE SOCIETY NOw HOUSE THE LARGEST CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES IN HONG KONG, SHE SAID.
/♦THE TWO........
TUESDAY, 0CT0BE3 23, 1984
+THE TWO NEW HOMES WILL PROVIDE PERSONAL CARE AND A LIMITED AMOUNT OF NURSING CARE FOR 392 RESIDENTS, THUS ALMOST DOUBLING THE NUMBER OF PLACES PROVIDED FOR THIS MUCH-NEEDED SERVICE,*
SHE SAID.
+l AM SURE THAT THE RESIDENTS WILL FIND A SERENE AND COMFORTABLE HOME HERE, AND THAT THE SOCIETY’S SKILLED AND DEVOTED STAFF WILL DO AN EXCELLENT JOB IN CARING FOR THEM.*
LADY YOUDE THANKED THE BRADBURY CHARITABLE TRUST AND THE LaTE NR QUAN CHUEN FOR THEIR +EXTREMELY GENEROUS DONATIONS*.
+WE ARE ALSO GRATEFUL FOR THE SUBSTANTIAL GRANT FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND,* SHE SAID.
WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE SOCIETY’S NEW HOMES, THERE ARE NOW EIGHT SUCH HOMES PROVIDING RESIDENTIAL PLACES FOR 880 INFIRM ELDERLY PEOPLE, SHE SAID.
------0-------
ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMP'FOR FAMILIES ******
PARENTS OF SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN AN ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMP.
THE TWO-DAY CAMP, ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 24 AND 25 (SATURDAY AND SUNDAY) IN THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE. IT IS THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES INVOLVING PARENTS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE A DRUG EDUCATION TALK CONDUCTED BY STAFF OF THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, GROUP DISCUSSIONS, SLIDE AND FILF SHOWS, AND GAMES WITH AN ANTI-NARCOTICS THEME.
THE CAMP, WHICH IS FREE OF CHARGE, IS LIMITED TO 143 PARTICIPANTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION SAID APPLICATIONS WOULD BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
EACH FAMILY MAY APPLY FOR NOT MORE THAN FOUR OF ITS MEMBERS, AND ACCOMPANYING CHILDREN SHOULD PREFERABLY BE AT LEAST EIGHT YEARS OF AGE.
/APPLICATION POHiiS ......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1984
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES (MACS) OF HOUSING ESTATES IN SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, UNITED CENTRE, 31ST FLOOR, 95 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG BY NOVEMBER 10, 1984.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED IN WRITING.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE WITH THE NARCOTICS DIVISION AT 5-295140.
- - 0 - -
STUDENTS TO GIVE CONCERT * * * *
THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD AN +N.T. STUDENTS’ CONCERT* ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 28) AT 3 PM IN THE SCHOOL HALL OF THE PUI YING COLLEGE AT WO CHE, SHA TIN.
MR WONG PO-MING, CHAIRMAN OF THE CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FUNCTION.
- - 0 - -
A-LEVEL EXAM APPLICATIONS EXPLAINED * * *
SCHOOLS WISHING TO ENTER CANDIDATES FOR THE HONG KONG ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION IN 1986 FOR THE FIRST TIME MUST APPLY TO THE SECRETARY OF THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY FOR APPROVAL NOT LATER THAN DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
THE SAME PROCEDURE APPLIES TO SCHOOLS WISHING TO ENTER CANDIDATES FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR CERTAIN PRACTICAL SUBJECTS SUCH AS BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY OR PHYSICS.
THE HANDBOOK OF REGULATIONS AND SYLLABUSES FOR THE 1986 EXAMINATION IS NOW ON SALE AT THE PUBLICATIONS UNIT, HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY, 17 TSEUK LUK STREET, SAN PO KONG, KOWlOON AND THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE WITH THE EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY AT 3-72400 30.
- 0 - -
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1?84
6
FUN WAY TO BETTER HEALTH * * *
ALL FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO SHARE THE FUN AT A FAMILY CARNIVAL AT THE VICTORIA PARK ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 28), BETWEEN 2 PM AND 5 PM.
THE AIM OF THE +HEALTHY FAMILY CARNIVAL*, ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, IS TO STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FAMILY AS A UNIT IN MAINTAINING HEALTH AND PREVENTING DISEASES.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR (HEALTH SERVICES AND PLANNING) OF THE DEPARTMENT, DR LEE SHIU-HUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
THERE WILL BE GAMES STALLS, A PUPPET SHOW, VIDEO AND SLIDE SHOWS, A MAGIC SHOW AND ACROBATIC PERFORMANCES, AT THE CARNIVAL.
MUSIC WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES SCOTTISH PIPE BAND AND THE CHILDREN’S MARCHING BAND OF THE MUS IC OFF ICE.
A FEATURE AT THE CARNIVAL WILL BE A COMPETITION FOR THE •♦FAMILY WITH THE HEALTHIEST TEETH COMPETITION*, OPEN TO ALL PRESENT.
THERE WILL ALSO BE AN EXHIBITION WHICH WILL DEAL, AMONG OTHER THINGS, WITH THE PREVENTION AND EARLY TREATMENT OF COMMO'; DISEASES, AND SPECIAL HEALTH CARE AT HOME.
- - 0 - -
RETAILING COURSE FOR STAFF * * *
A COURSE IN THE FUNDAMENTALS OF RETAILING SALESMANSHIP IS BEING OFFERED BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE.
IT WILL BE HELD FROM NOVEMBER 5 TO NOVEMBER 21, WITH THE All-: OF BROADENING PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES AND UPGRADING THE QUALITY OF LOCAL PEOPLE SERVING IN THE BUSINESS.
THE COURSE WILL CONSIST OF SIX LECTURES OF TWO-AND-A-HALF HOURS EACH, AND WILL BE HELD ON MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS, STARTING FROM NOVEMBER 5.
THE FEE IS $400, BUT A $200 SUBSIDY WILL BE PAID BY THE VTC TO PARTICIPANTS WHO ATTEND 80 PER CENT OF THE COURSE, AND PASS ’ THE FINAL EXAMINATION.
/enrolment is
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1984
- 7
ENROLMENT IS LIMITED TO 40 PERSONS.
THE COURSE IS BEING HELD AT THE REQUEST OF THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON THE COURSE CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE BOARD MR H. HUNG ON 5-8932341 EXT. 261 DURING CFFICE HOURS.
-----o------
AIR CONDITIONING STARTS ON SPORTS COMPLEX XXI
A SPORTS AND RECREATION COMPLEX FOR POLICE OFFICERS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN CAUSEWAY BAY, WILL BE FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED.
THE COMPLEX, BEING CONSTRUCTED ON A ONE-HECTARE SITE NEXT TO THE CAUSEWAY BAY’ PORTAL OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL, WILL BE FOR USE BY OFFICERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE, THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE AND THEIR CIVILIAN COUNTERPARTS.
FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A COVERED AND HEATED SWIMMING POOL, A MULTI-PURPOSE INDOOR GAMES HALL, FOUR SQUASH COURTS, A BOWLING ALLEY, A GYMNASIUM WITH FITNESS ROOMS, CHANGING ROOMS, A LOUNGE AND BAR AND DINING ROOMS.
A $3.89 MILLION CONTRACT WAS AWARDED BY THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FOR THE WORK, WHICH STARTED LAST WEEK ANl WILL BE COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
r.OITOidUb BTI ~>r. LfRJW 23HT3M 0? A 1433^3? T’
•ihc 397 ----0 — - -
.>oi rotfuu
FACE LIFT FOR YUEN LONG
~ * * * *
EXTENSIVE WORK ON LANDSCAPING FOOTPATHS, VERGES AND OPEN SPACES WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN YUEN LONG FROM NEXT WEEK FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE PROVISION OF PLANTER BEDS AND PLANTING OF TREES AND SHRUBS OF VARIOUS SPECIES WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE ^2.2 MILL IC. CONTRACT, WHICH WILL TAKE 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- - 0 -----------
/8........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1934
- 8 -
FRESH WATER WORKS
* * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN PAT HEUNG WILL B£ TURNED OFF FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 26) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY KAM TIN ROAD FROM SHEK KONG CAMP TO PAT HEUNG POLICE STATION, INCLUDING WANG TOI SHAN AND LO UK TSUEN NEAR LAM KAM ROAD.
FAN KAM ROAD FROM PAT HEUNG POLICE STATION TO PAT HEUNG FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TRAINING SCHOOL WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED,
-----o------
MORE PARKING METERS FOR CHAI WAN XXX
THIRTY-TWO PARKING METERS WILL BE INSTALLED IN CHAI *AN TOMORROW (OCTOBER 24).
THE NEW METERS IN SUN YIP STREET, ON YIP STREET AND FUNG YIP STREET WILL OPERATE FROM 8 AM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 25).
------o-------
RESTRICTED ZONE
* * *
THE EASTERN KERBSIDE OF CANTON ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM THURSDAY (OCTOBER 25), BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DAILY.
IT IS BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HAIPHONG ROAD, AND A POINT ABOUT 52 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONED FOR TRANSPORT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.
------0-------
CARRIAGEWAY CLOSURE
X X X
THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR SEVEN DAYS FROM WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 24) TO FACILITATE THE LAYING OF AN ANT I-SKID SURFACE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES SHOULD PROCEED ON GROUND LEVEL ROADS.
------o-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING; LOANS FOR DENTaL GRADUATES SUGGESTED ...................... 1
TDC PRAISED FOR EFFORTS ................................... 2
PLEA TO KEEP TAXATION SYSTEM SIMPLE........................ 3
MORE TIME NEEDED FOR FULL DEMOCRACY - S.L. CHEN............ 5
LYDIA DUNN CALLS FOR REAPPRAISAL OF GOVERNMENT MACHINERY . 7
LEGCO MEMBER MAY CHANGE MIND ON DEATH PENALTY............. 10
DEAL WITH THE FUTURE IN THREE STAGES, SAYS WONG LAM..... 12
MORE USE OF CHINESE LANGUAGE URGED ........................ U
BORDER INDUSTRIAL ZONE PROPOSED BY ALLEN LEE.............. 16
LITTLE ATTENTION PAID TO POLITICS IN PAST - ANDRES? SO .. •. 18
HK NEEDS OWN POLITICAL FORMULA, F.K. HU SAYS ............. 20
SEARCH FOR MORE MARKETS URGED ............................ 22
BILL BROWN SUPPORTS CONTINUATION OF LINKED EXCHANGE RATE . 24
GRAVE THREAT SEEN FROM U.S. TEXTILE RULES ................ 26
RESIDENTS TO DISCUSS WHITE PAPER............................. 29
BOARD MEMBERS TO MEET ....................................... 30
PRISONS NEED MORE 'FRIENDS' - GARNER......................... 30
VTC GETS MORE MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS ........................ 31
PRIMARY SCHOOLS URGED TO JOIN GYiNASTICS .................... 32
NEW SCOUT TROOP FORMED ...................................... 32
NEW CUSTOMS LAUNCH COMMISSIONED ............................. 33
DISPLAY TELLS ABOUT ORTHOPAEDICS ............................ 33
MORE TIME TO JOU’ DANCE CONTEST ............................. 34
NEW PREMISES FOR RSS EASTERN OFFICE.......................... 34
S57-MILLION CONTRACT FOR AQUEDUCT ........................... 35
SIX DAYS LEFT TO APPLY FOR RICHLAND GARDENS FLATS ........... 36
TENANCIES OFFERED FOR FIVE SITES............................. 37
ROOFTOP STRUCTURES TO BE CLEARED............................. 38
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY SEMINAR.................................. 38
TRAFFIC CHANGES ............................................. 39
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
1
LOANS FOR DENTAL GRADUATES SUGGESTED . - * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WAS ASKED TODAY TO CONSIDER LOANS TO DENTAL GRADUATES TO HELP THEM SET UP THEIR OWN CLINICS.
RAISING THIS QUESTION ON THE OPENING DAY OF THE ANNUAL POLICY DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DR THE HON HARRY FANG SAID HIS SUGGESTION WAS BASED ON THE FACTS THATi
* IT WAS NOT THE GOVERNMENT POLICY TO PROVIDE GENERAL SERVICES IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND CLINICS,
‘ * THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL SCHOOL WAS TO PRODUCE
QUALIFIED DENTAL SURGEONS FOR THE COMMUNITY, AND
M THE PRIMARY DIFFICULTY IN SETTING UP A DENTAL CLINIC WAS THE EXPENSE OF THE EQUIPMENT.
’-•DR FANG SAID SUCH LOW-INTEREST OR INTEREST-FREE LOANS WOULD KLP ACHIEVE THE GOVERNMENT’S ULTIMATE AIM OF IMPROVING DENTAL SERVICES WITHOUT A RECURRENT FINANCIAL COMMITMENT.
HE ALSO CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO ENCOURAGE THE ESTABLISHMENT (F HONG KONG’S OWN ACADEMY OF MEDICINE.
THIS WOULD PRIMARILY BE AN EXAMINATION BODY JO VALIDATE HIGHER QUALIFICATIONS FOR CLINICAL SPECIALTIES AND TO MAINTAIN INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED STANDARDS, HE SAID.
THIS WAS NECESSARY BECAUSE BY 1997 OR PERHAPS BEFORE, LOCAL TRAINING MIGHT NO LONGER BE RECOGNISED BY OVERSEAS COLLEGES SUCH AS THE U.K.’S ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS AND PHYSICIANS.
DR FANG RECALLED A PARAGRAPH IN THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS WHICH SAID PLANS FOR 1985 INCLUDED PREPARATION OF A TRANSPORT POLICY FOR THE DISABLED, TO ENSURE THAT, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, THE REQUIREMENTS OF fHE DISABLED WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN GENERAL TRANSPORT PLANNING.
♦I WELCOME THIS MOVE AND WISH TO SUGGEST THAT RESPONSIBILITY OF THE REHAB BUS, WHICH IS A DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE CARRYING THE SEVERELY DISABLED TO AND FROM WORK AND IS PRESENTLY OPERATING 18 ROUTES, BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT BECAUSE PROVIDING TRANSPORT FOR THIS PURPOSE IS NO LONGER WELFARE,* HE SAID.
HE ALSO URGED THAT THIS SERVICE BE EXPANDED FURTHER TO ENABLE MORE DISABLED PEOPLE TO ENGAGE IN PRODUCTIVE WORK.
ON THE ENACTMENT OF NEW LEGISLATION ON ACCESS TO BUILDINGS, ER FANG SAID THIS HAD BEEN IN THE PIPELINE FOR SOME TIME AND A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS ON THIS ISSUE HAD BEEN RAISED AT THE LAST TWO LEGCO SESSIONS.
WHHESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
2
fc
SA,D IN HIS ADDRESS THAT EFFORTS PUBLIC AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROBLEMS HANDICAPPED, IN PARTICULAR THE MENTALLY ILL, WOULD
TO IMPROVE
OF THE
BE STEPPED UP.
’? HOpED THAT THE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC Solation in rehabilitation will be given adequate fund's in ORDER TO DISCHARGE THESE DUTIES EFFECTIVELY?. DR FANG SAli"
HE WELCOMED +WHOLE HEARTEDLY* THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A STEERING COMMITTEE ON THE REVIEW OF MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDED IN HOSPITALS. AND THE APPOINTMENT OF CONSULTANTS TO EXAMINE HOW BEST TO IMPROVE ■DIE EXISTING ORGANISATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF HOSPITALS TO ENABLE THEM TO COPE MORE EFFECTIVELY.
DR FANG, WHO WAS AWAY ON AN INTERNATIONAL REHABILITATION CONFERENCE DURING THE RECENT TWO-DAY LEGCO MEETING WHICH DEBATED A MOTION ENDORSING THE SINO-BRITISH DRAFT AGREEMENT, SAID THE AGREEMENT WAS THE BEST DEAL HONG KONG COULD POSSIBLY EXPECT.
BUT HE HOPED THAT WITH ITS RATIFICATION, HONG KONG BRITISH SUBJECTS WHO MAY NOT WISH TO STAY PERMANENTLY IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997 WOULD BE ABLE TO OBTAIN ABODE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
*AN ASSURANCE THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM WOULD ALWAYS LOOK SYMPATHETICALLY ON SUCH APPLICATIONS WOULD DO MUCH TO DISPEL THE IMPRESSION THAT WE ARE BEING ABANDONED,* DR FANG SAID.
- - - - 0----------
TDC PRAISED FOR EFFORTS
* * *
THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WAS PRAISED FOR ITS EFFORTS TODAY BY THE HON FRANCIS TIEN.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR TIEN SAID, +THE TDC WAS AN INSTRUMENT GREATLY RESPECTED AS A GENERATOR OF TRADE INFORMATION.
+ITS TRACK RECORD IS UNDOUBTED AND ITS REPUTATION IN THE HONG KONG BUSINESS COMMUNITY IS HIGH.*
ITS ACTIVITIES WERE SEEN AS ESSENTIAL TO AN EXPANSION OF TRADE ACTIVITIES.
/+YET, WHILE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
- 3 -
+YET, WHILE IT HAS A STATUS AND A HIGH PUBLIC VISION TO MAINTAIN, IT STILL HAS MANY EVERYDAY THINGS TO DO BEHIND THE SCENES,+ HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT MUCH HARD WORK WAS NEEDED TO SUPPORT THE EFFORTS OF INDIVIDUAL HONG KONG COMPANIES, BRINGING TOGETHER BUYERS AND SELLERS THROUGH ITS TRADE ENQUIRIES SERVICE, PARTICIPATING IN TRADE FAIRS, STORE PROMOTIONS, AND ORGANISING GROUPS OF BUSINESS MEN AND WOMEN.
AS FOR THE EFFECT OF THE INITIALLING OF THE SI NO-BRITISH DRAFT AGREEMENT, MR TIEN STATED, +l CAN CONFIDENTLY SAY THAT WITH TRADE WE CAN ANTICIPATE SUCCESS IN OUR ENDEAVOURS.
+l CAN FURTHER SAY THAT TRADE IS WHAT HONG KONG MUST HAVE FOR STABILITY. AND MOREOVER, TRADE IS WHAT WE DO BEST.+
HONG KONG HAD SKILLED NEGOTIATORS AS WELL AS ENTERPRISING MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS WHO COULD HELP TO ENSURE ITS CONTINUED SUCCESS.
+WE MUST NOT, HOWEVER, BE COMPLACENT. NEWER MARKETS ARE REQUIRED,+ HE SAID.
AN ACTIVE POLICY OF TRADE DIVERSIFICATION WAS NEEDED AND HONG KONG’S PRODUCTS HAD TO BE INCREASINGLY MORE COMPETITIVE, FE ADDED.
-------o----------
PLEA TO KEEP TAXATION SYSTEM SIMPLE
* * * *
A PLEA TO KEEP HONG KONG’S TAXATION SYSTEM SIMPLE WAS MADE BY THE HON ALEX WU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR WU ASKED THAT TAXATION BE KEPT SIMPLE, SO AS NOT TO CREATE A BUREAUCRATIC MONSTER OF THE KIND THAT IMPEDED BUSINESS IN MANY OTHER COUNTRIES.
+WE ARE ALL APPRECIATIVE OF THE EFFORTS OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND HIS TEAM IN DEALING WITH OUR DEFICITS,+ MR WU SAID.
+BUT THE SOLUTION DOES NOT LIE IN CREATING A TAX SYSTEM THAT ONLY EXPERTS CAN UNDERSTAND.
+THIS IS THE DANGER WE NOW FACE.+
RECENT INLAND REVENUE AMENDMENT BILLS SHOWED A MARKED TENDENCY TOWARDS THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPLICATED TAX SYSTEMS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
/THESE WERE........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
THESE WERE A SOURCE OF ANXIETY TO BUSINESSMEN AND - EQUALLY WORRYING - THEY WERE CONTRARY TO THE MANNER IN WHICH TAXATION HAD ALWAYS BEEN HANDLED IN HONG KONG.
+MEMBERS WILL BE AWARE THAT IN SOME COUNTRIES THE TAX LAWS ARE NOW SO COMPLICATED THAT MANY PEOPLE CANNOT EVEN FILL OUT THE FORMS FOR THEIR PERSONAL ASSESSMENT WITHOUT ASSISTANCE,* MR WU SAID.
IN SUCH PLACES TAX CONSULTANTS HAD BECOME A MAJOR INDUSTRY IN THEIR OWN RIGHT BECAUSE IT HAD BECOME A FULL-TIME JOB KEEPING UP WITH THE LATEST AMENDMENTS AND THE LOOPHOLES THAT COULD BE MADE IN THEM.
+SUCH A SITUATION NEGATES ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY - THAT GOVERNMENTS ARE SET UP TO SERVE THE PEOPLE, NOT THE OTHER WAY ROUND,* MR WU DECLARED.
+UNFORTUNATELY THERE ARE DISTURBING SIGNS THAT RECENT TAX LEGISLATION IN HONG KONG, AND SOME THAT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED, CAN QUICKLY UNDERMINE OUR ENTIRE ECONOMY BECAUSE IF IT BECOMES ESTABLISHED COMPANIES WILL MOVE THEIR FUNDS AWAY FROM HONG KONG.
♦THIS MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN HERE,* HE URGED.
TURNING TO THE LANGUAGE ISSUE, MR WU SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS EXAMINING THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT OF THE WORKING PARTY ON THE CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION CONCERNING PRODUCTION OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEXTBOOKS WRITTEN IN CHINESE.
♦HOWEVER,* HE SAID, *l AM SLIGHTLY DISAPPOINTED THAT NO INDICATION WAS GIVEN OF THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW ON THE PROPOSED CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION’S BROADER OBJECTIVE, NAMELY TO PROMOTE AND FACILITATE THE BETTER USE OF CHINESE AS A TOOL OF COMMUNICATION, STUDY, WORK AND LEISURE THROUGH VARIOUS PROMOTIONAL, RESEARCH AND PUBLISHING ACTIVITIES, INVOLVING NOT ONLY SCHOOLS BUT ALSO THE MASS MEDIA AND THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.*
HE ASKED THAT, WHILE PRODUCTION OF SCHOOL TEXTBOOKS SHOULD BE GIVEN TOP PRIORITY BECAUSE OF ITS RELEVANCE TO THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS, THE OTHER PROPOSED ACTIVITIES OF THE FOUNDATION SHOULD ALSO BE SUPPORTED AND GIVEN EQUAL EMPHASIS BECAUSE THEY WERE COMPLEMENTARY TO EACH OTHER AND TOGETHER WERE BENEFICIAL TO THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.
MR WU ALSO MENTIONED THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS AND THE PROGRESS WHICH HAD BEEN MADE SINCE ENROLMENT OF ITS FIRST DANCE AND MUSIC STUDENTS LAST MONTH. THE VERY LARGE NUMBER OF APPLICANTS AND THE HIGH STANDARD OF ACHIEVEMENT AND POTENTIAL OF THOSE ACCEPTED CONFIRMED HIS VIEW THAT THERE EXISTED A RICH WELL-SPRING OF PERFORMING TALENT AMONG THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
/HE SAID .......
WEIN BSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
- 5 -
HE SAID NEXT YEAR THE ACADEMY WOULD TAKE UP FULL RESIDENCY IN THE NEW BUILDING PROVIDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB WHERE THE FACILITIES WOULD BE SECOND TO NONE.
ON THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, MR WU SAID THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAD RECENTLY APPROVED A BLOCK VOTE OF FUNDS AND THE COUNCIL WOULD ACCORDINGLY DECIDE WHERE TO CHANNEL THE FUNDS AND THUS BE MORE TRULY ABLE TO FOSTER THE ARTS, TO SUPPORT NEW ENDEAVOURS AND TO RESPOND TO NEW IDEAS.
-----0-----
MORE TIME NEEDED FOR FULL DEMOCRACY - S.L. CHEN X X * X
IT WOULD BE TOO MUCH TO EXPECT HONG KONG TO ACHIEVE J ULuY AND TRULY DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT IN 13 YEARS, OR LESS, THE HON S.L. CHEN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+1 BELIEVE THE IMPORTANCE DOES NOT LIE SO MUCH WITH COMPLETING THE SYSTEM IN 13 YEARS, BUT WITH BUILDING UP A SOLID FOUNDATION ON WHICH A SOUND GOVERNMENTAL SYSTEM COULD DEVELOP AND FLOURISH IN THE YEARS TO COME,* HE SAID.
+WE MUST ALLOW TIME FOR THE SYSTEM TO EVOLVE GRADUALLY AND MORE IMPORTANTLY FOR PEOPLE OF THE RIGHT CALIBRE SERVING THE SYSTEM TO EMERGE.
+A HASTILY DEVELOPED DEMOCRACY COULD BE HONG KONG’S OWN WORST ENEMY,+ MR CHEN SAID.
ON THE CALL FOR CONTINUING REINVESTMENT IN NEW PLANT AND MACHINERY, HE SAID LOCAL BUSINESSMEN AND INDUSTRIALISTS WERt UNLIKELY TO HEED IT UNLESS THEY COULD SEE THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FUTURE WOULD COMMAND BOTH THEIR FAITH AND TRUST.
+THEREFORE WE MUST NOT BE CARRIED UNWITTINGLY BY THE SWEET SOUND OF DEMOCRACY, IGNORING THAT OUR PRIORITY TASK IS TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG AS A SOUND AND HEALTHY ECONOMY WHICH IS OUR SUREST GUARANTEE FOR FUTURE SURVIVAL,* HE SAID.
+AN ECONOMIC DECLINE IN HONG KONG WOULD BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE FULL AND FAITHFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DRAFT AGREEMENT AND CONSEQUENTLY OUR SURVIVAL.*
MR CHEN SAID INDUSTRIALISTS WOULD WATCH TO SEE WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
/RECORDS SHOWED........
*KDNESDA.Y, OCTOBEH 24, 1984
RECORDS SHOWED THAT FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS EXPENDITURE ON ECONOMIC SERVICES WAS ONLY A VERY SMALL PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, IN CONTRAST TO EXPENDITURE ON SOCIAL SERVICES, WHICH HAD BEEN KEPT AT A HIGH LEVEL OF OVER 40 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE FOR THE SAME PERIOD EXCEPT IN 1981.
+THIS COULD HARDLY BE SEEN AS ENCOURAGEMENT TO DEVELOP AND STRENGTHEN OUR ECONOMY,* HE SAID.
HE FELT STRONGLY THAT SOME CHANGE IN THE EXISTING GOVERNMENT POLICY WOULD HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED SERIOUSLY.
IN PARTICULAR, THE DISPARITY IN EMPHASIS BETWEEN SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SERVICES SHOULD BE REDRESSED TO REFLECT THE IMPORTANCc CF MAINTAINING HONG KONG AS A SOUND AND HEALTHY ECONOMY.
+IN MY VIEW, ECONOMIC SERVICES SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED AND A MORE AGGRESSIVE AND DYNAMIC APPROACH TO ASSISTING COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ADOPTED.*
THEY SHOULD ALSO BE ENCOURAGED TO SPONSOR AND PROVIDE INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES SUCH AS ADVANCED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FACILITIES WHICH WERE NORMALLY BEYOND THE CAPACITY CF ANY INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS OR EVEN A COMPLETE SECTOR OF THE INDUSTRY, BUT WERE ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAINING TH=IR LEAD IN THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET.
+1 APPRECIATE THAT THE NON-INTERFERENCE POLICY HAS SEEMINGLY SERVED HONG KONG WELL IN THE PAST,* MR CHEN SAID.
+BUT EVEN THE HEALTHIEST PERSON REQUIRES A DOSE OF TONIC FROM TIME TO TIME TO MAINTAIN PEAK CONDITION.
+FOR HONG KONG TO MAINTAIN AND STRENGTHEN ITS ECONOMY, PARTICULARLY AFTER THE UNCERTAINTY FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS, TIMtLY ENCOURAGEMENT AND ASSISTANCE FROM GOVERNMENT WOULD ONLY BE RIGHT AND PROPER.
+HONG KONG HAS BUILT UP AND MAINTAINED ITS INDUSTRIAL IN THE REGION, BUT IN A COMPETITIVE WORLD WE CANNOT AFFORD THAT LEAD SLIP,* HE SAID.
LEAD
TO LET
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/7 .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
- 7 -
LYDIA DUNN CALLS FOR REAPPRAISAL OF GOVERNMENT MACHINERY * * * *
THE HON LYDIA DUNN TODAY CALLED FOR A REAPPRAISAL OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT MACHINERY.
MISS DUNN, SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SAID THE COMING INTO EFFECT OF THE DRAFT SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT HAD MANY IMPLICATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY, AND FOR RELATIONS BETWEEN THEM.
SHE COVERED FOUR MAIN AREAS: THE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT: THE CHANGES THAT WOULD BE NEEDED IN THE ATTITUDE OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY; THE CASE FOR A REAPPRAISAL OF THE CENTRAL MACHINERY OF GOVERNMENT; AND THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING THE EFFICIENCY, LOYALTY AND MORALE CF THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN ORDER TO KEEP UP AN EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT DURING THE NEXT 12 - 13 YEARS AND BEYOND.
+1 SHOULD FIRST SAY THAT TO MY MIND THE MOST IMPORTANT IMMEDIATE PRACTICAL CONSEQUENCE OF THE AGREEMENT IS THAT FOR THE FIRST TIME THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL HAVE BEFORE IT ONE CLEAR, OVER-RIDING AIM.
+THAT AIM MUST BE TO GOVERN HONG KONG AND TO DEVELOP ITS SYSTEMS IN SUCH A WAY AS TO ENSURE THE SMOOTHEST POSSIBLE TRANSITION FROM OUR PRESENT STATUS AS A BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORY TO OUR NEW STATUS IN 1997 AS A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF CHINA,+ MISS DUNN SAID.
+WE MUST ENSURE THAT EVERYTHING THE GOVERNMENT DOES, EVERY CHANGE THAT WE MAKE, WILL FACILITATE OR AT LEAST NOT IN ANY WAY PREJUDICE THE TRANSITION.
+THE MOST IMPORTANT AREA OF NECESSARY CHANGE WILL BE, OF COURSE, IN OUR SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT,* SHE SAID.
+1 HAVE PREVIOUSLY ADVOCATED THAT WE SHOULD MOVE TOWARDS A MINISTERIAL SYSTEM, BY WHICH I MEAN THAT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICIALS, OR MINISTERS, OF THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE CHOSEN AND APPOINTED BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE FROM AMONG THE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE.
+1 BELIEVE THAT ONLY IN THIS WAY CAN WE FORGE A STRONG CHAIN OF RESPONSIBILITY LINKING THE ELECTED LEGISLATURE, THE EXECUTIVE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND THAT ONLY THUS CAN THE EXECUTIVE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE BECOME TRULY ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PEOPLE THEY EXIST TO SERVE.*
THE OTHER WAY WAS FOR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO NOMINATE PRINCIPAL OFFICIALS WHO WERE NOT MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE.
/THE QUESTION .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBEH 24, 1984
8
THE QUESTION AS TO +WHICH WAY ARE WE TO GO+ WOULD HAVE TO BE FACED BEFORE LONG FOR TWO REASONS:
* THE DECISION THAT WAS MADE WOULD HAVE CONSIDERABLE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE REST OF THE SYSTEM.
* IT WAS NECESSARY THAT THE NEW SYSTEM SHOULD BE WORKING SMOOTHLY WELL BEFORE THE TIME OF TRANSITION.
♦ JUST AS IMPORTANT AS CHANGES IN THE MACHINERY OF GOVERNMENT WILL BE CHANGES IN OUR ATTITUDES TO IT,+ MISS DUNN CONTINUED.
+BY 1997 HONG KONG WILL BE RUNNING ITS OWN ELECTED GOVERNMENT.
♦ AS A COMMUNITY WE TEND TO TAKE LITTLE INTEREST IN WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING UNLESS ITS ACTIONS DIRECTLY AFFECT OUR OWN INTERESTS.
+IN FUTURE WE SHALL HAVE TO THINK MORE ABOUT WHETHER ITS ACTIONS ARE GOOD FOR THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.+
WHAT WAS NEEDED WAS A FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE IN THE PEOPLE’S ATTITUDES TO THE GOVERNMENT, TO BE MATCHED BY A CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT ATTITUDES.
♦ FOR IF THE PUBLIC DOES NOT FEEL THAT THE MOVES TOWARDS MORE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WILL LEAD TO REAL CHANGE IN THE WAY WE ARE GOVERNED THEN THERE IS A RISK OF A CONTINUATION OF THE APATHY THAT HAS CHARACTERISED THE PUBLIC’S ATTITUDE TO DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN THE PAST.+ SHE ADDED.
THE GOVERNMENT MUST BE MORE, AND MORE QUICKLY, RESPONSIVE, AND IT MUST NOT BE SO DEFENSIVE.
♦ IT MUST REACT TO PUBLIC OPINION, TO CRITICISM AND TO OPPOSITION WITH REASONED ARGUMENT AND A WILLINGNESS TO CONSIDER CHANGE WITHOUT BEING FORCED INTO IT.
♦ IT MUST NOT IGNORE, REJECT WITHOUT ARGUMENT OR BRUSH ASIDE OBJECTIONS, HOWEVER MISCONCEIVED IT MAY THINK THEY ARE,+ MISS DUNN SAID.
A REAPPRAISAL OF THE MACHINERY OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO BE NECESSARY WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ELECTED LEGISLATURE; THE REMOVAL FROM IT OF MOST OF THE OFFICIAL MEMBERS; THE DEVELOPMENT CF A NEW CONSTITUTION OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL; AND OF A NEW RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO COUNCILS.
+ 1 AM SURE THAT NONE OF US WANTS A HIGHLY CENTRALISED GOVERNMENT,+ SHE SAID.
/FLEXIBILITY AND........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
- 9 -
FLEXIBILITY AND RESPONSIVENESS, SHE SAID, DEMANDED DECENTRALISATION.
+SO, TO START WITH, COULD WE HAVE A WRITTEN DEFINITION, AS PRECISE AS POSSIBLE, OF THE AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH SECRETARY?
+TO ME AT LEAST THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THEM AND HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS HAS ALWAYS BEEN UNCLEAR.*
MISS DUNN SAID THE NEED TO KEEP THE COMPLEX ADMINISTRATION RUNNING EFFICIENTLY WHILE AT THE SAME TIME ADAPTING IT TO FACE THE FUTURE PUT A VERY HEAVY RESPONSIBILITY ON THE PUBLIC SERVICE.
+WE ARE FORTUNATE THAT, AS WE ENTER THIS NEW ERA, WE ALREADY HAVE A PUBLIC SERVICE THAT HAS SERVED HONG KONG WELL, THAT IS HARD-WORKING, EFFICIENT AND DEDICATED TO THE PUBLIC GOOD.
+WE ALL KNOW THAT THE MEMBERS OF THE SERVICE HAVE BEEN PARTICULARLY AFFECTED BY THE STRESS AND UNCERTAINTY THAT HAVE AFFECTED US ALL IN THE LAST TWO YEARS. THEY HAVE NOT ALLOWED THEIR PERSONAL CONCERNS TO AFFECT THEIR PERFORMANCE. WE SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGE THE DEBT WE ALL OWE THEM,* SHE SAID.
+THE DEMANDS THE COMMUNITY MAKES UPON THEM WILL NOT GROW LESS IN THE FUTURE.
+THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT MUST GOVERN AS EFFECTIVELY IN THE FUTURE AS IT HAS DONE IN THE PAST.*
THIS COULD NOT BE DONE UNLESS A LOYAL AND DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE WAS KEPT.
THE MAINTENANCE OF THE MORALE OF THE SERVICE POSED AN AWKWARD DILEMMA, WHOSE EXISTENCE IT WOULD BE FOOLISH TO DENY.
PART IV OF ANNEX I TO THE DRAFT AGREEMENT PROVIDES THAT FROM 1997 ALL PUBLIC SERVANTS MAY CONTINUE IN THEIR EMPLOYMENT WITH THEIR PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE NO LESS FAVOURABLE THAN BEFORE AND THEIR PENSION AND GRATUITY RIGHTS GUARANTEED. BUT IT ALSO PROVIDES THAT EXPATRIATES MAY NO LONGER SERVE AS SECRETARIES OR AS HEADS OF MAJOR DEPARTMENTS AT THE SAME LEVEL, NOR AS DEPUTY HEADS OF SOME DEPARTMENTS THOUGH THEY MAY CONTINUE TO SERVE AS ADVISERS.
MISS DUNN SAID THIS HAD TWO IMPLICATIONS: LOCALISATION HAD TO BE SPEEDED UP AND A MORE SYSTEMATIC APPROACH MADE TO IT.
+SYSTEMATIC EFFORTS MUST BE MADE TO IDENTIFY EARLY AND TRAIN FOR GREATER RESPONSIBILITIES THOSE WHO HAVE THE POTENTIAL TC BECOME THE SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE FUTURE PERHAPS SOONER THAN THEY WOULD HAVE BEFORE.*
/another implication .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
- iO -
ANOTHER IMPLICATION WAS THAT THE CAREER PROSPECTS OF EXPATRIATE OFFICERS COULD NOT BE AS GOOD AS THEY HAD BEEN IN THE PAST.
BUT THE MAINTENANCE OF THE EFFICIENCY AND STABILITY OF THE SERVICE WAS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE NEED FOR ACCELERATED LOCALISATION, SHE SAID.
EXPATRIATES HAD BEEN SERVING HONG KONG WELL, WORKING IN HARMONY WITH AN INCREASING PROPORTION OF LOCAL OFFICERS.
+WE MUST NOT PURSUE LOCALISATION SO SINGLE-MINDEDLY AS TO GIVE THE EXPATRIATES THE FEELING THAT THERE IS NO FUTURE AT ALL FOR THEM,* MISS DUNN SAID.
MANAGEMENT OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE, AND OF HONG KONG AFFAIRS GENERALLY, WOULD REQUIRE A GREAT DEAL MORE IMAGINATION AND UNDERSTANDING THAN EVER BEFORE, SHE STATED.
-----0-----
LEGCO MEMBER MAY CHANGE MIND ON DEATH PENALTY * * * * *
THE HON PETER C. WONG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY HE MIGHT BE PERSUADED TO REVIEW HIS STAND ON THE DEATH PENALTY.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR WONG SAID HE SHARED THE GOVERNOR’S CONCERN OVER THE HIGH INCIDENCE OF TRIAD AND GANG CRIMES, AND SERIOUS AND VIOLENT CRIMES COMMITTED BY YOUNG MEN.
+THE PREVALENT USE OF FIREARMS IN THE COMMISSION OF CRIMES MUST BE DEPLORED,+ MR WONG SAID.
♦ THE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS REFERRED TO BY YOUR EXCELLENCY ARE THEREFORE ENCOURAGING.
+IN MY VIEW, THERE IS PROBABLY NO BETTER DETERRENT THAN THE PROVISION OF INCREASED PENALTIES AND THE IMPOSITION OF HEAVIER SENTENCES.*
ON THE DEATH PENALTY AS THE +SUPREME PUNISHMENT*, MR WONG SAID. +l HAVE ALWAYS CONSIDERED MYSELF AN ABOLITIONIST, BUT alTri THE HIGH INCIDENCE OF SERIOUS AND VIOLENT CRIMES AND THE ADVENT OF A NEW ERA I MAY BE PERSUADED TO REVIEW MY STANCE.*
+MY OWN VIEW IS THAT IF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAD THE IF SAY MANY CONVICTED MURDERERS NOW SERVING THEIR COMMUTEDLIFE IMPRISONMENT WOULD HAVE FORFEITED THEIR LIVES FOR THE HEINOUS CRIMES THEY COMMITTED.*
/HE AWED.....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
-11 -
HE ADDED THAT IT WAS ALMOST CERTAIN THAT THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT HESITATE TO CARRY OUT THE DEATH PENALTY WHICH IS STILL HONG KONG’S STATUTE BOOK.
MR WONG SAID AFTER THE TERRORIST BOMB ATTACK IN BRIGHTON THE MOVEMENT TO RESTORE THE DEATH PENALTY IN ENGLAND WAS GATHERING MOMENTUM.
+ IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, THE OVERALL INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY MUST OVERRIDE THOSE OF THE INDIVIDUAL,* HE SAID.
IF THE DEATH PENALTY WAS EVER TO BE CARRIED OUT IN HONG KONG, l£ WOULD NOT SUBSCRIBE TO THE RETURN OF THE GALLOWS.
IT WAS A PRIMITIVE FORM OF EXECUTION WHICH BELONGED TO ANOTHER AGE, HE SAID.
HE SUGGESTED THAT A CIVILISED METHOD SHOULD BE USED, SUCH AS THE INJECTION OF A LETHAL SOLUTION PRECEDED BY AN APPROPRIATE DOSE OF ANAESTHESIA AS EVEN THE MOST ATROCIOUS OF CRIMINALS DESERVED HUMANE TREATMENT.
ON INFILTRATION OF TRIADS INTO SCHOOLS, MR WONG SAID DESPITE ASSURANCES BY THE GOVERNMENT HE WAS NOT SATISFIED THAT ENOUGH HAD BEEN DONE TO PROTECT THE YOUNGER MEMBERS OF SOCIETY FROM TRIAD INFLUENCE.
+l WOULD URGE THE GOVERNMENT NOT TO UNDERESTIMATE THE SERIOUSNESS OF THIS PROBLEM AND TO TAKE POSITIVE STEPS TO REMEDY THE SITUATION BEFORE IT GETS WORSE.
+l WOULD ALSO APPEAL TO SCHOOL AUTHORITIES AND PARENTS NOT TO TURN A BLIND EYE TO THIS DESTRUCTIVE FORCE WHICH IS THREATENING THE HEALTHY EXISTENCE OF OUR SCHOOLS.
+THEIR CO-OPERATION IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL IF WE ARE TO SUCCEED IN ERADICATING THE TRIAD ELEMENT FROM OUR EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS.*
MR WONG ALSO CALLED FOR REFORM OF THE TEXTILE QUOTA SYSTEM. HE SAID HE BELIEVED THAT THE VOLUME OF QUOTA TRANSFERS IN 1983 FOR THE U.S. MARKET HAD INCREASED TO THE EXTENT THAT THE QUOTAS TRANSFERRED EXCEEDED 50 PER CENT OF THE OVERALL RESTRAINED LIMIT. THIS SHOWED THAT THE QUOTA HOLDINGS WERE NOW OUT OF LINE WITH THE STRUCTURE OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE.
HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM URGENTLY +T0 SAFEGUARD THE COMMUNITY’S WIDER INTERESTS IN THIS MATTER.*
MR WONG. DESCRIBING HIMSELF AS A STAUNCH ADVOCATE FOR A THIRD UNIVERSITY, SAID HE WAS EXTREMELY PLEASED TO LEARN THAT A NUMBER OF SITES FOR SUCH AN INSTITUTION HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED.
/UNIVERSITY education
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
- 12
UNIVERSITY EDUCATION WAS EXPENSIVE AND A HEAVY BURDEN ON THE PUBLIC REVENUE.
+AS A LONG TERM INVESTMENT, HOWEVER, THE MONEY TO BE SPENT ON A THIRD UNIVERSITY WILL BRING INCALCULABLE BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.
ON LEGISLATION, MR WONG SAID THERE WERE 12 TO 13 YEARS TO CONSOLIDATE THE LAWS NOW IN FORCE IN HONG KONG. THIS TASK WOULD BE TIME-CONSUMING AND SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN WITHOUT DELAY.
+SEVERAL OF OUR ORDINANCES ARE DEPENDENT ON ENGLISH STATUTES AND TO THAT EXTENT AMENDMENTS WILL HAVE TO BE INTRODUCED SO THAT OUR LAWS CAN STAND ON THEIR OWN,+ HE SAID.
AS EXAMPLES, HE CITED ORDINANCES RELATING TO SHIPPING, CIVIL AVIATION AND PATENT.
OBVIOUSLY, HE SAID, CERTAIN MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXISTING LAWS WOULD BE NECESSARY IN VIEW OF IMPENDING CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES.
-----0------
DEAL WITH THE FUTURE IN THREE STAGES, SAYS WONG LAM * * * * *
THE NEXT 13 YEARS COULD BE DIVIDED INTO THREE PERIODS OF ABOUT FOUR YEARS EACH, THE HON WONG LAM SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE SAID THE MAJOR CONCERN OF THE FIRST PERIOD — FROM NOW TC 1988 — WAS TO REMOVE THE SHADOW OF POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY AND PUT HONG KONG BACK ON THE TRACK OF DEVELOPMENT SO THAT PROSPERITY AND STABILITY MIGHT BE MAINTAINED AND THE PEOPLE HERE MIGHT WORK AND LIVE COMFORTABLY AND PEACEFULLY AS THEY HAD DONE IN THE SEVENTIES AND EARLY EIGHTIES.
+ANOTHER MAJOR CONCERN OF THE PERIOD IS TO MAKE PRELIMINARY PREPARATION FOR FUTURE POLITICAL CHANGES,* HE ADDED.
1992
THE MOST IMPORTANT PROBLEM OF THE SECOND PERIOD — 1988 TO — WOULD BE THE MAINTENANCE OF PROSPERITY AND STABILITY ON THE ONE HAND AND THE DRANG UP OF ALL THE PROCEDURES NECESSARY FOR IMPLEMENTING THE *HONG KONG PEOPLE ADMINISTERING HONG KONG*
FORMULA ON THE OTHER.
THE THIRD PERIOD — FROM 1992 TO 1997 — WOULD BE A PERIOD OF PROGRESSIVE TRANSITION, MR WONG CONTINUED.
HE SAID THAT BY THAT TIME, HONG KONG WOULD STAY UNDER BRITISH RULE ONLY IN NAME BUT TO A VERY LARGE EXTENT, HONG KONG PEOPLE WOULD ADMINISTER HONG KONG WITH A +HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY*.
/FOCUSING HIS........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
FOCUSING HIS DISCUSSION ON THE FIRST PERIOD, HE SAID, +WE SHOULD FIRST TRY OUR BEST TO REMOVE THE SHADOW CAST BY POLITICAL UNCERTAINTIES THAT BOTHERED US IN THE LAST TWO YEARS. +
HE POINTED OUT THAT OTHER THAN INFORMING US THAT THE PEGGED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM WOULD REMAIN IN FORCE AND STRONGER REGULATION WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, NOTHING HAD BEEN SAID IN THE POLICY ADDRESS ABOUT THE INTRODUCTION OF POSITIVE MEASURES TO ENCOURAGE AND STIMULATE INVESTMENTS, IN PARTICULAR CAPITAL INVESTMENTS AND RE-INVESTMENTS.
+FURTHERMORE, NO IDEA HAS BEEN GIVEN ON WAYS TO RETAIN BRAINS AND WEALTH. IT IS MY HOPE THAT GOVERNMENT WILL GIVE MORE SPECIFIC DETAILS AND MAKE MORE DEFINITE ARRANGEMENTS IN THESE RESPECTS,* HE SAID.
♦THE SECOND CRUCIAL TASK OF THIS PERIOD IS TO CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN THE STANDARD OF LIVING OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE, DEVELOP OUR INFRASTRUCTURE AND INTRODUCE VARIOUS KINDS OF SOCIAL PROGRAMME TO SHOW AND CONVINCE THE WORLD AND THE HONG KONG PEOPLE THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO MAINTAIN PROSPERITY AND STABILITY IN HONG KONG FOR THE PERIOD LEADING UP TO 1997,+ HE ADDED.
THE THIRD CRUCIAL TASK IN THIS PERIOD WAS UPHOLDING THE GOVERNMENT’S AUTHORITY.
WITH THE IMPENDING TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY IT WOULD NOT BE AS EASY TO EXERCISE AUTHORITY AS BEFORE, HE SAID.
+MINOR SOCIAL DISCONTENT COULD EASILY FLARE UP AND RESULT IN CHAOS AND INSTABILITY,* MR WONG PREDICTED.
+THUS, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PAY MUCH GREATER CARE TO THE WISHES OF THE PEOPLE IN INTRODUCING ITS POLICIES.+
BILLS AND MEASURES THAT MIGHT CAUSE DISTURBANCES SUCH AS THE ONE CAUSED BY THE TAXI DRIVERS’ LINE-UP THIS YEAR SHOULD BE AVOIDED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.
+THE FOURTH CRUCIAL TASK OF THE FIRST PERIOD IS TO MAKE THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS IN THE POLITICAL STRUCTURE SO THAT TH PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL GOVERN HONG KONG TO AN APPRECIABLE EXTENT DURING THE SECOND PERIOD,* MR WONG SAID.
+1 THINK THIS PREPARATION SHOULD INVOLVE TWO ASPECTS.
+FIRSTLY DIRECT ELECTIONS TO A LIMITED EXTENT SHOULD BE INTRODUCED TOWARDS THE END OF THE FIRST PERI9SuS%ToALr8f?TAPi“>FG PEOPLE WOULD HAVE A CHANCE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THIS INEVITABLE REAL ITY IN THE LATE 80’S GAIN EXPERIENCE FROM THESE ELECTIONS ANJ TO INTRODUCE IMPROVEMENTS WHERE NECESSARY.
/+! ACRES......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24. 1984
- 14 -
+l AGREE THAT POLITICAL CHANGES SHOULD BE PROGRESSIVE.
IT WOULD BE WRONG TO INTRODUCE CHANGES TOO QUICKLY.
+l ALSO APPRECIATE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIRECT ELECTIONS FOR THEY SERVE A SPECIAL PURPOSE.
+YET I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE WOULD SOONER OR LATER FACE THE REALITY OF DIRECT ELECTION, THOUGH NOT ENTIRELY FULL SCALE, AT LEAST HALF SCALE.+
+SECONDLY, TO PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN THE POLITICAL STRUCTURE, IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO SEPARATE THE ADMINISTRATIVE MACHINERY FROM THE MONITORING MACHINERY,* MR WONG SAID.
------- 0 -----------
MORE USE OF CHINESE LANGUAGE URGED
*****
FURTHER STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO RAISE THE POSITION OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE IN THE INTERESTS OF GOOD ADMINISTRATION, DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT, BEING THE LARGEST SINGLE AND GOOD EMPLOYER IN HONG KONG, SHOULD TAKE THE LEAD IN RECRUITING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH A CHINESE SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION, THEREBY SERVING AS AN EXAMPLE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR. TESTS IN THE USE OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE SHOULD BE MADE COMPULSORY FOR ALL CANDIDATES APPLYING FOR ANY GRADE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
HE SAID ALSO THAT PROMOTION IN THE CIVIL SERVICE SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT AN OFFICER’S LEVEL OF COMPETENCY IN WRITTEN AND ORAL CHINESE, IF HE OR SHE WAS ETHNIC CHINESE.
AND INCENTIVES SHOULD BE GIVEN TO NON-CHINESE SPEAKING OFFICERS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE WHO HAD ACQUIRED A PRESCRIBED LEVEL OF PROFICIENCY IN WRITTEN OR ORAL CHINESE, HE SAID.
DR HO SAID THAT MORE SERIOUS EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE TO GIVE THE USE OF CHINESE EQUAL STATUS WITH THAT OF ENGLISH IN COURT PROCEEDINGS AND TO MAKE CHINESE A LANGUAGE OF THE LAW IN THE LONG-TERM.
TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE A PASS IN CHINESE AN ADMISSION REQUIREMENT FOR CANDIDATES OF CHINESE DESCENT, HE SAID.
/DE HO .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
- 15 -
DR HO ALSO SAID THAT DECISIONS ON THE USE OF CHINESE AS A MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS MUST BE MADE WITHOUT DELAY TO RAISE THE PROFICIENCY OF STUDENTS IN USING BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH BEFORE COMPLETING THEIR EDUCATION.
IT WAS MOST HEARTENING, HE SAID, TO LEARN THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS PAYING ATTENTION TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REPORT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION AND IN PARTICULAR TO THE PRODUCTION OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEXTBOOKS IN CHINESE.
♦IT CAN BE ANTICIPATED THAT MORE CONTACTS WITH china in a MTIvfne! ^LLCTj™'p£A™J'"hAID™‘L' S°C'AL SP0RTS
ITS RLlN?EGRTATl6NA|NtoCTHeRCHT|N?SES^5ERl,^?:E H0N6 "°NG ™
DR HO SAID IT WAS A COMMON FACT IN HONG KONG THAT A PERSON WITH A CHINESE SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION WAS NORMALLY LIMITED TO A RANGE OF JOBS CHARACTERISED BY RESTRICTED MOBILITY, POOR PROMOTION PROSPECTS, A MEAGRE SALARY AND A LOW STATUS WHEN COMPARED WITH HIS OR HER COUNTERPART WITH AN ENGLISH SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION.
♦THIS STATE OF AFFAIRS MUST BE REDRESSED AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE TIME,* HE SAID.
THE COMMUNITY, HE SAID, LOOKED TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR VIGOROUS LEADERSHIP IN ELEVATING THE POSITION AND STATUS OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE IN HONG KONG. +AS A MATTER OF FACT THE GOVERNMENT HAD MORE CONSIDERABLE EFFORT IN THIS REGARD,+ HE SAID.
PUBL,C ASSISTANCE DR HO SAID THERE WERE TWO CATEGORIES WH0SE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND NEEDS WARRANTED COMPASSIONATE CONSIDERATION.
THE FIRST GROUP WERE WIDOWS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN.
+NOWADAYS, REARING CHILDREN WITH A DECENT LIVING STANDARD REQUIRES AN EXPENDITURE NORMALLY LARGER THAN THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PAYMENT,* DR HO SAID.
THE SECOND GROUP CONSISTED OF CHRONICALLY SICK PERSONS WHO WERE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR SICK LEAVE UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND WHOSE ILLNESS HAD RENDERED THEM INCAPABLE OF WORK FOR A PROLONGED PERIOD OF TIME, BUT WHO WERE NOT PERMANENTLY DISABLED.
THE NEEDS OF THIS GROUP OF PEOPLE WERE OFTEN BEYOND WHAT PUBLIC ASSISTANCE WAS DESIGNED FOR.
/♦TO ALLEVIATE .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 19&4
- 16 -
+TO ALLEVIATE HARDSHIP, I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST THAT IN THE FORTHCOMING COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW AS MENTIONED IN YOUR ANNUAL ADDRESS THESE TWO CATEGORIES OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS BE CONSIDERED FOR A WIDOWHOOD SUPPLEMENT AND A CHRONIC SICKNESS SUPPLEMENT WHICH, LIKE EXISTING SUPPLEMENTS, SHOULD BE AT HALF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RATE,+ DR HO SAID.
ON THE FUTURE, DR HO SAID NO OTHER MEASURES COULD BE MORE CONVINCING TO SHOW THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO ADMINISTER HONG KONG IN A SINGLE-MINDED AND CONSCIENTIOUS MANNER UP TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARK OF 1997 THAN THE LONG LIST OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNOR’S ANNUAL ADDRESS.
THESE INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS WERE IN VARIOUS STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION OR WERE TO BE COMMITTED IN THE NEAR FUTURE, WITH THEIR COMPLETION SET FOR THE 199O’S.
♦THIS SHOWS THE GOVERNMENT’S FAITH IN THE FUTURE AND WILL HENCE GREATLY BOOST THE CONFIDENCE OF LOCAL AND OVERSEAS BUSINESSMEN AND INDUSTRIALISTS TO INVEST AND RE-INVEST IN HONG KONG,+ DR HO SAID.
♦THIS NO DOUBT WILL WORK TOWARDS THE LONG-TERM INTEREST OF THE TERRITORY,+ HE ADDED.
-----o------
BORDER INDUSTRIAL ZONE PROPOSED BY ALLEN LEE * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WAS TODAY ASKED TO LOOK INTO THE POSSIBILITY 0-ENLISTING CHINA’S CO-OPERATION IN SETTING UP AN INDUSTRIAL ZONE AT THE BORDER WHICH WOULD EMPLOY LABOUR FROM NEARBY CHINESE TOWNS AND VILLAGES.
THE SUGGESTION WAS PUT FORWARD BY THE HON ALLEN LEE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF NINE YEARS’ COMPULSORY EDUCATION HAD LED TO DIFFICULTIES IN RECRUITING NEW LABOUR IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
♦IF HONG KONG HAD THE ADDITIONAL LABOUR FORCE, WE WOULD BE ABLE TO INCREASE OUR EXPORTS,+ HE SAID.
MR LEE SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT, GIVEN THE COMBINATION OF HONG KONG’S MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE AND THE CHINESE LABOUR FORCE, HOXG KONG’S COMPETITIVE EDGE WOULD DEFINITELY BE STRENGTHENED.
THERE WERE NUMEROUS MUTUAL BENEFITS TO BE HAD. +THIS SCHEME IS FEASIBLE, ♦ HE EXPLAINED.
/♦Di CASE.........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
- 17 -
+ IN CASE THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY AND THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION ARE WORRIED ABOUT THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, I BELIEVE MEASURES CAN BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THIS INDUSTRIAL ZONE BE A RESTRICTED AREA.
+THE FACTORIES CAN BE OPERATED AS BONDED FACTORIES, WHICH HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS SHOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH IF THEY HAVE FACTORIES OUTSIDE OF HONG KONG.
+ONE THING IS CERTAIN, THERE COULD NEVER BE A SHORTAGE OF LABOUR IN A COUNTRY WITH A POPULATION OF ONE BILLION PEOPLE.+
MR LEE SAID HE WAS NOT FORGETTING THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, NOR THE IMPORTANCE OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND THE GOVERNMENT’S INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
+BUT, AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE NEED LABOUR AND WE NEED TO STAND TALL AND LET OUR COMPETITORS WORRY ABOUT HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON KONG KONG’S RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA, MR LEE COMPARED IT TO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A SUBSIDIARY AND THE HEADQUARTERS OF A MULTINATIONAL COMPANY AND SAID WE MUST ESTABLISH MUTUAL TRUST AND UNDERSTANDING WITH CHINA.
+IT IS UNDERSTANDABLE THAT WE HAVE CONCERNS, BUT WE SHOULD TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT CHINA HAS ACHIEVED IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS INSTEAD OF CONTINUOUSLY DWELLING ON THE FIRST 30 YEARS OF THE HISTORY OF THE PEOPLES’ REPUBLIC OF CHINA,+ HE SAID.
REFERRING TO CHINA’S RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT THAT IT PLANS TO CARRY OUT REFORMS IN THE CITIES AND IN ITS MANUFACTURING FACILITIES, MR LEE SAID: + IF ANYTHING, CHINA IS ON THE RIGHT TRACK OF MODERNISATION AND WE SHOULD BE GLAD TO SEE CHINA HEADING IN ITS CURRENT DIRECTION.+
+WE ARE ALL AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG TO CHINA, AND VICE VERSA. THEREFORE, WE MUST LOOK AHEAD AND WE MUST CONTRIBUTE OUR PART IN ENSURING AND MAINTAINING HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY,* HE SAID.
+NOW IS THE TIME FOR EVERYONE IN HONG KONG TO THINK OF WHAT CONTRIBUTIONS THEY CAN MAKE AND HOW THEY CAN PARTICIPATE IN BUILDING HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
+WITH A COMMUNITY AND A GOVERNMENT DEDICATED TO THAT TASK, WE CAN BE CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG WILL REMAIN THE_ VIBRANT, DYNAMIC AND PROGRESSIVE CITY OF WHICH ITS CITIZENS ARE SO JUSTLY PROUD.+
MR LEE ALSO SPOKE ABOUT TWO ASPECTS OF EDUCATION -HIGHER EDUCATION AND COMPUTER EDUCATION.
/ON HIGHER ......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1?84
- 18 -
ON HIGHER EDUCATION, HE SAID IT WAS GRATIFYING TO SEE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC AND HE HOPED ITS FUTURE EXPANSION WOULD BE AS RAPID AS ITS ESTABLISHMENT.
ON COMPUTER EDUCATION, HE SAID EVEN THOUGH A PILOT SCHEME 2GAN IN 1982 WHICH PROVIDED COMPUTER EQUIPMENT TO 105 JVERNMENT-AIDED SCHOOLS, HE FELT HONG KONG WAS FALLING BEHIND TS COMPETITORS IN THIS FIELD.
+1 BELIEVE A REVIEW SHOULD BE CONDUCTED IMMEDIATELY WITH rE AIM OF INTRODUCING COMPUTER COURSES INTO ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE NEAR FUTURE AS WELL AS INTRODUCING COMPUTER COURSES INTO PRIMARY SCHOOLS,+ MR LEE SAID.
-----0------
LITTLE ATTENTION PAID TO POLITICS IN PAST - ANDREW SO *****
IN THE PAST EMPHASIS HAD BEEN PLACED ON ECONOMIC ACHIEVEMENT, Tri LITTLE ATTENTION PAID TO POLITICS, THE HON ANDREW SO SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR SO SAID THAT, HOWEVER, AS CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGED POLITICS vOULD BECOME HONG KONG’S CONCERN.
LEADERS OF HONG KONG WOULD BE MORE ENTERPRISING AND MORE ADVENTUROUS AND INNOVATIVE IN SPIRIT, HE SAID.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING WOULD BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF LIFE IN HONG KONG.
THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION STIPULATED THAT THE LEGISLATURE OF THE HONG KONG SAR SHALL BE CONSTITUTED BY ELECTIONS.
THIS WAS INDEED A VERY IMPORTANT PROVISION.
♦THAT, I BELIEVE, WAS ACHIEVED AFTER MUCH HARD WORK,* MR SO SAID, +WE MUST THEREFORE CHERISH IT.+
MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD WERE DEPRIVED OF THE FREEDOM OF CHOICE.
THEY WOULD SURELY URGE THE PEOPLE HERE TO VAuUE THE CHANCES OF EXERCISING THEIR RIGHT TO HOLD ELECTIONS AND CAST VOTES.
+FOR THE SAKE OF OUR OWN FREEDOM AND THE FREEDOM OF OTHERS IN HONG KONG, WE MUST ABOVE ALL BEAR THIS IN MIND,+ MR SO SAID.
HE SAID HE BELIEVED THAT IN BUILDING a SUITABLE POLITICAL SYSTEM FOR HONG KONG, IT WAS NOT ADVISABLE TO BE '00 CONSERVATIVE.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 19fa4
- 19 -
THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION HAD ALREADY GIVcN HONG KONG A BLUEPRI NT.
+THUS IT IS MOST UNLIKELY THAT WE WOULD GO ASTRAY,+ MR SO SAID.
+WE MAY STUMBLE, BUT WE CAN OF COURSE STAND ON OUR FEET AGAIN, SHAKE OFF THE DUST AND MOVE ON IN A STEADY PACE.*
MR SO SAID THE SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT DEPENDED LARGELY ON THE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF THE PEOPLE.
THE SYSTEM ITSELF UNDERLINED THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATING THE PEOPLE.
IN HONG KONG IT WAS NECESSARY TO EDUCATE AND TRAIN UP LEADERS SO THAT THEY WOULD UNDERSTAND AND ASSUME THEIR POLITICAL RESPONSIBILITIES.
AT THE SAME TIME THE PEOPLE SHOULD BE EDUCATED TO UNDERSTAND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AND PLAY THEIR PART IN ELECTING SUITABLE LEADERS.
MOREOVER, THEY SHOULD ALSO BE TAUGHT TO EXPRESS THEIR VIE. . ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT AS WELL AS THE BILLo INTRODUCED BY IT.
♦ AS THE SINO-BRITISH DRAFT AGREEMENT CLEARLY INDICATES DIRECTION OF CHANGES FOR HONG KONG, PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKo Or THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY SHOULD STUDY THE FUTURE CHANGES A DIFFERENT LEVELS AND IN DIFFERENT AREAS ENTHUSIASTICALLY A VIEW TO ENSURING THAT THE AIM OF HONG KONG PEOPLE RUNNI.N HONG KONG CAN BE ACHIEVED,+ MR SO SAID.
HE SAID DIRECT OR INDIRECT ELECTIONS WERE AMONG THE H>... TOPICS BEING DISCUSSED RECENTLY.
+YET I THINK IT IS NOT THE CRUX OF THE WHOLE PROBLEM, -4 IS CRUCIAL IS THAT THERE SHOULD BE MORE CITIZENS TO PARTICI;^ ENTHUSIASTICALLY IN THE ELECTIONS AND THAT MORE DEDICATED A RIGHTEOUS MEN AND WOMEN SHOULD COME UP AS LEADERS,* Hu SAID.
-----o------
/20 .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
HK NEEDS OWN POLITICAL FORMULA, F.K. HU SAYS
* * * *
HONG KONG PEOPLE MUST FACE THE REALITY OF MANAGING THEIR OWN AFFAIRS IN 13 YEARS’ TIME BUT THERE IS NO READY-MADE, PROVEN, -OLITICAL SYSTEM THEY CAN ADOPT. THEY MUST FIND THEIR OWN UNIQUE SOLUTION.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE HON F.K. HU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+THE FINAL STRUCTURE MUST ENSURE POLITICAL STABILITY, “FECTIVE AND EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATION, CONTINUOUS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND, ABOVE ALL, THE FAITH OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC,+ HE' SAID.
THE PRESENT DEMOCRATIC SYSTEMS ADOPTED IN MANY COUNTRIES -AE PROVED TO BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND POLITICAL STABILITY OF THOSE COUNTRIES, HE OBSERVED. FROM NOW .. HONG KONG PEOPLE MUST LEARN TO BE MORE CIVIC-MINDED, TO .-■DERSTAND THE PROS AND CONS OF DIFFERENT POLITICAL SYSTEMS, ,.NL TO APPRECIATE THEIR OWN RIGHTS AND DUTIES TO THEIR SOCIETY.
♦WITHOUT SUCH KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING, THERE WILL NOT ’E ANY GREAT IMPROVEMENT IN THE REGISTRATION OF VOTERS AND THE .OTING PERCENTAGE WILL BE VERY LOW,+ HE WARNED.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WOULD NOT BE REPRESENTATIVE AND, CONSEQUENTLY, THERE COULD BE A LACK OF PUBLIC SUPPORT IN POLICY ECISIONS AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION. FURTHERMORE, SOME CANDIDATES ■IGHT MAKE UNREALISTIC PROMISES TO VOTERS WHICH MIGHT BE BEImEFICIAL TO CERTAIN SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY BUT NOT NECESSARILY FAVOURABLE TO THE SOCIETY AS A WHOLE.
HE BELIEVED IT WAS POSSIBLE HONG KONG WOULD SEE THE EVENTUAL FORMATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES WITH A COMMON PLATFORM ON VARIOUS FRONTS. THESE PARTIES MIGHT PERSUADE CANDIDATES OF HIGH CALIBRE, WITH LEADERSHIP QUALITIES, TO STAND FOR ELECTION.
♦THEREFORE, I AM IN FULL SUPPORT OF THE GRADUAL DEVELOPMENT OUTLINED IN THE GREEN PAPER IN ORDER TO ENSURE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION,+ HE ADDED.
IN THE MEANTIME, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY FORM THEIR OWN IDEAS ON WHETHER THEY FAVOUR THE ELECTION OF CANDIDATES IN THEIR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITIES, OR ON POLITICAL PARTY BASIS, OR OTHER ALTERNATIVES.
+FURTHERMORE,+ HE STRESSED, +WE MUST ENSURE THAT THERE WILL BE A SMOOTH TRANSITION INTO THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT IN 1997 WITH NO ABRUPT AND DRASTIC CHANGE IN THE POLITICAL STRUCTURE AT THAT TIME.+ TO ACHIEVE THIS, THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE CONSULTED AT VARIOUS STAGES IN THE DEVELOPMENT CF THE SYSTEM.
/MH HU .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
21 -
MR HU ADDED THAT THE TIMING FOR DIRECT ELECTIONS SHOULD NOT BE DECIDED PREMATURELY, BUT COULD BE CONSIDERED SERIOUSLY AFTER A FULL ASSESSMENT HAD BEEN MADE OF THE SITUATION.
TURNING TO THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR HU SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE CONGRATULATED FOR ITS EFFORTS TO STABILISE THE SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE, BUT EVEN GREATER EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO FURTHER REDUCE THE SIZE THROUGH STREAMLINING, AND THE SIMPLIFYING OF OPERATIONS AND PROCEDURES, WITHOUT SACRIFICING THE QUALITY OF WORK.
CITING THE PRIVATISATION OF GOVERNMENT CARPARK MANAGEMENT AS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF COST-EFFECTIVENESS, HE SAID ALL DEPARTMENTS SHOULD LOOK INTO AREAS WHERE WORK OR MANAGEMENT COULD BE PASSED ON TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR. THIS COULD ASSIST THE GOVERNMENT IN REDUCING THE SIZE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, AND IN PRODUCING ADDITIONAL OR SIMILAR LEVELS OF REVENUE, INSTEAD OF INCURRING LIMITED REVENUES OR DEFICITS.
ON THE OTHER HAND, MR HU SAID, EXPANSION IN CERTAIN DEPARTMENTS MUST BE ALLOWED TO ENABLE THEM TO COPE WITH ADDITIONAL VOLUMES OF WORK - ESPECIALLY IN DEALING WITH MATTERS CF SECURITY AND TRADE - WITHOUT APPLYING THE RIGID RULE OF SAVING IN OTHER SECTORS.
+THE QUESTION OF RESTRAINING GROWTH IN THE CIVIL SERVICE MUST BE DEALT WITH SYSTEMATICALLY AND REASONABLY, BUT NOT DOGMATICALLY,* HE SAID.
ON HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY, MR HU SAID HE BELIEVED THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DRAFT SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE WOULD NOW LEAD TO RENEWED CONFIDENCE AND A REVIVAL IN DOMESTIC INVESTMENTS.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SERIOUSLY LOOK INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRES TO ASSIST MANUFACTURERS TO UP-GRADE THEIR PRODUCTS. THIS WOULD RESULT IN HIGHER MARGINS OF PROFIT, ENABLING THEM TG UNDERTAKE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT THEMSELVES.
ON SOCIAL WELFARE, MR HU SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THERE WOULD BE A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSOLIDATING THE VARIOUS PAYMENTS AND FOR INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF DISREGARDED INCOME FOR THOSE WHO «ERE ABLE TO SUPPLEMENT THEIR ASSISTANCE WITH THEIR OWN EARNINGS.
CONTENDING THAT THE PRESENT SCHEME, WITH ALL ITS SUPPLEMENTS AND ALLOWANCES WAS DIFFICULT AND COMPLICATED FOR THE PUBLIC TO UNDERSTAND AND - EQUALLY DIFFICULT FOR SOCIAL WORKERS TO EXPLAIN TO THEM - MR HU HOPED THAT THE REVIEW WOULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN SIMPLIFICATION AND CONSOLIDATION OF THE SCHEME.
/MR HU .......
WKHJESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
22
MR HU ALSO RAISED THE QUESTION OF A CONTRIBUTORY CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND.
+ALTHOUGH I ACCEPT THAT OUR EXISTING NON-CONTRIBUTORY SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAMMES SHOULD REMAIN THE CENTRAL PILLAk CF OUR SYSTEM, A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME COULD BE WORKED OUT TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS TO THOSE AFFECTED, FOR EXAMPLE BY TEMPORARY UNEMPLOYMENT OR RETIREMENT AND IT COULD EVEN REDUCE THE CONTINUED BURDEN ON PUBLIC FUNDS,+ HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
SEARCH FOR MORE MARKETS URGED * * * *
PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE SEARCH FOR MORE MARKETS AND TO PRODUCT DIVERSIFICATION, THE HON WONG PO-YAN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
BOTH JAPAN AND CHINA DESERVED PARTICULAR ATTENTION, AS FAR AS MARKETS WERE CONCERNED, HE SAID.
+EXTENSIVE RESEARCH ON THE JAPANESE MARKETS, DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF ITS SALES NETWORK AND INCESSANT ATTEMPTS TO ENTER THE MARKET WILL ONE DAY BRING CORRESPONDING RESULTS,+ HE SAID.
AS FOR CHINA, HE SAID THAT THE COUNTRY’S TRADE POLICY HAL BEEN CHANGING AND MORE DECISION-MAKING POWER WAS BEING DELEGATE. THIS HAD RESULTED IN PROVINCES AND MUNICIPALITIES ENGAGING IN TRADE WITH HONG KONG.
THE NEW ECONOMIC POLICIES RECENTLY ANNOUNCED BY CHINA WOULD FURTHER ENHANCE THIS PROCESS, HE SAID.
+ON ACCOUNT OF THIS, I SUGGEST THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD DIRECT AND HELP THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO ORGANISE MORt PROMOTION ACTIVITIES IN VARIOUS PROVINCES AND MUNICIPALITIES OF CHINA.
+IT WILL, ON ONE HAND, PROVIDE A CHANCE FOR TRADE EXPANSION FOR LOCAL MANUFACTURES AND, ON THE OTHER, SHOW OUR EXPERIENCE AND WAYS OF FOREIGN TRADE TO THE TRADING ORGANISATIONS OF CHINA,* HE SAID.
APART FROM PROMOTING TRADE, MR WONG SAID, INDUSTRIAL DIVERSIFICATION SHOULD ALSO BE HIGH ON HONG KONG’S PRIORITY LIST.
/HE COMMENDED .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
- 23 -
SL™ UR ™ STANDARDS AND
KdWrM
♦UNDER THE PRESENT FINANCIAL CLIMATE, I THINK IT IS MORE APPROPRIATE TO LEVY FUNDS FROM THE EXPORTS OF THE INDUSTRY TO FINANCE SUCH WORK,* HE SAID.
MR WONG ALSO EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION WOULD KEEP PACE WITH INDUSTRIAL GROWTH.
HE ALSO SAID AS THE POLITICAL SYSTEM OF HONG KONG HAD
5 take F0RM- CIV'C education Sus? m: iStbodSceda? ed PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVELS TO ENABLE STUDENTS TO RFTTPR SS?ND CIV,C OBLIGATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS SO THAT tSeY 1IGHT PLAY THEIR PART IN ELECTIONS AND POLITICS*IN FUTURE.
♦IN UNIVERSITY EDUCATION, I THINK A SPECIAL PROGRAMME SHOULD BE OFFERED AT UNDERGRADUATE OR GRADUATE SCHOOL LEVEL TO MAKE A SYSTEMATIC ACADEMIC STUDY ON THE PRACTICE AND POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENTS OF LOCAL POLITICS, ECONOMICS AND SOCIAL ISSUES SO AS TO PROVIDE A THEORETICAL BASIS FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID HIGH PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE ESTABLISHMENT CF A THIRD UNIVERSITY.
ON PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, MR WONG SAID HE BELIEVED THAT HONG ht WOULD STILL NEED TO SPEND MONEY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF ITS INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
+AS REVENUE FROM LAND SALES WILL BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED, A RE-ASSESSMENT OF THE PRIORITY ON EXPENDITURE MAY BE CALLED FOR.
+1 SUGGEST THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER RESTRICTING EXPENDITURE ON PUBLIC HOUSING AND THAT INVESTMENT IN THIS SECTOR BE PARTIALLY TAKEN UP BY PRIVATE ENTERPRISE,* HE SAID.
THE +PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME* SHOULD BE FURTHER EXPANDED, HE SAID.
MR WONG ALSO SAID THE COMPARATIVELY LOW TAXATION RATE MUST 1 MAINTAINED AND THIS FACTOR SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN DECIDING THE PRIORITIES OF GOVERNMENT FINANCE.
HE SAID IT WAS UNDESIRABLE TO HAVE BUDGET DEFICITS OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, NO MATTER HOW SMALL THE DEFICIT WAS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.
HE ALSO COMMENDED THE GOVERNMENT FOR ITS EFFORTS IN RESTRAINING THE GROWTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE IN THE PAST ONE OR TWO YEARS AND IN STABILISING THE SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN 1985-86.
-----0-----
/24........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
24
BILL BROWN SUPPORTS CONTINUATION OF LINKED EXCHANGE RATE * * * * *
THE U.S. DOLLAR LINK COULD NOT BE TURNED ON AND OFF LIKE A TAP AND TO SUGGEST OTHERWISE WAS TO MISUNDERSTAND HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS, THE HON BILL BROWN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR BROWN SAID HE WELCOMED THE GOVERNOR’S STATEMENT THAT THERE WERE NO PLANS TO CHANGE THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM.
+1 WELCOME THAT STATEMENT, FOR I DO NOT SUBSCRIBE TO THE VIEWS OF THOSE WHO BELIEVE WE SHOULD REVERT TO A FREE-FLOATING CURRENCY,* HE SAID.
HE NOTED THERE HAD BEEN SUGGESTIONS THAT AS THE UNITED KINGDOM HAD NOW REACHED AGREEMENT WITH CHINA OVER THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND AS STABILITY HAD RETURNED TO THE HONG KONG MARKETS, THE LINK SHOULD BE ABANDONED OR THE LINKED RATE OF 7.80 SHOULD BE ALTERED.
+IT IS TRUE THAT THE LINK WAS ADOPTED AS A MEASURE TO RESTORE CONFIDENCE IN OUR CURRENCY. BUT IT IS ALSO TRUE THAT THE LINKED RATE SYSTEM, WHICH OFFERS A STABLE EXCHANGE RATE, HAS ITS OWN MERITS,* HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT DURING PERIODS OF TURBULENCE, BOTH PRIOR TO THE SINO-BRITISH ACCORD BECAUSE OF POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY, AND MORE RECENTLY BECAUSE OF THE EXCEPTIONAL STRENGTH OF THE U.S. DOLLAR, HONG KONG’S EXCHANGE MARKET HAD BEEN RELATIVELY CALM.
+UNDER THE SYSTEM THIS STABILITY HAS BEEN PURCHASED AT THE COST OF MORE VOLATILE INTEREST RATES, BUT THE COMBINATION OF A STABLE EXCHANGE RATE AND THE AMOUNT OF CHANGE IN INTEREST RATES HAS PROVEN TO BE MORE ACCEPTABLE TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY THAN A FLOATING EXCHANGE RATE SUSCEPTIBLE TO EXAGGERATED MOVEMENTS CAUSED BY ANXIETY AND SPECULATION DURING PERIODS OF INSTABILITY.
+ IT WOULD TAKE A BRAVE MAN TO DISCOUNT ANY POSSIBILITY OF SOME ELEMENT OF INSTABILITY AND TURMOIL REAPPEARING IN OUR MARKw”. AT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE, AND INDEED CHINESE LEADERS THEMSELV^ HAVE WARNED US OF THAT POSSIBILITY RECURRING AT SOME POINT IN THE LONG COUNT DOWN TO 1997,+ HE SAID.
HE CONCEDED THERE WAS OF COURSE A COST TO PAY FOR LINKING THE HONG KONG DOLLAR TO THE US CURRENCY AND THAT HAD BEEN LIKENED, CORRECTLY, AS PLACING HONG KONG’S ECONOMY ON A ROLLER-COASTER POWERED BY THE US ECONOMY.
+THAT RELATIONSHIP TO DATE HAS BROUGHT HONG KONG AN EXPORT BOOM WITH ONLY MODEST INFLATIONARY PRESSURE, BUT IN THE EVENT OF THE US CURRENCY ITSELF SUFFERING ANY DRAMATIC REVERSAL OF FORTUNE IN THE YEARS AHEAD IT IS NOT INCONCEIVABLE THAT wE WOULD wISH TO RECONSIDER THE MERITS OF LINKING OUR EXCHANGE RATE TO AN ALTERNATIVE ANCHOR, SUCH AS A BASKET OF CURRENCIES REPRESENTATIVE OF OUR MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS,* HE SAID.
/there was.........
WECNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
THERE WAS, HOWEVER, NO SIGN THAT ANY SUCH MEASURE WOULD BE NECESSARY IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE, HE ADDED.
TURNING TO THE ACTUAL RATE OF 7.80, MR BROWN SAID THE WHOLE SYSTEM DEPENDED ON THE LINKED RATE REMAINING UNCHANGED.
+ANY UNDERVALUATION OR OVERVALUATION INDUCES CHANGES IN THE INTERNAL COST-PRICE STRUCTURE WHICH IN TIME BRINGS THE DOLLAR’S PURCHASING POWER BACK INTO PARITY WITH ITS EXCHANGE RATE,* HE SAID.
+THE SYSTEM HAS NOW BEEN IN OPERATION FOR JUST OVER ONE YEAR, AND AFTER THE INITIAL IMPACT - WHICH DID OF COURSE REFLECT THE SHARP DEVALUATION THAT HAD OCCURRED EARLIER - EXPERIENCE SUGGESTS THAT EQUILIBRIUM HAS BEEN REACHED OR IS NEAR.
+l WOULD REMIND MEMBERS THAT IT DOES NOT IN FACT MATTER MUCH TO THE SYSTEM WHAT THE LINKED RATE IS ONCE THE INITIAL EFFECTS HAVE BEEN ABSORBED, AND TO CHANGE THE RATE NOW WOULD MERELY WRECK THE SYSTEM AND CAUSE SPECULATION ON FUTURE CHANGES, THAT IS TO SAY BRING ABOUT A SITUATION THE LINK IS DESIGNED TO AVOID,* HE SAID.
ON PUBLIC FINANCES, MR BROWN BELIEVED THE DEVELOPMENTS TAKING PLACE IN OUR COMMUNITY WOULD LEAD TO INCREASED PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND RAISED THE QUESTION OF WHERE WOULD THE REVENUE COME FROM.
WE NOW HAD A CLEARER PICTURE AS TO THE FUTURE CONTRIBUTION WE MIGHT EXPECT FROM LAND SALES, WHICH WOULD BE RESTRICTED UNDEE THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT OVER THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, AND FRO' A MACRO-ECONOMIC POINT OF VIEW IT WAS NO BAD THING THAT SUCH MONEYS SHOULD ASSUME A MORE MODEST, ALTHOUGH HOPEFULLY MORE CONSISTENT SOURCE OF REVENUE, HE SAID.
MR BROWN BELIEVED THAT THE PROSPECT OF ADDITIONAL TAXATION WAS INEVITABLE, AND THEN INCREASED INDIRECT TAXATION WOULD BE PREFERABLE TO ANY SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN DIRECT TAXATION.
A TAX ON THE CONSUMPTION OF A WIDE RANGE OF GOODS AND SERVK WOULD PERHAPS BE THE FAIREST METHOD OF SPREADING ANY ADDITIONAL TAX BURDEN EVENLY ACROSS THE COMMUNITY, HE FELT.
+A VALUE ADDED TAX WOULD MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DAY IN THEORY, ALTHOUGH THE DIFFICULTIES OF COLLECTION COULD WELL MAKE IT IMPRACTICAL IN PRACTICE. HOWEVER, IN MY VIEW SOME FOR, CF SALES TAX WILL NEED TO BE CONSIDERED AS BEING THE MOST EQUITABLE WAY TO FINANCE THE COMMUNITY’S GROWING DEMANDS WITHOUT UNDULY DISTURBING OUR PRESENT ECONOMIC SYSTEM, WHICH MUST BE MAINTAINED IF BUSINESS IS TO CONTINUE GENERATING THAT PROSPERITY WE ARE ALL PERHAPS TAKING TOO MUCH FOR GRANTED,* HE SAID.
MR BROWN WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THE ASSURANCE GIVEN BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST WEEK THAT GOVERNMENT REMAINED COMMITTED TO A POLICY OF LOW TAXATION FRIENDLY TO OUR ENTREPRENEURS.
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/26........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
2b
GRAVE THREAT SEEN FROM U.S.
*****
TEXTILE RULES
THE NEW UNITED STATES CUSTOMS REGULATIONS ON TEXTILES AND APPAREL, COUPLED WITH THE STRENGTH OF THE U.S. DOLLAR, COULD DENT HONG KONG’S PROSPECTS FOR FURTHER ECONOMIC GROWTH, THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHEONG SAID, IF CARRIED OUT IN FULL +WITHOUT SENSIBLE AND REASONABLE MODIFICATION*, THE NEW CUSTOMS REGULATIONS WOULD THREATEN THE VERY VIABILITY OF HONG KONG’S TEXTILES AND APPAREL INDUSTRY.
IN THE SHORT TERM, IF IMPLEMENTED WITHOUT MODIFICATION, THE REGULATIONS WOULD HAVE THE EFFECT OF WIPING OUT THE KNITWEAR SECTOR OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY, WHICH EXPORTED ABOUT HKS3.5 BILLION WORTH OF BOTH RESTRAINED AND NON-QUOTA KNITTED PRODUCTS TO THE U.S. — EASILY THE SECTOR’S LARGEST MARKET.
♦MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE KNITWEAR SECTOR PROVIDES 60 000 JOBS WHICH, IF LOST, WOULD PRESENT SHORT TERM SERIOUS DISLOCATION PROBLEMS FOR SOME 200 000 PEOPLE, ASSUMING EACH WAGE EARNER SUPPORTS IN VARYING DEGREES ONLY THREE PERSONS IN THE FAMILY,* HE SAID.
IN THE LONGER TERM, MR CHEONG SAID, THE EFFECT OF THESE REGULATIONS MIGHT BE EVEN MORE INSIDIOUS AND FAR REACHING.
+THE REGULATIONS REQUIRE EVERY MANUFACTURER TO DECLARE IN GREAT DETAIL, ON THE SPECIAL CUSTOMS INVOICE, THE STEPS INVOLVED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE GARMENT, AND THE PRODUCTION COST OF EVERY MANUFACTURING PROCESS.
+THAT MEANS THAT OUR MANUFACTURING COSTS WILL BE KNOWN ' OUR CUSTOMERS.
+THIS WOULD LEAD TO REDUCED PROFIT MARGINS FOR OUR MANUFACTURERS, TO A REDUCTION OF OUR MANUFACTURERS’ ABILITY TC REINVEST, TO A GRADUAL EROSION OF OUR EXPORT COMPETITIVENSSS ANL TO A POSSIBLE COLLAPSE OF THE INDUSTRY,* HE SAID.
MR CHEONG POINTED OUT THAT, IF THAT SCENARIO WERE TO MATERIALISE, 20 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S EXPORT EARNINGS WOULD BE SERIOUSLY JEOPARDISED AND 20 PER CENT OF THE LABOUR FORCE WOULD HAVE TO READJUST AND FIND OTHER JOBS.
HE SAID HONG KONG COULD NOT AFFORD SUCH HUGE LOSSES IN EXPORT EARNINGS.
+1 WOULD STRONGLY URGE THE GOVERNMENT, THEREFORE, TO DEVISE CONTINGENCY PLANS TO PREVENT SUCH A DISASTER FROM HAPPENING.
/+THE CCNTINGJUCY........
WKDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
- 27 -
+THE CONTINGENCY PLANS SO DEVISED MAY BE UNCONVENTIONAL, bUT EMERGENCY SITUATIONS DO REQUIRE IMAGINATIVE SOLUTIONS,* SAID MR CHEONG.
+SECONDLY, THE STRENGTH OF THE U.S. DOLLAR VIS-A-VIS EUROPEAN CURRENCIES AND THE FACT THAT THE HONG KONG DOLLAR IS NECESSARILY LINKED TO THE U.S. DOLLAR HAVE ERODED THE COMPETITIVE EDGE OF OUR PRODUCTS.
+OUR EXPORTS TO EUROPE HAVE ALREADY SUFFERED FROM ANY APPRECIABLE LACK OF GROWTH AND IF THE STRENGTH OF THE U.S. DOLLAR WERE TO CONTINUE WELL INTO 1985, OUR EXPORT PERFORMANCE TO EUROPE MAY WELL EXPERIENCE FURTHER SET-BACKS,* HE SAID.
MR CHEONG ASKED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO TAKE A CAUTIOUS ATTITUDE IN THE PREPARATION OF THE 1985-86 BUDGET.
+CAPITAL EXPENDITURE WOULD CERTAINLY NEED TO BE MORE CAREFULLY SCRUTINISED SO THAT EVEN MARGINALLY VIABLE PROJECTS COULD BE DEFERRED,* HE SAID.
IN THIS CONNECTION, MR CHEONG SAID HE WAS NOT CONVINCED THAT THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF THE LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM LINKING THEN MUN AND YUEN LONG WAS +A FINANCIALLY VIABLE PROJECT*.
+BASED ON A 1984 DOLLAR VALUE OF 1.7 BILLION, AND ON DAILY PASSENGER BOARDINGS OF 600 000 TO 750 000 WHEN THE FULL LRT SYSTEM IS COMPLETED, IT WILL TAKE 10 TO 15 YEARS BEFORE THE INVESTMENT COULD BE RECOUPED,* HE SAID.
HE CONCEDED IT WAS TRUE THAT THE KCRC HAD BEEN INVITED TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE THE PROPOSED SYSTEM, AND THEORETICALLY, THEREFORE, IF THE KCRC SHOULD DECIDE TO GO AHEAD, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT SHOULDER SHORT TERM LIABILITIES.
+THOUGH KCRC IS SEPARATED FROM THE GOVERNMENT IN THAT IT IS A CORPORATION HAVING AN INDEPENDENT IDENTITY, YET TO THE EXTENT THAT THE KCRC IS UNDERWRITTEN BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE GOVERNMENT IS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS SURVIVAL AND ITS DEBTS,* HE SAID.
+IT IS THEREFORE INCUMBENT ON THE GOVERNMENT TO SATISFY ITSELF BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT THAT THE PROJECT IS VIABLE, BEFORE COMMITTING ITSELF IRREVOCABLY TO THE UNDERWRITING OF ANOTHER POSSIBLE WHITE ELEPHANT,* MR CHEONG STRESSED.
ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A REPRESENTATIONAL SYTEM OF GOVERNMENT, MR CHEONG BELIEVED THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE TOWARDS ACHIEVING THE GOAL OF INVOLVING MORE PEOPLE IN THE BUSINESS OF GOVERNING HONG KONG MUST BE THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF A MORE OPEN SYoTti-. OF GOVERNMENT.
/HE CONSIDERED .......
OCTOBER 24, 1984
28
HE CONSIDERED THE OPENING TO THE PUBLIC OF HEARINGS IN THE EXAMINATION OF THE 1983-84 DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE AS
RIGHT DIRECTION*.
+A FIRST STEP IN THE
THE DECISION OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE TO HOLD ITS HEARING OF EVIDENCE IN PUBLIC WAS ANOTHER STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, HE SAID.
AS A FURTHER STEP ALONG THE PATH TOWARDS MORE OPEN GOVERNMENT, MR CHEONG SUGGESTED THAT GOVERNMENT COULD AGREE TO A PROCEDURE BY WHICH THOSE UMELCO PANEL MEETINGS WHICH WERE HELD TO EXAMINE GOVERNMENT POLICY PROPOSALS OF MAJOR PUBLIC INTEREST MIGHT, AT THc DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN, BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC.
HE NOTED THAT THE PUBLIC WERE ADMITTED TO HEARINGS OF CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES IN THE UNITED STATES AND CERTAIN PARLIAMENTARY SELECT COMMITTEE HEARINGS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
DISCUSSING TEXTILE QUOTAS, MR CHEONG SAID THE CURRENT SYSTEM HAD BEEN THE RESULT OF A CONTINUOUS PROCESS OF CONSCIENTIOUS DELIBERATIONS EVER SINCE HONG KONG HAD BEEN FORCED TO RESTRAIN TEXTILE EXPORTS.
WHILE THE SYSTEM COULD NOT BE CLAIMED TO BE PERFECT, IT HAD BEEN WIDELY RECOGNISED BY THOSE WHO UNDERSTOOD THE TRADE AS A WELL-DESIGNED SYSTEM THAT COULD ACHIEVE THE PURPOSE MAINTAINING STABILITY AND CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF THE TRADE, HE SAID.
THE CONCERN EXPRESSED BY MR WONG, HE SAID, WAS UNDERSTANDABLE, AS THE WORKINGS OF THE SYSTEM WERE COMPLEX AND INCOMPREHENSIBLE Tu PEOPLE UNFAMILIAR WITH THE TRADE.
MR CHEONG, HOWEVER, SAID THAT HE WELCOMED ANOTHER REVIEW OF THE QUOTA SYSTEM, IF GOVERNMENT SO DECIDED, NOT BECAUSE HE HAD THE SAME RESERVATIONS AS MR WONG, BUT BECAUSE THERE WAS A NEED +TO CONSTANTLY SATISFY OURSELVES THAT THE SYSTEM DEVISED WOULl. BE THE RIGHT SYSTEM ON PRACTICAL AND ECONOMIC GROUNDS.*
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/29........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
29
RESIDENTS TO DISCUSS WHITE PAPER * * * *
TWO OPEN FORUMS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE WHITE PAPER ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, WILL BE PRESENT TO EXPLAIN THE WHITE PAPER.
THE FIRST FORUM WILL TAKE PLACE AT 8 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY), AT THE HONG KONG CHIU CHOW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LIMITED, 1OTH FLOOR, 81-85 DES VOEUX ROAD WEST.
SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE AND THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, MISS MARIA TAM? A CHARTERED SURVEYOR, i'R LEUNG CHUN-YING? AND A SOLICITOR, MR AMBROSE LAU.
THE SECOND FORUM WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 1 (THURSDAY). STARTING AT 8 PM AT THE KENNEDY TOWN KAI FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION, 14A BELCHER’S STREET, KENNEDY TOWN.
SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CARL TONG? A LECTURER OF CHINESE UNIVERSITY, DR JOSEPH CHENG? AND A SOLICITOR, MR VINCENT KO.
MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND THE FORUMS, WHILE LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE ALSO WELCOME TO TAKE PART.
THE FORUMS ARE ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DI STR IC” OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON THE WHITE PAPER ON THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG.
ALL VIEWS COLLECTED AT THE FORUMS WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS?
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FORUMS.
-----0------
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1934
- 30 -
BOARD MEMBERS TO MEET
*****
THE WHITE PAPER ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE WILL BE DISCUSSED AT KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW.
SIR PATRICK NAIRNE, ONE OF THE MONITORS OF THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE, AND THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY, HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR ALBERT LAM, WILL BE ATTENDING THE MEETING.
BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE WORKS PROGRAMME CF THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, DUE TO START IN MID-1985.
THE QUESTION OF WHETHER CIVIL SERVANTS COULD RUN IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, AND ALTERNATIVE SUGGESTIONS TO THE CARPENTER ROAD PARK PROJECT WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING.
-----o------
PRISONS NEED MORE * *
’FRIENDS’ - GARNER * * *
MORE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD JOIN IN THE GOOD WORK BEING DONE BY THE PRISONERS’ FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION IN VISITING PRISONS, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AS PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION, AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY, MR GARNER SAID MANY PRISONERS WHO HAD NO RELATIVES OR FRIENDS NEEDED HELP +IN SETTLING DOWN AND FACING UP TO THE REALITY OF THEIR SENTENCE.+
REGULAR VISITS HELPED KEEP THE PRISONERS IN TOUCH WITH THE WORLD OUTSIDE AND GAVE THEM HOPE FOR THE FUTURE, BECAUSE THESE VISITS SHOWED THAT THE COMMUNITY DID CARE ABOUT THEM, HE SAID.
MR GARNER PAID TRIBUTE TO MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE WELFARE OF THE PRISONERS.
THEIR SERVICE WAS VERY IMPORTANT, NOT ONLY TO THE PRISONER: THEMSELVES AND THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, BUT ALSO TO THE COMMUNITY, HE SAID.
+THE PART *THAT YOU PLAY IS AN IMPORTANT ONE IN SUPPORT OF THE AIM TO REFORM AND CORRECT, WHICH IS WHAT THE COMMUNITY WANTi AND EXPECTS FROM THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES,* HE SAID.
/MR GARNER .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1?84
- 31 -
MR GARNER SAID THAT THE TASK OF ESTABLISHING FRIENDSHIP WITH A PRISONER WAS NOT EASY, AND CALLED FOR PATIENCE, TACT AND ENTHUSIASM.
HE SAID, HOWEVER, THAT THE OUTCOME WAS APPRECIATED AND COULD BE MOST REWARDING.
+PARTICULARLY WHEN YOU KNOW THAT YOU HAVE HELPED A FELLOW HUMAN BEING IN NEED,+ HE SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, IN PARTICULAR MATURE CANTONESE-SPEAKING MALES OVER 21 YEARS OLD WHO WISH TO JOIN THE PRISONERS’ FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION, MAY APPLY TO THE ASSOCIATION C/O GUARDIAN HOUSE, 11TH FLOOR, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, HONG KONG.
-----o------
VTC GETS MORE MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS
******
THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WAS RECRUITING SPECIALISTS ON MANAGEMENT TRAINING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE, MR PtTtR BARRETT, CHAIRMAN OF THE VTC’S COMMITTEE ON MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY TRAINING (CMST) SAID TODAY.
FOUR SENIOR ADVISORS, WHO WERE SPECIALISTS IN SUPERVISORY TRAINING, SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING AND STRATEGY, WERE EXPECTED TO JOIN THE CENTRE DIRECTOR, DR R.l. TRICKER BY EARLY NEXT YEAR, MR BARRETT SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE MANAGEMENT TRAINING RESOURCES EXHIBITION AND SEMINAR, MR BARRETT SAID THAT THE CENTRE WOULD BECOME A VERY EFFECTIVE INSTITUTION, CARRYING OUT THE FUNCTIONS OF RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, CO-ORDINATION AND PROMOTION IN MANAGEMEN EDUCATION AND TRAINING.
THE CENTRE WAS ESTABLISHED IN JULY THIS YEAR BY THE VTC, AFTEP A SURVEY REPORT CONDUCTED BY THE CMST HAD CONFIRMED THAT INSTITUTIONAL TRAINING FACILITIES FOR MANAGEMENT WERE INADEQUATE IN TERMS OF BOTH QUALITY AND QUANTITY, MR BARRETT SAID.
THE TWO-DAY MANAGEMENT TRAINING RESOURCES EXHIBITION AND SEMINAR IS THE FIRST PUBLIC FUNCTION UNDERTAKEN UNDER THE AUSPICE^ OF THE CENTRE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EDUCATIONAL FILM SERVICES.
MIDDLE AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR AND EXAMINE THE LATEST MANAGEMENT TRAINING RESOURCES DISPLAYED AT THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE AT 17/F HARBOUR CENTRE, WAN CHAI, UP TO 6 PM TODAY, AND FROM 9 AM TO 6’PM TOMORROW.
-----o------
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
PRIMARY SCHOOLS URGED TO JOIN GYMNASTICS * * * *
PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE 1984-85 GYMNASTIC COMPETITIONS TO BE HELD ON MARCH 23 AND 24, NEXT YEAR AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, SHA TIN.
THE COMPETITIONS ARE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
EACH SCHOOL MAY ENTER ONE TEAM OF BOYS, AND ONE TEAM OF GIRLS IN EACH DIVISION IN THE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS, AND NOT MORE THAN THREE BOYS AND THREE GIRLS IN EACH INDIVIDUAL EVENT. ALL COMPETITORS MUST NOT BE OVER 14 YEARS OF AGE ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1985.
EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL WILL HAVE TO NOMINATE ONE TEACHER TO SERVE AS JUDGE FOR THE COMPETITIONS AND PAY AN ENTRY FEE OF $20 PER TEAM AND $5 PER HEAD IN EACH INDIVIDUAL EVENT.
ALL COMPLETED FORMS, TOGETHER WITH FEES, MUST REACH THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR, PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES. 6/F, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, NOT LATER THAN NOVEMBER 15, 1984.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE SECTION ON 3-884111 EXT. 277.
_ _ o - -
NEW SCOUT TROOP FORMED * * *
A CEREMONY MARKING THE FORMATION OF A SCOUT TROOP FOR VIETNAMESE BOYS AT THE CHIMAWAN CLOSED CENTRE WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 27) AT 3.30 PM.
THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER, AND THE DEPUTY REGIONAL COMMISSIONER OF BROTHERHOOD REGION, MR J.H. HENDERSON, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE 16TH ISLAND GROUP OF THE HONG KONG SCOUT ASSOCIATION AT THE CLOSED CENTRE.
- 0 - -
/33
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
33
NEW CUSTOMS LAUNCH COMMISSIONED K X K
THE SECOND REPLACEMENT LAUNCH FOR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE - CUSTOMS LAUNCH NO. 3 - WAS COMMISSIONED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING A CEREMONY ATTENDED BY THE SERVICE’S COMMISSIONER, MR HARNAM GREWAL.
THIS MORNING, MR GREWAL TOGETHER WITH OTHER SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE SERVICE, TOOK THE LAUNCH TO JOSS HOUSE BAY TO PAY HOMAGE TO THE GODDESS TIN HAU.
THE NEW LAUNCH, MEASURING 13.7 METRES, WAS BUILT BY A LOCAL SHIPYARD AT A COST OF ABOUT $1 MILLION. IT HAS A CAPACITY OF 36 PERSONS AND FOUR CREW AND WILL BE USED TO CARRY CUSTOMS PERSONNEL PERFORMING DUTIES IN THE HARBOUR AREAS.
THE FIRST REPLACEMENT LAUNCH, CUSTOMS LAUNCH NO. 1, HAS BEEN IN SERVICE FOR ABOUT A MONTH.
------o-------
DISPLAY TELLS ABOUT ORTHOPAEDICS ******
THIS YEAR’S TAI PO COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT WILL BE OPENED WITH A FOUR-DAY EXHIBITION ON +ORTHOPAEDICS AND YOU+, STARTING FROM FRIDAY (OCTOBER 26) AT THE TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE.
THE EXHIBITION WILL INCLUDE INFORMATION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF ORTHOPAEDICS, BONE DISEASES COMMONLY FOUND AMONG CHILDREN AND OLD PEOPLE, SPUR, FRACTION, RHEUMATISM AND OSTEOCARCI NOMA. THERE WILL ALSO BE AN AUDIO-VISUAL SHOW ON ORTHOPAEDIC TREATMENT. AND OPERATIONS.
IT IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE HONG KONG ORTHOPAEDIC ASSOCIATION AN. THE TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE.
THE CONVENOR OF THE COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT WORKING GROUP, M? MICHAEL LAI SAID THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT WAS TO AROUSE RESIDENTS’ CONCERN OVER INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY HEALTH, WITH THE THEME THIS YEAR FOCUSING ON HOME SAFETY AND CHILD CARE.
ACTIVITIES ORGANISED TO PROMOTE FAMILY HEALTH INCLUDE A HOME SAFETY DAY, A DESIGN COMPETITION, AND AN AUDIO-VISUAL SHOW ON CHILD CARE FOR MOTHERS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS.
THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED $15 000 FOR THE PROJECT.
OFFICIATING AT THE EXHIBITION AND COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR THOMAS CHAN; THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR (NT) OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, DR P.K. WONG? THE PRESIDENT OF HONG KONG ORTHOPAEDIC ASSOCIATION, DR CHOW SHEW-PING; THE CHAIRMAN OF TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG WAI-LAM; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF SAI KUNG NORTH RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAM PAK-PING.
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/34......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
34
MORE T’ME TO JOIN DANCE CONTEST
* * *
PEOPLE WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THE 14TH OPEN DANCE CONTEST HAVE ONE WEEK MORE TO SIGN UP.
+AS RESPONSE TO THE CONTEST HAS BEEN VERY GOOD, WE HAVE DECIDED TO EXTEND THE APPLICATION DEADLINE FROM OCTOBER 21 TO OCTOBER 31 SO THAT MORE PEOPLE CAN JOIN THE COMPETITION,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE COMPETITION WILL START ON DECEMBER 1, AT THE LEUNG SHEK CHEE COLLEGE, AND THE WINNING GROUPS WILL BE INVITED TO PERFORM AGAIN IN A SPECIAL SHOW AT THE CITY HALL ON JANUARY 12 NEXT YEAR.
ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT IN THE DISTRICT’S GOVERNMENT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE BY CALLING 3-416315 OR 3-436123.
THE CONTEST IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CFFICE, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, AND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CULTURE AND RECREATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION.
-----0------
NEW PREMISES FOR RSS EASTERN OFFICE
* * *
THE NEW EASTERN OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE (RSS) WAS OPENED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR WILLIAMSON SAID THE NEW PREMISES WAS MORE CONVENIENTLY LOCATED THAN THE PREVIOUS ONE, AND HE BELIEVED IT WOULD BE ABLE TO SATISFY THE RESIDENTS’ NEEDS IN RECREATION AND SPORTS.
THE NEW OFFICE IS LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF CHATON HOUSE AT 100 - 104 TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD.
THE RSS’ EASTERN OFFICE, WHICH WAS SET UP IN 1974, HAS ORGANISED FOR THE RESIDENTS A WIDE RANGE OF RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES, WHICH INCLUDE TRAINING COURSES IN VARIOUS SPORTS, RECREATION CAMPS, EXCURSIONS, FITNESS COURSES AND FUN DAYS FOR CHILDREN.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE CFFICE, THE RESIDENTS MAY CALL THE ENQUIRY ON 5-637161.
AMONG THOSE PRESENT AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE PRESIDENT OF EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION, MR SIU MING; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR CHOI WING-ON.
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/35 .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
- 35 -
S57-MILLION CONTRACT FOR AQUEDUCT *****
A $57-MILLION CONTRACT WAS AWARDED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN AQUEDUCT BETWEEN SAI 0 AND PAK KONG IN SAI KUNG.
THE AQUEDUCT, WHICH FORMS PART OF A PROJECT FOR DISTRIBUTING ADDITIONAL WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA, WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 5.3 KILOMETRES LONG TUNNEL AND A 460 METRES LONG PIPELINE.
SIGNING THE CONTRACT ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT WAS THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR TOM TOMLINSON, AND THE CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF PAUL Y CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED, MR GEORGE TSO.
miT T0 BE CARRIED OUT CONCURRENTLY WITH THIS PROJECT -
BUT UNDER SEPARATE CONTRACTS - ARE THE CONSTRUCTION OF TAI MEI
TUK ’B’ AND HARBOUR ISLAND PUMPING STATIONS AT PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR
AND THE TOLO CHANNEL SUBMARINE PIPELINE.
RAW WATER STORED AT PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR WILL BE PUMPED FROM THE HARBOUR ISLAND STATION VIA THE SUBMARINE PIPELINE AND THE NEW AQUEDUCT TO PAK KONG WHERE A WATER TREATMENT PLANT WILL SOON BE BUILT.
TREATED WATER WILL THEN BE SUPPLIED TO THE SAI KUNG AREA, JUNK BAY, THE EASTERN PART OF KOWLOON AND NORTHEASTERN HONG KONG ISLAND.
RAW WATER WILL ALSO BE DIRECTED TO MA ON SHAN, WHERE A TREATMENT PLANT HAS BEEN PLANNED TO PROVIDE SUPPLY TO THE LATER STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT AT MA ON SHAN.
0 RND^He'S^ - ONE AT SA!
WORKS FALLS WITHIN PH VATEGpROPFPTVRT| L.TfAR CONSTRUCT!j;, CARRIED OUT BOTH AT SAI 0 aSS°PAK KONG ACQUISITION HAS BEEN
OF THEHWATERKSUPPL?fs"n?Hl!™c2TA2J BE SUPERVISED ON BEHALF BINNIE !nJ ?AR®E(H?NGA’J®y BY ™E C0NSUI-T'NG ENGINEERS,
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/36........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
36
SIX DAYS LEFT TO APPLY FOR RICHLAND GARDENS FLATS
X X X X
PROSPECTIVE BUYERS OF RICHLAND GARDENS FLATS WHICH ARE NOW BEING OFFERED FOR SALE UNDER HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME PHASE VIB ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID LAST-MINUTE RUSH FOR THE FLATS.
+OVER 7 OOO APPLICATIONS HAVE SO FAR BEEN RECEIVED AND WE EXPECT MORE TO POUR IN BEFORE THE DEADLINE ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 30),+ SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TODAY.
+ APPLI CAT IONS CAN BE SUBMITTED EITHER BY POST TO P.O. BOX 70147, KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE, OR BY HAND TO THE HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF 01 MAN COMMERCIAL CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN,+ HE ADDED.
COPIES OF A SALES BROCHURE, APPLICATION FORMS AND A GUIDE TO HOS ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT THE HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE FROM 9 AM TO 7 PM WHILE THE SAMPLE FLATS AT THE SITE IN KOWLOON BAY ARE OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 5.30 PM FOR PUBLIC VIEWING.
OTHER OUTLETS FOR THE APPLICATION FORMS AND THE GUIDE ARE THE APPLICATIONS SECTION OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AT MA TAU KOK ROAD, ALL HOUSING AUTHORITY AND HOUSING SOCIETY ESTATE OFFICES AND ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
THE RICHLAND GARDENS FLATS ON SALE UNDER THE CURRENT SALES EXERCISE INCLUDE 2 688 TWO-BEDROOM AND THREE-BEDROOM FLATS ON BLOCKS 1 TO 10.
THEY ARE PRICED FROM $188 300 TO $337 000 EACH WITH GROSS AREAS BETWEEN 43.7 AND 57.9 SQUARE METRES.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED POTENTIAL APPLICANTS THAT THE MINI EXHIBITIONS, SUPPLEMENTED BY A VIDEO SHOW, AT MTR CENTRAL AND KWUN TONG STATIONS WERE OPEN DAILY FROM 8 AM TO 7 PM UNTIL SATURDAY (OCTOBER 27).
+HOUSING STAFF ARE ON THE SPOT TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES FROM THE PUBLIC AND COPIES OF A PAMPHLET AND APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE THERE. +
- a- - - —
/37 .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
- 37 -
TENANCIES OFFERED * *
FOR FIVE SITES *
TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCIES OF FIVE SITES - ONE AT KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION, ANOTHER ON TSING Yl AND THREE IN SAI KUNG - ARE BEING SOUGHT BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION SITE IS ABOUT 6 400 SQUARE NETRES AND IS FOR OPEN STORAGE AND THE STUFFING, DESTUFFING, REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF CONTAINERS.
TENANCY OF THIS SITE IS FOR TWO YEARS AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ABOUT THIS SITE ARE AVAILABLE AND TENDER PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON EAST, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, FIFTH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE TSING Yl SITE IS ABOUT 2 600 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR PARKING OF GOODS VEHICLES, CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS.
TENANCY OF THIS SITE IS FOR ONE YEAR, AND MONTHLY THEREAFTER.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ABOUT THIS SITE ARE AVAILABLE, AND TENDER PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TSUEN WAN, 10TH FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN; THE LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY DIVISION AT MURRAY BUILDING; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON AT YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING.
THE REMAINING THREE SITES ARE AT SAI KUNG TUK IN SAI KUNG.
MEASURING ABOUT 260, 280 AND 305 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY, THEY ARE FOR CAR REPAIR WORKSHOP.
TENANCIES ARE FOR THREE YEARS, AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS OF T 1ESE SITES CAN BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS CAN BE SEEN AT THE 0 STRICT LANDS OFFICE, SAI KUNG; THE LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY DIVISION AT MURRAY BUILDING; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFF C , KOV.LOON AT YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING.
DEADLINE IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 9.
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/38........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
38
ROOFTOP STRUCTURES TO BE CLEARED
* * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY DECLARED THAT THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE MAIN ROOF OF NOS. 17 AND 19, MAIDSTONE LANE, KOWLOON SHOULD BE CLOSED TO ENABLE DEMOLITION WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT, WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS OR THE PUBLIC.
THE STRUCTURES ERECTED ON THE ROOF OF NOS. 17 AND 19, MAIDSTONE LANE WERE ILLEGAL AND REQUIRED TO BE DEMOLISHED UNDER ORDERS SERVED BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY ON THE OWNERS. THESE ORDERS HAD NOT BEEN COMPLIED WITH AND IT WAS NOW NECESSARY FOR THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO CARRY OUT THE DEMOLITION WORK IN THE OWNERS’ DEFAULT.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT ON NOVEMBER 22, AT 9.30 AM WERE POSTED TODAY.
------o-------
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY
* * *
AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SEMINAR FOR WILL BE OPENED ON OCTOBER 26 (FRIDAY) CHINESE YMCA, WATERLOO ROAD.
SEMINAR
THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
AT 9.15 AM AT THE
THE HALF-DAY SEMINAR, WHICH IS ORGANISED BY THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, IS AIMED AT PROMOTING THE IMPORTANCE OF WORK SAFETY IN THIS HAZARDOUS INDUSTRY.
MR TAM YIU-CHUNG, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS, ALSO A NEWLY-ELECTED MEMBER OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN THE SEMINAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FUNCTION.
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/39........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1984
- 39 -
TRAFFIC CHANGES * * * *
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY ^s°BETWEEn’PENINSULA CENTRE^AND THE LOADING AND UNLOADING BAYS BtTWELN TUrn r)ghT (NTQ THE ^STLB05NDD«RS>mwAtL0FN0THeBUNNAME0 POAD BETWEEN AUTO PLAZA AND HOUSTON CENTRE.
.... S s sa.'.'S'™"’
7 PM DAILY.
OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING; HONG KONG SYSTEM WORTH PRESERVING: LOBO ................... 1
PEOPLE TOLD TO BE MORE ACTIVE IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS............ 3
HK-CHINA ANTI-CRIME EFFORT URGED BY MARIA TAM.............. 4
DR IP OFFERS +VALUE-F0R-M0NEY TIPSl- ...................... 6
DB REFORMS SUPPORTED BY CHAN YING-LUN ..................... 8
PAY FULL-TIME LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, RITA FAN SUGGESTS . 10
'POLICY ADJUSTMENT NEEDED TO MEET CHANGES' ............... 13
LOOK FOR ECONOMY IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, PETER POON SAYS .. 15
HONG KONG ENTERING A STAGE OF STEADY GROWTH - P.K. YEUNG . 17
AVOID TAX INCREASES, SAYS KIM CHAM........................ 19
CALL FOR CIVIC EDUCATION ADVISORY BODY ................... 21
TRAIN FUTURE LEADERS, SAYS CARL TONG...................... 22
ASSURANCES ABOUT EDUCATION SYSTEM WELCOMED ................. 25
TIN SHUT WAI PROJECT STARTS SOON ........................... 25
SEPTEMBER PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED ............... 2?
UK MEDICAL GROUP VISITING .................................. 30
EEC MAKES 'CALL' ON CAT 86 ................................. 30
CENTRE PRAISED FOR SEAMEN TRAINING.......................... 31
INTELPOSr EXTENDED TO BRAZIL ............................... 32
DB TO DISCUSS BUILDING MANAGEMENT SCHEME ................... 33
70 MEN, WOMEN IN MARTIAL ARTS FINALS ....................... 33
FIRE OFFICERS HOLDBIG RELAY RACE ........................... 34
VARIETY SHOW HEADS MONG KOK FESTIVAL ....................... 34
TSUEN WAN HOLDING +R0AD SAFETY NIGHT+ ...................... 35
NEW MAXICAB SERVICE IN WONG TAI SIN ........................ 35
SEMINAR ON DRUG ABUSE FOR TEACHERS ......................... 36
ARTS COUNCIL LOOKING FOR LOGO .............................. 36
MOVING OFFICE............................................... 37
GLOUCESTER ROAD FLYOVER OPENS .............................. 37
SEA Water PUMPING FACILITIES ............................... 38
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
- 1 -
HONG KONG SYSTEM WORTH PRESERVING: LOBO * * * *
IT WAS VITAL THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD IDENTIFY AND DISPLAY TO OTHERS THE QUALITIES WHICH HAVE MADE THIS COMMUNITY A SUCCESSFUL SOCIETY WORTH PRESERVING, HON R.H. LOBO SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
WINDING UP THE MOTION OF THANKS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S ANNUAL ADDRESS, MR LOBO SAID THE HONG KONG SYSTEM, WHATEVER ITS SECRET, HAD ALWAYS GENERATED SELFLESS DEDICATION TO PUBLIC SERVICE AS WELL AS COMMERCIAL SUCCESS.
HE SAID THE HONG KONG SYSTEM DEFIED ABSOLUTE DEFINITION, BUT CONTAINED THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS:
K FREEDOM TEMPERED BY ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL JUSTICE,
* RESPECT FOR THE INDIVIDUAL,
* REWARD FOR ENTERPRISE AND SUCCESS, AND
* CONCERN FOR THOSE IN NEED.
+THESE FACTORS, COMBINED WITH THE ENTERPRISING QUALITIES OF OUR PEOPLE, HAVE BROUGHT ABOUT A SOCIETY WHICH HAS OUT-PERFORMED ITS COMPETITORS, NOT MERELY IN INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT BUT IN THE PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES, HOUSING, EDUCATION, AND IN ALL THOSE ASPECTS WHICH, TOGETHER, PRODUCE A SATISFYING STYLE OF LIFE AND A CONTENTED COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.
+IT IS CLEAR, THE KEY LIES IN THE BLENDING OF A RESPONSIVE ADMINISTRATION WITH THE RIGHTS AND ASPIRATIONS CF THE INDIVIDUAL,* MR LOBO SAID.
HE SAID HONG KONG HAD BEEN MADE BY THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE HERE AND HAD BECOME WHAT HONG KONG PEOPLE WANTED IT TO BE.
+INDEED, HONG KONG’S SUCCESS IS WIDELY RECOGNISED AS DUE TO THE FACT THAT GOVERNMENT INTERFERES AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE WITH THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO WORK AND LIVE HERE.*
HE NOTED THAT THE FORTHCOMING WHITE PAPER ON THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG WAS UPPERMOST IN THE MINDS OF MANY PEOPLE.
+THIS IS SEEN BY MANY AS PART AND PARCEL OF THE OTHER WHITE PAPER WHICH WE HAVE JUST DEBATED.
+INDEED, AS WE LOOK TO THE SESSION AHEAD, IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT THE WHITE PAPER ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT ALREADY BEEN PUBLISHED,* MR LOBO SAID.
THERE WAS APPREHENSION ARISING FROM THE POSSIBILITY THAT FREE ELECTIONS MIGHT TURN THIS THRIVING SOCIETY INTO A PARASITIC WELFARE STATE, HE SAID.
/hk observed •••••••
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
2
HE OBSERVED THAT HONG KONG’S SUCCESS DEPENDED ON THE PRESERVATION OF FREE ENTERPRISE AND INCENTIVES.
+WHILE WE MUST ALWAYS AIM TO NARROW THE GAP BETWEEN THE RICH AND THE POOR, IT IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO REFRAIN FROM UNDUE INTERFERENCE IN OUR FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM AND FROM ANY DIMINUTION OF THE PROFIT INCENTIVE.
+WE MUST PRESERVE A PROPERLY REGULATED SYSTEM IN WHICH THE NEEDY ARE CARED FOR AND ENTERPRISE IS REWARDED,+ HE SAID.
MR LOBO URGED ALL OUR PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE TO PARTICIPATE TO THE FULL IN THE IMPENDING ELECTIONS AND IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE TERRITORY.
+l AM CONFIDENT THAT WE WILL MEET THE CHALLENGES WHICH LIE AHEAD - BECAUSE THIS IS HONG KONG’S WAY OF DOING THINGS - AND WE WILL SEE THE CONTINUATION OF THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS IN Tht. SYSTEM WHICH WE NOW ENJOY.+
HE SUGGESTED THAT WE SHOULD CONTINUE AND EXPAND OUR PLANS FOR OPEN GOVERNMENT.
+DURING THE LAST SESSION, WE HELD OUR DRAFT ESTIMATES MEETING IN PUBLIC FOR THE FIRST TIME.
♦DURING THIS CURRENT SESSION, THE PUBLIC MAY ALSO ATTEND NEETINGS OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE AND, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, OTHER MEETINGS TOO WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC,+ MR LOBO SAID.
MR LOBO ENVISAGED A HEAVY WORKLOAD DURING THE COMING MONTH AND SAID: + l CAN ONLY ASSURE YOU, SIR, AND THROUGH YOU, YOUR ADMINISTRATION, THAT THE UNOFFICIALS ARE READY FOR IT - AND « HhV FORMED OUR STUDY AND SCRUTINY GROUPS AND HAVE ALREADY BEGUN WORKING ON SOME BILLS. NOT OF LESS IMPORTANCE IS THE FORTHCOMING INTRODUCTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (POWERS AND PRIVILEGES) BILL WHICH YOU MENTIONED IN YOUR ADDRESS.+
♦SIR, IN EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR US AND WH\T YOUR ADMINISTRATION IS PLANNING TO DO, I WOULD LIKE, IN THANK IG YOU, TO ASSURE YOU OF THE UNOFFICIALS’ CONTINUING SUPPORT.
+l WOULD ALSO LIKE TO PAY TRIBUTE TO OUR CIVIL SERVICE - ALL TOO OFTEN THE UNFORGOTTEN FACTOR IN HONG KONG’S SUCCESS STORY -WITHOUT WHOSE DEDICATION AND EFFICIENCY HONG KONG WOULD NOT EE THE PLACE IT IS TODAY.
+HONG KONG HAS MUCH TO BE PROUD OF, AND NOT LEAST IS THE QUALITY OF OUR ADMINISTRATION,* MR LOBO SAID.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1934
- 3 -
PEOPLE TOLD TO BE MORE ACTIVE IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS * * * * *
THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG CAN NO LONGER AFFORD TO BE APOLITICAL, THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
WITH CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES AND THE DRAFT SI NO-BRITISH AGREEMENT IT WAS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR AND URGED TO TAKE PART IN THE APPROACHING 1985 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AND THE FORTHCOMING EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH OUR CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES IN THE YEARS TO COME, HE SAID.
THE FACT THAT 1.4 MILLION PEOPLE HAD REGISTERED TO VOTE IN THE MARCH ELECTIONS AND THAT THERE HAD BEEN SO MUCH DISCUSSION IN THE MEDIA OF THE GREEN PAPER PROPOSALS INDICATED THE KEEN INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MORE REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT.
+1 AM ENCOURAGED BY THESE INDICATIONS OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION, ALTHOUGH I ADMIT THERE IS NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY,+ MR CHEUNG SAID.
+1 WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO URGE THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUE ITS EFFORTS IN ENCOURAGING THE PUBLIC TO TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THE PROCESS OF POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT AND TO APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO CURRENT AFFAIRS, TO BE MORE FORTHCOMING IN VOICING THEIR OPINIONS AND TO FULFIL THEIR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF CITIZENSHIP SUCH AS TO ELECT SUITABLE REPRESENTATIVES TO RUN HONG KONG.+
THE QUESTION NOW WAS HOW TO ENCOURAGE GOOD CITIZENSHIP THROUG-ACTIVE PARTICIPATION, AND IN WHAT WAY COULD THE GOVERNMENT PROMOTE CIVIC AWARENESS AMONG THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY SO AMONG THE SECOND GENERATION.
+IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THE VERY IMPORTANCE OF THE NEED THAT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE SOCIETY IN WHICH THEY Liv-. MAKE SENS'BLE JUDGEMENTS ON ISSUES OF CURRENT INTEREST AND IMPCRTANC , AID CONTRIBUTE TO ITS WELL-BEING AND DEVELOPMENT,+ HE SAID.
MR C EUN3 WAS CRITICAL OF VARIOUS ASPECTS OF NEW TOWN DEVELOPME T, SAYING WE CERTAINLY WOULD NOT LIKE TO SEE SITUATION. WHEREBY T E NECESSARY COMMUNITY FACILITIES WERE PLANNED AND CONSTRUCTED ONLY AFTER THE FIRST BATCH OF +SETTLERS+ HAD MOVED II,.
MANY WERE DISAPPOINTED TO FIND THAT SOME OF THE MOST ESSENTIAL FACILITIES WERE LACKING, AMONG WHICH THE MOST SERIOUS WERE DEFICIENCIES IN PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACES IN NEW TOWNS LIKE TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN.
IN TUEN MUN 2 OOO PUPILS HAD TO ATTEND CLASSES IN CONVERTED CLASSROOMS, A +FAR FROM SATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENT*, rfHICH HE HOPED THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD REMEDY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
/ON CRIME.......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984 •
- 4 -
ON CRIME IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, HE SAID IT HAD DOUBLED SINCE 1979 WITH THE GROWTH OF THE NEW TOWNS, AND HE APPEALED TO THE AUTHORITIES TO DEPLOY MORE POLICE OFFICERS TO MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER, PARTICULARLY IN THE NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
HE HOPED THE CONSTANT POLICE PATROLS PROVIDED ON MTRC TRAINS COULD BE EXTENDED TO KCR TRAINS, AS CROWDED PLATFORMS AND TRAIN CABINS WERE IDEAL PLACES FOR PICKPOCKETS.
SPEAKING ABOUT WATER SUPPLY ON MA WAN, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S ATTENTION WAS FIRST DRAWN TO THE PLIGHT OF THE ISLANDERS IN 1967 AND IT HAD TAKEN 17 YEARS TO DECIDE ON A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. A PROJECT TO LAY A SUPPLY MAIN FROM YAU KAM TAU WOULD EE COMPLETED IN MID-1987, BUT MR CHEUNG ASKED IF CONSIDERATION COULD BE GIVEN TO PROVIDING SOME INTERIM ARRANGEMENTS.
HE FULLY SUPPORTED A PROPOSAL FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RURAL CENTRES TO PROVIDE LOCAL VILLAGERS WITH FACILITIES SUCH AS COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES AS HE THOUGHT THEY WOULD GREATLY IMPROVE THE LIVELIHOOD OF VILLAGERS IN REMOTE PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ANOTHER +WORTHWHILE+ PROJECT WAS THE RESIDENTIAL UPGRADING PILOT SCHEME TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT OF VILLAGES SUCH AS SUN HING TSUEN IN TUEN MUN. HE HOPED IT COULD BE EXTENDED TO OTHER VILLAGES WHICH REQUIRED SUCH ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS.
ON THE TUEN MUN TO YUEN LONG LRT PROJECT, MR CHEUNG SAID THE KCRC BOARD, OF WHICH HE WAS A MEMBER, HAD EXAMINED THE FEASIBILITY STUDIES INTO THE PROJECT AND CONCLUDED THAT IT WAS COMMERCIALLY VIABLE AND WAS GOOD FOR THE LONG-TERM PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND PROSPERITY OF THE NORTH-WESTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦OF COURSE, ONE CANNOT EXPECT SUCH A PROJECT TO YIELD AS QU I C-A RETURN OF CAPITAL AS MANUFACTURING, BUT THE SI NO-BRITISH DRAFT AGREEMENT HAS CLEARED UP UNCERTAINTIES OF THE FUTURE OF HONG KOKAND REINFORCED OUR CONFIDENCE IN THE LRT PROJECT, + MR CHEUNG SAi...
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HK-CHINA ANTI-CRIME EFFORT URGED BY MARIA TAM
*****
A CALL FOR JOINT EFFORTS BY CHINA AND HONG KONG TO STAMP OUT CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES WAS MADE BY THE HON MARIA TAM TODAY.
SPEAKING ON THE MOTION OF THANKS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MARIA TAM SAID THE EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT OF LAW AND ORDER WAS A VERY IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN MAINTAINING SOCIAL STABILITY IN HONG KONG.
/+THE PEOPLE'S........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
- 5 -
+THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA HAS JUST BECOME A MEMBER OF INTERPOL AND SHE SHOULD BE MORE RECEPTIVE OR MORE RESPONSIVE NOW TO ANY CALLS FOR JOINT EFFORTS TO STAMP OUT CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG,* SHE SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS NO LACK OF EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION ON CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE BORDER AT PRESENT, BUT THE MAIN PROBLEM LAY IN THE RELAXED ATTITUDE OF THE CHINESE TOWARDS THE MANUFACTURING OF SYNTHETIC DRUGS AND THEIR POSSESSION IN CHIKA, THE USE AND POSSESSION OF GENUINE OR REPLICA FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION, AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION WHICH WAS NOT DETERRED BY THE PENALTIES IMPOSED IN CHINA.
+TO FIGHT AGAINST THESE CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES CALLS FOR EVEN CLOSER CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT BODIES OF CHINA AND HONG KONG,* MISS TAM SAID.
♦THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SHOULD MAKE A FRESH APPROACH TO CHINA, AS A FELLOW INTERPOL MEMBER, TO DEAL WITH THESE PROBLEMS AT SOURCE, AND SHOULD AT LEAST AGREE ON A LIST OF CUSTOMS CONTROL PRIORITIES BETWEEN THE CHINESE AND HONG KONG BORDER CHECK POINTS,+ SHE SAID.
SHE ALSO CALLED ON THE GOVERNOR TO ACTIVELY EXERCISE HIS POWER TO REMOVE OR DEPORT +HIT-MEN+ FROM CHINA WHO HAD COMMITTED SERIOUS OR INDICTABLE OFFENCES.
+THESE CRIMINALS MUST FIRST SERVE THEIR SENTENCES HERE BEFORE REPATRIATION,* SHE SAID.
+THIS IS THE TIME, WHEN SINO-BRITISH RELATIONSHIPS ARE MORE THAN CORDIAL, TO COME TO AN ARRANGEMENT WITH THE CHINESE FOR US TO RETURN THEM TO CHINA.
♦JUST BY REACHING SUCH AN AGREEMENT, OR REPATRIATING A FEW CF THESE CRIMINALS, THE DETERRENT EFFECT ON CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES HERE WILL BE VERY SIGN FICANT.+
IN THE LONG RUN, MISS TAM SUGGESTED, HONG KONG SHOULD LOOK FOR PROPER EXTRADITION ARRANGEMENTS WITH CHINA, WHEN EACH HAD A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE OTHER’S LEGAL SYSTEM.
TURNING TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER SCHEME, SHE SAID SHE WELCOMED ITS INTRODUCTION.
+THE OPPORTUNITY TO REHABILITATE YOUNG OFFENDERS OR OFFENDERS CF LESSER CRIMES BY ORDERING THEM TO WORK FOR THE COMMUNITY HAS NET WITH GENUINE SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY,* MISS TAM SAID.
+MY MAIN CONCERN WILL BE THE DEMAND ON FINANCIAL RESOURCES REQUIRED TO TRAIN PROBATION OFFICERS TO SUPERVISE THE OFFENDERS, THE SUBSEQUENT MANPOWER COMMITMENT OF SUCH SUPERVISION, AND THE SUBSIDIES THAT MIGHT BE REQUIRED BY SUBVENTED AGENCIES WHICH PROVIDE PLACEMENT FOR OFFENDERS,* SHE SAID.
/IN VIEW .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984 '
IN VIEW OF THESE DIFFICULTIES, MISS TAM CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE THE +SPENT CONVICTION SCHEME+, WHICH SHE DESCRIBED AS +A LESS EXPENSIVE BUT EQUALLY IMPORTANT MEASURE IN THE REHABILITATION CF OFFENDERS.+
+THE IDEA BEHIND THE SCHEME IS THAT, WHERE A PERSON WHO HAS COMMITTED AN OFFENCE HAS FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS BEEN LAW-ABIDING, HIS PREVIOUS CONVICTION WILL BE CONSIDERED SPENT,* SHE EXPLAINED.
REFERRING TO THE USAGE AND STATUS OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE IN THE FUTURE, MISS TAM SAID IT WAS VITAL THAT HONG KONG CONTINUE TO USE BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH AS OFFICIAL LANGUAGES.
REMAIN OFFICIAL LANGUAGES IN
+AS LONG AS BOTH LANGUAGES ...... ... -----
HONG KONG WE SHALL CONTINUE TO ENJOY A MIX OF CULTURE AND MAINTAIN A POOL OF EXPATRIATE TALENT IN BOTH THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR,
AND KEEP THIS PLACE A COSMOPOLITAN CITY.
+HENCE, I BELIEVE THAT IN HONG KONG OUR STUDENTS SHOULD HAVE A CHOICE OF RECEIVING THEIR EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS FROM EITHER THE CHINESE OR ENGLISH STREAM.
+THIS WILL FOSTER THE TALENT TO SUSTAIN OUR STRENGTH TO FUNCTION AND MAINTAIN OUR STATUS AS AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE OF FINANCE, COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY,* SHE SAID.
-----0------
DR IP OFFERS +VALUE-FOR-MONEY TIPS* * * *
TIPS ON HOW TO GET BETTER +VALUE-FOR-MONEY+ FROM HONG KONG’S CIVIL SERVICE WERE SUGGESTED BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
DR IP SAID FRINGE BENEFITS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS WERE INFLEXIBLE AND UNEQUALLY DISTRIBUTED.
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD FIND IT WORTHWHILE TO HAVE A RETHINK ON FRINGE BENEFITS WHICH WERE COSTLY, AND DID NOT BENEFIT MANY.
+WHY DON’T WE OFFER DIRECT BENEFITS TO THEM IN MONEY TERMS, IN WHICH THEY HAVE AN OPTION TO CHOOSE HOW THEY WOULD LIKE BEST TO SPEND THEIR MONEY?* SHE ASKED.
WITHOUT ANY INCREASE IN MONETARY TERMS, MONEY SPENT ON FRINGE BENEFITS COULD THEN BE DISTRIBUTED IN SUCH A WAY THAT ALL INCOME GROUPS COULD HAVE THEIR FAIR SHARE.
/+LP THIS........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
- 7 -
+IF THIS PROPOSAL MIGHT MAKE SOME WORRY THAT SUCH MONETARY BENEFITS FAIL TO KEEP CIVIL SERVANTS FROM LEAVING WITH THEIR MONEY AND BENEFITS AFTER A SHORT STINT IN THE SERVICE, I WOULD REACT BY SAYING, THE BEST WAY TO KEEP CIVIL SERVANTS IS TO MAKE THE JOB INTERESTING! GIVE THEM MORE JOB SATISFACTION,+ SHE SAID.
+IN FACT, A CONSTANT INTERFLOW IN AND OUT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE IS A GOOD THING. CIVIL SERVANTS WILL LEARN HOW THE OTHER SIDE LIVES AND THE PUBLIC ALSO REALISES THE DIFFICULTIES CIVIL SERVANTS HAVE TO FACE IN THEIR WORK.+
TURNING TO MEDICAL FEES, DR IP SUGGESTED THAT THESE SHOULD BE RAISED TO A MORE REALISTIC LEVEL +TOWARDS A BREAK-EVEN POINT+ SO THAT OUT-PATIENTS WERE NOT HEAVILY SUBSIDISED. IN THIS CONTEXT, SHE POINTED OUT THAT PATIENTS WHO COULD NOT AFFORD MEDICAL FEES COULD CLAIM PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, AND SICK LEAVE WAS GIVEN WITH PAY.
+AT BREAK-EVEN POINT, THE COST IS PROBABLY GOING TO BE NO MORE THAN ONE-THIRD OF THAT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR,+ SHE SAID.
+IT CAN REALLY BE SAID TO BE ’GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY’.+
TURNING TO THE BETTER USE OF EDUCATION'RESOURCES, SHE SUGGESTED THAT TEACHERS SHOULD TAKE THEIR TWO-WEEK SUMMER VACATION AND THEN UTILIZE THE REMAINDER OF THE STUDENTS’ TWO-MONTH LEAVE PERIOD BY GREATER INVOLVEMENT IN THE REMEDIAL TEACHING OF THEIR OWN STUDENTS AND IN ORGANISING EDUCATIONAL COURSES FOR ADULTS. THE OVERALL OBJECTIVE WOULD BE TO IMPROVE THE EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS OF THE PEOPLE CF HONG KONG.
NO COST WOULD BE INCURRED BY THIS PLAN AS TEACHERS ARE PAID THROUGHOUT THEIR SUMMER VACATION, DR IP SAID.
IN HER SPEECH, DR IP ALSO CITED WHAT SHE SAW AS A NUMBER OF INJUSTICES IN DUR SOCIETY. THESE INCLUDED DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN, DIFFERENT FUNDING RATIOS BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT-SUBVENTED AGENCIES, DOUBLE STANDARDS IN QUALIFYING EXAMINATIONS AND INTERNSHIPS FOR DOCTORS, AND SALARY SCALES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS SHIFT DUTIES.
0
/8 ......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
8
DB REFORMS SUPPORTED * * * *
BY CHAN YING-LUN *
THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ELECTED DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF BOARDS BEING TAKEN UP BY ELECTED MEMBERS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS CEASING TO BE FULL BOARD MEMBERS, WERE ALL STRONGLY SUPPORTED BY ONE OF THE SPEAKERS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+1 THINK THIS REPRESENTS A MAJOR STEP FORWARD IN RETURNING POWER TO THE PEOPLE AND, IF PROPERLY ADMINISTERED, WILL ENSURE A BETTER AND MORE RESPONSIVE GOVERNMENT AND PROVIDE A FIRMER BASIS FOR OUR FUTURE ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK,* THE HOM CHAN YING-LUN SAID.
TO ACHIEVE THIS OBJECTIVE A LOT MORE NEEDED TO BE DONE BY BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE UNOFFICIALS, HE SAID.
+ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT, IT MUST IMPRESS UPON ITS STAFF WORKING AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL TO CONTINUE TO RESPOND PROMPTLY AND POSITIVELY TO SUGGESTIONS AND IDEAS FROM UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS.
♦EXPERIENCE TELLS US THAT IT IS OFTEN TOO EASY FOR DISTRICT OFFICIALS ATTENDING DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS TO ANSWER QUESTIONS AND TO TAKE ADVICE, BUT IT IS OFTEN MORE DIFFICULT FOR THEM TO RESPOND TO THE ADVICE AND EVEN MORE DIFFICULT TO ACT UPON THE ADVICE.
♦FROM MY CONTACTS WITH UNOFFICIAL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, THc IS A GENUINE WORRY ON THEIR PART THAT AS SOON AS GOVE-RNMENT OFFICIALS CEASE TO BE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS THEY WILL SIMPLY PLAY A PASSIVE ROLE WITHOUT DISPLAYING THE SAME DEGREE OF INITIATIVE, ENTHUSIASM AND PARTICIPATION HITHERTO SO CONSPICUOUS AMONG THE DISTRICT OFFICIAL TEAM,* MR CHAN SAID.
HE SHARED THIS CONCERN AND HOPED THE ADMINISTR/tTION COULD ENSURE THAT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WOULD CONTINUE TO PLAY THEIR EXECUTIVE ROLE EFFECTIVELY.
ON MOVING IN THE DIRECTION OF A MORE OPEN GOVERNMENT, t-F CHAN SAID THE SAME PRINCIPLE SHOULD ALSO BE APPLIED AT THE DISTRICT BOARD LEVEL.
+WE HAVE A LONG TRADITION OF GOVERNMENT BY CONSULTATION AND CONCENSUS, BUT WITH THE ADVENT OF DISTRICT BOARDS AND PEOPLE’S GROWING INTEREST IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS THERE HAS BEEN A CORRESPONDING DEMAND FOR MORE CONSULTATION ON GOVERNMENT POLICIES, PARTICULARLY ON MATTERS AFFECTING THE WELFARE OF RESIDENTS AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL.
+AS THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW DEALING WITH A MORE VOCAL POPULATION IT SHOULD ALLOW THE INTERESTED PUBLIC TO HAVE MiORE OPPORTUNITIES TO DISCUSS OPENLY THOSE POLICY PROPOSALS THAT AFFECT THE GENERAL PUBLIC,* HE SAID.
/+AT PRESENT.........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
- 9 -
+AT PRESENT, THERE DO NOT APPEAR TO BE ANY GUIDELINES ON WHEN AND ON WHAT ISSUES DISTRICT BOARDS SHOULD BE CONSULTED.
-•-HOWEVER, I HOPE THAT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS COULD EXERCISE THEIR GOOD POLITICAL SENSE AND CONSULT THE VIEWS OF DISTRICT BOARDS WHEN STRONG PUBLIC REACTION IS ANTICIPATED FOR A PARTICULAR POLICY ISSUE,+ HE SAID.
MR CHAN RECALLED THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS AS SAYING THAT THERE WOULD BE AN INCREASE OF SOME 80 PER CENT IN THE NUMBER OF ELECTED DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS FROM 132 TO 236 IN THE COMING ELECTION.
+BUT THIS WILL NOT NECESSARILY MEAN AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE QUALITY OF ADVICE TO BE GIVEN UNLESS CANDIDATES OF THE RIGHT CALIBRE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE AND SOCIAL BACKGROUNDS ARE ENCOURAGED AND ARE PREPARED TO STAND FOR ELECTION.
+MORE PUBLICITY AND PERSUASION FROM THE GOVERNMENT, BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND ENCOURAGEMENT FROM EMPLOYERS AND MORE SPIRITED SUPPORT FROM PROFESSIONAL BODIES ARE ESSENTIAL IF MORE PROSPECTIVc CANDIDATES WITH GOOD LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL AND DEDICATION ARE TO COME FORTH,* HE SAID.
WHILE STRESSING THE QUALITY OF CANDIDATES, MR CHAN SAID ONE MUST ALSO GUARD AGAINST THE TENDENCY OF CREATING A CLASS OF ELIT UNOFFICIALS WHO MAY BECOME MORE AND MORE ALOOF FROM THE PEOPLE.
+THE BEST ASSURANCE IS FOR THE PEOPLE TO GROW WITH OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM,* HE SAID.
ON CIVIC EDUCATION, MR CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PLAY AMORE ACTIVE ROLE, PARTICULARLY THROUGH ITS VARIOUS COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES.
+HERE, I PARTICULARLY WANT TO EMPHASISE THE POINT THAT DISTH. BOARDS IN ORGANISING THEIR ACTIVITIES SHOULD, APART FROM THE RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT ELEMENTS, AIM AT INSTILLING AMONG THE LOCAL POPULATION, IN PARTICULAR THE YOUNGER GENERATION, A GREATER DEGREE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY, A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE GOVERNMENT AND OF THE ELECTION AND DEMOCRAT I SAT I ON PROCESS,* HE SAID.
MR CHAN AGREED WHOLEHEARTEDLY WITH THE GOVERNOR WHEN HE SAID BUILDING A FUTURE WAS NOT A TASK FOR THE GOVERNMENT ALONE AND THt WHOLE COMMUNITY MUST BECOME INVOLVED.
0
/10 .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1^84
- 10 -
PAY FULL-TIME LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, RITA FAN SUGGESTS
******
A CALL ON THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER PAYING LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS TO WORK ON A FULL-TIME BASIS WAS MADE TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE HON RITA FAN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT SHE FELT IT WAS NECESSARY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER USING MORE PRACTICAL MEANS TO ATTRACT PEOPLE OF GOOD CALIBRE TO TAKE PART IN ELECTIONS.
+LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS MAY, FOR EXAMPLE, BE PAID BY THE GOVERNMENT TO WORK ON A FULL-TIME BASIS AND BE RESPONSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC,+ SHE SAID.
+IF, FOR EXAMPLE, A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER IS ELECTED A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HIS ORIGINAL DUTIES WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD SHOULD BE TAKEN UP BY SOMEONE TO BE SELECTED IN A BY-ELECTION SO THAT HE MAY CONCENTRATE ON HIS WORK WITH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN SERVING THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.*
IF THESE PROPOSALS WERE PUT INTO EFFECT, SHE ADDED, CAREFUL CONSIDERATION MUST BE GIVEN TO DETAILS OF ACTUAL IMPLEMENTATION.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE SALARIES OF COUNCILLORS MAY BECOME A SENSITIVE QUESTION.
IF THE SALARY SCALE WAS FIXED AT TOO LOW A LEVEL, IT MIGHT NOT ATTRACT SUITABLE PERSONS.
IF IT WAS FIXED AT TOO HIGH A LEVEL, THERE WOULD BE A WASTE CF PUBLIC FUNDS.
AT ALL EVENTS, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD USE ALL KINDS OF -METHG--TO IMPRESS KNOWLEDGEABLE PERSONS THAT IT WAS WORTHWHILE TO TAKE PART IN THE ELECTION WHEN DIRECT ELECTION BECAME ONE OF THE WAYS BY WHICH PEOPLE MIGHT SERVE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
+THE DAYS AHEAD ARE FULL OF CHALLENGES AND WE WILL BE FACED WITH TRIALS UNKNOWN TO US BEFORE. SO WE MUST BE PSYCHOLOGICALLY PREPARED.
+WE SHOULD BROADEN OUR HORIZON ON THE POLITICAL FRONT, LEARN TO UNDERSTAND THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF DIFFERENT POLITIC*-PLATFORMS IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME,* SHE SAID.
DURING THE COMING 12 YEARS AND EIGHT MONTHS’ INTERIM PERIOD, HONG KONG SHOULD TRY TO PROGRESS WITH CARE, SEEK TO MAINTAIN ITS SOCIAL AND POLITICAL STABILITY, WORK FOR ITS ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND TRAIN UP THE NEXT GENERATION AS SUCCESSORS.
/+! THINK........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
+ l THINK THE BASIC ELEMENTS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY ARE: A STABLE GOVERNMENT WELL SUITED TO THE HONG KONG SOCIETY, AND GOOD GENERAL LAW AND ORDER,+ SHE SAID.
+WITH A STABLE GOVERNMENT WELL SUITED TO THE HONG KONG SOCIETY, INVESTORS HAVE THE CONFIDENCE TO POUR THEIR RESOURCES INTO HONG KONG.
+WITH GOOD GENERAL LAW AND ORDER, PEOPLE’S LIVES ARE PROTECTED AND THEY CAN CONCENTRATE ON DOING THEIR DUTIES WELL.
+SO POLITICAL STABILITY AND LAW AND ORDER ARE COMPLEMENTARY TO EACH OTHER.*
THE EFFORTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THESE TWO ASPECTS DURING THE YEARS WERE WELL KNOWN TO ALL.
THE WHITE PAPER ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG WHICH WOULD HAVE A GREAT IMPACT ON THE TERRITORY’S FUTURE POLITICAL STABILITY WOULD BE PUBLISHED NEXT MONTH.
+YOU HAVE POINTED OUT, SIR, THAT THESE PLANS WILL REPRESENT ONLY ONE FURTHER STAGE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG.
+THEY DO NOT PRECLUDE SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT.
♦ YOU HAVE ALSO SAID THE TIME FOR DIRECT ELECTIONS MAY COME.
+| THINK THE NATURAL TREND FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENT^’ GOVERNMENT IS A DIRECTLY ELECTED LEGISLATURE,* MRS FAN SAID.
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD PLAY AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE.
UNDER THE DIRECT ELECTION SYSTEM, THE QUALITY OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD DEPEND ON VOTERS’ ABILITY TO CHOOSE AND THE CALIBRE OF THE CANDIDATES.
IN HONG KONG, BOTH THESE TWO QUALITIES SHOULD BE IMPROVED BECAUSE THE FUTURE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG HAD TO ACHIEVE WHAT OTHERS HAD FAILED TO DO IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THE +ONE COUNTRY TWO SYSTEMS* CONCEPT.
+l THINK THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE REALISTIC AND PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVELY TO ENHANCE THE PUBLIC’S KNOWLEDGE IN CHOOSING THEIR COUNCILLORS,* MRS FAN SAID.
+l AM REFERRING NOT ONLY TO CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS, BUT CIVIC EDUCATION FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THE CITIZENS.
/♦THE PEOPLE ......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1?84
- 12 -
+THE PEOPLE MUST HAVE A FAIR UNDERSTANDING OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE MAJOR EXISTING SYSTEMS BEFORE THEY CAN DISTINGUISH WHETHER THE PLATFORMS PROPOSED BY THE CANDIDATES ARE FEASIBLE AND WHETHER THEY ARE BENEFICIAL TO HONG KONG AS A WHOLE.+
IN THE PAST, ONE DID NOT HAVE TO CARE ABOUT POLITICS.
ONE HAD ONLY TO WORK FOR A BETTER AND MORE MEANINGFUL LIFE.
SO, DURING DISTRICT BOARD AND URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS, MOST PEOPLE WOULD ONLY CONSIDER WHAT THE CANDIDATES WOULD DO FOR THEM.
THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS THINKING.
+HOWEVER, SUCH A CONSIDERATION MAY NOT BE ADEQUATE WHEN IT IS APPLIED TO VOTING FOR LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS IN FUTURE ELECTION^ BECAUSE BY THEN, WE HAVE TO CONSIDER THIS AS WELL — IF WE FOLLOW THEIR PROPOSALS, WE MAY BENEFIT AS INDIVIDUALS, BUT WHAT WILL BE THEIR EFFECTS ON THE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG AS A WHOLE7+ SHE SAID.
+MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MUST UNDERSTAND THAT IF THERE IS ANY STUMBLING BLOCK ON THE PATH TO PROSPERITY AND STABILITY, ALL THEY HAVE NOW MAY COME TO NAUGHT,+ SHE SAID.
+THEREFORE, IT IS NOT WORTHWHILE FOR THEM TO OVERLOOK LONG-TEE COMMUNITY INTERESTS SIMPLY BECAUSE OF SHORT-TERM BENEFITS.
+l CONSIDER THIS VERY IMPORTANT AND PROPOSE THAT IT SHOULv EE MADE THE MAJOR THEME OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
+ IT IS AN URGENT TASK TO EARNESTLY PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION . RESULTS MAY NOT BE SEEN UNTIL SEVERAL YEARS LATER.+
MRS FAN SAID THE GOVERNOR HAD MENTIONED IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE WOULD PLAY A FULL PART IN MA INTA I Jr.. A STABLE AND PROSPEROUS HONG KONG.
+ | FULLY AGREE WITH YOU, AND I THINK IT IS INCUMBENT UPON GOVERNMENT TO GIVE ITS FULLEST SUPPORT TO DEDICATED CIVIL SERVA ,T -SHE SAID.
+SUCH SUPPORT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, THE POLICE IN PARTICULAR.
+THE SUPPORT I REFER TO IS TWO-SIDED.
♦ONE WAS ON RESOURCES. THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD, WHEREVER POSSIBLE, PROVIDE THE POLICE WITH ADEQUATE MANPOWER, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES SO AS TO ENABLE THE FORCE TO EFFECTIVELY PROTECT THE PUBLIC AND FIGHT CRIME.
/the other .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
- 13 -
THE OTHER MEANS OF SUPPORT WAS TO ON VIOLENT CRIMINALS AND TO STRENGTHEN LEGISLATION, MRS FAN SAID.
IMPOSE HEAVIER PUNISHMENT PREVENTIVE MEASURES THROUGH
ON OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS AND VIDEO-TAPES, SHEPP?P°SE$ STRENGTHENING LEGISLATION SO THAT THE COURTS COULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO STOP PUBLICATION WHEN DEALING WITH PERSISTENT OFFENDERS.
SHF. ALSO URGED SETTING UP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THE ^OBJECTIONABLE PUBLICATIONS TRIBUNAL* WHICH THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS MENTIONED TO THE COUNCIL IN JULY.
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'POLICY ADJUSTMENT NEEDED TO MEET CHANGES’
******
HONG KONG NEEDED TO ADJUST ITS POLICIES OVER THE NEXT 13 YEARS TO BRING THEM INTO LINE WITH THE BASIC ARRANGEMENTS.SET OUT FOR THF TERRITORY AFTER 1997 IN THE SI NO-BRITISH AGREEMENT, THE HON PAULINE NG SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS NG SAID IT WAS HOPEJ THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO CARRY OUT MAJOR PROJECTS, MAKE INVESTMENTS AND IMPLEMENT PLANS IN A FAR-SIGHTED WAY.
+IN DOING SO, THE GOVERNMENT WILL SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR US, . SHOWING THAT IT NOT ONLY CARES FOR THE LONG-TERM PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG BUT ALSO HAS CONFIDENCE IN OUR FUTURE,* SHE SAID.
ON CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT, MRS NG SAID AT A TIME WHEN HONG KONG’S CONSTITUTIONAL SYSTEM WAS HEADING TOWARDS A MORE OPEN FORM OF GOVERNMENT, CHANGES TO DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WOULD PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE.
SHE HOPED THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SPEED UP THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND ENHANCE THE STATUS OF DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS AT THE SAME TIME.
AT THE MOMENT, THE GENERAL STATE OF MOST MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES WAS STAGNANT AND ONE OF LOW MORALE.
THE REASON WAS THAT PARTICIPATION BY RESIDENTS WAS NOT ACTIVE AND THE FINANCIAL SUBSIDY FROM GOVERNMENT WAS STILL VERY LIMITED WHICH RESTRAINED THE PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES.
IN ADDITION, SHE SAID, THE IMPORTANCE OF AREA COMMITTEES, WHICH OFTEN MADE VALUABLE SUGGESTIONS ON DISTRICT AFFAIRS TO DISTRICT BOARDS AND REFLECTED VIEWS FROM MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS, SHOULD NOT BE OVERLOOKED.
/+THB GOVERNMENT........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
- 14 -
+THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD RAISE THE STATUS OF AREA COMMITTEES, CONSIDER ALLOCATING PREMISES TO THEM AND DEPLOYING LIAISON OFFICER^ TO WORK IN THE COMMITTEE PREMISES ON AN AREA BASIS, SO THAT RESIDENTS OF THAT AREA WILL KNOW BETTER THE ROLE OF AREA COMMITTEES, AND THERE WILL BE INCREASED CONTACT BETWEEN RESIDENTS AND MEMBERS CF AREA COMMITTEES.
+OUR LEADERS OF THE FUTURE WILL ALL COME FROM WITHIN THE DISTRICTS, AND TO INCREASE THE RATE AND STRENGTHEN THE CHANNELS CF PARTICIPATION, COUPLED WITH THE SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE PROVISION OF RESOURCES, THESE ARE THE ESSENTIAL FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE SUCCESS OF THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S CONSTITUTIONAL SYSTEM,* MRS NG SAID.
SHE SAID SHE HOPED IN FUTURE MUTUAL COMMUNICATION COULD BE ESTABLISHED BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE WHO WOULD THEN JOIN HANDS WITH EACH OTHER HARMONIOUSLY IN FORMULATING POLICIES THROUGH THE POLICY-MAKING PROCESS.
TOUCHING ON HOUSING POLICIES, MRS NG SAID SHE WELCOMED THE PLAN TO HAVE ALL SQUATTERS IN THE URBAN AREAS REHOUSED BY THE EARLY 199O’S.
+WHILE THERE ARE STILL EIGHT TO 10 YEARS BEFORE THE WHOLE PROJECT COULD BE COMPLETED, THERE IS AN URGENT NEED TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT OF SQUATTER AREAS,* SHE SAID.
ON EDUCATION POLICIES, SHE SAID SHE SUPPORTED THE RECOMMENDaTI OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE THAT HONG KONt. SHOULD HAVE A BODY OF ITS OWN FOR THE VALIDATION OF DEGREE COURSco RATHER THAN RELYING ON THE UK COUNCIL FOR NATIONAL ACADEMIC AWARDS.
MRS NG STRESSED THE NEED ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT TO SOLVE, FIRST AND FOREMOST, THE PROBLEM OF SECURING INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF DEGREE COURSES VALIDATED BY THE LOCAL BODY, SO Ao TO MAINTAIN INTERNATIONALLY-ACCEPTED STANDARDS FOR HIGHER EDUCATI . IN HONG KONG.
SHE WAS OF THE OPINION THAT CUTTING DOWN ON EXPENDITURE AT THE EXPENSE OF LOWERED STANDARDS WAS HARDLY COMPATIBLE WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF MAINTAINING THE PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG.
NOTING THE IMPORTANCE OF CIVIC AND MORAL EDUCATION FOR LOCAL YOUNGSTERS, MRS NG SAID AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE COMPRISING MEMBERS FROM DIFFERENT SOCIAL STRATA SHOULD BE FORMED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO STUDY AND ANALYSE PRESENT CONDITIONS OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND ALSO TO IDENTIFY AREAS WHERE THERE WERE PROBLEM.
ON THE MANAGEMENT OF STREET SLEEPERS, MRS NG HOPED THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE MORE POSITIVE MEASURES AND PLAY A COORDINATING ROLE AMONG DEPARTMENTS FOR THE FINAL SETTLEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.
TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF STREET SLEEPERS, PARTICULARLY VAGABONDS WITH MENTAL PROBLEMS, SHE SAID LEGISLATION UNDER WHICH THEY WERE REQUIRED TO STAY IN SPECIAL INSTITUTIONS FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT ON A COMPULSORY BASIS SHOULD BE PASSED.
/15 .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25,
- 15 -
LOOK FOR ECONOMY IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, PETER POON SAYS * * * *
THERE WAS A LIMIT TO FURTHER INCREASES IN DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAXES, SO THE GOVERNMENT MUST LOOK FOR FURTHER ECONOMY IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, THE HON PETER POON SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR POON SAID IN BAD TIMES OTHER COUNTRIES DRASTICALLY CUT THEIR PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, INCLUDING A BLANKET CUT IN NUMBERS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
WHILE SUCH AUSTERE MEASURES WERE NOT WARRANTED IN HONG KONG’S PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES, HE PROPOSED A GENERAL REVIEW OF THE CIVIL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT TO SEE WHETHER THERE WAS AMONG OTHER THINGS IDLE CAPACITY; CONSIDERATION OF FURTHER PRIVATISATION OF SOME GOVERNMENT SERVICES; AND A REALISTIC REVIEW OF CIVIL SERVANTS’ FRINGE BENEFITS.
MR POON SAID THOUGH UNDER CONDITIONS OF SERVICE THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO LAY OFF STAFF IT COULD ADOPT MORE INTENSIVELY THE POLICY OF NOT FILLING ANY VACANCIES NO LONGER REQUIRED AND OF REDEPLOYING REDUNDANT STAFF TO OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
ON FURTHER PRIVATISATION HE SAID THIS MEASURE HAD BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN RESPECT OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY AND SOME GOVERNMENT CAR-PARKS.
+IT TAKES AWAY THE BURDEN OF INCREASING SALARIES AND PENSION COSTS FROM GOVERNMENT’S BUDGETS IN THESE AREAS,+ HE SAID.
ON FRINGE BENEFITS HE ADMITTED THAT THE TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR MANY YEARS AGO MIGHT HAVE BEEN BETTER THAN THE GOVERNMENT’S, BUT THE SITUATION WAS NO LONGER THE SAME EXCEPT PERHAPS FOR THE SUPER-SCALE GRADE.
HE WAS CRITICAL OF +HEAVILY SUBSIDISED ACCOMMODATION* AND OVERSEAS EDUCATION ALLOWANCES.
+l MUST STRESS THAT I AM FULLY CONVINCED THAT WE HAVE A VERY EFFICIENT CIVIL SERVICE,* MR POON SAID.
+NOTWITHSTANDI NG THIS, THE IMPORTANT POINT IS NOT ONLY TO ENSURE THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT IS THE RIGHT SIZE BUT ALSO THE JUSTIFICATION FOR THE LEVEL OF CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.*
TURNING TO FINANCIAL ASPECTS, MR POON SAID THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUED TO LAY GREAT EMPHASIS ON REGULATION OF THE FINANCIAL SECTOR.
THIS WAS ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAIN THE EFFICIENCY AND CREDITABILITY OF HONG KONG AS THE THIRD LARGEST FINANCIAL CENTRE IN THE WORLD.
+NO EFFORTS OR EXPENSES SHOULD BE SPARED TO UPHOLD OUR IMAGE IN THIS REGARD,* HE SAID.
/THE COMPANIES........
THURSDAY, OCTOBEH 25, 1984
- 16 -
THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1984, WHICH BECAME EFFECTIVE ON AUGUST 31, 1984, BROUGHT COMPANY LEGISLATION MORE UP TO DATE AND PLUGGED THE LOOPHOLE OF IRRESPONSIBLE LENDINGS TO DIRECTORS BY PUBLIC COMPANIES WHICH HAD LED TO SEVERAL MAJOR COMPANY FAILURES.
+THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM WILL NO DOUBT CONTRIBUTE TO THE FURTHER IMPROVEMENT OF COMPANY LAW IN HONG KONG,* MR POON SAID.
THE RE-ORGANISATION OF THE HONG KONG COMMODITY EXCHANGE INTO THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE WOULD FURTHER ENHANCE THE TERRITORY’S STATUS AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE.
+1 AM PLEASED TO SEE THAT AT LONG LAST THE UNIFICATION OF THE STOCK EXCHANGES IS IN VIEW AND NEW LISTING RULES FOR QUOTED COMPANIES AND NEW LEGISLATION ARE BEING INTRODUCED TO REQUIRE DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL FACTS AND SHAREHOLDINGS,* HE SAID.
+HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL LAWS AND SYSTEM ARE NOT PERFECT, BUT IT CAN BE SEEN THAT WE LEARN QUICKLY FROM EXPERIENCE AND CONSTANT REVIEWS.*
THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF AN INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL LAST WEEK TO LOOK INTO SHARE TRANSACTIONS OF INTERNATIONAL CITY HOLDINGS LTD SHOWED THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUED DETERMINATION IN THIS RESPECT.
ON THE ECONOMY, HE SAID IT STILL FACED SEVERAL MAJOR PROBLEMS.
♦THOUGH OUR EXPORTS ARE BUOYANT, RE-INVESTMENT IS LAGGING BEHIND,* HE SAID.
+RE-INVESTMENT IN OUR INDUSTRIES IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL IF OUR MANUFACTURING SECTOR IS TO SURVIVE IN THE YEARS TO COMt.+
HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS ESPECIALLY IN BOTH OUR TEXTILE AND ELECTRONIC INDUSTRIES MUST EXPAND AND MODERNISE THEIR EQUIPMENT AND KEEP UP WITH MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH.
HONG KONG’S COMPETITORS WERE AGGRESSIVE AND ADVANCING AT SUCH A HIGH SPEED THAT UNLESS IT FOLLOWED SUIT, IT WOULD BE LEFT WAY BEHIND.
+HOPEFULLY, WITH RENEWED CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG, REINVESTMENT WILL PICK UP IN THE NOT-TOO-DISTANT FUTURE,* HE SAID.
+OUR STRONG HONG KONG DOLLAR, THOUGH ADVANTAGEOUS IN KEEPING OUR INFLATION RATE LOW AND PROFITS FROM EXPORTS HIGH IN THE SHORT TERM, WILL AFFECT OUR COMPETITIVENESS IN THE WORLD MARKET IN THE MEDIUM OR LONG TERM.*
THIS WAS BEGINNING TO SHOW IN THE GROWTH RATES OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS TO EUROPE AND THE UNITED KINGDOM.
/+THKREPORE WB .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
- 17 -
+THEREFORE WE MUST IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF OUR PRODUCTS AND EFFICIENCY OF OUR INDUSTRIES.
+WE MUST ALSO KEEP UP OUR FINE RECORD OF TRADE PROMOTION TO MAINTAIN OUR MARKET SHARE,* HE SAID.
MR POON SAID HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL SUCCESS DEPENDED A LOT ON EXPORTS, WHICH WERE VULNERABLE IN THE FACE OF A GROWING TREND TOWARDS PROTECTIONISM AND A SLOWING DOWN OF ECONOMIC GROWTH IN ITS MAJOR MARKETS.
THE RECENT RULES ON COUNTRY OF ORIGIN FOR IMPORT OF GARMENTS AND TEXTILES INTO THE UNITED STATES HAD STRUCK A HEAVY BLOW TO HONG KONG.
THAT THE PROPOSED NEW CRITERIA
MEANWHILE, HONG KONG WAS LUCKY ...................... m inAiru
FOR THE US GENERALISED SCHEME OF PREFERENCES WHICH WOULD CLASSIFY THE TERRITORY AS A MEDIUM GDP TERRITORY AND RESULT IN REDUCTIONOF PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT, WAS NOT APPROVED AND THE SCHEME EXP IR NG IN JANUARY, 1985, WAS RENEWED FOR A FURTHER PERIOD OF ABOUT EIGHT
YEARS.
♦THOUGH WE CAN HAVE A TEMPORARY SIGH OF RELIEF, THIS SHOWS HOW EXTERNAL FACTORS CAN CAUSE GREAT DAMAGE TO OUR COMPETITIVENESS.
♦IN THIS REGARD, THE EFFORTS OF BOTH GOVERNMENT AND THE REPRESENTATIVES OF OUR INDUSTRIES WHO FOUGHT SO HARD TO PROTECT OUR RIGHTS UNDER GATT AND MFA ARE HIGHLY APPRECIATED,* MR POON SAID.
-----0------
HONG KONG ENTERING A STAGE OF STEADY GROWTH - P.K.
******
YEUNG
HONG KONG IS ENTERING A STAGE OF STEADY DEVELOPMENT THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN SAID IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION OF THANKS ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE SAID THE SEEMINGLY CONSERVATIVE ADDRESS AS A WHOLE MENTIL', POLICY CHANGES WHICH ECHOED THE MESSAGE OF THE SINO-BRITISH DRAF 1 AGREEMENT AND THE PROPOSALS IN THE GREEN PAPER ON FURTHER DEVELOr OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG.
+IT ALSO BRINGS OUT THE FACT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WANTS TO MaK. KNOWN TO THE PEOPLE ITS CONFIDENCE TOWARDS THE FUTURE OF HONG KOK -THROUGH ITS DETERMINED TONE AND PRAGMATIC ACTIONS, AS CAN BE SEE IN THE ADDRESS,* HE SAID.
MR YEUNG QUESTIONED HOW COULD THE HONG KONG SYSTEM REMAIN UNCHANGED FOR 50 YEARS AFTER 1997 IF wE COULD NOT EFFECTIVELY INTAIN A FIRM AND STABLE GOVERNMENT IN THE NEXT 13 YEARS?
/TO MAINTAIN........
THURSDAY, OCTOBEB 25, 1984
- 18 -
TO MAINTAIN STABILITY FOR 13 YEARS, HE SAID, WE MUST AVOID OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM FROM BEING WRECKED, GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE POWER FROM BEING UNDERMINED, POLICY PLANS FROM BEING ADVERSELY AFFECTED IN THEIR IMPLEMENTATION AND LAST BUT NOT THE LEAST WE MUST CHECK THE OUTBREAK OF ANY ECONOMIC CRISIS.
♦THUS, THE PRIMARY TASK OF THE GOVERNMENT FROM NOW ON IS TO ENSURE THAT NOTHING DISTURBS AND UPSETS THE STABILITY OF HONG KONG IN THE REMAINING 13 YEARS, WITHOUT WHICH ONE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND THE SMOOTH TRANSITION TO 1997,+ HE SAID.
+WE MUST INTRODUCE CHANGES IN THE POLITICAL SYSTEM, OTHERWISE IT WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT FOR US TO ADJUST TO THE NEW SITUATION AND EFFECT A SMOOTH TRANSITION IN 1997,+ HE SUGGESTED.
MEANWHILE, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD GUIDE THE PEOPLE TO TAKE UP ADMINISTRATIVE AND POLITICAL RESPONSIBILITIES AS WELL AS TO CULTIVATE THEIR INTEREST AND TRAIN UP THEIR ABILITIES IN THESE AREAS, HE SAID.
+THE BEST WAY TO DO SO IS TO ENLARGE MEMBERSHIP OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL INITIALLY THROUGH INDIRECT ELECTIONS AND TO INCREASE THE POWERS OF ITS COUNCILLORS.+
ON THE COMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, MR YEUNG SAID HE EARNESTLY HOPED ELECTORS WOULD MAKE AN ALL-OUT EFFORT TO RESPOND AND TO SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE.
HE SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THE ELECTIONS IN 1985 WOULD BE /.ELL SUPPORTED.
INTRODUCTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BILL WAS A WELL-CONCEIVED IDEA, AND HE OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE TO HOLD
MR YEUNG SAID THE (POWERS AND PRIVILEGES) ALSO WELCOMED THE MOVE
ITS HEARINGS OF EVIDENCE IN PUBLIC.
ON TMFTnNF°uAMnT SeFo EXAMINATION OF GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE WILL, ON THE ONE HAND, HELP REMEDY SHORTFALLS. AND ON THE OTHFft DEMONSTRATE JUSTICE AND IMPARTIALITY,* HE SAID. ’
MR YEUNG ALSO REGARDED GOVERNMENT’S MEASURES TO COPE WITH ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES AS WISE AND SENSIBLE. HE BELIEVED THE GOVERNMENT WOULD FOLLOW ITS SET POLICIES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE AND CARRY ON WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF VARIOUS SOCIAL PROGRAMMES AS LONG AS OUR ECONOMY KEPT ITS UPWARD TREND.
+OBVIOUSLY, HONG KONG IS HEADING TOWARDS A HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT,+ SAID.
/+THE VARIOUS........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
- 19 -
♦THE VARIOUS PLANS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAMMES GIVE US GLIMPSES OF A BRIGHT OUTLOOK.
+l AM CONVINCED THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO CARRY OUT THE PLANS EXTENSIVELY AND CONSISTENTLY.
+AS THERE WILL BE HURDLES TO OVERCOME, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SHOW GREATER COURAGE TO ACCEPT CHALLENGES AND JOIN HANDS WITH THE PEOPLE TO STRIVE FOR A PROSPEROUS FUTURE,+ HE SAID.
--------o----------
AVOID TAX INCREASES, SAYS KIM CHAM
*****
ANY INCREASE IN DIRECT TAXATION SHOULD BE AVOIDED AS THIS
■ IGHT CURB HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVE POWER BY MAKING THE RESTORATION CF CONFIDENCE AND THE STIMULATION OF INVESTMENTS MORE DIFFICULT, THE HON KIM CHAM SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
FOCUSSING ON THE LOCAL ECONOMY, MR CHAM SAID THE DYNAMICS A'. IMPACT OF THE ECONOMY’S RECOVERY WERE LARGELY CONCENTRATED I EXPORT SECTOR — COMPLEMENTED BY AN IMPRESSIVE EXPANSION OF CH IL-TRADE.
+ l HAVE JUST LEARNT FROM THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT IN T-iE THIRD QUARTER CHINA HAS MOVED UP TO BECOME OUR SECOND LARGES TRADING PARTNER.
+THIS EUPHORIC NOTE IS A SIGNAL THAT WE SHOULD, UNDER Tr£ PRESENT OFFICIAL POLICY OF FREE TRADE, FORGE EVEN CLOSER ECOy-TIES AND LINKAGE WITH CHINA, GIVEN ITS IMMENSE MARKET POTENTIAL,-^ HE SAID.
HE SAID HONG KONG’S CONTINUED GROWTH AS A FINANCIAL CENTRx HAD BEEN IMPRESSIVE AND HAD YIELDED SUBSTANTIAL BENEFITS.
STATISTICS OF 1982, HE SAID, SUGGESTED THAT SECTOR FEATURED A RELATIVELY HIGH RETURN FOR THE AS COMPARED WITH THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
THE FINANCE
INPUT OF LAEOU1'
. ।ki rAf-T THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE FINANCE INDUSTRY IS ALSO RECOGNISED ELSEWHERE TAIWAN HAD GRANTED PERMISSION FOR OFFSHORt. BANK ING JAPAN WAS ABOUT TO LIBERALISE ITS FINANCIAL MARKETS --LET ALONE SINGAPORE WHICH HAD LONG RECOGNISED THE CONTRIBUTION ur THIS SECTOR AND ACTIVELY SPONSORED ITS EXPANSION.
+IN ORDER TO MEET THE CHALLENGE OF INTENSIFYING COMPETITION FROM ABROAD, WE MUST SUSTAIN AND ACCENTUATE OUR EFFORTS TO EXPAND AND UPGRADE THIS SECTOR.
/+IM THIS........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
20 -
+IN THIS CONNECTION, HONG KONG MUST AIM AT DEVELOPING ITSELF INTO A REGIONAL FINANCIAL BASE,* HE SAID.
IN PARTICULAR, HE SAID, IT SHOULD SERVE TO SUPPORT CHINA *HICH MIGHT LACK THE INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS TO ACCOMMODATE SUCH FULL-SCALE CAPITALIST ACTIVITIES AS FINANCE.
+GIVEN THIS PROSPECT, IT IS IMPERATIVE FOR US TO ENSURE THAT OUR FINANCE SECTOR IS A WELL-REGULATED ONE WHICH CAN SECURE STRONG
VOTE OF INTERNATIONAL CONFIDENCE.*
MR CHAM CALLED FOR A MORE SUPPORTIVE ROLE BY THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE THE LUBRICATION OF HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL MARKET SC THAT ITS EFFICIENCY AND FUNCTIONING COULD BE MADE BETTER THAN IT WAS NOW.
HE ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY CF COMBINING THE SUPERVISORY FUNCTIONS OF THE THREE OFFICES OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR COMMODITIES TRADING, THE COMMISSIONER FOR BANKING AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES INTO ONE ADVISORY BODY.
+SUCH AN EXERCISE MIGHT BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE MORE CONVINCINGLY THAT THE FINANCIAL SECTOR COULD PROBABLY OPERATE MORE SMOOTHLY UNDER AN INTEGRATED AUTHORITY OF SUPERVISION OVER ALL THESE THREE ASPECTS,* HE SAID.
HE SAID HIS EXPECTATION WAS FOUNDED ON THE PRESENT TREND TOWARDS THE INTEGRATION OF FINANCIAL BUSINESS, WITH BANKS TRADING IN SECURITIES AND FINANCIAL FUTURES.
ON THE EXPECTED BUDGET DEFICIT OF $2.1 BILLION, MR CHAM SAID THAT GIVEN THE SMALL SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR BY INTERNATIONAL NORMS, THIS RED FIGURE COULD NOT B CONSIDERED EXCESSIVE IF IT DID NOT BECOME HABITUAL.
HE SAID THERE MIGHT BE MOUNTING PRESSURE TO BALANCE THE EUDG BUT DUE CARE HAD TO BE EXERCISED IN CHOOSING THE MEANS.
+AS A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE, WE MUST ENSURE THAT HONG KONG REMAINS ATTRACTIVE FOR INVESTMENT AND COMPETITIVE IN PRODUCTION.
+ABOVE ALL, WE MUST BEAR IN MIND THAT SINCE WE ARE NOW IN A CRITICAL PERIOD OF CONFIDENCE REBUILDING, ANY MOVES THAT ERODE OUR ATTRACTIVENESS AND COMPETITIVENESS MAY HAVE REPERCUSS 10. ON THE LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT OF OUR ECONOMY,* HE SAID.
WITH THE EXPORT-LED RECOVERY NOW UNDER WAY, MR CHAM SAID IT MIGHT BE PRUDENT TO EXERT AN AUSTERE CONTROL OVER PENDITURE AND CRADLE PATIENTLY THE RECOVERY PROCESS SO THAT IT MIGHT EXTEND EVENLY TO OTHER SECTORS.
+IF THE PRESENT ECONOMIC RECOVERY CONTINUES,* HE SAID, + IT IS POSSIBLE THAT BEFORE LONG ..E SHALL BE ABLE TC WITNESS A NATURAL INCREASE IN GOVERNMENT REVENUE AS A LAGGED BUT BUILT-IN E--ECT OF ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT,* HE SAID.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
21 -
CALL FOR CIVIC EDUCATION ADVISORY BODY * * * * *
A CIVIC EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE, COMPOSED OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, SHOULD BE SET UP TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT ON THE BASIC POLICY, IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE HON KEITH LAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+IN VIEW OF THE RELATIVELY LOW LEVEL OF POLITICAL AND CIVIC CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC, THE TARGETS FOR THE CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME SHOULD NOT BE CONFINED TO SCHOOL CHILDREN ALONE BUT SHOULD INCLUDE THE PUBLIC AT LARGE, AS WELL,* HE SAID.
IN REVIEWING DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNITY BUILDING, NR LAM SAID IT WAS HOPED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PAY MORE ATTENTION TO COMMUNITY CENTRE FACILITIES. COMMUNITY CENTRES WERE A MUST TO COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, AND WITHOUT THEM COMMUNITYBUILDING ACTIVITIES WOULD BE SOMEWHAT RESTRAINED.
+UNFORTUNATELY, THE LACK OF COMMUNITY CENTRES IS SOMETIMES NEITHER DUE TO THE LACK OF SUITABLE VENUES OR TECHNICAL PROBLEMS, NOR DUE TO FINANCIAL AND MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS, BUT PURELY BECAUSE THP AUTHORITIES CONCERNED HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO AGREE ON A FINAL RECOMMENDATION ON THE ’REQUISITE STANDARDS FOR COMMUNITY CENTRE FACILITIES’ AND THE ENTIRE PROCESS HAS BEEN DELAYED,* HE SAID.
IN THIS REGARD, MR LAM HOPED THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SPEED UP FORMULATION OF A FINAL RECOMMENDATION AND SUBMIT IT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
TURNING TO EDUCATION, HE CONSIDERED THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF FREE EDUCATION SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO FORM V.
IN ADDITION, SCHOOL PLACES COULD BE DIVIDED INTO T#O GROUPS AFTER FORM III — ONE GROUP TAKING UP PLACES IN THE ORDINARY GRAM SCHOOLS, AND THE OTHER TAKING PLACES IN INDUSTRIAL TRAINING OR VOCATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTES TO CATER FOR STUDENTS WITH DIFF.-.. INTERESTS OR NEEDS.
+AS SOME OF THE STUDENTS ARE KEEN ON FINDING A SOURCE OF I AND THEREFORE HAVE TO WORK, THE PROVISION OF FREE PART-TIME SCr PLACES WILL SUIT THEIR REQUIREMENTS BETTER,* HE SAID.
MR LAM FURTHER SUGGESTED HONG KONG SCHOOLS SHOULD START TO INTRODUCE PUTONGHUA AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN CHINESE LANGUAGE CLASSES +TO COPE WITH THE NEW SITUATION*.
+AS FOR OTHER SUBJECTS, THE TEACHING MEDIUM COULD BE DETER BY THE SCHOOLS THEMSELVES DEPENDING ON THEIR OWN SPcCIAL NE^lo,+ HE SAID.
/ON SOCIAL .......
THUHSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
22
ON SOCIAL WELFARE, MR LAM SAID THIS WAS NOT AN AREA OF CONCERN FOR GOVERNMENT OR THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ALONE. THE PUBLIC SHOULD ALSO BEAR PART OF THE RESPONSIBILITY.
+IT IS THEREFORE HOPED THAT COMMUNITY LEADERS WILL GIVE THEIR DUE SUPPORT AND CO-ORDINATION IN THIS RESPECT, AND GUIDE THE PUBLIC TO A CLOSER UNDERSTANDING OF THE UNFORTUNATE PEOPLE IN OUR MIDST, TREAT THEM WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION AND GIVE THEM SYMPATHY, ASSISTANCE AND CARE,* HE SAID.
NOTING THAT HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES WERE IN A TRANSITION FROM BEING +LABOUR INTENSIVE* TO +CAPITAL AND TECHNOLOGY INTENSIVE*, NR LAM SAID IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF EVENING SCHOOL PLACES IN INDUSTRIAL TRAINING INSTITUTIONS TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR DAY WORKERS TO ACQUIRE GREATER SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE OR SKILLS.
HE ALSO CALLED ON THE LABOUR SECTOR TO +KEEP THEIR HEADS COOL AND ALERT AND NOT TO BE HOAXED BY THE 'FREE LUNCH’ PROPAGANDA INTO MAKING UNREALISTIC DEMANDS*.
IT WAS ONLY WHEN SOCIETY, AS A WHOLE, THE STANDARD OF LIVING FOR INDIVIDUALS AND CORRESPONDINGLY RAISED.
BECAME AFFLUENT THAT FAMILIES WOULD BE
HE SAID HE SINCERELY HOPED HONG KONG PEOPLE WOULD HAVE THE INTERESTS OF THE WHOLE OF HONG KONG AT HEART, AND WORK STEADFASTLY TO BUILD A BRIGHT AND PROMISING FUTURE OF WHICH EACH AND EVERYONE WOULD FEEL PROUD.
- - - - 0 ----------
A CALL LEADERS WAS
TRAIN FUTURE LEADERS, SAYS CARL TONG * * *
FOR THE PROVISION OF TRAINING FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE MADE BY THE HON CARL TONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR TONG LIKENED HONG KONG TO A COMPANY AND STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE IN +HONG KONG INCORPORATED’S* MANAGEMENT.
+1 BELIEVE THAT. AS IN BUSINESS, WHERE MANAGEMENT IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE, WE MUST PUT EMPHASIS ON PROVIDING TRAINING FOR OUR FUTURE LEADERS,* HE SAID.
IN THIS CONNECTION HE FULLY SUPPORTED THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENTS ON THE FINE RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS IN iHEIR FIRST THREE YEARS.
Ait follows
THUSSBAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
+ IT FOLLOWS THAT THEY SHOULD BE GIVEN AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT ROLE IN GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION,* MR TONG SAID.
THE DISTRICT BOARDS HAD PROVED TO BE AN EXCELLENT TRAINING GROUND FOR FUTURE LEADERS.
HE SINCERELY HOPED THAT MORE PEOPLE WOULD TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE AND TAKE PART IN RUNNING FOR THE NEXT DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN MARCH, 1985.
HE POINTED OUT THAT STATISTICS ON THE 1982 ELECTIONS HAD SHOWN OVER 50 PER CENT OF ELECTED MEMBERS WERE IN BUSINESS AND MOST WERE EITHER SELF-EMPLOYED OR IN PARTNERSHIP.
TO PROVIDE A BALANCE, MR TONG BELIEVED THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROVIDE MORE POSITIVE INCENTIVES TO EMPLOYERS WHO ALLOWED EMPLOYEES TO SERVE ON DISTRICT BOARDS.
+FOR EXAMPLE, THE GOVERNMENT MAY CONSIDER GIVING SOME FORM OF SPECIAL TAX ALLOWANCE TO THOSE EMPLOYERS WHO SUPPORT AN EMPLOYEE SERVING ON A DISTRICT BOARD,* HE SAID.
+SIMILARLY, SUCH ALLOWANCE MAY BE CONSIDERED FOR EMPLOYEES SERVING ON THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL,* HE SAID.
MR TONG SAID WE SHOULD ALSO ENSURE THAT OUR CITIZENS wERE PROPERLY EDUCATED ABOUT THE FUNCTIONING OF OUR GOVERNMENT.
+WI TH THIS IN MIND, I AM DELIGHTED TO HEAR THAT PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE HEARINGS WILL SOON BE IN PUBLIC.
+THIS IS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION TOWARDS A MORE DEMOCRAT!; GOVERNMENT.
+1 HOPE TO SEE OTHER KEY COMMITTEES, SUCH AS THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, OPEN THEIR PROCEEDINGS TO THE PUBLIC IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE,* HE SAID.
MR TONG SAID THE WORLD WAS CLOSELY MONITORING HONG KONG’S PERFORMANCE SO WE MUST NOT DO ANYTHING TO DAMPEN THE ENTHUSIASM OF POTENTIAL INVESTORS.
+MOREOVER, WE MUST NOT DO ANYTHING THAT MAY WORRY EXISTING INVESTORS AND GIVE THEM SECOND THOUGHTS ABOUT KEEPING THEIR INVESTMENTS IN HONG KONG.
+ 1 BELIEVE THAT ONE OF THE ’DO NOTS’ IS TAMPERING v. I TH OUR TAX SYSTEM UNNECESSARILY.
/+F0B EXAMPLE........
THURSDAY, OCTOBBR 25, 1984
+FOR EXAMPLE, THERE ARE SEVERAL PROVISIONS IN THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE WHICH I UNDERSTAND ARE CAUSING WIDESPREAD CONCERN AMONG THE BUSINESS AND INVESTING COMMUNITY,*
HE SAID.
FIRST, THERE WAS CONCERN THAT AND SALARIES WOULD BE GRADUALLY ON TwO PER CENT INCREASE IMPOSED LAST ONLY A BEGINNING.
THE RATE OF TAXATION ON PROFITS THE INCREASE AND THAT THE YEAR ON BOTH THESE TAXES WAS
SECONDLY, THE PROVISIONS WHICH IMPOSED RESTRICTIONS ON THE TREATMENT OF INTEREST PAYMENTS, AND THAT OF INCLUDING OFFSHORE INTEREST INCOME DERIVED BY NON-FINANCI AL INSTITUTIONS IN THE TAX NET, HAD BOTH ALARMED BUSINESSMEN AND INVESTORS.
MR TONG WARNED THAT THESE CONCERNS COULD DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD TO CONFIDENCE.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
- 25 -
ASSURANCES ABOUT EDUCATION * * * *
SYSTEM WELCOMED
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION THE SINO-BRITISH DRAFT AGREEMENT RELAT
HAVE WELCOMED ASSURANCES IN ING TO EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
AT THE BOARD’S REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING HELD EARLIER THIS WEEK, MEMBERS EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE ASSURANCES CONTAINED IN SECTION X OF ANNEX I WOULD BE ENSHRINED IN THE BASIC LAW YET TO BE DRAFTED.
+THE SECTION PROVIDES A SOUND BASIS FOR HONG KONG TO CONTINUc. TO EVOLVE AND DEVELOP AN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM WHICH WILL ENSURE THAT WUL.TIOH WILL HAVE THE SKILLS AND EXPERTISE REQUIRED TO ENABL-. tuc TERRITORY TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE ITS POSITION IN THu FIERCELY COMPETITIVE ECONOMIC AND TRADING ENVIRONMENT WI TH IN WHICH HONG KONG OPERATES,* THE BOARD’S CHAIRMAN, MR PETER C. WONG, SAID.
- - 0 ---------
TIN SHU I WAI PROJECT STARTS SOON *****
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO HONG KONG’S AMBITIOUS HOUSING PROGRAMME IN THE EARLY 199O’S WILL BE THE TIN SHUI WAI NEW TOWN PROJECT, YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JAMES WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE WAS BRIEFING A TRADE AND ECONOMIC DELEGATION FROM GUANGDONG, LED BY MR ZHANG FENG, ADVISER OF THE GUANGDONG ECONOMIC WORK COMMISSION, WHEN THEY TOURED YUEN LONG TO LOOK AT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE TIN SHUI WAI PROJECT IS A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND MIGHTY CITY LIMITED.
MR WILSON SAID: +THIS PROJECT WILL PROVIDE A FIRM: BASE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION, EXTENDING INTO THE NEXT CENTURY, CONTRIBUTING TO THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF THE NORTH-WEST NEW TERRITORIES REGION.
+ THERE WILL BE ABOUT 135 OOO PEOPLE LIVING IN TIN SHUI WAI — HALF IN PUBLIC HOUSING AND HOME OWNERSHIP ESTATES, AND THE REMAINDER IN PRIVATE HOUSING.
+THERE ARE ALSO PROVISIONS FOR POSSIBLE EXPANSION IN THE . NORTHERN PART OF THE AREA TO HOUSE 340 000 OR EVEN 680 000 PEOPLE.*
/THE NSW........
THUHSMY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
- 26 -
THE NEW TOWN WILL HAVE A FULL RANGE OF GOVERNMENT, COMMUNITY AND COMMERCIAL FACILITIES, WHICH WILL BENEFIT NEWCOMERS AS WELL AS EXISTING RESIDENTS OF NEARBY VILLAGES AT PING SHAN AND HA TSUEN.
+A WIDE RANGE OF MAJOR IMPROVEMENT WORKS WHICH WILL BE BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE TIN SHUI WAI PROJECT WILL ALSO BENEFIT VILLAGES IN THE SURROUNDING AREAS,+ MR WILSON SAID.
♦HISTORICALLY, THE AREA IS VULNERABLE TO FLOODS DURING HEAVY RAINS BECAUSE IT IS A LOW-LYING AREA, BUT THERE ARE PROPOSALS TO BUILD A NEW DRAINAGE SYSTEM AND TO DEVELOP A flood protection scheme.
♦IMPROVEMENTS WILL ALSO BE MADE TO EXISTING ROADS TO ALLOW BETTER ACCESS TO VILLAGES IN THE AREA.+
SINCE THE NEW TOWN WILL BE BUILT ON LOW-LYING LAND CURRENTLY OCCUPIED BY FISHPONDS, IT IS PROPOSED TO FILL THE SITE TO A LEVEL HIGHER THAN POTENTIAL FLOOD LEVELS.
VARIOUS SOURCES OF FILL HAVE BEEN INVESTIGATED, INCLUDING ARINE FILL FROM DEEP BAY AND THE PEARL RIVER ESTUARY AS WELL AS LAND FILL FROM LOCAL BORROW AREAS.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMMISSIONED AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT TO EXAMINE THE VARIOUS SOURCES OF FILL AND THE METHODS OF OPERATIONS.
♦ THE PURPOSE IS TO ASSESS THE ENVIRONMENTAL,SOCI AL AND ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF VARIOUS ALTERNATIVES AND TO RECOMMEND WAYS TO MINIMISE ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS ON CHANGES IDENTIFIED,* frR WILSON SAID.
♦ PARTICULAR AREAS BEING LOOKED AT INCLUDE NOISE POLLUTION AND THE ECOLOGY OF OYSTERS AND BIRD LIFE IN DEEP BAY.
♦ TO ENSURE THAT THE HOUSING PROGRAMME IS NOT DELAYED, WORK ON THE TIN SHUI WAI PROJECT HAS TO START NOW, BEGINNING WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MAJOR DRAINAGE CULVERT WHICH IS THE FIRST STAGE OF THE FLOOD PREVENTION SCHEME.
♦WORK WILL COMMENCE IN ABOUT TWO MONTHS ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ACCESS ROAD TO THE SITE FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR HUNG SHUI K|U,+ HE ADDED.
FILLING OF THE SITE IS EXPECTED TO START IN MID-1986. INITIALLY LAND WILL BE FORMED FOR THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT AND THE ADJACENT MAIN DRAINAGE CHANNEL WILL BE CONSTRUCTEJ.
A FURTHER LAND BANK AREA TO THE NORTH OF THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT ZONE MAY BE FORMED AT A LATER DATE TO CATER FOR POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL EXPANSION.
THE DELEGATION WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LIGHT Rail transit system, the proposal for The YUEN iJNG-TUEN MUN CORRIDOR, AND THE DESIGN OF YUEN LONG TOWN.
-----0----------
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 19&4
- 27 -
SEPTEMBER PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED ******
' / j \ f !
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN SEPTEMBER 1984 ROSE BY 28 PER CENT OR $2 749 MILLION OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR TO REACH $12 414 MILLION, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURcS PUBLISHED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS. DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ALSO INCREASED, BY 41 PER CENT OR $2 074 MILLION, TO $7 142 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS — DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS REEXPORTS — AT $19 556 MILLION, WAS 33 PER CENT OR $4 823 MILLION HIGHER THAN A YEAR AGO.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS $18 587 MILLION IN SEPTEMBER 1984, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 20 PER CENT OR $3 093 MILLION OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS GREATER THAN THAT OF IMPORTS, THE VISIBLE TRADE ACCOUNT RECORDED A SURPLUS OF $969 MILLION.
PUTTING THE MONTH’S TRADE FIGURES INTO CONTEXT, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1984 WAS $160 470 MILLION, MADt UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $101 888 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $58 582 MILLION.
COMPARED WITH THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1983, THE VALUc OF TOThi. EXPORTS HAD INCREASED BY $49 219 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT, DOMESTI-MILLION OR 40 PER CENT, AND RE-EXPORTS BY 52 PER CENT. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS HAD INCREAS OR 34 PER CENT, TO $163 072 MILLION.
EXPORTS BY $29 253 $19 966 MILLION OR BY $41 202 MILLION
n
AS THE GROWTH RATE OF THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS wAS MUCH FASTER THAN THAT OF IMHORTS, THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP HAD NARROWED TO 2 PER CENT IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1984, FROM 9 PER CcNT IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
COMMENTING ON THESE COMPARATIVE FIGURES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT SEPTEMBER 1984 WAS THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE MONTH IN WHICH A VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS WAS RECORDED AND THAT THE THIRD QUARTER SURPLUS WAS THE FIRST QUARTERLY SURPLUS IN SEVEN YEARS.
HOWEVER, HE NOTED THAT THE GROWTH RATES OF THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, RE-EXRQRTS AND IMPORTS HAD ALL SLOWED DOWN IN RECENT MONTHS, DUE PRIMARILY TO THE SUBSTANTIAL RECOVERY IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1983.
THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT THIS TREND WILL CONTINUE FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER 1984s-
■RjLDS figures......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
- 28 -
TRADE FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER, 1984
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS RELEASED THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER:-
MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS
RE-EXPORTS
TOTAL EXPORTS
IMPORTS
TRADE BALANCE
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
LATEST 3 MONTHS JULY-SEPTEMBER 1984
$ MN. 39 248
DOMESTIC EXPORTS
RE-EXPORTS 21 350
TOTAL EXPORTS 60 598
IMPORTS 57 517
TRADE BALANCE + 3 081
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR SEPTEMBER 1984
$ MN. 12 414 (63.5%)
DEMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS)
RE-EXPORTS 7 142
TOTAL EXPORTS 19 556
•IMPORTS 18 587
TRADE BALANCE + 969
: $12 414 MILLION
: $ 7 142 MILLION
: 319 556 MILLION
: $18 587 MILLION
: $ 969 MILLION (IN SURPLUS)
JULY-SEPTEMBER 1983 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. %
29 475 + 9 773 + 33.2
14 640 + 6 713 + 45.8
44 115 +16 483 +37.4
45 795 +11 722 +25.<
- 1 680 + 4 761
SEPTEMBER INCREASE OF
1983 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN.
9 665 (65.6%) + 2 749 +2-
5 068 + 2 074 ♦ 4 .
14 733 + 4 823 + 32.7
15 494 + 3 093 + LJ. )
761 + 1 733
/last month
THU3SDAY, OCTOBEH 25, 1984
LAST MONTH SEPTEMBER 1984 AUGUST 1984 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. S MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (96 OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 12 414 (63.596) 13 739 (65.796) - 1 325 - 9.6.
RE-EXPORTS 7 142 7 171 29 - 0.4
TOTAL EXPORTS 19 556 20 910 - 1 354 - 6.5
IMPORTS 18 587 19 126 - 539 - 2.8
TRADE BALANCE + 969 + 1 784 - 815
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JAN.-SEPTEMBER 1984 JAN.-SEPTEMBER 1983 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. 101 888 (63.596) $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (96 OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 72 635 (65.396) + 29 253 + 40.3
RE-EXPORTS 58 582 ■ 38 616 + 19 966 + 51. ■
TOTAL EXPORTS 160 470 111 251 + 49 219 * A'*..-
IMPORTS 163 072 121 870 + 41 202 + 33-
TRADE BALANCE - 2 602 - 10 619 + 8 017
LAST 12 MONTHS OCTOBER 1983 TO SEPTEMBER 1984 OCTOBER 1982 TO SEPTEMBER 1983 INCREASE Ob DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. 5 MN.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 133 659 95 243 + 38 416 + 4
RE-EXPORTS 76 260 50 654 + 25 636 + 5O.t
TOTAL EXPORTS 209 919 145 897 * 64 322 +43.9
IMPORTS 216 644 160 326 + 56 318 + 35. 1
TRADE BALANCE - 6 725 - 14 42° + 7 734
-----o------
/30
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1034 .
“ 30 "
UK MEDICAL GROUP VISITING HK
* * * *
A GROUP OF OFFICIALS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY (DHSS) IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, HEADED BY DR E.L. HARRIS, THE DEPUTY CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, ARE IN HONG KONG ON A THREE-DAY VISIT.
THE GROUP HAD EARLIER BEEN TO CHINA FOR DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED PLANS FOR CO-OPERATION IN MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH.
DR HARRIS AND HIS PARTY ARRIVED IN HONG KONG ON TUESDAY BY TRAIN AND wERE MET BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES (HEALTH SERVICES AND PLANNING), DR S.H. LEE.
YESTERDAY THE GROUP MET THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG.
DR HARRIS TOLD THE DIRECTOR THAT HE AND HIS GROUP WERE GREATLY IMPRESSED WITH THE GENERAL LEVEL OF HEALTH OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND WITH MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
TODAY THE VISITORS WERE TAKEN ON A TOUR OF TWO OF THE DEPARTMENT’S CLINICS AND THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL IN SHA TIN.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE GROUP ARE: MRS HARRIS; MRS A.A. POOLc, CHIEF NURSING OFFICER; DR R.M. OLIVER, HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL HtALTi, DHSS, AND HEAD OF HEALTH AND POPULATION DIVISION TO THE OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION OF THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE.; AND MR G.C.M. LUPTON, ASSISTANT SECRETARY IN THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DIVISION OF DHSS.
-----o------
EEC MAKES ’CALL’ ON CAT 86
* * *
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY HAS MADE AN EXPORT AUTHORISATION (EA) CALL ON CATEGORY 86 IN RESPECT OF EXPORTS TO THE U.K.
THE PRODUCTS UNDER THIS CATEGORY ARE: CORSETS, CORSET-EELTo, SUSPENDER-BELTS, BRACES, SUSPENDERS, GARTERS AND THE LIKE (INCLUDING SUCH ARTICLES OF KNITTED OR CROCHETED FABRIC), OTHER THAN BRASSIERES, WHETHER OR NOT ELASTIC.
PENDING CONSULTATIONS WITH THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, THE DEPARTMENT HAS SUSPENDED THE ISSUE OF FURTHER EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS FOR THIS CATEGORY AS FROM 8.45 AM TODAY.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL, HOWEVER, CONTINUE TO ISSUE EXPORT LICE CES FOR THIS CATEGORY AGAINST VALID EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS AP OVED PRIOR TO THE SUSPENSION.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
- 31 "
CENTRE PRAISED FOR SEAMEN TRAINING * * * *
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION IMO), MR C.P. SRIVASTAVA, TODAY COMMENDED THE SEAMEN’S TRAINING TEMPORARY CENTRE OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC) AT LITTLc SAI wAN FOR THE HIGH STANDARD OF TRAINING IT OFFERED TO LOCAL SEAMEN.
MR SRIVASTAVA WAS PAYING AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE CENTRE THIS MORNING, ACCOMPANIED BY MR MORRIS MORGAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE VTC, AND MR FRANK CHAO, CHAIRMAN OF THE MERCHANT NAVY TRAINING BOARD.
HE SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED COURSES, AND THE HIGH QUALITY THE CENTRE.
BY THE EFFICIENT RUNNING OF THE OF TRAINING STAFF AND FACILITIES AT
HE IS VISITING HONG KONG TO LOOK 0VER FACILITIES AVAILABLE LOCALLY, SO AS TO ENABLE HONG KONG SEAMEN J? MEET REQUIREMENTS CF THE IMO’S CONVENTION OF STANDARD OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS, 1978 (STCW).
THE CONVENTION, MAKES IT MANDATORY FOR WATCHKEEPING RATINGS TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE QUALIFYING THEM TO TAKE UP NAVIGATIONAL AND ENGINE ROOM WATCHKEEPING DUTIES ON BOARD SHIP.
+SINCE THE OPENING OF THE CENTRE IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, ABOUT 500 SEAMEN HAVE COMPLETED THE S,X"WEEK TRAIN!NG COUFSc A ij OBTAINED THE NECESSARY CERTIFICATES TO ENABLE THEM TO CONTINUE IN THEIR EMPLOYMENT,+ MR MORGAN SAID.
MR SRIVASTAVA SAID THAT THE IMO WOULD SUPPORT THE VTC’8 PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A PERMANENT SEAMEN’S TRAINING CENTRE In HONG KONG, IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN ITS ROLE AS A MAJOR SHIPPING OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT CENTRE IN THE WORLD.
ESTABLISHED IN 1958, THE IMO IS WELL ESTABLISHED AS A *ORLL FORUM FOR TECHNICAL MATTERS CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY OF oHIPPING AND THE PREVENTION OF MARINE POLLUTION FROM SHIPS. ITs HEADQUaRTcRs ARE IN LONDON.
-----o-----
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984 '
INTELPOST EXTENDED TO BRAZIL * * *
PROM TUESDAY (OCTOBER 30), INTELPOST (INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONIC POST) NETWORK FROM HONG KONG WILL BE EXTENDED TO BRAZIL, A POST CFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY.
+INTELPOST ITEMS POSTED IN HONG KONG BEFORE 6 PM WOULD BE DELIVERED THE SAME DAY IN SAO PAULO, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRASILIA AND 20 OTHER CITIES. ITEMS FOR OTHER AREAS IN BRAZIL WOULD BE DELIVERED ON THE NEXT WORKING DAY,+ HE SAID.
+INTELPOST IS IDEAL FOR SENDING URGENTLY NEEDED LETTERS, REPORTS, CHARTS, DRAWINGS, QUOTATIONS OR CONTRACTS NOT ONLY TO BRAZIL BUT TO 15 OTHER COUNTRIES INCLUDING THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE UNITED STATES.
+THE DOCUMENTS, WHICH ARE HANDLED WITH CARE AND CONFIDENTIALITY,-. ARE SCANNED, CONVERTED INTO HIGH SPEED ELECTRONIC IMPULSES .■
AND TRANSMITTED DIRECT TO THE RECEIVING STATION IN THE DISTANT COUNTRY,+ HE SAID. • ’
THE COPY SENT FROM HONG KONG IS ENVELOPED AND DELIVERED
IN BRAZIL TO THE ADDRESSEE BY SPECIAL MESSENGER OR NORMAL POST OFFICE SERVICES DEPENDING ON THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SENDER.
ALTERNATIVELY, ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE FOR COLLECTION FROM A POST OFFICE.
THE CHARGE FOR THE SERVICE TO BRAZIL WILL BE:-
FOR THE FIRST SIDE OF AN A4 SHEET OF PAPER
$70
FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT A4 SIDE SENT TO
THE SAME ADDRESSEE AT THE SAME TIME $35
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT INTELPOST IS ALSO AVAILABLE TO THE -------------------------------------------- BELGIUM,
UNITED KINGDOM, UNITED STATES, ARGENTINA, AUSTRALIA.
FRANCE, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE REPUBLIC OF KORt^ LUXEMBOURG, MACAU, MALAYSIA, THE NETHERLANDS, PORTUGAL, QAiAR, AND SWEDEN.
+INTELPOST IS ALREADY ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST PUBLIC <
ELECTRONIC MAIL SERVICES, AND IT IS STILL GROWING FAST,* HE
PEOPLE WISHING TO USE THE SERVICE SHOULD HAND OVER THEIR DOCUMENTS AT EITHER THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLAC^, OR THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AT 10 MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM £
SHA TSUI. THOSE WITH FACSIMILE MACHINES IN THEIR OFFICES CAN ...
ARRANGE TO TRANSMIT THEIR ITEMS DIRECT TO THE POST CCFIC£ INTcLP'joT TERMINAL IN THE GENERAL POST OFFICE.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM ~ INTELPOST ,
REPRESENTATIVE ON TELEPHONE 5-2671146.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
- 33 ’
DB TO DISCUSS BUILDING MANAGEMENT SCHEME * * * *
THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS WHETHER A RECENT PILOT SCHEME ON MULTI-STOREY BUILDING MANAGEMENT SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO OTHER MISMANAGED BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE SCHEME, COMPLETED RECENTLY, WAS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE FURTHER DETERIORATION OF SEVERAL PRIVATE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS WHETHER TWO SUB-COMMITTEES SHOULD BE FORMED TO CONDUCT AND CO-ORDINATE THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN AND THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.
THEY WILL ALSO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE WHITE PAPER ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE AND WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE LATEST SITUATION OF THE TSIM SHA TSUI EAST TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE REVIEW OF THE BOARD FUNDS, PROGRESS REPORTS ON COMPLAINTS LODGED WITH BOARD MEMBERS, THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND VARIOUS COMMITTEE REPORTS.
- - 0-----------
70 MEN, WOMEN IN MARTIAL ARTS FINALS K M M M
THE FINALS OF THE CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS SELF-ATTAINMENT AwaR.. COMPETITION WILL BE HELD AT THE MACPHERSON STADIUM, MONG KO* d SATURDAY EVENING.
MORE THAN 70 MEN AND WOMEN FINALISTS WILL COMPETE IN Fvuk DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES. AND SEVEN TEAMS WILL DEMONSTRATE .ri=. H SKILLS IN THE FINALS OF GROUP PERFORMANCE.
THEY WERE SELECTED FROM 350 PARTICIPANTS WHO TOOK PART IN THE SEMI-FINALS HELD LAST SUNDAY.
WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELI AT ABOUT 9.30 PM AT THE SAME PLACE.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS _ ASSOCIATION, MR LAM KIN-MING HAS BEEN INVITED TO OFFICIATE THE CEREMONY AND THE CHIEF RECREATION AND SPORT OFF ICER (oPur. i -MR RAYMOND CHAN WILL MAKE A *.ELCO-. I.'t
DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICE), SPEECH.
THE EVENT IS JOINTLY SERVICE OF THE RECREATION KONG CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS
ORGANISED BY THE RECREATIC AND SPGRTj AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND TU:E HONG ASSOCIATION.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
34
FIRE OFFICERS HOLDING RELAY RACE
* * *
SOME 150 OFFICERS AND MEN, AS WELL AS CIVILIAN STAFF OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE PART IN THE DEPARTMENT S ANNUAL PEAK RELAY RACE ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG FIRE COMMAND AT 3 pM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE RACE WILL START FROM HARLECH ROAD, NEAR THE PEAK CAFE, AND FINISH AT THE SAME PLACE.
EACH TEAM WILL BE MADE UP OF FIVE RUNNERS WHO WILL EACH HAVE TO COMPLETE A RUN OF 3.5 KILOMETRES AROUND THE PEAK.
THE ACTING DIRECTOR START OFF THE RELAY RACE WINNERS.
OF FIRE SERVICES, MR JOHN MARCH, WILL AND PRESENT TROPHIES AND BANNERS TO
-----0------
VARIETY SHOW HEADS MONG KOK FESTIVAL * * * * *
A VARIETY SHOW ENTITLED +MUSIC FROM THE COMMUNITY*, wILl BE HELD AT THE CHAN HING SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRE TOMORROW (FWIuaY) TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL AND SR'. -.T FESTIVAL.
IT WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL AMATEUR SINGERS.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRI; WIGGHAM, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY. ALSO PRESENT * ILL Bb THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LAM KI -• AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG.
-----0 ---------
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1934
35 -
TSUEN WAN HOLDING +ROAD SAFETY NIGHT+ * * * * *
THE
SHA TSUI
THE CAMPAIGN
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY NIGHT WILL BE HELD AT ROAD PLAYGROUND TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
c’/cmt ic tup HIGHLIGHT OF THE DISTRICT’S ROAv SAFtT< JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE',
AND THE POLICE.
THE PROGRAMME, STARTING AT 6 PM W ILL I^LUDE A CHILDREN^ ^r«INRoSMsl?E{;0?A™or?.RSI5EL.ho rM?RN?A“ADBSAFETY TOWN.
MR D.J. GALLOWAY;
tup DISTRICT OFFICER MR ANGUS MUI; THE DISTRICT COMMANDER, THE_DISTR!CT OFFICER> ™ OFFICER OF TRAFFIC POLICE-NE* TCRRiTORIES^'D.G. ROBINSON, .ILL OFFICIATE AT AN OPENING
AT AN OPENING
CEREMONY AT 8 PM.
-----0------
NEW MAXICAB
SERV ICE IN WONG TA I * * *
SIN
A NEW MAX I CAB SERVICE SHAN (LOK CHING HOUSE) AND TUESDAY (OCTOBER 30).
WILL WONG
THE SERVICE, NO. 37M, WILL AT A FARE OF 80 CENTS.
START RUNNING BETWEEN TSZ WAR TAI SIN MTR STATION FROM RUN EVERY TWO MINUTES,
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SA ID THAT^T^AVOI WASTEFUL COMPETITION, AND TO PROVIDE A COMMUTERS IN THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS SERVICE FOR THE LOCAL^^ AFFECTED WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT, THE E oc_arranGED AND WILL START BY THE NEW TAXICAB ROUTE WILL BE RE-ARRANGE^AN^ OPERATING ON THE SAME DAY. R^||MENI u OF THE TRANSPORT MenT^tIe“S^^TaI^I^^^K^OFFICE ANO THE PLB OPERATORS CONCERNED.
BUSsmB”8 “
TO FACILITATE THE OPERATION OF I EH Ov
NEW PLB STANDS WILL BE DESI1 -PASS ROAD (SOUTH OF LUNG CHEUNG r. -• ■
PLB SERVICES,
-T, ShA TIN HOM CENTRAL
ROAD.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984 '
- 36 -
SEMINAR ON DRUG ABUSE FOR TEACHERS * * *
A SEMINAR ON DRUG ABUSE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF SOCIAL STUDIES AND ETHICAL AND MORAL EDUCATION, WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 29 AT THE THEATRE, MAY HOUSE, ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, ARSENAL STREET, HONG KONG, FROM 2 PM TO 4.30 PM.
THE SEMINAR IS ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY.
THE AIMS OF THE SEMINAR ARE TO ACQUAINT TEACHERS WITH THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE DRUG PROBLEM IN HONG KONG, TO EXPLORE EFFECTIVE WAYS OF EDUCATING PUPILS ON THE PROBLEM OF DRUG ABUSE AND TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR TEACHERS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE TALKS, SLIDE SHOWS, DISCUSSION AND A TOUR OF THE NARCOTICS BUREAU MUSEUM.
OWING TO LIMITED SEATING CAPACITY, ACCEPTANCE TO THE SEMINAR WILL BE ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
SCHOOL HEADS WISHING TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO ATTEND SHOULD SEND THEIR COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, RELIGIOUS - ETHICAL EDUCATION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 5/F., LEE GARDENS, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOVEMBER 10.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 5-8392483.
- - - - 0 ----------
ARTS COUNCIL LOOKING FOR LOGO
* * *
THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL IS NOW LOOKING FOR A LOGO TO ENHANCE ITS IMAGE.
A DESIGN COMPETITION HAS BEEN LAUNCHED TO FIND A LOGO WHICH CAN REFLECT THE WORK OF THE COUNCIL AS WELL AS SHOW THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DISTRICT.
ALL DESIGNS SHOULD BE DRAWN ON A WHITE DRAWING PAPER MEASURING 30 CM BY 30 CM, AND NOT MORE THAN THREE COLOURS SHOULD BE USED FOR EACH DESIGN.
PEOPLE TAKING PART IN THE COMPETITION SHOULD PUT THE IP NAME, SEX, AGE, ADDRESS, TELEPHO'.; NUMBER AND IDENT TY CARD NUMBER AT THE BACK THE DRAWING.
/THSaC AjiE......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1984
THERE ARE NO RESTRICTIONS ON THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES, WHICH SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AT 383-886 KING’S ROADl OR ITS SUB-OFFICES IN CAUSEWAY BAY, SHAU KEI WAN AND CHAI WAN BY NOVEMBER 19.
ENTRIES WILL BE JUDGED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE ARTS COUNCIL.
INFORMATION LEAFLETS ON THE COMPETITION ARE AVAILABLE AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
- - 0 - -
MOVING OFFICE * * X
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT OFFICE mILL MOVE TOMORROW (FRIDAY), TO THE GROUND FLOOR OF GUARDIAN HOUSE, AT 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE UNIT WILL BE AS FOLLOWS: 5-732484’, AND 5-756521, EXT. 265.
- 0 - -
GLOUCESTER ROAD FLYOVER OPENS * * X
THE NEW GLOUCESTER ROAD FLYOVER LEADING FROM GLOUCESTER -NORTHBOUND TO VICTORIA PARK ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE OPENED TC TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 29).
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SECTION OF GLOUCESTER ROAD NORTHBOUND, NORTH OF KINGSTON STREET, WILL BE RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC.
NORTHBOUND VEHICLES FROM TAI HANG ROAD FLYOVER MAY USE THE NEW FLYOVER TO GO TO CENTRAL OR THE RE-OPENED GLOUCESTER ROh-SECTION TO OTHER PARTS OF CAUSEWAY BAY, BUT THEY WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT INTO KINGSTON STREET.
THE NEW FLYOVER WILL BE PROHIBITED TO CYCLISTS '.O PE' EoTr. I AND NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOP PASSENGER. IP GrODS.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1^84
- 38 -
SEA WATER PUMPING FACILITIES * * *
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A SI.5 TwO PUMP SETS FOR A SEA WATER
OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT MILLION CONTRACT FOR PROVIDING PUMPING STATION IN TUEN MUN.
LOCATED AT THE EASTERN TIP OF THE RECLAMATION AT CASTLc PEAK BAY. THE 2OO-SQUARE-METRE PUMPING STATION WILL SUPPLY SEA WATER TO THE TUEN MUN CULTURAL COMPLEX UNDER CONSTRUCTION
IN THE CENTRE OF THE NEW TOWN.
WORK, EXPECTED TO INCLUDES THE PROVISION
TAKE SEVEN MONTHS TO COMPLETE, OF VENTILATION AND FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS
AND
ELECTRICAL FIXING FOR THE STATION.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STATEMENT BY SIR GEOFFREY HOWE ................................... 1
HK-CHINA FERRY TERMINAL SITE OFFERED ............................. 5
PRIVATE FORESHORE LEASE GRANT PLANNED ............................ 3
ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED TO BUILDINGS ............................. 4
IDB'S DECISIONS ON ELECTRONICS REPORT ............................ 6
WCRK TO START CM BBC STATION SITE ................................ 7
WOMEN REMINDED ABOUT IDENTITY CARDS .............................. 7
NEW KCR BOARD MEMBER NAMED ....................................... 8
MP'S TO MEET PRESS ............................................... 8
BUS TERMINUS AT MARBLE ROAD....................................... 8
MORE HOUSING PLANNED FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE .......................... 9
NEED FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK SAFETY STRESSED ....................... 9
LIBRARY FOR MONG KOK DISTRICT ................................... 10
A
WORK LIKE OLYMPIC ATHLETES, NEW FIREMEN TOLD .................... 11
SUNDAY FORUM AT SHA TIN ......................................... 12
BADMINTON SCHEME, ARCHERY SEMINAR OFFERED ....................... 12
PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY FOR JORDAN ROAD ............................... 13
SUMMER AQUATIC COURSES END ...................................... 1^
CHILDREN'S BOOKS ON SHOW ........................................ 1^
FRESH, SALT WATER MAINS WORKS ................................... 15
FIRING PRACTICE WARNING
15
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1934
1
STATEMENT BY SIR GEOFFREY HOWE *****
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT WAS GIVEN BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS LAST (THURSDAY) NIGHT (HONG KONG TIME).
HONG KONG AGREEMENT
+l WILL, WITH PERMISSION, MR SPEAKER, MAKE A STATEMENT ON DEVELOPMENTS DURING THE RECESS IN THE NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
+DURING MY DISCUSSIONS IN PEKING WITH CHINESE LEADERS IN LATE JULY, I WAS ABLE TO RESOLVE MOST OF THE MAJOR ISSUES OUTSTANDING IN THE NEGOTIATIONS. I GAVE A PROGRESS REPORT IN A STATEMENT IN HONG KONG ON AUGUST 1: COPIES OF THAT STATEMENT WERE PLACED IN THE LIBRARY OF THE HOUSE ON THE SAME DAY.
+NEGOTI AT IONS CONTINUED ON THE REMAINING UNRESOLVED ISSUES AND WERE BROUGHT TO A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION ON SEPTEMBER 22. AS A RESULT, A DRAFT AGREEMENT, CONSISTING OF A JOINT DECLARATION^ AND THREE ANNEXES, WAS INITIALLED ON SEPTEMBER 26 BY THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR IN PEKING AND THE CHINESE VICE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS MR ZHOU NAN. IT WAS PUBLISHED ON THE SAME DAY IN A WHITE PAPER IN LONDON AND HONG KONG AND LAID BEFORE THE HOUSE.
+1 SHOULD LIKE TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF THE HOUSE TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT FEATURES OF THE DRAFT AGREEMENT:
THIS
BINDING IN ALL ITS PARTS
IT CONSTITUTES A FORMAL INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT, LEGALLY BINDING IN ALL ITS PARTS. THIS IS THE HIGHEST FORM C-COMMITMENT THAT CAN BE GIVEN BY ONE SOVEREIGN STAiE 0
ANOTHER:
* IT DEALS IN CONSIDERABLE DETAIL WITH CHINESE POLICIto TOWARDS HONG KONG AFTER 1997, AND THUS PROVIDES A FRAMEWORK IN WHICH THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG CAN PLAN AND WORK FOR A SECURE AND PROSPEROUS FUTURE;
* IT THUS PROVIDES FOR HONG KONG’S DISTINCTIVE ECONOMIC AN! SOCIAL SYSTEMS, FREEDOMS AND LIFESTYLE TO CONTINUE UNCHANGED;
* IT MAKES CLEAR THAT THE POLICIES WHICH IT SPELLS OUT FOR HONG KONG WILL BE STIPULATED IN A BASIC LAW TO BE PASSED BY THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF THE PEOPLE'o REPUBLIC OF CHINA, AND WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED FOR 50 YlARo AFTER 1997.
/+IT IS........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26,. 1984
2
+ IT IS NOW FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO GIVE THEIR
VIEWS ON THE DRAFT AGREEMENT. THE HOUSE HAS ALREADY BEEN INFORMED OF THE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH HAVE BEEN MADE TO ENABLE THEM TO DO SO. OVER TWO MILLION COPIES OF THE WHITE PAPER HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED IN THE TERRITORY.
+l AM VERY GLAD TO BE ABLE TO TELL THE HOUSE THAT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF HONG KONG HAS FELT ABLE TO RECOMMEND THE DRAFT AGREEMENT TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG - IN THE WORDS OF THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER - ’IN GOOD CONSCIENCE’.
+THE HOUSE WILL ALSO WISH TO KNOW THAT AT THE CONCLUSION OF THEIR DEBATE LAST WEEK, THE HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL GAVE THE DRAFT AGREEMENT THEIR OVERWHELMING SUPPORT AND SIMILARLY COMMENDED IT TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
+BEYOND THAT I HAVE BEEN ENCOURAGED BY THE FAVOURABLE REACTIONS WHICH HAVE COME' FROM MANY OTHER PUBLIC BODIES AND INDIVIDUALS IN HONG KONG AND BY THE WIDE INTERNATIONAL WELCOME IT HAS RECEIVED.
♦THE HOUSE IN DUE COURSE WISH TO KNOW THE EXTENT TO
WHICH THE DRAFT AGREEMENT AS A WHOLE IS ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. IT WAS MADE QUITE CLEAR IN THE WHITE PAPER THAT THE DRAFT AGREEMENT ITSELF CANNOT BE AMENDED. BUT THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN HONG KONG ON ALL PARTS OF IT WILL BE OF VALUE IN OUR CONTINUING DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHINESE, PARTICULARLY IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. I AM SURE THE HOUSE WOULD WISH ME TO URGE EVERYONE IN HONG KONG TO SUBMIT THEIR VIEWS ON ALL THESE ASPECTS TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE.
+THE REPORT OF THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE TOGETHER WITH THAT OF THE MONITORING TEAM, WILL BE PUBLISHED AT ABOUT THE END OF NOVEMBER. THE HO_USL_WILL OF COURSE ATTACH GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THESE REPORTS WHEN IT DEBATES THE DRAFT AGREEMENT, AND I KNOW THAT MR RT HON FRIENDS, THE LEADERS OF THE HOUSE, WILL BE SEEKING TO GIVE THE HOUSE AN EARLY OPPORTUNITY TO DEBATE THE MATTER AFTEr< THE PUBLICATION OF THESE REPORTS.
WOULD NOT BE RIGHT TO ANTICIPATE THAT DEBATE, BUT THE ^^MENT HAS MADE QUITE CLEAR ITS OWN VIEW THAT THE DRAFT AGREE^ENT PROVIDES THE ASSURANCES WHICH ARE NECESSARY IF THE ,«2ntE °F H0NG K0NG ARE T0 FACE THE FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE. IN THE WORDS OF THE WHITE PAPER: ’HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT BELIEVE THAT ™E AGREEMENT IS A G00D 0NE- THEY STRONGLY COMMEND IT TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND TO PARLIAMENT.+
-----0-----
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1984
HK-CHINA FERRY TERMINAL SITE OFFERED * * * *
THE HONG KONG-CHINA FERRY TERMINAL SITE IN CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY CASH TENDER.
A LANDS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY DESCRIBED THE SITE, ALSO KNOWN AS KOWLOON INLAND LOT 10743, AS +MOST VALUABLE+, AND SAID CONSIDERABLE INTEREST WAS EXPECTED FROM MAJOR DEVELOPERS.
THE 2.44-HECTARE-SITE, INCLUDING 9 000 SQUARE METRES OF SEABED, ON WHICH THERE IS AN AIRPORT HEIGHT RESTRICTION OF 60.96 METRES, IS FOR NON-INDUSTRI AL DEVELOPMENT WHICH MAY INCLUDE A HOTEL.
THE PURCHASER WILL BE REQUIRED TO BUILD FOR THE GOVERNMENT A FERRY TERMINAL, INCLUDING A PIER, FOR THE HONG KONG-CHINA VESSEL PASSENGER SRVICES, HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL PAY THE PURCHASER THE COST FOR CONSTRUCTING THE TERMINAL, IN STAGES, ACCORDING TO THE WORK COMPLETED. THE TOTAL AMOUNT WILL NOT EXCEED $207.5 MILLION, HE SAID.
THE PURCHASER WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED TO FULFIL A BUILDING COVENANT BY COMPLETING DEVELOPMENT OF AT LEAST 41 000 SQUARE l*ETRES IN GROSS FLOOR AREA ABOVE THE PODIUM BY THE END OF 1989.
TENDERS MUST BE PLACED IN THE ’GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX’ IN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, BEFORE NOON ON DECEMBER 21.
------o-------
PRIVATE FORESHORE LEASE GRANT PLANNED * * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO GRANT BY PR’V^ TREATY A LEASE nw about 655 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED TO THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON WHARF AND GODOWN COMPANY LIMITED.
THE LEASE AREA IS FOR 21 YEARS, AND WILL BE AN EXTENSION TO KOWLOON PERMANENT PIER NO. 6 IN CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSU .
THE I F9SEE WILL BE PERMITTED TO CONSTRUCT WITHIN THE
BUILT ON
THE PIER.
THE COMPLEX WILL PROVIDE SPORTS FACILITIES MAINLY FOR THE RESIDENTS OF HARBOUR CITY.
/HOWEVER, .......
FRIDAY, 0CT0B2R 26, 1984
4
HOWEVER, THESE FACILITIES WILL ALSO BE MADE AVAILABLE TO APPROVED SPORTS CLUBS ON WEEKDAY MORNINGS THROUGH THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
A PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT:
X NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE;
* LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY DIVISION, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG? AND
* DISTRICT LANDS OFF ICE/KOWLOON WEST, 13TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
ALL OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL AND CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS WITHIN TwO MONTHS.
-----0----------
ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED TO BUILDINGS
******
ALL FUTURE FACTORY AND COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS MUST HAVE ACCESS FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED.
THE GOVERNOR, ON THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUT IVE COUNCIL, HAS ---------------------- OF THE MANDATORY PROVISIONS OF THE ACCESS TO BUILDINGS BY HANDICAPPED
APPROVED THE TRANSFORMATION REVISED CODE OF PRACTICE ON PEOPLE INTO NEW REGULATIONS
OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.
THEY ARE:
* BUILDING (PLANNING) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1984
* BUILDING (ADMINISTRATION) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) REGULATIONS 1984
* BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1984
* BUILDING (LIFTS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1984, AND
BUILDING
DRAINAGE
(STANDARDS OF SANITARY FITMENTS, PLUMBING, WORKS AND LATRINES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1984.
/A GOVEHNJiiWT
FRIMY, OCTOBER 26, 1984
- 5 -
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THESE NEW REGULATIONS, CONTAINING OBLIGATORY DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS, WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON AUGUST 1 NEXT YEAR.
HE EXPLAINED THAT FROM THAT DATE, BUILDINGS FOR WHICH PLANS WERE SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL, OR FOR WHICH PERMISSION WAS SOUGHT TO COMMENCE WORKS, WOULD HAVE TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW REGULATIONS.
PLANS APPROVED BEFORE AUGUST 1, 1985, WHICH DID NOT COMPLY WOULD HAVE TO BE AMENDED TO COMPLY IF CONSENT TO COMMENCE WORKS WAS NOT SOUGHT BEFORE THAT DATE, HE SAID.
THE REGULATIONS WILL APPLY TO ALL TYPES OF BUILDINGS, EXCEPT PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS. WHILE COMPLIANCE IS GENERALLY TO BE LIMITED TO THE PUBLIC AREAS FOR BUILDINGS WITH PARTICULAR FUNCTIONS, SUCH AS CONCERT HALLS, CINEMAS AND HOTELS, ADDITIONAL SPECIAL FACILITIES MUST ALSO BE PROVIDED, HE SAID.
SCHOOLS NEED ONLY COMPLY IF THEY PROVIDE EDUCATION FOR DISABLED PERSONS.
A CODE OF PRACTICE ON DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR HANDICAPPED PEOPLE, WHICH WAS ONLY ADVISORY, WAS ISSUED IN JUNE 1976 TO ALL AUTHORISED PERSONS, REGISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS, INTERESTED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, FOR DISTRIBUTION.
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND AUTHORISED PERSONS WERE REQUESTED TO FOLLOW THE CODE AND TO INCORPORATE FACILITIES IN THEIR BUILDINGS WHERE PRACTICABLE.
IN FEBRUARY 1978, HAVING EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY PARTICULARLY IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN ACHIEVING VOLUNTARY IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CODE, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS RECOMMENDED THAT COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE SHOULD BE MADE OBLIGATORY AFTER IMPROVEMENTS HAD BEEN CONSIDERED.
SUBSEQUENTLY, A REVIEW COMMITTEE WAS SET UP BY THE DIRECTOR CF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT TO REVIEW THE CODE AND LOOK INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF MAKING IT MANDATORY.
-------o - - - -
/6........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1984
6
IDB’S DECISIONS ON ELECTRONICS REPORT * * * * *
ON THE ADVICE OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD GIVEN AT ITS NEETING TODAY (FRIDAY), IT HAS BEEN DECIDED THAT TWO OF THE SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE REPORT BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE ON THE HONG KONG ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CENTRE AND THE PRECISION METAL-WORKING INSTITUTE SHOULD NOT BE PURSUED, AT LEAST NOT AT THIS TIME.
THE BOARD FELT THAT ALL EXISTING ORGANISATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS, SUCH AS THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE AND THE TERTIARY EDUCATION BODIES WHICH CURRENTLY PROVIDE SEPARATE SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY INCLUDING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO CO-ORDINATE THEIR ACTIVITIES IN FUTURE.
ANNOUNCING THIS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE WILL NOW BE ASKED IO EXAMINE HOW ITS EXISTING SERVICES COULD BE AUGMENTED IN ORDER TO PROVIDE IN WHOLE OR IN PART THE LEVEL OF SUPPORT SERVICESO WHICH THE CENTRE HAD ENVISAGED WOULD HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY ! 3?^ THE ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CENTRE AND THE PRECISION METAL-WORKING INSTITUTE. /ijc
+A UNIFIED APPROACH CONCEPT IN RESPECT OF NOT ONLY THE ELECTRONICS PROPOSALS BUT ALSO IN THE FIELDS OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE METAL-WORKING INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ARE CURRENTLY BEING CONSIDERED BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE,+ . HE SAID. IMPLEMENTATION DETAILS WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE ROLE WHICH CAN BE PLAYED BY THE TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS.
AS IT HAS BEEN AGREED THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SEPARATE INSTITUTIONS SHOULD NOT BE PURSUED AT THIS TIME, THE PROPOSAL IN RESPECT OF THE FUNDING OF THESE INSTITUTIONS, I.E. A LEVY ON THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY OF 0.03 PER CENT ON EXPORTS, IS NOT BEING CONSIDERED. IT WAS IN ANY CASE QUITE CLEAR THAT THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY WAS GENERALLY OPPOSED TO THIS METHOD OF FUNDING WHICH WOULD ONLY HAVE RAISED ABOUT $7 MILLION AGAINST A REQUIREMENT OF ABOUT $40 MILLION.
THE BOARD’S ADVICE FOLLOWED CONSULTATIONS WITH THE MAJOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS CF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE’S REPORT ON THE HONG KONG ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY AND ON THE REPORT OF THE AD HOC WORKING GROUP WHICH WAS SET UP TO EXAMINE THE CENTRE’S REPORT.
-------0 ----------
/7........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1984
7
*/ORK TO START ON BBC STATION SITE
* * * *
EIGHT LOTS IN TSANG TSUI, TUEN MUN ARE TO BE RESUMED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RELAY STATION FOR THE BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION (BBC).
THE TOTAL AREA OF LAND TO BE RESUMED IS 16 800 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 16 500 SQUARE METRES OF AGRICULTURAL AND 300 SQUARE METRES OF BUILDING LAND.
THE SITE IS CHOSEN FOR THE PURPOSE BECAUSE IT MEETS THE TECHNICAL CRITERIA BEST, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE STATION WILL IMPROVE THE RECEPTION OF THE BBC’S OVERSEAS BROADCASTS IN THE FAR EAST.
RESUMPTION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR TO ALLOW SITE FORMATION WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT.
THE STATION WILL TAKE 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
-----o------
WOMEN REMINDED ABOUT IDENTITY CARDS * * *
WILL BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR PHASE OF THE NEW I.D. CARD , THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT
WOMEN BORN IN 1953 AND 1954 NEW IDENTITY CARDS WHEN THE 16TH ISSUE SCHEME BEGINS ON NOVEMBER 5 ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
+DURING THE FOUR WEEKS ENDING DECEMBER 1, MORE THAN
88 000 APPLICATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BE RECEIVED FROM THESE TWO AGE GROUPS,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE EIGHT NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE OFFICES WILL BE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
MEANWHILE, WOMEN BORN IN 1955 AND 1956 ARE REMINDED THAT THERE ARE ONLY SEVEN WORKING DAYS LEFT TO RENEW THEIR I.D. CARvo. THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET DONE SO SHOULD CALL AT ANY OF THE ISSUE OFFICES WITHOUT DELAY.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
+ONCE DETECTED, THEY WILL BE REPATRIATED,* HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
/8........
8
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 34
NEW KCR BOARD MEMBER NAMED
MR ALFRED TSO SHIU-WAI, A MEMBER OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO THt BOARD OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION.
THE APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE IS FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS FROM NOVEMBER 1.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD IS MR H M G FORSGATE, AND THE OTHER MEMBERS ARE MR CHAN KAM-CHUEN, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, MISS LYDIA DUNN, MR J A RICHARDSON, MR DAVID K P LI, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE CORPORATION.
----o------
MP’S TO MEET PRESS
* * **
TWO CONSERVATIVE MP’S, MR ROBERT HARVEY AND MR NEVILLE TROTTER, WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 11 AM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, 5TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
THEY WILL LEAVE HONG KONG ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 28).
-----o------
BUS TERMINUS AT MARBLE ROAD * * *
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SITUATION OF A BUS TERMINUS AT MARBLE ROAD, NORTH POINT NEAR WHICH AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN AUGUST 1984, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE BUS TERMINUS FOR ROUTE 112 WAS A TEMPORARY ONE.
THE TERMINUS WILL REVERT TO ITS ORIGINAL SITE IN PAK FUK ROAD WHEN MTR CONSTRUCTION WORK IS COMPLETED IN MID-1985.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT BEFORE THE DECISION TO TERMINATE ROUTE 112 AT THE MARBLE ROAD SITE, A BUS TEST RUN WAS CONDUCTED ALONG THE ROUTE TO ENSURE THAT THE ROADS ON WHICH BUSES WOULD TRAVEL ARE SUITABLE FOR BUS OPERATION.
+THE PARTIES ATTENDING THE TEST RUN INCLUDED REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE BUS COMPANIES AND CONCERNED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. THIS IS A STANDARD PROCEDURE FOR NEW AND REVISED BUS SERVICES*.
------o ------
/9........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1984
9
MORE HOUSING PLANNED FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WAS FIRMLY COMMITTED TO EXPANDING ACCOMMODATION FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE TO MEET AN INCREASING DEMAND, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
AN ADDITIONAL 854 SUBSIDISED RESIDENTIAL PLACES FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE WERE BEING PLANNED FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR. THIS wAS A 13 PER CENT INCREASE OVER LAST YEAR’S 6 700 PLACES, HE SAID.
+MORE PROJECTS ARE IN THE PIPELINE AND I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE GAP BETWEEN DEMAND AND SUPPLY CAN BE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS,+ MR CHAMBERS SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE RE-NAMING CEREMONY OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS’ TAI YUEN HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY IN TA I PO, HE SAID THIS AREA OF SERVICE INCLUDED SHELTERED HOUSING, HOSTELS, CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES AND INFIRMARIES.
BUT TO MEET THESE NEEDS, THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS ALONE WERE NOT SUFFICIENT, SINCE IT RELIED TO A CONSIDERABLE EXTENT ON THE CO-OPERATION OF THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR.
THE HOSTEL, WHICH STARTED OPERATION LAST DECEMBER, WAS RENAMED AFTER MADAM HUI LAI-KUEN, WHO HAD DONATED $500 000 TO THE TUNG aAH DEVELOPMENT FUND.
IT PROVIDES RESIDENTIAL AND MEAL SERVICE FOR 109 ELDERLY PEOPLE.
OVER $757 000 HAD BEEN ALLOCATED FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND TC YEET THE CAPITAL COST, AND GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION TOTALLING MGRE THAN $524 000 HAD BEEN GRANTED TO COVER THE CURRENT YEAR’S EXPENDITURE.
MR CHAMBERS THANKED MADAM HUI FOR HER DONATION, AND THE TUNG WAH GROUP FOR ITS CONTINUING EFFORTS TO PROVIDE WELFARE SERVICE^ FOR THE COMMUNITY.
------o-------
NEED FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK SAFETY STRESSED * * * *
THERE WERE 14 CASES OF FATAL ACCIDENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH THE 28 FATALITIES FOR THE SIMILAR PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THIS WAS SAID TODAY BY MR TAM YIU-CHUNG, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE hJnG KONG FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS, AT THE OPENING OF THE HALF-DAY SEMINAR FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
/IT WAS ....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1984
10
IT WAS ALSO ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WAS 6 618, AS AGAINST LAST YEAR’S FIGURE OF 6 711.
+THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, DUE TO THE NATURE OF ITS WORK, HAS ALWAYS BEEN CONSIDERED THE MOST HAZARDOUS INDUSTRY WITH THE HIGHEST ACCIDENT FIGURES AMONG MAJOR INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG,+ NR TAM SAID.
IN ADDITION TO THE HUMAN LOSS AND SUFFERING, THESE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS HAD CAUSED A BIG AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION TO BE PAID.
HE WELCOMED THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS, WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, WITH THE AIM OF PROTECTING WORKERS WORKING AT HEIGHTS.
MR TAM STRESSED THE NEED FOR EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUE TO WORK TOGETHER FOR GREATER WORK SAFETY.
THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SAFETY SEMINAR, HELD AT THE CHINESE YMCA, WAS ORGANISED BY THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITT OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD.
TALKS ON SAFE WORKING SAFETY BELTS AND NETS WERE OFFICIALS AND EXPERTS FROM
AT HEIGHTS, BAMBOO SCAFFOLDINGS AND ALSO GIVEN AT THE SEMINAR BY GOVERNMENT THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
_ _ _ _ 0-----------
LIBRARY FOR MONG KOK DISTRICT
*****
A COMPREHENSIVE LIBRARY, WITH A FLOOR AREA OF 1 430 SQUARE NETRES, WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE FA YUEN STREET URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN THREE YEARS’ TIME, REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM SAID TONI (FRIDAY).
♦TWO MORE URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEXES AT SAI YEE STREET AND TA1 KOK TSUI WILL PROVIDE MORE CULTURAL AND SPORTS FACILITIES WHEN THEY ARE COMPLETED IN 1989 AND 1990 RESPECT IVELY,+ MR WIGGHAM SAID.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL AND SPORTS FESTIVAL.
PLANS ARE ALSO IN HAND TO BUILD AN ADDITIONAL GAMES HALL NEXT TO THE EXISTING BOUNDARY STREET INDOOR GAMES HALL IN 1986.
+IN A BUILT-UP DISTRICT LIKE MONG KOK, WHICH IS THE SMALLEST BUT YET THE SECOND MOST DENSELY POPULATED DISTRICT IN HONG KONG, THE PROVISION OF CULTURAL AND SPORTS FACILITIES IS SOMETIMES SEEN AS SOME FORM OF LUXURY, + MR WIGGHAM SAID.
/+H0WBV2R, THB.........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1984
11
♦HOWEVER, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS OF THE DISTRICT HAVE, OVER THE YEARS, TAKEN NOTE OF THE PROBLEMS AND CONTRIBUTED POSITIVELY IN MEETING SOME OF THE DEMANDS OF THE RESIDENTS,* HE ADDED.
SOME OF THE NOTABLE EXAMPLES INCLUDE THE MONG KOK STADIUM, MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND AND INDOOR STADIUM, BOUNDARY STREET INDOOR GAMES HALL, CHAN HING SCHOOL SERVICES CENTRE AND THE MONG KOK PUBLIC LIBRARY. IN ADDITION, FOUR PLAYGROUNDS AND 15 REST GARDENS AND SITTING-OUT AREAS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED IN THE DISTRICT.
+RECENTLY, A MULTI-PURPOSE CULTURAL AND SPORTS CENTRE, THE LIM POR YEN CENTRE WAS COMPLETED WITH THE HELP OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AND THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION,* MR WIGGHAM SAID.
HE SAID THE MONG KOK CULTURAL AND SPORTS FESTIVAL IS AIMED AT PROMOTING CULTURAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO USE THE MANY FACILITIES AVAILABLE.
+THIS FESTIVAL, BEING THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE DISTRICT, DEMONSTRATES YET AGAIN THE GOOD CO-OPERATION OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN REALISING THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AND POOLING THEIR RESOURCES TO MEET THE NEEDS,* HE SAID.
------o-------
WORK LIKE OLYMPIC ATHLETES, NEW FIREMEN TOLD
*****
RECRUIT FIREMEN WERE TOLD TODAY TO RESPOND TO FIRE INCIDENTS WITH ALL THEIR MIGHT, +IN THE WAY THAT ATHLETES WOULD PERFORM IN THE OLYMPICS*.
THEY WERE ALSO URGED BY THE ACTING CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR LI KWOK-CHO, TO TREAT EACH INCIDENT AS A CHALLENGE TO THEIR PERSONAL SKILLS.
+TO YOU AS GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, BENEFITS DO NOT MEAN REWARDS IN MONETARY TERMS, NOR IN MANY CASES, RECOGNITION OR APPRECIATION CF YOUR WORK IN SAVING LIVES OR PROTECTING PROPERTY,* THEY HEARD MR LI SAY.
THE REAL' BENEFIT, THEY WERE TOLD, CAME FROM WITHIN THEIR KARTS — THE FEELING OF SATISFACTION AND ACHIEVEMENT, KNOWING THAT THEY, AS HUMAN BEINGS HAD BEEN ABLE TO HELP OTHERS.
FIREMEN HAD CONTINUOUSLY TO UPDATE THEIR KNOWLEDGE +TO COPE WITH THE EVERY INCREASING FIRE HAZARDS,* AND TO WORK AS MEMBERS OF A TEAM, THEY WERE TOLD BY MR LI.
THE OCCASION WAS THE PASSING OUT PARADE OF THREE SQUADS OF FIREMEN AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL AT PAT HEUNG, TODAY.
-----0--------
/12......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1934
12
SUNDAY FORUM AT SHA TIN * * *
RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG’S DISTRICT FORUM W ILL BE HELD IN SHA TIN ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 28) AT 3 PM AT LUNG HANG ESTATE IN TA I WA I.
PANELISTS INCLUDE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MR WAI HON-LEUNG, MRS CHAN LO YIN-BING, AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS, MR CHAN SZE-BUN, MR CHAN HON-YING, MR ANTHONY WONG, MR CHAN KAM-CHEUNG AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG.
THEY WILL DISCUSS PROBLEMS INVOLVING TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY SERVICES AND THE FUNCTION OF DISTRICT BOARD.
THE FORUM IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND RTHK.
------o-------
BADMINTON SCHEME, ARCHERY SEMINAR OFFERED
* * *
A BADMINTON AWARD SCHEME AND AN ARCHERY SEMINAR HAVE BEE ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE (RSS) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.
UNDER THE BADMINTON AWARD SCHEME, BRONZE MEDAL TRAINING COURSES ARE BEING OFFERED TO YOUNG PEOPLE ABOVE 11 YEARS OF AGE.
THE SCHEME, ORGANISED BY THE RSS WITH THE JUBILEE SPORT. CENTRE AND THE HONG KONG BADMINTON ASSOCIATION, ENABLES THE YOUTHS TO TAKE AN EXAMINATION, INITIALLY, FOR THE BRONZE MED.-u. THE YOUTHS CAN THEN LATER ATTAIN THE SILVER AND GOLD MEDALS BY TAKING FURTHER TESTS.
FOR THE PRESENT, EIGHT BRONZE MEDAL COURSES WILL BE HELD TWICE A WEEK AT VARIOUS INDOOR GAMES HALLS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR, AND TWO OTHER COURSES WILL BE HELD AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, SHA TIN, ON SUNDAYS.
EACH COURSE WILL CONSIST OF 10 SESSIONS.
THE FIRST COURSE WILL START ON NOVEMBER 19, AND THE LAST ONE ON DECEMBER 19.
ENROLMENT IS LIMITED TO 32 PERSONS EACH COURSE AND THE COURSE FEE IS §20.
THE ARCHERY SEMINAR, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE, AND THE HONG KONG ARCHERY ASSOCIATION, aIlL BE HELD AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE ON DECEMBER 2 (SUNDAY).
/1ECTDRES .v'ILL......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1984
LECTURES a ILL BE GIVEN BY EXPERIENCED COACHES AND VETERAN ARCHERS, AND THERE * ILL BE GROUP DISCUSSIONS AND PRACTICAL SESSIONS.
ENROLMENT IS LIMITED TO 90 PERSONS WHO MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE IN THE SPORT AND WHO MUST BE AT LEAST 16 YEARS OF AGE.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE BADMINTON COURSES CLOSE ON NOVEMBER 5 AND FOR THE ARCHERY SEMINAR ON NOVEMBER 6.
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE HEAD OFFICE CF RSS ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF WING ON CENTRE, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 5-458511.
- - o -
PEDPSTRIAN SUB*AY FOR JORDAN ROAD * * * *
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PLANS TO CONSTRUC' A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY SYSTEM AT THE JUNCTION OF JORDAN ROAD AND FERRY STREET IN YAU MA TEI.
THE WORK COMPRISES THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO PEDESTRIAN SUBWAYS RUNNING ACROSS FERRY STREET AND JORDAN ROAD AT THE JUNCTION OF JORDAN ROAD AND FERRY STREET.
ON COMPLETION OF THE NEW SUBWAYS, WHICH WILL PROVIDE GRADE SEPARATED FACILITIES FOR PEDESTRIANS CROSSING JORDAN ROAD ANj FERRY STREET, THE EXISTING TEMPORARY STEEL FOOTBRIDGE ACROaS FERRY STREET WILL BE DEMOLISHED.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY 1985 AND BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER 1986.
A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED WORK IS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE UNDER THE ROADS (WORKS, USE AND COMPENSATION, ORDINANCE.
PLANS CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
* KOWLOON (WEST) DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND
K DISTRICT OFFICE (YAU MA TEI), 490-492 NATHAN ROAD, HOP FAT COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND, 2ND - 5TH FLOORS, KOWLOON.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED WORK SHOULD REACH THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS IN WRITING NOT LATER THAN DECEMBER 25.
- 0 -
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1984
- 14
SUMMER AQUATIC COURSES END * * *
WINNERS OF VARIOUS
COMPemlJSs""^^ I?\IeNW°URsijMHER‘N5<WATiC PROGRAMME RECEIVED CmirlcATES AND TROPHIES AT A CEREMONY AT THE VICTORIA PARK SWIMMING POOL TONIGHT (OCTOBER 26).
tup AQUATIC PROGRAMME. WHICH STARTED IN 1978, IS AN ANNUAL JOINT PBOJEC? ir THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
THE AQUATIC EVENTS INCLUDED SWIMMING, SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING, LIFE-SAVING, DIVING AND SNORKELLING.
THIS YEAR, ABOUT 2 OOO PEOPLE TOOK PART IN 58 TRAINING COURSES ORGANISED UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THF Cl-1 IFF RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER OF THE RECREATION AKE SPORTS SERVICE, MR RAYMOND CHAN AND URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR AUGUST I .t CHUNG WERE AMONG THE OFFICIATING GUESTS.
-----o------
CHILDREN’S BOOKS ON SHOW
* * *
AN EXHIBITION OF CHILDREN’S BOOKS WILL BE HELD AT i?U I CHING MIDDLE SCHOOL AT WATERLOO ROAD, KOwLOON, ON NOVEMBER 10 AND 11.
IT IS ORGANISED BY THE LIBRARY SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AND IS DESIGNED TO ACQUAINT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND PUPILS WITH A SELECTION OF BOOKS CONSIDERED SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN AND AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET.
+TE CHERS SHOULD FIND THIS EXHIBITION HELPFUL IN BUILDING UP A BAL NCED AND ATTRACTIVE STOCK FOR THEIR CLASS LIBRARIES IL ORDER TO MOTIVATE PUPILS TO READ FOR ENJOYMENT,+ HE SAID.
THE MAJORITY OF BOOKS ON DISPLAY WILL BE IN CHINESE, TOGETH WITH A S ALL SELECTION OF BOOKS IN ENGLISH.
SCHOOL HEADS, TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION WHICH WILL BE OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON BOTH DAY..
-------o----------
15
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1984
15
FRESH, SALT WATER MAINS WORKS
XX*
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN WAN CHAI WILL BE^TURNED OFF FOR SEVERAL HOURS OH MONDAY (OCTOBER WATER WORKS.
IN WAN CHAI, THE SUPPLY WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
AND
29)
TUEN MIH
FOR
PM TO
tuc affpcted PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY MONMOUTH PATH, QUEEN’S ROAD Ia'T’^QUEENSWAY^HENNESSY r5aD AND ANTON STREET, INCLUDING RODNEY BLOCK.
im TiiCKi miiki tup SUPPLY WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 9 AM TO 5 P
FUNG LENG.
WATER WORKS.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE WITHIN THE AREA OF AND KING’S PARK, INCLUDING K 1NGJEORGE V COLLEGE, ESTATE, 01 MAN ESTATE AND VALLEY ROAD ESTATE.
HO MAN TIN
HO MAN TIN
-----0------
FIRING PRACTICE WARNING
X X X
FIR NG PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON THREE DAYS NEXT WEEK.
THE PRACTICE TAKES PLACE FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 29), AND FROM 8 AM TO 11 PM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 30) AND WEDNESDA (OCTOBER 31).
THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 198^
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
REPORT PRESENTED ................................................ 1
GAS SAFETY DISPLAY GETS GOOD RESPONSE ........................... 1
VIETNAMESE SCOUT GROUP FORMED ................................... 2
FIVE NT POOLS TO BE CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE ...................... 3
SUPPORT SOUGHT FOR CHILDREN'S WARD .............................. 3
INSIGNIA PRESENTATION ........................................
MP ARRIVING ..................................................
EXTRAVAGANZA TO LAUNCH CAMPAIGN ................................. 5
BUSY DAY AHEAD FOR KWUN TONG BOARD .............................. 5
SPORTS FESTIVAL IN TSUEN WAN .................................... 6
WATER SUPPLY TUNNEL WORK STARTING ............................... 7
ROAD WORK IN TAI PO ............................................. 7
TELEMATCH TO END GAMES PROGRAMME ................................ 8
TAPS OFF IN THREE AREAS ......................................... 8
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1934
1
REPORT PRESENTED * * * *
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, THE HON Q.W. LEE HAS PRESENTED THE COMMISSION’S REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR.
THE GOVERNOR THANKED MR LEE WARMLY FOR THE COMMISSION’S WORK AND ASSURED HIM THAT THE REPORT WOULD BE CONSIDERED CAREFULLY BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
-----o-----
GAS SAFETY DISPLAY GETS GOOD RESPONSE * * * *
RESIDENTS OF PUBLIC HOUSING IMPORTANCE OF GAS SAFETY AT HOME GOVERNMENT-APPROVED TYPES OF GAS
ESTATES ARE NOW MORE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING A RECENT DISPLAY OF THE RUBBER TUBING.
THE DISPLAY WAS HELD IN 164 HOUSING ESTATES AND 65 DISTRICT OFFICES AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S GAS SAFETY CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR.
A HOUSING DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE RESIDENTS HAD TAKEN GREAT INTEREST IN THE EXHIBITS.
+IN ONE ESTATE, FOR EXAMPLE, AROUND 30 PER CENT OF THE RESIDENTS INSPECTED THE SAMPLES, AND IN ANOTHER, WHERE RUBBER TUBING LEAKAGt HAD LED TO AN LPG EXPLOSION LAST YEAR, 165 PIECES OF SUB-STANDARD TUBING WERE REPLACED,+ HE SAID.
HE RECALLED THAT THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS RAISED BY THE RESIDENTS CONCERNED THE DURABILITY OF APPROVED TUBING, COST OF REPLACEMENT AND NAMES OF AUTHORISED LPG DEALERS.
♦ IN VIEW OF THE ENCOURAGING RESPONSE, WE ARRANGED FOR THE TUBING SAMPLES TO BE DISPLAYED FOR A LONGER PERIOD,* HE SAID.
APART FROM THE DISPLAY OF SAMPLES, NOTICES ARE PUT UP IN ESTATE OFFICES AND NEWSLETTERS DISTRIBUTED TO TENANTS, ADVISING THEM ON THE PRECAUTIONS THEY SHOULD TAKE TO ENSURE THE SAFE USE OF LPG RUBBER TUBING.
ALSO, POSTERS AS WELL AS TELEVISION AND RADIO API’S (ANNOUNCEMENTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST) HAVE BEEN PRODUCED, DRAWING PEOPLE’S ATTENTION TO THE COMMON FAULTS IN RUBBER TUBING AND
THC IMPORTANCE OF PROPER MAINTENANCE.
0 -------
/2........
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1984
2
VIETNAMESE SCOUT GROUP FORMED * * * *
THE FIRST SCOUT GROUP FOR CLOSED CENTRE VIETNAMESE CHILDREN, MAKING UP THE 16TH ISLAND GROUP OF THE BROTHERHOOD REGION OF THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, WAS FORMED AT CHI MA WAN TODAY (SATURDAY).
THERE ARE 35 BOYS RANGING IN AGE FROM 11 TO 15 IN THE GROUP.
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER, SAID THIS MARKED YET ANOTHER ACHIEVEMENT OF THE SCOUT MOVEMENT, WHICH WAS CONTINUALLY REACHING OUT TO YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.
HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE YOUNG PEOPLE FROM THE CLOSED CENTRE WOULD BENEFIT FROM THEIR SCOUT TRAINING, MR GARNER SAID.
+IF THEY ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE OF THE SCOUTING MOTTO ’BE PREPARED’, THEY WILL BE READY TO ACCEPT ALL THE CHALLENGES AND EXPLORE TO THE FULL THE OPPORTUNITIES WHICH LIE AHEAD,+ HE ADDED.
MR GARNER NOTED THAT THE TRAINING PROGRAMME, OFFERED BY THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION, HELPED TO TRAIN THE YOUTHS IN SELF-RELIANCE AND GOOD CITIZENSHIP AND TO ENCOURAGE THEIR PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT.
+THESE ARE THE QUALITIES WHICH ALL YOUNG PEOPLE NEED WHEREVER THEY ARE,+ HE SAID.
BY BECOMING SCOUTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD, THEY COULD CONTINUE THEIR SCOUTING ACTIVITIES IN ANY COUNTRY THEY MAY
FIND THEMSELVES IN, HE SAID.
THE DEPUTY REGIONAL COMMISSIONER OF THE*%COUT ASSOCIATION’S BROTHERHOOD REGION, MR J.H. HENDERSON, ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THANKED THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THEIR SUF PORT IN EXTENDING THE SCOUT MOVEMENT TO THE CLOSED CENTRE.
THE SCOUT MOVEMENT, MR HENDERSON SAID, PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN FOSTERING GOOD CITIZENSHIP.
+THE MAIN OBJECTIVE IS TO PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH ENJOYABLE AND ATTRACTIVE ACTIVITIES SO THAT THEY MAY TAKE A CONSTRUCTIVE PLACE IN SOCIETY,+ HE SAID.
OTHER VIETNAMESE SCOUT GROUPS MAY BE FORMED AT OTHER REFUGEE CENTRES, SUCH AS HEI LING CHAU AND SHAM SHU I PO.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1984
FIVE NT POOLS TO BE CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE * * * *
FIVE PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL COMPLEXES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE CLOSED FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE FROM NOVEMBER 1 (THURSDAY) TO NEXT SPRING.
THEY ARE KWAI SHING SWIMMING POOL, NORTH KWAI CHUNG JOCKEY CLUB SWIMMING POOL, SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB SWIMMING POOL, THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB YAN 01 TONG SWIMMING POOL IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL.
BUT THE FANLING SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, EXCEPT FOR ITS MAIN POOL, WILL REMAIN OPEN.
THIS MAIN POOL WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FROM MONDAY (OCTOBER 29) TO FACILITATE THE INSTALLATION OF AN AIR SUPPORT STRUCTURE TO SHELTER SWIMMERS FROM WINTER COLD.
THE FANLING SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX WILL BE OPEN FOR THREE DAILY SESSIONS, STARTING NOVEMBER 1 (THURSDAY).
THESE SESSIONS AREs 9 AM TO 11.30 AM, 12.30 PM TO 3 PM, AND 3.30 PM TO 6 PM.
- - 0 - -
SUPPORT SOUGHT FOR CHILDREN’S WARD OK*
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, IS APPEALING TO SCHOOL CHILDREN TO MAKE ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SCHOOL CHILDREN’S WARD IN THE RUTTONJEE SANATORIUM.
THIS WARD OF 10 COTS IS THE ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG AND THE DONATIONS FROM SCHOOLS ENABLE CHILDREN ACCOMMODATED THERE TO RECEIVE MEDICAL CARE WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE NOT BE AVAILABLE TO THEM.
LAST YEAR, SCHOOLS CONTRIBUTED $525 138 WHICH MR HAYE DESCRIBED AS A +SPLENDID ACHIEVEMENT AND A CREDIT* TO ALL CONCERNED.
IN A GENERAL CIRCULAR TO SCHOOLS, HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THEY WOULD CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN THIS WARD BY INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE EFFORTS.
/+INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1984
4
-•-INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS SHOULD AGAIN BE LIMITED TO 50 CENTS AND MUST BE ENTIRELY VOLUNTARY, BUT SCHOOLS MAY CONSIDER VARIOUS OTHER WAYS AND MEANS OF RAISING MONEY TO SUPPORT THIS PRAISEWORTHY CAUSE,+ HE SAID.
SCHOOL CONTRIBUTIONS SHOULD BE SENT, PREFERABLY BY CROSSED CHEQUE PAYABLE TO THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION, TO THE DEPUTY SECRETARY (GENERAL) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG FOR DELIVERY TO THE ASSOCIATION. ENVELOPES SHOULD BE MARKED +ANTI-T.B.+.
------0--------
INSIGNIA PRESENTATION * * *
INSIGNIA FOR 84 PEOPLE WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE AT 6 PM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 29).
THE RECIPIENTS WERE DECORATED BY THE QUEEN FOR SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
MR CHIU SHING-CHOW WHO DIED IN A TYPHOON RESCUE OPERATION ON SEPTEMBER 9 LAST YEAR, WAS AWARDED THE QUEEN’S GALLANTRY MEDAL.
MR LEWIS DAVIES, SECRETARY FOR GENERAL DUTIES, WILL RECEIVE THE CBE.
------o-------
MP ARRIVING * * *
A CONSERVATIVE MP, MR BOWEN WELLS WILL ARRIVE TOMORROW (SUNDAY) FOR A 10-DAY VISIT.
MR WELLS WILL MEET COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES AND SENIOR OFFICIALS. HE WILL ALSO VISIT SHA TIN DISTRICT, CHI MA WAN CLOSED CENTRE FOR REFUGEES AND HOUSING ESTATES.
HE WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON NOVEMBER 6, BEFORE DEPARTING THE FOLLOWING DAY.
0 -
/5
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1984
- 5 -
EXTRAVAGANZA TO LAUNCH CAMPAIGN
*****
ROAD SAFETY MESSAGES WILL BE WIDELY PUBLICISED IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT AND KWAI CHUNG THROUGH ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARDS, DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE POLICE.
TO START THE MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN IN SOUTHERN, AN ENTERTAINMENT EXTRAVAGANZA WILL BE HELD AT CHI FU FA YUEN TOMORROW (SUNDAY), FEATURING SINGING, MAGIC SHOWS, ACROBATICS AND PERFORMANCES BY POLICE DOGS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE AN EXHIBITION ON ROAD SAFETY AND NEW ROAD SIGNS, GAMES STALLS, THE APPEARANCES OF TVB’S MR VITALITY AND MISS VITALITY AND ANIMALS FROM OCEAN PARK.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN, POSTERS AND SIGNBOARDS WITH ROAD SAFETY MESSAGES WILL BE PUT UP AT VARIOUS TRAFFIC BLACKSPOTS TO REMIND PEOPLE TO BE CAREFUL WHEN CROSSING ROADS.
IN ADDITION, A SERIES OF ROAD SAFETY TALKS IN SCHOOLS AND A POSTER COLOURING COMPETITION WILL BE HELD AMONG SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT.
IN KWAI CHUNG, A ROAD SAFETY DAY WILL BE HELD AT LEI MUK SHUE PLAYGROUND TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON TO LAUNCH THE CAMPAIGN.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE CYCLING DEMONSTRATIONS PERFORMANCES BY THE TVB VITALITY TEAM AND JUNIOR POLICE CALL, A ROAD SAFET, PATROL PARADE AND A MINI ROAD SAFETY TOWN.
BUSY DAY AHEAD FOR KWUN TONG BOARD * * * *
KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE ABLE TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE WHITE RAPER ON HONG KONG'S FUTURE AT THEIR NEETING ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 29) AFTERNOON.
BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS “j
1 peapes:nseuch is t s.f -collect , on
COUNTERS AND MEMBERS’ VISITS TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
/AN ASSESSMENT
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1984
6
AN ASSESSMENT OFFICE MONITOR, MR JUSTICE SIMON LI, AND THREE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, MR WONG LAM, MR STEPHEN CHEONG, AND NR ALLEN LEE, WILL ALSO ATTEND THE MEETING.
AN INTERIM REPORT PREPARED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON THE PROVISION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE TABLED FOR DISCUSSION.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR ROBERT LO, AND SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (KWUN TONG), MR GEORGE LAW, WILL BE ATTENDING THE MEETING.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA IS A PROPOSAL TO SET UP A LABOUR AFFAIRS COMMITTEE UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD.
SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (LABOUR RELATIONS), MR K.K. TANG, WILL ATTEND THE DISCUSSION.
-----o-------
SPORTS FESTIVAL IN TSUEN WAN * * * *
THE SIXTH TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD FROM NOVEMBER 3 TO DECEMBER 2.
THE FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND DISTRICT OFFICE, THE FEDERATION OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES
SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
DETAILS OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 12 NOON ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 29) AT THE KAPOK ROOM OF THE UNITED RESTAURANT IN THE UNITED CENTRE, QUEENSWAY.
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, MR CHAN SUl-JEUNG; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE FESTIVAL, CHAU HOW-CHEN ? AND MEMBERS OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE WILL BE PRESENT.
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/7
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1934
7
WATER SUPPLY TUNNEL WORK STARTING * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING CONTRACTORS TO APPLY FOR INCLUSION IN A LIST OF QUALIFIED TENDERERS FOR WATER TREATMENT WORKS.
THE WORKS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE PAK KONG TREATMENT WORKS AND FORM PART OF A PROJECT FOR DISTRIBUTING ADDITIONAL WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA.
THE WORK INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TUNNEL FORMING PART OF A TREATED WATER AQUEDUCT FROM THE PROPOSED PAK KONG WATER TREATMENT WORKS TO THE JUNK BAY PRIMARY SERVICE RESERVOIR.
THE CONTRACT WILL INCLUDE LAYING 1.1 KILOMETRES OF TWO-METRE DIAMETER PUMPING MAINS IN TRENCH ACROSS THE HO CHUNG AND PAK KONG VALLEYS AND 1.2 KILOMETRES OF TWIN 1.4-METRE DIAMETER GRAVITY MA I No IN JUNK BAY ROAD.
THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES SITE FORMATION FOR THE PAK KONG WATER TREATMENT WORKS, INVOLVING EXCAVATION OF ABOUT 230 000 CUBIC METRES OF MATERIAL, TOGETHER WITH SLOPE PROTECTION AND ANCILLARY SITE WORKS.
WRITTEN APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE CHIEF ENGINEER/CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT, WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, 12TH FLOOR, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, HONG KONG, BY NOVEMBER 16, 1984.
-----0-----
ROAD WORK IN TAI PO
X * * *
A SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 8 AM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AND 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR ROAD WORK.
THE SECTION IS BETWEEN FANLING PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL AND THE SHEUNG SHU I MINI-ROUNDABOUT.
ROAD SHU I
DURING THE CLOSURE, WESTBOUND MOTOR I STS ARE ADV ISED TO USE L2, FANLING ROUNDABOUT, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, ROAD D4 AND SHEUNG MINI-ROUNDABOUT.
ROAD
FROM 6 AM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 29), FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF THE WORK. WESTBOUND MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA THE NEW SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD, NORTHEAST LOOP ROAD, SLIP ROAD C, TAI PO ROAD AND THE SHEUNG SHU I MINI-ROUNDABOUT.
- - 0 - -
/8........
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1984
TELEMATCH TO END GAMES PROGRAMME * * * *
THE INTER-HONG SPORTS PROGRAMME IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT WILL CONCLUDE TOMORROW (SUNDAY) WITH A TELEMATCH GAME AT BLAKE GARDEN.
MORE THAN 800 STAFF FROM ABOUT 30 COMMERCIAL FIRMS, BANKS AND HONGS IN THE DISTRICT HAVE BEEN TAKING PART IN VARIOUS SPORTING EVENTS IN THE FOUR MONTHS SINCE JUNE 24.
THE SPORTS ACTIVITIES INCLUDED A SWIMMING CARNIVAL, BADMINTON, BASKETBALL AND FOOTBALL MATCHES, AND TELEMATCH GAMES.
THE PROGRAMME WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD, RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORT ASSOCIATION.
THERE WILL BE A PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT THE END OF THE PROGRAMME.
- - 0 - -
TAPS OFF IN THREE AREAS * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN CENTRAL, TSZ WAN SHAN AND TAI PO WILL BE SUSPENDED ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 30) TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS OR MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION IN CENTRAL, FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, WILL AFFECT THE PREMISES BOUNDED BY SHING WONG STREET, HOLLYWOOD ROAD, LADDER STREET AND CIRCULAR PATHWAY, INCLUDING 270-276 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND 1-2 TSUI ON LANE.
IN TSZ WAN SHAN, TAPS WILL BE OFF FROM 8 AM TO 7 PM ON TUESDAY FOR 115-181 PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD, 40-100 YUK WAH STREET AND TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD FROM BLOCK NOS. 61 TO 66. ALSO AFFECTED WILL BE PREMISES ALONG YUK WAH CRESCENT AND LOK WAH STREET, BLOCKS 61-66 OF TSZ MAN ESTATE AS WELL AS DIAMOND HILL CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM.
IN TAI PO, THE SUSPENSION WILL BE FROM 9 PM THE SAME DAY TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
IT WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES ALONG KWONG FUK ROAD AND TAI PO ROAD FROM TING KOK ROAD TO TAI PO KAU, INCLUDING TAI PO MARKET, KAM SHAN TSUEN, PUN CHUNG, PUN CHUNG SAN TSUEN, MA WO, PAK KIU TSUEN, TO YUEN TUNG, YIU TSZ KIN, AND LAI CHI SHAN.
TAI PO KCR STATION, KWONG FUK ESTATE, WANG FUK COURT, ISLAND HOUSE, WONG Yl AU, MEI WOON SAN TSUEN, YIN TSZ LANE, TAI PO rsAU, TAI PO KAU SAN WAI, LOOKOUT LANE, ST. CHRISTOPHER’S HOME AND STRAFFORD HOUSE WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1?84
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SPEECH BY CHIEF SECRETARY AT CARITAS BAZAAR................ 1
+GRADUAL ADJUSTMENT FOR THE FUTUREf - AKERS-JONES ......... 2
TAI PO DB MEETING ON TUESDAY .............................. 2
MORE BUILDING PLANS APPROVED .............................. 3
WORKS SET TO START IN TIN SHUI WAI ........................ 4
IMPROVING SERVICES TO SQUATTER AREAS ...................... 5
DEMAND GROWS FOR CULTURAL SERVICES ........................ 6
MORE INDUSTRIAL LAND FOR TUEN MUN ......................... 7
NO LIFEGUARDS AT NT BEACHES IN WHITER...................... 8
TENDERS INVITED FOR REPAIRING RAFTS ....................... 8
BASKETBALL MORE POPULAR.................................... 9
NEW ROAD OPENED OU HEI LING CHAU .......................... 9
NEW TRAFFIC SCHEME FOR WANG TAU HOM....................... 10
RESTRICTED ZONES IN NGAU TAU KOK.......................... 11
MAINS WORK IN ABERDEEN ................................... 11
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1984
- 1 -
SPEECH BY CHIEF SECRETARY AT CARITAS BAZAAR * * * *
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE SPEECH BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, AT THE CARITAS BAZAAR THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING:
♦ MY LORD BISHOP, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
♦ TODAY'S BAZAAR IS THE PRACTICAL EXPRESSION OF ONE OF THE GREAT TRADITIONS WHICH UNDERPIN HONG KONG’S COMMUNITY LIFE, THAT OF SERVICE BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY VOLUNTARILY GIVEN ON BEHALF CF OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. THIS IS A TRADITION WHICH IS FIRMLY ANCHORED IN THE CHRISTIAN FAITH AND WHICH HAS BEEN SUSTAINED IN HONG KONG BY THE FACT OF FREEDOM, UNDER THE LAW, OF WORSHIP, OF BELIEF AND OF ASSEMBLY. IN THE CASE OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN PARTICULAR, IT IS A TRADITION WHICH HAS BEEN FURTHER NOURISHED BY ITS LINKS WITH THE CHURCH OVERSEAS AND BY THE DEDICATED SERVICE CF THOSE IN HONG KONG WHO WORK IN THE CHURCH’S MANY SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS AND WELFARE ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS CARITAS.
+IT MUST BE A SOURCE OF GRATIFICATION TO US ALL THAT THE DRAFT SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG CONTAINS SPECIFIC AND DETAILED COMMITMENTS BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TO THE MAINTENANCE OF THE RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS WHICH. SUSTAIN THIS TRADITION AND TO THE CONTINUING ROLE OF SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS AND WELFARE ORGANISATIONS RUN BY RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS.
♦ IT IS EQUALLY GRATIFYING THAT THE AGREEMENT PROVIDES THAT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS IN THE FUTURE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION AND THOSE IN OTHER PARTS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WILL BE BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE CF NON-SUBORDINATION, NON-INTERFERENCE AND MUTUAL RESPECT.
♦ BUT THE COMMITMENTS OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT MUST BE MATCHED BY COMMITMENTS BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. THIS IS WHERE THE TEACHING CHURCH AND ITS AGENCIES OF GOOD WORKS COME INTO PLAY. THE TEACHING CHURCH MUST STAND READY TO OFFER RELEVANT SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE TO CHRISTIANS AND NON-CHRI ST I ANS ALIKE; AND THE CHURCH’S AGENCIES OF GOOD WORKS MUST CONTINUE TO SET AN EXAMPLE OF SELFLESS SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE. HONG KONG IN OTHER WORDS, LOOKS TO THE CHURCH TO INSTIL A SENSE OF QUIET SELF-CONFIDENCE TO SEE US SAFELY THROUGH THE NEXT 13 YEARS AND BEYOND.+
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1984
2
+GRADUAL ADJUSTMENT
FOR THE FUTURE+ - AKERS-JONES
ill
THERE WILL BE A GRADUAL ADJUSTMENT OF THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT FOR THE FUTURE SO THAT IT IS MORE DIRECTLY WITHIN THE HANDS OF THE PEOPLE, SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES SAID TONIGHT (SUNDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE 3OTH ANNIVERSARY PARTY OF THE HONG KONG CIVIC ASSOCIATION.
MR AKERS-JONES PRAISED THE ASSOCIATION FOR ITS WORK IN THE PAST AND ADDED: +BUT THERE IS MUCH MORE TO BE DONE IN THE YEARS THAT LIE AHEAD.+
♦MANY OLD PROBLEMS SUCH AS HOUSING HAVE NOT YET BEEN FINALLY RESOLVED. THERE ARE NEW PROBLEMS ARISING FROM A MORE CROWDED HONG KONG AND AN OLDER HONG KONG, BY CHANGING SOCIAL ATTITUDE AND RISING EXPECTATIONS, AND THESE IN TURN CREATE NEW DEMANDS ON OUR ECONOMY AND OUR INDUSTRY,* HE SAID.
+THUS, THERE IS PLENTY OF WORK TO BE DONE. I AM SURE THE CIVIC ASSOCIATION WILL PLAY ITS PART FULLY IN THE RESOLUTION OF THESE IMPORTANT ISSUES AND IN THE LIFE OF HONG KONG IN THE YEARS AHEAD,* HE ADDED.
-------- o -------
TAI PO DB MEETING ON TUESDAY * * * *
TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS CF THE NEW REGIONAL COUNCIL AT THEIR MEETING ON MORNING.
THE ESTABLISHMENT TUESDAY (OCTOBER “
MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE PROPOSED CONSTITUTION, ORGANISATION AND FUNCTION OF THE NEW COUNCIL. THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR PETER NG, WILL BE PRESENT TO ANSWER QUESTIONS.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS VARIOUS COMMITTEE REPORTS AND APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS.
-------o----------
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1984
MORE BUILDING PLANS APPROVED * * *
THE NUMBER OF NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN SEPTEMBER INCREASED FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE
MONTH.
DURING THE MONTH, 40 PLANS WERE APPROVED, REPRESENTING A 25 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE FIGURE FOR AUGUST.
THEY INCLUDED A 34-STOREY APARTMENT-COMMERCIAL BLOCK IN ABERDEEN, AN ELECTRICITY SUB-STATION AT CANTON ROAD, FOUR FOOTBRIDGES IN SHA TIN, TWO PETROL-FILLING STATIONS AND A SCHOOL IN FANLING.
OF THE PLANS APPROVED, 12 WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, SIX IN KOWLOON AND 22 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 39 PROJECTS, 17 ON HONG KONG ISLAND, FOUR IN KOWLOON AND 18 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INCLUDED AN APARTMENT BUILDING AT SOUTH BAY CLOSE, A MAIN SEWAGE PUMPING STATION AT THE HO CHUNG MARINA, A STATION OFFICE AT THE SHA TIN RACE COURSE STATION, A SWIMMING POOL FOR HONG LOK YUEN, TAI PO, AND TWO FACTORY BUILDINGS.
THESE 39 PROJECTS HAD A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF 298 227 SQUARE NETRES, OF WHICH 70 185 SQUARE METRES WERE FOR NON-DOMESTIC, AND THE REMAINDER FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES.
FORTY-TWO OCCUPATION PERMITS WERE ISSUED FOR NEWLY COMPLETE? BUILDINGS DURING THE MONTH.
THEY INCLUDED A WORKSHOP IN CHAI WAN, A DOMITORY BUILDING WITH A CHAPEL AT MOUNT DAVIS ROAD FOR THE CANOSSIAN MISSION^, A 14-STOREY APARTMENT-COMMERCIAL BUILDING AT CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, A SIX-STOREY GODOWN AT KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION AND A SLAUGHTER HOUSE IN YUEN LONG.
THE TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF THE NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS IN SEPTEMBER WAS 109 397 SQUARE METRES, OF WHICH 65 640 SQUARE NETRES WERE FOR NON-DOMESTIC AND THE REMAINDER FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES.
THE COST OF THESE BUILDINGS WAS ABOUT $291 MILLION.
ALSO DURING THE MONTH, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ISSUED SIX DEMOLITION ORDERS IN RESPECT OF 20 BUILDINGS.
-----o------
/4........
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1934
4
WORKS SET TO START IN TIN SHU I WAI
* * * H
PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING WORKS WILL START FOLLOWING THE CLEARANCE OF THE PAK SHA TSAI AREA IN TIN SHUI WAI ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 31), A GOVERNMENT ENGINEER SAID TODAY.
THE PROGRAMME OF DEVELOPMENT WORKS BEGINS WITH DIVERTING THE TAI RIVER - WHICH FLOWS ALONG THE EASTERN BOUNDARY OF THE SITE -THROUGH A TWIN-CELL BOX CULVERT AND THE FORMATION OF A SMALL AREA FOR SITE OFFICES, LABORATORIES AND AS A WORKS AREA, THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT BRANCH’S CHIEF ENGINEER, MR PETER ORANGE, SAID.
♦ THIS TWO-HECTARE FORMED AREA WILL ALSO CONTAIN A NUMBER OF TEST INSTRUMENTS WHICH WILL PROVIDE DESIGN DATA, INCLUDING RATES OF RECLAMATION SETTLEMENTS IN ADVANCE OF WORK ON THE MAIN SITE FORMATION.
♦ THESE WORKS MUST START NOW IF WE ARE TO MEET GOVERNMENT’S HOUSING TARGETS OF PROVIDING HOMES FOR 135 OOO AT THE BEGINNING OF THE NEXT DECADE,+ HE SAID.
IN FEBRUARY 1985, CONSTRUCTION OF A 1.2-KILOMETRE-LONG ACCESS ROAD WILL START WHICH WILL LINK TIN SHUI WAI WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD. THIS TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE FOR USE BY CONSTRUCTION VEHICLES AND WILL AVOID NUISANCE AND CONGESTION ON EXISTING ROADS IN THE AREA.
THIS ACCESS ROAD WILL EVENTUALLY BE UPGRADED TO DUAL TWO-LANES AND WILL BE THE MAJOR ACCESS TO THE NEW TOWN.
♦ AT THE SAME TIME IMPROVED FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT WHICH WILL ALLEVIATE THE FREQUENT FLOODING PROBLEMS CF VILLAGES ADJACENT TO TIN SHUI WAI,+ MR ORANGE SAID.
A MAIN DRAINAGE CHANNEL WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED ALONG THE WESTERN EDGE OF THE SITE WHICH WILL THEN FLOW NORTHWARDS INTO DEEP BAY. EXISTING DRAINAGE CHANNELS FLOWING FROM SURROUNDING AREAS WILL BE CHANNELLED INTO THE TOWN’S DRAINAGE AND SEWRAGE SYSTEM.
WHEN PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING WORKS ARE COMPLETED BY APRIL 1986, SITE FORMATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS FOR THE MAIN AREA OF 200 HECTARES WILL BEGIN. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED IN EARLY 1987 WITH WORK ON TIN YIU PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WHICH COVERS AN AREA OF 15 HECTARES.
ON COMPLETION IN 1990, THIS ESTATE WILL HAVE A FULL RANGE CF COMMERCIAL, RECREATIONAL, WELFARE, EDUCATIONAL AND TRANSPORT FACILITIES FOR A POPULATION OF 35 000.
AN AREA OF 12.5 HECTARES WILL ALSO BE DEVELOPED INTO A PRIVATE ESTATE FOR 28 700 PEOPLE.
/;.® 0BANG3......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER CO, 1^04
- 5 -
MR ORANGE SAID THAT TIN SHU I WAI HAS BEEN DESIGNED WITH H USING ESTATES AND COMMERCIAL FACILITIES SURROUNDING A CENTRAL DISTRICT PARK AND A TOWN CENTRE.
♦MAIN ROADS ARE KEPT AT THE FRINGES OF THE TOWN BUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT ROUTES, INCLUDING A POSSIBLE EXTENSION OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM, WILL CROSS THROUGH GIVING CONVENIENT ACCESS TO ALL HOUSING ESTATES AND COMMERCIAL AREAS, + HE ADDED.
-------- 0 - - - -
IMPROVING SERVICES TO SQUATTER AREAS * * * *
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL SPEND $40 000 ON SEVERAL PROJECTS TO PROVIDE IMPROVED SERVICES TO LOCAL SQUATTER AREAS.
THE PROJECTS INCLUDE THE SETTING UP OF GROUP LETTER BOXES, PROVIDING EQUIPMENT TO FIRE WATCH TEAMS AND CARRYING OUT SITE FORMATION WORK ON A MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE OFFICE. WHILE WORK HAS ALREADY BEGUN ON SOME OF THE PROJECTS, OTHER WORK WILL BE CARRIEu OUT OVER THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.
+FOLLOWING COMPLAINTS ABOUT INADEQUATE DOOR-TO-DOOR POSTAL SERVICES AT TAI SHING AND SAU ON VILLAGES IN SAU MAU PING, THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL HELP RESIDENTS INSTALL GROUP LETTER BOXES AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE TWO SQUATTER AREAS,+ CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG SHEK-FU SAID TODAY
(SUNDAY).
THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALSO APPROVED FUNDS FOR EQUIPMENT FOR FOUR RECENTLY-FORMED FIRE WATCH TEAMS AT SAU ON VILLAGE AND LAM TIN THIRD VILLAGE.
+WITH THE APPROACH OF THE DRY SEASON, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THESE NEW FIRE WATCH TEAMS ARE PROPERLY EQUIPPED TO CARRY OUT THEIR DUTIES,+ MR CHEUNG SAID.
FIRE WATCH TEAMS ARE SET UP IN SQUATTER AREAS TO KEEP A CONSTANT VIGIL AGAINST FIRES, TO ALERT THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT ONCE A FIRE BREAKS OUT, AND TO HELP EVACUATE RESIDENT^ WHEN NECESSARY.
ANOTHER PROJECT WILL SOON TO BE STARTED TO CARRY OUT SITE FORMATION WORK ON A MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE OFFICE WHICH * ILL SERVt LAM TIN THIRD AND FOURTH VILLAGES.
+THE KWUN TONG ROTARY CLUB HAS AGREED TO DONATE A CONTAINER COMPARTMENT TO BE USED AS THE MAC OFFICE, AND WE HOPE THAT RESIDENTS WILL MAKE GOOD USE OF IT ONCE IT IS COMPLETED,+ MR CHEU «b SA ID.
0 --------
/6........
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1984
6
DEMAND GROWS FOR CULTURAL SERVICES
*****
FAST-GROWING DEMAND FOR ALL SORTS OF COMMUNITY WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW TOWNS LIKE SHA
THERE HAS BEEN A
TIN ?NLTHEANEWETERRHORIES AND THE RESULTANT INFLUX OF POPULATION,
A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER SAID TODAY.
MR WONG PO-MING, CHAIRMAN OF THE CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, SAID THE GOVERNMENT, DISTRICT BOARDS AND_ LOCAL CULTURAL ORGANISATIONS HAD ALL BEEN WORKING VERY HARD TO MttT THIS DEMAND.
THE MUSIC OFFICE, HE SAID, HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THIS BY RUNNING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING CLASSES AND ORGANISING MUSIC PROMOTION ACTIVITIES.
MR WONG WAS SPEAKING AT THE N.T. STUDENTS’ CONCERT HELD AT PUI YING COLLEGE AT WO CHE ESTATE, SHA TIN, TO OFFER TRAINEES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE THE CHANCE TO PERFORM IN PUBLIC.
AT THE SAME TIME, PARENTS AND TEACHERS WERE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THE GENERAL STANDARD OF THE TRAINEES.
MR WONG ALSO SAID THAT THE OPENING OF THE SHA TIN MUSIC CENTRE EARLIER THIS YEAR WAS A STEP IN THAT DIRECTION.
HE CALLED ON THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE EVEN MORE MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE RESIDENTS OF SHA TIN.
IN A WELCOME SPEECH, MRS DORIS HO, MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, SAID THAT RESPONSE TO THE ANNUAL RECRUITMENT OF TRAINEES HAD INCREASED STEADILY SINCE THE SCHEME STARTED IN 1977.
COMPETITION FOR THE LIMITED NUMBER OF PLACES WAS NOW VERY KEEN..
+ IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT FOR OUR TRAINEES, ON SECURING A PL AC: IN THE SCHEME, TO RECOGNISE THE PART THEY HAVE TO PLAY.
+IT IS THEIR DUTY TO ENSURE THAT THE VERY SUBSTANTIAL PUBLIC FUNIS SPENT ON THE SCHEME AND THE EFFORTS OF THEIR MUSIC TEACHERS ARE NOT WASTED,* MRS HO STRESSED.
-----o-----
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1134
- 7 -
MORE INDUSTRIAL LAND FOR TUEN MUN * * * *
ABOUT 50 HECTARES OF LAND IN TUEN MUN WILL BE PROVIDED FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BY 1990 UNDER THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
ACCORDING TO A BOOKLET PUBLISHED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE, MUCH OF THE ADDITIONAL LAND, WHICH REPRESENTS A 58 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE INDUSTRIAL LAND NOW AVAILABLE, WILL BE IN AREAS OUTSIDE EXISTING INDUSTRIAL CENTRES.
THE PUBLICATION, ENTITLED +TUEN MUN -- THE RIGHT PLACE FOR INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT* REVEALS THE GOVERNMENT PLAN TO SET UP SPECIAL INDUSTRIAL AREAS FOR LAND-INTENSIVE AND MARINE-ORIENTED INDUSTRIES.
HOWEVER, WITH THE EMPHASIS ON A BALANCED DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT IN THE NEW TOWN, THERE WILL BE A PARALLEL DEVELOPMENT OF HOUSING AND OTHER BASIC FACILITIES AS THE NEW INDUSTRIAL LAND COMES ON STREAM, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD SAID.
+AT PRESENT, THE INDUSTRIAL AREAS ARE SUITABLY LOCATED NEAR THE CENTRAL PARTS OF TUEN MUN, WITH EASY ACCESS FOR THE WORKFORCE, AND ARE DESIGNED TO FACILITATE CONVENIENT LOADING, UNLOADING AND TRANSPORTATION OF GOODS,* HE SAID.
+VIRTUALLY EVERY TYPE OF INDUSTRY THAT ONE CAN THINK OF CAN EE FOUND IN TUEN MUN,+ HE ADDED.
+ESTABLISHED UNDERTAKINGS RANGE FROM THE ENORMOUS TAP SHEK KOK POWER PLANT, HIGH-TECH COMPUTER AND ELECTRONICS COMPANIES TO SMALL SCALE FIRMS PRODUCING CHEMICALS, PLASTICS AND PAPER PRODUCTS,* HE SAID.
MOST OF THESE COMPANIES OPERATE IN MULTI-STOREY FACTORY BUILDINGS WHERE ABOUT 54 PER CENT OF THE FLOOR AREAS ARE RENTED, PER CENT ARE WHOLLY OWNED AND THE REMAINING SEVEN PER CENT PARTIALLY OWNED.
BY MID-1984, THE TOTAL FLATTED FACTORY FLOOR AREA USED BY INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES IN THE EXISTING INDUSTRIAL AREA (INCLUDING WAREHOUSES) EXCEEDED ONE-MILLION SQUARE METRES.
+TUEN MUN CAN PROVIDE ALL THE NECESSARY ANCILLARY AND SUPPORT FACILITIES REQUIRED BY INDUSTRIALISTS SUCH AS MAJOR LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL BANKS, INSURANCE COMPANIES, TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORKS AND POWER AND WATER SUPPLY,* HE SAID.
+MOREOVER, THE DISTRICT BOARD REGULARLY DISCUSS WAYS OF IMPROVING CONDITIONS FOR BOTH THE INDUSTRY AND ITS WORKFORCE,* HE ADDED.
+BY THE LATE 1980S, IT IS ENVISAGED THAT TUEN MUN WOULD BE A SELF-CONTAINED NEW TOWN, WITH A STRONG INDUSTRIAL BASE WELL SERVED BY A LOCAL WORKFORCE WITH AN EFFICIENT TRANSPORT SYoTcM 7 AT WILL ALLOW EASY ACCESS TO LOCAL AND WORLD MARKETS,* HE SAID.
------o-------
/8......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1984
8
NO LIFEGUARDS AT NT BEACHES IN WINTER * * *
WITH THE APPROACH OF THE COLD SEASON, LIFEGUARD SERVICES AT ALL 29 GAZETTED PUBLIC BEACHES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ON OUTLYING ISLANDS WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 1) UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
SWIMMERS AT THESE BEACHES SHOULD TAKE SPECIAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SA ID.
+THEY SHOULD SWIM WITHIN THEIR OWN LIMITS AND BEWARE OF BIG WAVES AND STRONG CURRENTS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
--------o----------
TENDERS INVITED FOR REPAIRING RAFTS * * * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR CLEANING, REPAIRING AND REMOORING 21 BEACH RAFTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THESE RAFTS ARE LOCATED AT THE FIRST AND SECOND BEACHES CF CLEAR WATER BAY, SILVERSTRAND BEACH, TRIO BEACH, KIU TSUI AND HAP MUN BAY IN SAI KUNG, LIDO BEACH AND TING KAU BEACH IN TSUEN WAN, KWUN YAM BEACH AND TUNG WAN ON CHEUNG CHAU, AND LO SO SHING BEACH ON LAMMA ISLAND.
TENDER FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF SWIRE AND MACLA I Nt HOUSE (AUSTIN CENTRE), 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI.
COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE. PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX IN THE LIFT LOBB' ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WIIG), LOWER ALBERT ROAD BEFORE NOON ON NOVEMBER 23 (FRIDAY).
FURTHER PARTICULARS MA' BE OBTAINED FROM THE RECREATION AND AMEN TIES SECTION OF THE NT-D HEADQUARTERS ON 3-678675.
-----o-----
/9........
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1984
9
BASKETBALL MORE POPULAR
*****
BASKETBALL HAD BECOME MORE POPULAR AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE GENERAL STANDARD OF THE SPORT WAS RISING, MR DAVID CHIU, AN ASSISTANi COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, SAID TODAY.
MR CHIU WAS SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION FOR THE 1984 BASKETBALL NOVICE COMPETITION AT OSMAN RAMJU SADICK MEMORIAL GAMES HALL IN KWAI CHUNG THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE COMPETITION WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE (RSS) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG AMATEUR BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION. IT WAS PART OF A TERRITORY-WIDE TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR YOUNGSTERS WHO HAD COMPLETED THE ELEMENTARY TRAINING COURSES ORGANISED BY THE RSS OR THE ASSOCIATION.
ABOUT 400 YOUNG PEOPLE WHO TOOK PART IN THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME, FORMED INTO TEAMS TO COMPETE DURING THE PAST WEEKS.
THE FINAL MATCHES WERE HELD THIS MORNING, PRIOR TO THE PRIZE PRESENTATION.
- - 0 - -
NEW ROAD OPENED ON HEI LING CHAU * * * *
A NEW ROAD CONSTRUCTED ON HEI LING CHAU ISLAND, BY PRISO'sE? LABOUR, WAS TODAY OFFICIALLY OPENED BY’- THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER.
THE 21D0-METRE LONG ROAD RUNS SOUTHWARDS FROM THE SOUTH-E-PART OF THE ISLAND, PASSING A CLOSED CENTRE AND A RESERVOIR BEFO-REJOINING THE EXISTING ROAD.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT (WCf-AND PLANNING) MR WU CHUN-KAN SAID ABOUT 50 TO 60 PERSONS FROM THE NEARBY ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE HAD BEEN DEPLOYED DAIL’ Tu CEMENT THE ROAD SINCE MAY LAST YEAR.
THE CEMENTING WORK TOOK ABOUT 16 MONTHS TO COMPLETE, HE SAIu. SITE FORMATION WORK HAD BEEN DONE MUCH EARLIER.
MR WU ALSO SAID THAT THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE HAD HIGH PRAISES FOR THE WORKMANSHIP OF THE THREE-METRE wI DE ROAD WHICH CAN EE USED BY THREE-TON LORRIES.
/later on
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1984
10 -
LATER ON THE SAME DAY, MRS BEVERLEY GARNER, WIFE OF THE COM SSIONER, OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING OF THE COMPLETELY RENOVATED HEI LING CHAU STAFF MESS.
AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY, THERE WAS A LION DANCE PERFORMANCE. BY T-.E ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE INMATES, FOLLOWED BY A BARBECUE DINNER FOR STAFF ON THE ISLAND.
-----o------
NEW TRAFFIC SCHEME FOR WANG TAU HOM *****
A NEW TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE WANG TAU HOM AREA FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 30).
THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE MADE RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY:
* WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD BETWEEN FU MEI STREET AND JUNCTION ROAD.
* FU MEI STREET EAST BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES SOUTH OF THE JUNCTION.
* WANG TAU HOM CENTRAL ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES WEST OF THE JUNCTION.
WITHIN THESE RESTRICTED ZONES, MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS” OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.
WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH FU MEI STREET EAST AND A POINT 80 METRES NORTH OF THE JUNCTION WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TRAFFIC TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.
RIGHT-TURNING MOVEMENT FROM FU MEI STREET WESTBOUND TO WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD NORTHBOUND WILL BE BANNED.
NO TURNING MOVEMENTS WILL BE ALLOWED FROM FU MEI STREET EASTBOUND TO WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD.
MOTORISTS MAY NOT DRIVE AHEAD OR TURN LEFT ON WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD NORTHBOUND OR SOUTHBOUND AT ITS JUNCTION WITH FU MEI STREET.
' IGHT-TURNING MOVEMENT FROM Fl MEI STREET WESTBOUND TO FU YUE STREET WILL BE BANNED.
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/11 ........
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1984
RESTRICTED ZONES IN NGAU TAU KOK * * *
FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 30), THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE MADE RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY:
* THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF NGAU TAU KOK ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 150 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ON SHIN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 80 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
* THE WESTOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF NGAU TAU KOK ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 80 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ON SHIN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 120 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES, MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT
FRANCHISED BUSES AND THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERSj OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.
- - 0
MAINS WORK IN ABERDEEN * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN ABERDEEN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 PM ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 31) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY NOS. 40-103 SHEK PAI WAN ROAD, TIN WAN HILL ROAD, HING WO STREET, TIN WAN CLOSE, KA WO STREET, TIN WAN STREET, TANG FUNG STREET, YUE WOK STREET, YUE LEE STREET, AND YUE KO STREET.
ABERDEEN FISHERIES AND MARINE OFFICES AND ABERDEEN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO PREMISES IN YAU TONG, INCLUDING YAU TONii ESTATE AND KO CHUI ROAD ESTATE, WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 8 AM TO MIDNIGHT ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 31) FOR WATER WORKS.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG, TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, -198U
CONTENTS Page no.
PEOPLE URGED TO GIVE VIEWS TO ASSESSMENT OFFICE .......... 1
INVESTMENT IN NEW TOWNS URGED ............................ 2
MANY GOOD TRADING YEARS AHEAD, E.P. HO SAYS .............. i+
PRESENTATION OF INSIGNIA ................................. 5
HK NOW MAJOR SHIP REGISTRATION CENTRE .................... 10
NEW SITE FOR VEHICLE SURRENDER ........................... 11
CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT ...................... 12
OLD FOLK GET HOMES FROM PLAN ............................. 12
YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL STARTS SUNDAY ........................ 13
SPORTS FESTIVAL DETAILS .................................. I**
PUBLIC TOILET FOR YUEN LONG .............................. I1*
RESERVOIR FIGURES ........................................ 1^
FIRING PRACTICE IN NOVEMBER .............................. 15
NEW ROAD OPENS ........................................... 15
PROHIBITED ZONE .......................................... 16
CAUSEWAY BAY TAPS OFF
16
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1984
1
PEOPLE URGED TO GIVE VIEWS TO ASSESSMENT OFFICE *****
HONG KONG PEOPLE WERE URGED TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MR PETER TSAO, TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE DRAFT AGREEMENT TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE.
+NOW THAT WE HAVE COME SO FAR, NOW THAT WE HAVE BEFORE US THE FRAMEWORK OF A SYSTEM WHICH GUARANTEES SO MUCH OF WHAT WE WISH TO SEE PRESERVED, IT WOULD BE A BETRAYAL OF EVERYTHING THIS AGREEMENT HAS SET OUT TO ACHIEVE IF WE DID NOT ALL COLLECTIVELY CONTRIBUTE TO ITS REALISATION,* HE SAID.
MR TSAO SAID THAT GIVING OUR VIEWS TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE WAS A VITAL STEP IN THAT PROCESS.
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF VICTORIA, HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNOR, WHILE INTRODUCING THE DRAFT AGREEMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DID MORE THAN URGE EVERYONE IN HONG KONG TO READ IT.
+HE ALSO URGED US TO COME FORWARD WITH OUR VIEWS,* MR TSAO SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WAS VITAL THAT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT SHOULD HAVE THE FULLEST POSSIBLE ACCOUNT OF THE VIEWS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE WHEN THE TIME CAME FOR PARLIAMENT TO CONSIDER THE MATTER AND TO DECIDE WHETHER THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE AUTHORISED TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT ON WHICH THE FUTURE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG’S MORE THAN FIVE MILLION PEOPLE WILL DEPEND.
MR TSAO ALSO QUOTED THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, WHO HAD SAID THAT SAME DAY IN NEW YORK, THAT +MUCH OF THE IMPORTANCE -- AND INDEED MUCH OF THE ACHIEVEMENT -- OF THE AGREEMENT LIES IN ITS DETAIL AND MUCH OF THE DEBATE IN THE WEEKS TO COME — ESPECIALLY IN HONG KONG -- WILL RIGHTLY FOCUS ON THE DETAILS.*
THE PROBLEM IS THAT NOT ALL THE OPINION WE ARE EACH INDIVIDUALLY REACHING ON THE BASIS OF THIS EXAMINATION ARE BEING REFERRED TO THE RIGHT QUARTERS, MR TSAO SAID.
+THIS PERHAPS ARISES, TO SOME EXTENT, FROM A MISUNDERSTANDING AS TO WHAT THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE EXPECTS TO RECEIVE FROM US. THE KEY WORD IS OPINION. THEY ARE NOT JUST LOOKING FOR A SIMPLE TICK CF APPROVAL,* HE SAID.
QUOTING FROM THE SPEECH MADE BY SIR GEOFFREY HOWE IN THE HOUSE CF COMMONS LAST THURSDAY, THAT +IT WAS MADE QUITt CLEAR IN THE WHITc PAPER THAT THE DRAFT AGREEMENT ITSELF CANNOT BE AMENDED*, MR TSAO POINTED OUT THAT SIR GEOFFREY DID RECOGNISE THAT THIS AGREEMENT MIGHi NOT BE REGARDED AS COMPLETELY SATISFACTORY BY ALL ON ALL POINTS, AND THAT NO AGREEMENT COULD ACHIEVE THAT.
/MR TSAO ........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1984
2 -
MR TSAO REITERATED THE POINT THAT IF THERE WAS A NEED TO SUPPLEMENT THE AGREEMENT, OR TO AMPLIFY IT, OR TO CLARIFY IT, AND IF BOTH SIDES AGREED, THIS COULD NO DOUBT BE DONE WITH THE SAME GOOD SENSE AS THE TWO GOVERNMENTS HAD EXERCISED IN DEALING WITH THE AGREEMENT ITSELF.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SIR GEOFFREY HAD ALSO SAID, + THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN HONG KONG ON ALL PARTS OF IT WILL BE OF VALUE IN OUR CONTINUING DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHINESE, PARTICULARLY IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP.
+ l AM SURE THE HOUSE WOULD WISH ME TO URGE EVERYONE IN HONG KONG TO SUBMIT THEIR VIEWS ON ALL THESE ASPECTS TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE.+
MR TSAO SAID HE COULD NOT SUFFICIENTLY EMPHASISE THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SUBSTANCE OF THOSE +CONTINUING DISCUSS IONS+ TO WHICH SIR GEOFFREY REFERRED.
+THIS IS OUR CHANCE TO GIVE EXPRESSION NOT ONLY TO OUR VIEWS ON THE GENERAL ACCEPTABILITY OF THE REPORT, BUT ALSO WHATEVER THOUGHTS WE MAY ENTERTAIN ON PARTICULAR ASPECTS, SO THAT WE CAN INDICATE WHAT IT IS WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE SPELT OUT IN GREATER DETAIL,* HE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE LONG QUEUES OF PATIENT PEOPLE STANDING IN LINE FOR THEIR PERSONAL COPY OF THE DRAFT AGREEMENT, OF WHICH 2.2 MILLION COPIES WERE DISTRIBUTED WITHIN THE FIRST 10 DAYS, W TSAO SAID, +WE CAN SAFELY DEDUCE THAT THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE INTEREST IN THIS PUBLICATION.*
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE HAD OVER 1 000 ASSESSABLE ITEMS ORIGINATING FROM ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS, REPRESENTING LESS THAN 0.05 PER CENT OF THE WHITE PAPER’S READERSHIP.
------0-------
INVESTMENT IN NEW TOWNS URGED
* * * *
REMARKABLE PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN DEVELOPING THE NORTHWESTERN NEW TERRITORIES, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID .AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY.
HE WAS SPEAKING AFTER OPENING A NEW BRANCH OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANK IN YUEN LONG TODAY.
HE SAID THAT WHILE SHA TIN TENDED TO BE THE MOST VISITED OF THE NEW TOWNS, PERHAPS DUE TO ITS PROXIMITY TO THE URBAN AREA, THERE WAS NO DOUBT THAT YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN WERE DEVELOPING RAPIDLY.
/SR AKSRS-JONSjS ........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 198A-
MR AKERS-JONES COMMENDED YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN TO INVESTORS.
COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE URBAN AREA WERE EXCELLENT ALONG THE SIX-LANE TUEN MUN HIGHWAY, HE SAID.
♦AND LINKS TO THE NORTH WILL BE IMPROVED BY THE HIGHWAY WHICH IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION LEADING TO FANLING, AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW BORDER CROSSING AT LOK MA CHAU WILL LINK THE AREA WITH SHENZHEN AND GUANGZHOU.
+WORK ON THE NEW BORDER CROSSING SHOULD START BY THE MIDDLE CF NEXT YEAR.+ HE SAID.
THE CONSTRUCTION BY THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION OF A 34-KILOMETRE LRT LINK BETWEEN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG WILL FACILITATE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE WITHIN THE REGION.
MOREOVER, HE SAID THE DRAFT AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG WITH ITS ASSURANCES ABOUT SECURITY OF LAND TENURE, PROVIDED AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR FURTHER PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT, PARTICULARLY IN RESPECT OF THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
+THERE ARE EXCELLENT ROAD LINKS TO THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER PORT AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND BANKING SUPPORT SERVICES MADE THE AREA IDEAL FOR INVESTMENT.
+THE COST OF RENTING FLATTED FACTORIES IN TUEN MUN IS LESS THAN HALF THAT IN KOWLOON,+ HE SAID.
THE AREA WAS WELL SERVED BY THE YUEN LONG STADIUM, AS WELL AS THE TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND AND YAN Ol TONG COMMUNITY AND INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE IN TUEN MUN.
+IN ADDITION PROGRESS WILL BE MADE WITH THE YUEN LONG TOWN PARK.
+WORK ON THE TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE AND THE NEW CULTURAL COMPLEX IS CONTINUING AND THESE SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN PHASES BETWEEN NEXT YEAR AND 1991, WITH THE FIRST PHASE OF THE CULTURAL COMPLEX OPENING IN EARLY 1986.
+AND TUEN MUN, LIKE SHA TIN IS DEVELOPING ITS OWN TOWN PARK,* HE SAID.
. _ 0 - - - -
A....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1984
- 4 -
MANY GOOD TRADING YEARS AHEAD, E.P. HO SAYS * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO, TOLD TRADERS TODAY THAT THEY COULD LOOK FORWARD TO MANY SUCCESSFUL TRADING YEARS, WITH THE GUARANTEES IN THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT.
+THE GUARANTEES IN THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT HAVE PROVIDED A FIRM BASIS FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE LEGAL AND FINANCIAL SYSTEMS, THE FREE MARKET ECONOMY, A DISTINCT POSITION WITHIN THE INTERNATIONAL TRADING COMMUNITY AND A FREELY CONVERTIBLE CURRENCY ALL OF WHICH ARE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS WHICH CAN HELP HONG KONG MAINTAIN THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT THAT HAS BEEN THE BASIS OF ITS PROSPERITY SINCE THE PACIFIC WAR,+ MR HO SAID.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1984 HONG KONG TRADE FAIR CONSUMER PRODUCTS EXHIBITION, IN WHICH 150 LOCAL AND OVERSEAS EXHIBITORS ARE TAKING PART.
HE SAID THAT THE EXTENT OF OVERSEAS PARTICIPATION IN THE FAIR SERVED TO UNDERSCORE AGAIN HONG KONG’S IMPORTANCE AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIAL AND TRADING CENTRE,.
DRAWING THE ATTENTION OF TRADERS TO THE USEFULNESS OF HONG KONG AS A GATEWAY TO THE POTENTIAL MARKET IN CHINA, MR HO SAID WITH ITS POPULATION OF ONE BILLION PEOPLE THE CHINESE MARKET HAS LONG BEEN THE FASCINATION OF MANY.
+CHINA NOW ACCOUNTS FOR SOME 20.3 PER CENT OF OUR TRADE, SECOND ONLY TO THE UNITED STATES. MANY MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS WILL BE STRIVING HARD FOR A SHARE OF THE INCREASED BUSINESS WHICH CHINA HAS TO OFFER. AND FOR THEM, HONG KONG IS AN UNRIVALLED VANTAGE POINT FROM WHICH TO CONDUCT THEIR OPERATIONS.
+IN FACT THE REVIVAL OF OUR TRADITIONAL ROLE AS AN ENTREPOT HAS ALREADY MADE SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS, AND RE-EXPORTS OF GOODS IN 1983 AMOUNTED TO MORE THAN $56 BILLION, AN INCREASE OF 18 PER CENT OVER A FIVE YEAR PERIOD: TO AND FROM CHINA AS WELL AS ELSEWHERE IN THE REGION AND THE WIDER WORLD.+
ON THE LOCAL FRONT, MR HO STRESSED THAT DESPITE HONG KONG’S RELATIVELY SMALL SIZE, DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION IN HONG KONG WAS +A FACTOR TO BE RECKONED WITH+.
+0N A PER CAPITA BASIS, HONG KONG WAS THE LARGEST MARKET IN THE WORLD FOR FRENCH BRANDY; HONG KONG BOUGHT MORE PER CAPITA FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM THAN HER MOST IMPORTANT EUROPEAN COMMUNITY TRADING PARTNER, AND HONG KONG AS THE UNITED STATES’ LARGEST EXPORT MARKET FOR CIGARETTES AND ORANGES - AN UNLIKELY MIXTURE IN A UNIQUE LOCATION,+ HE SAID.
-------0 --------
/5........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1984
- 5 -PRESENTATION OF INSIGNIA I
* * * * *
INSIGNIA FOR 84 PEOPLE WERE PRESENTED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AT A CEREMONY IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE THIS (MONDAY) EVENING.
THE RECIPIENTS WERE DECORATED BY THE QUEEN FOR SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF INSIGNIA RECIPIENTS:
CBE (COMMANDER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)
MR LEWIS MERVYN DAVIES
OBE (OFFICER ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)
THE HONOURABLE MARIA TAM WAI-CHU
MR WONG WAN-TIN
MR WILLIAM TURNBULL
THE HONOURABLE CHAN KAM-CHUEN
MR GEORGE BRYAN O’RORKE
ISO (IMPERIAL SERVICE ORDER)
MR STEPHEN LAW CHI-KIN
MR PANG YUK-LING
MR CHIU SZE-HUNG
/MBE........
■ONLAY, OCTOBER 2?, 19B4
- 6 - ~
MBE (MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)
MR HENRY AU KWONG-MAN
MR MAXIMILIAN MA YUNG-KIT
MR VINCENT WOO WING-FAI
MR NG CHAN-LAM
MR WONG PAK-KEUNG
MR SIT DOK-SHUEN
MR JOSEPH LIU HING-CHAI
MR ROBERT WEI WEN-NAN
MR CHAN YUM-TONG
THE REV WONG TSOK
MBE (MIL) (MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE) (MILITARY)
MAJOR (QGO) LALBAHADUR RAI
QUEEN’S GALLANTRY MEDAL
MR CHIU SHING-CHOW (DECEASED)
MR CHEUNG WAI-LEUNG
MR LEUNG SIU-LIN
/BSM.......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1984
- 7 -
BEM (BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL)
MR YIP KOK-YI MR TSANG WING-KIN MR CHAN WAI MR TONG KAI-MING MR YUEN KEE MR CHEONG KAM-CHUEN MR LEE CHEE MR YIP LO MR CHAN PING-CHEUNG MR CHAN PO-CHEONG
BEM (MIL) (BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL) (MILITARY DIVISION)
FLIGHT SERGEANT KAM CHUNG-KEUNG STAFF SERGEANT BRIAN CATHRINE COLOUR SERGEANT KENNETH J WALLWORK SERGEANT JAMES A C TURNER
WARRANT OFFICER 2 LACHHIM IPARSAD GURUNG
WARRANT OFFICER 2 WILLIAM G MCDONALD
ISM (IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL)
MR FUNG WING MR CHAN KAM-MAN
/qusai's coiManuTiON ...
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1984
- 8 -
QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR BRAVE CONDUCT
MR CHIU KWOK-YIN
MR LI KEI-KIT
MR MA SHUI-LUN
MR YAN PING-KUEN
QPM (QUEEN’S POLICE MEDAL)
MR JOHN ALBERT THORPE
MR WILLIAM MCINTYRE ROSS
QFSM (QUEEN’S FIRE SERVICE MEDAL)
MR CHEUNG SHU-SHING
MR HARRY KENYON
CPM (COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL)
MR JAMES ARTHUR FINCH
MR ANTHONY JOSEPH MULLINS
MR WU CHI-MENG
MR MARTIN BROWN
MR CHEUNG S IK-HUNG
MR WONG PUI-TONG MR CHENG KAM-HOI MR POON CH I-MING MR CHEUNG KWOK-KU I MR LO TO-SANG
/CPM......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1984
9
CPM IRE SERVICES) (COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL) (FIRE SERVICES)
MR FUNG KAR-WAH
MR RAYMOND HORACE BRUCE
MR CHOW WING-CHEONG
MR CYRIL GEORGE PULLINGER
MR PETER CHEUNG
BADGE OF HONOUR ■
MRS IRENE LEE TANG YEE-LING
MR SIU MING, ALIAS SIU SIK—MING
THE REV HAU PO-WOON
MR LAU YUNG-FUK
DR PANG HOK-TUEN
MR LAI KAM-CHEUNG
MR YIP HING-CHUNG
MR JOSEPH LAW KWUN-WAI
MR CHAN TAI-CHEONG
MR CHOW FAT
MR ANDREW WONG WANG-FAT
MR CHENG HOK-YIN
MR LAM WAI-KEUNG
MR NG PING-TAK
MR STEPHEN LEUNG HOK-NIN
MR CHIN CHUN-LEUNG
ORDER OF ST JOHN
OFFICER (BROTHER) : DR GEORGE CHOA
SERVING SISTER : MISS YU MEI-YEE
SERVING BROTHER : MR SO WING-KIN
MR WILLIAM HAR YING-SANG
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1984
10
HK NOW MAJOR SHIP REGISTRATION CENTRE
******
HONG KONG IS NOW A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL SHIP REGISTRATION CENTRE FOLLOWING A PHENOMENAL GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF OCEANGOING SHIPS REGISTERED HERE DURING RECENT YEARS.
BY THE END OF LAST YEAR, THERE WERE 760 SHIPS ON THE HONG KONG REGISTER, WITH A COMBINED GROSS TONNAGE OF 5.2 MILLION TONS, COMPARED WITH 508 SHIPS TOTALLING 1.3 MILLION TONS IN 1978.
MORE IMPORTANT, THERE HAD BEEN A GROWING NUMBER OF LARGER SHIPS REGISTERED HERE,A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
+IN 1978, THERE WERE 411 SHIPS UNDER 500 TONS ON THE REGISTER AND ONLY 97 SHIPS IN EXCESS OF THIS TONNAGE. NOW WE HAVE WELL OVER 200 SHIPS THAT ARE ABOVE 500 TONS,* HE SAID.
LAST YEAR, 98 SHIPS ON THE REGISTER WERE IN THE 20 000-PLUS TON RANGE, COMPARED WITH ONLY 24 IN 1978.
♦LARGE SHIPS REGISTERED IN HONG KONG INCLUDE TANKERS, BULK CARRIERS AND CONTAINER SHIPS, MANY OF WHICH ARE MODERN PURPOSE-BUILT VESSELS,* HE POINTED OUT.
TO GIVE AN IDEA OF THE RAPID EXPANSION, HE SAID BEFORE 1978 THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAD SURVEYED AN AVERAGE OF FOUR VESSELS A YEAR FOR REGISTRATION. TODAY, THAT ANNUAL AVERAGE COMES TO 37 AND IS STILL RISING.
THE GROWTH OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS HAD ACCELERATED, WITH A JUMP OF 400 PER CENT IN TOTAL TONNAGE FOR THE PERIOD.
+A SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT HAS BEEN THE GROWING NUMBER OF SHIPS SWITCHING REGISTRY FROM OTHER COUNTRIES TO HONG KONG,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THERE WERE 13 SHIPS MAKING THIS SWITCH IN 1981 AND AGAIN IN 1982, AND 17 IN 1983. IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE NUMBER SOARED TO 34 AND THE UPTREND IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUc.
SHIPS SEEKING HONG KONG REGISTRATION MUST MEET THE HIGH STANDARDS REQUIRED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MOST MATTERS CONNECTED WITH MERCHANT SHIPPING.
+ALL OCEAN-GOING VESSELS HAVE TO BE CERTIFIED IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS. THOROUGH SURVEYS ARE CARRIED OUT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE SHIPS ARE UP TO PAR BEFORE THE DEPARTMENT ISSUES THEM A CERTIFICATE.
/+WHILS SOME
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1984
-WHILE SOME OF THESE SURVEYS ARE UNDERTAKEN BY SUCH PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES AS LLOYDS, OTHERS MUST BE CONDUCTtD BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT,- THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
MANY HONG KONG-REGISTERED SHIPS NEVER MARINE DEPARTMENT SURVEYORS HAVE TO TRAVEL THEM.
CALL AT THE TERRITORY. OVERSEAS TO SURVEY
-IN RECENT YEARS THESE SURVEYORS HAVE VISITED MANY COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES, PUERTO RICO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THOSE IN NORTH WEST EUROPE,- HE SAID.
-HOwEVER, THEIR MAIN WORK IS CARRIED OUT IN SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN, EXAMINING SHIPS BEING BUILT AT THE MANY SHIPYARDS THERE,- HE SAID.
NEW SITE FOR VEHICLE SURRENDER
* * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE MOVING ITS VEHICLE SURRENDER CENTRE FROM KOWLOON BAY TO A NEW SITE IN THE TO KWA WAN RECLAMATION AREA AS FROM NEXT MONTH, FOLLOWING THE EXPIRY OF ITS PRESENT LEASE.
THE NEW 5 738 SQUARE METRE SITE AT CHI KIANG STREET IS ALMOST THREE TIMES AS BIG AS THE KOWLOON BAY CENTRE, AND CAN ACCOMMODATE 400 VEHICLES AT A TIME. IT WILL OPERATE FROM NOVEMBER 1.
THE KOWLOON BAY CENTRE WILL BE VACATED ON OCTOBER 31.
THE NEW CENTRE WILL OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 1 PM AND 2 PM TO 6 PM, MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS, EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE USE OF THE CENTRE TO DISPOSE OF UNWANTED VEHICLES SHOULD BRING ALONG THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:
* A COMPLETED -APPLICATION TO SCRAP AND CANCEL THE REGISTRATION OF A VEHICLE-. THIS FORM CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE SURRENDER CENTRE OR AT ANY OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT LICENSING OFFICES.
* THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION DOCUMENT.
* THE IDENTITY CARD OR PASSPORT IN THE CASE OF A PRIVATE OWNER, OR A CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION IF THE VEHICLE OWNER IS A LIMITED COMPANY.
THE CENTRE WILL THEN ARRANGE FOR THE CRUSHING AND DEREGISTRATION OF THE VEHICLE.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE CENTRE CAN BE MADE ON 5-8933111.
-------o---------
/12........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1984 .
12 -
CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT * * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY WILL BE SEEKING A COURT ORDER TODAY FOR CLOSURE OF THE GROUND FLOOR OF 139 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, HONG KONG, TO ENABLE DEMOLITION OF AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE TO BE CARRIED OUT, WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS OR THE PUBLIC.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS MORNING, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT AN ORDER HAD BEEN SERVED ON THE OwNER FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURE.
+THIS HAS NOT BEEN COMPLIED WITH AND IT IS NOW NECESSARY FOR THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO CARRY OUT THE DEMOLITION WORK IN THE OWNER’S DEFAULT,+ HE SAID.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN HONG KONG VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON NOVEMBER 21, WAS POSTED TODAY.
THE DEMOLITION WORK WAS EXPECTED TO TAKE TWO TO THREE DAYS TO COMPLETE.
ON COMPLETION, A NOTICE OF EXPIRY OF THE CLOSURE ORDER WOULD BE ISSUED TO PERMIT THE PREMISES TO BE RE-OCCUPIED, HE SAID.
-----o------
OLD FOLK GET HOMES FROM PLAN
******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN THE GOVERNMENT’S HOUSING SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY IN WAN CHAI TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE PEACOCK BANQUET ROOM, HOPEWELL CITY RESTAURANT, HOPEWELL CENTRE, 7TH FLOOR, QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, AT 3-30 PM.
UNDER THIS SCHEME, THE GOVERNMENT HAD EARLIER THIS YEAR PURCHASED 23 FLATS IN SPRING GARDEN LANE, WAN CHAI TO HOUSE 115 ELDERLY PEOPLE. IN 1983, 80 FLATS WERE PURCHASED IN SHA TIN TO HOUSE 470 OLD PEOPLE.
AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR AND GUESTS WILL PROCEEi. TO CHUN FAI BUILDING, AT 1-11 SPRING GARDEN LANE, TO TOUR THE FLATS AND TO VISIT SOME ELDERLY RESIDENTS WHO HAVE BENEFITED FROM THE SCHEME.
-------0----------
/1J........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1934
YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL STARTS SUNDAY * * * *
THE 7TH HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL, AN ANNUAL EVENT ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD THIS YEAR FROM NOVEMBER 4 TO 11.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE SAID TODAY THAT ACTIVITIES WOULD BE HELD DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE TERRITORY, TO STIMULATE LOCAL INTEREST IN BAND MUSIC AND TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE OF YOUNG LOCAL BAND PLAYERS.
THE TOYAMA TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL BAND FROM JAPAN, A GOLD-MEDAL WINNER OF THE ALL-JAPAN BAND COMPETITION, HAS BEEN INVITED TO PERFORM IN THE FESTIVAL.
THE 45-MEMBER BAND WILL ARRIVE HERE ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6.
DURING THE EIGHT-DAY FESTIVAL PERIOD, CONCERTS, SEMINARS, COMPETITIONS AND WORKSHOPS WILL BE HELD BY THE 28 SCHOOL BANDS, INCLUDING THE JAPANESE GUEST BAND.
TO START OFF THE FESTIVAL, WINNERS OF LAST YEAR’S SYMPHONIC BAND WILL BE PERFORMING AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL.
ON NOVEMBER 6, THERE WILL BE A DISTRICT YOUTH BAND CONCERT, JOINTLY PRESENTED WITH THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (NT DIVISION), AT THE LUT SAU HALL IN YUEN LONG.
TO HIGHLIGHT THE FESTIVAL, THERE WILL BE A +FESTIVAL CONCERT* AND A +GALA FINALE*.
THE FESTIVAL CONCERT, TO BE HELD AT ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL, WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND AND THE JAPANESE GUEST BAND. THE JAPANESE BAND HAS WON THE GOLDEN PRIZE IN THE ALL JAPAN CONTEST FOR SEVEN CONSECUTIVE YEARS, AND HAS GIVEN MANY PERFORMANCES IN KOREA, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, THAILAND AND CHINA.
THE GALA FINALE, TO BE HELD AT QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM AS A JOINT PRESENTATION WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL, WILL MARK THE CLOSE OF THE FESTIVAL.
TICKETS FOR THE TWO CONCERTS, AT $5 EACH, ARE NOW ON SALE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND COMPUTERISED BOX OFFICES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL. ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE AT 5-741622.
-----o------
/14........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1984
14
SPORTS FESTIVAL DETAILS * * *
DETAILS OF THE SHAM SHU I PO SPORTS FESTIVAL, SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 8), WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
TO BEGIN ON CONFERENCE
DISTRICT OFFICER. MR SYLVESTER TSE, AND THE PESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHOW(KWAN-LIMn,
CONFERENCE AT HOTEL.
CHAIRMAN OF THE WILL ATTEND THE ONE, SHANGRI-LA
A PUBLIC PERSONS, WILL
PUBLIC TOILET FOR YUEN LONG X * * * *
TOILET WHICH WILL INCLUDE FACILITIES FOR DISABLED Ie BUILT IN YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.
IT WILL BE SITUATED IN HONG KING STREET, NEXT TO THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS TERMINUS.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER AND EE COMPLETED IN JUNE NEXT YEAR.
-----o-----
RESERVOIR FIGURES
* X X
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 82% PER CENT 0? ?APACITY OR 481.835 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 575.585 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 98.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - o - -
/15........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1984
15
FIRING PRACTICE IN NOVEMBER * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FOR 26 DAYS IN NOVEMBER.
THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
FIRING WILL BE FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM ON THE FOLLOWING 20 DAYS:
NOVEMBER 2 (FRIDAY); NOVEMBER 3 (SATURDAY): NOVEMBER 5 (MONDAY);
NOVEMBER 7 (WEDNESDAY) ; NOVEMBER 9 (FRIDAY) ; NOVEMBER 10 (SATURDAY); NOVEMBER 13 (TUESDAY); NOVEMBER 14 (WEDNESDAY);
NOVEMBER 15 (THURSDAY); NOVEMBER 16 (FRIDAY); NOVEMBER 17 (SATURDAY); NOVEMBER 19 (MONDAY); NOVEMBER 20 (TUESDAY);
NOVEMBER 21 (WEDNESDAY); NOVEMBER 22 (THURSDAY); NOVEMBER 23 (FRIDAY); NOVEMBER 24 (SATURDAY); NOVEMBER 26 (MONDAY);
NOVEMBER 27 (TUESDAY) AND NOVEMBER 28 (WEDNESDAY).
FOR THE OTHER SIX DAYS, FIRING WILL BE BETWEEN 8 AM AND 11 PM AS FOLLOWS:
NOVEMBER 1 (THURSDAY); NOVEMBER 6 (TUESDAY) ; NOVEMBER 8 (THURSDAY); NOVEMBER 12 (MONDAY); NOVEMBER 29 (THURSDAY) AND NOVEMBER 30 (FRIDAY).
-------0----------
NEW ROAD OPENS
* * *
AN ELEVATED ROAD LINKING NGAU TAU KOK ROAD WITH SHEUNG YEE ROAD IN KOWLOON BAY WILL BE OPENED AT 9.30 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE 650-METRE-L0NG ROAD FOR TWO-WAY TRAFFIC, IS EXPECTED TO FURTHER IMPROVE ACCESS TO THE DEVELOPING KOWLOON BAY AREA.
THE NEW ROAD STARTS IN NGAU TAU KOK ROAD NEAR ON SHIN
ROAD AND SPANS KWUN TONG ROAD, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION TRACKS AND DEPOT, TAI YIP STREET AND WAI YIP STREET BEFORE JOINING SHEUNG YEE ROAD.
FOR GREATER SAFETY FOR PEDESTRIANS CROSSING KWUN TONG ROAD, A NEW FOOTBRIDGE HAS ALSO BEEN PROVIDED NEAR BLOCK 1 OF THE LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE.
-----0------
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1934
- 16 -
PROHIBITED ZONE * * * *
PROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER »), SHATIN PASSdROADaKTJEEN|c UgSt™sIsAExS“tLtS0SE Si?H PErKhS ISSUED BY THE COMM.SSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.
_____0------
CAUSEWAY BAY TAPS OFF * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN CAUSEWAY BAY wILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 1) FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY LOCKHART ROAD, CANAL ROAD EAST, HENNESSY ROAD AND EAST POINT ROAD.
-----0-----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR TO OPEN SUPREME COURT BUILDING....................... 1
SEPTEMBER MONETARY STATISTICS RELEASED........................ 1
DB'S BUSY COLLATING VIEWS ON DRAFT AGREEMENT ................. 6
TAX RESERVE INTEREST CUT ..................................... 6
TRADE AND INDUSTRY CHIEF TO MEET PRESS ....................... 8
MORE RICHLAND GARDENS FLATS FOR SALE.......................... 8
EDUCATION BOARD jWBERS VISIT SCHOOLS ......................... 10
TRAFFIC MEASURES FOR MILITARY PAGEANT ........................ 10
SRAM SHUI PO SPORTS FESTIVAL STARTING TOMORROW ............... 11
PRISONERS DO WELL IN EXAMS ................................... 12
COURSE TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS ....................... 12
FOUR MORE PARKS FOR TSUEN WAN ................................ 13
SITTING-OUT AREA ON PEACE AVENUE.............................. 13
COUNTRY PARK WALKS BEING ORGANISED ........................... 14
TUNNEL ROAD TO BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED.......................... 14
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF BOWEN DRIVE.............................. 15
MAINS WORK IN TAI PO ......................................... 15
MORE PARKING METERS FOR YUEN LONG ............................ 15
TOBSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1984
1
GOVERNOR TO OPEN SUPREME COURT BUILDING US
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND LADY YOUDE WILL INAUGURATE THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING AT QUEENSWAY, TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
SIR EDWARD AND THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, WILL SPEAK ON THE OCCASION. THEREAFTER, SIR EDWARD WILL UNVEIL A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE.
THE GOVERNOR WILL THEN BE TAKEN ON A TOUR OF THE NEW COURT HOUSE.
--------0----------
SEPTEMBER MONETARY STATISTICS RELEASED * * * *
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS CONTINUED TO RISE LAST MONTH, ACCORDING TO THE SEPTEMBER MONETARY STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (TUESDAY).
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS, HOWEVER, REGISTERED THE FIRST DECREASE SINCE FEBRUARY THIS YEAR. REFLECTING THIS, THE HONG KONG DOLLAR COMPONENTS OF THE MONEY SUPPLY CONTINUED TO INCREASE ON ALL DEFINITIONS, AND LARGELY ACCOUNTED FOR THE RISE IN THE TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY.
DEMAND FOR LOANS REMAINED WEAK WITH LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE FALLING, AND OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG SHOWING ONLY A MARGINAL INCREASE.
TABLE 1 BELOW SETS OUT SUMMARY FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER 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 CONTINUED TO RISE, BY 1.4 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER, FOLLOWING A RISE OF 2.6 PER CENT IN AUGUST. THEY SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 3.0 PER CENT OVER•THE THREE MONTHS TO SEPTEMBER, AND 30.2 PER CENT OVER THE 12 MONTHS.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS, HOWEVER, DROPPED BY 0.8 PER CENT, AFTER A SMALL INCREASE OF 0.4 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH. THEY RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 0.7 PER CENT FOR THE TttREE MONTHS AND 13.4 PER CENT FOR THE 12 MONTHS TO jlPTEMBER RESPECTIVELY.
/TOTAL DEPOSITS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1984
2
TOTAL DEPOSITS WITH BANKS ROSE BY 0.8 PER CENT WHILE TOTAL DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DROPPED BY 1.5 PER CENT. THEIR RESPECTIVE INCREASES IN AUGUST WERE 1.7 PER CENT AND 0.8 PER CENT. THESE FIGURES PROBABLY SUGGEST SOME REVERSION CF DEPOSITS TO BANKS FROM DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AS INTERBANK RATES GENERALLY EASED, PARTICULARLY TOWARDS THE END OF THE MONTH. HOWEVER, REFLECTING THE SHIFT OF DEPOSITS FROM THE FORMER TO THE LATTER IN EARLIER MONTHS, TOTAL DEPOSITS WITH BANKS GREW BY ONLY 0.6 PER CENT IN THE THREE MONTHS TO SEPTEMBER, WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES GREW BY 6.8 PER CENT.
HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY
HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS INCREASED FURTHER, WITH HK$M1 (THE NARROWEST DEFINITION) RISING BY 5.2 PER CENT, HK$M2 BY 1.5 PER CENT AND HK$M3 BY 1.3 PER CENT. THEIR RESPECTIVE INCREASES IN AUGUST WERE 1.8 PER CENT, 3.4 PER CENT AND 2.6 PER CENT.
IN THE THREE MONTHS TO SEPTEMBER, INCREASES OF 1.0 PER CENT, 1.2 PER CENT AND 2.6 PER CENT WERE RECORDED FOR HK$M1, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 RESPECTIVELY. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES OVER THE 12 MONTHS WERE 9.5 PER CENT, 17.9 PER CENT AND 26.9 PERCENT.
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY
WHILE TOTAL Ml GREW BY 5.4 PER CENT, TOTAL M2 WAS ONLY 0.8 PER CENT AND TOTAL M3 0.3 PER CENT HIGHER IN SEPTEMBER, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 2 PER CENT, 1.7 PER CENT AND 1.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN AUGUST. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES OVER THE THREE MONTHS TO SEPTEMBER WERE 2.5 PER CENT, 0.5 PER CENT AND 1.7 PER CENT AND OVER THE 12 MONTHS, 11.9 PER CENT, 12.7 PER CENT AND 20.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES SHOWED ONLY A SMALL INCREASE OF 0.3 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 0.5 PER CENT IN AUGUST. THE INCREASE IN THE THREE MONTHS TO SEPTEMBER WAS 2 PER CENT AND OVER THE 12 MONTHS 4.9 PER CENT.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE DECREASED FURTHER, BY 1.3 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER, FOLLOWING A DECREASE OF 2.3 PER CENT IN AUGUST. WHILE THEY SHOWED A FALL OF 2.1 PER CENT OVER THE THREE MONTHS TO SEPTEMBER, AN INCREASE OF 12.5 PER CENT WAS RECORDED OVER THE 12 MONTHS.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG CONTINUED TO RISE ONLY MARGINALLY, BY 0.1 PER CENT. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO SEPTEMBER, SHE INCREASE WAS 1.1 PER CENT AND OVER THE 12 MONTHS THE MCREASE WAS 1.4 PER CENT.
/SgAHTERLY_AWJ;YSIS .......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1984
- 3 -
QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND
ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR
DURING THE THIRD QUARTER, LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED TO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ROSE BY 3.2 PER CENT, FOLLOWING A FALL OF 1.8 PER CENT DURING THE SECOND QUARTER.
LOANS TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE WERE 2.9 PER CENT LOWER, IN CONTRAST TO AN INCREASE OF 2.7 PER CENT DURING THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
LOANS TO THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR REVERSED THE EARLIER DECLINING TREND SINCE SEPTEMBER 1983, TO RISE BY 6.1 PER CENT. THE DECLINE FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER WAS 2.4 PER CENT.
BORROWING BY INDIVIDUALS TO PURCHASE PROPERTY OTHER THAN FLATS IN THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME ROSE FURTHER, BY 2.3 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH A GROWTH CF 4.4 PER CENT DURING THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
THE NET SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY LIABILITIES OF THE MONETARY SECTOR FELL FURTHER TO $4.5 BILLION AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER FROM $6.8 BILLION AT THE END OF AUGUST. STATISTICS COLLECTED (ON THE BASIS OF SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS) BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES SHOWED A PARALLEL DECREASE TO $7.8 BILLION FROM 8 BILLION. THIS FALL IN NET SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY LIABILITIES WAS MATCHED BY A REDUCTION IN NET FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS OF THE MONETARY SECTOR TO $27.5 BILLION AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER FROM $28.3 BILLION AT THE END OF AUGUST.
LIQUIDITY RATIO
«... .THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 18 OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE) FOR ALL BANKS WAS 50.0 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 49.3 PER CENT IN AUGUST. THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 24A OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES
ORDINANCE) FOR ALL DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL TO 45.8 PER CENT FROM 46.6 PER CENT IN AUGUST.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF OPERATING LICENSED BANKS AND THE NUMBER OF OPERATING LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES REMAINED UNCHANGED.
136 AND 30 RESPECTIVELY. THE NUMBER OF REPORTING REGISTERED ■-POSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY ONE TO 319.
/4........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1984
Money Supply
Ml
M2
M3
- HKi Foreign Total
- HKi Foreign Total
- HKi Foreign Total
currency
currency
currency
Deposits
Demand deposits
Savings deposits
Time deposits with banks
Time deposits with dtcs
All HKi deposits
All foreign currency deposits Total
Loans and advances
- 4 -
TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - September 1984
Sep 1984
30,212
3,356
33,568
149,705
135,871
285,576
188,473
171,442
359,915
20,954
68,943
178,084
72,424
173,955
166,450
340,405
Earlier months
(% change
to September 1984)
Jun 1984
Aug 1984
28,721 (+5.2%) 3,131 (+7.2%) 29,900 (+ 1.0%) 2,861 (+17.3%)
31,852 (+5.4%) 32,761 (+ 2.5%)
147,506 ( + 1. 5%) 147,994 (+ 1.2%)
135,732 (+0.1%) 136,129 (- 0.2%)
283,238 (+0.8%) 284,124 (+ 0.5%)
185,983 (+1.3%) 183,696 (+ 2.6%)
172,751 (-0.8%) 170,053 (+ 0.8%)
358,734 (+0.3%) 353,749 (+ 1.7%)
19,367 (+8.2%) 67,334 (+2.4%) 20,009 (+ 4.7%) 74,117 (- 7.0%)
179,065 (-0.5%) 172,359 (+ 3.3%)
73,554 (-1.5%) 67,808 (+ 6.8%)
171,600 (+1.4%) 168,968 (+ 3.0%)
167,720 (-0.8%) 165,323 (+ 0.7%)
339,319 (+0.3%) 334,292 (+ 1.8%)
(HKirnn)
Sep 1983
27,591 (+ 9.5%)
2,417 (+38.8%)
30,008 (+11.9%) 126,938 (+17.9%) 126,446 (+ 7.5%) 253,384 (+12.7%) 148,528 (+26.9%) 150,922 (+13.6%) 299,450 (+20.2%)
17,544 (+19.4%)
71,150 (- 3.1%)
146,941 (+21.2%)
44,776 (+61.7%)
133,627 (+30.2%)
146,785 (+13.4%)
280,412 (+21.4%)
To finance Hong Kong’s visible trade
To finance merchandising trade not touching Hong Kong
Other loans Other loans Kong
Other loans
for use in Hong for use outside
where the place
Kong Hong
of use
is not known
All loans in HKi
All loans in foreign currencies
32,941 33,374 (-1.3%) 33,654 (- 2.1%)
4,150 4,198 (-1.1%) 3,136 (+32.3%)
215,688 215,371 (+0.1%) 213,430 (+ 1.1%)
141,417 139,642 (+1.3%) 135,899 (+ 4.1%)
19,304 19,555 (-1.3%) 19,111 (+ 1.0%)
204,210 204,428 (-0.1%) 203,912 (+ 0.1%)
209,291 207,712 (+0.8%) 201,318 (+ 4.0%)
413,500 412,140 (+0.3%) 405,229 (+ 2.0%)
29,276 (+12.5%)
3,073 (+35.0%)
212,802 (+ 1.4%)
127,339 (+11.1%)
21,818 (-11.5%)
197,055 (+ 3.6%)
197,253 (+ 6.1%)
394,308 (+ 4.9%)
/5
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1984
j
TABLE 2 : QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR - SEPTEMBER 1984
Sep 1984 Earlier quarters
(% change to Sep 1984)
Jun 1984 Mar 1984
Manufacturing 19,680 19,078 (+3.2%) 19,422 (+1.3%)
Transport and transport equipment 20,842 21,294 (-2.1%) 21,086 (-1.2%)
Building, construction and property 48,459 45,693 (+6.1%) 46,821 (+3.5%)
development
Wholesale and retail trade 25,634 26,409 (-2.9%) 25,727 (-0.4%)
Financial concerns* 16,206 16,670 (-2.8%) 15,975 (+1.4%)
Individuals
to purchase flats in the Home 3,742 3,615 (+3.5%) 3,501 (+6.9%)
Ownership Scheme and Private
Sector Participation Scheme
to purchase other residential 24,511 23,959 (+2.3%) 22,945 (+6.8%)
property
other purposes 19,703 20,112 (-2.0%) 20,485 (-3.8%)
Others 36,911 36,600 (+0.8%) 35,486 (+4.0%)
Total 215,688 213,430 (+1.1%) 211,448 (+2.0%)
(HKjrnn)
Sep 1983 18,698 (+ 5.3%) 20,408 (+ 2.1%) 51,536 (- 6.0%)
24,364 (+ 5.2%) 14,151 (+14.5%)
3,038 (+23.2%)
21,331 (+14.9%)
25,524 (-22.8%) 33,752 (+ 9.4%) 212,802 (+ 1.4%)
/6........
* This excludes funds advanced to banks and deposit-taking companies
------0---------
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1984
- 6 -
DB’S BUSY COLLATING VIEWS ON DRAFT AGREEMENT * * * *
DISTRICT BOARDS AND DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS ARE COLLATING THEIR VIEWS ON THE DRAFT AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE FOR SUBMISSION TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE.
THREE DISTRICT BOARDS - TAI PO, NORTH AND SAI KUNG -HAD FORWARDED THEIR VIEWS, AND OTHERS WOULD BE DOING SO THIS 'WEEK AND NEXT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
♦ ALL THE 18 DISTRICT BOARDS WILL HAVE SENT IN THEIR VIEWS AND COMMENTS TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE BY THE NOVEMBER 15 DEADLINE,*
SAID.
SINCE THE WHITE PAPER WAS PUBLISHED ON SEPTEMBER 26, DISTRICT BOARDS HAVE DISCUSSED ITS CONTENTS AT SPECIAL AS WELL AS THEIR REGULAR MEETINGS.
IN ADDITION, SEMINARS AND FORUMS ON THE SUBJECT HAVE BEEN ORGANISED BY AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, RURAL COMMITTEES AND OTHER DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS.
THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THESE ORGANISATIONS AND THOSE THEY HAVE COLLECTED FROM RESIDENTS ARE ALSO BEING SENT IN TO THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE.
-----o------
TAX RESERVE INTEREST CUT * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED A DECREASE IN THE RATE CF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES.
AS FROM OCTOBER 31, 1984, THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST WILL BE 8.04 PER CENT (TAX FREE), AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 8.52 PER CENT (TAX FREE).
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.67 PER MONTH PER $133. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETED MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX-.
DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID BY A CHEQUE.
/THE NEW
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1984
7 -
THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 31, 1984.
CERTIFICATES ISSUED BEFORE THIS DATE WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOW'S:-
9% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 27, 1982 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 3, 1982}
7.8% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 3, 1982 AND BEFORE MAY 27, 1983;
10.2% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 27, 1983 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 28, 1983;
12% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 28, 1983 AND BEFORE NOVEMBER 7, 1983;
9.6% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 7, 1983 AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 10, 1984;
7.8% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 10, 1984 AND BEFORE MARCH 23, 1984;
5.16% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MARCH 23, 1984 AND BEFORE MAY 18, 1984;
8.4% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 18, 1984 AND BEFORE JULY 6, 1984;
10.08% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED UN OR AFTER JULY 6, 1984 AND BEFORE JULY 13, 1984;
12.84% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 13, 1984 AND BEFORE AUGUST 10, 1984;
10.8% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 10, 1984 AND BEFORE AUGUST 31, 1984;
9.6% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 31, 1984 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 5, 1984; AND
8.52% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 5, 1984 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 31, 1984.
BUT THEY ARE ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE 'HAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETED MONTHS WITriOJT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
EXAMPLE : $1 000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON NOVEMBER 7, 1984, DECEMBER 7, 1984 AND JANUARY 7, 1985 RESPECTIVELY, AND SURRENDERED IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON FEBRUARY 7 1985, WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS;-
/ON $1 000..........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1984
8 -
nu nm NOVEMBER 7, 1984 TO FEBRUARY 7 1985 THREE COMPLETE
WHS AT $6.70 PER MONTH
ON $1 000, DECEMBER 7, 1984 TO FEBRUARY 7 1985 TWO COMPLETE MONTHS AT $6.70 PER MONTH
ON $1 000, FEBRUARY MONTH AT
JANUARY 7, 1985 TO
7 1985 ONE COMPLETE $6.70 PER MONTH
- $20.10
- $13.40
- $ 6.70
$40.20
NOTE TO EDITORS:
TRADE AND
INDUSTRY CHIEF TO MEET PRESS * * * *
HOLD AT 4
HOUSE, CENTRAL.
_ - - - 0 ---------
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
MORE RICHLAND GARDENS FLATS FOE! SALE-* * * *
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS OFFERING ANOTHER -X P RICHLAND GARDENS FOR SALE UNDER THE CUR NT P HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.
, KS AT
THE
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY A SPOKESMAN FOK TP ITY SAID^
THE DECISION WAS MADE IN VIEW OF T*E ENC>;JRAG< • > —
INITIAL OFFER OF THE 2 688 FLA.S IN BLOCau -
+MORE THAN 14 000 APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN SEIVED, ABOUT FIVE TIMES THE NUMBER OF FLATS INITIALLY .FFEr.E^.
/+I‘HE ADDITIONAL......f
\ •
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1984
- 9 -
■ +THE ADDITIONAL 1 584 FLATS, IN BLOCKS 11, 18, 19, 20, 21 AND 22, HAVE BROUGHT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF FLATS NOW BEING OFFERED FOR SALE TO 4 272, THUS GIVING APPLICANTS A BETTER CHANCE TO ACQUIRE A HOME OF THEIR OWN AND A WIDER CHOICE OF FLATS THEY WANT,* HE ADDED.
FLATS, WITH GROSS AREAS FROM 43.7 TO 57.9 SQUARE METRES, ARE PRICED FROM $188 300 TO $337 000 EACH.
RICHLAND GARDENS IS THE LARGEST RESIDENTIAL PROJECT BEING BUILT IN KOWLOON BAY UNDER THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME.
WHEN COMPLETED IN MID-1985, IT WILL HAVE A TOTAL OF 5 904 TWO-BEDROOM AND THREE-BEDROOM FLATS IN 22 BLOCKS PLUS A FULL RANGE OR RECREATIONAL AND SHOPPING FACILITIES.
AS FOR THE REMAINING SIX BLOCKS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AUTHORITY MIGHT CONSIDER MAKING THEM AVAILABLE FOR SELECTION BY PHASE VIB ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS IF THERE WAS A GREAT DEMAND FOR THEM, AND NO FRESH APPLICATIONS WOULD BE INVITED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: + T0 ENABLE MORE PROSPECTIVE HOME-BUYERS TO MAKE USE OF THE ADDITIONAL OFFER, THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS HAS NOW BEEN EXTENDED TO FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 2).+
APPLICATION FORMS ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT THE HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN, APPLICATIONS SECTION OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AT MA TAU KOK ROAD, ALL HOUSING AUTHORITY AND HOUSING SOCIETY ESTATE OFFICES AND ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
THE HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF 01 MAN COMMERCIAL CENTRE WILL ALSO BE OPEN UNTIL 7 PM ON FRIDAY TO RECEIVE LAST-MINUTE APPLICATIONS.
POSTAL APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED IF THE POSTMARK SHOWS THEY ARE MAILED ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 2.
+SAMPLE FLATS AT RICHLAND GARDENS WILL, MOREOVER, CONTINUE TO BE OPEN UNTIL NEXT MONDAY (NOVEMBER 5) TO GIVE HOME-SEEKERS FURTHER CHANCES TO SEE THIS LARGEST PSPS PROJECT.
+THEIR OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 10 AM TO 5.30 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 10 AM TO 6.30 PM ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.*
A PUBLIC BALLOT WILL BE HELD NEXT MONTH TO DECIDE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS.
-------- 0 --------
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1984
10 -
EDUCATION BOARD MEMBERS VISIT SCHOOLS * * *
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING VISITED TWO SCHOOLS IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND TO SEE THE AIR POLLUTION PROBLEMS THERE.
CHAIRMAN OF THE
THE GROUP WAS LED BY MR PETER C. WONG, BOARD OTHER MEMBERS WERE PROFESSOR B.L. COOKE, MR CHAN YING-LUN PRS RITA FAN MR TIMOTHY HA, MRS PEGGY LAM, MR ALBERT LI, PR B.H TISDALL AND MR D.B. GOULD, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY
FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER.
THEY WERE ACCOMPANIED BY MR T.L. LAM, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (SCHOOLS), AND MR K.S. TSE, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (CENTRAL, WESTERN AND SOUTH) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THEY FIRST VISITED KENNEDY TOWN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL AND THEN SHENG KUNG HUI LUI MING CHOI MEMORIAL PRIMARY SCHOOL, BOTH OF WHICH HAD BEEN AFFECTED BY SMELLS FROM THE INCINERATOR AND THE ABATTOIR NEARBY.
SOME MEMBERS ALSO SHOWED INTEREST IN THE ACTIVITY APPROACH TEACHING ADOPTED BY PRIMARY 1 AND 2 OF THE SHENG KUNG HUI SCHOOL.
-----o-----
TRAFFIC MEASURES FOR MILITARY PAGEANT *****
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IN FORCE IN HAPPY VALLEY ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 1 AND 2) FOR MILITARY PAGEANT 1984 AND ITS REHEARSAL AT HONG KONG STADIUM.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, THE FOLLOWING MEASURES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 6 PM:
EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY ANTICLOCKWISE, EXCEPT FOR THE SHORT SECTION BETWEEN TUNG LO WAN ROAD AND THE ENTRANCE TO ST PAUL’S HOSPITAL CAR PARK WHICH WILL REMAIN OPEN BOTH WAYS.
* THE EASTERN ARM OF CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD AND LEIGHTON ROAD-WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
* THE WESTERN ARM OF CAROLINE HILL ROAD WEST OF EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND UNTIL 8.45 PM, WHEN IT WILL BECOME ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
* LINK ROAD WILL BECOME ONE-WAY UPHILL.
/PROM 6.45 .......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1984
FROM 6.45 PM, THE SECTION OF EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD BETWEEN CAR PARK NUMBER 2 AND CAR PARK NUMBER 5 WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT FOR MILITARY AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES.
THESE MEASURES WILL BE IN FORCE UNTIL SPECTATORS HAVE DISPERSED.
ALL PARKING SPACES IN STADIUM PATH AND THE EASTERN ARM OF CAROLINE HILL ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 4 PM AND 10 PM.
LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD AND CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN 7.30 PM AND 10.30 PM.
BUSES ON CMB ROUTE 17 AND MAX I CABS ON ROUTES 5 AND 14 WILL BE DIVERTED TO AVOID THE RE-ROUTED ROADS.
- - 0 - -
SHAM SHU I PO SPORTS FESTIVAL STARTING TOMORROW * * * * *
THE SECOND SHAM SHU I PO SPORTS FESTIVAL, FEATURING A WIDE RANGE OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR EVENTS, WILL BEGIN ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 3).
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHOW KWEN-LIM, SAID AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE BIANNUAL FESTIVAL WAS AIMED AT PROMOTING LOCAL INTEREST IN RECREATION AND SPORTS.
♦WE ALSO HOPE TO PERSUADE RESIDENTS TO BE MORE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS AND THUS DEVELOP A STRONGER SENSE OF BELONGING,+ HE SAID.
DURING THE TWO-WEEK FESTIVAL, RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE PART IN SOCCER, BASKETBALL, VOLLEY BALL, SWIMMING AND OTHER COMPETITIONS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE RECREATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES SUCH AS ROLLER SKATING, EXCURSIONS, MASS DANCES AND SQUASH, BADMINTON AND VOLLEY BALL DEMONSTRATIONS.
THE CHINESE TABLE TENNIS NATIONAL YOUTH TEAM AND THE GUANGDONG BADMINTON TEAM WILL COMPETE WITH LOCAL PLAYERS.
AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM AT 1 PM, FOLLOWED BY A THREE-HOUR PROGRAMME FEATURING MARCHING BANDS, GYMNASTIC DISPLAYS, MASS DANCES, A LONG-DISTANCE RUN AND A BEST ATHLETE AWARD CONTEST.
THE FESTIVAL WILL COST ABOUT $350 000, $120 000 OF WHICH IS CONTRIBUTED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
DETAILS AND ADMISSION TICKETS FOR THE FESTIVAL ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
THE SHAM SHU I PO SPORTS FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE SHAM SHUI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1994
12 -
PRISONERS DO WELL IN EXAMS * * * *
TWELVE YOUNG PRISONERS WHO HAVE PASSED THE PITMAN EXAMINATION IN ELEMENTARY ENGLISH WERE AWARDED CERTIFICATES TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE RECIPIENTS, BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18 AND 25, SAT FOR THE EXAMINATION LAST MARCH WHILE SERVING SENTENCES AT THE PIK UK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION. TWO OF THEM HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED.
IN ADDITION, MOST OF THEM HAD TAKEN THE LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRIES EXAMINATION IN BOOKKEEPING AND THE CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNICIANS EXAMINATION WITH GOOD RESULTS.
OFFICIATING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD AT THE INSTITUTION, SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT (YOUNG OFFENDERS) OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHENG CHI-LEUNG, SAID THESE COURSES HAD BEEN INTRODUCED IN LINE WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING TO YOUNG OFFENDERS.
-----o-----
COURSE TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS
* * * * *
A COURSE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR STAFF IN THE RETAILING SECTOR WILL BE OFFERED BY THE DIVISION OF CONTINUING EDUCATION, HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE.
THE COURSE, TO BE HELD FROM NOVEMBER 23 TO FEBRUARY 8, 1985, IS PART OF A SERIES OF PROGRAMMES PLANNED BY THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
THE COURSE WILL COVER COMMUNICATION SKILLS, INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES, AND THE HANDLING OF COMPLAINTS.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND 12 LECTURES, OF TWO-AND-A-HALF HOURS EACH ON FRIDAYS, STARTING NOVEMBER 23.
THE FEE IS $270. BUT WITH SUBSIDY FROM THE COUNCIL, EACH PARTICIPANTS NEEDS ONLY PAY HALF OF THE AMOUNT PROVIDED HE PASSES THE FINAL EXAMINATION AND HAS AN ATTENDANCE RATE OF NOT LESS THAN 80 PER CENT.
AS THE COURSE IS LIMITED TO 40 PARTICIPANTS, THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD APPLY EARLY.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE BOARD, MR H. HUNG, ON 5-8932341, EXT. 261 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
-----0-----
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1934
13
FOUR MORE PARKS FOR TSUEN WAN * * *
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FOUR PARKS IN TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN.
ONE PARK OF TWO HECTARES WILL FORM THE SECOND PHASE OF THE TAI WO HAU PARK OVER THE MTR STATION. IT WILL HAVE A ROLLER SKATING RINK, VOLLEYBALL AND BASKETBALL COURTS, A FIVE-A-SIDE FOOTBALL PITCH, A COVERED GAMES AREA, CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS, CHANGING FACILITIES, AN ADMINISTRATION BLOCK AS WELL AS SITTING AND GARDEN AREAS.
ANOTHER OF 0.18 HECTARES, TO BE LOCATED ON SHING MUN ROAD, WILL HAVE CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS, BALL GAMES AREAS AND GARDENS.
THE THIRD PARK OF 0.3 HECTARES WILL BE BUILT NEXT TO THE TSUEN WAN MTR STATION, FEATURING A CHILDREN’S PLAY POOL AMID A GARDEN.
THE FOURTH PARK OF 0.45 HECTARES WILL BE LOCATED ON TSUEN KING CIRCUIT. ITS FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A FLOODLIT FIVE-A-SIDE FOOTBALL PITCH AND REST GARDENS.
THE FOUR PARKS ARE EXPECTED TO BE READY BY NOVEMBER 1986.
TENDERS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX SITUATED IN THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1984.
- - 0 - -
SITTING-OUT AREA ON PEACE AVENUE * * *
THE EXISTING PEACE AVENUE PLAYGROUND IN HO MAN TIN IS TO BE DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR A PERMANENT REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AND A SITTING-OUT AREA.
OCCUPYING 420 SQUARE METRES, THE REFUSE COLLECTION POINT WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING TEMPORARY ONE AT PEACE AVENUE.
IT WILL ALSO HAVE A BASKETBALL COURT ON THE ROOF OF THE SINGLE-STOREY BUILDING.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED IN THE SITTING-OUT AREA INCLUDE TABLE-TENNIS TABLES, CHESS TABLES, BENCHES, A TOILET AND A STOREROOM.
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER AND BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER 1985.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1984 ,
- U -
COUNTRY PARK WALKS BEING ORGANISED * * * * *
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IS ORGANISING EDUCATIONAL WALKS FOR STUDENTS AND VISITORS TO COUNTRY PARKS FOR THE NEXT SIX MONTHS, STARTING ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 1).
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), THE ACTING SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER, MR M.K. CHEUNG, SAID THE WALKS AIMED TO GIVE STUDENTS AND OTHER PARK VISITORS A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT AND TO MAKE THEM AWARE OF THE NEED FOR COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION.
+SEVEN COUNTRY PARKS AND ONE NATURE RESERVE HAVE BEEN CHOSEN FOR THESE WALKS,+ HE SAID.
THEY ARE MA ON SHAN, TAI LAM, PAT SIN LENG, ABERDEEN, SOUTH LANTAU, SHING MUN AND EAST SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARKS AND MAI PO NATURE RESERVE.
MR CHEUNG SAID PARTICIPANTS WOULD BE BRIEFED DURING THE TWO-HOUR VISIT ON TREES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, PLANTATIONS AND THEIR PROTECTION, TREE NURSERY OR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION, DEPENDING ON THE SITE SELECTED.
THE WALKS ARE OPEN TO STUDENTS OF PRIMARY 4 OR ABOVE AND ORGANISED GROUPS OF 30 TO 40 PARTICIPANTS WITH ADVANCE BOOKING.
FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM MR T.H. LIU ON 3-688111, EXTENSION 306.
-----o------
TUNNEL ROAD TO BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED
* * *
TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORK, LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD BETWEEN HUNG MUI KUK ROAD AND CHE KUNG MIU ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM FROM NOVEMBER 1 (THURSDAY) TO NOVEMBER 7 (WEDNESDAY).
SHA TIN ROAD BETWEEN SHA TIN WAI ROAD AND YUEN WO ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM TO 10 AM ON NOVEMBER 7.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HUNG MUI KUK ROAD AND CHE KUNG MIU ROAD.
-----0-----
/15 .......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1984
- 15 -
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF BOWEN DRIVE * * * *
FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 1), A 100-METRE SECTION CF BOWEN DRIVE NEAR KENNEDY ROAD IN WAN CHAI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR A MONTH FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORK.
DURING THE CLOSURE, THE UPPER SECTION OF BOWEN DRIVE BETWEEN BOWEN ROAD AND THE CLOSED ROAD SECTION WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO WAYS.
VEHICLES HEADING FOR BOWEN ROAD AND THE UPPER SECTION OF BOWEN DRIVE FROM KENNEDY ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA BORRETT ROAD.
-----0------
MAINS WORK IN TAI PO
* * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN AREAS IN TAI PO WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 2) FOR MAINS WORK.
ALL VILLAGES ALONG LAM KAM ROAD FROM WAI TAU TO PAK NGAU SHEK AS WELL AS KAU LUNG HANG LO WAI, KAU LUNG HANG SAN WAI, KIU TAU, YUEN LONG, NAM WA PO, TAI WO, TAI HANG AND HONG LOK YUEN WILL BE AFFECTED.
- - - - 0 ----------
MORE PARKING METERS FOR YUEN LONG
* * * *
MORE PARKING METERS WILL BE INSTALLED IN YUEN LONG TOWN TO REGULATE THE USE OF ON-STREET PRIVATE CAR AND GOODS VEHICLE PARKING SPACES.
THESE METERS WILL BE INSTALLED FROM THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 1).
THE PARKING FEE WILL BE $1 FOR 30 MINUTES FOR PRIVATE CARS AND $0.50 FOR GOODS VEHICLES.
-----0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1984
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
PEOPLE URGED TO EXPRESS VIEWS ON DRAFT AGREEMENT .......
SIR EDWARD CONVEYS CONDOLENCES ON MRS GANDHI'S DEATH.... 4
CONSULTANTS REPORT ON TSING YI ......................... 4
J212-MILLION BUILDING CONTRACT AWARDED ................. 6
MORE APPLICATIONS FOR RICHLAND GARDENS POUR IN ......... 6
CLEARANCE CARRIED OUT SMOOTHLY ......................... 7
TRAINING IMPROVES JOB PROSPECTS ........................ 8
SEMINAR ON CIVIC EDUCATION .............................
FLAT AND ILLEGAL STRUCTURE TO BE CLOSED ................
STANLEY FAIR ON SATURDAY ...............................
CRIME PREVENTION CAMPAIGN IN YAU MA TEI ................ 11
FANLING ANTI-CRIME VARIETY SHOW ........................ 11
RESTRICTED ZONE IN TUEN MUN ............................
TRAFFIC CHANGE .........................................
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1934
1
PEOPLE URGED TO EXPRESS VIEWS ON DRAFT AGREEMENT
* * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) URGED THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO PUT FORWARD THEIR VIEWS ON THE SI NO-BRITISH DRAFT AGREEMENT, BOTH ON ITS GENERAL ACCEPTABILITY AND ON ITS PROVISIONS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW SUPREME COURT BUILDING, SIR EDWARD SAID THAT AS THE SECRETARY OF STATE HAD RECENTLY EMPHASISED IN THE UK PARLIAMENT, IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THE PEOPLE DID SO FOR TWO REASONS.
FIRST, MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT WILL NEED TO KNOW THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE AGREEMENT AS A WHOLE IS ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WHEN IT IS DEBATED IN EARLY DECEMBER.
SECOND, ALTHOUGH THE AGREEMENT CANNOT BE AMENDED, THE VIEWS ON ALL PARTS OF IT WILL BE OF THE GREATEST VALUE IN THE CONTINUING DISCUSSION WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, PARTICULARLY IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP.
+NOT ONLY INDIVIDUALS, BUT THOSE ORGANISATIONS WHICH REPRESENT SUBSTANTIAL BODIES OF OPINION IN THE MANY DIFFERENT SECTORS OF OUR SOCIETY SHOULD RESPOND TO THAT CALL,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW SUPREME COURT BUILDING WAS ALSO THE TEMPORARY HOME OF THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE, WHICH IS CHARGED WITH THE TASK OF ASSESSING THE ACCEPTABILITY OF THE AGREEMENT.
HE SAID THAT THE SIZE OF THE BUILDING, ITS CENTRAL POSITION AND THE SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCES INVESTED IN IT +TESTIFY TO THE GOVERNMENT’S RECOGNITION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RULE OF LAW IN OUR COMMUNITY} AND OF THE NEED TO HOUSE OUR COURTS WITH DIGNITY.*
+THAT RULE SECURES SOCIETY AGAINST UPHEAVAL AND DISORDER, AND THE EXERCISE OF ARBITRARY POWER.
+OUR JUDICIARY ACTS AS ONE OF THE GUARDIANS OF THE RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL. THE JUDGES OF THE SUPREME COURT, DISPENSING JUSTICE IMPARTIALLY, ENSURE THAT ALL ARE EQUAL BEFORE THE LAW AND THAT NONE ARE ABOVE IT,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
HONG KONG’S JUDICIARY HAD EARNED A WELL JUSTIFIED REPUTATION FOR INTEGRITY AND DESPATCH IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES. THE COURTS WERE HELD IN HIGH REGARD BOTH BY THE TERRITORY S OWN COMMUNITY AND INTERNATIONALLY.
+AS HONG KONG HAS PROSPERED AND DEVELOPED INTO A COMPLEX COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CENTRE, SO THc LtGAL SYoTE.-i HAS GROWN IN SIZE TO MATCH THE DEMANDS THAT BUSINESS HAS IMPOSED.
/+TEE SP3ED
WEEKESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1984
2 -
+THE SPEED AND COMPETENCE WITH WHICH A WIDE RANGE OF DIFFICULT PROBLEMS ARE DEALT WITH BY OUR COURTS AND THE AUTHORITY OF THE JUDGEMENTS HANDED DOWN HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN ENCOURAGING INVESTMENT IN THIS TERRITORY,+ SIR EDWARD SAID.
BUT HE ADDED THAT THE LEGAL SYSTEM MUST DEVELOP AND REFORM ITSELF TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THE DYNAMIC SOCIETY THAT IT SERVED.
+PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES WHICH HAVE BECOME HALLOWED WITH TIME CAN ALL TOO EASILY BECOME ENDS IN THEMSELVES.
+THEY MUST, WHEREVER NECESSARY, BE ADAPTED TO
COPE WITH THE SOPHISTICATION OF MODERN CRIMINALS, THE INCREASING COMPLEXITY OF CIVIL DISPUTES, THE VAST GROWTH IN RELEVANT DOCUMENTATION AND THE SPREAD OF TRANSACTIONS INTO OVERSEAS JURISDICTIONS,* HE SAID.
SIR EDWARD EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT THOSE MOST CLOSELY ENGAGED IN THE LEGAL SYSTEM WOULD PLAY THEIR PART IN KEEPING THE PROCESSES OF LAW UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW.
ON THE STATUTE LAW, HE SAID IT WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE LEGISLATURES THAT ITS CONTENT KEPT PACE WITH THE NEEDS AND ATTITUDES OF HONG KONG’S FAST DEVELOPING AND UNIQUE SOCIETY.
+THIS IS A TASK THEY HAVE PERFORMED CONSCIENTIOUSLY OVER THE YEARS. OUR PROPOSALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WILL GIVE ADDED WEIGHT TO THE AUTHORITY OF THEIR LEGISLATION IN THE FUTURE,* HE SAID.
SIR EDWARD SAID IT WAS A TIMELY COINCIDENCE THAT THE NEW BUILDING CAME INTO COMMISSION AT THE TIME OF THE INITIALLING OF THE DRAFT AGREEMENT WHICH PROVIDES THAT THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM WHICH HAVE SERVED HONG KONG WELL WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
+THE CITIZENS OF HONG KONG CAN THEREFORE BE CONFIDENT NOT ONLY THAT THE MAIN BODY OF LAW WILL CONTINUE IN FORCE AFTER 1997 BUT THAT THE LAW WILL CONTINUE TO BE ADMINISTERED IMPARTIALLY AND THAT THE COURTS WILL CONTINUE TO PROTECT THOSE RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS WHICH ARE PRESENTLY ENJOYED IN HONG KONG,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
IN HIS SPEECH, THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, OUTLINED THE BIRTH OF THE NEW BUILDING.
IN 1975, WHEN SIR DENYS WAS CHIEF SECRETARY, HE APPOINTED A COMMITTEE TO ENQUIRE INTO THE NEED FOR A NEW SUPREME COURT BUILDING AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO WHAT IT SHOULD CONTAIN.
THE COMMITTEE DECIDED A NEW BUILDING WAS IMPERATIVE. A NUMBER OF SITES HAD BEEN CONSIDERED BUT WERE FOUND TO BE UNSUITABLE. THE (RESENT SITE WAS FINALLY ACCEPTED.
/SIR DENYS........
WEEHESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1984
- 3 -
SIR DENYS SAID, +THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THE PROVISION OF 30 COURTS, ON THE BASIS OF THE EXPANSION OF WORK WHICH WAS PROJECTED IN THE MID-1970’S. BY 1980, HOWEVER, SHORTLY BEFORE CONSTRUCTION WORK BEGAN, IT SEEMED LIKELY THAT THIS WOULD NOT BE SUFFICIENT FOR MORE THAN A FEW YEARS, AND THE NUMBER HAS BEEN INCREASED TO 36.+
HE POINTED OUT THE NEW BUILDING WAS 50 PER CENT MORE THAN WHAT THE JUDICIARY NEEDED.
BUT HE PREDICTED THAT HE AND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, IN YEARS TO COME, WOULD BE +ACCUSED OF SMALL-MINDEDNESS, PENNY PINCHING AND LACK OF FORESIGHT IN NOT HAVING CONSTRUCTED A BUILDING WHICH WOULD TAKE A HUNDRED COURTS.+
ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE BUILDING, HE SAID IT WAS DESIGNED ON THE +INVERTED MATCH BOX’ PRINCIPLE DUE TO LAND SHORTAGE.
HE SAID, +WITHIN THE CONSTRAINTS IMPOSED UPON HIM, I BELIEVE THAT THE ARCHITECT, WHO HAS BEEN SPLENDIDLY SUPPORTED BY THE CONTRACTORS, HAS PRODUCED A HANDSOME BUILDING, EVEN IF IT LACKS THE ECCENTRIC GRANDEUR OF ITS PREDECESSOR.+
AS FOR THE INTERIOR, HE SAID ALL THOSE WORKING OR APPEARING IN THE BUILDING AS PARTIES OR WITNESSES WOULD FIND IT COMFORTABLE AND CONVENIENT AS MUCH CARE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO ENSURE THEIR NEEDS WOULD BE MET.
COURTROOM ^ICH°U?I%^^N^AT?E%Tf%°F"»sTPHURPOS°"aEJETASBOAN^.MODEL
COMPARED WITH THE COURTROOMS IN THE OLD SUPREME COURT BUILDING AT JACKSON ROAD, THE NEW ONES HAD BEEN CONSIDERABLY IMPROVED IN TERMS OF LIGHTING, ACOUSTICS AND COMFORT, HE SAID.
...-ON IHE PROVISION FOR THE BAR, SIR DENYS SAID, +IN MANY THP°Sr HNrrvEuioPERF0RMANCE 0f JUDGES IS CONDITIONED BY SETUF Lnmm^2vCTu?TCT^R 0F THE BAR> IT IS THUS IN THE INTERESTS mTFOFCTcDnc tEc I?AT *'E SH0ULD D0 WHATEVER WE CAN TO FOSTER THE T l2 ?!?<? Ri.LHni2rRLeN? I£E FACIL IT,ES WHICH ARE AVAILABLE TO IT IN THIS BUILDING ARE A RECOGNITION OF ITS IMPORTANCE.+
BESIDES A SPACIOUS ROBING ROOM WITH SEPARATE CHANGING FACILITIES FOR MEN AND WOMEN, A LARGE AREA HAD BEEN SET ASIDE FOR THE USE OF THE BAR WHICH HAD ESTABLISHED A LIBRARY AND SECRETARIAT.
SIR DENYS THANKED ALL THOSE WHO HAD INVOLVED IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND PREPARATION OF THE NEW BUILDING.
AFTER THE SPEECHES, SIR EDWARD UNVEILED A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE.
/ACCOMPANIED BY........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1984
4
ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE} THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND i*ORKS, MR NICKY CHAN I THE REGISTRAR SUPREME COURT, MR NICHOLAS BARNETT। AND MRS BARNETT, SIR EDWARD AND LADY YOUDE TOURED THE NEW BUILDING.
LOCATED IN QUEENSWAY, THE 22-STOREY NEW SUPREME COURT COMPRISES A SIX-STOREY PODIUM AND A 16-STOREY TOWER BLOCK. IT PROVIDES A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF 55 800 SQUARE METRES HOUSING 36 COURTROOMS, JUDGES’ CHAMBERS, A LIBRARY, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES AND REGISTRIES OF THE SUPREME COURT. IT ALSO CONTAINS A HOLDING UNIT FOR THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT OFFICE, A PRESS ROOM AND A CAR PARK.
ITS SITE FORMATION BEGAN IN SEPTEMBER 1980, AND THE BUILDING aAS COMPLETED IN JULY 1984 AT A COST OF ABOUT $218 MILLION.
_ - o - -
SIR EDWARD CONVEYS CONDOLENCES ON MRS GANDHI’S DEATH
* * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TODAY EXPRESSED HIS DEEP SENSE CF SHOCK ON HEARING THE NEWS OF THE DEATH OF MRS INDIRA GANDHI. ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, SIR EDWARD CONVEYED CONDOLENCES TO THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF INDIA.
-----0------
CONSULTANTS REPORT ON TSI NG Yl
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS SATISFIED THAT EVERYTHING POSSIBLE HAS BEEN DONE TO REDUCE TO AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL THE POTENTIAL RISK POSED BY THE MOBIL’S OIL INSTALLATION TO THE MAYFAIR GARDENS HOUSING COMPLEX ON TSING Yl ISLAND.
THIS FOLLOWS A REVIEW, AT THE REQUEST OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, OF THE EFFECTS OF ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES IMPLEMENTED BY MOBIL ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE GAS ADVISER AND THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
AT ITS MEETING YESTERDAY (TUESDAY) TO CONSIDER THE LATEST POSITION, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ACCEPTED THAT THE RISK HAD BEEN REDUCED AND THAT THERE WAS NO NEED TO REMOVE THE OIL INSTALLATION.
/C01MBITING ON .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1?84
- 5 -
COMMENTING ON THE DECISION, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT A GREAT DEAL HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE TO ENHANCE SAFETY MEASURES AT THE PLANT SINCE CONSULTANTS HAD ASSESSED THE RISK FACTOR AT MAYFAIR GARDENS AS BEING ON THE BORDERLINE OF ACCEPTABILITY.
THE FURTHER SAFEGUARDS ALREADY INTRODUCED OR BEING IMPLEMENTED wERE MAINLY OF A TECHNICAL NATURE, RANGING FROM THE INSTALLATION OF ADDITIONAL WATER DRENCHING SYSTEMS TO MORE EFFICIENT COMMUNICATION WITH TANKERS DISCHARGING PRODUCTS AT THE MOBIL PIER.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE PLANT WAS REGULARLY INSPECTED BY .?FFICE AND THE F,RE SLICES DEPARTMENT TO ENSURE STANDARDS WERE BEING MAINTAINED AND LICENCE CONDITIONS ADHERED TO.
HE SAID THE IMPROVEMENTS MADE AT THE PLANT WOULD BE WRITTEN INTO THE CONDITIONS OF LICENCES ISSUED UNDER THE DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE.
♦MOREOVER, AS TECHNOLOGY IMPROVES, SO WILL FRESH IMPROVEMENTS BE MADE AT THE PLANT.+
THE ADDITIONAL SAFEGUARDS FOLLOW A REVIEW BY A SPECIAL WORKING GROUP FORMED LAST JUNE, AT THE REQUEST OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, W DAVID AKERS-JONES, TO CONSIDER WHAT COMBINATION OF MEASURES COULD BE TAKEN TO REDUCE THE RISK FACTOR AT MAYFAIR GARDENS.
THE GROUP FIRST REPORTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON SEPTEMBER 15. THE COUNCIL THEN RULED THAT THE PHASE 3 DEVELOPMENT OF MAYFAIR GARDENS, WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN CLOSEST TO THE OIL INSTALLATION, SHOULD NOT PROCEED AND THAT AN ALTERNATIVE SITE SHOULD BE PROVIDED ELSEWHERE FOR THIS PARTICULAR DEVELOPMENT.
SINCE THEN, THE ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES IMPLEMENTED BY THE COMPANY HAVE BEEN EXAMINED BY THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSULTANTS TOGETHER WITH THE VIEWS SUBMITTED BY MOBIL.
♦THE CONSULTANTS ADVISED THAT THE ADDITIONAL SAFEGUARDS, COUPLED WITH THE RELOCATIONS OF THE PHASE 3 DEVELOPMENT OF MAYFAIR GARDENS, HAD REDUCED THE R ISK,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WOULD BE INFORMED OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S DECISION AT THE BOARD’S REGULAR MEETING ON NOVEMBER 6.
MEANWHILE, THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING THOSE OF THE CONSULTANTS’ RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH HAVE TERRITORY-WIDE IMPLI CAT IONo. ALL EXISTING AND FUTURE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS INSTALLATIONS, INCLUDING THE MOBIL PLANT, WILL BE EXAMINED IN THE LIGHT OF THESE OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS.
- - 0 -
/6
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1984
- 6 -
$212—MILLION BUILDING CONTRACT AWARDED * * * *
THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AWARDED A $212 MILLION CONTRACT TO SHUI ON BUILDING CONTRACTORS LTD, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 30-STOREY COURTS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING ON THE WANCHAI RECLAMATION, HARBOUR ROAD.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, MR JOSE LEI, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHUI ON GROUP, MR VINCENT LO.
THE BLOCK WILL BE BUILT ON A SITE OF 3 816 SQUARE METRES AS PART OF THE HARBOUR ROAD GOVERNMENT COMPLEX.
THE LOWER 14 FLOORS, WITH A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF 30 000 SQUARE PETRES, WILL PROVIDE SPACE FOR 16 DISTRICT COURTS, 12 MAGISTRATE COURTS, TWO JUVENILE COURTS, FOUR SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNALS, FOUR LABOUR TRIBUNALS, AND ONE LANDS TRIBUNAL.
THE REMAINING FLOORS, WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 27 000 SQUARE PETRES, WILL BE FOR USE AS GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN TWO YEARS’ TIME.
THE HARBOUR ROAD GOVERNMENT COMPLEX COVERS A 16 OOO-SQUARE-METRE SITE.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPLEX - INCLUDING A FIRE STATION, TWO 49-STOREY OFFICE TOWER BLOCKS, A LANDSCAPED OPEN PLAZA, AND A TWO-LEVEL BASEMENT FOR GOVERNMENT VEHICLE PARKING - WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN STAGES.
FOUNDATION WORK FOR THE ENTIRE SITE HAS BEEN DONE AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TWO-LEVEL BASEMENT IS NEARING COMPLETION.
-----0------
MORE APPLICATIONS FOR RICHLAND GARDENS POUR IN 4 4 4 4*
THE HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN RECEIVED ANOTHER 2 500 APPLICATIONS TODAY -- THE FIRST DAY OF THE EXTENDED APPLICATION PERIOD FOR THE 4 272 RICHLAND GARDENS FLATS NOW ON SALE UNDER PHASE VIB OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.
+BY NOW 16 500 APPLICATIONS HAVE PEEN RECEIVED FOR THE HOUSING PROJECT IN KOWLOON BAY,+ SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
/HE said .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1984
- 7 -
Hc SAID THE ADDITIONAL OFFER OF SIX MORE BLOCKS WOULD GIVE HOME-SEEKERS A BETTER CHANCE TO ACQUIRE A FLAT ON THE ESTATE.
♦BUT IF THERE IS STILL A GREAT DEMAND FOR THE FLATS, THE REMAINING SIX BLOCKS IN THE ESTATE MAY ALSO BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR SELECTION BY PHASE VIB ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS,+ HE ADDED.
+THE HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF Ot MAN COMMERCIAL CENTRE WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 7 PM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 2) TO RECEIVE LAST-MINUTE APPLICATIONS.*
APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 2), TO BE FOLLOWED BY A PUBLIC BALLOT NEXT MONTH TO DECIDE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS.
--------o----------
CLEARANCE CARRIED OUT SMOOTHLY
******
THE SECOND PHASE OF THE TIN SHU I WAI CLEARANCE AT PAK SHA TSAI WAS CARRIED OUT SMOOTHLY TODAY WHEN ABOUT 160 VACATED STRUCTURES WERE DEMOLISHED BY HOUSING DEPARTMENT STAFF.
ABOUT 25 FAMILIES WHO HAVE SIGNED UP FOR TENANCY IN PRIVATE FLATS WERE GIVEN A GRACE PERIOD UNTIL NOVEMBER 11 TO MOVE OUT, ALLOWING THEM MORE TIME TO CLEAR THEIR FISH PONDS AND WIND UP THEIR BUSINESSES.
THIS WAS AGREED AT A LAST-MINUTE MEETING TODAY BETWEEN OFFICIALS FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND SIX REPRESENTATIVES OF THE VILLAGERS WHO PROMISED TO THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JAMES WILSON, THAT THE REMAINING VILLAGERS WILL MOVE OUT BY THAT DATE WHICH IS THE FINAL DAY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO HAND OVER THE SITE TO THE CONTRACTOR FOR DEVELOPMENT.
TIN SHUI WAI WILL BE EVENTUALLY DEVELOPED INTO A NEW TOWN FOR 135 003 PEOPLE LIVING IN BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC HOUSING.
-----o-----'
/8........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1R84
8
TRAINING IMPROVES JOB PROSPECTS * * *
TEMPORARY CENTRE AT
TRAINING AT THE SEAMEN’S TRAINING
LITTLE SAI WAN HAD BEEN HELPFUL IN IMPROVING THE EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS OF LOCAL SEAMEN, MR FRANK CHAO, CHAIRMAN OF THE NERCHANT NAVY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY). ’
RECENT FIGURES RELEASED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SHOW THAT THE DROP IN THE EMPLOYMENT OF HONG KONG SEAMEN HAD LEVELLED OFF AND THERE WERE SIGNS THEIR EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS WOULD IMPROVE NEXT YEAR, MR CHAO SAID.
FOR SEVERAL YEARS LOCAL SEAMEN HAD SUFFERED FROM KEEN COMPETITION FOR JOBS FROM MEN IN NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MERCHANT SHIPPING REGULATIONS AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS SEMINAR, MR CHAO SAID THE IMPROVED SITUATION WAS PARTLY DUE TO THE TRAINING OFFERED AT THE TEMPORARY CENTRE.
THE TRAINING BOARD BELIEVED THAT TRAINING AT THE CENTRE WOULD UPGRADE THE QUALITY OF HONG KONG SEAMEN AND IMPROVE VTTEIR COMPETITIVENESS, HE ADDED.
THE CENTRE WAS ESTABLISHED TO ENABLE LOCAL SEAMEN TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION’S CONVENTION ON THE STANDARDS OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS, WHICH STIPULATES THAT A SEAMAN MUST OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE QUALIFYING HIM TO TAKE UP NAVIGATIONAL AND WATCHKEEPING DUTIES ON BOARD SHIPS.
ABOUT 500 SEAMEN HAVE COMPLETED TRAINING AT THE CENTRE SINCE ITS OPENING IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.
NEARLY ALL OF THEM HAVE OBTAINED CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, AND THE REST WILL GET THEIRS AFTER GAINING THE NECESSARY SEAFARING EXPERIENCE.
MR CHAO URGED EMPLOYERS AND EXECUTIVES OF SHIPPING COMPANIES TO SEND THEIR CREWS FOR TRAINING AT THE CENTRE.
MR CHAO PLEDGED THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY’S SUPPORT FOR THE PROPOSAL OF ESTABLISHING A PERMANENT TRAINING CENTRE SO THAT COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR NEW ENTRANTS TO THE SEAFARING PROFESSION.
-------0----------
/9........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1984
- 9 -
SEMINAR ON CIVIC EDUCATION
* * *
HEADS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A ONE-DAY SEMINAR ON +CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS+ TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 7 AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IN KOWLOON.
GUEST SPEAKERS AND PANELISTS WILL BE MRS RITA FAN FROM THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, MR ANDREW WONG FROM THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND MR NATHAN MA FROM THE YUEN LONG LUTHERAN MIDDLE SCHOOL.
THERE WILL BE GROUP DISCUSSIONS, PLENARY SESSIONS AND AN OPEN FORUM. SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION WILL BE PROVIDED.
QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED AT THE GROUP DISCUSSIONS INCLUDE INTERPRETATION OF +CIVIC EDUCATION+, ITS PROMOTION THROUGH A FORMAL OR INFORMAL CURRICULUM AND THE GENERAL ETHOS OF THE SCHOOLS, THE KIND OF SUPPORT THAT CAN BE GIVEN BY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS THAT THE GROUP COULD MAKE.
SCHOOL HEADS WHO WISH TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR ARE REQUESTED TO INFORM THE SCHOOLS DIVISION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFORE NOVEMBER 14 (WEDNESDAY).
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FLAT AND ILLEGAL STRUCTURE TO BE CLOSED * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DECLARED THAT A FLAT AND AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN TSZ WAN SHAN SHOULD BE CLOSED.
THEY ARE: FLAT C ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF CHE WAH BUILDING ON 145 - 157 PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD AND 18 YUK WAH CRESCENT AND THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURE ON THE ROOF NEXT TO THE FLAT.
THE CLOSURE IS TO ENABLE DEMOLITION WORK ON THE STRUCTURE TO BE CARRIED OUT WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS OR THE PUBLIC.
A RECENT INSPECTION SHOWED THAT AN ORDER REQUIRING DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURE HAD NOT BEEN COMPLIED WITH.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN THE KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON NOVEMBER 28 WAS POSTED TODAY.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1934
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STANLEY FAIR ON SATURDAY * * *
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL AUTUMN FAIR ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD NEXT TO STANLEY PRISON THIS SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 3) BETWEEN 12 NOON AND 5 PM.
MRS LAURA FANG, WIFE OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR DR HARRY FANG, HAS BEEN INVITED TO OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FAIR.
THERE WILL BE OVER 30 STALLS SELLING A WIDE SELECTION OF PRODUCTS MADE BY PRISONERS.
THE PRODUCTS INCLUDE STUFFED TOYS, TOY HOUSES, RATTAN FURNITURE, AND WOODEN FURNITURE AS WELL AS MANY DELICACIES. IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE SNACK, REFRESHMENT AND GAME STALLS.
A SERIES OF ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES HAVE ALSO BEEN ARRANGED FOR VISITORS.
THESE INCLUDE PERFORMANCES BY THE TAI TAM GIRLS’ PIPERS AND PRECISION MARCHING TEAM, MARCHING DISPLAY BY THE CAPE COLLINSON MARCHING BAND, AS WELL AS A MOTORCYCLE DEMONSTRATION BY THE 29 SQUADRON ROYAL CORPS OF TRANSPORT.
THE FAIR, A CHARITABLE EVENT, IS ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S SPORTS ASSOCIATION, AND ALL THE PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO CHARITIES, AS WELL AS THE DEPARTMENT’S WELFARE FUNDS.
ADMISSION IS FREE AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOMED TO ATTEND.
AS PARKING SPACE IS LIMITED, VISITORS ARE ADVISED THAT BUS ROUTE NOS. 6 AND 260 (FROM CENTRAL), 73 (FROM WAH FU ESTATE), 63 (FROM NORTH POINT) AND 14 (FROM SAI WAN HO) ARE CONVENIENT wAYS OF GETTING TO THE FAIR.
VISITORS ARE REMINDED THAT NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE FAIR UNTIL AFTER IT HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY OPENED AT 12 NOON.
+ITEMS ON SALE ARE VERY REASONABLY PRICED AND DISCERNING BUYERS ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE EARLY AS THE FAIR WILL CLOSE AT 5 PM, + A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1934
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CRIME PREVENTION CAMPAIGN IN YAU MA TEI III
YAU MA TEI DISTRICT WILL LAUNCH A MONTH-LONG CRIME PREVENTION CAMPAIGN TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE CAMPAIGN, ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE CRIME PREVENTION WORKING GROUP, AIMS TO PROMOTE CRIME PREVENTION THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT.
+THROUGH A SERIES OF EDUCATIONAL AND INTERESTING ACTIVITIES WE HOPE TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CRIME PREVENTION,* SAID THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP, MR YIP WAH.
+PEOPLE SHOULD PROTECT THEMSELVES AGAINST CRIME BY ADOPTING VARIOUS SECURITY MEASURES AND THEY SHOULD SUPPORT THE POLICE BY REPORTING CRIME,* HE SAID.
THERE WILL BE THREE QUIZ COMPETITIONS DESIGNED TO ENHANCE CRIME PREVENTION KNOWLEDGE AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATION MEMBERS AND LOCAL RESIDENTS.
WINNERS OF THE COMPETITIONS, WHICH START TOMORROW, WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 24 IN THE HENRY G. LEONG COMMUNITY CENTRE AT PUBLIC SQUARE STREET.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A COMPETITION FOR THE MOST SECURITY CONSCIOUS BUILDING AND A CONTEST FOR THE MOST ACTIVE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE AND OWNERS CORPORATION.
OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE AN EXHIBITION, A CRIME PREVENTION SEMINAR AND A VISIT TO THE IDENTIFICATION BUREAU AND CRIME PREVENTION UNITS OF THE POLICE FORCE.
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FANLING ANTI-CRIME VARIETY SHOW * * * *
A VARIETY SHOW WITH A +FIGHT CRIME AND DRUGS* MESSAGE WILL BE HELD AT THE CHEUNG WAH ESTATE IN FANLING ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 3) EVENING.
THE SHOW, STARTING AT 7 PM, WILL FEATURE POPULAR SONGS, DANCES AND A DRAMA PERFORMANCE.
IT IS PART OF A YEAR-LONG CAMPAIGN .ORGANISED BY THE FANLING FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
N THE DI STR ICT , SEMINARS, YOUTH
THE CAMPAIGN, DESIGNED TO EDUCATE RESIDENTS I ON THE IMPORTANCE OF CURBING CRIME, INCLUDES SHOWS CAMPS, EXHIBITIONS AND A SLOGAN COMPETITION.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1984
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RESTRICTED ZONE IN TUEN MUN
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 2), PUI TO ROAD BETWEEN TSING WUN ROAD AND TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD IN TUEN MUN WILL BE MADE A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
WITHIN THE ZONE, DRIVERS OF MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS; OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.
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TRAFFIC CHANGE * X * *
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 2), THE SECTION OF PO YICK STREET IN TAI PO BETWEEN KWONG FUK ROAD AND ON FU ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC.
MOTORISTS WISHING TO PROCEED TO PO YICK STREET ARE ADVISED TO USE ON FU ROAD.
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